HC Deb 21 January 1999 vol 323 c563W
Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that the benefits of wind power in terms of pollution are given greater weight by planning inspectors when considering planning applications for wind-farms. [66329]

Mr. Raynsford

Inspectors must give appropriate weight to all material planning considerations when considering wind-farm proposals on a case by case basis.

Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many wind-farm projects have been refused planning permission in each of the last five years; [66226]

(2) how many wind energy projects have been built in the last three years. [66227]

Mr. Raynsford

This information is not held by the Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Most planning applications are dealt with by local planning authorities.