Totnes turbine battle ends in defeat
Campaigners against plans for two of the tallest wind turbines in Devon have welcomed a decision by council planners to reject the proposals.
However, the planned £4 million scheme for two 100m (325ft) high turbines at Luscombe Cross outside Totnes had divided the community, with many backing plans for renewable energy while many others said the turbines would blight the landscape.
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The plan has split opinion. Many back renewable energy – others fear a blighted landscape Picture: Torquil MacLeod
South Hams District Council planners yesterday turned down the proposals for the two 4.6MW turbines whose combined power would have been enough to power almost 2,100 homes in the area.
Councillors deemed that the twin turbines would cause "sustained and unacceptable harm" to the landscape character of the surrounding area.
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The planning authority was "not satisfied" the environmental and economic benefits of the turbines outweighed the environmental impact.
Opponent Ginny Davidson, who feared the turbines would have been "towering and overbearing", said afterwards that "common sense" had won. She said: "The wind industry has to be more responsible in its choice of locations. It's not in the public interest to place large turbines too close to people's homes."
Project manager Matt Russell, of wind energy firm Infinergy who joined Totnes Renewable Energy Society to submit the application, admitted he was "disappointed".
He said: "SHDC have let themselves down. This was a unique opportunity to work towards delivering renewable energy targets in the South West. We will consider our options, including an appeal."
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