WIND developers Infinergy have lodged an appeal against South Lakeland District Council’s refusal of a wind farm at Marton, near Ulverston.

Earlier this year South Lakeland District Councillors in a close vote of five to six refused planning consent for the Furness Wind Farm proposal for five turbines on Harlock Hill and Mean Moor.

However, neighbouring authority Barrow Borough Council approved the plans by a unanimous vote. Both authorities were needed to determine the application as the project straddles the authority boundary.

Infinergy has now formally lodged the appeal against South Lakeland’s decision.

Senior Project Manager Matt Russell said: “It is good to see Furness Wind Farm move on to the next stage. Barrow Borough Council’s overwhelming approval has been a tremendous encouragement to us, our partners Baywind Energy Co-operative and the many people who have supported this unique repowering project.”

The existing wind farm at Harlock Hill is owned by the community co-operative Baywind Energy Co-operative. Baywind Chairman David Eastlick said: “Unlike South Lakeland District Council, Barrow Borough councillors unitedly acknowledged Furness Wind Farm’s many benefits for local people and the environment. We are hopeful that the planning inspector will concur that planning permission deserves to be granted.”

Now that the appeal has been lodged, the Planning Inspectorate will respond with what the next steps in the appeal process will be.