Wind Turbines Supporting Statement

Tomfat Wind TurbinesDraft Supporting Statement

March 2014

P & L Turbines

Tomfat Wind Turbines

Draft Supporting StatementMarch 2014


March 2014

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1 Introduction and Background1.1 Scheme Overview1.2 Applicant1.3 Community Project1.4 Land Ownership1.5 Land Use 1.6 Project History1.7 Anemometer Mast Application

2 Environmental 2.1 Overview2.2 Landscape Designations2.3 Landscape Character 2.4 Ecology 2.5 Ornithology 2.6 Ground Conditions, Hydrogeology and Hydrology2.7 Cultural Heritage 2.8 Traffic and Transport 2.9 Noise

2.10 Miscellaneous

3 Spatial Framework3.1 Interim SG on Wind Energy 3.2 Cumulative Considerations

4 Design Principles4.1 Height of Turbines 4.2 Preliminary Layout

5 Visualisations5.1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility 5.2 Photomontages

6 Next Steps 6.1 Public Consultation 6.2 Assessment 6.3 Planning Application

Presentation


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Introduction


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1.1 Scheme Overview

Name of Scheme Tomfat Wind Turbines

Number of Turbines 2

Turbine Dimensions Hub Height 50-55m(to be confirmed) Rotor Diameter 48-54m Height to Tip up to 79m

Generating Capacity 1.6MW (to be confirmed)

1.2 Applicant

The pre-application advice is sought on behalf of P&L Turbines. This is a partnership established by two community organisations, PEDAL and Greener Leith, to develop the proposal.

Site Location

Introduction


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Community Project

1.3 Community Project

PEDAL and Greener Leith first worked together in 2011 in an attempt to build a wind turbine on Scottish Water’s Seafield waste water treatment works in North East Edinburgh between Portobello and Leith.

After receiving “in principle” support from Scottish Water and thanks to significant local support the project won substantial funding from Energyshare and the Scottish Government.

Unfortunately Scottish Water decided in the end that it would not be practical for them to allow a wind turbine to be built on their land.

Despite this major setback, Energyshare indicated that they would support the construction of a community owned wind power project in another location.

As it was becoming clear to both groups that it wouldbe impossible to secure a suitable site within the Cityof Edinburgh boundaries within the given timescale,they have now concluded the legal agreement to allow them to develop wind turbines on the proposed Tomfat site.

Greener Leith and Pedal are to commence pre-application engagement in the local area with the aspiration to expand this partnership and offer part ownership of the project to community-led organisations in the area.

Portobello Transition Town (PEDAL) was formed as an unincorporated voluntary association in 2005 andbecame a not-for-private-profit company limited by guarantee (SC353557) in 2009.

PEDAL believe that the Portobello district of Edinburgh can and should help address climate change, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and build community resilience.

PEDAL projects include energy saving advice, a community orchard, food and craft market, and a programme of regular events.

Find out more about PEDAL at

www. pedal-porty.org.uk

Greener Leith was started in 2006 by local residents as an unincorporated voluntary organisation, with the broad aims of promoting local community engagement, better public places and sustainable development in Leith, Edinburgh.

In 2009 it registered as a Scottish Charity (No SCO40838) and as a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee (No. 365095).

Key achievements include a community orchard, active travel initiatives, local energy advice, and an award winning community news website.

Find out more about Greener Leith on

www.greenerleith.org.uk


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1.4 Land Ownership

Land Owner Mrs MacGregor

The landownership extends over much of the Tomfat plantation, with the option rights to develop turbines, and associated infrastructure, within the preliminary site boundary as illustrated.

1.5 Land Use

The preliminary site has been defined to encompass all potential built development proposed in the planning application. The site covers 15.99 ha.

It is located on the northern edge of Tomfat Plantation, a conifer woodland comprising a mix of species, including Sitka Spruce, Noble fir and Larch.

The turbines are located at the northern edge of the woodland to minimise the extent of tree felling required. There is open moorland to the north. On its western edge, the site abuts the B861, a minor public road which connects Inverness to Inverarnie. Public Access is actively encouraged within Tomfat Plantation, with a small car park located just off the B861, and woodland tracks and footpaths providing a network of walking routes. Public access will be actively encouraged post-development.

The southern and eastern edges of the Site are within the woodland, and have been defined by the land requirements for the proposed Development. Proposals for replacement planting will be identified as part of the development process.

Part of the site from the A836

Introduction

Site Boundary


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Mid 1990’sCommercial plantation.

Pre-planting archaeological survey.

2005/6PEDAL and Greener Leith setup.

2011Community groups worked together to develop wind turbine at Seafield,

Edinburgh, between Portobello and Leith.

2012Energyshare funding commitment to support construction of a community

windfarm project in another location. Tomfat site identified.

2013Environmental and technical review commenced.

2014Further environmental and technical review.

Community engagement. Planning application to be submitted.

Project History


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Anemometer Mast

1.7 Anemometer Mast Application

An application was submitted to The Highland Council on the 21st October 2013 for the erection of a 60m anemometer mast on the site.

The planning reference is 13/03966/FUL.

Planning permission was granted on the 27th January 2014 for an 18 month period from the date of erection.

Consented location of Anemometer mast


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Environmental


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Overview

Environmental Considerations

GeologyHydrogeology& Hydrology

Tourism Socioeconomics

& Land Use

AviationTelecommunications

Miscellaneous

TrafficTransport& Access

Ornithology

Noise

LVIA

Ecology

Cultural Heritage

CumulativeImpacts

Residential Amenity


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Landscape

2.2 Landscape Designations

The site itself has no landscape designations. National and local designations within a 25km study area have been appraised, and do not pose a constraint to the development.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is approximately 20km from the site and lies outwith the zone of theoretical visibility, so is not considered in the design of the windfarm.

Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Out of the 11 gardens and designed landscapes within the study area, 7 are within the zone of theoretical visibility, and will be considered during the design of the windfarm. The closest is Leys Castle at approximately 2km from the site.

Special Landscape Areas

3 Special Landscape Areas are located within the 25km study area. Theoretical visibility is minimal within the Drynachan, Lochindorb & Dara Moors SLA, and limited within the Loch Ness & Duntelchaig SLA. Theoretical visibility is widespread within the Sutors of Cromarty, Rosemarkie & Fort George SLA, however the closest point to the site is approximately 17km.

Landscape Designations


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Landscape

2.3 Landscape Character

The proposed development is located within the Flat Moorland Plateau with Woodland landscape character type (LCT).

This is a large scale, flat to gently undulating exposed plateau which overlooks rolling farmlands to the east of Inverness.

It forms a transitional landscape merging gradually with the lower Rolling Farmlands and Woodland LCT to the north, and the Farmed and Wooded Foothills LCT located on higher land to the south.

Landscape Character


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Ecology and Ornithology

Ecology Designations

2.4 Ecology

Baseline ecological conditions have been established through a desk study, consultations, and a site walkover. This included a protected species survey and phase 1/NVC habitat assessment. Consultation has included The Highland Council’s Biodiversity Officer and Biological Recording Group.

Baseline ecological receptors present have then been evaluated, to determine the potential effects on those receptors as a result of the proposed development. The assessment will seek to provide a quantitative description of the potential effects where possible, considering factors such as the probability of occurrence, extent, duration, and reversibility of the effect. Using professional judgement in the light of this information, an interpretation is then made as to whether the effect results in an impact on the integrity of the ecological receptor.

The proposed development is in an area of plantation forestry considered to be of local value for biodiversity. The development would result in a small amount of habitat loss as there is existing track infrastructure within the plantation that could be widened to accommodate the construction of the turbines.

There are no protected species issues other than those common to most small scale turbine developments of this type. Repeat surveys and adjustments to the forest design are predicted to help reduce the risk of disturbance to protected species and reduce the risk of bat collisions.


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Ecology and Ornithology

Ecology Designations

2.5 Ornithology

This review has been informed through a staged process as described below. The first stage is to determine the apparent baseline ornithological conditions. This has been done primarily through a desk study undertaken by Highland Ornithology Ltd.

The review has also been informed through a walkover to assess bird habitats and make incidental records of birds present on site during the course of a bird habitat walkover undertaken on 22 August 2013.

The next stage is to evaluate the baseline ornithological receptors present, and to determine the potential effects on those receptors as a result of the proposed development.

The habitat walkover and desk study results suggest that disturbance and collision effects on black grouse, capercaillie and Slavonian grebe are unlikely.

There is a possibility of disturbance and collision effects for a range of birds of prey including red kite, hen harrier, goshawk, osprey, merlin, peregrine, barn owl and short-eared owl. For most of these species the small scale of the proposed development and the improbability of high levels of activity in the vicinity of the proposed turbines mean that significant effects can be ruled out.

Further survey work is planned for Spring 2014.


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Hydrology overview

Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology

2.6 Ground Conditions, Hydrogeology and Hydrology

Geotechnical assessment has been undertaken through desk study by the Waterman Group. Likely ground conditions have been researched using publicly available geological maps obtained from the British Geological Survey and the Hydrogeological Map of Scotland.

No significant geological constraints have been identified for this site, and therefore pose no constraint to development.

There are no watercourses within close proximity to the proposed turbine locations. The turbine bases are 20-30m above the elevation of the closest mapped watercourses which are minor headwaters and at least 1km from the site. The development is therefore considered to be at low risk of flooding from fluvial sources and to be unlikely to affect fluvial environments.

Without intrusive investigations, it is not possible to conclude the risk of groundwater flooding or the likelihood of other groundwater issues.

No significant hydrological constraints have been identified for this site, and therefore pose no constraint to development.


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Cultural Heritage

Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings

2.7 Cultural Heritage

During January 1996, GUARD undertook a field survey at Drummossie Muir, near Inverness, in advance of proposed developments by PIC Ltd.

Approximately 40% of the area designated was found to be inaccessible due to forestry or tree-fall. These areas were subsequently checked on aerial photographs at RCAHMS.

This identified 68 cultural heritage features within the survey area (Scheduled Monuments and sites listed on The Highland Council’s Historic Environment Record).

Two sites are located either on the site boundary or within the immediate 200m of the site. These are:• Blackwood of Leys Dyke and Wall; and• Blackwood of Leys Standing Stone.

Blackwood of Leys Dyke and Wall is located in close proximity to the entrance to the proposed access track. The final track layout is yet to be finalised and this cultural heritage feature will be taken into account during this process.

No direct impacts are anticipated on any remaining cultural heritage features.


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Traffic and Transport

2.8 Traffic and Transport

A desktop route assessment has been carried out based on the transportation of two 74m Enercon E48 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure to the site.

Access to the proposed site is from the B961 to the west. An existing field access will be upgraded in accordance with The Highland Council Roads and Transport Guidelines.

Access to the B961 can be achieved via the B851 and subsequently the A9(T) to the south or from the B8082 and subsequently the A9(T) to the north.

The proposed route to the turbine location has been assessed and is generally accessible for the proposed route consisting of the A9, B851, B861 and Tomfat woodland access track. The existing access track and junction will be upgraded to accommodate the proposed vehicles in accordance with relevant guidance.

Swept path analysis has been undertaken on constrained sections of the route and temporary overrun strips or localised carriageway widening will be required to accommodate the swept path of the largest vehicles.

Abnormal Route Options


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Residential Amenity

2.9 Noise

A noise assessment has been carried out in accordance with The Highland Council Noise Assessment Guidance for Wind Farms and the most recent relevant guidance and best practices indicated by the Scottish Government Web-based Planning Advice - ‘Onshore Wind Turbines’ (2013).

The noise levels at the nearest receptors were predicted using the Sound Power Level data provided by the manufacturer of the Enercon E48 800kW wind turbine.

Results indicate that the predicted noise levels associated with the proposed development at all the nearest noise sensitive receptors are below the ETSU-R-97 criteria of 35dB(A) LA90, at wind speeds 10m/s.

In addition, the cumulative noise assessment indicates that the predicted noise levels at the mutually affected noise sensitive receptors do not exceed the ETSU-R-97 criteria of 35dB LA90,10min.

Predicted noise levels for both the single turbine and cumulative scenario will be below the prescribed limits indicated in the simplified method in ETSU-R-97 at all noise sensitive receptors. The noise impact of the proposed development is therefore considered to be negligible.

Cumulative impact with existing, consented and proposed developments within 3km has identified a two turbine scheme at “Land 515m NE of Hillcroft”. Cumulative noise impacts are also considered to be negligible. Noise contours from proposed turbines


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Miscellaneous

2.10 Miscellaneous

Wind turbine development has the potential to affect existing infrastructure, telecommunications and aviation interests.

Wind turbine development also has the potential to affect air quality and climate, and highway safety, unless potential effects are identified and any necessary mitigation is defined.

As wind turbines also have the potential to result in shadow flicker, the potential for properties to be affected by shadow flicker by the proposed Development also needs to be considered.

Based on preliminary assessment, the proposed Development is predicted to have either no or negligible effects in relation to each of these miscellaneous issues. This will be confirmed through further consultation and assessment.

Modelling of potential shadow flicker confirms there are no buildings within the potentially affected area


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Spatial Framework


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3.1 Interim Supplementary Guidance on Wind Energy

Guidance provides guidance on Areas of Search for wind energy.

Spatial Framework defines:

Stage 1 - Areas requiring significant protection

Stage 2 - Areas with potential constraints

Stage 3 - Areas of Search.

The Tomfat site is located within a Stage 3 Area: Area of Search

Location of turbines within Area of Search

Interim SG on Wind Energy


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Cumulative wind farm locations

Cumulative

3.2 Cumulative Considerations

The potential environmental capacity of the Tomfat site may be affected by existing and consented development; and approvals of proposed developments: • Stage 1 Areas of Significant Protection due to

cumulative constraints are not defined in the interim Guidance

BaselineThe current baseline of existing and consented schemes of most relevance to a proposal at Tomfat are • Individual and small groups of turbines within up

to 10km; • Farr wind farm; • Moy wind farm.

Further guidance is sought from Highland Council to establish the current cumulative baseline.


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Design Principles


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Design Principles

4.1 Height of Turbines

Hub Height

Rotor Diameter

Height to Tip

Generating Capacity

Rotation Speed

Operational Wind Range

50-55m 48-54m up to 79m 1.6MW (tbc) 16 - 31 RPM (tbc)

3 - 34 m/s (tbc)

ColourA light grey colour is suggested as this provides the best balance between minimising visibility and visual impacts when seen against the sky. The exact tone and degree of paint reflectivity will be specified and agreed with the Planning Authority prior to construction.

Dimensions and Specification The rotor diameter is between 48 to 54m, giving a swept area of 1808m² to 2289m². Rotation speed is between around 16 and 31 rotations per minute.

Image of potential candidate turbine - Enercon E48


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Design Principles

4.2 Preliminary Layout

The pre-application layout and wirelines are based on a 2 turbine layout.

Associated infrastructure would include: • Access track and potential widening of site

entrance from public road; • Crane hard standings; • Cabling; • Onsite substation and control building; and,• Temporary construction compound and laydown

area.

The extent of felling required will be established following collection of wind data from the met mast, and consultation with the supplier.

Proposals for replacement planting will be developed as part of the information to support the application.

Proposed turbine layout


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Visualisations


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Zone of Theoretical Visibility

5.1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility

The ZTV reflects the underlying landform characteristics of the Great Glen Fault, which substantially limits theoretical visibility over the area.

Theoretical visibility is most extensive over the surrounding open plateau landscape, and further away along the Moray Firth and the northern edge of Loch Ness.

The photomontages which follow are all located within 5km of the nearest turbine.

Potential viewpoints include:1. B861 near Newton of Leys2. Tombreck3. B862 near Achnabat4. Unclassified road west of Tomfat5. Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre6. Kessock Bridge to the north of Inverness

Further guidance is sought from The Highland Council to confirm the proposed viewpoint locations.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility


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Photomontages

Photomontage from VP01 B861 near Newton of Leys


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Photomontages

Wireline overlaid on photo from VP02 Tombreck


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Next Steps


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6.1 Public Consultation

Undertake Public Consultation.

6.2 Assessment

Environmental Review - further consultation to clarify scope of supporting assessments meet requirements.

6.3 Planning Application

Local Development.

Supporting Documents: • Environmental Review; and,• Supporting Statement.

Determination at Committee - or delegated decision by officers.

Next Steps

Wind Turbines Supporting Statement

Documents

Transcript of Wind Turbines Supporting Statement