Campaigners welcome Miliband comments on renewables

National and local environmental campaigners, fighting the prospect of giant turbines on the South Downs near East Meon, have been heartened by the response of the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP to challenging questions raised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. His answers appear to back up the campaigners in stating that wind energy could only be used in areas of outstanding natural beauty or national parks under 'exceptional circumstances'. The Q&A has now been posted online and members of the public are invited to join in the debate at www.cpre.org.uk/debates.

Ed Miliband clarified his controversial statement that it should "be socially unacceptable to be against wind turbines in your area - like not wearing a seatbelt or driving past a zebra crossing". He now acknowledges that "local communities do have an important role" and that "there are some places where wind farms may not be suitable". He also says that new energy infrastructure in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty could only be justified "in exceptional circumstances", and even then "only if the impact would not be unacceptable".

Christopher Napier, chairman of the local CPRE Planning & Rural Group, commented:

"If this scheme at East Meon were to be approved a precedent would be set for allowing very large wind turbines in the rest of the South Downs, and all other national parks and AONBs, potentially destroying their special qualities."

CPRE is working alongside other influential national and local groups, supporting local residents 'Stop East Meon Wind Farm' to fight the introduction of giant turbines to the South Downs National Park. The alliance includes the British Horse Society, Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire, National and Sussex), Campaign for National Parks, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers (Hampshire, National and Sussex), and the South Downs Society. They wish to see other forms of renewable energy used more widely, such as biomass forest fuel schemes. They also applaud the use of better insulation and environmentally-friendly building design, as well as encouraging green transport schemes and energy saving at home.

A leaflet is being distributed in surrounding villages near East Meon, produced by the CPRE on behalf of the campaigners. Further information, including detailed factsheets and a copy of the leaflet, can be obtained at www.cprehampshire.org.uk/energy. CPRE Hampshire has also set up a fighting fund for the alliance - further details by calling 01962 843655 or visiting the website.

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Notes to editors

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