Wind Power Hampered by 'Archaic' Planning Laws; Turbine Plants Close despite Green Drive

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Byline: KELLYMacNAMARA

WIND turbines are the symbol for the UK's green revolution -but, as factories close, the industry has warned it is being kept in the slow lane by "archaic" planning laws.

As the recession bites even harder on UK companies, Gover nment estimates that a burgeoning eco-industry could provide hundreds of thousands of new jobs were enthusiastically welcomed.

So the decision by turbine producer Vestas Wind Systems to close its Isle of Wight and Southampton factories was met with shock, not least from its workers.

After an 18-day protest in which some staff barricaded themselves into the Isle of Wight building, 425 people were made redundant, with a further 57 kept on to manage …