Chapter 7.0 Ornithology

(prepared under a Breeding Bird Protection Plan (BBPP) for the site) would be undertaken and any raptors, waders, or migratory species of high conservation value. Field surveys and subsequent measures considered necessary to safeguard the breeding attempt (e.g., exclusion zones or assessment using collision risk modelling demonstrated that the likely effects of disturbance and restrictions on timing of works) will be submitted to CCW for agreement before recommencing risk of collisions with turbines are not significant. work. A proposed BBPP is provided in Appendix 7-D, Volume II of this SEI. 2. The supplementary information gathered in 2008 has addressed the information gaps described in 4. As also noted by the original ES, a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) will be instigated to enhance the original ES and requests from Consultees responding to the original assessment. This the habitat beyond the immediate vicinity of the proposed turbines for the benefit of upland information has resulted in: some areas being surveyed for their breeding bird community that breeding waders. Further details of the HMP are provided in Chapter 8: Ecology of this SEI, and an were not covered by the original ES; dedicated intensive surveys in the Development site for outline HMP is presented in Appendix 8-F, Volume II of this SEI. selected breeding waders; resurvey of scarce breeding raptors, and; additional observations on flight activity to ensure more equitable distribution of data across the entire Development site and 7.6.9 Monitoring with respect to the annual cycle of resident species.

1. A post-construction monitoring programme will be implemented, which will involve several 3. The outcome of the assessment of the influence of these supplementary information sources has elements outlined in the original ES and described in detail by the outline proposal for the HMP not materially affected the conclusions of the original ES: the likely effects of the Development on (see Chapter 8: Ecology and Appendix 8-F, Volume II of this SEI). Further details of all bird species are likely to be, at worst, negligible at the regional scale and not significant under implementation are provided in section 7.5 above. the terms of the EIA Regulations.

7.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes 7.10 References

1. Residual effects and conclusions of significance are summarised for all species in Table 7-4. Ref. 7-1 Welsh Ornithological Society, Welsh Assembly Government, The Countryside Council for Wales, The BTO, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust & RSPB Cymru 2009. The population status of birds in Table 7-4 Summary of Residual Effects Wales 2. RSPB Cymru, Cardiff. Description Nature of Impact Geographic Scale Significance Ref. 7-2 Welsh Assembly Government (2009). List of Species and Habitats of Principal Importance for the Decommissioning existing turbines Short-term disturbance Regional Not significant Conservation of Biological Diversity. Updated January 2009. Land take Long-term displacement Regional Not significant Construction Short-term disturbance Regional Not significant Ref. 7-3 Johnstone, I.G., Thorpe, R.I. & Noble, D.G. 2010. The State of Birds in Wales 6. RSPB Cymru, Operation Long-term disturbance Regional Not significant Cardiff. Long-term collision risk Regional Not significant Ref. 7-4 Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Stephen, L., Langston, R.H.W., Bainbridge, I.P. & Bullman, R. 2009. The Decommissioning proposed turbines Short-term disturbance Regional Not significant distribution of breeding birds around upland windfarms. Journal of Applied Ecology 46, 1323-1331. Grid connection Long-term disturbance Regional Not significant Long-term collision risk Regional Not significant Ref. 7-5 Thomas, R. 1999. Renewable Energy and Environmental Impacts in the UK: Birds and Wind Turbines. Unpubl. Master of Research Degree Thesis, University College London, UK. 2. Considering that collision risk is very likely to be lower for red kite, the Development should provide Ref. 7-6 Whitfield, D.P., Green, M. & Fielding, A.H. 2010. Are breeding Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata for a net beneficial long-term effect over current baseline conditions for this species of high Nature displaced by wind energy developments? Unpublished Report. Natural Research Projects, Conservation Importance. Similarly, kestrel collisions should probably be reduced as a result of the Banchory, UK. (See Technical Appendix A7-B.) Development, leading to a positive effect on the local population. Assuming that the objectives of the HMP are realised, net long-term benefits are also likely to be evident for breeding waders of Ref. 7-7 Ruddock, M. & Whitfield, D.P. 2007. A review of disturbance distances in selected bird species. moderate Nature Conservation Importance (notably curlew and lapwing) amongst other species Report from Natural Research (Projects) Ltd to Scottish Natural Heritage. Natural Research, and habitats. Banchory, UK. Ref. 7-8 Whitfield, D.P., Ruddock, M. & Bullman, R. 2008. Expert opinion as a tool for quantifying bird 3. The likely adverse effects of the Development were evaluated in accordance with the original ES tolerance to human disturbance. Biological Conservation 141, 2708-2717. and the significance of each potential effect stated. It is concluded that the likely effects of the Development on all bird species are not significant under the terms of the EIA Regulations. Ref. 7-9 Hötker, H., Thomsen, K.-M. & Jeromin, H. 2006. Impacts on biodiversity of exploitation of renewable energy sources: the example of birds and bats - facts, gaps in knowledge, demands for 7.8 Cumulative Effects further research, and ornithological guidelines for the development of renewable energy exploitation. Michael-Otto-Institut im NABU, Bergenhusen. 1. Potential cumulative effects on birds are likely only when there is a realistic expectation of adverse Ref. 7-10 Ecogen. 1991. Environmental Statement for the Proposed Windfarms at Penrhyddlan and effects by two or more developments. The effects of Llandinam Windfarm on all species are Llidiartywaun Vol. 2, Ecogen, October 1991. predicted to be adverse-negligible, neutral or beneficial and therefore it is appropriate to conclude that the Development would not elevate any effects identified in respect of other proposed or Ref. 7-11 Stewart, G.B., Pullin, A.S. & Coles, C.F. 2007. Poor evidence-base for assessment of windfarm existing developments. impacts on birds. Environmental Conservation 34, 1-11. Ref. 7-12 Band, W., Madders, M., & Whitfield, D.P. 2007. Developing field and analytical methods to assess 7.9 Statement of Effects avian collision risk at wind farms. In: de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. & Ferrer, M. (eds.) Birds and Wind Farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation, pp. 259-275. Quercus, Madrid. 1. The ornithological assessments of the original ES and this SEI chapter have determined that the

Development site comprises an upland bird community typical of unimproved acidic grassland, mire and heathland habitats in Wales. There is no evidence that the site is markedly important to

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Table 8-1 Consultation Responses 8.0 Ecology Consultee Comments on the Original ES Comments/Action Taken Additional National Vegetation Classification An additional NVC Survey was undertaken in 8.1 Introduction (NVC) survey will be required 2008 and is discussed in this chapter. 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) report provides an assessment The layout has been amended to avoid Valley of the changes to the ecological impacts associated with the revised layout for the proposed mire where possible, as described in Chapter 3: repowering and extension of the Llandinam Windfarm (“the Development”), relative to those Alternatives and Design Evolution. Section 8.6 of Concerns over loss of valley mire this chapter summarises these changes and presented within the original Environmental Statement (ES). This chapter also provides a discusses their effect on ecology. A Valley mire description of the further ecology studies that have been undertaken since the submission of the Countryside survey was undertaken 2009 and is discussed in original ES in May 2008. Council for sections 8.5 and 8.6 of this chapter. Wales (CCW) A peat depth map has been produced and is 2. Since the production of the original ES, the layout of the Proposed Development has been altered described and referred to in Chapter 12 so as to take into account consultee comments on the original application. Changes to the Further works on peat depth required Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology. Section windfarm design are presented in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI, and 8.6.5 of this chapter discusses peat depth in in summary the main changes include: more detail. A further survey was undertaken 2008 and is  Removal of three turbines in the northwestern area of the application site; Additional information on bats required presented in Appendix 8-C, Volume II of this SEI and summarised in this chapter.  Relocation of twelve turbines and the meteorological masts; A survey was undertaken in 2009, the results of Assess and survey for Great Crested Newts  Amendments to the internal access track layout (taking into account landowner which are discussed in this chapter. requirements/concerns and attempting to utilise as much existing track as possible in order to White-clawed Crayfish are considered further in minimise additional disturbance to ecological and hydrological receptors) and the location of Investigate White-clawed Crayfish paragraph 8.5.6 of this chapter. the electrical substation; and Turbines T13 and T25 have been relocated to  Consideration of the abnormal load vehicle route from Newport docks to the application site avoid an area of slightly deeper peat, as and the associated accommodation works that will be required. This route is discussed in discussed in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport and presented in Figure S9-1. Micro-site turbines to minimise peat loss Design Evolution. Section 8.6.1 of this chapter evaluates the 3. As in the original ES, this chapter does not address Ornithology issues, which are discussed in Powys County Design Changes. Chapter 7: Ornithology of this SEI. Council (PCC) A Habitat Management Plan is presented in 4. This chapter has been written by ADAS. Design drainage / hydrology system to minimise Appendix 8-F and an Environmental peat erosion and damage Management Pollution Prevention Plan is included in Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI. 8.1.1 Summary of Stakeholder Responses for Ecology A Species Protection Plan has been produced 1. A summary list of stakeholder responses is provided in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Produce mitigation strategy for reptiles and is provided in Appendix 8-E, Volume II of this SEI. Significance Criteria of this SEI. An overview of those issues that relate specifically to ecology is This is included in Appendix 8-F, Volume II of provided in Table 8-1 below. This chapter refers to works undertaken in response to these Produce a Habitat Management Plan stakeholder comments. this SEI and summarised in this chapter. Letter dated 2nd February 2010, requesting This is included in Appendix 8H, Volume II of Table 8-1 Consultation Responses DECC information to assist with Habitat Regulations this SEI. Assessment Consultee Comments on the Original ES Comments/Action Taken Welsh No otter nesting or breeding sites have been See Section 3.2 in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Assembly Licence is needed to work around the resting or identified. This is discussed further in this Limit the length of new track-ways, use existing Design Evolution in this SEI and Section 8.6 of Government breeding areas of otter chapter. tracks where possible Royal Society this chapter. (WAG) for the A detailed Habitat and Species Management This is included in Appendix 8-F, Volume II of Protection of Plan should be produced this SEI and summarised in this chapter. Birds (RSPB) Provide guidance on working within 30 m of a See paragraph 8.6.7 of this chapter. 8.1.2 Further Consultation badger sett Surveyed in 2007 following Strachan & 1. A site meeting was held in January 2009 with representatives from CeltPower Ltd, the Countryside Clarify Water vole status and survey details. Moorhouse methods (Ref. 8-8). No Water voles Environment The EA provided a list of conditions that should Council for Wales (CCW), Powys County Council (PCC), and ADAS. Issues relating to turbine, were found to be present. Further details on the Agency (EA) be followed in order to protect otters and prevent track and infrastructure location were discussed, locations were visited, and agreement was made survey methods and findings are presented in pollution to water on the realignment of a number of tracks. The need for a formalised Great Crested Newt (GCN) this SEI chapter.

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habitat assessment was also discussed (and a survey was subsequently carried out, as discussed Table 8-2 Residual Effects Identified in the Original ES later in this chapter). Description Nature of Effect Geographic Time Period Residual extent of Significance effect 8.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter Impact on 1. The application site primarily comprises semi-natural vegetation, though this has been historically Bats Local Long-term Minor Adverse heavily grazed and there is little woodland or scrub in the survey area. The majority of the Otter Local Long-term Minor Adverse application site comprises improved and poor semi-improved grassland. The most sensitive habitats on site, in the context of the Development, are the small areas of blanket bog and larger Water vole Local Long-term Minor Adverse areas of valley mire and flush, primarily located in the south of the application site. Reptile Habitat loss, Local Long-term Minor Adverse disturbance and 2. A number of protected species and species of conservation importance were found to be using the Great crested newt collision. Local Long-term Minor Adverse application site including otter, pipistrelle bat and brown hare. Aquatic systems are of crucial Brown hare Local Long-term Minor Adverse importance at this location as the application site forms part of the watershed for the Rivers Severn Badger Local Long-term Minor Adverse and Wye; the Wye is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and both rivers host protected species and conservation priority species. Aquatic Systems Local Long-term Minor Adverse

3. Potential adverse effects on aquatic systems will be mitigated through the use of best practice and 8.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context following Environment Agency (EA) guidelines in terms of preventing pollution entering watercourses. However there was likely to be a small residual risk that despite this best practice, sediment and/ or other deleterious material could enter watercourses, particularly after prolonged 8.3.1 Countryside Council for Wales Guidance heavy rain events. Taking the proposed mitigation into account this effect was not predicted to be significant. 1. CCW has issued a guidance note on ‘Assessing the impact of windfarm developments on peatlands in Wales’ (Ref. 8-2). The aims of the guidance are to identify the main impacts posed by 4. The Development will lead to a direct loss of habitat, and this effect was predicted to be major windfarm developments for peatland habitats, and to guide CCW’s input to the scoping and all adverse and significant for the valley mire habitat onsite. subsequent phases of environmental assessments and associated case-work, as well as to indicate to developers the issues that CCW expect to be covered in windfarm impact assessments. 5. With the exception of the effect upon valley mire habitats, the above mitigation was expected to reduce all the predicted significant effects associated with decommissioning the existing windfarm 2. Given the importance and sensitivity of peatland habitats, CCW’s position is that windfarm and the construction and operational impacts resulting from the Development to minor adverse or developments should avoid impacts to peat as far as possible through careful siting of negligible. infrastructure based on accurate survey and site assessment.

6. Taking into account the predicted impacts on the ecological status of the application site as a 8.3.2 Wales Biodiversity Partnership Guidance whole, rather than individual species (or, in other words whether the Development would affect “the coherence of ecological structure and function, that enables the feature to be maintained in its 1. Wales Biodiversity Partnership has issued a guidance document on wildlife sites in Wales (Ref. 8- present condition” (Ref. 8-1)), the Development would have a relatively low land take and would 3). This document provides updated guidance on the designation of local wildlife sites. Local therefore not compromise the application site’s fundamental ability to support characteristic biological sites refer specifically to sites of substantive nature conservation value. They are the habitats or species populations identified in this text. The effect would therefore not be significant. most important places for wildlife outside legally designated sites, and their importance and significance is in the linkages they provide in a local context between the internationally and 7. With regards to the operational phase of the Proposed Development, no significant effects were nationally designated sites the whole biodiversity resource within a given Local Biodiversity Action predicted over the 25 year operating period. Plan (LBAP) area.

8. Table 8-2 summarises the residual effects identified within the original ES (note, only major 2. In the context of development sites, this publication is important as CCW guidelines state that adverse effects were considered ‘significant’). evaluation of habitats in terms of their local importance should utilise the criteria and approach contained within this document (Ref. 8-2). Table 8-2 Residual Effects Identified in the Original ES Description Nature of Effect Geographic Time Period Residual extent of Significance 8.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria effect Impact on designated sites Sedimentation – Local Long-term Negligible 1. This SEI retains the methodology and significance criteria presented in the original ES chapter. impact on fisheries 2. A number of additional studies and reports have been completed since the original ES. These Impact on integrity of site Habitats and species Local Long-term Moderate Adverse include: diversity decline Impact on component Impact on valley mire Local Long-term Major Adverse  Additional National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey; habitats habitat

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 Valley Mire Survey; 8.4.3 Additional Bat Surveys  Additional Bat Surveys; 1. Upon presentation of the original ES it was recognised that further bat survey work would be  Great Crested Newt Survey; necessary. In consultation with CCW, a further extensive range of bat surveys were carried out.  Species Protection and Habitat Management Plans have been produced; These included:

 The access track and ‘pinch points’ along the abnormal loads delivery route have been  Spring and Summer transect surveys (in addition to those already undertaken during autumn); surveyed;  Bat roost surveys within a 2 km zone around the Development footprint; and  Designated sites around the windfarm footprint have been further considered;  Anabat recording survey on Anemometer mast.  White-clawed Crayfish have been further considered; 2. Full details of this work are presented in Appendix 8-C, Volume II of this SEI.  Marshy grassland has been further considered; and

 A section is also presented on the validity of previous surveys. 8.4.4 Great Crested Newt Survey 3. These studies are presented in the Appendices as follows 1. There are seven ponds situated within or around the application site. A Great Crested Newt (GCN)  Technical Appendix 8-A – NVC Survey of the Llandinam Windfarm; Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was undertaken on these ponds, and is presented in Technical Appendix 8-D, Volume II of this SEI.  Technical Appendix 8-B – Valley Mire Report;  Technical Appendix 8-C – Bat Survey Summary Report; 2. The survey comprised trapping using bottle traps, egg searches and torch lamp survey. Survey work was carried out between March and May 2009 and followed the methods described in the  Technical Appendix 8-D – Great Crested Newt Survey; GCN Conservation Handbook (Ref. 8-5).  Technical Appendix 8-E – Species Protection Plan (MacArthur Green);  Technical Appendix 8-F – Habitat Management Plan (MacArthur Green); and 8.4.5 Species Protection Plan (SPP) and Habitat Management Plan (HMP)  Technical Appendix 8-G – Pinch Points and Laybys on Trunk Road Network and Access Track. 8.4.5.1 Species Protection Plan 1. The aim of the draft Species Protection Plan (SPP), as presented in Appendix 8-E, Volume II of 8.4.1 Additional NVC Survey this SEI, is to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that the law is not broken with reference to protected species; the species/ groups targeted within the plan are otter, badger, bats, common 1. An additional NVC survey was undertaken to cover areas that had not previously been surveyed, lizard and brown hare. as a result of the design changes to the Development. Figure S8-1 presents the revised NVC map. The resultant NVC report is presented in Appendix 8-A, Volume II of this SEI and details the 2. These aims are to be met through: a monitoring plan, an approved procedure being put in place methods and findings. The report makes a number of recommendations on the siting of should protected species be found, and measures to raise awareness amongst site personnel. infrastructure, and the design layout presented here has, where possible, been adapted to take these into account. The report also details the areas of habitat by NVC type likely to be affected by 8.4.5.2 Habitat Management Plan the Development. 1. An outline Habitat Management Plan (HMP) has been produced and is presented in Appendix 8-F, Volume II of this SEI. The finalised version will be agreed with RSPB and CCW prior to the 8.4.2 Valley Mire and Drain Survey commencement of construction.

1. In response to impacts highlighted within the original ES, a bespoke valley mire survey was carried 2. The outline HMP has the following aims: out in early 2009; full details and findings of the works can be found in the valley mire report in Appendix 8-B, Volume II of this SEI. A summary is given in the following paragraphs.  The enhancement of valley mire habitat; 2. The valley mire survey targeted seven areas of valley mire that are anticipated to be impacted by  The enhancement of habitat for brown hares; the Development and seven areas that were not expected to be directly affected. The assessment  The enhancement of habitat for common lizards; and was based on the Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) approach (Ref. 8-4). In addition to this, a two stage Drainage Survey was also conducted. This aimed to identify and map the extent of  The enhancement of habitat for upland breeding birds including lapwing and curlew. man-made drainage channels over the whole site followed by a targeted on-site survey to measure 3. The outline HMP also sets out a monitoring programme aimed at birds, bats and compliance. The the effectiveness of these drains. The intention was to establish the impact of drainage on the final HMP (which will be finalised prior to commencement of the Development) will include details wetland habitats, assess the relevant attribute and to evaluate the scope for habitat enhancement of the habitat management area and associated management units. via damming.

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grazing, prohibit the construction of new drains within these wetland habitats and allow the 8.4.6 Transport Route Survey continued natural in-filling of existing drains. Enhancement measures are presented later in this chapter and discussed in the Outline Habitat Management Plan (Technical Appendix 8-F, Volume 1. Trial runs of the abnormal loads delivery route for the windfarm components were carried out in II of this SEI). May 2010. Further transport works in late 2011 identified the need for three additional laybys along the trunk road network. These laybys are primarily needed to allow the abnormal loads delivering windfarm components to pull over and allow traffic to pass. The laybys are being designed to 8.5.2 Additional Bat Surveys allow several abnormal loads to pull off the highway at the same time. Details of the transport route assessments are presented in Chapter 9: Traffic and Transportation of this SEI. 1. The results of the additional bat surveys are presented in Appendix 8-C, Volume II of this SEI, and an overview is given in the following paragraphs. 2. On the basis of the findings from these trial runs, together with swept path analysis of the access track and other studies, a plan was developed of those areas of roadside that would need to be 2. A number of bat species were recorded from within the application site and at times there widened or used as laybys, referred to as ‘pinch points’. This plan covers verges and areas appeared to be quite a few individuals present. However, when the weather was cold no bats adjacent to the road or track-way that may need to be encroached on in order to accommodate the were recorded. The relatively high altitude hilltop location of the application site means that the abnormal loads. weather is often poor and therefore, it is likely that there are many nights when the application site is not used by bats. The application site is not considered to be a key foraging area, and bat use is 3. A number of pinch points exist along the trunk road route, and at these locations it is anticipated considered opportunistic in favourable weather, and taking advantage of seasonal insect sources that on some sections of verge vegetation may need to be trimmed back, and in a couple of and as commuting routes. locations small areas of verge may need to be cut into. 3. No European Annex II bat species were encountered during the surveys. 4. The great majority of the pinch points are situated along the access track linking the A483 to the windfarm. This track is relatively narrow and will need widening in a number of places. Surveys 4. Three new roosts were discovered in the lowland, wooded buffer zone around the windfarm. One were carried out on all areas where it is anticipated that widening and or vegetation cutting may of these was a large Soprano pipistrelle maternity roost. No roosts were found within the need to take place. Surveys were carried out in June 2010 and April, October and November application site. 2011, with the full results presented in Appendix 8-G. 8.5.3 Great Crested Newt Survey 8.4.7 Designated Sites 1. Using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), three of the ponds provided ‘average’ habitat conditions 1. A number of designated sites exist around the application site, and in response to stakeholder for GCNs, one pond provided ‘below average’ conditions, and three ponds offered ‘poor’ conditions comments that these had not been fully considered within the original ES, they are further (the lowest category). The four ponds with average and below average conditions were surveyed considered here. and GCNs were found not to be present; given the high altitude of the application site and the predominant cool temperatures, this finding is not surprising. A detailed summary of the additional 2. A desk study was carried out to identify designated sites within an approximately 2 km radius of GCN survey work and its findings is presented in Appendix 8-D, Volume II of this SEI. the edge of the application site. Information for these sites was obtained from the Powys and Brecon Beacons Biodiversity Information Service (Powys BIS), CCW and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. 8.5.4 Transport Route Survey 1. The site access road is around 4 km long and comprises narrow verges (less than 3 m wide) and in places hedges, though these are generally species poor and at times overgrown and 8.5 Review of Baseline Conditions encompassing only a few mature trees.

1. Since the original ES the windfarm design has been modified as described in Chapter 3: Site 2. A total of 1.0 hectares (ha) of land take is required along the access road between the A483 and Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI. windfarm, which predominantly comprises tall unimproved neutral grassland of the typical NVC verge community MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. The grassland areas of the verge are 8.5.1 Valley Mire and Drain Survey visually dominated by assemblages of tall grasses and herb species including the grasses Tall oat- grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Yorkshire fog Dactylis glomerata and the tall herbs Cow parsley 1. The results of the valley mire survey illustrate that in general the valley mires at the application site Anthriscus sylvestris and Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium. European gorse Ulex europeaus and are not in good condition. This is primarily due to the failure of attributes related to the cover of Bramble Rubus fruiticosus are also abundant in places. There are few ditches present and in some desirable species, heavy grazing and undesirable species. areas, particularly towards Bryn Dadlau in the west, there is effectively no verge and the roadside fence-line leads directly into adjacent fields. The adjacent fields mostly comprise Improved 2. The Drainage Survey found that while an array of anthropogenic drainage channels exist, these grassland, though some other habitats including areas of Marshy grassland also exist. have mostly naturally in-filled over time, to the extent that most are no longer visible. Of greater significance are track-side drainage channels, which are widespread throughout the application 3. Common lizard was also found on one verge, though it was considered that all grassy verges with site, maintained and therefore active. However, it appears that man-made drainage channels are areas of tall tussocky grassland could potentially accommodate these reptiles. not seriously adversely affecting the valley mire within the application site. 4. The assessment found that all the trees, bar one, are considered as having a low potential to 3. There is scope to improve the condition and therefore habitat quality of the valley mire within the provide bat roosts. These conclusions were made due to a combination of the exposed nature of application site. This could be achieved through management regimes that manage livestock the location, the poor immediate foraging habitat, the lack of connectivity and the lack of suitable

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roost features on the trees. A single, small standing dead Scots pine tree contains features that Salmo trutta and river jelly lichen Collema dichotomum. The River Wye SAC lies approximately 11 could not be fully investigated due to access constraints, and as a precaution this tree was graded km south of the application site. as at most of medium potential for supporting bats. 2. Coed Hafod-Fraith Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (SO 006814) is to the west and within 1 5. One watercourse along the site access road was initially noted as having the possibility of being km of the application site, and is 11.7 ha in size. The site occupies north and northwest facing used by Water vole and/or Otter. This area was subsequently surveyed and no sign of either slopes between 275 m and 335 m above sea level. It is a good example of upland sessile oak species was found. However given Otter’s large home range, it is likely that the stream will be woodland, and there is abundant rowan Sorbus aucuparia and hazel Corylus avellana and a moss- patrolled by them. This is not considered a constraint to the proposals however, providing that the dominated ground layer. The variety of plant species is increased on wetter areas adjacent to working area is checked by a qualified ecologist prior to works commencing. streams, with the oak fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris found here, is of particular interest. These wetter areas also support a good representation of opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage 6. In comparison to the site access road, the works required offsite along the trunk road are likely to Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. At the eastern end of the site, a small area of more mixed be limited to the cutting back of vegetation (e.g. over-hanging trees or tree lines/hedges that may deciduous woodland occurs. Ash Fraxinus excelsior and elm Ulmus Sp. occur here and ground need trimming back). The exceptions are at the junction of the A438 and A4111 at Willersley and flora is typical of richer base status. Great wood-rush Luzula sylvatica, which is an uncommon at the junction of the A483 and the site access road, where road widening will be needed. plant in Montgomeryshire woodlands, occurs in this section of the wood.

7. There are a few individual trees along the truck roads (none of any great stature) that may need 3. Caeau Cwm-ffrwd SSSI (SO 042877) is situated to the north and within 1.5 km of the application removal/ lopping, however in general, the works required do not appear to be much beyond those site, covering 1.7 ha. This SSSI is a series of small fields which supports a suite of species that that would be carried out through standard highways verge maintenance and much of the growth are typical of managed hay meadows. As a result of agricultural intensification such meadows are noted is probably seasonal. now rare. Grasses such as common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, crested dogs-tail Cynosurus cristatus and red fescue Festuca rubra dominate the 8. Bats were not noted as an issue as it does not appear that any roost providing trees such as old sward. Herbs are frequent and include: common knapweed Centaurea nigra, eyebright Euphrasia growth, or large boughs are likely to need removal along the truck roads. Dormice have been officinalis, autumn hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis, common birds-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus, noted as possibly present (albeit unlikely) in a number of sections. They were flagged as the areas ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris, bulbous buttercup concerned contained dense deciduous growth and their geographical location is situated within the Ranunculus bulbosus, common sorrel Rumex acetosa and red clover Trifolium pretense. Other known dormouse distribution range. more scattered notable species include: pignut Conopodium majus, heath spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza maculata, oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, 9. In addition to this road widening, there will also be three laybys created along the trunk roads yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor and tufted vetch Vicia cracca. (referred to in Appendix 8-G as Layby A, B and C). The provision of laybys of a scale sufficient to accommodate a convoy of three abnormal load vehicles will require up to 230m in length and 6m 4. Mochdre Dingles SSSI (SO 065876) is situated within 3 km to the northeast of the application site, width, comprising an area of less than 0.14 ha for each layby. and is 49.6 ha in size. This site is an exceptional example of mixed deciduous woodland in Montgomery, and there are varied vegetation types from typical upland acid sessile oak woodland 10. All three locations presently accommodate areas of grass verge, whilst one of these (Layby C) also to more base-rich vegetation, in which ash is dominant. The ground flora also reflects this diversity includes planted lines of immature trees. The grassland areas are moderately species rich neutral of soil types, and consequently, a greater diversity of flowering plant species has been recorded in grasslands, which are typical of areas of verge that are subject to only occasional mowing. In this site than in any other woodland in Montgomery. This SSSI is also of high ornithological terms of the NVC, they are best described as intermediate between MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius interest. grassland and MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra meadow. 5. Llandinam Gravels Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Reserve (SO 022876) is situated to the north 11. There is a relatively tall and wide hedge at Layby A that accommodates a range of woody species; and within 2 km of the application site. The site is on the River Severn and is an example of a the eastern end of the hedgerow and an immature Pedunculate oak will need to be removed as flooded river valley. It is a dynamic, ever changing, mosaic of flooded shingle, river margins and part of the proposed works. In addition, a discontinuous band of planted broadleaved trees that species-rich meadows. The invertebrate-rich shingles are attractive for wading birds and scattered are 8 to 10m tall will need to be removed at Layby C. pools attract dragonflies and damselflies. Otters are attracted to the cover on river margins.

12. Reptiles are not likely to be present at these laybys, as although they accommodate plenty of tall 6. Craig Dugwm, Mochdre Wildlife Site (SO 057847) is situated 1 km east of the application site. relatively undisturbed vegetation, the swards tend to be too uniform to provide good reptile habitat. This site, of 11.5 ha, is situated on a steep-sided valley, and is an example of ffridd pasture. The Dormice are also considered to be unlikely to be present within the hedges. Finally, there is no bat majority of the site is composed of relatively species-poor bracken Pteridium aquilinum grassland. roost interest within any affected areas at the laybys. There are no other protected species However, there are a number of more open areas of grassland that support other more exacting interests in the areas of the proposed laybys. species such as harebell Campanula rotundifolia and Sheep’s bit Jasione montanta. It is also the location of wall lettuce Mycelis muralis which is a species of restricted distribution in Powys. 8.5.5 Designated Sites 8.5.6 White-Clawed Crayfish 1. The River Wye SAC covers 2,235 ha and was designated under the Habitat & C Regulations (2000) due to its Annex 1 habitat described as “water courses of plain to montane levels with the 1. In response to stakeholder comments, further consideration on the presence of White-clawed Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation”. It was also designated due to its Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes has been presented in this sub-section. Annex 2 species: White-clawed (or Atlantic stream) crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes, Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, Twaite shad Alosa fallax, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, Bullhead Cottus gobio, and Otter. Other important species found in the River Severn and River Wye and their tributaries are brown trout

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8.5.6.1 Background 2. Marshy grassland is common on site and approximately 31 ha of the NVC community M23 was recorded within the surveyed areas. Two NVC sub-community types are present: 19 ha of the 1. White-clawed crayfish are fully protected under UK and European legislation. As such they are sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus sub-community (M23a); and 12 ha of the soft rush Juncus listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and V of the EC Habitats Directive. effusus sub-community (M23b). They are classed as Globally Threatened by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC). They are protected under Schedule 5 of the 3. The soft rush community is generally relatively species-poor and tends to be dominated by soft Wildlife and Countryside Act in respect of taking from the wild and sale. rush with varying amounts of Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus. Herbs tend to be more prominent and the sward more floristically diverse in the Sharp-flowered rush community. 2. White-clawed crayfish require good water quality. They particularly favour hard water and are generally found in watercourses with pebble or gravel-bottomed beds. They live in such locations 4. Although it is a widespread and common habitat type, the structural diversity of the marshy as under large stones, among tree roots, submerged logs, accumulations of leaves and grassland sward does provide a habitat for a number of significant species. For example, a overhanging vegetation. Probably the greatest threat to the long term survival of white clawed diverse invertebrate fauna will be attracted to the micro-climate provided by the tall herbage. crayfish in Wales and the UK are introduced alien crayfish. White-clawed crayfish are also These in turn, are likely to attract a variety of characteristic birds such as meadow pipit Anthus especially susceptible to pollution incidents. Reduced oxygen levels, sedimentation, silting and pratensis, skylark Alauda arvensis and reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, (the latter two of which turbidity all cause mortality. are red list species of conservation concern). Small mammals including voles Microtus sp. and shrews Sorex spp are common. The presence of such mammals is likely to make the application 3. White-clawed crayfish are thought to be largely absent from areas such as West Wales and site attractive for avian predators such as kestrel Falco tinnunculus and Barn owl Tyto alba. Scotland, largely due to the upland character and relatively high acidity of the river network in these areas (Ref. 8-6). 5. In terms of their conservation value, marshy grasslands are not a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) conservation priority habitat. The marshy grasslands on the application site are considered to be 4. Where records of white-clawed crayfish in a watercourse occur, they are not generally uniformly more sensitive than drier habitats, but much less sensitive than habitats situated on deep peat. spread along the channel. The population can be highly localised, and occur only in sections of the Therefore, they are considered to have a moderate conservation value and are moderately river with optimum habitat. sensitive to development. 8.5.6.2 Crayfish at the Application Site 6. It is estimated that 2.9 ha of marshy grassland will be directly impacted by the revised 1. The streams on the application site are headwaters and upper tributaries, draining mainly, either Development. This is considerably less than the 7.5 ha that was planned to be impacted, as directly or via other water bodies, into the River Severn or to a lesser extent the River Wye. These presented in the Original ES (see Table 8-3). In addition to the 2.9 ha, 5.2 ha of grasslands watercourses are all small and many are seasonal. The tributaries to the north and west of the containing marshy grassland as a mosaic component will also be affected. Mosaic component application site flow directly into the River Severn, which is situated 7 km to the west. To the refers to marshy grasslands which are present and have been recorded with other habitats, for northeast, the tributaries flow into the Llyfnant and Mochdre Brooks and thereafter flow into the example with improved or acid grasslands. Severn to the north. The tributaries to the east are part of a different watershed, which flow through the Blue Lins Brook, joining the River Ithon and eventually entering the River Wye approximately 11 km to the south (south of Newbridge on Wye). 8.5.8 River Wye SAC

2. The typical character of the watercourses at the application site is that streams begin as dispersed 8.5.8.1 Background rivulets flowing through mire habitats. Where these rivulets merge and gain speed, which is 1. The River Wye SAC covers 2235 ha and includes nine SSSIs. The River Wye rises on Plynlimon normally on steep slopes, the channel becomes an identifiable stream, and often a gravel in the Cambrian Mountains and flows in a generally southeasterly direction to enter the Severn substrate has developed here. Even here the streams are small, reaching a maximum of 1 m in Estuary at Chepstow. The upper catchment comprises several large sub-catchments, including the width. Irfon on the generally infertile upland landscape in the northwest, the Ithon in the northeast often on more low-lying, fertile terrain and the Lugg in the east in a predominantly low-lying fertile 3. The nature of the water courses within the application site means that they are very unlikely to landscape much of which lies within England. directly support white clawed crayfish for a number of reasons. The windfarm is an upland site, above 450 m in altitude. The water channels are small and some are seasonal, and where gravel 2. The Wye catchment is divided between Wales and England; the river forms the border from south beds exist they are normally on steep slopes with waters that are acidic surrounded by acidic mire of Monmouth to Chepstow and to the east of Hay-on-Wye. The ecological structure and functions and grassland habitats. Very few trees or scrub species are present on site, with a resultant lack of the SAC are dependent on hydrological and geomorphological processes (often referred to as of logs or tree roots under which the crayfish could live. hydromorphological processes), as well as the quality of riparian habitats and connectivity of habitats. Animals that move around and sometimes leave the application site, such as migratory 8.5.6.3 Crayfish Downstream fish and otters, may also be affected by factors operating outside the application site. 1. The River Wye is the best site known in Wales for white clawed crayfish and, there are important populations at the confluences and tributaries of the Wye; including the river Edw, Dulas brook, 8.5.8.2 Llandinam Windfarm and the River Wye SAC Clettwr brook and Sgithw, although these areas are some distance from the application site. 1. Most of the water courses on site flow directly or indirectly into the River Severn. The tributaries to the east of the application site are part of a different watershed, which flow through the Blue Lins Brook, joining the River Ithon and eventually entering the River Wye many kilometres to the south 8.5.7 Marshy Grassland (south of Newbridge on Wye). The River Wye SAC is at its closest point, approximately 5 km 1. Stakeholder comment indicated that marshy grassland habitat had not been sufficiently considered away from the application site, and the potential impacts of the Development on the SAC are within the ES. The following paragraphs provide further consideration. discussed further in Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI, and are summarised in this chapter. The Wye is divided into the upper and lower Wye; the upper Wye is closer to the application site and

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therefore more likely to be affected by development works, however such effects are unlikely given 2. All water courses were walked and banks and adjacent riparian vegetation checked for signs of that the upper Wye is many miles from the site. The key potential impact associated with the water voles during the 2007 surveys. Areas of marshy grassland dominated by soft rush, tall grass Development is materials and pollution entering watercourses and sedge and adjacent to watercourses (favoured water vole habitat), were particularly targeted, as were ‘swampy’ areas at the margins of the larger water bodies. Field signs of water vole 8.5.8.3 River Wye SAC Qualifying Features include burrows, latrines and feeding piles, with particular emphasis applied to searching for 1. The River Wye SAC was designated on the basis of a number of species and habitat qualifying droppings which are regarded as the most reliable field sign. Habitat type and quality were features as follows (Ref. 8-7): recorded, and positions of features established using a GPS. 3. No water voles or signs of water voles were found.  Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus;  Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri; 8.5.9.2 Badger  River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis; 1. Badger survey and results are detailed within the original ES, and clarification on the guidance on working close to badger setts (as per consultee comments) is addressed in section 8.6 of this  Twaite shad Alosa fallax; chapter.  Atlantic salmon Salmo salar; 8.5.9.3 Otter  Bullhead Cottus gobio; 1. An otter survey was carried out during October 2007 and was detailed within the original ES.  European otter Lutra lutra; Additional survey work was carried out during February and March 2009, during which numerous  Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- otter scats were found around ‘pond 3’ at SO 0205 8110 and the adjacent ditch. There were many Batrachion vegetation; spawning frogs within the pond at this time and the otter scats were found to contain frog bones. This pond and associated ditch appear to be an important seasonal feeding ground for otter.  White-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes; and 2. A few otter scats were also found by a small stream, within rush-rich valley mire habitat around SO  Quaking bogs and transition mires. 03946 84166. In both of these cases, it appears likely that otters are following frogs as they return 8.5.8.4 River Wye SAC Key Features to water bodies to breed and are preying on them. 1. Key features are species and habitats present within a management unit, that are designating 3. These additional records do not alter the conclusions of the original ES, with respect to the features and which often drive management of a key habitat. Within the upper River Wye, the key distribution and activity of otters throughout the application site or the mitigation which should be in species and habitats are: place for their protection.  Sea lamprey;  Twaite shad; 8.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures  Atlantic salmon;  European otter; and 8.6.1 Design Change Mitigation  Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- 1. The amended and downscaled design has resulted in a reduction in the total area of land-take Batrachion vegetation. associated with the Development and a lessening of its corresponding ecological impact. The new layout consists of 11.6 km of new tracks. This is a large reduction (39%) on the 19 km of new 2. Atlantic salmon is a key feature in the upper River Wye due to the presence of spawning sites. tracks proposed in the original ES. Twaite shad is recorded spawning in the upper River Wye but only infrequently upstream of the River Irfon confluence. Sea lamprey has been recorded spawning as far upstream as Rhayader. 2. A comparison of land affected by the Development, in terms of Phase 1 habitats is presented in Table 8-3 below. The following list shows where the design changes can be considered as 8.5.9 Previous Survey Works providing the greatest benefit by way of design layout mitigation:

1. This section explains in greater detail some of the previous survey work that was undertaken for  The track between turbines T10 and T11, which formerly went through valley mire and blanket water voles, badger and otters during the preparation of the original ES, in response to bog on deep peat, has been removed and replaced by a track from the west; this new track stakeholder comments requesting this information. skirts along the edge of a block of marshy grassland / valley mire next to poor semi-improved grassland; 8.5.9.1 Water Vole  The track between T31 and T32 formerly cut through valley mire and blanket bog habitats. 1. A water vole survey was carried out during October 2007 and followed the approach detailed in This section of track now avoids peatlands and instead passes through improved and marshy Strachan & Moorhouse (Ref. 8-8). This requires that water courses are surveyed for signs of water grasslands; vole: burrows, droppings and feeding piles (for example, piles of pith from soft rush Juncus effusus).  T25 has been relocated southwards so now largely avoids peatland habitats and provides a buffer from an area that is thought to be used by bats;

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 T13 has been relocated to avoid an area of slightly deeper peat and valley mire and to Table 8-3 Loss and Damage to Habitat in site due to Construction of the Proposed Development maximise the distance away from an area thought to be used by bats; Habitat Type * Habitat Habitat Affected Difference in Percentage of  The track between T33 and T34 has been replaced with a track from the west to T34. This Affected by by Revised Hectares Habitat Type reduces the impact on peatland and marshy habitat; and Layout in the Layout (Ha.) Affected Based on Original ES Revised Layout  The loss of three turbines, T22, T23 and T24, in the northwest of the application site, has (Ha.) meant a relatively large net reduction in land-take most of which was through bilberry- Bare ground 0.1 dominated dry heath. 0.49 +0.39 9.85% Wet heath/acid grassland mosaic 0.1 8.6.2 Impact on Habitats 0.37 +0.27 8.49% Semi-improved neutral 1. Table 8-3 shows the areas of land take resulting from the Development and compares the original grassland <0.1 0.25 +0.15 0.77% and revised design layout as presented in this SEI (the shaded rows represent valued habitats). Total 88.68 3.54% The values exclude offsite works along the trunk roads and on the laybys. 56.99 -31.69 * Shaded habitats represent valued ecological habitats.

2. Calculations of land take and damage have been based upon worst case assumptions where 3. The revised layout results in a reduction in the area of valley mire impacted by approximately 3.8 applicable. As in the original ES on-site tracks are calculated to impact to a width of 14 m, which ha. There have also been reductions in the amount of blanket bog, acid flush and dry heath accounts for habitat that will be both lost and damaged. The 14 m includes potential edge impacts habitats taken, so that the total area of these three habitats combined amounts to around 0.8 ha. from cabling, ditching and construction machinery. The turbine platform covers an area of 20 m by There has also been a large reduction (4.3 ha) of dry heath / acid grassland mosaic habitat that will 20 m, and is centred upon the location shown on the map (see updated Phase I habitat map, be affected by the Development. The dry heath / acid grassland mosaic is mostly classified, in presented in Figure S8-2). The calculations now incorporate precise locations for the crane pads NVC terms as the, H18 Bilberry-Wavy hair-grass community. Much of this impact can be (approximately 52 m x 40 m) and for vehicle turning areas (approximately 60 m in length), which accounted for through the siting of two potential borrow pits, therefore as there is some flexibility as will be used during construction (and which were not included in the calculations in the original to the use of identified borrow pits, it is possible that this impact could be further substantially ES). The areas of habitat taken by borrow pits, compounds, turbine lay down areas, and proposed reduced. substation, are derived from the design layout as presented and discussed in Chapter 4: Project Description of this SEI. 4. There is a small additional area of land take of 0.27 ha of Wet heath/acid grassland mosaic habitat (and it is noted that wet heath is a habitat of high conservation value). 3. The revised layout results in a reduced impact in terms of total land taken / directly affected of 32 ha, reducing the overall area effected from 89 ha to 57 ha. 5. Overall however, the impact of the revised design layout presented in this SEI is reduced in comparison with the layout presented in the original ES. Reduced impacts are anticipated on the more sensitive habitats: valley mire, blanket bog and flush. Mitigation of impacts on habitats has Table 8-3 Loss and Damage to Habitat in site due to Construction of the Proposed Development been built into the scheme design, nevertheless the scheme will inevitably still have a negative Habitat Type * Habitat Habitat Affected Difference in Percentage of (albeit reduced) impact on habitats and species which is now considered to be of moderate Affected by by Revised Hectares Habitat Type adverse significance, and therefore insignificant (using the significance criteria presented in the Layout in the Layout (Ha.) Affected Based on original ES). Original ES Revised Layout (Ha.) Poor semi-improved grassland 30.7 20.96 -9.74 7.81% 8.6.3 Valley Mire Unimproved acid grassland 18.3 10.67 -7.63 2.50% 1. The impact of the scheme on valley mire habitat was a particular concern (of stakeholders’) at the Dry heath/acid grassland time of the original ES. Since that time the layout has been redesigned so that the area of valley mosaic 11.1 6.76 -4.34 6.45% mire directly affected has been reduced by 49%, leaving around 3.8 ha of valley mire being directly impacted by the Development, as mentioned above. Valley mire 7.6 3.84 -3.76 2.73% Marshy grassland 7.5 5.38 -2.11 4.64% 2. Further measures presented in the outline Habitat Management Plan (presented in Appendix 8-F, Improved grassland 6.3 3.73 -2.57 5.07% Volume II of this SEI) should further reduce the significance of this impact, to moderate-minor adverse. Semi-improved acid grassland 3.5 2.24 -1.26 2.55% Acid dry dwarf shrub heath 1.1 0.12 -0.98 0.09% 8.6.4 Peatlands Acid/neutral flush/spring 0.7 0.26 -0.44 1.00% Blanket Bog 0.7 0.40 -0.30 1.18% 1. Peatlands refer to those wetland habitats that lie upon peat-based soils. These include mires: blanket bog, valley mire and flush habitats. Peatlands were not considered specifically within the Coniferous plantation 0.5 0.43 -0.07 6.27% original ES, however since the time of the publication of that document the importance of peat soils Buildings 0.2 0.31 +0.11 34.18% has been more fully recognised. The publication of CCW guidance on peatlands (Ref. 8-2) is an example of this recognition. Wet modified bog 0.2 0.09 -0.11 0.77% Continuous bracken 0.1 0.66 +0.56 0.80%

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2. Peatlands are not only important because of the habitats they support, they also perform important 3. As discussed in the original ES and re-stated in the outline HMP (presented in Appendix 8-F, functions as water and carbon stores. The carbon storage function of peats in Wales is significant; Volume II of this SEI), bat monitoring will be implemented between March and mid November despite occupying only 3% of the land surface peat soils contain 30% of the soil carbon resource following final commissioning. Monitoring will involve a programme of searches underneath a of Wales. representative sample of wind turbines. Detailed methods will be agreed with the Local Authority in consultation with CCW. This action will partly assist in mitigating against the possible increased 3. The revised windfarm layout has a much reduced impact upon peat-based habitats: valley mire, risk to high flying/ migrating bats and will add to the much needed body of research data. blanket bog and acid flush (see Table 8-3 above) and as such is a great improvement in this respect. Despite these improvements, it does still impact upon some small areas of deep peat 4. In summary, the application site due to its upland nature does not generally provide good (deep peat is defined as peat of 50cm depth or over) and / or sensitive wetland vegetation conditions for bats and, with the mitigation discussed in the original ES, the residual impact communities at a number of locations including: remains minor.

 T31 and T32 are in areas of deep peat; 8.6.6 Water Vole  T13 is on valley mire habitat, however has been relocated to avoid an area of slightly deeper peat; 1. There has been no record of water voles on the application site and therefore the Development is expected to have a negligible impact on these mammals.  T20 and the track to T20 are on valley mire habitat;  The crane pad associated with T28 is standing on deep peat; 8.6.7 Badger  The eastern edge of the turbine base of T16 abuts onto deep peat; 1. In response to consultee comments on the original ES, further detail is provided in this chapter on  The southern edge of turbine base of T18 and the crane pad are on valley mire/ marshy the working practices with regard to badgers and badger setts. grassland mosaic habitat; and  T11 edges into deep peat. 2. Disturbance is defined by CCW as any new procedure that approaches within a minimum of 30 m of a sett margin. For particularly severe effects, this buffer zone may be extended to 100 m. 4. A peat depth map has been produced and is described and referred to in Chapter 12 Geology, Activities within these zones can only be legally undertaken under a license from CCW / the Hydrology and Hydrogeology of this SEI; this chapter highlights that the peat resource at the National Assembly for Wales, who must also be consulted about such operations and might still application site is localised. The peat tends to be accumulated in depressions and hollows, rather require a license to be issued to allow the works to proceed lawfully. than forming a continuous blanket over all or part of the application site. 3. The layout has been designed to incorporate a minimum 30 m buffer around badger setts. One 5. The peat map shows that other tracks also cut through peat accumulations, such as the track to badger sett is located at a distance of 50 m from a proposed track, the sett is located on a bank, T12, the track linking the north and south halves of the application site (between T27 and T28) and and there should be adequate space so that works, including any access by machinery do not the track past T40. However, tracks already exist in all of these locations. While it will be encroach within a 30 m buffer. In the unlikely event that it is necessary to carry out works within necessary to enlarge these tracks, this will have a much lower impact on peatlands when the 30 m zone, a license from CCW / the National Assembly for Wales would be required. compared with the construction of a new track.

6. The scheme will inevitably still have a negative (albeit reduced) impact on peatlands, which is 8.6.8 Otter considered to be of moderate significance in light of the design revisions (and therefore not significant). 1. Since the submission of the original ES, additional records of otter usage at the application site have been made; these confirm the conclusions drawn within the ES, that the application site comprises the territory of a number of otters, for use as foraging habitat. There are no otter holts 8.6.5 Bats within the application site, and no confirmed otter resting places have been found, it is however, possible that areas of the application site could, at some point, be used by resting otter. 1. Bat surveys carried out in 2007 and 2008 (as presented in Appendix 8-C, Volume II of this SEI) led to the conclusion that the windfarm probably does not comprise a key foraging area, and bat use 2. The construction and decommissioning phases of the Development will be the times when otters should be considered opportunistic in favourable weather, and taking advantage of seasonal insect are potentially most likely to be negatively impacted. Mitigation measures, detailed within the draft sources and as commuting routes. Since then a single dead pine tree identified along the site SPP (presented in Appendix 8-E, Volume II of this SEI) should ensure that otters are not disturbed access road was classified as having, at best, ‘Moderate’ potential to support bats as discussed in or obstructed during these works. Appendix 8-G, Volume II of this SEI. 3. The layout has been designed to site turbine bases and infrastructure (excluding trackways) away 2. Potential impacts on bats during construction are limited to a single standing dead Scots pine tree from watercourses; this should mean that works close to watercourses will be kept to a minimum. along the access road. Although there is some potential for the tree to be used by bats during the period when bats are active, the tree is judged to be very unlikely to accommodate hibernating 4. Pollution and siltation entering watercourses is a potential negative impact on both otters living bats. Therefore, any felling of the tree outside of the bats active season (which is considered to be within the application site and those within downstream watercourses. A site-wide EMPPP is to be April – November) is considered appropriate and constitute a ‘best practice or reasonable implemented and this should ensure that pollution and siltation are not permitted to enter these avoidance’ measure. If this is not possible, the tree will be felled in stages with a suitably qualified systems (outlined within Appendix 8H, Volume II of this SEI). ecologist present to confirm the absence of bats prior to commencing site works. 5. Following implementation the EMPPP mitigation measures, the post-mitigation residual impact on otters remains minor adverse.

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8.6.9 Reptiles during the preparation of the ground. These measures are detailed within the SPP for the Development (Appendix 8-E, Volume II of this SEI). 1. As reported in the original ES, extensive reptile survey work was carried out at the application site. The only reptiles found to be present were a few common lizard Zootoca vivipara, and in total six 2. With these mitigation measures in place, the residual impact to dormice is considered to be lizards were recorded. Since then a single lizard has been found on a grassy section of verge negligible and not significant. along the access road, as discussed in Appendix 8-G, Volume II of this SEI. The findings suggest that whilst lizards are within the application site and access routes, they are present at a relatively low density. Where lizards are present they tend to be found in areas with structural vegetation 8.6.13 River Wye SAC diversity (Ref. 8-9). 1. All of the key features of the upper River Wye are susceptible to siltation and pollution, to varying degrees. Large amounts of suspended solids in the form of mud, silt and chemical pollutants (if 2. The SPP (Appendix 8-E) provides measures to protect common lizards, including a pre- entering water courses) would adversely affect aquatic organisms, particularly were they to be construction survey of the infrastructure footprint. Under measures stated within the outline HMP, carried off-site; negative impacts could occur through the covering and clogging of their spawning a management unit within the application site will be managed for the benefit of these lizards. Lost grounds and reducing the clarity, quality, and oxygen content of the water. Siltation and pollution common lizard habitat in the form of grassy verges situated along the access track, will be events of a magnitude that would allow considerable material to be carried to the River Wye are mitigated for by replacement of habitat. The replacement areas of verge will be created prior to not likely to occur. However, given the importance of the River Wye SAC, the potential unmitigated widening works commencing (and loss of the lizard habitat). impact on the Wye SAC must be considered a potentially major adverse impact, though this will not be allowed to happen. 3. The potential residual impact on reptiles would remain minor adverse as presented in the original ES, although the mitigation referred to above would minimise this impact. 2. However, mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 12: Geology, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology, of this SEI and the corresponding chapter of the original ES, encompassing the production of an 8.6.10 Great Crested Newt Environmental Management Pollution Prevention Plan (EMPPP) should ensure that watercourses are protected from pollution events. Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI provides information to 1. There has been no record of GCNs on the application site and therefore the Development is inform an appropriate assessment, and a copy of the draft EMPPP. With these mitigation expected to have a negligible impact on these amphibians. measures in place, it is very unlikely that silt and pollution will enter water courses. Considering this together with the distance of the Development from the River Wye SAC, the predicted residual effect on the River Wye SAC is considered to be negligible. 8.6.11 Brown Hare

1. As reported within the original ES, brown hares at the site are primarily associated with wetland 8.6.14 Designated Sites habitats. As the area of wetland habitat expected to be impacted upon is reduced the impact upon brown hares will be less. 1. Given the location of the identified designated sites, it is not considered that the Development will result in any impact on Coed Hafod-Fraith, Caeau Cwm-ffrwd, Mochdre Dingles and Craig Dugwm, 2. Aim 2 of the outline HMP commits to the enhancement of habitat for brown hares. This would be and will therefore not affect the designation of any of these sites. Llandinam Gravels is situated on undertaken by managing a specific unit without grazing, mowing the vegetation in a hare friendly the River Severn, and there is the potential that pre-mitigation impacts could possibly result in manner, and other measures including the planting of a boundary hedge. increased sedimentation, silting, turbidity and reduced oxygen levels. Pollution, for example, from oil, fuel or other spilt chemicals may also prove toxic and new concrete may leach alkali. This 3. With the exception of few small conifer blocks, the entire application site is currently grazed. In this effect is considered to be of minor adverse significance. context the creation of an unfertilized, tall ‘grassland’ unit, should benefit brown hares as it should provide additional resting and foraging habitat. This would therefore further reduce the impact of 2. However, mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 12: Geology, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology of the Development upon hares, though the level of this reduction will depend upon the size, current the original ES will protect these watercourses, and Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI provides management and location of the management unit. information to inform an appropriate assessment, and a copy of the draft EMPPP. A number of measures will be carried out to mitigate any potential impacts to the aquatic environment and 4. With the enhancement measures referred to above in place the residual impact on brown hare will associated species. These include ensuring no spoil is tipped in any pond or water body, erecting be, at worst, of minor adverse significance. silt fences adjacent to watercourses as required and measures to prevent sediment from entering local streams. Potentially damaging substances, such as fuel, will also be contained according to EA guidance and silt traps installed to protect the watercourses from silt run-off. Furthermore, a 8.6.12 Dormice method statement will be provided to the EA detailing the design and construction methods of any 1. Three of the trunk road pinch point areas were assessed as possibly supporting dormice. Of proposed tracks and turbines and the pollution prevention measures that will be put in place to these, the only location where it may be necessary to remove a hedgerow is at Layby A, where minimise impacts to the water environment prior to construction. This statement will include there are a number of relatively recent dormouse records from within 4 km of the proposed measures taken to prevent detriment to the environment and any contingency plans with reference location. Dormice are considered unlikely to be present within this hedge, and features of the in particular to the minimisation of risk of pollution of water courses with silt and the storage of fuels hedge and surrounding habitat are such that if dormice are using this hedge, it is most likely as a and any other hazardous materials stored on site, see Chapter 12: Geology, Hydrogeology, and linking pathway between habitats. As a precaution however, cutting works of the hedges at these Hydrology of this SEI report. points will take place during the period November to mid April, outside of the dormice hibernation 3. The proposed mitigation should ensure that there is a negligible residual impact on designated period. If this is not possible a suitable qualified ecologist will be onsite to check the vegetation sites. prior to site works commencing at these locations. Checks will also be undertaken prior to and

December 2011 Llandinam Windfarm Repowering and Extension Environmental Statement – Supplementary Environmental Information Page 10 of Chapter 8 Chapter 8.0 Ecology

8.6.15 White-clawed Crayfish Table 8-4 Residual Effects Geographic 1. As stated above, it is very unlikely that white-clawed crayfish are present within or close to the Residual Description Nature of Effect extent of Time Period application site for a number of reasons. However, a precautionary approach should be taken Significance effect when considering the potential impacts of operations on white-clawed crayfish and their habitat. sites (SSSIs etc within 2 km) impact on fisheries 2. The River Wye is designated as a SAC, which carries an international level of ecological value. Impact on integrity of the Habitats and species Local Long-term Moderate Adverse The biggest populations of white-clawed crayfish in Wales are found within the River Wye, application site diversity decline however these populations are a long distance from the application site. The distance of crayfish Impact on component Impact on valley mire Local Long-term Moderate-Minor from the application site suggests that any pollution event is unlikely to affect them; however habitats habitat Adverse should they be adversely affected, the rarity and status of white-clawed crayfish is such that Impact on Peatlands Loss of peatland Local Long-term Moderate Adverse without mitigation any impact could be substantial. habitat & peat soils 3. Mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 12: Geology, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology of the original Impact on ES, together with the production of an EMPPP (outlined within Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this Bats Local Long-term Minor Adverse SEI), should ensure that watercourses are protected, as described in the proposed mitigation measures for designated sites. Otter Local Long-term Minor Adverse Water vole Local Long-term No impact 4. With these mitigation measures in place, it is very unlikely that silt and pollution will enter water Reptile Local Long-term Minor Adverse courses and therefore the impact of the Development on white-clawed crayfish is considered to be Habitat loss, of negligible significance. Great crested newt disturbance and Local Long-term No impact collision. Brown hare Local Long-term Minor Adverse 8.6.16 Aquatic Systems White clawed crayfish Local Long-term Negligible Aquatic Systems Local Long-term Minor Adverse 1. The critical impact for aquatic systems is pollution of watercourses from suspended solids in the form of mud and silt, and chemical pollutants entering water courses. Such impacts would occur Dormice Local Long-term Negligible through the covering and clogging of spawning grounds and reducing the clarity, quality, and oxygen content of the waters. 8.8 Cumulative Effects

2. Mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 12: Geology, Hydrogeology, and Hydrology of the original 1. There are a number of other proposed developments in the area that have been consented, have ES and in the production of the EMPPP (outlined within Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI) as submitted an application, or are due to submit shortly (presented in Chapter 2: Assessment described above should ensure that watercourses are protected from pollution events. With these Methodology and Significance Criteria of this SEI). mitigation measures in place, it is very unlikely that silt and pollution will enter water courses. Therefore the potential impact on aquatic systems is considered to be of minor adverse 2. Following submission of the original ES, the Waun Garno windfarm development, which is located significance. approximately 12 km northwest of the application site, has been added to the list of schemes that warrant consideration for cumulative impacts.

8.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes 3. The Development is predicted to have a negligible effect on the River Wye SAC. Therefore, any cumulative effects on the SAC will be due to the other schemes in isolation, and not as a result of a 1. Overall, the proposed design changes are considered to result in a lesser impact than the layout cumulative effect with the Development. previously considered in the original ES. The revised layout has reduced impacts upon key habitats, in particular valley mire and peatlands. This has been brought about by scaling down the 4. In terms of habitat loss and impacts on species, the Development will, in combination with other Development and a more sensitive design layout that utilises existing tracks to a greater extent schemes, lead to an increase in the loss of habitats. These habitats will be of varying importance; and avoids habitat lying on deep peat to a greater extent. some habitats such as blanket bog communities will be valued ecological receptors. The habitat loss due to land take associated with these windfarm developments, is likely, to be relatively small. 2. Table 8-4 summarises the residual overall effects, identified as a result of the Development. No Therefore the combined habitat loss is unlikely to affect the integrity of the resource at a regional significant effects are predicted. level or above. Consequently, it is anticipated that the potential cumulative effects will be of minor adverse significance. Table 8-4 Residual Effects 5. The conclusions of the cumulative assessment presented in the original ES are considered valid. Geographic Residual Description Nature of Effect extent of Time Period Significance effect River Wye SAC Sedimentation, Regional Long-term Negligible 8.9 Statement of Effects pollution 1. The effects on ecology from the Development have been assessed in the original ES, and through Impact on local designated Sedimentation – Local Long-term Negligible a number of additional studies in this SEI. Through a reduction in operating capacity, avoidance

December 2011 Llandinam Windfarm Repowering and Extension Environmental Statement – Supplementary Environmental Information Page 11 of Chapter 8 Chapter 8.0 Ecology

where possible of peatland and mire habitats, and an increased use of existing trackways, the impact of the Development is reduced in comparison to the original layout. Where appropriate, mitigation measures have been outlined which will minimise any adverse effects that have been identified and residual impacts reported.

2. Although overall, the proposed design changes are considered to result in a lesser impact than the layout previously considered in the original ES, the significance of the residual impacts remains broadly the same to that presented in the original ES. However, the changes to the design layout of the Development (and the additional surveys that have been undertaken) have resulted in a reduced residual impact significance on the integrity of the application site (from a major to a moderate adverse impact) and on water vole and great crested newts (from a minor adverse impact to no residual impact).

3. Despite the new design and mitigation measures there are still negative impacts associated with the Development (as there are with most developments), the most important of these are considered to be moderate adverse and associated with loss of habitat and associated species, loss and degradation of peatlands. These impacts are not considered to be ‘significant’ however under the terms of the EIA Regulations and Habitat Regulations (where relevant).

8.10 References

Ref. 8-1 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006). http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html

Ref. 8-2 Countryside Council for Wales (2010), Guidance Note: Assessing the impact of windfarm developments on peatlands in Wales.

Ref. 8-3 Wales Biodiversity Partnership (2008) Wildlife Sites Guidance Wales. A Guide to Develop Local Wildlife Systems in Wales. Waleshttp://www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/.

Ref. 8-4 CSMG (Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Upland habitats (2008) JNCC ISSN 1743- 8160 (online).

Ref. 8-5 Langton, T., Becker, C. & Foster J (2001) Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, Froglife, Halesworth.

Ref. 8-6 Peay, S. (2000) Guidance on Works Affecting White-clawed Crayfish English Nature FIN/CON/139

Ref. 8-7 CCW – Dyson, C. (2008) Core Management Plan for the River Wye Special Area of Conservation. CCW Report.

Ref. 8-8 Strachan, R & Moorhouse, T. (2006) Water Vole Conservation Handbook. WCRU. Oxford.

Ref. 8-9 Gent, A. H., & Gibson, S.D., eds. 1988. Herpetofauna workers’ manual. Peterborough, JNCC.

Ref. 8-10 Inns, H. Britain’s Reptiles and Amphibians. WildGuides Ltd. Hampshire.

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H12a 287000 U4e U5a/U4e U5a H18a U4e/U5a

H18a

U5a H18a M6c 21 U5a/U5bU4a H18a U5a/U5b M6c M25b M19a H18a U4a M19a U4a M6c M6c/M6d MG10a H12a 15 M25a H18a M6c/M6d/M19a U4b

286000 U5aM6c M6c/M6d M6d U5b H18a M6c/MG9/MG6 U5a 20 M6a/M23a H12a M6c U5a M15d M6c U5b/M23a H18a U5a/U6c U20 M19a U6c M19aM6a/M6c/M19aM2 M19a M6c U5a/U6c U5a M19a MG10a M6a/M6c/M19a 7 M6c M19a U5b M6c U5a 14 U6b U20b H12a MG10 U20a MG7 U5a MG10 M23a U5a/U6c U5a/U5b M2 M6d Key U5a 19MG10 M23a/U5a U5a/U6d/MG10 M23a MG7 M23b U5a M6c/M6d U5a/U6d/MG10 U5a/U6d U20c M6d/U5bMG7/MG10a U6c/U6b U4e U20c Turbine locations Dec 2010 U5a U6c/U5a M6d U6c M6c H12a U5a/U5b U4b U6c U6d/U5aM6c/M6d 13 M23a/M6dMG10a/U5a/U6d M23a U5a U5a U6b M6d 6 H12a/U5aM6d U5a/H12a MG7/MG10a Acees tracks Dec 2010 H12a U5a/U6c M25a/U5a U5aM19a M23a/M6c/M6d18 M6c M6d M23a MG2510/M23b U5a M25a/U5b U5a/U6c U5b MG6a/MG10a MG10aU6c 285000 MG10a H12a H12aU5a/U6b U5a 12 MG7/MG9 Application Site Boundary M6c/M23b H12a U5a M6d/M23a MG7 5 M25a M6c/M23b MG10a/M23b U5a/H12aH12a M6c/M6d U5aM6d MG10a M23a M6c/M23aM23a/M6dU4a M23a H12a/U5a MG6 U5a/MG10a Crane hardstanding U5a/U5dU4e U5d U4a/MG6 U6c/MG10aMG6 MG6/7 U6c M6c/U6b MG6U5a/MG10a MG6 MG7 MG7/MG10a 26H12a M23b U5a M23a MG6 MG10a U5a H18a M6dM6d/M20a 11MG10a U5d M23a/M6d Borrow pit/potential borrow pit H12a U5a/H18a H18a MG6 MG7 U5aM20b 17 MG10a U5a/U4a U4b U5a H18a U4a/MG6 U5b M23b/M6c MG7 H18a U5b MG6 M23b/M6c MG7 M23b/M6dU5b MG6 H8e U4aU5a/H18a MG10a MG10a Contractors compound U5b MG6/MG10a MG10a U20a H8 H18a MG10 U4a MG6 MG10 M23a H18a M23a/M6d M6d M6d/M23a MG10a MG10 MG6/7 U5a/U5d M20 Sub-station M6c/M6dM20 MG8 MG6/7 U4a M19/U5d M23b M23b MG10/U5aM6d/M20U5b 4 U4a U5a 16 M6c U5a M23a/U4b U4a M20a H18a U5d M23a/M6d M20 U4b/M23a Turbine laydown area U5a 10 M6c M6d/M20U4e M23a MG10 MG10aMG10a H12c M19b M23b M20a M23a/b M23b 284000 MG10a M19a/M6cM6d U6c M19bM23bU5a M6cU4aMG6 M23b/MG10 MG7 3 1 Meteorological mast M6c/M20a U5a U4eM20b/M19 H18a/U4e U6c MG10a M6c M23b/MG10a U5a/U6cU5a/H18a U4a M23b/U4a/M6c MG6/MG10a U6c U5c/H18aM23a/M6d U6cU6c MG6MG6/MG10 MG6/MG10a U6c/U4cM20aU6cH12a NVC codes U4e U5a M29 M23a/MG10 U4 MG6 M17c/M20b U5bU5a/U6cM19a U4 M23bU4e MG6 M23a/b MG6 U4a/U6c U4e M6c/M20a MG7 MG6 MG6 U4/M23a Heathland U4a/U5b U5a/H18a U4a MG6 M23b M6c/M23b U4a M20/M23b MG10a/MG6 M23a/M23bU6c U4a 9 M23a/b U4a U4aM29 MG10/M23b MG6/MG10a Mire U6c MG10 2 U6a U4b27 U5a U6c U5a M6c MG6/MG10a M6c M23b Mesotrophic/improved grassland U5a/U6a M6c/M23b M6c U5a M6c/M29 M6c U4b/MG10a U4aH18a MG10 U5d U5a M23a U4a/MG6 M6c M25b M29 Acid grassland H18a/U4e U5d 28 U5a U5a U5a MG6 U4e/U5b H18a/U5d U5a M6c MG10 M6c/M23 MG6 8 H18a/U4e U4e/H18a 29 M20b H18a/H12aM6d MG6/MG10a M25b H18a 283000 U4a M20a H18a U6d M19a M6c U4a U4e/U5d M20b M6c/M20a M6c U4e/M20a H18a/U5d H18a/U4e H18a/M25b M23a/M20a U5a MG6 U6d M25b H18aM23b Nvc Codes U4aH18a/M25b MG6 H12a Calluna vulgaris -Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Calluna subcommunity M23b/M6c U4d U4b/MG6 H12c Calluna vulgaris -Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Galium saxatile-Festuca ovina subcommunity M23b M23bM23b U4b M25b M23a/b H18a Vaccinium myrtillus-Deschampsia flexuosa heath, Hylocomium splendens-Rhytidiadelphus loreus subcommunity MG6 M23b M23b 37 MG6 H8 Calluna vulgaris -Ulex gallii heath M20a U4b MG10 U4a M23b H8e Calluna vulgaris -Ulex gallii heath, Vaccinium myrtillus subcommunity MG10MG6 U4a M23b/MG10aU6 MG10 30 31 M10a Carex dioica-Pinguicula vulgaris mire, Carex demissa-Juncus bulbosus subcommunity MG6b U4a M23a/M6d MG6/MG10 M23b M15 Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix wet heath MG6 MG6 MG7 M23b M23a/M23b M15a Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix wet heath, Carex panicea subcommunity M23b U5b M15c Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix wet heath, Cladonia subcommunity MG6 U4b MG7 38 MG6/MG10a M15d Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix wet heath, Vaccinium myrtillus subcommunity M20a/M6dM20a M23b M17c Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, Juncus squarrosus subcommunity 39 M20a MG6 MG6 MG6/7 M19 Calluna vulgaris -Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire 282000 MG7 M23a/M6dU5aU6 U4 U4b M20a U4 M19a Calluna vulgaris -Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, Erica tetralix subcommunity MG6/7 MG6 U5b/U4e M23b U6 M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum-Sphagnum recurvum bog pools U5d U4e/U5aU4b M23a 32 M6c/M6b U5a U4b U5a M6d/M20a U5b M20a/M6c U5a M23b/MG10a M20 Eriophorum vaginatum blanket & raised mire M15d M23a U4b/MG6 M20a Eriophorum vaginatum blanket & raised mire, species-poor subcommunity M6d MG6 U4a 35 M20b Eriophorum vaginatum blanket & raised mire, Calluna vulgaris-Cladonia subcommunity 40 U4b M23 Juncus effusus/acutiflor us-Galium palustre rush-pasture U5a M15a M6d U5b M23a Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture, Juncus acutiflorus subcommunity U4bM6d U5a MG6 U4e M23b Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture, Juncus effusus subcommunity M23b MG10 U4e U4e/U5b M25a Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire, Erica tetralix subcommunity U5a M15d/U6c MG10/U4b MG7 M25b Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire, Anthoxanthum odoratum subcommunity MG741MG6MG6 MG10 M29 Hypericum elodes-Potamogeton polygonifolius soakway MG6 U4a U4b 33 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 U5d/U6d M23bMG6 M6b Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire, Carex nigra -Nardus stricta subccommunity MG6/MG10 MG7 U6d M6c Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire, Juncus effusus subcommunity M23b M23b MG7 MG6 U5a M6d Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire, Juncus acutiflorus subcommunity MG6 MG10 MG6 U4a U4b/MG6 Kilometres M25b MG10 Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture M23b U4b M6d/M23a U4a M25b U5a MG10a Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture, typical subcommunity 281000 36 U5d/M6d Scale 1:30,000 at A3 size M25b/U5a M20a U5aU4a U5a/M25b34 U5d MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture M25a M6c/M6b MG6a Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture, typical subcommunity U5a/M25aU5a MG6b Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture, Anthoxanthum odoratum subcommunity U5a/U5b M20 42 MG7a Lolium perenne-Trifolium repens leys MG6 MG8 Cynosurus cristatus-Caltha palustris flood-pasture U5a MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland NATIONAL VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION U6c/U6d MG6 MG6/U5a U20a Pteridium aquilinum-Galium saxatile community, Anthoxanthum odoratum subcommunity M25a/U5a M23a U4a Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland, typical subcommunity (NVC) MAP M25a/M6a/M6d M6c/M6d U4b Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland, Holcus lanatus-Trifolium repens subcommunity Figure 8-1 M25aM6d/M20bM15a/M25a U4d Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland, Luzula multiflora-Rhytidiadelphus loreus subcommunity U4a U5a M25b M23a/M23b M6c/M19a U5a/M25b U4e Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland, Vaccinium myrtillus -Deschampsia flexuosa subcommunity M6d M20b M25a/M15bU5a U5 Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland M25b U5c U5a/M25b U5a Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland, species-poor subcommunity M15d U5b Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland, Agrostis canina-Polytrichum commune subcommunity M23a/M6d U5c Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland, Carex panicea-Viola riviniana subcommunity

280000 U5d Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland, Calluna vulgaris-Danthonia decumbens subcommunity M25b U6a Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Sphagnum subcommunity LLANDINAM WINDFARM U4a/M25b U6b Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Carex nigra-Calypogeia trichomanis subcommunity U5a U6c Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Vaccinium myrtillus subcommunity REPOWERING & EXTENSION U6d Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland, Agrostis capillaris-Luzula multiflora subcommunitySpecies codes SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Reproduced fom Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Licence Number 1000043331 301000 302000 303000 304000 305000 306000 307000 308000 309000

287000 Key

Habitat Type Acid dry dwarf shrub heath Acid/neutral flush/spring 21 Arable 15 Bare ground Blanket bog 286000 20 14 Buildings 7 Coniferous plantation 19 Continuous bracken 13 6 Dominated by western gorse Key Dry heath/acid grassland mosaic 25 18 Improved grassland Turbine locations Dec 2010 285000 12 5 Limestone pavement Acees tracks Dec 2010 Marsh/marshy grassland 26 11 Application site boundary 17 Oligotrophic standing water 4 Crane hardstanding Poor semi-improved grassland Borrow pit/potential borrow pit Recently-felled coniferous woodland Contractors compound 16 10 3 Scattered bracken Sub-station

284000 1 Scattered scrub Turbine laydown area Semi-improved acid grassland 27 9 Meteorological mast 2 Semi-improved neutral grassland Semi-natural broadleaved woodland Semi-natural coniferous woodland 28 8 Semi-natural mixed woodland 29 Unimproved acid grassland 283000 VM Valley mire 30 Wet dwarf shrub heath 37 Wet heath/acid grassland mosaic 31 38 Wet modified bog Habitat Overlay 39 32 Acid dry dwarf shrub heath 282000 40 Acid/neutral flush/spring 35 Coniferous plantation Continuous bracken 33 41 I Improved grassland 36 Marsh/marshy grassland Poor semi-improved grassland 42 34 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 281000 Scattered bracken Kilometres

Scattered scrub Scale 1:30,000 at A3 size Semi-natural mixed woodland Unimproved acid grassland

VM Valley mire PHASE 1 HABITAT MAP Species Codes Figure 8-2

280000 Sward contains bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Sward contains heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Sward contains purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) LLANDINAM WINDFARM Sward contains soft rush (Juncus effusus) REPOWERING & EXTENS SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL Sward contains western gorse (Ulex gallii) INFORMATION

Reproduced from Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data. © Crown copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Licence Number 1000043331 Chapter 9.0 Traffic, Access and Transport

9.0 Traffic, Access and Transport 5. An initial draft version of the Draft TMP (including enabling works and management plans for Wales and Herefordshire) was issued for consultation in March 2011 for this Southern Transport 9.1 Introduction Route, in advance of submission of this SEI. 6. The Draft TMP presented in Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI has been updated to incorporate 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) presents an assessment of the stakeholder comments on the initial draft received since March 2011. changes to traffic impacts associated with the amended proposals for the repowering and extension of Llandinam Windfarm (“the Development”), relative to the original Environmental 7. Table 9-1 presents a summary of the key consultation responses that have been received Statement (ES) submitted as part of a detailed planning application in May 2008 and detailed in following the submission of the original ES and with whom consultations have been ongoing since Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of the original ES. the submission in 2008.

2. Specifically it addresses : Table 9-1 Summary of Key Consultation Responses  Consultation Responses from transport stakeholders and the police; Consultee Comment Action / Response Discussed in Chapter 4: The nature and precise location of road alterations  Assessment of a new transportation route from the south which has emerged from these Countryside Council Project Description of this along the main site access road from the A483 consultations, referred to as ‘The Southern Transport Route’; for Wales (CCW) SEI (and in particular should be clarified. Figure S4-2)  The Mid Wales Strategic Traffic Management Plan (STMP) A more strategic solution will be required in Dyfed Powys Police  The evaluation of cumulative effects attributed to Waun Carno Windfarm and further details of determining successful delivery of loads for the and Welsh Assembly traffic impacts available from the Laithddu Windfarm ES which has been submitted since the project in combination with other windfarms in the Discussed in section 9.8 Government (WAG) original ES for the development. area. of this chapter 3. In addition, a detailed Draft Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the Southern Transport Route is From the trial runs, most of the trunk road was A Draft Traffic included in Appendix 9A Volume II of this SEI. This is a ‘live’ document and will be finalised reasonably straightforward in terms of Abnormal Management Plan (TMP) following receipt of the Section 36 consent and agreed with stakeholders prior to commencing site Indivisible Load (AIL) movements. The A483 less has been produced and works. straightforward, due to its narrowness. addresses these points, presented in Appendix 9- Large deliveries might compromise the 4. This chapter has been prepared by URS. A, Volume II of this SEI. maintenance of highway safety conditions along the entire length of the proposed route. The environmental 9.1.1 Consultation Responses Mid Wales Trunk impacts along the Road Agency and An assessment of the environmental impacts along 1. Extensive consultation with transport stakeholders has taken place during the preparation of the transport route have been Montgomery Town the transport route, as well as the development site original ES and this SEI, as described in this sub-section. assessed in Chapter 6: Council itself is required. Landscape and Visual, 2. The original ES identified two possible transportation routes for the abnormal loads, Treowen and The hold points along the route need reviewing with Chapter 7: Ornithology, Montgomery (See Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of the original ES), based on initial the police. Oncoming traffic should not be stopped and Chapter 8: Ecology of discussions with Powys County Council (PCC). Following the submission of the original ES in May on the verge. Safety concerns over removing traffic 2008, PCC and Dyfed Powys Police subsequently requested that trial runs be undertaken of these this SEI. islands at Crossgates Roundabout. routes from Ellesmere Port to the application site. Recommendation to consider a route from 3. This northern route however was subsequently rejected by PCC when CeltPower Limited Ellesmere Port (as per the STMP) submitted a draft TMP and necessary documentation to undertake a trial run on these two routes. In April 2009 PCC and the Welsh Assembly Government (now the Welsh Government) requested The impact of abnormal loads on the community Addressed in the Draft that CeltPower Limited investigated an alternative route from the south. needs addressing and issues raised such as the TMP, Appendix 9-A, potential for support, sponsorship and promotion for Volume II of this SEI and 4. The alternative Southern Transport Route was later identified in consultation with numerous roads the community, The technical viability of the route section 9.6 of this chapter th th authorities/consultees along the route, with a trial run undertaken on the 4 and 5 May 2010. is questionable (not convinced of trial run Post-trial run videos and reports were circulated to the relevant authorities/consultees welcoming Herefordshire County methodology); Not convinced this is the most further comments. The Welsh Assembly Government on behalf of the Welsh trunk road highway efficient route; Detrimental impact on local authority confirmed in November 2010 that the Welsh trunk road sections were acceptable in Council principal, subject to satisfactory enabling works to be detailed in a TMP submitted before the communities (businesses, parking etc). Wider application was determined. In contrast Herefordshire County Council objected to the abnormal highway management implications - should be loads using their highways. considered alongside the STMP. Further trial runs will be required to determine all the issues of routing the abnormal loads through

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Table 9-1 Summary of Key Consultation Responses the aspects included in EN-3 are fully covered in both this chapter of the SEI and the Draft TMP presented in Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI. Consultee Comment Action / Response Herefordshire, and in particular, Eardisley.

The removal and levelling of splitter islands will not Addressed in the Draft 9.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria be supported; Further detailed analysis of the swept TMP, Appendix 9-A, 1. The methodology used to assess the traffic and transport impact of the Development in terms of paths at (i) Glasbury and (ii) the site access is Volume II of this SEI. significance, magnitude and sensitivity was determined from the Institute of Environmental Powys County required as the Figures presented are not clear. Management and Assessment (IEMA) guidance document “Guidelines for the Environmental Council (PCC) The outside of the bend at Castell Crugerydd needs Assessment of Road Traffic”. This document is still current and therefore the methodology used to hardening up to allow easier movement of abnormal identify the traffic and transport impact of the Development remains unaltered from the original ES loads. Full details with respect to clearing the Chapter which detailed the assessment methodology used in detail. railway bridge near Crossgates are also required. 2. Specifically, the assessment considers the impacts associated with the Development’s road traffic Concerns over the clearance of tower sections to Addressed in the Draft against the criteria set out in table 2.1 of the IEMA guidance note. The criteria include community the buildings in Eardisley, the slowness of the TMP, Appendix 9-A, severance, driver delay, pedestrian amenity, accidents/safety considerations and traffic noise and convoy being “walked through” and parking Volume II of this SEI. vibration among other issues. West Mercia Police restrictions and arrangements in Eardisley. 3. These issues were considered as part of the assessment presented in the original ES. However, Further investigation of the bends at Kington given the temporary nature of the Development’s construction phase and the absence of any required; No “off road” holding places proposed major material change to road infrastructure as a result of the Development (aside from the need along route. for street furniture removal and off road hard standing area creation, which are discussed in the Concerns over damage at four locations where the Addressed in the Draft TMP presented in Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI), many of these issues were discounted Ringway trailer over rides the kerb edge. TMP, Appendix 9-A, from further consideration on the basis that the Development would not have the potential to cause Management a significant effect under the terms set out in the guidance. Volume II of this SEI.

The speed of the abnormal loads may mean that Addressed in the Draft 4. Hence, the assessment presented in section 9.6 of this chapter focuses on the potential impacts to South Wales Trunk time restrictions will be applied for the M4 and TMP, Appendix 9-A, the road network associated with the additional construction phase traffic. Road Agency A470. Volume II of this SEI. 9.5 Review of Baseline Conditions 9.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter 1. The baseline conditions for the traffic flows presented in the original ES Chapter were identified through traffic survey data provided by Powys County Council’s (PCC) Automatic Traffic Counter 1. The original ES concluded that the additional traffic flows due to the decommissioning of the (ATC) Database. The traffic surveys consisted of ATC data between 2003 and 2006 which were existing windfarm and construction phase of the Development would lead to a temporary effect of then adjusted to 2011 (the assumed construction commencement date at the time of the ES minor significance, following production and implementation of a robust TMP. Full details of the Chapter) using high growth factors. methodology were presented in Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of the original ES. 2. This revised transport assessment uses the results of new updated ATC surveys commissioned in 2. The effects associated with levels of traffic anticipated during the operation and decommissioning November 2010 to provide more up to date baseline traffic data. For the purpose of this phases of the Development were also found to be not significant, as were the cumulative effects, assessment a construction commencement year of 2013 is assumed despite the worst case assumptions made within the assessment. 3. The 2010 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flow data on the trunk and local road network 3. In conclusion, the original ES previously identified that no significant residual effects were surrounding the site is presented in Table 9-2. The ATCs have been conducted at similar locations identified on traffic, transport or access due to the Development. to the original assessment, with additional ATCs along the Southern Transport Route. These ATC locations are presented in Figure S9-1 of this SEI. The additional ATCs carried out south of the application site were undertaken to assess the impact of all construction traffic on the Southern 9.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context Transport Route. Traffic Impact on roads further afield of these count locations will not be significant, and are well below the thresholds for assessment set out in the IEMA guidelines (see 1. The relevant planning policy context has not changed significantly since the submission of the Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of the original ES for full details on assessment original ES. It is considered that this policy remains current and relevant to the Development. methodology)

2. However, it is noted that in July 2011, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) 4. The original assessment assumed continuous traffic growth between the surveyed data from 2003 published “National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3)” This NPS to baseline (2008). The new traffic surveys were carried out at similar locations in November 2010 includes a section on Traffic and Transport for Onshore Windfarms, outlining the key aspects that and show that, in reality, traffic has not increased as much as estimated. Therefore, even should be assessed by the applicant and the importance of identifying acceptable routes to the assuming traffic growth between the 2010 traffic surveys and 2013, the 2013 baseline is lower proposed onshore windfarms which are suitable for construction traffic and abnormal loads. All of than the 2008 baseline that was estimated in the original ES.

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Table 9-2 Baseline Traffic Counts 9.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures Previous Updated % Heavy Goods 5-day AADT 5-day AADT 9.6.1 Traffic movements ID Traffic Count Site Location Vehicles (HGVs) 2008 Baseline 2013 2013 Baseline Assessment Baseline 1. The impact, proposed mitigation and conclusions within the original ES were based on an A483 Newtown (SW of roundabout to new assessment that is considered robust and likely to provide an overestimate of actual conditions. 1 20458 15802 10.9% bridge) The revisions to the design of the Development include the removal of three turbines, thereby 2 A483 South of Newtown, Powys 7255 2892* 16.6% reducing the repowering scheme from 42 turbines (as presented in the original ES) to 39 with a 3 A483 Welshpool Relief Road (S), Powys 12967 12125 18.3% resulting decrease in traffic movements, including abnormal loads. Traffic movements have been 4 A483 St.Giles Golf Course, Newtown 13517 11909 16.9% revised to reflect these changes. 5 A483 South of Dolfor 2645 2623 17.3% 6 A483 Four Crosses, Powys 10405 8343 19.3% 9.6.2 Alternative Southern Transport Route

A483 Welshpool Bypass (Buttington), 7 18897 16014 16.5% 1. The original ES identified two transportation routes, Treowen and Montgomery (See Chapter 9: Powys Traffic, Access and Transport of the ES). In response to consultation (summarised in Table 9-1 of 8 A483 S.of Welshpool, Powys 13252 12450 17.4% this SEI) the Developer submitted a Draft TMP in support of trial runs for both these routes. During 9 A483 North of Cross Gates 4169 2888 17.0% consultation with the key transport stakeholders, the Developer was directed to investigate B4388 between Montgomery and Forden, 10 1541 1446 11.8% alternative routes from the south which resulted in the identification and trial run of a route via pole 14A, North Hem cross - roads Newport Docks. This route is illustrated in Figure S9-1 and was subject to successful trial runs 13 A489, Sarn 2716 2371 18.5% carried out in May 2010. A A44 (SOUTH OF KINGTON) - 5977 16.9% B A44 (EAST OF CROSSGATES) - 4315 18.0% 2. Details of the suite of studies undertaken in identification of this route, the trial runs, and a detailed C A470 (SOUTH OF A40) - 9813 15.7% Draft TMP for this route are presented in Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI. This body of work D A470 (NORTH OF A40) - 9370 15.4% has identified this route as being technically feasible and capable of safe and efficient delivery of all turbine components to the proposed site from Newport. *A483 South of Newtown, Powys ATC location for 2010 surveys were located further south away from Newtown, which resulted in lower base year traffic flows than previous data. 9.6.3 Strategic Traffic Management Plan for mid Wales Windfarms

5. In addition to updated traffic counts a number of other studies and further work has been 1. The STMP for Mid Wales was developed in response to potential cumulative effects of undertaken since 2008. These include transportation of abnormal loads occurring due to the simultaneous construction of a number of windfarms whose delivery programmes are dependent on Mid Wales grid upgrades. The  Two Trial Abnormal Load Runs of the Southern Transport Route were successfully undertaken Development is not dependent on these upgrades, as it has existing grid capacity secured, and in May 2010; can therefore be delivered several years ahead of these other projects, in advance of the upgrades to the grid that are necessary to support the other proposed schemes. These cumulative  The Draft TMP has been updated using information and findings from the trial runs and transportation issues therefore should not apply to the Development. updated frequently since It was distributed to key transport stakeholders for comment in March 2011; 2. The Applicant is a contributing member of the group working to develop the STMP, which is pertinent to other developments that are dependent on the Mid Wales grid upgrades. For the  Comments on the Draft TMP have been received from key transport stakeholders, as Development, however, due to its advanced delivery potential and the absence of cumulative summarised above; transport effects, a site-specific scheme has been progressed, taking into account the consultation process and key stakeholder comments summarised in section 9.1.1 of this SEI Chapter.  Further Swept Path analysis has been undertaken; 3. The STMP largely postdates the transport studies undertaken in support of the Development, and  Additional Off Road Passing Places and Holding Points have been identified for abnormal is currently in draft form (undergoing a process of consultation) with further work necessary to loads along the Southern Transport Route; support it going forwards. At the time of submission of this SEI (December 2011), there remains uncertainty over the timing of these works, the substantial road and junction improvements  In response to comments from stakeholders, further surveys have been undertaken in required, and the mechanisms for delivery of shared works. Therefore, the Development (and this Eardisley including a laser survey to confirm all abnormal loads can pass through without SEI) is currently being progressed on the basis of a Draft TMP which covers the Southern detriment to existing buildings; and Transport Route for abnormal load deliveries.

 Consultations have been held and are ongoing with key stakeholders and communities. 4. Should details on the Mid Wales STMP be resolved within a timescale which can accommodate the Development, it could be considered as an alternative route option for the Development. The

abnormal load route will be finalised after receipt of any Section 36 consent and will be subject to liaison with the relevant highway authorities, Police forces and other key consultees (including PCC, Trunk Road Agencies and other local authorities involved.)

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9.6.4 Assessment of the Southern Transport Route 4. Table 9-3 shows that the impacts as a result of the revised abnormal loads assessment are broadly the same as those presented in the original ES, and none are significant. 1. Due to the revised abnormal load routing (now from the south, from Newport), there would be no traffic increases on the following links which were previously assessed in the original ES: 5. Abnormal loads only equate to approximately 3.9% of all predicted HGV increases and therefore (based on IEMA guidelines) will not have any significant impact on the road network. Additional  B4388 Between Montgomery and Forden, pole14A, North Hem cross roads; traffic counts and assessment of predicted impacts further afield of the count locations are therefore not justified. However, traffic management measures and small scale highway  B4385, Station Road, Montgomery, St.light; improvements have been identified along the abnormal load route and these are discussed in full in the Draft TMP, presented in Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI.  A489 Outside Pitfield Cottage Private Access, Sarn;  A489, Sarn, fit to fence line; and 6. Further afield of the above count locations, traffic increases on the road network will be of negligible magnitude and negligible significance based on IEMA guidelines. This is also the case  A489, street light KE01, Kerry. through the village of Eardisley, although traffic management measures will be put in place to enable the abnormal loads to pass through the village safely and with minimum disruption. Full 2. The traffic associated with abnormal loads, i.e. police escort and abnormal trailers, have been details of these traffic management measures are included in the Draft TMP, presented in reassigned from links to the north of the site to links from the south. Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI. In brief, these comprise the following key measures

3. Table 9-3 summarises the revised increases in traffic flows along the local road network and the  Police escorts will be required for nacelle, towers and blade component trailers to negotiate the derived significance. The traffic figures used allow for a worst case scenario (i.e. highest additional route, in order to assist with traffic control and control oncoming traffic flow for the entire route. traffic) and assume off site concrete deliveries. Form ‘BE16’ permits will be sought where required for the transport of the blade and tower Table 9-3 Maximum Predicted Increase in Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Traffic Flow components, and the timings of the deliveries and the number of loads per convoy will be agreed at this time; Increase in Increase in Ref Location Sensitivity Overall Magnitude Significance HGV Flow  In areas where land take or road widening is required, the road construction will be formed to Flow A483 Newtown (SW the minimum specification suitable for the transfer of axle loadings up to 16 tonnes where 1 of roundabout to new Medium 1.50% 6.10% Negligible Negligible possible. All street furniture which will be impacted along the Southern Transport Route will be bridge) removed or replaced with collapsible versions to allow a minimum envelope as stated by the A483 South of 2 Medium 8.70% 22.10% Negligible Negligible turbine manufacturer. All hedges, shrubs, bushes, trees and overhanging branches along the Newtown, Powys route will be trimmed to allow a conservative 5m x 5m envelope; A483 Welshpool 3 Relief Road (S), Low 1.80% 4.80% Negligible Negligible  Road condition surveys will be undertaken prior to the Southern Transport Route being used Powys and additional surveys will be undertaken afterwards. Discussion with the local Trunk Road A483 St.Giles Golf 4 Medium 1.80% 5.20% Negligible Negligible Agencies will identify and agree areas of re-instatement and repairs if necessary. Course, Newtown 5 A483 South of Dolfor Low 9.60% 23.30% Slight Minor  Notification to emergency services, local residents and all other identified parties will be given A483 Four Crosses, through notices and local media channels prior to the abnormal loads travelling. An 6 Low 1.50% 6.50% Negligible Negligible Powys information number and e-mail address will be provided for contact and queries. The local A483 Welshpool events calender will be taken account of when allocating days for the abnormal loads; 7 Bypass (Buttington), Low 1.30% 4.00% Negligible Negligible Powys  On the A4111 through Eardisley, parking restrictions will be required to ensure the abnormal A483 S.of Welshpool, load can negotiate through the village. Timings of deliveries will therefore be important to this 8 Low 1.70% 4.90% Negligible Negligible Powys community (businesses on main street, residents parking, etc). Optimal timings to ensure A483 North of Cross safety and minimise disturbance will be determined by the Police and relevant Highway 9 Low 7.40% 0.70% Negligible Negligible Gates Authorities and an area of alternative parking will be provided during the time parking A44 (SOUTH OF A Low 0.20% 0.00% Negligible Negligible restrictions are in place, the location of which will be agreed with the relevant authorities after KINGTON) receipt of the Section 36 consent. Each convoy will pass through Eardisley in less than 15 A44 (EAST OF B Low 0.10% 0.00% Negligible Negligible minutes; CROSSGATES) A470 (SOUTH OF C Low 0.20% 0.10% Negligible Negligible  During deliveries appropriate warning signs will be displayed at the pinch point locations to A40) provide advance warning for other road users on the approach to these areas. Posts within the A470 (NORTH OF D Low 0.20% 0.20% Negligible Negligible verge at holding areas could also be employed to assist the police escort; A40)

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 It is anticipated that the abnormal load convoy size will comprise a maximum of three abnormal 2. In order to inform a decision on the Section 36 application, a Draft TMP for the Proposed load vehicles. Initially two may be appropriate while the drivers and police escorts get used to Development has been prepared. The TMP is an evolving document which has been and will continue to be updated as further studies are undertaken. The current Draft TMP (presented in the route and then it is planned that this will be increased to three. Appendix 9-A, Volume II of this SEI) demonstrates that the Southern Transport Route is a viable  The strategy of the proposed traffic management system is to minimise delays to the travelling option for transporting all the turbine components to the Application Site from Newport Docks, public by employing a flexible system that allows other road users to pass the convoy at South Wales with minimal engineering works and traffic management measures being required. regular intervals. There are locations where rear wheel steering is required (particularly for the longer blade transporters) which will cause some delays to following drivers and oncoming 9.8 Cumulative Effects traffic. The traffic management system used will allow these vehicles to pass the convoy both prior to, and after, the rear wheel steering manoeuvre where possible; and 1. The cumulative effects of the Development and other windfarm schemes has been readdressed to take account of the following:  A number of suitable locations have been identified during the trial run to allow the abnormal load to pull to the side of the road and let following traffic pass, as well as allowing the convoy  The introduction of an additional cumulative development, Waun Garno Windfarm; and traffic to re-organise. In addition, three off road holding point locations have been identified  Further details provided in the Llaithddu windfarm ES which were not available at the time of where the convoy could pull in off the main carriageway (after further highway works). writing the original ES for the Development. 7. A vibration survey was also carried out to assess the likely effect of abnormal loads travelling past 2. According to the Waun Garno ES, this windfarm is predicted to create an additional 20 vehicles buildings. The survey measured the effects of a 100 tonne load travelling along a good road per hour on the A483 to the north of Newtown during construction, with no impact on the A483 surface and compared the results with the criteria in BS 7385: ‘Evaluation and Measurement of for south of Newtown or on the southern transport route for the abnormal loads. Vibration in Buildings’. The survey results indicated that the vibration levels from abnormal loads would comply with this criteria, and therefore the potential impacts are not considered to be 3. The Llaithddu Windfarm ES anticipates a maximum of 21 vehicles per hour on the A483 south of significant or in need of further assessment. Dolfor during the peak construction months, compared with 13 vehicles per hour predicted in the original ES for the purposes of the cumulative assessment. This reflects the maximum construction 8. In addition, a high accuracy 3D survey of a narrow section of road through the village of Eardisley traffic generation likely during the continuous pour of turbine foundations. The 21 vehicles are split was undertaken in August 2011 to evaluate the clearance distances of the largest proposed equally between HGV’s and construction personnel in Light Goods Vehicles (LGV’s) and cars. abnormal loads to existing buildings in response to consultee comments. The survey was undertaken to an estimated accuracy of + / -3mm and the results demonstrated that the largest 4. The cumulative effect of combining the above developments with the Development (assuming they abnormal loads will be able to successfully pass through Eardisley with more than sufficient occur simultaneously, which is considered unlikely) is 102 trips per hour on the A483 south of clearance to all buildings. Newtown and 122 trips on the A483 north of Newtown.

9. In accordance with the IEMA guidance, issues of severance, driver delay, pedestrian amenity and 5. Within the original ES the cumulative total was 94 trips per hour when considered alongside the accidents/safety have been considered as part of the assessment. The Development is not Development, which represented an increase in the daily traffic flows of 28% on the A483 south of considered to have the potential for significant impacts against any of these aspects under the Newtown, a 6% increase on the A483 north of Newtown, and an increase of 0.1% on the abnormal terms of the IEMA guidance given the nature of the works associated with the Development and load route. This corresponded to an effect of ‘negligible’ magnitude based on IEMA guidelines. the temporary duration of these works. For example, the frequency of abnormal load convoys (up to three vehicles per convoy) is forecast to be two or three convoys per week, for a 12 month 6. Taking account of the updated trips associated with Waun Garno and further details provided in duration. the Llaithddu Windfarm ES, the cumulative effect noted above represents an increase in the daily traffic flows of 30% on the A483 south of Newtown, an 8% increase in trips on the A483 north of 10. In summary, the trial runs and additional survey work have shown that all abnormal loads can Newtown and an increase of 0.1% on the abnormal route. safely and efficiently access the site along the Southern Transport Route following the implementation of traffic management measures. 7. This corresponds to an effect of ‘slight’ magnitude on the A483 south of Newtown and consequently the cumulative effects are of minor significance, based on the IEMA guidelines and 11. The ecological impacts of the Southern Transport Route have been assessed and discussed in the assessment methodology described in Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of the original Chapter 8: Ecology of this SEI. Similarly, the landscape and visual impacts are discussed in ES. On the A483 north of Newtown and on the abnormal load route, the cumulative impacts of the Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual of this SEI. construction vehicle movements are of ‘negligible’ magnitude and negligible significance.

8. This assessment provides a worst-case scenario as it has been assumed that all sites are 9.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes constructed simultaneously, where the peak months of construction would all overlap, which is most unlikely. In reality, the cumulative effect of the increases in vehicular traffic at any one time is 1. The impact of construction traffic within the original ES was identified as being of minor or likely to be substantially less than what has been predicted above. The anticipated cumulative trip negligible significance following the implementation of a TMP. The impact of additional traffic generations are therefore likely to be an overestimate of actual impacts. during operation was also considered to be negligible. The removal of three turbines from the design layout of the Development and the assessment of an alternative route for the abnormal loads has not affected the findings of the assessment carried out within the original ES. The assessment undertaken and residual effects of the Development presented in the original ES therefore remain valid.

December 2011 Llandinam Windfarm Repowering and Extension Environmental Statement – Supplementary Environmental Information Page 5 of Chapter 9 Chapter 9. 0 Traffic, Access and Transport

9.9 Statement of Effects

1. The potential impacts associated with the Development remain as stated in the original ES. In conclusion, no significant effects have been identified on traffic, transport, or access due to the revisions to the design layout for the Development.

2. In light of additional information from the Llaithddu Windfarm and an additional cumulative development (Waun Garno), the cumulative effects have increased from negligible to, at worse, minor adverse at one ATC location on the A483 south of Dolfor. However, this assumes the peak construction months at all the windfarm sites would occur at the same time which is most unlikely. The Development has already secured a grid connection and can be delivered earlier than the other developments considered in the cumulative assessment (which are dependant on upgrades to the electrical grid infrastructure). Should the Development be constructed earlier than the other schemes therefore, the potential for cumulative impacts would be considerably reduced.

3. The Draft TMP demonstrates that the proposed Southern Transport Route can provide a viable, safe and efficient means of transport for all turbine components to the Application Site. Minimal highway improvements and traffic management measures are required to allow the largest abnormal loads to use this route.

9.10 References

Ref. 9-1 Grontmij, 2011. Strategic Traffic Management Plan for Mid Wales Wind Farms (on behalf of Renewable Cymru)

December 2011 Llandinam Windfarm Repowering and Extension Environmental Statement – Supplementary Environmental Information Page 6 of Chapter 9 6 7 3 8 10 11

4 1 12 2 14 13 Key Llandinam Windfarm Site ATC Location Points (considered in original ES) 5 Additional ATC Location Points (within SEI)

England / Wales Border Southern Transport Route Herefordshire County Road Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (TRA) 9 Powys County Road B South Wales Trunk Road Agency (TRA) Road under Ringways Management

Powys A

County of Herefordshire

C D

Merthyr Tydfil

Rhondda Cynon Taf

Caerphilly 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Kilometres Newport

REVISED INDICATIVE ABNORMAL LOAD DELIVERY Newport Docks ROUTE AND AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC COUNT LOCATION POINTS Cardiff FIGURE S9-1

LLANDINAM WINDFARM REPOWERING & EXTENSION SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright and Database Right 2011 INFORMATION REPORT [This page has been intentionally left blank] Chapter 10.0 Cultural Heritage

10.0 Cultural Heritage Table 10-1 Consultation Responses on the original Environmental Statement for Cultural Heritage 10.1 Introduction Consultee Response Action Taken / Comments buffer zone is affected, should be accepted as a required 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) report assesses the likely condition. impacts on the cultural heritage interests following amendments to the design layout for the Clwyd Powys CPAT agreed in general terms with the original ES that Section 10.6 of this chapter proposed repowering and extension of the Llandinam Windfarm (“the Development”), subsequent Archaeological there will be no significant direct impacts to either discusses the archaeological to detailed consultation responses from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Cadw and the Trust (CPAT) previously identified or newly recorded archaeological sites impacts of the design changes Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT). A summary table detailing stakeholder responses is (12/01/09) within the development area. However, it noted that there (including the removal of 3 presented in Table 10-1 and the consultation responses can be found in Appendix 2-A, Volume II may be unforeseen impacts on sub-surface archaeology turbines, the relocation of 12 of this SEI. which was not identified by the archaeological assessment. turbines and modifications to CPAT agreed with the general principles of mitigation set the access track layout to 2. The revised design layout for the Development is presented in Chapter 3: Site Selection and out in section 10.5.4 of the original ES relating to identified utilise a greater amount of the sites within the windfarm boundary, but it would also existing track). Design Evolution of this SEI. Reference to issues raised within formal application responses and require the following issues to be addressed: dialogue with all relevant consultees (as summarised in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Section 10.6.5 of this chapter Significance Criteria of this SEI) is also presented in this Chapter. i) Any ground disturbance which affects an area of discusses the mitigation palaeo-environmental potential must be subject to a measures proposed in respect of the design changes 3. The following information is appended to this chapter (included in Volume II of this SEI): proper palaeo-environmental appraisal by means of cored transects across the waterlogged deposit to The revised ASIDOHL provide data on the character, dating and contents of  Appendix 10-A: Figures and Plans; assessment is presented in the deposit. This work should be carried out in Appendix 12-B, Volume II of consultation with a palaeo-environmental specialist this SEI  Appendix 10-B: ASIDOHL2 assessment based on the revised proposals; and and contingencies for scientific dating of the deposits

along with lab analysis and reporting of recovered  Appendix 10-C: LANDMAP Report (Montgomeryshire). samples must be included. This should be completed in conjunction with an intensive watching brief on any 4. This chapter has been prepared by Cambrian Archaeological Projects Ltd. ground works in these areas and all of this work will need to be completed as a condition of consent.

Table 10-1 Consultation Responses on the original Environmental Statement for Cultural Heritage ii) Watching briefs in areas of significant soil stripping e.g. turbine bases, adjacent hard-standings, infrastructure Consultee Response Action Taken / Comments buildings, compounds, borrow pits and new access Countryside CCW required the ASIDOHL to be revised to fully identify See Appendix 12-B, Volume II tracks must be intensive, rather than intermittent, during initial soil stripping so that previously Council for the impacts on the Caersws Basin and Clywedog Valley of this SEI Wales (CCW) Landscapes of Special Historic Interest. It agreed that the unidentified archaeology can be located, marked and recorded and excavated as necessary. (29/08/08) effect of the proposal on the two historic landscape areas was likely to be confined to visual impacts. CCW also iii) In the case of the Pegwyn Mawr cairn collection of considered that the original ASIDOHL which formed an scheduled prehistoric monuments CPAT suggests that appendix to the original Environmental Statement (ES) the local impact on the setting on these monuments inadequate because it did not take into account all will be increased by Turbines 41 and 36 being Category A, B and closely linked or grouped, C sites in the positioned either side of the Pegwyn Mawr cairn group scoring process at stage 3. It considered that the other than utilising already disturbed ground on the line magnitude of the impact on elements has been of existing turbines to the south. CPAT recommends understated. that Turbines 41 and 36 are moved south onto the Cadw – Welsh Cadw advised that they were content with the Ammendments to the design existing turbine line to minimise ground disturbance Assembly archaeological component of the original ES and in general discussed in Chapter 3: Site and to minimise the impact of the increased turbine Government agreed with the assessment of impact and offered no Selection and Design Evolution height and visibility of the turbines from these monuments. (15/07/08) objection to the Development, but note that the following of this SEI. amendments to the windfarm design should be considered. Section 10.6 of this chapter iv) In the interests of minimising the impact on the buried i) As a general tenet of the application, the intervisibility discusses the archaeological prehistoric landscape and the visible hillside setting of of Bronze Age cairn groups should be respected and impacts of the design changes many surface monuments it would be preferable if the new access routes could in all cases utilise existing not adversely affected. routes except where a new track has to diverge to a ii) Micro-positioning of Turbines 34, 36 and 42 and 30, 38 new turbine location. and 40 should be undertaken to avoid adversely With regard the ASIDOHL submitted with the original ES, affecting significant views from and intervisibility of the CPAT considered that the visual impact of the new turbines cairn groups of Pegwyn Mawr cairns I and II, Crugyn on the Caersws Basin Historic Landscape (HL) in particular Llwyd cairn and Domen Ddu barrow. is detrimental, particularly where the nearest turbines are Mitigation as proposed within the original ES, such as that prominent on the ridge line when viewed from within the of fieldwork during site works on any site where the 50 m Caersws Basin HL. CPAT recommends that the most

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Table 10-1 Consultation Responses on the original Environmental Statement for Cultural Heritage 10.5 Review of Baseline Conditions Consultee Response Action Taken / Comments prominent turbines on the ridge are removed from the 1. Since the submission of the original ES, baseline conditions have remained broadly constant; windfarm layout. however there are a few changes and additions that do need to be taken into consideration in view of this SEI.

10.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter 2. At the time of writing of the Cultural Heritage chapter for the original ES, the Historical Landscape aspect for LANDMAP had not been completed for the Montgomeryshire region. This has now been 1. Table 10-2 provides a summary of those residual environmental impacts identified in the original completed and is now in the public domain. A summary description of this LANDMAP aspect is Environmental Statement (ES). included below, and a full copy of the original report published by CPAT is presented in Appendix 10-C, Volume II of this SEI. Table 10-2 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Residual Effects as presented within the Original ES Description Nature of Effect Geographic scale Significance 3. Since the submission of the original ES in May 2008 eight additional archaeological sites have Decommissioning and Construction been identified along the proposed main site access route, which links to the A483. One of these activities, including proposed site sites is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), although each of the sites will be discussed in this access tracks proximal to Mount Adverse, Permanent Local Minor chapter of the SEI report. Pleasant Dyke and Waun Lluest Owain Stones 4. In 2008 the Giants Grave Short Dyke was being considered for statutory protection as part of the Potential for undiscovered prehistoric Local / Regional / Cadw funded Short Dykes project being undertaken by CPAT. As such, further assessment artefacts and deposits to be damaged / Adverse, Permanent Minor National information is provided in this chapter of the SEI. destroyed Potential for archaeological sites with inter-visible group settings to be Adverse, Temporary Local / Regional Minor 10.5.1 Summary of LANDMAP - Montgomeryshire Historical Landscape separated visually by turbines Potential indirect visual impact on 1. This section presents a summary of the results of the Montgomeryshire Historical Landscape Caersws Basin and Clywedog Valley Adverse, Temporary Local / Regional Minor/Moderate aspect for LANDMAP undertaken by CPAT for Powys County Council (PCC) in 2006. A full copy of Registered Historic Landscapes the original document is presented in Appendix 10-C, Volume II of this SEI.

10.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context 2. The Montgomeryshire LANDMAP forms part of an ongoing pan-Wales project of landscape assessment. The area studied extends over the whole of this present Shire region of Powys, which 1. The planning policy relevant to cultural heritage in Wales remains the same as per the original ES, is approximately the same as the historical Welsh county of Montgomeryshire. It occupies some with one exception: new guidelines from CCW issued on 14th January 2010 addressing palaeo- 2,175 square kilometres (km2) of mid-Wales. ecology and palaeo-environmental concerns on assessing the impact of windfarm developments on peatlands in Wales (Ref. 10-1). 3. The Historic Landscape Aspect of the Montgomeryshire LANDMAP identified 102 separate aspect areas, ranging in size from 0.3 to 130 km2 and representing 12 different landscape patterns, at 2. The relevant cultural heritage section in the CCW guidance note is section 4.5, entitled ‘Earth Level 3 in the current LANDMAP Information System handbook. The patterns represented are Science and Palaeo-ecology’. A section of this guidance states: “Extended impacts (e.g. tracks) Irregular field-scape (40 areas), Regular field-scape (12 areas), Other field-scape (6 areas), cutting across extensive sequences of peat represent another key sensitivity. Site assessment by Woodland (7 areas), Marginal land (11 areas), Water & wetland (1 area), Nucleated settlement (14 trained palaeo-ecologists should be considered in both contexts, and collection of ‘rescue cores’ by areas), Non-nucleated settlement (1 area), Extractive industry (1 area), Processing/manufacturing staff competent in the use of analytical sampling and storage techniques considered as a last (3 area), Designed landscape (1 area) and Recreational (1 area). resort”. 4. Historic Landscape aspect areas were identified using a number of digital and paper data sources, verified by rapid field visiting and drawn as a digital map against a 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey map 10.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria background attached to a database of supporting information. These digital elements and this Technical Report contain the results of the Montgomeryshire LANDMAP study and were submitted 1. The assessment methodology undertaken, and the Significance Criteria against which potential to PCC and CCW on completion of the project. environmental impacts are assessed, remain the same as those presented in the original ES. 5. Montgomeryshire’s historic landscape has evolved over the course of many millennia and shows considerable variety within one of Wales’ largest historical counties. Particularly dominant are the various forms of field-scape even in the upland areas to the west of the county where even here very little land has been left unenclosed.

6. Irregular field-scapes are dominant and generally appear to include more ancient enclosed land, cleared by a process of piecemeal encroachment from prehistoric times (Neolithic to Iron Age) onwards. Much of central and eastern Montgomeryshire lies under such field-scapes. A variety of historical processes are included within the category of Regular field-scapes that largely relate to the later Medieval and Post-Medieval periods. These include firstly areas of strip fields which

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appear to result from the enclosure and amalgamation of Medieval open field strips associated Age ritual monuments. Four of these sites may be classed as medium value sites with only one with a number of the larger medieval settlements; and secondly, patterns of regularly shaped, being a high value SAM site (Id No. 79 /SAM Ref Mg280(POW). The Seven Wells pair of cairns straight-sided fields which appear to represent 17th to 19th century enclosure of areas of common are positioned only 20-30 m from the southern side of the existing access road toward a bend in grazing in the lowlands and on the hill margins, and the later demarcation of fertile valley bottoms the road. The Bryn Cwmyrhiwd Barrows, one being a SAM, are positioned at the far east end of for arable and dairy farming. Although a proportion of the northern and western uplands of the the access road. Both of the barrows are low in earthworks with the designated barrow being a county survive as moorland and unenclosed Marginal land, significant areas also lie under very well defined mound on a natural spur on a slope of Bryn Cwmyrhiwd. coniferous forestry plantations. A number of Designed landscapes have also been identified surrounding country houses and estates as well as the managed catchment area of the Lake 3. The other three sites are post medieval in date and are associated with two ruinous deserted Vyrnwy Reservoir. house sites and one quarry. All three of these sites may be classed as medium value sites.

7. The county includes a number of important smaller settlements of Medieval, or potentially earlier, Table 10-3 Additional archaeological sites within 50m of the Site Access Road origin that are considered to be generally too small to be classed as aspect areas in their own right. These have generally been considered to form an element of one or other of the field-scape Id Site Name Site Type Period Site Status Site Value patterns described above. Nucleated settlements of medieval origin predominate, with only one No. example of another type, the relatively modern linear development at Four Crosses, being 73 Bryn Dadleu House site House Post Med - Medium apparent. Of these nucleated settlements only Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Machynlleth 74 Bryn Dadley Quarry Quarry Post Med - Medium have achieved any size in the modern era, although even these are based on planned boroughs 75 Tomen Bryn Dadley Mound Unknown - Medium laid out in the 13th century (Ref. 10-2). 76 Severn Wells cairn II Cairn Bronze Age - Medium 77 Severn Wells cairn I Cairn Bronze Age - Medium 8. The application site lies within one main aspect area, Waun Lluestowain (Montgomery Historic 78 Bryn Cwmyrhiwd Barrow I Barrow Bronze Age - Medium Landscape Id No. 661) and a small fraction of the Kerry Hills aspect area (Montgomery Historic 79 Bryn Cwmyrhiwd Barrow II Barrow Bronze Age SAM High 80 Cwm y Rhiwdre settlement House Post Med - Medium Landscape Id No. 124). Both of these uplands landscape aspects fall within the class of Other Field-scapes as classified within LANDMAP. These field-scapes make up only 4.64% of the total Montgomery Historic Landscape. They are the result of piecemeal enclosure of marginal land in 10.5.3 Giants Grave Dyke the 18th and 19th century. They exhibit a distinctive but less than regular pattern and all border similar areas identified in Radnorshire. 1. The Giants Grave Dyke (Id No. 22 / PRN: 3711) is located at the far northern end of the application site. In summary, this earthwork is a double bank with a central ditch attributed to the early 9. LANDMAP characterises the Waun Lluest Owain landscape as being a rural agricultural medieval period. It is approximately 240 m in length, aligned north north-west to south south-east. environment consisting of enclosed marginal land and moorland southeast of Llandinam. It is Since the original ES, additional information has been appropriated regards this earthwork feature generally a non-nucleated settlement with evidence of irregular field systems with evidence of peat which has encouraged its status into being considered for designation as a protected monument, extraction. Fields are generally divided by either hedgerow, hedgerow with trees, hedgebanks or as such the site must now be considered as an undesignated high value site, as opposed to the post and wirefence. Cultural heritage consists of relic earthworks, relic stone monuments and post medium value which was assigned to this feature in the original ES. medieval sites. Scheduled ancient monuments in the area are focused on Bronze Age burial mounds and one Iron Age settlement. 2. Since 2002 CPAT has been undertaking a project funded by Cadw focusing on a survey of short dykes in mid and north-east Wales. The following text has been extracted and adapted from the 10. The Kerry Hills landscape is positioned to the east of the Development Site and only encompasses results of this project from CPAT’s web service. Sections with reference to the Giants Grave have the eastern access area. LANDMAP characterises the Kerry Hills historic landscape as being a been italicized for quick reference. rural agricultural environment of straight sided field-scapes representing modern agriculture. This area is generally made up of regular field-scapes with areas of woodland and small settlement. 3. When the project commenced in 2002 nineteen short dykes were authenticated in the region, Fields are generally divided by either hedgerow, hedgerow with trees, hedgebank or post and initially through a desk-top assessment of the available evidence, and subsequently by field visits wirefence. As with Waun Lluestowain, cultural heritage consists of relic earthworks, relic stone and recording. In 2003 two of these earthworks were augured in an attempt to locate sealed monuments and post medieval sites. Scheduled ancient monuments in the area are represented organic deposits that might have palaeo-environmental potential and also to determine whether the by Bronze Age burial mounds and an area of early medieval linear earthworks in the form of short specific methodology of using auguring followed by limited intervention to recover suitable samples dykes. for radiocarbon dating was a satisfactory way to develop the study. As a consequence, one dyke — the Giant’s Grave Dyke, near Llandinam in Montgomeryshire — was trenched to establish the structure of the dyke and to allow sampling of a sealed peat deposit by Astrid Caseldine of 10.5.2 Additional Sites along the Site Access Road University of Wales Lampeter. The peat layer gave a date of 340-530 AD, providing a terminus 1. The application site boundary incorporates an area 50 m either side (north and south) of the post quem for the construction of the dyke. The success of this excavation led to the assessment access road from the A483 (in comparison to that which was used in setting the parameters of the of further sites where there was a possibility of a stratigraphic relationship between a dyke and archaeological assessment at the very early design stages of the development). The land take underlying palaeo-environmental deposits (Ref. 10-3). required along this access road is relatively minor however, as presented in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution and Figure S4-2 of this SEI.

2. There are eight archaeological sites within the 50 m either side of this access road, which have been added to those presented in the original presented in Table 10-3, and shown on Figures S10- A.6 and S10-A.10, in Appendix 10-A, Volume II of this SEI. Five of these additional sites are Bronze

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earthwork and potential associated features, of moderate/major adverse significance. As 10.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures previously discussed, turbines T22, T23 and T24 have now been completely removed from this area resulting in a lesser amount of track now required. As such there will now be no direct impact on the buffer zone of this site; 10.6.1 Potential Direct Effects  b) Waun Lluest Owain Sheepfold (Id No. 64 /PRN: 86502) - This site is a post medieval 1. The design of the windfarm has been an iterative process, taking into account the preliminary sheepfold as marked on the OS 1963 map series, but is not shown on any OS map series assessment of cultural heritage features and producing a layout, which avoids any direct effects on earlier than this date. The field visit to the site found no remains of any sheepfold in this them. As such, and as detailed in the original ES, mitigation has been embedded within the layout location. This site is a Low value site. With the originally proposed access track in the original and the project design throughout the process. ES, this feature’s 50 m buffer zone was to be compromised. However, the new track design layout has considered this site and the new track now avoids the site by going around it to the 2. The revised proposals are actions predominantly in response to the detailed consultation south. As such there will now be no direct impact on the buffer zone of this site; responses provided in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of this SEI.  c) Waun Lluest Owain Standing Stone (Id No. 8) - This small standing stone of medium value The original ES showed that there were no known archaeological sites of any value that would be was discovered during this seasons field visit. It is located at the bend of a small stream directly affected by the construction of the new turbines, access tracks, borrow pits, underground alongside an existing track. The stone is likely Bronze Age in date, however because of its cabling, contractors compounds, or substation. Each of the revised proposed elements will be location its foundation may be much later. The originally proposed access track, although discussed in the following section, summarising all original impacts identified in the ES and utilising an existing track, would have encroached on the 50 m prescribed buffer zone of this addressing both the modifications to the design that resulted from archaeological consultee site, especially if the existing track is to be enlarged. Although this would have been the case comments and any potential additional or revised impacts following the modifications to the layout in theory, the fact that this stone is positioned on the bend of a stream, whose course will not (compared to those impacts presented in the original ES). be disturbed, implies that its intention is a localised one. Although the revised access track has moved further into the buffer zone of this site, it is clear that the feature itself will not be 10.6.1.1 Turbines directly impacted upon. As such, any direct impact on the theoretical buffer zone will still only 1. Following consultation responses from CCW, Cadw and CPAT, turbines T22, T23 and T24 which be minor adverse significance upon the features; were originally positioned at the north-western end of the application site, have now been removed  d) Waun Ddu Barthog Stone (Id No. 30 / PRN: 4869) - This stone was identified in the 1998 completely from the revised design layout. Turbine T25 has also been repositioned a further 82m survey and described as being a Standing stone some 0.6 m high with 0.3 m square cross southwest in order to maximise the use of existing access tracks. section, although the recent field visit to this location found no standing stone. There is however several recumbent loose stones and another standing stone very close by the given 2. The other 11 turbines that have been repositioned are such that the archaeological impacts of their co-ordinates to the west. As this stone was not located in the field, its value is still considered setting remain consistent with that described in the original ES, and turbines T30, T36, T40 and to be negligible, with the magnitude and significance of impact also being categorised as T41 have been moved to reduce the impact on the Pegwn Mawr cairn group and to maximise the negligible; and distance from the lines of intervisibility, which was raised as an issue in Cadw’s consultation response on the original ES (as discussed in Table 10-1).  e) Waun Lluest Owain Stone (Id No. 46 / PRN: 6643) - This stone is a recumbent stone lying alongside an existing track. The stone was identified in an earlier survey undertaken in 1991 3. Two areas with a high palaeo-environmental potential will be directly impacted upon by two (Ref. 10-4) and measures approximately 0.6 m long by 0.4 m by 0.2 m. Although appearing as turbines (Turbines 32 and 37), as presented in the original ES. These palaeo-environmental areas a boundary marker, the stone has a fairly high potential to be a Bronze Age standing stone are Waun Barthog Pond (Id No. 71) and Polyn-y-groes Marsh (Id No. 14). Both these areas will be that has since fallen, and as such, the stone must be given a medium value. In the original directly impacted upon by the two proposed wind turbines. These areas are also valuable sources ES, this stone was located only 20 m west of a section of proposed new access track. In light for paleo-environmental data in the form of pollen or soils relating to past land use. These areas of revisions to the proposed access tracks, this stone will only be approximately 10 m to the may also be covering potential buried prehistoric deposits, finds and features. These are both east of the track. As with the original ES, depending on the width of this new track, and the medium value sites with the magnitude of effects anticipated to be of minor adverse significance. methodology used in its construction, it is anticipated that the magnitude of impact on the stone itself will be negligible. However as the access track is encroaching on the prescribed 10.6.1.2 Site Access Tracks 50 m buffer zone to a fairly considerable degree, then there is a high potential that the groundwork will directly impact on the stones immediate environs; as such it is anticipated that 1. The changes to the proposed track layout as presented in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design the access track in this position may impact on potentially significant buried archaeological Evolution of this SEI report has significantly reduced the direct impact on several archaeological deposits. This would however be considered a ‘minor’ impact on the stone itself, which would sites’ buffer zones, which were previously threatened by the track proposals as presented in the be of moderate adverse significance. original ES. Previously there were five archaeological sites which would have been potentially 10.6.1.3 On-site Underground Cabling affected by the proposed access tracks associated with the Development. A list of these sites is presented below, along with the details of the impacts and the likely significance of any resulting 1. The on-site underground electric cabling to service the turbines will be installed in trenches effects in light of the revisions to the design layout: typically approximately 0.45 m wide (for single-cable trenches) and 1 m deep alongside the existing and proposed site tracks. As such, their potential impact is not considered to extend  a) Mount Pleasant Dyke (Id No. 53 /PRN; 6680) - This site is a linear earthwork bank and ditch beyond those impacts predicted to arise from the revised track layout. with a surface exposed length of approximately 120 m running in a north-south direction, positioned at the north-western region of the application site (as detailed in Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage of the original ES). The proposed new access track in this position as presented in the ES would have had a potential major direct impact on buried parts of the

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10.6.1.4 Temporary Contractors Compounds compromise the existing setting, thus avoiding a potential impact of moderate adverse significance (albeit it reversible and temporary following decommissioning). 1. The location of the two temporary contractors compounds has not changed as a result of the revised layout for the Development. Neither of these temporary compounds will directly impact on 6. The original ES also noted that there was a visual group setting relationship between the two any known archaeological sites, and the conclusions and appropriate mitigation measures Pegwyn Mawr Cairns and the cairns of Pegwyn Fach and Crugyn Llwyd, located just outside of the discussed in the original ES remain valid. application site to the south. This being the case, the revised design layout has considered these potential indirect impacts and in so doing has avoided any potential significant indirect effects on 10.6.1.5 Borrow Pits, Substation, Lay Down Areas and Power Performance Assessment (PPA) Masts these monuments.

1. None of the proposed Borrow Pits, or the turbine lay down areas have been modified during the 7. A summary of predicted indirect effects following the revised layout can be found in Table 10-4. revision to the design layout for the Development. The PPA masts (also referred to as meteorological masts) have both been relocated, as has the location of the substation (as Table 10-4 Summary of Predicted Indirect Effects following the revised layout. described in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI. The revised locations of Site id No Site type Site value Effect type Magnitude of impact Significance of effect the PPA masts and substation will not directly impact on any known archaeological sites or features. 17 Cairn High Indirect Minor Minor, reversible 31 Cairn High Indirect Minor Minor, reversible 16 Cairn High Indirect Minor Minor, reversible 2. Subsequently, there is a high potential for unforeseen impacts on sub-surface archaeology which have not been identified from the desk based assessment or the field survey. As discussed in the original ES, appropriate mitigation measures will be maintained in these areas to ensure that potential archaeology is recorded and adequately excavated following consultation with the 10.6.3 Potential Indirect Effects on High Value Sites within 3 km regional archaeological trust, in this case CPAT. As such, the conclusions of the original ES remain valid in light of the revisions to the design layout for the Development. 1. The removal of three turbines (T22, T23 and T24) from the north-western part of the application site and the relocation of 12 turbines will inevitably have an indirect effect on all high value archaeological sites and features (SAMs and listed buildings (LBII)) in the wider historic landscape, 10.6.2 Potential Indirect Effects and consequently the significance will be reduced. This section reviews the original ES taking into consideration this revised layout. 1. In the original ES it was stated that much of this upland landscape has been indirectly impacted upon in view of the setting of all high and medium value sites, having been compromised by the 2. A summary table of the results based on the revised layout is provided in Table 10-6, with further existing operational windfarm. As such, focus must concentrate on the preservation of existing un- information provided within Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage of the original ES. For visual reference a impacted conditions on the setting of surviving sites. The original ES identified three prehistoric series of Zone of Theoretical Visual (ZTV) figures have been compiled based on the revised sites that warranted considerations in view of their group setting being significantly indirectly layout. These are to be found in Appendix 10-A, Volume II of this SEI report. affected by both the construction and its operation of the Development, as the two phases are inextricably linked in this instance to the positioning of the turbines. These sites were all high value 3. In summary, the desk based assessment collected 473 archaeological data points from the SAM sites, namely; Pegwyn Mawr Cairn I (Id No. 17 / PRN: 1872), Pegwyn Mawr Cairn II (Id No. regional Historic Environmental Record (HER) database up to the 3 km radius from the edge of the 31 /PRN: 4870) and Domen Ddu Barrow (Id No. 16 / PRN: 971). Development Site. Of this total, 10 sites are SAM sites and 34 sites are Grade II Listed Buildings. There are two Parks and Gardens sites, that of Plas Dinam and Broneiron Lodge near Llanidloes. 2. Following formal consultation with Cadw and CPAT, a number of turbine locations in the southern area of the Development Site (Turbines T30, T36, T40 and T41) which were causing a significant 4. Although the predicted indirect effects of the revised layout have made no change to any of the indirect impact on the setting and inter-visibility lines between the SAM sites of the Pegwyn Mawr high value sites within the 3 km radius in the southern areas of the application site, the removal of Cairn group and the Domen Ddu barrow, have been revised. Turbines T30 and T40 have been the three turbines from the north-western end of the application site and the repositioning of relocated such that they are now 43 m and 58 m respectively from the line of intervisibility. T36 and several of the turbines in the northern area, has reduced the indirect effect on sites to the north, T41 have also been revised along with the access track layout around these turbines, so that these northeast and northwest fairly substantially. This is most apparent on high value sites within the turbines are now 125 m and 105 m from the lines of intervisibility. T34, T38 and T42 were also area of Llandinam town itself, such as the Plas Dinam house and gardens, a registered park and highlighted by Cadw and CPAT with respect to their proximity to the lines of intervisibility, but their garden, where now only 4 turbines will be visible at blade tip. The number of visible turbines has location remains as presented in the original ES, which is 271 m, 45 m and 94 m from the lines of also inevitably been reduced from the area of Broneirion House and associated gardens. At the intervisibility respectively. house site itself only 1-6 turbines will be visible at hub height, whereas the predicted effect on this site from the original ES was between 13-18 turbines at hub height. 3. The revisions to the design layout are discussed in further detail in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI report. 5. With regard to the high value SAM sites in the southern area, sites such as Fowler’s Armchair Stone Circle (PRN: 957) and the Crugyn Llwyd cairn (PRN: 961), much the same prediction is 4. Consequently, the impact on the setting of the Pegwyn Mawr cairn group and the line of inter- reached with the new revised layout as with the original ES. It is considered that where these high visibility between these two groups of monuments has been reduced such that the indirect effect value sites have views that already include the existing Llandinam Windfarm, the additional on the group setting is now considered to be an impact of minor adverse significance (compared to visibility of the new turbines would not have any further significant impact on the settings of these the moderate adverse impact predicted in the original ES), albeit reversible in light of turbine sites, as a significant indirect impact has already occurred on the setting of these sites from the removal at the end of the Development’s lifespan. existing windfarm. Although the Development would involve the construction of turbines over twice the height of the existing turbines, the number of turbines will greatly decrease which would not 5. It has also been advised, following consultation with Cadw, that micro-positioning after the appreciably or materially alter the existing landscapes character greatly. As such, an indirect effect planning stage should take into account this inter-relationship between cairn groups and not

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on the baseline setting of minor magnitude and minor significance is predicted for all SAM sites in Table 10-5 Summary of Predicted Indirect Effects on High Value Sites within 3km radius of the Application these areas. Site based on the revised SEI layout Site Site No. Turbines Magnitude of Significance of 6. At Llandinam the ZTV predicts that between 1-6 turbines will be visible at both hub height and Site Name PRN Status Visible Impact Effect blade tip, with the same number visible in the southern and southwestern areas of Llanidloes. However in practice, this number will be reduced significantly by the screening by trees and 20,498 Little House House LBII 1-6 Minor Minor buildings and therefore indirect impacts are not considered to be significant. 20,499 Malt House Cottage LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 21,202 Red House Farm, field barn LBII 13-18 Minor Minor 7. Within the 3 km band from the proposed Development, there are also two Registered Historic 32,608 Llandinam Church (St Llonio) LBII 1-6 Minor Minor Landscapes, the Caersws Basin and the Clywedog Valley. 32,612 Llidiartywaen, `New House' LBII 13-18 Minor Minor 32,614 Llandinam, statue of David LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 8. The Caersws Basin historic landscape is positioned immediately north of the proposed Davies 70,279 Llandinam, Presbyterian LBII 1-6 Minor Minor Development and covers an area of just under 32 km2. The ZTV predicts that around 70% of this Church historic landscape will be affected by the proposal. In the areas around Llandinam town, which 70,280 Llandinam, War Memorial LBII 1-6 Minor Minor resides in the southern area of the registered landscape, turbine visibility will be confined to 42,100 Middle Esgair Cottage LBII 7-12 Minor Minor between 1-6 turbines only at hub height. In the town of Caersws the ZTV predicts that the number 42,151 Esgairgeiliog Hall LBII 25-30 Minor Minor of turbines visible at hub height will be between 7-12. The further northward this number increases, 42,152 The Rock and cow house LBII 13-18 Minor Minor wherein between 25-30 turbines will be visible at hub height in the area to the far north near 42,083 Llandinam, Trelonydd 1 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor Pontdogoch, which is approximately 8.3 km from the nearest proposed turbine. The indirect impact 42,084 Llandinam, Trelonydd 2 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor on the Caersws Basin registered landscape is considered to be variable with predicted impacts of 42,085 Llandinam, Trelonydd 3 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor minor to moderate. It should be noted however, that the existing Llandinam windfarm is currently 42,086 Llandinam, Trelonydd 4 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor visible from the Caersws Basin, and although the Development would increase the size of the 42,087 Llandinam, Trelonydd 5 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor turbines, they will be spaced further apart and will have a similar ZTV to the existing windfarm. In 42,088 Llandinam, Trelonydd 6 LBII 1-6 Minor Minor order to assess this historic landscape thoroughly it forms part of the revised ASIDOHL2 42,089 Plâs Dinam Lodge milestone LBII 1-6 Minor Minor assessment in Appendix 10-B, Volume II of this SEI. 42,090 Plâs Dinam LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 42,091 Lodge to Plâs Dinam LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 9. The Clywedog Valley historic landscape is positioned immediately west of the Development and 42,092 Plas Dinam estate LBII 1-6 Minor Minor covers an area of just over 64 km2. It has been agreed with CCW and CPAT that only the eastern 42,093 Broneirion House LBII 13-18 Minor Minor parts of this historic landscape, up to 10 km needs assessing. The ZTV predicts that around 60% 42,094 Broneirion gate piers, etc. LBII 7-12 Minor Minor of this eastern part will be affected by the proposal. In the areas around Llanidloes town, which 42,095 Broneirion Lodge LBII 7-12 Minor Minor resides in the eastern area of the registered landscape, turbine visibility will be confined to 42,096 Llandinam Institute LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 42,097 Neuaddllwyd house LBII 1-6 Minor Minor between 1-6 turbines only at hub height. The further north and northwest this number increases as 42,098 Craigiryn LBII 1-6 Minor Minor the ground rises, wherein between 37-39 turbines will be visible at hub height in the area to the far 42,101 Garth-fach, house LBII 19-24 Minor Minor north on Bryn y Fan mountain, which is approximately 10 km from the nearest proposed turbine. 42,102 Upper Talbot Cottage LBII 7-12 Minor Minor The indirect impact on the Clywedog Valley registered landscape is considered to be variable with 42,103 Bryn coch, Farm building LBII 7-12 Minor Minor predicted impacts of minor to moderate. In order to assess this historic landscape thoroughly it 42,104 Glyn feinion LBII 1-6 Minor Minor forms part of the revised ASIDOHL2 assessment in Appendix 10-B, Volume II of this SEI. 42,105 Gilfach cottages LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 40,794 Cwm Derw LBII 0 Negligible Negligible 10. Table 10-5 presents a summary of the predicted indirect effects on High Value Sites within 3km radius of the Application Site. This table compares directly with (and supersedes) Table 10-6 of the original ES. 10.6.4 Potential Indirect Effects on High Value sites between 3km – 10km

Table 10-5 Summary of Predicted Indirect Effects on High Value Sites within 3km radius of the Application 1. As with all of the high value archaeological sites within the 3 km band, the removal of three Site based on the revised SEI layout turbines from the north-western part of the application site and the relocation of twelve turbines has Site Site No. Turbines Magnitude of Significance of significantly reduced the indirect effect on all high value sites found between the 3 km to 10 km Site Name PRN Status Visible Impact Effect band, especially those located in the northern regions. This section offers a review of the original ES of sites within this band, in consideration of the revised layout. 957 Fowlers Armchair stone circle SAM 31-36 Minor Minor 958 Fowler's Armchair Cairn SAM 31-36 Minor Minor 961 Crugyn Llwyd cairn SAM 37-39 Minor Minor 2. A summary table of the results based on the revised layout is provided in Table 10-6, with further 1,867 Glog Hill Barrow I SAM 37-39 Minor Minor information provided within Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage of the original ES. For visual reference, a 1,873 Pegwn Fach Cairn SAM 37-39 Minor Minor series of ZTV figures have been compiled based on the revised layout, which can be found in 4,232 Alltgethin Cairn SAM 7-12 Minor Minor Appendix 10-A, Volume II of this SEI report. 6,677 Esgair Fedw Stone SAM 7-12 Minor Minor 5,131 Llandinam Hall enclosure SAM 7-12 Minor Minor 3. In summary, there are 656 known high value sites positioned within the 3 km – 10 km band within 38,714 Bryn Cwmyrhiwdre mound I SAM 37-39 Minor Minor the HER. Of this total number 117 are SAM sites and the remaining 539 data points are Grade II 64,077 Fuallt Standing Stone SAM 37-39 Minor Minor Listed Buildings, three are Battlefield sites and twelve are Parks and Gardens sites. All of these 6,996 Llandinam Bridge LBII 1-6 Minor Minor sites have been overlain onto a ZTV base map in order to assess the severity of the indirect visual

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impact of the revised layout for the Development (see Appendix 10-A, Volume II of this SEI). A complete list with details of all of these sites up to the 10 km radius can be found in the Gazetteer 10.6.5 Mitigation Measures Based on Revised Layout appended to the original ES. 1. With the positions of the turbines, access tracks, borrow pits and all other proposed elements in their revised positions, no known archaeological sites of any value within the application site will be 4. As mentioned in the original ES, where key receptors in the wider landscape between 3 km – 10 km have views that already include the existing Llandinam Windfarm, the additional visibility of the directly physically impacted upon. However, there are three sites where the positions of the revised new turbines would not have any significantly increased impact on the settings of those sites. tracks will pass directly through their prescribed 50 m buffer zones. These sites include Waun Lluest Owain Standing Stone (Id No. 8), Waun Barthog Stone (Id No. 30 / PRN: 4869) and Waun Although the Development would involve the construction of turbines over twice the height of the Lluest Owain Stone (Id No. 46 / PRN: 6643). A further two areas with a high palaeo-environmental existing turbines the number of proposed turbines will greatly decrease (from 103 existing turbines potential will also be directly impacted upon by two turbines (Turbines T32 and T37), as discussed to 39 proposed turbines) which would not appreciably or materially alter the existing historic landscape character at these distances. This being the case, it is predicted that the settings of all in the original ES. These palaeo-environmental areas include Waun Barthog Pond (Id No. 71 and known SAMs and Listed Buildings (LBs) within the 3 km to 10 km distance from the Development Polyn-y-groes Marsh (Id No. 14). would not be altered by any significant degree. As such an indirect effect on the baseline setting of 2. As a mitigation measure, a watching brief will be undertaken during initial soil stripping for track minor magnitude and minor significance is still predicted for all of these SAM’s and Listed Building widening in these 50 m buffer zones, so that previously unidentified archaeology can be located, sites within the 3 km – 10 km radius from the edge of the application site. marked and recorded and excavated as necessary. This work will be carried out in consultation with a palaeo-environmental specialist and contingencies for scientific dating of the deposits along 5. Analysis of the comparative ZTV between the existing windfarm and the revised layout for the Development does show that, theoretically, there will be areas where turbine visibility is zero. With with lab analysis and reporting of recovered samples must be included the modified layout, additional areas will be affected, including wide areas to the north of the 3. Within the full extent of the Application Site, 82 data points were identified (10 additional points application site; the central parts of Llandinam town, the village of Mochdre and Pentre, areas than were considered in the original ES), 36 of this total number are prehistoric in date. As already immediately south of Newtown and areas east of the town of Caersws, which encompasses the stated in the original ES, the fairly large number of burial cairns and barrows in the central and eastern parts of the Registered Historic Landscape of the Caersws Basin. The ZTV of the revised southern areas, as well as the lithics that have been discovered in the area since 1991, including layout shows that the area of Llandinam town will now only have between 1-6 turbines visible at those found during this seasons field visit, implies that a great part of this uplands landscape was blade tip and the town of Caersws will have between 7-12 turbines visible at hub height and used fairly extensively in the Bronze Age with a strong focus on ritual monuments. This being the between 19-24 turbines visible at blade tip. case, the potential for buried prehistoric deposits, finds and features across much of the application site is considered to be very high. As discussed in the original ES, an archaeological 6. In the southern, eastern and western regions, the indirect impact on all of the high value sites watching brief will therefore be maintained by a suitably qualified archaeologist during all ground within the 3 km to 10 km radius from the revised layout is much the same as that assessed in the works for the decommissioning and construction of any elements of the Development in the original ES. A summary table listing the predicted indirect impacts on all high value sites where turbine visibility is presently zero from the existing windfarm, and where the revised layout ZTV application site predicts that a number of turbines will now be visible is given in Table 10-6. A complete list of all 4. Regarding the potential in-direct effects within the Application Site, the proposed turbines in their high value sites up to the 10 km radius presented in the Gazetteer, was appended to the original revised positions and the impacts on the three prehistoric cairn group settings have been ES. addressed. These sites are each high value SAM sites, namely; Pegwyn Mawr Cairn I (Id No. 17 / PRN: 1872), Pegwyn Mawr Cairn II (Id No. 31 /PRN: 4870) and Domen Ddu Barrow (Id No. 16 / Table 10-6Summary of Predicted Indirect Effects on High Value Sites newly impacted upon by the PRN: 971). However, as a mitigation measure the inter-visibility between these monuments will not revised layout of the Development within 3km – 10km radius of the Application site. be compromised during any proposed micro-positioning of turbines. Site PRN Site Name Site Status No. Turbines Magnitude Significance Visible at of Impact of Effect 5. The predicted in-direct impacts on all high value SAM and Grade II LB sites within the 3 km band Blade tip 1,949 Crugyn Barrow II SAM 1-6 Minor Minor from the application site will be of minor adverse significance, in view of the revised layout. The 1,016 Llethrau Camp SAM 1-6 Minor Minor original ES predicted that between 7-12 turbines would be visible at blade tip from Plas Dinam 1,575 Caersws Fort I (Llwynybrain) SAM 1-6 Minor Minor House and Formal Gardens (PRN: 42090), and it was predicted that it would experience an 5,869 Caersws Fort II, vicus SAM 13-18 Minor Minor indirect effect of moderate adverse significance. However, with the revised layout, following the 31,825 Llanidloes, Penygreen Rd LBII 13-18 Minor Minor removal of three turbines from the north-western slope, the number of visible turbines at blade tip `The Friary' has now been reduced to between 1-6 turbines. As such, the predicted impact on these features is 60,925 Gors Farm, field barn SAM 1-6 Minor Minor now considered to be of minor adverse significance. 31,147 Glan Gwden SAM 25-30 Minor Minor 32,419 Talgarth, 2 cottages SAM 1-6 Minor Minor 6. Regarding the indirect impact on all high value sites between 3 km – 10 km, the conclusions of the 7,549 Mochdre Church (All Saints) LBII 13-18 Minor Minor original ES remain valid in view of the revised layout and it is predicted that the impact will be of 6,999 Maesmawr Hall LBII 7-12 Minor Minor minor adverse significance, and it has therefore not been considered necessary to suggest 41,872 Llwyn-y-brain LBII 7-12 Minor Minor mitigation measures for any potential indirect impact on these sites. 41,867 Aelbryn milestone LBII 13-18 Minor Minor 31,078 Glandulais farmhouse LBII 1-6 Minor Minor 7. There are a handful of sites that require consideration along the eastern access road leading to the application site from the A483 road, as they may potentially be damaged during works to this road. Each of these sites is located alongside the access road in adjacent fields, but are especially close to the access road itself. These sites include, Seven Wells Cairns I and II (PRN: 38815), Bryn Cwmrhiwdre Mound I (PRN: 38714 / SAM - Mg280) and Bryn Cwmrhiwdre Mound II (PRN: 38714).

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By way of a mitigation measure, all of the known sites along the route of this road should be Table 10-7 Mitigation measures associated with the decommissioning of the existing windfarm and fenced off under the supervision of a suitably qualified archaeologist so as to ensure that the sites construction and operation of the Development based on the revised layout are adequately protected to prevent any possibility of access by machines and equipment during Site Activity Effect Mitigation Measures all of the ground works for the potential upgrade of this road. Further still, a watching brief during Fencing off of sites for any ground works for these proposed works will need to be undertaken. If any sites or features do Pegwyn Mawr Potential disturbance protection. Followed by become exposed during this work then a contingency for sufficient time and resources should be Cairn (Id No. 17 / of prehistoric cairns and intensive watching brief made available for further potential evaluation and recording work. PRN: 1872), Potential Micro- unknown buried undertaken during groundwork Pegwyn Mawr positioning of archaeological features activity in this area by suitably 8. Table 10-7 lists the mitigation measures associated with the decommissioning of the existing Cairn II (Id No. 31 Turbines. and in-direct impact on qualified archaeologist. Also, windfarm and construction and operation of the Development. This table replaces Table 10-8 of /PRN: 4870) and group setting between avoidance of indirect impact on the original ES. Domen Ddu Barrow these sites. group setting during potential micro-siting. Seven Wells Cairns Table 10-7 Mitigation measures associated with the decommissioning of the existing windfarm and I and II’ (PRN: construction and operation of the Development based on the revised layout 38815), Bryn Fencing off of sites for Site Activity Effect Mitigation Measures Cwmrhiwdre Potential disturbance protection. Followed by Waun Lluest Owain Widened track could Mound I (PRN: Upgrading of access of prehistoric cairns and intensive watching brief Upgrading of existing Watching brief and fencing Standing Stone (Id encroach the 50 m 38714 / SAM - road. unknown buried undertaken during groundwork site tracks. around 50 m buffer zone. No. 8) buffer zone. Mg280), Bryn archaeological features. activity in this area by suitably Waun Barthog Cwmrhiwdre qualified archaeologist. Stone Id No. 30 / Watching brief undertaken Mound II (PRN: Tracks cut in an area of PRN: 4869) and Construction of new during activity in this area by 38714) high potential for further Waun Lluest Owain site access tracks. suitably qualified Fencing off of all high value prehistoric material. Stone (Id No. 46 / archaeologist. All ground work for and medium value sites for PRN: 6643) turbine bases, access protection, followed by tracks, hard standings, Potential disturbance intensive archaeological Palaeo-environmental All high value and underground cabling, of unknown buried watching brief during all appraisal by means of cored medium value sites transects across waterlogged contractors archaeological remains. groundwork for all elements of area. Carried out in compounds, borrow the proposed works, consultation with a palaeo- pits, lay down area etc. decommissioning of existing, Waun Barthog Disturbance of palaeo- environmental specialist and construction and operation etc. Intrusive groundwork Pond (Id No. 71) environmental area with contingencies for scientific Potential disturbance associated with turbine and Polyn-y-groes potential for significant dating of the deposits along All ground works for of known high and Fencing off of all high value construction. All high value and Marsh (Id No. 14) buried artefacts. with laboratory analysis and decommissioning of medium value sites and and medium value sites for medium value sites reporting of recovered samples the Development. unknown buried continued protection. must be included. Followed by archaeological remains. intensive watching brief by suitably qualified archaeologist. 10.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes Palaeo-environmental 1. The desk based assessment and field visit recorded a total of 82 archaeological data points within appraisal by means of cored transects across waterlogged the application site. Of these, only six sites are high value status sites (i.e. SAM’s) and each is area. Carried out in prehistoric in date, including one Iron Age settlement. None of these high value sites are impacted consultation with a palaeo- upon by the decommissioning of the existing windfarm. environmental specialist and Intrusive groundwork Significant source of Bryn Dadley (area contingencies for scientific 2. No known sites are directly impacted upon by the revised turbine positions. However, there are associated with turbine peat has potential of significant peat) dating of the deposits along construction. archaeological value. three sites that will be directly impacted upon by the revised access tracks, but only two of these with laboratory analysis and have the potential to experience significant effects, Waun Lluest Owain Standing Stone (Id No. 8) reporting of recovered samples and Waun Lluest Owain Stone (Id No. 46 / PRN: 6643). Following the implementation of must be included. Followed by appropriate mitigation measures, as discussed in Table 10-8, the residual effects on these two intensive watching brief by sites, particularly on the area of their buffer zones, are considered to be permanent but of minor suitably qualified archaeologist. adverse significance, due to the fact that there is the potential for unknown buried archaeological Potential disturbance of remains associated with each of the sites to be permanently damaged or destroyed. Iron Age settlement and Fencing off of site for Waun Lluest Owain Intrusive site unknown buried protection. Followed by 3. It has also been noted that two areas, Waun Barthog Pond (Id No. 71) and Polyn-y-groes Marsh Settlement (Id No. preparation works / archaeological features intensive watching brief (Id No. 14) have a high potential for palaeo-environmental information. Each of these areas will 47/ PRN: 6664 – turbine infrastructure (potentially Neolithic or undertaken during activity in potentially be impacted upon by two turbines (Turbines 32 and 37). Following the implementation SAM – works. Bronze Age) during this area by suitably qualified Mg253(POW) of appropriate mitigation measures as discussed in Table 10-8, the residual effects are considered groundworks in area archaeologist. to be permanent but of minor adverse significance. and micropositioning.

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4. Taking into account the known baseline and the archaeological mitigation, the residual impact on Table 10-8 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Residual Effects the archaeological resource may be considered as being of minor adverse significance. Description Nature of Effect Geographic scale Significance Potential for impact on Plas 5. Regarding indirect impacts within the application site, consideration will be made for the inter- Adverse, Long-term Local / Regional Minor visible group setting between the three burial cairn group settings (SAM’s) of Pegwyn Mawr and Dinam House and gardens Domen Ddu, such that it will not be compromised during any micro-positioning of turbines. Potential indirect visual impact on Caersws Basin and Adverse, Long-term Local / Regional Moderate 6. For the external receptors outwith the application site (high value sites up to 3 km and 10 km), the Clywedog Valley Registered predicted indirect impacts are generally considered to be of minor adverse significance. In the Historic Landscapes original ES the predicted impact on the Plas Dinam House and gardens was predicted to be moderate. However following the removal of three turbines from the north-western slope of the 10.8 Cumulative Effects application site and the re-positioning of several turbines, the number of predicted turbines visible at blade tip from Plas Dinam has been reduced to between 1-6 turbines. As such the predicted 1. Cumulative impacts on the cultural heritage resource result from changes to the current baseline indirect impacts are now considered to be of minor significance. Residual impacts on all of these setting of the resource caused by the Development in conjunction with other developments that external receptors, including Plas Dinam, are considered to be the same as the predicted indirect occurred in the past or are likely to occur in the foreseeable future. impacts. These will all be temporary and reversible, lasting for the lifetime of the Development. 2. Following consultation with CCW and CPAT, Historic Environment Record data was only collected 7. In respect of the assessment of the significance of the impact of the Development on the within a 10 km radius of the Development as part of the original ES. Cumulative developments Registered Historic Landscapes of the Clywedog Valley and the Caersws Basin, a revised beyond this distance were not considered likely to cause any significant effects on individual ASIDOHL based on the revised windfarm layout, is presented in Appendix 10-B, Volume II of this cultural heritage assets. However, there will likely be cumulative effects on registered historic SEI. landscapes and sites such as Registered Parks and Gardens and Battlefield sites beyond this distance. 8. In summary however, the ASIDOHL2 concluded that, although the Development will have a ‘Considerable’ impact on the Caersws Historic Character Area, the HCA which forms the central 3. In the case of the revised layout for the Development, there are a number of other windfarm core of the Caersws Basin Registered Historic Landscape, the overall significance of the impact on developments in the area that are the subject of applications, which may have the potential to the Registered Historic Landscape as a whole is judged to be ‘Moderate’. Similarly, a ‘Moderate’ affect the cultural heritage resource in the wider landscape, as noted in the original ES. These effect is also anticipated on the Clywedog Valley Registered Historic Landscape. This is an sites include the existing Llandinam windfarm, Llaithdu windfarm which is adjacent to and attached increase from the ‘Minor/Moderate’ effect noted in the original ES; however this is due to a change to the existing windfarm at its southern end, the Llanbadarn Fynydd windfarm which is located in the assumptions made in the ASIDOHL2 in response to comments from CCW rather than approximately 6 km to the south, and the Waun Garno windfarm located 12 km to the northwest of changes to the Development. The removal of the 3 turbines from the northwest part of the site the Site. The Waun Garno development was not considered as part of the original ES (as increases the distance between the Caersws Basin and the Development and means that in most explained in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of this SEI), and it views from the Basin, the turbines would be seen behind the northern edge of the Waun comprises 11 turbines to be erected on a site 0.6km southeast of the existing Carno windfarm, Ddubarthog ridge, rather than on the top of the ridge closest to this area. approximately 11.5 km northwest of the application site

9. Table 10-8 presents a summary of the residual effects following implementation of the suggested 4. The addition of the Waun Garno windfarm will have an additional, cumulative effect on the mitigation measures. This table replaces Table 10-9 of the original ES. Caersws Basin Registered Historic Landscape when considered in conjunction with the Development. This is predominantly due to the proximity of Waun Garno windfarm to this Historic Landscape, which is only 4.5 km away (compared with 10 km to the application site for the Table 10-8 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Residual Effects Development) and which increases the number of turbines that will be visible from this location. Description Nature of Effect Geographic scale Significance Despite this, the cumulative impact is considered to remain moderate adverse and the conclusions Decommissioning and presented in the original ES are therefore considered to still be valid. Construction activities, including proposed site access 5. Further information on the cumulative visual impact of this and other windfarms is presented in. Adverse, Permanent Local Minor tracks proximal to Waun Lluest Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria and Chapter 6: Landscape and Owain Stones and Waun Visual of this SEI report. Barthog Stone. Potential for unknown buried Local / Regional / archaeological remains to be Adverse, Permanent Minor National damaged / destroyed 10.9 Statement of Effects Potential for valuable palaeo- environmental information 1. The original ES predicted that there was a concern regarding the site of Plas Dinam House and Local / Regional / within areas of Waun Barthog Adverse, Permanent Minor Formal Gardens, where the existing Llandinam windfarm is not clearly visible. A significant National Pond (Id No. 71) and Polyn-y- number of originally proposed turbines would have been visible, which would have impacted upon groes Marsh (Id No. 14) the setting of this site to a moderate degree. In light of the revisions to the windfarm proposal, Potential for archaeological which includes the removal of three turbines from the northwest, the indirect impact on the Plas sites with inter-visible group Adverse, Long-term Local / Regional Minor Dinam House and Formal Gardens has been reduced to minor adverse significance. The removal settings to be separated of these same turbines has also significantly decreased the indirect impacts on the conservation visually by turbines

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areas of the towns of Llandinam and Llanidloes, to a level where the visibility of turbines would be minor, or virtually negligible given screening from treecover and the urban environment.

2. An indirect impact of potentially moderate adverse significance is predicted on the Caersws Basin historic landscape. However, it is important to note that the existing Llandinam windfarm is currently visible from the Caersws Basin, and that although the Development would increase the height of the turbines, they will be spaced further apart and will not noticeably increase the ZTV. It is therefore not considered that the Development further compromises the integrity of this historic landscape, as per the guidance in paragraph 6.5.25 of Planning Policy Wales (PPW) edition 4 (Ref. 10-5).

3. Potentially significant cumulative effects may arise due to the construction of the neighbouring Waun Garno scheme, potentially with regard to the historic character areas of the Caersws Basin. The distance of these character areas from the Application Site is around 10 km, but given the addition of the Waun Garno windfarm only 4.5 km from these historic character areas, the cumulative impact will remain one of moderate adverse significance. It should be noted that the magnitude of this cumulative impact is largely a result of the Waun Garno scheme considered in isolation.

4. Overall, it is considered that the impact of the Development on the cultural heritage resource would not be significant in terms of the requirements of The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.

10.10 References

Ref. 10-1 Countryside Council for Wales (2010), Assessing the impact of windfarm developments on peatlands in Wales.

Ref. 10-2 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (2006), Montgomeryshire LANDMAP – Historical Landscape Aspect. CPAT Report No. 804.

Ref. 10-3 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (2006), Short Dykes and Linear Earthworks in mid and north-east Wales, 2005/0. CADW funded project. ( http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/recent/past/summary.htm#929/06).

Ref. 10-4 Owen, W, G and Silvester, R, J. 1991 “The Penrhuddlan and Llidiartywaun Windfarm, near Llandinam, Powys: an archaeological assessment of the proposed area , CPAT report 12 June 1991”

Ref. 10-5 Planning Policy Wales (2011) Edition 4

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11.0 Noise and Vibration Table 11-1 Consultation Responses on the original Environmental Statement for Noise and Vibration 11.1 Introduction Consultee Comment Action Taken / Response Validity of monitoring period is also 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) presents an assessment of the questioned (given wind directions during changes to the noise impacts on the residents of nearby dwellings associated with the revised shutdown) layout for the proposed repowering and extension of Llandinam Windfarm (“the Development”) relative to the original Environmental Statement (ES). Details of the revisions to the design layout Historical noise monitoring data discussed in the original ES will need to be provided. of the Development are presented in Chapter 4: Project Description of this SEI. Clarification is required in respect of which 2. Powys County Council’s (PCC) Environmental Health Department issued comments on the ES properties have been grouped and and in particular on Chapter 11 in a letter dated 5th February 2009. A response was issued on the described as ‘acoustically similar’ th 20 May 2009 and is reproduced in Appendix 11-A, Volume II of this SEI. This response clarified Further information and assessment of the the assessment methodology presented in the original ES; reference was also made to additional Llaithddu scheme and potentially Bryn information to be supplied, and this is presented in this report (see in particular the graphs Gydfa, Bwlchysarnau and Hirddywell presented in Appendix 11-B, Volume II of this SEI, which supersede those presented in Appendix schemes. 11-D of the original ES). Concern about the high levels of noise being predicted at residential properties, 3. Additional environmental information is also now available regarding neighbouring windfarm which may be detrimental to amenity in developments since the original ES, which has been considered in this SEI. In particular, the these locations. information presented in the ES’s for the Llaithddu Windfarm and the Waun Garno Windfarm has been considered and a more specific assessment of cumulative impact discussed later in this chapter. 11.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context

4. This chapter has been prepared by Hoare Lea Acoustics. 1. Changes to the relevant planning policy context from that presented in the original ES has been updated and is detailed in Chapter 5: Planning Policy Context of this SEI. However, changes of specific relevance to the noise and vibration assessment are summarised in the following 11.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter paragraphs. 1. The predicted noise levels associated with decommissioning and construction suggested that the 2. The recently released draft National Policy Statement (NPS) on Renewable Energy Infrastructure noisier construction activities would be audible at various times throughout the decommissioning (EN-3) (Ref. 11-1) provides specific guidance on noise impact assessment for onshore windfarm and construction phase. However, comparing the predicted levels to the relevant impact criteria developments. It states that: indicated that they would be acceptable.

2. The previous assessment demonstrated that the Development could readily achieve noise limits “Mitigation should be inherent in good design of a wind farm so that increases in ambient noise derived in accordance with ETSU-R-97. Depending on the levels of background noise, the levels around developments are kept to acceptable levels in relation to existing background noise.” satisfaction of these limits can lead to a situation whereby, at some locations under some wind conditions and for a certain proportion of the time, the windfarm noise may be audible. However, it 3. EN-3 advises that the ETSU-R-97 methodology, in accordance with latest industry good practice was predicted to still be at an acceptable level. which should reflect any updated guidance issued in relation to ETSU-R-97 and accepted by Government, should be used to assess whether the noise from the operation of the wind turbines 11.2.1 Post-Application Consultation Responses is within acceptable levels, and that: 1. A summary table detailing stakeholder responses is presented in Table 11-1 and the consultation responses can be found in Appendix 2-A, Volume II of this SEI. “Where the correct methodology has been followed and a wind farm is shown to comply with ETSU-R-97 it should be reasonable for the [Infrastructure Planning Commission] IPC to conclude that it may give little or no weight to adverse noise impacts from the operation of the wind turbines” Table 11-1 Consultation Responses on the original Environmental Statement for Noise and Vibration 11.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria Consultee Comment Action Taken / Response Powys County Council Not willing to accept the proposal in the A detailed response was prepared and 1. The methodology for assessing decommissioning, construction and operational noise impacts, as (PCC) Environmental original ES with respect to post-consent submitted to PCC, addressing each of Health Officer (EHO monitoring. the points raised by the EHO (response well as the associated impact criteria, remains the same as in the original ES. In particular, the th ETSU-R-97 guidance remains the relevant standard for the assessment of operational noise (05/02/09)) dated 20 May 2009). Additional information will be required in impacts. relation to the windfarm emission data A copy of the Applicants response to against background levels (including in 2. Since the submission of the original ES, an article was published in the UK Institute of Acoustics respect of cumulative impact assessment) PCC is provided in Appendix 11-A, Volume II of this SEI. Bulletin (Ref. 11-2) that provides recommendations on a range of subjects relating to windfarm Clarification is required on the ‘shut downs’ noise assessment. The turbine noise prediction methodology employed in the ES and this SEI is undertaken during the monitoring period. consistent with the recommendations of this article.

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3. A new version of BS 5228 ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and 2. As part of the updated assessment for this SEI, it was identified that the noise emissions open sites’ was released in 2009 (Ref. 11-3) which supersedes the version of the standard characteristics presented in the original ES for the candidate turbine corresponded to an early referenced in the ES. However the decommissioning and construction noise assessment model of the turbine. As part of this SEI, reference can be made to more recent (2008) data from methodology remains consistent with the guidance of the new standard. the manufacturer, corresponding to a turbine with variable-speed operation, derived from values which would be warranted by the manufacturer to not be exceeded in practice. This data is presented in Table 11-1 and 11-2 below. 11.5 Review of Baseline Conditions

1. The baseline noise conditions, based on data derived from the surveys described in the original ES, remain relevant for the assessment of operational noise impacts. Table 11-1 Siemens 2.3 MW VS82m Sound Power Levels for 70/80 m hub heights – unconstrained operation mode

2. A review of the noise assessment within chapter 10 of the Llaithddu ES was undertaken, and for Wind Speed at 10 m Height (m/s) Sound Power Level (dB LAeq) consistency, the dwellings identified in the original (Llandinam Windfarm) ES as Garn Fach House 4 91.0 4 and 2 will now respectively be referred to as Pabyllwyd and South of Pabyllwyd in the present 5 97.0 SEI. The locations identified as Garn Fach House 1, 3 and 5 are not considered further as the 6 102.0 assessment at Pabyllwyd and South of Pabyllwyd is considered representative of these areas. 7 105.0 Baseline levels described in the assessment of the Llaithddu Windfarm are discussed later in this 8 106.0 chapter. 9 106.0 10 106.0 11.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures 11 106.0 12 106.0 1. The changes in the effects due to revision of the design layout of the Development have been considered is in this section, at the range of residential assessment properties previously considered surrounding the Development site (listed in Table 11-3 in Chapter 11 of the original ES). Table 11-2 Octave Band Sound Power Spectrum (dB LAeq) for the Siemens 2.3 MW VS82m Operating in Reference Wind Speed Conditions (v10 = 8 m/s)

11.6.1 Decommissioning of Existing Windfarm and Construction Phase Octave Band Centre Frequency, Hz A-Weighted Sound Power Level, dB(A) 63 79.4 1. Noise predictions were previously presented in the original ES for decommissioning of the existing 125 89.4 windfarm and construction of the new one. These predictions related to the worst-case periods of 250 98.1 the different phases of the decommissioning and construction periods, as determined from the 500 100.2 minimum separation distances between the different necessary activities and the assessment 1000 100.5 locations surrounding the site. 2000 97.9 4000 96.0 2. Revisions to the design layout of the Development consist in fewer new turbines and a reduced 8000 90.2 access track footprint. The amount of necessary construction activities will therefore be generally reduced. However, the minimum separating distances to consider remain unchanged, as they are 3. The noise emission characteristics presented above are considered representative of turbines in controlled by activities which are related to unchanged elements of the Development. the power generation class considered for the Development.

3. Furthermore, traffic volumes related to site access during decommissioning and construction will 4. As the revisions to the design layout of the Development includes the removal of 3 turbines from be reduced, but the previous assessment was based on the estimated worst-case daily traffic the proposed layout, this will lead to a reduction in noise levels at the surrounding assessment flows, which will not be perceptibly reduced by the revisions to the Development. Further details on locations. For the properties nearest to the removed turbines, this corresponds to a reduction of the construction traffic assessment are presented in Chapter 9: Traffic, Access and Transport of between 1 dB to 3 dB in the predicted noise levels. this SEI. 5. Table 11-3 presents updated predicted noise immission levels at each of the selected assessment 4. Hence, the noise and vibration assessment and the derived negligible impact significance locations for each 10 m height wind speed from 4 m/s to 12 m/s inclusive, using the same presented in the original ES remain directly applicable to the revised design layout. In practice, the methodology as described in the original ES. levels of noise and vibration associated with these activities will be marginally lower, compared to the previous proposals, because of the reduced amount of activity and site access traffic.

11.6.2 Operational Phase

1. The operational noise limits applicable to the scheme were derived in Chapter 11 of the original ES. The assessment of operational noise against these limits is based on noise predictions for a Siemens 2.3MW VS82m candidate turbine, as discussed in Chapter 1: Introduction and Chapter 4: Project Description of this SEI.

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11.6.3 Decommissioning of the Development

Table 11-3 Predicted Windfarm LA90,T Noise Immission Levels at 4 m Height at Each of the 1. It is still expected that the noise levels experienced during the decommissioning of the Noise Assessment Locations as a Function of 10 m Height Wind Speed dB(A) Development will be no worse than for the decommissioning or construction of the existing Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s windfarm, and would probably be lower.

Reference conditions 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11.6.4 Mitigation and Monitoring Measures Cwm Diffwys 21.9 27.9 32.9 35.9 36.9 36.9 36.9 36.9 36.9 Community centre 19.2 25.2 30.2 33.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 1. The predicted impacts remaining similar to those assessed previously in the original ES, and Pen-y-lan 20.2 26.2 31.2 34.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 therefore the mitigation and monitoring measures proposed therein remain applicable. This Pantydwr 20.3 26.3 31.3 34.3 35.3 35.3 35.3 35.3 35.3 includes the assumption the turbine T25 is operational in median noise operation mode, as Pen-y-banc 21.5 27.5 32.5 35.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 discussed in section 11.5.3.1, Chapter 11 of the original ES. Craig 20.4 26.4 31.4 34.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4 Cwm farm 20.2 26.2 31.2 34.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 35.2 11.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes Ty'n-y-pwll 20.0 26.0 31.0 34.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 Rhiwysgyfarnog 20.6 26.6 31.6 34.6 35.6 35.6 35.6 35.6 35.6 11.7.1 Decommissioning and Construction Impact Glyn Ferrion 20.0 26.0 31.0 34.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 Gwern-y-gigfran 18.3 24.3 29.3 32.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 1. The predicted noise levels associated with decommissioning and construction still suggest that the Bryn Coch 20.1 26.1 31.1 34.1 35.1 35.1 35.1 35.1 35.1 noisier construction activities would be audible at various times throughout the Foel Fawr 22.3 28.3 33.3 36.3 37.3 37.3 37.3 37.3 37.3 decommissioning/construction phase. However, comparing the predicted levels to the relevant Foel Fach 20.0 26.0 31.0 34.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 35.0 impact criteria indicates that they are acceptable. Cwm Feinon 21.5 27.5 32.5 35.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 Glyn Fach 18.4 24.4 29.4 32.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 11.7.2 Operational Impact Waen Cwm Yr Ynys 23.2 29.2 34.2 37.2 38.2 38.2 38.2 38.2 38.2 Coed-y-Gaer 18.4 24.4 29.4 32.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 1. Depending on the levels of background noise, the satisfaction of the ETSU-R-97 derived limits can Pwllan 15.5 21.5 26.5 29.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 30.5 lead to a situation whereby, at some locations under some wind conditions and for a certain Neuadd Fach 16.0 22.0 27.0 30.0 31.0 31.0 31.0 31.0 31.0 proportion of the time, the windfarm noise may be audible. However, it is still predicted to be at an Cwmffrwd 17.3 23.3 28.3 31.3 32.3 32.3 32.3 32.3 32.3 acceptable level. Waenllwydion 19.0 25.0 30.0 33.0 34.0 34.0 34.0 34.0 34.0 Wainhir 20.5 26.5 31.5 34.5 35.5 35.5 35.5 35.5 35.5 11.8 Cumulative Effects Ty'n-y-celyn 18.4 24.4 29.4 32.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4 Pentre 19.6 25.6 30.6 33.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 1. The cumulative noise impact of a number of other windfarm developments proposed or currently Dugwm Farm 23.9 29.9 34.9 37.9 38.9 38.9 38.9 38.9 38.9 operational in the area of mid Wales was discussed previously in the original ES. In addition to the Gwrhyd 21.0 27.0 32.0 35.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 developments considered previously therein, the cumulative impact of the Waun Garno and Bryn Picca 19.1 25.1 30.1 33.1 34.1 34.1 34.1 34.1 34.1 Llaithddu windfarms have been assessed in this chapter of the SEI report. Bryn Llyndwr 21.3 27.3 32.3 35.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 Pabyllwyd 22.6 28.6 33.6 36.6 37.6 37.6 37.6 37.6 37.6 11.8.1 Waun Garno Windfarm South of Pabyllwyd 22.5 28.5 33.5 36.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 1. Indicative noise immission calculations were made on the basis of the supplied layout and on the 6. Predicted noise emissions from these turbines are shown to still meet the corresponding 40 dB(A) source power levels set out in Volume 3 of the Waun Garno ES, using the same noise propagation and 43 dB(A) day-time and night-time absolute limit values respectively derived in the ES from the model used for the assessment of operational noise impacts for the Development. ETSU-R-97 guidance. This is represented graphically in Appendix 11-B, Volume II of this SEI, with indicative baseline levels at the measurement locations shown and predicted levels at these 2. Based on source sound power levels of less than 107 dB(A), the predicted levels at the noise locations or at the closest noise assessment location where relevant. The corresponding fixed assessment locations closest to the Development, such as Coed-y-Gaer, would not exceed noise limits are also shown. 13 dB(A). This represents a negligible increase when added to the worst-case immission level calculated for the Development. It is also worth noting that the properties concerned represent 7. The predicted noise emissions of the Development (once operational) are below the limits derived locations where the assumption of downwind propagation is particularly conservative, as it is previously and remain at an acceptable level. As noted in the original ES, the selection of the final impossible for the properties to be downwind of all turbines associated with the two windfarms. As turbine to be installed at the site would be made on the basis of enabling the relevant ETSU-R-97 a result, actual cumulative noise levels in practice would be lower and can be neglected for the noise limits to be achieved at the surrounding properties. purpose of this assessment.

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11.8.2 Llaithddu Windfarm Table 11-6 Predicted Cumulative LA90,T Wind Farm Noise Immission Levels at 4 m Height at Each of the Noise Assessment Locations as a Function of 10 m Height Wind Speed dB(A) 1. Chapter 10 of the ES for the proposed Llaithddu development presents an assessment of the

associated noise impacts for this adjacent development proposal. It was based upon an Enercon Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s Reference conditions E70 2.3 MW candidate turbine, with hub heights of 64 m and 80 m for specific turbines. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Cwm Diffwys 23.4 28.7 33.8 36.6 37.8 38.0 38.0 38.0 38.0 2. The overall sound power data presented in Table 11-4 are considered to represent a conservative Community centre 20.7 26.0 31.1 33.9 35.0 35.3 35.3 35.3 35.3 estimate of noise emission levels for this candidate turbine. The values of Table 11-4 are similar to those presented in the ES for the Llaithddu Windfarm but with the addition of a factor of 1 dB Pen-y-lan 21.4 26.8 31.9 34.8 35.9 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.1 specified by the manufacturer to obtain values that Enercon warrant will not be exceeded in Pantydwr 21.7 27.1 32.1 35.0 36.1 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 practice. This was done as the noise prediction methodology used for the Llaithddu Windfarm ES Pen-y-banc 22.8 28.2 33.3 36.1 37.3 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4 used a ground factor value of g=0, corresponding to hard ground predictions, whereas the present Craig 22.1 27.3 32.4 35.2 36.4 36.6 36.6 36.6 36.6 assessment uses a value corresponding to mixed ground (g=0.5), and in accordance with Cwm farm 22.1 27.3 32.4 35.2 36.4 36.6 36.6 36.6 36.6 guidance presented in the Institute of Acoustics Bulletin (Ref. 11-2), more conservative source Ty'n-y-pwll 21.8 27.0 32.0 34.8 36.0 36.2 36.2 36.2 36.2 levels are therefore used. Rhiwysgyfarnog 22.6 27.7 32.8 35.6 36.8 37.0 37.0 37.0 37.0 Glyn Ferrion 22.2 27.2 32.4 35.1 36.3 36.6 36.6 36.6 36.6 3. In addition to the overall sound power data, reference has been made to test reports for the unit to Gwern-y-gigfran 20.5 25.6 30.7 33.4 34.6 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 derive a representative sound spectrum for the turbine, based on an energetic average of the Bryn Coch 22.1 27.2 32.4 35.1 36.3 36.6 36.6 36.6 36.6 available information at each octave band, as presented in Table 11-5. Foel Fawr 24.4 29.4 34.6 37.3 38.5 38.8 38.8 38.8 38.8 Foel Fach 21.9 27.0 32.1 34.9 36.1 36.3 36.3 36.3 36.3 Table 11-4 Enercon E70 2.3 MW Sound Power Levels for unconstrained operation (mode II) Cwm Feinon 23.7 28.7 33.8 36.6 37.8 38.1 38.1 38.1 38.1 Glyn Fach 20.6 25.6 30.7 33.5 34.7 34.9 34.9 34.9 34.9 Wind Speed at 10 m Height (m/s) Sound Power Level (dB LAeq) 64m hub height 80m hub height Waen Cwm Yr Ynys 24.2 29.8 34.8 37.7 38.8 38.9 38.9 38.9 38.9 Coed-y-Gaer 20.8 25.7 30.8 33.6 34.8 35.1 35.1 35.1 35.1 4 91.8 92.1 Pwllan 17.1 22.4 27.4 30.3 31.4 31.6 31.6 31.6 31.6 5 94.6 95.1 Neuadd Fach 17.7 22.9 28.0 30.8 31.9 32.2 32.2 32.2 32.2 6 99.8 100.7 Cwmffrwd 18.4 23.9 28.9 31.7 32.8 33.0 33.0 33.0 33.0 7 102.4 102.6 Waenllwydion 19.9 25.5 30.5 33.4 34.5 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6 8 104.1 104.5 Wainhir 21.2 26.8 31.9 34.8 35.9 36.0 35.9 35.9 35.9 9 105.5 105.5 Ty'n-y-celyn 19.3 24.9 29.9 32.8 33.9 34.0 34.0 34.0 34.0 10 105.5 105.5 Pentre 20.8 26.2 31.3 34.2 35.3 35.5 35.5 35.5 35.5 11 105.5 105.5 Dugwm Farm 24.6 30.3 35.3 38.2 39.3 39.4 39.4 39.4 39.4 12 105.5 105.5 Gwrhyd 22.0 27.6 32.6 35.5 36.6 36.8 36.8 36.8 36.8 Bryn Picca 21.5 26.5 31.6 34.4 35.6 35.9 35.9 35.9 35.9 Bryn Llyndwr 24.4 29.1 34.3 37.0 38.3 38.7 38.7 38.7 38.7 Pabyllwyd 26.7 31.1 36.3 38.9 40.3 40.8 40.8 40.8 40.8 Table 11-5 Octave Band Sound Power Spectrum (dB LAeq) for the Enercon E70 2.3 MW Operating in Reference Wind Speed Conditions (v10 = 8 m/s) South of Pabyllwyd 28.9 32.8 38.1 40.5 42.0 42.7 42.7 42.7 42.7 Octave Band Centre Frequency, Hz A-Weighted Sound Power Level, dB(A) 5. The approach taken in the Llaithddu Windfarm ES was to perform a baseline survey at properties 63 87.7 neighboring the Llaithddu site and to correct for the potential influence of operation of the existing 125 95.1 turbines on the application site (for Llandinam Windfarm). ETSU-R-97 requires baseline levels 250 98.9 without existing turbine noise to derive noise limits, and it was therefore necessary to compensate 500 97.9 for the turbine noise already incident on dwellings. The Llaithddu Windfarm ES provided best fit 1000 94.4 regression lines calculated through the measured background noise data to give the prevailing 2000 90.3 background noise curve. Predicted noise levels from the existing turbines were then subtracted 4000 84.4 from the derived background curves for each of the locations. The methodology employed within the Llaithddu Windfarm ES is considered to result in a conservative estimate of baseline levels at 8000 77.5 these locations in the absence of existing turbine noise. A similar approach was not thought feasible for the Development because of the reduced distance to existing turbines. 4. Table 11-6 presents predicted noise immission levels at each of the selected assessment locations, using the same methodology as for Section 11.6 of this SEI chapter, for the cumulative 6. Measurement data was not available at the location designated as South of Pabyllwyd as access operation of the Development and the Llaithddu Windfarm. was reportedly not granted by the resident. The baseline levels measured at Ddullui Bank were therefore referenced at this assessment location to derive noise limits, in accordance with ETSU- R-97 guidelines. The baseline levels derived at Pabyllwyd and Ddullui Bank, corrected in the manner described above, are reproduced below in Table 11-7. Measurements at Pabyllwyd are reported to have been influenced by stream noise, characteristic of this location.

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Table 11-7 Derived LA90 Prevailing Measured Noise Levels (dB) at Locations Surrounding the Llaithddu Development as Function of 10 m Height Wind Speed dB(A) Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s Table 11-9 Exceedances of the ETSU-R-97 Derived Day-time Limits by the Predicted Reference conditions Cumulative LA90 Noise Immission Levels at Each Noise Assessment Location. Negative values indicate the immission level is below the limit 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Quiet day-time periods Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s Pabyllwyd 37.0 36.9 37.1 38.1 39.9 41.9 44.2 46.6 49.0 Reference conditions Ddullui Bank n/a 27.7 32.4 35.8 38.9 41.8 44.7 47.6 50.7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Night-time periods Cwm Diffwys -16.6 -11.3 -6.2 -3.4 -2.3 -2.0 -2.0 -2.0 -2.0 Pabyllwyd 37.6 37.8 38.2 38.9 39.8 40.8 42.0 43.4 44.9 Community centre -19.4 -14.0 -9.0 -6.1 -5.0 -4.7 -4.8 -4.8 -4.8 Ddullui Bank n/a 23.9 30.5 34.5 37.9 40.9 43.8 46.6 49.1 Pen-y-lan -18.6 -13.2 -8.1 -5.2 -4.1 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 Pantydwr -18.3 -12.9 -7.9 -5.0 -3.9 -3.7 -3.7 -3.7 -3.7 7. There has been an increased recognition recently, as described in guidance published by the Pen-y-banc -17.2 -11.8 -6.7 -3.9 -2.7 -2.6 -2.6 -2.6 -2.6 Institute of Acoustics Bulletin (Ref. 11-2) for example, that on some sites, the wind shear (i.e. the Craig -18.0 -12.7 -7.6 -4.8 -3.6 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 increase in wind speed with increasing height above ground level) can vary significantly between Cwm farm -17.9 -12.7 -7.6 -4.8 -3.7 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 day time and evening/night time periods. Experience has shown that the atmospheric effects which Ty'n-y-pwll -18.2 -13.1 -8.0 -5.2 -4.0 -3.8 -3.8 -3.8 -3.8 can lead to these enhanced wind shear conditions are more likely to occur on flat, coastal sites Rhiwysgyfarnog -17.5 -12.3 -7.2 -4.4 -3.3 -3.0 -3.0 -3.0 -3.0 than on hilly terrain such as the application site. The baseline levels reproduced above Glyn Ferrion -17.8 -12.8 -7.7 -4.9 -3.7 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 nevertheless incorporate a correction to account for an assumed increased level of wind shear Gwern-y-gigfran -19.5 -14.5 -9.3 -6.6 -5.4 -5.1 -5.1 -5.1 -5.1 effect during night-time periods. In the absence of more detailed data on wind shear variation at Bryn Coch -17.9 -12.8 -7.7 -4.9 -3.7 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 -3.4 the site, and given the character of the local terrain, the corrections for shear effects used within Foel Fawr -15.7 -10.6 -5.4 -2.7 -1.5 -1.2 -1.2 -1.2 -1.2 the Llaithddu Windfarm ES are thought to represent a reasonable allowance for these effects on Foel Fach -18.1 -13.0 -7.9 -5.1 -3.9 -3.7 -3.7 -3.7 -3.7 the measured baseline levels. Cwm Feinon -16.3 -11.3 -6.2 -3.5 -2.2 -2.0 -2.0 -2.0 -2.0 Glyn Fach -19.4 -14.4 -9.3 -6.6 -5.4 -5.1 -5.1 -5.1 -5.1 8. The resulting noise limits are presented in Table 11-8, and were set either at the prevailing Waen Cwm Yr Ynys -15.8 -10.3 -5.2 -2.3 -1.2 -1.1 -1.1 -1.1 -1.1 measured background level plus 5 dB or at the relevant fixed lower limit whichever is the greater. Coed-y-Gaer -19.2 -14.3 -9.2 -6.4 -5.2 -4.9 -4.9 -4.9 -4.9 As for the Development, a fixed lower limit value of 40 dB(A) for day-time periods was used, for the Pwllan -22.9 -17.6 -12.6 -9.8 -8.6 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 reasons outlined in the ES and considering in particular the resulting combined cumulative Neuadd Fach -22.3 -17.1 -12.0 -9.2 -8.1 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 generating capacity of both developments. Cwmffrwd -21.6 -16.2 -11.1 -8.3 -7.2 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 Waenllwydion -20.2 -14.5 -9.5 -6.6 -5.5 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 Wainhir -18.8 -13.2 -8.1 -5.2 -4.2 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 Table 11-8 Derived LA90 Noise Limits (dB) derived at Locations Surrounding the Llaithddu Ty'n-y-celyn -20.7 -15.1 -10.1 -7.2 -6.1 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 Development as Function of 10 m Height Wind Speed Pentre -19.2 -13.8 -8.7 -5.8 -4.7 -4.5 -4.5 -4.5 -4.5 Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s Dugwm Farm -15.4 -9.7 -4.7 -1.8 -0.7 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 -0.6 Reference conditions Gwrhyd -18.0 -12.4 -7.4 -4.5 -3.4 -3.2 -3.2 -3.2 -3.2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bryn Picca -18.5 -13.5 -8.4 -5.7 -4.4 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 Day-time periods Bryn Llyndwr -15.6 -10.9 -5.7 -3.0 -1.7 -1.3 -1.3 -1.3 -1.3 Pabyllwyd 42.0 41.9 42.1 43.1 44.9 46.9 49.2 51.6 54.0 Pabyllwyd -15.3 -10.8 -5.8 -4.2 -4.6 -6.1 -8.4 -10.8 -13.2 South of Pabyllwyd 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.8 43.9 46.8 49.7 52.6 55.7 South of Pabyllwyd -11.1 -7.2 -1.9 -0.3 -1.9 -4.1 -7.0 -9.9 -13.0 Night-time periods Pabyllwyd 43.0 43.2 43.9 44.8 45.8 47.0 48.4 49.9 51.5 South of Pabyllwyd 43.0 43.0 43.0 43.0 43.0 45.9 48.8 51.6 54.1 Table 11-10 Exceedances of the ETSU-R-97 Derived Night-time Limits by the Predicted 9. The assessment shown in tabular form in Table 11-9 and 11-10 shows that the predicted Cumulative LA90 Noise Immission Levels at Each Noise Assessment Location. Negative cumulative windfarm noise immission levels meets the ETSU-R-97 derived noise limits under all values indicate the immission level is below the limit wind speeds and at all locations: both the 40 dB(A) and 43 dB(A) day-time and night-time absolute Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s limit values respectively derived in the ES, and the limits of Table 11-8. This is represented Reference conditions graphically in Appendix 11-B of this SEI report. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Cwm Diffwys -19.6 -14.3 -9.2 -6.4 -5.3 -5.0 -5.0 -5.0 -5.0 Community centre -22.4 -17.0 -12.0 -9.1 -8.0 -7.7 -7.8 -7.8 -7.8 Pen-y-lan -21.6 -16.2 -11.1 -8.2 -7.1 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9 Pantydwr -21.3 -15.9 -10.9 -8.0 -6.9 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 Pen-y-banc -20.2 -14.8 -9.7 -6.9 -5.7 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6 Craig -21.0 -15.7 -10.6 -7.8 -6.6 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 Cwm farm -20.9 -15.7 -10.6 -7.8 -6.7 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 Ty'n-y-pwll -21.2 -16.1 -11.0 -8.2 -7.0 -6.8 -6.8 -6.8 -6.8

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Table 11-10 Exceedances of the ETSU-R-97 Derived Night-time Limits by the Predicted Cumulative LA90 Noise Immission Levels at Each Noise Assessment Location. Negative 11.10 References values indicate the immission level is below the limit Property Wind Speed at 10 m Height, m/s Ref 11-1 Department of Energy and Climate Change. 2010. Draft National Policy Statement (NPS) on Reference conditions Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Rhiwysgyfarnog -20.5 -15.3 -10.2 -7.4 -6.3 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 Ref 11-2 D Bowdler, AJ Bullmore, RA Davis, MD Hayes, M Jiggins, G Leventhall, AR McKenzie; Prediction Glyn Ferrion -20.8 -15.8 -10.7 -7.9 -6.7 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 and assessment of wind turbine noise – agreement about relevant factors for noise assessment Gwern-y-gigfran -22.5 -17.5 -12.3 -9.6 -8.4 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1 from wind energy projects. Institute of Acoustics, Acoustics Bulletin, Vol 34, No 2, March/April Bryn Coch -20.9 -15.8 -10.7 -7.9 -6.7 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 2009. Foel Fawr -18.7 -13.6 -8.4 -5.7 -4.5 -4.2 -4.2 -4.2 -4.2 Foel Fach -21.1 -16.0 -10.9 -8.1 -6.9 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 Ref 11-3 BS 5228-1:2009 ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise’. Cwm Feinon -19.3 -14.3 -9.2 -6.5 -5.2 -5.0 -5.0 -5.0 -5.0 Glyn Fach -22.4 -17.4 -12.3 -9.6 -8.4 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1 Waen Cwm Yr Ynys -18.8 -13.3 -8.2 -5.3 -4.2 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 -4.1 Coed-y-Gaer -22.2 -17.3 -12.2 -9.4 -8.2 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 Pwllan -25.9 -20.6 -15.6 -12.8 -11.6 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4 Neuadd Fach -25.3 -20.1 -15.0 -12.2 -11.1 -10.9 -10.9 -10.9 -10.9 Cwmffrwd -24.6 -19.2 -14.1 -11.3 -10.2 -10.1 -10.1 -10.1 -10.1 Waenllwydion -23.2 -17.5 -12.5 -9.6 -8.5 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 Wainhir -21.8 -16.2 -11.1 -8.2 -7.2 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 Ty'n-y-celyn -23.7 -18.1 -13.1 -10.2 -9.1 -9.0 -9.0 -9.0 -9.0 Pentre -22.2 -16.8 -11.7 -8.8 -7.7 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 Dugwm Farm -18.4 -12.7 -7.7 -4.8 -3.7 -3.6 -3.6 -3.6 -3.6 Gwrhyd -21.0 -15.4 -10.4 -7.5 -6.4 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2 Bryn Picca -21.5 -16.5 -11.4 -8.7 -7.4 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 -7.1 Bryn Llyndwr -18.6 -13.9 -8.7 -6.0 -4.7 -4.3 -4.3 -4.3 -4.3 Pabyllwyd -16.3 -12.1 -7.6 -5.9 -5.5 -6.2 -7.6 -9.1 -10.7 South of Pabyllwyd -14.1 -10.2 -4.9 -2.5 -1.0 -3.2 -6.1 -8.9 -11.4

10. The above assessment therefore demonstrates that the cumulative noise from the operation of both the Development and the Llaithddu Windfarm remain acceptable with regards to the noise assessment methodology presented for each windfarm.

11.9 Statement of Effects

1. The decommissioning and construction noise assessment has determined that associated levels are expected to be audible at various times throughout the decommissioning and construction programme for the revised proposal, but will remain within acceptable limits.

2. It has been demonstrated that both the quiet day-time and night-time derived ETSU-R-97 noise limits at the assessment locations can still be satisfied at all properties across all wind speeds during operation of the Development. At some locations under some wind conditions and for a certain proportion of the time, the windfarm noise may be audible; however, it will still be at an acceptable level according to the ETSU-R-97 guidance.

3. The cumulative effect of other existing or proposed windfarms in the area was also considered, and it was shown that satisfaction of the noise criterion limits could be maintained.

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12.0 Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology 12.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter

12.1 Introduction 1. The Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology chapter of the original ES concluded the following regarding residual environmental impacts: 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) report presents an assessment of the Geological, Hydrological and Hydrogeological impacts associated with the  Changes to the hydrological regime as a result of increased less permeable and hard standing decommissioning of the existing Llandinam windfarm and subsequent repowering and extension areas have the potential to increase downstream flow rates. The adoption of a Drainage exercise (hereinafter referred to as “the Development”) on the receiving environment, compared Management Plan, which is incorporated into the Environmental Management and Pollution with the effects presented in the original Environmental Statement (ES) submitted in May 2008. Prevention Plan (EMPPP), will ensure that flows are maintained and managed within the existing watercourses as closely as possible to current volumes. The draft EMPPP is contained 2. Chapter 4: Project Description of this SEI contains details of the revised development proposals within Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI. It is considered that the catchments have sufficient and Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution explains the main changes made to the layout capacity to absorb this increase and that the residual effect on the local water catchments will presented as part of the ES. In summary, the main changes include: be negligible;  Sedimentation of watercourses and soil erosion (non-peat) within and in the vicinity of  Removal of three turbines in the northwestern area of the site; watercourses will be managed through the Drainage Management Plan and are considered to  Some minor relocation of 12 other turbines and the substation; and have an impact of negligible magnitude. Based on the water quality categorisation for the local watercourses, this is deemed to be a negligible residual effect on grade C and grade B waters,  Amendments to the internal track layout to utilise as much existing track as possible. and minor adverse effects on grade A surface waters; 3. This chapter assesses new relevant legislation and guidance that has been issued after  The potential impact on groundwater within the superficial deposits and solid strata is completion of the original ES chapter, and provide an up-to-date assessment of the issues considered to have an impact of low magnitude. Based on the low permeability or non-aquifer concerned. status of the geology, this is considered to be a negligible residual effect; 4. Table 12-1 summarises the key issues from the consultation responses received following the  The potential impact on water quality from chemical/hydrocarbon pollution and foul drainage is submission of the ES. This SEI chapter seeks to address the issues received from the statutory considered to be of negligible/minor significance under normal circumstances although an consultees of relevance to this chapter, as presented in Appendix 2-A, Volume II of this SEI. impact of potentially low magnitude is possible in the event of an accidental spillage which would be of moderate significance to waterbodies (assuming the effectiveness of Emergency Table 12-1 Consultation Responses Spillage Response Plans and measures);  The construction of culverts in the watercourses and other construction activities are Consultee Response Action Taken / Comments considered to have a worst-case potential for a temporary low magnitude impact on local The EA confirmed that the Geology, watercourse flows during the installation; this effect would be considered to be negligible. The Hydrology and Hydrogeology chapter of the operation of the culverts is considered to have an impact of negligible significance on these original ES was adequate with respect to its Environment watercourses, which are less than 5 metres (m) wide; previous comments regarding flood risk. An Environmental Management and Agency Pollution Prevention Plan (EMPPP) has  The potential impact on the peat deposits on site leading to erosion and potential failure is Wales (EA) The EA noted that a method statement and been prepared and is presented in pollution prevention plan are to be considered to be of low magnitude and of negligible significance; (29/07/08) Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI. produced prior to construction and requested that it be consulted on these  Any localised disruption of shallow sub-surface flow paths as a result the documents. construction/decommissioning of the turbine bases is considered to have a negligible and insignificant effect due to the small-scale, highly localised nature of this impact and limited CCW has requested additional peat probing and assessment for some areas such as Additional peat depth probing has been effects on receptors; and Countryside Area ‘J’ (around T31 & T32), where peat undertaken and is discussed in section  The simultaneous construction of the nearest three cumulative developments (Lliathdu, Council for depths had only been measured using hand 12.5.1 of this SEI chapter. Llanbadarn Ffynydd and Garreg Llwyd Hill), which drain into the River Ithon, could have Wales probing. Mitigation measures in response to the cumulative effects at a district level. However, all other sites that are located further away from (CCW) CCW has requested additional information Development’s design changes are the Development site are unlikely to have a significant cumulative effect due to the distance (29/08/08) on how hydrological impacts from the siting discussed in section 12.6.2 of this SEI between the sites. The residual cumulative effects at district level will be no worse in of infrastructure within peat areas could be chapter. significance than those presented in the original ES, considering the mitigation measures that minimised or mitigated. will be in place. Department of Energy DECC requested additional data in relation and Climate to the proximity of the turbines and other Addressed in section 12.6.2.1, and in a 12.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context Change major construction works to watercourses detailed response to DECC in Appendix 8- (DECC) and characteristics of the tributaries to the H, Volume II of this SEI. 1. Changes to the relevant planning policy context from that presented in the original ES has been River Ithon. (02/02/10) updated and is detailed in Chapter 5: Planning Policy Context of this SEI. However, changes of specific relevance to the hydrological, geological and hydrogeological assessment are summarised in the following paragraphs. 5. This chapter has been prepared by URS.

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12.3.1 National Legislation the peat depth contours have been refined and in some areas the depth of peat has been confirmed as shallower than previously considered by the software. This is the case, for example, 1. The Flood and Water Management Act (Ref. 12-1) was enacted in April 2010. The Act implements in the area surrounding turbines T10, T11 and T16. several key recommendations of Sir Michael Pitt’s Review of the Summer 2007 floods, protect water supplies to consumers and protect community groups from excessive charges for surface 4. Peat depths across the site were recorded during this additional fieldwork to range, generally, from water drainage. The Act’s provisions include new statutory responsibilities for managing flood risk 0.10 m to 1.70 m. In one location, in the south eastern part of the site, peat of up to 2.10 m depth and wider powers for water companies to control non-essential domestic uses of water in times of was recorded. This deeper peat was noted in the area previously identified as having locally deep drought. peat accumulations. In this way, the data collected complimented the findings of the previous peat depth surveys reported in the original ES. 2. As discussed in Chapter 5: Planning Policy Context of this SEI, the National Policy Statements (NPSs) for Energy will be an important material consideration for this Development. With respect to 5. Overall, the additional peat probe information and resulting revised peat depth plan, shown on hydrology, geology and hydrogeology, the NPS for Renewable Energy (NPS-3) (Ref. 12-2) states Figures S12-1, indicates that the areas of deeper peat to generally be more localised than that the assessment should “…include any effects on biodiversity resulting from the disturbance of previously considered, with more areas of shallower peat (0.25 m in thickness or less) noted important habitats such as peat…[and]...provide geotechnical and hydrological information in across the application site. support of applications, identifying the presence of peat at each site, including the risk of landslide connected to any development work.” 6. The updated peat depth plan was a key tool used in amending the design layout of the Development as discussed in Chapter 3; Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI. The 12.3.2 Countryside Council for Wales Guidance relocation of turbines T13, T14 and T18 and the revised access track layout minimise impacts upon deep peat and these changes were informed by the additional peat assessment work that 1. CCW has issued a guidance note on ‘Assessing the impact of windfarm developments on was undertaken. peatlands in Wales’ (Ref. 12-3). The aims of the guidance are to identify the main impacts posed by windfarm developments for peatland habitats, and to guide CCW’s input to the scoping and all 7. The original ES assessed the peat habitats to be of high importance, even though the areas of subsequent phases of environmental assessments and associated case-work, as well as to deeper peat are considered to be more localised and shallower it’s high importance level is indicate to developers the issues that CCW expect to be covered in windfarm impact assessments. retained. A peat stability assessment was presented in Appendix 12-A, Volume III of the original ES, and this remains valid for the purposes of this ES addendum.

12.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria 12.5.2 Water Quality

1. This supplementary assessment retains the methodology and significance criteria presented in the 1. Following submission of the original ES, the River Severn River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) original ES. (Ref. 12-4) has since been published. The RBMP has up-to-date assessments of water quality, and assesses these with respect to the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

12.5 Review of Baseline Conditions 2. The EA does not have any surface water or groundwater sampling points within the boundary of the application site.

12.5.1 Peat Soils 3. The River Severn is shown to have poor Current Ecological Quality, and is predicted to remain 1. In October 2008 additional peat probing was carried out at key areas across the site to further poor going forwards to 2015. Its Current Chemical Quality is classified as Fail, and it is predicted to confirm peat depths, and to inform any revisions to turbine locations and internal track routes, in continue to be classified as Fail in 2015. response to comments from CCW. A total of 236 probe positions were recorded during this survey 4. The tributaries to the Upper Severn and the River Ithon (tributary to River Wye) running from the which included positions noted to be areas of non-bog, streams and existing turbine hardstanding. application site are classified as having Good Current Ecological Quality and are predicted to 2. The additional probe data was added to the existing peat depth data and peat depths assessed remain Good in 2015. Their Chemical Quality is however “Not Yet Assessed” to the WFD across the entire site. Figure S12-1 presents the revised peat depth plan for the site and classifications. supersedes Figure 12-1 of the original ES. By way of further information provided in this SEI, 5. Except for the reassessment of peat depths, and the updated water quality data discussed above, Figure S12-2 shows the locations of the additional peat probing that was undertaken in response this supplementary assessment has not identified changes to the baseline conditions presented in to consultee comments from CCW. The further probing was focused on areas of known or the original ES. suspected deeper peat (i.e. around turbines T11, T18, T20, T32, T35 and T42), but additional peat probing was also undertaken across the wider application site to supplement the existing peat probe data that was presented in the original ES. 12.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measure 3. The revised peat depth plan has provided a more refined picture of the peat depth variance across the application site. The original data was converted to a peat depth contour map using ‘Surfer’ 12.6.1 Assessment of Design Changes software and the most recent version has been created in ArcGIS. Both types of software create a depth contour based on the recorded depth values of a variety of points over an area using a data 1. The design changes to the Development (presented in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design value gradient process in relation to each of the points to develop the contour plan. As more data Evolution of this SEI) will result in a reduced footprint of impermeable surfaces. The impacts of points were added to the plan, the quality of the data output was increased allowing more detail on surface water runoff from the revised layout for the Development are therefore expected to be less the spatial variation of peat depth to be displayed. Due to this increased number of data points, than previously presented in the original ES, which assessed that the area that will be covered by

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impermeable surfaces will account for approximately 2.3% of the total Site area. This low 12.6.2.3 Peat Stability magnitude of impact is considered to be of minor adverse significance as described in the original ES. 1. The altered turbine locations and internal track layout have taken the findings of the additional peat investigation into account and the track routes have been altered in many locations (such as to 2. The laying of tracks and turbines has the potential to redirect water flow paths and block minor T32 and T35) in order to avoid areas of deeper peat. Where possible the proposed track routes watercourses and drains. This could disrupt downstream flows thus impacting local ecology and have been aligned with existing tracks in order to minimise the potential for disruption of peat soils can cause localised flooding in the vicinity of the blockage. The amendments to road layouts will and hence further reduce the potential for peat failures. result in changes to location of the watercourse crossings, lead to a reduction in the number of water crossings required and ultimately, the overall area of potentially affected catchments on-site 2. In terms of the effect of the layout alterations on peat stability, it is considered that while the and downstream. The watercourses within the Application Site all originate within the Site and findings of the peat stability assessment presented in the original ES remain valid, as per the have relatively small catchments. Further, any culvert blockages would only result in localised discussion above, the potential for failure within the peat soils has been reduced by the revised flooding and not increase flood risk to other areas. The impacts of the potential blockages are turbine and internal track layout. therefore assessed as being minor adverse.

12.6.2 Mitigation Measures 12.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes

1. The following paragraphs describe modifications and additions to the mitigation measures outlined 1. The proposed design changes are considered to result in less impact than the scheme previously in the original ES. The mitigation measures described apply to the adverse geological, considered in the original ES. The revised development proposals will have less effect on the hydrological and hydrogeological impacts identified as resulting from the revised layout for the hydrological environment and minimise disturbance to the peat at the site. Development. 2. The original ES described the residual effects associated with the decommissioning of the existing 12.6.2.1 General Llandinam windfarm, and construction / operation of the Development as having a negligible effect on the geology, hydrology and hydrogeology of the Site and surrounding area. The modifications 1. A site-specific draft Environmental Management and Pollution Prevention Plan (EMPPP) has been to the design layout presented in this SEI are not considered to alter the conclusions of the original produced to minimise the potential for polluting substances entering watercourses. This will ES. incorporate a Drainage Management Plan. The draft EMPP is presented in Annex B of Appendix 8-H, Volume II of this SEI. 12.8 Cumulative Effects 2. In addition to the draft EMPPP, detailed and specific construction method statements will be prepared, for submission to CCW and the EA for approval prior to construction. These include the 1. There are a number of other proposed developments in the area that have been consented or design and construction of the construction compound and construction drainage system. have submitted an application (presented in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of the original ES). 3. The draft EMPPP includes measures for ensuring that where excavation of peat is undertaken, loss of water from cut faces is minimised, and also that there is no build up in surface water and/or 2. The cumulative assessment for geological, hydrological and hydrogeological impacts presented in effect in drainage and water quality. the original ES remains valid in light of the design changes, with the exception of the additional Waun Garno windfarm development that has been considered as part of this SEI, located 4. The draft EMPPP includes details of a monitoring plan, including locations of water sampling points approximately 12 km northwest of the Site (and located within in the River Severn catchment). (to be agreed with CCW and the EA), and the water quality parameters to be assessed. 3. The Waun Garno site is considered unlikely to have a significant cumulative effect due to the 5. Most of the turbines are located at a minimum distance of 50 m of the watercourses, with only T2, distance from the Llandinam Site, the small size of the tributaries draining the proposed sites T13 and T39 inside of this distance (approximately 18 m, 31 m and 23 m from watercourses (headwater size), and the distances between the points at which the ultimate outfalls from each respectively). T13 has moved as part of the amended layout, to maximise it’s distance from a gully, windfarm reach a common receptor. and to avoid a localised area of slightly deeper peat identified a result of the additional peat survey work. The mitigation / protection measures outlined in the original ES (section 12.5.1 of Chapter 4. It is anticipated that the cumulative effects between the Development and Waun Garno scheme (at 12) are still considered adequate to avoid significant effects on these watercourses. district level) may be compounded if the construction phases are concurrent. However, with the mitigation measures in place it is considered that the significance of the residual effects is still 12.6.2.2 Interruption to Surface Water Flows unlikely to be greater than those identified within this assessment (i.e. of negligible significance). 1. Watercourse crossings are essential to facilitate access to the individual turbines whilst allowing flow conveyance within watercourses and to maintain surface water flowpaths. Based on the 12.9 Statement of Effects revised layout, it is estimated that there will be approximately 31 new or upgraded river crossings required, compared to 57 in the previous Development layout assessed in the original ES. 1. The effects on the water and geological environment from the Development have been assessed Technical Appendix 12-A, Volume II of this SEI contains information on the locations of these in the original ES, and this SEI chapter. Mitigation measures have been identified which will crossings and the size of the culvert that is required to contain runoff from the 100-year rainfall minimise any significant adverse effects. Following the application of these mitigation measures event. An example of culvert design produced in support of another windfarm which is now the residual effects are still considered to be of negligible significance, corresponding with an operational is provided in Appendix 12-A, Volume II of this SEI. Further road drains will be required insignificant effect on local geology, hydrology, and hydrogeology. In addition, there are not on site; these will be covered within the detailed design phase. considered to be any significant cumulative effects when taking into account the other nearby

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developments. The conclusions of the original ES therefore remain valid in light of the design changes to the Development assessed in this SEI.

12.10 References

Ref. 12-1 Flood and Water Management Act 2010. HMSO

Ref. 12-2 Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) (2011) National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3)

Ref. 12-3 Countryside Council for Wales (2010), Guidance Note : Assessing the impact of windfarm developments on peatlands in Wales.

Ref. 12-4 Environment Agency (2009), Severn River Basin District River Basin Management Plan

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T15

T20 T14

T7 Key Application Site Boundary T19 Proposed Turbine Location T13 T6 Proposed Meteorological Mast

T25 New Track Required T18 T12 T5 Existing Track to be Utilised Turning Area T26 T11 Borrow Pits T17 T4 Contractor Compound Laydown Area

T16 Substation T10 T3 Crane Hardstanding Areas T1 Peat Depth (m) 0 - 0.25 T27 T9 T2 0.25 - 0.50 0.50 - 0.75 0.75 - 1.00 T8 T28 1.00 - 1.25 T29 1.25 - 1.50 1.50 - 1.75

T30 1.75 - 2.00 T37 2.00 - 2.50 T31

T38

T39 T32 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 Metres T40 Approximate Scale1:25,000 at A3 T35

T33 T41 PEAT DEPTH PLAN T36 Figure S12-1

T34 T42 LLANDINAM WINDFARM REPOWERING & EXTENSION SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL

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PP07 PP20 PP14 PP19 PP15 PP15 PP19 PP16 PP01 PP03 PP1 PP08 PP18 PP2 PP17 PP4 PP6 PP8 PP3 PP5 PP7 PP9 PP11 PP13 LLANDINAM WINDFARM REPOWERING & PP10 PP12 EXTENSION SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL PP09 Based upon an Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved License No. AL 100017812 INFORMATION REPORT Chapter 13.0 Land Use, Recreation and Socio Economics

13.0 Land Use, Recreation and Socio-Economics 2. There are also a number of other windfarm schemes in the area currently submitted for planning, or about to be submitted for planning, or previously consented for planning, that were considered 13.1 Introduction in the original ES.

1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) report assesses the land use, 3. Combined, these windfarms (if consented) will make a significant contribution to Wales’ regional recreation and socio-economic impacts associated with the revisions to the design layout of the renewable energy targets and represent a move towards lower social costs of energy production. If Llandinam Windfarm repowering and extension (“the Development”). The revisions to the all the schemes are implemented, they will result in an estimated total of 195 new turbines Development are described in detail in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution and (including the Development), with an anticipated capacity of 398 MW. Furthermore, assuming that Chapter 4: Project Description of this SEI. the number of jobs per turbine is the same for these schemes as for the Development, the original ES concluded that 813 short-term jobs could be directly created during the construction phase of 2. It also addresses the relevant consultation responses received to date and provides additional these windfarms, and 33 long-term jobs during their operational phase. The turbines are also likely information in relation to the economic and social benefits of wind power. to generate new jobs and demand for maintenance and repair services from local firms

3. This chapter has been prepared by URS and should be read in conjunction with Chapter 13: Land 4. The cumulative effect of these schemes was therefore considered to be moderate beneficial, and Use, Recreation and Socio-Economics of the original Environmental Statement (ES). therefore significant in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.

13.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter 13.2.1 Post-Application Consultation Responses

1. Table 13-1 presents a summary of the residual impacts identified in the original ES. An overall net 1. Consultation responses received following submission of the original ES in May 2008 (presented in beneficial effect was anticipated due to an increase in the local community fund, the employment Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of this SEI), identified two key creation during the construction phase, and the contributions to renewable energy targets. These consultee responses with issues of specific reference to this chapter, as follows: effects were predominantly considered to be of minor beneficial significance, although the long- term increase to the community fund (and the associated benefits this brings to the local Table 13-2 Summary of Consultation Responses community) was considered to be moderate beneficial, and therefore significant. Consultee Issue Raised Response / Action T20 does not meet the TAN 8: Renewable Table 13-1 Summary of Socio-Economic Effects Energy recommended separation distance Discussed in section 13.6.5 Measure Significance Explanation (121.2m in this case) from a bridleway, and 11 of this chapter 13 short-term jobs will be created during the turbines do not meet the British Horse Society Employment creation during the Short-term, minor Powys County Council decommissioning phase and 175 short-term jobs recommendation of 200m construction phase beneficial (PCC) will be created during the construction phase Some turbines are outside the Strategic Search Discussed in section 13.3 of Area (SSA) this chapter Employment creation during the Long-term, The number of people employed by the windfarm Discussed in section 13.6.5 operational phase negligible will not change Some turbines are located on Common Land of this chapter The combined social and economic costs of wind power are equal to and potentially lower than those Concerned by the impact of the Development on Discussed in section 13.6.5 Long term, minor of conventional modes of energy production. Social The Ramblers rights of way. of this chapter Other economic effects beneficial costs arise when the costs of production are Association passed onto future generations for example in the T15, T21 and T22 in the original ES lay outside Discussed in section 13.3 of form of the effects of climate change and acid rain. SSA C this chapter Any loss of revenue as a result of halted grazing BHS recommend a minimum separation of Land use during decommissioning Short-term, activities is likely to be offset by the rents paid to British Horse Society 200m between the base of a wind turbine and Discussed in section 13.6.5 and construction phase negligible the landowners (BHS) bridleways, which is not met by the of this chapter Land use during the operational Long-term, Development. No change to land use will take place phase negligible The turbines in the north of the development area are very close to public bridleways, and Discussed in section 13.6.5 Long-term, there is concern among local users that the of this chapter Community benefits Increase in the community fund Members of the Public moderate beneficial development will compromise this amenity. (summary of key Long-term, No study to date has established that windfarms Clarification is sought on the payment of an Tourism and recreation comments) Discussed in section 13.6.3 negligible have a negative effect on tourism annual community fund per megawatt of of this chapter and Appendix The Development will have installed capacity of installed capacity in accordance with TAN 8. Contribution to renewable energy 13, Volume II of this SEI. targets in relation to the 96.6 megawatts (MW) and so will contribute to the Development in isolation i.e. not Long term, minor renewable energy targets set in the Ministerial the cumulative beneficial effect for beneficial Interim Planning Policy Statement (MIPPS) Wales of the Development with (01/2005) other windfarms. 13.3 Review of Changes to Planning Policy Context 1. Full details of the planning policy context are presented in Chapter 5: Planning Policy Context of this SEI. This section provides an overview of the relevant planning strategy and policy framework

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that has been amended or introduced since the submission of the original ES, and which is 13.4 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria relevant to this chapter. 1. The methodology followed in this SEI is consistent with the ES. The additional work that has been 2. The ‘Powys County Council Second Draft Interim Development Control Guidance (IDCG) - undertaken includes the following: Onshore Wind Farm Developments’ (Ref. 13-1) provides development control guidance on windfarms and revises the boundaries of Strategic Search Areas (SSA) originally identified in  Assessment of whether changes to the scheme will alter the socio-economic impacts, including Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8) (Ref. 13-2). Broadly speaking, the revised boundary of the SSA those upon land use, tourism and recreation activities; and C extends the area to the east and reduces it slightly from the north.  Consideration of consultation responses following the submission of the original ES (see 3. As noted in Table 13-2, Powys County Council (PCC) and the Ramblers Association commented Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of this SEI). that turbines T15, T21 and T22 in the original ES lay outside of SSA C. T22 has since been removed from the Development, in response to issues raised by several consultees (as described in Chapter 3: Site Alternatives and Design Evolution of this SEI). T15 and T21 are located on the 2. For the purpose of this assessment a ‘moderate’ or ‘major’ effect has been deemed to be edge of the revised SSA boundary (due to the scale used for the SSA map it is not possible to ‘significant’ in terms of the EIA regulations. definitely state that these turbines are located within this SSA). 13.5 Review of Baseline Conditions 4. With regard to the Development’s location within SSA C, it is important to note that the refinement exercise undertaken by Powys of SSA C provides a more accurate interpretation of what can be 1. There have been no material changes in baseline conditions relevant to this SEI from a socio- realistically developed within the SSA compared to the more strategic-level approach adopted for economic perspective aside from reference being made to new studies and information relating to the purposes of TAN8. This is important because the existing Llandinam windfarm lies outside of the economic and social benefits of renewable energy. SSA C (as presented in TAN8) and so does the Development. However, the May 2008 draft IDCG refined boundary to the SSA shows that the Development lies wholly within the revised boundary 13.6 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures (although it is difficult to ascertain this for certain given the scale and quality of mapping within the IDCG document). In any case, paragraph 2.14 of TAN8 advises that re-powering and/or extension 13.6.1 Economic Impacts of existing windfarms, which may be located outside SSAs, should be encouraged provided that the potential environmental impacts are deemed to be acceptable. This position is further 1. The scale and nature of the changes to the Development (since the original ES) are relatively supported by paragraph 6.2 of the IDCG, which states that: limited. The employment generation during both the construction and operational phases is expected to remain the same as that described in the original ES (see Table 13-1 above), although “…it is a matter for local planning authorities to undertake local refinement within each of new information considered as part of this SEI includes revisions to economic multiplier effects and the SSAs in order to guide and optimise development within each of the areas. If there is further assessment of the significance of cumulative effects. suitable evidence that land outside (but close to) the SSA is suitably unconstrained local planning authorities might wish to consider the possibility of development of wind farms in 2. The original ES was published prior to the PCC publication ’A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A these areas as well”. New approach’ (completed May 2011 and approved by PCC in June 2011). In light of this report, a revised estimate of the job creation potential for the Development (direct, indirect and induced), 5. In addition to the above, although economic policy rather than planning policy, PCC has also has been derived by extrapolation from a draft report submitted to Skills Development Scotland published the document ‘A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach’ (Ref. 13-3) which (SDS) in December 2010 entitled “Windfarm and Renewables Skills Demand in Dumfries and includes key priorities relevant to harnessing Powys’ renewable energy resource and supporting its Galloway” (Ref. 13-4). The revised assessment presented in this chapter therefore covers previous economy, including: ground, taking into account the key factors identified by this new report.

Regeneration Priority 5 - Harnessing Powys’ Natural Assets 3. For comparative purposes, two windfarms were considered as part of the SDS study: Ewe Hill “Potential Quick Win 1 windfarm (comprising 22 turbines and an installed capacity of 50 MW) and Brockloch Rig windfarm Develop, with partners a long term Renewable Energy Support Programme to provide - (comprising 30 turbines and 90 MW of installed capacity). Both sites are located in Dumfries and profile, business network, supply chain development, skills and business, innovation Galloway, a relatively remote and rural location in southwest Scotland, broadly analogous to support, market stimulation. Use this as part of the Powys regeneration reputation - the Powys. 'home' of renewables technology, innovation and development in Wales.” 4. The SDS study derives direct, indirect and induced employment at national (Scotland) and local Regeneration Priority 7 - Supporting Powys’ economy levels from both infrastructure construction (including turbine foundations, roads, onsite cabling, “Potential Quick Win 1 support buildings, onsite substation) and from turbine erection. The figures presented in the SDS A particularly important feature of this priority will be to establish an SME development study are presented in Table 13-3 below. programme, harnessing the roles of the Council’s various partners, with the Council taking an active role in: • Optimising opportunities for SMEs [small and medium enterprises] through procurement • Encouraging construction companies to engage and develop their local supply chains through training and improvement workshops • Facilitating the clustering of SMEs to bid collectively as a consortium for large projects.”

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 Training sessions and ‘meet the developer’ drop-in sessions for local companies to help them in preparation for tendering for renewable energy work. Table 13-3 Windfarm Construction Phase Parameters (from SDS Report) Ewe Hill Brockloch Rig 8. In addition, a ‘Renewables Forum’ has been established (which SPR is a member of), and a Parameter 22 turbines / 50 MW 30 turbines / 90 MW Renewables Officer has been appointed by the forum to liaise with windfarm developers and Infrastructure Construction ultimately aim to maximise such benefits at a regional level.

Estimated Duration of Activity 16 months 18 months 9. In addition SPR has approximately 200 MW of projects currently in the development process in Gross National Level (Scotland) Employment 135 241 Wales, including the nearby Dyfnant windfarm (80-120 MW) in Powys. Direct 65 116 Indirect 46 82 10. It is considered that Powys could accrue similar benefits as are currently being realised in South Induced 24 42 West Scotland if these projects were to be consented and proceed. The cumulative benefits of the Gross Local Level Employment 33 60 Development are discussed further in section 13.8 of this SEI chapter. Direct 26 46 Indirect 4 8 13.6.2 Land Use Induced 3 5 Turbine Erection and Services 1. The impacts on land use remain the same as that described in the ES.

Estimated Duration of Activity 3 months 4 months 13.6.3 Community Benefits Gross National Level (Scotland) Employment 14 24 Direct 7 12 1. The current community benefit arrangements associated with the existing Llandinam Windfarm (as Indirect 5 8 discussed in Chapter 13: Land Use, Recreation and Socio-Economics of theES) will be replaced Induced 2 4 by a more formalised community benefit arrangement. This is likely to be equivalent to at least Local Level Employment (Gross) 0 0 £2,000 per MW installed capacity per annum, index linked, for the life of the windfarm (25 years). Direct 0 0 Based on the revised design layout of 39 turbines and the 2.3 MW candidate turbines, the installed Indirect 0 0 capacity of the Development would be 89.7 MW, and therefore the community benefit payment Induced 0 0 could increase from the current £20,000 per annum to £179,400 from first generation.

5. These figures are comparable to the 175 direct jobs that were estimated would be created during 2. There is no single model for community benefit, with arrangements changing over time, and local the construction of the Development (as presented in Chapter 13: Land Use, Recreation and arrangements made to suit the needs of the communities and comply with any guidance or policies Socio-Economics of the original ES). Based on the above, it is reasonable to suggest that of these e.g. from the relevant local authority. The community benefit also embraces wider socio-economic 175 direct jobs, approximately 40% would be generated locally (i.e. approximately 70 jobs). By benefits discussed in section 13.6.1 above. Following receipt of Section 36 consent CeltPower extrapolation, approximately 140 indirect and induced jobs would also be created in addition to the Limited would work with local stakeholders to develop an appropriate model to maximise local 175 direct jobs. benefits. Appendix 13-A, Volume II of this SEI provides some examples of models which have been applied elsewhere in the UK and which would be discussed with local communities, 6. In total, the Applicant (CeltPower Limited) will be investing approximately £130 million into the stakeholders, and PCC. Development. Based on economic impact assessments of windfarm construction (Ref. 13-5) an estimated 30% of this (in excess of £40 million) could go to procurement of goods and services 3. The community benefits arising from the Development are considered to be of the same from contractors and suppliers in Wales. The two priority actions outlined above in the Powys magnitude and extent as those described in the original ES, and therefore of moderate beneficial Regeneration Strategy would help to increase local content by both improving the skills base of the significance. This is a significant effect, and beneficial in nature. local workforce, and enabling local SMEs to successfully engage in tendering for sub-contracts. 4. Cumulative effects in relation to community benefits are considered in Section 13.8 of this SEI 7. CeltPower Limited is familiar with working with local groups and businesses to deliver economic chapter. benefits locally. For example, ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) (one of the partners of CeltPower Limited), has a significant presence in South West Scotland with over 200 MW of installed 13.6.4 Contribution to Renewable Energy Targets windfarm capacity currently in operation, and is actively working in partnership with local stakeholders in this region to ensure potential opportunities are communicated to the business 1. According to the Welsh Government TAN8 2011 ‘Review of Wind Farm Developer Interest’ (Ref community and benefits are maximised to create sustainable jobs in rural areas. This has included 13-6), there is currently 333.05 MW of operational windfarms in 2011, an additional 317.37 MW developing a bespoke skills model based on independent research, and an economic impact from schemes that have been consented, and 972.6 MW from projects where applications have assessment of windfarm construction work conducted on behalf of Scottish Enterprise (Ref 13-5). been lodged. In partnership with SPR, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, turbine supplier Gamesa, local colleges, Chambers of Commerce and local industry forums, are all working to 2. The contribution of the Development to renewable energy targets has been marginally reduced by assist in rolling out a programme of: the removal of 3 turbines from the Development. The energy output of the windfarm as a result of the modified design will be 89.7 MW (reduced from 96.6MW) based on a candidate turbine with 2.3  Raising awareness amongst the potential work force; MW rating. This is still considered a long-term benefit of minor significance, as described in the ES  Turbine specific construction / installation training via local Colleges; and

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(in the context of the Planning Policy Wales target (edition 4) (Ref. 13-6), which sets a target of 2 13.8 Cumulative Effects GW of installed capacity from onshore wind by 2020). 1. As identified in the consultation responses, there is a need to assess the cumulative effects of 3. It is worth noting however, that 89.7 MW would be a 26.9% increase on the currently operational other nearby windfarms when considered together with the Development. The cumulative schemes, and forms 13.8% of the total projects that are operational or have been consented (Ref. assessment has updated since the original ES to include for the Waun Garno windfarm, 12 km 13-7). In addition, and, given the fact that on the whole, onshore wind projects in Wales are not northwest of the site. Additional information has also been made available for the Llaithddu being consented at the expected rate, the Development comprises 9.2% of the 972.6 MW capacity Windfarm scheme which was considered as part of the original ES cumulative assessment. Both of from projects that are currently at the application stage. these windfarm schemes are in the process of being determined by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). 4. Despite being considered minor significance to the 2020 target of 2 GW, the Development makes an important contribution towards renewable energy targets in Wales. 2. Considering the additional scheme and the further information provided for the Llaithddu scheme in the context of those considered in the original ES, the combined effects of these windfarms (if 13.6.5 Impact on Tourism and Recreation consented) will substantially contribute to Wales’ regional renewable energy targets and represent a move towards lower social costs of energy production (as defined in Table 13-1). If these 1. Consultees raised issues in relation to the proximity of certain turbines to public rights of way, and windfarms, along with all the cumulative schemes mentioned in the ES are implemented, they will the location of certain turbines on common land, as discussed in Table 13-2, and Chapter 2: result in an estimated total of 79 new turbines (including the Development) with an anticipated Assessment Methodology and Significance criteria of this SEI. In response to these comments, an capacity of between 179.8 MW and 188.6 MW (Ref. 13-8 and Ref. 13-9). alternative, optional right of way around T20 will be provided, utilising an existing track as shown in Figure S13-1. 3. Furthermore, considering information from the respective ES’s or, where information is not present assuming that the number of jobs per turbine is the same for these schemes as for the 2. This alternative route achieves separation distances from the turbines as advised in TAN8 (the Development (as discussed in section 13.6.1 of this chapter), between 311 and 351 short-term equivalent to 121.2 m for the candidate turbine) and will be available for use by walkers and horse jobs could be directly created during the construction phase of the windfarms, and 13 long-term riders instead of the formally designated path. The magnitude of effect on the right of way is jobs during their operational phase. The turbines are also likely to generate new jobs and demand therefore reduced, though still considered to be negligible. for maintenance and repair services from local firms.

3. With respect to the potential erection of turbines and associated infrastructure upon common land, 4. Extrapolating the cumulative benefits in terms of jobs, local contracts and community benefits this will be the subject of a separate application under The Commons Act 2006 to the Welsh associated with all the schemes considered in the cumulative assessment, there is clearly Government. substantial benefit at regional and national scale.

4. There is no change to the conclusions of the original ES that the effects on tourism and recreation 5. The cumulative effect of these schemes is therefore considered to be moderate, and beneficial in are negligible. It is anticipated that there will be a negligible effect on the use of public rights of way nature. No significant adverse cumulative effects are anticipated, though there is the potential for and bridleways on the site, and there are no known studies to date that have established a significant beneficial effect associated with the renewable energy contribution and employment windfarms as having a negative effect on tourism. generation of these schemes. The overall effect of the Development and other nearby schemes in aggregate play an important role in contributing to the total Welsh renewable energy target. 5. It is also the experience of the partners of CeltPower Limited that their own windfarms do not affect local tourism. For example, ScottishPower Renewables’ report that its 140 turbine windfarm in central Scotland (Whitelee Windfarm) is heavily used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The 13.9 Statement of Effects Visitor Centre at Whitelee Windfarm has averaged 10,000 visitors per month since opening in late 2009. 1. The residual effects associated with the decommissioning of the existing windfarm, and construction and operational phases of the Development remain the same as that stated in the ES. They have been identified as being of negligible or minor beneficial significance with regards to 13.7 Residual Effects and Conclusions of Design Changes socio-economic and land use effects. There is also predicted to be an impact of moderate beneficial significance as a result of the increase in value of the annual community fund, which is 1. The overall conclusions in the original ES remain the same, although the revisions to the considered a ‘significant’ impact in terms of the EIA Regulations, and beneficial in nature. Development address the concerns raised by stakeholders in response to the original ES. 2. The cumulative effect when considering other proposed or existing developments in the area is 2. It is considered that the Development would have an overall long-term positive effect on the local considered to lead to a number of moderate beneficial effects in terms of community funds and economy, through the provision of employment and other beneficial economic effects. The employment. However, it should also be recognised that the Development plays an important role Development will also provide a positive step towards meeting the government’s regional and in contributing to the total Welsh renewable energy target in combination with all windfarms national targets for renewable energy set out in MIPPS and Planning Policy Wales (version 4). schemes in Wales, and this creates the potential for major positive wider benefits to Wales when considered as a whole. 3. There are impacts of minor beneficial significance associated with the employment creation during construction and the contribution of the Development to renewable energy targets. There is also 3. Indeed, a statement made by the Welsh Government’s First Minister on 7th December 2011 predicted to be an impact of moderate beneficial significance as a result of the increase in value of recognises the benefits of renewables to Wales and highlights their importance in the transition to the annual community fund, which will increase approximately 9-fold as a result of the a low carbon economy: Development. This is considered a ‘significant’ impact in terms of the EIA Regulations, and beneficial in nature.

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“The Welsh Government wants to maximize the generation of electricity from low carbon sources including onshore and offshore renewables…Wales is ‘open for business’ and we are working with the energy sector to help deliver long term prosperity and jobs for Wales. The energy and environment sector is an important contributor to GVA [gross value added] in Wales, had the largest increase in employees at 33% between 2005 and 2009 and the highest birth rate for new firms of the original six priority sectors in Wales in 2008. We will build on this strength, in partnership with industry, to ensure that Wales benefits directly from the transition to a low-carbon economy....We will maximize the benefits of energy infrastructure developments for communities and the wider economy in Wales.”

13.10 References

Ref. 13-1 Powys County Council, 2008, Second Draft Interim Development Control Guidance Ref. 13-2 Welsh Assembly Government, 2005, Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 Ref. 13-3 Powell Dobson (on behalf of Powys County Council), 2011, A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach Ref. 13-4 Slims Consulting, 2010, Windfarm and Renewables Skills Demand in Dumfries and Galloway – A Draft Report to Skills Development Scotland Ref. 13-5 O’Herlihy & Co Limited, 2006, Windfarm Construction: Economic Impact Appraisal. A Final Report to Scottish Enterprise Ref. 13-6 Welsh Assembly Government, 2011, Planning Policy Wales Edition 4 Ref. 13-7 Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8, Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 Review of Wind Farm Developer Interest 2011 consents http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/planningstats/windfarminterest/?lang=en Ref. 13-8 Acciona Energy UK Ltd, 2008, Waun Garno Wind Farm Environmental Statement Ref. 13-9 Fferm Wynt Llaithddu Cyf, 2008, Llaithddu Wind Farm Environmental Statement

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Key Application Site Boundary Proposed Turbine Location Proposed Meteorological Mast Access Track Turning Area T15 Crane Hardstanding Areas Public Right of Way 121.2m Turbine Buffer Zone, taken from centre of Turbine Base (Maximum Height to T20 Blade Tip = 121.2m) Suggested Alternative Path Route (Signposted)

T14

T7 Met Mast 1

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Metres Approximate Scale1:8,000 at A3 T19

PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE FOOTPATH ROUTE T13 FIGURE S13-1 T6

LLANDINAM WINDFARM REPOWERING & EXTENSION SUPPLEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL Based upon an Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved License No. AL 100017812 INFORMATION REPORT [This page has been intentionally left blank] Chapter 14.0 Other Issues

14.0 Other Issues 14.2 Conclusions of the Original ES Chapter 14.1 Introduction 1. The original ES calculated the emissions savings based on the equivalent carbon sequestered 1. Chapters 6 to 13 of this Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) report provide an from a given area of woodland, which, in the absence of guidance from the National Assembly for assessment of the main environmental effects of the decommissioning of the existing Llandinam Wales, was calculated using the ‘Draft Technical Guidance Note’ for calculating carbon savings windfarm and subsequent repowering and extension project (the “Development”). Other issues from windfarms. This document was in draft form at the time of the original ES (May 2008), though relating to the design and operation of the windfarm raised during the scoping and consultation was later published in June 2008 (Ref. 14-1). process have been addressed below. 2. The total CO2 emissions during the Development lifetime were calculated to be 0.36 million tones 2. This chapter has been prepared by URS with input from Wind Business Support. (te) CO2 equivalent. Subtracting the possible carbon savings identified in the original ES as being between 2.55 and 4.62 million te CO2 over the lifetime of the Development, this led to an overall 14.1.1 Consultation Responses carbon balance for the Development as being a saving of 2.20 million te CO2 to 4.26 million te CO2.

1. Following submission of the application and original ES for the Development, consultation 3. This was stated as being the equivalent to the carbon sequestered from approximately 9,900 to responses have been reviewed. These are summarised in Table 14-1 below: 19,300 hectares (ha) of mature (92 year old) beech woodland, or between approximately 18,900 - 38,500 ha of beech of average 50% maturity (46 years old). For comparison, the area within the Development boundary is approximately 1,307 ha (see Chapter 4: Project Description). This net Table 14-1 Summary of Stakeholder Comments to the Original ES carbon saving was considered to be a substantial long-term global environmental benefit. Consultee Comments on the Original ES Action Taken / Response Civil Aviation No site-specific comments to make - 4. The “CO2 payback time”, which is the period of windfarm operation required until there is a net Authority (CAA) on the application saving of CO2, was estimated to be 1.9 years (using the coal CO2 emission factor) and 3.5 years (22/09/08) (using the UK grid supply mix CO2 emission factor). This is a substantially shorter time period than Ministry of Defence No objection to the Development - the 25-year operational period applied for. (MoD) (24/06/08) 5. The original ES concluded that the Development would not generate any emissions to air during NATS (En Route) No safeguarding objection to the - operation, and that operational traffic emissions will be negligible. Activities undertaken during site (NERL) Development preparation and construction will include increased road traffic and disturbance to the soil and (27/06/08) underlying rock, though was deemed to be negligible given that the nearest residential property is National Grid There is the possibility that the Discussed in section 14.3.3 of this located approximately 770 m from proposed construction activities. Wireless proposed windfarm could interfere chapter. 6. An Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) survey was conducted as part of the original assessment, (22/09/08) with Llandinam / Llangurig / Llanidlise seeking to establish if the Development had any potential to affect existing communication rebroadcasting links. infrastructure. This was conducted through consultation with all the relevant system operators. Countryside Council Applicant needs to address The applicant has revised the carbon for Wales (CCW) deficiencies in the carbon balance balance assessment in line with the most 7. The key sensitivities are the potential effects on civil and defence aviation radar, microwave (29/08/08) assessment. Also, the Scottish recent guidance. The revised assessment communications and television broadcasting and reception. The EMI survey addressed all these Natual Heritage (SNH) guidance is presented in section 14.3 of this used to inform the assessment in the chapter. elements to determine the suitability of the site and any mitigation measures required to overcome ES has since been revised. potential affects. Members of the The turbines in the north of the Discussed in section 14.3.4 of this Public (summary of development area are very close to chapter, and also considered in Chapter 8. The original EMI survey concluded that the only potential impact was a low risk of interference with key comments) public bridleways, and there is 13: Land Use, Recreation and Socio domestic television reception for a few isolated properties, for which mitigation solutions would be concern among local users that the Economics. available. No impacts were anticipated on radar, aviation and television or other communications development will compromise this infrastructure. amenity (including concerns about ice throw) 9. The original ES concluded that, with the erection of signage along the public rights of The benefits associated with the CO2 A revised assessment is presented in way/bridleways, the threat of ice throw causing harm, from the Development, would be mitigated. savings are queried in light of the section 14.2 of this chapter. This was based on an assessment of the frequency of ice throw events and the proximity of the backup power generation that will be turbines to receptors along public rights of way. needed as well as the CO2 emissions associated with the construction phase (e.g. peat disturbance, cement 14.3 Assessment of Design Change Effects and Mitigation Measures production, HGV movements etc.) 14.3.1 Carbon Balance 1. Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI describes the key changes to the Development. This includes the removal of three turbines, relocation of 12 turbines and reduction in new track from 19 km to 11.6 km.

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Table 14-2 Revised Parameters used in CO2 emission calculations since the original ES 2. The calculation of CO2 emissions from other aspects of the Development construction has used Parameter Comment Min. Max. Units the new calculation tool ‘Calculating carbon savings from wind farms on Scottish peat lands - A Value Value New Approach’ (version 2.4.0) (Ref. 14-2), which was published in October 2011. This is the Length of access track that is See Chapter 4: Project Description of 24,300 24,300 m updated version of the tool used for assessing CO2 savings applied in the original ES. The excavated road SEI and Figure S4-1 methodology therefore differs from that used in the original ES, which leads to differences in the Improvement of C sequestration at site by blocking drains, restoration of habitat etc presented results. The amended parameters used in the calculations (based on the revised design Time required for hydrology and Estimated 5 15 years layout for the Development) are summarised in Table 14-2, based on a minimum and maximum habitat of bog to return to its value. The latter assumes the maximum turbine capacity will be 2.3 MW so as to avoid potentially previous state on improvement over estimating the potential benefits, despite the Section 36 application being for 117 MW (should Time required for hydrology and Estimated 5 15 years a suitable 3 MW turbine be used). habitat of felled plantation to return to its previous state on

improvement

Restoration of site after decommissioning Table 14-2 Revised Parameters used in CO2 emission calculations since the original ES Will you attempt to block any Based on worst case assumptions No No n/a Parameter Comment Min. Max. Units gullies that have formed due to Value Value the windfarm? Windfarm characteristics Will you attempt to block all Based on worst case assumptions No No n/a Number of turbines See Chapter 4: Project Description of 39 39 n/a artificial ditches and facilitate SEI and Figure S4-1 rewetting? Capacity factor (percentage See Chapter 4: Project Description of 25 35 % Will you control grazing on Based on worst case assumptions No No n/a efficiency) original ES and Figure S4-1 degraded areas? Extra capacity required for Based on default value provided in the 4 6 % Will you manage areas to favour Based on worst case assumptions No No n/a backup Guidance Note reintroduction of species Additional emissions due to Based on default value provided in the 9 11 % reduced thermal efficiency of the Guidance Note 3. The revised net CO2 emissions and payback over the operational lifetime of the Development are reserve generation shown in Table 14-3. Peatland characteristics Average air temperature at site Estimated from default values provided 8 10 ºC Table 14-3 CO emissions over the Development lifetime (te CO ) in the Guidance Note 2 2 C Content of dry peat Based on default value provided in the 50 60 % Parameter Min Max (percentage by weight) Guidance Note value value Average water table depth at site Estimated based on default value 0.0 0.5 m CO2 loss during construction 135,375 198,310 provided in the Guidance Note CO2 savings during operation - coal-fired electricity generation (te CO2/yr) 166,977 239,268 -3 Fresh soil bulk density Estimated based on default value 0.09 0.11 g cm - grid-mix of electricity generation(te CO2/yr) 82,506 121,009

provided in the Guidance Note - fossil fuel-mix (te CO2/yr) 119,044 167,212 Average soil pH Estimated based on default values 4.8 5.0 n/a Expected payback time - coal-fired electricity generation (years) 0.8 0.8 provided in the Guidance Note - grid-mix of electricity generation (years) 1.6 1.6

Characteristics of bog plants - fossil fuel-mix (years) 1.1 1.2 Time required for regeneration of Estimated based on default values 5 15 years bog plants after restoration provided in the Guidance Note - Carbon accumulation due to C Estimated based on default values 0.2 0.3 TC ha 4. The total CO2 emissions during construction of the Development were calculated to be between 1 -1 fixation by bog plants in provided in the Guidance Note yr 0.14 - 0.20 million te CO2. Taking into account the possible carbon savings (identified as 0.08 - undrained peats 0.24 million te per year) the CO2 payback time (which is the period of windfarm operation required Borrow pits until there is a net saving of CO2) is between 0.8 years and 1.6 years. This is a substantially Average depth of peat removed See Chapter 4: Project Description of 0.25 0.5 m shorter time period than the 25-year operational period applied for, and less than the 1.9 - 3.5 year from pit the original ES and Figure S12-1 payback period that was suggested in the original ES based on the draft version of the calculator Wind turbine foundations tool. Average depth of peat removed See Chapter 4: Project Description of 0.5 1.0 m from turbine foundations the original ES and Figure S12-1 14.3.2 Air Quality Hard-standing area associated with each turbine Average width of hard-standing See Chapter 4: Project Description of 40 40 m 1. The amendment to the Development is not anticipated to materially change the predicted effects to the original ES and Figure S4-1 air quality. The revised track layout is not noticeably closer to existing dwellings, and the removal Average depth of peat removed See Chapter 4: Project Description of 0.5 1.0 m of three turbines and reduction in the amount of new track needing to be constructed means that from hard-standing the original ES and Figure S12-1 that the conclusions of the original ES remain valid. In summary, the impact to air quality is

Access tracks predicted to be slightly less than presented in the original ES, though still of negligible significance. Total length of access track See Chapter 4: Project Description of 24,300 24,300 m SEI and Figure S4-1 Existing track length See Chapter 4: Project Description of 12,700 12,700 m SEI and Figure S4-1

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14.3.3 Electromagnetic Interference 14.3.4 Ice Throw

1. The changes to the design layout are not anticipated to have any significant affect on the impacts 1. The assessment methodology used to determine the ice throw impact is unchanged. on radar, aviation or domestic television reception. To ensure the original assessment remained valid in terms of potential impacts on the communications and television networks, a second round 2. The only change in baseline conditions of relevance is the addition of a length of bridleway, to of consultations was conducted, with the result that the Development continues to have no avoid T20; the turbine in closest proximity to any public right of way. An alternative route has been impacts. Details of the second round of consultations and the findings are provided below. provided which complies with the minimum separation distance between turbines and rights of way, outlined in TAN 8. This alternative route allows the public to choose to avoid proximity to this 14.3.3.1 Television and Radio Reception turbine (i.e. avoid passing a turbine within the TAN 8 minimum separation distance). This issue is discussed further in Chapter 13: Land Use and Socio Economics of this SEI. Whilst this may have 1. Because of the fast changing pace of telecommunications developments, a further round of a small effect in reducing the exposure of receptors under potential icing conditions, the overall consultation was undertaken to ensure that no changes to existing or planned ultra high frequency assessment remains unchanged. Hence the conclusion remains that the low risk of ice throw (UHF) and microwave links has occurred which would result in a change in the expected impact of events has been mitigated by maintaining sufficient separation between turbines and the public. the Development since submission of the application. The consultees were as follows: 14.3.5 Shadow Flicker  The Office of Communications (Ofcom);  Arqiva; 1. As stated within the original ES, shadow flicker is of concern where properties are closer than 10  British Telecom (BT); rotor diameters away from turbines.  Cable and Wireless;  T-Mobile; 2. In the original ES turbine T25 was, located approximately 9.3 rotor diameters from the nearest  Orange; residential property, Waen Cwm Yr Ynys. The revised layout ( as discussed in Chapter 3: Site  MLL Telecom; Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI), has resulted in turbine T25 being relocated 82 m to  O; the southwest such that it is now greater than 10 rotor diameters from this property. In the original 2 ES, turbine T25 was predicted to have a negligible effect in terms of shadow flicker, despite its  Joint Radio Company (JRC); and location within 10 rotor diameters of a property. The predicted negligible effect from this turbine  Atkins Global (representing the interests of water utilities, replacing CSS). therefore remains valid in light of the revisions to the design layout, given the increased distance

between T25 and the property. 2. There has been no change to the television broadcast infrastructure in the area, other than the planned switch-over to digital only transmission, which is now complete. The assessment methodology and conclusions from the original ES therefore remain valid. 14.4 References

3. Following consultation with Arqiva, they have advised that they do not anticipate disruption to their Ref. 14-1 Nayak et. al. 2008. Calculating carbon savings from wind farms on Scottish peat lands - A New network. The removal of the three most northerly turbines has reduced the potential impact on the Approach (Funded by Scottish Government). rebroadcast link between Llandinam and the two relay transmitters at Llanidloes and Llangurig. In any event Arqiva have requested that should any unforeseen impact on these existing transmitters Ref. 14-2 Scottish Government (2011) Calculating Carbon Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish occur as a result of the Development, the Applicant (CeltPower Ltd) should agree a mitigation Peatlands - A New Approach strategy with Arqiva in order to remediate any impact. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-sources/19185/17852- 1/CSavings 4. The re-consultation with mobile network operators raised concerns about potential interference with an existing microwave link operated by MLL Telecom. A number of turbines were determined to be too close to the link path. This resulted in a need to re-site several turbines such that minimum separation from the link was achieved (as discussed in Chapter 3: Site Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI). The revised layout has now been checked and agreed with MLL Telecom and there are no residual impacts. The revised layout presented includes the modifications required to mitigate the potential impacts on the MLL Telecom link.

5. The consultations raised no other concerns, and the original conclusions remain valid, that there are no impacts on television and telecommunications networks.

14.3.3.2 Radar and Aviation

1. There has been no change to the baseline conditions or the methodology for the radar and aviation assessment, and the conclusions of the original ES therefore remain valid. Responses have been received from the aviation stakeholders, with no objections being raised with regard to the Development. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), NATS En-route Ltd (NERL) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are all statutory consultees (as outlined in Table 14-1).

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15.0 Residual Effects and Conclusions 2. Generally the revised Development (as presented in this SEI) has a reduced effect on the environment compared with the residual effects presented in the original ES. This has not 15.1 Introduction necessarily led to a change in the majority of the effects identified in the ES however. For example although the revised Development results in a noticeable improvement in the visibility of the 1. This chapter of the Supplementary Environmental Assessment (SEI) report presents a summary of turbines at several of the viewpoints assessed in Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual, Table 15-1 the residual effects associated with the decommissioning of the existing Llandinam windfarm and shows there to be only one change to the conclusions of the original ES, which is a slight increase proposed repowering and extension project (“the Development”). Residual effects are defined as in the visibility of the Development at Viewpoint 13 in Grach. those impacts that remain following the implementation of mitigation measures. The mitigation measures for each area of environmental and social effect are discussed (where applicable) in full 3. The changes to the residual effects presented in Table 15-1 are, as follows: in the relevant technical chapters of this SEI (chapters 6 to 14).  At Viewpoint 13, Grach (see Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual) the slight movement to T41 results in one additional blade tip being visible from this footpath on Glyndwr’s Way. This 15.2 Changes to the Residual Effects results in a slight increase to the horizontal angle subtended by the turbines with blade tip movement apparent above the nearby horizon resulting in a moderate magnitude of change 1. Table 15-1 presents a summary of the residual effects associated with the Development. The table and major/moderate effect for high sensitivity walkers on this footpath, representing a change only presents the changes that have occurred to the magnitude or significance of the effect due to to the effect assessed in the ES. The effect would be less apparent on the lower part of the the amendments made to the Development since the original ES, as discussed in Chapter 3: Site hill, increasing with ascent up the path Selection and Design Evolution of this SEI. This table should therefore be read in conjunction with Tables 15-1 to 15-8 presented in Chapter 15: Residual Effects and Conclusions of the original ES.  The substantial reduction in new tracks and modifications to the track layout to avoid areas of deeper peat results in an improved effect on peatland habitat compared with the original ES. Table 15-1 Changes to the Residual Effects since the Original ES The effect on peatland habitat was not assessed in its own right within the original ES, where it Significance – Significance – as fell under the assessment of ‘Impact upon component habitats’, though this was considered to Nature of Chapter Description Scale as reported in presented in this be of major adverse significance and therefore ‘significant’ using the significance criteria Effect the Original ES) SEI presented in Chapter 8: Ecology of the original ES. to the effect on peatland habitat is now Chapter 6: Visual effects on considered to be a moderate adverse and therefore ‘not significant’ in terms of the Adverse, Landscape Viewpoint 13 at Local Moderate Major/Moderate Long-term Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (using the criteria presented in Chapter 8: and Visual Grach Ecology of the original ES); Impact upon Adverse, Local Major Moderate component habitats Long-term  The effect on water voles and great crested newts has been downgraded from minor adverse Loss of Peatland Adverse, Moderate (not Local Major to no impact, or negligible significance. Further consideration of these species in this SEI (see Habitat* Long-term significant) Chapter 8: Ecology) demonstrated that neither species is expected to be present within or Adverse, No impact Impact on Water Vole Local Minor Chapter 8: Long-term (negligible) close to the application site to be affected by the Development; Ecology Adverse, Impact on Dormice Local - ** Negligible Long-term  The removal of three turbines in the northwest of the application site and relocation of 12 other Impact on Great Adverse, No impact turbines (discussed in Chapter 3: Site Section and Design Evolution) has reduced the visual Local Minor crested newt Long-term (negligible) effect on Plas Dinam House and Gardens from moderate adverse to minor adverse. This effect Impact on White- Adverse, is now considered to be ‘not significant’ (whereas in the original ES it was deemed ‘significant’); Local - ** Negligible clawed crayfish Long-term and Potential for impact Adverse, Local / on Plas Dinam House Moderate Minor Long-term Regional  The significance of potential indirect visual impacts on the Caersws Basin and Clywedog Valley and gardens Registered Historic Landscapes has increased from minor/moderate to moderate. This is due Potential indirect to a change in the assumptions made in the ASIDOHL2 in response to comments from CCW visual impact on rather than changes to the Development however (see Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage). The Caersws Basin and Adverse, Local / Minor/Moderate Moderate Chapter 10: Clywedog Valley Long-term Regional removal of the three turbines from the northwest part of the site increases the distance Cultural Registered Historic between the Caersws Basin and the Development and means that at most views from the Heritage Landscapes Basin, the turbines would be seen behind the northern edge of the Waun Ddubarthog ridge Potential indirect rather than on the top of the ridge closest to this area. impacts on the listed buildings/ Adverse, Local / Minor Minor / Negligible  The removal of these same three turbines has also significantly decreased the indirect impacts conservation towns of Long-term Regional on the conservation areas of the towns of Llandinam and Llanidloes, to a level where the Llandinam and visibility of turbines would be minor, or virtually negligible given screening from treecover and Llanidoes the urban environment. *Loss of peatland habitat was not assessed in its own right within the original ES, where it fell under the assessment of ‘Impact upon component habitats’, which was considered to be of major adverse significance. ** The residual effect on Dormice and White-clawed Crayfish was not presented in the original ES.

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15.3 Summary and Conclusions

1. The Development (as presented in this SEI) is generally considered not to have significant adverse effects on the environment, with the exception of a small number of landscape and visual effects.

2. The effect of the amended layout on the landscape and visual setting is generally less than in the original ES, though despite this improvement the residual effects are considered to be broadly the same as for the original layout.

3. The revised access track layout represents a positive design change, by reducing the overall level of disturbance within the application area through utilisation of more of the existing routes. This reduces the length of new access track required from 19 km to 11.6 km and reuses 12.7 km of existing track (previously this was only 4 km), which has led to the loss of peatland habitat now being considered ‘not significant‘ (using the criteria presented in Chapter 8: Ecology of the original ES).

4. In terms of the assessment of effects on landscape character identified in the submitted ES, the overall number of significant effects on landscape character arising from the revised Development layout generally remains the same (with the exception at Viewpoint 13), even though the revised design would result in noticeable improvement for several of the views identified above.

5. The predicted impact of the Development on the grade II listed Plas Dinam House and gardens has also been reduced from moderate adverse to one of minor adverse significance in light of the modifications to the design layout, and is therefore no longer significant.

6. The contribution of the Development to renewable energy targets has been marginally reduced by the removal of 3 turbines from the Development. The energy output of the windfarm as a result of the modified design will be 89.7 MW (reduced from 96.6MW) based on a candidate turbine with 2.3 MW rating. This is still considered a long-term benefit of minor significance in the context of the Planning Policy Wales target (edition 4) of 2 GW of installed capacity from onshore wind by 2020.

7. There is also predicted to be an impact of moderate beneficial significance as a result of the increase in value of the annual community fund, which will increase by approximately nine times compared with the existing fund as a result of the Development (this residual effect has not changed since the original ES). This is considered a ‘significant’ impact in terms of the EIA Regulations, and beneficial in nature

8. In addition, there are important beneficial cumulative effects associated with renewable energy provision, community funds and employment generation when the Development is considered alongside the other windfarm schemes that were considered as part of the assessment.

9. Overall, the revisions to the design layout as presented in this SEI have reduced the associated environmental effects of the Development compared with those described in the original ES, although the significance of the assessed residual impacts remain generally consistent with those reported in the original ES.

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