RANDOLPH SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) AND ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY - Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report - Randolph Solar Farm
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RANDOLPH SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) AND
ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY
Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report
NI2289
PAC Report
1.0
February 2021
rpsgroup.com
EIA SCREENING REPORT
Document status
Version Purpose of document Authored by Reviewed by Approved by Review date
1.0 Planning EN SF AMF 05.02.2021
2.0 Planning EN SF AMF 08.02.2021
Approval for issue
1 February 20211 February 2021
© Copyright RPS Group Plc. All rights reserved.
The report has been prepared for the exclusive use of our client and unless otherwise agreed in writing by RPS Group
Plc, any of its subsidiaries, or a related entity (collectively 'RPS'), no other party may use, make use of, or rely on the
contents of this report. The report has been compiled using the resources agreed with the client and in accordance with
the scope of work agreed with the client. No liability is accepted by RPS for any use of this report, other than the purpose
for which it was prepared. The report does not account for any changes relating to the subject matter of the report, or any
legislative or regulatory changes that have occurred since the report was produced and that may affect the report. RPS
does not accept any responsibility or liability for loss whatsoever to any third party caused by, related to or arising out of
any use or reliance on the report.
RPS accepts no responsibility for any documents or information supplied to RPS by others and no legal liability arising
from the use by others of opinions or data contained in this report. It is expressly stated that no independent verification
of any documents or information supplied by others has been made. RPS has used reasonable skill, care and diligence
in compiling this report and no warranty is provided as to the report’s accuracy. No part of this report may be copied or
reproduced, by any means, without the prior written consent of RPS.
Prepared by: Prepared for:
RPS Elgin Energy
Eimear Nelis Mr Ronan Clarke
Planner Development Manager
Elmwood House 3rd Floor, Audley House,
74 Boucher Road, Belfast 9 North Audley Street,
Co. Antrim BT12 6RZ
London, W1K 6ZD
T 02890 667914 T +44 (0) 208 068 4240
E Eimear.nelis@rpsgroup.com E ronan.clarke@elgin-energy.com
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EIA SCREENING REPORT
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Context ...........................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Application Site .................................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Proposed Development ....................................................................................................2
1.2 Purpose of this Report ...................................................................................................................2
PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION LEGISLATION AND BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE ..............3
2.1 Consultation Guidance and Emergency Provisions .......................................................................3
3 THE APPROACH TO PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION ...............................................................4
4 PRE-APPLICATION COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ...........................................................................5
4.1 Stakeholders - Identifying who to consult ......................................................................................5
4.2 Method of Engagement ..................................................................................................................5
4.2.1 Digital Platform - Dedicated Website ................................................................................5
4.2.2 Publicity.............................................................................................................................6
4.2.3 Letter/Information leaflet distribution ................................................................................7
4.2.4 Liaison with Community Councils and Elected Representatives ......................................7
4.2.5 Feedback ..........................................................................................................................8
5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO PAC........................................................................................................9
5.1 Summary of Engagement ..............................................................................................................9
5.1.1 Website Activity.................................................................................................................9
5.1.2 Website Feedback ............................................................................................................9
5.1.3 Issues emerging from PAC ...............................................................................................9
5.1.4 Addressing issues which emerged through the PAC process ............................................11
5 CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................14
5.1 Meaningful Pre-Application Consultation .....................................................................................14
Appendices
Appendix 1 Newspaper Advertisements
Appendix 2 Request for engagement letter and Project Information Leaflet
Appendix 3 Email Correspondence from Community Councils
Appendix 4 Screenshots of project website
Appendix 5 Online Survey form
Appendix 6 Completed survey responses
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PAC REPORT
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Context
Elgin Energy Esco Ltd, hereby referred to as the ‘Applicant’ has undertaken a voluntary period of pre-
application consultation (PAC) prior to submitting an application for consent to the Scottish Government Energy
Consents Unit (ECU). This application seeks consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct
and operate the following development on lands at Wemyss Estate, KY1 4BD, c. 1.5km northeast of Kircaldy
and c.1.25km southeast of the village of Thornton in Fife: -
“Proposed construction and operation of an electricity generating station with installed capacity in excess of
50 megawatts (MW) consisting of a solar PV farm of approximately 50MW capacity and a battery energy
storage facility of approximately 25MW capacity, with ancillary development.”
There is no statutory obligation to consult the public under the terms of the Electricity Act application process.
However, in accordance with Elgin’s internal methods of best practice, a programme of pre-application
community engagement has been undertaken by the Applicant, which is broadly based on the consultation
principles outlined in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) 2013,
Planning Circular 2013, and the Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Temporary Modifications)
(Coronavirus) (Scotland) Regulations 2020. The Applicant appreciates the benefits of effective engagement
with stakeholders in the local community, in helping to guide and inform the iterative design process, identify
planning and environmental issues, develop relationships, and increase levels of transparency.
This Pre-Application Consultation report (PACR) summarises the consultation approach taken over the course
of an 8 week period,the feedback received during the PAC process, and outlines how this has been addressed
through this comprehensive planning submission.
1.1.1 Application Site
The application site incorporates a land-holding which
spans an area of approximately 107 hectares (c. 261
acres). The proposed development within the
application site will cover an area of circa 40 hectares
which equates to approximately 37% of the holding.
This reduced measurement allows for the significant
spacing between panel arrays. Access to the
development will be taken from Standing Stane Road
along the southern boundary. The application site is
shown below at Figure 1 for reference purposes.
Figure 1 -
Application site
edged in red
(Lands at Standing
Stane Road)
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PAC REPORT
1.1.2 Proposed Development
The application to the ECU as set out in Section 1.1 above, seeks consent for the “Proposed construction and
operation of an electricity generating station with installed capacity in excess of 50 megawatts (MW) consisting
of a solar PV farm of installed capacity approximately 50MW and a battery energy storage facility of installed
capacity approximately 25MW with ancillary development.”
The battery storage facility will comprise 14 No. storage units typically measuring 12.2m (l) x 2.4(w) x 2.6m
(h). It is proposed to locate the facility beside the proposed Primary Substation near to the main site access
entrance.
In terms of other elements, the scheme will comprise: -
• Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels erected on steel frames in arrays of 24 or 48 panels;
• 1 on Primary Sub-station typically measuring 6m (l) x 3.2(w) x 3.4m (h);
• 50 No. Inverter Substations typically measuring 7m (l) x 2.5(w) x 3m (h)to be located across
the site. These stations are connected to the panels by cabling which has been buried
underground. The stations convert the Direct Current (DC) electricity generated by the solar
panels into Alternating Current (AC) electricity before being fed into the primary substation and
then onward to the local electricity grid network;
• Perimeter post and wire "deer" fencing (2.45m high);
• A number of strategically located CCTV security cameras (3m high);
• Access is via an existing lane onto the A915 Standing Stane Road;
• Landscape screening/planting; and
• Associated internal service tracks.
1.2 Purpose of this Report
This PAC report describes the approach to pre-application consultation undertaken by RPS and Elgin,
explaining the methods of engagement used for consulting with the local community, how these were broadly
consistent with the temporary Scottish legislation with respect to Pre-Application Consultation and reflective of
best practice outlined within Scottish Government guidance, and provides a summary of the feedback
received. The report provides the ECU with a comprehensive review of the pre-application consultation
process as a whole and is structured as follows: -
description of temporary legislation and best practice;
explanation of the approach to the pre-application consultation;
detailing the pre-application process that was undertaken; and
stakeholder feedback to the PAC.
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PAC REPORT
PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION LEGISLATION AND
BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE
Elgin is committed to engaging with the local community and have done so in the spirit of the legislation and
best practice guidance outlined below.
2.1 Consultation Guidance and Emergency Provisions
As noted previously, the pre-application consultation process undertaken by Elgin has been influenced by the
Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(Scotland) 2013, Planning Circular 2013,
and the Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Temporary Modifications) (Coronavirus) (Scotland)
Regulations 2020.
More specifically, the Scottish Government Guidance document ‘Planning Advice Note 3/2010: community
engagement’ provided guidance on a strategy to direct the consultation process with local communities.
Paragraph 64 of the guidance states that “The National Standards below have been applied to the planning
system and are ideally suited for use by planning authorities for development plan preparation, by prospective
applicants in pre-application consultations with communities and by people and communities in engaging on
planning issues.”
The National Standards highlight that “Effective community engagement requires the use of a variety of
methods and the choice of method and the people involved will vary and it is impossible to set methods for
every circumstance.” This is particularly pertinent, given the current circumstances surrounding the current
COVID-19 pandemic, and careful consideration was given to ensuring the methods of engagement captured
feedback from hard-to-reach groups within the vicinity of the scheme and those with little or no internet access,
to ensure maximum transparency. The guidance suggested various engagement mechanisms such as;
Disseminating information via Community Councils and other networks;
Use of using e-participation/e-planning systems – interactive plans and applications online;
Using the media to raise awareness – newspaper adverts/articles/radio; and
Distributing information, for example postcards, leaflets, brochures, easy read guides and mail shots
to postcode area.
In respect of the requirement to hold a public event, the Scottish Government released the ‘Coronavirus
(COVID-19): planning guidance on pre-application consultations for public events’ guidance document, to
ensure that consultation in ways that were deemed reasonably possible, and which adhered to current
government guidelines, were undertaken. The Guidance document stipulates that: -
“The intention is to find alternative ways to enable the exchange of views that would otherwise be achieved
by face to face interaction. That is, it is not considered sufficient for alternative consultation to allow only ‘one
way traffic’, with those submitting views not seeing a response until the application itself is made with a PAC
report.
This guidance advocated the use of the following alternatives to holding a public event, including:
Information hosted in a central, free and publicly accessible web location;
Live and interactive web-based consultation, with online opportunities for the public to engage via a
live Q&A and / or opportunities to make comment and receive feedback throughout the process.
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PAC REPORT
3 THE APPROACH TO PRE-APPLICATION
CONSULTATION
Based upon the best practice guidance, the PAC strategy was developed on the basis of the following
principles: -
Community Engagement must be meaningful and proportionate;
It should seek to enhance the applicant’s understanding of the local communities who may be affected
by the application;
Community Engagement must be timed to ensure that proposals are sufficiently developed to allow for
meaningful comment but not so detailed that flexibility to amend the proposal has diminished;
It is essential for people or interest groups to get involved in the preparation of development plans as
this is where decisions on the strategy, for growth or protection, are made.
The consultation approach extended over an 8 week period (beginning in December 2020 – ending beginning
February 2021) and incorporated the following engagement methods:
1. Holding one-to-one pre-appe meetings with the ECU and the Local Planning Authority;
2. Identification of Key Stakeholder(s) groups and Local Elected Representatives, informed by local
knowledge, previous consultation exercises, Community Councils and local representatives, Fife
Council Planning Authority, and ECU;
3. Engagement with Key Stakeholders via written correspondence (including local Ward Councillors
within Fife and MSPs for the area), offering an opportunity for direct discourse;;
4. Engagement via written correspondence with Local Community Councils in Fife offering an
opportunity for direct discourse;
5. Period of 8 week continuous engagement which included;
a. Creation of a project specific website, publicly accessible online providing information on the
proposals and how additional information could be requested;
b. Advertisement of the proposed project website within five local newspapers;
c. Undertaking letter drops to properties within 1 kilometre of the proposed application site
providing information on the proposal and the dedicated project website;
d. Online survey facililtating feedback, contact form and contact details of how members of the
public could obtain further information;
6. Liaison with local elected reps and Community Councils via, telephone calls, emails and one-to-
one Microsoft Teams meetings; and
7. Direct engagement with local residents where requested.
Prior to finalising this strategy, RPS and Elgin engaged with the ECU and Fife Council Planning Department
during the following pre-appe meetings:
Pre-Appe Meeting with Fife Council Planning Department 9th December 2020;
Pre-Appe Meeting with ECU 13th January 2021; and
Pre-Appe Meeting (2) with ECU 11th February 2021.
During these meetings it was confirmed that Elgin intended to undertake a tailored PAC process in advance
of the application submissions. An overview of the process and structure of consultation was provided at that
time. Fife Council provided valuable information relating to key stakeholders, including the relevant community
councils and Councillors, local newspapers for planning adverts, adjacent proposals, and potential issues for
discussions.
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PAC REPORT 4 PRE-APPLICATION COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 4.1 Stakeholders - Identifying who to consult The Applicant and their consultant team prepared a stakeholder database based on the Applicant’s knowledge of the site at Randolph, the surrounding area, and on experience of similar projects to identify a list of primary stakeholders/community groups which should be targeted as part of the consultation process. This comprised mainly of local elected representatives, local residents within 1km of the site, and Community Councils. Early liasion with Fife Council’s Planning Department helped direct the engagement process in terms of confirming the stakeholders to be consulted. RPS also discussed proposed engagement methods and sought advice from the Council that these were appropriate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-engagement with the Council also facilitated a parallel process of engagement with technical Council bodies to provide feedback on the emerging proposals. Whilst pre-application engagement with Fife Council commenced in September 2020, engagement with the Community Councils, elected representatives and the local communities was undertaken during December 2020 and January 2021. The stakeholder database was to be treated as a fluid document and constantly reviewed for the duration of the engagement period to ensure that other stakeholders who emerged through the process could be added to the database. 4.2 Method of Engagement The consultation exercise was carried out in accordance with the guidance and National Standards which states that “developers should ensure appropriate and proportionate steps are taken to engage with communities”. In this context, the Consultant team advised the Applicant on the methods and level of engagement which would be appropriate to the nature and scale of the application and which would ensure the consultation would be meaningful and effective. The Development team engaged with the local community using the following methods: - Dedicated project information website live since the 4th January 2021; Press Notice; Letter drop to properties within the local area; Online survey to facilitate feedback; Liaison with locally elected representatives for the area via letter, e-mail and digital meetings; Engagement with local residents via direct written correspondence and phone-calls; and Liaison with Community Councils. This ensured that the project information was accessible to all sections of the community in a number of formats. 4.2.1 Digital Platform - Dedicated Website A dedicated project website was developed by the Applicant to facilitiate meaningful pre-application consultation. This website comprised dedicated online webpages with different sections providing the same information as would have been otherwise available at a public exhibition/public event. This included project information/drawings, images of the application site and proposed plans showing details on the nature and scale of the development. The website also provided an online feedback form and clear information on ways in which the development team could be contacted and how more information on the project could be obtained, as well as an FAQ section. NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021 rpsgroup.com Page 5
PAC REPORT
The website link is: www.randolphsolarfarm.co.uk and was available to the public from 4th January 2021,
allowing them to view the proposals, timeline, project information, provide feedback, and engage with the
project team. The website was highly accessible, with larger text and heading, with non-technical information,
so that it was easily navigable and easily read. Screenshots of the webpages are included at Appendix 4 for
information. The following information was provided:
Scheme overview, benefits of the scheme, and information on the Applicant;
Draft Planning drawings displaying information about the application site, the proposed development
and viewpoints of the scheme (all were available to download);
Potential impacts of the proposal including ecological issues being considered;
A Questionnaire/Survey Form/ facilitating feedback, comments and queries;
Copies of the information leaflet distributed to surrounding residents (refer Section 4.3.2 below) were
made available and posted to any member of the public who wished to have the information in hard
copy; and
In addition the website included contact details which provided opportunities for direct liaison with the
project team through email or telephone to raise queries/concerns or to participate in a one-to-one
discussion about the project.
In addition the website provided opportunities for direct contact with the project team through email or
telephone to raise queries/concerns or to participate in a one-to-one discussion about the project.
The website was continually monitored during the period of active consultation, between 4 th January and 29th
January 2021. The number of views and downloads on the website was monitored to record ‘attendance’,
made over the period between 4th-29th January 2021. The website remains live and continues to provide
information to the public ahead of the planning application being submitted. The website will be updated
accordingly as the project progresses.
4.2.2 Publicity
The pre-application consultation was advertised locally in several newspapers, providing details of the project
website, timelines, and contact details. The website was publicised in the following newspapers shown in
Table 4.1: -
Table 4.1: Newspaper Publication, Randolph Solar PV
Name of Newspaper Date of publication
The Courier Tuesday 5th January 2021
East Fife Mail Wednesday 6th January 2021
Glenrothes Gazette Wednesday 6th January 2021
Fife Free Press Tuesday 5th January 2021
Fife Herald Friday 8th January 2021
A copy of the newspaper advertisements is provided at Appendix 1 for information. As evidenced, the Notice
in the newspaper advised the community about:
The description of, and the location of, the proposed development;
The link to the website;
Contact details of how members of the public can contact the development team; and
How anyone wishing to make comments relating to the proposal may do so.
The public notice clearly directs that any comments provided to PAC process are not representations to the
planning authority and do not affect the statutory right to make formal submissions to the ECU when the
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PAC REPORT
application for consent is submitted. This message was consistently attached to all publicity literature and
project information during PAC.
4.2.3 Letter/Information leaflet distribution
As a further means of publicity, the local community were also notified about the consultation process through
a letter/information leaflet distribution to all properties within the immediate vicinity of the proposed application
boundary.The letters/information leaflet distribution was carried out on 8th January 2021. In all, a total of 60
letters and leaflets were distributed to c. 60 no. properties within the immediate vicinity of the site. Where
access could not be gained to several properties, a copy of the letter/information leaflet was disseminated to
any occupied premises, for instance; access to North Lodge Holiday Park was not permitted therefore a copy
of the cover letter/information leaflet was distributed to the caravan park owners/managers office, similarly
access onto Barratt Homes residential development just off Randolph Road was not possible therefore a copy
was distributed to the site office and similarly for Persimmons homes residential development on Randolph
Road, copies of the letter and information leaflet were delivered to the show home and all the occupied
properties.
A cover letter accompanied the information leaflet, explaining the purpose and nature of the consultation
process, and how further information could be obtained. The project information leaflet provided information
on the application site, the proposed scheme, details of the project website and contact details for members
of the development design team. The letter also offered an opportunity for those with no access to the internet,
to speak to the project team and obtain hard copies of the relevant documents.
The letter/information leaflet distribution was aimed at providing an alternative means of engagement for those
living in the vicinity of the scheme who may have limited internet access, to ensure they were fully aware of
the proposals and could seek information by contacting the development design team directly. A copy of the
letter and information leaflet issued to surrounding properties is included at Appendix 2.
4.2.4 Liaison with Community Councils and Elected Representatives
A request for engagement letter was issued via email to local Councillors within the wards covering the
application site on 10th December 2020 and further email correspondence issued in early January to confirm
receipt. Further email exchanges with Councillors provided details of the project information
website/information leaflet and provided opportunity to arrange one-to-one Teams/Zoom meetings with those
Councillors who wished to discuss the scheme proposals. The following Councillors were contacted:
Glenrothes Central and Thornton; Cllr. Derek Noble (Scottish Labour Party); Cllr. Ross J Vettraino
OBE (SNP); Cllr. Vikki Wilton (SNP)
Kircaldy East; Cllr. Ian Cameron (SNP); Cllr. Rod Cavanagh (SNP); Cllr. Richard Watt (Scottish
Conservative and Unionist Party)
Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages; Cllr. Ken Caldwell (SNP); Cllr. David Graham (Scottish
Labour); Cllr. John O'Brien (SNP); Cllr. Ryan Smart (SLP)
Two one-to-one meetings took place on Friday 29th January 2021 with Cllr Ken Caldwell and Cllr David
Graham. The feedback received and outcomes of the meeting are provided in Section 5.0 of this report.
Additionally Cllr Rod Cavanagh responded via e-mail confirming receipt of correspondence, expressing
interest in proposals, and support in general for renewable energy.
In addition to engaging with local Councillors, a request for engagement letter was issued to Jenny Gilruth
MSP and an online meeting was held on Monday 25th January 2021 to discuss the project proposals. A request
for engagement letter was also issued to David Torrance MSP.
The same request for engagement was also issued to a number of Community Councils in December 2020.
Fife Council advised on the relevant Councils and the following were contacted: -
Thornton Community Council
Coaltown and Wemyss Community Council
East Kirkcaldy Community Council
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Milton and Coaltown of Balgonie Community Council
Dysart Community Council
A number of emails were received seeking requests for information from members of Dysart Community
Council and Coaltown and Wemyss Community Council. A copy of the email correspondence is included at
Appendix 3 for reference.
4.2.5 Feedback
The website provided a conduit for online feedback and comments on the proposal with regard to:
Whether the respondent supports the project in principle;
What opinions/thoughts were on the project plans;
Whether there is any aspect of the proposals that the respondent would wish to see changed;
If there are any other comments or suggestions that the respondent wished to contribute; and
Whether the PAC process has enhanced their understanding of the project.
A copy of the online survey is provided in Appendix 5. It was available on the website during the consultation
period and provided in hard copy, upon request.
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5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO PAC
5.1 Summary of Engagement
5.1.1 Website Activity
Attendance on the webpage was recorded on the basis of users visiting the site. A total of 142 users were
recorded between 4th and 29th January.
Correspondence was received from Mr David Brown, Chair of Coaltown and Wemyss Community Council on
8th January 2021 who had difficulty gaining access to the website, however RPS liaised with the Community
Council and this was resolved.
5.1.2 Website Feedback
All formal responses to the consultation process were provided through completing the online survey, emailing
a member of the development team or through verbal communication by contacting a member of the
development team via telephone.
A total of 4 survey forms were completed over the course of the consultation. A copy of the completed survey
form responses is included at Appendix 6 for reference.
In terms of other feedback received, three emails were received from the Secretary of Thornton Golf Club and
two local residents who relayed concerns regarding the proximity of the development to their properties.
5.1.3 Issues emerging from PAC
The response from the PAC process demonstrated that 100% of respondents considered the consultation
process helped them to better understand the proposals for the site at Randolph, with all respondents stating
that they wish to be kept informed and updated on the process. All information received has been processed
in line with current GDPR requirements.
Regarding the overall closed question in relation to support for the proposed development, the following
statistics were recorded:
Total respondents: 4
Respondents in Favour: 1
Respondents in Oppositon: 1
Respondents Undecided: 2
When asked what they would change about the proposals, the comments received noted:
The siting and proximity of the panels in relation to adjacent property; and
The scale of the proposals.
Those issues raised via the online webpage, over email and via telephone are summarised in the response
summary at Table 5.1 overleaf
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Table 5.1 Summary of responses to consultation
Form of Response Issue raised Comments
One-to-one meetings
Microsoft Teams General inquiries A presentation by RPS and Elgin was made to both Councillors
Meeting (Cllr David regarding which explained the proposals for the site, how consultation was
Graham and Cllr Ken proposals. being carried out and timescales for the application to be submitted
Caldwell) to the ECU. Cllr Graham requested a copy of the presentation for
his records which was provided.
Cllr Caldwell requested copies of the project information leaflet and
link to the website. Details were forwarded to him on 29th January
2021.
Microsoft Teams General queries A presentation by RPS and Elgin was made to Ms Gilruth which
Meeting (Ms Jenny regarding explained the proposals for the site, how consultation was being
Gilruth MSP) proposals and carried out and timescales for the application to be submitted to the
implications for ECU
constituency and Feedback suggested the information provided was informative
local people Ms Gilruth advised that her colleague David Torrance was the MSP
Positive for the adjoining constituency – the boundary of which ran along the
regarding the east of the Randolph site and suggested we reach out to him.
proposals for (Details of the project information website and a request for
renewable engagement letter were issued to Mr Torrance)
energy
generation
Via Telephone Call Queries Following discussions and via email engagement, proposed panels
and E-Mail – regarding project in the field nearest to the Dairy Ore Mills Farm property were
resident at Dairy Ore layout and removed. The field boundaries will also be enhanced to provide
Mills Farm Kirkcaldy proposed additional screening.
mitigation The property owner advised he wished to be kept informed of the
options application process.
Via Telephone Call Queries Through discussions and via e-mail engagement Elgin Energy
and E-Mail – Club regarding visual agreed to tailor the project layout to remove proposed panels from
Secretary at impact, project the field adjacent to the Golf Course entirely.
Thornton Golf Club layout in terms Thornton Golf Club Secretary confirmed in written correspondence
of potential he was content with the amendments and wished to be kept
conflict with golf informed of the application process.
course users
and
infrastructure
Email correspondence
Mr David Brown Queries RPS provided responses to Mr Brown on his queries;
(Chair Coaltown & regarding Responses were circulated to other committee members also
Wemyss CC) impacts on the RPS offered a telephone call or an opportunity to present the same
local village, information to Mr Brown or the Community Council, that was
countryside and presented previously to elected representatives;
wildlife and RPS/Elgin were advised that the project would be discussed at the next
some access CC meeting and that if any further issies were raised or if there was a
queries need for a further chat that Mr Brown would be in touch.
Ms Sandra McLeod Queries RPS provided a direct response to queries raised by Ms McLeod;
(Resident of regarding traffic, RPS offered a further chat through any issues;
Coaltown & Wemyss impacts on Ms McLeod advised she was content with the comprehensive response
and member of CC) biodiversity and and further that Mr Brown (Chair Coaltown & Wemyss) would advise
panel regarding any meeting requirement.
composition
Cllr Rod Cavanagh General expression of interest in proposals
Online Feedback Form (4th – 29th January)
Various A total of 4 survey responses were received, which included the
Written (Online (Landscape and following feedback: -
Feedback Form) visual impact;
Traffic during the
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installation phase; 1 of 4 respondents stated they were opposed to the proposals
effects on land use; at Randolph
Effects on local 3 out of 4 respondents stated they lived within 5km of the
biodiversity and project
ecology) Of the four responses received the following specific queries
were raised: -
o One local business owner (Golf Club) stated that their
concerns were specifically related to the solar farms visibility
from the 15th, 16th and 17th holes on the course and the
cumulative impact with wind turbines on adjacent land. In
addition, they also raised concerns regarding stray golf balls
from the course which may cause damage to any installed
solar panels on this north section of the proposed
development.
o Another local resident stated that they had concerns about
the proximity of the site to the boundary farm buildings and
houses.
o A second resident stated that they had concerns with the
proximity of the development with their dwelling/boundary
fence. They stated their concerns related mainly to;
disruption (noise during the installation of the panel
structures (usually done by driving steel posts into the
ground) potentially having a severe negative impact on staff
and animals impacting on milk yield and profitability. They
stated that the development would have an overbearing
effect on their lives due to proximity and the location could
be considered more sensitively.
5.1.4 Addressing issues which emerged through the PAC process
Direct email correspondence with various members of the public, including Coaltown and Wemyss and Dysart
Community Councils helped garner additional feedback on the scheme and confirm any issues prior to
submission of the application to the ECU.
The applicant team responded to all of these queries either directly via email and telephone over the course
of the consultation period or as and when emails were received when the consultation period ended. The
applicant team addressed all queries raised by confirming the level of technical information that would be
submitted with the application to alleviate any concerns raised regarding environmental issues such as the
level of traffic associated with the development, impacts upon local wildlife and potential amenity/visual issues
regarding the scheme.
The detailed design of the proposed solar farm and energy storage facility has evolved having due regard to
the comments received during this consultation process and to comply with Transport Scotland and other
statutory agency requirements to avoid any significant impacts in that regard.
In addition, a number of environmental assessments (Traffic, Noise and LVIA) were undertaken to ascertain
the likely impacts and any mitigation which should be proposed to reduce and/or prevent any negative impacts.
Table 5.2 overleaf outlines the key issues raised, and how these have been addressed in the proposed
development.
NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021
rpsgroup.com Page 11PAC REPORT
Table 5.2 Summary of Issues
Issues Raised How issues have been addressed by Design Team
Level of traffic generation and HGV traffic could The project team has engaged with the Highways
potentially increase road traffic accidents; Department in Fife Council, and advice was provided to
Clarification required on whether any guide the design and development of the project.
improvements to the junction were being
A Transport Statement has been prepared in support of
undertaken.
the development.
As well as providing information on all modes of transport
it notes that increased trip generation will only occur
during construction and decommissioning phase, which
will see a short term increase in HGV traffic. These
phases will be short term and guided by a Construction
Traffic Management Plan which can be conditioned as
part of any emerging application consent. During project
operation, there will be minimal generation of traffic.
Visibility splays have been provided at the vehicular
access in accordance with Fife Council Transportation
Development Guidelines, and will be retained throughout
the lifetime of the project. This will ensure safe
ingress/egress to the site.
The Council indicated that, on this basis there were no
road safety concerns at this stage.
Potential for increase in odour from the proposal, The proposals comprise solar panels, inverter stations
and the potential impacts on air quality. and associated infrastructure. None of these pieces of
apparatus release odourous emissions, which could
impact on nearby residential amenity.
With regards to air quality, there will be minor emissions
during construction from vehicles, which are short term
and not significant. Proposals work with the landscape
and there is no cut and fill to facilitate development.
Excavation is limited to those parts of the site upon which
the substation and inverters are proposed and
accordingly potential emissions from dust will be minor,
short term and not significant.
Potential visual impacts on the adjacent golf The Applicant has engaged directly with an adjacent
course, specifically from the 15th, 16th and 17th landowner to discuss these issues in more detail via
holes on the course and the cumulative impact email and one-to-one meeting.
with wind turbines on adjacent land.
The proposed siting of the solar panels adjacent to the
south-eastern boundary of the golf course was omitted
from the proposed site layout. Thornton Golf Club stated
they had no further issues given the withdrawal from the
boundary at the golf course.
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been
prepared as part of the application, assessing wider
impacts of the scheme.
Concerns were raised in relation to the proximity Following discussions and via email engagement,
of the site to the boundary of adjacent properties proposed panels in the field nearest to the Dairy Ore Mills
at Dairy Ore Mills Farm towards the north Farm property were removed. The field boundaries will
western boundary of the site. also be enhanced to provide additional screening.
NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021
rpsgroup.com Page 12PAC REPORT
Concerns regarding the proximity of the site with Careful consideration was given to the siting of the
respect to: proposed panels, relative to the nearest residential
properties. There are no dwellings immediately adjacent
Disruption (noise during the installation of the to the site boundary, with the nearest property
panel structures (usually done by driving steel approximately 0.2km away. The location of the panels
posts into the ground) potentially having a are located over 8m from the main boundary of the site
severe negative impact on staff and animals and the edge of the carriageway.
impacting on milk yield and profitability.
In addition, new planting is proposed along Stirling Road
Overbearing effect on their lives due to proximity; to help integrate the site into the countryside and
The location could be considered more limit/minimise views of the infrastructure from public
sensitively viewpoints.
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been
prepared as part of the application, assessing the wider
impacts of the scheme.
Potential conflict with adjacent uses, with stray The Applicant has engaged directly with an adjacent
golf balls from the course which may cause landowner to discuss these issues in more detail.
damage to any installed solar panels on this
As stated above, the proposed siting of the solar panels
north section of the proposed development.
adjacent to the south-eastern boundary of the golf
course was omitted from the proposed site layout.
Thornton Golf Club stated they had no further issues
given the withdrawal from the boundary at the golf
course.
NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021
rpsgroup.com Page 13PAC REPORT 5 CONCLUSION 5.1 Meaningful Pre-Application Consultation This report demonstrates that the applicant, Elgin Energy Esco Ltd, has undertaken a meaningful and effective voluntary period of Pre-Application Consultation in relation to the proposed development for a 50MW Solar PV Farm, energy storage facility (25MW) and associated ancillary development on lands at the former Randolph Colliery site at Wemyss Estate in Fife. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Government introduced temporary emergency legislation and guidance on how Applicant’s should conduct appropriate and meaningful PAC to ensure applications and the development management process was able to continue during this period. The Applicant undertook an extensive 8 week period of engagement with stakeholders, including local elected reps in the vicinity of the application site from December 2020- January 2021, and the local community between 4th January and 29th January 2021. The Applicant provided a dedicated project website which was live for a consultation period exceeding 3 weeks and remains in place, undertook a letter-drop to local residents within the immediate vicinity of the site and contacted Community Councils. The engagement with the community has been appropriate in line with the proposals and is on-going throughout the pre-application period. The project team has provided stakeholders with up-to-date and accurate information enabling them to be actively engaged and provide feedback to the applicant before any scheme is submitted to the ECU for consent. Whilst the formal PAC peiod ended on 29th January 2021 Elgin has remained receptive to engagement in the intervening period. Furthermore, Elgin is fully committed to maintaining that engagement throughout the delivery of the project. NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021 rpsgroup.com Page 14
PAC REPORT Appendices NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021 rpsgroup.com Page 15
PAC REPORT
Appendix 1
NI2289 | PAC Report | 1.0 | February 2021
rpsgroup.com Page 16LĽºġ SƐƐÚŴż
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Thousands in
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now receive full
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Lynda Colston named in honours list ‘Stick to
the new
MBE honour for
rules’
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Leven woman
Lynda Colston was awarded and tenacity, her work has been involved with has been East Neuk to receive an hon-
By Jamie Callaghan
Reporter
jamie.callaghan@jpimedia.co.uk
the honour for services to
mental health learning.
beencrucialtodevelopingun-
derstanding and behaviours
recognisedatsuchahighlevel.
Lynda continued, adding:
our.
ProfessorIanGardnerFin- Threats
A Leven woman who has
As learning design manag-
er in the department’s skills
tohelpDWPstaffsupportvul-
nerable customers.
“Iammindfulofthemanypeo-
ple at DWP who have helped
lay from Kilconquhar, a con-
sultantsurgeonattheGlasgow against
product design team, she has Lynda said: “It was a com- bring this learning to so many Royal Infirmary and Profes-
worked for the Department been instrumental in the de-
sign of mental health train-
plete shock when I found out
I had received this honour – in
peopleacross the department
in their work to help custom-
sional Consultant Health
Workforce Directorate, has
staff
for Work and Pensions since
1973 has been given an MBE in ing being delivered to around fact I think I’m still in shock. ers.” been awarded a CBE for serv- PAGE 10
40,000 staff. “It was a really nice feel- She was not the only per- ices to medical education and
the New Year Honours list. Through her commitment ing to find out the work I have son in Levenmouth and the training.
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