Wind turbine planning ruling

[emordnilap]

In Ireland there's a scheme whereby land is fenced and then planted with appropriate native species of tree free of charge and labour to the owner, who then gets a reasonably generous annual subsidy for thirty years. Over the course of the thirty years, even thinning is nowadays considered unnecessary; some maintenance is provided.

Not far from my house such a plantation of hardwoods was started around ten years ago and it's now starting to form a barrier between me and the motorway, which is a relief. There are several plantations in the area and I'd love to see more.

Does such a scheme exist in the UK and, if so, is it worth considering Ralph?

[PS_RalphW]

Community woods were locally popular about a decade ago, I remember taking my kids to help plant one outside our (then) village about 7 years ago. Last time I cycled past, I could not see a tree standing amongst the weeds.

The community 'orchard' in the village provides good ground cover for kids bunking off from primary school, but I'm not sure what it's long term prospects are.

Land prices round here are such that such that my share won't go far. For example, the land that is the university research farms, is classified as 'brown field' and due for redevelopment in spite of being entirely 'green belt' land.

Ditto the land that used to be National Institute for Agricultural Botany. Now overpriced flats with inadequate parking spaces.

[kenneal - lagger]

I was going to invest in Kennet Community Energy Limited but it seems that they aren't starting any more schemes. Thank you government for your great leadership!

[PS_RalphW]

A domestic project has occurred to me. It would take about 20 sqM of solar panels (grid tied) to generate the electricity I expect to use in the electric car (about 2200 KWh/year). We have an old asbestos garage that we have been planning to replace, of about 20 sqM area. Simply put up a new garage with solar panels and bingo! free, carbon neutral transport!

Then, of course, there is reality.

1. Listed building, in a conservation area.
Fortunately, as a post-1948 construction, the garage does not get included in curtilage on the listing. Not sure about conservation area regs.

2. Bang up against boundary. That limits the height of the outbuilding I can build, from 4M to 3M. That reduces the angle of incidence to the sun for the panels.

3. Biggie. The garage is part-shaded by the house. I need to crunch the
numbers, but even with micro-inverters, it will reduce the net output from the panels.

Does anyone know of any panel simulation software that can model the effect of shading from a nearby building?

Not cheap, at any stage

1. Asbestos removal
2. Custom design and construction of garage
3. Extra cost of micro-inverters
4. reduced output from shading.
5. Paperwork!

[kenneal - lagger]

Can you move the garage further back on the plot and away from the house, Ralph?

[PS_RalphW]

No. It is already right up against the north boundary, and I cannot move it closer to the road because of planning regs.

[kenneal - lagger]

Shame!

[clv101]

Not cheap, at any stage

What are your actual objectives? Remember the climate cares not at all from where the carbon comes. Instead of shelling out the big bucks for your 2200 kWh of low carbon elec (and an electric car!) - why not invest that cash in a local community energy scheme and continue using a regular car?

Your money will probably mitigate far more carbon that way.

Alternatively you could look for a demand-side project to invest in. They are less sexy but in my opinion more effective. Can you find a current high carbon energy user - and buy them a new boiler, new insulation etc? That also might mitigate more carbon per £ spent than electrifying your own car transport.

[biffvernon]

why not invest that cash in a local community energy scheme and continue using a regular car?

I own a small part of a solar panel on a primary school in Swansea!

[PS_RalphW]

Government to allow onshore wind turbines "where there is community backing". At least 25 tory mps had voiced support for an onshore wind ammendment. As always the devil will be in the detail, but with current energy prices, local discounts will be very attractive.

[adam2]

Government to allow onshore wind turbines "where there is community backing". At least 25 tory mps had voiced support for an onshore wind ammendment. As always the devil will be in the detail, but with current energy prices, local discounts will be very attractive.

A positive move, we need more wind power. For the reasons given elsewhere, wind power is not the complete answer, but it could and should play a larger part than at present.

[adam2]

Later report here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63880999

[Ralphw2]

Government to remove the rule that a single objection automatically cancels an onshore wind turbine application, but the rules are still tougher than for nuclear power or coal mines.