VILLAGERS are voicing their outrage at plans to erect a 150 foot wind turbine on their doorstep, claiming it will be a 'devastating threat to their peace and quiet'.

Julia Taylor-Stanley and her husband Mark Marshall, from Blackawton, live just over 400 metres away from the proposed site at Blackberry Barn, Ritson, Halwell.

The couple have recently completed year long renovations to their house at Seawardstone, only to be told two weeks ago – on Julia's birthday – about the plans for the turbine.

The Suffolk based energy company, Mosscliff Environmental Ltd, first applied for the 250kW wind turbine last November but, following a screening stage, the planning application was registered on July 18.

The turbine will have a hub height of up to 30 metres and an overall height to blade tip of up to 45 metres.

The couple are one of many families that live in close proximity to the site and all are calling for help to stop the 'enormous industrial giants' from 'blighting their landscape'.

'It is a desperate situation', said Mrs Taylor-Stanley. 'It will be like living next to a tumble dryer.

'This is not a nimby thing, this is about protecting the countryside. We are under siege by industrialism.'

The residents have until August 19 to lodge their views with South Hams Council before it goes before the planning committee and a final decision is made.

For the full story turn to this week's Dartmouth Chronicle