§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to make it obligatory for renewable energy developers to deliver community benefit. [170174]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 12 May 2004]: I have no plans to do so. However the Department is commissioning a study of the actual and potential impact of community benefits schemes on the deployment of renewable, especially wind, energy projects.
§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to facilitate negotiations between renewable energy developers and local communities affected by wind farm development regarding the calculation and delivery of community benefit. [170175]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 12 May 2004]: The community impact of wind farm developments, and any possible compensating benefits, should be addressed through the planning process in the normal way.
The Department is commissioning a study of the actual and potential impact of community benefits schemes on the deployment of renewable, especially wind, energy projects.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the effect of trends in renewable energy upon residents in Wirral, South. [170378]
§ Mr. TimmsAs I far as I am aware recent trends in investment have not led directly to new renewables capacity in Wirral South itself. For details of developments in the surrounding Liverpool area I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas) on 25 March 2004,Official Report, column 1109W, my right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 28 April 2004, Official Report, columns 1162–63W and my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Mr. Benton) on 11 May 2004, Official Report, column 248W.