Energy suppliers West Coast Energy lose wind farm appeal - 30/06/2010
Energy suppliers West Coast Energy have lost an appeal to develop a proposed wind farm on the edge of the Lake District.
A decision to block to cheap energy development was upheld by the government on the grounds that the 334-foot wind turbines at Berrier Hill would blight the local landscape.
The original planning application was blocked after a five-month public inquiry, leading to West Coast Energy appealing against the decision on the grounds that the wind farm would provide substantial environmental and economic benefits.
High-profile opponents to the wind farm included mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, who argued that the development would compromise the "iconic" view to and from Blencathra.
Eden Council leader Gordon Nicolson welcomed the government's decision, saying that although renewable energy is important, it should not come at the expense of ruining the local environment.
"The council along with other public bodies recognise the need to develop renewable energy sources, but we also recognise the need to protect the unique character of our local landscapes for future generations," he said.
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