TORRIDGE District Council has approved a 79 metre wind turbine on land near Stibb Cross.

Over 140 people submitted their objections to the council before it gave the go-ahead at its planning meeting last Thursday (August 2). A petition with 45 signatures against the proposal was also submitted.

Due to such public interest in the application for a 500kW turbine on land at Durpley Farm, the meeting was held in Bideford Town Hall; a larger venue. Security guards were also present.

Penny Riches-Mills, Chair of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Torridge branch, said the CPRE was "appalled" with the council's decision.

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