DECISION day is looming as the public inquiry into a plan to build wind turbines on land near Okehampton reconvenes next Thursday. The inquiry began in June where the inspector Keith Smith heard evidence from both sides of the debate. Opponents of the scheme say the turbines would have a detrimental impact on the beauty of Dartmoor and tourism and the local economy while the developers behind the proposal, West Coast Energy, say the scheme will help to meet Government targets on combatting climate change by generating 10% of UK electricity from renewable sources by 2010. The appellants took the case to inquiry after West Devon Borough Council last year refused an application to site three 81-metre high turbines on land at Yelland Farm, close to the border of the national park. The last day of proceedings will consist of John Constable from the Renewable Energy Foundation, submitting his proof of evidence, his cross-examination, and final submissions from the relevant parties. Mel Quirke, of Okehampton and Dartmoor Against Turbines (ODAT) exhorted people to attend on the final day in Charter Hall. She said: ?It would really help to show the inspector that the people of Okehampton and the surrounding area really care about their unique bit of Devon in which I am sure they feel privileged to live.? ? AS one inquiry closes, so another is set to begin with the controversial proposals to build nine giant wind turbines in the Den Brook Valley coming under the spotlight in November. Developers Renewable Energy Systems? (RES) appeal against West Devon Borough Council?s decision to refuse planning consent earlier this year will be heard at a public inquiry in late November in Okehampton. The opposition group set up to fight the scheme, Den Brook Valley Action Group (DBVAG), this week announced they had joined forces with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) to fight the RES appeal. ?We are absolutely delighted that the CPRE and DPA have joined us for the Inquiry,? said DBVAG chairman, Maureen Thomson. ?We will make a formidable team. Working together will give us real strength in depth so we can present the inquiry with a co-ordinated and well-argued demonstration of why RES must not be allowed to destroy this beautiful valley.? Mrs Thomson said: ?We all support the essential need for renewable energy and the South West can easily meet its energy targets by using wave and tidal power and sensible energy savings.? DGVAG have also launched an appeal for donations to help fund the cost of the legal team that will present their case at the inquiry. Fundraiser Nick Jewell said: ?The overwhelming strength of local feeling was shown by the staggering 3,000 letters of objection to the application received by West Devon Borough Council. ?We are writing to all objectors to explain that this is now the final and crucial stage. It is essential that we have a very strong legal and expert team, so we are asking for their help.?
