Welcome to The Isles Wind Farm public exhibition

Transcription

1 Welcome to The Isles Wind Farm public exhibition Thank you for coming along today. We d like to tell you about: the feedback we received from Stage One consultation the revised project elements which will form the basis of Stage Two consultation high level principles of how we would build the wind farm how The Isles Wind Farm could look, shown from different viewpoints an explanation of the consultation process the next steps before we submit our application. You have an opportunity to help shape the proposals during this Stage Two consultation and we d like you to give us your comments on: the Stage Two layout the electrical connection, including the proposed locations of substations site access and our plans for traffic management. Pick up a questionnaire and supporting documents, talk to the project team directly and take part in the consultation. Butterwick Moor Wind Farm, near Sedgefield. For illustrative purposes only.

2 About us E.ON is one of the world s largest power and gas companies and in the UK, we supply energy to more than 5 million customers, generate enough electricity for around 8 million homes and employ 12,000 people. We re helping to shape the energy industry of tomorrow and create secure, sustainable energy supplies for future generations. E.ON Climate & Renewables is part of the E.ON Group and we re responsible for developing, constructing and operating all the group s renewable energy projects. At the moment, we own and operate 17 onshore and 3 offshore wind farms. Together, these have an installed capacity of more than 400 megawatts (MW). Why do we need onshore wind farms? Filling the energy gap Over the next 10 years, many of the older coal-fired and nuclear power stations in the UK will close, leaving the UK with a potential energy gap. We need to plan ahead and replace these stations with cleaner, more cost-effective energy sources like wind power. This will also help to protect the environment, as renewable energy sources produce very few harmful emissions. The UK is one of the windiest countries in Europe, so we re well placed to make the most of this powerful natural resource. Getting the mix right No single source of energy holds the answer to filling the gap on its own. That s why we re developing a range of ways to generate energy including wind, biomass, wave and tidal power, which will work alongside cleaner gas and coal-fired plants that can capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO ) and new nuclear power stations. 2 Making energy cleaner and better As one of the UK s leading electricity and gas companies, we re working hard to produce cleaner and better energy. We re also helping our customers to use less energy and lower their bills.

3 What we proposed in Stage One What we did Stage One consultation took place between 31 August and 7 October The majority of people who responded gave us their feedback through a questionnaire which was available online, at public venues and consultation events. Who we consulted We consulted a broad range of people including statutory bodies like Natural England, English Heritage, the Environment Agency, local authorities, those with an interest in the land in and around the site, and local communities. What we asked We were particularly keen to receive views on three potential wind farm layouts and also on how we could help local communities, for instance by funding community projects. How we engaged and consulted with people The Stage One consultation included the following activities: publication of statutory notices in local newspapers media coverage in local newspapers information available for inspection at local authority offices and libraries project posters for parish councils briefings for MPs, local authority members and parish councils mailings to households in the Inner Rural Consultation Zone with information about the project and public consultation events publication of consultation support materials three public consultation events in Newton, Sedgefield and Chilton two stakeholder workshops posted information on our dedicated project website made questionnaires widely available established freepost, and telephone contacts. You can find out more about our approach to consulting with the community by reading our Statement of Community Consultation which is available online at eon-uk.com/theisles

4 The pre-application process The pre-application consultation process ensures that views of a variety of different consultees are considered, including those of the local community, when preparing our application. The principle of building a wind farm at this site will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate when we submit our Development Consent Order application in summer The main aim of the Stage One consultation was to seek views on which layout of turbines would be most acceptable if the wind farm went ahead. We received responses on the potential three layouts from both local communities and statutory organisations. We also received a wide range of other feedback from local people, statutory bodies and other consultees. The views included the need for the wind farm, its location, telecommunications, access, how it would link into the electricity network and other utilities, as well as environmental aspects like noise and the effect on the landscape and water features. Out of more than 220 completed questionnaires from local people who took part in the Stage One consultation, we saw layout A had the lowest level of support and there was a slight preference for layout C. A few people were very keen on the idea of the wind farm and strongly supported the concept of wind power in general. Rushyford 1 2 Bradbury Rushyford Bradbury Rushyford 1 2 Bradbury Newton Woodham Newton Woodham Newton Woodham A1M A1M A1M Preston Le Skerne Preston Le Skerne Preston Le Skerne Layout A Proposed turbine location The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Layout B Proposed turbine location The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Layout C Proposed turbine location The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Layout A - 45 turbines located throughout the site. Layout B - 30 turbines positioned as one group in the central part of the site. Layout C - 29 turbines grouped in distinct clusters in different parts of the site.

5 How we ve responded to feedback We ve considered all these views and will explore many of the issues raised when we carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment. As a result of Stage One feedback, we ve made the following changes to our plans. We ve: developed a design based on layout C excluded a group of turbines to the west of the A1 and south of Isle reduced the number of turbines to 24 (the original range had between turbines) placed fewer turbines on The Carrs. We ve also talked to Durham County Council about potential effects on the Conservation Area at. We ve discussed the early outcomes of bird surveys with them, Natural England and the RSPB, as well as potential habitat management plan proposals to reduce the potential effect of the wind farm on bird life in the area. Haswell Moor Wind Farm, Haswell Plough. For illustrative purposes only.

6 Stage Two consultation what we re doing now We ve prepared a Stage Two Consultation Document which re-caps the Stage One consultation and its outcomes. It also introduces the revised project elements for the Stage Two consultation, describes high level principles of how we would build the wind farm and the next steps before we submit our application. Stage Two consultation represents the second stage in the pre-application consultation process and gives you another chance to comment on our proposals. This includes the Stage Two layout, as well as other aspects including the electrical connection, proposed locations of substations, access, traffic and construction management. We ll consider the feedback we get from Stage Two of the consultation very carefully and we may make further changes to our proposed application as a result. The timeline below shows some of the formal aspects of the pre-application consultation process that we re carrying out, indicating some of the key points where you can have your say. Timeline for formal pre-application consultation How and when to have your say Where we are now Have your say on the outline design Stage One consultation Consultation on basic site design and layout. Consultation under S47 (community) and S42 (including statutory bodies) Have your say on the detailed design Stage Two consultation Consultation on full wind farm proposal with other aspects of the scheme, including access arrangements, electrical connection and construction management. Consultation under S47 (community) and S42 (including statutory bodies) Have your say on the environmental information Publicise and consult on PEI Consultation on the findings of environmental studies. S48 publicity for proposed application Abbreviations SOCC Statement of Community Consultation S42, S47 and S48 Refers to Sections 42, 47 and 48 of the Planning Act 2008 EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ES Environmental Statement PEI Preliminary Environmental Information DCO Development Consent Order PINS Planning Inspectorate All dates are indicative. SOCC published Submit DCO to PINS Notification of Stage One consultation events Notification of Stage Two consultation events Notification of how to respond to PEI consultation Summer/ Autumn 2011 Summer 2013 SOCC preparation Consultation on SOCC with Durham County Council Early project definition Analysis of Stage One consultation responses Begin Consultation Report Establish preferred layout/site options Establish remaining aspects of wind farm design Preparation for Stage Two consultation Analysis of Stage Two consultation responses Consultation Report updated Finalise design aspects Carry out EIA Begin drafting ES Prepare PEI Finalise and complete Consultation Report Prepare draft DCO and other documentation Finalise and complete ES

7 Stage Two layout Stage Two layout is based on having two clusters of turbines. The northern cluster would have 7 turbines and the southern cluster 17 turbines, making a total of 24 turbines with a maximum generating capacity of 63.5MW. We expect turbines in the northern cluster to be metres in height (from the ground to the tip of the turbine blades), whilst turbines in the southern cluster will be 100 metres in height to fit in with Durham Tees Valley Airport requirements. Together, the two clusters would be operated, controlled and maintained as one wind farm - The Isles Wind Farm. Chilton Rushyford Bradbury Woodham Newton A1M Preston Le Skerne Proposed turbine location The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Map not to scale and for illustrative purposes only.

8 Different views of Stage Two layout To show you what Stage Two layout would look like from different viewpoints, we ve put together some visualisations which give an indication of the potential scale and extent of the proposed development. They re used to give you an idea of how the proposed development may appear and are intended for guidance only. To be consistent with what we did in Stage One, we ve chosen viewpoints from Chilton, Sedgefield, and the near Newton. We ve also added a view from Stainton in response to feedback from the Stage One consultation. You can see where the viewpoints are on the map. Chilton Chilton Rushyford Bradbury Sedgefield Woodham Newton Newton A1M Preston Le Skerne Stainton Viewpoint locations The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Viewpoint Map not to scale and for illustrative purposes only.

9 Viewing instructions How should I view these visualisations to give the best representation? The visualisations displayed today are printed to a width of either 136cm or 68cm and present either a 144 or 72 field of view. To view these images at the scale that best represents what you would see in real life, you re advised to view them at a distance of 54cm. * Key * This is the viewing distance, it s important to view the visualisations from a distance of 54cm. A line has been marked on the floor to show you where to stand. This is to ensure that an accurate impression of the proposed wind farm is obtained. Your view must always be directly in front of the image and viewed by moving along in front of it, as shown in the diagram above.

10 What happens after Stage Two consultation? We ll carefully consider the feedback we get from Stage Two consultation and we may make further changes to our proposed application as a result. We ll carry out further Environmental Impact Assessment work and publish our draft environmental findings, known as Preliminary Environmental Information and include measures to safeguard the environment if the wind farm proposal goes ahead. You ll have a chance to comment on this early next year. We ll also publish our proposed application so anyone can comment before we finalise our proposals, Environmental Statement and Consultation Report. We ll take into account all the feedback we receive from all stages of consultation when preparing our Development Consent Order (DCO) application. This isn t a consultation on the principle of building a wind farm at this site, as that will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and everyone will have the chance to support or object then. We expect to submit our DCO application to PINS in summer PINS Advice Note 8.1, the DCO application process 1. Pre-application 3. Pre-examination 5. Decision Look out for information in local media and in public places near the location of the proposed project, such as your library. The developer will be developing their proposals and will consult widely. You can now register as an interested party, you will be kept informed of progress and opportunities to put your case. Inspectors will hold a Preliminary Meeting and set the timetable for examination. A recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State will be issued by the Inspectorate within 3 months. The Secretary of State then has a further 3 months to issue a decision on the proposal. 2. Acceptance 4. Examination 6. Post-decision The Inspectorate has 28 days to decide whether the application meets the required standards to proceed to examination including whether the developer s consultation has been adequate. You can send in your comments in writing. You can request to speak at a public hearing. The Inspectorate has 6 months to carry out the examination. There is the opportunity for legal challenge. Timescales shown in bold are the legal minimum.

11 How we propose to connect The Isles Wind Farm Electricity from individual turbines within The Isles Wind Farm site would go to one of two interconnected substations, through underground cables. We expect one substation to be on the north of the site to serve the northern cluster of turbines, with the other to the south for the southern cluster. The cable connecting the two clusters would pass under the A1(M) and the East Coast Main Line railway. Power from The Isles Wind Farm is expected to go from the southern substation to an existing 132,000 volt electricity system, approximately 5km to the south of the site, through underground cables following existing roads and tracks. Responsibility for this lies with Northern Powergrid, the Distribution Network Operator and would be subject to other planning processes. The proposed locations of the substations are shown below. Location map showing proposed electricity plan Chilton Inset map showing northern substation Nunstainton Granges Carrs Rushyford Bradbury This document has been prepared by AECOM for the sole use of our Client (the "Client") and in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM. Ü Carrsides Carrs 4 5 Carrsides Carrs KEY: The Isles Site Boundary Proposed Turbine Location - Stage Two Permanent Met Mast Access Track Contractors Compound Substation and Control Building Hardstanding and Service Area Woodham Client: Project: THE ISLES WIND FARM Crown copyright. All rights reserved. License Number Title: FIGURE 4.1 INDICATIVE SITE LAYOUT PLAN One Trinity Gardens Quayside Newcastle, NE1 2HF Watercourse Crossing Cable 0 1,000 Metres Drawn: LK Checked: APR Verified: SM Approved: JS Tel +44 (0) Date: JUNE 2012 Scale at A3: 1:25,000 Fax +44 (0) Drawing Number: _120607_ST2_4.1_v1 A3 7 Newton Inset map showing southern substation A1M Barley Hill Howe Hills Farm Preston Le Skerne Proposed turbine location The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Permanent meteorological mast Substation and control building Interconnecting cable East Coast Main Line High Grindon Map not to scale and for illustrative purposes only.

12 How we propose to deliver components and access the site We re proposing to use a separate entrance to access the site from three delivery routes: W estern site access: vehicles approach via junction 60 of the A1(M) onto the and travel westbound before turning south onto the. Vehicles then turn eastwards into the western site access at Carrsides Farm. This route is shown on the map in blue. Northern site access: vehicles approach Bradbury via the before turning south and travelling through the village of Bradbury. Vehicles then turn into the northern site access, to be located prior to the East Coast Main Line. This route is shown on the map in yellow. S outhern site access: vehicles travel westbound on the A66 until the village of Little Burdon, where vehicles will pass onto the A1150 and continue westbound for a short distance before turning north at Burdon onto Bishopton Lane/Elstob Lane. They will then turn westwards into the southern site access, to be located at the Elstob Crossing. This route is shown on the map in green. Chilton Lane Bishop Middleham Location map showing proposed turbine delivery route Chilton Sedgefield A177 Rushyford Owton Manor A19 Bradbury A177 Wynyard Village Woodham Newton Newton Bewley Thorpe Larches A178 Wolviston A1185 A1M Cowpen Bewley Foxton Preston Le Skerne Thorpe Thewles Stillington Elstob BILLINGHAM Whitton Carlton Stainton Norton Brafferton Bishopton Coatham Mundeville A19 Redmarshall A66 Little Stainton STOCKTON-ON-TEES MIDDLESBROUGH Barmpton Turbine delivery route Sadberge A68 Eltom Burdon A66 Thornaby-on-Tees Longnewton DARLINGTON A66 Map not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. Acklam The Isles Wind Farm site boundary Route 1 Marton Route 2 Route 3 A174

13 Traffic management principles If the wind farm is approved, we would agree a detailed Traffic Management Plan (TMP) with specific information about how traffic will be managed during the construction period, to make sure that local communities aren t affected too much. The TMP would include details of turning facilities for our construction vehicles, the routes they would take, the time of day they would be on surrounding roads and how long they would be travelling to and from the site. It would also detail how we would minimise the disruption to local communities, including escorting abnormal loads and putting up road warning signs in the area. We would develop the TMP in partnership with all relevant parties including parish councils, before submitting it to the Local Planning Authority, in consultation with the Highways Agency. Once approved, the TMP would then be put into practice throughout the construction period. Environmental information As part of our Development Consent Order (DCO) application, we re required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to see what effect our plans would have on the environment. The EIA assesses and describes the likely significant environmental effects of the proposal and how we plan to reduce, prevent and offset potential impacts. The outcome of this assessment will be published in our Environmental Statement, which will accompany our DCO application. You ll have a chance to comment upon our draft environmental findings, known as Preliminary Environmental Information when we publish it early next year.

14 Community benefits In Stage One of the consultation, we introduced the community benefits fund and how it could help to support local community projects. If 24 turbines are built, with a maximum installed capacity of 63.5MW, a rate of 3,000 per installed MW will be paid annually into a community benefits fund for The Isles Wind Farm. This amount would be 190,500 per year, index-linked and the local community would decide how it should be spent. Community benefits funds at work Similar funds have been introduced at our Eppleton Wind Farm in Houghton Le Spring, Butterwick Moor near Sedgefield and Haswell Moor near Haswell Plough. These funds are being distributed by the County Durham Community Foundation, with local communities deciding which projects are awarded grants. Business rates kept in the local area The Government has announced a policy intention that business rates paid in respect of new renewable energy projects should be kept by the local authorities within the areas where projects are situated. Based on the current Stage Two layout of 24 turbines on The Isles Wind Farm site, we estimate this could be worth up to around 600,000 each year (based on 2012/13 universal business rates).

15 How can you help shape the proposals? You have an opportunity to help shape the proposals during this Stage Two consultation. We ve explained below the elements where there s greatest scope for influence. The best way to give us your feedback is by completing the questionnaire. Do you have any comments on: 1. Stage Two layout, or any particular turbine locations within it? 2. proposed locations of the substations? 3. proposed access to the site, or on the principles to be included in the Traffic Management Plan? 4. any other aspects of our updated proposals? Contact us If you d like any more information, you can: Call us: us: Write to us: (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). theisles@eon-uk.com Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL E.ON Westwood Way Westwood Business Park Coventry CV4 8LG