STINC protest at the site of the turbines at Titch Barrow, September 2007

We already have two wind farms close to this proposed new development. The Cornwall Energy Study recommends a 7km buffer zone around existing wind farms.  Appendix 3 - Figure 5 [1.7Mb]

The proposed Hendraburnick wind farm at Titch Barrow is within the buffer zones of both the existing Delabole and Cold Northcott windfarms and would also be within the buffer zones of the proposed windfarms at Otterham and Davidstow Moor.

On the map in the above Appendix 3 link it states:

"Please note that the landscape sensitivity study has been based on an assessment of wind energy turbines of 1.3MW in size with a hub height of 65m."

Cornwall Energy Study: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4681 

"Area 10 Central Cornwall North Facing 

Spatial Guidance on Renewable Energy Development (continued)

Results 6.53 

Area 10 Central Cornwall North Facing May provide some opportunity for accommodating carefully sited moderate scale wind farms (5-10 1.3 MW turbines). It is suitable in terms of landscape scale and is not designated for its scenic quality (either as an AONB, Heritage Coast or AGLV). However, it has a moderate sensitivity to wind farm development in terms of landscape character and the existence of two existing wind farms means that the majority of the area falls within the 7km buffer zones of these wind farms. More detailed inter-visibility studies will need to be undertaken to assess the capacity of the landscape to accept wind turbines."

Cornwall Energy Study http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4670 

"Methodology that has been employed Spatial Guidance on Renewable Energy Development (continued)

Development stages 6.50 The methodology for assessing the suitability of locations for moderate or large scale wind farm developments has been undertaken in the following stages:

Firstly the character areas that were found to have a moderate-high or high sensitivity to wind turbine development were removed from the map (see Appendix 3 - Figure 4 [1.3Mb]). Secondly, all AONBs and Heritage Coasts were removed from the map since these scenic quality designations form a constraint to large-moderate scale wind farm development (see Figure 4). Thirdly, information on landform scale and landscape pattern were combined to indicate potentially suitable scales of wind farm development in the areas identified as having potential top accommodate wind turbines. The Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) designation was considered less of a constraint to development assuming all other criteria were met. This is consistent with the content of PPS 22 as outlined in para 6.11. Areas that fell within the 7km buffer zone around existing wind farms were highlighted as potential areas of constraint indicating that further visibility analysis would be needed in these areas to fully understand inter-visibility issues."

Cornwall Energy Study - Full Contents: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3960 

Letter to NCDC from the Historic Environment Service

"Dear Sir / Madam

2007/01497                   Land at Titchbarrow, Davidstow. Wind energy development comprising the erection of four wind turbines, access tracks, hard standing areas, etc.

We have the following comments to make on the above application.

The Proposed Development Site

The development of the four wind turbines and associated structures, access tracks and areas of hard standing lie immediately to the east of a large number of prehistoric barrows significance (PRNs 2228.1, 2228.2, 2228.3, 2230.1, 2230.2, 2230.3, 103914), recorded in the County Council’s Historic Environment Record (see attached map). Six of the barrows are also protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments as they are deemed of national significance. Other features in the near locality include possible post-medieval animal enclosures (PRN 57255).

It is therefore highly likely that below-ground archaeological remains may be encountered in the area of the proposed development.

Policy Context

It is Government, County Council and North Cornwall District Council policy that the historic environment is taken into account in the planning process. Policy ENV 14 of North Cornwall District Council’s Local Plan states:

1.         Development proposals affecting nationally important remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings, will not be permitted unless:

(a)        there will be no significant damage to, or adverse effect on, a site or its setting; and

(b)        the development can be controlled through the use of conditions or planning obligations to ensure the remains to ensure the remains are preserved in-situ.

2.         Development proposals which adversely affect locally important archaeological sites or remains identified as a result of a prior archaeological investigation will only be permitted where:

(a)        physical preservation in-situ is not feasible in conjunction with the proposed development and the importance of the development clearly outweighs the case for preservation of the remains; and

(b)        satisfactory arrangements are made for the investigation and recording of the remains before or during development.

Recommendations

We recommend that if, North Cornwall District Council, is minded to approve this application, it should ensure that an archaeological recording condition is attached to the consent. PPG16 recommends including words to the effect:

No development shall take place within the site until the applicant has secured and implemented a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation to be submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with the County Archaeologist.

Appropriate works could include a geophysical survey of the affected areas and a watching brief.

Due to the proposed location for the wind turbines close to the six burial mounds, we would suggest that English Heritage are contacted so that they can also give a view of the impact of the proposal on the setting of these monuments.

I hope this is of assistance, please do contact me if anything is unclear or further discussion is required.

Yours sincerely

Phil Markham

Historic Environment Planning Advice Officer

Historic Environment Service "

Cornwall Energy Study:  http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4461 

"Archaeology and Historical Buildings Guidance on Consultation and Development Control (continued)

Wind energy developments 

5.19 

Wind energy developments can potentially have an impact on listed buildings, conservation areas and archaeological sites which are located within or near to a proposed wind farm site. The impacts could include - direct physical impact on the feature of archaeological or heritage interest or an indirect impact on the setting of these features. There is also the potential to damage as yet undiscovered archaeological remains. In determining the suitability of a site, the following question needs to be addressed:

Are there any identified sites/ features of significant archaeological or historical importance within or near to the site? And what will be the impact on the physical form or setting of these sites/ features?

5.20 

Further information - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record held by Cornwall County Council. The Historic Environment Service can advise on what the likely impacts will be or suggest those that could give this advice. Institute of Field Archaeologists (2000), 'Standards and Guidance for Archeologically Desk Based Assessment' and Institute of Field Archaeologists 'Code of Conduct and Health and Safety in Field Archaeology' (1999)."

Cornwall Energy Study - Full Contents: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3960