Mr. Cox also questioned the Government’s policy on wind energy. An opponent of commercial onshore wind farms, the Geoffrey Cox today called into question the prudence of allowing large scale wind turbines to be erected in such close proximity to residential and commercial areas and called for statutory buffer zones to be set between dwellings and massive wind turbines.
His comments come just weeks after planning permission was granted for a highly controversial wind farm at Den Brook Valley. There are several further applications pending, across Torridge and West Devon, including one at Putford near Holsworthy.
Geoffrey Cox said:
“It is absurd that there is no minimum distance between dwellings and the site of commercial wind turbines. The guidelines available to local authorities suggests that a mere 300-400 meters is a sufficient buffer zone! The Government should be taking greater steps to protect the quality of life of those living in rural areas from these gigantic machines. That is why I am calling on the Government to review the minimum buffer zones and give, at the very least, firm and reasonable guidelines to planning committees.
15 May 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/05/19/mp-calls-for-wind-farm-buffer-zones-to-protect-rural-communities/