PLANNERS have granted approval for an electricity sub-station on land adjoining North Tawton's cheese factory.
The application by Western Power Distribution was opposed by North Tawton Town Council on the grounds that it would be detrimental to the landscape and supply power for the growth of Okehampton which was unacceptable to the people of North Tawton.
At a meeting of West Devon Borough Council's Planning Committee last week members were told by the applicants that various power lines crossed in the town and the positioning would benefit a number of communities as the site was more centrally placed in network terms.
In addition, it would reduce the number of power cuts that residents of North Tawton experienced and the power lines would be located underground, reducing the effect on the landscape.
Chairman of the planning committee Roger Mathew said the Taw Valley Creamery was an already well developed industrial site and seemed the ideal place to put an electricity sub-station.
Setting the sub-station back further back from the road, housing various elements within a building and extensive landscaping would reduce its visibility considerably, planners were told.