RESEARCH which shows Cumbria is in the top five areas in the UK for rejecting renewable energy facility applications indicates that decision-makers are stuck in a 'business as usual' mindset, according to local environmentalists.

According to research, conducted by Utility Bidder, there have been more than 630 renewable energy applications rejected in the UK in the past 30 years, and new research has revealed that Cumbria places fourth in the top 10 UK areas with the most refused applications for renewable energy sites.

Since 1993, 22 applications for renewable energy facilities have been rejected in Cumbria.

Topping the ranking is the Highland council area, with 40, followed by Strathclyde with 29 and Grampian with 26.

Reacting to the figures, a spokesperson from Sustainable Carlisle said: “Climate heating continues to drive the melting of the ice caps, the acidification of the seas and oceans and the devastation of our wildlife and biodiversity.

“It drives the extreme weather conditions such as flooding, fires and storms we see across the planet, and which are increasingly seen here at home. 

“The 'business as usual' economic model that is being blindly followed by our politicians has drastically cut the amount of time we have to make the necessary changes to avoid the worst of climate crisis consequences.”

On local issues, they added: “Opening new coal mines and giving licenses for more oil exploration and unproven nuclear projects is adding to an already severe crisis and denies us a future.

“This must be reversed.

“Investment must be moved away from such perverse developments and aimed at renewables and the many sustainable jobs they will create as soon as possible.

“Those in power who delay and deny have no moral authority to put the lives and futures of our communities in such danger.

“They are breaking the social contract to protect the population.

“Much of what has happened here in Cumbria has been driven by those supporting ideological political dogma.

“We hope that the new local authorities will accept the evidence and reality of our situation and put the climate crisis at the heart of every policy decision they make.

“They must tell the truth and work together across party lines and involve our citizens and local business in a cooperative and positive way."

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