March 10, 2012
England

Parish council accused of ‘secrecy’ over Coxley Valley wind plan

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 10 March 2012

Residents have accused parish councillors of operating a “veil of secrecy” over plans for wind turbines at a West Yorkshire beauty spot.

Hundreds of people in Middlestown, Netherton and Overton have signed a petition urging Sitlington Parish Council to abandon the idea.

Kath Turner said: “We feel our voices are being totally ignored.”

The parish council has commissioned a feasibility study looking at the issue but said no decision had been made.

The first phase of the study has looked at the possibility of building two 130m high turbines in the Coxley Valley.

The second phase of the study, which has not yet been completed, is exploring the potential for other renewable energy projects in the parish.

Campaigners have formed the No Coxley Turbines group and nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition.

Carbon footprint

They fear the turbines would be an eyesore, ruin the local scenery and bring down house prices.

Ms Turner said: “There’s been a veil of secrecy over this whole issue.

“There’s been total confusion and we don’t feel that we’ve been kept fully informed with where things stand and what’s going on.

“The parish councillors really need to listen to the depth of feeling there is against these wind turbines.

“We will not allow this to go ahead.”

Parish council chairman Roger Bennett said there were currently no plans to build wind turbines.

“A feasibility study is in motion looking at the different types of renewable energy. No decision has been taken on anything.”

Mr Bennett said the issue was being explored as way of bringing in money to the parish and helping to reduce the carbon footprint.