FARRON WELCOMES SILFIELD WINDFARM REJECTION

12.00.00am GMT Fri 29th Jan 2010

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the decision of the independent planning inspector to reject the proposed wind farm at Sillfield.

The developers had exercised their legal right to by-pass the democratic planning process and go straight to an inquiry, which was held in Kendal Town Hall during October 2009. Tim was one of the key witnesses who argued against the proposal during the formal Inquiry.

Today the inspector revealed his decision to reject the proposal.

Speaking after the decision was released today, Tim said, "It was wrong to propose a development like this in such an unspoilt and beautiful area - it makes far more sense to build wind farms offshore. Offshore wind farms can be much larger, generate much more energy to fight climate change and will not damage the landscape the way that proposals like Sillfield would.

"It was also wrong that the developers - Sillfield Wind Cluster Ltd - tried to by-pass the democratic process by going direct to the independent Inspector. Justice has been done this time.

"It's now vital that the Government takes a lead on renewable energy - especially to make use of our underused water resources. Hydro energy has vast untapped great potential in Cumbria. We have the fastest falling water courses in England, but there are only six working hydro schemes in the whole county."