Clause 36
Energy Bill
5:00 pm
Martin Horwood (Shadow Minister (Environment), Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; Cheltenham, Liberal Democrat)
The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point. I had not been thinking particularly of the visual impact, which I think is dealt with by planning law—perhaps the Planning Bill might be the place to address that particular issue.
I will, however, give one example. We all know that if properly exploited, the Severn estuary could contribute some 5 to 7 per cent. of the UK’s electricity generating supply. In terms of carbon emissions it is an entirely good thing that that should proceed and that either a barrage, lagoon system or some other form of exploitation of the energy resources in the Severn estuary should proceed. But there will be inevitable environmental impacts—on the flow of the Severn and affecting biodiversity and wildlife habitat—and it is very proper that we take account of such impacts when banding different renewable power sources .
There are indeed concerns about their environmental impact of wind turbines, although not so much their visual impact. I think that they are very beautiful things. I have stood in many a Liberal Democrat supported constituency, where the wind turbines have been supported by both the local council and the local MP, and I have been underneath the wind turbine and listened for this alleged noise and disruption that it is supposed to cause people. I have heard very little that would disturb me; I am an enthusiast for wind turbines. However, if they are insensitively located and if the base of the turbine is rooted in an environmentally sensitive habitat, such things would be taken into account under the scope of our proposed amendment. It is quite proper, even for those of us who support wind turbines, to acknowledge that there are real concerns and I hope that the Minister will look kindly on our amendment.