Support Swinford Windfarm

Dear Mr Patterson

Planning Application No. 08/00506/FUL Statement of support I am writing to express my support for the proposed Swinford Windfarm. I would like Harborough District Council's Development Control Committee 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 20% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020. This will require the participation of every community around the UK in 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. I urge you approve the Swinford Windfarm proposal which will make a significant contribution to cutting emissions from the area.

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