Published at 19:25, Thursday, 07 May 2009

THE Robin Rigg wind turbines have changed our view over the Solway forever.

Many people have been shocked by the sheer scale of the wind farm that now plays havoc with a seascape loved by generations of Cumbrians.

Now we have news that energy company E.on is looking to put another 100 turbines in the Solway. The scheme would dwarf even the Robin Rigg site.

E.on certainly talks with confidence about its plans, knowing that it has the backing of Government climate change policy and an “exclusivity agreement” with The Crown Estate to build offshore wind farms in Scottish territorial waters.

And there’s the rub. This wind farm, just like Robin Rigg, would be in the hands of the Scottish Government, which is just plain wrong.

It was wrong that authorities this side of the border had no say on the Robin Rigg scheme which now dominates the skyline.

It will be wrong if West Cumbria is again ignored and the Solway is turned into an industrial site before our eyes.

Setting aside arguments about the efficiency or otherwise of these huge windmills, we cannot have decisions about this stretch of water decided upon by a Scottish Parliament 130 miles away and without any input from the area most affected.

These plans would have a direct impact on tourism, the environment and our lifestyle.

The view from Cumbria may be very different to the view from Edinburgh.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk