Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY. Erection of a 22m high (ground to blade tip) wind turbine

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1 Committee Date: 20/03/2014 Application Number: 2013/08552/PA Accepted: 27/11/2013 Application Type: Full Planning Target Date: 22/01/2014 Ward: South Yardley Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY Erection of a 22m high (ground to blade tip) wind turbine Applicant: Agent: Core50 Ltd St Paul's Centre, Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 8NJ Recommendation Approve Subject To Conditions 1. Proposal 1.1. This application is for the installation of a 20kW wind turbine on a 15m high column within the grounds of the Ackers Adventure Centre, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook The mast structure would be 15m in height and of steel construction (pale grey) with 3 glass fibre (pale grey) blades. The blades would be 6m in length giving a maximum overall height of (from ground to blade tip) approximately 22m. The turbine would generate 43,788 kwh at a speed of 5m/s, which would offset tonnes of carbon annually The mast would be located on the central mound adjacent to the existing ski slope and is an area of open space occupied by trees Ackers Adventure has been working with the applicant to: Offer a demonstration site for renewable energy in Birmingham; Reduce energy expenditure and costs; Reduce carbon footprint; Sustain its community facilities; Generate an investment opportunity for residents The proposed turbine would be used in conjunction with the 10kw solar roof that was installed on the Ackers Base Camp office building in It would be a communityowned wind turbine, in which people would be able to buy shares The applicant has submitted a noise survey, ecological assessment/bat survey and tree survey have been submitted in support of the application. Proposed Site Plan Page 1 of 7

2 Proposed Elevations 2. Site & Surroundings 2.1. The application site forms part of the Ackers Adventure Centre, which is run by a charity that has a long lease from Birmingham City Council and is classed as public open space. The whole site comprises 60 acres of former industrial land, which has been used for landfill. It is however currently used to provide outdoor activities for young people and includes climbing tower, a ski slope, sports ground and wildlife areas, an office block, ski centre and residential block. The site is largely surrounded by industrial premises, with the Grand Union canal and main Birmingham/London railway line to the northern boundary. Location Plan Street View 3. Planning History /06/2007 App. No. 2007/02074/PA Erection of 20m high abseil tower, approved. 4. Consultation/PP Responses 4.1. Local Ward Councillors notified and application advertised by site notice. No letters of representations received Regulatory Services No objections Birmingham International Airport No objections Natural England No objections Environment Agency No objections Sport England No objections. 5. Policy Context 5.1. National Planning Policy: National Planning Policy Framework Local Planning Policy: UDP (2005); Draft Birmingham Development Plan. 6. Planning Considerations 6.1. POLICY 6.2. The National Planning Policy Framework at paragraph 17 sets out core land-use planning principles that should underpin decision-taking. One of these 12 principles is support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full Page 2 of 7

3 account of flood risk and coastal change, and encourage the reuse of existing resources, including conversion of existing buildings, and encourage the use of renewable resources (for example, by the development of renewable energy) Paragraph 74 goes on to state Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless: an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss Local Planning Policy within the UDP supports the use of renewable energy sources and the safeguarding of existing open space, sports and recreational land I consider that the proposals would comply with the relevant policies, as set out above, in that they would provide a renewable energy source for an existing sports/recreation centre, which would help secure its future, whilst not adversely affecting existing sports facilities. I am therefore satisfied that the proposals would be acceptable in principle VISUAL AMENITY 6.7. Due to the height of the proposed wind turbine and its location on a hillside, it would be visually prominent within the surrounding wider area. However, it is noted that the applicant has selected the proposed site as it is deemed to provide the optimum wind conditions to maximise energy generation but would also take advantage of the existing landscaping to screen the turbine and the general absence of residential properties in the immediate vicinity the nearest are approximately 300m to the west. I consider the turbine would be sufficient distance away from residents, and would be seen against a backdrop of trees and a climbing tower of a similar height, so as not to unduly affect residential outlook and wider amenity. Furthermore, the view of the turbine would be important in raising awareness and creating links to sustainable forms of energy with the community and surrounding businesses, as well as helping to secure the long term future of the Ackers Adventure Centre. I therefore consider that the visual prominence of the turbine and their associated positive impact would outweigh any harm any residents might perceive the development would have upon local character. I note that no local resident has objected to the application I note that a shadow analysis has not been provided, but given the distance the turbine is from the nearest residential properties I do not consider that the shadow of rotating blades will reach any houses RESIDENTIAL AMENITY Regulatory Services have raised no objections to the proposal. Details of the noise levels created by such turbines have been submitted and Regulatory Services have drawn comparisons with other turbines approved at Primrose Hill School under application 2006/02210/PA, and Frankley Community School under application 2008/02920/PA which are closer to residential properties and are operational. I Page 3 of 7

4 therefore conclude that this proposed development would not cause any harm to noise amenity in the area OTHER MATTERS In order to reduce the risk of harm to bats, guidance from Natural England advises that wind turbines should not be placed within 50m of linear features such as woodland edge or hedgerows that could be used by foraging or commuting bats. Subsequent research suggests that in relation to small wind turbines, as currently proposed, this distance can be reduced to 20m. The proposed location for the wind turbine is on a mound above areas of potential foraging/commuting habitat; three trees in the immediate vicinity of the proposed turbine would be removed and it is proposed that other adjacent vegetation will be reduced in height. Currently, bat activity is concentrated along the canal corridor, approximately 22m to the north of the proposed turbine location. Taking the above factors into account, the City Ecologist advises that the risk to bats would be low but recommends conditions to require the submission of a bat monitoring strategy, implementation of precautionary measures within the Phase 1 habitat survey and The Ackers habitat management plan such as such as works taking place in winter months, avoidance of Japanese Knotweed, replacement soil sown with wildflower seeds, proximity to hedgerows and additional post implementation surveys to inform the impact of the turbines. I concur with this view My Tree Officer raises no objections to the removal of the 3 trees as proposed, but recommends an element of caution about the wider impacts on trees for example during construction. 7. Conclusion 8. The development of a sustainable power source onto this site is both worthwhile in its own right and in line with the national and local planning policy. This proposal would also help secure the future of a valuable community recreation facility. I am therefore satisfied that the positive impacts of the proposals would outweigh any adverse visual impact, which I consider minimal. As such, I recommend that the application be approved subject to the attached conditions. 9. Recommendation 9.1. Approved subject to the following safeguarding conditions: 1 Requires the implementation of the submitted mitigation/enhancement plan 2 Requires the scheme to be in accordance with the listed approved plans 3 Requires prior submission of a bat monitoring strategy 4 Requires the turbine to be painted/powder coated 5 Limits the approval to 3 years (Full) Case Officer: Justin Howell Page 4 of 7

5 Photo(s) Figure 1View from Golden Hilock Rd Figure 2Proposed View from Adjacent Ski Slope Page 5 of 7

6 Location Plan This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Birmingham City Council. Licence No , 2010 Page 6 of 7

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