MP slams bogus consultation
Posted by Simon Reevell, MP for Dewsbury, at 17:15, Fri 23 March 2012:
Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell was appalled at the shambolic and disingenuous so-called consultation presented by the company Pure Renewable Energy who are proposing to build four turbines above Birdsedge village.
The whole purpose of the event was for Pure Renewable Energy to address the concerns of all Birdsedge residents about the extent to which the turbines will completely dominate the village. Despite Pure Renewable Energy’s exhibition having a number of computer generated photographs depicting how the development would look from a distance, there was nothing to show how it would look from the village itself.
When challenged by Mr Reevell, the organisers said they had “forgotten” that photograph, despite it being central to the entire purpose of the event.
Mr Reevell said, “The only sensible conclusion to draw is that the photograph shows how the turbines do dominate the village so it was deliberately not used. The only other explanation is an unimaginable degree of incompetence.”
Mr Reevell spoke personally to Mr Irvine and asked him whether he would be prepared to abandon the proposal in the face of the 100% opposition from the village. Mr Irvine sought to hide behind Kirklees planners saying that it was for them to decide whether the application should be passed or not. Mr Reevell reminded him that in fact it was up to him whether or not he submitted the application and it was up to him whether or not he listened to the voice of the village.
Despite being pressed by Mr Reevell, Mr Irvine refused to disclose how much money his company would make if the development were to go ahead.
Mr Reevell said, “This appears to be an example of profit making at the expense of the people of Birdsedge and their village. It is now clear that Mr Irvine won’t listen to the local community but I hope and believe that Kirklees will.”
“This is the feeblest attempt at a consultation that I have encountered since I was elected to Parliament.”
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Posted by roy smith, 18:39, Fri 23 March 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
Well done Simon, you are carrying out the duty of an MP with integrity and drive, exactly what the public want from their MP.
You certainly have not minced your words which is what this company deserved, it is to be fervently hoped that Kirklees will follow his fine example,
Roy Smith
Posted by Janet Cross, 10:20, Mon 26 March 2012: (Is this post abusive?) #
Simon. The time is long overdue for the government, through local authorities, to designate areas within each region that are considered most suitable (i.e.least proximity to communities) to erect wind turbines. Detailed planning consent should still be required but at least this would stop time, lots of anxiety and money being wasted on schemes like this one at Birdsedge.
Peter Swithenbank