Wind Power: Birds
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Policy statement on onshore wind, published on 8 July 2024, whether her Department has made an estimate of trends in the number of bird deaths caused by changes in the number of onshore wind farms; and what discussions she had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before the publication of that statement.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
The Government recognises that poorly sited wind farms can pose a threat to some wildlife, such as birds. That is why we retain important checks and balances in the planning system that require extensive up-front environmental surveying, and for decision makers to ensure statutory environmental and habitats impact assessments are conducted as part of the planning determination. Should significant adverse impacts on species or habitats be predicted, developers must put in place measures to avoid, reduce, mitigate or compensate for these impacts.
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