The Private Members Bill was given its first reading last week, seeking to set down the minimum distance from residential properties that developers will be able to place wind turbine generators.
The proposal in the Bill suggests that minimum distances will be based on the height of the turbine, measured from the base of the column to the highest point of the blades. Those measuring between 25m and 50m will be subject to a 1km limit, increasing incrementally up to those in excess of 150m in height, which will have to be situated a minimum of 3km from residential property.
However, where the consent of residential property owners, leaseholders and long term tenants within the exclusion zone can be secured, the Bill proposes that the restrictions may be suspended.
The Bill’s sponsor, Lord Reay, had previously tabled the same measure in 2011, but it failed to progress due to a lack of Parliamentary time.
A similar Bill was also tabled in the House of Commons in May 2011, which proposed giving local planning authorities the power to specify in their Neighbourhood Development Plans the minimum distance from residential premises that developers could locate wind turbines. As with the Bill in the House of Lords, this did not make sufficient progress in the 2011 parliamentary session, and it is unclear whether there are plans to re-table it now.
Other than noise pollution guidance which suggests a minimum proximity of 350m, there is no minimum separation distance in England. Scottish guidance suggests that a 2km radius be maintained, whilst the limit advised in Wales is 500m.