Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
west. This concentrated on the most desirable developable area, which would support a
balanced layout of six turbines and would avoid likely significant effects on key landscape
and visual receptors. The final, six-turbine scheme was fixed and assessed. The layout of the
wind farm is cohesive and the size and scale is compact in the landscape, particularly when
viewed together with existing wind farms at Pates Hill and Muirhall.
9.4.9 In addition to the turbine layout, the location of wind farm infrastructure has also been
considered in the design process. The felling of trees to accommodate the turbines, access
tracks and borrow pits have been incorporated into the Forest Design Plan prepared by FCS.
The integration of the wind farm in a landscape of commercial forestry and the potential for
enhancement of the conifer plantations through diversification of species and structure would
form part of the ongoing, long term management of the forestry.
9.5 Potential Effects of the Scheme
Construction
Activities Associated with the Construction Phase
9.5.1 The construction phase of the proposed wind farm is likely to take approximately 6 months.
The following construction phase activities have been considered as part of the assessment:
• Felling of trees within Forestry Commission land to accommodate wind farm
infrastructure;
• Preparation of the temporary construction compound and erection of temporary site
portable buildings;
• Upgrading of existing site entrance and access tracks and construction of new access
tracks between the wind turbines, control building and construction compound;
• Construction of crane hard standing areas;
• Excavation of wind turbine foundations and construction of wind turbine bases;
• Excavation of cable trenches and laying of power and instrumentation cables;
• Construction of control building and installation of electrical equipment;
• Erection and commission of wind turbines;
• Reinstatement works to access tracks, crane hard standings and temporary
construction compound; and
• Re-grading of levels to accommodate wind turbine foundations.
Effects on Landscape Resources During the Construction of the Wind Farm
Methodology
9.5.2 The assessment of construction effects is based on the methodology detailed in Section 2 of
this chapter. In summary, the value of the landscape resource (based on designations) and
its sensitivity to the proposed construction operations is considered in relation to the
magnitude of the proposed change to the landscape resource’s fabric and character. The
importance of the change to the landscape resource can then be assessed. The construction
phase of the wind farm is considered to be temporary in nature. The matrix at Table 9.8 is
used to establish a preliminary level of effect based on sensitivity and magnitude. The effects
March 2013 9-50 ES Chapter 9
Landscape and Visual
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