Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
• desk studies to establish the baseline conditions of the application area;
• consultation with relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies;
• description of the potential effects of the proposed wind energy development on
tourism, recreation and the socio-economic environment;
• an evaluation of the significance of these effects;
• identification of possible measures to avoid, and mitigate against, any potential
adverse effects resulting from this development; and
• the significance of the potential residual effects following mitigation.
15.2.3 The assessment of significance is based on a professional judgement taking into account the
potential magnitude of the effects, and the sensitivity of the environment to this effect. In this
case, the environment is considered to include the local communities around the proposed
wind energy development, and the regional and national economies, as well as local
businesses and residents. Effects can be positive, negative or neutral, and of major, moderate
or minor magnitude.
15.2.4 In general, a minor effect is one that will primarily impact on few receptors, or primarily benefit
the local area, moderate effects will be significant on a wider scale (such as in the
Clackmannanshire Council area, or adjacent authorities, including Falkirk and Stirling Council
areas), or affect a wider range of people, and major effects will be felt on a national scale.
While subjective, it is considered that this approach indicates the level of impact of the
proposed wind energy development on these hard-to-quantify issues.
15.2.5 Where direct or indirect effects are deemed significant under the EIA Regulations (generally
moderate or major negative impacts for the purpose of these assessments) mitigation
measures are proposed.
15.2.6 The methodologies and information used for each assessment are provided in the relevant
sections below.
15.3 Socioeconomic Effects
Approach and Methods
15.3.1 The proposed wind energy development has the potential to influence the local economy of the
area during the construction and operational phases of the development.
15.3.2 The economic contribution will arise largely through expenditure on the construction and
operation of the proposed wind energy development. In addition jobs will be created and
people employed directly in development, construction, operation and de-commissioning
phases of the project where local suppliers have relevant construction and maintenance
experience. Although not a material consideration in planning terms, other areas of community
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 2
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