Greens celebrate go-ahead for Devon's largest wind farm
Published: 11 Oct 2007
The decision by energy minister Malcolm Wicks to give the green light to Devon’s largest wind farm at Fullabrook Down has been welcomed by South West Green Party.
The 22-turbine project will generate enough power for the needs of 30,000 domestic users annually – equivalent to 30% of the total electricity consumption in north Devon.
Green Party activists in Devon campaigned for the project to go-ahead despite it being rejected initially by local planners which led to a public enquiry in December and January.
The project was opposed by both North Devon District Council and Devon County Council and came under attack from various bodies including The Ramblers’ Association.
Ricky Knight, spokesperson for North Devon Green Party, said: “We knew we had the tacit support of the vast majority of the local population but never underestimated the vehemence and tenacity of the opponents of this scheme."
"This decision is a hugely gratifying endorsement of all the efforts we have made to champion wind power in North Devon and is a tremendous relief to all those who are determined to address the irresponsible and unsustainable way in which we source our energy from finite fossil fuels.”
It is estimated that the 110 metre high turbines to be erected between Braunton and Ilfracombe will save almost 65,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has said: “Fullabrook Down will make a substantial contribution to meeting Devon's renewable target of generating 151 MW of renewable electricity by 2010 and would be nearly double the North Devon District Council's target of 36MW." (1)
Ricky Knight added: “This decision is a massive boost for all those of us who believe that renewable energy is the only way to prevent nuclear power from making a disastrous comeback."
