May 24, 2019
England

Kirkby Moor windfarm inquiry delayed

By Michael Thomas, Barrow and Ormsgill reporter | The Mail | www.nwemail.co.uk

Bad weather has caused the decision on the future of a controversial windfarm to be delayed.

The decision whether to extend the life of Kirkby Moor was expected to be announced yesterday.

But it has been delayed because it has not been possible for the inspector to obtain a long distance view of the Lake District and assess the impact of the turbines on the surrounding area.

The inspector tried to get a good view of the turbines on April 16 and also spent much of April 24 in the area before his view was obscured by rain, according to a letter sent to South Lakeland District Council by the planning inspector’s office.

The inspector is expected to return as soon as possible.

The inquiry into the future of Kirkby Moor Windfarm began in January 2019 with campaigners on both sides gathering at Coronation Hall in Ulverston.

It followed a decision made by South Lakeland District Council in December 2017 to deny Ventient Energy Ltd permission to extend the lifespan of the wind farm until 2027.

Ventient Energy appealed the decision saying extending the wind farm’s lifespan would be beneficial for the community and the country’s green energy sector.

Speaking at the opening of the appeal, the representative for Ventient Energy, said: “The wind farm has operated without issue for the last 25 years.

“Even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”

Both SLDC and local campaigners claimed the area would be enhanced by the removal of the windfarm.

They highlighted the lack of public consent for the continuation of the windfarm.

All parties now await an update.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/05/24/kirkby-moor-windfarm-inquiry-delayed/