18 Energy

18 Energy

18.1 Local Plan policies should ensure that development and land use contribute to the mitigation or adaptation to climate change. The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive sets a target for the UK to achieve 15 per cent of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7 supports the provision of renewable energy proposals, subject to criteria. The policy has regard to national planning policy which highlights the responsibility of communities to contribute towards the move to a low carbon future, and the need to have a positive strategy to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources.

18.2 The Cheshire West and Chester Low Carbon Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Study (2012) is a technical assessment of the potential for low carbon and renewable energy in the borough. It assesses the potential contribution from a variety of sources and identifies wind energy and biomass as having particular potential. Policies in the Local Plan (Part Two) have been included to address the particular issues arising from these technologies, as well as solar energy which has experienced significant growth in the last few years. Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 53 also covers battery storage which is a fast developing technology.

18.3 The Council has identified the potential for heat networks to be developed within the borough through the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Study and subsequent energy masterplanning and feasibility studies. In particular, there is potential within areas of Ellesmere Port, where there are existing significant heat generators and energy users. The Council will support proposals for establishing district heat networks in Ellesmere Port as well as in other parts of the borough where opportunities arise. The concept of district heat networks has been identified as having potential in the borough, particularly around the industrial areas of Ellesmere Port and Chester city centre.

18.4 The policies in this section set out criteria for development proposals relating to wind energy; solar energy; and energy generation, storage and district heat networks.

DM 51 - Wind energy

Policy DM 51

Proposals for wind energy will be supported where they meet the requirements of Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7 and the relevant following criteria:

  1. proposals are located outside of those areas identified on the policies map as being highly sensitive to wind development; key settlement gaps and Areas of Special County Value and their settings;
  2. proposals are for single turbines or small groups of less than seven units. Proposals for large groups of turbines are unlikely to be acceptable anywhere in the borough due to the sensitivity of the landscape;
  3. proposals for small-medium sized turbines are most likely to be acceptable. Where proposals involve larger turbines, either in single units or small groups of turbines, they must be located within an ‘area of least constraint’ for commercial scale wind energy as defined in the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Study;
  4. the impacts of the development on key landscape characteristics must be acceptable. Proposals must have regard to the Landscape Sensitivity Study and be of a scale and type where landscape sensitivity has been identified as being low/moderate or moderate. Applications in areas which have been identified as being of high landscape sensitivity for the scale of development proposed will not be approved;
  5. the local planning authority must be satisfied that there would be no unacceptable impacts on aircraft safety;
  6. there would be no unacceptable harm to the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting.

For all proposals, developers must provide an assessment of any potential shadow flicker or flashes of reflected light which might affect properties or nearby land uses, including playing fields. Where potential exists for these effects, appropriate measures to mitigate and reduce the impacts must be identified as part of the planning application.

In all cases, applications must be supported by a landscape appraisal or, in the case of development requiring Environmental Impact Assessment, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, the scope of which should be agreed at the outset with the Council. Any cumulative impacts of renewable schemes should be carefully considered as part of this assessment.

In order to minimise the impact on the landscape, proposals for wind turbines and associated development should have regard to the General Design Guidance Principles for Wind Energy set out in the Landscape Sensitivity Study.

Explanation

18.5 This policy supports wind energy development, subject to criteria, and adds further detail to Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7, particularly in relation to landscape impacts. It has been informed by the Cheshire West and Chester Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Study (2012) and the Landscape Sensitivity Study (2016). The Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Study provides an assessment of the potential for renewable energy generation in the borough, identifying 'areas of least constraint' for large and medium scale wind development. These are areas which could be technically suitable for such wind development, taking into account wind speeds and the presence of constraints such as transport corridors, buildings, inland waters, airports and airfields and sites of historic interest and nature conservation.

18.6 The Landscape Sensitivity Study was prepared alongside the borough Landscape Strategy, and provides an analysis of the potential impact of wind development on the landscape. Together, these studies provide useful guidance for preparing and considering proposals for wind development, and should be read alongside this policy.

18.7 The Landscape Sensitivity Study identifies areas where the sensitivity of the landscape to wind development is likely to be greatest and areas where impacts may be more moderate. Areas identified as being of high sensitivity are considered to be unsuitable for wind development. In these areas, which are identified on the policies map, the key characteristics and qualities of the landscape are highly sensitive and are likely to be adversely affected by this type of development. Outside of these areas, wind energy development proposals may be acceptable, where they meet the criteria set out in the above policy, Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7 and other relevant development plan policies.

18.8 The Landscape Sensitivity Study concluded that, due to the scale and nature of the landscape in the area, any further proposals for large scale wind farms (over approximately 13 turbines) are unlikely to be acceptable anywhere in the borough. The greatest potential is likely to be for single or small groups of turbines that are small or small-medium size in height, located within a particular part of the borough rather than being scattered throughout the borough, as their impact will be less pronounced. Such developments have the potential to provide clean electricity to local communities, businesses or farms.

18.9 For the purposes of this policy, turbine heights and groups should be taken as follows:

Table 18.1 Turbine heights and groups
Turbine Heights (to blade tip):
Smaller turbine Approx 10m-30m
Medium turbine Approx 30m-80m
Larger turbine Approx 80m-130m+
Turbine Groups
Single turbine  
Smaller group  Up to 6 turbines
Larger group 7 to 13 turbines

18.10 Proposals for small or medium turbines in single free standing units or small groups may be acceptable in areas where landscape sensitivity has been identified as being low-moderate or moderate (there are no areas of low sensitivity). However in all areas, there will be characteristics in the landscape which are sensitive to wind energy development and applicants should demonstrate how impacts, including cumulative impacts, would be minimised through siting, layout and design. Detailed guidance for applicants on the location of wind energy can be found in the Landscape Sensitivity Study.

18.11 Wind turbines have the potential to create certain problems for aviation. In addition to their potential for presenting a physical obstacle to air navigation, wind turbines can affect signals radiated from and received by aeronautical systems. The rotating blades create electromagnetic disturbance, which can degrade the performance of these systems and cause incorrect information to be received. The amount of interference depends on the number of wind turbines, on a wind turbine’s size, construction materials and location and on the shape of its blades. The most significant impacts are likely to arise in connection with large turbines, but smaller installations can also have impacts and need to be assessed.

18.12 Applicants are encouraged to initiate consultations with aerodrome operators prior to the submission of planning applications. Where consultations with the relevant operators identify that there may be unacceptable impacts on aircraft safety then proposals will not be supported. Please refer also to Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 11.

18.13 Wind turbines can create noise and vibration and applicants will be expected to address these issues as part of any application in accordance with Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 30.

18.14 Proposals for wind turbines in the Green Belt will constitute inappropriate development, in such cases developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.

18.15 There is a legal requirement for a developer to carry out pre-application consultation with the local community, for all planning applications for wind development involving more than two turbines or where the hub height of any turbine exceeds 15 metres. Details of the consultation should be agreed with the local planning authority in advance. In larger scale developments, regular site liaison committees should be held, where there is interest from local residents.

DM 52 - Solar energy

Policy DM 52

Proposals for ground mounted solar energy developments will be supported where they meet the requirements of the Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7 and the following criteria:

  1. proposals must be sited on previously developed land wherever possible. Proposals for solar developments on existing industrial or derelict land which directly supply electricity users will be supported;
  2. where it is clearly demonstrated that there are no suitable sites on previously developed land and development is proposed on agricultural land, the best and most versatile land must be avoided in favour of lesser quality land. Disturbance to agricultural land must be minimised, and proposals must demonstrate how the site can be reinstated to its previous use and condition once the operational lifespan of the development has been reached. Wherever possible, land around the structure should be continued to be used for livestock grazing or other agricultural use;
  3. proposals must be of a scale and type where landscape sensitivity has been identified as being low/moderate or moderate and the impacts on key landscape characteristics are considered to be acceptable, having regard to the Landscape Sensitivity Study. Proposals in areas which have been assessed as having high sensitivity to the scale of development proposed will not be permitted;
  4. applications must be supported by a landscape appraisal or, in the case of development requiring Environmental Impact Assessment, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, the scope of which should be agreed at the outset with the Council. Any cumulative impacts of renewable schemes must be carefully considered as part of this assessment;
  5. applicants must demonstrate how any adverse impacts on the landscape would be mitigated through layout, siting and design. Wherever possible, hedgerows, trees, field patterns and strong boundary features should be used to mitigate the visual impact of solar energy developments;
  6. associated development such as access roads, security fencing, lighting and any buildings must be designed so as to minimise its visual impact, whilst ensuring that the development causes no risk to public safety;
  7. there would be no unacceptable harm to the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting.

Explanation

18.16 This policy relates to ground mounted solar energy developments, adding further detail to Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7 particularly in relation to landscape impacts. Further criteria relating to other impacts which may be relevant, such as biodiversity, noise, highways etc can be found in other policies in the development plan.

18.17 This policy has been informed by the Cheshire West and Chester Landscape Sensitivity Study (2016) which has provided an assessment of the sensitivity of the borough's landscape to accommodate solar energy development. It has identified areas, based on Landscape Character Areas, which would be sensitive to this type of development to varying degrees. The study concludes that landscape character significantly limits the potential for medium or large sized solar farms (6 hectares - 25 hectares and above) within the borough. The greatest potential in the borough is for very small or small solar farms (less than six hectares) located in areas of lesser landscape sensitivity (low/medium or medium sensitivity). To be supported, such proposals would need to be in scale with the landscape, in particular field patterns of hedgerows, trees and other human-scale landscape features.

18.18 Strong boundary features can also mitigate the visual impact of smaller solar arrays by helping to screen them. However, there is still the potential for even small scale solar farms to cause significant adverse effects to key landscape characteristics. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how any such impacts will be reduced, avoided or mitigated. In order to minimise the impact of development on the landscape, proposals for solar energy should follow the general design principles for ground mounted solar development contained in the Cheshire West and Chester Sensitivity Study.

18.19 Proposals in the Green Belt will constitute inappropriate development and developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.

18.20 Support for the provision of photovoltaic cells on new buildings is covered by Local plan (Part Two) policy DM 4. Installation of photovoltaic cells on existing buildings is frequently covered by permitted development rights and as such does not require planning permission.

DM 53 - Energy generation, storage and district heat networks

Policy DM 53

Proposals will be supported that:

  1. make maximum use of renewable energy sources as set out in Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV 7;
  2. provide for electricity storage which assist with balancing the grid and support the use of intermittent renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar);
  3. enable the establishment or expansion of district heat networks.

Proposals for energy related development must demonstrate how they meet the following criteria in addition to other relevant development plan policies:

  1. wherever possible schemes must be located on previously developed land and/or in existing industrial areas, close to existing users who can make use of the heat and/or power generated;
  2. proposals must not limit the range and choice of employment land in the area;
  3. proposals must not adversely impact on neighbouring land users, or the existing commercial/operational requirements of surrounding businesses;
  4. the cumulative impacts of existing and proposed developments on the landscape, natural environment and surrounding users will be acceptable;
  5. wherever possible development must utilise existing power lines, structures and infrastructure. Where it can be demonstrated that this is not possible and new power lines and pipelines are proposed, their impact on the landscape must be minimised;
  6. where biomass is proposed to be used for energy generation it must be sustainably sourced. Developers will be required to provide information about the type and source of material to be used in biomass plants. The production of biomass crops should avoid the use of best and most versatile agricultural land;
  7. proposals for biomass installations will not be permitted within or adjacent to Air Quality Management Areas;
  8. there must be no unacceptable impact on air quality arising from the emissions of the proposed development, as follows:
    1. Proposals for natural gas-fired CHP plants must meet a minimum standard of:
      1. spark ignition engine: 250 mgNOx/Nm3
      2. compression ignition engine: 400 mgNOx/N
      3. gas turbine: 50 mgNOx/Nm3
    2. Proposals for biomass installations must meet a minimum standard of 275 mgNOx/Nm3 and 25 mgPM/Nm3 (Solid biomass boiler)
  9. Any proposals which involve energy generation should include an assessment of the potential for heat recovery, and proposals which generate heat should consider options for power generation. Where possible excess heat or power should be used on site, by nearby users or in district heat networks.

Explanation

18.21 Local Plan (Part One) Policy ENV 7 supports proposals for renewable and low carbon energy, but it is recognised that proposals for energy generation from other sources such as natural gas may come forward over the plan period. Such proposals may form the basis for heat networks or balancing the national grid by enabling energy storage. This policy provides a framework for assessing such applications.

18.22 Proposals for energy generation and storage are directed to existing industrial areas where their impacts on sensitive neighbouring uses are likely to be less, and where there is scope to link into existing power infrastructure and develop heat and energy networks. The Stanlow Special Policy Area Review (2016) recognises the specialism that the area has in the energy sector, which is likely to grow in future.

18.23 The Council’s Low Emission Strategy recommends the adoption of measures to reduce emissions and impacts from new developments, with the presumption that natural gas-fired installations will be used rather than biomass. The emission benchmarks set out in the policy represent readily achievable emission concentrations by using relatively simple technologies.

18.24 Biomass can provide a low carbon source of energy and heat, but it is important that it is sustainably sourced and the production of biomass does not impact negatively upon water, soils, landscape, archaeology, ecology and landscape. Article 17 of the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009 requires users of biomass to demonstrate that biomass is not sourced from areas of primary forest, designated nature conservation areas or areas containing threatened species, biodiverse grassland, areas of high carbon stock and peatland.