Council welcomes wind farm decision

NORTH Devon Council has welcomed the decision to dismiss plans for a wind farm at Knowstone. The council originally opposed the application, for nine wind turbines at Three Moors in Knowstone, in 2008. However, the applicant then lodged an appeal, which

NORTH Devon Council has welcomed the decision to dismiss plans for a wind farm at Knowstone.

The council originally opposed the application, for nine wind turbines at Three Moors in Knowstone, in 2008. However, the applicant then lodged an appeal, which resulted in a public inquiry last June.

Yesterday (Friday) the Planning Inspector made his decision, agreeing with the council that the proposals should not go ahead.

Among the reasons were because the proposed development would be seriously harmful to the character and appearance of the area and the setting of Exmoor National Park. He also considered that it would go against national development plan policies, and that the harm would outweigh the benefits.

Councillor Jasmine Chesters, Chairman of the Planning Committee, saids: "This has been a lengthy process for all those involved. There had been a lot of concern raised from local people, and of course, the council also had major reservations about the application. While we realise that we have to look at renewable energies, this site was just not appropriate. Therefore, we are pleased with today's decision."

The public inquiry also related to a second proposal for four wind turbines at Bickham Moor in Oakford. Once again, the Planning Inspector agreed with that local authority (Mid Devon District Council) that the plans should be dismissed.