Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
3.5.25 The two turbines located to the west of the B7008 were considered to be viewed as a
separate grouping from the A70 – particularly from the property “Crosswoodburn” south of the
proposed wind farm, and also from some elevated viewpoints in the Pentland Hills. This was
considered to give the development a disunified appearance (as discussed in Chapter 9:
Landscape and Visual).
3.5.26 Removal of these turbines resulted in a 6 turbine scheme which appeared more compact and
coherent from the design viewpoints and wider visibility. The layout also minimised
overlapping turbines, and created an appearance of more equal turbine spacing from a
greater number of viewpoints.
3.5.27 Removal of the remaining turbines west of the B7008 also distanced the development away
from Craigengar SSSI to the south west of the site, and allowed a greater degree of
separation from the consented wind farms in the vicinity of the site.
3.5.28 The remaining 6 turbines were reassessed within the developable area from the design
viewpoints, and Camilty Hill SAM.
3.5.29 The views from the SAM were considered to be acceptable as the final scheme ensured that
the majority of turbines were hidden behind trees (which it is proposed to retain as part of
FCS’s Forest Design Plan) and turbines which were visible were reduced in scale due to their
distance from the monument. This is discussed in Chapter 10 : Archaeology and Cultural
Heritage.
3.5.30 Further considerations on the final 6 turbines included:
• Site Infrastructure – Maximising the use of existing tracks within the site boundary and
minimising new watercourse crossings (refer to Chapter 13: Hydrology, Hydrogeology
and Ground Conditions). In addition, turbines were sited to avoid steep terrain as far
as possible to minimise constraints to access track construction, and minimise the
need for extensive design solutions.
• Forestry – FCS preferred turbine locations were considered in line with the emerging
amendment to the FDP. This process enabled the creation of a layout sensitive to the
requirements of ongoing forestry operations and responding to the FDP in relation to
minimising unnecessary removal of coupes or compromising the wind firmness of
remaining forest blocks.
• A shadow flicker plan was prepared to ensure no inhabited properties fell within the
zone of potential shadow flicker (refer to Chapter 14: Shadow Flicker).
• The MOD, CAA and fixed link providers were re-consulted on the Final Design layout
and confirmed no objection.
Infrastructure Design
3.5.31 Following definition and acceptance of the Final Design in terms of turbine layout, the
infrastructure design was developed. Infrastructure features were similarly sited and routed
to avoid environmental constraints as well as optimising the use of slope for constructability
and safety of construction traffic within the site.
3.5.32 Access to the site was informed by a number of factors including sufficient turning radii and
utilisation of existing tracks. In designing the access tracks the following objectives were
taken into account:
March 2013 3-13 ES Chapter 3
Design Evolution
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