Mynydd Pen-y-Graig Wind Farm Design and Access Statement

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited

2212959 HCL House Fortran Road St Mellons Business Park St Mellons CF3 0EY Tel: +44 (0)29 2092 6700

Fax: +44 (0)29 2092 5222 www.hyderconsulting.com

Mynydd Pen-y-Graig Wind Farm Design and Access Statement

Author Sarah Tooby

Checker David Jones

Approver Leslie Walker

Report No 0004-UA005024-UE31-01

Date March 2015

This report has been prepared for Mynydd Pen-y-Graig Wind Farm Limited in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited (2212959) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.

Mynydd Pen-y-Graig Wind Farm March 2015 Design and Access Statement

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Site Location ...... 2 1.3 Project Description ...... 3 1.4 Site Context ...... 3 2. Planning Policy and Guidance ...... 5 2.1 Introduction ...... 5 2.2 National Planning Policy ...... 5 2.3 Local Planning Policy ...... 7 2.4 Other Guidance ...... 9 3. Design ...... 10 3.1 Introduction ...... 10 3.2 Vision ...... 10 3.3 Site Selection ...... 10 3.4 Feasibility Studies ...... 11 3.5 Design Strategy ...... 11 3.6 Design Evolution ...... 12 3.7 Design Consultation ...... 14 4. Design Solution...... 15 4.1 Introduction ...... 15 4.2 Character ...... 15 4.3 Landscaping and Habitat Enhancement...... 19 4.4 Safety ...... 20 4.5 Environmental Sustainability ...... 21 5. Access ...... 23 5.1 Introduction ...... 23 5.2 Movement ...... 23 5.3 Public Rights of Way/Public Access ...... 24 5.4 Access for All ...... 24 6. Conclusions ...... 25 7. References ...... 26

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1 Introduction 1.1 Background

1.1.1 The Applicant, Mynydd Pen-y-Graig Wind Farm Limited, is a member of the Infinis Energy plc group of companies (‘Infinis’). The Applicant is proposing to develop the Mynydd Pen-y-Graig wind farm on land at Grid Reference E298670, N190740, near , . The Mynydd Pen-y-Graig wind farm is hereafter referred to as ‘the Development’.

1.1.2 This Statement has been prepared in accordance with statutory legislation, as set out under the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) () Order 2009 (Ref D-1), which provides that a statement covering design concepts and principles and access issues is submitted with an application for planning permission.

1.1.3 Preparation of the Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been undertaken in accordance with the following national and local policy guidance:

 Design and Access Statements in Wales: Why, What and How, Design Commission for Wales (2014) (Ref D-2);  Technical Advice Note 12: Design, Welsh Assembly Government (2009) (Ref D-3);  Welsh Statutory Instrument (2009) No. 1024 (W.87) (Ref D-4)  Rhondda Cynon Taf County Bourough Local Development Plan up to 2021 (Adopted March 2011) (Ref D-5);  Bridgend County Borough Council Local Development Framework (2013) (Ref D-6);  Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Unitary Development Plan (2008) (Ref D-7);

 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Deposit Local Development Plan (2013) (Ref D-8);

 Planning Policy Wales, 7th Edition, Welsh Government (July 2014) (Ref D- 9);  Design and Placemaking SPG, RCTCBC March 2011 (Ref D-10); and  Designing Wind Farms in Wales, Design Commission for Wales (Updated 2014) (Ref D-11). 1.1.4 This Statement accompanies a full planning application for the Development and provides details of the design principles that have influenced the wind farm proposal and the access issues associated with the Development site in accordance with relevant policy and guidance.

1.1.5 The Statement forms part of a suite of documents which comprise the planning application for the Development. These consist of application drawings, forms

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and certificates, a Planning Statement, an Environmental Statement (ES) (including a Non Technical Summary), a Statement of Community Consultation and a Transport Statement.

1.1.6 A detailed description of the Development is provided in Section 3 in relation to the following works, as set-out within the planning application:

‘The erection of up to 5 No. three-bladed wind turbines of up to 115m tip-height and their foundations, together with ancillary development including a compound containing a substation and control building; on-site underground electrical cables; on-site access tracks; crane hardstandings, temporary construction compound; fencing; site signage and site access from the public highway.’

1.1.7 No single approach is required by the above guidelines, and the content and level of detail to be contained within a DAS varies, depending upon the scale and type of the development proposed. Within the context of this planning application, it is therefore proposed that the structure of the DAS is set-out broadly in line with these guidelines as far as is relevant to the Development. 1.2 Site Location

1.2.1 The Development is located within the Rhondda Valley, approximately 1km from Penygraig to the east and approximately 1.5km from to the north. The location of the Development is shown in Drawing 0001. Currently the land is used for the grazing of livestock. The A4119 road between and Tonypandy passes approximately 1km to the east of the site boundary. The site is within the vicinity of a number of other wind farms:

 2km to the east of the Fforch Nest and Pant y Wal wind farms;  4km to the north of the Taff Ely and Mynydd Portref wind farms;  6km to the south of the Ferndale wind farm;  10km to the south of the wind farm;  17km to the south east of the Ffynnon Oer wind farm; and  10km to the south east of the under construction Pen y Cymoedd wind farm at its closest point. 1.2.2 It is noted that the planning application submitted falls under the jurisdiction of three different local planning authorities (LPAs). The wind farm itself would be within Rhondda Cynon Taf County Bourough Council (RCTCBC), although the access route to the Development is partially within RCTCBC, it also passes through Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC) and Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC). Drawings 0001, 0002 and 0003 show the application boundary within each of the LPA boundaries. As such, three identical planning applications have been submitted, one to each of the three authorities. Each LPA is required to determine the part of the application that falls within its planning jurisdiction.

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1.3 Project Description

1.3.1 The Development consists of the following elements, as shown on Drawing 0004:

 Five three-bladed wind turbines of up to 115m tip-height, with an indicative total installed capacity of between 10 and 15MW;  Turbine foundations;  Crane hardstandings;  On-site access tracks;  A site access route from the public road network (including forestry access tracks in RCTCBC, BCBC and NPTCBC);  A compound containing a substation and control building;  Underground electrical cables;  A temporary construction compound;  Fencing; and  Site signage. 1.3.2 The Development would be operational for 25 years. Should there be a proposal for the wind turbines to be replaced or refurbished after 25 years, this would be subject to a future, separate, planning application and relevant assessments at the time. Therefore the assessment presented here only considers the 25 year life of the Development. 1.4 Site Context

1.4.1 The planning application boundary, as defined by the red line boundary on Drawing 0001 submitted as part of the planning application covers an area of 35.53hectares (ha). This includes an operational infrastructure requirement of 2.23ha and an area of 0.50ha for temporary works during construction. It is noted that the areas, as defined by the red line boundary, within each local planning authority is as follows:

 Site area RCTCBC: 31.21ha;  Site area NPTCBC (access route only): 3.12ha; and  Site area BCBC (access route only): 1.20ha.

1.4.2 There are no land use allocations or statutory designations affecting the application site. In terms of non-statutory designations, Mynydd y Gilfach Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and SINC, include the locations of Turbines 1-3. The application site also lies within a designated Historic Landscape, and an area for the safeguarding of sandstone, which are also non-statutory designations.

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1.4.3 The site locality is made up of a landscape largely defined by rough grazing land and adjacent forestry, with the urban edge of a settlement within the Rhondda valley to the east and that of Gilfach Goch to the west.

1.4.4 Access to the Development would be from the north, leaving the public highway from the A4061 between and Maerdy, running along existing forestry; re- entering the public highway on the A4107 to the east of Blaengwynfi; and leaving the public highway again from the A4061 onto existing forestry tracks to the site.

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2 Planning Policy and Guidance 2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 The design of the Development has been influenced by a range of planning policy considerations, as well as good practice guidance. Full details of the planning policy framework is provided within the Planning Statement which accompanies the planning application.

2.1.2 This section provides an outline and assessment of the design policy framework at both a national and local level that is of relevance to the Development. 2.2 National Planning Policy

Planning Policy Wales 7th Edition, Welsh Government (July 2014)

2.2.1 Planning Policy Wales 7th Edition, Welsh Government (July 2014) (PPW) (Ref D-9) (paragraph 4.11.2) states that “meeting the objectives of good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process and applied to all development proposals”. These objectives can be categorised into five key aspects of good design:

 Environmental sustainability;  Movement;  Character;  Community Safety; and  Access 2.2.2 These and their associated explanations are presented in Figure 1.

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Figure 1 - Objectives of Good Design

Source: PPW 7th Edition (2014) (Ref D-9)

2.2.3 PPW states clearly (paragraph 4.11.3) that the design principles and concepts that have been applied to these aspects of good design should be reflected in the content of any DAS required to accompany relevant applications for planning permission.

2.2.4 PPW considers (paragraph 4.11.9) that “the visual appearance of the proposed development, its scale and relationship to its surroundings and context are material planning considerations”. Whilst noting that LPAs should reject poor building and contextual designs, guidance makes clear that LPAs should not attempt to impose a particular architectural taste or style arbitrarily, and should avoid inhibiting opportunities for innovative design solutions.

2.2.5 In preparing a DAS, applicants are advised that an integrated and inclusive approach to sustainable design should be followed, proportionate to the scale and type of the development proposed.

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Technical Advice Note (TAN) 12: Design – Welsh Assembly Government (2009)

2.2.5 TAN 12: Design (Ref D-3) is the principal source of design guidance for Wales and provides a broad framework with which to steer design standards and principles at the local level. It fully advocates those aspects of good design identified in PPW 7th Edition and presents a series of design guidelines to deliver these elements.

2.2.6 Appendix 1 of TAN 12 includes further detail regarding the content and form of a DAS and has informed the structure of this document. In relation to design, TAN 12 states that a DAS must explain the following:

. Access; . Character; . Community Safety; . Environmental Sustainability; and . Movement to, from and within the development. 2.2.7 One aspect highlighted as being of particular importance within the guidance are the contributory elements that define the character of the proposal, as set-out in PPW 7th Edition, namely the principles of ‘amount’, ‘layout’, ‘scale’, ‘appearance’ and ‘landscaping’ and how these have been addressed within the development proposal. 2.3 Local Planning Policy

2.3.1 The plan-led approach to development, as outlined in Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Ref D-12) requires development proposals to accord with the adopted development plan unless material considerations determine otherwise. The current statutory development plan for the site area and part of the access route comprises the RCTCBC LDP (Ref D-5). As noted above, the main access track for the Development also passes through BCBC and NPTCBC. The current development plan for the former is the BCBC LDP (Ref D-6) and for the latter, the NPTCBC UDP (Ref D-7), although the LDP is in an advanced state of preparation and is considered to be a material consideration for planning decisions within NPTCBC (Ref D-8).

2.3.2 The key design and access-related policies contained within the development plans for RCTCBC and BCBC are referred to below and have been taken into account in the design of the Development. Although no physical works are proposed in NPTCBC, access policies have been included in relation to Public Rights of Way. Other relevant policies are included within the Planning Statement that accompanies this application for planning permission.

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Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan up to 2021 (Adopted March 2011)

2.3.3 The relevant development plan policies are set out in Chapter 4 of the Planning Statement that accompanies this planning application. In addition, Policy AW6 (Design and Placemaking) specifically refers to design.

2.3.4 Policy AW6 requires that development proposals will be supported where: “They are appropriate to the local context in terms of siting, appearance, scale, height, massing, elevational treatment, materials and detailing.”

2.3.5 Other supported development proposals include where:

“The design protects and enhances the landscape and biodiversity;

The development promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy; and

The design promotes good water management, including rainwater storage, sustainable urban drainage, porous paving etc.”

2.3.6 Section 4 of this DAS provides detailed proposals in relation to how the design of the Development will seek to enhance local landscape and biodiversity considerations. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Unitary Development Plan (Adopted March 2008)

2.3.7 The relevant development plan policies are set out in Chapter 4 of the Planning Statement that accompanies this planning application. Specifically, Policy T12 (Footpath, Cycleways and Bridleways) states, inter alia, that:

‘…C) Planning permission will not be granted for proposals which would lead to the loss of footpaths, bridleways or cycle routes unless acceptable alternative routes would be provided, or the routes affected no longer have a useful role.’ Bridgend County Borough Council Local Development Plan 2006-2021 (Adopted September 2013)

2.3.8 The relevant development plan policies are set out in Chapter 4 of the Planning Statement that accompanies this planning application. In addition, Policy SP2 (Design and Sustainable Place Making) specifically refers to design:

‘All development should contribute to creating high quality, attractive, sustainable places which enhance the community in which they are located, whilst having full regard to the natural, historic and built environment by:

1. Complying with all relevant national policy and guidance where appropriate;

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2. Having a design of the highest quality possible, whilst respecting and enhancing local character and distinctiveness and landscape character;

3. Being of an appropriate scale, size and prominence…

8. Avoiding or minimising noise, air, soil and water pollution;

9. Incorporating methods to ensure the site is free from contamination (including invasive species);

10. Safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity …’

2.3.9 Section 5 of this DAS provides detailed proposals in relation to access to the Development, which is relevant to all three planning authorities. 2.4 Other Guidance

Design and Access Statements in Wales: Why, What and How, Design Commission for Wales (Updated 2014)

2.4.1 The Design and Access Statements in Wales: Why, What and How Guidance (Design Commission for Wales (DCfW), 2014) (Ref D-2) highlights that “early consideration of design issues is essential and central to good development. It is a formal record illustrating the design process, allowing a co-ordinated and effective consultation process to take place.” Designing Wind Farms in Wales, Design Commission for Wales (Updated 2014)

2.4.2 The Designing Wind Farms in Wales Guidance (DCfW, 2014) (Ref D-11) is a non-statutory document, although it states that it is compliant and builds upon the requirements included within PPW, TAN 8 and TAN 12. Although consideration has been given to its contents throughout the DAS, the guidance is primarily aimed towards large scale wind farms, as opposed to small to medium scale wind farm developments.

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3 Design 3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 This section considers the need for renewable energy and the process of site selection, followed by an outline of the design principles that have guided the design solution. This includes details of the iterative design process that has been undertaken. Finally, the approach to the design of the Development is presented in line with the requirements set out in the relevant guidance. 3.2 Vision

3.2.1 The promotion of renewable energy is a clear priority which runs through European and national legislation, plans, programmes and policy. European and national legislation has set legally binding targets for renewable energy and reductions in CO2 emissions. Both energy and planning policy seek to promote renewable energy development, and recognise the importance of onshore wind projects. National policy recognises that the development of renewable energy is vital to facilitating the delivery of the Government’s commitments on both climate change and renewable energy development.

3.2.2 This support forms a key element of the UK Government’s climate change programme and Welsh Government planning policy and guidance, both of which re-affirm the respective administration’s commitment to delivering sustainable development and in tackling climate change. The full context for the promotion of renewable energy development at all levels from the international, European, national, through to the local level is set out within the Planning Statement accompanying this planning application.

3.2.3 The Development will make an important contribution towards the Welsh Government’s installed onshore wind energy targets and the reduction in the emission of gases that contribute to climate change. 3.3 Site Selection

3.3.1 The Applicant has an established track record as a developer of renewable generating facilities. An extensive range of technical, environmental and economic assessment tools are used to ensure an effective site selection process.

3.3.2 Initial desk studies were undertaken to determine whether the Development met the following criteria and to identify designated sites:

 Wind speed at 45m height in excess of 6m/s as estimated by the ETSU NOABL UK wind speed database;  No significant topography constraints;  Good site access;

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 Reasonable distance to grid connection;  500m minimum separation from the nearest residential property; and  Avoid internationally and nationally designated sites (e.g. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, RAMSAR sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserve (NNR) or Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA)). 3.3.3 This was further confirmed through a GIS (Geographical Information System) based site selection study. The GIS study used similar criteria to the desk studies described above. This process demonstrated the Development site could have the potential to accommodate a wind farm development and further feasibility studies were undertaken. 3.4 Feasibility Studies

3.4.1 A preliminary review of data was undertaken at an early stage in the project, following the initial site selection to establish potential environmental constraints and designations affecting the Development.

3.4.2 Preliminary studies included an ecology and ornithology study. This included a high-level desk study exercise and a habitat-based assessment and walkover survey to identify potential constraints relating to ecology, ornithology and peat. These activities were undertaken in September 2012.

3.4.3 An analysis was undertaken of Landscape Policy and Guidance and a review of the local landscape was undertaken, based on the LANDMAP data (Natural Resources Wales, 2013). Information was also gathered on wind farm schemes in the local area. A preliminary Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), photographs and wire frames from selected key viewpoints were also prepared to give an initial appraisal of likely landscape and visual effects.

3.4.4 An overview was undertaken of the planning policy position at a national and local level in order to determine compatibility with the policy framework.

3.4.5 Following these studies, it was considered that the application site was technically and environmentally viable as a wind energy development of the scale proposed.

3.4.6 As the next stage in assessing the site’s feasibility, the Applicant undertook an iterative design exercise to investigate alternative designs solutions. The purpose of this process was to identify any issues which would make the site unacceptable for development and to ensure that the final design was environmentally, economically and technically viable. 3.5 Design Strategy

3.5.1 The relationship of a wind farm to its setting is a key consideration in wind farm design in view of the potential impacts of such large scale structures within the

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landscape and therefore a clear strategy is important in setting out the overall approach to the design development of the wind farm proposal.

3.5.2 The overall aim of the design strategy for the Development has been to balance the potentially conflicting interests of technical and economic viability, landscape and visual characteristics, along with other environmental constraints.

3.5.3 The overall aims of the design strategy has been to:

 Produce a cohesive layout which would be legible in views from the surrounding landscape, whilst respecting environmental constraints;  Develop a layout that reflects the landform and topography of the landscape; and  Develop a layout that relates to other wind farms in the locality. 3.5.4 The design strategy for the Development has therefore considered the surrounding built and natural environment, as well as site accessibility and the economic aspects of the Development. 3.6 Design Evolution

3.6.1 The layout and design of the Development farm has been led by design considerations and constraints which are expanded upon below. The combination of design, technical and environmental constraints has, through the iterative process of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), resulted in the proposed design for the Development. At the same time, the site layout has provided an optimum environmental fit within the technical and environmental parameters of the Development.

3.6.2 The section below therefore describes in further detail the constraints which have influenced the design of the final layout for the Development. Throughout the layout design process, constraints on site have been identified and addressed through various desk studies and consultations.

3.6.3 Constraints have been considered within the Development’s design and assessment, and has resulted in the consideration and modification of the Development as demonstrated below. The process of the site’s layout has been an iterative one and can be summarised as four main design stages, as follows:

 Layout 1: Pre Scoping Layout;  Layout 2: Scoping Stage layout (issued with the Scoping Report in June 2013);  Layout 3: Post Scoping layout; and  Layout 4: The Development - the final layout on which the planning application is based.

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Layout 1 – Pre Scoping Layout

3.6.4 Layout 1 (Figure 3.2 of the ES) was the initial layout produced for the Development, although was subsequently revised to mitigate potential visual effects of the Development on Gilfach Goch. Layout 2 – Scoping Stage Layout

3.6.5 Layout 2, shown on Figure 3.3 of the ES, was produced during the feasibility stages and was based on technical and commercial objectives (installed capacity and energy yield), taking into account high-level environmental constraints (e.g. proximity to residential property, location of watercourses, ecology and the location of infrastructure). This layout was included within the Scoping Report issued to RCTCBC in June 2013. Layout 3 – Post Scoping Layout

3.6.6 Layout 3 (Figure 3.4 of the ES) was developed based on environmental and technical constraints defined from the RCTCBC Scoping Opinion and post Scoping consultations. The layout was also informed by ongoing baseline data collection and field surveys undertaken during the preliminary stages of the EIA.

3.6.7 The following principal constraints were identified which influenced the location of the turbines:

 Areas of peat within the site (areas >35cm) and blanket bog;  Areas of landslip and mine shafts within the site;  Visual and landscape effects – visibility from the settlements of Penygraig and Gilfach Goch, landscape designations and potential cumulative visual impacts associated with existing and proposed wind energy developments;  Noise sensitive receptors;  Watercourses;  Protected species;  Potentially valuable Biodiversity Action Plan habitat;  Topography; and  Open access areas. 3.6.8 A number of secondary constraints were then considered to inform the Development layout:

 Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) and Bridleways; and  Historical Environment Records (HER)/National Monument Records (NMR).

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Layout 4 – The Development Layout

3.6.9 A further review of Layout 3 was undertaken in terms of visual impact and Turbines 3, 4 and 5 were subsequently moved to the east. Turbines 1 and 2 were then moved further north to maintain satisfactory wake separation distances whilst maximising separation from areas of deep peat, watercourses and PRoWs (Figure 3.5 of the ES).

3.6.10 Whilst the application site has been identified at an early stage in the process as a suitable location for a wind farm through the site selection process and feasibility work, the detailed design development has evolved, which has defined the geograhic extent and layout of the turbines, having regard to a number of technical, environmental and visual considerations. 3.7 Design Consultation

3.7.1 A variety of activities have been undertaken by and on behalf of the Applicant to inform the local community and to involve them throughout the design development process. The consultation process has involved a series of meetings with key stakeholders, as well as through public exhibition events held in November 2014, which has allowed members of the public and others to engage directly with the design team.

3.7.2 Consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees has continued throughout the design development, from the preliminary layout of the Development, to the consideration of the scheme details with RCTCBC as part of pre-application discussions.

3.7.3 Further details of the consultation process and how this has informed the final design solution are included within the accompanying Environmental Statement. A record of the consultation undertaken is included within the accompanying Statement of Community Consultation.

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4 Design Solution 4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 The development proposals have been finalised in response to site surveys and various assessments developed as part of the EIA, along with responses to the consultations undertaken and detailed design work, which has provided a design solution that seeks to minimise any potentially negative effects.

4.1.2 The process of site selection and design evolution has led to a Development proposal which:

 Avoids international and nationally statutory designated areas (e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty etc.);  Considers and responds to the nature conservation interests and other environmental qualities of the application site and its surroundings;  Minimises landscape and visual impacts (including cumulative impacts), whilst seeking the optimum balance with maximising the benefits of renewable energy;  Minimises loss of agricultural land;  Avoids or minimises water crossings thereby reducing the likely hydrological and ecological effects of construction in watercourses; and  Considers nearby noise receptors. 4.1.3 As part of the final design solution, consideration has been given to the design issues of the Development in terms of location, size and colour of each of the component parts, as well as technical and environmental requirements. Potentially significant environmental effects have been avoided and where required, have been mitigated against. Specific environmental mitigation measures are included within the ES.

4.1.4 The design solution therefore proposes five wind turbines of up to 115m tip height, along with associated infrastructure. 4.2 Character

4.2.1 The following sub-sections address each of the character elements of the Development in-turn:

Amount

4.2.2 The Development will involve the erection of five wind turbines, with a maximum turbine tip height of 115m. A typical wind turbine is shown on Drawing 0005. The Development will also include associated infrastructure including: a substation and control building within a site compound (see Drawing 0007); a temporary construction compound (see Drawing 0010); installation of underground electrical cables (see Drawing 0008); formation of access tracks from the public road

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network and within the site (see Drawings 0001-0004 and 0009); crane hardstandings; turbine foundations (Drawing 0006) and site signage.

4.2.3 The actual land take (turbine base, hardstanding, access track etc) of the Development occupies an area of 2.23ha, less than 6.3% of the area enclosed by the planning application boundary.

4.2.4 The overall land-take of the Development is considered to be minor and no change is proposed to any of the existing land use practices around the turbines. The Development will not affect the current use of the site. It is noted that the levels of the site will remain unaffected (see Drawing 0011).

4.2.5 Operational effects on the existing land use of the farm are considered to be minimal. The current use of land within the Development for grazing will continue. The construction of the access tracks would benefit current land use practices through ease of access.

4.2.6 The Development is estimated to generate enough renewable energy for considerable carbon savings of potentially around 342,400 tonnes over the 25 year operational period (assuming a fossil fuel mix of electricity generation).

4.2.7 Once the operational life of the Development has ended, the wind farm will be decommissioned and the site restored in accordance with a plan to be agreed with RCTCBC. Layout

4.2.8 The Development layout is shown in Drawing 0004. This has been designed with consideration given to a range of technical and environmental requirements and constraints (as detailed in Section 3 of this Statement). This has included factors such as proximity to residential property, location of watercourses, ecological constraints, location of infrastructure, noise amenity, impact on ecology, cultural heritage, environmental constraints, ground stability, site topography and the proximity of other wind farms.

4.2.9 The final turbine locations have also been influenced by other technical factors, such as achieving appropriate spacing between turbines.

4.2.10 The location of the wind turbines therefore represents the point which minimises adverse environmental effects and which has allowed the most appropriate layout for the Development to be achieved.

4.2.11 Elements of the Development may be subject to further, minor refinement known as ‘micrositing’, within the planning application boundary. In the event that micrositing is required post consent, the Contractor and the Applicant would review all environmental constraints to ensure the proposed micrositing would be environmentally acceptable. Scale 4.2.12 Wind turbine design continues to evolve and improve and therefore the most suitable model for the application site can change with time. The exact model of

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turbine would be chosen following grant of planning permission and prior to construction as part of a competitive tender process. Nonetheless, the turbine selection would not differ materially from those assessed within the accompanying ES and would be within the specified parameters.

4.2.13 The turbine height of up to 115m has been chosen as a result of technical surveys and environmental considerations. Photomontages of the proposed wind turbines from a number of agreed viewpoints in the area have been included within the ES.

4.2.14 The landscape and visual effects of the scale of turbines within their landscape setting have been considered through a comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessment, which is included with Chapter 8: Landscape and Visual Impact of the ES. The Development lies within a designated Historic Landscape and the Brecon Beacons National Park lies approximately 15km to the north.

4.2.15 The ES assessment has shown that “although the Development would result in changes to the local landscape (a designated Historic Landscape) and would be evident in views, this change should be considered in the context of a landscape already defined by nearby wind turbines. Whilst the presence of other wind farms in the landscape gives rise to the potential for cumulative effects, significant cumulative effects would occur intermittently, rather than pervasively, within the landscape and view, as in many locations local topography would prevent notable views of the Development in combination with other wind farms…While the effects in views from some nearby settlements would be significant, they would not amount to an overbearing or dominant effect to the extent that they could become widely regarded as unattractive places in which to live.”

Appearance

4.2.16 There is little difference in design between the potential turbine types that could be considered for the Development. The final choice of wind turbine would be dependent on economics and available technology at the time of construction, but would be within the maximum dimensional envelope of the 115 metre blade tip height specified for the purposes of this assessment. The turbines would be of tapering tubular steel construction and finished in a grey matt colour. Drawing 0005 illustrates the typical wind turbine dimensions.

Wind Turbines and Foundations

4.2.17 In terms of appearance the turbines would be of a standard three blade horizontal axis design, with a maximum height to blade tip of 115m. In addtion, the turbines would comprise the following features:

 Tapering tubular steel towers up to 70m high;  A nacelle containing the drive train, generator, transformer and router components which sits on top of the tower and turns to face the wind; and  Three blades to the centre of the hub, approximately 90m in diameter. 4.2.18 The colour and finish of the wind turbine rotor blades, nacelles and towers would be agreed with RCTCBC and are normally the subject of a planning condition. A

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significant amount of research has been undertaken in relation to turbine colour and finish and a grey matt finish is generally agreed to be the most appropriate. This is reflected in the DCfW guidance (Ref D-11): “A light grey colour generally achieves the best balance between minimising visibility and visual impacts when seen against the sky…Light grey will relate positively to a range of backdrops seen within different views of and in different weather conditions.”

4.2.19 A transformer would be required for each wind turbine that converts the electrical output from the wind turbine up to the appropriate higher voltage (typically 33kV) for grid compliance purposes. Depending on the wind turbine specification selected these may be contained in the wind turbine tower or located adjacent to the wind turbine. The external transformers are typically 3m x 2m and up to 3.4m in height (as shown in Drawing 0005).

4.2.20 The turbine bases would be appropriately designed for the specific ground conditions. The foundation design would be dependant on ground conditions and would be informed by detailed ground investigations for each wind turbine site (see Drawing 0006). The ground investigation would be undertaken prior to the start of the construction phase. Further detail is provided in Chapter 4: Description of the Development of the ES.

Crane Hardstandings

4.2.21 Adjacent to each wind turbine, a level hardstanding area of approximately 25m x 45m would be constructed to accommodate the cranes required for construction and to provide an area suitable for storing wind turbine components. The hardstandings are to be retained for the life of the wind farm as they will be used during decommissioning and may be required for maintainance during the operational phase.

Access tracks

4.2.22 New access tracks would be constructed using locally sourced stone with a top surface comprising Type 1 material or equivalent. Drawing 0009 shows a typical access track cross section.

4.2.23 The forestry through which the access route passes is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in accordance with their Forest Design Plan. The access to the Development would use existing forestry tracks. Although some improvement works would be necessary within RCTCBC and BCBC, no tree felling would be required. The short length of new track from the existing forestry tracks to the site is not forested.

Substation and Control Building

4.2.24 A substation and control building will be required on-site to provide a point of connection for the wind farm to the local electricity distribution network. Drawing 0007 shows details of the layout. The building would be located within an on-site compound measuring up to 50m x 20m. The area will be surrounded by a metal palisade security fence, to be finished in a colour to be agreed with RCTCBC.

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4.2.25 The control building would be a single storey building with a pitched roof measuring some 20m x 15m. The building will consist of rendered walls under a slate substitute roof. The control building will accommodate switchgear and metering, protection and control equipment, toilet facility and shower for staff, and office facilities.

4.2.26 The control building is designed to reflect a traditional building form, being rectangular in shape and the external walls and roof constructed of materials found within the area.

Underground electrical cables

4.2.27 Electricity cables would connect the turbines to the sub-station. These would run adjacent to the access tracks where possible. They would be installed in trenches approximately 1.2m deep and 0.7m wide. Drawing 0008 shows a typical detail of the trenching.

Temporary Construction Compound

4.2.28 During the construction phase of the Development, the wind farm would include a temporary construction compound. This would cover an area of some 100m x 50m and be formed by laying a geotextile and crushed rock to create a stable, level surface. The construction compound would be removed following completion of Development and the area would be reinstated. Drawing 0010 shows a typical detail.

Site Signage

4.2.29 The Development would have a series of signs to provide directions and also information on health and safety. Temporary construction signage would direct traffic on-site and also identify areas to avoid due to environmental constraints or mitigation measures. 4.3 Landscaping and Habitat Enhancement

4.3.1 In terms of landscape impacts, the ES outlines the embedded mitigation of the Development. In respect of landscape and visual future baseline/cumulative considerations, interaction with the adjacent Fforch Nest / Pant-y-Wal wind farm (with proposed extension), comprising wind turbines with 115m turbine tip height, is an important consideration.

4.3.2 ES Chapter 8 considers that: “…the proposed single linear array of wind turbines (maximum 115m turbine tip height) of the Development responds well to the simple, open, elevated ground on which it would sit and nearby Fforch Nest / Pant-y-Wal wind turbines (existing and proposed) - avoiding coalescence with the same. In addition, the Development would use a simple three-bladed horizontal axis turbine with tubular tower, rather than more visually complex lattice structure for the tower, which is also consistent with the Fforch Nest / Pant-y-Wal wind turbines. The siting and design of the Development is such that views of the wind turbines would be available from the Rhondda valley, where viewpoints largely

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have an urban context, with views of the proposed wind turbines limited to blade tips from the enclosed, semi-rural valley of Gilfach Goch.”

4.3.3 In terms of landscape fabric, “with the exception of the access track the Development would avoid forested areas. There will be no need for premature felling of extensive areas of plantation trees. Small areas of plantation forest would be affected by realignment of existing lengths of access track. In addition, small areas of open ground would be lost in order for the wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure to be installed. Of these development components in open ground, the access track proposals are an important consideration due to relative footprint size. Wherever possible, existing sections of track have been utilised as part of the Development access track; where new sections of access track are required track alignment has been designed to follow the contours of the site as far as possible, minimising the need for ground re-profiling/additional land take and associated disruption to the local landscape. As a result, impacts on the physical characteristics of local upland agricultural/moorland would be minimised.”

4.3.4 In relation to the improvement works to the access tracks in BCBC and RCTCBC (also see Figure 4.6 of the ES) the landscape and visual impact assessment within the ES (Chapter 8) assesses that: ‘Where new sections of access track are required, track alignment has been designed to follow the contours of the site as far as possible, minimising the need for ground re-profiling/additional land take and associated disruption to the local landscape. As a result, impacts on the physical characteristics of local upland agricultural/moorland would be minimised. Areas of landscape that are temporarily disturbed during construction would be restored on completion. During decommissioning, the landscape in the location of the wind turbines and access track would be reinstated as upland grassland.’

4.3.5 Restoration undertaken, both in relation to the temporary construction compound and as part of any future decommissioning works would seek to use native plant species of local provenance as a benefit to nature conservation.

4.3.6 Following completion of construction activities, a number of mitigation and enhancement measures are proposed outside the application site to provide a 'net gain' for biodiversity. These are in addition to the ‘embedded design measures’, which would minimise impacts through the design process. The specific migitation measures are included within the ES. The measures have also been designed to offset the predicted small-scale effects on Mynydd y Gilfach SINC and Clydach Vale SINC, whilst further improving habitat connectivity across the site. These include reducing grazing pressure within areas of potentially valuable habitat through the provision of fencing; the provision of an owl nest box; and the creation of log piles for reptiles. 4.4 Community Safety

4.4.1 Properly designed, erected and maintained wind turbines are a safe form of technology. The nature of the Development is such that it raises no issues in terms of ‘secured by design’ criteria.

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4.4.2 Signs will be erected at the entrance to the application site to provide people with information about the Development, together with contact and safety information.

4.4.3 In relation to amenity, ES Chapter 11 has assessed that there would be impacts on PRoWs, which may affect local people in terms of recreational amenity, from the site and access route within RCTCBC and NPTCBC. No PRoWs in BCBC are affected. The affected routes may need to be temporarily diverted or closed during the construction period for safety reasons, although the effect of this is assessed as being not significant.

4.4.4 Chapter 15: Other Topics of the ES also considers the potential impact from ice throw. It concluded that, although ice throw is not expected to pose a significant public health and safety concern, best practice management measures would be employed.

4.4.5 The implementation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) would ensure that disruption to PRoWs are kept to a minimum and adequate warning signage would be provided at crossings of footpaths or bridleways. An outline CEMP is provided in Appendix 4.1 of the accompanying ES. 4.5 Environmental Sustainability

4.5.1 The concept of renewable energy is to generate power from sustainable resources, in this case wind energy. The Development is estimated to generate enough renewable energy for considerable carbon savings of potentially around 314,000 tonnes over the 25 year operational period (assuming a fossil fuel mix of electricity generation).

4.5.2 The location of the Development would not facilitate travel by public transport, walking or cycling, although it is assumed that there would be an element of car sharing amongst staff working at the site.

4.5.3 The wind turbine components, will largely be sourced from outside the area and delivered on specialist vehicles. For other elements, such as the use of stone, it is expected that this would be sourced from local quarries where possible. For the construction of the turbine and control building foundations, imported ready mixed concrete would be likely be used, which would be sourced from a local concrete batching facility.

4.5.4 During construction and decommissioning, wherever possible, excavated stone or soils would be reused on-site primarily for the restoration of disturbed ground, including cable trenches and wind turbine foundations, and in earthworks for tracks.

4.5.5 Rainwater harvesting technology would be installed to supply water for toilet flushing and other welfare facilities. Drainage would be via a soakaway and reed bed.

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4.5.6 The ES outlines other measures which would be employed in relation to pollution prevention, such as the bunding of areas used for fuel storage in the site compound.

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5 Access 5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The Development will need to be accessed by vehicular traffic during construction, operation and decommisioning phases. The traffic impacts of the Development during these phases is discussed below, together with any implications for public and disabled access. 5.2 Movement

Off-Site Access/Construction Traffic

5.2.1 It is anticipated that the site working hours would be between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 on Monday to Friday and on Saturdays between 07:00 and 13:00.

5.2.2 The proposed access to the Development would use existing forestry tracks between the A4061 at Rhigos and the A4107. South of this, the route joins the A4107 and the A4061 again briefly. The access would then use existing forestry tracks to travel south the the site location.

5.2.3 All Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs) traffic would use the route detailed above.

5.2.4 No alterations to the public road network are required. The access route for the Development was selected in order to minimise the effect on the local highway network by following the motorway and trunk road network for abnormal loads for the majority of the route and utilising the principal road network for HGV movements. These routes have been selected so that the effects on sensitive receptors and local communities are minimised as far as possible.

5.2.5 The forestry tracks to the south of the A4061 at Bwlch y Clawdd, are partially within BCBC. Existing forestry tracks on this route will be improved (where constraints have been identified) to accommodate construction traffic as part of the works in 8 locations. These have been identified through a constraints analysis, shown in Figure 4.6 of the ES and reflected on Drawings 0001, 0002 and 0003. Drawings 0001 and 0003 show that the changes to the existing forestry tracks fall both within BCBC and RCTCBC. Referring to Figure 4.6 of the ES, constraint 1 would fall within both authorities. Constraint 2 would fall within BCBC. The remaining constraints (3 to 8) would fall within RCTCBC.

5.2.6 Vehicular movement would be generated in relation to earthworks, construction materials, plant machinery and construction staff for the NRW track realignment. The earthworks would be undertaken prior to the 9 month on-site construction period of the Development. The number of vehicles generated over a hourly and daily period would be lower than for the peak case flows generated by the on-site construction of the Development and as such no assessment of this traffic has been undertaken. The assessment of the vehicle movements during the peak month of the construction of the Development would represent a worst case scenario.

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5.2.7 Deliveries of construction materials and turbine components to the application site would be carefully managed in accordance with a detailed traffic management plan, to be agreed with the relevant consultees.

On-Site/Construction Traffic

5.2.8 The on-site access track layout has been designed to minimise environmental disturbance and land take.

5.2.9 New tracks are proposed to access the individual turbine locations, with a running width of approximately 5m. The tracks would be constructed of crushed and graded stone. Following construction, the appropriate material would be used to reinstate the track sides. Operational Traffic 5.2.10 During the operation of the Development the primary access will be via the A4061. Operational traffic to the site will be minimal, with routine maintenance of the turbines carried out on average by two people over a period of five weeks per year. This number would be supported by specialist civil or electrical contractors. 5.3 Public Rights of Way/Public Access

5.3.1 Access to the site is facilitated by a number of PRoWs, which run in proximity to the site and are suitable for public access.

5.3.2 ES Chapter 11 has assessed that there would be impacts on PRoWs on a temporary basis, which may affect local people in terms of recreational amenity, from the site and access route. The affected routes may need to be temporarily diverted or closed during the construction period for safety reasons, although all PRoWs along the access route will be open during construction, with the implementation of appropriate route management including crossing points and signage. These routes are both within RCTCBC and NPTCBC and are shown in Figure 11.2 in the ES.

5.3.3 Public access along the access route to the site would not be restricted during the operational phase of the Development, nor will there be an increased risk to public health and safety. 5.4 Access for All

5.4.1 Whilst the new access tracks will provide additional walking opportunities for all, including the less mobile, they have not been designed for this purpose. Wind farm developments are not operational developments of a type that are required to be accessed by members of the public regardless of mobility levels (other than maintenance staff) and therefore specific disabled access has not been considered as part of the Development.

5.4.2 The emphasis within the Development has been on reducing the impacts of the wind farm in this location, therefore measures such as hard surfacing or reducing gradients have not been considered.

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6 Conclusions

6.1.1 The Development has been designed with the consideration of a range of technical and environmental constraints. Mitigation measures have been proposed wherever possible to reduce any adverse impacts of the Development on the environment.

6.1.2 The Development is consistent with and positively enhances the key international, European and national (UK and Wales) objectives to increase renewable energy production, whilst balancing this against the environmental impacts of the Development. The accompanying ES has shown that this has been achieved with no unacceptable impacts on a range of environmental considerations in line with policy guidance. Although the Development would result in significant changes to the local landscape (a designated Historic Landscape) and would be evident in views, in accordance with the findings of the ES, ‘this change should be considered in the context of a landscape already defined by nearby wind turbines…While the effects in views from some nearby settlements would be significant, they would not amount to an overbearing or dominant effect to the extent that they could become widely regarded as unattractive places in which to live.’

6.1.3 Consultation with key stakeholders and the local community has played an important part in the iterative design process and the final design has been appropriately informed by this.

6.1.4 The traffic impacts of the Development and implications for public access have been appropriately assessed. The route to site has been selected in order to minimise traffic impacts and utilise existing tacks where possible. The improvements required to the access tracks is minimal and has been sensitive to environmental constraints. It is therefore considered that the design solution has met the objectives of the design strategy, comprising a technically viable layout that which minimises adverse environmental effects.

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7 References

Ref D-1 Welsh Government Town and Country Planning. (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (Wales) Order (2009)

Ref D-2 Design Commission for Wales Design and Access Statements in Wales: Why, What and How (2014)

Ref D-3 Welsh Government (2009). Technical Advice Note 12: Design.

Ref D-4 Welsh Statutory Instrument No. 1024. (W.87) (2009)

Ref D-5 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (2011) Local Development Plan up to 2021.

Ref D-6 Bridgend County Borough Council (2013) Bridgend County Borough Council Local Development Framework

Ref D-7 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (2008) Unitary Development Plan

Ref D-8 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (2013) Deposit Local Development Plan

Ref D-9 Welsh Government Planning Policy Wales 7th Edition (2014)

Ref D-10 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (2011) Design and Placemaking SPG

Ref D-11 Design Commission for Wales (Updated 2014) Designing Wind Farms in Wales

Ref D-12 Section 38, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

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