Last updated at 21:28, Thursday, 19 November 2009

THE people of Plumbland have voted overwhelmingly against proposals to build four wind turbines on their doorstep.

The results came after a secret poll was carried out by Plumbland Parish Council over the weekend.

The results will be sent to Allerdale council’s planning department to register residents’ concerns.

Communications firm BT wants to erect the 410-feet turbines at Threapland Lees near Aspatria.

They would be almost twice the size of those at Bothel and would be as close as 1,640 feet to some homes.

The question put to voters in the parish was: “Are you in favour of building a wind farm within 1.5 miles of any residence in this parish?”

Of the 319 voters on the electoral register, 196 (61 per cent) voted. Of these, 178 (91 per cent) voted to oppose wind turbines, while 18 (nine per cent) voted in favour of them.

John Spiers Dawson, chairman of the parish council, said: “This is a clear majority against wind turbines near our village and is an overwhelming endorsement of the parish council’s view.

“Plumbland Parish Council will be strenuously opposing the application of BT to build four giant turbines next to our village and calls upon Allerdale to reject the plan.”

The referendum follows a report which found that the wind farm would have an adverse and severe impact on the rural landscape.

The report, by URS Corporation Limited and chartered surveyors Harris Lamb, was commissioned as part of BT’s planning application and submitted to Allerdale council.

Alan Clouston, chairman of Threapland Turbine Action Group, said: “This is an endorsement of the parish council’s position.“There are a lot of people in favour of wind turbines and that’s fine but the problem is when they are placed so close to people’s houses which has an effect on them in terms of flicker, noise and visual impact.”

“It is not right to impose these turbine on the few for the benefit, particularly when there are other places available.”

Workington MP Tony Cunningham met BT’s director of public affairs on Thursday, November 12.

He said: “I made it perfectly clear to him that I was opposed to the development.

“That you will only be able see the turbines from some places and not from others is not much consolation to those who would have to look at it. I find it nonsensical.”

Meanwhile, BT has confirmed that it is in talks with the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) about the turbines.

Mr Cunningham said: “I understand that wind turbines in certain places can block radar signals.

“If this is the case, I hope it does not affect pilots’ training given their role in Afghanistan.”

A BT spokesman said the turbines would create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and revitalise the rural economy.

She added: “We are aware there are local sensitivities about our proposals but our turbines at Threapland Lees would contribute towards regional targets and provide sustainable carbon-free electricity to help reduce harmful climate change.”

The turbines would generate enough electricity to power 6,000 homes.

It is thought that other parishes nearby could carry out similar ballots.

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 19 November 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk