Prescott: Forcing councils to create wind farm land could help people switch energy - 20/10/2009
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has called for councils to be forced to set aside local land to be used for cheap energy wind farm development.
He told the British Wind Energy Association that local protests in regions across the UK have resulted in just 25 per cent of planned wind farm projects being able to go ahead so far this year.
The politician drew parallels with the issue he faced as deputy prime minister regarding travelling communities that was resolved by setting aside clear areas where travellers could stop and he suggested local councils be compelled to do the same in relation to wind farms.
According to the Telegraph, Mr Prescott told the organisation: "We should bring this approach to wind farms. We already know where the best areas are for wind so let's work with councils to ensure they allocate suitable areas for development."
Onshore wind farms often attract vocal opposition as rural communities frequently argue turbines have a negative impact on countryside landscapes.
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