At a council meeting on 28the August, North Devon Councillors discussed the application for the Atlantic Array offshore wind farm.
Councillors considered the impact of the development on the unique environment and views of the area, the effect on residents living along the access routes needed for its construction and the cumulative effect of the turbines on the area in the future.
Kate Little, the council’s Head of Strategic Development and Planning, will now update the council’s planning committee on the issues raised. This will take place on Wednesday 11 September. It is here where the committee will decide their view on behalf of the council, which will then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as part of their consultation on the application.
Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Brian Greenslade , says: “The meeting was an opportunity for members to discuss their views on the proposed development. It is important that all members of the council have their say because of its size and potential impact on the local area.
“The council is responding to the Inspectorate’s consultation on the application as an interested party, as the application site lies within the neighbouring district of Torridge, which is where the development works could take place.”
Executive Member for Strategic Planning at North Devon Council, Councillor Mike Edmunds , says: “As a result of the meeting, it is obvious that there is a lot of detail for the Planning Committee to consider.”
The final decision whether to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the wind farm and associated development works in the Bristol Channel and between Alverdiscott and Cornborough Range, will be made by the Planning Inspectorate, not North Devon Council.
If a DCO is granted by the Planning Inspectorate, finance is secured and the development goes ahead, it is expected there will be around 240 wind turbines approximately 16km from the North Devon coast line.
[mappress]
Press release, September 10, 2013; Image: devon.gov.uk