DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

MR L WATSON, HORTON PASTURE FARM, , NORTH , BD23 3JP

PROPOSED SITING OF 1 x 30M HIGH (HUB) ENDURANCE WIND TURBINE WITH A TIP HEIGHT OF 45.0M

CO-ORDINATES: X386791, Y452028

July 2013

DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPOSAL...... ……………...... 3

2.0 THE SITE DETAILS AND BACKGROUND...... 7

3.0 PLANNING POLICY...... 9

4.0 CONSIDERATION...... ……………………………………………...... 15

5.0 CONCLUSION...... 31

APPENDICES:

APPENDIX A - METHODOLOGY USED FOR ASSESSING VISUAL LANDSCAPE IMPACT

APPENDIX B – PHOTOMONTAGES

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 2

1.0 Introduction to the Proposal

1.1 This desktop assessment sets out our analysis of the relevant planning policy principles which need to be considered in support of this application for the erection of one Endurance 30m high (hub height) wind turbine at Horton Pasture Farm approximately 10km to the west of Skipton. The turbine would have an overall height of approximately 45m to the tip.

Use

1.2 The area consists of undulating pasture land primarily used for sheep grazing, the farm itself though is a dairy farm selling milk to Arla. The proposed turbine would introduce a different use to the existing pasture land, but would remain intrinsically linked with the agricultural use of the land in that it would harvest the natural resources of the land much in the way agricultural activities do. Another wind turbine exists approximately 1 mile away ensuring that the use of a wind turbine is not alien in the area. The effects of this are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Amount

1.3 The development proposal involves the provision of one Endurance wind turbine and associated infrastructure comprising the following specifically:

 Base work to secure the turbine to the site

 Grid connection

The amount of work involved is subsequently limited. The effects of this are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Scale

1.4 The scale of the development is derived from the turbine’s height as the nature of this turbine has a very slim profile. The proposals seek the erection of one 30m high (hub height) wind turbine which would have an overall height of approximately 45m to the tip. This is illustrated in the following image.

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 3

Image 1: Elevation Plan of the Turbine

1.5 The effects of this scale of turbine are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Layout

1.6 From an operational standpoint, the siting of a wind turbine requires maximum exposure to unobstructed wind flow conditions in order to achieve efficient operation. Proximity to ground based obstructions can detrimentally affect the performance of a turbine and it is therefore essential to ensure that a wind turbine is located a sufficient distance away from any such obstacles to provide the necessary clearance. After taking into consideration these factors, the siting point for the turbine has been chosen from both an operational/technical

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and a visual impact perspective, and has been sited in the proposed location to ensure that the turbine’s operation is not adversely affected by turbulence caused by the farm buildings to the south around Horton Pasture Farm. The proposed layout of the turbine and associated works is indicated in the following site location plan.

Image 2: Site location plan

1.7 The effects of this layout and positioning of the turbine are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Landscaping

1.8 No landscaping is proposed as part of this planning application, however all disruption to the landform such as through the cable run would be returned back to ensure that the existing

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 5

landscaping is maintained. The effects of this are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Appearance

1.9 The proposals seek a traditional three blade horizontal axis wind turbine. The appearance of wind turbines is standard. Endurance use industry standard neutral matte finish paints. These are designed to absorb light and blend into a dull grey cloudy background. As illustrated in the manufacturer’s datasheet. The effects of the appearance of this turbine are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report particularly within the Landscape and Visual Impact section.

Access

1.10 Access to the site for the installation is likely to be easy as the site is currently served by an existing road known as Scarr Road which runs from Horton Pasture Farm to the east before linking south to the A59. The proposed turbine would be delivered in parts and so does not necessitate unduly large vehicles that require specific requirements for the installation. The effects of this are analysed within the consideration chapter of this report.

Climate Change Mitigation

1.11 The farm has a high energy demand using £700 of electric per month for its milking business. The proposed wind turbine would satisfy the energy demands of the farm by providing a source of renewable energy that would also allow the farm business to operate in a more environmentally and financially sustainable manner. The whole thrust of this application is therefore based on climate change mitigation.

1.12 The main planning considerations are considered within this report in relation to local and national planning guidance.

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 6

2.0 The Site Details and Background

2.1 The application site lies approximately 10km to the west of the edge of Skipton and approximately 4.5km from the northern edge of Barnoldswick. The turbine would be positioned within the land owned by and associated with Horton Pasture Farm to the north of the dwelling and main farm building group. The proposed turbine is indicated in the map below showing the turbine in relation to its surroundings:

Image 3: Site Area Plan

2.2 The area around the application site is undulating in nature and reaches a local highpoint at Flambers Hill and Fudtheroe Hill to the east of the site. The undulating landscape is predominantly pasture bordered by stone walling with small pockets and isolated trees. Individual farms and properties are also scattered in the locality, but the area’s overall character is rural.

2.3 Stone buildings dominate and all contribute to the grain of built development in the wider area. The application site comprises the main farmstead and a series of modern utilitarian

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 7

agricultural buildings associated with the milking farm business which extends to the south west. The proposed turbine would be to the north of these buildings, approximately 330m away.

2.4 The nearest neighbouring property is at Higher Paradise and Valey Field which are located approximately 930m to the south west and 1km to the west respectively from the proposed siting of the wind turbine.

2.5 Access to the site is from an access off the A59 to the south of the proposed turbine, this leads to Scar Road which serves Horton Pasture Farm. The actual siting of the turbine is approximately 1.8km from the A59 road. A public footpath passes the site running on a north south alignment to the east of the turbine, whilst a bridleway runs on an east west alignment to the south of the turbine.

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3.0 Planning Policy

3.1 The government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was adopted on 27 March 2012 and represents the principal national guidance document and a material consideration which must be taken into account, where relevant, in determining planning applications. This framework replaces all previous national policy statements, which were superseded on its adoption. Statements contained within cannot make irrelevant any matter which is a material consideration in a particular case, but where such statements indicate the weight that should be given to relevant considerations, decision makers must have proper regard to them. One particular consideration which will be teased out in this report is the weight which should be given to the appropriateness of development both within the countryside and any specific landscape designation versus the weight associated with the wider environmental benefits of a wind turbine.

3.2 At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking. Sustainable Development encompasses concepts of sustainable economic, social and environmental development which run concurrent with the spatial approach to planning. Key to this application, the following excerpts are applicable to a proposed wind turbine for this site:

Renewable Energy

3.3 To help increase the use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy, local planning authorities should recognise the responsibility on all communities to contribute to energy generation from renewable or low carbon sources. They should:

 Have a positive strategy to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources;

3.4 When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should:

 Not require applicants for energy development to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy and also recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions; and

 Approve if its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable. Once suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy have been identified in plans, local planning

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authorities should also expect subsequent applications for commercial scale projects outside these areas to demonstrate that the proposed location meets the criteria used in identifying suitable areas.

Heritage Assets

3.5 When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. The more important the asset, the greater the weight should be. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. As heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm to or loss of a Grade II Listed Building, park or garden should be exceptional. Substantial harm to or loss of designated heritage assets of the highest significance, notably scheduled monuments, protected wreck sites, battlefields, Grade I and II* Listed Buildings, Grade I and II* registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites, should be wholly exceptional.

Companion Guide to PPS22

3.6 Despite the majority of the Planning Policy Statements (PPS’s), including PPS22, and Planning Policy Guidance Notes being superseded by the NPPF the companion guide to PPS22 still remains in force until such time as a suitable replacement is adopted. The guide intends to encourage the appropriate development of further renewable energy schemes, throughout . This will include schemes in urban as well as rural locations, ranging in size from the domestic to the commercial scale.

3.7 Local planning policy guidance is found within the Borough Council District Wide Local Plan, which seeks to encourage renewable energy provision. The council’s Planning Policy Proposals Map for the Northern half of the District is shown below in image 4 and confirms that the site has no specific underlying designation.

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Image 4: Planning Policy Proposals Map (Turbine circled in red)

3.8 The following policies from the District Wide Local Plan are considered relevant to the application:

POLICY ENV3

In the open countryside outside the AONB and areas immediately adjacent to it, development will be required to be in keeping with the character of the landscape area and should reflect local vernacular, scale, style, features and building materials. Proposals to conserve, renew and enhance landscape features, will be permitted, providing regard has been given for the characteristic landscape features of the area.

POLICY ENV13

The Borough Council will refuse development proposals which harm important landscape features including traditional stone walls, ponds, characteristic herb rich meadows and pastures, woodlands, copses, hedgerows and individual trees other than in exceptional circumstances where satisfactory works of mitigation or enhancement would be achieved, including rebuilding, replanting and landscape management.

POLICY ENV14

In considering development proposals, the Borough Council will apply a presumption in favour of the preservation of ancient monuments and other nationally important

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 11 archaeological remains and their settings. The case for preservation of archaeological remains will be assessed having regard to the intrinsic importance of the remains which will be weighed against the need for the proposed development.

POLICY ENV19

Development proposals on sites within the setting of buildings listed as being of special architectural or historic interest which cause visual harm to the setting of the building will be resisted. In assessing the harm caused by any proposal the following factors will be taken into account: i) The desirability of preserving the setting of the building ii) The effect of the proposed development on the character of the listed building iii) Any effect on the economic viability of the listed building iv) The contribution which the listed building makes to the townscape or countryside v) The extent to which the proposed works would bring substantial benefits to the community including economic benefits and enhancement of the environment.

POLICY ENV24

In view of the general environmental benefits associated with harnessing renewable energy sources, the Borough Council will support the development of renewable energy schemes provided it can be shown that such developments would not cause unacceptable harm to interests of acknowledged importance in the local environment.

POLICY ENV25

In assessing proposals for renewable energy schemes, the Borough Council will have particular regard to the following issues:

(i) The immediate and wider impact of the proposed development on the landscape; and AONB in particular the need to protect features and areas of natural, cultural, historic and archaeological interest;

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 12

(ii) The measures that would be taken, during and after construction, to minimise the impact of the development on local land use and residential amenity;

(iii) The local and wider benefits the proposal may bring; and

(iv) The fact that certain renewable energy resources can only be harnessed where the resource occurs.

POLICY ENV26

The Borough Council will approve proposals for wind turbine generators providing:

1) About the Proposal i) The visual impact of the proposal on the wider landscape is justifiable; ii) The proposal does not harm any wildlife habitat or area of historical or architectural importance; iii) The degree of nuisance caused by noise and shadow flicker to nearby residential amenities, agricultural operations, recreational areas or the function of the countryside is minimal; iv) The proposal does not interfere with electromagnetic signals; v) The design, colour layout and scale of turbines and ancillary structures including access roads must be appropriate to the character of the area; vi) Connections to electrical grids and sub stations etc. must be acceptable in the landscape setting; vii) Adequate restoration and after use provision must be made: iii) Suitable parking facilities should be provided where appropriate.

2) Location

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Development proposals within or close to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sites of special scientific interest, local nature reserves, or scheduled ancient monuments will not be allowed, unless:

i) the proposal cannot be better located outside such statutory designated areas:

ii) the proposal is acceptable in environmental and landscape terms; and

iii) any adverse environmental impacts as far as practicable have been mitigated:

3.9 It is clear the assessment criteria outlined in policy ENV26 will form the main basis for the assessment of this planning application. It should be noted that the application site lies outside of the AONB which is approximately 5km to the west of the site.

3.10 The council’s Core Strategy forms the central document of the Local Development Framework (LDF), establishing the vision, underlying objectives and key principles that will guide the development of the area to 2028. Although it will be used to aid the assessment of planning applications, its primary function is to set a more strategic level of planning policy for the area, including how many new houses the area needs and where they might be built. The Core Strategy has been subject to a number of consultation stages following the last consultation stage, several changes were made to the strategy, which was formally agreed at a meeting of Ribble Valley Borough Council on Tuesday, 28 August. The changes were subject to a further public consultation, alongside the Planning Inspectorate's own public examination between 15th October and 26th November 2012. The council has now formally submitted the Core Strategy to the Secretary of State and although not formerly adopted as yet, does carry some weight alongside the District Wide Local Plan. This largely supports the main principles within the Local Plan in terms of this planning application through Key Statement EN3 and associated Policy DME5.

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4.0 Consideration

4.1 As previously identified, there is a presumption in favour of renewable technologies and significant weight should be attributed to this issue in line with government policy. This issue should be balanced against other main considerations including the impact upon the character and appearance of the area, archaeological and nature conservation issues and any adverse impact upon the electromagnetic field. Each issue will be considered individually within this desktop assessment.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

4.2 The proposed wind turbine would be positioned to the north of the Horton Pasture Farm building group and would measure 30m high to the hub, with the blades extending to reach a tip height of 45m. In this location and at this height the turbine would be visible, and would to an extent, change the appreciation of this site within its surrounding rural context. The process of assessing the impact of this application has been guided by the document ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment‘(2013) utilising photomontages as guiding tools. This is commonly used for large scale schemes, however the principles can be used on even the smallest scheme and the principles have therefore been adopted with this application to offer a robust assessment of the visual impact of the proposed turbines. Appendix A of this report outlines the approach taken here within this desktop assessment.

Landscape Character Assessment

4.3 The application site is located outside of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which lies approximately 5km to the west of the site, however its setting would require due appraisal as part of this assessment process. The council does not appear to have produced a local landscape character assessment, however the document A Landscape Strategy for – Landscape Character Assessment acts as the baseline guidance document. Here the application site lies within the sub area 13a – Gargrave Drumlin Field, as shown in image 5 below. This distinctive landscape type is characterised by a `field’ of rolling drumlins. The consistent orientation of the hills gives the landscape a uniform grain, which is sometimes difficult to appreciate from within the field. The regular green hillocks are between about 100m and 200m high with steep sides and broad rounded tops.

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Image 5: Landscape Character Areas

4.4 This area of drumlins including the application site occurs to the east of Ribblesdale, at the far eastern edge of the study area and only just within the boundaries of the council. It is a typical drumlin field consisting of large scale regular hillocks reaching over 200m AOD. Flambers Hill is the nearest of these hillocks to the application site and would remain unaffected by the proposed turbine, though it would likely be visible from it. Associated with the drumlins is the localised feature of Salterford flats, a former glacial lake which again would not be directly impacted by the proposed turbine and would remain appreciated. Although the drumlins have been formed from boulder clay, the underlying limestone geology is evident in the stone walls and local stone buildings which punctuate the scenery, this is evident around the application site and the proposed development would not involve the loss of these features which contribute to the human pattern of development within the landscape.

4.5 Major communication routes cross the area. The A65(T) and A59(T) cut across the landscape, bearing no relation to the grain of the drumlins; they pass through on embankments and in cuttings. The A59 is the nearest being to the south of the proposed turbine and would provide the primary access route. The railway lines skirt around the edges of the area while the and canal winds its way through the drumlins and both of these transport infrastructure types would remain unaffected. The A56 and a dismantled railway follow the valley of the Earby Beck from Foulridge to Broughton over 6km away and would again remain unaffected as shown in the ZTV coverage. The line of the Roman road can be clearly distinguished near Barnoldswick and Thornton-in- along with the remains of a

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Roman fort at Burwen Castle, but at these distances the proposed turbine would not intrude into their setting or the contribution they make to the landscape character.

4.6 Whilst the settlement pattern is dominated by farms, hamlets and villages, the small towns of Barnoldswick and Earby also lie on the edge of this area. Given the more modest scale of the turbine in relation to the landscape topography it is the farms and hamlets in the immediate vicinity that would require more careful attention in terms of visual impact. The actual appreciation of these features and the contribution they make to the landscape character would remain. There are a large number of designed landscapes in this area: Coniston Hall, Gledstone Hall, Hellifield Peel and Broughton Hall, which all enhance visual amenity locally. Due to the closer proximity Gledstone Hall requires careful assessment and has been assessed in the heritage element of this report, and given these conclusions it is not considered that the effects in terms of landscape character would be more than minor. The development here would result in the introduction of a vertical feature within the landscape which would have some micro visual and landscape impacts. However, at this scale it is unlikely to have such a presence that there would be minimal impact on the key characteristics of the landscape. The proposals would not remove any of the key characteristics of the sub area and the design has sought to respect key landscape characteristics in design and scale as set out above. The more localised visual effects are considered below, with the aid of photomontages assisting the assessment.

Landscape Visual Impact

4.7 An assessment of the visual impact of the proposed turbine has been made of utilising photomontages as guiding tools. These photomontages are attached as Appendix B. The following table demonstrates this assessment of these photomontages:

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Table Detailing the landscape and visual impact

Location and Receptor Magnitude Significance of Site/Feature Distance View and Assessment Sensitivity the Effect from of Effect Turbine

Photomonta 4.32 km The view represents the closest High as Low Slight Adverse ge 1 - Settle to the view to the AONB. The turbine near a Lane, near a west would be visible in the distance neighbouri neighbouring and would be seen in conjunction ng farm farm with the existing wind turbine to (382543, the left of the proposed turbine. 452839) However, the proposed turbine would be better sited below the brow of the skyline thus reducing the extent of skylining. The turbine’s scale would be in keeping with the scale of the landscape here and would appear visually well related to the existing turbine. There would only be a limited change in the view characteristics here.

Photomonta 3.53 km The existing view is wide open and High due to Low Slight Adverse ge 2 – public to the expansive and the proposed recreationa footpath north turbine would represent a very l values of between west narrow structure within this view. the Paythorne It would be sited below the brow footpath and Halton of the skyline and at this distance it West villages would not be oppressive. It would (383626, be well related to the scale of the 453592) landscape and would only result in a limited change in the view characteristics here.

Photomonta 2.62 km The topography rises from the High due to Low Slight Adverse ge 3 - next to to the village and undulates to the the the village or south turbine, here the turbine would be residential Horton west positioned slightly over the brow of properties (384714, the foreground hill, but would in the 450425) remain visible and skylined. But village due to the distance, the scale of

Design and Access Statement Horton Pasture Farm, Skipton 18

the landscape and foreground trees it would be well related to the scale of the landscape and would not result in more than a limited change in the view characteristics.

Photomonta 902m to The turbine would be visible here High as Medium Moderate ge 4 - next to the south but only the rotating blades due to residential Adverse a nearest a combination of the topography property neighbour and vegetation in the foreground. (386494, The turbine would draw the eye to 451176) the blade movement but this would be offset by the apparent lower scale to the turbine due to the topography and foreground vegetation. There would nevertheless be a moderate change to the view characteristics here.

Photomonta 1.24 km The proposed turbine would be Medium as Low Slight Adverse ge 5 - Scar to the visible but only through the trees in attractive Road south the foreground. The extent of rural road (387948, east visibility would vary in the seasons 451571) and as the trees continue to mature. Nevertheless, the rotating blades would draw the eye even through the trees branches and in this respect there would still be a limited change in the view characteristics.

Photomonta 1.32 km The land rises from the receptor High as Low Slight Adverse ge 6 - near to the here and the turbine would be over neighbouri Ash Tree north the brow of the hill. Here the ng farm Farm east turbine’s hub and mast would not (387379, be visible and only the very blade 453216) tips would be visible. Whilst the rotating blades would draw the eye with only the blade tips visible there would only be a limited change in the view characteristics.

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Photomonta 1.16 km This is taken next to Swinden Head High as Low Slight Adverse ge 7 - Next to the Farm and shows the existing 50kW neighbouri to Swinden north turbine serving that property. The ng farm Head Farm east proposed turbine would be visible (386913, here too, but in comparison with 453188) the existing turbine would be appear subservient in scale due to the distance and its position on the lower ground level from this receptor. As such, even though there would be some simultaneous cumulative effects, the actual impact on the view characteristics would remain limited.

4.8 Therefore, having regard to the above assessment, whilst there is some harm within the slight and moderate adverse categories, this does not necessarily equate to unacceptable harm and this change in vista must be balanced against policy expectations and guidance encouraging renewable energy.

4.9 Due to the narrowness of the turbine and the relatively modest height in comparison with large scale commercial wind turbines, it is considered that main views would be contained to more local views from the immediate road network. Clearly the closer the receptor to the turbine the greater the magnitude of effect, and these effects subsequently recede with distance. So for example, from the two recreational public routes (footpath to the east and bridleway to the south) there would be a higher magnitude of impact, but this would recede with distance as the user travels past the turbine. The ZTV further underlines this with the topography helping to reduce the overall effect ensuring that there is unlikely to be any longer distant view of the turbine which would have a significant effect. This aids in ensuring that any harm is minimised and constrained to the local scale.

Cumulative Landscape Impact

4.10 The following image shows the commercial wind schemes in the broader area and it is clear that there is a significant distance to such schemes and that the proposals are unlikely therefore to have any real visual interaction which would result in any significant cumulative impact:

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Image 6: Cumulative Map

4.11 The photomontages included within Appendix B demonstrate that the proposed turbine would be viewed in the same visual context as the existing turbine at Swinden Head Farm. This wind turbine would be seen in conjunction from a number of locations, but the distances between the two and the respective appearances and scales would be such that they would not appear incongruous collectively. The photomontages indicate that there are no other turbines in the area where they would be viewed together, and thus any cumulative visual and landscape effects are likely to be minimal.

4.12 Based on the above assessment the turbine would not significantly alter the character of the local landscape as previously defined, thus the general character of the landscape would be retained, albeit with the introduction of a visible turbine. When the visual effects are balanced against the positive benefits associated with the introduction of the renewable energy provision, it is considered that this application should be considered favourably and can be accommodated without compromising the overriding characteristics of this landscape and the associated planning policies.

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Neighbour Impact

Shadow Flicker

4.13 The nearest neighbouring property is at Higher Paradise and Valey Field which are located approximately 930m to the south west and 1km to the west respectively from the proposed siting of the wind turbine. This is amply sufficient to prevent adverse impact on any residential dwelling. Shadow flicker is defined as obstructions to light incurred when the blades of the wind turbine cause light pollution when sited in close proximity to buildings, typically to the west or east of the turbine. Shadow flicker has only been known to occur within 10 rotor diameters of a turbine 130 degrees either side of north. In this case, shadow flicker could only theoretically occur within 300m of the turbine and there are no properties within this distance. There is therefore no issue of residents being affected by shadow flicker at the site due to the location of the turbine and the distance with neighbouring properties.

Noise

4.14 The ETSU-R97 is a guidance note widely used by planners in assessing wind turbines and indicates that a noise limit for night time operation of 43DB(A) is acceptable. This limit is derived from the 35DB(A) sleep disturbance criteria referred to in Planning Policy Guidance.

4.15 The Noise Working Group recommends that day time lower fixed limits can be higher than this at 45DB(A). They also state that consideration should be given to increasing the permissible margin above background where the occupier of the site has some financial involvement in the wind turbine, meaning that it can be acceptable to have higher noise readings where the applicant’s property is the primary affected residence.

4.16 Attached with the application documents is a noise survey undertaken in relation to this model of wind turbine allowing for an appropriate assessment in accordance with the requirements of the ETSU-R97 guidance.

Visual Impact from Neighbours

4.17 In terms of visual impact from neighbouring properties, the accompanying photomontages within Appendix B outlines how the proposed turbines would sit in the landscape. It is a well held planning principle that there is ‘no right to a view’ from individual residential properties

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over land in someone else’s ownership. However, any development which dominates an outlook to an unreasonable degree in that it harms the amenity of residents could constitute an unacceptable impact. In this particular case the nearest neighbouring properties are at Higher Paradise and Valey Field which are located approximately 930m to the south west and 1km to the west respectively from the proposed siting of the wind turbine.

4.18 In terms of visual impact from neighbouring properties, the turbine is unlikely to be overly dominant or prominent at this distance, and this is shown in photomontage 4 from the nearest neighbouring property where the blades are the only features visible rotating. Indeed the greater distances to the neighbours combined with the orientation of the neighbouring properties and the undulating landscape all serve to minimise the visual effects ensuring that the turbine never appears oppressive in scale. At the distances involved the turbine is therefore unlikely to harm the living conditions enjoyed by the occupants of these properties.

Electromagnetic Interference

4.19 The wind turbine’s switch gear has been fully tested to ensure compliance with the UK standards, thus ensuring that the main source of electromagnetic interference from other wind turbines is avoided. The digital TV network in the UK is not affected by electromagnetic interference which was previously associated with analogue TV services and transmission stations. The scattering and disruption of signal is a rare occurrence in any event, associated with very large utility scale wind turbines and there have been no recorded instances of electromagnetic interference occurring from wind turbines less than 45m high. Subsequently, this wind turbine is unlikely to cause any electromagnetic interference in the area.

Proximity to Airports and Flight Paths

4.20 The nearest commercial airports are Manchester and Leeds Bradford which are both located a significant distance from the site. Given that there is an existing wind turbine at Swinden Head Farm it can be reasonably concluded that these, the MOD and small independent airfields were consulted at that time and raised no concerns. In this respect, whilst consultation will form a key part of the planning application, given the significant distance to any main or small air field and having regard to the size of the wind turbine on this site in

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relation to the Swinden Head Farm turbine, it is considered that the proposals would have no impact on flight paths or the operations of airports in the wider region.

Ecological Issues

4.21 An appraisal of nearby designated sites has found the following sites marked in yellow within the vicinity of the application site:

Image 7: Ecological Designations within the Area

4.22 As can be seen there are no designations within the main A road corridor routes of the A682, A59 and A65 which all serve to contain the site. The nearest designation is at Hellifield, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi) known as Pan Beck Fen, which is primarily designated for its fen vegetation which includes a variety of sedges, Bog Bean, Marsh Lousewort and

Marsh Valeria fen vegetation which include a variety of sedges, Bog Bean, Marsh

Lousewort and Marsh Valeria. Any ecological impact is therefore likely be associated with the habitats found within or adjacent to the application site only rather than nearby designated assets as highlighted above. The installation of the proposed wind turbine would result in no significant trees being removed due to the form and nature of the installation process and as such there would be no direct habitat loss.

4.23 Collision risk and disturbance displacement are therefore considered the two predominant effects likely to occur. Clearly with an individual turbine the potential for collision and

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disturbance with birdlife is reduced from a commercial wind farm. Different species groups vary in terms of susceptibility to collision, with larger birds such as raptors being particularly susceptible. The RSPB generally consider that smaller more agile birds such as sparrows or finches are better equipped to avoid collision with wind turbines. Given the habitats around the site it is considered that the smaller more agile farmland bird species found within hedgerows would be the more predominant of birdlife.

4.24 Taking into account the habitats on site, given the relatively low height of the turbine in comparison with large scale wind turbines, and as this application relates to an isolated turbine rather than a wind farm, it is considered that the risk of bird collision would be minimal. Comparably disturbance is likely to be contained to the micro scale around the turbine itself rather than from the wider area.

4.25 Natural England has produced a Technical Information Note TIN051 in light of the Eurobats Agreement, entitled ‘Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines’. This report summarises the potential impacts of wind energy developments on bats and TIN051 recommends that wind turbines are unlikely to affect bat populations where a 50m buffer is maintained from foraging habitat. In this location the most likely foraging area is likely to be the row of trees running south west from Horton Pasture Farm. However, there are also three individual trees along the field boundary to the north west of the site along the stone wall, and so this wind turbine has been positioned outside of the buffer zone required by Natural England, and it is thus clear that the proposals would not result in any significant impact on possible bat populations.

4.26 Both the RSPB and Natural England are generally supportive of wind turbines and the role they play in sustaining the country’s energy demands. Naturally site specific conditions must still be given due consideration and in this location it is considered that the provision of one individual wind turbine can be sensitively sited so as to ensure that the proposals would not result in any adverse impact on ecological issues.

Archaeological Implications

4.27 The proposals will involve some ground excavations when the foundations are laid and turbine installed. A review of the information within the PastScape database has been undertaken which is taken directly from the NMR's national historic environment database

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containing nearly 400,000 records on the archaeology and buildings of England and its territorial waters. A search of sites within 500m of the site has found no records indicating that the archaeological risk would be low. Nevertheless, if any findings are discovered during ground work appropriate steps as required will be taken to ensure that no damage occurs.

Heritage Assets

4.28 As with any application, consideration should be given to any impact on the character of heritage assets, be they listed buildings or conservation areas. The nearby listed buildings (purple triangle) and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (red hatching) are identified in the following map:

Image 8: Map showing nearby heritage assets

4.29 The nearest listed building is at Pasture House Farm which is a Grade II listed building noted for its architectural interest and primarily has a reduced setting associated with the

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surrounding agricultural land and its immediate curtilage. There are a small number of listed buildings in and around Horton including:

 Hoober Farmhouse

 Horton Grange Farmhouse

 Wall East Of Horton House, With 2 Gatepiers, 2 End Piers, Gate And Railings

 Gongregational Chapel

 Horton House

 Sunny Bank

 Horton Hall And Barn Adjoining To South West

 Horton Grange Cottage

4.30 All are Grade II except Horton Hall which is Grade II*. Photomontage 3 illustrates the relationship with these heritage assets and it is clear that the proposed turbine would be visible but not intrusive at this distance, so whilst the turbine would potentially appear part of the broader setting here it would not result in significant harm to the special qualities of these heritage assets.

4.31 The group of assets around Gledstone Hall deserves special mention too due to the importance of the Hall in the wider landscape. These assets include:

Parks And Gardens

 Gledstone Hall

Listed Buildings

 The Dovecote

 Kennels Cottage Kennels House

 Old Gledstone

 The Summerhouse

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 Skelda Farmhouse

 North Lodge

 Sundial On Terrace At Gledestone Hall

 South Lodge

 Boundary Stone At Ngr 8798 5072

 Marton Scar Farmhouse

 Mire House Farmhouse

 Gledestone Hall And Forecourt Walls, Pavilions And Gates

 Terraces At Gledeston Hall

 Mire House Barn

 Boundary Stone At Sd 87985069

4.32 The Hall is a country house and formal gardens designed by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, with a planting scheme supplied by Gertrude Jekyll. Gledstone Hall stands 1km north-west of the village of West Marton. The c 12ha site is bounded to the west and south by Gledstone Road, leading from West Marton, and to the east and north by agricultural land. The ground around the Hall falls gently to the south, having been levelled and terraced to support the gardens, and rises to the east. The setting is rural and the proposed turbine would not intrude significantly into this setting due to the dense tree belt which runs along Gledstone Road, thus providing immediate screening. In this respect, the proposed turbine would not result in any significant impact on the special qualities contained within or in its broader rural setting.

Loss of Agricultural Land

4.33 The area of the application site is limited due to the diameter of the turbine and subsequently it would have a no more than negligible impact on the agricultural use of the land which would for the main part continue whilst the turbine is in operation.

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Installation of the Turbine and Access Arrangements

4.34 The temporary works required to install the turbine are limited. If granted we would be happy to accept a condition that any works to the land be reinstated following the installation of the turbine. In order to install the cabling for the turbine to connect to the grid some ground disturbance will be needed, however this will be temporary works, no trees would be removed and again the ground will be reinstated to its original condition upon laying the cable.

4.35 The installation of the single Endurance wind turbine will take no more than 2 months. The principle stages for the installation are as follows:

1. Construction of foundation and concrete curing period

2. Cable trenching and installation

3. Tower Assembly and erection

4. Installation of the blades onto the rotor

5. Installation of the nacelle on the tower section

4.36 A standard digger will be used to dig the foundations of the turbine. Cement for the foundations will be brought in using standard cement lorries. Transportation of the wind turbine to the site will usually be via two standard lorries – each capable of accommodating a standard 40ft shipping container. There will be no abnormally large loads and the volume of delivery and installation traffic will not be significantly greater than required for special transportation measures, and in many respects, comparable with the width and scale of agricultural vehicles that currently use the site. Two cranes are typically used to hoist the wind turbine into place. The application area that will be disturbed during construction of the base and tower will be in the region of 6m by 6m (36 square metres in total) within the land edged red.

4.37 The location and site map submitted with the application indicates the access route for the delivery of the turbine, tower and foundations with a dotted orange line. Access from public highway to the site will be via the existing hardcore and tarmac farm track leading from Car

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Road which links to the south towards the A59. Then access to the turbine position itself will be across the field to the north of Horton Pasture Farm. It will not be necessary to create a hard-core track as access to the turbine will be over the undisturbed field surface using temporary reinforcing cover sheets. These are removed completely once installation is complete leaving no trace. It should be noted that there is no requirement for regular vehicle access to the turbine site other than for delivery and installation of the foundations and the wind turbine itself. The installation will not take place until site conditions make it easy to use this route without any need for a permanent track across the field. The proposed site will not therefore require any changes or improvements to the local highways for access or maintenance. This is one of the real benefits of a turbine of this scale where no extra traffic will be generated as a result of the project, other than for the initial delivery of the equipment and an annual routine maintenance visit.

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5.0 Conclusion

5.1 In assessing this application in relation to policy and environmental context, it is considered that the application should be granted for the following reasons:

 The proposed wind turbine would be positioned to the north of the farmstead in a location where the visual intrusion would be minimised due to the distance to the main public highways and neighbouring buildings. The scale of the turbine would be well related visually to the landform scale and maturing trees which all ensure that the turbine would not result in a significant landscape and visual impact.

 The proposed turbine would not be seen as an isolated feature within the countryside but would relate well to Horton Pasture Farm. Whilst there is another turbine at Swinden Head Farm, the turbine would be well related in appearance and scale and the two together would not be viewed as incongruous features, but both would clearly relate to the farmsteads and the respective functions would be readily appreciated.

 The scale and location of the wind turbine would be such that the impact on nearby residential properties would be negligible with any impact confined to a visual appreciation of its siting. This in its own would not constitute a material harm to living conditions and from the nearest neighbour only the rotating blades would be visible and it is thus considered that the amenity of neighbouring properties would be maintained.

 The distance to ecological designated sites is reasonable and subsequently any impact is likely to be contained to the local habitat in and around the site. This is mainly pasture based with individual trees and appropriate buffers have been maintained from these trees to ensure that the impact is mitigated.

 There are no other material planning considerations that would outweigh the overriding benefits of this proposal in providing a renewable energy source and the long term environmental benefits this brings.

5.2 Having regard to the above and all other matters, it is considered that the proposed development meets the expectations of policies of the Development Plan and other policy guidance including specifically the provisions of the NPPF. It is thus felt that this application should be granted subject to reasonable and appropriate conditions.

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APPENDIX A METHODOLOGY USED FOR ASSESSING VISUAL LANDSCAPE IMPACT

The process of assessing the impact of this application from a visual amenity perspective has been guided by the document ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment‘(2013). To accompany the description of baseline and assessment information, a series of classifications have been applied to the landscape character of the site and each visual receptor. These act as a summary and place a defined value on; the sensitivity of the character area/visual receptor, the magnitude of change and the subsequent significance of the effect of the development.

The sensitivity of existing Landscape Character/Visual Receptors is the degree to which landscape character or a visual receptor can accommodate change arising from a particular development, without a detrimental effect. It is dependent on its importance, quality, value and contribution and the degree to which it can be replaced or substituted. The sensitivity of landscape character/ a visual receptor is defined as being High/Medium/Low, where High is the most sensitive. For visual receptors and views the sensitivity will depend on the location and context of the viewpoint, the expectations and occupation or activity of the receptor and the importance of the view. The most important receptors are usually users of outdoor recreational facilities, where the interest may be focused on the landscape. Also, occupiers of residential properties where views may be affected by the turbine are considered important. Other receptors that have been included are people travelling through or past the affected landscape in cars, on trains or other transport routes. The magnitude of change to a landscape character area or visual receptor will be dependent upon the nature of the proposed development itself and its size, location, and individual forms and pattern in relation to the character of the proposed development site and the surrounding area. Magnitude of change is categorised using the terms Low, Moderate and High, which can be generally defined as:

• Low - a limited number of changes to any of the key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline landscape or views. This would equate to a discernable but non-material change to the landscape character or view;

• Moderate - a moderate number of changes to any of the key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline landscape or views. This would equate to a material change in the landscape character or view;

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• High - a large number of changes to any of the key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline landscape or views. This would equate to a fundamental change in the landscape character or view.

For visual receptors the criteria adopted for classification of sensitivity and magnitude of effect are as follows:

Sensitivity:

• High sensitivity e.g. residential properties, Public Rights of Way and passive recreational activities, scenic drive;

• Medium sensitivity e.g. play areas, sporting and active recreational facilities, attractive rural lanes;

• Low sensitivity e.g. industry, general road users.

Views from faster roads (e.g. ‘A’ and ‘B’ class roads and motorways) are normally considered to be of low sensitivity to change due to the transitory nature of such views. Views from minor country lanes, which potentially have a higher recreational value, have been assessed as being of medium or high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Effect:

• High magnitude e.g. major change in view character;

• Medium magnitude e.g. moderate change in view character;

• Low magnitude e.g. minor change in view character;

• Negligible magnitude e.g. a development is visible but forms a barely perceptible component of the view

Due to access restrictions, the magnitude of effect on view character for all receptors, including residential property, is assessed on the basis of ground level views (e.g. from ground floor and garden level in the case of residential property).

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An assessment of the significance of an impact can be derived from the combination of the ‘sensitivity’ of a landscape or visual receptor and the ‘magnitude’ of the impact. This has been interpreted as follows:

Sensitivity Magnitude Significance

High + High = Substantial

High + Medium = Moderate

High + Low = Slight

Medium + High = Moderate

Medium + Medium = Moderate

Medium + Low = Slight

Low + High = Moderate

Low + Medium = Slight

Low + Low = Slight

Effects are described as being either beneficial or adverse.

Negligible effects can be derived from high, medium or low sensitivity combined with negligible magnitude.

Landscape character is defined as a distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occur consistently in a particular type of landscape. Patterns in the landscape, activity or tranquillity, heritage and cultural associations, vegetation, land use and connectivity combine together to create landscape character. It is important this is considered so a full understanding of the site and its surroundings can be achieved. England has been divided into areas with similar landscape character, which are called National Character Areas (NCAs) and the characteristics of the application site are considered within this application.

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An assessment has been made of the visual impact from key settlements and public vantage points around the site. A table has been prepared which demonstrates the envisaged impact from key areas around the site of the proposed turbine.

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