A Norfolk MP has pledged his support for a 10-minute rule bill seeking to safeguard homes and businesses from wind turbines being built too close to them.

A Norfolk MP has pledged his support for a 10-minute rule bill seeking to safeguard homes and businesses from wind turbines being built too close to them.

The Onshore Wind Turbines (Proximity of Habitation) Bill was introduced to the House of Commons by Peter Luff MP, with Great Yarmouth Tony Wright being one of its primary sponsors.

Mr Wright said: “I am a huge supporter of renewable energy, but recognise there are real concerns over the sighting of onshore wind turbines. There is a lack of legislation on this issue and this bill would help to clarify where onshore wind turbines can be positioned in relation to homes and businesses.

“Here in Yarmouth we have proved our green credentials with the Scroby Sands development and this will be followed by the world's largest wind farm, soon to be constructed off the east coast. Introducing the limits contained within the bill to onshore wind farms would result in clearer guidelines for planners.

“While I recognise that time may run out before the bill could be enacted it sends a clear message to the Government that we need to have greater clarity for communities in determining the criteria for planning applications for onshore wind farms.”

The bill proposes that smaller turbines, up to 50m in height, should be at least half a mile from buildings, medium sized ones up to 100m, a mile away, and the largest turbines, those above 100m, at least 1.5 miles away. Turbines under 25m would not be subject to restrictions.