D-day looms for Cumbria's 53rd windfarm

By Safira Ali

Last updated 12:58, Friday, 10 October 2008

Flimby could be the site for Cumbria’s 53rd windfarm.

MP Tony Cunningham: Enough windfarms

Flimby Wind Energy Ltd has submitted an application for three wind turbine generators, a substation, access tracks and ancillary development at land at Flimby Hall Farm.

Allerdale’s development panel will be considering the proposal, which would have a life span of about 25 years, next Tuesday.

Tony Cunningham MP has objected because he believes opinion in this part of west Cumbria is that there are and more windfarms “would be hugely detrimental to the environment, to the development of tourism, and to the quality of life of those who live in the vicinity of wind turbines.”

Seaton parish council had concerns about the visual impact.

Dearham parish council objected because it said it was an unacceptable environmental impact on an area of open countryside.

It added that the proximity to Derwent Forest which is proposed as a major attraction for west Cumbria is undesirable and will be detrimental to this important area.

But Allerdale Council has received 459 letters in support and only 12 letters of objection.

In support, people said the climate change is a recognised problem and action is needed.

The development would be able to meet the electricity demands of 4,193 homes.

Objectors cite concerns about the turbines being out of keeping with the rural character of the landscape and that it would change the nature of the local environment, plus a perceived impact on local property values and noise.

The Civil Aviation Authority said although they did not object consultation would be needed because the plans are close to a chartered helicopter landing site at Dovenby Hall.

West Cumbria is already home to Robin Rigg Offshore windfarm which is still under construction. It is expected to include 60 turbines. There are also turbines in Siddick, Oldside, Winscales and Lowca.

The council has also received two further planning applications for wind turbines nearby.

They are expected to be decided on this year.

They include: a five turbine application at Fleeter Wood, at Tallentire six kilometres away; and a six-turbine application at Tallentire Hill, Tallentire, 7.5 kilometres away.

Council officers have recommended approval of the Flimby application.

Their conditions include: It should begin within three years of having permission; if any turbine stops working for six months it should be dismantled and removed from the site; before erection of the turbines details of the colour and finish be approved by the council to minimise visual impact.