Renewable Energy

2.62 Structure Plan Policy 56 allows for the development of renewable energy proposals where there is no significant adverse impact or where the impact can be justified. This is in line with government guidance (PPG 22), which requires local planning authorities to have regard to the desirability of energy sources which do not result in atmospheric pollution or deplete the earth's resources. Such a stance is complementary to other government initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy.

2.63 A number of renewable energy resources are presently exploited or under development. These include solar power, hydro electricity, geothermal energy, wood fuel, poultry waste, and landfill gasses, some of which have potential for significant development in Eden. It is considered that a majority of these do not raise special planning considerations over and above those which relate to other forms of development. Accordingly they may be properly considered in the context provided by Structure Plan Policy 56 and by the policies set out in this Local Plan.

2.64 In the case of wind energy proposals however, particular concerns do arise, notably those concerning the impact of such developments and their ancillary works upon the landscape. In addition, studies suggest that there is a significant resource base in the District where the technical requirements for the successful generation of energy from the wind may be met . The potential impact of wind energy developments in the sensitive landscape of the District is such as to warrant specific consideration. Policy NR2, together with Structure Plan policy 56, establishes the policy framework against which this particular type of proposal will be assessed.

Wind Energy Developments

Policy NR2

Proposals for wind turbine developments and associated operational requirements will be permitted provided that there is justification on economic and technical grounds and all the following criteria are met:

1. the layout and design of the development are such as to minimise its visual impact;
2. the development will not result in undue proliferation of turbines in the landscape, either on its own by reason of the scale and design of the development, or cumulatively with other similar developments or proposals;
3. the development will not have a significant adverse effect on the amenity of local residents;
4. any adverse impact on interests of recognised importance, including landscape, nature conservation, archaeological, geological and geomorphological interests, is judged acceptable; and
5. detailed proposals are set out as a part of any application for the restoration of the site at the end of its functional life.

2.65 Proposals will have to demonstrate the acceptability of the development in the particular landscape context concerned. Certain areas of the District have been identified as having particular landscape value, as AONB or as Landscape of County Importance. Included within these designations are areas which are open and distinctive in character, being generally wilder, less managed and more dramatic than those elsewhere in the District, and which present particular difficulties in accommodating wind power developments of significant scale without having an unacceptable level of impact on the landscape. The areas concerned cover the Howgills, Mallerstang Valley, North Pennines, Bretherdale, and the open moorland and common running from Ash Fell to Shap (equating to landscape areas 8d, 12d, 13a, 13b and 13c as defined in the document "Technical Paper Number 4: Assessment of County Landscapes" published by Cumbria County Council). These areas do, however, contain small pockets of developed countryside such as farms or groups of buildings which provide a context within which developments of individual turbines may prove more easy to assimilate. In the North Pennines and Howgills, development would also have a substantial adverse impact on the perceived wilderness of the areas whilst in the Ash Fell to Shap area it would be likely to have a strong detrimental impact on an upland limestone area of national importance. It should be noted that these landscapes also contain extensive areas which have been identified as of international or national nature conservation importance where the Council will be likely to seek an environmental assessment (see paragraph 2.66).

2.66 All wind energy developments will need to satisfy the criteria set out in Policy NR2. In determining the scale, layout and design of the development due regard should be given to the landscape and topography. Generally, the pattern of turbines should respect the grain and pattern of the landscape and tie in with natural features and boundaries. Careful siting may allow the development to be substantially screened by topographic features, and attention should be paid to the size, design and colour of turbines in relation to their setting. As is permitted by the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 as amended in 1994, the Council will be likely to seek the preparation of an environmental assessment for development proposals within sites of national nature conservation importance or which may have a substantial impact on the landscape. Where impact on national nature conservation interests will occur, a method statement will be required, to be prepared in conjunction with English Nature, which will indicate the means whereby the ecological disturbance arising from the development will be minimised.

2.67 In determining the acceptable level of development, the landscape and topography will again be dominant factors. Development can be seen to be acceptable where the essential rural characteristics of the landscape continue to predominate over the intrusion of the turbines. In this context the scale of the landform and variety in land cover and features will be important considerations. Large scale or bland landscapes, and those with less natural characteristics and a predominance of man made features, generally have a larger carrying capacity than more intimate terrain or landscapes with wilder, less managed qualities.

2.68 In considering the amenity of local residents, it is unlikely that turbines sited within 300 metres of a dwelling will be acceptable, and in some cases a considerably larger separation may be required. The effect of noise, shadow flicker, glinting and electromagnetic radiation interference, will all be taken into account, as well as other issues as appropriate.

2.69 Developers will need to be able to demonstrate that there is a sound technological basis for the development of the site, in terms of the mean wind speed and the availability of connections to the National Grid.

2.70 Where developments have a significant adverse impact on established interests, they will only be allowed where their benefit is considered to outweigh this impact. The power output of the development, the importance of the interest affected, and the degree to which it is affected will all be important considerations in making this assessment.