The South West county’s second wind farm was given the green light this week following an appeal lodged by energy company Renewable Energy Systems (RES).

With the backing of the West Devon Borough Council, lobbyists campaigning as the Den Brook Valley Wind Turbine Action Group successfully put to halt the planned development of the nine-masts last November after planners received over 3,000 letters of objection. However, the decision was overruled earlier this week following a seven-day public enquiry.

Rachel Ruffle of RES said: “We’re over the moon. This is really good for everyone in Devon who supports renewable energy and wants to do something about climate change.”

Matthew Spencer, of the government’s renewable energy agency was equally delighted with the decision: “In one bound, Devon has positioned itself to be the leading South West county for installed renewable energy capacity and will overtake Cornwall once the scheme is built.

Speaking to BBC News John Wellsby, spokesman for opposing action group, was however less pleased the outcome: “I think this is a very sad day for Devon. It’s sad because some beautiful Devon landscape is going to be desecrated and it’s sad for the people who live in the vicinity of these wind turbines.”

Construction of the facility will begin next year.

Click here for Renewable Energy Systems website

Click here for the Den Brook Valley Wind Turbine Action Group website