E.ON has been looking into the suitability of developing a 5 turbine onshore wind farm at Lazonby Fell in Cumbria, around 8km north of Penrith.

The proposed Lazonby Fell wind farm would help meet the challenging targets set by the Government, which require that 10% of UK electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2010.

It would also contribute towards the delivery of the North West Sustainable Energy Strategy which requires the total installed generating capacity for the region's wind turbines to be increased from approximately 700MW to around 1GW, of which half is expected to be onshore. 

Environmental consideration

Independent experts are currently investigating the local environment and undertaking what is known as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This work will result in a document called the Environmental Statement. It will provide information on issues such as:

• Ecology and nature conservation
• Landscape and visual impact
• Noise
• Transportation and access
• Geology, hydrology and hydrogeology
• Archaeology and cultural heritage
• Land use
• Aviation

The Environmental Statement will also include a comprehensive description of the development, including its size and design.

Current status

We held public exhibitions at Lazonby Village Hall on 22 and 23 April where we shared information about the proposal to the local community and are currently reviewing comments/feedback received.