THOSE for and against the plans to build a nine, 125-metre turbined wind farm at Den Brook were heard at the second part of a public appeal inquiry held in Okehampton this week.
Renewable Energy Systems (RES) submitted plans to build the facility on land between Bow, North Tawton and Spreyton in 2005 but this was turned down by West Devon Borough Council following more than 3,000 letters of objection from local residents and businesses — among those supporting the objectors are Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park.
The issue went to a public inquiry in 2006 and permission was granted, but the Secretary of State quashed the decision in 2008 after a legal challenge by the Den Brook Judicial Review Group, who are objecting to the development.
RES say that its proposed wind farm would bring jobs from its construction, provide the equivalent of enough electricity to power more than 8,000 homes, and see a 'windfall' of an annual £27,000 fund for community projects.
The inquiry, which is being held at the Ockment Centre until Monday, was originally held in August but run out of time to hear all the evidence.
DBJRG and West Devon Borough Council asked the planning inspectorate for more time — particularly over the issue of noise.
Objectors this week called in a witness who lived next to a similar size site in Lincolnshire and told the inquiry of the noise emanating from the turbines.
The DBJRG claim there is real danger of a serious noise nuisance and RES are brushing this under the carpet.
It said RES has not shown that this wind farm will benefit the general taxpayer and that the 'green' value of the site has not been demonstrated.
The group is also concerned that rights of local people are being pushed aside 'in the stampede to meet government targets' by means of the significant financial rewards put in place for developers such as RES.
The planning inspector will hear both sides before making his decision.
The inquiry was continuing as the Times went to press.