PLANS to erect four wind turbines at Lillyhall's landfill site have been dismissed by the Government. 

FCC Environment wanted to erect the turbines, up to 325ft high, on its land but the county council refused its planning application. 

The company appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and a three-day public inquiry was held at Energus, Lillyhall, in April. 

The inspectorate issued its decision this month. 

It said it would have an impact on the surrounding landscape and have a visual impact on nearby properties.

The planning inquiry heard from Michele Twiss, 68, whose home overlooks the Winscales wind farm, 

She told a Government inspector that wind farms were overpowering West Cumbria and the area was “under attack”.

She said had been forced to move out of her bedroom because of the noise of wind turbines near her home.

The Government said from many locations the Lillyhall turbines would: "Be perceived as enlarging the wind farm landscape, due to their visual juxtaposition with other wind farms and turbines, such that the distribution and density of turbines in the landscape would appear enlarged and widespread."

It said the turbines would have had a high visual impact upon drivers on the A595 and on residents in Gilgarran, High Harrington and Distington as well as walkers on public footpaths and bridleways in the area.

It added it had given "full weight" to the development's benefits, including that it would supply power to around 3,500 homes a year. 

It said: "The Secretary of State considers that the benefits are clearly and convincingly outweighed by the totality of the adverse impacts that would be caused by the proposed development."

Members of the county council's development control committee noted the report at a meeting on Monday. 

Councillor Frank Morgan said: "This reflects the serious consideration that we gave to this application and I am delighted with the outcome.”

Coun Gerald Humes added: “We should look at this and learn from it. It’s there in front of us and we can use this when looking at future developments that come forward."

FCC Environment has six weeks to challenge the Government decision.