THE high level of public debate surrounding a wind level of public debate surrounding turbine application near Modbury has prompted South Hams Council to extend its consultation period.

Roy Lugger, owner of Higher Farm in Little Modbury, put forward the proposal for the 24.6 metre turbine at the end of April with a consultation period due to end on May 25. However, the large amount of feedback prompted the council to extend it to June 4.

Many locals have written strong letters opposing the turbine and flyers and homemade billboards have been on display in the town.

Sarah Hudson said: 'Surely the turbine doesn't have to be so huge? Having visited Scotland and seen some beautiful areas scarred by these structures I strongly recommend that you refuse this application before our own landscape is ruined.'

Colin Hender, owner of Whympaton Farm, adjacent to the proposed site, wrote: 'I have significant concern in connection to the damage this turbine will do to both flying birds and bats.

'There is, I believe, clear research data available to show that such structures do substantially increase the mortality rate of such birds and mammals.

'While I support renewable energy in the right location, I am of the opinion that if the applicant is looking to generate energy purely to supply his own domestic and farming requirements this could be done from a considerably shorter tower.'

The proposed turbine will generate enough energy to power 45 homes and Margaret Lugger, the applicant's wife, said all of the energy would be put into the national grid. Mrs Lugger added: 'If a pylon was being built, I don't think anyone would take any notice.'

Certain parts of Modbury are classified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and proposals to build the turbine, which at the tip of the rotation blade will reach a height of 34.2 metres, have been made with 'a key consideration to protect the sensitivity of the landscape'.

However, residents seem to be concerned with the aesthetics of the edifice.

Duncan Currall wrote: 'It will be highly visible for this and future generations. This must be completely contrary to the whole ethos of an area rightly identified as one of outstanding natural beauty.'

Modbury parish councillors have called for a balloon or similar to be instituted at the highest rotation of the blade to enable them to make a balanced judgement.

South Hams Council representatives said: 'If it is necessary, the use of a balloon to indicate the height of the proposed turbine will be requested by the case officer and the parish council notified of this arrangement. If this is to be done, it would be within the next few weeks.

'The development management team will accept and consider all representations submitted up until a decision is made on the application, which is due to be June 15, which is eight weeks from the date of submission.'