Turbines and Permission

 

At Earthmill we are particular about what we recommend and install -  after all we will be maintaining the turbine for the next 25 years! We will only install MCS accredited products as these have been independently certified and rigorously tested as part of the Government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

One size doesn’t fit all and wind turbines vary in many ways: hub height, swept area (rotor diameter), rated power, cut in/out speed. Once we have assessed the site we can compare the outputs from the different turbines and make recommendations as to which we believe will best suit your needs.

 

Planning Permission

Planning permission is a serious consideration when embarking on a wind turbine project. Wind turbines require planning permission and whilst national planning guidelines such as PPG22 support the introduction of energy as a whole, we do have to work hard to ensure your application is successful. Our 95% success rate is based on addressing local and regional council policy and ensuring we have factored in other potential stumbling blocks such as: bridleways, public rights of way, aviation, MOD, Natural England, archaeology etc.

Earthmill offer an in-house service to fully manage this complex process, which includes:

  • Research to identify relevant local policies
  • Research into potential conditions at the proposed site
  • Completing a Planning Design & Access Statement
  • Creating location and area scale plans
  • Planning portal management
  • Continued liaison with planning officer – onsite where required
  • Re-submissions and appeals
  • Regular client updates
  • Management of requests for further information i.e. block plans, manufacturer's data
  • Managing subcontractors for specialist outsourced information i.e. archaeology, ecological reports
  • Where required: preparation, attendance and presentation at planning committee
  • Where required: Parish Council / neighbour planning pack
  • Council planning application fees (refundable in some regions)
  • Outsourced specialist reports i.e. archaeology, ecology, environmental
 

Grid Connection

Connecting a wind turbine to your electricity supply requires permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Factors that influence their decision vary according to the size of the turbine, site supply type and strength. Earthmill manage this process alongside the planning application to ensure you are able to move ahead with the project as soon as planning is completed.