Application No: Proposed Development:

N/07/00809/FUL Construction of Wind Turbine (Maximum Height to Blade Tip 99.7m) Site Address:

Land At Damhead Farm Bowhouse Road Airdrie

Date Registered:

I 1 th May 2007

Applicant: Mr Arthur Shevill Damhead Farm Bowhouse Road Airdrie ML6 8PW

Application Level: Local

Ward: 01 1 Airdrie South Michael Coyle, Thomas Curley, David Fagan, John Love,

Agent: Halliday Fraser Monro Stanhope House Stanhope Place Edinburgh EH12 5HH

Contrary to Development Plan: No

Representations: 2 letters of representation received.

Recommendation : Approve Subject to Conditions

Reasoned Justification:

The proposal is considered to comply with the terms of the development plan as it has been adequately demonstrated that there is a specific location need for a rural location with adequate wind resources. The proposal offers a positive economic benefit as a sustainable energy resource which would assist meet Scottish Government's national policy targets and guidance on renewable energy development. The proposals would have no unacceptable environmental impacts and is of a scale and design appropriate for its function and location. There would be no unacceptable impacts in terms of landscape and visual amenity, noise, telecommunications, and ecology issues. Outstanding impacts in regards to aviation safety, lV reception interference, turbine decommissioning/site restoration and shadow flicker can be covered adequately by planning conditions.

Nfl7 a08 09/F U 1 Mr A Shevlll Land At Damhead farm Bowhouse Road Airdrle Constructin of Wind Turbine (Maximum Hdght

w A r * &kk<& %-T% E W k - S g s - LnmkLsww cI rrwb to Blade Tip 99.7m)

Proposed Conditions:.

Recommendation: Approve Subject to the Following Conditions:-

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That the development hereby permitted shall be commenced within 3 years of the date of the permission, which shall subsist for a period of 25 years from the first date Of generation of electricity from the development to the grid. Written confirmation of the first date of electricity generation shall be confirmed in writing to the Planning Authority. Within twelve months of the end of the permission, unless a further planning application is submitted and approved, the wind turbine, ancillary equipment and buildings shall be dismantled and removed from the site and the land restored in accordance with a restoration and after-care scheme to be submitted for the approval of the planning authority no later than 2 year prior to the expiry of the 25 years period, referred to above.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of section 58 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1997, to allow the planning authority to review the circumstances of the temporary permission in the interests of the amenity of the area in the longer term, beyond the 25 year period covered by the permission.

That the development hereby permitted shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved details submitted as part of the application and no change to those details shall be made without prior written approval of the Planning Authority.

Reason: To clarify the drawings on which this approval of permission is founded.

That prior to the commencement of the development a scheme for mitigating aviation safeguarding issues related to Glasgow Airport radar system shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority in agreement with BAA.

Reason: To ensure that the safety of air traffic is not compromised by the development.

That in the event that mifigation pursuant to the agreed scheme required under condition 3 above is required to be carried out, the turbine shall not be erected without prior written confirmation from the Planning Authority in consultation with the appropriate aviation bodies that the scheme is satisfactory and the scheme so approved shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority in consultation with the appropriate aviation bodies

Reason: To ensure that the safety of air traffic is not compromised by the development.

That before any works commence on site, details of measures to overcome potential shadow flicker problems at the identified receptors shall be submitted to, and approved in writing, by the Planning Authority; thereafter the approved measures shall be brought into operation and shall continue throughout the operation of the wind turbine except as may be modified in writing by the Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to overcome potential nuisance to receptors through shadow flicker.

That before any works commence on site, a survey of television signal reception (the scope of which to be agreed in advance with the Planning Authority) shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for its written approval.

Reason: To establish a baseline against which to assess the impact of the wind turbine on television reception.

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That except as may otherwise be agreed in writing by the Planning Authority, within one month of the approved wind turbine coming into operation a report covering the effect of the wind turbine on local television signal reception shall be submitted to and approved in writing, by the Planning Authority; thereafter any approved measures for overcoming television reception interference shall be brought into operation within two months. For the avoidance of doubt the report shall include measures to ensure public engagement.

Reason: In order to overcome any television reception interference caused by the wind turbine.

That the development hereby permitted shall not start until a Notice of Initiation has been submitted to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006.

That within 4 weeks of completion of all building works on site, of the development hereby permitted, a Notice of Completion shall be submitted to the Planning Authority.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006, to monitor the development, to enable the Planning Authority to retain effective control.

That BEFORE the development hereby permitted starts, a tree and hedgerow planting scheme shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by the Planning Authority, and it shall include:-

(a) a scheme of tree and hedgerow planting, incorporating details of the location, number, variety and size of trees and shrubs to be planted; (b) an indication of all existing trees and hedgerows, plus details of those to be retained, and measures for their protection in the course of development

Reason: To enable the Planning Authority to consider these aspects in detail in the interests of minimising the visual impact of the ancillary buildings, sub-station/switch gear building and access track associated with the development.

That before the turbine hereby approved is constructed the developer shall confirm in writing to Defence Estates Safeguarding, Kingston Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7RL the following information:

a) the date construction works are to start b) the date construction works are to end c) the maximum height of construction equipment including plant d) the latitude and longitude of the approved turbine.

Reason: To ensure that the safety of military air traffic is not compromised by the development.

Note to Committee:

If approved the application will require to be referred to the Scottbh Ministers in accordance the Town and Country Plannlng (Safeguarded Aerodromes, Technical Sites and MIlltary Explosives Storage Areas) (Scotland) Direction 2003 as both BAA and CAA have lodged formal objections. BAA and the Secretary of State for Defence shall also be notifled at this time.

Backaround Paoers:

Representation Letters

Letter from Mr John Duncan Buchanan Peock & Mrs Mary Peock, Clo Nicolson O'Brien Solicitors, 12 Stirling Street, Airdrie, ML6 OAH, received 7th June 2007. Letter from Provost Thomas Curley, PO Box 14, Civic Centre, Motherwell, ML1 1W received 18th June 2007.

Consultation Responses:

Letter from Scottish Environment Protection Agencl received on 17th July 2007 Letters from Scottish Natural Heritage received 14' June 2007, 21" July, 26'h November, grn and 18th December 2009. Letter from West of Scotland Archaeology Service received 8Ih June 2007. Letter from Scottish Water received on 31' May 2007. Letter from Scotland Gas Networks received 11 June 2007. Letter from SP Energy Networks received 29'" may 2007. Letter from Ministry of Defence Estates received 4 September 2009 Letter from Civil Aviation Authority received 1 lth August 2008. Letters from BAA Aerodrome Safeguarding received on 1 8'h September 2008, 19" April, 20th March 2009. Letter from National Air Traffic Services (Safeguardint) received I9lh and 25th August 2008. Email from Central Scotland Forest Trust received 30 May 2007. Email from Wind Farm Enquiries received 23 June 2009

Memo from Traffic and Transportation received 3' August 2007. Memo from Geotechnical Section received on 30th May 2007, 18th July 2007 and email received gth July 2009. Memo from Protectivd Services received on 11" June 2007, and 27th November 2008. Memos and Emails from Countryside and Landscape Manager received 15th June 2007, 15" July and 2Zne December 2009.

Contact Information:

Any person wishing to inspect these documents should contact Mr Colin Marshal1 at 01236 616459

Report Date:

5'h January 201 0

APPLICATION NO. N1071008091FUL

REPORT

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Slte DescriPtion

Planning permission is being sought for the construction of a single wind turbine (blade tip height 99.7m) at land located south of Damhead Farm, Bowhouse RoadlCraigends Road, Chapelhall, Airdrie.

The development site is located about 700 metres east of Gartness and gOOm north east of Chapelhall. The site currently forms part of an open agricultural landholding attached to Damhead Farm and extends to 0.4 ha in area. The site forms part of a larger hillside which overlooks the Chapelhall area to the west and the Petersburn housing area Airdrie, approximately 1 km to the north. The neighboudng Bowhouse Farm is located approximately 500m to the west of the development site. The surrounding landscape is characterised by hedgerows and tree planting areas along existing field boundaries. High voltage electricity pylons are located to the east of the site.

ProDosed D6VelOPment

The turbine would be positioned approximately 200m to the south west of Damhead Farmhouse, 450m to southeast of Bowhouse Farmhouse and some 400m north West of Gartness Farm.

The proposed wind turbine would have a hub height of 64 m and a blade diameter Of 71m thus giving a total blade tip height of 99.7m. The related infrastructure would include an access track taken from Craigens Road for construction and maintenance purposes and a small substation would be provided to allow for isolation of the power and provide a connection to the national grid, This switch gear building would measure 5m x 3m x 5m and would be situated close to the base of the turbine. The turbine base would comprise a 10-12m diameter steel reinforced concrete slab an excavation works would ensure its mounting surface is level with the existing ground levels. The turbine would have a maximum power output of 2.3 megawatts (MW). All of the generated power would be exported to the National Grid via an underground cable to the overhead power line located to the east of the site.

Access to the turbine site would be provided through the formation of a new 250m length of access track from Craigens Road.

Low loader delivery vehicles would transport the turbine blades to the site and it is estimated that up to 8 trips would be required to deliver the sectional tower, blades, nacelle and hub. Appropriate traffic management arrangements would be set up with agreement with the Council to assist minimise disturbance/delays on the local road network near the site entrance.

The proposals also include drainage proposals to prevent surface water run off from the track and other hard standing areas.

A decommissioning phase is also proposed after the envisaged 25 year lifespan

The application is supported by a revised Planning Statement (November 2009) and Technical Reports on Shadow Flicker Analysis, Badger and Bat Survey, Bird Monitoring Report, Goose Study, Acoustic Report, revised Landscape and Visual Assessment including photomontages and Ground Stability Report. Wind Speed Data for the site area was also submitted.

4. Site History

96105071lCOU Part Conversion of Agricultural Building to Residential Accommodation (In Retrospect) Granted October 1997

5. Develooment Plan

5.1 The development plan consists of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan 2000 Incorporating the Fourth Alteration 2008 and the Monklands District Local Plan 1991. There are no strategic issues as the threshold for considering a wind farm significant is 20 MW and the proposal is for a single turbine with an output of 2.3 MW. The application can therefore be assessed against the policies contained within the Monklands District Local Plan.

The Application site is located within an area designated as GBI (Restrict Development in the Greenbelt) in the Monklands District Local Plan 1991. Policies LI 112 Good Quality Landscape is also relevant.

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6. Consultatlong

The external consultation responses are summarised below:

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) offered detailed comments on the application in relation to the b ird, badger and bat species and habitat survey information and landscape impact.

They agreed with the findings of the habitat and species survey and considered that no licences would be required from the Scottish Government in respect of these species.

In respect of landscape and visual impact, SNH were reasonably content with the approach taken in the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (as amended) but considered that the proposed single turbine at 99.5111 to blade tip would be an inappropriate scale of development in such close proximity to a settlement. It was recommended that the developer considers a reduction to a height to 75m to blade tip as this may reduce its impact and bring the development in line with the existing 74m high turbine at Braden Hill (Glenmavis).

SNH are also concerned over the potential strategic impacts created by this proposal. SNH advised that with the exception of the existing turbine at Braden Hill, other existing and proposed wind farms are generally located further to the east, within the Plateau Moorland Landscape Character Type (LCT). SNH considers the Plateau Moorland LCT has more capacity to accommodate such development, (given appropriate design and special separation between particular types) and tend to be clustered into recognisable geographical groupings and achieve an appropriate distribution and separation. SNH consider the proposed single turbine at Damhead Farm would be located in isolation of these groupings and within a different LCT.

SNH further considered the proposal would further extend the influence of wind farm development on transitional landscapes found around the major built up areas of Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. They are concerned that further development in these areas may blur the current distinction between plateau moorlandlforest areas, (where wind farm development is already occurring) and the surrounding relatively undeveloped and undisturbed farmland zone and the built up and valley landscapes which penetrate through the area. SNH noted that if this type of development pattern is allowed to continue it may eventually lead to the appearance of one large sprawl of widely spaced turbines of differing design (eg height, shape of nacelle, rotation speed) and therefore create further Sub-ClaSSifiCatiOn of Plateau MoorlandlFarmland characterised by significant wind turbine developments. SNH consider that it would

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be preferable from a strategic planning perspective that wind farm development in this area be restricted to the Plateau Moorland LCT (located to the east of the site) and not encouraged within Plateau Farmland LCT.

Scottish Water had no objections to the proposals in regards to the water and sewer networks. They also had no objection in regard to possible impacts on their telecommunication links.

SEPA had no objection.

Scottish Gas Networks had no objection.

Scottish Power had no objection.

OFCOM, Joint Radio Company limited (JRC), and Spectrum Management Services Ltd (CSS) BT, Vodaphone, T Mobile and Arqiva had no objection to the proposals in respect of impacts on telecommunication apparatus and signals.

Civil Aviation Authorrty advised that Glasgow Airport, NATS and MOD are provided with the opportunity to comment and that any concern expressed by these bodies is taken into account, Due to the height of the proposed turbine there might be a potential for impact on operations associated with Glasgow International Airport located some 30 km to the west.

BAA (on behalf of Glasgow Airport) objected to the application as the turbine would be visible to the radar system used by Glasgow Airport and as such is likely to cause spurious returns on the radar screens. In addition BAA considered there would be a cumulative effect that would be produced with other proposals in the area. BAA advised that they have been involved in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government, NATS and other stakeholders to consider possible solutions that might be introduced to deal with the potential concerns arising from wind turbine prOpOS3lS in the South of Scotland. However BAA advised that no viable mitigation had yet been identified for wind turbine developments proposed in North Lanarkshire including the proposed turbine at Damhead Farm or other wind turbine development in the area. BAA is prepared to accept it is for NLC to determine the appropriateness of a “Grampian” type (postpones or suspends the start of the development) conditions that would prevent the turbine from being erected at the site until such time as appropriate technical measures to prevent the impairment of the performance of aerodrome navigation aids has been agreed in writing with the CAA and other associated stakeholders. An additional condition would be required to cover the implementation of the agreed mitigation.

Natlonal Air Trafflc Servicer, (NATS En Route plc) initially objected to the application on safeguarding criteria as the turbine is located within an area where there is insufficient terrain shielding from the Primary Radar Service at Lowther Hill. Due to the large dimension of the turbine and the distance from the radar it is anticipated that the reflected power from the wind turbine will be of adequate value to be detected by the radar and consequently generate false plots. A reduction in the radar’s probability of detection, for real targets, is also expected. They also objected on the basis of predicted cumulative impacts of this and other proposed and existing developments. However NATS advised under cover of a separate wind turbine application (Albert Bartlett’s Airdrie) that provided no more than 15 turbines were constructed in the North Lanarkshire area they would have no objection.

MOD Defence Estates had no objection to the proposals but advised that if planning permission is granted they must be advised of the date construction starts and ends, maximum height of construction equipment and the latitude and longitude of the turbine location.

Protective Servlces had no objection subject to condition and the findings of the

Noise Impact Assessment that no significant nuisance will be caused to nearby receptors was accepted. Protective Services requested that a desktop study should be carried out in respect of ground stability/contamination which should be covered by a condition of any planning permission.

Countryslde and Landscape: Land Services (Landscape) were consulted and has no objections to the proposal. It is acknowledged that such a large single turbine would be visually intrusive on the surrounding landscape and may add to the visual clutter of the pylons and overhead power lines in the area. It is unlikely that mitigating screen planting would lessen the impact of such a structure. The Greening Section (Ecology) had no objection subject to appropriate ecological studies being undertaken to establish there would be no significant impact on protected species and habitats and that any waste water cannot impact on adjacent watercourses.

Traffic and Transportation had no objections to the proposal provided access to the site is taken from Craigens Road and then Bowhouse Road and that the developer demonstrates that the construction vehicles can negotiate the existing geometry Of Craigens Road and provide indivisibility passing places along the construction access.

The online BBC wind farm tool was consulted. This entailed an assessment Of potential interference of a Ikm2 national grid references, within which the turbine would be sited. This advised that the single turbine located within grid reference NS788638 is likely to affect 3777 houses for which there is no alternative off-air service and in addition 19538 houses for which there may be an alternative off-air service. The transmitters likely to be affected are:

Black Hill CH5 Darvel Darvel CH5 Black Hill

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This information from the BBC web site is mainly provided for the guidance of wind farm developers and the results as noted above are a rough estimate of populations that may suffer interference from wind farms built at the locations specified. The BBC advised that this information is not intended to be a substitute for an on-site survey where the potential for disruption to television services may more accurately be assessed.

6.15 Geotechnical had no objection provided the developer seeks appropriate advice on ground stability and previous mine workings to enable satisfactory foundations to be provided. Geotechnical also advised that the site was not known to have particular flooding issues but that the Shotts Burn and Clattering Burn water courses may be potential sources of flooding.

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7 Rerwesentations

7.1 Following press advertisement and standard neighbour notification procedures two letters of representation were received and the points of concern can be fairly summarised as follows,

a) The height of the turbine is excessive and shall severely detract from the visual amenity of the area.

b) Noise levels during day and night would affect residential amenity c) The turbine will have a detrimental and frightening effect on cattle d) Access to the site is not in the developers control and the landowner (objector)

shall not grant any access or way-leave in this regard.

e) No formal notification was issued to the objector. f) The proposed turbine would hinder the operation of farming operations at

Bowhouse Farm.

8 se sment

8.1 Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 requires that the application be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise, In this instance, the development is not Of strategic significance and therefore the Structure Plan is not relevant in the assessment of this planning application. There are no policies contained within the Monklands District Local Plan which specifically address wind energy developments, however there are other policies which are or relevance and these are addressed below.

Develoment Plan: The Monklands District Local Plan 7997: The principal local plan policy GB1 states in general that no development will be permitted except in connection with forestry or agriculture.

As noted the application site is located within the designated Green Belt, Although not essential, national guidance suggests that rural locations are considered Preferable for wind turbine development to enable them to maximise their energy generating potential and limit possible adverse effects on surrounding residential properties and other receptors particularly where wind resources are proven reliable. The Proposed site consists of a rural upland area where the developer has established there are adequate wind resources and the nearest neighbouring property is Bowhouse Farm which situated approximately 500m to the north west of the turbine site. The proposals therefore accord in principle with the terms of GBl as it is a development that would require a rural location where there are relatively few neighbours.

The site is also located within an area covered by policy LI 112 (Good Quality Landscape). This policy sets out to protect and improve the landscape by methods appropriate to the variety of landscape types and quality. The Local Plan classifies rural areas into 5 different landscape qualities ranging from ‘high quality’ to ‘devastated’. The application site is located within an area identified as ‘good quality landscape’ as noted. Under this policy any applications in these areas should be treated as an opportunity to effect improvements to the landscape though additional planting schemes as appropriate In this case the wind turbine is to be located on an upland rural area of existing farmland which has natural landscape features such as well established hedgerows and shelter tree belts and given the proposed height of the turbine it is considered that additional tree planting (even off-site) would not offer much screening as the turbine tower and blades would be readily seen above the existing tree line. However if low level landscaping was introduced at the base of the turbine this may reduce the visual impact of the supporting infrastructure such as the sub-station/switch gear building and access track. This provision may in part offer some low level landscape improvements and notwithstanding other assessment criteria may accord with the aims of Lf 112. Such a provision could be covered by a condition of any planning permission.

Taking into account the above, the proposal can be considered to generally accord with the relevant policies within the local plan and there are no policies which would presume against it.

O t h e r s : The Finalised Draft North Lanarkshire local Plan: The application site is located in the Greenbelt and is zoned as NBE 3 Assessing Development in the Greenbelt and Rural Investment Area in the Finalised Draft North Lanarkshire Local Plan 2008. This policy seeks to protect the character and promote development in the Green Belt through restricting development to acceptable types. The generation of power from renewable sources such as wind turbines is considered an acceptable type of development in the Green Belt subject to other criteria. The

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policy lists impact criteria for assessing acceptable development provided:

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It has a positive economic benefit It has minimised any adverse environmental impacts It does not pose undue infrastructure implications (at the site) There is a specific locational need It is of a suitable scale and form for the location

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With regards to the criteria listed under NBE 3 Assessing Development in the Greenbelt and Rural Investment Area the following aspects are relevant:

The proposal would offer a positive economic benefit as the turbine would offer a sustainable form of electrical power generation to the national grid. The supporting information has demonstrated that the proposed development minimises environmental impacts in terms of ecology, noise and shadow flicker. The visual impact of the development on the immediate surrounding area was subject to a revised Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (October 2009) (LVIA) and this concluded that:

the site is well suited physically to the proposals and there are no significant physical constraints upon the development of the site; the visual impact of the proposal would not be significant as views would be broken by existing and planned elements in the landscape and built up areas and the cumulative impact of the single wind turbine would be negligible. the construction of a single turbine at this location would not have a significant adverse effect on the character or amenity of the surrounding area. the impacts from the construction and decommissioning phases would be minimal and localised;

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In assessing such impacts reference to the Council’s Strategic Planning Study Technical Report TR/NLC/05 - Wind Farm Search Area Review is relevant. This offers some guidance on the appropriate scale of wind farm development that may be accommodated within each landscape character type (LCT) and may be used in assessing an appropriate scale of wind farm development at Damhead Farm. The report includes information on the capacity to accommodate wind turbine development within the various LCTs found in the North Lanarkshire area.

As previously noted by SNH, the proposed 99.7 m high single turbine would be located within a Plateau Farmland LCT which is found extensively within central and southern parts of North Lanarkshire, Generally this consists of an open and exposed landscape with settlements scattered throughout. Man-made elements such as roads, transmission towers and telecommunication masts are common in addition to the reminders of the former industrial and mining activities. Both landscape value and overall sensitivity is medium-low within this LCT. Due to the visibility of a number of existing wind farm developments within this area, and the amount of applications currently within the planning system, the potential cumulative impact is a material consideration in any wind farm application assessment and decision. The landscape sensitivity for this area is medium-low, however, the report advises that capacity of this area to accommodate further wind farm development has been diminished considerably due to the potential cumulative impact of wind farm developments. This area is therefore considered in this guidance as suitable for either low, small extent developments or for single wind turbine developments.

Under the above noted Technical Report, Plateau Farmland LCT is considered within Development Zone 2 which suggests that this area may have the capacity to accommodate the following scale of turbine development:

Zone Scale Number Height (metres)

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Zone 2 High 1 single Medium Isingle

Low 1 single Low 2-5

1 OOm+ 40-100m c40m c40m

In terms of existing and approved turbine development within the Zone 2 area it is noted that the Braidenhill single turbine (74m in height), west of Glemavis has now been operational for over 2 years and a 126.5m high single turbine at Albert Bartlett & Sons Ltd depot, east of Glenmavis, was granted planning permission in July this year. This suggests that the Zone 2 capacity for medium to high scale single turbine development has been reached but there remains some capacity for low scale turbine development of up to 40m in height.

However it is acknowledged that these zones are only a guide and that any wind turbine developments proposed within them still need to be subject to strict assessment of their effects on the environment, infrastructure and communities. Supplementary Planning Guidance will be a key component to any development assessment however as this is still unavailable for assessment purposes, the views Of SNH and the Council's Landscape Architect should be considered against the conclusions of the LVlA submitted by the developer.

Land Services (Landscape) having considered the revised LVlA advised that the most significant landscape and visual impacts of the proposal would be experienced locally with the structure being prominently sited on high ground to the north of Chapelhall. The proposed single turbine may have limited impact to the north and east owing to the nature of the topography and negligible effects on the distant visual receptors selected in the LVlA however there would be a localised cumulative effect with the addition of a single turbine to the existing visual clutter of overhead power lines and pylons. Landscape Services had no objections and accepted that the proposed single turbine lies within an area designated for potential wind farm locations and that the site offers optimum value for wind-powered energy generation in this vicinity.

SNH had no objection to the proposals but considered that a reduction in overall height of the single turbine to 75m would minimise its impact on the Plateau Farmland LCT and be in line with the existing 74m high single turbine previously approved at Braden Hill, Glenmavis. The developer considered SNH's view but advised the suggested reduction in height to 75m would reduce its power output, would not result in any significant reduction to its visual impact and requested the 99.7 metre high turbine offered a more viable development. With regards to the turbine height issue the following factors can be taken into account.

0 SNH has not objected to the principle of a single wind turbine development at this location and accepts that a single turbine would be acceptable. The Landscape Architect (David Wilson Associates) acting on behalf of the developer advised that the principle of the wind turbine itself is the main determining factor in visual impact assessments and not the overall size of individual turbines. The Strategic Planning Study Technical Report TRINLC105 -Wind Farm Search Area Review, identifies that the site falls within a LCT that is capable of supporting a range of wind farm development of different scales. Whilst some of this capacity has been taken up by existing and approved development, this landscape type is capable of accepting additional or a variation to the suggested scale of turbine noted in the guidance. The site also sits near the boundary of the more open Moorland Plateau LCT (extends to the east) where SNH agree there is further scope for more wind turbine developments. Even if the turbine was restricted to a maximum heiaht of 75m it would still have

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significant visual presence but would offer less overall benefit in terms Of generated power. The previously approved 75m high turbine at Braiden Hill for example has a significant (yet acceptable) visual impact, but due to it's smaller swept blade diameter of 48m only offers a maximum power output of some 750 kW of electricity rather than the envisaged maximum of 2300 kW of power from the proposed 99.7m high turbine.

a It is also considered that the difference in the perceived impacts between the WO heights would not be obvious over the distances most people would view them.

Taking these factors into account it is considered that the SNH suggestion to reduce the height of the turbine to 75 m in height is not justified as it would not result in any significant mitigation in reducing its overall visual impact but would in effective reduce its primary function of providing a source of sustainable electricity to the national grid.

With regards to the other criteria noted under NBE 3 it is accepted that the development would not impose undue infrastructure requirements as the site would be accessed directly from a public road and include a dedicated access track. The exception to this aspect is the overriding requirement that national radar installations require to be upgraded before the development can proceed. However as noted above such upgrading works are currently under consideration at a national level and can be covered by a condition of any planning permission.

As noted under the GB1 assessment it is agreed that the development can be justified on specific locational need due to the available wind resource and minimum number of receptors affected by the development. The wind turbine is considered to be of a suitable scale and form for the location. This takes into account the findings of the LVIA, and Landscape Section comments and an appreciation of its benefits in terms of offering a sustainable Power source in line with national guidance on such developments. It is not agreed that a reduction in height to 75m would be of any benefit in terms of any significant reduction in visual impact as suggested by SNH.

In conclusion, the proposals would accord with the relevant terms of NBE 3 Assessing Development in the Greenbelt.

EDI 3 (Assessing Economic Development and Infrastructure Proposals) is also applicabie This states under EDI 3 A2 that 'the Council supports in principle recycling centres, all forms of renewable energy generation and telecommunications subject to Wind Farms meeting criteria in SPG addressing issues of scale, cumulative impact, community benefit and restoration. The proposal accords with this policy

Following consideration of the above material considerations it is concluded that the policies in the Finalised Draft Local Plan clearly support the principle of wind energy development subject to detailed considerations over scale and impact. The issues listed in NBE 3 A are all addressed in the report below with the exception of infrastructure implications. These are considered to be minimal as access to the turbine will be taken from the existing road network and via a small length of dedicated access track. The Transportation Section has offered no objection. The location of the turbine has been chosen to maximise the available wind resource and minimise the under ground cabling required to link to the existing National Grid network which is located close to the site.

National Policies end Guidance: The Scottish Planning Policy overview replaces the previous SPPl and provides an overview of the land use planning system in Scotland. It sets out the key core principles including:

There should be a clear focus on the quality of outcomes, with due attention given to considerations of the sustainable use of land, good design and the protection and enhancement of the built and natural environment.

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The proposed turbine meets the above sustainability objective. It can, however, be argued that there is conflict between this and the need to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is considered that the proposal generally accords with the general principle being advocated.

SPPG Renewable Energy Developments outlines the Scottish Governments commitment to increase renewable energy production as a means of addressing the causes of climate change and has set a target of generating 40% of Scotland's electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and confirmed that this target should not be considered as a cap. The SPP sets out how the planning system should manage the process of encouraging, approving and implementing renewable energy proposals when preparing development plans and determining planning applications outlining issues which should be considered.

PAN 45 Renewable Energy Technologies supports SPPG and provides more detailed advice on the impacts likely to arise from wind energy developments and possible mitigation measures. It states that:

'The siting, layout, and design of wind farms will be conditioned by a number of technical, practical, economic and environmental considerations which seek to balance factors such as wind capture, turbulence, access and power line linkage with the impact on heritage resources and local communities. The characteristics associated with wind farms raise a number of issues that require to be considered, and where appropriate addressed. These include visual impact, cumulative effect, ecology, aviation safety, noise and shadow flicker'.

This guidance has been used to form the basis of the supporting information submitted as part of the application process. These matters are evaluated in this report as follows:

Need and Sustainability Benefits: Under the proposed National Planning Framework 2, the Scottish Government has set a further target of generating 50% of electricity from renewable resources by the year 2020 and considers that onshore wind are the renewable technologies likely to make the largest initial contributions in meeting these target. It is considered that the susfainability benefits of the proposed wind turbine in offering a contribution to meeting these national targets is an advantage, which must be taken into account and carry a significant weighting when assessing this application against other potentially negative impacts of this proposal.

Landscape and Visual Impacts: The nature of wind turbines is such that they must be of a viable height and tend to be in prominent positions to be effective. Landscape and visual impacts are the most noticeable and often most contentious impact of wind farm developments. As noted above it is considered that a turbine of almost 100m in height, which would sit on a relatively high farmland plateau landscape type would have significant visual impacts particularly when viewed from the Chapelhall area. SNH considered that a 100m high turbine would be inappropriate near a major settlement and suggested this be reduced to a maximum height of 75 m. However as noted above it is not agreed that a reduction in height to 75 m to blade tip would be of any significant benefit in terms of visual impacts as the height differences would be imperceptible from most viewpoints I The cumulative impact of the proposals would also be minimal taking into account other turbines already located or proposed within the same LCT, eg Braidenhill (1 existing), Greendykeside (2 existing) Bartletts (1 approved) and Greengairs (9 approved subject to Section 75). This level of wind turbine development over such an extensive area is not considered to be significant and would not warrant the refusal of this application.

In conclusion, the visual and landscape impacts of the development would be significant at a local level due to the prominent location of the site and its relative close Proximity to Chapelhall. However the visual impact of the turbine would be

lessened from most other outlying viewpoints. Its overall height at almost 100m is significant however it is considered that its visual impact is acceptable when balanced against the sustainable merits of the proposal.

Aviation Safety: The proposed turbine will be visible on air traffic control radar installations and as such has the potential to be mistaken for an aeroplane and cause confusion and potential aviation safety issues. Both NATS and BAA (as operators of Glasgow Airport) were consulted on the application. BAA objections can be summarised as follows:

The turbine would be visible to the radar at Lowtherhill and Glasgow Airport and are likely to return spurious returns on radar screens.

@ The radar signals would be affected by a cumulative effect that would be produced with other wind turbine developments in the area.

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8.28 In response to these particular concerns it is considered that there may be technical solutions available that could overcome the problem with BAA's radar coverage at Glasgow Airport. In recent wind turbine applications a condition has been attached to the respective planning permissions that require developers to submit radar mitigation proposals and for these measures to be agreed and confirmed in Writing by aviation safety bodies and that these measures have been put in place before works Start On the development. It is considered that for a single wind turbine this type of condition would be acceptable.

8.29 NATS has previously advised (refer to 07/01715/FUL Bartlett wind turbine application) that they consider the North Lanarkshire Council area to have the capacity to accommodate up to 15 turbines without causing significant radar clutter issues to aircrafl flying en-route, To date North Lanarkshire Council has approved 2 turbines at Greendykeside, and one single turbine at the BartleWs depot in Glenmavis. The Council is minded to grant 9 turbines at Greengairs Landfill Site subject to the conclusion of a 9.75 agreement giving a total of 13 turbines. An application for a further single turbine at A G Barr in Wesffield Cumbernauld was presented to Committee in May with a recommendation for approval but was without an objection from NATS. The single turbine at Braidenhill does not appear on the radar and therefore does not have to be taken into account, Therefore the threshold of j 5 would not be breached.

8.30 Noise: An Acoustic Feasibility Study 2008 for the Damhead Farm proposals was submitted in support of the application. The assessment found that the turbine will accord with the good practice guidance (ETSU-R-97) set out in PAN 45 and will maintain a reasonable degree of acoustic protection at nearby sensitive receptors.

Protective Services was consulted and they concur that the noise generated from the proposed turbine is within the acceptable limits outlined in PAN 45 and ETSU-R-97 with no significant detriment to receptors including the closest property at Bowhouse Farm.

8.31 Shadow Flicker; This is the term given to the casting of shadows on domestic dwellings by the rotation of the turbine blades on a clear windy day when the turbine is between a particular domestic property and a rising or setting sun and is an issue when the flickering shadow lands on a narrow opening such as a window. The main cause for concern, other than the annoyance of homeowners, is the provocation of headaches andlor epileptic fits when the flicker frequency is sufficiently high.

A Shadow Flicker Assessment (SFA) was carried out in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 22 Renewable Energy (PPS22). The SFA survey identifies that some properties would, under the parameters of the analysis, experience very limited shadow flicker at certain times of the year. The row of houses (la) at the south end of Gartness would only be affected in spring and autumn months between the hours

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of 7 and 8 am, although the more northerly houses (7-14) would be affected in early spring and late autumn between the hours of 7.30-9.00am. Buildings 15, 16, 17and 18 (located 700 m to the north and north-west) show the greatest possible effect throughout the winter between the hours of 10-1 I am. House 19 located 700m to the south east may be affected in the evening between the hours 7-8 pm in late springlearly summer and the late summer, early autumn, The study points out that the analysis did not take into account any screening due to vegehtion cover within the study zone.

Should objections be received subsequent to the turbine being constructed there are measures which the applicant can take to minimise the problem. This would involve the fitting of a light meter to the turbine and if the lighting intensity exceeded a Set threshold the turbine would shut down during the period when the property is affected by shadow flicker.

It is considered that any adverse impacts can be mitigated and adequately controlled by a planning condition.

Telecommunications: There were no objections from telecommunications operators and as such it is accepted that the proposals will have no significant impact on this infrastructure.

Television Reception: The BBC wind farm tool highlights that the construction of the wind turbine is likely to impact on the television reception of those served by the transmitters listed in paragraph 6.14. It identifies that the turbine is likely to affect 3777 for which there is no alternative off-air service and in addition, there may affect up to 19538 for whom there may be an alternative off-air sewice. As noted above the assessment tool offers a worst case scenario as the search facility considers a minimum 1 km* site area rather than the actual site area.

This is expected as a side effect of most wind energy developments. In order to resolve this problem, the developer has agreed to carry out an assessment of reception before and after the turbine is constructed and thereafter carryout works designed to remedy the problem. This may include providing set top digital boxes, updating the aerial or re-orientating the aerial and where this is not possible install satellite or cable services. It is considered that this is an acceptable solution and can be controlled by a condition attached to any planning permission. However, it must also be noted that for those who lose or who have their reception disrupted by the turbine it will cause significant nuisance whilst the problem is resolved.

Ecology: SNH was consulted on the habitat survey, bird (including bean geese) and bat surveys and concurred with the findings of the reports. As such there are no anticipated adverse ecological impacts from the proposed development.

Decommissioning: The expected lifespan of a wind turbine is 25 years. The applicant has not indicated any proposals for its removal. However with other similar types of proposals, turbines are refurbished, replaced by a contemporary model or completed dismantled and removed. If the latter occurs then concrete foundations could be capped and left in situ and the buried electrical cable would be sealed and capped. Confirmation of decommissioning scheme could be agreed via a pre-start condition.

Representations: Following press advertisement and standard neighbour notification procedures two letters of representation were received. In response to the issues raised the following points can be noted.

a) As noted above it is not agreed that the proposed turbine height of 99.7m to blade tip is excessive when considered against the benefits it may provide as a sustainable power source to the national grid to assist meeting Government targets. A reduction in height to 75m would have no visual impact benefit but would reduce its output of sustainable power.

b) It has been demonstrated through the noise impact assessment that noise levels would be acceptable.

c) The turbine would be located about 100 m from the neighbouring farmland its operation is unlikely to have any significant affect on farm live stock.

d) The developer has amended the access to the site and this does not affect the objector’s land

e) The application was considered valid when first submitted in 2007 and appropriate notification was carried out by the applicant. Following revisions to the site layout plan, the application was subsequently re-advertised in the local press by the Council under the revised planning regulations.

9 The construction and operation of the proposed turbine is unlikely to hinder farm operations on adjacent land. The site would be accessed from the public road at Craigens Road and the application site is approximately 100m from adjacent farmland.

It is considered that the terms of objections cannot be sustained in this instance.

8.42 As noted above the proposed construction of a single wind turbine with ancillary works is considered to be in accordance with the Development Plan. Due consideration has been given to the points raised in the letters of representation however no reason was found to uphold them. In addition, national guidance offers support for such a development subject to a detailed analysis in each case. In assessing the detail of this particular application it has been found that the development will be largely acceptable subject to planning conditions with no significant areas of concern which would merit the refusal of this application. It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.