Single 50kw wind turbine, with a maximum blade tip height of 25.1m along with improvement of access track, electrical switchgear house with associated underground cabling and temporary crane hardstanding.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet. She advised that a further letter of objection had been received after the update sheet had been received that had also been copied into the Committee; she added that if Members had any comments as a result of that correspondence she would address them accordingly.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Thomas, representing Dorstone Parish Council, and Mr Cottam, the applicant, spoke in support to the application and Mr Burt, one of the local residents, spoke in objection.

 

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor PD Price, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

 

·         The original turbine was 35 metres high but this had been reduced following discussions with local residents.

·         The turbine was well placed on the site to maximise efficiency as well as reducing visual impact.

·         There were no significant traffic issues.

·         The Parish Council was now in support of the application.

 

Members noted the concerns of the neighbouring residents that approving the application could result in a precedent being set. However they reminded all parties that it was their responsibility to determine each application on its merits.

 

The sustainable nature of the application was noted with reference being made to the reduction in the carbon footprint for the village of Dorstone. The applicant was praised for working with the Parish Council and the local community in reducing the size of the turbine to make the application more acceptable. It was noted that there were still concerns from some local residents.

 

Members referred to other community led wind turbine projects throughout the Country and noted that community engagement was a key factor in addressing concerns to turbines.

 

There was a concern that the approval of the application could lead to a number of similar applications being submitted in the area. The government’s support of wind turbines was also noted.

 

Councillor PD Price was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks and made additional comments, including:

 

·         The issue of precedent had been addressed and any additional applications would have to be determined on their merits.

 

RESOLVED

 

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

 

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

           

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

 

3.         The external colour and finish of all parts of the structure hereby approved shall be permanently maintained in accordance with details which have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

 

Reason: To protect the visual amenities of the area and to comply with the requirements of policy DR1 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

 

4.         In relation to the development hereby permitted, no deliveries of components shall be made to the site unless or until a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The TMP shall include the following in particular:

 

a.     Estimated timescales for start and finish of the turbine installation;

b.    Provision for joint site meetings between contractors and officers of the local highways authority before the start and after completion of the delivery and construction period;

c.     The numbers, types, size and weights of all vehicles to be used to deliver components;

d.    Provision for agreement under section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 for the undertaking of any works required in reparation of any damage to the highway incurred by vehicles accessing the site;

e.    Details of the deployment of banksmen, where necessary, along the B 4348 and C1208 roads

f.     Means of ensuring all delivery drivers accessing the site are fully informed as to road conditions and their responsibilities along the delivery route

 

The TMP shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

 

Reason:  In the interests of highway safety, and to conform with the requirements of policy DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

 

5.         Before the development hereby permitted begins, a Habitat Enhancement Scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The Scheme shall include in particular:

 

a.     Away from the immediate vicinity of the turbine, new planting proposals and a plan to restore identified sparse hedgerows at Pentwyn Farm;

b.    Proposals for additional habitats to attract birds, reptiles, insects and small mammals;

c.     Double stock-proof fencing of some hedgerows to prevent over-grazing;

d.    Measures to reduce shading to ponds, to increase light levels reaching the water;

e.    A management plan to ensure after-care of planting and continuity for habitats created.

 

Reason: To improve biodiversity and connectivity for wildlife and restore hedgerow cover, in accordance with the requirements of policies S7, DR4, NC1, NC8 and NC9 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

 

6.         E03 Site observation - archaeology

 

7.         I16 Restriction of working hours during construction

 

8.         H06 Vehicular access construction

 

9.         I06 Restriction on noise levels

 

10.       Within six months of the equipment hereby approved becoming redundant, inoperative or permanently unused, the turbine and all associated infrastructure shall be removed and re-used, recycled, all materials recovered, or be finally disposed of to an appropriate licensed waste facility, in that order of preference.

 

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory form of development, avoid any eyesore from redundant plant, prevent pollution, and to safeguard the environment when the materials reach the end of their life, in accordance with policies S1, S2, DR1 and CF4 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

 

Reason for Approval

 

1.         The proposal has been considered having regard to possible impacts on visual amenity (including shadow flicker), landscape, biodiversity, and potential noise nuisance.  The principles relating to renewable energy, sustainability and carbon footprint reduction have been taken into account in light of current national policy.  With regard to visual amenity in particular, the site is remote with no neighbours within 500 metres of the site.  The site is also generally screened or partly screened from public viewpoints by vegetation and the topography.  Views of the turbine would primarily be distant and/or partial and would not be considered to dominate the field of view.  The need for renewable energy carries weight provided other factors can be mitigated and the site has been chosen and assessed with this in mind. In light of the above, the proposal is considered to accord with, or be capable of compliance with, policies S1, S2, S7, S11, DR1, DR2, DR3, DR13, T8, LA2, LA5, NC1 and CF4 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, with particular (but not exclusive) reference to paragraphs 28, 93, 97 and 98.

 

 

INFORMATIVES:

 

1.         N11A Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) - Birds

 

2.         N11C General

 

3.         HN01 Mud on highway

 

4.         HN21 Extraordinary maintenance

 

5.         Applicant to notify CAA/GAIT DGC on construction