Barrock End, Aiketgate

The application has been refused by the planning department under delegated powers.

reason for refusal is as follows:

1) The proposal has failed to address the planning merits identified by affected local communities and fails to have their backing contrary to the Written Statement made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Greg Clark) on 18 Jun 2015 and also National Planning Practice Guidance.

 2) The proposed turbine, by virtue of its scale and siting in a prominent location on a sensitive ridgeline in an attractive open countryside, would have a significant and unacceptable level of harm to the landscape in which it is to be sited which is not outweighed by the benefits of the scheme contrary to CS20 and the NPPF.

3) The proposed turbine, by virtue of its scale and siting in a prominent location on a sensitive ridgeline, will result in a substantial and unacceptable level of harm to the visual amenity of the area including nearby residential properties, recreational visitors and the hamlet of Aiketgate which is not outweighed by the benefits of the scheme contrary to CS20 and the NPPF.

The application has now been submitted. To object or comment go to

eforms.eden.gov.uk/fastweb/comment.asp

The proposed 77 metre commercial installation would sit on the edge of Barrock Fell on top of a sandstone ridge at an elevation of 164 metres, giving a total height of 241 metres, appearing higher than the peak of the fell itself and dominating the views for miles around. The visual amenity for local residents, visitors to the area, and from the Lake District National Park, North Pennines AONB and Scottish Borders would be greatly impacted by this out of proportion, dominant skyline feature. The development would also set a significant precedent for other wind turbines and farms in the area, with the potential for the M6 and A6 to be lined with turbines.

An action group has been formed: NO2AWT. For more information and details of how and when to object, please visit no2awt.weebly.com The group also has campaign pages on Facebook and Twitter.

NO2AWT also have a petition running, which they will pass to Eden District Council Planning Department once the development plans are submitted. To sign the petition, click here: petition

The NO2AWT group are currently working with MP Rory Stewart to organise a public meeting where local residents can hear Mr Stewart talk on the problem of wind turbine development in Cumbria, and launch his plans to revive Lord Reay's campaign to introduce a new Bill through Parliament to set effective safe minimum setback distances between commercial turbines and residential properties. NO2AWT and representatives of other local campaign groups will also be at the meeting to update on the current status of their campaigns. Date and venue to be announced ASAP.

NO2AWT are also holding a table top craft/vintage/bric-a-brac sale on Saturday 11 October 2014 from 2-5pm in Low Hesket Village Hall to raise funds for the NO 2 Aiketgate Wind Turbine campaign. Teas, coffees and cakes will be available, and an NO2AWT information stall will be on hand to find out more about the development and how to object. Entry is free to the public, and £7 for stallholders. Anyone interested in having table, please contact Michelle Miller on 016974 72002.

Sept 14 update. The proposal has been resited on the Fell and so the developers have been required to undertake the pre-consultation again for the new site.

Harmony Energy are proposing putting this huge turbine on the flank of Barrock Fell, a prominent local landmark and close to the hamlet of Aiketgate. It will be visible for miles around particularly from the Peteril and Eden valleys. Local residents have been asked for comments in the pre-application consultation stage that is now mandatory.