THREE planning appeals for wind turbines in the Torridge area have been dismissed by the planning inspectorate.

Plans for a 77m high wind turbine at Battledown Farm, Shebbear, a 77m high turbine at Badworthy Farm, Shebbear and a larger 84m turbine at Witherdon Woods, Broadwoodwidger have all been rejected.

The main issue that arises with all appeals of this nature is whether the benefits of a scheme to produce electricity from renewable sources outweighs the harmful aspects.

These can include effects on: the character and appearance of the countryside; the settings of various designated heritage assets and; the living conditions of neighbouring residents.

In his report for the Badworthy turbine, the inspector highlighted the effect the turbine would have on important heritage assets, including Buckland House, the appearance and character of the area.

Due to a large amount of opposition to the Badworthy wind turbine, the inspector referred to the Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) and said that: “it could not reasonably be argued that the proposal has the backing of the affected local communities; an approval would conflict with and undermine the objective of this WMS.”

However, plans for the erection of a 35m meteorological mast in place of the turbine at Badworthy are to go ahead. It must be erected within three years and taken down within two years of its erection. It will be less than half the height of the proposed wind turbines.

Inspector Neil Pope wrote in the conclusion to his report: “A split decision can be made, granting permission for the temporary meteorological mast and withholding it for the wind turbine.”

The applicant for the appeal of the erection of a wind turbine at Battledown Farm notified 73 residents living within a 1km radius of the site. An information pack was provided and an opportunity to give feedback in respect to the proposed development was offered.

However, inspector Neil Pope wrote in conclusion to his report: “The proposal fails to satisfy the environmental dimension to sustainable development and conflicts with the framework and the overall thrust of the development plan. I therefore conclude that the appeal should not succeed.”

The turbine at Witherdon Woods was also dismissed. Inspector Neil Pope wrote in his report: “The proposal does not satisfy the environmental dimension to sustainable development and conflicts with the development plan when read as a whole.

“Moreover, it does not address the landscape, heritage and living conditions (outlook) impacts that have been identified by the affected local community and cannot reasonably be said to have their local backing.”

Countryside campaigners CPRE Devon said they are delighted with the news that the planning inspectorate had dismissed the three appeals for wind turbines in the Torridge district.

Penny Mills from CPRE Devon who had objected to all 3 proposals said they were very pleased that the inspector had dismissed the appeals. She said: “Proposals for large commercial wind turbines at these sites have been in the pipeline for a number of years.

“There had been strong opposition to them right from the start, from the local community, from residents and the local parish councils, so I know that they will be very relieved that none of them will be going ahead.”