Replacement Calderdale UDP : Adopted 25 August 2006 (as amended August 2009)

Replacement Calderdale UDP : Adopted 25 August 2006

• Foreword
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Calderdale in Context
• Strategic and Core Part One Policies
• 3 Guiding Principles and Key Themes
• 4 Employment, The Economy, Tourism and Regeneration
• 5 Housing
• 6 Retailing and Town Centres
• 7 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities
• 8 The Built and Historic Environment
• 9 Transport
• 10 Infrastructure, Education and Community Facilities
• 11 Natural Environment and the Countryside
• 12 Environmental Protection
  • Introduction
  • Pollution Control
  • Dangerous Substance Establishments and Other Incompatible Land Uses
  • Contaminated Land
  • Unstable Land
  • Litter and Graffiti
  • The Water Environment
  • Overhead Power Lines
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Renewable Energy in New Developments
  • Development of Renewable Energy
    • Wind Power Developments
    • Solar Power
    • Connection into the Local Electricity Network
• 13 Minerals
• 14 Waste Management
• 15 Monitoring and Review of the Plan
• Annex A Privacy, Daylighting and Amenity Space
• Annex B Trees On or Adjacent to Development Sites
• Appendix 1 National Planning Policy
• Appendix 2 National Minerals Policy
• Appendix 3 Supporting Published Documents
• Appendix 4 Glossary of Terms
• Appendix 5 Acronyms and Abbreviations
• Appendix 6 Policy Topic Index
• Appendix 7 Policy Number Comparison
• Appendix 8 Supplementary Maps

Development of Renewable Energy

12.70 Renewable energy is the term used to cover those energy sources that occur or re-occur naturally in the environment, such as from the sun, wind or water. They are essentially clean, produce no or lower ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions and they can make an important contribution to meeting the requirements of future ‘greenhouse gas’ reduction commitments.

12.71 Government policy on renewable energy is set out in the Energy White Paper, ‘Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy’ (2003). This establishes a national target of achieving 10% of electricity needs from renewable energy by 2010, increasing to 20% by 2020.

12.72 The planning system is charged with promoting and encouraging, rather than restricting, the development of renewable energy resources in order that the Government’s renewable energy target is met. PPS22 ‘Renewable Energy’ (2004) provides the national planning framework for promoting and considering proposals for renewable energy uses and encourages Local Authorities to consider the opportunity for developing renewable energy projects in connection with new developments.

12.73 The Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber has outlined the regional targets in the Regional Spatial Strategy for Yorkshire and the Humber to 2016 (2004). The RSS acknowledges that the current pattern of energy use is unsustainable and that Local Authorities should ‘Include policies and proposals in development plans to achieve a regional generation target of at least 9.4% of electricity consumption from renewable resources by 2010 and 22.5% by 2020’ (The Regional Spatial Strategy for Yorkshire and the Humber to 2016, Policy S6e).

12.74 The main renewable energy sources can be summarised as:-

• Solar
• Biomass
• Hydro
• Wind
• Landfill gas
• Municipal and industrial waste
• Heat exchange/transfer from rivers or the ground

12.75 The ‘Lancashire and Yorkshire Renewable Energy Planning Study’ (ETSU, 1997) identified solar power as the biggest renewable energy source in West Yorkshire, followed by waste, biomass, wind and small-scale hydro projects. A 'Renewable Energy Assessment and Targets Study for Yorkshire and the Humber' (2001) stated that, “renewable energy sources contributed less than 1.5% of the region’s total production of electricity.” The study went on to suggest sub-regional targets for the period up to 2010, with West Yorkshire’s allocation being 74Mw over and above its existing output. This target is set out in the RSS for Yorkshire and the Humber to 2016, Policy R12. A mechanism is to be set up to divide this target between the five local planning authorities in the sub-region, but this has not yet been put in place.

12.76 At the local level, the Council and its partners are committed to the reduction of 'greenhouse gases' through the exploitation of renewable energy and the promotion of energy conservation and has included these in Calderdale's Local agenda 21 Strategy - '21 for 21'. The need to increase renewable energy production in Calderdale is also set out in Section 5 of Calderdale Forward's (the local strategic partnership) Futures Plan published in 2003.

12.77 Most of the renewable energy technologies have potential use in Calderdale. Their potential in planning terms , would depend upon the scale of the project and whether it meets the environmental considerations of Policy EP 25 ‘Energy Efficient Development’. The main planning pressure continues to be energy generation from onshore wind reflecting the topographical characteristics of the area and its wind resource. However, there is a need to encourage all potential renewable energy sources including wind, providing they are appropriately scaled. Micro-generation and the cumulative impact of many small generators will form a crucial part in meeting the Energy White paper targets. Generating energy at the point of use is the most sustainable form of generation; it also improves security of supply and reduces inherent energy losses in the transmission and distribution system.

12.78 There are a number of renewable energy schemes already in existence in Calderdale. These vary from individual household solar panels and domestic wind turbines to landfill gas extraction at Park Pit Landfill Site, Elland and commercial wind turbines on Ovenden Moor. These technologies currently represent some of the most promising sources of renewable energy in the area. However, it is recognised that the production of electricity from landfill gas is limited within Calderdale due to the lack of landfill sites in the area. The use of alternative means of waste disposal and the application of landfill tax are also likely to preclude the further development of this form of technology. Potential also exists for power generation from waste incineration and digestion. This is dealt with more fully in 14 ‘Waste Management’ on Waste Management.

12.79 PPS22 emphasises the importance of balancing the need for the generation of energy from renewable sources with the impact of the proposed development on the local environment. Whilst the Council will support applications for developments that generate energy from renewable sources, there is also a need to ensure that developments are appropriate and suitable to their location. It is recognised that many renewable energy proposals, such as for wind and water power, will require locations close to the source of power. Suitable sites will often be in remote upland areas and in the Green Belt, and may also raise important landscape, ecological, archaeological, heritage or amenity issues.

12.80 All renewable energy proposals will be considered in terms of their impact on nearby land uses and activities and their contribution to meeting renewable energy targets in accordance with the following Policy:-

12.81 For projects of a significant scale, applicants will be expected to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended) to evaluate the effect of the proposal. Developers should contact the Council as early as possible to obtain a screening opinion to determine whether an EIA is necessary.

12.82 The operation of renewable energy developments could be adversely affected by subsequent development. For instance, wind speeds could be reduced as a result of the erection of tall buildings or water speeds impeded by upstream developments. The Council will therefore, control further development in the immediate vicinity of renewable energy installations through the implementation of the following Policy:-

Wind Power Developments

12.83 Wind power involves harnessing the wind to drive turbines. Developments can take the form of single turbines for individual properties or more substantial schemes, often called wind farms. The South Pennine Moors is an upland area, providing relatively high wind speeds and the potential to develop energy from the wind. Many parts of the upland moors are of national and international importance for the habitats and species found there, and are a major recreational resource for the wild, unspoilt landscapes that they contain. Whilst wind farms can be justified in order to provide for renewable energy production, they may have an unacceptable impact on areas of high landscape or nature conservation value by virtue of their nature, the size, number and massing of turbines or location. The approach is therefore to achieve a balance between increasing renewable energy in the district and beyond, and avoiding unacceptable damage to the environment and its key assets. A particular concern is the potential for a proliferation of wind projects and their cumulative impact in Calderdale and the surrounding local authority areas.

12.84 Specific controls are necessary for the generation of power from the wind. The Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities (SCoSPA) ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ establishes principles for wind power developments in and around the South Pennines and this provides the context for the policies in the Plan. Additionally, local planning authorities on the Yorkshire /Lancashire border meet on a regular basis to share information and views on renewable energy (including that from wind) issues and proposals in their areas, whist consultations on submitted planning and energy applications for projects take place between them.

12.85 It will therefore be necessary to assess the suitability of applications in relation to the following subject areas:-

• Landscape, including the integrity of the Pennine landscape as a whole;
• Nature Conservation;
• Archaeology, Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings;
• Recreation and Tourism (including walking);
• Amenity, including noise, visual impact and blade flicker;
• The impact of associated infrastructure, such as access, drainage and water supply.

As a general rule, it will be preferable for wind turbines to be located away from the more environmentally sensitive areas of the District. In order to protect the quality and character of the landscape, applicants will be expected to seek locations that make the best use of the topography and physical features to reduce the impact of turbines. The following Policy will apply:-

12.86 Applicants will be required to provide sufficient information on the likely environmental impacts of the proposal for all wind turbine developments. However, in many cases, particularly with medium and large-scale wind farms, a full scale EIA will be required. In addition, in response to Circular 1/2003 (Dft/ODPM) on the safeguarding of aerodromes and other installations, planning applications and related proposals for wind turbine development within predefined consultation zones will be the subject of consultations with appropriate bodies. This procedure is fully set out in paragraph 9.75 to 9.79 and Policy T 27 ‘Safeguarding Aerodromes and Air Traffic Technical Sites’ in the Transport section.

Solar Power

12.87 Solar energy technologies are mature and well established but despite large-scale uptake of solar technologies throughout Europe, Japan and the US, uptake in the UK has been relatively slow. There are two active solar technologies; solar thermal and solar photovoltaics (PV), and a passive technique obtained through design:

• Solar Thermal Panels - The solar hot water system converts solar radiation into hot water through a heat transfer system. A well-designed system will provide over 50% of a building's annual hot water requirements. This technology is also used for swimming pools.

• Solar Photovoltaic Panels - A solar PV panel will convert solar radiation into electricity, powering ordinary electrical equipment. Installations are usually connected to the National Grid though can be stand alone off grid systems

• Passive Solar Design - This involves designing buildings to make optimal use of the energy from the sun, by having open aspects on south facing building plans. This obtains free direct heat and natural daylight, minimising dependence on fossil fuels.

12.88 An increasing number of properties are installing solar thermal and PV systems in Calderdale. This is partly due to residents becoming more aware of the potential benefits of installing these systems, but mainly because of the increasing support available to Calderdale residents. A number of grant schemes are now available, further reducing the installation costs, these are; the DTI’s Clear Skies Programme (householders, community and public bodies), the DTI’s Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme (all end users) and the Carbon Trust’s Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme (businesses). There are also technology support programmes operating in West Yorkshire, established to assist residents, organisations and businesses through the installation process. These are; Simply Solar for solar thermal enquiries and the Sunrise Project for solar PV enquiries. Information on all of these initiatives is available from Calderdale’s Housing Energy Team or the Sustainable Development Unit..

12.89 Whilst the Council will support proposals for the installation of solar thermal and solar PV panels, consideration will be given to amenity concerns. Special care will be taken over the positioning of solar and photovoltaic panels on or within the curtilage of a Listed Building or within a Conservation Area to ensure that the development would not have an adverse effect on the character, appearance or setting of the building or area. Panels proposed on Grade I or II* Listed Buildings are less likely to be acceptable. It may be acceptable in appropriate circumstances for these to be incorporated into a listed building development provided that it is in keeping with the character of the area and/or the building itself. In circumstances where panels may not be placed on buildings they may be able to be placed within the grounds of a property providing it has no significant visual impact. Further details on the controls applying to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas can be found in paragraphs 8.48 to 8.70. Proposals will be considered against the following Policy:-

12.90 Whilst photovoltaic (PV) technology has been limited by the high cost of manufacturing the PV cells, it has been established for a number of years as an economic means of power supply in remote areas, where cabling costs are expensive or not feasible. Costs have steadily reduced and this type of technology may now be a potential renewable source in the District to supply the local distribution network. Innovations have also been made in the appearance of PV cells. There are products on the market, which are nearly indistinguishable from roof tiles and in some instances these may provide an option for historic properties. In recognition of the part PV technology can play in delivering the Government’s energy targets, Section 6 of the Technical Annex attached to the Companion Guide to PPS22 ‘Renewable Energy' (2004) provides guidance on PV technology and its main applications. Developers contemplating the use of PV systems are advised to consult this Annex.

12.91 Energy costs and consumption can be reduced dramatically through the use of passive solar design methods. The location, orientation and design of buildings, as well as landscaping, are a number of elements that can influence energy demand. Design issues are dealt with in paragraphs 12.57 to 12.61. The Council will seek to encourage the use of passive solar design methods where possible in development proposals through the application of Policy EP 25 ‘Energy Efficient Development’. However, where existing developments incorporate passive solar techniques, it will be necessary to protect these from new development or landscaping proposals that would harm their energy efficiency such that occupiers would have to supplement their heating and lighting. As a result, the following Policy will apply:-

Connection into the Local Electricity Network

12.92 Renewable energy is particularly well suited to meeting small-scale demands for heat and power. If renewables are to make a substantial contribution to national energy demand, large-scale generation facilities are required, along with a means of distributing energy to users through the electricity network. Renewable projects tend to link into the local distribution network or straight to a local user rather than into the national grid because of their generally smaller generation capacity. This is known as ‘Embedded Generation’. This can result in cost savings and efficiency and it allows electricity to be provided close to the point of consumption and demand. However, the capacity of the local electricity network to accommodate new generation is variable. In remote areas, such as those where the best wind and hydro resources are frequently found, there may be no existing electricity distribution infrastructure at all and no houses or businesses to directly feed into.

12.93 The arguments for and against overhead and underground electricity cables are outlined in paragraph 12.56. The Council will support energy generation sites close to or within areas of demand where these can be accommodated without detriment to residential amenity or areas designated for their nature conservation value. Proposals will be considered against the following Policy:-

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