Wind turbine application rejected

Cornwall Light and Power said turbines could bridge an "energy gap"

An application to erect a major wind turbine near Bodmin Moor in Cornwall has been rejected by councillors.

Caradon District Council planners voted narrowly against the controversial plans for the 80m (262ft) high 1.3 megawatt turbine at Pensilva.

The decision went against the advice of the planning officer, but councillors felt it would severely impact an area of great landscape value.

Cornwall Light and Power has said it will appeal against the decision.

Bob Morgan, the company's development manager, told BBC News he was convinced the councillors were wrong.

Campaigners 'vindicated'

"We look at wind turbines basically as life rafts or life jackets," Mr Morgan said.

"The country has got an energy gap coming up because all our existing nuclear power and coal fired stations are closing down and its going to be another 10 to 15 years before nuclear power comes on stream again.

"Renewable energy is something we can do to bridge that gap and keep us afloat."

But local people who campaigned against the turbine said they felt vindicated by the councillors' decision.

Danny Mageean from Green Caradon Against Turbines (CATs) said public opinion had been solidly against the project, with more than 400 people signing a petition to stop it.

He said CATs did not oppose green energy but was concerned the public was being misled about the amount of energy turbines could produce.