Planning Consent for Mars Petcare Single Turbine Scheme

Planning Permission was granted on appeal on the 6th September 2010 for a single wind turbine (126.5m to blade tip) at the Mars Complementary Petcare Factory. The turbine will be located adjacent to the M62 near Batley within the Oakwell Industrial Park and it is envisaged that construction will commence in Summer 2011. Stephenson Halliday carried out the Landscape and Visual Appraisal for the proposed development which formed part of the Environmental Report and planning application co-ordinated by Wind Direct.

The main issues and focus of the appeal concentrated on ‘the effect of the proposal on (1) the character and appearance of the surrounding area and (2) the living conditions of local residents as a result of visual impact and any noise and disturbance.’ In addition driver distraction and shadow flicker were also addressed.

In summary the Planning Inspector recognised that the proposed turbine would be much taller than anything in its immediate context and would affect the way the site and surroundings would be perceived from close range and more distant locations. The Inspector did not consider the turbine harmful and concluded that it would appear as ‘a functional piece of infrastructure which would relate to the nature and size of the buildings and uses surrounding it’. The Planning Inspector also concluded that the visual impact of the proposal would not be overbearing or dominant as a result of the relatively significant degree of separation from residential areas and the nature of the visual effects, experienced in the context of other elements including buildings and pylons.

Please click the link below to view the Appeal Decision in full:

Mars Petcare Birstall Appeal Decision