Here we go again – another planning application for a wind turbine and another flurry of letters, articles and action groups. How South Hams Council must despair, but it's its own fault!

The district council are the custodians of our unique landscape – our countryside.

There are many SHDC development policies incorporating central government guidelines for development and growth but with an emphasis on protecting and enhancing our landscape.

But where is the specific renewable energy development policy, which we should expect, that would resolve the dichotomy of wind turbines being ideally sited 'in the countryside', with the need to protect and enhance our landscape?

Yes, I am aware that Government has set a target for renewable energy, but it is fatuous to support applications for turbines simply because they are a convenient source of such energy, when you don't know how much is already being generated from photovoltaic scheme and the like, that often don't need planning consent!

This most recent application for a turbine in Sherford (yes, the real Sherford that has been here for a thousand years) is of a size generally recognised as a small wind turbine for commercial purposes.

However, the far-reaching impact this turbine will have on our landscape is clearly demonstrated by the application but without the proven local, sustainable economic benefits to offset this intrusion.

Wake up South Hams – it is not acceptable to decide these schemes on a case-by-case basis.

Wind turbines have their place but individually and cumulatively they will have an adverse impact on the character of our surroundings.

Included in your vision is the protection and enhancement of the area's precious environmental heritage – prove it!