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Biomass
36. The location of biomass plants is likely to be determined by a number of factors related to the economic costs of transporting supply materials from source; the availability of feedstock during the year; the location of the end user; and the scale of the plant. In certain locations, there will already be an adequate supply of feedstock from managed woodlands and secondary sawmill products which can be accessed for fuel immediately. In other areas, the growing of energy crops would provide a further option to support both expansion of the biomass sector and opportunities for local diversification into feedstock production.
37. Planning authorities should consider the extent to which there are opportunities through development plan policies to identify sites appropriate for new biomass plants in those areas where there are either existing long-term secure resources or new opportunities available to harness local resources. However, such policies should recognise that the identification of sites should not exclude development outwith these areas so long as they satisfactorily address specified broad criteria. In all cases, plans should confirm that the development of new biomass energy plants will be supported subject to local landscape, built and cultural heritage, amenity (including public health and safety), environmental and transportation issues being satisfactorily addressed.
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