Wiltshire Council has launched a public consultation on a controversial amendment to its Core Strategy which would effectively cut off a major route for developing renewable energy.

The amendment aims to stop wind farms being built by stipulating minimum separation distances between homes and wind turbines, ostensibly on health and safety grounds.

This caused a public outcry when it was first passed by the Council in June.

A group of local residents, businesses, and community groups from throughout the county has formed the Wiltshire Clean Energy Alliance to campaign against the amendment and ensure fair planning rules for renewable developments.

Green MP Caroline Lucas, who has pledged her support for the Wiltshire Clean Energy Alliance, said:

"I’m pleased that Wiltshire Council has decided to consult the public about this controversial policy amendment.

"There is already an established, independent, evidence-based process for dealing with wind-farm planning applications, but this move completely shortcuts that.

"If it is allowed to become policy, there is a danger that a new precedent will become established amongst local planners which could have serious implications for the UK’s ability to achieve its renewable energy targets.”

Rowena Quantrill, a founder member of the Wiltshire Clean Energy Alliance and a member of Climate Friendly Bradford-on Avon, said:

 “Wiltshire Council itself has recognised wind farms and biomass as the two key renewable energy opportunities for Wiltshire – so to stop all wind farm development at a stroke would be entirely counterproductive.

"Supporters of wind farms tend to be the silent majority, so I’d urge people to speak up and comment on this consultation to have their voices heard.

"Renewables can help Wiltshire become more energy independent and offer great opportunities for communities to benefit too.”

Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

“It’s right that Wiltshire residents are consulted about this amendment to planning policy.

"Wind turbines are not dangerous and there’s no safety reason to stop them being built within three kilometres of any home.

“We know that 85 per cent of the public want more of their electricity to come from UK wind, sun and water, and all councils – including Wiltshire – play a crucial role in enabling that to happen.

“Instead of sneaking in last-minute caveats that will stop clean energy in its tracks, Wiltshire council should be blazing a trail with its local plan – cutting emissions and creating hundreds of jobs.”

In July, Milton Keynes Council introduced similar changes, once again without following the proper consultation process.

Swindon Council is now discussing making a similar amendment to its Core Strategy and Lincolnshire Council also recently introduced new restrictions on new developments.

Wiltshire Council’s six-week consultation is due to end on 1^st November 2012. It covers some 180 minor amendments to the Core Strategy, but the wind farm planning issue is likely to provoke the biggest response.

People who wish to comment on the consultation can visit www.wiltshirecea.org.uk for more information.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information about the Wiltshire Clean Energy Alliance please visit: www.wiltshirecea.org.uk