Denzell Downs Wind Farm

Transcription

1 Denzell Downs Wind Farm ST MAWGAN-IN-PYDAR, CORNWALL NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY February 2011

2 Figure 1: Site Location Plan

3 Contents 1. Summary 2. Introduction 3. Environmental Impact Assessment 4. The Need for Renewable Energy 5. Project Details 6. Geology Hydrology and Hydrogeology 7. Shadow Flicker 8. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 9. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 10. Ecology 11. Ornithology 12. Bats 13. Transport 14. Noise 15. Aviation and EMI 16. Public Rights of Way 17. Further Information

4 1. SUMMARY 1.1 The significant affects of the project are summarised below: Socio-economic With the potential for investment in the local area and the existence of the current scheme it has been assessed there will be no negative effects and provides an opportunity for many benefits. Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology No significant impacts are envisaged. However as a precautionary measure (REGW) will implement best practise procedures to minimise any risk of impact. Shadow Flicker Given the potential for effects REGW will commit to adopting the suggested mitigation to ensure there are no significant impacts. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage No significant impacts are predicted. Some built heritage, Scheduled Ancient Monuments may experience some effects out to 5km. Landscape Character There will be no significant impacts on the character of the wider landscape, its remoteness/tranquillity, on sensitive/rare landscape features or its scale. Significant affects will be concentrated on the local landscape pattern and landuse on the site. Visual Impact The potential significant impacts of the scheme can be found at some nearby (within 2km) settlements, properties and recreational receptors. There are no significant impacts for this scheme outside 2km. Ecology Despite a short-term slight negative significant impact on the site s badger population the residual effects on the onsite habitats and species (not including birds and bats which are covered separately) are neutral to slight beneficial significant impact. Ornithology No significant effects of concern are expected. A monitoring program to assess golden plover activity in particular will be implemented and mitigation put in place to reduce any effects. Bats No significant effects are expected due to construction. With mitigation for the onsite noctule populations there is expected to be no significant affect on any bat population. Transport Given the temporary nature of the construction period and the low levels of traffic required during operation the findings are that there will be no significant effects Construction Noise Noise generated from construction activity on site will have no significant impact Operational Noise Noise limits agreed with the council can be met at all locations identified. Aviation and EMI With restrictions on micrositing (for South West Water) there are no significant impacts

5 Public Rights of Way There is potential for short-term significant impacts on and off site during the predicted 6 month construction period. However, REGW are committed to implement various mitigation measures to ensure there are no long-term significant effects on the users of the public rights of way. 1.2 In summary the significant effects for the Denzell Downs project are only found within 2km of the site. Image: Vestas V80 turbines at Goonhilly Wind Farm

6 2. Introduction 2.1 An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared by (the new trading name of The Cornwall Light & Power Company Ltd) in support of a planning application for a wind farm located at Denzell Downs adjacent to the existing Bears Down scheme owned by Beaufort Wind Ltd and operated by RWE Npower Renewables, as outlined in the Site Location Plan below. The scheme will have a generating capacity of approximately 10MW and will be operational for upto 25 years. It will comprise: 5 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 2.5MW (up to a maximum height of 100m); transformers; a control-room/substation; a temporary site establishment compound; and temporary laydown areas for turbine components; a new access track; temporary crane pads; underground electricity cables; 2.2 The site, indicated by the red line boundary below is currently used for agricultural production, primarily rough grazing. Fields are delineated by hedgerows and wire post fences. There is a public footpath which crosses the site. 2.3 The scheme will require connection into the local electricity distribution network. This is likely to be into the 33kV substation at St Columb Major approximately 4 km to the south east of the scheme. It is intended that this connection will be underground. 2.4 In order to facilitate access to the application site for the delivery of the wind turbines, some minor modifications to the local road network would be required. All of the works that fall outside of the application site boundary will be within highway limits and no significant effects are anticipated.

7 3. Environmental Impact Assessment 3.1 The ES records the results of the EIA, which has examined the environmental effects of the proposed scheme on a wide range of topics. These topics and the assessment process were agreed with Cornwall Council through a formal EIA Scoping process. The findings of the assessment for each topic is summarised below. 4. The Need for Renewable Energy 4.1 It is important to place this renewable energy proposal into the context within which it is made. It is also important to appreciate the increasing importance of energy security, climate change and the more recent European and national planning policy in relation to renewable energy. Government Policy 4.2 The Energy White Paper 2003 set the ambition of increasing the renewables share of electricity generation to 20% by This target was increased by the UK s Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) published in July This document set out how the Government was to meet the EU requirement that 15% of all energy consumed in the UK should be from renewable sources by 2020 that it had signed up to. While it is recognised that the targets set for the individual renewable technologies is indicative, it is important to recognise that the use of wind to provide 64% of the overall target figure (about 29% coming from onshore wind) is the adopted lead scenario in the RES. 4.3 The Climate Change Act 2008, introduced a statutory target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, with an interim target of 34% by EU Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, where the UK has committed to sourcing 15% of its energy (which includes all electricity, heating and fuel) from renewable sources by 2020 an increase in the share of renewables by almost a factor of seven from about 2.25% in On 10 June 2010 the new Coalition Government published its Programme for Government. In respect of Energy and Climate Change, it states: The Government believes that climate change is one of the greatest threats we face, and that urgent action at home and abroad is required. One of its key objectives to delivering a low

8 carbon economy is to push the EU to demonstrate leadership in tackling international climate change, including by supporting an increase in the EU s emission reduction target to 30% by Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (RPG 10) published in 2001 set an aim for Local Development Documents to include positive policies to enable the achievement of the following targets: By 2010 a minimum target of 509 to 611 MWe installed generating capacity, from a range of onshore renewable electricity technologies. Cornwall s target is MWe (Mega watts electricity) installed capacity by 2010 of which the majority (66 MW) is expected to be onshore wind. To date approximately two-thirds of the target capacity has been installed. 4.5 The Final Report of REvision 2020, published in June 2005,which was to inform the replacement for RPG10, sets a target for renewable electricity to 2020 of 847MWe (onshore) and 400MWe (offshore) for the south west region. 4.6 In 2004 the Cornwall Strucutre Plan committed to generating 93 megawatts of electricity (MWe) using renewable energy sources by As of January 2010, the figure stood at 54 MWe 1. The subsequent Goonhilly and Delabole re-powers have added a further 11.6MWe of installed capacity during 2010 and the consented but unimplemented Scottish Power re-powering scheme at Carland Cross will add a further 14MWe. Even with these latest additions, there is still a shortfall in the order of 10MWe. Energy Security and Climate Change 4.5 After spending most of the last 30 years as a net exporter of energy the UK has become an increasing importer of energy. This, alongside higher fuel prices, increased concern over the security of energy supply and a shortage of gas imports in recent winters, has increased the attention on energy imports and exports. 4.6 In Cornwall it has been estimated that the annual energy bill is at 579 million about 9% of GDP of which 98% leaves the local economy 2. There are also a high percentage of households in Cornwall who are at risk of fuel poverty. Numbers of households at risk fluctuate alongside fluctuations in energy costs. The most recent estimate suggests that 16.4% (35,000) of all households in Cornwall are in fuel poverty A recent study into the effects of wind power on electricity prices quoted An increased penetration of wind power reduces wholesale spot prices. As renewable energy sources have little or no marginal costs (they do not require fuel) it

9 counteracts the effects of peak demand and can result that Consumers pay lower prices There is strong evidence that changes in greenhouse gas concentrations due to human activity (for example, the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation) are the dominant cause of the global warming that has taken place over the last half century. This warming trend is expected to continue as are changes in precipitation over the long term in many regions. Further and more rapid increases in sea level are likely which will have profound implications for coastal communities and ecosystems. 4.9 In the South West the keys impacts 3 will be: The region is becoming warmer and by the 2050s average temperatures may be as much as C warmer in summer; Winters are becoming wetter (a 5-20% increase is expected by the 2050s), whilst summers are becoming drier (10-40% decrease by the 2050s); Relative sea level continues to rise. Cornwall could see levels as much as 80cm higher by the 2080s; Changes to insurance costs and coverage are expected, in particular in vulnerable geographic areas or economic sectors; 4.10 Loss of habitats and indigenous species could occur as well as longer growing seasons and increased potential for novel agricultural crops. Public Attitudes 4.11 Recent independent university study (2005) found that: Large majorities of people are strongly in favour of their local wind farm, their personal experience having engendered positive attitudes. Moreover, although some of those living near proposed wind farm sites are less convinced of their merits, large majorities nevertheless favour their construction. This stands in marked contrast with the impression conveyed in much media coverage, which typically portrays massive grassroots opposition to

10 wind farms. The press, it seems, gives disproportionate emphasis to the vocal minority that opposes wind power while ignoring the silent, contented (and less newsworthy) majority. The notable disparity between people s perceptions and their actual experience indicates that, at present, opinion is formed not by experience, but rather by ignorance, misinformation, prejudice, and fashion. (Warren et al; Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Vol. 48, No. 6, , November 2005) This has also been the case at wind farms operated by REGW. For example, at Roskrow Barton 85% local residence feel positive or neutral about the project. At Goonhilly 90% (September 2007) and 85% (November 2007) supported REGW in increasing the output of the wind farm with fewer larger turbines The wind farm is located in the Parish of St. Mawgan-in-Pydar whose Parish Plan recorded that 77% of respondents are significantly concerned about climate change, with 58% wanting additional or larger wind tubines in the parish. The results from REGW s first consultation exercise found that 63% of respondents supported the use of wind power on Denzell Downs, and 60% of respondents supported the existing Bears Down project annual survey: Renewable electricity and heat projects in south west England, RegenSW, January Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT (2010), Cornwall Council 3 Wind Energy and Electricity Prices. Exploring the Merit Order Effect, Pyory Warming to the Idea, Climate South West 2010

11 5. Project Details 5.1 The project would consist of five up to 100 metre tip tall turbines, comprising of an up to 60 metres tower and a rotor diameter up to 82 metres. Prior to commencement of construction detailed site surveys at turbine locations would be undertaken to provide data for the final design of the engineering infrastructure. All intrusive investigations will be sited at turbine locations in order to minimise the impact of exploratory excavations. 5.2 Each turbine will be supported on reinforced concrete foundations, measuring approximately 225m 2, extending to a depth of 3m below ground level. The foundation will be prepared by excavating the topsoil and subsoil, which would be stockpiled for reinstatement. Concrete would be added to form the main slab and upstand containing the connection between the foundation and the tower base section. Once the foundation is completed the area around the turbine would be reinstated with the topsoil retained from the excavation and allowed to return to its former use. Each turbine may require an external transformer measuring up to 3m by 3m. A control building would be constructed measuring 10.5m by 8.2m. An internal access track would be established to facilitate the construction process, measuring approximately 4.5m wide, which would be reduced to approximately 2.5m wide following completion of the construction process. 5.3 A temporary site compound, measuring approximately up to 60m by 40m would be established to provide a site office, storage of materials etc, which would be removed following completion of construction. The site would then be reinstated to a condition suitable for the regeneration of pasture. Sustainability 5.4 As the project will not require any fuel once operational it will be able to provide a net CO 2 saving throughout the lifetime of the project. 5.5 The manufacture of the wind turbines present the largest impact arising from the Proposal. This is due to the energy consumption and CO 2 emissions associated with the extraction of the raw materials and turbine production process. However, this will be offset in the first year of operation through the generation of renewable

12 electricity 4. During the construction phase every effort will be made to reduce any negative impacts arising from the erection of the turbines. This will include the use of recycled materials where possible, materials and construction workers will be sourced locally, where available. Transport movements will be kept to a minimum and site workers will be encouraged to lift share. 5.6 Following decommissioning approximately 80% of the wind turbine components can be recycled 5. Design Iterations 5.7 During the project evolution of various different layouts for the turbines were considered by the environmental team to ensure that impacts on local environmental resources were kept to a minimum within the technical requirements: Avoids international and nationally designated areas (e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Minimises landscape and visual impact, whilst seeking to obtain a balance with renewable energy generation Is guided by industry best practise in terms of spacing turbines to reduce interturbine turbulence Minimises disturbance to archaeological remains 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 Avoids water crossings thereby reducing the likely hydrological effects of construction in watercourses Considers the location of the control building in relation to flood risk and visual impact Considers feedback from the local community Complies with recognised noise guidance Will operate within acceptable limits for Newquay International Airport. 5.8 Initial environmental studies provided an understanding of the potential impacts and informed the preferred layout. The layout has evolved through the development process from a seven turbine layout to a five turbine layout in order to reduce the visual impact from settlements of St Eval, Talskiddy and St Columb Major. A larger number of circa 70 metre tall turbines were also considered, this was discounted following the results from the first public consultation, ecology surveys and reducing the physical footprint of the development. Plans outlining the alternative layouts are 5 Elsam Engineering A/S, 2004 Life Cycle Assessment of offshore and onshore sited wind farms.

13 included in the Design and Access Statement as well as chapters 6 and 15 of the Environmental Statement which accompanies the Planning Application. Land Use and Agriculture 5.9 The agricultural use of the site is divided between several fields containing pasture/grassland for grazing of sheep and cows and the cultivation of cereal crops. The temporary loss of approximately 200m 2 and access tracks will have little impact on farming activities at Denzell Downs. Socio Economic and Environmental Benefits 5.10 The socio-economic assessment indicates that the impacts from the wind farm would be positive, in terms of job creation and opportunities for the delivery of supporting services during the construction and decommissioning phases of development in particular. There are other clear benefits in relation to achieving objectives outlined by Cornwall Council in achieving its renewable energy targets With regards to Tourism, surveys suggest that people are unlikely to be deterred from visiting an area because of the presence of wind turbines, whilst it is conceivable that people may choose to visit the wind farm, particularly with the onsite improvements proposed. Cornwall has experienced both an increase in tourism while wind farms have been developed across the county. Therefore the impacts on tourism are not considered significant, given the wide range of diverse visitor attractions across the county It is estimated that the total energy output for the proposal would be around megawatt hours per annum, which could produce enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 5,000 local homes per annum. These figures are based on the mean energy output of the Vestas V80 [2MW], wind data recorded onsite and proxy data (for example the NOABL wind speed data base published by DECC and data from the Ofgem website on Bears Down) and DECC Sub-national Energy Consumption Figures for Restormel For the proposed Denzell Downs wind farm it is predicted that between 10,700 and tonnes of CO2 per annum will be saved. It is accepted that the amount of CO2 generated by conventional sources does vary from year to year. As there is a mixture of conventional sources the figures for CO2 saving depends on which sources of electricity generation the wind generating capacity is displacing at any given time in the year. Therefore, these figures are purely illustrative and no claim is made for their accuracy as the future fuel mix is indefinable. However it is clear there will be a sizeable emissions saving.

14 5.15 It is estimated that approximately 5 million of the total cost of the wind farm, would be spent locally through contracts for services ranging from electrical and civil engineering companies through to hoteliers. This investment has already begun, with the majority of the pre-planning spend being undertaken by Cornish companies and will continue through to operations which will be managed in s Truro office and could see the use of local technicians to undertake the maintenance If successful in planning REGW will also annually invest at least 4,000 per megawatt installed into a community benefit scheme once the wind farm is built. The design of the scheme has yet to be finalised however, it will aim to benefit the local community and increase the deployment of renewable energy in the region In addition to the Community Benefit Scheme REGW will contribute 16,000 to the St Eval Community Action Forum (SEACAF). SEACAF works to maintain and develop community groups and interests in St Eval. Currently SEACAF is working to secure the lease of several properties from the Ministry of Defence to retain a number of amenities in the community, such as the post office and community hall An Environmental Management Plan will be drawn up in consultation with stakeholders to improve site access for walkers, as well as interpretive material, habitat creation and hedgerow creation/improvements.

15 6. Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology 6.1 The potential effects associated with construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm on local geology, hydrology and hydrogeology have been identified and assessed. A range of baseline surveys were undertaken to determine the existing hydrological conditions, and the assessment, which complies with appropriate guidance, considers the different components of the local hydrology, their sensitivity and the likelihood and magnitude of any changes. 6.2 There are no open water courses, major aquifers, surface water extraction, foul sewer drains or streams on site, the closest groundwater abstraction, operated by the current landowner for general agricultural and domestic use is located adjacent to the western boundary of the site. The closest surface water abstraction is located 1.3km northeast of the site. 6.3 The proposed development is located outside of Flood Zones 2 and 3 where the probability of either river or coastal and tidal flooding is less than 0.1% (1 in 1000). 6.4 As a precautionary measure, mitigation measures based on best practice such as strict controls of site water, sediment and potential contaminants in order to protect the underlying groundwater and local surface water features will be implemented. 6.5 With the outlined mitigation measures in place, no residual effects from the activities of the wind farm development on the hydrological, hydrogeological and geological regime have been identified as significant within the terms of the Regulations. 7. Shadow Flicker 7.1 A detailed shadow flicker assessment of the proposal was undertaken, based on a worst case scenario which assumed no intervening vegetation, continual daytime sunshine and continuous turbine blade rotation. The results, in accordance with Government guidance (PPS 22: Renewable Energy) shows there is the potential for shadow flicker effects at the landowner s property and at part of the caravan site to the North West. In order to mitigate against any adverse effects the relevant turbine(s) will be stopped from rotating when conditions give rise to unacceptable flicker at local homes.

16 8. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 8.1 There are a range of Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Grade I, II* and II Listed Buildings located within 5km of the turbines and one registered Park and Garden within 10km of the turbines. However, only negligible to minor effects on the setting of any archaeological assets have been identified (i.e. not significant). There is therefore no mitigation requirement 8.2 Although no significant affects are predicted at the construction stage as a result of the pre-application geophysical studies, an archaeological evaluation of each of the proposed turbine locations and control building will be undertaken in accordance with the IfA Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluation (IfA 2008). During this period it is also proposed that a watching brief will be set up. 8.3 There will be no cumulative impacts from Bear's Down because due to the close proximity of the two schemes, they will appear as one wind farm in most views from heritage assets. There will also be no cumulative impacts arising from St Breock as the two wind farms will only be visible from the top of the hills and in views in opposite directions. Furthermore, any cumulative impacts will have already arisen from the presence of the two existing wind farms. There will be no cumulative impacts arising from Carland Cross and Delabole because they are a considerable distance beyond the settings of any of the heritage assets in the study area. Image: A round barrow on Denzell Downs used as a gun emplacement in World War II

17 9. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 9.1 The site is within the St Breock and Bodmin character area. Land Use Consultants (LUC) Landscape sensitivity assessments carried out as part of REvision 2010, REvision 2020 and the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Project found this character area is of moderate to high sensitivity to wind farm development, this is however a broad assessment of the whole of the character area. The landscape of the site area itself is considered to be of moderate sensitivity to the development and to have a moderate capacity to accommodate a wind farm of Denzell Downs s scale. 9.2 Mitigation for the direct effects of the proposed Denzell Downs Wind Farm has been incorporated into the site design. It should be noted that all wind farm developments generate landscape and visual effects but the significant effects are all reversible in that they would cease at decommissioning. Landscape Character 9.3 The character of the site could experience significant effects as the development would be very prominent, but it would not necessarily be considered to be substantially uncharacteristic due to the presence of the adjacent Bears Down Wind Farm, the character of the site of which is already effected by the wind farm. However, the perception of the wind farm affected landscape would not extend far beyond the site and the adjacent Bears Down, therefore these effects are localised. The field areas and other features would remain around the turbines, therefore landscape character of the site would not be totally changed and much of its key physical and perceptual characteristics would remain. 9.4 The site s character area would not experience any significant effects and so they would not be sufficient for the character area to experience loss of character as a whole. The effects on the wider character areas around the proposed wind farm would also not be significantly adverse. 9.5 Small areas of sensitive/rare landscape features (such as the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Vale of Mawgan Area of Great Landscape Value) would not experience significant effects, because either the character of most of these areas are defined by the coastal and estuarine locations and not views inland; or they are too distant from the site. 9.6 The character of the three areas of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site within the study area would not be affected by the development. The character, settings and views from the historic parks and gardens, National

18 Trust ownership areas and English Heritage sites within the study area would not be affected by the development. Visual Effects 9.7 The settlements of St Eval, Talskiddy and some areas of St Columb Major would potentially experience significant adverse effects as would, within approximately 2km of the site, the properties of Little Trewinnick, Pennatillie Farm, Ashfield Park Pencrennys and Pendula. The magnitude of the impacts would be reduced slightly by the presence of Bears Down Wind Farm. 9.8 There would be views of the turbines from open sections of the roads and paths within the study area. These would be significant for National Cycle Route 32, the impacts would be reduced by the presence of Bears Down Wind Farm; also the tall hedgerows lining parts of the route would help to screen some views; and the onsite footpath. Impacts would quickly reduce with distance from the site. 9.9 Visitors to the area of woodland and scrub just to the south-east of the site, which is open access land, would experience significantly adverse visual impacts; however it is unclear how to access this area. None of the other recreational receptors within the study area would experience significantly adverse visual effects. Cumulative Effects 9.10 Bears Down Wind Farm would be approximately 410m north-east of Denzell Downs Wind Farm at the closest point. The difference in scale and rotor speeds of the existing turbines at Bears Down and the proposed turbines is less likely to be perceived from within the site than it is at distance As the summit of Denzell Downs lies between the two sites the full extent (base to tip) of some of the turbines in both schemes would only be visible from a small number of viewpoints therefore it would be difficult to judge how close the two schemes would be to each other. In other words it may appear that the turbines are of a similar scale but at greater distances from each other. This does confuses the sense of perspective slightly but not sufficiently to result in significant landscape and visual effects The combination of Denzell Downs and Bears Down would result in the most noticeable effects because there are a limited number of areas where it would be possible to see Denzell Downs plus one of the other schemes due to the distances between them and the effects of screening by the undulating landform, the Cornish hedgerows, areas of woodland and settlements. The careful design of Denzell

19 Downs to minimise conflict with Bears Down means these effects would not result in significant cumulative impacts on the landscape character of the study area This would also generally be the case for the cumulative visual impacts, only receptors very close to the Denzell Downs site would experience significant cumulative effects as a result of the combined visibility of Denzell Downs and Bears Down. The combination of Denzell Downs with the other developments would mainly be visible from areas of open, high ground, in clear visibility Some of the transport corridors and recreational routes would experience sequential cumulative effects, such as the A39, A3059, A389, A30, B3274, B3276, the South West Coast Path, the Saints Way and National Cycle Route 32, but these would not be significant due to the distances between the schemes, undulating landform and the intervening the Cornish hedgerows, areas of woodland and settlements. 10. Ecology 10.1 The ecological assessment (not including birds and bats which are dealt with separately) comprises a desk study, site survey and a report to gain an accurate understanding of baseline conditions There are no international or national designations on or adjacent to the site. A Cornwall Wildlife Site lies to the east of the site but there are expected to be no direct impacts as a result of the wind farm A short term slight adverse negative impact is predicted on the onsite badger population if their use of setts remains the same (evidence from a number of site visits suggests they are highly mobile). No other significant impacts are predicted during construction. Measures will be put in place during construction to minimise the disturbance to wildlife During operation given the additional hedge planting and repair, and the potential creation of further habitats onsite there will be a neutral to slight beneficial significant impact on the species and habitats onsite Impacts of decommissioning are not expected to be any greater than those experienced during construction, and similar mitigation measures will be followed to minimise these impacts.

20 10.6 An environmental management plan for the site is proposed, which would take full account of all the habitats and species onsite. 11. Ornithology 11.1 A suite of survey techniques were used in order to establish a baseline against which impacts on birds could be assessed. This included three sets of transect surveys and a full year of vantage point surveys to establish flight lines and heights of bird species potentially at risk of blade collision There is a risk of collision for some bird species due to individual habits, such as those of the key risk species. This risk is considered to be of low significance (i.e. not normally of concern) for golden plover. Monitoring will be undertaken and mitigation implemented if golden plover continue to use the turbine fields. No other significant residual effects are anticipated A two year monitoring programme will aim to measure bird flight and turbine interaction and any mortality cases to provide a better understanding for future developments in this area. The programme will commence one year prior to construction. A programme of measures are proposed to enhance habitats on the land holding. This includes bird box installation, habitat improvements and possible barn owl box replacement. 12. Bats 12.1 The Denzell Downs site was found to support foraging and commuting habitat for 11 species of bat, including three species of high conservation value (barbastelle, greater and lesser horseshoe) and two species considered to be of high risk of collision with wind turbines. No roosts, or potential roosting habitat was found on the site, and the nearest roost (common pipistrelle) is 1km away. The site was evaluated for each bat species and considered to be of County importance for barbastelle, greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe due to their rarity status, and of local importance for all other species recorded The assessment considered the significance of effects at the construction and operational stage of the project. No significant effects were anticipated at the construction stage. A collision risk assessment was undertaken using the Natural

21 England (2010) methodology for each species recorded on the site. Prior to mitigation significant effects were anticipated on noctule due to its status as a high risk species. Mitigation will include a curtailment strategy informed by a monitoring programme. Curtailment of turbines at low wind speeds is considered to offer an effective means of reducing or avoiding mortalities since bat activity is negatively correlated with wind speed. Trigger levels for implementing the curtailment strategy will be agreed with Natural England and the planning authority. With these measures in place effects on noctule are considered to be reduced to acceptable level and are no longer significant. 13. Transport 13.1 After consultation with undertaken with Cornwall Council, Highways Agency-(Area 1) and regional Police the wind turbine components will take the following route to site (which is the same route used for the delivery of the Bears Down s turbines): leave the A30 onto the A39 at Indian Queens travel up the A39 to the roundabout linking onto the B3274 follow the B3274 north-west to the C115 follow the C115 west past Music Water caravan park to the C55 follow the C55 heading south to the proposed site access locations Construction traffic will be generated over an approximate 6-month period. The traffic generated by the construction will result in increases in traffic flows. These are within the practical operating capacity of these roads and the environmental effect is, therefore, considered to be not significant. Decommissioning would require fewer vehicle movements and, similarly, will not give rise to a significant effect. The limited traffic movements connected with operation and maintenance of the wind farm will not have a significant effect on the surrounding road network.

22 14. Noise 14.1 Baseline noise levels were measured at 5 locations representative of the nearest neighbouring dwellings. Worst case turbine noise levels at the closest residential locations to the site were predicted based on warranted sound power level data for a Vestas V80-2.0MW wind turbine It was agreed with Cornwall Council that Denzell Downs should be assessed by comparing the predicted cumulative noise levels of Bears Down and Denzell Downs Wind Farms acting simultaneously, with the noise limits set out for the operational Bears Down Wind Farm. The assessment was carried out by comparing predicted noise levels with noise limits described in ETSU-R-97, Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms, as referred to in PPS22, Renewable Energy. Rather than setting a new set of limits for Denzell Downs it was felt this would give local residents and Cornwall Council greater security The assessment shows that the predicted typical downwind turbine noise levels, at the nearest residential locations to the site, are below the night- and day-time noise limits under all wind speed and direction conditions An assessment has also been carried out that includes the average plus one standard deviation on-site measured wind shear data, that shows that the noise limits are met at all residential locations, including the effects of wind shear (as discussed in the IoA Bulletin Article, Prediction and Assessment of Wind Turbine Noise, March/April 2009) It will be ensured that construction and decommissioning noise levels will be below the adopted criterion of 65dB L Aeq (detailed in Department of the Environment Advisory Leaflet (AL) 72, Noise Control On Building Sites and British Standard BS5228, Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites) and as such construction activities will result in an insignificant impact at residential properties.

23 15. Aviation and Electromagnetic Interference 15.1 The wind farm proposal is not expected to impact upon any communication links, civil aviation or military aviation interests Neither the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or Newquay International Airport have objected to the potential development. However, the MoD may require aviation lighting on some/all of the turbines Following consultation with various electromagnetic communication operators it was found that there was a potential to effect South West Water s communication network. In order to mitigate against this we have agreed to limit the micro-siting request for turbine four. No objections from any other system operators have been received following the consultation. 16. Public Consultation 16.1 A program of consultation between November 2009 and January 2011 included: Four days of public exhibitions Mail outs and questionnaires REGW manned a stand at Royal Cornwall Show Presentations to the local Parish Councils Engagement and advertisement in local and online media One-to-one meetings with local residents 16.2 The feedback received was used to inform the development process and the final design of the scheme. For example, the location the access track leaves the public highway, the final design and the preferred candidate turbine This consultation work will continue through the planning process Further details regarding the public consultation programme can be found in the Statement of Community Involvement

24 17. Public Rights of Way 17.1 There is one footpath within the site, Mawgan in Pydar (MP) 24, which crosses the site diagonally south-west to north-east through the existing Bears Down scheme. The site is also aligned with the National Cycle Network Route 32, and the St. Piran Trail. It was also recorded that the Public Rights of Way (PROW) network in this area is underused As REGW have done on other wind farm sites (including Roskrow Barton in Cornwall) in order to ensure public health and safety is guaranteed temporary closure of MP 24 will be necessary. For the duration of construction, there is considered to be a significant, negative, short term impact to those occasional PROW users which may have planned to use the on-site path. In the overall context of the PROW network in this area however, the effect is relatively minor. Similarly, there may also be a short-term negative effect on cyclists using the promoted route past the west of the site. Mitigation aims to provide users with as much information and warning as possible, in order that they can plan their recreational trips with the least inconvenience to them Once the turbines are constructed, overall there is no long term significant impact on the public s ability to use the PROW network or cycle the promoted routes. Furthermore, following consultation with Cornwall Council s PROW team and The Ramblers a number of enhancement measures have been incorporated, to improve the recreational user experience through this area.

25 18. Further Information 18.1 Further information on the EIA is contained in the ES, which can be inspected at the offices of: Natural Resources Cornwall Council County Hall Treyew Road Truro TR1 3AY 18.2 Copies of the ES can be purchased from at a cost of 250, all olumes are available on a CD at a cost of 10 or on the website. To obtain a copy, please contact: Richmond Villas 37 Edward Street Truro, Cornwall. TR1 3AJ T:

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28 Richmond Villas 37 Edward Street Truro Cornwall TR1 3AJ T: e: 7 Web: Denzell Downs Environmental Management Plan 3