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Peel Wind Farms (Blue Sky Forest) Ltd Blue Sky Forest Wind FarmEnvironmental Statement

Non-Technical Summary

January 2012

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

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Document Revisions

No. Details Date

0 Draft for client comments January 2012

1 Final January 2012

Peel Wind Farm (Blue Sky Forest) Ltd Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm

© AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited i

Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Background 5

3. The Development Proposals 7

4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 9

4.2 Consultation 9

4.3 Environmental Effects 10

4.4 Landscape and Visual 10

4.5 Noise 13

4.6 Hydrology and Hydrogeology 14

4.7 Ecology 14

4.8 Ornithology 15

4.9 Cultural Heritage 16

4.10 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation 17

4.11 Traffic and Transport 18

4.12 Socio-Economics 19

4.13 Shadow Flicker 19

Figure 1.1 Site Boundaries After Page 8 Figure 1.1 Site Location After Page 8


© AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited 3

1. Introduction

1.1.1 This document is a Non Technical Summary (NTS) of the Environmental Statement

(ES) that has been prepared by Amec Environment and Infrastructure UK Ltd on

behalf of Peel Wind Farm (Blue Sky Forest) Ltd (Peel) to accompany an application

for planning permission for the development of a 13 turbine wind farm known as the

Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm. The wind farm is located on an area of former surface

mining between the hamlet of West Chevington and the village of Widdrington,

approximately 12km north of Ashington, and approximately 30km north of Newcastle

in Northumberland.

1.1.2 The ES provides extensive details of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

which has been undertaken pursuant to the Town and Country Planning

(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. Those interested in obtaining

more detail about the environmental aspects of this proposal should consult the main

ES which presents the findings of the EIA, and which accompanies the planning

application. Hard copies of these documents will be placed in local libraries by

Northumberland County Council, who can be contacted at the address below to

confirm their locations.

1.1.3 Further copies of this Non-Technical Summary may be obtained free of charge from

the following address:

Project Developer Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm,

Peel Energy

Peel Dome

The Trafford Centre

Manchester

M17 8PL

1.1.4 Copies of the full Environmental Statement on CD ROM (including figures and

appendices) can be obtained for £25 per copy from the same location or can be

downloaded from our website at http://www.peelenergy.co.uk/blue-sky-forest-wind-

farm Alternatively, a hard copy of the ES can be purchased for a charge of £250 +

P&P.

1.1.5 Any comments on the proposals or findings of this assessment should be directed in

writing to Joe Nugent, Senior Planning Officer at Northumberland County Council at

the address noted below, identifying that the correspondence refers to the Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm and specifying the grounds for representation.

Planning Department,

Northumberland County Council

County Hall

Morpeth

Northumberland

NE61 2EF



2. Background

2.1.1 Interest in renewable energy production (such as that produced by a wind farm) has

arisen in response to growing concern about the rise in atmospheric levels of carbon

dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, and the changes in the global climate that

this could be causing. Burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) is a major contributor

to greenhouse gas emissions and reducing their use and increasing the proportion of

power generated from renewable energy sources is seen as a vital part of reducing

these emissions, notwithstanding that increasing energy efficiency also has a vital role

to play in this process.

2.1.2 In order to meet international obligations, the UK government is committed to

reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to reduce the level of future climate

change. It is expected by the UK Government that a significant proportion of the

power generation capacity required to replace fossil fuel generation will come in the

short term from onshore wind generation. As the UK has one of the windiest climates

in Europe, it has great potential to generate electricity from wind power and, if

constructed, the wind farm development at Blue Sky Forest would contribute towards

renewable generation capacity.

2.1.3 Peel Wind Farm (Blue Sky Forest) Ltd is a subsidiary of Peel Energy Ltd, and Peel

Energy is part of the Peel Holdings Group of Companies, one of the leading property

and transport companies within the U.K. The Peel group is divided into various

divisions.

2.1.4 Peel Land & Property are owners of substantial property investment, development and

land assets portfolio. Over time Peel has expanded its portfolio to include new and

innovative developments such as in the renewable energy sector. Peel is now heavily

committed to wind farm developments and has set up a special subsidiary company,

Peel Energy Ltd, to progress wind projects in the UK.

2.1.5 Peel Energy Ltd currently owns and operates three wind farms in England, with a

combined installed capacity of over 75MW of renewable energy. Each of the wind

farms within the Peel Energy portfolio were developed individually as stand alone

project companies, as follows:

• Seaforth Wind Farm Ltd, a 3.6MW project operational since 1999;

• Scout Moor Wind Farm Ltd, a 65MW project on moorland between Rawtenstall

and Rochdale, operational since 2008; and

• Port of Liverpool Wind Farm Ltd, a 10MW project in the heart of Liverpool docks

and operational since 2009.

2.1.6 Peel Energy Ltd have also gained planning approval for a 4 turbine scheme (up to

12MW) at the Port of Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppy in Kent, a five turbine scheme

(up to 10MW) on the site of the former Bilsthorpe Colliery at Stonish Hill in

Nottinghamshire, and a biomass energy plant (up to 20MW) at Ince Park in Cheshire.



2.1.7 The EIA has been managed by AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited

(Amec) who also coordinated production of the ES and this NTS. Amec E&I UK is

one of the UK’s leading environmental and engineering consultancies and are

Registered Environmental Impact Assessors under an accreditation scheme run by the

Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA): the principal

professional body for EIA in the UK.



3. The Development Proposals

3.1.1 The layout and location of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm are shown on Figures 1.1

and 1.2 respectively in Volume 2 of the ES and these are reproduced in this NTS (after

page 7).

3.1.2 The site of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm (Site) is located in Northumberland,

approximately 12km north of Ashington. The Site consists of a relatively flat area

which comprises areas of restored surface mining and forestry located to the northwest

of the village of Widdrington, and between the hamlets of West Chevington and the

village of Red Row, approximately 12km north of Ashington.

3.1.3 The proposed access route to the Site for turbine components is from Battleship Wharf

at Blyth Docks – Battleship Wharf Access Road – A189 – A1068 – Unnamed Road

(C114).

3.1.4 Thirteen wind turbines with rotating blades are proposed to be erected. Each turbine

would consist of a tubular steel tower supporting three blades with a hub height of

approximately 80m, with an overall maximum height to blade tip of up to 126.5m. In

addition to the wind turbines associated infrastructure would include:

• New vehicular access;

• Hard standing areas e.g. crane pads;

• On-site access track construction;

• Temporary works e.g. construction compound;

• Control building, substation and cabling; and

• an anemometer mast.

3.1.5 The planned operational life of the wind farm is up to 25 years and for the purposes of

the assessment presented in the ES, it is assumed that the wind farm will be

decommissioned after this period.



4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1.1 EIA is a process by which information about the environmental effects of a proposed

development is collected, evaluated and presented to assist consultation and to enable

decision makers to take account of these effects when determining whether or not a

project should proceed and, if it does, with what particular controls over its

construction or operation are needed to protect the environment.

4.1.2 The scope of the EIA was set out in a scoping opinion received from the Local

Planning Authority, Northumberland County Council in April 2011.

4.1.3 The EIA has identified the likely effects of the proposals on the environment

(including people) and determination has been made as to whether any of these could

be significant. A number of measures to reduce potentially unacceptable adverse

effects have been incorporated into the design of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm or

are proposed as part of its operational management.

4.1.4 The ES accompanies the planning application and reports the findings of the EIA.

The EIA was completed in accordance with the Town and Country Planning

(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (“EIA Regulations”) and the

ES comprises three volumes: Volume 1 – Main Text, Volume 2 - Figures, and Volume

3 - Appendices.

4.1.5 The assessment of effects is undertaken in an impartial manner and the findings are

presented in a systematic way in the ES, which will be used by Northumberland

County Council to help inform its decision about whether or not the development

should be allowed to proceed.

4.2 Consultation

4.2.1 A vital aspect of the EIA process that is reported in the ES is consultation, both to

agree which environmental topics need most attention and to understand public

perception of the development in order to help in the design process. Extensive

scoping and consultation (including public consultation) was undertaken throughout

the development of the design of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm. Consultation with

statutory consultees was undertaken through a formal scoping opinion; responses were

received from the relevant departments of Northumberland County Council, Parish

Councils, MoD, NATS, Newcastle International Airport, the Highways Agency,

Environment Agency, RSPB, Natural England, and English Heritage. In addition, the

following bodies were also consulted: microwave link operators, Linesearch, the

CAA, relevant airports, and a number of operators of existing infrastructure such as

BT, Northern Gas Networks and Northern Electric Distribution Ltd.

4.2.2 Peel also undertook public consultation through mechanisms such as newsletters,

public exhibitions which were held at Widdrington Women’s Institute Hall, Ulgham

Women’s Institute Hall, Widdrington Community Centre, Tritlington First School,

Cresswell Village Hall, and Hadston House. Presentations were made to seven Parish



Councils; East Chevington, Widdrington Station & Stobswood, Cresswell, Ellington

& Linton, Widdrington, Ulgham and Longhirst.

4.3 Environmental Effects

4.3.1 The potential significant effects identified during the scoping exercise were subject to

detailed assessment, using methodologies appropriate to the different environmental

topics that need to be considered as part of an EIA. These methodologies were based

on recognised good practice. The environmental topics considered in the ES are:

• Landscape and Visual Impact;

• Noise;

• Hydrology and Hydrogeology;

• Ecology;

• Ornithology;

• Cultural Heritage;

• Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation and Public

Safety;

• Traffic and Transport;

• Socio-Economics; and

• Shadow Flicker.

4.3.2 The findings of the assessments that are reported in the ES are intended to assist

Northumberland County Council and other stakeholders that they consult in coming to

a view about whether or not the proposed development should proceed (and how it

should proceed if planning permission is granted). The decision-making is in itself

part of the EIA process.

4.3.3 The following sections provide a brief summary of the main findings of the EIA as set

out in detail within the technical chapters of the ES.

4.4 Landscape and Visual

4.4.1 Overall the visual assessment concludes that the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm would be

acceptable in visual terms. It is acknowledged that the visual assessment identifies 50

individuals or small groups of people in properties, travelling local roads and using

local public rights of way who have been assessed as likely or certain to sustain

significant visual effects as a consequence of the operation of the thirteen turbines. It

is acknowledged that it is likely that these effects would be perceived to be adverse.

However this figure represents a relatively low proportion of the total number of

potential visual receptors, even with regard to the immediate surrounding area. They

include a proportion of residents in five settlements (Widdrington, Red Row, Hadston,



Druridge and Cresswell) and residents in 20 individual properties outwith these

settlements.

4.4.2 Most of these potentially significantly affected residents have some longstanding

views of the open cast mining and /or the associated extensive restoration works i.e.

the affected views are frequently not ‘pristine’. Nevertheless it is acknowledged that

the height, scale and movement of the turbines would provide them with a different

role in these views compared with visual elements in the existing baseline and that

many of the intrusive aspects of the open casting and subsequent restoration works

would be removed under the future baseline.

4.4.3 None of the significantly affected people would be located more than 5km away and

the overwhelming majority would be located within 2.5km of any of the proposed

turbines. Most are concentrated in locations to the east of the Blue Sky Forest Wind

Farm due to a combination of settlement distribution and the lower levels of screening

tree cover in this direction. However it should be noted that although the 10km radius

detailed study area contains a high number of recreational and tourist facilities and

destinations, it is assessed that receptors utilising only two of these facilities: the

closest subsections of the Northumberland Coastal Path and National Cycle Route 1,

would sustain significant visual effects.

4.4.4 When considering the outcome of both the landscape and the visual assessments

weight should be given to the fact that the introduction of any new element that is

126.5m high in views would be highly likely to generate considerable change in the

views of people living or undertaking outside activities in its immediate environs.

Most of the people affected in this manner would be likely to hold the opinion that that

these changes are adverse in the manner stated in the visual evaluation tables, although

in reality such an opinion would not be universally held by all these people.

4.4.5 With regard to landscape effects the assessment has considered the potential for the

Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm to have a significant effect upon key characteristics of all

11 landscape character areas (LCAs) that have been defined in the recently published

Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment and which are partly or completely

located within 10km of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm. It concluded that two LCAs

would sustain ‘medium’ magnitudes of landscape change due to the presence of the

turbines. These would be the Coastal Coalfields LCA (39a) in which the wind farm

would be located and the Druridge Bay LCA (40a) along the closest stretch of

coastline. Effects on the former would not be significant as previous studies have

concluded that due to its recent land-use history of extensive open cast mining and

subsequent simplistic restoration, the Coastal Coalfields LCA is considered to have a

low sensitivity to wind farm developments and indeed already includes the recently

opened 13 turbine Lynemouth Wind Farm. The Drurudge Bay LCA’s differing land-

use history with less overt extensive human activity and associated increased aesthetic

qualities provide it with greater sensitivity to the sort of changes that the regular

presence of a wind farm would bring even if it were to be sited outside the LCA. This

increased sensitivity to landscape changes would result in significant effects.

4.4.6 There are several national landscape designations present within the wider 35km

radius study area, principally parts of Northumberland National Park and

Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as the

North Northumberland Heritage Coast. The landscape assessment concludes that



none of these nationally designated landscapes would sustain significant landscape

effects: the National Park and AONB are too distant and by running a software

programme which shows all the locations from where one or more of the Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm’s turbines could potentially be seen, it is apparent that the turbines

could only potentially be discernible from a small proportion of the Park and AONB

and as such could not affect their valued attributes. Part of the Heritage Coast is

located much closer but a detailed assessment concludes that as the landward

boundary of the Heritage Coast is tightly restricted to the beaches and dune systems

that flank Druridge Bay, the turbines would not be a constant presence and would not

affect the important relationship between the beaches, dunes and the seascapes of

Druridge Bay. Nor would they affect any of the other purposes for which Heritage

Coasts have been defined such as encouraging public enjoyment and water quality.

4.4.7 Several local landscape designations have been retained in parts of the study area

subsequent to the formation of the countywide unitary authority. The landscape

assessment has included 11 areas covered by local landscape designations and has

concluded that none of these areas would have its valued characteristics sufficiently

altered by the potential, often distant, presence of the wind farm for effects to be

assessed as significant.

4.4.8 In line with established best practice the assessment has included a detailed review of

Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm’s potential contribution to cumulative landscape and

visual effects in association with all the existing, permitted and proposed wind farm

developments across much of north-eastern England and south-eastern Scotland.

Although the cumulative assessment identified 44 wind farm developments during the

cumulative assessment it soon became apparent that cumulative effects in which Blue

Sky Forest Wind Farm’s turbines could play leading role would be associated with the

three closest wind farm developments only: the operational 13 turbine Lynemouth

Wind Farm; the consented three turbine Bewick Drift Wind Farm; and the

neighbouring proposed four turbine Sisters Wind Farm. All other wind farm

developments would be at least 14km away and as such the potential for cumulative

significant landscape and visual effects would be minimal.

4.4.9 The recently operational 13 turbine Lynemouth Wind Farm’s landscape and visual

role has already been included in the main landscape and visual assessment as it is part

of the existing or baseline situation. Once operational the three turbine Bewick Drift

Wind Farm would frequently in landscape and visual terms be perceived to be part of

the nearby Lynemouth Wind Farm. The main effect of the simultaneous operation of

Blue Sky Forest, Lynemouth and Bewick Drift Wind Farms would be to make the

presence of turbines one of the key characteristics of the Coastal Coalfields LCA in

which all but two of the combined total of 29 turbines would be located. Were the

proposed four turbines at Sisters Wind Farm also to become operational this would

serve to further emphasise the role of turbines within the Coastal Coalfields LCA and,

to a lesser extent, within the nearby Druridge Bay LCA. In such a situation with 13

turbines compared to the four turbines of equal size proposed for Sisters, Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm could assume responsibility for a greater proportion of any

cumulative landscape or visual effects.

4.4.10 Were Sisters and Blue Sky Forest Wind Farms to both become operational they

would be seen as being a single 17 turbine wind farm in nearly all views available to

people living, working, travelling through or undertaking recreational activities in this



part of Northumberland. The cumulative viewpoint assessment for the 21 locations

from where photomontage visualisations have been produced concluded that at none

of the viewpoints would people experience significant cumulative visual effects unless

they would already sustain significant visual effects from the operation of Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm under the existing baseline conditions. At three of the six

viewpoints where significant visual effects would be expected to arise, people close to

that viewpoint would sustain significant visual effects even if Blue Sky Forest Wind

Farm were not to become operational. These would be as a consequence of the

operation of the smaller proposed Sisters Wind Farm.

4.4.11 The Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm should be deemed to be acceptable as significant

landscape and visual effects have been minimised as far as is practically possible.

Also there would be a good possibility that over the twenty five year operational

period the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm would be absorbed into the local landscape

character and become a signature feature in some of the views within the detailed

study area.

4.5 Noise

4.5.1 An assessment considering noise from the construction, operation and

decommissioning of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm was undertaken. For each phase

of the development the assessment considered compliance with the applicable noise

limit(s).

4.5.2 The assessment shows that the separation distance between the construction areas and

receptors is sufficient to ensure that any construction noise effects will not cause

significant disturbance. It is assumed that decommissioning noise will be generally

less or, at most, similar to that experienced during the construction period. Therefore

no significant effects are anticipated in respect of noise from construction and

decommissioning activities.

4.5.3 Operational noise was assessed in accordance with ETSU-R-97 guidance: ‘The

Assessment of Rating of Noise from Windfarms’ ("ETSU Guidance"). This

assessment has utilised background noise measurements taken at seven locations

surrounding the wind farm. The assessment was based upon an ‘envelope’ of turbine

noise emissions, which considered a number of potential wind turbine models suitable

for the wind farm and used the highest noise level at each wind speed irrespective of

the model type. The design of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm is such that, based

upon this worst-case envelope of noise emissions, predictions of operational noise

levels do not exceed ETSU noise limits. This confirms that a range of commercially

available turbines are suitable for the wind farm. Any turbine installed at the Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm will be required to meet the noise limits derived in this assessment,

inclusive of any penalties for tonal noise.

4.5.4 The operational noise assessment was extended to consider potential cumulative noise

effects resulting from the proposed Sisters Wind Farm (approximately 880m south-

east of the nearest Blue Sky Forest turbine). The cumulative assessment has

demonstrated that when residential receptors are downwind of both the proposed wind

farms operating concurrently, only small increases, well below the ETSU Guidance



limits, would be predicted at each receptor. Therefore, no significant cumulative noise

effects are predicted.

4.5.5 There is no evidence to support the assertion that low frequency noise or vibration,

either ground borne or airborne, due to the operation of wind farms causes potential

adverse impacts. Studies that have been undertaken on wind farms have shown very

low measured levels of low frequency noise or vibration, substantially below levels

likely to have any effect on humans or structures.

4.5.6 In conclusion, this assessment shows that the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm will comply

with all relevant standards and guidelines designed to protect residential amenity in

respect of noise.

4.6 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

4.6.1 The assessment has highlighted a number of potential impacts on site hydrology and

hydrogeology, primarily during wind turbine construction, but potentially also during

site operation and decommissioning. These impacts are associated with a range of

activities, including access track construction and wind turbine erection. The most

significant potential impacts are associated with sediment-laden runoff from exposed

ground entering surface watercourses.

4.6.2 Mitigation measures inherent in the design of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm have

been proposed to reduce the likelihood and magnitude of a pollution or flood event

resulting from the development. These mitigation measures have been defined for

each element of the on-site development. The measures would be undertaken in

accordance with current best practice, and would ensure that there are no significant

effects on hydrological or hydrogeological receptors as a result of the proposed

development.

4.7 Ecology

4.7.1 The scope of the ecological assessment was determined through a combination of desk

study, to identify existing biological data relating to the application Site boundary1

(“the Site”, ~59.1ha) and surrounding area (the “core survey area”, ~256.8ha which

encompasses the Site and land within up to 500m of the core study area depending

upon the area relevant to each ecological receptor), site visits and consultation with

relevant nature conservation organisations. An Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey was

undertaken across the core survey area (subject to access) and habitat-based

assessments and/or detailed surveys (where required) for great crested newt (GCN –

Triturus cristatus), badger (Meles meles), otter (Lutra lutra), water vole (Arvicola

amphibious), white-clawed crayfish (WCC - Austropotamobius pallipes), freshwater

pearl-mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), salmonids, bats, reptiles and red squirrel

(Sciurus vulgaris) were also undertaken.

4.7.2 No statutory or non-statutory designated nature conservation sites are present within

2km of the core survey area. Two statutory and one non-statutory designated sites are

1 As defined in Chapter 3..



present within ~2.5km of the core survey area, and several additional sites are present

within ~10km. No significant effects upon the designated features of statutory and

non-statutory nature conservation sites are predicted.

4.7.3 The core survey area comprises habitats of local or less than local nature conservation

value, such as improved grassland and arable fields, interspersed with coniferous and

mixed plantation woodland, semi-natural broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows,

watercourses and waterbodies, and several large areas of former surface coal mine. At

the design stage, minimisation of habitat loss (permanent and temporary) was a

consideration (based upon the ecological survey results available at the design stage)

and any potentially ecologically valuable habitats including watercourses and

waterbodies were avoided where possible. No significant effects upon habitats are

predicted.

4.7.4 The presence of red squirrel, otter and bats was confirmed within the core survey area

during the survey work. The proposed mitigation for these species focuses on

minimising potential disturbance, for example, by undertaking pre-construction

surveys for badger to determine whether new setts have become established close to

construction areas. At the design stage, minimisation of habitat loss (permanent and

temporary) was a consideration and any habitats suitable for protected and otherwise

notable species were avoided where possible. With such measures in place, no

significant effects upon protected or otherwise notable species are predicted.

4.7.5 It is therefore predicted that the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm would not have

significant effects on habitat and species interests.

4.8 Ornithology

4.8.1 A programme of ornithological surveys was implemented between 2009 and 2011 in

order to assess flight activity and the bird assemblage using the core survey area

throughout the year. Breeding bird territory mapping surveys were undertaken in the

2009, 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons, with monthly winter walkover surveys

undertaken between September 2009 and March 2010. Vantage point ("VP") watches

were undertaken over the same period. In addition, data was available from surveys

of a wider area of land (including the core survey area and adjacent land to the west

and north) during the 2005 breeding season and 2006/07 winter season.

4.8.2 The results indicate that the core survey area supports breeding and wintering bird

assemblages that are considered to be typical of lowland farmland in the wider area.

The amount of flight activity of ‘target species’ (birds of high nature conservation

importance) was low. The results did however indicate that the core survey area is

potentially of medium (i.e. regional) importance for the following seven species:

shelduck, gadwall, marsh harrier, barn owl, long-eared owl, quail and tree sparrow.

4.8.3 Surveys during the 2009/10 winter season did not record field utilisation by pink-

footed geese and the flight activity of this species was low. Surveys of adjacent land

at the proposed Sisters Wind Farm in winter 2008/09 did not yield any records of this

species. Desk study data indicates that the core wintering distribution of this species

in this area is along the 2km coastal strip, to the east of the core survey area. Pink-

footed goose activity over the core survey area and adjacent land was higher during



the 2006/07 winter season, however the area of flooded ground that they were using

has subsequently been lost as a result of mining operations. No field utilisation was

recorded within the core survey area during monthly walkover surveys.

4.8.4 Potential impacts on birds resulting from the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm are each

considered to be of either low or negligible magnitude. Land take (comprising

common and widespread habitats) will be small. The impacts of constructional and

operational disturbance on breeding and wintering birds are likely to be of low to

negligible magnitude, with habitats remaining suitable for use by key species. Target

species flight activity was low and collision-risk modelling of the species recorded

most frequently within the collision-risk volume (marsh harrier) predicted a collision

rate of 0.09 birds per breeding season, which would constitute a low magnitude effect.

4.8.5 Regardless of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm, sections of land within the core survey

area, adjacent land to the north, south and west and land at North Stobswood (c.1.5km

to the south-west) will be progressively restored from former surface mining land to a

mosaic of agricultural land, species-rich grassland, woodland and wetlands. The new

habitats will provide additional foraging opportunities for many species, although the

physical properties of the fields in the core survey area (i.e. size and boundary

features) are likely to be less attractive to pink-footed geese than those of fields in the

surrounding area. It is considered unlikely that the restoration will result in regular

use by key species of wildfowl or waders.

4.8.6 As no significant impacts are predicted, no specific mitigation or compensation

measures are proposed. Measures will however be implemented to protect nesting

birds from harm and Schedule 1 listed species (quail) from disturbance during the

breeding season. It is also proposed to undertake monitoring surveys for pink-footed

goose and golden plover of land in the core survey area and restored land within a

1km buffer, in order to monitor any changes in the use of these areas following

restoration. Should the surveys record regular use of the survey area by these species

then measures would be implemented to discourage use.

4.9 Cultural Heritage

4.9.1 The potential effects of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm on cultural heritage assets

have been studied and assessed. The assessment is based on a search of desk-based

sources and designations lists as well as visits to the Site and potential receptors within

the study area. The purpose of the assessment was to establish any significant cultural

heritage assets within the study areas, to identify any predicted significant effects

(both direct and indirect) of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm upon the historic

environment and to propose appropriate mitigation measures.

4.9.2 No direct effects on archaeological features will arise as a consequence of the Site

being located entirely within restored surface mining.

4.9.3 There are a number of designated heritage assets in the area surrounding the Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm. In particular, the sites of the former tower house at Widdrington

Castle and the later Gothic Castle are designated as a scheduled monument, and the

Church of the Holy Trinity, Widdrington is a Grade I listed building with associated



grade II listed funerary monuments. The Low Chibburn Preceptory is also a

Scheduled Monument, and West Chevington Farm House is a Grade II listed building.

4.9.4 The settings of these assets are defined by their location within a landscape dominated

by the visible traces of former and operational surface mining. This use has given rise

to far-reaching and fundamental landscape change that has dissociated most of theses

assets from related and associated features and land, particularly evident in the case of

West Chevington Farmhouse and Low Chibburn Preceptory, which are effectively

surrounded by restored and active surface mining. Most of the designated assets

within the study area are also characterised by dense screening, either from woodland

and mature tree planting or by location within built development.

4.9.5 The settings of these assets are defined by their location within a landscape dominated

by the visible traces of former and operational surface mining. This use has given rise

to far-reaching and fundamental landscape change that has dissociated most of theses

assets from related and associated features and land, particularly evident in the case of

West Chevington Farmhouse and Low Chibburn Preceptory, which are effectively

surrounded by restored and active surface mining. Most of the designated assets

within the study area are also characterised by dense screening, either from woodland

and mature tree planting or by location within built development. Consequently, the

settings of these assets generally make a relatively limited contribution to their

significance, which will not be adversely affected by the visibility of the proposed

turbines.

4.9.6 It is concluded that only a few assets are likely to be indirectly affected by the Blue

Sky Forest Wind Farm, and in each case will not be subject to sufficient magnitude of

change to give rise to substantial harm in terms of PPS 5. Consequently, no significant

adverse effects will arise on the settings of heritage assets.

4.10 Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation

4.10.1 A number of telecommunications and infrastructure consultees have indicated that

they operate telecommunications links or plant which could potentially be affected by

the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm if they were not accounted for in the layout design.

Suitable buffer and separation distances have been incorporated into the layout design

(as requested by the operators) to mitigate against any possible effects from the

majority of these. Reservations have been expressed by the JRC in relation to the

potential relationship between turbines and four 460 MHz Scanning Telemetry and

Telecontrol links, and two point to point microwave links. Detailed coordination and

consultation is being undertaken with the JRC to ensure that the concerns are

overcome.

4.10.2 The Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm will be within line of sight of the primary

surveillance radars at Newcastle International Airport (NIA) and RAF Brizlee Wood.

The turbines may generate unwanted radar returns on these radars and may also

reduce the radars’ ability to detect small aircraft at low altitudes above the wind farm.



4.10.3 The effects on the NIA radar will be mitigated by application of the airport’s strategy

of blanking the radar in the affected area. The effects on the RAF Brizlee Wood radar

will be mitigated by Peel making a financial contribution (along with other wind farm

developers in the locality) to the purchase of a new radar which filters out wind

turbine returns.

4.10.4 Effects on other aviation activities and facilities will be insignificant.

4.10.5 The Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm will be constructed and operated in accordance with

all relevant UK health and safety legislation to ensure the risk to public safety is

minimised.

4.10.6 The construction area will be appropriately signed to indicate the presence of

construction work and advise any recreational users of the wind farm of health and

safety issues.

4.11 Traffic and Transport

4.11.1 Estimates of traffic generation associated with the construction phase of the Blue Sky

Forest Wind Farm have been derived from a first principles approach based on

calculations of vehicle loads of imported materials.

4.11.2 General construction materials are proposed to be transported to the development site

via the A1068 to the east of the development site. Strategic routeing is assumed to be

via the A1, from the north or south depending on agreed concrete and aggregate

supplier. HGVs from the south are most likely to route via the A19 and A189 before

turning on to the A1068 approximately 1.5km south of Ellington. From here,

construction traffic is assumed to route north for approximately 9km before

undertaking a left turn onto the Unnamed Road (C114) from where the site is

proposed to be accessed. This road provides access to West Chevington.

4.11.3 The impact of construction-related traffic on the proposed access route for

construction traffic (using the A1068 and C114) has been calculated in relation to the

forecast background traffic in 2015 the anticipated year of construction.

4.11.4 Any increase in traffic associated with the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm is not predicted

to have a significant adverse effect on the local road network. As concrete for turbine

foundations is required to be poured on the same day, there will be 13 days where a

larger number of construction vehicle movements would occur than for the rest of the

construction programme. As these traffic volumes would only occur for a short

disproportionate period, it is considered that no significant adverse effects would

occur as a result.

4.11.5 Effects on severance, driver and pedestrian delay, pedestrian amenity and intimidation

are considered to be not significant. However, it is appropriate to consider some

additional management in the form of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to reduce the

potential for effects as far as reasonably possible; this will also ensure any residual

effects on highway safety are not significant.



4.12 Socio-Economics

4.12.1 The development of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm will impact upon the social and

economic conditions in the surrounding area. The existing socio-economic baseline

conditions have been considered, alongside research on public attitudes towards wind

farms, to inform the socio-economic assessment.

4.12.2 It is expected that the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm will generate minor positive

impacts on the local economy, and the wider area more generally, as a result of the

significant investment by Peel Energy.

4.12.3 While there are clearly different views on wind farms, there is no conclusive data that

demonstrates that tourism is generally adversely affected by these developments as

evidence is available that indicates positive, neutral or negative impacts. It is

acknowledged however that there is some opposition to wind farms on the basis that

they could discourage tourists, though as there are no major tourist attractions within

the vicinity of the site, this is not considered to be a potential issue in this location.

There are also examples of wind farms having a positive effect on tourism (e.g. the

Ecotech centre at Swaffham2, and Whitelee Windfarm in Scotland

3.

4.12.4 It is not considered that the operation of the wind farm would be prohibitive to

recreational use/enjoyment of the core study area. It should be noted that visitors to

the core study area are more likely to be local recreational users than tourists from

further afield. PRoW/footpaths will remain open during the operational life of the

Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm, and with the exception of two proposed bridleways,

which are outside oversail distance, all turbines have been located more than topple

distance from turbines.

4.13 Shadow Flicker

4.13.1 Shadow flicker occurs when a particular combination of conditions coincide in

specific locations at particular times of the day and year. It happens when the sun is

low in the sky and shines on the window(s) of a building from behind a wind turbine

rotor. If the turbines are rotating, this can cause the shadow to appear to flick on and

off as the turbine rotates.

4.13.2 The further an observer is from the turbine the less pronounced the shadow cast. This

is because there are few times when the sun is low enough to cast a long shadow.

When the sun is low it is more likely to be obscured by either cloud on the horizon or

intervening buildings and vegetation. Also the centre of the rotor's shadow passes

more quickly over the land reducing the duration of the effect. At distance, the blades

do not cover the sun but only partly mask it, substantially weakening the shadow.

4.13.3 When the moving shadow is experienced in this way through a window it is known as

shadow flicker. The flickering caused by shadow flicker may have a negative effect

2http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/from-the-wind/wind-parks-

gallery/ecotech-centre-norfolk (last accessed 06/10/11)

3http://www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk (last accessed 17/09/11)



on the amenity of affected residents. In accordance with The Companion Guide to

Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) ‘Renewable Energy’, a shadow flicker analysis

for properties in the vicinity of the Blue Sky Forest Wind Farm site was undertaken to

quantify the potential duration of this effect.

4.13.4 Potential receptors were identified with reference to PPS22, i.e. only those within ten

times the rotor diameter of turbines (up to 930m in this case) and 130o either side of

north, and it was predicted that shadow flicker could occur at 6 properties. The

locations of these properties are illustrated in ES Figure 14.1 and presented in ES

Table 14.1 together with their proximity to the nearest turbine. If necessary, effective

forms of shadow flicker mitigation will vary to suit the specific circumstances but may

include: window screening (with shutters, curtains or blinds); planting or constructing

garden screening.

4.13.5 A planning condition provides an appropriate form of mitigation to ensure that any

complaints will be investigated in a reasonable timescale and that the rectification of

any shadow flicker problem that is substantiated will be implemented promptly and

effectively.

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