2.58 The District enjoys access to a range of
important natural resources which warrant consideration and
protection in the planning of development. These include some which
are essential to the meeting of local needs including water and a
range of minerals.
2.59 The Government's recent focus on renewable
energy resources has also highlighted the potential of the District
in particular for the harnessing of wind power. In technical terms
it is one of those areas of the country where wind speeds are
sufficiently high and consistent to make wind power developments
feasible. There is, however, deep local concern about the impact
such development may have upon the landscape of the District, many
parts of which are very open in their nature and thus particularly
susceptible to the visual intrusion which results from the
introduction of large man-made elements such as wind turbines.
2.60 Two objectives have been identified which
derive from Plan Principles 1 and 3. These are set out below and
followed by a statement of associated policies and supporting
text.
Objective 12 to seek to protect
essential natural resources from adverse impact consequent upon
development.
Objective 13 to seek to
facilitate the use of renewable energy sources in locations and in
ways which are least damaging to areas of recognised landscape or
nature conservation value.
