Significance of the effect

105. In relation to Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers during operation is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

106. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect on visitor numbers to beaches during operation of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Impacts to Tourist Accomodation

107. There may be impacts on visitor numbers staying at accommodation in the outer tourism and recreation study area due to construction activities. Potential adverse construction effects may include disturbance due to an increase in traffic levels or visual amenity effects from construction activities. Potential beneficial construction effects may include increased visitors to receptors as a result of construction workers using accommodation. Potential operational effects may include reduced visual amenity of accommodation as a result of permanent infrastructure.

Construction phase

Magnitude of impact

108. The separate access routes to Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed and Breakfast, Culzean Cottage and Thurston Manor Leisure Park are all partially within the inner tourism and recreation study area (Volume 2, Figure 14.4   Open ▸ ). Therefore, access to these tourist accommodation providers may be disrupted during construction. However, the potential impact from construction activities including traffic may be offset by the beneficial impact of increased customer turnover during the construction period as providers have the opportunity to provide services to the developers, contractors, and construction workers. As such, there is likely to be at worst case only a minor change to visitor numbers during construction. The impact of changes to visitor numbers is predicted to be short-term in duration, intermittent, and will affect the receptors directly. The magnitude of impact of changes to visitor numbers on these receptors is therefore considered to be low.
109. All other accommodation facilities have either low to no visibility of the onshore substation according to the ZTV (Volume 2, Figure 14.5   Open ▸ ) i.e., Dunglass Estate, Dunmuir Hotel and West Meikle Pinkerton Caravan Club CL Site; or the distance is great enough from the site that construction works are unlikely to cause disturbance i.e.., The Blue Cabin by the Sea, the Old Coastguard Lookout Cottage and Dunbar Camping and Caravan Club Site. Those which do have visibility of the Proposed Development i.e., those around Cove and Dunbar are likely to have aspects towards the sea which are unlikely to be disrupted by the Proposed Development construction works. Any potential impact from construction activities may be offset by the beneficial impact of increased customer turnover during the construction period. As such, there is likely to be an overall negligible change to visitor numbers during construction. The impact of changes to visitor numbers is predicted to be short-term in duration, intermittent, and will affect the receptors directly. The magnitude of impact on visitor numbers on these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.

Sensitivity of the receptor

110. Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Thurston Manor Leisure Park and Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club can provide accommodation for a large capacity of visitors. On-site leisure facilities make the accommodation providers of medium tourism/recreational value. In regard to the sensitivity to change in visual amenity, Thurston Manor has a lot of existing screening from trees and therefore only caravans on the southern edge would potentially have the visibility of the construction works. Thorntonloch Caravan Park has visibility of Torness Power Station. These receptors are therefore considered to have some ability to absorb change.  The sensitivity of the receptors is therefore, considered to be low.
111. All other accommodation receptors are likely to have existing visibility of the Torness Power Station and/or the cement works. As such, these receptors are therefore considered to have the ability to absorb change in visual amenity. The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.

Significance of the effect

112. In relation to Thurston Manor Leisure Park and Thorntonloch Caravan Park, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
113. In relation to Culzean Cottage, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
114. In relation to all other tourist accommodation, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptors is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

115. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of change in visitor numbers to tourist accommodation during construction of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Operational and maintenance phase

Magnitude of impact

116. The onshore substation will be of medium to high visibility from Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed & Breakfast, the Blue Cabin by the Sea, the Old Coastguard Lookout Cottage, Thurston Manor and Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site accommodation (Volume 2, Figure 14.5). The potential impact on visual amenity is likely to be minimal as the primary mitigation of the onshore substation design set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ and Volume 1, Chapter 5 will aid in visually blending the building into the background and reducing negative changes in visual amenity of the landscape. As such, there is likely to be only a minor change in visitor numbers. The magnitude of impact on visitor numbers as a result of reduced amenity during operation on these receptors is therefore considered to be low.
117. The onshore substation will be of low visibility to Dunglass Estate, Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Culzean Cottage, Dunmuir Hotel and West Meikle Pinkerton Caravan Site (Volume 2, Figure 14.5   Open ▸ ). The potential impact on visual amenity is likely to be minimal as the primary mitigation of the onshore substation design set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ and Volume 1, Chapter 5 will aid in visually blending the building into the background and reducing negative changes in visual amenity of the landscape. As such, there is likely to be a negligible change in visitor numbers. The magnitude of impact on visitor numbers as a result of reduced amenity during operation on these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.

Sensitivity of the receptor

118. All tourist accommodation that will have potential visibility of the onshore substation will already have Torness Power Station and/or the cement works in view within the wider landscape, and as such, these receptors are therefore considered to have the ability to absorb change in visual amenity.  The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.

Significance of the effect

119. In relation to Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed & Breakfast, the Blue Cabin by the Sea, the Old Coastguard Lookout Cottage, Thurston Manor and Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site accommodation, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms
120. In relation to Dunglass Estate, Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Culzean Cottage, Dunmuir Hotel and West Meikle Pinkerton Caravan Site, the magnitude of the impact on visitor numbers is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

121. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of a change in visitor numbers to tourist accommodation during operation of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Impacts to Recreational Users of Paths

122. There is potential for the number of recreational users of paths within the tourism and recreation study areas to be impacted during construction and operation. Recreational users of core paths are expected to include walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Construction effects may arise due to changes in amenity, views or from changes to the route of the receptor. Operational effects may arise due to changes in visual amenity of the receptor.

Construction phase

Magnitude of impact

123. Recreational users of the John Muir Link may be impacted during the construction period. As a result of the proposed trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) activity at landfall, crossing underneath the John Muir Link, the path may be temporarily diverted. As set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ , screening and signage will be in place to allow recreational users to follow diversions. The impact of changes in recreational user numbers will be indirect, local in spatial extent and will affect only a small proportion of the path. As such, there is likely to be a minor change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of the impact on the John Muir Link is therefore considered to be low.
124. The recreational and visual amenity of the SUW and the Berwickshire Coastal Path may be impacted during construction by views of construction works. Reduced amenity will only effect recreational users travelling the path from east to west. The primary view of affected stretch of SUW will be towards sea rather than towards the area of site which will be sitting in the existing landscape of the Torness Power Station. As such the baseline is unlikely to be changed considerably in relation to visual amenity for the SUW and the Berwickshire Coastal Path. The impact of changes in recreational users will be indirect, local in spatial extent and will affect only a small proportion of the long-distance path. As such, there is likely to be a minor change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of the impact on the SUW and the Berwickshire Coastal Path is therefore considered to be low.
125. The recreational amenity of core paths 309 and 310 may be reduced due to disruption from construction works. The ZTV shows there is high visibility of the substation from several stretches of the core paths (Volume 2, Figure 14.5   Open ▸ ). These core paths run along the A1 which will be used for construction traffic.  Since these paths are already within a baseline of heavy traffic use, the change in baseline is expected to be negligible. The duration of visual amenity and disruption impacts during construction will be temporary and short-term. As such, there is likely to be a minor change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of the impact of changes in recreational user numbers on these core paths is therefore considered to be low.
126. Recreational amenity of core paths 42, 18 and 93 in the outer tourism and recreation study area may be reduced as a result of potential views of the onshore substation and construction works. The impact of changes in recreational user numbers will be short-term, intermittent, and indirect. As such there is likely to be a negligible change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of the impact on these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.
127. Users of the local path network in Skateraw (Volume 2, Figure 14.4   Open ▸ ) may be impacted by construction works at Landfall. Construction works will directly impact parts of this path network. As such, there is likely to be a moderate change in numbers of recreation users. The impact will be short-term, intermittent and direct. The magnitude of the impact is considered to be medium.
128. Impacts to users of the local road network e.g. horse riders and cyclists as a result of construction traffic will be minimised by speed limits and signage as per tertiary mitigation in Table 14.11   Open ▸ . As such, there is likely to be a minor change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of the impact on recreational users of the local road network is considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the receptor

129. The John Muir Link is an important recreational path at a regional level and is therefore of medium recreational value. In regard to reduced visual amenity, the primary focal view from the path will be out to sea rather than towards the Proposed Development. The path also currently sits within the wider landscape consisting of Torness Power Station and the cement works. As such, the John Muir Link is likely to have a medium sensitivity to change in setting and has some ability to absorb change. Overall, the sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be medium.
130. The SUW is one of Scotland’s long-distance routes and is a designated core path. It is important at national level and is therefore of high recreational value. The view of the existing Torness Power Station means the baseline is unlikely to be changed considerably in relation to visual amenity of the SUW and has some ability to absorb change. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be medium.
131. The Berwickshire Coastal Path is of regional importance and therefore of medium recreational value.  The view of the existing Torness Power Station means the baseline is unlikely to be changed considerably in relation to visual amenity of the SUW and has some ability to absorb change. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be low.
132. The other ELC core paths within the outer tourism and recreation study area are of regional importance as part of the network noted within the LDP. However, these paths are not as well used compared to the John Muir Link as per the ELC consultation ( Table 14.3   Open ▸ ) and as such are of low tourism/recreational value. The sensitivity of these receptors is therefore considered to be low.
133. The local path network in Skateraw does not consist of designated paths and they are of low recreational value in terms of local importance. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be negligible.
134. The local road network is of low recreational value. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be negligible.

Significance of the effect

135. In relation to the John Muir Link, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
136. In relation to the SUW, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
137. In relation to the Berwickshire Coastal Path, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
138. In relation to other core paths within proximity to the Proposed Development i.e. core paths 309 and 310, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
139. In relation to all other core paths within the outer tourism and recreation study area, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
140. In relation to the local path network at Skateraw, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be medium, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
141. In relation to recreational users of the local road network, the magnitude of impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptors is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

142. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of change in recreational user numbers of recreational paths during construction of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Operational and maintenance phase

Magnitude of impact

143. Stretches of the John Muir Link, the SUW, the Berwickshire Coastal Path, core paths 309, 310 and 18, and the local path network at Skateraw will have some level of medium to high visibility of the onshore substation during operation (Volume 2, Figure 14.5   Open ▸ ). As part of the primary mitigation set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ the design of the onshore substation will aid in visually blending the building into the background and reducing negative changes in visual amenity of the landscape. As such, there is likely to be a negligible change in numbers of recreation users. The magnitude of impact of changes in recreational user numbers on these receptors is therefore considered to be negligible.
144. The local path network and local road network will have some visibility of the Proposed Development during operation. With the implementation of the primary mitigation set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ ,  the magnitude of impact of changes in recreational users on local paths and road networks during operation is therefore considered to be negligible.

Sensitivity of the receptor

145. The sensitivities of the various recreational paths to change in visual amenity during operation are considered to be no more than that assessed in the construction phase. The sensitivity of the John Muir Link and the SUW is considered to be medium. The sensitivity of the Berwickshire Coastal Path and other core paths in the outer tourism and recreation study area is considered to be low. The sensitivity of the local path network and local road network is considered to be negligible.

Significance of the effect

146. In relation to the John Muir Link and the SUW, the magnitude of the impact on recreational users is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms
147. In relation to the Berwickshire Coastal Path, the magnitude of the impact on recreational user numbers is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
148. For the other core paths in the outer tourism and recreation study area with visibility of the Proposed Development, the magnitude of the impact on recreational users is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
149. In relation to the local path network and local road network, the magnitude of the impact on recreational users is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be negligible. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible significance, which is not significant in EIA terms

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

150. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of change in recreational user numbers of recreational paths during operation of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

IMPACT ON NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL USERS ON CYCLE PATHS

151. A cycle route runs through the inner and outer tourism and recreation study area, which is partly a stretch of the National Cycle Route 76 and partly a locally signed route (that is not part of the National Cycle Network) (Volume 2, Figure 14.4   Open ▸ ). There is potential for impacts on recreational users of the cycle path during construction and operation phases of the development. Construction effects may arise from interaction of recreational users with construction traffic, changes in amenity/views or from changes to the route of the receptor. Operational effects may arise due to changes in visual amenity experienced by cyclists.

Construction

Magnitude

152. During construction trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) will be conducted under a stretch of the National Cycle Route 76 which runs through the inner tourism and recreation study area. As part of tertiary mitigation set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ , appropriate signage and traffic calming measures will be implemented to reduce the impact from construction traffic. The recreational amenity of the cycle route may be reduced during construction as a result of general disruption and views of the construction works. This is likely to result in a minor change to key characteristics of the cycle route and in number of recreation users. The impact will be direct and will be short-term in duration. The magnitude of the impact of changes in recreational user numbers is therefore considered to be low.

Sensitivity

153. Approximately half of the cycle route that runs through the inner tourism and recreation study area is part of the national cycle network (Route 76) and therefore of national importance. The southern stretch is a local cycle path, not within the national network and therefore of local importance. Approximately 4 km of the National Cycle Route will have visibility of the construction works. The majority of this stretch runs parallel to the A1 and East Coast Main Line, with views of Torness Power Station and the cement works. As it is within a baseline of industrialised traffic use it is anticipated that the receptor has some ability to absorb change. The overall sensitivity of the receptor is therefore considered to be medium.

Significance

154. Overall, the magnitude of the impact on recreational users of the cycle paths during construction is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor significance, which is not significant in EIA terms

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

155. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of change in recreational user numbers of cycle paths during construction of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and maintenance phase

Magnitude

156. Recreational amenity of the cycle route may be reduced during operation as a result of the Proposed Development. Approximately 2 km of the cycle route within the study area is shown on the ZTV to have high visibility of the onshore substation. This is considered to be worst-case and in reality, there is likely to be screening from trees which will limit views from the north of the onshore substation. The impact will be long term and will affect the receptor indirectly. Due to primary mitigation of onshore substation design set out in Table 14.11   Open ▸ and the transitionary nature of the recreational users, the magnitude of the impact is therefore considered to be negligible.

Sensitivity

157. The sensitivity of the cycle route to changes in recreational amenity during operation are considered to be no more than that assessed in the construction phase of impact. The sensitivity is considered to be low.

Significance

158. Overall, the magnitude of the impact on recreational users of cycle paths during operation is deemed to be negligible, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary mitigation and residual effect

159. No secondary mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect of change in recreational user numbers on cycle paths during operation of the Proposed Development in the absence of secondary mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.

14.11.2.         Proposed Monitoring

160. No land use, tourism and recreation monitoring to test the predictions made within the assessment of likely significant effects on land use, tourism and recreation is considered necessary.

14.12. Cumulative Effects Assessment

14.12.1.         Methodology

161. The Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) takes into account the impact associated with the Proposed Development together with other relevant plans, projects and activities. Cumulative effects are therefore the combined effect of the Proposed Development in combination with the effects from a number of different projects, on the same receptor or resource. Please see Volume 1, Chapter 2 of the Onshore EIA Report for detail on CEA methodology.
162. The projects and plans selected as relevant to the CEA presented within this chapter are based upon the results of a screening exercise (see Volume 4, Appendix 2.4). Each project or plan has been considered on a case by case basis for screening in or out of this chapter's assessment based upon data confidence, effect-receptor pathways and the spatial/temporal scales involved.
163. The specific projects scoped into the CEA for land use, tourism and recreation, are outlined in Table 14.14   Open ▸ .

Table 14.14:  List of Other Projects Considered Within the CEA for Land Use, Tourism and Recreation

14.12.2.         Maximum Design Scenario

164. The maximum design scenario(s) 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.
165. For the purposes of this chapter, the maximum design scenario refers to the maximum construction extents Proposed Development and cumulative developments as given in the respective application documents. Operational impacts presume the maximum permanent visible extent as given in the respective application documents.

14.12.3.         Cumulative Effects Assessment

166. An assessment of the likely significance of the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development upon tourism and recreation receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
167. Berwick Bank Wind Farm is located approximately 43 km north-east from the East Lothian Coast. Given the location of all infrastructure offshore, there is no potential for cumulative impacts on land use, or direct impacts on tourism and recreation receptors.   Given the separation distance from the Berwick Bank Wind Farm to the tourism and recreation inner and outer study areas, and the limited visibility of offshore infrastructure onshore, it is anticipated that the addition of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm will not have a cumulative impact on identified tourism and recreation receptors. Any visibility of offshore works during construction will be temporary and consist of offshore vessels, which will not materially alter the baseline environment nor introduce any disruption to visitor access to onshore recreational assets. Operational impacts would be limited to visibility of the offshore infrastructure within the same views as the onshore substation. Given the distance offshore of the offshore turbines, these will have a very limited influence on views and will not be perceptible to visitors at such distances, therefore will have no significant cumulative impacts on onshore tourism and recreation receptors. Tier 1 cumulative impacts have therefore been scoped out of further consideration within the cumulative effects assessment.
168. Given the separation distance of approximately 2.7 km from the Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm to the tourism and recreation study area, it is anticipated that the addition of the Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm will not have a cumulative impact on land use, tourism, and recreation receptors. It has therefore been scoped out of the Tier 2 cumulative effect assessment.

Cumlative impact on change in land use

Tier 2

Construction

Magnitude

Temporary Land Take

169. The construction of SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation will result in a temporary loss of approximately 13 ha of predominantly Class 3.2 land (non-prime agricultural land), and approximately 3.7 ha of Class 2 and Class 5.1 land, with small areas of Class 3.1 land.  The construction of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route will result in a temporary loss of approximately 112 ha of predominantly Class 3.1 land with small areas of Class 1 and Class 2 land.
170. The cumulative temporary loss of prime agricultural land of approximately 157 ha. Given the respective proposed mitigation measures of each development, including implementation of soil management plans, the magnitude of temporary land take is therefore considered to be low.  

Permanent Land Take

171. The construction of the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation will result in the permanent loss of approximately 2.8 ha of Class 3.2 agricultural land. The construction of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route will result in a permanent loss of approximately 6 ha of land which has been subsequently quarried and backfilled to form rough grassland and scrub vegetation and is not considered to be prime agricultural land.
172. The cumulative permanent loss of prime agricultural land associated with the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation and the Proposed Development will remain less than 17 ha. The magnitude is therefore considered to be low.

Sensitivity

173. Given the presence of Class 2 and 3.1 land (prime agricultural land) in additional temporary land take, the sensitivity of this receptor is medium.
174. Given the additional permanent land take is of Class 3.2 or less land (not prime agricultural land), sensitivity is low.

Significance of effect

175. The magnitude of the impact of cumulative temporary changes to land use is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the land use is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.
176. The magnitude of the impact of cumulative permanent changes to land use is deemed to be low, and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. The effect will, therefore, be of negligible to minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Cumulative Impact on Visitor Numbers to Visitor Attractions

Tier 2

Construction phase

177. The EIA Report for SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation predicts no direct effects on tourism and recreation attractions, and no change in visual amenity of visitor attractions as a result of the construction of the development. As a result, it is likely there will be no cumulative effect on the impacts determined for the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation and the Proposed Development during construction and the magnitude of impacts on visitor attractions will remain unchanged.
178. The construction of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route will potentially overlap with the construction of the Proposed Development. The construction has the potential to reduce visual amenity and accessibility to visitor attractions. Given the proximity of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route to Dunbar Golf Course, Barns Ness Lighthouse, and Doon Hill, the cumulative magnitude of impact on these receptors is considered to be medium. Given the separation distance from Torness Power Station, the cumulative magnitude of impact on this receptor is likely to be negligible. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to Torness Power Station during construction will therefore be of negligible adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms. In relation to Dunbar Golf Course, Barns Ness Lighthouse, and Doon Hill the cumulative effect will be of up to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and maintenance phase

179. The SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation may be visible from Torness Power Station and Barns Ness Lighthouse during operation and will therefore slightly increase the cumulative presence of industrial built form within the existing landscape. Given the separation distance from these receptors, the cumulative magnitude of impact on Torness PowerStation and Barns Ness Lighthouse is considered to remain as negligible and low, respectively. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to Torness Power Station during operation will therefore be of negligible adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms. In relation to Barns Ness Lighthouse, the effect of change in visitor numbers will be of negligible to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.
180. The addition of SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route will slightly increase the cumulative presence of industrial built form within the existing landscape and has the potential to reduce visual amenity of visitor attractions during operation. Given the proximity of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route to the Dunbar Golf Course, Barns Ness Lighthouse and Doon Hill, the cumulative magnitude of impact on these receptors is considered to be of worst case medium. Given the separation distance from Torness Power Station, the cumulative magnitude of impact on this receptor is likely to be negligible. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to Torness Power Station during operation will therefore be of negligible adverse significance. In relation to Dunbar Golf Course, Barns Ness Lighthouse, and Doon Hill, the cumulative effect will be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Cumulative Impact on visitor numbers to beaches

Tier 2

Construction phase

181. Construction activities associated with SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation and SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route have the potential to impact access to Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach as a result of additional HGV traffic on the A1 which has the potential to affect the number of visitors to these receptors. There will be no additional traffic on direct access routes from the A1 to either receptor, therefore it is anticipated that the cumulative magnitude of impact will remain at medium and low for Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach, respectively. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach will be of minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and maintenance phase

182. SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation is unlikely to be visible from Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach during operation and will therefore have limited impact on the visual amenity of these receptors. Due to limited potential for overlapping views with the Proposed Development and given the existing baseline of industrial infrastructure visible from these receptors, it is considered that there is no potential for a cumulative operational impact on visitor numbers to Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach as a result of reduced visual amenity.  
183. The SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route is unlikely to be visible from Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach and is therefore unlikely to impact the visual amenity of these receptors. Due to limited potential for overlapping views with the Proposed Development and given the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route will be located next to the Tarmac Cement Works and the Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility within the existing baseline of industrial infrastructure, it is considered that there will be no potential for cumulative operational impacts on visitor numbers to Skateraw Harbour and Thorntonloch Beach as a result of reduced visual amenity.

Cumlative Impacts to Tourist Accommodation

Tier 2

Construction phase

184. The construction of SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation has the potential to reduce access to Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed and Breakfast and Culzean Cottage due to overlapping construction traffic with the Proposed Development. This has the potential to affect the number of visitors to these receptors Visitor numbers may also be reduced due to the reduced visual amenity of the accommodation providers as a result of construction activities within the area. However, adverse impacts may be offset by the potential to increase customer turnover at tourist accommodation facilities during the construction period. The cumulative magnitude of impact will therefore remain low. The sensitivity of Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed and Breakfast is low and Culzean Cottage is negligible. Therefore, the cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to these receptors will be of negligible to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.
185. All other tourism accommodation providers will either have no visibility of the Branxton Grid Substation construction activities or will be too far from the site that they will not be impacted by overlapping construction traffic with the Proposed Development. It is therefore anticipated that there will be no cumulative impacts on visitor numbers to these receptors during construction.
186. The SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route has the potential to reduce access to Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed and Breakfast and Culzean Cottage due to potential overlapping construction traffic with the Proposed Development. This has the potential to affect the number of visitors to these receptors. Visitor numbers may also be reduced due to the reduced visual amenity of the accommodation providers as a result of construction activities within the area. However, adverse impacts may be offset by the potential to increase customer turnover at tourist accommodation facilities during the construction period. The cumulative magnitude of impact will therefore remain low. The sensitivity of Thorntonloch Caravan Park, Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed and Breakfast is low and Culzean Cottage is negligible. Therefore, the cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to these receptors will be of negligible to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.
187. It is likely all other tourism accommodation providers will either have no visibility of the Eastern Link Project construction activities or will be too far from the site that they will not be impacted by overlapping construction traffic with the Proposed Development. It is therefore anticipated that there will be no cumulative impacts on these receptors during construction.

Operation and maintenance phase

188. The addition of the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation to the cumulative context has the potential to be viewed in conjunction with the Proposed Development from Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed & Breakfast, the Blue Cabin by the Sea, the Old Coastguard Lookout Cottage, Thurston Manor Leisure Park and Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site accommodation. This may reduce the visual amenity of views from these receptors which has the potential to reduce visitor numbers. The cumulative magnitude of impact on visitor numbers to these receptors will be low and the sensitivity of these receptors is negligible. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers to Dunbar Thorntonloch House Bed & Breakfast, the Blue Cabin by the Sea, the Old Coastguard Lookout Cottage, Thurston Manor and Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site accommodation will therefore be of negligible to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms. All other tourism accommodation providers are likely to have low to no visibility of the Branxton Grid Substation in conjunction with the Proposed Development during operation. It is therefore considered that there will be no cumulative impacts on these receptors.
189. The addition of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route to the cumulative context has the potential to be viewed in conjunction with the Proposed Development from West Meikle Pinkerton Caravan Club CL Site. Cumulative visual impact on the amenity of the receptor will be minimal as the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route would sit within the context of existing views that include industrial features. The cumulative magnitude of impact on visitor numbers to West Meikle Pinkerton Caravan Club CL Site will be negligible and the sensitivity of the receptor is negligible. The cumulative effect of change in visitor numbers will, therefore, be of negligible adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Impacts to Recreational Users of Paths

Tier 2

Construction phase

190. The construction of SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation has the potential to be visible in conjunction with the Proposed Development from some stretches of the John Muir Link and Core Paths 309 and 310. The impact on recreational amenity of the paths as a result of visual disturbance from construction activities will be minimal and temporary. The cumulative magnitude of impact on recreational users of these paths will be low. The John Muir Link is of medium sensitivity and Core Paths 309 and 310 are of low. Therefore, it is considered that the cumulative effect of change in number of recreational users of the John Muir Link will be of minor adverse significance and the effect on Core paths 309 and 310 will be of negligible to minor significance which is not significant in EIA terms. Due to limited or no visibility of construction activities associated with the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation in conjunction with that of the Proposed Development, it is anticipated that there will be no cumulative impacts during construction on the recreational amenity of the SUW, Berwickshire Coastal Path, the local path network at Skateraw and Core paths 42, 18 and 93.
191. The construction activities of SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route may be visible from John Muir Link and Core Paths 309, 310, 18 and 42. The impact on recreational amenity of the paths as a result of visual disturbance from construction activities will be temporary. The cumulative magnitude of impact on recreational users of the John Muir Link and Core Paths 309 and 310 will remain low. Due to the proximity of Core Paths 18 and 42 to the Eastern Link Project Planning Boundary, the cumulative magnitude of impact on recreational users of these paths will increase to low.  The John Muir Link is of medium sensitivity and Core Paths 309, 310, 18 and 42 are of low. Therefore, the cumulative effect of change in numbers of recreational users of the John Muir Link will be of minor significance which is not significant in EIA terms. In relation to Core Paths 309 and 310, 18 and 42 the cumulative effect will be of negligible to minor significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and maintenance phase

192. The SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation will not be visible in conjunction with the Proposed Development from the John Muir Link, Core paths 309 and 310, and Core Path 18. As a result, there will be no cumulative interaction with the Proposed Development on the recreational amenity of these receptors.
193. The SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route may be visible from John Muir Link and Core Paths 310, 18 and 42 in conjunction with the Proposed Development. This may reduce recreational amenity of the receptors which has the potential to impact their recreational users. The magnitude of impact on the recreational users of these receptors will increase to low. The John Muir Link is of medium sensitivity and the Core Paths are of low. Therefore, the cumulative effect of change in number of recreational users of the John Muir Link will be of minor significance which is not significant in EIA terms. In relation to Core Paths 310, 18 and 42 the cumulative effect will be of negligible to minor adverse significance which is not significant in EIA terms.

Impact on Number of Recreation Users of Cycle Paths

Tier 2

Construction phase

194. The construction activities associated with the SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation will be visible in conjunction with the Proposed Development from the NCN 76 and local cycle route. Reduced recreational amenity of the NCN 76 and local cycle route as a result of visual disturbance and construction traffic on the A1 will have the potential to impacts number of recreational users of the cycle path. The cumulative impact on number of recreational users will be temporary and of low magnitude. The sensitivity of the receptors is considered to be medium. The cumulative effect of change in number of recreational users of cycle paths will, therefore, be of minor significance, which is not significant in EIA terms
195. A section of the NCN 76 runs parallel to the Planning Boundary for the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route. Therefore, there is potential for the construction activities associated with the Eastern Link project be visible in conjunction with the Proposed Development from the NCN 76 and reduce the recreational amenity of the receptor. This has the potential to impact number of recreational users of the path. Cumulative impacts during construction on number of recreational users of the NCN 76 will be temporary and given its proximity to the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route, be of low magnitude. The sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. Therefore, it is considered that the cumulative effect of change in number of recreational users of cycle paths will be of minor significance during construction which is not significant in EIA terms.
196. The construction of the SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route may have a direct impact on a short section of the local cycle route due to overlapping with the Planning Boundary. As a result, there is the potential for a temporary reduction in numbers of recreational users of the route. Due to the temporary nature of the impact, the magnitude of impact is considered to be low. The sensitivity of the receptor is medium. Therefore, it is considered that the cumulative effect of change in numbers of recreational users of cycle paths will be of minor significance during construction which is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and maintenance

197. The SPEN Eastern Link - Branxton Grid Substation will not be visible from the NCN 76 or the local cycle route. It is therefore considered that there will be no cumulative impacts on these receptors.
198. The SPEN Eastern Link – Converter Station and Cable Route convertor is likely to be visible from sections of the NCN 76 and local cycle route. Therefore, there is the potential for cumulative impacts on recreational amenity of the cycle paths as a result of a change in views inland. This has the potential to impact number of recreational users of the paths. Given the baseline of industrial infrastructure within the existing view inland, the cumulative magnitude of impact is considered to be negligible. The sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be low. Therefore, the cumulative effect of change in number of recreational users of cycle paths will be of negligible to minor significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

14.12.4.         Proposed Monitoring

199. No monitoring to test the predictions made within the assessment of likely significant effects on land use, tourism and recreation is considered necessary.

14.13. Inter-Related Effects

200. A description of the likely inter-related effects arising from the Proposed Development on land use, tourism and recreation is provided in Volume 4, Appendix 15.2 of the Onshore EIA Report.

14.14. Summary of Impacts, Mitigation Measures, Likely Significant Effects and Monitoring

201. Information on land use within the land use study area was collected through a desktop review.
202. Information on tourism and recreation within the tourism and recreation study areas was collected through a desktop review, a site survey and consultation.
203. Table 14.15   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential impacts, mitigation measures and the conclusion of likely significant effects in EIA terms in respect to land use, tourism and recreation. The impacts assessed include:

• Changes in land use within the land use study area;
• Changes in visitor numbers to visitor attractions;
• Changes in visitor numbers to beaches;
• Changes to visitor numbers to tourist accommodation;
• Changes in numbers of recreational users of paths; and
• Changes in numbers of recreational users of cycle paths.
  204. Overall, it is concluded that there will be no likely significant effects arising from the Proposed Development during the construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning phases.
  205. Table 14.16   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential cumulative impacts, mitigation measures and the conclusion of likely significant effects on tourism and recreation in EIA terms. The cumulative effects assessed include:
• Changes in land use within the land use study area;
• Changes in visitor numbers to visitor attractions;
• Changes in visitor numbers to beaches;
• Changes to visitor numbers to tourist accommodation;
• Changes in numbers of recreational users of paths; and
• Changes in numbers of recreational users of cycle paths.

206. Overall, it is concluded that there will be no significant cumulative effects from the Proposed Development alongside other projects/plans.

Table 14.15: Summary of Likely Significant Environmental Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

Table 14.16:  Summary of Likely Significant Cumulative Environment Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

14.15. References

East Lothian Council (2018) Local Development Plan. Available at: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/27791/local_development_plan_2018_adopted_270918

East Lothian Council (2018) The East Lothian Tourism Action Plan 2016-18. Available at https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/23154/east_lothian_tourism_action_plan_2016-18

East Lothian Council (2022) East Lothian Visitor Survey 2021. Available at: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/28174/east_lothian_visitor_survey_2021

Scottish Government (2023) National Planning Framework 4. Available at: https://www.transformingplanning.scot/national-planning-framework/adopted-npf4/

SEPA (2021). Bathing Waters. Available at: https://www2.sepa.org.uk/BathingWaters/Locations.aspx

Macaulay Institute for Soil Research (1984-87), Land Capability for Agriculture maps of Scotland at a scale of 1:50 000. Available at: https://soils.environment.gov.scot/maps/capabilitymaps/landcapability-for-agriculture-partial-cover/

[1] Utilising most recent published information at the time of writing.

[2] This value may vary from the total Planning Boundary Site area due to LCA data extent.

[3] C = Construction, O = Operational and maintenance, D = Decommissioning

[4] 49.03 ha total temporary and permanent prime agricultural land take. 330.07 ha total study area