All wind farm proposals will be considered on a case by case basis, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has said.

During a tour of the Antrim Area Hospital turbine and the Wolf Bog wind farm near Doagh, the Minister told representatives of the wind industry he intended to bring forward the new planning policy governing renewable energy, and the supplementary planning guidance to the Assembly before the summer recess.

Mr Wilson said: "The wind industry has identified the economic benefits to the local economy from wind farm developments. Only recently I made a statement to the Assembly giving clarity about how planners should deal with economic considerations around major planning applications.

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"However, environmental and social impacts have also to be taken into account."

The Minister acknowledged concerns in some communities about potential noise pollution from wind turbines.

However he added: "PPS 18 encourages renewable energy facilities in appropriate locations and takes account of issues like noise. The issue of turbine height is addressed in the strategic supplementary planning guidance 'Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland's Landscapes'.

"I would also like to make it clear all wind energy proposals will be considered on a case by case basis."

Mr Wilson said, subject to Assembly clearance, he intended to publish both PPS18 and the SPG in final form before the summer recess.

(PR/JM)