Caton Moor

Despite its location actually within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 10 wind turbines were erected in 1994 overlooking the Lune Valley. More recently they have been replaced with 8 turbines double the size, resulting in a far greater visual impact within the valley and for many miles around. The plan was initially rejected by Lancaster City Council but later passed on Appeal.

Cragg Lot, Arkholme

Following the scoping assessment it is expected that a Planning Application will be made for FIVE turbines, each some 125 metres high - right on the border of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

If this application succeeds the turbines will be visible throughout most of The Lune Valley including from many historic villages, with Arkholme, Gressingham, Melling, Hornby and Borwick being the closest. However, the scale of these turbines means that they will be visible from points North, South, East and West of the valley, encroaching on the open and unspoilt panoramas which are the hallmark of the area, and which we should fight to retain.

See additional threats

Armistead

Banks Developments submitted a planning application to South Lakeland District Council for a wind farm close to the B6245 Kirkby Lonsdale to Kendal road. This is right on the boundary of the possible extension to the Yorkshire Dales National Park currently being considered by Natural England. The plan is to install 6 turbines each of which will be 100 metres (328 ft) high. Additionally 4 km of heavy duty roadway will be constructed to install and service the site. SDLC planning committee rejected this application 12 to 1 but it was passed on appeal after a 2 week public enquiry in May 2009.

The Threat to Lunesdale

There is already a large wind farm on Caton Moor in the lower Lune Valley and another at Lambrigg in upper Lunesdale. Fortunately, permission for the Whinash site in the Upper Lune Valley was finally refused after a long and hard-fought campaign and Public Enquiry. Now planning has been approved for Armistead with the additional threat of an 8 turbine development at Longfield Tarn (Nanny Hall) (MAP). Both these sites adjoin picturesque Kirkby Lonsdale, a popular tourist venue. An application is expected shortly for Cragg Lot near Arkholme and Gressingham, with the possibility of more to follow as developers rush to beat the plans to include large areas of Lunesdale in The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. For the effects of such developments see photo gallery.

There is now an additional and more serious threat on nearby Claughton Moor where a planning application for 20 turbines has been lodged with Lancaster City Council. Each turbine will be 126.5 metres (415 ft) high and will loom menacingly over the picturesque village of Hornby. The fellside will be further defaced by a new road to service the site which will cut across green fields at Farleton in the Lune valley. Objections to the application should reach the planning office by 01/12/09.