Local Development Plan

Other Infrastructure
Renewable Energy
POLICY CONTEXT AND EVIDENCE BASE
Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS)
Regional Guidance (RG5) within the RDS seeks to ‘deliver a sustainable
and secure energy supply.’ One method by which this may be achieved is
through increasing the contribution that renewable energy can make to
the overall energy mix.
Strategic Guidance RG5 seeks to ‘deliver a sustainable and secure energy
supply by:
• Increasing the contribution that renewable energy can make to the
overall energy mix
• Strengthening the electricity grid
• Providing new gas infrastructure
• Working with neighbouring countries
• Developing ‘Smart Grid’ Initiatives.
The SPPS sets out three regional strategic objectives for renewable
energy as follows:
• Ensure that the environmental, landscape, visual and amenity
impacts associated with or arising from renewable energy
development are adequately addressed
• Ensure adequate protection of the region’s built, natural and
cultural heritage features
• Facilitate the integration of renewable energy technology into the
design, siting and layout new development and promote greater
application of Passive Solar Design.
The LDP should set out policies that support a diverse range of renewable
energy development, including the integration of micro-generation and
passive solar design. A cautious approach for renewable energy
development proposals will apply within designated landscapes such as
AONBs and their wider settings. In such sensitive landscapes, it may be
difficult to accommodate renewable energy proposals, including wind
turbines, without detriment to the region’s cultural and natural heritage
assets.
Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS)
The SPPS aims to facilitate the siting of renewable energy generating
facilities in appropriate locations within the built and natural environment
in order to achieve Northern Ireland’s renewable energy and
decarbonisation targets and to realise the benefits of renewable energy
without compromising other environmental assets of acknowledged
importance.
Planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy (PPS 18)
Encourages greater use of renewable energy technologies to reduce our
dependence on imported fossil fuels and bring diversity and security of
supply to our energy infrastructure. Increasing focus on Renewable
Energy supplies will help Northern Ireland to achieve its targets for
reducing carbon emissions and reduce environmental damage.
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Key Issues and Options