Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
and design criteria. In EIA terms, the requirement is only to report on alternatives that have
been considered. The examination of alternatives in this ES is therefore restricted as
appropriate to alternative design solutions that were considered for the site in question in
terms of factors such as site layout, design, turbine height and turbine numbers, and the
environmental effects of the options considered.
2.5 Micro-siting
2.5.1 Following submission of the application, elements of the proposed wind farm may be subject
to further, minor refinement, known as ‘micro-siting’, within the site boundary. Micro-siting
reflects the need to:
• Take into account statutory and non-statutory consultee responses received during
the planning application determination process;
• Reflect the findings of post-application and post-consent ground investigations; and
• Reflect any minor relocation required for ecological or archaeological reasons.
2.5.2 In permitting a micro-siting allowance it is important to note that no development will be
undertaken that would increase the potential level of effect on sensitive receptors and other
constraints identified in this ES. For example, the stand-off distances identified in Chapter 3:
Design Evolution would be maintained.
2.5.3 In the event that West Lothian Council is minded to grant consent for the proposed wind farm,
the applicant respectfully requests a planning condition that, subject to the prior written
approval of West Lothian Council, allows the micro-siting of elements of the scheme up to
50 m from the location shown on approved plans except:
• Where this allowance encroaches outside of the red line boundary; and
• Where such a change would infringe upon the buffers used in the constraints mapping
process shown on Figure 3.1.
2.6 Decommissioning
2.6.1 The proposed wind farm would have an operational life of approximately 25 years.
Decommissioning would be carried out in accordance with legislative requirements at that
time. However, if market conditions at that time indicate that it would be appropriate to
extend the life of the wind turbine, then decommissioning could be deferred to a later date
subject to the relevant statutory approvals.
2.6.2 Decommissioning this far into the future is not an event that can be accurately assessed at
this time due to changes in policy, legislation and technology. The assessment of the
decommissioning phase is therefore limited to how the design of the proposed wind farm and
use of materials would enable a minimum of disruption to be achieved and the restoration of
the site to its former use. The predicted effects from the decommissioning phase are likely to
be similar to those likely during construction and this is the approach taken by the topic
chapters.
March 2013 2-25 ES Chapter 2
The EIA and Scoping Process
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