VILLAGES could be “bribed” into backing wind farm applications as councillors consider forcing renewable energy groups to set up a community fund in exchange for planning permission.
Alnwick Council is looking into a scheme which could see around £100,000 a year paid to residents’ groups in return for planning permission for even small wind farms.
The money would come from community fund conditions attached to any renewable energy companies given the green light to build turbines in Northumberland.
On January 8, Alnwick councillors will meet to consider changes to planning rules which would make it possible to force contributions to various town projects. Wind farm opposition groups have slammed the possible payments as “Judas money” and questioned the motives behind them.
Dominic Coupe, regional head of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “The overwhelming feeling is that this is a 30 pieces of silver offer. It is a pitiful offer made by the developers to bribe parish councils.
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