§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the visual impact of wind farms in operation; and if she will make a statement. [175000]
§ Mr. TimmsThe visual impact of proposed wind farm developments is considered on a case-by-case basis by the relevant planning authorities.
The Government's national planning policy with regard to wind farms and renewable energy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note (PPG) 22: Renewable Energy, which gives local planning authorities guidance on a range of issues that affect the siting of wind turbines—including visual impact.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the composition was of the working group responsible for the ETSU-R-97 report entitled the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms. [175562]
§ Mr. TimmsThe working group responsible for the ETSU-R-97 report entitled the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms was:
Name Mr. R. Meir—Chairman DTI Dr. M. L. Legerton—Secretary ETSU Dr. M. B. Anderson Renewable Energy Systems Mr. B. Berry National Physical Laboratory Dr. A. Bullmore Hoare Lea and Partners Mr. M. Hayes The Hayes McKenzie Partnership Mr. M. Jiggins Carrick District Council Mr. E. Leeming The National Power Company Ltd. Dr. P. Musgrove National Wind Power Ltd. Mr. D. J. Spode North Cornwall District Council Mr. H. A. Thomas Isle of Anglesey County Council Ms E. Tomalin EcoGen Ltd. Mr. M. Trinick Bond Pearce Solicitors Dr. J. Warren National Wind Power Ltd.