Wind Farms Stalled By Planning

The Guardian reports that more than 200 proposed wind farms are still awaiting planning approval, despite the government's promise to fast-track such schemes.

At least 222 wind farms are awaiting the green light, with many delayed by up to five years, in spite of Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for major infrastructure projects to be speeded up in the planning system.

The development of E.ON's Humber Gateway project is one of the schemes facing ever-increasing delays. "When built, this wind farm will be one of the biggest in the UK and will play a vital role in the fight against climate change," said E.ON's project manager, Chris Sherrington. But the planning authorities are stuck, debating the effects on shipping routes despite the site having being chosen specifically to avoid interference with shipping and having full support from ABP, which owns Humber ports.

Britain is already struggling to meet the EU target of producing 20 per cent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2020. However, the UK is struggling to hit even the reduced target of 15 per cent, with the current level standing at just two per cent.

Back in November 2007, Brown said: 'The government will do more to remove the planning and other obstacles that are currently holding renewables back.'