September 12, 2014
England

Big blow for Cumbrian turbine plan

By Staff Reporter | News & Star | 12 September 2014 | www.newsandstar.co.uk

Plans to build five 120.5m wind turbines at Haverigg prison in Cumbria have been dealt a blow.

After receiving almost 100 letters of objection from Haverigg residents, Copeland Council planning committee upheld an earlier decision in July to refuse the application.

This was in stark contrast to planning officer John Groves’ recommendation for approval.

The decision was brought before the panel for a second time, because of the planning officer’s recommendation for approval.

The 25-year operation would have been constructed on land belonging to HMP Haverigg on a former airfield adjacent to an existing windfarm.

Reasons against the proposal included the visual impact of the additional turbines, as well as the height, which is almost double of those already installed in the area. Councillors and residents also raised concerns about the welfare of prisoners due to the noise.

Resident Henry Holmes, of North Lane, Haverigg, objected to the proposal.

After Wednesday’s meeting he said: “I am very pleased about the decision. I feel relieved.”

North Lane residents at the meeting produced a 200-strong petition against the wind turbines.

Applicant Partnerships for Renewables had argued the project would have brought more than £5m into the local economy, as well as pledging thousands of pounds in a community fund.

Partnerships for Renewables expressed disappointment at the committee’s decision.

PFR spokesman John Mills said: “We were very disappointed by the committee’s decision, which seems to reflect the views of a few vociferous objectors who attended the committee, rather than the majority of the local community.

“The application promised considerable socio-economic benefits, including millions of pounds of construction work for local businesses. It would have brought a significant economic boost to the area.

“We may appeal the determination, but no decision has yet been taken on that.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/09/12/big-blow-for-cumbrian-turbine-plan/