Eight turbines could be built at Lamonby

United Utilities wants to eventually site up to eight power-generating wind turbines in the village of Lamonby, near Penrith.

But more than 100 people have registered their objections to the plan, which involves erecting a weather mast just 500 yards from homes.

The company says the 50-metre mast will collect data on wind speeds in the area over the next two years.

Protesters mounted a demonstration outside Penrith town hall on Thursday as Eden Council's planning applications committee considering an initial planning application for the weather mast.

Councillors deferred a decision for a month until they had visited the site themselves.

An opposition group, Communities Opposed to Lamonby Turbines, organised the protest.

Ruth Walsh, who chairs the group, said: "The people of Lamonby feel very strongly that this development should not go ahead.

Britain is the windiest country in Europe, so it makes sense that we should look at wind power as an environmentally-friendly option Bob Whiteley, United Utilities

"It will not benefit this village one jot and will destroy the community and destroy tourism enterprises and jobs."

Cumbria already has several wind farms and proposals for even more along the coast and inland.

The county council has highlighted areas where turbines could be sited to fit in with government plans for green energy generation.

Bob Whiteley, project manager for United Utilities' Green Energy business, said: "We are already beginning to see the effects of climate change in the UK, with an increase in storms and floods.

"Britain is the windiest country in Europe, so it makes sense that we should look at wind power as an environmentally-friendly option.

"We are currently assessing the viability of the wind farm development.

"If the results of the wind monitoring are positive, we will begin detailed environmental studies and full consultation with local communities later in the year."