Buron Wold Windfarm N Extension NTS FINAL …...facilitate erection of turbines • Construction of...

FIRST RENEWABLED E V E L O P M E N T S

Environmental Statement

Non – Technical Summary

Burton Wold Wind FarmNorthern Extension

Proposed Revised Scheme

Stratus Environmental Limited 4245 Park Approach

Thorpe Park Leeds

West Yorkshire Ls15 8GB

Project Quality Assurance Information Sheet Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension: Proposed Revised Scheme – Non-Technical Summary Report Number: FR1000/NTS Report Status: FINAL Report Date: August 2012 Prepared for: First Renewable Developments Ltd Prepared by: Stratus Environmental Ltd

4245 Park Approach Thorpe Park Leeds LS15 8GB

Written and prepared by:

Joanna Berlyn Senior Planner

Reviewed and Approved by:

Nick Davies Managing Director

BURTON WOLD WIND FARM NORTHERN EXTENSION PROPOSED REVISED SCHEME

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 2 1.1 Non-Technical Summary ....................................................................... 2 1.2 Proposed Development .......................................................................... 2 1.3 Application Site ..................................................................................... 2 2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................. 4 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 4 2.2 Turbine Dimensions .............................................................................. 4 2.3 Site Access ............................................................................................ 5 2.4 Ancillary Infrastructure .......................................................................... 6 2.5 Construction Process ............................................................................. 8 2.6 Wind Turbine Operation ......................................................................... 9 2.7 Wind Turbine Decommissioning .......................................................... 10 3.0 THE CONTRIBUTION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION ................... 11 3.1 Policy Context ..................................................................................... 11 3.2 Energy Generation ............................................................................... 11 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS .............................................. 13 4.1 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage ...................................................... 13 4.2 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ............................................ 13 4.3 Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology ................................................ 17 4.4 Ecology ............................................................................................... 18 4.5 Ornithology ......................................................................................... 19 4.6 Traffic and Transport ........................................................................... 20 4.7 Noise................................................................................................... 21 4.8 Socio-Economic ................................................................................... 21 4.9 Shadow Flicker .................................................................................... 23 4.10 Public Access, Safety, Infrastructure, Telecommunication, Utilities and

Aviation ............................................................................................... 23 5.0 OBTAINING INFORMATION .................................................................. 25

Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension Non-Technical Summary

Stratus Environmental Limited 2 FR1000/NTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Non-Technical Summary

1.1.1 First Renewable Developments Ltd (First Renewable) is seeking planning permission for a revised scheme for the Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension located to the east of Burton Latimer.

1.1.2 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) provides an overview of the findings of the environmental assessments, which are reported in detail within the Environmental Statement, accompanying the application for planning permission that is being submitted to Kettering Borough Council (KBC) under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

1.2 Proposed Development

1.2.1 The development for which planning permission is being sought comprises the following:

• Nine turbines with a maximum overall height of up to 132.5m

• 80m anemometer mast

• Hard standing areas e.g. crane pads

• On-site track construction and upgrade

• Control building and cabling

1.2.2 First Renewable and GE have identified that by deploying the GE 1.6 100 turbines at Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension far greater use of the wind resource can be made. The GE turbines will have a class leading capacity factor virtually doubling the annual energy production for the Northern Extension. This revised scheme will enable the construction of turbines which are more efficient for the wind conditions experienced at the site and would enable the production of electricity equivalent to powering 10,191 homes. This represents an additional 4,532 homes when compared to the previous approved scheme1.

1.3 Application Site

1.3.1 The site is located to the east of Burton Latimer and the south of Cranford St John at NGR 492295, 275599, and to the north of the existing Burton Wold Wind Farm.

1 This is based on output from a GE1.6/100 turbine with 80m hub, certified class IEC IIIB, for the proposed

scheme and an Enercon E-70, referenced in the previous planning application, and analysis of wind speed data from the on-site met mast on site during 2007. Annual domestic usage as been assumed as 4.7 MWh/year (Digest of UK Energy Statistics, 2004).



The A14, to the north, and the A6, to the west, separates the site from these built areas. The site context is shown within Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: Site Context

1.3.2 The land within and surrounding the development site predominantly comprises agricultural farmland used for arable crops. The field boundaries within and around the development site largely consist of hedgerows and ditches and there are small pockets of woodland within and surrounding the site. Residential properties associated with Burton Wold Farm: Wold Lodge, Burton Wold Farm House and Wold Cottages, lie to the south of the proposed development site. Other isolated properties lie to the east and west of the site.

1.3.3 Cranford Landfill Site is adjacent to the northeast of the site which has a permitted lifespan up to 2030, and Barton Plant, an established B2/B8 site, is located to the west.



2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 This planning application is for a revised scheme for the Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension. The site currently benefits from extant planning permission for 7 turbines up to 100m to tip (KET/2007/1033).

2.1.2 This revised scheme would comprise the erection, 25 year operation and subsequent decommissioning of nine wind turbines with a maximum overall tip height of up to 132.5m with 30m micro-siting, new and upgraded on-site access tracks, hard standing areas, a control building and cabling. During construction a temporary compound will also be required to house a site office and welfare facilities. The proposed site layout (red) is illustrated in Figure 2.1; the location of the previously consented turbines (blue) is also illustrated within this figure.

Figure 2.1: Proposed Site Layout (including location of previously consented turbines)

2.2 Turbine Dimensions

2.2.1 Figure 2.2 illustrates the structure of a typical wind turbine. It is anticipated that the turbine to be installed at the site will be a GE 1.6/100; however, some flexibility needs to be retained as availability may be restricted or newer models may be available. Thus, the hub height and rotor diameter may vary slightly depending on the model of the turbine selected. However, of the chosen wind



turbines, the maximum height to blade tip will be up to 132.5m2, which would equate to an 80m hub and 105m rotor diameter (52.5m blade length). Where a reference turbine was required for noise assessment and power output, the GE 1.6/100 has been used; this turbine has a hub height of 80m, a rotor diameter of 100m and an overall tip height of 130m.

Figure 2.2: Typical Wind Turbine Structure

2.2.2 The purpose of the scheme is the generation of renewable electricity with a total capacity of 14.4MW (based on a GE 1.6/100 turbine). However, the final turbine decision will be based on availability and advances in technology and thus general dimensions are applied; (this is a typical accepted approach for wind turbine developments).

2.3 Site Access

2.3.1 The development will utilise the existing access point, at Wold Road, off the A510.

2.3.2 General construction materials are proposed to be transported to the development site via the A14, before existing at junction 11 onto the A510 and turning right into the existing site access. Abnormal load vehicles will be required for delivery of

2 The maximum height of the wind turbine measured from ground level to the blade tip when the blade is in a

vertical position.



the turbine components to the site. The existing site entrance has already been upgraded to accommodate these larger vehicles during the construction of the existing Burton Wold Wind Farm. The abnormal load vehicles will use the same access route as the general construction traffic, although they will be required to access Junction 11 from an easterly direction. The proposed access route is illustrated in Figure 2.3

Figure 2.3: Proposed Construction Traffic Access Route

2.4 Ancillary Infrastructure

Turbine Foundations

2.4.1 Foundation design will occur during the detailed design stage, post site investigation. It is anticipated the wind turbine will be installed on foundations comprising stone and concrete; a typical turbine foundation.

Crane Pad

2.4.2 The wind turbine requires an area of hard standing to be built adjacent to the turbine foundation to provide a stable base on which to lay down turbine components ready for assembly and erection, and to site the cranes necessary to lift the tower sections, nacelle and rotor into place. The crane pad will measure



approximately 800m2 (40m x 20m). In some instances, to minimise disruption to farming activities on the site, these crane pads may be slightly longer.

2.4.3 The crane hard standing will be left in place following construction in order to allow for the use of similar plant should major components need replacing during the operation of the wind energy development. The crane pad could also be utilised during decommissioning at the end of the 25 year period, after which the land will be reinstated.

On-site access tracks

2.4.4 It is anticipated that approximately 4.5km of new or upgraded on-site tracks will be required for the development. All new access tracks will be unpaved and constructed from material sourced off-site.

2.4.5 Owing to the size of some of the turbine components, all on-site access tracks will have to be a minimum of 5m wide with some additional localised bend widening. The proposed location of the access tracks is shown in Figure 2.1 and typical track cross sections are shown in Figure 2.4.

Figure 2.4: Typical Track and Crane Pad Cross Sections

Control Building

2.4.6 The turbine will be connected through switchgear to be installed in a small control building on-site. The control building will measure approximately 13m x 7.5m x 4m high and the 11kv control building will measure approximately 3m x 4m x 4m



high, and the proposed location is illustrated in Figure 2.1 above. Figure 2.5 provides an illustration of a typical control building. The materials for construction of the control building will be agreed with Kettering Borough Council.

Figure 2.5: Typical Control Building Design

Grid Connection

2.4.7 It is anticipated that the development will be connected to the national grid via an existing grid connection at Great Addington. The cables from the on-site substation will be routed along field boundaries and along the road.

2.5 Construction Process

2.5.1 The construction of the proposed wind farm is expected to last approximately nine months and will consist of the following principle activities:

• Site establishment – construction of the construction compound

• Construction of on-site access tracks and crane hard-standing areas to facilitate erection of turbines

• Construction of turbine foundations



• Construction of control building

• Excavation of trenches and cable laying adjacent to on-site access tracks followed by connection of on-site distribution and signal cables

• Delivery and erection of wind turbine

• Commissioning of site equipment

• Development site restoration and operation

2.5.2 Construction activities are proposed to take place between 07.00 – 19.00 hours Monday to Friday and 08.00 – 13.00 hours on a Saturday. Under exceptional circumstances, working/deliveries outside these hours or on Sundays or Bank Holidays may be required. For example, delivery of abnormal loads to minimise disruption to the road network. In these cases permission will be sought from Kettering Borough Council

2.6 Wind Turbine Operation

2.6.1 The turbines will be controlled by a sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which will gather data and provide the facility to control it from a central remote location.

2.6.2 Meteorological conditions will be monitored by a permanent, free standing anemometry mast. The height will match turbine hub-height. The design of this structure is likely to be of a lattice type as shown within Figure 2.6.



Figure 2.6: Typical Anemometer Mast Details

2.6.3 Each manufacturer has specific maintenance requirements but typically routine maintenance or servicing of turbines is carried out twice a year, with a main service at twelve monthly intervals and a minor service at six months. In the first year, there is also an initial three months service after commissioning.

2.6.4 Given the infrequency of the need to access the turbines it is envisaged that maintenance of the access tracks will be minimal, however, it would be carried out as and when required.

2.7 Wind Turbine Decommissioning

2.7.1 The proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension has been designed for an operational life of 25 years. At this time it is expected that the site will be decommissioned and the turbines dismantled and removed.



3.0 THE CONTRIBUTION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

3.1 Policy Context

3.1.1 In spring 2007 the EU heads of Government agreed to a binding target of 20% of the EU’s energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2020. The Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC became European law in June 2009. Member states are required to produce a pre-agreed proportion of energy consumption from renewable sources, such that the EU as a whole will obtain at least 20% of total energy consumption (i.e. electricity, heat and transport) from renewable sources by 2020.

3.1.2 The UK’s target is 15%, which will require 30% of electricity to come from renewable sources, by 2020. The latest statistics for 2012 show that only 11.1% of electricity was sourced from renewable across the UK3.

3.1.3 The UK Renewable Energy Roadmap, published by DECC in July 2011, provides a clear direction on how to achieve the 2020 targets whilst driving down the costs of renewable energy technologies.

3.1.4 The Roadmap sets out a series of measures aimed at ensuring the UK meets the target to deliver 15% of the country’s energy consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020. The UK Committee on Climate Change states that there is scope for renewable energy to meet 30-45% of the country’s energy needs by 2030.

3.1.5 The Roadmap identified eight technologies and how they could potentially contribute to meeting the target of 15% of the country’s energy consumption from renewable resources by 2020, which is estimated to be 234 TWh4. They suggest that onshore wind could contribute between 24-32 TWh. In 2010 onshore wind accounted for 10.3 TWh of electricity generation which suggests there is still a significant requirement for additional wind energy developments.

3.2 Energy Generation

3.2.1 The proposed revised Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension comprises the installation and operation of 9 turbines, each with an assumed installed rating of 1.6MW. Whilst the individual rating of these proposed turbines is lower than those proposed in the original permitted scheme, the turbines proposed for this scheme are more efficient for the wind conditions experienced at the site, and would therefore generate more electricity. Based on site specific wind data, the development is expected to produce 47.9 GWh of electricity per year5 which would

3 Energy Trends, DECC June 2012. 4 1 terawatt hour per year equals 114 megawatts. 5 This is based on the use of a GE1.6/100 turbine with 80m hub, certified class IEC IIIB, and analysis of wind

speed data from the on-site met mast on site during 2007.



power up to 10,191 homes6; this represents an additional 4,532 homes when compared with the previous approved scheme7.

3.2.2 It is widely accepted that electricity produced from wind energy has a positive benefit compared to traditional forms of electricity generation in terms of reducing emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The actual amount of CO2 that is saved by using wind power has been a matter of debate because of changes in the energy mix and cleaner fossil fuel technologies being introduced over time. In producing an estimate of the quantities of CO2 saved, using an assumption that electricity from wind power would offset that produced from a coal fired power station, this would acheive a reduction in emissions of CO2 of around 20,597 tonnes per year8. In addition the operation of the scheme would reduce the emissions of the gases sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the production of acid rain.

6 Based on an average annual domestic usage of 4.7 MWh/year (Digest of UK Energy Statistics, 2004). 7 Based on the use of a Enercon E-70, referenced in the planning application, the 7 turbine layout and analysis

of the same on-site wind speed data. 8 Grid electricity converting factor of 430kg CO2/MWh (DEFRA).



4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

4.1 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

4.1.1 An assessment of potential impacts upon the archaeology and cultural heritage resource from the proposed wind farm has been assessed.

4.1.2 The assessment concludes that there is potential for limited archaeological remains within the proposed scheme area, in particular of the Iron Age and Roman periods. The majority of the proposed scheme area has been subject to little modern disturbance, and as such archaeological deposits are likely to be in a good state of preservation, although they may have been affected by arable farming techniques from the medieval and post-medieval periods. Turbines 1 and 7 are however within areas which have been quarried, which will have removed any earlier archaeological deposits in these areas.

4.1.3 The construction of the proposed new turbines, control building and access roads has the potential to have a Moderate effect upon archaeological deposits. A mitigation strategy, comprising further non-intrusive and intrusive works has been proposed and the completion of these works combined with the ability to micro-site the proposed turbines should reduce the significance of effects to Slight.

4.1.4 There may also be a Moderate/Slight effect upon the setting of Historic Buildings close to the proposed scheme and a Slight effect on the Historic Landscape, although the proposed retention of hedgerows will help to reduce the effect of the development on these cultural resources to Neutral/Slight for Historic Buildings and Neutral for the Historic Landscape.

4.2 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

4.2.1 An assessment of landscape and visual impacts has been undertaken for the proposed development.

Landscape

4.2.2 The study area is primarily covered by the Northamptonshire County Council Current Landscape Character Assessment (NCLCA) (2005). The site lies primarily within LCA 5c Burton Wold, a low and exposed plateau, with one proposed turbine (T1) falling within 4g Irthlingborough Slopes.

4.2.3 The assessment concludes there will be no High magnitude effects on landscape character as the proposed scheme will be an extension of the existing Burton Wold Wind Farm; therefore, the baseline conditions would not be fundamentally changed. Effects of Medium magnitude would extend up to 1.5km to the north, northeast and northwest of the turbines. Beyond this immediate area effects would not be markedly different to those experienced as a result of the existing Burton Wold Wind Farm turbines (being near a wind farm, or able to see a wind



farm), and would rapidly decline to Negligible. As a result, no character areas would be significantly affected overall, and effects would be highly localised and of Moderate significance at most.

Visual

4.2.4 An initial ZTV study was a useful tool in aiding the preliminary identification of the agreed representative viewpoints. 12 viewpoints were selected following desk based analysis and field work and were agreed with Kettering Borough Council. Nine of these viewpoints (1-9) are the same as those used for the assessment of the consented scheme on the same site. Several of these views are illustrated below and provided in more detail within Volume 3 of the ES.

Viewpoint 1: Cranford Road, Burton Latimer



Viewpoint 3: Entrance to Cranford Country Park

Viewpoint 5: North Finedon



Viewpoint 6: South Warkton

4.2.5 The assessment concludes that the settlements most affected are those in close proximity to the turbines, those being Cranford St John, Cranford St Andrew, Burton Latimer and Burton Seagrave. However, views of the turbines from these settlements would often be restricted by intervening vegetation or seen in the context of the existing turbines at Burton Wold wind farm and those consented within the southern extension. The undulating topography, large settlements and planting along the three A-roads serve to limit effects beyond the immediate confines of the site.

4.2.6 Users of the public rights of way within 2.5km of the site would be expected to experience significant visual effects in places where intervening vegetation and/or buildings allow clear views, although it should be noted that those rights of ways within 1km of the turbines and within the triangle of land defined by the A14, A6 and A510 would have open views towards the existing turbines at Burton Wold Wind Farm, and those consented within the Southern Extension. The long distance routes and cycle routes beyond the immediate vicinity of the site would not be expected to experience significant visual effects.

4.2.7 There are a number of dwellings within 1km of the turbines, the majority of these being to the edge of, or within the settlements of Cranford St John, Cranford St Andrew and Burton Latimer. Dwellings within these settlements are unlikely to experience open views of the turbines. Closer to the turbines are a number of isolated houses that already have views of the existing turbines at Burton Wold Wind Farm. The assessment considers that the most affected properties are likely to be 1 – 5 Windmill Cottages as they will have the closest views of a turbine. However the greater distance to the other turbines and partially screened and



oblique views would mitigate to a degree the potential for the turbine to be perceived as overbearing given the context.

Comparative Assessment of Consented and Proposed Schemes

4.2.8 A minor increase in the extent of effects on landscape character would occur, however the only area in which there might be expected to be slightly less effect from the consented rather than the proposed scheme would be at the eastern and western edges of the site itself.

4.2.9 There would be limited areas of new visibility due to the increased height of the proposed turbines, although these areas mostly coincide with the visibility of the existing turbines at Burton Wold wind farm.

4.2.10 The increase in visual effects due to closer proximity of turbines would primarily be restricted to the two views closest to the site to the west. The change to the height, number and spread of the turbines is likely to be most apparent from viewpoints to the north, northeast and northwest, where the greater width of the scheme will be seen, this very slightly increases the effects at viewpoints 3, 6 and 11.

4.2.11 Overall, for most receptors, especially beyond approximately 3-3.5km from the site, the differences between the consented and proposed schemes will be very limited.

4.3 Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology

4.3.1 This chapter assesses the potential risk of the proposed development in consideration of the baseline environment. The baseline environment has been identified through a desk based review of available information.

4.3.2 The development history of the site is limited to small areas in the northern and western extents relating to ironstone quarrying operation in the early to mid-20th Century followed by infilling with inert waste materials e.g. soils. Development structures have been positioned away from such locations.

4.3.3 It is recommended that intrusive site investigation work be undertaken prior to the main turbine construction works to confirm that any stability hazards will not impact upon the structural integrity of the proposed development.

4.3.4 The assessment also considers the risk posed by the development to the baseline environment. Given the site’s limited development history and layout these risks are considered very low.

4.3.5 Following the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures all residual risk are considered very low.



4.4 Ecology

4.4.1 A phase 1 habitat survey was undertaken across the proposed Burton Wold Extension wind farm in May 2012. The survey methodology incorporated an assessment of habitat suitability for protected species including badger, bats and great crested newt (GCN). Monthly bat transect surveys were undertaken in May, June, July and August by two pairs of trained surveyors on each occasion. Remote automated bat detectors were also employed in June (72 recorder nights), and August (66 recorder nights). Transect routes and automated recorder positions were informed by data from desk-based assessment, associated consultations with relevant consultees and previous work undertaken across the application site in 2007 by Baker Shepherd Gillespie.

4.4.2 All habitats recorded as present and that will be modified by the proposed works are common and widespread in Northamptonshire and the UK and are considered to be of Site level nature conservation value (arable land and improved grassland) or District level (hedgerows).

4.4.3 Two active badger setts, a probable main sett and outlier were confirmed to be present within the site. It is considered that a development licence will be required from Natural England to permit the closure of the outlier sett prior to the start of ground works due to the proximity of this sett to the proposed works. The main sett will not be modified or adversely affected by the proposals. Given the abundant opportunities for sett creation elsewhere within the site this closure would be of Minor adverse significance on a Local value feature. There is predicted to be Negligible impact to the available foraging resources for local badger given wide availability of foraging habitat within the site.

4.4.4 A pond to the far north of the site, and two neighbouring off-site ponds are known to support a ‘moderate’ population of great crested newt, though with a peak count of 16 individuals this population is towards the low end of the range for moderate size (10-1009). No destruction, modification or disturbance of any pond is proposed, and works will not result in the fragmentation of suitable habitat corridors leading from these ponds. The adoption of good management practices and implementation of standard pollution control mechanisms, including strict adherence to the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines will minimise the risk of adverse impacts to great crested newt and pond habitats. Any adverse effects would therefore be of Negligible to Minor significance on a receptor of Medium sensitivity.

4.4.5 The Assessment Site, for the most part, comprises arable land managed improved grassland that provide only poor quality foraging and commuting habitat for locally roosting bats. Field boundary hedgerows and tree lines, semi-improved grassland, ponds and the small woodland stands provide limited, though moderate

9 Foster, J. Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough 2001.



quality foraging habitat. Such habitats additionally provide potential flight-lines and linkages throughout the site for bats.

4.4.6 No bat roosts were identified present within the Assessment Site during habitat and transect surveys. There are no features suitable to support a bat roost present within the site that will be modified as part of the proposed works, therefore no bat roost sites will be lost as part of this development.

4.4.7 Transect surveys and remote automated recorders recorded generally low levels of bat activity within the site, with pipistrelle species (common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrelles and soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus) comprising the majority of bat encounters recorded. Both species are considered to be of Medium risk of collision and Low population threat according to Natural England guidance10. Small numbers of individual brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus, noctule Nyctalus noctula and Myotis species bats were also recorded present on occasion. Myotis bats and brown long-eared bats are of Medium risk of collision and Low population threat in accordance with the guidance, but Nyctalus species are of High risk of collision and High population threat

4.4.8 Bat activity was closely associated with the existing hedgerow network and with small areas of woodland and ponds within and adjacent to the site. Bat activity levels within open arable and grassland habitats were consistently low.

4.4.9 Impacts on bat species identified to be present within the site and wider area were assessed, with pre-mitigation impacts identified. Mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts have been identified and the proposed scheme represents an improvement on the permitted scheme as it will be possible to ensure that a minimum 50m buffer is observed around turbine locations. These measures include mitigation during construction to avoid disturbance of foraging/commuting bats by artificial lighting, and avoidance as far as possible of important site features through inherent site design.

4.4.10 The design of the wind farm, and the implementation of mitigation measures, conclude that the construction and operational phases of the proposal are likely to result in minor negative impacts upon local badger, great crested newt and bat populations. Impacts on the hedgerow resource would be Minor to Moderate at a site level. Impacts to other habitats present within the construction area (arable and improved grassland habitat) would be of Negligible significance. These impacts are not significant for the purposes of the EIA Regulations.

4.5 Ornithology

4.5.1 Sixteen Vantage Point (VP) surveys took place at the site of the proposed Burton Wold Extension wind farm, formulated, scoped and designed on the basis of the results of the desk-based assessment, associated consultations with relevant

10 Natural England Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines: Interim Guidance TIN051, 2009.



consultees and previous work undertaken at the application site. Surveys focused on vantage point and breeding birds, and supplement previous bird survey data collated in 2007 by Baker Shepherd Gillespie.

4.5.2 One bird species protected by legislation was found to be present on the site - red kite. In addition, other bird species were listed as of conservation concern, on account of their population declines rather than their rarity. All recorded species are common and widespread in Northamptonshire and the UK.

4.5.3 Impacts on four target species considered vulnerable to collision risk and recorded during surveys (red kite Milvus milvus, lapwing Vanellus vanellus, kestrel Falco tinnunculus and buzzard Buteo buteo) were assessed, with pre-mitigation impacts identified.

4.5.4 In addition, impacts upon the notable species within the recorded farmland bird assemblage comprising UKBAP and/or Red/amber-listed species (grey partridge Perdix perdix, lapwing, linnet Carduelis cannabina, skylark Alauda arvensis, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, yellow wagtail Motacilla flava and dunnock Prunella modularis) were assessed, with pre-mitigation impacts identified.

4.5.5 Mitigation measures to avoid adverse impacts have been identified and proposed. These measures include mitigation during construction to avoid disturbing nesting farmland birds, and avoidance as far as possible of important site features through inherent site design for all species.

4.5.6 The design of the wind farm, and the implementation of mitigation measures, conclude that the construction and operational phases of the proposal are likely to result in minor negative impacts upon avian receptors. These impacts are not significant for the purposes of the EIA Regulations.

4.6 Traffic and Transport

4.6.1 An assessment of the impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning associated traffic has been undertaken for the proposed revised scheme for the Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension.

4.6.2 The impact of construction related traffic on the proposed access route for general construction traffic (using the A14 and the A510) has been calculated, in percentage terms, relative to the background traffic data estimated at the opening year of construction (2013).

4.6.3 The results indicate that on days which the concrete foundations are not being delivered, traffic flows will increase by 0.08% on the A14 and by 0.98% on the A510 (0.53% and 9.07% increase in HGV vehicles, respectively).

4.6.4 Due to construction constraints there are nine days throughout the construction period whereby 134 deliveries (268 movements) of concrete for each turbine



foundation will be required. During these nine days no other deliveries would occur, and traffic would be managed through a Traffic Management Plan.

4.6.5 There will also be 72 abnormal load movements to the site to deliver the turbine components. An Access Survey has been undertaken by Collett to ensure that these components can be delivered to site. The delivery of these components would be managed through a Traffic Management Plan.

4.7 Noise

4.7.1 An assessment of the potential noise impact associated with the proposed revised wind farm development known as Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension has been performed. The guidance contained within ETSU-R-97 has been used to assess the potential noise impact of the proposed development.

4.7.2 When considering only the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension, predicted levels and measured background noise levels indicate that, at all receptor locations neighbouring the proposed site, wind turbine noise levels will meet the Amenity Hours Noise Criterion and Night-time Hours Noise Criterion proposed by ETSU-R-97.

4.7.3 Predictions have been undertaken to assess the potential cumulative effect of all existing or consented wind turbine developments nearby the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension. Predicted cumulative wind farm noise levels resulting from all developments indicate that for all un-associated receptor locations, noise levels will meet the Amenity Hours Noise Criterion and Night-time Hours Noise Criterion proposed by ETSU-R-97.

4.7.4 An assessment of the potential noise impact due to construction activity of the proposed wind farm has been carried out, with reference to published guidelines in BS 5228, Part 1: 2009.

4.7.5 The noise due to the different stages of construction operations have been assessed alongside the relevant noise that construction traffic may cause at each dwelling nearby the proposed wind farm. At each construction stage, and at all receptor locations, it is judged that construction noise will be within acceptable levels.

4.8 Socio-Economic

4.8.1 The existing socio-economic situation has been considered, alongside research on public attitudes towards wind farms, to inform the socio-economic assessment. The development of the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension will have a positive impact upon the social and economic situation in the surrounding area. These benefits are summarised further below.



Construction

4.8.2 There are numerous sectors involved in wind energy development, ranging from manufacturing, environmental consultancy, electrical and civil engineering to financial and legal services.

4.8.3 The construction of the wind farm represents local investment and the Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension could therefore create an opportunity for direct and indirect economic benefits. The capital cost associated with the scale of development is estimated to be in the region of £25 million.

4.8.4 Research published earlier this year (May 2012) undertaken by BIGGAR Economics identified that there was potential for 45% of wind farm construction expenditure of onshore wind farm developments to occur in the UK. It found that due to the wide variety of supplies and services required during the construction phase, and the nature of these supplies and services required, there were significant opportunities for local companies to gain contracts. Based on the case studies used in the research it was concluded that 29% of the construction costs were spent in the local region and 7% was spent in the local area (the local authority area).

Operation

4.8.5 As part of the development of the revised scheme for the Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension, the applicant is committed to contributing towards a community fund in order for the local residents to directly benefit from the scheme.

4.8.6 The phasing, apportionment and project eligibility criteria for spending these funds remain to be agreed with the local communities. It is envisage that the councils would be likely to spend these funds seeking to achieve the objectives referred to within their forthcoming Parish Plans. The applicant is keen to engage with the local communities during the planning application determination process in order to agree the structure and administration of the community fund, building on discussions held prior to the submission. Thus, the development would facilitate investment and improvements within the local communities. This level of investment within these areas is expected to have a significant positive effect.

4.8.7 Whilst there are clearly different views on wind farms, there is no conclusive evidence to date that tourism is adversely affected by wind farm developments. There is widespread publicity about the concerns of the public and opposition groups to the potential that wind farms could have on tourism but there have also been a number of surveys which have concluded that wind farms have no effect, or even a positive effect, on the tourism industry.



4.9 Shadow Flicker

4.9.1 Shadow flicker is theoretically predicted occur at properties to east, north and west of the development site.

4.9.2 In practice the magnitude of shadow flicker effect will be less than that calculated because of a number of factors, including cloud cover, times when turbines are not turning, orientation of the hub and rotors and so no significant effects are anticipated.

4.9.3 Once the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension is operational, should shadow flicker be found to be a problem in practice, a range of techniques are available to fully mitigate the phenomenon. Mitigation may include fitting shutters or curtains to windows and planting or constructing garden screening in the first instance. If these measures are not suitable then automatic turbine control systems can be programmed and activated to fully mitigate any shadow flicker effect.

4.10 Public Access, Safety, Infrastructure, Telecommunication, Utilities and Aviation

Public access and safety

4.10.1 There is no public vehicular access to the site. The site access will utilise the existing access point off the A510 onto Wold Road. A Public Right of Way (PRoW) runs along this first stretch of the access track, however a Traffic Management Plan will be put in place to ensure that construction traffic is appropriately separated from the PRoW to maintain adequate safety. A bridleway also crosses through the site in a north-south direction. A 132.5m separation distance has been maintained between the turbine locations and the PRoW to provide adequate ‘falling’ distance and a 200m buffer has been maintained from the bridleway in line with guidance.

4.10.2 It is not considered that it will be necessary to restrict access to the PRoWs during the construction, operation or decommissioning phases of the proposed development. The proposed development will be constructed and operated in accordance with all relevant UK health and safety legislation to ensure the risk to public safety is minimised.

Infrastructure and Utilities

4.10.3 A 132Kv overhead link crosses the site, and a 150m buffer has been provided as requested by National Grid. There are no other known infrastructure provisions within the site.



Telecommunications

4.10.4 Consultation with telecommunications providers has indicated that there are several telecommunications links in the area of the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension. Further consultation resulted in JRC being the only link provider identifying a potential effect; however, there are existing turbines at Burton Wold Wind Farm which are located within closer proximity to the link path than those proposed under this Revised Northern Extension. Thus, it is anticipated that the proposal will not have any significant impact on this link. Should this proposed development have an adverse effect, technical mitigation could alleviate any impact.

4.10.5 If a reduction in television reception quality were to occur, it is most likely to be noticed when the wind farm becomes operational. Should the proposed Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension have any adverse effect, there are a number of fully effective mitigation solutions available and the applicant would mitigate post-development where effects are attributable to the Northern Extension.

Aviation

4.10.6 Sywell Aerodrome is located approximately 11.5km to the southeast of the site, with the existing Burton Wold Wind Farm and the Burton Wold Southern Extension situated between the proposed Northern Extension and the aerodrome. The proposed revised scheme is not considered to result in any adverse impact in operation at this aerodrome.

4.10.7 RAF operations at the Cottesmore base have ceased and the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that the site is no longer safeguarded from wind farm development proposals. Notwithstanding this, prior to this confirmation, a line of sight assessment has been undertaken for the Cottesmore RAF radar which confirmed that the proposed increase in turbine height would not impact on the radar due to the screening effect of the airfield buildings.

4.10.8 It is therefore concluded that the development would not create any significant impacts on aviation.



5.0 OBTAINING INFORMATION

5.1.1 Copies of the application, including the Environmental Statement will be available to the public at Kettering Borough Council offices and through their on-line planning pages.

5.1.2 In addition, copies of the Environmental Statement may obtained in pdf format on a CD at a cost of £15 from the following address:

Project Manager, Burton Wold Wind Farm Northern Extension Stratus Environmental Ltd 4245 Park Approach Thorpe Park Leeds LS15 8GB

5.1.3 Paper copies can be obtained from the same address at a cost of £150 + P&P.

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