Planning for a Sustainable Future Case study

The site The site lies in what is designated as countryside on the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park and Herefordshire.

The planning application To create a micro hydro electric power (HEP) scheme to generate electricity and reduce the owner’s carbon footprint.

The Micro HEP Scheme It is intended to raise the height of an existing weir in order to abstract water which will run down an underground pipe for approximately 150metres and end at a turbine generator building. Weir Turbine/generator house Pipeline

The issues The site is not within a ‘development zone’, it is designated as countryside. The site is identified as lying within a landscape of outstanding historic interest. Wye Valley

The Issues Local residents/Parish Council are concerned about the impact on wildlife habitats, the visual impact on the landscape and low water levels. Environmental organisations are concerned about the possible impact on protected wildlife species and their habitat Dipper ©Laurie Campbell Dormouse Otter

Making the Decision A planning officer must consider the application guided by planning policies The officer will take into account any issues raised The officer will then prepare a report and make a recommendation as to whether planning permission should be granted or refused.

What would you do? What information would you gather? How would you resolve the issues? Would you recommend that planning permission is granted?