Key to verifying a site for wind farm development is an Environmental Impact Assessment study
Environmental Impact Assessment
Broadview is an environmentally conscious company. As part of the development process we commission independent professional consultants to undertake a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA covers a range of subjects relating to the windfarm proposal such as;
- Landscape & Visual Effects
- Noise & Shadow Flicker
- Ecology & Birds
- Archaeology & Cultural Heritage
- Traffic & Transport
- The Water Environment
- Radar and Telecommunications
The above process assists in;
- Initially confirming the suitability of the proposed site;
- Designing the project so that it is sympathetic to its surroundings and the wider environment;
- Ensuring the proposal is in accordance with local and national planning policies;
- Optimising the energy generation for any scheme that is submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval.
The results of the EIA process are presented within an Environmental Statement (ES) which accompanies the submission of a planning application.
Stockton on Tees and Hambleton councils provided in December 2007, following an EIA scoping request, guidance, advice and clarification of EIA studies appropriate for the Seamer Windfarm.
The EIA studies covered the following:
- Landscape and Visual Intrusion
- Ecology and Nature Conservation
- Ornithology
- Air Quality
- Noise
- Cultural Heritage
- Geology
- Hydrology and Hydrogeology
- Telecommunications & TV Reception
- Aviation and RADAR
- Shadow Flicker
- Traffic
- Recreation & Tourism
Mindful that the findings of the various EIA studies need to be fully understood and considered in developing a proposed scheme, we consulted with a wide range of interested parties, including statutory consultees and the local community.
Amongst others that were consulted were: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Hambleton District Council; Middlesborough Council; North York Moors National Park; English Nature; RSPB; English Heritage; Civil Aviation Authority; Ministry of Defence; Durham Tees Valley Airport; Ofcom; BBC; ITC, and the Highways Agency.
The findings of the EIA studies and these consultation responses were used to verify the suitability of the site, design the project and optimise generation while taking account of environmental constraints and considerations.
Further consultations were held with the local community prior to the submission of the planning application. These included four separate public exhibitions held between the 2nd and 4th June 2008 in Ingleby Barwick, Stokesley, Seamer & Hilton.
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