PLANNING AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Early day motion 1031, tabled 15 November 2005 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 88 members.

That this House acknowledges that climate change is a significant threat which must be tackled; recognises that reducing energy consumption is the most sustainable response to climate change; believes that a broad range of renewable technologies have an important role to play in a low carbon economy; supports the need for effective community involvement in considering renewable energy projects; notes that the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee Report on the Practicalities of Renewables concluded that planning should not be seen as an obstacle to new renewables development; further recognises that the land use planning process plays a vital role in ensuring projects are planned sensitively and community concerns addressed; expresses concern that under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 decisions over renewable energy projects over 50 megawatts are taken outside the planning process; and calls for amendments to the Act to address this democratic deficit by ensuring only onshore wind projects above 200 megawatts that are of a genuine strategic nature are considered in this way.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 32, Conservative 21, DUP 3.