Lib Dems Oppose Kingsnorth Power Station In Rochester (Sittingbourne and Sheppey Liberal Democrats)

Sittingbourne and Sheppey Liberal Democrats <info@sittingbourneandsheppeylibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Oppose Kingsnorth Power Station In Rochester

January 7, 2008 1:37 PM

At a Development Control meeting of Medway Unitary Authority a decision was taken to raise no objections to the proposed coal fired power station at Kingsnorth. Despite the Lib Dems arguing that there are a number of problems with the proposal, the council decided not to object to the plans. Both Lib Dem Councillors voted against the decision to raise no objections at the planning meeting.

Cllr Geoff Juby, Group Leader, comments:

"The decision by Medway Council to grant planning permission for the power station was inevitable in view of the pressure put on councillors by Government. The whole process is back to front and a public inquiry, funded either by Eon or the Government, should have been held prior to the planning meeting."

Cllr Maureen Ruparel, adds:

"At the planning meeting I felt bludgeoned, bullied and blackmailed into making a decision which will affect future generations. Residents of Medway weren't made aware of the facts.

At the presentation by council officers official Government statistics were quoted giving the breakdown of energy provision by 2015. However, when a figure of only 4% was given for electricity from renewable sources it brings into question recent national press coverage from the Government stating that they would have full coverage from renewables by 2020!"