May 8, 2012
England

Carkettle residents ‘surrounded’ by turbines oppose new plans

North-West Evening Mail, www.nwemail.co.uk 8 May 2012

Residents who say they are “under siege” from wind turbine applications are opposing plans to build two more near their homes.

Householders in Carkettle, a small six-property cul-de-sac hamlet north of Marton, say the proposed developments would ruin some of the best views in Furness and add to the feeling they are being surrounded by turbines.

The first application, for a 34.2 metre high turbine on farmland at the top of the hamlet, has been submitted by Lindal farmer Sam Burch.

The second, on farmland further along the bridleway, would be 27.13 metres high, and has been submitted by Ulverston Ford car dealer Alan Myerscough.

Residents Roy and Hilery Hayes said: “Carkettle is under siege because of applications for wind turbines.

“We chose this place 40 years ago for its beauty and remoteness.

“Every visitor since has said ‘what a view’. Now it will be ‘what are those monstrosities doing here?’”

Residents argue the proposed turbines, which would be between 200 metres and 400 metres away from their homes, are too big and too close – and would create issues with noise and shadow flicker and impact on the bat population.

They are concerned about plans submitted to double the height of five turbines at nearby Harlock Hill to 99.5 metres, the existing Ireleth windfarm and expanding offshore windfarms visible from their homes.

Alan Haney, who has lived in Carkettle for 32 years, and wife Lyn, say they have one of the best views in Furness.

Mr Haney said: “There is no doubt it affects property value and there could be more (turbines) in the future.

“There is a quality of life aspect and a shadow flicker element which has been dealt with very badly in the application.”

Neil Henderson, senior planner with H&H Land Property, said the turbine Mr Myerscough hopes to build is small in comparison to windfarm turbines which are typically 80-120 metres to the hub. He said noise and shadow flicker would be no issue for any property and added: “Mr Myerscough agreed to go down from three turbines to one, and alter its position, so in my professional opinion he has moved a long way to allay concerns.”

The Evening Mail was unable to contact the agent for Mr Burch’s application, but the planning statement concluded: “The proposals for the wind turbine provide many benefits to the property and the wider community without impacting on the local residents, flora or fauna.”

A date is yet to be set for decisions to be made by South Lakeland District Council’s planning department on the applications.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/08/carkettle-residents-surrounded-by-turbines-oppose-new-plans/