Planning for Renewable Energy in CornwallAdrian Lea

Manager; Natural Resources Planning Team

Renewable Energy in Cornwall

Eden Project June 2010

County Hall Sept 2010

8wk consultation ends 6th August 2010

Engaging in the Process

• Site finding & evaluation• Pre-application discussions• Community Engagement• Environmental Impact Assessment• Preparing the planning application• Submission & Consultation• Planning Committee• Post Determination

Site finding & evaluation

• Ideally – brownfield, previously used, contaminated or derelict sites

• Check;EcologyArchaeologyAgricultural Land ClassificationLandscape/Visual DesignationsGrid Connection

Pre-application discussions why bother?

• It’s free ! (in Cornwall)• Explanation of policy & guidance• Provides clarity & assurance• Identifies need for specialist input• Work together – deliver benefits• Optimise potential of a site• Saves time, cost & frustration – for both

of us.

Pre-application discussions your role

• Check the Development Plan• Visit the site• Establish site characteristics, constraints

and opportunities• Prepare draft design principles for the

site based on the findings of the site survey work

• Check our standards & requirements

Environmental Impact Assessment

• Large scale solar arrays not expressly referred to in Regulations

• Apply for Screening – public register• Necessary to judge likely effects of

development on environment

Community Engagement

• Why bother?

• Improves quality & efficiency of decisions

• Minimises unnecessary & costly conflict

• Educates all participants

• Promotes social cohesion

• Offers communities a tangible role in decision making

• Positive contribution to planning

Preparing the Planning Application

• Collaborative Approach

• Landscape impact• Ground maintenance• Security• Ecology• Ground Anchors• Access tracks• Grid connection• Duration

Landscape & Visual Impact

LVIA

Tracking

Glint & Glare

Agricultural Land Classification & Ground Maintenance

• Avoid highest grade agricultural land

• Maintaining the grass sward – MowingStrimmingSprayingMulchingGrazing

Security

Ecology

Avoid sensitive sites

No intensive agricultural activities

Encourage & promote diversity

Huge opportunities – optimise safety & security

Built structures

Longevity - Ground Anchors

Submission & Consultation

• Application fee• Validation• Consultation• Liaison• Member site visit• Member training• Speaking at Planning Committee• Planning conditions (S106)

Issues Facing Local Authorities

• Renewable energy targets• Number of planning applications• Cumulative impact• Duration of permission• Employment opportunities• Community gain• Gamekeeper & Poacher• Reference Plants• Member Training• FIT time constraints – • planning• construction• connectivity

Adrian LeaManager; Natural Resources Planning Teamalea@cornwall.gov.uk01872 322314