Limited admittance to windfarm debate
Oldham Advertiser|James Ferguson|January 25, 2006
Thousands of people have objected to the scheme which objectors claim would ruin the appearance of the countryside and harm wildlife.
Thousands of people have objected to the scheme which objectors claim would ruin the appearance of the countryside and harm wildlife.
Borough planners will meet in the Council Chamber at 6pm on February 23 to hear the application to build seven, 365-feet-tall turbines.
The larger venue has been chosen to accommodate the numbers expected to attend, but public interest is so strong a ticketing system may have to be introduced.
Thousands of people have objected to the scheme which objectors claim would ruin the appearance of the countryside and harm wildlife.
Borough planners will meet in the Council Chamber at 6pm on February 23 to hear the application to build seven, 365-feet-tall turbines.
The larger venue has been chosen to accommodate the numbers expected to attend, but public interest is so strong a ticketing system may have to be introduced.
Thousands of people have objected to the scheme which objectors claim would ruin the appearance of the countryside and harm wildlife.
"I know we will be criticised for it, but we have to stick to the rules. I urge all the objecting groups to get together and decide amongst themselves who would best put their case forward."
Alan Roughley, chairman of Saddleworth Moors Action Group, said: "We try to act as something of an umbrella organisation and will be talking to other objectors to come to some agreement.
"We are surprised that just three minutes are being allowed for such a complex issue, but as long as the officers report is detailed and fair then we cannot complain."
Although a decision will be made by the planning committee, Cllr Bashworth admitted that is unlikely to be the end of the case.
He said: "Whatever happens on the night, the debate doesn’t stop with this decision. I am almost certain the applicants will appeal if the plan is rejected and there will be a public inquiry."
He also admitted approval was "liable" to be called in by the Secretary of State for further consideration because the development is on Green Belt land.
A full report will be given to the planning committee, which will also conduct a site visit, a week and a day before the meeting