May 17, 2013
England

Farmer keeps 260ft turbine bid in motion with appeal

Times & Star | 17 May 2013 | www.timesandstar.co.uk

A prominent Cockermouth farmer is pursuing his plan for a 260ft wind turbine on his land because of a commitment to renewable energy.

Leigh Stamper, who owns Wellington Farm, applied to Allerdale council last year for permission to erect the turbine at Harrot Hill.

It was rejected because Allerdale council said there was insufficient evidence about its visual impact.

Mr Stamper has now appealed to the Government over that decision.

He said he was committed to green energy and would look at installing more energy-saving devices at the farm, including solar panels.

Mr Stamper added that he was not ruling out more turbines, but would have to wait until the outcome of the appeal.

He said: “I have always supported renewable energy and know all the arguments against it but I genuinely feel that it does work.

“Our electricity bills are extortionate and we want to cut down on them to save money.

“Agriculture in general is not buoyant and a lot of people are struggling, so we have got to look at other options.”

The plan attracted 64 letters of objection from residents and Cockermouth Town Council.

Greysouthen and Papcastle parish councils were also against the scheme.

The turbine, if approved, would be 13 times higher than the Mayo Statue in Cockermouth town centre.

Bill Mavir, 63, of Green Bank, Papcastle, who opposed the plan, said: “This will have a significant impact on Cockermouth and the surrounding area and this is an opportunity for people to submit further objections.

“It will rise above the skyline and you will be able to see it from places such as Papcastle, Eaglesfield and Brigham.

“My concern is that although this is for a single one, several could follow.

“We have beautiful scenery and this turbine would be stuck right in the middle of it.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/17/farmer-keeps-260ft-turbine-bid-in-motion-with-appeal/