VILLAGERS turned out in force to oppose plans to build an 80 metre high wind turbine at New Hutton.

Peter Ellis asked South Lakeland District Council for planning permission to build the structure in a field currently used for livestock grazing which lies close to the A684 between Kendal and junction 37 of the M6.

In total, 159 letters and e-mails were sent to SLDC objecting to the turbine, with just five in support of the plan. Local groups such as FELLS (Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery), FORCE (Friends of Rural Cumbria’s Environment) and Friends of the Lake District all wrote to oppose the application.

Arthur Robinson, clerk to New Hutton Parish Council, said that a survey carried out had found 96 per cent of parishioners were against the plan.

"The council does not object to wind power in general and has in the past supported Lambrigg wind farm, but the council can see this application would have a serious effect on the local area.

"After farming, the most important industry in the parish is tourism and we have holiday homes, caravan parks and so on here. Tourists are attracted by the very rural landscape. This would be harmed by the visual intrusion and the noise. This would set a precedent if it was approved."

Richard Sharp, of Hawkrigg Turbine Action Group, also pointed out the general feeling of local people.

"We do fully represent the whole spectrum of the community, from long-standing residents to newcomers to local businesses and other members of the farming community. Locals and visitors are united in our love of the unspoilt landscape and this will not only ruin the view, it will completely dominate the skyline for miles around."

Mr Ellis told the council he was anxious to develop a sustainable renewable energy project to both reduce the financial overheads on the farm and also to contribute to the reduction in his carbon footprint.

But councillors agreed that it would not be feasible to back a plan which had received so much opposition from within the local community.

Coun Brian Cooper said: "I am certainly not against renewable energy. We look at each case on merit but I feel this is certainly not one we can support. There is such a big feeling against it in New Hutton that we cannot possibly go with this one."

The application was rejected by the planning committee.