Longlands Lane Wind Turbine Newport Volume I Non Technical Summary · 2018-07-20 · Longlands Lane...

Longlands Lane Wind Turbine

Newport

Volume I Non Technical Summary

Longlands Lane Wind Turbine Volume I Non-Technical Summary

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited

2212959

Hyder Consulting UK Ltd HCL House,

St Mellons Business Park,

St Mellons,

Cardiff,

CF3 0EY

Tel: +44 (0) 2920 926 700 Fax: +44 (0) 2920 799 275

www.hyderconsulting.com

Longlands Lane Wind Turbine

Newport

Volume I Non Technical Summary

Author Leslie Walker

Checker Leslie Walker

Approver Steve Scone

Report No 0004-UA003876-UE31-01

Date October 2012

This report has been prepared for RES in

accordance with the terms and conditions of

appointment. Hyder Consulting (UK)

Limited (2212959) cannot accept any

responsibility for any use of or reliance on

the contents of this report by any third party.


PREFACE

This document comprises the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement, which has

been prepared in support of an application for consent for the Longlands Lane Wind Turbine,

hereafter known as the ‘Proposed Development’. The Proposed Development comprises a wind

turbine and ancillary infrastructure at Grid Reference E340809, N185388. The site lies midway

between Redwick to the south and the Gwent Europark to the north. To the north east is the

settlement of Magor and to the north west is the Llanwern steelworks. A mainline railway line

passes to the north of the Gwent Europark, with the M4 beyond.

The Environmental Statement comprises the following documents:

• Volume I: Non-Technical Summary

• Volume II: Environmental Statement

• Volume III: Figures and Photomontages

• Volume IV: Technical Appendices

A full copy of the ES will be available for viewing by the public at the following deposit locations

during normal working hours:

• Information Station, Old Station Building, Queensway, Newport, NP20 4AX

• Online at www.longlandslane-wind.co.uk

Copies of all these documents, or information on the Development may be obtained from:

Renewable Energy Systems Ltd.,

Beaufort Court,

Egg Farm Lane,

Kings Langley,

Hertfordshire,

WD4 8LR.

Tel: +44 (0) 1923 299 200

A copy of Volume I: Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge. Copies of Volume II, III and

IV: Environmental Statement, Figures and Photomontages and Techncal Appendices costs £250. In

addition, all documents are available on CD/DVD for £20.


Contents

1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

2 Renewable Energy………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2

3 Site Selection and Design Development……………………………………………………………………. 3

4 Description of the Proposed Development……………………………………………………………….. 4

5 Planning Policy Context………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

6 Ecology and Ornithology……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

7 Landscape and Visual…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

8 Noise and Vibration……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

9 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage……………………………………………………………………………. 8

10 Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology………………………………………………………………………. 8

11 Human Environment and Land Use (Including Shadow Flicker)…………………………….. 10

12 Aviation and Communication Networks…………………………………………………………………….. 11

13 References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

Figures

Figure NTS 1: Site Location Plan

Figure NTS 2: Infrastructure Layout

Non Technical Summary – Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Context

1.1.1 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) forms part of the Environmental Statement (ES), which

accompanies Renewable Energy Systems’ (RES) planning application to Newport City

Council. It is prepared under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact

Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 293) (Ref NTS 1), ‘The EIA

Regulations’, as amended.

1.1.2 The proposed Longlands Lane Wind Turbine, hereafter referred to as the ‘Proposed

Development’, is to be situated within an area known as the Caldicot Levels, part of the

wider Gwent Levels. It lies midway between Redwick to the south and the Gwent Euro Park

to the north, as shown on Figure NTS 1 Site Location Plan. The Proposed Development site is

located at Grid Reference E340809, N185388 and is currently used as grazing farmland. The

Proposed Development would comprise a single wind turbine with a generating capacity of

approximately 1.5 megawatts (MW). There will also be ancillary infrastructure. In summary,

the proposed Development comprises:

• A single three-bladed wind turbine of up to 100m tip-height;

• An electrical substation kiosk at the base of the turbine

• An electricity transformer kiosk at the base of the turbine;

• Crane hard-standing area;

• On-site track;

• Access to the public highway;

• Underground cabling;

• Temporary construction compound; and

• Site signage.

1.1.3 The layout of the proposed Development is shown on Figure 2 Site Layout.

1.1.4 The Proposed Development would also require a connection to the local distribution network

substation. The grid connection would be to the existing substation at Magor approximately

2km to the north east. Application for the grid connection would be made by the District

Network Operator (DNO) (Western Power Distribution). As this would form a separate

application, grid connection issues are not considered in detail in the ES, however a high

level assessment, based on desk study of the indicative grid route corridor, has been

undertaken. The grid connection is not likely to have any significant environmental effects.

1.1.5 In order to facilitate access to the Proposed Development for abnormal loads some minor

modifications to the local road network would be required. Works to the highway would be

subject to a separate agreement with Newport City Council under Section 278 of the

Highways Act 1980. Minor additional works outside of the application boundary would be

within highway limits and no significant effects are anticipated.

1.1.6 This NTS presents a summary of the principal findings of the ES.



2 RENEWABLE ENERGY

2.1 Energy Policy and Targets

2.1.1 Global climate change is widely recognised as being one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today. The principal cause is a rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, a major contributor being the growing use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

2.1.2 In 2007 the White Paper – Meeting the Energy Challenge (Ref NTS 2) outlined a commitment to cut CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050 and 26-32% by 2020, against a 1990 baseline. The legislative aspects of this White Paper were implemented through the Energy Act 2008 (Ref NTS 3).

2.1.3 Most recently, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) issued the ‘UK Renewable Energy Roadmap’ (July 2011) (NTS 4) alongside the Government’s Electricity Market Reform White Paper (2011) (NTS 5).

2.1.4 The White Paper provides a full submission of the Government’s position and stance on decarbonisation and security of supply. Onshore wind is recognised as the biggest single contributor to the pipeline, with over 11GW of capacity in planning, consented or under construction. The conclusions from the analysis state that there is still an urgent need for new projects to come forward.

2.1.5 Wind energy provides a clean, safe, renewable energy source enabling us to reduce these damaging emissions and protect our environment. It also provides diversity and therefore security in United Kingdom (UK) energy supplies by reducing dependency on imported finite fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas as well as reducing emissions of carbon dioxide.

2.1.6 The Welsh Government views climate change as one of the greatest global challenges. It has published its Climate Change Strategy (2009) (Ref NTS 6), and the associated Delivery Plans explain Wales’ commitments, action areas, adaptation strategies, and delivery partners.

2.1.7 The Welsh Assembly Government’s Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 (2005) (Ref NTS 7) sets the framework for renewable energy development in Wales. TAN 8 acknowledges that ‘onshore wind power offers the greatest potential for an increase in the generation of electricity from renewable energy in the short to medium term’.

2.1.8 ‘A Low Carbon Revolution: The Welsh Assembly Government Energy Policy Statement’ (2010) (Ref NTS 8) targets a total output of 22.5GW, including 2GW of onshore wind by 2017.

2.1.9 With a likely maximum output of 1.5MW per annum, the Proposed Development has the potential to make a positive contribution to meeting renewable energy targets and could power approximately 800 homes.



2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment

2.2.1 The aims of the EIA are:

• To gather information on the existing environment and identify environmental constraints and opportunities associated with the development of the area which may be affected by the Proposed Development

• To identify and assess potential effects that may arise from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Proposed Development.

• To outline measures and/or design criteria that may be used to mitigate potential concerns or effects.

2.2.2 The ES has been prepared to accompany an application for planning permission for the

Development. It has been prepared under the EIA Regulations (Ref NTS 1). The

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is to ensure that all significant effects that

the proposed Development is likely to have on the environment are considered. The findings

of the EIA process are reported in the ES.

2.3 Scoping and Consultation

2.3.1 Consultation with key statutory and non-statutory bodies is recognised as being critical to

the preparation of the ES. It focuses attention on key environmental issues, and opens a

dialogue to discuss methodologies for undertaking further investigations and possible

mitigation throughout the development of the project. As such, consultation has formed a

key part of the EIA process and has continued through all stages of the design of the

Proposed Development.

2.3.2 Newport City Council were consulted on the proposed scope of the EIA in November 2011.

This took the form of a Scoping Document which was also issued to key statutory and non

statutory bodies.

2.3.3 Consultation with key statutory and non-statutory bodies is recognised as being critical to

the EIA process. It focuses attention on key environmental issues, and opens a dialogue to

discuss methodologies for undertaking further investigations and possible mitigation

throughout the process of the Proposed Development. As such, consultation has formed a

key part of the EIA process and has continued through all stages of the design of the

Proposed Development.

2.3.4 As part of the wider consultation process, a Public Exhibition was held on 12th September

2012 at Undy Church and Community Hall, on 13th September at Rogiet Community Room

and 14th September at Redwick Village Hall.

2.3.5 The following sections outline the site selection and development design process, describe

the Proposed Development and summarise the key environmental issues and findings of the

EIA process.



3 SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

3.1.1 Longlands Lane was identified as a suitable site for the Proposed Development. This was

based on RES’s internal site selection process, designed to identify potential wind energy

sites which are economically and technically viable, and environmentally acceptable.

3.1.2 Initial Desk Studies were undertaken to determine whether the Proposed Development met

the following criteria and to identify designated sites:

• Wind speed at 45m height in excess of 6m/s as estimated by the ETSU NOABL UK wind speed database;

• Average gradients of up to 1 in 10 (steeper slopes require considerably more civil engineering);

• Good site access;

• Reasonable distance to grid connection;

• 500m minimum separation from the nearest habitation;

• Proximity to internationally and nationally designated sites (e.g. Areas of

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, RAMSAR sites, Special Areas of

Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Nature Reserve (NNR) or Environmentally Sensitive Areas

(ESA).

3.1.3 The layout of the Proposed Development has evolved in response to the environmental constraints of the site, including ecology, landscape and visual, site drainage and noise. Consideration of the constraints has led to the Proposed Development being designed in a particular way. In the final layout, the Proposed Development has been arranged so as to maximise wind power capture whilst minimising environmental effects. The layout represents a balance between renewable energy generation and the technical and environmental parameters of the site.

3.1.4 During the site selection process the proximity of the site to the Severn Estuary Site of

Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area

(SPA) and Ramsar site was identified. During the site selection process it was identified that

the site lies within a SSSI (the Gwent Levels – Redwick and Llandevenny SSSI). Further

studies and consultation (as outlined below) were therefore undertaken to determine

whether a brief could be developed to ensure that the Proposed Development site could be

sensitively designed and mitigation measures developed to enable the site to be developed

for wind energy.

3.1.5 The layout was finalised based on environmental and technical constraints defined from consultation and field surveys. Taking into consideration landscape and visual impacts (and in particular potential cumulative visual impacts associated with the existing Euro Park Tesco Distribution Centre turbines) it was decided that the final layout should compromise a single turbine (two turbines were originally proposed). In order to minimise visual and landscape impacts the decision was taken not to include a control building in the final design. The layout also includes 50m buffer distances for bat habitats and 10m buffer distances for reens. The length of the on-site track and reen crossings have been kept to a minimum, and the track layout has kept as close to field boundaries as possible to minimise land take and enable agricultral practices to continue.



4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

4.1.1 The three key phases of the Proposed Development are as follows:

• Construction of the Proposed Development;

• Operation of the Proposed Development; and

• Decommissioning of the Proposed Development.

4.1.2 The planning application for the Proposed Development has been submitted for the erection of a single, 3-bladed, horizontal axis, wind turbine with a maximum height to blade tip of 100 metres (m). The layout of the Proposed Development is shown on Figure NTS 2 Site Layout.

4.1.3 The ES has been undertaken based on a model turbine. It is based on a set of parameters which form the basis of an assessment of the likely significant environmental effects. For some topics within the EIA, specific data relating to a turbine, such as the Acciona AW77 1.5MW turbine, has been assessed to provide an example of a turbine that would operate within such parameters. The finish and colour of the turbine is likely to be matt grey.

4.1.4 In addition to the turbine there would be a number of structures and infrastructure requirements including an access track, electrical sub station kiosk, electricity transformer kiosk (both kiosks would be at the base of the turbine), crane hardstanding, underground power cables and a temporary construction compound (see Figure NTS 2 Infrastructure Layout).

4.1.5 The total operational land take for the Proposed Development infrastructure would be 0.70 hectares (ha), with an additional 0.10ha required on a temporary basis during the construction phase. The access track has been designed to follow the field boundaries to ensure the land remains usable for agricultural purposes.

4.1.6 Planning permission is sought for a period of 25 years (the operational life of the Proposed Development). It is anticipated that the construction period would be appromimately 6 months and the decommisioning period would be approximately 6 months. At the end of this period, the Proposed Development would either be removed, or a new planning application made to extend its operational life. If removed, all above ground structures would be dismantled, but only the top layer (less than 1m) of below ground structures removed. This approach is considered to result in fewer environmental effects than seeking to remove all infrastructure completely. All disturbed areas would be reinstated back to their original land use. The on-site access track would either be left for use by the landowner or be removed.

4.1.7 Mitigation measures have been built into the design of the Proposed Development where possible and further mitigation is proposed to address remaining environmental effects.

5 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

5.1.1 Newport City Council are required to determine the planning application for the Proposed

Development, taking account of planning policy set out within the current development plan

document for the area. At present, the development plan document of relevance to the

Proposed Development is the Newport City Council Unitary Development Plan (UDP) (2006)

(Ref NTS 9). This provides the relevant development plan framework for the county until the

adoption fo the Local Development Plan.

5.1.2 This document presents a range of policies setting the context for development in relation

to sustainable development, renewable energy, and the built and natural environment. One

of the key objectives of the UDP is ‘to seek forms of development that will result in energy

conservation and to provide for the possibility of power generation from renewable source.’



6 ECOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY

6.1.1 The assessment has been based on a combination of desk-based information, data collected during site visits and surveys undertaken in October 2011, and other specific ecological and ornithological surveys. Consultation was undertaken with a range of consultees prior to, and during the course of, the ecological surveys, and during the emerging impact assessment to guide the scope of the assessment.

6.1.2 The surveys included an assessment of any hedgerows and the identification of habitats suitable for notable species of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, roosting and foraging bats, badger setts, water voles, otters, dormice and breeding and non-breeding birds. The further surveys comprised: bat activity surveys; surveys for water voles and otters; a botanical survey of the aquatic plants within the reen network; and vantage point surveys for breeding and non-breeding birds.

6.1.3 No designated sites would be significantly affected by the Proposed Development, although the potential exists for minor effects on the Ynys Mead Reen, which is part of the Gwent Levels SSSI (Redwick and Llandevenny), associated with the improvement of the existing reen crossing for the access track.

6.1.4 The desk study, field surveys and initial assessment identified that wintering lapwing could potentially be affected significantly by the Proposed Development. This species could be affected both through potential increases in mortality due to collision with the operational turbine, and through potential disturbance and/or displacement during the construction and/or decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development.

6.1.5 However, following the detailed assessment it was determined that the effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development on wintering lapwing would be not significant at any geographic scale, even without mitigation. No targeted mitigation measures for lapwing are therefore proposed.

6.1.6 However, mitigation has been proposed for those ecological receptors for which minor effects are potentially possible. This includes pollution control measures to protect water quality in the Ynys Mead Reen, and measures to ensure that birds, amphibians and reptiles are not killed or injured during the works.

6.1.7 A monitoring programme would be implemented pre-, during- and post-construction in relation to the Ynys Mead Reen to ensure that no negative effects occur as a result of the Proposed Development and to enable remediation measures to be implemented should they be deemed necessary.

7 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

7.1.1 The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) seeks to identify significant effects on

the landscape and visual amenity. Landscape is an area, as perceived by people, whose

character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. Visual

considerations, or visual amenity, relates specifically to the views of a landscape afforded

to people.

7.1.2 The immediate context of the Proposed Development is defined by the Caldicot Levels. The

landscape in which the Proposed Development lies is characterised by low lying fields

bounded by reens and associated vegetation, which is typical of the area. High voltage

power lines traverse the southern end of the site and the corresponding pylons dominate the

local landscape. These detract from the landscape character and quality of this area. The

Proposed Development lies within the Gwent Levels Registered Landscape of Outstanding

Historic Interest, which is in turn included in the non-statutory Register of Landscapes of

Special Historic Interest in Wales.



7.1.3 Potential visibility of the Proposed Development extends northwards to the woodlands at

Gaer Fawr, eastwards to the edge of Chepstow, south eastwards/southwards to the edge of

the Bristol area, and westwards to the Newport Area. Potential visibility is generally

concentrated south of the M4, with only pockets of visibility from hills to the north of this.

Visual receptors, that is those who would have a view of the Proposed Development, include

properties and publicly accessible land and routes within this area.

7.1.4 Overall, landscape character and quality would remain largely unchanged. In turn, the

integrity of the Registered Landscape, within which the Proposed Development lies, would

remain intact. Although the Proposed Development would result in discernible change this

change would generally not be uncharacteristic of views, and visual amenity would remain

largely intact. Whilst there are a number of other existing or proposed wind energy schemes

in the surrounding area, the results of cumulative impact analysis indicate that, overall,

cumulative landscape and visual effects, resulting from the Proposed Development in

combination with these other wind energy schemes, would not be significant.

7.1.5 Areas of landscape that are temporarily disturbed during construction would be restored on

completion. During decommissioning, the landscape in the location of the wind turbine and

access track would be reinstated. During the turbine design process there has been due

consideration for local landscape and visual considerations, principally the Proposed

Development has reduced from two turbines to a single turbine, and the scale of the

proposed turbine is considered proportionate to other vertical structures in the local

landscape.

8 NOISE AND VIBRATION ASSESSMENT

8.1.1 An assessment of the noise effect from both the construction and operation of the Proposed Development has taken into account the most sensitive receptors. The existing wind turbines at the Euro Park Tesco Distribution Centre have been included in the assessment of operational noise. The levels of vibration from wind turbines are so small that only the most sophisticated instrumentation and data processing can reveal their presence, and they are almost impossible to detect. Vibration caused by the operation of the proposed wind turbines is not considered significant.

8.1.2 The operational noise effects were assessed according to the guidance described in the ‘The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms’, referred to as ‘ETSU-R-97’ (Ref NTS 10), as recommended for use in Technical Advice Note 8 Planning for Renewable Energy. This provides a robust basis for assessing the noise effects of a wind turbine and has been applied at the vast majority of wind turbines currently operating in the UK. ETSU-R-97 makes clear that any noise restrictions placed on a wind turbine must balance the environmental effects of the wind turbine against the national and global benefits that would arise through the development of renewable energy sources.

8.1.3 The background noise level (existing noise levels) at nearest neighbours were established by undertaking noise surveys at two nearby properties. These measured levels were then used to estimate the background noise levels at other nearby properties as the ETSU-R-97 document recommends. As background noise levels depend upon wind speed, as indeed do wind turbine noise emissions, the measurement of background noise levels at the survey locations were made at the same time as measurements of the wind speed and wind direction, which covered a representative range. These wind measurements are made at the wind turbine site rather than at the properties, since it is this wind speed that will subsequently govern the wind turbine noise generation.

8.1.4 An estimate of noise levels at the nearest neighbours, using a sound propagation model, were made over a range of wind speeds taking into account the position of the proposed wind turbine, the nearest neighbours, and the likely wind turbine type.



8.1.5 For those properties considered, the predicted noise levels are within noise limits at all considered wind speeds. The Proposed Developement therefore complies with the relevant guidance on wind farm noise and the effect on the amenity of all nearby properties would be regarded as acceptable.

8.1.6 A construction noise assessment, which has incorporated the effect of increased traffic noise, indicates that predicted noise levels likely to be experienced at representative neighbouring properties may temporarily exceed relevant construction noise criteria, although appropriate mitigation measures would be identified to reduce the predicted noise levels to below relevant construction noise criteria if necessary.

9 CULTURAL HERITAGE

9.1.1 The Cultural Heritage assessment incorporates the findings of a Desk-Based Assessment conforming to the Institute for Archaeologists Standards and Guidance for Desk-Based Assessment, a walkover survey, an Assessment of the Significance of the Impact of Development On Historic Landscape areas on the Registerand a geophysical survey.

9.1.2 There are no known designated or undesignated archaeological assets located within the Proposed Development site and there are no Scheduled Monuments located within the 1km study area. There are 26 undesignated archaeological assets located within the 1km study area, ranging in date from the Roman to the post-medieval period. Prehistoric peat deposits have also been recorded within the study area indicating the potential for prehistoric remains.

9.1.3 Studies have identified below ground features which could be the route of paleochannels in the surrounding area and in the area of the proposed turbine. These are thought likely to be paleochannles (remnants of inactive river or stream channels that are now infilled). Remains may be preserved within the paleochannel and prehistoric or Roman activity may have been focused along it (as was found during the construction of the Euro Park Tesco Distribution Centre as with Barland Farm, just outside of the study area to the north).

9.1.4 The results of a geophysical survey indicate that there is still the potential for previously unknown significant archaeological remains dating from the Roman and earlier periods to be present within the Proposed Development site. An appropriate programme of archaeological work would therefore be carried out. This would be agreed with Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) in advance of construction. As part of the work, the potential archaeological resource within the Proposed Development area would be recorded and the information gained from the investigation would be added to the archaeological knowledge base for the region.

9.1.5 There are three Listed Buildings and one undesignated building located within the 1 km study area; none of these are located within the boundary of the Proposed Development. One of these Listed Buildings is Grade I Listed the other two are Grade II Listed. Redwick is the only Conservation Area located within the study area. No built heritage assets would be physically impacted by the Proposed Development and its effect on the setting on the built heritage assets and the Conservation Area is considered not significant. It is therefore considered that no mitigation measures are necessary.

9.1.6 The Gwent Levels Registered Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest is assessed as being of High importance, and the Proposed Development lies within this Historic Landscape in Historic Landscape Character Area 06: Redwick/ Magor/ Undy and HCLA 08: Northern Redwick. An assessment was therefore carried out. This concluded that the Proposed Development would have a moderate overall impact upon the Registered Historic Landscape. This is due to the Proposed Development being located within the centre of the Registered Historic Landscape, meaning that impacts on areas adjacent to the site contribute considerably towards the overall impact. The impact is considered not significant particularly in the context of the surrounding development which has lost much of its original character.



10 HYDROLOGY, HYDROGEOLOGY AND GEOLOGY

10.1 Hydrology

10.1.1 The assessment of the effects of the Proposed Development on Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology consisted of site walkover surveys, conducted in December 2011 and February 2012, and consultation of published and internet-based information sources as well as direct consultation requests.

10.1.2 The Proposed Development site comprises lowland agricultural land. The study area has been the subject of artificial drainage schemes for many years and as a result is criss-crossed by drainage channels, known as reens, which are managed by the Caldicot and Wentlooge Levels Internal Drainage Board (IDB), in partnership with Environment Agency Wales (EAW). Local to the Proposed Development, named reens include the Ynys Mead Reen, which flows from west to east through the site, and the Longlands Reen, adjacent to the eastern site boundary. These watercourses form part of a network of IDB reens that drain a total catchment of approximately 15km2 and discharge to the coast via two flapped outfalls, located along the sea wall. The available data suggests that the larger IDB and EAW maintained reens within the study area have moderate existing and predicted future water quality.

10.1.3 EA flood mapping confirms the site to be within the 0.5% (1 in 200 year) and 0.1% (1 in 1000 year) annual probability tidal floodplain of the River Severn, and defines flood risk as ‘moderate’, accounting for the effect of flood defences, with an annual probability of flooding of greater than 0.5% but less than 1.3%. The Proposed Development site is within Flood Zone C1, the defended tidal floodplain. Flood risk and drainage is managed by the Caldicot and Wentlooge levels IDB, in partnership with EAW.

10.1.4 Consultations with EAW have confirmed that there are no current licensed abstractions from surface water sources within the study area of this assessment.

10.1.5 The Proposed Development has been designed so as to avoid water features as far as possible. Approved pollution prevention techniques would be employed to ensure that the risk of spillages, leaks and discharges to both surface water and groundwater be reduced as far as possible.

10.2 Hydrogeology

10.2.1 The Proposed Development site is underlain by aquifers capable of supporting water supplies at a local scale as well as aquifers that may store and yield limited amounts of groundwater. There would be a slight change to shallow groundwater flows and infiltration patterns at a local level during construction and during operation due to the presence of the turbine base. Groundwater underlying the site may be of poor quality and is designated by the EA as having low vulnerability.

10.2.2 In terms of other potential effects on the surface water environment, it is considered that with the implementation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan, which would incorporate environmental management measures (including Pollution Prevention Plans and Drainage Management Plans), the residual effects of the Proposed Development would be insignificant.



10.3 Geology

10.3.1 The site is directly underlain by Estuarine Alluvium, which is underlain by Red Marl of the Mercia Mudstone Group. A programme of geotechnical assessment would be undertaken prior to construction to enable micrositing to avoid locally important features such as sub-surface faults or fissures.

11 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE (INCLUDING SHADOW FLICKER)

11.1.1 The assessment of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the human environment consisted of a desk-based review of key data sources and publications, a site visit undertaken in June 2012 and consultations with key Officers from Newport City Council’s Public Right of Way (PRoW) network team. The focus of this assessment has been on land use, tourism and recreation, shadow flicker and reflected light.

11.1.2 In terms of the effect on the wider tourism value of the study area, given the nature and scale of the Proposed Development and the existing context it is considered that this effect would be negligible and therefore not significant.

11.1.3 There is an ‘Other Route with Public Access’ that runs adjacent to the Proposed Development. Construction of the Proposed Development would result in a potential minor disruption to the recreation route, however it would remain open with access managed where necessary.

11.1.4 During the construction period, construction vehicles (including HGV and abnormal loads) would share the highway with users of National Cycle Network Route 4 between Redwick and Queensway (a length of some 2 kilometres). Access would be maintained for users of the highway and this Route.

11.1.5 The construction process would require a certain amount of land in order to store materials, house worker facilities and construction equipment. Due to the relatively short term nature of the construction period this is classed as temporary land take and would amount to a total of 0.10ha. This land would be returned to its current use following construction and due to the short-term nature of this effect is not considered significant.

11.1.6 Shadow flicker is an effect that can occur in sunny weather when the blade of a moving wind turbine cuts through the sunlight passing into a small opening (such as a window) of a property. This effect briefly reduces/blocks the intensity of light within the room, and can cause a flickering to be perceived. Three properties were identified to be assessed for shadow flicker effects, (Tonew Kennels Green Moor Farm, Oak Cottage and Little Longlands on North Row). The results of the analysis of shadow flicker show that none of the houses considered could be subject to shadow flicker from the Proposed Development.

11.1.7 Reflected light is not considered to be an issue due to the matt finish of the turbine, the convex surfaces on the turbine reflecting light in a divergent manner, the variability in flow within a wind farm results in an observer not experiencing simultaneous reflections and the required weather and solar conditions make it a rare phenomenon.

11.1.8 The Proposed Development would require land (0.70 ha) for the turbine foundation and hard standing. This land would be required for the duration of the Proposed Development and therefore would not be available for its current use. Due to the overall quality of the land in question and the fact that the current land use can continue around the Proposed Development, the assessed effect on land use is not considered to be significant.

11.1.9 Effects are considered to be negligible with regard to the wider tourism assets during operation and this potential effect is considered to be not significant.

11.1.10 The decommissioning phase would result in increased movement of construction vehicles and could conflict with users of Public access routes in the area. Access would be maintained at all times however, so the effect is considered to be not significant.



11.1.11 In terms of the effect on the wider tourism value of the study area, the decommissioning phase is considered to bring similar effects to construction which are considered to be negligible and therefore not significant.

11.1.12 The decomissioning phase of the Proposed Development would result in the above ground infrastructure being removed and land returned to its original state.

12 AVIATION AND COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

12.1.1 The potential effect of the Proposed Development on communication systems that use electromagnetic waves as the transmission medium (e.g. television, radio or microwave links) and on aviation facilities around the Proposed Development have been considered.

12.1.2 RES have considered the location of the turbine and the transmitters which provide television to the local area. The area is generally served by the powerful Bristol Kings Weston Hill transmitter to the south and by a suite of transmitters to the west on the Welsh side of the Severn Estuary. The transmitters here broadcast digital television, which is more robust to interference than the old analogue system and the probability of interference causing problems in the area around the wind turbine is therefore reduced. Mitigation for interference can be easily achieved by aerial redirection to an alternative transmitter or provision of an improved aerial or satellite television.

12.1.3 RES would carry out a survey of television reception quality around the Proposed Development between obtaining planning permission and starting construction. RES would enter into an agreement to undetake such works to mitigate any effects.

12.1.4 Wind energy developments in general are not expected to have a detrimental effect upon national or local radio reception.

12.1.5 RES consulted widely with organisations and system operators with microwave communications that could be affected by the Proposed Development. In all cases the links identified would be unaffected, due to the large distances between the link paths and turbine location. The Proposed Development is not predicted to cause any interference with microwave links.

12.1.6 The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been consulted. The MoD and CAA have not raised any concerns over obstruction or hazard. Additionally, the turbines do not constitute an 'aerodrome obstruction'. MoD and CAA have not raised any physical safeguarding concerns with respect to en-route obstructions. RES have also performed a technical assessment on the NATS (En route) Ltd (NERL) infrastructure which has shown that there would be no effect as a result of the Proposed Development.



13 REFERENCES

Ref NTS 1 Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and

Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 293).

Ref NTS 2 Department of Trade and Industry (2007) Meeting the Energy Challenge,

Government White Paper.

Ref NTS 3 Energy Act 2008

Ref NTS 4 Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011) UK Renewable Energy Roadmap

Ref NTS 5 Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011) Electrivity Market reform White

Paper

Ref NTS 6 Welsh Assembly Government (2009) Climate Change Strategy.

Ref NTS 7 Welsh Assembly Government (2005) Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8: Planning for

Renewable Energy.

Ref NTS 8 Welsh Assembly Government (2010) A Low Carbon Revolution – the Welsh Assembly

Government Energy Policy Statement.

Ref NTS 9 Newport City Council Unitary Development Plan 1996 – 2011 (Adopted 2006).

Ref NTS 10 The Working Group on Wind Turbine Noise (1997) ETSU-R-97. The Assessment and

Rating of Noise from Wind Farms.

KEY

WIND PROJECT SITE LOCATION

REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA © CROWN

COPYRIGHT 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENSE NUMBER 0100031673.

SCALE -

THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

SYSTEMS LTD. AND NO REPRODUCTION MAY BE MADE IN

WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION

DRAWING NUMBER

LAYOUT DWGT-LAYOUT NO.

LONGLANDS LANE

WIND TURBINE

FIGURE 1

LOCATION PLAN

N/AN/A

02958D2502-03

1:25,000 @ A3

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

2012

T1

PERMANENT TURNING HEAD

KEY

WIND TURBINE LOCATION

TURBINE TRANSFORMER KIOSK

WITH SURROUNDING PATH

(13 X7.5m)

CRANE HARD STANDING AREA

(40 X 25m)

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION

COMPOUND (30 X 20m)

WATERCOURSE CROSSING

SITE TRACKS (NEW EXCAVATED)

SITE ENTRANCE LOCATION

UNFENCED SITE BOUNDARY

REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA © CROWN

COPYRIGHT 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENSE NUMBER 0100031673.

DRAWING NUMBER

LAYOUT DWGT-LAYOUT NO.

SCALE -

THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

SYSTEMS LTD. AND NO REPRODUCTION MAY BE MADE IN

WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION

LONGLANDS LANE

WIND TURBINE

FIGURE 2

INFRASTRUCTURE LAYOUT

02958D0001-02PWALLLT001

02958D1001-06

1:5,000 @ A3

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

2012

Date post:	29-May-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	3 times
Download:	0 times

Longlands Lane Wind Turbine Newport Volume I Non Technical Summary · 2018-07-20 · Longlands Lane...

Documents