John Prescott will use dramatic rhetoric, unequivocally denouncing Nimbys as evil opponents to a low-carbon economy, when he addresses the British Wind Energy’s Annual Conference in Liverpool today.

The former Deputy Prime Minister will declare it “absolutely scandalous that three-quarters of all planning applications for onshore wind turbines are turned down”, recommending that local authorities should show the Nimbys who’s boss: "They've had it their way for far too long. So let me tell them loud and clear - it's not your back yard any more, it's ours”.

Surely this steamroller approach will only prompt local communities to resist wind farms more staunchly. Instead, at a moment of high unemployment, when the approach of Copenhagen is keeping carbon reduction in the headlines, Prescott might want to emphasise the positive implications of such developments for local residents.

Last week Peter Jones, the leader of East Sussex Council wrote to Lord Mandelson urging him to help ensure that the port of Newhaven benefits economically from the development of a proposed offshore wind farm on Hastings Bank.

Jones said: "This licence presents a major opportunity to support the economic development of East Sussex and Newhaven in particular ... In reaching a decision, the Crown Estate can insist that the company selected to develop the offshore wind farm is required to use Newhaven Port for assembly and maintenance.”

This is the sort of rhetoric that must surround low-carbon initiatives if they are to receive public support. Prescott should refrain from treating those that live near potential wind farm sites as stroppy, selfish children, who can accordingly be ignored and overridden. This approach will only encourage people to dig their heels in further whilst alienating them from the anti-climate change cause. Instead the farms should be framed as of benefit both to the microcosm of the immediate community, as well as the planet at large.

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