Feb 4th Deadline for Objections

United Utilities have now lodged their application and as of January 14th the clock is now ticking.

February 4th is the date that has been given by Oldham M.B.C as the deadline for objections.

It seems grossly unfair given the size of the task and the length of time UU's hired consultants have had to draw up their proposals. But objections will, we are assured, be accepted until planning committee discusses the application - 'spring at the earliest' - we need to get our objections in ASAP.

Those received by Oldham before the Feb 4th deadline have to be replied to and acknowledged. Objections carry more weight as individually written letters but the pro-forma letter drawn up by or group of experts are also acceptable. The Pro-forma letter is available here.

Top Consultant fighting our corner

SMAG have enlisted the services of Geoffrey Sinclair to assist us in preparing our case in opposition to United Utilities plans .

Mr Sinclair has been involved in opposing around 100 wind farm applications - with a high success rate.

We will certainly need his experience, especially if this does go to a public enquiry as many predict. Under Oldham MBC's current planning guidelines in the existing Unitary Development Plan United Utilities scheme falls on every major hurdle.

If Oldham Council play by their own rules it's hard to see how they can support this application - but this is Oldham !!!

Hundreds attend protest Meeting

In case you haven't seen the reports in the local press or on TV, over 350 people attended a meeting in Saddleworth Civic Hall on a wet Wednesday evening in early January (7th) to hear David Bellamy & Phil Woolas MP & others come out strongly against United Utilities scheme.

An amazing turnout so soon after the Christmas / New Year holidays and demonstration of how strongly people from all over Oldham and Manchester feel about this issue.

 

No to Power Lines

UU have also now put in an application to run overhead power lines across Denshaw and Crompton Moors - adding even more to the environmental damage. This is a real cheap skate proposal.

They are not even willing to put them underground until they come to Shaw.

The fact that all the power generated by these giant turbines will only require a cable strung along telegraph poles shows how little power these huge constructions will actually produce!

SMAG's draft letter of objection includes a paragraph opposing UU's power lines proposals.

Registered Common Land

UU proposals also involve sighting one of their turbines on registered common land - which are protected by Act of Parliament.

In response to a letter from local Parish Councillor Ken Hulme, Alison Hopton from DEFRA ( Dept for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) wrote on December 16th.

"Under section 194 of the Law of Property Act 1925 the erection of any building or fence, or the construction of any work which prevents or impedes access to land which was subject to rights of common on 1 January 1926 is unlawful unless the consent of the Secretary of State is obtained…..... To date we do not appear to have received a formal application for consent to the works you describe"

It appears to be the usual practise for DEFRA who are the final planning authority for Registered Common Land to hold a public enquiry if significant numbers of local residents oppose any form of building on Registered Common Land.

As far as we know United Utilities have not even acknowledged they have a legal responsibility to seek permission from the Secretary of State for the Wind Turbines and other constructions they plan to site on Registered Common Land.

If you wish to register your opposition to UU's plans to Defra please write to: Alison Hopton Case Officer DEFRA Common Land Branch Zone 1/05 Temple Quay House 2 The Square Temple Quay Bristol BS1 6EB

Bernard Ingham Fund-raising Dinner Wednesday February 18th

Sir Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatcher's former Press Secretary has agreed to support our campaign by speaking at a fund-raising dinner on Wednesday February 18th.

7.30 for 8.00 pm

Venue; Saddleworth Hotel, Huddersfield Road, Delph

Tickets - £35 per head

Menu

Starters;

Smoked Salmon & Crayfish Tails

or

Sliced Smoked Meats

Main Course;

Chicken in Cream & Vermouth Sauce

or

Sliced Fillet of Beef in Red Wine

Dessert;

French Lemon Tart

or

Strawberries & Ice Cream

1/2 Bottle wine included

only 80 places

Many Thanks to the Saddleworth Hotel for their generous support

For Tickets contact: Ken Hulme 01457 872859