LEADING lights in the movement to prevent wind turbines being built close to Okehampton, have called on the people of the town to get involved as the campaign reaches its ?final hurdle?. With the public inquiry appealing against West Devon Council?s decision to refuse permission for three turbines for land at Yelland Farm less than a fortnight away, local people are being encourage to make sure their voice is heard, whatever their stance. Ray Quirke, chairman of the action group ODAT (Okehampton and Dartmoor Against Turbines) said: ?This is the big one, the final hurdle. The danger is people will think they have done their bit, by writing letters last year or signing petitions, but if we fall at this stage, it will all have been in vain.? Mr Quirke urged people to turn up at either a day-time session of the inquiry or the special evening meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 22, to ensure the inspector hears first-hand the strength of local feeling. ?ODAT is not fighting against wind turbines in principle. It is fighting against the particular location of these three turbines. Many of our supporters are for wind turbines. We have no problem with that at all, the entire argument comes down to suitability to the area.? The developers of the scheme to build three 81m high, 1.3MW turbines, West Coast Energy, have submitted their statement of evidence to the inspector. Steve Salt, of West Coast Energy, said they were ?looking forward? to the inquiry and the chance for an inspector to examine the planning issues relating to the proposed scheme: ?We are convinced we have an appropriate site for wind energy development and we are looking forward to putting that to the test. ?The inspector has indicated he would like to hear the views of local people. We would encourage people if they have a view, one way or another to come forward, but that view must be based on the planning issues.? West Coast Energy expects the cost of the wind farm to be around £3-million, providing significant investment in Devon, as well as additional indirect expenditure in the area and a chance for local companies to bid for construction contracts. ODAT and other opposition groups have arranged an informal public meeting in the Charter Hall next Tuesday (June 13), seven days before the inquiry gets underway in the same venue. The aim will be to give people the chance to meet and talk to some of the defendants who will be presenting evidence at the inquiry. It will also be an opportunity to view pictures of the balloon taken by the action group and compare them to the developers? photomontage. The opponents say they will also be able to help anyone who feels they want to have their say at the inquiry, but are unsure about how they go about it. Some pointers can also be given on what to say and how to get any important issues across. Organisers are urging as many people as possible to come along. The meeting takes place from 7pm to 9pm and refreshments will be available. Devon County Councillor and former town mayor Christine Marsh is to speak against the scheme at the inquiry . She said: ?I will be speaking on the economy and tourism, which is important in this area. When I first became a county councillor, I sat on the foot and mouth inquiry and that brought home to me, how devastating that was not just for farming, but also for tourism and the economy of Devon.? Cllr Marsh said the county had fought back over the last five years and was now an attractive place to visit again, but she feared wind turbines would deter future visitors. She welcomed the fact a special evening meeting was scheduled a fortnight today (Thursday), from 7pm until 10pm and she hoped as many people as possible would get a chance to have their say. l Christine Lovelock, continuing her marathon walk around Devon to highlight the potential proliferation of wind turbines in the Devon countryside, swapped Shanks?s pony for a horse last Tuesday as she arrived close to the appeal site at Yelland Farm. Christine arrived at Bowerland Cross, and rode 20-year-old William, owned by Mel and Ray Quirke, to underline the existing difficulty in crossing this busy road on horseback ? and to point out the danger that 265ft high moving structures would present to riders. A barbecue was held, with food courtesy of Peter?s Porkers, in Christine?s honour at East Bowerland Farm. West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox was among the guests.
