Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
existing access track to access the restored landfill. The closest settlements are Alloa
(approximately 0.17km north of the application area at its nearest point), Clackmannan
(approximately 1.1km east of the application area) and Dunmore (approximately 0.9km south
of the application area).
15.5.6 Across the wider area, the landscape surrounding the application area is dominated by
agricultural farmland, urban areas and woodland. Industry on the Forth at this point is
substantial, with works at Alloa, Kincardine, Airth and Grangemouth visible. A recycling facility
exists in the northwestern area, near the site entrance immediately outwith the application
boundary. North of the application area, 70m up-stream from the site boundary is a sewage
works operated by Scottish Water, and several industrial buildings. Two large high voltage
power lines pass through the eastern tip of the site, and there are a number of additional pylon
mounted cables in the near vicinity. The land around the application area is largely flat,
exposed and generally farmed, with hills to the north and land rising slightly to the east.
Potential Effects Arising
15.5.7 As a result of the construction of new access tracks, turbine bases and other infrastructure,
some permanent loss of a small amount of the 37.9ha application area will occur. However,
areas of important habitat including saltmarsh as discussed in Chapter 11 (Ecology) will be
conserved and also other suitable areas will identified for habitat enhancement and restoration
where possible. Of the total application area the overall estimated habitat loss will be 2.6ha of
relatively species-poor, semi-improved neutral grassland.
15.5.8 The proposed wind energy development is predicted to have no significant effects on the land
use of the area during operation.
Assessment of Effects
15.5.9 The land use changes are considered to be of minor significance locally and nationally due to
the species types present and the small percentage of habitats actually lost.
Mitigation
15.5.10 PfR is committed to habitat management where practical. It is proposed to carry out site
restoration at the edges of any working areas, principally alongside access tracks, crane pads
and turbine foundations. Existing vegetation will be scraped off and stored separately with the
topsoil prior to re-use as the top layer of any restored areas. This approach will maximise the
potential for natural re-vegetation from the seed bank. Restoration within the main landfill area
will be subject to specific agreement with SEPA and Clackmannanshire Council. A Habitat
Management Plan will be produced and SNH, RSPB and Clackmannanshire Council will be
consulted before finalisation.
15.5.11 Further to habitat management, PfR is also committed to working with local communities to
explore ways in which paths and access on-site can be developed, while ensuring Health and
Safety around the proposed wind energy development is maintained during construction and
operation. Although maintained tracks will not pass through the wind energy development, it is
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 24
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©