3.4.1 Climatic and topographical conditions within the Borough are such that the greatest demand for renewable energy generation is likely to be in the form of wind power. An area of search has been identified through the use of potential surface analysis including factors relating to wind speed, accessibility to the national grid and established environmental constraints.

3.4.2 The development of wind turbine generators as a source of renewable energy is becoming increasingly important and there are now a considerable number of wind farms, groups of turbines or single turbines throughout the country. They need to be located in areas of high average wind speed and are most likely in a coastal or upland location which is often of high landscape or nature conservation value. In assessing proposals for wind turbine generators the Council will have regard to PPG22 - Renewable Energy (February 1993).With regards to applications for single wind turbines the Council will take into consideration advice contained in paragraph 59 of Annex A of PPG22, which states that:-

"....siting criteria maybe more flexible in the case of single turbines or groups of turbines supplying primarily the turbine owners themselves. Local Planning Authorities must always weigh the desirability of exploiting a clean, renewable energy resource against the visual impact on the landscape of wind turbines...."