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Anger over wind turbine decision on Anglesey
Credit: www.theonlinemail.co.uk 14 December 2011 ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
A community council has been accused of “turning its back” on electors after members voted to approve plans for a wind turbine despite widespread local opposition.
The controversial decision by Penmynydd community council followed a public meeting in which residents expressed their opposition to the application for a 71-metre turbine at Ty Fry farm.
Owain Evans, of pressure group Anglesey Against Wind Turbines, said the council’s decision had been “absolutely disgraceful”.
“Only a handful of people at the meeting were in favour of the turbine, and 95% were against it,” he said.
“Local feeling against the turbine was very strong, as most of the people there would be affected.”
Mr Evans said up to 200 people had attended the meeting, and that a number of locals had voiced their concerns about the impact of turbines on health, the landscape, house prices and tourism.
Following the meeting, the community council voted by three votes to two in favour of the turbine.
“Despite sitting and listening to the 95% of people who opposed the turbine, the councillors then turned their backs on local people, which was very disappointing,” said Mr Evans.
“It’s absolutely disgraceful that only two councillors stood up for us and that the others went against the wishes of the electors.”
Mr Evans said members of the group would complain to the Local Government Ombudsman after Cllr John Foulkes, who has submitted screening applications for turbines on his own land, voted in favour of the application.
However, Mr Evans said he was encouraged by the number of people who turned out in opposition to the application.
“The turnout was brilliant; this group started with four people and has developed to the point where we get hundreds coming to a public meeting.
“Following the meeting, we’ve had even more people wanting to join the group.
“People attended from all over the island, which proves this isn’t just a Penmynydd problem but a problem across the area.
“The disgraceful decision by the community council has made us more determined to fight the spread of turbines across Anglesey.
“We’re here to look after our community and our island, which is what they should be doing.”Community council chairman Leon Gibson, who voted against the application, said: “The community council agreed we would discuss any applications for wind turbines at a public meeting.
“I think local opinion was clearly shown at the meeting and, taking other matters into consideration, I decided to vote against.
“I have my own personal opinions, but I represent the people of the area too.”
Cllr Foulkes declined to comment.
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