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The Big Field Wind Farm: Non-Technical Summary PB — 1 ? Good Energy Generation LTD The Big Field Wind Farm: Non-technical summary January 2014
Existing view towards the site of The Big Field Wind Farm from Warbstow Cross1
1 — Photomontages of the proposed wind farm can be found in Volume 2 of the Environmental Statement. Photomontages are to be viewed
at a specific scale and in the field and so have not been reproduced here.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
4—5
Contents
06
Preface 15
ccess, traffic and
A
transportation
07
Introduction
Hydrology and
15
10
Design of the hydrogeology
wind farm
16
Other issues
10
Planning policy
Public consultation
19
11
Environmental impact and community
assessment involvement
12
Landscape and visual Mitigation and
20
impact assessment enhancements
13
Ecology 21
Additive effects
13
Ornithology 22
Summary
14
Noise
14
Archaeology and
cultural heritageThe Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
6—7
Preface Introduction
This Non-Technical Summary forms part of an
Environmental Statement that has been prepared Good Energy Generation Ltd (Good Energy) is proposing to
to accompany Good Energy’s planning application
to Cornwall Council for the proposal to develop up to
develop and operate a wind farm comprising up to eleven wind
eleven wind turbines known as ‘The Big Field Wind
Farm’, on a site approximately 11km south of Bude,
turbines, to be known as ‘The Big Field Wind Farm’, on a site
Cornwall. approximately 11km south of Bude, Cornwall. Figures 1.1 and 1.2
This Non-Technical Summary presents the findings
of the technical studies contained within the
show the site location in a regional and local context.
Environmental Statement in a non-technical manner.
Good Energy The planning application is for:
The Environmental Statement comprises the following:
Good Energy Group PLC was founded in 1999 to lower Up to 11 wind turbines with a maximum height to blade
1. Non-technical Summary UK carbon emissions by developing and distributing tip of 125m
2. ES Volume 1 : Main text renewable energy within the UK. One of the Group’s
●● Onsite access tracks
key purposes is to provide individuals and companies
3. ES Volume 2 : Figures and visualisations in the UK with a means by which they can reduce their ●● Underground cabling (adjacent to the new tracks)
contribution to the causes of climate change through
4. ES Volume 3: Appendices ●● A 132 kilovolt (kV) substation including control room
selecting Good Energy to be their energy supplier.
The documents that comprise the Environmental and replacement pylon
The Group supplies approximately 40,000 domestic
Statement may be viewed at the following location ●● A new site entrance
and commercial customers with 100% renewable
during the consultation period for the application:
electricity through its subsidiary company Good ●● A temporary construction compound
Environment and Planning Energy Ltd, and supplies gas to approximately 15,000
Cornwall Council domestic customers through Good Energy Gas Ltd. It ●● A 80m tall self-supporting (non-guyed)
County Hall also supports a growing community of approximately meteorological (‘met’) mast
Treyew Road 59,000 independent green power generators across the ●● Crane pads for use during construction
Truro UK by administering Feed in Tariff payments on behalf
TR1 3AY of homeowners and small generators, also through ●● Off-site enabling works along the access route
Good Energy Ltd.
0300 1234 151
The Project will be constructed within fields currently
The Group invests in new renewable energy projects used for agricultural purposes. The actual footprint of
Further copies of the Non-Technical Summary are
through its subsidiary Good Energy Generation Ltd, with the wind farm (including wind turbine bases, access
available free of charge. The full Environmental
one operational wind farm in Delabole, Cornwall, and tracks and electricity substation) would occupy less
Statement may be purchased for £350 per hard copy or
another in construction at Hampole, Yorkshire. Building than 2% of the area within the Site boundary.
£10 for a CD-ROM. Please send any requests to:
on from the successful redevelopment of Delabole
Wardell Armstrong in 2010, The Big Field Wind Farm proposal presents a All construction traffic will access the Site from
Tremough Innovation Centre significant opportunity to increase Cornwall’s renewable the south via the A39 from the Wainhouse Corner
Penryn energy contribution and provide Good Energy customers junction. Access will be provided by a new site entrance
Cornwall with long term, secure renewable electricity. established on the western boundary.
TR10 9TA
01872 560738
2 – Good Energy supplies the national electricity grid with an equivalent amount of renewable electricity to match all of our customers’ demand
over the course of a 12 month period.Figure 1.1 Site location (regional context)
1 : 1000000
1 : 250 000
@ A3
BNG Ref: OS 100km Grid: Landranger Ref:
223,421 : 94,283 SX 190
Long : Lat DD Long : Lat DMS
50.7207° : -4.5019° 50° 43' 14.6" : -4° 30' 6.7"
Wardell Armstrong LLP Tel: +44 (0) 1872 560738
Tremough Innovation Centre, email: info@wardell-armstrong.com
Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9TA web: www.wardell-armstrong.com
Drawn By: Date:
SS 15/01/2014
Checked By: Date:
PE 15/01/2014
Proposed Site Location - Overview
The Big Field Wind Farm
Cornwall
SiteLocationOverview_PE10139 Figure 1.1
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014
8—9
Non-Technical Summary
The Big Field Wind Farm:
Where the blue line site boundary and red line
planning boundary are coincident only the red
Figure 1.2 Site location (local context)
line planning boundary is shown.
1 : 250,000
0 Km
1 1 : 25000
@ A3
BNG Ref: OS 100km Grid: Landranger Ref:
223,421 : 94,283 SX 190
Long : Lat DD Long : Lat DMS
50.7207° : -4.5019° 50° 43' 14.6" : -4° 30' 6.7"
Wardell Armstrong LLP Tel: +44 (0) 1872 560738
Tremough Innovation Centre, email: info@wardell-armstrong.com
Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9TA web: www.wardell-armstrong.com
Drawn By: Date:
SS 15/01/2014
Checked By: Date:
PE 15/01/2014
Proposed Site Location - Detail
The Big Field Wind Project
Cornwall
SiteLocationDetail_PE10139 Figure 1.2
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database copyright 2014: eMapSite 0100031673The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
10 — 11
Figure 3.1 – Site Layout and Construction Detail Wherever appropriate in the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), ‘worst case’ characteristics
The onsite construction period is expected to span
approximately eight months and once operational the
have been considered in order to provide a robust wind farm will have an installed capacity of 22 – 27.5MW
50° 43' 14.6" : -4° 30' 6.7"
email: info@wardell-armstrong.com
1 : 10,000
environmental assessment. This means that for depending on the eventual rated capacity of the 11
190
web: www.wardell-armstrong.com
1 : 250,000
Figure 3.1
@ A3
each environmental aspect the turbine option with turbines installed at the site.
15/01/2014
15/01/2014
Landranger Ref:
On-site Layout and Planning Boundary
Tel: +44 (0) 1872 560738
the greatest potential impact has been assessed in
Based on the installation of 2.3MW turbines giving
accordance with the best practice approach for EIA of
a total installed capacity of 25.3MW, the wind farm
The Big Field Wind Farm
SX
energy projects.
0.5
would be expected to produce around 58,067MWh of
Date:
Date:
OS 100km Grid:
Long : Lat DMS
It is anticipated that the foundations for the wind electricity per annum3. This is the equivalent to meet
Cornwall
turbines will have a footprint of 20m x 20m (including the demand of approximately 13,611 UK average homes.
a 2m batter), extending to a depth of up to 3m below This figure is based on the average domestic electricity
50.7207° : -4.5019°
Kilometers
ground level. The precise design of the foundation will consumption in the UK of 4,266kWh per annum (from
Tremough Innovation Centre,
Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9TA
223,421 : 94,283
be confirmed once geotechnical investigations have the Department of Energy and Climate Change). This
Wardell Armstrong LLP
SL&CD_PE10139
been undertaken. would represent a significant contribution to national
SC
PE
renewable electricity targets.
The wind turbines will be connected to the new on-site
0
Long : Lat DD
Checked By:
substation via underground cables that will follow the The project, if consented, will operate for up to 25 years
Drawn By:
BNG Ref:
route of the access tracks. The substation will connect (the estimated lifetime of the turbines) after which it
to the existing 132kV distribution line which passes would be decommissioned in accordance with a scheme
through the site. agreed with Cornwall Council and best practice in place
at that time.
All works relating to the grid connection from the
sub-station to the electricity distribution network will
also form part of this application. All works will be
carried out within the site boundary and will involve
the replacement of an existing pylon with a new pylon
and connection (via a new substation) into the existing
high voltage electricity distribution grid that crosses the
site. The layout and design of the wind farm is shown in
Figure 3.1 of the ES (reproduced overleaf).
Ordnance Survey©Crown copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Licence Number: eMapSite 0100031673
3—B
ased on an installed capacity of 25.3MW and the national average load factor for onshore wind of 26.2% from Digest of UK Energy Statistics
(DUKES) 2012 (available at www.gov.uk) the estimated annual output of The Big Field Wind Farm would be 58,067MWh. Not based on site
specific data. The ‘Other issues’ chapter of the Environmental Statement further discusses potential energy yield based on different installed
capacity scenarios.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
12 — 13
Design of the wind farm Environmental impact assessment
The design of the wind farm has taken account Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process The assessments undertaken and conclusions reached
of the characteristics of the site, the locality and intended to ensure that when planning applications are set out in the Environmental Statement. While
environmental factors and has sought to avoid (where are determined, determination is based on detailed the assessments differ in subject matter, they have
possible) and minimise adverse impacts. This wind farm information on the environmental impacts of the followed the same approach. This typically included
has been designed to maximise the renewable energy proposed development, and particularly the likely undertaking a survey of baseline levels, identifying any
output of the site with the minimum environmental significant effects. Likely significant effects relate to potential impacts from the project upon this baseline
impact and maintenance requirements. a subject-specific threshold. Any effects above these and then ensuring the design was altered or influenced
thresholds should be taken into account in the decision- to minimise the level of any impacts. In some cases
making process, and balanced against the benefits mitigation measures have been suggested to further
of the project. The iterative process of identifying and reduce impacts. The paragraphs below provide a
assessing environmental affects goes hand in hand with summary of each of the chapters in the Environmental
the project design process. This ensures that the project Statement.
is designed to avoid or minimise any adverse effects
on the environment and general locality. In the case of
Planning policy this wind farm, potential impacts were identified and
taken into account from the early stages of design and
throughout the development of the proposal Where
appropriate, independent specialist consultants were
appointed to undertake detailed assessments.
Local, regional and national policy is in place to guide As such the application should be judged primarily
the planning process for proposed developments. At against the saved policies from the North Cornwall
the local level, the ‘Development Plan’ incorporates the District Local Plan (adopted in 1999) and the NPPF and
Local Development Framework (LDF) for that area and the accompanying national planning policy, including
any ‘saved policies’ carried over from the North Cornwall the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy
District Local Plan. The National Planning Policy (EN-1) and the National Policy Statement for Renewable
Framework (NPPF) was first published in March 2012 Energy Infrastructure (EN-3). Some weight should also
and has now replaced nearly all of the previous national be accorded to the emerging Cornwall Local Plan which
planning policy statements and guidance. mirrors the NPPF’s presumption in favour of sustainable
development, and clearly states Cornwall’s strategy
At the heart of the NPPF is the “presumption in favour
and objectives in relation to renewable energy and the
of sustainable development” (paragraph 14). The
protection of the local environment.
NPPF must be taken into account in the preparation
of local and neighbourhood plans and is a material We believe that when considered against this
consideration in planning decisions. The NPPF advises framework, the application for The Big Field Wind Farm
that planning consent should be granted without represents a viable positive opportunity in both the
delay where proposals are shown to accord with the local, regional and national context.
development plan.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
14 — 15
Landscape and visual impact Whilst the introduction of the project would give rise to Ecology Ornithology
some significant effects on landscape character and
assessment visual receptors within the study area, such effects will Contributing consultant: Contributing consultant:
typically be localised and contained within a relatively SLR Consulting SLR Consulting
Contributing consultant: Principal consultees:
small area extending to no greater than 5km from Principal consultee:
LDA Design RSPB, Natural England
the Site. The nature of wind farms requires them to Natural England
Principal consultee:
be in more exposed, and therefore potentially more
Cornwall Council Landscape Officer An ecological impact assessment has been carried out An ornithological assessment has evaluated the
visible, locations where they may have an effect on the
landscape character and visual amenity of an area. in accordance with guidelines published by Institute potential for the proposed wind farm to have effects
A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA)
of Ecology and Environmental Management. The upon wintering, breeding and passage birds. The
has been carried out which draws upon a number of
18 representative viewpoints for the assessment were assessment was based on information obtained from assessment was based on information from a desk
relevant guidelines including: Institute of Environmental
agreed with the Landscape Officer at Cornwall Council. existing ecological data, field surveys and consultations based study, consultations and ornithology surveys
Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the
Of these viewpoints the assessment found only one; which taken together describe the ecology of the site. including vantage point surveys, common bird census
Landscape Institute’s Guidelines for Landscape
Warbstow Cross, would experience a significant impact survey and nocturnal wading bird surveys undertaken
and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd edition 2013, An Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey was carried out in
as a result of the project. Pylons, transmission lines, between 2011 and 2013. The baseline surveys were
Countryside Agency methodology (Landscape 2012 following guidance set out for Baseline Ecological
existing wind turbines and the consented solar farm carried out to quantify the use of the site and the
Character Assessment Guidance, 2002) and other Assessment (IEA, 1995). Habitats were mapped
at South Wheatley establish a presence of energy surrounding area by birds, and to assess the risk of
recognised guidelines, in particular with regards to according to the Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey –
infrastructure in this part of the rural landscape which is collision with the turbine rotors.
the production of photomontages and visualisations a Technique and Environmental Audit (JNCC, 2007) and
captured in this view.
- Scottish Natural Heritage’s ‘Visual representation of species considered to be of conservation value and/or The vantage point survey recorded 58 species during
Wind Farms Best Practice Guidance’. A Residential Amenity Survey has also been undertaken require legal consideration were assessed in more detail. the winter bird survey, 64 species during the common
to consider the potential effects on all properties within bird census and lapwing and golden plover were
An agreement was reached with the Landscape Officer Habitat surveys confirmed that the site is predominantly
a 1km radius of the development. This took into account recorded during the nocturnal surveys. The majority
at Cornwall Council to use a 25km radius from the site improved grassland grazed by sheep and cattle and
the number of turbines which may be visible from any of the species identified are woodland and farmland
when assessing landscape and visual effects of the bounded by species rich Cornish Hedges. Detailed
view, the distance to the turbines and the nature of the bird species and in general are not considered to be
wind farm. The landscape and visual assessment was surveys for reptiles, badgers, dormice and bats
view. Whilst the turbines will be visible from a number of vulnerable to wind turbines.
undertaken to consider the change the development confirmed that these species are present on site.
properties, at no property will the impact be dominating
would have on the landscape and visual receptors An assemblage of 11 bat species was recorded. Golden plover, lapwing, peregrine grey heron,
or overbearing.
(including those who live in the area and use it for yellowhammer and bullfinch were identified within
recreational purposes). Various tools, including An assessment of other existing consented and “in The Ecology Chapter of the Environmental Statement
the assessment as receptors of District value or
Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), wireframes application” wind farm developments within 15km of concludes that no adverse effects are predicted on
higher. No significant effects are anticipated for any
and photomontages were created to assist in the the project was undertaken, to look at the cumulative any statutory or non-statutory site that is designated
of the identified receptors during the construction,
assessment of likely effects. effect of this wind farm along with others in the area. on nature conservation grounds. In order to minimise
operation or decommissioning phases of the project
This study area was agreed with the planning authority adverse effects on various wildlife species, including
either in isolation or in combination with other sites.
The ZTVs (which are based solely on landform and bats, dormice, otters and hares, various mitigation
as it was judged in the assessment that the potential for While no mitigation is required to reduce the impacts
do not take account of buildings, vegetation or other measures have been included in the project design.
significant effects to occur was more likely within this of the project on ornithology, certain mitigation and
screening) indicate that the wind farm could be visible These include establishing arable field margins,
distance. The assessment found 96 operational and enhancement measures have been incorporated
from many areas within a 5km radius of the site. introducing additional stretches of Cornish Hedge and
consented wind farms or turbines within the study area, directly into the design of the project in order to ensure
However, visibility is increasingly fragmented between precautionary checks on potential habitat areas prior
94 of which were small scale (single or double turbine) compliance with applicable nature conservation
approximately 5 to 10km and is extremely limited to construction starting.
domestic schemes. The majority of these schemes legislation and policy.
beyond 15km to the south and south-west of the site.
(71 of the 94) have a tip height of less than 50m. The No significant adverse residual effects are anticipated
Visibility beyond 10km is likely to be greatest in the
assessment concluded that in the majority of scenarios for any of the identified receptors during the
north and east on the most elevated slopes facing the
there would be little change from the effects assessed construction, operation or decommissioning phases of
project. Whilst much of the area around the site will
for the Project alone. There would be a modest increase the project either in isolation or cumulatively with other
have some visibility of one or more turbines, this will
in effect from higher elevations to the south of the site, sites. Mitigation and enhancement measures have either
be reduced along field boundaries and roads with tall,
where the project would be in the same sector of the been incorporated into the design of the project or have
dense hedgerows.
view as one or more “in application” wind farms. been recommended in order to minimise the projects
The project will be located within an area which is ecological effects and to ensure compliance with
judged to have a moderate sensitivity to wind and applicable nature conservation legislation and policy.
solar development, according to the Cornwall and Isles
of Scilly Landscape Character Study (2007), and in During the development of the project, Good Energy
doing so avoids nearby areas which are judged to be of employed the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
higher sensitivity. The Project will not have a significant (FWAG) to develop plans that will enhance the wildlife
adverse impact on the nationally important protected value of the site. Measures include for example;
landscapes, including Bodmin Moor AONB, the coastal identifying biodiversity hotspots, enhancing existing
Cornwall AONB, and the Cornwall Heritage Coast. It wildlife habitats and protecting watercourses from
would similarly not detract from important skylines erosion by livestock. More details of possible measures
including the distinctive profile of Bodmin Moor and can be found in Appendix 6.3 of the ES.
the expansive coastal horizon to the west. The most
open views of the project from the road network were
from short sections of the A39 and local roads in close
proximity to the site, however impacts to these views
were assessed in the LVIA as not significant.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
16 — 17
Noise Archaeology and cultural heritage Access, traffic and transportation Hydrology and hydrogeology
Contributing consultant: Contributing consultant:
Contributing consultant: Contributing consultant:
Transport Planning Associates Wardell Armstrong
Wardell Armstrong Wardell Armstrong
Principal consultee: Principal consultee:
Principal consultee: Principal consultees:
Cornwall Council Environment Agency
Cornwall Council Cornwall Council Historic
Environmental Health Environment, English Heritage Access, Traffic and Transportation studies assessed the The hydrology assessment has been based on a desk
likely significance of effects related to increases in traffic study, field investigations and consultations and aims
The principal sources of noise from turbines are the An archaeology survey has assessed the presence/
associated with project during construction, operation to assess the potential effects of the development on
blades rotating in the air, the internal machinery and absence of archaeological features within the site.
and decommissioning phases. As part of this process, surface and ground water. Potential impacts include:
the generator. The blades are designed to minimise The site lies within a landscape containing prehistoric
ongoing consultation was undertaken with Cornwall change in surface water runoff and flow, degradation
noise emissions, and the equipment at the top of the activity, including Bronze Age barrows, enclosure
Council between April and December 2013. in surface water quality, change in hydrogeological
tower is insulated to minimise noise radiation from the sites and evidence of medieval and post-medieval
regime and degradation in groundwater quality. These
machinery. settlements. The proposed construction of the wind farm will require
impacts are associated primarily with initial construction
deliveries of abnormal loads along the A30 and A39
Noise levels from wind farms are assessed against Geophysical surveys were carried out in September effects (disturbance of soils, establishment of access
turning towards the site at Wainhouse Corner. This route
the standard set out in ETSU-R-97; ‘The Assessment 2013 at a depth of 1.5m using hand-held gradiometers. tracks, watercourse crossings, control of sediment and
was considered suitable as it has no weight, height
and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms’. This document, This technique measures variations in the vertical pollutants etc).
or width restrictions other than at a small number of
produced by the Working Group for Noise from Wind component of the earths’ magnetic field which in
locations which are detailed in the Environmental Mitigation measures would negate or control the
Farms as commissioned by the Department for Trade turn can be a result of the presence of sub-surface
Statement, along with suggested modifications. This identified potential hydrological and hydrogeological
and Industry (DTI), sets out a framework for the archaeological features. It was discovered that the
route will have the least impact on other road users impacts, such as the preparation and implementation
measurement of wind farm noise and contains noise site contains extensive networks of post-medieval
and residents. Traffic surveyors conducted a week-long of a detailed Construction Environmental Management
limits for residential dwellings. land drains and early Cornish field boundaries, ridge
Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) at two locations on the Plan (CEMP), careful design of the development to
and furrow cultivation and probable pillow mounds
Existing background noise measurements were A39, the first was situated north of Wainhouse Corner consider water resources, best practice management
associated with medieval rabbit farming. The Historic
obtained at a number of properties which were identified junction and the second south of the junction. Between of operations and implementation of accident/incident
Landscape Characterisation of the site consists of
and agreed with Cornwall Council’s Environmental 2008 and 2013 a total of seven ‘Personal Injury Accidents’ response plans. Following mitigation, the potential
Medieval farmland, Post-medieval enclosed land,
Health Officer. The measured background noise levels have occurred along the A39, with five accidents occurring hydrological and hydrogeological impacts will be
Modern enclosed land and Plantations and scrub. The
have been used to establish noise limits for each of the at the A30 Wainhouse Corner. All were recorded as controlled to negligible or no significance.
majority of the site has been altered by large scale hedge
properties. These limits have been used with modelled resulting in slight injuries.
removal during the 20th century due to an increase in The site is located outside of any identified flood risk
noise emissions from specified wind turbines to inform
agricultural specialisation. The construction work will take place over a 30 week areas. The project is not anticipated to increase the
the layout of the turbines.
period during a 5.5 day working schedule. During occurrence, scale or duration of flooding downstream,
The Archaeology assessment establishes that the
Both the day-time and night-time assessments show construction an estimated increase of 21 vehicles will as greenfield runoff will be maintained within the site.
project would not have direct impacts upon heritage
that the predicted typical downwind turbine noise levels arrive from the A38 North of Wainhouse Corner and 79 Given the relatively small footprint of the development,
assets during construction or operation. Impacts upon
at the nearest residential locations to the site are within vehicles and 60 HGVs from the south of Wainhouse lying within a large area of farmland, and taking into
Historic Landscape Character have been assessed
the noise limits prescribed by ETSU-R-97 under all wind Corner. Based on these number the level of impact on the account the mitigation measures, best practice methods
as slight adverse where the turbines and associated
speed and direction conditions with the exception of the A39 is considered to be negligible significance and minor and guidelines adopted, the overall hydrological and
infrastructure occurs within Post Medieval Enclosed
property Trefursden. Although Trefursden is marginally at Wainhouse Corner. hydrogeological impact can be effectively mitigated
Land and negligible where it occurs within Modern
above the ETSU-R-97 day-time limit at wind speeds during construction, operation and decommissioning of
Enclosed Land. With the implementation of mitigation measures such
between 2-3m/s mitigation involving controlling the the development.
as a Construction Traffic Management Plan and liaison
turbines’ operation during these conditions will be In terms of operational impacts, the assessment
with Cornwall Council, the residual traffic and transport Residual and cumulative impacts are minor or
adopted to prevent any exceedences. Such control established that the project has the potential to have
effects are temporary and have been assessed as having negligible/none with respect to water resources and
mechanisms are a standard feature of modern wind an impact of slight/moderate significance upon the
an impact of negligible to minor significance. have therefore been assessed as not significant.
turbines and can be easily implemented. Adherence setting of two Scheduled Monuments (Ashbury Hillfort
to the ETSU levels will be a condition of any planning and Warbstow Bury Hillfort) and a slight impact on the Abnormal loads will be escorted to site, avoiding peak
permission and by meeting these levels the Project setting of the Creddacott Barrow Group. The settings hours on local and strategic roads where appropriate.
complies with Cornwall Council’s requirements for wind of two Grade I Listed buildings will experience slight/ Abnormal loads may result in minor delay to local
turbine development. moderate impacts (St Anne, Whitstone and St Mary traffic however these will be short delays over a period
Church, Week St Mary) and slight impacts are predicted of approximately six weeks. Any improvements and
to the settings of two Grade I listed buildings (St mitigation required to allow abnormal loads to access
Winwalo, Tremaine and St Marwene, Marhamchurch). the site can be achieved on land owned by the highway
authority or within the developer’s control.
Any potential impacts of the project on above ground
heritage assets are considered indirect and temporary
as they will cease after decommissioning of the project.
All of the impacts assessed in the Environmental
Statement are considered not significant in terms of the
PPS5 Practice Guide4. A watching brief will be employed
during the foundation construction phase to ensure that
no undetected archaeological assets are damaged.
4 — ‘Planning Policy Statement 5 (Planning for the Historic Environment)’.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
18 — 19
Aviation
Other Issues
This survey found that 86.7% of respondents in North
Devon stated that the presence of a wind farm would
neither encourage nor discourage them from visiting. Contributing consultant:
Wardell Armstrong
These findings were further supported by a survey
Principal consultees:
conducted by the Green Business Forum (GBF) which
National Air Traffic Services,
found 89.4% of respondents did not consider the
Defence Estates,
presence of a wind farm would make any difference as
Civil Aviation Authority
to whether or not they visited North Devon. The
Inspector states: The potential for impacts on aviation was considered
through assessment of Ordnance Survey maps and
The potential effects of shadow flicker, the effects on “My conclusion is that of the various studies put before
me, it is the findings of DWP, supported by those of
safeguarding buffer zones and it has been concluded
that no Commercial or MOD sites are likely to be affected
tourism, the socio-economic and environmental benefits the GBF, that provide the most likely prediction of
the overall impact upon tourism. That prediction is
as a result of the project. The consultation response
from National Air Traffic Services confirmed there will be
of the wind farm, existing land use and Public Rights of Way that tourist numbers, as well as income, would be
maintained.”(Paragraph 8.195)
no significant effects on their operations as a result
(PRoW) were also assessed as part of the EIA process for The economic impacts of wind farms
of the proposed wind farm.
the project. A summary of the findings of these assessments on Scottish tourism
A study was undertaken in 2008 on behalf of the Telecommunications and television
is provided below. Scottish Government on the economic impacts of wind
Contributing consultant:
farms on the Scottish tourism industry. A total of 380
tourists were spoken to regarding whether the likelihood Wardell Armstrong
Shadow flicker Tourism of a return visit to an area or Scotland as a whole was Principal consultee:
altered by the presence of wind farms. The survey found OFCOM
Contributing consultant: Contributing consultant: indicated that three quarters of people felt wind farms Extensive consultations were undertaken with providers
Wardell Armstrong Wardell Armstrong had a positive or neutral effect on the landscape, and of telecommunications and broadcast networks
Principal consultee: concluded “that the effects are so small that, provided
A detailed review of literature based on surveys which in order to apply appropriate buffer zones around
Cornwall Council Environmental Health planning and marketing are carried out effectively,
consider the impact of wind farms on tourism was communications links crossing the site These buffer
there is no reason why [tourism and wind farms] are zones were considered in the layout design process to
Shadow flicker occurs under certain daylight conditions carried out. Details of the Tourism Literature Review and
incompatible”. ensure the wind turbines are not placed in a way which
when the relative position of the Earth and Sun can the three surveys assessed can be found in Chapter 12
cause shadows to be cast from the turbine. These of the Environmental Statement and are summarised interrupts any links. Good Energy will investigate any
shadows move as the turbine blades rotate and as the below. complaints which are made regarding interference with
sun appears to track across the sky. At certain times television signals which could potentially be attributed
Impacts of Renewable Energy Farms
of the day and of the year this shadow movement may to the wind farm.
on Visitors in Cornwall
be cast across neighbouring dwellings. It is generally A survey was carried out by The South West Research
accepted that beyond 10 rotor diameters the potential Company Ltd, on behalf of Good Energy in summer
for shadow flicker is negligible. 2013. It was aimed at visitors staying in Cornwall and
Shadow flicker modelling of the 28 houses within 10 their views towards renewable energy, in particular
rotor diameters (970m) of a proposed wind turbine solar and wind farms. The results of the survey showed
location has shown that 25 properties may be affected that almost three-quarters of visitors (71%) said the
by shadow flicker from the proposed wind turbines. presence of wind farms had no impact on their visit to
Cornwall and 19% indicated they had a positive impact
One property was assessed as being moderately on their visit to the county. One in every ten visitors
effected, and five further properties could experience (10%) interviewed said that the presence of wind farms
a minor effect. Shadow flicker effects at the 19 other had a negative impact on their visits to Cornwall.
properties has been assessed as negligible due to the
low number of hours that events could theoretically Fullabrook Wind Farm Public Inquiry
occur and the distance from the properties to the site. In the case of the Fullabrook Wind Farm Public Inquiry
the Inspector considered the findings of several studies
In all cases mitigation will be employed that shuts down into the effects of wind farm development on leisure
the turbine likely to cause shadow flicker at the correct and tourism. Of the surveys considered, the Inspector
time and if the correct conditions exist for shadow determined that a survey conducted by University
flicker. of West England (UWE) on behalf of the developer
(Devon Wind Power (DWP)) was the most objective,
Following mitigation no properties will experience
representative and reliable.
shadow flicker effects and there will be no residual
significant effects.The Big Field Wind Farm:
Non-Technical Summary
20 — 21
Socio-economic and environmental
benefits
Mitigation and enhancements Public consultation and
community involvement
Where impacts resulting from the proposed
Contributing consultant: development cannot be avoided or minimised,
Wardell Armstrong mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce
or offset adverse impacts.
The wider environmental and economic benefits of
renewable energy projects, whatever their scale, are Mitigation measures proposed in the EIA include
material considerations that should be given significant measures to minimise:
weight in determining whether proposals should be ●● the impacts to the ecology of the area,
granted planning permission. Good Energy has undertaken a public consultation and In addition to a wide range of other events, Good Energy
●● potential impacts from noise generated from
Based on the installation of 2.3MW turbines, the wind community involvement programme to support the has held two formal public consultation events to give
activities on the site,
farm is expected to generate approximately 58,067 planning application for the proposed development local people the opportunity to review and comment
MWh5 of renewable electricity per year. This equates to ●● the impacts from increased traffic accessing of The Big Field Wind Farm. Through a combination on our proposals. The first of these in February 2013
an annual saving of 24,969 tonnes6 of carbon dioxide the site, of events, surveys, letters, advertising (print and was attended by an estimated 300 people. The second
(CO2). On this basis, over the 25 year life of the wind online), online information and one to one meetings, took place in September and attracted a lower turnout.
●● the visual impacts from neighbouring properties,
farm, 624,225 CO2 would be saved. Good Energy has created opportunities for a two-way The results of the questionnaires circulated at these
●● the potential to disturb unidentified archaeological dialogue with the local community. events reflect diminishing participation among people
The wind farm represents an investment of values on the site, more likely to support the proposal while the level of
approximately £30million across a range of different The process began in January 2013 with a door to door
opposition in absolute terms remained stable.
contracts and services. Wherever possible, local ●● the potential for impacts to water quality in the area, campaign, delivering an information brochure about the
suppliers and contractors would be used for a range of wind farm proposal to homes in the vicinity of the site. The feedback from all forms of consultation has
●● the potential for nearby residences to experience This was then followed by a face to face survey of over informed the design of the project, the stakeholder
services ranging from electrical and civil engineering,
shadow flicker. 300 local people. The results of this research suggested engagement process itself and the community
materials supply, through to accommodation and retail.
The details of these mitigation measures are presented that local opinion reflected the overwhelming support benefits package. In particular, responses to the initial
On a wider scale, research conducted by RenewableUK7 for wind energy shown by national surveys. There was consultation were influential, together with detailed site
in Table 14.2 of the Environmental Statement.
in 2013 identified that the equivalent of 18,645 people also a substantial level of interest in a range of possible investigations, in the decision to reduce the proposed
were directly employed full time by the wind and marine Following the implementation of the proposed community benefits, notably a community fund and number of turbines from 14 to 11. If the wind farm is
energy industry in the UK in 2013. The report showed that mitigation measures, the residual significant effects are: Good Energy’s local tariff. consented, the engagement process will continue
over half (54%) of these positions were within onshore throughout the construction, operation and eventual
●● a landscape and visual impact from Warbstow Over the following months, Good Energy sought to
wind. The industry continues to grow. decommissioning of the wind farm, ensuring local
Bury, where the project will occupy 10-25% of the consult on a one to one basis with a wide range of local
An update of report was released by RenewableUK7 in view, and people can share in the benefits of renewable energy
organisations, businesses, community groups and
September 2013 which predicted that nearly 70,000 for the 25-year life of the project and beyond.
●● a landscape and visual impact from Western Culm individuals identified during the initial door to door
jobs could be created in the wind industry over the next survey.
Plateau LCA, where the project will be the dominant
decade, and stated that currently 91% of the industry’s
feature for up to 1.5km from the site.
jobs in the UK are filled by UK citizens.
A number of enhancements have been proposed in
Good Energy is proposing a number of community
the EIA which will be delivered through a Biodiversity
benefits associated with the wind farm. An index
Enhancement Plan. These target species and
linked community fund of £2,500 per MW of installed
habitats of Principal Importance in England. These
capacity would be paid annually and would be under
enhancements have been designed by the Farming and
the complete control of local people. Additionally, a
Wildlife Advisory Group.
unique local tariff for electricity and dual-fuel would
be offered to domestic customers within 5km of the
wind farm site. The local tariff will track at 20% below
Good Energy’s standard regional tariffs for the 25-year
Cumulative and additive effects
operational lifetime of the development. The offer
The likelihood of environmental impacts experienced
would be available to all domestic customers regardless
at properties immediately surrounding the project have
of payment method, enabling low-income households
been assessed in terms of individual disciplines but it is
on pre-payment meters to benefit alongside others.
also prudent to consider the consequence of multiple
The full cost of offering the local tariff would be met by environmental effects manifesting at the same property.
Good Energy Generation Ltd and would be capped at For example, in theory, a dwelling might experience
the equivalent of £2,500 per MW of installed capacity. shadow flicker and noise effects. For the purpose of this
If take up of the local tariff is lower than expected and report this is termed ‘additive effects’.
does not reach £2,500 per MW, any surplus will be
The Cumulative Impacts Assessment concluded that
paid into the community fund to ensure the annual
no additive effects are likely to arise as a result of project,
contribution amounts to £5,000 per MW per annum
following the implementation of the mitigation strategies
(index linked).
set out throughout the Environmental Statement.
5 — Based on national average load factor for onshore wind of 26.2% from Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) 2012 (available at www.gov.uk).
6 — Based on the long term grid emission of 430g per kWh CO2e according to ‘A Comparison of Emissions Factors for Electricity Generation’ July
2013 published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (available at www.gov.uk)
7 —RenewableUK “Working for a Green Britain and Northern Ireland 2013–23 Employment in the UK Wind and Marine Energy Industries” September
2013, RUK13-026-22 — 23 Summary An extensive consultation process has taken place involving both statutory and non-statutory consultees and the public to ensure any concerns were addressed as part of the EIA for the proposed development. The EIA concluded that although there would be some significant landscape and visual impacts in close proximity to the site, the effects on the wider landscape have been assessed as being not significant. The project has been designed to maximise environmental acceptability and reflects Cornwall Council’s policies of encouraging appropriate renewable development to maximise installed capacity. The EIA process shows that overall the proposed wind farm has been demonstrated to have generally minor adverse environmental effects. The wind farm is designed to operate for 25 years, at the end of which it would be dismantled and the site restored thus all impacts are expected to be completely reversible. There is a clear and pressing need for more renewable energy generation in order to decrease CO2 emissions and reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, with that need being stated in increasingly forceful Government policy and ministerial statements. National, regional and local planning policy provides overwhelming support for renewable energy development and projects that are in accordance with policy and are sustainable should proceed. The Big Field Wind Farm will make a significant contribution to both regional and national renewable electricity targets, and is compliant with policy from an international level through to national, regional and local policy.
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