December 30, 2011
Editorials, England

Wind of change for West Cumbria

Times & Star, www.timesandstar.co.uk 29 December 2011

A wind of change has blown through West Cumbria as a government inspector has bucked the trend by rejecting an appeal for three turbines near Great Broughton.

Throwing out the application by Peel Energy to build the turbines at the former Broughton Lodge surface coal mine, the inspector cited the cumulative impact on the area.

The move has delighted Workington MP Tony Cunningham and Cumbria County Council leader Eddie Martin, who have both said “enough is enough” when it comes to the army of turbines that most of us see every day.

Both politicians have previously spoken out against the Government’s habit of ignoring public opinion by overturning local councils’ decisions to reject wind farm applications.

Results of these appeals have left many people calling for an end to the over-reliance on wind power and a reduction in targets.

But now it seems that a bureaucrat has listened to the people and accepted that we already have our share of turbines.

The surprise move will have added fizz to the festive celebrations for many campaigners.

Whether this heralds a new era for wind farm decisions remains to be seen – but, for the moment at least, we can enjoy a lull in the ill wind that’s been blowing here.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/12/30/wind-of-change-for-west-cumbria/