Accounting for the outcomes of windfarm planning applications

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Wind Energy)

Applied Research and Development

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Town and Country Planning)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Politics and International Studies)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Technology acceptance)

Professor Marsh
School of Social Sciences - Economics
University of Birmingham

Standard

ESRC

01 October 2002

31 December 2005

39 months

£148,516

No relevance to Underpinning Sectors

West Midlands

ESRC Wind

Professor Marsh, School of Social Sciences - Economics, University of Birmingham

Dr D Toke, School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen

Objectives not supplied

This study aimed to throw light on factors that influence whether windfarms are approved by planning authorities in England and Wales. It became apparent early on in the project that the proportion of successful planning applications is higher than the impression given by media coverage. We concluded, as a result of statistical analysis of 51 cases, that the opinion of those living in the immediate vicinity of the proposed windfarms have the biggest influence on the planning outcome at localauthority level. However, the recommendation of local planning officers is also very important, as is the perceived impact of the schemes on the landscape. Following discussions with the Director of the STP the project also focused on a comparison between different means of funding wind power. We concluded that the British Renewables Obligation (RO), whilst effective in encouraging a major increase in wind power development, is less cost-effective compared to the fixed price 'feed-in' style tariff system. This system is used in Germany, Spain and Denmark. Whilst the British RO is suitable for financing onshore wind power, it is less suitable for financing other renewable technologies, including offshore wind power.

25/10/11