Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park (REP)
Design & Access Statement on behalf of Gamesa Energy UK Limited (GEUK)
Prepared by:
November 2010
RPS Planning & Development, Oxford
RPS Planning & Development 18 Milton Park Abingdon Oxford OX14 4RP
Tel 01235 838 200 Fax 01235 838 225 Email [email protected]
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Contents Page no. Part 1 Introduction 1
Part 2 Context 4
Part 3 Response 10
Part 4 Summary 20
Figures
Figure 1 Three Local Planning Authorities and Llynfi Afan REP
Figure 2 The Site Location Plan and the Proposed Llynfi Afan REP
Appendices
1 Schedule of the Split of Proposed Development Across the Three Local Planning Authorities
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
1 Part 1: Introduction
Outline of the Proposal
1.1 This Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been prepared by RPS Planning & Development on behalf of Gamesa Energy UK Limited (GEUK) to support a planning application for the construction and operation of a wind farm on land in Neath Port Talbot (NPTCBC), Bridgend (BCBC) and Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCTCBC) County Borough Councils. The wind farm is to be known as Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park (REP).
1.2 Full planning permission is sought for the following:
• 15 wind turbines with a blade tip of 118m and a hub height of 78m;
• a 78m high permanent wind monitoring mast, referred to as an anemometry mast or met mast;
• widening of existing forestry tracks at pinch points to allow access for the vehicles delivering the wind turbine components;
• upgrading and widening of existing on-site agricultural tracks and construction of new on-site access tracks, some of which would require watercourse crossings;
• new access off A4107
• crane hardstandings for each turbine, referred to as crane pads;
• up to four areas of stone extraction referred to as borrow pits;
• underground cabling parallel to access tracks, where practical;
• an electricity substation within a compound containing a control building; and
• two construction compounds.
1.3 A schedule setting out the split of the proposed development across the three local planning authorities is attached at Appendix 1 to this DAS. ES figure 3.1 (attached to the DAS as Figure 1) shows the location of the application site in relation to the administrative boundaries of the three unitary authorities.
1.4 The wind turbine area development falls within NPTCBC and BCBC. No turbines fall within RCTCBC.
1.5 Following submission of the application elements of the proposed development may be subject to further, minor refinement, known as ‘micro-siting’, for a number of reasons such as to:
• Reflect the findings of post-application and -permission detailed pre-construction stage ground investigations; and
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• Reflect any minor relocations required for ecological reasons (for example due to the emergence of new badger setts).
1.6 For the reasons above, the planning application seeks a planning condition to enable micro- siting of the wind turbines and other design elements to take place (within the planning application boundary shown on the planning application drawings) with or without prior consent of the local planning authority in common with other, similar planning applications. This micro-siting tolerance, within the limits of the planning application boundary shown on the planning application drawings, has been taken into account within the assessments undertaken and presented in the ES.
Format of this Statement
1.7 Whilst many of the topics that are usually covered in a DAS relate to proposals for built development in urban locations and are thus not relevant to this proposal, RPS has sought to describe the proposal using similar headings.
Part 1 of this Statement provides a summary introduction and background to the proposal.
Part 2 of this Statement – Context – describes the site and surroundings and provides a summary of how the proposal has evolved and the consultation undertaken to date.
Part 3 of the Statement – Response – describes the proposed development in terms of design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development, how issues of access to the development have been dealt with. In accordance with The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2009, in relation to design this statement explains the following aspects of the development:
• Access – setting out both the abnormal loads access and on site access tracks
• Character – including details of the site layout, turbines, cabling, control building and electrical substation, anemometry mast and borrow pits
• Community Safety
• Environmental Sustainability
• Movement to, from and within the development
Part 4 provides a summary.
Background
The Need to Generate Electricity from Renewable Energy
1.8 There is a range of Government legislation and guidance resulting from the Kyoto Protocol and the 2001 European Directive, which deal with renewable energy targets and the reduction of CO2 emissions. This energy policy background is detailed and appraised in the planning support statement and it is not intended to repeat that detail here. Nonetheless, the Llynfi
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Afan REP will make an important contribution towards Welsh Assembly Government installed onshore wind farm targets of 4.5 kwh/d/p by 2015/2017.
Policy & Guidance
1.9 The design principles referred to in this DAS are based on national and local guidance as set out below. A more detailed assessment of the proposal against planning policy and guidance is contained in the Planning Statement, which also accompanies the application.
National Policy & Guidance
• The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2009
• The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), 1995
• Planning Policy Wales (Edition 2 June 2010)
• Technical Advice Note 8: Planning for Renewable Energy (TAN 8) (2005)
• Technical Advice Note 12: Design
Local Policy & Guidance
• Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan (adopted March 2008)
• Bridgend Unitary Development Plan (adopted May 2005)
• Rhondda Cynon Taff Local Plan 1991-2006 (adopted 1998)
• Cynon Valley Taff Local Plan (adopted 2004)
• Mid Glamorgan Replacement Structure Plan (adopted 1999)
• Emerging Bridgend Local Development Plan Pre Deposit Proposals (December 2008)
• Emerging Rhondda Local Development Plan Deposit Draft Local Plan (January 2009)
1.10 The status of these documents is explained in the Planning Statement submitted with the application.
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Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
2 Part 2: Context
The Site and Site Location
2.1 The Llynfi Afan REP application site land consists predominantly of upland grassland with smaller areas of lowland grassland, marshy grassland, river valley woodland and bog and is used for upland livestock farming, namely hill-sheep farming. Steep topography, high average annual precipitation and thin soils result in quick surface run-off responses to rainfall events. There are numerous small upland watercourses crossing the site that drain either to the Afon Afan or the River Llynfi, which flow west towards Neath and south towards Bridgend, respectively
2.2 The application site is located to the east of Croeserw and to the south of Blaengwynfi and Abergwynfi. It is bounded to the north by the A4107 and the River Avan / Afon Afan. Blaengarw is located approximately 1.5km to the southeast, with Pontycymer a further 1km southwards down the Cwm Garw valley. There are a number of settlements in a relatively large conurbation to the south of Croeserw, including Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Maesteg and Cwmfelin, which follow the Llynfi valley southwards.
2.3 The forestry track to the north of the wind turbine development area is proposed as the abnormal loads access route for the development. The track is currently used for access to the conifer plantations and is managed by the Forestry Commission. The route is shown on ES Figure 5.3 and much of the route follows the boundary between RCTCBC and NPTCBC.
2.4 The wind turbine development area is mainly in NPTCBC although the southern area is in BCBC. The abnormal load across route is within RCTCBC and NPTCBC. No turbines are located in Rhondda Cynon Taff. A bridleway crosses the application site connecting north to south between Abergwynfi and Blaengarw and a footpath crosses the site east to west between Abergwynfi and the east of Croeserw. A further footpath runs from east to the south west of the site.
2.5 The southern section of the application site in BCBC lies within a Special Landscape Area (SLA). The proposed electricity substation and control building and a length of access track would lie in the SLA.
2.6 Croeserw lies at approximately 200mAOD and Blaengwynfi and Abergwynfi lie at approximately 250mAOD. The highest point on the application site is 556mAOD. Figure 2 attached shows the Site Location Including the Proposed Development.
2.7 The site boundary is not defined on the ground but is continuous with landscape that surrounds the immediate boundaries of the site. .
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Planning Policy
2.8 The relevant development plan policies, European, Welsh and UK Government guidance and other relevant planning guidance are set out in Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Planning Statement.
2.9 The only designations applying to the application site are Cwm Gwrelych and Nant Llyn Fach Streams (Geological) SSSI falling within RCTCBC; and Hirwaun Common SINC. The abnormal loads access route runs through these designations, although no pinch points that require work fall within these designations.
2.10 The following designations are adjacent to (but do not include) the application site. The SSSI/SINCs are ecological unless otherwise stated:
• NPTCBC - Craig-y-Llyn SSSI (adjacent to abnormal loads route); Cwm Gwrelych and Nant Llyn Fach Streams (Geological) SSSI (adjacent to Pinch Point 8 and abnormal loads route); and Myndd Blaenrhondda & Myndd TY Isaf SINC (adjacent to Pinch Point 12, Pinch Point 14 and abnormal loads route);
• BCBC – Strategic Coalfield Plateau and Associated Valley Sides Special Landscape Area (within which three turbines and ancillary development in BCBC lie);
• RCTCBC – Mynydd Ty-Isaf Rhondda SSSI (adjacent abnormal loads route); Craig-y- Llyn SSSI (adjacent to Pinch Point 6 and abnormal loads route); Myndd Blaenrhondda & Myndd TY Isaf SINC (adjacent to Pinch Point 13 and abnormal loads route); Strategic Landscape Designation; and Landscape of Special Historic Interest
2.11 The following designations are situated nearby to the application site:
• BCBC – Blaengarw NE SINC; Blaew- Cwmdu SINC; and Mynydd Ystradffernol SINC. (Designations located nearby to the east and south west of the proposed development);
• RCTCBC - Cwm Parc SINC; Ton Pentre Slopes SINC; and Tynydd Tyle-coch SINC (Designations located to the west of the wind farm development area)
Land Use
2.12 The existing use of the site is agricultural; sheep farming. This use can continue following the construction of the development and it will not be a constraint on the development of the wind farm. The land is grade 4 and 5 agricultural land and the take up of land for the components that form the wind farm do not remove any high or medium grade agricultural land. The impact on agriculture is minimal and accords with Bridgend UDP Policy EV3 and NPT UDP Policy ENV6 Agricultural Land, which both seek to protect the best quality agricultural land.
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Access and Public Rights of Way
2.13 Construction of the wind farm will require the delivery of large components that make up the wind turbines including the tower sections, blades and nacelle. These will be delivered by ship to the nearest suitable port of entry and then transferred by road to the site. The delivery of the turbine components will be abnormal loads and delivered under police escort.
2.14 RCTCBC Policy PU criterion b states that proposals for wind farms will be permitted provided vehicular access for the construction can be provided without danger to highway safety and without significant or permanent change to the environment.
2.15 A route access study has been undertaken which considers the most appropriate public highway route on which to transport the wind turbines and associated equipment to the site. The route, identified with the appropriate Local Highway Authorities, from the M4 to the site is as follows:
• From the M4 Junction 43 proceed northeast onto A465;
• Continue northeast towards Rhigos and Hirwaun;
• Turn right (south) onto A4061 Rhigos Road;
• Proceed south along A4061;
• Turn right (west) onto forestry track and proceed; and
• Turn left onto the A4107 briefly before making a right turn onto the REP site tracks.
2.16 From the highway the turbine delivery vehicles would use forestry tracks owned by the Forestry Commission to access the wind turbine development area. To exit the site, turbine delivery vehicles would use the forestry track from the southern point of the site to Blaengarw. For the return journey delivery vehicles have the ability to reduce in length and become normal HGV’s once the delivery to the site has been made.
2.17 Existing agricultural access tracks have been utilised and upgraded where feasible. New access tracks will also be provided on site to transport the turbines and associated equipment. The access tracks will remain in place for the life of the wind farm as they will be required for maintenance purposes and ultimately for vehicles accessing the site during the decommissioning process.
2.18 The application site is predominately located outside areas of Statutory Access Land on the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) Countryside Access Map, although access to the scheme along existing forestry tracks will, in part, pass through areas of Access Land and a very small area to the south of Bwlchgarw is designated as ‘Access Land’. There are a number of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) near to the proposed Wind Farm.
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Consultation & Involvement
2.19 Under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 293) the development is subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. This Environmental Statement (ES) presents information on the identification and assessment of the likely environmental effects of the REP.
2.20 GEUK has formally consulted NPTCBC, BCBC and RCTCBC and key statutory consultees and interested parties such as the RSPB, the highway authorities, aviation groups, telecommunication and radar authorities, Environment Agency, CADW and CCW.
2.21 A Scoping Report was prepared and submitted on behalf of GEUK in November 2006 and updated to reflect current proposals in September 2010. Details of the scoping responses are set out in Chapter 3 of the ES.
2.22 A variety of activities have been undertaken by and on behalf of GEUK to inform the local community of and involve it in the development of the Llynfi Afan REP. The consultation process has involved a series of briefings with key stakeholders, public exhibitions, community roadshows and a ‘drop-in’ surgeries programme held in the area between mid- November 2006 and February 2007, again in 2008 and finally in November 2010. Further details regarding consultation can be found in the Statement of Community Consultation (SCC).
Design Evolution
2.23 The initial design was prepared by GEUK in early 2005 based primarily on technical requirements but also to some extent on environmental constraints known at the time. Originally the site covered a much larger area spanning over the Llynfi and Upper Afan Valleys with a potential capacity of up to 100MW. It was proposed to use 2 MW wind turbines with a hub height of 78m and a tip height of 123m at the four locations of Nant yr Allor, Mynydd y Gelli, Cyhordy and Mynydd Ty-talwyn.
2.24 Following the release of TAN8 (July 2005) by the Welsh Assembly Government's and corresponding input from RPS and Jeff Stevenson, GEUK discarded the areas of Mynydd Ty- talwyn and Cynhordy as they lay outside a TAN 8 Strategic Search Area F (Coed Morganwg)
2.25 The on-site layout of the Llynfi REP was designed through a detailed, iterative site process before the final layout was chosen. This comprised six main stages:
2.26 Initial Design - In September 2006 a two-day design refinement meeting was held, attended by representatives of GEUK, RPS and Jeffrey Stevenson Associates. Key objectives included refine the Initial GEUK Design wind turbine layout based on environmental information obtained by the environmental consultants’ desk- and field-based research; and consider suitability of using different sized turbines.
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2.27 Public Involvement - In November 2006 a series of public exhibitions were held in the local area to present the initial REP design following the refinement process set explained above. Members of the public were provided with the opportunity to view details of the proposals, ask questions, and comment formally.
2.28 Design Refinement - Following the exhibitions, and taking account of the latest environmental information available, two further design refinement meetings were held in December 2006 and January 2007. Again, they were attended by representatives of GEUK, RPS and Jeffrey Stevenson Associates. The objectives were to:
• Refine and finalise the wind turbine layout based on public feedback, the latest environmental information and the technical requirements of GEUK; and
• Design the final access track layout and the locations of the control building, two electricity substations, borrow pits and two permanent anemometry masts.
2.29 The principal outcomes were:
• A reduction in the proposed height of the wind turbines by 20m in order to reduce the visual effects on the nearby residential settlements of Abergwynfi, Blaengwynfi, Croeserw and Glyncorrwg.
• Movement of turbine number 4 further away (southwest) from the Nant y Fedw watercourse.
• Movement of turbine 5 further away (east) from a fixed radio link.
• Movement of turbine 6 further away (south) from Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi to reduce noise levels.
• Movement of turbine 14 to a flatter area of land (south) to make construction less difficult.
• Realignment of on-site access tracks to reduce the need for crossings of watercourses and to make the most use of existing tracks.
2.30 Consultation with Telecommunications & Aviation Consultees – consultation with relevant consultees identified various microwave constraints which were used to inform the layout. Aviation consultees did not raise any concerns.
2.31 Further Design Refinement – During 2007 and 2008 the REP layout was refined further. An REP of 23 turbines each with a tip height of 118m was being considered at this time.
2.32 In 2009 and 2010 following the submission of the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm in forestry to the north of the REP site the Nant yr Allor part of the scheme was not pursued further by GEUK. A detailed constraints mapping and consultation period focused on potential development only on the Mynydd y Gelli land holding resulted in an 18 turbine scheme.
2.33 Technical constraints included separation distances between turbines shown as ellipses around each turbine and telecommunication links and their buffer zones. Environmental
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constraints include buffer zones surrounding scheduled ancient monuments, results from the hydrological and peat surveys showing areas to be avoided and 500 metre buffers from dwellings. Care was also taken to avoid turbine blades oversailing footpaths.
2.34 Final Refinement - Through analysis of feedback from the 2008 roadshow and following advice from RPS and the landscape and visual assessor, Ken Halliday, regarding the potential for noise and visual effects from the 18 turbine scheme GEUK chose to reduce the number of turbines to 15 by removing the turbines closest to Abergwynfi and Blaengwynfi.
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3 Part 3: Response
Access
Abnormal Loads Access Route
3.1 During construction the delivery of the turbine components will result in abnormal loads being delivered. RPS Transport has undertaken a route assessment on behalf of GEUK for the transport of wind turbine components to the proposed REP site.
3.2 An access route has been identified from the M4 in South Wales and has been assessed for the transportation of Gamesa G80 wind turbines. Details of the route are set out in paragraph 2.13 above. The existing forestry tracks between the A4061 near Hirwaun and the A4107 are presently used by heavy forestry vehicles and would generally have been constructed to withstand the vehicle weight for the turbine components. Part of this track has previously been used for construction access for Ffynnon Oer wind farm during 2006.
3.3 A swept path analysis has been undertaken and swept path drawings have been produced for constrained locations along the route. 17 pinch points have been identified and details are set out in ES Appendix 12.1.
3.4 No highway improvements are required to move the turbine transport vehicles along the A465 trunk road or the A4061 section of the route. Particular track bends along the Forestry Commission tracks will require widening and clearing and as such form part of the proposed development.
3.5 Detailed tree and topographical surveys will be required at a later stage to determine the full extent of the tree felling, levelling, and re-grading required.
3.6 The proposed abnormal loads access route and pinch points accord with RCTCBC Rhondda Local Plan Policy PU10 criterion b).
Access Tracks
3.7 Within the wind turbine development area which contains the turbines and ancillary development, access tracks would be required and retained throughout the operational life of the wind farm to enable maintenance of the turbines. This would require upgrading and widening of existing on-site agricultural tracks and construction of new on-site access tracks. The new paths have been sited to minimise environmental or biodiversity disruption. The access tracks would be accessed from a new access point leading from the A4107.
3.8 The new access tracks would need to be of sufficient specification to withstand the heavy loads placed upon them and permit safe installation of the wind turbines. Access tracks
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would be 6m in width with a greater unobstructed overhang clearance on corners. All access roads would require 4.6m height clearance. The slope of the tracks would generally be more than 10% and up to a maximum of 14% in short sections with a maximum side inclination of 2%. The access tracks would be made of compacted granular material sourced locally where possible including materials to be excavated from the borrow pits proposed.
3.9 The access tracks would remain in place once the wind farm becomes operational, as access for periodic maintenance, and eventual decommissioning, would be required. However, they would be allowed to grass over to a working width of a single carriageway (3m).
Accessibility
3.10 With regard to accessibility, there is no existing public access to the site. No walkers were seen using the nearby PRoW during the site surveys (Chapter 6 of the ES) and the surrounding area is not used much for recreational purposes. It is not proposed to permit public foot or vehicular access to the site. Therefore it will not be necessary to modify gradients or provide permanent hard surfaces to any of the access tracks or rights of way across the site.
3.11 There may be a need to limit public access to nearby PRoW during construction. During the operation of the wind farm unaccompanied public access to the sub station and control building and within the turbines is not permitted and consequently there is no need to make them accessible constructions.
3.12 In this case it is probable that anyone visiting the site in connection with carrying out the proposed development and maintenance will be fully able-bodied due to the nature of the work that they will be visiting the site to undertake e.g. climbing the wind turbine towers.
3.13 Service access to the turbines will be required on a routine basis. On these occasions, access will be required for a 4x4 vehicle with a trailer carrying servicing equipment. This access will be via the access tracks.
Character
3.14 The proposal consists of:
• 15 wind turbines with a blade tip of 118m and a hub height of 78m;
• a 78m high permanent wind monitoring mast, referred to as an anemometry mast or met mast;
• widening of existing forestry tracks at pinch points to allow access for the vehicles delivering the wind turbine components;
• upgrading and widening of existing on-site agricultural tracks and construction of new on-site access tracks, some of which would require watercourse crossings;
• new access off A4107;
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• crane hardstandings for each turbine, referred to as crane pads;
• up to four areas of stone extraction referred to as borrow pits;
• underground cabling parallel to access tracks, where practical;
• an electricity substation within a compound containing a control building; and
• two construction compounds.
3.15 In designing the scheme, turbines have been repositioned and removed altogether to improve the efficiency of the proposal, to minimise visual clustering, reduce impact on communities, minimise environmental impacts including impacts on birds and wildlife and to avoid telecommunication and aviation radio waves.
3.16 Consideration has been given to the design, landscape and environmental policies in the development plan, and other planning documents that are material considerations e.g. TAN’s. The compliance with these policies is referred to in greater detail in the Planning Statement which accompanies this application.
3.17 The development plan and UDP all contain planning policies relating to renewable energy proposals including wind farms. Their general aim is to support wind farm proposals subject to their impacts on matters including:
• Visual impact and landscape effects
• The historic environment
• Biodiversity
• Residential amenity
• Road safety
3.18 Most of the renewable energy policies focus on unacceptable impacts on protected resources. BCBC UDP Policies U2 and U3 focus on more the design and function of the wind farm in particular the layout, siting and visual impact. To a large degree the character of the elements that comprise wind farm development are fixed by their function, although choices can be made regarding the size of turbines.
The Turbines
3.19 The turbines will comprise:
• The cylindrical towers up to 78m high.
• The nacelle which sits atop of the tower. It contains drive train, generator, transformer and router components which turn the rotor to face the wind. The nacelle hub is 1m wide and 10m in length.
• 3 blades 40m in length to the centre of the hub. Each blade is constructed from thermosetting plastic and glass fibre composite material.
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• The nacelle and blade combine to make an overall diameter of 80m and a total blade tip height of 118m.
3.20 For the purposes of the application, the Gamesa G80 model wind turbine is considered to be the likely choice for the Llynfi Afan REP and the largest turbine for the site.
3.21 Most wind turbines in the UK are generally a light to mid grey tone in order to blend in with the colour of the sky, which represents the background to the wind turbines from most views. They are also less distinct compared with white turbines from short and particularly long distances. There is a range of coloured tones available from the different turbine suppliers and this can be dealt with by an appropriate planning condition.
3.22 The site layout is shown at Figure 2. The layout has been designed to take account of the environmental and physical aspects and constraints of the site. The turbines are positioned and the layout has been altered to minimise impact on nearby communities and residential amenity. At the same time the layout has been designed make maximum use of the prevailing south westerly wind and to minimise wind shadowing between turbines thereby maximising opportunities for energy generation.
3.23 Furthermore, they are positioned to minimise interference with telecommunications and radar. The layout also seeks to minimise visual stacking of the turbines allowing views through the wind farm and thereby reducing the visual impact.
3.24 The turbine bases would be appropriately designed for the specific ground conditions at each turbine location. The foundation of each turbine would generally be a spread foundation type. The foundations would be constructed using ready mixed concrete brought to the site amongst a reinforced steel framework. Depending on ground conditions the foundation may be placed directly onto bedrock. Any disturbed soil resources would be handled and stored on site.
3.25 Alongside each turbine will be a crane hardstanding area (sometimes known as a crane pad) on which the main crane and auxiliary crane would be located whilst the turbine is being erected. The area of each crane pads would measure approximately 70m x 25m. The crane pads need to be retained for the life of the wind farm as they will be used during decommissioning. Nevertheless, after construction their surfaces will be covered with appropriate vegetation to minimise their visual impact.
3.26 During the construction phase of the wind turbines, the wind farm would also include a central lay down area and construction compound and un-surfaced lay down/turbine assembly areas next to each turbine location. The construction compound would be removed following completion of the construction and the ground restored with grass and any other vegetation the Council considers appropriate. A planning condition can secure this.
3.27 On decommissioning the turbines will be removed from the site and if possible reused elsewhere or scrapped with their materials being recycled. The turbine bases and crane pads
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will be removed to a depth of approximately 0.6m. The site of the turbines and components of the wind farm will be restored in accordance with a scheme to be approved by the planning authority – a planning condition can secure this.
Cabling
3.28 Electricity cables would connect the turbines to the control building/substation. They would be installed in trenches underground and run beneath the new on-site access tracks and beneath or beside the existing access tracks. The electricity cables would, by necessity, remain in place for the life of the wind farm. On decommissioning buried cables would be de- energised and left in place to avoid ground disturbance unless removal is required by the landowner.
Control Building & Electricity Substation
3.29 A control building and substation will be required on site to provide an interface and a point of connection for the wind farm to the regional electricity distribution network. BCBC UDP Policy EV45 relating to new development and design is relevant.
3.30 It is proposed to position the control building and substation to the north east of turbine 7 and close to the access to the site. The control building would be a single storey building measuring 23.3m x 8.7m x 5.6m high to the apex of the roof. The building will consist of stone walls under a slate or tiled roof with timber doors. Details of the materials can be secured by planning condition. The control building will accommodate switchgear, metering equipment and control equipment.
3.31 Adjacent to the control building will be the substation. This will consist of an external compound, which will house the high voltage transformer, auxiliary transformer, circuit breakers, surge arrestors and other equipment. These areas will be surrounded by metal pallisade fence that can be painted a suitable colour to be agreed with the Council.
3.32 The control building is designed to reflect the traditional form of buildings found in this part of Wales with it being rectangular in shape and the external walls and roof constructed of local materials. The sub station is of a specific design to meet the function its components provide. It is difficult to disguise its appearance but the location is designed to reduce its visual impact.
3.33 The distribution network operator Western Power Distribution is responsible for the grid connection which would consist of a cable route from the substation to the WPD substation at Pyle. The grid connection would be the subject of a separate application submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989.
Anemometry Mast
3.34 The permanent anemometry mast would be installed to gather wind speed data for the site. It would be 78m high and be a lattice type metal structure. It would be retained throughout the life of the wind farm. This mast is positioned to minimise wind shadowing with the other turbines, and reduce it visual impact.
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The concrete foundations would be constructed using ready-mixed concrete amongst a reinforced steel framework. The foundations would be laid to a depth of approximately 2m and measure approximately 9m across. A survey would take place at the location prior to construction works in order to confirm ground conditions and inform detailed foundation design.
Borrow Pits
3.35 Extraction of material from the borrow pits using an excavator and breaker is anticipated to last for the duration of the civil engineering stage of the construction. It has been anticipated that borrowing operations would proceed within areas of up to approximately 80m by 45m by 6m deep. This borrow pits would be stripped, enabling the winning of stone.
Water Crossing
3.36 Although the iterative design process has sought to avoid this, there are a number of locations where crossings of watercourses would be required. The crossings would be achieved by installing culverts or pipes designed to a level that would take all the flows without imposing a constriction on the flow. The crossings would remain in place once the wind farm becomes operational, as access is needed for periodic maintenance.
Community Safety
3.37 The wind farm will be a safe form of development with no adverse impacts for the local community safety. As advised by TAN8 properly designed, erected and maintained wind turbines are a safe technology. The Llynfi Afan REP will be properly designed, managed and maintained in accordance with health and safety requirements. The application site is not publicly accessible as it is outside areas of Statutory Access Land. The REP has been designed to avoid oversailing nearby PRoW.
3.38 As confirmed by paragraph 2.34 of TAN 8 “The build-up of ice on turbine blades is unlikely to present problems on the majority of sites in Wales. Even where icing does occur the turbines’ own vibration sensors are likely to detect the imbalance and inhibit the operation of the machines.”
3.39 TAN 8, Annex C, paragraph 2.25 advises that wind turbines should set a minimum distance from roads and highways with this distance being, equivalent to the height of the blade tip, from the edge of any public highway or other public right of way. In this case the tip height will be 118m. The design refinement process has ensured that the turbine blades will not oversail the PRoW.
3.40 Paragraph 2.27 of Annex C of TAN8 confirms the British Horse Society, has suggested a 200m exclusion zone either side of public bridle ways in order to avoid wind turbines frightening horses. However, this is not a statutory requirement and the circumstances pertaining at any particular site should be taken into account.
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3.41 Paragraph 2.17 of Annex C to TAN 8 advises there is no evidence that ground transmitted low frequency noise is harmful to human health. Shadow flicker and noise effects for local residents are both assessed in detail in the ES. It is considered that taking into account appropriate mitigation measures there would be no detrimental impacts.
3.42 Two temporary construction compounds will be required for general storage of materials and construction plant, and for workforce welfare facilities. Wherever possible, work to prepare the site will be carried out in the most appropriate season.
3.43 Signs will be erected at the entrances to the site to provide people with information about the wind farm together with contact and safety information (including telephone numbers).
3.44 The developer constructing the wind farm would be required to register the site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Such registered sites are monitored by an experienced industry professional to assess their performance against an eight point Code of Considerate Practice which includes the categories Considerate, Environment, Cleanliness, Good Neighbour, Respectful, Safe, Responsible and Accountable.
3.45 A Construction Environmental Management Plan and A Traffic Management Plan will also be agreed with NPTCBC, BCBC and RCTCBC.
3.46 A first inspection of the turbines will take place three months after commissioning. After this, routine maintenance of the turbines will consist of inspections typically undertaken on a regular basis. It is not envisaged that there would be permanent staff based on the site. There would be LGV and HGV movements associated with the maintenance of the turbines; however these movements would be infrequent, low in number and would have a negligible effect on the local highway network.
3.47 During construction the borrow pit areas will be secure to prevent public access. On completion of the wind farm these areas will be restored in accordance with a scheme to be agreed with the planning authority and the design will ensure they are reasonably safe to access, for example by grading the sides.
Environmental Sustainability
3.48 The concept of renewable energy is to generate power from sustainable resources; in this case the wind. TAN8 acknowledges that for efficiency, on shore wind farms need to be located in areas that have consistent wind speeds normally over 7m/s. TAN 8 has also sought to identify areas in which large on shore wind farms should be concentrated and by the definition of the characteristics used by TAN 8 to inform these areas, large wind farms will invariably be proposed in locations that are relatively isolated, in areas generally defined as areas of open countryside and non sustainable locations. BCBC UDP Policy U1 efficient use of energy is relevant in particular to the control building.
3.49 Clearly the construction of wind farms and their components use energy and resources which in themselves may not be wholly sustainable. However, it is accepted that the ‘sustainable
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disbenefits’ of manufacturing the components and in constructing wind farm are outweighed by the benefits in producing renewable energy. The CO² produced in their manufacture and construction is normally ‘repaid’ by the non CO² produced energy production within 12 months.
Location & Access
3.50 A specialist heavy haulage contractor would deliver the larger turbine components to the site on low bed trailers. Details of the expected vehicle movements including abnormal loads is set out in ES Table 12.7. Each turbine would require 10 deliveries to the site.
3.51 A review of the construction requirements for stone has indicated that it will not be necessary to import any stone on to the site as part of the construction of the REP. All stone required for construction will be sourced on-site through balancing of the cut/fill associated with the construction of on-site tracks or taken from on site borrow pits. This is reflected in off-site traffic movements. Gravel and sand required for the construction of the foundations of the turbines, and other structures, will be sourced locally and from the proposed borrow pits.
3.52 Following installation of the wind farm, only limited access will be required on a day-to-day basis for routine or emergency maintenance, which would be carried out by a specialised team.
Materials
3.53 In specifying the exact materials to be used in the construction of the proposed development:
• Consideration will be given to the use of recycled materials;
• Some materials will be sourced on site;
• It will be ensured that all timber products will be sourced from sustainably-managed forests, such as those certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification);
• Materials will be carefully specified to ensure the delivery of a ‘healthy’ control building (e.g. finishes containing formaldehydes will be avoided);
• Wherever possible, materials will be sourced from local sources and/or suppliers to minimise transport impacts; and
• Building contracts will require waste separation in order to maximise the recycling of waste material generated during the construction process.
Control Building & Electricity Substation
3.54 The control building will be of cavity-wall construction with external stone work and internal concrete blocks under a slate or tiled, pitched roof, whilst the doors would be timber plank- framed and stained dark brown. Where possible, materials for the building will be sourced locally.
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Anemometry Mast
3.55 The anemometry mast is constructed from galvanised tubular steel sections. The foundations for the anemometry mast consist of a reinforced concrete base over a reinforced steel framework.
Access Tracks & Crane Hardstandings
3.56 Gravel and sand will be used in the construction and upgrading of the site access, access tracks and the construction of the crane hardstandings. The materials will be sourced locally where possible.
Energy Consumption & Efficiency
3.57 The simplest and easiest method of reducing energy consumption is through the specification, installation and use of low-energy fittings.
3.58 The only energy consumed by the proposed development will be that consumed by the use of the control building, and the small amount of electricity consumed when the turbine turns into the wind and when they start up.
3.59 No heating of the control building or substation is proposed and both will be naturally ventilated; no air conditioning is proposed. Lights within the control building will be fitted with low energy bulbs.
Water Supply, Conservation & Drainage
3.60 The use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) (including soakaways) can drastically cut the amount of surface water run-off that is discharged from a development and also help to recharge groundwater levels. SUDS will be used for all drainage of hard surfaces and the buildings.
Waste & Recycling
3.61 The only waste that will be generated by the proposal will result from periodic, and if necessary, emergency, maintenance. Any waste generated will be collected and disposed of appropriately by a contractor with a waste transfer licence or taken off site by the maintenance engineers. The forms of waste expected include oil filters, air filters, sealings, coal brushes, brake pads, grease, washing oil, empty oil and grease containers, packaging material, cleaning rags and accumulators. It is anticipated that there will be no waste suitable for recycling; however, if such waste does arise, it will be recycled in an appropriate manner.
Decommissioning
3.62 BCBC UDP Policy U3 criterion 7 specifically relates to decommissioning. The wind turbines have a design life of approximately twenty-five years, after which time the applicant has three options, as follows:
(i) Apply for permission to extend the operation of the wind farm for an additional period;
RPS Planning & Development 18 November 2010 Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
(ii) Decommission the wind farm and apply for permission to install new wind turbines on the same site; or
(iii) Decommission the wind farm and re-instate the land.
3.63 With options (ii) and (iii) decommissioning would take approximately six months, based on using current technology.
3.64 The turbines would be dismantled and taken off-site, probably for re-use or recycling and the turbine foundations would be removed to a depth of approximately 0.6m and the land reinstated (completely removing the turbine foundations after this time would be likely to cause more environmental harm).
3.65 The equipment would be removed from the control building and substation and the building would either be left for another use or dismantled and removed from the site.
3.66 Buried cables would be de-energised and subject to the landowners preference, left in place to avoid ground disturbance. The access tracks and site access would be retained should the user of the land require them to allow the continued use of the improved access for agricultural use and public access.
3.67 The crane hardstandings would be removed to a depth of approximately 0.6m and the land reinstated.
Movement to, From and Through the Development
3.68 As explained above public access to the application site is currently restricted. During the operational phase there will be no unaccompanied access to the control building, sub station or within the turbines.
3.69 During construction vehicles will be limited to the access tracks linking the turbines to the highway. Likewise during the operational phase maintenance work vehicles would be limited to the access tracks.
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4 Part 4: Summary
4.1 This Design and Access Statement has been prepared by RPS Planning & Development on behalf of GEUK.
4.2 The specific land use planning policy designations covering the site, relate to ecological, geological and landscape. These policies have been assessed in the accompanying Planning Statement. Other general policies on design, visual impact, sustainability, etc as contained in the Development Plan and guidance that comprises other material considerations such as TAN 8 have also been considered.
4.3 The project has been the subject of a comprehensive consultation programme including the most recent round of public exhibitions in November 2010. In addition, meetings have been held with planning officers at Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council and dialogues held with interested parties and key statutory consultees to discuss the proposed wind farm development, the planning application and the accompanying Environmental Statement (ES) as part of the pre-application stage.
4.4 The ES is the result of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that has been carried out to assess the environmental impact of the proposal. The requirement for an EIA is set out in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (generally referred to as the ‘EIA Regulations 1999’).
4.5 During the construction phase of the wind turbines, the wind farm would also include a construction compound and un-surfaced lay down/turbine assembly areas next to each turbine location.
4.6 The only energy consumed by the proposed development will be that consumed by the use of the control building, which will be negligible. The only waste that will be generated by the proposal will result from periodic, and if necessary, emergency, maintenance. It is anticipated that there will be no waste suitable for recycling; however, if such waste does arise, it will be recycled in an appropriate manner.
4.7 It is probable that anyone visiting the site in connection with the proposed development will be fully able-bodied due to the nature of the work that they will be visiting the site to undertake. As such, no particular consideration of accessibility has been undertaken.
4.8 A first inspection of the turbines will take place after commissioning. After this, routine maintenance of the turbines will consist of inspections undertaken on a regular and as required basis.
4.9 The wind turbines have a design life of approximately twenty-five years, after which time the applicant has three options – apply for permission to extend the operation of the wind farm for an additional period; decommission the wind farm and apply for permission to install new wind turbines on the same site; or decommission the wind farm and re-instate the land.
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Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Figures
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Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Figure 1
RPS Planning & Development 22 November 2010
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park
Proposed turbine locations
Access route for abnormal loads (turbine delivery)
County Borough Council boundary
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Figure/Drawing Title: County Borough Council Boundaries d x
m Figure Number: . 3.1 d e t l u
s Rev Date Revision By Checked n o C A L
_ S M 8 0 9 0 0 1 _ D
7 Datum: OSGB36 Projection:BNG 2
0 Bridgend County 7 \ S
E Data Sources: \ Borough Council D X
M N \ Scale: A3 @1:78,000 S I G
\ 0 1 2 km h c e T \ m r Drawn By: Client: a F RPS d Gamesa Energy UK n i Mallams Court, 18 Milton Park First Floor, Rowan House W i l l Abingdon, Oxfordshire Hazell Drive, e G OX14 4RP Newport, Y
d Tel: +44 (0) 1235 821 888 S. Wales d y n Fax: +44 (0) 1235 820 351 NP10 8FY y M
Website: www.rpsgroup.com b 7 2 0 7 \ : O
: e l i F © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2010 License number 0100031673,10001998,100048492. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Figure 2
RPS Planning & Development 24 November 2010
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park
Redline Boundary
Development Extent
Local Authority Boundary
Figure/Drawing Title:
d Turbine Layout and Ancillary Development x m . Area Site Location Plan e n i l d e
R Figure Number: 7027/01 _ S M
8 Rev Date Revision By Checked 0 9 0 0 1
_ D 7 2 0 7 \ g n i n n Datum:OSGB36 Projection:BNG a l P \
D Data Sources: X M \
S N I Scale: A1 @1:10,000 G \ h 0 0.25 0.5 km c e T \ m r Drawn By: Client: a F RPS Gamesa Energy UK d n i Mallams Court, 18 Milton Park First Floor, Rowan House W i l Abingdon, Oxfordshire Hazell Drive, l e OX14 4RP Newport, G
Y
Tel: +44 (0) 1235 821 888 S. Wales d d Fax: +44 (0) 1235 820 351 NP10 8FY y n
y Website: www.rpsgroup.com M b 7 2 0 7 \ : O © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2010 License number 0100031673,10001998,100048492. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010
Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Appendix
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Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park Design and Access Statement
Appendix 1
Split of Proposed Development Across the Three Local Planning Authorities
Proposed Development Neath Port Talbot County Borough Bridgend County Borough Council Rhondda Cynon Taff County Council (NPTCBC) (BCBC) Borough Council (RCTCBC) (44.4 ha) (9.4ha) (2.7ha) 15 wind turbines with a blade tip of 12 turbines within NPTCBC 3 turbines within BCBC None 118m and a hub height of 78m A 78m high permanent wind Met Mast within NPTCBC None None monitoring mast, referred to as an anemometry mast or met mast Widening of existing forestry tracks at Pinch Points 8 through to 12 and 14 No tracks within BCBC Pinch Points 6 and 13 pinch points to allow access for the vehicles delivering the wind turbine through to 17 components (Note: Pinch Points 1 through to 4 and 7 do not require planning permission) Upgrading and widening of existing Across proposed turbine layout within Across proposed turbine layout within None on-site agricultural tracks and construction of new on-site access NPTCBC and BCBC NPTCBC and BCBC tracks Crane hardstandings for each Same as split of turbines. 12 crane Same as split of turbines. 3 crane None turbine, referred to as crane pads hardstandings within NPTCBC hardstandings within BCBC
Up to four areas of stone extraction All four borrow pit areas fall within None None as shown on Figure 5.1 and 5.2, referred to as borrow pits NPTCBC
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Underground cabling parallel to Across proposed turbine layout within Across proposed turbine layout within None access tracks, where practical NPTCBC and BCBC NPTCBC and BCBC
An electricity substation within a None All within BCBC None compound containing a control building Two construction compounds One within NPTCBC One within BCBC None
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