Last updated at 12:45, Friday, 26 October 2012

West Cumbrian villagers have reacted angrily to proposals to build two wind turbines at Moota.

Whirlwind Renewables wants to build two 331ft high turbines, one north of the A595 and the other west of Moota quarry.

It says they could generate enough power for 2,600 homes.

Whirlwind has already held discussions with parish councils, the Lake District National Park Authority and Allerdale council.

On Friday nearly 50 people attended a public exhibition in Blindcrake Village Hall and many were not happy with the plans.

Annette Duplock, 64, who lives near the Moota Garden Centre, said: “Companies just seem to be putting up turbines willy nilly and they are a blot on the landscape.

“We have already got the Bothel ones and this will add to the problem.”

Roger Grey, 58, of Moota, said: “We have already got more than enough.”

Heidi Bailey, 44, of Blindcrake, was concerned that the two turbines could start a “filling in process” where companies would put up turbines between other wind farms.

Whirwind Renwables hopes to submit a planning application next month.

If permission is granted it hopes to start construction in summer 2014.

Sandra Painter, project manager said: “Quite a few people visiting the exhibition expressed real concern about the number of turbine developments in the north of Cumbria between the national park and the coast.

“However, wind power in this area is more efficient than most other places in England as the wind speeds are so good.

“We will be meeting representatives of the community over coming months to review the results of the exhibition, address any issues with the development and to work out how we can bring real benefits to the community nearby when the turbines start turning.”

First published at 11:49, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk