Supporting Document for Proposed Local Development Plan 2015

East Dunbartonshire Evidence Report 7: Wind Energy Framework

Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environment Report Action Programme Habitats Regulations Appraisal Equality Impact Assessment Policy Background Reports Evidence Report 1: Addressing Housing Need and Demand in East Dunbartonshire Evidence Report 2: Housing Land Audit 2014 Evidence Report 3: Site Assessments Evidence Report 4: Campsie Fells Statement of Importance Evidence Report 5: Kilpatrick Hills Statement of Importance Evidence Report 6: Retail Capacity Assessment Evidence Report 7: Wind Energy Framework Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

Spatial Framework for Wind Energy Development

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scottish Planning Policy

3. & Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan

4. Landscape Capacity Study for Development in Glasgow & the Clyde Valley (Clydeplan)

5. Definition of Onshore Wind Energy Development

6. Local Development Plan Proposed Plan Policy 15, Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technology

6.1 The Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

6.2 Other Policy Criteria, Including Landscape and Visual Impacts

7. Other Sources of Information

Appendix 1: The Spatial Framework for Wind Energy Map Appendix 2: Other References

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

1. Introduction

This report sets out the national, strategic and current local planning policy context for onshore wind energy developments and other sources of information. It also identifies Clydeplan’s definition of different types of wind turbine development. It provides technical background information on the planning considerations for a spatial framework for wind energy development as required by Scottish Planning Policy. This framework forms part of the proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) Policy 15: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technology.

2. Scottish Planning Policy

The Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 2014, Principal Policy for Sustainability sets out policy principles including:

 supporting delivery of infrastructure, including energy;  supporting climate change mitigation;  avoiding over-development, protecting the amenity of new and existing development.

SPP, Principal Policy on Placemaking sets the policy for development in green belts. It states in para 52 that LDPs should describe the types and scales of development which would be appropriate within a green belt. It states that this can include development meeting a national requirement or established need, if no other suitable site is available. It does not however mention renewable energy directly as an appropriate development in the green belt. In addition green belt is not identified as a planning consideration for the spatial framework for wind energy, see table 1 below.

SPP has a section on low carbon place, delivering heat and electricity. It contains policy principles which support the transformational change to a low carbon economy, consistent with national objectives and targets, including the equivalent of 100% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020; support the development of a diverse range of electricity generation from renewable energy technologies - including the expansion of renewable energy generation capacity. It states that Development Plans should seek to ensure an area's full potential for electricity and heat from renewable sources is achieved, in line with national climate change targets, giving due regard to relevant environmental, community and cumulative impact considerations.

SPP has a section on onshore wind, paragraphs 161 to 166, which states “Planning authorities should set out in the development plan a spatial framework identifying those areas that are likely to be most appropriate for onshore wind farms as a guide for developers and communities, following the approach set out below. Development plans should indicate the minimum scale of onshore wind development that their spatial framework is intended to apply to. Development plans should also set out the criteria that

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

will be considered in deciding all applications for wind farms of different scales - including extensions and re-powering.”

“Both strategic and local development plan authorities, working together where required, should identify where there is strategic capacity for wind farms, and areas with the greatest potential for wind development, considering cross-boundary constraints and opportunities. Strategic development planning authorities are expected to take the lead in dealing with cross-boundary constraints and opportunities and will coordinate activity with constituent planning authorities.”

“The approach to spatial framework preparation set out in the SPP should be followed in order to deliver consistency nationally and additional constraints should not be applied at this stage. The spatial framework is complemented by a more detailed and exacting development management process where the merits of an individual proposal will be carefully considered against the full range of environmental, community, and cumulative impacts.”

Table 1: Spatial Frameworks identifies the planning considerations that should be considered in a framework. It identifies three groups, including:

1. Areas where wind farms will not be acceptable 2. Areas of significant protection 3. Areas with potential for development.

SPP notes that grid capacity should not be used as a reason to constrain the areas identified for wind farm development or decisions on individual applications for wind farms. It is for wind farm developers to discuss connections to the grid with the relevant transmission network operator. Consideration should be given to underground grid connections where possible.

It also highlights that proposals for onshore wind turbine developments should continue to be determined while spatial frameworks and local policies are being prepared and updated. Moratoria on onshore wind development are not appropriate.

3. Glasgow & Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan

The Strategic Development Plan (SDP), 2012, Strategy Support Measure 9 notes that “Low carbon economic growth requires that indigenous supplies of natural resources continue to be developed and that, where feasible, a phased programme of development be established through the life of the plan. Broad areas of search for wind energy have been outlined in the Spatial Development Strategy and it will be for LDPs to take forward the refinement of these areas to establish their long term potential.”

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

The SDP reflects the context of a low carbon future and protects important natural environments by defining search areas for wind farm developments of 20 Megawatts (MW) generating capacity, see Diagram 16. Background Report 11 Wind Energy Search Areas sets out the methodology for this. There are no broad areas of search in East Dunbartonshire.

The new Clydeplan SDP, Main Issues Report (MIR) was published in January 2015. It identifies issue 2 – supporting a low carbon economy. The preferred option is set out below and no reasonable alternative option is proposed. The preferred option is: “Develop a spatial framework using the approach set out in SPP, update the existing SDP1 policy and take account of the landscape capacity study to ensure a consistent approach is taken across the city region. This takes account of SPP, updates environmental information and provides a new policy approach.”

The Clydeplan MIR is supported by SDP MIR Background Paper 9, Jan 2015, Wind Energy Development in Glasgow & the Clyde Valley, which refines the existing methodology in line with Scottish Planning Policy. This refers to the Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Turbine Development produced by Clydeplan in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and the eight Clydeplan local authorities. The outputs of the study include an overview report and eight local authority reports.

4. Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Turbine Development in Glasgow & the Clyde Valley (Clydeplan)

The aim of this study was to provide a strategic view of landscape sensitivity to wind energy development, and available capacity for further development, across the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley SDP area. It also examined cumulative development within the landscape, which crosses local authority boundaries. The study established that there is residual capacity in some lower sensitivity landscapes, but that the capacity threshold is being approached in others. It is recognised that the application of this study will be a consideration for LDPs and Development Management.

The study found that the majority of the landscapes within East Dunbartonshire are of moderate sensitivity to wind turbine development. However, it was judged that the sensitivity of the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills was higher, and their prominent edges were considered to be a key factor determining the sensitivity of the wider landscape. The escarpment of the Campsie Fells in particular has an important relationship with the adjacent Glazert Valley, as well as with the lower land to the south and, by extension, with the Clyde basin as a whole.

The study also noted the importance of the Antonine Wall and Forth and Clyde Canal. The capacity of the East Dunbartonshire landscape is considered to be limited, with opportunities generally restricted to smaller single-turbine developments, carefully sited to avoid impacts on the key prominent landforms. The study notes the very low level of wind turbine development in East Dunbartonshire at present; though there are areas where larger

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

numbers of turbines can be seen albeit at some distance. The potential for cumulative effects to arise based on current patterns of development pressure is judged to be low.

The landscape capacity study identified that potential cumulative impact from wind turbines in East Dunbartonshire is currently low. There is only one operational single wind turbine and no planning permissions for wind turbines of over 30 metres, to blade tip, in the area. However development must consider potential cumulative impacts from existing and consented turbines in East Dunbartonshire and in neighbouring areas. Cumulative impacts occur when two or more wind turbines are visible either in combination, in succession or sequentially. Where proposals would result in two or more wind turbine developments within close proximity (around 15km or less), their cumulative impact requires to be fully evaluated. Wind energy developments currently existing or with planning permission adjacent to this area include: single turbines in North Lanarkshire, wind farms north of the Carron Reservoir, Stirling and Whitelee Wind Farm in . Cumulative impact is likely to change through time and will need to be reconsidered for every application that takes place.

5. Definition of Onshore Wind Energy Development

A wind farm is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce energy. The SDP 2012 addresses wind farms with a generating capacity of 20MW or more, the scale of proposal classed as a major development. Any applications for wind farm developments with output capacity exceeding 50MW are determined by the Scottish Government under s.36 of the Electricity Act 1989. The Council is a statutory consultee on this scale of proposal, submitted to the Scottish Government.

The Clydeplan landscape capacity study identifies the following wind turbine development typologies, identifying heights measured to blade tip:

 Small Turbines – 15 to 30m, to tip  Small to Medium Turbines – 30 to 50m, to tip  Medium Turbines – 51 to 80m, to tip  Large Turbines – 81m to120m, to tip  Very Large Turbines – over 120m, to tip

In terms of turbine numbers, the study considers a range of development scales, though this is dealt with in a less formal way than for turbine height, since height is the key factor in determining the compatibility of a proposal with its landscape. The following scales of development have been considered:

 single turbines;  cluster of turbines (2-5 turbines); and  wind farm (6+ turbines).

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

6. LDP Proposed Plan Policy 15: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technology

This policy identifies a spatial framework for wind energy developments, in line with SPP, and is supported by a policy map showing the Spatial Framework for Wind Energy, See Appendix 1. This will, when approved, supersede the East Dunbartonshire Local Plan 2, in particular the following policies: DQ8 – Renewable Energy Developments, GB2K – Telecommunications and Renewable Energy in the green belt.

6.1 The Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

This will apply to proposals for two or more turbines of 50 metres or over, including commercial and community turbines. It will consider the following categories which are explained further below:

 Areas where wind farms will not be acceptable - there are none in this area, as they only apply to National Scenic Areas or National Parks  Areas of significant protection – there are areas which fall into this category in East Dunbartonshire  Areas with potential for wind farm development, wind farms are likely to be acceptable, subject to detailed consideration against identified policy criteria – there are areas which fall into this category in East Dunbartonshire

Areas of significant protection - The following planning considerations in East Dunbartonshire require significant protection. They are coloured red on the Spatial Framework map, except the areas of community separation for consideration of visual impact which are hatched blue:

 Roman Frontiers World Heritage Site (Antonine Wall) and its buffer zone and Scheduled Monuments, in particular the extensive Forth and Clyde Canal, protected by LDP Proposed Plan Policy 10 Historic Environment. This information is from Historic .  SSSIs - because of their national nature conservation interest. There are six in East Dunbartonshire, protected by LDP Proposed Plan, Proposed Plan Policy 8 Landscape Character and Nature Conservation. This information is from Scottish Natural Heritage.  Community separation for consideration of visual impact, of up to 2km between wind farms and the edge of towns and villages. The detailed interpretation of the extent of the area will be determined by the planning authority, at planning application stage, based on landform and other features which restrict views out from the settlement. This applies to most of the lowland part of East Dunbartonshire and some hill land. This is 2km from the edge of towns and villages, including those within East Dunbartonshire and those in surrounding local authority areas.

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

 Carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peat land habitat, such as Lenzie Moss, also protected by LDP Proposed Plan Policy 8. This is taken as the deep peat which is defined in the SNH 2015, consultative draft peat map, classes 1 & 2.

Note - the following areas of significant protection do not exist in East Dunbartonshire so have been scoped out of the Framework – Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites; National Nature Reserves; Sites identified in the national Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes; Sites identified in the national Inventory of Historic Battlefields; areas of wild land as shown on the 2014 SNH map of wild land areas.

Areas with potential for wind farm development - A wind farm proposal in this area is likely to be supported acceptable, subject to detailed consideration against identified policy criteria - Detailed Considerations for Development Management at Planning Application Stage. All areas that do not fall within an area of significant protection are considered to be areas with potential for wind farm development. They are coloured amber on the Spatial Framework map.

6.2 Other Policy Criteria, Including Landscape and Visual Impacts

SPP sets out planning considerations for wind energy development, they will vary relative to the scale of the proposal and area characteristics. Policy 15 is in line with SPP’s revised methodology for wind energy frameworks, in particular green belt and Local Landscape Areas are no longer identified as a constraint for wind energy. It also sets out criteria for planning applications to consider on a case by case basis at planning application stage, including the landscape and visual impact. Policy 15 states:

“Development of renewable and low carbon energy technologies will be supported, where its location, siting and design has no individual or cumulative unacceptable impact on the following criteria:

C. Amenity of existing or allocated uses in the surrounding area, in particular in relation to visual impact and noise; D. Landscape and visual impacts. In particular consideration should be given to the cumulative impacts of wind turbines, landscape sensitivity to and capacity for wind turbine development; E. Local environment including: air quality; built, natural or cultural heritage including wetlands protected under the Water Framework Directive; peat and other carbon rich soils; F. The safe use of Glasgow Airport, flight activity, navigation, flight paths and Ministry of Defence surveillance system, telecommunications and broadcasting installations.”

Consideration of the landscape and visual impact of a proposal will include potential impact on the importance of Local Landscape Areas, landscape capacity for wind energy development and cumulative impact. Landscape sensitivity to wind energy and potential

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

cumulative impacts are identified in Clydeplan’s Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Turbine Development, see para 4.0 above.

The existing Local Plan 2 Regional Scenic Areas (RSA) have been redesignated as the Kilpatrick Hills and Campsie Fells Local Landscape Areas in the Proposed LDP under Policy 8. The Kilpatrick Hills in the West Dunbartonshire Council area extends into East Dunbartonshire and Stirling Council areas and are also designated as Local Landscape Area in both adjacent areas. The Campsie Fells in the Stirling Council area are also designated as part of the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area.

The section of Local Landscape Area in East Dunbartonshire will also be designated as a Local Landscape Area. The adjoining hills to the east are the Kilsyth Hills in North Lanarkshire. North Lanarkshire Council is currently carrying out a review of its Local Landscape Designations and are also likely to identify the Kilsyth Hills as a Local Landscape Area in their Proposed Plan. There are three other lowland areas which will be identified as Local Landscape Areas: Baldernock, Glazert Valley and Badenheath. A Statement of Importance, for each Local Landscape Area identifies its special landscape qualities and reasons for designation.

7. Other Sources of Information

Renewable UK advise that wind turbines start operating at 4 to 5 m/s and reach maximum power at 15 m/s. Annual mean wind speed data, at 25 metres above ground level, in East Dunbartonshire includes the following approximate wind speeds: 7 to greater than 10 metres per second (m/s) in the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills and 5 to 7 m/s in the Green Belt (see ETSU for DTI 1999). These approximations were applied at one kilometre grid square resolution and take no account of local/ small scale variables. This data can only be used as a guide and should be refined by on site wind speed measurements. Other sources of information from public and private bodies on wind energy are identified in Appendix 2.

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

Appendix 1: The Spatial Framework for Wind Energy Map, in the Proposed Plan

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Evidence Report 7: Spatial Framework for Wind Energy

Appendix 2: Other References

BWEA, UK Wind Speed Database http://www.bwea.com/noabl/index.html

Clydeplan, Background Report 9: Wind Energy Development in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley (January 2015).

Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Plan 2012

Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Turbine Development in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley (2014)

NATS (en-route) plc (NERL), pre-planning consultancy service http://www.nats.co.uk/environment/windfarms

Noble Environmental Power/ Noabl, Wind Maps

North Lanarkshire Council, Supplementary Planning Guidance http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=7542&p=0

Scottish Government, Scottish Planning Policy (2014)

Scottish Government, Advice Sheet for Onshore Wind Turbines http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning- Policy/themes/renewables/Onshore

Scottish Government, Carbon Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatland – A New Approach’ (2008) (http://www.scotland.gov.uk)

Scottish Government, Scottish Planning Circular 2/2003: Safeguarding of Aerodromes, Technical Sites and Military Explosives Storage Areas

Scottish Government, Renewables Action Plans: (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning

Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance on Siting and Designing Windfarms: www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/renewables/Guidance_Siting_Designing_...windfarms .pdf

Scottish Natural Heritage, Onshore Wind Farms in Scotland (August 2012) http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A763435.pdf

Scottish Power, Electricity Transmission Network in Central and Southern Scotland http://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/connecting_to_our_network/

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Scottish Renewables - Information on the demand for and technologies for Onshore Wind http://www.scottishrenewables.com/technologies/onshore-wind/

SEPA Planning Advice Note 4: Windfarm Developments: (http://www.sepa.org.uk/planning.aspx#Guidance_notes.)

South Lanarkshire Council, Supplementary Planning Guidance https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/7619/wind_energy_suppleme ntary_guidance_may_2013

Stirling Council, Supplementary Planning Guidance http://www.stirling.gov.uk/services/business-and-trade/planning-and-building- standards/local-and-statutory-development-plans/supplementary-planning- guidance/wind-farms

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