§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what guidance he will give local planning authorities on the creation of local buffer zones beyond the boundaries of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty; [113972]
(2) if he will adopt the noise standards contained in the DTI document, "Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms", as a standard planning guideline on wind farm applications; [113977]
(3) if he will encourage local planning authorities to identify landscape areas suitable for wind farm development in local land use plans. [113973]
§ Mr. McNultyCurrent Government guidance on renewable energy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 22 and its associated annexes. PPG22 is currently being revised and a draft for public consultation will be published later this year. Policy on the use of buffer zones, noise and the location of wind farm developments will be included in that draft.