News

Ministers Refuse Whinash Wind Farm Application

2nd March 2006

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks and Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight have accepted the recommendations of the Inspector, Mr David Rose, who held a public inquiry last year, to refuse permission for a 27 turbine wind farm at Bretherdale and Roundthwaite commons, near Tebay.

Both Ministers accept Mr Rose's conclusions that the effects on the landscape and its value for recreation would be so serious that they would outweigh the benefits of securing a renewable energy source and the need to address climate change.

Mr Wicks said: "Tackling global warming is critical but we must also nurture the immediate environment and wildlife. This is at the crux of the debate over wind energy.

"On this occasion, we agree with the independent inspector that the impact on the landscape and recreation would outweigh the benefits in terms of reducing carbon emissions.

"I know there was both support and opposition to the Whinash development but I hope the winner here is the planning system, which has to be robust in its assessment of the merits of each proposal. Our commitment to renewable energy is remains firm."

Mr Knight said: "In reaching this decision, we considered the interests of the land owners, commoners and those with other access rights, and visitors to the area now and in the future. We balanced these against the implications for energy sourcing and climate change.

"I am satisfied with the Inspector's finding that the adverse impact of the proposals on the landscape, and the value of the area for recreation are, in this instance, of greater importance than the benefits in providing a source of renewable energy. Based on these findings, the decision to reject the application is a clear one."