By Chris Story

Last updated at 13:26, Monday, 10 December 2012

An energy firm is starting to assess whether a wind farm could be built at a former mine.

RWE npower renewables is weighing up whether a development could be possible at the former Keekle Mine, near Whitehaven.

It has secured planning permission from Copeland Council for a meteological mast, north east of Wreah.

The company is now planning to erect the mast, which measures wind speed, direction and turbulence, early next year.

Neil Parnell, who is to head development at the proposed wind farm, to be named Blackwood Beck, said: “This project is at a very early stage.

“With the help of the public, a team of professional consultants and statutory consultees, RWE npower renewables will continue to assess the suitability of the site for a wind farm over the course of the next year.

“If our assessments demonstrate that this site is a suitable location for wind farm development, we would look to hold an information event during 2013 to give local people and stakeholders the opportunity to find out more about our proposals and have their say.”

The development has come forward as concerns remain about the number of wind turbines and number of proposals for them coming forward in Cumbria.

County council leader Eddie Martin has called on the Government to end its “fixation” with windfarms.

He has become increasingly vocal in his opposition to onshore developments.

Unless the march of turbines is stopped, west Cumbrian councillor Mr Martin believes there will be damage to the countryside and economy.

More details about Blackwood Beck are available by calling 01913 504222 or going to www.npower-renewables.com/blackwoodbeck.

First published at 11:35, Monday, 10 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk