European and UK government policies establish a clear need for renewable energy provision to assist in tackling climate change, with wind energy currently being the largest source of renewable energy in the UK.
Over the last few years there has been a dramatic increase in wind farm development. In line with government targets to reduce carbon emissions it is to be expected that there will be a continued increase in the number of schemes coming forward.
Notwithstanding the desirability of reducing carbon emissions, wind farm development is often controversial and is frequently opposed by local authorities and local interest groups due to a range of concerns about impact on the local environment and residential amenity. The conflict between national renewable energy policy on the one hand and local considerations on the other is invariably finely balanced and we are expertly equipped to advise both developers and those opposing wind farms on the wide variety of issues that arise including: impact on landscape character and visual amenity, noise, ecology, equestrian pursuits, heritage assets, aviation, and health and safety. We can offer expert assistance at the planning application stage through to public inquiries and appeals in the Higher Courts.
What we do
- We act for over 300 local authorities, the development industry, including both private developers and public development agencies, as well as third party objectors. Our work with major developers ensures we remain involved with a wide range of high-profile projects
- Planning problems are invariably interwoven with other related areas of the law including environmental issues, compulsory purchase and compensation, minerals and waste, rights of way, highways, village greens and commons and harbours. We have expertise in all these areas and we can provide you with an holistic approach to all problems related to development, wherever they come from. We pride ourselves in providing appropriate and comprehensive advice
- We have a programme of seminars and members speak extensively at conferences which explain these changes. Drawing on our considerable experience in related practice areas, particularly from its knowledge of the workings of local government, our team is very well placed to continue to offer high quality advice in all aspects of the planning and environmental field.