Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Charles Hendry and Matt Hancock
Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con)
3. What plans he has to take account of local public opinion in determining the location of onshore wind farms.
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry)
We want communities to benefit directly from any wind farms that they host. That is why we will allow councils to keep the additional business rates paid by wind farms and support communities in having a stake in appropriately sited renewable energy projects such as wind farms.
Matthew Hancock
I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware of the proposal to build a wind farm near to Stoke by Clare in my constituency, which is in the area of the country that was most often painted by John Constable? What powers will local people have to decide whether that would be appropriate?
Charles Hendry
I am very much aware of that proposal because my hon. Friend has been so assiduous in promoting the concerns of his constituents. We are very keen to ensure that such developments have local support. We want to see more local community partnerships in this area and more financial benefit going to those communities. Of course, planning decisions should take account of environmental concerns as well.