Published at 13:09, Tuesday, 06 March 2012

A RESIDENTS’ group is stepping up its fight against a proposed wind turbine.

By Natalie Chapples

Homeowners at Birkrigg Park, Ulverston, are opposing a plan to build an electricity producing turbine 400m from their houses.

The Birkrigg Park Residents’ Association is representing people on the estate who are against the turbine, which would stand at 15m, and 20.3m to the blade tips, at Woodside Farm, Weint Lane, Great Urswick.

South Lakeland District Council received the application from Nathan Welch for Kenetica Energy Ltd, which would provide the turbine, and the agent Jennings Design Associates - Architects, on behalf of the land owners, the Sawrey family.

The Birkrigg Park householders have fears over noise and health implications, and have made individual objections.

Pennington Parish Council and Urswick Parish Council have confirmed they are backing the residents and have, or are about to, lodge objections to SLDC.

Kathleen Dobson, the chairwoman of BPRA, has contacted 10 Downing Street in an attempt to get legislation and guidance on turbines. She said: “It is important issues like this are dealt with in depth and that we explore every avenue. We want to find out what the current guidelines are, and we are looking for information on the latest legislation. We wanted to find out the government’s position on wind turbines and if there are any relevant bills going through that would affect planning.

“We are also talking to groups from the Ramblers’ Association to the air ambulance.”

The group received confirmation the Prime Minister appreciated them taking the time to write and that their enquiry had been forwarded to the relevant government department.

Mrs Dobson added: “We moved here on the basis of having a quiet rural setting. This has given rise to a lot of concern on the estate. We will fight it to the end.”

The campaigner and her neighbours said they had not had letters about the plans from SLDC and found out about the proposal through a sign on a lamppost.

JDA - Architects said the manufacturers have “focused on minimising noise output”.

The application added: “The only noise that is audible is the gentle ‘swooshing’ noise of the blades cutting through the air. While it is not possible to eradicate this noise completely, the blades are designed to be aerodynamic so cutting through the air and reducing noise levels. It is extremely unlikely local residents would be troubled by any noise generated.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk