November 19, 2013
England

Anger over ‘loophole’ tactic for Lower Cumberworth wind turbine plan

By Nick Lavigueur | Huddersfield Examiner | 19 Nov 2013 | www.examiner.co.uk

Protesors fighting a wind turbine plan say the applicant has exploited a planning “loophole” to get around their complaints.

More than 200 residents opposed a plan to build a 30m tall turbine at Coal Pit Lane, Lower Cumberworth.

Protestors went as far as hovering a helicopter at the site in a bid to demonstrate the impact on the countryside.

But opponents of the plan are now having to re-launch their fight after applicants, Scapegoat Hill based Blackthorne Recycling, withdrew the first plan and then lodged a near identical plan the same day.

Kay Taylor, spokeswoman for Huddersfield Against Large Turbines (HALT) said the tactic exploited a loophole in planning law.

She said: “We are shocked to hear that Kirklees Planning are discounting letters of objection to a huge wind turbine being built in the community.

“People living in Cumberworth, Shelley, Shepley and Denby Dale had all written to Kirklees Planning to oppose the application.

“Now all previous objections will not be considered by Planning and all objectors will have to write again to Kirklees Council.

“HALT believes that this is a planning loophole, which is being used by the developer and other turbine applicants, to push through planning approval for wind turbines, whilst discounting local opposition.

“The new application is identical to the previous application, in almost every aspect, with only the wattage being amended.

“HALT, therefore, feel all objections based on all other issues should still be considered.

“Kirklees Planning are exercising their ‘discretionary’ powers and refusing to do so and insist all objectors must write again, repeating their reasons for opposing the turbine.

“Residents are concerned that the planning process, which the turbine applicant could repeat again and again, will result in people ‘running out of steam’ as well as people who have already objected not realising they need to write to object again.”

Denby Dale Tory, Clr Jim Dodds, said: “Applicants can withdraw their plan and then put it straight back in and they don’t have to pay any more.

“They can do this once.

“This means the objections from the first one don’t count for the second one.”

The Examiner approached Blackthorne Recycling through its agent Universal Green Energy but no one could be contacted.

People wishing to object or who would like further information can go to the group’s website Huddalt.com.

Objections have to be received by today (Tuesday).


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/19/anger-over-loophole-tactic-for-lower-cumberworth-wind-turbine-plan/