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Planning for Wind Energy in the East MidlandsA One Day Planning Conference for Councillors & Planning Officers
Best Western Vine Hotel, Skegness
BWEA, in conjunction with the DTI, is running 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 have therefore 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 & PresentationsSession I: Government Policy for Renewable Energy and PlanningA New Industry for Britain: Government Policy and Commitment to Renewable Energy
Jo spoke on behalf of the Department of Trade & Industry. He presented the Energy White Paper, published in February 2003, 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. PPS22 – National Planning Policy for Renewable Energy
David outlined the new national planning policy published in August 2004 and the implications for the regional, county and local planning authorities. Session II: Why Wind? Understanding the Facts, Myths and Development ConsiderationsDeveloper Perspectives I: Site Constraints
Wind Prospect are one of the leading developers in the UK who have secured planning consents in the East Midlands region. Richard highlighted the range of considerations that are made during the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment. Using case examples he demonstrated best practice in consultation during various stages in the development process to ensure effective working with local communities. Constraints and Considerations
Andrew, a leading acoustic consultant with experience in wind farm Environmental Impact Assessments, described and explained the noise considerations for site design and location. He also highlighted the models and methods available for measuring noise, which form a key part of all EIA’s. Landscape Constraints and Considerations
Lindsey is an expert consultant on technical issues and described and explained the landscape considerations for site design and location. She also highlighted the models and methods available for measuring landscape effects, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments. Session III: A Range of PerspectivesClimate Change and the Need for Renewables
Richard reminded us all why we are investing in renewable energy in the UK and throughout the world. He looked at the scientific reality of global warming and its predicted effects on the environment from a global down to a local perspective. Local Perspective: Local Planning and Decision Making
Peter is a local authority planning officer who spoke independently with experience of assessing two wind farm applications in two districts in the region. He introduced the material planning issues for consideration in assessing and balancing wind farm applications. Bambers Farm Wind Farm, Mablethorpe: prelude to site visit
Gary outlined the process which led to the site selection, planning approval and construction of the Bambers Farm site. Visit to Bambers Wind Farm - see (and hear!) for yourselfHosted by Ecotricity, project developers and operators Bambers Farm is Ecotricity's biggest project to date. Eight 600kW wind turbines were built in October 2004 to extend Mablethorpe Wind Park in Lincolnshire. The new wind turbines have a combined capacity of 4.8MW and will produce over 13 million units of electricity each year. The electricity produced by six of the turbines is being allocated to Co-operative Bank and CIS Ltd (CFS) to supply their offices across the UK in a ground breaking power purchase agreement with Ecotricity. This 'off-site' Merchant Wind Power deal guarantees that CFS will save around £250,000 over the lifetime of the contract. Mablethorpe already had two wind turbines, built by Ecotricity in 2002, at the sewage treatment plant in Mile Lane. Combined with its new turbines, Mablethorpe Wind Park will now provide enough wind generated electricity to power over 5,000 homes and stop the emission of 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. At the request of East Lindsey District Council, Ecotricity also installed a visitor car park and information board onsite. Visit http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/acrobat/Bambers.pdf for further information about Bambers Farm. |