The company, Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which wants to place the nine giant turbines on the site in Rectory Road, Roos, has appealed and an inquiry is [...]]]> Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, is to give evidence at a Planning Inquiry being held after a proposed wind farm at Roos was turned down by councillors.

The company, Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which wants to place the nine giant turbines on the site in Rectory Road, Roos, has appealed and an inquiry is now being held at County Hall in Beverley.

 Graham said: “I have been contacted by many constituents opposed to this wind farm application.

 “While I fully understand and appreciate the need for renewable energy sources, I cannot agree with the heavy handed way these plans are being forced on the people who live in Holderness.”

 Graham will argue at the inquiry on Friday morning that the Roos plan is a ‘wind farm too far’ as – if approved – it will have a major visual impact on the area.

 He said: “The East Riding has already met its 2020 target for renewable energy and should not have more wind farms forced on it if they are inappropriately sited and will blight landscapes.

 “The people of this area are more than reasonable and are happy to do their bit for the national interest. That’s why it is so wrong that companies are barely consulting locally but spending fortunes on lawyers to drive through decisions on appeal.”

 And he added: “The key principle is that local people, not some government inspector, should decide what happens in their area. The Conservatives will revolutionise planning so that far more of the power rests locally rather than with ministers and their inspectors. Additionally I have pushed for Conservative policy on wind farms to include an accumulation test so that areas, like Holderness, can’t be overwhelmed by successive windfarms in the way that happens now under Labour.

 “East Riding Council has fought and lost all five planning appeals so far. I will be protesting to the Inspector at the impact of this latest appeal but, whatever the outcome on this occasion, it’s clear we need a change of government if local views are to be respected. Current rules show no respect for the wishes of the people who have to live with wind farms for decades thereafter and that must change.” 

Graham is due to appear before the Planning Inspector, Wendy Burden, at 9.30am on Friday March 12.

MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, is encouraging as many people as possible who live in the Hedon area to attend a public event.

 Power generation company e.on is hosting the event at Hedon Town Hall on November 11, to show people details of a major planning application in the area.

 The company, [...]]]>

Off shore wind turbines

MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, is encouraging as many people as possible who live in the Hedon area to attend a public event.

 Power generation company e.on is hosting the event at Hedon Town Hall on November 11, to show people details of a major planning application in the area.

 The company, which plans to build a major off-shore wind farm, now needs to get planning permission for the cables which will bring power ashore to a dedicated sub-station.

 Graham said: “I have met with representatives from e.on who have shown me the planned route for the underground cables and the location of the sub-station.

 “I fully support the provision of renewable energy generation and an off-shore wind farm should have the least impact on the people of Holderness than those on shore.

 “The company still needs to connect that wind farm to the National Grid, however, and the plans appear to have been well prepared and should have a minimal effect on those living and working in the area.”

 The e.on open day is due to take place at Hedon Town Hall, St Augustine’s Gate, Hedon, HU12 8EX on November 11 between 1pm and 8pm.

The Conservatives’ Shadow Local Government Minister has told Holderness protestors he will change the rules to give local people more say on planning applications such as wind farms.

 Bob Neill MP came to the area at the invitation of Graham Stuart MP in response to complaints from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council [...]]]>

Bob Neill MP

The Conservatives’ Shadow Local Government Minister has told Holderness protestors he will change the rules to give local people more say on planning applications such as wind farms.

 Bob Neill MP came to the area at the invitation of Graham Stuart MP in response to complaints from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and local people that the powers of decision have been removed from local people by the  Government.

Graham said: “I am delighted Bob was able to come to Beverley and Holderness and hear for himself the concerns of both the East Riding Council and residents who fear they are being railroaded by the government when it comes to wind farm applications.

 “Wind farms are a necessary part of our energy strategy but applications must be decided locally not in Bristol or Westminster. 

 “It’s sadly typical of our current government that they think the only way to promote something is to force it on people. The East Riding has already met its 2020 target for renewable energy and should not have more wind farms forced on it if they are inappropriately sited and will blight landscapes.

 “The people of this area are more than reasonable and are happy to do their bit for the national interest. That’s why it is so wrong that companies are barely consulting locally but spending fortunes on lawyers to drive through decisions on appeal.”

 Bob said: “If the next government is led by the Conservatives we will be making some very significant revisions to planning policy.

 “We will make it harder for developers to appeal against properly made local decisions and give power and control back to local communities.

 “Following my visit I will look at how we might change the rules on community benefits from developments such as wind farms so that, where they do go ahead, there is a clear gain for local people.

 “We need to get the balance right so that developments can proceed but with local support not local opposition.”

 Graham and Bob met with Cllr Steve Parnaby, leader of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and councillors Symon Fraser and Matthew Grove.

 They then met with ward councillors Richard Stead and Matthew Grove and wind farm campaigners Dr Brian Wells, Cherie Blenkin and Jackie Cracknell.