A plan to build a �100m windfarm development off the coast of Walney in Cumbria could boost the local economy, says Cumbria County Council.

The plan envisages 30 turbines, which will each stand 400ft high, sited four miles off Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness.

The council says the development would allow the area to become a UK manufacturing base for wind turbine components which are currently made in Germany and Denmark.

A council planning spokesman said: "The greatest opportunity for economic benefit would be the potential development of turbines in the North West."

Renewable energy

Concern has been raised about the siting of the farm as many people believe it would be an eyesore.

However, the council believes the visual impact would be outweighed by the economic benefits.

An internal report says the farm would be useful in meeting the North West's targets for renewable energy.

The county considered the effect of the wind farm on key economic activities including the port, oil and gas, energy production, industry, fisheries and tourism.

The windfarm proposal has been submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry by Warwick Energy and the county council is being asked for its views.