The Tories would change planning rules to prevent local objections to wind farms being overruled, leader Michael Howard said today. Current Government policy relies too heavily on the on-shore turbines to meet targets for renewable energy, Mr Howard said.

Responding for the government, energy minister Stephen Timms said: "Wind energy is here and now. It is the most proven green source of electricity generation and can supply a rising proportion of our electricity needs.

"Surveys carried out by the DTI and the Scottish executive last year showed that the majority of people are in favour and that approval increases the closer people live to a renewables development.

The government was investing in other technologies such as wave and tidal, he added, which could contribute to the target of generating 10% from renewables sources by 2010.

"Until those new technologies join wind, by becoming commercial, for now we are confident that wind can deliver."

Greenpeace energy campaigner Robin Oakley said: "It is disgraceful, and totally irresponsible, for Michael Howard to try to stop this vital solution to climate change. Climate change is the greatest threat facing the planet today.

"It is already killing 160,000 people every year and billions more of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people will be killed without urgent action.

"Wind power is the only technology ready to deliver clean energy on a massive scale.

"Every time a wind farm doesn't get built, it means more greenhouse gas pollution from the fossil fuel alternatives. This is a shameful appeal to 'nimbyism' when the vast majority of British people support the building of more wind farms."