I celebrate the growth in renewable energy in Wiltshire. The recent planning approval for the solar farm at Cockhill in Trowbridge is a testament to that growth.

Broadly supported, this development will generate the equivalent of one-third of the electricity used in homes in the county town per year.

This I hope and believe is the beginning of a transformation which will bring clean energy to the county and wean us off polluting fossil fuels.

The proposed farm scale wind turbine near Chapmanslade is also part of the revolution. I know that many in the local community fear change.

Britain led the world into the industrial revolution and I believe it is our obligation to help the world through to a more sustainable future. Leaving it up to others is fainthearted and does not sit well with British spirit.

However, this will mean change even in rural parts of Wiltshire.

All I would ask is that local people take the opportunity to read widely on the subject of wind power and take a balanced view. It is often easier to assume the worst and be reactionary rather than take a more considered view. For example it is often said that wind turbines have a large impact on birds.

It is true that there have been some high-profile examples where wind farms have been poorly sited (on bird migration routes for example).

However the RSPB state that climate change is the single greatest long-term threat to birds, and have no comments to make on the Chapmanslade application where the appropriate studies have been done. I would also urge those that are broadly supportive to make their views known – all too often it is those that wish to resist change which are most vocal.

I love the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside. I fear the long-term impact of climate change on the landscape both here and around the world more than well sited solar or wind farms.

The Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) management plan recognises that climate change is one of the overarching ‘forces for change’. I know of course that one modest wind turbine will not make a significant difference on its own but it shows that people in Wiltshire are willing to take tough decisions and lead by example. The planning application Wiltshire Council reference is 14/08778/FUL for those that wish to comment.

Jack Mason, Magnolia Rise, Trowbridge.