Three Moors Windfarn
Roger Tym & Partners was commissioned by
Airtricity in October 2008 to undertake an appraisal of the potential
tourism and recreation, and related socio-economic impacts and effects,
which might result from the development of the Three Moors Wind Farm at
Knowstone, within North Devon District. The proposed development was a
nine turbine wind farm, with each turbine producing up to 2MW, and
associated infrastructure.
This commission was part of Airtricity’s appeal to North Devon District Council on the grounds of non-determination. The assessment was produced to form part of the Environmental Statement for the proposals.
The assessment reviewed the structure of the economy, included a survey of tourist and visitor facilities, and estimated the impact of the proposals upon local businesses particularly those in the tourism & recreation sector as the principal focus of the economy. Both adverse and positive effects; the potential for job creation: direct, indirect and induced employment; quantitative and qualitative economic effects; and potential opportunities for ‘green tourism’ were examined. The study also recommended mitigation measures for the businesses that were expected to suffer adverse affects.
This impact assessment indicated that there would be little impact on tourism from the proposed development. The inspector agreed with this assessment.
However in the end the inspector dismissed the appeal because of “adverse impact on the landscape, character and appearance of the locality and in particular the setting of the Exmoor National Park”.
This commission was part of Airtricity’s appeal to North Devon District Council on the grounds of non-determination. The assessment was produced to form part of the Environmental Statement for the proposals.
The assessment reviewed the structure of the economy, included a survey of tourist and visitor facilities, and estimated the impact of the proposals upon local businesses particularly those in the tourism & recreation sector as the principal focus of the economy. Both adverse and positive effects; the potential for job creation: direct, indirect and induced employment; quantitative and qualitative economic effects; and potential opportunities for ‘green tourism’ were examined. The study also recommended mitigation measures for the businesses that were expected to suffer adverse affects.
This impact assessment indicated that there would be little impact on tourism from the proposed development. The inspector agreed with this assessment.
“There
would not be likely to be any material harm to ecology, tranquillity,
tourism, cultural heritage or other matters raised, and no conflict with
relevant policies dealing with these matters.”
However in the end the inspector dismissed the appeal because of “adverse impact on the landscape, character and appearance of the locality and in particular the setting of the Exmoor National Park”.
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