Agenda item

A major full application for the erection of a wind turbine (maximum height to blade tip 78 metres) with associated access tracks, crane pad, sub-station building, underground cabling and temporary construction compound. [Derwent Ward] [Site Visit].

Consideration was given to a major full application for the erection of a wind turbine (maximum height blade to tip 78 metres) with associated access tracks, crane pad, sub station building, underground cabling and temporary construction compound.

Officers provided an update to the committee report as follows:

·        Paragraph 1.1 should read “....erection of a single 800 kw wind turbine with a maximum height of 78 metres to blade tip together with ancillary infrastructure”.

·        Nearby electricity pylons rise to  50m.

·        The Ministry of Defence (MOD) had now withdrawn its objection.

·        English Heritage had raised concerns in respect of the impact of the turbine upon their assets in the area, notably St Lois Farm.

·        The applicant was now seeking deferral to continue talks with English Heritage to remove that aspect of refusal from the recommendation, although Officers still considered that the Green Belt grounds for refusal would remain.

In response to questions from a Member about the MOD withdrawing its objection, Officers confirmed that the applicant had a agreed a number of measures with the MOD to prevent the turbine from appearing on radar screens.

Mrs McCallum, the applicant’s agent , made representations in support of the turbine. She raised concerns about the content of the committee report and advised that the MOD had mediated with the applicant and it seemed likely an agreement could also be reached with English Heritage. In relation to Very Special Circumstances in the Green Belt she referred to the recognised need  increase  renewable energy and lack of alternative sites, and  considered this constitutes Very Special Circumstances. She asked that Members defer the application to enable further work to continue.

Councillor Brooks spoke on behalf of Dunnington Parish Council to advise that the turbine would affect a number of residents in the Dunnington area, particularly on Hull Road, Intake Lane and Eastfield Lane. She raised concerns about the possible health impact of turbines and referred to studies undertaken by the Royal Society which suggested that exposure to low frequency sounds can cause ear problems. She stated that the whole of Dunnington would be affected if the low frequency noise was able to travel 10km.

Jill Edwards spoke on behalf of Kexby Parish Council. She raised concerns about the impact on the Green Belt and the detrimental impact on the character of nearby villages.

Councillor Brooks then spoke as Ward Councillor. She advised that the turbine would be a lot higher than the electricity pylons in the area and it would be highly visible from the from the A1079 which is a tourist route into the centre of York. She also queried the impact upon views of the Minster. She also argued that there were no site specific special circumstances and urged Members to refuse the application.

In answer to a number of questions, Planning Officers made the following points:

·        In relation to the impact of noise, the nearest property would be 630 metres away from the turbine and assessments undertaken in accordance with planning regulations indicated the scheme would be acceptable in terms of noise in the proposed location.

·        In relation to the impact on the Minster, due to topography in the area, the turbine would not harm views of the Minster.

·        Officers agreed with a Members’ comment that due to the height of the land the turbine would appear higher than it’s 78m.

·        It was confirmed that the matter of private views being harmed could not be taken into account as a significant consideration when deciding the application.

Members entered debate and commented as follows:

·        A number of reasons for refusal had been disregarded but the argument for Very Special Circumstances in the Green Belt presented by the applicant remained unconvincing.

·        Some Members were concerned at the Officer recommendation to refuse and agreed with the applicant’s suggestion to defer to allow further negotiations to take place as renewable energy sources are lacking in the Local Authority area.

·        Members recognised the arguments surrounding the impact on views and the Green Belt but also acknowledged the benefits of renewable energy supply.

·        Other Members felt that even if the turbine was deferred to a future committee, the Officers recommendation would not change due to the proposed Green Belt location and planning policy.

Councillor Simpson-Laing moved deferral, this was seconded by Councillor Horton. On being put to the vote it was:

Resolved:           That the application be deferred to the 18^th December Planning Committee..

Reason:              To enable the applicant to address English Heritage’s concerns and to further clarify the case for very special circumstances in the Green Belt.