4. Development Control The Chairman advised members that each application was to be considered individually, but that they would be determined together at the conclusion of the meeting. Members were advised of the national, regional and policy context in which the three planning applications had been considered; the independent audit reports relating to each application and the conclusions of the assessment of potential environmental impacts. Officers considered that in the light of all the evidence the Moorsyde and Barmoor applications were acceptable in terms of potential environmental impact as individual proposals but that Toft Hill was unacceptable both individually and in terms of cumulative impact when considered with the other two proposals. Members were provided with an update on GONE’s position in relation to the 3 proposals and with revised figures for written representations and made aware of late representations. 04/B/1107 – Erection of 7 no wind turbine generators, anemometry mast, sub-station and associated infrastructure (revised proposals); Moorsyde Wind Farm, Felkington, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. (i) Verbal representations were made by: Objectors: Mr M Maud Mr C Mills Mr R Watson Parish Council/Ward Councillors Mr R Martin, Shoreswood Parish Council Mr D Brownlow, Duddo Parish Council Councillor FI Simpson, Islandshire Ward Supporters Mr J Lannon Ms E Richardson Ms J Curtis Mr R Mardon (ii) Notes of debate Members considered a detailed presentation by officers, and verbal representations made by the objectors, Parish Council representatives and Ward Councillor, supporters and the applicant. Officers provided a summary of the results of the various independent audits of the Environmental Statement and the likely projected impacts of the development on the landscape, neighbouring properties and the local tourist industry with reference to relevant national, regional and local planning policies. The officer conclusion was that on balance there were insufficient grounds to justify refusal of planning permission. Public speakers addressed the issues of the potential impact of a wind farm in this location on landscape and natural environment, visual amenity, cultural heritage, quality of life of the residents, noise, the likely effect of a wind farm on the local tourist industry, climate change and renewable energy targets. Reference was made by both objectors and supporters to renewable energy outputs, and members were advised that the viability or otherwise of the proposed development was not a consideration in determining the application. 06/B/0148 – Construction of wind farm to include 6 no wind turbines and ancillary works (revised proposals); land at Barmoor between Ford and Lowick, Northumberland. (i) Verbal representations were made by: Objector Mr P Worlock Mr J Lodge Parish Council/Ward Councillors Mr I Jackson, Bowsden Parish Council Mr B Dickinson, Lowick Parish Council Supporters Mr D Sanders Mr D Griggs Applicant Mr D Butterworth Members considered a detailed presentation by officers, and verbal representations made by the objectors, Parish Council representatives and Ward Councillor, supporters and the applicant. Officers advised that in considering the revised application together with the additional information provided in the Scott Wilson audit of the Environmental Statement, the potential impact on visual amenity, landscape quality and archaeological sites could not be considered as sufficient to warrant refusal of the scheme. In cumulative impact terms it was not considered that all three applications would be acceptable together but that the Barmoor proposal was acceptable as an individual development or in conjunction with the proposed Moorsyde development. Public speakers made representations on the impact which the development could have on villages and caravan sites within the immediate vicinity of the site; on the effect of turbines on wildlife and ecology; on the impact on archaeology and cultural heritage, in particular Flodden Field; and to the visitor economy. Reference was also made to the imperative to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and to the exhaustive investigations made as part of the preparation of the application. Reference was made by objectors to their view that the report presented to members contained a large number of deficiencies. In response members were advised that the Government Office for the North East had been minded not to call in the application because the reports prepared by officers had been detailed and comprehensive. 06/B/1001 – Erection of 7 no wind turbines, anemometry mast, associated infrastructure and services; land at Toft Hill, south west of Grindon, Berwick-Upon-Tweed (i) Verbal representations were made by: Objectors Mr L Telford Ms M Marshall Ms Clare Dakin Mr A Joicey Parish Council/Ward Councillor Mr D Brownlow, Duddo Parish Council Councillor Tyler, Norhamshire Ward Applicant Mr R Warren Members considered a detailed presentation by officers, and verbal representations made by the objectors, Parish Council representatives and Ward Councillor, supporters and the applicant. Officers reported that the potential impact of the proposed development on the landscape and on visual impact was not so detrimental as to justify refusal for those reasons alone. Additionally the projected noise levels were considered acceptable However the potential impact on the setting and views of Duddo Stone Circle Scheduled Ancient Monument was considered unacceptable. The proposed development was also considered unacceptable in terms of potential cumulative impact when considered in conjunction with the Moorsyde and Barmoor proposals. For these reasons the recommendation was to refuse planning permission. Public speakers expressed their views about the possible impact of the proposed wind farm on vistas and landscape, on the cultural heritage and on wildlife. The importance of Duddo Stone Circle and other historic sites was emphasised, as was the concern about the impact of a wind farm on the visitor economy. The suitability of the site for a small to medium size wind farm was discussed, and the current policy framework for renewable energy systems. In concluding comments on all three applications, officers advised members that they were being determined in accordance with the Development Plan, and a significant body of planning guidance supporting some provision of renewable energy including that provided by wind farms. It was considered that Moorsyde and Barmoor could proceed together without adverse cumulative impact; Moorsyde could not proceed with Toft Hill as there would be adverse cumulative impact. Members discussed the three applications together, placing emphasis on the role of the Council in protecting the natural and built landscape of the Borough, protecting quality of life, tranquillity and economic security of its residents. Officers advised that following the detailed work on landscape assessment, and on noise, the applications could not be refused on these grounds. Each application was determined in turn. APPLICATION 04/B/1107 Moorsyde Wind Farm A proposal to refuse the application was made by Councillor RJD Watkin, seconded by Councillor D Wilson and adopted. DECISION: To refuse the full planning application on the following grounds: Because of this application’s prominent position both in near views of residents, from highways, and long distance views of the Cheviots, Holy Island and Heritage Coast, the development would become the dominant feature on the landscape altering the setting and appreciation of the landscape and cultural, and visual features presently enjoyed; and this could not be mitigated either by the environmental benefits gained from wind power or other physical factors such as screening. Accordingly the proposed development does not accord with Policy M4 of the Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy C28 of the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan, Policy EN3 of Regional Planning Guidance, Policy 41 of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy nor policy and guidance as set out in Planning Policy Statement 22: ‘Renewable Energy’, and Planning Policy Guidance 16: ‘Archaeology and Planning’. APPLICATION 06/B/0148 Barmoor A proposal to refuse the application was made by Councillor RJD Watkin, seconded by Councillor D Wilson and adopted. DECISION: To refuse the full planning application on the following grounds: Because of this application’s prominent position both in near views of residents, from highways, and long distance views of the Cheviots, Holy Island and Heritage Coast, the development would become the dominant feature on the landscape altering the setting and appreciation of the landscape and cultural, and visual features presently enjoyed; and this could not be mitigated either by the environmental benefits gained from wind power or other physical factors such as screening. Accordingly the proposed development does not accord with Policy M4 of the Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy C28 of the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan, Policy EN3 of Regional Planning Guidance, Policy 41 of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy nor policy and guidance as set out in Planning Policy Statement 22: ‘Renewable Energy’, and Planning Policy Guidance 16: ‘Archaeology and Planning’. APPLICATION 06/B/1001 - Land at Toft Hill DECISION: To refuse the full planning application on the following grounds: 1. The construction of the proposed Toft Hill wind farm would introduce new and dominant visual elements to the setting of the Duddo Stone Circle Scheduled Ancient Monument (ND13). As a consequence of their location, form, movement and vertical scale the proposed turbines would dominate the Stone Circle, interrupting and foreshortening key views from and towards the Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is the opinion of the Local Planning Authority that the proposed wind farm development would significantly harm the setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument, Duddo Stone Circle, and such harm cannot be satisfactorily mitigated. 2. In the event that the proposed Toft Hill wind farm were approved and proceeded with either the proposed Moorsyde wind farm development alone or with both the Moorsyde and Barmoor wind farm developments, it is the opinion of the Local Planning Authority that the cumulative visual impact on the setting of Scheduled Monument ND13 (Duddo Stone Circle) arising would significantly harm the setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument and that such harm cannot be satisfactorily mitigated. It is further considered that that the most significant impact to the setting of the scheduled monument arising from either cumulative scenario would result from the construction of the Toft Hill wind farm. Accordingly, the proposed development does not accord with Policy M4 of the Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy C28 of the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan, Policy EN3 of Regional Planning Guidance, Policy 41 of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy nor policy and guidance as set out in Planning Policy Statement 22: ‘Renewable Energy’, and Planning Policy Guidance 16: ‘Archaeology and Planning’. 3. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the combination of the proposed Toft Hill wind farm with the proposed Moorsyde and Barmoor schemes or of Toft Hill with Moorsyde would give rise to significant adverse cumulative landscape effects, in conflict with Policy M4 of the Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy C28 of the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan, Policy EN3 of Regional Planning Guidance and Policy 41 of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy. 4. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, significant adverse cumulative visual effects would result through the combination of the proposed Toft Hill wind farm with the proposed Moorsyde and Barmoor schemes or of Toft Hill with Moorsyde, in conflict with Policy M4 of Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy C28 of the Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Local Plan, Policy EN3 of Regional Planning Guidance, Policy 41 of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy. |
