CONCERNS have been raised over the way Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council aims to use sustainable and renewable energy in its Local Plan. 

As part of the plan the borough council has agreed to build more than 700 new homes per year until 2029 and hopes to introduce forms of renewable energy into the new builds. 

However, the draft plan, which is currently under public consultation, appears to dismiss the use of wind turbines, one of the cheapest, cleanest and efficient ways of generating renewable energy. 

The draft plan says: “Development proposals for the commercial generation of energy from renewable and low carbon resources (excluding wind turbines) will be permitted unless there are adverse environmental, economic or social impacts.” 

This is a decision – which if given the go-ahead – baffled charitable organisation the Basingstoke Transition Network, saying this decision had been made without any public discussion. 

Martin Heath, a member of the Transition Network, which campaigns locally for sustainable energy in the area, said the borough council doesn’t seem to acknowledge the public support a small scale wind farm would have. 

He said: “Our borough produces no more than three per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources; it is a long way from making any meaningful contribution to the UK’s overall target of 15 per cent in just four years’ time.

“It should be up to the public to decide the best way to generate renewable energy and we have seen in the past that wind farms are a popular choice.

“With Basingstoke becoming more densely populated, it means more pollution, with wind farms they are a cheap and clean way to produce large amounts of renewable energy for the town.” 

With the Local Plan still under public consultation, Mr Heath is urging residents to write to the borough council asking them to reconsider the use of wind turbines in the town. 

The consultation period ends on February 8, for more information or to have your say visit basingstoke.gov.uk/planningpolicy