THE company proposing a 100-metre wind turbine near Smithaleigh has hit back at claims that it has not properly consulted locals.

Concerned residents of the tiny village and surrounding area attended a meeting of Sparkwell Parish Council in numbers last Tuesday to express their views on the proposed turbine, and the way the plans had been publicised.

And while the parish council expressed support for the objectors’ views, Charlie Clay of turbine firm Victre, who attended the meeting, said the company had done far more than it had to in terms of public engagement.

Victre has just submitted the application for a single, 102-metre turbine on land just to the north east of New England Quarry.

The company says the 500kw machine would generate enough power each year for around 350 homes and has invited community involvement that could mean cash or cheaper energy for locals, although the details have yet to be established.

Victre held an information and consultation session at the Smithaleigh Hotel on Monday, August 3, to gauge the reactions of locals to the plans.

Joshua Allsop from the company said at the time that 30 to 40 people had attended throughout the afternoon, most of who had viewed the project favourably.

For more on this story, see this week’s Ivybridge & South Brent Gazette