December 2, 2010
England

Objectors bombard wind farm inquiry

Times & Star, www.timesandstar.co.uk 2 December 2010

Seventeen West Cumbrian people told a Government inspector this week why a six-turbine wind farm should not be erected near Tallentire.

Renewable Energy Solutions wants to erect the 328ft-high turbines on Tallentire Hill but was refused by Allerdale council.

The company appealed against the decision and a public inquiry has been held over six days at the Oval Centre, Salterbeck, Workington.

The 17 residents who spoke at the inquiry’s final day on Tuesday were supported by 20 people in the audience.

People living near the proposed development site said they were concerned about the wind farm’s dominance on the landscape and the loss of amenity to their homes.

Ray Seavers, who has run the Bush Inn in Tallentire for six years, said: “Will these new wind turbines attract tourists to spend more money? I think not.

“Will they provide employment for local families? No.

“Ramblers, walkers and cyclists will not view a journey over Tallentire Hill or any further beauty spots with such relish. Who will want to holiday under 100-metre monsters?”

David Smartgill, who has lived in Tallentire for more than 30 years, said: “The area is significantly dependable on tourism and we won’t be able to attract visitors if they see these turbines.

“The developers don’t care about the impact on communities because they don’t have to live with it.

“The visual impact will be devastating for local residents and will be a blight on our landscape for 25 years.”

Roy Stenson, of Bridekirk, said: “These turbines will be one of the tallest in Cumbria and will have a high visual intrusive impact on the landscape which we need to protect.”

Ian McCambridge and Gilcrux resident Craig Baker, of the Tallentire Area Action Group, said that the wind farm would alter for a generation a hill which boasted breathtaking views.

Patrick Robinson, of Renewable Energy Solutions, said the 2009 UK renewable energy strategy suggested that 30 per cent of the UK’s energy could be renewable by 2020.

He said that each region would be expected to bear an increase, with on-shore wind identified as the most viable option.

He said: “There are certain parts of the county that best meet the needs of wind farm development and we believe this is one of them.

“Although we accept that there will be some level of impact on the landscape we believe that the wind farm can be accommodated satisfactorily because the visual impact will fall away after three or four kilometres.

“There are no houses that are close to the turbines that break guidelines with respect to noise.”

It is expected that the result of the inquiry will be announced in the first week of February.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/02/objectors-bombard-wind-farm-inquiry/