One World - Planning guidance for micro-wind turbines (8)
Tower-mounted micro-wind turbines
Mepa is proposing that tower-mounted micro-wind turbines with an overall height that does not exceed 20 metres are to be located in industrial areas as identified in the approved Local Plans and outside development zone locations (ODZ).
They are to be located in the curtilage of legally-permitted large buildings surrounded by large grounds whereby any possible impacts can be minimised by the composition of the buildings, the extent of the large grounds and landscaping surrounding the building, and the separation distance from any potential receptor.
A tower-mounted micro-wind turbine is not to be located in the curtilage of scheduled/listed buildings and of any property within a buffer of 30m of such buildings, or of military buildings of historic or architectural merit.
The turbine should not have a significant negative impact on bird populations (migratory or resident) or bat populations and thus may require an assessment of potential impacts.
The colour and finishing of the rotor needs also to be taken in consideration and preferably unless not recommended by manufacturers they should be finished in a colour that would render them less conspicuous in the surrounding environment.
Any proposal for the development of a micro-wind turbine should include measures to minimise any amenity impacts including noise, electromagnetic interference, shadow flicker and vibrations as well as comply with any Malta Resource Authority requirements and regulations.
Mepa is discouraging proposals for more than one tower mounted wind turbine or proposals on sites where a tower mounted turbine already exists unless it is demonstrated, through appropriate studies, that cumulative visual and amenity impacts from multiple tower mounted turbines are minimised.
Mepa has published a proposed Planning Guidance for Micro-Wind Turbines. This draft document, which is currently up for public consultation, can be viewed on website: www.mepa.org.mt and any comments or suggestions can be sent through e-mail address: microwind@mepa.org.mt by September 11.