09/08/2004

Planners to 'encourage' renewable energy development

Renewable energy will play a "vital role" in creating the sustainable communities of the future, Minister for Planning Keith Hill said today.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister today published renewable energy plans which are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.

Minister for Planning Keith Hill said that today's policy paper was a "positive and significant step towards" meeting environmental commitments.

Mr Hill added: "Although wind energy is expected to make a significant contribution to meeting our 10% renewable energy target by 2010, these policies will apply equally to all other renewable energy technologies, such as energy from solar resources, biomass, wave and tidal technologies and energy crops.

"The development of a broad range of renewable energy resources is vital in our fight against global warming and climate change."

The policy paper stated that renewable energy developments should be accommodated throughout England "where the technology is viable and environmental, social and economic impacts can be addressed in a satisfactory manner."

The proposals also call for regional and local plans to contain policies designed to "promote and encourage, rather than restrict", the development of renewable energy resources.

It also calls for renewable energy developments to be considered carefully in areas on national and international importance for landscape and nature conservation/wildlife.

(gmg)

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