South Pontefract Wind Farm

Your property could lose up to 30% of it's value* and under English law there's now't you can do about it.

The application for a wind monitoring mast by Banks Development Company which was turned down by the elected representatives of Wakefield Council has now been approved on appeal by the Inspectorate based in Bristol. This takes us much nearer to the prospect of a wind farm being developed in the South Pontefract area including Darrington, West Park, Chequerfield, Carleton, Wentbridge and East Hardwick. The site is much closer to residential property than any other UK wind farm. The effects of such a huge developement with turbines the size of Big Ben dominating the landscape will be felt most acutely by those who live in the South Pontefract area but also by those who live further afield. The impact on local property prices will be severe not to mention the effect that this will have on the local economy.

The Inspectorate appear to have felt it necessary to overturn Wakefield Council's decision because of Government policy.  Banks, who are based in Bishop Auckland, stand to make large profits themselves but grudgingly agree that "development can cause a degree of uncertainty in property values". 

 However a fall in house prices does not concern the decision makers because, a reduction in property values is not taken into account in the planning process. Similarly and unbelievably, whether the Wind farm produces sufficient electricity is not a consideration!

The majority of local residents would support renewable energy which is sited in a suitable location and on a scale which makes sense. However, most are concerned about how this particular project will impact on our area not only in the terms of the potential environmental and health issues but also because of the economic effects that will be felt most particularly by individual householders and businesses.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

It is still not to late to object to this planning application (07/ 01338/FUL) and your objections do count. For advice go to the link on this website or contact the Planning Department in Wakefield.

Write/Visit your MP and local councillors to express your concerns about this undemocratic and unfair process  which threatens our community.

Join PWAG tel 07960980865

*(FDP Savilles National Estate Agency)