By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 11:49, Monday, 03 September 2012

A plan to build three huge wind turbines on a former opencast mine site near Workington has triggered angry objections from residents.

Aviation experts have also hit out at the plan, saying the 328ft turbines could pose a danger to planes.

The plans have been unveiled by Airvolution Energy Limited, who want to erect the turbines on land at Potato Pot, Branthwaite.

The company said that the structures – which would be two-thirds the height of Blackpool Tower – could produce enough electricity to supply about 3,884 households.

But the plan will have to overcome numerous objections from locals.

The comments submitted to Allerdale council’s planning department include:

“These proposed wind turbines are of immense size and should not be built in our beautiful countryside. Rural locations are not the right place for them. They are industrial machines and should be placed on brown field sites.”

“There are already too many windfarms blighting this part of Cumbria.”

“Why do we have to have three more huge wind turbines in our area? They contribute so very little to the amount of electricity needed to run the country.”

“These proposed wind turbines are totally unnecessary, and to place these in such a prominent area, in view from Cockermouth, Papcastle, Great Broughton, and the surrounding area, can only be considered as purely a commercial and financial exercise.”

Papcastle parish council, has also written to Allerdale council, expressing concern about the turbines.

One of the most notable objections is from National Air Traffic Services, the UK’s main air traffic navigation service. In a letter to Allerdale, NATS officials say that the turbines could interfere with radar equipment. For this reason, say experts, the proposal is deemed to be unacceptable.

In its planning application, Airvolution gives a detailed description of the proposed three turbines, which will each be no bigger than 328ft to the tip of the highest blade, with a stone and concrete base.

There will 1.6km of access track, and when operational, the turbines will generate enough electricity compared to “conventional” forms of electricity generation to prevent 6,780 tons of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere – making the scheme green, says Airvolution.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 03 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk