August 6, 2014
England

Help us to stop Cumbrian wind turbines plans

By Nick Griffiths | News & Star | 06 August 2014 | www.newsandstar.co.uk

Objectors are urging people to get behind their campaign against a windfarm which they say would tower over their homes and the surrounding countryside.

Residents against plans for four turbines that could reach 426ft between Calthwaite and Ivegill say the combination of this development and other turbines planned for this part of Cumbria would lead to a huge change in the landscape. Cornish company REG Windpower wants to build the turbine on agricultural land at Hay Close Farm.

It has said the site is a perfect spot because the wind speed is good, access routes are close to the M6 and the site would have “a minimal effect on locally or nationally designated environments”.

An application has been made recently to Eden Council. But Derek Hurton, who lives at one of the closest properties, said: “Once you take into account the height of the ridge on which they would sit, they’d tower over 500ft above the surrounding houses.

“We had hoped that the developer would listen to the views expressed at their public exhibitions earlier this year but they seem determined to press ahead with this industrial scheme.”

Jill Hunt, whose home is less than half a mile from the nearest turbine, added: “Wind turbines are getting bigger and bigger.

“Just a few years ago the turbines being built were less than half the size we see today.

“I suppose that bigger turbines mean more electricity and more profit but the ones planned for this site would completely overwhelm our home.”

Mr Hurton said objectors were “fairly optimistic” the development would be turned down.

“However, it’s really important that we show the strength of local feeling and are urging people in our area to submit their objections before the deadline of August 21,” he added.

The firm was unavailable for comment as the News & Star went to press.

In a previous statement, REG Windpower said: “Alongside the environmental benefits of clean, renewable energy that Hay Close Farm windfarm would bring, it would also bring benefits to the local community of £60,000 every year for the operational life of the windfarm.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/06/help-us-to-stop-cumbrian-wind-turbines-plans/