design & access statement woodmancott down wind …

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: [email protected]

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


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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.


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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


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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


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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.


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.


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’.


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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.


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.


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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


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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.


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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.


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Photograph of a typical wind turbine of the design and appearance proposed at the 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.


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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 woodmancott down wind …

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