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The development of energy from biomass facilities
Renewable Energy Planning Guidance Note 6
April 2012 1
The Development of Biomass Installations in Cornwall
This guidance document has been prepared to assist all parties involved in the renewable energy development process. It is intended that the guidance document will be adopted by the Council as a “Supplementary Planning Document” following the adoption of the Council’s Core Strategy proposed after 2013. Until then the status of this document is that it has been
approved by Members of the Council’s Planning Policy Advisory Panel and while it will not attract the full weight of an SPD document will attract some weight in decisions reached on
planning applications.
Introduction
This draft guidance note aims to provide planning advice in respect of the development of Biomass installations in Cornwall.
The guidance contained within this document aims to assist anyone wishing to develop a Biomass Installation to progress from their initial concepts and ideas, through to the submission of a planning application.
The Government has set targets to increase electricity and/or heat generation from renewable sources. Cornwall Council is keen to promote the generation of electricity and/or heat from renewable sources in Cornwall in order to contribute towards a more sustainable future.
This guidance note is part of a series of planning guidance notes for Renewable Energy prepared by Cornwall Council. Other guidance notes include.
1. <50kW solar PV and solar thermal
2. >50kW solar PV
3. Onshore wind
4. Anaerobic Digestion
5. Hydropower
6. Biomass installations (this document)
7. Heat pumps (available soon)
8. Deep Geothermal (available soon)
9. Advanced Energy from Waste
These guidance notes will be regularly reviewed and updated and can be viewed on our website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/renewableenergy
We hope that you find this planning guidance useful but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Planning and Regeneration Service at [email protected] or telephone 0300 1234 151.
We continuously seek to improve the quality of the advice and guidance that we offer and we would be happy to receive comments, suggestions or images which may improve this guidance document.
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Introduction 03 What is Biomass 03 Dry Biomass Sources 03 Producing biomass from your own land 04 Financial incentives for the production of biomass 05 Scale of Biomass Installations 06 Government Policy for Biomass 07 Financial incentives 08 The roles of the Local Planning Authority and the Environment Agency 08 Do I need planning permission? 09 Planning Team Structure in Cornwall 12 Pre-application discussions with the Local Planning Authority 13 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 14 Appropriate Assessment (Habitats Directive) 15 Issues to be considered in any Planning Application 15 a) Siting 15 b) Landscape Character and Visual Impact 16 Case Study 1: Davidstow Creamery Biomass 18 c) Design of buildings. 19 d) Traffic movements and access to site 19 e) Vehicle movement and parking on site 20 f) Landscaping 21 g) Ecology 21 h) Historic Environment 24 i) Emissions, Odour and Air Quality 25 j) Pest Control 26 k) Noise 26 l) Lighting 27 m) Water quality 28 n) Public Rights of Way 28 o) Site Safety 29 p) Use of Heat and/or Electricity and Grid Connection 29 q) Community involvement and engagement 30 Appendix A; Electricity generating capacity 31 Appendix B; Environmental Agency Environmental Permitting Regulations 32 Appendix C; Example planning conditions for large scale biomass proposals. 34
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Introduction Biomass energy is expected to play a key role in Cornwall's ability to meet renewable energy targets as well as the longer term carbon reduction targets. Biomass schemes are becoming increasingly popular as a result of recent financial incentives available and the increasing cost of fossil fuels. Large parts of Cornwall are not connected to the mains gas network and in these areas there may be additional benefits of utilising biomass energy. It is however important to ensure that bio-fuel is produced sustainably and to get the right balance between food production and energy production. What is Biomass? Biomass is defined as any organic matter recently derived from plants or animals. Biomass can be produced by farming, land management and forestry sectors and can be used for the generation of renewable energy. Biomass fuels are those that can be converted into energy and therefore can be regarded as a renewable energy. Biomass fuels can be divided into two categories; dry biomass that can be combusted, e.g. woody material and wet biomass that is best treated by anaerobic digestion. This guidance covers dry biomass only. For proposals related to mainly wet biomass, please see the planning guidance on anaerobic digestion. Although the combustion biomass releases carbon dioxide (CO2), this is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the plant during its growth. Therefore in some instances the use of biomass may be regarded as ‘carbon neutral’. This means that the heating using biomass as a fuel can be very low in carbon emissions in comparison to traditional heating sources like oil, gas or electricity. Where wood is the biomass fuel used this should be used from sustainable sources. Using locally sourced wood also stimulates the management of local woodland which can help to improve biodiversity, increase rural employment and keep revenue in the local economy while also minimising transport emissions. Dry biomass sources Sources of biomass include: • Virgin wood from the conventional management of trees. This includes thinning,
felling and coppicing of sustainably managed forests, parks and trees; • Wood residues from sawmills and other wood processing industries; • Agricultural energy crops such as short rotation coppice (SRC), or miscanthus (a
tall, woody grass also known as ‘Elephant Grass’) which may be grown on land unsuitable for food crops.
Wood fuel is wood that is burned to generate heat or electricity. It is usually in the form of logs, chips or pellets. Wood fuel has traditionally been used in the form of logs burned in open fireplaces, log-burning stoves or furnaces. However, wood chips and pellets which can be burned in sophisticated, modern stoves and boilers, some of which have thermostatic controls and automated ignition and loading systems and are becomingly increasingly popular for their convenience and ease of handling. Choosing between logs, pellets or wood chips will be influenced by various different factors including the size of system, local suppliers and type of fuel feed system. CO
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‘SouthWest Woodshed’ provides a search facility of wood fuels in the South West www.southwestwoodshed.co.uk/index.php/search
Wood pellets Wood Chips Wood logs
Producing biomass from your own land. Producing energy crops on-site is becoming increasingly popular as the cost of traditional forms of fuel are rising and landowners appreciate the need to lower their carbon footprint and benefits of becoming more energy self sufficient. This section aims to provide guidance on the best types of bio-fuel to use in Cornwall in terms of its ability to burn; its speed of growing and its suitability to the Cornish landscape and environment. Biomass from willow cuttings in Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) is a popular and fast way of producing your own wood fuel and fire wood. Willow logs can be used in both wood burners and boilers. Willow can also be chipped and is an ideal feedstock for automated systems.
The major reasons for growing willow rather than other firewood crops are that it is a fast way of growing biomass. It is also good for biodiversity. Willow supports the greatest range of wildlife of any single crop grown in the UK. Further details on Short Rotation Coppice Willow can be found in an information booklet produced by DEFRA and the England Rural Development Programme
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/short-rotation-coppice_tcm6-4262.pdf Miscanthus is also a common biomass fuel source, particularly for larger scale biomass facilities. Natural England have produced a guidance document on ‘Planting and Growing Miscanthus’ http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/miscanthus-guide_tcm6-4263.pdf. The Miscanthus species are woody, perennial grasses originating from Asia that have a potential for very high rates of growth. Despite SRC having a higher energy content, Miscanthus has a considerably higher yield. SRC is considered to be a more suitable crop in areas too exposed for Miscanthus (wind speeds are over 7 metres/second). Traditional Firewood is still a popular choice, particularly with smaller wood stoves. All wood generally burns more efficiently when seasoned and some will burn better when
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split rather than as whole logs. In general the better wood for burning that you are most likely to come by (including non-native species) are: -
• Apple and pear – burning slowly and steadily with little flame but good heat. The scent is also pleasing.
• Ash – the best burning wood providing plenty of heat (will also burn green but you should not need to do this!)
• Beech and hornbeam – good when well seasoned • Birch – good heat and a bright flame – burns quickly. • Blackthorn and hawthorn – very good – burn slowly but with good heat • Cherry – also burns slowly with good heat and a pleasant scent. • Cypress – burns well but fast when seasoned, and may spit • Hazel – good, but hazel has so many other uses hopefully you won’t have to
burn it! • Holly – good when well seasoned • Horse Chestnut – good flame and heating power but spits a lot. • Larch – fairly good for heat but crackles and spits • Maple – good. • Oak – very old dry seasoned oak is excellent, burning slowly with a good
heat • Pine – burns well with a bright flame but crackles and spits • Poplar – avoid all poplar wood – it burns very slowly with little heat – which
is why poplar is used to make matchsticks. • Willow – very good – in fact there is growing interest in biomass production
of coppiced willow as a fuel. Financial incentives for the production of biomass. There are various grant schemes available for the production of biomass. ‘Sustainable Woodlands South West’ have funding available through the Rural Development Programme for England for the harvesting and primary processing of wood-fuels1. The Energy Crops Scheme2 offers grants to farmers in England for establishing miscanthus and short rotation coppice for their own energy use or to supply power stations.
Short rotation coppicing
1 http://www.southwestwoodshed.co.uk/static/wp-content/uploads/woodland-development.pdf
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Scale of Biomass Installations Biomass Installations can range in size from the very small box stoves of a few kW suitable for heating domestic properties to very large scale biomass plants producing over 50 megawatts. Projects around 150kW are typically suitable for primary schools, small housing developments or large community centres. Medium scale schemes take many forms; typical examples include plant nurseries, universities, hospitals, local authority buildings and any location performing significant industrial processes. Single Residential proposals Small scale biomass systems for individual homes can range from a simple open fires or wood burning stoves to more complex systems including highly efficient automatically fed wood pellet systems that provide hot water heating and in some cases central heating. Domestic scale systems are normally permitted development (i.e. they may not require planning permission) as long as they do not require additional buildings; the flue does not exceed the highest part of the house or are not in conservation areas or listed buildings. For further details on whether planning permission is required, please refer to the permitted development section below. Examples of biomass systems are shown below: - Single Room Wood Stove kW output: Approximately 7 kW Fuel requirements: Wood logs Single Residential Biomass Boiler with space and water heating system kW output: Approximately 15 - 25 kW Fuel requirements: Log or wood pellets.
Typical 25kw wood pellet boiler
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40 - 50kw (Multiple Dwelling or Commercial Scale) A typical commercial or multiple dwelling system consists of a biomass boiler and equipment including flues and pipe work. Systems also require a fuel store and if not manually fed, a fuel transfer system to deliver fuel to the boiler unit. Biomass Boiler with space and water heating system kW output: Approximately 40 - 160 kW Fuel requirements: Log or wood pellets.
Typical 40kw boiler
Systems of above 450kw capacity Industrial Scale Biomass Plant that may include district heating and potential to produce electricity kW output: Approximately 3 mw Fuel requirements: Most forms of biomass including wood chips; logs; wood
pellets and miscanthus. Above 50mw (Industrial Scale) Applications of this scale relate to significant power plants and will be considered by the Secretary of State, currently through the Infrastructure Planning Commission with input from Cornwall Council. Biomass CHP The majority of biomass projects are heat only (thermal), although there are some heat and electricity (known as combined heat and power or ‘CHP’) projects. CHP schemes generally become viable for schemes over 3 MW There are few differences between the types of installation as far as the planning process is concerned. Where an application is for a CHP scheme, the form in Appendix A should be completed. Government Policy for Biomass National policy for biomass is contained within the UK Government Bioenergy Strategy, 20073 which is supportive of the role that biomass can play in meeting the 2020 renewable energy target as well as long term carbon reduction targets. However, it does recognise that, in order to achieve this ambition, biomass supplies will need to increase significantly and sustainably, in line with policies for biodiversity, land use and climate change. Published in March 2012 the National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England. The document provides a framework within which local councils and communities can produce their own local and neighbourhood plans reflecting the needs and priorities for their area.
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National Planning Policy Framework In terms of renewable and low carbon energy, the National Planning Policy Framework is supportive of a transition to a low carbon future and encourages the use of renewable resources. It goes on to state that local councils should plan for new development in locations and in a manner that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Opportunities for developments to use energy from decentralised, renewable or low carbon energy supply and co-locating potential heat customers and suppliers should be encouraged. Financial Incentives Renewable Heat Incentive4 Renewable Heat Incentive payments are paid according to the total amount of renewable heat generated for eligible purposes. Payments are made quarterly over the next 20 years. The RHI is determined according to the size of the boiler and the total amount of eligible heat supplied per annum. For further details on the RHI please visit the link at the bottom of the page Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP)5 The RHPP provides a grant for Biomass boiler’s of £950 grant (for homes without mains gas heating). See link at the bottom of the page for further information. Feed in Tariff The Feed in Tariff (FiT)6 provides a financial subsidy towards a number of renewable energy technologies. Micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) Biomass systems are eligible for the Feed in Tariff if their capacity is 2kW (electricity). The feed in tariff in such systems would apply for a period of 10 years. Renewable Obligations The Renewable Obligations 20027 placed an obligation on companies which supply electricity to source a percentage of that electricity from renewable resources. Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) are issued for accredited energy generating technologies. In terms of energy from waste ROCs can be received by;
• A facility which uses biomass only, or • Advanced conversion technologies (such as gasification and pyrolysis) which
produce fuel gas where ROCs can be received for the biomass element of that fuel.
The roles of the Local Planning Authority and the Environment Agency Planning consent may be required for certain biomass facilities. Whether planning permission is required is set out in the section on this below. For very large scale biomass plants an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required. Please see the section below for further details. Under the Environmental Permitting regime, The Environment Agency regulate combustion installations over 50 Megawatts (MW) in size and over 3MW if they use waste as a fuel. The Environment Agency also regulates large biofuel production facilities.
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/increasing-the-use-of-low-carbon-technologies/supporting-pages/renewable- heat-incentive-rhi https://www.gov.uk/feed-in-tariffs CO
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The Environment Agency are a statutory consultee on all planning applications covering more than one hectare, or requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment. Further information regarding the Environment Agency’s role is available at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32595.aspx Do I need planning permission. Certain development rights exist for biomass and associated flues where such installations are deemed to have consent and do therefore no require the submission of a planning application. These works are considered to have minimal impact on your neighbours and the neighbourhood, but are subject to strict requirements regarding size, siting and materials. Permitted development rights for domestic (householder) biomass installations. New permitted development rights (The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2011) for the installation of domestic microgeneration equipment came into effect on 6th December 2011. The diagram on the following page sets out a flow chart for this process. Permitted development rights for non-domestic Biomass New permitted development rights that came into force 6th April 20128 have made certain non-domestic schemes permitted development. These include flues for biomass systems and combined heat and power (CHP) systems as well as structures to house biomass boilers and associated waste and fuel stores (agricultural and forestry land only). Certain limitations and conditions apply to the permitted development rights that would need to be met for a development to be “permitted development” including a limitation on the flue height to one metre above existing buildings on the site unless it is replacing an existing flue and a capacity limit of 45kw thermal. The permitted development rights are set out in the following legislation http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/748/made/data.pdf The guidance contained in this document remains valid but it is always recommended that if there is any doubt as to whether planning consent is required you should obtain clarification or confirmation from the Council.
8 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/748/made/data.pdf CO
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Planning Team Structure in Cornwall
The planning function within Cornwall Council is structured within four different teams. The relevant Area Planning Committees would normally determine any planning applications but if the proposal is for a biomass installation that is considered to be strategically significant it would be considered by the Strategic Planning Committee. The Natural Resources Planning Team will determine planning applications for large scale Biomass proposals in Cornwall.
Planning Team Role in Renewable Energy
Contact details
West Area Central Area East Area (Area-wide teams)
Determined smaller Biomass applications (approx below 500 kW)
Natural Resources Planning Team
Determines larger Biomass applications approx over 500 kW) Develops policy and guidance across Cornwall for all scales/types of renewable energy.
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0300 1234 151
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Pre-application discussions with the Local Planning Authority
Since 31 January 2012 the Council has introduced a fee for its pre-application service, which allows the Council to improve its service and provide a more consistent level of advice within agreed response times. For large scale proposals for biomass installations, the Council recommends that on going pre-application discussions take place, with the benefit of comments from key consultees. In order to provide this service the Council recommends that a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) is entered into. A PPA is a framework agreed between the Council as local planning authority and an applicant for the management of complex development proposals within the planning process. A PPA allows both the developer and the Council to agree a project plan and programme which will include the appropriate resources necessary to generally determine the planning application to a firm timetable.
To find out more, you can view our Planning performance agreement charter. The Council is happy to have an initial no-cost discussion with developers about how a PPA can assist a development project.
Generic pre-application advice for Biomass Installations.
In order to facilitate pre application discussions it is recommended that developers provide the following initial information to initial discussions:
• A location plan (1:1250 metric scale),• A site/block plan (1:500 metric scale),• Details of buildings proposed, including elevations,• Details of any ancillary works,• A supporting statement, including proposed electrical grid connection and
potential heat users
It is likely many biomass proposals would be housed within purpose-built buildings. For the purposes of fee calculation the LPA will treat such proposals under Category 2 of the Fees Regs[1]. Applications for full permission for such buildings (other than agricultural buildings) are charged according to the gross floor space to be created. Applications for development creating no new floor space, or not more than 40 square metres of new floor space, are charged a total fee of £170. Where floor space to be created would exceed 40 but not 75 square metres, the total fee is £335. For buildings above 75 but not exceeding 3,750 square metres of floor space, £335 is payable for each 75 square metres of the application site. However, if the area is greater than 3,750 square metres, there is a fixed fee of £16,565 plus another £100 for each 75 square metres in excess of 3,750 square metres, subject to a maximum in total of £250,000.
Applications for planning permission sometimes involve development which falls into more than one of the categories set out in the Regulations. For instance, a large scale biomass facility may can include a building and an access road. Where an application for an biomass proposal is for full permission for development in two or more fee categories, only the highest of the fees calculated under each of those categories is charged e.g. it is likely the building fee will be the higher fee category than the access road, which usually attracts a flat rate fee of £170.
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Planning Application ‘red line’ and ‘blue line’. The planning application site boundary for a biomass boiler should be delineated by a ‘red line’ on a plan. This red line should encompass all development that requires planning permission. All land within the control or ownership of the applicant should be shown and edged with a blue line. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Environmental Impact Assessment is a systematic process of identifying, predicting and evaluating the likelihood of significant effects of a development on the environment. In planning terms Environmental Impact Assessment has a specific connotation and will need to be considered carefully in the development process. In those cases a formal ’Screening Opinion’ (see below) should be obtained from the local planning authority to confirm whether or not a proposed biomass scheme would need to be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment. Biomass projects fall under Schedule 2, Category 3a of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999. A screening application on the need for an EIA will need to be submitted for the following installations:
• Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam or hot water, where development exceeds 0.5ha or any part of the development is to be carried out in a ‘sensitive area; as defined by the Regulations; an
• Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water where the area
of works exceeds 1ha or any part of the development is to be carried out in a ‘sensitive area’ as defined by the Regulations.
If an Environmental Impact Assessment is required you are advised to obtain a ‘Scoping Opinion’ from the local planning authority. This Scoping Opinion will set out the detail and content that the Environmental Statement would need to address when submitting any planning application. The case officer dealing with the Screening Opinion will be able to provide further assistance regarding this matter. Obtaining a ‘Screening Opinion’ from the local planning authority The legislation covering Screening Opinions (the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2011) states that a request for a Screening Opinion in relation to an application for planning permission should be accompanied by; (a) A plan sufficient to identify the land; (b) A brief description of the nature and purpose of the development and of its
possible effects on the environment; and (c) Such other information or representations as the person making the request
may wish to provide or make. If an Environmental Impact Assessment is required a planning application will not be valid, and hence not registered, until this information has been prepared and accompanies the submission documents. A flow chart of the EIA Screening Procedures and the Screening Decision can be seen in appendix B.
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Appropriate Assessment (Habitats Directive) Careful consideration should be given to any potential impacts of the proposal on a ‘European Site’ which in the UK refers to a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and/or a Special Protection Area (SPA). Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC means that Appropriate Assessments are required where plans or projects that are not directly linked to the management of that site may have a significant effect on the conservation objectives and would ultimately affect the integrity of the site. Where a biomass proposal is considered likely to have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a European Site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, it is likely an “Appropriate Assessment” of the proposed biomass project will be required. Such assessments are undertaken by the Local Planning Authority for the purposes of the planning application. Where such assessments are required planning permission cannot be granted unless it can be ascertained that there would be no adverse impact on European Sites, and an assessment of alternative sites can be included in this consideration. For biomass proposals the likely key factors to consider will include emissions as well as surface and/or ground water impacts. The planning authority can provide more detailed advice on this process, as well as Natural England who are able to provide advice on ecological matters. Issues to be considered in any Planning Application The amount of information required will be dependent on the scale of the biomass installation. The following guidance provides an overview of the planning considerations for biomass installations and any information likely to be required to accompany a planning application. a) Siting Issues surrounding the siting of a biomass facility include;
• Scale of the facility, • The source of biomass, • Transporting the biomass to the facility and removing any residual ash, • Site access, • Proposed energy use, local heat users and connectivity of both heat users and
electricity networks. For larger scale biomass facilities, regular and high volumes of source material will be required, this means that waste will be transported to the site frequently. Therefore facilities in close proximity to the source of biomass are encouraged. Access to the site should be carefully considered, especially in cases where large volumes of biomass are to be transported to the site and residual ash removed by road. Sites which offer the potential for utilisation of both the heat and power generated by the energy from biomass facility should be encouraged.
√ Planning Application Information Requirement Checklist The Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included within any planning application;
• Information on the scale of the facility, CORN
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• The source of biomass and how that waste will be transported to the site and any residual ash removed.
b) Landscape and Visual Impact Landscape and visual impact will need to be considered and the impact on any visually protected landscapes and areas (e.g. AONBs and Conservation Areas) will need to be addressed if there are any visual impact implications. The main landscape / visual impact from biomass plants are likely to be the height of the chimney flue although this will depend on the scale of the plant. Landscape Character Areas in Cornwall The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Assessment (2007) records the variations in landscape character across Cornwall, identifying 40 Landscape ‘Character Areas’ (LCAs). The character area information of any development site can be accessed through the Cornwall Council web site at www.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall_landscape. Cornwall is made up of a range of landscapes with a rich diversity of heritage and natural assets – it is important to understand the character of the landscape and how development might affect this character. Once an understanding of the qualities of the existing landscape has been established it is then possible to determine the sensitivity of the landscape to change and whether the landscape has the capacity to accept differing types of development. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Areas of high scenic quality within Cornwall are recognised through landscape designations. Landscapes of distinctive natural beauty are protected by Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is comprised of 12 discrete and separate areas, including Bodmin Moor, the Camel Estuary and sections of the north and south coast. The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers the Tamar Valley estuary and its inland rivers both in Cornwall and Devon. Over 30% of Cornwall is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The purpose of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. The designation gives formal recognition to an area’s landscape importance and allows for the development of communities and economic activity. The Cornwall AONB covers 958 sq km and consists of 12 separate geographical areas
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The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation is not necessarily a constraint on renewable energy development. Developments are encouraged provided that they do not have a significant adverse impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To find out if the proposed development site is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty please visit www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk and view The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan recently adopted by the Council.
Landscape and visual summary
In order to minimise the landscape and visual impact of a proposed biomass facility the following points should be considered at the initial stages of site identification, layout and design;
• Choose a site that is naturally screened by virtue of existing topography or mature vegetation/trees
• Avoid locations which compromise important viewpoints especially at popular tourist destinations or along scenic routes
• Appropriate design, colour, scale and texture of buildings (see section B) are vital to prevent adverse impact on landscape character
• Choose quality landscaping and boundary treatment to reduce the landscape and visual impact of the proposed development
• Avoid impact on existing important landmark features such as church spires and towers.
Planning applications for large-scale biomass facilities that include a high chimney stack should be accompanied by a photo-montage to demonstrate both long and short distance views of the existing site, both with and without the proposed development. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) may be required to accompany planning applications for certain biomass plants; however the detail and extent of these assessments will vary depending upon the nature and location of the proposed development. The local planning authority cannot specify the level of information required to accompany all planning application types because such applications will vary in their characteristics. A reputable planning consultant or landscape architect should be able to provide these services. However in general terms smaller scale biomass plants which are proposed in landscapes which are not sensitive for their visual and landscape interest will not normally require a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment whereas larger biomass plants in sensitive and/or protected areas e.g. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may require a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included with any planning application:
• Information on the Landscape Character Area (LCA) and an assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the key characteristics of this
• For large scale proposals with large chimney stacks, professional photomontages from agreed viewpoints may be required.
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Case Study 1: Davidstow Creamery, Biomass Boiler Dairycrest have recently installed a large scale Biomass Boiler at their Davidstow Creamery Site. The biomass boiler produces 85% of the steam needed at the creamery and has largely replaced the need to use the existing oil powered boilers that were previously on the site. The biomass plant was designed to significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint and fossil fuel use; enhance the site’s ‘green credentials’ and corporate responsibility by reducing air emissions; meet the EU Emissions Trading Scheme Obligations; procure a sustainable, reliable, green supply of fuel and control the costs due to the fixed price of wood pellets compared to the variable price of oil for the current system. The project included the installation of two boilers in a new purpose built structure. The boiler store was constructed of steel clad building to match the existing buildings on the site. The building was approximately 185 metres by 15 metres with a height of 9.73 at its highest. A chimney stack of 32 metres high was constructed. The 8,000 kilogram/hour biomass boilers have an output of 10-12 megawatts. Other structures include a fuel handling equipment; ash handling systems; mechanical pipework and valves and electrical control panels and cablings. Planning Issues The Planning Application for the site was received by Cornwall Council in December 2009. The scheme received no objections from both statutory consultees and local residents. Permission was granted the following March. Visual Impacts - The new boiler house, silos and chimney were constructed adjacent to the existing site complex which already had a dominant presence in the landscape due its scale and ridge top location. The planning assessment concluded that the proposed addition to the complex would have no significant impact on the landscape character of the site and surrounding areas due to its comparatively minor scale in relation to the existing complex. Dust, Air Quality and Noise - It was considered that impacts from dust were not likely to be significant as the site would include an enclosed system where the pellets are blown into the boiler from the storage silos. Any vehicles entering the site would use an existing hard surfaced access track from the highway so dust was not considered to be a significant issue. The biomass boilers were to largely replace the use of the existing oil powered burners on the site. It was considered that whilst the scheme would slightly increase emissions of nitrogen oxides, significant reductions in emissions of sulphur dioxide would be made. The proposed scheme was also expected to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by 17,000 tones per year. Detailed noise reports were submitted. Various measures were implemented during construction to reduce any potential noise issues including restrictions on working hours, appropriate traffic management measures and the use of silencers on plant machinery. Whilst this was not an issue during the day, sound insulation was used to ensure night time noise levels were kept to an acceptable level. Ecology - In terms of ecological interest, the site of the proposal had limited ecological value, although there were some reptile and amphibian interests. Mitigation measures included a reptile exclusion and translocation exercise prior to construction. Potential impacts on a numbers of Special Areas of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest had to be considered. Ecological modelling data concluded that it was unlikely that there would be any significant adverse effects on the integrity of the designated sites and this view was supported by both the Environment Agency and Natural England. Traffic and transport - During operational hours the biomass scheme replaces one delivery of oil per day with approximately 2 deliveries of wood pellets. The additional site traffic of 1-2 HGVs per day was considered negligible in comparison to existing vehicle traffic from the site.
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c) Design of Buildings The design of boiler rooms, biomass storage rooms/hoppers, chimney flue and any other associated buildings will all need to be considered. It is important that any adverse visual impact is minimised and that, where practicable, such development should make a positive contribution, in landscape and visual terms, to a locality.
All buildings should be sensitively located and designed with appropriate finishes and colours. Buildings and flues need not be unattractive and the local planning authority would expect to see high design standards applied to any proposed biomass installation.
Biomass storage – types of biomass storage facilities vary according to the site; scale of system and type of biomass stored. A biomass store can be one of the following: -
• A purpose designed and built structure, either above or below ground • An adapted unit, such as a feed silo or shipping container • An off the shelf, prefabricated unit designed for a specific range of fuels,
such as pellets. • Underground storage (this is useful when space is limited).
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements
• The colour and external finish of any new plant/buildings should compliment any existing buildings.
• If located adjacent to existing buildings the new buildings should have similar profile roofing/cladding and use sympathetic colours.
• If located in an urban/industrial area there may be scope for more radical design that could enhance the area rather than copy existing designs.
• Where feasible reuse/convert existing buildings to accommodate the biomass process, including the boiler and biomass storage room.
• The scale and heights of biomass plants should, where possible, be comparable with nearby buildings.
• The use of quality materials and finishes will not only improve the appearance of biomass installation but will reduce future maintenance costs and ensure buildings will not become dishevelled in the near future.
• Design solutions should be sensitive to the locality.
d) Traffic movements and access to site Medium to large scale biomass schemes will need to consider site access issues as wood fuelled boilers will require fuel to be delivered, usually by road transport on a regular basis. A large facility may generate significant vehicle movements and there is a need to ensure that the local highway network and site access is able to accommodate the type and number of vehicle movements. A traffic management plan may need to be prepared in order to avoid unnecessary local traffic disruption. The traffic management plan should seek to include measures such as;
• Avoidance of HGV deliveries during local peak/school traffic periods. • Temporary traffic management systems for site access. CO
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• Reduced speed limits on all identified routes to reduce potential of traffic accidents.
The site entrance and access onto the public highway should be designed and constructed to provide safe access and egress to the site. It is essential to take advice from the Council’s Highways Department regarding such matters. A planning application may need to be accompanied by a Traffic Assessment for large scale proposals (over 2mw). Important issues to consider within a Traffic Assessment are:
• Avoiding sensitive areas, such as residential access roads if possible; • The width, gradient and distance from other junctions and road features; • The speed limits • Current (surveyed) and predicted traffic flows on the public highway, including
predicted daily movements to and from the site, broken down by vehicle types, over the length of a working day.
Additionally the local planning authority would expect the following to be considered;
• All vehicles leaving the site shall have clean wheels to avoid spreading of mud or debris on the highway and therefore a wheel wash facility may be required, with good drainage and maintenance features, located at the side of the site access road at least 30m from the junction with the public highway. The site access road should be hard surfaced and sweepable between the wheel wash and the public highway. The site access should, where possible, be designed to avoid surface water flowing out onto the public highway.
• Adequate visibility splays onto the highway for traffic entering and leaving the site.
• Avoid vehicle movements, especially HGVs, at critical times such as local school opening and closing times, special local events such as carnivals or sporting matches.
• Voluntary reduced speed limits of lorries on all identified known dangerous routes to reduce potential of traffic accidents.
• Where abnormal loads need to be brought to the site a traffic management plan may need to be produced. The Council provides advice for the movement of abnormal loads and should be contacted via [email protected]
• Signage to be designed and located so as not to be visually intrusive in the local area especially if in a designated landscape.
e) Vehicle movement and parking on site
Biomass delivery vehicles will need to be able to manoeuvre internally whilst not causing any external vehicle problems in the local area and therefore the following issues need to be addressed by the operator of the biomass facility.
• Suitable parking spaces and manoeuvring areas within the site for operational, employees and visitors vehicles.
• Adequate vehicle turning and manoeuvring arrangements within the site during plant operation, to be shown on scaled site plan.
• Waiting area for feedstock lorries within site to prevent lorries “stacking” up and having to park on the public highway causing a potential hazard.
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√ Planning Application Information Requirement Checklist For large scale biomass facilities the Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included within any planning application:
• Details of any proposed vehicle parking; turning and manoeuvring arrangements and lorry waiting areas. This should be shown on a scale plan.
• Schedule of lorry movements and type of activity for 24 hour period on site to be submitted with any planning application to ensure no adverse impact on neighbouring uses particularly at night and early morning.
f) Landscaping For large scale schemes, the use of appropriate landscaping can alter the near and distant views of a biomass facility. Landscaping should take its lead from the existing and indigenous landscape and ecology. The Council expects the following guidance to be considered in the preparation of any large scale biomass facility planning proposal;
• Where ground needs to be excavated the material that is removed should be used as bunding to provide a natural boundary or screening for any proposed building(s) or structures,
• Bunding should be planted with locally indigenous vegetation to provide screening,
• Existing Cornish hedges and vegetation, including mature trees, should be retained wherever possible,
• Cornish hedging is encouraged but it should be of the local style appropriate to that part of Cornwall and contain appropriate stone. Cornwall Council has produced ‘The Cornish Building Stone and Slate Guide’9 which contains information of types and sources of local building stone,
• If located on an industrial site fencing and/or boundary walls should be of a scale and type suitable to that location,
• Fencing and boundary walls should be constructed of quality materials that minimise the need for maintenance,
• The use of electrified or barbed wire or similar fencing would not normally be supported.
√ Planning Application Information Requirement Checklist For large scale biomass facilities that include a landscaping the Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included within any planning application;
• A schedule of plant species, heights and spacing and maintenance where planting is proposed,
• Information on the type of landscaping proposed,
• Details of any boundary fencing, hedging or walling.
g) Ecology
Biomass facilities may be proposed on, or in close proximity, to designated areas of special ecological interest. Such locations in Cornwall may contain some of the most
9 http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=15721 CO
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important and sensitive habitats and species, some of which are legally protected. There is a need to ensure any potentially significant or damaging effects on these habitats and species are avoided or minimised. The Cornwall Mapping Service10 identifies sites of high and protected ecological value such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), or Cornwall Nature Conservation Site (County Wildlife Site). The Council recommends that such areas should, where possible, be avoided for all facility development. Where a proposed development is considered likely to have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of a designated ‘European Site’ (Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA)) an Appropriate Assessment will be required under the Habitats Directive11. Such assessments are undertaken by the Local Planning Authority for the purposes of the planning application. Where such assessments are required planning permission cannot be granted unless it can be ascertained that there would be no adverse impact on European Sites, and an assessment of alternative sites can be included in this consideration. For biomass proposals the likely key factors to consider will include emissions as well as surface and/or ground water impacts. The planning authority can provide more detailed advice on this process, as well as Natural England who are able to provide advice on ecological matters. Defra’s mapping (http://magic.defra.gov.uk/) can be used as a tool to identify if a site has been identified of being of ecological value in order to avoid harm to the wildlife of these sites. Proposed biomass facilities are likely to fall within the scope of Environmental Impact Assessment. An Ecological Impact Assessment, which will form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment, will identify wildlife management issues connected with habitat creation and design including loss of, and damage to, habitats, plant and animal species. The ‘Biological and Geological Conservation: Planning Good Practice Guidance for Cornwall (2007)12’ provides advice on how to take account of biodiversity and geodiversity in the development process. It also sets out legal requirements and good practice recommendations. Provision of adequate data, surveys (completed at the appropriate time of the year) and where possible avoidance of sites containing protected species/habitats will help reduce the time required to determine any planning application. Some of these ecological surveys can only be undertaken at specific times of the year (e.g. when the animal is active and not dormant). The chart below, provided by Cornwall Environmental Consultants Ltd, outlines the seasons when particular surveys should, and should not, be undertaken.
10 http://mapping.cornwall.gov.uk/website/ccmap/ 11 Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC means that Appropriate Assessments are required where plans or projects that are not directly linked to the management of that site may have a significant effect on the conservation objectives and would ultimately affect the integrity of the site. 12 http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=0bb84ae2-8fbe-4b3f-a4cd-4709dd3bc42b&version=-1 CO
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Source: Cornwall Environmental Consultants Ltd
Careful consideration should be given to the seasonality of ecological surveys as the need to undertake a particular survey can have a significant impact on the preparation, submission and determination of a planning application. Impacts of the development on ecology can be mitigated by;
• Retaining key ecological features within the site design. Features should be large enough to be self-sustaining or linked to similar habitats outside the development e.g. by hedgerows,
• Constructing of wildlife features such as bunding, screening and wildlife-proof fences,
• Rescuing or translocation of individual plants or animals to an alternative site, • Restoring the site once development has ceased, • Enhancing existing habitats or the creation of new habitats on land set aside for
that purpose, or on land outside the proposed development.
√ Planning Application Information Requirement Checklist The Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included within any planning application for large scale biomass scheme;
• An ecological impact assessment, either as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment or Appropriate Assessment, or as a separate assessment.
Good Practice Guidance for Cornwall (2007)
This Good Practice Guidance provides advice on how to take account of bio-diversity and geo-diversity in the development process. It also sets out legal requirements and good practice recommendations-see Cornwall web link.
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√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• The ecological impact of the proposed development on the development site, and any nearby designated areas of special ecological interest, should be addressed.
• Ecological Impact Assessment should be part of any proposal requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment.
h) Historic Environment Cornwall has an especially important historic environment and there are 12,500 Listed Buildings within Cornwall (details of these buildings may be found at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2441). There are also 145 Conservation Areas in Cornwall covering 4070 hectares of land. These areas have been designated due to their special architectural or historic interest and the installation of biomass plants in, or near, such areas should therefore be considered sensitively. In addition over 5% of Cornwall is designated as a World Heritage Site (WHS). The World Heritage Site is designated for its mining heritage. The World Heritage Site is not necessarily a constraint on renewable energy development; however such development within, or adjacent to, the World Heritage Site must be designed and installed in a manner which does not harm the values of the site. To find out if you are in any of these areas please visit http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=17724 on the Council website.
The potential impact of a large biomass plant on Cornwall’s cultural heritage (listed buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, World Heritage Site, registered Historic Landscapes and Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest) can be defined in two ways;
1. Direct physical impact or loss of identified features of historic interest including undiscovered archaeology.
2. Visual impact on the character or appearance and setting of features of historic interest
Biomass plants may cause direct impacts on archaeological deposits through ground disturbance associated with trenching, foundations, fencing, new access routes etc. Generally sites should be located away from known archaeological sites as recorded on the Cornwall Historic Environment Record – these can be located online using http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/advanced_search.aspx Where planning applications are received within known archaeologically sensitive locations, the Council is likely to seek professional archaeological monitoring of ground works as a condition of any planning permission. Biomass plants should normally be located away from Scheduled Monuments and from sites or areas where they would affect the character or setting of a Listed Building. Visual impacts on historic sites may include the effects of such development on the setting of Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments as well as on the Historic Landscape Character of Cornwall. Assessment of such impacts may be more involved than simply noting the presence of such assets on or close to a proposed site –
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consultation with the relevant area Historic Environment advice teams is essential. Photomontages and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) will inform this advice. The landscape/visual impact must be considered with great care at the pre-application stage, where appropriate the Council’s Landscape Architects and the Historic Environment Service should be consulted at an early stage and mitigation measures proposed wherever necessary. Existing Cornish hedges and established vegetation, including mature trees, should be retained wherever possible. Trees and hedges should be protected during construction. Additional hedge planting should be considered where such landscape screening would beneficially screen the proposed development.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• An archaeological assessment is required for sites which may have an impact on any site of known or suspected archaeological interest.
An assessment is also required where any proposal may have an impact on the character or setting of a Listed Building, Conservation Area, Scheduled Monument or World Heritage Site.
i) Emissions, Odour and Air Quality
Both delivery and storage of biomass can all potentially contribute to unacceptable odour and air quality around the site if not properly managed.
Air Quality Management Areas have been designated in parts of the county due to existing air quality impacts. It is recommended that the Environmental Protection section of the Council are contacted to ensure that any emissions as a result of the proposal are acceptable and any mitigation measures can be designed into the scheme if necessary. Air Quality Management Areas have been declared for Camborne, Pool and Redruth areas in 2005 and Bodmin in 2008. An AQMA is also proposed for Tideford. Cornwall Council’s Environmental Protection Team can be contacted by email on:[email protected] or by phone: 0300 1234 212.
Odour Control
Depending on the type of material being used (for example decomposing biomass) to create the power, there may be odour issues that could affect local residents. The control of odours starts with routine maintenance of plant and equipment; and locating sources of odour as far as practicable from the site boundary and any sensitive receptors. An Odour Management Plan should be prepared for any site with a significant risk of odorous emissions.
This Odour Management Plan formalises operative training and procedures e.g. correct use of plant/process/materials; checks on plant performance, maintenance and inspection.
Dust Control
Dust can potentially be an issue at biomass sites in particular from the movement of waste ash. The sometimes dry and often windy climate of Cornwall may exacerbate dust issues. However, the careful design and where possible enclosed building and operations of a biomass facility can prevent significant dust impacts arising. CO
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Dust can also be generated from the passage of vehicles. The cleanliness of site access roads and, where appropriate, wheel washing facilities and the sheeting/containment of vehicles can minimise the generation of dust.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements • Details of dust suppression measures proposed if necessary.
• Details of size of boiler including the max rated output; flue gas exit velocity (m/s) at operating conditions; max emission rate of particulates under various operating conditions. Details of any flue gas cleaning equipment.
j) Pest Control Many forms of biomass fuel, such as wood and agricultural energy crops, will normally offer very little attraction for pests or vermin. Where the particular type of fuel may attract any type of pest the careful design and operation of the biomass facility can significantly reduce any nuisance which may be caused by the presence of flies, vermin and birds. In such circumstances the design and operation of a biomass installation should be undertaken in a manner which facilitates and promotes all unloading, processing and loading of biomass within a controlled environment. There should be regular inspections and treatment by pest control specialists. Rodenticides and insecticides can also be used as well as grates covering drainage systems to prevent rodents entering buildings.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements Where the biomass facility may attract vermin and birds the local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• Details of sealing methods on all vehicular and pedestrian entrances to all buildings associated with the storage of biomass.
• The monitoring and reporting regime to ensure pest control is effective.
• Details of the cleaning practices and facilities for vehicles importing biomass onto the site.
• General refuse arrangements and storage facilities for all activities on the site.
k) Noise
A typical biomass facility may operate on a 24 hours, 7 days of the week basis. Such operational hours/days have the potential to cause unacceptable impact on sensitive receptors such as residential properties or schools particularly at night or early morning. The major source of noise will be from lorry movements both entering and leaving the site and unloading of biomass. Deliveries will normally be limited to that of 0800 and 1800 hours Monday to Friday and 0800 and 1300 hours on Saturday and, if the installation is properly maintained and sound proofed, should not normally cause a noise complaint. If applicable the following measures could reduce any potential noise impact;
• All operations to be undertaken within closed buildings. • Buildings designed to reduce internal noise transmission. • All plant to be designed with noise reduction measures such as external motors
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• Site designed with acoustic barriers such as bunding, planting and fencing. • All vehicles servicing the site be properly maintained especially including
exhaust systems. • Vehicle reversing warning systems to be visual rather than audible when on site
if close to sensitive noise receptors. • Noise monitoring regime in place for larger installations if sensitive receptors
such as housing are present. • Noise assessment to be submitted as part of planning application-contact the
Council’s Environmental Protection Team for full detail needed in submission.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• A plan identifying the location of the proposed biomass facility, with respect to noise-sensitive receptors;
• A table, detailing the separation distance between the proposed biomass facility and noise-sensitive receptors;
• Noise emission data for the proposed biomass facility.
• Auditable predictions to determine noise levels arising from the biomass facility at the closest noise-sensitive receptors.
l) Lighting For larger scale biomass installations, external lighting may be required. Where possible, light should be subtle to enhance the buildings and structures and reduce the impact of operational light sources. Use of low energy lighting should also be a consideration. There is also potential ecological disturbance caused by light pollution, such as disturbance of bird species. It is good practise to reduce light pollution and reduce energy consumption by only using lighting when required. The Institution of Lighting Engineers provides guidance on reducing obtrusive light (light pollution). The following lighting measures should be considered:
• Where possible, selected lighting circuits will be operated on timer switches / motion detectors to enable lower levels of lighting outside of normal operating hours or when lighting is not required;
• The design of this lighting will be undertaken to ensure that light is directed downwards towards the ground so as to avoid unnecessary light spill and light trespass off site;
• Avoid permanent lighting on edge of site particularly at access points that front the public highway;
• Use of planting and bunding to contain lighting effects; • Review of lighting impacts after installation; • No distraction to the public highway; • Ensure no dwellings are impacted by light source from site.
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√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• A plan showing the location and height of any external lighting proposed, and the days/hours when such lighting would be illuminated.
m) Water quality
Although Cornwall is known for its temperate, maritime climate some of the Cornwall’s steep valleys and lowland areas are subject to flash floods. Groundwater is a vital element of the natural water cycle which helps to sustain rivers and wetlands in times of drought, and is a source for some of our drinking water. Cornwall has no major aquifers but water can be abstracted from groundwater sources for private water supplies. Climate change over the next few decades is likely to result in different weather patterns and conditions in the UK. In addition, sea levels are expected to rise. These factors may lead to increased and new risks from flooding within the lifetime of a planned energy from waste facility and this needs to be considered as part of the Flood Risk Assessment. Therefore the proposed location of biomass facility must consider;
• The distances from the boundary of the site to residential or recreational areas, waterways, water bodies and other agricultural or urban sites,
• The existence of groundwater, coastal water or nature protection areas in the locality,
• The geological or hydrological conditions in the area, • The risk of flooding or subsidence on the site.
√ Planning Application Information Requirement Checklist The Local Planning Authority expects the following details to be included within any planning application for larger biomass facilities where new buildings are proposed.
• Details of any surface water drainage arising from the proposed development and any effluent discharge proposed,
• A flood risk assessment. n) Public Rights of Way
Any development should ideally not obstruct a public right of way. If this is the case the cost of either diverting it or stopping up can be expensive and could delay the project and there is no certainty that approval would be granted. The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal record of public footpaths, bridleways and byways and can be viewed via the Council’s website. Please note it is an offence to obstruct a pavement (footway) and the fact that planning permission has been granted, or is not required, does not entitle a developer to obstruct, interfere with or move a Public Right of Way. A development may impact upon a right of way and a diversion or temporary stoppage may be required. Under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, a Modification Order may be applied for to re-grade or delete an existing right of way. It is recommended that the relevant Planning Team is contacted at the earliest stage if such an action may be required in order for the scheme to proceed. CO
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√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• A plan should be submitted showing the location of any public rights of way within the vicinity of the proposed development. Where the proposed development would have an impact on a public right of way any mitigation measures (such as landscape screening) or proposed diversions (temporary or permanent) should be detailed.
o) Site Safety For large commercial scale schemes, The Health and Safety Executive can provide much advice on these matters as does the Environment Agency via its permitting regime. However many accidents are caused by moving vehicles and to reduce risk the following measures should be considered:
• restrict vehicle speed through the use of speed humps, traffic-calming and speed limit signs,
• segregate people and vehicles through clear signage and direction, the use of one-way systems, specific parking or pedestrian areas
• minimise the need for reversing through the use of one-way systems • ensure adequate lighting on site and that all employees and visitors wear high
visibility/safety clothing p) Use of Heat and/or Electricity and Grid Connection Application proposals should provide a broad indication of the amount of energy generated which will be used. If this includes external recipients, the route of connectivity should be indicated to those users. Where it is proposed that the facility will produce electricity, details should be provided to show the route of the electrical connection, this is to ensure that the proposed route avoids areas of high ecological, landscape or archaeological sensitivity.
√ Checklist Planning Application Information requirements The local planning authority expects the following information to be submitted with any planning application;
• Details of how the facility would connect to external recipients (either heat
pipes or connection to the grid network) and whether such connection would be above or below ground. Such works do not need to be encapsulated within the planning application boundary, or planning fee, but such details should be provided for information purposes.
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q) Community involvement and engagement For large scale proposals, community involvement and engagement should be considered as an integral part of the development process. The extent of this engagement will depend upon the size, nature and location of the proposed development although developers are advised to discuss their proposal with neighbours and nearby residents at the pre-design, conceptual stage in order to allow any views to be taken into account prior to the submission of a formal planning application.
The use of interpretation and display boards, such as these examples at Delabole Wind Farm and the Wheal Jane Solar Farm, to explain the purpose and function of an biomass installation and raise awareness about renewable energy is something that developers may wish to consider.
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Appendix A: Electricity generating capacity – required if electricity generation is proposed Planning applications for electricity generating facilities should be accompanied by the following information.
Installed capacity (kW) 1
Capacity factor 2
Estimated annual production (kWh p.a.) 3
Number of residential properties electricity equivalent 4
Notes: 1 Installed capacity is the full-load, continuous rating of generating equipment under specific conditions as designated by the manufacturer. In other words, this is the power generated when the equipment is working at full capacity. 2 Capacity factor is the calculated factor which compares the plant's actual production over a given period of time with the amount of power the plant would have produced if it had run at full capacity for the same amount of time. The capacity factor should take account of the specific equipment and the specific location. It is expressed as a percentage. 3 Estimated annual production of electricity based upon the installed capacity and the capacity factor. 4 Number of residential properties that would be powered by the estimated annual production based upon the U.K. average household consumption of 4,629 KWh/year, the South West England average household consumption of 4,993 KWh/year and the Cornwall average household consumption of 5,869 KWh/year (DECC 2007). The number of U.K., SW and Cornwall household equivalent should be provided in this box. Average electricity consumption in Cornwall is currently greater than the U.K. and SW average and so the number of typical residential properties in Cornwall powered by a particular source would be lower.
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Appendix B Screening Procedures Overview
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Appendix C: Example planning conditions for large scale biomass proposals. Protection of Historic Interests Before any building or engineering works are carried out in respect of the approved development, the applicant shall have secured a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) to be submitted and approved in writing by the LPA. Hours for Construction Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the LPA, no construction activities shall be undertaken except between 0800 and 1800 hours Mondays to Fridays and between 0800 and 1300 hours on Saturdays. There shall be no construction activities on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Amenity Protection (General) All practicable means shall be employed by the operators for the suppression of dust, fumes, smoke, smell, litter or the creation of noise during the approved use of the site. The requirements of this condition shall include the installation and operation of silencers on all plant and machinery, as necessary. Noise (Construction) The equivalent continuous noise level measured free field at any dwelling and due to construction activities at the site shall not exceed a level of 65 dB LA eq (1 hour). Noise (Operational) The rating noise level from the approved development shall remain at least 5dB below the background noise level at the noise sensitive receptors closest to the site. [Drawing Showing Noise Monitoring Positions]. The rating noise level and background noise level shall be determined in accordance with the guidance presented in British Standard 4142:1997- ‘Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas’. The noise emissions from the site may be measured near the site and extrapolated to the receptor locations using normal acoustic calculation methods. The methods and noise emission data shall be stated in any monitoring scheme. Noise Monitoring A Noise Monitoring Scheme shall be submitted to and be approved in writing by the LPA prior to the development becoming operational and all monitoring shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved Noise Monitoring Scheme. Reversing Bleepers Heavy and light goods vehicles along with plant machinery under the control of the operators which deliver wood pellet fuel for the approved boilers shall only use non intrusive broadband and /or vehicle noise alarms or reversing
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cameras. On such vehicles there shall be no use of single or multi pitch reversing bleepers. Control of hours for fuel delivery / silo fillings / waste removal Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the LPA, there shall be no delivery of wood pellets (or any other approved fuel), filling of storage silos or removal of ash from the boilers from the site except between the following hours 0800 and 1800 hours Monday to Friday 0800 and 1300 hours on Saturdays There shall be no such activities on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays. Pollution Control Any oil, lubricant or other potential pollutant shall be handled and stored on the site so as to prevent pollution to any watercourse. Lighting The operators shall ensure that all lights shall be positioned / screened so as not to cause glare or annoyance to local residents or users of the local highway network. Access The operators shall take all reasonable measures to prevent mud, stones or other deleterious material being carried out onto the public highway both during the construction and operation phases. Noxious Weeds During the operation of the site, noxious weeds, in particular Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed shall not be allowed to colonise the site. Recognised control measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable following initial infestation and shall continue until clearance has been achieved. Planting In the first planting season following the construction of the approved development, the operators shall have fully planted/seeded the site in accordance with the proposals on XXXXX. The planting shall be the subject of an aftercare scheme that shall be submitted to and been approved by the LPA prior to the commissioning of the new development. Restoration At the cessation of the development hereby approved, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the WPA, the site shall be cleared of all buildings and structures, hard standings and any wastes within a period of 6 months from the date of cessation of operation. After removal of the above, the surface of the site shall be regraded, ripped and covered with topsoil to a depth of 300mm and shall be planted in accordance with details to be agreed in writing by the LPA. CO
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