A “barmy army” of “Nimby” Tory MPs will stand in the way of even the most appropriate applications for new onshore windfarms, a Labour MP has warned.
The Government is planning to scrap subsidies for new onshore windfarms a year earlier than planned as part of a Conservative manifesto commitment.
And ministers have pledged to give local people the right to veto onshore applications.
But Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, has outlined his fear that even “good” proposals could be scuppered because of that pledge.
He said: “The Minister must be aware that these applications for onshore wind power should be based on merit.
“Isn’t the real danger that she is in, if you look at the last five years, is the barmy army of Nimbys behind her making sure, working with their local councils, no good proposal goes through?”
But Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom disagreed.
Responding during energy questions. she said: “I think you are referring to my excellent friends who are superb constituency MPs.
“Nevertheless we will have to agree to disagree.
“I think the role of an MP, as I am sure you would absolutely agree, is to represent the interests of their constituency as they see them.
“What we have struck now is the right balance between the needs of the country for superb renewables, and this is a very successful sector, but also the needs of local communities to have their wishes and their environment taken very much into account.”