30/10/2006 - Some important questions on wind farms in Cumbria

People in Cumbria are being asked for their views on a brand new planning guide on wind farm developments in Cumbria.

The County Council, district councils and the Lake District National Park Authority are working together on the Cumbria Wind Energy Supplementary Planning Document.

The document is at the important public consultation stage, but will eventually be the guide to be used by developers, objectors, supporters and anyone else interested in or affected by wind farm planning applications for Cumbria.   Comments are being sought from the public from 30th October until 8th December 2006. 

The finished guidance will set out the planning issues which must be considered and addressed in relation to wind farms from wildlife and sustainability to the scale of development and capacity of landscape types to cope with turbines. It pays particular attention to the potential impact of wind farms on the landscape.

Ian Stewart, county council spokesman on planning and the environment, said: "Wind farms have become a fact of life in our landscapes with the numbers of turbines in Cumbria growing substantially over the last ten years.

"That trend is likely to continue with the Government wanting the UK to generate more of its energy from sustainable sources in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change.

"So we need to be clear about what Cumbria is saying about wind farms and we want to hear from as many interested people as we can. "

A summary leaflet has also been produced to introduce the current countywide consultation on planning guidance relating to wind energy developments in Cumbria and tells people where to find more detail about the issue. 

The draft guidance can be seen and commented on at www.cumbria.gov.uk/planning-environment/policy/spd.asp or can be viewed at all the authorities main offices and at local libraries.    Paper copies can be obtained from Jenny Wain at County Offices, Kendal, LA9 4RQ. Comments can also be sent here too, or email   to windspd@cumbriacc.gov.uk.

Ends

Media enquiries to Justin Hawkins, Media Officer on 01228 606334