Mid Wales (Powys) Conjoined Wind Farms Public Inquiry:

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1 Mid Wales (Powys) Conjoined Wind Farms Public Inquiry: Application by RES UK & Ireland Limited, dated 27 March 2009 for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a 100MW wind turbine generating station in Powys, Mid Wales ('Llanbrynmair') Summary Proof of Evidence by ir. Marc van Grieken, Principal of LUC, FLI, BNT on behalf of RES UK & Ireland Ltd. RES/LVIA/SPOE/Marc van Grieken/SSA-B 2nd October 2013 Planning & EIA Design Landscape Planning Landscape Management Ecology Mapping & Visualisation LUC GLASGOW 37 Otago Street Glasgow G12 8JJ Tel: Fax: glasgow@landuse.co.uk Offices also in: London Bristol Edinburgh FS EMS Land Use Consultants Ltd Registered in England Registered number: Registered Office: 43 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD LUC uses 100% recycled paper

2 2 Project Title: Client: Mid Wales (Powys) Conjoined Wind Farms Public Inquiry: Application by RES UK & Ireland Limited, dated 27 March 2009 for consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a 100MW wind turbine generating station in Powys, Mid Wales ('Llanbrynmair') RES UK & Ireland Ltd. Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by Principal V Final RK/MvG MvG MvG

3 3 Contents Introduction 4 EIA/LVIA and Public Inquiry Experience 4 LUC s Brief 5 Scheme Design 5 Landscape Effects 6 Visual Effects 7 Change in Views and Visual Amenity from Residential Properties 9 Cumulative Effects 9 Conclusions 11

4 4 Introduction S1.1 My name is Marc van Grieken. I am a landscape architect and Fellow of The Landscape Institute. I am a Principal and Director of LUC based in LUC s Glasgow office. LUC is a multi-disciplinary Environmental Consultancy embracing the core disciplines of Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Ecology and Land Management. The company is a Quality Mark Registrant with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). S1.2 In 2011, I was appointed by the Landscape Institute to the Advisory Panel which oversaw the recent publication of the third edition of the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA 3) [CPL-LAN-005]. S1.3 In 2013, I was appointed to the Landscape Institute s Technical Committee with responsibility for dealing with issues related to Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) and with respect to the guidance for the Visual Representation of Wind Farms by Scottish Natural Heritage, shortly to be released. EIA/LVIA and Public Inquiry Experience S1.4 I have extensive experience with Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (CLVIA) of wind farms and other major infrastructure projects. S1.5 Since 2000 I have been involved in landscape and visual impact assessment of wind farm proposals, from single turbine feed in tariff applications to the 155 turbine single largest consented and now operational Clyde wind farm. I have been involved with numerous predevelopment landscape feasibility studies. These studies are increasingly being used by wind energy development companies to inform their in-house decision-making process prior to taking a development forward into full planning. I estimate that I have given professional landscape and visual advice in respect of more than 100 wind energy proposals across the UK. S1.6 I understand my duty to the Inquiry and have complied, and will continue to comply, with that duty. I confirm that this evidence identifies all facts which I regard as being relevant to the opinion that I have expressed and that the

5 5 Inquiry's attention has been drawn to any matter which would affect the validity of that opinion. I believe that the facts stated within this proof are true and that the opinions expressed are my own and professionally independent. LUC s Brief S1.7 LUC was commissioned by RES UK & Ireland Limited in November 2012 to give evidence on landscape and visual matters at this Conjoined Inquiry. This work included, but was not limited to, updating the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) which is included in the CSEI [CD/RES/BAC/009]. S1.8 I consider that the updated LVIA [Chapter 4 in Volume I of CSEI August 2013] provides a comprehensive assessment of the landscape and visual effects of the proposal. S1.9 My main Proof of Evidence provides detail with regard to the landscape and visual effects arising from the proposed wind farm. I cover the points raised by concerned parties in respect of landscape and visual effects, including those made in the Statements of Case for this Inquiry in my main Proof of Evidence. Scheme Design S1.10 The Proposal has been informed by technical work undertaken on behalf of the Welsh Government to identify areas which are considered to be the most appropriate locations for large scale wind farm development, as set out in TAN 8 (technical advice to support Planning Policy Wales). Llanbrynmair Wind Farm is located within Strategic Search Area (SSA) B. S1.11 The proposed wind farm has been designed to limit potential landscape and visual effects. For example the visibility of turbines has been considered from sensitive viewpoints and six turbines were removed for visual reasons during the development of the project. The length of onsite tracks has been minimised and borrow pits have been located close to tracks to minimise length of new track required and to keep activity to a localised area. Borrow pits would be reinstated at the end of the construction period. The Llanbrynmair turbines will have a blade diameter similar to the proposed adjacent Carnedd Wen. Felling and thinning of forest coupes and/or forest edges will create more open areas

6 6 and it is my understanding that the overall quality of the blanket bog habitat will be improved. S1.12 The substation has been relocated to be near to the proposed Carnedd Wen substation and earth mounding has been designed to provide visual screening of the proposed substation and to blend into the contours of the hillside. S1.13 In relation to the local highway works, between Talerddig and Llanerfyl, refinements have been made to these works to mitigate or limit landscape and visual effects and to assimilate the road into the landscape. S1.14 As the route of the 132kV grid connection between Llanbrynmair and the National Grid Cefn Coch substation location has not yet been fixed by SPEN, it is not possible for RES to produce a detailed assessment of landscape and visual effects of this connection or to include the grid connection in the visualisations at this stage in the proceedings. However, the information provided is sufficient to show that a suitable connection is environmentally and technically feasible. S1.15 In my opinion reasonable, proportionate and appropriate measures have been taken to reduce the landscape and visual effects of the project including the local highway works. Landscape Effects S1.16 The updated LVIA identifies a significant (major) effect on the character of the site and alongside the local access road between Llanerfyl and Talerddig as a result of the presence of construction activities and loss of landscapes features on the wind farm site itself and alongside the local access road. S1.17 While significant localised effects are unavoidable in the short term it is my view that the effects are not so great to be unacceptably harmful and the local highway works will assimilate into the landscape within a period of approximately 5 years. S1.18 In my view the proposed road modifications works are proportionate to the development proposed, relate to the development of the wind farm itself and can be accommodated within the landscape. S1.19 During operation there will be direct effects on landscape character of the site and indirect effects on the perception of landscape character of localised areas

7 7 that have visibility of the development up to about 5 km from the site. Direct effects on landscape character are a logical and inevitable consequence of this type of development on any site. Indirect effects are also expected especially when the Strategic Search Area for large scale wind energy development generally comprises high elevated ground. These findings are not unusual or unexpected. S1.20 Snowdonia National Park is 5.8km from Llanbrynmair at its closest point. The updated LVIA indicates that there will be visibility of turbines from the southeastern part of the park. However, none of the landscape-related special qualities of the Snowdonia National Park will be affected by the Proposal. S1.21 Although there will be views of turbines from the National Park, the updated LVIA concludes that the turbines will not cause significant visual intrusion. S1.22 The updated LVIA also concludes that the proposal will not result in a significant effect on the perceptual character or the primary landscape qualities and features set out in Ceredigion CC s Designation of Special Landscape Areas. S1.23 I find the effects on landscape character to be proportionate to the size and type of development proposed and not in any case unexpected. I note that no effects of significance were identified on any designated landscape including Snowdonia National Park. Overall I am of the view that the predicted landscape effects are acceptable and that the proposed wind farm can be accommodated within this landscape. Visual Effects S1.24 The updated LVIA reports that recreational users on the Glyndwr s Way National Trail between Pen Coed and Brynaere will experience a significant (major) effect as a result of construction of the wind farm in close proximity to the route. However, this effect will be temporary. The updated LVIA also reports significant (moderate) temporary effects on residents of Llan and travellers on the A470 (on localised sections between Carno and Talerddig and west of Llanbrynmair) as a result of seeing the turbines being constructed on the skyline at relatively close proximity. S1.25 The updated LVIA concludes that the local highway works will result in a significant (major) temporary effect on:

8 8 residents around the junction in Llanerfyl, and users of the car park; receptors at the school just south of Llanerfyl; a few properties (less than 5) in Diosg; three properties on the approach to, and at, Gosen Bridge; residents at Sychtyn Farm; a few properties in Neinthirion; 2 properties at Cwmderwen; a property at Nant-yr-esgair-wen Farm; the roadside property at Pantglas Farm; some residents in Talerddig; and motorists and other road users of the road between Talerddig and Llanerfyl. S1.26 During operation, the updated LVIA identifies that there will be some significant (major) long term effects on viewers close to the site (e.g. from points along the Glyndwr s Way between Moel Ddolwen and Brynaere and points along the minor road between Llanerfyl and Talerddig) as a result of the addition of turbines, tracks and ancillary features at close proximity which will change views (see visualisations from viewpoints 1, 4, 5, 6 and 10). Since the Glyndwr s way passes through SSA B it is inevitable there will be change to views from this National Trail. For some people this will adversely affect the amenity value of this trail, some people will be neutral to it, and other people may experience the wind farm as positive addition. S1.27 Landform modelling has been developed in relation to the substation to help assimilate it into its landscape context and assessment viewpoints illustrate the visibility of this element of the proposals. The residual effect on visual amenity of the proposed substation is not significant. S1.28 There will be significant (moderate) long term effects on viewers up to 10km from the site (e.g. from more distant locations on Glyndwr s Way and the minor road between Llanerfyl and Talerddig, on people in Llan Village, on the A470 at Talerddigg and on elevated locations within 10km such as Bryn y Gadair) as a result of visibility of the turbines. Viewers at viewpoints beyond 10km will not experience significant effects.

9 9 S1.29 There will be a significant (moderate) effect on views of residents in three properties around Gosen Bridge due to the extent of works required to widen Gosen Bridge and the length of time it will take for vegetation (particularly trees) to re-establish. There will be no other significant effects on views from any other settlement. S1.30 I do not think these findings are unusual. Indeed any commercial scale wind farm results in some significant effects upon local views, as it is not possible to conceal these structures. Change in Views and Visual Amenity from Residential Properties S1.31 The updated residential visual amenity assessment prepared by LUC [Appendix 4.1 of Volume II A of CSEI August 2013: CD/RES/BAC/009] considered the potential change to views and visual amenity from 63 residential properties. S1.32 A number of residential properties will have clear views of the Llanbrynmair Wind Farm, resulting from the presence of turbines at close proximities. At eight residential properties the magnitude of change was judged to be high and these were subsequently considered in relation to effects on the visual component of Living Conditions. S1.33 Taking into account the extent of the changes in visual amenity described from these properties, and noting the inquiry decisions where Inspectors and Reporters had to make a planning judgement informed by the Lavender test, I conclude that Llanbrynmair Wind Farm would not constitute an unavoidable presence, and appear so detrimental to views, that the properties concerned would become widely regarded by the public as an unattractive place in which to live. S1.34 On the basis of my experience I conclude that effects on views and the visual component of residential amenity are acceptable. Cumulative Effects S1.35 An assessment of potential cumulative effects arising from the Llanbrynmair Wind Farm in combination with other existing and proposed wind energy developments within TAN 8 s Strategic Search Area B (Carno North) was

10 10 undertaken as part of the updated LVIA [CD/RES/BAC/009], informed by Scottish Natural Heritage s guidance (2012) [CPL-LAN-007]. S1.36 The updated cumulative assessment concludes that the presence of all existing and proposed wind farms in Strategic Search Area B (Carno North) would result in a significant change to landscape character in a localised area at the northern end of the Cambrian Mountains RCA. This will create a landscape with wind farms in an area which is identified at a national level as being a suitable area for wind farm development, and in which landscape change is expected. S1.37 The role that the Llanbrynmair Wind Farm plays in this change was assessed according to two potential scenarios: Scenario A: Llanbrynmair in the context of existing and consented wind farms (Carno I and II, Cemmaes 2, Mynydd Clogau and Tirgwynt); Scenario B: Llanbrynmair in the context of existing, consented and proposed wind farms (Carno I, II and III, Cemmaes 2 and 3, Mynydd Clogau, Tirgwynt, Esgair Cwmowen, Mynydd Waun Fawr 1, Carnedd Wen and Dyfnant Forest). S1.38 The updated cumulative assessment concludes that the addition of Llanbrynmair in the context of Scenario A would result in a significant (moderate) additional change to landscape character, but the addition of Llanbrynmair in the context of Scenario B would not result in a significant additional change. S1.39 None of the areas experiencing significant cumulative landscape character effects, or locations experiencing significant additional cumulative visual effects, are located in the Snowdonia National Park. It is my view that none of the landscape-related special qualities of the Snowdonia National Park will be affected by the Llanbrynmair Wind Farm when considered in the context of other existing and proposed wind farms. This is the case whether Mynydd Waun Fawr (now withdrawn) is included in, or excluded from, the assessment. S1.40 In relation to effects on visual amenity the cumulative assessment concludes that in the context of Scenario A, there will be a significant (moderate) additional effect on views at cumulative viewpoints 1, 2, 9, 10, and 13 within 10km of the Proposed Development (CVPs) largely due to the prominence of the Llanbrynmair turbines compared to other existing/ consented turbines in these 1 The planning application for Mynydd Waun Fawr Wind Farm was withdrawn by Vattenfall on 16 th August 2013.

11 11 views. This cumulative scenario would also result in a significant (major) additional effect on views from the minor road between Llanerfyl and Talerddig and the Glyndwr s Way National Trail between Pen Coed and Brynaere due to Llanbrynmair being more prominent in views from these routes than other existing/consented schemes. S1.41 In the context of Scenario B there would be fewer significant cumulative (additional) visual effects resulting from Llanbrynmair because other proposed schemes would have a greater influence on views than Llanbrynmair in most cases. There will still be a significant (moderate) additional effect on views from the Glyndwr s Way National Trail between Pen Coed and Brynaere. S1.42 Considering cumulative effects on the Machynlleth to Staylittle Road, the CZTV (Figure 4.39a of the CSEI) indicates that Llanbrynmair will not be visible from most of this route and where it is visible (e.g. from CVP 3 Wynford Vaughan Thomas Memorial) the cumulative change to the view will be minor. S1.43 The residential visual amenity assessment considered potential cumulative change to views and visual amenity as a result of introducing the Proposed Development to a baseline which already contained Carnedd Wen Wind Farm. In all cases it was found that the turbines of Llanbrynmair, if present in isolation or alongside the proposed turbines of Carnedd Wen Wind Farm, would not appear dominant, oppressive or overwhelming such that the properties would become unattractive places to live. S1.44 I am satisfied that the proposed wind farm can be accommodated, both in the context of existing and consented wind farms and in the context of existing, consented and proposed wind farms. Conclusions S1.45 I note that significant landscape and visual effects are not an unusual or unexpected consequence of wind farm development, and that this wind farm is not exceptional in that regard. All commercial wind farms in Britain give rise to significant effects upon the landscape and views, and so it is necessary to assess whether in this instance the identified significant effects are so numerous, or geographically widespread that when taken on their own or in

12 12 combination they can reasonably and commonly form a basis for refusal in terms of landscape and visual effects. S1.46 I conclude that: the proposal is located within SSA B and there is an implicit objective to accept landscape change within (and immediately adjacent to) the SSAs; the scheme has been sited and designed so as to minimise landscape and visual effects; some significant landscape and visual effects are unavoidable with any wind farm development and I have no reason to believe that the effects of the proposed wind farm would be any less if built elsewhere; the predicted significant landscape and visual effects are geographically limited and commensurate with a scheme of this size; although there will be visibility of turbines from the south-eastern part of the Snowdonia National Park they will not cause significant visual intrusion and none of the special qualities of the Snowdonia National Park will be affected by the Proposal, no significant effects has been identified on the North Ceredigion Uplands Special Landscape Area; whilst there will be some potentially significant effects on views from individual residential properties, which were assessed as part of a local visual amenity study from residential properties, none of those were found in my view to experience an overbearing, oppressive or dominant effect on the visual component of residential amenity, will not have a material and adverse effect on living conditions ; the introduction of the proposed Llanbrynmair Wind Farm in addition to other existing and proposed wind farms potentially results in significant effects on landscape character and some significant effects on views within 10 km from the proposed development but such cumulative effects are a logical and expected consequence of the wind farm being located within a Strategic Search Area. S1.47 Overall I conclude that the landscape and visual effects of the proposed Llanbrynmair Wind Farm, including the effects of the necessary local road improvement works, are acceptable from a landscape and visual perspective

13 13 (thereby complying with Policy E3 of the Powys Unitary Development Plan ) and that the proposed development can be accommodated within this landscape.