RORY WELCOMES DECISION TO BLOCK WIND-TURBINE

Cumbrian MP Rory Stewart welcomed Secretary of State, Eric Pickles’ decision yesterday to accept his request to “call-in” the Killington wind-turbine application. This is the second success in a week for Rory’s campaign against wind-turbines in Penrith and Border, following the rejection, last week, of a turbine application at Orton.

The Killington application would see three 123 metre high wind turbines built at Killington reservoir on the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. 1000 individuals submitted individual objections to the South Lakeland District Council. Despite the local opposition, the local council’s planning committee initially approved the turbine plan by a seven to three majority. Rory Stewart MP then pressed the Secretary of State to “call-in” the application. This now means a public inquiry will be established to examine whether the council’s decision was made on a sound basis.

Rory Stewart said:

“The Secretary of State’s decision to call in the Killington application, highlights the problems of what was being proposed here. These structures would be seen for miles in every direction. The visual impact would be immense – and immensely damaging. Tourism is the largest sector of our economy here in Cumbria, and tourists are not drawn here by the weather but by our spectacular, unspoilt landscape.

In this case the local planning officer rejected the application, only to be over-turned by South Lakeland councillors. I remain concerned that too often our local planning authorities are still failing to see the inherent value within this vast area of natural beauty – something which local communities recognise instantly. Time and again Cumbrians have come together in demonstrations to highlight how strongly they oppose this blight on their landscape. We did so in Orton last month, and I was delighted to see planning authorities reject the turbine last week. I remain convinced that with well-organised and vocal opposition, we can successfully beat any inappropriate wind turbine application.”

Rory Stewart set up and runs the Cumbria Wind Watch website, which serves as a tool for individuals and communities seeking to fighting wind turbine applications in their community. For further information please visit:www.cumbriawindwatch.co.uk.

Turbine Heights

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