Please read this policy information and options together with the policy for renewable energy
About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.170 Given that Policy CP3 has recently been reviewed, the policy approach could be regarded as appropriate to take forward into this Local Plan. Increased interest in Solar PV operators looking at sites within the District, such as the permitted 15MW solar farm on Marksbury Plain is noted.
9.171 The RERAS evidence base also includes a review of the technical potential of renewable energy technologies in the district. In particular, the study provides evidence on the potential areas for wind energy and solar PV, based on a variety of criteria and looking at factors, such as different wind turbine sizes, as required by national policy.
9.172 The RERAS shows that the potential opportunities and areas where large scale wind installations can effectively operate on a commercial basis are limited within Bath and North East Somerset (Appendix 1). Through this option these areas could be safeguarded so that other development which could prejudice wind energy development is not permitted.
9.173 It is important to stress that both the safeguarded areas and the broad areas of search (set out in the approach above) are only ‘potentially suitable’ for wind turbines: being within these locations does not mean that an application for a wind turbine or turbines would be approved. All applications for wind turbines would be assessed against the detailed policy criteria and all other relevant policies in this Local Plan, as well as National Policy or relevant Neighbourhood Plans.
9.174 Given the potential sensitivity of the areas identified (National Landscapes) through the technical assessment, it is not proposed to constrain these sites for large wind turbines only and provide a degree a flexibility on turbine size, consistent with our overall desire to increase renewable energy generation and to bring forward wind development, balanced against the need to protect environmental assets.
9.175 In stark contrast the RERAs shows that the solar resource is widespread across the district (Appendix 2). We consider that there would be no benefit in safeguarding these areas.
9.176 Options have also been presented for policy approach that could be applied to build upon the landscape led approach adopted currently in Policy CP3.
Option A
Keep the broad areas of search approach established through the LPPU, with scope to review or add new elements (e.g., mine-water storage).
Advantages of Option A
Approach recently adopted and seems to be appropriate.
Disadvantages of Option A
Broad areas of search may lack the certainty for developers or communities when looking for opportunities.
Option B
Safeguarding of our best potential sites for wind energy.
Advantages of Option B
Safeguarding the best sites for wind energy ensures optimal utilisation of resources. These sites are selected based on favourable wind conditions, maximizing the efficiency and output of wind turbines.
Disadvantages of Option B
- Safeguarding specific sites for wind energy may limit alternative land uses, such as agriculture or recreation. This can lead to conflicts with other interests.
- The development of wind energy projects, even in optimal sites, can have environmental or landscape impacts.