Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
• preliminary consultation with the following operators: the Health and Safety
Executive, Scotland Gas Networks, Scottish Power, Scottish Water, Scottish Police
Services Authority, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue and Scottish Ambulance;
• preliminary consultation with the BBC web based tool to identify potential for TV
interference;
• preliminary sites of cultural significance desk-top studies;
• a plan detailing the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) to 30km;
• preliminary flood risk studies; and
• preliminary consultation to collect ecological and ornithological features of the site,
extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and ornithological walkover.
3.1.4 This feasibility study indicated that the site was potentially technically, environmentally and
financially viable for a wind energy development, but that further assessment and clarification
was needed.
3.1.5 This initial exercise allowed early identification of key technical, environmental and planning
issues associated with the site.
3.1.6 Finally, wind speed analysis and assessments of planning constraints and the grid connection
were completed.
3.2 Scheme Development
3.2.1 PfR has established a scheme development process that integrates the activities required for
EIA within a structured, holistic, approach to confirming the technical and economic viability of
a particular development proposal.
3.2.2 Following the feasibility study, PfR undertook a broadly sequential three stage process
designed to investigate and resolve/avoid the key risks to the development of the site and any
potentially significant environmental effects in a structured manner. The purpose of this
process was to identify any irresolvable issues which would make the site inappropriate for
development. The exact scope and order of task investigation in the different stages was
determined using professional judgement and experience taking account of the site’s unique
combination of technical and environmental factors as well as other seasonal factors. The
following paragraphs outline this three stage process.
Development Phase 1 (DP1) March 2009 – September 2009
3.2.3 Following the completion of the feasibility study, this development phase is designed to
investigate and understand the basis of any objections received from consultees during
feasibility (such as the Ministry of Defence or telecommunications operators) during initial
discussions, and to verify that fundamental practical issues such as grid connection and
access would not be likely to affect the economic or technical viability of the site.
November 2010 Chapter 3 Page 2
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