THE Church of England is considering land in Black Torrington as a site for two 25-metre high wind turbines.

The Diocese of Exeter has applied for planning permission for six Gaia eleven kilowatt turbines at sites on farmland in Black Torrington, Chittlehampton and East Anstey, with each site having two. Each site would produce an average carbon saving of around 32 tonnes per annum.

The turbines would be on the Church's land, which is tenanted and worked by farmers.

Penny Mills from the Campaign to Protect Rural England Torridge Group, said: 'It is shocking that the Church should wish to get involved in something so controversial as wind turbines. This subject divides communities.

'People are appalled that no one knew anything whatsoever about these proposals – there has been no consultation with any of the local communities.

'The beautiful ancient village churches are part of our wonderful Devon landscape, for the Church to now think about industrialising it with noisy wind turbines is shocking.

'The turbines proposed are taller than the local church towers. They will have a huge impact on the villages.'

In a statement, the diocese said: 'The Church of England in Devon is committed to protecting and preserving God's creation, through shrinking our carbon footprint, and we have been working to meet national targets to reducing emission by 80 per cent by 2050.

'Devon is rich in a variety of renewable energy resources: sun, wind, water and land. We are moving to develop some of these in appropriate ways as part of our strategy to reduce the harmful consequences of carbon emissions, and move away from a reliance on fossil fuels.

'This technology is safe, reliable and quiet, with over 100 installations happening in the UK this year. Critically, our tenants' day-to-day farming activities will be undisturbed.'

The Archdeacon of Barnstaple, David Gunn-Johnson, said: 'The production of more renewable energy in Devon will not only reduce our carbon emissions and protect our environment, it will also help safeguard our children's future.

'By looking at wind energy, we are being responsible stewards of the land God has given us to look after, for future generations.'

The plans for the Black Torrington application have been submitted to Torridge District Council.

The issue was due to be discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday May 8 in the village hall with Martin Goss from the Diocese of Exeter.