Volume 1: Presents the main written statement of all the environmental assessments undertaken.

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2 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Preface This application has been prepared for Isle of Anglesey County Council (IoACC) under the Town and Country Planning Act The application is supported by an Environmental Statement in accordance with the statutory procedures set out in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 as amended, in support of a planning application for the repowering of an existing wind energy development and associated infrastructure. The proposed repowering of Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm is located at Rhos Goch, near Cemaes in Anglesey. The full ES comprises the following: Volume 1: Presents the main written statement of all the environmental assessments undertaken. Volume 2: Presents the supporting figures for Volume 1. Volumes 3A and 3B: Contains all the relevant appendices for Volume 1. Volume 4: Presents the visualisations/viewpoints for the landscape and visual assessment of the proposal. Volume 5: Presents the key information in the. Other documents submitted along with the application include the Planning Statement and Design & Access Statement. A printed copy of the full ES and application maps may be viewed at the following addresses: Cemaes Library, Glascoed Road, Cemaes Bay, LL67 0HN (for opening hours see: Amlwch Library, Lôn Parys, Amlwch, LL68 9EA (for opening hours see: Isle of Anglesey County Council, Council Offices, Llangefni, LL77 7TW during normal working hours. The full ES will also be available for viewing online at: eonenergy.com/rhydygroesrepower Copies of the full ES and can be obtained from the Natural Power Office at Aberystwyth. Natural Power Consultants Ltd, Harbour House, Y Lanfa, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1AS. Tel: +44 (0) Bilingual in printed form or PDF file on CD Free ES in printed form (Volumes 1-5) 600 ES in PDF file format on CD 25 No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from Natural Power Consultants Ltd and TPG Wind Ltd. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published. However, neither Natural Power nor TPG Wind Ltd. will be liable for any inaccuracies. i

3 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT POLICY CONTEXT SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROJECT DETAILS... 5 Project Description... 5 Preferred Grid Connection... 6 Construction Programme... 6 Decommissioning of the Proposed Wind Farm SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS... 7 Landscape and Visual Impacts... 7 Selected Viewpoints... 8 Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)... 8 Anglesey Heritage Coast... 8 Special Landscape Area... 8 Landscapes of Outstanding and Special Historic Interest... 8 Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest... 9 Conservation Areas... 9 National Trails and National Cycle Routes... 9 Major Transport Routes Landscape Character Areas Seascape Character Areas LANDMAP Visual Amenity Cumulative Effects Settlements Residential Amenity Ecological & Ornithological Assessment Hydrology Noise Shadow Flicker Cultural Heritage Traffic, Transport and Air Quality Existing Infrastructure Socio-Economic and Tourism Assessment ii

4 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Figures Figure 1: Regional Context Figure 2: Site Layout iii

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6 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This (NTS) summarises the key findings of the environmental studies carried out for the proposed repowering of Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm, which includes the removal of the existing 22 turbines and construction of a wind farm comprising of up to 13 wind turbines. The removal of existing turbines and associated infrastructure (not being utilised for the proposed wind farm) is referred to as decommissioning and the term repowering refers to decommissioning of existing wind turbines and replacing them with fewer, larger modern wind turbines. 1.2 This NTS has been prepared for Isle of Anglesey County Council (IoACC), in support of a planning application submitted by TPG Wind Ltd. (TPG) for a wind farm comprising of up to 13 wind turbines of an overall height from base to tip not exceeding 79 metres (m) for 9 turbines and 70 m for 4 turbines (each turbine with an expected capacity of 900 kw), optional transformer housing, site tracks, crane pads, foundations, underground electricity cables, a permanent anemometer mast, a control building and substations, temporary construction compounds and laydown areas, and associated works/infrastructure. The application site is located within the area of the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm on Anglesey, between Cemaes and Amlwch. A map showing the location of the proposed site in presented in Figure 1 at the end of this document. A map showing the turbine layout and the above mentioned infrastructure is presented in Figure 2 at the end of this document. 1.3 The site is chosen for this application as it currently accommodates the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm consisting of 22 Bonus turbines, each of 300 kw capacity, with a hub height of 31 m and tip height of 46 m. The site originally consisted of 24 wind turbines, however two wind turbines have since been decommissioned therefore there are 22 turbines remaining on site and which have been considered as part of the baseline. The consent for the existing wind farm did not stipulate any condition relating to the lifespan of the existing wind farm or requirement for a Decommissioning Plan. Therefore, the existing wind farm could remain in perpetuity under the existing consent. The application for the proposed wind farm would seek consent for a stipulated period of 25 years. Should the proposed wind farm not receive consent, the existing wind farm will not be decommissioned and will remain on site. 1.4 The energy output from the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm will be approximately 24,600 Mega Watt hours (MWh) 1 per annum and will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of over 4,800 2 homes per year in Anglesey. 1 Figures based on 900 kilowatt (kw) turbines operating at a 24% capacity factor 2 Figure based on 5,038 kilowatt hour (KWh) average domestic consumption in Anglesey per household. Regional and local authority electricity consumption statistics, 2005 to Department of Energy and Climate Change. Available online from: (last accessed 11/03/2015) 1

7 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm 1.5 The full Environmental Statement (ES) referenced throughout this document incorporates more detailed information about the site, the design of the proposed wind farm and its potential environmental impact. 1.6 The existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm is operated by TPG Wind Ltd (a joint venture between Eurus, and E.ON Climate and Renewables UK). The site was originally constructed in the early 1990 s and TPG Wind Ltd is also the developer for the proposed repowering of Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm. 1.7 Eurus and E.ON Climate and Renewables UK investment in renewable energy generation across the UK will assist the Government in reaching their renewable energy targets and Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reduction goals, tackle fuel poverty and attain self-sufficiency. 1.8 Eurus is a global player in the wind power market, has a strong track record of wind farm development with a total existing wind farm capacity of 2 Giga Watt (GW) worldwide. Eurus UK/Eurus Europe has experience in developing, financing, constructing and operating wind energy projects throughout Europe. To date, Eurus UK/Eurus Europe have successfully developed, built and project financed 38 MW in the UK, 519 MW in Spain, 169 MW in Italy and 73 MW in Norway. 1.9 E.ON Climate & Renewables are part of the E.ON Group, one of the world s leading power and gas companies. Here in the UK, they supply energy to more than 5 million customers, generate enough electricity for around 8 million homes and employ 12,000 people. In 2007, they set up E.ON Climate & Renewables, a global business that s leading the way in developing new, cleaner ways of generating energy. In the UK, E.ON own and operate 17 onshore and three offshore wind farms, which produce more than 400 MW of renewable electricity TPG recognises the value in working with independent experts and consultants throughout the development process, thereby ensuring sensitively designed and constructed project. These consultants have been appointed to carry out the environmental assessments and prepare the planning application on behalf of TPG. These consultants have been chosen for their knowledge and understanding of the local environment and their expertise in their chosen disciplines TPG believe in an open approach to wind farm development involving extensive community and stakeholder consultation throughout the development process and beyond. This proven method ensures that local communities are kept regularly informed of progress and key events, culminating in a good working relationship throughout the lifetime of the project. 2 APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 2.1 Developers applying for consent for wind farms have to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Environmental Statement (ES) sets out the results of the EIA process and is a detailed document that looks at how the proposed development will affect the site and the area around it. For the proposed development, the EIA can be divided into six stages: Stage 1 - Understanding the site: The first stage of the work involved gathering general information on how the wind farm should be designed, built and managed. This information included basic information available for the site and information gathered during visits to the site/area. 2

8 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Stage 2 - Scoping the assessment work: The next stage involved Natural Power and their specialist consultants contacting the relevant public bodies, including IoACC and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Discussions took place on the types of surveys and assessments needed to understand the site and to inform the preparation of a comprehensive ES to support the application. Stage 3 - Gathering of Existing Data: Once the assessment work was agreed, Natural Power and the specialist consultants then set about gathering existing survey information, reports and information for the site and surrounding area. Stage 4 - Further Survey Work: Further specialist survey work was carried out on and around the site to add to existing assessments and understand which parts of the site were suitable for repowering a wind farm, and also, what features might be affected. Surveys were completed looking at birds, bats, vegetation and other wildlife, watercourses, historic sites and existing background noise levels at nearby properties. Stage 5 - Site Design and Mitigation: Using the information gathered from the site surveys a preferred design for the wind farm was prepared. This design was revised and improved several times as more was learned about the site. This process of developing the design, based on continuing research, has allowed important features, identified by the surveys, either to be avoided or the effects reduced to as low a level as possible. Stage 6 - Remaining Impacts: With the assessments and research completed and the wind farm design finalised, the last task was to consider the remaining and unavoidable effects of the wind farm on the site and its surroundings. The EIA process looks at the size and significance of these effects, whether and how they can be mitigated. 2.2 Once a final design was adopted, the relevant specialist consultants assessed the environmental impacts of the proposal. When undertaking these assessments, a common outline methodology was adopted, wherever possible, to assess in a consistent way whether or not the potential effects identified were significant as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations POLICY CONTEXT 3.1 Section 5 of the ES describes in detail all of the policy including international agreements, legislation, development plans and other material considerations which are relevant to the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm. 3.2 The importance of renewable energy is underlined by policy and this section indicates how this is being encouraged at international, national and local level. 3.3 As the proposed development would have an installed capacity of less than 50 MW, the application is made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and in accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations This means that the application will be submitted to the local authority of IoACC, who will then send it to the relevant statutory consultees for comment. This includes Natural Resources Wales, 3

9 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm Ministry of Defence etc. The statutory consultees will then have to respond with their comments and the local authority will have to consider their comments before making a final decision. 4 SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN 4.1 With reference to Section 3 of the ES the proposed development has been designed to accommodate thirteen wind turbines up to a combined generation capacity of 11.7 MW. The majority of the site boundary for the proposed development had been included as part of the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm. 4.2 With national planning policy encouraging repowering of existing older wind farms there is an opportunity to capitalise on making existing sites more productive and efficient, but also to produce more considered and cohesive site layouts that sit at an appropriate scale in the landscape, using fewer but larger, more graceful turbines which rotate at a slower speed yet produce more green electricity. In addition, in this case, the grouping of turbines will be reduced from the three groups of turbines that currently make up the existing scheme to only two groups of turbines. The reduction in the number of separate groups and increased height would contribute a greater perception of the turbines as a single wind farm development. It is also recognised that modern wind farms are subject to limited life consents with an obligation to decommission the site after 25 years of operational life which is an environmental benefit over the current unlimited consent held by the existing scheme. 4.3 Detailed assessments of the availability of a suitable grid connection, construction considerations (including ground conditions and access), landscape and visual considerations, (including landscape designations and cumulative impact), noise levels, ecological and ornithological considerations (including designated areas), cultural heritage considerations, existing land use, rights of way and existing infrastructure (e.g. service pipes and cables, air traffic, TV and other electromagnetic paths) were undertaken to confirm the suitability of the site for repowering. 4.4 A detailed design review was carried out where the potential landscape and visual impacts were assessed from key viewpoints. These key viewpoints were selected to be representative of key receptors identified within the surrounding area. These receptors include the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), coastal path, residential areas etc. Effects from noise, including consideration of cumulative impacts from nearby schemes, were also assessed from nearby residential properties. Ground and hydrological conditions, amongst many other factors, were also influential in determining the final design. This design review resulted in the proposed thirteen turbine layout. 5 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 5.1 As outlined in the Community Engagement Statement (Appendix 3.2 in Volume 3a of the ES), a number of consultation strategies were adopted by TPG to ensure that the local community was kept informed of the scheme. Public consultation included the following main elements: Presentations to Community Councils Three public exhibition events 4

10 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Newspaper advertisements Newsletter sent to nearby residents Project address 5.2 Early and open negotiations between TPG and the local communities took place, to enable the communities to be better informed about the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm and be given an opportunity to contribute their views before formal submission of the planning application. Discussions have also been on going with IoACC to ensure that a suitable amount of community engagement has being carried out. 5.3 For further information regarding community consultation, please refer to Section 3 of the ES and the Community Engagement Statement. 6 PROJECT DETAILS Project Description 6.1 With reference to Section 4 of the ES, this section outlines the details of the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm, including specifications of turbines, access tracks and associated infrastructure. It also describes the general decommissioning (of the existing wind farm) and construction (of the proposed wind farm) methodology, timescales and typical construction equipment likely to be used. Operational and decommissioning phases of the proposed wind farm are also described within this section. 6.2 The construction methods that will be applied on site build on best practice methodologies developed at other wind farms and comply with all Health and Safety requirements for construction operations. 6.3 The layout of the wind farm and associated infrastructure is shown in Figure 2. The key components of the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm include: Thirteen wind turbines with an overall height to blade tip of up to 70 m (for four turbines) and 79 m (for nine turbines); Foundations (typically a square concrete base plate of approximately 15 m x 15 m); Crane pads adjacent to each wind turbine; Possible External transformer housing (although some turbine models may have the transformer within the turbine tower); New site tracks and upgrade of existing site tracks; Underground electricity cables; A permanent anemometer mast ( up to 55 m high); Possible temporary batching plant; Substation building extension (33 kilovolts (kv)) and possible new substation building (11 kv) (containing the switchgear, metering, control and communication equipment required to operate the wind farm) and compound area. The 11 kv substation building will measure approximately 5 m by 5 5

11 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm m in area and the proposed 33 kv substation building extension measures 292 m 2. Finishes and specifications for the external appearance of the buildings are to be agreed with the local authority. Temporary construction compounds and laydown areas, and associated works/infrastructure. 6.4 The specific turbine model has not yet been selected but would be of a typical modern, incorporating tapered tubular towers and three blades attached to a nacelle housing containing the generator, gearbox and other operating equipment. Though the final decision on the colour of the turbine towers and blades would be determined by IoACC, it is anticipated to be a semi-matt, off-white/pale grey colour. 6.5 The layout was developed to make optimal use of the existing infrastructure for Rhyd y Groes whilst still being sensitive to ecological, archaeological, hydrological, landscape, noise and visual constraints. 6.6 The total (25 year operation period) land take of the proposed new development, after completion of reinstatement measures, including foundations, crane pads, upgrade of existing site tracks and new sections of access track, substations and control building has been assessed to be approximately 61,948 m² (equivalent to approximately 6.2 ha). 6.7 There are two main access points from the public road network (two minor roads) to the site. Once on site, the existing access track would be upgraded and new access tracks constructed to allow the transport of components. Access for all other items such as site workers, concrete, other plant and other construction materials would also follow this route. See Section 13 of the ES for further information on the access route. 6.8 Agricultural practices will continue alongside the repowering wind farm, as they do alongside the existing wind farm. The site is characterised by improved grassland currently used as grazing ground for sheep and cattle, with less than 10% of total site area used to grow cereals and other crops. No forest felling is required. Preferred Grid Connection 6.9 It is intended that this proposal will make use of available capacity on the local distribution network with connection to the existing 33 kv substation on site and potentially a new 11 kv substation connecting to the existing 11 kv line. The need for the potentially new 11 kv substation will be dependent on the total available capacity on the 33 kv line and will be determined through consultation with Scottish Power Energy Networks. The locations of both substations are shown on Figure 2. All the cables connecting each turbine to the grid will be undergrounded and therefore there will be no requirements for any additional overhead lines. Construction Programme 6.10 The construction period for the whole of the proposed development is envisaged to last for 12 months, from commencement of construction through to installation and commissioning of the turbines, ending with site reinstatement. The proposed decommissioning phase of the existing wind farm could take up 6

12 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm to 6 months, however it is likely that this period will overlap with the 12 month construction period as work may be undertaken in phases Construction would consist of the following phases which, although presented sequentially, may occur concurrently: Site Mobilisation; Decommissioning of existing infrastructure not being utilised for the proposed wind farm; Construction and upgrades to access tracks; On-site temporary construction compounds and laydown areas; Excavation and construction of turbine and anemometer foundations; On-site cabling and works on the existing and new substation; Preparation of crane pads; The delivery and erection of turbine towers and installation of nacelles and blades, and anemometer mast; Connection to substation and grid connection and commissioning of the wind farm In line with NRW guidance, appropriately competent operatives would be used for handling, storing and arranging for the disposal of any potentially polluting substances. In accordance with legal requirements only licensed waste disposal companies would be used to dispose of all waste material. Decommissioning of the Proposed Wind Farm 6.13 At the expiry of the consent (25 years) or the end of the wind farm's useful life, it is proposed that the turbines, transformers and the on-site substations would be removed. The upper sections of the turbine foundations, to a depth of at least 1 m, would be removed and backfilled with appropriate material. Topsoil would be replaced and the area reseeded. Tracks will be left and allowed to grass over, or would be covered with soil and reseeded. At least six months prior to the decommissioning of the proposed development, a Decommissioning Method Statement would be prepared, for agreement with IoACC and relevant consultees. 7 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS 7.1 In carrying out and presenting the results of the specialist surveys and assessments within the Environmental Statement, care has been taken to adopt a worst case approach, to ensure that environmental effects are not underestimated. Landscape and Visual Impacts 7.2 Section 6 of the ES describes how a detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) was carried out by independent landscape architects, SLR Consulting. It should be borne in mind that all significant landscape and visual effects identified are temporary in nature and would be reversible. A summary of the findings of the LVIA is presented below: 7

13 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm Selected Viewpoints 7.3 Thirty-three viewpoints were selected through consultation with NRW and IoACC and these have been individually assessed within Section 6 of the ES. Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 7.4 The southern boundary of the AONB is formed largely by the A5025 road which lies between the AONB and the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm site boundary. The effect of the proposed development on the AONB would be limited to the additional effects over and above the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm. It is considered that whilst significant effects from the proposed development are predicted from nine viewpoints located in the AONB, most of these are localised positions and significant effects would be limited on the key characteristics of the AONB that is, the coastal edge, for which the area has been designated. Anglesey Heritage Coast 7.5 The coast to the north of the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm is designated as Heritage Coast extending from Cemaes Bay to Bull Bay at Amlwch. Additional sections of Heritage Coast are present to the east (from Amlwch Headland to east of Point Lynas) and to the west (from west of Wylfa to the Skerries and south of Carmel Head). These sections of the Anglesey Heritage Coast are located within the Anglesey AONB and therefore protected as part of that designation. Viewpoints that represented the Anglesey Heritage Coast included viewpoint 2 and 11, and landscape effects on the heritage coast were not considered significant. Special Landscape Area 7.6 Currently under Policy 31 of the Ynys Môn Local Plan the entire area of Anglesey outside the AONB is considered to be a Special Landscape Area (SLA). However, a review of SLAs has been carried out for Gwynedd and Anglesey which proposed a number of specific SLAs within Anglesey instead of the existing general designation. Two of these SLAs are present within 10 km of the proposed wind farm, Parys Mountain and Slopes and the Mynydd Mechell & Surrounds. Theoretical visibility at other SLAs is limited by extent and distance, and professional judgement indicates there is no potential for significant effects on the landscape of these areas. Both SLA noted above were assessed in the LVIA and landscape effects were not considered significant. Landscapes of Outstanding and Special Historic Interest 7.7 Five Historic Landscapes Areas in the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest of Wales are present within the 30 km study area. An initial exercise was carried out to determine the potential for significant landscape effects at these sites as a result of the proposed development. Only the Amlwch and Parys Mountain area has the potential to incur significant effects. The LVIA considered the overall landscape effects on this area, and concluded however that the impact was not significant. 8

14 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest 7.8 There are eleven Historic Parks and Gardens within the 30 km study area. An initial exercise was carried out to determine the potential for significant landscape effects at these sites as a result of the proposed development. This identified that only two of these historic parks and gardens (Cestyll and Carreglwyd) have any predicted visibility of the proposed development. Both parks and gardens were assessed in the LVIA and resulted in a landscape effect that was not considered significant. Conservation Areas 7.9 There are 12 Conservation Areas (CAs) on Anglesey. Due to the mitigating effects of distance, the enclosing nature of the landform in Northern Anglesey and existing wind farms in the landscape, professional judgement indicates that significant landscape and/or visual effects are only likely to be possible at the Amlwch, Amlwch Port, Cemaes, and Llanfechell CAs, all located within 10 km of the proposed development. The effects on the Holyhead Mountain CA were requested for consideration by IoACC due to its elevated aspect and identified important views over the breakwater and beyond The LVIA considered the landscape impact on Amlwch, Amlwch Port, Llanfechell and Holyhead Mountain, and concluded that the resultant impact was not significant in EIA terms Assessment of the effects of the proposed development on the townscape character of Cemaes includes regard to the important buildings and views as identified in the Conservation Area (CA) Character Appraisal. An important aspect of the design process however, was the removal of one proposed turbine nearest to the settlement on landscape and visual grounds (see Section 3 of the ES). This turbine was prominent on the skyline in views from Cemaes and appeared close to the historic core of the settlement and it was considered that its removal was necessary to avoid significant harm to the settlement. It is concluded therefore, that although some significant landscape effects would occur to the townscape of Cemaes, the character and appearance of the elements important to the CA would not be significantly affected given the limited parts of the CA with potential views. It may be possible to offset the residual effects through provision of interpretation facilities or improved signage within the conservation area. National Trails and National Cycle Routes 7.12 No long distance footpath or National Trail crosses the proposed development site. The nearest trail is the coastal path, which at its closest, is located approximately 775 m away from the nearest turbine The Wales/Anglesey Coast Path follows the coastline and is thus predominantly within the AONB. In addition a number of other rights of way connect across the AONB providing access to the Coast Path and coast from adjacent roads and settlements. Viewpoints 4, 7 and 8 represent views from footpaths and roads which provide access to the Coastal Path and coastline of the AONB. Viewpoints 3, 5, 6 and 11 illustrate the visual effects from along the coastal edge. A scheme of footpath improvement works, as suggested by IoACC, would help to offset the noted effects, which although significant, are not considered sufficient to unduly affect the enjoyment of the Coastal Path. However, the Developer is happy to engage with IoACC officers to agree an appropriate programme of contribution to footpath improvements prior to determination of the application. 9

15 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm 7.14 National Cycle Route 566 is also known as The Copper Trail and runs east to west on the south side of the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm, passing through Viewpoint 28. As identified by the assessment of potential effects on the users of the Copper Trail, significant effects are anticipated for users of the trail from the area of Burwen to Viewpoint 28 and part way to Tai Hen. The significance would occur largely due to proximity and the trail running over the crests of drumlins and thus having open views of the proposed development Views of the proposed turbines from the Copper Trail would be theoretically possible from 64% of the total length of this route, based on sequential route analysis which doesn t take into account hedgerows, vegetation or buildings etc. However while this may be true for sections in exposed areas near to the coast, the majority of the Copper Trail follows lowland lanes across the centre of Anglesey where hedgerow and roadside vegetation restrict views. In addition, where views do occur they are likely to presently include the existing development and the degree of change is likely to be reduced at distance where the increased size of the proposed turbines is more difficult to perceive. Major Transport Routes 7.16 The main road across Anglesey is the A55 which links the Welsh mainland to Holyhead. Its route across Anglesey mirrors the route of the older A5. Theoretical visibility along both the A55 and the A5 would be restricted to the tops of a few limited ridge lines which the road crosses. The only more extensive areas of visibility would occur in the area of Valley where the landform allows more prolonged views across Anglesey towards the proposed development. There would be no significant visual effects for users of the A55 or A5 roads to the south as identified by the assessment of Viewpoint The other main road of interest is the A5025 which runs from Valley northwards and around the north of the island before joining the A55 just before it crosses the Menai Straits to the mainland. Visibility from the A5025 generally would be restricted to within 10 km of the proposed development, due to the rim of higher ground from Mynydd y Garn to Mynydd Eilian. A few glimpses of the proposed turbines would occur south of this rim but these would be sporadic and limited. In addition the closer and more prominent Llyn Alaw Wind Farm generally lies between the proposed development and these sections of visibility, distracting the eye from the proposed development. Closer views from the A5025 include viewpoint 20, 21, 22 and 23, and viewpoint 12, located close to the A5025. Significant effects were identified at viewpoints 12 and 23 for residents adjacent to the road, but not for users of the road A number of secondary roads radiate out from Llangefni. The most notable for this assessment is the B5111 Amlwch to Llangefni road which runs roughly north to south and crosses Parys Mountain. No significant visual effects are predicted for these routes. Landscape Character Areas 7.19 A review of the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) identified within the original LANDMAP landscape assessment study for Anglesey identified 18 LCA across Anglesey. The Anglesey Landscape Strategy Character Assessment identifies the proposed development site as being present largely within the North West Anglesey Landscape Character Area (LCA) 5, with a small part of the eastern extent of the 10

16 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm site (containing 1 proposed wind turbine) in LCA 6 Amlwch and Environs. Significant effects were only identified on sections of the LCA 5 and LCA 4 North West Coast. Seascape Character Areas 7.20 Seascape Assessment has been carried on behalf of Snowdonia National Park and IoACC in 2013 that identified a number of Seascape Character Areas (SCA) around the coast of Anglesey and in addition a number of larger SCAs covering areas of open sea. The nearest SCA to the proposed development is SCA 8 - Amlwch and Cemaes. Theoretical visibility of the proposed wind farm is largely confined to SCAs 8, 9, 28, 29 and 30. No significant effects were identified on any of these SCA. LANDMAP 7.21 A LANDMAP study has been undertaken for the site and adjacent landscape areas as defined by LANDMAP guidance Note 3. The landscape effects on the various LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Aspect Areas were considered in the LVIA. Significant effects are identified for the North Coast Hinterland (YNSMNVS011), the North Coast (YNSMNVS035) and Cemaes (YNSMNVS068). Visual Amenity 7.22 From the 33 viewpoints that were assessed in order to determine the effects on visual amenity during the operational phase of the project, significant adverse visual effects were predicted from twelve. Significant, like all identified effects, are effects that need to be taken into account in the decision making process; they are not by default unacceptable. These twelve viewpoints were assessed in the context of their designation and discussed in the individual assessments. Cumulative Effects 7.23 The baseline against which landscape and visual effects have been judged includes the context of the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm and other existing and consented developments within the adjacent landscape. These other developments include Wylfa Nuclear Power station, the existing 400 kv overhead line (Wylfa to Pentir), existing wind farms and turbines, and other more general development. The assessment of effects includes the additional cumulative effects of the proposed development above this baseline. A number of cumulative viewpoints have been selected from the representative viewpoints used in the LVIA to examine potential effects in areas of potential visual interaction between different developments included in the assessment, potential effects at elevated viewpoint positions identified in fieldwork, and sequential effects when travelling through the landscape The results of the cumulative assessment presented in Section 6.8 of the ES reveals that, the proposed development adds to the level of cumulative landscape and visual effects within the study area, but this is generally moderated by cumulative effects already occurring as a result of the existing Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm. Generally, it is considered that the additional effect of the proposed development is not significant, and its cumulative contribution to the combined cumulative effects does not cause significant effects either. 11

17 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm Settlements 7.25 Detailed assessment of the visual effects on residents of the settlements of Cemaes, Amlwch, Bull Bay, Llanfechell, Llanerchymedd and Valley have been considered in respect of the representative viewpoints. Only residents at Cemaes, the western edge of Amlwch and the edge of Bull Bay have been identified as experiencing potentially significant effects. None of the other residents at the other settlements listed are predicted to have significant effects or views. Residential Amenity 7.26 A Residential Visual Amenity Survey was carried out to consider the potential for overbearing effects on visual amenity at nearby residential properties. Guidance on this subject has been provided by Wind Turbines & Pylons Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties 3. This study identifies trigger distance for when wind turbines and pylons may cause overbearing effects A methodology for the study involved three stages of investigation. Firstly to assess the potential for effects on visual amenity above the level of effects caused by the existing development; secondly to assess if the level of effects on visual amenity approaches the level of overbearing or not; and thirdly to consider potential mitigation measures for those properties close to the trigger distance None of the properties considered within the Residential Visual Amenity Survey are located within the trigger distance for the proposed turbines, which is m or m (depending on turbine height). This does not mean that those properties are not subject to significant effects, but that the effects are not considered overbearing in nature. This is however considered on a case by case basis. Two properties close to the threshold for overbearing effects were considered for potential mitigation measures to reduce the level of effect on visual amenity. Such mitigation would need to be agreed with the relevant residents. Ecological & Ornithological Assessment 7.29 With reference to Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the ES, this section provides a description of the baseline ecological and ornithological conditions present within the study area of the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm and includes an assessment of the potential effects associated with the decommissioning of the existing wind farm, and construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm The proposed site is composed primarily of pasture that is grazed by cattle and sheep. A small number of fields (less than 10% by area) are used to grow cereals and other crops A desk study was carried out utilising many sources of information including existing records from RSPB, National Biodiversity Network Gateway, Cofnod, Raptor Study Group and a review of relevant designated sites. A habitat survey and protected species surveys were carried out at the proposed 3 Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Snowdonia National Park; Wind Turbines & Pylons Guidance On The Application of Separation Distances From Residential Properties (May 2014) 12

18 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm, which comprised Phase 1 Habitat, great crested newt, bats, ornithology and mammal survey There are no areas within the site boundary which are protected under international or national legislation for their ecological or ornithological value There are ten statutory designated sites (one Special Protection Areas-SPA, one Special Area of Conservation-SAC and eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 5 km of the site boundary. The closest site is the Tre r Gof SSSI known for its interest feature of basin mire and located 1.5 km to the west of the site. Other SSSIs in close proximity include Cae Gwyn SSSI (2.7 km distant), Llyn Hafodol and Cors Clegyrog SSSI (3.1 km distant) and Llyn Llygeirian SSSI (3.7 km distant) Section 7 of the ES assesses the effects of the proposed development on habitats, great crested newts, and mammals. Surveys consisted of habitats, great crested newts, badger, otter and water vole surveys Semi-improved neutral grassland, whilst offering increased diversity on those areas of poor semiimproved and improved grassland present on site, is a common and widespread habitat locally and nationally. It is also the most extensive habitat on site, and in general does not represent high quality examples of this habitat In relation to protected mammal species (badger, otter and water vole) the site is of no more than local ecological interest, with only a limited amount of otter activity recorded on site, in areas with no construction proposed. There were no other terrestrial mammals of conservation concern recorded on site Twenty-four ponds were identified within the great crested newt survey area. Great crested newts were found in two ponds, located 429 m from a proposed new track at T11 and 638 m from a proposed new track at T Section 9 of the ES assesses the effects on bat populations within the area arising as a result of the proposal. Bat surveys consisted of activity (transect and static detector) surveys and roost surveys Nocturnal activity surveys were completed at building areas with potential to support roosting bats which identified relatively low levels of activity and no evidence of the presence of any roosting by high risk species. Night time surveys confirmed the bat assemblage which included, in order of abundance, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, noctule, Myotid species, brown long-eared and barbastelle. Noctule is the only species with a high collision risk recorded within the site, comprising about 5% of the total bat assemblage across all surveys completed. The population threat to noctule is high, due to its relatively low population size and status. Common and soprano pipistrelle and barbastelle are considered to be medium risk species. The design of the proposed development is predicted to significantly reduce the likelihood of collision of common and soprano pipistrelles, the most abundant species recorded on site, when compared to the existing site layout. Myotid species and the brown long-eared bat are considered to be low risk species. 13

19 Rhyd y Groes Wind Farm 7.40 The initial design of the proposed development accommodated embedded mitigation measures for bats where placement of all turbines, except one (T4), satisfied the suggested 50 m buffer from bat features criteria as laid out in TIN In the case of T4, mitigating the potential impact on bats as a result of turbine placement was considered more readily achievable than mitigating potential adverse noise or visual impacts, and a balance had to be struck for competing constraints. Such mitigation includes the removal of the field boundary of all vegetation and structure. In this context, it is important to consider the existing baseline situation in relation to bats, and under this current guidance, only 2 of the existing 22 turbines meet the required buffer distance from bat features. Furthermore, Section 9 also explains that when comparing the existing and proposed development, the design of the proposed development would result in a 35% reduction in the size of the zone in which habitats lose their functionality to bats due to the mortality risk introduced by proximity to a turbine. The proposed development alone (i.e. without further mitigation) therefore, represents a considerable improvement for bats species when compared to the existing development. Other mitigation measures proposed on site include strengthening of existing linear habitat features (e.g. hedgerow management and planting, scrub and tree planting), and promoting foraging habitats to attract bats away from proposed turbine locations, thereby reducing collision risk for and benefitting bat species in the long term Section 8 of the ES assesses the effects on the ornithological resources within the area arising as a result of the proposal. Two years-worth of bird surveys were carried out comprising breeding bird and winter walkover surveys, vantage point (VP) surveys, and specific surveys to identify peregrine nests The intensively managed pasture fields that form the proposed development site offer limited opportunities for bird nesting and foraging. High importance bird species recorded during field surveys included golden plover, teal, peregrine and chough. Lapwing was by the far the most frequently recorded wader species at the site. Small numbers of redshank, curlew and snipe were recorded, although infrequent during VP surveys The outcome of the impact assessments in Sections 7, 8 and 9 concluded that there would be no overall potential effects of the proposed development on designated sites, on most protected species and most bird species during construction (and decommissioning of existing wind farm) or operation of the proposed development. There have been potential direct impacts predicted for some habitats, two species of birds and some species of bats, however it is considered that with the implementation of the detailed embedded and proposed mitigation measures, and best practice measures, these impacts will overall, not be significant It was of the opinion of NRW that no appropriate assessment was required, however an assessment on potential effects on all special protection areas designated for birds located within 20 km of the collision risk area has considered in this assessment and concluded to be not significant. 4 NATURAL ENGLAND (2014) Technical Information Note 051 (TIN051): Bats and onshore wind turbines Interim guidelines. Available from: (last accessed 26/02/2015) 14

20 Rhyd y Groes Repower Wind Farm 7.45 Wetland bird habitat creation areas have been incorporated into the proposal and a habitat management plan will establish suitable land areas to benefit waders and wildfowl and influence how waders and wildfowl utilise the locality resulting in attracting these species to the new wetland areas and reducing the magnitude of potential displacement effects within the wind farm site on birds A robust suite of mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design, and further measures will be included into a Construction Method Statement. An Ecological Clerk of Works will be present on site during decommissioning and construction to ensure the works follows best practice. Hydrology 7.47 Section 10 of the ES assesses the effects on hydrological, hydrogeological and geological environment within the area arising as a result of the proposal. For the purposes of the assessment, a wider study area was chosen on a catchment approach whereby the lower reaches of watercourses present within the proposed development area are considered The proposed development is predominantly located within the catchment of the Afon Wygyr, which originates as a drain approximately 1.7 km to the north-east of the centre of the site, and is fed by a network of agricultural drains and natural streams. The north-eastern extent of the proposed development is encompassed within the catchment of a small unnamed watercourse fed primarily by agricultural ditches The watercourses within the vicinity of the proposed development have been classified as having good or moderate water quality There are twelve private water supplies and fourteen public wells within 1 km of the site boundary. Of the 12 private water supplies identified, four are located outside catchments occupied by the proposed development therefore not assessed further. The remaining eight properties are located in catchments that drain the proposed development, however, six will not be affected due to topographical and/or hydrological separation within these catchments. The remaining two properties are situated downstream of the proposed development therefore were assessed. The private water supplies and public wells were identified as not having a significant impact during the construction (and decommissioning of existing wind farm) and operational phase All proposed turbine centres are located outside the 50 m buffer limits applied at the outset of the design, which also adheres to a minimum 34 m habitat buffer requested by NRW from the edge of the turbine infrastructure. Furthermore the watercourse buffer distances have notably increased in comparison with six of the existing 22 turbines which will be decommissioned as part of the existing development. Therefore the mitigation by design incorporated into the proposed development at Rhyd y Groes clearly shows a marked improvement upon the design of the existing development The impacts on surface water quality, fisheries and recreation, flooding, soils, geology and hydrogeology were all considered in the assessment and were considered to be not significant Cumulative effects have been assessed and are expected to be of minor significance. 15