asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to prepare a national strategic plan for future energy production which takes into account social, environmental and aesthetic considerations for the siting of the energy infrastructure, including that for energy distribution. [HL4066]

The 2007 planning White Paper Planning for a Sustainable Future sets out government proposals for planning reforms that would facilitate delivery of the infrastructure needed to ensure that national energy needs are met. The Government will be publishing a series of national policy statements on energy that will integrate economic, social and environmental objectives.