New group set up to back Killington windfarm plans (From The Westmorland Gazette)

New group set up to back Killington windfarm plans

8:30pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Anna Clarke, Reporter

A CAMPAIGN has been launched urging locals to support plans for the windfarm at Killington Reservoir.

The Killington Wind Energy Support Project (KWESP) has been set up this week to get people to write to South Lakeland District Council asking the authority to give the green light to plans for three 433ft turbines.

Chris Rowley, group organiser, said: “We firmly believe the visual impact which a few appropriately placed turbines would have on Cumbria is far less of a danger than the energy and climate-related challenges already upon us.

“We wanted to provide a forum through which positive opinions about the proposed Killington windfarm could be clearly expressed.

“We do not believe letters to the planning officer from those living way out of the area, as used by those opposing the proposals, should carry as much weight as those from local people.”

Mr Rowley, of Kendal, has set up the group with Killington resident Nick Chetwood.

Both are members of the South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, which has also backed the plans.

It says the Lake District’s ecology has been ‘significantly affected’ by climate change and windfarms are a way of helping secure future energy for Britain.

Energy giant Banks Renewables, which has put forward the plans, has promised to donate £650,000 over the 25-year lifespan of the turbine to local community projects.

It will create up to 50 jobs through £4m of construction, security, accommodation and catering contracts.

Cumbria County Council recommended this month that SLDC turns down the plans, after hearing the farm will be located close to the A684 and M6 junction 37, which is used for access to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Councillors said this would put tourists off the area while having a detrimental effect on the landscape for those living nearby.

They would also be located just 1.2km from nearby Lambrigg windfarm and 4.7km from the Armistead windfarm.

Tanya Hoare, of campaign group STAK (Stop Turbines at Killington), said: “Our main objections are about the landscape and the wildlife. The turbines will be close to the road and have a very intimidating effect. They will also kill the birds that live around the lake.”

But Mr Rowley said there were misunderstandings about turbines which were often presented as fact.

He also said many of the Killington residents whose homes will be close to the site had joined the support group.

Anybody who wishes to support the plans is urged to write to the development control officer at SLDC.