GEOFFREY Cox has announced changes are taking place in the Government's planning system to protect the South West's countryside from the soaring number of renewable energy schemes, writes Amelia Chubb.

The MP for Torridge and West Devon condemned wind turbines at a seminar on Understanding Commercial Wind and Solar Power held in Holsworthy, last Friday.

More than 250 people packed the Memorial Hall, to listen and question experts on the ever-growing industry.

The event, which was arranged by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), went on for over three hours. It consisted of talks from Dr Phillip Bratby, energy consultant, Bob Barfoot, chairman of CPRE North Devon and Mr Cox.

Mr Cox said the area was facing a fundamental threat to the landscape and the cumulative impact was his concern, but felt "things were changing" in the planning system.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.