Last updated at 12:01, Friday, 03 October 2008

Anti-windfarm campaigners have won the first round of their battle to stop three turbines being built at Cumwhinton.

Carlisle City Council today refused planning permission for the turbines at Newlands Farm, close to the M6 junction 42.

But the developer, Bolsterstone Innovative Energy plc, may appeal.

The firm’s planning application brought more than 1,300 objections, while 242 people wrote in support of the scheme.

The council’s development control committee turned down the plan on the grounds that the 377 ft-high turbines, 100 ft higher than Dixon’s Chimney, would harm the landscape.

Councillor Peter Farmer said: “I didn’t come to Cumbria to look at giant turbines in front of an area of outstanding natural beauty.

“It’s totally in the wrong place. Putting these three turbines in would be the thin end of the wedge and bring further planning applications.”

Eight objectors addressed the meeting in person.

Colin Stamper, who lives only 400 yards away, at Cringles Farm, said: “I am directly downwind of all three turbines.

“I wonder if I will ever sleep properly again.”

Mike Corker, on behalf of Bolsterstone, urged councillors to approve the scheme. He said: “Any renewable energy scheme affects someone but lack of renewable energy affects us all.

“This scheme has been designed to extract maximum energy output for the minimum impact on the environment.”

Planning officer Angus Hutchinson also recommended that councillors approve the plan but his advice was ignored.

The proposal was for three turbines, 377ft high, with a lifespan of 25 years, which energy firm Bolsterstone said would generate enough electricity to supply 3,742 homes.

First published at 12:00, Friday, 03 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk