MP MALCOLM Moss claims a Government decision to allow a wind turbine in Fenland that had been rejected by councillors is a threat to local democracy. Mr Moss, the MP for NE Cambs, launched his attack during a debate in the House of Commons on renewable en

MP MALCOLM Moss claims a Government decision to allow a wind turbine in Fenland that had been rejected by councillors is a threat to local democracy.

Mr Moss, the MP for NE Cambs, launched his attack during a debate in the House of Commons on renewable energy.

The MP's intervention came after a recent planning appeal gave the go ahead for Anglian Water to erect the wind turbine in Creek Road, despite the application being opposed by Fenland District Council Planning Committee.

"Given the fact that Fenland Council has one of the best records for wind development in the whole country, where does that leave local democracy and the wishes of local people?" said Mr Moss.

Ed Milliband, Secretary of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change, declined to comment on the individual application.

However he said all MPs who believe in renewable energy "and who believe in the part that renewable energy can play, have a responsibility to do all we can to encourage wind farms".

To groans of 'waste of time' from some MPs, Mr Milliband said: "Some Opposition members say they are a waste of time, but I profoundly disagree. To be completely honest, I am afraid that that attitude will get us nowhere."

He added: "If we preach renewable energy at a national level, we need to encourage it as a local level."

Anglian Water, in partnership with wind energy specialists TCI Renewables, is investigating the possibility of placing wind turbines on several of its sites around the region.

These plans include a proposal to erect one turbine at the Sewage Treatment Works on Creek Road, which, although supported by officials at Fenland Hall, was rejected by its planning committee. Overturning of the refusal has been condemned by committee chairman Councillor Martin Curtis.