HC Deb 24 January 2002 vol 378 cc1059-60W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what landscape criteria she applies in determining applications for wind power stations with an output greater than 50 MW. [28388]

Mr. Wilson

All relevant criteria set out in planning guidance and environmental assessment guidance are taken into account. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry also has a duty under Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to have regard to the extent to which a person who formulates a proposal has complied with his duty of having regard to the desirability of preserving natural beauty and do what he reasonably can to mitigate any effect the proposal would have on the natural beauty of the countryside. In addition the views of the relevant local planning authority which will be familiar with the local terrain are also taken into account.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what approvals she has given to wind power stations with an output greater than 50 MW in the last 12 months; and what public consultation was undertaken in each case. [28389]

Mr. Wilson

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has approved in principle the application for a windfarm at Cefn Croes. Formal approval will be issued once the necessary planning conditions and planning obligations have been agreed. The public were consulted on the application and their views were taken into account. There have been no other windfarm approvals.

Mr. Lyons

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the criteria used when deciding whether to erect wind farms apply to the whole of the United Kingdom. [29273]

Mr. Wilson

Decisions on wind farms or any other type of power station over 50 megawatts in England and Wales are handled by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. In reaching her decision my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for will consider all relevant criteria set out in planning guidance and environmental assessment guidance. Other competent authorities responsible for authorising smaller power stations can be expected to apply similar criteria.

Applications for power stations in Scotland and Northern Ireland are devolved matters. As a consequence the criteria are a matter for them.