Go-ahead for new wind farms
The Government has given the go-ahead to two new wind farms which will provide enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes.
Consent was granted for an onshore wind farm at Middlemoor near Alnwick, Northumberland, and the UK's fourth largest wind power development off the coast of Norfolk.
The 75MW onshore wind farm at Middlemoor - which was the subject of a public inquiry - will consist of 18 turbines, and will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 27,600 homes.
The 315MW offshore wind farm, Sheringham Shoal, will comprise up to 108 turbines - enough to power the equivalent of around 178,000 homes.
Energy Secretary John Hutton said: "This new wind farm demonstrates our commitment to dramatically increase the amount of energy we generate from renewable sources, helping to cut the UK's carbon emissions and secure our energy supplies.
"Sheringham Shoal will be the UK's fourth largest wind farm approved to date and will help provide a significant contribution towards our energy targets."
He added: "Through the Planning Bill we are also looking to speed up the planning process for developers and improve consultations to make sure wind farms are built in the right places."
The approval is subject in both cases to finding technical solutions to the impact on radar at local RAF bases.
Maria McCaffery, chief executive of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), said the green light for the two wind farms was "fantastic news".
"This is a major step forward for both the wind industry and a major step towards delivering the 2020 renewable energy targets. These decisions show that with patience, determination and co-operation it is possible to overcome difficult technical issues and win planning permission," she said.