1.6. Overarching Conclusion

  1. This report sets out the findings of a study to inform the second stage of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal required for the offshore components of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm Project to ensure compliance with the Habitats Regulations.
  2. The HRA screening process along with subsequent receipt of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm Scoping Opinion and associated representations and advice, indicated that LSE on Annex I habitats, Annex II diadromous fish and Annex II marine mammal and ornithology features of interest for a total of 11 SACs and 38 SPAs could not be discounted. Accordingly, a systematic assessment for the potential for an adverse effect on the integrity of these European sites (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) with respect to the site conservation objectives has been undertaken.
  3. Table 14.1 in Part Two of this RIAA summarises the information presented in this RIAA with respect to the 11 SACs for which an Appropriate Assessment has been undertaken and presents a finding as to the potential for an adverse effect on integrity to result from the construction, operation and/or decommissioning of the Proposed Development. On the information presented within this RIAA, it is considered that the Proposed Development, acting either alone and or in-combination with other plans and projects, will not lead to an adverse effect on the integrity of the eleven SACs considered.
  4. Table 1.1 and Table 1.2 of the Executive Summary for the RIAA summarise the information presented in Part Three of this RIAA with respect to the 38 SPA and Ramsar sites for which an Appropriate Assessment has been undertaken and presents a finding as to the potential for an adverse effect on integrity to result from the construction, operation and/or decommissioning of the Proposed Development.
  5. On the information presented within this RIAA, it is considered that the Proposed Development, acting either alone and or in-combination with other plans and projects, has the potential lead to an adverse effect on the integrity of up to nine of the SPAs considered.


2. References

JNCC. (2015). Natura 2000 - Standard Data Form; Isle of May Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Available at: Isle of May - Special Areas of Conservation (jncc.gov.uk). Accessed on 23 April 2021.

JNCC. (2021b). Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Available at: Southern North Sea MPA | JNCC - Adviser to Government on Nature Conservation. Accessed on 28 September 2021.

JNCC. (2021c). Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Available at: Moray Firth - Special Areas of Conservation (jncc.gov.uk). Accessed on 28 September 2021

SCOS. (2019). Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2019. Sea Mammal Research Unit. Available at: www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2020/08/SCOS-2019.pdf. Accessed on 23 August 2021.

SCOS. (2020). Scientific Advice on Matters Related to the Management of Seal Populations: 2020. Sea Mammal Research Unit. Available at: SCOS Reports | SMRU (st-andrews.ac.uk). Accessed on 23 August 2021.

SSE Renewables (2020). 2020 Berwick Bank Wind Farm: Offshore HRA Screening Report. Available at: EOR0766_Berwick Bank HRA Screening Report Rev03_Approved.pdf (marine.gov.scot)

SSE Renewables (2021b). Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore HRA Screening Report.

SSE Renewables (2021c). Berwick Bank Wind Farm Onshore HRA Screening Report