The issues As a planning officer how would you try to resolve these issues?

Unitary Development Plan (UDP)

Does the development comply with the UDP? This requires that (amongst other requirements)

• 
  Policy G3: Development in the National Park
  

iv) the proposed development is integrated into the landscape to the satisfaction of the NPA through planting and appropriate management of native species or through the construction of appropriate boundary features. Where landscaping schemes are required, they must involve a design in keeping with the site, using native plant species of local provenance suitable for the National Park as listed in Appendix 3;

• 
  Policy G6: Design
  

Policy Q8: Historic Landscapes

Development which directly or indirectly either alone or in combination affects those areas listed within Part 2 of the 'Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales' will only be permitted if the essential integrity and coherence of the area, as defined in the Register, is preserved or enhanced.

3. Concern by local residents

• 
  about noise during construction of HEP turbine.
  
• 
  that the banks of the brook will be damaged
  
• 
  over potential loss of habitats for insects especially dragonflies, birds (including dippers) and also fish.
  
• 
  over a major impact on the biodiversity of the area.
  
• 
  over pollution and carbon emissions during construction.
  
• 
  that the water levels of the brook will not be maintained as the water level can be low.
  
• 
  that any benefits of the amount of electricity generated will not outweigh any disadvantages.
  

• 
  that if important mosses, lichens and liverworts were present they would be affected by excavations and installation of the pipe.
  
• 
  that if otters were present they would be affected
  
• 
  that if dippers (a type of bird which lives around rivers) are present, the scheme may affect its habitat and food source. Some populations of dipper are declining in Europe due to irrigation, HEP schemes and reservoir construction.
  
• 
  that construction may also disturb the nesting and breeding of any dippers if it takes place during the breeding season.
  
• 
  that additional sediment might be released downstream into the main River Wye.
  

Concern that the proposed site is within or may affect the following:

• 
  River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
  
• 
  European Protected Species (otter and dormouse).
  
• 
  Atlantic stream crayfish.
  
• 
  Migratory fish (possibly spawning Atlantic salmon). Scheme may prevent the upstream migration of the salmon.
  
• 
  Landmap ‘Outstanding’ Visual and Sensory landscape area-the proposal will have a negative landscape impact on a natural watercourse.
  
• 
  Middle Wye Valley of Outstanding Historic Interest.
  

• 
  Concern that the proposals will affect two weir structures which are of local industrial archaeological interest.
  

• 
  No scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks, gardens or landscapes affected by the proposal but may be other unscheduled monuments in area.
  

• 
  that the proposal to raise the height of the first weir and the length of the crest will prevent salmon migrating back upstream to spawn.
  
• 
  for other species which are dependent on water flow including crayfish, mosses and liverworts, birds-especially dippers.
  
• 
  that any construction work in the stream channels would disturb fish during the migrating and spawning period.
  
• 
  that if the area is to be drained that the fish are rescued by competent people.
  
• 
  that nesting dippers may be disturbed if they are present at the site.
  
• 
  that a specified minimum level of water flow is maintained at all times.
  

• 
  a Flood Defence Consent Application
  
• 
  an abstraction (of water) licence application
  
• 
  an impoundment (of water) licence application
  
• 
  the proposal complies with Pollution Prevention Guidance
  
• 
  that the development does not affect any water features in the area
  

• 
  Gaps and spaces in stone walls may be used by bats.
  
• 
  There is a small risk of a badger or other mammals falling into an unattended work pit or trench during the evening/night.
  
• 
  Worker’s food such as sandwiches may attract badgers and otters to the site where they may be at risk.
  
• 
  Two of the trees might be used as bat roosts.
  
• 
  Any construction work during the winter may disturb any hibernating dormice.