Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development

Summary

To seek approval of an informal (non statutory) planning guidance document on the subject of wind turbines and residential development.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To approve the document entitled ‘Planning Guidance on the Residential Amenity Impacts of Wind Turbine Development’ (attached as appendix 1 to this report) for use as informal planning guidance.

Recommendation Approved

The Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development submitted a report which sought approval of an informal (non statutory) planning guidance document on the subject of wind turbines and residential development.

Members of the Executive commented that the guidance document demonstrated that Cherwell District Council was not opposed to renewable energy but set limits to protect residents in the district.

The Executive thanked Officers for completing a comprehensive piece of work in such a short period of time.

Resolved

(1)               That the document entitled ‘Planning Guidance on the Residential Amenity Impacts of Wind Turbine Development’ as set out in the annex to these minutes (as set out in the minute book) be approved for use as informal planning guidance.

Reasons

This document will be informal planning guidance. As informal guidance, it will have limited weight but, having been the subject of consultation, will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The local guidance document is linked to policy SD3 of the Draft Core Strategy.  This policy sets out the Council’s strategic approach to assessing proposals for renewable energy, and makes clear that the Council supports renewable and low carbon energy where appropriate. In assessing planning applications, it identifies a number of issues which are of local significance to Cherwell District which need to be considered. 

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