Devon councillors voice air quality concerns

Councillors in Braunton have expressed fears that deliveries to a nearby wind farm could have a detrimental effect on the local air quality.

They are worried that an increase in traffic hold-ups and large vehicles passing through the village will lead to greater air pollution over the coming months, the North Devon Journal reports.

In an ironic twist, the polluting vehicles will be transporting turbine blades to one of the region's most prominent eco-friendly developments - the ESB wind farm near Barnstaple.

Councillor Jasmine Chesters said she has called for measures to limit the impact of the delivery schedule.

She added: "We've already got the lowest air quality in North Devon and I'm asking for these turbine blades to be brought through Braunton at night."

According to the newspaper, ESB has pledged to restrict movements of the turbine blades to off-peak times.

The company purchased the 22-turbine Fullabrook wind farm, which has consent for up to 66 megawatts of electricity generation, in July 2009.

Posted by Joseph Hutton