11/00713/F - Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

It has been recognised by the Planning Inspectorate at appeal that a suitably worded
condition requiring the fitting of sensors and the shutting down of the turbines should icing
occur is a satisfactory way of overcoming this issue and preventing potential harm.
TRAFFIC AND HIGHWAY ISSUES
The abnormal load vehicles would travel south on the A47 towards King’s Lynn. The route
would take the A148 east, then north on the B1454 and Barwick Road to site. Widening
works would be required at the junction of the A148 and B1454, and along Barwick Road to
the site. Increased traffic levels would only be experienced during the 12 months of
construction. Traffic management measures would be implemented prior to, and during, the
construction phase in consultation with the relevant Highways Authorities and the Police to
ensure road safety. It is concluded by the agent that the local transport network would be
able to absorb the additional traffic movements associated with the construction of the wind
farm and that there would not be significant effect of disturbance on local residents and other
roads users. The cumulative transport effects of the Jack’s Lane wind farm and the Chiplow
wind farm have been assessed and are unlikely to have significant effects.
Unlike most other developments, the main impact on highways associated with this
development is during construction and decommissioning. The impact on traffic flows during
construction including the abnormal loads would be noticeable to residents and road users.
The disruption would be limited to a relatively short period of time, given the operational
lifetime of the development.
Norfolk County Council, Highways have confirmed that no highway improvements are
needed to cater for abnormal load deliveries with the exception at the junction between the
A148/B1454 at Tattersett and along from Hyde Park and improvements to Burnham Road
which involve the widening to accommodate the traffic associated with the project. The
Highways Authority has raised no objection to the proposal subject to condition.
FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
There is no statutory separation distance between a wind turbine and a public right of way.
However, the minimum desirable distance between wind turbines and occupied buildings
calculated on the basis of expected noise levels and visual impact will often be greater than
that necessary to meet safety requirements. 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 (para 51
Planning for Renewable Energy A Companion Guide to PPS22). Should a micro-siting
condition be attached this could be achieved. Alternatively a condition could be attached
stating that no turbine tower shall be sited with a specific distance of the public right of way.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES
According to the applicant, the proposal represents a significant capital investment in the
area of £19 million (approximately) by RES. During the 12 month construction phase it is
estimated that up to 40 short term jobs will be created. It is estimated that 80% of these
construction jobs would be sourced locally. Construction could impact on the local supply
chain as businesses may have the opportunity to provide goods and services.
10/01419/FM Development Control Board
25 July 2011
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