Trying to Buy Democracy

From thisishullandeastriding.co.uk

Anger at Holderness wind farm cash offer
Saturday, December 05, 2009,
An energy company's offer to pay £70,000 to a Holderness community as part its wind farm plans have been likened to "trying to buy democracy"
Energiekontor UK is offering a £70,000 lump sum to the community fund if its plans for a three-turbine development at Monkwith, near Tunstall, are approved.
The company argues that amount would be the total needed to take the matter to an appeal if rejected and feels this would be a better way of using the cash.
It would be on top of the annual contribution the company would make to a community fund.
But councillors and local residents have slammed the proposal as "unethical".
Chair of Hilston and Tunstall Residents' Association, Jackie Cracknell, said: "I think this is inducing the decision makers into a positive decision for them and is unethical.
"Some may consider this to be a generous offer but the people I represent are not happy about it. These could be considered dirty tactics.
"But I have faith in the planning process in the East Riding.
"Councillors are the last bastion of hope and I feel they, and the officers will make a balanced decision."
Fellow resident Dr Brian Wells was equally scathing
He said: "I don't think the company is doing anything illegal but it strikes me the offer could deny people the full planning procedure and it's an unethical approach.
"It's a disgrace to be honest."
Chair of South Holderness Opposes Wind Turbines (Showt) Cherie Blenkin expressed her concern.
"You cannot put a price on democracy," she said. "It cannot be bought.
"It's a democratic right to object and if it costs money, so be it."
Local councillor Richard Stead added: "I think this is diabolical. It's an attempt almost to bribe democracy in my view."
Roos Parish Council chairman David Winter is also angered by the offer.
He said: "I think this is like immoral blackmail and it unacceptable."
East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby believes the move by Energiekontor is misplaced.
He said: "Monetary offers just have no relevance to the planning process.
"I don't think this is a smart move and hasn't done the company any favours.
"It just adds doubts to the planning process and puts more pressure on the decision makers."
The Monkwith application was deferred by the East Riding planning committee in October, despite being recommended for approval by planning officers.
In a statement, Energiekontor insisted the offer is a sensible approach and shows goodwill.
Project manager Chris Grainey said:
"It is accepted that planning appeals are a costly affair for both the council and the developer.
"If planning permission is forthcoming without the need for an appeal, Energiekontor is prepared to offer an additional one-off payment of £70,000 in the first year of the community fund to give it a
good start in supporting worthy projects in the local area.
"There would also be the usual annual £12,000 to £15,000 payment into the community fund.
"If the planning committee accepts the planning officer's recommendation for approval then there will be no need for an appeal and the tax payers in the East Riding will not burdened with the £70,000 cost of defending another wind farm appeal."
The Monkwith proposal is likely to be re-considered by the planning committee on Thursday.