Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
judgement taking into consideration specialist knowledge of the receptor in question and
confidence in the prediction. Impacts assessed as being neutral or slight, are not considered
to be significant in the sense used in the Regulations.
Table 12.7 Significance of the Effects as Defined by the Relationship Between the
Nature Conservation Value and Effect Magnitude
Effect Magnitude Nature Conservation Value
International National Regional Local Negligible
Total/near total Major Major Major Moderate Slight
High Major Major Major - Moderate Moderate Slight
Medium Major Major - Moderate Moderate Moderate - Minor Minor
Low Moderate - Minor Moderate - Minor Moderate - Minor Minor Minor
Neutral
No/Negligible Effect
12.2.40 Following the application of mitigation and enhancement measures, the magnitude of change
needs to be re-established and the significance values reassessed. The significance criteria
listed in Table 12.7 have also been used to predict the residual significance of each potential
effect following mitigation and enhancement.
12.3 Baseline Assessment
Consultation and Desk Study
12.3.1 Table 12.8 presents a summary of the ornithological information received from consultees
during the scoping and consultation process. Further details relating to the information
provided are presented below.
Table 12.8 Ornithological Information and Records Received
Organisation
RSPB Scotland
BTO
Scottish Wildlife
Trust (SWT)
Clackmannanshire
Council
Clackmannanshire
Countryside
Ranger Service
Central Scotland
Raptor Study
Group
Designated Sites
Response
22/07/2009 (e-mail): Clare Bunyard (Administration Manager) informed RPS that a data search
did not produce any relevant information they were able to give out. However, she advised
that records for the area do exist from the 2007 Important Bird Areas survey, while 2006
Breeding Bird Survey records will be held by the BTO.
10/07/2010 (e-mail): Neil Calbrade (BTO WeBS Co-ordinator) provided high (core count) and
low tide data for the relevant count sectors located within 1km of the proposed wind energy
development site.
04/08/2009 (e-mail): Gill Calder (Biodiversity Data Manager) provided a summary of the wildlife
interests at three recognised wildlife sites within 2km of the proposed wind energy
development site. Of these, Alloa Inches SWT Reserve (1.45km to the north west) was the
only one with specific ornithological interests.
22/03/2010 (e-mail): Keith Johnstone (Principle Planner) alluded to the known presence of
breeding barn owls within 2km of the proposed wind energy development site.
16/06/2010 & 28/07/2010 (e-mails): Lisa Ford (Countryside Ranger) provided information on
Black Devonmouth Lagoons Local Wildlife Site and also informed that barns owls known to
use buildings in the surrounding area. Information regarding barn owls is treated as
confidential and is presented in the Confidential Appendix (Appendix 12.3.
22/09/2009 (email): Mike Steward (Regional Recorder) provided information on known and
potential barn owl nest and roost sites in the vicinity of the proposed development. Information
regarding barn owls is treated as confidential and is presented in the Confidential Appendix
(Appendix 12.3).
12.3.2 The locations of all statutory and non-statutory designated sites in close proximity of the
proposed wind energy development site (within 5km) are illustrated in Figure 12.2.
November 2010 Chapter 12 Page 11
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