Policy - Wind - Wales - By Council

Welsh Local Council Development Policies

Some Welsh councils provide specific information about the installation and development of wind turbines, however the coverage of specific issues across councils is inconsistent. Below is a collection of the various council policies and guidelines on a defined set of issues. Wherever specific information on an issue was not given by a council, it has been filled in with information applicable across Wales or adapted to be relevant from another council policy. General Information about community wind development in Wales can be found here.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Planning and Paperwork - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Forms/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/Block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - The scale of the development in terms of the number of turbines and area of land covered should not have an adverse impact upon nature conservation interests or the character and appearance of the landscape. The impact of the proposal in terms of intervisibility and its cumulative effect in relation to other constructed and permitted wind power developments or turbines should not have an adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the landscape. The colour, height, design, layout and density of wind turbines, roads and other ancillary should not have an adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the landscape.

Transport and Driver Safety - Blaenau Gwent County Borough does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The siting, colour, design and materials of temporary and permanent roads and other ancillary structures should have regard to any nearby development. Proposals should not harm residential amenity in terms of noise or shadow flicker.

Connection to the Grid - Grid connections in South Wales are provided by Western Power Distribution. For specific information about the Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITS), information on the process for connecting a generator installation or information about charges and the terms and conditions follow the links from their website here or contact them directly at 0845 601 3341 (tel) or by email at .

Electromagnetic Interference - The proposals should not have an impact upon electromagnetic transmission with existing and proposed telecommunications facilities.

Decommissioning - Provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Link to council policy document:
http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/documents/Documents_Environment/UDP_Energy.pdf

Bridgend County Borough Council

Planning and Paperwork - Bridgend County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - A development site should not lie within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. By virtue of its size, design and siting, a development should not be harmful to the setting of a listed building or the character and appearance of a conservation area. A development should not be demonstrably harmful to the nature conservation interest of the KENFIG cSAC or an SSSI. The cumulative, as well as individual, impact of development proposals on sensitive environments should be assessed. Turbines should not adversely affect the local environment, including any biodiversity interests, taking account of any available mitigation measures. Appropriate arrangements should be made for the satisfactory preservation and/or recording of features of local archaeological, architectural or historic interest. By virtue of its size, design and siting, a potential development should not be visually intrusive in designated special landscape area, or a designated historic landscape, park or garden.

Transport and Driver Safety - Turbines should be able to be safely accessed to permit regular maintenance without detriment to the environment or the public rights of way network.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The availability of identified mineral resources or reserves should not be sterilised. Turbines should not detrimentally affect local amenity by reason of noise emission, visual dominance, shadow flicker, reflected light, the emission of smoke, fumes, harmful gases, dust, nor otherwise cause pollution of the local environment.

Electromagnetic Interference - Turbines should not lead to electromagnetic disturbance to existing transmitting and receiving systems (which includes navigation and emergency services), therefore prejudicing public safety.

Decommissioning - Proper provision should be made (if necessary, by the conclusion of appropriate planning obligations/ agreements with the council), for the removal of all infrastructure from, and reinstatement of the site, following termination of the use.

Link to council page: http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/BCBCUDP/english/text/text14.htm

Caerphilly County Borough Council

When the council were preparing the Caerphilly Local Development Plan (LDP) a background paper documenting all the policy that was currently in place with regards to sustainable energy was prepared. Chapter 5 in the background paper refers to sustainable energy technologies. It discusses that Caerphilly County is not suited to large scale wind farm development because the Borough does not currently have any Strategic Search Areas (SSAs). Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 states “Most areas outside of SSAs should remain free of large wind power schemes” (para 2.12). The potential for the development of wind power within urban/industrial brownfield sites is currently unexplored, and smaller community based wind farm schemes are also untapped. With regards to any future inclusion of policies in the LDP, the council have recently undertaken some work looking at renewable energy provision within the county borough. This work, along with additional survey work, which has yet to be decided upon, will form the evidence base for the LDP, which is due in 2014.

Link to council page: http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/default.aspx?s=ZZYkxQBcQE7vxArctFUsiXhg3Dw/Piu8

Cardiff Council

Until the Cardiff LDP is adopted, the South Glamorgan (Cardiff Area) Replacement Structure Plan (1991-2011) will remain a consideration in the determination of planning applications. Proposals to generate electricity from wind power will only be favoured, where they conform with other development plan policies, particularly those which relate to the countryside and provided they would not cause unacceptable harm by reason of: (i) The number, size and layout of the turbines; (ii) The cumulative impact of the proposed and existing wind farms on the landscape; (iii) The impact on tourism and informal recreation.

Link to council page: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/splashpage.htm

Carmarthenshire County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Carmarthenshire County Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Proposals either individually or cumulatively should not cause demonstrable harm by virtue of having a significant adverse impact on the quality of the local environment, or to sites of nature conservation, historical or archaeological importance, agricultural value, areas designated for their landscape value, or to species of nature conservation and ecological value. The siting, design, layout and materials used should be sympathetic to the characteristics of the land-form, contours and existing features of the landscape. Ancillary works, buildings and structures should be kept to a minimum and sited unobtrusively within the landscape.

Transport and Driver Safety - Proposals should not give rise to problems of highway safety or place unacceptable demands on the provision of public services.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Proposals should not lead to a significant adverse increase in risk or nuisance to, and impacts on the amenities of, nearby residents or other members of the public arising from wind turbine operation, shadow, flicker, safety risk, radio or telecommunications interference. No Turbine should cause demonstrable harm to the amenity of any residents.

Connection to the Grid - New connections to the local electricity distribution network should accord with policy UT2 outlined in the Carmarthenshire Unitary Development Plan Policies Document.

Electromagnetic Interference - Carmarthenshire County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Carmarthenshire County Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Link to council policy document: http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/environment/planning/Wind%20Farms%20and%20Renewable%20Energy/Documents/Carmarthenshire%20Unitary%20Development%20Plan%20Policies.pdf

Ceredigion County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Large (over 25MW installed capacity) and Medium sized (5-25MW installed capacity) wind farms will not be permitted in Ceredigion outside the TAN 8 SSA D boundary. The development of wind farms within the TAN 8 SSA D boundary will initially be permitted, within the preferred area as defined on the Proposals Map. Outside the preferred area development will be permitted sequentially in line with the sensitivity ranking set out in SPG unless the capacity to be delivered by that development could be provided within existing development through the use of improved technology.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Developments should not give rise to adverse cumulative visual impacts by virtue of incongruous variation in turbine design.

Transport and Driver Safety - Satisfactory mitigation should be made for the potential detrimental cumulative effects within Ceredigion of construction and maintenance traffic, in particular of abnormal loads on the amenity, health and safety of communities that lie on the delivery routes, and infrastructure fabric.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Developments should not undermine significant tourism projects and associated income streams. Developments should not give rise to unmanageable health and safety risks for recreational and other users of the area within the SSA.

Electromagnetic Interference - Ceredigion County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Plans should include a suitable scheme for decommissioning at the end of the operational design life of the facility and associated infrastructure.

Link to council page: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/utilities/action/act_download.cfm?mediaid=36775&langtoken=eng

Conwy County Borough Council

Planning and Paperwork - Large scale (over 5MW) wind turbine development must be concentrated within the Clocaenog SSA. Developments will be considered if they are acceptable in terms of other Local Development Plan policies. All details of associated ancillary development should be submitted with the planning application as an integral part of the scheme. Large scale wind turbine development outside of the SSA will only be permitted where it can demonstrate that there is an overriding need or capacity issue which cannot be met within the SSA and is located in areas proven to be of suitable wind speed. Small scale wind turbine development up to 5MW will be supported where: a) It is of a relative scale in terms of energy production to serve the dwelling(s) which it directly serves; b) Turbines are a maximum of 15m in height; c) It does not compromise the ability of the SSA to achieve its anticipated target of energy production.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Habitat creation or restoration should conform to the principles contained in the Clocaenog Statement of Environmental Master Planning Principles (SEMP) and LDPS - 'Biodiversity in Planning' SPG. An environmental impact assessment should be submitted as part of the application. Consideration should be given to the cumulative impact on surrounding communities and the wider landscape. Where the development of a wind farm is considered to have an unacceptable cumulative impact it will be refused.

Transport and Driver Safety - Conwy County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Developments should not lead to noise levels detrimental to the residential amenity of the surrounding area. An element of community benefit should be agreed at the time of application or before.

Connection to the Grid - Grid connections in North Wales are provided by the regional Distribution Network Operator, Scottish Power Energy Networks. For specific information about connecting to their grid and registering for the Feed-In Tariff you should contact them directly at 0845 270 0783 (tel) or 0151 221 2190 (fax), by email at or in writing: SP Energy Networks, Network Connections, PO Box 290, Lister Drive, Liverpool, L13 7HJ. More information is also available here.

Electromagnetic Interference - Conwy County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Conwy County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/448/Conwy_Deposit_Local_Development_Plan.pdf

Denbighshire County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Although the Denbighshire Unitary Development Plan (1996 - 2011) is out of date, its policies are still considered to a certain degree when determining planning applications. Local Development Plan adaptation in anticipated in Spring 2013. Wind turbines or windfarms, including any ancillary associated developments, will be permitted provided that all details of associated ancillary developments are submitted with the planning application as an integral part of the scheme.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - There should be no unacceptable harm to the setting of listed buildings, conservation areas or features of archaeological, historic or architectural importance. There should be no unacceptable effect on nature conservation interests. Proposals shoud not unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the landscape especially the AONB, AOB, LLA's, historic landscapes or the Snowdonia National Park. Proposals should not lead to an unacceptable cumulative visual impact in an area where zones of visibility overlap. Particular attention should be paid to the potential effects of a proliferation of such developments in any one area. Proposals should not cause unacceptable harm to the enjoyment of the landscape for recreational and tourism purposes.

Transport and Driver Safety - The existing road network should be adequate to serve the development, or is made adequate, and suitable access is provided to the network.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Proposals should not lead to unacceptable noise levels to residential amenity in the surrounding area. There should be no unacceptable risk or nuisance to the public arising from wind turbines, such as safety, shadow flicker, or radio interference. There should be no unacceptable effect on ground waters or private water supplies.

Electromagnetic Interference - Denbighshire County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - In the event that development is non-operational for a continuous period of 6 months, the permitted plant, equipment and any ancillary structures will be required to be dismantled within 6 months, removed from the site and restoration undertaken to an acceptable use and standard.

Link to council page: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/planningudp/english/chap16.htm

Flintshire County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Flintshire County Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - The development should not be sited within, nor have a significant adverse impact on, a sensitive area of national or regional environmental, landscape or heritage importance. The development, in conjunction with other wind turbine developments, should not have a detrimental cumulative impact upon the landscape. Where the development of associated ancillary buildings is required the structures should be sensitively designed to enhance the character and quality of the locality.

Transport and Driver Safety - Flintshire County Council does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The impact of the development upon agriculture, forestry, recreation and other land uses should be minimised to permit existing uses to continue unhindered. The turbines should be appropriately designed so as to avoid, or mitigate against, unacceptable environmental impacts, including noise, light reflection, shadow flicker and impact on wildlife.

Electromagnetic Interference - Sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Adequate provision should be made in the scheme for the restoration and aftercare of the site on the cessation of use.

Link to council page: http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/wps/portal/english
Link to council policy document: http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/485f9f8048aa672d90d6f2a281094423/UDPAdopted280911English.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Gwynedd County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Gwynedd County Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - In sensitive landscapes and conservation areas the visual impact of turbines will be an issue.

Transport and Driver Safety - Gwynedd County Council does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - With the exception of micro-turbines, wind turbines need to be sited away from buildings to ensure that the airflow is as undisturbed as possible. Turbines attached to buildings can also cause damage through vibration.

Electromagnetic Interference - Gwynedd County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Gwynedd County Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/dewis_iaith.asp?p=1&c=1
Link to council policy document: http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1039/SPG__Planning_for_sustainable_development.pdf

Isle of Anglesey County Council

Planning and Paperwork - The following documents and information are required: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - The following documents and information are required: Environmental Impact Statement; Ecological Survey; Heritage Evaluation (desk or field based). Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of: Turbines of less than 20m in height; Turbines of between 20m and 50m in height; Turbines over 50m in height.

Transport and Driver Safety - Traffic and Transport Assessments are required.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The following documents and information are required: Shadow flicker/ throw assessment; Noise Impact Assessment; Community Engagement Statement.

Electromagnetic Interference - Electromagnetic assessment is required.

Decommissioning - Isle of Anglesey County Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/Journals/2012/03/27/WIND-TURBINE-APPLICATIONS-CHECKLIST.pdf

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Planning and Paperwork - Wind turbine developments should no exceed 25MW on urban and industrial brownfield sites, and 5MW elsewhere in the County Borough.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Development proposals should not have an unacceptable impact on biodiversity and landscape including the setting of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Transport and Driver Safety - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Development proposals should not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of residential areas.

Electromagnetic Interference - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Link to council policy document: http://www.merthyr.gov.uk/English/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Planning/Documents/MTCBC%20Adopted%20LDP%20-%20May%202011.pdf

Monmouthshire County Council

Monmouthshire does not contain any Strategic Search Areas for wind power under Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 (July 2005), however paragraphs 2.11-14 of TAN 8 do contain specific guidance regarding wind developments outside the SSAs, as discussed in section 10.4 of the May 2010 REEES document. With little urban/brownfield land in Monmouthshire, it is clear that limiting wind development to such areas will severely restrict wind development. The main opportunity under TAN 8 guidance is for community based wind farms "generally lesss than 5MW". Given that the Welsh Government expects local planning authorities to encourage smaller community based wind farms, the council suggest that SPG is prepared to provide a practical guidance to would-be developers. A specific limit on capacity is best avoided as this could unduly affect project viability and hence the resultant community benefits.

Link to council page: http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/index.php?id=home

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Large scale (>25MW) and medium scale (5-25MW) wind farm developments will be restricted to sites within the Tan 8 Strategic Search Areas E and F, and urban/industrial brownfield sites. Once the maximum capacity set out in the July 2011 WG letter for the SSAs, including land lying outside but close to the SSAs, have been reached through permissions and approvals, further proposals will not be treated as meeting national policy but will be treated on their merits including potential impacts on the local area, its landscape, wildlife and residents. Outside the SSAs small scale community based generating proposals (less than 5MW) and medium scale generating proposals on urban/industrial brownfield sites will be considered against a criteria based policy which will be detailed in the Deposit Plan. Medium scale generating proposals outside SSAs will not be allowed in order to avoid wind turbines being spread across the whole of the County Borough. The Deposit Plan will also identify criteria based policy against which proposals within the Search areas E & F will be considered.

Link to council page: http://www.npt.gov.uk/

Newport City Council

Planning and Paperwork - Newport City Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Development will be permitted where, as applicable: (i) The proposals are designed and managed to protect and encourage biodiversity and ecological connectivity, including through the incorporation of new features on or off site to further the UK, Welsh and/or Newport biodiversity action plans; (ii) The proposals demonstrate how they avoid and mitigate negative impacts to biodiversity, ensuring that there are no significant adverse effects on areas of nature conservation interest including international, European, national, Welsh Section 42 and local protected habitats and species, and protecting features of importance for ecology; (iii) The proposal will not result in any unacceptable impact on water quality; (iv) The proposal should not in the loss or reduction in quality of high quality agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3A); (v) There would be no unacceptable impact on landscape quality; (vi) The proposal includes appropriate landscape scheme, which enhances the site and the wider context including green infrastructure and biodiversity networks; (vii) The proposal includes appropriate tree planting or retention where appropriate and does not result in the unacceptable loss of or harm to trees, woodland or hedgerows that have wildlife or amenity value. Development proposals will be required to consider the archaeological impact prior to determination.

Transport and Driver Safety - Development proposals should: (i) Provide appropriate access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport in accordance with national guidance; (ii) Be accessible by a choice of means of transport; (iii) Be designed to avoid or reduce transport severence, noise and air pollution; (iv) Make adequate provision for car parking; (v) Provide suitable access arrangements; (vi) Design and build new roads within private development in accordance with the highway authority's estate development design guide and relevant national guidance; (vii) Ensure that development would not be detrimental to highway safety or result in traffic generation exceeding the capacity of the highway network.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - Development will be permitted where, as applicable: (i) There will not be a significant adverse effect on local amenity, including in terms of noise, disturbance, privacy, overbearing, light, odours and air quality; (ii) The proposed use and form of development will not be detrimental to the visual amenities of nearby occupiers or the character or appearance of the surrounding area; (iii) The proposal seeks to design out the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour; (iv) The proposal promotes inclusive design both for the built development and access within and around the development. Development will be permitted where, as applicable: (i) Necessary and appropriate service infrastructure either exists or can be provided; (ii) In areas served by the public foul sewer, there is capacity for the development within the system or, if not, satisfactory improvements are provided prior to the commencement of the development. Development will not be permitted which would cause or result in unacceptable harm to health because of land contamination, dust, instability or subsidence, air, heat, noise or light pollution, flooding, water pollution, or any other identified risk to environment, local amenity or public health and safety.

Electromagnetic Interference - Newport City Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Newport City Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm
Link to council policy document: http://www.newport.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/plans_and_strategies/cont654927.pdf

Pembrokeshire County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Pembrokeshire County Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - There should be no significant damage to the built, historic or natural environment. There should be no significant adverse impact either individually or cumulatively to important landscapes, especially those within or close to the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Transport and Driver Safety - Pembrokeshire County Council does not provide official guidance on transport and driver safety requirements. It is, however, best practice to allow safe vehicle access to the turbines for maintenance without causing damage to the environment and to not obstruct or damage public foot and vehicle transport networks.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - There should be no significant adverse impact on the amenities of local residents arising from either the scale, appearance or layout of the development, or any resultant noise, safety risk or shadow flicker. Ancillary works and structures should be minimised.

Connection to the Grid - New links to the electricity grid should be placed underground where they would cross visually prominent and sensitive areas.

Electromagnetic Interference - Pembrokeshire County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Pembrokeshire County Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=101,100&parent_directory_id=646&id=5058&language=

Powys County Council

Planning and Paperwork - Powys County Council does not provide official guidance on planning and paperwork requirements. It is, however, best practice when submitting wind planning applications in Wales to supply: 1. Application Form/Certificates; 2. Location Plan (scale, north point, within red edge etc); 3. Site plan/ block plan; 4. Elevation plans; 5. The correct fee; 6. Design and Access Statement; 7. Legal Agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - There is a requirement to restore or recreate wildlife habitats (to make up for any impact caused by construction or operation).

Transport and Driver Safety - There is a need to provide additional infrastructure (e.g. widening access roads).

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - There is a need to correct losses to amenity (e.g. correcting for TV interference).

Electromagnetic Interference - Powys County Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Powys County Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.powys.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.powys.gov.uk/uploads/media/windenergy_en.pdf

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

Planning and Paperwork - Proposals for wind farm developments of 25MW and over will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the proposal is within the boundary of the refined strategic search area and meets the indicative generating capacity. Where Development Proposals are acceptable applicants will be required to enter and implement appropriate land management agreements.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - Proposals should not have an unacceptable effect on habitats or species of international, national or local importance, and not have an unacceptable effect on areas of built or natural heritage or sites of archaeological importance. Development plans should be sited on a predominantly flat, extensive area of upland land, benefit from a good win resource, and, because of its sitting, scale or design not have an unacceptable effect on the visual quality of the wider landscape.

Transport and Driver Safety - The planned development should have safe access to the highway network, and should not cause or exacerbate traffic congestion.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The planned development should be located at a minimum of 500 metres away from residential properties, and should not result in a loss of public accessibility to the countryside.

Electromagnetic Interference - Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council does not provide official guidance on decommissioning procedures. In most cases, however, provision should be made for the removal of the turbines and the reinstatement of the site should the turbines cease to generate electricity for a specified period of time. This should be agreed with the county borough council.

Link to council page: http://www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/en/relateddocuments/publications/developmentplanning/localdevelopmentplan2006-2021/adoptedldp2011.pdf

City and County of Swansea

Planning and Paperwork - Proposals for large-scale (over 25MW) onshore wind developments shall be directed to within the Strategic Search Area defined on the Proposals Map subject to the following criteria.

Environment, Landscape, Archaeology and Conservation Areas - The scale, form, design, appearance and cumulative impacts of proposals should be satisfactorily incorporated into the landscape, seascape or built environment and should not significantly adversely affect the visual amenity, local environment or recreational/tourist use of these areas. There should be no adverse effect on natural heritage and the historic environment. The development should preserve or enhance any conservation areas and not adversely affect listed buildings or their settings. The development should be accompanied by adequate information to indicate the extent of possible environmental effects and how they can be satisfactorily contained and/or mitigated.

Transport and Driver Safety - There should be no significant adverse effect on highways, aircraft operations or telecommunications.

Local Amenity, Residents and Resources - The social, economic or environmental benefits of the scheme in meeting local and national energy targets should outweigh any adverse impacts. There should be no significant adverse effect on local amenity.

Electromagnetic Interference - City and County of Swansea Council does not provide official guidance on electromagnetic interference mitigation. In most cases, however, sufficient steps should be taken to avoid or, where possible, to mitigate electromagnetic interference to any existing transmitting or receiving systems.

Decommissioning - The development should include measures to secure the satisfactory removal of structures/related infrastructure and an acceptable after use which brings about a net gain where practically feasible for biodiversity following cessation of operation of the operation.

Link to council page: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/
Link to council policy document: http://swansea.devplan.org.uk/document.aspx?document=50&display=chapter&id=381

Torfaen County Borough Council

The Torfaen County Borough Council Local Development Strategy (2007-2013) has no policies relating to renewables.

Link to council page: http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/home.aspx

Vale of Glamorgan Council

The Vale of Glamorgan falls outside of the Strategic Search Areas for onshore wind energy within Wales. Large scale wind farm proposals are unlikely to be appropriate within the Vale of Glamorgan given the potential interference with aviation radar and communication systems associated with MoD St Athan and Cardiff Airport. However, individual turbine proposals may be appropriate. Generally, proposals for the generation of small scale low carbon and renewable energy will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on the interests of soil conservation, agriculture, nature conservation, wildlife, natural and cultural heritage, landscape importance, residential amenity and electrical, radio or other communication systems. At all scales, careful consideration will need to be given to likely adverse effects that may arise from the proposal. In terms of mitigation, schemes need to be well designed, reflect local circumstances and demonstrate how any environmental, social, resource and economic impacts have been minimised through careful site selection, design, construction and other measures. In Special Landscape Areas, individual wind turbines may be acceptable where they are sited to reduce environmental impacts. However, over time the cumulative effects of these structures may have unacceptable impacts on the visual quality of the designations culminating in a wind farm landscape. Accordingly proposers of wind turbines will be required to consider the impact of any proposal in combination with any existing or approved wind turbine proposals.

Link to council page: http://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/

Wrexham County Borough Council

Wrexham County Borough Council is currently awaiting formal confirmation from the Welsh Government before they can proceed with their Local Development Plan.

Link to council page: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/

Policy - Wind - Wales - By Council

Welsh Local Council Development Policies

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Bridgend County Borough Council

Caerphilly County Borough Council

Cardiff Council

Carmarthenshire County Council

Ceredigion County Council

Conwy County Borough Council

Denbighshire County Council

Flintshire County Council

Gwynedd County Council

Isle of Anglesey County Council

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Monmouthshire County Council

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Newport City Council

Pembrokeshire County Council

Powys County Council

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

City and County of Swansea

Torfaen County Borough Council

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Wrexham County Borough Council

Project Guidance

Latest Reports

A Report on Community Renewable Energy in Scotland

User login

Policy - Wind - Wales - By Council

Welsh Local Council Development Policies

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Bridgend County Borough Council

Caerphilly County Borough Council

Cardiff Council

Carmarthenshire County Council

Ceredigion County Council

Conwy County Borough Council

Denbighshire County Council

Flintshire County Council

Gwynedd County Council

Isle of Anglesey County Council

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Monmouthshire County Council

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Newport City Council

Pembrokeshire County Council

Powys County Council

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

City and County of Swansea

Torfaen County Borough Council

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Wrexham County Borough Council

Project Guidance

Latest Reports

A Report on Community Renewable Energy in Scotland