Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
3.7.3 The design solution for a site crosses all development phases and is based on the considered
application of the following technical, economic and environmental criteria across all
development phases as more information becomes available.
3.7.4 The main design changes resulting from the consultation and design process are summarised
below with reasons for the change. The final proposed number, size and location of the
turbines, access tracks and other site infrastructure is considered to be the ‘best environmental
fit’ in relation to the identified environmental constraints (see proposed layout in Figure 1.2).
Turbine Layout Design Process
3.7.5 Key stages of the design iteration process are shown in Figure 3.1. The initial design of the
proposed wind energy development layout comprising four turbines and associated
infrastructure was established after an iterative process which lasted approximately 4 months.
3.7.6 An initial list of the constraints present on the proposed site was identified in the DP1 site
screening report. The purpose of the turbine layout design process was to maximise the
installed capacity within the constraints of the proposed site. It was based primarily on
technical requirements such as topography and preliminary environmental constraints known
at the time. Turbines were positioned at sufficient downwind and crosswind separation
distances to ensure that turbines do not negatively affect the productivity of each other.
3.7.7 Through correspondence and consultation with Ofcom, communication signals and scanning
telemetry links operated by companies within close proximity to the proposed turbine locations
were located. Contact details of the link operators were provided for further consultation who
subsequently responded. Table 3.3 below summarises the key responses.
Table 3.3 Summary of Consultee Responses in Relation to Communications Companies
Consultee
Response
Arqiva
08/07/09: Arqiva is satisfied that there is sufficient distance between its links and the proposed
turbines. It requests to be informed of any change of location or additional turbines.
BT
08/08/08: BT concluded that the proposed wind energy development should not cause
interference to its current and presently planned radio networks.
Cable & Wireless 07/08/08 C&W responded with no objections. They do not have any operations in this area.
(C&W)
CSS Spectrum No response to date.
Management
Five
No response to date.
Joint Radio
Commission (JRC)
14/07/09: JRC has objected to the turbine locations on behalf of Scotia Gas Networks on the
basis that the turbines are within 1km of a scanning telemetry link. A “Full Impact Assessment”
performed by the JRC, will provide investigation into potential mitigation solutions.
National Grid 28/07/08: Recommended to contact Ofcom and BBC Research Department.
Wireless
O2 01/08/08: O2 confirmed that there will be no electromagnetic interference to its
telecommunications infrastructure and there O2 has no objections.
Ofcom
25/07/08: Stated that there were 5 microwave links found within the site, and there should be
further consultation with the related providers (Arqiva, Vodafone and Orange).
Contact details for scanning telemetry systems were also provided by the JRC. The providers
were contacted directly.
20/09/10: Reconsultation. Ofcom stated that no new links had been installed since the previous
consultation.
Orange
14/10/10: Orange responded with no objection to the new layout.
Tmobile
No response to date.
Vodafone
10/07/09: Vodafone finds the new co-ordinates acceptable. It has requested to be kept informed
of any further changes to the site layout.
3.7.8 Following completion of the pre-application consultation process and the establishment of
further environmental baseline data at the site, a number of potential environmental constraints
November 2010 Chapter 3 Page 13
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