Wind Farms and the Historic Environment
The Research Beehive, Newcastle University, 6 September
2010
Organised by Northumberland County
Council and hosted by the School of Historical Studies,
Newcastle University.
Sponsored by Vattenfall, Wessex Archaeology,
novera energy/infinis and Institute for
Archaeologists
Press Release 1/9/2010
click here to
read the press release
Summary
The UK has committed to sourcing 15% of its energy from
renewable sources by 2020. This target represents a major increase
in the share of energy obtained from renewables from about 2.25% in
2008.
Wind energy is expected to make a significant
contribution towards achieving this target, leading to increasing
pressure to accommodate major wind farm developments throughout the
UK.
Onshore wind farms are among the most
conspicuous forms of renewable energy development, with the current
generation of wind turbines typically being between 100 – 130m
high. Although individual wind turbines are perceived as occupying
a relatively small construction footprint, windfarm developments
can require significant ancillary works, including the construction
of road and track networks, associated earthworks and the provision
for connection to the national grid.
Unless careful consideration is given to the
location, scale and layout of proposals at the design stage, wind
energy developments have the potential to impact both the fabric
and the setting of historic assets.
This conference will explore the extent to
which the objectives of renewable energy policy and the sensitivity
of the historic environment can be accommodated within the planning
process without compromising either interest.
Click here to
download a pdf of the conference poster (108Kb).
Key Topics
- assessment, avoidance and mitigation of impacts to the historic
environment
- the setting of historic assets
- policy background
- non-statutory policy and guidance (England and Scotland)
- landscape assessment and capacity studies
- the planning balance
- case studies
- EIA and inquiry evidence
Programme
The conference will include contributions from
national and local government representatives and heritage
advisors, representatives of the renewable energy industry,
cultural heritage professionals, barristers specialising in
renewable energy casework and other professionals working in the
sector.
Download
the conference programme here. Download
abstracts here.
Speakers
Nick Best (Assistant County Archaeologist, Conservation Team,
Northumberland County Council)
Richard Conolly (EIA Project Manager,
Headland Archaeology)
Barbara Cummins (Deputy Chief Inspector,
Historic
Scotland Inspectorate)
Dr Antony Firth (Head of Coastal and
Marine, Wessex Archaeology)
David Hardy
(Partner, Cobbetts LLP)
George Lambrick (Archaeology and
Heritage Consultant)
Philip Lewis
(Principal Planner, Atmos consulting)
Simon Power (Associate Director, Environment,
Planning and Energy, Arup)
Carol Pyrah (Planning & Development
Regional Director, North-East Region, English Heritage)
Peter Rogers (Historic Buildings Advisor,
Northumberland County Council)
Adrian Smith (Renewable Energy and Planning
Consultant)
Paul
Tucker QC (Kings Chambers)
Cost
In recognition of lack of affordable and accessible training
relevant to this very important subject area, and in conjunction
with our sponsors and contributors, we have committed to making
this event free to delegates to attend. There is no charge
to attend this event, however booking is essential.
Availability and Allocation of Places
In order to ensure that the event is attended
by a representative cross-section of delegates from all relevant
sectors, and that discussion is both balanced and informed, we
initially propose to allocate specific numbers of places to
delegates from each of the sectors listed below. In the first
instance, places will therefore be strictly limited and allocated
according to delegate’s professional background or sector.
The event will be particularly relevant to the
following groups:
- cultural heritage practioners
- local government officers
- elected members
- planners and planning consultants
- renewable energy developers
- landscape architects
- consultants working in the renewable energy sector
THE CONFERENCE IS NOW FULL: if you would like to
be placed on a reserve list please send a booking form and we will
let you know as soon as possible if a place becomes
available.
How to Book
Please use the booking form below:
Click here to
download a booking form (pdf) or Click here to
download a booking form (Word)
Venue Information
The Research Beehive is located in the Old Library Building on
the main campus at Newcastle University, in Newcastle city centre.
The campus is easily accessible by public transport and
is approximately 10-15 minutes from Newcastle Central
Station by Metro, or 15-20 minutes on foot.
Click
here to download a pdf with information and map of the
venue.
Accommodation in Newcastle
The tourist information site Newcastle-Gateshead
provides an accommodation database and free booking service.
Contact Us
For further information please contact us at archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk
or telephone 01670 534166.
