A POWER company has begun its appeal against refusal of permission for 10 huge wind turbines at Carland Cross, between Newquay and Truro.

A six-day hearing is taking place at the Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, because the original venue, Truro City Hall was thought not to be big enough for the number of people expected to attend.

Scottish Power's application was turned down by an 8-7 vote of the former Carrick District Council but the case is now being defended by Cornwall Council.

Carrick planners refused it on the grounds of unacceptable visual impact and an overbearing impact on the residents of Fiddlers Green.

The council is being supported by more than 60 residents in the St Newlyn East area under the campaign name Residents Against Turbines (Rats).

Noise

The company wants to replace the existing 15 140ft (42m) turbines at Carland Cross with 10 which are 330ft (100m) high.

It said the new turbines will generate enough power for 11,000 homes but campaigners object to potential noise disruption and the extension to a second site.

John Houghton, for the firm, said local planning policies encouraged schemes for electricity generation from renewable resources.

But Graeme Keen, for Cornwall Council, said the new turbines would be approximately twice the height of existing ones, which would increase their prominence and fail to protect the diversity and distinctiveness of the landscape.

Chairman Steve Bazeley, David Green and Ed Horwagold will all be giving evidence on behalf of RATS.

The inquiry, which will not sit on Monday, will involve a site visit by the planning inspector on Wednesday.