Wind Power: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Energy and Climate Change
Written answers and statements, 5 November 2009
David Heathcoat-Amory (Wells, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent representations he has received on wind farm planning applications in areas of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement.
David Kidney (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Energy and Climate Change; Stafford, Labour)
I have received a recent representation regarding a planning application for a wind farm within an area of outstanding natural beauty. I am unable to comment further on this matter as the application remains subject to the statutory planning process.
The Government's Planning Policy Statement 22 on renewable energy is clear that planning permission for renewable energy projects should be granted only where it can be demonstrated that the objectives of the designation of the area will not be compromised by the development, and that any significant adverse effects are clearly outweighed by the environmental, social and economic benefits.