HC Deb 04 December 2003 vol 415 cc169-70W
Mr. Stunell

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on Merton Borough Council's policy PE14 on renewable energy, formally adopted on 31 October; and if he will make a statement. [141381]

Keith Hill

As the hon. Member will know, Merton's UDP policy PE14 (now renumbered PE13 in the Plan as adopted) encourages the incorporation of various environmentally friendly measures into buildings, and indicates thatall new non-residential development above a threshold of 1,000 square metres will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10 per cent. of predicted energy requirements".

This policy was introduced into the Plan in post-inquiry modifications, an objection was made. Representations were made to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by Councillor Andrew Judge, Council Leader of the London Borough of Merton, and from Rebecca Willis, of the Green Alliance, with members of the Energy Entrepreneurs Network as co-signatories. In both cases the representations pointed out that a viability test had been introduced by the Council to address the Government's concerns, and asked that the Government should not intervene to direct the removal of the policy from the Plan.