Letters: Brexit is indefensible

When the wind blows

Sir: Matt Ridley’s article ‘Blown apart’ (3 December) highlighting the wind-farm delusion touches only lightly on the planning process. Where he does focus on planning in England, he states that there is no ‘ban’ on onshore wind farms, only the standard planning requirements that they are confined to areas designated for that purpose, with community support a vital component. In Scotland decisions on wind-farm developments under 50 megawatts are taken by the local planning authority. Major developments over 50 megawatts are determined by Scottish ministers.

Assessment of both scales are based on interpretation of planning regulations, which is a subjective matter. Two planning officers looking at the same document can reach opposite conclusions.

Local opinion can be measured by the scores of letters of objection submitted by members of the public and local groups. There are usually some letters of support – mostly from vested interests or those who will receive ‘community benefit’.

In due course the application comes before the planning committee with a recommendation by the case planning officer to allow or refuse permission. The applicant has the right of appeal against refusal; objectors do not. If planning is refused, the developer usually exercises their right of appeal which will be decided by a ‘reporter’: the representative of the Scottish government. If the reporter decides to grant planning permission, the only recourse objectors have is to appeal to the court of session; a costly process which is seldom exercised.

Of the eight major manufacturers of wind turbines worldwide, four are in China, two in Germany, one in Denmark and one with factories in France and America. The only employment provided is in batching concrete for the bases and erecting the turbines. Labour is often from overseas so no spin-off benefit there.

Graham Lang

Brexit’s direction

Sir: I read ‘In defence of Brexit’ (26 November) at the same time as I read a report in the Times that Goldman Sachs was moving London-based derivatives traders to its Milan office.