CAMPAIGNERS against wind farms have hit out at claims councils should be forced to hand over land for turbines.

It comes after Hull East MP John Prescott said too many wind turbine planning applications are blocked and urged ministers to take on "nimbys", which stands for "not in my backyard".

The former deputy prime minister wants to force councils to earmark sites for wind farms, as part of a strategy to override residents' objections to the developments.

However, campaigners in the region said it would be undemocratic to hand over land without consultation.

Cherie Blenkin, chair of South Holderness Opposes Wind Turbines (Showt), said: "It is our democratic right to look at any application in terms of size and location.

"Without our scrutiny, the area would be overrun with turbines.

"At Monkwith, the development was reduced by 60 per cent after we campaigned against the plans and made the developers realise it would have a detrimental impact on the environment.

"John Prescott should listen to local people and realise we are not nimbys or against renewable energy.

"To force councils to set aside land would be an erosion of democracy."

There are four operational wind farms in the East Riding – at Out Newton, Loftsome Bridge, Salt End and Lissett.

A further four are under construction – at Twin Rivers, near Goole, Burton Pidsea, Routh and Withernwick.

Mr Prescott's comments came ahead of the British Wind Energy Association's annual conference in Liverpool yesterday.

Mr Prescott said: "It is absolutely scandalous that three-quarters of planning applications for onshore wind turbines are turned down.

"We cannot let the vocal minority stop our move to a low-carbon economy and stop us meeting our global emissions targets.

"They have had it their way for far too long. So let me tell them loud and clear – it's not your backyard any more, it's ours."

Mr Prescott, who lives in Saltshouse Road, east Hull, which is not close to any turbines, called for a new requirement on local authorities to assign suitable sites in their areas for wind farms.

He also called for new local renewable energy targets, with sanctions for planning authorities that miss their targets.