Agenda Item No ……..

REPORT BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMY, NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

REGULATORY PANEL: 20 MARCH 2014

SUBJECT: PLANNING APPLICATION REPORT

13/01018/APP PROPOSED WIND TURBINE GLENAUCHIEU42 FROM JUNCTION WITH C1 AT TAIRLAW BRIDGE - EAST TO KNOCKDON STEADINGSTRAITONSOUTH AYRSHIRE

DESCRIPTION: ERECTION OF WIND TURBINE, ANCILLARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND FORMATION OF ASSOCIATED ACCESS TRACK

REPRESENTATIONS: 192 REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, 182 OF WHICH ARE OBJECTIONS AND 10 ARE IN SUPPORT

RECOMMENDATION: REFUSAL

APPLICATION REPORT

This report fulfils the requirements of Regulation 16, Schedule 2, paragraphs 3(c) and 4 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) Regulations 2013. The application is considered in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation as well as the Procedures for the Handling of Planning Applications.

1. Proposal:

Development Proposal: The proposed development comprises the erection of a single three bladed turbine with a hub height of 50m and a blade rotor diameter of 54m, giving a total height to blade tip of 77m. The connection point to the electricity grid has not been defined in the planning application but the cabling is to be underground. Additional works include crane hard standings, a temporary construction compound and an onsite control unit. The control unit measures approximately 5m long, 3m wide and 2.5m high. Access to the site would be gained via 980m of improved access track.

Application Site: The application site lies on a plateau at the top of Glenauchie Glen, approximately 4.8km to the south east of the village of Straiton. The area surrounding the red line site comprises rough grazing land at a height of approximately 270m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), above the Water of Girvan Valley. A series of electricity pylons cross the valley, the nearest pylon is approximately 200m to the north west of the site.

Landscape: The site is located within the Scenic Area as designated in the South Ayrshire Local Plan and is identified in the Ayrshire Landscape Assessment, Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Addendum and South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study as within the “Intimate Pastoral Valleys” landscape character type (LCT). Intimate Pastoral Valleys are described as valleys containing small scale features such as field boundaries and farm buildings; they are strongly contained by adjacent upland landscapes such as the Foothills LCT. Landmark hills within 5km of the site include: Big Hill of the Baing (880m north west), Genoch Inner Hill (3km west) and Kildoach (3.4km north west).

2.

Built and Cultural Heritage: The turbine location itself is not the subject to any specific designations. However, there are a number of prehistoric (2000-3000BC) archaeological assets within the area. The proposed access route runs through an archaeological trigger area. The nearest Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Knockdon and Munteoch are approximately 1.8km east and 2.2km north east respectively. Colonel Hunter Blair’s Monument is a B listed building and is approximately 3.6km to the north west of the site. There are several listed buildings within the village of Straiton which is a conservation area.

Tourism and Recreation: The area is important for tourism in South Ayrshire. Regionally significant tourism assets, as identified in the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Addendum include the Natura 2000 (Special Area of Conservation) ‘Merrick Kells’ located 10km south; the ‘Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’ (the site lies within the buffer zone and approximately 12km from the core); The Galloway National Tourist Route (7.5km north east); The application site lies within the Intimate Pastoral Valley which is a sensitive LCT and therefore a regionally significant tourist resource.

The Water of Girvan Valley contains several popular walking routes including ‘Knockdon to Dalcairney (Bogton Loch)’ (1.5km south east) which is a recognised as part of the local path network. A National Byway (2km south west) follows the line of the Tairlaw Burn. Two Core Paths are in the area SA47 (south from Straiton) and SA48 (loop from SA47 to Hunter Blair’s Monument) which are approximately 3.7km west and 3.2km north west from the turbine respectively. The application site lies between two sections of Galloway Forest Park located 600m to the north and 700m to the south.

Natural Heritage: The site itself is within the Straiton Hills Wildlife Site and lies 870m to the south west of the Galloway Forest Park RSPB important bird area (designated for its breeding waders).

Residential Context: There is one residential property within 700m of the proposed development at Glenauchie Farm which is within the area indicated as being within the ownership or control of the applicant. The nearest properties are: Knockdon (1.6km to the south east), Tairlaw Farm (1.7km south west) and Baing Farm (1.7km west).

Wind Related Development: There are no small scale turbine applications in the area but there are many windfarms at various stages within the planning system. These are summarised below (note that the distances are approximate). Glen Mount, 26 turbines 130m to blade tip, Pending, Section 36, 320m east Dersalloch, 23 turbines 115m to blade tip, Pending, Section 36, 1.4km north Linfairn, 25 turbines, 125m to blade tip, Pending, Section 36, 3km west Keirs Hill, 33 turbines, 99m to blade tip, Pending, Section 36, 4.2km north

This planning application is being reported to the Regulatory Panel, in accordance with the Council's Scheme of Delegation, as more than five competent written objections have been received.

2. Consultations:

Environmental Health No objection subject to conditions regarding noise emissions.

Ministry Of Defence (Statutory Planning Applications) No objection, subject to conditions regarding notification and aviation lighting. The Ministry of Defence had originally objected to the application over concerns around low flying aircraft. After dialogue between the MoD and applicant, the MoD have withdrawn their objection.

Ofcom Scotland No response.

The Joint Radio Company Ltd No objection.

Prestwick Airport No objection.

National Air Traffic Services No objection.

Civil Aviation Authority No response.

Scottish Natural Heritage No objection subject to conditions regarding otter surveys (should Glenauchie bridge be altered) and badger surveys.

3.

Roads And Transportation No objection subject to conditions regarding a road opening permit, land acquisition, structural inspection, a transport management plan, a video survey, and swept path analysis.

East Ayrshire Council No response at the time of determination.

Historic Scotland No objection. Historic Scotland has raised concerns over the setting of the following historic assets: Knockdon, Enclosure (Schedueld Monument, index 7491) and Munteoch, Settlement and Field

Systems (Schedueld Monument, index 5200) Criagengillan (Garden and Designed Landscape & A-Listed Building, HBNUM 18793). West Of Scotland Archaeology Service Objection, on the basis of significant deleterious impact on the setting of the cairn and enclosure at Knockdon. WoSAS have raised concerns over the thoroughness of the archaeological assessment in terms of sources, methodology and policy context. WoSAS advise that a proposal of this scale in this location is not appropriate in an area with several archaeological features.

3. Submitted Assessments/Reports:

In assessing and reporting on a planning application the Council is required to provide details of any report or assessment submitted as set out in Regulation 16, Schedule 2, para 4(c) (i) to (iv) of the Development Management Regulations.

Planning, Design & Access Statement: This report describes the project, justifies the proposal in terms of renewable energy and summarises planning policy and suggests compliance with policy. The report also considers: Renewable Energy; Cumulative Impact; Infrastructure Constraints; Landscape Character; Aviation; Biodiversity; Protected Species; Cultural Heritage; Rural/Farm Diversification; Landscape Quality; Setting of Communities and Buildings; Listed Buildings; Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Interests; Patterns of Woodland, Fields, Hedgerows and Tree Features; Special Qualities of Rivers, Estuaries and Coasts; Historic Landscapes; Skylines and Hill Features Including Prominent Views; Protection of Scenic Areas.

Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment: This report focuses on the Landscape and visual characteristics of the proposed development, the planning policy framework, the landscape and visual context of the proposed development, landscape and scenic value, visual impacts and potential cumulative impact. The report suggests that the Intimate Pastoral Valleys LCT would experience a locally substantial direct landscape impact but, generally there will be no landscape impact overall. The report suggests that there would be a high magnitude of change upon high and medium sensitivity receptors. This is considered to represent a moderate, significant and adverse impact on local receptors. In terms of the magnitude of visual impact the report simply states that impacts will be negligible “as the proposed wind turbine will be significantly screened by existing coniferous forestry”.

Supporting Environmental Statement: This report goes into more depth on issues such as: acoustics; landscape and visual; ecology and ornithology; cultural heritage; ground conditions; aviation and telecommunications. A desk based and walk-over survey of ecological resources was carried out. Impacts on archaeological resources, in particular the farmstead at Craigentorrie (located 15m to the east of the access track) would be acceptable given a condition requiring pre-construction assessment and an archaeological watching brief during construction. The potential for a low-flying objection from the MoD has been identified. The report concludes that there would be no significant environmental impacts.

Telecommunications Screening Assessment: This details communication between the agent and fixed link, BT and television operators. None of the respondents highlighted concern.

4. S75 Obligations:

In assessing and reporting on a planning application the Council is required to provide a summary of the terms of any planning obligation entered into under Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act in relation to the grant of planning permission for the proposed development.

None.

4.

5. Scottish Ministers Directions:

In determining a planning application, the Council is required to provide details of any Direction made by Scottish Ministers under Regulation 30 (Directions requiring consultation), Regulation 31 (Directions requiring information), Regulation 32 (Directions restricting the grant of planning permission) and Regulation 33 (Directions requiring consideration of condition) of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) Regulations 2013.

None.

6. Representations:

192 representations have been received, 182 of which are objections and 10 are in support. They have been summarised below and my comments on these follow in section 7 of this report. All representations can be viewed online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning

Objection

Policy and Planning

Contrary to SALWCS Precedent for other developments Windfarms in the planning system are not considered

Landscape, visual and cumulative

A 77m turbine in the Intimate Pastoral Valleys is not appropriate. Elevated site. Visual amenity impacts Cumulative impact with proposed wind farms Break skyline of the Intimate Pastoral Valley Siting a smaller turbine next to windfarms would be viewed as creeping industrialisation

Natural heritage, ecology and wildlife

Detrimental ecological impact including on birds, bats, mammals and insects Loch Doon is a SSSI A single day survey in winter is insufficient given the number of rare and protected species in this

area.

Tourism and recreation

Impacts on recreational resources Impact on designed landscape at Craigengillan Many local paths not considered No assessment of holiday properties. Loss of significant proportion of tourism industry. No other area has a Biosphere and Forest Park and a Dark Sky Park with a public observatory.

Community impacts and impacts on locality

Impacts on Tairlaw Bridge and additional works to it. Impact during construction, including Construction traffic would go through Straiton Using Glenauchie burn for hydro use would mean no impacts on the area Impacts on GPS radar

Climate change and renewable energy

Wind turbines do not operate during hard frost Without grants, the turbine would be useless

Non Planning

Too large for business or domestic needs of the applicant

5.

Support

Landscape, visual and cumulative

Appropriate Location Little impact on the landscape Mitigating vegetation and land form

Community impacts and impacts on locality

Nuisance to locals can be mitigated

Climate change and renewable energy

Wind energy is more environmentally friendly and safe than nuclear energy. Renewable energy is better than fossil fuel supplies which are running out Wind energy is part of the renewable energy solution

7. Assessment:

The material considerations in the assessment of this planning application are the provisions of the development plan, government policy, consultation responses, objector concerns and the impact of the proposal on the amenity of the locality.

The development plan policies, government policy and guidance establish clear topic headings and performance criteria which, taken together, create a framework for considering and assessing the impact of wind turbine development on the locality as follows; landscape, visual and cumulative impact, tourism and recreation, natural heritage, built and cultural heritage, aviation and defence, communication and broadcasting, communities (noise, shadow flicker, amenity), consultations received and representations received. For the sake of simplicity each of these issues is addressed at the end of the development plan / other policy considerations (including government guidance) sections below.

Development Plan

Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997(as amended) indicates that in making any determination under the Planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the determination shall be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The following provisions of the development plan are considered relevant to the consideration of this application:

Policy STRAT1 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: The three Councils shall regard the Guiding Principles of Sustainable Development as identified in Schedule 1 as prime considerations in preparing local plans/local development plans.

Policy STRAT2 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: The three Ayrshire Councils, working in conjunction with public and private sector agencies, will seek to increase the attraction of Ayrshire as a place to live, work, visit and invest by:A) Providing for integrated and complementary development within the Core Investment Area and promoting the area as the primary focus for all major development;B) Supporting an appropriate scale of residential, business and environmental action in the Investment Corridors;C) Supporting the Service Centres as the primary focus for development in the Investment Corridors;D) Providing for an appropriate level of development commensurate with capacity to accommodate growth in Local Communities; andE) Supporting Rural Areas through measures that seek to diversify the rural economy and facilitate appropriate new rural business and industry.

Policy ECON6 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: Proposals for the generation and utilisation of renewable energy should be promoted and will conform to the plan both in standalone locations and as integral parts of new and existing developments where it can be demonstrated there will be no significant adverse impact, including adverse cumulative impact or infrastructure constraints, and where the design of the development is sensitive to landscape character, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

6.Policy ECON14 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: The three Ayrshire Councils shallA) Support the principle of rural diversification, particularly through proposals for small scale renewable energy; forest-based products and industries; leisure, recreation and tourism; non-food crops and local quality food initiatives; appropriate rural housing and small business development; andB) Identify appropriate criteria for the assessment of proposals related to the diversification and growth of existing rural businesses and for the establishment of appropriate new business development in rural areas.

Policy ENV1 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: The quality of Ayrshire's landscape and its distinctive local characteristics shall be maintained and enhanced. In providing for new development, particular care shall be taken to conserve those features that contribute to local distinctiveness including:A) settings of communities and buildings within the landscape;B) patterns of woodland, fields, hedgerows and tree features;C) special qualities of rivers, estuaries and coasts;D) historic landscapes; andE) skylines and hill features, including prominent views.Local plans shall seek to protect and enhance landscape character and establish criteria for the assessment of future development proposals in the context of the particular local landscape type within which the development is proposed.

Policy ENV2 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states:A) Development that affects a National Scenic Area will only be permitted where it has been demonstrated: a) The overall objectives of the designated area and the overall integrity of the area would not be compromised; or b) Any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance. B) In Sensitive Landscape Character Areas the protection and enhancement of the landscape shall be given full consideration in the preparation of local plans and the determination of planning applications.

Policy ENV6 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: Development proposals considered to have an adverse effect on the following heritage resources shall not conform to the structure plan.A) listed buildings of architectural and historic interest;B) designated conservation areas;C) historic gardens and designed landscapes; andD) archaeological locations and landscapes.Local Plans shall prepare detailed policies to protect and enhance built heritage resources.

Policy ENV11 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan states: The three Ayrshire councils shall not be supportive of new development that would expose large numbers of people to unacceptable levels of air, noise and light pollution.

Policy STRAT4 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states:Development within the Rural Diversification Area will require to be justified, to the satisfaction of the Council, in terms of being:

a. A non residential use requiring a rural location due to its inappropriateness within a settlement; or

b. A non residential development with long term economic benefit; orc. The non residential re-use of a structurally sound and substantially intact building, the retention

and re-use of which would have positive environmental benefits to the locality; ord. Residential development in compliance with policies H8, H9, H10, H11 and H12.

NOTE Measures to ensure property security for any new rural business will be encouraged in association with, and at the outset of any new business proposal.

Policy STRAT5 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: In seeking to ensure a high quality environment, the Council will expect, that all development:a) Is appropriate in terms of layout, scale, massing, design and materials used in relation to its

surroundings; andb) Is appropriate in terms of its siting and setting and is not visually intrusive; andc) Respects and safeguards natural heritage resources; andd) Respects and safeguards built or archaeological heritage resources; ande) Safeguards the amenity of nearby dwellings, schools, institutions, workplaces or communities; andf) Is appropriate to its locality in terms of road safety, by reason of type or volume of traffic generated

by, or as a consequence of that development; andg) Will contribute to an efficient use of existing public services, facilities and infrastructure; and

7.h) Can be adequately serviced without overburdening existing infrastructure provision; and i) Employs the principles of sustainable urban drainage and is safe from reasonable risk of flooding

without increasing a risk of flooding in other locations; andj) Employs the principles of sustainability in its design, location and use of materials; andk) Is designed to facilitate crime prevention; andl) Takes cognisance of the implications of the existence of, or proposals for notifiable installations

(e.g. hazardous substances), in accordance with the views of the Health and Safety Executive; and m) Complies with the aims and objectives of the Plan.NOTE In addition to the above policy, the Council will encourage developers to ensure proposals conform to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Policy ENV1 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: There will be a strong presumption in favour of protecting all existing or proposed:a) Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) unless there are

imperative reasons of over-riding public interest and there is no alternative solution; andb) Sites of Special Scientific Interest unless any adverse effects are outweighed by social or

economic benefits of national importance.

Policy ENV2 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: The Council will presume in favour of safeguarding the integrity of the following sites of local natural heritage value:a) Local nature reserves; andb) Sites containing species protected by the Habitats Directive, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or

the Badgers Act 1992; andc) Wildlife sites and provisional wildlife sites; andd) Ornithological sites.

Policy BE1 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: To ensure a consistent high standard of development within the plan area, proposals will be considered in terms of compliance with the design criteria detailed in panel 1

Policy BE2 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: The Council will presume in favour of protecting listed buildings and their settings, especially from inappropriate development and will actively encourage the sensitive maintenance, restoration and re-use of all such properties.

Policy BE6 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: The Council will seek to protect scheduled ancient monuments, (including their setting) and archaeological sites and encourage sympathetic proposals for their promotion for educational or recreational purposes. NOTE: Applicants will be required to provide sufficient information to enable the evaluation of the importance of the site and enable full assessment of the impact of the proposals on that site. The use of management agreements to mitigate the effects of potentially conflicting land uses upon standing structures, earthworks or buried deposits may be required. The Council may seek guidance from an appropriate archaeological information service in considering applications within its area, including those within the Historic Medieval Burgh areas of Ayr, Ballantrae, Dundonald, Dunure, Girvan, Maybole, Newton on Ayr, Prestwick, Straiton, Symington and Tarbolton.

Policy SERV3 of the South Ayrshire Local Plan states: The Council will presume in favour of proposals for renewable energy production developments where it is demonstrated, through the provision of an environmental impact assessment, to be acceptable in terms of environmental, infrastructure and community impacts.

Local Development Plan The Council approved the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) on the 25 April 2013 for submission to the Scottish Ministers. Accordingly, the Proposed LDP is a material planning consideration in the determination of all planning applications. However, the weight to be attached to the Plan, as a material consideration needs to be commensurate with the status of the Plan. The Plan has been subject to statutory consultation, but not examination. While a number of the policies and proposals within the proposed LDP are materially different from the current development plan, those policies and proposals are the subject of outstanding representations to the LDP, which will form part of the examination of the Plan. The Council, therefore, in determining planning applications prior to the outcome of the examination of the LDP, cannot attach greater weight to those aspects of the LDP that differ from the current development plan. The remainder of the LDP policies are substantially the same as current development plan policies, therefore do not alter the determination of development proposals against the current development plan.

8.Principle of Development The application site lies within the Rural Diversification Area as defined in the South Ayrshire Local Plan (SALP) where development is required to be justified through the operation of policy STRAT4. I am satisfied that the proposal is in general conformity with that policy by reason of it requiring a rural location due to its inappropriateness within a settlement.

Other Policy Considerations (including Government Guidance)

National Planning Framework 2 (NPF2) provides an overarching framework of planning policy. In terms of renewable energy, NPF2 states that the government is committed to establishing Scotland as a leading location for the development of renewable energy technologies. The aim of this is to develop Scotland’s renewable energy potential whilst safeguarding the environment and communities. Within such a context, landscape and visual impacts are important elements in development proposals and the decision making process.

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP): This is generally supportive of renewable energy development (raising the previous target of energy generated from such sources from the 40% advocated in the now superseded Scottish Planning Policy 6”Renewable Energy, to 50% by 2020,”). It suggests criteria for the consideration of proposals which are similar in content to those of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and its addendum.

SPP is also pertinent for the consideration of proposals that may have impacts on local landscapes. The SPP recognises that landscape is constantly changing and that different landscapes have different capacities to accommodate new development and that therefore, the siting and design of development should be informed by local landscape character. The SPP advises that there may be occasions where the nature or scale of proposed development is such that the development should not be permitted.

The SPP seeks to ensure that in taking decisions on development proposals, Planning Authorities should ensure that potential effects, including cumulative effects of incremental development are considered. SPP states that valid planning applications should be taken into account when considering the cumulative impact of turbine/wind farm proposals with weight being afforded according to their position in the planning application process.

SPP states that the “Historic environment’ is a key part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and it enhances national, regional and local distinctiveness”. It is recognised for “supporting the growth of tourism”. It states that “Planning authorities can help to safeguard historic assets through ... development management decisions. It advises that the Governments policy on the historic environment is set out in the SHEP and that the Managing Change guidance notes should be taken into account when determining applications for planning permission which may affect the historic environment. Developers are advised to take this advice into account when preparing development proposals. SPP states (at para 111) that the; “historic environment includes ancient monuments, archaeological sites and landscapes ... and other features. It comprises both statutory and non-statutory designations. The location of historic features in the landscape and patterns of past use are part of the historic environment” It goes on to state that “In some cases the importance of the heritage asset is such that change may be difficult or may not be possible. Decisions should be based on a clear understanding of the importance of heritage assets.” This therefore makes it clear that it is not only statutory designations (such as scheduled monuments or listed buildings) that are of value and that are to be protected but also significant cultural features such as the Knockdon Cairns.

Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP): With regard to the Historic Environment, SHEP states:

“the context or setting in which specific historic features sit and the patterns of past use are part of our historic environment. The historical, artistic, literary, linguistic, and scenic associations of places and landscapes are some of the less tangible elements of the historic environment. These elements make a fundamental contribution to our sense of place and cultural identity.”

It notes that the historic environment faces many challenges which include:

“short-term visions for the development of places ... changing land management practices and restructuring in the farming industry ... and the needs of renewable energy generation”

There are 3 key outcomes identified by Scottish Ministers with regard to the historic environment, the first of which is:

“that the historic environment is cared for, protected and enhanced for the benefit of our own and future generations”

9.To this end, the policy of Scottish Ministers is that:

a. actions taken in respect of Scotland’s historic environment should secure its conservation and management for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations;

b. there should be a presumption in favour of preservation of individual historic assets and also the pattern of the wider historic environment; no historic asset should be lost or radically changed without adequate consideration of its significance and of all the means available to manage and conserve it;

c. Scotland’s historic environment should be managed in a sustainable way, recognising that it is a social, cultural, economic and environmental resource of great value;

d. all of the people of Scotland should be able to enjoy, appreciate, learn from and understand Scotland’s historic environment, and be assisted in that through access, research, knowledge, information and education and proactive conservation investment, without compromise to cultural significance.

These are worthy and laudable policy objectives which clearly establish the value the Scottish Ministers place on the historic environment and the care and attention that is required where it may be adversely affected by development or change. Importantly the SHEP states that it is a document:

“to which planning authorities are directed in their consideration of ... planning applications affecting the historic environment and the setting of individual elements of the historic environment.”

Planning Advice Note 2/2011 ‘Planning and Archaeology’: This PAN is intended to inform the day-to-day work of a range of local authority advisory services that have a role in the handling of archaeological matters within the planning process and it sits alongside SPP, the SHEP and Managing Change guidance notes.

Managing Change in the Historic Environment (Setting): Additional advice on ‘Setting’ is provided in this Historic Scotland publication. It notes that setting can be important in the way that historic structures or places are understood, appreciated and experienced. Where development is proposed it is important to identify the historic assets, define the setting and assess the impact of the development. It notes that setting often extends into a broader landscape context. An objective written assessment should be prepared by applicants taking into account the significance of the asset, its setting and an attempt to quantify the extent of any detrimental impact. In light of this, finalised proposals should seek to avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts on the setting of historic assets.

Ayrshire Landscape Assessment (ALA) was undertaken on behalf of SNH in 1998. This document provides a landscape character assessment to aid the evaluation of the impact of individual proposals for development change within the study area. To this end it provides; a detailed description of the character of the varying landscapes in Ayrshire (8 character areas and 22 landscape character types), the pressures for change, the sensitivity of these landscapes to change and guidelines as to how landscape change can be accommodated.

The application site is located within an area identified as “Intimate Pastoral Valley” Landscape Character Type and is described as valleys which have been cut into the foothills and moorlands of the Ayrshire uplands. It contains medium to small scale valleys with relatively flat valley bottoms. Land cover is dominated by the structure of broadleaf woodland which includes shelterbelts, riparian woodland and policy woodlands which separate the valley pastures into small parcels of fields. Other field boundaries tend to comprise drystone dykes and some hedges. The edges of more extensive coniferous plantations are visible along the upper slopes of the valleys.

In terms of planning guidelines the ALA recommends encouraging wind power developments away from valley sides. The main aim of the ALA is to maintain the small scale, pastoral character of the Intimate Pastoral Valleys and the contrast between the valleys and surrounding uplands.

Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Addendum (AJSPA) specifically relates to the consideration of individual turbines as well as windfarms. It suggests that a distance of 2 km from settlements and 700 metres from individual dwellings should be maintained to ensure that impacts of the turbines are not dominant or unacceptable. Shorter distances are potentially acceptable where the applicant has demonstrated that the impacts would be acceptable. With regard to shadow flicker a minimum separation distance of 10 times the turbine’s rotor diameter from a dwelling, work place or community facility to the turbine is required. With regard to Tourism and Recreation, the AJSP Addendum identifies the Firth of Clyde Estuary, Nationally recognised cycle and walking routes (i.e. The Ayrshire Coastal path), Natura 2000 sites, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, the Galloway National Tourist Route and Sensitive Landscape Character Areas as ‘regionally significant tourist resources’ and states

10.that development which has a significant adverse impact on tourism and recreational interests will not be supported.

The AJSP Addendum uses the work in the ALA and summarises the sensitivity of the different landscape character types to large, medium and small scale wind turbines. Large wind turbine developments are wind farm developments of more than 20MW generating capacity, medium wind farm developments are 3 to 7 turbines with a generating capacity of less than 20MW and small wind farm developments are single or twin turbines supplying local needs and which require relatively small turbines similar in size to traditional wind pumps. At 77m to blade tip the proposed turbine is considered to be of medium scale. The Intimate Pastoral Valley LCT has a high sensitivity to large and medium turbines.

South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study (SALWCS) In recognition of the upsurge in applications for wind farms and wind turbine developments, Scottish Natural Heritage, together with the three Ayrshire Councils commissioned landscape architects to carry out an update of the 1998 Ayrshire Landscape Assessment. The purpose of that study, the “Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Turbine Development in Ayrshire” was to study different landscape character types across Ayrshire and to assess their sensitivity to Wind Turbine Development. South Ayrshire Council, at its meeting of the Leadership Panel of 27th August 2013, agreed that the guidance contained in the Landscape Capacity Study should be used in relevant planning decisions and the assessment of planning applications for wind turbine developments. In terms of scope and sensitivity, the SALWCS suggests that the Intimate Pastoral Valley has no scope for wind energy development of over 50m in height and has a high sensitivity to turbines of that scale.

Planning Advice Note PAN 1/2011 relate to noise generation and these further refer to a document ETSU-R-97 “The Assessment and Rating of Noise From Wind Farms”. These documents indicate that noise generation levels should be kept within certain limits concerning residential amenity.

Scottish Natural Heritage “Bats and Wind Turbines” recommends that turbines should be positioned at least 50m from features of nature conservation interest that may be beneficial to bat species for foraging and / or as a flight pathway (such as woodland, watercourses, shelterbelts or hedgerows).

Landscape, visual and cumulative impact

The proposed turbine is sited atop Glenauchie Glen on the containing skyline of the upper reaches of the Water of Girvan Valley. The application site lies in the Scenic Area and in the centre of a small area of the sensitive Intimate Pastoral Valleys Landscape Character Type as indentified in ALA, AJSPA and SALWCS.

ALA The ALA’s key aim within the Intimate Pastoral Valley is to conserve the small scale, pastoral character of these valleys and to maintain their contrast with surrounding upland areas. A turbine of 77m to blade tip would represent a significant divergence from the scale of the surrounding forestry, field boundaries and farm buildings. As such this would emphasise the imposing structure on the landscape and would represent a visual extension of large scale wind energy development into the sensitive Landscape Character Type.

AJSPA The AJSPA has identified the Intimate Pastoral Valleys as having a high sensitivity to both Large and Medium turbines due to the small scale, pastoral nature of the LCT. The addendum suggests that wind energy development in the surrounding uplands should carefully consider their impact on the Intimate Pastoral Valleys and turbines should be located away from the valley sides. While the turbine is within the Intimate Pastoral Valleys LCT, it sits on the containing ridgeline between the valley landscape and upland landscape. I feel it is reasonable to suggest the turbine acts as a small, windfarm-scale turbine located above the valley side and with a direct impact on the Water of Girvan Valley. I do not consider that the applicant has satisfactorily considered the impact that a turbine of the proposed height would have on the Intimate Pastoral Valley.

SALWCS The SALWCS suggests that there may be some very limited scope for turbines of 30-50m to relate to the simpler landforms and increased scale of sparsely settled upper hill slopes at transition areas to the ‘Plateau Moorland with Forestry and Windfarms’ LCT. It suggests that these landscapes have a High sensitivity to, and no scope for, turbines over 50m to blade tip. The proposed turbine is 77m to blade tip, sits above the strong, containing skyline of the Intimate Pastoral Valley and is adjacent to the Foothills LCT. Consequently, I am of the opinion that the turbine does not fit within this scope. The central aim of the SALWCS is to preserve the contrast between the small scale pastoral nature of the intimate pastoral valley with the open expansive and undeveloped nature of upland landscapes; I am of the opinion that the proposed development is in direct conflict with this aim and is contrary to the advice contained in SALWCS.

11.

The supporting documentation suggests that there would be a locally substantial direct landscape impact. I am in general agreement with this and believe that this impact is sufficient in magnitude to warrant a recommendation for refusal. The supporting documentation concludes that while there will be locally substantial direct landscape impacts, there would be no landscape impact overall. Notwithstanding these assertions, it is the direct effects of the turbine within the intimate pastoral valley landscape that are of particular concern in the assessment of the proposal, as these locations are likely to experience significant detrimental landscape and visual impacts. In suggesting that the turbine would not have any impact on landscape overall shows a possible misunderstanding of the implications of introducing a structure of the scale proposed in relatively close proximity to a landscape type where small scale features and enclosure are particularly important. Indeed it is precisely the close proximity of the turbine to this LCT which has the greatest potential to impact on the integrity of the Intimate Pastoral Valley landscape character type. My own assessment of the proposal is therefore at variance with that of the applicant.

The Tairlaw Plantation is temporary in nature and does not in any event provide a reliable source of screening over the lifetime of the development.

An electricity cable crosses the Water of Girvan Valley via a series of 61m high electricity pylons, the nearest of which is 290m west of the proposed turbine. These manmade structures somewhat detract from the wild upland nature of the Foothills and the small scale nature of the Intimate Pastoral Valley. However, the established, static, slim structural form of these pylons have significantly less visual and landscape impact than a 77m turbine with moving blades.

Landmark Hills Landmark Hills are identified in SALWCS as a potential constraint for development and as a visual focus for receptors, particularly where these hills form the containing skyline of the landscape. Local landmark hills are highlighted in section one of this report. From the applicants submitted zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV), it is clear that the turbine would be visible from the setting of Kildoach Hill.

Big Hill of the Baing lies directly to the north west of the proposed turbine. Users of the road running south from Straiton will have intermittent views of the turbine set partially behind the landmark hill. The peak of Big Hill of the Baing is at 362m AOD and the turbine tip height would sit at approximately 347m AOD. The proximity of the turbine to the landmark hill creates a competing visual focus in the landscape. I am of the opinion that the introduction of a tall tower with moving blades would detract from the landscape’s indentifying features. The turbine would stand out as an overpowering and dominant feature within the Water of Girvan Valley, particularly because it would be seen in conjunction with Big Hill of the Baing where the competing scales would be evident.

Cumulative Impacts There are currently four Section 36 Wind Farm applications in the vicinity as outlined in section 1 of this report. These have been considered below in terms of potential cumulative impacts should they be approved.

The submitted cumulative ZTV with Dersalloch aids in my assessment of how the proposed turbine (the subject of this report) would relate to the proposed Dersalloch Wind Farm. There would be minimal views of Dersalloch form the Water of Girvan Valley. However, the inclusion of the proposed turbine would effectively ‘fill in the blanks’ in the ZTV, meaning that the sensitive landscape character area would not be protected from wind energy development. It would represent a visual extension of wind energy development form the more suitable upland areas into the sensitive landscape character area. Cumulative viewpoints 1, 2 and 3 show that the siting and scale of the proposed turbine is ‘out of sync’ with the designed cluster and scale of turbines in the proposed Dersalloch Wind Farm. The turbine’s blade tips would be visible from several locations in the landscape in the same way as those of Dersalloch. Receptors may be confused by this and assume the entire upland area was one wind farm.

When travelling south from Straiton, views of Dersalloch and the Glenauchie turbine would be intermittent. This can be seen in the Cumulative ZTV. There are four potential viewing states: neither visible; both visible; just Dersalloch or just Glenauchie. Views when travelling north to Straiton would change viewing state approximately seven times and from the water works at Doon of Waterhead approximately eleven times. I am of the opinion that this sequential cumulative impact with Dersalloch is unacceptable.

The boundary of Glenmount Windfarm lies just 320m to the east. The Glenauchie turbine would act visually as a 27th turbine and would be out of rhythm and scale with the other turbines. The Foothills LCT would separate the proposed turbine from the Kiers Hill Windfarm. I do not expect any significant impacts between the Glenauchie Turbine and Kiers Hill Windfarm.

12.The proposed Linfairn Windfarm lies to the west in the “Foothills with Forest” LCT, on the opposite side of the Water of Girvan Valley. I have concerns over consecutive cumulative impacts with Linfairn due to the growing presence of wind energy in the wider landscape. The Intimate Pastoral Valley should be protected from such cumulative impacts due to its sensitive small scale nature. I am of the view that the proposed development would have unacceptable consecutive cumulative impacts with other wind energy developments.

Cumulative impacts with proposed Wind Farm applications are most important when the Glenauchie turbine would act to blur the distinction between the upland nature of the Foothills with the small scale pastoral nature of the Intimate Pastoral Valley.

Viewpoints The local access road that runs from east to west, to the south of the proposed development will experience the dominating presence of the turbine, as shown in Viewpoint 01. Viewpoint 02 shows that the blade tips would be visible against the landmark hill, Big Hill of the Baing from the local road network. While Viewpoint 03 is taken from an elevated, rarely used location (the peak of Big Hill of Glenmount), the image is useful in highlighting the relative scale of the turbine to the intimate pastoral valley. If the illustration is accurate, the turbine would surpass the height of the settled lower slopes of the valley itself. This further illustrates the dominant visual impact the turbine would have over the sensitive LCT as well as the wider landscape implications. Viewpoint 04 furthers the landscape and visual impacts shown in Viewpoint 03.

Landscape Conclusion In terms of the landscape advice available from Scottish Natural Heritage, the size and siting of the proposed development is considered unacceptable in terms of potential impacts on Landmark Hills and potential sequential / consecutive cumulative impacts with surrounding proposed Section 36 Wind Farms. The proposed development would likely result in an increased perception of the presence of wind energy development in the locality (particularly into the sensitive LCT) and would result in an unacceptable landscape, visual and cumulative impact on the Intimate Pastoral Valley Landscape Character Type.

In light of the above, I am of the opinion that with regard to landscape, visual and cumulative impacts, the proposal is contrary to SPP, AJSP policy STRAT1, ECON6, ENV1, ENV2, the Addendum to the AJSP and SALWCS. I am of the opinion that for the same reasons, that the proposal is contrary to SALP policies STRAT5, BE1, ENV8 and SERV8.

Tourism and recreation

The tourism sector is important to the Ayrshire economy. The success of this sector is in part tied to environmental quality; hence it is particularly important to protect the landscape from inappropriate development. I do not foresee unacceptable impacts on Merrick Kells Natura 2000, the Biosphere or the Galloway National Tourist route due to the separating distance between these assets and the turbine. I do not consider that there will be unacceptable impacts on the Core Paths SA47 and SA48 as visual impacts of the turbine will be mitigated to a degree by Glengill Hill as seen in the ZTV.

However, it is considered that this large turbine may have a significant detrimental impact on Knockdon to Dalcairney local path network and the National Byway which follows the line of the Tairlaw Burn due to its insensitive siting on a prominent ridge and inappropriate scale. These resources are in the Sensitive Landscape Character Area, which is a regionally significant tourist resource. Consequently the proposed development is considered to have a detrimental impact on tourism and recreation and therefore represents a departure to the development plan in this regard.

Natural heritage

Impacts on local ecology resources can be mitigated through appropriate planning conditions as advised by Scottish Natural Heritage regarding an otter and badger survey. Additionally Scottish Natural Heritage “Bats and Wind Turbines” recommends that turbines should be positioned at least 50m from features of nature conservation interests and this can be achieved in this case. Consequently I am satisfied that there will not be unacceptable natural heritage impacts.

Built and cultural heritage

It is noted that Historic Scotland does not object to the application proposal. However, West of Scotland Archaeological Service (WoSAS) has objected to the application on the basis of “significant deleterious impacts” on the setting of the cairns and enclosure at Knockdon. The commercial forestry at Munteoch does not satisfactorily screen the settlement and field system at Munteoch because the forestry may not be a permanent feature for the lifetime of the turbine. Concerns are raised over several other resources such as those detailed in section one of this report. The thoroughness of the applicant’s assessment

13.has been questioned by WoSAS who suggest that a single, outdated source may have been used to identify resources. Both scheduled and unscheduled resources should be assessed as advised by Planning Advice Note 2 / 2011. Only listed buildings, inventory designed landscapes and scheduled monuments have been assessed. The resources which WoSAS raise concern for, which are on the Non Statutory Register include: the chambered cairn at Baing Loch, the fort and dun at Doonans Hill, the farmstead at Glenthraig and the farmstead named Craigentorrie. Many of these are terrain shielded, as seen in the ZTV. It is clear from Additional Viewpoint 05 that the turbine will have a significant impact on views from the setting of the cairns and enclosure. Elements of WoSAS’s pre-application advice have not been taken into account in the submitted supporting documentation, particularly in terms of assets on the non statutory register.

Taking into account the detailed observations of WoSAS and the absence of a thorough assessment by the applicant I consider that the proposed development would have an adverse effect on cultural heritage, the historic landscape, and archaeological heritage resources and consequently the proposal is considered to be contrary to SPP, AJSP STRAT1, ECON6, ENV1, ENV6, the AJSP Addendum on windfarms, SALP STRAT5, BE6 and SERV3 in that it would have a detrimental effect on the setting of the historic landscape. There are no overriding reasons to depart from SPP, the development plan, the AJSP Addendum on windfarms or the policy and advice contained in PAN 2/2011 ‘Planning and Archaeology’, the SHEP or “Managing change in the historic environment - setting”.

Aviation and defence

Glasgow Prestwick Airport, the Ministry of Defence and NATS have confirmed that there are no issues of aviation safety concerning the proposal. Initially the Ministry of Defence had objected on the basis of low flying aircraft, further information was supplied by the agent and the Ministry of Defence withdrew the objection. I am satisfied, that subject to planning conditions, the proposal is acceptable in terms of aviation and defence.

Communication and broadcasting

The Joint Radio Company has not objected to the proposal. I am satisfied that there will be no unacceptable impacts on communication and broadcasting that could not be addressed by a suitable planning condition.

Communities

Noise Environmental Health advises that appropriate conditions (regarding daytime and night time noise and for financially involved proterties) can ensure that noise levels for the turbine are acceptable.

Shadow Flicker The incidence of “Shadow Flicker” is considered only to be an issue of significant concern if the distance between the nearest dwelling and rotor blades is less than 10 times the diameter of those blades. The diameter of the rotors being proposed is some 54m. As the nearest dwelling is over 540m away, it is considered unlikely that shadow flicker will be experienced. The Environmental Health Officer has assessed the proposal in terms of shadow flicker and has not raised any concerns.

Amenity The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Addendum suggests that a distance of 2 km from settlements and 700m from individual dwellings should be maintained unless the developer can demonstrate that the turbine’s impacts are acceptable. There is one property within 700m of the proposed turbine and this within the ownership / control of the applicant. Other residential properties are more than 1.6km from the proposed turbines and while there may be some inter-visibility I consider that the distance, topography, screening etc. will result in there being no over-riding detrimental impact in terms of visual dominance on residential amenity.

Consultations received

Appropriate conditions regarding protected species, MoD notification and aviation lighting can address some of the concerns which consultees raise. While WoSAS has objected to the proposal, they have suggested a condition regarding an archaeological watching brief should the council be minded to grant permission. This will not, however satisfactorily mitigate the impacts of the turbine on surrounding cultural heritage assets, particularly at Knockdon. It is noted that SNH has restricted its comments to ecology issues only.

Representations received

14.

Representations have been summarised in section 6 of this report. My comments on these are outlined below.

Policy and Planning: Concerns over the precedent that the proposal would set for the Intimate Pastoral Valley are noted, should the turbine be granted consent I would expect cumulative assessments to restrict further wind energy development in the locality. Relevant policies and guidance have been assessed earlier in this section. The application has been assessed with the four surrounding Wind Farms in mind.

Landscape, visual and cumulative: I am in general agreement that the scale and siting of the development is inappropriate for the locality, and that visual amenity impacts would be unacceptable. The cumulative relationship with other wind energy developments causes significant concern. While the turbine may be mitigated to a degree by local forestry, the trees will be felled in future so do not provide reliable screening.

Natural heritage, ecology and wildlife: Natural heritage resources such as the nearby SSSI at Loch Doon have been assessed separately by Scottish Natural Heritage. The potentially negative impacts on these resources can be mitigated to an acceptable degree through the imposition of planning conditions as advised by SNH.

Tourism and recreation: The landscape impacts of the turbine are deemed to be unacceptable and, on this basis, I consider that the turbine would have a detrimental impact on tourism, particularly as the Intimate Pastoral Valley is considered to be a regionally significant tourism resource. Impacts from the turbine on resources such as the Biosphere, Forest Park and a Dark Sky Park are considered to not be unacceptable due to the limited visibility of the turbine from the wider landscape.

Community impacts and impacts on locality: Minimal impacts during the construction process are expected on the Tairlaw Bridge and the village of Straiton as the delivery route of the turbine, as indicated in the Planning Design and Access Statement is from the south. The significant dominant nature of the turbine cannot be mitigated. The Joint Radio Company has assessed the application and has raised no concerns over GPS radar.

Climate change and renewable energy: The operational efficiency of the turbine during hard frost is not considered to be a material planning consideration in the determination of this application. The principles of wind energy are supported in national policy where appropriate in planning terms.

Non Planning: The financial requirements of the applicant are not considered to be material considerations.

8. Conclusion:

The assessment of wind turbine development proposals is complex as they can raise a wide range of competing factors which have to be balanced against each other. I consider that this proposal can be seen to have merit in terms of its potential for producing renewable energy. In addition, it can be concluded that the proposal does not raise insurmountable problems in terms of natural heritage, aviation and defence, communication and broadcasting and the impact on the community (noise, shadow flicker and residential amenity). However, as explained in detail in the report, I consider that this proposal raises over-riding concerns in terms of landscape, visual and cumulative impacts, built and cultural heritage and tourism and recreation resources. Given the above assessment of the proposal, and having balanced the applicant's right against the general interest, it is recommended that the application is refused for the reason noted below.

9. Recommendation:

It is recommended that the application is refused for the following reasons:

15.

Reasons:

Landscape and visual1. That the proposed development would be contrary to policies STRAT1, STRAT2, ECON6,

ENV1 & ENV2 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP), the AJSP Addendum on Windfarms, South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study 2013, policies STRAT5, BE1, ENV8 & SERV3 of the adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan and Scottish Planning Policy & Advice. It is considered that due to the large size, prominent position and insensitive siting of the proposed wind turbine development, its impact on the skyline, its impact on landmark hills, the wider visibility of the turbine and the absence of appropriate mitigating landscape factors, that the proposed development is likely to have a significant adverse landscape and visual impact. There are no over-riding reasons to depart from development plan policy or government policy and guidance.

Cumulative2. That the proposed development would be contrary to policies STRAT1, STRAT2, ECON6,

ENV1 & ENV2 of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP), the AJSP Addendum on Windfarms, policies STRAT5, BE1, ENV8 & SERV3 of the adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan, guidance contained in the South Ayrshire Landscape wind capacity Study (2013) and Scottish Planning Policy & Advice in that the proposed development, in combination with other wind turbine development, represents an undesirable visual extension of wind turbine development into a sensitive landscape character area and would have a cumulative and significant adverse effect on landscape character and visual amenity. There are no over-riding reasons to depart from development plan policy, local detailed landscape guidance or government policy and guidance.

Historic environment 3. That the proposed development would be contrary to policies STRAT1, ECON6, ENV1 & ENV6

of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP), the AJSP Addendum on Windfarms, policies STRAT5, BE6 & SERV3 of the adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan, Scottish Planning Policy, PAN2/2011 'Planning and Archaeology', Scottish Historic Environment Policy and 'Managing Change in the Historic Environment (Setting)' as the proposed development would have an adverse effect on cultural heritage, the historic landscape, and archaeological heritage resources. Specifically, due to scale and siting, the proposed turbine would be visible as a prominent and visually dominant new modern element in the landscape from the cairns at Knockdon (WoSAS Pins 7182 and 7196) and the scheduled enclosure at Knockdon (SAM Index 7491) that lie approximately 1.9km to the east of the site. Consequently the proposed turbine would have indirect impacts on the setting of these highly significant cultural heritage assets. Furthermore the potential adverse effects cannot be overcome or minimised to an acceptable degree. There are no over-riding reasons to depart from development plan policy or government policy and guidance.

Tourism and recreation4. That the application proposal is contrary policies STRAT1, STRAT2, ECON6, ENV1 and ENV2

of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP), the AJSP Addendum on Windfarms, STRAT5, ENV8 and SERV3 of the adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan and Scottish Planning Policy & Advice in that, on the information available, it is considered to have an adverse landscape, visual and cumulative impact on the important tourism resource in the locality of the application site, specifically on the basis that the site is located within a 'sensitive landscape character area' which is identified as 'regionally significant tourist resource' in the AJSP Addendum. Furthermore the proposal would adversely affect the setting of the recognised Local Path Network at ‘Knockdon to Dalcairney (Bogton Loch)’ and the National Byway which follows the path of Tairlaw Burn with potential knock on effects on these routes as a valuable tourism and recreational resource. There are no over-riding reasons to depart from development plan policy or government policy and guidance.

16.

List of Determined Plans:

Drawing - Reference No (or Description): FIGURE 1.1 Location PlanDrawing - Reference No (or Description): PROPOSED CONTROL UNIT Elevations and DetailDrawing - Reference No (or Description): 1000900 REV. 02 Turbine plansDrawing - Reference No (or Description): LOCATION PLAN 1:3000Drawing - Reference No (or Description): SITE PLAN A 1:1000Drawing - Reference No (or Description): SITE PLAN B 1:1000Drawing - Reference No (or Description): SITE PLAN C 1:1000Other - Reference No (or Description): LANDSCAPE AND VISUALOther - Reference No (or Description): PLANNING DESIGN AND ACCESSOther - Reference No (or Description): ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENTOther - Reference No (or Description): TELECOM STATEMENT

Background Papers:

1. Application form, plans and supporting documentation2. Consultation Responses3. Representations4. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)5. Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP)6. Managing Change in the Historic Environment - Setting (Historic Scotland)7. Planning Advice Note 1/2011 ‘Planning and Noise’8. Planning Advice Note 2/2011 ‘Planning and Archaeology’9. Approved Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan10. The Addendum to the Ayrshire Joint structure Plan technical Report TR03/2006 “Guidance on the

Location of Windfarms within Ayrshire” approved by the three Ayrshire Council’s in 200911. Adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan12. Land Use Consultants 1998 ‘Ayrshire Landscape Assessment’ Scottish Natural Heritage Review No11113. South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study 2013

Person to Contact:

Mr Dale Hunter, Planner (Temporary) - Priority Response Team - Telephone 01292 616139

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