Protestors stunned by turbine go-ahead

OBJECTORS to a controversial application to build 20 wind turbines at Davidstow say they are devastated that the plans have been approved – but have vowed to fight on.

The application was approved subject to conditions relating to satisfying National Air Traffic Services and concerns from the RSPB .

Objectors claim they have been "sold out" by Cornwall Council despite strong opposition to the plans.

The proposal by Community Windpower Ltd were recommended for refusal by planning officers when it came before Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee .

But despite objections from parish councils and Camelford Town Council, plus protest groups including Friends of the Earth, and insufficient data to satisfactorily demonstrate the development would not result in interference with air-to-ground aircraft communications, could have an unacceptable adverse impact on the protected golden plover and the thousands of starlings that roost in the vicinity, the plan was given the green light.

The decision sparked furore among protestors, who said they were taking legal advice to see what steps they can take next.

Julie Dowton, chairman of Davidstow Parish Council said: "We and all the other parish councils are absolutely shocked the application was approved.

"It seems clear that because so many statutory agencies, parish councils and individual objections have been totally ignored, there is a big question mark over local democracy. We are in shock and the parish council and individuals are looking at what course we can take.

"Legal people have indicated an interest in giving advice and we will take that advice and the various groups are meeting to discuss the next steps. This is by no means the end."

She warned that the decision had opened the floodgates for such applications for the rest of the county and said communities in Cornwall needed to be on their guard.

An angry Cllr John Lugg accused councilors of letting down north Cornwall.

"I have never known as much opposition as that and all the big guns were signed up against it, yet it made no difference.

"Cornwall One let them down," said Mr Lugg, who said the idea the council represented one Cornwall and one and all had " gone out the window."

"I think they made up their minds before they went in there. North Cornwall was let down by the fact the mid Cornwall members and those in the south decided to support the move to approve.

"I am a little disappointed in north Cornwall members, I thought they would rally round more than they did. Even our own members were not strong enough to resist this. I find the whole thing sad. I am not anti wind farms – it is where you put them."

The wind turbines will be 126.5 metres tall – about as high as Rough Tor.

Mark Gibbons of Trewen a landscape artist who says he has painted Rough Tor many times was among those in favour of the plan.

He said he felt the public did not understand the urgency to provide alternative power:

" It seems to me to object to the wind turbines is rather like passengers on a ship that is sinking objecting to boarding a lifeboat because they do not like the colour or shape of the keel. I do agree the view will be spoiled, but there is a price to pay and I think it is a price worth paying."

Rob Fryer, Community Windpower Projects Director, said work would begin within 12 months and hoped the wind farm would be producing electricity within two years.

"This is a fantastic decision and we are delighted that Cornwall councilors took the decision to support renewable energy in the region.

"Davidstow Community Windfarm will provide the remaining 47% of Cornwall's renewable energy target".

The company says development of Davidstow Community Windfarm will create seven jobs, with an investment of £54 million to build it and a further £1.5 million of local investment every year for its lifetime.

Colin Caudrey of STINC ( Stop Turbines in North Cornwall) described the approval as "a travesty for democracy."

He added: "The sooner Cornwall Council disband this ill thought through idea of councillors voting to save their own patch and return to it to a genuine local planning democracy that had soundly refused the application in August the better. This application still fails on many grounds and on many technical and legal issues, the applicants have shown their utter contempt for Cornwall's historic heritage and its magnificent landscape."