A WEST Devon campaign group is to hold a series of events aimed at helping residents fight plans to erect a wind turbine in their area.

Stowford and Lewdown Turbine Action Group (SALTAG) is to hold 'planning objection workshops' to help local residents fight Wreys Barton Wind Turbine proposed by developer Murex.

The drop-in workshops at Stowford Village Hall tomorrow (Friday) between 2pm and 7pm and at Lewdown Victory Hall on Friday, April 24 between 7pm and 9pm, will offer support to people wishing to put in an objection to the proposed 77m (253 feet) wind turbine situated near the villages of Stowford, Thrushelton and Lewdown.

The wind turbine development would be situated in a rural community very close to two Grade I Listed churches.

Simon Wolstenholme, SALTAG chairman, said: 'Many of the local residents are unhappy about this development and want to make an objection but are unsure about how to go about putting in an objection that ensures their concerns are properly considered.

'These workshops offer support in providing information about the planning application and the material planning considerations on which to object.'

Mr Wolstenholme said people could object to the development on West Devon Borough Councils' website or by writing in to the council quoting the application number.

'It is crucial that people submit their objection by May 1,' said Mr Wolstenholme.

'This is the second turbine application that has been submitted by Murex in the last month, with another 67-metre turbine proposed for Ridgecombe Farm near Lifton.

'This is a very difficult time for everyone – with the election looming, people's minds are on other things and Murex have put in two planning applications in a very short time scale, just before Easter when many of the West Devon Borough Council officers are on holiday and councillors are busy on the election campaign trail.

'We need to act now to stop this march of inappropriate turbine developments in West Devon before we find ourselves in the middle of a wind farm by default.'

No-one from Murex was available for comment as the Times went to press.

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said a planning application for the erection of a single wind turbine, tip height 77 metres, at Wreys Barton, Stowford, was lodged with the council on April 1.

The spokesperson confirmed the last day of consultation regarding the application was May 1. It is not yet known when the application will be considered by the borough's planning committee. All the information regarding the application can be found on the borough council's website, planning application number 00368/2015.

To find out more about the planning objection workshops visit http://www.saltag.org">www.saltag.org or email [email protected]">[email protected]