SITE entrance works are to begin at the Den Brook wind farm development in the coming weeks, bringing the construction of the wind farm ever closer.

Enabling works are under way in preparation for the construction of the wind farm, between Spreyton and North Tawton. As part of the preparations, renewable energy company RES will be creating a site entrance off the A3072 between North Tawton and Bow.

When the access works are complete, work on-site will cease until spring 2014 to minimise disturbance to hibernating dormice.

The entrance works are expected to begin in the week beginning November 11, and will take approximately five weeks to complete. Temporary traffic controls will be operating 24 hours a day during this time.

Rob Kemeys, RES construction project manager, said: 'We began work on site in September to prepare the first 100 metres or so of the access track that will lead from the A3072 to the turbine locations.

'We now need to join this track to the public highway and the traffic controls are there to ensure the safety of road users and construction workers during this period.

'Only a short stretch of the public road is involved and we don't expect the traffic controls to make any significant difference to travel times for people using this route.'

The construction timetable has been planned in consultation with West Devon Borough Council, highways authorities and environmental experts to cause minimal disruption.

Once fully operational, the nine turbines at Den Brook will be capable of generating enough energy to meet the average requirements of approximately 9,425 homes, equivalent to more than 40% of all the homes in west Devon.

To offset impact to local communities, the farm will provide a community benefits package of £90,000 per year, including a community fund for people to invest in local social, educational and environmental projects.