Derby River Derwent wind turbine plan sparks concerns
The concerns around the plans mainly focus on the 'sensitivity' of the area
Concerns have been raised about proposals to erect a new 169-metre tall wind turbine next to the River Derwent in Derby - with a national body saying it could harm views from nearby historical sites.
Bosses of new food science site SmartParc in Spondon have written to Derby City Council asking whether an environment assessment statement needs to be submitted as part of the proposals - ahead of a possible full planning application being submitted.
SmartParc is a recently-built £300million flagship food production development featuring state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities delivering thousands of new jobs to the city.
It was built at the former Celanese factory site off Holme Lane which was demolished almost 10 years ago.
The aim of the wind turbine is to deliver renewable energy to the SmartParc development.
According to a letter sent to the city council, it will be located on vacant land southwest of the site next to the River Derwent - not part of the existing development - which previously housed a pumping station.
The concerns around the plans mainly focus on the “sensitivity” of the area.
SmartParc says it doesn’t believe the site is sensitive but Historic England says it could have “a likely significant environmental effect” due to Grade-listed sites surrounding the location of the turbine.
The letter from SmartParc says it doesn’t believe the application site is located within a “sensitive area’” and the proposed development “is not considered to have a significant environmental impact”.
It says: “As such, notwithstanding the size of the proposed wind turbine, it is considered that, on balance, an environmental statement is unlikely to be required and we welcome the Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) view and confirmation on this matter.”
The letter adds: “In regard to the use of natural resources, the proposal makes good and efficient use of existing previously developed land and will deliver renewable energy to the SmartParc development, utilising the infrastructure within the already permitted energy centre. While the turbine is large in scale, the uptake of land and thus impact on soil is considered to be minimal.”
However, Historic England - a body which aims to protect and champion the country’s heritage assets - has raised concerns about how the turbine could possibly impact the views from listed areas such as Elvaston Castle and the Church of St Bartholomew - situated south of the proposed turbine.
In a letter to the council, the body said: “Specific views worth highlighting are the angle between the castle to the north and the church to the west. Views from upper principal rooms and lead flat roofs should also be closely considered. The registered park and garden, castle and church comprise a sensitive site with regard to Schedule 3 of the regulations. In the absence of further information, there would be the possibility of a likely significant environmental effect in respect of the historic significance of these upper-tier designated heritage assets, however, this is, to a large extent, dependent upon visibility and prominence (including winter views).”
A response from Derby City Council could be published as soon as next month.