149.9m wind turbine at Port of Immingham

The site and surroundings

The turbine would stand on a vacant former coal yard within Immingham Port, an established industrial area beside the Humber Estuary.

“…visits would be on an occasional and pre-agreed basis rather than being open access, given the operational nature of the port and the safety risks without appropriate preparation. ASSESSMENT Site and surroundings Location The proposed development is located wholly within the applicant’s landholding at Immingham Port. The site is on the southern bank of the Humber Estuary to the north of the settlement of Immingham.”

“Site description The site itself sits on a former coal yard associated with the port and is close to a number of industrial buildings and ancillary industrial structures including conveyor units and lattice towers. The site is currently vacant and is not level. Evidence of former coal heaps can be seen on the site that have become covered over with vegetation, scrub and brambles.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Earlier activity included wind turbine scoping, a solar panel application, an industrial development application and a separate turbine proposal in North East Lincolnshire.

“There are overhead power lines adjacent to the site boundary and further overhead lines close to the site. Relevant planning history The site is a well established industrial area and forms part of Immingham Port.”

“It should also be noted that the developer has applied for one other similar wind turbine within Immingham Port, but within North East Lincolnshire, that application being submitted alongside this one (NELC ref DM/0329/24/FUL). Proposal Development This proposal is for 1 three-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine measuring up to 149.9m to tip. The exact model of the wind turbine is unknown at this stage.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval for 35 years, concluding that renewable energy and carbon reduction benefits outweighed identified environmental, heritage and visual effects subject to conditions.

“Planning assessment The relevant policies in relation to socio-economic benefits are CS2, CS11, CS12 and CS18 of the CS; and DS21 of the NLLP. Chapter 6 of the NPPF supports the expansion/modernisation of industry and chapter 14 specifies that local planning authorities should give significant weight to the benefits associated with renewable and low-carbon energy generation and the proposal’s contribution to a net zero future.”

“From detailed assessment and subject to conditions to avoid or mitigate any significant impacts identified, the proposal satisfies policy requirements set out in the NPPF, and North Lincolnshire Council’s CS and NLLP, relating to the natural and built environment, residential amenity, cultural heritage, the water environment, highways, noise, aviation, radar, telecommunications and socio-economic policies.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most technical consultees raised no objection or accepted mitigation, while wildlife concerns about birds were addressed through an appropriate assessment and proposed conditions.

“Safety concerns due to turbine proximity – detailed construction plans needed. Environment Agency: Initially objected due to inadequate Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). Objection withdrawn subject to conditions relating to groundwater contamination and flood risk. Concerns about breach depths exceeding 3m and inaccuracies in hazard mapping. Drainage (Lead Local Flood Authority): Initially objected due to outdated flood data.”

“HRA required; concerns about displacement and cumulative impacts. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: Object due to potential impacts on Humber Estuary SPA birds and insufficient cumulative impact assessment. Met Office Safeguarding: No comments; outside radar consultation zone. Health and Safety Executive: No comments as no significant effect on people. Ministry of Defence (MOD): No objection subject to aviation lighting and charting conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the applicant addressed the committee about necessity, proportionality, net zero targets, energy security, consultation and turbine height.

Members’ discussion

Councillor Ross reported no objection, and Councillor Grant thanked officers for the planning report.

“Councillor Ross informed the committee that she had no objections to the planning application.”

“Councillor M Grant thanked council officers for the excellent planning report.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission in accordance with the recommendations in the officer report.

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the planning officer’s report.”

Minutes