Turbine threat to tourism 

Residents in East Allington say they are ‘horrified’ at the prospect of a 34.4 metre high wind turbine ‘blighting our precious landscape’ and claim it will be ‘highly detrimental to the local holiday industry’.
An application has been put forward to South Hams Council for a 50kW wind turbine with a height of 34.4 metres to its tip at Higher Coombe Farm, East Allington.
West Midlands based Planex Consulting Ltd has submitted the aplication on behalf of Mr and Mrs Lethbridge.
Martin Brooks, who lives in East Allington, sent an objection to South Hams planners regarding the plans.
In it he said: ‘I am horrified at the pros-pect of this 112ft high monstrosity blighting our precious landscape. I bought my house here primarily because of its unspoilt rural location. I love the quiet and the uncluttered views.
‘The maximum generated electricity is 50kW. That is tiny and not cost effective if one considers the manufacturing costs and ongoing costs with servicing and parts.
‘Our precious bird life is also at risk from the ghastly blades. This must stop now please.’
Fellow resident Peter Coyle, feels that the installation of the wind turbine will be ‘detrimental’ to the tourism industry in the South Hams.
He said: ‘Research carried out for Visit Scotland showed over a quarter of respondents said they would actively avoid areas with a wind turbine.
‘Installing a man made structure out of proportion with its surroundings affects individual perception and understanding of the view and distorts people’s engagement with what they see.
‘In the South Hams the continued development of these subsidised wind turbines will destroy the unique character of the landscape probably more than anywhere else in the UK. It will be highly detrimental to the local holiday industry.’
He also added that the turbine could bring with it safety fears.
‘Building a wind turbine so close to the road creates a safety risk as dreadful accidents may occur in case of a fire or when the wind turbine breaks down.
‘This turbine is close to our home and as well as being a constant source of noise it will be visually offensive.’
In its planning statement Planex Consult-ing state: ‘The proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on the distinctive qualities and character of the South Hams natural landscape.
Alexis Tysler, director of Planex Consult-ing, this week responded to concerns raised.
She said: ‘There are numerous examples around the country where this scale of turbine is fully compatible with and complimentary to the local tourism industry e.g. www.call-estockcourtyard.com.
‘The turbine has been sited in line with best practice recommendations relating to distance from the road.
‘The application site has been screened for the potential for ecological impacts and comprehensive baseline data presented to South Hams Council.
‘The application will be fully scrutinised as part of the determination process for all potential impacts and we are happy to address any specific concerns.’
Plans can be viewed on the South Hams Council website, application no: 19/2989/13F.