FORCE has made a film!

Please see the news page for links to our film on Youtube!

New Tools to Help Us Fight Inappropriate Wind Energy Development!

Please see our latest news page for details about the new Allerdale Local Plan!

High Pow Proposed Extension Withdrawn!

We are off to a good start for the New Year as the application for eight additional turbines at High Pow was withdrawn just before Christmas.  The rather 'sour grapes' withdrawal letter is, at the time of writing, the last but one item on the following web page:

http://planning.allerdale.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=107587

It makes interesting reading but our relief at this outcome must be tempered by the fact that REG are obviously planning to come back with a fresh proposal in the not distant future.

Friends of Rural Cumbria's Environment take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted an objection to the application.  If it had become a reality, it would have been disastrous for local residents in terms of visual intrusion, noise and shadow flicker, with a massively detrimental effect on the local landscape.  It would have also been a major contributor to the cumulative impact of wind energy which we are currently experiencing in Allerdale.

The number of objections had topped 300 by the time the application was withdrawn, for which we are very grateful and appreciative.  It really does make all the difference and we hope that we can count on our members' continued support when a new application to extend High Pow makes its appearance.  We will of course circulate the information as soon as this happens.

Latest on High Pow!

Firstly, many thanks to everyone who has written to Allerdale Borough Council objecting to the proposal to increase the size of High Pow Wind Farm from three turbines to eleven.  There are now approximately 250 objections which can be viewed by following this link:

http://planning.allerdale.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=107587

In addition to this, we have raised a petition of approximately 400 signatures which will be submitted to the Council in due course.  The petition, once submitted, will be a powerful objection in its own right.  It will, however, be counted only as one single objection.

That is why we request that, if you have added you name to the petition, you now take just a few minutes to submit an individual objection.  This is very easy to do.  Simply use the link above which will take you directly to the relevant page on the Council's website.  Then, click where it says 'comment on application' and follow the instructions.  Only a couple of sentences are necessary to sum up your objection.  Don't forget to click on the box which confirms that you 'object' to the proposal.

Here are some ideas which you may wish to use in your objection:

·         Landscape – perhaps you are of the opinion that an extension to the existing wind farm at High Pow would have a major negative impact on the landscape, significantly altering its rural character.

 

·         Residential Amenity – many local residents are already suffering loss of amenity due to the three existing turbines as a result of noise and shadow flicker.  The Council is still dealing with an outstanding noise complaint.  Enlarging the wind farm will cause problems for more residents as well as worsening the discomfort of those who are already affected.

 

·         Cumulative Impact – there can be no question that Allerdale now accommodates a large amount of wind energy development.  A recent inquiry conducted by the Council has confirmed that Allerdale contains 62% of the onshore wind turbines in the county of Cumbria.  Unsurprisingly, all of this development has now created a substantial cumulative effect.  This applies to the number of turbines which are visible in particular views and also to the sequential cumulative impact which is experienced when travelling through the Borough.  Adding a further eight turbines to the existing three at High Pow will obviously exacerbate the situation.

 

·         Other Issues – Negative effects which you may wish to consider include the impact on wildlife and potential problems with surface water and television reception.  In the emerging Local Plan, the Council has stated its ambition to foster and enhance the tourist economy.  You may feel that this ambition is incompatible with the ongoing proliferation of wind turbines in the area.

Please do add any of your own individual concerns.  It is important to stress that the benefits claimed by the developer would not outweigh the damage caused by the eight additional turbines.

Renaming of the scheme

The Little Waver Windfarm has now been merged in with the plans for expansion to the existing turbines at High Pow. REG are naming their new scheme HIGH POW 2, and all information relating to this scheme will now be found under the link, on the right hand side, for HIGH POW 2

Deadline for comments on Allerdale Local Plan

 Please see our latest news for details of how to comment on Allerdale's Local Plan.  The consultation period will end on 12th July. 

Plenty of public feedback is essential if we are to have robust local policy in place in Allerdale to help us combat inappropriate wind energy developments such as the one at High Pow!

Public Exhibition

Thursday 30th May, 2013

Bolton Low Houses Village Hall

2pm-8pm

REG have arranged a public exhibition of the scheme they are now calling High Pow 2. Please do your very best to come along, see the new scheme and ask any questions you may have.

FORCE will, of course, be there as well, so your support would be most welcome.

Thanks

Sarah HR

High Pow Extension Exhibition

A Further Opportunity for FORCE!

FORCE has been invited to make a presentation to Allerdale Borough Council's Scrutiny Panel on Friday 17th May.  Please see news page for details of this meeting.

Public Consultation on Second Draft of Allerdale Local Plan

Please turn to our latest news page to find out how to participate in this second stage of public consultation on the Local Development Framework.  Help us to ensure better protection for local residents from intrusive wind energy developments!