news story

30th January 2006

South Glos. Residents Give Strong Backing to Wind Farms

A large-scale consultation by Northavon MP Steve Webb has found strong support in principle among South Gloucestershire residents to the idea of having wind farms in their area. Almost 1,500 constituents responded to a questionnaire from their MP on the subject which included website links to arguments for and against wind farms. The overall result was 1,106 votes in favour and 388 against - a balance of 74% in favour to 26% against. Amongst the main arguments in favour were:

- the importance of renewable energy, cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions;
- the importance of energy produced in the UK, not dependent on overseas supplies;
- many thought that wind turbines were attractive provided that they were sensitively sited and in modest numbers.

Among those opposed, the biggest objection was on the grounds of visual intrusion. Other objections were to the limited efficiency and output of wind turbines, the possible noise and the impact on wildlife.

A surprising feature of the response was the large number of residents who wanted to see the idea of a Severn Barrage revived, and the MP said he would be willing to discuss the idea with government departments to see whether this was considered feasible. Many people also wanted more support for smaller scale domestic power generation such as from solar panels or house mounted windmills.

Commenting on the response, Steve Webb said:

"I have received a huge response to this question, and I am very grateful to everyone who gave me their views. I was struck by the high level of support for wind farms in principle, although people rightly stressed that each individual application would need to be assessed on its merits. Whilst wind power is clearly only part of the answer to our energy needs, it is clear to me that a significant majority of my constituents would want to see the Council engage positively with anyone seeking to submit an application".

The MP said he would be sending a summary of his findings to the Head of Planning at South Gloucestershire Council for councillors and council officers to bear in mind when deciding how to approach this issue.