MEP CALLS FOR WIND POWER INQUIRY

Scots MEP, John Purvis, is calling for an independent public inquiry into the value of wind power, environmentally, economically and in terms of meeting Scotland’s electricity requirements.

Mr Purvis has been inundated with letters of objection from constituents across Scotland, complaining about wind farms being developed in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

"I am receiving emails and letters from constituents concerned that proposed wind farms in their areas contravene EU Directives, on the protection of birds or habitats, and have the potential to despoil large tracts of rural Scotland," he said.

"Although wind farm sites are nominally assessed for their environmental impact, it seems that regional authorities have begun to grant permission to developers despite the high level of local protest.

"Indeed there is a presumption of approval for such projects under the Scottish Executive's energy policy."

Wind farm developments and proposals have been proliferating ever since the Scottish Executive set a renewable energy target for Scotland of 18% by 2010 and 40% by 2020.

The renewable energy targets, designed to reduce carbon emissions and global warming, were handed down through the UK government from the Kyoto agreement. They are the due result of deciding against replacing our nuclear power stations when they reach the end of their lives, Mr Purvis claims.

But, he says, there are problems within the decision-making process for wind farm proposals.

"The issue ends up being fought out locally by residents, developers and the local authorities, in the absence of clear guidelines and accurate information about the benefits or detrimental effects," Mr Purvis went on.

"It’s time we weighed the value of wind power as an energy source against the damage being done to the visual and natural environment."

"Environmental Impact Assessments are useful but we need an inquiry to examine all the alternative options for clean and renewable energy.

"This is an urgent requirement before the entire country, Caithness and Sutherland, Beauly to Denny, the Isle of Skye, the Western Isles, the hillsides of Argyll, Perthshire, Fife, Lanarkshire and the Borders are bristling with turbines and straddled by new power lines for an energy source whose output may not after all match the expectations of its supporters."

Mr Purvis has written to Ross Finnie, Minister for Agriculture and Environment, and to several Scottish Local Authorities conveying the concerns of constituents and environmental groups. He has also written to the European Commission and has tabled an oral question on the subject of wind farm proposals contravening EU Directives.

John Purvis is one of Scotland’s seven MEPs. A Conservative and part of the largest political grouping in the European Parliament, he is a member of the Committee on Industry, External Trade Research and Energy and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Press Contact: Frances Donald Tel 01592 643200

Notes to Editors:

I can arrange for you to speak to Mr Purvis if you wish to interview him.

Meanwhile, this is a selection of the issues raised with Mr Purvis by constituents, residents and environmental groups across Scotland which have prompted his call for an independent public inquiry:

Sutherland - Two local environment groups complain about windfarms and the power lines connecting them, particularly two such examples in east Sutherland.

Caithness - Baillie Wind Farm development proposal – residents’ objections.

Beauly – Denny - Objections to the proposed upgrade of the power line route between Beauly and Denny.

Ullapool - Beauly - Objections to a proposed electricity transmission line connecting the Western Isles to the mainland.

Isle of Skye -Skye Windfarm Action Group concerned about possible peatslide at the proposed Edinbane Wind Farm and the possible proliferation of wind farms on Skye.

Isle of Lewis – RSPB and residents object to the proposed Pentland Road windfarm on Lewis on the grounds it could affect the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area.

Perthshire – Sma’ Glen Protection Group objects to the proposed Abercairny windfarm near Crieff. The Group wants every water supply on every proposed wind farm site to be identified, designated and protected under the Water Environment and Water Services Act 2003.

Perthshire – Pitkeathly Mires – resident’s objection on the grounds that it will be detrimental to species and habitats relying on a sensitive hydro-geological regime.

Argyll – Objections to the erection of 19 wind turbines south east of the Largie Estate, Tayinloan, by Tarbert. Two local residents claim they are a threat to the Greenland white-fronted geese protected by European designation and the proximity to the west coast of Kintyre and the standing stones and cist at Ballochroy.

South Lanarkshire - Wind Farm overlooking Abington, Crawford and Elvanfoot - visual and environmental impact objections by local residents

North-East Fife - Clatto Windfarm - visual impact and proximity to homes - objection by local residents. This proposal was rejected by Fife Council’s environment and development committee earlier this month.