STUDENTS of Okehampton College took their case for green energy direct to the town council and leading businessmen last week.

The students and representatives were out in full force to promote the merits of their green power scheme.

Their move follows West?Devon Borough Council's decision in?April to refuse a college plan for two wind turbines on Ball Hill. The college is to appeal against the decision.

The college had a presence at both an Okehampton Town Council meeting and the summer event for the chamber of trade.

Community technology co-ordinator Keith Webber and college chair of governors Ian Courtney last Monday accompanied eight students to the town council's planning committee meeting.

Mr Webber gave councillors a presentation with slides, and the students were given a chance to put across their opinions on green energy to the council.

He said: 'These turbines are part of a two-pronged attack, not only to create green electricity but to reduce usage at the college too.

'We feel that the turbines could also be linked in with the development of a community scheme to help produce green energy for the town.'

Mr Courtney told councillors: 'The wind turbine application is a core part of a wider well thought out strategy with the aim to make the college energy-efficient.

'The solar panels will provide the biggest return, but it was never intended to be the only part of our energy scheme. Letting wet and windy weather go unharnessed is foolish.'

Councillors listened carefully, but raised concerns over setting a precedent for turbine schemes in the area, and the visual impact they would have.

Cllr Dave Weekes said: 'As a council we have to consider whether putting our support behind this application would lead to further applications. The committee is wary of opening the floodgates.

'Visually, I think the turbines would affect that beautiful part of Okehampton. I see it as an old part of the town, with several fields there unspoiled. I think a lot of the people in the town would see it the same way.'

College students, Mr Webber and Mr Courtney were also at the chamber of trade summer event at Upcott House Bed and Breakfast.

The event had an environmental theme, as Upcott House were displaying their investment in a Nissan Leaf electric car, electric vehicle charging point and ten kilowatt solar PV array.

The bed and breakfast, run by John and Kay Bickley, will be the first in Devon to offer an electric vehicle charging point and electric car for the business.

Representatives from Nissan and Eco-Concepts, who installed the solar panels at the college and Upcott House, were on hand to discuss the schemes.

Among those in attendance were Central Devon MP?Mel Stride, town councillors and prominent members of the community.

Matt Harding, a sixth form student at the college said: 'We're hoping to highlight the need for change. The application for turbines is central to that.

'I believe it's our generation's duty to improve the world and

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