Lorg Wind Farm. Addendum To Pre-Application Consultation Report

Transcription

1 Lorg Wind Farm Addendum To Pre-Application Consultation Report November 2015

2 Lorg Wind Farm Pre-Application Consultation Report Addendum Contents 1. Introduction... 1 Summary of Non-Statutory Consultation Consultation Activity... 2 Public Information Days... 2 Public Exhibitions... 4 Community Liaison Group Consultation Findings Impact from Community Consultation on the Proposals Key issues arising from the consultation Appendix 1 Site Map Appendix 2 Public Information Day Materials Press Coverage Poster for Public Information Days Letter to residents and key stakeholders (Public Information Days) Exhibition Boards Appendix 3 Public Exhibition Materials Advert for Public Exhibition Press Release Poster for Public Exhibitions Stakeholder Invite Letter Newsletter Exhibition Boards Maps on display at Public Exhibition: Developable Areas Photomontages on display at Public Exhibitions Questionnaire Appendix 4 Materials from the Community Liasion Group Minutes CLG Meeting 14 th May Appendix 5 Project Website... 75

3 1. Introduction Summary of Non-Statutory Consultation This Addendum to the Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report was prepared by Political Planning Services (PPS) to explain, in detail, the consultation programme undertaken by E.ON, prior to the submission of the Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) on the 16 of July 2015 to East Ayrshire Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council, to consult on its proposals for Lorg Wind Farm (the Proposed Development), consisting of up to 15 turbines located approximately 10.5km south of New Cumnock and 12.3km southwest of Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway. A Site Location Plan of the Proposed Development is available in Appendix 1. This Addendum to the PAC Report outlines how the pre-poan consultation and consultation feedback has shaped the design of the Proprosed Development. The consultation consisted of: Four Public Information Days in November 2012; Four Public Exhibitions held in October 2013; A Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting on 14 th May 2014; Attendance at the Carsphairn Community Council meeting on 29 th September 2014; A CLG meeting on 4 th November 2014; and The Freephone number, Freepost address, address and a project website has been made available to and details have been provided in all consultation material. 1

4 2. Consultation Activity Public Information Days The aim of the Public Information Days was to introduce the project to the community and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to feed back on the Proposed Development from a very early stage in the design process. It was also an opportunity to obtain feedback on E.ON s proposals for consultation and engagement and allowed suggestions to be made for the location and timing of public events. This helped the project team to develop a consultation process which was as inclusive as possible. Four Public Information Days were held: Lagwyne Village Hall, Carsphairn, 6 November 2012 New Cumnock Community Education Centre, 7 November 2012 Hillview Leisure Centre, Kelloholm, 14 November 2012 Dalmellington Community Centre, 15 November 2012 Advertising An advertisement for the Public Information Days was placed in the Cumnock Chronicle, Galloway News, Recharge News and Utility Week during the week beginning the 15 th October Copies of the press coverage can be found in Appendix 2.1 The locations, dates and times of the Public Information Days were advertised with a poster campaign. Posters were sent to 36 local businesses. A copy of the poster and the location of display can be found in documented in Appendix 2.2 Letters inviting people to the Public Information Days were sent on 13 th October A copy of the letter can be found in Appendix 2.3. The recipients of the invitations were as follows: 72 local residents and businesses Councillors for Castle Douglas and Glenkens Ward Councillors for the Mid and Upper Nithsdale Ward Councillors for Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward Councillors for Doon Valley Ward 2

5 E.ON s Stakeholder Engagement Consultants, Ayrnet Marketing, invited the following Community Councils to the Public Information Days via telephone call and via invitation: Carsphairn Community Council Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Council New Cumnock Community Council Sanquhar Community Council Public Information Day Material On display at the Public Information Day were 12 exhibition boards which outlined: Introduction to Benbrack, Enoch Hill and Lorg Wind Farms Background on E.ON Climate and Renewables and E.ON in Scotland Information on why wind farms are needed Details on the environmental assessments being undertaken by E.ON A timetable for the projects Information on where to find further information as well as how to provide feedback on the proposals Individual site maps and contact details for each project Materials from the Public Information Days can be found in Appendix 2.4 Collection of Feedback Questionnaires were provided so people could respond easily and in writing on aspects of the proposal. A Freepost address was provided so that people were able to take questionnaires home and respond at a time convenient to them or anonymously if they wished. 3

6 Public Exhibitions The aim of the Public Exhibitions was to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to view the proposals for Lorg Wind Farm and provide valuable feedback on aspects of the development. The timings and venues of the Public Exhibitions were also intended to provide members of the public with a choice of times to attend, so to suit different needs and circumstances. The following Public Exhibitions were held: New Cumnock Community Education Centre, 28 th October 2013 Dalmellington Community Centre, Dalmellington, 29 th October 2013 Hillview Leisure Centre, Kelloholm, 30 th October 2013 Lagwyne Village Hall, Carsphairn, 31 st October 2013 Exhibition Advertising An advertisement was placed in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard on the 18 October See Appendix 3.1 for a copy of the advertisement. A press release was issued on the 25 th October See Appendix 3.2 for a copy of the press release Posters promoting the public exhibitions were distributed to 36 local businesses and public facilities. See Appendix 3.3 for a full list of recipients. E.ON s Stakeholder Engagement Consultants, Ayrnet Marketing, made telephone calls to and sent a letter of invitation (See Appendix 3.4) on 14 th October 2013 to the following Community Councils to invite them to attend the Public Exhibitions. Carsphairn Community Council Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Council New Cumnock Community Council Sanquhar Community Council 4

7 A Newsletter was also distributed to the local community to advertise the Public Exhibiton as well as inform those who weren t able to attend, about the progress of the site. See Appendix 3.5 for a copy of the newsletter. Exhibition Display Information On display at the public exhibitions were 10 exhibition boards which outlined: Welcome to the Exhibition Background on E.ON Climate and Renewables Details on the environmental assessments being undertaken by E.ON Overview of the proposals including a site map Next Steps for the project Information on working with the community Plans for the Lorg Wind Farm site Information on how the turbines would be delivered to the site Understanding the Community Information on where to find further information as well as how to provide feedback on the proposals A copy of the exhibition boards are attached in Appendix 3.6 In addition to the exhibition boards, A1 maps (Appendix 3.7) showing, for example, the environmental constraints of the Proposed Development; and photomontages showing views of the Proposed Development from various viewpoints, were also displayed. A copy of the photomontages are attached in Appendix 3.8 Collection of Feedback Questionnaires were provided so that people could respond easily and in writing on different aspects of the proposal. A copy of the questionnaire is attached in Appendix 3.9. A Freepost address was provided so that people were able to take questionnaires home and respond at a time convenient to them or anonymously if they wished. 5

8 Community Liaison Group E.ON formed a CLG in order to provide a forum for additional direct, two-way communication between E.ON and the community. The CLG provided an opportunity for community representatives to ask questions and give in-depth feedback on the project details. Two CLGs were held, as follows: 4th November 2013 (Joint CLG meeting with Benbrack Wind Farm) 14th May 2014 The first CLG was held in conjunction with one convened for the nearby Benbrack development.the second CLG was convened solely to discuss the proposed Lorg Wind Farm. The membership of the CLG was made up of local residents who had previously expressed an interest in plans relating to the Proposed Development. In addition, E.ON s Stakeholder Engagement Consultants, Ayrnet Marketing, made calls to the below Community Councils to invite them to join the Community Liaison Group. Carsphairn Community Council Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Council New Cumnock Community Council Sanquhar Community Council invites were also sent to Councillors for the Castle Douglas and Glenkens Ward as well as Mid and Upper Nithsdale Ward. A copy of the Minutes from the meeting held on 14 th May 2014 can be found in Appendix 4. Carsphairn Community Council Meeting Meeting with Carsphairn Community Council was attended on 29 th September 2014 to discuss the Proposed Development, alongside E.ONs other projects in the south Scotland geography. The meeting was used to update the Community Council on the status all respective projects. 6

9 Website, , Freephone and Freepost Address E.ON created an address, a Freephone number and a Freepost address for stakeholders to contact the project team and provide feedback. A project website was created to provide historical information on the Proposed Development. See Appendix 5 for a print screen of the website. The details are as follows: Freephone number Freepost address address Website Lorg Wind Farm Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL E.ON Westwood Business Park Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8LG swscotland@eon-uk.com eonenergy.com/lorg 7

10 3. Consultation Findings The views of the public have been considered, where applicable, from the results of the questionnaires. The questionnaires asked a number of questions relating to how well people felt they had been informed about the wind farm and how they felt about the proposed layout of the wind farm. The feedback fed into the design process and the steps that E.ON has taken to address these concerns have been included in Section 4 - Impact from Community Consultation on the Proposals. Public Information Days 10 feedback forms were received over the course of the Public Information Days. These forms asked questions relating to how people felt about wind farms in general, as well as asking for specific comments to do with the Proposed Development. 1. Do you agree that windfarms are part of the energy mix? Yes 50% No 0% Undecided/No opinion 20% No Answer 30% Do you agree that windfarms are part of the energy mix? Yes No Undecided/no opinion No answer 8

11 2. Approximately how far from the proposed site do you live? Less than 5km 20% 5 10km 50% More than 10km 0% No Answer 30% How far from the proposed site do you live? Less than 5km More than 10k 5-10km No answer 3. If you have any further comments please use the box below Comments Did not know about Afton Visual impact, and be kept informed on progress at Enoch Lorg. I am totally in favour of all green power generation Prefer wind farms to pylons and radioactive power stations Feel we are destroying our wonderful scenery Spoiling the landscape. Realise that it s the way forward for our energy but still undecided Communication on timing of concrete lorrys on any roads (particularly Lorg and B729) 9

12 Sensitivity to height and numbers to require output. Local ownership of some to offset fuel costs for everyone in parish Public Exhibitions Questionnaire responses 6 questionnaires were received over the course of the Public Exhibitions that were soley in response to the Lorg Wind Farm proposal. These forms asked questions relating to how well people felt they had been informed about the wind farm and how they felt about the proposed layout of the wind farm. 1. To what extent do you feel you have been informed about the wind farm and believe that you have had the opportunity to feedback on our plans? Very Well 33% Well 50% To what extent do you feel you have been informed about the wind farm and believe that you have the opportunity to feedback on the plans? Neither Well Nor 17% Poor Poor 0 Very Poor 0 No Answer 0 Very well Well Neither well nor poor Poor Very poor 10

13 2. What do you think of the proposed layout for Lorg Wind Farm? (Wording in red denotes box ticked) Answer and associated comments I don t like windfarms in general. I have specific concerns about this wind farm, for example concerns about specific turbines (please state) Turbines are too tall. They will be visible for up to 80 miles I like it I m neutral I m neutral I like it I am satisfied that it takes into account key sensitivities in the area 11

14 3. Do you have any comments on our proposed delivery route? Is there anything you d like to see included in our traffic management plan? Comments Build them elsewhere No comment Concerned about traffic on B729 and Lorg road. Roads need improving. Poor visibility single track etc. 4. If you have any further comments please use the box below. Comments Build them somewhere else It would be good to have someone along to talk about the value at our community council The heritage society were very impressed with the presentation and the two ladies giving it were very informative. We hope that you will visit Kelloholm Primary School and educate our children on why windfarms are important 12

15 4. Impact from Community Consultation on the Proposals The following section sets out the key issues that were raised during the pre-application consultation period from both the comments received during the Public Information Days, Public Exhibitions and CLG and from those raised in the community meeting that E.ON attended. Where appropriate, comments have been made to address these issues or indeed highlight where changes have been made to the application as a direct result of the feedback received. Key issues arising from the consultation Community Feedback E.ON Commitment EIA Responses Public Information Days 2012 Concerned about scale of the development, both in terms of the height and number of turbines N/A A full Landscape and Visual Assessment can be found in Chapter 9: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the Environmental Statement (ES). The LVIA is an iterative process, which develops as the site design changes and seeks to minimise visual effects. Concerns about visual impact on scenery in the area. A Cumulative Impact Assessment will form part of the EIA that will be submitted with the Cumulative effects of wind farms within 35 km have been taken account of in the scoping, and 13

16 Community Feedback E.ON Commitment EIA Responses planning applications. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stages of the proposed Lorg Wind Farm and are assessed for all technical areas as part of the EIA. Worried about timing of delivery and construction traffic. N/A A Construction stage Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be produced if the proposed Lorg Wind Farm was to be consented and it is likely this would form one of the planning conditions. The CTMP would consider existing volumes of traffic on the surrounding roads and would provide an outline on how traffic would be managed to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding communities and visitors. Concern about impact of construction traffic on local road network which is perceived as needing upgrading. N/A A CTMP will be produced if the proposed Lorg Wind Farm was to be consented and it is likely this would form one of the planning conditions. The CTMP would consider existing volumes of traffic on the surrounding roads and would 14

17 Community Feedback E.ON Commitment EIA Responses provide an outline on how traffic would be managed to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding communities and visitors. Would like an option for local ownership of scheme. E.ON are looking at a number of options in terms of community benefit. N/A Public Exhibition October 2013 Would welcome engagement with community councils A meeting was held with Carsphairn Community Council on the 29 of September 2014 to update them on the proposed Lorg Wind Farm. As well as this, Carsphairn Community Council, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Council, New Cumnock Community Council and Sanquhar Community Council all sit on the CLG for Lorg Wind Farm. N/A Concerns about suitability of B729 and Lorg road for construction traffic due to single track road and poor visibility N/A A CTMP will be produced if the Proposed Lorg Wind Farm was to be consented and it is likely this would form one of the planning conditions. The CTMP would consider existing volumes of traffic on the surrounding roads and would 15

18 Community Feedback E.ON Commitment EIA Responses provide an outline on how traffic would be managed to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding communities and visitors Community Liaison Group 14 th May 2014 Concerns regarding the cumulative noise impact should all of the proposed wind farms go through planning. While it is unlikely that every application that is currently in planning will be approved, a cumulative noise assessment was undertaken which included the closest existing, consented and in planning wind farm developments. The following noise impacts associated with the Development have been considered: Construction and operational noise of the proposed Lorg Wind Farm; and Cumulative noise impacts associated with the proposed Lorg Wind Farm, in conjunction with other consented, operational and under construction developments, along with those for which an application has been submitted. Where will the grid connection for Lorg be? At the time of the question no discussions had taken place with Scottish Power regarding Grid Connection. The grid connection would be considered under a separate application and is not considered in the EIA. The likely connectin point is Kendoon North although other options are being 16

19 Community Feedback E.ON Commitment EIA Responses considered. Question regarding community benefits, and in particular the Dumfries and Galloway idea to give 50% of the money to a regional fund. E.ON have committed to pay 5,000 per MW community benefit money. E.ON are looking into many different options for community benefits. N/A 17

20 Appendix 1 Site Map 18

21 Appendix 2 Public Information Day Materials 2.1 Press Coverage Cumnock Chronicle 17 Oct

22 Recharge News - 19 October Utility Week 19 Oct

23 2.2 Poster for Public Information Days Posters were placed in the following locations: Dalmellington Community Centre, Primary School, Employability Centre, Local Council Office, Doon Academy, Doon Valley Leisure Centre, Economic Development Office, Doon Valley Museum, The Zone & Library Bellsbank Primary School, Nursery & Family Centre, Community Centre Carsphairn Lagwyne Hall, Carricks Tea Room, Primary School Sanquhar Library, Local Council Office, The Sweetie Box, Sanquhar Academy Kirkconnel Vanity Beauty Therapy, Station 49, Community Learning Centre, Post Office, Kirkconnel Heritage Society Kelloholm Hillview Leisure Centre, Primary School, Local Council Office, Mill Hill Centre, Social Work Office New Cumnock Community Centre, Local Council Office, Library, New Cumnock Working Men s Club, Primary School, Nursery School 21

24 2.3 Letter to residents and key stakeholders (Public Information Days) 22

25 2.4 Exhibition Boards 23

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37 Appendix 3 Public Exhibition Materials 3.1 Advert for Public Exhibition Published in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard on Oct

38 3.2 Press Release 36

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40 3.3 Poster for Public Exhibitions Posters were sent to the following locations: Dalmellington Community Centre, Primary School, Employability Centre, Local Council Office, Doon Academy, Doon Valley Leisure Centre, Economic Development Office, Doon Valley Museum, The Zone & Library Bellsbank Primary School, Nursery & Family Centre, Community Centre Carsphairn Lagwyne Hall, Carricks Tea Room, Primary School Sanquhar Library, Local Council Office, The Sweetie Box, Sanquhar Academy Kirkconnel Vanity Beauty Therapy, Station 49, Community Learning Centre, Post Office, Kirkconnel Heritage Society Kelloholm Hillview Leisure Centre, Primary School, Local Council Office, Mill Hill Centre, Social Work Office New Cumnock Community Centre, Local Council Office, Library, New Cumnock Working Men s Club, Primary School, Nursery School 38

41 3.4 Stakeholder Invite Letter 39

42 3.5 Newsletter 40

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44 3.6 Exhibition Boards 42

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54 3.7 Maps on display at Public Exhibition: Developable Areas 52

55 Proposed Turbine Layout 53

56 Proposed Infrastructure 54

57 ZTV 55

58 Constraints Map 56

59 3.8 Photomontages on display at Public Exhibitions 57

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70 3.9 Questionnaire 68

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73 Appendix 4 Materials from the Community Liasion Group Minutes CLG Meeting 14 th May

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77 Appendix 5 Project Website 75

78 E.ON Climate and Renewables UK Developments Ltd Registered office: Westwood Way Westwood Business Park Coventry CV4 8LG Registered in England and Wales No