Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
May 2013
Contents
Section 1.0 Section 2.0 Section 3.0 Section 4.0 Section 5.0 Section 6.0 Introduction Approach & Routeing Principals Overview of Routeing Methodology Application of Routeing Methodology Findings of Corridor Appraisal Conclusion
Figures:
Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3 Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6 Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9 Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11 Figure 4.12 Wind Farm Development Connection Types: Double Wood Poles, Steel Tower, Undergrounding Project Study Area Highest Environmental Value Technical Constraints Landscape Sensitivity (LANDMAP) Broad Route Corridors Biodiversity and Geology Landscape and Visual Resources Field Based Landscape Sensitivity Historic Environment Residential Amenity Flood Risk Forestry and Woodland
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: The Holford Rules Visibility Appraisal Corridor Appraisal Tables
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St Asaph Substation
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St Asaph Substation
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Moel maelogen
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Moel maelogen
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Brenig
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Clocaenog
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Tir Mostyn
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Brenig
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Tir Mostyn
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Foel Goch
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Foel Goch
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Nant Bach Derwedd Bach Nant Bach
Derwedd Bach
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Wern Ddu
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Key:
Key:
Study Area St Asaph Substation St Asaph Substation Proposed Farm Substation Proposed Wind Wind Farm Substation
! ( ( ! ( ! ( !
TAN8 Strategic Renewables ! ( Energy Areas Energy Areas ( ! Distribution Network Distribution Network Existing ( ! Existing Wind Wind Farm Farm 400kV Overhead Lines 400kV Overhead Lines Possible Wind Wind Farm requiring SP Connection Lines Possible Farm requiring SP Connection 132kV Overhead ( ! 132kV Overhead Lines 33kV Overhead 33kVLines Overhead Lines
Study Area
County Boundary
Brenig (SJ021742)
In February 2007, Brenig Wind Ltd received consent to build a 16 turbine wind farm at Llyn Brenig, with an installed generating capacity of 40MW. The turbines will have a total height (to tip) of 100m.
wood poles average 15m in height and are spaced on average 100m apart. with an additional earth wire. The conductors are supported on a steel structure which sits on top of the double wood poles. method of connection offers the greatest potential for sensitive routeing, in hilly, small scale landscapes.
15m
p This
Steel Towers L4
p L4
towers average 26m in height and are spaced on average 180m apart. The tower is slender in profile with a narrow base (4m x 4m). The towers can either be single circuit, carrying a 132kV line on one side, or double circuit, carrying two 132kV lines, one on either side. towers offer less scope for sensitive routeing and are more suited to expansive, relatively flat landscapes. Their longer spans make them useful for crossing steep sided valleys which would be too steep for wood poles.
p Steel
Undergrounding
p The
1.5m
trench for an underground cable is approximately 1.5m wide. In agricultural land the overall working width would be approximately 15-20m. Cables can be laid in ducts in roads or across agricultural fields. may be appropriate where there are serious concerns about the potential adverse landscape and visual effects of an overhead line.
p Undergrounding
Minimum 2.0m
Figure 1.2- Connection Types: Double Wood Poles, Steel Tower, Undergrounding
1.6 This Route Corridor Report, which has been prepared by Gillespies LLP on behalf of SP Manweb, forms part of SP Manwebs project development. Its aim is to:
p Outline
the type of development for which routeing is required. p Set out the routeing methodology used to develop the routeing options. p Identify and assess the technical, economic, planning and environmental constraints to be taken into account in developing routeing options. p Identify, describe and appraise routeing options, culminating in the selection of a Preferred Option.
1.10 Additional wind farm developers have also been in discussion with SP Manweb for connections onto the grid in and around SSA A. These developers are at different stages of the planning process and do not have signed connection agreements with SP Manweb. As such, they are not currently included in this project. The location and status of these projects (as of Spring 2013), together with existing wind farms in the area, is detailed below and shown in Figure 1.1.
p Gorsedd
1.7 SP Manweb is part of the ScottishPower group of companies responsible for the distribution of electricity in North Wales and is the network license holder for North and Mid Wales and Merseyside, Cheshire and parts of Shropshire. SP Manweb also maintains and manages the network in the same areas. 1.8 Within North Wales, SP Manweb works with customers who may require a connection for additional electricity supply or are looking to provide generation, which needs to be exported onto the network. Section 16 of the Electricity Act 1989 requires SP Manweb to provide such connections as and when it is asked to do so by any of its customers and this can lead to new network being built in areas where it doesnt exist already. 1.9 SP Manweb has established an approach to developing connection projects, which takes account of statutory procedures as well as the companys own objectives for achieving wideranging consultation throughout the project planning stages. The process starts by considering strategic scheme alternatives for connecting a customer onto the electricity network and then, once a preferred alternative is identified, work begins on identifying and appraising a number of route options. This then progresses to the selection and identification of a Preferred Route prior to formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and production of an Environmental Statement (ES).
About SP Manweb
Bran scheme refused on appeal. Llys Dymper submitted to Conwy Council. p Mynyd Mynyllod request for scoping submitted to IPC. p Moel Maelogen existing wind farm with 33kV overhead line to Llanwrst. p Tir Mostyn and Foel Goch existing wind farm with 33kV cable to Denbigh (25 turbines 21.25MW) 1.11 The routeing methodology has necessarily remained flexible to take account of these other wind farms and respond to any changes in the status of their connections. It will not now include any new wind farm connections as the circuit capacity is full with the four wind farms that have signed connection agreements. Any new wind farm will require a separate connection onto the Grid.
1.12 The proposed corridors from the collector substation in the vicinity of the wind farms to the national transmission network at St Asaph, would allow for the connection to be made by overhead lines, underground cables or a combination of the two. Overhead lines could be built on steel towers (pylons) or double wood poles however the farmland through which the majority of the line would be built is considered to be more suitable for wood poles than steel towers. Steel towers may be considered in selected locations for example, crossing steep sided valleys such as the Elwy. Wood poles are preferred where technically feasible as they are less visually intrusive, less likely to be visible on the skyline and are more flexible for detailed routeing, providing a better fit with the landscape. Undergrounding may be appropriate where there are technical difficulties or serious concerns about the potential adverse landscape and visual effects of an overhead line.
Project Description
1.13 The wood pole overhead line design proposed for the 132kV circuit is of double wood pole (OHL132-03) design. These double wood poles have a maximum angle of line deviation of 35 degrees and are particularly suited to wind farm connections, which tend to be on higher ground and are subject to more adverse weather conditions. They are generally 15m in height (i.e. a 12.5m pole with 2.5m in the ground) and have an average span length of around 80m. However, both the height and span can be extended or reduced, as required to meet statutory clearance requirements or to address factors such as sloping ground. The poles carry 3-phase conductors (cables) in a single circuit network with an underslung earth wire, which incorporates a fibre optic cable for protection signaling and communication purposes. The four conductors are supported on a steel structure which sits on top of the double wood pole and are made of aluminium with the phase conductors having an overall diameter of 24mm and the earth/ fibre optic wire being 14mm in diameter. 1.14 Where necessary to overcome technical issues, steel towers may be used. These are lattice towers of the L4 series, which are used widely across the UK. They are generally 26m in height and support three conductors (wires) suspended from the side arms of each tower with a four earth/fibre optic wire usually carried across the top of the towers. The towers have a standard height of 26m with a span of approximately 200m, but these dimensions can be extended or reduced as required, to meet statutory clearance requirements or to address factors such as sloping ground. 1.15 Underground cables may also be required to overcome technical issues or in areas of highest visual sensitivity. The trench for the underground cable is approximately 1.5m wide, with a working width for installation of 15-20m if a haul road is required. Cables can be laid in ducts in roads or across agricultural fields. 1.16 The three proposed connection methods are illustrated in Figure 1.2.
p Strategic
1.17 This Route Corridor Report is part of a suite of documents, which will be developed over the course of the project and together demonstrate SP Manwebs commitment to developing a technically feasible and economically viable overhead line route, which causes the least disturbance to the environment and the people who live work and recreate within it. The suite of documents is outlined below, however these documents are not all currently complete and will be made available over time.
Options Report - This document provides evidence of the need for the wind farm connections and sets out the strategic system options considered by SP Manweb for connecting the wind farms to the distribution network. A summary of the options considered and conclusions reached is set out below. p North Wales Wind Farm Connection Strategic Environmental Alternatives - The purpose of this report is to inform the connection strategy by comparing a number of connection options from a landscape and visual perspective. p Relative Landscape Sensitivity in Relation to 132kV Overhead Lines - This sets out an appraisal of the study area in terms of its theoretical landscape sensitivity to accommodating overhead lines of the type proposed. p Route Corridor Report (this report) - This document forms the basis for the preapplication consultations and is supported by the Baseline Appendix, covering Landscape, Ecology and Cultural Heritage. p Substation Siting Report This document carries out an appraisal of the potential siting locations for the collector substation at Brenig. p Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) - This document sets out the SP Manwebs agreed strategy for consultation - providing details of when, where, how and with whom does the consultation take place, including details of how feedback will be provided. p Feedback Report This report sets out the consultation undertaken and the feedback received to date. It will be followed by further feedback reports as the consultation process moves forward in line with the SOCC. p Consultation Report - This Reports document the outcome of the consultation(s) and SP Manwebs response to them. p Environmental Statement - The project falls within the scope of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (Amended 2008) and the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Assessment Regulations) 2009. These require formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with production of an Environmental Statement (ES) and accompanying Screening and Scoping Reports.
1.18 SPMs Strategic Options Report (May 2013) presents the system option studies undertaken to identify the new network and infrastructure required to facilitate the customer connections. As the capacity of the existing network in the area is already fully utilised by the existing connected wind generation, the North Wales Wind Farms connection will require new infrastructure in the form of an additional 132kV circuit and new 33/132kV substation. 1.19 A number of options were considered to connect the four wind farms onto the existing grid network. Existing grid substations sites with the potential to connect to were considered in Wrexham and Flintshire as well as the chosen site at St Asaph. 1.20 The evaluation set out in the Strategic Options Report has confirmed that a new 33/132kV substation and a new 132kV circuit from SSA A to St Asaph are the appropriate distribution network reinforcements. This option is considered to be the most efficient, co-ordinated and economical way to connect wind generation in North Wales. The route corridor studies have been undertaken on this basis.
Strategic Options
This has resulted in route corridor options, as presented in the consultation, considered to be environmentally viable for the purposes of routeing overhead lines. 1.25 On the basis of the above, SP Manweb concludes that the economical cost of a wholly undergrounded option is not outweighed by the cost of the environmental impacts. However SP Manweb has not ruled out using some cable sections. The extent of cabling required will be guided by the outcome of more detailed environmental assessments in respect of the line design.
1.26 The Planning Act 2008 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) (the Act) amended the existing planning system in England and Wales for consenting overhead lines. 1.27 The Act established the Planning Inspectorate within the National Infrastructure Directorate (NID) as the body responsible for examining and deciding development consents for large-scale infrastructure proposals, which qualify as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). In accordance with Section 14(1)(b) of the Act, overhead lines installed above ground with a nominal voltage of greater than, or equal to, 132kV were considered NSIPs, to be determined by the Planning Inspectorate in accordance with the requirements of the Act. The overhead line component of this project falls within the parameters of a NSIP . 1.28 Applications will be determined in the context of the National Policy Statements, designated in July 2011. Those relevant to the North Wales Wind Farms Connections project are the Overarching National Energy Infrastructure Policy (EN-1) and draft Electricity Networks (EN-5). 1.29 The Substation component of this project is not classed as a NSIP and the planning application will therefore be determined by the Local Authority, in this case Denbighshire County Council. The potential location of the substation is discussed in more detail in the separate Substation Siting Report.
1.21 SP Manweb has a licence obligation to develop an efficient, coordinated and economical system. An overhead line solution typically facilitates compliance with these obligations. Overhead line solutions are more economical than cable alternatives to develop, as well as providing shorter return to service times under fault conditions. 1.22 SP Manweb accepts however that the justification for undergrounding should be considered on a case by case basis. These considerations would take into account cost and system design requirements, and the specific factors involved in each particular proposal, such as areas of high technical environmental constraint and areas of the highest recognised amenity value. 1.23 For 132kV projects cost estimates for underground cables are approximately four times more expensive than overhead lines. This can vary depending on ground conditions with it being more expensive to install cables within roads. It must also be recognised that the use of cable sections within a connection introduces additional technical issues within the network. 1.24 In terms of high amenity value, the approach in this project has been to develop a routeing methodology with the objective of avoiding areas of highest environmental value where possible.
Undergrounding
The structure of the report is as follows: Section 2.0 Approach & Routeing Principals Section 3.0 Overview of Routeing Methodology Section 4.0 Application of Routeing Methodology Section 5.0 Findings of Corridor Appraisal Section 6.0 Conclusion
p R.
Marshalls and R. Baxters 2002, Strategic Routeing and Environmental Impact Assessment for Overhead Electrical Transmission Lines. p Discussions held by SP Manweb with Conwy Council, Denbighshire Council and Wrexham Council. p Discussions held by SP Manweb with NRW, Cadw and Denbighshire Council. p Discussions held by SP Manweb with Forestry Commission Wales. p SP Manwebs recent experience of routeing overhead lines in Wales including the Mid Wales Connections Routeing Study (2009-ongoing), Llandinam (2008-2010) and Tirgwynt (2008-2009). 2.6 The methodology comprises a number of broadly sequential steps (see flow chart below). As the Preferred Route must be technically and economically viable, the following checks are undertaken at each step:
p A review by SP Manwebs engineering design team p A review by SP Manweb in relation to other
Approach
connections being developed within the study area. 2.7 It is important to note, however, that the methodology is iterative in nature, with the output of one stage informing the routeing and appraisal work of subsequent stages. Steps may be re-visited several times before a balance is achieved between technical, economic, planning and environmental considerations, with professional judgement being used to balance the factors. Flexibility is also required to allow any other connections that have been agreed, any changes to existing SP Manweb connections and any other connections that have come forward within the planning process. 2.8 Considerations, which have informed the development of the routeing methodology, are outlined below.
Holford Rules, together with the National Grid Company and Scottish Hydroelectricity Ltd (SHETL) clarification notes.
2.9 Technical considerations relate to both construction and operation of the overhead line. They include the location of operational and proposed turbines, existing overhead lines, altitude, rock outcrops, flood risk areas, steep slopes and peat deposits. Whilst not all of these technical considerations are absolute constraints, there is a presumption to avoid them wherever possible. The approach taken is to identify preferred environmental options informed by a staged review of technical issues.
Technical Considerations
2.10 Further details in relation to these technical constraints are provided within Step C of Chapter 4.0.
2.11 In compliance with Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989, the proposed connections must be economical. This is interpreted by SP Manweb as meaning that as far as is reasonably possible, and all other things being equal, the connections should be as direct as they can be, and the routes should avoid areas where technical difficulty or compensatory requirements would render the schemes uneconomic.
Economic Considerations
2.15 The local plans refer to a number of planning policies and land allocations, which may have implications for routeing overhead lines in the area. These include:
p Flood
Risk Areas Allocations p Employment Allocations p Mineral Sites p Green Barriers/Protected Open Spaces p Open Space/Recreational Allocations
p Housing
2.12 A number of current planning policies set the context within which electricity infrastructure proposals must be considered. These include UK wide and Welsh policy considerations such as the National Policy Statements (NPSs), the WAG Technical Advice Notes (TANs) and other planning policies and technical advice. 2.13 At a local level, the area is covered by two planning authorities. Denbighshire County Council covers the southern, eastern and northern parts of the study area and Conwy County Borough Council covers part of the western half. Both councils are currently in the process of producing Local Development Plans (LDP), to replace their current adopted development plans. Denbighshire have submitted their LDP to the Planning Inspectorate and are carrying out updates and Conwy are looking to adopt their LDP by August 2013. 2.14 For Denbigh, the Unitary Development Plan is the current adopted plan. For Conwy the current adopted plans comprise the Clwyd Structure Plan Second Alteration (Conwy Version), the Gwynedd Structure Plan, the Colwyn Borough Local Plan and the Llandudno/Conwy District Plan. Until 2004, the Council was preparing the Conwy Unitary Development Plan, which would have replaced the four adopted plans. Following advice from the Welsh Assembly Government, work on this plan has now ceased. Whilst it carries less weight than an adopted plan, it is still used in some circumstances in deciding planning applications.
Planning Considerations
2.16 Statutory duties imposed by Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 require licence holders to seek to preserve features of natural and cultural heritage interest and mitigate where possible any effects which their development may have on such features. The construction and operation of the overhead line will potentially have effects on the environment and the people who live, work and recreate within it, including effects on:
p Geology p Soils,
Environmental Considerations
and Hydrology forestry and agriculture p Visual amenity and views p Landscape character p Tourism and recreation p Ecology including woodlands p Cultural heritage including archaeology p Traffic and transport p Residential amenity p EMFs and noise 2.17 Some of these environmental considerations are given more consideration at the later, more detailed, routeing and EIA stages.
2.18 The SOCC will set out the SP Manwebs agreed strategy for formal consultation, including details of how feedback will be provided throughout the development of the project. Statutory agencies with an environmental remit including NRW, CADW, the Environment Agency Wales and Denbighshire and Conwy County Councils were advised of the emerging corridor designs and invited to respond to assist SP Manweb with its choice of preferred corridor. 2.19 The SOCC will also set out how future Public consultation events will be managed and feedback from the five public exhibitions in June 2012, three meetings with Community Councils and a further public exhibition in January 2013 have been recorded and analysed in the Feedback Report This feedback has been used to appraise the proposed corridors and assist SP Manweb with its choice of preferred corridor.
3.2 The primary objective of route selection is to identify a technically feasible and economically viable overhead line route between specified points, which causes the least disturbance to the environment, and to the people who live, work, visit and enjoy the area. 3.3 The methodology for this study has been developed to meet the specific needs of this study although it builds upon SP Manwebs experience in planning and constructing new overhead line connections in Wales, England and Scotland and is based on both established methodologies and best practice. The approach is iterative and the steps taken may be revisited several times, applying professional judgement in order to achieve the best balance between environmental, technical and economic considerations. Consultation is an inherent part of the process as set out in the Statement for Community Consultation and supporting feedback reports. 3.4 SP Manwebs approach to routeing is based on the principle that the major effect of an overhead line relates to the visibility of the wooden poles or steel towers and the associated insulators and conductors. The effect experienced by a viewer will vary along the route corridor, dependant on factors including viewing distance, cumulative impact, design, skyline position and backdrop. Visual impact can be reduced through the choice of tower or pole(s) and through limited opportunities for screen planting; however the most effective way of reducing the degree of visual intrusion is by careful routeing.
Approach
a methodology, which takes account of commercial considerations and the regulatory framework. p Ensure that the project is responsive to changing design scenarios, which may emerge from SP Manweb connection agreements within TAN 8 SSA A. p Progressively refine the potential options for the route of the overhead line, culminating in a Preferred Route. 3.1PHASE ONE Step A: Identification of Broad Study Area
Technical Review
Step E: Identification of Route Corridors 3.1PHASE TWO Step F: Comparative Appraisal of Route Corridors
3.5 The steps used in developing a methodology to identify potential routes for the overhead line were developed based on the hierarchical Holford Rules, which were adapted to reflect the characteristics of the study area. The key steps of the routeing methodology for this project are summarised below. Steps were undertaken sequentially, with each step informing the next, culminating in the identification of a Preferred Route for the connection.
3.12 LANDMAP provides detailed spatial information about five related datasets or aspects:
p Geological
Landscape: the study of the geology, geomorphology and hydrology of the area. p Landscape Habitats: the distribution of vegetation and habitats and the basis for landscape ecology. p Visual & Sensory: identifies those landscape qualities that are perceived through the senses. It deals with the individual physical attributes of landform and land cover, as well as their visual patterns of distribution and sensory characteristics, and the relationships between them in a particular area. p Historic Landscape: focuses on how archaeological and historical sites relate to each other and to the surrounding landscape. p Cultural Landscape: considers the relationship that exists between people and places; how people have given meaning to places, how the landscape has shaped their actions and their actions have shaped the landscape. 3.13 Information is provided at several levels, allowing examination of broader areas (Level 2) and then a more detailed examination at Level 3. LANDMAP datasets recently achieved complete coverage of Wales and are now able to be considered in emerging projects. 3.14 A series of LANDMAP Guidance Notes provide advice on how LANDMAP can be used within a particular context. Whilst there is no specific guidance on the use of LANDMAP in routeing overhead lines, SP Manweb views LANDMAP as an invaluable tool in informing each step of the routeing process, in part as a resource for baseline environmental information but particularly as an appraisal/evaluation tool in the more defined routeing stages. On this basis, LANDMAP is used to inform the determination of landscape sensitivity as part of the initial stages of the routeing study (namely Steps A-E) with the use of LANDMAP also being proposed for the appraisal of the route corridors (Step F). Further to this, LANDMAP will also be used during detailed routeing (Steps G and H) and again as part of the EIA phase in terms of the assessment of likely significant environmental effects arising from the North Wales Wind Farms Connection project in accordance with the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2009.
LANDMAP
3.11 LANDMAP1 is an information system devised by the Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which comprises the nationwide collation and evaluation of information about the landscape, for use as a reference tool in developing landscape policy and assessing development schemes in the context of landscape impact. LANDMAP is advocated by Planning Policy Wales (PPW, 2002) which sets out the land use policies for the Welsh Government. PPW establishes the Governments objectives for conservation and improvement of natural heritage, in particular the protection of native habitats, trees and woodlands and landscapes with statutory designations.
1 LANDMAP data and background information is obtained from www.ccw.gov.uk/landmap.
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St Asaph Substation
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St Asaph Substation
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Denbigh
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Key:
Key:
Study Area
Study Area
!
Substation ! St Asaph ( Substation ( St Asaph ! Project Wind Farm ( Project Wind Farm ( ! ! Substation
Substation
Hill Peaks
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Town
( !
Town
Tir Mostyn
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4.7 The Holford Rules are broadly hierarchical, with Rule 1 deemed the first rule to be considered in routeing. Rule 1 relates to the avoidance, where possible, of major areas of highest amenity value. Holford Rule 2 makes the following recommendation: avoid smaller areas of high amenity value or scientific interest by means of deviation. As the Holford Rules do not define what constitutes a major area (Rule 1) and the importance of an area is often irrespective of size, smaller areas (Rule 2) of high amenity value are also mapped at this stage alongside the larger areas. 4.8 The Holford Rules do not identify which designated areas constitute areas of highest amenity value. However, SHETL clarification note b) states that areas of highest amenity value require to be established on a project-by-project basis considering Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act, 1989 and provides examples to be considered. 4.9 The National Policy Statement EN-1 sets out a need to avoid the most important environmental sites, including those designated at international, European and national level. However the need to give due consideration to sites of regional and local importance is also outlined in EN-1, although these designations should not be used in themselves to refuse consent. 4.10 Areas of highest environmental value located within the broad study area, and therefore considered within the routeing process, comprise the international, European and national level designations listed below and shown on Figure 4.2:
p Areas
4.5 Areas of Highest Environmental Value were mapped to further focus the study area, to highlight potential search areas for broad route corridors and identify potentially constrained areas.
4.6 This approach reflects the guidelines presented in The Holford Rules (as referred to in NPS EN-5), which have been adapted to reflect the characteristics of the study area for this project as described below. However where the Holford Rules use the term amenity this routeing study uses the term environmental to reflect more recent thinking which aims to recognise the intrinsic value of such areas.
of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) Areas of Conservation (SACs) p Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) p National Nature Reserves (NNRs) p Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGS) p Scheduled Monuments (SAMs) p Historic Landscapes p Registered Parks and Gardens p Conservation Areas p Listed Buildings
p Special
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St Asaph Substation
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St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! (
! (
Brenig
! ( Clocaenog
Brenig
! ( Clocaenog
Key:
Key:
Study Area
Study Area
!
!
Listed Buildings
Listed Buildings
RIGs Areas SAC
St Asaph Substation ( St Asaph Substation ! ! ( Project Wind Farm Project Wind Farm ( ( ! ! Substation Substation
( !
Conservation Area
Scheduled Monuments
( ! Town Town
SSSI Registered Parks & Gardens Registered Parks & Gardens NNR NNR Parks & Parks & Garden - Garden Historic Landscapes EssentialEssential Setting Setting Historic Landscapes AONB AONB
14
4.11 The following international and national level designations are not present within the broad study area:
p National p Ramsar
Parks Sites p Special Protection Areas (SPAs) p World Heritage Sites p Registered Battlefields (not presently defined in Wales) 4.12 Whilst Historic Parks and Gardens are nonstatutory designations, they are referred to in the notes accompanying Holford Rule 1, and these designated areas are included as Areas of Highest Environmental Value. 4.13 Similarly Conservation Areas (a local level designation) and clusters of Listed Buildings, are included as Areas of Highest Environmental Value, as these correspond generally with population centres and are listed as examples of areas of highest amenity value. Individual buildings will be considered during the later routeing stages when deviation around them is required. 4.14 The Supplementary Notes to the Holford Rules state avoid routeing close to residential areas as far as possible on grounds of general amenity. At this stage in the routeing study, principal settlements, towns and villages as identified in the relevant local plans (Denbighshire and Conwy) are mapped and included as constraints at this level as areas of primarily residential amenity. 4.15 Based on the geographic locations of the Areas of Highest Environmental Value in relation to the proposed wind farms and St Asaph substation, it is considered likely that broad corridors can be identified, which avoid passing through these areas1. 4.16 As a material consideration in the determination of applications and given their non-statutory designated status, registered Historic Landscapes are also considered as Areas of Highest Environmental Value to be avoided where possible. Where such areas cannot be avoided, due to their size and location in relation to the wind farms, an appraisal, known as an ASIDHOL, of each registered Historic Landscape may need to be undertaken at the detailed routeing stage to seek to ensure that effects on these areas are minimised during routeing. 4.17 As discussed above, small areas of highest environmental value, as defined by Rule 2 of the
1 It is recognised that the legislative requirements for SACs (and SPAs) extend to the protection of the integrity of the site including qualifying habitats or species and these areas will be reflected at the detailed routeing stage.
Holford Rules, have been mapped and included in this step of the routeing study. SHETL note a) on Holford Rule 2 also states that other areas of regional or local high amenity value should be identified from development plans. For this routeing study, these include the following areas identified as being of high local value:
p Wildlife p Local
Trust Site (WTS) Wildlife Site (LWF) p Ancient Woodlands 4.18 For clarity, the following local level designations are not present within the study area:
p Local
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St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
Clocaenog Brenig
Brenig Clocaenog
Key:
Key:
Slope Between 15-22 ( St Asaph Substation ! Slope Over 22 Project Wind Farm Substation ( ! Slope Over 22 ( Project Wind Farm Substation ! ( ! Town Height ( Town ! Height
Study Area
Slope Angle
301AOD - 400m AOD 301 - 400m > 451m AOD > 451m AOD
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St Asaph Substation
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!St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
!St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! (
! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig
Clocaenog
! (
Clocaenog
Key:
Key:
Study Area Study Area Asaph Substation Asaph Substation (! ! ( St St Project Wind Farm Substation (! ! Farm Substation ( Project Wind (! ! ( Town Town County Boundary County Boundary
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St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph !
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph !
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( Brenig
! ! ( Brenig ( ! Clocaenog
! ! ( Clocaenog
Key: Key:
Red Corridor Red Corridor Study Area Study Area Green Corridor Green Corridor Substation ! (! St Asaph Substation ( St Asaph Wind FarmFarm Substation Blue Corridor (! ! Project Wind Substation Blue Corridor (Project Link: LinksLink: and Creates BlueCreates / Red Corridor ! ( ! Town Links and Blue / Red Corridor ( Town and Blue / Green Corridor and Blue / Green Corridor County Boundary
County Boundary
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4.22 Those areas which are not considered to be of Highest Environmental Value or technically constrained are considered to be viable for routeing at this stage. 4.23 Where Areas of Highest Environmental Value or technically constrained areas cannot be avoided entirely, the aim is to minimise the potential impacts on these areas. For example, where there was a requirement to pass over a topographical feature, the smallest practical extent was crossed via a low point or watershed. Linear environmental features (eg SSSIs which follow watercourses) were crossed at a perpendicular angle where feasible.
4.24 Taking into account the constraints identified above and informed by the intrinsic characteristics of the landscape, a number of route corridors were identified between the Brenig and Clocaenog Forest wind farm substations and the St Asaph substation. 4.25 This process comprised desk based work, initially taking account of guidance provided by the Holford rules and additionally considering:
p The p The
4.28 LANDMAP is used as an information tool to inform an appraisal of the theoretical sensitivity of the landscape within the broad study area to overhead lines. The method used is described in North Wales Wind Farms Connection; Relative Landscape Sensitivity in Relation to 132kV Overhead Lines (Gillespies on behalf of SP Manweb 2011). The approach builds on work produced by landscape architects at Gillespies and LUC for the on-going Mid Wales Connections Project and earlier projects at Llandinam and Tir Gwynt. The outcome of the appraisal is a map categorising the broad study area into one of five sensitivity categories, ranging from low through medium-low, medium, mediumhigh to high, as shown in Figure 4.4. This map is used to help identify the Route Corridor Search Area, and in more detail at the corridor appraisal stage as outlined below.
LANDMAP
Tan 8 Strategic Search Areas sensitivity of the landscape to overhead line development informed by analysis of LANDMAP .
4.29 The desk based work, including multiple layers of mapped information (including topography, elevation, drainage pattern, environmental designations, and landcover, including forestry) were considered alongside field work to obtain a thorough understanding of the character of the landscape and its sensitivities. 4.30 The Areas of Highest Environmental Value and technically constrained areas were comparatively unrestrictive in identifying areas where potential Overhead Line Corridors should be avoided. Therefore it was also necessary to supplement the information obtained from the desk top appraisal with a more extensive field based critique of the study area landscape to develop and narrow down potential corridors. 4.31 This iterative routeing process culminated in the identification of three broad route corridors linking the proposed wind farms to the St Asaph substation as shown in Figure 4.5, all of which are considered to be both technically and environmentally viable at this preliminary stage. A link between corridors also introduces a further two combination routes, giving a choice of five potential corridors.
Iterative Analysis
4.26 The use of LANDMAP and the TAN 8 Strategic Search Areas to inform routeing at this stage are discussed further below.
4.27 The TAN 8 SSAs were mapped as shown in Figure 4.1 to understand where a considerable degree of landscape change is, or will be happening driven by policy and national need for wind energy generation. As such the sensitivity of the landscapes in these areas to further changes through the development of connection infrastructure may be lower. The addition of new overhead line infrastructure may also constrain future wind farm development. However given the location of the Brenig and Clocaenog Forest wind farm substations on the northern edge of TAN8 SSA A this criteria does not usefully inform the routeing process for this project.
TAN 8 SSAs
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4.37 The comparative environmental appraisal of the route corridors from the wind farms onto the existing network was undertaken in stages as set out below.
p Identification
Green Corridor
4.33 This corridor departs from Red Corridor (described above) to the east of Groes, running more directly north, passing to the east of Eriviat Hall and Park and to the west of Henllan. From here the corridor runs slightly to the north-west, re-joining Red Corridor west of Bont-newydd.
of appraisal criteria, objectives and appraisal indicators as set out in Table 4.1: p Application of appraisal criteria to all corridors following the method for appraising in Table 4.1 to present the factual environmental appraisal baseline; p Comparative appraisal of corridor options for each connection, (Red, Green, Blue, Blue/Red and Blue/Green), to identify the corridor with the least environmental impacts; 4.38 A subsequent appraisal of the potential location for the collector substation will be carried out following selection of the preferred corridor, and including any potential cumulative effects. 4.39 The above methodology follows that developed by Gillespies and LUC on behalf of SP Manweb for the current Mid Wales Connections Project. 4.40 An appropriate level of information and appraisal for this strategic routeing stage of the project has been included, where further information is required to refine the project during the detailed line routeing and/or EIA stages this has been highlighted within the report. 4.41 The overall methodology is based on the three aspects influencing route selection; environment, technology and consultation. A review of the environmental criteria for each corridor and an appraisal of those criteria is carried out to determine the corridor which has the least environmental effects. The corridors are also reviewed by SP Manweb to assess any technical criteria which could affect the choice of corridor. Feedback back from the consultation process is appraised and the corridors are given an order of preference
Blue Corridor
4.34 This corridor departs from Red Corridor (described above) near Saron where, instead of swinging to the north-west, it continues to follow the B4501 through rolling farmland to the east of Foel Gasyth. At Peniel the corridor crosses the B4501, west of Segrwyd Ucha, and crosses the wooded valley of the River Ystrad near Kings Mill Wood. From here it runs northwards, skirting the western edge of Denbigh and the eastern edge of Denbigh Golf Club, before joining the route of a 33kV overhead line north of the town. It then runs broadly parallel to this line passing Plas Heaton to the west and Nant-y-Patrick to the east and crossing the Elwy valley at Chapel Wood. From the existing 400kV overhead line on the south-west side of St Asaph the line will be undergrounded into the existing SP Manweb St Asaph substation.
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for this aspect. The corridor selection is then determined by weighing the three aspects against each other to select the preferred corridor which has the preferred balance between environmental, technical and consultation response. 4.42 Table 4.1 gives the environmental criteria applied, the reason for the inclusion of those criteria (objectives) and an outline methodology for appraising each corridor against the criteria. 4.43 The criteria are identified to:
p Continue
to reflect both the overall routeing objective which is to identify technical and economical routes for electrical connections that meet the technical requirements of the electricity network and cause, on balance, the least disturbance to the environment and the people who live work and recreate within it p Continue to reflect the Holford Rules p Consider policy on the assessment of impacts set out in Part 5 of the overarching National Policy Statement for Energy EN-1 and Part 2 of National Policy Statement for Electricity Networks Infrastructure EN-5. NPS EN-5 is specific to electricity networks and specifically
lists biodiversity and geological conservation (including ornithology), landscape and visual assessment and technology specific information. NPS EN-1, in setting out policy for a range of energy infrastructure, includes a range of criteria to be included in assessments and in addition to the ones already mentioned in EN-5, includes topics such as historic environments and flood risk. p Draw out distinctions between the corridors to enable the relative strengths and weaknesses of each to be identified. 4.44 The environmental appraisal is based on seeking to minimise impacts using a qualitative approach supported by quantitative information where appropriate. Qualitative appraisals with support from SPM have been made through applying professional judgement by ecologists, landscape experts and archaeologists to comment on biodiversity, landscape and visual impacts and historic environments respectively. Where expert professional judgement can be supported by data/ information in a quantitative format this has been included, for example the number of designated sites potentially affected.
METHOD FOR APPRAISING Calculate length using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). GIS based quantitative assessment and qualitative appraisal i.e. descriptive text in relation to potential for a route to be identified to avoid direct and indirect impacts on these designated areas. Strategic scale appraisal of European Protected Species and ornithological activity within the study area and professional judgement applied in relation to potential routeing issues. Potential effects on peat are considered to relate to loss of peatland habitats e.g. blanket bog.
Area Conservation (SAC) of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) p National Nature Reserve (NNR) p Wildlife Trust Sites (WTS) (WTNR) p Local Wildlife Site (LWS) p European Protected Species and Ornithology p Peatland Habitats
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SUB-CRITERIA
p AONB
METHOD FOR APPRAISING GIS based quantitative assessment and qualitative appraisal including descriptive text in relation to potential for a route to have indirect impacts on these designated areas i.e. if corridor located <10km. Appraised via GIS based quantitative assessment i.e. length of corridor within a LANDMAP Outstanding area and qualitative appraisal i.e. descriptive text in relation to potential for a route to be identified to avoid the area within the corridor. Field work undertaken by landscape architects Semi-quantitative appraisal of length of corridor judged to be of each category of sensitivity, then application of professional judgement to highlight opportunities and implications for routeing.
(Holford 4 and 5) Pattern (Holford 5 and 6) p Settlement Pattern Holford 1 and 2) p Scenic Quality (Holford 1 and 2) p Scale p Human Influence p Perceptual/Sensory Aspects (Holford 1 and 2) p Landscape Condition p Skylines and Settings (Holford 4) p Views and Visibility
p Landcover/Landscape p Visitor
Attraction e.g. local railway, setting of attractions to visitors e.g. historic attractions such as Denbigh Castle p Recreational Resource i.e. National/ Regional Trail and Cycleways.
Views from key recreational and visitor attractions, e.g. gardens open to the public, National and Regional Trails, National Trust sites etc are appraised - potential visibility of the corridor from these areas is highlighted through professional judgement and presented in a qualitative format. Caravan/camping sites and rights of way are acknowledged to be located throughout the study area and will therefore be considered at the detailed line routeing stage.
Historic Environment
p Scheduled p Listed
(Holford Rules 1 & 2 & Supplementary Note b.) EN1 Residential Amenity
Monument (SAM) Building (LB) p Conservation Area (CA) p Registered Historic Park and Garden (incl. essential setting and principal views) (HPG) p Registered Historic Landscapes (RHL)
GIS based quantitative assessment and qualitative appraisal i.e. descriptive text in relation to potential for a route to be identified avoiding these designated areas within the corridor. Appraisal to include preliminary assessment of setting/principal views of designations. Requirement for ASIDOHLs to be discussed and agreed with Cadw. GIS is used to identify the location of settlements and residential properties within 1km of the corridor. Professional judgement is then applied to identify qualitatively if the geographic distribution of these properties can be avoided at detailed routeing stage on the grounds of general amenity.
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GIS based qualitative appraisal woodland areas in relation to Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland data and March 2011 National Forest Inventory (NFI) data.
i. Length of Corridor
4.47 Holford Rule 3 states that other things being equal, choose the most direct line, with no sharp changes of direction and thus few angle towers. This indicates that a shorter length of corridor is likely to lead to lower potential environmental impacts than a longer route, once other constraints and issues have been examined. The length of each Route Corridor is calculated as part of the appraisal.
these areas of relevance for nature conservation are Wildlife Trust Sites(WTS) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). At this strategic level, this appraisal has been carried out with reference to the Baseline Report, which will be updated to feed into the Environmental Statement, prepared for SP Manweb by Gillespies in association with Peak Ecology. 4.51 Whilst towers and poles can be readily constructed on peat, potential environmental effects associated with construction on peat are considered to relate to loss of peatland habitats and loss of carbon storage with implications for climate change. NRW has produced a LANDMAP based Phase 1 Habitat for the whole of Wales. From this, peatland related habitats are mapped and used as a proxy for peatlands and a semi-quantitative appraisal undertaken.
2 A non-statutory designation applied by the local planning authority to define areas of high landscape importance.
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St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
Clocaenog Brenig
Brenig Clocaenog
Key: Key:
Study Study Area Area
* #
Wildlife Trust Sites HabitatWindfarm Wildlife Trust Sites Habitat Windfarm Management
SAC SSSI NNR
* #
SAC
Substation !! ( St Asaph Substation (St Asaph Project Wind Farm Project Wind Farm (! ! (Substation
SSSI NNR
Plan Areas: T.B.C - awaiting Plan Areas: T.B.C - awaiting layer layer
Management
( !
( !
Town
Substation
County Boundary
Town
County Boundary
Link: Links and Creates Link: Links and CreatesPeatland Habitat Blue / Red Corridor Peatland Habitat (LANDMAP phase 1 survey) Blue / Red Corridor and Blue / Green Corridor
Blue Corridor
24
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph !
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph !
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig
! ! ( Clocaenog
! ! ( Clocaenog
! (
! (
Key:
Key:
Study Area
Study Area
Route Corridors
AONB LANDMAP 'Outstanding' AONB LANDMAP 'Outstanding' Areas National Footpath Areas National Footpath Red Corridor Regional Trail Historic Landscape Green Corridor Regional Trail Historic Landscape Green Corridor National Cycle Route Landscape Habitats National Cycle Route Landscape Habitats Blue Corridor Blue Corridor Regional Cycle Route Regional Cycle Route Cultural Landscape Link: and CreatesCultural Landscape Link: Links and Links Creates NCN Link Cycle Route NCN Link Cycle Route Blue / Red Corridor Blue / Red Corridor Visual & Sensory Visual & Sensory and Blue / Green Corridor and Blue / Green Corridor
Route Corridors
Red Corridor
25
St Asaph Substation
( !
!St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
!St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( ! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig ! (
Clocaenog
Clocaenog
Key:
Key:
Study Area Study Area St Asaph Substation ( ! ( St Asaph Substation ! Project Wind Substation ( ! Wind FarmFarm Substation ( Project ! ( Town Town ( ! !
Medium Sensitivity Medium Sensitivity Medium Low Sensitivity Medium Low Sensitivity
26
by the application of Quality Assured LANDMAP data following LANDMAP Guidance Note 1. As the Denbighshire UDP (1996-2011) is due to be replaced by the Local Development Plan and does not identify any Special Landscape Areas no local landscape designations are mapped and taken account of during this stage of routeing. The Conwy Local Development Plan- Revised Deposit 2011 Strategic Policy NTE/1 seeks to respect, retain and enhance the local character and distinctiveness of the Landscape Character Areas. It recognises that LANDMAP will be used to review and amend Landscape Character Areas as that information becomes available and no locally designated landscape areas identified within the LDP . 4.53 Whilst areas evaluated as LANDMAP Outstanding and High areas were taken account of during identification of the route corridors (steps A E above), these do not form constraints to avoid where possible as: i) some of the wind farms requiring connection are located within these areas, and ii) LANDMAP does not currently identify areas with the same status as designated sites. 4.54 To aid the appraisal of corridors LANDMAP areas evaluated as Outstanding for all five aspects as shown on Figure 4.7 have been taken account of. This is appraised using GIS based quantitative assessment, i.e. length of corridor within the area and qualitative appraisal, i.e. descriptive text in relation to potential for a route to be identified to avoid areas of higher sensitivity to overhead lines. 4.55 A desk based theoretical landscape sensitivity study was undertaken to inform Phase 1 of the routeing process, based on LANDMAP data. This was an initiative proposed in consultation with NRW as a tool for applying LANDMAP and for which no other sensitivity mapping existed previously. The development and outcome of this study is detailed in the North Wales Wind Farms Connection: Relative Landscape Sensitivity in Relation to 132kV Overhead Lines (March 2011). Following on from this, a detailed field based study was undertaken to inform Phase 2 routeing. This sought to identify at a more local scale, the relative sensitivity of areas within which the corridors are located, to overhead line routeing. Sensitivity is assessed as low, medium-low, medium, medium-high or high. 4.56 The methodology used for judging sensitivity in the field is based on consideration of a number of criteria. These have been applied to the selected route corridors in order to enable comparisons to be made. The findings of the field-based landscape sensitivity assessment differ from those of the LANDMAP derived sensitivity in a number
of ways. Overall, the field-based assessment is considered to better reflect the relative landscape sensitivity of the corridors within the study area, as informed by desk based study and targeted field based evaluation undertaken by experienced landscape architects who are familiar with the proposed development. This is thought to be a more appropriate and focused basis for appraisal, compared with one based purely on theoretical sensitivity. 4.57 The field based landscape sensitivity of the identified corridors to overhead lines is mapped on Figure 4.8. 4.58 Further Notes on Clarifications to The Holford Rules c) states minimise the visual effect perceived by users of roads and public rights of way, paying particular attention to the effects of recreational, tourist and other well-used routes. On this basis, views from National Trails, roads, and visitor attractions have been taken into consideration when appraising route corridors, whereby potential visibility of the overhead line from these areas has been highlighted through professional judgement and presented in a qualitative format. This includes trails such as the Clwydian Way, key tourist roads such as the B4501 and locally known scenic viewpoints, such as Llyn Brenig and Moel Fodiar, which may also comprise nature conservation sites and gardens open to the public where their setting may potentially be affected. National/Regional walking and cycling trails are mapped on Figure 4.7 along with key roads and viewpoints marked on the OS map.
27
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig ! ( Clocaenog
! ( Clocaenog
Key: Key:
St Asaph Substation St Asaph Substation !( ( ! Project Wind Farm Project Wind Farm (! ! ( Substation
( !
Town ( ! Town
Substation
Registered Park & Gardens Blue Corridor Registered Park & Gardens Blue Corridor Park & Garden Link: Links and Creates Park & Garden Essential Setting Link: Links and Creates Blue / Red Corridor Essential Setting Blue / Red Corridor Historic Landscapes and Blue / Green Corridor
Historic Landscapes
28
St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
Clocaenog Brenig
Brenig Clocaenog
Key: Key:
Study Study Area Area
Settlements
Settlements
( !
Town
Substation
Town
Blue Corridor
29
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig ! ( Clocaenog
! ( Clocaenog
Key: Key:
St Asaph Substation St Asaph Substation !( ( ! Project Wind Project Farm Wind Farm (! ! ( Substation
( !
Town ! ( Town
Substation
Blue Corridor
30
4.61 Cadw, NRW and the International Council on Monuments and Sites UK have collaborated to produce a Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales, the use of which is outlined in the Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process, Cadw (2007). The Register, which contains 58 historic landscapes in total, was issued in two parts, with 36 outstanding and 22 special historic landscapes; although the Guide states that both are considered to be of equal value and all registered historic landscapes should be considered in the same way. 4.62 The Guide states that all Landscapes of Historic Interest identified on the Register are of national importance in the Welsh context, and although the Register does not currently impose statutory controls, Cadw has advised that these may be given statutory status in the near future. There are three Historic Landscapes in the study area; the Denbigh Moors, the Vale of Clwyd and the Lower Elwy Valley and the constituent character of the first two of these designations are reflected in their Historic Landscape Character Areas (HLCAs). A HLCA has not been prepared for the Lower Elwy Valley. 4.63 Given the broad nature of the route corridors and the status of the detailed technical design, in seeking to assess the likely effects on registered Historic Landscapes at this stage, SP Manwebs advisers have developed a preliminary approach, and a strategic level assessment has been undertaken. This appraisal is undertaken through GIS based quantitative assessment i.e. the area likely to be visually affected as a proportion of the Historic Landscape.
and a 1km buffer, locating the principle view from each property and the nature of that view. The resulting plans were used to identify areas of potential impact to inform the corridor appraisal process.
v. Residential Amenity
4.64 In addition to avoiding settlements in accordance with the Holford Rules (Rule 7 and residential areas supplementary note a)), proximity to both settlements and individual properties is taken account of within the appraisal of route corridors, with the aim of avoiding proximity to residential properties as far as possible on the grounds of general amenity. The location of residential properties has been mapped as shown on Figure 4.10 and the potential for avoiding effects on residential amenity during detailed routeing has been identified through professional judgement. This work has been supported by an appraisal of potential impacts on visual amenity which is included in Appendix 2: North Wales Wind Farms Connection: Route Corridor Visibility Appraisal. 4.65 The Route Corridor Visibility Appraisal mapped the location of residential properties within the corridor
(i.e. ground conditions and exposure to climate/weather); p topography; p windfarm development areas; p access (for construction and maintenance); p proximity to existing electrical infrastructure; p major road/railways crossings; p flood risk areas and/or river crossings; p proximity to dwellings. 4.70 For each to the identified corridors these criterion have been considered assuming the majority of the line would comprise double wood poles, with possible sections of undergrounding and/or steel towers being used as appropriate as the line design develops.
31
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
St Asaph Substation
( !
St Asaph
Denbigh
Denbigh
! ( Brenig
! ( Brenig ! ( Clocaenog
! ( Clocaenog
Key: Key:
St Asaph Substation St Asaph Substation !! ( ( Project Wind Farm Project Wind Farm (! ! (Substation
( !
(Town ! Town
Substation
Blue Corridor
32
4.71 The findings of the technical review for each corridor are presented within the appraisal tables. The outcome of the appraisal indicates that all the corridors are technically viable, although all three cross the Elwy valley where steel towers may be required locally to span the steep slopes and valley sides. In addition, the Blue route may be constricted above Denbigh Quarry and further south where the corridor crosses the steep sided valley of the Afon Ystrad.
feedback forms, individually drafted letters and form letters signed by members of the public. In order to produce useful data to feed into the selection of a route corridor all the written feedback has been analysed statistically by how they related to 15 key issues and which corridors they are in relation to. p Detailed Comments: While empirical analysis of written feedback is very useful for providing an overview of the levels of concern, there is still significant value in specific written feedback. Verbatim comments have been included in the document where they go beyond simple mentions of the key issues identified. These comments are individually considered. p Form Letters: Two form letters were produced, both covering similar subjects and were received in substantial numbers. In order to protect the data from undue weighting because of these form letters, they were omitted from the Written Feedback Analysis section. These letters are, however, significant as they represent a substantial level of community organisation and concern. p Site-Specific Concerns: Section 2 of the feedback form asked people to list specific sites of concern under each corridor. There is little statistical analysis that can be carried out with regards to these locations but they have been listed for consideration by the wider team. Each specific site may form a constraint for consideration in the choice of corridor or final alignment. 4.77 There was comparatively little feedback on the location of the substation. This element of the project is not part of the NSIP application and will be subject of a separate planning application to be determined by the Local Authority, in this case Denbighshire County Council. However comments were received and these have been included verbatim within the report. 4.78 Given the feedback to date regarding the proposed route corridors the following can be asserted: 4.79 The Blue corridor is the most preferred route. This is based both on the preference ranking in the feedback form and the number of issues raised in relation to the corridor. 4.80 By the same criteria, the Green corridor is the second most preferred / second least preferred. If the Red/Green route south of the Link corridor is excluded, the number of concerns raised regarding the Green corridor fall substantially. 4.81 By the same criteria, the Red corridor is the least preferred. If the Red/Green route south of the Link corridor is excluded, the number of concerns
Corridor Preferences: The feedback form asked respondents to rank their preference for the three broad route corridors from 1 to 3. The report includes those preferences broken down by corridor and preference. p Written Feedback Analysis: Written feedback was received in a variety of ways including the
33
raised regarding the Red decrease but the route would still remain less preferred than the Green route.
4.86 To address the policy requirement, SP Manweb considers the impacts and benefits can be properly assessed at a more detailed design stage when the connection route alignment is known and when impacts are more accurately assessed. 4.87 However, to seek to ensure any potential impacts arising at future stages are given due consideration at this strategic corridor appraisal stage, areas along the corridors where undergrounding may be of benefit, have been identified. These areas will be subject to further study at the detailed routeing and subsequent EIA stage.
Additional Effects
Considerations
Cumulative
4.83 Rule 6 of the Holford Rules recommends keeping high voltage lines independent of smaller lines and converging routes where possible. This has been interpreted as the consideration of cumulative effects. At this strategic level existing 132kV and 400kV overhead lines have been included in the baseline appraisal of potential cumulative effects. However the potential to utilise the route alignment of existing overhead lines with the existing line then being undergrounded will be considered at detailed routeing. 4.84 The proposed corridors all adopt the same alignment at the southern extent of the project. Therefore the combined cumulative effect of the overhead line in conjunction with the existing and proposed wind farms will be considered at detailed routeing stage as this element will not be a determining factor in corridor selection.
quality and emissions including dust; and military aviation and defence interests; p land use including open space, green infrastructure and green belt; p noise and vibration; p socio-economic issues; p traffic and transport; p climate change; p waste management; p water quality and resources; p electric and magnetic fields (EMF).
p civil
landscape in which the proposed line will be set, (in particular, the impact on residential areas, and those of natural beauty or historic importance such as National Parks, AONBs and the Broads); p the additional costs of undergrounding.
4.90 However, as no corridor is considered to have a greater or lesser impact in respect of these topics at this strategic scale, these topics have been scoped out of the appraisal as they do not assist in identifying a corridor with least environmental impact. These topics will be considered at the detailed routeing and/or EIA stages.
34
Application of Environmental Appraisal Criteria to Identify Corridors with Least Environmental Effects
35
Historic Environment A SAM is included within the Blue corridor, and a further 15 SAMs are included within 1km of the corridor, more than all other corridors. In addition the number of listed buildings within and close to the corridor is greater than the other corridors and three conservation areas lie within 1km of the corridor, including Denbigh. Denbigh, which should be considered as an entity, includes a major Guardianship castle in state care, SAMs, LBs, and a Conservation Area, including a number in prominent locations with good views. Additionally five Historic Parks and Gardens lie within 1km of the Blue Corridor and it passes through both the Vale of Clwyd and the Lower Elwy Valley Welsh Historic Landscape. The Blue corridor therefore, has the most historic environmental impacts. The Red and Blue/ Red corridors affect slightly less HPGs and Conservation Areas than the Green and Blue/ Green corridors but affect more area of Welsh Historic Landscape and Listed Buildings. These four corridors are therefore considered to be broadly equivalent in their effects of the Historic Landscape. Residential Amenity The Blue corridor contains four small settlements within the corridor and a further four settlements within 1km of the corridor, including the outskirts of St Asaph, Denbigh, Trefnant and Nant-y-Patrick. It also includes the most properties (outside settlements) within or immediately adjacent to the corridor and so has the highest level of potential environmental impacts in terms of residential amenity. However at its southern end the Blue corridor and therefore the Blue/ Green and Blue/ Red corridors avoid Nant Glyn, a small settlement with views to the corridor, and therefore the southern section of these corridors has the least potential environmental effects. The Green and Blue/ Green corridors lie within 1km of Henllan, a midsized settlement on the valley side with views towards the corridor. The Red and Blue/ Red corridors pass slightly closer to Groes and Llannefydd than the Green and Blue/ Green corridors and the number of single properties outside settlements within these corridors is higher. Given the size and elevation of Henllan it suggests that the Blue/ Red has the least environmental impacts, followed by the Blue/ Green corridor, although the link corridors include slightly more properties, in part due to their increased length. Flood Risk Forestry and Woodland Cumulative Effects All corridors have areas of flood risk where the width of the flood zone is over 100km and therefore this is not considered a determining factor. All corridors contain similar areas and spread of Ancient Woodland and most of these can be avoided at detailed routeing subject to other constraints. Therefore this criterion is not considered a determining factor. The 400kV line running west east from Pentir to Connahs Quay crosses all the corridors at their northern edge, and the corridors also end on the outskirts of St Asaph where the 132kV lines come into the substation. The scheme assumes undergrounding will be required for all corridors at this point to avoid technological issues and which will also reduce cumulative effects. An existing 33kV line runs for 3.4km along the western edge of the Red and Green corridors and a second 33kV line runs for 6km through the northern section of the Blue corridor. There may be some cumulative effects over both these distances, although the potential undergrounding of the 33kV could remove these effects.
36
5.2 The determining factors in the selection of the corridor with the least environmental effects are summarised below. As stated in the methodology these factors are a combination of qualitative and quantitative elements and are subject to professional interpretation. 5.3 To the south of the study area, where the Red and Green corridors split from the Blue corridor, up to the link corridor, there is a preference for the Blue corridor due to landscape and visual impacts on Nant Glyn and the surrounding area. 5.4 To the north of the link corridor there is a strong preference against the Blue corridor on the grounds of its potential effects on the Historic Environment and Residential Amenity, most strongly in the vicinity of Denbigh. There is also a pinch point on the route to the north west of Denbigh where the corridor encloses the Crest Mawr SSSI and runs over the Denbigh Golf Course. 5.5 The Blue corridor is therefore discounted to the north and the Red and Green corridors are discounted to the south, leaving the Blue/ Green and Blue/ Red link corridors as those with least environmental effects. 5.6 The difference between the Blue/ Green and Blue/ Red corridors is less strong with fewer determining factors, however the effects on Residential Amenity at Henllan suggest the Blue/ Red corridor has the least environmental effects. 5.7 As outlined in the methodology two other elements are considered in determining the preferred corridor, the technical review by SP Manweb and the consultation feedback from the public and community events. The findings of these reviews is outlined below.
5.10 The feedback response resulted in most respondents (72%) giving the Blue corridor as the most preferred corridor. Although the Green corridor was only first preference for 13% of respondents it was second preference for 69%. The Red corridor was first preference for 28% of respondents but least preferred for 57% of respondents, suggesting Blue corridor was preferred over Green, which was preferred over Red. 5.11 When additional comments are taken into account it also becomes apparent that the southern section of the Blue corridor was preferred over the southern section of the Green corridor, giving a preference for the Link corridors. 5.12 The Green corridor is the second most preferred / second least preferred. If the Red/Green route south of the Link corridor is excluded, the number of concerns raised regarding the Green corridor fall substantially. 5.13 By the same criteria, the Red corridor is the least preferred. If the Red/Green route south of the Link corridor is excluded, the number of concerns raised regarding the Red decrease but the route would still remain less preferred than the Green route.
5.8 All corridors lie below 450m height and all cross the Elwy valley, a narrow and steep sided valley which could give technical issues for a wood pole line. In addition the Blue corridor crosses the constricted River Ystrad Valley to the south of Denbigh and lies adjacent to Denbigh quarry which may introduce further technical challenges. 5.9 Although all routes are considered to be technically feasible there is a slight preference against the Blue corridor to the north in the vicinity of Denbigh due to the potential issues adjacent to the quarry.
Technical Review
37
Next Steps
39