Global climate change is widely recognised as being one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. One of the principal causes of climate change is a rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, a major contributor being the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

The planning system has a key role to play in delivering measures to tackle climate change by assisting in minimising the demand for energy and by supporting new renewable energy production, in appropriate locations, at a range of scales.

LUC has prepared planning guidance for the Alnwick District of Northumberland to support this important role within an area already feeling the effects of climate change. The guidance outlines the international, national, regional and local policy framework for renewable energy, presents an overview of the range of potential technologies and provides practical overarching guidance in relation to the criteria to be considered in determining applications for renewable energy developments. 

We also provided more detailed guidance in relation to onshore wind developments given their acknowledged role in the short to medium term. This was informed by a related LUC study of the significant landscape and visual sensitivities to wind energy developments in Alnwick District. 

To ensure that the guidance is up-to-date and user friendly, the document ‘signposts’ guidance available elsewhere, particularly given the evolving nature of related guidance on renewable energy technologies.

The draft planning guidance was issued for formal consultation earlier this year to a favourable response, prior to adoption by Northumberland County Council in November 2009:

“The Trust supports this document and the considerations it makes to ensuring the natural environment is taken into consideration” Northumberland Wildlife Trust

 “English Heritage welcomes the preparation of guidance on this issue for Alnwick District……it is clear that the exposition and approach employed appear to be equally applicable to the County as a whole” English Heritage