EDEN residents remain concerned about the future of the area after developers unveiled their plans for a 25-acre solar farm.

New Energy for the World GmbH invited the public to a meeting at Orton Village Hall where maps and information for the proposed energy plant between the north and south carriageways of the M6 at Tebay were on display.

The German-based company's representative Axel Puttkammer made assurances that sheep could continue to graze between the matte black panels - set in lines at eight metres apart - and mitigation measures would be put in place to 'smooth the affects' of the solar park.

But despite offering a 'kick back' to the community via a payment to Orton Parish Council of £1,000 per mega watt per year - which would amount to £5,000 a year for the plant's 25 year lifespan - compensation for the so-called 'industrialisation' of the land is not enough for local residents.

Those attending the meeting raised concerns including visual impact, potential distraction to motorway drivers and the affect on the economy.

Kyle Blue, chairman of Orton Parish Council, said: "I personally don't feel the presentation addressed the visual impact very well.

"I'm still very uncomfortable about the industrialisation of the land and the precedent it sets. I think for a big development like that there should be more for the community."

Mark Renwick-Smith, of Orton, labelled the scheme as 'appalling', adding: "In one of the most beautiful parts of the world it would be an eye sore."

Speaking of the cash handout, he said: "It's not very much but even if it was £10,000 or £20,000 it wouldn't make a difference."

Jan Anning, of Gaisgill, said the offer was 'offensive', adding: "We're highly dependent on tourism and this will look like you're entering an industrial estate."

She added no jobs would be created which was important in an area where there is 'no employment for young people'.

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Elizabeth Crossley, of Gaisgill, said the impact on tourism could even prove to be 'detrimental' to the area.

Roger Frank, of Raisbeck, said: "In some ways it's redundant land because it's between two motorway carriageways but but it will have a massive impact because of the size."

He also questioned the efficiency of the farm in view of Cumbria's notorious rainy weather.

Mr Puttkammer said the application was submitted on July 22 but the company was awaiting validation.