May 29, 2013
England

Windfarms near Longtown rejected after appeals

By Duncan Bick | The Cumberland News | 29 May 2013 | www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Campaigners opposed to two windfarms are celebrating after applications for both were dismissed.

They would have been at Hallburn Farm and Beck Burn Peat Works, near Longtown.

The 15 turbines across both sites would have each been three time’s the height of Carlisle’s Civic Centre.

City councillors refused planning permission but the companies appealed. A public inquiry took place in October and December last year.

Arthuret parish council and many Longtown residents objected to the windfarms, claiming they would damage scenery and the tourism industry.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) claimed the turbines would affect nuclear test monitoring equipment at their site in Eskdalemuir, known as an array.

The appeals were recommended for approval by the Planning Inspectorate but Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, dismissed them.

The report into the appeal, published yesterday, said: “In coming to this conclusion he (Mr Pickles) has considered the factors in favour of the scheme.

“However, he does not find that these outweigh the overriding need to protect the operation of the array.”

Eileen Naude, of Eskbank, Longtown, said: “Longtown was devastated by foot and mouth and people have worked so hard building up businesses in tourism.

“So many people don’t want a holiday in the shadow of wind turbines.

Paul Brown, the chairman of Arthuret parish council said: “I think this is wonderful news for the area.”

Julie Walsh, who owns Virginia Lodge care home on Old Road, Longtown said: “I have spoken to the residents this morning and they are very pleased.”

The two companies behind the proposals – EDF Energy Renewables at Beck Burn and REG Windpower at Hallburn Farm – can appeal against the decision at the High Court. They have six weeks to do this.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/29/windfarms-near-longtown-rejected-after-appeals/