Wind Farms
Revised policies for Renewable Energy (Wind Turbines) are in preparation (March 2009). See also SEA.
The Council's existing planning policy for the siting of wind farms is contained in the Structure Plan, and dates from 2004. In order to assist with a review and possible up-dating of this policy, and related policies, further information and analysis was required regarding the visual impact of turbines and their effects upon landscape character and quality. Consultants were engaged in 2007 to provide such analysis.
The commissioned report "Stirling Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study for Wind Energy Development" is now available to the council (and to the co-funding partners, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority). Its recommendations do not have the status of Council policy.
However, the Council at its meeting on 13th March, 2008, endorsed the findings of the study and adopted the study report as a 'material consideration' for the purposes of determining planning applications. The Council also agreed to consultation on a package of Supplementary Planning Guidance including a revised principal locational policy, complementary revisions to Local Plan policies, and detailed Development Management guidance, all for adoption as interim policy and eventual inclusion in the new-style Local Development Plan.
The Scottish Government is currently advocating that Local Authorities review planning policies for on-shore wind farms in the light of the latest national planning guidance. Revised policies, should, advises the Government, be brought forward as Supplementary Planning Guidance where appropriate.
The Study Report is a lengthy and copiously illustrated document, not readily made available in hard copy. Therefore the principal parts of the report - text, illustrations and maps - are displayed here for information.
Part 1
Acknowledgements,
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
Study Findings
3(i) Area-wide landscape capacity for wind energy development.
Part 2
Study Findings
3(ii) Landscape character types for wind energy development guidelines for siting & design of windfarms.
4 Planning Policy.
5. Conclusions.
Part 3
Figures/Maps.
Part 4
Appendices.
The following documents are now published for consultation:
Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (Interim Locational Planning & Guidance),
SEA Environmental Report
Further information is available in: Background Report.
Representations should be submitted in writing to:
Stirling Council, Environment Services, Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET,
or by e-mail: thorogoodd@stirling.gov.uk by 22nd July 2009.
