Planning blow for Leeds wind farm bid (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Planning blow for Leeds wind farm bid

July 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Senior Leeds Liberal Democrats have expressed disappointment at a decision to refuse planning permission for a wind farm in East Leeds.

Developer Banks Renewables wanted to build five turbines at Hook Moor in Micklefield. Between them, they would have generated enough electricity to power nearly 9,000 households.

Leeds City Council's Plans Panel (East) Committee met today (30th July) to decide whether they would allow the development to go ahead. They rejected the plans after judging that the developer had failed to prove that the wind farm would not affect two military radar stations in North Yorkshire.

The council received 1455 representations of support for the scheme, compared to 845 objections.

The government has set renewable energy targets for Leeds of 11 Megawatts (MW) by 2010 and 75MW by 2020. The Hook Moor scheme would have generated between 10 and 15MW, making a significant contribution to these targets.

Cllr James Monaghan (Liberal Democrat, Headingley), Executive Member for Environment Services said:

"Support for the scheme has outnumbered opposition by nearly two to one. It is clearly a popular proposal and I am deeply disappointed that the panel have decided to reject it.

"Energy generated from renewable sources needs to go up dramatically if we are to get a grip on climate change. This wind farm could have supplied the electricity needs for the entire population of Kippax and Methley and greatly reduced our carbon emissions."

Cllr Richard Brett (Liberal Democrat, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill), Leader of Leeds City Council's Liberal Democrat Group said:

"I am very strongly in favour of renewable energy and hugely disappointed that no way could be found to accommodate the MoD's concerns about their radar stations.

"This decision makes the need for Leeds to reduce carbon emissions even more pressing. I sincerely hope this will not deter future applications for green energy in the city."