POWER

Things to consider...

 

Wind Turbine Strategy

The starting point when looking at objecting to any wind turbine application is to recognise that the governments policy (at present) is to encourage the provision of land based renewable energy generation. Because of this position any objections based primarily around attacks on national policy are unlikely to be successful. Even where the local authority are against particular developments on principle, an appeal by the company against a planning refusal is also most likely to be successful. This position may change after the next general election as a general feeling that the countryside is becoming saturated with turbines is developing.

 

To successfully object to any turbine application it is necessary to establish why this particular application is wrong in this location for this community. It will be necessary to show detriment to the immediate local community, the wider community and any ‘knock-on’ effect on areas or sectors. It is unlikely that there will be any specific point that can be raised that, on its own, will be sufficient to defeat an application, but if there is enough evidence of detriment to a number of sectors, the case built may be strong enough to  succeed.

The following notes are some suggestions to consider:

 

Energy:

Effect of connection to the grid. What disruption will be caused (highways, hedgerows, road crossings, cost, visual amenity)? Will this infrastructure have to be removed after 25 years? How does the work of connection compare (cost, disruption) as an average to other similar wind farms in more suitable locations?

 

Ecology:

Effect on fauna and flora. Is there anything unique or rare about the location of these wind farms in terms of migration paths, plant types, animal paths or nesting? What is the standard of the land that is to be lost? What length of hedgerow will be removed – what ‘life’ is associated with those hedgerows? Any specifics (bats, newts, bees, etc) should be listed.

 

Heritage and Environment:

An area of historic significance. Roman settlements have been discovered and the area attracts many visitors as a result. Any ‘industrial’ development will discourage visitors and could also damage undiscovered sites. The area is also known and is popular as a walkers paradise. This activity is popular because of the un-touched nature if the countryside. Any support that can be gained from walking clubs or historic societies would be useful, especially if they comment on the open countryside as it now is.

 

Hydrology and Archaeology:

Any areas of archaeological importance should be highlighted. Any areas of ‘untapped’ but potential archaeological interest would be a bonus. Are there any historic drains or culverts that could be damaged by heavy equipment passing over them?

Until construction details are released it is difficult to address the hydrological impacts, but preparation could be made for any deep set foundations or piling that may be required.

 

Landscape and Visual Amenity:

All aspects of visual amenity should be covered. Not only with regards to these particular wind farms but also on a wider view where these can be seen together as well as other wind farms in the East Riding. It should be possible to get views where the two farms proposed here can be seen with at least two other reasonably sized wind farm developments. The general beauty of the area needs to be stressed. What is it that attracts visitors, why do people move to the area. Comparisons between this location and areas where wind turbines do not exist because they have been designated AONBs would be useful.

 

Noise:

Unlikely to be a major issue when it comes to considering any approval as noise can be reasonably controlled by suitably worded conditions. However, any specific impacts for individual properties should be listed and the view of the occupants included.

 

Ornithology:

Generally would be linked to Ecology. Could weaken each argument if these are dealt with separately.

 

Tourism and Recreation:

The provision of wind turbines in this location will have an effect on tourism in this immediate vicinity - no one wants to go on holiday to a power station. Local pubs and hotels (Middleton, Bainton, North Dalton, Wetwang and Huggate) could well be affected. Any support from those specific establishments would be very important. In addition, the A162 is a major artery for the east coast resorts and is too close to the coast  to be ignored as having no impact. Any support from Bridlington, Filey, Scarborough as being the most likely to be affected and any caravan sites, hotels or pubs/restaurants en route, would be a big factor. The businesses in Driffield town could also suffer. The area is used extensively by horse riders and cyclists. There is a major published cycle route that will be very badly affected by the proposals

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Traffic and Highways:

What are the proposals with regards to access for the large sections and equipment that will need to access the sites. What major road changes will there be? Check the KSI statistics for the immediate road sections. What is the most significant problem and how will the development impact on it (increased speed on straighter roads etc). It will be necessary to widen some roads and junctions to accommodate delivery to both proposed sites, particularly around Middleton and Southburn. This could result in the road use of those particular stretches being significantly increased and would have a serious detrimental effect on the residents.

 

Ministry of Defence:

Any assistance from the MOD would carry immense weight. The most likely impact is in relation to aircraft;  but there may be some input to be gained from the exercises carried out by the cadet training centre, which could be affected by the development.

 

Medical:

Lots of stories about the medical impact of wind turbines. It is extremely difficult to prove, especially since the most significant documents to be published are not from the UK. There may be some weight to be gained by looking at the demographics of the area. If there are certain sections of the community that are likely to be more affected than others and this location has a more than average section of that demographic, then this would be relevant. For example, older people may be more unsettled by the prospect of wind farms than younger people. It may cause them stress or anxiety or they may be less able to deal with the change to their environment.