THE Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) held a seminar in Okehampton recently, with the town's MP invited as the guest speaker.

Around 150 people packed into the Charter Hall on September 19 to attend the seminar.

Dr Philip Bratby, CPRE Devon's renewable energy spokesman, was the first speaker and he outlined the technology behind wind and solar power.

Bob Barfoot, CPRE North Devon chairman, explained the planning process. 

Mel Stride MP spoke about localism and the importance of neighbourhood plans and responded to robust questioning from the floor.

Bob Barfoot said: 'We are very grateful to Mel Stride that he was able to join us. Renewable energy applications are still of great concern to local people who feel that their voice is not heard by those who make the ultimate decisions.

'But new house building in the countryside and the scale of proposals also raised questions as our local authorities prepare their local plans.'

The Central Devon MP spoke about the need for government to protect rural communities and outlined how the 2011 Localism Act could be used to promote the wishes of local communities within the planning process.

He also stressed his 'unequivocal' objections to the 'rash of wind turbines' that are 'disfiguring our beautiful Devon countryside'.

Mr Stride is pressing for a full moratorium on rural onshore wind turbines to be included within the Conservatives' General Election manifesto.

During the question and answer discussion Mr Stride was asked about his views on neighbourhood plans, solar arrays and onshore wind.

He was also questioned on EU membership — to which he said that a referendum was vital but could not be delivered right now because his party does not have a majority in Parliament.

Okehampton town councillor and former Okehampton Mayor Mike Davies, who attended the seminar, said: 'It was very interesting listening to Mel.

'He actually answered the questions put to him plainly and directly which is unusual for a politician!'