AN application for the extension of the lifespan of a West Cumbrian wind farm has been recommended for approval by council officers.

Plans for the extension of the lifespan of the Windscales Wind Farm off the A595 in Windscales, Workington have been recommended for approval by planning officers at Cumberland council.

The wind farm first became operation in 2004, with the applicants Adamas hoping to extend the life of the windfarm for an additional 15 years.

The plans will be decided on formally by councillors at a meeting of the councils planning committee next Wednesday, December 20.

An officers report, which will go before the committee said: "The proposals would extend the lifespan of the turbines by an additional 15 years. This would result in their decommissioning in 2039, rather than 2024.

"As such, it would exclude any new operational development and the decommissioning would be postponed until 2039."

An officers report said that the wind farms benefits to meeting low energy targets had been balanced against environmental effects when coming to a decision.

The report said: "The potential benefits of the temporary retention of the windfarm and its continued contribution towards meeting low energy targets must be balanced against the likely environmental effects.

"In balancing all of these material considerations it is considered the retention of the windfarm for a further 15 year temporary timeslot carries significant weight and is not outweighed by any associated detrimental environmental impacts."

A leaflet drop for households within the zone of theoretical visibility from Winscales Wind Farm (2km radius) was undertaken on October 27. The distribution of leaflets was undertaken by Royal Mail who delivered the leaflet to 1636 addresses.

The company said a dedicated email address and corresponding inbox was provided on the leaflet, to provide means for feedback or queries regarding the proposed extension to the life of the planning permission.

The inbox remained live for feedback and/or queries until November, 13. The consultation period timescales were October, 27 until the November, 13. The applicant said that no feedback was submitted to the Applicant (using the dedicated inbox), or the Council.