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 turbines double the size, resulting in a far greater visual impact within the valley and for many miles around. Only 2 turbines have been removed. There has been further impact on the environment as completely new concrete bases have been created to support these new turbines, roads built and quarries dug. 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 - urgent action required before 23rd May 2008

Banks Developments has submitted a planning application to South Lakeland District Council for a wind farm close to the B6245 Kirkby Lonsdale to Kendal road just beyond Barkin House, at almost the highest point of the ridge that includes Scout Hill, Warth Hill and Kitridding Hill. This is right on the boundary of the possible extension to the Yorkshire Dales National Park currently being considered by Natural England. A previous application for this area (Barkin Lot) in 1998 was turned down by SLDC on the grounds that the wind farm would have serious visual impact on the beautiful landscape.

The plan is to install 6 turbines which will be 40% higher at 100 metres (328 ft) than those in the previous application. Additionally 4 km of heavy duty roadway will be constructed to install and service the site. SLDC has already allowed installation of an anemometer to measure wind speed which suggests that permission will not be dismissed out of hand.

A BLOT is an action group formed to oppose this application. For details on how to object please see the A BLOT website which has much more detailed information.

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 there is a planning application submitted for Armistead (formerly Barkin Lot) and also one expected shortly for Cragg Lot, 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.