Harbourcross Wind Farm Environmental StatementPl. Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Harbourcross Wind Farm Environmental StatementPl April 2013

2 1 Introduction 1.1 Harbourcross Wind Farm Limited (the Applicant) is seeking planning permission for a proposed wind farm, referred to as Harbourcross, located on land to the north east of the village of Meddon in Torridge District, Devon. The site location is shown in Figure The site consists of farmland and is bounded to the north by a minor road connecting the A39 with Gorvin Cross and the network of rural roads beyond; and to the east and west by the Harbourcross and Meddon plantations respectively. A minor road runs to the south of the site connecting Meddon and Lower Biteford Cross. A stream crosses the site in an east west direction. 1.3 The proposed development requires planning permission. A planning application for five 126 m high turbines was submitted to Torridge District Council in May This application has now been withdrawn. Amendments have been made to the proposed development and, therefore, a revised application is now being submitted. 1.4 A process of Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken for the proposed development in accordance with UK legal requirements to identify the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed wind farm. An Environmental Statement has been produced, setting out the findings of the environmental assessment process. The Environmental Statement has been submitted alongside the revised application. This document is the Non- Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement and is provided both within Volume 1 of the Environmental Statement and as a separate stand alone document. This summary document provides an overview of the assessment findings. Details of how to view the full Environmental Statement or to obtain further copies of this are provided at the end of this document. 1.5 The proposed Harbourcross Wind Farm would consist of five wind turbines of up to 107 m in height on land currently in agricultural use. The wind farm would have a total energy generating capacity of up to 10 megawatts (MW). 1.6 Harbourcross Wind Farm Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wind Ventures Limited, a specialist developer of onshore wind farms in the UK. 1

3 Figure 1: Site Location 2

4 2 The Proposed Development 2.1 Details of the proposed development are provided in full in Chapter 2 of the Environmental Statement (Project Description). The proposed development would include the following components, shown in Figure 2: Five wind turbines with a maximum height of up to 107 m to the blade tip; Associated development including: o o o o tracks providing access to the turbines; areas of hardstanding to support cranes (crane pads); underground cabling and substation; and a meteorological mast to gather wind speed data. 2.2 In addition, a temporary construction compound would be required during the construction phase of the development. Wind Turbines 2.3 The key components of a typical wind turbine include: Rotor blades Turbines typically have three blades, which convert wind energy through rotation; Nacelle The nacelle is mounted on top of the tower and contains the key technical components of a turbine; Tower the tower supports the turbine blades and is generally cylindrical and constructed of steel. Access to the turbine is provided at the base of the tower for maintenance. 2.4 The proposed wind turbines at Harbourcross would be up to 107 m high at their tallest point, referred to as the blade tip or tip height. The towers that support the nacelle and blades would be up to approximately 67 m high, referred to as hub height. Each of the three turbine blades would be up to approximately 40 m long resulting in a rotor diameter, the diameter of the circle produced by the tips of each blade, of approximately 80 m. 2.5 The proposed wind turbines would not exceed the following dimensions: Table 1: Maximum Turbine Parameters Turbine Dimension/Number Maximum turbine height (height to blade tip) 107 m Number of blades 3 Maximum blade length Approximately 40 m Maximum hub height (height of towers that hold the hub and Approximately 67 m blades) 3

5 Figure 2: Proposed Wind Farm Location of Key Components 4

6 2.6 Turbine lighting requirements have been agreed following consultation with the Ministry of Defence. It is proposed that infrared lighting would be provided at the top of the nacelle for each turbine for aviation safety purposes. Infrared lighting is not visible to the naked eye but detectable by aircraft. Associated Infrastructure Access Tracks and Hardstanding 2.7 Access tracks and crane hardstandings would be required to allow access to each turbine during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm. 2.8 Entrance to the site is proposed from the A39 using an existing junction that provides access to Forestry Commission land at Welsford Moor. From this location, vehicles would use the existing access track through Summerwell Moor Plantation to the local road between the A39 and Gorvin Cross. Access from this local road to the turbines would use an existing track through Meddon Plantation together with new access tracks to each individual turbine. 2.9 The use of existing forestry tracks would minimise the extent of new track construction required on site. New tracks would be approximately 5 m in width. Substation and Underground Cabling 2.10 A substation would be required on site to convert the electricity produced by the wind farm to the required voltage prior to connection to the electricity distribution network. The proposed substation building would be of single storey construction and is likely to require a footprint of approximately 4.6 m x 5.6 m. The proposed location of the substation is shown on Figure Turbines would be connected to the substation through underground cables. These would be in underground cable trenches located alongside or set beneath the site access tracks. Cabling would remain in place for the lifetime of the wind farm. Grid Connection 2.12 Connection to the electricity distribution network would be the responsibility of the District Network Operator. The point of connection would be the subject of a separate planning application to be submitted by the District Network Operator For the purpose of the Environmental Statement an underground connection to Gorvin Cross (where an existing electricity line crosses the fields) has been assumed. Permanent Anemometry/Meteorological Mast 2.14 A permanent mast would be constructed on site to replace the existing temporary mast to continue collecting wind speed data. The permanent mast would consist of an 80 m lattice tower. 5

7 Construction Phase 2.15 Construction would be undertaken over a period of approximately nine months. Figure 3 illustrates the indicative construction programme. The final programme would be subject to the timing of the grant of planning consent, seasonal restrictions and detailed logistical planning. Table 2: Indicative Construction Programme Construction Phase Mobilisation (including crane transport) Site access and infrastructure Turbine foundations Turbine erection Site restoration Month Construction working hours would be to on weekdays and to on Saturdays with no working on Sundays or on public or bank holidays. In the event that work was required outside these hours in exceptional circumstances, this would be agreed with Torridge District Council The number of staff required during construction would depend on the stage of the construction process. However, it is anticipated that the peak number of staff during construction would be 35. Construction Access 2.18 Construction vehicles would use the A39 before turning onto the forestry track through Summerwell Moor Plantation to the local road between the A39 and Gorvin Cross. Access from this local road to the turbines would use an existing track through Meddon Plantation together with new access tracks to each individual turbine, as shown in Figure Some turbine components would qualify as abnormal loads on the delivery phase of the journey (on the return journey expandable trailers would be retracted to the size of a standard Heavy Goods Vehicle). A route access study has been undertaken to consider the most appropriate route to deliver turbine components. It is expected that abnormal load vehicles would access the proposed wind farm from the M5 via the A30, A359 and the A39. Swept path analysis has confirmed that this route could accommodate such vehicles within the public highway boundary A Traffic Management Plan would be agreed with Devon County Council and the Highways Agency, which would consider timing of deliveries and the requirement for police escort of abnormal loads. 6

8 Construction Management 2.21 It would be the responsibility of the main construction contractor to prepare and implement a Code of Construction Practice. This would set out the following: The contractor s legal responsibilities in respect of the environment; Detailed method statements for, amongst other things: o o o o o Undertaking work in or close to areas of environmental sensitivity; Handling soil in a sensitive manner; Preventing high levels of sediment being washed into watercourses; Noise and dust prevention and/or mitigation; Site housekeeping; Arrangements (if required) for monitoring environmental effects; Arrangements for liaison with statutory authorities such as Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the public; and Contingency plans in the event of an emergency, such as fuel spillage from an item of construction plant The main contractor would be expected to base the Code of Construction Practice on the information contained within the Environmental Statement and to comply with relevant legislation, guidance and planning conditions. Operation and Maintenance 2.23 The operational phase of the wind farm is anticipated to be 30 years. The wind turbines would not require permanent staff in attendance at the site as they would include monitoring systems to continually monitor their performance. The use of remote monitoring systems reduces the number of site visits required to typically one per week. Operational traffic flows to the site would therefore be minimal, and would only amount to one shared vehicle for maintenance Annual servicing of each turbine would be required for cleaning, checking and maintenance of parts. Decommissioning 2.25 Decommissioning of a wind farm is essentially the reverse of the construction phase. It is anticipated that decommissioning would take approximately two months. Turbine blades would be removed and the turbines either dismantled for reuse of components or sold for use as working machines. Turbine foundations would be removed to a depth that would allow continued agricultural use. All site access roads and crane hardstandings would be removed and the land reinstated to match the surrounding land use. 7

9 3 The Need for the Proposed Development and Alternatives Considered Need for the Project 3.1 This section summarises the need for renewable energy projects in the UK and alternatives considered. Further details can be found in Chapter 3 (Need for the Project and Alternatives Considered) of the Environmental Statement. 3.2 The need for renewable energy and for action in response to climate change is set out in European and UK government commitments, including the Kyoto Protocol, European Directives and the Energy Act In March 2012, the UK Government published its National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012) to replace former national planning policy guidance documents. One of the core planning principles listed in the National Planning Policy Framework is to encourage the use of renewable resources (for example, by the development of renewable energy). Paragraph 98 of the National Planning Policy Framework advises that local planning authorities should not require applicants for energy development to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy and also recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 3.4 Based on the candidate turbine for the site, it is expected that the five proposed turbines could generate approximately 26.1 GWh (Gigawatt hours) of renewable electricity per year. Based on the average domestic household electricity consumption, it is estimated that the yearly output from the wind energy development will be equivalent to meet the domestic needs of 5,609 average households in the Torridge area. 3.5 The electricity generated by this project would be consumed within the area surrounding the grid connection point and is therefore likely to supply dwellings within Torridge district. Site Selection 3.6 The site selection process for the proposed Harbourcross wind farm has taken into consideration a range of environmental constraints within the areas surrounding the site. This process sought to avoid siting the wind farm within any designated area (such as the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), whilst providing a suitable balance between the needs of a wind farm that make development both technically and economically viable and the aim of minimising effects on the local environment. 3.7 Guidance produced by Torridge District Council has been taken into account. Guidance on the landscape sensitivity in Torridge District (Torridge District Council 2011) indicates that the area within which the site is located is likely to be able to accommodate clusters of up to five turbines within the landscape. 8

10 Layout Options 3.8 A number of constraints affecting the identified site were then taken into account to determine the proposed number of turbines and their layout. The current layout of the Harbourcross Wind Farm has been derived through a detailed, iterative design process. 3.9 At the early stages of site development, it was considered that the land available for the proposed site would allow for the development of between five to seven turbines. Initial turbine layouts considered a seven turbine layout option, which maximised the number of turbines that could efficiently be located on the site, including one turbine located on land to the south east of the current site A six turbine option was identified in This option located some turbines further from the boundaries of the site and from existing roads and residential areas. This layout was further revised to a five turbine option that was the subject of the planning application during This option moved all turbines further south from the unnamed road between the A39 and Gorvin Cross and north from the road between Meddon and Lower Biteford Cross. In addition, the buffer to residential areas was increased to approximately 700 m. The reduction in turbine numbers was considered to have the potential to reduce a range of environmental effects, including landscape and visual, ecological and noise effects Following submission of the application in 2012, the location of two of the five turbines has been revised slightly in order to minimise effects in relation to telecommunications links and to ensure that the requirements of Natural England s guidance in relation to bats are met. Turbine Height Options 3.12 For the submission of the planning application in 2012, a turbine with a maximum height of 126 m was considered. Following this submission, consideration has been given to other turbine height options in order to reduce the landscape and visual effects of the project The review of turbine options has considered available turbine models and height options, together with guidance on assessing landscape sensitivity to wind farm developments produced by Torridge District Council (2011). This document notes that landscapes in Torridge are highly sensitive to very large turbines of between 110 m and 150 m to tip height, whilst some of the larger scale landscapes may be able to accommodate large size turbines (76 m to 110 m). It is noted that other applications consented within the District and surrounding districts include turbines of up to approximately 110 m in height Therefore, the applicant has sought to identify suitable turbine models that would fall into the 76 m to 110 m category that would ensure an economic level of energy production from the site. This exercise established that a reduction in height would notably reduce the area from which the turbines would be visible. The amended planning application therefore is for a turbine of 107 m maximum height. 9

11 4 Consultation, Scope of Assessment and Methodology Scoping and Consultation 4.1 Scoping is the process of identifying the issues to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment process. This process sets the context for the assessment process. 4.2 A request for a scoping opinion was submitted to Torridge District Council in September A response was provided by Torridge District Council in November 2010, setting out their opinion on the topics that should be included within the assessment. 4.3 The scoping exercise highlighted a number of areas that consultees wished to see addressed. Taking into account the nature, size and location of the proposed development, the information provided with the Scoping Opinion from Torridge District Council and other consultation responses provided throughout the assessment process, the following topics have been covered within the Environmental Statement: Table 3: Information Provided within the Environmental Statement Structure of the ES Volume 1: Text Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Project description Chapter 3 Need for the project and alternatives considered Chapter 4 Consultation, scoping and methodology Chapters 5-14 Description of the findings of the specialist environmental assessments in relation to the likely significant environmental effects: Chapter 5: Landscape and visual impact assessment Chapter 6: Historic environment Chapter 7: Socio-economics, land use and recreation Chapter 8: Climate Change and Atmospheric Emissions Chapter 9: Hydrology, hydrogeology and geology Chapter 10: Traffic and transport Chapter 11: Noise and vibration Chapter 12: Avian ecology Chapter 13: Non-avian ecology Chapter 14: Shadow flicker Chapter 15 Summary of mitigation Chapter 16 Summary of residual effects Volume 2: Appendices Including specialist reports forming technical appendices to the main text. Volume 3: Figures and Visualisations Including all figures and drawings to accompany the text, including photomontages. 10

12 4.4 The assessment of effects on environmental topic areas are provided within Chapters 5 to 14 of the Environmental Statement (Volume 1), supported by information provided in the appendices (Volume 2). A summary of the key findings is provided within this. 4.5 In addition to the consultation undertaken with regard to the scope of the assessment, Wind Ventures has undertaken public consultations for the proposed Harbourcross Wind Farm. An initial public exhibition was held on 21st October 2010 in Welcombe Village Hall to introduce the project and applicant. A further exhibition was held on 10th November 2011 ( ) at Meddon Village Hall to provide initial results of the environmental assessments and to obtain public feedback on the proposals. Feedback forms were provided at the exhibition, which were completed by 25 respondents. Environmental Assessment Methodology 4.6 Environmental Impact Assessment is a means of identifying and collating information to inform an assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of a project. The assessment of each environmental topic forms a separate section of the Environmental Statement. For each environmental topic in the Environmental Statement, the following have been addressed Methodology; Description of the existing environmental (baseline) conditions; Identification of and assessment of the significance of likely effects arising from the proposed development; Identification of any mitigation measures proposed to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy adverse effects; and Assessment of any cumulative effects with other proposed developments planned in the area. 4.7 In terms of significance, effects are described using the following scale: Substantial: Only adverse effects are normally assigned this level of significance. They represent key factors in the decision making process. These effects are generally, but not exclusively, associated with sites or features of international, national or regional importance that are likely to suffer a most damaging impact and loss of resource integrity; Major: These beneficial or adverse effects are considered to be very important considerations and are likely to be material in the decision making process; Moderate: These beneficial or adverse effects may be important, but are not likely to be key decision making factors. The cumulative effects of such factors may influence decision making if they lead to an increase in the overall adverse effect on a particular resource or receptor; 11

13 Minor: These beneficial or adverse effects may be raised as local factors. They are unlikely to be critical in the decision making process, but are important in enhancing the subsequent design of the project; and Negligible: No effects or those that are beneath levels of perception, within normal bounds of variation or within the margin of forecasting error. 12

14 5 Summary of Environmental Effects 5.1 This section provides a summary of the findings of the environmental assessment process. For full details of the assessments, please refer to Chapters 5 to 14 of the Environmental Statement. An overview of some of the key constraints is provided in Figure 3. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 5.2 An assessment has been undertaken of the landscape and visual effects of the proposed wind farm. This assessment has taken into account best practice advice in relation to the assessment of landscape and visual effects. A study area of 35 km has been used for the assessment, extending up to 60 km for the assessment of cumulative effects with other developments. 5.3 The assessment has been informed by site visits and by computer modelling to indicate the possible extent of visibility of the proposed turbines. Landscape Resources 5.4 The proposed development site lies outside any area designated for its landscape resource. The North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extends over a large coastal section of the 35 km study area. This landscape designation lies approximately 1.25 km from the closest turbine to the west of the site. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is located approximately 5.5 km to the south of the site. The Hartland Heritage Coast designation covers the coastline from Bude to Bideford, extending to within 4.60 km of the western edge of the site. 5.5 The closest part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Bursdon Moor) would be affected by the presence of the wind farm. However, the wider area of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would experience less change and, indeed, none from many areas. The integrity of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the purposes of its designation would not be affected. The national and regional landscape character area/types would similarly experience local effects, decreasing with distance and visibility. 5.6 The proposed wind farm would be situated in National Landscape Character Area 149: The Culm. The landscape within the immediate area (up to 1 km from the wind farm) would be characterised by the wind farm and the significance of change in this area is assessed to be moderate adverse. The significance decreases further from the wind farm to minor adverse. The remaining three national character areas would experience changes of negligible significance. Overall, the proposed wind farm would not have a significant effect on the character area. 13

15 Figure 3: Environmental Overview 14

16 5.7 The proposed Harbourcross Wind Farm would be situated in Character Type 1F, known as Farmed Lowland Moorland and Culm Grassland (see Figure 4). The proposed wind farm would characterise this landscape type up to 1 km from the closest turbine and the significance of change is considered to be major adverse in close proximity. However, in the more distant areas of the character type, changes in the landscape character would vary from moderate adverse to negligible. Guidance published by Torridge District Council (2011) recognises the landscape within which the site is located could accommodate small clusters of up to five turbines. Close Range Views 5.8 Close viewpoints are those up to 3 km from the site. Views from these locations would experience a medium to large degree of change. The proposed wind farm would have significant effects on some close range receptors. These close visual receptors, including users of the footpath and local road at Meddon and access land users at Bursdon Moor, would experience changes in views of up to major adverse significance where there are direct views. Medium Range Views 5.9 The distance of medium range viewpoints varies from 3 km to 10 km from the site. In many views the turbines would be seen against a backdrop of higher land or vegetation and in some cases the wind turbines would be screened to a large extent. Receptors within this range would experience effects of negligible, minor or moderate adverse significance. Long Range Views 5.10 Long range viewpoints are those situated at a distance of over 10 km from the site. Receptors would be those travelling in vehicles or users of publicly accessible places. However, generally the wind farm would be barely perceptible, resulting in a change of negligible or small magnitude and an effect of negligible or minor adverse significance The effects of vegetation and landform are significant in all views but particularly in the close and medium range views. It is often thought that all the wind turbines in a wind farm would be seen in their entirely from many if not all viewpoints. The photomontages produced show that this is not the case in this landscape. Indeed, in the majority of views not all the wind turbines are visible and in most views only part of those that are visible would be seen. Historic Environment 5.12 An assessment has been undertaken to consider the effects of the proposed wind farm on all aspects of the historic environment, including buried archaeological remains, historic buildings and historic landscapes Baseline data were collected for known and potential heritage assets. The importance or value of each asset was assessed and the likely degree of impact upon them has been considered using recognised methodologies and best practice. 15

17 Figure 4: National Landscape Character Areas 16

18 5.14 The types of heritage asset considered include: Internationally and nationally designated heritage assets such as World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest; Locally designated heritage assets such as locally Listed Buildings, locally identified Historic Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas, Areas of Archaeological Potential (or similar); Non-designated heritage assets, such as buried archaeological remains and other sites recorded on the Devon Historic Environment Record (HER), sites of former buildings or other features recorded on historic maps of the area or in primary and secondary documentary sources; and The overall historic landscape A detailed geophysical survey was undertaken that covers the locations of the proposed turbines, substation, access roads and construction compound. The aim of this survey was to establish the presence or absence of archaeological features that may be directly impacted by the project The geophysical survey found a number of potential archaeological features. However, the nature of the potential features suggests that none are likely to be of any great significance. Discussions on this matter have taken place with the Historic Environment Service at Devon County Council. It has been agreed that a programme of archaeological recording would be undertaken during construction The assessment has identified that the project would result in permanent minor adverse effects on buried archaeological remains during the construction phase. These effects are not considered to be significant and would be offset through the proposed programme of archaeological observation and investigation during construction There would be moderate adverse effects on two groups of round barrows or tumuli arising from the presence of the proposed turbines during the operational phase. These are the only effects that are considered to be significant and would cease once the wind farm was decommissioned There would also be negligible or minor adverse effects on a number of listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments, and on the overall historic landscape, arising from the presence of the proposed turbines. These are not considered to be significant. Socio-economics, Land Use and Recreation 5.20 An assessment of the potential socio-economic, land use and recreational effects associated with the proposed development has been undertaken. The assessment was based on existing mapping and data, site visits and discussions with the landowners affected by the proposed development regarding existing farming practices on site. 17

19 Employment 5.21 The district of Torridge within which the proposed wind farm is located has a broad economic base, with tourism related employment providing an important element in the local area through, for example, hotel and other tourist accommodation, camp sites and caravan parks, country parks, historic gardens, fishing facilities and visitor attractions. The proposed wind farm falls within the ward of Hartland and Bradworthy The total estimated construction cost for the proposed Harbourcross Wind Farm is estimated to be approximately 13 million. During this period there would be some direct employment and some additional and supply chain economic benefits associated with the construction phase. The creation of jobs within the district or wider region may have a temporary minor beneficial effect on employment. This would also apply during the decommissioning phase, which essentially represents a reversal of the construction process Job opportunities during the operation of the wind farm are likely to be limited to those required during the annual service of the wind turbine generators. The significance of effects is considered to be minor beneficial. In addition, a package of community benefits is proposed which would bring further benefits to the local community. Recreation 5.24 The proposed wind farm is located on land in agricultural use near the village of Meddon. In order to access the site, it is proposed to use existing forestry tracks as part of the route between the A39 and the turbine locations. These tracks run through Forestry Commission land, which is designated as Access Land and therefore allows for public access on foot. In addition, horse riding is allowed under licence. There are no recreational facilities on the wind farm site itself Users of the forestry tracks are familiar with the existing forestry operations and it is considered that the established safety measures and restrictions imposed on use during forestry operations would be appropriate during the transport of loads associated with the construction and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. Overall, effects on users of these tracks during construction and decommissioning would be minor adverse on a temporary basis It is not anticipated that the construction activities would have any direct effect on the users of recreational facilities in the wider area, such as the golf course and holiday park. The construction activities would be limited to the wind farm site itself and would not therefore prevent continued operation of these facilities During the operational phase, no significant traffic is likely to be generated and therefore effects on users of the forestry tracks are likely to be negligible in terms of significance. Users may get some views of the turbine blades above the tree cover at some locations. Visual effects are considered separately within the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment chapter of the Environmental Statement. 18

20 Agricultural Land 5.28 The land within the proposed development site is predominantly grade 4 agricultural land, which is currently being used for sheep grazing. The site forms part of two farm holdings, there are no farm buildings in the fields affected by the wind farm The construction of the wind farm would lead to a total loss of approximately 1.5 hectares of land within the site and would not affect any land known as the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 or 3a quality). On completion of construction, the land take associated with the wind farm would reduce to approximately 0.92 hectares through the removal and reinstatement of the temporary construction compound. During decommissioning, turbine bases, access tracks and other infrastructure would be removed and these areas of land restored to their former agricultural use, unless otherwise agreed with the landowner. Overall, effects on agricultural land quality are considered to be negligible in terms of significance With respect to farm holdings, the proposed development would affect two farm holdings located within the site. The implementation of the proposed development would affect small areas of land within each of the holdings and would have only a limited effect on the day to day operation of both enterprises. It is therefore considered that the significance of effect on farm holdings arising from the project would be negligible. Climate Change and Atmospheric Emissions 5.31 An assessment has been carried out to identify the potential effects of the proposed development with regard to climate change and air quality With respect to climate change, the assessment has considered the potential carbon savings associated with the operation of the proposed wind farm, alongside consideration of the carbon emissions associated with the manufacture, construction and decommissioning of the wind turbines With respect to air quality, the focus of the assessment has been the consideration of the risks of dust and particulate matter emissions during construction and demolition. Climate Change 5.34 It has been calculated that the five proposed turbines could generate approximately 26.1 Gigawatt Hours of renewable electricity per year. Based on the average domestic household electricity consumption, it is estimated that the yearly output from the wind energy development will be equivalent to meet the domestic needs of approximately 5,609 average households in the Torridge area A proposed wind development of this scale would be expected to displace 11,225 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Comparing this to the carbon footprint of the proposed turbines indicates that the time taken to offset the emissions associated with manufacture, 19

21 construction and decommissioning of the turbines would be less than one month of operation. This is considered to be a beneficial effect. Air Quality 5.36 The proposed development includes a range of measures to control dust emissions. During construction, best practice measures to control dust emissions would be implemented through a Code of Construction Practice. There are no residential or other specific dust sensitive receptors located within 350 m of the site boundary or within 100 m of the proposed access tracks. Taking into consideration the dust control measures proposed, effects during construction are predicted to be negligible. The decommissioning process would be the reverse of the construction process. With suitable control measures in place, the effects during this phase would also be negligible Construction of the proposed development would result in temporary increases in construction traffic during the nine month construction period. During the proposed wind farm s operational phase, traffic generated by infrequent routine maintenance checks would be minimal. The predicted level of traffic generation for all phases falls beneath thresholds in published guidance in relation to the assessment of air quality effects of traffic, indicating that no significant effect is likely. Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology 5.38 An assessment of the effects of the proposed wind farm on hydrology, hydrogeology and geology of the local area has been undertaken, considering potential effects on surface and groundwater quality The site is currently in agricultural use, parts of which are seasonally waterlogged. There is no hardstanding at the site with the exception of existing access tracks. The proposed development is situated in the upper Torridge catchment. The site spans a gentle valley feature created by the headwaters of the tributary of the River Torridge that flows west to east across the site The site is not subject to any designations in relation to surface or groundwater The proposed development would require the construction of turbine foundations/crane pads, access tracks and a substation. This could result in an increased risk of runoff from the new areas of hardstanding created. However, the access tracks would be designed to be permeable to allow the continuation of the existing runoff regime A new watercourse crossing would be required as part of the proposed development. This has been designed to take into account storm events and future climate change and would be subject to maintenance to ensure that any blockages would be cleared. 20

22 5.43 A Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken for the proposed development. This assessment has concluded that the risks associated with flooding would be limited to the proposed watercourse crossing given that the northern bank of the crossing is located within an area subject to flooding. This crossing would not be used in the event that the bank is inundated Pollution control measures for the construction phase would be implemented through the Code of Construction Practice. During operation, no significant sources of pollution would be likely After mitigation, the remaining effects of the proposed wind farm are considered to be a minor change in the groundwater regime at the site and the small scale removal of any shallow geological resource (if required). Overall, effects on ground and surface water are considered to be no greater than minor adverse. Traffic and Transport 5.46 An assessment of the existing transport network has been undertaken. The assessment has been undertaken in liaison with Devon County Council and follows current guidance, as approved by the Department for Transport (DfT) An abnormal loads assessment has been undertaken and has identified a suitable route from the M5 at its southern terminus (where it becomes the A38) onto the A30 heading west, turning right onto the A395 and then the A39 and heading northwards past Bude to Meddon. Approximately 3 km north of Meddon, the abnormal loads would turn right onto a Forestry Commission track through the Welsford Moor and Summerwell Moor Plantations before re-joining the public highway just east of Summerwell Farm. Abnormal loads would then turn left along the unnamed road before turning right off the public highway and into the site It is estimated there would be up to 90 abnormal loads of wind turbine components delivered to the proposed wind farm, including blades, tower sections, transformers, nacelles and cranes and components for the five turbines The vehicles used to transport turbine components would be abnormal loads only on the delivery phase of the journey since the extendable trailers are retracted to the size of a standard articulated vehicle during the return leg of the journey. Swept path analysis has confirmed that this route could accommodate such vehicles within the public highway boundary It is expected that over the entire construction period, the daily Heavy Goods Vehicle movements (excluding abnormal loads) would be between four and 38 two-way vehicle movements per working day. Taking into account all vehicles, the total number of vehicle movements would be between 74 and 108 two-way vehicle movements per working day It is predicted that the construction vehicles would increase daily traffic flows along the adjacent highway network by a maximum of 2.8%. An assessment of the environmental effects of the 21

23 construction traffic flows has determined that no significance effects would arise. Effects during the construction phase would be negligible to minor adverse at worst, while effects during operation of the wind farm are likely to be negligible. Noise and Vibration 5.52 The potential noise and vibration effects of the proposed wind farm on nearby sensitive receptors have been assessed for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases. The assessment has considered the effects of noise and vibration at the nearest sensitive receptors (houses) and assessed these against relevant planning policy guidance, British Standards and appropriate advice Noise surveys have been undertaken over a period of four weeks at nearby locations to establish the existing (baseline) noise environment and have been used to determine the background noise levels in key locations that are considered to be most sensitive to noise The existing environment is mainly rural farmland; thus the main sources of existing, baseline noise are not as a result of human activity but include noises such as wind, leaves in trees and birdsong, with some noise from road traffic and farm machinery During construction, it is proposed that working hours would be limited to 07:00-19:00 on weekdays and 07:00-13:00 on Saturdays. This would minimise disturbance at times of the day when people are most sensitive to noise. In addition to this, the construction access route from the A39 has been chosen so that vehicles would not pass residential properties Noise levels during the construction of the wind farm have been predicted using best practice approaches and based upon a number of worst case assumptions. The predicted construction effects are considered to be negligible at all nearby residential receptor locations and, with general best practice procedures in place, are unlikely to cause any disturbance to local residents Noise models have been generated for the operation of the wind farm at various wind speeds. Predicted noise levels from the operation of the wind farm at the nearest residential properties identified in the baseline surveys are predicted to fall within the limits provided in industry guidance for the operation of wind farms. Predicted effects would range from negligible to minor adverse in terms of significance. No significant vibration effects are expected to occur during the operational phase of the wind farm. Avian Ecology 5.58 An assessment of effects on bird species (avian ecology) has been undertaken to identify potential ecological constraints to and likely effects arising from the proposed development. A desk study and survey work has been undertaken to assess the bird populations on site. In 22

24 addition, specific surveys for barn owl, nightjar and starling were also undertaken. Nine species of particular interest were identified As far as possible, all habitat clearance would be undertaken outside the bird breeding season. Where this cannot be achieved habitat clearance would be undertaken under an ecological watching brief Biodiversity enhancement of hedgerow and semi improved grassland along with improvements to the local green infrastructure would provide additional breeding and foraging habitat for UK BAP species such as skylark, linnet, dunnock, song thrush, grasshopper warbler and tree pipit Up to 1.5 hectares of conifer plantation would be removed in order to make way for the access route. These areas would be not be replanted and would be retained as areas of clear fell and allowed to develop (under appropriate management) into semi-natural grassland. This would provide additional breeding habitat for nightjar, a Devon BAP species Some habitat loss and disturbance would arise from construction of the proposed wind farm. Given the small areas and generally low value of the habitat affected, effects are generally considered to be very low in significance terms. It is noted that nightjar is particularly sensitive to disturbance, which may arise from the construction of the proposed access track through the forestry plantation. Therefore, it is proposed that works would avoid an area within 250 m of nightjar breeding habitat during the nightjar breeding season (May to July). In addition, as set out above, additional breeding habitat is proposed as part of the development, which would result in a beneficial or positive effect for this species During operation, effects as a result of collision with turbines or displacement as a result of turbine operation have been considered. Effects are generally considered to be low or very low in terms of significance. Therefore no mitigation is required Overall predicted effects on bird species are not considered to be significant during any phase of the proposed development. Non-Avian Ecology 5.65 An assessment has been undertaken of likely effects on non-avian (i.e. all other, terrestrial) ecology. This has been based on desk study and ecological surveys, including the following: Phase 1 habitat survey (see Figure 5); Botanical (NVC) survey; Badger survey; Bat survey; and Dormouse survey. 23

25 Figure 5: Phase 1 Habitat Plan (Note: For Target Notes please see full Environmental Statement) 5.66 The layout of the proposed development has been designed to minimise impacts to valued habitats. Three short sections of species poor hedgerow would be removed to make way for track ways between the proposed wind turbines Existing culverts over two streams would need to be extended and improved in order to accommodate the new access track. A small area of willow carr would be lost in order to make way for the new access track. The extent of habitat loss is limited to a small number of semimature trees. 24

26 5.68 With respect to bats, activity levels were found to be very low across the site with no notable commuting routes or foraging areas identified. Species at high risk of collision effects, as identified in Natural England guidance, were rarely recorded. As a precautionary measure, turbines have been located at distances in excess of 50 m from hedgerows, watercourses and woodland in line with Natural England s guidance, in order to further reduce any possible risk to bats A number of badger setts, all outlier setts, were recorded. All turbines and associated infrastructure have been located at a distance of at least 30 m from setts The total amount of dormouse habitat loss as a result of the proposed development would amount to approximately 15 m of hedgerow and approximately 0.1 hectare of broadleaved woodland. This represents less than 1% of the total dormouse habitat resource on site The layout of the proposed development has been designed to minimise reptile habitat loss by retaining virtually all semi-natural grassland habitat Impacts on marsh fritillary would be limited to the loss of a small area of devils bit scabious which is abundant on sites in the area designated for Culm grassland habitat (the preferred habitat of this species) In addition to the range of mitigation measures, biodiversity enhancement measures are also proposed, including: Hedgerow enhancement; Creation of semi-natural grassland habitat; Reptile habitat creation, and Enhancement of local green infrastructure Following the implementation of all proposed measures, predicted effects would be negligible to minor adverse. In some cases, biodiversity enhancements would result in positive or beneficial effects. Shadow Flicker 5.75 Under certain combinations of geographical position and time of day, the sun may pass behind the rotor of a wind turbine and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties. When the blades rotate, the shadow flicks on and off and the effect is known as 'shadow flicker'. The effect only occurs inside buildings where the flicker appears through a narrow window or opening Shadow strength decreases with distance from the source and it is generally accepted that shadow flicker becomes insignificant at distances greater than 10 times the rotor diameter of a 25

27 turbine, a view supported in National Planning Statements. The Companion Guide to PPS22 further clarifies that only properties within 130 degrees either side of north, relative to the wind turbines, can be affected as wind turbines do not cast long shadows on their south side The location of the turbines has evolved, taking into consideration a number of different factors, including proximity to residential properties. As a result the design process has minimised the number of receptors likely to be affected by shadow flicker ReSoft WindFarm software was used to create a mathematical model of the proposed wind farm, the surrounding area and the location of sensitive receptors. Only wind turbines within 10 rotor diameters (800 m) of each receptor have been included in the calculations. Three properties have been identified as being at risk of potential shadow flicker effects and are all located within a distance of 800 m and 130 degrees either side of north of the proposed wind turbine locations The predicted shadow flicker effects are based on theoretical calculations that take no account of screening by trees, hedges or other buildings such as barns and therefore, following consent, further studies would be undertaken by the applicant to assess all properties in more detail. If shadow flicker effects are considered likely to occur for limited time periods, the principal method of mitigation would be to close down the particular wind turbines responsible for causing the effects at a particular property at times when the wind turbines have been predicted or demonstrated to cause shadow flicker effects. Using a sensor to detect sunlight in combination with a reading of wind direction, the wind farm control system can be programmed to switch off the appropriate turbine during the times of potential effect whenever the conditions for shadow flicker exist. This will be undertaken should shadow flicker be experienced at any of these properties If required, further monitoring during site commissioning and the first year of operation could be undertaken in order to assess whether the mitigation measures detailed above were working Shadow flicker can only occur during the operation of turbines. Therefore, no effects would occur during the construction and decommissioning stages of the wind farm. The calculations identify that only two turbines (numbered 2 and 3) have the potential to produce shadow flicker effects at the three properties. Following mitigation it is concluded that no property within a distance of 800 m would experience shadow flicker effects. Effects are therefore considered to be negligible. 6 Further Information 6.1 This provides a summary of the Environmental Statement accompanying the revised planning application for the Harbourcross Wind farm. 6.2 Copies of the full Environmental Statement, including this, can be viewed at Torridge District Council s planning offices at: 26