New rules to prevent wind turbines being built close to homes were proposed in the Commons yesterday. Skip related content
Peter Luff (Con, Mid-Worcestershire) introduced a private members bill that would set minimum distances of onshore wind turbines from habitations.
He said the measure would specify set-back distances from turbines in proportion to their total height.
The planning process would be sped up and boost the wind power industry in aiding them to choose the right sites.
But Luff conceded that the bill would stand "no chance" of becoming law, due to the late stage of the session.
Instead he had introduced the topic to stimulate an important debate on the issue, arguing the plan sent "a clear message of opposition to wind power".
Luff said money should be invested in every available renewable technology, including onshore wind turbines, but "only in the right places".
Martin Horwood (LD, Cheltenham) opposed the bill and said it would have the "perverse result" of increasing pressure on rural areas in accepting turbine projects that could no longer be built in urban environments.
He added: "It is a bill that would harm the prospects for wind energy in many places where it is supported by local people, and it would deepen the undermining of democratic local planning procedures"
The bill received a first reading, with the second set for November 6, but it stands little chance of becoming law.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pandemic of swine flu may be hitting a peak in the Northern Hemisphere, global health officials said on Friday, but they cautioned it was far from over.
