Intended for
Little Gala Windfarm Ltd.
Document type
EIA Scoping Report
Date
July 2021
LITTLE GALA WIND FARM
SCOPING REPORT 2021
LITTLE GALA WIND FARM SCOPING REPORT
Project name Little Gala Wind Farm
Project no. 1620012376
Recipient Little Gala Windfarm Ltd.
Document type EIA Scoping Report
Version Final
Date 13/07/2021
Prepared by Amanda Chan / Rachel Meacock/Technical Author Inputs
Checked by Caroline Collis
Approved by Peter Bruce
This report is produced by Ramboll at the request of the client for the purposes detailed herein. This report and accompanying documents are intended solely for the use and benefit of the client for this purpose only and may not be used by or disclosed to, in whole or in part, any other person without the express written consent of Ramboll. Ramboll neither owes nor accepts any duty to any third party and shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense of whatsoever nature which is caused by their reliance on the information contained in this report.
Ramboll 5th Floor 7 Castle Street Edinburgh EH2 3AH United Kingdom
T +44 131 297 2676 www.ramboll.co.uk
Little Gala Wind Farm
CONTENTS
Glossary and Abbreviations 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 The Proposed Development 7
Site Context 7 Design and Alternatives 7 Scope of the EIA 7
1. Introduction 9 1.1 Background 9 1.2 Consenting Regime 9
1.3 The Purpose of this Report 9 1.4 The Applicant 10 1.5 Programme 10
1.6 Structure of this Report 10 2. Description of The Proposed Development 11 2.1 Site Selection 11
2.2 Policy Considerations 11 2.3 Site Description and Context 13 2.4 The Proposed Development 13
2.5 Design and Alternatives 14 3. Scope of the EIA 15 3.1 Impact Assessments 15
3.2 Landscape and Visual Amenity 15 3.3 Cultural Heritage 34 3.4 Ecology 45
3.5 Ornithology 55 3.6 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology 62 3.7 Traffic and Transport 69
3.8 Noise and Vibration 72 3.9 Infrastructure, Aviation and Telecommunications 76 3.10 Socio-economics, Recreation and Tourism 77
3.11 Shadow Flicker 81
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4. Topics scoped out of the Assessment 82
4.1 Air Quality 82 4.2 Ice Throw 82 4.3 Peat 82
4.4 Climate Change 82 4.5 Human Health 83 4.6 Risk of Major Accidents and/or Disasters 83
5. Next Steps 84
APPENDIX A: FIGURES
Figure 1.1 – Site Location
Figure 1.2 – Scoping Layout
Figure 3.1– LVIA Study Area
Figure 3.2 – ZTV and Proposed Viewpoints
Figure 3.3 – Landscape Character
Figure 3.4 – Landscape Designations
Figure 3.5 – Visual Receptors (Transport routes, Recreation routes and Summits)
Figure 3.6 – Cumulative Developments
Figure 3.7 – Heritage Assets within the Inner Study Area Figure 3.8 – Designated Heritage Assets in the Outer Study Area
Figure 3.9 – Ecological Statutory Designated Sites
Figure 3.10 – Ornithological Statutory Designated Sites within 20km
Figure 3.11 – Ornithological Survey Areas
Figure 3.12 – Surface Water Features
Figure 3.13 – Superficial Geology
Figure 3.14 – Bedrock Geology
Figure 3.15 – Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Carbon and Peatland Map
Figure 3.16 – Proposed Noise Assessment Locations
APPENDIX B: CONSULTEE LIST
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GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation/Terminology Expanded Term/Possible Variables
the Applicant Client/developer (Little Gala Wind Farm Limited, a company wholly owned by BayWa r.e. UK Limited).
the Proposed Development The scheme, the development, the proposal, the development proposal, the proposed development scheme, the wind farm, the proposed wind farm …etc. (Little Gala Wind Farm).
the Site The project site, the site, development area, red line boundary, the proposed wind farm site.
the EIA regulations Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
scoped in included in the proposed scope of the EIA
scoped out excluded in the proposed scope of the EIA
AM Amplitude Modulation
ANO Air Navigation Order
AOD Above Ordnance Datum
ATC Automatic Traffic Count
A-weighting A frequency weighting designed to correlate measured sound levels with subjective human response. The human ear is frequency selective and our ears are most sensitive between 500 Hz to 6 kHz, particularly when compared with lower and higher frequencies. The A-weighting applies a frequency correction which reduces the effect of these low and high frequencies on the overall measured level in order to account for the subjective human response at these frequencies.
AWI Ancient Woodland Inventory
BCT Bat Conservation trust
BGS British Geological Survey
BoCC Birds of Conservation Concern
BS British Standard
BSI British Standards Institution
CAA Civil Aviation Authority
CAR Controlled Activities Regulations
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan
CHIA Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment
CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management
CIfA Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
CoPA The Control of Pollution Act
CRAA Collision Risk Analysis Area
CRM Collision Risk Modelling
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Abbreviation/Terminology Expanded Term/Possible Variables
CTMP Construction Traffic Management Plan
dB Decibel
DfT Department for Transport
DMRB Design Manual for Roads & Bridges
DTM Digital Terrain Modelling
DWQR Scottish Drinking Water Quality Regulator
EC European Commission
EHO Environmental Health Officer
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report
EPA the Environmental Protection Act
FHS Fisheries Habitat Survey
GB Great Britain
GDL Gardens and Designed Landscapes
GLVIA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
GPG Good Practice Guide
GPP Guidance for Pollution Prevention
GPS Global Positioning System
GW Gigawatt
GWDTE Groundwater Dependant Terrestrial Ecosystems
Ha Hectare
HEPS Historic Environment Policy for Scotland
HER Historic Environment Record
HES Historic Environment Scotland
HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle
HLAMap Historic Land-Use Assessment Data for Scotland
HMP Habitat Management Plan
HRA Habitat Regulations Appraisal
HSE Nuclear Safety Directorate
IEA Institute of Environmental Assessment
IEF Important Ecological Features
IEMA Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
IOA Institute of Acoustics
JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Km Kilometres
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Abbreviation/Terminology Expanded Term/Possible Variables
LA90 The A-weighted noise level exceeded for 90% of the time, often used to describe background or wind turbine noise as it excludes transient noises that affect the LAeq.
LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan
LCT Landscape Character Type
LDP Local Development Plan
LFA Low Flying Area
LGV Light Good Vehicle
LUPS Land Use Planning Guidance
LVIA Landscape and Visual Assessment
M Metres
MoD Ministry of Defence
MW Megawatts
NAL Noise Assessment Location – The point at which noise levels are calculated for assessment purposes.
NATS National Air Traffic Services
NCAP National Collection of Aerial Photography
NCI Nature Conservation Importance
NCN National Cycle Network
NE North East
NERL NATS En Route
NHZ Natural Heritage Zone
NML Noise Monitoring Location
NNE North North East
NNR National Nature Reserve
NP National Park
NPF National Planning Policy Framework
NRHE National Record for the Historic Environment
NS NatureScot
NSA National Scenic Area
NSR Noise Sensitive Receptor
NSR Non-Statutory Register
NVC National Vegetation Classification
OIA Ornithological Impact Assessment
OS Ordnance Survey
PAN Planning Advice Note
PPG Pollution Prevention Guidelines
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Abbreviation/Terminology Expanded Term/Possible Variables
PPP Pollution Prevention Plan
PWS Private Water Supply
RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
RVAA Residential Visual Amenity Assessment
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SBL Scottish Biodiversity List
Scotways Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society
SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency
SERAD Scottish Environment and Rural Affairs Department
SFCC Scottish Fisheries Co-Ordination Centre
SG Supplementary Guidance
SLA Special Landscape Area
SLC South Lanarkshire Council
SM Scheduled Monument
SNH Scottish National Heritage
SPA Special Protection Area
SPAD Scottish Palaeoecological Archive Database
SPG Support Planning Guidance
SPP Scottish Planning Policy
SSRSG South Strathclyde Raptor Study Group
SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
TA Technical Appendices
TA Transport Assessment (as referred to in Section 3.7, Traffic and Transport)
TAN Technical Advice Note
UK-BAP United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan
UKFS United Kingdom Forestry Standard
VP Vantage Point
WFD Water Framework Directive
WLA Wild Land Area
WSI Written Scheme of Investigation
WSS West South West
ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Little Gala Windfarm Ltd (‘the Applicant’) proposes to submit an application for consent to construct and operate a wind farm, to be referred to as Little Gala Wind Farm (‘the Proposed Development’) on land located approximately 2.5 km south east of the village of Rigside, South Lanarkshire and more than 9 km north west of Clyde Wind Farm site boundary.
The Proposed Development is one to which the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 (‘the EIA Regulations’) will apply, and this report is provided to South Lanarkshire Council under Regulation 17 of the EIA Regulations in support of a request by the Applicant for a ‘Scoping Opinion’ regarding the information to be provided within the EIA Report that will accompany the application for planning permission.
The Proposed Development
The main elements of the Proposed Development would be as follows:
Up to seven wind turbines, each up to a maximum tip height of 180 m; Permanent foundations supporting each wind turbine; Associated crane hardstandings at each turbine location; An external transformer at each turbine location; An upgraded or new bell mouth access arrangement from the B7055; A series of new onsite access tracks with associated watercourse crossings; Underground cabling within the Site; A control building and substation compound (including transformer and an option for battery storage (of approximately 10 MW)); A temporary construction compound and laydown area; and A permanent anemometer mast including associated foundations and hardstanding.
Site Context
The Site occupies an area of approximately 206.4 hectares (ha) which is currently used for grazing sheep. The Site is roughly rectangular in shape and is situated on a north facing hill, in an area of suitable wind speed. Access to the Site is likely to be taken from the M74, A70, with the closest road being the B7055. A high pressure gas pipeline runs along the south of the Site, with a second pipeline running to the north. The Little Gala Farm, occupied by the land owner of the Site, is within the Site boundary. The land owner is in support of the Proposed Development.
Design and Alternatives
The EIAR will provide a chapter detailing the design process followed and the reasonable alternatives considered in developing the wind farm layout and setting the physical parameters of the proposed turbines.
Scope of the EIA
The EIAR will present the likely significant effects, including, where applicable, direct, indirect, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, beneficial and adverse effects.
Impact assessment chapters will be provided under the following topic categories:
landscape and visual amenity;
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cultural heritage; ecology; ornithology; hydrology, hydrogeology and geology; traffic, transport and access; noise and vibration; aviation and telecommunications; and socio-economics.
Cumulative effects will be addressed under each topic chapter. Cumulative effects are defined as the potential additional changes caused by a Proposed Development in conjunction with other similar developments or as the combined effect of a set of developments, taken together. A final list of developments, relevant to the assessment of cumulative effects, will be agreed with the relevant authorities at the point that a finalised design is reached.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Little Gala Windfarm Ltd (‘the Applicant’) proposes to submit an application for consent to construct and operate a wind farm, to be referred to as Little Gala Wind Farm (‘the Proposed Development’) on land located approximately 2.5 km south east of the village of Rigside, South Lanarkshire and more than 9 km north west of Clyde Wind Farm site boundary. The Site location is shown on Figure 1.1 (Appendix A).
The Proposed Development is one to which the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 (‘the EIA Regulations’) will apply, and is of a type listed in Schedule 2, item 3(j) an installation “for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms)”. Therefore, if it is considered that “the development is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location” an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. In this case, the Applicant has volunteered to undertake an EIA rather than request a formal screening opinion.
A provisional turbine layout has been prepared for the purposes of scoping and comprises up to seven turbines with a maximum tip height of up to 180 m. Based on currently available turbines, the typical maximum rated output per turbine is likely in the range of 4-5 MW, with total installed turbine capacity around 30 MW. The turbine layout design is at an early stage and will be developed to take account of environmental and technical constraints and stakeholder consultation feedback. The provisional turbine layout is also shown on Figure 1.2 (Appendix A).
1.2 Consenting Regime
It is anticipated that the Proposed Development would have an installed capacity of more than 20 MW and less than 50 MW. Therefore, it would be classed as a Major Development and an application for planning permission will be made to South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended. A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) will also be submitted to SLC in advance of submission of the planning application and in accordance with statutory timescales.
1.3 The Purpose of this Report
This report is provided to SLC under Regulation 17 of the EIA Regulations in support of a request by the Applicant for a ‘Scoping Opinion’ regarding the information to be provided within the EIA Report (EIAR) that will accompany the application for planning permission.
The specific objectives of this report are to:
Seek agreement on the likely significant effects associated with the Proposed Development, and, confirm that all likely significant effects have been correctly included in the proposed scope of the EIA ('scoped in'). Seek agreement where non-significant effects have been excluded ('scoped out'). Invite comment on the proposed approach to baseline data collection, prediction of environmental effects and the assessment of significance.
All responses will be collated and presented as a Technical Appendix to the EIAR, as a record of the results of the scoping exercise and the way in which responses have been considered will be incorporated into the relevant sections of the EIAR.
The scoping report will be provided to the consultees set out in Appendix B.
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1.4 The Applicant
The Applicant is owned by Baywa r.e. UK Limited (BUK). BUK is a leading, reputable, international renewable energy project developer and service provider with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes and Dublin. In the UK and Ireland, BUK has delivered close to 200 Megawatts (MW) of wind energy and is currently developing over 300 MW of onshore wind. BUK also provides technical and commercial services, and manages more than 1.5 Gigawatts (GW) of operational solar and wind assets for its clients.
The UK and Ireland is one of BUK’s core markets, and its internationally trained and qualified teams cover the entire range of activities required for the production of renewable energy, from site development through turnkey construction and financing to sale.
BUK is part of BayWa r.e. AG, an established global energy company and a major operator of renewable energy projects with more than 4 GW in renewable energy generation capacity across 30 countries.
1.5 Programme
The proposed Little Gala Wind Farm has an estimated grid connection date of 2027. In order to develop in line with the 2027 connection date, the Applicant intends to submit an application for consent in Q4 2021.
The Applicant acknowledges the exceptional circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic. In this regard, some aspects of the scope of the EIA and wider consultation may need to be varied as the project progresses to respond to potential constraints on normal working practices imposed as a result of the pandemic. All relevant assumptions made and limitations inherent to the EIA will be recorded with a view to demonstrating that the resulting EIAR will provide a robust basis upon which the competent authorities can make a planning determination.
1.6 Structure of this Report
The remainder of this report is structured as follows:
Section 2 provides a brief description of the nature and purpose of the development, typical construction activities and decommissioning proposals. Section 3 describes the baseline environment conditions, the likely significant environmental effects identified and proposed method for further data collection and evaluation of effects. Section 4 describes the effects that are considered not to be significant, and proposes that these be excluded from the EIA, providing a rationale in each case. Section 5 provides information on the process for making representations on the scoping report.
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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Site Selection
The Site for the Proposed Development is considered by the Applicant to be suitable for wind farm development for the following reasons:
it has a suitable wind resource; it is in close proximity to the M74 and A70 roads providing good access for construction traffic and turbine component delivery; it is located out with national and international statutory designations for natural heritage conservation including:
- Ramsar Sites; - Special Protection Areas (SPA); - Special Areas of Conservation (SAC); - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); - National Nature Reserves (NNR) - National Scenic Areas (NSA);
it is an appropriate distance from residential receptors and the nearest settlement is over 2.5 km away; and it is not within a regional landscape designation (Special Landscape Area (SLA) in South Lanarkshire).
2.2 Policy Considerations
2.2.1 Project Need: Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction
The EIAR will describe, in summary, the renewable energy policy framework and associated need case for renewables, identified as a matter of both law and policy, at international and domestic levels.
The Proposed Development relates to the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources and comes as a direct response to national planning and energy policy objectives and emissions reduction law. The clear objectives of the UK and Scottish Governments will be summarised, in relation to encouraging increased deployment and application of renewable energy technologies, consistent with sustainable development policy principles and national and international obligations on climate change.
The Scottish Government's Energy Strategy (2017)1 set a ‘whole system target’ for the equivalent of 50% of the energy for Scotland’s heat, transport and electricity consumption to be supplied from renewable sources by 2030. By 2050 the Scottish Government’s long term climate change targets required near-complete decarbonisation of our energy system. As heat and transport become decarbonised, demand for electricity from renewable sources can be expected to increase.
1 URL: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-energy-strategy-future-energy-scotland-9781788515276/ (accessed 24/06/2021)
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Further deployment of renewable energy generating technology will be required throughout the 2020s in order to meet targets. As a mature technology, onshore wind development has a continuing and important role to play, as confirmed by national planning and energy policy and most recently in the Fourth National Planning Framework Position Statement2.
The Scottish Government's Energy Strategy and Onshore Wind Policy Statement (2017) set out inter alia that onshore wind is to play a vital role in Scotland’s future – helping to substantively decarbonise electricity supplies and the technology is expected to play material role in growing the economy.
Scotland's overarching statutory target is to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045, with interim targets of 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2040, now provided for in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 as amended by the Climate Change (Emissions Reductions Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 ("2009 Act") which came into force in March 2020.
The Scottish Government declared a climate emergency on 14 May 2019. The declaration of an "emergency" is a reflection of both the seriousness of climate change and its potential effects and the need for urgent action to cut carbon dioxide emissions. The declaration is a material consideration which will be referenced.
The Proposed Development would clearly make a contribution to the attainment of renewable energy and electricity targets and emissions reduction at both the Scottish and UK levels and the quantification of this contribution would be described in the EIA Report.
2.2.2 National Planning Policy and Guidance
Reference will be made to various national planning policy and guidance documents including:
The National Planning Policy Framework 3 (NPF3); Scottish Planning Policy (SPP); Scottish Government web-based Renewables Guidance; and Scottish Government policy and good practice guidance on community benefit funding and community shared ownership.
2.2.3 Local Development Plan
The planning policy context applicable to the Site will be taken into account in the iterative EIA design process. The relevant planning policy framework will also be described in the EIAR.
The statutory Development Plan for the Site comprises the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (the LDP2) (adopted 9th April 2021)3 and associated non statutory Supporting Planning Guidance (SPG). The key LDP2 policy is Policy RE1 ‘Renewable Energy’. Appendix 1 of the LDP2 contains a Renewable Energy Checklist.
It should be noted that a Planning Statement will be provided with the planning application (but separate from the EIAR) which will contain an assessment of the accordance of the Proposed Development with the LDP2 and relevant material considerations as referred to above.
2 URL: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-fourth-national-planning-framework-position-statement/ (accessed 24/06/2021)
3 URL: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200145/planning_and_building_standards/39/development_plans/2 (accessed 24/06/2021)
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2.3 Site Description and Context
The ‘Site’, as defined by the red line boundary on Figure 1.1 (Appendix A), is located east of the M74 and A70 roads, approximately 2.5 km south east of the village of Rigside, South Lanarkshire and more than 9 km north west of Clyde Windfarm. The Site occupies an area of approximately 206.4 hectares (ha), and is used principally for the grazing of livestock.
A minor road (B7055) runs from the A70 to the north east of the Site. A high pressure gas pipeline runs along the south of the Site. A second pipeline runs to the north.
The Site is roughly rectangular in shape and positioned on a north facing hill, in an area of high winds. The land owner lives within the Site boundary, and is positive about the Site being developed. The nearest settlement is the village of Rigside, which is positioned approximately 2.5 km from the Site.
2.4 The Proposed Development
The main elements of the Proposed Development would be as follows:
Up to seven wind turbines, each up to a maximum tip height of 180 m; Permanent foundations supporting each wind turbine; Associated crane hardstandings at each turbine location; An external transformer at each turbine location; Access arrangement from the B7055; A series of new onsite access tracks with associated watercourse crossings; Underground cabling within the Site; A control building and substation compound (including transformer and an option for battery storage); and A temporary construction compound and laydown area.
A preliminary turbine layout is presented on Figure 1.2 (Appendix A).
In addition, the following infrastructure may be necessary:
extraction of rock from borrow pits; and temporary anemometer masts for 3-6 months during the construction period for calibration purposes.
2.4.1 Site Access
The Proposed Development will be directly accessed via the B7055. Further detail on access will be provided as part of the EIAR.
2.4.2 Grid Connection
A high-level assessment of the proposed grid connection will be provided in the EIAR, although the grid connection may be subject to its own consenting process.
2.4.3 Construction
Typical construction activities and work methods will be set out in the EIA Report. An indicative construction programme, construction traffic generation and construction phasing will be provided. The EIAR will also contain details of appropriate environmental management measures, including pollution prevention measures (in line with Scottish Environment Protection
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Agency (SEPA)’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs) and Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs)), and waste minimisation and management measures.
2.4.4 Operation and Maintenance
The normal operating life of a wind farm would be approximately 30 years, and a time limited permission for up to 30 years operation is expected to be applied for. A wind farm is typically visited up to four times a month by a small maintenance crew. There would also be a requirement for maintenance of the access tracks and substation.
2.4.5 Decommissioning
Following the period of wind farm operation, either decommissioning of the wind farm would be undertaken or the Site would be repowered. Where decommissioning is required, this is anticipated to involve the activities listed below:
Dismantling and removal of the turbines, met masts, Site substation and operations buildings; and Removal to 1 m below ground level of the turbine and met mast foundation.
Detailed decommissioning proposals would be established and agreed with relevant authorities prior to commencement of decommissioning activities. This would take cognisance of guidance available at the time.
2.4.6 Community Benefits
In line with the Scottish Government’s Good Practice Principles, BUK supports the development of a flexible package of community benefits that puts decision making on what funds are spent where in the hands of local people. BUK expects to provide community benefit in line with the Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments4.
BUK will engage with the local community and SLC as part of the pre-application consultation process, and following consent should permission be granted, to understand how community benefit may best be delivered and targeted to achieve local benefits. The outcome of this would inform the structure of the community benefit offering.
In addition, BUK is willing to engage with local communities who may be interested in exploring shared ownership opportunities, in line with Scottish Government good practice guidelines for community shared ownership.
2.5 Design and Alternatives
The EIAR will provide a chapter detailing the design process followed and the reasonable alternatives considered in developing the wind farm layout and setting the physical parameters of the proposed turbines. This chapter of the EIAR will be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement.
4 URL: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2019/05/scottish-government- good-practice-principles-community-benefits-onshore-renewable-energy-developments/documents/scottish-government-good- practice-principles-community-benefits-onshore-renewable-energy-developments/scottish-government-good-practice-principles- community-benefits-onshore-renewable-energy-developments/govscot%3Adocument/scottish-government-good-practice-principles- community-benefits-onshore-renewable-energy-developments.pdf
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3. SCOPE OF THE EIA
3.1 Impact Assessments
The EIAR will present the likely significant effects, including, where applicable, direct, indirect, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, beneficial and adverse effects.
Impact assessment chapters will be provided under the following topic categories:
landscape and visual amenity; cultural heritage; ecology; ornithology; hydrology, hydrogeology and geology; traffic, transport and access; noise and vibration; aviation and telecommunications; and socio-economics.
Cumulative effects will be addressed under each topic chapter. Cumulative effects are defined as those effects arising from the addition or combination of the Proposed Development to other proposed developments, or those arising from synergistic effects5 between factors.
In addition, factual reports will be prepared to provide sufficient environmental information on:
borrow pits; and shadow flicker.
No likely significant effects are anticipated for these matters therefore the preparation of factual reports is considered to be a proportionate approach.
The following sub-sections provide a review of the proposed technical issues to be considered as part of the EIA. Each technical discipline below sets out its the study area, approach, consultation to be undertaken, baseline and assessment methodology. It should be noted that each technical discipline defines its own assessment methodology to inform significant effects.
3.2 Landscape and Visual Amenity
3.2.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by Ramboll UK Limited. The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will identify, predict and evaluate potential landscape and visual effects arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Development.
The elements of the Proposed Development that could impact on the landscape fabric and character of the Site and wider study area will include construction operations, wind turbines; a permanent anemometer mast; access tracks; borrow pits and a control building and substation compound.
5 A synergistic effect is the result of two or more processes interacting together to produce an effect that is greater than the cumulative effect that those processes produce when used individually
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The vertical scale of the wind turbines is such that they are likely to be visible from locations outwith the Site and across the surrounding area. The LVIA will therefore address impacts on the Site itself and potential impacts of the receptors within an agreed study area.
3.2.2 Study Area
In order to ensure that all significant impacts are assessed within the LVIA, and in line with current guidance6, the LVIA study area for the Proposed Development is taken to be 45 km from the outermost turbines within the Site (see Figure 3.1, Appendix A).
A preliminary Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) has been prepared for the 45 km study area to aid in scoping out the various landscape and visual receptors that would not be impacted (or significantly affected) by the Proposed Development (see Figure 3.2, Appendix A).
Within this section, all measurements refer to the distance between the receptor and the nearest turbine of the Proposed Development.
3.2.3 Consultation
Detailed consultations will be undertaken with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) and NatureScot (NS) in respect of the following:
the LVIA scope and detailed methodology; the scope and inclusions for the cumulative assessment component of the LVIA; selection of representative viewpoints for inclusion in the LVIA, including night viewpoints for the assessment of aviation lighting; and the scope of the Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) (if required).
3.2.4 Approach
The LVIA will address any potential significant effects within the 45 km study area and will contain:
a description of the methodology utilised in completing the assessment; a description of the existing landscape and visual context and cumulative context at the time of completion of the LVIA; a description of the impact generators associated with the construction and operation of the type of development proposed and their potential for effects on receptors; a description of the location and design priorities and any mitigation measure proposed to address any likely significant effects; and an assessment of the residual landscape and visual effects, including cumulative effects and effects on the night views, taking into account the influence of design responses and mitigation measures.
Landscape Impacts
The assessment of landscape impacts will address:
Effects on landscape fabric; Effects on landscape character types; and
6 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) 2017. Visual Representation of Wind Farms Guidance Version 2.2 accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2019-09/Guidance%20-%20Visual%20representation%20of%20wind%20farms%20- %20Feb%202017.pdf
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Effects on landscape designations and classifications.
In the event that aviation lighting is required for the Proposed Development, the LVIA will address effects on the character of the landscape after dark. Inevitably, such an assessment will need to describe the night baseline as the character of any landscape at night is different to that of daylight hours.
Visual Assessment
The LVIA will address effects on the visual amenity of people at key visual receptors, including:
Residents of settlements and scattered properties; Key transportation routes; Users of recreational routes, including strategic trails, cycleways and core pathways; and Key summits and routes used by local and tourist hill walkers.
Care will be taken to describe the extent of visibility of the Proposed Development, and effects on important connecting/ linking views, sequential views, vantage points and prominent focal points. The assessment will also describe what forms the basis of local visual amenity.
In the event that aviation lighting is required for the Proposed Development, the LVIA assessment will address any potential lighting effect on the visual amenity within the study area. It should be noted that it is distinct from an assessment of light spill or light pollution.
Supporting Assessments and Graphics
The LVIA will be accompanied by a series of Technical Appendices (TAs) that contain the detailed assessment of residual effects on different aspects of the landscape and visual resource, including;
an assessment of residual effects on Landscape Character Types (LCTs); an assessment on residual effects on designated and classified landscapes; a detailed viewpoint assessment; a RVAA (if required); a detailed statistical analysis of visibility of the Proposed Development and cumulative wind farms from key transport and recreational routes; and an assessment on effects of aviation lighting on landscape character and visual amenity, including visualisations showing night views from a selected series of representative viewpoints.
The LVIA will be accompanied by a series of figures and visualisations.
Guidance
The LVIA would be undertaken in accordance with the following guidance and established industry standards:
Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA)7; Landscape Character Assessment8;
7 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidance for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – Third Edition
8 The Countryside Agency and SNH (2002) Landscape Character Assessment accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/landscape- character-assessment-guidance-england-and-scotland
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Techniques for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity9; Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape10; Assessing Effects on Wild Land11; Cumulative Effects of Wind Farms12; Visual representation of development proposals13; Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Assessment14; and Guidance on the Visual Representation of Wind Farms15.
Wherever possible, effects will be quantified, however, the nature of landscape and visual assessment requires interpretation by professional judgement.
In order to provide a level of consistency to the assessment, receptor sensitivity, the prediction of magnitude of impact, and assessment of significance of residual effects will be based on pre- defined criteria based on guidance provided by the Landscape Institute16, as refined for the purposes of wind farm assessment and taking account of relevant technical and planning guidance.
3.2.5 Baseline Conditions
The assessment of landscape and visual effects will be undertaken against the context of current baseline conditions. The baseline will provide a description of the existing landscape and visual context of the proposed wind farm. This will form the basis upon which to determine the potential effects of the Proposed Development.
Initially, this will be based upon the following resources:
available aerial photography; Ordnance Survey (OS) maps; Digital terrain modelling (DTM) at 50 m and 5 m resolution; Google Street Maps; and Open source photography.
Field reconnaissance will be undertaken to verify the findings of the desktop survey, and the baseline descriptions may be adjusted as necessary to accurately reflect the conditions on the ground.
9 SNH and the Countryside Agency (2002) Topic Paper 6: Techniques and Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity
10 SNH (2017) Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape – Version 3a accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/siting-and- designing-wind-farms-landscape-version-3a
11 NatureScot’s 2020 Assessing Impacts on Wild Land Areas - Technical Guidance accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/professional- advice/landscape/landscape-policy-and-guidance/wild-land/wild-land-area-descriptions-and-assessment-guidance
12 NatureScot (2012) Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/guidance-assessing-cumulative-impact-onshore-wind-energy-developments
13 Landscape Institute (2017). Technical Guidance Note 06/19. Visual representation of development proposals accessed at: https://landscapewpstorage01.blob.core.windows.net/www-landscapeinstitute-org/2019/09/LI_TGN-06- 19_Visual_Representation.pdf
14 Landscape Institute (2011) Advice Note 01/2011: Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Assessment accessed at: https://landscapewpstorage01.blob.core.windows.net/www-landscapeinstitute-org/migrated-legacy/LIPhotographyAdviceNote01- 11.pdf
15 NatureScot (2017c) Visual Representation of Wind Farms – Guidance – Version 2.2 accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/visual- representation-wind-farms-guidance
16 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidance for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – Third Edition
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Location
The Site is situated on the north facing slopes and summit of Ewe Hill (377 m AOD), within an area used for agriculture, coniferous forestry and quarry workings. The landscape of the Site and the surrounding area comprises gently rolling moorland hills, intersected by shallow river valleys. Tinto Hill (711 m AOD) forms a landmark feature in the landscape to the north east of the Site. In the wider area surrounding the Site are a number of wind farm developments, including Clyde Wind Farm 9.1 km to the south east, Hagshaw Hill Extension 8.8 km to the west and Hill of Eastertown 6.8 km to the north of the Site.
Landscape Character
Figure 3.3 (Appendix A) displays the location and extent of landscape character types17 within the study area.
The Site is situated wholly within Plateau Moorland – Glasgow & Clyde Valley LCT which will be assessed as part of the LVIA.
Those LCTs which are within the ZTV and which will also be assessed within the LVIA include:
Southern Uplands – Dumfries and Galloway; Upland River Valleys – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Plateau Moorland – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Rounded Landmark Hills; Upland Glens – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Southern Uplands – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Broad Valley Upland; Undulating Farmland and Hills; Rolling Farmland – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Plateau Farmland – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; Urban Fringe Farmland; Incised River Valleys; Broad Urban Valley; Plateau Moorland with Wind Farm – Glasgow and Clyde Valley; and Moorland Hills – Glasgow and Clyde Valley
LCTs which have been scoped out of the assessment due to no or minimal visibility include:
Not within ZTV
Foothills with Forest – Dumfries and Galloway; Foothills – Dumfries and Galloway; Middle Dale – Dumfries and Galloway; Narrow Wooded River Valleys – Dumfries and Galloway; Upper Dale – Dumfries and Galloway; Upland River Valleys – Ayrshire; Upland Basin – Ayrshire; Upland Glens – Ayrshire; Lowland River Valley – Ayrshire; Southern Uplands with Forest – Borders;
17 Based on SNH’s Landscape Character Assessment 2019, available at https://data.gov.uk/dataset/cce069c5-8a2b-4932-9fae- 4f9023cd9d5b/snh-landscape-character-assessment-2019 (Accessed June 2021)
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Southern Uplands with Scattered Forest – Borders; Upland Valley with Pastoral Floor – Borders; Lowland Plain; Coastal Farmland - Central; Lowland River Valleys – Central; and Lowland River Corridor – Central.
Minimal ZTV Coverage
Upland Glens – Dumfries and Galloway; Southern Upland with Forest – Dumfries and Galloway; Southern Uplands – Ayrshire; Foothills – Ayrshire; Agricultural Lowlands – Ayrshire; Plateau Moorland – Ayrshire; Southern Uplands – Dumfries and Galloway; Southern Uplands – Borders; Plateau Outliers; Upland Fringes with Prominent Hills; Dissected Plateau Moorland; Upland Fringes – Lothians; Upland Hills – Lothians; Lowland Plateau – Lothians; Lowland Hills and Ridges – Lothians; Lowland Plateau – Central; Rugged Upland Farmland; and Plateau Moorland with Wind Farm – Glasgow and Clyde Valley.
Further to the detailed assessment of Landscape Character, there will be a further detailed review of the local landscape character classifications as described in the South Lanarkshire Capacity Study for Wind Turbines18.
Landscape Designations
Landscape Designations and Classifications within the study area are presented on Figure 3.4 (Appendix A).
The Site is not situated within an area subject to landscape designation. The Upper Tweedale National Scenic Area (NSA) is situated 18.2 km east of the Proposed Development at its closest point. The Talla – Hart Fell Wild Land Area (WLA) is the only WLA within the study area, located approximately 21.7 km south east of the Proposed Development.
The Site is not within any Special Landscape Areas (SLAs). The closest SLAs are:
the Upper Clyde Valley & Tinto SLA, located approximately 1.6 km east of the Proposed Development; the Douglas Valley SLA, located approximately 2.1 km west of the Proposed Development; and
18 Ironside Farrar (2016). Part 1 South Lanarkshire Capacity Study for Wind Turbines accessed at: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/10362/part_1_sl_landscape_capacity_study_for_wind_turbines_february_2016 (Accessed June 2021)
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the Leadhills & Lowther Hills SLA located approximately 8.4 south/ south west of the Proposed Development.
Overall, there are 13 further SLAs within the 45 km study area. These are detailed further in Table 3.1 below.
In addition to these designated landscapes there are 26 Gardens and Designed Landscape (GDLs) within the 45 km study area (as identified by Historic Environment Scotland’s Inventory). The closest GDL is The Falls of Clyde, situated approximately 7.7 km north of the Proposed Development. The initial ZTV shows that there would be no visibility within the following GDLs and therefore it is proposed they are scoped out of the LVIA:
Raehills GDL, located approximately 39.9 km south/ south east of the nearest turbine; Drumlanrig castle, located approximately 28.5 km south/ south west of the nearest turbine; Dumfries House, located approximately 35.6 km west/ south west of the nearest turbine; Carnell, located approximately 42 km west of the nearest turbine; Lanfine, located approximately 33.8 km north west of the nearest turbine; Loudoun Castle, located approximately 37.7 km north west of the nearest turbine; Greenbank Garden, located approximately 41.2 km north west of the nearest turbine; Rouken Glen Park, located approximately 42.65 km north west of the nearest turbine; Pollok Park (Nether Pollok), located approximately 44.3 km north west of the nearest turbine; The Necropolis, located approximately 44 km north west of the nearest turbine; Newliston, located approximately 44.8 north east of the nearest turbine; Hatton House, located approximately 42.5 km north east of the nearest turbine; Malleny House, located approximately 43 km north east of the nearest turbine; Harburn House, located approximately 31.2 km north east of the nearest turbine; Penicuik, located approximately 39.3 km north east of the nearest turbine; Newhall, located approximately 35.5 km north east of the nearest turbine; Portmore, located approximately 37.4 km north east of the nearest turbine; Traquair House, located approximately 41.7 km east of the nearest turbine; Kailzie, located approximately 37.7 km east of the nearest turbine; and The Glen, located approximately 36.8 km east of the nearest turbine.
Table 3.1 below, provides a list of Landscape Designations and Classifications considered for the LVIA and describes the extent of potential visibility of the Proposed Development and whether it is intended to include each of the designation in the LVIA.
Table 3.1: Landscape Designations and Classifications (within the 45 km LVIA Study Area) to be included in the LVIA
Designation Within ZTV Approximate Included in the LVIA / Landscape Distance & Classification Direction from the Nearest Proposed Turbine
National Scenic Areas
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Table 3.1: Landscape Designations and Classifications (within the 45 km LVIA Study Area) to be included in the LVIA
Designation Within ZTV Approximate Included in the LVIA / Landscape Distance & Classification Direction from the Nearest Proposed Turbine
Upper Yes 18.2 km east Yes Tweedale This NSA has been included in the LVIA due to the theoretical visibility from elevated positions within the NSA.
Special Landscape Areas
South Lanarkshire Council
Lower Clyde Yes 31.4 km north Yes. and west Calderglen
Middle Clyde Yes 9 km north/ Yes Valley north west
Douglas Valley Yes 2.1 km west Yes
Upper Clyde Yes 1.6 east Yes valley & Tinto
Pentland Hills Yes 17.3 km north Yes & Blackmount east
Leadhills & Yes 8.4 km south/ Yes Lowther Hills south west
East Ayrshire Council
Afton No 35.7 south No – no visibility of the Proposed west Development.
Doon Valley No 44.5 west No – no visibility of the Proposed Development.
River Ayr Yes 16.7 km west Yes
Scottish Borders Council
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Table 3.1: Landscape Designations and Classifications (within the 45 km LVIA Study Area) to be included in the LVIA
Designation Within ZTV Approximate Included in the LVIA / Landscape Distance & Classification Direction from the Nearest Proposed Turbine
Tweedsmuir Yes 12.7km south Yes Uplands east
Tweed Valley No 30.3 km north No – no visibility of the Proposed east Development.
Galloway Hills No 38.9 south No – no visibility of the Proposed west Development.
Thornhill Yes 25.4 km south No – there is very limited intervisibility with Uplands west the proposed development from this SLA, due to the intervening topographical features. Therefore, it is not considered that the Proposed Development would impact upon the special qualities and characteristics of the SLA to an extent where these would change.
Moffat Hills Yes 24.4 south No – there is very limited intervisibility with east the proposed development from this SLA, due to the intervening topographical features. Therefore, it is not considered that the Proposed Development would impact upon the special qualities and characteristics of the SLA to an extent where these would change.
Edinburgh City Council
Pentlands No 31.1 km No – no visibility of the Proposed Development. North east
Ratho Hills No 42.3 km north No – no visibility of the Proposed east Development.
Gogar No 45 km north No – no visibility of the Proposed west Development.
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Table 3.1: Landscape Designations and Classifications (within the 45 km LVIA Study Area) to be included in the LVIA
Designation Within ZTV Approximate Included in the LVIA / Landscape Distance & Classification Direction from the Nearest Proposed Turbine
Gardens and Designed Landscapes
Dalzell House Yes 25.4 km north/ No – At a distance of over 25 km from the (GDL00132) north west Proposed Development, and the level of woodland surrounding Dalzell House and gardens it is considered unlikely the Proposed Development would be a notable feature from within the designated area.
Chatelherault Yes 23.6 km north No – The ZTV indicates visibility of the (WHAM) west Proposed Development from the central (GDL00101) extent of the GDL, however existing woodland cover in this area would screen any actual views to the Proposed Development.
Lee Castle Yes 12.2 km north Yes (GDL00257)
The Falls of Yes 7.7 km north Yes Clyde (GDL00358)
Stobo Castle Yes 24.5 km east No – At a distance of over 20 km from the (GDL00349) Proposed Development, the level of woodland, the nature of topography within the GDL (not picked up by the DTM) and existing features within the intervening landscape, it is considered unlikely the Proposed Development would be a discernible feature from within the designated area.
Dawyck Yes 24.3 km east No – The ZTV indicated a small section of (GDL00134) intervisibility with the Proposed Development, however existing woodland and forestry cover in this area would screen any actual views to the Proposed Development.
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Table 3.1: Landscape Designations and Classifications (within the 45 km LVIA Study Area) to be included in the LVIA
Designation Within ZTV Approximate Included in the LVIA / Landscape Distance & Classification Direction from the Nearest Proposed Turbine
Wild Land Areas
Talla – Hart No 21.7 km south Yes Fell east
Visual Amenity
The Visual Assessment addresses the impact on visual amenity, as experienced by people, from key visual receptors within the study area. The baseline will identify visual receptors and key vantage points within areas of potential visibility as indicated by the ZTV. There will be some areas where fewer people are likely to experience the effects of the Proposed Development and other location with higher concentrations of people with potential views towards the Proposed Development. The baseline seeks to identify the people within areas of potential visibility whose views may be affected by the Proposed Development. In accordance with GLVIA3, professional judgement is used to identify visual receptors.
Visual Receptors – Transport Routes
There are a series of key transport routes within the study area that would be subject to potential views of the Proposed Development (see Figure 3.5, Appendix A). Those that would be assessed in the LVIA are:
M74; A70; A702; and A73.
In addition to these key routes, the assessment would also consider effects on users of the B7078, the B7055 and on local roads in proximity to the Site where there is considered to be potential for significant effects i.e. the local road between Roberton and the B7055.
Visual Receptors – Recreational Routes and Summits
There are four long distance walkways that route through the study area (see Figure 3.5, Appendix A), these include:
the Clyde Walkway; the Annandale Way; the Southern Upland Way; and the River Ayr Way.
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At its closest point, the Clyde Walkway is situated 8.3 km north of the nearest proposed turbine. Given the location of the walkway within the Clyde Valley, there would be no intervisibility with the Proposed Development, with exception to a small isolated section as the walkway routes northwards towards Motherwell and Glasgow. The ZTV indicates that all seven wind turbines would be theoretically visible along this section, however due to the level of intervening woodland and forestry within the valley it is considered that any views of the Proposed Development are unlikely. Therefore, the Clyde Walkway has been scoped out of the LVIA.
The Annandale Way is located 23.8 km south east of the Proposed Development. The ZTV indicates that there be no intervisibility with the Proposed Development along the entirety of the route and therefore it has been scoped out of the LVIA.
The Southern Upland Way is situated 19.1 km south west of the Proposed Development at its closest point. Whilst the ZTV shows some intervisibility with the Proposed Development, it is proposed to scope the walkway out of the LVIA. This is due to small sections of the walkway having theoretical visibility, however given the distance and the intervening landscape elements such as forestry and woodland it is considered that any actual views of the Proposed Development are unlikely.
The River Ayr Way is located approximately 14.5 km west of the Proposed Development. According to the ZTV there would be no intervisibility with the Proposed Development, therefore it proposed the River Ayr Way be scoped out of the LVIA.
There are also a series of core paths within the study area. Any core paths within 10km of the proposed turbines, which have theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development, will be included within the LVIA.
There are a number of important hills used by walkers within the study area, including:
Tinto; Dungavel Hill; Broad Law; Lamington Hill; Nutberry Hill; and Green Lowther.
The LVIA will take into consideration the impacts on hill walkers, taking into account the experience of the journey along any key walking routes and approach to (and view from) key summits. This will be undertaken as part of the recreational route’s assessment and also part of the viewpoint assessment (see Table 3.2).
Visual Receptors – Settlements
Within the study area there are numerous towns, villages and scattered properties. Significant impacts on visual amenity would be unlikely to occur beyond 20 km, therefore settlement beyond this has been scoped out of the LVIA.
There are a series of settlements with theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development. Those closest to the Site include:
Rigside, located approximately 2.5 km west of the nearest turbine; Roberton, located approximately 3 km south east of the nearest turbine; Douglas, located approximately 5.5 km west of the nearest turbine; Lamington, located approximately 6.5 km east of the nearest turbine; Lesmahagow, located approximately 8 km north west of the nearest turbine; and
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Lanark, around 9.5 km north of the nearest turbine.
A RVAA will be produced to access the effects of visual amenity for properties which are closest to the Proposed Development. A detailed survey of residential properties will be undertaken for dwellings within 2 km of the Proposed Development.
The RVAA would generally be undertaken from publicly accessible locations nearest the properties. A finalised list of dwellings to be included within the RVAA will be drawn up following consultation with SLC and NS.
If required, a night reconnaissance of key receptor locations will also be undertaken as a basis for the assessment of potential aviation lighting effects.
Preliminary Viewpoint List
In order to inform and verify the findings of the LVIA, a series of representative viewpoints have been selected. These are intended to represent a range of landscape and visual receptors in the study area. These viewpoints also take account of potential cumulative visibility of the Proposed Development with other wind farms within the cumulative study area. These are listed in Table 3.2 below, and their location are illustrated in Figure 3.2 (Appendix A). Viewpoints with an ‘*’ indicate where night time views would be taken for any lighting assessment requirements.
The viewpoints will be finalised and established through field reconnaissance and in consultation with SLC and NS.
Table 3.2: Proposed Viewpoints and Associated Visual and Landscape Receptors
Viewpoint Viewpoint Location Approximate Visual Landscape Number Name Distance from Receptors Receptors at Nearest Proposed at Location Location Turbine
1* Tinto Hill 295292, 5.1 km northeast Hill walkers Rounded Landmark 634382 Hills LCT
Upper Clyde valley & Tinto SLA
2 East of 289484, 11.7 km north Settlement Rolling Farmland – Lanark 644230 Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
Middle Clyde Valley SLA
3 Carnwath 297855, 15.6 km northeast Settlement On the transitional 646136 border between the Rolling Farmland – Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT and the Plateau Farmland –
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Table 3.2: Proposed Viewpoints and Associated Visual and Landscape Receptors
Viewpoint Viewpoint Location Approximate Visual Landscape Number Name Distance from Receptors Receptors at Nearest Proposed at Location Location Turbine
Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
4 Douglas 283554, 6.2 km west Recreational Upland River Valley – 631213 users and Glasgow and Clyde settlement Valley LCT
Douglas Valley SLA
5 Priests Pool 286280, 15.5 km southwest Recreational Upland River Valley – 620014 users Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
Leadhills & Lowther Hills SLA
6 Local road 286987, 29.2 km north Settlement Plateau Moorlands – north of 661445 Glasgow and Clyde Shotts Valley
7 Glassford 272868, 22.2 km northwest Settlement Plateau Farmland – 647006 Glasgow and Clyde Valley
Middle Clyde Valley SLA
8* Coalburn 281336, 8.7 km northwest Recreational Plateau Farmland – 634844 users and Glasgow and Clyde settlement Valley LCT
9 Core path - 280496, 10 km southwest Recreational Upland River Valley – Glespin 628388 users Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
10 Core path – 289075, 5.8 km southwest Road users, Plateau Moorlands – B740 626000 Recreational Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
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Table 3.2: Proposed Viewpoints and Associated Visual and Landscape Receptors
Viewpoint Viewpoint Location Approximate Visual Landscape Number Name Distance from Receptors Receptors at Nearest Proposed at Location Location Turbine
users and Settlement
11* Roberton 293763, 4 km southeast Settlement On the transitional 628905 and border between the Recreational Rounded Landmark users Hills LCT and Plateau Moorlands – Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT.
Upper Clyde valley & Tinto SLA
12 Lamington 297912, 7 km east Settlement Broad Valley Upland 631216 LCT
Upper Clyde valley & Tinto SLA
13 Rigside 288247, 2.5 km northwest Settlement, On the transitional 635356 Road users border between the and Broad Valley Upland Recreational LCT and the Undulating Farmland and Hills LCT
14 Hart Fell 311369, 27.4 km southwest Recreational On the transitional 613606 and Hill border between the Walkers Southern Uplands – Dumfries and Gallows LCT and the Southern Uplands LCT.
Talla – Hart Fell WLA
15 Culter Fell 305268, 14.7 km east/ Hill Walkers On the transitional 629120 southeast border between the Southern Uplands – Borders LCT and Southern Uplands –
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Table 3.2: Proposed Viewpoints and Associated Visual and Landscape Receptors
Viewpoint Viewpoint Location Approximate Visual Landscape Number Name Distance from Receptors Receptors at Nearest Proposed at Location Location Turbine
Glasgow and Clyde Valley LCT
16 Dungavel 294265, 3.5 km east Hill Walkers Rounded Landmark Hill 630591 Hills LCT
Upper Clyde Valley and Tinto SLA
Cumulative Assessment
Within the LVIA, the emergent pattern of wind farm development (existing and consented wind farms) will be examined in the baseline appraisal of the assessment, along with other proposed developments (i.e. developments subject to a formal planning application, appeal or further planning procedure).
Details of other wind farms located within 20 km of the outer turbines of the Proposed Development are listed in the preliminary cumulative context in Table 3.3 and shown in Figure 3.6 (Appendix A). For the main LVIA assessment, a search area of up to 60 km would be used to refine the cumulative wind farm study area and cumulative wind farm list, in line with current NS guidance. This will be finalised in consultation with SLC and NS prior to commencement of the detailed cumulative assessment.
The LVIA will assess cumulative effects (both additional effects and in-combination effects) with regard to:
Existing/operational and consented wind farm developments. Proposed wind farm developments (principally those subject to a registered planning application or ongoing/undecided appeal). Key developments currently at scoping where there is adequate certainty regarding the layout and design of the scheme, and where an application is expected during prior to or shortly after the submission of the application for the proposed development.
The cumulative assessment will also address simultaneous, concurrent, and sequential effects of the Proposed Development, and will discuss the capacity of the landscape and its ability to accommodate the Proposed Development.
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Table 3.3: Cumulative Wind Farm Developments within 20km of the Site
Site Name No. of Turbines Max Tip height
Existing/Operational
Hill of Eastertown (Mackies) 3 74 m
Hagshaw Hill 26 55 m
Hagshaw Hill Extension 20 80 m
Lochhead Farm 5 100 m
Clyde Wind Farm (North, Central and South) 152 125 m
Clyde Extension 54 142 m
Glenkerie 11 119 m
Black Law 54 110 m
Muirhall (Phase 1) 6 125 m
Muirhall Wind Farm Extension (Phase 2) 2 145 m
Muirhall South 3 147 m
Galawhistle Wind Farm 22 130 m
Middle Muir Wind Farm 15 149.9 m
Kype Muir 26 132 m
Andershaw 14 125 m
Auchrobert 12 132 m
Nutberry 6 125 m
Dungavel Hill 14 121 m
Ladehead Farm Wind Cluster 3 74 m
Consented
Lochhead Farm 2 2 100 m
Whitelaw Brae Wind Farm 14 133.5 m
Penbreck/Carmacoup Forest Wind Farm 9 145 m
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Table 3.3: Cumulative Wind Farm Developments within 20km of the Site
Site Name No. of Turbines Max Tip height
Kennoxhead 19 180 m
Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm 15 220 m
Hagshaw Hill Repowering 14 200 m
Douglas West Wind Farm Extension 13 200 m
Broken Cross Wind Farm 10 179.9 m
Priestgill 7 200 m
Lion Hill Wind Farm 4 126.5 m
Dalquhandy Wind Farm 15 149.9 m
Crookedstane 4 126.5 m
In Planning
Lochhead Wind farm Extension 3 100 m
Glenkerie Extension Wind Farm 6 120 m
Cumberhead West Wind Farm 21 200 m
Scoping
Mosses Wind Farm 6 130 m
Bodinglee Wind Farm 62 250 m
Wind turbines below the height of 50 m and/ or comprised of a single turbine will be considered within 5 km of the Proposed Development and it is proposed any out with the 5 km be scoped out of the cumulative LVIA assessment.
Turbine Lighting
It has been assumed, for the purposes of this scoping submission that there would be a requirement for en-route obstruction lighting on the proposed turbines. Under the Air Navigation Order (ANO) Article 219 lighting requirements (now known as Article 222) this would comprise visible red aviation lighting (steady) on turbines over 150 m to maximum blade tip height (above ground level). The LVIA will therefore address the specification and mitigation options relating to the lighting, the night landscape character and visual amenity baseline context and effects, as well as any cumulative lighting effects associated with other proposed wind farm developments in the area that are to be lit. This will be in the form of a technical appendix to the LVIA.
The following matters will be addressed in a technical appendix to the EIAR:
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Night reconnaissance to identify night baseline and existing sources of artificial lighting; Details of cumulative site that would require lighting and which would therefore add to the cumulative context; Night photomontages for up to three viewpoints, in accordance with current NatureScot guidance; Wirelines for all representative viewpoints in LVIA with annotation of lit turbines; Tabulated details of how many lit turbines (nacelle and mid-point lights included) would be visible from each viewpoint; Figure showing relative intensity of lighting within the study area viewpoints based on relative distance, elevation and variability of light intensity at different angles relative to turbine lights; and Mitigation measures will be explored to reduce the potential impacts of lighting in the event it is required.
3.2.6 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
It is not intended to consider decommissioning of the Proposed Development as residual effects associated with this phase of the development are likely to be less than those occurring during construction, and, are likely to be of shorter duration and are not considered likely to be significant.
3.2.7 Effects Evaluation
Significance of Landscape and Visual Effects
Table 3.4 below illustrates how residual effects are determined by comparison of the sensitivity of receptors with the magnitude of impacts. For the purposes of the LVIA, significant landscape or visual effects will be defined as major or major/moderate. It should be noted, however, that this matrix is not intended to be applied in an arithmetical manner, and will be subject to the professional judgement and explained in the LVIA narrative.
Table 3.4: Residual Effects
Magnitude of Change
Landscape Substantial Moderate Slight Negligible None and Visual Sensitivity
High Major Major/moderate Moderate Moderate/ None minor
Medium Major/moderate Moderate Moderate/minor Minor None
Low Moderate Moderate/minor Minor Minor/none None
Design Considerations and Mitigation
The LVIA will consider the siting and design of the Proposed Development, including ancillary elements. This will make reference to:
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NatureScot’s Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape19; South Lanarkshire Council Supplementary Guidance 10: Renewable Energy20; and South Lanarkshire Council Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy21.
Based on this guidance, the findings of the baseline appraisal, field reconnaissance, and an analysis of potential sources of significant landscape and visual effects, a series of embedded and design measures will be identified and recorded in the LVIA and incorporated into the relevant EIAR chapter.
A key consideration in the siting and design of the Proposed Development is anticipated to be its position relative to the operational the Clyde Wind farm and Hagshaw Hill Extension wind farms, the proposed Bodinglee, Glentaggart, Priestgill and Broken Cross wind farms, and the emergent pattern and clustering of wind energy development within the wider study area.
3.2.8 Questions for Consultees
Do you agree that the proposed study area is appropriate to the nature and scale of the Proposed Development? Do you agree with the proposed scope of the assessment? Do you have any comments and/or additional requirements in relation to the selection of viewpoints?
3.3 Cultural Heritage
3.3.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by CFA Archaeology and provides overview of the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage context for the Proposed Development. It sets out the proposed study areas for the EIA, an initial appraisal of the baseline within those study areas and identifies additional surveys or studies required to confirm the baseline. The proposed approach to the desk-based assessment and field surveys required is set out and the methodology to be adopted for the assessment of effects is described. An initial appraisal of potential significant effects is provided along with an assessment of which receptors and/or impacts can be scoped out of the EIA.
3.3.2 Study Area
Two Study Areas are proposed for the assessment.
The Inner Study Area: the Proposed Development, defined by the red line boundary (including main Site access track), within which turbines and associated infrastructure are proposed, will form the study area for the identification of heritage assets that could receive direct effects arising from the construction of the Proposed Development.
19 Scottish Natural Heritage (2017). Version 3a Siting and Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/siting-and-designing-wind-farms-landscape-version-3a (Accessed June 2021)
20 South Lanarkshire Council (2015). Supplementary Guidance 10: Renewable Energy https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/factsheet/2018/06/south-lanarkshire-council-planning- authority-core-documents/documents/south-lanarkshire---supplementary-guidance/renewable-energy/renewable- energy/govscot%3Adocument/SG%2B10%2BRenewable%2BEnergy%2B2015.pdf (Accessed June 2021)
21 South Lanarkshire Council (2016). Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/factsheet/2018/06/south-lanarkshire-council-planning- authority-core-documents/documents/renewable-energy/south-lanarkshire-landscape-study-for-wind-energy-part-1/south- lanarkshire-landscape-study-for-wind-energy-part- 1/govscot%3Adocument/South%2BLanarkshire%2BLandscape%2BStudy%2Bfor%2BWind%2BEnergy_Part1.pdf (accessed June 2021)
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The Outer Study Area: a wider study area, extending 10 km from the outermost finalised proposed turbine locations, will be used for the identification of cultural heritage assets whose settings may be affected by the Proposed Development (including cumulative effects). Views towards any assets identified as having settings sensitive to change will also be considered, even where no visibility is predicted from the asset. The wider ZTV will also be assessed to identify any designated assets beyond 10 km that have settings that may be especially sensitive to the Proposed Development.
3.3.3 Consultation
Detailed consultations are intended with West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS) in their capacity as archaeological advisors to SLC, and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) in respect of the following:
the scope of, and detailed methodology to be adopted for, the Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA); the scope and inclusions for the cumulative assessment component of the CHIA; and selection of representative viewpoints for inclusion in the CHIA.
3.3.4 Approach
Desk-Based Assessment
A detailed desk-based assessment will be conducted covering the Inner Study Area in order to identify all known heritage assets that could be directly affected by the Proposed Development, and to inform an assessment of the archaeological potential of the Site.
Sources to be consulted for the collation of data will include:
Historic Environment Scotland’s on-line GIS Spatial Data Warehouse; The South Lanarkshire Historic Environment Record (HER), maintained by the West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS); National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE); Historic maps held by National Library of Scotland; Historic Land-Use Assessment Data for Scotland (HLAmap); Modern aerial photographic imagery (available online); Lidar data, where available (available through the Scottish Government’s Scottish Remote Sensing Portal); and Readily accessible bibliographic resources, including any archaeological reports referenced in HER/NRHE records and previous studies covering the Site.
Data will be gathered for the Outer Study Area to identify designated heritage assets that may be subject to effects on their settings and to provide baseline information for the assessment of setting effects.
Field Surveys
Walk-over field surveys of the Site and access route(s) will be carried out. The purpose of field survey will be:
to record the baseline character of heritage assets within the Site that have been identified through the desk-based assessment; and to identify any other heritage assets not revealed through the desk-based study, and to record their baseline character, condition and heritage value.
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Identified sites will be recorded on pro-forma monument recording forms and by digital photography, and their positions (and where appropriate their extents) logged using a Global Positioning System (GPS). The survey data will be compiled in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and used during further design iteration work and to inform construction phase mitigation work. The results of the survey work will be provided to WoSAS, for inclusion in the HER following completion of the planning application.
Site visits to key heritage assets in the Outer Study Area will be carried out, where necessary and in as far as access is possible, to assess the predicted effect of the Proposed Development on their settings. Site visits will include any assets specifically identified by consultees as requiring assessment and those identified through analysis of the Proposed Development ZTV, where it is considered, on the basis of professional judgement, that the effect on their settings could be significant.
Guidance and Legislation
The assessment will be prepared following the advice and guidance in the following documents:
LEGISLATION
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011); Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2013; and Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.
PLANNING POLICIES
National Planning Framework (NPF 3); Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (2014); Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) (2019); and South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (2021), including Supplementary Guidance.
GUIDANCE
Environmental Impact Assessment Handbook (SNH and HES, 2018); Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014); Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (HES, 2019); Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting (HES, 2016); Planning Advice Note 1/2013: Environmental Impact Assessment (PAN 1/2013); and Planning Advice Note 2/2011: Planning and Archaeology (PAN 2/2011).
3.3.5 Baseline Conditions
Inner Study Area
The WoSAS HER and NRHE database (Canmore), accessed via Pastmap, does not record any known heritage assets within the Inner Study Area (see Figure 3.7, Appendix A).
An assessment of historic maps has identified four areas of quarrying within the Inner Study Area, two of them are visible in aerial photography as disturbed ground along the eastern edge of the Inner Study Area. The Little Gala farmstead is also recorded on historic mapping, a comparison with aerial photography indicates that the current layout of the farmstead is little changed, although some modern sheds appear to have been added to the south west.
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An assessment of modern aerial photography and Lidar imagery has identified two areas of cultivation ridges. One is along the northern edge of the Inner Study Area, where the proposed access route meets the main Site. The second is in the south eastern corner of the Inner Study Area. Both areas of cultivation are in fields likely to be associated with the Little Gala farmstead.
Outer Study Area
Preliminary assessment of the HES designations database shows that there is one World Heritage Site (New Lanark) and one Inventory Garden and Designed Landscape (The Falls of Clyde) within 10 km of the Proposed Development (outermost scoping turbine layout) (see Figure 3.8, Appendix A). There are also three Conservation Areas (Douglas, Lamington and New Lanark) within 10 km. None of these are within 5 km of the Proposed Development.
The initial assessment shows that there are 40 Scheduled Monuments within 10 km of the Proposed Development (outermost scoping turbine layout); five of which (see Table 3.5) are within 5 km of the Proposed Development.
Table 3.5: Scheduled Monuments within 5 km of the Proposed Development
Ref Designation Title
SM2596 Castle Dykes, earthwork, Roberton
SM2635 Castle Hill Strip, fort
SM4261 Dungavel Hill, cairn
SM4511 Wildshaw Hill, cairn 500m WSW of summit
SM5425 Thorril Castle, bastle house 450m NNE of Parkhead
The initial assessment shows that there are 125 Listed Buildings within 10 km (14 of Category A; 65 of Category B and 46 of Category C). The Category A Listed Buildings include, amongst others, seven buildings associated with the New Lanark World Heritage Site, as well as a monument to the Earl of Angus (LB1457) and St Bride’s Chapel, Douglas (LB1490). St Bride’s Chapel is also a Property in Care of Scottish Ministers, and elements of it are also a Scheduled Monument (SM90265).
Nine of the Category B and four of the Category C Listed Buildings are within 5 km of the Proposed Development (see Table 3.6). None of the Category A buildings are within 5 km of the Proposed Development.
Table 3.6: Listed Buildings within 5 km of the Proposed Development
Ref Designation Title Category
LB1448 Castle Mains B
LB1463 Uddington Village, Konisberg Cottage B
LB1464 Wolfcrooks Bridge B
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Table 3.6: Listed Buildings within 5 km of the Proposed Development
Ref Designation Title Category
LB1494 Happendon Lodge B
LB1496 New Mains B
LB14196 Roberton Church B
LB14198 Old Bridge, Roberton B
LB14199 The Cottage, Roberton B
LB19621 Wiston Lodge, including Clachan Cottage, Kennels Cottage B and Shieling Cottage
LB1461 Parkhall Cottage, Uddington C
LB1462 Uddington Village, Ptarmigan Cottage C
LB1495 Millbank C
LB14197 Old Corn Mill, Roberton C
3.3.6 Potentially Significant Effects
Construction
There is the potential for direct impacts on known heritage assets and potential unknown heritage assets surviving as buried archaeological remains arising from the construction of the Proposed Development.
Operation
There is the potential for impacts on the settings of designated heritage assets in the landscape surrounding the Proposed Development.
Post-scoping consultation will be carried out with consultees to agree a final list of designated heritage assets to be included for assessment and to agree any visualisation requirements. Any assets identified through appraisal of the Proposed Development ZTVs that lie beyond the proposed Outer Study Area, or any specifically identified by consultees as requiring consideration, and which have settings considered to be potentially sensitive to change, will be included in the assessment.
3.3.7 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Those potential impacts scoped out of the EIAR include:
Effects on the settings of heritage assets within and outwith the Outer Study Area during construction; Cumulative effects on the settings of heritage assets within the Outer Study Area during construction; Direct effects on heritage assets within the Inner Study Area during operation;
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Effects on the settings of heritage assets outwith the Outer Study Area during operation; Direct effects on archaeology and cultural heritage during decommissioning; and Direct effects on the setting of designated heritage assets during decommissioning.
3.3.8 Effects Evaluation
The assessment of significance of effects will be undertaken using two key criteria: the sensitivity of the cultural heritage asset and the magnitude of the predicted impact, which measures the degree of change to the baseline condition of an asset resulting from the Proposed Development.
Assigning Sensitivity to Heritage Assets
Cultural heritage assets are given weight through the designation process. Designation ensures that sites and places are recognised by law through the planning system and other regulatory processes. The level of protection and how a site or place is managed varies depending on the type of designation and its laws and policies (HES, 2019).
Table 3.7 summarises the relative sensitivity of key cultural heritage assets (and their settings) relevant to the Proposed Development (excluding, in this instance, Marine Resources).
Table 3.7: Sensitivity of Heritage Assets
Sensitivity Definition/Criteria of Asset
High Assets valued at an international or national level, including:
World Heritage Sites
Scheduled Monuments
Category A Listed Buildings
Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes
Inventory Historic Battlefields
Non-designated assets that meet the relevant criteria for designation (including sites identified in the HER with non-statutory register (NSR) codes C and V)
Medium Assets valued at a regional level, including:
Archaeological sites and areas that have regional value (contributing to the aims of regional research frameworks)
Category B Listed Buildings
Conservation Areas
Non-inventory designed landscapes (NIDL)
Low Assets valued at a local level, including:
Archaeological sites that have local heritage value
Category C listed buildings.
Unlisted historic buildings and townscapes with local (vernacular) characteristics
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Table 3.7: Sensitivity of Heritage Assets
Sensitivity Definition/Criteria of Asset
Negligible Assets of little or no intrinsic heritage value, including:
Artefact find-spots (where the artefacts are no longer in situ and where their provenance is uncertain)
Poorly preserved examples of particular types of features (e.g., quarries and gravel pits, dilapidated sheepfolds, etc)
Criteria for Assessing the Significance of Effects
The magnitude of impact (adverse or beneficial) will be assessed in the categories, high, medium, low and negligible and described in Table 3.8.
Table 3.8: Magnitude of Change
Magnitude Criteria of Impact Adverse Beneficial
High Changes to the fabric or setting of a Preservation of a heritage asset in situ heritage asset resulting in the where it would otherwise be completely complete or near complete loss of the or almost completely lost. asset’s cultural significance. Changes that appreciably enhance the Changes that substantially detract cultural significance of a heritage asset from how a heritage asset is and how it is understood, appreciated understood, appreciated and and experienced. experienced.
Medium Changes to those elements of the Changes to important elements of a fabric or setting of a heritage asset heritage asset’s fabric or setting, that contribute to its cultural resulting in its cultural significance significance such that this quality is being preserved (where this would appreciably altered. otherwise be lost) or restored.
Changes that appreciably detract Changes that improve the way in which from how a heritage asset is the heritage asset is understood, understood, appreciated and appreciated and experienced. experienced.
Low Changes to those elements of the Changes that result in elements of a fabric or setting of a heritage asset heritage asset’s fabric or setting that contribute to its cultural detracting from its cultural significance significance such that this quality is being removed. Changes that result in a slightly altered. slight improvement in the way a heritage asset is understood, appreciated and experienced.
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Table 3.8: Magnitude of Change
Magnitude Criteria of Impact Adverse Beneficial
Changes that slightly detract from how a heritage asset is understood, appreciated and experienced.
Negligible Changes to fabric or setting of a heritage asset that leave its cultural significance unchanged and do not affect how it is understood, appreciated and experienced.
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON SETTING
Historic Environment Scotland’s guidance document, 'Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting' (HES 2016), notes that: “Setting can be important to the way in which historic structures or places are understood, appreciated and experienced. It can often be integral to a historic asset’s cultural significance.” “Setting often extends beyond the property boundary or ‘curtilage’ of an individual historic asset into a broader landscape context”.
The guidance also advises that: “If proposed development is likely to affect the setting of a key historic asset, an objective written assessment should be prepared by the applicant to inform the decision-making process. The conclusions should take into account the significance of the asset and its setting and attempt to quantify the extent of any impact. The methodology and level of information should be tailored to the circumstances of each case”.
The guidance recommends that there are three stages in assessing the impact of a development on the setting of a historic asset or place:
Stage 1: identify the historic assets that might be affected by the proposed development; Stage 2: define and analyse the setting by establishing how the surroundings contribute to the ways in which the historic asset or place is understood, appreciated and experienced; and Stage 3: evaluate the potential impact of the proposed changes on the setting, and the extent to which any negative impacts can be mitigated.
Following this approach, the turbine blade tip and hub height ZTVs for the Proposed Development will be used to identify those heritage assets from which there would be theoretical visibility of one or more of the proposed wind turbines. These will include the following:
World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Category A and B Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes, Inventory Historic Battlefields, non- statutory register (NSR) sites identified in the HER with NSR codes C and V and non-inventory designed landscapes (NIDL), where present within the blade tip height ZTV and within 10 km of the outermost turbines (or when specifically requested by consultees) will be included in the assessment; and Category C Listed buildings within the blade tip height ZTV and within 5 km of the outermost turbines will be included in the assessment.
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ASSESSING SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS
The sensitivity of the asset (Table 3.7) and the magnitude of the predicted impact (Table 3.8) will be used to inform the professional judgement of the potential significance of the resultant effect. Table 3.9 summarises the criteria for assigning significance of effect. Where two outcomes are possible through application of the matrix and where a potentially significant effect may result, professional judgement supported by reasoned justification, will be employed to determine the level of significance.
Table 3.9: Significance of Effect
Magnitude Sensitivity of Asset of Impact High Medium Low Negligible
High major major / moderate / minor moderate minor
Medium major / moderate minor minor / moderate negligible
Low moderate / minor minor / minor / minor negligible negligible
Negligible minor minor / minor / negligible Negligible negligible
Major and moderate effects are considered to be ‘significant’ in the context of Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (EIA Regulations), minor and negligible effects are considered to be ‘not significant’.
Proposed Mitigation
A range of measures will be applied as part of the iterative design process to avoid heritage assets within the Site. Standard mitigation measures include the following, some of which will be submitted in outline as part of the application:
Preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) to be submitted to the planning authority for approval prior to any construction works (including enabling works) commencing on site; and Implementation of the scope of works outlined in WSI during the construction phase.
Embedded mitigation may include:
Avoidance of identified areas of constraint during the design of the turbine layout and the onsite infrastructure; Where heritage assets lie within the micrositing allowance, no component of the proposed development would be relocated to a position where it would intersect with any of the heritage assets without consultation and approval by an appointed ACoW. Any heritage asset identified as potentially being affected by micrositing would be marked out for avoidance, where possible, or other mitigation to be agreed with WoSAS, implemented to reduce or offset the impact; and
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Written guidelines will be issued for use by all construction contractors, outlining the need to avoid causing unnecessary damage to known heritage assets. The guidelines will set out arrangements for calling upon retained professional support in the event that buried archaeological remains of potential archaeological interest (such as building remains, human remains, artefacts, etc.) should be discovered in areas not subject to archaeological monitoring. The guidelines will also make clear the legal responsibilities placed upon those who disturb artefacts or human remains.
In addition to the above, project specific mitigation measures for the avoidance, reduction or offsetting of direct effects will be set out in the EIAR chapter.
Suggested Viewpoints
Table 3.10 below, and Figure 3.8 (Appendix A), identifies those designated heritage assets within the Outer Study Area for which, based on the Scoping blade tip height ZTV, visualisations would be included in support of the assessment in the EIAR. In addition to these, reference will be made to LVIA viewpoints where these are helpful to the assessment.
Table 3.10: Proposed Cultural Heritage Visualisations
VP Ref Designation Title Suggested Comments Visualisation
CH1 SM2502 Devonshaw Hill, fort Wireline Well-preserved fort above 500m NE of the River Clyde – may have Woodend Farm lines of sight with similar/related sites in vicinity
CH2 SM2635 Castle Hill Strip, fort Photomontage Prehistoric hill fort, seems to have open views to west that may include turbines
CH3 SM4235 Devonshaw Hill, Wireline Prehistoric hilltop cairn, cairn seems to have open views to west that may include turbines, possible intervisibility with other cairns nearby
CH4 SM4261 Dungavel Hill, cairn Wireline Prehistoric hilltop cairn, seems to have open views to north west that may include turbines, possible intervisibility with other cairns nearby
CH5 SM4511 Wildshaw Hill, cairn Wireline Prehistoric hilltop cairn, 500m WSW of seems to have open views to summit north that may include turbines, possible
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intervisibility with other cairns nearby
CH6 SM4660 Tinto Cairn, cairn on Photomontage One of the best-preserved summit of Tinto Hill and biggest prehistoric cairns in Scotland, open views from hilltop, likely to be intervisible with other cairns nearby (including, but restricted to, those listed above)
CH7 SM90265/ St Bride's Church, Photomontage Property in Care, and LB1490 Douglas Category A Listed Building
Cumulative Assessment
The assessment of cumulative effects on heritage assets will be based upon consideration of the effects of the Proposed Development on the settings of those heritage assets with statutory and non-statutory designations within 10 km of the outermost proposed turbines, in addition to the likely effects of other operational/under construction, consented, and proposed (at the application and scoping stages) wind farm schemes.
The assessment will take into account the relative scale (i.e. size and number of turbines) of the identified developments, their distance from the affected assets, and the potential degree of visibility of the various developments from the assets. Cumulative wirelines from those assets most likely to experience significant cumulative impacts on their settings will be provided.
The schemes to be included in the cumulative impact assessment will be those identified through the proposed LVIA consultations with SLC and NatureScot (Section 3.2.3).
Design Considerations
The design of the Proposed Development will take account of all cultural heritage assets within the Site, seeking to avoid direct impacts on these assets. In addition, the design will be informed by the cultural heritage assets in the wider landscape and seek to minimise impacts on their settings.
3.3.9 Questions for Consultees
Do you agree that the proposed study areas are appropriate to the nature and scale of the Proposed Development? If not, can you advise what you would consider to be appropriate in the specific circumstances, providing reasoning? Are there any specific designated heritage assets that you consider to have settings that are especially sensitive to change relative to the nature and scale of the Proposed Development, and that require to be addressed through detailed assessment? Do you agree with the proposed scope of the assessment: assets to be included/excluded from assessment? Do you have any comments and/or additional requirements in relation to the visualisations and/or the selection of cultural heritage viewpoints?
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3.4 Ecology
3.4.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by Arcus Consulting Ltd and sets out the approach to the evaluation of the ecological interests making use of the Site and surrounding area, and to the assessment of potential impacts on ecology throughout the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development. Baseline ecological surveys were completed at the site in 2020.
3.4.2 Study Area
The Ecology Study Area comprises the Site and surrounding area. Survey Areas and Desk Study Areas vary according to the target sites, species and recommended survey methods, as described below in Sections 3.4.4 and 3.4.5.
3.4.3 Consultation
In addition to formal scoping, early and thorough consultation with key stakeholders is a crucial element in the assessment process. As the Site was considered to be of low risk, and all baseline surveys were completed in accordance with NatureScot survey guidelines for protected species surveys for development projects and onshore wind farms (refer to Section 3.4.4); early consultation with NatureScot to confirm the extent and scope of data collection to establish the baseline was not considered necessary.
In order to augment baseline data and, if necessary, refine the survey scope, recent records (within 20 years) of protected and/or notable species and details of sites of ecological interest will be sought. Consultation requests for the provision of data shall be sent to the following organisations:
NatureScot; South Lanarkshire Biological Records Centre; Central Scotland Bat Group; Botanical Society of Britain and Northern Ireland; Scottish Badgers; Scottish Wildlife Trust; and Clyde River Foundation.
Consultation data requests will be combined with publicly available data to inform the desk study, and will include the following:
Records of statutory designated sites located within 5 km of the Site, extended to 10 km for those designated for mobile species, such as otters; Records of non-statutory designated sites located within 2 km of the Site, extended to 5 km for those designated for mobile species; All records of rare, notable or protected flora and fauna (excluding avian species) within 5 km of the Site (extended to 10 km for bats and other mobile species); and All records of invasive, non-native species within 2 km of the Site.
3.4.4 Approach
The scope of field surveys was based on first-hand experience and understanding of key ecological sensitivities in the area, and on industry good practice, including prevailing NatureScot
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survey guidelines for protected species surveys for development projects22 and onshore wind farms23.
Recent change to NatureScot general guidance 20214 for protected species surveying at onshore wind farms states that “pre-application surveys normally remain valid for two years, and should be repeated if the application is delayed beyond that. Unless it is clearly evident that there has been no substantive change in number, distribution or activity since the original survey was undertaken.”
More specifically, for those species with restricted survey periods (such as bats (Chiroptera species (sp.)), pine marten (Martes martes), and water vole (Arvicola amphibius)) the guidance states; “pre-application surveys normally remain valid for two more survey periods, and should be repeated if the application is going to be delayed beyond the start of a third survey period. Unless it is clearly evident that there has been no substantive change in number, distribution or activity since the original survey was undertaken.”
Habitat and botanical data are not time-limited in such a way within NatureScot guidance, however recent Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Managements (CIEEM) guidance recommends that habitats data is likely to require to be updated after three years.
It is expected that surveys will remain valid at the likely point of submission.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was undertaken by Tringa Ecology Ltd between September 8th and 10th 2020 on behalf of Arcus Consulting Ltd. The survey was conducted following standard methods24 to map and classify natural and semi-natural habitats and record the higher plants of each habitat. Target Notes were recorded to provide detail about features of particular interest. The survey area included the Site and a 250 m buffer (where access permitted).
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Survey
An NVC survey was carried out according to standard methods25 at the same time as the Phase 1 Survey. NVC assesses the vascular plant, bryophyte and macro-lichen species within homogenous vegetation types to classify and map communities. The survey area included the Site and a 250 m buffer (where access permitted).
The NVC survey was limited to potential sensitive habitats recorded during the Extended Phase 1 Survey, such as Annex 1 habitats (e.g., blanket bog) and potential Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs), which were mapped in accordance with current SEPA/SNIFFER26 (2011) guidance.
22 NatureScot (2021) Planning and Development [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/planning-and- development (Accessed 16/06/2021)
23 NatureScot (2021) General Wind Farm Advice [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/planning-and- development/renewable-energy-development/types-renewable-technologies/onshore-wind-energy/general-advice-wind-farm (Accessed 16/06/2021)
24 JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1habitat survey A technique for environmental audit
25 Rodwell, J.S. (2006) NVC Users' Handbook, JNCC, Peterborough, ISBN 978 1 86107 574 1.
26 SEPA (2017) Land Use Planning System SEPA Guidance Note 31 Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems
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Bat Survey
Bat Surveys were carried out between April and October 2020 in accordance with 2019 multi- stakeholder Bat Survey Guidelines27. A preliminary desk study of the Site and wider local area indicated that it was likely to be of low suitability for bats, largely due to the dominance of open, exposed, grassland habitats across the Site, and the limited presence of woodland and other linear features suitable to support, commuting, foraging and roosting bats. As well as the lack of favourable habitats within the Site and wider local area; the Site was assessed as having a low suitability for bats based on the assessment criteria as presented within NatureScot survey guidelines9. Namely, the low habitat risk in conjunction with the small scale (less than 10 turbines) of the Proposed Development. Accordingly, we employed a low-risk survey strategy as detailed below.
REMOTE MONITORING ACTIVITY SURVEYS
Remotely operating full spectrum bat detectors were used to automatically record bat activity on three seasonal occasions between April and October inclusive (the Survey Season). In accordance with the 2019 survey guidelines27 7 Full Spectrum Anabat Swift bat detectors were deployed for a minimum of 10 consecutive nights each survey season, targeted towards areas of potential turbine locations. The AnaBats were located within the potential turbine layout and across a range of representative habitats, where feasible.
Ultrasonic recordings captured during all activity surveys were subject to detailed analysis using audio software BatExplorer, with reference to bat species call identification guidance28, to enable identification of bat species.
The length of the night (hours of darkness) varies throughout the Survey Season by up to 40%, and thus the period over which bats may be active also varies significantly. As Remote Monitoring Activity Surveys are carried out over at least 10 nights, the survey period of each Survey Session will be seen to vary. In order to carry out more detailed interpretation of the results, this temporal bias requires some correction. To correct for temporal bias in levels of bat activity, all Bat Survey data was interpreted using the BAI; the value of the BAI is expressed as passes (i.e., bat files) per hour (pph).
Ecobat29 was used to gain estimates of relative bat activity recorded at the Site. NatureScot guidance9 explains that, “The tool compares data entered by the user with bat survey information collected from similar areas at the same time of year. Ecobat generates a percentile rank for each night of activity and provides a numerical way of interpreting the levels of bat activity recorded at a site across regions in Britain”. Data from the Site was compared with data within a range of 100 km of the Site and within 30 days of the survey date.
Based on Ecobat assessment, applied as per NatureScot guidance, activity recorded across all survey locations varied greatly between the low activity category (0-20th median percentiles and the high activity category (81st-100th median percentile).
27 NatureScot, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, RenewableUK, Scottish Power Renewables, Ecotricity Ltd, the University of Exeter and the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) (2019): Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines: Survey, Assessment and Mitigation.
28 Russ, J (2012) British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing
29 http://www.ecobat.org.uk/
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Protected Species Survey
Based on available habitats and historical records, the Site was assessed to have the potential to support several protected species including, but not limited to: otter, water vole, red squirrel, badger and pine marten, however a watching brief for other notable species was maintained. The following species-specific surveys were conducted between May and September 2020.
OTTER AND WATER VOLE SURVEY
In accordance with established NatureScot protected species survey guidance30 all watercourses within the Site and up to 200 m outwith, where feasible, that are potentially at risk of impact were surveyed by an experienced ecologist. The survey aimed to record habitat suitability for otter, as well as evidence of otter presence, including spraint, prints, paths, slides, feeding signs and resting sites (lay-up sites, holts and couches) in accordance with recognised methodology31.
In line with NatureScot guidelines11, all suitable watercourses located within the Site, and a minimum of 50 m buffer were surveyed, where possible, for water vole. The survey assessed the suitability of these watercourses to support water vole in accordance with recognised guidance32. In addition, the survey aimed to identify and record evidence of water vole including droppings, latrines, feeding remains, burrows and footprints.
RED SQUIRREL, BADGER AND PINE MARTEN SURVEY
Due to the presence of woodland habitats within and bordering the Site, in accordance with NatureScot guidelines11, a walkover survey was carried out along suitable habitats up to 250 m outwith the Site to assess the suitability of habitats for badger, pine marten and red squirrel, and to record signs of their presence. Outwith the Site individual minimum distances as per NatureScot guidance12 were adhered to for each species; 50m for red squirrel, 100 m for badger and 250 m for pine marten. Surveys were carried out by an experienced ecologist in accordance with published NatureScot protected species survey guidelines33,34,35.
FISHERIES HABITAT SURVEY
A Fisheries Habitat Survey (FHS) was carried out by Mhor Environmental Ltd in August 2020 on behalf of Arcus Consulting Ltd. The aim of the FHS was to provide a detailed assessment of watercourse bankside and habitat quality along the Garf Water, its various tributaries and tributaries to the Douglas Water and River Clyde, to obtain detailed information regarding the suitability of watercourses for fish species within and in close proximity to the Site. The survey
30 https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/planning-and-development/planning-and-development-advice/planning-and- development-protected-species
31 NatureScot (2021) Protected Species Advice for Developers: Otter. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/species-planning- advice-otters
32 NatureScot (2021) Protected Species Advice for Developers: Water Vole. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/species- planning-advice-water-vole.
33 NatureScot (2021) Protected Species Advice for Developers: Red Squirrel. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/species- planning-advice-red-squirrel
34 NatureScot (2021) Protected Species Advice for Developers: Badger. [Online] Available at https://www.nature.scot/species- planning-advice-badger.
35 NatureScot (2021) Protected Species Advice for Developers: Pine Marten. [Online] Available at: https://www.nature.scot/species- planning-advice-pine-marten.
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was conducted in accordance with a combination of methods developed by Hendry and Cragg- Hine36 and those developed for the river/fisheries habitat surveying37,38.
During the field survey the watercourse and the surrounding habitats were characterised and assessed according to the following criteria:
Predominant channel substrate and flow-types; Habitat features; Modifications to the channel and banks; Channel vegetation types; Vegetation structure of the banks and banktop; and Land-use.
3.4.5 Baseline Conditions
Desk-Based Study
To supplement the baseline survey data (see Baseline Surveys below) a desk-based study was undertaken to obtain information on important ecological features present within the vicinity of the Proposed Development. In addition, statutory sites designated for ecological interests that could have potential connectivity with the Site have been identified, as detailed below.
STATUTORY DESIGNATED SITES
As per the desk study search criteria detailed in Section 3.4.3 the following statutory sites designated for ecological features within 5 km of the Site were identified using the NatureScot ‘Sitelink’ website:
Sites of European Importance: - Special Areas Conservation (SACs); - Ramsar Sites; and Sites of National Importance: - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
The only statutory designated site identified within 5 km of the Site was Tinto Hills SSSI (see Figure 3.9, Appendix A) of national importance, designated for botanical features such as subalpine dry heath and upland flora39. Tinto Hills SSSI is located approximately 2.5 km north east of the Site.
NON-STATUTORY DESIGNATED SITES
A single patch of woodland (5.79 ha) listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) is located within the Site, called the ‘Little Gala Strip’ the area of woodland is situated within the centre of the Site. Two further parcels of woodland listed on the AWI are located within 2 km of the Site; both Craigburn Wood and Roddenhill Wood are located approximately 2 km west of the Site.
36 Hendry K, Cragg-Hine D (1997) - A Guidance Manual. APEM Ltd, Fisheries Technical Manual 4, R & D Technical Report W44, Version 1.0/07-97. R & D Project 603.
37 Environment Agency (2003) - River Habitat Survey in Britain and Ireland. Field Survey Guidance Manual: Environment Agency, Bristol.
38 SFCC (2007) - Fisheries Management SVQ – Habitat Surveys Training Course Manual.
39 NatueScot Sitelink (2020). Available at: https://sitelink.nature.scot/home.
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RECENT ECOLOGICAL RECORDS
A summary of publicly available biological records40 is presented in Table 3.11, and includes recent records (within 20 years) of internationally and nationally protected species within 5 km of the Site (extended to 10 km for mobile species such as otter and bats); and records of invasive, non-native species within 2 km of the Site.
Table 3.11: Recent Protected Species Records
Species Conservation Value Records
Up to 5 km from Site
Badger (Meles meles) Nationally Protected Species41 2013: 1 record 2017: 1 record
2014: 1 record 2019: 1 record
2016: 2 records 2020: 1 record
Red Squirrel (Sciurus Nationally Protected Species42 2007: 1 record vulgaris)
Up to 10 km from Site
Otter (Lutra lutra) European Protected Species26 2012: 3 records 2021: 1 record
2016: 1 record
Daubenton’s Bat European Protected Species43 2000: 2 records 2014: 1 record (Myotis daubentonii) 2011: 2 records 2016: 3 records
2013: 1 record 2018: 1 record
Natterer’s Bat (Myotis 2016: 3 records nattereri)
Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus 2008: 1 record leisleri) 2016: 3 records
Common pipistrelle 2000: 1 record 2016: 6 records (Pipistrellus 2014: 1 record 2018: 2 records pipistrellus) 2015: 3 records
40 National Biodiversity Network Atlas Scotland. Available online at: https://scotland.nbnatlas.org/
41 Protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.
42 Protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
43 Fully protected under the European Commission Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
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Soprano pipistrelle 2014: 1 2016: 5 records (Pipistrellus record2015: 2 2018: 4 records pygmaeus) records
Unidentified 2000: 1 record 2016: 6 records pipistrelle (Pipistrellus 2014: 1 record 2018: 2 records sp.) 2015: 3 records
Brown Long-eared 2016: 1 record Bat (Plecotus auritus)
Other notable species recorded with 5 km of the Site were; brown hare (Lepus europaeus), common frog (Rana temporaria), common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), common shrew (Sorex araneus), common toad (Bufo bufo), mole (Talpa europaea), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), stoat (Mustela erminea) and weasel (Mustela nivalis).
No non-native invasive species were recorded within 2 km of the Site.
Baseline Surveys
PHASE 1 HABITAT AND NVC SURVEY
The Site comprised an upland hill farm with areas of commercial forestry and managed grouse moor within the wider Survey Area.
Within the Site, much of the land comprised enclosed field compartments, managed for livestock grazing (‘in-bye’). The grazing compartments were subject to varying degrees of agricultural improvement, from highly improved and uniform stands of high-yielding grasses (corresponding NVC communities: MG6 and MG7) to semi-improved and more diverse swards (corresponding NVC communities: MG10, MG13 and U4b). Some parts of the farm holding were essentially unimproved rough grazing, comprising mainly rush-pasture (corresponding NVC community: M23), acid grass (corresponding NVC communities: U4, U5 and U6) and purple-moor grass (Molinia caerulea) (corresponding NVC community: M25) communities. Within the grazed farmland were small areas of remnant blanket mire (corresponding NVC communities: M17, M20 and M25) and wet heath (corresponding NVC community: M15). There were also small areas of calcareous grassland (corresponding NVC community: CG10). Edges and rides within the commercial forestry and shelter belts had some native tree cover, with the associated NVC community corresponding to wet woodland (W7) or elder (Sambucus nigra) scrub (We), although these were of small extent with a canopy cover which mainly consisted of willow carr.
Habitats within the south of the Survey Area, outwith the Site boundary, were identifies as dry heath which has been managed as a grouse moor by rotational burning (‘muirburn’). This corresponded to NVC community H9, with the sub-communities’ correspondent to the time elapsed since the vegetation was burned.
Potential groundwater-dependant habitats included areas of rush-pasture (corresponding NVC community: M23) and wet woodland (corresponding NVC community: W7). In addition, acid flush (corresponding NVC community: M6) and more base-rich flushes (corresponding NVC community: M10) were encountered at several locations.
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Although several Annex I Priority habitats were encountered during the survey; these were small in extent and represented relict stands of former habitat now lost to agricultural improvement and/or extensive grazing, drainage or burning. Although blanket bog communities were identified, these were generally remnants on shallow peat and therefore peat management is not deemed to be a major consideration. In addition, a review of the NatureScot Carbon and peatland map (2016)44 indicates that the majority of the Site is absent of priority peatland habitat and carbon rich soils (see Figure 3.15, Appendix A).
BAT SURVEY
In terms of habitat quality for bats, the fact that the majority of the land within the Site and wider buffer was comprised of grazed grassland pasture and the limited value of the surrounding habitat (large extents of homogeneous Sitka spruce plantation with very few potential roost features), as well as the small scale of the Proposed Development, reduced the suitability of the Site for bats and it was assessed to fall within the ‘Low’ habitat risk category.
A total of 3,724 bat passes were recorded over a total of 3,159.8 survey hours across the Survey Season, giving a total mean BAI of 1.18 passes per hour (pph) for the Site.
In total, two bat species and three genus classifications were recorded within the Site during the bat surveys. Species recorded were common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle. Bat registrations identified to genus level were Pipistrellus sp., Nyctalus sp. and Myotis sp.
Of the activity recorded, the majority, 1964 bat passes (52.74%), was attributed to soprano pipistrelle, with 1661 bat passes (44.60%) attributed to common pipistrelle. Nyctalus sp. accounted for 86 bat passes (2.31%) of the total. Myotis sp. and Pipistrellus sp. were recorded infrequently, making up 0.21% and 0.14% of activity recorded, respectively.
Activity was recorded at all survey locations, however, notable spatial variation in the level of activity was evident. Over 95% of all bat passes were recorded at two locations situated within woodland edge habitat and/or in close proximity to watercourses and away from turbine locations shown on Figure 1.2. The two locations with the highest bat activity, Location A (on a watercourse) and Location D (within woodland edge), were both positioned closest to proposed Turbine 7; at distances of approximately 233 m north east and 235 m south east respectively.
With the exception of common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle, all bat species fell within the low and low to moderate categories with respect to their relative activity levels. Nyctalus sp. where within the higher range of the low to moderate category. Both common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle fell within the category of moderate to high activity levels.
PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY
Due to the dominance of farmland including grassland habitats utilised for grazing; habitats within the Site and surrounding buffer were generally considered to be of low value to protected species.
OTTER
Watercourses within the Site and Survey Area were generally of moderate suitability to support otter populations, with many providing opportunity for foraging and commuting. The Garf Water, situated in the north of the Site was considered to most suitable for the species; however, no
44 https://map.environment.gov.scot/Soil_maps/ (Accessed June 2021)
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evidence of otter was found. Much of the riparian habitat appeared to be prone to flooding due to its flat, low-lying topography and was considered to offer low potential for breeding sites.
WATER VOLE
The watercourses within the Site and surrounding buffer varied in their suitability to support water vole. There were some areas along the burn in the centre of Site (a tributary of the Garf Water), that had potential burrows made by small mammals, that could support water vole populations. The bankside vegetation was considered suitable to support foraging water vole, and the flow rate of the burn was compatible with the species; however, no evidence of the species was found.
PINE MARTEN AND RED SQUIRREL
The Site was considered to be outwith the accepted range for pine marten45. Although several pockets of suitable habitat for red squirrel existed within the surrounding Site buffer, most of the habitat present was considered to be of low value. No evidence of either species was found and neither pine marten nor red squirrel are considered to be present.
BADGER
Badger setts were confirmed to be present within the Site and Survey Area. In total, four setts were identified; two within the Site and two (approximately 50 m outwith the Site boundary) within the Site buffer. The two setts located within the Site were both classified as ‘outlier’ setts, both with only one entrance hole; fresh spoil was present outside the tunnel and badger hairs were identified within the spoil. Of the setts identified within the Site; one was deemed a ‘main’ sett and the other an ‘annex’ sett, six entrance holes were recorded across the two which were approximately 10 m apart. Fresh excavation, foraging signs and runs were noted alongside.
FISHERIES HABITAT SURVEY
There were three upland watercourses within the Site. The largest of the three was the headwater of the Garf Water which flowed north then east along the edge of the northern site boundary into the River Clyde. The other two watercourses were tributaries of the Garf Water:
Unnamed tributaries of the Garf Water which flowed through the centre of the site towards the north; and Unnamed tributaries of the Garf Water which lay on the eastern edge of the site and flowed towards north.
In addition to these watercourses, there were numerous burns and drains which flowed in close proximity to the Proposed Development. These watercourses flowed into either the upper reaches of the Garf Water or the lower reaches of the Douglas Water. Both the Garf Water and Douglas Water are tributaries of the River Clyde. The Duneaton Water, also a tributary of the River Clyde, was included in the survey as a control site. All watercourses included in the survey fall under the River Clyde catchment, however none are designated Scottish Salmon Rivers46.
The habitat quality of the survey sites ranged between low and high in terms of supporting salmonid populations. However, the connectivity between the watercourses throughout the catchment was significantly affected by barriers to fish migration located in the downstream
45 Natural England Joint Publication JP025: A Review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals: Technical Summary. Available online at: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/520322/1/N520322CR.pdf.
46 https://marinescotland.atkinsgeospatial.com/nmpi/
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section of the River Clyde. The most significant barrier, Falls of Clyde, was recorded over 10km downstream of the Site. The Falls of Clyde at its highest is a 26m falls which prevents all upstream migration. Habitat connectivity is integral to survival of migratory salmonids, successful migration upstream and downstream is required to support populations of migratory fish species. Therefore, it is considered that all watercourses within the survey area, where suitable habitat was recorded (LG1, LG2, LG3, LG4, LG6, LG7, LG8, LG9, LG10 LG11, and LG12), are likely to contain only resident brown trout (Salmo trutta) if salmonids are present.
3.4.6 Potentially Significant Effects
Bats, badger, otter, water vole and habitats are likely to be scoped into the assessment (to be confirmed following determination of importance, as per CIEEM guidance), however no significant effects are anticipated.
3.4.7 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Due to the fact that it is designated for botanical features only; considering the distance from the Site and lack of hydrological connection Tinto Hills SSSI is not considered to be at risk of a negative impact as a result of the Proposed Development and has therefore been scoped out of the assessment.
Based on the lack of evidence of the species within the Site and surrounding buffer during Protected Species Surveys, as well as a lack of records returned during a desk-based study; pine marten, red squirrel and fish have been scoped out of the assessment.
3.4.8 Effects Evaluation
The assessment of ecological impacts will follow the guidance document produced by the CIEEM47 ensuring a transparent and scientifically rigorous approach to Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). These guidelines set out the process for assessment through the following:
Collation of baseline ecological information through desk study and field surveys; Identification and determination of Important Ecological Features (IEFs); Incorporation of imbedded mitigation measures such as mitigation by design, and mitigation by practise; Identification and characterisation of ecological impacts from all phases of the Proposed Development; Assessment of significance of effects ahead of and following application of mitigation hierarchy; Incorporation of measures to mitigate identified potential effects; Assessment of significant cumulative effects; Identification of appropriate compensation to offset significant residual impacts; and Identification of opportunities for ecological enhancement.
Determining Importance
Upon identification of the likely effects a systematic assessment of IEFs will be carried out. In accordance with CIEEM guidance, the importance of an ecological feature is considered within a defined geographical context.
The determination will be site specific however habitats and species of nature conservation importance identified through statutory policy and legislation will provide a starting point for the
47 CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester
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identification of IEFs requiring consideration in EcIA. Expert judgment is also required for the identification of IEFs, particularly where these may not be included in lists, designated sites or features, or highlighted in nature conservation policy. Only ecological features with at least regional importance are considered as IEFs and will require assessment for potential significant effects. All other features will be are scoped out of the assessment, with justification for exclusion provided.
Assessment of Significance
Within this assessment, the significance of the potential effects on each identified IEF is determined by considering both the nature conservation importance of each feature and the degree to which it may be affected (the effect magnitude) by the Proposed Development, and will include consideration of embedded mitigation.
For the purpose of this assessment, an effect determined to be significant at international, national or regional level, is considered to be ‘significant effect’. An effect determined to be significant at a local or less that local level will be considered to be ‘non-significant effect.
Mitigation, Residual Effects and Cumulative Effects
The assessment will include proposals to mitigate of potentially adverse effects and will include measures to increase biodiversity in the area where possible, such as habitat restoration and management. Mitigation will be identified where the assessment indicates that there is a potential significant impact on important habitats and species as a consequence of the Proposed Development. Following the application of mitigation, an assessment of residual effects will be carried determine whether effects remain ‘significant’. Potential cumulative ecological effects with other nearby developments will also be addressed.
HABITAT REGULATION APPRAISAL SCREENING
Due to the lack of ecological connectivity, no likely significant effects on any European Sites designated for ecological features.
3.4.9 Questions for Consultees
Do Consultees agree with the proposed scope of ecological assessment? Do Consultees have any relevant information or data sources that might inform the baseline or assessment?
3.5 Ornithology
3.5.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by MacArthur Green who will undertake the Ornithological Impact Assessment (OIA), which will consider the potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects that the construction and operation of the Proposed Development could have on ornithology. It will also consider the potential effects on statutory designated sites. The OIA will be supported by a technical appendix that will include all outputs from any collision modelling.
In the section below it should be noted that the terms ‘survey area’ and ‘study area’ are defined as follows:
‘survey area’ is defined as the area covered by each survey type at the time of the survey (refer Section 3.5.2); and ‘study area’ is defined as the area of consideration of effects on each species at the time of the OIA and as the area used for any desk-based study (refer Section 3.5.2 for detail on study areas).
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3.5.2 Study Area
The OIA will consider the following study areas, data has been previously collected in these study areas during the baseline surveys (Section 3.6.4):
Collision modelling – the results of the flight activity surveys will be used to inform collision modelling. A Collision Risk Analysis Area (CRAA) will be created from the proposed turbine locations using GIS Delunay triangulation48 to create a wind farm area which will then be buffered by 500 m (as per NatureScot guidance (SNH 2017)); Scarce breeding birds49 – Proposed Development and a 2 km study area (SNH 2017); Black grouse – Proposed Development and a 1.5 km study area (SNH 2017); Breeding upland waders and wintering waders, raptors, owls and wildfowl – Proposed Development and a 500 m study area (SNH 2017); and Cumulative assessment – as per NatureScot guidance (SNH 2018b), the Natural Heritage Zone (NHZ) level is considered practical and appropriate for breeding species of wider countryside interest.
3.5.3 Consultation
In advance of the submission of the Scoping Report, MacArthur Green submitted a technical report to NatureScot in December 2020 that summarised the year of bird surveys undertaken to date at that point (October 2019 to August 2020), along with a review of designated sites within 20 km of the Site. This report concluded the points listed below and requested a response from NatureScot.
The Site is predominately comprised of species poor semi-improved grassland (grazed by sheep) with a strip of semi-natural/native woodland, with the habitats surrounding the Site a mixture of acid grassland with small fragmented patches of managed heather moorland and relatively small blocks of Sitka spruce plantation. Overall, the habitat within the Site and surrounding area is therefore considered to be of relatively low ornithological value with the species composition recorded during baseline surveys between October 2019 and August 2020 considered to be a representative of current bird activity. With regard to designated sites within 20 km of the Site, considering the distances from the designated sites identified (refer to section 3.5.5), NatureScot guidance regarding Special Protection Area (SPA) connectivity distances (SNH 2016), the habitat within the Site and the habitats present at the designated sites, and the species listed on the designations, there is considered to be no connectivity between the Proposed Development and any of these designated sites. Consequently, no likely significant effects are predicted upon any of the SPAs listed and as such the OIA will not include information to inform an Appropriate Assessment as part of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process. All Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) will also be scoped out of the OIA on the same basis. The baseline data already collected for ornithology at the Site between 2019 and 2020 is sufficient and representative to allow for a robust assessment on the potential effects to ornithology.
48 Delaunay triangulation is a form of mathematical/computational geometry where a given set of points (in this case the turbine locations) are all joined to create discrete triangles. Further information is available here: https://uk.mathworks.com/help/matlab/math/delaunay-triangulation.html
49 Scarce breeding birds are those listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive or Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and in the case of the Proposed Development consists of any raptor, owl, grebe or diver species listed on either Annex 1 or Schedule 1.
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NatureScot provided a response via email on 25th January 2021 (sent by Ian Cornforth, Operations Officer for Strathclyde & Ayrshire), in which they:
Agreed that there is no connectivity between the Proposed Development and any designated sites within 20 km and that designated sites can be scoped out of the OIA. Agreed that one year of baseline bird surveys is acceptable given the low ornithological value of the Site. Welcomed the commitment to contact the South Strathclyde Raptor Study Group (SSRSG) for historical breeding raptor data and advised that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP) and local biological records centre should also be contacted. Recommended that the EIAR should demonstrate how tree height has been factored in to the viewshed analysis. Agreed with the conclusion that black grouse, curlew and lapwing would be the likely Important Ornithological Features (IOFs) that would be scoped in to the OIA (subject to the final design) but advised that merlin should also be considered. Advised that as the turbines are proposed to be over 150 m in height, consideration should be given to the effects on birds in relation to night time lighting as per NatureScot (September 202050, October 202051) guidance.
As a result of this response from NatureScot, surveys ceased at the end of the first year and as detailed in Section 3.5.5, all effects relating to designated sites will be scoped out of the assessment. Furthermore, the other recommendations (as detailed above) provided by NatureScot will be taken into consideration in the EIAR.
3.5.4 Approach
The assessment will follow the process set out in the relevant provisions of The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 and guidance on implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directive (SERAD 2000 and SNH 2018c). The key pieces of legislation, policy and guidance will be referred to as listed below.
European Legislation
Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive); Directive 92/43/EEC on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (as amended) (Habitats Directive); Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2014/52/EU; and European Commission (2010) Natura 2000 Guidance Document 'Wind Energy Developments and Natura 2000'. European Commission, Brussels.
National Legislation
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended); The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011; The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (The Habitats Regulations); The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017; and
50 https://www.nature.scot/information-note-effect-aviation-obstruction-lighting-birds-wind-turbines-communication-towers-and
51 https://www.nature.scot/doc/general-pre-application-and-scoping-advice-onshore-wind-farms
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Planning Advice Note (PAN) 1/2013 – Environmental Impact Assessment, Revision 1.0 (Scottish Government 2017).
Guidance
CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland: Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine version 1.1. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Winchester; Eaton M.A., Aebischer N.J., Brown A.F., Hearn R.D., Lock L., Musgrove A.J., Noble D.G., Stroud D.A. and Gregory R.D. (2015) Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 108, 708–746; SNH (2000) Windfarms and birds: calculating a theoretical collision risk assuming no avoidance action. NatureScot Guidance Note; SNH (2009) Environmental Statements and Annexes of Environmentally Sensitive Bird Information; Guidance for Developers, Consultants and Consultees; SNH (2016) Assessing connectivity with Special Protection Areas (SPAs); SNH (2017) Recommended Bird Survey Methods to Inform Impact Assessment of Onshore Wind Farms SNH (2018a) Assessing Significance of Impacts from Onshore Wind Farms Outwith Designated Areas; SNH (2018b) Assessing the cumulative impacts of onshore wind farms on birds. SNH Guidance Note; SNH (2018c) Environmental Impact Assessment Handbook – Version 5: Guidance for competent authorities, consultation bodies, and others involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment process in Scotland; SNH (2019) NatureScot joint publication (2019) Good Practice during Wind Farm Construction. 4th Edition; Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) (2000). Habitats and Birds Directives, Nature Conservation; Implementation in Scotland of EC Directives on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna and the Conservation of Wild Birds (‘the Habitats and Birds Directives’). Revised Guidance Updating Scottish Office Circular No 6/1995; The South Lanarkshire Council Biodiversity Strategy; and The Scottish Biodiversity List (https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scottish- biodiversity-strategy/scottish-biodiversity-list).
3.5.5 Baseline Conditions
Designated Sites
There are no statutory designations with ornithological features within the Site. The desk-based study has identified one SPA and two SSSIs (which underpin the SPA) within 20 km of the Site (Figure 3.10, Appendix A).
The Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA, (underpinned by the Muirkirk Uplands SSSI and North Lowther Uplands SSSI) is located, 10.4 km form the Site, at this distance there is considered no connectivity to the Site (SNH 2016).
Field Surveys
Guidance from NatureScot (SNH 2017) generally recommends a default baseline survey programme of two years in order to ensure any interannual variation is recorded to allow for a robust assessment of effects on ornithology. However, considering the predominance of species poor semi-improved grassland at the Site (which is accepted to be of low ornithological value),
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the absence of any connectivity to any designated sites with ornithological features within 20 km of the Proposed Development, it is concluded that a year of baseline surveys (October 2019 to August 2020) is sufficient to allow a robust assessment – and this has been confirmed in consultation with NatureScot as per Section 3.5.3.
Surveys have followed the methodologies detailed in the guidance below:
Bird Monitoring Methods, Gilbert et al. (1998); Raptors: a field guide for surveys and monitoring, Hardey et al. (2013); Black grouse survey methodology (SNH 2007); and Recommended Bird Survey Methods to Inform Impact Assessment of Onshore Wind Farms (SNH 2017).
The following surveys (in line with the appropriate guidance detailed above) have been undertaken for the Proposed Development and along with the survey areas52, are detailed below.
Flight activity (Vantage Point, VP) surveys – one VP location (Figure 3.11, Appendix A), October 2019 to August 2020 (one breeding season and one non-breeding season). Scarce breeding bird5 surveys, 2 km survey area – March 2020 to August 2020 (Figure 3.11, Appendix A). Black grouse surveys, 1.5 km survey area – April 2020 to May 2020 (Figure 3.11, Appendix A). Upland breeding bird surveys, 500 m survey area – April 2020 to July 2020 (Figure 3.11, Appendix A). Winter walkover surveys, 500 m survey area – November 2019 to February 2020 (Figure 3.11, Appendix A).
Ornithological Activity
The field surveys to date have revealed an assemblage of species typical of upland areas in lowland central Scotland.
Across the baseline survey period, nine Annex 15 and/or Schedule 15 species have been recorded: golden plover, goshawk, hen harrier, merlin, red kite, barn owl, common crossbill, greylag goose and peregrine falcon.
In addition, four Red listed Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC, Eaton et al. 2015) commonly considered as target species (SNH 2016) have been recorded: black grouse, curlew, lapwing and herring gull.
Flight activity surveys have recorded nine target species, collectively accounting for 51 flightlines (Table 3.12), which may therefore be included in any collision risk modelling, depending on their location in relation to the final turbine layout and the turbine dimensions selected.
52 Please note ‘survey area’ is defined as the area covered by each survey type at the time of survey whereas ‘study area’ is defined as the spatial extent of the consideration of effects on each species at the time of assessment.
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Table 3.12: Summary of Target Species Recorded During Flight Activity Surveys (October 2019 to August 2020)
Feature Total Number of Total Number of Total Bird Flightlines Birds Recorded Seconds53 Recorded
Curlew 17 38 1,236
Golden plover 2 87 13,618
Goshawk 2 2 195
Hen harrier 2 2 77
Herring gull 16 483 12,403
Lapwing 7 8 223
Merlin 1 1 12
Pink-footed goose 3 328 18,840
Red kite 1 1 75
Surveys for black grouse during April 2020 and May 2020 recorded five observations of a single male bird (with lekking behaviour noted for each record) at three different lekking locations. Only one bird was ever recorded at any one time with also only occupied at one time and it is considered highly likely that all records are of the same male.
A pair of merlin were suspected to be breeding just within the 2 km survey area and surveys for breeding waders identified evidence of breeding curlew (4-6 territories), lapwing (1-2 territories), oystercatcher (0-1 territory) and snipe (2-3 territories) within the 500 m survey area.
3.5.6 Potentially Significant Effects
Potential effects on birds which will need to be assessed in relation to the construction and operation of the Proposed Development are expected to include:
A short-term reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to construction disturbance (affecting breeding or foraging behaviour and causing reductions in productivity or survival). A long term/permanent reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to the loss of habitat critical for nesting or foraging. This could arise as a consequence of direct loss of habitat under infrastructure or disturbance/displacement as a result of operational activities. A long-term/permanent reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to collision mortality (if collision risk is identified as a concern, predicted collision rates will be calculated using theoretical collision modelling).
53 The bird seconds are calculated for each observation as the product of flight duration and number of individuals. This is then summed per species to give the total bird seconds recorded across the entire surveyed period.
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Cumulative effects with other projects or activities that are constructed during the same period, and/or with project or activities which pose either a potential collision risk or loss of habitat by displacement.
3.5.7 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
On the basis of baseline data, experience from other relevant projects and policy guidance or standards (e.g. SNH 2018a), the following species will be ‘scoped out’ since significant effects are unlikely:
Common and/or low conservation species not recognised in statute as requiring special conservation measures (i.e. not listed as Annex 1/Schedule 1 species); Common and/or low conservation species not included in non-statutory lists (i.e. not listed as Amber or Red-listed BoCC species), showing birds whose populations are at some risk either generally or in parts of their range; and Passerine species, not generally considered to be at risk from wind farm developments (SNH 2016, 2017), unless being particularly rare or vulnerable at a national level.
Furthermore, as there is considered to be no connectivity between the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA (and associated SSSIs) (and as confirmed by NatureScot, section 3.5.3), designated sites will be scoped out of the assessment.
3.5.8 Effects Evaluation
Methodology for Assessing Ornithological Features
The EIAR will include an OIA. This will consider the potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects that the construction and operation of the Proposed Development could have on any identified IOFs scoped into the assessment. The OIA will be supported by a technical appendix that will include details of survey methodologies, all survey data and outputs from any collision modelling.
Effects on potential IOFs will be assessed in relation to the species’ reference population, conservation status, range and distribution. The assessment of potential effects will follow guidelines published by CIEEM (2018) and NatureScot (SNH 2017, SNH 2018a).
The assessment involves the following process:
Identification of the potential effects of the Proposed Development. Consideration of the likelihood of occurrence of potential effects where appropriate. Defining the Nature Conservation Importance (NCI) and conservation status of the bird populations present to determine overall sensitivity. Establishing the magnitude of the likely effect (both spatial and temporal). Based on the above information, a judgement is made as to whether or not the identified effect is significant with respect to the EIA Regulations. If a potential effect is determined to be significant, measures to mitigate or compensate the effect are suggested where required. Opportunities for enhancement are considered where appropriate. Residual effects after mitigation, compensation or enhancement are reported.
NCI is defined on the basis of the geographic scale (e.g. NHZ), and it is necessary to consider alongside each feature’s conservation status, its distribution and its population trend based on available historic records, to provide an overall level of sensitivity.
The significance of potential effects is determined by integrating the sensitivity and magnitude in a reasoned way.
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A set of pre-defined significance criteria will be used in assessing the potential effects of the Proposed Development. It is necessary to establish whether there will be any effects which will be sufficient to adversely affect the feature to the extent that its conservation status deteriorates above and beyond that which would be expected should baseline conditions remain (i.e. the ‘do nothing’ scenario). Furthermore, these predictions will be given with a level of confidence relative to the effect being assessed where required (in line with CIEEM 2018).
Cumulative Effects
An assessment of cumulative effects will be undertaken following published guidance (SNH 2018b). Cumulative effects on each feature relevant to this Proposed Development will be assessed in relation to other projects and activities subject to the EIA process within a relevant search area, and their effects on a relevant reference population; for example, at an NHZ level for breeding species.
Approach to Mitigation
Potentially significant effects on birds will be mitigated where practicable within the design layout process. Good practice measures during construction and operation will also be implemented.
If likely significant effects on IOFs remain after mitigation, measures to compensate these adverse effects will be proposed.
Standard good practice (SNH 2019) measures will be applied during the construction phase to minimise any potential effects on any breeding black grouse within up to 750 m of the Proposed Development and/or any breeding Schedule 1/Annex 1 raptors and owls within up to 800 m of the Proposed Development, including appropriate mitigation/monitoring and license application/consultation with NatureScot.
A Breeding Bird Protection Plan (BBPP) will also be implemented during construction of the proposed development. The BBPP will detail measures to ensure legal compliance and safeguard breeding birds known to be in the area and will include relevant guidance for black grouse, curlew and lapwing. The BBPP shall include pre-construction surveys and good practice measures during construction (e.g. vehicle speed and temporal restrictions within 750m of any active leks). Pre- construction surveys will be undertaken to check for any new breeding bird activity in the vicinity of the construction works (with the species identified as IOFs the focus of these surveys).
3.5.9 Questions for Consultees
Do consultees agree that the range of surveys carried out/proposed is sufficient and appropriate to conduct a robust impact assessment, as has already been agreed with NatureScot? Are there any other relevant consultees who should be contacted, or other sources of information that should be referenced with respect to the ornithology assessment? Do consultees agree that the proposed assessment methods are suitable for conducting a robust impact assessment? Do consultees believe that there are any further ornithological features or designated sites which need to be considered in the assessment? Do consultees agree with the effects/IOFs scoped out of the assessment?
3.6 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology
3.6.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by Ramboll UK Limited and provides a summary of baseline hydrological and hydrogeological information applicable to the Proposed Development, and that
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shall inform the EIA of the Proposed Development with respect to the water environment. An overview of potential impacts to be addressed within the EIAR and the proposed method for the evaluation of effects is also provided.
3.6.2 Study Area
The study area, in respect to potential impacts on water resources, shall include the Proposed Development and a surrounding buffer of 250 m from the Site boundary. Additionally, the assessment will take into account potential hydrological downstream connectivity to areas extending beyond this buffer or sensitive receptors in potential hydrological connection to the Site.
The study area, in respect of potential impacts on peat and carbon rich soils, considers land within the Site.
3.6.3 Consultation
Consultation shall be carried out with the environmental health department of SLC in order to determine the locations of Private Water Supplies (PWS).
Consultation shall be carried out with Scottish Water to determine the sensitivity of the Site with regards to public water supplies and identify whether any Scottish Water assets or apparatus operated by Scottish Water may be directly affected by the Proposed Development.
3.6.4 Baseline Conditions
Surface Water Features
The Site drains predominantly to the north and ‘Garf Water’ which crosses the north of the Site and flows from the Site to the east, parallel to the north east boundary on the Site. Land within the access area at the north extent of the site drains in a southerly direction, also to Garf Water. A stream in the north west of the Site forms the headwaters of Garf Water and watercourses present in the central area of the Site and at the west boundary of the Site both drain in a northerly direction to Garf Water (see Figure 3.12, Appendix A). A small area in the south west of the Site drains in a southerly direction to the Hashy Burn. Further hydrological assessment shall determine catchment areas of the Site and determine likely surface water flow paths and areas of accumulation.
Garf Water is assessed by SEPA54 to be of ‘Good’ ecological status and ‘Good’ overall status under the Water Framework Directive classification scheme. Garf Water discharges to the River Clyde approximately 6.4 km east of the Site.
The current access route to the Site crosses Garf Water at the northern site boundary and an existing track onsite fords a watercourse. Aerial imagery suggests that further smaller agricultural drains may also be present on the Site.
Flood Risk
A review of the SEPA online Flood Risk Management Maps55 show that a very limited area of the Site (<5%), adjacent to Garf Water in the north east of the Site, is at a High risk of river flooding (land assessed as having a 10% annual probability of flooding). This area extends only very
54 SEPA Water Classification Hub. Available online at: https://www.sepa.org.uk/data-visualisation/water-classification-hub/ [last accessed, June 2021]
55 SEPA Flood Risk Management Maps. Available online: http://map.sepa.org.uk/floodmap/map.htm [last accessed, June 2021]
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slightly on to the Site from the river channel and is considered to represent a very minor flood risk at the Site.
Geology and Soils
According to the British Geological Survey’s (BGS) ‘Geology of Britain Viewer’ website (1:50,000)56, the underlying bedrock across the majority of the Site is mapped as ‘Biggar Volcanic Formation’, comprising basaltic lava and andesitic lava. Superficial deposits underlying the Site comprise Devensian Till (Diamicton) in the north of the site (underlying approximately 40% of the site) and alluvium (see Figure 3.13, Appendix A). No superficial deposits are recorded by the BGS underlying areas in the south of the site (see Figure 3.14, Appendix A).
A review of the NatureScot Carbon and peatland map (2016)57 indicates that the majority of the Site is absent of priority peatland habitat and carbon rich soils (see Figure 3.15, Appendix A). An area of Class 358 and Class 459 is shown within the western and southern parts of the Site, forming approximately 5% of the total Site area. These areas are shown as indicative of peaty soils, and mineral soils with some peatland, respectively. Most importantly, no nationally important carbon rich soils, deep peat or priority peatland habitats are mapped. Consistent with the analysis provided in Section 3.4, this indicates that the soils present are not considered to be of high conservation value.
According to the British Geological Survey’s (BGS) ‘Hydrogeology 625K digital hydrogeological map of the UK’ (1:625,000)60 the site is underlain by a Low productivity aquifer.
3.6.5 Potentially Significant Effects
Based on the baseline conditions described above, it is anticipated that the following potentially significant effects could occur as a result of the Proposed Development:
There is the potential to alter in-channel or overland flow regimes through excavations, disruption to artificial drains, exposure of bare earth or rock, alteration to forestry drains or field drains and the construction of watercourse crossings. There is the potential to increase erosion and transport of sediment to watercourses as a result of constructing watercourse crossings, vegetation and soil stripping, excavations and dewatering activities. Potential effects include indirect effects on aquatic ecology, fluvial morphology and PWS on or downstream of the Site. There is the potential to impact on receiving soils, groundwater and watercourse quality through the release of contaminated water and stored chemicals used on-site during construction works. Potential effects include those on water quality and indirect effects on aquatic ecology. There is potential to permanently alter or disrupt shallow groundwater flow, in particular through the construction of tracks, drainage measures and turbine foundations.
56 https://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html (Accessed June 2021)
57 https://map.environment.gov.scot/Soil_maps/ (Accessed June 2021)
58 “Class 3 - Dominant vegetation cover is not priority peatland habitat but is associated with wet and acidic type. Occasional peatland habitats can be found. Most soils are carbon-rich soils, with some areas of deep peat”
59 “Class 4 - Area unlikely to be associated with peatland habitats or wet and acidic type. Area unlikely to include carbon-rich soils”
60 Hydrogeology 625K digital hydrogeological map of the UK’ (1:625,000) https://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html?_ga=2.141365041.262654197.1602670475-360476160.1575038393 [Last accessed June2021]
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Excavation of soil and bedrock during the construction phase of the Proposed Development could cause localised disruption and interruption to groundwater flow. Interruption of groundwater flow would potentially reduce the supply of groundwater to Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs) thereby causing an alteration/change in the quality or quantity of and/or the physical or biological characteristics of the GWDTE. Contamination of groundwater may also cause physical or chemical contamination to the GWDTE. If PWS are found to be in hydrological or hydrogeological connection to the Proposed Development, there is the potential that the quality or quantity of the water supply could be affected. There is the potential for the water supply at groundwater or surface water abstraction locations to impacted.
3.6.6 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Based on a review of SEPA Flood Maps, it is noted that flood risk is highly unlikely to be increased by the Proposed Development, either through development taking place on areas considered to be at risk of flooding or through an increase in flood risk downstream. Ramboll would therefore expect the assessment of flood risk to form part of the EIAR chapter without the need for separate reporting, including conceptual description of SuDS measures to be employed at the Site to ensure runoff rates from the Site are not increased. However, if assets are found to be at significant flood risk, or, should the Proposed Development be found to have a potential impact on flood risk in the surrounding area, a detailed Flood Risk Assessment would be prepared.
A detailed assessment of potential flow rates at proposed watercourse crossing locations would be carried out by the contractor at the detailed design stage, such that all of the watercourse crossings identified for the Proposed Development would be designed in compliance with the requirements of The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 as amended. The design of watercourse crossings would also take account of the future ‘with climate change’ baseline and (to avoid altering the flow regime) would be sized for a 1:200 year plus climate change flood event. Detailed flow rate calculations shall not be carried out within the EIA assessment.
In the event that PWS at the Site lie outwith a 250 m buffer of infrastructure and construction activity of the Proposed Development, there will be no requirement for a separate detailed risk assessment for PWS abstractions (in line with SEPA LUPS guidance 4 and 3161). If a very limited number of PWS are identified, a risk assessment of the PWS shall be incorporated into the hydrology chapter of the EIAR.
Consultation with South Lanarkshire Council shall confirm the location of PWS located within the vicinity of the Site. Consultation with Scottish Water and South Lanarkshire Council shall confirm the locations of public and private water supplies for potable water in the vicinity of the Site.
The NatureScot Carbon and peatland map (2016)62 indicates that the majority of the Site is absent of priority peatland habitat and carbon rich soils (see Figure 3.15, Appendix A) which is supported by the findings of the Phase 1 habitat survey, therefore there are not anticipated to be
61 LUPS-GU31: Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems, Version 3 (September 2017); GPP 4: Treatment and disposal of wastewater where there is no connection to the public foul sewer (November 2017)
62 https://map.environment.gov.scot/Soil_maps/ (Accessed June 2021)
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likely significant effects on priority peatland. Potential effects on peat from the construction and operation of the Proposed Development are scoped out of the assessment.
3.6.7 Effects Evaluation
The assessment of the significance of soils and geology, hydrological and hydrogeological impacts will be undertaken by determining the sensitivity of the specific attribute and the magnitude of the impact upon the attribute. Impacts will be assessed for all phases of the Proposed Development. Following the determination of impacts, mitigation measures will be identified, and residual impacts identified.
An outline CEMP will be included as a technical appendix to the EIAR which will include mitigation measures, environmental management requirements, outline method statements and environmental monitoring requirements.
The EIAR will consist of a baseline assessment (both desk-based and from fieldwork), the development of hydrological constraints mapping, associated guidance and mitigation and an assessment of the impacts. Distinct and separate reports shall be provided, suitable for incorporation as Technical Appendices to the EIAR (as appropriate) covering:
Watercourse crossings description63; GWDTE construction impact review64;and Carbon calculator.
Sensitivity
Potential effects on water resources shall be described as beneficial, neutral or adverse and shall be considered with reference to the value or sensitivity of the receptor, as described in Table 3.13.
Table 3.13: Sensitivity of Environmental Resource
Sensitivity of Receptor Definition Typical Criteria
High International or national level High likelihood of fluvial/ tidal flooding importance. in the sub catchment – defined as 1:10
probability in a year. Receptor with a high quality and rarity, regional or EC Designated Salmonid / Cyprinid national scale and limited fishery Surface water WFD class 'High'. potential for substitution/ Scottish Government Drinking Water replacement. Protected Areas.
Aquifer providing regionally important resource such as abstraction for public water supply, abstraction for private water supply.
63 Assessment will be carried out in line with Scottish Government (2011, 2013, 2017) Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Regulations) Scotland 2011 (CAR) and their further amendments of 2013 and 2017 Available at: https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/
64 LUPS-GU31: Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems, Version 3 (September 2017)
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Supporting a site protected under EC or UK habitat legislation / species protected by EC
legislation.
Protected Bathing Water Area
Active floodplain.
Highly Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems.
Medium Regional, county and district Medium likelihood of fluvial/ tidal level importance. flooding in the sub catchment – defined as a 1:200 probability in a year. Receptor with a medium quality and rarity, regional Surface water WFD class ‘Good’ or scale and limited potential for 'Moderate' Aquifer providing water for substitution/replacement. agricultural or industrial use.
Local or regional ecological status / locally important fishery.
Contains some flood alleviation features.
Moderately sensitive Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems.
Low Local importance. Surface water WFD class 'Poor'.
Receptor is on-site or on a Unproductive strata / no abstractions neighbouring site with a low for water supply. quality and rarity, local scale. Sporadic fish present. Environmental equilibrium is No flood alleviation features. stable and is resilient to changes that are greater than Sewer.
natural fluctuations, without catchment. detriment to its present character.
Magnitude
The size or magnitude of each impact shall be determined as a predicted deviation from the baseline conditions during construction, operation and decommissioning, as described in Table 3.14.
Table 3.14: Magnitude of Impact on a Receptor
Magnitude of Impact Criteria
Large Large alteration / change in the quality or quantity of and / or to the physical or biological characteristics of environmental resource.
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Medium Medium alteration / change in the quality or quantity of and / or to the physical or biological characteristics of environmental resource.
Small Small alteration / change in the quality or quantity of and / or to the physical or biological characteristics of environmental resource.
None No alteration / change detectable in the quality or quantity of and / or to
the physical or biological characteristics of environmental resource.
In describing a potential effect, consideration has also been given to its geographical scale and duration, which have been defined as follows:
The geographical scale of an impact refers to the zone of influence, and can be described as: localised, site-wide, a specific distance / range from a source, regional, national, global; and The duration of an impact can be described as: short to long term, permanent or temporary for the duration of the construction / operational period.
Significance Criteria
The significance of residual effects shall be defined as a function of the sensitivity of receptors and the magnitude of change, as presented in Table 3.15, taking account of any mitigation proposed. Differentiations between categories, and thus the final significance ratings, are based upon professional judgement.
Table 3.15: Significance Criteria
Magnitude of Impact
Large Medium Small None Small
Sensitivity of High Major Major Minor None Receptor Medium Moderate Moderate Minor None
Low Minor Minor Negligible None
Major and moderate impacts (shaded in grey) are deemed significant in the context of the EIA Regulations. Minor and negligible impacts shall not be considered significant in EIA terms.
Cumulative Impacts
Potential cumulative environmental impacts to soils, geology and water resources will be assessed where concurrent proposed wind farm sites or construction activity may be in hydrological connection with the Proposed Development, or water resource receptors. Where potential cumulative impacts are identified, the same criteria as used for assessment of the Proposed Development will be employed.
Residual Impacts
It is anticipated that, as assessment of potential impacts would inform the design of the Proposed Development and best practice measures would be implemented during the construction and operation of the Proposed Development, any residual impacts to the water environment would be
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avoided. However, should potential residual impacts to the water environment be identified through the assessment process described above, suitable mitigation measures shall be set out in the EIAR chapter or appropriate technical appendices.
3.6.8 Questions for Consultees
Are there any other relevant consultees who should be contacted, or other sources of information that should be referenced with respect to the hydrology, hydrogeology and geology assessment? Do consultees agree that the proposed assessment methods are suitable for conducting a robust impact assessment? Do consultees believe that there are any further hydrology, hydrogeology and geology features which need to be considered in the assessment? Do consultees agree with the effects scoped out of the assessment?
3.7 Traffic and Transport
3.7.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by SYSTRA Ltd and sets out the proposed approach to the assessment of potential environmental effects associated with increased road traffic during the construction and operational stages of the Proposed Development, including identification of possible measures to minimise disruption to the local and strategic road network.
3.7.2 Study Area
The study area for the assessment of traffic and associated environmental effects will consider receptors along the B7055, the A70 (Ayr Road) and the B7078 corridors. The main sensitive receptors to increased traffic levels and associated environmental effects are likely to be residents of Rigside in the A70 corridor, isolated dwellings along each of the corridors and those who use the roads for leisure and recreational purposes (walkers, cyclists etc). The M74 trunk road will also be included within the study area.
3.7.3 Consultation
Consultation on the proposed scope and methodology of the traffic and transport assessment is sought from SLC in relation to the publicly adopted local roads and from Transport Scotland in relation to the trunk road network to be utilised by vehicles associated with the Proposed Development.
3.7.4 Approach
A full EIAR chapter will be provided in relation to access, traffic and transport matters. The EIAR chapter will contain a full assessment of the potential environmental effects associated with increased traffic. An abnormal loads assessment will be submitted as a technical appendix to the EIAR.
3.7.5 Baseline Conditions
The traffic, transport and access study area will be defined by the preferred Abnormal Loads and general construction traffic routes to the Site.
The Proposed Development is located in a relatively rural part of South Lanarkshire, however road access to the Site is relatively good with the M74 motorway lying to the south west of the Site providing strategic access to Glasgow to the north west and to the north of England to the south. The Site would take access from the B7055 which runs in an east west direction to the
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north of the Site. The B7055 links to the A70 to the north east of the site and the A70 links with the M74 motorway at Uddington.
Abnormal Loads are likely to be transported from Glasgow to the north west via the motorway network, the 7078, A70, and B7055 but this will be confirmed by means of an Abnormal Loads Assessment which will be submitted as a technical appendix to the EIAR.
General construction traffic will generally utilise the M74 motorway (from north and south) and then access the Site via the B7078, A70 and B7055.
The traffic and transport chapter of the EIAR will provide a detailed description of each road within the study area and include baseline traffic flow data and accident data for the links within the identified study area.
3.7.6 Potentially Significant Effects
It is considered that potentially significant effects could arise during the construction phase of the Proposed Development. The main potential effects considered are:
Traffic congestion due to an increase in Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) traffic related to material and component delivery; Environmental effects associated with increased traffic; Traffic congestion due to an increase in non-HGV traffic; Abnormal or accelerated road wear and tear; and Road widening/ improvements to accommodate abnormal loads.
3.7.7 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Operation
Once the Proposed Development is operational, there would be little traffic associated with it apart from occasional maintenance vehicles which would have negligible effect. Therefore, it is proposed not to undertake any assessment of the operational phase of the Proposed Development in respect of traffic, transport and access.
Decommissioning
As described in Section 2.4.5, following the period of wind farm operation, the Site would either be repowered or decommissioned. If the Site was to be decommissioned, this would involve the decommissioning of some elements of the Proposed Development and traffic associated with decommissioning would include HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), abnormal loads and private cars. The number of vehicle trips associated with decommissioning would be significantly less than those associated with construction. At this stage it is not possible to quantify decommissioning traffic volumes as the precedent for decommissioning has not yet been established. It is also not possible to quantify the effect of decommissioning traffic as the baseline conditions will change over time.
Traffic, transport and access impacts and effects associated with decommissioning will therefore not be addressed in the EIAR.
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3.7.8 Effects Evaluation
The assessment will be carried out in accordance with the relevant policy and guidance documents including the Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment65, IEMA Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic66 (“the IEMA Guidelines”), Transport Assessment Guidance67; and the Design Manual for Roads & Bridges (DMRB)68.
The collated traffic flow data is expected to confirm existing traffic levels including LGVs and HGVs within the study area. These figures will be combined with the forecast levels of Proposed Development traffic in order to identify the likely significant effects within the study area taking cognisance of IEMA Guidelines. In accordance with the IEMA Guidelines, the method used for assessing environmental effects of increased traffic will be based on a comparison in percentage terms between predicted traffic flows on potentially affected roads with and without the proposed development traffic. In addition to this, the overall carrying capacity of the road in question will be considered in undertaking the assessment.
The IEMA guidelines set out a list of environmental effects which should be assessed for significance in relation to the transport resource (if the identified thresholds are exceeded, i.e. ‘Rule 1’ or ‘Rule 2’ described below), as follows:
Noise and vibration;
Air pollution;
Severance;
Driver delay;
Pedestrian delay and amenity;
Accidents and safety;
Dust and dirt; and
Hazardous loads.
The assessment will explore whether effects on these are likely to be significant based upon two tests contained within IEMA Guidelines. The guidelines suggest that, in order to determine the scale and extent of the assessment and the level of impact that the Proposed Development will have on the surrounding road network, the following two ‘rules’ should be applied:
Rule 1 - Include highway links where flows are predicted to increase by more than 30% or where the number of HGVs is predicted to increase by more than 30%; and
Rule 2 - Include any other specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows are predicted to increase by 10% or more.
65 The Institution of Highways and Transportation, 1994. Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment. London: The Institution
66 Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1993. Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic, Guidance Note 1. Institute of Environmental Assessment
67 Transport Scotland, 2012. Transport Assessment Guidance. [pdf] Glasgow: Transport Scotland. Available from:
68 Highways Agency, 2008. Design Manual for Roads Bridges. [pdf] Highways Agency. Available at:
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These rules will be used as a screening exercise to determine whether a detailed assessment of effects on the routes within the study area is necessary. Where a detailed assessment is required, sensitivity and magnitude criteria will be used in order to determine the significance of effects.
The traffic, transport and access assessment will seek to provide a robust (worst case) assessment of impacts and effects associated with the Proposed Development.
The main transport constraints relating to the Proposed Development relate to the transportation of Abnormal Loads and the impact of general construction traffic on any sensitive receptors. An assessment of Abnormal Loads will be undertaken to identify the preferred route to Site, from the nearest suitable port and to assess what mitigating measures may be required on the public road network.
The assessment will identify the potential traffic and associated environmental effects on sensitive receptors and mitigation will be proposed where necessary. Mitigation would likely take the form of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP); and an outline CTMP will be included in the EIAR.
Cumulative Effects
The anticipated cumulative effects of the potential for overlapping construction programmes for the Proposed Development in addition to other proposed developments in the area will be considered. The mechanism for mitigation of any cumulative effects is the implementation of a CTMP.
It is important to note that a cumulative assessment in respect of traffic, transport and access effects is dependent on the likelihood of more than one wind farm being under construction at the same time as the Proposed Development. This is especially pertinent to the peak construction periods associated with the importation of stone which would be dependent on the outputs of local quarries.
3.7.9 Questions for Consultees
Do Consultees agree with the proposed scope of the traffic and transport assessment?
3.8 Noise and Vibration
3.8.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by TNEI. Environmental, or community noise is a broad term that encompasses noise emitted from many sources, including road, rail, air traffic, industry, construction, public work and neighbourhood noise. All of these sources potentially contribute adversely to the overall noise environment. It is therefore reasonable to expect communities to be sensitive to any deterioration in their acoustic environment as a result of a proposed development.
The Proposed Development will introduce new sound sources into the local area in the form of construction plant and activities during the construction and decommissioning phases and wind turbines and a substation during the operational phase.
This section, therefore, considers the potential for adverse noise impacts to occur from both the construction, decommissioning and operation of the Proposed Development and describes the assessment methods that will be used within the EIA.
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3.8.2 Study Area
Noise Sensitive Receptors (NSRs) are properties, people or fauna that are sensitive to noise and, therefore, may require protection from nearby sound sources. The study area for the noise assessments will be defined by the location of the nearest NSRs, on the assumption that if noise is acceptable at the closest receptors then it should also be acceptable at more distant receptors.
For the operational noise assessment more distant receptors may also be considered if cumulative noise levels from other nearby wind farm developments are anticipated to be at least 35 dB LA90(10mins) and the contribution of the Proposed Development is within 10 dB of the total noise level.
Noise Assessment Locations (NALs) will be defined to represent the closest individual or clusters of NSRs, which will be the location at which noise immissions levels are calculated. Figure 3.16 (Appendix A) details the proposed NALs, which will be confirmed with the relevant Environmental Health Officer (EHO) prior to undertaking any assessment.
3.8.3 Consultation
Consultation will be undertaken with an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at SLC to agree the following:
Noise Monitoring Locations (NMLs) for the baseline survey; NALs; and The methodology for the setting of noise limits for both construction and operational noise assessments.
3.8.4 Approach
At a national level the relevant policy documents are: Planning Advice Note (PAN) 1/2011 – ‘Planning and Noise,’ and the associated Technical Advice Note (TAN) – ‘Assessment of Noise’.
PAN 1/2011 provides little guidance in respect of construction noise, other than recommending that the use of planning conditions is not the preferred method for controlling temporary construction noise. Specifically, the document states:
“32. While planning conditions can be used to limit noise from temporary construction sites, it is most effectively controlled through the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (COPA74) and the Pollution and Prevention Control Act 1999 for relevant installations. Notice can be served in advance of works and site conditions set to control activities.”
BS5228:1997 ‘Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Code of practice for basic information and procedures for noise and vibration control’ parts 1 to 5 (BSI, 1997) is the approved Code of Practice under COPA74, however, it is the 2009 version of the Standard which should be used for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications, as stated in the associated TAN:
“However, under Environmental Impact Assessments and for planning purposes i.e. not in regard to the Control of Pollution Act 1974, the 2009 version of BS 5228 is applicable. The 2009 version of the standard consists of Parts 1 and 2 for noise and vibration respectively.”
With regards to operational noise from wind farms PAN1/2011 refers to Scottish Government online planning advice, ‘Onshore Wind Turbines,’ which states that ETSU-R-97 ‘The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms’ (ETSU-R-97) “should be followed by applicants and consultees, and used by planning authorities to assess and rate noise from wind energy developments, until such time as an update is available.” The online guidance also refers to the
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Institute of Acoustics’ (IOA) document 'Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind Turbine Noise.' (GPG).
With due regards to the above it is proposed that the construction noise assessment is undertaken in accordance with BS 5228:2009+A1:2014 and the operational noise assessment is undertaken in accordance with ETSU-R-97 and the IOA GPG.
3.8.5 Baseline Conditions
The Site is rural in nature and the surrounding area is sparsely populated, so existing noise levels are anticipated to be typically low for a rural environment; however, some receptors to the south may be influenced by noise from the M74. Close to NAL06, Newtonhead Farm, is a small operational wind turbine, which is also expected to influence the local noise environment.
A baseline sound level survey will be undertaken to determine the existing background and ambient sound levels in the vicinity of the nearest NSRs. The exact NMLs will be determined through consultation with the EHO but it is anticipated that noise monitoring will be undertaken at four or five NSRs within the curtilage of the properties. The survey period will be sufficient to capture a suitable range of wind speeds in accordance with the IOA GPG.
No monitoring is proposed close to NAL06 as the existing wind turbine would significantly affect the measured levels; however, there are a number of alternative methods of assessment detailed in the IOA GPG that can be used under these circumstances. These will be discussed with the EHO to enable an alternative approach to monitoring and assessment for this location.
A typical ambient sound level (dB LAeq(t)) will be determined for each NAL in order to identify appropriate noise threshold levels for the construction noise assessment in accordance with BS 5228.
A typical background sound level (dB LA90(10mins)) will be determined for each NAL in order to set appropriate operational noise level limits in accordance with ETSU-R-97. The background sound levels will be correlated with wind speed data measured on the Site so that separate noise limits can be set for 1 m/s wind speed bands ranging from turbine cut-in to maximum noise level output.
3.8.6 Design Considerations
The operational noise limits need to be derived at an early stage so that the Proposed Development can be designed to ensure the noise limits can be achieved.
The operational noise assessment will consider both the Proposed Development and any other operational, consented or proposed wind turbine schemes in the area. There are typically three stages to this assessment:
1. Determination of the noise limits at NSRs surrounding the proposed, consented and operational development(s): Noise limits will be set in accordance with ETSU-R-97 and may, in some cases, be modified to reflect local policy. It should be noted that the noise limits established in accordance with ETSU-R-97 would relate to the total cumulative wind turbine noise in the area; 2. An assessment of the ‘likely’ impacts, namely whether the total cumulative predicted noise levels will be below the ETSU-R-97 limits (‘Total Noise Limits’) at the closest NSRs; and 3. An assessment which takes account of the cumulative noise situation to determine suitable ‘Site Specific Noise Limits’ for the Proposed Development. This will be done in such a way that the total noise cannot exceed the Total Noise Limits at each receptor i.e.
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the assessment will take account of the proportion of the Total Noise Limit that has already been given away to, and / or may be used by, the existing consented developments in the area.
The wind farm layout will be designed in such a way that the total noise will not exceed the Total Noise Limits and the Site specific noise will not exceed the Site Specific Noise Limits.
3.8.7 Potentially Significant Effects
Noise effects during the construction phase will be temporary and short term in duration. Annex E, part E.3.2 of BS5228, clearly sets criteria for assessing the significance of construction noise effects and gives examples of acceptable threshold levels for weekday daytimes, evenings, night- times and weekends. The construction noise assessment will determine whether noise levels will be below these threshold levels, however, BS 5228 also provides significant guidance on the use of mitigation measures and best practice techniques to reduce construction noise. Accordingly, the assessment will also determine how and where these measures should be employed if required.
Noise emitted during the operational phase of the Proposed Development is not expected to be significant as achievement of the relevant noise limits will form a key part of the site design. However, the significance of the effects will be assessed and presented as part of the EIAR.
3.8.8 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Activities associated with decommissioning of the Proposed Development are assumed to generate similar or lower noise levels to those occurring during construction. As such an assessment of decommissioning noise will be scoped out. This is based on the assumption that if the construction noise assessment indicates the noise limits can be met, they should also be met during the decommissioning phase.
Where noise at the nearest NSRs is limited to an LA90,10min of 35 dB(A) up to wind speeds of 10 ms-1 at 10 m, then it does not need to be considered in the noise assessment, as protection of the amenity of these properties can be controlled through a simplified noise limit, as detailed in ETSU-R-97. The first step of any noise assessment for the final wind farm design will therefore be to establish if these conditions are met across all residential properties in the vicinity of the Proposed Development. If they are, then the EIAR will conclude that there will be no significant operational noise effects from the Proposed Development.
Properties where noise from the Proposed Development is more than 10 dB below the limits and 10 dB below the cumulative noise levels from other wind turbine developments will be scoped out of the assessment as the Proposed Development will be having a negligible impact at the properties.
3.8.9 Effects Evaluation
The construction noise assessment will be made against the levels detailed in Table E.1 of BS 5228, titled ‘Example threshold of potential significant effect at dwellings’. Calculated levels below the adopted threshold levels will be determined as Not Significant.
Similarly, the operational noise assessment will compare the predicted noise levels against the ETSU-R-97 derived noise limits and calculated levels below the derived limits will be determined as Not Significant.
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Cumulative Assessment
The assessment of cumulative noise is an integral element of the operational noise assessment. Cumulative operational noise impacts will be avoided through the appropriate setting of site specific noise limits, as detailed in Section 3.8.6.
3.8.10 Questions for Consultees
Do Consultees agree with the proposed scope of the noise assessment?
3.9 Infrastructure, Aviation and Telecommunications
3.9.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by BUK. It details the approach that will be taken to the consideration of existing infrastructure, aviation and telecommunications in the design process, and the consideration of effects on these receptors. Unlike other assessments, an approach of determining magnitude and sensitivity will not be undertaken for these receptors. Instead, they will be based on the outcome of technical assessment and consultation with owners and operators of the receptors.
3.9.2 Study Area
The study area will be defined by the nature of the interaction between the Proposed Development and the receptor.
For physical infrastructure it will be restricted to the physical area where the construction or operation of the Proposed Development could interact with the infrastructure.
For telecommunications, the study area will be determined by the proximity of any links to the turbine locations, which is likely to be within 100-200 m. It is not expected to extend beyond 1km from the turbine locations.
For civil and defence aviation installations the study area is defined by the extent of coverage and usage of the area served by the receptors. For radar this will include radars which have visibility of the turbines and where that visibility has the potential to affect their safe operation. For the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Eskdalemuir Seismic Monitoring Station, the Site is within the 50 km consultation zone.
3.9.3 Consultation
Consultation will be undertaken with National Grid to confirm the stand-off distances applied between the turbines, other infrastructure and the high-pressure gas pipelines in the vicinity of the site, and to determine whether any additional construction control measures are required.
Consultation will be carried out with telecommunication providers to confirm the locations of the links. Information obtained from the consultees will be analysed and if required the Proposed Development layout will be adjusted to achieve recommended separation distances from the existing telecommunication links or mitigation provided.
Consultation will be carried out with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and MoD as part of the EIA process to inform the assessment of potential effects on civil and defence installations.
3.9.4 Baseline Conditions
There is a National Grid high pressure gas pipeline in the southwestern extent of the site, and another in the far eastern extent. The locations of these pipelines are known and the layout in Figure 1.2 has maintained a 1.5 times hub height separation distance from them in line with
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United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Operators Association (UKOPA) Good Practice69 and no new crossings of the pipelines within the site are currently proposed.
Preliminary line of site assessment indicates that the Proposed Development may be visible to NATS Lowther Hill radar installation, located approximately 21 km to the south. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is approximately 53 km to the west and Glasgow Airport approximately 54 km to the northwest. Line of site analysis indicates that the Proposed Development is not expected to be visible to either of these radars.
The closest turbine is approximately 45 km from the MOD’s Eskdalemuir Seismic monitoring station and therefore within the 50 km consultation zone set by the MoD to consider impacts of seismic vibrations on the array.
3.9.5 Potentially Significant Effects
Wind farm developments have the potential to interfere with aviation radar and electro-magnetic signals passing above ground and existing infrastructure that is buried below ground.
It is known that wind farm proposals can impact significantly on primary, secondary or weather radar stations and thus affect operational safety. Developers are encouraged to engage with these organisations and airport operators at an early stage in the design process, to establish the potential impacts and agree acceptable technical solutions. Where actual or potential conflicts exist, it is important that a solution is identified, and that the relevant consultee agrees to that solution being realised within a suitable timescale.
3.9.6 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Based on existing line of site analysis, effects on Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Glasgow Airport radars are expected to be scoped out of detailed assessment.
3.9.7 Effects Evaluation
Consultation would lead to greater knowledge of existing links and transmitters and the technical requirements of mitigation measures to offset any disruption such as:
Radar and obstacle effects for aircraft. Reflection / scatter of point-to-point microwave radio links. Reflection of television signals leading to ‘ghosting’ images.
Investigation would be undertaken to examine any potential problems with interference and ways to minimise interference through Site layout.
Arrangements with the telecommunications and transmitting companies would be described in the EIAR to cover any mitigation measures necessary.
3.10 Socio-economics, Recreation and Tourism
3.10.1 Overview
This section has been prepared by Ramboll UK Limited. The assessment of socio-economic impacts includes both direct economic impacts and wider indirect effects associated with capital investment, operational expenditure in developing the Proposed Development, potential impacts on population and demographics, and potential impacts on tourism and recreational activities and assets. This section provides a summary of baseline socio-economic information relevant to the
69 URL: https://www.ukopa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/UKOPA-GPG013-Requirements-for-the-Siting-and-Installation-of-Wind- Turbines-Installations-in-the-Vicinity-of-Buried-Pipelines-Edition-1.pdf
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assessment of likely significant effects associated with all stages of the Proposed Development. Following the baseline review, this section details the potential impacts to be addressed within the EIAR and the proposed method of the evaluation of effects. A rationale for those issues proposed to be scoped out from further consideration is also provided.
3.10.2 Study Area
For the purposes of the EIA, the following socioeconomic study areas would be considered:
Local Area: Clydesdale East and Clydesdale South Electoral Wards; Regional: South Lanarkshire Council area; and National: Scotland.
3.10.3 Consultation
The following consultees are invited to provide input to the scope of the socioeconomic impact assessment via the scoping consultation process.
South Lanarkshire Council; Duneaton Community Council; Douglas Community Council; Carmichael Community Council; British Horse Society; Clyde River Foundation; Fisheries Management Scotland; Mountaineering Scotland; Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (ScotWays); Visit Scotland; and Any other relevant interested stakeholders.
In addition, the Applicant will be completing a programme of pre-application public and stakeholder engagement during the coming months.
3.10.4 Approach
A desk based socio-economic assessment will consider the potential direct and indirect, adverse and beneficial effects of the Proposed Development on the Local Area, Regional areas and on a national level.
Existing publicly held information, surveys and assessments of socioeconomic indicators for the study area will be collated and reviewed as part of the EIA. Visitors and tourist profiles, land uses and ownership and nearby public facilities will also be considered in the EIA. Public attitudes to wind farms will be referenced, along with other background information in order to assess the Proposed Development for significant effects.
3.10.5 Baseline Conditions
Population
There are several scattered settlements, villages and towns within the vicinity of the Proposed Development. The following key settlements have been identified within the Local Area:
Rigside, approximately 2.5 km north west; Douglas, approximately 3 km west; Newton, approximately 1.5 km east; and Roberton, approximately 2 km south east.
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There is one residential property, Little Gala Farm, within the Site’s boundary to the east of the proposed turbine locations. Further individual properties are located along the B7088 and the minor road located to the west of the Site.
The Site is located within Clydesdale East Electoral Ward, which includes the villages of Symington, Abington and Biggar. In 2019, the population of this area was estimated to be 12,78070, while the population of South Lanarkshire as a whole was estimated to be 320,530.
However, the Site lies immediately east of the ward boundary with Clydesdale South Electoral Ward, which includes the villages of Douglas, Uddington and Lesmahagow. In 2019, the population of this area was estimated to be 14,94071.
Further statistics to support the assessment of economic impacts, including information on the local labour markets and supply chain synergies with the Proposed Development would be provided in the EIAR.
Tourism and Recreation
There are no tourism assets or destinations within the Site; however, the Local Area includes a number of visitor attractions and tourism destinations, including the following:
New Lanark World Heritage Site, located approximately 10 km north of the Site. This includes a visitor centre and woodland walks within the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve; Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum, located in Biggar, approximately 14 km east of the Site; and Golf courses located in the towns of Carnwath and Biggar.
The Clyde Valley tourist route is located within the Local Area. Of the advertised stops within the Clyde Valley tourist route, the Rhuallan Raptors falconry centre in Carnwath is closest to the Site.
There are several summits within the vicinity of the Proposed Development, including the Graham Tinto Hill to the north of the Site (see Figure 3.5, Appendix A), which is used by hillwalkers and mountain bikers.
Retail, catering and accommodation facilities in the Local Area are largely concentrated in the settlements of Lanark, New Lanark and Biggar, although a few isolated B&Bs, guest houses and other local businesses have been identified in rural locations closer to the Site. Holiday cottages have been identified in Lesmahagow, Douglas and at Thankerton, where trout fishing is available to guests.
The Clyde Walkway is a long distance footpath stretching 65 km from Glasgow in the north to the Falls of Clyde, at New Lanark. It is located approximately 10 km north of the Site at its closet point, as shown in Figure 3.5 (Appendix A). The Clyde Walkway is designated as one of ‘Scotland’s Great Trails’72.
70 Scottish Government (2019), Electoral Ward: Clydesdale East. Available at: https://statistics.gov.scot/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.gov.scot%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FS13003097 [Last Accessed: 21/06/2021]
71 https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/scotland/wards/S12000029__south_lanarkshire/ (accessed 21/06/2021)
72 https://www.scotlandsgreattrails.com/trail/clyde-walkway/
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There are also several Core Paths within the Local Area73 (Figure 3.5, Appendix A), which may be used for recreational purposes. The nearest core path ‘CL/5143’, which runs southwards from Rigside village, is located approximately 1.7 km north west of the Site boundary.
There is one National Cycle Network (NCN) route within the Local Area; NCN 74. This runs from Hamilton in the north to the village of Abington in the south, and largely runs parallel to the route of the M74, using a mixture of on-road sections (B7078) and traffic-free path (see Figure 3.5, Appendix A).
Existing local socioeconomics issues are likely to include a narrow local business base and limited access to services, while local tourism and leisure activity is likely to be primarily related to the New Lanark World Heritage Site and outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, hill climbing, golf and fishing.
3.10.6 Issues Scoped Out of the Assessment
Based on the nature of the Proposed Development (an onshore wind farm), its extent and duration of both construction and operational phases, effects on population and demographics in terms of demand for housing, health or educational services is expected to be negligible or none at all. As such it is proposed that these matters are scoped out of further consideration.
There are no tourism assets or destinations within the Site. The potential effects on visual amenity for tourism and recreational locations within 20 km of the Site, including recreational routes, will be fully assessed in the EIAR as part of the Landscape and Visual Amenity Assessment. In addition, research undertaken by Visit Scotland74 and BiGGAR Economics75 suggests that there is no evidence that the presence of wind farm developments have an adverse effect on the tourism sector in Scotland, and no relationship has been identified between the development of onshore wind farms and tourism employment at the level of the Scottish economy, at local authority nor in the areas immediately surrounding wind farm development. It is also not anticipated that the construction of the Proposed Development would entail significant road works, closures or diversions which would have potential to adversely affect access to tourism assets, therefore no potential for significant effects is identified.
As such it is proposed that potential socioeconomic impacts on tourism and recreational locations are scoped out of further consideration.
3.10.7 Effects Evaluation
Public Access to the Site
The existing site is subject to the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 in relation to public access, although there is very limited, if any, public use of the site. The provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 will continue to apply to the operational development and will be documented in the EIAR. This will clarify the extent of current public access, define existing routes and identify restrictions during construction and operation of the Proposed Development.
73 South Lanarkshire Core Paths Plan, available at https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200166/getting_outdoors/1002/outdoor_access/3 (accessed 21/06/2021)
74 Visit Scotland (2014), VisitScotland Position Statement - Wind Farms. Available online: https://www.visitscotland.org/binaries/content/assets/dot-org/pdf/policies/visitscotland-position-statement---wind-farms---oct- 2014.pdf
75 BiGGAR Economics (2016). Wind Farms and Tourism Trends in Scotland [pdf]. Available at http://www.biggareconomics.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/2016/07/Research-Report-on-Wind-Farms-and-Tourism-in-Scotland-July-16.pdf; and Renewables UK (2010). I. [pdf] Renewables UK. Available at: http://www.helensburghrenewables.co.uk/wp-uploads/2013/02/ReUK-Tourism.pdf
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It is not anticipated that there would be any impacts to public footpaths and rights of way during construction and operation of the Proposed Development. However, if any re-routing of paths under a Right of Way is required, alternative routes will be indicated.
Potential Likely Significant Effects
The EIAR will include relevant economic information connected with the Proposed Development, including the potential number of jobs supported (local authority and Scotland wide), economic activity associated with the procurement, construction and decommissioning of the Proposed Development, community benefits and disbenefits and opportunities for local people to invest in the Proposed Development.
Based on the baseline review, the following potential likely significant beneficial effects have been identified:
Economic Impacts; Expenditure; Community Benefits; and Non-domestic Rates.
3.10.8 Questions for Consultees
Do Consultees agree with the proposed scope of the socio-economics, recreation and tourism assessment?
3.11 Shadow Flicker
Scottish Government web-based advice on onshore wind turbines (previously known as PAN45) states that “where separation is provided between wind turbines and nearby dwellings (as a general rule 10 rotor diameters), ‘shadow flicker’ should not be a problem.”
The potential for shadow flicker effects will be addressed through the Proposed Development design process (and reported in the design/alternatives section of the EIAR). An assessment will be undertaken of the potential for shadow flicker to occur at properties within a 10-rotor diameter separation distance. A summary of the predicted shadow flicker will be provided along with options for mitigation, including but not limited to a software-based turbine mitigation during times of shadow flicker.
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4. TOPICS SCOPED OUT OF THE ASSESSMENT
4.1 Air Quality
The Proposed Development is not considered likely to give rise to significant impacts on air quality. The main activities will be limited to construction works (dust from soil stripping and earthworks, from excavation, potentially including occasional blasting, and from vehicles running over unsurfaced ground) and exhaust emissions from fixed and mobile construction plant and construction vehicles. Construction works will be localised, short term, intermittent and controllable through the application of good construction practice. Fixed and mobile plant would be limited in size and number and would operate for short periods.
The contributions of exhaust emissions (NO2 and PM10) from construction vehicles are likely to be low, and orders of magnitude below current Air Quality Objectives. Therefore, it is proposed that the EIA will not address air quality impacts.
4.2 Ice Throw
Standard mitigation for risk of ice throw comprises offsite monitoring to enable deactivation of the turbine on sensing ice accumulation, as well as physical and visual warnings for both site personnel and third parties.
In line with current guidance76, a permanent warning sign at the Site’s entrance is proposed to alert the public to this issue. No detailed assessment is proposed as part of the EIAR.
4.3 Peat
Based on the desk top baseline information (see Section 3.6) and findings of the Phase 1 habitat survey (see Section 3.4), there is not anticipated to be likely significant effects on priority peatland. Therefore, potential effects on peat from the construction and operation of the Proposed Development are scoped out of the assessment and no outline peat management plan or peat slide risk assessment are proposed.
4.4 Climate Change
The Proposed Development itself will contribute to climate change mitigation through the production of renewable energy.
A statement of the expected carbon savings over the lifetime of the Proposed Development will be presented. The ‘carbon calculation’ will present the carbon emissions associated with ground conditions, access preparations, foundation excavations, materials used on Site, the transportation of materials and components to Site and any other carbon loss through tree felling or through degradation of peat/peaty soils. This will be completed using the Scottish Government online tool77, and will be summarised within a technical appendix to the Project Description chapter. Given the absence of peat surveys on site the tool will be completed based on reasonable desk based assumption regarding the presence of peat.
The vulnerability of the Proposed Development to climate change will be considered as part of the detailed design of the Proposed Development which will consider potential consequences of
76 Scottish Renewables, Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA and Forestry Commission Scotland, 2015. Good Practice During Wind Farm Construction, Version 3 [pdf] Available at: < http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1168678.pdf > [Accessed 04.09.2018].
77 Available at http://informatics.sepa.org.uk/CarbonCalculator/ [Accessed 04.09.2018]
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climate change, e.g. increased flood risk potential and more extreme weather conditions. Appropriate design mitigation measures will be implemented, as necessary.
4.5 Human Health
The EIA will consider human health in terms of potential noise impact and potential impacts from shadow flicker (as described above). As such, a separate human health impact assessment chapter will not be presented.
4.6 Risk of Major Accidents and/or Disasters
Due to the nature of the Proposed Development, the risk of a major accident or disaster is considered to be extremely low. In addition, the Site is located in a remote area, with few nearby receptors. A risk assessment process will be followed by the Principal Designer during the design stage as part of the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This will ensure that all potential risks are identified at an early stage and appropriate mitigation is implemented.
During the operational stage of the Proposed Development, routine maintenance inspections will be completed in order to ensure compliant operation of the Proposed Development.
No further assessment of the risk of major accidents and/or disasters is proposed.
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5. NEXT STEPS
This report is provided to SLC under Regulation 17 of the EIA Regulations in support of a request by the Applicant for a 'Scoping Opinion' regarding the information to be provided within the EIAR which will accompany the application for planning permission.
In forming its opinion, SLC will seek the views of various organisations with an interest in the Proposed Development, inviting comments on the proposed scope of and approach to the EIA proposed herein.
In submitting your comments to SLC on this report, Ramboll would be grateful if you could additionally send a copy of your response to the email addresses below:
Email: [email protected]
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APPENDIX A FIGURES
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APPENDIX B CONSULTEE LIST
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Table B.1: Consultee List
Planning Authority
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC)
Statutory Consultees
NatureScot (NS) (Formally Scottish Natural Heritage)
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Non-Statutory Consultees
Association of District Salmon Fishery Boards
British Horse Society
British Telecom (BT)
Carmichael Community Council
Civil Aviation Authority – Airspace
Clyde River Foundation
Crown Estate Scotland
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Douglas Community Council
Duneaton Community Council
Fisheries Management Scotland
John Muir Trust
Joint Radio Company
Marine Scotland Science
Mountaineering Scotland
NATS Safeguarding
Nuclear Safety Directorate (HSE)
RSPB Scotland
Scottish Forestry
Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (ScotWays)
Scottish Wild Land Group (SWLG)
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Scottish Water
Transport Scotland
Visit Scotland
West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS)
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