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

eeding season so that site compounds etc. will already be established
before the breeding season commences. This will avoid contravention of
the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) by preventing
disturbance of established nests. Ground nesting species that establish
territories and nests after the onset of construction will be more tolerant of
construction activities and human presence, however the working areas
set up at the onset of construction would be strictly adhered to in order to
prevent additional disturbance to nesting birds.
8.59 Given the construction phase could take approximately 10 months to
complete, it is likely that construction activity will occur during breeding
and wintering seasons. Ground nesting species may be dissuaded from
nesting in construction areas/access routes by removing the surface
vegetation from the desired area before the breeding season commences.
An ecologist would be present to check site working areas before works
commence. Any works carried out during the breeding season would
comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Displacement
8.60 Initial environmental scoping and the results from botanical and faunal
surveys carried out were considered during the design of the wind farm
layout. No further mitigation can be implemented for this potential impact.
The impacts of displacement on birds are anticipated overall to be minor.
Habitat Loss
8.61 Post construction, the amount of habitat lost to the wind farm infrastructure
will be reduced. The minimisation of land take has been considered in the
design stage and it is considered unlikely that there can be any other
significant mitigation for habitat losses on a small-scale development like
the proposal. Upon decommissioning, the land formerly occupied by wind
farm infrastructure should be reinstated as closely as possible to a habitat
type typical of the locality. This is currently open arable land and
grassland.
Collision Risk
8.62 Ecological considerations have been incorporated throughout the process
of wind farm design. There are no further possibilities for effective
mitigation on site.
RESIDUAL EFFECTS
Construction
8.63 All residual effects on birds during construction would be neutral and
therefore not significant.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement