Councillor welcomes wind of change on turbine planning

The Government has just announced new laws which will give local communities the final say over planning decisions for new onshore wind farms.

A vociferous anti-wind turbine campaigner, Coun. White said: “For too long, our communities were powerless to stop wind farm developments that they objected to from going ahead.”

The last four wind turbine appeal decisions in Pendle have seen local politicians’ views upheld and the applications dismissed.

However, the victories came only after concerted campaigning, as the wind turbine companies hire professional consultants in order to get the applications passed.

“The Conservatives’ manifesto commitment has already been delivered,” explained Coun. White.

“Local communities like ours here in Pendle will now have the final say over planning applications for onshore wind turbines which will ensure only those schemes that have the support of local people can go ahead.

“Subsidies for new onshore wind farms are being stopped, so that energy bills are kept down.

“This is part of our plan to give power back to communities and local people so that they can decide – not be forced to accept decisions imposed on them.”

Now, wind turbines will only get the go-ahead if the local community has made it clear they support onshore wind projects in their area. They will be free to decide where turbines should go and any proposals must address the concerns of local people and have their backing.

In addition, the law will be changed to end bill payers’ subsidies for new onshore wind farms from April 2016, ensuring Britain’s renewable energy commitments are met, while protecting taxpayers and keeping bills affordable.