Report by Executive Director of Economy, Neighbourhood and Environment

Agenda Item No. 3

REPORT BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMY, NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

REGULATORY PANEL: 31 AUGUST 2017

Subject: Application to construct and operate under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) regulations an extension to the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm, south east of Dailly and North East of Barr, South Ayrshire: 15/00453/DEEM, ECU Ref: EC00003118

1. Purpose

South Ayrshire Council has been consulted by the Scottish Government, under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, on an application by Scottish Southern Energy for the erection of a windfarm and associated ancillary development at Hadyard Hill, The proposal is an extension of the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm and would add 22 turbines to the existing wind farm which comprises of 52 turbines and which became operational in 2006.

It should be noted that the Council is not the determining authority for this proposal. This report recommends a response to the Scottish Government.

2. Recommendation

It is recommended that the Council:

 Submits this report to the Scottish Government as an objection to the proposed extension of the Hadyard Hill Wind Farm  Approves delegated authority to conclude planning conditions with the energy consents unit should the Scottish Government be minded to grant consent.

3. Background

On the 21st April 2015 an application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (as amended) was submitted by SSE Renewables Developments (UK) limited on behalf of Scottish Southern Energy Generation Limited for consent to construct and operate Hadyard Hill Wind Extension Wind Farm (Ref: EC00003118).

The proposal was for the construction and operation of a windfarm comprising of 31, 3.4MW turbines with an anticipated height at tip of 126.5m and a generating capacity of up to 105.4MW (depending on the specification of turbines) on land to the south west and north east of the current Hadyard Hill Development.

Following an initial consultation, representations, that included the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, local community councils and local residents, expressed concern to the proposed impacts of the development. To address the issues raised SSE renewables advised Scottish Ministers that further environmental information would be submitted in the form of an addendum . To do so SSE renewables were granted extensions to prepare this information by February 2017. It was also agreed that South Ayrshire Council would confirm its decision on the proposal, taking into account the proposed amendments, by September 2017.

The amended scheme (ES reference Figure 1.1) has resulted in the:  A reduction of nine turbines, reducing the proposed development from 31 to 22 wind; The final choice of turbine would be dependent on commercial options at the time of construction but it is proposed that they would be within the dimensional elements of 126.5m tip height, 104m rotor diameter and 74.5m hub height. These are the parameters on which the proposal has been assessed. The maximum rated output of the development has fallen from 105.4 MW (3.4MW per turbine) to 88 MW (based on 4MW turbines).  A reduction of approximately 5km of onsite access tracks, reduced from 26km to 21km  New access track at the north east of the site leading onto the U027  A reduction in the number of water course crossings  Changes to the previous felling plan with a reduction in the area felled  The relocation of the metrological mast from Milton Hill to Daljedburgh Hill

The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement prepared in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 as amended by the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008 (“the EIA Regulations”)

Under the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, Scottish Ministers are required to consider whether any proposal for a generating station is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. These Regulations stipulate that Scottish Ministers must consult the Planning Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

In reaching their decision, Scottish Ministers have to take into account the environmental information submitted with the Application and supporting Environmental Statement, the representations made by statutory consultative bodies and others in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland)Regulations 2000 (as amended in 2008), Scottish Planning Policy on Renewable Energy, other relevant Policy, Planning Advice Notes, the relevant planning authority's Development Plans and any relevant supplementary guidance.

The Connection of the wind farm with the local electricity distribution network would require consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act, 1989. This would be subject to a separate application.

Paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 8 of the Electricity Act 1989 provides that where the relevant planning authority objects to an application Scottish Ministers shall cause a public inquiry to be held.

4. Development Proposal

Proposal The proposal under consideration now comprises of the following principal components: • 22 turbines, of a maximum tip height of 126.5m with external transformers  A hard standing area at each turbine base with a maximum area of 1,600m2  A total 21km of onsite access tracks with associated watercourse crossings  Three permanent meteoroligal masts and associated hard standing  Up to three temporary metreological masts for the purposes of power performance testing  A substation  An operations control building with parking and welfare facilities  Underground cabling linking the turbines with the substation  Construction of a temporary construction compound and laydown areas  Construction of a temporary concrete batching plant  Up to six borrow pits.

As part of the initial enabling works significant forestry felling (313.9ha) would be undertaken and a revised forestry plan also forms part of this current proposal.

The applicant anticipates that the main components of the turbines would be delivered to site by road from a port facility (likely to be Ayr) via the A77 and B734. Primary access to the site would be the B734 Old Dailly to Barr road utilising the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm infrastructure as far a possible. In the addendum a new access track at the north east of the site leading onto the U027, allowing cars and light vehicles access and egress from the north is also proposed.

The connection of the proposal to the national grid does not form part of the application. It is anticipated that the most likely connection point would be into the electricity grid at the Maybole substation. This connection will be the subject of a separate assessment and consenting process.

Application Site

The application site is located adjacent to the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm. This was the first operational wind farm within South Ayrshire (commissioned in 2006) and comprises of 52 turbines with blade tip heights of either 100 or 110m. The site is located in a landscape character type classified as “Foothills” comprising a mix of improved /unimproved grassland and commercial forestry. These hills form a distinctive and an important backdrop to the Water of Girvan Valley to the North and the Stinchar valley to the south. The highest point on the site is Craiginmoddie Hill at 382m. The site is drained by a number of small burns which form tributaries to the Water of Girvan to the north and the River of Girvan to the South. Penwhapple reservoir lies adjacent to the site to the west and sits within the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm. The nearest villages are Barr ( 2km to the south), Dailly (3km north), Crosshill (4.5km north), Straiton (6km north east) . Girvan is located 7km to the west of the site. The proposal falls within a designated scenic area.

5. Consultations

Consultations on this application are undertaken by the Scottish Government, a number of responses were passed to South Ayrshire Council for information. Comments arising from consultation within South Ayrshire Council (department services) are incorporated into the assessment section of this report. The following consultation responses are for noting only.  Ayrshire Rivers Trust-No objection  Civil Aviation Authority- No objection  Scottish Environment Protection Agency- No Objection  Forestry Commission- Objection  Historic Environment Scotland (HES)- No objection  Transport Scotland- No objection  Scottish Water- No objection, concerns raised  NATS en route- No objection  Glasgow Prestwick Airport- mitigation agreement reached (initial objection removed)  Marine Scotland Science- No objection  Ministry of Defence – No objection  Joint Radio Company (JRC)- No objection  RSPB- No objection, advisory comment re. Habitat Management Plan  Scot Ways- No objection  Visit Scotland- No objection- concerns raised  Scottish Wildlife Trust-Objection  Barr Community Council- Objection  Dailly Community Council- Objection  Crosshill, Straiton & Kirkmichael Community Council-Objection  Pinwherry & Pinmore Community Council- objection  Colmonell & Lendalfoot Community Council- objection  Public Representations- that include objections/representations from residents at Glengennet, Netherbarr, Dobbingstone Farm, Knockrochar,Lindsayston, Save Straiton for Scotland.

The issues raised through the representations were numerous but a significant number focussed on, the location and its suitability to accommodate this scale of development, impacts on the scenic area, the impacts on the local landscape and its character, landscape, visual impacts and associated cumulative impacts associated with other wind farms, impact on tourism and recreational assets including local heritage assets, impact on local wildlife and the pollution effects on water courses and domestic water supplies. These matters are considered in the assessment below.

All representations can be viewed online at the following link: https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx

6. Development Plan

Legislation (Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997(as amended)) requires that decisions on proposals for development are made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Within the context of this proposal the development plan comprises of the South Ayrshire Local Development Plan (2014) and the supporting Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy (2015) The latter document has been developed to reflect Scottish Planning Policy on wind energy and sets out the spatial strategy and detail on how the criteria and policy on the local development plan will be applied.

It should be noted that a significant part of the site falls within an area afforded “significant protection” under national policy, thus requiring demonstration that any significant effects can be substantially overcome by siting, design or other mitigation.

The aims of the development plan are to “encourage……renewable energy development without damaging the landscape and countryside”, towards this objective it is the Council’s view is that the design and location of any wind farm must reflect the scale and character of local landscapes.In this respect, the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment and the South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study (SALWCS) help inform the assessment of future wind energy proposals.

The following provisions and policies within the South Ayrshire Local Development Plan(LDP) are considered relevant to the consideration of this application.

LDP policy: wind energy states: that the council will support proposals if: a. They are capable of being accommodated in the landscape in a manner which respects its main features and character (as identified in the South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study or in any subsequent updates to that study), and which keeps their effect on the landscape and the wider area to a minimum (through a careful choice of site, layout and overall design; b. They do not have a significant detrimental visual impact, taking into account views experienced from surrounding residential properties and settlements, public roads and paths, significant public viewpoints, and important recreational asserts and tourist attractions; c. They do not have any other significant detrimental effect on the amenity of nearby residents, including form noise and shadow flicker; d. They do not have a significant detrimental effect on natural heritage features, including protected habitats and species, and taking into account the criteria in LDP policy : Natural heritage; e. They do not have a significant detrimental effect on the historic environment, taking into account the criteria in LDP policy: historic environment and LDP policy: archaeology; f. They do not adversely affect aviation, defence interests and broadcasting installation; and their cumulative impact in combination with other existing and approved wind energy development, and those for which applications for approval have already been submitted, is acceptable. g. Their cumulative impact in combination with other existing and approved wind energy developments, and those for which applications for approval have already been submitted, is acceptable. Development proposals will not be permitted where, wither individually or cumulatively, they would adversely affect the integrity of a Natural 2000 site.”

This policy also makes reference to the production of supplementary guidance, this, referred to above, was consulted on and adopted as statutory guidance in December 2015.

Other local development policies relevant in the assessment of this application include:

LDP policy: landscape quality states: We will maintain and improve the quality of South Ayrshire’s landscape and its distinctive local characteristics. Proposals for development must conserve features that contribute to local distinctiveness, including: a. community settings, including the approaches to settlements, and buildings within the landscape;

b. patterns of woodland, fields, hedgerow and tree features; c. special qualities of rivers, estuaries and coasts; d. historic landscapes; and e. skylines and hill features, including prominent views.

LDP policy: protecting the landscape states: We will consider proposals within or next to Scenic Areas (as defined on the LDP environment map) against the following conditions. a. The significance of impacts and cumulative impacts on the environment, particularly landscape and visual effects as informed by the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment (SNH 1998). b. How far they would benefit the economy. c. Whether they can be justified in a rural location

LDP policy: historic environment This policy is protective of historic assets which include; Listed Buildings and their settings; Conservation Areas; Scheduled Monuments Gardens & Designed Landscapes.

LDP policy: archaeology: which is protective of archaeology from the impacts of development.

LDP policy: sustainable development: which is supportive of development which meet standards in terms of its amenity impact, layout, scale, massing, design and materials in relation to its surroundings; is respective of landscape character the built and natural heritage; protects peat resources; does not have a negative impact on air and water quality; mitigates and adapt to the effects of climate change.

LDP policy natural heritage: which is protective of international, national and local designations (including protected species).

LDP policy: air, noise and light pollution: states We will not allow development which would expose significant numbers of people to unacceptable levels of air, noise or light pollution

Supplementary Guidance The development plan criteria are set out in the Supplementary Guidance and provide clear topic headings within which the assessment of wind farm proposals on South Ayrshire can be considered. The areas considered are therefore landscape and visual impact, tourism and recreation assets & active travel routes, community quality of life and amenity including noise, shadow flicker, residential amenity, traffic & transport routes, natural heritage including protected species, historic environment & archaeology, aviation and defence interests including communication and broadcasting interests, cumulative impact and other matters. The application proposal is assessed against these topic headings as detailed under sub-headings ‘A’ to ‘H’ below.

7 Assessment

A: Landscape Character

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: They are capable of being accommodated in the landscape in a manner which respects its main features and character (as identified in the South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study or in any subsequent updates to that study), and which keeps their effect on the landscape and the wider area to a minimum (through a careful choice of site, layout and overall design);

As outlined earlier the proposed development forms an extension to the operational wind farm of Hadyard Hill and is within the Foothills with Forest and Wind Farm landscape character type comprising of a band of hills located between the Girvan and Stinchar valleys. The operational wind farm of Hadyard Hill, although significant in size, is located in a shallow basin which is edged by a rim of higher hills to the north and south and this minimises its effect on the adjacent smaller scale and settled Girvan & Stinchar Valleys. The turbines of the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm are located at between 225m & 300m. The turbines of this proposed development would generally be located at higher levels ,rising to 382m and would not benefit from the same degree of screening offered by higher hills on the edge of this upland landscape. This marked difference is demonstrated in Figure (7.5.2) Landform and demonstrated in the visualisations from the Girvan & Stinchar valley where the turbines would be more prominent and seen on the skylines.

The South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity study assessed the capacity of this landscape to accommodate wind farms of various typologies. The study considered the sensitivity of the landscape character type to a range of wind turbine developments between 15m high and over 70m in height. A summary of the key constraints set out in the 2013 Capacity Study were outlined in section 17.2.2 of the document. These included (among others): • The potential effects on the design rationale of the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm which is set within a shallow basin contained by a rim of higher hills which limits its visual intrusion on the Stinchar and Girvan valleys. • The more prominent steep-sided peripheral hills with well-defined summits which occur on the outer edges of these foothills and include Barony, Hadyard, and Maxwellton Hills lying on the southern edge of the Girvan Water • The narrowness of the western part of these foothills which increases sensitivity in terms of potential effects on adjacent smaller scale settled valleys. • Potential cumulative effects with the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm which is seen in close proximity from the Barr area within the Stinchar Valley and from parts of the Girvan Valley.

The capacity study concluded that, “There is very limited scope for the” large typology” (turbines >70m) to be accommodated within this landscape. Turbines should be well set back from the more sensitive outer edge of these foothills to avoid significant impact on the ‘landmark’ hills which form highly visible containing edges to the smaller-scale settled Stinchar and Girvan Water valleys and to reduce cumulative effects on these valleys”.

The Council’s landscape advisor concludes that: This proposal would negatively contrast with the design and siting of the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm. SNH guidance Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape (version 3 2017) states that proposals for extensions to existing wind farms can give rise to issues of consistency and that....”Design objectives and principles should echo those of the original wind farm. Extensions should use turbines which are compatible with those in the existing

wind farm, including aspects of scale, form, colour and rotation speed. Generally, the design rationale of the original wind farm development should not be eroded” (paragraph 4.16).

It is noted that the layout design strategy for the operational Hadyard Hill focussed on a number of fundamental issues, these were to : 1. Minimising turbine visibility beyond the bounds of the enclosing topography defined by surrounding ridgelines as far as possible whilst optimising the use of the available land capacity to achieve maximum use of the wind resource in as sensitive way as possible. 2. Where leakage of views from the surrounding topography does occur to minimise visibility firstly on sensitive receptors and, where zero visibility was not possible, to reduce the visual impact by limiting the number of turbines visible so that the site appears as a small wind farm from these receptors. 3. Where views are possible, particularly with respect to significant views within the topographic enclosure and within the bounds of the wind farm, to create a positive image by appropriate use of a balanced layout design and turbine siting in relation to both turbines and the local landform.

The strategy also acknowledged higher energy yields could have been obtained by siting the turbines in strings around the surrounding ridgeline and elevated hills………this would have resulted in a high visual cost with respect to the surrounding landscape and a number of visually sensitive receptors………………. Environmental Statement Part1 ,4.9.2.1 Hadyard Hill Wind Farm.

As outlined above the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm is located within a relatively narrow band of uplands which lie close to more sensitive settled valleys. This original wind farm has been designed to be sited within a shallow basin within the core of an upland area and to benefit from the visual containment offered by higher hills lying on the outer edge of this basin, limiting visibility from the adjacent Girvan and Stinchar valleys. While the omission of 9 turbines , including some of the more prominently sited turbines, within the proposed extension has helped mitigate landscape and visual effects to a degree, this proposal would still result in significant intrusion on adjacent valleys. It is therefore concluded that this revised proposal would adversely affect the design integrity of the original wind farm and be contrary to the principles set out in SNH guidance.

This proposal will also have significant adverse landscape and visual effects on the Stinchar Valley. These effects will principally occur between Barr and South Balloch, as turbines would appear to be sited very close to the hills and ridges which immediately contain the southern side of this valley and would dominate the strongly enclosed and narrow landform of this landscape and smaller scale land cover features and settlement.

The proposal would also significantly and adversely affect views from the B734, the minor road between Barr and South Balloch, community and informal footpaths in the valley. This is demonstrated by viewpoints 6, 8 and 10 within the ES. While the omission of some of the closest and most prominent turbines in this revised proposal improves upon the original 31 turbine scheme, the remaining turbines would still appear very large in relation to the height of the hill slopes which contain the valley and the degree of screening provided to the bases of some turbines would not result in a marked improvement in terms of minimising visual intrusion.

This proposal would introduce visibility of turbines into parts of the Girvan Valley where the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm is not currently visible and would have significant adverse effects on the character of the middle section of the Girvan Valley. This would particularly affect the area around Dailly. Viewpoints 11 and 12 illustrate effects from the Dailly area and significant adverse effects would still occur on parts of this settlement but also from the eastern part of the Bargany national inventory listed garden and designed landscape (GDL)/Brunston Golf Course and from the B741. In views from the Crosshill and Kirkmichael area (viewpoints 13 and 14), the development would appear to sit higher than the existing wind farm, being more prominently sited and the proposed 126.5m high turbines would also appear much larger when seen close together with the existing 100/110m high turbines of the operational wind farm. This proposal would increase the spread of turbines seen on containing skylines in these more distant views.

The Kilkerran GDL lies within the middle section of the Girvan Valley. An additional Viewpoint 23 from Glenton on the northern slopes of the Givan Valley has been assessed in the 2017 LVIA with the effect on views judged not to be significant. It is considered that the detailed assessment set out in the LVIA (Appendix 7.2C) under-estimates the sensitivity of this viewpoint, given that it is representative of views from some nearby residential properties. It is also noted that the baseline description makes no mention of the distinctive pattern of policy woodlands of Kilkerran which are a key feature of the view. This proposal would increase the extent of turbines close to the ridge which backdrops Kilkerran GDL and I consider that it would be likely to have an adverse effect on the appreciation of this Inventory listed landscape.

This proposal would have significant adverse effects on part of the Rugged Uplands LCT. The proposed development would be seen from open hill tops and ridges. It would significantly affect views from the hills of Shalloch on Minnoch and Cornish which are popular with walkers (LVIA viewpoints 21 and 22). The operational Dersalloch wind farm would also be seen from parts of this landscape at similar distances.

While the well-wooded character of the middle Girvan Valley would limit views of the proposed development, Views from Craigengower Hill and the Blair Monument, which forms a popular walk and scenic viewpoint across the Girvan Valley and surrounding hills, would be significantly and adversely affected. The ‘stacked’ appearance of the proposed turbines would contribute to these effects.

The proposal would also significantly affect views from the National Cycle Route 7 as it is aligned on the secluded minor road between Nick of the Balloch and Knockinculloch. Although this proposal will not directly intrude on views southwards from this route to the Carrick Hills, it would significantly detract from these views (and views over the upper Stinchar valley) and from the experience of using this route.

The revised forestry proposals do not go far enough in enhancing the design of woodlands. While it is understood that multiple ownership and wind throw risk are likely to be key constraints, the poor design of existing forestry is perpetuated by adherence to angular margins which do not fit with landform. Although there is some limited improvement in places, the margins of clear felled areas often follow contours which will appear to cut straight across hill slopes when seen in elevation. The poor design of the existing forest, and the phased felling and retentions proposed as part of the wind farm extension, is/will be evident from the minor roads which cross this upland area and from close-by elevated viewpoints such as Grey Hill,

LVIA Viewpoint 2. It is recommended that more detailed consideration is given to improving forest design and long term diversity (in accordance with best practice guidance set out in the UK Forestry Standards) when finalising the Forest Management Plan (ref. ES, 7.12-9).

Cumulative effects

The ES Addendum LVIA (February 2017) presents an updated assessment of cumulative effects. Since its issue some changes have occurred to the cumulative situation with the Glenmount and Keirs Hill wind farms no longer forming part of Scenario 2. The Kirk Hill wind farm has however been consented by Scottish Ministers changing Scenario 1.

It is considered that in terms of operational and consented schemes, cumulative landscape and visual effects will principally arise where this proposal is seen together or in sequence with the Hadyard Hill, Dersalloch, Assel Valley, Tralorg and the Kirk Hill wind farms. The proposed wind farms of Linfairn, and Millenderdale wind farms have the greatest potential to incur cumulative effects with the proposed Hadyard Hill extension (often in addition with some of the operational and consented wind farms noted above).

The following significant cumulative effects are likely to occur:  The combination of the operational Tralorg wind farm, and to a lesser degree the consented Assel Valley wind farm, with this proposal resulting in significant cumulative effects affecting the character of the eastern part of the Middle Dale LCT (the Girvan valley).  On views from roads, footpaths and settlement from within the Girvan valley where this proposal would be seen sequentially with the operational Assel and consented(under construction) Tralorg wind farm but also with the consented Kirk Hill and the proposed Linfairn wind farms. The combination of these wind farms would result in a significantly increased extent of turbines visible on containing ridges and hills, particularly seen on the south side of the valley.  Where this proposal is seen together with the proposed Linfairn wind farm from elevated views from the head of the Girvan Valley such as those from Craigengower Hill near Straiton (Viewpoint 9)..  On views from the Carrick Hills including Shalloch on Minnoch and Cornish Hill where this proposal would be seen in combination with the operational Dersalloch wind farm and the proposed Linfairn wind farm.  On views from the B734, informal footpaths and settlement within the Stinchar valley where this proposal would be seen together/sequentially with the operational Hadyard Hill wind farm and the operational Assel Valley and consented Tralorg wind farms. The proposed Millenderdale wind farm would significantly exacerbate these effects in the area between Barr and the A714.

Conclusions

This proposal lies within the Foothills with Forest and Wind Farm landscape character type identified in the 2013 SAWLCS as having very limited capacity to accommodate further development given the presence of existing wind farm development and the proximity of the more sensitive landscapes of the Stinchar and Girvan valleys. The guidance in the study advises that any additional turbines should be set well back from the outer edge of these foothills to avoid significant impact on these valleys.

The operational wind farm of Hadyard Hill is located in a shallow basin which is edged by a rim of higher hills to the north and south and this minimises its landscape and visual effect on the adjacent Girvan and Stinchar Valleys. The turbines of this proposed extension would not benefit from the same degree of landform screening thereby significantly increasing the influence of wind farm development in these more sensitive landscapes. This proposal would be contrary to the findings and guidance set out in the 2013 SAWLCS. It would also not accord with SNH’s guidance set out in Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape (2014) in that it would erode the design rationale of the original wind farm.

Significant adverse effects would occur on parts of the Stinchar and Girvan valleys as the proposed development would greatly increase the spread and vertical extent of turbines already visible on containing skylines. The close proximity of large turbines sited close to the Stinchar Valley would have a dominant effect on views from settlement, roads and footpaths, particularly between Barr and South Balloch. The omission of 9 of the more prominent turbines from the original proposal has resulted in some improvement but not sufficient to mitigate significant effects.

New visibility of turbines would be introduced into the Dailly area in the middle section of the Girvan valley, affecting views from the B741, settlement and recreation areas and the Inventory listed GDL of Bargany. There may also be adverse effects on the appreciation of the Kilkerran GDL, also located in the Girvan valley. Significant adverse effects would also occur on part of the National Cycle Route 7 and on views from Colonel Hunter Blair Monument near Straiton which is popular with walkers.

Significant cumulative effects are most likely to occur where this proposal is seen in combination with the operational Hadyard Hill, Tralorg and Assel Valley wind farms, particularly affecting views from the Stinchar and Girvan Valleys. There would also be significant cumulative effects arising on the Dailly area of the Girvan Valley where this proposal would be seen with the consented Kirk Hill wind farm located on the north-western skyline of the valley. Potential significant cumulative effects in respect of proposed developments are most likely to occur where this proposal is seen with the Linfairn wind farm resulting in more widespread landscape and visual effects within the Girvan Valley and the Rugged Hills LCT. The addition of this proposal and the proposed Millenderdale wind farm to the baseline of operational and consented wind farms would be likely to contribute to significant cumulative effects experienced from the B734 between the A714 and Barr.

B: Visual Impact

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: if they do not have a significant detrimental visual impact, taking into account views experienced from surrounding residential properties and settlements, public roads and paths, significant public viewpoints, and important recreational assets and tourist attractions

The representations received have highlighted concerns regarding the visual impact of this proposal.

The villages of Dailly and Barr and the routes of the B741, Barr to Balloch minor road and Bargrennan to Crosshill minor road/National Cycle Route 7 are significantly affected by this proposal. The proposal would also significantly affect a number of properties in the area.

The Environment Statement confirms this analysis and concludes that there would be significant effects on:  Parts of the Middle Dale, Rugged Uplands and Intimate Pastoral Valley LCTs  Part of the South Ayrshire Scenic Area (corresponding to the above LCTs)  The Bargany GDL  Views from the Stinchar Valley (Viewpoints 4,6,8 and 10)  Views from the Dailly area (Viewpoints 11 and 12)  Views from Colonel Hunter Blair Monument near Straiton (Viewpoint 9)  The villages of Dailly and Barr  National Cycle Route (NCR7)  The minor road between Barr and Balloch  Sections of the B734, B741 and the minor road between Barr and Balloch.  12 properties lying within 2.5km of the proposed development.

Of the 23 representative viewpoints (figure 7.2.3), significant adverse effects would occur on 9 of these. It is noted that it is the view of SNH that it would be extremely difficult to successfully mitigate the impacts of a proposal of this scale in this location.

Wild Land

In correspondence SNH has advised that the proposal lies some 7.5km north of the Merrick Wild Land Area and whilst noting that the proposed extension is likely to “weaken the physical attributes and perceptual responses to some degree”, this is not likely to significantly affect the qualities of the Merrick WLA.based on the additional information provided by the applicant there would be no significant adverse effect on the Merrick Wild Land Area.

Tourism and Recreation

The tourism sector is important to the Ayrshire economy and has the potential for significant growth. This expansion will be dependent on the maintenance and enhancement of environmental quality whilst ensuring that the assets on which the sector is based are protected from the impacts of inappropriate development. These objectives are reflected within the policy framework of the Local Development Plan. A range of assets in this area are particularly sensitive to development and include international/nationally significant tourist’s assets such as the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Turnberry Golf Course. In addition there are a number of significant castles, monuments and gardens that include Brunston Castle Dalquharran Castle and Kilkerran. There are also a number of driving/recreational and walking routes popular with visitors and tourists. These include National Cycle Route 7, a long distance route which forms part of the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park and the spectacular views afforded from the Nick of Balloch and the views from Barony Hill, Glenalla Fell, Craigengower (landmark hills ) Shalloch on Minnoch popular walking routes . As discussed above, the Environmental Assessment acknowledges direct visual impact on these tourist and recreational assets. This is confirmed by the analysis of the impact of the project on landscape character and visual receptors which are presented above. There is also the potential for cumulative effects when the project is considered within the context of existing operational and other consented proposals in the area. It is noted in their response that Visit Scotland has highlighted that scenery and the natural environment have become the two most important factors for visitors in recent years when choosing a holiday location. The importance of this element to tourism cannot be under estimated. The character and visual amenity value of landscapes is a key driver of the tourist product: a large majority of visitors come because of landscape, scenery and the wider

13 environment, which supports visitor activities such as walking, cycling, wildlife watching and visiting historic sites. They also raise specific concerns about the quantity of and cumulative impact of renewable sites within South Ayrshire.

C: Residential Amenity, including noise and shadow flicker

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: they do not have any other significant detrimental effect on the amenity of nearby residents, including from noise and shadow flicker;

Amenity: An assessment of the residential visual amenity has been undertaken for all property within a 2.5km radius of the turbines. 35 properties were assessed. The findings conclude that 12 properties would be significantly affected by the development . These are Dobbingstone & Knockrochar Farm to the north of the development, Lanes Farm and 1 The Lanes, to the west Corphin (vacant) Upper Barr Farm, Glengennet, five further properties within the Stinchar Valley , and Doughty Farm to the east of the development.

Noise: The Environmental Statement considers timber felling, construction, operational and decommissioning noise impacts. ACCON (The Council’s noise advisors on wind farms) have confirmed that the methodologies used in the assessment (refer Chapter 6: Noise , April 2015, technical appendix 6.2, Operational Noise Assessment April 2015,Environmental Statement Addendum,Noise and technical appendix 7.3A, 2017) generally reflect good practice and are in line with ETSU-R-97 and the IOA Good Practice Guide for wind turbines. In their assessment ACCON have confirmed that the predicted construction noise levels have been assessed in line with the advice of BS5228-1:2009 + A1:2014 and are deemed to be not significant.

ACCON have also advised that the following operational noise limits should be adopted. To accord with the current noise conditions for Hadyard Hill their advice is that a daytime limit should be based on 38db LA90 and for night time limit of 43db LA90. It is their view that these limits represent the best achievable protection to the amenity of residents should the proposed development be granted consent.

Exceptions to these adopted limits would apply to the three financially involved property where daytime and night time limits based on 45db La90.

It should be noted that to meet these conditions mode management of some turbines will be required , a scheme to implement this is set out in the ES addendum noise assessment. Without mitigation measures wind turbine noise from Hadyard Hill extension in combination with Hadyard Hill wind farm would exceed the noise limits proposed. ACCON advise that a condition to control amplitude modulation would be appropriate.

Their advice is that subject to the adoption of the proposed noise limits, there would be no over- riding reason for refusal in respect of noise.

Shadow Flicker: Under certain combinations of geographical position, time of day and time of year when the sun passes behind rotating blades, a shadow can be cast over neighbouring property. The rotation of blades creates a shadow which appears to flick on or off; this “shadow flicker” can be disruptive and create annoyance. Recent evidence has however highlighted that shadow flicker can be experience at distances greater than 10 rotor diameters. It is now the Council’s policy to minimise the impact on residential property by assessing all residential property within 2.5km of a wind turbine (taking into account any screening afforded by topography). The Council encourages the design of their development to ensure neighbouring property do not experience effects for more than 10 hours per year. During these periods

14 mitigation should be provided which would shut down the turbines. The predicted occurrence of shadow flicker within 2.5km is set out in 7.7, table 3 of the Addendum. Whilst the assessment identifies theoretical hours in excess of this requirement “likely” estimates would only be exceeded at Corphin Cottage and Doughty. Shadow throw was also assessed by the applicant. Shadow throw occurs when individuals outside a building are affected by the shadow cast by turbine(s) across the ground at frequent intervals. Figure 7.11A.2 demonstrates that a number of properties in the area could potentially experience this effect on their amenity.

Access, Traffic & Transport Routes: The environmental Statement provides details that envisage all abnormal turbine and crane loads accessing the site from the Port of Ayr, via the A719 through Ayr, the A77 towards Girvan and then via the B734 toward Barr. All track aggregate and concrete materials would be sourced from Tormitchell Quarry following off road access tracks (this includes a section of the Core Path network, SA46) and using a short stretch of the B734 between the existing points of access to Hadyard Hill wind farm.

The ES assumes vehicles related to forestry extraction would approach and depart the site via the B734 and continue on to the A77. In the Addendum 2017 a new route using the B7023/C088 at Cloyntie and the U027 would be used for staff traffic. This route has a weight limit of 3T and the U027 is part of the Core Path network and the National Cycle Route. The ES proposes to mitigate conflict between the staff related route and existing users through the implementation of a Traffic Management Plan.

Ayrshire Roads Alliance & Transport Scotland have been consulted on the proposed development and raised no objection to the proposal subject to appropriate conditions being attached to the proposed development prior to construction.

D:Natural Heritage

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: they do not have a significant detrimental effect on natural heritage features, including protected habitats and species, and taking into account the criteria in LDP policy: natural heritage

Descriptions of the baseline ecological conditions are provided in the Environmental Statement. This was informed by a combination of desk study of historical data and targeted surveys. This included the preparation of Phase 1 habitat and protected species survey. In 2014 a National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey was undertaken.

The primary land uses of site are commercial conifer production and extensive sheep and cattle grazing on the unenclosed upland moorland. The main habitat types (refer Appendix 9.4) are therefore dense conifer plantation and felled areas (44%) wet modified bog (21%), marshy grassland (19%), semi-improved grassland and other habitats(10%).

There are no international or national designated sites within or near the site. Part of the site (area around Doughty Hill) is identified as a provisional wildlife site (a local designation protected through LDP policy) This site, provisional wildlife site no. 35: River Stinchar (Milton to Black Hill), is identified as “a rich stretch of upland habitats which contains a number of scarce plants and breeding birds. Vaccinium-Eriophorum blanket bog occurs on the higher ground, while the Ferly Burn area also has botanical interest. Linfern Loch is of importance to wildlife.”

Species surveys confirmed the presence of a number of “ Protected Species” in and around the application site. These include otter, badger red squirrel and pine martin. The wind farm is also located in a region of Scotland that is important to two species of bat (leisler’s & noctule).

To minimise the risk of bat SNH have advised that there is an “unquantified risk of a negative effect on their conservation status in Scotland”. This could be avoided by shutting the turbines down for a period of 3 hours following sunset, during the period from May to August inclusive, whenever wind speeds are less than 6 metres per second (i.e. when conditions are most likely to encourage Nyctalus bats to forage).

SNH also advised that a number of other mitigation measures including pre-construction surveys of any potential bat roosts within 50m of the proposed works and post construction monitoring surveys should be undertaken to confirm whether shutdown mitigation should continue indefinitely.

With the implementation of the mitigation measures, as outlined in the Environmental Statement addendum (Table 7.6.3) the impacts of the development are assessed as minor or negligible.

Ornithology

A detailed assessment of the potential impacts of the development was undertaken through a combination of consultation with ornithological organisations, desk study and field survey. The potential impacts associated with construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm were considered and were summarised within table 10.21 of the ES. This assessment concluded that any effects could be mitigated against provided best practice measures were introduced. In their comments SNH recommended a number of additional specific measures in relation to Black Grouse, Hen Harrier, Barn Owl (including buffers upto 750m during sensitive periods) in addition to pre-felling construction surveys.

E: Historic Environment and Archaeology

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: they do not have a significant detrimental effect on the historic environment, taking into account the criteria in LDP policy: historic environment and LDP policy: archaeology.

The historic environment is an important part of South Ayrshire’s cultural heritage and contributes directly to economic growth and tourism. The quality of the historic environment in an area is important to the sense of place and identity of local communities.

The Environment Statement contains an extensive desk based and walk over assessment of the impact of the development on the historic environment. This identified over 300 historic assets within the site boundary and within a wider area. The information was collated from records held by the West of Scotland Archaeology Service, Historic Environment Scotland, historic mapping and aerial photographs.

24 Scheduled Monuments, 11 category A Listed Buildings and three inventoried Gardens and Designed Landscapes and five conservation Areas were identified within 10 km of the proposed turbines and a further category B and 18 category C listed buildings within 5km of the proposed turbines.

The assessment considered those effects which may arise from “direct” disturbance or loss from construction activity or “indirect effects” which change the setting of assets within the landscape. The proposed development has been designed to avoid direct impacts on the 52 heritage assets within the site. The assessment however recognises that that given the scale of know prehistoric, medieval and post- medieval assets there is the possibility of unrecorded archaeological within areas of the site to survive.

The combination of landscape elements such as the presence of castles and policy landscapes give the Girvan Valley a rich historic character. A number of indirect effects will occur these include significant visual impacts upon the setting of the 18th Century A Listed Dalquharran Castle. The presence of the turbines on the opposing hill slope would represent a significant alteration to the setting of the castle. It is noted that Historic Scotland agree with this assessment and note the negative adverse impacts of the development. There will also be indirect visual impacts on the nationally designated designed landscapes (discussed earlier)

F:Aviation, defence & broadcasting interests The LDP policy states that the Council will support proposals if: they do not adversely affect aviation, defence and broadcasting installations.

Aviation & Defence; An assessment has been undertaken of the potential of the proposed development to interfere with systems associated with aviation and national defence, and the obstacle that the turbines could potentially cause low flying aircraft. The environmental assessment acknowledges the significance of this air space to Prestwick Airport and its users and acknowledges that the development will prent a physical obstruction within the low flying tactical training area (TTA 20T).

Current guidance (SG wind energy) requires developers to demonstrate agreement between the developer and airport operators that a technological or other mitigation solution is in place which demonstrates their development would not threaten the current operation of the airport or the expansion aspirations sought by the Council and Government. It is understood that GPA has assessed and identified a number of potential solutions likely to mitigate the impact of the wind farm development and in light of this work have entered an agreement with SSE generation Ltd. to allow GPA to select the most appropriate mitigation scheme. Subject to the inclusion of an appropriate condition in the interests of aviation safety it is understood that GPA’s initial objection to the development has been removed.

The MOD has no objection to the proposed development subject to an appropriate condition advising them of start/end dates of construction, the location of turbines and height of construction equipment. In the interests of safety they have requested that the development should be fitted with aviation safety lighting. The Council would advise that this be infra red light to ensure any adverse visual impacts on the Dark Sky Park are minimised.

NATS-has confirmed that the proposal does not conflict with their safeguarding criteria.

The CAA has requested that to meet international obligations (structures over 91.4m) be reported to the Defence Geographic Centre to allow it to be charted on aeronautical charts. It also advises that pending updates developments are notified through the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prior to construction starting.

Communication and Broadcasting: A detailed assessment of interference with telecommunications was not undertaken It is understood that consultation responses with all relevant organisations confirmed there is no potential for interference with existing links. (See Technical Appendix 1.1: Consultation Register, page 13).

G: Cumulative Effects

The LDP policy on wind energy states that the Council will support proposals if: their cumulative impact in combination with other existing and approved wind energy developments, and those for which applications for approval have already been submitted, is acceptable.

With a large number of operational or consented wind farms within South Ayrshire or its borders, the assessment of the cumulative impact of proposals is increasingly relevant in determining the acceptability of future proposals. This is a key concern of a number of the representations made on this application.

The cumulative impact of this proposal on the landscape and on important views was considered earlier and this found that significant cumulative effects will occur, particularly within the Girvan and Stinchar valleys. It should also be noted that the proposal would give rise to cumulative visual impacts that would be inconsistent with the objectives of the landscape strategy set out in Table 2 of the Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance.

Cumulative impacts on Aviation Interests. The impact of multiple wind farms to “create” clutter on radar displays was considered previously (above).

Cumulative Impacts on Ornithology Operational wind farms are known to have a number of impacts on birds and bird populations. No cumulative effects , such as habitat loss, disturbance, collision or displacement were identified in the assessment.

Cumulative Impacts on the Historic Environment The assessment concludes that there will be a significant affect on the setting of the Category A listed 18th century Dalquharran Castle.

H: Other Matters

Forestry:The Council has a strong presumption in favour of protecting South Ayrshire’s woodlands and this should be taken into account through initial site selection. The Scottish Government through its woodland removal policy seeks compensatory replacement of woodland losses should this be unavoidable. This is re-iterated within the Ayrshire & Arran Woodland Strategy. The wind farm area covers four separate private forest ownerships.(Glengennet, Daljedburgh, Dobbingstone and Doughty Hill). Their character is typical investment plantations of the 1970’s and 80’s. Through an iteration design process there has been a significant reduction in permanent area which would be clear felled area from 915.2ha in the original application to 313.9ha in the addendum. Other areas (205ha) would be felled at 10m height. Whilst it is noted that the developer is committed to providing appropriate compensatory planting equivalent to this figure. The location of the planting offsite has not been confirmed within the assessment. Details of the compensatory planting have therefore to be confirmed to the satisfaction of the Council, in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, prior to the commencement of any future works.

The Forestry Commission considers that the impact on woodland cover is unacceptable and maintains its objection on the grounds that the extent and nature of the clearance work is neither necessary proportionate or justified. It is the FCS’s view that the clearance proposed, is excessive for the limited number of turbines proposed; at odds with wider current practice and does not comply with the Scottish Governments policy on the control of woodland removal.

Peat: The western portion of the site is covered in peaty soils with a maximum recorded thickness of 1.6m and an average thickness of 0.3m in the area around Mull of Miljoan. The easter area around Craiginmoddie, Doughty Hill and Daljedburgh Hill has slightly thicker peat the average depth in this area is 0.51m.

The site has been assessed for potential hazards associated with peat instability. Peat slide hazard (figure 2.6. 8 Technical Appendix 2.6) assessed under the four categories negligible, low, medium or high . All turbine locations are located in areas assessed as negligible or low. Other areas identified as being of medium risk of instability have been considered in a hazard impact assessment. The potential hazards would raise a number of construction issues and the implementation of mitigation measures should the proposal be granted. These are identified in section 7 , of technical appendix 2.6

Water Resources: Under the Water Framework Directive, planning authorities have a duty to safeguard and seek improvements to the water environment. As a consequence, the potential impact of a wind farm construction on local hydrology requires to be assessed and protective and preventative strategies put in place to reduce potential risk. The proposed extension to the Hadyard Hill wind farm has the potential to impact on the water environment due to its close proximity to the Penwhapple reservoir and to important tributaries of the River Stinchar and River Girvan. Construction and enabling works (forest felling) within the catchments of the Lindsayton Burn and Auchengrain Burn could impact on the ecology of these rivers. (Both Lindsayton & Auchincairn Burn are productive juvenile salmoid watercourses and could support brown trout and eels (red list critically endangered). The Ayrshire Rivers Trust have not objected to the proposed extension provided adequate measures are taken to protect and maintain the water quality of these burns during construction and felling and a monitoring programme is completed.

It should be noted that SSE in correspondence have given commitments to :  undertake baseline monitoring- pre construction including a habitat survey, electro –fishing and benthic macro-invertebrate surveys and sampling.  Construction phase surveys (during the duration of the works)  Post construction surveys and  Maintain a regular water quality monitoring programme.

Private Water Supplies and Water Abstraction A detailed Private Water Supply Risk Assessment was completed for all properties within 2km of the proposed development (refer Appendix 7.4A in the ES). The assessment concluded that six properties Dalquhairn, Whiterue, Glengennet, Corphin, Lanes Farm and Dobbingstone Farm have supplies with hydrological connectivity to the proposed development. A range of mitigation measures and a water quality monitoring programme are proposed. If these measures were implemented the level of risk to the water flow or its quality would be significantly reduced (but not removed). It is understood that SEPA’s objection on the impact of the development on private water supplies (Lanes Farm) has now been removed following clarification of the location of the water supply in the published erratum. Environmental Health has not objected.

Ground Water Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWTE): GWTE are types of wetland specifically protected under the Water Framework Directive. Around 86 ha (NVC M23a & M25) (Table 7.6.1, addendum) will be within 250m of the wind farm infrastructure. No turbines will be located on GWDTE habitats. The changes made to the 2015 layout resulted in a reduction in the total area of GWTE impacted by the proposal. The residual effects are assessed as not significant. SEPA has not objected.

Flood Risk: The assessment of flood risk found the risk to be negligible or low. The assessment also concluded that there would be no significant increase in off-site flooding arising from this proposed development following tree felling. To minimise pollution risks to local water courses and sensitive habitats and groundwater infrastructure such as culverts, settlement ponds and other pollution mitigation techniques on site will be designed to accommodate 1-200 year flood events. This is consistent with the Council’s guidance (SG- wind energy)

Borrow Pits: The applicant has identified six potential borrow pits on site, it is proposed that they would supply the majority of the aggregate for the proposed development (some 360,000 m3). Borrow pits 1&2 would provide around 60% of this requirement. It is also likely that rock would “won” during the construction through the construction process thus reducing the need to open up all potential borrow pit locations.

The Scottish Government included within Scottish Planning Policy (paragraph 243) a new approach to the use of Borrow Pits for wind farm construction. Borrow pits can be extensive areas within the site of a windfarm and are commonly used for the extraction of sand and aggregates used in the associated developments such as crane pads, access routes etc. The policy advice is to limit their use and only to permit them on site if there are significant

environmental or economic benefits compared to obtaining material from local quarries. Given the close proximity of reserves in adjoining quarries the Council are of the view that there is significant merit in operating this policy in this case.

Biosecurity and invasive species: Invasive non- native species (INNS) can spread rapidly and have adverse ecological and economic impacts. In line with good practice and the Council’s guidance pre-construction surveys to establish the status and distribution of INNS should be undertaken and appropriate mitigation policies and procedures confirmed prior to the construction and restoration phases of the development.

Conditions: Should the Scottish Government be minded to grant this application, South Ayrshire Council requests that it be consulted on proposed conditions prior to the grant of consent.

Decommissioning: The applicant has indicated that should the project be granted consent, a decommissioning plan and bond will be finalised and agreed with the Council as part of a pre commencement condition.

Other Material Considerations

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) SPP encourages the planning system to support renewable energy developments which will facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy. This is however balanced by the significant protection it affords to a number of national interests, which include designated areas of, carbon rich soils, national and international designations and the visual amenity of local communities. SPP is also clear that the siting and design of development should take account of local landscape character and that decisions should take account of potential effects on landscapes including cumulative effects. (Para 202 & 203) Where these impacts are judged unacceptable to the natural environment they should be refused. (Para 203). The SPP states clearly, in paragraph 32, that the primacy of the development plan is maintained where proposals do not accord with an up-to-date development plan.

Benefits of the Scheme: The Scottish Governments 2020 Route Map for Renewable energy sets a target of generation 100% of Scotland’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020. This equates to an installed capacity of some 16 gigawatts. The Hadyard Hill Extension proposal would contribute 0.55% around 88MW to this target. This is equivalent to generating 216GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 67,484 homes. (higher than the number of households in South Ayrshire ). During the construction phase the total economic effect is estimated to be around £15 million GVA and 136 job years( a job year is one full time job lasting a year) in South Ayrshire and £52.1 million GVA and 439 job years in Scotland. Assuming a benchmark of £5000 per MW index linked a potential £11.0 million of community benefit could be generated over a period of 25 years. It should however be noted that this latter issue is not a matter which can be considered in the assessment of the acceptability of the proposal. The assessment identifies a substantial reduction in green house gas emissions across its operational lifetime.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion having considered the applicant’s Environmental Statement and supporting documentation, together with the responses received and having balanced the developers’ interest against the wider community interest it is recommended that an objection be submitted to the Scottish Government for the erection of 22 wind turbines as the applicant has not demonstrated that the proposal will not have unacceptable impacts on matters of landscape, residential amenity and cultural heritage.

9. Recommendation:

It is recommended that South Ayrshire Council submit an objection to the Scottish Government on the following grounds.

Landscape and Visual

(1) That the proposed development would be contrary to South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policies 'wind energy' and 'landscape quality' and South Ayrshire Council Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy. It is considered that due to the scale, prominent position, its impact on the skyline, its impact on landmark hills, the wider visibility of the turbines and the absence of any appropriate mitigating landscape factors, that the proposed development cannot be accommodated in the landscape in a manner which respects its main features and character and will have a significant adverse landscape and visual impact. Furthermore it is considered that the proposal will have a detrimental visual impact, taking into account views experienced from surrounding residential properties, public roads and paths, significant public viewpoints and important recreational assets and tourist attractions. There is no over-riding reason to depart from South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policy or Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy.

Cumulative

(2) That the proposed development would be contrary to South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policies 'Wind energy' and 'Protecting the landscape' and South Ayrshire Council Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy in that, when considered in combination with other existing and approved wind energy developments, and those for which applications for approval have already been submitted that the impacts would not be acceptable. Furthermore, there would be a significant adverse impact on the Scenic Area, particularly landscape and visual effects. There is no over-riding reason to depart from South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policy or Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy.

Historic Environment

(3) That the proposed development would be contrary to South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policy 'Historic environment' and South Ayrshire Council Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy on the grounds that it would have significant indirect effects on the setting of heritage assets in the area: these include the impacts which would affect the setting of Dalquarrran. There is no over-riding reason to depart from south Ayrshire Local Development Plan policy or Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy.

Residential Amenity

(4) That the proposed development is contrary to LDP policy, Wind Energy Criterion c), LDP policy Sustainable Development, LDP policy Air Noise and Light Pollution by reason that the applicant has not demonstrated that the proposal would not result in unacceptable visual impacts on residential amenity. There is no over-riding reason to depart from South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policy or Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy.

Background Papers: 1. Application form, plans and supporting documentation including Environmental Statement and Addendum. 2. Consultation responses 3. Representations 4. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 5. Scottish Historic Environment policy (SHEP) & Historic Environment Circular 1 6. Managing Change in the Historic Environment – Setting 7. Planning Advice Note 2/2011 “ Planning & Archaeology” 8. South Ayrshire Council Local Development Plan 2014 9. South Ayrshire Council Supplementary Guidance: Wind Energy 2015 10. South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study 2013 11. Hadyard Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement 12. SNH Guidance- Siting and Design of Windfarms 2017, V3

Person to Contact:

Mr John Esslemont, Strategic Planner- Telephone 01292 616292

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