Controversial beach cable recommended for approval
BBCA controversial plan to bring an electricity cable from an offshore wind farm onshore at a Devon beauty spot has been recommended for approval by council officers.
White Cross offshore windfarm has applied to put seven floating turbines about 30 miles (52km) off the north Devon coast and wants to bring the power cable to shore at Saunton Sands.
More than 1,800 people have objected to the plans, which will be discussed by North Devon Council's planning committee at a meeting being held at Barnstaple Rugby Club at 10:00 BST on Wednesday.
White Cross said the project would create jobs in north Devon and provide thousands of homes with renewable energy.
The cable would make landfall at the north end of the beach at Saunton Sands, go through the car park, through Braunton Burrows and Braunton Marsh, across the Taw Estuary and then along the Tarka Trail to connect to a proposed new substation at Yelland.
Natural England has said it has "fundamental concerns" about the application and has asked for it to be put on hold while the Environment Agency has objected to the plans on grounds of flood risk.
North Devon Council planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval with conditions attached regarding issues such as noise, drainage, working hours and the reinstatement of areas such as Saunton Sands car park.
Plans adapted
Helen Cooper, from the Save Our Sands group which has campaigned against the electricity cable plans, said: "We are disappointed but not surprised about the planning officers' recommendation to approve the application, particularly as it comes with 39 conditions attached."
Ms Cooper also raised concerns about there being enough space for all interested members of the public to attend the meeting given the high level of interest.
White Cross said: "White Cross will spark the development of a specialised local supply chain and create jobs within north Devon whilst providing 135,000 homes with renewable energy.
"We are grateful to everyone who has engaged with the project during the various stages of consultation. In response to feedback, we have adapted our plans to minimise environmental and social impacts."
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