Controversial wind farm gets go ahead

Hellrigg Wind Farm comprise of four turbines on farmland to the south east of Silloth in Cumbria. Each turbine is up to 121 metres (including blades) and will have a total generating capacity of around 10 MW.

The go-ahead to build the farm was given this week following a three-day public inquiry, which took place in February 2009.

Clare Wilson, Regional Development manager at RWE npower renewables said: "We are very pleased to have received consent for Hellrigg Wind Farm and, once operational, the wind farm will make a significant contribution towards renewable energy requirements in the North West."

"There is an urgent need to tackle climate change and the wind farm at Hellrigg will make an important contribution to meeting the UK's renewable energy targets of supplying 15 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2015."

Proposals for the wind farm were first announced in 2003. A fresh application for four larger turbines was put forward later but was refused permission in December 2007, leading to the inquiry.

More than 1,000 local objections were lodged and more than 50 protesters went along to the inquiry.

Wilson said RWE npower renewables would continue to work with the local community “to keep them informed throughout the next stages of development and as the wind farm is built."

RWE npower renewables is one of the UK's leading renewable energy companies and operates both onshore and offshore wind farms. It is building the world’s second largest offshore wind farm, Gwynt y Mor offshore wind farm, off the coast of Wales, and operates the North Hoyle wind farm. It is currently also working on a joint project to develop its first wave power scheme in the Scottish isles.