MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 2.00 PM

Present :

Mrs T M Butchers (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J H Fleming, Mr R C Richards (deputising for Mrs M Miller)

Apologies :

Mr C B W Chapman, Mr E Fox, Mrs B Lawson, Mrs M Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mrs E Oulton, Mr A Tiltman

38.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2002 be confirmed.

39.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations made at this stage.

40.      PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Questions were submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting by Mr J Ogden of Little Pitt Place, Brighstone, Isle of Wight in relation to the Community Renewable Energy Strategy. The Chairman indicated that these would be answered during the course of the presentation to be made in relation to this agenda item.

41.      DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGY FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

           The Select Committee considered the report of the Agenda 21 and Health Alliance Officer which set out the background to the draft Community Renewable Energy Strategy for the Island. The background to the development of the Strategy, which had been part funded by the EU Altener programme and involved technical support from Intermediate Technology Consultants Ltd, was outlined. A comprehensive consultation process had commenced in July 2001. This had led to a number of Flagship renewable energy projects to be identified.

The Strategy was to link in with the Government’s national aim to seek the supply of 10% of electricity in the UK through renewable sources by 2010. This was part of the Climate Change Programme aimed at reducing the UK’s CO2 emissions.

Members were advised of the technical, economic, social, environmental and cost benefit assessment of the differing forms of renewable energy source. The need for the Island community to take ownership of renewable energy projects was highlighted. This would be assisted if the community benefited from such schemes as in Gotland, Sweden.

The adoption of the Strategy would assist the Council in obtaining external funding required to develop projects. To assist in this process it would also be necessary for the Council to allocate financial resources of up to £25,000 for a six month period.

In responding to the questions asked by a member of the public members considered the planning implications of some of the forms of renewable energy delivery. The Chairman indicated that a scheme involving the possible installation of off-shore wind turbines had recently been raised. Although the Council’s responsibilities as Planning Authority stopped at low water mark such a scheme could have a dramatic impact on the Island. A balance also had to be obtained between the number of on shore and off shore wind turbine schemes together with other more long term projects.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Executive be recommended to :-

                      (a)       Adopt the principle of the Council achieving 10% of electricity supplies from renewable sources by 2010;

                      (b)       Adopt a sequential approach in relevant planning policies for planning applications received in respect of on shore and off shore wind turbines.

                      (c)       Undertake a consultation exercise involving Cowes Harbour Master, Queens Harbour Master, Associated British Ports, yachting organisations and other interested organisations to gauge opinion on the option of off shore wind turbines.

                      (d)       Approve the draft Renewable Energy Strategy for the Isle of Wight to 2010.

                      (e)       Identify appropriate resource allocation to support its implementation.

CHAIRMAN