Site planning
Positioning relative to buildings, trees or other obstructions that may cause turbulence must be carefully taken in to account. Ideally a turbine should be sited within 100-250m of your distribution board. The turbine should not be closer than twice the height of the nearest buildings or obstruction on the prevailing wind side and 20 times the height of obstructions upwind from the site. Turbulence will shorten the life of the turbine whilst distance will dissipate the power generated therefore requires thicker, more expensive cable.
Access to the site is required for the delivery of concrete, delivery of the turbine and lifting equipment for installation.
Planning permission
For the time being at least, current legislation dictates that planning permission is required for wind turbines. The Government is however in the process of agreeing appropriate standards for wind turbines and aims to include them in a further revision of the GPDO (General Permitted Development Order). This means that it is probable that turbines of a certain criteria in terms of size and location will be treated as permitted development. Turbines with a hub height up to 15m and blade diameter of 5.5m or less are likely to fall within the criteria.
Whilst many Local Plans may not be specific concerning renewable energy and wind turbines in particular, the LPA’s are aware of the thrust of government policy. There is a National Planning Policy Statement (PPS22) specific to renewable energy which promotes and encourages the development of renewable energy resources.
Being located in an AONB or National Park does not necessarily preclude planning permission for a turbine. We have successfully obtained consent in AONBs and policy in National Parks does not totally rule out a turbine. The visual and ecological impact of such a structure is critical although recent favourable appeal decisions give cause for optimism in terms of the acceptance of small scale wind turbines in the rural landscape.
For sites in the West and South West of England & Wales, if instructed we will prepare and submit a planning application. Going to the planning stage does not commit you to proceeding with the purchase and installation of a turbine through Natural Energy.
