I BELIEVE that a new approach is needed for the development of renewable energy, because across Britain, from Scout Moor to Wales, local communities are understandably angry at the way that wind farms are being imposed on them by this Government.
Unfortunately, the problem is also going to get bigger. Under the Government's current plans, the number of wind turbines in the UK will increase from 1,000 today to over 6,000 by 2010. Some of these will spoil the Bolton landscape - for example, how long will it be before parts of Westhoughton come under pressure from an application?
Ministers have bet everything on land-based wind farms in the belief that they are the quickest and the cheapest way to meet the Government's renewable energy target. They are pressing ahead regardless of the opportunities offered by other renewable energy sources; regardless of the cost to the British landscape, and regardless of the impact their policy will have on local people's lives.
We must find a better way forward, not just for the sake of our countryside - although I am determined to protect that most precious British asset - but because we will only maximise the opportunities offered by renewable energy if we build consensus not conflict.
Renewable energy has the potential both to help reduce carbon emissions and to reduce the UK's dependence on overseas energy supplies. Today only three per cent of Britain's energy is generated from renewable sources. But Ministers are going about it in the wrong way. Instead of making people feel enthusiastic about renewable energy, they are turning thousands against it.
As a nation we must look at all types of renewable energy in order to find the best long-term solution for Britain. For example, harness power from wave and tide; could we not also use our deep-sea expertise to take a lead in offshore wind? Should we not do more to help farmers develop green energy from forestry and agriculture?
I believe that wind turbines have a role to play in increasing the energy generated from renewable sources, but I want to make sure that they are sensitively located.
I will oppose any planning guidance in relation to renewable energy that undermines the ability of local planners to take decisions on the basis of local opinion. Government and developers have to make and win the case at both national and local level.
Philip Allott
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Bolton West
New Hall Lane
Bolton
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