Brown Willy, looking to Rough Tor. Photo: Rod Allday CC-BY-SA-2.0

Campaigners have pledged to continue their fight against the building of a windfarm near Cornwall’s highest hill.

The Open Spaces Society said although the application for 20 wind turbines on land near Brown Willy and Rough Tor has been withdrawn, it fears developers Community Windpower will resubmit its plans.

An appeal against Cornwall County Council’s rejection of the proposed farm near Davistow Wood in the north of the county was due to be heard at a public inquiry next month, but will not now go ahead.

The society’s general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “While we are relieved that Community Windpower has withdrawn its application, we fear it will soon submit another.

“This will no doubt still be extremely damaging to the landscape and public access but the company will try to make it more palatable to the planning committee.

“There should be no wind turbines in this splendid, sensitive spot. It is right next to the summits of Bodmin, and access land where people walk and ride. Turbines will destroy the magnificent views and the wild, rugged landscape.

“We shall fight any plans to encroach on this special area.”

Community Windpower said it would employ an educational ranger to work with local schools.

The company also submitted plans for a windfarm on Claughton Moor on the edge of the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and runs two similar developments in Scotland, with a third under construction.