Pontefract Windfarm Action Group

Opposed to plans

Pontefract & Castleford Express Thursday August 27th 2009

By NEAL FRANKLAND and RENNIE SMITH Wakefield District Green Party

BECAUSE, as Greens, renewable energy is our cause, we have a particular interest in seeing that cause is not discredited by inappropriate development.

We would therefore like to add our voice to the many that have already spoken out against Banks' proposal to site a wind farm at Westfield Lane in Darrington.

To attempt to squeeze so large an undertaking into so small an area, in such close proximity to housing, would, in our view, be a mistake.

The buffer zone between the turbines and residents' homes would be considerably smaller than generally recommended.

We have a duty to get the transition to a low carbon emission, post-peak oil society right, to make sure it is done properly and humanely, that the case for wind, solar, hydro power is not harmed by ill-conceived speculative projects harmful to human health, and hope Banks' appeal against the planning committee decision proves unsuccessful.

Better proposals we will support. We remain committed to renewable energy, and clean coal, and opposed to any extension of nuclear power.