Oral Answers to Questions

Andrea Leadsom Excerpts

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

My hon. Friend will know that I am profoundly interested in renewable technologies that deliver. Tidal energy has immense potential. We have already committed resources to the work being done to get it to a scale on which it could be commercially viable. What my hon. Friend points to in his constituency, backed by his personal support, can only assist us in that practice.

[Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con)]

14. What his policy is on onshore wind farms; and if he will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Mr Edward Davey)]

Our policy remains the same: to support onshore wind farms. Onshore wind is good for our energy security, emissions reductions, economic growth and jobs, and it reduces pressures on consumer bills. The new wind projects to deliver the ambition of 13GW by 2020 are largely on the table. The Government are clear that those must be properly sited and must provide genuine benefits to local communities.

[Andrea Leadsom]

I am disappointed that the Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), did not respond to my question; I have welcomed his comments in the press in recent days. Does my right hon. Friend believe that it is fair that my constituents in Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth have spent two years and thousands of pounds of their own money fighting a wind farm in their area, with support from South Northamptonshire council, only to have the decision overturned on appeal? The inspector said that all their objections were very valid and upheld them, but added that national policy overruled local wishes. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve that unfair situation?

[Mr Davey]

I am sorry if I have disappointed my hon. Friend by my presence at the Dispatch Box. She will know that Ministers do not comment on particular planning applications, but I have made it absolutely clear, working with the Department for Communities and Local Government, that the planning system needs to be more responsive to local communities. I personally launched the consultation on trying to get greater community benefits for communities who host renewable sites. I hope that she will, with her experience, contribute to that consultation process, which is very important in ensuring that communities who host these sites can gain a real benefit.