Feedback from Copeland BC's Economic Development Committee
Attended a meeting of Copeland Borough Council's Economic Development O&S Committee on Thursday.
Main items for debate were
1) Wind Farms. A motion on the subject from Cllr Norman Clarkson, essentially the same as he had persuaded Cumbria County Council to pass, was referred from the full council.
After some debate, an amended version of Norman's motion which has originally been put forward by myself, modified so as that Planning Panel members would not be disqualified from voting on Wind Farm planning applications if they voted for it, was sent back to the council as a recommendation with both Conservative and Labour support.
As amended the motion expresses concern that the role given in Cumbria to onshore wind farms under existing energy targets forms too great a proportion of the mix.
The amended version essentially calls for a mix of energy, as laid out in the Energy Coast Masterplan, with lower targets in Cumbria for Onshore wind, though it supports nuclear, tidal, and other forms of renewable energy. It does not express a view on any individual planning application, nor call for any equivalent reduction in offshore wind targets.
2) Worklessness/unemployment.
There were a number of presentations on the work being done in the Copeland to reduce what used to be called unemployment and is now usually referred to as worklessness. I was particularly impressed to see the support available from a range of agencies to help people set up their own businesses. One of the key things we need to do is encourage people to aim higher.
Main items for debate were
1) Wind Farms. A motion on the subject from Cllr Norman Clarkson, essentially the same as he had persuaded Cumbria County Council to pass, was referred from the full council.
After some debate, an amended version of Norman's motion which has originally been put forward by myself, modified so as that Planning Panel members would not be disqualified from voting on Wind Farm planning applications if they voted for it, was sent back to the council as a recommendation with both Conservative and Labour support.
As amended the motion expresses concern that the role given in Cumbria to onshore wind farms under existing energy targets forms too great a proportion of the mix.
The amended version essentially calls for a mix of energy, as laid out in the Energy Coast Masterplan, with lower targets in Cumbria for Onshore wind, though it supports nuclear, tidal, and other forms of renewable energy. It does not express a view on any individual planning application, nor call for any equivalent reduction in offshore wind targets.
2) Worklessness/unemployment.
There were a number of presentations on the work being done in the Copeland to reduce what used to be called unemployment and is now usually referred to as worklessness. I was particularly impressed to see the support available from a range of agencies to help people set up their own businesses. One of the key things we need to do is encourage people to aim higher.
Comments
http://www.copelandbc.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=495
Last time I tried to use the council website to check meeting dates a few weeks ago, I found a calendar which wasn't too bad. But when I looked this evening in response to your post, all I could find was the same page you refer to, and I agree that it is terrible.
I will check if the revised layout of the section with forthcoming meetings is still under construction, because what is there now is not fit for purpose.
Just not good enough and I will continue to pursue the matter.