"Saddleback, Blencathra is one of the great fortress mountains of the Northern Lake District. It is majestic & seems wonderfully wild. This will be ruined should the proposed wind turbines at Berrier be supported."
Proposed Berrier Wind Farm Turbines
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"Europa Nostra fully supports the drive for renewables, including wind-power, but considers that wind-turbines must be sited in appropriate places. It also considers that, in their energy policies, many European countries have so far tended to focus too heavily on wind-power. They have provided large incentives for its development, relaxed planning legislation, and failed to make a balanced assessment of its merits and demerits, with the consequence that vast areas of beautiful landscape throughout Europe are now dominated by groups of increasingly large wind-turbines - every one of which constitutes a small power station - and are thus being effectively industrialised, with consequent serious damage to the natural heritage. Europa Nostra holds that, in many European countries, a situation is being created in which social, economic, tourism, historical, cultural, wildlife and landscape impacts are being insufficiently addressed, in the decision making process relating to wind-power.
In the case of Berrier, however, I would like to stress the relevance of one particular consideration, namely the need to have regard for the impact on, and proximity to, sites designated internationally, nationally, regionally or locally as protected areas. The proposed Berrier wind-turbines are only a kilometre from the Lake District National Park, an area of extra-ordinary beauty, currently being considered for designation as a World Heritage Site. As others have written to point out to the District Council, the visual impact of these wind-turbines on vast areas of the National Park, and on its surroundings, would be enormous.
The Lake District National Park has two principal access roads. Both are initially approached via the M6 Motorway. The southern area is then accessed by the A 591; and the northern by the A 66. It is of course the M6 & the A66 which would be affected by the Berrier Project. Its visual impact on these two roads would be massive. Instead of the eye being caught from afar by the striking natural beauty of Blencathra, it would inevitably be drawn towards the massive, industrial wind-turbines, each one 335 feet to blade tip - nearly as high as the tallest Cathedral spire in England (Salisbury). There would be clear damage to the County’s natural heritage and to its biggest creator of employment – tourism.
Wind-farm developers usually supply photo-montages of their planned development. However conscientiously these may be done, they cannot create a true image of the potential visual impact. Why? Because – unlike the wind-turbines - these images do not move. During the Whinash Public Enquiry in 2005, one of the objector organisations commissioned the preparation of a type of presentation which had not figured in any previous wind-farm Enquiry. It took the form of computer-generated visualisations of how the wind-farm would look, in differing weather conditions, if it were built. The visualisations presented the wind-turbines in movement - as of course they are for most of the time - when they are vastly more visually intrusive than when stationary. They showed the wind-farm in a variety of environmental conditions, using dynamic visual assessment (DVA) techniques. They made a major impression at the Public Enquiry. I trust that the Council will bear in mind that the photomontages presented to them cannot by their nature give anything like a true impression of the real visual impact of the Project."
In the case of Berrier, however, I would like to stress the relevance of one particular consideration, namely the need to have regard for the impact on, and proximity to, sites designated internationally, nationally, regionally or locally as protected areas. The proposed Berrier wind-turbines are only a kilometre from the Lake District National Park, an area of extra-ordinary beauty, currently being considered for designation as a World Heritage Site. As others have written to point out to the District Council, the visual impact of these wind-turbines on vast areas of the National Park, and on its surroundings, would be enormous.
The Lake District National Park has two principal access roads. Both are initially approached via the M6 Motorway. The southern area is then accessed by the A 591; and the northern by the A 66. It is of course the M6 & the A66 which would be affected by the Berrier Project. Its visual impact on these two roads would be massive. Instead of the eye being caught from afar by the striking natural beauty of Blencathra, it would inevitably be drawn towards the massive, industrial wind-turbines, each one 335 feet to blade tip - nearly as high as the tallest Cathedral spire in England (Salisbury). There would be clear damage to the County’s natural heritage and to its biggest creator of employment – tourism.
Wind-farm developers usually supply photo-montages of their planned development. However conscientiously these may be done, they cannot create a true image of the potential visual impact. Why? Because – unlike the wind-turbines - these images do not move. During the Whinash Public Enquiry in 2005, one of the objector organisations commissioned the preparation of a type of presentation which had not figured in any previous wind-farm Enquiry. It took the form of computer-generated visualisations of how the wind-farm would look, in differing weather conditions, if it were built. The visualisations presented the wind-turbines in movement - as of course they are for most of the time - when they are vastly more visually intrusive than when stationary. They showed the wind-farm in a variety of environmental conditions, using dynamic visual assessment (DVA) techniques. They made a major impression at the Public Enquiry. I trust that the Council will bear in mind that the photomontages presented to them cannot by their nature give anything like a true impression of the real visual impact of the Project."
"Blencathra, or Saddleback, as it’s also known, is a truly magnificent mountain; the gate tower to the north east Lakes, it stands proud like a gigantic saddle overlooking the main road from Penrith and the M6 into Keswick and West Cumbria. It is good to look at and a wonderful viewpoint."
And of the application, "I’m absolutely appalled by it."
And of the application, "I’m absolutely appalled by it."
"As their first view of the Scottish Highlands visitors to Scotland are now faced with the 37 spinning turbines of the Braes of Doune wind farm just north of Stirling. It's an ugly and depressing introduction to a region that relies on tourism. If the development at Berrier Hill below Blencathra goes ahead visitors to the Lake District will be faced with a similar outlook. For a region that relies so heavily on tourism it will be a shocking indictment if the local planning authority allows this development to go ahead.
Being such a small nation we are quickly running out of places where we can re-create ourselves in nature, where we can escape the burgeoning spread of man's hand. The English Lake District is one such place. To desecrate its environs with an industrial sized development, with all the concrete bases, the enormous turbines, the miles of bulldozed roads and the associated pylons and grids would cast a slur on those who have, through the generations, fought for National Parks and looked after them so well. I would urge everyone who loves the wild places, and in particular the magnificent landscapes of the Lake District, to object to this insensitive proposal as soon as possible. To remain silent is no longer an option.
I'm apalled that such a development, on the very edge of England's finest National Park, should even be considered. There is so much evidence that windfarms only work at 30% efficiency and the environmental costs in creating the turbines, transporting the infrastructure, etc is far greater than any carbon gas savings. In addition, any peat that is disturbed in the process of erecting these turbines on their concrete plinths is likely to give off more carbon gases than these turbines will save. Finally, there is no place for such a potential eyesore in, or near, any of our National Parks or areas of wild land."
Being such a small nation we are quickly running out of places where we can re-create ourselves in nature, where we can escape the burgeoning spread of man's hand. The English Lake District is one such place. To desecrate its environs with an industrial sized development, with all the concrete bases, the enormous turbines, the miles of bulldozed roads and the associated pylons and grids would cast a slur on those who have, through the generations, fought for National Parks and looked after them so well. I would urge everyone who loves the wild places, and in particular the magnificent landscapes of the Lake District, to object to this insensitive proposal as soon as possible. To remain silent is no longer an option.
I'm apalled that such a development, on the very edge of England's finest National Park, should even be considered. There is so much evidence that windfarms only work at 30% efficiency and the environmental costs in creating the turbines, transporting the infrastructure, etc is far greater than any carbon gas savings. In addition, any peat that is disturbed in the process of erecting these turbines on their concrete plinths is likely to give off more carbon gases than these turbines will save. Finally, there is no place for such a potential eyesore in, or near, any of our National Parks or areas of wild land."
"This is one of the most grotesque proposals we have seen … worse than Whinash (defeated wind application in Eden)… It will destroy Blencathra"
"Blencathra is one of the grandest mountains in Lakeland and the most imposing of all. It stands in isolation, is strongly individualistic and of unique character."
"This is a mountain that compels attention, even from those dull people whose eyes are not habitually lifted to the hills. To artists and photographers it is an obvious subject for their craft. To the dales folk it is the eternal background to their lives, there at birth, there at death. But most of all it is a mountaineers’ mountain."
"This is a mountain that compels attention, even from those dull people whose eyes are not habitually lifted to the hills. To artists and photographers it is an obvious subject for their craft. To the dales folk it is the eternal background to their lives, there at birth, there at death. But most of all it is a mountaineers’ mountain."
"These turbines would be far too near to our dwellings in Berrier. I have also lived and farmed on this land for 40 years. Berrier Hill is a unique environment and I'm worried about the damage to the land."
"Having lived in Penruddock for almost 50 years, I was a little bemused when someone suggested that there were plans to erect wind turbines at Berrier. I've heard it all before, ski lifts on Mell Fell, railways through Penruddock (again), canal over the Pennines. All uneconomic pie in the developers sky. However, After attending the West Coast Energy exhibition at Greystoke Village Hall in August, I quickly realised that this was not going to be a source of entertainment for the locals to muse over in the pub, but a dangerously real threat to our beautiful and unspoiled landscape.
When I was a young lad, my friends and I would from time to time venture up to Berrier tarn, then on to the openness of the hill, where we hid & played amongst the undergrowth with only Rabbits and birds for company. It would be an unforgivable act of wanton vandalism to our skyline to remove the right of our children to enjoy the same experiences that we did.
It is quoted that we need to produce renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels. I could not agree more! But it is also a known fact that wind turbines would be a total economic failure if it were not for the subsidy on the units produced. Our fine and beautiful county is also one of the wettest in Britain. It has rivers that flow 24/7, 365 days a year. Water turbines and wheels have been around for hundreds of years and of late are becoming increasingly efficient. They can be low level structures or even hidden underground. They can also be placed on rivers in industrial areas where they are in close proximity to grid connections and existing electrical infrastructure. The other alternative is already situated on the West coast and until recently produced enough electricity to supply a great deal of Cumbria. Had our glorious politicians not been fawning to the minority anti-nuclear lobby and acted on behalf of the majority who put them in power, we may now have had an up-to-date modern generating facility in Sellafield, thus eliminating any need for the ever-spreading blots on our landscape that come in the form of wind turbines.
Until Hutton Parish Council discussed and unanimously rejected West Coast Energy's plan to erect 9 wind turbines on Berrier hill, I tried to maintain a neutral stance on the subject, as I feel that everyone has a right to their point of view even if I do not agree. But now I can throw my cards on the table and voice my disgust at the greedy people, both developers and landowners, who are aiming to make a great deal of money on the false pretext of producing green energy."
When I was a young lad, my friends and I would from time to time venture up to Berrier tarn, then on to the openness of the hill, where we hid & played amongst the undergrowth with only Rabbits and birds for company. It would be an unforgivable act of wanton vandalism to our skyline to remove the right of our children to enjoy the same experiences that we did.
It is quoted that we need to produce renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels. I could not agree more! But it is also a known fact that wind turbines would be a total economic failure if it were not for the subsidy on the units produced. Our fine and beautiful county is also one of the wettest in Britain. It has rivers that flow 24/7, 365 days a year. Water turbines and wheels have been around for hundreds of years and of late are becoming increasingly efficient. They can be low level structures or even hidden underground. They can also be placed on rivers in industrial areas where they are in close proximity to grid connections and existing electrical infrastructure. The other alternative is already situated on the West coast and until recently produced enough electricity to supply a great deal of Cumbria. Had our glorious politicians not been fawning to the minority anti-nuclear lobby and acted on behalf of the majority who put them in power, we may now have had an up-to-date modern generating facility in Sellafield, thus eliminating any need for the ever-spreading blots on our landscape that come in the form of wind turbines.
Until Hutton Parish Council discussed and unanimously rejected West Coast Energy's plan to erect 9 wind turbines on Berrier hill, I tried to maintain a neutral stance on the subject, as I feel that everyone has a right to their point of view even if I do not agree. But now I can throw my cards on the table and voice my disgust at the greedy people, both developers and landowners, who are aiming to make a great deal of money on the false pretext of producing green energy."
"I can see no benefit at all for local people - it will dominate the beautiful area around Greystoke and Berrier. We must oppose it."
"In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy"
"As a frequent walker and a lifetime lover of the area I cannot believe you will allow this to happen. Please don't let me and hundreds of thousands of likeminded individuals down. We all know it does not make economic sense.The fad will die a death and we will be left with blight on our breathtaking countryside."
"This proposal would constitute an eyesore, spoiling the view in one of the most beautiful places in Britain. It makes no sense to mar the environment in order to 'save' it. I object to the proposal."
"This is a shameful proposal - not only would it blight the beauty of a unique and special landscape, it would blight the tourist appeal of this area. Walkers fuel the Lakeland economy, and walkers long for beauty and space and natural lanscape. The visual intrusion of gigantic indusrtrial wind turbines will deter many visitors, including myself, even though Blencathra is one of my very favourite mountains. I have visited and stayed in the Lakes on a least 20 holidays in the past 10 years, contributing many thousands of pounds to the Cumbrian economy. Destroy what I go there for and I won't come again, and nor will many like me. The value of this landscape - aesthetically and economically - should be recognised and respected. If this proposal goes ahead it will be a disgraceful, shortsighted destruction of an irreplacable landscape."
"This is a shameful proposal - not only would it blight the beauty of a unique and special landscape, it would blight the tourist appeal of this area. Walkers fuel the Lakeland economy, and walkers long for beauty and space and natural lanscape. The visual intrusion of gigantic indusrtrial wind turbines will deter many visitors, including myself, even though Blencathra is one of my very favourite mountains. I have visited and stayed in the Lakes on a least 20 holidays in the past 10 years, contributing many thousands of pounds to the Cumbrian economy. Destroy what I go there for and I won't come again, and nor will many like me. The value of this landscape - aesthetically and economically - should be recognised and respected. If this proposal goes ahead it will be a disgraceful, shortsighted destruction of an irreplacable landscape."
"This is a wind factory too far!! It's simply in the wrong place - adjacent to a National Park - how crass can developers and planners get I have visited this area many times and this wind turbine proposal will ruin the beauty and landscape of the area. Please stop this desecration!"
"I am literally horrified to learn of this proposal. Blencathra is one of the most spectacular mountains in the area as it rises out of the surrounding landscape Erecting wind turbines will be a massive desecration of a beautiful area for the minimal energy which such turbines can produce. In the name of sanity please do not let this proposal go ahead.Future generations will never forgive you!!!!"
"I am a frequent visitor to this part of the country and I am appalled that they could install 9 wind turbines and spoil this beautiful countryside - if these go up it will put me off from visiting in the future."
"That this proposal is even being considered suggests that we as a nation, and the local authority in the Eden district in particular, are failing to appreciate the inestimable worth of our most treaured landscapes. Places such as the Lake District are not two a penny. These small areas of still-unspoilt land have a rare and wonderful significance in the spiritual life of a nation, yet they are incredibly fragile and can easily be tarnished. To do so would be to sell our birthright. The unspoilt feel of the Lake District is being chipped away piecemeal, and this proposed industrial development would represent just another nail in the coffin. That it falls outside the National Park boundary is not reason enough to support the project, since its prominence in views both to and from the eastern fells makes a mockery of the idea of zoned planning. Because of their prominence for many miles around, windfarms can seriously damage the scenic value and unspoilt feel of wild landscape!"
"The footprint of a windfarm can be enormous. Planning authorities and the general public at large have yet to grasp a crucial truth - that the debatable environmental benefits brought by wind power can be rendered meaningless by the environmental damage caused by poorly planned developments. There is a place for wind power, and that is in urban, offshore and intensively farmed locations of low scenic value. Without resorting to curses I cannot express strongly enough my objection to this short sighted scheme."
"The footprint of a windfarm can be enormous. Planning authorities and the general public at large have yet to grasp a crucial truth - that the debatable environmental benefits brought by wind power can be rendered meaningless by the environmental damage caused by poorly planned developments. There is a place for wind power, and that is in urban, offshore and intensively farmed locations of low scenic value. Without resorting to curses I cannot express strongly enough my objection to this short sighted scheme."