AN appeal against a decision to approve the Den Brook Wind Farm is set to be heard at the High Court in London next month.

Following a public inquiry last year, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (RES) was given approval in December for a development of nine turbines, each 120m high, estimated to be three times as high as Exeter Cathedral.

The site is in the Den Brook Valley, between Bow, Spreyton and North Tawton.

Opponent, Mike Hulme (61), is challenging the decision made by the inspector, Andrew Pykett, on the grounds that the noise condition imposed is defectively worded and unenforceable.

He argues that therefore does not provide essential protection for local residents in the event of excessive noise.

The case will be heard at the High Court on July 27 and 28.

Mr Hulme, from Spreyton, who has been campaigning for more than five years and has been through one High Court appeal already with the Den Brook Judicial Review Group (DBJRG), said: "I've come so far, I've got to see it through.

"I'm determined to get proper noise conditions in place."

Mr Hulme said he is undertaking the latest battle in his own name, not that of the DBJRG, because the issue has been drawn out for such a long time.

He added: "The work is horrendous and I'm on this pretty much full time."

RES say the wind farm will supply "clean, green electricity equivalent to the needs of 8,000 homes.

It adds that a community fund of £27,000 each year will be established. It also says there will be no noise nuisance.

RES project manager, Helen Hall, said: "The Den Brook wind farm proposal has already been through two rigorous public inquiries, both of which concluded that it should be allowed to go ahead, so we are confident that the High Court will come to the same conclusion."

Additional conditions were imposed on RES's application following the two previous inquiries.