AN INVESTIGATION
To begin on a very positive note, Allerdale Borough Council has passed a resolution to investigate such issues as the spiralling number of wind energy applications being received throughout Cumbria and how these applications are dealt with by the various planning authorities. The investigation was suggested by Cllr Bill Finlay. We are delighted to see that it will be going ahead as proposed and look forward to seeing the results.
APPEALS
The number of outstanding wind energy related appeals in this part of the county has now reached 11! Below are links to some of the newer appeals. Please do have a look at these and submit a comment where you feel able to and where it might be appropriate. We are now at the stage where, if just a few of these appeals are dismissed, it will set a very useful precedent which will enable us to fight off further applications as they come in.
67m turbine at Goose Green, Crookdake
67m turbine at High Scales near Aspatria
You will notice that the two appeals above have been lodged by the same developer, Empirica Investments. In both cases, there is no specific information as to the exact make and model of turbine which would be used. But the 'suggested' machine is an Enercon E44 which has an output of 900kW – well in excess of what any normal farm would require. In the case of High Scales, the developer has elected to go to appeal on the grounds of non determination before Allerdale Borough Council has even had the opportunity to arrive at a decision on the application. There are still unresolved issues which have been raised by Cumbria Highways in relation to access to the site.
45m turbine at Clea Mire on the border between Westward and Boltons Parishes. Not much time left on this one. Comments must be in by 15thFebruary.
45m turbine at Firs Farm, Crookdake. Same developer as above!
The next appeal relates to a wind turbine application which is under the jurisdiction of CarlisleCity Council but the proposed site is Flatt Farm WHERE THERE IS ALREADY A PENDING APPEAL INVOLVING ALLERDALE. The boundary between the two local authorities passes through Flatt Farm and applications were submitted to both! This could certainly be construed as 'playing the system' so please consider commenting on the appeal.
All that is necessary with any of the above is to scroll down the page to where you can 'comment on the appeal.' You do not need to say very much but it is very important to demonstrate to the Planning Inspectorate that many of us feel that we are now overloaded with wind energy. If you do not wish to submit your comment via the 'portal,' you will find there is an email address for the case officer on each of the appeal pages. This is an alternative means of transmitting your views.
There is another pending appeal of quite a different sort. The proposal to erect three large turbines at Potato Pot, near Workington, is to be decided by Public Inquiry rather than by written submissions. The date set for the start of the inquiry is 16th April. As with High Scales, the reason for the appeal is that the developer considers that Allerdale Borough Council has failed to come to a decision within a reasonable timeframe. We will publish more information about this as it becomes available. If you wish to submit a comment before the Public Inquiry, this can be done via the usual channel through the following link:
Meanwhile, in Carlisle, the double Public Inquiry into the Hallburn and Beckburn wind farm appeals concluded just before Christmas and the Inspector's decision is expected within the next few weeks.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
On Monday evening, 11th February, there will be a meeting of Westward Parish Council at which Richard Hortin of TGC will present details of the proposed development of a 45m wind turbine at High Hall, Westward. TGC, as members living in the Rosley area will be well aware, were responsible for the highest number of applications and screening requests in 2012. The Clea Mire and Firs Farm appeals, mentioned above, are both the work of TGC. If you would like to hear what Mr Hortin has to say about this, the meeting will start at 7.30pm and will take place at Rosley Village Hall.
On Tuesday 12thFebruary, Allerdale's Development Panel will hear four wind energy applications. It will be a slightly unusual panel because two of the four applications have already been taken to appeal by the developer. They are the 67m wind turbine at High Scales and the three turbines at Potato Pot. So, in effect, the Development Panel will not be determining either of these proposals but simply passing a resolution on them so that the Inspector will know what the Council would have decided if the developer had not already lodged an appeal.
Also to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting is the application for a 75m wind turbine at How End Farm, Thursby. Unbelievably, despite over 70 objections so far received, the planning officer has recommended approval of this highly inappropriate development which would have a substantial impact on residents in the Thursby area. If it were to be erected, this wind turbine would combine with others which are already operational, consented or planned in the area to significantly raise the cumulative baseline. We take this opportunity to ask that members who have not already objected to this application do so before Tuesday's meeting. It isn't too late. Any additional objections will appear on the late list and councillors will be made aware of them. Comments can be submitted easily via the following link. Just click where it says 'comment on application.'
The last wind energy application on Tuesday's agenda concerns four 99m wind turbines which are proposed for the landfill site off Joseph Nobel Road, Lillyhall. This too is a slightly unusual case because the application site is owned by Cumbria County Council. The planning officer has recommended refusal in this instance.
The Development Panel will take place at 1pm on Tuesday 12th February
at The Wave Centre, Maryport
If you can spare any time on Tuesday, please do come along to the meeting in support of local residents who would be badly affected by these developments if they are allowed to go ahead.
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