Supporting documents - Renfrewshire Council

Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm
Non-Technical Summary
March 2010

MOORHOUSE FARMERS WINDFARM
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This document is the Non-Technical Summary of the
Environmental Statement for the Moorhouse Farmers
Windfarm which is proposed by Falck Renewables.
Coriolis Energy LLP is developing the proposals on behalf
of Falck. The proposals are for a 19 turbine windfarm with
approximately 47.5 Mega Watt (MW) capacity located on
land in the Moorhouse area, to the west of Eaglesham and
some eight kilometres (km) south west of Glasgow, between the M77 and the
B764 Eaglesham Moor Road (see Figure 1). Five farms would have an interest in
the windfarm.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Coriolis Energy is submitting a planning application to East Renfrewshire Council
(ERC) on behalf of Falck Renewables under the Town and Country Planning
(Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 1 . The
proposals require environmental impact assessment (EIA) under the
Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (as amended)
(the EIA Regulations) because of the scale of the proposals and the potential for
significant effects.
The connection of the windfarm with the local electricity distribution network would
require consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act, 1989. This would be the
subject of a separate application.
The EIA has been informed by a Scoping Opinion, as permitted under the EIA
Regulations, from ERC Planning and Transportation Service and consultations
with a wide range of organisations and landowners. This information and the
findings of the assessments have been used to help develop the design of the
windfarm by ensuring that wherever possible, adverse effects on people and on
the natural and cultural environment would be avoided and environmental benefits
delivered.
The findings of the environmental impact assessment and details about the project
including mitigation commitments (measures that would be implemented to avoid,
reduce or remedy adverse environmental impacts) are presented in the
Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm Environmental Statement. The Environmental
Statement comprises two volumes: Volume 1 containing the main text, annexes
and appendices and Volume 2 containing the figures This Non-Technical
Summary summarises the findings of the EIA and other key information contained
in the Environmental Statement.
1 Electricity generation projects below 50MW are authorised under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland)
Act, 1997. Those over 50MW are authorised under Section 36 of the Electricity Act, 1989
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Pre-Application Consultation (PAC)
The project is defined as a major project under the Town and Country Planning
(Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009. Pre-application
consultation (PAC) between the developer and local community has thus been
carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development
Management Procedure (Scotland) Regulations 2008 and the relevant provisions
of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the
Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. The PAC procedures were agreed with ERC
and included a public exhibition in Eaglesham on 20 th October 2009.
PROJECT NEED
Recent legislation has set tough targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in
the UK. In Scotland the long-term target is to reduce Scotland’s emissions of
greenhouse gases by at least 80% by the year 2050 with a 2020 interim target of
42% and a framework of annual targets intended to drive the policies necessary
for achieving the long-term target. The Renewable Energy Directive (2008) 2
requires that 22% of all energy in the European Union is to be generated from
renewable sources by 2020, split between Member States in a ‘burden sharing
scheme’. The UK portion is 15% of the total energy requirement, which includes
energy for transport etc. In November 2007, the Scottish Government committed
in its Government Spending Review 3 that 31% of electricity would be generated
from renewable sources by 2011 and 50% by 2020.
The Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm would contribute to a net reduction of carbon
dioxide emissions.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The objectives which have been defined to underpin the development of the
proposals are:
to safely construct and operate a windfarm with a design life of at least 25
years;
to integrate successfully with other land uses in the area taking account of
landowner interests;
to safeguard the quality of surface and groundwater and minimise water
crossings where practicable;
to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the area, where practicable;
to design, as far as practicable considering other constraints, a windfarm that
visually integrates with Whitelee Windfarm;
to avoid significant effects on peat where these could be avoided 4 ;
to be a well maintained and sustainable business contributing to the delivery of
UK and Scottish renewable energy and carbon reduction targets; and
to produce a robust, cost effective design that is transferable to construction
whilst taking account of environmental constraints.
2 Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, On the Promotion of the Use of Energy from
Renewable Sources, Commission of the European Communities, 2008
3 Scottish Budget Spending Review, Scottish Government, 2007
4 For example by the use of floating roads on deep peat
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ALTERNATIVES
Coriolis developed a relationship with the five farmers who have an interest in the
development having identified a suitable wind potential in the area for a windfarm.
The site was also considered to be suitable as the proposals could be designed as
far as possible, within the site constraints, to integrate with the existing Whitelee
Windfarm. No site alternatives were considered outwith this location although the
actual area of the proposed development has evolved.
Various conceptual layouts for the windfarm have been considered by Coriolis
Energy to check the viability of the site. These environmental layouts have been
developed further as the constraints on the site for each discipline were better
understood and as part of an iterative design process involving the project team and
consultees. The application layout for the windfarm turbines and access tracks is
now considered to be best fit for the site.
THE PROPOSALS
The proposed site is situated approximately 2km west of Eaglesham. It is set on the
gentle hills between the A77 to the west, A726 to the north and B764 to the south
east. On the western boundary of the site lies Eastwood Golf Course with Bonnyton
Golf Course situated on the eastern boundary.
The key components of the proposals as shown on Figure 2 are:
19 wind turbines;
up to three permanent lattice construction anemometer masts 5 ;
a permanent access route into the site from the B764;
access tracks and underground cabling within the site;
an on-site control building including the electrical substation;
associated communications and other infrastructure; and
three temporary borrow pits (at East Moorhouse; South Moorhouse and
Shieldhill).
The turbines would be of a typical modern design incorporating tubular towers and
three blades attached to a nacelle housing the generator, gearbox and other
operating equipment. The exact model of turbine to be used would be decided by a
procurement process after consent. The proposed turbines would be semi-matt pale
grey in colour with a capacity of 2-3MW and an expected capacity factor 6 of
approximately 30%. They would have a probable rotor diameter of about 92 metres
(m) and a hub height of 80m, making up a tip height of approximately 126m. The
turbine revolution speed would be approximately 18 revolutions/minute. The turbines
would carry no external advertising or lettering apart from required statutory notices
and a turbine number on each door. The turbine choice would take account of the
potential for reflected light to cause disturbance and a suitable model would be
installed which would avoid this.
Some 11.1km of access tracks would be required of which some 2km would be
floating roads. Most tracks would be approximately 8m in width during construction
and designed in accordance with best practice. At the end of construction in most
locations tracks would be reduced to 5m in width.
5 The existing temporary mast would be removed
6 The ratio of actual productivity to the maximum theoretical productivity of the windfarm
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DELIVERING THE PROPOSALS
If at the conclusion of the statutory process it is found that the proposals should be
taken forward there would be a competitive tendering process to select a contractor
for the scheme. The winning contractor would construct the works in accordance
with requirements set out in the contract. These would include all the committed
environmental mitigation described in the Environmental Statement.
Where details of the project have still to be finalised assumptions have been made in
the Environmental Statement to allow potential impacts to be considered and
appropriate mitigation to be identified. If as the detailed proposals are developed,
any significant effects were identified which were considered to be greater than those
reported in the Environmental Statement an addendum would be published for public
consultation and comment and further consideration by ERC.
It has been assumed that the permanent features of the windfarm (turbines, masts,
access tracks and buildings) would be sited in the locations as shown on Figure 1.
As the detailed design progresses and more information is found out about actual on
the ground conditions etc it could be possible that it would be necessary to microsite
some of the new infrastructure. Pre-construction ecological surveys could also
define new constraints. It is therefore proposed that limits of deviation (LODs) of
50m in any direction would be adopted to facilitate this micrositing. A change control
process would be agreed with ERC to demonstrate that such a proposed move
would result in no environmental effects greater than those set out in the
Environmental Statement.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction by the chosen contractor would begin following agreement of the
detailed design and consent conditions with ERC and other relevant statutory
authorities. Construction activities would include:
construction of an access road into the site and to the first borrow pit;
construction of all access tracks having established all required borrow pits;
design and installation of temporary and permanent drainage measures;
construction of the temporary site compound;
excavation of cable trenches;
laying of electricity and communications cables in trenches;
construction of the turbine foundations;
delivery and installation of turbine towers and installation of nacelles and blades;
construction of on-site control building including the substation;
erection of anemometer masts; and
site restoration using removed materials and turfs.
The proposals would take some nine months to build. It has been assumed that
construction activities would be undertaken during the daytime (assumed to be 07.00
to 19.00 Monday to Friday and 07.00 to 13.00 on Saturday). Noise limits would be
controlled by consent conditions set by ERC.
The contractor would be required to develop and implement an environmental
management plan (EMP) for construction following best practice. The EMP would
consist of a suite of documents in addition to the main document. These would
include but not be limited to:
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a Road Safety and Traffic Management Plan;
a Water Protection Plan;
an Ecological Management Plan;
a Landscape Management Plan;
a Traffic Management Plan;
a Noise Management Plan
a Post Construction Restoration Plan; and
a Decommissioning Plan.
At the end of construction the contractor would be required to restore all areas of the
site which were no longer required for activities during operation of the windfarm.
DECOMMISSIONING
Decommissioning of the windfarm site would take place once the site ceases
operation (after approximately 25 years). The general method statement for
decommissioning would be agreed with ERC in advance of these works beginning.
The Decommissioning Plan in the EMP would set out the environmental protection
measures and restoration principles which would be implemented during the works.
EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSALS
The environmental effects of the proposals are summarised in the following sections.
Effects which are moderate or major (adverse or beneficial) are considered to be
significant.
Policy and Planning
The proposals broadly follow Scottish Government guidance and the relevant
Structure Plan policy framework and comply with most Local Plan Policies relevant to
the proposals. The development would contribute towards meeting the Scottish
carbon reduction target for the year 2020 and 2050 and renewable electricity targets
as described above.
The proposals are within the identified broad area of potential search for windfarm
developments in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan. The proposed
site is zoned as Countryside Around Towns in the East Renfrewshire
Council Adopted Local Plan (2003). In the Finalised Local Plan (2008) the proposed
site is zoned as Countryside Around Towns however the majority is also zoned as
Renewable Energy, which supports the development of this proposal. A small
section in the north eastern part of the proposed site is solely zoned as Countryside
Around Towns.
The majority of the proposals would be sited within the area zoned as Renewable
Energy. Two turbines MHT-16 and MHT-17 and the substation (as shown on Figure
2) would however be located in the area solely zoned as Countryside Around Towns,
where if the proposals satisfy Finalised Local Plan Strategy: Assessment of
Development Proposals and the Policy: Green Belt and Countryside Around Towns
criteria then it would comply with policy. The environmental assessment indicates
that the necessary criteria of these policies would be met.
Seven Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) lie within, partly within or
in proximity to the proposed site. Three of these sites would be directly affected.
The assessment indicates that the integrity of the affected sites would not be
compromised and therefore the proposal complies with the policy in the Local Plan
which protects them.
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Traffic and Access
The proposals would cause an increase in traffic on local roads during construction
and this could be particularly noticeable in the peak hour period. The worst effects
would be limited to a three month period and are not predicted to result in significant
traffic disruption or severance/amenity effects.
Each turbine would require delivery of nine abnormal loads. The access route for
these would be likely to be from either King George V Docks in Glasgow or Ayr
Docks and via the trunk road network as much as possible to reduce the potential for
impacts on local communities. A Section 96 agreement would be entered into so
that any damage to the road network during construction would be repaired. The
traffic effects would be minor during operation of the windfarm (vehicles for a
workforce of two and traffic required for maintenance activities).
Land Use, Property and Agriculture
The majority of the site is currently used for cattle and
sheep grazing. Surrounding land uses in the area include
Whitelee Windfarm, forestry, agriculture (mainly grazing),
golf courses and residential with the proposed site lying
approximately 2km west of Eaglesham and some 3km
south of Newton Mearns. Bennan Loch and Lochcraig
Reservoirs, owned and operated by Scottish Water, are
located in the centre of the site and are public water
supplies. There is a gas distribution compound on the eastern edge of the site
approximately 0.5km north east of East Moorhouse and four Scotland Gas Networks
gas pipelines run across the site. There are various electricity supplies on site and
two overhead telephone lines cross the site.
There are scattered properties around the site. No residential properties would be
directly affected by construction. Residents and local businesses would be informed
of the sequence of construction activities including blasting (if required) and the
contractor would be required to keep disruption to a minimum. There could be some
short term minor (not significant) disruption to traffic on the B764 used for access to
the site by construction vehicles. Access would be maintained for all properties
during construction and when the windfarm was operational access would be open
for recreational users (walkers and cyclists).
Pipelines would be protected from any potential impact during construction. Where
an access track crosses the Eaglesham to Kilmarnock pipeline no works would begin
until detailed consultation had been undertaken with
Scotland Gas Networks and detailed construction
methodology and mitigation measures agreed.
Construction of the proposals would result in a
permanent change in land use of approximately 10.3ha
of non-prime agricultural land to land used for
infrastructure for renewable energy, although once built
the rest of the site would remain in its current use
(grazing). The proposals would result in a temporary change in land use of some
9.1ha for land used for crane hardstandings and borrow pits. This land would be
restored on completion of construction and some could be suitable for grazing in the
future.
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Geology, Soils and Contaminated Land
No sites designated for their geological interest would be affected by the proposals.
No geological resources of particular significance have been identified which would
be affected by the works and no significant effects are predicted.
Peat is commonly found across the site ranging in depth from very shallow to more
than 3m. A peat slip hazard assessment has been undertaken which indicates that
hazards can be mitigated by implementation of mitigation measures in the detailed
design and the risk of peat slide of the mitigated design would not be significant.
No significant areas of contaminated land have been identified which could be
affected by the works. An area of potentially contaminated land was identified by
ERC some 100m south east of turbine MHT-114. This would be investigated prior to
construction commencement and if contaminated the contractor would be required to
avoid the area of contamination and ensure that all potential indirect effects were
mitigated. Implementation of best management practices including good design of
the works would ensure that any impacts to soils were minimised. Implementation of
best management practices and the committed mitigation measures would ensure
that any risk of subsidence due to the decomposition of buried peat would be avoided
and the risk of peat slides minimised.
The total carbon emission generated by construction of the proposals is 130,772
tonnes of carbon dioxide per year (tCO2 yr -1 ). Taking into account the estimated
carbon dioxide savings which would be generated by the windfarm then the overall
payback time in terms of carbon dioxide emissions for the proposals is calculated to
be 1.7 years.
Water Quality and Drainage
There would be no significant effects on hydrology,
water quality and drainage provided all mitigation
measures were successfully implemented. No known
private water abstractions would be affected by the
development and groundwater supplies would be
protected by design of the works in accordance with
best practice.
The contractor would be required to develop and
implement a Water Protection Plan as part of the site EMP to ensure proactive
protection of watercourses, groundwater and potable water supplies including the two
public water supply reservoirs. All design and protection measures (permanent and
temporary) would be agreed with SEPA and Scottish Water in advance of
construction. Flood risk would be appropriately mitigated and would not be
significant.
Best management practices would be implemented during construction and
maintenance activities during operation to ensure there was no significant impact on
water quality. There would be minor adverse effects during construction and the
contractor would be required to monitor the effectiveness of all protection measures
during all phases of construction. Accidental spills and leaks would be dealt with as
part of the emergency response plan and all site staff would be trained on its
implementation.
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Landscape and Visual Effects
Effects on the Landscape
Direct effects on landscape resources due to the loss or alteration of features,
including those at the site of the borrow pits would not be significant when examined
in the context of the wider landscape. The new windfarm would serve as a new, yet
not unfamiliar, landscape feature. There would be significant adverse indirect
changes to landscape character as a consequence of the physical changes within
the development site. These would mainly affect the local landscapes around the
windfarm. Landscapes closer to the site, and those which cover higher ground,
would be those which would be most affected, due to the potential intervisibility of
these areas with the proposed turbines. These include some landscapes which are
already affected by an existing windfarm and those which will also be affected by
consented windfarms. Lower lying features such as the borrow pits would have no or
very limited effect upon wider landscape character.
The proposed location of the windfarm would result in the turbines being seen as part
of the Whitelee Windfarm when viewed from the landscapes to the south, and south
east, and as such the landscape character of these areas would not be affected.
Similarly, when seen from the north west the proposed turbines would lie directly in
front of those at Whitelee and so would appear to be part of the same larger
windfarm. To the north and north east, and to an extent to the east and south south
west, the urban areas of Glasgow, East Kilbride and Kilmarnock and Irvine would
result in there being no significant effects upon
landscape character across these extensive areas,
as views would largely be blocked by existing built
development or would be seen in an urban context.
No nationally or locally designated landscapes
would be directly affected. Some localised indirect
non significant effects upon designated landscapes
would be apparent on the edge of Cathkin Braes
Country Park and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
Effects on Visual Amenity
There would be some significant adverse effects upon visual amenity from closer
locations, including from the range of residential properties that lie around the
periphery of the development area and recreational viewers using footpaths and
visiting locations of interest. Residential viewers close to the development area
would experience significant effects due to the proximity of the turbines and the
prolonged nature of their view, although as existing windfarms are already present
and others consented, people would already be familiar with the sight of turbines.
Some recreational viewers would experience significant effects due to the close
proximity at which turbines would be viewed, but again turbines are a familiar sight to
many already.
The majority of significant effects would affect closer locations. It is only from the
closest of locations that lower level features such as roads and borrow pits would
also be seen. Elsewhere effects upon visual amenity would result primarily from the
turbines. From the north west of the proposed windfarm, visibility would be relatively
limited, reflecting the location of the development, which provides a degree of visual
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screening and prevents there from being a direct line of sight to lower locations.
Figures 3 and 4 are visualisations of the proposed development.
During construction and decommissioning there would be effects upon the landscape
and visual amenity arising from plant and activities within the development area over
the duration of the works. These would include the presence of tall cranes in views,
and lower level disturbance, particularly around the turbine foundations, tracks and
borrow pits.
Other Landscape and Visual Effects
Once the windfarm was operational there would be occasional infrequent
requirements to repair or replace defective components. Because of their short term
nature, these would not give rise to significant effects on landscape or landscape or
visual amenity.
Cumulative effects (and additional effects over and above those existing as a
consequence of windfarm developments which already exist) upon landscape and
visual amenity would also result, due to the number of other existing and proposed
developments in the area. The design of adjacent windfarms so that they work well
together and effectively read as a single development reduces cumulative effects
considerably across what may already be described as a landscape with windfarms.
The proposed development provides an opportunity to visually link separate
scattered existing, consented and proposed windfarms across the area, particularly
Whitelee Windfarm with the proposed Harelaw Renewable Energy Park, in order that
they read as a single continuous large windfarm, located across this medium to large
scale landscape.
Ecology and Nature Conservation
No statutory designated sites would be directly impacted on by the proposals.
Protected species interests have been identified on site (bat, otter and badger) but
none would be directly affected by the development. Mitigation measures
implemented during construction would ensure that any effects would be minor and
not significant. Some birds of conservation concern have been identified as breeding
on parts of the site lapwing, common gull, common sandpiper, curlew, grey wagtail,
kestrel, redshank, red grouse, snipe and tufted duck. The bird collision risk modelling
and bat survey work indicate that there would be no significant risks to birds or bats
once the windfarm was operational. The effects on other species would not be
significant. The contractor would be required to develop an Ecological Management
Plan as part of the site EMP to ensure that all wildlife interests were protected and
effects on habitats and fauna reduced to the minimum necessary for the works.
Three SINCs would be directly affected by construction. These are Ballageich Bog,
Floak Bridge and Shieldhill Bog. The quality of habitats in the SINCs has been
affected by many years of farm improvement activities and none of the mire or other
habitat is of more than local value. Effects would be reduced by careful design and
planning to ensure that the risk of further indirect habitat loss was minimised. The
area of any SINC affected would be small and the integrity of the sites would be
maintained. The potential effects on the affected SINCs are considered to be minor.
Some further habitat of local value would be lost outwith the SINCs but again this has
been modified by man’s activities and the effect is not considered significant.
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Non-Technical Summary
Figure 3
Photomontage includes some Whitlee Windfarm Turbines as these were constructed when the base photograph was taken. Size A4: Not to scale - information above applicable to A3 size figure presented in Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm Environmental Statement Volume 2: Figures

Non-Technical Summary
Figure 4
Size A4: Not to Scale - information above aplplicable to A3 size figure presented in Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm Environmental Statment Volume 2: Figures

Some 2km of floating road would be used in appropriate locations and the design of
all access tracks would seek to maintain the current hydrology to avoid impacts on
adjacent habitats. The nature conservation interests of the watercourses and the
reservoirs would be protected by implementation of mitigation measures set out in a
Water Protection Plan.
There would be some disturbance during construction from increased activity on site.
This would be short term (construction would take some nine months) and no
significant effects have been identified. Impacts from maintenance and
decommissioning activities would be controlled by implementation of mitigation as
during construction and works would be overseen by
an environmental clerk of works.
At the end of construction and again after
decommissioning the site would be restored in all
areas apart from where some infrastructure would
be left in place.
Coriolis Energy and Falck have committed to discussing mitigation planting with
some landowners in proximity to the site who would be interested in this at the
detailed design stage and the plans would be developed as part of the Habitat and
Landscape Management Plan included in the site EMP. The new landscape
proposals would be designed to provide a range of habitats for birds and other
animals and have potential to enhance local biodiversity in the longer term.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
A review of the historical and cartographic evidence for the general area and specific
development area describes settlement from the early prehistoric period to the recent
past. Traces of fortification, house platforms and funerary monuments are evident
particularly on higher ground. Peat cover may obscure more extensive settlement
evidence. Early medieval settlement is best exemplified by castles and motte sites in
the general area while some of the present field boundaries within the development
area may relate to medieval (or earlier) farm sites. Eighteenth century
improvements are most marked within the development area in terms of the
Moorhouse Farm group, with the planned village of Eaglesham, numerous improved
farms and large formal estates in the general area. More recent development is
characterised by limited industrialisation in terms of water supply management and
quarrying.
There are 424 sites of archaeological or historical interest within the development
area. Of these 89 lie within 50m of proposed turbine sites and associated
infrastructure. There are 38 sites of archaeological or historical interest in the wider
area of the development area boundaries. These include eight Scheduled Ancient
Monuments (SAMs), 13 ‘A’ Listed properties, two sites listed in the Inventory of
Gardens and Designed Landscapes and one Conservation Area.
The proposed development would have a direct impact on 46 sites of local or less
importance. Where a physical impact is predicted, the preferred option would be to
microsite the development away from the affected site. Where this is found not to be
possible the site would be tested archaeologically to establish extent and character of
the site. If the site is to be destroyed in part or in total, a programme of
archaeological excavation would be implemented and the scale and scope of this
agreed in consultation with relevant agencies. If the proposed works impact on an
area of agreed archaeological potential then a programme of archaeological
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monitoring would be implemented. The scale and scope of all excavation,
monitoring and subsequent post fieldwork requirements would be agreed in
consultation with relevant agencies. Provided all agreed mitigation was implemented
the residual effects on the directly affected sites would not be significant.
The consideration of impact on the setting of relevant sites has shown only one
moderate adverse effect – site I, Ballagioch Cairn. All other sites have either minor
adverse or no significant impact on setting.
Noise and Vibration
The completed assessment has considered the potential impacts that could occur
during both the construction and operation of the proposed development.
Noise predictions have been undertaken to determine potential impacts on existing
local noise sensitive receptors (including the closest residential properties to the
proposed development) during the operation of the proposed windfarm.
Consideration has been given to the local properties that have, or do not have, a
financial involvement in the proposed development. A detailed baseline noise survey
was undertaken to inform the assessment of noise from the proposed development
once operational. The effect of the Whitelee Windfarm and proposed extension was
taken into account in the assessment.
An assessment of potential construction noise was undertaken and even when
adopting a series of worst case assumptions, predicted construction noise levels
have been predicted to fall below a criterion applicable to rural areas, at the closest
residential dwellings to the site. Notwithstanding this, a series of good practice
construction noise mitigation measures would be implemented. At worst, a
temporary adverse minor noise effect would arise from construction noise at local
properties.
Vibration and air overpressures that could be generated if blasting was required at
the proposed borrow pits could be controlled to appropriate levels at residential
properties. Groundborne vibration levels arising from possible blasting could also be
controlled to appropriate levels at underground services with the agreed mitigation
measures in place.
The proposed turbine layout has been prepared following a detailed iterative design
process taking into account the prevailing local noise environment and associated
constraints. Assessment of the final scheme design has identified that the applicable
noise level limits stated in ETSU-R-97 (prepared by the Energy Technical Support
Unit for the Department for Trade and Industry) would not be exceeded with the
candidate turbines used for the assessment operating in unconstrained mode. At
worst, the effect would be negligible/minor (not significant) at local properties from
the operation of the proposed windfarm. Plant noise levels limits have been
calculated for the control of noise from the proposed transformers and the control
building/substation and at worst, again, an adverse noise effect of negligible or minor
level (not significant) would arise at local properties as a result of noise from
proposed plant items.
Air Quality
No significant effects on air quality are predicted during construction, operation and
decommissioning provided all mitigation measures are successfully implemented.
There would be no significant direct effects on local or global air quality. There would
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e an indirect benefit on local and global air quality from the generation of electricity
from a renewable source rather than from burning fossil fuel.
Shadow Flicker and Icing
Any potentially significant effect of shadow flicker would be mitigated and the effects
would not be significant. There would be no significant health related effects from the
turbines once operational. There would be no significant effects from ice throw on
people or livestock.
Telecommunications and Aviation
The layout of the windfarm has been designed to avoid impacts on fixed
telecommunications. Pre and post-construction surveys would
determine any effects on television reception and signal quality
would be restored where required by established technical
measures.
The proposals would not present an obstacle hazard to aircraft.
The windfarm would have no impact on military aviation or
defence activities. The windfarm would be within the line of
sight of the air traffic control radars at Glasgow and Prestwick
Airports and Lowther Hill. Mitigation of the effects on Glasgow Airport and Lowther
Hill would be achieved through blanking of the affected radar's coverage and
provision of in-fill data from the radar at Kincardine. As part of the pre-application
consultations Prestwick Airport has indicated that is has no objection to the
development.
Socio-Economic Effects
The access tracks for the windfarm would benefit recreational users in the area by
providing further opportunities for walking and cycling. This could increase numbers
at local attractions. The windfarm has been designed such that it would effectively
read as one with Whitelee Windfarm and the Whitelee Windfarm is already proving to
be an attraction for visitors.
Construction of the windfarm would create some 50 jobs over a nine month period
and at least some of these are likely to be from the local area. There would also be
some indirect benefits from supply of materials and induced benefits from spend by
those employed on the site. Employment on the site, once the windfarm was
operational would be small apart from at times of major maintenance.
The developer would make an annual contribution to a community fund which could
help deliver local projects. There would be opportunities for the community in
proximity to the windfarm to invest in it if they chose to do so. Income to the farm
businesses involved in the development would receive a long term improvement
which could assist in maintaining rural employment and activity.
OTHER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
The nature conservation interests of the site could be affected by a combination of
effects including those resulting from habitat loss, disturbance, loss of peat and
pollution. The project would be developed in an area which has already been
modified by man’s activities and this combined with the identification of a wide variety
of mitigation measures which would be implemented would reduce the risk of
cumulative impact to minor (not significant).
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The various impacts of construction on watercourses and the public water supplies
would be carefully managed through detailed design, implementation of all controls in
the site EMP and Water Protection Plan and in the actions included in activity specific
method statements. The requirement for any additional mitigation measures would
be highlighted at an early stage and throughout the construction period through
careful monitoring of all the potential impacts on site.
Residents in proximity to the proposals could be affected by a combination of traffic,
air quality, noise and reduction in amenity effects. There would be some effects
during construction with increased traffic movements on local roads and visual
effects from construction plant etc. This would be short term and the contractor
would be required to monitor effects and to reduce the level of impact to the minimum
necessary for safe implementation of the works. The windfarm has been designed to
a high standard to ensure that it would fit well in the landscape (which is already in
parts dominated by the Whitelee Windfarm) and that operational effects (noise etc)
would be managed and monitored and adequately controlled to not cause significant
effects.
The findings of the search for projects which could be built within a similar time frame
as the windfarm indicated the potential for some other windfarms to be under
construction in the area surrounding Eaglesham. It is presumed that similar access
routes could be used for construction as for the Moorhouse Farmers Windfarm. If
this were to be the case then construction traffic could be greater than assumed in
the assessment, but it is considered unlikely that effects in any location would be
significant. The potential for cumulative noise and dust effects has not been
identified because there are no known significant proposals in close proximity of the
site.
There are no other major proposals which have been identified which have been
consented and no other significant effects from the combined impacts of the
proposals with those from other proposals are predicted.
REVIEW AND COMMENTS
Upon receipt of a valid planning application, East Renfrewshire Council will then
undertake neighbour notification (and public advertisement if required) and invite
formal representations and objections to the proposal, which the Council will take into
account before reaching a decision.
The Environmental Statement can be viewed during the consultation period during
normal working hours at:
The offices of East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters
Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen road
Giffnock
G46 6UG
The Environmental Statement can also be viewed on the Moorhouse Farmers
Windfarm website: http://www.moorhousefarmerswindfarm.co.uk/
The Environmental Statement comprises two volumes: Volume 1 containing the
main text, annexes and appendices and Volume 2 containing the figures, and also
this Non-Technical Summary (NTS) which is bound into the front of the Volume 1 and
is also available as a free-standing document.
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Copies of the Environmental Statement are available from Natural Capital Ltd in hard
copy for £150 or on CD for £10 (both including postage and packing). VAT is
chargeable on CDs.
Natural Capital Ltd
13 Coates Crescent
Edinburgh
EH3 7AF
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Natural Capital Ltd
13 Coates Crescent
Edinburgh
EH3 7AF
Tel: 0131 220 6121
Fax: 0131 220 6131
Email: info@naturalcapital.co.uk