Wind farm buffer zones proposed

By Nick Watson Producer, West Midlands Politics Show

Wind farm buffer zones proposed

Legislation to control the distance between wind farms and homes is to be introduced by a Midlands MP.

Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff (Con) wants a buffer zone of at least 1.5 miles between homes and the largest turbines.

Mr Luff will introduce a bill before parliament using the 10-minute rule procedure.

The British Wind Energy Association says if it does become law it could kill many onshore wind farm plans.

Wind farms should be "acceptable" to communities, says Peter Luff

Mr Luff has taken up the issue following opposition to a wind farm application in his constituency in the Vale of Evesham.

"I happen to be a keen exponent of alternative and renewable energy sources, but feel strongly that onshore wind farms are only appropriate where their visual and environmental impact on open countryside is acceptable," said Mr Luff.

Little protection

The proposal in Mr Luff's constituency from ScottishPower Renewables involves building five 125m tall turbines at Lenchwick.

Currently there is nothing enshrined in the law although companies appear to comply with a 500m distance.

"Government policy on this issue is vague, giving little protection to local communities who have legitimate objections to the building of these turbines in their area," Mr Luff adds.

Under the Luff scheme smaller turbines will need to be 0.5 miles from homes, intermediate ones a mile and the larger ones 1.5 miles away from the nearest house unless there are no objections.

Sustainable energy

"The turbines proposed for the Lenches are the equivalent of a forty storey building and half as high again as Big Ben - but will be located around 650 metres from houses. There is uproar in the affected villages," said Mr Luff.

But while his plans are being well received in his constituency they have been condemned by the British Wind Energy Association.

Video: Debate on Luff turbine law

"It's not a good idea," said spokesman Nick Medich.

"It will kill a lot of applications and that's the wrong approach because we have to deal with climate change and energy security.

"We need cheap, reliable, sustainable energy sources and wind energy ticks the boxes," he said.

Angela Gallacher, of the Kenilworth-based Renewable Energy Centre, said Mr Luff's plan would "bring to a halt the onshore wind farm strategy".

"It makes no sense. It's very important that communities realise that in the future that there will be black-outs so these small wind farms are even more important."

Protesters in the Vale of Evesham are completely behind Mr Luff though.

"A well thought-out proposal," says James Bacon on the Vale Villages Against Scottish Power website.

"It is a shock to learn that there is not at present any statutory limitation and that the 500m limit of which we had heard is not enshrined in law. There should obviously be a set limit."