My Position on Onshore Wind Farms:
I am already working closely with the Council and with other action groups on the subject of wind farms. Whilst renewable energy has an important part to play in providing energy for our 21st century needs, we have got to stop building incredible insensitive and intrusive wind farms on top of local communities. In all existing cases and in the future, I want to see a proper consultation process and the opportunity for communities to say no. I would suggest that any concerned local residents should write to the local council raising your objections.
Our national policy on wind farms is that Britain has some of the best renewable resources in the world - not just on land, but in the wind, wave and tidal power available off one of the longest coastlines in Europe and it is right that we utilise such resources. However, we also believe that community consent is vital, and applications will need to be considered in the light of its possible impact on the local environment. This means allowing communities to be active participants in, as well as beneficiaries of, onshore wind development. This Government is committed to encouraging community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit from the power produced. It is also key that communities that host renewable energy projects are allowed to keep the additional business rates they generate. In South Northamptonshire, wind farm applications have been submitted that would put enormous turbines in some of our most beautiful rural areas. This is a huge mistake for the future of our environment. There is no doubt that renewable energy has a vital part to play in the security and sustainability of Britain's energy systems, but I will be campaigning to ensure that the bigger picture is taken into account, and that the views of the local community are properly listened to.
British wind, wave and tidal energy resources have world-beating potential. It is an inexhaustible resource that provides us with important advantages in the development of a global clean energy industry. Offshore wind, in particular, has the potential to become Britain's largest natural energy resource - and its development will play a significant part in meeting the UK commitment to source 15% of our energy from renewables by 2020.
I am concerned that onshore wind power still needs to be proven as a valuable contribution to our energy security needs. The Government acknowledges that Britain has some of the best renewable resources in the world and it is right that we utilise such resources. However, I am also pleased that the Government remains committed to its localism agenda which will return planning powers to local communities and abolish the last Government's 'top down' targets. Part of this will see communities and individuals benefit from the increase in renewable energy sources and potentially own a stake in our collective low carbon economy. The Government wants to see communities that host renewable energy projects keep the additional business rates they generate.
The Localism Bill was presented to Parliament on Monday 13 December. It had its Second Reading on Monday 17 January and I spoke in that debate. I have also tabled an amendment to the Bill so that wind farm regulations are specifically included in the Primary Legislation and I have had many supportive comments from colleagues.
Further to the Localism Bill I secured a 3 hour debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 10 February at 2.30pm to specifically discuss onshore wind farms. The debate was very well attended with 27 MPs attending, 12 colleagues spoke in a good natured and good humoured debate. Colleagues represented their constituents well and a wide range of points were debated. Interestingly, no one spoke in favour of onshore wind, but all spoke strongly in favour of greater local democracy in decision making! You can read the full report here.
I am already working closely with the District Council and with local action groups on the subject of wind farms. I will do all I can to keep local residents up to date with developments and represent your views on wind farms in Parliament.
Conservative Approach to renewable energy:
British wind, wave and tidal energy resources have world-beating potential. It is an inexhaustible resource that provides us with important advantages in the development of a global clean energy industry. Offshore wind, in particular, has the potential to become Britain's largest natural energy resource - and its development will play a significant part in meeting the UK commitment to source 15% of our energy from renewables by 2020.
A Better Way:
Many renewable developments - especially onshore wind - fall below the threshold for national decision making. The new Coalition Government will take the bitterness out of local planning battles by giving communities not only a say, but also a stake, in appropriately-sited developments. That means finding ways to allow communities who participate in renewable energy projects to share in the rewards.
The Government will allow communities to keep all of the business rates from any new wind development for the first six years. To put this into context, a 10 megawatt wind farm - about five large turbines - could pay around £72,000 a year in rates back into the local community. We will also work with the industry on other ways in which communities can benefit. These include discounted electricity rates for local residents for the duration of the wind farm's life. Perhaps the greatest potential lies in enabling community ownership of renewable developments. The government will introduce a user-friendly feed-in tariff system in place of the complex Renewables Obligation for community-owned renewables, and we propose to use the Green Investment Bank to make project finance available for such schemes.
