AN application for a wind turbine near Hatherleigh is causing controversy, with objections from the community, the MP for Central Devon and the Campaign for Protection of Rural England. Cornish developer Mi-Grid has submitted planning permission to West Devon Borough Council for a 77 metre wind turbine at Heane Farm, located 1.2 miles west of the town. Hatherleigh Town Council held a special public meeting in the town's community centre on June 24 to gauge public opinion on the plans. Before the meeting began, there was a display of posters, banners and information posted outside by members of the public opposed to the development. Hatherleigh resident Neil Price was among those at the meeting. He said: 'The general feeling among people in Hatherleigh is, on balance, that they are against the turbine. The main concern about it is that the views of the moor are paramount to the tourism trade and economy not just to us but the whole area. 'I'm no expert on health aspects or the noise impact, but if it is an eyesore, it is an eyesore. Turbines are all about placement. This, and the proposed turbine near Jacobstowe which concerns me even more, are not in the right place.' Managing director Jonathan Kearsley and senior project manager Chloe Bines of Mi-Grid also attended the latest meeting, as did councillors, West Devon planning officer Jeremy Guise and Dr Philip Bratby and Penny Mills from Campaign for Protection of Rural England (CPRE) in Devon. Chloe Bines, senior project manager at Mi-Grid, said: 'It was a difficult meeting, as there were a lot of objectors there to share their views. 'The turbine would provide secure green energy for the local community, to be used locally and generate power for the equivalent of around 500 homes. The farmer would get economic benefits, which indirectly gets fed back into the local economy as many farmers tend to buy things locally. It will help keep the farmer in business too. 'There would also be a community benefit fund, which we hope would be facilitated by Hatherleigh Town Council and benefit town organisations and groups.' The developer originally explored four potential energy project proposals for the site. These were for a solar farm covering 25 acres of the site, a wind farm of three turbines, a single medium scale turbine or a single small scale turbine. The company ran a community consultation from mid January to the end of February on the potential schemes. The results of the consultation, together with the completion of a detailed feasability assessment, led to Mi-Grid deciding that the medium turbine scheme was the most viable option. The turbine would generate 900 kilowatts, and the energy produced would meet the needs of approximately 470 homes and offset 850 tonnes of CO2. The turbine would be operational for 25 years and decommissioned at the end of this time period. During its lifetime, a community fund would be set up to benefit the people of Hatherleigh. Penny Mills from CPRE Devon said: 'It was quite clear that the overwhelming majority of people who came along to the meeting are opposed to this application. Hatherleigh is an ancient small country market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is highly attractive to holidaymakers and residents alike. 'The siting of this commercial scale wind turbine overlooking the town and with far reaching impacts in the landscape, would be totally unacceptable and, as we explained to the meeting, is completely unnecessary. 'The Prime Minister's office has stated that we already have enough on shore wind to meet our renewable obligations, so we don't need any more. 'The benefit in terms of electricity generated and emission savings is insignificant from this proposal and this insignificant benefit does not outweigh the harm in terms of adverse impact on the local amenity.' The MP for Central Devon Mel Stride has written a letter of objection to West Devon Borough Council, urging that they refuse the application. Earlier this year Mr Stride argued in the House of Commons that the need for renewable energy should not automatically outweigh environmental and community concerns. He used the Den Brook Wind Farm between North Tawton and Spreyton as an example of a renewable energy project given the go-ahead that has been objected to by local people. Mr Stride said of the Heane Farm application: 'I am extremely concerned about this application. Planning guidance is now such that councils have greater certainty that their decisions to reject onshore wind turbines will be upheld on appeal and I urge West Devon Borough Council to firmly reject this application.'