Allerdale Borough Council

2/2008/0261

Reference No: 2/2008/0261 Received: 12 March 2008 Proposed Construction of six wind turbines and associated Development: infrastructure designed to enable site access, wind monitoring and the generation of electricity for export to the Local Electricity Distribution Network Drawing Numbers: Location: Hill Farm Tallentire Cockermouth Applicant: Renewable Energy Systems UK and Ireland Ltd

Constraints: Radon Assessment National Park Boundary Allerdale Flood Zone 1 British Coal Area ASCA Area ASCA Area ASCA Area ASCA Area

Policies: National Planning Statements (Draft)

EN-1 – National Policy Statement for Energy EN-3 – Energy Infrastructure

National Planning Policies

PPS22 – Renewable Energy (and the Companion Guide)

PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable Development (Annexe on Climate Change)

The Government has recently deleted the North West of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021, therefore its planning policies are no longer a material planning consideration.

Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001- 2016 (Saved) Policy ST4 – Not applicable as the scheme constitutes a ‘small group’. Policy R44 - Renewable energy outside the Lake District National Park and AONBs Policy E34 – Areas and features of natioanl and international conservation importance. Policy E35 – Areas and features of nature conservation interest other than those of national and international conservation importance. Policy E37 - Landscape character

Allerdale Local Plan, Adopted 1999 (Saved) Policy CO22 - Protection of archaeological remains Policy EN6 – Location of potentially polluting development Policy EN7 - Location of pollution sensitive development Policy EN9 – Contaminated/derelict land Policy EN17 - Safeguarding the best agricultural land Policy EN19 - Landscape Protection Policy EN20 - Protection of AONB Policy EN25 - Protecting the open countryside

In addition, Cumbria County Council has produced an adopted Cumbria Wind Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which has also been adopted by Allerdale Borough Council, January 2008 (which attaches significant weight at the recent allowed appeal decision at Hellrigg, Silloth).

Representations: Ministry of Defence – No objections.

NATS – Object to the proposal – conflicts with their safeguarding criteria (impact on Lowther Hill).

Cumbria County Council – Object to the proposal as contrary to Policies R44 and E37, with significant adverse impact on local landscape character and visual amenity of the area.

Their impact on landscape character refers to the location of the six turbines in landscape character type, 5a - Lowland Ridge and Valley, and sub-type 12b - Higher Limestone (Rolling Ridge).

The site is located between the Lake District National Park (to the east) and the Solway Coast AONB (on the north- west).

The site occupies a side of a small summit with a minor road traversing through the turbines, resulting in two clusters of three turbines.

The Cumbria Wind Energy SPD advises the site has moderate sensitivity and capacity with a capacity of up to 3-5 turbines or, exceptionally, 6-9.

The County consider the exposed nature of the site, its proximity to Gilcrux and Tallentire and human scale limits the capacity of the site to accommodate wind energy schemes without significant adverse effects arising.

The County observe that the applicant accepts that the proposal will have a significant effect on landscape character within 6km of the site and would introduce features that would be prominent in the local landscape.

The County agree, and in addition consider that the proposal could be dominant in relation to existing lower scale elements (particularly Gilcrux), exacerbated by the exposed nature of the site, the size of the turbines against the backdrop of shelter belts in the locality of the site.

Concern was also expressed on the change of character of the minor road that bisects the site due to significant loss of hedgerows (to provide visibility splays), with no evidence of their reinstatement.

The County also agree that in localised points the proposal may result in significant adverse impact on the character and natural landscape designation (2.5 km to National Park, 4.5 km from the AONB) and the World Heritage site, but due to the local topography, the character of these designations (especially the National Park) would be significantly affected.

The County consider the significant prominence and detrimental impact of the development to the surrounding landscape is not outweighed by the benefits that would arise from renewable energy generation.

In terms of visual effect, the County observe that the applicant identified that significant effects would occur within 5km of the site which would affect the settlements of Gilcrux, Tallentire, Dovenby, Oughterside, Prospect, Aspatria, Allonby, Crosby, Townhead, Dalston, Great Broughton and Little Broughton. However, visibility in the centre of these settlements may be screened by buildings or existing trees. Limited views would occur from the National Park, Bridekirk and Cockermouth. The County, similarly to the landscape assessment, agree that there may be some localised significant impact from some parts of the national designations but overall the designations would not be significantly affected.

The County conclude the proposal would have a significant impact on visual amenity with 6km of the site. The scale and exposed location of the proposal would cause a significant effect on the visual amenity of individual properties, including small scale settlements and roads. The significant impact does not outweigh the environmental renewable energy benefits of the scheme.

In reference to cumulative landscape and visual impact, the County accounted for other applications under consideration at the time of the application within 30km of the site.

Reference is particularly made to the Flimby application (approved), and the larger revised scheme increasing its height (allowed on appeal), plus Fleeter Wood (Tallentire) which has since been withdrawn, and Wharrels Hill (Bothel) – all within 5km.

The County is concerned with the applicant’s assessment that there would be significant cumulative effects within 5km distance of the site. This would result in strong visual connections due to height, number of turbines, and area of scale with the small scale characteristics of the area. Cumulatively with existing and proposed developments this could result in 22 turbines being located in the landscape character, exceeding the landscape capacity of the area.

The County agree that the cumulative impact would occur to visual effect from Plumbland, Oughterside, Prospect, Aspatria, Great Broughton and Little Broughton (which may be exacerbated in combination with other proposal schemes).

It was accepted by the County that the cumulative impact from viewpoints, roads and routes would not be significant.

The County therefore concluded the proposal, in conjunction with existing and proposed schemes, would reinforce the cumulative effects, collectively becoming large scale, prominent features in the landscape.

They consider the cumulative harm is not outweighed by the environmental renewable energy benefits of the proposed scheme.

The County also initially raised highway objections due to insufficient evidence on the highway access issues, especially on the haul route (avoiding the introduction of any rear access off the A595 by utilising the existing unclassified highway) Traffic Management Plan and crossing points on the minor road between Tallentire and Gilcrux). Amendments have been received from the applicant.

The County, from an archaeological perspective, advises the site is located in an area of archaeological potential but this can be safeguarded under a planning condition for recording the archaeology of any fields.

The County highlight the national and regional policies and targets for renewable energy development (including reference to the Regional Spatial Strategy emerging at the time of the consultation in 2008 which has since been deleted).

The County acknowledge the merits of the scheme which contributes a further 15 mW capacity to the county targets (serving 6,700 households).

They conclude the significant landscape and visual effects at the local level need to be balanced against the environmental and other benefits from the scheme but conclude, both individually and cumulatively with other existing and proposed schemes, the proposal would be unacceptable.

The County Council confirm the additional evidence submitted by the applicant does not change their view on the original submission. Although a revised cumulative impact allowed for the withdrawal of some schemes, other schemes have been submitted into the planning system, therefore their grounds of impact on cumulative impact remains.

Cumbria Tourism – No evidence or research by the applicant as to the effect the development will have on the value of visitor economy in the area, therefore the Environmental Impact Assessment’s comments on this issue cannot be substantiated with a number of local tourism businesses being extremely worried about the potential effects on their businesses’ long term sustainability.

Dearham Parish Council – Recommend refusal on the grounds of: 1. Proximity of the turbines to Tallentire. 2. Proximity to dwellings.

3. Adverse visual impact of the 100m turbines on Tallentire Hill’s local landmark. 4. Wider visual impact of the turbines on the Solway Coast AONB and the Lakeland fells. 5. Cumulative impact with other applications in a relatively small area, resulting in a proliferation of turbines in a relatively small area, to the detriment of the rural landscape. 6. Inadequate access for the size and volume of traffic affecting nearby villages. 7. Cumulative effect will affect visitor numbers and local economy. 8. Hazard of low flying aircraft by the MOD. 9. Conversion of open countryside into industrial landscape and question whether the site would be restored. 10. Consider that West Cumbria has made a considerable contribution to renewable energy and seek to avoid sacrificing more countryside – and any decline in the quality of life of residents.

Papcastle Parish Council – Recommend refusal: 1. Consider that the siting of the wind farm below Tallentire to Middlestone Moor ridge does not result in it being acceptable in terms of its visual impact. 2. Proximity to dwellinghouses in Tallentire, Gilcrux (70km) results in detrimental impact of noise. 3. Precedent for similar wind turbine proposals.

Blindcrake Parish Council – Voted against the proposal on the grounds of: 1. Larger size of the turbines than the existing ones. 2. Number of wind farm sites in the locality. 3. Visual impact, especially on Tallentire and Gilcrux. 4. Noise disturbance. 5. Acting as a Phase 1 of a bigger development. 6. Questioned how ‘green’ wind farms are.

Gilcrux Parish Council – Reject the proposal on the grounds of: 1. Effect on waterways. 2. Effect on businesses. 3. Effect on house prices. 4. Effect on rural land designations. 5. Effect on tourism. 6. Effect on noise. 7. Effect on flicker. 8. Effect on proximity to houses.

It was considered the visual effect was excessive. Also, consider other pending applications should be taken into account as these may not only solely affect the parish but the wider areas of Allerdale.

Crosscanonby Parish Council – Recommend refusal – object due to visual intrusion on the landscape.

Bridekirk Parish Council – Object on the grounds of: 1. Inadequate cumulative impact assessment which does not include Fleeter Wood and Broughton Moor. 2. Inappropriate industrial development in a rural landscape. 3. Misleading selection of viewpoints which illustrate a minimal landscape impact. 4. False claim of lasting employment benefits, with little maintenance staff. 5. Adverse impact on wider landscape setting, including the Lake District National Park, Solway Coast AONB, Cockermouth and Maryport . 6. Public opposition within the parish. 7. West Cumbria already provides a plentiful contribution to renewable energy regeneration.

Oughterside and Allerby Parish Council – Recommend refusal: 1. Then wind turbines would dominate the landscape and would be widely visible, denigrating its landscape character. 2. Adverse impact from light flicker/noise. 3. Inadequate road infrastructure (size/weight limits of existing highways) to cope with the construction traffic. 4. Large volumes of energy used in construction phase. 5. Impact on radar. 6. Change of rural landscape to industrial. 7. Scale and number of other existing/proposed wind farms in the area. 8. Possible future extension of the site. 9. Impact on television reception. 10. Proximity to Solway Coast AONB. 11. Harmful impact on tourism in Cockermouth and Maryport.

In response to the amended details, the parishes of Oughterside and Allerby, Gilcrux, Bridekirk, Crosscanonby and Dearham re-confirmed their objections, plus referred to the additional issues of: 1. Impact on bats. 2. Impact on radar and telecommunication columns.

3. Highway consequences of traffic generated by the development.

4. Noise/flicker. 2 5. Account for CO emissions during construction phase. 6. Turbines only 10% efficient and will not benefit local people. 7. Impact on medieval field systems. 8. Impact on other attractive sites. 9. Cumulative impact of turbines. 10. Possible impact, especially water pollution on Gilcrux Track Farm (and the village’s spring water).

Gilcrux Parish had also undertaken a parish residents survey which includes the following results:

9% of residents felt the turbine should be sited more than 500km from residential properties. 65% of residents felt the turbines should be sited more than 2km from residential properties. 83% of residents felt the Bothel turbines were not far enough away from the village. 71% of residents felt any increase in noise levels above statutory nuisance levels would be unacceptable. 79% felt the turbines should be sited so as not to adversely affect house values. 55% believed environmental benefits of wind farms did not outweigh the visual impact they had on local communities.

Friends of the Lake District – Concerns on landscape and visual impact on its elevated and exposed location, with a significant impact locally (2-3km). The siting of the turbines does not correlate with the field pattern.

The turbines would be visible from the Solway Coast AONB (particularly Allonby). Conflict with Policy EN20. Also consider the proposal is dispersed rather than cohesive (as required by the SPD), especially from the Crosby viewpoint.

Little evidence to cumulative impact with Fleeter Wood proposal.

Contrary to Policy E37 of the Allerdale Local Plan.

United Utilities – No objections (reference to overhead cables).

County Archaeologist – Site is of archaeological potential. Seek condition re archaeological recording.

Highways Agency – No objections.

Northern Gas Network – Advise a high pressure gas pipeline across the proposed development. No objections subject to no turbine being within 1.5 times mast height to the pipeline.

Cumbria Constabulary – No objections.

Fire Authority – No objections.

English Heritage – Advise the site is in close proximity to Hadrians Wall World Heritage Site. However, although the development will be highly visible from the individual installations of the Roman frontier that make up the World Heritage Site, it is considered that its form or location would prevent, or detract from, the ability to comprehend and appreciate the planning of the Roman installations, i.e. its setting. Consequently, they do not consider the proposal and its location to the south of the frontier will adversely affect its designation, and therefore do not object to the granting of planning permission. (However, any further proposals would need to be assessed on cumulative impact.)

Environment Agency – Advise any culverting of watercourses would require consent under their respective regulations.

National Grid Wireless (on behalf of the BBC) – No objections.

Defence Estates – MOD has no objections to the proposal.

Carlisle Airport – No objections.

NTL (Arqiva) – No objections. No obstruction of VHF TV links.

HM Coastguard – No objections.

Directorate of Airspace (CAA) – Seek consultation with a chartered helicopter site at Dovenby. - May need to install aviation obstruction lighting (especially if concerns raised by other air safety consultees). - Given the other wind farm proposals and enquiries, this response cannot be automatically assumed as a reflection on any similar future proposals.

- Upper two thirds of turbines need to be painted white, unless indicated by an aeronautical study (in accordance with CAA guidance).

The application was advertised on site and in the local press. Adjoining owners were notified.

1,570 letters of objection were received on the grounds of:

1. Huge detrimental impact on the overall character of the landscape and its natural surroundings. 2. Cumulative and dominant impact with other wind farm applications in the locality which would harm the visual and environmental value of the area. 3. Affects the Lake District National Park, Cockermouth (gem town), the Heritage Coast and the AONB. 4. Adversely affect tourism (and its associated employment). 5. Inadequate road infrastructure which cannot support the development. 6. Increased noise, electromagnetic and TV reception interference. 7. Harmful impact on property values. 8. The turbines height (105m) are as tall as cooling towers and the sweep of the blades makes them as wide, resulting in industrialising the local landscape. 9. Proposal does not provide enough energy or efficiency justification. 10. Not economically viable. 11. Loss of open space. 12. No contribution of electricity benefits to local community, who view the proposal. 13. Visibly obtrusive development to nearby properties. 14. Prominent and inappropriate site on a hillside. 15. Harmful impact on Dearham’s Heavy Horse Centre which is an important, excellent and unusual asset to West Cumbria and provides employment for local people. The proposal will affect the growth of the scheme and West Cumbria tourism in general; its setting is unspoiled and beautiful panoramic views over the Lakeland Fells (especially as Tallentire Hill is a prominent landmark). It would deter visitors and reduce the quality of life in nearby villages. 16. Preferable off-shore, industrial estate sites or locations away from centres of population. 17. Water pollution to water table local springs and the River Ellen. 18. Alternative nuclear power options. 19. Scare birds. 20. Impact on squirrel habitat and population. 21. Expensive. 22. Ugly – resulting in eyesore. 23. Withdrawal of funding for wind farm development in other countries due to side effects, uneconomic turbines and general inefficiency. 24. Contrary to statements in the National Park’s LDF (May 2008) relating to cross boundary implications, especially in terms of setting. 25. Blades will be a distraction for drivers. 26. High volume of traffic – damage to highways. 27. Series of wind applications not co-ordinated and hinders sensitive and appropriate decision making process. 28. Impact on health – irritants to the eye, with cases of ill health and depression/anxiety increasing next to wind farms. 29. De-valuation of property. 30. EIA inadequate and unbalanced in references to level of power supply when compared with a power station. lack of reference in the consultation to the community who opposed the development (most residents in the village oppose the development). Inaccuracies relating to coal and nuclear power, with wind not being predictable). Site of turbine in front of a public seat which is located as a viewpoint of the Solway Coast. The EIA concedes the development will have a high degree of visibility and significant local effects and disputes that it would not be compatible with local characteristics and is acceptable in the local landscape. No reference to Fleeter Wood, Westnewton or Broughton Moor. No substantiation of the layout being influenced by landscape and visual assessment process to reduce its visual effect. Development uses imported machinery resulting in no manufacturing benefits to UK. No long term employment benefits. 31. Exceeds landscape capacity for any small group. 32. Protection of local important landscape area to safeguard strip fields. 33. Artificial government subsidy to afford profits. 34. Structural failure of windmill at Caldbeck. 35. Habitat impact on AONB, contrary to Policy EN20 of the Allerdale Local Plan. 36. Government go ahead for nuclear energy. 37. Dismissed appeal for two 70m high anemometer towers at this location (2/2006/0706), including grounds relating to impact on landscape contrary to Policy E37. 38. The later anemometer application (2/2006/0693) was only approved because the mast was temporary (18 months).

39. Proposal is contrary to references in the Local Plan relating to safeguarding landscaping designations, SSSI’s, from harmful developments, plus its historic landscape. 40. Affect Allerdale Ramble 41. Reference to ‘Small Businesses’ Council document, ‘Rural Economy of the Government’s UK Energy Policy (2006) and its reference to the threat of on shore developments to rural business and it acting as a material planning consideration. 42. English Heritage’s report ‘State of the Historic Environment Report (2002) confirms the high percentage of tourism that requires a high quality environment. The objector considers ‘the countryside is the greatest asset for the rural economy – DEFRA Rural Strategy 2004. 43. Any income and profit from the Renewables Obligation Scheme exceeds the Community Trust Fund. 44. Impact on ‘Beeches’ Caravan Park, Gilcrux, and ‘Masons Arms’ public house, Gilcrux. 45. Detailed reference to revised SE details, including over development and industrialisation of landscape. 46. Halving of CO2 emissions in the revised assessment. 47. No reference to Fleeter Wood or Oughterside. 48. SPD capacity indicates group up to five turbines as small. 49. More significant number of village properties affected by the development. 50. Lack of recorded but evidence from other developments in Gilcrux. 51. Siting is not ‘contained by topography’ and the revised report accepts there is a ‘high degree of potential visibility of the wind farm’ from land to the north, north- west and west, and there would be little screening from existing vegetation, with some insubstantial deciduous trees. 52. No reference to ‘laying of hedgerows’ and the location is an active and agricultural landscape within an undeveloped skyline which is popular with walkers being special, offering solitude and remoteness, and therefore unacceptable for the ‘new and distinctive development’. 53. The revised statement indicates the turbine would be 100m closer to Gilcrux than the original SEI (potential impact on noise (UK Noise Association recommends turbines should be not less than 1,609m from habitats).

54. Challenge the statement ‘potential for over-dominance may exist as described in the ‘Cumbria Wind Energy Supplementary Planning’ document, such effects will not arise from the proposal’, as the proposal will dominate the landscape and the community, and impact and light flicker. 55. Consider the revised statement visual effect would be unpleasant, overbearing and unavoidable, with significant impact on receptors, with a busy, discordant and restless landscape, blighting the villages of Tallentire and Gilcrux. 56. Adverse impact on sales of local property. 57. Visual impact of 6.5km of road track. 58. Increased flood risk. 59. Denmark has 20% electricity generated from wind but has had its subsidies withdrawn as it became unmanageable. 60 Visual harm to landscape demonstrated by the Bothel developments. 61. Recent dismissal of appeal for a small development at Holt Moor, Appleby, due to damage to landscape (which may be compromised with the current proposal). 62. Question the MOD’s decision to withdraw their objections on the grounds of the anticipated effect of the wind farm being manageable (as they had received compensation from the RAF when a sound wave from a low flying jet shattered glass in their shower cubicle) which contradicts former correspondence relating to interference to RAF Spadeadam which would be unmanageable.

An objection from the Tallentire Action Area Group to the original submission also referred to:

Strategic Economical Policies – reference to Regional Economic Strategy and other former documents, e.g. Europe 2000, which provided the potential for funding on the basis of relating discretional economic conditions on the periphery of Europe. 1. The introduction of the proposal would undermine tourism initiatives if the proposal was implemented due to its adverse impact on the landscape. 2. The proposal would adversely affect the Solway Coast’s AONB, the National park, and designated County Landscape Area. 3. The development would be incongruous with these designations, contrary to the Local Plan, and would not generate any long term employment, i.e. incompatible with landscape of national importance, contrary to Policies EN19 and EN20 of the Local Plan. 4. It would affect land over 200m, including Tallentire Hill and Historic Landscape with field patterns at Gilcrux and Tallentire. 5. Reference also to Policy EN25, as such they consider there is no overriding need for the development in the open countryside.

Regeneration and Employment 1. Wind farms would deter tourism, with no benefits

Control of Industrial Development 1. Consider the proposal is industrial development, contrary to Policy EM2 of the Local Plan which specifies allocated industrial land within the Borough.

Inappropriate to Locality - In addition, they consider the proposal is contrary to Policy EN5 as it is inappropriate to its locality. 1. The proposal would generate noise pollution which needs to comply with Policies EN6, EN7 and EN9 of the Local Plan (plus guidance in Planning Policy Guidance 24 ‘Planning and Noise’. Highlight proximity of settlements to the proposal, especially given evidence of disturbance arising from the Bothel wind farm development.

Renewable Energy – Refer to PPG22 ‘Renewable Energy’ 1. Consider the six turbine proposal is a major development requiring consideration under Policy 54 and 56 of the Structure Plan and Policy RE2 of the Allerdale Local Plan. 2. Reference to flicker and cumulative impact with the Fleeter Wood wind turbine proposal, including it harmful impact on designated landscapes and residential amenity.

Tourism – Reference to PPG21 ‘Tourism’ 1. Highlight the need to encourage development in a way which promotes and enhances the environment. 2. Consider the surrounding rural hinterland and the AONB would be compromised by the proposed development.

Four letters of support were received.

As a result of the high number of objections, letters inviting people to attend and speak at the meeting have not been sent to all objectors, but have been sent to the Tallentire Area Action Group to act and represent the objectors, rather than invite the majority of the representations which were predominantly submitted within standard formatted objection letters. This is at variance to normal practice.

Report Members are advised that the appellant has lodged an appeal against this application on the grounds of non- determination (the Council was awaiting revised consultant landscaping advice). The Inspector for the appeal, however, requires the Council’s formal resolution on the merits of the applicant's proposal to be evaluated as part of the appeal.

History

The application site has been the subject of applications for anemometer masts at the site.

An initial application (2/2006/0206) for two 70m tall anemometer masts was refused, and a subsequent appeal dismissed, including grounds of the proposed temporary timescale which was considered excessive.

A resubmission application (2/2006/0692) for a mast, however, was approved and implemented on site.

Proposal

The current application seeks consent to erect six turbines on a site approximately 650m east of Tallentire and 660m south of Gilcrux. The site is located approximately 2.5km north-west of the boundary of the Lake District National Park, and 4.5km to the south-east of the Solway Coast’s designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and its additional Hadrians Wall World Heritage status.

The proposed three blade turbines themselves would be up to 100m blade tip height, 60m hub height and 80m blade diameter. The turbines would have a capacity up to 2MW, totalling 12mW, which would meet the needs of 6,700 households.

The proposed layout comprises of two clusters (three in each group), segregated by a minor highway that connects Tallentire to Gilcrux.

The access to the site would be adjacent to and along a minor Middlestone Moor highway which includes modification to its link onto the A595.

The siting of the individual turbines would be linked by a new road layout, including a link to a new single storey sub- station on the eastern periphery of the site. The provision of the access roads will require temporary loss of hedgerows to secure necessary visibility splays, plus a small area of woodland. As a form of mitigation, the applicant will replace it with a larger area of woodland.

A new anemometer mast would also be sited on the western outskirts of the application site.

The development would be linked to a 33V line via the sub- station.

The proposal seeks consent for a 25 year timescale and the scheme would be decommissioned and removed from the site (unless a further consent is granted).

The application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) which revised its landscape and visual effect assessment during the course of the application. The ES also evaluated ecology (habitats and protected species and ornithology), archaeology and cultural heritage, geology, hydrogeology and hydrology, noise assessment, electromagnetic interference and aviation, access (including transport and traffic, socio-economic and health and safety, plus grid connection.

Renewable Energy Benefits

Firstly, the benefits of the proposal can be summarised in relevance to PPS22 and the renewables strategy.

Increased development of renewable energy resources is vital to facilitate the delivery of the Government’s commitments on both climate change and renewable energy.

If reference to the policy context of the proposal, the applicant has outlined references to national planning policy guidance under PPS1 ‘Delivering Sustainable Development’, and its supplementary statement, plus PPS22 ‘Renewable Energy’ and its key principles and targets, including those in its associated companion guide which includes:

1. Economic benefits: Job creation (direct and indirect), services and reliability of supply, cheaper fuel bills, marketing area as green, increased income for landowners as a form of diversification.

2. Social benefits: Employment in remote areas, community pride and capacity, educational opportunities, longer health and quality of life benefits.

3. Environmental benefits: Reducing carbon emissions, creating and managing new environments, air quality improvements.

Positive planning which facilitates renewable energy developments can contribute to all four elements of the government’s sustainability development strategy.

1. Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone by contributing to the energy needs, ensuring all houses are adequately and affordably heated, and providing new sources or energy in remote areas.

2. Effective protection of the environment by reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, and thereby reducing the potential for the environment to be affected by climate change.

3. Prudent use of national resources by reducing the nation’s reliance on ever diminishing supplies of fossil fuels.

4. Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment through the creation of jobs directly related to renewable energy developments, but also in the development of new technologies. In rural areas, renewable energy projects have the potential to plan an increasingly important role in the diversification of rural communities.

ES Landscape Assessment

The application advises the ES assessment was undertaken in accordance with the guidance in the Cumbria Wind Energy SPD in its design development stage. The site is located into two landscape character areas namely: Type 12 - Higher Limestone Type 5 - Lowland

These have been classed as low/moderate or moderate landscape capacity with both being able to support ‘up to a small group (3-5 turbines), exceptionally, a larger group’ with Type 12 being able to host a larger group in blander parts.

(The SPD undertakes this assessment on the provision of the height of the turbines being 95m-120m.)

The site was selected on the basis of wind speed data, site area, grid connection, gradient, access, avoidance of landscape/value conservation designations and 550m distance from nearest dwelling.

An initial analysis compared a 6 and 15 smaller turbine layout (with comparable energy yields) but it was considered the indicated 15 turbine layout could potentially overwhelm the landscape, whereas the ES considers the layout of the two clusters totalling six turbines’ had a ‘tidier’ appearance.

The use of smaller turbines would not relieve the extent of magnitude of visual effect; therefore the smaller group was the preferred option. It was considered the existing trees and woodland around the site would assist in screening the development.

In terms of mitigation, the access tracks have sought to minimise impact on the landscape by following field boundaries and keeping the removal of hedgerows/trees to a minimum (including access track provided to the A595 and, where appropriate, replacing hedgerows. The layout also accounted for constraint re roads, housing buffers, communications and service infrastructure, public rights of way, ecological, hydrological and archaeological features. Also, separation distance from dwellinghouses was increased to 700m.

The applicant’s evidence refers to the Cumbria Wind Energy SPD’s guidance but considers it does not need to be totally followed in providing an accurate and comprehensive assessment.

The ES report assesses the scheduled landscape impact. They consider the changes to the landscape fabric are slight.

The applicant ES refers to landscape and visual assessment relating to its impact on: - Effects on landscape re-use (i.e. changes in landscape character

- Effects on perception of landscape and effects on visual amenity (i.e. changes in appearance and its effect on visual amenity)

The assessment accounted for the: - 6 turbines, access and site tracks, sub-station and compound, grid connection, anemometer mast, crane hardstanding, borrow pit, and construction compound.

The study was undertaken on a 30km radius study area, as demonstrated in supporting 10km and 30km zones of theoretical visibility (ZTV) maps which identified receptors, however, these do not account for screening from vegetation or buildings.

No. of Height of Turbines Turbines Wharrels Hill 8 62m Parkhead 4 121m High Pow 3 95m Flimby 3 Oldside and Siddick 16 61m Voridian 2 107m Winscales Moor 7 81m Winscales I and II 11 71m Great Orton 6 69m Lowca 7 54m Fairfield Farm 5 81m

A selection of 25 viewpoints (agreed with Allerdale Borough Council) also was undertaken to evaluate both the effects on landscape and visual amenity.

In addition, cumulative impact plans and viewpoints were provided to account for other built and proposed wind farms in the 30km study zone.

In evaluating landscape, the ES advises the sensitivity of landscape to changes is not absolute and varies and includes the following criteria: landscape quality, landscape scale, nature of views and key landscape characteristics.

The weight of visual receptor allowed for the location of the viewpoint, context of the view, activity and frequency and duration and was named as high, medium, low or negligible. The magnitude of change allowed for distance of viewpoint, duration of effect, angle and proportion of view, background to the development and other built developments. (The measurements of magnitude range from substantial to negligible.) The significance of effects is determined through combining sensitivity and magnitude of effect in a matrix which ranges from major, major/moderate, moderate, minor, none in the context of Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.

The applicant contests, given all the particulars in the landscape and visual assessment, there may be exceptions to the general conclusions.

The study advises the proposal relates to a wind farm site on the north-west facing slopes of a rounded hill which rises to 223m AOD.

It acknowledges the proximity of the Lake District National Park and the Coastal Plain of the Solway Firth AONB, plus designated SSSI’s, SAC and SPA sites in the study area, plus archaeological and built features.

Reference is also made to the main route corridor, the west coast routing and footpaths.

The study subsequently assessed the geology, land form, water, land cover, land use, settlements, other features, experience, views, scale, visual receptors, landscape quality and sensitivity to change for each of the landscape characters in the study area (including those in the National Park).

The ES provides a background of the landscape type specified in the SPD and their associated landscape quality and sensitivity to change (both the application site’s two landscape types were classed as medium quality and medium sensitivity to change.

The ES assessment’s landscape national designations included the Lake District National Park, Solway Coast AONB, Hadrians Wall World Heritage Site, St Bees Head Heritage Coast, National Scenic Areas (NSA’s), historic geology, and local landscape designations.

The assessment considers the main visible elements relate to: the turbines, tracks, anemometer mast, construction compound, borrow pits and sub-station.

The survey of landscape types including those in wider national designations, can be summarised as follows:

Table 5.8

Overall in terms of the National Park there will be moderate local impact and will be seen from certain parts (especially in the north-east parts), but typically slight to negligible. The applicant accepts that there will be a locally moderate magnitude of change to the National Park, resulting in a major/moderate effect which is significant, but as this only relates to a local area and overall it is considered not to be significant.

In terms of impact on the Solway Coast AONB, it is consequently considered to be high in sensitivity due to its landscape value. The impact is considered localised with localised significant effects on the southern tip of the AONB but no significant effects on landscape character, slight/moderate significance in the area within 6km between Allonby and Maryport, and overall of moderate/minor significance.

The effect on the Hadrians World Heritage Site will be major/moderate to moderate/minor which in the context of the applicant’s assessment results in some locally significant effects.

The Nith estuary National Scenic Area (NSA) (Scotland) is moderate/minor to minor effect, which is not considered significant.

In terms of County Landscape and the Solway Coast Regional designated scenic area (Scotland) and Historic Parks the impact also concludes is not significant.

In order to evaluate this, the Council commissioned a landscape consultant to independently assess the submitted ES evidence.

The assessment requires the evaluation of landscape character both in terms of the landscape character of its site and surroundings plus its cumulative impact. Cumulative impact is considered in more detail later in this report.

The following comments are drawn from the Land Use consultation response:

Effects on Landscape: • Concur with the findings of the ES and SEI that there will be some significant effects on the local landscape The LVIA is unclear as to the exact geographical extent of effects upon the landscape although these would be more limited to the south, where Tallentire Hill and the adjacent high ground will reduce the visibility of the turbines. • There will be significant effects arising from the construction of the wind farm but these are not considered to be excessive in terms of the landscape resources affected or unusual in terms of the development type. • The conclusions on the “fit” within the receiving landscape are considered to be generally reasonable, given that the proposed development only exceeds what is described in the SPD as a small group by one turbine.

Effects on Designated Landscapes: • The consultants report concurs with the SEI in that the proposed turbines are unlikely to significantly affect the perceived wildness of the AONB. • The consultants report concurs with the assessment of moderate effects on the landscape of the southern part of the AONB and moderate/minor effects on the landscape of the AONB as a whole. • The effects on the settings of designated landscapes have not been addressed and the assertion within the SEI that designated landscapes do not have a setting cannot be supported. • One of the principle objectives of the AONB is to conserve natural beauty. The emerging Solway Coast AONB Landscape and Seascape Assessment makes it clear that views out from the AONB to the north to Scotland and south to the National Park, contribute to the natural beauty of the area. The setting of the AONB refers to panoramic views south to the Lake District fells, including Skiddaw. Inland views, although considered to be less important than coastal views, are available from many locations, particularly in terms of the contrast between the coastal plain and the high fells. Tallentire Hill and the adjacent ridge leading north east to Wardell Common is relatively prominent in the foreground of the Lakeland Fells, being the highest ground visible in front of Skiddaw, as seen in photography for VP7 Crosby. • Tallentire Wind Farm is likely to have effects on such inland views, as at VP30 Swarthy Hill, the significance of which should be considered. The elevated nature of Tallentire Hill will increase the visibility of the proposed wind farm in these views. The view from Swarthy Hill shows the “worst case” effect on views from the AONB, since the left hand cluster is seen directly in front of Skiddaw, the most significant landmark in the view, and which would draw additional attention to the turbines.

Officers acknowledge that by virtue of its western slope location and topography the turbines would only incur localised viewpoints from within the National Park and would not have any significant overall effect on the National Park’s landscape designations. (As reflected in the County’s response.) In addition it is also acknowledged that with the exception of localised views, due to topography which reduces with increased distance from the site, it would also not have a significant impact on the AONB itself, with the degree of any impact being limited to the southern end of the site.

This is also reflected in both the County’s response and that of English Heritage who advise that they consider it would not affect the similar geographic designation of Hadrians Wall.

Land Use’s consultants report generally reflects this position also, by confirming that the proposal is unlikely to significantly affect the perceived wildness of the AONB and by concurring with the assessment of moderate effects on the landscape of the southern part of the AONB and moderate/minor effects on the landscape of the AONB as a whole. The main area of concern flagged by Land Use Consultants relates to the views from the AONB to the National Park, in particular views from Swarthy Hill. The split design of the wind farm is not considered ideal and makes the impacts worse than they need to be.

Visual Effects

The applicant’s ES assessment relating to visual effects was on the basis of the ZTV and the 25 viewpoints.

The following settlements were identified within 5km: - Tallentire (700m) - Gilcrux (700m) - Bridekirk (2.1km) - Dovenby (3.2km) - Blindcrake (3.2km) - Plumbland (3km) - Oughterside (3km) - Prospect (3.3km) - Allerby (3.6km) - Crosby (4km) - Townhead/Dovenby (3.1km) - Cockermouth (5.2km) - Great Broughton/Little Broughton (5.3km) - Aspatria (5km)

The following larger settlements are also within the study area: - Maryport (6.1km) - Workington (13km) - Wigton (17km) - Keswick (19km) - Whitehaven (21km)

The study established significant visual effects would occur at Tallentire, Gilcrux, Dovenby, Oughterside, Prospect, Allerby, Crosby, Townhead/Dearham, Great Broughton/Little Broughton and Aspatria.

In the context of travel corridors considered it was the views would be variable along the A596, but significant effects would be expressed from the highway (3km) in the vicinity of Aspatria, Prospect and Crosby with their open landscapes.

Also, the A594 traverses within 3km of the site, and the proposal will be visible along almost the entire length of road from Cockermouth to Maryport, therefore has a significant effect.

There were no other significant effects on the other major highways (A595, A591, A66 and B5086), albeit visible in places.

It was concluded that the visibility from the west coast rail link which traverses within 2km of the site, although variable within intervening sections of vegetation, will result in some localised significant effects for rail travellers.

It was considered there would be no significant effect from the Hadrian Wall Park National Trust. In assessment of the ES’s 25 viewpoints, significant effect would occur from the viewpoints at Tallentire Hill, Tallentire, Gilcrux, Prospect, Crosby, Dearham, Aspatria, Little Broughton.

Six additional viewpoints were requested to those in the initial ES document, which resulted in further major significance or major/moderate significance results at Gilcrux, Solway Hill, Tallentire.

A more specific residential visual impact assessment requested for settlements within 2.4km was submitted within the revised evidence. This includes:

Tallentire: Main visual impact to properties on the north- eastern end of the village (major visual impact), with limited views (significant effect) elsewhere within the village, but these are unlikely to arise in the core of the village.

Gilcrux: Views of two turbines on the rising landscape to the south of the village, and the north-eastern end of the village (major visual effect) within significant effects of glimpsed views in the village but these will be infrequent.

Bridekirk: Although three properties on high ground facing north-east will have full views, but public on the parts of the village are unlikely to have views due to screening by buildings and vegetation. Blades of the nearest turbine may be visible from the church.

Views of the turbines from Allerdale Ramble footpath.

Bullgill: Two isolated properties will have views of the turbines, with the majority of the settlement having north facing views away from the site.

In addition, a more detailed residential receptor assessment was requested for individual properties within 1km of the site.

The applicant advises views from private properties are not a national planning consideration unless the proposed change is sufficiently unpleasant or intrusive that it affects the fundamental living conditions of the property, which could be viewed as unacceptable.

In this regard, the Poplar Lane Wind Farm appeal is noted:

“When turbines are present in such numbers, size and proximity that they represent an unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable presence in main views from a house or garden” such that “the property concerned would come to be regarded as an unattractive and thus unsatisfactory (but not uninhabitable) place in which to live”.

However, in terms of the weight, degree and nature of the effect, the applicant refers to a dismissed appeal at Den Brook Wind Farm (not relating to visual amenity) “while many people may choose to purchase or live in the house because of the view that can be enjoyed from it, they cannot claim to have purchased the property or chosen to live there with the view of more specifically an entitlement to have that view protected.”

The impact on amenity for a dwellinghouse needs to account for indoor viewpoints, outdoor viewpoints, different room uses, and views towards and views away from the development, plus the character of the dwelling from its surroundings.

The applicant’s ES contests that from previous appeal decisions unacceptable effects are unlikely to occur at distances over 1km from turbines.

The survey refers to:

Tallentire

North Lodge Farm – Views (700m) from east facing windows and garden but in context of farm buildings.

Brook House – Views from upstairs windows over barn.

Chestnuts, Hiddenbeck Barn / Lilac Cottage / Hawthorn Cottage / Pippin Cottage – (700m) The Chestnuts and a single storey property would have views from windows (the latter being the most directly affected property, whereas the rest will only obtain views from their gardens.

Seaview / Greenbank – (850m) Oblique views from the property but turbines will be visible from segments of the garden.

1-5 Solway View / Smithy Croft – (750m) Oblique views to TI from their front windows and likely views from rear garden.

Greenbank / Dale Cottage – (800m-850m) Window views facing the site, seen also from gardens.

Sycamore Lodge / Holmewood / Oakdene – Views from garden.

Other properties in the village wholly or partially screened by nearby buildings and vegetation.

Just over 1km - Five properties on northern side of Rook Farm Close will have open views across neighbours’ gardens (plus nearby group of barns).

Gilcrux

Property closest and most open views lie to south-western end of the village.

Nos. 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 The Forlands – Near views towards turbines (700m) but some screening from boundary outbuildings, but views would be seen as separate groups, lesser impact on Nos. 5 and 7 due to eastward orientation – only views from their gardens.

Baydon / Newton House / Newton Rigg / 3-5 Newtown Cottages – Open views to rear, with some partial screening by boundaries and outbuildings (800- 900m), albeit 750m-800m from turbine 4).

Limited view from other properties on southern side of main road due to topography of slope, hedgerow, vegetation.

Properties northern side of main road – views from front window and garden, particularly for 10 properties at north- eastern end of the village (850-900m distance).

East House / Churchfield House / Baystone – Open views from windows and rear gardens (800m).

Ghyll Beck / Tidal Mount Barn / Gate House – Views from front windows and gardens (900m).

Other isolated properties – Three within 1km:

Grange Crossing – Oblique views from windows, but screening by copse of trees (800m).

High Flatts – Windows face away from turbines – trees on boundary will screen turbines (750m).

Hill Farm – Limited overhead views, screening by barns (650m – 750m).

Over 1km:

Greengill – Main views from Moorhouse (1km) from front windows and garden.

The applicant’s ES considers that the single storey properties adjacent to Chestnuts, Seaview, 1-5 Solway Close and North Lodge (Tallentire), and Nos 9, 11, 13 and 15 The Forlands, six properties at Newton will receive significant visual effects, with views from windows on one side of the house and gardens, but consider these would not be sufficiently close or omni-directional over the visual effects would be “unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable” and therefore there would be no unacceptable effects on residential amenity arising from the development.

The report considers significant visual effects could arise on public rights of way up to 5-6km of the site. The Allerdale Ramble (within 900m) variable degrees of visual impact (reference to existing pylons in the locality of the site), and Cumbria Coastal Way (5-7km) unlikely to be significant but contest that not all walkers will consider the turbines a negative feature.

The following comments are summarised from the Land Use consultant’s report on views:

Effects on views (public and from residential properties: • The assessment of effects on views from Tallentire is considered to be accurate, with significant effects occurring across the north eastern part of the village. • Potential views from Gilcrux seem more likely to be affected due to the more open nature of the settlement. Views of turbines from Gilcrux will be more than glimpsed. • As a standalone scheme, Tallentire Wind Farm would have some significant effects on views. • In terms of effects on views from residential properties, the SEI is considered to present detailed descriptions of predicted views, but these do not lead to a quantification of effects or their significance. The summary at 5.5.50 lists ‘most affected’ properties, which would ‘all receive significant visual effects, but it is not clear whether any other properties would receive significant effects.

• It is likely that a relatively large number of properties will be significantly affected, although the SEI does not give enough information to say how many. Such effects are not considered to be unusual for a development of this size, nevertheless, these could be quite extensive, affecting the village of Gilcrux and the north eastern part of Tallentire and so will require consideration as part of the planning balance. • The judgement of acceptability in this regard is a planning matter, an LVIA would be expected to report on significant effects, allowing the decision maker to judge acceptability. • Section 5.5 addresses effects on the Allerdale Ramble and the Cumbria Coastal Way, as well as local footpaths and bridleways. Again whilst the descriptions of predicted views are detailed, there is no quantification of effects in terms of magnitude of change, sensitivity and resulting level of effect.

In reference to assessing this evidence, officers are aware that there are not many properties in Tallentire northern end of the village with a direct open view onto the turbines, with some having oblique angles to the wind farm site. However, weight should also be given to viewpoints from rear gardens (as part of residential amenity) plus public viewpoints within the village.

Gilcrux has more properties which will encounter a more direct line of sight from windows towards the turbines. It is for Members to assess the weight to be attached to visual and residential as to whether it constitutes a ground of refusal.

Officers highlight a recent appeal decision at Cumwhinton, Carlisle which was dismissed on the grounds of its proximity (420m and 650m) from two existing properties and the detrimental impact on the residential amenity of its occupiers.

Cumulative Impact

The ES also refers to the subject of cumulative impact.

The applicant took into account the existing wind turbine developments in Allerdale and the 30km study area:

See Table 5.4 attached.

In addition, consideration was also taken into account of current applications / appeals including:

(Appeal) Westnewton 5.5km distance 3 turbines 107m height (Application) Threapland Lees 4.4km distance 4 turbines 125m height

(Application) Broughton Lodge 4.7km distance 3 turbines 125m height

Other turbine developments at Berrier Hill and Grise, whilst referred to, were given limited weight as they were on the periphery of the study area and therefore unlikely to generate any significant cumulative effects.

The applicant’s ES sought to examine the multiple variations and permutations of cumulative visual impact in the alternative scenarios of the existing plus the operational current proposals at a receptor by receptor basis.

The applicant considers that in terms of landscape character any wind farm will have a dominant landscape characteristic:

up to 700m-1km from turbines - substantial effect up to 3-4km – moderate effect as one key landscape characteristic.

Beyond that existing key characteristics will re-assert themselves, being a significant visual element but not a ‘characterising influence’ (slight effect).

Where the wind farm is not a significant element, it is negligible.

In reference to landscape character of the main landscape character types, it considers the following:

1. Ridge and Valley 5a

Concentration of proposals reflects its location between the National Park and the AONB. Each wind turbine development would generate significant effects within 1.5km-2.5km (where substantial or substantial/moderate magnitude effects arise).

The only existing wind farms in this landscape character are Flimby and High Pow which are 22.5km apart, thus not affecting the area.

The four proposed wind farms (Westnewton was still pending at the time of the submission of the additional evidence) are more than 5km apart, thus their areas of significant effect do not overlap. The ES considers the combinations of Tallentire and Flimby without Broughton Lodge would have a ‘characterising’ influence. The addition of Broughton Lodge would fill the gap between Tallentire and Flimby.

The combination with Threapland Lees or Westnewton would result in significant effects on character between Bridekirk and Aspatria. If all were developed the only area of this characterised fence of characterising influence of wind development would be near Westnewton, Waverton and High Pow.

2. Main Valley Sub-type 8c

No existing wind farms in this character area. The application site is 3km from this landscape character area and considers significant effects from the proposal itself will not arise as there is no visibility of the turbines within 4km of the site. Only Broughton Lodge would leave any cumulative impact. The area west of Cockermouth would be characterised by wind farms, whilst land to the east would be free.

3. Higher Limestone Sub-type 12b

Both Tallentire and Threapland Lees would be partially within this, as is the existing Wharrels Hill development. Significant effects would occur within 3-4km. Tallentire and Threapland Lees wind farms would affect the same character but their differing sizes will result in it being apparent they are separate wind farms. Resulting significant effect on character between Moota Hill and Whitrigg (albeit the influence of Wharrels Hill is reduced due to its smaller scale). Tallentire would have significant effect on the western area of the character sub-type (but limited to 1km to the south-east).

If all wind development were built, the most significant effects would arise from Tallentire as it relates to an area not affected by wind farms, but considers this would be localised and contained by topography.

In reference to the National Park, in the absence of any wind farms within this sensitive area, it needs to be assessed. The combination of Broughton Lodge and Tallentire would result in significant impacts north-east of Cockermouth, near Watch Hill. It is considered the two, along with Threapland, would complete a chain of wind farms (more than 5km intervals) from Lowca to Wharrels Hill. This chain may be visible and noticeable from elevated views on the fells, but would be viewed in the larger landscape of only limited impact on character, except around existing wind farms.

4. Solway Coast AONB

The ES refers to the existing Robin Rigg offshore wind farm but considers the recent wind farm approvals at Flimby and Hellrigg which are likely to have greater effects.

It is considered there would be some localised cumulative significant effect from between Allonby and Maryport, with Broughton Lodge and Threapland Lees having greater long distant views and therefore these will have only limited effect. Any cumulative impact of all the wind farms would relate to more distant views.

See Table 5.6 attached.

The cumulative impact was also assessed in terms of the views in transport corridor.

In summary, the ES advises that significant visual effects would occur along the Allerdale Ramble, a section of the A596 (near Crosby Villa) and occasionally along the A595. Only minimal increase to existing effects on the A66, A575, but the combination of Tallentire and Broughton Lodge would bring greater cumulative effect on this route. Effects on the A596 will form a pattern of views of wind farms which would be increased with the addition of the Westnewton and Threapland Lees wind farms.

The report concludes the proposal cumulatively with other approved and existing wind farms would not have cumulative impact on landscape character, or viewpoints, or designated areas overall.

All four wind farms are within the two study areas, are within the same character area, resulting in significant effects if more than one of these developments is implemented. Any combination of three or four of the proposals would result in significant cumulative impacts on the Ridge and Valley (5a) landscape.

There would be no significant effect on the Solway Coast AONB or on the Lakeland Fells, even if all four proposals were consented, with any affected views being panoramic views from south/south-east (e.g. Brigham, Great Clifton) or from the north/north-west (e.g. Crosby, Prospect), which would be impacted upon if there were three or more of the wind farms consented.

Cumulative impacts on transport corridors would be most prominent on the A66-A595 route which already passes the existing Wharrels Hill/Winscales wind farms. Broughton Lodge, Threapland Lees and Tallentire all have the potential to give rise to noticeable visual effects on this route, with Broughton Lodge and Tallentire a considerable feature along the Derwent Valley.

Westnewton Decision

Officers highlight that there are already existing wind farms within the locality of the site, plus approved (as yet unimplemented) at Flimby, an appeal against the refusal decision at Westnewton, with current applications also at Threapland Lees and Broughton Lodge.

The SPD does not dictate any yardstick separation distances, but indicates each would be assessed on its individual planning merits. Inevitably this issue is progressively becoming more complex as time progresses due to the increased number of wind turbine proposals and their geographic distribution.

The applicant, however, acknowledges that significant effects would occur between the proposal site and Wharrels Hill.

With regards to cumulative issues, the following is summarised from the Land Use consultants report:

• According to published guidance on cumulative assessment, it is the effects of the addition of the proposed wind farm (i.e. Tallentire) to the baseline wind farms, which should be considered. The references to ‘combined’ effects are therefore unnecessary. • The effects on the settings of designated landscapes have not been addressed and the assertion within the SEI that designated landscapes do not have a setting cannot be supported. • 5.6.16 states that ‘The addition of Broughton Lodge would fill the gap between Tallentire and Flimby. Assessing the additional effects of Tallentire, it would be more correct to state that Tallentire would fill the gap between Broughton Lodge and Flimby to the east, Westnewton to the north and Threapland Lees and Wharrels Hill to the west. As such, the addition of Tallentire to all the cumulative schemes, should they all be consented and built, would be to complete a chain of wind farms from the area around Workington to Wharrels Hill. • The cumulative assessment provided does not quantify magnitude of change for cumulative effects. Table 5.7 shows that significant cumulative effects as a result of Tallentire are predicted at VP6 Prospect, VP7 Crosby and VP30 Swarthy Hill. • The cumulative assessment in the SEI does not state the additional effects of Tallentire explicitly enough. • Development of the Tallentire wind farm, in addition to other proposed wind farms in the area, will have the effect of completing a chain of wind farms between Workington and the operational Wharrels Hill Scheme, if all other schemes are consented and built. • This chain will be most readily perceived from the Solway Coast AONB where Flimby, Broughton Lodge, Tallentire and Threapland Lees/Wharrels Hill will be seen in the middle distance, in front of the Lakeland Fells. • In views from the southern part of the AONB, the Tallentire Wind Farm will be the most visible scheme. • Without the development of Broughton Lodge, and Threapland Lees, the development of Tallentire would complete a less dense chain of wind farms, as it would be located between Flimby (consented) and Wharrels Hill.

• The development of the Westnewton Wind Farm, currently under appeal, in addition to Tallentire would have the effect of extending this chain northwards, extending cumulative effects along the AONB boundary, and potentially creating cumulative effects with the consented Hellrigg scheme near Silloth. • If all schemes are built in the area, we consider that there could be a significant cumulative effect on the relationship between the AONB and the National Park, potentially affecting the setting of the AONB. • Cumulatively, if they are built, the proposed wind farm will add to a number of consented and proposed wind farms lying in the land between the AONB and National Park, which may lead this area to be termed ‘a landscape with wind farms’, and which should be considered by the Council against the landscape objectives for the area.

Subsequent to the original submission of the current application, further applications submitted to the Local Planning Authority for wind farm developments demonstrate major/minor significant effects to landscape character from different viewpoints (Threapland Lees and Broughton). (The latter is also applicable to the Westnewton proposal.)

It is considered, therefore, that an environmental cumulative impact ground of refusal is valid, and is not outweighed by the environmental benefits of the proposal.

Highways

The applicant has submitted amended plans to address the original concerns of the Highways Authority including replacing the new proposed modifications to the existing access to Middlestone Moor. Given that there are no objections from the Highways Authority and the link of the site to the strategic highway networks (thus, the new proposed limiting of the impact of its construction traffic) the highway details are considered satisfactory.

Air Safety

The Ministry of Defence does not raise any objections to the turbines subject to confirmation of the Council’s decision.

NATS, however, has lodged an objection to the proposed development on the grounds that it would interfere with safeguarding their radar coverage from Lowther Hill.

This same issue was recently the subject of a similar objection to the proposed wind turbine proposal at Warwick Hill, Westnewton.

The applicant for this alternative proposal, however, negotiated a mitigation strategy which addressed NAT’s objections, which prompted the withdrawal of their objections.

Thus it is considered that this particular ground of objection is not insurmountable and can be mitigated.

Officer’s discussions with NATS understand that the principle of such mitigation may be feasible to the other wind turbine proposals within current planning applications.

The ability to secure this item under a ‘Grampian’ condition is dependant on whether there is a reasonable prospect of it being achieved.

Albeit it has been resolved for the Westnewton scheme and, indeed, officers are aware of the applicant’s ongoing discussions to agree a mitigation strategy. In officers’ opinion, without the support of NATS it is considered the application of any Grampian condition cannot be substantiated.

It is considered in adopting a precautionary approach, therefore, that, unless NATS formally withdraw their objection, the impact on radar coverage constitutes a ground for refusal.

Shadow Flicker

The Council commissioned a consultant to review the implications of shadow flicker arising from the development.

The appeal refers to PPS22 and its Companion Guide which refers to flicker occurring within 10 metre diameters of the turbine. Five properties were identified in this range but the consultant questioned two additional.

The study conceded the need for additional information for clarification.

1. Seek clarification on the omission of two properties just within 800m of the turbines in the assessment.

2. Provision of graphs to illustrate the fields of predicted shadow flicker. 3. Under-estimation of degree of MMMMM.. which shadow flicker could occur (but this would not have a significant difference in the impact of the assessment).

4. Inaccurate reference to flicker on ‘Dover Plain’.

Whilst the applicant has not put forward any mitigation strategy, the consultant considers that a control system/shadow flicker management plan be included in any decision to address any properties which would suffer nuisance from this issue, and would result in the turbines stopping operating when flicker is detected.

Noise

The applicant’s noise evidence is being independently evaluated. Details will be reported via the additional information sheet or at the committee meeting.

Therefore, overall, Members need to balance and compare the economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal to that of its environmental impact.

Officers therefore recommend the proposal should be refused on the grounds below:

Recommendation: Refuse

Conditions/ 1. The Local Planning Authority consider the proposed Reasons: development, cumulatively would have a harmful effect on the landscape of the area to the detriment of the visual amenity of the area, contrary to Policies R44 and E32 of the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 (Saved) and Policies EN19 and EN25 of the Allerdale Local Plan, Adopted 1999 (Saved).

2. In the absence of evidence to provide to the contrary, the Local Planning authority cannot be satisfied that the proposal, both individually and cumulatively with other wind farms, would not have a harmful impact on the visual amenity of the locality, with significant adverse and detrimental visual effects on views from the settlements of Tallentire and Gilcrux, in particular from residential occupiers of the two villages, contrary to Policy R44 of the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 (Saved).

3. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Local Planning Authority consider that insufficient evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposed development safeguards and secures radar coverage from the radar station site at Lowther Hill to the detriment of air safety.

2/2008/0261