South Ayrshire Local Plan

Energy

Planning has a role to play in encouraging the most efficient use of energy, whether this is from fossil fuels or renewable energy sources. This encouragement can take the form of guiding development to locations which will help to minimise the need for travel, or by promoting energy efficient building design and development principles – for example through the use of passive solar gain (using the sun to warm up buildings) – or avoiding exposed/windswept sites.

Consideration of how development may influence the use of energy resources when completed and ensuring the most efficient options are pursued can help to meet the environmental objectives of the Plan – especially with regard to the promotion of sustainable development.

POLICY SERV2*

The Council will encourage developers to take positive measures to ensure development proposals include good practice in terms of energy conservation.

The Council recognises the merit in promoting sensitive renewable energy production methods and is aware that South Ayrshire has a range of resources which may prove to be viable. Although these may have wide ranging benefits, they may not be without local detrimental impacts.

Though not exclusive, a substantial level of developer interest is anticipated in the creation of wind turbine/wind farm proposals, through which visual impact/dominance on the landscape may be important issues.

Whilst generally encouraging renewable energy developments, the Council will therefore seek to ensure that they do not result in any unacceptable impact on the natural or built environment.

POLICY SERV3*

The Council will presume in favour of proposals for renewable energy production developments where it is demonstrated, through the provision of an environmental impact assessment, to be acceptable in terms of environmental, infrastructure and community impacts.