Energiekontor UK Ltd Environmental Statement Volume 1: Written Text April 2015 Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm ES Volume 1 Chapter 1 Introduction CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1-1 The Applicant – Energiekontor UK Ltd ....................................................................................... 1-1 The Proposed Development ...................................................................................................... 1-2 Background to the Environmental Statement (ES) ................................................................. 1-2 Conformance with EIA Regulations .......................................................................................... 1-3 Structure of the Environmental Statement ............................................................................... 1-3 Scoping Exercise .......................................................................................................................... 1-4 Contact for Further Information ................................................................................................. 1-4 2 APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2-1 EIA Process .................................................................................................................................... 2-1 Approach to Technical Studies Undertaken ............................................................................ 2-2 Structure of ES Technical Chapters ........................................................................................... 2-2 Consultation ................................................................................................................................. 2-8 3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN EVOLUTION 3-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3-1 Regulatory and Policy Context .................................................................................................. 3-1 The Site and Its Surroundings ...................................................................................................... 3-3 Description of Proposed Development .................................................................................... 3-4 Access ........................................................................................................................................... 3-7 Wind Farm Operation .................................................................................................................. 3-7 Site Selection Methodology ....................................................................................................... 3-8 Design Evolution ......................................................................................................................... 3-11 Summary of Design Evolution ................................................................................................... 3-13 4 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY AND PROGRAMME 4-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4-1 Legislation and Policy Context .................................................................................................. 4-1 Planning Policy ............................................................................................................................. 4-1 Anticipated Construction Programme and Timescales ......................................................... 4-1 Construction Works ...................................................................................................................... 4-2 Pre-Construction Works ............................................................................................................... 4-3 Temporary Highway Works ......................................................................................................... 4-4 Construction Compound ........................................................................................................... 4-4 Site Access .................................................................................................................................... 4-4 Site Tracks ...................................................................................................................................... 4-4 Crane Hardstandings and Outrigger Pads .............................................................................. 4-5 Wind Turbine Foundations .......................................................................................................... 4-6 Wind Turbine Transformers .......................................................................................................... 4-8 Energiekontor UK Ltd | April 2015 Fulbeck Airfield Wind Farm ES Volume 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Commissioning of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment ................................................... 4-10 Reinstatement and Removal of Temporary Works................................................................ 4-10 5 RENEWABLE ENERGY AND PLANNING POLICY 5-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5-1 Planning Policy ............................................................................................................................. 5-1 Supplementary Planning Guidance ....................................................................................... 5-12 National Planning Policy and Guidance ................................................................................ 5-12 Renewable Energy Policy Framework .................................................................................... 5-20 6 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL 6-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 6-1 Legislation, Policy and Guidance ............................................................................................. 6-4 Assessment Methodology ........................................................................................................... 6-7 Baseline Conditions ................................................................................................................... 6-19 Landscape and Visual Effects ................................................................................................. 6-29 Mitigation and Enhancement .................................................................................................. 6-52 Residual Effects .......................................................................................................................... 6-52 Cumulative Effects .................................................................................................................... 6-52 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 6-74 7 CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY 7-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 7-1 Baseline Conditions ................................................................................................................... 7-15 Key Impacts and Likely Significant Effects.............................................................................. 7-25 Mitigation and Enhancement .................................................................................................. 7-33 Residual Effects .......................................................................................................................... 7-34 Cumulative Effects .................................................................................................................... 7-37 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 7-36 References .................................................................................................................................. 7-37 Glossary and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 7-37 8 ORNITHOLOGY 8-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 8-1 Legislation, Policy and Guidance ............................................................................................. 8-1 Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria .............................................................. 8-3 Baseline Conditions ................................................................................................................... 8-11 Identification and the Evaluation of Key Impacts................................................................. 8-19 Cumulative Effects .................................................................................................................... 8-34 Mitigation and Enhancement .................................................................................................