Political process not followed for windfarm plans, says political commentator

A leading political commentator on the Island has claimed the proposed windfarm does not have Tynwald backing.

In a statement released to the media former government press officer and journalist Alistair Ramsay says the political go ahead for the plans was granted by the Council of Ministers, and not Tynwald, something he's described as a major mistake by Ministers.

It was granted under the auspices of government's Island Plan, which although approved by Tynwald doesn't contain the phrase 'onshore wind', he also says a development of this scale would require proper parliamentary debate and a public consultation.

He argues it means there is no proper political authority for erecting wind turbines at Easystane, or anywhere else.

He concludes by drawing attention to a motion from Jason Moorhouse in Tynwald next week, which says windfarms are not permitted in similar areas of natural beauty throughout the rest of the UK.