Turbine turned down in ‘gateway to the fells’ 

A controversial proposed wind turbine near Dent Fell has been unanimously turned down.

The 48m-tall structure was met with 163 letters of objection from concerned locals, who felt the turbine would have a negative impact on the landscape.

Cleator Moor and Egremont Town Councils, as well as the National Trust, had also objected to the proposal, which was rejected by Copeland Council at its planning meeting last week.

Elaine Rudd, who lives near the proposed development near Cobble Hall, Cleator, said: “This area is the gateway to the fells for thousands of people who take part in Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast walk. Any gain would be outweighed by the visual and environmental devastation it would cause. The local wildlife would suffer, particularly the honey buzzards and the animals that live underground because of the noise.”

Ian McIntyre, who also lives nearby, said: “This could be really detrimental to the area and the local community.

“This is purely a commercial venture for the benefit of the landowner, it creates no jobs and doesn’t benefit anybody in the area.”

Cleator Moor town councillor Nick Ford said: “If this development were to go ahead, it would be a disaster for the local community. It would open the floodgates for even more turbines which would affect tourism in the area, having a huge knock-on effect for local trade.”

And Copeland councillor Mike McVeigh said: “I’m mystified by the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision not to object to this, especially as it’s the start of the Coast-to-Coast walk.

“They don’t seem to care about the impact these developments would have on the surrounding areas, even though they are in clear view from the panoramic lookouts of the park.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Katie Jones, said: “We can’t keep relying on non-renewable energy sources. We’ve got to remember that these turbines aren’t forever – they only last around 25-30 years. This development would benefit the local community and provide extra income for farmers.”

A second turbine in the vicinity of Dent Fell – near Cobra Castle, Egremont – was turned down last month.

A TURBINE, near Boonwood Farm, Distington, was also refused at the same planning panel meeting.

Forty-eight letters of objection were received and the committee decided that the benefits would not outweigh the negative impact.

Mark Carter, who lives near the proposed development, said: “We were originally told that this area was suitable for three to five turbines and now our tiny little village is flooded with eight.

“This next one would be in full view of our house and we just don’t know when it’s going to stop.”

David Christopherson, the farmer who applied for the development, said that the turbine would have provided income for the farm.

“This is a volatile time for farmers with competition putting us out of business. This would make my livelihood a little more secure,” he said.

A third turbine, planned for land south of Green Lonning, St Bees, was also turned down.

The 36m-high structure would have been placed between two existing turbines of a similar height.

Councillors said that the cumulative effect of adding another large turbine to the area would be overbearing on the local landscape considering how many there already are.