Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2012. It was answered by Robert Neill (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Wind Power: Shropshire

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any protection is offered to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Shropshire from applications to erect large wind turbines.

Answer: In the consultation draft of the National Planning Policy Framework we made it clear that local planning authorities should give great weight to protecting landscape and scenic beauty in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Decisions on planning applications affecting an area, as elsewhere, should be made in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 puts a duty on a relevant authority in exercising or performing any function in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

Secondary information