Protest over power line plan for Devon beach

A protest has been held over plans to bring an electricity cable onshore at a north Devon beach.

White Cross offshore windfarm has applied to put seven floating turbines off the Devon coast and wants to bring electricity onshore at Saunton Sands.

Planning committee members from North Devon Council went on a site visit earlier and were met by protesters from campaign groups Save Our Sands and Love Braunton.

White Cross said the project would create new jobs in the area and provide 135,000 homes with renewable energy.

In a statement, it 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."

Sue Prosper, from Love Braunton, was one of the campaigners at the site.

She said the group was "pro-renewable energy but we are against this application".

Ms Prosper added: "We believe this will be at the expense of an environment that is highly designated, is full of ecology and the proposed mitigation's are not sufficient to protect it."

Lynda Price, from the Saunton Sea Otters, said they were concerned about the impact on the local area.

"We love it here, we swim here four times a week through the winter and much more in the summer," she said.

"It is good for our mental health - we find it peaceful and quiet.

"There's lots of groups that swim here and all of us are concerned about the noise, the impact on the local area, burrows and beach as well."

North Devon Council is dealing with the planning application from White Cross.

It said: "We will be balancing the benefits and impacts and considering all material planning considerations, including relevant representations from the community and consultees, as part of the determination of the application.

"The planning committee site visit was a fact finding exercise for members to familiarise themselves with the site ahead of the application being presented to the committee.

"It is anticipated the application and the officer recommendation will be presented to the planning committee on 7 May 2025."