A FIRST-ROUND victory has been claimed by campaigners fighting plans for a massive wind farm which would dominate an historic Cornish landscape.

The application for 20 huge turbines just south of Davidstow Airfield was last night rejected by the Cornwall Council's east sub area planning committee.

However, the bid for the wind farm, where the turbines will reach 413 feet (126 metres) tall, is now to go before the authority's strategic planning committee, which has the final say.

Mark Huntley-James, a member of Stop Turbines in North Cornwall, which fought the application from the onset, said he was pleased with the outcome.

But, he added, the campaign would continue. "Everyone was happy with the decision of the committee," said Mr Huntley-James. "We are thinking 'this is great', we have won round one, but we know that we have another round to go and that there are no guarantees.

"We are aware that even if the Strategic Planning Committee throw it out, the company could still come back and appeal, but we will fight that as well."

An estimated 70 people turned up to the meeting at Camelford last night, where members also rejected plans for a five turbines at nearby Otterham.

The Davidstow application, which was submitted last summer by Cheshire's Community Windpower, has created a huge backlash, with the Friends of the Earth the latest to enter the fray.

In what is believed to be a first, the pro-environment group has objected to construction of the wind farm.

Mr Huntley-James said the mood in the council chamber was buoyant with speakers against the scheme receiving enthusiastic rounds of applause.

He said the fight would continue until the proposals were dead and buried.

"We will be keeping the pressure up until this is formally rejected by Cornwall Council at whatever level.

"At the moment it is still up in the air and there is a chance that at the end of the day the applicant may appeal."

Recently, Community Windpower was accused of providing photomontages which failed to adequately show the scale of the development in the landscape.

Protesters claim the turbines would ruin renowned beauty spot Roughtor and the proposed site adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest which is favoured ground for wildlife, including rare bird species.

Community Windpower did not send a representative to speak at the meeting.

However, in a statement beforehand, the company said its scheme would provide a secure and sustainable local energy resource for over 28,000 homes. The company claims huge benefits felt across North Cornwall with a local investment in excess of £35 million.

Seven permanent jobs would be created and money spent to improve the local environment.

In its statement, the firm said it would send a clear message that Cornwall was prepared to take the next step forward in renewable energy resources.

"The planning meeting gives the opportunity for the local planning committee to send out a strong message that Cornwall supports a low-carbon economy and is prepared to make the difficult decision to support the scheme," it said.