GLENLORA WIND TURBINE - Renfrewshire Council

een GLENLORA WIND TURBINE 

© Green Cat Renewables Ltd 

Non-Technical Summary 

Tom Coakley 

December 2009

© Green Cat Renewables Ltd


Prepared By: 

Robert Beck 

Covington Mill 

Thankerton 

Biggar, South Lanarkshire 

ML12 6NE 

Checked By: Robert Beck 

Tel: 01899 309100 

Fax: 01899 309105 

Approved By: Cameron Sutherland 


GLENLORA WIND TURBINE 


Tom Coakley 

December 2009 

Date: 

Date:

Preface 

This non-technical summary (NTS) provides an ‘executive summary’, presented in a 

non-technical manner, of the Environmental Statement (ES) and its findings that has 

been prepared in support of a planning application for the development of a single 

wind turbine on the Glenlora Estate, Lochwinnoch. 

The Environmental Statement package comprises the following documents: 

• The Environmental Statement (ES). 

• Non-Technical Summary (NTS). 

It is supported by the following technical appendix: 

• Glenlora Wind Turbine Landscape Figures. 

Hard copies of the ES package can be viewed at: 

Renfrewshire Council 

Renfrewshire House 

Cotton Street 

Paisley 

PA1 1LL 

Further hard copies of the NTS may be purchased for £10 and the Environmental 

Statement (including the landscape figures document) for £50 per hard copy. 

Electronic copies (CD-ROM) of the ES package can be purchased for £10. Please 

contact: 

Green Cat Renewables Ltd 


Thankerton 

Biggar 

South Lanarkshire 

ML12 6NE 

info@greencatrenewables.co.uk 

01899 309100 

All charges include delivery. 

Electronic copies of all submitted information will be available to view on 

Renfrewshire Council’s website. 


Table of Contents 

1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 9 

1.1 Background to the development .............................................................. 9 

1.2 Approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ...................... 11 

1.3 Rationale for the project ........................................................................ 11 

1.4 The Proposed Development ................................................................... 11 

2 Site Selection Process ............................................................................. 14 

3 Environmental Impact Assessment ......................................................... 14 

3.1 Climate Change ...................................................................................... 15 

3.2 Local Economic Effect ............................................................................. 15 

3.3 Ecology/Fauna ........................................................................................ 16 

3.4 Landscape & Visual Assessment ............................................................. 17 

3.5 Noise ...................................................................................................... 18 

3.6 Cultural Heritage/Archaeology ............................................................... 19 

3.7 Surface and Groundwater Hydrology ..................................................... 20 

3.8 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation and 

Electromagnetic Safety ........................................................................... 22 

3.9 Summary and Conclusions...................................................................... 22 

3.10 Safety ..................................................................................................... 24 

3.11 Items Scoped Out of Environmental Assessments .................................. 24 


1 Introduction 



1.1 Background to the development 

This project comprises a single turbine project on the Glenlora Estate, Corsefield 

Road, Lochwinnoch. Glenlora Estate comprises of a combination of areas of semiimproved 

grass pasture for grazing cattle and sheep, rough grazing land and mixed 

woodland. 

Mr Tom Coakley, director of the Glasgow based ‘Coakley Group’ property developers 

is looking at the opportunity of constructing a single wind turbine on his private 

estate. Every year the proposed turbine would generate sufficient electricity to 

satisfy the requirements of the private estate and existing infrastructure. Mr 

Coakley is keen to diversify to wind generation in order to provide an additional 

income stream to help offset fluctuations in energy prices incurred in the running of 

the estate as well as reduce the ‘carbon footprint’ of current operations. 

The majority of developments that Mr Coakley is involved in both personally and 

commercially have a ‘green footprint’. Recently Pro-Active Energy (one of Mr 

Coakley’s operating companies) have been granted planning permission for the UK’s 

largest biogas facility to be constructed on the new M74 Eco Park. From a personal 

perspective and for the benefit of the local area an anaerobic digester plant 

(09/0417/PP) and alterations to existing shed (with associated infrastructure and 

landscaping works) as well as a small scale hydro plant are also proposed on the 

Glenlora Estate. 

A number of potential locations across the estate were investigated and this location 

was identified as the most suitable as it meets all of the technical requirements and 

has a relatively low environmental impact. 

The proposed development is located on Glenlora Estate near Lochwinnoch, ~25km 

west of Glasgow city centre, as shown in Figure 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 below. The proposal 

is located within the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Belt and the Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park which are subject to specific planning and development policies. The 

turbine position and site boundary are shown in Figure 1.1.2. 

Green Cat Renewables Ltd is a consultancy acting as an agent on behalf of Tom 

Coakley, owner and occupier of Glenlora Estate and is responsible for the studies 

compiled in the Environmental Statement (ES). 

Page 9 of 25 

Z:\projects\C0111-080 Glenlora\Planning\NTS\Glenlora NTS.doc

Site Location 

Figure 1.1 Site Location 

Figure 1.1.2 – Turbine layout and site boundary 



Page 10 of 25 

Z:\projects\C0111-080 Glenlora\Planning\NTS\Glenlora NTS.doc 

Proposed turbine location 

Land ownership boundary 

Nearest properties +500m exclusion zone 

zzonzone



1.2 Approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 

The scope of the EIA was discussed and agreed with Renfrewshire Council, statutory 

consultees (such as Scottish Natural Heritage) and a wide range of other potentially 

interested parties. 

The ES includes a description of how the work was undertaken and any assumptions 

used. It sets out the results of the assessment of likely impacts of the development 

on the environment and describes measures proposed to reduce any environmental 

impacts identified (known as ‘mitigation’). 

Every effort has been made during the project design to ensure that the turbine 

would have a minimal environmental impact and that the overall environmental 

footprint of the scheme would be largely positive. Issues such as ecology, 

landscape/visual effects and noise played a key role in the design of this 

development. 

1.3 Rationale for the project 

Although Renfrewshire Council do not currently have a Renewable Energy Strategy; 

in February 2007 the Council made a commitment with councils across Scotland to 

reduce the effects of climate change. The Council has signed the Scottish Climate 

Change Declaration which brings together the Convention of Scottish Local 

Authorities, Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Executive in a commitment to 

work with others to lessen the effects of climate change. 

The site is located within the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Belt and the Clyde 

Muirshiel Regional Park which are subject to specific planning and development 

policies. Based on the above policy context, it is demonstrated in the ES that this 

single turbine project is appropriate to the location and that its nature and 

advantages would outweighs a continued protection of the private estate that it is 

situated in. 

1.4 The Proposed Development 

Introduction 

The proposed development at Glenlora Estate, near Lochwinnoch would comprise 

the installation and operation of a single 800kW wind turbine no greater than 84m to 

blade tip. 

The Enercon E48 wind turbine is in the company’s medium-class power range. With a 

maximum rated power of 800kW and around 7000 megawatt hours per annum 

expected, it is the ideal choice for a ‘private’ estate. The green form of energy will 

result in huge carbon savings per year over the turbine’s expected 25 year lifespan, 

Page 11 of 25 



in line with Policy REN1 of the Renfrewshire Local Plan which is generally supportive 

of an increase in the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources. 

Access 

It is intended that the turbines would be landed at Grangemouth, transported 

southwest via the A904, M9, M876, M80, M8 and onto the A737. The route then 

takes the 2 nd exit at Roadhead Junction on the A760. The route then turns west onto 

Corsefield Road and enters the Glenlora Estate via an access track located on the 

eastern side of Glenlora House. A level of minor road works with minimum removal 

of trees and hedgerows is anticipated. 

Access Tracks & Crane Hard-standing 

Construction of site tracks will utilise stone brought in from a nearby quarry. In 

addition to the site tracks themselves, a temporary working area of 450m 2 (30m by 

15m) would be required at the wind turbine position. This area is additional to one 

area of hardstanding (30m by 20m) to support the cranes (including outriggers) used 

for the erection of the wind turbine. The precise shape of the temporary working 

area will be refined to reflect construction and environmental factors at the turbine 

location. The construction of these areas of hardstanding will be similar to the 

construction of site tracks. 

Reinstatement of the track verges and the areas of hardstanding would be 

undertaken following construction. As there would be a continuing need to use the 

site tracks, the tracks will be left in place for the duration of the project. 

Running surfaces would be suitably profiled to reduce surface drainage flows. Any 

surface water drainage for the tracks and hardstanding will be designed to comply 

with the principals of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). 

Foundation 

The wind turbine requires foundations which are covered by topsoil when 

construction is complete, leaving a plinth of about 5.5m in diameter at the surface 

level upon which the turbine would be bolted. The foundation would require an 

excavation with a diameter of up to 18m and a depth of 1.7m. The foundation 

would typically have a diameter of up to 16m, giving an additional meter all around 

to allow shuttering access, with the shuttering positioned and supported. The 

foundation would comprise up to 170 cubic metres of concrete and 17 tonnes of 

reinforced steel bar. 

Cable Runs 

The wind turbines envisaged for use on this site produce electricity at 400 volts. This 

would be transformed to 11kV using a transformer adjacent to the turbine. From 

the transformer, underground cable runs will link the turbine to a substation 



Page 12 of 25



building. Excavated material from the trench would be stored alongside the trench 

and replaced during back-filling. Topsoil would be stored separately and fully 

reinstated over the trench following construction. 

Construction Programme 

The main construction period would last for approximately 3 to 5 months, from 

commencement of construction through reinstatement at the end of the 

construction period. Construction would consist of the following phases: 

• Construction of site track for access to the turbine location including the 

excavation of cable trenches and the laying of electricity and communication 

cables. 

• Construction of turbine foundation. 

• The delivery and erection of turbine towers, nacelle and blades. 

• Commissioning of the wind turbine. 

• Site reinstatement. 

Measures to prevent contamination of the ground during the construction period 

would be implemented and continue throughout the life of the project. Including 

the following measures: 

• Concrete: The foundation concrete specified would be of high strength structural 

grade which is not prone to leaching of alkalis. 

• Coolants: The transformers that will be used in the development are sealed units 

containing non-toxic cooling oil. These units are similar to those used elsewhere 

in the UK and leakage is negligible. 

• There will be no long term storage of lubricants or other petrochemical products 

on the site. 

Decommissioning 

At the end of the project’s operational life the wind turbine would be 

decommissioned, the principal elements removed, and the site restored leaving little 

if any visible trace. This is a process which would take approximately two months to 

complete. A decommissioning programme would be agreed with the planning 

authority prior to the commencement of decommissioning works. 

Page 13 of 25 


2 Site Selection Process 



The landholding and initial scoping layout, shown in Figure 1.1.2 above, was 

subjected to a rigorous screening process which considered: 

• Wind resource 

• Noise 

• Access 

• Ecology 

• Cultural heritage 

• Electromagnetic interference 

3 Environmental Impact Assessment 

Green Cat Renewables have carried out a thorough environmental impact 

assessment of the proposal and consulted widely with national and local bodies. 

Responses from these consultations have guided the assessment process and had an 

impact on the layout proposed for the wind turbine. 

The potentially significant issues identified by this process were: 

• Ecology 

• Landscape & visual amenity, including cumulative impacts 

• Noise 

• Cultural heritage and archaeology 

• Hydrology 


• Safety 

• Shadow Flicker 

• Other items such as potential climate change impacts & local economic 

effects 

A request for a scoping opinion in respect of the proposed turbine was assessed by 

Renfrewshire Council and has been determined as follows: 

“The Council is of the opinion that the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment 

to accompany an application for planning permission for the erection of a wind 

turbine should concentrate on assessing the potential impacts arising from matters 

of Ecology/Fauna, Landscape and Visual Impact, Noise, Cultural 

Heritage/Archaeology, Existing Infrastructure and Recreational Access. The 

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment should have regard to the ‘Landscape 

Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Guidelines for 

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2 nd Edition 2002. The impact of an on-site 

Page 14 of 25 




borrow pit and construction of access roads should be appraised as part of the overall 

impact of the scheme including impact on water and groundwater”. 

This NTS summarises the findings of the environmental studies that were undertaken 

to assess these potential effects. 

3.1 Climate Change 

There are two distinct aspects of wind turbine development that could have an 

impact on climate change: 

• Wind turbine manufacture, construction and decommissioning; and 

• Wind turbine operation. 

The wind turbine construction and decommissioning phases will lead to the emission 

of greenhouse gases, while the operation phase will offset greenhouse gases that 

would be emitted by generating the equivalent amount of energy via a conventional 

energy source. Thus, in assessing the overall impact of the project on climate 

change, the full lifecycle of the wind turbine are considered. 

Using guidelines from SNH, the climate change study for the proposed wind turbine 

concluded that the development would pay back CO2 in 2.6 months. The project will 

displace, year on year, CO2 produced through the UK generation mix and will provide 

a positive energy payback after life cycle considerations have been taken into 

account. Therefore, the turbine would have an overall positive effect in reducing UK 

greenhouse gas emissions. 

3.2 Local Economic Effect 

Every wind turbine in a rural area contributes to the farming economy with the 

provision of additional income and diversification of the rural economy. However, a 

project like this where the rural business (private estate) is the developer rather than 

simply a landlord, is an even greater benefit to the local economy. 

The wind turbine will provide an additional income stream for Glenlora Estate which 

will help offset fluctuations in the substantial energy costs incurred in the day to day 

running of the estate and also reduce the carbon footprint, thus improving the long 

term viability of a private estate which dates back to the 1900’s and securing jobs. 

The construction of the proposal would represent a moderate investment in the 

local area. The installed cost of a wind turbine of the capacity proposed is 

approximately £1,500,000. Of this sum, about 20% £300,000 would typically be 

spent in the locality of the project, with a range of contracts being placed with 

electrical and civil engineering companies to fencers and hoteliers. 

Once the wind turbine starts to supply electricity into the local electricity network, 

the landowner/developer directly involved in the project would benefit from 

reduced electricity bills and income from electricity sales payments, thus presenting 

Page 15 of 25 




a viable diversification opportunity, helping maintain the viability of a significant 

local business. When the landowner payments are combined with local authority 

rates, community benefit payments and other ongoing site maintenance expenses, 

this project would represent a substantial long term investment in the local area. 

Overall the economic impacts from this development are considered to be positive 

which will result in a demand for local services during the construction phase. 

No adverse impacts are predicted on local recreation and tourist interests. 

3.3 Ecology/Fauna 

The potential effects of the proposed wind turbine on the nature conservation 

interests on and around the proposed site were considered and an assessment of 

significance was made based on field work undertaken. 

The scope of this Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) was derived from preliminary 

investigations of the site, knowledge of the issues affecting the site, and an 

understanding of the potential for nature conservation receptors to be significantly 

affected. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) was consulted to review the proposed 

methodology for assessing ecological issues. The assessment carried out include 

habitat, breeding birds, geese, bats, and mammals. 

The main findings of the surveys were: 

Mammals Conclusion 

Badgers No significant impacts predicted. 

Bats No significant impacts predicted. 

Other Mammals No significant impacts predicted. 

Birds Conclusion 

Breeding Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Wintering Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Raptors and Owls No significant impacts predicted. 

Geese No significant impacts predicted. 

Other Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Habitats Conclusion 

Botanically, this development is of low sensitivity. 

Page 16 of 25 




3.4 Landscape & Visual Assessment 

Introduction 

A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA), including an outline cumulative 

LVIA, has been undertaken for this project in accordance with the relevant EIA 

Regulations. 

The methodology for the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) and the 

cumulative landscape and visual assessment (CLVIA) has been undertaken in 

accordance with the methodology set out below and conforms with The Guidelines 

for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (Landscape Institute 

and IEMA, 2002). Relevant additional guidance was consulted when required. 

Designated Areas 

The proposed site is located in an area of landscape significance. A number of 

landscape designated areas and cultural heritage features fall within the blade tip 

ZTV illustrated in Figures 3.4.3 and 3.4.5 contained in the Glenlora landscape Figures 

document of the ES which may be indirectly affected in terms of their landscape 

character, visual amenity and views: 

i) Areas of Landscape Significance: 

The project will be observed from the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, the 

extent of the visibility is concentrated to a small section of the southeastern 

part of the park. The project will not be visible over the majority of 

the park area. 

ii) Scheduled Ancient Monuments: 

The ruin of Larabank Castle is the closest scheduled ancient monument 

located ~580m from the proposed turbine. This monument consists of a 

natural hill, scarped to form a motte-like-mound. The ruin has an overall 

theoretical visibility to the turbine. 

iii) Listed buildings: 

The closest A-listed building to the proposed scheme is Ladyland House, 

~1.2km to the south-east. This A-listed building comprises a private dwelling 

which has recently been extended. It is predicted to experience an overall 

theoretical visibility of the site. 

iv) Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDLs): 

The closest HGDL, Duchai and Kelburn Castle are situated ~9-10km 

northwest and southwest of the site. The turbine is likely to be screened 

from these locations by topography, buildings/structures and tree cover. 

Page 17 of 25 




The assessment considered impacts on landscape designations. It was considered 

that the landscape impact within the character areas surrounding the site is 

considered to be of low significance. 

Landscape and Visual Impact 

On assessments of visual effects it has been found that, the Glenlora wind turbine 

may have a moderate visual impact on a few nearby views due to the number of 

residential, i.e. high sensitivity, receptors that would experience these views. 

However, as a single 84m tall turbine sitting on the southern slopes of a hill in an 

area of rolling farmland, the development would be a simple, discrete feature within 

the local landscape, without being dominant or overbearing on receptors. 

From further away viewpoints, the visual impact of the turbine is significantly 

reduced, both due to the distance to the project and visibility to the projects of Dalry 

Community and Ardrossan that already exists in some of the views. On balance, the 

visual impact within the study area is considered to be of low significance. 

Overall, it is concluded that the landscape and visual effects of the Glenlora wind 

turbine would be of low significance. 

Cumulative Visual Impact 

From the outline assessment of cumulative landscape effects it is considered that the 

landscape has a high capacity to absorb the proposed single turbine development 

without significantly increasing cumulative effects already influencing the existing, 

intrinsic landscape character, composition and quality. 

Overall, it is concluded that the cumulative landscape and visual effects due to the 

Glenlora wind turbine would be of low significance. 

3.5 Noise 

Introduction 

Noise can have an effect on the environment and on the quality of life enjoyed by 

individuals and communities. The impact of noise can therefore be a material 

consideration in the determination of planning applications. Noise impacts can arise 

from three distinct areas of the wind farm development: 

• The construction of the wind farm; 

• During operation of the wind farm; and 

• Resulting from increased traffic flow during the construction and operation 

stages. 

Guidance for assessing operational noise from wind farms is given in: 

Page 18 of 25 




• ‘ETSU-R-97: the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (1997)’; 

The Department of Trade and Industry. (usually referred to as the Noise 

Working Group Recommendations); and, 

• ‘Guidelines for Community Noise’, World Health Organisation, 1999. 

Assessment 

The guidance used suggests that if for a single turbines, noise levels can be shown to 

be less than 35dB (A) LA90, 10min this condition would offer significant protection of 

amenity for residents. 

Six key noise sensitive properties have been identified within about 1km of the 

turbine representing the worst case scenario for properties in all directions, the 

closest of which is the landowner’s propertyat ~520m away from the proposed wind 

turbine. 

Noise levels at properties were predicted using a suitable computer simulation. 

When suitable factors were incorporated into the noise model it was found that the 

guidance criteria could be met at all the properties using the Enercon E48 turbine. 

On this basis it was concluded that noise would have a negligible level of effect on 

the surrounding properties. 

3.6 Cultural Heritage/Archaeology 

Cultural heritage is represented by a wide range of features, both above and below 

ground, which result from past human use of the landscape. These include standing 

buildings, many still in use, sub-surface archaeological remains and artefact scatters. 

These also include earthwork monuments as well as landscape features such as field 

boundaries and industrial remains. 

Direct Impacts 

No direct impacts on any features of cultural heritage have been identified. The 

potential for development to encounter previously unrecorded features is 

considered to be low being limited by the small extent of intrusive works associated 

with the proposed development. 

Indirect Impacts 

Within 1km of the site the significance of impact on the ‘B’ listed Glenlora House and 

the Scheduled Ancient Monument, Larabank Castle; is assessed as being medium. 

Both of these sites lie to the south of woodland and benefit from the screening 

provided. No ground level view of the turbine is predicted for Glenlora House. 

Page 19 of 25 




Within the 3km study a number of the ‘B’ listed buildings identified, LB 16 – 34, are 

screened at ground level from the project by the built up area of Lochwinnoch. This 

is confirmed through a comprehensive review of available data and photographic 

appraisal of the local area and surroundings. The project is assessed to have a 

negligible impact on these buildings. 

The 2 ‘A’ listed features within this study radius, namely Ladyland House and 

Ladyland House Sundial, are surrounded by mature woodland. Taking account of this 

effective screening no ground level views are predicted and the significance of 

impact is assessed as being medium. 

Two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Barr Castle and Peel Tower, are predicted to 

have views of the proposed turbine. Although ‘magnitude’ of impact of the project is 

predicted to be low; given their ‘high’ sensitivity, ‘significance’ of impact is assessed 

to be medium. 

Conclusion 

Overall the indirect visual impact of the proposed wind turbine at Glenlora Estate, on 

the setting and integrity of the archaeological and cultural heritage features 

identified in the surrounding area are assessed to be low. 

3.7 Surface and Groundwater Hydrology 

Introduction 

Understanding surface and groundwater environments is critically important to 

designing a successful project. Surface water includes watercourses, water bodies 

and runoff. Groundwater includes all water stored in permeable underground strata 

(or aquifers). In any construction project it is important to understand both where 

and how they relate to each other so that the project can be designed to minimise 

the risk of pollution or any other impact. 

The methodology of this assessment is based on the collection of data and 

information from published material as well as consultations with statutory bodies, 

principally SEPA, Renfrewshire Council, as well as the land owner’s own knowledge 

of the site. 

Hydrological Context of Site 

Surface Water 

There are two small watercourses on and within close proximity to Glenlora Estate, 

the Lora Burn and an unnamed burn. The Lora Burn arises outwith the boundary of 

the site and passes through to the east to the southern side of Glenlora House. The 

second watercourse arises from a spring near Dunconnel Hill and passes through to a 

point 100m to the northwestern end of a farm track located on the eastern 

Page 20 of 25 




boundary of the site. A small manmade loch is located within the western portion of 

the site. 

Watercourse classification 

All water features on the site and immediate surrounds are currently unclassified 

under the SEPA River Classification Scheme (2009). The closest SEPA classified 

surface watercourse is the Maich Water (~600m) which is classified as being of a 

High quality. 

Existing Site Drainage and Topography 

The proposed turbine is located at one of the highest points on the landholding at an 

elevation of approximately 210m above sea level and comprises semi-improved 

grass pasture and rough grazing. This area is predicted to drain in a southern and 

southwesterly direction towards the Lora Burn (~800m to 1000m) and the Loch 

(~450m). 

Field drains 

There are no field drains within the vicinity of the turbine. 

Springs/Wells 

The nearest spring and well are located ~460m (spring) and ~550m (well) in a 

northeasterly and southeasterly direction from the proposed turbine respectively. 

None of these springs/wells appear to be in use as private water supplies. 

The turbine would not be located in the immediate proximity of any other existing 

surface water feature or drainage systems. Hydrological features can be seen on 

Figure 3.7.5, Appendix 4 of the ES. 

Flooding 

According to the SEPA Floodmap (2009) the turbine location is not located within 

1000m of an area at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or from both rivers and the 

sea. 

Private Water Supplies 

Glenlora House is connected to the public water supply system which is understood 

to be maintained and managed by Scottish Water. No network engineering drawings 

have been consulted as part of this assessment and no further assessment of utilities 

infrastructure has been made. 

Page 21 of 25 


Summary 



It is anticipated that the adoption of best practice management and control 

procedures by all site personnel and the implementation of the mitigation methods 

proposed will bring the risks of impact on water quality down to acceptable levels. 

3.8 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation 

and Electromagnetic Safety 

Introduction 

Possible effects on telecommunications activities and television reception were 

assessed. This is necessary as wind turbines can interfere with any communications 

networks utilising electromagnetic signals, in common with all structures of that size. 

By their nature, wind turbines have the potential for being a significant physical 

obstruction that could affect aviation activities. 

Impacts, Issues and Mitigating Actions 

Issues requiring mitigation are discussed below and summarised in Table 3.8.1, p23. 

Summary and Conclusions 

For the wind turbine at Glenlora Estate to have a disruptive effect on civil or military 

air operations/safeguarding, telecommunications or television service could be 

unacceptable. If the mitigating actions suggested are taken, then no unacceptable 

degradation of telecommunications or television services is expected from the 

building of the proposed wind turbine. 

Page 22 of 25 




Table 3.8.1 - Mitigation Summary Table: Existing Telecommunications and Television Reception 

Impact / Issue Mitigation Predicted 

success of 

mitigation 

Television 

Not likely to affect any 

homes for whom there 

is no alternative off-air 

service. 

Potential to affect up to 

2330 homes for whom 

there may be an 

alternative off-air 

service 

MoD 

The turbine is unlikely 

to have an effect on any 

MoD radar. 

BAA/NATS 

The turbines may cause 

unacceptable impact on 

NATS/BAA operations 

Key to predicted success of mitigation: 

Re-tuning the TV to an alternative transmitter may overcome 

possible interference. 

Page 23 of 25 

NR NR NR 

At the time of writing no response had been received from the 

MoD. 

The turbine is not located within the highest point of the estate 

and have been positioned in an area to minimise visibility. 

The turbine would be visible 

Fully - Impact fully mitigated and no effects predicted. 

Initial assessment shows that turbines of 84m high in this 

location would be visible to the radars of Glasgow Airport. 

There are a number of technical ‘fixes’ being developed with the 

integration of the SPE3000 processing system to Glasgow 

Radar that would allow the radar to filter (blank) out the wind 

turbine. 

Substantially - Mitigation would be largely successful at reducing impact, though some effects 

are possible. 

Partially - Mitigation would be successful at reducing impacts, but some effects likely. 


Mitigation method 

Fully Planning Agreement 

Fully Negotiation with the 

MoD 

Fully Negotiation with 

NATS/BAA (January 

2010) 

No other significant EMI impacts are expected to occur from this development.

3.9 Safety 

Background 


Wind turbines have a proven track record for safety. A very small number of turbines 

have been known to lose parts of the rotor assembly through accidental damage 

such as lightning or mechanical failure. There is no record of a member of a member 

of the public being injured by an operational wind turbine in the UK. 

Nonetheless aspects of a project of this nature still have the potential to create 

hazards to contractors and the general public. The greatest hazards occur during the 

scope of each life phase of a wind farm: 

• Site Development and Planning; 

• Design, Specification, Manufacture & Assembly; 

• Construction, Commissioning (and demolition); and 

• Operation And Maintenance 

Construction Best Practice 

Construction Best Practice would be adopted to maintain site safety and protect the 

interests of ecology and hydrology. 

All personnel working on the site would undergo an induction covering topics 

including health & safety, environmental protection and pollution prevention, 

control and response. 

A project Health, Safety and Environmental Plan would be developed to ensure a 

coordinated approach. This plan would highlight the health, safety and 

environmental considerations related to the proposed works and define the controls 

to be implemented to ensure a safe system of work. 

3.10 Items Scoped Out of Environmental Assessments 

Shadow Flicker 

PAN45 1 suggests that shadow flicker should not pose problems beyond 10 rotor 

diameters (480m). As no sensitive receptors have been identified within 480m of 

the turbine location no further assessment or mitigation in relation to shadow flicker 

was considered necessary with the overall level of impact would be negligible or 

zero. 

1 

Scottish Executive Planning Advice Note, PAN45 (revised 2002): Renewable Energy Technologies, 

Wind Power, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/pan/pan45-04.asp, para. 64, 01/11/05 


Page 24 of 25 


een GLENLORA WIND TURBINE 



Tom Coakley 

December 2009



Prepared By: 

Robert Beck 


Thankerton 

Biggar, South Lanarkshire 

ML12 6NE 

Checked By: Robert Beck 

Tel: 01899 309100 

Fax: 01899 309105 

Approved By: Cameron Sutherland 




Tom Coakley 

December 2009 

Date: 

Date:

Preface 

This non-technical summary (NTS) provides an ‘executive summary’, presented in a 

non-technical manner, of the Environmental Statement (ES) and its findings that has 

been prepared in support of a planning application for the development of a single 

wind turbine on the Glenlora Estate, Lochwinnoch. 

The Environmental Statement package comprises the following documents: 

• The Environmental Statement (ES). 

• Non-Technical Summary (NTS). 

It is supported by the following technical appendix: 

• Glenlora Wind Turbine Landscape Figures. 

Hard copies of the ES package can be viewed at: 

Renfrewshire Council 

Renfrewshire House 

Cotton Street 

Paisley 

PA1 1LL 

Further hard copies of the NTS may be purchased for £10 and the Environmental 

Statement (including the landscape figures document) for £50 per hard copy. 

Electronic copies (CD-ROM) of the ES package can be purchased for £10. Please 

contact: 

Green Cat Renewables Ltd 


Thankerton 

Biggar 

South Lanarkshire 

ML12 6NE 

info@greencatrenewables.co.uk 

01899 309100 

All charges include delivery. 

Electronic copies of all submitted information will be available to view on 

Renfrewshire Council’s website. 


Table of Contents 

1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 9 

1.1 Background to the development .............................................................. 9 

1.2 Approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ...................... 11 

1.3 Rationale for the project ........................................................................ 11 

1.4 The Proposed Development ................................................................... 11 

2 Site Selection Process ............................................................................. 14 

3 Environmental Impact Assessment ......................................................... 14 

3.1 Climate Change ...................................................................................... 15 

3.2 Local Economic Effect ............................................................................. 15 

3.3 Ecology/Fauna ........................................................................................ 16 

3.4 Landscape & Visual Assessment ............................................................. 17 

3.5 Noise ...................................................................................................... 18 

3.6 Cultural Heritage/Archaeology ............................................................... 19 

3.7 Surface and Groundwater Hydrology ..................................................... 20 

3.8 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation and 

Electromagnetic Safety ........................................................................... 22 

3.9 Summary and Conclusions...................................................................... 22 

3.10 Safety ..................................................................................................... 24 

3.11 Items Scoped Out of Environmental Assessments .................................. 24 


1 Introduction 



1.1 Background to the development 

This project comprises a single turbine project on the Glenlora Estate, Corsefield 

Road, Lochwinnoch. Glenlora Estate comprises of a combination of areas of semiimproved 

grass pasture for grazing cattle and sheep, rough grazing land and mixed 

woodland. 

Mr Tom Coakley, director of the Glasgow based ‘Coakley Group’ property developers 

is looking at the opportunity of constructing a single wind turbine on his private 

estate. Every year the proposed turbine would generate sufficient electricity to 

satisfy the requirements of the private estate and existing infrastructure. Mr 

Coakley is keen to diversify to wind generation in order to provide an additional 

income stream to help offset fluctuations in energy prices incurred in the running of 

the estate as well as reduce the ‘carbon footprint’ of current operations. 

The majority of developments that Mr Coakley is involved in both personally and 

commercially have a ‘green footprint’. Recently Pro-Active Energy (one of Mr 

Coakley’s operating companies) have been granted planning permission for the UK’s 

largest biogas facility to be constructed on the new M74 Eco Park. From a personal 

perspective and for the benefit of the local area an anaerobic digester plant 

(09/0417/PP) and alterations to existing shed (with associated infrastructure and 

landscaping works) as well as a small scale hydro plant are also proposed on the 

Glenlora Estate. 

A number of potential locations across the estate were investigated and this location 

was identified as the most suitable as it meets all of the technical requirements and 

has a relatively low environmental impact. 

The proposed development is located on Glenlora Estate near Lochwinnoch, ~25km 

west of Glasgow city centre, as shown in Figure 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 below. The proposal 

is located within the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Belt and the Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park which are subject to specific planning and development policies. The 

turbine position and site boundary are shown in Figure 1.1.2. 

Green Cat Renewables Ltd is a consultancy acting as an agent on behalf of Tom 

Coakley, owner and occupier of Glenlora Estate and is responsible for the studies 

compiled in the Environmental Statement (ES). 

Page 9 of 25 


Site Location 

Figure 1.1 Site Location 

Figure 1.1.2 – Turbine layout and site boundary 



Page 10 of 25 


Proposed turbine location 

Land ownership boundary 

Nearest properties +500m exclusion zone 

zzonzone



1.2 Approach to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 

The scope of the EIA was discussed and agreed with Renfrewshire Council, statutory 

consultees (such as Scottish Natural Heritage) and a wide range of other potentially 

interested parties. 

The ES includes a description of how the work was undertaken and any assumptions 

used. It sets out the results of the assessment of likely impacts of the development 

on the environment and describes measures proposed to reduce any environmental 

impacts identified (known as ‘mitigation’). 

Every effort has been made during the project design to ensure that the turbine 

would have a minimal environmental impact and that the overall environmental 

footprint of the scheme would be largely positive. Issues such as ecology, 

landscape/visual effects and noise played a key role in the design of this 

development. 

1.3 Rationale for the project 

Although Renfrewshire Council do not currently have a Renewable Energy Strategy; 

in February 2007 the Council made a commitment with councils across Scotland to 

reduce the effects of climate change. The Council has signed the Scottish Climate 

Change Declaration which brings together the Convention of Scottish Local 

Authorities, Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Executive in a commitment to 

work with others to lessen the effects of climate change. 

The site is located within the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Belt and the Clyde 

Muirshiel Regional Park which are subject to specific planning and development 

policies. Based on the above policy context, it is demonstrated in the ES that this 

single turbine project is appropriate to the location and that its nature and 

advantages would outweighs a continued protection of the private estate that it is 

situated in. 

1.4 The Proposed Development 

Introduction 

The proposed development at Glenlora Estate, near Lochwinnoch would comprise 

the installation and operation of a single 800kW wind turbine no greater than 84m to 

blade tip. 

The Enercon E48 wind turbine is in the company’s medium-class power range. With a 

maximum rated power of 800kW and around 7000 megawatt hours per annum 

expected, it is the ideal choice for a ‘private’ estate. The green form of energy will 

result in huge carbon savings per year over the turbine’s expected 25 year lifespan, 

Page 11 of 25 



in line with Policy REN1 of the Renfrewshire Local Plan which is generally supportive 

of an increase in the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources. 

Access 

It is intended that the turbines would be landed at Grangemouth, transported 

southwest via the A904, M9, M876, M80, M8 and onto the A737. The route then 

takes the 2 nd exit at Roadhead Junction on the A760. The route then turns west onto 

Corsefield Road and enters the Glenlora Estate via an access track located on the 

eastern side of Glenlora House. A level of minor road works with minimum removal 

of trees and hedgerows is anticipated. 

Access Tracks & Crane Hard-standing 

Construction of site tracks will utilise stone brought in from a nearby quarry. In 

addition to the site tracks themselves, a temporary working area of 450m 2 (30m by 

15m) would be required at the wind turbine position. This area is additional to one 

area of hardstanding (30m by 20m) to support the cranes (including outriggers) used 

for the erection of the wind turbine. The precise shape of the temporary working 

area will be refined to reflect construction and environmental factors at the turbine 

location. The construction of these areas of hardstanding will be similar to the 

construction of site tracks. 

Reinstatement of the track verges and the areas of hardstanding would be 

undertaken following construction. As there would be a continuing need to use the 

site tracks, the tracks will be left in place for the duration of the project. 

Running surfaces would be suitably profiled to reduce surface drainage flows. Any 

surface water drainage for the tracks and hardstanding will be designed to comply 

with the principals of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). 

Foundation 

The wind turbine requires foundations which are covered by topsoil when 

construction is complete, leaving a plinth of about 5.5m in diameter at the surface 

level upon which the turbine would be bolted. The foundation would require an 

excavation with a diameter of up to 18m and a depth of 1.7m. The foundation 

would typically have a diameter of up to 16m, giving an additional meter all around 

to allow shuttering access, with the shuttering positioned and supported. The 

foundation would comprise up to 170 cubic metres of concrete and 17 tonnes of 

reinforced steel bar. 

Cable Runs 

The wind turbines envisaged for use on this site produce electricity at 400 volts. This 

would be transformed to 11kV using a transformer adjacent to the turbine. From 

the transformer, underground cable runs will link the turbine to a substation 



Page 12 of 25



building. Excavated material from the trench would be stored alongside the trench 

and replaced during back-filling. Topsoil would be stored separately and fully 

reinstated over the trench following construction. 

Construction Programme 

The main construction period would last for approximately 3 to 5 months, from 

commencement of construction through reinstatement at the end of the 

construction period. Construction would consist of the following phases: 

• Construction of site track for access to the turbine location including the 

excavation of cable trenches and the laying of electricity and communication 

cables. 

• Construction of turbine foundation. 

• The delivery and erection of turbine towers, nacelle and blades. 

• Commissioning of the wind turbine. 

• Site reinstatement. 

Measures to prevent contamination of the ground during the construction period 

would be implemented and continue throughout the life of the project. Including 

the following measures: 

• Concrete: The foundation concrete specified would be of high strength structural 

grade which is not prone to leaching of alkalis. 

• Coolants: The transformers that will be used in the development are sealed units 

containing non-toxic cooling oil. These units are similar to those used elsewhere 

in the UK and leakage is negligible. 

• There will be no long term storage of lubricants or other petrochemical products 

on the site. 

Decommissioning 

At the end of the project’s operational life the wind turbine would be 

decommissioned, the principal elements removed, and the site restored leaving little 

if any visible trace. This is a process which would take approximately two months to 

complete. A decommissioning programme would be agreed with the planning 

authority prior to the commencement of decommissioning works. 

Page 13 of 25 


2 Site Selection Process 



The landholding and initial scoping layout, shown in Figure 1.1.2 above, was 

subjected to a rigorous screening process which considered: 

• Wind resource 

• Noise 

• Access 

• Ecology 

• Cultural heritage 


3 Environmental Impact Assessment 

Green Cat Renewables have carried out a thorough environmental impact 

assessment of the proposal and consulted widely with national and local bodies. 

Responses from these consultations have guided the assessment process and had an 

impact on the layout proposed for the wind turbine. 

The potentially significant issues identified by this process were: 

• Ecology 

• Landscape & visual amenity, including cumulative impacts 

• Noise 

• Cultural heritage and archaeology 

• Hydrology 


• Safety 

• Shadow Flicker 

• Other items such as potential climate change impacts & local economic 

effects 

A request for a scoping opinion in respect of the proposed turbine was assessed by 

Renfrewshire Council and has been determined as follows: 

“The Council is of the opinion that the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment 

to accompany an application for planning permission for the erection of a wind 

turbine should concentrate on assessing the potential impacts arising from matters 

of Ecology/Fauna, Landscape and Visual Impact, Noise, Cultural 

Heritage/Archaeology, Existing Infrastructure and Recreational Access. The 

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment should have regard to the ‘Landscape 

Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Guidelines for 

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2 nd Edition 2002. The impact of an on-site 

Page 14 of 25 




borrow pit and construction of access roads should be appraised as part of the overall 

impact of the scheme including impact on water and groundwater”. 

This NTS summarises the findings of the environmental studies that were undertaken 

to assess these potential effects. 

3.1 Climate Change 

There are two distinct aspects of wind turbine development that could have an 

impact on climate change: 

• Wind turbine manufacture, construction and decommissioning; and 

• Wind turbine operation. 

The wind turbine construction and decommissioning phases will lead to the emission 

of greenhouse gases, while the operation phase will offset greenhouse gases that 

would be emitted by generating the equivalent amount of energy via a conventional 

energy source. Thus, in assessing the overall impact of the project on climate 

change, the full lifecycle of the wind turbine are considered. 

Using guidelines from SNH, the climate change study for the proposed wind turbine 

concluded that the development would pay back CO2 in 2.6 months. The project will 

displace, year on year, CO2 produced through the UK generation mix and will provide 

a positive energy payback after life cycle considerations have been taken into 

account. Therefore, the turbine would have an overall positive effect in reducing UK 

greenhouse gas emissions. 

3.2 Local Economic Effect 

Every wind turbine in a rural area contributes to the farming economy with the 

provision of additional income and diversification of the rural economy. However, a 

project like this where the rural business (private estate) is the developer rather than 

simply a landlord, is an even greater benefit to the local economy. 

The wind turbine will provide an additional income stream for Glenlora Estate which 

will help offset fluctuations in the substantial energy costs incurred in the day to day 

running of the estate and also reduce the carbon footprint, thus improving the long 

term viability of a private estate which dates back to the 1900’s and securing jobs. 

The construction of the proposal would represent a moderate investment in the 

local area. The installed cost of a wind turbine of the capacity proposed is 

approximately £1,500,000. Of this sum, about 20% £300,000 would typically be 

spent in the locality of the project, with a range of contracts being placed with 

electrical and civil engineering companies to fencers and hoteliers. 

Once the wind turbine starts to supply electricity into the local electricity network, 

the landowner/developer directly involved in the project would benefit from 

reduced electricity bills and income from electricity sales payments, thus presenting 

Page 15 of 25 




a viable diversification opportunity, helping maintain the viability of a significant 

local business. When the landowner payments are combined with local authority 

rates, community benefit payments and other ongoing site maintenance expenses, 

this project would represent a substantial long term investment in the local area. 

Overall the economic impacts from this development are considered to be positive 

which will result in a demand for local services during the construction phase. 

No adverse impacts are predicted on local recreation and tourist interests. 

3.3 Ecology/Fauna 

The potential effects of the proposed wind turbine on the nature conservation 

interests on and around the proposed site were considered and an assessment of 

significance was made based on field work undertaken. 

The scope of this Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) was derived from preliminary 

investigations of the site, knowledge of the issues affecting the site, and an 

understanding of the potential for nature conservation receptors to be significantly 

affected. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) was consulted to review the proposed 

methodology for assessing ecological issues. The assessment carried out include 

habitat, breeding birds, geese, bats, and mammals. 

The main findings of the surveys were: 

Mammals Conclusion 

Badgers No significant impacts predicted. 

Bats No significant impacts predicted. 

Other Mammals No significant impacts predicted. 

Birds Conclusion 

Breeding Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Wintering Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Raptors and Owls No significant impacts predicted. 

Geese No significant impacts predicted. 

Other Birds No significant impacts predicted. 

Habitats Conclusion 

Botanically, this development is of low sensitivity. 

Page 16 of 25 




3.4 Landscape & Visual Assessment 

Introduction 

A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA), including an outline cumulative 

LVIA, has been undertaken for this project in accordance with the relevant EIA 

Regulations. 

The methodology for the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) and the 

cumulative landscape and visual assessment (CLVIA) has been undertaken in 

accordance with the methodology set out below and conforms with The Guidelines 

for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (Landscape Institute 

and IEMA, 2002). Relevant additional guidance was consulted when required. 

Designated Areas 

The proposed site is located in an area of landscape significance. A number of 

landscape designated areas and cultural heritage features fall within the blade tip 

ZTV illustrated in Figures 3.4.3 and 3.4.5 contained in the Glenlora landscape Figures 

document of the ES which may be indirectly affected in terms of their landscape 

character, visual amenity and views: 

i) Areas of Landscape Significance: 

The project will be observed from the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, the 

extent of the visibility is concentrated to a small section of the southeastern 

part of the park. The project will not be visible over the majority of 

the park area. 

ii) Scheduled Ancient Monuments: 

The ruin of Larabank Castle is the closest scheduled ancient monument 

located ~580m from the proposed turbine. This monument consists of a 

natural hill, scarped to form a motte-like-mound. The ruin has an overall 

theoretical visibility to the turbine. 

iii) Listed buildings: 

The closest A-listed building to the proposed scheme is Ladyland House, 

~1.2km to the south-east. This A-listed building comprises a private dwelling 

which has recently been extended. It is predicted to experience an overall 

theoretical visibility of the site. 

iv) Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDLs): 

The closest HGDL, Duchai and Kelburn Castle are situated ~9-10km 

northwest and southwest of the site. The turbine is likely to be screened 

from these locations by topography, buildings/structures and tree cover. 

Page 17 of 25 




The assessment considered impacts on landscape designations. It was considered 

that the landscape impact within the character areas surrounding the site is 

considered to be of low significance. 

Landscape and Visual Impact 

On assessments of visual effects it has been found that, the Glenlora wind turbine 

may have a moderate visual impact on a few nearby views due to the number of 

residential, i.e. high sensitivity, receptors that would experience these views. 

However, as a single 84m tall turbine sitting on the southern slopes of a hill in an 

area of rolling farmland, the development would be a simple, discrete feature within 

the local landscape, without being dominant or overbearing on receptors. 

From further away viewpoints, the visual impact of the turbine is significantly 

reduced, both due to the distance to the project and visibility to the projects of Dalry 

Community and Ardrossan that already exists in some of the views. On balance, the 

visual impact within the study area is considered to be of low significance. 

Overall, it is concluded that the landscape and visual effects of the Glenlora wind 

turbine would be of low significance. 

Cumulative Visual Impact 

From the outline assessment of cumulative landscape effects it is considered that the 

landscape has a high capacity to absorb the proposed single turbine development 

without significantly increasing cumulative effects already influencing the existing, 

intrinsic landscape character, composition and quality. 

Overall, it is concluded that the cumulative landscape and visual effects due to the 

Glenlora wind turbine would be of low significance. 

3.5 Noise 

Introduction 

Noise can have an effect on the environment and on the quality of life enjoyed by 

individuals and communities. The impact of noise can therefore be a material 

consideration in the determination of planning applications. Noise impacts can arise 

from three distinct areas of the wind farm development: 

• The construction of the wind farm; 

• During operation of the wind farm; and 

• Resulting from increased traffic flow during the construction and operation 

stages. 

Guidance for assessing operational noise from wind farms is given in: 

Page 18 of 25 




• ‘ETSU-R-97: the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (1997)’; 

The Department of Trade and Industry. (usually referred to as the Noise 

Working Group Recommendations); and, 

• ‘Guidelines for Community Noise’, World Health Organisation, 1999. 

Assessment 

The guidance used suggests that if for a single turbines, noise levels can be shown to 

be less than 35dB (A) LA90, 10min this condition would offer significant protection of 

amenity for residents. 

Six key noise sensitive properties have been identified within about 1km of the 

turbine representing the worst case scenario for properties in all directions, the 

closest of which is the landowner’s propertyat ~520m away from the proposed wind 

turbine. 

Noise levels at properties were predicted using a suitable computer simulation. 

When suitable factors were incorporated into the noise model it was found that the 

guidance criteria could be met at all the properties using the Enercon E48 turbine. 

On this basis it was concluded that noise would have a negligible level of effect on 

the surrounding properties. 

3.6 Cultural Heritage/Archaeology 

Cultural heritage is represented by a wide range of features, both above and below 

ground, which result from past human use of the landscape. These include standing 

buildings, many still in use, sub-surface archaeological remains and artefact scatters. 

These also include earthwork monuments as well as landscape features such as field 

boundaries and industrial remains. 

Direct Impacts 

No direct impacts on any features of cultural heritage have been identified. The 

potential for development to encounter previously unrecorded features is 

considered to be low being limited by the small extent of intrusive works associated 

with the proposed development. 

Indirect Impacts 

Within 1km of the site the significance of impact on the ‘B’ listed Glenlora House and 

the Scheduled Ancient Monument, Larabank Castle; is assessed as being medium. 

Both of these sites lie to the south of woodland and benefit from the screening 

provided. No ground level view of the turbine is predicted for Glenlora House. 

Page 19 of 25 




Within the 3km study a number of the ‘B’ listed buildings identified, LB 16 – 34, are 

screened at ground level from the project by the built up area of Lochwinnoch. This 

is confirmed through a comprehensive review of available data and photographic 

appraisal of the local area and surroundings. The project is assessed to have a 

negligible impact on these buildings. 

The 2 ‘A’ listed features within this study radius, namely Ladyland House and 

Ladyland House Sundial, are surrounded by mature woodland. Taking account of this 

effective screening no ground level views are predicted and the significance of 

impact is assessed as being medium. 

Two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Barr Castle and Peel Tower, are predicted to 

have views of the proposed turbine. Although ‘magnitude’ of impact of the project is 

predicted to be low; given their ‘high’ sensitivity, ‘significance’ of impact is assessed 

to be medium. 

Conclusion 

Overall the indirect visual impact of the proposed wind turbine at Glenlora Estate, on 

the setting and integrity of the archaeological and cultural heritage features 

identified in the surrounding area are assessed to be low. 

3.7 Surface and Groundwater Hydrology 

Introduction 

Understanding surface and groundwater environments is critically important to 

designing a successful project. Surface water includes watercourses, water bodies 

and runoff. Groundwater includes all water stored in permeable underground strata 

(or aquifers). In any construction project it is important to understand both where 

and how they relate to each other so that the project can be designed to minimise 

the risk of pollution or any other impact. 

The methodology of this assessment is based on the collection of data and 

information from published material as well as consultations with statutory bodies, 

principally SEPA, Renfrewshire Council, as well as the land owner’s own knowledge 

of the site. 

Hydrological Context of Site 

Surface Water 

There are two small watercourses on and within close proximity to Glenlora Estate, 

the Lora Burn and an unnamed burn. The Lora Burn arises outwith the boundary of 

the site and passes through to the east to the southern side of Glenlora House. The 

second watercourse arises from a spring near Dunconnel Hill and passes through to a 

point 100m to the northwestern end of a farm track located on the eastern 

Page 20 of 25 




boundary of the site. A small manmade loch is located within the western portion of 

the site. 

Watercourse classification 

All water features on the site and immediate surrounds are currently unclassified 

under the SEPA River Classification Scheme (2009). The closest SEPA classified 

surface watercourse is the Maich Water (~600m) which is classified as being of a 

High quality. 

Existing Site Drainage and Topography 

The proposed turbine is located at one of the highest points on the landholding at an 

elevation of approximately 210m above sea level and comprises semi-improved 

grass pasture and rough grazing. This area is predicted to drain in a southern and 

southwesterly direction towards the Lora Burn (~800m to 1000m) and the Loch 

(~450m). 

Field drains 

There are no field drains within the vicinity of the turbine. 

Springs/Wells 

The nearest spring and well are located ~460m (spring) and ~550m (well) in a 

northeasterly and southeasterly direction from the proposed turbine respectively. 

None of these springs/wells appear to be in use as private water supplies. 

The turbine would not be located in the immediate proximity of any other existing 

surface water feature or drainage systems. Hydrological features can be seen on 

Figure 3.7.5, Appendix 4 of the ES. 

Flooding 

According to the SEPA Floodmap (2009) the turbine location is not located within 

1000m of an area at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or from both rivers and the 

sea. 

Private Water Supplies 

Glenlora House is connected to the public water supply system which is understood 

to be maintained and managed by Scottish Water. No network engineering drawings 

have been consulted as part of this assessment and no further assessment of utilities 

infrastructure has been made. 

Page 21 of 25 


Summary 



It is anticipated that the adoption of best practice management and control 

procedures by all site personnel and the implementation of the mitigation methods 

proposed will bring the risks of impact on water quality down to acceptable levels. 

3.8 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation 

and Electromagnetic Safety 

Introduction 

Possible effects on telecommunications activities and television reception were 

assessed. This is necessary as wind turbines can interfere with any communications 

networks utilising electromagnetic signals, in common with all structures of that size. 

By their nature, wind turbines have the potential for being a significant physical 

obstruction that could affect aviation activities. 

Impacts, Issues and Mitigating Actions 

Issues requiring mitigation are discussed below and summarised in Table 3.8.1, p23. 

Summary and Conclusions 

For the wind turbine at Glenlora Estate to have a disruptive effect on civil or military 

air operations/safeguarding, telecommunications or television service could be 

unacceptable. If the mitigating actions suggested are taken, then no unacceptable 

degradation of telecommunications or television services is expected from the 

building of the proposed wind turbine. 

Page 22 of 25 




Table 3.8.1 - Mitigation Summary Table: Existing Telecommunications and Television Reception 

Impact / Issue Mitigation Predicted 

success of 

mitigation 

Television 

Not likely to affect any 

homes for whom there 

is no alternative off-air 

service. 

Potential to affect up to 

2330 homes for whom 

there may be an 

alternative off-air 

service 

MoD 

The turbine is unlikely 

to have an effect on any 

MoD radar. 

BAA/NATS 

The turbines may cause 

unacceptable impact on 

NATS/BAA operations 

Key to predicted success of mitigation: 

Re-tuning the TV to an alternative transmitter may overcome 

possible interference. 

Page 23 of 25 

NR NR NR 

At the time of writing no response had been received from the 

MoD. 

The turbine is not located within the highest point of the estate 

and have been positioned in an area to minimise visibility. 

The turbine would be visible 

Fully - Impact fully mitigated and no effects predicted. 

Initial assessment shows that turbines of 84m high in this 

location would be visible to the radars of Glasgow Airport. 

There are a number of technical ‘fixes’ being developed with the 

integration of the SPE3000 processing system to Glasgow 

Radar that would allow the radar to filter (blank) out the wind 

turbine. 

Substantially - Mitigation would be largely successful at reducing impact, though some effects 

are possible. 

Partially - Mitigation would be successful at reducing impacts, but some effects likely. 


Mitigation method 

Fully Planning Agreement 

Fully Negotiation with the 

MoD 

Fully Negotiation with 

NATS/BAA (January 

2010) 

No other significant EMI impacts are expected to occur from this development.

3.9 Safety 

Background 


Wind turbines have a proven track record for safety. A very small number of turbines 

have been known to lose parts of the rotor assembly through accidental damage 

such as lightning or mechanical failure. There is no record of a member of a member 

of the public being injured by an operational wind turbine in the UK. 

Nonetheless aspects of a project of this nature still have the potential to create 

hazards to contractors and the general public. The greatest hazards occur during the 

scope of each life phase of a wind farm: 

• Site Development and Planning; 

• Design, Specification, Manufacture & Assembly; 

• Construction, Commissioning (and demolition); and 

• Operation And Maintenance 

Construction Best Practice 

Construction Best Practice would be adopted to maintain site safety and protect the 

interests of ecology and hydrology. 

All personnel working on the site would undergo an induction covering topics 

including health & safety, environmental protection and pollution prevention, 

control and response. 

A project Health, Safety and Environmental Plan would be developed to ensure a 

coordinated approach. This plan would highlight the health, safety and 

environmental considerations related to the proposed works and define the controls 

to be implemented to ensure a safe system of work. 

3.10 Items Scoped Out of Environmental Assessments 

Shadow Flicker 

PAN45 1 suggests that shadow flicker should not pose problems beyond 10 rotor 

diameters (480m). As no sensitive receptors have been identified within 480m of 

the turbine location no further assessment or mitigation in relation to shadow flicker 

was considered necessary with the overall level of impact would be negligible or 

zero. 

1 

Scottish Executive Planning Advice Note, PAN45 (revised 2002): Renewable Energy Technologies, 

Wind Power, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/pan/pan45-04.asp, para. 64, 01/11/05 


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GLENLORA WIND TURBINE - Renfrewshire Council

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