Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
the consultation was to establish requirements for new ecological surveys and provide
consultees with the opportunity to offer guidance and advice on survey methodologies, identify
potential development design modifications that might address ecological sensitivities and
identify preferred mitigation and enhancement. The consultation process also sought to
identify and obtain relevant existing ecological data and determine any notable information
gaps. A summary of the key points raised by consultees is given in Table 11.1. Any ecological
information provided during the consultation process (e.g. protected species records) is
presented in the Baseline Conditions (Section 11.3).
Table 11.1 Scoping Responses
Organisation
Scottish Natural
Heritage (SNH)
Scottish
Environment
Protection Agency
(SEPA)
Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds
(RSPB Scotland)
Clackmannanshire
Council
Fife Council
Stirling Council
Scottish Badgers
Central Scotland Bat
Group
Fife and Kinross
Scotland Bat Group
Response
27 January 2010 - Matthew Topsfield (Renewable Energy Casework Advisor) recommended
checking the NBN gateway website and contacting the local Biological Records Centre for
plant and animal species records that might exist for the area. The requirement for a Phase 1
Habitat Survey was outlined as well as a more detailed National Vegetation Classification
(NVC) survey should any important semi-natural habitats be identified on-site. Protected
mammal surveys for otter, bats and badger were also advised, and links to SNH’s online
guidance in respect to otters and development projects 5
and Natural England’s guidance
regarding bats and onshore wind farms 4 was also provided. In addition, a survey buffer of
500m was stipulated in respect to badgers. It was also mentioned that the RSPB is currently
seeking to acquire the wetland habitat adjacent to the proposed wind energy development site
as a reserve.
8 June 2010 - Colin Castle (Area Officer) informed that SNH was satisfied with the proposed
approach to bat surveys and that this should be sufficient to inform the assessment of impacts
on bats. A query was raised regarding the potential suitability of a refuse destructor building to
the north of the site.
18 January 2010 - Sean Caswell (Planning Unit Manager) requested full consideration of
pollution prevention issues and highlighted SEPA’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs)
which are available on its website.
4 September 2009 - Yvonne Boles (Central Scotland Conservation Officer) highlighted that
RSPBs main concerns relate to birds (see Ornithology: Chapter 12). It was confirmed that
RSPB is currently seeking to acquire the Forthbank wetland as a reserve.
22 March 2010 - Keith Johnstone (Planning Officer) was satisfied that the general approach
regarding ecology was acceptable. With regard to protected species it was requested that the
application site and a buffer of 500 metres around it should be surveyed. It was also noted
that the assessment should;
• account for species included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Biodiversity Action
Plans for Clackmannanshire and Fife, Falkirk and Stirling Councils; and,
• make reference to the local wildlife sites outlined in the Clackmannanshire Local Plan as
well as any UK/Scottish priority habitats in close proximity to the site.
2 February 2010 - Angus Dodds (Planning Officer) concluded that the approach proposed in
the Scoping Report was reasonable and identified the main ecological issues.
27 January 2010 - David Throughgood (Planning Officer) made no comments in relation to
ecological issues in Stirling Council’s response.
16 July 2009 - Ian Hutchison (Species Protection Officer) strongly recommended that a full
badger survey was conducted to inform any impact assessment.
No response received.
No response received.
11.2.17 In addition the following nature conservation organisations were contacted for any information
on non-statutory designated sites and/or records of legally protected or notable species that
they may hold within 2km of the application area:
• Scottish Badgers;
• Central Scotland Bat Group;
• Fife and Kinross Bat Group;
• Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT);
November 2010 Chapter 11 Page 5
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©