October 2026
The project to establish a small hydroelectric generating scheme on Mill Beck in Buttermere has stalled because of land ownership issues. The scheme was managed as a Cooperative Benefit Society: Melbreak Community Energy Limited, by a group which grew out of the Melbreak Communities.
The scheme had been approved by the Environment Agency, planning consent has been granted by the Lake District Planning Authority subject to various conditions related to the site; and consent had been granted for works on Common Land by the Planning Inspectorate. All documentation about the project is being stored in the hope that it can be of use in the future.
If you’d like to know more please contact Aine Kelly at akc.kelly@gmail.com, or Derek Poate at cdpoate@gmail.com
Pip Wise – October 2026
