08.08.11 clocaenog project outline - scoping opinion reque… · npower renewables unit 22 technium...

Annex A: Request for Scoping Opinion

npower renewables Unit 22 Technium Sustainable Technologies Central Avenue Baglan Energy Park Port Talbot SA12 7AX T +44 (0)1639/81 61 80 F +44 (0)1639/81 60 51 I www.npower- renewables.com Registered office: Npower Renewables Limited Windmill Hill Business Park Whitehill Way Swindon Wiltshire SN5 6PB Registered in England and Wales no. 2550622

Gareth Leigh The Onshore Consents Team Energy Group DBERR Bay 2121 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET

Your ref Our ref NRL/C001/BER Name Martin Cole Phone 01639 816180 Fax 01639 816051 E-Mail [email protected]

13th August 2008 Request for a Scoping Opinion for a Potential Wind Farm at Clocaenog Forest, North Wales Dear Gareth, Further to our meeting in June, npower renewables requests a scoping opinion, from the Secretary of State, for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a potential wind farm at Clocaenog Forest, North Wales. As you are aware, npower renewables has been awarded the rights to develop and apply for planning permission for a wind farm on Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) land, managed by the Forestry Commission Wales, at Clocaenog Forest, on the borders of Conwy Borough and Denbighshire County Councils. Initial studies suggest that the electrical output of any potential wind farm will exceed 50 Megawatt (50MW), so that any future application for consent will be under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, with deemed planning permission under Section 90(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. In order to assist the scoping exercise, please find herewith a project outline giving the preliminary details of the development and the proposed areas of study for the EIA. We have provided seven copies to cover the statutory consultees with whom we understand that DBERR will consult (WAG, Conwy Borough County Council, Denbighshire County Council, Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, Civil Aviation Authority, National Air Traffic Service) and a copy for DBERR. Please do not hesitate to contact us, should you require any further information. Yours sincerely, Martin Cole Renewables Developer Cc Bethan Thomas, Renewables Developer Enc. Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm – Project Outline (8 copies)

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EIA Scoping Opinion Request

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm ProposalSupporting information for an application to the Department of Business, Enterprise and RegulatoryReform for a request for a scoping opinion under Section 7 of the Electricity Works (EnvironmentalImpact) (England & Wales) Regulations 2000

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm–EIA Scoping Opinion Request

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Reference Number: NRL/001/BAGDate: 30th June 2008Issue: 1Author: Martin Cole & Bethan ThomasOther Information:

Copyright © 2008 Npower Renewables LtdAll pre-existing rights reserved.

This document is supplied on and subject to the terms and conditions of theContractual Agreement relating to this work, under which this document has beensupplied, in particular:

ConfidentialityThis document is confidential.

LiabilityIn preparation of this document Npower Renewables Ltd has made reasonableefforts to ensure that the content is accurate, up to date and complete for thepurpose for which it was contracted. Npower Renewables Ltd makes no warrantyas to the accuracy or completeness of material supplied by the client or theiragent.Other than any liability on Npower Renewables Ltd detailed in the contractsbetween the parties for this work Npower Renewables Ltd shall have no liabilityfor any loss, damage, injury, claim, expense, cost or other consequence arising asa result of use or reliance upon any information contained in or omitted from thisdocument.Any persons intending to use this document should satisfy themselves as to itsapplicability for their intended purpose.The user of this document has the obligation to employ safe working practices forany activities referred to and to adopt specific practices appropriate to localconditions.

Registered Office: Npower Renewables Ltd Windmill Hill Business Park WhitehillWay Swindon SN5 6PBRegistered in England & Wales: No. 2550622


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Table of Contents

Introduction 4

1. Government Renewables Targets 4

2. Purpose of this Scoping Request 5

3. Consultations 5

4. The Proposed Development 6

4.1. Reasons for Site Choice 64.2. Description of the Development area 74.3. Description of the Wind Farm 74.4. The Applicant 10

5. Proposed Structure of the Environmental Statement 115.1. The Environmental Statement 115.2. Supporting Documents 12

6. Proposed Scope of the Environmental Assessment 126.1. Introduction & Project Details 126.2. The Environmental Impact Assessment & Scope 136.3. Regulatory and Planning Policy Context 136.4. Landscape and Visual 146.5. Noise 156.6 Ecology and Ornithology 166.7. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 196.8. Geology and Hydrology 196.9. Transport and Transportation 206.10. Social and Economic Factors 216.11. Infrastructure, Telecommunications and Air-safeguarding issues 216.12. Public Access and Amenity 216.13. Land Use and Forestry 22

Appendix 1. Proposed Development Area boundary 23


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IntroductionNpower Renewables Ltd (NRL) has been awarded the rights to seek planningpermission to develop a wind farm in the Clocaenog Forest in North Wales, awoodland which is managed by Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) on behalf ofthe Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). The proposed project is located withinthe counties of Conwy and Denbighshire, approximately 13km south of Denbigh,and due east of Llyn Brenig. Appendix 1 shows the proposed development areaboundary.

This request for a scoping opinion is made on behalf of NRL, a subsidiarycompany of RWE Innogy. This formal request for a scoping opinion is made underSection 7 of The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England &Wales) Regulations 2000.

Preliminary studies have suggested that, subject to further environmental andtechnical survey and planning, the development area could accommodate a windfarm of up to around 85MW based on wind turbines of capacity 2.5 - 3MW.Therefore it is assumed that the electrical capacity will be above the 50MWthreshold, requiring an application for consent under Section 36 of the ElectricityAct 1989.

1. Government Renewables TargetsThe proposed development will result in the generation of electricity from arenewable source, in line with the UK Government’starget of generating 20% ofUK electricity from renewable sources by 2020, as detailed in the Energy WhitePaper; Our Energy Future –Creating a Low Carbon Economy (published February2003). The strategic vision and commitments set out in the White Paper are beingimplemented by the Renewable Obligations Order (2002), which requireselectricity supply companies to provide a proportion of electricity from renewablesources, or to make payments to Ofgem in lieu of this renewable generation.

This proposal for a wind farm is part of NRL’sresponse to the RenewablesObligation Targets, by developing a balanced portfolio of renewable energytechnologies including onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro electric schemesand marine technologies; utilising the appropriate technologies to harness theavailable natural energy resources.

Through its Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN8) for renewable energy, the WAG is


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committed to achieving a target of 4TWh of renewable energy generation by2010, and 7TWh by 2020. In order to meet these targets, the WAG hasdesignated seven Strategic Search Areas (SSAs) for the development of largescale, onshore wind farms. The proposed development area lies wholly withinTAN8 SSA A–Clocaenog Forest.

The WAG’srecent draft Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales (2008) goesfurther than the TAN8 targets in setting a target of 33TWh of renewable energygeneration by 2025, with 6.5TWh from onshore wind.

2. Purpose of this Scoping RequestThis report provides information in support of a formal application to theSecretary of State for the Department of Business, Enterprise and RegulatoryReform (BERR), for a scoping opinion under Section 7 of The Electricity Works(Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000.

The aim of this report is to:• Outline the location and setting of the proposed development • Describe the likely size range of the turbine array• Identify potentially significant environmental effects • Describe those studies that will be undertaken to support the detailedEnvironmental Impact Assessment.

An outline will be given for each subject of the methodology that will beemployed to assess the significance of effects and identify appropriate mitigationmeasures.

3. ConsultationsAs part of the site assessment conducted to date, NRL and its consultants haveconducted initial consultation with the following bodies:a. Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reformb. Denbighshire County Council, Planning Departmentc. Conwy County Council, Planning Departmentd. Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Bangor Officee. RSPB, Bangor Officef. Ministry of Defenceg. Civil Aviation Authorityh. National Air Traffic Services (no response to date)


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i. Ofcomj. Airwave MMO2 (no response to date)k. T-mobilel. Orangem. Cable & Wirelessn. MLL Telecomo. BTp. CSSq. JRCr. Scottish Power Manwebs. National Grid Transco

Comments from consultees during these initial discussions have been taken intoaccount when writing this report. Further consultation will take place withadditional bodies on the advice of those listed above and as the EIA progresses.

4. The Proposed Development

4.1. Reasons for Site Choice

The White Paper on Energy; Meeting the Energy Challenge (2007), states thatplanning authorities should not require applicants for energy development todemonstrate either the overall need for renewable energy and its distribution, norquestion the energy justification for why a proposal for such development mustbe sited in a particular location.

However, the ES will highlight the key attributes of the Clocaenog Forest, whichare necessary for the development of a successful wind farm scheme, such as:a) Strong and persistent winds resulting in high output from the turbines.b) A large land area allowing a wind farm design with good separation distancesfrom inhabited properties for the protection of residential amenity.c) Access to the existing road network, an important consideration during theconstruction period.d) Outside international, national and county designations for reasons oflandscape and ecology.e) Close proximity to the electricity distribution system.

This strategic site selection has subsequently been endorsed by TAN8 and thejoint Denbighshire and Conwy County Councils’ Interim Planning Guidance Note for Onshore Wind Farms (February 2007). The IPG has now been deleted but the


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site was fully within the Clocaenog Wind Farm Zone as defined following theindependent cumulative assessment of the area conducted by Ove Arup.

4.2. Description of the Development Area

The proposed development area comprises an upland plateau with an altitude ofbetween 380 and 502m AOD. Craig Bron-Banog is the highest point in thedevelopment area with an altitude of 502m.

Clocaenog Forest is located approximately 13km south of Denbigh. The nearestlarge settlements are Denbigh to the north and Ruthin to the north-east. Thedevelopment area boundary of the proposed wind farm is shown in Appendix 1.

There are no international, national, or county ecological designations on theproposed wind farm development area. The Mynydd Hireathog SSSI is locatedadjacent to the development area, to the west, separated by a road.

The vegetation on the development area mainly comprises commercial,coniferous forestry plantation and open areas of heather moorland. The LlynBrenig Reservoir lies 3km to the west, and the Afon Clywedog, Afon Alwen and anumber of tributary streams flow through the north-east and south-west of theproposed development area.

4.3. Description of the Wind Farm

The main components of the development are wind turbines, with externaltransformers if required, access tracks, anemometry masts, underground electricalcabling, temporary construction compounds and the substation. Borrow pits mayalso be required during the construction process.

The proposal is in the design stage and the turbine layout is likely to evolveduring the EIA process. The size, number and layout of the turbines will beoptimised to provide the maximum energy capture, and hence environmentalbenefits, whilst taking into consideration a number of factors, including access,electrical connections, environmental and archaeological considerations, publicrights of way, and landscape and visual aspects.

In summary, the wind farm will comprise the following structures:


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4.3.1 Wind TurbinesThe turbines currently under consideration for the development area each have anelectrical capacity of between 2.5 and 3MW. The final layout and choice ofturbine size will evolve during the EIA process as all material considerations areassessed. The turbines would be sited on concrete foundations, the specificationof which will be dependant upon ground conditions.

The planning application will not specify the precise hub and tip heights of thewind turbines. Instead, the application will specify the maximum blade tip heightto allow for a range of turbine sizes. This allows the necessary flexibility toundertake a commercial procurement exercise and ensure that the final turbineselected is appropriate to the specific site conditions.

4.3.2 Site TracksThe development area already has a system of forest tracks. It is proposed thatthe turbine track layout will make maximum use of these existing tracks,improving them where necessary, with new spur tracks being constructed to giveaccess to the turbines themselves. The final layout of the tracks is dependantupon the turbine layout.

The tracks would be constructed to a similar standard as those commonly found inforestry plantations, but improved for turbine delivery purposes to approximately5m in width, wider in bends, and constructed from locally sourced crushed stone.

4.3.3 Borrow PitsA significant volume of stone will be required to form the tracks and it isproposed that this would be sourced locally by identifying and creating borrowpits within the development area.

4.3.4 Anemometry mastsThe development will require one or more permanent anemometry masts for thepurpose of monitoring and maintaining wind farm performance during the windfarm’soperational life.

4.3.5 Crane hard-standing areasCrane hard-standing areas will be constructed adjacent to each turbine. The typeof construction is similar to that of the site tracks. These bases will be present forthe lifetime of the wind farm.


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4.3.6 Temporary Construction CompoundsIt will be necessary to establish at least two temporary construction compoundsto house the site offices and to store materials. One would normally be sited nearthe access point to act as a car park and the main site offices would normally belocated near the entrance to the main construction area. These areas would befully reinstated at the end of the construction period.

4.3.7 Site SubstationUnderground cables would connect the turbines to an on-site sub-station. Tominimise disruption these cables will, where possible, be routed alongside theaccess tracks. The substation will comprise a single storey building and associatedtransformers and electrical equipment. Further investigation is required toascertain the required dimensions of the substation and whether an externalcompound will be required.

4.3.8 Grid connectionThe connection from the sub-station to the National Grid will not form part of thewind farm application, being a separate application under Section 37 of theElectricity Act 1989. The Environmental Statement will contain as muchinformation as possible regarding the grid connection, such as the likely gridconnection point and a possible route corridor, but this will ultimately be subjectto a separate application for consent.

4.3.9 Tree FellingThe preliminary turbine layout has been designed in line with the Forest DesignPlans of FCW with the majority of turbines located in open areas or recently re-planted areas, and some in forestry coupes scheduled for felling beforeconstruction. Where possible, and with the agreement of FCW, keyhole-felling willbe used to accommodate the construction, operation and decommissioning of theturbines, and to minimise any impact on the forestry activities.

4.3.10 Construction PeriodThe construction and commissioning phases of a wind farm of this size wouldtypically take up to 18 - 24 months. This will, however, be dependent upon thefinal turbine layout and the specific ground conditions.

4.3.11 Operational Impacts


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Once constructed, during its operational life, the wind farm is likely to requireroutine inspection and maintenance visits on a weekly basis.

4.3.12 Decommissioning ImpactsThe proposal is for a project with a fixed life of 25 years, after which the windfarm will be decommissioned. It is intended that the turbines and associatedinfrastructure, such as the substation, anemometry masts and any externaltransformers will be removed from site.

4.4. The Applicant

NRL is one of the UK's leading renewable energy companies, dedicated togenerating electricity using sustainable, environmentally-friendly resources. Wehave the resources and expertise to develop, build and operate high quality,commercial-scale renewable energy schemes throughout the UK. NRL is the UKsubsidiary of RWE Innogy.

Our operating portfolio includes both onshore and offshore wind farms, andhydroelectric power plant, and we are currently working on joint projects todevelop our first wave power scheme in the Scottish Isles and our first tidal powerscheme, off the coast of Anglesey. Utilising these natural resources providessignificant sources of power for the UK's present and future electricity needs.

In Wales, NRL operates seven onshore wind farms, six hydroelectric stations anddeveloped, constructed and operates North Hoyle, the UK’s first major offshore wind farm.


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The office and contact details for the proposed Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm are:

Martin Cole, Renewables Developer–Wales orBethan Thomas, Renewables Developer - Walesnpower renewablesUnit 22Technium: Sustainable TechnologiesCentral AvenueBaglan Energy ParkPort TalbotSouth WalesSA12 7AXT: 01639 816 180F: 01639 816 051

5. The Proposed Structure of the Environmental Statement

and Scoping

5.1. The Environmental Statement

The following section sets out the key issues that will be addressed within theEnvironmental Statement (ES), which will accompany the application for consent.The proposed structure may change as a result of the environmental studies andthe scoping opinion of the determining authority and the statutory and non-statutory consultees. It is not expected that the chapter contents will strictlyfollow the list below. Guidance on the content of the ES is provided within theTown and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England andWales) Regulations 1999.

It is proposed that the ES will include information on the following topics:

Introduction and project details;The Environmental Impact Assessment process and scope;A description of the regulatory and planning policy context;Landscape and Visual;Noise;Ecology and Ornithology;Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;


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Geology and Hydrology;Traffic and Transportation;Social and Economic Factors;Infrastructure, telecommunications and air safeguarding issues;Public access and amenity; andLand use and forestry.

A description of the proposed scope of the studies is included within Section 6 ofthis report.

5.2. Supporting Documents

In addition to the ES, it is proposed that the following documents are prepared insupport of the application:

Non Technical Summary, freely available to members of the public. It will be astand alone document, will include relevant information and plans to constitute acomprehensive summary and will be written in non-technical language.Planning Statement. This statement will form the justification for the project interms of planning and other considerations.

6. Proposed Scope of the Environmental Assessment

6.1. Introduction and project details

The preliminary section of the ES will provide an introduction to the project andvarious details about the proposed scheme. It will cover the following:An introduction to the consenting processAn introduction to the DeveloperA brief description of the rationale for renewable energyInformation on the site selection and evaluation criteria used in selectingpotential wind farm sitesDetails on the design evolution of the siteA technical description of the site, including:Site location and physical characteristicsConstruction activities, post-construction operational activities anddecommissioning


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6.2. The Environmental Impact Assessment & Scope

The EIA process and scope will be described in relation to the requirements ofThe Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales)Regulations 2000.This section of the ES will contain a description of the key steps in the process ofenvironmental assessment, the scoping process, basic methodology, plan and theassessment team.Activities arising during the commissioning, operating and decommissioningphases of the proposed wind farm development will be included in theassessments.

6.3. Regulatory and Planning Policy Context

The ES will review those policies that are relevant to the evaluation of theproposal and it’s determination by the development control system. The development is within the counties of Denbighshire and Conwy. Thosepolicies that shall be presented include:Planning Policy Wales (March 2002)Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement 1/2005 MIPPS (2005)Technical Advice NotesParticular attention will be given toTAN8: Renewable Energy (July 2005)TAN5: Nature Conservation and Planning (1996)TAN6: Agricultural and Rural Development (2000)TAN11: Noise (1997)TAN12: Design (2002)TAN13: Tourism (October 1997)TAN15: Development and Flood Risk (2004)TAN16: Sports and Recreation (1998)TAN18: Transportation (2007)

For Denbighshire County Council;· Denbighshire Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 1996-2011 published July 2002The most relevant policies from the Unitary Development Plan are listed below,although there may be others applicable to the consideration of any wind turbineplanning application.- Policies STRAT 2, GEN 6, GEN 8, MEW 8 and MEW 10.· Local Development Plan (LDP)Production has commenced but adoption not envisaged until after 2010.


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For Conwy County Council:-· Colwyn Borough Local Plan (adopted March 1999).- Policies CN30, CN 31, CN 32 and CN33.· Clwyd Structure Plan Second Alteration (Conwy version) (adopted March 1999).- Policies CONS 27 and CONS 28.· Gwynedd Structure Plan (adopted 1994).- Policies C7 and C8.· Local Development Plan (LDP) Preferred Strategy (consultation draft November2006). Production has commenced but adoption not envisaged until after 2010.· Consultation Draft UDP- Policies CF15, CF16, CF 17 and CF18 are those directly relating to renewableenergy development.

6.4. Landscape and Visual

Landscape designations within a 20km radius of the development area includethe Snowdonia National Park, Mynydd Hiraethog SSSI, and the Clwydian Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty. Designations will be mapped to a 30km radius fromthe site, and any significant impacts upon these identified. Impacts upon thelandscape setting to designated cultural heritage resources will be addressed inthe cultural heritage chapter and referred to in the landscape and visualassessment. Key monuments, which are frequented by visitors, will be selected asviewpoints for the visual assessment.

Standard methodologies will be used for the landscape and visual assessment,and for the cumulative landscape and visual impact assessment. These will beagreed with Denbighshire and Conwy County Councils and CCW prior tocommencement of the assessment. The methodology will be based on thatrecommended in the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (jointly published by the Landscape Institute and IEMA)’.

The assessment shall comprise the following:• An assessment of the baseline environment including the character and sensitivity of the surrounding landscape, and the identification of sensitivelandscape and visual receptors. Existing wind farms in the vicinity, including TirMostyn, Braich Ddu, Moel Maelogen and Hafoty Ucha will be considered as part ofthe baseline landscape and visual impact assessment.• The use of LANDMAP and field surveys for the identification of baseline


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information pertaining to landscape character.• Production of a theoretical zone of visual influence (to a 30km radius from theouter turbines) and field work to identify suitable assessment view points.Viewpoints (typically 25 representative locations) shall include local areas usedfor recreational purposes including the Llyn Brenig reservoirs, and the ClwydianWay. View points will be agreed with Denbighshire and Conwy County Councilsand CCW.• Production of photomontages and wireframesfrom a selection of the viewpoints(about 10), which will be agreed with Conwy and Denbighshire County Councilsand CCW.• Identification of committed mitigation measures which will be developed in order to reduce the landscape and visual impacts from the project, including bothaspects relating to the design, which will be embedded into the scheme, andother measures such as ground restoration post construction.• Analysis and presentation of predicted impacts upon the landscape and on views over the development’s life span, taking on board the committed mitigation. Thiswill include identifying temporary effects during construction and longer termeffects during operation.• Assessment of predicted cumulative effects of the development, along with other wind farm developments in the area. Agreement will be sought from thelocal authorities and CCW as to the extent of the study area, and the status of theprojects to be included within the cumulative assessment. It is suggested thatthis should be in line with other TAN 8 sites. The guidance that will be adopted islikely to be ‘Guidance: Cumulative Effect of Wind Farms, version 2, revised 13.04.05’, produced by Scottish Natural Heritage. As there will be numerous projects within a 60km radius of the site, including other TAN 8 sites in midWales, we would seek to agree as part of the scoping exercise, that only the largersites which lie beyond 30km from Clocaenog (ie those with potential forsignificant cumulative effects) need be considered.

6.5. Noise

Noise sensitive receptors will be identified and agreed with Denbighshire andConwy County Councils. The EIA will assess noise arising from the constructionand operation of the wind farm.

The standard methodology to be followed for the assessment is ‘ETSU-R-97: TheAssessment and Rating of Noise from Windfarms (1996)’. In summary, the assessment shall:


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• Assess the baseline environment by measuring background noise levels• Provide an assessment of construction noise impacts• Calculate noise emission levels due to the operation of the wind turbines• Provide a cumulative noise assessment of the site, along with existing,consented and proposed wind farms in the area.

6.6. Ecology and Ornithology

There are no international or national ecological designated sites in ClocaenogForest. FCW has included in its forest design plans for Clocaenog felling and re-planting plans to support various species of nature conservation importancewithin the forest. These include black grouse, small pearl-bordered fritillarybutterfly, nightjar and red squirrel.

Proposed ecological surveys, many of which are already in progress or have beencompleted, as discussed at the pre-scoping consultation with CCW (12.06.08) aresummarised below.

Vegetation / Habitats

Phase 1 Habitat SurveyThe entire site will be mapped and described as set out in JNCC (2003)1.National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Level Botanical SurveyMore interesting habitats, including all heathland vegetation and relativelyunimproved grassland, will also be surveyed to National Vegetation Classification(NVC)2 level.

Amphibians / ReptilesA habitat suitability assessment using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for greatcrested newts3 was undertaken for 42 water bodies within the site in April 2008.Twelve water bodies scoring good or excellent using the HSI were surveyedfurther in accordance with standard guidelines4, with four visits carried out

1Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (2003). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A

Technique for Environmental Audit. Revised reprint. JNCC, Peterborough.2

Rodwell, J.S. (ed). (1991 et seq.). British Plant Communities. Cambridge University Press.

3Oldham R.S., Keeble J., Swan M.J.S. & Jeffcote M. (2000) Evaluating the suitability of habitat for

the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetelogical Journal, Vol. 10 pp.143-155.4

English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.


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between April and mid June. No great crested newts were recorded in any of theponds.

Small numbers of common lizard, and potentially other common reptile species,are likely to be present at the site. However, given that these species are likely tobe widely distributed across the site and that the proposed development is notlikely to significantly affect them (if present) specific surveys for reptiles are notconsidered necessary.

Birds

In accordance with standard SNH guidelines5, the following surveys areconsidered necessary, many of which have now been completed:

Black Grouse survey Nightjar survey Surveys for breeding hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin Goshawk survey Barn owl survey Peregrine survey Red kite survey General vantage point surveys (minimum 36 hours per vantage point during

the breeding season and 36 hours during the non—breeding season) Woodland point counts for passerines

Surveys will all follow published guidelines and will be undertaken by surveyorsholding the necessary CCW licences.

Bats

A level of survey effort agreed with CCW at similar sites in Wales in 2007 will beused, paying particular attention to the identification of rare species such aslesser horseshoe and species known to be more sensitive to wind farms6, e.g.noctule; the importance of the site as a whole for foraging bats (in comparisonwith the surrounding area); and the relative importance of different parts of the

5Scottish Natural Heritage. 2005. Survey Methods for use in Assessing the Impacts of Onshore

Wind farms on Bird Communities.6

Natural England. (2008). Bats and Onshore Wind Turbines –Interim Guidance.


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site for foraging bats.

A total of six survey visits will be carried out, spread through the bats’activeseason of April to September. Each visit will take place on one night, duringsuitable weather conditions, with the following surveys undertaken on each visit:

Transect Surveys Remote Recording using up to six Anabat detectors

Other mammalsIt is considered likely that the site will be used by otters, if only occasionally,while the site also contains potentially suitable habitat for other protectedmammal species including water vole and badger. The entire site plus a bufferzone of ~100m, including all water courses will be surveyed for the above species.

Red squirrels are known to be present in Clocaenog Forest and have beenextensively studied in the area previously. At this stage it is considered likely thatexisting data should be sufficient to allow an effective assessment of impacts onred squirrels to be made, however, existing data may be supplemented by somefurther survey work if necessary.

Dormice are known to be present in the general vicinity of the site and it ispossible that existing survey data may be sufficient to allow an effectiveassessment of impacts on dormice to be made. Surveys will be carried out tosupplement existing data however if necessary.

It is understood that a survey for pine marten has been undertaken acrossClocaenog Forest by the Vincent Wildlife Trust in spring 2008 and no furthersurvey for this species is therefore considered necessary.

Impact AssessmentImpacts would be assessed in accordance with current Institute of Ecology andEnvironmental Management guidelines7 and other relevant guidance (e.g. SNHguidance with respect to birds) as appropriate.

6.7. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

7IEEM (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK.


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During the pre-scoping stage, a desktop review of archaeological records for thearea was carried out in consultation with CADW and Clwyd Powys ArchaeologicalTrust (CPAT). There is one Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) located within thedevelopment area, and a number of other cairns and earthworks as detailed onthe Sites and Monuments Record. The SAM is the Twr yr Hill Round Barrow(DE088). A second SAM, Cefn Banog Ancient Village (DE029), is located outsidethe development area to the south-east.

A detailed desk-based archaeological assessment will be carried out. Furtherdesktop study shall include a review of information from CADW Welsh HistoricMonuments, Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT), and historic maps of thearea. In addition a development area walk-over will be carried out by a suitablyqualified and experienced archaeologist.

Additionally there are historic landscapes in the vicinity of the development area,the effects on which will be considered during the EIA process. The DenbighMoors (Mynydd Hiraethog) Landscape of Special Historic Interest (LSHI) is to theimmediate west of SSA A. An Assessment of the Significance of Impact ofDevelopment on Historic Landscapes (ASIDHL) will be undertaken to determinethe visual effects on such historic landscapes.

6.8. Geology and Hydrology

A baseline assessment of the site geology will be undertaken, to determine thesolid geology and superficial deposits. This will primarily use desk based studiesand possibly include development area walkovers. The main impact upon geologywill be through the use of borrow pits and the assessment will identify possiblelocations, identify the potential capacity and restoration measures. Geologicalconstraints to the development will also be identified.

Baseline information will also be gathered on the geomorphology of the site andany potential sources of contamination or historical mine workings and quarries.This information will primarily be used to inform the design and siting ofinfrastructure.

The hydrological assessment will consider the hydrological regime within the site,including rainfall, catchment discharges, flooding and surface water quality.Measures to prevent the pollution of both ground and surface water will berecommended. Mitigation measures will refer to current Best Practice Guidance


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(eg Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines and CIRIA guidancedocuments).

6.9. Traffic and Transportation

The construction of the wind farm has the potential to generate both normal HGVtraffic and abnormal loads. Various access route options are being evaluated toestablish the route that can best serve the needs of the development area, whilstminimising any inconvenience to the public.

The scope of the Traffic Impact Assessment will be agreed with the relevant localauthority highway departments, but is assumed to include–• A description of the local highway network • A baseline assessment of the construction access route, its capacity and existing traffic flows.• A description of the transportation requirements of the construction and operational phases• An evaluation of the transportation effects, in particular construction traffic andabnormal loads• A survey of the route for abnormal loads and details of any highway workrequired

The significance criteria which will be used are pursuant to the guidance fromTAN 18 Annex D. The Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) suggestthat significant impacts to highway capacity may occur if:Peak hour traffic flow increases by more than 10%; orPeak hour traffic flow increases by more than 5% (where the network is sensitive).

Although the criteria are designed for assessing the long term traffic impacts, inthe absence of specific criteria, they will also be used for the assessment of theimpacts of construction traffic.

Significant impacts on pedestrian and cyclist movements will be deemed to besignificant if traffic flow increases are greater than 30% (based on extensivestudies and in the absence of specific criteria).

6.10. Social and Economic Factors

The ES will consider the socio economic context of the proposed wind farm and


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assess the effects that its construction and operation might have locally.

The scope of the socio-economic assessment will include:• Employment and job creation• Tourism

6.11. Infrastructure, telecommunications and air safeguarding issues

There are telecommunication masts on Craig Bron-Banog in the southern portionof the development area. The link operators have been identified and contactedin order that the location of the turbines should not interfere with these signals.

The ES will address all possible interference effects of the proposed wind farm.Specifically this includes evaluation of potential interference with televisionreception, radio reception, fixed microwave communications links used for mobilephones and other data transfer and military and civil aviation issues includingboth direct affects as physical obstructions and affects on primary and secondaryradar systems.

Potential impacts will be addressed during the design stage. In the event of anysignificant impacts, mitigation measures will be proposed.

6.12. Public access and amenity

The proposed wind farm development area is located on open access landmanaged by FCW, and is therefore freely accessible to members of the publicunder the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. In addition there are anumber of unclassified public roads, public footpaths (including the ClwydianWay), bridleways and other rights of way crossing the development area. FCWalso grants third party rights to use Clocaenog Forest, these include motor rallies,horse driven carriages, adventure games, military exercises and grazing forPrevalski ponies. The impact assessment will consider the effects on forestryactivities and members of the public, during the construction and operationalphases of the wind farm.In addition, an assessment of shadow flicker will be included within this section.

6.13. Land use and forestry

The ES will examine the effects of the proposed wind farm upon existing land use,in particular those effects caused by key hole felling within the forest. Minimising


22

impacts upon forest management will be a integral part of the site designprocess.

The scope will include:• An analysis of the impacts upon the forest and forest management• Development of appropriate design mitigation measures, and further mitigationof the assessed impacts.


23

Appendix 1: Potential Development Area

REcEIvED 1 8 AUG 2008.

BERR Ref:Your Ref: NRL/C001/BER

Mr Martin Cole

Renewables DeveloperNpower RenewablesUnit 22

Technium Sustainable TechnologiesCentral Avenue

Baglan Energy ParkPort TalbotSA127AX

r5' August 2008

Dear Mr Cole

BERRI Department for BusinessEnterprise & Regulatory Reform

Re. Request for formal scoping decision under Part III, Paragraph 7 of StatutoryInstrument 2000 No. 1927 - proposed Clocaenog Forest wind farm

Thank you for your letter of 13 July with enclosures requesting a Scoping Opinion underRegulation 7 of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales)Regulations ('the 2000 Regulations').

Pursuant to Regulation 7(4) of the 2000 Regulations, the Secretary of State is copying thisletter and the scoping report to the appropriate consultative bodies and would bring to theirattention that they each have three weeks from the date of this letter by which to make theirviews known on the content of the Scoping Report.

Pursuant to Regulation 8 of the 2000 Regulations, the Secretary of State gives notice that thisletter and yours have been copied to those listed in the attached annex to this letter.

Yours sincerely

Gareth Leigh

Energy Group, 1 Victoria Street. London SW1 H OETwww.berr.gov.uk

Direct Line +44 (0)2072153845 I Fax +44 (0)20 7215 2601 I Minicom +44 (0)020 7215 6740Enquiries +44 (0)2072155000 I Email [email protected]

Continuation 2

Lynn GriffithsWelsh Assembly GovernmentEnergy Sector BranchCathys ParkCard iffCF10 3NQ

Phillip HardwickPlanning ServicesConwy County Borough CouncilCivic Offices

Colwyn BayComwyLL29 BAR,

Ian Weaver

Team Leader Major ApplicationsDenbighshire County CouncilDevelopment ControlCaledfrynSmithfield Road

DenbighLL 16 3RU

Mark Smailes

Civil Aviation AuthorityCAA House

45-49 KingswayLondonWC2B 6TE

Mannon LewisNR Casework Team LeaderCCW

Llysybont, Ffordd y ParePare Menai

BangorLL574BN

Debbie Hemsworth

Environment Agency Wales (NorthWales)Llwyn BrainFfordd PenlanPare Menai

BangorLL57 4DE

Sarah AllenTechnical Administrator

NERDL Safeguarding - Mailbox 27NATS - CTC

4000 ParkwaySolent Business Park

WhiteleyHampshire P015 7FL

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