Renewable Energy (Hansard, 6 May 2003)

§ Mr. Lidington
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to ensure that regional plans for renewable energy generation take account of the impact of new generating facilities on the wider rural economy] [109832]

§ Mr. Wilson
The recent Energy White Paper set out the Government's plans with regard to regional plans for renewable energy developments. It sets out the Government's commitment to ensure that a strategic approach to energy issues is developed in each English region. This includes encouraging regional bodies and local authorities to strategically examine resources and opportunities for renewable energy projects within their areas. When drawing up their development plans, regional bodies and local authorities need to have regard to all relevant planning policy guidance, including those relating to rural development (PPG7) regional planning (PPGII) and renewable energy (PPG22). Any proposed energy development must be considered on its merits on a case by case basis. Among the factors taken into account would be the economic, environmental and any other relevant material planning considerations.

§ Mr. Lidington
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the environmental impact of plans by the South West Regional Development Agency for further onshore wind power generation. [109840]

§ Mr. Wilson
The South West Regional Development Agency has made no plans for further onshore wind power generation. That is not its role. The number and location of onshore wind turbines is a matter for developers and the relevant planning authority. The environmental impact of proposals is considered on a case by case basis.

§ Mr. Lidington
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received about the environmental impact of plans by the South West Regional Development Agency for further onshore wind power generations. [109841]

§ Mr. Wilson
Since the South West Regional Development Agency has not made plans for further onshore wind power generation (this is not its role), the issue of representations does not arise.