Planning for Renewable Energy in CornwallAdrian Lea
Manager; Natural Resources Planning Team
Renewable Energy in Cornwall
Eden Project June 2010
County Hall Sept 2010
8wk consultation ends 6th August 2010
Engaging in the Process
• Site finding & evaluation• Pre-application discussions• Community Engagement• Environmental Impact Assessment• Preparing the planning application• Submission & Consultation• Planning Committee• Post Determination
Site finding & evaluation
• Ideally – brownfield, previously used, contaminated or derelict sites
• Check;EcologyArchaeologyAgricultural Land ClassificationLandscape/Visual DesignationsGrid Connection
Pre-application discussions why bother?
• It’s free ! (in Cornwall)• Explanation of policy & guidance• Provides clarity & assurance• Identifies need for specialist input• Work together – deliver benefits• Optimise potential of a site• Saves time, cost & frustration – for both
of us.
Pre-application discussions your role
• Check the Development Plan• Visit the site• Establish site characteristics, constraints
and opportunities• Prepare draft design principles for the
site based on the findings of the site survey work
• Check our standards & requirements
Environmental Impact Assessment
• Large scale solar arrays not expressly referred to in Regulations
• Apply for Screening – public register• Necessary to judge likely effects of
development on environment
Community Engagement
• Why bother?
• Improves quality & efficiency of decisions
• Minimises unnecessary & costly conflict
• Educates all participants
• Promotes social cohesion
• Offers communities a tangible role in decision making
• Positive contribution to planning
Preparing the Planning Application
• Collaborative Approach
• Landscape impact• Ground maintenance• Security• Ecology• Ground Anchors• Access tracks• Grid connection• Duration
Landscape & Visual Impact
LVIA
Tracking
Glint & Glare
Agricultural Land Classification & Ground Maintenance
• Avoid highest grade agricultural land
• Maintaining the grass sward – MowingStrimmingSprayingMulchingGrazing
Ecology
Avoid sensitive sites
No intensive agricultural activities
Encourage & promote diversity
Huge opportunities – optimise safety & security
Built structures
Longevity - Ground Anchors
Submission & Consultation
• Application fee• Validation• Consultation• Liaison• Member site visit• Member training• Speaking at Planning Committee• Planning conditions (S106)
Issues Facing Local Authorities
• Renewable energy targets• Number of planning applications• Cumulative impact• Duration of permission• Employment opportunities• Community gain• Gamekeeper & Poacher• Reference Plants• Member Training• FIT time constraints – • planning• construction• connectivity
Adrian LeaManager; Natural Resources Planning [email protected] 322314