Energiekontor UK Ltd
Supplementary Environmental Information Volume 1: Written Text November 2016 Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Former RAF Fulbeck Airfield, Stragglethorpe Lane, Fulbeck, Lincolnshire
Regulation 22 Supplementary Environmental Information
November 2016
Page 1 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
www.energiekontor.co.uk
Page 2 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A planning application has been submitted to South Kesteven District Council and North Kesteven District Council by Energiekontor UK Ltd. The application seeks consent under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm, a proposal for up to 10 wind turbine generators and associated infrastructure at Fulbeck Airfield. The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement.
This Supplementary Environmental Information report has been prepared to support additional assessment work that is being submitted under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 for the proposed Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm.
The additional assessment work relates to cultural heritage, noise, landscape and transport.
This report summarises the content of the additional assessment work and identifies any changes in effects from the original EIA as a result of the additional information submitted.
Page 3 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 5
2 SEI SCOPE 7
3 CULTURAL HERITAGE 8
4 NOISE 31
5 LANDSCAPE 33
6 TRANSPORT 36
Figures
Included in separate volume
Appendices
Appendix 6.1 – Location of trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders in Stragglethorpe Appendix 6.2 – Photographs of trees on Stragglethorpe Lane
Page 4 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
1 INTRODUCTION
Supplementary Environmental Information
1.1 This report has been produced for the purpose of providing additional environmental information for the proposed Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm, consisting of up to ten wind turbines and associated infrastructure (“the Proposed Development”), located within the local authority areas of South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) and North Kesteven District Council (NKDC).
1.2 Energiekontor UK Ltd (“the Applicant”) submitted a planning application for the proposed Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm on 17 June 2015. The planning application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) as required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (“the EIA Regulations”).
1.3 This Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) has been prepared in relation to issues identified by SKDC and NKDC arising from their evaluation of the Fulbeck Airfield planning application. The SEI seeks to present the most up-to-date environmental information on the proposed development, and incorporates any updated legislation, guidance or changes in circumstances since the application was submitted. No design amendments to the Proposed Development, as set out in the planning application, have been made.
1.4 This SEI should be read in conjunction with the ES and identifies those parts of the ES that have been updated, supplemented or amended. All other parts of the ES not discussed in this SEI remain current and relevant. All methodology and terminology used in the SEI reflect that used in the ES.
1.5 This SEI is submitted under the EIA Regulations and should be advertised and made available for consultation under the terms of Regulation 22 of the EIA Regulations.
Structure of the SEI
1.6 This SEI is structured as follows:
Section 2 identifies the scope of the SEI based on the issues raised by SKDC, NKDC and consultees;
Section 3 (cultural heritage) summarises the key findings of the supplementary cultural heritage assessments undertaken;
Page 5 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Section 4 (noise) provides responses to noise issues that have been raised by the councils;
Section 5 (landscape) provides details of additional landscape and visual assessment work that has been undertaken; and
Section 6 (transport) provides details of additional transport assessment work that has been undertaken.
The Applicant – Energiekontor UK Ltd
1.7 Energiekontor UK Ltd is a wind energy development company with offices in Leeds and Glasgow. The company was formed in 1999 and develops onshore wind farms throughout the United Kingdom. The company has built seven wind farms in the UK with many more in the development process.
1.8 Energiekontor UK Ltd is part of the Energiekontor Group. The parent company, Energiekontor AG, was established in 1999 in Bremerhaven in Northern Germany. It has since grown to become one of the leading wind energy companies in Europe, having built more than 100 wind farms across the continent.
Contact for Further Information
1.9 A hard copy of this SEI will be available for viewing during normal office hours at both SKDC and NKDC. SKDC’s offices are Council Offices, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PZ. NKDC’s offices are District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF.
1.10 For additional copies, a charge of £10 will be made for a full electronic copy of this SEI on CD. Costs for paper copies are as follows:
Written text - £10
Figures - £100
Page 6 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
2 SEI SCOPE
Introduction
2.1 The scope of this SEI responds to a number of issues raised by SKDC, NKDC and consultees in relation to cultural heritage and noise. The information relating to these topic areas has been collated into one comprehensive report with all the issues being addressed in this document.
Key Issues
2.2 The key issues which form the scope of this SEI are as follows:
Cultural heritage – Additional assessment work has been requested relating to a number of listed buildings and Conservation Areas. Illustrative material, including photowires and Ventus images, has been prepared to accompany this section.
Noise – Issues raised include providing a justification for the choice of noise monitoring locations assessed, together with information on the appropriate level at which noise limits should be set.
Landscape – Additional landscape and visual assessment of the Viking Way has been requested, focussing on the section of the footpath between Coleby and Wellingore.
Transport – Issues raised include a request to provide a cumulative assessment of the wind farm together with a proposed straw storage facility on Fulbeck Airfield, together with information on the potential for works to be carried out to protected trees within Stragglethorpe.
Page 7 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
3 CULTURAL HERITAGE
Introduction
3.1 Following submission of the planning application and supporting Environmental Statement (ES) for Former RAF Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm (LPA reference: S15/1764/EUAFP), North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council and Historic England requested further information relating to a number of designated heritage assets. In summary, the further information requested was some additional assessment of the potential effects supported by photomontages/photowires and/or Ventus images for the following heritage assets:
I. Westborough, All Saints Church – Ventus photowire has been prepared from Marshall Way to the south of Westborough.
II. Long Bennington, St Swithun’s Church – Ventus photowire for All Saints Church, Westborough to be used to provide additional assessment of this church.
III. Dry Doddington, St James’s Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
IV. Claypole, St Peter’s Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
V. Stubton, Stubton Hall – a photowire/montage has been produced from within the grounds of the Hall.
VI. Stubton, St Martin’s Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
VII. Fenton, All Saints Church – a photowire/montage has been produced from within the church grounds.
VIII. Brandon, Brandon Old Hall – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
IX. Brandon, Brandon Chapel – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
X. Stragglethorpe, Stragglethorpe Hall – A photowire/montage was planned to be prepared from within the southern grounds of the Hall but access was denied by the owner. A Ventus photowire image has been produced from land to the south/south west of the hall. A computer-generated image from within the grounds of the Hall based on digital surface model information has also been produced with the agreement of SKDC.
XI. Stragglethorpe, Stragglethorpe Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
Page 8 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
XII. Beckingham, All Saints Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
XIII. Barnby in the Willows, Parish Church of All Saints – Ventus photowire image has been produced from within the church yard.
XIV. Brant Broughton, St Helen’s Church - Ventus photowire image has been produced from within the church yard.
XV. Brant Broughton, The Priory – Ventus photowire image has been produced from a footpath to the south of the house.
XVI. Leadenham, St Swithun’s Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced.
XVII. Leadenham, Leadenham House – Ventus photowire image has been produced from the western elevation of the House.
XVIII. Boothby Graffoe, St Andrew’s Church – written assessment has been provided.
XIX. Boothby Graffoe, Somerton Castle – written assessment has been provided.
XX. Fulbeck, St Nicholas’ Church – Ventus photowire image has been produced from the higher ground to the east.
XXI. Fulbeck, Fulbeck Hall – Ventus photowire image has been produced from the grounds to the north of the Hall.
XXII. Caythorpe, St Vincent’s Church – Photomontage Viewpoint 17 from original ES has been used to inform the assessment
XXIII. Welbourn, St Chad’s Church – written assessment has been provided.
XXIV. Wellingore, All Saints Church – written assessment has been provided.
XXV. Newark, St Mary Magdalene – additional written assessment only has been provided.
XXVI. Belton Park, Belton House Roof – Ventus photowire image has been produced from the roof of the house. Having assessed the view from the roof of Belton House, it was considered that additional visuals from the tower would not be necessary. Written assessment provided instead.
3.2 It was also agreed that the Regulation 22 submission woudl include further written assessment of the following Conservation Areas:
. Barnby in the Willows . Brant Broughton . Leadenham . Fulbeck
Page 9 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
. Hough on the Hill . Harmston . Coleby . Boothby Graffoe . Navenby . Wellingore . Welbourn 3.3 These assets are considered below in turn. Where the asset has been fully assessed in the ES chapter, the assessment in this document will be a supplement utilising the additional photomontage/Ventus photowire rather than a completely new assessment. In these instances, the reader is referred back to the original assessment in chapter 7 of the ES.
Listed Buildings
Westborough, All Saints Church & Long Bennington, St Swithun’s Church
3.4 All Saints Church was beyond the 5km study area used in the original ES and so was not assessed in Chapter 7. The church is a grade I listed building located 7.4km to the south west of the proposed wind farm. The listing describes the church as follows:
“Parish church. C11, c.1190, late C13, C14, C15, C17, 1749-52 restored in 1811, C19, 1951. Limestone ashlar, coursed ironstone rubble, blue lias, red brick, some rendering, with lead, pantile and slate roofs. West tower, nave with north and south aisles, north and south porches, north transept, rectangular chancel, north-east vestry. Ashlar tower of 1752, of 3 stages with small plinth. First stage, west side has C20 rectangular door with pair of plain pointed C18 lights above. Second stage has 2 single pointed lights, 4 bell openings of plain paired pointed lights. Moulded eaves and battlements above…”
3.5 The significance of the church resides in its architectural, historical and archaeological interest. The church is located within a churchyard at the southern end of the village. The presence of tall trees both along the churchyard boundary and in the gardens of adjacent houses, the houses themselves and other vegetation all serve to block views out from the church beyond its immediate surroundings. It is within this relatively limited area that the setting has the strongest contribution to the significance of the church.
3.6 St Swithun’s Church, Bennington was beyond the 5km study area used in the original ES and so was not assessed in Chapter 7. It is a grade I church located c. 8.2km to the south west of the proposed wind farm. The listing describes it as follows:
“Parish Church. Early C13, C14, C15, C19, restored 1902-3 by Scorer and Gamble. Limestone ashlar, coursed rubble, blue lias, some rendering, slate
Page 10 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
roofs. West tower, nave with north and south aisles, 2 storey south porch, rectangular chancel. Moulded plinth runs round whole church, much restored in C20. West tower of 3 stages, the lower of early C13, the upper C15. First stage, west front has lancet with hood mould, second stage has narrow rectangular light. South corner clasped by broad buttress containing stairs and 3 small lights. North buttress narrower, of 3 stages with nook shafts, including a water leaf capital. Bell openings on all 4 sides, each with paired pointed lights with transom and cusping under ogee hood mould with large spandrel corbel head supporting a pilaster running to the top of tower. Moulded eaves with battlements, projecting gargoyles and 8 ornate pinnacles above. Early C14 north aisle of coursed rubble and rendering with ashlar bands and 4 ashlar buttresses each of 2 stages.”
3.7 The significance of the church resides in its architectural, historical and archaeological interest. The church is located in a churchyard at the south eastern end of the village. Its immediate setting comprises nearby houses and gardens, a grass field on its western side, a large farm complex to its north east and arable fields to the east/south east. Trees and other vegetation and the farm buildings to the north/north east of the church restrict views toward the wind farm from the church and within its immediate setting, which is the area where the setting has a strong positive contribution to the significance of the church.
3.8 The Ventus photowire view VAR 1 is taken from a location next to the A1 to the south of St Swithun’s and to the south west of the All Saints church, Westborough. This shows that the blade tips of T3, T4 and T8 would just be visible in the very distance to the right of St Swithun’s church and the left of the Church of All Saints, Westborough. The visual dominance of the two church towers would not be compromised, and the visual and historic relationship between the two churches would also not be compromised. As a consequence, the proposed wind farm is considered to have no more than a negligible effect on the setting and significance of the two churches.
Dry Doddington, St James’ Church
3.9 St James’ Church was beyond the 5km study area used in the original ES and so was not assessed in Chapter 7. The church is a grade I listed building located 5.5km to the south west of the proposed wind farm. The listing describes the church as follows:
“Parish Church now church. Early C12, late C13, early C14, 1876-7. Limestone ashlar, blue lias, plain tiled roofs, west tower and spire, nave with north and south aisles, rectangular chancel. Early C14 tower of coursed rubble with ashlar quoins and of 2 stages. Small rectangular light in west front and squat buttresses in north east and south east corners. String course below bell openings on all 4 sides, each of 2 ogee cusped lights with quatrefoil above. Squat broach spire with 4 large lucarnces alternating directions with 4 very small ones above. Tower and spire lean towards the west. Nave exterior walls of 1876-7…”
Page 11 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
3.10 The significance of the church resides in its architectural, historical and archaeological interest. The church is located on a slight knoll in a large grassed (village green-like) area toward the western end of the village. There are a number of residential houses fronting the church on its northern and eastern sides beyond which there are large farm complexes. There are clear views out into the surrounding arable fields to the west and south west. The immediate setting of the church has a very open feel to it but the presence of the houses, farm buildings and vegetation restricts views in the direction of the wind farm. The immediate setting of the church has the greatest positive contribution to the significance of the church. The Ventus photowire view VAR 2 is taken from a location within the immediate setting to the south west of the church. In this view it can be seen that views of the turbines would be blocked by houses. There would be a similar effect in the immediate vicinity of the church. Due to the distance, if the turbines were visible, they would be very low on the horizon and also apparently quite small. Consequently, the buildings that surround the church block views of the turbines. The top of the spire can be seen in longer distance views from the south, south west and east of the village. However, in these views, there would be a large degree of visual separation between the spire and the turbines and also due to the distance, the church would remain unencumbered as the highest structure in the view. As a consequence, there would be a negligible effect on the setting and significance of the church.
Claypole, St Peter’s Church
3.11 The church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this. The Ventus photowire view VAR 3 is taken from the west of the church. In this view, it can be seen that the blades of T3 and T4 and the tips of T8 and T9 would be visible in between modern housing and vegetation to the left of the church. Due to the distance, the turbines would be low to the horizon whereas the church dominates the view and is significantly bigger. The wind farm would not compete against the church or diminish the contribution that the setting makes to the church. Consequently, the original assessment of a negligible effect on the church is supported by the Ventus photowire image.
Stubton, Stubton Hall
3.12 Stubton Hall was assessed in detail in para 7.106 of the ES and the reader is referred to this. Photomontage PW1 was taken from immediately outside the main entrance to the hall and Ventus photowire VAR13 was taken from a first floor window. These confirm the conclusion of the ES chapter that the visibility of the wind farm would be very limited. The
Page 12 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
turbines would not be visible from the ground floor and only the blades of T7, T8, and T9 would be visible from the first floor. Consequently it is considered to have a negligible effect on the setting of the hall and its contribution to the significance of the hall.
Fenton, All Saints Church
3.13 The church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church. Photomontage PW2 confirms that in the immediate vicinity of the church, where the setting has a strong and the greatest positive contribution to the significance of the church, the adjacent buildings entirely block views of the wind farm and so there would be no effect from within the immediate setting. Photomontage PW4, from Church of All Saints, Barnby in the Willows, demonstrates that the church spire would be visible to the right of the wind farm from this location. Although there would be a reasonable degree of visual separation between the turbines and the church spire, in this view the prominence of the church spire would be diminished. This effect within its wider setting is considered to be minor as outlined in ES Appendix 7.3.
Brandon, Brandon Old Hall
3.14 Brandon Old Hall was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the hall. Ventus photowire view VAR 5 is taken from in front of the hall. This demonstrates that the blade tips of T5 and T8 may be visible depending on the precise location an observer may stand. However, vegetation would reduce this visual effect further. Consequently, the assessment of the effect from the wider setting remains the same as per Appendix 7.3, which is that there would be a minor impact at the most.
Brandon, Brandon Chapel
3.15 Brandon Chapel was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a negligible impact on the significance of the chapel. Ventus photowire view VAR 6 was taken from Church Lane immediately to the east of the chapel. This demonstrates that due to the blocking effect of adjacent buildings and vegetation, there would be no intervisibility with the wind farm. Consequently, the assessment of the effect from the wider setting remains the same as per Appendix 7.3, which is that there would be a negligible impact on the significance of the chapel.
Page 13 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Stragglethorpe, Stragglethorpe Hall
3.16 Stragglethorpe Hall was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a negligible impact on the significance of the hall due to the screening effect of a block of woodland. Although a photowire/montage was requested from the hall, access was not allowed by the owner of the hall. Ventus photowire view VAR 7 was produced from the closest point to the grounds of the hall that may be possible to experience the wind farm from. In this view T6, 7, 8 & 9 would be clearly visible and prominent in the view. However, this is not how the turbines would be experienced from the hall and cannot be taken as an indication of the effect that the wind farm will have on the setting of the hall. A wireframe of the turbines (WF1) has been produced using digital surface modelling data from a location within the garden of the hall immediately to the south of the hall itself. This demonstrates that the turbines would be blocked from view by the block of woodland that is immediately to the west and south west of the hall. This is a thick block of wood that would prevent views even in winter. This was the position regarding the hall as outlined in Appendix 7.3 of the ES. Consequently, it is considered that the wind farm would not be able to be experienced from the hall and within the area of the setting that has a contribution to the hall’s significance. This is the case when the computer-generated image based on digital surface modelling information is reviewed. Consequently, it is considered that the wind farm would have a negligible effect on the setting and significance of the hall.
Stragglethorpe, Stragglethorpe Church
3.17 Stragglethorpe church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a negligible impact on the significance of the church due to the screening effect of adjacent properties and vegetation. Ventus photowire view VAR 8 was produced from the southern boundary of the churchyard within which the church is located. This photowire confirms the conclusions of Appendix 7.3 that the wind farm would not be visible from the church and therefore, there would be a negligible effect on the setting and significance of the church.
Beckingham, All Saints Church
3.18 All Saints Church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church due to the occasional views that are possible from certain places to the north west of the village. Ventus photowire view VAR 9 was produced from next to the river on
Page 14 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
the south side of the A17. In this view, due to topography and tall trees, the turbines would not be visible. In this photowire, there would be no effect on the setting and significance of the church. The assessment of the effect on the setting and significance in Appendix 7.3 also takes into account the potential visibility from a few other limited areas and hence concludes that there would be a minor effect at the most on the setting and significance of the church.
Barnby in the Willows, Parish Church of All Saints
3.19 All Saints Church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church due to the effect on the view from the church toward the wind turbines. The core of the setting of the church is its churchyard, and the village of Barnaby in the Willows, although as the church has clear views out across the surrounding countryside, this too forms part of the setting. Within this area, the setting has a very strong positive contribution to the significance of the church. The surrounding countryside also has a positive contribution to the significance. This reduces with distance. Views of the tower of the Church of All Saints, Fenton are possible from the church and this relationship has a positive contribution to the significance of the church. As depicted in the original ES Viewpoint 7 and the additional photomontage PW4, the wind farm would be visible within the periphery of the setting of the church. This view also includes All Saints Church, Fenton tower. However, there would be clear separation between the tower and the wind farm. In the view from the church toward the wind farm, there would be an effect on the setting. However, this is only one element of a larger setting which would not be affected. This will not have a material effect on the significance of the church which primarily derives from factors that would be unaffected by the presence of the wind farm. Therefore, there would be only a minor change within a limited area of the setting. As a consequence, when the effect of the wind farm on the significance of the church is considered in the round, the effect is considered to be minor
Brant Broughton, St Helen’s Church
3.20 St Helen’s church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church. Ventus photowire view VAR 10 was produced from the churchyard on the south side of the church. This demonstrates that due the screening effect of tall trees to the south of the churchyard, the wind farm would be barely visible from the churchyard. In light of this, the impact assessment in Appendix 7.3 of the ES may
Page 15 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
have overstated the effect to a small degree. Consequently, the impact of the wind farm is considered to be on the minor/negligible boundary.
Brant Broughton, The Priory
3.21 The Priory is outside of the ZTV and so was not assessed in detail in chapter 7 of the ES. Ventus photowire view VAR 11 was produced from the footpath that crosses the field to the north west of the church and to the south of The Priory. The viewpoint is considered to have been taken toward the periphery of the setting of The Priory. In this view, the wind farm will be seen in the distance behind and in-between tall trees and other vegetation. This view was taken before the leaves came out on the trees and so is a worst case view. The turbines and their movement would be discernible behind the trees. This would be a small change in one part of the periphery of the setting of the listed building. The turbines would not be intrusive or dominating. It is therefore concluded that the impact on the significance of The Priory would be on the minor/negligible boundary.
Leadenham, St Swithun’s Church
3.22 St Swithun’s church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church. Ventus photowire view VAR 12 was produced from the road to the east of the village as it crosses the former railway line. This was selected as it was an elevated view toward the church where the wind farm would theoretically be aligned behind/beside the church. Views from further up the road are blocked by vegetation. The photowire shows that the church spire dominates and is the focus of the view. The proposed wind farm would be to the right of the church but due to dense and tall trees within the village, the wind farm would be blocked from view. This confirms the conclusions of Appendix 7.3 that the wind farm would only be visible with the church spire in limited areas to the east of the church. However, due to the trees in the village and in the vicinity of the church, the opportunity to experience the church and wind farm together would be very limited indeed. Therefore, the impact on the setting and significance of the church would be at the low end of minor.
Leadenham, Leadenham House
3.23 Leadenham House was beyond the 5km study area used in the original ES and so was not assessed in Chapter 7. It is a grade II* building located c. 5.2km to the east of the proposed wind farm. The listing describes it as follows:
Page 16 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
“Small country house. 1790-9 additions 1826-9. L,Vulliamy and c.1903 Detmar Blow. Ashlar and dressed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings. Slate hipped roof and 2 ashlar ridge stacks. 2½ storey. West entrance front 7 bays with plinth, ground floor cill band, first floor band and cill band, second floor band and moulded cornice with parapet. Slightly recessed central bay has projecting canted porch of 1826 with pilasters supporting an entablature and topped by a parapet, central doorway with double panelled doors and single glazing bar sashes either side. Either side 3 glazing bar sashes. Above a central tripartite glazing bar sash with flat hood, and either side 3 glazing bar sashes. Above again a central small tripartite glazing bar sash and either side 3 small glazing bar sashes. The north and south fronts are identical, of dressed rubble with ashlar quoins. 4 bays with glazing bar sashes throughout. The south front also has a low 2-storey, 6-bay wing extending east, added in 1826. It has an off centre double glazed doorway flanked by 2 glazing bar sashes, above are 5 glazing bar sashes. The eastern bay has a double glazed doorway flanked by narrow glazing bar sashes, with above 3 round headed blind arches with moulded surrounds, and topped with a pediment. Smother early C19 extension to the north east.”
3.24 The significance of the house resides primarily within its architectural interest with its historic interest being more secondary. It is located within extensive parkland grounds (not registered) on a west facing slope on the western side of the village from which there are extensive views over and into the countryside beyond the grounds. The A17, its associated traffic and noise are a prominent aspect of the wider setting. There is a small lake at the end of a gravel track within the grounds to the west of the house. Both the lake and track were created following the construction of the A17. The grounds of the house form the immediate setting of the house and this aspect of the setting has a strong positive contribution to the house’s significance. The church is located immediately to the south east of the house and this and the village of Leadenham form the core of its setting and is also an area where there is a strong positive contribution to the significance of the house. The lower lying countryside to the west of the house has a mildly positive contribution to the significance of the house but this aspect of the setting incorporates a wide range of features of varying ages such as the traffic on the A17, modern and older farm and agricultural buildings and electricity pylons that happen to be to the west of the house.
3.25 Photomontage PW5 was taken from immediately outside the main entrance to the house. From this location the wind farm would be behind a very large mature tree in the grounds of the house. In summer, the leaves of the tree would block views of the turbines from this location but in winter, the turbines would be discernible behind the tree. Clearer views of the wind farm would be possible in the area in front of the house and from the upper floor windows (visited by the author during a site visit). The wind farm would be a visible and prominent feature within the wider setting to the west of the house. It would not be visible
Page 17 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
within the rest of the core of the setting of the house. The architectural and historic interest of the house and its relationship with the church and the village would be unencumbered by the wind farm. Although a prominent feature in the wider setting to the west, the significance of the house and the contribution of the setting of the house when considered in the round, would be a minor impact as it is only one aspect of the setting that would be affected.
Boothby Graffoe, St Andrew’s Church
3.26 St Andrew’s church, Boothby Graffoe is a grade II listed building located 11.3km to the north east of the wind farm (6.3km beyond the study area). The listing describes it as follows:
“Parish church. 1842 designed by W A Nicholson, in weak Gothic Revival style. Coursed rubble with ashlar dressings and slate roofs. Neo-Early English west tower, with neo-Decorated nave, chancel and north porch. Replacing earlier church, internally an inscribed tablet under the west window dated 1626 is only survival from earlier building. Two wall monuments both dated 1851.”
3.27 The significance of the church resides in its architectural and historic interest. The core setting of the church comprises the churchyard within which it is located, the B102 that lies immediately to the east, and the village of Boothby Graffoe to the north of the church. It is within this area that the setting has a positive contribution to the significance of the church. There are extensive views to the west of the church across the lower lying agricultural countryside. This view encompasses a wide range of features and buildings of varying dates. This aspect of the setting is striking but in heritage terms only has a mildly positive contribution to the significance of the church. At over 11km away, the wind farm is considered to be beyond the setting of the church. At this distance it would be a small feature within a very limited part of the setting. There would be no effects arising on the significance of the church.
Boothby Graffoe, Somerton Castle
3.28 Somerton Castle is the remains of a medieval castle converted to a farm house which are located within the scheduled earthwork remains of the castle. The castle is c. 9.15km to the north east of the proposed wind farm (i.e. over 4km beyond the study area). The listing describes the castle as follows:
“Remains of Medieval Castle converted into a farmhouse. Early C14, late C16 and C19. Coursed rubble, ashlar and brick. Plain tile and pantile roofs. Licence to crenellate granted to Antony Bele. Bishop of Durham 1281, castle probably complete by 1305. Single tower survives with L-shaped late C16 wing added,
Page 18 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
more minor additions in C19. South-east tower of 4 storeys with conical tiled roof, blocked arrow slits survive, and single C14 window. Three-storey late C16 wing to east, roughly 3 bays with irregularly placed casement windows under wooden lintels. C19 panelled door. Two casement dormers. Single gabled bay to east, coped gable with finial, with 3 flush sash window, probably early C18 under C16 moulded hoods. Early C19, 2-storey brick painted extension to the north, and a smaller 2-storey, and then single-storey range to the north-east, coursed rubble with a pantile roof. King John I of France was imprisoned here, 1359-60.”
3.29 The earthwork remains of the castle and the former castle structures have considerable archaeological, architectural and historic interest. The castle is located on low lying land and the earthwork ramparts of the castle largely block views out from the interior. Due to the low lying location of the castle and the tree cover within and around the scheduled monument and the listed structures, the castle is not perceivable as a designated heritage asset until in close proximity of the castle in views from the north. For example, from the road that goes to the west from Coleby extensive views that include the castle and would include the proposed wind farm are available. In this view, the castle is toward the right hand of the view and lies in-between the last pylon and two tall poplar type trees which can be seen easily. The castle itself is covered by trees and is more of a landscape feature than a heritage asset. Due to the low lying nature of the land to the north of the castle, the trees on the castle can be seen in places but the designated assets themselves are not visible. Consequently, views from the north that may include the wind farm do not contribute to the significance of the castle. This effect combined with the distance (over 9km) means that the wind farm is considered to be located well beyond the setting of the castle. There would therefore be no effect on the significance of the listed structures or the scheduled monument.
Fulbeck, St Nicholas’Church
3.30 St Nicholas’s church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES and the reader is referred to this where it was concluded that there would be a minor impact on the significance of the church. This is because the wind farm would be seen beside or to the rear of the church when viewed from a limited section of the limestone ridge. Photomontage PW6 which was taken from the limestone ridge demonstrates the conclusion of the assessment in Appendix 7.3. In this view, the turbines would be seen on either side and higher than the church spire. However, the church is not a prominent landscape feature in this view as it is within tall trees which have reduced its visual prominence. In this view the wind farm would have a moderate effect on the contribution
Page 19 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
that the setting makes to the significance of the church. However, this is only one aspect of the setting from a location which was selected to illustrate the place where the effect of the wind farm would be most pronounced. It is on a footpath that comes down the limestone ridge scarp face straight toward the village and the church. Due to the elevated position of an observer at this position, the wind turbines would appear taller than the church. However, as an observer moves further down the slope the relative heights of the church and turbine change and the church ‘rises up’ in relation to the turbines; the turbines would become subservient in the view and disappear from the view altogether once the lower and flatter land on which the church and village are located is reached.
3.31 The turbines and the spire would also be seen in relative close proximity from a limited stretch of the road that leaves the village to the east. However, due to tall hedges, trees and other vegetation, this would only be a glimpsed passing view. The spire of the church can also be seen from the limestone ridge to the south east. When travelling along the road from Caythorpe Court to the north along the limestone ridge, the spire can be seen to the north west. In such views, there would be a high degree of visual separation between the spire and the turbines which would be further to the west of an observer. As an observer moves up toward the junction with the road down to Fulbeck village, the church spire and turbines would retain their visual separation although the gap will decrease. Due to the topography and intervening woodland, however, the church disappears from view c. 600m to the south of the road junction. At this point, there would still be a high degree of separation between the church and the turbines. The church is obscured from view from this point northwards. As a consequence, it is concluded that it is only from a small area along the footpath and also on the road down the limestone ridge into Fulbeck that the visual effect demonstrated in PW6 would be experienced. All other parts of the setting, such as in the village where the setting has its strongest contribution to the significance of the church, and also views that include the church spire from the south and west and north would be unaffected as discussed in Appendix 7.3. There would be large sections of the limestone ridge where the alignment between wind farm and church do not occur. Similarly, views towards the church from the west, north and south would be unaffected. Consequently, the impact of the wind farm on the significance of the church when the setting is considered in the round is that there would be a minor impact.
Page 20 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Fulbeck, Fulbeck Hall
3.32 Fulbeck Hall is outside of the ZTV and so was not assessed in detail in chapter 7 of the ES. Ventus photowire view VAR 15 was produced from the garden on the north side of the house. Access was not allowed to the house or to the area immediately to the west of the house for the purposes of this assessment by the property owner. The assessment presented here therefore utilises the author’s experience of visiting to the grounds of the hall and the wider area and Google Earth. The photowire demonstrates that the wind farm would be visible to the west of the garden at this point within the setting. The wind farm would not be visible from within the rest of the immediate setting of the hall due to the screening effect of trees and other vegetation within the grounds to the west of the hall. Using the available data sources and from site visits by the author, the hall does not appear to command clear views to the west due to the screening effect of trees. However, it is considered likely that the wind farm may be visible from some of the windows on the higher floors of the hall that face west. The wind farm would not be visible in views from the hall to the north, east and south. Due to the visibility of the wind farm within views to the west from within parts of the immediate setting of the hall and possibly from within parts of the higher floors of the hall, which the hall was orientated at least in part take advantage of, the wind farm is considered to have a minor effect on the setting and significance of the hall. The rest of the setting would be unaffected. Consequently, it is considered that the wind farm would have minor effect on the significance of the hall.
Caythorpe, St Vincent’s Church
3.33 St Vincent’s church was assessed in detail in Appendix 7.3 of the ES. The photomontage Viewpoint 17 in the original ES was used to aid with the assessment of the potential effects on the setting in views of the church from the limestone ridge to the south east of the church. Views of the wind farm from the church, its churchyard and in its immediate surroundings are blocked by the built form of the village and so further visual aids were not produced from the church itself. The assessment of the potential impact of the wind farm (minor) presented in Appendix 7.3 and in the chapter 7 is considered to be appropriate and based on an adequate evidence base.
Welbourn, St Chad’s Church
3.34 The Church of St Chad is a grade I listed building c. 7.6km to north east of the proposed wind farm. It is over 2.5km beyond the ES study area boundary. The listing describes the church as follows
Page 21 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
“Parish church. C12, C13, C14, C15. 1854 restored 1884. Coursed limestone rubble and ashlar. Slate roofs with coped gables and finials. Heavily moulded plinth. Angled gable buttresses, except on the tower. All openings have hood moulds with label stops. West tower with spire, nave and aisles, chancel and south porch. Tower, 4 stages C12, coursed rubble with low later buttresses with set-offs, and topped with C14 coped battlements and octagonal crocketed spire with 3 sets of alternating lucarnes, and 4 thin flying but- tresses and pinnacles.”
3.35 Its significance resides primarily within its architectural and historic interest. The setting of the church works at two levels. Firstly there is the more intimate immediate setting which comprises of its churchyard and the houses and trees etc., that are in its immediate vicinity. This area has a strong positive contribution to the church as it places it within the village and local community that it has served since its consecration. There is a secondary wider landscape setting of the limestone ridge and the chain of villages and their churches that run north to south just below the ridge. In relation to this, the church spire can be experienced in places from the B102 that runs along the ridge and in views from the north down the ridge line. The photomontage from the original ES Viewpoint 14 is a view from the south end of Wellingore which is the next village to the north. In this view, the spire of St Chad’s can be seen clearly with the spire of St Swithun’s at Leadenham almost directly behind it. This view has an important positive contribution to the significance of the two churches. In this view, the wind farm would be on the lower lying land to the west of the churches, would appear to be lower than the spires and would have a large degree of visual separation. Because of this, while the turbines would be prominent in views from the limestone ridge, including Viewpoint 14, the turbines would not compete with or reduce the prominence of the spires and would not interfere with an appreciation of their interrelationships and the importance of the church spires in the wider landscape. However, the wind farm would be an obvious change in this aspect of the setting and would be distracting to a degree in such views. Therefore, it is considered that the wind farm would have a minor impact on the wider setting and its contribution to the significance of the churches.
Wellingore, All Saints Church
3.36 All Saints Church is a grade I listed building c. 9.7km to north east of the proposed wind farm. It is over 4.5km beyond the ES study area boundary. The listing describes the church as follows;
“Parish church. Late C12, C13, C14, C15 restored 1881. Coursed limestone, rubble and ashlar, with ashlar dressings. Plain tile roofs with stone coped gables
Page 22 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
with finials. Flush ashlar quoins, and plinth. West tower, with spire, nave with aisles and north porch and chancel with north chantry chapel. A plain unbuttressed 3- stage tower has a moulded plinth to the west and a single tall lancet. The other sides are blank apart from various odd corbels. The third stage has a single bell opening to each side, of 2 lights with circulated tracery. The tower is topped with battlements and a C14 spire with a single set of lucarnes. The north aisle has a 2-light panel tracery pointed arched west window.”
3.37 The significance of the church resides primarily in its architectural and historic interest. Its setting is primarily comprised of the churchyard it is located within and the built up area of Wellingore. This is quite an intimate and closed setting which has a strong positive contribution to the church’s significance. Although located on the edge of the village and limestone ridge, views out across the low lying land and along the ridge are restricted by tall trees to the south and the south west of the churchyard. The photomontage from Viewpoint 14 in the original ES was from a location just to the south of the church. This is discussed above in paragraph 2.33 and the same comments apply here. The wind farm would be visible in the distance in places from the churchyard, but the turbines would not compete with or reduce the prominence of the church spires visible in the villages to the south. However, the wind farm would be an obvious change in this aspect of the setting and would be distracting to a degree in such views. Therefore, it is considered that the wind farm would have a minor impact on the wider setting and its contribution to the significance of the church.
Newark, St Mary Magdalene
3.38 St Mary Magdalene Church is a grade I building located c. 10km to the north west of the proposed wind farm. The church has a tall spire which can be seen from the surrounding area. The body of the church cannot be seen from beyond its immediate surroundings within Newark. Its significance lies within its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. The immediate setting is confined to within Newark and it is within this area that the setting has a strong positive contribution to the significance of the church. It has an extensive wider landscape setting due to the height of the spire. This encompasses a wide range of landscapes, buildings and features of differing dates. In clear conditions it is possible to see the church spire in the far distance from places on the limestone ridge (e.g. Viewpoint 9 of the ES). However, in such views the church is 15km+ to the west and so can be hard to see. Where and when it is visible, it does not dominate the view in any way and nor can its significance be appreciated in any meaningful way. Where it is possible to experience both the wind farm and the church spire in the same view (e.g. Viewpoint 9), the wind farm would be far more prominent and taller than the spire. However, this would
Page 23 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
have a negligible effect on the significance of the church as this cannot be perceived in such views anyway.
Belton Park, Belton House Roof
3.39 A Ventus photowire was produced from a location on the roof of Belton House (VAR14). This established that there was no intervisibility between Belton House and the proposed wind farm due to the intervening topography. There would consequently be no impact on Belton House or Belton Tower.
Conservation Areas
3.40 Conservation Areas within 5km of the proposed wind farm were assessed in paras 7.75 – 7.83 and 7.109- 7.115. These were:
Barnby in the Willows
Brant Broughton
Leadenham
Fulbeck
Hough on the Hill
3.41 The original assessments have been reviewed in light of the additional photomontages and photowires and were also subject to additional site visits. Following this, it is considered that the assessments presented in Chapter 7 of the ES are still valid and do not require updating as the conclusions about the significance and setting of the villages and the impact of the proposed wind farm remains as in the ES.
3.42 This SEI provides an assessment of the impact of the Proposed Development on a number of additional Conservation Areas not included in the original ES as required in the Regulation 22 request. These are considered in turn below.
Harmston Conservation Area
3.43 Harmston Conservation area is located c. 12.7km to the north east of the proposed wind farm (7.7km beyond the ES study area). As well as encompassing the historic core of the village, the Conservation Area includes Harmston Hall and part of its parkland. The Harmston Conservation Area, An Assessment of the Character and Appearance of the Conservation Area document sets out that there are three features that primarily define the character of the Conservation Area, namely:
Page 24 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
The presence of large numbers of fine trees;
The role of stone walls in defining the highway edge, containing views and linking buildings together; and
The contrast in the way that traditional village buildings, set tightly on to the pavement edge are concentrated at the junctions of the lanes with High Street, with remaining development being set back from the street edge.
3.44 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural historic and archaeological interest.
3.45 It is located on the limestone ridge, the scarp of which is adjacent to the village and has been landscaped as part of the parkland setting of Harmston Hall, part of which is included within the Conservation Area. There are extensive views out from the edge of the Conservation Area within the parkland of Harmston Hall across the lower lying countryside. A key element of this part of the setting is the presence of Lincolnshire Cathedral to the north west of the village. Views to the south west are more restricted by the presence of parkland trees and blocks of woodland. The Conservation Area appraisal identified a number of important views, none of which would include the wind farm in them. The edge of the Conservation Area along its southern boundary is enclosed by a modern housing estate which blocks all views to the south/south west from the village.
3.46 Given the distance (12.7km), the wind farm is considered to be beyond the setting of the Conservation Area. It may be possible to obtain views that include the wind farm in some limited areas toward the south western/western edges of the Conservation Area. However, due to the distance, the turbines would be small and would occupy a small arc of the view in the far distance. This would not have an effect on the contribution that the setting makes to the Conservation Area and, therefore, there would be no impact on the significance of Harmston Conservation Area.
Coleby Conservation Area
3.47 Coleby Conservation Area is located c. 11.5km to the north east of the proposed wind farm (6.5km beyond the ES study area). There is no Conservation Area appraisal available but the area is described as follows on the North Kesteven District Council’s website:
“Coleby Conservation Area has an area of 33.3 hectares, and covers almost the entire village, and also takes in parts of the grounds to Coleby Hall which are included on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Buildings are almost universally 2 storeys in height, and built in natural stone with red clay pantiled roofs. In many parts of the Conservation Area, buildings are
Page 25 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
set on the edge of the highway, and this gives a sense of enclosure, gives strong definition to the curve of the roads, and frames views over the Cliff. Where buildings are set further back, the sense of enclosure is maintained by the use of stone walls along the front boundaries of properties. Roof verges are plain, and a variety of chimney stacks contribute to the diversity of the Area’s character. Windows are generally slightly recessed, and almost universally have a strongly vertical emphasis.”
3.48 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. In relation to the proposed wind farm, it is the limestone ridge cliff edge location aspect of the setting and the extensive views across the lower lying countryside to the west, south west and north west of the village that this allows, that are a key character of the village. There are extensive views possible from the southern end of High Street, from Hill Rise, the end of Church Lane and Far Lane and along the western edge of the built area. The part of the Conservation Area that is within the Coleby Hall registered park does not have views in the direction of the wind farm as these are blocked by trees within the registered park area. Lincolnshire Cathedral can be seen to the north west of the village.
3.49 Given the distance (11.5km), the wind farm is considered to be beyond the setting of the Conservation Area. In clear conditions, it would be possible to see the wind farm. However, due to the distance, the turbines would be small and would occupy a small arc of the view in the far distance. This would not affect the character of the Conservation Area. Consequently, while the wind farm would be visible from parts of the designated area, it would not have an effect on the contribution that the setting makes to the Conservation Area and therefore, there would be no impact on the significance of Coleby Conservation Area.
Boothby Graffoe Conservation Area
3.50 Boothby Graffoe Conservation Area is located c. 11.3km to the north east of the proposed wind farm (6.3km beyond the ES study area). There is no Conservation Area appraisal available but the area is described as follows on North Kesteven District Council’s website:
“Boothby Graffoe Conservation Area has an area of 10.0 hectares, and covers the majority of the village. The character of the Conservation Area depends very heavily upon the presence of large numbers of mature trees, particularly at its northern end. These trees play a major role in blending the village into the landscape, filling gaps between buildings and adding interest and colour to views along the Area’s streets. The majority of buildings are 2 storey in height, built in coursed rubble limestone, and are generally slightly set back from the pavement edge. Roadside boundaries are strongly defined by stone walls, and by hedges in outer parts of the settlement. Roofs are steeply pitched (between
Page 26 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
40 degrees and 45 degrees), pantiled, have plain or parapetted verges, and chimney stacks at ridge level are typical. Windows have a strong vertical emphasis, and lintels are often detailed.”
3.51 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. In relation to the proposed wind farm, it is the limestone ridge cliff edge location aspect of the setting and the extensive views across the lower lying countryside to the west, south west and north west of the village that this allows which are a characteristic of the village. There are extensive views possible from the southern end of Main Street from Castle Lane onwards. These are views between houses. This view encompasses a wide range of features and buildings of varying date. This aspect of the setting is striking but in heritage terms only has a mildly positive contribution to the significance of the conservation area. Views from elsewhere in the Conservation Area in the direction of the wind farm are blocked by houses and trees.
3.52 Given the distance (11.3km), the wind farm is considered to be beyond the setting of the Conservation Area. In clear conditions, it would be possible to see the wind turbines. However, due to the distance, the turbines would be small and would occupy a small arc of the view in the far distance. This would not affect the character of the Conservation Area. Consequently, while the wind farm would be visible from parts of the designated area, it would not have an effect on the contribution that the setting makes to the Conservation Area and therefore, there would be no impact on the significance of Boothby Graffoe Conservation Area.
Navenby Conservation Area
3.53 Navenby Conservation Area is located c. 10.4km to the north east of the proposed wind farm (5.4km beyond the ES study area). North Kesteven District Council’s website describes the character of the Conservation Area as follows:
“Navenby Conservation Area has an area of 27.4 hectares, and covers western parts of the village. Buildings are generally two, or more rarely three, storeys in height and are built in stone or russet red brick. Roofs are pitched either at 35- 40 degrees or 50-60 degrees and natural slates or red pantiles are typical. Substantial, ridge-level chimney stacks are prominent features and verges are generally plain. Windows are strongly vertical in appearance and flat or arched lintels are frequently picked out by brick detailing. Where dormers windows are used, they are generally modest and are capped by boarded gables. In many parts of the Conservation Area, buildings are located on the highway edge, which gives a pleasant sense of enclosure. Even where buildings are set back from the pavement edge, walls, hedges and railings commonly give a strong definition to the highway edge. Although Navenby
Page 27 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Conservation Area has poorer tree cover than many of the Cliff villages, its character nonetheless benefits greatly from mature trees.”
3.54 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. The Navenby Conservation Area Appraisal sub-divides the village and considers the character of the Conservation Area by each of the sub-divisions. It is only within the Cliff Edge area that views out toward the wind farm are possible. Views in the direction of the wind farm elsewhere within the Conservation are blocked by the built form of the village. Due to the number of large trees and other vegetation, long distance views are fairly restricted but the views are a key characteristic of the Conservation Area. This view encompasses a wide range of features and buildings of varying dates. Where such views are possible, this aspect of the setting is striking but in heritage terms only has a mildly positive contribution to the significance of the Conservation Area.
3.55 Given the distance (10.4km), the wind farm is considered to be beyond the setting of the Conservation Area. It would be possible to see the wind turbines in the long distance views. However, due to the distance, the turbines would be small and would occupy a small arc of the view in the far distance. This would not affect the character of the Conservation Area. Consequently, while the wind farm would be visible from parts of the designated area, it would not have an effect on the contribution that the setting makes to the Conservation Area and therefore, there would be no impact on the significance and character of Navenby Conservation Area.
Wellingore Conservation Area
3.56 Wellingore Conservation Area is located c. 9.7km to the north east of the proposed wind farm. North Kesteven District Council’s website describes the character of the Conservation Area as follows:
“Wellingore Conservation Area covers an area of 22.1 hectares, and takes in approximately half of the village’s total area, centred upon the historic core where West Street, Barnes Lane, Vicarage Lane, High Street and Hall Street join with Cliff Road. Buildings are predominantly stone-built, 2 storey (including single storey buildings with dormers) and are sited on, or close to, the edge of the public highway. High stone walls link buildings together and further emphasise the street edge. Tree planting behind the walls helps to fill the gaps between buildings and adds interest and colour to the Conservation Area. Roofs are steeply pitched, are typically in red clay pantiles, and ridge lines are often straddled by large chimney stacks. Ridge lines generally run parallel to the highway. Roof verges and eaves are plain, and windows are timber framed and have a vertical emphasis.”
Page 28 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
3.57 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. Despite the village being located on the limestone ridge, views out over the lower lying land to the west are not possible within most of the Conservation Area. Views out from the limestone ridge are only possible from the south western part of the Conservation Area, such as near to the church and at the very end of Vicarage Lane and Barnes Lane. The effect of the wind farm in this view is assessed in relation to All Saints Church above (paras 3.36 – 3.37). This assessment also applies to the part of the Conservation Area at the south western part of the village as this is the same view so the reader is referred back to the assessment in paras 2.33 & 2.35.
Welbourn Conservation Area
3.58 Welbourn Conservation Area is c. 6.9km to the north east of the wind farm. North Kesteven District Council’s website describes the character of the Conservation Area as follows:
“Welbourn Conservation Area covers an area of 26.2 hectares, and takes in the majority of the village. The different parts of the Conservation Area have varying characters but, for the most part, buildings are 1 or 2 storey in height (although 3 storey buildings occur in parts) and are constructed in stone or orange/red brick. Highway boundaries are defined by stone or orange/red brick walls or by hedges, and the Conservation Area contains many important groups of trees. Gabled roofs (typically pitched at or above 45 degrees) with plain verges are the norm, and clay pantiles are the predominant roofing material, although slates and red pantiles occur in some parts of the Conservation Area. Ridge lines are either parallel to, or at 90 degrees to the highway, with chimney stacks usually at ridge level. Modestly-sized dormer windows are common, with monopitched sloping roofs, and the vertical members of window frames are typically closer than horizontal members.”
3.59 The significance of the Conservation Area resides in its architectural, historic and archaeological interest. The village is located on the edge of the limestone ridge. However, despite its location, there are very few areas where it is possible to gain views out from the Conservation Area apart from a few limited areas right on the edge of the southern area of the village. However, at this point the character becomes modern houses which block views toward the wind farm. The village is inward looking and so despite its topographic location, it setting is not extensive. The wind farm would be located beyond its setting and could not be experienced from within the Conservation Area. As a consequence, the proposed wind farm would not have an effect on its setting and no impact on the significance or character of the Conservation Area.
Page 29 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Conclusions
3.60 The additional heritage assessments above have demonstrated that the Proposed Development would not affect the significance of any of these assets to more than a minor degree.
3.61 The NPPF outlines that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development (para14). Paras 132 to 133 of the NPPF cover the balance between public benefits and harm to designated heritage assets. Para 132 states that the greater the importance of an asset, the greater the weight given to its conservation should be. Development resulting in substantial harm to a scheduled monument or grade I and II* listed building should be wholly exceptional and substantial harm to a grade II listed building should be exceptional. Para 134 of the NPPF states that where the harm is less than substantial, the harm arising from a proposed development should be balanced against the public benefits arising from the development. Within the context of this, the decision maker also needs to pay special regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of listed buildings as per Section 66 of the 1990 Planning Act.
3.62 In this case, the proposed wind farm would not result in substantial harm to any designated heritage assets within the study area. Consequently, the test outlined in para 132 of the NPPF does not apply (i.e. substantial harm) and instead, the test outlined in para 134 (i.e. less than substantial harm) applies in this case. Consequently, as there is less than substantial harm to the significance of heritage assets, the economic and public benefits of the Proposed Development will need to weighed against the limited harm identified to designated heritage assets.
Page 30 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
4 NOISE
Introduction
4.1 The Regulation 22 request includes the following points in relation to noise:
“Three noise receptor locations are identified in North Kesteven District although background noise monitoring has only been carried out at Stragglethorpe Hall. The remaining receptor locations within North Kesteven [have] been assigned with assumed levels comparable to other locations (two use the background levels for Stragglethorpe Hall, and the remaining property applies levels from Bees Barn within South Kesteven District). Please provide a further note on [sic] in relation to assumed background noise levels at the two remaining non-attended receptors, which may be lower than those applied as surrogates. A noise limit has been selected towards the upper end of the permissible ETSU range, based upon the size of the scheme and the number of affected properties. Given that compliance with ETSU limits does require operating 3 turbines at reduced power output levels, the Council requests that the applicant provide further details of the overall scheme power output if fixed limits towards the lower end of the ETSU range were applied.”
4.2 These issues are considered with in turn below.
Measurement Locations
4.3 As summarised in Table 10.2 of Chapter 10 in the ES, both NKDC and SKDC representatives attended the initial site visit to install noise monitoring equipment, which included a visit and review of different locations in the local area, and the installation of monitoring equipment. Both councils subsequently confirmed their satisfaction with the chosen noise monitoring locations by email.
4.4 A detailed rationale for the choice of measurement locations is provided in Appendix C of the detailed noise report included as Appendix 10.1 of the ES. In summary, the choices made represent a conservative assessment of background noise levels in the area and at all assessed locations. There is no need for further measurements or assessment using alternative locations.
Noise Limits
4.5 A lower fixed portion of the ETSU-R-97 noise limit of 38 dB was considered to be suitable for the Proposed Development based on the reasons outlined in paragraphs
Page 31 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
3.2.3, 3.2.4 and 5.4.5 of Appendix 10.1 of the ES. These paragraphs discuss the relevant considerations as required by ETSU-R-97 and why this limit was considered appropriate for this particular site. Nevertheless, the predicted noise immission levels would comply with daytime noise limits derived with the lower fixed portion of the noise limit lowered to 35 dB, if such a limit was considered by either SKDC and NKDC to be appropriate. For the reasons outlined above however, this is not considered by the Applicant to be necessary.
Page 32 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
5 LANDSCAPE
Introduction
5.1 The Regulation 22 request includes the following point in relation to landscape:
“Additional assessment of the Viking Way will [sic] focusing on the section of the Viking Way between Coleby and Wellingore and involving written assessment together with Ventus images.”
5.2 This issue is considered further below.
Viking Way
5.3 Consideration of the Viking Way was included in the original ES. ES paragraph 6.228 states:
“There are no National Trails or long distance recreation routes within the 5.5km study area. The nearest long distance route is the Viking Way which passes within 6.1km to the south-east at its closest point and has some potential visibility of the Proposed Development; however, the sections of the route with potential visibility are small sections of the route and, review of the ZTV (Figure 6.6) illustrates that the majority of the route within the wider study area has limited potential visibility. It is therefore excluded from further assessment, on the basis that overall effects on views from this route would not be significant”.
5.4 The Viking Way is a long distance footpath which runs from the Humber in the north and through Lincolnshire to finish at Rutland Water, a total distance of 235km (147 miles). It runs from north to south through the study area, passing east and south of the Proposed Development. Users of the Viking Way would be of a High-Medium sensitivity.
5.5 The assessment described below follows the Viking Way from north as it runs southwards from Lincoln, to the edge of the study area south of the Proposed Development.
5.6 The Proposed Development is unlikely to be visible from the majority of the Viking Way between Lincoln and Coleby. Where it is visible it would be a minor distant element and effects would be of Negligible scale.
5.7 The ZTV (ES Figure 6.6) illustrates that the Proposed Development would theoretically be visible from parts of the Viking Way where it runs along the elevated ridge
Page 33 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
between Coleby and Wellingore. A Ventus image has been prepared from a location on the Viking Way between these two settlements where views towards the Proposed Development are at their most open (see Viewpoint VAR16 – Viking Way). This illustrates that the Proposed Development would be visible as minor distant elements within the flat landscape west of the ridge. Visual effects from this location would be of Small to Negligible scale. The Proposed Development would also be visible from other sections of the Viking Way between Coleby and Wellingore where effects would be similar and, at greatest, of Small to Negligible scale. From other sections of the Viking Way between these two settlements views of the Proposed Development would be filtered or screened by existing vegetation or buildings, particularly within the settlements of Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore.
5.8 Where the route runs southwards along the ridge south of Wellingore the ZTV shows that the Proposed Development would not be visible for approximately 20km of the Viking Way where it passes east and south-east of the Site, with the exception of a short section south of Normanton-on-Cliffe where potential visibility is shown (this is close to ES Viewpoint 17 where effects are assessed as Medium-Small scale). However, small scale vegetation including hedges and trees not modelled into the ZTV are likely to screen the Proposed Development from this short section south of Normanton-on-Cliffe.
5.9 South of the Site the ZTV indicates potential visibility from approximately 6km of the Viking Way where it runs east-west and through Marston, within approximately 6.6km of the Proposed Development. Views of the Proposed Development are likely to be possible from parts of this section of the Viking Way, but screened from other parts by small scale elements in the landscape that are not modelled into the ZTV. Effects at Viewpoint 12, which lies approximately 1.4km north of the Viking Way, and 1.4km closer to the Proposed Development, are assessed as Medium scale. Effects from this section of the Viking Way are likely to be, at greatest, Medium-Small scale.
5.10 The Viking Way then turns south at Long Bennington and away from the Proposed Development for approximately 20km to the edge of the study area. The Proposed Development is unlikely to be visible from most of this section of the Viking Way and, if it is visible, effects would be of Small scale or lower.
5.11 Effects on users of the Viking Way would, therefore, be up to Medium-Small scale from a Limited extent of the Viking Way within the study area. These effects would be Long term, Low to Negligible magnitude and Slight to Minimal significance. Effects from the
Page 34 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
majority of the route (Wide extent) would be of Negligible scale, Negligible magnitude, and Minimal significance. Overall effects on users of the Viking Way would be of Negligible magnitude and Minimal significance which would not give rise to a likely significant effect.
5.12 Effects from the section of the Viking Way between Coleby and Wellingore are assessed as Small to Negligible scale from some parts of this route as described above. These effects would be of Negligible magnitude and Minimal significance which would not give rise to a likely significant effect.
Page 35 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
6 TRANSPORT
Introduction
6.1 The Regulation 22 request includes the following points in relation to transport:
“A cumulative transport assessment, considering the wind farm together with the straw storage proposal. An assessment of tree works in Stragglethorpe preferably based on a combination of annotated photographs and swept path drawings.”
6.2 These issues are considered with in turn below.
Cumulative Transport Assessment
6.3 A cumulative Transport Assessment has been undertaken to quantify and assess the cumulative highways impact of the Proposed Development together with a separate planning application (SKDC reference: S15/2537) for a “proposed change of use of land for straw storage facility and the installation of a mobile weighbridge and welfare facilities” (“the Straw Proposal”).
6.4 It should be noted that the planning application for the Straw Proposal was validated after the validation of the planning application for the Proposed Development. As such, the cumulative transport effects ought to have been considered by SKDC as part of its consideration of the Straw Proposal and not the Proposed Development. Nevertheless, a cumulative assessment is provided below.
6.5 Both schemes generate a proportion of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements, the Proposed Development during its construction period and the Straw Proposal during peak times of import and export of straw from the site which occurs between April – October.
6.6 In order to determine a worst case scenario of the potential cumulative HGV movements on the local highway network, consideration of the Proposed Development of construction and peak time operation of the Straw Proposal are considered.
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm
6.7 The ES and supporting Transport Statement for the Proposed Development provided detailed analysis of the construction period in relation to two way HGV movements
Page 36 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
(see Transport Statement paragraph 3.1.8 and Table 3.2). At the peak of construction a total of 11 two-way HGV trips are predicted to occur per day. A full profile of the HGV construction trips are shown in Table 6.1 below.
Table 6.1: Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm two-way trips per day by month
6.8 Table 6.2 below details the traffic data obtained by Automatic Traffic Counters (ATC) for the Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm planning application, detailing the proportional daily increase in HGV movements for each of the agreed count location points, also assuming a worst case scenario for daily HGV movements.
Table 6.2: Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm – ATC two-way flow data and HGV Proportional Impact
The Straw Proposal
6.9 To determine the peak usage of the Straw Proposal, the Transport Assessment (TA) submitted with the respective planning application has been reviewed. This identifies that the peak use of the site is expected to occur between April – October.
6.10 The total number of HGV movements proposed on the local highway network for the Straw Proposal has been extracted from Table TA6.2 of the TA and are reproduced in Table 6.3 below. This details that during the peak of operation, Stragglethorpe Lane (North) would experience an increase of 32 HGV movements on the peak day of site operation.
Page 37 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
Table 6.3: Straw Export and Re-Stock Figures (April – October) and HGV Proportional Impact
Cumulative Impact
6.11 To determine the cumulative impact of the two proposed developments it is considered appropriate to calculate the ‘worst case’ scenario of daily HGV movements. This is therefore based on the data detailed in Tables 6.1 and 6.3 which assume the peak month of construction for the Wind Farm and peak daily operation of the Straw Proposal.
6.12 As all construction deliveries to the site for the Proposed Development would be from the A1 to the west via the A17 and north of Stragglethorpe Lane, the cumulative impact considers these links.
6.13 The 2016 traffic count data in the Straw Proposal application has been used to calculate the proportional HGV impact as these counts are more recent than those contained in the planning application for the Wind Farm. Table 6.4 details the combined and cumulative HGV movements for both proposals.
Table 6.4: Cumulative Daily HGV Proportional Impact on the Local Highway Network
6.14 Table 6.4 details that the cumulative impact, when considering both developments being at their worst peak, i.e. the Proposed Development at peak month of construction and the Straw Proposal at peak month of operation, would result in a 51.8% increase in baseline HGV movements on Stragglethorpe North.
6.15 Whilst this would increase the cumulative effects above the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) threshold of 30% identifying that further
Page 38 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm Supplementary Environmental Information Vol 1: Written Text
consideration may be required, this is due to the low baseline of HGV movements that currently exist on Stragglethorpe Lane.
6.16 No other highway links experience a proportional increase in daily HGV movements of higher than 1.59% (A17 west) when considering the cumulative impact of the development proposals.
6.17 Assuming a robust 8 hour working day for the peak of the Wind Farm construction and peak operation at the Straw Proposal, this would result on average of less than 6 HGV movements per hour which is considered to be negligible. The likelihood of both proposals being delivered in tandem when both are at their peak of construction and operation is also highly unlikely to occur.
6.18 Further management and mitigation of any impact would also be implemented during construction as detailed in the Construction Method Statement for the Proposed Development reducing perceived impacts.
6.19 In conclusion it is considered that the cumulative highways effects of the two proposals would result in a negligible impact upon highway capacity and safety, therefore there are no highways or transportation reasons that should prevent the granting of consent for both proposals.
Works to Protected Trees
6.20 A plan showing the locations of trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) has been provided by NKDC and is reproduced as Appendix 6.1 to this SEI.
6.21 Drawings showing a Swept Path Analysis (SPA) for turbine delivery vehicles travelling through Stragglethorpe are included in the ES as Figures 11.4 and 11.5. A comparison of these Figures against Appendix 6.1 shows that no works to TPO trees would be required for any vehicular overrun or road widening associated with the Proposed Development. This is because the TPO trees are located on straight sections of road, not on corners.
6.22 All trees within Stragglethorpe, including those protected by TPO, that are adjacent to and overhang the public highway (Stragglethorpe Lane) are already subject to regular pruning by the local highways authority to prevent obstructions to the carriageway. Photographs are included at Appendix 6.2 illustrating this. No works to trees over and above those already carried would be required to facilitate construction of the Proposed Development.
Page 39 Energiekontor UK Ltd | November 2016
Appendix 6.1 Location of trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders in Stragglethorpe
Scale 1:1500
© Crown Copyright and database right 06 November 2015. Ordnance Survey 100017926. Appendix 6.2 Photographs of trees on Stragglethorpe Lane
4330 Park Approach | Thorpe Park | Leeds | LS15 8GB
COPYRIGHT The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Energiekontor