Wind farms can help Devon reach its renewable energy targets

Regen South West says it has created the new protocol so people living near proposed sites can be clear about how they can be involved in the process.

Devon County Council has signed up to the guidelines, as have several wind power companies.

Matthew Spencer from Regen SW says it gives clear guidance for developers.

'UK first'

The concept of the wind protocol has arisen due to the increasing number of planning applications from wind energy developers across the South West in recent years

The region has a target of up to 15% of its electricity being produced from renewable sources by 2010.

Mr Spencer said: "Signing up to the protocol does not imply support for wind energy, nor is the protocol designed to influence the outcome of individual planning decisions.

"It allows responsible wind developers to clarify how they will involve the public in consultations."

Regen SW says its wind protocol is the first of its kind in the UK and it is hoped other regions will adopt their own guidelines in the future.