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Decision on wind farm cable project postponed

Alison Stephenson Saunton Sands is seen in the background, with waves seen beneath an area of sunlight emerging from the clouds. In the foreground is a car park and shrubbery, with dunes to the left. Alison Stephenson
The windfarm would make landfall at Saunton Sands

A decision on a plan to lay cables for a floating wind farm within protected landscapes at a surfing beach in Devon has been delayed until next year.

North Devon Council said additional survey work on ecology and drainage at Saunton Sands beach must be submitted for the White Cross offshore wind farm proposal before it could be discussed.

More than 1,000 residents and Braunton Parish Council have opposed plans for the onshore element of the 100 megawatt wind farm since it was submitted last year.

The wind farm would be situated 32 miles (51km) off the coast but cabling would make landfall at the beach, which is part of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve.

Villagers 'in limbo'

Planning officers met with applicants Cobra and Flotation Energy to discuss the project, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Graham Bell said villagers were "in limbo and frustrated" over how issues raised by the parish council would be addressed.

"It is vital that north Devon's unique biosphere and surf reserve are not sacrificed in the rush to complete this test array," he said.

"It is vital that any plans place the safety of the biosphere as an absolute priority. The biosphere isn't simply a 'nice place' - it is a vital and unique piece of our natural environment."

A packed out village hall with rows of people sitting down listening. At the front is a table with people facing the crowd.
Many villagers, pictured at a public meeting on the issue in 2023, are opposed to the plans

The cabling work, which would also run underground beneath a golf course before going under the Taw Estuary and connecting to the grid at East Yelland, was expected to take two years to complete.

About 40% of Saunton Sands' beach car park would be closed to make way for a work hub, according to the proposal.

Villages fear the impact of heavy goods vehicles on tourism, while Natural England and conservation groups have said wildlife could be affected.

The Environment Agency has opposed the plans on flooding grounds.

Extension granted

The area is part of the North Devon National Landscape, while the Taw-Torridge Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Braunton Burrows is the backdrop to Saunton Sands, a Special Area of Conversation and a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

The council granted an extension for more information about the environmental impact of the plans after a deadline expired earlier this month.

Councillors are now expected to make a decision on it in the new year.

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