AN APPLICATION to extend the life of a wind farm near Kendal by 10 years has been submitted to South Lakeland District Council. 

Planning consent issued in July 1999 allows for the operation of Lambrigg Wind Farm, which is located close to New Hutton, until July 2024. 

The current application is to vary the conditions of this planning consent. 

A variation of condition two would see the operational life of Lambrigg extended by 10 years to July 31 2034. 

A variation of condition three would result in an extension – to July 2, 2033 – to the time period for submission of details confirming decommissioning and restoration of the wind farm.

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Lambrigg Wind Farm is situated to the east of the summit of Lambrigg Fell and comprises five wind turbine generators. 

A cover letter has been submitted by engineering and environmental consultancy RSK in support of the application.

"It is not proposed to alter or physically change any aspect of the existing Lambrigg Wind Farm," says the cover letter.

The letter says that in 2021 Ventient Energy completed life extension analysis on Lambrigg. 

"A structural assessment comprised of an analytical and practical assessment, compliant with industry standards, with the objective of confirming the structural integrity of the wind farm beyond 20 years," it says.

"The analytical assessment showed that the structure of the turbine is suitable for the extended operational period proposed due to the robust design of the turbine and key wind conditions being favourable for extended operation.

"The practical assessment showed that the turbines were in excellent condition and suitable for continued operation."

Approval of the application would prevent the wind turbines from being decommissioned at the end of the current planning consent period. 

"The proposed extended period of generation would enable Lambrigg to generate renewable energy for a longer period of time, which would contribute to the United Kingdom Government's target on carbon dioxide reduction levels," says the cover letter.

The application has been submitted by Beaufort Wind Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ventient Energy Ltd.