February 9, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Npower has put in a new application to build a wind farm near Silloth which was refused permission two years ago.
Four turbines at Hellrigg ““ also known as Park Head Farm ““ would stand 121m high and cost in the region of £10 million.
NPower applied to erect six slightly smaller turbines on the site in 2004. Allerdale council was then applauded by campaigners for throwing out the controversial plans, saying they would alter the character of the area.
The turbines would be accompanied by crane pads, a substation control building and temporary construction compound.
Npower Renewables Ltd said the Hellrigg plan would generate enough electricity each year for 3,950 homes, offsetting the release of up to 15,970 tonnes of greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
Allerdale and Silloth councillor Margaret Snaith said: “I think they are a way forward ““ elegant, modern and a contribution to our energy requirements. I’d rather have them than another nuclear plant.”
But opposition remains strong because of the proximity to the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and the area’s natural beauty overlooking the Solway.
Brian Irving, manager of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), said his position had not changed. “They need to be built in an appropriate location, and only 1km away from the boundary of an AONB is not appropriate.”
No date has yet been set for the development panel to consider the application, which is available for public viewing at Allerdale House in Workington.
The deadline for comments on the plan is March 2.
By Julie Armstrong
9 February 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/02/09/wind-farm-plans-back-again/