CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for six wind turbines near Kendal are to have their appeal heard at the High Court in London next month.

The proposal for the 100-metre high Armistead turbines near Old Hutton was approved by an independent planning inspector last July after being rejected by South Lakeland District Council.

But objectors claimed there were ‘possible irregularities’ in the inspector’s decision statement, an argument that will be tested by High Court judges at a hearing on June 18.

The Countryside Protection Consortium: South Lakes (CPCSL), an umbrella body for local action groups opposing the windfarm, says it is now trying to raise between £!8,000 and £20,000 to fund the appeal.

CPCSL committee member Stephen Hinchliffe said: “A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the Armistead appeal decision was published.

“The most notable decisions were the rejection at public inquiries of both the Sillfield application, which was alongside Armistead, and the Brightenber Hill proposal in Upper Ribblesdale.

“Both were rejected beause of the overpowering and dominating effect the turbines would have on the lives of people in houses within about 800 meteres - a situation also present at Armistead.”

Dr Mike Hall, vice-chairman of Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery (FELLS), who described the independent inspector’s approval as a ‘bad omen’ for the tranquility of the Lune and Kent valleys, said he was disappointed that the planning inspector’s decision had not been immediately quashed by the High Court.

“We were hoping the case we put in would have been taken on face value and the decision quashed rather than subject to a full High Court hearing.

Donations to the fighting fund should be sent to CPCSL treasurer Mrs D M Hall at The Old Byre, Rigmaden Court, Mansergh, LA6 2ET, preferably with an address or e-mail so receipt can be acknowledged. Cheques to be made out to CPCSL.