Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
was not carried out as the revision to the proposal made provision for relocated lagoons in place of the
existing and as such the nature and extent of the development proposed was not altered.
You may wish to note that an Appropriate Assessment, under the Habitats Directive Regulations was
carried out when the application reference A/2008/0408/F was first received and this was revisited
when the proposal was amended.
Wind Turbine
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment what protections exist for people living in close
proximity to lands where approval has been granted for a wind turbine to be erected.
(AQW 12942/11-15)
Mr Attwood: In assessing applications for wind turbines, the impact of the proposed development on
adjacent occupied properties is a material consideration that the Department will take into account in
reaching a balanced judgement.
For an individual wind turbine best practice guidance of the fall over distance (i.e. the height of the
turbine to the tip of the blade) plus 10% is often used as a safe separation distance between the
turbine and occupied property. For wind farm development, a separation distance of 10 times the rotor
diameter to occupied property with a minimum distance of not less than 500m will generally apply.
In addition, as part of its consideration of a planning application, and in order to further inform the
decision making process, the Department will consult with the Environmental Health Department of
the District Council, who will provide expert advice in relation to planning related matters such as the
potential noise impact of the proposed development on an adjacent occupied property.
High Street Review: Absentee Landlords
Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment what action he intends to take to challenge absentee
landlords who (i) leave shop premises empty; and (ii) refuse to engage in regeneration through the High
Street Review.
(AQW 12972/11-15)
Mr Attwood: I have commissioned a review of retail planning policy for town centres and retailing which
will consider the many and varied issues currently faced by our High Streets, including the matters
referred to in your question. I am hopeful that this review will bring forward policy proposals which will
support and revitalise city and town centres.
Direct intervention on the issue of vacant shop premises remains an option for local councils and they
could draw on the experience gained via the pilot project in Portrush/Portstewart which addressed
derelict sites.
The High Street Review is being taken forward by a taskforce established by the Minister for Social
Development to review his Department’s provision for town centres. I have brought the Member’s
comments on this matter to the attention of my Executive colleague and my Department remains fully
committed to contributing actively to this review.
I have demonstrated that at a DOE level or council level, all current powers should be deployed in
relation to derelict sites, sites in decay, sites abandoned. The member makes a valid point in relation
to landlords. I will consider the matter further.
Driving Tests
Mr McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department monitors and ensures the fair
and consistent application of driving tests.
(AQW 12982/11-15)
WA 521