MP gets wind farm assurance  

Credit:  The Berwick Advertiser, www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk 18 April 2012 ~~

Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith met Energy Secretary Ed Davey this week to discuss the impact on Northumberland of wind farm developments.

The Minister confirmed to Sir Alan that the Government was reviewing whether the level of subsidy on wind farms should be reduced.

Sir Alan said: “If all the wind turbines in Northumberland which currently have planning permission are built, the county will be making a major contribution to the country’s need for renewable energy sources.

“In an area with such spectacular views and landscapes, the planning authority needs to take great care over the further applications which are now coming forward.

“I welcome the Government’s review of the financing of wind farms, and the Secretary of State’s assurance that the local planning authority has the powers it needs to turn down inappropriately sited wind farm applications and to take account of the number of applications already approved. I am encouraging local residents who have concerns about wind farm developments to put their views to the Northumberland planning authority during its consultation on issues and options for the Core Strategy, which will begin towards the end of May 2012.”