Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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The majority of the WTGs will be located to the east (seaward) side of the
GGOWF with a small number to the north, south and south-west.
1.2.5. The offshore development envelope will include up to four ancillary
structures (comprising offshore substation platforms (OSPs), collection
platform and or accommodation platform). There will also be up to three
meteorological masts. This infrastructure will be significantly lower than the
WTGs and thus have more limited distant visibility, and will be significantly
fewer in number. The platforms will, however, have a greater visual mass.
Given the distance offshore and the difference in scale between the WTGs
and platforms, and much greater number and spread of WTGs, the WTGs are
the main element that will cause seascape, landscape and visual effects. The
effects of the WTGs are, therefore, the main focus of this assessment.
1.2.6. The offshore development will include navigation and aviation lighting.
Chapter 5 of the ES (Project Description) states that navigation lighting will
be implemented in accordance with the International Association of
Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) recommendations as follows:
� Corner or significant boundary point WTGs would be designated a
Significant Peripheral Structure (SPS), with a minimum separation
distance of 3nm between SPS’s. Each SPS would be fitted with lights that
are visible from all directions in the horizontal plane, and the lights on a
structure should be synchronised to show a yellow ‘special mark’ light
characteristic with a range of not less than 5 nautical miles.
� Intermediate Peripheral Structures (IPS) may be used between SPS. These
would be within 2nm of SPS, and fitted with lights as per SPS, but with a
distinct flash characteristic. They would be visible from a minimum
range of 2nm.
1.2.7. Chapter 17 (Military and Civil Aviation) states that aviation warning lighting
will be provided and that its precise nature will be the subject of further
consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant
stakeholders once the final design is established post-consent.
1.2.8. Lighting will be most visible at night. At 30km distance (the approximate
minimum distance between GWF and the Suffolk coastline), the lighting will
not cause greater than Negligible effects on coastal or onshore receptors.
Effects of lighting on these receptors are not, therefore, assessed.
1.2.9. Whilst the entire wind farm is located offshore, the completed scheme will
also require connection to an onshore substation. The assessment of the
associated onshore substation is addressed within a separate assessment
(Galloper Wind Farm Substation Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment).