§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the proximity of wind turbines to bridleways and other public rights of way and their impact on equine welfare. [52097]
§ Mr. RaynsfordOne, from the British Horse Society.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of amending424W PPG 22 to introduce a minimum required distance between wind farms and bridleways and other public rights of way. [52098]
§ Mr. RaynsfordPlanning Policy Guidance notes are not intended to be prescriptive. We have no evidence that the existing guidance is not robust enough in this area. Planning Policy Guidance note 7, 'The Countryside—Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development', already alerts local planning authorities to take into account the impact of proposed developments on public rights of way when deciding planning applications. Experience indicates that properly designed and maintained wind turbines are a safe technology.