environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

2.6 The proposed turbines would be accessed by approximately 3.5km of onsite
access tracks. These would have an average surface width of 5m and
would be constructed of stone with a crushed stone running surface. The
routes of these tracks are shown on Drawing HJB/681/PA05 and details of
their construction are illustrated on Drawing HJB/681/PA12. Following the
construction of the wind farm the site roads would be retained to
accommodate maintenance traffic, consisting of visits by a light van.
2.7 Trenching for cabling running between the proposed turbines will generally
run parallel to the site roads connecting individual turbines to the electrical
collection network. All the on-site circuits will converge at the site control
building and substation from where the electricity generated by the
turbines will be exported to the local grid.
2.8 The layout of the wind farm has resulted from a process of design that has
responded to a varied and diverse set of constraints. Principal aims were
to achieve a layout that:
Avoids constraints such as known overhead power lines,
archaeological features, ecologically sensitive habitats and
telecommunication links;
Maintains an appropriate stand-off distance from residential properties
in order to satisfy UK Government guidelines on wind turbine noise and
disturbance; and
Achieves a logical and balanced appearance from key viewpoints.
2.9 These aims, combined with other practical considerations, have resulted
in a compact layout of turbines on the site with a cohesive footprint. The
design process is covered in more detail in Section 4 of this ES.
2.10 The final layout has remained as specified within the Scoping Report with
the inclusion of six turbines, due to the relatively unconstrained nature of
the site the ability to maximise the potential for energy production could be
realised. Since the submission of the Scoping Report the ability for
turbines with an increased generating power has progressed, therefore the
submission seeks consent for the erection of turbines with a maximum
height of 132m, which have a installed capacity of up to 3.3MW.
2.11 It should also be noted that this application for planning permission seeks
permission for a 50 metre „micro siting‟ allowance in order for an efficient
construction process to be achieved. The contents of the ES and thus the
individual assessments have been undertaken with this bore in mind,
however in order for a practical assessment to have taken place fixed
turbine locations have been cited within the assessment. Should planning
permission be granted the final turbine locations will be submitted to the
Local Planning Authority for consideration prior to turbine erection to
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement