June 2, 2013
England

MP calls for legislation on turbine appeals

By Toby Meyjes | Western Morning News | June 01, 2013 | www.thisisdevon.co.uk

A Conservative MP has called on Cornwall Council to stop determining wind turbine applications until new legislation is created to tighten up the appeals process.

Sheryll Murray, South East Cornwall MP, made her comments after the Western Morning News obtained the latest figures for renewable energy in Cornwall.

The statistics show that if all approved renewable energy schemes were built the Duchy would have already surpassed its renewable energy target for 2020 – seven years ahead of schedule.

Mrs Murray, who has petitioned the commons to bring in changes to stop local planning decisions being overturned in the appeals process, said she was not sure whether such legislation was already too late.

“I am absolutely appalled that local councils can turn down applications for wind farms, but then it will go to appeal and then be approved,” she said. “I am pleased that Michael Fallon (the energy and business minister) has said he will start introducing legislation.

“I have had concerns for a long time about the lack of strategy from the secretary of state, Ed Davey. I think what we should now do in Cornwall is not deal with any planning applications for wind turbines until the legislation is in place.”

The statistics show that Cornwall has sufficient capacity to meet 5.5% of its annual energy demand, jumping to 20.8% if all systems that were granted approval were built.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/02/mp-calls-for-legislation-on-turbine-appeals/