A FARMING couple ‘devastated’ by a planning inspector’s decision to approve six wind turbines near Old Hutton are appealing to the High Court.

The controversial plans for the 100 metre high turbines were given the go-ahead in July following a two-week public inquiry.

But Gilsmere Farm residents Rebecca and Brian Barnes, who would live and work just 600 metres from the nearest turbine, have launched a statutory appeal in an attempt to get the decision quashed.

“We weren’t happy with the inspector’s decision, we thought it was unfair,” said Mrs Barnes.

“We wanted to give ourselves a chance to overturn the decision and we’re very happy this is going ahead.

“It would have a devastating impact on our lives.”

The Countryside Protection Consortium of South Lakes (CPCSL) which was formed 18 months ago to participate in public inquiries into wind farms, is supporting the Barnes’ appeal.

It sought legal advice following on the case, due to concerns about the “loose wording and vagueness” of a noise condition in the inspector’s decision.

Mike Hall, chairman of Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery (FELLS), which has played a leading part with CPCSL, explained that experts believed the condition was “woefully inadequte” and “probably could not be enforced” by the local authority.

He said the appeal was also based on a misunderstanding of the effects the turbines would have on the Barnes’ ability to enjoy their land, as well as health and safety issues, due to the fact they would work in fields within 100 metres of the turbines.

Mr Hall said there was also a failure to specify the size of the turbines and a lack of wind speed data in the public inquiry.

He added there was also a failure to take account of the fact that a band of larch trees, which the inspector said would provide screening, was old and would be uprooted in the future.

Rob McQuarrie, chairman of CPCSL, said the appeal was the last thing he wanted with the nearby Sillfield public inquiry set to take place next month.

He said: “We never wanted this wind farm polluting the Kendal skyline but if it must happen it should not seriously disadvantage people who have to live with it.”