Wind turbines are one of those issues which divide people – not just those who have to live with them but also many who struggle with the arguments for and against such structures.

On the one hand, wind turbines are an example of people trying to find alternative, sustainable sources of energy to replace the fossil fuels which we are rapidly depleting.

There will come a time when oil is simply too scarce and expensive and we must find other ways of powering our societies.

On the other hand, wind turbines need to be sited in open areas where there is, obviously, lots of wind... which generally means the open countryside.

And with the best will in the world, windfarms are not the most attractive addition to the landscape. In Menston there has been a long-running campaign against plans to site a windfarm on land behind High Royds. Those in opposition do not merely wish to preserve their views of the countryside, but also raise points about the actual efficiency of such turbines.

So it is good that the Government is to offer new guidance which will ask planning authorities to take into account the feelings of local people and the impact of turbines on the local environment when making their decisions on whether to allow applications for new developments.

This is an area which is presently quite muddy but which is only going to get more prevalent, so strict rules need to be laid down now