Gwelfor Castlemorris Pembrokeshire, Wales SA62 5XA Telephone: 07942 896755 email: [email protected]
Design & Access Statement
Site Location
Hendrewen Farm, Manorowen
Pembrokeshire SA65 9QD
Endurance E4660 - 85 kw Wind Turbine
This report has been prepared by WinDS Limited in support of the submitted Design and Access Statement. WinDS cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or dependence on the information within this report by any third party. All reasonable efforts have been made to verify the accuracy of the contents of the report.
Results produced within this report were derived using Windfarmer 5.1. Windfarmer 5.1 is an industry standard modular software suite used for the design and planning of both single wind turbine sites and wind farms. Contents
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Site Context and Proposal 3.0 Foundation Details 4.0 Planning Policy 5.0 Landscape and Visual Assessment 6.0 Environmental Benefits 7.0 Economic and Social Benefits 8.0 Ecology 9.0 Historic Environment 10.0 Noise 11.0 Shadow Flicker 12.0 Transport to Site 13.0 Safety 14.0 Telecommunications 15.0 Grid Connection 16.0 Summary and Conclusions
Appendices 1-17
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 1 1.0 Introduction 1.1 This proposal is for the installation of a single 85 kw wind turbine on land forming part of Hendrewen Farm, which covers an area approximately 116 acres. The proposed site is around 1 km distant from Dwrbach and 2.7 km from Fishguard and is adjacent to the Celtic Link Industrial Park.
1.2 The wind turbine has the potential to produce approximately 270 MWh of clean, green electricity every year. This equates to a carbon reduction of 141.21t/ year through the displacement of grid-tied fossil fuel generated electricity (calculated using DEFRA 2007 figure of 0.523kg CO2/KWh.
The model of turbine to be erected at the site would be an Endurance E4660 85 kw wind turbine. The turbine is expected to have a rated capacity of 85kW, a maximum height to blade tip of 36.6 m, with a tower height of 24.8 m and a rotor diameter of approximately 23.5 m.
1.3 The wind turbine is a locally owned project that will form part of a farm diversification program as encouraged by local and national policies.
1.4 This Design and Access Statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 42 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which requires the submission of a Design and Access Statement to accompany applications for planning permission.
1.5 In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England & Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended), wind turbines fall within Schedule 2 development and can require an Environmental Impact Assessment where they exceed one of the two applicable thresholds set out below:
The development involves the installation of more than two turbines; or The hub height of any turbine or height of any structure exceeds 15 meters.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 2 However, DETR Circular 02/99, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) makes it clear that EIA is more likely to be required for commercial developments of five or more turbines, or more than 5 MW of new generating capacity, given that there is likely to be significant effects on the environment.
It is likely that this proposal will not be considered more than of local importance, nor is the development in a sensitive or environmentally vulnerable area. Finally, it is unlikely that this proposal would be considered unusually complex or result in potentially hazardous environmental effects.
Taking this into account, we are of the opinion that a full EIA is unlikely to be required in this case.
Notwithstanding the above, this planning application contains an assessment of landscape and visual impact, biodiversity, noise impact, historical appraisal and shadow flicker.
1.6 This Statement addresses the principal planning policy issues associated with this proposed development at this location. It considers the likely extent of its visual impact and provides an assessment of its significance. It also considers matters relating to residential amenity, access and general effects on countryside users. Design, access and safety issues are considered as are matters of community, social and economic benefits.
2.0 Site Context and Proposal 2.1 The site has been carefully chosen in order to comply with all components of National and Local Planning Policies. The proposed location is sited within a mixed rural- industrial landscape within a level pasture used primarily for grazing purposes. The site elevation is approximately 82 m AOD.
The adjacent field to the NE has planning consent for the development of a Truck Stop and Industrial Unit along with ancillary development. The development site is approximately 4.6 hectares in size and is located within the Celtic Link Business Park which is a designated employment site within the LDP. The truck stop is planned to be
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 3 operated 24 hours per day, accommodate 190 spaces for tractor and trailer parking, 35 additional parking spaces, circa 30,000 sq ft industrial/warehousing unit with integral office space and an amenity building comprising management offices, a small shop and café. Site maps showing details of the adjacent industrial park are provided at APPENDIX 17.
2.2 Indicative wind speeds have been determined using the DTI ‘NOABL’ wind speed database. The indicative wind speed for the site is 6.4 m/s mean annual wind speed at a hub height of 25m. This is above average for the UK.
2.3 In assessing the suitability of the site, a desktop survey has been undertaken by referencing Countryside Council For Wales (CCW) – LANDMAP, now part of Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The proposed site is classified in LANDMAP as follows:
Geological Landscape Moderate Landscape Habitat High Visual and Sensory Moderate Historic Landscape High Cultural Landscape Moderate
2.4 The proposed turbine is a variable speed, stall controlled turbine designed and certified to IEC Wind Class llA. The annual energy output will contribute to the Welsh Government’s regional and national targets for the supply of energy from sustainable sources.
2.5 The proposal also includes a small enclosure measuring approximately 1m x3m x2m which will house a transformer, associated switchgear and electrical protection equipment. The enclosure will be located in close proximity to the base of the turbine tower and will be connected to the grid via underground cabling. There will be a requirement for a temporary crane pad with approximate dimensions of 20 m x 20 m.
2.6 There will be regular maintenance visits by a team of qualified engineers, on two or more occasions per year. The enclosed design and access statement indicates that
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 4 the proposed development site is readily accessible by vehicles. Site transport plan is discussed further at 12.0.
3.0 Foundation Details
3.1 The typical foundation consists of a square shaped reinforced concrete base measuring approximately 7 meters square and 1.5 meters deep. Above ground component of foundation measures approximately 2 meters x 3 meters and is approximately .4 meters in height.
4.0 Planning Policy
National Policy
4.1 National Assembly policy is set out principally in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8). PPW has recently (July 2014) been updated and reissued. PPW sets out a broad strategic framework which, inter alia, sets the achievement of sustainable development as one of the Assembly Government’s goals and commits the Assembly Government to promoting sustainable development. Energy policy is not devolved to the Assembly Government but all decisions relating to renewable energy development in Wales must take account of the Assembly Government’s policy.
Among the key policy aims of the Assembly Government is the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. In order to deliver these goals and objectives the Assembly Government aims:
…”… to secure an appropriate mix of energy provision for Wales, whilst avoiding and where possible minimising environmental, social and economic impacts.
It is intended to achieve this aim by:
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 5 …”… strengthening renewable energy production. This forms part of the Assembly Government’s aim to secure the strongest economic development policies to underpin growth and prosperity in Wales, recognising the importance of clean energy and the efficient use of natural resources both as an economic driver and a commitment to sustainable development.” (Source PPW paragraph 12.8.6)
PPW goes on to advise (paragraph 12.8.9) that LPAs should:
…“… facilitate the development of all forms of renewable and low carbon energy to move towards a low carbon economy to help to tackle the causes of climate change.” Specifically, LPAs should interalia, make positive provision by:
Considering the contribution that their area can make towards facilitating renewable and low carbon energy and ensuring that development plan policies enable this contribution to be delivered;
Ensuring that development control decisions are consistent with national and international climate change obligations including contributions to renewable energy targets and aspiration;
Also LPAs need to ensure that:
Statutory obligations to protect designated areas, species and habitats and the historic environment are observed;
Mitigation for potential detriments to local communities, whilst ensuring potential impact in economic viability is fully considered.
The balance to be struck in policy terms is quite clear that a positive approach is essential subject to meeting statutory environmental obligations and considering mitigation where necessary and not inimical to economic viability of proposals.
The Assembly Government sees the need for wind energy as being:
“… a key part of meeting (their) vision for future renewable electricity production (which) should be taken into account … when determining (planning) application.” (Paragraph 12.8.12.)
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 6 The output of the proposed development at 85 kW is moderate in scale as defined by PPW. Provision for larger schemes (<25 MW) is best addressed at a national scale and this is considered in TAN8 (paragraph 7 of Annex A). With regard to smaller scale schemes, these are:
“… applicable in all parts of Wales … development plans should encourage such development and clearly set out the criteria against which such proposals will be evaluated.” (Paragraph 12.9.9.)
PPW goes on to set out material considerations which should be addressed when determining applications for planning permission. These criteria include:
Contribution to renewable energy targets.
Wider environmental, economic and social benefits.
Impact on natural and historic environment.
Need to minimise impact on local communities and safeguard quality of life.
Avoid/mitigate/compensate adverse impacts.
Grid connection.
Transportation issues.
Criteria are to be set out in more local detail in the relevant development plan.
TAN8 provides detailed technical advice and repeats some policy material. It is noted that the Assembly Government expects:
…”… LPAs to encourage … smaller community based wind farm schemes (generally less than 5 MW).”
In developing such policies LPAs are advised to devise local criteria to judge the acceptability of such schemes. Local policy (Local Development Plan) is considered below.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 7 TAN 8 (Annex C)/ETSU-R-97: TAN 8 (Annex C) confirms that the impact of noise can be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and that new development involving noisy activities should, if possible, be sited away from noise sensitive land uses (paragraph 2.4). Specific guidance with regard to noise generation from wind farms is found at ETSU-R-97. The document sets out a framework for the measurement of wind farm noise and gives indicative noise levels thought to offer a reasonable degree of protection to wind farm neighbours without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development. It is noted that wind farms are usually sited in the more rural areas of the UK where enjoyment of the external environment can be as important as the environment within the home. In this case the installation is at a significant distance from the nearest residential properties not in the applicant’s control. The issues associated with shadow flicker are considered in TAN8.
The overall thrust of national policy is strongly supportive of renewable energy development, including on-shore wind provided that statutory obligations are met and appropriate mitigation considered. A positive response is anticipated from the planning system, indeed it is essential if delivery targets are to be met for renewable energy delivery.
Local Policy
4.2 The Local Development Plan (LDP) has County wide Policies dealing generally with development (GN.1) and more specifically with the need for sustainable development (SP.1) which identifies how all developments need to demonstrate how positive economic, social and environmental impact will be achieved with adverse impact minimized.
With respect to the development of a wind turbine, consideration should be given to the relevant criteria of GN.1 as noted below:
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 8 Criterion 1; the nature, location, siting and scale of the proposed development is compatible with the capacity and character of the site and the area within which it is located Criterion 2; it would not result in a significant detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact, loss of light or privacy, odours, smoke, fumes, dust, air quality or an increase in noise or vibration levels. Criterion 3; it would not adversely affect landscape character, quality or diversity, including the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and neighbouring authorities Criterion 4; it respects and protects the natural environment including protected habitats and species Criterion 6; necessary and appropriate infrastructure, access and parking can be provided Criterion 7; it would not cause or result in unacceptable harm to health and safety
In addition, resource efficiency and renewable low carbon energy are covered within Policy GN.4. Other relevant policies applicable to wind turbine development are related to the protection of sites and landscapes of historic merit or archaeological importance (GN.38), the protection and enhancement of biodiversity (GN.37) and development within the Countryside (SP.16)
In assessing the policy context of the proposed development the essential balance that needs to be struck in terms of local planning policy is between the inherent desirability of the form of development proposed (strongly supported by both national and local planning policy) and the extent to which it may give rise to significant harm to the built, historic or natural environment, to residential amenity and that the general character and appearance of the area is protected from unacceptable impacts. In my submission this balance should favour the development as proposed for reasons set out below.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 9 5.0 Landscape and Visual Assessment
5.1 In addition to the wireframes and photomontages provided in Appendices 6-12, a detailed assessment of the landscape and visual impact of the proposal is provided at Appendix 13.
5.2 Due to the nature of wind turbine development, it is often difficult to minimise visual impact on the landscape other than carefully micro-siting the proposed wind turbine. In this respect, the evaluation of landscape and visual impact should be made within the context of TAN 8, and specifically section 4.1 of this document, which emphasises that whilst a balance should be struck between the desirability of renewable energy and landscape protection that balance should not result in restriction on the development of wind power capacity. The temporary nature of the proposed development should also be taken into consideration as the perceived impact exerted by the proposed development would have a limited timescale of 25 years. The proposal would therefore not have a permanent landscape and visual impact as once the wind turbine has been decommissioned, the land would be restored to its former use. The location, size, style and appearance of the proposal has been designed to minimize the impact on the landscape and on visual amenity. The surrounding landscape characteristics offer a positive opportunity to provide a renewable energy project within the existing landscape.
5.3 The proposed wind turbine will add an additional vertical element to the existing landscape which has already been influenced by wind turbines of the same scale. The proposed wind turbine will not significantly affect the majority of the landscape character areas or visual amenity receptors. The proposed turbine will, at worst, have a moderate effect on very few of the close range visual amenity receptors and a minor effect on the character of the wider landscape areas.
5.4 Accordingly, the proposal will not result in any significant harm to the landscape character or visual amenity features within the area nor will it cause a significant adverse impact on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The proposal therefore complies with Policies GN.1 and GN.4 of the LDP.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 10 6.0 Environmental Benefits
6.1 The installation of the turbine will use existing access routes with minimal disturbance to existing landscape features. The area of soil displaced by the turbine foundation amounts to a small amount of improved agricultural land. The field is in arable use and clearly does not qualify as a wild flower hay meadow. There are no water courses or field drains under the proposed tower foundation. All topsoil removed during the excavation of the foundation will be retained and replaced around the foundation on completion. On completion of construction the field will be returned to agricultural activity.
6.2 The environmental benefits of this proposed wind turbine are set out below:
The proposed turbine has a rated maximum power output of up to 85 Kw Over the lifetime of the development the wind turbine is expected to generate approximately 270 MWh/annum This is equivalent to 65 homes being supplied with electricity per annum over the lifetime of the project (assuming average UK household uses 4,152 KWh per year)
6.3 During the lifetime of the project, the electricity generated by the wind turbine will result in the abatement of approximately 2823 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
7.0 Economic and Social Benefits
7.1 The potential economic benefits resulting from this installation are set out below:
During the construction phase, mechanical, electrical and civil engineers will be employed in the local area. Where resources are needed from outside of the local area, local businesses will benefit from the need to supply lodging, food and other ancillary services. During the lifetime of the project, UK engineers will undertake the operation and maintenance of the wind turbine.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 11 Local ownership of the wind turbine will see economic benefits passed through to the local community The current farm operations are focused on dairy production with an annual electricity usage of approximately 90,000 kwh/annum. The generation of renewable energy will reduce the farm’s carbon footprint and further diversify the farm operations.
7.2 This wind turbine will help to promote renewable energy locally.
A government consultation paper (DTI, 1999) notes that the damage done to the environment by some methods of electricity making is not reflected in the price to the consumer. This disadvantages clean technologies such as wind. Wind has other advantages that are not currently recognized in current electricity pricing. For example, wind does not have large future decommissioning costs. It also has the advantage of being a generation source that can be used locally, meaning there is less need for a major transmission system. The economic benefit to the local generation is estimated to be around .5-1p per KWh.
7.3 The main purpose of the UK Government’s feed in Tariff (FIT) initiative is to encourage the development of the renewables industry with particular reference to small schemes (below 5 MW). As more wind turbines are introduced and the market grows then costs should reduce over time to a point where the FIT is no longer needed and the industry becomes sustainable with reduced and eventually zero FIT subsidy. This policy mirrors that adopted in Germany and the Netherlands several years ago. In order to fulfil the spirit of these obligations the applicant would undertake to: (a) Make the wind turbine and associated electrical switch gear available to local schools for educational purposes by prior appointment and explain how the turbine operates together with the benefits of the turbine to the wider community and local ecology and (b) Work with landowners, farmers local businesses local authorities and other commercial enterprises (by prior appointment) to share knowledge and experience gained in the planning, installation and operation of a small wind turbine.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 12 8.0 Ecology
8.1 The direct ecological impact of the proposed wind turbine is negligible. The field is improved agricultural land and has been routinely ploughed many times in the last 50 years. There are no rare plant species in the field which will host the turbine.
8.2 The site is not designated under EU Directives as a Special Area of Conservation or a Special Protection Area. During the initial site assessment there was no evidence of any protected species currently breeding or nesting in the area. From consultation with various authorities and bodies the following was determined:
There are no National Cycle Networks affected The site is not within a National Nature Reserve The site is not within a RAMSAR Site The site is not within a Special Area of Conservation The site is not within a Special Protection Area The site is not located within an Area of Special Scientific Interest The site is not within a RSPB Reserve
8.3 Birds- Research has found that the impact of wind turbines on the bird population is small. Planning policy guidance 22 (PPG 22) which deals with planning considerations relating to the development of renewables in England states that ‘there is minimal danger to bird life from turbines’. A recent study undertaken at the Blyth offshore wind farm found that there was on average 1.34 bird strikes per turbine per year. Scientists in Blyth estimate the average mortality rate from coastal onshore wind farms to be 0.75- 5.2 birds per turbine per year. Compared to bird losses to aircraft and vehicles, or even transparent windows in buildings these figures are very small. The RSPB has said from its own studies at three wind farms in Wales ‘the scale of bird strikes does not seem to be a serious concern’, and the number of birds killed by cars each year has been estimated at over 10 million.
Given these facts it is thought that the proposed wind turbine will have a negligible effect on the local bird population.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 13 8.4 Tan 8 at Annex C 2.22 states that
‘the major ecological impacts are most likely to be associated with the site infrastructure rather than the turbines themselves’.
8.5 In order to assess the impact on other species (i.e. Bats and protected species) a Phase 1 walkover study was carried out by Biodiversity Solutions in June 2015 and is attached as Appendix-14.
8.6 The study concludes;
6. Summary and Conclusions
There are no identified potential negative impacts on biodiversity in association with the proposed construction works for wind turbine. Collision risk to bats and birds is considered negligible, though a minimal level of further bat survey is recommended to meet Bat Conservation Trust (and NRW) best practise guidelines.
8.7 In order to assess the specific impact on bat species, a site survey was carried out by Biodiversity Solutions in July 2015 and is attached as Appendix-14. The conclusion within the bat survey report indicates;
6.0 Conclusions and recommendations.
On the evidence of the surveys completed the proposed turbine sites on the field at Hendrewen have:-
Low risk of impacting on the high risk bats like Noctule bats. A negligible risk of impacting on the local pipistrelle population A negligible risk of impacting on the local bats.
There is a potentially increased seasonal risk linked to insect emergence and grazing animals but the area is considered to be of relatively low value for foraging bats so that overall the risk evaluation remains low.
8.8 Mitigation measures recommended within the ecology report include placing the turbine more than 50 meters from a hedge row. The siting of the turbine exceeds 50 m from any hedge row.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 14 8.9 Given these views and the fact that the proposal is for a single turbine on a site that will likely be deemed of no more than local importance, with the primary access road already in place, it should be consider the local ecology will not be significantly affected by the installation of the proposed wind turbine.
8.10 Accordingly, this proposal clearly demonstrate how positive economic, social and environmental impact will be achieved with adverse impact minimized thus meeting the criteria of Policy SP.1
9.0 Historic Environment
9.1 The proposed turbine is not sited within any Historic Landscape Area as recorded on the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales.
9.2 Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT) were retained to complete a historic environment appraisal to examine the likely impacts on the historic environment from the proposed wind turbine at Hendrewen Farm. An extract from the report (Appendix 15) provides the following summary:
SUMMARY DAT Archaeological Services was commissioned by Martin Horne of Winds Ltd., to prepare a Historic Environment Appraisal to provide more information about the potential effects of a proposed wind turbine at Hendrewen farm, near Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, upon the historic environment. This report will be used by planners to make an informed decision on the proposal with regards to archaeology and the historic environment.
The proposed wind turbine is located on agricultural land lying c.500m east of Hendrewen Farm, and c.1.1km northeast of Scleddau. The wind turbine will be located at NGR SM 93310 34658.
There are five Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 5km of the proposed wind turbine. There is one grade II* listed building within 2.5km of the site and 11 grade II listed buildings within 2.5km of the turbine. The nearest Historic Landscape to the proposed development is that of Pen Gaer: Garn Fawr and Strumble Head which lies around 4.2km to the north. No conservation area or registered Historic Park or Garden lies within the 5km study area. There are twenty four known archaeological sites recorded on the Dyfed Historic Environment Record within a 1.5km radius of the proposed wind turbine.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 15
A site walkover survey was conducted on the 4th of June, 2015 in order to further assess the physical and visual impacts on any known archaeology within the proposed development site. No known designated or non-designated historical assets exist within the immediate vicinity of the proposed turbine and it is concluded that there will be no physical impacts on any known archaeology. However, there is a slight potential for unrecorded Prehistoric activity due to such activity known in the wider area.
Most historical assets in the area will not have their settings affected because of the local topography inhibiting inter-visibility. The Round Barrow on top of Jordanson Hill (SAM PE082) has good views overlooking the general area of the turbine, but it lies at a distance of almost 2km from the proposed turbine, and its size 36.6m in height to tip of blade, and the presence of an already existing turbine within its sight, the impact of the proposed turbine is considered to be low to negligible.
It is considered possible that a watching brief may be required during groundworks associated with the construction of the turbine and associated infrastructure. The decision for any further programme of archaeological works lies with the Archaeological Advisor to the Local Planning Authority.
9.4 Accordingly, it is anticipated that the proposed development is unlikely to result in any unacceptable impact on archaeology, to the setting of the historic environment or to buildings of historic merit, thus having a minimal conflict with Policy GN.38.
10.0 Noise
10.1 Well-designed wind turbines are generally quiet when operational and compared to the noise of road traffic, trains, aircraft and construction activity and many other sources, the noise from the wind turbine is considered very low.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 16 10.2 A comparison of noise levels is provided below:
Source/Activity indicative noise level db(A) threshold of hearing 0 rural night time background 20-40 quiet bedroom 35 Wind farm at 350 meters 35-45 car at 40 mph at 100 m 55 busy general office 60 truck at 30 mph at 100m 65 pneumatic drill at 7 m 95 jet aircraft at 250 m 105 threshold of pain 140
The Scottish Office, Env Dept. Planning Advice Note, PAN 45 Annex A Wind Power
10.3 TAN 8 states that:
‘Noise levels from wind turbines are generally low and under most operating conditions it is likely that turbine noise would be completely masked by wind generated background noise’.
10.4 ETSU-R-97 (the assessment and rating of noise from wind farms) has been considered in the design of this application. The selected location has been chosen to ensure adequate exposure to the prevailing winds and to minimize the risk of turbulence
10.5 A desk top noise assessment along with manufacturers’ noise data for the Endurance E4660 is shown at Appendix 16.
10.6 The results of the desktop noise assessment indicate that all dwellings adjacent to the development are predicted to have noise levels below the ETSU-R-97 threshold of 35 db(A). Accordingly, this proposal clearly demonstrates there will be no significant impact on residential amenity in terms of noise, thus the proposal accords with Policy GN.1.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 17 11.0 Shadow flicker
11.1 Shadow flicker is an optical effect that occurs when the sun is at a low angle in the sky (typically sunset, sunrise and winter afternoons). If an observer views a rotating wind turbine whilst the sun is low in the sky behind the turbine, a shadow is cast over the observer. The shadow itself rotates and causes a flickering effect.
11.2 Research by Clarke, A.D. (1991, A Case of Shadow Flicker/Flashing; Assessment and Solution, Open University, Milton Keynes) has demonstrated that shadow flicker only occurs inside buildings or cars when flicker appears through a narrow window opening particularly if the window is the sole source of light. In line with current research, these effects have been shown to generally only occur at distances of up to, and no more than 10 blade diameters. It also only affects views in the directions from East through to North and West of the turbine.
11.3 Planning for Renewable Energy: A companion guide to planning policy statement PPS22 (Renewable Energy) states that flicker effects have been proven to occur only ten rotor diameter within a turbine and only 130 degrees either side of North relative to the turbine.
11.4 In the case of this proposal, 10 x blade diameter is 235 meters. There are two dwellings within 235 meters of the turbine site, thus a shadow flicker impact map is provided in Figure 1. The two dwellings are located amongst the farm buildings to the south of the turbine site in an area that will not be impacted by shadow flicker. The cluster of buildings to the east are non-residential dwellings and are predicted to experience 11- 20 hours of shadow flicker per year.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 18
Figure 1: Shadow flicker map
11.5 The results of the shadow flicker assessment indicate that there are no dwellings predicted to be unacceptably impacted by shadow flicker.
Accordingly, this proposal clearly demonstrates there will be no significant impact on residential amenity in terms of shadow flicker, thus the proposal accords with Policy GN.1.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 19 12.0 Transport to site
12.1 It is intended that the wind turbine components will be delivered to the site from the chosen supplier’s facility within mainland UK. Components of the wind turbine will be accommodated on standard sized lorries. The largest section is that of a single tower piece being 12 m in length and 2 m in diameter. At this time, there are considered to be several potential routes to site from turbine supplier facilities without the need for any roadway modifications.
12.2 ACCESS
Construction Phase
The construction period will last approximately 6 weeks, the majority of which will involve construction of the ground works required, namely turbine foundation. Once the foundation is ready, the turbine will be erected in approximately two days. The development site will be accessed via A4219 adjacent to the site, using the existing field entrance onto the existing permanent track which is currently used for agricultural vehicles. It is anticipated that there will be no changes required to the existing public highways network.
A temporary track of approximately 70 m and a temporary crane hard standing (approximately 20 m x 20 m) are required adjacent to the turbine location. Once construction is complete, the track and hard standing will be removed and the area left to grass over and the land restored to its pre-construction use.
Vehicle Movements
Due to the nature and scale of the proposed project, construction activities will be minor compared to larger scale wind farm developments.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 20 Foundation stage will require 6 cement vehicles, 1 articulated vehicle for delivery of cage material, 1 digger and some additional small vehicle movements.
Installation stage will require 1-2 cranes, 2 articulated vehicles and some additional small vehicle movements.
Due to the quality and nature of the available access route, it is not envisaged that any permanent or temporary modifications to the public highway will be required. The existing farm access is considered sufficient to accommodate standard lorries during the construction phase and any normal vehicles associated with annual maintenance requirements.
13.0 Safety
13.1 Experience indicates that properly designed and maintained wind turbines are a safe technology. Fall over distance (i.e. the height of the turbine to blade tip) plus 10% is used as a safe separation distance from any public rights of way and this proposal accords with this requirement. Turbine site is well outside of any safety buffer zone. A wind turbine erected in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions is a stable and safe structure. The turbine will be continually monitored via fixed internet connection by the manufacturer’s service and support department. As part of the standard maintenance service, the turbine is continually monitored for safe operation and can be remotely shut down in the event of an emergency.
13.2 The proposed development is on private land and is not accessible to the general public. No moving parts are accessible from ground level in any event. There will be limited movement to and from the site comprising routine maintenance visits approximately twice a year. By definition there will be limited movement within the development as it comprises a simple monopole at one point with moving blades well above ground level. ln this case the approach taken with regard to access to the development is to be as “light touch” as possible avoiding any unnecessary intrusion into the countryside of any
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 21 potentially urbanising features. No new access to the highway is needed as an existing access is to be used.
14.0 Telecommunications
14.1 Wind turbines can cause electromagnetic interference to telecommunications systems such as television and radio transmissions and microwave links. Most potential conflicts with these systems can be identified during the planning stage and avoided through careful siting of turbines.
14.2 No interference with telecommunication links are anticipated from the development of the proposed turbine.
15.0 Grid connection
15.1 An underground cable will be required to connect the turbine with the main WPD grid system which is located in close proximity to the site.
The new cabling will run underground from the proposed turbine location to connect with the existing WPD supply.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 22 16.0 Summary and Conclusions
16.1 This proposal is fully in accordance with the National and Local Policy objectives relating to renewable energy and will bring about a number of environmental and economic benefits.
16.2 In particular, this statement, together with the enclosed appendices, demonstrates that the proposed wind turbine will not have any significant detrimental impact on the environment.
16.3 As such, the proposal is compliant with relevant planning policies (GN.1, GN.4. SP.1, SP.16, GN.37, GN.38) and planning permission should be granted.
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 23 Appendices
Appendix 1: Base Map with View points
Appendix 2: Zone of Theoretical Visibility – Hub Height
Appendix 3: Zone of Theoretical Visibility – Blade Tip Height
Appendix 4: Cumulative Turbines
Appendix 5: Zone of Theoretical Visibility – Cumulative Turbines
Appendix 6: Viewpoint 1 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 7: Viewpoint 2 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 8: Viewpoint 3 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 9: Viewpoint 4 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix10: Viewpoint 5 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 11: Viewpoint 6 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 12: Viewpoint 7 (Photomontage-Wireframe)
Appendix 13: Landscape Visual Impact Assessment
Appendix 14: Ecology – (Phase 1 Survey and Bat Report)
Appendix 15: Historic Environment Appraisal
Appendix 16: Noise Assessment (Based on Endurance E4660)
Appendix 17: Site Plan – Conygar Truck/Industrial Park
WinDS - Wind Development Services Limited pg. 24