Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee Report

Application No: P/2015/0899 Grid Ref: 287132.8 298358.2

Community Valid Date: Officer: Council: 24/09/2015 Dunya Fourie

Applicant: Mr Aled Jarman Ty Isaf, , Llanbrynmair, , SY19 7BQ

Location: Land at Ty Isaf, Bont Dolgadfan, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7BQ

Proposal: Installation of a wind turbine (blade tip height 41.3 m and hub height 29.5 m) at grid ref: 287138 / 298383 and all associated works

Application Application for Full Planning Permission Type:

Site Location and Description The site is located approximately 2.3km south of Bont Dolgadfan and approximately 1.5km north west of Pennant. There is no direct road access to the site, however the site can be accessed via existing farm tracks off the B4518. The surrounding area comprises upland moor and agricultural land, overlooking riverine valleys.

Apart from the applicant’s own property, the nearest unassisted dwelling is Cawg, approximately 500m to the east. Bron-derwgoed approximately 870m north of the site, this property is also a Grade II listed building. The barn at the rear of Minfordd Cottages is also Grade II listed and is approximately 1.1km north east of the site. The closest scheduled ancient monument (Moelfre round barrow) is approximately 2.3km west of the site. The closest SSSI (Mwyngloddfa Ceulan) is approximately 1.9km south west of the site

This application seeks full planning consent to erect a single wind turbine, the dimensions of the turbine comprise a blade tip height of 41.3m, a hub height of 29.5m and is predicted to produce 100kw of energy. The proposal also includes a small enclosure measuring approximately 6m2 with a building to house a transformer, associated switch gear and electrical protection equipment. The proposal also includes a temporary crane pad (400m2). A proposal for a new access track has previously been submitted which confirmed that prior approval is not required. This track will be utilised to access the turbine site.

Consultee Response Council Letter of 21 October 2015

No objection with comments

Environmental Health E maiil of 15 October 2015

Having read the application and visited the site I have no objection to this application subject to conditions.

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The application demonstrates that noise levels at the 3 closest dwellings is below the simplified methodology level within ETSu-R-97 and therefore subject to the report representing an accurate identification of the closest dwellings there should not be cause for objection on grounds of noise.

The applicant has not undertaken a cumulative noise impact assessment and subject to their not being any consented turbines within a 1km radius of the site then I would recommend that the noise condition within the developers guide be attached to any consent granted.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust E mail of 12 October 2015

We note the contents of the supporting archaeological appraisal report by the Trysor consultants. This report highlights a number of direct impacts to boundary banks on the hillside immediately adjacent to the turbine. The boundary banks are possibly part of a post medieval field enclosure system in this upland area although their precise date is unknown. In section 11 of the archaeological report it is recommended that the banks are examined in further detail as a condition of consent and we would agree with this advice.

Consequently I have included a condition below which will allow the investigative trenching suggested in 11.1.2, 11.2.1, and 11.2.2 of the report to be taken forward by an archaeological contractor engaged by the developer.

The condition would be:

No development shall take place within the application area until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation, which has been submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

The archaeological programme of work will be undertaken and completed in accordance with the relevant Standards and Guidance laid down by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. A copy of the resulting report should be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and the Development Control Archaeologist, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (41 Broad Street, , Powys, SY21 7RR Email: [email protected] Tel: 01938 553670). After approval by the Local Planning Authority, a copy of the report and resulting archive should also be sent to the Historic Environment Record Officer, Clwyd- Powys Archaeological Trust for inclusion in the regional Historic Environment Record.

Built Heritage No response reveived.

CADW Letter of 28 October 2015

Cadw’s role in the planning process is to provide the local planning authority with an assessment concerned with the likely impact that the proposal will have on scheduled

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monuments or registered historic parks and gardens. It is a matter for the local planning authority to then weigh Cadw’s assessment against all the other material considerations in determining whether to approve planning permission, including issues concerned with listed buildings and conservation areas.

The proposed development is located within the vicinity of the scheduled monument known as Moelfre Round Barrow (MG311). Having carefully considered the information provided with the planning application, Cadw considers that the proposed development will only have a limited impact on the aforementioned designated historic asset. Cadw therefore has no comments to make on the proposed development.

Natural Resource Letter of 26 October 2015

Natural Resources Wales brings together the work of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, as well as some functions of Welsh Government. Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, used and enhanced, now and in the future.

Natural Resources Wales does not object to the proposal. In our opinion, as explained below, the proposal is not likely to adversely affect any of the interests listed.

Landscape The proposed turbine 41.3m high to rotor tip is at sufficient distance from the Snowdonia National Park (12km) and the Clywedog Valley landscape of Special Historic Interest (3.6km) that we consider it is unlikely to introduce significant visual effects upon these landscapes singularly, or in combination with other consented and operational wind development in the area. NRW therefore do not object to the proposal.

European Protected Species – Bats The applicant has submitted a Bat Survey Report to inform the public decision making process. Reference: Vaughan, D (2015). Bat Survey Report: Ty Isaf Farm, Llanbrynmair SY19 7BQ. Biodiversity Solutions. Unpublished. Natural Resources Wales agree with the report’s conclusions in section 8.

Nesting Birds The applicant has submitted an ecological appraisal to inform the public decision making process. Reference: Langdon, S. (2015). Phase 1 Ecology Report: Ty Isaf Farm, Llanbrynmair SY19 7BQ. Biodiversity Solutions. Unpublished.

Natural Resources Wales agrees with the conclusion and recommendations in section 5 of the report.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) Please note that we have not considered possible effects on all species and habitats listed in section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, or on the Local Biodiversity Action Plan or other local natural heritage interests. To comply with your authority's duty under section 40 of the NERC Act, to have regard to conserving biodiversity, your decision should take account of possible adverse effects on such

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interests. We recommend that you seek further advice from your authority's internal ecological adviser and/or nature conservation organisations such as the local Wildlife Trust, RSPB, etc. The Wales Biodiversity Partnership's web site has guidance for assessing proposals that have implications for section 42 habitats and species (www.biodiversitywales.org.uk).

To conclude, Natural Resources Wales does not object to the proposal. In our opinion, as explained below, the proposal is not likely to adversely affect any of the interests listed.

Powys County Council Ecologist E mail of 14 October 2015

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Highway Authority E mail of 16 October 2015

The HA has no objection in principle to the development, however the private access serving the proposal off the B4518 has very limited visibility to the south and will need to be improved accordingly. In addition, the highway network serving the site which have structures placed upon them will need to be verified before any AIL (Crane movements) take place.

It is my understanding that the land to the south of the private access to be used to service the site is within the applicants control and as such I have conditioned accordingly. Please confirm that this is acceptable to you.

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Please apply the following conditions:-

“Prior to any works commencing on site a transportation route for the delivery of the wind turbine components and vehicle cranes shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA.”

HC4 Within 5 days from the commencement of the development the access shall be constructed so that there is clear visibility from a point 1.05 metres above ground level at the centre of the access and 2.4 metres distant from the edge of the adjoining carriageway, to points 0.26 metres above ground level at the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 25 metres distant in a southerly direction measured from the centre of the access along the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 10 metres distant from the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 10 metres in a southerly direction. Nothing shall be planted, erected or allowed to grow on the areas of land so formed that would obstruct the visibility and the visibility shall be maintained free from obstruction for as long as the development hereby permitted remains in existence.

Transport Wales Letter of 28 October 2015

I refer to your consultation of 7 October 2015 regarding the above application and advise that the Welsh Government as highway authority for the A470 trunk road does not issue a direction in respect of this application.

Wales and West Utilites Letter of 8 October 2015

According to our mains records Wales & West Utilities has no apparatus in the area of your enquiry. However Gas pipes owned by other GT's and also privately owned may be present in this area. Information with regard to such pipes should be obtained from the owners.

Safe digging practices, in accordance with HS(G)47, must be used to verify and establish the actual position of mains, pipes, services and other apparatus on site before any mechanical plant is used. It is your responsibility to ensure that this information is provided to all persons (either direct labour or contractors) working for you on or near gas apparatus.

Please note that the plans are only valid for 28 days from the date of issue and updated plans must be requested before any work commences on site if this period has expired.

Public Response A site notice was erected adjacent to Ty Isaf farm and the site access point off the B road, no decision was made regarding the application for a continuous period of 21 days from the date of the application.

One third party representation has been received in objection to the proposed development. The grounds for objection are based on the visual impact of the turbine on the surrounding area.

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Planning History AGRI/2014/0099: Agriculatural track. No proir approval required.

Principal Planning Policies National Planning Policy Planning Policy Wales (PPW, 7th Edition July 2014) Technical Advice Note 8: Renewable Energy (2005) Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (2009)

Local Planning Policy-Unitary Development Plan for Powys (UDP, March 2010) UDP SP1: Social, Community and Cultural Sustainability UDP SP3: Natural, Historic and Built Heritage UDP SP6: Development and Transport UDP SP8: Tourism Developments UDP GP1: Development Control UDP GP4: Highway and Parking Requirements UDP ENV1: Agricultural Land UDP ENV2: Safeguarding the Landscape UDP ENV3: Safeguarding Biodiversity and Natural Habitats UDP ENV7: Protected Species UDP ENV 14: Listed Buildings UDP ENV17: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites UDP EC9: Agricultural Development UDP T2: Traffic Management UDP TR2: Tourist Attractions and Development Areas UDP RL6: Rights of Way and Access to the Countryside UDP E3: Windpower UDP DC9: Protection of Water Resources UDP DC12: Overhead Lines and Pipelines UDP DC13: Surface Water Drainage

RDG=Powys Residential Design Guide NAW=National Assembly for Wales TAN= Technical Advice Note UDP=Powys Unitary Development Plan, MIPPS=Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement

Officer Appraisal Members are advised to consider this application in accordance with Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which requires that, if regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the Planning Acts, the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise

Principle of Development Guidance contained within TAN 8 and UDP policy E3 is broadly supportive of onshore wind turbine development as a means to produce energy and combat climate change, but only where there would be no significant adverse effect on, amongst other things, the landscape, biodiversity, amenity, historic features or highway network.

TAN 8 recognises the role of the local planning authority in balancing renewable energy development and protection of the local environment and its occupants. The policy states “The Planning system has an important role to play in achieving the Assembly Government’s commitment to enabling the deployment of all forms of renewable energy

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technologies in Wales”. The policy continues, stating “Outside of the onshore windfarm strategic Search Areas, a balance needs to be struck between the desirability of renewable energy and landscape protection. Whilst that balance should not result in severe restriction on the development of wind power capacity, there is a case for avoiding a situation where wind turbines are spread across the whole of a county”.

UDP policy E3 states within the reasoned justification “It is clearly recognised that international, European and national (UK and Welsh) policies and imperatives dictate that there is an obligation to promote renewable energy developments where they are environmentally acceptable”. The justification goes on to state “A careful balance needs to be struck between the pressing need to combat climate change and the need to protect a valued and attractive landscape”.

Paragraph 1.3 of the Design and Access statement confirms this project is part of farm diversification of Ty Isaf. Ty Isaf is a traditional family run Welsh hill farm and the Jarman family have farmed it since 1825. Ty Isaf farms organically and have embraced the Glastir Entry and Advanced Environmental schemes. The farm already benefits from a 15kw hydro electric scheme which they state produces power 75% of the year. The have also installed a biomass boiler and wood drying kiln on the farm in order to replace a domestic oil as a domestic fuel source. They state the addition of a wind turbine would ensure the viability of their business.

In accordance with current renewable energy planning policy, the proposed turbine is acceptable in principle, subject to meeting all the detailed considerations. These considerations shall now be discussed separately.

Landscape Impact

Criterion 1 of UDP policy E3 states “they do not unacceptably adversely affect the environmental and landscape quality of Powys, either on an individual basis or in combination with other proposed or existing similar developments. Where the cumulative impact of proposals in combination with other approved or existing windfarms would be significantly detrimental to overall environmental quality they will be refused”.

Moreover, in outlining the assessment of effects as required by the European Union Directive, the published Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment states in paragraph 1.17 that the “emphasis is on the identification of likely significant environmental effects”.

This policy context indicates that proposals for wind turbines will only be permitted where they do not unacceptably adversely affect the environmental and landscape quality of Powys.

The site does not lie within any national or local landscape designations. Landmap gives the site a landscape and cultural value of high and a geological value of outstanding.

Zones of theoretical visibility (ZTV) maps, photomontages, wireframes and a Landscape and Visual Impact Report comprise the assessment of the landscape and visual impact of the proposed turbine, individually and cumulatively with other operational turbine development in the surrounding area.

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The radius of 5km is considered acceptable for a single turbine development in this location, the ZTV is mapped using blade tip height visibility, the dynamic nature of turbine blades, especially when breaking a skyline have the potential to have an impact on visual and landscape amenity and as such it is welcomed this potential visibility is reflected by the blade tip height ZTV.

The individual ZTV shows the turbine blade tip would be visible within short and medium range views, including views from the nearest listed building. The siting of the turbine to benefit from topographical screening is demonstrated by the ZTV, incoming views of the turbine are limited to the valley to the east of the site and do not extend to Bont Dolgadfan, which is the nearest settlement.

At approximately 41.3m to blade tip height and with a rotor radius of 25m, the turbine would be viewed as a vertical, moving and man-made element within the landscape. Views of the site from certain aspects include the backdrop of the operational turbines at Carno windfarm which is approximately 3km from the site, the turbine within these views would appear an additional but not a new feature. The turbine is sited below the skyline and as such has a landscape backdrop within most views into the site.

NRW do not object, they note the turbine is sufficiently separated from Snowdonia National Park (12km) and Clywedog Valley landscape of Special Historic Interest (3.6km) and as such they consider the turbine is unlikely to introduce significant visual effects upon these landscapes singularly or in combination with other wind turbine development in the area.

Based on the information submitted, the siting of the turbine is not considered to be within a sensitive landscape nor near to sensitive landscape features. The height of the turbine would be higher than other man made features in the surrounding area, however the turbine is set against a landscape backdrop. The turbine would therefore not appear unduly dominant or harmful to the landscape’s character. It is therefore concluded the turbine would have an acceptable impact on the landscape quality of the area, in accordance with policies GP1, ENV2 and E3 of the UDP.

Visual Impact

Landmap gives the site a visual and sensory value of moderate. A total of 5 individual turbine photomontages have been submitted, the viewpoints include views from surrounding sensitive visual receptors, including minor road (B4518), Glyndwr’s Way and nearby Public Rights of Way. Based on the photomontages provided, from all but one of the viewpoints the blade radius and part of the mast would be visible from all the viewpoints selected.

The ZTV show the turbine would not be visible over a wide area, the surrounding topography and landscape features reduce the visibility of the turbine by screening it from incoming views, particularly from the west, north and south.

The ZTV shows the turbine would not be visible from Bont Dolgadfan and as such no concern is raised regarding the visual impact of the turbine on residents of this settlement. The turbine wold be visible from the B4518, the vegetation along the road and the changing topography would mean views of the turbine by receptors using the road would be

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intermittent. As shown in the photomontage, where the turbine would be visible, it would be viewed with a landscape backdrop. The Landscape and Visual Report confirms the turbine would be finished in an off white colour, a condition of any consent would require the colour of the turbine to be agreed. The reason for this is that a darker coloured turbine such as ‘RAL700-squirrel grey, would integrate better into the landscape.

Glyndwr’s Way is approximately 5km south of the site, the very tips of the turbine blades are shown to be visible from Glyndwr’s Way. Based on the photomontage provided and the separation distance between the turbine and Glyndwr’s Way, it can be concluded the turbine would not appear visually overbearing on user receptors of this national trail. Indeed, the photomontage shows the Carno Windfarm would appear more visible in the distance than the proposed turbine.

Residential receptors

All residential receptors are considered to be sensitive receptors, the ZTV shows the turbine would be visible from Cawg and Bron-derwgoed and as such wireframe images have been provided from these properties.

Cawg is approximately 500m from the turbine site and set at a lower ground elevation, the front elevation of the dwelling is orientated away from the turbine site. Wireframe (figure A) shows the turbine tower and blade diameter would be visible on the ridge to the west of the dwelling. While the turbine is visible from the dwelling due to the separation distances, orientation of the dwelling and the screening provided by the surrounding outbuildings, it is not considered the turbine would have a detrimental visual impact on the occupiers of Cawg and as such is considered in accordance with policy GP1 and E3.

Bron-derwgoed is the closest listed building, wireframe (figure B) shows the visibility of the turbine when viewed from this listed building, as shown on the view point there is a small area where the tip of the turbine blade would be visible along the brow of the hill. Based on this viewpoint turbine a small part of the turbine would be visible at a distance from the listed building and as such it is concluded the turbine would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the listed building or its setting, in accordance with policy ENV14.

Impact on receptors of the public right of way network

The views of the turbine from Glyndwr’s Way as it travels west to east would be intermittent long range views, where topography would screen the turbine from receptors and when visible the turbine would appear small given the separation distance of over 5km.

The nearest footpath is approximately 500m south of the site at a considerably lower elevation. The turbine blade radius is shown to be visible, however the view of the turbine is long range and with a more appropriate colour, would further integrate into the landscape backdrop. The proposed turbine would not appear overly visual or dominant on users of this public right of way.

Photomontages have been provided from the public right of way east of Pennant and from the footpath to the north west of the site which traverses the hill summit. The turbine blade radius and part of the tower would be visible from this route, however the turbine would be viewed in the context of the existing Carno wind farm turbines and as would not appear a

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new man made feature within the landscape. The views of the turbine would be intermittent and short lived as the route of the path transverses behind other topographical features.

Cumulative impact The Carno windfarm is relevant to the cumulative effect of the proposed turbine, however due to the separation distance between the site and the proposed turbine it is accepted that there would be no significant cumulative effect.

Conclusion There is no dispute that the turbine would be visible within the landscape but the issue to be determined is whether the development would be likely to have an unacceptable adverse effect on visual amenity. It is concluded the turbine would not be highly visible within short, mid or long range views in aspects surrounding the site and would not appear dominant locally in the context of the wider landscape.

In conclusion, the proposed development would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on rural views enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the area. As such it would not harm visual amenity and complies with polices ENV2 and E2 of the UDP.

Historic Impact

Policies ENV14 and EN17 seek to protect the character and setting of listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments and archaeological sites. A Historic Environment Appraisal is submitted with the application. The surrounding area, within 1km, accommodates a small number of features designated for their historic value and Landmap gives the area a historic value of moderate.

Moelfre Round Barrow (MG311) is separated from the proposed development by over 2km and the feature is set at a higher elevation than the turbine. CADW recognise the presence of the Moelfre Round Barrow (MG311), however conclude the proposed development will only have a limited impact on this designated historic asset and therefore do not wish to make a comment. Based on the above referenced factors, Development Management concur with the conclusions made by CADW and confirm the proposed turbine would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the nearest scheduled ancient monument.

CPAT raise no objection to the proposal, however they do recognise the presence of medieval field boundaries close to the site and as such recommend a condition of any forthcoming consent requires a program of archaeological works is agreed prior to development commencing.

There are two listed buildings in proximity to the turbine, the submitted wireframe image shows the turbine blade tip would be visible from the nearest listed building; Bron- dwergoed, however this small scale of visibility would not dominate the visual context of the building or its setting. In additional there is existing vegetative screening around this building which would further reduce the visibility of the turbine blade tip from the building. It is concluded, due to the small scale visibility, separation distance and the intervening topography, the development would not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the character or setting of the listed building.

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Neighbour amenity impact Wind turbines have the potential to create noise from the mechanics of the turbine itself and the movement of the rotor blades through the air.

The nearest non-associated residential property is Cawg within 500m of the turbine. This distance is in excess of the separation distance generally used as a guide to avoid unacceptable noise impacts, in addition the dwelling is sited at a substantially lower elevation.

Paragraphs 2.14 to 2.16 of Annex C of TAN 8 offer guidance on the assessment of the actual effects of noise on residential amenity and recognise the recommendations made by ETSU-R-97 as relevant guidance on good practice. The submitted noise assessment states that noise at all sensitive receptor properties would be below the limits set out in ETSU-R-97 and conditions can be used to ensure that recommendations on noise levels would not be exceeded in practice. It is on this basis it is considered that the living conditions of occupiers of the nearest uninvolved properties would not be unacceptably affected by noise. This is supported by the Environmental Health department who raise no objection on noise amenity grounds.

With regard to shadow flicker it is generally accepted that significant shadow effects will not occur beyond a distance of 10 times rotor diameter. The blade diameter is 45, as such shadow flicker effect will not occur beyond 240m, the nearest non-associated dwelling is over 500m from the turbine. Given these separation distances, I am satisfied that local residents would not be affected by shadow flicker.

Impact on ecology and biodiversity

Turbine development has the potential to impact on ecology, impacts include habitat changes at the site and collision of bats and birds with the dynamic turbine blades. Policy ENV3 seeks to protect biodiversity and natural habitats from adverse forms of development. Policy ENV7 reinforces the protection afforded to European protected species.

The application is supported by an ecological appraisal carried out by Biodiversity Solutions. The findings of the Assessment concluded the development would not have a detrimental impact on protected species. The appraisal does recognise the surrounding habitat offers good feeding habitat for local bats in good weather conditions, however the absence of significant areas of good roosting and feeding habitat for noctule bats in the local area is reflected in the very low activity levels for this species.

NRW and Council Ecologist note the findings of the Assessment and conclude the turbine would not have a detrimental impact on the favourable conservation status of any bat population present and as such are satisfied no further survey work is required.

Should Members be minded to grant consent, a condition requiring the recommendations included within the Ecological Assessment form part of any forthcoming consent, in the interests of protected species and biodiversity.

Impact on the Highway Network

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Access to the site would be via the consent farm tract off the B4518. It is proposed to access the track via the existing field entrance, the highway authority consider this access point would need to be improved in order to facilitate the access of the larger turbine components, and not at the detriment of highway safety.

The land surrounding the access point is within the applicant’s control and as such Development Management recommend a condition of any forthcoming consent requires details of the improved access to be submitted to the Local Authority and carried out prior to commencing construction of the turbine.

The turbine components to be transported would not require transportation of abnormal indivisible loads. The highway authority are satisfied, subject to the above recommended condition, the turbine could be transported to site without undue disruption to the highway network or harm to highway safety, in accordance with Policy GP4 and E3 of the UDP .

Impact on the Public Rights of Way Network Policy RL6 concerns rights of way within Powys and access to the countryside, this policy seeks to safeguard the existing public rights of way network. The area surrounding the turbine is host to a public right of way network including footpaths and Glyndwr’s Way.

The site is approximately 630m from the nearest footpath, the turbine siting complies is sited a sufficient distance from the footpath and would not restrict its use through obstruction.

The development complies with the policy RL6 and as such is considered acceptable.

Impact on Social Economics The proposed turbine is located in proximity to recreational assets including public rights of way and Glyndwrs Way.

Policy TR2 of the Unitary Development Plan states that development of any kind which would have an unacceptable adverse effect upon the environmental setting of established tourist attractions will be opposed.

Having researched the subject of socio-economic impact, it is considered that there is limited information available. Notwithstanding this, there are two relatively recent Inspector’s Reports that may help Members address this issue which are detailed below. Members however need to ensure that they determine this application on its own merits.

Fullabrook Down Wind Farm (2007): Inspector’s Report (page 48):

“The question of impacts on tourism is extremely nebulous and vulnerable to assessment by assumption rather than by evidence; it is an area where it is easy to hold opinions but harder to back them up with firm data. There is also the fact that in 15 or so years of wind farm development no evidence has ever emerged from developed sites that tourism has suffered as a result”.

Middlemoor Wind Farm: Inspector’s Report (2008): (page 89):

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“There appears to be no evidence from other parts of the country or abroad to suggest that the presence of wind farms in open countryside has harmed the tourism industry. Both Cumbria and Cornwall have experienced a rise in tourist numbers since the first wind farms were installed. According to the presentation prepared by the British Wind Energy Association to the All-party Parliamentary Group on Tourism, 24 May 2006, surveys and reports investigating wind energy and tourism demonstrate that the effect on tourism is negligible at worst, with many respondents taking a positive view of wind farms.

The presentation argues that the judgement of acceptability based on landscape protection will provide ample protection from tourism since, in general, landscape is more vulnerable to wind farm development than is tourism. Therefore, if there is deemed to be no damage to landscape at the planning stage, there is unlikely to be damage to tourism”

Research has been carried out in the to establish whether wind farms are seen as having a negative impact on tourism. A study carried out by the University of Edinburgh as a submission to the Renewables Inquiry of the Scottish Government entitled “Tourism impact on wind farms”1 provided the following conclusion:

“In conclusion, the findings from both primary and secondary research relating to the actual and potential tourism impact of wind farms indicate that there will be neither an overall decline in the number of tourists visiting an area nor any overall financial loss in tourism- related earnings as a result of a wind farm development.”

The research is not considered to be a categorical statement on the impact of wind turbines, but it did take into account a range of research studies. There is likely to be other research available, but as a Local Planning Authority we are not aware of robust evidence of a detrimental impact. To paraphrase the Inspector’s decision notice above the whole issue of detrimental tourism impacts is a nebulous issue vulnerable to assessment by assumption rather than by evidence. The objections are based on what appear to be genuinely held opinions, but they do not appear to be supported by any firm data that the proposed development will result in significant harm. There is little general evidence to support the assertion that the development of wind turbines will have a detrimental economic impact on tourism.

Whilst considering the generality, it is important to take into account the impact of this proposal specifically on the surrounding area which has a scenic value and the public rights of way within immediate proximity of the application site, both of which are likely to be appreciated by tourists. Notwithstanding the above, it remains that the perceived harm is an assumption and not supported by robust evidence which clearly demonstrates harm to tourism. Based upon site visits, it is not considered that there are specific reasons why a different conclusion would be reached in this case.

It is therefore considered based on previous research findings and the situation of this application that the proposal will not have a significant impact on tourist attractions and as such, a recommendation for refusal on the grounds of an adverse impact on tourism is considered unjustified. In light of the above, Development Management is satisfied that the proposed development in accordance with UDP policy TR2.

Recommendation

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The proposed development is in accordance with the national and local planning policies listed in this report and as such, the recommendation to Members is one of conditional consent.

Conditions 1. The development to which this permission relates shall be begun no later than the expiration of five years from the date of this permission. 2. The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the plans stamped as approved 3. The proposed turbine once implemented shall be removed from the application site and the land restored to grassland should the turbine cease operation (i.e. generating electricity) for a continuous time period in excess of six months. The outline removal shall take place within six months from the six month period referred to in the first part of this condition. 4. At the end of the 25 year period, the turbine shall be decommissioned and all related above ground structures shall be removed from the site. Twelve months before the decommissioning of the turbine, a scheme for the restoration of the site shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall make provision for the removal of the wind turbine and the associated ancillary equipment. The scheme shall include details of the management and timing for the works to be completed. All decommissioning and restoration works shall thereafter be carried out in strict accordance with the approved scheme'. 5. The wind turbine noise level measured shall be in accordance with the guidance contained within the Department of Trade and Industry Report 'The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms' (ETSU-R-97) and, as such, shall not exceed an absolute noise level of 35 dB expressed as L A90 10min at any existing dwelling, up to on-site wind speeds of 10m/s measured at a height of 10m 6. The level of noise emitted by the wind turbine shall be demonstrated at the request of the Local Planning Authority. Should the wind turbine(s) be identified as operating at an absolute noise level that exceeds 35 dB expressed as L A90 10min at any existing dwelling, up to on-site wind speeds of 10m/s measured at a height of 10m, the turbine(s) shall be taken out of use until such time as maintenance or repair is undertaken sufficient to reduce the absolute noise level of the operating turbine(s) to within the parameters specified in condition 6. 7. Notwithstanding the information submitted with the application, the colour of the external finish of the turbine shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 8. Within 5 days from the commencement of the development the access shall be constructed so that there is clear visibility from a point 1.05 metres above ground level at the centre of the access and 2.4 metres distant from the edge of the adjoining carriageway, to points 0.26 metres above ground level at the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 25 metres distant in a southerly direction measured from the centre of the access along the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 10 metres distant from the edge of the adjoining carriageway and 10 metres in a southerly direction. Nothing shall be planted, erected or allowed to grow on the areas of land so formed that would obstruct the visibility and the visibility shall be maintained free from obstruction for as long as the development hereby permitted remains in existence. 9. Development shall be carried out in accordance with sections 5.0.4 and 5.0.6 of the Ecological Report by Biodiversity Solutions dated 1st July 2015 unless otherwise agreed in writing by the LPA

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Reasons 1. Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 2. To ensure adherence to the plans stamped as approved in the interests of clarity and a satisfactory development. 3. In the interests of the character and appearance of the area, in accordance with policies SP12, GP1, E3 and E4 of the Powys Unitary Development Plan (2010), Technical Advice Note 8: Planning for renewable Energy (2005) and Planning Policy Wales (2014). 4. In order to manage the visual and landscape impact in accordance with policies SP12, GP1, ENV2, E3, E4 of the Powys UDP (March 2010) Technical Advice Note 8 (2005) and Planning Policy Wales 2014. 5. In order to maintain and protect the amenity of nearby residents by the reduction of ambient noise levels to an acceptable level in accordance with the requirements of Section 13.13 (Reducing Noise and Light Pollution) of Planning Policy Wales (2014) Technical Advice Note 11 - Noise (1997) and policies SP12, GP1 and E3 of the Powys Unitary Development Plan (2010). 6. In order to maintain and protect the amenity of nearby residents by the reduction of ambient noise levels to an acceptable level in accordance with the requirements of Section 13.13 (Reducing Noise and Light Pollution) of Planning Policy Wales (2014) Technical Advice Note 11 - Noise (1997) and policies SP12, GP1 and E3 of the Powys Unitary Development Plan (2010). 7. In the interests of visual amenity and to accord with Powys Unitary Development Plan policies GP1 and ENV2 8. In the interests of highway safety and to accord with Powys Unitary Development Plan policies GP1 and GP4 9. In the interests of ecology and to accord with Powys Unitary Development Plan policies ENV3 and ENV7

Notes

______Case Officer: Dunya Fourie- Planning Officer Tel: 01597 82 7230 E-mail:[email protected]

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