The Development process

 

A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposal is being undertaken. The results of the assessment will be used to ensure that environmental considerations and constraints are fully considered in developing a wind energy generation scheme at Gilmorton. The findings of the EIA will be included in an Environmental Statement which will accompany the planning application.

Broadview is an environmentally conscious company. We wish to ensure that all environmental and technical considerations, both positive and negative, relating to the proposed location, are fully understood and considered to:

  • Initially confirm the suitability of the proposed site;
  • Design the project so that it is sympathetic with the surroundings;
  • Optimise the energy generation for any scheme that is submitted to the local councils for approval.

Qualified independent consultants will be commissioned to undertake a wide range of EIA studies over the next few months.

These studies will form the basis of an Environmental Statement that will be submitted with a planning application should the site prove suitable, and we choose to go ahead with a wind turbine scheme.

As a first step in this process we have written to Harborough District Council outlining our intentions and the areas we intend to include within the EIA studies. The councils will, after liaison with other interested parties, provide guidance, advice and clarification on these studies as well any additional work that they feel appropriate.

It is expected that the EIA studies will cover 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

(Some of the initial studies, ecological and ornithological, have already been commissioned)

We are mindful that the findings of the various EIA studies need to be fully understood and considered in developing any scheme. Therefore, we will also consult with a wide range of interested parties, including statutory consultees and the local community.

Amongst others that will be consulted will be:Harborough District Council, Leicstershire County Council , Natural England; RSPB; English Heritage; Civil Aviation Authority; Ministry of Defense;Covenrty Airport; Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome; Ofcom; BBC; ITC; and the Highways Agency.

To verify publicly available wind data we intend to erect an anemometry mast on site to measure wind speed and direction data for correlation with long term records from other Meteorological Office weather stations.

The findings of the EIA studies and consultation responses, together with the correlated measured wind data, will be used to verify the suitability of the site, design the project and optimise generation while taking account of environmental constraints and considerations.

Presuming that the site remains suitable for a windfarm development, further consultations will be held with the local community prior to the submission of a planning application to the relevant council.

An indicative project development time line is shown below:

  • Consultation with Harborough District Council re EIA studies (Scoping): May 2008
  • EIA Studies & consultations: May - October 2008
  • Wind data capture: Commencing July 2008
  • Public Exhibition and consultation with local community: November - December 2008
  • Submission of planning application and Environmental Statement: January 2009
  • Planning Determination: spring / summer 2009