December 21, 2012
England

‘Huge beast’ turbine plan rejected

By Caroline Barber | North West Evening Mail | 21 December 2012 | www.nwemail.co.uk

A controversial proposal for a Furness wind turbine has been thrown out – after the structure was described as a “beast” by planning councillors.

The mast – which would have been 30ft taller than Nelson’s Column – was planned for land near to Wax Lyrical, at Lindal.

The candle-making firm claimed the turbine would have reduced its energy consumption by up to 30 per cent a year – allowing its products to compete more readily on a worldwide stage.

But members of South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee refused to grant permission at a meeting in Kendal on Thursday.

Ulverston Councillor Janette Jenkinson explained she could not support the application before voting to turn it down.

“It’s my belief that this huge beast is going to be 61 metres tall and to have that imposed on the community and landscape is appalling,” she said.

“This is going too far. These things are not as effective and efficient as people believe.”

Cllr Sheila Eccles, added: “It’s pure selfishness on the part of these firms to want a turbine of that size in that area which will affect so many people.”

The structure would have been sited 350 metres from Wax Lyrical.

The meeting was told that the company had transformed itself from a loss-making venture in 2006 to a successful business employing 161 people.

Objections were received from Urswick, Pennington and Lindal and Marton parish councils as well as from 18 nearby residents.

But the plans attracted support from Furness Enterprise.

Mick Edwards, speaking on behalf of the application for Wax Lyrical, said: “I understand the concerns of local residents who fear the changes this turbine might bring.

“But the test that should be applied in this case is whether or not the change is acceptable.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/21/huge-beast-turbine-plan-rejected/