By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:08, Thursday, 28 June 2012

PLANNERS have “reluctantly” granted permission for a wind turbine to be built near Distington.

The consensus of last week’s meeting of Copeland Council’s planning panel was that the 34.2m-high turbine is unsuitable for land to the west of Distington.

However, because the application is in keeping with the government’s policy on wind energy, planners felt they had insufficient cause to turn the plans down and that a decision to refuse would be reversed on appeal.

Councillor Jackie Bowman said: “We can’t cut public services and then throw away money on appeals.

“As much as I don’t like it, I think we don’t have a choice but to approve it.”

Councillors were told that the turbine will provide electricity for the applicant’s farm to help reduce running costs at High Lowca, and that the nearest property is 245 metres away.

Two letters of objection were lodged against the plans, raising concerns about noise, vibration, shadow flicker and the general negative impact of the turbine on the surrounding area.However, the meeting heard that the application ties in with the government’s policy of supporting “the transition to a low-carbon future, and conserving and enhancing the natural environment and reducing pollution” and that such plans should be allowed provided they don’t have significant adverse effects.

The council’s planning officers recommended approval, saying: “The siting of this single turbine would not have a materially harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding rural landscape or nearby residential properties.”

In Howgate, near Whitehaven, planners agreed to a 50m meteorological mast being set up on land at Middle Gill Farm.

It will be in place for 12 months to determine if the site would be suitable for a wind turbine in the future.

One letter of objection was submitted by a neighbour concerned about the mast in proximity to their property.

Planners will visit the sites of the following proposed wind turbines before making decisions: a five-turbine windfarm close to Haverigg Prison; a 34.4m-high single turbine on land at High House Farm, Wilton, Egremont; and a 67m-high single turbine on agricultural land to the north west of Kidburngill Farm, Lamplugh.

Decisions are expected on these applications at July’s meeting.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk