Planning Supporting Statement - Partnerships for Renewables

Louth Canal Wind Energy Development 

Planning Supporting Statement 

March 2012


PFR (Louth Canal) Limited 


Planning Supporting Statement 

Station House | 12 Melcombe Place | London | NW1 6JJ 

t: +44 (0)207 170 7000 | f: +44 (0)207 170 7020 | e: info@pfr.co.uk 

http://www.pfr.co.uk/louthcanal 

Partnership for Renewables is a private limited company | Registered in England and Wales, number 

06526742 

Registered at Registered at 6th Floor, 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BF 

March 2012 

i 

Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2012 ©


Contents 

1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1 

2 Site Context ................................................................................... 3 

3 Development Proposals ................................................................ 4 

4 UK Commitment to Tackling Climate Change ............................ 7 

5 National Planning Policy ............................................................. 12 

6 The Development Plan ................................................................ 18 

7 Appraisal of the Proposed Development .................................. 23 

8 Conclusions ................................................................................. 31 

March 2012 

ii 



1 Introduction 

1.1 Overview 

1.1.1 This Planning Statement has been prepared in support of a full planning application to East 

Lindsey District Council (ELDC) for the erection of three wind turbines with a maximum tip 

height of 113.5m at land east of Louth Canal, Lincolnshire by the Partnership for Renewable 

Development Company Ltd (PfR). 

1.1.2 PfR was established to facilitate renewable energy projects on land controlled by public sector 

bodies, and has set up PfR (Louth Canal) Limited, a subsidiary development company, to 

progress this project at Louth Canal. 

1.2 Structure 

1.2.1 The structure of this planning supporting statement is as follows: 

Chapter 1: This introductory section of the Planning Statement describes the drawings 

and additional supporting documents which are provided with this application; 

Chapter 2: Describes the site and its immediate surroundings; 

Chapter 3: Outlines the development proposals, and necessary infrastructure required 

to support the development; 

Chapter 4: Outlines the climate change policy; 

Chapter 5: Outlines national planning policy, 

Chapter 6: Sets out the development plan and material considerations; 

Chapter 7: Provides an assessment of the scheme having regard to the national and 

local planning framework and any other material considerations; and 

Chapter 8: Concludes the statement. 

1.3 Application Supporting Information 

1.3.1 In addition to this statement and the planning application form, the application submission will 

comprises the following suite of documents: 

Design and Access Statement 

1.3.2 A Design and Access Statement has been prepared in line with the guidance set out in 

Development Management Policy Annex: Information requirements and validation for planning 

applications (and the accompanying guidance), which has replaced section 3 of Circular 

01/2006 (Changes to the Development Control System). The Design and Access Statement 

sets out how the design has developed to take into consideration both constraints on the site 

and the pre-application consultation undertaken with statutory consultees. 

March 2012 1 Planning Supporting Statement 



Environmental Statement (ES) 

1.3.3 Having regard to the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (EIA) 

(England and Wales) Regulations, 1999 (as amended) and in consultation with ELDC, the 

applicant has prepared an Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany the planning 

application. The scope of the ES has been agreed with ELDC though the formal Scoping 

process prior to submission, and responds to pre-application consultation carried out with the 

LPA, statutory and non-statutory consultees. 

1.3.4 The ES comprises four separately bound parts: 

Non-Technical Summary – summarising the key findings of the EIA in non-technical 

language 

Volume 1: Written Statement – reporting the findings of the EIA 

Volume 2: Figures –to accompany the text of Volume 1 

Volume 3: Appendices – additional technical material to support the text in Volume 1 

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 

1.3.5 A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been prepared which records the preapplication 

consultation undertaken with the ELDC, members of the public and interested 

groups. This consultation included public exhibitions and letters to local MP‟s, Councillors and 

Parish Councils. The consultation undertaken has been informed by the East Lindsey 

Statement of Community Involvement. 

Accompanying Drawings 

1.3.6 The following drawings have been submitted to accompany the planning application: – these 

are all plans that will be submitted: 

Figure 1: Planning application red line boundary; 

Figure 2: Site Infrastructure; 

Figure 3: Structure of a typical wind turbine; 

Figure 4: External Transformer Housing; 

Figure 5: Typical Cable Trench Detail; 

Figure 6: Typical Control/Substation Building; 

Figure 7: Typical Turbine Foundation; 

Figure 8: Typical Crane Hardstanding; 

Figure 9: Typical site track design details (cross-section); 

Figure 10: Outline access design into flood embankment; 

Figure 11: Typical culvert; 

Figure 12: Typical Temporary Construction Compound; and 

Figure 13: Meteorological Mast. 




2 Site Context 

2.1 The Development Site and Surroundings 

2.1.1 The proposed Development is located in the County of Lincolnshire to the south east of the 

village of Tetney (1.4km), Tetney Lock (2.3km), North Cotes (1.5km), and North Thoresby 

(3.2km). The Louth Canal forms the eastern boundary of the site and the site is immediately 

surrounded by agricultural land on all sides. The site falls within the East Lindsey District 

Council administrative boundary. 

2.1.2 Figure 1.2 of the ES shows the Development Site Boundary and surrounding area. Part of the 

site is currently used by the Environment Agency, primarily as flood storage area for the Louth 

Canal during local flood events. The rest of the site is private land used for arable agricultural 

purposes. Both these uses would continue on the wider site following construction of the 

Development. 

2.1.3 The Louth Canal is located directly to the east of the site. A fish nursery is partially located 

within the site boundary, next to the canal, in the east of the site. This will be unaffected by the 

works. A small part of land within the flood storage area is designated as the Tetney Flood 

Local Wildlife Site (LWS), which is designated for its rich wetland and swamp flora. 

2.1.4 Tetney Blow Wells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located 0.6km north-west of the 

site, designated for its reed beds with base-rich fen and swamp vegetation associated with 

calcareous water of four large artesian springs. The Humber Estuary Special Area of 

Conservation (SAC), Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA) and SSSI is also located 

approximately 3.4km north-east of the proposed site. 

2.1.5 The landscape of Lincolnshire is typically flat rising significantly above sea level in very few 

places along the coast. The exception to this is the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding 

Natural Beauty (AONB) which lies 6.2km to the west and reaches a height of 167m AOD 

providing expansive views of Lincolnshire to the east and west and onto Yorkshire in the north 

across the Humber. The Lincolnshire Wolds was designated as an AONB in 1973 to preserve 

the natural character of the area. The area comprises a series of low hills and steep valleys 

covering approximately 560 square kilometres and contains the highest ground in eastern 

England. Chalk hills and areas of sandstone and clay underlie this landscape with open valleys 

providing distant views across the surrounding low lying landscape. 

2.1.6 Locally designated Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) lie on the eastern edge of the 

AONB, 5.2km from the site. The area broadly follows the boundary of the AONB. The area is 

designated in order to preserve and protect the distinctive character of the landscape by not 

permitting development that would harm the landscape features or detract from the value and 

enjoyment of the area. 




3 Development Proposals 

3.1 Introduction 

3.1.1 The application is the culmination of four years of development work by PfR during which time 

the site‟s suitability and detailed environmental interests have been assessed. The wind 

regime of the site has been defined by one year‟s worth of on-site monitoring and a range of 

design options have been explored. 

3.2 The Proposed Development 

3.2.1 The proposed development is for the erection, 25 year operation and subsequent 

decommissioning of three wind turbines up to 113.5m tall to the tip of a blade in a vertical 

position. The development would have associated underground electrical cables, access 

tracks, crane hardstandings, a temporary construction compound, external turbine transformer 

housing, a permanent meteorological mast, and a control/substation building. Access to the 

site would be from the A1031 Fen Lane. The layout of the proposed Development is shown in 

Figure 4.1 of the ES. 

3.2.2 The proposed Development would be connected into the local electricity distribution system. 

Analysis and discussions with the local distribution network operator company, Northern 

Powergrid (formerly (YEDL)), indicate that connection can be made to a substation 

approximately 7.5km from the site at North Thoresby by underground cable. 

3.2.3 Based on a maximum capacity of up to 2.5 Megawatt (MW) per wind turbine, the proposed 

Development could generate approximately 16.4 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable 

electricity per year, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by 

approximately 3,680 average households 1 . In addition, the proposed turbine could also 

displace approximately 7,062 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year 2 . 

Habitat Management 

3.2.4 A Habitat Management Plan has been produced for the site, and accompanies this planning 

application and can be found in Chapter 16 of the Environmental Statement. The wider 

management objectives of the HMP are to: 

Ensure no net loss of habitat through the proposed Development; 

Increase the diversity and abundance of invertebrate species at the site; 

Sustain and enhance the existing aquatic/marginal habitats within the ditch system; 

Introduce better grazing management to create a varied structural and species 

diversity within the ditch swamp habitat; 

Maintain the ecosystem services associated with the flood reservoir; and 

Maintain and enhance ditch habitats for water vole. 

1 Average household electricity use of 4,463kWh per annum 

2 Based on three 2.5MW turbines, operating with a 25% capacity factor and the electricity generated displacing 

electricity generated from Combined Cycle Gas Turbines / average fuel mix – approximately 430 gCO2/kWh 




Site Operation and Maintenance 

3.2.5 Wind turbines are designed to operate largely unattended. Each turbine at the Louth Canal 

Wind Energy Development would be fitted with an automatic system designed to supervise 

and control a number of parameters to ensure optimal performance (e.g. start-up and shutdown, 

rotor direction, and blade pitch angles etc) and to monitor wellbeing (e.g. generator 

temperature). The control system would automatically shut the turbine down should the need 

arise. Sometimes the turbines would re-start automatically (if the shut-down had been for high 

winds or if the grid voltage had fluctuated outwith range), but other shut-downs (e.g. generator 

over temperature) would require investigation and manual restart. 

3.2.6 The wind turbines will each have an ice detector on the roof of the nacelle that measures 

outside temperature and relative air humidity. If pre-set values are exceeded the blades are 

stopped by the control system of the turbine. After shutdown due to icing, the turbine can only 

be restarted manually following on-site inspection to ensure that the turbine blades are free of 

ice, thereby eliminating the potential for ice-throw. 

3.2.7 The wind farm itself will have a sophisticated overall Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition 

system (SCADA) that would continuously interrogate each of the turbines and the high voltage 

(HV) connection. If a fault were to develop which required an operator to intervene then the 

SCADA system would make contact with on-duty staff via email or a mobile messaging 

system. The supervisory control system could be interrogated remotely. The SCADA system 

would have a feature to allow a remote operator to shut down one or all of the wind turbines. 

3.2.8 An operator would be employed to monitor the turbines, largely through remote routine 

interrogation of the SCADA system. The operator would also look after the day-to-day logistical 

supervision of the site and would periodically be on site. 

Construction 

3.2.9 The construction period for the Louth Canal Wind Energy Development will last approximately 

four to six months and will comprise the following activities: 

Construction of access junction to A1031 Fen Lane; 

Formation of construction compound including hard standing and temporary site office 

facilities; 

Construction of new access track and tracks to turbine locations; 

Construction/amendment of access into EA flood reservoir; 

Construction of crane hard standing areas; 

Construction of turbine foundations; 

Construction of control/substation building; 

Excavation of trenches and cable laying adjacent to site tracks where feasible; 

Connection of on-site electricity distribution and communications cables; 

Delivery and erection of wind turbines; 

Commissioning of site equipment; and 

Site restoration. 




3.2.10 The overall length of the construction period is somewhat weather dependant and could be 

affected by ground conditions found at the site. Site restoration will be programmed and carried 

out to allow restoration of disturbed areas as early as possible and in a progressive manner. 




4 UK Commitment to Tackling Climate Change 

4.1 Overview 

4.1.1 The UK Government is strongly encouraging the generation of energy from renewable sources 

and the reduction of the emission of gases that contribute to climate change. This support 

forms a key element of the UK Climate Change programme and is outlined in the Energy White 

Paper, the Energy Review and Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy. The 

formation of the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in October 2008 reflects 

the importance of tackling climate change and the need to secure clean, safe, and affordable 

energy. 

4.2 The Stern Review 

4.2.1 The Stern Review on the economics of climate change (2006) highlighted the challenges faced 

by climate change and the policy direction required to initiate a transition to a low-carbon 

economy and thus reduce the extent of future climate change. The review highlighted the very 

need to reduce future carbon emissions to reduce the level of global warming and also control 

the extent to which future climate change affects human activity and the country‟s 

infrastructure. For the UK, the Stern review highlights the following potential implications of 

climate change: 

Infrastructure damage from flooding and storms is expected to increase substantially, 

especially in coastal regions, although effective flood management policies are likely to 

keep damage in check. 

Water availability will be increasingly constrained, as runoff in summer declines, 

particularly in the South East where population density is increasing. Serious droughts 

will occur more regularly. 

Milder winters will reduce cold-related mortality rates and energy demand for heating, 

while heat-waves will increase heat-related mortality. Cities will become more 

uncomfortable in summer. 

Agricultural productivity may initially increase because of longer growing seasons and 

the carbon fertilisation effect but this depends on adequate water and requires 

changing crops and sowing times. 

4.2.2 The Stern review highlights the particular challenges which will be faced by infrastructure 

providers in continuing to maintain and provide the infrastructure required in the light of 

increased global warming: 

“The consequences of climate change in the developed world are likely to be felt earliest and 

most strongly through changes in extreme events - storms, floods, droughts, and heat waves. 

This could lead to significant infrastructure damage and faster capital depreciation, as capitalintensive 

infrastructure has to be replaced, or strengthened, before the end of its expected 

life.” 3 

3 The Stern Review, Chapter 5, Page 10, available at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/stern_review_report.htm 




4.2.3 Stern‟s key messages in relation to the need for stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions 

highlights the need to ensure that decisions to tackle the issue are taken now to stem the 

increase in global warming: 

“The world is already irrevocably committed to further climate changes, which will lead to 

adverse impacts in many areas. Global temperatures, and therefore the severity of impacts, 

will continue to rise unless the stock of greenhouse gases is stabilised. Urgent action is now 

required to prevent temperatures rising to even higher levels, lowering the risks of impacts that 

could otherwise seriously threaten lives and livelihoods worldwide.” 4 

4.3 The UK Climate Change Programme and Energy White Paper 

4.3.1 As a central element in meeting its Kyoto Agreements, where the UK committed to reduce 

emissions of greenhouse gases, principally Carbon Dioxide, by around 5.2% below their 1990 

levels over the next decade the Government published its Climate Change Programme in 2000 

(reviewed in March 2006 5 ). This sought to further reduce the UK‟s emissions of greenhouse 

gases to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, exceeding the previous Kyoto target. In the longer 

term the programme recognised that much larger global cuts of over 60% would be required, 

reinforcing the benefits from taking early proactive action to reduce emissions. 

4.3.2 The Government published the Energy White Paper in 2007. This set out the importance of 

energy to society and the economy and the need to consider energy in relation to tackling 

climate change and the importance of a secure, clean and affordable energy supply. This set 

out four policy goals in regards to energy which reinforced the need to cut CO 2 emissions by 

some 60% by about 2050, with 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The 2006 

Energy Review, which preceded the White Paper, included a specific statement on 

renewables 6 : The White Paper states that: 

“Recognising the particular difficulties faced by renewables in securing planning consent, the 

Government is also: Underlining that applicants will no longer have to demonstrate either the 

overall need for renewable energy or for their particular proposal to be sited in a particular 

location” (paragraph 5.3.67, page 156).” 

4.4 Energy, Climate Change and Planning and Energy Acts (2008) 

4.4.1 The Energy Act 2008 implements the legislative aspects of the 2007 Energy White Paper. With 

regard to onshore wind, the Energy Act strengthens the renewables obligation to drive a 

greater and more rapid deployment of renewables in the UK, increasing the diversity of the 

UK‟s electricity mix. The renewables obligation is the current main mechanism for supporting 

large scale generation of renewable electricity. 

4.4.2 The renewables obligation works by placing an obligation on licensed electricity suppliers to 

source a specified and annually increasing proportion of their electricity sales from renewable 

sources, or pay a penalty. Suppliers meet their obligations by presenting sufficient Renewables 

Obligation Certificates (ROCs). A ROC is issued for each megawatt hour (MWh) generated by 

onshore wind. 

4 Stern Review, Chapter 8, Page 193 

5 HM Government (2006) Climate Change the UK Programme 

6 Department of Trade and Industry (2006) „Annex D: Renewables Statement of Need‟, The Energy Challenge 




4.4.3 Where suppliers do not have sufficient ROCs to meet their obligations, they must pay an 

equivalent amount into a fund, the proceeds of which are paid back on a pro-rated basis to 

those suppliers that have presented ROCs. The obligation in England and Wales for 2011/12 is 

0.124 ROCs per MWh i.e. approximately 12% renewable electricity. From 1st April 2012 till the 

31st March 2013 the obligation in England and Wales will be 0.124 ROCs per MWh. The 

ROCs per MWh is set to rise year on year. Alongside the Energy Act the Government has 

introduced further legislation including the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Planning and 

Energy Act 2008, which are intended to work collectively to enable the long term delivery of the 

UK‟s energy and climate change strategy. 

4.4.4 The Climate Change Act creates a new approach to managing and responding to climate 

change by setting ambitious, legally binding targets of at least 80% cut in greenhouse gas 

emissions by 2050, with specific reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 26% by 2020 against a 

1990 baseline. The Planning and Energy Act enables local planning authorities to set their 

own energy use and energy efficiency requirements in their local plan policies. It is clear that 

one of the Government‟s key objectives, through the various 2008 Acts, is to maximise and 

speed up the delivery of renewable energy provision and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

4.5 The UK National Renewable Energy Action Plan 

4.5.1 Under Article 4 of the European Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) the UK was 

required to submit a National Renewable Energy Action Plan, 2010 (NREAP). The NREAP 

sets out the trajectory and associated measures that will enable the UK to reach its target for 

15% of energy consumption in 2020 to be from renewable sources. The „lead scenario‟ within 

this document indicates how the UK can meet this target and provides a view of the technology 

mix in 2020. However, this scenario does not represent a target for any particular sector or 

technology and it should not be seen as an upper limit to the UK‟s ambition for renewables 

deployment. The Action Plan highlights that: 

“The UK needs to radically increase its use of renewable energy.” 7 

4.6 The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan and Renewable Energy Strategy 

4.6.1 The Government published the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan and Renewable Energy 

Strategy in July 2009. A central element of the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan is the aspiration 

to generate approximately 30% of all energy through a renewable source by 2020, 

representing a five-fold increase on current production levels. The Renewable Energy Strategy 

was published in tandem with the Plan to explain how this will be achieved. Specifically, it 

explores how the country will meet its legally-binding target to ensure that 15% of its energy is 

produced from renewable sources by 2020. 

4.6.2 The Strategy‟s lead scenario suggests that over 30% of electricity could be generated from 

renewables by 2020 (compared to 2.25% in 2008), of which approximately two-thirds are likely 

to be provided by wind turbines. Box 12 of the Renewable Energy Strategy advises that “wind 

power is currently one of the most developed and cost effective renewable electricity 

technologies. The UK has the largest potential wind resource in Europe.” 

7 DECC, National Renewable Energy Action Plan, 2010 




4.7 The Carbon Plan: Delivering Our Low Carbon Future 

4.7.1 The Government published the Carbon Plan in December 2011 8 . The plan sets out how the 

UK will achieve decarbonisation within the framework of energy policy. The plan notes that 

emissions are down by a quarter since 1990 and current policies are on track to cut emissions 

by over a third on the 1990 levels by 2020. In the next ten years there is a need to develop and 

deploy the technologies that will be needed to halve emissions in the 2020s to put the UK on 

the path towards an 80% reduction in emission by 2050. 

4.7.2 The plan states that to make the transition to a lower carbon economy there will need to be „a 

continuation of previous trends in the coming years: more switching from coal to gas-powered 

generation, and renewable electricity rising to 30% of electricity generation by 2020‟ (Section 

2.148, Pg 71). 

4.8 The Coalition Programme for Government 

4.8.1 The Coalition Government has indicated an ongoing commitment to tackling climate change 

and support for renewable energy provision. The Coalition Programme for Government 

includes a commitment to reviewing the Country‟s overall target for energy from renewable 

sources, subject to the advice of the Climate Change Committee 9 . 

4.8.2 In addition to this, the programme also sets out a number of objectives in relation to energy 

and climate change that the Government seek to implement over the next five years, including 

the following which are relevant to onshore wind energy: 

Supporting an increase in the EU emission reduction target to 30% by 2020. 

Establishing a full system of feed-in tariffs in electricity – as well as the maintenance of 

banded Renewables Obligation Certificates. 

Reform energy markets to deliver security of supply and investment in low carbon 

energy. 

Production of an Annual Energy Statement to Parliament to set strategic energy policy 

and guide investment. 

Encouraging community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit 

from the power produced. 

4.8.3 The commitment of the Coalition Government to the importance of saving energy and 

delivering a secure green economy is reflected in the publication of the first Annual Energy 

Statement in December 2010, which sets out a range of actions to help deliver these aims. 

Action 16 of the Statement set out a commitment to achieve greater reductions in emissions 

than outlined under the Kyoto Protocol (pressing for the EU to move from the current 20% 

target to a 30% target for greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2020). 

8 Presented to Parliament pursuant to Sections 12 and 14 of the Climate Change Act 2008 

Amended 2nd December 2011 from the version laid before Parliament on 1st December 2011. 

9 The Climate Change Committee are an independent body established under the Climate Change Act to advise 

the UK Government on setting carbon budgets, and to report to Parliament on the progress made in reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions. 




4.8.4 On the 8th December 2010, the Energy Bill was introduced into the House of Lords with its 

First Reading. This document sets out a range of measures to increase energy efficiency that 

will contribute to overarching climate change goals. 

4.8.5 The new Government is very supportive of attempts to increase renewable energy provision. 

However, there is uncertainty how this support will be translated into detailed policies (and the 

timescale for the creation of this policy). In the interim, in 2009 the UK signed up to the EU 

Renewable Energy Directive (discussed above) which includes a UK target of 15 percent of 

energy from renewables by 2020. This directive therefore provides sufficient justification for the 

need to increase renewable energy capacity significantly across the UK. 




5 National Planning Policy 

5.1 Overview 

5.1.1 The Government has published a series of Planning Policy Statements (PPS), which set out 

the broad principles that should be used to inform regional and local planning policy and 

support the determination of planning applications. In addition National Policy Statements have 

been produced to provide the policy framework for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects 

(NSIPs). 

5.2 National Policy Statements 

5.2.1 The Government has published the final National Policy Statements (NPS) for Energy. 

Relevant policy is set out in the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure 

(EN-3) includes a statement of policy in relation to NSIPs. 

5.2.2 In England and Wales the NPS‟s are a material consideration in decision making on relevant 

applications that fall under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). Whether, 

and to what extent, this NPS is a material consideration and will be judged on a case by case 

basis. The NPS states that electricity generation from renewable sources of energy is an 

important element in the Government‟s development of a low-carbon economy. 

5.2.3 The National Policy Statement provides the most up to date statement of government policy on 

renewable energy development and should therefore be given weight when determining 

renewable energy schemes in the England. 

5.2.4 The NPS reflect the approach of existing guidance set out within national planning policy, but 

also outline specific considerations for incorporating into the design and assessment of wind 

farm developments. The NPS outlines the Government‟s commitment to tackling the UK 

energy challenge. 

5.3 Planning Policy Statements 

Overview 

5.3.1 The new coalition Government has confirmed that PPS will continue to apply and should be 

used to determine planning applications and develop policy until they are replaced by the 

National Planning Policy Framework. 

PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development 

5.3.2 PPS1 sets out the Government‟s vision for planning, and the key policies and principles which 

should underpin the planning system. PPS1 requires Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to: 

“Ensure that development plans contribute to global sustainability by addressing the causes 

and potential impacts of climate change – through policies which reduce energy use, reduce 

emissions (for example, by encouraging patterns of development which reduce the need to 

travel by private car, or reduce the impact of moving freight), promote the development of 

renewable energy resources, and take climate change impacts into account in the location and 

design of development.” 




5.3.3 PPS1 sets out how Local Authorities should contribute to the aim of achieving sustainable 

development. Paragraph 22 states that through the production of development plans, Local 

Authorities should: 

“Seek to minimise the need to consume new resources over the lifetime of the development by 

making more efficient use or reuse of existing resources, rather than making new demands on 

the environment; and should seek to promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the use of 

renewable resources.” 

5.3.4 The supplement to PPS1, Planning and Climate Change outlines how planning should 

contribute to reducing emissions and stabilising climate change. 

PPS1A: Planning and Climate Change 

5.3.5 Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change Supplement to PPS1 was issued in 

December 2007 and represents the latest policy on renewable energy generation, with the 

exception of the information contained within the National Policy Statements. This sets out how 

planning should help shape places by encouraging development associated with lowering 

carbon emissions, that are resilient to climate change. 

5.3.6 The supplement sets out Government policy with regards to planning for climate change and in 

particular planning for future energy provision for new and existing developments. It applies to 

a number of energy generation types, including Renewable and Low-Carbon energy. As well 

as providing guidance for addressing the impact of climate change in new development 

proposals, the Supplement addresses issues regarding future energy generation. 

5.3.7 In the absence of an up-to-date development plan, LPA‟s should have regard to the 

Supplement as a material consideration which may supersede the policies in the development 

plan, ensuring proposed development is consistent with the policies in the Supplement and 

avoid placing requirements on applicants that are inconsistent. Paragraph 20 of PPS1A 

provides guidance for Local Authorities in determining applications for renewable energy 

applications: 

“In particular, planning authorities should: 

Not require applicants for energy development to demonstrate either the overall need 

for renewable energy and its distribution, nor question the energy justification for why a 

proposal for such development must be sited in a particular location; 

Ensure any local approach to protecting landscape and townscape is consistent with 

PPS22 and does not preclude the supply of any type of renewable energy other than in 

the most exceptional circumstances; 

Alongside any criteria-based policy developed in line with PPS22, consider identifying 

suitable areas for renewable and low-carbon energy sources, and supporting 

infrastructure, where this would help secure the development of such sources, but in 

doing so take care to avoid stifling innovation including by rejecting proposals solely 

because they are outside areas identified for energy generation; and 

Expect a proportion of the energy supply of new development to be secured from 

decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy sources.” 




PPS22: Renewable Energy 

5.3.8 Planning Policy Statement 22 outline the Government‟s planning policy framework for 

renewable energy. 

5.3.9 PPS22 advocates the increasing provision of renewable energy to meet the Government‟s 

commitments on climate change and renewable energy. 

“Positive planning which facilitates renewable energy developments can contribute to all four 

elements of the Government‟s sustainable development strategy: 

Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone – by contributing to the 

nation‟s energy needs, ensuring all homes are adequately and affordably heated; and 

providing new sources of energy in remote areas; 

Effective protection of the environment – by reductions in emissions of greenhouse 

gases and thereby reducing the potential for the environment to be affected by climate 

change; 

Prudent use of natural resources – by reducing the nation‟s reliance on ever 

diminishing supplies of fossil fuels; and, 

Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment – through 

the creation of jobs directly related to renewable energy developments, but also in the 

development of new technologies. In rural areas, renewable energy projects have the 

potential to play an increasingly important role in the diversification of rural economies.” 

5.3.10 The key principles of PPS22 include the statement that the wider environmental and economic 

benefits of all proposals for renewable energy projects, whatever their scale, are material 

considerations that should be given significant weight in determining whether proposals should 

be granted planning permission. 

PPS5: Planning for the Historic Environment 

5.3.11 Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning and the Historic Environment was issued in March 2010 

and sets out planning policies on the conservation of the historic environment. PPS5 sets out 

both plan making policies and development management policies. The development 

management policies can be applied by local planning authorities in determining planning 

applications. 

5.3.12 Policy HE1 provides the overall objectives of the PPS. Policies HE1.2 and HE1.3 are 

applicable to developments for renewable energy proposals. 

HE1.2 Where proposals that are promoted for their contribution to mitigating climate change 

have a potentially negative effect on heritage assets, local planning authorities should, prior to 

determination, and ideally during pre-application discussions, help the applicant to identify 

feasible solutions that deliver similar climate change mitigation but with less or no harm to the 

significance of the heritage asset and its setting. 

HE1.3 Where conflict between climate change objectives and the conservation of heritage 

assets is unavoidable, the public benefit of mitigating the effects of climate change should be 

weighed against any harm to the significance of heritage assets in accordance with the 

development management principles in this PPS and national planning policy on climate 

change. 




5.3.13 Policy HE10: Additional Policy Principles Guiding the consideration of applications for 

development affecting the setting of designated heritage assets provides guidance for 

development located within the setting of a designated heritage asset: 

HE10.1 When considering applications for development that affect the setting of a heritage 

asset, local planning authorities should treat favourably applications that preserve those 

elements of the setting that make a positive contribution to or better reveal the significance of 

the asset. When considering applications that do not do this, local planning authorities should 

weigh any such harm against the wider benefits of the application. The greater the negative 

impact on the significance of the heritage asset, the greater the benefits that will be needed to 

justify approval. 

HE10.2 Local planning authorities should identify opportunities for changes in the setting to 

enhance or better reveal the significance of a heritage asset. Taking such opportunities should 

be seen as a public benefit and part of the process of place shaping. 

PPS7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas 

5.3.14 PPS7 provides specific guidance for development in rural areas, with particular guidance on 

renewable energy being set out in paragraph 16: 

“When preparing policies for LDDs and determining planning applications for development in 

the countryside, local planning authorities should:(i) support development that delivers diverse 

and sustainable farming enterprises;(ii) support other countryside-based enterprises and 

activities which contribute to rural economies, and/or promote recreation in and the enjoyment 

of the countryside;(iii) take account of the need to protect natural resources;(iv) provide for the 

sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources in accordance with the policies set out in 

PPS22; and(v) conserve specific features and sites of landscape, wildlife and historic or 

architectural value, in accordance with statutory designations.” 

PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 

5.3.15 PPS 9 sets out the national planning policy on biodiversity and geological conservation. The 

document states that sites of regional and local biodiversity and geological interest, which 

include Regionally Important Geological Sites, Local Nature Reserves and Local Sites, have a 

fundamental role to play in meeting overall national biodiversity targets; contributing to the 

quality of life and the well-being of the community; and in supporting research and education. 

5.3.16 Criteria-based policies should be established in local development documents against which 

proposals for any development on, or affecting, such sites will be judged. These policies 

should be distinguished from those applied to nationally important sites. The saved policies 

from the East Lindsey Local Plan include a policy on local nature reserves and this has been 

considered later in this chapter. 




PPS23: Planning and Pollution Control 

5.3.17 PPS23 sets out the national planning policy on pollution control. Paragraph 15 of PPS23 states 

that - development control decisions can have a significant effect on the environment. LPAs 

must be satisfied that planning permission can be granted on land use grounds taking full 

account of environmental impacts. This will require close co-operation with the Environment 

Agency and/or the pollution control authority, and other relevant bodies such as English 

Nature, Drainage Boards, and water and sewerage undertakers, to ensure that in the case of 

potentially polluting developments: 

The relevant pollution control authority is satisfied that potential releases can be 

adequately regulated under the pollution control framework; and 

The effects of existing sources of pollution in and around the site are not such that the 

cumulative effects of pollution when the proposed development is added would make 

that development unacceptable. 

PPS25: Development and Flood Risk 

5.3.18 PPS25 outlines government planning policy on development and flood risk. 

5.3.19 PPS25, as amended in March 2010, defines wind turbines as Essential Infrastructure within 

the Flood Risk Vulnerability Classification. Essential Infrastructure development is considered 

to be appropriate for Flood Zones 3a and 3b (functional flood plain) but is required to firstly 

pass the Sequential Test, then to pass the Exception Test and also must be accompanied by a 

FRA Consultation on a Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a 

Changing Climate. 

PPG 13: Transport 

5.3.20 PPG 13 sets out the national planning policy on Transport. This states that where proposed 

development will have significant transport implications a Transport Assessment should be 

completed. 

5.4 Draft National Planning Policy Framework 

5.4.1 On 25 th July 2011, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published 

the draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The draft NPPF is a key part of 

the Government‟s reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible; 

and follows Planning Minister Greg Clark‟s announcement in December 2010 to consolidate 

planning policy and guidance into a single national framework. 

5.4.2 The objectives of the new planning system are set out within three inter-related components: 

Planning for prosperity (an economic role); 

Planning for people (a social role); and 

Planning for places (an environmental role). 

5.4.3 The draft Framework sets out a presumption in favour of sustainable development, and states 

that the Government is committed to ensuring that the planning system does everything it can 

to support sustainable growth (paragraph 13). Paragraph 14 states that “At the heart of the 

planning system is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen 

as golden thread running through ....decision making” (paragraph 14, page 4). 




5.4.4 Paragraph 152 supports the delivery of renewable energy. It states that “To help increase the 

use and supply of renewable and low-carbon energy, local planning authorities should 

recognise the responsibility on all communities to contribute to energy generation from 

renewable or low-carbon sources. They should (inter alia): have a positive strategy to promote 

energy from renewable and low-carbon sources...; and design their policies to maximise 

renewable and low-carbon energy development while ensuring that adverse impacts are 

addressed satisfactorily” (paragraph 152, page 43). 

5.4.5 The draft Framework goes on to say that “When determining planning applications, local 

planning authorities should apply the presumption in favour of sustainable development and 

not require applicants for energy development to demonstrate the overall need for renewable 

or low-carbon energy and also recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable 

contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions; and approve the application if its impacts are 

(or can be made) acceptable” (paragraph 153, page 43). 




6 The Development Plan 


6.1.1 In accordance with section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the 

Development Plan relevant to the proposed Louth Canal Wind Energy Development comprises 

the Regional Strategy for the East Midlands and the saved policies of the East Lindsey Local 

Plan (1995). Under the transitional arrangements in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase 

Act 2004, the Saved Policies from the East Lindsey Local Plan remain part of the statutory 

Development Plan. These policies will subsequently be replaced by the emerging Local 

Development Framework. 

6.1.2 East Lindsey District Council is currently working towards the production of their Local 

Development Framework, however this is at an early stage of development and there is likely 

to be a significant interim period until the adoption of the relevant Local Development 

Documents. 

6.1.3 Section 38 (6) of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that planning 

applications: 

'Shall be made in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations 

indicate otherwise' 10 

6.1.4 A large variety of other documents can be material considerations to be considered in the 

determination of planning applications. This includes non-statutory planning documents (e.g. 

Supplementary Planning Documents), national policy documents (e.g. Planning Policy 

Statements), draft documents, other plans and strategies and recent planning applications. 

Therefore, although a main focus of this chapter is on requirements set out in the Development 

Plan, it also identifies other strategies and plans which should be considered as part of the 

determination of the application. 

6.2 Recent Changes to Planning Policy 

6.2.1 The Coalition Government has stated their intent to abolish the Regional Spatial Strategies 

(RSSs) through the Localism Act. The Localism Act was enacted in November 2011, but the 

section of the Act that give the Secretary of State the power to abolish the Regional Strategy 

has not yet come into force. In the interim period, decision makers in local planning authorities 

will, in their determination of planning applications, need to consider whether the Government‟s 

stated intent to abolish the RSSs affects the weight to be afforded to the policies contained 

therein. 

6.2.2 The Secretary of State provided the following guidance in relation to the former regional 

policies on renewable energy and low carbon energy to local planning authorities, so they can 

continue to bring forward their Local Development Frameworks (LDF) and make planning 

decisions in the transitional period. 

10 As stated in Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which replaced Section 54a of the 

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 




6.2.3 The Secretary of State has reinforced the Government‟s continued support for the 

development of renewable and low carbon energy by stating that: 

„Through their local plans, authorities should contribute to the move to a low carbon economy, 

cut greenhouse gas emissions, help secure more renewable and low carbon energy to meet 

national targets, and to adapt to the impacts arising from climate change. In doing so, planning 

authorities may find it useful to draw on data that was collected by the Regional Local Authority 

Leaders‟ Boards (which will be made available) and more recent work, including assessments 

of the potential for renewable and low carbon energy‟. 

6.3 Regional Planning Policy 

6.3.1 The East Midlands Plan was published in 2009. As at 1 April 2010 the existing issued East 

Midlands Plan and the Regional Economic Strategy together form the Regional Strategy for the 

East of England. 

6.3.2 The role of the Regional Strategy is to guide the production of the Local Development 

Frameworks, through plan-making policies. Whilst the Regional Strategy was not envisaged as 

a strategy for the determination of individual planning applications, there are specific policies 

which can be applied directly to development management decisions. 

6.3.3 Policy 40 (Regional Priorities for Low Carbon Energy Generation) seeks to achieve the 

regional target of 175MWe (460GWh/y) of energy from onshore wind sources by 2020. The 

policy sets out specific criteria for Local Planning Authorities to consider in relation to wind 

energy proposals. 

6.3.4 In establishing criteria for onshore wind energy, Local Planning Authorities should give 

particular consideration to: 

Landscape and visual impact, informed by local Landscape Character Assessments; 

The effect on the natural and cultural environment (including Biodiversity, the integrity 

of designated nature conservation sites of international importance, and historic assets 

and their settings); 

The effect on the built environment (including noise intrusion); 

The number and size of turbines proposed; 

The cumulative impact of wind generation projects, including „intervisibility‟; 

The contribution of wind generation projects to the regional renewables target; and 

The contribution of wind generation projects to national and international environmental 

objectives on climate change. 

6.3.5 Policy 31 (Priorities for the Management and Enhancement of the Region’s Landscape) 

seeks to promote the highest level of protection for the nationally designated landscapes of the 

Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The site is located 

approximately 6.3km east of the designation, but not within it. 




6.3.6 Policy 26 (Protecting and Enhancing the Region’s Natural and Cultural Heritage) states 

that sustainable development should ensure the protection, appropriate management and 

enhancement of the Region‟s natural and cultural heritage. As a result the following principles 

should be applied (relevant to proposed Development): 

The Region‟s internationally and nationally designated natural and historic assets 

should receive the highest level of protection; 

Damage to natural and historic assets or their settings should be avoided wherever 

and as far as possible, recognising that such assets are usually irreplaceable; 

Unavoidable damage must be minimised and clearly justified by a need for 

development in a relevant local context and where possible in ways which also 

contribute to social and economic objectives; and 

The region‟s best and most versatile agricultural land should be protected from 

permanent loss or damage. 

6.4 Local Planning Context 

Introduction 

6.4.1 The saved policies of the East Lindsey Local Plan form part of the statutory development plan 

for the determination of individual planning applications. However, alongside the Saved 

Policies other material considerations exist which are considered to be relevant; these are 

contained within national planning policy and the emerging Core Strategy. 

6.4.2 Central Government guidance (contained within Planning Policy Statements and their 

supplements) is now of increasing importance in determining individual planning applications, 

particularly where development plans have not been updated to reflect the latest national 

guidance. 

6.4.3 Upon adoption, the emerging Core Strategy and other development plan documents will form 

part of the statutory development plan for development control purposes. These documents 

are currently under preparation and therefore have limited weight in the determination of 

planning applications. 

Saved Policies from the East Lindsey Local Plan (1995) 

6.4.4 The Saved Policies (2007) from the East Lindsey Local Plan alongside the Regional Strategy 

for the East Midlands form part of the Statutory Local Development Plan for Craven District. 

However it should be noted that the Saved Policies do not reflect the more recent planning 

policy set out in national planning policy statements. 

6.4.5 The East Lindsey Local Plan policy on renewable energy generation was not saved by the 

Secretary of State, it therefore no longer forms part of the development plan. Other policies 

that are relevant to the proposed development at Louth Canal include the following (see 

overleaf). 




6.4.6 Policy A5 (Quality and Design of Development), which states that Development which, by 

its design, improves the quality of the environment will be permitted provided it does not 

conflict with other Policies of the Plan. Otherwise, development will be permitted only where:- 

(a) Its design - including its layout, density, scale, appearance or choice of materials - 

does not detract from the distinctive character of the locality; 

(b) It retains or incorporates features or characteristics which are important to the quality 

of the local environment including important medium and long distance views; 

(c) It is integrated within a landscaping scheme appropriate to its setting. 

6.4.7 Policy C11 (Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Areas of Great 

Landscape Value): 

(a) The Council will protect the natural beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of 

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the distinctive character of the Areas of 

Great Landscape Value (AGLV) by not permitting development which would:- 

i. Harm landscape features, which contribute to the character of the area; 

ii. Harm the distinctive character, role or regional or local historic significance of 

the area; or 

iii. Inhibit the quiet enjoyment of the AONB. 

(b) The following development will not be permitted in the AONB unless it is essential in 

the national or wider public interest and cannot be located: 

i. Major or large scale development; 

ii. Exposed hilltop or 'skyline' development; 

iii. Hazardous installations; 

iv. Telecommunication development of significant scale or height unless it 

complies with Policy EMP9; 

v. Large scale formal recreation uses, or those which attract large numbers of 

visitors; 

vi. Development involving the significant loss of road verges and hedgerows. 

(c) Small scale development - including local employment and visitor attraction uses and 

sport and recreational development - will be permitted in the AONB and AGLV where 

it can comply with other policies of the Plan but also in the AONB only where: 

i. It is in or alongside a settlement; 

ii. It is required to meet the social or economic needs of the Wolds communities; 

and 

iii. It does not harm the quiet enjoyment, or the distinctive character, of the AONB. 

(d) Where development proposals in the AONB are otherwise acceptable in principle, 

they will not be granted planning permission unless they have demonstrated how 

their layout, design, materials, scale, siting and appearance have taken account of 

and complement - the locally distinctive characteristics of the landscape, settlements 

or buildings. 




6.5 Other Material Considerations 

Low Carbon Energy Opportunities and Heat Mapping for Local Planning Areas Across 

the East Midlands (July 2011) 

6.5.1 This study looks at the potential energy opportunities across the East Midlands. It is not form 

part of the development plan, but would be a material consideration on this planning 

application. 

6.5.2 The study indicates that in Lincolnshire and East Lindsey, onshore wind forms the greatest 

technical resource potential. Wind energy potential is more constrained within the districts of 

South Holland and Boston due to the presence of the Wash and areas sensitive to birds. It is 

noted that wind still has considerable potential within the county even if development within the 

AONB is ruled out. The study also noted that East Lindsey (outside the Lincolnshire Wold 

AONB) had the potential for 2001 – 2847MW of renewable energy for electricity. 

6.5.3 The report then looks at the potential sources of energy. It notes that there is potential for onshore 

commercial-scale in East Lindsey, in summary there is potential for: 

1000 – 1802.9MW from large wind turbines (4 turbines per km 2 ); 

4.1MW – 10.8MW from medium wind turbines (10 turbines per km 2 ); and 

500.1MW – 833.8MW from small wind turbines (20 turbines per km 2 ). 

6.5.4 The study includes an onshore wind energy opportunity plan for the East Lindsey District. The 

proposed Development site is shown to be an area where there is the highest potential for 

large turbine (4 turbines per km 2 ). This site is identified as being outside of sensitive areas. 

Emerging Core Strategy 

6.5.5 The draft East Lindsey Core Strategy was issued consultation in October 2009. The emerging 

Core Strategy includes a specific policy relating to proposals for renewable energy 

development (Policy SP30: Renewable Energy), identifying that the Council will support the 

District's energy contribution from all forms of renewable sources. Renewable energy projects 

will be supported where they respect the capacity and sensitivity of the landscape and 

communities to accommodate them. 

6.5.6 In particular, they will be assessed on their individual and cumulative impact on landscape 

quality, sites or features of natural history importance, sites or buildings of historic or cultural 

importance, residential amenity, and the local economy. 




7 Appraisal of the Proposed Development 


7.1.1 Wind energy developments such as Louth Canal are required to ensure diverse, secure, 

economic and sustainable energy supply. The proposed Development will contribute towards 

the UK developing a secure energy supply from renewable sources. Global emphasis is 

currently being placed on the latter. This chapter outlines how the proposed Development has 

taken the key national, regional, and local planning context into consideration as part of the 

application. 

7.2 National Planning Policy 

PPS1: Supplement to Climate Change 

7.2.1 PPS1 states that local authorities should „ensure any local approach to protecting landscape 

and townscape is consistent with PPS22 and does not preclude the supply of any type of 

renewable energy other than in the most exceptional circumstances‟. 

7.2.2 A thorough EIA process has been carried out through consultation with ELDC and 

statutory/non-statutory bodies on the content and methodology of each environmental 

assessment. In particular, the methodology and baseline information to be included as part of 

the Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA), Chapter 9 of the ES, was provided to ELDC 

prior to carrying out the assessment. 

PPS7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas 

7.2.3 Paragraph 16 (iv) of PPS7 states that „when preparing policies for LDDs and determining 

planning applications for development in the countryside, local planning authorities should 

provide for sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources in accordance with the policies 

in PPS 22‟. As part of the EIA process and in line with the policies set out the PPS22, the 

proposed Development has been designed to conserve sensitive environmental features, as 

well as ensure that the effect of the development on statutory designations is minimised. 

PPS22: Renewable Energy 

7.2.4 PPS22 seeks to promote renewable energy generation and states that wider environmental 

and economic benefits for renewable energy projects are material considerations on 

determining planning applications for renewable energy. 

7.2.5 The location, layout and design of the wind turbines of the proposed Development have been 

developed with consideration of the requirements of PPS22 and the PPS22: Companion 

Guide. The required assessments and conclusions to meet the requirements of PPS22 are 

detailed in Environmental Statement. This relates to the affect on the proposed Development in 

terms of climate change benefits, transport, noise, landscape, cultural heritage, ecology, 

ornithology, hydrology and geology, shadow flicker, socioeconomics and sets out an 

Environmental Management Plan for the scheme. 




7.2.6 Section 4.5 of the Design and Access Statement explains how the design process has taken 

the requirements of the PPS 22 Companion Guide into consideration to deliver a scheme that 

balances renewable energy generation with a range of other environmental and technical 

considerations. The proposed development conforms to the guidance set out in PPS 22 and 

the Companion Guide. 

7.2.7 The construction of the proposed Development would create an opportunity for direct 

economic benefits within East Lindsey District and the wider region. The Partnerships for 

Renewables‟ Local Content Policy aims to use local content where possible during the 

construction and operational phases of every project. It is estimated that 15-20% of the cost of 

a wind energy development is for work which requires skills typically available from UK 

contractors, in other words, using locally-based contractors and local labour within a local 

authority area or a region. In addition PfR are proposing to provide a Community Fund. The 

Community Fund would be an annual payment administrated by representatives of the local 

community. The fund can be spent in anyway the community sees fit. 

7.2.8 On the basis that each megawatt of installed capacity requires approximately £1 million of 

capital, the proposed Development would provide a positive impact on the local economy of c. 

£1.1 million. 

PPS5: Planning for Historic Environment 

7.2.9 The development is predicted to have no direct effects on buried heritage assets, scheduled 

ancient monuments, conservation areas or Registered Park and Gardens 

7.2.10 The assessment identified direct visual effects upon the setting of a number of listed churches, 

including the Church of St Nicholas, North Coates, Church of St Lawrence Churchthorpe / 

Fulstow and the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Tetney. According to DMRB methodology the 

effect on these churches is considered to be moderate adverse and it is considered that this 

equates to “less than substantial harm”, as defined by PPS 5. 

7.2.11 Chapter 10 of the Environmental Statement considers the impact of the proposals on heritage 

assets and archaeological issues. 

7.2.12 The proposal meets the requirements of PPS5, as the effects on identified heritage assets are 

considered to result in less than substantial harm to heritage assets as defined in PPS5. 

PPS25: Flood Risk and Planning 

7.2.13 The proposed development is considered „essential infrastructure‟ as defined in PPS25. This 

means that the sequential test and exception test are not required. 

7.2.14 A Flood Risk Assessment has been carried out for the proposed development and this can be 

found in Chapter 13 of the Environmental Statement. This confirms the development does not 

increase the risk of flooding and is appropriate in Flood Risk terms. In addition part of the site 

currently operates as a flood storage area. The design of the Development means that the 

volume of the flood storage is not diminished during the construction and operation of the wind 

turbines. 




7.3 Regional Planning Policy 

Policy 40: Regional Priorities for Low Carbon Energy Generation 

7.3.1 The Regional Spatial Strategy for the East Midlands seeks to promote renewable energy 

generation. The proposal supports Policy 40 (Regional Priorities for Low Carbon Energy 

Generation), as it would contribute to the regional target to deliver 175MWe (460GWh/y) of 

onshore wind energy in the East Midlands by 2020, as set out in Appendix 5 of the RSS. The 

proposed wind energy development at Louth Canal will deliver up to 7.5MW of renewable 

energy, or approximately up to 16.4 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year. This 

is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by up to approximately 3,680 average 

households 11 . The proposed turbines could displace up to approximately 7,062 tonnes of 

carbon dioxide emissions per year 12 . 

7.3.2 The proposed Development will deliver secure renewable energy, to help meet regional 

renewable energy targets. The Regional Spatial Strategy for East Midlands includes indicative 

target, that by 2020 20% of the regions electricity consumption will be from renewable sources. 

This results in a requirement for 3671 MWe (5138 GWh/y) of renewable energy generation. 

The strategy includes an indicative target of 175MWe from onshore wind energy. The 

proposed Development will help deliver this overall target. Significant weight must be given to 

these benefits, as stated in PPS22. 

Policy 40: Regional Priorities for Low Carbon Energy Generation (Establishing Criteria 

for onshore wind energy) 

7.3.3 Policy 40 states that in establishing criteria for onshore wind energy, Local Planning Authorities 

should give particular consideration to the following. 

Landscape and visual impact, informed by local Landscape Character Assessments 

7.3.4 A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been carried out as part of the EIA, 

please refer to Chapter 9 of the ES. This assessment considers the landscape and visual 

effects arising as a result of the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the proposed 

development, both at a regional and local scale, on landscape, recreational designations and 

residential receptors. 

7.3.5 The LVIA acknowledges that, as with any wind energy development, there will be effects on 

the landscape character and visual amenity close to the site. ELDC adopted the East Lindsey 

Landscape Character Assessment in November, 2011. Within this policy guidance there are 6 

local Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the study area. For each LCA a description 

and analysis of the key characteristics has been provided together with a record of notable 

features. In addition the assessment has considered the visual effect from sixteen viewpoints, 

which were identified through consultation with ELDC, Natural England and the Lincolnshire 

Wolds Countryside Service. Individual residential dwellings within 1.7km of the site and 

settlements within 7.5km of the site were also assessed. 

11 Average household electricity use of 4,463kWh per annum, 

(http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/statistics/publications/ecuk/269-ecuk-domestic-2010.xls table 3.3) 


electricity generated from Combined Cycle Gas Turbines / average fuel mix – approximately 430 gCO2/kWh 

(endorsed by the Advertising Standards Authority in September 2008) 




7.3.6 During operation of the development there are no predicted significant effects on Landscape 

Designations, and only locally significant effects on the Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes 

National Character Area and the local landscape character area of Tetney Lock to Skegness 

Coastal Outmarsh. 

7.3.7 Of the sixteen viewpoints considered as part of the visual assessment, one is considered to 

experience a major adverse effect and six are assessed as having a moderate adverse effect. 

Details of the sixteen viewpoints and the assessment of their effect are included in Table 9.17 

in Chapter 9 of the ES. 

7.3.8 The effect the proposed Development, on the views from residential properties (within 1.5km) 

of the proposed turbine locations has been assessed. This equates to 33 views, as set out in 

Table 9.18 in Chapter 9 of the ES. Just one of these views results in a major adverse effect 

and 16 in a moderate adverse effect, at a distance of less than 700m from the closest 

proposed turbine, further details on these views can be found in Table 9.18 of the ES. 

7.3.9 The LVIA acknowledges that both in terms of landscape and visual effects during the 

construction and operational phases, there is a certain capacity in the wider landscape for the 

nature, scale and location of the proposed Development. This supports the findings of the wind 

farm capacity studies covering the assessment area and is borne out by the cumulative 

assessment findings where, taking into account existing and planned wind farms alongside 

other industrialising infrastructure already within the assessment area, it is considered that the 

proposed Development would not significantly contribute further to any adverse cumulative 

landscape or visual effects. The effect on the natural and cultural environment (including 

biodiversity, the integrity of designated nature conservation sites of international importance, 

and historic assets and their settings). 

7.3.10 The Louth Canal site is not covered by any international and national ecological designations. 

The Tetney Flood Local Wildlife Site (LWS) is within the development site boundary which is 

designated for its rich wetland and swamp flora. 

7.3.11 Chapter 11 of the ES provides details of the ecological effects of the proposed Development. 

The Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for the proposed development follows the published 

guidance by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM). Establishment of 

the baseline environment involved a combination of desk based study, data collation and site 

survey. The Louth Canal site is not covered by any international and national designations. 

There is a local wildlife designation on a small part of the site within the flood reservoir (Tetney 

Flood Local Wildlife Site). Hedgerow buffers have been put in place to avoid damage to 

habitats. These hedgerows are not ecologically significant and in some cases the local habitats 

will benefit from the works. There is predicted to be a minor adverse impact on bat activity, the 

details of this are set out in Chapter 11 of the Environmental Statement. 

7.3.12 The potential effects of the proposed Development on ecology and nature conservation (based 

on surveys undertaken, published literature and available guidance documents) are not 

considered to be significant. 

7.3.13 Chapter 12 of the ES provides details of the ornithological effects of the proposed 

Development. It complements the assessment of ecological effects in Chapter 11. The 

potential effects of the proposed Development on all birds are considered to be minor adverse 

to negligible, and therefore not significant. Nevertheless, protective measures and mitigation 

during construction of the wind farm will be ensured. 




7.3.14 A Habitat Management Plan has been produced for the site which includes on-site and off-site 

mitigation and enhancement as part of the proposed Development. Further details can be 

found in Appendix 11.8 of the ES. The main objectives of the HMP are highlighted in Section 

3.2.1 of this statement. 

7.3.15 Chapter 10 of the ES provides details of the potential effects on cultural heritage and 

archaeological features. 

7.3.16 The development is predicted to have no direct effects on buried heritage assets, scheduled 

ancient monuments, conservation areas or Registered Park and Gardens. 







assets and archaeological issues. The proposal meets the requirements of PPS5, as the 

effects on identified heritage assets are considered to result in less than substantial harm to 

heritage assets as defined in PPS5. 

7.3.19 It is considered that the climate change mitigation benefits of the development (including as 

outlined above the wider protection this will afford to the historic environment) outweigh the 

„less than substantial harm‟ that the development will bring to the identified heritage assets and 

therefore the development accords with the policy guidance outlined in PPS5. 

The effect on the built environment (including noise intrusion) 

7.3.20 A background noise survey was carried out to determine existing noise levels at nearby 

representative receptors at Eastfield House, Thoresby Bridge Farm and Windy Ridge. The 

noise assessment modelled the effects of the proposed Development on a number of nearby 

receptors. 

7.3.21 The assessment is based on predicted noise levels from the construction and operation of the 

Development at the surrounding noise receptors. The noise levels at all properties will not 

exceed the maximum recommended noise levels assessment criteria identified in by ETSU-R- 

97 Standards. The full detail of the noise assessment is included in Chapter 8 of the 

Environmental Statement accompanying this planning application. The noise levels of the 

proposed Development are therefore considered acceptable and meet the standards required 

by ETSU-R-97. 

The number and size of turbines proposed 

7.3.22 The number and size of the proposed turbines have been designed based on environmental 

constraints, technical constraints, and visual appearance within the local and wider setting and 

are suitable and appropriate in the context of the location and surrounding area. In terms of the 

appearance the turbines would have a standard design with three blades, and a maximum tip 

height of 113.5m. The most northern turbine, which is located within the flood storage 

reservoir, will be raised by placing a 3 metre concrete base at the bottom of the turbine. 




The cumulative impact of wind generation projects, including ‘intervisibility’ 

7.3.23 The ES has considered potentially significant effects arising from the proposed Development 

alongside other major developments, both existing and in the planning process but not yet 

built, such as other wind developments. A list of wind farm developments to be considered as 

part of the EIA was agreed with ELDC in advance of carrying out each environmental 

assessment. 

7.3.24 The LVIA concluded that both in terms of landscape and visual effects during both the 

construction and operational phases there is a certain capacity in the wider landscape for the 

nature, scale and location of the proposed Development. This supports the findings of the wind 

farm capacity studies covering the assessment area and is borne out by the cumulative 

assessment findings where, taking into account existing and planned wind farms alongside 

other industrialising infrastructure already within the assessment area, it is considered that the 

Louth Canal Development would not significantly contribute further to any adverse cumulative 

landscape or visual effects. 

The contribution of wind generation projects to national and international environmental 

objectives on climate change 

7.3.25 National legislation clearly recognises the importance of renewable energy in meeting climate 

change targets by reducing the UK‟s reliance on fossil fuels. The development at Louth Canal 

will support the UK Climate Change Programme and the Low Carbon Transition Plan and 

Renewable Energy Strategy. 

Policy 31: Priorities for the management and enhancement of the Region’s landscape 

7.3.26 Policy 31 seeks to protect the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 

The proposal is 6.3km from the AONB and the Landscape and Visual Assessment has shown 

that the proposed development has a minor adverse impact from the Area of Outstanding 

Natural Beauty and Area of Great Landscape Value. A viewpoint from A18 Road Corridor on 

the AONB boundary the impact is considered to be moderate adverse. The Landscape and 

Visual effect of the scheme on this area is therefore not considered significant and has minimal 

impact on views from the AONB. 

Policy 26: Protecting and Enhancing the Region’s Natural and Cultural Heritage 

7.3.27 Policy 26 seeks to protect the regions natural and cultural heritage. The proposed 

Development is predicted to have no direct effects on buried heritage assets, scheduled 

ancient monuments, conservation areas or Registered Park and Gardens 







assets and archaeological issues. The proposal meets the requirements of PPS5, as the 

effects on identified heritage assets are considered to result in less than substantial harm to 

heritage assets as defined in PPS5. 




7.3.30 The proposed Development therefore meets the requirements of Policy 26 as it causes less 

than substantial harm to identified heritage assets. 

7.3.31 The proposed Development is partly on agricultural land, however following construction the 

land will be returned to agricultural use. There will therefore be no permanent loss of 

agricultural land. 

Local Planning Policy 

7.3.32 The saved policies from the East Lindsey Local Plan do not include a policy on renewable 

energy generation, as this was deleted by the Secretary of State in 2007. 

7.3.33 The proposal conforms to policy A5 (Quality and Design) (a) as the design of the Development 

including its layout, scale and appearance do not detract from the distinctive character of the 

locality, as set out in the Design and Access Statement. The proposed Development also 

meets policy A5 (b) of this policy as it has minimal impact on medium and long term views as 

set out in Chapter 9 (Landscape) and the Environmental Statement. The proposal also 

includes an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the site post construction, helping to 

meet policy A5 (c). 

7.3.34 The proposal also accords with Policy C11 (Lincolnshire Wolds AONB) as the final design of 

the Development has taken account for the potential for visual effects on the AONB, including 

a reduction in the proposed height of the turbines during design iterations to a scale 

appropriate for the site to optimise the visual design and minimise potential visual effects. 

7.3.35 This policy mainly relates to development within the AONB and as this development is outside 

the AONB these remaining elements of the policy is not relevant to this scheme. 

7.3.36 It is however worth noting that the Development site is 6.3km from the boundary of the 

Lincolnshire Wolds AONB and the conclusions of the Landscape and Visual Assessment 

demonstrate that the proposed development has only a minor adverse visual effect on the 

assessed views from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Area of Great Landscape 

Value. As such the Development would not harm landscape features or the character, role, 

regional or local historic significance of the AONB, or inhibit the quiet enjoyment of it. 

7.4 Other material considerations 

7.4.1 The Regional Local Carbon Energy Opportunities and Heat Mapping Study is a material 

consideration for this planning application. This document demonstrates that onshore wind 

farms have the greatest technical resource potential in East Lindsey. The study also states that 

East Lindsey (outside the Lincolnshire Wold AONB) had the potential for 1000 to 1802.9MW of 

on shore renewable energy for electricity from commercial wind turbines. 

7.4.2 The 2010 East Lindsey Annual Monitoring report shows that East Lindsey had a total capacity 

of 29.4MW on the 1 st April 2009, with the potential for two further onshore wind farm schemes 

to be delivered shortly providing another 19MW. The regional target for on shore wind is 

175MW, whilst there is not local authority target, East Lindsey and other western local authority 

areas are highlighted in the study as local authority areas with the highest potential for 

renewable energy generation, including large scale wind turbine development. This report 

confirms that in principle East Lindsey has the potential to deliver further renewable energy 

schemes. 




7.4.3 The proposed Development will allow East Lindsey District Council to contribute towards 

national and regional renewable energy targets and also bring significant CO 2 savings. The 

proposed Development has the potential to generate approximately 16.4 Gigawatt hours of 

renewable electricity per year, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by 

approximately 3,680 average households 13 . In addition, the proposed turbines could also 

displace approximately 7,060 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year 14 . 

13 Average household electricity use of 4,463kWh per annum 



electricity generated from Combined Cycle Gas Turbines / average fuel mix – approximately 430 gCO 2 /kWh 





8 Conclusions 

8.1.1 The UK Government regards climate change as probably the greatest long term challenge 

facing the human race, and has made it a top political priority. Increasing the supply of energy 

from renewable resources in the UK is one of the measures that will enable the Government to 

deliver its short and long term international and domestic commitments on reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions, as well as its own targets for increasing the supply of energy from 

such sources. 

8.1.2 National Planning Policies clearly acknowledge the benefits that the provision of renewable 

energy can play. It is generally accepted that wind power is currently the best-placed 

renewable energy resource to contribute towards reducing levels of CO 2 in the UK in the short 

term, and consequently, national planning policy supports the development of wind farms in 

suitable locations. In this case the proposed Development is located within an area which is 

considered to be one of the most appropriate locations for large scale wind development as set 

out in the Local Carbon Energy Opportunities and Heat Mapping Study for the East Midlands. 

8.1.3 The proposed Development could generate approximately 16.4 Gigawatt hours of renewable 

electricity per year, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used annually by up to 

approximately 3,680 average households 15 . In addition, the proposed Development could also 

displace up to approximately 7,060 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year 16 . 

8.1.4 Although it is acknowledged that there will be effects on the landscape character and visual 

amenity within close vicinity to the site, the proposed Development will not have a significant 

impact on national landscape designations in the area. An EIA of the proposed Development 

has been undertaken, within which the primary issues of landscape visual impact, including 

cumulative impacts have been assessed in detail. Any wind farm development will give rise to 

a degree of landscape and visual effects due to the very nature and scale of the development. 

In the case of the proposed site, taking into account existing and planned wind farms 

alongside other industrialising infrastructure already within the assessment area, it is 

considered that the proposed Development would not significantly contribute further to any 

adverse cumulative landscape or visual effects. 

8.1.5 The impacts of the proposal on nature conservation and ecology, ornithology, transport, noise, 

residential amenity, cultural heritage, hydrology, geology, and shadow flicker have also been 

assessed in detail and environmental effects are considered to be limited and therefore are 

considered acceptable in environmental terms and in terms of impact on residential amenity. 

The benefits of the proposed development in terms of sustainable energy security and 

contribution to renewable energy targets also outweigh the limited effects which will result 

as a consequence of the development. 

15 Average household electricity use of 4,463kWh per annum, 



electricity generated from Combined Cycle Gas Turbines / average fuel mix – approximately 430 gCO 2 /kWh 





8.1.6 The policies outlined in this Planning Statement have emphasised the need to balance the 

beneficial and adverse effects of wind farm development. As such the overall conclusion 

reached in this Planning Statement is that the proposal is acceptable when judged against 

planning, environmental, economic and social criteria set down in national, regional and local 

policy statements. 

8.1.7 In planning policy terms, the scheme accords with the requirements of national planning 

policies on renewable energy, sustainable development (particularly in rural areas) and the 

historic environment. At the local level, the proposal is also considered to meet the specific 

requirements of Policy 40 of the East Midlands RSS. The proposal also meets all the criteria 

that local authorities should use to set their renewable energy policies (East Lindsey are 

currently progressing their Core Strategy, which would include this). 

8.1.8 In summary, the planning and environmental arguments for the Proposal are strong, and 

approval of the application represents a significant opportunity for ELDC to contribute towards 

national and local climate change and renewable energy objectives.

Planning Supporting Statement - Partnerships for Renewables

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?