Leading development consultancy Pegasus Group has helped secure approval for the development of a wind turbine, set to contribute to the fight against climate change as well as provide benefits to local and rural businesses, at a successful East Riding of Yorkshire business.
Using officer delegated powers, East Riding of Yorkshire Council awarded planning permission for the 149m 4.2MW turbine at Manor Farm Feeds, Dunnington, east of Driffield. Once erected, this will be one of the tallest onshore wind turbines in England.
Notwithstanding that the application site was not in an area identified as suitable for wind energy development, following public consultation, Pegasus Group were able to demonstrate that the planning impacts identified by the local community had been fully addressed and the proposal had their backing.
Pegasus Group also provided planning advice, landscape and visual impact assessments, as well as heritage assessment and shadow flicker reports.
Chris Calvert, Executive Director at Pegasus Group, said: “We are delighted to have achieved permission for this wind turbine, which will make a significant contribution towards the continued success of this animal feed business.
“The nation has ambitious renewable energy targets and is looking to achieve greater energy security, which the applicant embraces.
“Even so, current policy within the NPPF is that new wind developments should not be approved unless it is in an area identified as suitable for wind energy development in the development plan, and it can be demonstrated that planning impacts identified by the local community have been fully addressed.
“Prior to the submission of the application a significant consultation zone was established, where 98% of residents expressed support for the scheme. Through detailed assessments, we were able to address the concerns of the one objector, which related to noise and shadow flicker matters. This was reflected by the lack of objections during the planning application phase itself.”
Electricity generated by the wind turbine will meet the demands of Manor Farm, helping to reduce the business’ rising electricity bill, making the business more resilient and helping to safeguard jobs within the rural economy.
Farm owner Mike Kirkwood said the reduction in costs would allow for further investment in the site, giving rise to more market opportunities.
He added the electricity generated on-site will also lower the farm’s carbon footprint and will help as and when vehicles and plants are replaced by electric models.
The wind turbine is expected to produce around 16,650,000 MWh of electricity per year. Electricity that can’t be used by the farm will be supplied to the grid.
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