Wind turbines appeal hears last of evidence

“Norfolk Boy

You asked for an answer and I will give it. You are obviously not very conversant with planning law. Any planning refusal can be appealed - by written procedure, non judicial enquiry or a full blown enquiry. The former is the shortest and cheapest and is designed to help individuals with few resources.

Also, a planning consent can be appealed within a strict time period and certain rules

Appeal has always been a principle of planning law but in recent years it has been extended to allow the individual more rights than before.

Appeal also means that we the electorate are protected against wrong decisions by planning authorities (for example ones which go against approved local or national policies or law) or ones that are politically motivated. A good thing in my book

This is my last post on this subject. However I will again pick up the point that a petition whose wording is loaded with an emotive point of view " ... destruction of the countryside ... " is not well based.”

“Pingu - some observations on your last post.

Under pressure from local objectors and PRO WINDIES - so a level playing field here but if the application is approved locally there is no appeal process for the objectors - is this fair?

"In short the petition is emotively worded rubbish" - this is your opinion.

You are obviously not a supporter of local democracy.

The petition does not call on the Government to ignore the "green vote". It calls on the Government to have a meaningful debate on this issue.”

“Let me see - a local representative - under pressure from local NIMBY's make one decision. The elected government representative then reviews this decision in the interest of the UK while considering the concerns of the locals, which by then could would have been heard several times. The system seems not unreasonable to me.

It seems that you're only calling it a lack of democracy when the first decision goes your way and the appeal is reviewing it.

Yes I have read the wording on the petition, severl times, and I stand by everything I've said. I find it interesting that the petition calls on the government to ignore the "green vote". Is that democratic?

These turbines do not "industrialise the landscape" as you say that total footprint is a few square metres. Most people regard them as beautful and eligant structures. Wildlife impact is negligable (a couple of domestic cats have a higher impact). I've already stated the financial and security benefits. In short the petition is emotively worded rubbish.

The NIMBYs must be heard and their concerns understood and allowed for where possible. But these concerns must be balanced against the interests of millions of other UK citizans. That is democracy.

The difference between us Norfolk boy is that I say the NIMBYs must be heard and their opinions balanced in a democratic way. You say the greens must be ignored.”

“Chris - you obviously have not read the wording of the actual petition http://tinyurl.com/cajsyrf

I find that the most disturbing aspect of wind farms is that the planning decision of the locally elected representatives can be overruled on appeal. This is neither democratic nor a very good example of "localism". What is your view on this?”

“Norfolk Boy.

You may be modifying your tone now, but earlier you referred to "destruction of the countryside" which led us to the present exchange. Clearly, your mind is made up.

And no, I see no particular point in another expensive, time consuming enquiry during which technology will move on regardless”

“I see we're back to the playground with inappropriate name calling.

As I have already said the purpose of my petition
http://tinyurl.com/cajsyrf
is to get Parliament to have, with the help of experts, a serious debate on this issue. This is part of our democratic process - do you have a problem with that?”

“Norfolk Boy, I'm afraid Pingu is right. You are trading on emotions about new structures in the countryside.

If we are to be a sustainable island nation, wind power must take its place alongside a whole load of other green energy generators. You seem full of objection and short on alternatives. Pretty much meets my understanding of a NIMBY”

“What's this obsession with NIMBYs all about? Instead of knocking them you need to start making more noise about the advantages of wind power if you are going to persuade our politicians to continue to pursue this folly. Forget all the usual hot air about saving the planet and looking after future generations - they've heard all that before and that is the reason they are getting cold feet.”

“No - it is an attempt to coordinate an attack from multiple NIMBY groups, all of which like to pretend it is a national campaign. Each attempting to use a "national campaign" with the express intention of getting it out of their back yards.

By all means, let's have a national debate - based on what wind turbines can and can't provide for Britain , and based on national supply and demand, and other alternatives. But the use of Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and "spoiling the view" arguments, as used in this campaign are obvious selfish NIMBY-ism – nothing more. Your campaign text even states that it is "Locally" focussed. In other words it is a NIMBY campaign - by it's own admission.

Sadly, I fear the politicians with no understanding of the energy econony, might be confused by the noise generated by NIMBY groups.”

“Pingu

How can I be a NIMBY - a word overused by wind factory supporters - when it is a national campaign?

Wind energy will never be the answer - the whole concept will be abandoned soon and it will be recorded as one of the biggest mistakes of our time. I am concerned about the planet but I am also concerned about people today who are suffering from hyperthermia and hardship because of fuel poverty and the misguided policies of the current Government. The main purpose of my petition
http://tinyurl.com/cajsyrf
Is to persuade the Government to stop burying its head in the sand and to have a serious debate on this issue.”