Last updated at 06:34, Friday, 13 November 2009

A FOUR-turbine wind farm planned for Threapland Lees would have an adverse and severe impact on the rural landscape, according to experts commissioned by the firm behind the proposals.

An example of wind turbines already in Cumbria

Communications firm BT wants to erect the 410-feet turbines. An environmental statement, commissioned as part of its planning application and submitted to Allerdale council, said the turbines would dominate the landscape.

The report, by URS Corporation Limited and chartered surveyors Harris Lamb, said: “The magnitude of change on the character of the landscape at this viewpoint [from Threapland village green] is considered to be severe due to the developments radically changing the character of the landscape through over dominance.

“The significance of the landscape effects is therefore a major, direct, long-term, adverse impact.”

The report added that the character of the landscape would be completely changed by the turbines which would dominate over the roof lines, emphasising the feeling of enclosure.

It also found that the level of visual intrusion would be particularly severe at Threapland and High Close.

The turbines would be almost twice the size of those already at Bothel.

The report added that the turbines could not be screened and would have a high contrast with the surrounding landscape.

Steve Swallow lives in Threapland Hall, a listed 15th century building which would be less than 1,700 feet from the nearest turbine.

He said: “Why do they think this is appropriate when their own advisors are saying how bad it will be?

“What I find incredible is that in the pursuit of cash they can have so little regard for other people and are willing to impose something like this on a community that doesn’t want it.”

Alan Clouston is chairman of Threapland Turbine Action Group (TTAG).

Mr Clouston, of Ghyll House, said: “My house will have 90 days a year when there will be shadow flicker across the back of the house.

“We are not saying not in our backyards, we are saying not in anybody’s backyard.”

Workington MP Tony Cunningham was due to meet BT’s director of public affairs yesterday.

He said: “I will be passing on the concerns of the residents.

“BT shouldn’t even be submitting a planning application and should realise from their own assessment that it’s in the wrong place.”

A BT spokeswoman said: “Of the 24 viewpoints, only two would have a severe impact. We are trying to be clear and up front about the plans.

“People’s perception of wind farms is subjective and not all opinions will be negative, particularly amongst individuals who weigh the benefits against the visual intrusions.”

She added that the turbines would create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and revitalise the rural economy.

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

The parish council has organised a secret survey so that it can speak authoritatively about what the community wants.

Surveys will be delivered to villagers, and people can also hand their papers in at Plumbland Village Hall over the weekend. The results are due to be counted on Sunday.

First published at 19:37, Thursday, 12 November 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk