UK Energy Minister, John Hayes MP, believes that the views of local communities and local authorities should have a higher status in the decision process to approve or reject wind farm applications.
He made the comments during a meeting (11th March) which had been requested by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, to discuss issues of mutual interest on the UK energy agenda. After discussions on grid transmission, Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and the developing energy arrangements between the British and Irish Governments, the Minister was asked by Mr George to explore new mechanisms to ensure the views of the local planning authorities and local communities are given greater material weight in the planning decision process than they currently are.
After nearly an hour of discussion, Mr Hayes, who has responsibility for the energy portfolio at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), said he was very persuaded by the argument for greater local determination based on what was happening in Mid Wales. He agreed that if the community was united in opposition to developments then that decision should be respected by planning inspectors and by ministers. He told Mr George, who was accompanied by Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies, that he would go away and examine the ideas further in order to set out new guidance for the Planning Inspectorate which would see local interests take a higher priority than national policy.
The discussions with Mr Hayes followed on the back of earlier deliberations at Downing Street, where the Montgomeryshire AM raised energy policy with the Prime Minister.
Commenting after the meetings, Mr George said:
"These were two extremely positive meetings for us in Mid Wales.
"I was pleased the Prime Minister again took the time to listen to the important concerns of Mid Wales regarding onshore wind development and the Connection Project.
"The meeting with the Energy Minister was also very productive, as he completely understood my arguments for a move to greater local determination on wind farm applications in Wales.
"He has started looking at potential new mechanisms guided by the responses that came out of DECC’s call for evidence on community engagement, benefits and costs of onshore wind.
"I think the Minister can now see a new model for community involvement in wind energy clearly emerging, which is much deeper than simple engagement and involvement in so called benefit schemes.
"If communities are resolute in their objections to wind farm development – as we are in Mid Wales - then that decision must be properly respected and I believe the Minister fully understands that."