May 31, 2012
England

Planners reject bid for an 80m wind turbine at Drigg

By Andrew Clarke, The Whitehaven News, www.whitehavennews.co.uk 31 May 2012

Controversial plans for a wind turbine in Drigg have been unanimously turned down by planners.

They ruled at a meeting last week that the 80m-high turbine, earmarked for land at Drigg Moorside Farm, would have a “harmful effect” on the landscape.

The meeting heard from seven local residents, who gave various objections against the plan, claiming that the turbine would be a “blot on the landscape”.

One of the objectors, Susan White, said: “This would ruin the wonderful views and have a huge impact on the residents of Drigg.

“It would be visible to anyone enjoying the beauty of the National Park, and it would set a frightening precedent as a lot more landowners would be applying which would create a windfarm and cause the destruction on this beautiful and tranquil area.”

Another objector, John Thompson, added: “This would have a harmful effect on the irreplaceable wildlife in this area.”

Further objections came from the parish councils of Drigg & Carleton, Seascale, Gosforth and Muncaster, in addition to Ravenglass Village Forum, Lake District National Park and Friends of the Lake District.

Collective grounds of objection included visual impact, size, noise, safety and that it will “irreversibly alter the character of the area and affect tourism”.

The purpose of the turbine would be to reduce the farm’s financial overheads and carbon footprint.

All nine councillors voted to turn the plans down.

Coun John Jackson said: “It is claimed that site will be restored after 25 years, but this would not be possible due to the size of the foundations.”

Coun Geoff Blackwell added: “From the site visit we carried out we got a good feel for the visual impact this would have.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/31/planners-reject-bid-for-an-80m-wind-turbine-at-drigg/