December 1, 2010
England

Energy firm labels council ‘shambolic’ as feelings run high at public inquiry

www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk 30 November 2010

East Riding Council has been described as “shambolic” at a public inquiry into a three-turbine wind farm in Holderness.

The plans by Energiekontor, for a site at Monkwith, between Hilston and Tunstall, have led to thousands of objectors saying three wind farms in one parish is too much.

If comes after consent was previously given for those at Sunderland Farm and Tedder Hill.

However, on the final day of the inquiry, David Hardy, representing Energiekontor, hit out at East Riding Council.

He said: “Viewed on any objective basis, the performance of East Riding Council at this inquiry has been shambolic and unreasonable.

“Rather like the fast eroding cliffs along the coast of the East Riding, its case rapidly, dramatically and obviously all slumped into the sea.

“The council has lost all six of its wind farm appeals in a row.

“Professional officers of the council have recommended approval of this scheme, elected members have failed to treat this proposal expeditiously and sympathetically.”

However, in the closing statements yesterday, Megan Thomas, representing East Riding Council, said the overall harm to landscape, people and cultural assets “outweighs” the wider environmental benefit in this case. She told the planning inspector the appeal should be dismissed.

It was an opinion also voiced by The Hilston And Tunstall Residents’ Association, who have been battling the 110m-high structures. They say they have received support from 45 parish councils in the East Riding, representing 94,000 people.

The planning inspector will look at both sides of the argument and make a decision on the application.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/01/energy-firm-labels-council-shambolic-as-feelings-run-high-at-public-inquiry/