Community input
As with the earlier Rushy Mead wind energy scheme, in the event that an alternative development proposal is pursued for the site, the local community will be invited to become proactively involved in a Partnerships for Renewables development in several ways.
Help to shape the public consultation
Local parish councils and other local interest groups will be invited to help shape the project consultation programme. These groups understand the local community and will help Partnerships for Renewables to provide factual information to as many local residents as possible throughout the development process.
Contribute to the development of community benefit
A market-leading benefit package will be provided alongside any future development. This will consist of a community fund, which will receive an annual payment. The fund will be administered by representatives of the local community, to be spent in any way that the community sees fit.
A separate community benefit fund consultation will take place later in the development process. The consultation will be conducted by a third party.
Contribute to project design
The local community will be invited to make suggestions on how the proposal can be improved. Wind turbine locations are dictated by the results of the technical and environmental studies. However, the overall design will often includes issues such as identifying access routes and site tracks, habitat management plans and other issues specific to that project.
Contribute to environmental work
Local environmental and wildlife groups will be invited to liaise with Partnerships for Renewables' independent environmental consultants to contribute towards the final environmental assessment work and proposals.
Traffic and construction management plan
The local community will be asked to help Partnerships for Renewables develop traffic and construction management plans. These plans specify the details of how Partnerships for Renewables will operate on the ground to build the project. Issues such as component delivery timetables can be influenced (to avoid school opening times etc).
Planning conditions
The value of planning conditions is often overlooked. Partnerships for Renewables will provide examples of planning conditions to the local community. This enables both supporters and objectors to seek reassurance from the planning officer that certain standards will be adhered to if the application is approved.