PLANNING APPLICATION: 03/02478/WFC

In the event that a recommendation on this planning application is overturned the Committee is reminded of the advice contained on the front page of the agenda for Reports on Applications

The Proposal

· An application with an Environmental Impact Assessment was made to Council by RDC to develop Boyndie Windfarm which will comprise 7 wind turbines each having a three bladed rotor of 90 m maximum diameter supported on a cylindrical tower (68 m hub height) giving an overall height of up to 113 metres from the base to the highest point of the blade tip.

· Proposed power output is expected to be between 2.3 mw per turbine giving a potential generating capacity of 14-21 mw for the scheme.

· Majority of on-site access will utilise the existing concrete roads and runways associated with the site’s previous use as an airfield during the second world war.

· Single storey site control building to be connected to the existing grid network via 20 m of underground cable and then by a double timber 'H' pole.

The Site

· Boyndie Airfield, Aberdeenshire is located approximately 1 km to the west of Boyndie and approximately 2.5 km south-west of on land owned by Seafield Estate. The site is approximately 9 km from the Moray Council boundary line at Lintmill. The site is reached by travelling along the A98 then onto the B9139.

· The site is part of a disused World War 2 airfield together with areas of land currently in use for arable farming and grazing pasture.

· An existing electricity line crosses the site and there are two industrial facilities and a go- karting track bordering the southern site boundary.

Policy / Objections-Representations / Consultations - See Appendix

History

See Appendix 1.

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Advertised by Aberdeenshire Council in line with EIA Regulations. Observations

The main issues raised by this consultation are as follows:-

Visual and Landscape Impact of Scheme on Moray (S/ENV1, S/IMP1 and L/IMP3)

Initial informal comments were given to Aberdeenshire Council in December 2003. These comments focussed on the information submitted. From initial inspection of the applicant's Environmental Statement (ES) it was apparent that a 15 km radius had been selected to address visual impact. This was not consistent with a generally accepted 25 km zone for assessment of visual impact. Aberdeenshire Council stated that "the visual assessment was undertaken within a 15 km radius of the site but at the request of SNH, 25 km ZVI's were included in the Environmental Statement. Both Aberdeenshire Council and SNH have been satisfied with this approach".

The site chosen is one which has an industrial use and historic infrastructure which further reduces the environmental impact this development will have upon the landscape, i.e. track infrastructure (former runways), existing road access from the A98, and close connection to the grid. Furthermore, the ancillary buildings associated with the development will sit well in this industrial location.

Aberdeenshire Council's report dated 27 January 2004 para 6.23 addresses the issues concerned with the cumulative impact of this scheme and in relation to those in Moray it states:-

"Additional information has been requested and provided by the applicants regarding the cumulative impact of the proposal in relation to a nearby proposal at Aultmore in the Moray Council area, which lies approximately 15 km to the south east of Boyndie. Satisfactory ZVI's in various directions from Knock Hill have demonstrated that the potential cumulative effect of the two proposed windfarms will be acceptable in landscape terms. The comments of Moray Council regarding the refused windfarm at Drummuir being included in the cumulative assessment (should it be the subject of an appeal) have been raised with the applicants. The Drummuir site is approximately 30 km from Boyndie (and almost 20 km from Knock Hill where the cumulative impact was assessed0. At these distances the turbines will be a minor element in the landscape and it is therefore considered unnecessary for an additional assessment to be made. With regard to the weather conditions in which the visualisations are presented, it is considered that an adequate representation of the visual impact has been made."

Landscape and visual impacts are addressed in paragraph 6.24 of the Aberdeenshire Council report where it states:-

"Landscape advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on the proposed windfarm at Boyndie is that the layout and spread of the proposal should, from most public viewpoints, appear reasonably in scale with its surroundings. The formation of new access tracks which often causes additional problems from some windfarms (on steep sloping hillsides) will not cause problems on this site where much of the existing access infrastructure is already in place."

Aberdeenshire Councils report recognises that the proposed turbines are large in scale at 113 metres and that it is inevitable that at a distance of up to 2 km they are likely to be a prominent feature in the landscape (PAN 45). They are however in agreement with the conclusions drawn in the applicant's ES in so far as the direct effects on the landscape fabric of the site will be minimal in extent and reversible when the development is decommissioned. In landscape terms the development is considered to be acceptable and in accordance with Aberdeenshire Council policy.

In terms of Moray Council policies the Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI's) referred to above give an indication of the likely impacts the development may have upon views from Moray. Viewpoint 13 (Bin of Cullen) is indicated in figure 7a (Blade Tip ZVI) of the Applicants ES and is the only viewpoint chosen from Moray. Figure 8m (VP13) shows how the turbines will appear from this location within Moray.

While it is accepted that all 7 turbines will be visible from the chosen viewpoint it is at a distance of 14 km from VP13. The scale and design of this development, a cohesive group of seven turbines, is such that the impact is minimal upon the landscape of Moray and does not raise any significant issues in terms of Moray Development Plan policies S/ENV1, S/IMP1, and L/IMP3.

Similarly from analysis of the ZVI figure 7a it can be seen that where all seven turbines are theoretically visible they are at a distance of 10 km or more and do not have a detrimental impact upon the landscape or visual amenity experienced in Moray.

The cumulative impact of this development when considered in relation to the proposed Aultmore windfarm development does not raise any significant issues in terms of sequential viewing or when viewed in conjunction with those already proposed in Moray. This is again due to the nature of the proposed windfram, specifically its scale (in numbers of turbines) and distance of viewing from the Moray area.

In view of the above comments and Aberdeenshire Council’s report there are no further comments to make regarding landscape and visual impact effects on Moray.

Transportation implications of scheme on Moray (S/T1 and L/T9)

Figure 4a of the applicant's ES indicates the three possible delivery routes for 'exceptional loads' such as turbine blades, towers and nacelles. These are as follows:

· Route 1 from A942 to Buckie Harbour onto the A98 then eastwards to Boyndie. · Route 2 from Harbour on the A98 and then westwards to Boyndie. · Route 3 from A96 at to A97 east of and then the B9025 north of onto the A95 and A98 junction.

Aberdeenshire Council's report has highlighted the need to consult Moray's Roads Authority where Route 1 is chosen and Grampian Police who will have to escort around 50 exceptional loads over a three month period.

From initial discussions with the applicant and the Transportation Manager there is concern where the loads would pass under the Cullen Viaduct as this presents a very narrow stretch of road with little space for manoeuvre. It should also be noted that this structure is a Category 'B' listed building and any temporary alterations would be subject to formal consents procedure.

In terms of transportation where the applicant chooses route 1 it is recommended that full consultation/liaison between the Moray Council, Historic Scotland, and Grampian Police is undertaken and any issues occurring from this chosen route be fully addressed prior to commencement of works on site.

Recommendation

No objections to development.

Author/Contact Officer: Kenneth S Shand Ext: 01343 563374 Principal Planning Officer

Signature ...... (Joe Geoghegan, Development Control Manager)

R A STEWART DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPENDIX

POLICY

Moray Structure Plan and/or Moray Local Plan 2000

Proposal S/ED4A: Renewable Energy

The Moray Council will review the areas of greatest potential for wind farms in order to provide a policy framework for the Local Plan.

Policy L/ED10: Renewable Energy Proposals

Proposals for renewable energy will be considered favourably where they meet the following criteria:- i) they are compatible with policies to safeguard and enhance the built and natural environment (see chapter two). High design and siting standards will be sought in all new developments. ii) they do not lead to the permanent loss or permanent damage to, prime agricultural land. iii) they are compatible with tourism/recreational facilities. iv) they do not interfere with aircraft activity. v) they do not result in an unacceptable impact in terms of visual intrusion, noise, electro magnetic disturbance, pollution, traffic generation or damage to the local ecology. vi) they do not result in an unacceptable cumulative impact.

Proposals may be required to provide 'decommissioning arrangements' to illustrate how the site will be re-instated if and when the plant ceases to operate - this may be enforced by condition of consent through the use of section 75 agreement. Where the Council is satisfied that a site has particular merit for a renewable energy development it will safeguard such sites from development which would inhibit their subsequent exploitation.

Policy S/ENV1: Approach to the Environment

The approach to Environmental Policy is to conserve and enhance Moray's environmental assets, and require that new development is sensitive to siting, location, and design considerations, whether in town or country.

Policy S/T1: Approach to Transportation

The approach to transportation is to enhance accessibility by improving transport links and services, and to promote sustainability by advancing traffic management, cycling and walking.

L/T9: Transport Impact Mitigation

Where a transport assessment identifies necessary off-site improvements for the development to be able to proceed the developer will be expected to fund them by entering into a formal agreement with the Council. In addition to normal developments this will also apply to situations such as the need to upgrade off-site infrastructure related to forestry planting or harvesting. Policy S/IMP1: Development Siting, Layout and Design

New development will require to be sensitively sited, designed and serviced. It should meet the following criteria:- i) its, scale, density and character is appropriate to the surrounding area; ii) it can be successfully integrated into the surrounding landscape; iii) it meets wider transportation and local site energy efficiency objectives; iv) adequate infrastructure is available or could be made available in conjunction with the development; v) consideration is given to the provision of infrastructure which meets sustainable urban drainage principles using appropriate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems; vi) adequate social and community facilities are available or could be provided in conjunction with the development; vii) it does not adversely affect nature, urban or historic conservation resources; viii) it seeks to manage flood related issues; ix) pollution is avoided, including pollution of ground water.

Policy L/IMP3: New Building Design

(i) Design Principles All building development must be designed to respond adequately to the locality. Applications must meet the following requirements:- a) appropriate location in landscape or townscape b) careful placement on a site, particularly in relation to character, amenity and energy conservation c) appropriate size and form in relation to existing buildings, sky line and landform d) appropriate density, layout and orientation in relation to character, amenity, privacy of neighbouring properties and energy conservation e) sensitive use of materials and colours in relation to existing setting and environmental impact

Standardised solutions to building design are not encouraged and will not be acceptable unless existing context (the design and character of the existing surroundings) suggests otherwise. Design solutions which seriously compromise the amenity and character of the area will not be permitted.

Highly innovative, experimental solutions will be encouraged but may not be suitable in every situation. In certain circumstances, the Council may request written design statements explaining various aspects of design solution e.g. explaining why a particular approach has been taken, and expect applications to show new buildings in their wider relationship with surrounding properties and the site (plans and elevations/perspective/ photomontages showing adjacent buildings, trees, landform etc)

(ii) Design Briefs For sites where development may have significant local impact; the Council will produce detailed Design Briefs which will provide an analysis of context and existing character and state important design principles, major factors affecting the Development and other material considerations. (iii) High Profile/Landmark Sites Where a building is either high profile or will have high impact within the townscape or open countryside, i.e. along the A class road network and high street frontages, within defined town centres, and at major visitor attractions and prominent rural locations, The Council will expect high quality solutions and may consult with bodies such as The Royal Fine Arts Commission, the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland, the Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Scotland and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, to assist with the assessment of the design impact.

On sites considered to be high profile, the Council will encourage applicants and landowners to sponsor design competitions prior to the submission of a planning application under the rules and procedures as advised by the RIAS Competitions Unit.

(iv) Materials The Council will particularly encourage the use of materials which are sustainable. The use of salvaged or recycled material is encouraged in most circumstances subject to local situation and there is a strong expectation that traditional materials will be used on heritage structures. The Council will discourage the over use of high energy materials (i.e. those which require high energy levels to make and dispose) where alternatives can be used and is also concerned about the potential long term affects of using Tropical Hardwoods, from non-managed sources.

Policy L/IMP2: Development in Rural Areas

The Council will seek to ensure that all proposals for development in the rural area (i.e. all areas in Moray outwith town settlement and rural community boundaries) are compatible in terms of character, amenity and design, integrate sensitively into the environment and, where possible, located within easy walking range of public transport (this latter requirement will particularly apply to large scale developments). The Council will, therefore, pay special regard to matters such as traffic and landscape impact, accessibility, loss of productive or biodiverse land, siting, scale, colour and energy conservation. The Council will consult relevant organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency etc. on significant development proposals and 'The Moray Landscape Character Assessment' report as prepared by Scottish Natural Heritage will be utilised to inform decisions on siting and locating within the landscape.

OBJECTIONS-REPRESENTATIONS

None received by Aberdeenshire Council or Moray Council.

CONSULTATIONS

Aberdeenshire Council undertook 49 consultations in relation to the proposed development.