David Ruffley MP has written to the Prime Minister, along with other backbench MPs, to change onshore wind policy on 30 January 2012.

David Ruffley MP said: 'We want ministers to cut subsidies and distribute the savings to other types of renewable energy. We also want changes to the draft National Planning Policy Framework which currently makes it virtually impossible for local people to defeat unwanted on-shore wind farm applications.

The draft NPPF rules contain a presumption in favour of wind farm developers who wish to build on green farm sites.

Past wind turbine proposals at Wyverston in my constituency have threatened the peace and tranquility of that area. A large amount of local heritage is at stake and it is crucial that any proposals assessed thoroughly so that areas of unspoilt natural beauty are preserved. We must not jeopardise our environment.

Worse, forcing taxpayers to pay, through the state subsidy, for unreliable and intermittent wind energy is a step too far. Given that the British economy has experienced one of the biggest financial crises in the history of capitalism, it is unacceptable that we are not better spending taxpayers' money on sustainable investment in more efficient and reliable energy.'