2.22 The employment forecasts suggest we should be planning proactively to counter a decline in key sectors of the economy. Opportunities to diversify the economy need to be encouraged with a particular opportunity available within the energy industry. The North East has a high level of expertise in this field on which to build and harness the potential offered by renewable energy, which is power generated naturally in the environment from the sun, wind, geothermal sources, sea and fall of water. Energy can also be obtained from either the digestion or incineration of crops, wood, waste, landfill gas, animal waste and sewage. Solar energy technology can be incorporated into new development and also be fitted retrospectively in existing urban areas. District heating and combined heat and power (CHP) schemes can also achieve the same end by using the same energy more efficiently to produce heat as well as power. The potential for renewable energy in the North East is huge and is described in more detail in the Report of Survey.

2.23 It appears likely that renewable energy will play an increasingly prominent role in the energy sector. This is as a result of increasing fossil fuel levies, encouragement by government directives, and improved technology. The North East has several potentially feasible renewable energy sources so it is important that local plans take account of the possible requirement and location for such facilities. Renewable energy can contribute to the aims of sustainable development by providing society with a potentially unlimited and renewable resource. It may also have adverse social and environmental impacts that will require to be taken into account.

2.24 Areas suitable for wind energy facilities need to be identified while recognising that they can have adverse impacts in terms of landscape, and interference with airport flight paths and bird migration pathways.

2.25 The tiered approach should be used as a basis for deciding planning applications and developing areas of search for wind farms. Such proposals should be located in Tier 4 areas in the first instance, followed by Tier 3 areas should development in Tier 4 areas prove impractical. Development in Tier 1 and 2 areas should only be permitted in very exceptional circumstances concerning an over-riding national need outweighing environmental considerations.

2.26 It is not practical to apply the same tiered approach to all renewable energy proposals, as each type of facility often requires different locational criteria. Guidance on the location of other renewable energy facilities and the potential of various sources in the North East is outlined in the Report of Survey. More general criteria for planning such developments are found in NPPG 6 "Renewable Energy" (revised November 2000). Detailed information on catering for individual development can be found in Planning Advice Note 45 "Renewable Energy Technologies".