PLANS to build up to 20 turbines on a wind farm near Tiverton could go ahead despite strong opposition from nearby residents.

An application for the wind turbines at Buckhayes Farm, near Cove, (pictured) has been lodged with Mid Devon District Council.

The 5KW turbines would reach a maximum height of 21 metres and if planning permission was granted they could generate enough power to supply about 70 Mid Devon homes for a year.

The application will be discussed at a Tiverton Town Council meeting next week as the site is within the town’s boundaries.

Applicants Quiet Revolution say the turbines could be visible from up to nine miles away.

The London-based firm added that the risk of ‘overshadowing’ residents had been minimised by ensuring the nearest wind turbine to a property was more than 400m.

It also expected HGV traffic would approach the site from the old Tiverton road, running from Bampton to Tiverton.

The site would have a lifespan of 25 years, after which the applicants say the wind turbines and their ancillary infrastructure would be dismantled and removed.

The district council has received about half a dozen letters of objection to the scheme.

A resident from Bampton Down Farm said: “It is not just us who will be adversely affected but also the many people who stay, ride, cycle and walk in this most scenic part of Devon.”

Alexander Stephens, of Three Corners Cottage, added: “The beauty of the place will be lost forever.

“There will always be a risk of further development and the unspoilt views to Exmoor destroyed.”