Last updated at 11:33, Thursday, 20 September 2012

ALLOWING the Weddicar Rigg turbines to be built would further Copeland’s reputation as the “dustbin of England”, an objector has claimed.

too close: Deirdre Alexander

Deirdre Alexander, who lives on a farm that neighbours the site, spoke strongly in protest to the windfarm plans at last week’s planning meeting.

Mrs Alexander said: “This is too close to residents’ homes for whom the noise and visual impact would be severe.

“If this windfarm goes ahead, the opinion of the vast majority would be ignored in favour of financial interests.”

Mrs Alexander said that, in her view, the package of community benefits offered by the applicants, Banks Renewables, is “derisory”.

“The plans should be considered on their merits and not on what the developer is offering,” she said.

“Copeland is doing its best to earn a reputation as the dustbin of England. We get everything that nobody else will take. The residents have had enough.”

Fellow objector John Vout had a statement read to the meeting. He said: “The views around here are like the family silver. Do we want to sell it off for 25 years?”

Mr Vout added his opinion that the windfarm would have a negative effect on tourism, wildlife and the character of the area.

He also said that the plans fail the Lavender Test – named after a ruling from planner David Lavender, who specified at a public inquiry that turbines should be refused if they “represent an unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable presence”.

Tim Knowles, Cumbria county councillor for Cleator Moor North and Frizington, wrote to the panel to warn that the proximity of the windfarm is too close to the area where new “super pylons” – necessary for nuclear new-build at Sellafield – would be located.

Coun Knowles also questioned Banks Renewables’ claims of support from the Cumbria Community Foundation – the group that Banks says will manage its community donations – and Regen North East Copeland.

“I am a trustee of both organisations and, to my knowledge, no such relationship exists,” said Coun Knowles.

First published at 11:06, Thursday, 20 September 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk