January 11, 2013
England

Welcome given to Government’s stance on wind farms

By James Brindle | 10 January 2013 | www.uttoxeter-news.co.uk

The county council’s environment chief has welcomed Government intervention calling for local views on wind farms to be taken more seriously.

Planning Minister Nick Boles is reported to have made the appeal to Energy Minister John Hayes in a private letter opposing plans for more onshore and offshore wind turbines.

In October 2012 Staffordshire County Council established its position that large scale wind farm applications should be refused unless they can demonstrate real benefits to people living in the areas around them.

Under the guidelines, large scale wind energy developments should also be 2km or further from residential areas.

Mark Winnington, cabinet member for environment and assets, said: “While we recognise the value and importance for renewable energy, large wind turbines must not be imposed on communities.

“Enough is enough. Large wind farms should not be located in areas where they would damage our landscape or its economy.

“Improving the lives of people in Staffordshire is a top priority for us and I very much welcome Mr Boles advice to Mr Hayes, which will have to be taken seriously.

“The views of people who would be directly affected by wind turbine proposals have to be heard and considered. We cannot have people’s quality of life negatively impacted upon as a result of large wind turbine developments.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/11/welcome-given-to-governments-stance-on-wind-farms/