Second chance for shoe factory's wind turbine plan

Rejected plans to build a wind turbine next to a shoe factory have been given a second chance, following a decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

Cumberland Council rejected proposals last August to build the turbine next to New Balance's factory in Flimby, near Maryport, Cumbria, but an appeal will now be heard.

Residents objected against the plans and claimed they presented safety concerns for workers.

A spokesperson for New Balance has argued the turbine was needed as the factory was unable to install any more solar panels.

The council will be updated about the appeal a meeting at Carlisle Civic Centre on Wednesday.

When initial plans were submitted, residents also raised concerns that letters of support for the turbine sent to the council had not come from the local community.

They also claimed their own objections had not been investigated by planners, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The company said the proposed development would have a "limited impact" on the surrounding area and would benefit the factory, which employs more than 300 people.

Last year, a council planning officer said the application was acceptable.

If approved, the turbine would be built 29m (95ft) south east of the factory and would join a number of existing turbines in the area.

It would have a hub height of 46m (150ft), a blade diameter of 58m (190ft) and would cover an area of 0.4 hectares (43,000sq ft).

The proposed development would provide a total of 1,805MW of electricity a year and would be based close to the A596.

Plans also include a maintenance track leading from the road.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].