DCC discuss their response to the DTI

Devon County Councillors met to discuss the Fullabrook proposal in October, following a site visit to the site. The agenda of the meeting can be found on the Devon County Council web site | Development Control Committee Agenda.

The committee resolved that the DTI be advised that Devon County Council, as Strategic Planning Authority, raises objection to the submitted proposals as it is considered that, while it is recognised that the application site largely falls within the Area of Search for strategic wind based energy production as shown in the adopted Devon Structure Plan, the possible renewable energy and socio-economic benefits of a development are outweighed by the adverse impact of a development on this scale on the character and setting of the North Devon Landscape Character Zone, the designated North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Area of Great Landscape Value, and as such would be contrary to the provisions of Devon Structure Plan Policies CO1, CO3, CO4 and CO12;

As Highway Authority, Devon County Council raised no objection to the proposal, subject to the imposition of conditions and completion of appropriate legal agreements to secure necessary off-site highway improvements and traffic management during the construction phase.

Should the Secretary of State be minded, nevertheless, to grant planning permission for the development this, in Devon County Council's view, should only be subject to:-

1. the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure appropriate traffic management during the construction phase; a financial guarantee for the removal of the turbines and the restoration of their sites in the event of prior cessation of usage; positive nature conservation gain; off-site monitoring of noise for the duration of the development; and the establishment of a Community Fund for the benefit of the local communities affected by the scheme;
2. the prior completion of a Section 278 Agreement required to secure the appropriate design, specification, construction and drainage of all off- site highway works;
3. the imposition of conditions relating to temporary 25 year permission/reinstatement, nature conservation mitigation scheme; hedgerow opening reinstatements; archaeological survey and mitigation work; noise limits and mitigation scheme; highway works details; and (D) the removal of the two turbines which fall in the Area of Great Landscape Value.

The full minutes of the meeting can be viewed on Devon County Council's web site | Development Control Committee Minutes.