By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 16:13, Wednesday, 12 September 2012

A CONTROVERSIAL windfarm which drew more than 650 letters of protest has been turned down.

Weddicar Rigg, an elevated area of land between Moresby Parks and Frizington, would have housed six 115-metre turbines and associated infrastructure, if planning permission had been granted by Copeland Council planning panel.

Members had been urged by officers to approve the plans when they met this afternoon (Wednesday). They had been told that the package of community benefits – including a £50,000 apprentice scheme with Lakes College and a minimum £30,000-a-year donation to a community fund – would outweigh the harm.

However, the councillors unanimously rejected the application by Banks Renewables, which had said that contracts worth £3.5million would be on offer to local companies – and 25 to 30 jobs will be created – during the construction. 

But because the councillors' refusal went against the council officers' recommendation, the application will go back before the panel for a second opinion at October's meeting.

All three parish councils covered by the windfarm had  objected. Moresby, Arlecdon and Frizington and Weddicar all raised concerns about visual impact in a rural setting, and the harmful effect they feel the windfarm will have on tourism and wildlife. Letters had also been sent to Copeland by 655 residents. Their concerns included devaluation of property and the cumulative impact in an area already “overrun” with wind energy developments.

First published at 11:05, Thursday, 06 September 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk