THE APPLICATION
An application was submitted to the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry on 30th September 2003.
Due to the large scale of the proposed windfarm (over 50MW) the proposal is submitted to the DTI rather than going through the normal procedures of application to the Local Planning Authority.
The application has been made by Renewable Development Company Ltd (RDC), a sister company of West Coast Energy Ltd in conjunction with Falck Renewables Ltd., a wind energy subsidiary of the Italian company Falck Group (Gruppo Falck).
* * See Updates * *

The current application is to erect 27 wind turbine generators, each with a minimum capacity of 2.5MW. The turbines will have a hub height of 70 metres (229 ft) and a total height of 115 metres (377 ft) - i.e. 75% of the height of Blackpool Tower. Each blade will have a length of 45 metres, giving a diameter of 90 metres (compare this with a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet with a wingspan of 59.6 metres and a length of 70 metres! - See Below)
This wind farm will rank as the largest single industrial scheme ever to have been undertaken in this country in terms of land use.
In its entirety it would create the largest land turbine development in Europe, extending over 5 miles in length.
The chosen location is on open moorland subject to common rights and rights of pasture between the A6 and M6 (between the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park), approximately 3 kilometres to the west of Tebay, 10 kilometres south of Shap and 11 kilometres north of Kendal.
Scattered over unspoilt Cumbrian fell landscape, it would be visible for many miles and be bordered by the Dales and Lake District National Parks and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
No scheme of this size has been constructed so close to significant areas of habitation, with over 800 residents living within sight, and 3 miles, of the scheme.

The development would create virtually no employment(The developers claim up to 60 people may be directly employed during the construction, with up to 6 people being employed during the life of the farm), and put many jobs associated with tourism at risk.

ALL THIS WILL TAKE PLACE WITHOUT RECOURSE TO THE NORMAL DEMOCRATIC PLANNING PROCEDURE.

ONE MAN
- BRIAN WILSON, MINISTER FOR ENERGY -
[and zealot for wind power]
WILL DECIDE

* * See Updates * *

Comparison with Boeing 747
(smaller turbine)

Size Comparison with various items

Location Sketch

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