By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 15:46, Friday, 30 March 2012

An energy firm says it is convinced a rejected wind turbine scheme should be allowed to go ahead.

Carlisle City Council refused planning permission for wind turbines three times the height of the Civic Centre at Hallburn Farm, east of Longtown, in August.

REG Windpower wants to build six, 415ft-high turbines there, but the plans were scuppered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) objections on the grounds that vibrations or ‘seismic noise’ from the turbines could interfere with equipment at Eskdalemuir, near Langholm, that monitors nuclear tests under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Now the developer has appealed.

Development manager Matt Olley, said: “We remain convinced that this is an excellent site to generate significant quantities of safe, clean, renewable electricity.

“We of course appreciate the importance of Eskdalemuir but we understand that a technical solution addressing the MoD’s concerns may soon be available.” The appeal will be heard by a planning inspector at a public inquiry where the council, REG and other interested parties can give evidence.

The date, time and venue have yet to be set.

REG is likely to argue that dampeners can be fitted to the turbines to reduce vibrations.

The council received 283 objections and a petition against the Hallburn scheme, and 86 letters of support.

The MoD is objecting to all new turbines within 50 kilometres of Eskdalemuir.

First published at 14:11, Friday, 30 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk