Planning for Renewable Energy

About Us

Reducing the need for fossil fuels is crucial in mitigating climate change. Moving towards renewable and low-carbon energy sources can also provide valuable social and economic benefits, such as a reduction in fuel poverty, and new jobs for an area in manufacturing and installing green technologies.

Worcestershire County Council seeks to take an overarching strategic view of renewables in the county by providing advice and research. The council's Economic Development unit also seeks to support the green economy in Worcestershire.

What We Don't Do

The County Council does not determine applications for renewable energy (except for waste-related planning applications such as energy-from-waste plants that may include an element of renewable fuel).

Most applications for renewable energy are determined by district local planning authorities.

Technical Research Paper

 Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire Research Paper  (1.8MB)

This research paper is intended to give a summary of the significant issues surrounding energy in the County.

The paper considers policy drivers and looks at issues of landscape, biodiversity and heritage.

Consultation

 Technical Research Paper Consultation Responses  (582KB)

A consultation on the 'Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire' Technical Research Paper took place in 2008. Details of consultation comments received, together with Worcestershire County Council's officer responses, can be viewed by clicking the link.

Analysis

 Assessment of Potential Renewable Energy Resources in Worcestershire  (7.7MB)

A study of the potential capacity for large-scale renewable energy in Worcestershire has been undertaken by consultants, providing calculations of potential levels of wind, biomass and hydro resources.

The study also maps potential broad locations for each technology and suggests a County-level target for energy that could be harnessed from renewable sources.

It should be noted that the study remains technical evidence, and the County Council has not endorsed either the levels or the locations of renewable energy development in Worcestershire.

Future Work  

It is recognised that renewable energy proposals, especially at the larger scale, can generate strong responses, both positive and negative, from the communities in which they are planned.

Worcestershire county council, in partnership with each of the district/borough councils in the county,are leading on a Strategy to try to facilitate greater discussion between developers, planners and local communities in a timely manner.

The Strategy is currently under development and is due to be published in 2011.