October 19, 2012
England

Turbine refused

Times & Star | 19 October 2012 | www.timesandstar.co.uk

A controversial plan to put a 260ft wind turbine at Wellington Farm in Cockermouth has been refused by Allerdale council’s development panel.

Leigh and Hodgson Stamper wanted a 500kw, three-bladed turbine near Lamplugh Road, off the A66.

Council planners felt that there was insufficient evidence about the turbine’s potential visual impact. The panel voted 17 to two against the plan.

The turbine, which would have been on the southward slope of Harrot Hill, would have created an output for the national grid only and not the farm.

Leigh Stamper said after the meeting: “We had a feeling the plans would be rejected. I’m not certain at this stage whether we will appeal.

“We will reflect on the decision and take advice from the wind turbine company.”

Resident Michael Gillam said the turbine would have a “detrimental effect” on the landscape, would cause noise pollution and lead to a loss of tourism.

Mr Gillam said: “This would be four times higher than the Angel of the North and 13 times higher than Mayo Statue in Cockermouth.

“This modern steel structure would be totally out of keeping with the landscape.”

Sarah Steel, of Dubbs Farm, Eaglesfield, near the proposed site, said: “No one locally was consulted about these plans before they were submitted which is a totally unneighbourly act.

“We have a variety of different owls, bats and birds which would be disturbed by the preparation of this site.”

But Councillor Joe Holliday said: “This application is no different to any of the others we’ve seen before. We seem to be scratching our heads for reasons to refuse it.

“I can’t understand why Cockermouth is seen as any better than Aspatria and other areas we’ve discussed at the panel before.”

Allerdale council had received 64 letters of objection before the meeting.

Cockermouth Town Council and Greysouthen and Papcastle parish councils had objected to the proposal.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/19/turbine-refused/