Supplementary Planning Guidance

Wind EnergyJuly 1999

Wind EnergyContentsPage

1. Introduction

2. Development implications/Figure 1

3. Environmental Impact Assessment/Figure 2

4. Policy W1

5. Policy W2

6. Policy W3

7. Appendix 1: Policy Context

9. Annex 1

10. Useful Contacts

1Supplementary Planning Guidance: Wind Energy

Supplementary Planning GuidanceWind Energy

Preface

The following report lays out policies for the consideration of proposals for wind turbines within Newark& Sherwood District. As Supplementary Planning Guidance this note will be regarded as a materialconsideration in the determination of planning applications.

Acknowledgements

The District Council is grateful for the help of Sara Batley of De Montfort University, Leicester fortechnical advice and the use of statistical data in the preparation of this report.

Introduction

Wind energy is an abundant natural resource. It is non-polluting, clean and sustainable. The UnitedKingdom has one Europe’s windiest climates and therefore the exploitation of this resource willincreasingly become an important element in the delivery of sustainable energy strategies.

The exploitation of wind energy within the District can make a useful contribution to its overall energyneeds. However, the extraction of this resource remains a controversial subject. Wind turbines evokestrong reactions. To some they are a source of fascination and beauty, to others they are an alienfeature at odds with the traditional character of the countryside. The reconciliation of these views isdifficult and as pressures grow to seek new sources of sustainable energy, the frequency with whichthese issues become sources of conflict in the countryside, will inevitably increase.

It is national policy to promote sustainable approaches to energy generation (See Appendix 1) andtherefore the reconciliation of the negative aspects of wind energy should be tempered by anawareness of the impacts of other less sustainable forms of energy generation, for example thecontinued burning of fossil fuels. It should also be acknowledged that wind turbines, unlike many formsof energy generation, have reversible impacts. They can be removed from the landscape and thefootprint of the turbine easily removed and restored to its original condition.

The potential renewable energy resource

Wind - total resource, practicable resource, development implications

An approximation of the wind resource for Newark and Sherwood was possible through the use of aDepartment of Trade and Industry database which contains estimates of the annual mean wind speedthroughout the UK. The data is gathered from air-flow models that estimate the effect of topographyon wind speed. There is no allowance for the effect of local thermally driven winds such as valleybreezes as the model was applied with 1km square resolution, it also makes no allowance fortopography on a small scale or local surface roughness (such as tall crops, stone walls, or trees), bothof which may have a considerable effect on wind speed. The results are therefore an approximationand further wind data should be obtained through on-site assessment when proposing new schemes.

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Results from the database are shown in figure 1 below, for Newark and Sherwood District. The windspeed values are estimates for a height of 10 metres above ground level.

Figure 1: Annual average wind speeds at 10m above ground, for Newark and Sherwood

Development implications

The windiest parts of Newark and Sherwood district are to the west, and therefore turbines sited purelyfor wind speed considerations lie at some distance from the largest load centre at Newark.

Clearly, wind speed is not the only consideration when determining the location of a wind turbine. Thecurrent land use and historic, ecological, environmental and landscape designations, as well as landownership, local electricity demand, access to the distribution network and site access are also majorconsiderations when choosing a site.

Modern wind turbines are much quieter than their predecessors. The potential visual impact of aturbine is usually of greatest concern to the local community and the developer. Visual intrusion isdifficult to quantify, since it is often based on individual perceptions. However, current national planningguidance supports the development of wind turbines, particularly when sited in a manner sensitive tolocal conditions.

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Figure 2: Annual average wind speeds at height 45m above ground, showing the practicable resource

NB. The map shown above does not show the impact of land use constraints such as Sites of SpecialScientific Interest, Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation or other land uses incompatible with theuse of land for the exploitation of wind energy. Each proposal will be treated on its merits and inaccordance with the policies of the Newark and Sherwood Local Plan and this SupplementaryPlanning Guidance.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Wind farms are now covered by the requirements of the Town and Country (Environmental ImpactAssessment)(England and Wales) Regulations 1999. Circular 02/99 (Environmental ImpactAssessment) states that in the determination of the need for a full Schedule 2 Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA), need will be dependent upon the likelihood of there being significant effects arisingfrom the development. The scale of the significant effects will be determined by the level ofdevelopment, its visual impact, as well as potential noise impacts. EIA is more likely to be required forcommercial developments of five or more turbines, or more than 5MW of new generating capacity.

Policies for the Assessment of Wind Turbines

The following policies will be applied to all proposals, particulary those deemed not to require formalEnvironmental Impact Assessments under the Town and Country (Environmental Impact Assessment),(England and Wales) Regulations 1999.

Policy W1: Wind Turbines in the Countryside

The presence of a turbine or a small group of turbines in the countryside, will not on its own, be ajustifiable reason for the refusal of a planning application unless the proposal affects landscapedesignations of acknowledged importance. In such cases, a measured assessment of the impacts ofthe proposal on the landscape designation, either directly or indirectly, will be required to determinewhether it may be accommodated without compromising the reason for the designation. Therefore thecountryside designations, outlined above, may not necessarily be a barrier to the development of windturbines. The policy seeks to ensure that the intrinsic value of these areas and their character is takenfully into account when assessing the suitability or merits of any scheme. It is possible that wellresearched and thought out schemes may actually enhance the landscape, if certain rules on therelationship of the development to land form and its context in the landscape, are obeyed. Therefore,in such circumstances each case will be assessed on its own merits.

Where the environmental impact of a proposal on the local environment is deemed to be so great thatit outweighs the benefits, in terms of the production of renewable energy, then it will normally beresisted. Conversely, where localised environmental impacts may be deemed to be offset byenvironmental gains, then proposals for turbines will normally be regarded as acceptable.

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Planning permission will be granted for wind turbines in the countryside where:

1. The environmental impacts of noise generation, shadow flicker and electromagnetic disturbance are acceptable;

2. The individual or cumulative effect of turbines in the countryside do not create anunacceptable visual impact on the landscape;

3. The development achieves a net environmental gain;

Where a proposal for a single or group of turbine(s) affects the designated landscapeareas listed below, either directly or indirectly, the acceptability of the scheme will bemeasured against the scale of impact on the intrinsic value of the area and the reasonfor its designation.

Sherwood Forest Heritage Area

Sherwood Forest Special Landscape Area

Mature Landscape Areas and

Historic Landscape around Laxton

All proposals for wind turbines in the countryside should be accompanied by astatement indicating clearly why the design, height, number, colour, density of turbinesand blade diameter are considered most appropriate to the proposed location. Theyshould also indicate whether they are to serve a local development or a supplynetwork/grid connection and how that it is to be achieved. It should also indicate accessarrangements during the construction phase. The District Council will usually impose acondition to ensure that wind turbines are removed when no longer required andappropriate restoration works undertaken on site.

The District Council will require a statement indicating the reasons why certain elements of anyscheme are considered appropriate to a site, for example blade diameter, height etc. This statementshould be prepared by competent bodies or individuals with regard to the particular issue beingaddressed. The level of detail required will vary according to each scheme and again early consultationwith the District Council is necessary to ensure that all relevant information is supplied. It is unlikelythat proposals for single or pairs of small turbines (27 - 29m diameter) will require exhaustivestatements. However, for schemes larger than this, the District Council will require all statementsaddressing possible landscape impacts to be undertaken by qualified landscape architects.

Site location and the size, design, layout, spacing, density and colour of turbines are all importantconsiderations in terms of visual impact. The form and pattern of the landscape into which they are setis also very relevant. Whilst the impacts of small single turbines are generally very localised,considerations for larger wind farms demand a more comprehensive approach to visual impactassessment.

By their nature, wind farms demand a prominent location. They cannot be hidden behind landscapingbelts, although siting off a ridge line or downhill of the summits of hills or high ground can reducesignificantly, visual impact against the skyline. The use of the natural lie of the land may also, in certaincircumstances, be used to good effect whilst still ensuring that turbines receive good ‘wind runs’.

There is evidence to suggest that wind turbines become more ‘accepted’ in the landscape over time.As they are still a comparatively rare sight in the East Midlands, their immediate impact is particularlystartling. It is expected that these perceived impacts will lessen and their presence in the landscapemore accepted, especially when the awareness of their environmental benefits increases in the widercommunity.

Proposals for wind turbines in areas where there is a deficiency in mains electricity or alternativeenergy supplies, will, in general, be viewed more favourably.

Policy W2: The Impact of Wind Turbines on Wildlife and Human Heritage Designations

Planning permission will not be granted for wind turbines where they:

1. would either directly or indirectly result in the loss of the scientific, nature conservation or historic interest of any of the following designations:

Birklands and Bilhaugh (candidate Special Area of Conservation);

Sites of Special Scientific Interest;

Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation;

Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites of Major Local Importance;

Conservation Areas; and

Historic Parks and Gardens.

2. may have a serious long term impact on migratory or transient species listed in the National or Local Biodiversity Action Plans or protected under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

The District Council will apply the “precautionary principle” to all cases where there may be a reasonable doubt concerning the conclusions reached as a result of any ecological impact assessment undertaken.

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The delivery of sustainable development requires the consideration of social, economic andenvironmental issues. Therefore, development that is likely to result in a negative impact in thescientific or historic value of protected sites will be resisted. However, the instances in which theseconflicts arise are expected to be few and could be minimised or avoided through early consultationwith the Local Planning Authority.

Research into the impact of turbines on migratory birds is scarce and there is a likelihood that otherfactors such as the loss of suitable habitat and modern agricultural practices are likely to have fargreater impacts than the development of wind energy on bird populations.

Wind turbines may, however, affect birds in the following ways:

direct conflict with blades;

impact on birds occupying regular sites for breeding or wintering;

Given the importance of the Trent Valley as a major migration route, proposals for development in thisarea will be closely scrutinised. Again, early consultation with the District Council and other bodiessuch as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust isrecommended. Where there is a reasonable doubt concerning the true impacts of proposed windenergy development, the District Council will resist development as a precaution against any adverselong term impact upon the species concerned.

PolicyW3: Wind Turbines associated with existing or proposed Employment Development

Planning permission will be granted for wind turbines associated with existing or proposedemployment development provided that they do not have a negative impact on neighbouring uses, forexample, in terms of electrical interference or the working conditions nearby and satisfy variousenvironmental safeguards laid out in the Newark and Sherwood Local Plan or this policy note.

Wind Turbines in Urban Areas

Where proposals for wind turbines are received within settlement envelopes or urban areas, theirsuitability will be assessed against policy DD1 and other relevant policies of the Newark and SherwoodLocal Plan.

Medium/Large Wind Farms and the Local Plan Process

Ideally, in future, proposals for medium/large wind farms (more than ten) should be brought forwardthrough the statutory local plan process and be subject to the full rigour and scrutiny that processprovides. This will allow full consideration to be given to the optimum location for such development;local, regional, and national needs and the avoidance of sensitive locations and designations. (Seeparagraph 23, PPG22, Renewable Energy).

Planning permission will be granted for wind turbines associated with existing orproposed employment development where they do not conflict with the provisions ofpolicy DD1 or other policies of the Newark and Sherwood Local Plan, or guidancecontained in this policy note.

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Appendix I: Policy Context

InternationalAddressing the impacts of our changing climate is seen as being one of the biggest challenges forglobal policy makers at the dawn of the new millennium. The Department of the Environment,Transport and the Regions (DETR) in its policy document “Planning for Sustainable Development -Towards Better Practice 1998” outlines that the long term effect on the UK could include:

rising sea levels affecting coastal settlements, landscape and ecology;

changes in weather patterns;

temperature rises exacerbating pollution problems in urban areas; and

impacts on water resources, on soils, on local landscapes and wildlife, and building subsidence.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the principalinternational forum for action to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and bring about a reduction ingreenhouse gas emissions. At its Kyoto conference in December 1997, a Protocol was agreed, whichsets legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries - for the UK, the target has beenset at 12.5% below 1990 levels by the period 2008 - 2012. The development and exploitation ofrenewable energy sources, which includes wind, is seen as an important part of the national strategyto achieve these reductions.

European

In 1992, the European Union (EU) Commission launched its ALTENER program which was designedto increase the use of renewable energy in the Union. The program has a renewable energy target of8% of total energy use. An ALTENER sub target for wind energy in 2005 will be reached by 2001.

The EU White Paper on Renewable Energy (1997) has also set targets for the exploitation of windpower at 40 000 MW to be installed by the year 2010. The European Parliament set a more ambitioustarget of a 15% contribution of renewables to European energy supply, also in 1997.

National

It is Government policy to achieve 10% of the nations electricity requirements from renewable sourcesby the year 2010. Therefore, there is an obligation on all local authorities to consider how this targetmay be implemented on the ground. PPG 22 (Renewable Energy) states that the Governmentsgeneral aims are:

to ensure that society’s needs for energy are satisfied, consistent with protecting the local andglobal environment;

to ensure that any environmental damage or loss of amenity caused by the energy supply andancillary activities is minimised; and

to prevent the unnecessary sterilisation of energy resources.

Annex to PPG 22 states that wind power is on the verge of widespread commercial exploitation. It contains considerable information on the technology and planning implications of wind turbines.

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Local

The first aim of the Newark and Sherwood Local Plan is to “promote sustainable development”. It goeson to state that Local Plan policies can deliver this through the sympathetic consideration of proposalsfor renewable energy development. There are no policies within the Local Plan directly addressing theissue of wind turbines, however, general policies will address their impact where they occur.

Policy 10/3 of the Nottinghamshire Replacement Structure Plan raises the following issues whenassessing Renewable Energy Installations:

Protection of interests of acknowledged importance and planning and safety matters;

Cumulative impacts of development;

Integration of new structures and power lines/grid connections;

Achievement of minimum levels of disturbance; and

The consideration of local supply advantages and wider benefits.

Additional Reading

C Stanton - The Landscape Impact and Visual Design of Wind FarmingHeriot-Watt University August 1996.

DOE, PPG22 (Renewable Energy) February 1993.

Newark and Sherwood Energy Agency, Renewable Energy Balance Plan, Unpublishedextracts.

European Commission, A Plan for Action in Europe, Wind Energy The Facts, 1999.

DETR Planning for Sustainable Development: Forwards Better Practice, October 1998.

English Nature, Nature Conservation Guidelines for Renewable Energy Projects 1994.

English Nature, Nature Conservation in Environmental Assessment, 1994.

The Wildlife Trusts, Wind Farm Developments - Policy Statement, 1998.

RTPI, Energy Planning: A Guide for Practitioners, 1996.

BWEA, Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments, December 1994.

New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Energy-Wise Renewables -Guidelines for Renewable Energy Developments (1995).

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Annex 1Newark and Sherwood Local Plan 1999DDI Development

All proposals for new development will be assessed by the District Council with regard to:

1. Any intrusive effect upon the setting, form and character of settlements or the open andundeveloped nature of the countryside;

2. Any adverse effect upon nationally recognised heritage sites, structures or features;

3. Any adverse effect upon nationally or locally designated areas of nature conservation orlandscape value;

4. Any loss of existing facilities of benefit to the community;

5. Any adverse effect upon the amenities of neighbouring properties in terms of loss of privacyor light or by the creation of noise, smells, dust or other forms of pollution or nuisance;

6. The character and effectiveness of any landscaping proposed as part of the development;

7. Any adverse impact upon the highway network from traffic generated by the proposal;

8. The provision of access, servicing and parking appropriate to the requirements of thedevelopment;

9. The opportunities for the use or provision of public transport; and

10. The provision for access by cycle or on foot.

Nottinghamshire Structure Plan Review 199610/3 Renewable Energy

Proposals for the development of renewable energy sources will be permitted providing that they:

a) Satisfy the criteria set out in policy 10/2, and do not harm interests of acknowledgedimportance in the local environment;

b) Will not give rise to adverse cumulative effects upon the locality when sited near to existingenergy installations;

c) Maximise the integration of new structures and power lines/grid connections with the locallanform and landscape features; and

d) Cause minimum levels of disturbance by virtue of glare, noise emissions ortelecommunications interference.

Particular attention will be given to the local supply advantages and wider benefits that the proposalmay bring.

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Useful Contacts

Policy and Implementation SectionNewark & Sherwood District CouncilKelham Hall, Kelham,Newark,Notts.NG23 5QXTel: 01636 650000Fax: 01636 655899e-mail: development.planning@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Newark & Sherwood Energy AgencyManners Road,Newark,Notts.NG24 1BSTel: 01636 677255Fax: 01636 611596e-mail: admin@nsenergyagency.co.ukwww.nsenergyagency.co.uk

Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Local AuthoritiesEnergy Partnershipc/o Energy GroupEnvironment DepartmentNottinghamshire County CouncilCounty HallWest BridgefordNottinghamNG2 7QP

ETSUHarwellDidcotOxfordshireOX11 0RATel: 01235 432 450Fax: 01235 433 066e-mail: etsuenq@aeat.co.uk