Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
3.7.13 The final turbine locations were selected after all the above constraints were taken into
consideration and it is shown in Figure 1.2. The layout seeks to draw a reasonable
compromise between the differing technical and environmental priorities on site. The
assessments presented in the specialist chapters take into account the mitigation incorporated
as part of the scheme.
3.7.14 It is probable that during the post planning consent design process a small degree of flexibility
regarding precise turbine location will be required. As such, a +/-30m radius around each
turbine is requested by the applicant. This will allow any previously unknown on-site
constraints to be avoided by micro-siting the turbine. This request is being made on the
understanding that certain areas of the site will not be available for micro-siting - for example
on flight paths of certain species, within a 20m buffer of watercourses or onto certain areas of
priority habitat. Any micro-siting will be agreed with Clackmannanshire Council and Scottish
Natural Heritage. It should be note that some micro-siting constraints have already been
identified associated with communication company requests.
‘No-Project Alternative’
3.7.15 The ‘no- project’ alternative would leave the landholding of the Forthbank site in its current
restored landfall form.
3.7.16 Without the Forthbank wind energy development, and other wind energy developments,
Scotland will be less likely to meet its targets of producing 80% of its electricity from renewable
sources by 2020 and more beyond.
3.8 References
1 In terms of the EIA Regulations, the consultation bodies include:
• Any adjoining planning authority where the development is likely to affect land in their
area;
• Scottish Natural Heritage;
• The water and sewerage authority or authorities for the area in which the development is
to take place;
• The Scottish Environment Protection Agency;
• The Health and Safety Executive; and
• The Scottish Ministers.
HMSO (1989). The Electricity Act 1989.
IEMA (2005). Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment. Institute of Environmental
Management and Assessment.
November 2010 Chapter 3 Page 15
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