Medway Lib Dems Oppose Kingsnorth Power Station

12.00.00am GMT Thu 10th Jan 2008

Despite the Medway Lib Dems arguing that there are a number of problems with the proposal, Medway Council decided not to object to plans for a coal fired power station at Kingsnorth. 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 Medway 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!"

Medway Council took the decision to raise no objections to the proposed coal fired power station at Kingsnorth at the Development Control meeting on the 2nd January.

For further information please contact:

Cllr Geoff Juby, Group Leader Medway Lib Dems

mob: 07740 590098

email: geoff.juby@medway.gov.uk

or

Angela Kawa, Political Assistant-Liberal Democrat Group

tel: 01634 333635

email: angela.kawa@medway.gov.uk