The three turbines will be 100m high to their tips Enlarge Image

The proposals for Goveton, north of Kingsbridge are the fourth for Devon, which has no working windfarms yet.

Each of the turbines would be 100m high to the blade tips and will provide a maximum of five megawatts of power - enough for 2,000 homes says Npower.

Nearby residents have signalled their opposition, saying the turbines will drive away tourists.

'Prime position'

Martin Ranwell, who lives under a mile from the proposed site, said: "This plan borders an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the South Hams.

"It is a prime position and it will be seen for miles around.

"If we cannot protect an AONB then what is the point of having protected status?"

He said it would deter tourists to the popular holidaymaking area.

Have your say on Devon windfarms

"It is the wrong place for a windfarm. In Cornwall they are positioned away from the main tourism centres.

"The need for wind energy has to be properly evaluated against the affect on the countryside."

Landowner Cynthia Morgan said: "The wind farm project is an exciting opportunity for the growth of our farm in Goveton.

"Having farmed for many years it has become increasingly difficult to make sufficient money in traditional ways.

"We are keen to diversify enabling us to continue farming for many years to come."

Chris Lloyd, Npower renewables developer for the South West, said: "This project would represent a significant contribution to the government's target of achieving 10% of the UK's electricity generation to come from renewable sources by 2010."