Planning for Wind Energy:
West Midlands Region
A Regional Planning Workshop for the West Midlands Region
Supported by Government and Industry
Thursday 14 October 2004, Hafoty Ucha Wind Farm, nr Bala, North Wales
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 and Presentations
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.
For slides on PPS22 see David Clarke's presentation below
Session II: Understanding the Facts, Myths and Development Considerations
Developer Perspectives I: Site Constraints
Mark Legerton, npower renewables
Mark, 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
Brian Denney, RPS Consultants
Brian, an expert consultant on technical issues, will describe and explain the landscape considerations for site design and location. He will also highlight the models and methods available for measuring landscape issues, which form a key part of all Environmental Impact Assessments.
Noise Constraints and Considerations
Malcolm Hayes, Hayes McKenzie Partnership
Malcolm, 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.
Hafoty Ucha Wind Farm: prelude to tour
Huw Smallwood from Tegni will outline the process which led to the planning approval and construction of the Hafoty Ucha site.
Wind Farm Tour & Lunch
Delegates will visit a working wind farm to see (and hear!) the reality of the technology. Every person will have the opportunity to look inside the base of a turbine and speak to the developers and operators. A marquee will be on site in case of bad weather. Please note that it is worthwhile wrapping up warm and bringing a waterproof coat!
Session III: A Range of Perspectives
Climate Change and the Need for Renewables
Andy Parnell from Greenpeace will remind us all why we are investing in renewable energy in the UK and throughout the world. He will look at the scientific reality of global warming and its predicted effects on the environment from a global down to a local perspective.
A Regional Perspective
David Clarke from the West Midlands Regional Assembly will provide insight into renewables energy targets for the region.
The Industry Perspective: EIA and Consultation Processes
Richard Barker, Wind Prospect
Richard, from BWEA member wind farm developer Wind Prospect, 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. They 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
Jeremy Gibbins, Gwynedd County Council
With experience of policy making for renewable energy and case assessment of wind energy proposals, Jeremy will look at best practice to date in case assessment for wind farm applications from the perspective of a planning officer.
Debate and Discussion
If you have any queries please email h.jones@bwea.com.
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