PENDLE residents are being encouraged to make their voices heard over plans for wind farms after a spate of applications for turbines in the Laneshaw Bridge area.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change is undertaking a ‘Call for Evidence’ to examine how communities can have more of a say over hosting wind farms in their communities.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “We are seeing a big increase in controversial wind farm applications across Pendle and I want to ensure the voice of communities is always properly heard.

“This consultation is the opportunity for residents to let the Government know their views on these developments and the impact they can have on where they live.

“I have been calling on ministers to reduce the subsidies available to onshore wind farm developers.

“My hope is that this consultation leads to less money being available for firms to put up turbines that often don’t make economic sense without subsidies and threaten some of the most spectacular landscape in the country.”

Coun Paul White said: “There have been many very recent developments with wind turbines in the Laneshaw Bridge, Foulridge and Cowling areas, particularly running along the crest of the hill to towards the Black Lane Ends pub.

“Recently, Colne and District Area Committee refused permission for two turbines at Hollin Rakes Farm.

“These were taken to appeal and the planning inspector allowed them.

“The same committee also refused one turbine at Hazelgrove Lodge. That has now been taken to appeal with the planning inspector.

“In the past few weeks more new applications have been received, for turbines to the left-hand side of Skipton Old Road travelling towards the Black Lane Ends.

The applications are for two 50kw turbines at Harwes and three 50kw turbines at Jerusalem Farm.”

Responses to the consultation can be sent to onshorewind@decc. gsi.gov.uk and the deadline is Thursday, November 15.