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.

 Graham said: “I am delighted the hard work, diligence and careful financial planning of the Conservative-led council now means this year’s Council Tax [...]]]> MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, today said efforts by the East Riding of Yorkshire council had meant this year’s Council Tax rise had been kept down to just 1.5 per cent.

 Graham said: “I am delighted the hard work, diligence and careful financial planning of the Conservative-led council now means this year’s Council Tax rise has been pegged back to just 1.5 per cent.

 “Across England Council Tax has rocketed under Labour and hurt families on fixed incomes most.

 “Pensioners and everyone else feeling the pinch will be pleased this Conservative-led council has kept bills down.”

 And commenting on the calls by the council’s Labour group that the Council Tax rise should have been set at three per cent, he said: “After 13 years of putting up the bills for pensioners Labour has learnt nothing and wanted to put up Council Tax by double what the rise will actually be.

 “The choice at the General Election is now clear – responsible government under the Conservatives or sky rocketing taxes under Labour.”

Meanwhile council leader Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE announced that, despite the lower than expected rise, services would not be affected.

He told the Hull Daily Mail: “There is no doubt the economic downturn has affected everyone in some form or another and I believe a very modest increase, together with planning for the future throughout the year, is the best way forward and in everyone’s interest.”

Following the closure last year of the town’s tourist information centre, it has been announced it is set to reopen this summer within the Hornsea Museum.

Graham said: “Tourism is vital for towns like Hornsea and next week I will be welcoming Shadow [...]]]> Graham Stuart MP has welcomed news tourist information will again be available in Hornsea.

Following the closure last year of the town’s tourist information centre, it has been announced it is set to reopen this summer within the Hornsea Museum.

Graham said: “Tourism is vital for towns like Hornsea and next week I will be welcoming Shadow Tourism Minister Tobias Ellwood to the town. He will be meeting with amusement arcade owners in the town to talk about what can be done to entice visitors back to one of the country’s best seaside towns.”

And he added: “I hope the East Riding Council will now be looking at how a similar scheme can be put in place for Withernsea.”