A six-year planning wrangle over a cluster of 40-metre high wind turbines at Ireleth-in-Furness remains unresolved.

Barrow Borough Council's planning committee is now to seek advice from the Government-appointed planning inspector who originally considered the scheme at a public inquiry in 1997.

But the decision has disappointed both objectors to the turbines and the company that operates them.

The saga began in 1995 when Barrow Borough Council refused a planning application from the developer, Wind Prospect and Powergen, to build seven wind turbines at Far Old Park Farm at Ireleth, as it believed the scheme would have a serious impact upon the local communities.

But following a public inquiry, the Secretary of State for the Department of Transport and the Regions John Prescott granted permission in October 1997.

When the turbines started turning in July 1999, residents complained about what they called a loud eerie noise, as it was keeping them awake at night.

But Barrow Borough Council could not take any action as planning permission had already been granted.

But in May last year the council wrote to the company to ask it to submit a further planning application, as it had emerged that a number of wind turbines had been built in the wrong place, ranging from two-metres to 35-metres.

The company refused to submit a planning application but said it would agree to a number of conditions, including reducing the noise levels.

In December last year the council refused the offer and again asked for a planning application to be submitted.

At this week's planning committee meeting the company again refused to submit a planning application but offered to enter into a section 106 agreement with the council.

The agreement is one made between a landowner and Barrow Borough Council, which would give councillors more authority over the operation of the wind turbines.

It could lead to the company being forced by the council to reduce the noise levels.

Councillors refused to accept the offer but decided to write to the inspector who carried out the original public inquiry to ask if he would have accepted the original planning application if the turbines were sited where they are now.

But the committee's decision has not satisfied objectors.

A resident in Marton, Tom Weall, said: "I am disappointed that the council did not serve an enforcement notice so that the company would have to take them down, as it could get them stopped."

A resident of Ireleth for 23 years, who did not want to be named, said she had to carry out improvements to her home to reduce the noise levels.

"We were planning the extensions to our house in the future but we had to bring them forward and get them done just so we could get a good night's sleep.

"It has reduced the noise a lot but if you go out in the garden it is absolutely dreadful."

Project manager for Powergen Renewable Energy Max Britton said: "We are disappointed that the council did not accept to enter a section 106 agreement as it would mean the residents would get some protection.

"The turbines were built in the wrong place because there were some issues on site when they were being put up, but moving them would not making any difference for residents.

"We have not applied for planning application as we feel it is likely that the council would refuse it."