Warning on wind farms

Jul 18 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A COUNCILLOR has warned that wind farms could be imposed against residents’ wishes.

Clr Andrew Pinnock fears the Government’s new planning bill will take decisions out of the hands of elected councillors.

He said: “It would totally change the planning laws.

“Huge projects like wind farms would be much harder for residents to influence or oppose.

“Decisions will be made by a faceless committee based miles away from the communities affected.

“Currently decisions are made by local councillors who have to think about the local area. The Government is trying to take local debate and control away.”

Clr Pinnock, who represents Cleckheaton, has submitted a motion opposing the planning law to next week’s Kirklees Council meeting.