by sarah newstead

Last updated at 12:34, Friday, 09 April 2010

Plans for a windfarm near Aspatria are being opposed by landscape watchdogs.

BT wants to erect up to four 125 metre-high turbines – almost as tall as the London Eye – at Threapland Lees.

The final decision will be made by Allerdale council, which has received 786 letters of objections and two petitions against the proposals.

The site is just 800m from turbines already at Bothel.

Now Natural England has joined the call for the proposal to be rejected.

It claims a windfarm at Threapland Lees would impact on the Lake District National Park and the nearby Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cumbria Tourism has also raised concerns. Natural England said: “The proposed windfarm near Bothel could further erode and damage the special environmental qualities of this part of Cumbria, particularly when viewed cumulatively with neighbouring windfarms.”

Cumbria County Council has also objected to the plans.

Local campaigner Steven Swallow, of Threapland Turbine Action Group, told The Cumberland News: “It is clear that the considered authoritative view is that the area cannot accommodate any addition wind turbines than those which already loom large over Bothel.”

It is proposed that BT’s four “green energy” turbines would provide enough power for 6,700 homes if they operate at full capacity.

First published at 11:27, Friday, 09 April 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk