12.5. Potential Proposed Development Impacts

12.5.1.    Potential Impacts during Construction

Potential impacts that may arise due to construction of the Proposed Development include:

  • direct impacts to statutory geologically designated sites;
  • changes to natural drainage patterns due to construction activities;
  • increased erosion of soils;
  • increase in flood risk;
  • poor management of surface water runoff;
  • pollution of watercourses; and
  • impacts to private water supplies.

With the implementation of the mitigation described in Section 12.4 it is anticipated that there would be no significant effects arising due to changes to natural drainage patterns, poor management of surface water runoff and pollution of watercourses. Therefore, it is proposed that these impacts will be scoped out of further assessment within the EIA.

12.5.2.    Potential Impacts during Operation

It is considered that through the implementation of an appropriate drainage strategy, any impacts of the Proposed Development on hydrology and geology during operation will be negligible and therefore assessment of operational effects has been scoped out of further assessment

12.5.3.    Potential Impacts during Decommissioning

It is anticipated that effects due to decommissioning will be similar, or potentially less than those during construction, and therefore decommissioning effects have been scoped out of further assessment.

12.5.3.1.    Impact Assessment Methodology

In line with the methodology in Chapter 6, the assessment of effects in the EIA will consider the sensitivity of the receptors (refer to Table 12.1) in combination with the magnitude of impact (refer to Table 12.2).

Table 12.1:
Sensitivity of Receptor

Table 12.1: Sensitivity of Receptor

 

The criteria for sensitivity has been developed based on a hierarchy of factors relating to quality of the aquatic and geological environment including international and national designations, water and soil quality information, watercourse status from the Water Framework Directive (WFD) review work undertaken to date and the professional judgement of the assessment team.

The prediction and assessment of impacts will be based on those outlined in Table 12.2.

Table 12.2:
Magnitude of Impact

Table 12.2: Magnitude of Impact

 

The significance of effects will be determined by combining the sensitivity of the receptors with the magnitude of the impacts as per Table 6.1. Effects of major or moderate significance are considered to be significant in EIA terms.

12.6. Potential Cumulative Impacts

The cumulative assessment will consider other proposed developments in the vicinity of the Proposed Development and potential cumulative impacts from these being constructed at the same time. The cumulative developments to be included in the assessment will be agreed through consultation with statutory consultees and from identification of relevant developments within the planning system which coincide spatially and temporally.

Liaison between the onshore and offshore teams will identify any potential Project wide cumulative impacts.

12.7. Receptors and Impacts Scoped In and Out of Assessment

Table 12.3 below summarises the potential impacts proposed to be scoped in and out of the EIAR.

Table 12.3:
Summary of Impacts Relating to Geology, Hydrology, Soils and Flood Risk Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

Table 12.3: Summary of Impacts Relating to Geology, Hydrology, Soils and Flood Risk Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

12.8. Scoping Questions to Consultees


  1. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT
    1.         Introduction

      2. Introduction

    2. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Introduction

The following chapter sets out the methodology proposed to adopt to support preparation of the EIAR Transport & Access chapter. The analysis will review the potential impact of the Proposed Development’s construction, operation and decommissioning.

13.2. Study Area

The proximity of the Search Area for the Site Boundary to the A1 trunk road will minimise the impact of construction traffic on the local road network and sensitive receptors by enabling vehicles to utilise the trunk road network for the majority of their journey.

Due to the site selection process for infrastructure being underway (refer to Chapter 4), it is proposed to set the study to include the road network identified in Figure 1.1, focussing on the chosen route(s) between the A1 trunk road and the Search Area for the Site Boundary. The study network will therefore not extend further than the following roads:

  • The A1 trunk road between Easter Pinkerton and Bilsdean; and
  • The local road network in and around Innerwick and Thornton.

The traffic and transport study area will be refined in the EIAR once the preferred infrastructure locations have been selected.

13.3. Baseline Environment

13.3.1.    Baseline

The main road in the study area is the A1 trunk road which runs southeast to northwest across the study area, and provides a key link to other major roads within East Lothian.

The majority of the wider public road network within the study area comprises minor, unnamed roads, linking residential properties and small settlements.

The ECML railway runs through the study area, running adjacent to and crossing the A1 trunk road.

It is proposed that the onshore cable route will intersect both the A1 trunk road and the ECML railway. 

13.3.2.    Proposed Approach

It is proposed to survey the operation of the local road network on the chosen construction traffic access route(s) to inform the study. Whilst network operating conditions are assumed unlikely to return to that experienced prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is intended to use data from permanent automatic traffic counter (ATC) sites located on the A1 trunk road in the vicinity of the study area, in addition to captured data to ensure a robust assessment.

The operation of key junctions, including the location where the construction route(s) leaves the A1 trunk road and the road links forming the access route(s), will be surveyed using a combination of cameras and ATCs to record both peak hour and daily traffic flow data. This will be used to inform the noise and air quality assessments in addition to quantifying the Proposed Development’s impact on the operation of the local road network.

The ATCs will record vehicle speeds and composition, in addition to volumetric flow, to capture a sufficient level of data to inform the study.

It is proposed to obtain the most recently available five year injury accident data for the local and strategic road network in the study area from ELC and Transport Scotland, to identify any existing issues which may require to be addressed as part of the study.

The EIAR will be supplemented by a Transport Statement (TS) which will analyse the impact of the Proposed Development’s operation on the adjacent transport network. The application will also be informed by preparation of a Draft Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) setting out the measures which it is proposed to adopt to minimise the impact of construction activities on local sensitive receptors.

13.4. Tertiary Mitigation

Construction activities will be supported by a CTMP and a CEMP to minimise the impact of construction vehicles on the operation of the local road network and sensitive receptors. The documents will identify the range of measures to be implemented in association with construction activities.

The hours of operation will be managed to mitigate the impact on sensitive receptors, with the construction access route chosen to minimise the impact on residential properties adjacent to the route, as far as possible.

13.5. Potential Proposed Development Impacts

IEMA Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (1993) indicates that the following criteria should be adopted to identify whether road links on a network should be subject to detailed assessment:

  • road links where traffic flows will increase by more than 30% (or the number of heavy goods vehicles will increase by more than 30%); and
  • any other specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows have increased by more than 10%.

The significance criteria adopted for potential transport and access effects is based on the sensitivity (or importance) of the receptor effect as well as the magnitude (or scale) of the change, in line with the methodology in Chapter 6.

13.5.1.    Potential Impacts during Construction

During construction, activities will generate traffic resulting in potential impacts on sensitive receptors.

Whilst the site is located in a rural location, there are a number of residential receptors located close to the potential construction access routes. There is also a caravan park located to the north of the A1 trunk road and non-residential uses provided in Innerwick.

Whilst the route of construction traffic has yet to be identified as this will depend on the key infrastructure locations, it is expected that the Proposed Development has the potential to generate at least a short-term change in total traffic, HGV or hazardous load flows by 60-90%.

Construction traffic is expected to be less than 30% change in flows on the trunk road network, therefore it is proposed to restrict the study area to the local road network, focussing on the route(s) to be used by construction traffic.

Where possible, information from the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm Traffic Management Plan will be used to estimate the level of trips associated with construction activities, with this used to inform the impact analysis. Where information is absent, assumptions will be made from similar projects.

13.5.2.    Potential Impacts during Operation

During operation, the Proposed Development will generate a minimal number of trips, with these likely to be restricted to employees accessing the substation for maintenance the majority of these would be undertaken using cars and vans rather than larger vehicles. It is therefore proposed to scope out the assessment of the Proposed Development’s operational impacts as part of the EIA.

13.5.3.    Potential Impacts during Decommissioning

The substation’s decommissioning will generate fewer trips than its construction, with the works making use of the measures and incentives implanted to support construction activities. It is therefore proposed to scope out the assessment of the Proposed Development’s decommissioning impacts as part of the EIA. 

13.5.4.    Potential Cumulative Impacts

The assessment of potential cumulative impacts will adopt the tiered approach set out in Chapter 6.

There are currently no known committed developments in the area which would change the baseline data in terms of the location and severity of the receptors in the area. However, it is anticipated that grid network upgrades to connect the Project could coincide in terms of timescales and will be reviewed as the study progresses. There are, however, increased traffic movements generated by current construction activities associated with the NnG Offshore Wind Farm, with the construction route making use of the Innerwick junction to leave the A1 trunk road. Whilst there is potential for construction traffic associated with the Proposed Development to also utilise this junction, it is likely that all  of NnG construction activities will be completed prior to the start of construction of the Proposed Development. This will be reviewed as the study progresses.

13.6. Receptors and Impacts Scoped In and Out of Assessment

Table 13.1 summarises the potential traffic and transport impacts proposed to be scoped in and out of the EIAR.

Table 13.1:
Summary of Impacts Relating to Traffic and Transport Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

Table 13.1: Summary of Impacts Relating to Traffic and Transport Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

 

13.7. Scoping Questions to Consultees

Further consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders to determine whether there are any restrictions in place on the existing rail crossings in the study area or whether the existing bridges have been subject to a recent structural survey.

13.8. References

  • Highways Agency et al. (various dates).  Design Manual for Roads and Bridges: Volume 11 – Environmental Assessment. Available at: https://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/
  • Institute of Environmental Assessment, (IEA, now IEMA) (1993). The Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic;
  • Scottish Executive (2003). Planning Advice Note: PAN 66 - Best Practice in Handling Planning Applications affecting Trunk Roads. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-advice-note-pan66-best-practice-handling-planning-applications-affecting/;
  • Scottish Executive (2005). Planning Advice Note: PAN 75 - Planning for Transport. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-advice-note-pan-75-planning-transport/
  • Scottish Government (2014). Scottish Planning Policy. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-planning-policy/Transport Scotland (2012). Transport Assessment Guidance Available at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/4589/planning_reform_-_dpmtag_-_development_management__dpmtag_ref__17__-_transport_assessment_guidance_final_-_june_2012.pdf


  1. SOCIO-ECONOMICS
    1.         Introduction

      2. Introduction

    2. SOCIO-ECONOMICS Introduction

This chapter identifies the elements of onshore socio-economics of relevance to the Proposed Development and considers the potential impacts from the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning of the onshore components of the Proposed Development on socio-economic receptors.

14.2. Study Area

The local socio-economics study area is defined as the East Lothian local authority area. The larger regional socio-economics study area is defined as Scotland. Figure 14.1 displays the extent of the local study area.

14.3. Baseline Environment

An initial desk-based review of literature and data sources has identified a number of pre-existing datasets. Key reports and datasets include, but are not limited to:

Table 14.1:
-Summary of Key Socio-economics Desktop Reports

Table 14.1 -Summary of Key Socio-economics Desktop Reports

 

The EIAR chapters will inform the socio-economics impact assessment, including (but not limited to): Landscape and Visual; Cultural Heritage; Traffic and Transport; and Land Use, Tourism and Recreation.

14.3.1.    Site-specific Survey Data

No site-specific surveys have been undertaken to inform this socio-economics chapter and will not be undertaken to support the development of the EIAR. This is because sufficient secondary data is available for the development of a baseline from which the potential impacts can be assessed.

14.3.2.    Baseline Characterisation

14.3.2.1.    Site Baseline

Currently, the Search Area for the Site Boundary is located on land almost exclusively used for agricultural purposes, except for some country lanes, a short (~2 km) stretch of the A1 trunk road, and a stretch of the ECML railway of similar length.

A short section of the A1 trunk road passes through the Search Area for the Site Boundary, the A1 trunk road is an important transport artery, connecting Edinburgh to London.

A short section of the ECML railway passes through the Search Area for the Site Boundary. The ECML railway is a key transport artery on the east coast of Great Britain and connects Edinburgh to London via Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, and York.

The Proposed Development will be situated in a location surrounded by three existing industrial sites of significant size. These industrial sites are: Torness Nuclear Power Station, Tarmac Cement Plant, and Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility.

14.3.2.2.    Socio-economics Overview

Scotland had a population of 5.5 million residents in 2019, according to Mid-2019 Population Estimates for Scotland (National Records of Scotland). The local socio-economics study area had a population of 107,000 residents in 2019, which accounts for 2.0% of Scotland’s population.

According to the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES)[7], employment in Scotland was 2,620,000 in 2018, representing 8.5% of all Great Britain employment[8] (UK figures not available through BRES). The local socio-economics study area hosted employment of 33,000 in 2018, which accounts for 1.3% of Scotland’s employment. This level of employment has remained largely steady for the last three years.

There were 2,500 jobs in the construction sector in the local socio-economics study area in 2018. This represents 1.7% of construction sector jobs in Scotland. The construction sector accounts for 7.6% of employment within the study area.

According to UK Business Counts data[9], there were 174,730 businesses in Scotland in 2018, representing 6.5% of all UK businesses[10]. The local socio-economics study area accommodated 3,180 businesses in 2018, which accounts for 1.8% of Scotland’s businesses.

There were around 415 businesses in the construction sector in the local socio-economics study area in 2018. This represents 2.1% of construction sector businesses in Scotland.

The economy of Scotland contributed around £142.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA)[11] to the UK economy in 2018, representing 7.4% of all UK output[12]. Scotland’s recent economic output performance shows a clear upward trajectory since 2010, albeit slightly behind that seen across the UK as a whole.

GVA data is made available at local authority level. The local socio-economics study area contributed around £1.8 billion in GVA to the UK economy in 2018, representing 1.2% of Scotland’s output and 0.1% of all UK output[13]. The local socio-economics study area’s recent economic output performance shows an upward trajectory since 2010, and has exceeded the rate of growth seen in Scotland and the UK over the same period.

Graph 14.1: GVA Index, 2010 = 100

The onshore socio-economics EIA will be consistent with the methodology set out in Chapter 6.

Specific to the socio-economics chapter in the EIAR, there are no formal measures of assessment of impact significance for this topic. The assessment will be informed by the professional judgment of the chapter authors, Hardisty Jones Associates, who are an expert economic development consultancy that operates throughout the UK. Policy precedent and established advice on assessing the impact of development on socio-economics will also be utilised to inform the assessment, including:

  • Draft Advice on Net Economic Benefit and Planning (The Scottish Government, 2016);
  • Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy: Social and Economic Impact Assessment Report – Final (The Scottish Government, 2019); and
  • Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy: Regional Locational Guidance (The Scottish Government, 2019).
    1.         Tertiary Mitigation

      2. Tertiary Mitigation

The most significant impacts on the socio-economic receptors will be positive in their nature – namely job creation and increased economic output associated with the construction of the Proposed Development. These impacts will therefore not require mitigation. Opportunities to enhance any beneficial impacts will be considered as part of the EIA process.

The requirement and feasibility of any mitigation measures will be dependent on the significance of the effects on the socio-economics receptors and will be consulted upon with relevant consultees throughout the EIA process.

14.5. Potential Project Impacts

A range of potential impacts on onshore socio-economics receptors have been identified which may occur during the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development. The impacts that have been scoped into the EIAR are outlined below, together with a description of any additional data collection, and/or supporting analyses (e.g. modelling) that will be required to enable a full assessment of the impacts.

On the basis of the onshore socio-economics baseline information currently available and the Proposed Development description outlined in Chapter 5 a number of impacts are proposed to be scoped out of the assessment for onshore socio-economics. These impacts are outlined, together with a justification for scoping them out, also below.

14.5.1.    Construction

Potential impacts during construction proposed to be scoped in for further assessment:

  • Direct, indirect and induced employment impacts across the socio-economics study area: Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) associated with the construction of the Proposed Development will generate employment opportunities.
  • Direct, indirect and induced GVA impacts across the socio-economics study area: Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). CAPEX associated with the construction of the Proposed Development will generate additional GVA output.

Subject to consultation with the relevant stakeholders and feedback received on this Onshore Scoping Report, potential impacts during construction proposed to be scoped out of further assessment include:

  • Impact on economic activity of other commercial users. It is expected that a minor or negligible loss of agricultural activity will occur as a result of the construction phase which will be reflected in the assessment of net direct, indirect and induced employment and GVA impacts. No significant impacts are expected on other commercial users.
  • Impacts on local accommodation provision. For reasons of scale and specialism, it is expected that the level of direct employment resulting from the construction phase is not anticipated to require the relocation of labour at a level that will materially impact on local accommodation provision. Where the level of direct employment cannot be absorbed locally, the impact is expected to be of a scale that any subsidiary impacts on local accommodation provision will be negligible.
  • Impact on economic activity dependant on key transport routes. The description of development identifies that trenchless methods will be used for installing cables beneath key transport routes (A1 trunk road and ECML railway). As a result, it is assessed that any disruption will be negligible, and there will be no adverse socio economic effects as a result. 
    1.     Operation

Potential impacts during operation proposed to be scoped in for further assessment:

  • Direct, indirect and induced employment impacts across the socio-economics study area:  Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). Operational Expenditure (OPEX) associated with the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development will generate employment opportunities.
  • Direct, indirect and induced GVA impacts across the socio-economics study area: Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). OPEX associated with the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development will generate additional GVA output.

Subject to consultation with the relevant stakeholders and feedback received on this Onshore Scoping Report, potential impacts during operation proposed to be scoped out of further assessment include

  • Impact on economic activity of other commercial users. The only long term land take will be the substation, which will remove a proportion of land currently used for agricultural activity. The loss of agricultural activity that will occur as a result of the operation and maintenance phase which will be reflected in the assessment of net direct, indirect and induced employment and GVA impacts. No significant impacts are expected on other commercial users.
  • Impacts on local accommodation provision. For reasons of scale and specialism, it is expected that the level of direct employment resulting from the operation and maintenance phase will not require the relocation of labour at a level that will materially impact on local accommodation provision. Where the level of direct employment cannot be absorbed locally, the impact is expected to be of a scale that any subsidiary impacts on local accommodation provision will be negligible.
  • Impact on economic activity dependant on key transport routes. No impact is anticipated on key transport routes (A1 trunk road and ECML railway) during the Operation and Maintenance phase. 
    1.     Decommissioning

Potential impacts during decommissioning proposed to be scoped in for further assessment:

  • Direct, indirect and induced employment impacts across the socio-economics study area: Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). The decommissioning of the Proposed Development will generate employment opportunities.

Direct, indirect and induced GVA impacts across the socio-economics study area:  Local (East Lothian); Regional (Scotland); and National (UK). The decommissioning of the Proposed Development will generate additional GVA output.

 

Subject to consultation with the relevant stakeholders and feedback received on this Onshore Scoping Report, potential impacts during decommissioning proposed to be scoped out of further assessment include:

  • Impact on economic activity of other commercial users. It is expected that a minor or negligible loss of agricultural activity will occur as a result of the decommissioning phase which will be reflected in the assessment of net direct, indirect and induced employment and GVA impacts. No significant impacts are expected on other commercial users.
  • Impacts on local accommodation provision. For reasons of scale and specialism, it is expected that the level of direct employment resulting from the decommissioning phase will not require the relocation of labour at a level that will materially impact on local accommodation provision. Where the level of direct employment cannot be absorbed locally, the impact is expected to be of a scale that any subsidiary impacts on local accommodation provision will be negligible.
  • Impact on economic activity dependant on key transport routes. No impact is anticipated on key transport routes (A1 trunk road and ECML railway) during the decommissioning phase.
    1.         Proposed Impact Assessment Methodlogy

      2. Proposed Impact Assessment Methodlogy

The proposed approach in undertaking modelling for the socio-economic impact assessment is:

  • Background modelling to follow Scottish Government’s Draft Advice on Net Economic Benefit and Planning (2016). Modelling will include use of Scottish Input-Output tables -

–      CAPEX values for the construction phase will be the main input into the economic impact model. This expenditure will stimulate the employment impacts and GVA impacts that this part of the assessment will measure.

–      OPEX values for the operation and maintenance phase will be the main input into the economic impact model. This expenditure will stimulate the employment impacts and GVA impacts that this part of the assessment will measure.

–      Expenditure for the decommissioning phase will be the main input into the economic impact model. This expenditure will stimulate the employment impacts and GVA impacts that this part of the assessment will measure.

14.7. Potential Cumulative Impacts

The assessment of potential cumulative impacts will adopt the tiered approach set out in Chapter 6.

The assessment will consider any interaction with other relevant onshore activities which may generate impacts that overlap with the assessed impacts of the Proposed Development. These are most likely to be major infrastructure projects. The Proposed Development cumulative projects screening matrix will be reviewed to determine receptor-impact pathways specific to the onshore socio-economic assessment.

The assessment will also consider the cumulative effect of the proposed Development with the offshore infrastructure (i.e. the full Project).

14.8. Receptors and Impacts Scoped In and Out of Assessment

Table 14.2 summarises the potential socio economics impacts proposed to be scoped in and out of the EIAR.

Table 14.2:
Summary of Impacts Relating to Socio-Economics Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

Table 14.2: Summary of Impacts Relating to Socio-Economics Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

 

14.9. Scoping Questions to Consultees

  • Is it agreed that the identified data sources are appropriate for baseline characterisation?
  • Is it agreed that the scoping out of impacts is appropriate?
  • Have all of the relevant offshore wind projects been considered as part of the cumulative impact assessment?
  • Are there any major infrastructure projects that should be included as part of the cumulative impact assessment?
    1.        References

      2. References

  • Scottish Government (2020) Scotland’s Labour Market: People, Places and Regions Annual Population Survey 2019. Available online at: https://www.gov.scot/collections/labour-market-statistics/. [Accessed June 2020].
  • National Records of Scotland (2019) Mid-2019 Population Estimates Scotland: Data. Available online at: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data. [Accessed June 2020].
  • Office for National Statistics (2019) Business Register and Employment Survey. Available online at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/construct/summary.asp?mode=construct&version=0&dataset=189 [Accessed June 2020]
  • Office for National Statistics (2019) Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: all NUTS level regions. Available online at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossvalueaddedgva/datasets/nominalandrealregionalgrossvalueaddedbalancedbyindustry [Accessed June 2020]
  • Office for National Statistics (2019) Regional gross value added (balanced) by industry: local authorities by NUTS1 region: UKM Scotland. Available online at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossvalueaddedgva/datasets/regionalgrossvalueaddedbalancedlocalauthoritiesbynuts1region [Accessed June 2020]
  • Office for National Statistics (2019) UK Business Counts. Available online at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/query/construct/summary.asp?mode=construct&version=0&dataset=142 [Accessed June 2020]


  1. LAND USE, TOURISM AND RECREATION
    1.         Introduction

      2. Introduction

    2. LAND USE, TOURISM AND RECREATION Introduction

This chapter will consider the potential land use, tourism and recreation effects from the Proposed Development. This includes a consideration of existing land uses within the Search Area for the Site Boundary, and local recreation and tourism activity. The assessment will consider pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and other recreational users who use the local area and whom may be affected by the Proposed Development.

15.2. Study Area

The land use assessment study area will comprise the area within the Search Area for the Site Boundary (refer to Figure 1.1) and the direct impacts of the Proposed Development. It is considered that effects on land use will not extend beyond this area.

The tourism and recreation assessment will comprise two study areas:

  • Inner Study Area: comprising the Search Area for the Site Boundary. Assets relevant to tourism and recreation which have the potential to be directly impacted by the Proposed Development will be identified in the Inner Study Area for assessment.
  • Outer Study Area: comprising a 5 km buffer from the Search Area for the Site Boundary. Assets relevant to tourism and recreation with potential visibility of the Proposed Development, as informed by the ZTV, and therefore have the potential to be indirectly impacted will be identified in the Outer Study Area for assessment.

Beyond 5 km it its assumed that visibility of the Proposed Development and other potential impacts such as noise will be limited. Important assets attributed to ELC will also be identified due to their increased sensitivity, and will be considered if they have potential visibility, even if they lie beyond the Outer Study Area.

15.3. Baseline Environment

A desk-based study has been undertaken to provide an initial understanding of the baseline environment.

15.3.1.    Land Use

The land use study area is predominantly composed of a patchwork of largely arable agricultural fields, with localised areas of industry including historic or present use open cast mining. The majority of the study area is prime agricultural land, either Class 2 ‘land capable of producing a wide range of crops’ or Class 3.1 ‘land capable of producing consistently high yields of a narrow range of crops and/or moderate yields of a wider range. Short grass leys are common’ (Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, 1984-87). 

15.3.1.1.    Baseline Methodology

The land use assessment will be a desk-based assessment to identify current activity across the study area, including analysis of the Macaulay Institute Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) map, OS mapping, historical mapping and aerial imagery. The assessment will consider how land use would be impacted by the Proposed Development and the temporal scope of any change. 

15.3.2.    Tourism & Recreation

The John Muir Way Link path runs through the Inner Study Area, along the coastline from Dunbar to Berwick and is an extension of the Long Distance Route which runs for 134 miles from Helensburgh to Dunbar. The John Muir Way Link is included with East Lothian Council’s Core Path list, as are two further paths within the Inner Study area; a minor road to Innerwick and a footpath adjacent to the A1 trunk road. The Southern Upland Way is within the Outer Study Area, and is a Long Distance Route which runs from Port Patrick in the west of Scotland to Cockburnspath, south-east of the site. Route 76 of the National Cycle Network also runs through the site from Dunbar to Berwick, following the route of the A1 trunk road or minor roads and cycle paths parallel to this.

Dunbar itself has several groups promoting outdoor activities, including golf, cycling, surfing and rowing. There are multiple beaches along the coast, the closest of these to the Search Area for the Site Boundary are Skateraw Harbour near the Skateraw landfall option and Thorntonloch Beach at Thorntonloch landfall option, both of which have public parking facilities. The water at Thorntonloch beach is a Bathing water protected area (SEPA, 2018), is noted as being used by bathers, fishermen and windsurfers, and is adjacent to a caravan park.

There are more tourist accommodation facilities scattered across the Outer Study Area. The majority of these are within the vicinity of Dunbar town, and a small number towards Cockburnspath. None have been identified within the Inner Study Area.

15.3.3.    Baseline Methodology

The tourism and recreation assessment will include a description of the relevant tourist attractions, accommodation and public paths within the Inner and Outer study areas. Tourist attractions include permanent fixtures (e.g. museums, castles and footpaths) as well as temporary events (e.g. outdoor festivals). Recreational users will include those on land and using the inshore waters, such as surfers, swimmers or sea kayakers.

Relevant assets to consider will be identified through analysis of publicly available tourist information and consultation with relevant parties including the following:

  • VisitScotland;
  • Visit East Lothian;
  • East Lothian Tourism Attractions Group;
  • Local businesses, recreational and community groups;
  • Local authorities;
  • The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society; and
  • The British Horse Society.
    1.         Tertiary Mitigation

      2. Tertiary Mitigation

During construction, the CEMP will be implemented across the site which will include measures to minimise temporary disruption to pedestrian, cyclists and equestrians and include requirements for signage and clear markings. This will ensure that access to existing public rights of way will be maintained, as far as practicable, whilst adhering to strict health and safety precautions required for an active construction site.

An Access Management Plan will be developed in consultation with ELC and be included within the CEMP. This will apply to the construction phase of the Proposed Development and demonstrate how public/recreational access will be managed. There may be a requirement to close or divert existing paths to ensure the safety of members of the public from construction activities. Any such closures or diversions proposed will be discussed in detail with relevant stakeholders and appropriate plans and proposals made available to the general public in advance of construction works commencing. Diversions or closures of paths will be clearly signed and alternative routes mapped on information boards located throughout the site. During the construction phase the area will be well signed, warning recreational users of the hazards that may existing during the works.

Following construction, agricultural land not required through the operational phase will be reinstated to ensure it can return to agricultural use.

15.5. Potential Proposed Development Impacts

The assessment will determine the potential land use, and tourism and recreation impacts of the Proposed Development. The assessment of effects will be determined through considering both the sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude of the impacts, in line with the EIA methodology set out in Chapter 6.  

15.5.1.    Construction & OperationaL Phase Impacts

Potential impacts associated with the construction and/or operation of the Proposed Development that will be considered within the assessment include:

  • Temporary and permanent loss of agricultural land;
  • changes in agricultural activity and type of land use;
  • direct effects on recreational amenity during construction;
  • direct effects on paths and changes in recreational access; and
  • indirect effects on tourism due to visual impacts.
    1.     Decommissioning Phase Impacts

It is considered that potential impacts from decommissioning of the Proposed Development will be no greater than that during construction, and that the detail and scope of the decommissioning works would be determined by the relevant legislation and guidance at the time of decommissioning and agreed with the regulator. Therefore, it is proposed to scope decommissioning out of further assessment within the EIA.

15.6. Potential Cumulative Impacts

The assessment of potential cumulative impacts will adopt the tiered approach set out in Chapter 6.

Cumulative assessment will consider the impact of other developments within the study area which are within the planning system or consented. Cumulative impacts of the onshore and offshore infrastructure of the Project will be assessed in liaison with the offshore EIA team. This will most likely arise where construction works of offshore infrastructure near to the coast takes place alongside onshore construction works.

15.7. Receptors and Impacts Scoped In and Out of Assessment

Table 15.1 below summarises the potential impacts proposed to be scoped in and out of the EIAR.

Table 15.1:
Summary of Impacts Relating to Land Use, Tourism and Recreation Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

Table 15.1: Summary of Impacts Relating to Land Use, Tourism and Recreation Scoped In () and Scoped Out (x)

 

15.8. Scoping Questions to Consultees

  • Do consultees agree that the scope of the proposed assessment is appropriate?
  • Are the proposed study areas suitable?
  • Are there any particular sources of information that should be considered?
    1.         References

      2. References

  • East Lothian Council (2020). Core Path Maps. Available at: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210569/countryside_and_wildlife/12044/core_paths/2
  • 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/capability-maps/land-capability-for-agriculture-partial-cover/
  • Scottish Government (2003). Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2003/2/contents


  1. ELECTRIC AND MAGENTIC FIELDS
    1.         Introduction

      2. Introduction

    2. ELECTRIC AND MAGENTIC FIELDS Introduction

This chapter considers the potential impact of Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) caused by the Proposed Development. EMFs occur wherever electricity is generated, transmitted or used.

16.2. Study Area

The study area for the assessment of EMFs will be defined by the extent of the Search Area for the Site Boundary (refer to Figure 1.1).

16.3. Baseline Environment

EMFs are static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic (radio wave) fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz. EMFs are produced wherever electrical equipment is used. Public exposure to EMFs comes from a range of sources, including:

  •  household wiring and appliances;
  •  local electricity distribution system; and
  • overhead transmission lines.

Potential receptors within the study area would include residential and commercial properties.

Strong EMFs are known to have a detectable physiological effect on the human body, and scientific research has been undertaken to investigate whether there is potential for adverse health effects from exposure to EMFs.

International and national health protection bodies have recommended conservative guidelines for public EMFs exposure, set to protect health. These guidelines have been adopted in the UK and are applied using a Code of Practice for electricity transmission infrastructure (Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2012).