Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension Planning Statement

Submitted on behalf of RWE NPower Renewables Limited to Borough Council

December 2009

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 2 The Proposed Development ...... 2 3 Planning Policy ...... 4 4 Planning Considerations ...... 14

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 1 Planning Statement

1 Introduction

1.1.1 This Planning Statement accompanies the planning application by RWE Npower Renewables Ltd (hereafter referred to as RWE NRL) for the extension to the existing wind farm at Hameldon Hill in Burnley, originally commissioned in February 2007. The applicant seeks planning permission for three further wind turbines and associated infrastructure, as set out in Section 2.1. 1.1.2 Renewable energy developments are key to the United Kingdom’s attempts to tackle climate change and to deploy cleaner sources of energy. Key Principle 1(1) in PPS 22 provides that renewable energy developments are capable of being accommodated throughout in locations where the technology is viable and environmental, economic and social impacts can be addressed satisfactorily. 1.1.3 The North West RSS states that renewable energy technologies must now be developed to support an increasing proportion of the Region’s capacity for generating electricity. If approved, the proposed wind farm extension at Hameldon Hill could account for up to 7.5 MW, a significant contribution to the target. 1.1.4 Full particulars of the proposed development are set out in the Environmental Statement (ES) which accompanies this application. The ES describes a systematic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed development that has been carried out in accordance with the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended). The EIA has considered the effects of the proposed development and the most likely option for a cable connection between the wind farm and the electricity distribution system (the grid connection). The latter is subject to a separate consents procedure and does not form part of the planning application. 1.1.5 This Planning Statement considers the land use planning implications of the proposal, within the context of national, regional and local planning policies. Current energy policy, relevant Development Plan policies and other material considerations are also considered. Reference is made to the ES where relevant. 1.1.6 The Planning Statement includes the following sections:

• A brief description of the proposed development and of the site and its surroundings (Section 2);

• An assessment of the relevant policy framework and material considerations to enable identification of the specific land use planning issues raised by the development (Section 3);

• Finally, the Statement will consider any potential effects of the development on the local environment in the light of the policy framework and the balance to be struck between the benefits and need for wind energy development (Section 4).

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 2 Planning Statement

2 The Proposed Development

2.1 Development Components 2.1.1 The proposed development is described in detail in Chapter 3 of the ES. In brief, it will comprise the construction and operation of an onshore wind farm including the following elements:

• Three wind turbines within the maximum dimensional envelope of 110 m to blade tip with an approximate hub height of 69 m. Turbines with a rating of approximately 2 to 2.5 MW are under consideration, giving a total installed capacity of 6 to 7.5 MW.

• Associated infrastructure including foundations, external transformers and crane hard-standing areas.

• Upgraded and new access tracks.

• One temporary site compound.

• One substation and control building including underground cables.

2.2 Site Layout 2.2.1 The land available for development and the planning application boundary is shown in Figure 1.2 within Volume 2 of the ES. The planning application boundary equates to approximately 7.8 ha; however it is estimated that the total land-take of the development will be approximately 2.1 ha or approximately 1.5% of the land available for development. The proposed layout of the turbines is shown in Figure 3.1 within Volume 2 of the ES. This final layout was devised following a rigorous iterative design process, involving a wide range of consultees (refer to individual technical chapters of the ES), which enabled a series of technical and other issues to be addressed.

2.3 Construction 2.3.1 Construction will take place over an approximately nine month period, after which the development will become operational and generate electricity over a period of approximately 25 years. After this time it will either be decommissioned or a new application made for consent to extend its operational life. If the development is decommissioned, the site will be reinstated.

2.4 Grid Connection 2.4.1 Underground cabling will be provided between the turbines and the substation on-site and an application for the grid connection between the site substation and the national grid will be made to the network operator, United Utilities (UU). This will be the subject of a separate consents procedure and does not form part of this planning application.

2.5 The Site & Surrounding Area 2.5.1 The proposed extension to Hameldon Hill Wind Farm is located approximately 1 km south west of the outskirts of Burnley and 2 km south of the , within Hapton County Parish, Lancashire. The land available for development is located towards the west of the existing Hameldon Hill Wind Farm site and is shown in Figure 1.2 within Volume 2 of the ES. 2.5.2 The land available for development consists mainly of open moorland and grassland. The site and immediate surrounding area is characterised by a pattern of large irregular fields, with occasional woodland blocks/belts associated with the watercourses crossing the landscape in localised valleys. A network of land drains and tributaries are located to the south of the site and flow northwards into Thorny Bank Clough and Tower Brook. The southern area of the site and adjacent land to the east, west and south are labelled as marshland on recent OS mapping. 2.5.3 The topography of the site and wider area are shown on Figures LV-6.2a and LV-6.2b. The land available for development lies on a rising north-facing valley side, approximately 100-270 m above the River Calder at 5 km to the north. The opposite valley side is formed by at over 7 km to the north and overall the valley is aligned North-East to South-West.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 3 Planning Statement

2.5.4 The existing Hameldon Hill Wind Farm has been operational since July 2007 and comprises three turbines. The access/maintenance track for these turbines extends into the proposed site. 2.5.5 Disused Quarries are located immediately to the south and south east of the site at the base of Hameldon Hill whilst a Radar Weather Station with associated masts, tracks and buildings are located on the top of the hill. 2.5.6 The remains of Hapton Tower are located to the south east of the site. The tower had become derelict by 1725 and there are no visible remains present today.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 4 Planning Statement

3 Planning Policy

3.1.1 Section 70 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires planning decisions to be taken in accordance with the adopted Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 provides that if there is a conflict between policies within the hierarchy of Development Plan documents, the most recent adopted policy would take precedence. The Development Plan consists of a set of documents setting out the local planning authority's policies and proposals for the development and use of land and buildings in the authority's area. It includes Unitary, Structure, and Local Plans prepared under transitional arrangements. It also includes the new-look Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) and Development Plan Documents prepared under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act of 2004. The weight to be afforded to such emerging documents depends upon the stage of production and is a matter for judgement in each individual case. 3.1.2 The relevant Development Plan/s for the purposes of Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act consists of the following:

• The Burnley Local Plan, produced by Burnley Borough Council. This was adopted on 4 April 2006 and on 1 April 2009 the Council received a Direction from the Secretary of State saving all these policies;

• The North West Plan Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), published on 30 September 2008.

• To date the Local Development Framework only contains policies relating to Core Strategy Housing: Issues and Options, which are not relevant to this proposal.

• The Joint Lancashire Structure Plan has been replaced by the RSS (apart from policy 29 relating to Gypsy and Traveller Families), so is no longer part of the Development Plan.

3.2 Regional Policy Context - North West RSS 3.2.1 As required by PPS22: Renewable Energy, the RSS contains a policy relating specifically to the targets of installed renewable energy capacity to be delivered in the region:

• Policy EM 17 – Renewable Energy

3.2.2 Other policies relating to more general topics relevant to wind turbine development include:

• Policy DP 1 – Spatial Principles

• Policy DP 7 – Promote Environmental Quality

• Policy EM1 (A) – Landscape

3.3 Local Policy Context - Burnley Local Plan 3.3.1 The Local Plan contains a criteria-based policy specifically relating to wind farms:

• Policy E31 – Wind Farms

3.3.2 The site covered by the wind farm proposal is directly affected by two policies:

• Policy GP2 – Development in Rural Areas

• Policy E27 – Landscape Character and Local Distinctiveness in Rural Areas and Green Belt

3.3.3 Policies which affect land which lies in close proximity to the turbines and within the site are also include:

• Policy E3 – Wildlife Links and Corridors

• Policy E2 – Nature Conservation Locally Important Sites

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 5 Planning Statement

• Policy E4 – Protection of other features of ecological value

• Policy E18 – Scheduled Ancient Monuments

3.3.4 The following table sets out the relevant wording from each policy and groups them under the following headings:

• Renewable energy development

• Landscape

• Biodiversity

• Historic Environment

• Sustainable Development/Environmental Quality

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy

Renewable energy development

RSS Policy In line with the North West Sustainable Energy Strategy, by 2010 at least 10% (rising EM 17 to at least 15% by 2015 and at least 20% by 2020) of the electricity which is supplied Renewable Energy within the Region should be provided from renewable energy sources. To achieve this new renewable energy capacity should be developed which will contribute towards the delivery of the indicative capacity targets set out in Tables 9.6 and 9.7a-c. In accordance with PPS22, meeting these targets is not a reason to refuse otherwise acceptable development proposals.

Local authorities should work with stakeholders in the preparation of sub regional studies of renewable energy resource.

Local planning authorities should give significant weight to the wider environmental, community and economic benefits of proposals for renewable energy schemes to: contribute towards the capacities set out in tables 9.6 and 9.7 a-c; and mitigate the causes of climate change and minimise the need to consume finite natural resources.

Opportunities should be sought to identify proposals and schemes for renewable energy. The following criteria should be taken into account but should not be used to rule out or place constraints on the development of all, or specific types of, renewable energy technologies: • anticipated effects on local amenity resulting from development, construction and operation of schemes (e.g. air quality, atmospheric emissions, noise, odour, water pollution and disposal of waste). Measures to mitigate these impacts should be employed where possible and necessary to make them acceptable; • acceptability of the location/scale of the proposal and its visual impact in relation to the character and sensitivity of the surrounding landscape, including cumulative impact. Stringent requirements for minimising impact on landscape and townscape would not be appropriate if these effectively preclude the supply of certain types of renewable energy, other than in the most exceptional

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 6 Planning Statement

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy

circumstances such as within nationally recognised designations as set out in PPS22 paragraph 11; • effect on the region’s World Heritage Sites and other national and internationally designated sites or areas, and their settings but avoiding the creation of buffer zones and noting that small scale developments may be permitted in such areas provided there is no significant environmental detriment; • effect of development on nature conservation features, biodiversity and geodiversity, including sites, habitats and species, and which avoid significant adverse effects on sites of international nature conservation importance by assessment under the Habitats Regulations; • maintenance of the openness of the Region’s Green Belt; • potential benefits of development to the local economy and the local community; • accessibility (where necessary) by the local transport network; • effect on agriculture and other land based industries; • ability to make connections to the electricity distribution network which takes account of visual impact (as qualified above); • integration of the proposal with existing or new development where appropriate; • Developers must engage with local communities at an early stage of the development process prior to submission of any proposals and schemes for approval under the appropriate legislation.

Table 9.6 sets out Indicative Regional Renewable Energy Generation Targets:

• Total renewable energy: 2010 target – 1234MW; 2015 target – 1932MW; 2020 target – 2693MW. • Indicative targets for onshore wind: existing 68.9MW (16 schemes); 2010 target – 600MW (35-51 schemes); 2015 target – 720MW (44-62 schemes); 2020 target – 720MW (44-62 schemes).

Tables 9.7a-c set out Indicative Sub-Regional Breakdown of Target for Total Generating Capacity in 2010, 2015 and 2020 (including existing schemes):

For Lancashire onshore wind: 2010 – 195MW (11-16 schemes); 2015 – 232.5MW (13-20 schemes); 2020 – 232.5MW (13-20 schemes);

Local Plan Policy The development of wind farms and related development will be approved, provided E31 – Wind Farms that: a. there is no unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or on the visual amenity of the area by reason of the siting, number, design, colour or layout of the wind turbines; b. there is no unacceptable effect on the setting of buildings and sites of architectural and historic interest and sites of archaeological importance; c. there is no unacceptable effect on sites of nature conservation value or

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 7 Planning Statement

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy

biodiversity action plan priority habitats or species; d. there is no unacceptable effect on the amenity of local residents e. the proposal is close to the electricity distribution network and the length of any overhead electricity connection cables is minimised; f. it does not adversely affect any recreational facilities and routes; g. any electromagnetic disturbance on existing transmitting or receiving systems is minimised; and h. applications are accompanied by a scheme for removal of any associated structures, and reinstatement of the site to its former use in the event of the site becoming non-operational.

Development that would have a negative cumulative impact in relation to existing wind turbines or extant approvals for these will not be permitted.

“The open, exposed upland areas of Burnley with high, annual, mean wind speeds have potential for further wind farm development”

Landscape

RSS Policy Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should identify, protect, maintain and EM1 (A): Landscape enhance natural, historic and other distinctive features that contribute to the character of landscapes and places within the North West. • They should be informed by and recognise the importance of: detailed landscape character assessments and strategies, which local authorities should produce, set in the context of the North West Joint Character Area Map (93). These will be used to identify priority areas for the maintenance, enhancement and/or restoration of that character and will under-pin and act as key components of criteria-based policies in LDFs; • the special qualities of the environment associated with the nationally designated areas of the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Peak District National Park, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, the North AONB and Solway Coast AONB and their settings; • the characteristics and setting of World Heritage Sites.

Local Plan Policy GP2 - Development in the Rural Areas, shown on the Proposals Map, will be limited to the Development in Rural Areas. following: a. agriculture, forestry and outdoor recreation uses not requiring large buildings; b. other uses appropriate to a rural area, including those which help diversify the rural economy, while being in keeping with the rural environment, see Policies Economy and Work Policy EW11 and Environment Policy E30.

Local Plan Policy All proposals for new development in Rural Areas and the Green Belt will be expected E27 - Landscape Character to contribute to the protection, enhancement and restoration of the Borough’s

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 8 Planning Statement

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy and Local Distinctiveness in distinctive landscape character by: Rural Areas and Green Belt. a. protecting critical environmental capital and key features in the landscape, b. protecting the setting of rural and urban settlements; c. protecting, enhancing and restoring archaeological and historical features; d. protecting farmsteads, barns, mills and other prominent buildings, and man made features such as ponds, lodges, and bridges; e. protecting and enhancing historic field patterns, including walls and hedgerows; f. seeking the use of local materials, or the nearest match, and vernacular styles in all new buildings, walls, and fences, and by resisting urban style lighting, materials and standardised detailing; g. maintaining views and avoiding skyline development; h. encouraging tree planting, woodland and afforestation of native species when appropriate in the landscape setting; i. protecting and restoring native species; j. protecting, restoring, enhancing, and creating habitats; k. reclaiming derelict land where appropriate; and l. by conserving and enhancing river corridors.

Biodiversity

RSS Policy Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should secure a ‘step-change’ increase in EM1 (B): Natural the region’s biodiversity resources by contributing to the delivery of national, regional Environment and local biodiversity objectives and targets for maintaining extent, achieving condition, restoring and expanding habitats and species populations.

Local Plan Policy Development will not be permitted where it would sever, or significantly detract from E3 - Wildlife Links and the function of Wildlife Links and Corridors, as shown on the Proposals Map. Corridors. Where development is permitted: a. planning conditions and agreements will be used to provide safeguards and compensatory measures where appropriate; and b. new development will be expected to enhance existing Wildlife Corridors and, where appropriate, provide extensions.

Local Plan Policy Development likely to have an adverse effect on the Biological Heritage Sites, E2 - Nature Conservation Regionally important Geological/Geomorphological Sites or Local Nature Reserves Locally Important Sites shown on the Proposals Map, will not be permitted.

Local Plan Policy Features of ecological value and potential such as ponds, hedgerows, dry stone walls E4 – Protection of Other and watercourses and their associated corridors will be safeguarded wherever Features of Ecological Value possible by requiring their retention in new development. Proposals should take advantage of opportunities to create new wildlife habitats where these can be included as part of a site layout and landscaping schemes.

Where necessary, planning agreements will be required to secure appropriate management of such sites.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 9 Planning Statement

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy

Other Local Plan policies E 1 – Nature Conservation - Internationally and Nationally Important Sites which are not directly E 5 – Species Protection relevant, but may need to be E 6 - Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands considered

Historic environment

Local Plan Policy Scheduled Ancient Monuments should be preserved where they are found. E18 – Scheduled Ancient Development which fails to preserve the archaeological value and interest of Ancient Monuments Monuments or their settings will not be permitted.

E 19 – Development and Before the Council determines an application for development that may affect known Archaeological Remains or potential sites of archaeological interest, applicants will be required to make provision for an archaeological assessment. This assessment should define: 1. the character and condition of any archaeological monuments or remains within the application site; 2. the likely impact of the proposed development on such features; and the means of mitigating the effect of the proposed development to achieve preservation of the remains in situ, or ,where this is not feasible or justifiable, provision for excavation and archaeological recording prior to the commencement of development.

Sustainable Development / Environmental Quality

RSS Policy The following principles underpin RSS (incorporating RTS). DP 1 Spatial Principles Other regional, sub-regional and local plans and strategies and all individual proposals, schemes and investment decisions should adhere to these principles. All may be applicable to development management in particular circumstances: • promote sustainable communities; • promote sustainable economic development; • make the best use of existing resources and infrastructure; • manage travel demand, reduce the need to travel, and increase accessibility; • marry opportunity and need; • promote environmental quality; • mainstreaming rural issues; • reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

RSS Policy Environmental quality (including air, coastal and inland waters), should be protected DP 7 Promote and enhanced, especially by: Environmental Quality • understanding and respecting the character and distinctiveness of places and landscapes; • the protection and enhancement of the historic environment; • promoting good quality design in new development and ensuring that development respects its setting taking into account relevant design requirements, the NW Design Guide and other best practice;

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 10 Planning Statement

Development Plan Policy Text – relevant extracts from policy

• reclaiming derelict land and remediating contaminated land for end-uses to improve the image of the region and use land resources efficiently; • maximising opportunities for the regeneration of derelict or dilapidated areas; • assessing the potential impacts of managing traffic growth and mitigating the impacts of road traffic on air quality, noise and health; • promoting policies relating to green infrastructure and the greening of towns and cities; • maintaining and enhancing the tranquillity of open countryside and rural areas; • maintaining and enhancing the quantity and quality of biodiversity and habitat; • ensuring that plans, strategies and proposals which alone or in combination could have a significant effect on the integrity and conservation objectives of sites of international importance for nature conservation are subject to assessment, this includes assessment and amelioration of the potential impacts of development (and associated traffic) on air quality, water quality and water levels.

Other Local Plan policies Policy E 7 – Water Bodies and Water Courses which are not directly Policy E 8 – Development and Flood Risk relevant, but have been Policy E 9 – Ground water Resources considered

3.4 Other Material Considerations: Energy Policy 3.4.1 Change in global and regional temperatures and precipitation patterns is a natural phenomenon and there have been a number of cooling and warming periods recorded over the last millennium. However in the late 1980s a growing concern emerged that climate change was being influenced by anthropogenic activity beyond the normal fluctuations. The main contributing activities include emissions of greenhouse gases (in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) into the atmosphere and other effects such as land use changes which reduce the ability of the natural environment to recycle these gases. A significant proportion (56%) of the increased greenhouse gas emissions arise from the burning of traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas for energy generation and transportation (Environment Agency, 2007). 3.4.2 Studies into the evidence for and implications of climate change have been largely coordinated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environmental Programme. Its remit is to study historical evidence for climate change up to the present, modelling climatic processes and future climate change scenarios, identifying regional variations in climate change, quantifying the risk of potential global and regional effects of climate change and recommending mitigation and adaptation measures for the international community and individual governments.

3.4.3 The IPCC reported in 2001 that the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere were at a level not seen for 55 million years and most of the increase over the last 50 years was attributable to human activities. These activities include the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2, SO2 and NOx from industrial and agricultural activities. 3.4.4 The severity of the impacts from climate change on human and natural systems depends very much on adaptability of systems to change. Natural ecosystems' ability to adapt will be, in many cases, severely inhibited by biogeographical fragmentation and other current existing pressures on ecosystems. Migration of whole ecosystems will be impossible in many areas, due to human barriers to movement such as agriculturally intensive areas and urban development. In addition to the effects of climatic changes, many coastal ecosystems will also be affected by sea level rises. 3.4.5 Human impacts are likely to be greatest in those countries with fewer resources to prepare themselves for adaptation. Developing countries are likely to be most affected, especially those reliant on primary production as

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 11 Planning Statement

a major source of income. The overall impact is likely to be a widening in the wealth gap between the industrialised and developing countries. 3.4.6 The background to the current drive to increase the use of renewable sources of energy has its roots in the recognition that the burning of fossil fuels has an adverse effect on the climate of the world as a whole and that global measures are required to deal with this issue. International, European and UK policies, have over the last two decades, become more focused on concerns relating to global warming. The use of renewable sources as an increasing proportion of our total energy consumption is seen as a key part of the ultimate sustainable solution, alongside energy efficiency and conservation. 3.4.7 Records show that the mean annual temperature is already some 0.6oC higher than at the end of the nineteenth century and that the corresponding figure for the UK is 0.5oC, where eleven of the last 12 years (1995-2006) rank among the 12 warmest years in the instrumental record of global surface temperature (since 1850). Current climate models such as those developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and by the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, show that the temperature rise observed in the past decade lies outside the range of natural variability. 3.4.8 For the next two decades, a warming of about 0.2oC per decade is projected for a range of emission scenarios. Even if concentrations of all greenhouse gases and aerosols had been kept constant at year 2000 levels, a further warming of about 0.1oC per decade would be expected. 3.4.9 In a UK context, research shows that average annual temperatures across the UK may rise by between 2oC and 3.5oC by the 2080’s, with the degree of warming dependent on future levels of global greenhouse gas emissions. By the 2080’s for the highest emissions scenario, parts of the southeast may be up to 5oC warmer in summer. 3.4.10 UK rainfall could increase by as much as 10% over England and Wales, and 20% over Scotland by the 2080s. Climate induced sea level rise could be between 26 and 80 cm above the current levels in the southeast of England by the 2080's. Sea levels have already risen - the global mean sea level rising by an average of 1-2 mm a year during the 20th century. 3.4.11 Climate change is the most severe problem facing the world and to address this, immediate action is required. This message was reiterated in the HM Treasury Stern Review of 2006 in which it was stated that delaying action on climate change is not a serious option. The authors of the Review concluded that 'The scientific evidence is now overwhelming: climate change is a serious global threat, and it demands an urgent global response….. the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic costs of not acting.' 3.4.12 There are two further benefits of using renewable resources. First is the issue of security of supply, since the creation of electricity from renewable resources within the UK provides a source that is not open to interruption by the actions of foreign governments or third parties. Second is the issue of economic development, as opportunities grow for a UK-based manufacturing base in renewables. The Response to Climate Change 3.4.13 The response to the issues of climate change can be traced back through a series of conventions, directives and policy statements at international, European and national levels over the last two decades. Some of the landmark issues that have been addressed are set out below. Earth Summits 3.4.14 At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 the UK Government joined other nations in signing the ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’. This committed developed countries to take measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2000. Further commitments were given under the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 which bound the UK to reduce its emissions of six greenhouse gases by 12.5%. At the Kyoto summit the UK government also committed to a 20% reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010. The Kyoto Protocol came into force in 2005. 3.4.15 At the UN Climate Conference in Montreal in December 2005, the Kyoto Parties adopted detailed rules and procedures implementing the protocol, including the Compliance regime which lays down penalties for failure to meet emission reduction targets for the period 2008-2012. The parties also agreed to begin considering further emission reduction targets for the period beyond 2012. 3.4.16 The EU Heads of Government agreed in March 2005 to explore with other parties strategies for emission reductions for developed countries of 15-30% by 2020 and 60-80% by 2050. The G8 Gleneagles Plan of Action agreed in 2005 included a package of measures to combat climate change and speed up the reduction of greenhouse gas production. Part of this package was the promotion of renewable energy developments. European Union

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 12 Planning Statement

3.4.17 European Directive 2001/EC/77 promotes renewable energy and requires each country to commit to specific targets for renewable energy. Member states (including the United Kingdom) are required to adopt national targets for renewables that are consistent with reaching the commission’s targets of 22% of electricity from renewables by 2010. This indicative target that the proposed development set for the United Kingdom is 10% of electricity by that date. 3.4.18 The energy sector is a major contributor to green house gas emissions. The direction of future energy policy has a critical role to play in tackling climate change and meeting international commitments. UK Government 3.4.19 The UK response to global warming can be traced through a series of papers and measures from 1988 and the change in Government in 1997 led to a reinforcement of the approach to renewable energy. New and Renewable Energy Prospects for the 21st Century published in March 1999, confirmed the governments commitment to the development of renewable energy, with a 10% target of electricity production from this source by 2010, together with the need to ensure that even after 2010, the contribution that they can make would continue to rise. This was followed in the Spring of 2002 by the Energy Review prepared by the Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office. This unit was asked by the Prime Minister to examine the long term challenges for energy policy in the UK and to set out how energy policy can ensure competitiveness, security and affordability in the future. 3.4.20 Following on from the PIU Report was the White Paper on Energy published in February 2003. The Foreword by the Prime Minister set out a new direction for energy policy in which the Government set out on a path to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% in 2050. This policy was based on the four pillars or environment, energy reliability, affordable energy for the poorest and competitive markets for business, industry and households. 3.4.21 In May 2006, the UK Government published The Energy Challenge. In May 2007, this was followed by the White Paper on Energy: Meeting the Energy Challenge and The Planning White Paper: Planning for a Sustainable Future. The White Paper on Energy set out plans for energy policy for the UK. The White Paper provides a clear indication of the direction of travel of future energy policy. The need to combat climate change and secure future energy supplies is stated to be critical drivers for the development of energy policy. Central government expectations are that issues of climate change should take centre stage in the planning system and that the system should be more responsive to proposed developments for renewable energy developments. 3.4.22 In 2008, the UK Government published the draft Renewable Energy Strategy which sets out a road map for the future development of renewable energy generation. The document sets out challenging targets to be met and demonstrates the sea change in the planning system that will be required if national and international obligations are to be met. Consultation on the Renewable Energy Strategy closed in late September 2008. The UK Renewable Energy Strategy was published in summer 2009. 3.4.23 The Energy Bill and the Climate Change Bill were introduced in 2008 to ensure that legislative change underpins the long term delivery of energy and climate change strategy. In the foreword to the Climate Change Bill the Prime Minister stated that the threat from climate change is perhaps the greatest change facing our world. The Climate Change Act became law in November 2008 and had the two principal aims of improving carbon management and demonstrating strong UK leadership internationally. A key component of the Act is the introduction of legally binding targets designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions through action in the United Kingdom and abroad by at least 80% by 2050 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 26% by 2020, against a baseline date of 1990. The Energy Act became law in November 2008 and enables local planning authorities to set requirements for energy use and energy efficiency in local plans. Both elements of legislation reinforce central Government’s long standing and clear commitment to tackle climate change.

3.5 Land Use Planning Policy 3.5.1 The UK Government’s objectives for the delivery of renewable energy developments have informed national planning policy. Under the provisions of section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, there is a duty placed on the decision maker dealing with the proposed development to make a decision in accordance with the policies of the statutorily adopted development plan unless other material considerations indicate that a different decision should be made. Emerging development plans are “other material considerations”, as are statements of national planning policy. The weight to be given to such considerations against the adopted policies is a matter for judgement in each individual case. 3.5.2 There are a number of development plan policies which apply to the proposed development. These policies are supplemented by statements of national planning policy.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 13 Planning Statement

3.6 National Planning Policy 3.6.1 The proposed development raises planning issues across a number of different individual subject areas. The Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and Planning Policy Guidelines (PPGs) which are considered to be of relevance to the proposed development are as follows:

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005) and Planning and Climate Change: A Supplement to PPS 1 (December 2007)

• PPS 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (2004)

• PPS 9: Biodiversity & Geological Conservation (2005)

• PPG 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (1994)

• PPG 16: Archaeology and Planning (1997)

• PPS 22: Renewable Energy (2004) and Technical Companion (2005)

• PPS 23: Planning and Pollution Control (2004)

• PPG 24: Planning and Noise (1994)

3.7 Overall 3.7.1 Accordingly, there is considerable support for the principle of renewable energy development, including wind turbine developments, within adopted development plan policy, government produced land use planning and national energy policy. 3.7.2 Against the backdrop of national and regional support for renewable energy development, the proposed development should be considered principally in light of:

• Policy EM17 of the North West Regional Spatial Strategy

• Policy E31 of the Burnley Local Plan

3.7.3 With regard to other material considerations, most weight should be afforded to:

• PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development

• Planning and Climate Change: A Supplement to PPS 1

• PPS 22

• Technical Companion to PPS 22

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 14 Planning Statement

4 Planning Considerations

4.1 Landscape and Visual Impact 4.1.1 The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) within the ES takes account of the effect of the proposal on the landscape character and visual amenity of locations within a study area of 35 km radius. 4.1.2 The application site is located on Hameldon Hill and lies within a predominately large scale landscape with a simple land cover, which becomes more complex and medium in scale within the settled valley floor. 4.1.3 Since baseline conditions include the existing wind farm at Hameldon Hill, immediately adjacent, the proposed development has taken account of the potential cumulative or additional effects on landscape and visual amenity arising from the introduction of the proposed turbines in conjunction with the adjacent turbines. 4.1.4 The design process for proposed extension to Hameldon Hill Wind Farm included a study to ensure that the scale of the proposed turbines would be appropriate for the site. This involved the production of visualisations from key viewpoints with a range of turbine heights, which allowed landscape architects to assess the suitability of their scale. This process considered 125 m high turbines, which, whilst preferable in terms of technological consideration, proved to be unacceptable due to their relationship with the existing 90 m high turbines, in particular for the more distant viewpoints, such as from the edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB. For the closer viewpoints the difference in scale between 125 m and existing was less noticeable. 4.1.5 The review concluded that additional turbines with a tip height of 110 m could be accommodated in the visual context of the existing wind farm, largely due to the scale and characteristics of the receiving environment. 4.1.6 In addition, existing tracks will be used where possible and underground cables will link turbines to the proposed substation on-site to reduce potential visual effects. On completion of the operational phase, all built elements will be reinstated to match adjoining undisturbed ground. 4.1.7 Local Plan Policy E31 states that development for wind farms will be approved provided that there is no unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or on the visual amenity of the area. However, any wind farm, by its very nature, will impact on its surrounding landscape because of its intrinsic scale, features and movement. As a result, national policy guidance, as set out in PPS 22 and PPS 7, no way presumes against the principle of wind energy development on the grounds that there will be landscape change. RSS Policy EM17 reflects national guidance and refers specifically to the acceptability of the location and scale of a proposal and its visual impact. It goes on to state that “stringent requirements for minimising impact on landscape and townscape would not be appropriate if these effectively preclude the supply of certain types of renewable energy”. 4.1.8 The Local plan also recognises that “the open exposed upland areas of Burnley with high annual, mean wind speeds have potential for further wind farm development”. The key question in relation to landscape and visual impacts is not whether the impacts are significant, but is any harm so significant as to outweigh the wider benefits? 4.1.9 After the mitigation, the LVIA concludes that significant cumulative effects on landscape character are predicted to occur during the operational phase and would be confined to parts of two National Character Areas: No 35, ’Lancashire Valleys’, and No 36 ‘Southern Pennines’. Within each of these areas, at least half of each area would be unaffected as a result of a lack of visibility of the Development predicted by the blade tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). With regard to the ‘Southern Pennines,’ the proportion of the area which will be unaffected is much greater and the presence of significant effects is owing principally to the development being sited within this area. 4.1.10 At a Local Authority level, significant effects on landscape character will occur during the operational phase and will be confined to parts of two Landscape Types; ‘Industrial Foothills and Valley’ and ‘Enclosed Uplands’ and their corresponding Character Areas; ‘Calder Valley’ and ‘Rossendale Hills. 4.1.11 Moreover, the significant cumulative effects on landscape character described above are within 2.5 km of the site and are localised or intermittent. 4.1.12 Significant cumulative effects on the visual amenity of residential receptors, recreational facilities and routes are also predicted to occur during the operational phase. These effects are also localised or intermittent at distances of up to 3.7km away and include parts of Burnley, Hapton and , as well as parts of the as it passes close to

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 15 Planning Statement

the west and south of the site. Significant cumulative effects on the visual amenity of roads and railway routes, were identified at the A679 adjacent to the Hapton Inn Public House to the north. 4.1.13 There are three national statutory landscape designations which fall within the LVIA’s study area and include the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Peak District National Park and Forest of Bowland AONB. The study area also contains a number of local landscape designations and Registered Parks and Gardens. There are no significant effects predicted on any of these designations as a result of the Development. Therefore, in this respect the proposal complies with PPS 22 and regional policy EM1 (A) and EM17. 4.1.14 In relation to E27, the proposed development will not prevent the protection, enhancement and restoration of the Borough’s distinctive landscape character, in particular by avoiding loss of key features, maintaining views and avoiding excessive additional skyline development. 4.1.15 In relation to GP2 the proposed wind farm extension will be in keeping with the current scheme. 4.1.16 In relation to E31, the overall predicted effects on the character of the landscape or on the visual amenity of the area by reason of the siting, number, design, colour or layout of the wind turbines, is not considered to be unacceptable.

4.2 Noise 4.2.1 RSS policy EM17 Local Plan policy E31 makes reference to development having no unacceptable effects on the amenity of local residents. RSS EM17 refers specifically to the issue of noise. 4.2.2 The noise assessment has been carried out with reference to existing Government Guidance and the recommendations of the DTI Noise Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines that are contained within ETSU-R-97 The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (1996). 4.2.3 Construction noise is temporary and transient in nature and can be controlled through good site working practices, limiting construction hours and adopting noise control measures where necessary. The chosen contractor will sign up to a Construction Management Plan that will ensure effective controls are put in place. 4.2.4 Comparison of the predicted wind turbine noise immission levels and the ETSU-R-97 noise criteria indicate that the noise from the extended Hameldon Hill Wind Farm will achieve the Amenity Hours and Night-time criteria at all neighbouring dwellings at all wind speeds. 4.2.5 Compliance with ETSU-R-97 can be secured through a planning condition. This indicates there will be no unacceptable impacts in terms of noise and the requirements of Local Plan policy E31 would be met.

4.3 Amenity Impacts 4.3.1 Local plan policy E31 whilst referring specifically to amenity does not elaborate any further in terms of the potential causes of amenity impact. RWE NRL, in accordance with the guidance set out in the Companion Guide to PPS22, have assessed the following range of potential amenity impacts namely: noise, visual impact, shadow flicker, cumulative impacts, construction disturbance, public rights of way, safety and TV interference. 4.3.2 No significant lighting or shadow flicker is predicted, but ongoing monitoring secured by a planning condition would enable suitable mitigation measures to be deployed if necessary. 4.3.3 Wind turbines can effect television reception of analogue broadcasts. The conversion from analogue to digital broadcasting is due to be completed by the end of December 2009 for the area around Burnley (Digital UK, 2008), which is prior to the expected planning determination date of the wind farm extension. 4.3.4 Although the risk of icing upon turbine blades is very low, sensors and protection equipment can be fitted to turbines and operational procedures implemented to mitigate any safety risks associated with extreme cold weather. These vibration sensors, which detect any imbalance which might be caused by icing, cause the affected turbines to be shut down. 4.3.5 Any potential impacts arising from construction of the development will be minimised through mitigation measures, and can be controlled through the use of planning conditions. 4.3.6 There are no public rights of way that cross the site.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 16 Planning Statement

4.3.7 This demonstrates the development would not result in an unacceptable loss of amenity, therefore complying with the specific requirements of local plan policy E31.

4.4 Nature Conservation and Ecology 4.4.1 There are no national or international nature conservation designations within the site boundary. The ES concludes the development site itself is of low conservation value, being dominated by farmed grazing fields. 4.4.2 There will be very few adverse effects on any of the fauna that inhabit or potentially inhabit the site. Great crested newt, reptiles, white-clawed crayfish and badger were scoped out of further assessment because the likelihood of their presence and/or impacts upon them is considered to be negligible. Impacts on bats are considered to be slight adverse with best practise mitigation reducing the overall impact. 4.4.3 The majority of ornithological species that regularly use the site are of negligible conservation value. The most significant ornithological species in proximity to the proposed wind farm extension site is breeding peregrine. Siting and design of the proposed wind farm extension will successfully eliminate any adverse impacts on this species that might have occurred through disturbance during construction and decommissioning and/or displacement from the breeding territory. 4.4.4 Mitigation has been proposed that is expected to be effective for most impacts and most species. Key mitigation includes the proposed wind farm siting and design, which has been informed on an ad hoc basis by, among other things, the results of the baseline ecological and ornithological surveys. 4.4.5 In conclusion, by aiming to maintain and enhance biodiversity interests the proposal satisfies the requirements of government guidance, as set out in PPS 9 on Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, and RSS Policy EM1 (B) Furthermore, as there is predicted to be no significant impact on designated sites or protected species, and habitat creation is proposed, the requirements of local plan policies E1, E2, E3, E4E5, E6 are met.

4.5 Water Quality 4.5.1 The proposed development is not considered to have any significant effects on hydrological and hydrogeological resources. The ES proposes mitigation measures during the construction phase to minimise any potential impacts (such as a Construction Management Plan) which can be controlled through the use of planning conditions. 4.5.2 As a result, the requirements of regional policy DP7 and local plan policies E7, E8, and E9 are all complied with.

4.6 Cultural Heritage 4.6.1 The definition of cultural heritage resources within the ES include World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, other archaeological sites recorded on Local Sites and Monuments Record, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Registered Historic Park and Gardens, and Registered Battlefields. These resources were considered for potential direct and indirect effects across a 2 km study area following consultation held with the County Archaeologist for Lancashire. 4.6.2 The design of the development has sought to minimise potential direct effects by avoiding known archaeological features and utilising existing tracks where possible. In addition, potential indirect effects upon the settings of some cultural heritage resources have been avoided and reduced by locating turbines away from the remains of Hapton Tower. 4.6.3 Any potential direct effects upon buried, archaeological remains will be subject to mitigation via the implementation of an agreed programme of archaeological work, to be carried out in advance of construction, leading to preservation of remains in situ or by record. After the implementation of such a programme of work, no significant effect is assessed as occurring to any archaeological remains. Such a programme can be the subject of a planning condition. 4.6.4 The magnitude of the impact upon the settings of any features of cultural heritage interest during the construction, operational or decommissioning stages is significantly reduced due to the existing wind farm. Appropriate mitigation as outlined in Chapter 8 of the ES will ensure that impacts to archaeology and cultural heritage interests are minimal. This demonstrates that the proposal is consistent with local plan policies E15 and E19. 4.6.5 As diversification of an established agricultural business, the proposal meets one of the requirements for development in the countryside set out in local plan policy GP2. In addition, as the land-take of infrastructure within the development site area is approximately 1.5% there would be no significant impact upon the use of the site for agriculture. As a result, the

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 17 Planning Statement

proposal is consistent with national planning policy regarding the use of agricultural land in PPS 7 and local plan policy E27.

4.7 Cumulative Impact 4.7.1 The cumulative impacts of the proposal with other operational, consented and proposed wind farms in the locality have been assessed within each chapter of the ES. 4.7.2 For landscape and visual amenity, the wind farms included in the cumulative assessment are shown below: Wind farm Number of Approximate Approximate distance from Turbines height of Hameldon Wind farm (km), Turbines to Blade site centre to site centre Tip (m)

Operational WWP HAMELDON HILL 3 90 Extension of EXISTING CHELKER RESERVOIR 4 42 30 COAL CLOUGH 24 49 11 OVENDEN MOOR 23 49 22 SCOUT MOOR 26 100 13 Submitted CROOK HILL 12 125 14 RESUBMISSION OVENDEN MOOR 10 115 22 REPOWERING 4 125 12 REAPS MOSS, BRITANNIA TODMORDEN MOOR 5 125 11.5

4.7.3 The conclusion is that significant cumulative impacts will be relatively limited. On this basis the landscape and key receptor locations within the study area are considered capable of accommodating the proposed development without unacceptable or overwhelmingly harmful effect. 4.7.4 No significant cumulative impacts are predicted to occur in relation to hydrology, cultural heritage, ecology and ornithology and as a result the proposal is consistent with Policy E31 of the Local Plan.

4.8 Economic and Social Benefits 4.8.1 PPS 22 indicates that when considering the environmental impact of renewable energy projects, significant weight should be given to the wider benefits inherent in renewable energy development. RSS Policy EM17 reflects the same balancing exercise. In this case, the principal environmental benefits are in the contribution the development will make to meeting regional and national renewable energy targets and reducing CO2 emissions. In accordance with Local Plan Policy GP2 the proposal will also support the diversification of the rural economy. 4.8.2 In a recent survey undertaken by the Scottish Government (2008), tourism is generally shown to be not affected by the presence of a wind farm. It is deemed that the impacts on tourism to the area for the proposed extension to Hameldon Hill Wind Farm will not be significant, in line with the findings of the survey. 4.8.3 Employment opportunities on a temporary basis will be created by the proposed development, in manufacturing, design, project management, site works during the nine month construction phase and during operation and maintenance.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 18 Planning Statement

4.8.4 The construction and operational phases of the proposed wind farm extension will have the capacity to generate a limited, but nonetheless beneficial impact on direct employment in the local area. It is estimated that during the construction of the wind farm extension, approximately 20 jobs will be created. However, this will be subject to competitive tender process and therefore it is not possible at this stage to identify the extent of local input to the construction phase until contracts are established. 4.8.5 During the operation of the proposed development, ongoing servicing and maintenance of the wind farm could support 1 to 2 staff, full time.

4.9 The Planning Balance 4.9.1 The proposed development is for an onshore wind farm to generate renewable energy. It comes as a direct response to central government policy on combating climate change and specifically from its target of generating 10% of UK electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and its aspiration for that figure to double by 2020. Renewables are key to the United Kingdom’s attempts to tackle climate change and to deploy cleaner sources of energy. 4.9.2 Energy policy is clear and was set out comprehensively in Meeting the Energy Challenge: A White Paper on Energy, in May 2007 and reinforced in both the Energy Act 2008 and the Climate Change Act 2008. When this document and these statutory provisions are read in conjunction with:

• PPS 22

• The Stern Review Report of the Economics of Climate Change

• Planning for a Sustainable Future (May 2007)

• The Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

• The Ministerial Speech of John Hutton to the Fabian Society

• Annex to PPS 1 on Climate Change

• The draft Renewable Energy Strategy

4.9.3 There is no reasonable room for dispute regarding (1) the seriousness of climate change and its potential effects (2) the seriousness of the need to cut carbon dioxide emissions or (3) the seriousness of central government’s intentions regarding deployment of renewable energy generation. 4.9.4 In land-use planning terms, Key Principle 1(i) in PPS 22 provides that planning permission should be granted if the applicant is able to demonstrate that any likely environmental, economic and social impacts have been satisfactorily addressed. The applicant does not argue that there is some form of expressly stated presumption in favour of the grant of planning permission for a wind farm extension at Hameldon Hill. But in making the final judgement, it does argue that if the phrase “a clear steer” to decision makers in the White Paper on Energy is to have any meaning, Burnley Borough Council should grant planning permission unless environmental interests would be seriously compromised. In national planning policy, paragraph 40 of the Supplement on Climate Change to PPS 1 translates this to mean that “expeditious and sympathetic handling” should be afforded to the proposed development. 4.9.5 Serious environmental harm should not be confused with the occurrence of significant environmental effects. It is acknowledged in the ES that the proposed development would result in the same. But each and every wind farm brings with it significant environmental effects. Even were they are thought to be harmful, significant effects do not have to be rendered harmless to be acceptable. 4.9.6 This planning application falls to be considered within a context in which the potential for wind energy development in the locality is expressly acknowledged in Policy EM17 – Renewable Energy of the adopted Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West, Policy E31 of the Burnley Local Plan. The proposed development has been formulated in the light of detailed assessments within the ES that have taken into account a full range of environmental and technical issues.

Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension 19 Planning Statement

4.9.7 It can also be the case that extending existing wind farm sites presents a better environmental option than developing new greenfield sites. For example, existing access roads, grid connections and infrastructure can all be used without the need for the disturbance of habitats or other landscape features. Furthermore increasing the size of existing sites can concentrate visual effects and thus maximise output from a local area, whilst smaller, scattered groups can result in potential effects being spread over larger areas. 4.9.8 In the case of the proposed development at Hameldon Hill, the extension would also result in a more balanced, linear array, which follows the orientation and shape of broad Calder valley landform. 4.9.9 Nevertheless, environmental effects are dependent on the nature of the proposals and receptors and each and every option needs to be considered and assessed on its merits. 4.9.10 Taking all factors into account, the applicant is able to demonstrate that all related environmental, economic and social impacts have been satisfactorily addressed. Any limited harm that would occur is ultimately reversible. 4.9.11 If national; and regional renewable energy targets are to be met, a quick, sustained and substantial acceleration is needed in the development of renewable energy projects, with onshore wind energy making a very substantial and indeed critical contribution. The proposed development of the Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension can make a key contribution to achieving the targets. 4.9.12 Accordingly, the development plan and other material considerations all indicate that planning permission should be granted for the development in form in which it has been submitted.