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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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Issued By:
David Anders, Planning Manager
Approved By:
Bruce Hutt, Director
TCI Renewables Limited
Willow Court
7 West Way
Oxford
OX2 0JB
Tel: 01865 261300
Email: woodmancottdown@tcirenewables.com
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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Contents
1 Introduction 1 2 Design Considerations 3 2.1 Introduction 3
2.2 Site Selection and Project Evolution 4
2.3 The Amount of Development 7
2.4 The Layout of the Proposed Development 8
2.5 The Scale of the Proposed Development 9
2.6 Landscaping 10
2.7 The Appearance of the Proposed Development 10
2.8 Design Summary 12
3 Access Considerations 13
3.1 Introduction 13
3.2 Policy Context 13
3.3 Construction and Decommissioning Access 14
3.4 Internal Access Tracks 15
3.5 Maintenance of Access Features 15
3.6 Turbine Delivery Route 15
3.7 Access Summary 16
4 Design and Access Conclusions 17
List of Figures
Figure 3.1 Design Iteration
Figure 4.1 Site Location
Figure 4.2 Detailed Site Layout
Figure 4.5 Typical Crane hardstand
Figure 4.6 Typical Turbine
Elevations
Figure 4.8 Control Building Plan
and Elevations
Figure 4.9 Wind Monitoring Mast
Elevation
Figure 4.10 Site Entrance Detail
Note: Figure numbers correspond with those used in the Environmental Statement
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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1. Introduction
1.1. This Design and Access Statement (DAS) accompanies and supports the planning
application submitted by TCI Renewables Limited (TCIR) on behalf of Woodmancott
Down Wind Farm Ltd (the Applicant) for a proposed wind farm located between
Basingstoke and Winchester, Hampshire.
1.2. The purpose of this statement is to explain the design principles and concepts that have
been applied to the proposed development and how issues relating to access have been
dealt with. It has been produced in accordance with Town and Country Planning (General
Development Procedure) Order 1995 (as amended) and takes into account guidance
contained in the Department of Communities and Local Government’s Circular 01/20061.
The circular advises that a DAS is a short report that illustrates the process that has led
to the development proposal and to explain and justify the proposal in a structured way.
1.3. The planning application is also accompanied by:
an Environmental Statement (ES) and a Non-Technical Summary in accordance
with The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment)
Regulations 2011; and
a Planning Statement.
1.4. The ES reports the findings of a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to
identify the potential impacts of the proposed development on existing environmental
conditions, and where necessary, to propose appropriate mitigation and enhancement. It
has therefore had a significant influence over the project design to avoid or reduce
environmental impacts wherever possible. The ES covers in considerably more detail
those aspects of the proposed development required to be addressed in this document.
Where appropriate this statement is cross-referenced to relevant sections of the ES.
1.5. The Planning Statement provides a detailed assessment of the proposal in relation to
relevant local and national planning policy and guidance and provides a statement of the
overall planning balance.
1.6. Electricity generated from wind power forms an important part of the Government’s
energy strategy, as described in Chapter 2 ‘Development Rationale’ of the ES and has
been the driving force behind the proposed development. It consists of six wind turbines
together with ancillary infrastructure for the purpose of generating renewable energy
through wind power. It would have a total installed capacity of between 12MW and 18MW
and an operational life of 25 years.
1.7. Based on an average UK capacity factor of 25.8% provided by the Department of Energy
and Climate Change (DECC) and a representative 2.5MW wind turbine, the wind farm
could generate enough electricity to meet the average needs of nearly 8,000 homes,
representing around 12% of households in Basingstoke and Deane (2006) (see ES
Appendix 1.1). It would also prevent some 365,000 tonnes a year of the greenhouse gas
CO2 from being released in to the atmosphere.
1.8. A detailed description of the site and its environs is provided in section 2 of the Planning
Statement. In brief the application site, which is identified in Figure 4.1, is located to the
south of junction 8 of the M3 motorway, which is the interchange with the A303. The
M3/A30/A33 transport corridor runs approximately 1.7 km to the north-west of the
1 Circular 01/2006: Guidance on Changes to the Development Control System June 2006
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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proposed wind farm. Basingstoke is located some 4.7 km to the north-east and
Winchester some 14 km to the south-west.
1.9. The hamlet of Woodmancott lies approximately 1.6 km to the south-west of the centre of
the wind farm (the closest property is some 655m from the nearest proposed wind
turbine), whilst the hamlet of Popham lies approximately 1.5 km north-west (the closest
property lies approximately 1.2 km from the nearest wind turbine). Villages surrounding
the site include North Waltham, Dummer, Axford, Preston Candover, Chilton Candover,
Brown Candover, East Stratton and Micheldever Station. The closest village is Dummer
to the north of the site at a distance of approximately 2.4 km, as measured from the edge
of the village to the nearest wind turbine.
1.10. The site is located within an area of rolling countryside characterised by a patchwork of
arable fields divided by farm tracks, hedgerows and blocks of woodland and plantation.
The site is in agricultural use, with fields used on arable rotation for various types of
crops, grass leys and the growing of Christmas trees. The area in which the turbines are
to be situated is generally open in character, with large fields enclosed by well-
maintained ditches, hedgerows and small managed woodlands.
1.11. In addition to the network of local roads there is a fairly extensive network of public
footpaths and bridleways in the vicinity of the site, including the Abbotstone Down Cycle
Trail; part of the Wayfarer’s Walk long distance footpath which runs in a north / south
direction to the east of the site at a distance of some 440m of the nearest wind turbine.
Several of the bridleways run around the periphery of the proposed wind farm and one
runs between the proposed locations of turbines T1 and T2.
1.12. The site of the proposed wind farm is undulating with the lowest point being
approximately 120m above ordnance datum (AOD) and the highest being approximately
180m AOD. The turbine locations all sit on ground between approximately 130m and
174m AOD. To the east / south-east of the site the land falls noticeably towards the
Candover Valley, the B3046 and the villages and hamlets of Brown Candover, Chilton
Candover and Preston Candover at between 90m to 100m AOD and some 2.7 km from
the site.
1.13. The application site does not lie within a landscape which is recognised through statutory
or local designation as being of high value for its aesthetic or landscape quality. The
boundary to the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is approximately
7.8km to the north-west of the proposed wind farm and the boundary to the South Downs
National Park is some 9.7 km to the south-east.
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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2. Design Considerations
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 This section of the statement explains the design principles and concepts that have
been applied to particular aspects of the proposed wind farm having regard to its
context. These are considered below under the specific headings as set out in
Statutory Instrument 1062/20062, namely:
amount;
layout;
scale;
landscaping; and
appearance.
2.1.2 The successful development of a wind farm entails detailed consideration and
investigation of a number of important factors and issues covering regulatory, technical
and environmental matters that impact on the detailed siting and design of a project. The
locational and design considerations of the present proposal are considered in detail in
Chapter 3 ‘Site Selection and Project Evolution’ and Chapter 4 ‘Description of the
Development’ of the ES.
2.1.3 The following design statement was used by TCIR to guide the development of the
proposed wind farm:
To produce a wind farm development, which is economically viable, technically
feasible and environmentally acceptable, TCIR has been mindful of the following
constraints and opportunities:
o Develop a wind farm design (in terms of scale, layout and composition) that respects the landscape character, ecology and heritage of the area;
o To minimise adverse visual effects on views from local communities and the surrounding area in general; and
o Develop a wind farm, which can make a significant contribution towards the UK’s mandatory target to produce 15% of its total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020 equating to approximately 30% of its electricity consumption.
2.1.4 National and local planning policy and guidance is considered in detail in the Planning
Statement. However, guidance provided in the former Planning Policy Statement (PPS)
22 ‘Renewable Energy’ was used to guide the site selection and development process
(this was replaced by the publication of National Planning Policy Framework in March,
2012). One of the key principles of PPS22 stated that:
“Development proposals should demonstrate any environmental,
economic and social benefits as well as how any environmental and
social impacts have been minimised through careful consideration of
location, scale, design and other measures.”
2 Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2006 - Statutory
Instrument 1062/2006
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2.1.5 Consideration has also been given to more recent guidance contained in the National
Policy Statements (NPS) for energy infrastructure published by Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change in July 2011. In relation to the design of energy
infrastructure part 4.5 of the Overarching NPS of Energy (EN-1) states that:
“The visual appearance of a building is sometimes considered to be
the most important factor in good design. But high quality and
inclusive design goes far beyond aesthetic considerations. The
functionality of an object — be it a building or other type of
infrastructure — including fitness for purpose and sustainability, is
equally important. Applying “good design” to energy projects should
produce sustainable infrastructure sensitive to place, efficient in the
use of natural resources and energy used in their construction and
operation, matched by an appearance that demonstrates good
aesthetic as far as possible. It is acknowledged, however that the
nature of much energy infrastructure development will often limit the
extent to which it can contribute to the enhancement of the quality of
the area.
Good design is also a means by which many policy objectives in the
NPS can be met, for example the impact sections show how good
design, in terms of siting and use of appropriate technologies can help
mitigate adverse impacts such as noise.
… whilst the applicant may not have any or very limited choice in the
physical appearance of some energy infrastructure, there may be
opportunities for the applicant to demonstrate good design in terms of
siting relative to existing landscape character, landform and
vegetation. Furthermore, the design and sensitive use of materials in
any associated development such as electricity substations will assist
in ensuring that such development contributes to the quality of the
area.
… applicants should be able to demonstrate in their application
documents how the design process was conducted and how the
proposed design evolved. Where a number of different designs were
considered, applicants should set out the reasons why the favoured
choice has been selected. In considering applications the … [decision
taker] should take into account the ultimate purpose of the
infrastructure and bear in mind the operational, safety and security
requirements which the design has to satisfy.”
2.1.6 In addition, paragraph 2.4.2 to the NPS for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3)
states that:
“Proposals for renewable energy infrastructure should demonstrate
good design in respect of landscape and visual amenity, and in the
design of the project to mitigate impacts such as noise and effects on
ecology.”
2.2 Site Selection and Project Evolution
Site Selection
2.2.1 Before considering the various aspects of the proposed Woodmancott Down Wind Farm
listed above in paragraph 2.1.1, it is necessary to consider the issues that have been
taken into account and how the project has evolved over time. Initial investigations
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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established the site’s suitability in principle for a wind farm. This was based on the
following technical, environmental and planning considerations:
a favourable wind resource;
consistent with national and local planning policy and guidance;
outside of areas designated for their landscape, historic, ecological or geological
significance;
distance and views from residential properties and other sensitive receptors;
aviation and radar issues;
suitable topography;
the availability of an economic electricity grid connection;
good access from the highway network for construction traffic, including abnormal
loads associated with the delivery of wind turbine components; and
a willing landowner.
2.2.2 Information available from the NOABL3 database indicates that there is a sufficient wind
resource at the site to make the proposed wind farm viable for the generation of
renewable energy. A temporary meteorological wind monitoring mast was erected on the
site in December 2011 to establish the site’s wind regime in more detail, to aid the
environmental studies and assist in the turbine selection process following the granting
of planning permission. Wind data in relation to wind speed and direction will be
collected at the site for a period of up to three years.
2.2.3 Locally significant effects on landscape character and visual amenity are inevitable as a
result of commercial wind energy development anywhere in the UK and that the locally
significant effects identified in relation to the Woodmancott Down proposal are of a scale
which is typical of other approved wind farm developments throughout the UK. The
localised effects on landscape character and visual amenity need to be balanced against
the acknowledged and significant benefits of the proposed development in generating
renewable energy and the important contribution it would make to meeting national
targets for the generation of renewable energy and reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions.
2.2.4 It has long been acknowledged in national planning guidance and relevant appeal
decisions that renewable energy schemes need to be located where the renewable
energy resource exists. In addition, the locational requirements of large-scale wind
schemes, by their very nature, normally necessitate a countryside location given the
area of land required, the required separation distances from sensitive receptors, such
as residential properties, and from obstacles that would otherwise affect the
performance and energy generation of the wind turbines. It is a matter of fact that the
vast majority of operational wind farms are sited in rural / countryside locations such as
this.
Design Iterations
2.2.5 A series of constraints mapping exercises have been carried out which have been
increasingly refined as more detailed information became available following visits to the
site and as a result of the findings of the various studies carried out in relation to the EIA.
3 Department for Business Innovation & Skills, Wind speed Database, NOABL
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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2.2.6 An initial desk top study identified the main constraints that impinge directly on the site,
including residential properties, habitat features (such as hedgerow and woodland) and
roads as well as the unconstrained areas of the site available for wind turbine
development.
2.2.7 Figure 3.1, Design 6 shows the final layout which is the subject of the present planning
application resulting from the detailed site investigations and assessments, stakeholder
feedback and the requirements of the landowners in respect of their continuing farming
activities.
2.2.8 The design iterations described below are shown in Figure 3.1, Designs 1 to 6, which
are reproduced at the end of this statement.
Design 1 (8 x 125m turbines)
2.2.9 Design 1 represents the original desktop design for the site consisting of eight 125m
high wind turbines.
2.2.10 The design incorporates a number of ‘in-built’ technical and ecological mitigations to
reduce the potential impacts on a range of receptors based on TCIR’s experience
developing wind energy schemes in the UK as well as recognised industry guidance.
2.2.11 The following buffers in relation to the location of wind turbines were incorporated into
the initial design:
residential receptors 600m;
woodlands 50m;
roads 140m; and
public footpaths and bridleways 50m.
Design 2 (8 x 125m turbines)
2.2.12 Bridleway buffers were increased to 100m, a revised option site boundary was agreed
with the landowner, and turbine locations were amended accordingly.
Design 3 (8 x 100m turbines)
2.2.13 Design 3 was submitted to Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council (BDBC) at the
Scoping Opinion stage of the EIA and reflects the results of a full planning appraisal
assessing the scheme against national, regional and local planning policy and guidance
and site visits to confirm the integrity of the desktop studies. This resulted in the
following changes to the scheme:
A reduction in the tip height and relocation of turbines to remove them from the
line of sight of the radar at RAF Odiham; and
An increase in the woodland buffer from 50m to 70m to take into account Natural
England’s guidance TIN051: ‘Bats and onshore wind turbines - Interim
guidance’.
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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Design 4 (7 x 100m turbines)
2.2.14 Design 4 was the layout displayed at the public exhibition held at East Stratton Village
Hall on 19 July 2011. It reflects the comments within the Scoping Opinion issued by
BDBC and findings of the initial technical surveys and consultation carried out by TCIR’s
consultants (Phase 1 surveys). This resulted in the omission of the most north-easterly
turbine as this was seen as being separate from the group in many views.
Design 5 (6 x 100m turbines)
2.2.15 Design 5 reflects the findings of the environmental studies which seek to avoid or
minimise impacts where possible, while optimising energy generation. This resulted in
the removal of the wind turbine closest to Popham and the rearrangement of the
remaining turbines to take account of heritage assets and ground conditions.
Final Design (6 x 130.5m turbines)
2.2.16 The final design was amended to take into account new technologies which will allow
economic mitigation of MoD radars. The new technology will allow for increased turbine
size and therefore greater electricity generation making a more significant contribution to
national renewable energy targets than previously expected.
2.2.17 Overall, the changes in design has resulted in a wind farm that maximises the
generation of renewable electricity whilst:
Takes fully into account the environmental constraints including:
o proximity to dwellings: turbines relocated more than 650m away from any residential properties and 1.2 km from the closest property at Popham;
o ecological and ornithological issues: the turbines are in a more compact group further from the areas and routes with greatest bat activity;
o landscape issues: turbines will not be seen from viewpoints in the Candover valley;
o heritage: turbines moved away from possible heritage assets in the northwest of the investigation area;
o public rights of way: turbines moved to be more than 140m from any public bridleway or footpath; and
o Popham Airfield: turbines located more than the minimum CAP 168 distance to protect safety.
Ensuring a design that:
o is of an appropriate scale;
o has considered the heritage of its surroundings; and
o protects existing field patterns and farming activities.
2.3 The Amount of Development
2.3.1 The area of farmland which has been investigated for a wind farm amounts to some 120
hectares. The amount of land to be occupied by the wind turbines and associated
infrastructure during the operational phase of the wind farm would be 3.3 hectares or
around 2.7% of the land investigated. It will therefore have a minimal impact on the
amount of land available for existing farming activities.
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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2.3.2 Planning permission is sought for a total of six wind turbines. Each turbine will be served
by a crane hardstanding, which is required for the safe operation of the cranes during
the lifting of the wind turbine components.
2.3.3 A building housing wind turbine control and monitoring equipment and electrical
switchgear is proposed in connection with the wind farm. This will have a gross floor
area of 406 square metres. The size of the building is largely dictated by the Distribution
Network Operator, UK Power Networks taking account of its function and the scale and
amount of the equipment and facilities that it is required to accommodate.
2.3.4 Each wind turbine will have its own electrical transformer to change the generating
voltage of the wind turbine to the common site voltage. Depending on the turbine model
finally selected for the site the transformer could either be housed internally within the
wind turbine tower or sited externally adjacent to the base of each wind turbine. Many
wind farms in the UK have the transformers housed internally, however some turbine
models are not designed to facilitate this. Therefore, the possibility that an external
transformer cabinet could be required has been taken into account in the planning
application and the EIA.
2.3.5 A permanent meteorological mast is proposed on the site to monitor the wind speed and
direction throughout the operational life of the wind farm to ensure that it is operating at
maximum efficiency.
2.3.6 Approximately 2.5 km of new access track is proposed and approximately 2 km of
existing farm track is to be upgraded to facilitate the construction and maintenance of
the proposed wind farm. The access tracks will also be used for normal farming activities
and to decommission the wind farm at the end of its 25 years operational life. The
amount of access track and its width is the minimum necessary and is dictated by the
layout of the wind turbines, the proposed means of access for construction traffic and to
minimise the impact on ecological features and existing farming activities.
2.3.7 At the start of the construction phase a temporary contractors’ compound, measuring
30m by 30m, would be established at a location close to the vehicular access from
Popham Court Lane. However, once the onsite tracks have been constructed it would be
relocated further into the site close to the proposed position of turbine T3, as shown in
Figure 4.2, and increased in size to 50m by 100m. It would be used to store materials,
plant and machinery and for the provision of temporary offices, welfare and messing
facilities and car parking. The land on which the compounds are to be sited will be
reinstated to their former condition at the end of the construction period.
2.4 The Layout of the Proposed Development
2.4.1 The layout of the proposed wind farm is shown in Figure 4.2. The constraints that have
influenced the design and layout have been detailed above in Section 2.2 ‘Site Selection
and Project Evolution’. However, in summary the final layout has taken account of the
following considerations:
the need to maximise the generation of electricity from a renewable resource
(i.e. the wind) whilst at the same time minimising the environmental and
social impacts of the development;
the need to provide adequate separation from residential property in relation
to noise and visual amenity having regard to the orientation of the individual
properties and the screening provided by vegetation and other buildings;
the findings of the ecological and ornithological studies and the need to
protect habitat features on and adjacent to the site. For example, the of siting
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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turbines away from hedgerows and woodland to avoid significant impacts on
bats and a track layout that minimises the loss of hedgerow habitat by
making use of existing hedgerow gaps, wherever possible;
landscape and visual impacts;
setting of cultural heritage assets;
telecommunications links and road buffers;
access from the A33 and Popham Court Lane for heavy construction traffic
and abnormal load vehicles;
adequate spacing between turbines to minimise wake-effect from up-wind
turbines and associated energy loss; and
an efficient layout that minimises the amount of land take and the impact on
existing farming activities.
2.5 The Scale of the Proposed Development
Wind Turbines
2.5.1 The proposed wind farm would contain a total of six turbines with a maximum tip height
of 130.5m, comprising a hub height of between 80m and 85m and a rotor diameter of
between 90m and 100m. The final tip height, within this maximum range, will be
dependent on the actual model of turbine selected, which in turn will be a result of a
competitive tendering exercise and the specification of the turbines available at the time.
2.5.2 The size of the wind turbines proposed is typical of those being proposed and being
granted planning permission throughout the UK. As pointed out in the Companion Guide
to the former PPS 22 on Planning for Renewable Energy, the greater the size of the
wind turbine the greater the rated power or capacity in megawatts (MW), and therefore,
the more renewable energy that can be generated. An increase in the rotor diameter of a
wind turbine results in a greater than proportional change in rated power, as
demonstrated in Figure 1 on page 157 of the Companion Guide. This also points out that
commercial wind farms that supply electricity to the electricity grid tend to use a smaller
number of larger machines (i.e. wind turbines with a rated capacity of at least 2MW) in
order to maximise generation.
2.5.3 Paragraph 2.7.4 of the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Renewable Energy
Infrastructure (EN-3) points out that wind speed increases with height above ground
level and the amount of electricity generated increases disproportionately with increases
in the wind speed. This in turn affects the carbon emission savings and the commercial
viability of a site. In relation to the number and scale of wind turbines paragraph 2.7.51
advises that it is unlikely that these can be changed without significantly affecting the
electricity generating output of the wind farm, and therefore, a reduction in scale may not
be feasible to mitigate against inevitable landscape and visual impacts.
Turbine Control and Monitoring / Substation Building
2.5.4 The proposed building will be single storey measuring 14.0m by 29.0m by 6.6m high.
The size of the building is mainly dictated by the Distribution Network Operator, UK
Power Networks taking account of its function and the scale and amount of the
equipment and facilities that it is required to accommodate.
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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Meteorological Mast
2.5.5 The proposed wind farm includes a permanent meteorological mast to monitor the wind
speed and direction at the site during the operational life of the wind farm. This would
have a height of 80m and width of 2.0m at it base tapering to 0.6m at the top. As stated
in the Companion Guide wind monitoring masts need to be approximately as tall as the
hub height of the proposed turbines.
2.6 Landscaping
2.6.1 The proposals do not include landscaping in the usual sense associated with more
typical forms of development, although a number of measures are proposed to protect
and enhance the biodiversity of the site. For example, native hedgerows will be planted
to the north and south of the new access from Popham Court Lane.
2.7 The Appearance of the Proposed Development
2.7.1 The appearance of wind farm developments, and particularly the arrangement of
turbines, is of great importance due to the inevitable visual impact given the scale of
commercial wind turbines. The principles followed in designing the layout of the turbines
have included the following:
the wind farm should have a cohesive appearance so that the turbines
form a legible cohesive group in views of the wind farm from the
surrounding area; and
the wind farm layout should appear to relate to the landform on which it
stands.
2.7.2 These principles have been achieved as far as possible within the constraints of the site.
2.7.3 The proposed turbines are of a three-bladed, horizontal axis design. The proposed tower
is of a tubular steel construction. All six turbines will be of the same dimensions and
specification and the blades will rotate in the same direction. The colour of the wind
turbines would be agreed in advance with BDBC, but it is anticipated that they would
have an off-white / light grey semi-matt finish.
2.7.4 The design and appearance of the proposed wind turbines are shown in Figure 4.6 and
in the photograph below of a typical wind turbine.
2.7.5 The design and appearance of the proposed control building are shown in Figure 4.8.
This will have a pitched roof and be built of materials that are in keeping with the
surrounding area.
2.7.6 The proposed meteorological mast would be of a relatively lightweight lattice
construction. Its design and appearance are shown in Figure 4.9.
2.7.7 The appearance of the proposed wind farm is shown in the photomontages contained in
Volume 3 to the ES.
2.7.8 No permanent visible lighting will be necessary during the routine operation of the wind
farm, apart from a movement sensor-operated external light for the control building door
to allow for safe access. Given the height of the proposed wind turbines there should be
no requirement for them to be fitted with visible aviation warning lights. Should the MoD
require aviation warning lights to be installed these would be of the infra-red type only
visible through night vision goggles.
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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Photograph of a typical wind turbine of the design and appearance proposed at the Woodmancott Down Wind Farm
WOODMANCOTT DOWN WIND FARM
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2.8 Design Summary
2.8.1 The proposed wind farm in terms of its scale, layout and other aspects of its design have
been informed by design requirements and principles stemming from a range of
regulatory, technical, environmental and social considerations.
2.8.2 Amendments to the scheme specifically in relation to the number and height of turbines
and detailed layout have been made in direct response to local planning policy and
guidance, stakeholder and local community consultation and the findings of the EIA.
2.8.3 The environmental impacts have been satisfactorily addressed whilst maximising the
site’s potential to generate renewable energy in the interests of the wider environment
and the security of the country’s energy supply. These are matters that are given
significant weight by the Government in national planning and energy policy.
DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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3. Access Considerations
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 This section of the DAS sets out the policy and approach taken towards access to the
proposed wind farm development. This is in relation to vehicular access into the
application site from the highway network and internally in relation to the site layout
and access to the turbines and associated infrastructure. The issue of access to the
proposed development is considered in detail in Chapter 5 ‘Effects on Population I:
Traffic and Access’ of the ES, and is discussed below.
3.1.2 The main traffic and transport impacts would be during the construction and
decommissioning phases of the proposed Woodmancott Down Wind Farm. Once
operational it would generate a very low number of vehicle movements, which would
generally be limited to routine maintenance visits using a van or other light vehicle.
Access to the site would be via a new vehicular access from Popham Court Lane, as
shown in Figure 4.10 to allow safe access for construction and maintenance traffic.
This would ensure that construction traffic, in particular, would not travel through
Popham and Woodmancott in the interest of highway safety, the free flow of traffic and
the amenity of local residents.
3.1.3 Once operational there would be no permanent workforce based at the proposed wind
farm, which would be monitored remotely, and unlike other forms of development it is
not necessary to consider access by the general public. There is the potential for
organised educational visits by local schools by minibus or coach, but if they do take
place they would be relatively few and far between.
3.1.4 The proposed access track serving the wind farm will cross over two bridleways.
Therefore, during the construction and decommissioning phases a Traffic Management
Plan (TMP) will be implemented to allow construction traffic to cross these safely. With
a TMP in place it is not considered that this would result in any undue inconvenience
or danger to users of the public rights of way.
3.2 Policy Context
3.2.1 The Companion Guide to the former PPS22 points out that road access to a wind farm
site will need to be able to accommodate trailers carrying the longest loads (usually the
blades), as well as the heaviest and widest loads (generally the cranes required during
construction). It advises that that works to existing roads required to gain access to the
site should be detailed in any planning application.
3.2.2 The Companion Guide goes on to state that on-site tracks need to meet the weight
and dimensional requirements detailed above. Also, that a developer may propose that
they are retained for the life of the wind farm given that there will be an operational
requirement for decommissioning and to gain access to the site for routine
maintenance with light vehicles, as well as to reach the site with loads potentially as
large as those initially used. It points out that this would only be required in the case of
a major component failure, which would be a rare occurrence.
3.2.3 In relation to traffic and transport impacts of wind farm development, paragraph 2.7.74
of NPS EN-3 states that the applicant should address the various potential routes for
the delivery of materials and components where the source of the material is known at
the time of the application, and select the route that is considered to be the most
appropriate.
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3.2.4 Paragraph 2.7.76 of EN-3 advises that the applicant should assess whether the access
roads are suitable for the transportation of components which will include whether they
are sufficiently wide for the blades, or bridges sufficiently strong for the heavier
components to be transported to the site. Any sections of the route which will require
modification to allow for the transportation of components to site should be identified
and potential effects assessed as part of the ES. Paragraph 2.7.76 acknowledges that
once wind farms are in operation, traffic movements to and from the site are generally
very light, in some instances as little as a few visits each month by a light commercial
vehicle or car. The need to replace machine components will generate heavier
commercial vehicle movements, but these are likely to be infrequent. It therefore
concludes that it is very unlikely that traffic or transport impacts from the operational
phase of a wind farm would prevent it from being approved.
3.2.5 In proposing vehicular access from Popham Court Lane, as discussed below, due
regard has been given to saved policies of the Basingstoke and Dean Borough Local
plan Review 1996 – 2012. Policy E1 is a general development control policy which
states that proposals for new development will be permitted provided that, amongst
other things, they do not result in inappropriate traffic generation or compromise
highway safety. Criterion iii requires proposals to provide safe and convenient access.
3.2.6 Policy EC7 relates to development that forms a part of a farm diversification scheme
which it states will be permitted provided that it does not generate traffic of a type or
amount inappropriate for the rural roads affected or require improvements to these
roads which could be detrimental to their character. Policy A6 specifically relates to
proposals for renewable energy development and states that there should be no
adverse impact on the amenity of the area by, amongst other things, traffic generation.
3.3 Construction and Decommissioning Access
3.3.1 The planning application proposes the construction of a new vehicular access from
Popham Court Lane to allow access into the site for construction traffic from the M3 via
the A30 and A33. This is to avoid heavy construction traffic travelling through Popham
and Woodmancott in the interests of the safety of other highway users, residential
amenity and to allow abnormal load vehicles associated with the delivery of wind
turbine components to access the site.
3.3.2 The position of the vehicular access to the site is shown in Figure 4.10, which
demonstrates that it has been designed to allow abnormal loads to enter the site. The
proposed access will be gated when not in use to prevent unauthorised use.
3.3.3 To ensure that the proposals do not prejudice highway safety or the free flow of traffic
a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared and agreed with BDBC, Hampshire
County Council in its capacity as the Highway Authority and the Highways Agency,
which is responsible for motorways and strategic A roads. The main components of the
TMP would be:
agreed transport routes on public roads to be followed by all site
associated traffic;
scheduling and timing of vehicle movements to minimise, where
practical, the use of public roads at busy times;
the management of junctions and crossings;
abnormal load movements to be publicised well in advance and
escorted;
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temporary warning signs and other signage to ensure that construction
vehicles use designated routes;
temporary removal and replacement of highway furniture; and
pollution control and wheel washing facilities.
3.4 Internal Access Tracks
3.4.1 The proposed wind farm will be served by internal access tracks, with a total length of
approximately 4.5 km and with a width of 5.0m, as shown in Figure 4.2. Some 2.5 km
would be new track and 2 km will involve the upgrading of existing farm tracks. The
distribution of turbines across the site is clearly a principal guiding factor in determining
the extent and layout of the tracks, but consideration has also been given to:
the need to follow the alignment of existing hedgerows and boundaries,
where possible, to minimise disruption to existing farming activities; and
the desire to avoid damage to hedgerow on and adjoining the site and to
minimise the loss of hedgerow habitat where this is not possible.
3.5 Maintenance of Access Features
3.5.1 Once operational the wind farm will generate insignificant volumes of traffic, as the
only scheduled traffic movements would be occasional visits made by maintenance
staff generally in light vehicles. This is acknowledged in 2.7.79 of NPS EN-3 which also
points out that there could be the need to replace machine components which will
generate heavier commercial vehicle movements, although these are likely to be
infrequent. Therefore, there will be a requirement to retain the construction access
from Popham Court Lane to cater for this eventuality.
3.5.2 The internal tracks will be retained to allow access to the wind turbines and control
building for routine maintenance visits over the life time of the wind farm (i.e. 25 years)
and for its decommissioning
3.6 Turbine Delivery Route
3.6.1 It is debatable if there is a requirement under Statutory Instrument 1062/2006 to
consider the turbine transport route as part of this DAS, but it is included for
completeness.
3.6.2 It is anticipated that the Port of Portsmouth will be the receiving port for the wind
turbines being the closest port to the site and because the roads from the port to the
application site are suitable for abnormal load vehicles. The haulage route from the
port to the site would therefore be mainly via the strategic road network using the M27
and M3 motorways and then via short stretches of the A30, A33 and Popham Court
Lane.
3.6.3 The specialist vehicles used to deliver the turbine components will therefore approach
the site from the south without the need to carry out widening works. The temporary
removal of some street furniture, such as road signs, might be necessary between the
M3 motorway and the site to accommodate wind turbine delivery towards the end of
the construction period. As indicated above all abnormal load vehicles will follow the
TMP and will be escorted, ensuring safe navigation along the above roads, and timed
to take place outside of peak periods.
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3.7 Access Summary
3.7.1 The construction of a new vehicular access from Popham Court Lane, supported by a
TMP, will provide safe access into and egress from the site during the construction and
decommissioning phases and will prevent construction traffic from travelling through
Popham and Woodmancott. It will also help to protect the amenities of local residents
from noise and disturbance associated with these movements.
3.7.2 Abnormal load vehicles can access the site using the existing highway network without
the requirement for road widening works, although the temporary removal of some
street furniture may be required.
3.7.3 The operational phase of the wind farm will have no or very little impact on local roads.
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4. Design and Access Conclusions
4.1.1 The scale, layout, design, appearance and other aspects of the design of the proposed
Woodmancott Down Wind Farm have been informed by design objectives and
principles stemming from a range of technical, environmental and social
considerations.
4.1.2 Amendments to the design of the project in relation to the number of wind turbines,
height and layout have been made in direct response to the findings of the EIA,
planning policy and guidance and stakeholder and public consultation. This is to
ensure that environmental and social impacts are addressed satisfactorily and
minimised while the site’s potential to generate renewable energy from wind is
maximised.
4.1.3 Access and traffic issues arising principally from the construction and
decommissioning phases of the proposed wind farm have been considered and
addressed through taking direct access from the Popham Court Lane via a proposed
new vehicular access. Appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented through
the preparation of a TMP.
FIGURES
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DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
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