The KOS - Wind Farms and Planning - Tim Hodge

The KOS is broadly supportive of the RSPB's position statement on wind farms, an abstract from which follows. We are conscious that some members will have different views to the RSPB and KOS on the matter and are aware that the contribution (and its cost effectiveness) that wind farms can make in resolving the problem of global warming is increasingly hotly debated. We are alert also to the minority view that climate change has yet to be proven to be a long-term reality. However, the KOS feels that the best evidence at the moment is that climate change is a hugely serious issue, and that investment in renewable energy (where wind farms are just one of the resources available) and energy conservation will make some contribution to the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels necessary to reduce the impact of global warming. We would expect, indeed demand, that any wind farm proposal be supported by expert Environmental Impact Assessment and are concerned that political pressures may be driving proposals faster than the relevant ecological data are being accumulated. This is particularly the case for offshore wind farms and their impact on migrant seabirds.

It is perhaps also worth clarifying the KOS position in planning matters, both in relation to wind farms in particular and planning applications in general. As a small, county based organisation run on a voluntary basis, we simply do not have the resources to consider and respond to the numerous planning applications, both large and small, that are submitted in Kent. Generally we consider that the principal role of the society is to provide factual information on birds in Kent, and for others to use this information in the decision making process. We thus provide data to the major conservation organisations in the county (KWT, RSPB, EN), to planners, to local authorities and to consultants carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments. We share KOS data with the newly established Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre, who also provide data on a wide range of taxa in the county. There have been a small number of development proposals (of which the proposed airport on the Hoo Peninsula is the best example) where we consider that the consequences of the scheme going ahead would be so deleterious to birds that we have campaigned directly against the proposal. It is not possible to do this for the majority of development proposals in the county.

If any member has any comments on these matters, we would be happy to receive them for consideration. Please e-mail me at tim.hodge@btinternet.com or write to me at 13 Roxburgh Road, Westgate-on-Sea, CT8 8RX.

RSPB Policy Statement on Wind farms
The RSPB views climate change as the most serious long-term threat to wildlife in the UK and globally and, therefore, we support the Government's target to source 15% of electricity from renewables by 2015.

To meet this target, the RSPB favours a broad mix of renewables, especially those, like solar energy, with large long- term potential and minimal environmental impacts. However, wind power has the greatest potential to make a significant difference in the UK in the coming decade. It is the most advanced and widely available of the new renewable technologies.

Wind Farms and Birds
The available evidence suggests that appropriately positioned wind farms do not pose a significant hazard for birds. However, evidence from the US and Spain confirms that poorly sited wind farms can cause severe problems for birds, through disturbance, habitat loss/damage or collision with turbines.

Because of this, the RSPB has objected to 27 wind farm proposals (on and offshore) between 1998-2003 and has raised concerns about a further 29. Currently we are objecting to a proposed wind farm at Shell Flat off the Lancashire coast as it is home to one of the UK's most important flocks of wintering common scoters.

Environmental assessment
The RSPB insists that wind farm proposals that may affect sensitive bird populations or their habitats are subject to rigorous environmental assessment before development is permitted and that the effects of any approved developments are monitored before and after construction.

We will, and do, object to specific wind farm proposals where there is an inadequate environmental assessment, where the assessment reveals potential environmental problems that cannot be mitigated, or where there is insufficient knowledge about the threat to sensitive bird populations or their habitats to conclude that there will not be a problem.

Research and monitoring
To ensure that future wind farms do not affect sensitive bird populations or their habitats, the RSPB is pressing the government for more research and monitoring of the effects of these developments on birds.