Cumbria is subject to a number of wind farm plans

The proposals are for 27 turbines which would be nearly 400ft high and spread over four miles at Whinash, near Tebay, in Cumbria.

They followed the advice of officials, who said the turbines would be too great a blot on the landscape.

Councillors at Cumbria County Council were advised to vote for a public inquiry into the plans.

Council officials say the wind farm proposals would break a number of planning guidelines.

Financial incentives

And while that is being considered, one of the county's Euro MPs has said he thinks methane leaking from disused mines should be harnessed to produce electricity.

Chris Davies said it has been done in other countries.

Gas exploration consultant Roger Harwood said it is a question of acceptance and encouragement.

He said: "If only people would regard it in the same way as renewable energy and they could get the government incentives.

If they got the same financial backing as wind farms and wave technology then it should be active and happening."