Wood Fuel Development Guidance
Issue: 03
1st November 2010
1. Introduction
The Landscape Partnership Ltd has completed research
into wood fuel development and the planning process
on behalf of the Forestry Commission. This report
describes the findings of the research. Initially, the
background to the project is presented, followed by the
planning policy context for wood fuel. The outcome of
the relevant planning appeal case history is described
and then case studies of wood fuel development
proposals are illustrated. Finally, the key issues for
Development Management Officers to consider when
determining wood fuel planning applications are
summarised.
Project justification
The Forestry Commission aims to increase the amount
of woody biomass delivered to market and this is
set out within the Wood fuel strategy for England
(Forestry Commission, 2007). Wood fuel development
has the potential to support Local Planning Authorities
in working towards the government targets for
renewable energy within Planning Policy Statement
22: Renewable energy (CLG, 2004), and the objectives
set out within the consultation document Planning
Policy Statement: Planning for a Low Carbon Future
in a Changing Climate (CLG, 2010).
Local Planning Authorities are receiving an increasing
number of planning applications for wood fuel
development. The aim of this report is to provide
guidance for Local Planning Authorities when
processing these applications.
2.
Background
The project commenced with a scoping exercise. The
scoping study considered the key issues associated
with planning for wood fuel. The initial research
identified:
Inconsistencies in decision making by Local Planning
Authorities determining wood fuel development
proposals;
The negative impact of regulatory requirements on
the financial viability of wood fuel schemes; and
The need for further guidance on wood fuel
proposals for Local Planning Authorities.
The scoping study has informed the approach to the
project and the data collected has been carefully
considered in compiling this planning guidance.
During the scoping stage the Royal Town Planning
Institute (RTPI) agreed to endorse the guidance
document and support its distribution to planning
professionals. The Institute is currently promoting
its Seven commitments on climate change and has
prepared a Climate Change Compendium. The
Climate Change Compendium includes a section on
renewable energy which should be read in conjunction
with the wood fuel planning guidance.
Our approach has been multi faceted with information
drawn from a range of sources and these are outlined
below:
A questionnaire for planning professionals
A questionnaire to ascertain the main planning issues
associated with wood fuel development proposals
was distributed to the RTPI Environmental Planning
and Protection Network Energy and Planning Interest
Group and the results of the survey have been used to
prepare this guidance.
2.
Background
Planning policy
The national planning policy context for wood fuel development has been considered in detail.
Appeals
Past appeal decisions can set a precedent for future decisions. The implications of case law relating
to the definition of permitted forestry activity, development ancillary to forestry and the issues
associated with sensitive sites have been reviewed.
Case studies
Development Management Officers and Planning Consultants have identified examples of wood fuel
proposals which have progressed through the planning process. Case studies have been examined,
and the key findings of the most pertinent cases have been summarised.
Issues to consider
The planning policy context, past appeal decisions and the case studies have been used to develop a
synopsis of some of the issues for Development Management Officers to consider when determining
planning applications for wood fuel development.
3.
Policy context
At the time of writing, the Conservative Government
proposes to review the National Planning Policy
Statements and prepare a National Planning Framework.
Until further details are provided the following Planning
Policy Statements apply.
Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a
Changing Climate
Consultation March 9 2010
Consultation on the Planning Policy Statement which
combines the Climate Change Supplement to Planning
Policy Statement 1 and Planning Policy Statement 22
follows a succession of legislation and directives that
set out how the UK will achieve dramatic reductions in
emissions and meet targets on renewables. Wood fuel
has the potential to make a significant contribution to
the achievement of these targets.
The
consultation document encourages Local
Planning Authorities to support the move to a low
carbon economy and secure low carbon living in a
changing climate. Renewable and low carbon energy
development should be encouraged. Local Authorities
should ensure that Development Management does
not prevent, delay or inhibit appropriate proposals
for renewable and low carbon energy generation.
Renewable energy development compromising the
openness of the green belt would be inappropriate
and visual impacts should be carefully considered.
The proposed Planning Policy Statement is yet to be
adopted. The Conservative Governments objectives
support low carbon and decentralised energy and
therefore future planning policy is likely to remain
positive.
3.
Policy context
Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy, CLG
10 August 2004
The document states that Local Authorities should encourage small scale renewable energy
developments through positively expressed policies in Local Development Documents. Biomass
operators should minimise the effect of increases in traffic by ensuring that generation plants are
located in as close proximity as possible to the sources of fuel that have been identified.
Planning for Renewable Energy: A Companion Guide to Planning Policy Statement 22,
CLG
16 December 2004
This guide supports the Governments aspiration to supply 20% of electricity for England and Wales
from renewables by 2020. It explains that more effective management, such as the management
of woodland to promote biodiversity, is a key environmental benefit of biomass.
The guide provides recommendations and should be read in conjunction with expert opinion, local
policy and the site context. The context is particularly important in determining the appropriate
approach and scale for biomass proposals.
Coalition Government policy
The Governments priorities for Englands trees, woods and forests, and its approach to achieving
them flow from The Coalition: our programme for government (Cabinet Office 2010). This commits
to using a wide range of levers to cut carbon emissions, decarbonise the economy and support
the creation of new green jobs and technologies to fulfil ambitions for a low carbon, eco-friendly
society. The programme includes a commitment to ..create a presumption in favour of sustainable
development in the planning system. Ministers have subsequently endorsed putting in place the
conditions for a step change in woodland creation and woodland management in England to fulfil
carbon and other co-benefits.
3.
Policy context
Wood Fuel Strategy for England, Forestry
Commission
March 2007
The document includes a target to increase the amount
of woody biomass delivered to market to two million
tonnes annually by 2020. This target represents 50%
of the estimated unharvested annual increment in
English woodlands.
The UK Renewable Energy Strategy 2009
July 15 2009
The strategy outlines a commitment to expanding
the UK biomass sector as a cost effective means of
meeting the UK target of achieving a reduction in
EU greenhouse gas emissions of 20% by 2020. The
policies set out in the strategy aim to build on existing
efforts to increase the production of sustainable
biomass in the UK and support the expansion of the
biomass supply chain. The strategy suggests that the
supply of biomass could be increased through bringing
more woodlands back into management.
4.
Appeals
Past appeal decisions may set a precedent for future decisions. Therefore, it is important to consider
the case history for wood fuel.
The General Permitted Development Order does not define forestry and there is no definition within
the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Forestry is referred to as the growing of a usable
crop of timber in the context of aftercare conditions relating to mineral workings. A number of
appeal decisions have helped set a description of forestry which includes wood storage and some
processing activity, peeling of bark, cutting down, topping and lopping and uprooting of trees and
the clearance of undergrowth, splitting and cutting of timber and coppice wood. In some cases
dictionary definitions have been used to help determine the nature of forestry. As forestry is
permitted development, planning permission is not required for any of these activities.
Activities ancillary to forestry
Since forestry is permitted development, activities ancillary to forestry are also permitted.
Uses such as the processing and sale of timber are viewed as ancillary, but only if the timber is grown
on site and it is only primary timber products that are sold. The manufacture of timber elements
would therefore fall out with this permission. Scale is an important consideration, naturally ancillary
activity must assume an appropriate proportion of the site.
Woodland sites should be of an adequate size to provide sufficient fuel for the wood operation
proposed.
4.
Appeals
Landscape and green belt designations
Landowners and managers are required to notify the
Local Planning Authority when exercising permitted
development rights for agriculture and forestry. A
planning application can be required for a forestry
proposal following prior notification. Should a proposal
have a significant impact on a landscape or green belt
designation then planning permission is more likely to
be required. Officers should encourage applicants to
consider designations when designing schemes.
Contentions have arisen regarding built elements of
wood fuel proposals due to their visual impact. The
appearance and location of supporting buildings can
be considered as intrusive within the landscape context
by altering the landscape character. These concerns
can override the importance of the role of wood fuel in
mitigating climate change in planning decisions.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 1: Cambridge housing scheme
Proposal: A planning application for community biomass heating associated with the redevelopment
of sheltered accommodation to provide forty flats. The redevelopment proposals included the
installation of biomass boilers and photovoltaics to help the scheme reach Code for Sustainable
Homes Level 5.
Location: Histon Road, Cambridge
Local Planning Authority: Cambridge City Council
Site area: The proposal was for the redevelopment of a 0.28 hectare rectangular site. The site
previously provided twenty-five one bedroom flats, a three bedroom wardens dwelling and eight
one bedroom bungalows. The redevelopment of the site was required to bring the accommodation
up to modern living standards. The site was located in the northwest of the city within an existing
residential area. It was bound by a busy main road to the city on one side, with residential properties
on all other sides, including small residential cul-de-sac fronting two sides.
Capacity: The proposed biomass unit was a 200KW boiler with a 4,000 litre accumulator vessel to
provide top-up at peak demand.
Key planning issues: The application was granted subject to a planning condition related to the
need for an approved maintenance plan for the biomass community heating. The plan was to
be made available prior to the installation of the system. Cambridge City Council Environmental
Services Department raised concerns about the impact on air quality as the site was just outside
of an Air Quality Management Area. However, in this instance, the benefits of the scheme were
deemed to outweigh any potential impacts. This was the first Code Level 5 scheme in Cambridge,
which had a significant influence on the outcome of the application.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 2: Purepower,
Northamptonshire
Proposal: The proposal was for a new waste treatment
plant adjacent to an existing green waste composting
operation. The applicant sought to construct a building
to accommodate the drying and grinding of the wood
in addition to a pyrolysis plant and two gas engines.
Location: Pebble Hall, Bosworth Road, Theddingworth,
Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The access was within
the Leicestershire district boundary but the site was
located in Northamptonshire
Local Planning
County Council
Authority:
Northamptonshire
Site area: The 1 hectare site was located alongside an
existing composting site, within an old farm building
complex. The complex was used for B8 warehousing
units, with some workshops.
Capacity: The proposal would produce 40,000 tonnes
of dry wood chip per annum.
Key planning issues: The application was granted.
Key issued included the landscape impact, access for
vehicles delivering wood waste and control of dust and
noise. A condition controlled mud and debris tracked
from the site by existing vehicles. Restrictions were
also placed on the quantity of heavy goods vehicles
allowed to visit the site per week. The decision notice
specified that the waste materials to be processed
at the site must originate within a thirty mile radius.
There were no serious objections, so the application
was determined under delegated powers.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 3: Wood fuel processing facility,
Wigan
Proposal: The continued use of land and an existing
metal barn for the storage, processing and distribution
of timber and ancillary solid fuel sales.
Location: Lowton (near Wigan)
Local Planning Authority: Wigan Council
Site area: A 1 hectare site in an existing farm
development, within the green belt. The site is bound
by the A580, linking the M6 to the M60 and the M61.
Key planning issues: The application was
recommended for refusal due to the sites green belt
location. However, permission was granted for a five
year temporary operation due to members concern
that the farm was failing. The use would provide
a temporary means of farm diversification, thus
protecting several jobs.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 4: Sheffield biomass facility
Proposal: A planning application for a biomass storage facility to provide a secure centre for wood
storage and processing. The proposal included re-use of an existing compound and the development
of a new structure. Wood fuel for the area was transported from a site in Barnsley, requiring a fifty
mile round trip. There was a growing need for a local facility using local sources due to increased
local wood fuel demand.
Location: Beighton Road, Woodhouse
Local Planning Authority: Sheffield City Council
Site area: The proposed site was between 0.5 and 1 hectare. The land was located on the northern
part of the former Beighton landfill site, previously the main entrance to the landfill operation. The
site was approximately seven miles southeast of Sheffield city centre, and approximately ten minutes
drive, by a modern highway link, to junction 31 of the M1 Motorway. Access to the city centre was by
a modern urban high-speed link. There were regular public transport links to the city centre and the
Supertram network. The section of land was not part of the landfill operation. The land was fairly
open and a few mature trees were located on the site periphery. The northern boundary abutted
the public highway which could have provided access to utility services. The southern boundary was
adjacent to the Shire Brook Valley, a local nature reserve. This boundary provided panoramic views
across the valley to the south east of the city and beyond. Since the closure of the landfill site the
land was gradually being landscaped to form part of the Shire Brook Valley, and the entire former
landfill site was being reclaimed as public open space. The site was designated as green belt.
Capacity: The new storage facility would be 2,952 cubic metres
5.
Case studies
Case Study 4: Sheffield biomass facility (continued)
Key planning issues: The green belt location was the main reason for refusal. The Council
referenced Planning Policy Guidance Note 2: Green Belts and the Unitary Development Plan
policies in the Green Environment section. These stated that new buildings in the green belt were
inappropriate development unless they were for the purposes of agriculture and forestry or outdoor
sport and recreation. Change of use and industrial operations were deemed inappropriate unless
they maintained openness and did not conflict with the purposes of including land in the green
belt. Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 states that visual amenity should not be compromised by
proposals for development within or viewed from the green belt.
Since the Council had a scheme in place to reclaim the landfill site as public open space, the visual
harm that the proposed wood fuel facility would have caused was judged in the context of the
reclaimed site. The proposal was viewed as an industrial use which was not only inappropriate for
the green belt location, but also detrimental to openness and visual amenity. Any connection to an
activity ancillary to forestry was rejected on the grounds that the wood fuel would not be processed
on forestry land, nor would it be sourced from woodland with a forestry use. The benefits of the
facility did not outweigh the potential harm to the green belt. It was suggested that alternative sites
in the Beighton area had not been considered sufficiently and that an industrial site in the city would
be a more suitable location.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 5: Bishops Castle Biomass Power Ltd
Proposal: Bishops Castle Biomass Power Ltd proposed a renewable energy wood chip power plant
with an embedded generator, exporting power to the local grid. The operation was to consist of
a wood fuel combined heat and power plant, pelletiser and associated works. The development
proposal was less than 5,000 m2 and comprised two buildings, a reception area and external
equipment. Potential fuel sources included energy crops, non-food crops and wood chip.
Location: Southeast of Bishops Castle, Shropshire, a rural market town
Local Planning Authority: South Shropshire District Council
Site area: The site was east of Bishops Castle Business Park. An open agricultural field was directly
to the northeast. Storage for a builders merchant was located to the south. Other nearby land
uses included a school, a new residential area to the northwest and a sewage treatment plant to the
east. Access to the site was from the B4385, which the applicant asserted had sufficient capacity to
handle increased traffic load from the plant works. A track and footpath ran north of the site.
Capacity: 20,000 tonnes of dry wood chip per annum, generating 13 MW (thermal) maximum
input, 2.5 MW (electrical) nominal net output and 4 MW (thermal) of heat use.
Key planning issues: After an appeal against non-determination, planning permission for this
development was ultimately granted. The key issues raised during the appeal included the potential
affects on the character and appearance of the area and the amenity of nearby residents, with
particular reference to pollution, noise and disturbance. There was also considerable discussion on
the efficiency of the plant and the suitability of biomass as a renewable energy technology.
During the original Inquiry concerns were raised by the Council and the public that the environmental
and visual impact would outweigh the benefit of the biofuel technology. Despite the nearby
Shropshire Hills being designated as an AONB, the appeal Inspector believed that the development
would not be out of context with the industrial estate in which the proposed site was situated. The
Inspector also contended that the site lay within an area identified in the South Shropshire Local
Plan where Policy S2 stated that industrial and business development would be permitted. The
proposed pelletiser was considered to be an industrial use, but the proposed power plant would be
unclassified. The combined use was deemed to be consistent with Policy S2.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 5: Bishops Castle Biomass Power Ltd (continued)
The Planning Authority had reservations about the sustainability of the operation and its potential
environmental impacts. The authority had previously asserted that technical information given was
inadequate evidence about the operations potential environmental effects. However, the Appeal
Inspector was satisfied that local concerns about pollution, noise and disturbance could be effectively
addressed by the imposition of appropriate planning conditions. There were also concerns about
a sufficient supply of fuel within sustainable delivery distances. The Inspector found the operation
to be sufficiently sustainable due to its central location to a large rural area, containing forests and
woodland. A large sawmill nearby also supported this assertion. Overall, the scheme was deemed
to be in accordance with a key principles of Planning Policy Statement 22 in that the proposed
technology was viable and the environmental, economic and social impact of the proposal could be
addressed satisfactorily.
A substantial part of the initial case against the proposal concerned the energy efficiency of the
plant and the suitability of biomass technology. The Appeal Inspector dismissed these concerns by
asserting that the operation could make adequately efficient use of resources by using combined
heat and power (CHP) technology. The scheme proposed to incorporate a pelletiser which would
utilise heat from the power plant. Thus, the operation would be a CHP enterprise and would
therefore benefit from policy support for CHP initiatives. To ensure the efficiency benefits from
this were achieved the Inspector advised that a planning condition should be imposed linking the
proposed power plant with the pelletiser and precluding independent operation of the two. The
original inquiry had sought provision of off-site heat and power mains maximising the advantages of
CHP. However, the Appeals Inspector, while conceding that this provision would be beneficial, did
not believe it was a necessary condition for the development to proceed.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 6: Silvapower at Ringstone
Farm
Proposal: Silvapower and their partners at Ringstone
Farm proposed a new barn on the existing farm site for
the processing and storage of wood fuel. Wood fuel
was already being stored at the site. The proposal
was to increase this storage and allow wood chip to
be processed on site. The raw materials were sourced
locally.
Location: Brierley Commons, near Barnsley, South
Yorkshire
Local Planning Authority: Barnsley Metropolitan
Borough Council
Site area: The site of the proposed barn was on
a farm amongst existing agricultural structures.
Approximately 0.6 hectares of land was being used
for the processing and storage of wood fuel. A farm
and a few dwellings were close to the property.
Capacity: The new barn would provide an additional
540 cubic metres of covered storage space in which a
turnover of approximately 2000 cubic meters of wood
chip could be stored per year.
Key planning issues: This planning application was
partially retrospective in that it sought to formalise the
growth in wood fuel storage and processing on the
site. When the operation first started several years
prior, the Council confirmed that planning permission
was not needed due to the minimal amount of wood
fuel storage occurring. At the time the Council took
the view that the minimal wood storage was an
appropriate ancillary use to occur as part of a farm
operation.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 6: Silvapower at Ringstone Farm (continued)
In addition to seeking to formalise the growth of the operation, the applicant wanted to obtain
permission to build an additional barn. Initially the local planning authority used Planning Policy
Guidance 2: Green Belts, to undermine the application, arguing that the production and storage
of wood fuel could not be defined as agriculture or forestry. Since the initial response, the Local
Planning Authority accepted that climate change mitigation and adaptation may constitute a special
circumstance, in which they might allow the additional structure and wood fuel business growth in
the green belt. The planning application is currently at the consultation stage. It is expected that,
if permitted, the structure and aesthetic of the new barn would be conditioned to compliment the
surrounding agricultural environment.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 7: Grange Farm wood fuel
storage
Proposal: A retrospective application to store and
season wood fuel to support the viability of Grange
Farm. The operation consisted of the use of an
existing metal barn and the adjacent area for the
storage, processing and distribution of timber and
ancillary solid fuel sales. Internet sales and deliveries
accounted for the majority of the wood fuel business.
However, fuel was also supplied to local buyers. Timber
was delivered on site in the summer and seasoned and
processed over several months before winter sales. On
site sales took place primarily from November through
to February. The majority of the wood storage was
stacked 2.5m to 5.3m high, no higher than the eaves
of the barn.
Location: Lowton, located to the north of Warrington
Local Planning Authority: Wigan Borough Council
Site area: The farm consisted of 21 hectares of arable
land, 8.9 hectares of which was adjacent farmland
leased from the Council. The farm fronted onto East
Lancashire Road. The applicants owned 8.9 hectares
of woodland in Cumbria with a forestry management
scheme in place.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 7: Grange Farm wood fuel storage (continued)
Key planning issues: The wood fuel business was originally introduced to Grange Farm to utilise
the wood waste generated by the landscape contracting business also operating on the site. The
acceptability of the initial operations, three years prior, was confirmed by a letter from the Council.
Due to the growth of the business and a desire to expand it, a planning application was made. The
planning application sought permission for:
The stacking of timber to specified heights on wood pallets;
The installation of a wood cutting machine;
The provision of a new hardcore standing adjacent to the barn to allow the processing of timber
on the far side of the barn (further from adjacent properties); and
The use of the barn for wood storage and sales.
The case was made that the farm would cease to exist if it was not financially supplemented by the
wood fuel business. It was also argued that the disused farm buildings and property would cause
greater harm to the visual amenity of the greenbelt than the wood fuel operations. The application
was strongly supported by a report and supplementary statement made by an agricultural consultant.
It carefully addressed why the operation should be permissible in light of relevant planning issues.
The farm was located within the green belt. The Council ruled that the wood fuel storage was an
industrial use and therefore inappropriate in a green belt location. However, the wood fuel operation
was granted a temporary five year permission to store and supply wood fuel for the purpose of
upholding the farms viability.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 8: Forest Fuels at Grasscott Farm
Proposal: The application was for a change of use to a commercial wood chipping station (falling
within the B2 Use Class) allowing for the import of raw materials to Grasscott Farm. The farm was
already processing wood fuel sourced on site. In order to meet increased customer demand, it
became necessary to supplement on site supply by importing additional wood fuel.
Location: Grasscott Farm, Buckland Filleigh, near Shebbear, Devon
Local Planning Authority: Torridge District Council
Site area: 0.2 Hectares
Capacity: The farm produced 800 tonnes of wood chip per year from coppicing over the farms
86 hectares of woodland. The figures are likely to be higher this year, as in the winter of 2009 to
2010 alone the farm processed a total of 620 tonnes of wood chip.
Key planning issues: The existing site access would be retained. Site traffic was expected to
double. Since the surrounding roads were already used by HGVs, no additional improvements to
the road network were expected. The Highways Authority recommended that visibility splays be
provided at the site access. The land would continue to be used for forestry and agriculture with
a minimal increase in wood fuel processing. As no sensitive residential properties were within the
zone of impact, noise would not be a key issue.
The council granted planning permission citing two conditions. The commercial use was restricted
to wood-chipping and operations were limited to normal business hours.
5.
Case studies
Case Study 9: Boiler for North Yorkshire Forestry Commission offices
Proposal: The replacement of the existing oil burner serving the Forestry Commission office in
North Yorkshire with a wood pellet boiler. Planning consent was required for the wood pellet store.
The boiler was permitted development.
Location: Outgang Road, Pickering, North Yorkshire
Local Planning Authority: Ryedale District Council, Malton, North Yorkshire
Site area: A small area just outside of the office building.
Capacity: A 50 KW wood pellet boiler, with a 13 cubic metre wood pellet store holding approximately
8 tonnes of wood pellets.
Key planning issues: The planning application highlighted that the proposal would save
approximately 10,000 litres of oil per annum, which would be replaced with 25 tonnes of wood
pellets from sustainably managed forests. Wood pellets would be delivered in bulk, requiring three
to four deliveries per year. Pellets would be blown into the store and then fed by blower and auger
feed to the Frohling wood pellet boiler, which would be internally situated. The flue for the boiler
would be fitted within the existing chimney stack. The store could be accessed from the existing car
park as the delivery lorries blow the pellets up to thirty metres. A two metre high stained post and
timber rail fence would screen the development.
The application was granted planning permission, supporting the Forestry Commission in reducing
their carbon footprint through less energy use and replacement of fossil fuels. As the existing
oil storage tanks were not double bunded, their removal contributed to increased environmental
protection.
6.
Issues to consider
Wood fuel has significant potential to contribute to
the achievement of government targets for renewable
energy. Each wood fuel proposal should be seen as an
opportunity and Development Management Officers
should work with applicants to address the following
impacts:
Landscape and visual factors
A landscape and visual impact assessment may be
required in support of applications, particularly for
wood fuel proposals within green belts and AONBs.
Transport
Traffic volume can increase as vehicles move to and
from the site in order to transport biomass fuel and
subsequent by products. However, wood fuel proposals
do not necessarily have a significant transport impact.
Transport Statements should support applications and
Highways Officers should be consulted at the outset.
Conditions can limit traffic movement to normal
business hours.
Environmental issues
Environmental Health Officers should provide early
advice for operators on mitigating airborne and
waterborne emissions.
Habitat management
Wood fuel planning permissions can be used to regulate
unmanaged woodland. Woodland management plans
can be required to accompany an application, or as
a condition. Management plans should consider the
role of woodlands in promoting biodiversity.
Noise
Apply BS 4142 to noise from traffic and plant operations
where appropriate.
The local economy
The supply of biomass fuel can secure a long-term
income for farmers, woodland landowners, contractors
6.
Issues to consider
and transport operators in rural areas. Temporary
permissions may be used to support the viability of
local farms.
Local Development Orders
An order could be applied to extend permitted
development rights for agriculture and forestry to
include some wood fuel processing, supporting
diversification of the rural economy.
6.
Sources of additional information
Regen SW, Wood fuel Storage, August 2008 (http://www.regensw.co.uk/)
Northwoods, The North Easts Woodland Initiative, New Heat Planning Guidance for the
North East, March 2008 (http://www.northwoods.org.uk/)
The Mersey Forest on behalf of North West Regional Leaders Forum,
Installing Biomass Heating Systems Advice Note for Development Control Planners, October
2008
Installing Wood Fuelled Heating, Advice Note for Householders, October 2008
Installing Biomass Heating Systems, Advice Note for Developers, October 2008
(http://merseyforest.org.uk/)
RTPI Climate Change Compendium (http://www.rtpi.org.uk/)
Forestry Commission (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-woodfuel)
Biomass Energy Centre (http://www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk/)
Forest Research Wood Fuel Information Pack (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-66SHAG)
