KEIRS HILL WIND FARM - IEMA · 2018-07-20 · Keirs Hill Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary 1 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary PREFACE An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared

KEIRS HILL WIND FARM Non-Technical Summary 2013

Keirs Hill Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary

1 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary

PREFACE An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared in support of an application submitted by RES UK & Ireland Ltd (RES). The application seeks consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. The ES has been prepared in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 as amended. The application also seeks a direction under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended that planning permission for the development be deemed to be granted.

This ES contains the information carried out for the Environmental Impact Assessment to develop a wind farm comprising of up to 17 wind turbines and associated infrastructure at Keirs Hill, Waterside, Patna. The proposed development is located in the East Ayrshire Council jurisdiction.

This is Volume 1 of 4 of the full Environmental Statement. This volume presents the Non Technical Summary of the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment.

Volume 2 presents the full text, figures and of the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment as an Environmental Statement.

Volume 3 contains the technical appendices.

Volume 4 contains the LVIA figures and visuals.

A summary detailing the key components of the development, and main findings of the environmental studies carried out to build and operate the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm can also be found on the RES website (www.keirshill-windfarm.com). A map showing the turbine layout and infrastructure can also be viewed on the website.

Copies of the ES will be available to view at the following locations: East Ayrshire Council Planning Office

The Johnnie Walker Bond, 15 Strand Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU (during normal office hours)

Patna Community Library Doonside Avenue, Patna, East Ayrshire, KA6 7LX (during library opening hours)

Dalmellington Community Library 1 Townhead, Dalmellington, Ayr KA6 7QZ (during library opening hours)

McCandlish Hall Main Street, Straiton, KA19 7NF (between the hours of 4pm – 7pm, every Tuesday and Thursday for the duration of the 28-day consultation period)

Copies of the ES can be down loaded on www.keirshill-windfarm.com. Hard copies are available on request from RES for £250 and CD versions for £25.

Keirs Hill Wind Farm RES

Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary 2

INTRODUCTION

Overview

This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) represents Volume 1 of 4 of the Environmental Statement. It summarises the key elements and findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by RES to assess the construction and operation of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm.

RES is proposing a 17-turbine project at Keirs Hill Wind Farm. The turbines will have an maximum height of up to 149m to the highest point of the blade tip. The application for the wind farm also seeks permission for a network of site tracks, one permanent wind monitoring mast and four temporary wind monitoring masts, electrical connection works, a control building and substation, and also the associated temporary construction infrastructure.

Hill of Towie Wind Farm, Moray, height to tip 100m

Gruig Wind Farm, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, height to tip 100m



INTRODUCING RES

About the Developer

RES is one of the world’s leading independent renewable energy developers with operations across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. RES, a British company, has been at the forefront of wind energy development since the 1970s and has developed and/or built over 100 wind farms (or more than 7.5 Gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity) worldwide. In the UK alone RES currently has more than 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of onshore wind energy constructed, under construction or consented. In Scotland RES has development and/or built eleven wind farms with a total generation capacity of nearly 215 MW, including Kelburn in North Ayrshire. In 2013, RES completed construction of Meikle Carewe Wind Farm in Aberdeenshire.

Power for Good

RES is active in a range of renewable energy technologies, including large-scale solar and biomass and the delivery of on-site renewable heat and power technologies. In the field of renewable energy and sustainable buildings RES offers strategic advice to the public and private sectors.

RES has offices across the UK and worldwide. Drawing on decades of experience in the renewable energy and construction industries, RES has the expertise to develop, construct and operate projects of outstanding quality.

Beaufort Court Turbine, at RES’ Headquarters, height to tip 50m

RES’ low-carbon headquarters in Hertfordshire



From its Glasgow office RES has been developing, constructing and operating wind farms in Scotland since 1993. RES has a growing team of over 117 staff in Scotland working across a range of disciplines.

SITE LOCATION Site Selection

RES uses a sophisticated software system to find sites that are favourable for development; this uses an objective scoring system to find potential sites that are likely to be suitable for wind farm development.

Once the site area is located, detailed feasibility assessments are undertaken to identify what scale of development is appropriate to the site location.

The proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm is located on moorland above the Doon Valley, 1 km south west of the village of Patna. The land is currently used for commercial forestry and rough grazing.

The wider area is characterised by forest plantations, upland farming and both operational and historical industrial uses, including open cast coal mining.

Site Location



Site Design Evolution

The final site design is the product of an iterative design process ensuring that the proposal optimises the potential of the site while minimising the potential impact upon the environment.

Initial site investigations considered a development comprising 33 turbines with a height to tip of 125 m. Following responses to the Scoping Report, submitted in December 2011, and the findings of technical surveys the number of turbines proposed was initially reduced to 18. After further surveys and a thorough design process this was further reduced to 17 with an increased maximum tip height of 149 m.

The proposed tip height has been increased to enable the replanting of the existing commercial forestry plantation, which would not have been possible with a lower tip height.

Kelburn Wind Farm, North Ayrshire, height to tip 100m

Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire, height to tip 70m



DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT Policy

The importance of renewable energy is underlined by support shown in energy and climate change policy at international, national and local levels.

The proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm will be considered by the Scottish Government under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Chapter 2 (Volume 2) of the ES details the local and national policies that will be considered in determining the application.

At the local level in East Ayrshire the relevant policy documents include:

Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan 2007;

East Ayrshire Local Plan 2010;

South Ayrshire Local Plan 2007;

Report of Survey Technical Report TR03/2006;

Addendum to Technical Report TR03/2006, Guidance on the Location of Windfarms within Ayrshire 2009;

Ayrshire Landscape Assessment 1998; and

Ayrshire and Clyde Valley Windfarm Landscape Capacity Study 2004.

The emerging local plans for East and South Ayrshire have also been considered in the EIA.

St Seine Wind Farm France, height to tip 130m



ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY

Environmental sensitivity

There are no ecological designations covering the site of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm. There are three designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located within 5km of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm. These are Dunaskin SSSI, designated for its geological features, Dalmellington Moss SSSI (wetland) and Bogton Loch SSSI, designated for its assemblages of breeding birds.

The site supports populations of mammals (including badger, otter, water vole and squirrel) and reptiles, as well as both summer breeding and over-wintering populations of birds. Chapters 8 and 9 of Volume 2 of the ES assess the impacts on ecological and ornithological interests.

There are no national level landscape designations in the immediate locality of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm. The site is located on the edge of the locally designated East Ayrshire Sensitive Landscape Area and South Ayrshire Scenic Area. Chapter 7 of Volume 2 of the ES assesses the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm.

There are no historic battlefields or World Heritage Sites within the cultural heritage study area (defined as 2km around the development area). There are a number of designated historic assets within the study area including; four Scheduled Monuments (SMs), eight listed buildings and one designed landscape, which partially lies within the

study area. Chapter 10 of Volume 2 of the ES assesses the potential impacts on these cultural heritage assets.

The River Doon runs along the north east boundary of the proposed site with the majority of the watercourses draining the site flowing into the River Doon. The watercourses draining the southern part of the site eventually discharge into the Water of Girvan. The majority of the site is comprised of commercially planted coniferous forest and forestry operations are ongoing within the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm. The wider area is characterised by forest plantations, upland farming and both operational and historical industrial uses, including mining.

The technical assessment of the site’s suitability includes a detailed analysis of noise, shadow flicker and residential amenity which is detailed in Volume 2 of the ES.



Infrastructure Layout



SITE CONSTRUCTION & DECOMMISSIONING

Typical Construction Sequence

Construction of the proposed wind farm it expected to last between 12 – 18 months. During this time a range of tasks will be undertaken on site. When construction starts at a wind farm the site entrance will be prepared to ensure safe access. Site tracks will then be prepared either by created new tracks or upgrading existing ones on the site. During this period there will be a temporary construction compound housing the site office. In preparation for the arrival of the turbines the concrete foundations will be prepared and all the electrical infrastructure such as cables and sub stations buildings installed.

The wind turbines will be delivered in parts on specially designed heavy goods vehicles and assembled on the site using a crane. Once the turbines are installed a rigorous period of testing and commissioning commences. It is proposed that operational hours of the site will be restricted in time to Monday to Saturday from 7.00am to 7.00pm however working hours will be agreed with East Ayrshire Council (EAC) prior to the commencement of works.

Callagheen Wind Farm, Co. Fermanagh, height to tip 83m

Wadlow Wind Farm, Cambridgeshire, height to tip 120m



Construction Quality Assurance

The proposed wind farm will be constructed by an experienced construction contractor, under RES’ supervision, with a proven track record working on similar projects in accordance with international and UK standards in respect of quality, health, safety and environmental conservation.

cvThe appointed construction contractor will be obliged to adopt the environmental working practices implemented by RES and as approved by the Local Planning Authority (East Ayrshire Council).

Decommissioning

The operational life of the wind farm is 25 years from the date of commissioning. At the end of this period turbines could be refurbished, removed, or replaced. Refurbishment or replacement would require relevant new permissions to be sought.

Decommissioning a wind farm entails the removal of the turbine components, transformers, the sub-station and associated buildings. Some access tracks could however be left on site to preserve the benefit of improved site access for the landowner and wider community.

Concrete foundations are not normally removed in decommissioning. The exposed concrete plinth would be removed and the entire foundation would be covered over with soil and replanted with appropriate vegetation.

Impacts from construction and decommissioning are temporary and mitigation can be employed to avoid permanent impacts.

Black Hill Wind Farm, Scottish Borders, height to tip 78m

Black Hill Wind Farm, Scottish Borders, height to tip 78m



ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

Assessing the project’s environmental impacts enables stakeholders to understand the potential environmental effects of a project.

The EIA identifies and assesses the potential impacts associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. By understanding the sites’ sensitivity and combining this with the magnitude of effect from the project, taking account of any potential mitigation, the likely residual effect can be assessed.

The assessment is recorded in the Environmental Statement (ES) – Volume 2. For each potential development impact, the ‘worst case’ is considered. This ensures that the environmental scenarios likely to cause the greatest environmental impact are taken into account for the project; therefore the ES reports the maximum possible impact.

The assessment covers:

Ecology & Ornithology;

Landscape and Visual;

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology;

Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology;

Noise;

Forestry;

Electromagnetic Interference, Aviation, Dark Skies and Shadow Flicker;

Access, Traffic and Transport;

Socio-Economics; and

Potential Grid Connections.

The EIA Process: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/0043/00432582.gif



Landscape & Visual

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment considered a 35km radius study area and involved a desk study, field survey and computer modelling.

Following baseline assessment of the current landscape sensitivity and an iterative “design and assess” site evolution the residual effect of the development was assessed in accordance with current guidelines by a professional Landscape Architect.

The LVIA also considered the possible cumulative effect arising from the proposed development in conjunction with other proposed and approved wind farms in the local area.

LVIA Findings

Landscape Effects

During construction of the proposed development, there would be some unavoidable significant effects on the landscape of the site that would occur from the construction process. These limited to the site itself and would cease after the construction period.

Once operational the assessment concludes that while significant effects will occur given the nature of the proposal however these effects will be limited and will not extend beyond 3.5 km from the turbine locations.

Visual Effects

The assessment has concluded that significant effects on views would occur within the Doon Valley, from where turbines will appear on the south-western skyline. The Doon Valley represents the greatest concentration of visual receptors in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development, and these have been given due attention in developing the wind farm. The valley skyline is formed by simple, flat or gently convex moorland hills, with limited diversity either along the skyline or on the valley flanks. The layout of the proposed development has been developed to present a simple, linear form in these views, which will be clearly legible and reflects the underlying form of the skyline.

View from Hunter Blair’s Monument

Please Refer to Environmental Statement Volume 4 (View Point 6).

Photomontage is included for Illustrative Purposes Only.



Overall LVIA Conclusions The LVIA concludes that the proposed development is compatible with the landscape character of the site and its context. The wind farm will be located outwith both the East Ayrshire Sensitive Landscape Area and South Ayrshire Scenic Area and is sited within a “simple upland landscape”, which represents the least sensitive part of the local landscape.

Given the very nature of the development the proposed turbines will be visible and as such there will be changes in views of the site. We have designed the wind farm with the surrounding landscape in mind and has avoided significant effects on the most sensitive landscapes within the Doon Valley, such as around Loch Doon and limiting the visibility of the turbines from the South Ayrshire Scenic Landscape Area.

It is the professional view of the landscape architect that the development is compatible with landscape, and that the levels of impact identified are not unusual or excessive for this type of development.

View from Dalmellington Parish Church.

Please Refer to Environmental Statement Volume 4 (View Point 7)

Photomontage is Included for Illustrative Purposes Only.



Ecology & Ornithology

This assessment sought to identify all species and habitats on or near the proposed wind farm site which, as a result of legal protection under legislation, or by their inclusion on national or local biodiversity plans, require consideration for potential impacts from the development.

Field surveys were undertaken across the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm, following best practice and industry standard methodologies establish the baseline of the habitats and species present, including:

Habitat and detailed vegetation type survey;

Badger survey;

Bat survey;

Great crested newt survey;

Otter and water vole survey; and

Red Squirrel Survey.

Desk top studies are also used to review the published information and identify any local designations.

Ecological Findings

Through the sensitive design of the proposed wind farm and by applying effective mitigation measures, particularly by following best practice guidelines during construction and operation, there will be no significant effects on the ecology at the proposed wind farm.


Red Squirrel

Photo Not Taken From Proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm



Ornithological Study

A comprehensive range of ornithological surveys were undertaken to assess the potential impact upon bird species that are protected, of conservation concern or considered to be more susceptible to effects from wind turbines.

These surveys have taken place at the appropriate time of year and day for the target species over the last three years. Any opportunities to mitigate effects through changes to site design and construction methods were also factored into the assessment.

Ornithological Findings

The assessment identified that there will be no significant effects on birds and no specific mitigation measures are required.

RES will ensure good practice guidelines regarding birds are followed during construction and that an Ecological Clerk of Works will be employed during the breeding bird season to provide advice regarding ornithology.

Images are for Illustrative Purposes Only



Cultural Heritage & Archaeology

The setting of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm broadly reflects medieval and post-medieval agriculture and nineteenth century mining and iron smelting. The Waterside Ironworks Slag Bing is partially located within the site boundary close to the proposed site access to the A713, however the access has been designed so as not to impinge upon the Scheduled Monument. As such there would be no residual direct effects of the development on international, national or regionally important cultural heritage assets within the application site.

Geology, Hydrology & Hydrogeology

The potential effects on the surface waters, groundwater, peat, designated sites and private water supplies that have been considered are:

Pollution incidents;

Erosion and sedimentation;

Changes to water resources i.e. private water supplies;

Modification of surface water and groundwater flows;

Modification of natural drainage patterns;

Impediments to flow and flood risk;

Peat instability; and

Compaction of soils.

Following the identification and assessment of the key features, a range of mitigation and best practice measures has been incorporated into the design, including the addition of extensive buffer areas around hydrological features. During construction and operation a site specific environmental management plan, as well as detailed design of infrastructure and associated mitigation, will be implemented to protect the groundwater and surface water resources from pollution and minimise changes to the hydrological environment.

St Mary’s Chapel and Forss Wind Farm, Caithness, height to tip 78m

Included with the permission of "Mr Tattie Heid"



Noise

Noise effects are a material consideration in the determination of development applications.

In the UK the potential impacts of noise from wind farms is assessed using the Department of Trade and Industry’s ‘The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms’ guidance, referred to as ‘ETSU-R-97’. It provides a robust basis for assessing the noise impact of a wind farm and has been applied at the vast majority of wind farms currently operating in the UK.

The predicted noise levels are within derived appropriate noise limits at all considered wind speeds. The proposed wind farm complies with the relevant guidance on wind farm noise and the impact on the amenity of all nearby properties would be regarded as acceptable.

A cumulative operational noise assessment was also completed for the potential impact of Keirs Hill Wind Farm alongside the proposed Dersalloch and Burnhead Wind Farms. The predicted noise levels are within appropriate noise limits at all considered wind speeds and occupied properties, and therefore cumulatively ETSU-R-97 is not exceeded.

Havsnäs Wind Farm, Sweden, height to tip 140m

Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire, height to tip 70m



Forestry Where wind farms are proposed within areas of commercial forestry this can represent a large change to the land use. The proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm site is predominantly forested, with 15 of the 17 proposed turbines being located within the commercially planted forestry. The site will be clear felled prior to the construction however the plantation will be restocked as part of the development process. As part of the re-planting programme the forestry management plan has been improved and proposes a greater mix of species across the site with more broadleaf trees being planted. This will constitute a significant improvement to the bio-diversity of the forestry and will create better habitats for native wildlife, including red squirrels.





Electromagnetic Interference, Aviation, Dark Sky and Shadow Flicker The technical nature of these assessments allows impacts to be determined through conclusive technical assessment, however extensive consultation was also undertaken to allow infrastructure operators to assess potential effects independently.

Electromagnetic Interference Wind turbines can potentially interfere with communication systems that use electromagnetic waves (e.g. television, radio or microwave links). Any structure can result in the potential disruption of electromagnetic signals, either where it casts a ‘shadow’ or gives rise to a signal ‘reflection’.

Following consultation it was confirmed there will be no effect on microwave or radio links as no links pass through the site.

Aviation

Wind turbines can potentially interfere with aviation operations either by physically affecting the safeguarding of an aerodrome, through proximity of the turbines, or through interference with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars that direct aeroplanes and helicopters in flight. The following aviation bodies were consulted on the proposed development:

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation response stated that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have no objection so long as the wind turbines be fitted with infrared lighting. The properties of the infrared light mean it is invisible to the naked eye, but visible to pilots wearing night vision goggles.

NATS En Route Ltd (NERL), which supplies an air traffic service to all En-Route aircraft crossing UK airspace, confirmed they would have no objection.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) identified Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) as being of particular interest. RES has had a number of discussions with GPA who have confirmed that they have been actively working on a regional solution to improve radar facilities at GPA which will in turn mitigate any effects arising from the Keirs Hill Wind Farm. It is anticipated that this regional solution will resolve any potential effects on the operation of GPA.



Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park (GFDSP)

The proposed turbines will have infrared lights fitted to them as requested by the MOD in response to an earlier consultation request. These will not be visible to the naked eye as the infrared wavelength is beyond detection by humans, whether unaided or through a telescope.

As such, the proposed turbine lighting will have no effect on either the operation of the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory or on the Gold Tier Status of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park.

Shadow Flicker

In sunny conditions, any shadow cast by a wind turbine would mirror the movement of the rotor. When the sun is high, any shadows would be confined to the area of the wind farm, but when the sun sinks to a lower position in the sky moving shadows could be cast further afield and potentially over adjacent properties. A detailed shadow flicker analysis is provided within Volume 2 of the Environmental Statement. It is concluded that the Proposed Development would meet the recommended guidance and not impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties

v


The Grange Wind Farm, Lincolnshire, height to tip 127m



Access, Traffic and Transport

The majority of the traffic generated by the wind farm proposal would be limited to vehicle movements during the construction and decommissioning phases. During the operation of the wind farm, traffic would be minimal as much of the operation of the wind farm would be automatic and monitored remotely. Construction traffic falls into three broad categories namely Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AIL), Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and Light Goods Vehicles (LGV).

The majority of turbines are currently imported into the UK. The delivery port has been identified as Port of Ayr.

The preferred route for major component deliveries has been designed to avoid narrow residential streets and country roads and utilises trunk roads wherever possible to minimise disruption to local residents.

The preferred route for the major component deliveries is as follows:

a) Exit the Port of Ayr on to Waggon Road;

b) Follow Waggon Road on to the A79;

c) Continue on the A79 until reaching the roundabout leading on to the A719;

d) Follow the A719 until reaching the A77 at Whitletts Roundabout;

e) Travelling South, leave the A77 south east of Ayr on to A713;

f) Follow A713 for approximately 17 km until reaching site entrance at Waterside, Patna.

Blade Transport, Meikle Carewe Wind Farm, Aberdeenshire,

height to tip 70m




Although the assessment concluded that there will be no significant effects, it is important that the local residents and people visiting the area are informed of potential traffic issues that may delay or otherwise affect their journey. Typically, the slower turbine delivery vehicles would have the largest effect on other road users. The following good practice measures are proposed:

To minimise impact local residents HGV deliveries shall timed carefully to avoid peak times and school drop off and pick up times;

During turbine delivery phase, leaflets will distributed to houses along the delivery route and left in key community hubs;

Appropriate stopping points be identified where possible along the transport route where slower turbine delivery vehicles can pull over to allow queued traffic to pass;

Waterless wheel washing facilities shall be provided, to allow construction vehicles to clean their wheels before entering onto the public road;

In order to minimise air pollution all construction vehicles will be adequately maintained to comply with exhaust emission requirements and are switched off when not in use. The use of minibuses and car-sharing shall be encouraged for personnel transport;

In order to minimise risk to pedestrians and road users, abnormal loads shall be adequately escorted and appropriate traffic management and signage used; and

The local council road department shall be consulted on all transport issues and to make sure that deliveries do not conflict with other scheduled road works. For the same reason Transport Scotland shall also be consulted with reference to trunk roads.

Image Included for Illustrative Purposes Only



Socio-Economics, Tourism and Recreation

An assessment has been carried out on the potential socio-economic, tourism and recreation effects that could occur as a result of the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm using a combination of web-based, desk-based and visual surveys, information assessment and analysis.

Socio-economics

The proposed development will bring investment, employment and contracting opportunities to the local area and will have a minor positive effect on the socio economic profile of the area through:

The creation of 11.56 Full Time Equivalent direct jobs during construction, with a further 21.96 FTE predicted to be created locally as a result of the development during the construction process;

The creation of 1.0 FTE direct job created during the 25 year operational period, with a further 0.8 FTE indirect job created through the multiplier, a total of 1.8 FTE jobs;

An estimated local spend of approximately £4,743,000 during the combined development and construction phases and first year of operation. Further investment and expenditure in the local economy over the 25 year operational life of the wind farm. The resulting expenditure and direct and indirect employment generation would have a positive impact upon the local economy

The contribution to non-domestic business rates revenue of approximately £21.7 million over the 25 year lifetime of the project;

The potential for reinvestment of wind farm revenue and in turn local economic benefit by the landowner;

The provision of a Community Benefit Fund of £2,000 per installed megawatt, which will bring positive benefits to local residents and improve local community facilities; and

The Local Electricity Discount Scheme of £3,000 per installed megawatt, which will provide a direct discount off the electricity bills of residential, business and community buildings (including schools, places of worship and village halls) within a qualifying area.

Tourism and Recreation

Tourism

The majority of tourism related businesses stated that the wind farm would have either no or low impact on their trading performance either during the temporary construction or permanent operation and maintenance phases.

A number of survey respondents stated the Keirs Hill wind farm would have a beneficial impact through increased trade from construction workers.

Recreation

Of the 160 different facilities identified within the study area, 91% (145) would experience either a minor or no impact. 9% (15) of the facilities were identified as having to experience a moderate, and therefore potentially significant, effect from the proposed wind farm.



These comprise a visitor attraction, a cycling route, a fishing location, a golf course, six rights of way and three core paths. However, the assessment considered the findings of a number of pre and post development assessments and concluded that there is no research evidence to show that the type or level of visual effect experienced here by visitors would be likely to result in an adverse economic outcome or effect.

By comparison the proposed Kiers Hill wind farm provides opportunities to improve access and expand the understanding of the areas industrial heritage, with potential benefits to the areas existing tourism and recreational offer.

It can therefore be concluded that the overall impact of the proposed wind farm on the tourism and recreation facilities in the study area would be limited and not significant.

Overall Socio-Economic, Tourism and Recreation Conclusions

It is anticipated that any perceived impact on tourism, which in any event is likely to be limited, will be offset by the potential benefits that the proposed Kiers Hill Wind Farm would bring in terms of improved recreational access on the site itself, extending and enhancing opportunities for understanding the area’s industrial heritage and the positive socio-economic benefits arising directly and indirectly from the construction and operation of the wind farm.





Potential Grid Connections

Although a grid connection is an integral, requisite part of any wind farm project, it follows a completely separate consenting route under Section 37 of the Electricity Act which is an application by the operator of the distribution or transmission network. Although it is not possible to confirm the grid connection route with certainty until the the time at which the connection is secured for construction, it is prudent to determine the most probable connection route corridor and assess the viability of an environmentally acceptable connection route within that corridor.

Studies have concluded that the most likely point of connection is into the 33kV network at Coylton substation, approximately 16 km north from the wind farm site.

The assessments carried out demonstrate that, in principle, at least one potential grid connection route exists that, if adopted, would have very limited adverse environmental effect in terms of potential effects on landscape and visual amenity, ecology, archaeology and cultural heritage.

Images Included for Illustrative Purposes Only



SUMMARY The proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm will generate approximately 3,797 GWh over the operational life of the project and in doing so will make a meaningful contribution to meeting national targets for renewable energy generation and CO2 reduction. It will also provide short term employment and contracting opportunities during the construction phase.

In the longer term it will facilitate investment and employment opportunities both directly and indirectly through generated income, rates, maintenance contracts and contributions to the local community and the improvement of local facilities. It will contribute to local rural diversity and sustainable development aims as well as the Scottish Government’s central purpose of achieving sustainable economic growth over a 25 year period.

The ES has highlighted that the only significant impacts that have been identified during the EIA process are visual and landscape impacts within very close proximity to the proposed wind farm. Whilst a significant effect has been identified, it is the professional view of the landscape architect that the development is compatible with the landscape, and that the levels of impact identified are not unusual or excessive for this type of development.

The environmental effects of the proposal have been assessed and found to be limited and likely to be offset by the potential benefits of the proposal.

Consideration of the balance of effects against national planning policy and legislation, the determining policies of the East Ayrshire Council and other material matters are contained in a separate Planning, Design, and Access Statement which accompanies the submission of the Section 36 application for the proposed Keirs Hill Wind Farm.

View from Cornish Hill

Please Refer to Environmental Statement Volume 4 (View Point 12)

Included here for Illustrative Purposes Only

KEIRS HILL WIND FARM - IEMA · 2018-07-20 · Keirs Hill Wind Farm Non-Technical Summary 1 Volume 1: Non-Technical Summary PREFACE An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared

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