1. Introduction and summary
1.1. Background
1. Berwick Bank Wind Farm Limited (the ‘Applicant’) submitted an application for planning permission in principle (PPP) for Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore transmission works (OnTW) (the ‘Proposed Development’) in March 2023, supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment which was reported in an EIA Report (the ‘Onshore EIA Report’).
2. Following the submission of the PPP application, the Applicant has been notified of the submission of a Section 36 (S36) application for the proposed Branxton Energy Storage System (the ‘Branxton BESS Project’) to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU00004659) on land in the vicinity of the Proposed Development.
3. Following consultation with ELC it was agreed that an additional cumulative effects assessment (CEA) would be provided in support of the Proposed Development’s PPP application to account for potential cumulative effects with the Branxton BESS Project. This EIA Report Addendum incorporates the requested additional CEA and should be read in conjunction with the cumulative effects sections of the technical chapters (Chapters 6 to 14) within Volume 1 of the Onshore EIA Report.
4. The Applicant has also undertaken further work to address consultation responses following the submission of the PPP application. As some of this work necessitates the updating of Environmental Information pertinent to the EIA, the information has been provided in the EIA Report Addendum alongside the CEA in support of the application. A summary of the additional information provided alongside the CEA, as well as reason for its inclusion and an overview of outcomes, is provided in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Summary of Updated Sections
5. It should be noted that there are no changes to the Proposed Development as outlined within the application. The information set out below is intended to be read in conjunction with the Onshore EIA Report. Reference will be made to EIA Report chapters, associated technical appendices and figures where the originals remain applicable. Where any information in the Onshore EIA Report is superseded by the information presented in this EIA Addendum, this is made clear.
6. Section 2 provides the additional CEA. Section 3 updates made to the Environmental Information pertinent to the EIA assessment incorporating Flood Risk, Ecology, Biodiversity Net Gain and Landscape Mitigation.
2. Cumulative Effects Assessment
2.1. Methodology
7. The CEA reported in this Addendum takes into account the potential cumulative impacts of the Proposed Development together with the Branxton BESS Project. Cumulative effects are therefore the combined effect of the Proposed Development in combination with the effects from the Branxton BESS Project, on the same receptor or resource. Refer to Volume 1, Chapter 2 of the Onshore EIA Report for detail on CEA methodology.
8. The Branxton BESS Project has been screened in for cumulative effects assessment in relation to landscape and visual, ecology, ornithology, cultural heritage, socio-economics and land use, tourism and recreation based upon data confidence, effect-receptor pathways and the spatial/temporal scales involved. Those topics screened out of the CEA, together with justification, are presented in Table 2.1 Open ▸ .
Table 2.1 Topics Screened in and out of the Cumulative Effects Assessment with the Branxton BESS Project
9. An assessment of the likely significance of the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development upon receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
2.2. Landscape and visual
11. The CEA reported in the Onshore EIA Report was split into Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments. The Tier 1 assessment considered the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development with the offshore elements of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm. There is therefore no need to update the Tier 1 assessment in this Addendum.
12. This section of the Addendum replaces the Tier 2 cumulative assessment found within Volume 1, Chapter 6 of the Onshore EIA Report. Figure 6.13, Volume 2 of the Onshore EIA Report has also been updated as part of this Addendum which illustrates the locations of cumulative developments included within the Tier 2 cumulative assessment (Figure A6.13).
2.2.2. Updated Tier 2 Cumulative Assessment
13. As described in the cumulative methodology, within Section 6.9.2 of Chapter 6, Volume 1 of the EIA Report a preliminary assessment has been undertaken of the shortlisted Tier 2 cumulative projects based on professional judgement, assessment rationale and guidance relevant to landscape and visual impacts. The preliminary cumulative assessment in Table 2.2 below has determined that the application stage SPEN Eastern Link Project, SPEN Branxton Grid Substation and SPEN Branxton BESS Project developments have the potential to give rise to significant cumulative effects as a result of the addition of the Proposed Development and consequently require detailed assessment.
14. The cumulative effects presented and assessed in this Addendum have been selected from the details provided in Volume 1, Chapter 2 of the Onshore EIA Report as well as the information available on other projects and plans, to inform a ‘maximum design scenario’. Effects of greater adverse significance are not predicted to arise should any other development scenario, based on details within the Project Design Envelope, to that assessed here, be taken forward in the final design scheme.
Table 2.2 Updated Shortlist of Tier 2 Cumulative Projects
2.2.3. Cumulative Development Description
Branxton Grid Substation
15. The proposal for the Branxton Grid Substation incorporates a 400kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) building in close proximity to the existing cable sealing end compounds at Branxton and Thornton Bridge. The Proposed Development onshore cable corridor would join this substation, as would the Eastern Link project. The Branxton Grid Substation proposal whilst close to the existing cable sealing end compounds at Branxton and Thornton Bridge would increase the influence of electricity infrastructure to neighbouring fields at a higher elevation and would involve large scale earthworks in its creation. Should it be consented, it is anticipated that the Branxton Grid Substation construction would take place over 2 years (2023 to 2025) and begin operation by the end of 2026.
Eastern Link
16. The proposal for the Eastern Link project includes 176 km of marine cabling to link East Lothian with County Durham to aid the distribution of green energy between Scotland and England. The Eastern Link marine cable would make landfall south of Torness Power Station, on the coast east of Linkshead. The onshore cable corridor would then travel east to Old Branxton, joining the Branxton Grid Substation south of Thornton Law. From this point the Eastern Link cable corridor would follow broadly the same route as the onshore cable corridor of the Proposed Development before branching north-east to the proposed converter station, close to the Dunbar ERF on the northern side of the A1 trunk road. The proposed converter station would constitute two, large-scale buildings enclosing the necessary ‘stepping down’ electrical infrastructure. The site has been selected due to its existing industrial environment. Should it be consented, the Eastern Link project is anticipated to start construction during 2024 and begin operation during 2027. The Proposed Development is expected to begin construction during 2025 and begin operation 40 months later, meaning there is the potential for both cable corridors to be under construction within the LVIA study area at the same time.
Branxton BESS Project
17. The proposed Branxton BESS Project comprises a grid services complex of battery storage modules, other associated ancillary electrical infrastructure, access roads, sympathetically coloured security fencing and security gates (both 3 m in height). Groundworks to create a completely flat and levelled surface are not anticipated, and the facility, particularly the battery storage modules, will accord with the changing level of the existing local topography. The development will include planting that will provide screening from key visual receptors and enhance biodiversity. The electrical export capacity of the facility is expected to be exceed 50 MW but is to be confirmed. Should it be consented, construction of the Branxton BESS Project is anticipated to occur over a 12-month period, with an operational lifespan of 40 years.
2.2.4. Receptors Considered in Detail within the Tier 2 Cumulative Assessment
18. An assessment description of the likely significance of cumulative effects of the Proposed Development upon landscape and visual receptors is given below. In order to establish which landscape and visual receptors have the potential for significant cumulative effects, each of the receptors considered to have potential for significant effects against the existing baseline are reconsidered in the preliminary assessment in Table 2.3 Open ▸ below to establish which require a detailed cumulative assessment (highlighted grey).
Table 2.3 LVIA Receptors in Relation to Tier 2 Cumulative Assessment
2.2.5. Tier 2 Detailed Cumulative Assessment
19. Detailed baseline descriptions and sensitivity assessments have been provided in Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.4 (Landscape Character Assessment) and 6.11.6 Visual Effects Assessment of Onshore EIA Report. To avoid duplication of reporting, these assessments are referenced for each receptor included below. Potential construction and operational cumulative effects as a result of the onshore substation are assessed and reported together to avoid a similar repetition of reporting.
2.2.6. LCT 277: Coastal Margins – Lothians
Baseline and sensitivity
20. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.5 (Detailed Landscape Character Assessment) of the Onshore EIA Report. The LCT is deemed to be of medium value and medium susceptibility and the sensitivity of the receptor considered to be medium.
Magnitude of change
21. The Eastern Link cable corridor could be under construction within this LCT within the same time period as the Proposed Development, with a shared stretch of cabling construction activity between Branxton and the onshore substation. While the processes involved in excavating land, storing material and installing cabling are not considered to be wholly out of context with the agricultural practices that are a key character of the LCT, the construction of both developments simultaneously would increase the presence of this development type for a short period of time. The introduction of the Eastern Link converter station to the cumulative context would, in itself, increase the presence of industrial built form within this LCT, however, it is located in an area of the LCT that is already characterised by industrial developments including the operation quarry at Dunbar Cement Plant, Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility and Dunbar Landfill. The Eastern Link development would therefore slightly increase the industrial backdrop of development already experienced within this LCT.
22. Construction of the Branxton BESS Project may occur within the same time period as that of the Proposed Development. Simultaneous construction of both developments would increase the presence of construction activity within the area for a short period of time. The introduction of the Branxton BESS Project to the cumulative context would increase the presence of industrial built form within an area of this LCT that is already characterised by industrial development. Within this context, the increase in industrial structures or elements within the LCT arising from the Branxton BESS Project would be slight.
23. It is considered that the addition of the Proposed Development to a scenario that includes the Eastern Link and Branxton BESS Project would increase the amount of industrial development within this LCT, however, there would be minimal cumulative interaction between these developments due to the physical and visual separation afforded by a combination of distance from the larger built parts of these developments, intervening topography and other landscape elements such as the A1 road corridor embankments. Furthermore, the presence of the Branxton BESS Project and Eastern Link developments in this scenario further strengthens the developed baseline of this LCT when combined with the existing industrial context of the coastal landscape. This has a moderating effect when considering the addition of the Proposed Development as it would introduce development that is not entirely uncharacteristic.
24. Taking all of this into account, the cumulative magnitude of change is considered to be medium-low during construction and low during year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
25. The cumulative effect would be moderate-minor and not significant during construction reducing to minor and not significant during year 1 and year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.7. LCT 269: Upland Fringes – Lothians
Sensitivity of the receptor
26. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.5 (Detailed Landscape Character Assessment) of the EIA Report. The LCT is deemed to be of medium-high value and medium-low susceptibility and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium.
Magnitude of change
27. The Branxton Grid substation would increase the presence of electricity infrastructure within a localised part of the LCT that is already characterised by this kind of development. In itself, the effect of the Branxton Grid substation upon the key characteristics of this LCT are considered to be limited by its location and the containing influence of surrounding topography. Cumulative interaction between the Branxton Grid substation and the Proposed Development substation would also be limited by the same topographical and locational characteristics. The Proposed Development onshore cabling works would have limited influence on the characteristics of this LCT as described in Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.3 of the EIA Report, and the cumulative interaction is also considered to be minimal and short term.
28. The Branxton BESS Project would further increase the presence of electricity infrastructure largely within the neighbouring LCT 277, within an area that is already characterised by similar development, including Torness Power Station, overhead power lines, the East Coast Main Line and A1 trunk road. The influence of the Branxton BESS Project would extend across areas near Branxton and Innerwick, and the eastern faces of Thornton Hill and Blackcastle Hill. In itself, the effect of the Branxton BESS Project on the key characteristics of this LCT 269 would be limited to its visual presence in coastal views, overlooking the lowlands adjoining this LCT. The existing influence of industrial and electrical development within the context of the Coastal Margins LCT 277; the containment by surrounding topography; and the visual separation from the Proposed Development would limit the cumulative interaction between the Branxton BESS Project and the Proposed Development onshore substation.
29. From the western edges of this LCT within the eastern Lammermuirs, both the Branxton Grid substation and Branxton BESS Project would be viewed from an elevated position, however, a degree of separation exists in these views between these developments and the onshore substation element of the Proposed Development such that cumulative interaction is minimal when considering the key characteristics overall. The Proposed Development would also be experienced in distant views within the context of other existing industrial and electrical development already present within the Coastal Margins LCT 277. When combined with the presence of the Branxton BESS Project and Eastern Link developments in this scenario, the additional effect of the Proposed Development is moderated as it would introduce development that is not entirely uncharacteristic.
30. Taking all of this into account, it is considered that the addition of the Proposed Development to a scenario that includes the Eastern Link and Branxton BESS Project would result in a cumulative magnitude of change of low during construction, year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
31. The cumulative effect is considered to be minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction, year 1 and in year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.8. Viewpoint 3: John Muir Link, Skateraw Harbour
Sensitivity of the receptor
32. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.7 (Detailed Visual Effects Assessment) of the Onshore EIA Report. The viewpoint is deemed to be of high value and medium susceptibility and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium-high.
Magnitude of change
33. The Eastern Link converter station would be partially visible from this location. The screening influence of intervening restored landform, at Dunbar Landfill, mature woodland and Skateraw Farm restricts potential views, however, the upper parts of the development would be visible above the intervening trees. The Eastern Link cable corridor would be screened from view by the Proposed Development with limited opportunities for it and the onshore cable corridor to be viewed in combination. The Eastern Link Convertor Station would occupy a different part of panorama than the Proposed Development onshore substation and their locations would be further separated by the mature trees within the intervening landscape that appear to form a break in the view.
34. The addition of the Proposed Development to a scenario that includes the Eastern Link development would therefore have minimal cumulative interaction given the visual separation and limited visibility of the Eastern Link development. The cumulative magnitude of change is therefore considered to be low during construction, year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
35. The cumulative effect is considered to be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction, year 1 and in year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.9. Viewpoint 4: Minor Road Near Thornton
Sensitivity of the receptor
36. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.7 (Detailed Visual Effects Assessment) of the Onshore EIA Report. The viewpoint is deemed to be of high value and medium susceptibility and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium-high.
Magnitude of change
37. The Branxton BESS Project would be partially visible when looking south east from this location. Screening by landform and hedgerow within the farmland cover would limit visibility of the facility to it uppermost parts, against a backdrop of the easternmost Lammermuir Hills. The Branxton BESS Project, Proposed Development onshore substation and Eastern Link Convertor Station would occupy different parts of the panorama and would not be viewed simultaneously. There would be limited visibility of the facility in combination with the cumulative developments.
38. To the north-west, the Proposed Development would screen the Eastern Link cable corridor. Landform and mature trees within the intervening landscape would restrict visibility of the onshore cable corridor and Eastern Link cable corridor.
39. Minimal cumulative interaction would occur due to the addition of the Proposed Development to a scenario that includes the Branxton BESS Project and Eastern Link development. This is due to the visual separation arising from the spatial arrangement of these developments and limited visibility of the cumulative developments. The cumulative magnitude of change is therefore considered to be low during construction, year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
40. The cumulative effect is considered to be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction, year 1 and in year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.10. Viewpoint 6: Blackcastle Hill
Sensitivity of the receptor
41. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.7 (Detailed Visual Effects Assessment) of the Onshore EIA Report. The viewpoint is deemed to be of medium-high value and medium susceptibility. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium-high.
Magnitude of change
42. The introduction of the Eastern Link converter station to the cumulative context would increase the presence of industrial built form within an area that is already characterised by industrial developments including the operation quarry at Dunbar Cement Plant, Dunbar ERF and Dunbar Landfill. The converter station would slightly increase the presence of industrial development within successive views to the north-west. The cumulative interaction between the converter station and the Proposed Development would however be marginal due to the context of existing industrial development in proximity to the converter station site, distance from the view and the visual separation of these sites is also evident from this viewpoint. Construction of the cable corridor for the Eastern Link would be visible across the central portion of the lower lying landscape in the view, including the connection point to the Convertor Station on the Coastal Margins. The construction activities associated with the Eastern Link cabling works would be viewed in close context to the Proposed Development cable corridor for a short distance south of the onshore substation.
43. The introduction of the Branxton BESS Project to the cumulative context would further increase the presence of industrial built form, however, the Branxton BESS Project would appear more peripheral to the view, beyond the broad plateau of the hilltop in the foreground. As construction activities for the Branxton BESS Project, Eastern Link and the Proposed Development may occur within a similar time period, they may be visible at the same time. While the processes involved in excavating and storing land and installing the onshore cable corridor are not considered to be wholly out of context with the agricultural land use, the construction of these developments simultaneously would increase the presence of this development type for a short period of time.
44. When considering the addition of the Proposed Development onshore substation to a scenario that includes the Eastern Link Convertor Station and Branxton BESS Project minimal cumulative interaction is predicted given the visual separation and existing industrial backdrop. When considering the addition of the Proposed Development to a scenario that includes the Eastern Link and Branxton BESS Project cabling works there is potential for the effect of construction activities to be visible in more areas than that of either development on its own and also potentially more intensive within the same time period. These construction activities are however still considered to be short term and temporary and for the most part similar in scale to other agricultural practices seen from this viewpoint throughout the year. Taking all of this into account, the overall cumulative interaction is considered to be minimal resulting in a low magnitude of change during construction, year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
45. The cumulative effect would be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction, year 1 and year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.11. A1 trunk road
Sensitivity of the receptor
46. Please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6, Section 6.11.7 (Detailed Visual Effects Assessment) of the Onshore EIA Report. Viewpoint 1 is representative of receptors using this road, who are deemed to place a medium value on the view and who are of medium susceptibility. The receptor sensitivity is considered to be medium.
Magnitude of change
47. Theoretically, the Branxton BESS Project would be intermittently visible from sections of the road within the study area with more constant visibility from the stretch of road between the overpass crossing the ECML, to the north; and the junction with road to Bilsdean, to the south. Whilst set further back from the A1, due to its elevated location, visibility of the Branxton Grid Substation is potentially similar in extent, however, the intervening screening elements such as localised topography, small woods and field boundary vegetation restrict clear views towards it. Theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development extends from the bridge over the Dry Burn to Thorntonloch Bridge, to the north and south, respectively. Whether northbound or southbound, receptors using the road would periodically see these developments where screening by topography and intervening smaller landscape elements allows. Due to their close proximity to the road, the Proposed Development and the Branxton BESS Project would be glimpsed between landform and roadside tree planting. These glimpses would be relatively close range and would mainly occur as receptors approach and pass each of these developments in turn.
48. When considering the addition of the Proposed Development to a cumulative scenario that includes the Branxton BESS Project the perceived level of electricity infrastructure along the road within the study area would increase. This would be particularly notable for southbound receptors west of the Proposed Development, where the Proposed Development will appear directly ahead from the A1. For northbound receptors, intervening trees would initially screen the Proposed Development, which would gradually come into view as the road turns west. It would lie just to the side of the view with the greater focus of Torness Power Station on the opposite side of the road. The Branxton BESS Project be more peripheral to the direction of travel for both northbound and southbound receptors. It would also be less visible due to intermittent screening provided by intervening woods and field boundary vegetation.
49. The existing influence of Torness Power Station; the spatial separation of the Proposed Development and cumulative developments; and their very limited simultaneous visibility, would limit their sequential visual impact resulting in two separate and short sections of the road having brief glimpses of these developments within differing landscape and topographical contexts. Maturation of mitigation planting would moderate the adverse nature of the cumulative effect to a slight degree. It is considered that, taken in sequence, the magnitude of change to views from the A1 would be noticeable but not definitive.
50. The cumulative magnitude of change is considered to be medium during construction, year 1 and in year 15.
Significance of the cumulative effect
51. The cumulative effect is considered to be moderate and not significant in EIA terms during construction, year 1 and in year 15. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.
2.2.12. Summary and conclusions
52. This Addendum provides an updated cumulative effects assessment (CEA) to be read alongside Volume 1, Chapter 6 of the Onshore EIA Report. The key change between this Addendum and the CEA provided within Volume 1, Chapter 6 of the Onshore EIA Report is the inclusion of the Branxton BESS Project within the assessment of cumulative effects. This report therefore replaces the Tier 2 cumulative assessment found within Chapter 6. Volume 2, Figure 6.3 has also been updated as part of this Addendum which illustrates the locations of cumulative developments included within the Tier 2 cumulative assessment and this Addendum.
53. Of these cumulative developments, Branxton Grid Substation, Branxton BESS Project and Eastern Link have been considered in detail in a Tier 2 cumulative assessment (application scenario). None of the key landscape and visual receptors are assessed as having significant cumulative effects as a result of other developments in the study area. Where cumulative developments are visible from key landscape and visual receptors, they would have limited cumulative interaction with the Proposed Development or the cumulative effect would be minimal, short term and temporary, substantially limiting their cumulative influence when considering the additional effect of the Proposed Development. Additionally, when experienced in sequence (by receptors using the A1 trunk road), the cumulative effect of the Proposed Development and cumulative developments is assessed as being not significant.
2.3. Ecology
- A total of four projects and plans were initially selected as relevant to the CEA and presented within the ecology chapter (Volume 1, Chapter 7 of the Onshore EIA Report) based upon the results of a screening exercise (see Volume 4, Appendix 2.4 of the Onshore EIA Report). This Addendum updates the CEA in relation to ecology to include the Branxton BESS Project.
55. Each project or plan was considered on a case-by-case basis for screening in or out of the ecology chapter’s assessment based upon data confidence, effect-receptor pathways and the spatial/temporal scales involved.
56. The specific projects scoped into the CEA for ecology are described below and outlined in Table 2.4 Open ▸ .
2.3.1. Developments Scoped into Assessment
57. Crystal Rig IV wind farm (Planning application ref: 18/00004/SGC) lies 7.9 km south-west of the site in upland areas, comprising a combination of moorland and forestry habitats. Though the site is upland areas within significantly different habitats from lowland farmland and there is a significant distance between the two developments, the results of the baseline species and habitat surveys overlap with those of the Proposed Development. Due to the overlap in ecology receptors assessed within the EIA and the Proposed Development, including designated sites, this development is scoped into the CEA.
58. A planning application for a cable route and sub-station which overlaps the site (SPEN Eastern Link- Branxton Grid Substation, 21/01569/PM) is currently withdrawn but expected to be resubmitted in the near future. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (including otter and badger survey) and bat surveys were completed in 2021. A similar range of species and habitats were recorded during the ecology surveys and the withdrawn EIA report scoped out all designated sites and species except bats. The predicted impacts on bats were concluded to be minor and not significant during construction, operation and cumulative.
59. The SPEN Eastern Link Project – Converter Station and Cabling (Planning application ref: 22/00852/PPM) is a scheme for a new 525kV electricity converter station, underground cables and associated works and overlaps the current site. Also includes S37 application (22/00002/SGC) to install and keep a new 265 m section of 400 kV overhead line east of the proposed Branxton Grid substation. Due to the overlap in ecology receptors assessed within the EIA and the Proposed Development, including designated sites, this development is scoped into the CEA.
60. The Branxton BESS Project is a S36 application to construct and operate a BESS with a generating capacity in exceedance of 50 MW, comprising battery-based electricity storage containers and associated infrastructure. The above ground area being developed totals 13.35 hectares. The current land use is arable, and hedgerows, trees and boundary features will be retained. Due to the overlap in ecology receptors assessed within the Branxton BESS Project EcIA and the Proposed Development, including designated sites, this development is scoped into the CEA.
Offshore Proposed Developments
Berwick Bank Offshore
- Up to 307 wind turbines (each comprising a tower section, nacelle and three rotor blades) and associated support structures and foundations;
- Up to ten Offshore Substation Platforms (OSPs) and associated support structures and foundations;
- Estimated scour protection area of up to 2,280 m2 per wind turbine and 11,146 m2 per OSP;
- A network of inter-array cabling linking the individual wind turbines to each other and to the OSPs plus inter-connections between OSPs (approximately 1,225 km of inter-array cabling and 94 km of interconnector cabling); and
- Up to eight offshore export cables connecting the OSPs to Skateraw Landfall. It is possible that either High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) or High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables will be used at the Proposed Development. The options currently considered include:
– Up to eight HVAC offshore export cables; or
– Up to four HVDC offshore export cables.
- Construction to start 2025 with an 8-year build programme.
Table 2.4 Updated List of Other Projects Considered Within the CEA for Ecology
2.3.2. Maximum Design Scenario
61. The maximum design scenarios summarised here have been selected as those having the potential to result in the greatest effect on an identified receptor or receptor group. The cumulative effects presented and assessed in this section have been selected from the details provided in Volume 1, Chapter 5 of the Onshore EIA Report as well as the information available on other projects and plans, to inform a ‘maximum design scenario’. Effects of greater adverse significance are not predicted to arise should any other development scenario, based on details within the Project Design Envelope, to that assessed here, be taken forward in the final design scheme.
2.3.3. Cumulative Effects Assessment
62. An assessment description of the likely significance of the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development upon ecology receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
63. Table 2.5 Open ▸ provides an overview of residual effects on Important Ecological Features (IEFs) from each of the scoped-in developments to allow an assessment of overall cumulative effect.
Table 2.5 Summary of Residual Effects of Scoped in Developments on IEFs
HABITAT LOSS/DISTURBANCE
Tier 1 & Tier 2
Construction phase
Magnitude of impact
Designated Sites
64. As described in Table 2.5 Open ▸ , no significant impacts on designated site IEFs considered within this assessment were predicted during the construction of the scoped in developments.
65. The cumulative effect and magnitude are predicted to be as follows for each designated site:
- Dunglass Burn LNCS: local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be medium.
- Thornton Glen SWT: local spatial extent, short term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.
- Dryburn Valley LNCS: local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be medium.
Habitats
66. As described in Table 2.5 Open ▸ , no significant impacts on habitat IEFs considered within this assessment were predicted during the construction of the scoped in developments.
67. The cumulative effect and magnitude are predicted to be as follows for each habitat IEF:
- Dense/scattered scrub: local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be medium.
- Species-poor hedgerow: local spatial extent, medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore considered to be medium.
- Running water: local spatial extent, medium-term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor indirectly (Skateraw Dean and Braid Burn) and directly (unnamed watercourse). The magnitude is therefore considered to be negligible.