Public inquiry into wind farm plans

The turbines would have a maximum height of 80 metres

A public inquiry is due to begin on Tuesday into plans to build a wind farm in north Devon.

Proposals have been put forward for three turbines on farmland at Higher Darracott, near Torrington.

Supporters of the plans say they would provide power for about 2,500 homes.

But Torridge District Council has rejected the plans for the turbines, which would have a maximum height of 265 feet (80.78 metres).

Common site

The visual intrusion of the turbines worries local campaigners, who are also sceptical about the effectiveness of wind turbines.

But the owners of the land say they want the turbines because they wish to diversify and believe the turbines would not be any more of an intrusion than a nearby telecommunications tower.

The inquiry is being held at Langtree Parish Hall, near Torrington.

Wind turbines are already a common site in Cornwall, but Devon has yet to see its first commercial one.

Last year, another public inquiry in north Devon approved an application for a wind farm at Bradworthy, near Holsworthy.

Construction work is expected to begin there at the end of 2004.