Abstract
Wind power development arouses strong opinions. For the general public, a high level of support nationally for wind power can be contrasted with opposition at the local level. This situation presents local planners, councillors, and communities with a difficult task– to assess the needs of the wider environment against local concerns. Information about the complexities of wind power generation – its costs, intermittency issues, effects on the electricity network, noise, ecological and landscape impacts among others – is therefore essential for considered decisions to be made.
The aim of this report is to outline the main issues relating to onshore wind power and comment on their validity from a sustainable development perspective, in line with the principles outlined in the UK’s new Framework for Sustainable Development.