Wind Turbine Design & Access Statement€¦ · 41-01-WD Design & Access Statement Page 5 of 41 2.0 Application Proposal The proposal is for the installation of four 100kW NorthWind

PLANNING AND DESIGN STATEMENT FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF FOUR 100KW WIND TURBINES AT SCAR

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41-01-WD Design & Access Statement Page 2 of 41

Contents

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.0 Application Proposal................................................................................................................... 5

3.0 Site Description .......................................................................................................................... 6

4.0 Aerial Images .............................................................................................................................. 7

4.1 Aerial Image of the Surrounding Area ............................................................................... 7

4.2 Aerial Image of the Site ..................................................................................................... 7

5.0 Pre-application Discussions ........................................................................................................ 8

6.0 Turbine Use ................................................................................................................................ 9

7.0 Wind Turbine Technical Specifications ..................................................................................... 10

8.0 Wind Turbine Design ................................................................................................................ 11

9.0 International, National, Strategic and Local Planning Policy & Legislation .............................. 12

9.1 International Legislation and Policy ................................................................................ 12

9.2 European Energy Policy ................................................................................................... 13

9.3 National Planning Legislation .......................................................................................... 13

9.4 OFGEM Reports ............................................................................................................... 17

9.5 National Planning Policy .................................................................................................. 18

9.6 Development Plan ........................................................................................................... 21

9.7 Material Considerations .................................................................................................. 23

10.0 Environmental Impact Assessment ......................................................................................... 28

11.0 Landscape Impact Assessment ................................................................................................ 29

12.0 Impact on the character of the landscape ............................................................................... 30

13.0 Sites of Designated Importance .............................................................................................. 31

14.0 Ecology and Nature ................................................................................................................. 32

15.0 Transport and Access ............................................................................................................... 34

16.0 Benefits of the Proposal .......................................................................................................... 35

17.0 Noise ........................................................................................................................................ 36

18.0 Shadow Flicker ......................................................................................................................... 37

19.0 Aviation and Communications................................................................................................. 38

20.0 Decommissioning .................................................................................................................... 39

21.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 40

22.0 Further Information ................................................................................................................. 41



1.0 Introduction

This Design and Access Statement is provided in conjunction with the site specific mapping, turbine drawings and supporting material that was submitted with this planning application. This proposal was drawn up having regard to the need for good design. In particular: • The scale, massing and height of proposed development have been considered in relation to

that of; the topography, the general pattern of heights in the area; and views, vistas and landmarks.

The following general design principles have been taken into account in respect of this proposed wind turbine development: • A proper assessment of the character of the area concerned. • The changing need for clean, renewable sources of energy production in a sustainable manner.


2.0 Application Proposal

The proposal is for the installation of four 100kW NorthWind wind turbines which are 37m AGL, mounted on a free-standing monopole structure on a concrete base, with associated equipment house for the transformer (2.5 x 3m x 2.4m). It is proposed to have a stock proof fence surrounding the turbines and it is anticipated this will be a post and rail fence. The proposed triple-blade rotor has a diameter of 21m and the maximum top blade height is 47.5m. An access track will be required for the deployment phase and to allow access for the operational maintenance of the turbines.

The turbines will be used to produce a clean, renewable and sustainable form of electricity production. It will also provide the landowner with a diversified income which is important in the current economic climate.

It needs to be borne in mind that the proposed development is for small generation wind turbine installation. Hence, access is deliberately restricted, where appropriate, for the security of the installation.


3.0 Site Description

The proposal is on grade 5 agricultural land located approximately 1.4km to the north of Bacup and 0.5km to the south east of Weir. The nearest independent residential property is located approximately 350m to the north west of the proposed development location.


4.0 Aerial Images

4.1 Aerial Image of the Surrounding Area

4.2 Aerial Image of the Site

These images are for illustration purposes only.

Proposed Site

Proposed Turbines


5.0 Pre-application Discussions

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Notice was submitted to Rossendale Borough Council on 1st April 2011. The screening request was for four 100kW Wind Turbines (37m to hub, 47.5m to tip) at Scar End Farm.

The Screening Opinion response was received on 8th April 2011 and it was confirmed an Environmental Statement was not required.

The Green Company also agreed the key visual receptor points to prepare the photomontage report with Rossendale Borough Council in advance of submitting the planning application.

The Green Company have written to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the MOD has confirmed that they have no concerns with the proposal.

The Green Company have notified Whitworth Town Council of the proposed development and have enquired whether they would like us to present the proposals at one of their Town Council meetings. Whitworth Town Council noted this proposal was out with their area.


6.0 Turbine Use

The NorthWind 100 turbine is in the ‘small wind turbine category’ and has a peak rated output of 100kW at 14m/s.

The turbine is configured to give an optimal yield in moderate wind speed sites and as such it complements the wind conditions found in many rural areas of mainland Britain.

The turbine is connected to the grid via the nearby 11kV 3 phase line. It is envisaged 100% of the generated power will be exported to the national grid network.


7.0 Wind Turbine Technical Specifications

A copy of the wind turbine specification is attached with the planning application.


8.0 Wind Turbine Design

Towers: Constructed from galvanised steel in a tubular monopole form. The tubular form compliments modern structures, while minimising the visual impact and wind loading of the structure.

Rotor: The turbine is a 3 blade, horizontal axis, downwind configured turbine. The turbine has a variable rotor speed up to a maximum of 59rpm. The turbine has a design lifetime 30 years, based on the manufacture’s specification.

Colour: An analysis of different colours of turbines has been carried out to specifically look at the visual appearance of grey, galvanised, white, green, brown and black. It has been concluded that an ‘off white’ appearance looks the least obtrusive when set in several backgrounds such as a rural, agricultural, farm or domestic setting. This colour helps the turbine blades and support structure blend more easily in to the background skyline, and as such is proposed for this location.


9.0 International, National, Strategic and Local Planning Policy & Legislation

9.1 International Legislation and Policy

UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun (Information from Department of Climate Change)

“The UNFCCC COP16 conference took place in Cancun, Mexico on 29 November - 10 December 2010. The talks marked a turning point in the global negotiations to agree a global deal to tackle dangerous climate change. Key outcomes from the agreements at the Summit are: Objective: agreed to peak emissions and an overall 2 degree target to limit temperature rise. Emissions: bringing details of what developed and developing countries are doing to tackle climate change, promised in Copenhagen, into the UN system so they can be assessed. MRV: agreed a system so we know how countries are living up to their promises to take action on emissions Long-term finance: established the Green Climate Fund and will start to get it ready to help developing countries go low carbon and adapt to climate impacts. Deforestation: agreed to slow, halt and reverse destruction of trees and agree the rules for delivering it and for monitoring progress. Technology/Adaptation: set up the mechanisms to help developing countries access low carbon technology, and adapt to climate change” The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has stated “The Cancun agreement is a very significant step forward in renewing the determination of the international community to tackle climate change through multilateral action.” UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 2009) and Stern Review

The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 2009) and the earlier Stern Review, have underlined the need to act now to reduce carbon emissions. Renewable energy is one of the few supply side options that can make a major difference to emissions in the short term.

Stern Review was published in October 2006 and made uncompromising statements about the human, environmental and economic costs of climate change. “Delaying action, even by a decade or two, will take us into dangerous territory. We must not let this window of opportunity close". "There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally... Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge”.

4th Assessment Report of the IPCC

The 4th Assessment Report published in 2007 of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) raised the possibility of the Earth's temperature rising well above the ceiling quoted in earlier accounts and giving rise to severe consequences such as the collapse of the Greenland ice sheet and disruption of the Gulf Stream Ocean current.

This is further re-iterated in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs statement on UK climate projections. “Warming of the global climate system is unequivocal, with global average


temperatures having risen by nearly 0.8⁰C since the late 19 th century, and rising at about 0.2⁰C/decade over the past 25 years...It is very likely (use IPPCC terminology to express likelihoods: very likely = 90% probability, likely = 66% probability) that man-made greenhouse gas emissions caused most of the observed temperature rise since the mid 20th century.”

9.2 European Energy Policy

At a European level, there is the agreed commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. Following the Energy Review Report in 2006, the European Council agreed to a European strategy to further improve energy security and to reduce carbon emissions. In March 2007, it was agreed to commit to: • Saving 20% of the EU’s energy consumption by 2020 compared to current projections; and • A binding target of reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 and by 30% in the context of

international action.

The European Commission published the 20 20 by 2020 package in January 2008 and the EU Climate and Energy package was formally agreed in April 2009. This package commits the European Union (EU) to the 20% reduction in its carbon emissions and to achieving a target of deriving 20% of the EU’s final energy consumption from renewable sources, both by 2020. The renewables target is outlined in the Commission’s Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. In order to achieve the overall EU renewable energy target of 20% the proposal includes individual targets for each Member State. The UK’s legally binding obligation is 15% of energy coming from renewable sources by 2020 as set out in the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive. In planning terms the “need” for development is fundamentally determined by Government policy and this declaration was a clear statement of the urgent need for rapidly increasing development of renewable energy projects.

Climate Change the Way Forward in a Post Copenhagen World

Chris Huhne, the Secretary of the State for Energy and Climate Change, gave a speech on 23rd September 2010 on the Coalition Government’s aims for Europe in terms of climate change. Chris Huhne states “The Coalition Government agreement on climate change is clear. We are determined to reach an ambitious international deal to limit emissions” he continues “Our other focus is on cleaning and greening the supply of energy within the UK. Using our world leading science and technology sectors to secure a low carbon energy mix. Clean coal and gas. Renewables. With a role for nuclear, but without public subsidy.”...”But we must also work with our neighbours to secure the transformation of Europe’s economy...To achieve that transformation, we need a more ambitious emissions target, a 30% reduction by 2020.”

9.3 National Planning Legislation

Energy White Paper 2003


The Energy White Paper 2003 reaffirms and amplifies the strong commitment to renewable energy. It also set the ambition of increasing the renewables share of electricity generation to 20% by 2020.

It said that to achieve the 60% CO2 reduction goal by 2050: “We are likely to need renewables by then to be contributing at least 30% to 40% of our electricity generation and possibly more.”

In regard to the 2010 target of 10% of electricity coming from renewable sources, the Energy White Paper 2003 said: “To hit the 10% target we will need to install approximately 10 000MW of renewables capacity by 2010, an annual build rate of over 1250MW.”

Energy White Paper 2007

The Energy White Paper 2007 states that energy is essential in virtually every aspect of our lives and for the success of our economy and that the country faces two long-term energy challenges:

• Tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions both within the UK and abroad; and

• Ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy as we become increasingly dependent on imported fuel.

Recognising the particular difficulties faced by renewable energy providers in securing planning consent, (Section 5.3.67), the former Government said it is: “Giving a clear steer to planning professionals and local authority decision makers, that in considering applications they should look favourably on renewable energy developments”.

The Energy Act 2008

The Energy Act 2008 was given Royal Assent in November 2008 and implements the legislative aspects of the Energy White Paper 2007. The Act covers a number of issues including strengthening the Renewables Obligation to increase the diversity of our electricity mix, improve the reliability of energy supplies and lower carbon emissions from the electricity sector.

UK Climate Change Act 2008

The UK Climate Change Act, November 2008 makes it the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the UK meets a 2050 target of an 80% reduction in six green house gasses compared to the 1990 baseline. As part of the UK Climate Change Act 2008 the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) was set up. A progress report was recently prepared and the Government has responded on 14th October 2010 and the main messages are:

• “We are fully committed to meeting the targets and carbon budgets set out in the Climate Change Act.

• We welcome the CCC assessment that there has been progress made in many areas, but also recognise that the recession has had a significant impact in reducing emissions.


• We agree that there is still the need for a step change in the implementation of policies to ensure the UK continues to reduce emissions as the economy recovers.

• We will push the EU to demonstrate leadership by supporting an increase in the EU emissions reduction target from 20% to 30% by 2020 compared to a 1990 baseline.”

The Energy Security and Green Economy Bill

The Bill has been introduced to the Parliament and it is the aim to get royal Assent by the Summer Recess so the Green Deal can be in operation towards the end of 2012. The key elements of the Bill are: “to provide for the Green Deal. These provisions:

• A new financing framework to enable the provision of energy efficiency measures to all householders, funded by a charge on-energy bills in order to avoid paying upfront costs.

• Powers to create a new Energy Company obligation to take over from the existing obligation to reduce carbon emissions, which expires at the end of 2012. The new obligation will be designed to work alongside the Green Deal finance offer and target appropriate measures at those households which are likely to need additional support, in particular those containing vulnerable people on low incomes and those in hard to treat housing.”

Climate Change Programme 2006

This report is an update of the 2000 Climate Change Programme and sets a national government goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. The report also sets out the government’s plans for working, with other countries, to secure agreement on the scale needed.

UK Renewable Energy Strategy White Paper (2009)

The Executive Summary summarises the intent of the White Paper: “We need to radically increase our use of renewable electricity, heat and transport. This Strategy… sets out the path for us to meet our legally-binding target to ensure 15% of our energy comes from renewable sources by 2020: almost a seven-fold increase in the share of renewables in scarcely more than a decade."

“This Strategy will help us tackle climate change, reducing the UK’s emissions of carbon dioxide by over 750 million tonnes between now and 2030. It will also promote the security of our energy supply, reducing our overall fossil fuel demand by around 10% and gas imports by 20–30% against what they would have been in 2020. And it will provide outstanding opportunities for the UK economy with the potential to create up to half a million more jobs in the UK renewable energy sector resulting from around £100 billion of new investment. In parallel with energy saving, nuclear and carbon capture and storage, this is a key element of our overall transition plan for setting the UK on the path to achieve a low-carbon, sustainable future that helps address dangerous climate change. Our target is very ambitious. We consulted last year on proposed measures for meeting it; this document confirms our strategy for doing so. Our lead scenario suggests that we could see more than 30% of our electricity generated from renewables, up from about 5.5% today“.

2050 Pathway Analysis


The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have created 2050 Pathways to ensure low carbon energy supplies to 2050. This analysis builds on the government requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. The analysis “presents a framework through which to consider some of the choices and tradeoffs which we will have to make over the next 40 years.”

Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, states in the forward of the report “The report presents a range of different pathways to 2050. None of these is a preferred route and the exercise is not about choosing a pathway out to 2050 today – such a task would not be feasible as there are too many unknowns...They also point to a set of long term ‘good bet’ actions which appear to be common to a number of possible pathways. Although the rationale for moving to a low carbon pathway is not to reduce energy costs, the analysis indicates that low carbon energy generation can actually be less expensive than conventional energy generation under the highest fossil fuel price scenarios”.

DECC Microgeneration Strategy Consultation

“This Strategy will look forward to 2020 and cover England only, and seeks views on four key policy areas that can help decarbonise the way our homes and businesses, reducing the UK’s CO2 emissions and contributing to our target of sourcing 20% of all EU energy from renewable by 2020.”

Greg Barker, MP, Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change has outlined the government vision “I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people. Microgeneration is a key part of this vision. By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a market place for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people can trust.”

Coalition Government’s Spending Review October 2010

The Coalition Government’s spending review in terms of renewable energy and carbon reduction outlined the following:

• Puts the UK on track to meet statutory carbon budgets by supporting action on renewables; reducing transport emissions by increasing the uptake of electric vehicles through grants to reduce their upfront costs and the roll out of charging infrastructure; and giving households access to energy efficiency measures at no upfront cost through a Green deal;

• Underpins the Government’s commitment to obtain 15% of energy from renewables by 2020, by supporting the roll out of large and small scale technologies, including renewable heat, and prioritising the most cost effective technologies;

• Enhances UK leadership on climate change, supporting ambitious global action by providing £2.9 billion of international climate finance to help developing countries pursue low carbon growth and adapt to the impacts of climate change; and


• Protects the natural environment at lower cost and supports adaption to UK climatic conditions by continuing to invest in flood defences.

• Enables Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to prioritise spending in areas where it can have most impact. For example, new low carbon technologies have the potential to contribute to growth as well as to emission reductions.

• The Renewable Heat Incentive, will be introduced from 2011-12. This will ensure the UK meets its 2020 renewable energy targets while making efficiency savings of 20%, by 2014-15.

• DECC will develop innovative ways of working with the private sector, acting as an enabler rather than the default provider.

9.4 OFGEM Reports

Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) Project Discovery October 2009

“Ofgem has drawn up four energy scenarios to assess the security risks over the next 10-15 years. They reveal a range of potential risks to supplies when exposed to shocks. Further, Ofgem identifies the need for investment of up to £200 billion in power plant and other infrastructure over the next ten years to secure both energy supplies and climate change targets. The need for this investment arises at a time of volatile world energy prices and Britain’s increasing dependence on gas imports.”

The scenarios are as follows:

“Green Transition: Under this scenario there is a rapid economic recovery and a significant expansion in investment in green measures. Domestic renewables targets are met and energy efficiency measures are effective. Gas demand falls but electricity demand increases due to greater use of electric vehicles and heat pumps. The effect on domestic consumer bills is an increase of 23% by 2020.

Green Stimulus: There is a slow recovery from the recession and restricted availability of finance. Governments around the world implement green stimulus packages to achieve environmental goals and boost economic activities. High carbon prices and government policies support investment in renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage. The effect on domestic consumer bills is an increase of 14% by 2020.

Dash for Energy: Global economies bounce back strongly but security of supply concerns prevail over meeting environmental targets. As a result GB renewables targets and the Government’s carbon budgets are missed. Competition between countries for energy resources results in tight gas supplies and high fuel prices. Planning and supply chain constraints prevent new nuclear plants from becoming operation before 2020. The effect on domestic consumer bills is an increase of more than 60% by 2016 before falling back.

Slow Growth: The recession continues resulting in investment in gas and electricity infrastructure being considerably lower than before the credit crunch. Low gas and electricity prices coupled with low carbon prices reduce incentives to build nuclear and renewable power plants. This results


in an increasing dependence on imported gas for new gas-fired power stations. The effect on domestic consumer bills is relatively low in early years but an increase of 22% by 2020 as conditions tighten.”

“Ofgem’s four scenarios highlight a number of risks:

• Britain will face significant levels of gas imports, in particular for gas power plants to replace lost nuclear and coal-fired capacity. This increases our exposure to uncertainties in the global gas market, supply disruptions and potential price increases.

• Significant changes in the way in which we generate and consume power may be needed to manage the variability associated with increasing reliance on wind power.

• Given the massive levels of investment needed, there is a high likelihood of rising consumer bills, especially if oil and gas prices continue their underlying rise since 2003”.

9.5 National Planning Policy

The Government Policies noted below are relevant to the proposed renewable energy development and form part of the Development Plan for this site.

Planning and Climate Change – Supplement to Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 1

Having regard to national planning policy, the starting point is the Supplement to PPS1 on Planning and Climate Change, issued in December 2007. The preface to this PPS supplement takes it absolutely clear that this PPS takes precedence over other national guidance where there is a difference in emphasis. This important note states: “Where there is any difference in emphasis on climate change between policies in this PPS and others in the national series this is intentional and this PPS takes precedence.” The PPS Supplement has a number of highly relevant principles which apply to this planning application and which should be afforded very significant weight in this context: • “addressing climate change is the Government’s principal concern for sustainable

development;

• “create an attractive environment for innovation and for the private sector to bring forward investment, including in renewable and low carbon technologies and supporting infrastructure;

• a Key Planning Objective is that spatial strategies should “make a full contribution to delivering the Government’s Climate Change Programme and energy policies, and in so doing contribute to global sustainability;

• another Key Planning Objective is that spatial strategies should “respond to the concerns of business and encourage competitiveness and technological innovation in mitigating and adapting to climate change;


• “new development should be planned to make good use of opportunities for decentralised and renewable or low carbon energy;

• “in considering planning applications before RSSs and DPDs can be updated to reflect this PPS, planning authorities should have regard to this PPS as a material consideration which may supersede the policies in the development plan;

• “ensure opportunities for renewable and low-carbon sources of energy supply and supporting infrastructure, including decentralised energy supply systems are maximised;

• “planning authorities should provide a framework that promotes and encourages renewable and low carbon energy generation;

• “policies should be designed to promote and not restrict renewable and low carbon energy and supporting infrastructure;

• “ensure any approach to protecting landscape or townscape is consistent with PPS22 and does not preclude the supply of any type of renewable energy other than in the most exceptional circumstances;

• “an application for planning permission to develop a proposal that will contribute to the delivery of the Key Planning Objectives set out in this PPS should expect expeditious and sympathetic handling of the planning application;

• “Planning authorities should... not require applicants for energy development to demonstrate either the overall need for renewable energy and its distribution nor question the energy justification for why a proposal for such development must be sited in a particular location;

• “Planning authorities should ...Ensure any local approach to protecting landscape and townscape is consistent with PPS22 and does not preclude the supply of any type of renewable energy other than in the most exceptional circumstances;

• “Planning authorities should...Alongside any criteria-based policy development in line with

PPS22 consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low-carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure the development of such sources, but in doing so take care to avoid stifling innovation by rejecting proposals solely because they are outside areas identified for energy generation;

• “Planning authorities should...Expect a proportion of the energy supply of new development to

be secured from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy sources.”

When considering Climate Change and its relation to Planning, the PPS notes: “There is an urgent need for action. Used positively, spatial planning has a pivotal and significant role in helping…securing enduring progress against the UK’s emissions targets…create an attractive environment for innovation and for the private sector to bring forward investment in renewable and low-carbon technologies and supporting infrastructure”.

PPS22: Renewable Energy


PPS22: Renewable Energy is the principle national policy position regarding renewable energy. This guidance sets out the Government's land use planning objectives and planning policies for renewable energy, to which planning authorities should have regard when preparing local development documents and when taking planning decisions. This statement reiterates the Government’s desire to actively encourage renewable energy projects to reduce green house gas emissions and to maintain security of energy supplies.

The PPS22 states the following key principles for regional planning bodies and local planning authorities to adhere to in their approach to planning for renewable energy:

“(i) Renewable energy developments should be capable of being accommodated throughout England in locations where the technology is viable and environmental, economic, and social impacts can be addressed satisfactorily. (ii) Regional spatial strategies and local development documents should contain policies designed to promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the development of renewable energy resources. Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities should recognise the full range of renewable energy sources, their differing characteristics, locational requirements and the potential for exploiting them subject to appropriate environmental safeguards. (iii) At the local level, planning authorities should set out the criteria that will be applied in assessing applications for planning permission for renewable energy projects. Planning policies that rule out or place constraints on the development of all, or specific types of, renewable energy technologies should not be included in regional spatial strategies or local development documents without sufficient reasoned justification. The Government may intervene in the plan making process where it considers that the constraints being proposed by local authorities are too great or have been poorly justified. (iv) The wider environmental and economic benefits of all proposals for renewable energy projects, whatever their scale, are material considerations that should be given significant weight in determining whether proposals should be granted planning permission. (v) Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities should not make assumptions about the technical and commercial feasibility of renewable energy projects (e.g. identifying generalised locations for development based on mean wind speeds). Technological change can mean that sites currently excluded as locations for particular types of renewable energy development may in future be suitable. (vi) Small-scale projects can provide a limited but valuable contribution to overall outputs of renewable energy and to meeting energy needs both locally and nationally. Planning authorities should not therefore reject planning applications simply because the level of output is small. (vii) Local planning authorities, regional stakeholders and Local Strategic Partnerships should foster community involvement in renewable energy projects and seek to promote knowledge of and greater acceptance by the public of prospective renewable energy developments that are appropriately located. Developers of renewable energy projects should engage in active consultation and discussion with local communities at an early stage in the planning process, and before any planning application is formally submitted. (viii) Development proposals should demonstrate any environmental, economic and social benefits as well as how any environmental and social impacts have been minimised through careful consideration of location, scale, design and other measures.”


The proposal for four wind turbines at Scar End is in accordance with the above and will have environmental and economic benefits and assist in meeting Rossendale Borough Council’s targets and the national targets for renewable energy.

9.6 Development Plan

The Development Plan for this site is the Rossendale District Local Plan adopted 1995 and National Policy prepared by the Government (which is noted above in section 9.1). Material Considerations include the Core Strategy which is the first stage in the preparation of the Local Development Plan and the Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines 2010.

Rossendale District Local Plan Adopted 1995

There are a number of saved policies which the proposal is to be assessed against and these are noted below:

Policy DS.5 Development Outside the Urban Boundary and the Green Belt states: “Outside the urban boundary and the Green Belts, shown on the Proposals Map, development will be restricted to that needed for the purposes of agriculture, forestry or other uses appropriate to a rural area, or the rehabilitation and re-use of buildings providing that they comply with policy DC.1.” The proposed turbines are suitable and appropriate use for this location and they meet National Policy on the creation of renewable energy. Policy C.10 Valley Ways states: “The Council will protect, improve and extend the Valley Ways – Major linear routes along the main valley serving as a key open space linking towns and country. They will provide:- a) A recreational route with footpaths and where possible bridleways, cycleways, and with links to the local rights of way network. b) A wildlife corridor and links to enable the movement of wildlife c) A landscape spine to be conserved and, where appropriate, enhancing the landscape, natural features and habitats.” The proposed access for the development is designated a valley way in the adopted Local Plan. The construction of the turbines will only take 2 weeks and 1 week for installation. This will be separated by at least 4 weeks for the concrete curing period. Principle vehicle movements will be 1 40 foot articulated vehicle to deliver the components to site. There will also be a requirement for approximately 8 concrete jiggers (for 1 day only), 1 35 tonne road going crane (for the installation) and there will be approximately 4 4X4 vehicles or transit vans for the contractors during the build and install phases. Following this the access will only be used for maintenance checks, which is anticipated to be at least every 3 – 6 months, with an annual service visit every twelve months. It is not considered there will be any detrimental impact upon the right of way, with all vehicles parking on the proposed new access track during any periods of on-site activity. DC.1 Development Criteria states: “The Council aims to ensure that all new development is in accordance with the district plan. In general, all development proposals will be expected to provide a high standard of building and


landscape design, to contribute to environmental quality, and not to be detrimental to existing conditions in the surrounding area. After taking into account any likely future extension, developments should not take more land than is reasonably necessary, nor should they prejudice the future development of any wider area. All applications for planning permission will be considered on the basis of the following criteria:- a) Location and nature of proposed development, including its relationship to existing and other land uses b) Size and intensity of the proposed development; c) Relationship to existing services and community facilities; d) Relationship to road and public transport network; e) Likely scale and type of traffic generation; f) Likely level of air, water and other environmental pollution, including noise nuisance and the possible creation of any risk or hazard to surrounding land uses; g) Likely effect of existing trees and other natural features of the development site; h) Arrangements for servicing and access to proposed development, including access for pedestrians, disabled people and emergency services; i) Car parking provision; j) Sunlighting, daylighting and privacy provided; k) Density, layout and relationship between buildings; l) visual appearance and relation to surroundings; m) Landscaping and open space provision; n) The needs of watercourses; o) The impact upon man-made or other features of local importance.” The proposal is located on disused former grazing land. It is recognised the turbines are on an elevated position and this is necessary to get the wind speeds. There is residential development to the north, west and south however the turbines are of a far enough distance to not cause any noise disturbance and this is demonstrated by the noise plot drawing submitted with the planning application. The proposed turbines will be 37m to hub, 47.5m to tip and are categorised as small turbines. It is acknowledged they will be visible from some locations as demonstrated by the Zone of Theoretical Visibility and the photomontages but it is not considered incongruous and will not impact detrimentally on residential or outdoor recreation amenity. There will be a minimal increase in traffic during the construction phase which is estimated to be a first phase of 2 weeks with a 4 week concrete curing process and then 1 week for installation per turbine. Following this the site will only be visited on an ad hoc basis for maintenance and this will consist of 1 vehicle visiting the site. The proposal is an environmental benefit in creating sustainable renewable energy and therefore reducing carbon. There will be no air, water or noise nuisance created by the proposal and The Green Company have prepared a noise plot drawing which demonstrates there will be no noise issue. The proposed access is shown on the attached plans. There is no requirement for car parking for this type of development and any site visiting vehicles will be stored off the existing adopted road network / right of way, on the new access track / crane pads.


A shadow flicker analysis drawing is attached with the planning application which demonstrates there is no shadow flicker issue on residential properties. The photomontages prepared display the visual appearance from key visual receptors surrounding the site and the turbines will be visible but are designed to blend with the sky and clouds which reduces the visual impact. There will be no detrimental impact on features of local importance and more information on this is included within section 13.

9.7 Material Considerations

Material considerations for this proposal include the Rossendale Borough Core Strategy which is the lead document in of the Local Development Framework and also the Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines 2010.

Core Strategy Development Plan Document: The Way Forward (2011 - 2026) Submission Document Page 43 of the Core Strategy notes that one of the opportunities and strengths for the Bacup, Stacksteads, Britannia and Weir is “Renewable Energy Potential (wind, hydroelectric, etc)”. The proposed development will help Rossendale Borough Council meet their objectives. Policy 1: General Development Locations and Principles states: “The Council will seek to maintain Rossendale’s distinctive environment through implementing the following approach: General Development Locations The greatest amount of new development should take place in Rawtenstall with the majority of other development taking place in Bacup and Haslingden. Urban Boundary Development within Rossendale should take place within the defined urban boundary (Local Plan Saved Policy DS1), unless it has to be located in the countryside, and should be of a size and nature appropriate to the size and role of the settlement. The urban boundary defined in Local Plan Saved Policy DS1 will be reviewed and where necessary amended in the Site Allocations DPD in accordance with the following criteria: • Recent development dictates a necessary change to the boundary • Anomalies and inconsistencies indicate that amendments need to be made • An extension/amendment to the urban boundary would not adversely affect aspects of the natural environment such as biological, geological, geomorphological, green infrastructure and landscape character assets, including habitats and species of importance for nature conservation or should be capable of full mitigation • Any amendment/extension would not result in the amalgamation of settlements • The amendment/extension would not result in a significant impact on local views and viewpoints Green Belt & Countryside Proposals outside the urban boundary will be determined in accordance with the relevant national and local planning guidance:


• The former Rossendale Hospital site, on Haslingden Road, is defined as a Major Developed Site in the Green Belt. Detailed boundaries and development criteria will be included in the Site Allocations DPD. The existing building footprint will form the starting point for consideration of any proposal. Should a review of the existing Green Belt boundaries (Local Plan Saved Policy DS3) be appropriate, this will be done through the Site Allocations DPD. This will need to satisfy the criteria set out in national guidance and will in particular take into account: • Affect on openness, in particular the significance of local and longer distance views into the site • The overall integrity of the Green Belt • Whether small scale selective rounding off of Green Belt boundaries would assist in the creation of sustainable development opportunities • Any significant changes to the Green Belt would be exceptional Overall Development Approach The Council will seek to enhance the quality and sustainability of places and individual developments by taking into account the following criteria when preparing LDF documents and considering individual planning applications: • Make best use of under-used, vacant and derelict land and buildings • Complement and enhance the surrounding area(s) of the development through the use of inclusive design and locally distinctive materials which enhances the character and heritage of Rossendale • Minimise negative impacts upon existing infrastructure capacities by considering its capacity levels and plans for future upgrades and expansion • Taking a precautionary approach to flood risk • Maximise energy efficiency and demonstrate effective use of low carbon technologies • Maximise access by public transport, walking and cycling in a manner that promotes safe and inclusive communities and promote co-location of services and facilities • Enhance and protect the countryside and biodiversity resources including habitats and species • Wherever possible, improve the amount of, links to and the quality of the local network of open spaces and green infrastructure • Contributes to maintaining and creating sustainable and inclusive communities” The proposal is a sustainable method of creating renewable energy which benefits the environment. There is no flooding risk in the proposed development location. Access to the site is not required except for maintenance purposes. It is acknowledged the access to the site is also a right of way and the proposed development of 4 wind turbines will not impact upon this. The Green Company has undertaken a desktop study and it is considered the proposed development of 4 wind turbines will not impact upon any biodiversity resources. The land is currently grazing land which is not in use and the development of 4 wind turbines will bring development to the area with minimal impact.

Policy 19: Climate Change and Low and Zero Carbon states: “Sources of Energy Renewable and low carbon power (all types) and heating will meet at least 25% of the energy needs of the Borough by 2025. Renewable energy generation capacities for the period up to 2025 are set out in tables within the supporting text. The Council will promote mitigation of climate change by:


1. Locating new development in sustainable, accessible locations which minimise the need for travel and length of journeys, in line with Policy 1.

2. Requiring that new developments adopt energy-efficient, water-efficient and low carbon designs and layouts which meet or exceed the most up to date relevant national and regional standards. The Council will also maximise opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in existing buildings.

3. Requiring that natural passive heating and cooling systems are incorporated into new developments where appropriate.

4. Conserving and enhancing the Borough’s peatlands. 5. Expecting new developments to provide tree planting on site, or where this is not appropriate

to make contributions towards tree planting elsewhere through planning obligations. The Council will promote adaptation to climate change by the following measures: 6. Securing planning obligations for energy infrastructure and climate change adaptation

measures. 7. New development should not be located in areas considered to be at a high risk of flooding in

accordance with the Rossendale Borough Council SFRA. Where development cannot be accommodated in areas of low flood risk and this is demonstrated to the Council, it will only be acceptable where appropriate mitigation is undertaken and demonstrated that the development is not at an unacceptable risk of flooding and will not increase flood risk elsewhere.

8. Expecting new developments to implement Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) - such as incorporating permeable paving, swales, soakaways and conserving floodplains where appropriate, and minimise the use of impermeable surfacing in order to slow down the passage of rainwater into waterways and contribute to flood prevention.

9. Requiring that new developments incorporate water saving and recycling measures where possible to minimise water usage.

All types of renewable and low carbon energy generation proposals (e.g. solar photovoltaic, hydro electric, biomass, solar thermal, ground source heat, etc) will be given positive consideration provided that they can demonstrate that: a) They do not have a significant visual, noise, odour or other impact on local residents and

sensitive users. b) They do not adversely impact key land resources, areas of ecological, geological or

geomorphological value, cultural heritage or biodiversity assets. c) They do not have a significant impact (either alone or cumulatively) on the character and value

of the natural or urban landscape. d) Their contribution to carbon emissions reduction and other community benefits outweigh

other considerations. Proposals for wind energy developments will also be assessed against Policy 20.” This development of 4 wind turbines will help Rossendale Borough Council meet the renewable energy target above. A wind turbine development does not need to be accessible and for security reasons access is restricted. It is acknowledged there are rights of way close to the site and the development will not detrimentally impact upon these. The proposal is not located on peatlands as demonstrated by the soil map attached with the planning application.


The proposed development is not located in an area of flood risk and a SuDs drainage scheme is not required for this proposal as it will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. The proposal will not have a significant visual or noise impact on neighbouring properties as demonstrated by the ZTV, photomontages and noise plot drawing submitted with the planning application. The proposal will not adversely impact upon areas of ecological, geological or geomorphological value, cultural heritage or biodiversity assets. More information on this is within sections 13 and 14. Policy 20: Wind Energy Wind energy proposals and provision, including ancillary equipment and access roads, will be given positive consideration subject to the following criteria: • They do not have a significant impact, alone or cumulatively, on landscape character and value, including urban areas and the wider South Pennine landscape based on the most up to date studies and assessments • They do not have a significant visual, noise or “flicker” impact on local residents and sensitive users • They do not adversely impact areas of ecological value or fragment the migration routes of protected bird species • The integrity of areas of deep peat is not adversely affected, including by dissection for access roads, and water quality and colour is protected • Impacts on the historic environment are minimised • The electromagnetic impacts on aviation navigation systems and “line of sight” communications are adequately addressed • Community benefits, in particular contributions to energy efficiency measures, would outweigh other considerations Developers will be expected to provide evidence to support their proposals including Landscape, Visual and Environmental Assessments and to demonstrate that any impacts can be satisfactorily mitigated where negative impacts cannot be removed solely through site selection.” The proposed development at Scar End Farm meets the above policy. The turbines do not have a significant impact on the landscape character as demonstrated by the photomontages attached with the planning application. It is acknowledged there are existing wind turbine developments to the north and south and it not considered there is an unacceptable cumulative impact as there is a large distance between the developments and are separated by the town of Bacup. There is an assessment on the landscape character included within section 12 of this report. Shadow flicker and noise assessments have been submitted with the planning application which demonstrates there is no detrimental impact on residential properties.

There are no areas of ecological value in the close proximity of the proposed development and there are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Ramsar sites, Nature Reserves or local designations within the close vicinity of the proposal. The Green Company has prepared a map with data from Cranfield University which demonstrates the proposed turbines are not located within an area of deep peat.


The Green Company has notified the MoD in advance of submitting the planning application and they have no concerns over the proposal. Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines 2010

The turbines proposed at Scar End Farm are categorised as small turbines within the Landscape Capacity Study. There are four turbines proposed and is therefore categorised as a small wind farm.

The Green Company has reviewed Figure 9 Sensitivity by Landscape Character and the proposed turbines are within an area of moderate to high sensitivity. The Green Company have prepared a ZTV and photomontages to demonstrate the proposal’s visibility and while they are visible from the key visual receptors it is not considered the proposal will be incongruous within the landscape.

More information on the Landscape Capacity Study is provided in section 12 of the report.

It has been demonstrated the proposed development meets the requirements of the Development Plan and material considerations.


10.0 Environmental Impact Assessment

The Green Company requested an EIA Screening Opinion for this proposed development from Rossendale Borough Council. The EIA Screening Opinion request was submitted on 1st April 2011 and Rossendale Borough Council responded on 8th April 2011 confirming an Environmental Statement would not be required to be submitted with the planning application for four wind turbines. Rossendale Borough Council requested the following be submitted with a planning application: Site specific assessments on:

• Deep Peat and associated hydrology • Biodiversity • Landscape Character – including an assessment of cumulative visual impacts with any

existing or permitted wind energy developments • Neighbour amenity including shadow flicker effects on nearby properties • Existing public rights of way • Existing coal mining features

The Green Company has provided detail to the Council which confirms the site is not within an area of Deep Peat. The Green Company has included this plan with the planning application submission. Section 14 of this report has information on Biodiversity. Section 12 details the landscape character and The Green Company has prepared a cumulative visual impact assessment which is attached with the planning application. It is not considered there will be any neighbour amenity issues as the nearest independent property is 350m from the proposed development. The Green Company have prepared a shadow flicker diagram which demonstrates there will be no shadow flicker issue to residential properties and this is attached with the planning application. Section 12 includes details on existing public rights of way and it has been demonstrated there will be no detrimental impact. The Green Company has supplied a Coal Report which is attached with the planning application. The site has been previously used for open cast coal mining. There have been no records of subsidence since 1994. The Green Company will be undertaking a Geotechnical Survey in advance of construction.


11.0 Landscape Impact Assessment

The proposal is for four 37m to hub wind turbines. The land on which the turbines are located is disused rough hill farm land and the turbines will help to enhance the use of the area by providing a clean, sustainable, renewable energy source to the grid.

The turbine design (the monopole structure) has been selected in order to minimise the visual impact of the installations. Photomontages have been prepared which show the turbines within the landscape setting from key viewpoints and these are included with the planning application.

The zone of visual influence diagram (included as part of the planning application) shows where the wind turbines will be visible within the area. It must be noted that the ZVI takes account of landform information only and no account is taken of existing vegetation or other building development. In reality these elements will provide considerable screening of the proposed wind turbine development. Additionally, the analysis has been taken using the highest blade height of the turbines, at 47.5m. The visual impact of the blade tip is significantly less than that of the turbine hub, which is located at 37m above ground level and therefore it is felt that the ZVI should be considered to represent the ‘worst case’ scenario.

While the ZVI shows the turbines are visible from certain areas it is considered that in many cases that existing development and vegetation in the area will partially screen the turbines.

It is acknowledged there are turbines within the wider area and photomontages have been created to show the proposed turbines with the turbines at Coal Clough. It is not considered the proposal creates an unacceptable cumulative impact and the photomontages prepared demonstrate this.

The image below shows the pathways and rights of way near the site.

The access into the site is also a right of way however the construction of the turbines should not impact upon the right of way and it is not considered a diversion or closure will be necessary, as any vehicle movements will be transitory and will not block or unduly disrupt the free movement / use of the Right of Way.


12.0 Impact on the character of the landscape

The proposed development is located within the Natural England National Character Assessment Area 36 Southern Pennines. The key characteristics are:

• “Large scale sweeping landform with an open character created by exposed gritstone moors at an altitude of 400-450m, deeply trenched by narrow valleys and wooded cloughs.

• Mosaic of mixed moorland and blanket bog with enclosed pasture of varying qualities at lower elevations, largely defined by drystone walls.

• Valuable wildlife habitats on the open moorland and the moorland fringe including semi-natural boggy mires, acid flashes and wooded cloughs.

• Reservoirs, common throughout the area. • Densely populated valley bottoms with stone buildings extending along valley sides, set

against the backdrop of the moorland tops. • Gritstone towns centered around key features of industrial heritage such as textile mills

and other industrial development mainly in the valleys but with a group of older settlements on the moorland fringe.

• Main road, rail and canal routes located along valley bottoms, with historic packhorse trails traversing the exposed moorland tops.

• Intrusive features, including wind farm developments, numerous transmission masts, overhead power lines and sandstone, gritstone and clay quarries, mainly on the fringe of the area.

• Extensive views from elevated locations in all directions.” The proposed development is located on currently vacant hill land grassland and is located away from residential properties so as not to cause a detrimental impact upon them.

It is acknowledged there are constructed wind turbine developments at Coal Clough which is approximately 3km to the north of the proposed development and Scout Moor which is approximately 7km to the south of the proposed development but the proposed development will not cause an unacceptable grouping with either of these developments due to the distance between them.

There are 3 turbines consented at Reaps Moss which is approximately 3km to the south east and there will also be no unacceptable cumulative impact with this proposal due to the distance and the development between the two sites.

The Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines 2010 has recognised the landscape within this character area is already changing due to the turbine developments within the area.

The Green Company have respected the existing wind turbine developments in the area and are aware not to create a cumulative impact or detrimental impact on the residential properties in the area and it is considered this location does not create an unacceptable cumulative impact or impact detrimentally upon residential properties and meets the national targets for the production of renewable energy.

It is not considered there will be a detrimental impact upon the character of the landscape.


13.0 Sites of Designated Importance

There are no designated sites of importance within the immediate field of the proposed development location; however the proposed site is located close to the following locations:

• Thievely Lead Mine 330m SW and 910m WSW of Buckleys Scheduled Monument located approximately 2.4km to the north

• Warren at Everage Clough 450m North East of New Copy Farm Scheduled Monument located approximately 5.2km to the north

• South Pennine Moors SSSI and SPA located approximately 5km to the north and 7.3km to the east

• Dog Pits Farmhouse and attached barn Grade II listed building located approximately 530m to the south

• Old Bridge 10 metres south east of Dog Pits Lane Bridge Over Rier Irwell Grade II Listed Building approximately 540m to the south

• Milestone at the corner of Dog Pits Lane Grade II Listed Buidling approximately 550m to the south

• Toll House Grade II Listed Building located approximately 900m to the south east

• Boundary Stone on south side of road opposite Tollhouse Grade II Listed Building located approximately 900m to the south east

• Boundary Stone opposite number 278 at NGR SD887245 Grade II Listed Building located approximately 900m to the south east.

It is considered that these sites will not be directly affected by the proposed development. The proposed turbines are of a distance to not detrimentally impact upon these designations. Photomontages have been prepared which shows the proposal with the existing landscape character and this demonstrates how the turbines will look within the landscape.


14.0 Ecology and Nature

The land immediately surrounding the application site for the proposed turbines is a mixture of rural and urban. From the initial site survey no features of wildlife interest have been identified in the immediate vicinity of the site of the wind turbines and there are no adjacent sites that are designated as having any local, regional, national or international ecological interest.

The Green Company have undertaken an ecological desk top study and from reviewing Natural England’s Nature on the Map there are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest or International sites within the close proximity of the site. There is an Upland Heathland priority habitat situated to the east of the proposed development.

The British Wind Energy Association Website (http://www.bwea.com) States “Experience and careful monitoring by independent experts shows that birds are unlikely to be damaged by the moving blades of micro wind generators. More information about this can be found from BWEA Best Practice Guidelines and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whose view is that "Climate change is the most significant, long-term threat to biodiversity worldwide. To help meet this threat, the RSPB also strongly supports moves to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy demand and supply more of our energy needs from renewable sources, including wind power, provided they do not harm birds or their habitats." Studies of birds increasingly show that the risk from wind turbines to most species is very low, far greater risk exists from overhead cables and moving cars. The RSPB have installed a small wind turbine at their visitor centre at Rainham Marshes and are reported to be considering turbines for other sites including a wind turbine for a site near to Carlisle. The RSPB position on wind turbine installations is illustrated here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-213213 .

The RSPB have prepared a plan which identifies bird sensitivity in England in relation to wind farms. The proposed site is within an area of low risk and an extract from the plan is shown below.


The Natural England Technical Information Note TIN051 Bats and onshore wind turbines proposes a buffer zone of 50m around any feature (trees, hedges). The turbine is not within 50m of trees or hedges.

Furthermore guidance published by the BWEA 2001 in conjunction with English Nature, RSPB and WWWF-UK indicates that bats species in the UK are unlikely to come in to contact with blades during their normal movements. Risk to bats and other flying species are reduced by the design of the turbines, compared to other small turbines, as the rotors are slow moving at a rate of 59 rpm. Bats have been observed to avoid rotors on large wind turbines with echo-location, though are not able to detect the low pressure areas behind the rotor resulting in lung damage, or Barotrauma. With small wind turbines the risk of Barotrauma is low due to the shorter extent of low pressure behind the rotor, approximately 15cm compared with 3-4m with large wind turbines. Towards providing more data on the relationship between bats and the small wind turbines, a study is underway in Nottinghamshire that is monitored by licensed Ecologists and English Nature. No bat casualties or other casualties have been observed from a turbine positioned 25m from a bat foraging route. There is no published evidence of turbines of this size interfering with echolocation calls or causing injuries as a result of atmospheric pressure drop at wind turbine blades, these problems are more commonly associated with large megawatt generators or wind farms and not micro generators as proposed in this location.

Many nature conservation bodies now support the use of small scale renewables installation including domestic turbines, for example the National Trust " believe there is great potential in developing renewable energy, for both electricity and heat, at a more local and small scale, in households, businesses and communities." http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-microgen-policy_from_practice.pdf and English Nature also "support the development of renewable energy schemes (including wind, biomass and energy from waste projects) where these have appropriate standards for environmental protection, will not damage wildlife and natural features, and will contribute to achieving sustainability as well as emissions reduction targets."

Taking the above into account the proposed construction and operation of the wind turbines can be carried out without having any adverse impact on existing ecological or hydrological features or assets of value as such the proposal does not conflict with local or national planning policy concerning this matter.


15.0 Transport and Access

Access for the deployment of the proposal will be from the existing farm track. It is proposed to have a 15m by 15m type 1 hard standing area next to each turbine. A hard standing track (3 metres wide made with type 1) will be required for the transportation of the turbines and this is demonstrated on the plans submitted with the planning application.

The turbine components will be delivered to site on standard road going HGV vehicles. The turbine components are shipped in a standard 40 foot shipping container and once off loaded on site are erected into position by a ‘City Crane’, or similar, with the assistance of a telehandler/forklift truck. A temporary material staging area will be utilised adjacent to the farm access track and farm sheds, to allow the offloading of the components from the HGV and pre-assembly prior to the turbine erection at the proposed turbine position.

Excavations for the foundation and cable trenches will be carried out by mini-digger. All excavations, cable laying, builders work, etc, will be carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety requirements. Care will be taken to ensure that tree roots are not interfered with. If tree roots are encountered then hand dig techniques will be used to ensure they are not damaged and that the viability of the hedgerow and trees are protected. As part of the pre-application survey, no hedges or trees were identified as being impacted by the proposed works. All extracted materials from the associated excavations are intended to remain on-site for redistribution by the landowner on adjacent land or will be used as ‘backfill’ material.

The Green Company and the electrical component suppliers provide detailed instructions for the safe sequencing and carrying out of the installation and commissioning works. Prior approval will be obtained from the existing energy supplier to make the final grid connections.


16.0 Benefits of the Proposal

This development will be used to produce a clean, renewable source of energy.

National Planning Policy encourages renewable energy developments wherever possible to help meet the targets set to the Government for finding alternative power sources.

The turbines will be used to produce a sustainable form of electricity production. The turbines will be connected to the National Grid.

The proposal will create an environmental and economic benefit by providing renewable energy.

The proposal will also provide a diversified income for the landowner which will assist in the ongoing viability of the landholding.


17.0 Noise

A site visit was made to identify the most suitable design and location for the turbines. During this visit a note was taken of background noises such as rustling of trees, road traffic and planes flying overhead.

The turbine sites chosen are approximately 0.35km from the nearest independent residential neighbours. The selected position provides adequate exposure to the prevailing wind and minimises the risk of turbulence. The site has been appropriately specified, designed and located to allow sufficient distance between the wind generator and any existing noise-sensitive development so that noise from the wind generator will not be a nuisance or a material consideration in deciding the planning application.

In practice turbine noise is often masked by background noise such as wind, leaves rustling, traffic noise etc. Noise impact is somewhat dependent on a number of factors including the operational noise level of the equipment in a range of wind conditions. Noise/vibrations generally increase with increasing blade speeds and turbulent conditions but the NorthWind 100 has a blade rotation speed of 59rpm – irrespective of wind speed. This means it is a much quieter machine than other similar sized turbines which can have a 32 variable rotor speed of up to 300rpm.

ETSU-R-97 is a Noise Assessment and Rating advice note for Wind Turbine Developments. This Guidance Note recommends that in most the fixed noise limit for night time is 43dB (A) is acceptable. This limit is derived from 35dB (A) sleep disturbance criteria referred to in Planning Advice Note 1/11 Planning and Noise. An allowance of 10dB (A) is made for attenuation through an open window (free-field to internal) and 2dB subtracted to account for the use of LA90 10min rather than LAeq 10 min. They also recommend noise emission of the turbine in relation to a neighbour’s outdoor sitting area in the open countryside should be no higher than 43 -45 dB (A) at any noise sensitive properties.

It must be noted that ETSU-R-97 advocates that considerations should be given to increasing the permissible margin above background where the occupier of the site has some financial involvement in the wind turbines meaning that it can be acceptable to have higher noise readings where the applicant’s property is the primary affected residence.

The Manufacturer’s Noise emission report for the NorthWind 100 turbine has been supplied as an additional item of supporting data to this application. The report records noise measurements for the turbine in order to determine the sound level of the turbine.

At approximately 350m, which is the distance of the turbines from the closest neighbour, this location is well below the usual 43 dB (A) night time requirement at noise sensitive premises. The Manufacturer’s Noise Report states at 6m/s the noise level at 350m is 36dBA.

A noise diagram has been prepared and submitted with the planning application as supporting information.

In conclusion the noise levels of this wind generator is low and under most operating conditions it is likely that turbine noise would be completely masked by the background noise from the wind blowing through the trees and buildings. Therefore there would be no noise disturbance to the neighbouring properties.


18.0 Shadow Flicker

Shadow flicker can cause a problem to nearby properties early in the morning or late in evening. It is caused by the rotating blades interrupting the light from sun when the turbine is between the property and the sun. This occurs early in the morning to the west of the turbines and late in the evening to the east of turbines. The effect is likely to be worse on sunny days in winter than in summer, as in summer the sun is much higher for longer and therefore the shadow is more local to the actual turbine.

It is generally accepted that some degree of shadow flicker is acceptable, but that limits should be imposed to restrict the number of hours per year for which any one property is affected. There are no specific rules on this, but a 30 hour per year maximum has been suggested as reasonable in Germany and this seems to be generally accepted.

Expected shadow flicker is difficult to predict however some general rules and guidance can be applied. Assuming a 37m tower and 21m diameter blades at the latitude of London, the following guidelines may be used to ensure a low risk of adverse affects.

Care should be taken to ensure that any property within 210m at a direction from 120 degrees west to 120 degrees east of the turbine location does not have a light sensitive outlook towards the turbine. E.g. a west facing conservatory or patio where the occupant might be expected to sit out on a sunny evening.

Properties greater than 210m away are unlikely to be seriously affected, since the duration of any shadow flicker will be reduced, and its severity will be lower since the shadows from the blades will become more diffuse.

In this case the separation distances between the turbines and all neighbouring residential properties are well in excess of the recommendations above. The Shadow Flicker Diagram which was submitted with the planning application demonstrates that there is no impact on residential properties in the wider area.


19.0 Aviation and Communications

Because of their physical size, in particular their height, wind farms can have an effect on the aviation domain. Additionally, rotating wind turbine blades may have an impact on certain aviation operations, particularly those involving radar. The aviation community has procedures in place which are designed to assess the potential effect of developments such as wind farms on its activities, and, where necessary, to identify mitigating measures.

As the application is for four 37m to hub turbines, the height is well below the lowest point at which any MoD flights are permitted to fly, under the low fly regulations and therefore this should also not represent any concerns to them.

Both the turbine hub and blade configuration sits within the low level ground clutter and therefore should not represent any radar hazard to the CAA or NATS. 35

During the pre-application consultation process, The Green Company notified the MoD and they confirmed they have no concerns.

With regards to wireless communication infrastructure, no backhaul microwave links where identified as having a path route towards the turbines and therefore it is not felt to be a consideration in this application.


20.0 Decommissioning

The design of the turbine is such that when it comes to the end of its useful life, which is expected to be in around 30 years, that it can be dismantled with ease and the restoration of the site can be carried out without delay.

If so required, The Green Company has no objection to a planning condition being imposed requiring the removal of the turbines at the end of their operational life and reinstatement of the land to its original agricultural condition.


21.0 Conclusion

It is considered the proposal is in accordance with national policy and the Development Plan. The development will help to reduce carbon emissions by 256 tonnes per year.

The proposed turbines are small in size when viewed in context with the surrounding area and the photomontages demonstrate this. It is therefore considered that this is an appropriate location for the turbines and that any small impacts this development may have are greatly outweighed by the economic and environmental benefits detailed.


22.0 Further Information

Should the Planning Authority be of the opinion to refuse the application based on any concerns raised during the application process, then before a refusal was issued, we would wish to have the opportunity to provide further information, to modify the application, or if necessary have the option to withdraw the application whilst the additional information is collated if it cannot be obtained within the timescales allowed for the application process.

Documents

Wind Turbine Design & Access Statement€¦ · 41-01-WD Design & Access Statement Page 5 of 41 2.0 Application Proposal The proposal is for the installation of four 100kW NorthWind