THE complete ineptitude and naivety of local parish councils while considering wind turbine applications, was highlighted in the Cambs Times last week (September 14). A spokesman for Doddington parish council stated that, wind turbines are a blot on the

THE complete ineptitude and naivety of local parish councils while considering wind turbine applications, was highlighted in the Cambs Times last week (September 14).

A spokesman for Doddington parish council stated that, "wind turbines are a blot on the landscape, spoiling sunsets and the natural beauty of the Fens, we have always supported turbines, and look after the environment," (confusing, isn't it?).

Doddington village now has a skyline dominated by three of these "blots on the landscape" with an additional two soon to follow, all supported by the council.

It now seems that Doddington PC is fed up with "looking after the environment" and suggests it's time for others to have these "blots on their landscapes". How neighbourly. Let us not forget how these destroyers of "the natural beauty of the Fens" appeared on the local landscape and horizon of Doddington, or who gains from this industrialisation?

I question the knowledge, experience and wisdom of a parish council that supports and approves what it later views as so environmentally destructive. Does this suggest they, like other councils, may have been wrong and, if so, will they admit to this environmental blunder of judgement, or will this be a case of self denial?

Over the years local parish councils have been approached by the wind developer in order to gain council backing. Approval almost certainly will follow and it will not be based on any real knowledge or fact, but more on naivety and other possible motives or reason.

Fenland planning officers say the application and approval of a wind mast, which is viewed by some as a "foot in the door" application, will not mean that an application for 16 turbines will be approved. I must say at this point, any remaining confidence in our planning system evaporates, as it is almost a certainty that planners will plead with the developer to compromise, and settle for 12 turbines due to lack of any policy.

JOHN STONEMAN

Cambs Environmental and Wildlife Protection (CEWP)