HAY CLOSE FARM WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY JULY 2014 REPORT NO: 0005-UA NHR-01

Transcription

1 HAY CLOSE FARM WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY JULY 2014 REPORT NO: 0005-UA NHR-01

2 Not to Scale

3 HAY CLOSE FARM WIND FARM NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE Environmental Statement INTRODUCTION This document is the Non Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement which has been prepared to support the planning application for REG Windpower Limited s proposed four turbine Hay Close Farm Wind Farm (hereafter referred to as the Scheme ). It summarises the environmental effects reported in the Environmental Statement that are likely to occur during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Scheme. The Scheme would be sited on land at Hay Close Farm (hereafter referred to as the application site ) in between the villages of Low Braithwaite and Calthwaite, approximately 12 kilometres to the north west of Penrith (see site location plan). The Scheme would have a generating capacity of approximately 10.4 Megawatts which would be capable of producing electricity for approximately 5, homes each year. THE SCHEME In summary the Scheme would comprise the following elements (this is also presented on the adjacent figure): The installation of up to four turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 130m and approximately 2.6 Megawatt output; A control building and ancillary equipment; A temporary site compound / storage area; Crane hardstandings and outrigger pads; Formation of access to the highway; Internal access tracks linking the turbines; and Underground electrical cables. The Scheme would be operational for a period of 25 years. The Scheme would also require a connection to the local electricity distribution network. However, this would be subject to a separate planning application. SITE SELECTION DESIGN STRATEGY In identifying the application site, a comprehensive constraints based search was undertaken. Out of this process, the application site has been selected for the following reasons: Good wind resource; Suitable site size enabling significant benefits in terms of generating electricity and cutting climate change emissions; Absence of significant environmental constraints (based on the feasibility work undertaken); Good access to the application site; Close to a potential grid connection point; and Relatively sparsely populated. In terms of alternatives considered, the design process has involved a combination of environmental design and engineering to provide a compromise between maximising energy output and achieving acceptable design, in terms of landscape and visual effects, ecology noise and cultural heritage. In addition, a range of environmental constraints have shaped the final layout of the Scheme. Overall, the turbine layout has been through several changes, with the total number (i.e. a reduction from 10 to six to four turbines), position and height of the turbines altered as consultation and environmental studies progressed. In addition to the turbines, the internal access track layout, control building and access points have also been considered to account for on-site constraints and identify the best-fit available for the application site. The site selection and design strategy process has resulted in a Scheme which: Avoids international and nationally designated areas (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty); Minimises landscape and visual impact, while seeking to obtain a balance with renewable energy generation; Is guided by industry best practice in terms of spacing turbines to reduce inter-turbine turbulence; Considers and responds to the nature conservation interests and other environmental qualities of the application site and its surroundings; Minimises loss of agricultural land by utilising and upgrading existing farm tracks where possible; Considers the location of the control building in relation to flood risk; and Complies with the guidance set out in ETSU-R-97.

4 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS AVIATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS There are no Ministry of Defence main operating bases or airfields in the vicinity of the Scheme, however, the Electronic Warfare Range lies in the Scottish Borders and is equipped with two radars at RAF Spadeadam. In addition, NATS En Route Ltd operates a network of long range radars throughout the country. The radars that have the range to provide coverage over the Scheme are Great Dun Fell and Lowther Hill. However, the MOD has previously stated that developments west of the M6 would have no effect on operations at Spadeadam 1. Following submission of the planning application, the Applicant would undertake consultation with NATS En Route Ltd regarding the agreement of a planning condition based on technical mitigation measures to ensure that any potential adverse effects upon operations are understood and appropriately mitigated. With mitigation in place the Scheme would have a negligible effect on NATS En Route Ltd operations. It should be noted that a definitive assessment of the potential effects on a potential radar at Carlisle has not been undertaken as no planning application has been submitted to date (July 2014). As a definitive assessment of the potential effects on a potential radar at Carlisle cannot currently be made, the proposed radar at Carlisle Airport is not considered further within the Environmental Statement. A desk based telecommunications impact assessment has been completed. Consultation with Ofcom has been undertaken and relevant communications stakeholders have been consulted to gain the details of the communications infrastructure in the area surrounding the Scheme. Link infrastructure exclusions zones have been calculated and clearance / infringement distances between the wind turbines and the telecommunications infrastructure have been determined in 2-dimensions and 3-dimensions. The results of the analysis have shown all wind turbines are clear of the associated link exclusion zones in 3-dimensions and therefore no mitigation is required. 1 Meeting WPAC/MOD held at DIO Sutton Coldfield 17th April 2013

5 CULTURAL HERITAGE Desk-based research supported by site visits has identified no heritage assets within the application site itself. All available evidence suggests that the application site and its immediate surroundings have seen only agricultural use since at least the Roman period, with the current pattern of farmsteads being established in the late 18th / early 19th century. Before this, settlement was focussed on the Petteril Valley, to the east of the application site. This was probably the pattern during prehistory, but there is very limited evidence relating to the prehistoric period. Consequently, it has been concluded that general area has limited archaeological potential. The potential relating to assets of later date is also considered to be very low. However, to mitigate for any potential impact on currently unknown archaeological assets, an archaeological watching brief would be undertaken during the construction of the Scheme that would allow for their preservation by record. The cultural heritage assessment has considered the operational impacts upon the setting of all Grade II listed buildings within 2 kilometres of the Scheme and other assets within 5 kilometres of the Scheme. The effect resulting from the operation of the Scheme is considered to be largely neutral; however, the effect on Grade II listed The Elephant is considered to be slight adverse (although this effect would cease upon decommissioning). There would potentially be a slight cumulative effect with other wind energy developments in the local area. ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION The application site and surrounding land comprises a mix of arable land and improved grassland used for grazing sheep. The field boundaries are largely formed by species poor hedgerows. There are also a number of small stands of woodland including coniferous plantations and semi-natural broad-leaved woodland. The application site does not form part or is not located adjacent to any statutory or non-statutory designated sites for nature conservation. Breeding and wintering bird surveys have recorded a suite of bird species typical of the lowland farmland in the region and habitat; dominant species were those which frequent woodland, hedgerows and farmland. No concentrations of any bird species considered vulnerable to turbines were recorded. The application site is not located within an area considered to support sensitive bird populations. The bat surveys have identified the following bat species: common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle (the two species most frequently recorded), Myotis species and noctule. Calls were also recorded with the characteristics of Leisler s bat; however, these could not be confidently identified, and as such these calls have been grouped together with noctule bat. Overall activity levels were considered low. Other protected or notable species that could potentially occur within the application site include badger, red squirrel and amphibians, although no impacts are anticipated on any of these species. The construction of the Scheme would result in a small loss of arable and improved grassland within the application site and small breaks would be required to be cut through the hedgerows to allow for the construction of internal access tracks. However, the improved grassland is considered to be of low ecological value and the sections of hedgerow to be removed are speciesspoor, and therefore substantial severance or breaks in wildlife corridors would not occur. Environmental protection safeguards would be put in place during construction to ensure there would be no impact upon ponds or ditches within or adjacent to the application site.

6 The only impacts anticipated on breeding and wintering birds would be due to a slight increase in disturbance levels, as well as a small loss of habitat. No impacts on sensitive or vulnerable bird species are anticipated. Furthermore, all habitat clearance would be timed to avoid the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) or only commence following nest checks by an experienced ornithologist (under licence if appropriate). The majority of bat species identified during surveys were not noted as being particularly vulnerable to wind turbines. In accordance with Natural England guidance, all four turbines are located over 50 metres from the nearest bat habitat feature (e.g. hedgerows and trees). Therefore, no impacts on the local bat population are anticipated. No significant cumulative effects with other wind energy developments in the local area are anticipated. GEOLOGY, HYDROGEOLOGY, HYDROLOGY AND FLOOD RISK The application site overlies both a Secondary A and Principal bedrock aquifer, that provides water for agricultural uses, as well as private water supplies and supports the base flow of local rivers. Turbine foundations are relatively shallow and therefore the potential for impacts on aquifers within the bedrock geology is very limited. Some disturbance may occur to groundwater flows/levels within the superficial aquifer during the excavation and construction of the turbine bases, but these effects would only be temporary during the construction phase and would not have an impact beyond the immediate vicinity of each turbine. There would be relatively little hard surfacing required, and therefore no impacts on the overall rate of infiltration and groundwater recharge across the application site are predicted. Surface water runoff management measures would also be incorporated within the detailed design of the Scheme. The risk of flooding across the application site from rivers and the sea is very low and is not expected to change as a result of the Scheme. The Scheme has been designed to avoid direct impacts on water features. Turbines and other infrastructure have been sited a significant distance from local surface water features and no new watercourse crossings are required. A geotechnical survey would be undertaken prior to construction to determine the precise ground conditions and enable the turbines to be optimally placed (within 30m of the indicated positions if required) with the aim of avoiding or minimising impacts on geology and groundwater. Mitigation measures to reduce the risk of pollution to nearby surface watercourses and groundwater would be put in place and administered during the construction and decommissioning phases by a Construction Environmental Management Plan. No significant cumulative effects with other wind energy developments in the local area are anticipated.

7 LANDSACAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT The Scheme is likely to become the dominant characteristic of the landscape within approximately 650m to the east and north east (as far as the M6), and within approximately 1.1 kilometres to the south west into the shallow valley containing Line Beck Parts of Hutton End and High Hesket would have notable visibility of the Scheme resulting in significant adverse effects. Although other settlements within 5 kilometres (Calthwaite, Low Braithwaite, Ivegill, Southwaite and Low Hesket) would have some visibility of the turbines, effects would not be significant. Views of the Scheme from nearby roads would be most notable for drivers on local routes closest to the application site resulting in some areas of significant effects within approximately 1.5 kilometres of the turbines. Other roads such as the M6, A6 and remaining local roads would have views of the Scheme to a greater or lesser degree but effects would not be significant. Significant effects have been identified on Public Rights of Way between Thomas Close and Calthwaite within 1.5 kilometres of the turbines. Other Public Rights of Way beyond 1.5 kilometres may also have open views of turbines at times, although these would be more limited than for those closest to the application site and effects would not be significant. There are numerous elevated locations offering wide views over the surrounding landscape to the Scheme with two viewpoints that are promoted on Ordnance Survey mapping as key panoramic views, Skiddaw and Hartside Café. However, effects on these views would be negligible. There are three nationally designated landscapes within the study area; the Lake District National Park, North Pennines and Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, the setting and special qualities of these designations would be unaffected by the Scheme.

8 An assessment of residential visual amenity for those properties located closest to the Scheme has been undertaken separately, although in parallel with, the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The closest properties to the Scheme (other than those financially involved) are 700 metres or more from the turbines; with the most affected property being Bents Cottages (at 720 metres) due to the relatively close proximity and open views of turbines situated in an elevated position in relation to the house. Limestone Cottage, The Elephant and Elephant Cottage would also all have views of the turbines in a similar context to Bents Cottages, although due to the greater degree of visual screening, effects are reduced. Although at a similar distance and with similarly open views, Sceugh Hill and Hill House occupy more elevated positions within the landscape such that they look across at turbines rather than up towards them. Other properties assessed tend to have significantly more screening and/or are oriented such that views of the turbines would be less frequent so would experience effects to a lesser degree. None of the properties would be affected to the extent that the turbines are sufficiently oppressive or overbearing that the property would be rendered an unattractive place in which to live. NOISE Predicted construction noise levels compared with measured existing noise levels show that for properties neighbouring the Scheme, construction noise levels do not exceed acceptable guidelines and are therefore deemed not significant. The potential noise impact from increased traffic movements is also deemed not significant. Predicted operational noise levels compared with measured existing background noise levels show that for properties neighbouring the Scheme, wind turbine noise would meet the noise criteria derived in accordance with the current guidance on wind farm noise (ETSU-R-97 The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms), and therefore the operational noise impact is deemed not significant. The cumulative assessment has demonstrated that at noise sensitive properties neighbouring the nearest other wind energy developments, the Scheme would have a negligible impact. The cumulative assessment has identified that there are some notable (but not significant) interactions between the Scheme and two other wind energy developments.

9 SHADOW FLICKER In accordance with current guidance, a study area of 1 kilometre has been considered (shadow flicker effects would not occur beyond this distance). Within this study area a total of nine properties were identified, and each assessed for the effects of shadow flicker. Effects are considered significant where the proposed wind turbine would affect the receptor over 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day. The assessment has concluded that there is potential for all nine properties to be affected by shadow flicker from one or more of the turbines. Six of these properties would potentially experience a significant effect where the 30 hours per year threshold or 30 minutes per day threshold is exceeded. However, mitigation measures would be implemented to avoid significant effects occurring. SOCIO ECONOMICS The Scheme is located within the Hesket ward within Eden District, with adjacent Wards including Skelton, Dalston, Wetheral, Kirkoswald, Lazonby, Penrith North, Penrith West and Dacre. The prominent occupations in the district are professional occupations and elementary occupations. A maximum of 60 jobs would be created during the construction of the Scheme. Jobs would also be created during the 12 month decommissioning phase. During the 25 year operation of the Scheme a minimum of two people would be employed, visiting the Scheme at appropriate intervals for maintenance purposes. No significant cumulative effects with other wind energy developments in the local area are anticipated. No significant cumulative effects with other wind energy developments in the local area are anticipated.

10 TRANSPORT ANS ACCESS The assessment has been based on the amount of heavy goods vehicles and other traffic likely to be generated by the Scheme during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases and the associated increases in traffic on the highway network. A preferred route to the application site from Junction 42 of the M6 has been established along Newbiggin Road, the unnamed road routing to Calthwaite (Calthwaite Road) and the Hay Close Access Road. It has been assumed that all construction vehicles (including workers) would use this route. A programme has been developed of the monthly total traffic and heavy goods vehicle movements likely to arise during the construction of the Scheme. A Traffic Management Plan would be employed during the construction phase and vehicle movements would take place outside of peak hours with movements co-ordinated with Cumbria County Council and the police. During the operational phase, impacts are likely to be minimal with no personnel to be based on site and only ad-hoc visits required for maintenance. During the decommissioning phase, the impacts are likely to be less than during the construction phase. Minor cumulative effects with other wind energy developments in the local area are anticipated during the construction phase.

11 CONTACT DETAILS REG Windpower Ltd The Coach House Kelston Park BATH BA1 9AE T: