A LEADING rural campaign group is calling for a moratorium on the development of wind farms in the Westcountry as "irrevocable harm" is being wrought on the natural environment.

The Cornwall branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) is calling for an "urgent independent analysis" of the impact of more than 100 wind turbines on the Cornish landscape to be completed by the end of autumn.

The group has moved to make clear its stance on the controversial renewable energy technology after Cornwall Council's controversial planning approval of 20 wind turbines in Davidstow, near Camelford, North Cornwall, in October.

It is the latest piece of evidence to suggest the battle between the apparent need for the UK to combat climate change and fears over the impact on the countryside has divided the Westcountry.

Campaigners in Devon last week felt "vindicated" after planning inspectors dismissed an appeal for plans to build 13 turbines – dubbed "ineffective industrial monsters" – at Bickham Moor, near Oakford, and Three Moors, near Knowstone.

The Cornwall CPRE says it wants to see Cornwall develop an "holistic approach" to addressing the impact of climate change, including generating solar and wind power and conserving energy.

Its new policy statement, seen by the Western Morning News, it states: "The environment of Cornwall is unique and highly appreciated. It attracts many visitors to the county and is a major economic strength.

"Yet it appears that the environment, a precious and finite resource, might be sacrificed to help deliver targets for renewable energy generation in the county.

"CPRE Cornwall is now of the opinion that irrevocable harm is being caused by wind farms and turbines to the county's environment and asks the question: Does it have to be like this?"

The policy statement adds: "The central spine of the county along the A30 corridor is now dominated by wind turbines. Wind farms have proved very unpopular locally.

"Some have been proposed and allowed to be built on environmentally sensitive sites, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As a consequence, Cornwall probably now has the largest concentration of wind farms than in any other English county.

"Yet the number of planning applications to build additional farms continues to grow despite their unpopularity and cumulative impact."

Cornwall CPRE says there is "no doubt that climate change is happening" and that "many see it as the greatest threat to our countryside".

The document argues Government planning policy is "almost slavishly followed, implemented and delivered without question to the long-term consequences on the environment".

"CPRE Cornwall says this has to change before it is too late. However, Cornwall Council has made it clear that it sees the debate as not do we have to have wind farms, but how do we accommodate them?"

It argues that turbines need to be located on sites that are "not determined by developers but through a comprehensive assessment of the landscape to assess possible suitable locations".

It adds: "Until the holistic policy approach outlined above is developed and the detailed landscape work is completed, CPRE Cornwall calls for a moratorium on approving any further proposals."