Success on her first Welsh Outing

The decision following Michelle Bolger's first appearance as an expert witness at a Welsh planning inquiry was issued this week. Michelle gave evidence on behalf of Blaenau Gwent CBC who had refused permission for a wind turbine scheme on Mynydd James in the Welsh Valleys. The Inspector agreed with Michelle's assessment that the proposals would give rise to major adverse impacts on an area of remote and unspoilt upland and an adjacent tranquil valley; the appeal was dismissed.

The Welsh approach to landscape assessment differs from that in England, and Michelle was please to have an opportunity to become familiar with the LANDMAP approach to landscape assessment. The Welsh planning policy approach to locating wind energy development also differs significantly and the scheme was considered to be a test case with regard to the definition of a small community based scheme.

Earlier in the year Michelle gave evidence on behalf of Derbyshire Dales DC who had refused a wind turbine scheme at Matlock Moor close to the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. A proposal at Carsington Pastures, a similar distance from the National Park, had been granted on appeal in 2008. A subsequent appeal to the High Court had failed and it was feared that a precedent had been set for wind energy developments close to the Park boundary.

However when the decision was issued April the Inspector agreed with Michelle's assessment of the impact on the National Park.; that the proposed scheme would diminish the unique sense of openness and remoteness on Stanton Moor and also diminish the wildness and remoteness of Beeley Moor. In addition she agreed that there would be significant adverse impacts on landscapes outside the Park, on a number of heritage assets and on the living conditions of the closest residents. In conjunction with problems concerning the ecological and noise assessments and the appeal was roundly dismissed.

Both Authorities were delighted with the results.

Download the decisions for here and here.