Dear Mr. Stock,

Planning Application No.09/01220/FUL Statement of support I am writing to express my support for the application submitted by Gartree Wind Power Co-operative Limited. I would like Harborough District Council's Planning Control and Conservation Department to consider the following points when making a decision on the windfarm: The UK faces devastating impacts as a result of future climate change. The floods around the country in 2007 are a reminder of the kinds of weather events that will become more frequent and more extreme. Scientists from the IPCC warn that we must stabilise greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees centigrade and prevent catastrophic impacts. As part of its strategy to cut emissions, the UK Government supports an EU target of 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020. This will require the participation of every community around the UK in the adoption of low carbon energy technologies. Britain is Europe's windiest country. Wind power offers huge potential to reduce our emissions and improve our energy security. Onshore windpower is currently the best developed and most economical renewable generation technology, allowing us to make much needed reductions right now. I understand there may be concerns about the visual impact of this proposal. This is a subjective issue, and it must be borne in mind that modern wind turbines are planned for a period of 25 years, after which time they may be removed, or replaced. Visual impacts must also be weighed against the likely damage to our landscapes and environment caused by climate change, such as loss of beech trees and bluebell woods. Finally, I would like to remind you that national planning policy now prioritises action on climate change in the new Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change. These guidelines must now be embraced at a local level and strongly emphasise the guidance contained in PPS 1 paragraphs 13 and 22, and PPS 22, to promote and encourage the development of renewable energy resources. The Local Government Association recently urged councils to demonstrate leadership in tackling climate. I urge you approve the Gartree wind farm proposal which will make a significant contribution to cutting emissions from the area.

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Friends of the Earth is a collective name for Friends of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited, company number 1012357, both of which may use the above information. In both cases the registered office is at 26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1  7JQ.