AN ‘extraordinary’ meeting has been called where all council representatives will take a key decision about a controversial windfarm.

Hyndburn Council announced yesterday that it has scheduled the special meeting after pressure from members of the planning committee that the decision be made by all 35 councillors.

Leader of the council Peter Britcliffe said the proposed development of the windfarm in Oswaldtwistle Moors affected every borough in Hyndburn.

And added protesters against the windfarm off Haslingden Road, Oswaldtwistle and those for it had been lobbying residents around the borough.

The Member Services Department took the decision due to the ‘scale and importance of the development.’ The last Extraordinary Council Meeting was called more than five years ago when Hyndburn Homes was privatised Coun Britcliffe, Conservative, said: “It is a decision that affects every borough in Hyndburn and issues of global warming. We are giving every councillor in the area a opportunity to take part in the decision. I know people in favour are canvassing and lobbying and those against it are doing the same.

“There has been pressure from councillors who want to take the decision and can’t and from the 12 members of the planning committee.

“This is such a huge issue and deserves consultation with the full council.”

Leader of the opposition Graham Jones, Labour, criticised the move.

He said: “This is the Conservatives unable to make a decision. There is a lot of protest in Belthorn and the leading group is scared of what’s best.

“I suspect the Conservatives are going to vote against it. We should be looking to save the planet and protect the future.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend and view the event from the public gallery. Those who wish to submit comments with regards the application and/or registering to speak must contact the council no later than 5pm Tuesday February 23.

The Extraordinary Council Meeting will be held on March 2 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber at Accrington Town Hall.