Devon is to get another nine wind turbines after plans were given the go-ahead.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which will build the 120m (393ft) high turbines at Den Brook near Crediton, said it was "delighted".

A planning inspector overturned objections about landscape impact by West Devon Borough Council.

Objectors questioned the turbines' output and said they would "devastate a beautiful valley".

The inspector felt that although there will be an impact on the rural environment, the harm caused could be outweighed by the renewable energy benefits of the development.

Devon has only one commercial wind turbine, but 22 are being built at Fullabrook Down near Barnstaple.

The Den Brook turbines will be able to produce enough power for 16,000 homes on an average output of eight to 10 megawatts, claims RES.

Rachel Ruffle, development director of RES, said: "We are delighted. It's been in planning for nearly five years.

"It's a particularly good time with concerns about climate change top of the agenda that well-designed projects are allowed to go ahead."

A spokesman for objectors Den Brook Valley Action Group said: "It's a complete waste of time and a total devastation of this beautiful valley.

"This is a low wind area. It won't produce the power they are offering."

Local people will be given priority to buy shares in the Den Brook development at £1 a share.

Ms Ruffle said: "We are very keen to explore how residents local to Den Brook could be offered a stake in the wind farm as a way to reap some direct benefit from the project once it is up and running."

Devon has about 32 megawatts of renewable energy from all sources and now has about 95 megawatts approved, which will bring it close to the renewable energy output in neighbouring Cornwall.

Cheryl Hiles, director of sustainable energy delivery at renewable energy quango Regen SW, said: "This is a positive decision, not only for North Tawton, but also for Devon and the South West.

"This is also a significant milestone for Devon, which has significant wind resources but currently has only one built turbine."