Planning ahead on turbine scheme
This extract originates from the local newspaper newsnk - Summer 2014:
"The Council will be working to ensure a high degree of community engagement as plans emerge for a potential windfarm application at Nocton Fen.
Although there is no application yet made and Vattenfall, the firm proposing 23 turbines on 9 sq km of land between Metheringham and Bardney, is still investigating its technical feasibility, it has to engage and consult widely at an early stage.
If it does become a formal proposal, as a nationally significant infrastructure project, NKDC could only comment - not determine it. The Council's part in the process is key however. It has a number of roles and responsibilities under the requirements placed on it as a so-called host authority to the probable project.
As part of its pre-application process Vattenfall has begun its initial consultation locally and started to talk to key stakeholders including giving a briefing to all NKDC members. This stage is likely to last until late 2015, during which time NKDC has to work closely with Vattenfall to ensure communities are properly and fully engaged and their views properly addressed; to agree methodology for technical surveys; agree a consultation report; produce local impact report; and agree grounds of consent and disagreement.
Vattenfal has already stated that it expects to submit a project with 150m high turbines - the country's largest - to generate enough electricity to power 47,000 homes; equivalent to every home in North Kesteven.
Cllr Mike Gallagher, Executive Board member with responsibility for planning, said: 'There will be a long and varied programme of consultations on this scheme before it even reaches the stage of being an application. If it does become a formal application for development consent that would be submitted to the planning inspectorate and brought to our planning committee to comment on only."
Note
A pre-application forum was held in NKDC’s Council Chamber on April 29 2014.
The pre-application presentation was given by Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd, relating to the land at Nocton Fen. If they proceed to make a formal application, because it would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) for the development of a wind farm, it would be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate – not NKDC. NKDC would only comment on it, and not determine it.
The Planning Inspectorate would examine the application and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State who would determine the application under the provisions of the Planning Act 2008.
NKDC encourages pre-application discussions with developers who are considering proposals for major / significant / innovative schemes within the District.
Went to the first of Vattenfall's latest round of consultation meetings at Bardney. Whatever your views, for or against, there was a lot of material to study, and a lot of information given out. There is also a questionnaire which you can fill in at the time, or send in or take back later.
ReplyDeleteThere was a fair turnout mid-afternoon, which shows people's interest and concerns about the project.
Vattenfall have certainly put in a great deal of effort in producing all the material on display.
Richard
Had a second bite of the cherry today and visited the consultation at Nocton. Have to say the presentation is very well done. Interesting to see the 3D modelling they have done on the computer which enables you to see how the turbines would appear from any given location in the area.
ReplyDeleteNot as many people present as were the previous day at Bardney, at least while I was there.
Richard