Search: go

Planning for Wind Energy: South East Region

A Regional Planning Workshop for the South East Region
Supported by Government and Industry
Thursday 21 October, CEME Centre, Ford Plant, Dagenham

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 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

(Download programme as PDF)

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 will present 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.

PPS22 - Some Myths and Clarifications
Douglas Crockett, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Douglas will outline the new National Planning Policy Statement. His presentation will set out some of the misunderstandings about the document that arose during consultation and clarification as to what the policies mean for planning authorities. [No presentation available].

A Regional Perspective for the South East of England
David Payne, South East England Regional Assembly

David will give insight into the renewable energy targets for the region. He will also highlight, using case examples, some of the proactive work being undertaken and outline help and advice for planning authorities in understanding the need for wind energy at a regional level.

Session II: Why Wind? Understanding the Facts, Myths and Development Considerations

Developer Perspectives I: Site Constraints
Martin Marais, npower renewables

Martin, from BWEA member wind farm developer npower renewables, will describe 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 provides essential knowledge of the critical issues facing wind farm development.

Landscape Constraints and Considerations
Lynda Thomson, EDAW

Lynda, an expert consultant on technical issues, will describe and explain the landscape considerations for site design and location. She will also highlight the models and methods available for measuring landscape effects, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments.

Noise Constraints and Considerations
Andrew Bullmore, Hoare Lee Acoustic Consultants

Andrew, an expert consultant on technical issues, will describe and explain the noise considerations for site design and location. He will also highlight the models and methods available for measuring noise, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments.

Session III: A Range of Perspectives

Climate Change and the Need for Renewables
Sarah Shoraka, Greenpeace UK

Sarah will remind us all why we are investing in renewable energy in the UK and throughout the world. She will look at the scientific reality of global warming and its predicted effects on the environment from a global down to a local perspective.

The Industry Perspective: EIA and Consultation Processes
Bill Richmond, Your Energy Ltd & BWEA Board Member

Bill, from BWEA member wind farm developer Your Energy Ltd, will present 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 will use 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
Martin Knowles, Havering Council

With experience of policy making for renewable energy and case assessment of wind energy proposals, Martin will look at best practice to date in case assessment for wind farm applications from the perspective of a planning officer.

Ford Dagenham Wind Farm: prelude to site visit
Gary Freedman, Ecotricity

Gary will outline the process which led to the site selection, planning approval and construction of the Ford Dagenham site.

Debate and Discussion

Wind Farm Visit
Delegates visited a working wind farm to see (and hear!) the reality of the technology. Every person had the opportunity to look inside the base of a turbine and speak to the developers and operators.

If you have any queries please email h.jones@bwea.com.