Issue - meetings

Extract from Minutes of Executive 19 April 2012 (to follow)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Executive Director – Customer Services advised that when the Council agenda was prepared this report was included in case a decision by the Executive at its meeting on 19 April 2012 would lead to a change in current Council Policy.  The Executive Director – Customer Services confirmed that the decision made by the Executive did not alter the existing policy position of the Council and therefore this item was withdrawn.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Council, together with Scottish Natural Heritage commissioned Consultant Landscape Architects to prepare an Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study.  The study provides technical information which will be used to help develop the windfarm/wind turbine policies and associated spatial framework in the proposed Local Development Plan.  In addition, the study provided new guidance on the siting of smaller scale (up to 50 metre) turbines throughout Argyll and Bute.  The Executive considered a report presenting this and also an executive summary of the Study which was attached as an appendix to the report.

Decision

Recommended to the Council –

1        Adoption of the Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study as a technical background document;

2        That the study be used to help inform decision making in relation to planning applications submitted for wind energy proposals; and also inform the development of new policy contained in the proposed Local Development Plan including spatial guidance for on shore wind energy developments;

3        That any new Policy in relation to wind energy be subject to further Council approval and extensive consultation as part of the Local Development Plan process; and

4        That a workshop be held after the May elections to help introduce the study to a wide range of stakeholders including potential developers, landowners and community representatives.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated April 2012, submitted)