News from Sheffield Labour

Seven reasons to say no to Barnsley/Sheffield windfarm development

Angela Smith MP writes to the Barnsley Planning Board with her concerns over the proposed windfarm development at Sheephouse Heights.

Local MP Angela Smith has recently written to Barnsley planners giving them her objections to the proposal for a windfarm on the Barnsley/ Sheffield border.

In a detailed response to the planning application, Angela outlines 7 reasons why this particular planning application should not be given approval.

Her objections centre on the following:

* Cumulative impact
* Regional Spatial Strategy
* Significant Impact on Individuals
* Section 62 of the Environment Act 1995
* Midhope and Bolsterstone Conservation Areas
* Noise Considerations
* Barnsley Green Targets

In her view when taken together these 7 concerns build a strong coalition of reasons why this particular windfarm should not be proceeded with.

Commenting on her response, Angela said:

“I have said on many occasions I am not against wind turbines. They will be play an important part in providing our future energy needs.

“However, that does not mean we should turn a blind eye to unreasonable developments in inappropriate places. Such a place is the proposed plan to build five turbines so close to the Peak National Park and two conservation areas.

“It not only me saying this but so too are the Peak Park, Stocksbridge Council, Sheffield City Council, along with many other organisations with an interest in protecting the South Pennine Fringe.”

This is the second set of objections the MP has sent to planners with regards to this application. As yet no firm date has been set for when the application will be heard by the Barnsley planning board. It was due to go before the board late last year, this was postponed until June this year and it now looks likely to be September, early autumn before it is presented.

The MP is encouraging everyone with an interest in this development to let the Barnsley planners know their opinion. For full details of Angela’s objections see her website at angelasmith-mp.org.uk and read this document in .pdf format.

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