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Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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2842_SLVIA<br />

102<br />

9.0 Mitigation<br />

9.1.1. The inherent characteristics of the proposed GWF, means there are very<br />

limited opportunities for incorporating mitigation measures as part of the<br />

development. The size and generating capacity of the WTGs and associated<br />

offshore sub-station infrastructure has to be sufficient to ensure that they<br />

remain commercially viable and the actual siting of the WTGs is, to a large<br />

extent, predetermined by the Crown Estate with only more local adjustments<br />

being possible to best suit prevailing seabed and other conditions. However,<br />

it is important to note that the location of the proposed GWF has been guided<br />

largely by the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process undertaken<br />

for the 2nd round of offshore wind developments. A key conclusion of this<br />

SEA process was that no Round 2 developments should be sited within an<br />

8km visual exclusion zone in order to minimise potential visual impacts<br />

upon local receptors. As a result of adhering to this recommendation, and<br />

being sited well beyond this 8km zone, potential visual impacts of the<br />

proposed GWF have already been mitigated for to a large degree.<br />

9.1.2. Careful consideration has been given to the colour of the WTG structures in<br />

order to ensure that they remain relatively visually recessive. There is,<br />

however, a degree of conflict with existing standard requirements for<br />

structures out at sea, which clearly have to remain visible, and identifiable to<br />

shipping. Thus, the need to paint the lower sections of the WTG columns<br />

yellow, in accordance with Trinity House requirements, is unavoidable.<br />

Whilst this assists with improving visibility at sea it should make no<br />

difference to visibility from land given that the WTGs are to be seen at a<br />

minimum distance of over 27km. Navigation and aviation requirements also<br />

necessitate that the WTG locations should be identifiable at night and lit<br />

with navigation and aviation lights. At a minimum distance of over 27km,<br />

however, these navigation lights will make little or no difference to nighttime<br />

visibility from land.

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