Five large wind turbines and 4,200 solar panels look set to get the go-ahead next week for a site off the westbound A66 on the outskirts of Penrith.
Planners at the new Westmorland and Furness Council are recommending that the scheme be allowed on agricultural land at Flusco, Newbiggin.
It is part of a project to create a renewable energy development to power the Ullswater Heights Holiday Home and Lodge site.
It involves five 20kw vertical axis turbines, each measuring 47ft, and 4,200 ground mounted solar panels.
Nine neighbours were consulted and there six letters of objection and none in support.
Dacre Parish Council and Greystoke Parish Council are objecting, although the Environment Agency and Natural England do not.
Greystoke Parish Council objects on the grounds of visual damage and also noise disturbance and danger to wildlife.
Dacre has outlined several objections. The plans include up to 15 rows of ground-mounted solar panels, along with a plant room and energy centre.
Leisure Resorts Ltd, which runs the park, submitted the application last summer. The five turbines would be delivered in two lorry loads, and the solar panels by six 44-tonne articulated lorries.
Additional lorry visits will be needed for the solar panel frames and batteries. The applicants have pointed out that the virtual axis, rather than horizontal blade turbines, can operate in a wider range of wind conditions, do not create large extended drop shadows and have lower noise emissions.
All the journeys will take place outside peak traffic hours, the applicants said. The site lies within an area designated as suitable for small scale wind energy, they point out.
“The application demonstrates that the development would be compatible with its environs in terms of potential landscape, visual amenity and technical considerations — harmful effects are highly unlikely,” said officers in a report to the committee.
Eden-based councillors will make a decision on the matter at a meeting at Penrith Town Hall tomorrow.
More than 10 conditions are proposed, including an ongoing one that if the turbines need to be replaced the planning permission will be necessary.
The plan accords with the Government’s Net Zero by 2050 target, which aims to cut emissions by 78 per cent by 2035.
- At the same meeting, plans for a solar farm will also be decided for applicants Omega Proteins, Greystoke Road, Penrith, on behalf of parent company the Thornton Meat Company Ltd, Halifax. Officers are recommending that the scheme be approved. The proposed “small scale” solar farm, with landscaping, would occupy the two fields to the west of the existing Omega Proteins industrial complex.
