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

falling from the blades and therefore affecting only the area directly under
the turbine.
16.15 In freezing conditions, ice forming on the blades of the rotor may fall off as
the rotor starts to turn. However, the PPS22 Companion Guide refers to
the “Wind Energy Production in Cold Climates report” 19 which estimates
that the particular weather conditions required for ice to build up occur in
England for less than one day per year. The proposed wind turbines
would be located in agricultural land and sited in fields which are fenced to
prevent unauthorised vehicle access. The use of established protocols
and procedures would mean that operational staff should be aware and
take appropriate action when conditions likely to lead to ice accretion on
the turbine are present, which could lead to the risk of ice falling from the
rotor in areas of risk.
16.16 All turbines will be fitted with vibration sensors so that if a blade is
damaged or unbalanced they would automatically stop. In the event that a
turbine starts to ice up when it is already turning, the turbines may
continue to operate but will shut down if ice builds up and causes an
aerodynamic or physical imbalance in the rotor assembly.
PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY & PERMISSIVE ROUTES
16.17 A number of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and permissive routes cross
the Penny Hill wind farm study area. RMBC was consulted in May 2008 to
obtain a copy of the „definitive map‟ of PRoW and permissive routes for the
Penny Hill Wind Farm study area. Drawing HJB/681/PA24 shows the
wind farm study area and all identified PRoWs and permissive routes.
PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
16.18 PRoW within the immediate vicinity of the site are as follows:
Public footpath from Field Lane north of the site, to Stoket Lane on the
western boundary of the site. The footpath crosses the north-west
corner of the site;
Public bridleway running in a north-south direction along Stoket Lane,
between Morthen Lane north of the site and ending at Penny Hill Lane
along the site boundary; and
Public footpath leading from Turnshaw Road crossing the south-west
corner of the site (just north of Spring Wood).
PERMISSIVE//PROMOTED ROUTES
16.19 Permissive routes are when landowners allow members of the public to
use paths and tracks which are not PRoW. Members of the public do not
19 “Wind Energy Production in Cold Climates” (ETSU W/11/00452/00/REP)
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement