Wind Turbines Supporting Statement

Tomfat Wind Turbines
Draft Supporting Statement

March 2014
P & L Turbines
March 2014
March 2014
P & L Turbines
March 2014
P & L Turbines
1
1 Introduction and Background
1.1 Scheme Overview
1.2 Applicant
1.3 Community Project
1.4 Land Ownership
1.5 Land Use
1.6 Project History
1.7 Anemometer Mast Application
2 Environmental
2.1 Overview
2.2 Landscape Designations
2.3 Landscape Character
2.4 Ecology
2.5 Ornithology
2.6 Ground Conditions, Hydrogeology and Hydrology
2.7 Cultural Heritage
2.8 Trafc and Transport
2.9 Noise
2.10 Miscellaneous
3 Spatial Framework
3.1 Interim SG on Wind Energy
3.2 Cumulative Considerations
4 Design Principles
4.1 Height of Turbines
4.2 Preliminary Layout
5 Visualisations
5.1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility
5.2 Photomontages
6 Next Steps
6.1 Public Consultation
6.2 Assessment
6.3 Planning Application
Presentation
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Introduction
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1.1 Scheme Overview
Name of Scheme Tomfat Wind Turbines
Number of Turbines 2
Turbine Dimensions Hub Height 50-55m
(to be conrmed) Rotor Diameter 48-54m
Height to Tip up to 79m
Generating Capacity 1.6MW (to be conrmed)
1.2 Applicant
The pre-application advice is sought on behalf of P&L
Turbines. This is a partnership established by two
community organisations, PEDAL and Greener Leith,
to develop the proposal.
Site Location
Introduction
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Community Project
1.3 Community Project
PEDAL and Greener Leith rst worked together
in 2011 in an attempt to build a wind turbine on
Scottish Waters Seaeld waste water treatment
works in North East Edinburgh between Portobello
and Leith.
After receiving in principle support from Scottish
Water and thanks to signicant local support the
project won substantial funding from Energyshare
and the Scottish Government.
Unfortunately Scottish Water decided in the end that
it would not be practical for them to allow a wind
turbine to be built on their land.
Despite this major setback, Energyshare indicated
that they would support the construction of a
community owned wind power project in another
location.
As it was becoming clear to both groups that it would
be impossible to secure a suitable site within the City
of Edinburgh boundaries within the given timescale,
they have now concluded the legal agreement to
allow them to develop wind turbines on the proposed
Tomfat site.
Greener Leith and Pedal are to commence pre-
application engagement in the local area with the
aspiration to expand this partnership and offer
part ownership of the project to community-led
organisations in the area.
Portobello Transition Town (PEDAL) was formed as
an unincorporated voluntary association in 2005 and
became a not-for-private-prot company limited by
guarantee (SC353557) in 2009.
PEDAL believe that the Portobello district of
Edinburgh can and should help address climate
change, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and build
community resilience.
PEDAL projects include energy saving advice, a
community orchard, food and craft market, and a
programme of regular events.
Find out more about PEDAL at
www. pedal-porty.org.uk
Greener Leith was started in 2006 by local residents
as an unincorporated voluntary organisation, with
the broad aims of promoting local community
engagement, better public places and sustainable
development in Leith, Edinburgh.
In 2009 it registered as a Scottish Charity (No
SCO40838) and as a not-for-prot Company Limited
by Guarantee (No. 365095).
Key achievements include a community orchard,
active travel initiatives, local energy advice, and an
award winning community news website.
Find out more about Greener Leith on
www.greenerleith.org.uk
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1.4 Land Ownership
Land Owner Mrs MacGregor
The landownership extends over much of the Tomfat
plantation, with the option rights to develop turbines,
and associated infrastructure, within the preliminary
site boundary as illustrated.
1.5 Land Use
The preliminary site has been dened to encompass
all potential built development proposed in the
planning application. The site covers 15.99 ha.
It is located on the northern edge of Tomfat
Plantation, a conifer woodland comprising a mix of
species, including Sitka Spruce, Noble r and Larch.
The turbines are located at the northern edge of
the woodland to minimise the extent of tree felling
required. There is open moorland to the north. On
its western edge, the site abuts the B861, a minor
public road which connects Inverness to Inverarnie.

Public Access is actively encouraged within Tomfat
Plantation, with a small car park located just off the
B861, and woodland tracks and footpaths providing
a network of walking routes. Public access will be
actively encouraged post-development.
The southern and eastern edges of the Site are
within the woodland, and have been dened by the
land requirements for the proposed Development.
Proposals for replacement planting will be identied
as part of the development process.
Part of the site from the A836
Introduction
Site Boundary
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Mid 1990s
Commercial plantation.
Pre-planting archaeological survey.
2005/6
PEDAL and Greener Leith setup.
2011
Community groups worked together to develop wind turbine at Seaeld,
Edinburgh, between Portobello and Leith.
2012
Energyshare funding commitment to support construction of a community
windfarm project in another location.
Tomfat site identied.
2013
Environmental and technical review commenced.
2014
Further environmental and technical review.
Community engagement.
Planning application to be submitted.
Project History
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Anemometer Mast
1.7 Anemometer Mast Application
An application was submitted to The Highland
Council on the 21st October 2013 for the erection of
a 60m anemometer mast on the site.
The planning reference is 13/03966/FUL.
Planning permission was granted on the 27th
January 2014 for an 18 month period from the date
of erection.
Consented location of Anemometer mast
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Environmental
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Overview
Environmental
Considerations
Geology
Hydrogeology
& Hydrology
Tourism
Socioeconomics
& Land Use
Aviation
Telecommunications
Miscellaneous
Trafc
Transport
& Access
Ornithology
Noise
LVIA
Ecology
Cultural
Heritage
Cumulative
Impacts
Residential
Amenity
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Landscape
2.2 Landscape Designations
The site itself has no landscape designations. National
and local designations within a 25km study area
have been appraised, and do not pose a constraint
to the development.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is approximately 20km
from the site and lies outwith the zone of theoretical
visibility, so is not considered in the design of the
windfarm.
Gardens and Designed Landscapes
Out of the 11 gardens and designed landscapes
within the study area, 7 are within the zone of
theoretical visibility, and will be considered during
the design of the windfarm. The closest is Leys Castle
at approximately 2km from the site.

Special Landscape Areas
3 Special Landscape Areas are located within the
25km study area. Theoretical visibility is minimal
within the Drynachan, Lochindorb & Dara Moors
SLA, and limited within the Loch Ness & Duntelchaig
SLA. Theoretical visibility is widespread within the
Sutors of Cromarty, Rosemarkie & Fort George SLA,
however the closest point to the site is approximately
17km.
Landscape Designations
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Landscape
2.3 Landscape Character
The proposed development is located within the
Flat Moorland Plateau with Woodland landscape
character type (LCT).
This is a large scale, at to gently undulating exposed
plateau which overlooks rolling farmlands to the east
of Inverness.
It forms a transitional landscape merging gradually
with the lower Rolling Farmlands and Woodland LCT
to the north, and the Farmed and Wooded Foothills
LCT located on higher land to the south.
Landscape Character
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Ecology and Ornithology
Ecology Designations
2.4 Ecology
Baseline ecological conditions have been established
through a desk study, consultations, and a site
walkover. This included a protected species survey
and phase 1/NVC habitat assessment. Consultation
has included The Highland Councils Biodiversity
Ofcer and Biological Recording Group.
Baseline ecological receptors present have then been
evaluated, to determine the potential effects on those
receptors as a result of the proposed development.
The assessment will seek to provide a quantitative
description of the potential effects where possible,
considering factors such as the probability of
occurrence, extent, duration, and reversibility of the
effect. Using professional judgement in the light
of this information, an interpretation is then made
as to whether the effect results in an impact on the
integrity of the ecological receptor.
The proposed development is in an area of plantation
forestry considered to be of local value for biodiversity.
The development would result in a small amount of
habitat loss as there is existing track infrastructure
within the plantation that could be widened to
accommodate the construction of the turbines.
There are no protected species issues other than those
common to most small scale turbine developments
of this type. Repeat surveys and adjustments to the
forest design are predicted to help reduce the risk of
disturbance to protected species and reduce the risk
of bat collisions.
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Ecology and Ornithology
Ecology Designations
2.5 Ornithology
This review has been informed through a staged
process as described below. The rst stage is to
determine the apparent baseline ornithological
conditions. This has been done primarily through a
desk study undertaken by Highland Ornithology Ltd.
The review has also been informed through a
walkover to assess bird habitats and make incidental
records of birds present on site during the course of
a bird habitat walkover undertaken on 22 August
2013.
The next stage is to evaluate the baseline
ornithological receptors present, and to determine
the potential effects on those receptors as a result of
the proposed development.
The habitat walkover and desk study results suggest
that disturbance and collision effects on black
grouse, capercaillie and Slavonian grebe are unlikely.
There is a possibility of disturbance and collision
effects for a range of birds of prey including red kite,
hen harrier, goshawk, osprey, merlin, peregrine, barn
owl and short-eared owl. For most of these species
the small scale of the proposed development and the
improbability of high levels of activity in the vicinity of
the proposed turbines mean that signicant effects
can be ruled out.
Further survey work is planned for Spring 2014.
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Hydrology overview
Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology
2.6 Ground Conditions, Hydrogeology and
Hydrology
Geotechnical assessment has been undertaken
through desk study by the Waterman Group. Likely
ground conditions have been researched using
publicly available geological maps obtained from the
British Geological Survey and the Hydrogeological
Map of Scotland.
No signicant geological constraints have been
identied for this site, and therefore pose no
constraint to development.
There are no watercourses within close proximity
to the proposed turbine locations. The turbine
bases are 20-30m above the elevation of the closest
mapped watercourses which are minor headwaters
and at least 1km from the site. The development
is therefore considered to be at low risk of ooding
from uvial sources and to be unlikely to affect uvial
environments.
Without intrusive investigations, it is not possible to
conclude the risk of groundwater ooding or the
likelihood of other groundwater issues.
No signicant hydrological constraints have been
identied for this site, and therefore pose no
constraint to development.
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Cultural Heritage
Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings
2.7 Cultural Heritage
During January 1996, GUARD undertook a eld
survey at Drummossie Muir, near Inverness, in
advance of proposed developments by PIC Ltd.
Approximately 40% of the area designated was
found to be inaccessible due to forestry or tree-fall.
These areas were subsequently checked on aerial
photographs at RCAHMS.
This identied 68 cultural heritage features within
the survey area (Scheduled Monuments and sites
listed on The Highland Councils Historic Environment
Record).
Two sites are located either on the site boundary or
within the immediate 200m of the site. These are:
Blackwood of Leys Dyke and Wall; and
Blackwood of Leys Standing Stone.
Blackwood of Leys Dyke and Wall is located in close
proximity to the entrance to the proposed access
track. The nal track layout is yet to be nalised
and this cultural heritage feature will be taken into
account during this process.
No direct impacts are anticipated on any remaining
cultural heritage features.
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Trafc and Transport
2.8 Trafc and Transport
A desktop route assessment has been carried out
based on the transportation of two 74m Enercon
E48 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure to the
site.
Access to the proposed site is from the B961 to the
west. An existing eld access will be upgraded in
accordance with The Highland Council Roads and
Transport Guidelines.
Access to the B961 can be achieved via the B851
and subsequently the A9(T) to the south or from the
B8082 and subsequently the A9(T) to the north.
The proposed route to the turbine location has been
assessed and is generally accessible for the proposed
route consisting of the A9, B851, B861 and Tomfat
woodland access track. The existing access track
and junction will be upgraded to accommodate
the proposed vehicles in accordance with relevant
guidance.
Swept path analysis has been undertaken on
constrained sections of the route and temporary
overrun strips or localised carriageway widening will
be required to accommodate the swept path of the
largest vehicles.

Abnormal Route Options
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Residential Amenity
2.9 Noise
A noise assessment has been carried out in
accordance with The Highland Council Noise
Assessment Guidance for Wind Farms and the most
recent relevant guidance and best practices indicated
by the Scottish Government Web-based Planning
Advice - Onshore Wind Turbines (2013).
The noise levels at the nearest receptors were
predicted using the Sound Power Level data provided
by the manufacturer of the Enercon E48 800kW
wind turbine.
Results indicate that the predicted noise levels
associated with the proposed development at all
the nearest noise sensitive receptors are below the
ETSU-R-97 criteria of 35dB(A) LA90, at wind speeds
10m/s.
In addition, the cumulative noise assessment
indicates that the predicted noise levels at the
mutually affected noise sensitive receptors do not
exceed the ETSU-R-97 criteria of 35dB LA90,10min.
Predicted noise levels for both the single turbine and
cumulative scenario will be below the prescribed
limits indicated in the simplied method in ETSU-R-97
at all noise sensitive receptors. The noise impact of
the proposed development is therefore considered
to be negligible.
Cumulative impact with existing, consented and
proposed developments within 3km has identied a
two turbine scheme at Land 515m NE of Hillcroft.
Cumulative noise impacts are also considered to be
negligible.
Noise contours from proposed turbines
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Miscellaneous
2.10 Miscellaneous
Wind turbine development has the potential to
affect existing infrastructure, telecommunications
and aviation interests.
Wind turbine development also has the potential to
affect air quality and climate, and highway safety,
unless potential effects are identied and any
necessary mitigation is dened.
As wind turbines also have the potential to result
in shadow icker, the potential for properties to
be affected by shadow icker by the proposed
Development also needs to be considered.
Based on preliminary assessment, the proposed
Development is predicted to have either no or
negligible effects in relation to each of these
miscellaneous issues. This will be conrmed through
further consultation and assessment.
Modelling of potential shadow icker conrms there are no buildings within the potentially affected area
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Spatial Framework
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3.1 Interim Supplementary Guidance on
Wind Energy
Guidance provides guidance on Areas of Search for
wind energy.
Spatial Framework denes:
Stage 1 - Areas requiring signicant protection
Stage 2 - Areas with potential constraints
Stage 3 - Areas of Search.
The Tomfat site is located within a Stage 3 Area: Area
of Search
Location of turbines within Area of Search
Interim SG on Wind Energy
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Cumulative wind farm locations
Cumulative
3.2 Cumulative Considerations
The potential environmental capacity of the
Tomfat site may be affected by existing and
consented development; and approvals of proposed
developments:

Stage 1 Areas of Signicant Protection due to
cumulative constraints are not dened in the
interim Guidance
Baseline
The current baseline of existing and consented
schemes of most relevance to a proposal at Tomfat
are
Individual and small groups of turbines within up
to 10km;
Farr wind farm;
Moy wind farm.
Further guidance is sought from Highland Council to
establish the current cumulative baseline.
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Design Principles
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Design Principles
4.1 Height of Turbines
Hub
Height
Rotor
Diameter
Height to
Tip
Generating
Capacity
Rotation
Speed
Operational
Wind Range
50-55m 48-54m up to 79m 1.6MW (tbc) 16 - 31
RPM (tbc)
3 - 34 m/s
(tbc)

Colour
A light grey colour is suggested as this provides
the best balance between minimising visibility and
visual impacts when seen against the sky. The exact
tone and degree of paint reectivity will be specied
and agreed with the Planning Authority prior to
construction.
Dimensions and Specication
The rotor diameter is between 48 to 54m, giving a
swept area of 1808m to 2289m. Rotation speed
is between around 16 and 31 rotations per minute.
Image of potential candidate turbine - Enercon E48
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Design Principles
4.2 Preliminary Layout
The pre-application layout and wirelines are based
on a 2 turbine layout.
Associated infrastructure would include:
Access track and potential widening of site
entrance from public road;
Crane hard standings;
Cabling;
Onsite substation and control building; and,
Temporary construction compound and laydown
area.
The extent of felling required will be established
following collection of wind data from the met mast,
and consultation with the supplier.
Proposals for replacement planting will be developed
as part of the information to support the application.
Proposed turbine layout
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Visualisations
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Zone of Theoretical Visibility
5.1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility
The ZTV reects the underlying landform
characteristics of the Great Glen Fault, which
substantially limits theoretical visibility over the area.
Theoretical visibility is most extensive over the
surrounding open plateau landscape, and further
away along the Moray Firth and the northern edge
of Loch Ness.
The photomontages which follow are all located
within 5km of the nearest turbine.
Potential viewpoints include:
1. B861 near Newton of Leys
2. Tombreck
3. B862 near Achnabat
4. Unclassied road west of Tomfat
5. Culloden Battleeld Visitor Centre
6. Kessock Bridge to the north of Inverness
Further guidance is sought from The Highland
Council to conrm the proposed viewpoint locations.
Zone of Theoretical Visibility
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Photomontages
Photomontage from VP01 B861 near Newton of Leys
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Photomontages
Wireline overlaid on photo from VP02 Tombreck
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Next Steps
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6.1 Public Consultation
Undertake Public Consultation.
6.2 Assessment
Environmental Review - further consultation to clarify
scope of supporting assessments meet requirements.
6.3 Planning Application
Local Development.
Supporting Documents:
Environmental Review; and,
Supporting Statement.
Determination at Committee - or delegated decision
by ofcers.
Next Steps

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