March 4, 2016
England

Community members clash over wind turbine plans

North-West Evening Mail | 3 March 2016 | www.nwemail.co.uk

Members of a small community clashed over plans to build a wind turbine on the edge of the National Park.

A public consultation was held yesterday to discuss the construction of a turbine on the outskirts of Kirkby.

The plans, developed by United Utilities, have been suggested to reduce its operational costs of the sewage works off Soutergate, where the turbine will be located.

United Utilities aims to self-generate 35 per cent of its energy use by 2020 and is considering methods such as a wind, solar and hydropower to achieve this.

David Hopkin, project manager for United Utilities, said: “There’s no one size fits all and we’re keen to use the right technology in the right areas and this area is particularly good for wind power.”

However, the plans have divided members of the community who have voiced strong opinions on the plans.

Michael Jackson, a resident of Soutergate, said: “We don’t want it. We’ve got far too many windfarms around us.

“They don’t work in cold weather, they are noisy and this is close to an awful lot of people living there so they are going to hear it.”

However Donna Munro, who also lives in Soutergate, said: “It’s a fairly small turbine and it’s just one.

“I think one wouldn’t want hundreds of turbines across the area -and there are quite a lot already – but I think one sensibly placed turbine is a good idea.”

This 60 metre high turbine is expected to contribute to 80 per cent of the electricity used on the site, reducing operational costs and water bills.

United Utilities will submit a planning application to Cumbria County Council at the end of March, after which residents will be able to contact the council directly regarding their feedback.

Despite residents having differing opinions on the project, the sheer number of turbines in the area is a cause for concern for many people.

Mrs Patricia Hampson, who lives just outside Kirkby, said: “From my kitchen I can see right down to the sea.

“They are putting hundreds of turbines out there and now this.

“Of course we have got to be environmentally friendly but it’s got to be done sympathetically.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/03/04/community-members-clash-over-wind-turbine-plans/