The turbines would generate enough power for 46,000 homes

Chalmerston Wind Power Ltd and West Coast Energy want to build 27 turbines each almost 400ft high at Whinash in the Lake District.

The turbines, which would stretch 7km to the Yorkshire Dales, would generate enough power for 46,000 homes.

Green groups back the plans, but they are opposed by tourism chiefs who fear a "dangerous precedent" will be set.

The �55m plan would involve turbines being spread between Tebay and Shap overlooking the M6, and would generate 57 megawatts of electricity.

'Important step'

Developers say they have consulted a number of environmental groups in the run-up to submitting plans.

Green lobby groups will highlight local support for the wind farm when the inquiry begins in Penrith. They will also say it is an "important step in tackling climate change".

Cumbria Tourist Board said it is not against renewable energy, but it claims building the wind farm at Whinash could impact on visitor numbers to the area.

Environmental campaigners will ask the government inspector to disregard claims made by opponents of the scheme, ruled as "misleading" by the Advertising Standards Authority, about damage to house prices and the tourist industry in the Lake District.

Because of the size of the project, the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) will be responsible for planning consent.