Guidance over wind turbines
A public consultation is to take place on a new guidance document produced by South Norfolk Council for assessing the landscape and visual impact of large wind turbine schemes.
A public consultation is to take place on a
new guidance document produced by South Norfolk Council for assessing the landscape and visual impact of large wind turbine schemes.
In recent years, the authority has experienced a rise in
the number of planning applications for large wind farm developments in the district.
The "guidance note" seeks to clarify how the council will use both the South Norfolk landscape assessment and turbine landscape sensitivity study when determining applications for large turbines of more than 100m in height.
If adopted, as part of
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the district's new local development framework, it would enable the council to more robustly defend refusal of wind farm applications if the decision is challenged at an appeal hearing.
In the guidance note, it explains that the council will pay particular regard to the visual impact of turbines on important views highlighted as assets - such as the views to Norwich Cathedral, Caistor Roman Town, Wymondham Abbey and The Broads.
Landscape considerations will include impacts arising from the construction of
wind turbines or access arrangements, including loss of trees and hedgerow removal.
South Norfolk Council's planning committee on Tuesday endorsed the draft document and gave the go-ahead for an eight-week public consultation which will start immediately.
Renewable energy companies and prospective turbine developers will be invited to comment, along with other organisations, including Natural England.
It will also provide an opportunity for parish and town councils and local action groups who have experience
of responding to turbine proposals to have some input into the document.
A report on the results of the consultation will be presented to the planning committee in due course, with a proposed final version of the guidance note.
