Julian writes on wind turbines

Julian has spoken in the media about the subjects of wind turbines this week.

He gave his views to the Yorkshire Post on Wednesday (1 February) – you can read that here >>.

The MP has also focused on the topic in his monthly column for the Ripon Gazette:

“A regular feature of my postbag at Westminster is plans to put up wind turbines in parts of my constituency. It is an issue which, understandably, provokes strong feelings from residents and those who feel the natural beauty of our stunning landscape would be hit by wind farms being built.

I can fully understand those concerns and this is why I am in close contact with my colleague Chris Heaton-Harris MP who has done a lot of work on this topic. Last month I attended a meeting he had organised in Parliament where we discussed his efforts and what plans he has to ensure the Government listen to the concerns of communities who want their views heard in the planning process. It is such an important issue for this part of the country that I have invited Mr Heaton-Harris to come here and he is due to attend a meeting in Wath later this month.

Wind power does have a role to play in our energy portfolio as we move into the future but it is absolutely crucial that wind farms are placed in the right location and have democratic support. There should be more focus on off-shore wind farms rather than the current on-shore wind turbines which often prove inefficient and not cost-effective. We have also seen that they often have to be stopped during periods of very high winds – a position which seems completely illogical.

It is also very important that developers who have an idea about putting up a turbine actually engage with the community. At the moment there are too many cases of ‘scoping’ taking place to see whether a site is suitable for a wind turbine, causing understandable concern among residents, followed by nothing more being heard about the proposal for some time with the energy company unwilling to give more details on the stage the process is at. This creates anger and confusion and there must be more transparency so local residents know where they stand.

We have also seen too many cases of, what I have previously described in Parliament, as ‘bullying’ tactics where a developer whose application has been submitted and rejected is then able to exert pressure for a different decision on appeal. As I argued in my response to the Government’s Draft Planning Policy Framework, the endless appeals of developers compared to the inability of local residents to appeal a decision they do not like is a major concern.

I am clear that planning policy must take into account what a stunning part of the world we live in and must take into account the views of local residents. We need to develop alternative energy sources for a greener future but it is absolutely vital that the search for this does not lead to the destruction of our green and pleasant land that makes Ripon, Masham, Nidderdale and the surrounding areas so beautiful. Worried communities across North Yorkshire are crying out for much clearer rules so that this balance between energy, planning, landscape and environment is better enshrined in law.”