Onshore and Planning
Planning for Wind Energy
Regional Planning Workshops for Councillors and local authority planners
Supported by Government and Industry
BWEA, in conjunction with the DTI, is holding a series of dedicated regional one-day conferences for Councillors and local authority planning officers.
Government policy and commitment to renewable energy has grown significantly over the last few years. The Energy White Paper and PPS 22: Renewable Energy have been published, renewable energy targets have been set and the Renewables Obligation has been put in place to kick start the market required to foster renewable technologies for future development and growth.
As a result, there are now greater demands for renewable energy development, and particularly wind energy development, being the leader in renewable technology and deployment. BWEA set up this series of events, supported by the DTI, to inform assessors and decision makers of the considerations to be made in plan making policy, case assessment and decision making for wind farm development. The conference introduces new Government policy on energy and on planning for renewable energy, both of which reflect the increased Government commitment to renewable energy.
Programme
Session I: Government Policy for Renewable Energy and Planning
Welcome and introduction from conference chair
Chris Tomlinson, Head of Onshore Wind, BWEA
A New Industry for Britain: Government Policy and Commitment to Renewable Energy
Dr Cameron Stewart, Deputy Director, DTI Energy Group
Dr Stewart presented the Energy White Paper, published in February last year, the most positive statement on renewable energy by a UK Government. The Government has also set targets for renewable energy which the regions have an obligation to meet.
Click here to download Dr Cameron Stewart's presentation (PDF format)
PPS22 - some myths and clarifications
David Wilkes, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
David Wilkes, the civil servant at ODPM responsible for writing PPS22, outlined the new draft national planning policy statement. His presentation set out some of the misunderstandings about the document that arose during consultation and clarification as to what the policies mean for planning authorities.
Click here to download David Wilkes' presentation (PDF format)
A Regional Perspective for the North East
Dan Grierson & Caroline Oldridge, Planning Consultants, TNEI (The Northern Energy Initiative)
Dan and Caroline provided an insight into the Regional Spatial Strategy and renewable energy targets for the North East. They also highlighted, using case examples, some of the proactive work being undertaken by their organisation and outline how they can help and advise planning authorities in understanding the need for wind energy at a regional level.
Click here to download the TNEI presentation (PDF format)
Session II: Technical Planning and Development Issues
Landscape & Noise Constraints and Considerations
Lynda Thomson, Associate Director, EDAW & Andrew Bullmore, Hoare-Lea Acoustic Consultants
Lynda and Andrew, expert consultants on technical issues, described and explained the landscape and noise considerations for site design and location. They also highlighted the models and methods available for measuring landscape effects and noise, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments.
Click here to download this Lynda Thomson's (PDF format)
Click here to download Andrew Bullmore's presentation (PDF format)
Birds & Wildlife Considerations
Tim Norman, Technical Director, RPS plc
Tim covered the considerations which are taken into account to avoid adverse impacts on birds and wildlife and introduced mitigation options that can be employed.
Click here to download Tim Norman's presentation (PDF format)
Session III: A Range of Perspectives
Climate Change and the Need for Renewables
Elanor Gordon, Greenpeace UK
Elanor reminded us all why we are investing in renewable energy in the UK and throughout the world. She looked at the scientific reality of global warming and its predicted effects on the environment from a global down to a local perspective.
Click here to download Elanor Gordon's presentation (PDF format)
The Industry Perspective: EIA and Consultation Processes
Richard Barker, Wind Prospect
Richard Barker, from BWEA Member developer Wind Prospect, presented an in depth analysis tailored to the planning and Councillor audience, highlighting the range of considerations that are made during the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment. He used case examples to demonstrate best practice in consultation during various stages in the development process to ensure effective working with local communities.
Click here to download Richard Barker's presentation (PDF format)
Local Perspective: Local Planning and Decision Making
Rod Hepplewhite, Senior Planning Consultant, Blackett Hart & Pratt Solicitors
Rod Hepplewhite has experience in a wide range of planning issues based on his work in local government for the councils of Hartlepool and Sunderland. He specialises in major projects for the firm and is currently advising on a major leisure development in the Teesside area.
Click here to download Rod Hepplewhite's presentation (PDF format)
High Volts Wind Farm: prelude to site visit
Neil Riley, Senior Project Developer, E.ON UK Renewables
Neil outlined the process which led to the site selection, planning approval and construction of High Volts wind farm.
Click here to download Neil Riley's presentation (PDF format)
Debate and Discussion
Visit to High Volts Wind Farm
Hosted by E.ON UK Renewables, project developers and operators
Commissioned only in December last year, High Volts displays some of the most advanced technology across its three majestic turbines. As one of the most modern working wind farms in the UK, the development is typical of many proposals for the North East. It also provides enough electricity to supply the needs of nearly 4,500 homes and saves nearly 15,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.
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