MIXING red and blue doesn't normally make green - but Labour councillors are hoping an environmentally friendly fee cut will get Tory backing.

Kirklees's Labour group is seeking support from other parties to make it easier and cheaper for residents to generate 'green' electricity by cutting the cost of planning bureaucracy.

The group has tabled a proposals for the next meeting of the full council. The move has already been backed by Lib Dem councillors.

Labour deputy leader Clr Ken Smith was contacted by a constituent who saw former US Vice-President Al Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth.

The documentary reflects on the potential effects of climate change.

Clr Smith said: "My constituent was inspired by the film's message to do all he could to help protect our environment, including re-fitting energy-saving devices to his house.

"But then he went that bit further and looked into fitting a wind turbine to his house. He then found he needed planning permission - which would cost him £135."

Clr Smith said Kirklees had always had a good attitude to 'green' projects and believed everyone should be encouraged to be more environmentally friendly.

He added: "I immediately put down a motion for the next council meeting - which is on November 29 - to scrap these charges.

"It may only be a small help, but we should be getting the message to everybody that we have a serious situation which we can all do our bit to help with."

* Kirklees has to charge the £135 because of Government rules.