Devon wind farm granted planning permission after five years

The permission was granted by West Devon Borough Council after weighing up the issues, of which the planning inspector said, he had "sought to balance the requirement that any adverse effects on the locality should be weighed against the widely accepted benefits of renewable energy generation".

Local protestors, the Den Brook Valley Action Group, fought against the development on the grounds of noise pollution and that it would spoil "one of the few remaining places of unspoilt countryside left in Britain".

RES claims the 18 megawatt wind farm will generate enough renewable electricity for more than 8,000 homes – equivalent to half of West Devon.

Rachel Ruffle, RES project manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted that after nearly five years in planning the Den Brook wind farm can finally go ahead. At a time when world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to try to come to an important deal on climate change, it is heartening to know that renewable energy projects are being consented here at home and that we can make a difference on the ground.

"Our team presented a solid case demonstrating that the project has been designed sensitively and will be an asset to the local community. We are pleased that the Inspector recognised this and that we can now start planning for construction. We are also excited about taking forward our plans to offer shares in the wind farm to local people.”

While the Den Brook wind farm was approved this week, Cornwall Light and Power was refused permission to build a three turbine wind farm at Cheverton Down on the Isle of Wight last week.