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Planning for Wind EnergyA Workshop for the East of England Region
Following on from the success of the national event in Hull and the first regional events in the North West (Cumbria) and North East (Hartlepool), BWEA held the third in a series of regional one-day conferences for Councillors and local planners in Swaffham, Norfolk, on 5 October 2004, supported by the DTI. Government policy and commitment to renewable energy has grown significantly over the last few years. The Energy White Paper has 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 introduced 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 PlanningWelcome and introduction from conference chair
A New Industry for Britain: Government Policy and Commitment to Renewable Energy
Dr Stewart 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 - some myths and clarifications
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. (Presentation unavailable). A Regional Perspective for the East of England
Nick provided an insight into the Regional Spatial Strategy and renewable energy targets for the East of England region. He also highlighted, using case examples, some of the proactive work being undertaken by Renewables East and outlined how they can help and advise planning authorities in understanding the need for wind energy at a regional level. Session II: Technical Planning and Development IssuesDeveloper Perspectives I: Site Contraints
Vicky, from BWEA member developer npower renewables, described the siting limitations placed on wind energy by a series of locational constraints. Covering issues ranging from aviation to grid connection, residential amenity to landscape designations, this presentation provided essential knowledge of the critical issues facing wind farm development. Noise Constraints and Considerations
Andrew, an expert consultant on technical issues, described and explained the noise considerations for site design and location. He also highlighted the models and methods available for measuring noise, which forms a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments. Lanscape Constraints and Considerations
Kay, an expert consultant on technical issues, described and explained the landscape considerations for site design and location. She also highlighted the models and methods available for measuring lanscapre impacts, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments. Session III: A Range of PerspectivesIndustry Perspectives II: EIA and Consultation Processes
Megan, from BWEA Member developer SLP Energy, 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. She used case examples to demonstrate best practice in consultation during various stages in the development process to ensure effective working with local communities. Local Perspective: Local Planning and Decision Making
Greg has experience of dealing with several wind farm applications in the region, including the Swaffham site. (No presentation available). Swaffham Wind Farm: prelude to turbine visit
Gary outlined the process which led to the site selection, planning approval and construction of Swaffham site. Debate and Discussion |