The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)

Following a wide range of representations, including the letter of January 2012 to the Prime Minister from one hundred hon. Members, and in light of the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s call for evidence, it has become clear that action is needed to deliver the balance expected by the national planning policy framework on onshore wind. We need to ensure that protecting the local environment is properly considered alongside the broader issues of protecting the global environment.

This will also complement the community benefits proposals announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today.

the need for renewable energy does not automatically override environmental protections and the planning concerns of local communities;

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