SETTING aside the national argument as to whether such means of power generation as the proposed wind factories is of any benefit in halting global warming or providing a sustainable means of energy, to even think about siting three 81 metre high turbines (and the dozens more that are without doubt proposed to follow) so close to Okehampton and Dartmoor National Park is outrageous. The long term damage such a development will have on the immediate area and indeed the prosperity of the area will be devastating. The question every individual needs to ask themselves in respect of the planning application currently lodged with WDBC, and indeed subsequent applications lodged until the validity of such projects can be finally resolved, is: ?what benefit do such proposals bring to the residents, businesses and local economy of Okehampton and surrounding areas of West Devon?? Okehampton and surrounding areas rely heavily on tourism for the main source of income. The construction of wind farms will do nothing to enhance tourism, indeed the effect will be to discourage visitors to the area. To place such monstrosities within such close proximity to Dartmoor National Park amounts to little less than environmental vandalism. The main reason why so many visitors come to this part of Dartmoor is to experience its unfettered natural beauty and enjoy the uninterrupted views of unspoilt rolling countryside. I do not believe it is fair to subject the vast majority of people who contribute extensively to our local economy to the risk of having their assets and livelihoods irreversibly blighted. The list of negatives in respect of such proposals is almost endless and most certainly outweighs the points (if indeed there are any) of benefit. Robin P Weiss Higher Bowden House Meldon
