MP raises wind turbine 'ban' plan

Proposals that would prevent wind turbines being built close to homes received a first reading in the House of Commons.

MP Peter Luff introduced a private members bill advocating that large turbines should be built 1.5 miles (2.4km) away from dwellings.

Smaller turbines could be built closer, the Mid Worcestershire MP said.

However, it was also argued the plan sent "a clear message of opposition to wind power".

'Threatened and powerless'

Conservative MP Mr Luff has been working with residents opposed to proposed wind turbines at Lenchwick near the Vale of Evesham.

Introducing a half-mile exclusion zone around houses for all but the smallest wind turbines would help communities that currently feel "threatened and powerless", he said.

Cheltenham Lib Dem MP Martin Horwood said it would have the "perverse result" of increasing pressure on rural areas to accept turbine projects that could no longer be built in urban environments.

He added that local people should decide about wind turbines without the House of Commons creating inflexible rules "which will do more harm than good".

Scottish Power has recently said it plans to reduce the number of turbines proposed for Lenchwick from 10 to five.