Tory MP backs fight over turbines

Plans have been submitted by Pure Renewable Energies for a wind farm on land near Birdsedge, a village which sits just below 1,000ft above sea level.

Residents have until August 19 to respond to the consultation.

MP Simon Reevell (Dewsbury) has written to Kirklees Council to urge planners to reject the application. He said: "As with the proposal to build two wind turbines in the village of Grange Moor, I do not believe that this has the support of local residents. I have been contacted by dozens of people who are unanimous in their opposition.

"They have been very ably led by the Birdsedge and District Opposition to Large Wind Turbines (BOLT) group.

"I believe that the strength of public feeling against these turbines should be taken into account by the council.

"It is not acceptable in my opinion for these developments to be forced through against the wishes of local residents.

"This makes a mockery of the democratic process and makes people very cynical about the value of consultations."

He believes the turbines will affect the quality of life of those living nearby and that it is the wrong location in which to build these turbines.

"It will severely impact on the quality of life of local residents. The proposal is for the development to be within 500 metres (547 yards) of where people live and within 600 metres (656 yards) of the village primary school. This is far too close. They will tower over people's homes and blight the landscape for years to come."

He is also concerned about the size of the turbines, the potential for a blade to break off and the amount of noise generated.

"I do hope the council listens to these concerns, which are shared widely throughout the village.

"It would be unacceptable for local opinion to be ignored, especially in light of what the new Government has said about giving more say about planning decisions to local residents."

He is urging residents who have yet to speak up to have their say now. People only have a few weeks to get their responses in so I would urge them to do so as soon as possible.

"The only way for people to make their feelings known officially is to write to the council.

"From speaking to people in the village I haven't found any support for this development.

"It would be very unfair if the council pushed this through against the wishes of local people."

In a statement submitted to the council, Pure Renewable Energies has argued that the site, at Dearne Head, off Windmill Lane, is suitable for four wind turbines.

The company said the site would consist of four turbines, a meteorological mast, substation and access tracks.

The development is planned to generate power for 25 years and then be dismantled.

In a 30-page report, it said: "In terms of land use policies, the proposed development would, if approved, provide a source of sustainable renewable energy with minimal environmental pollution.

"The development is one which could be located both in urban and countryside locations, but is critically dependent on prevailing wind speeds, direction and topography to achieve an acceptable minimum output and to provide optimal generation of power in an economically viable scheme."

It adds: "The site has been assessed by the developer based on its approved technical model for small wind farm developments and found to represent an appropriate site with limited planning constraints."