Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans to introduce regional targets for renewable energy generation in future Planning Policy Guidance Notes. [HL4038]
§ Lord WhittyIn relation to England, the Government have made it clear that, in order to deliver their targets and goals for renewable energy and climate change, a positive strategic approach is needed to planning for renewable energy from regional level downwards, with appropriate provision made for development in local authorities' development plans. In taking this forward, the Government are considering responses to the consultation documentNew and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century, published on 30 March 1999, and the recommendations in the report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities, Electricity from Renewables, published on 7 July 1999. This includes suggestions that regional targets for renewable energy should be set.
Planning for renewable energy in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales respectively. Following devolution, planning for renewable energy in Northern Ireland will be a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly.