CONGRATULATIONS to Lydney Town Council for having a policy that controls the development of large scale renewable energy projects that are detrimental to the landscape and the countryside surrounding the town.

The policy is in line with government guidance that recognises that large turbines and massive solar farms are incompatible with villages, areas of great natural beauty and with preserving wildlife.

These are the natural assets of Lydney and the surrounding Forest area that local people and visitors enjoy. The reduction in subsidy to land-based turbines is another step in the right direction.

The implications of large turbines are much more serious than first thought and there is growing evidence that they do not fit close to human habitation and have a detrimental effect on birds, bats and wildlife. There are doubts about their affordability and efficiency.

Large solar farms are now springing up everywhere with several large farms proposed for the Lydney area. The town council policy requires a careful consideration of the siting and impact of these developments which is vital given the dramatic increase in the number of applications in the South West.

No doubt there will be a rush to cash in on schemes before the renewable energy boom ends and let us hope these threats can be resisted.

The continued investment by individuals and communities in roof-based solar power, improved insulation, hydro schemes and sustainable transport are better long-term solutions that local people can invest in and benefit from.

Many companies are claiming their projects have community support when they clearly do not. Renewable energy companies make token returns to communities for the harm they cause.

They attract investors from places where there is no impact and disregard the views of objectors who live in the shadow of turbines.

– Neds Top Resident's Action Group.