By Julian Whittle

Published at 11:24, Monday, 20 August 2012

Two wind energy schemes near Carlisle have been thrown out by city councillors.

The council’s development control committee has refused planning consent for a 78m (256ft) turbine on a farm at Durdar and for a 50m (164ft) wind-monitoring mast at Penton, north east of Longtown.

Opponents now have an anxious wait to find out if the developers will appeal.

Planning officers had recommended that both applications be approved.

The council received 23 objections to the mast at Low Glendinning Rigg, Penton.

Three objectors spoke at Friday’s meeting.

Suzanne Gallagher, who lives nearby, said: “The mast will be 410m from my house and 60m from my property.

“It will be visible from every window of the principal elevation of my home. I will have an uninterrupted view, even when I’m lying in bed.

“This oppressive and domineering view will be with me for 365 days a year.

“Please refuse this application, stop the floodgates and end the anxiety and dread residents are going through.”

Anti-windfarm campaigner Diana de Gruyther and Charles Dunn, vice-chairman of Nicholforest parish council, also spoke against.

Councillors were convinced. Labour’s Hugh McDevitt said: “I will not be part of industrialising such a beautiful landscape and that’s what we would be doing if we approve this.”

The company behind the mast, Empirica Investments, has also submitted a proposal for a 67m (220ft) wind turbine, which will be considered at a later date.

Councillors were equally dismissive of the proposed turbine at High Burnthwaite Farm, Durdar.

Conservative Bryan Craig said it would be two-and-a-half times the height of nearby electricity pylons.

Labour’s William Whalen said: “I’m getting extremely worried. Every field around Carlisle is going to have one of these turbines stuck on it. We seem to be creating forests of turbines.”

“This is one of the most beautiful counties in the country and we have to protect it.”

He added: “I am disappointed by landowners who are rushing into a nice earner by planting these monstrosities. We have to draw a line sooner or later.”

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