environmental statement chapter 6 appendix d … dogger bank creyke beck environmental statement...

DOGGER BANK CREYKE BECK

F-ONC-CH-006 Appendix D Issue 1 Chapter 6 Page i © 2013 Forewind

April 2013

Environmental Statement Chapter 6 Appendix D Identification of the Onshore Converter Station Study Area

DOGGER BANK CREYKE BECK

F-ONC-CH-006 Appendix D Issue 1 Chapter 6 Page ii © 2013 Forewind

Title: Dogger Bank Creyke Beck Environmental Statement Chapter 6 Appendix D - Identification of the Onshore Converter Station Study Area

Contract No. (if applicable) Forewind

Document Number: F-ONC-CH-006 Appendix D

Issue No: 1

Issue Date: 22-Nov-11

Status: Issued for 1st. Technical Review Issued for 2nd. Technical Review

Issued for PEI3 Issued for Application Submission

Prepared by: (Author from RH)

John Bevan / Amy Clarke

Checked by: (Forewind) Andrew Riley

Approved by: Martin Budd

Signature / Approval (Forewind)

Mark Thomas

Approval Date: 1-Dec-11

Revision History

Date Issue No. Remarks / Reason for Issue Author Checked Approved

22-Nov-13 1 Issued for Approval JB/AC RH MB

Dogger Bank Creyke Beck Identification of the Onshore Converter Station Study Area

Forewind

22nd November 2011 Final Report 9W0421

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Document title Dogger Bank Creyke Beck

Identification of the Onshore Converter Station Study Area

Document short title Onshore Converter Station Study Area

Status Final Report

Date 22nd November 2011

Project name Dogger Bank Creyke Beck

Project number 9W0421

Client Forewind

Reference 9W0421/RCTR08.2/304044/Lond

4 Dean's Yard

Westminster London SW1P 3NL

United Kingdom

+44 20 7222 2115 Telephone Fax

[email protected] E-mail www.royalhaskoning.com Internet

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Drafted by John Bevan/Amy Clark

Checked by Rufus Howard

Date/initials check RH 15/11/11

Approved by Martin Budd

Date/initials approval MB 20/11/11

9W0421/RCTR08.2/304044/Lond Final Report 22nd November 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report describes the activities undertaken to date to identify the final onshore converter station study area in the East Riding of Yorkshire for the onshore converter stations and associated infrastructure required for the Dogger Bank Creyke Beck offshore wind farm proposal. Dogger Bank Creyke Beck comprises up to two offshore wind farm projects with a generating capacity of up to 1.4GW (a total potential generating capacity of 2.8GW). This report provides the rationale used to refine a 4km radius, initial onshore study area around the onshore point of connection into an existing National Grid substation at Creyke Beck near Cottingham.

The final onshore converter station study area will be the subject of consultation with the public and statutory consultees, further survey work and assessment in order to inform the identification of a final site(s) for the converter station(s). This area provides siting options for converter stations and associated infrastructure which will allow connection of the electricity generated by the offshore wind farm proposals to the National Grid substation at Creyke Beck. Ultimately, the proposed development within the study area and the potential for environmental effect will be presented in the Environmental Statement that will support the planning application for the offshore wind farm development and associated onshore infrastructure.

9W0421/RCTR08.2/304044/Lond 22nd November 2011 Final Report

CONTENTS Page

1� INTRODUCTION 1�1.1� Background 1�1.2� Purpose and Methodology 1�

2� PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1�2.1� Initial Area of Search 1�2.2� Design and Technical Considerations 2�2.3� Data Sources 4�2.4� Identifying Development Considerations 4�

3� CONVERTER STATION STUDY AREA IDENTIFICATION 10�3.1� Planning Policy and Guidance 10�3.2� Other Development Considerations 12�3.3� Assessment of the revised 4km study area 16�3.4� Selecting the final converter station study area 16�

4� SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS 23�

9W0421/RCTR08.2/304044/Lond Final Report - 1 - 22nd November 2011

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Forewind had previously identified “Dogger Bank Project One”, an offshore wind farm project of up to 1.4GW which would be connected into the existing Creyke Beck onshore substation near Cottingham in East Riding of Yorkshire. This project was the subject of a formal scoping request to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) in October 2010. Since then, through discussions with National Grid, Forewind have identified the potential to connect an additional project at that same location. Forewind now proposes that these two projects, each with a capacity of up to 1.4GW (a total potential of 2.8GW) and their associated infrastructure, will be developed together during the pre-application phase. These projects will jointly be called “Dogger Bank Creyke Beck”. The electricity generated by Dogger Bank Creyke Beck will be converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) by offshore converter stations in order to be carried to the onshore point of connection. Before this electricity is connected into the national grid it will need to be converted to 400kV AC in in order to match the electrical characteristics of the national grid network. This work will be done by a series of onshore converter stations and associated infrastructure. The onshore converter station(s) for up to 2.8GW of generating capacity may comprise up to four modules co-located wherever possible. Associated infrastructure including access roads, landscaping and connection into the current National Grid substation will also be required in the vicinity of Creyke Beck.

1.2 Purpose and Methodology

This report describes the methodology used to identify the Final Onshore Converter Station Study Area from an initial 4km radius around the existing Creyke Beck onshore substation. The Final Onshore Converter Station Study Area contains sufficient space to locate the onshore converter station(s) and associated infrastructure for Dogger Bank Creyke Beck and will be subject to formal consultation, further survey work and assessment to aid the identification of a final site(s). The following steps have been undertaken and are described in detail within Section 3 of this report, below:

1) Rationalising of the Area A;

2) Identifying development constraints; and

3) Selecting the Final Converter Station Study Area.

These steps represent an iterative process which has taken account of appropriate technical, environmental and economic development considerations. It has included reference to National Grid’s internal guidance on substation siting (The Horlock Rules) as these include a series of relevant considerations to ensure a robust site selection process.

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Initial Area of Search

In order to minimise the potential visual and landscape impacts associated with the construction of new electricity infrastructure Forewind seeks to identify a suitable site for its converter station(s) and associated infrastructure within the vicinity of the existing Creyke Beck onshore substation. This is intended to avoid the need to construct new infrastructure in areas that are not currently characterised by this form of development.

9W0421/RCTR08.2/304044/Lond 22nd November 2011 - 2 - Final Report

Depending upon the location selected, there may be opportunity for the landscaping associated with the proposed converter station to assist in the screening of the existing substation. For this reason an initial search radius of 4km radius around the existing substation was selected for examination and assessment of known development constraints. This 4km search area is shown in Figure 2.1 as the initial 4km radius onshore converter station search area (hereafter referred to as the “initial area of search”) and is consistent with the search area presented in the Scoping Report for Dogger Bank Project One. This area has been the subject of consultation with stakeholders in order to inform the identification of development constraints and the site selection process that is set out in this report. 2.2 Design and Technical Considerations

The design, layout and final location of the converter station(s) and associated infrastructure is on-going and will be subject to land availability, environmental and technical constraints, landowner negotiations and consultation with stakeholders. Information on the likely design parameters and space requirements that have been used in this site selection process include:

• A footprint of up to 4.5 hectares for the electrical apparatus required for each 1GW (or 2 x 700MW) converter station(s);

• An allowance of a belt of land of minimum width 50m and up to 100m wide around the entire development footprint/s, for landscaping and potentially surface water storage, which would also have the potential for habitat enhancement;

• Maximum building height of up to 20 metres; • Maximum external infrastructure height of up to 30 metres; and • An access road up to 6 metres wide.

The above parameters are indicative and may be refined during the forward design process. For the purpose of identifying a suitable study area a combined site area of at least 13 hectares has been sought which would allow sufficient area for the development of up to four converter stations, associated infrastructure, construction compounds; associated landscaping and water attenuation measures.

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The concepts and information contained in this documentare the copyright of Forewind. Use or copying of thedocument in whole or in part without the written permissionof Forewind constitutes an infringement of copyright. Forewind does not warrant that this document is definitivenor free of error and does not accept liability for any losscaused or arising from reliance upon information provided herein.

DOGGER BANK R3 DEVELOPMENTCreyke Beck - Stage 1: Converter Station Selection

9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /2 .1 /02

Figure 2.1: Onshore Scoping Envelope

© British Crown and Sea Zone Solution Ltd. All rights reserved.Products Licence Number: 022010.005

DRAWING NUMBER:

REV DATE REMARKS Drn. By Ckd. By

DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT TITLE

Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673

OSGB BNGA41:250,000 DATUM PROJECTIONSCALE PLOT SIZE

LegendScoping Project Area

Onshore Study Area

Initial 4km radius onshore converterstation search area (1)

Existing Creyke Beck Substation

0 28/07/2011 HLRW RHOriginal1 30/09/2011 JPB ALCRevision2 17/11/2011 PGW ALCRevision


2.3 Data Sources

A variety of data sources have been used to inform the work undertaken as described in this report. The majority of the national and international data sets were largely sourced from the Zone Characterisation Report (ZoC) which is available on the Forewind website www.forewind.co.uk. In addition to the national and international datasets, a number of regional and local datasets have been sourced from a variety of organisations. All datasets have been combined and analysed using geographic information system (GIS) software. Table 2.1 contains the datasets used and the data providers. Table 2.1: Datasets Used and Providers Data Provider Datasets Used Zone Characterisation (ZoC) Report (Forewind)

Existing substations, grid connections, national grid gas pipes, overhead cables, agricultural land classification, airfields, ancient woodlands, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), battlefields, urban areas, country parks, national parks, Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI), listed buildings, heritage coasts, lakes, Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Local Planning Policies, National Nature Reserves, Registered Parks and Gardens, Ramsar sites, RSPB reserves, Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM), Source Protection Zones (SPZ), Special Protection Area (SPA), World Heritage Sites, roads, schools, rivers, woodland, hospitals, railways 1:25,000 and 1:100,000 Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping.

Land Registry Land ownership information.

Environment Agency Water abstractions, flood risk zones, detailed river line, nodes and offline drainage, groundwater vulnerability mapping, waste and landfill sites.

British Geological Survey 1:50,000 and 1:625,000 bedrock and superficial geology. Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 OS colour raster mapping. Humber Archaeology Partnership

East Riding Historic Environment Record, historical investigations record.

North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre

Hull Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, East Riding of Yorkshire Sites of Nature Conservation Importance , Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserves, ecological (species) data.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Living Landscape Areas. Bing Maps Aerial photography. East Riding of Yorkshire Local Plan policies, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Other Sources digitised by Royal Haskoning

Pipelines under construction, proposed high pressure gas pipelines, onshore wind farm sites and turbines, ponds, domestic properties, low voltage electrical overhead cables.

2.4 Identifying Development Considerations

This section contains a brief description of the development considerations within the initial area of search. It is based on a desk-top review of existing data, as listed in Table 2.1. Considerations have been divided into the following three categories:

• Site characteristics; • Bio-physical considerations; and • Human considerations.


Site Characteristics The initial area of search is predominantly low-lying agricultural land with a number of large horticultural operations indicated by greenhouse complexes. It is constrained to the north and south by the urban fringes of Beverley and Hull respectively (see Figure 2.2). Bio-Physical Considerations The bedrock geology of the area is chalk, comprised of the Flamborough Formation to the North East, and Burnham Formation to the South West. The superficial geology is a combination of glacial clays and silts, sand and gravel. There are no geological or ecological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), internationally or nationally designated sites within the area. The hydrogeology of the area is covered by a Groundwater Source Protection Zone, with the inner zone covering a significant area surrounding the existing substation. Figure 2.3 shows three main zones (inner, outer and total catchment). The inner zone is defined as the 50 day travel time from any point below the water table to the source. A large area to the west of the study area is classified by the Environment Agency’s Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping as being above a major aquifer. The eastern study area, including the existing substation site, is underlain by a minor aquifer. The River Hull, and Beverley and Barnston Drain flow through the eastern extent of the study area along with a large number of smaller hydrological features, such as small streams and agricultural drainage ditches. Approximately half of the study area, predominantly to the east, lies within the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Zone 3a (see Figure 2.5). This zone indicates there is a high probability (1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding) in any year. There are a number of locally designated sites within the study area including Beverley Parks Local Nature Reserve, three areas of ancient woodland and a further twenty-seven locally designated sites consisting of Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), Wildlife Trust Sites and Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (see Figure 2.4). Human Considerations There are four principal residential areas within the study area; Cottingham, Skidby, Dunswell and Beverley. The study area also contains a number of commercial and horticultural businesses, three schools and several farms and associated farm houses. Key recreational features include Cottingham golf course and footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths throughout the study area. The principal transport network within the study area consists of the Bridlington to Hull railway line, the A1079, A164, as well as numerous smaller roads, tracks and lanes (see Figure 2.2). There is one active landfill in North Moor, approximately 900 metres south of the existing substation as well as four Environmental Permitting Regulations waste disposal and transfer facilities in the study area. The Environment Agency has granted 34 licenses to abstract groundwater within the study area, most of which is for agricultural use. There are a number of sites of archaeological interest in the study area. Whilst there are no World Heritage Sites or Historic Battlefields, there are four Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) including a ‘Bowl Barrow’, 400m to the north east of the existing substation. Other notable historic features include Risby Hall to the far west of the study area (Registered Park and Garden), eight Listed Buildings, and a large number of finds and sites listed in the East Riding Historic Environment Record located throughout the study area (see Figure 2.4).

Cottingham Golf Course

Bridlington to Hull Railway Line

A164

A1079

Cottingham

A1174 Properties

Bentley

Skidby

Beverley

Risby

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /2 .2 /02

Figure 2.2: Onshore Scoping Project Area ALand Use Considerations


DRAWING NUMBER:


DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT TITLE

Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data and Schools Database© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Active Landfill Sites and EPR Sites © Environment Agency 2011


0 01/08/2011 HLRW RHOriginal

LegendExisting Creyke Beck Substation


Environmental Permitting Regulations Site

Active Landfill Site

School

1 30/09/2011 JPB ALCRevision2 17/11/2011 PGW ALCRevision

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01/2.3/02

Figure 2.3: Onshore Scoping Project Area AWater Considerations


DRAWING NUMBER:


DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT TITLE

Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Source Protection Zones and Aquifer Classification © Environment Agency, 2010




Aquifer ClassificationMajor

Minor

Groundwater Source Protection ZonesInner Zone

Outer Zone

Total Catchment


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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /2 .4 /02

Figure 2.4: Onshore Scoping Project Area ADesignated Sites


DRAWING NUMBER:


DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT TITLE

Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Ancient Woodlands, Local Nature Reserves and Registered Parks & Gardens © Natural England 2011Local Wildlife Sites © North and East Yorkshire Ecologcal Data Centre, 2011Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings © English Heritage, 2011Local Sites and Monuments Record © Humber Archaeology Partnership




Ecological DesignationsAncient Woodland

Local Nature Reserves

Local Wildlife Sites

Registered Parks and Gardens

Cultural Heritage DesignationsScheduled Ancient Monuments

Listed Buildings

Local Sites and Monuments Record


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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /2 .5 /02

Figure 2.5: Onshore Scoping Project Area AHydrology and Flood Risk


DRAWING NUMBER:


DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT TITLE

Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Flood Risk © East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Strategic Flood Risk AssessmentOverhead Power Lines © National GridPlanning Policy Areas © East Riding of Yorkshire Council


LegendExisting Creyke Beck SubstationNational Grid Overhead CablesWatercoursesZone 3a High Probability (Fluvially Dominated)1 in 25 Year Flood Risk if Undefended

0 28/07/2011 HLRW RHOriginal1 30/09/2011 JPB ALCRevised2 17/11/2011 PGW ALCRevised


3 CONVERTER STATION STUDY AREA IDENTIFICATION

A review of planning policy guidance, ongoing technical studies and initial consultation associated with the initial area of search have all contributed to the process of narrowing down and focussing the search for an appropriate converter station site(s). 3.1 Planning Policy and Guidance

Key policy and guidance relevant to the Dogger Bank Creyke Beck Project and the initial area of search at the national level includes National Policy Statements EN1 (Overarching Energy NPS) and EN3 (Renewable Energy Infrastructure), as well as PPS1 (Delivering Sustainable Development) and PPS22 (Renewable Energy). At the local and regional scale, core policy is provided by The East Riding of Yorkshire Local Development Framework (LDF). The LDF is currently being prepared. The ‘Preferred Approach Core Strategy’ was published for consultation in May 2010 and is proposed for adoption in early 2012. The existing development plan comprises the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), the Joint Structure Plan for Hull and the East Riding (saved policies), the local plans of the two former boroughs of Beverley and Holderness, and the Joint Minerals Local Plan and the Joint Waste Plan. Once published, the East Riding of Yorkshire LDF will replace the existing Borough Plans and Structure Plan. Broadly speaking the policies relevant to the development of the converter station(s) can be divided into:

• Renewable Energy; • Nature Conservation and Ecology; • Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; • Landscape and Visual Amenity; • Hydrology and Flood Risk; and • General and Other Environmental.

Renewable Energy Policy In terms of renewable energy policy the development is supported in national, regional and local planning policy. However this support, particularly at the local level, is provided on the condition that the development must not be detrimental to the environment in terms of impacts to biodiversity, geology, landscape or heritage. See the separate sections below for a discussion on each of these topics. Nature Conservation and Ecology The planning policy with regard to nature conservation and ecology focuses predominantly on the protection of designated sites and protected species. To comply with nature conservation and ecology policies it is considered necessary for the development to avoid designated sites through site selection, where possible. Nature Conservation and Ecology designations are shown in Figure 2.4, where only Local Wildlife sites are present. Where designated sites cannot be avoided, they should be safeguarded via the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process through careful design and the use of mitigation measures to further minimise adverse impacts. Protected species and habitats must also be safeguarded throughout the project development to ensure compliance with the relevant planning policies. Similar to designated sites, this should be achieved through the EIA process and should be undertaken in consultation with Natural England.


Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Policies for the protection of archaeology and cultural heritage feature at all levels of planning policy. The initial area of search is in an area of relatively high archaeological sensitivity, as shown in Figure 2.4, and Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings should be avoided, in line with planning policy requirements. The impacts upon both known and unknown archaeology will be minimised through careful site selection and through the EIA process. It is envisaged that following the EIA and in consultation with Humber Archaeology and English Heritage the development will be compatible with planning policy on archaeology and cultural heritage. Landscape and Visual Amenity Policies regarding the protection of landscape and visual amenity seek to avoid development within designated areas and to protect, maintain and enhance the existing landscape character and important views. The initial area of search lies primarily within the Holderness national landscape character area, the characteristics of which include: • ‘Low lying, predominantly flat or gently undulating plateau; • High quality agricultural land, used predominantly for large scale arable cultivation

and intensive livestock farming; • Fields bounded by ditches in some areas, especially the floodplain of the River Hull; • Sparse tree and woodland cover leading to a generally open landscape with long

views, though enclosed by the Wolds to the north and west; • Highly fragmented, though locally prominent remnants of semi-natural vegetation; • Winding roads linking dispersed villages and hamlets, with village churches

providing important landmarks in the generally flat landscape.’ The initial area of search does not include any nationally designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is one local landscape designation within the initial area of search in the form of the Wolds Area of Landscape Protection which is a locally designated Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV). The area around the existing Creyke Beck Substation features significant electrical and transport infrastructure including the A1079, the Bridlington to Hull Railway Line and multiple overhead lines associated with the substation. The existing infrastructure is separated by often intensively farmed agricultural fields, glasshouses and processing facilities associated with market gardening, as well as recreational land. The resulting landscape character of the area separating Beverley and Hull is that of an urban fringe landscape. Prominent manmade components of a developed and industrial nature are found across an area of predominant flat and relatively open agricultural land. It is likely that the development of further electrical infrastructure within the land proximate to the existing substation would have a lesser impact on the surrounding landscape character than that of a new converter station(s) located in a less developed and more rural location, for example in the rising agricultural land situated west of the Creyke Beck Substation, within the Yorkshire Wolds National Character Area. Hydrology and Flood Risk The planning policies with regard to hydrology and flood risk seek to safeguard water resources and prevent development in areas of flood risk as well as preventing any increase in flood risk to existing developments. Within the initial area of search study area, there are some areas in the southern region which are at flood risk (See Figure


2.5) and have hydrological sensitivities. Figure 2.3 shows the aquifer classification as well as the Groundwater Source Protection Zones. The identification of a final site for the converter station (s) will be a balance of all considerations, and will be done so in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 25. A Flood Risk Assessment and hydrological assessment will therefore be undertaken as part of this process, in consultation with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. General Environmental In addition to the specific topics outlined above, there are a number of policies in relation to: development within rural areas, sustainable development, agriculture, waste and settlements. The development of the project will need to be in accordance with these policies. These issues will be addressed though the EIA process which will cover the subjects of land use, agriculture, communities and tourism. It is considered that these matters can be addressed through careful site selection, design and construction methodologies and will ensure that the project is in alignment with planning policy in these areas. Urban Areas

One of the first decisions taken to refine the initial area of search and comply with planning policy was the removal of the key residential areas. This reduced the potential for any significant impacts on communities.

This design decision resulted in the removal of the following residential areas:

- Cottingham and the northern outskirts of Kingston upon Hull;

- The villages of Skidby, Risby and Bentley, to the west of Cottingham;

- The village of Dunswell to the east of Cottingham ; and

- Beverley.

This resulted in a revised 4km study area, as shown below in Figure 3.1.

3.2 Other Development Considerations

The engineering requirements of the project are a key development consideration from both a technical feasibility and economic viability perspective. A number of key considerations were identified which had the potential to influence the location of the converter station(s). National Grid Internal Guidance Advice on the siting of electrical infrastructure, similar to that proposed by Forewind are given in National Grid’s Guidelines on Substation Siting and Design (The Horlock Rules). This is internal National Grid guidance and, provides useful guidance regarding the converter station(s) siting (guidelines 1, 4, 5 and 6). The process undertaken by Forewind to further refine the study area for the converter stations follows the key guidelines for site selection. Specifically this includes: Table 3.1: Consideration given to National Grid’s Horlock Rules Guideline Consideration

Consideration of environmental issues from an early stage

Environmental issues have been considered from the outset. Environmental issues were considered as part of the zone characterisation and planning work undertaken by Forewind as part of the Crown Estate’s Round 3 leasing process.


Guideline Consideration

Avoid internationally and nationally designated areas of highest amenity, cultural or scientific value

As described in this report the following features of international and international importance have been considered and have been avoided in selecting the converter station study area:

• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) • National Nature Reserves (NNR) • National Parks • Ramsar wetlands • Registered Battlefields • Registered Parks and Gardens, • Special Area of Conservation (SAC) • Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) • Special Protection Area (SPA) • Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) • World Heritage Sites

Locally significant areas of local amenity value, important habitats, surface and groundwater sources and nature conservation areas should be protected as far as reasonably practicable

The following features have been considered and avoided where possible:

• Ancient Woodlands • Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping • Source Protection Zones (SPZ) • Flood Risk • East Riding Historic Environment Record (HER) • Heritage Coasts • Local Nature Reserves (LNR) • Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) • Ponds • Rivers • RSPB reserves • Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) • Water abstractions • Woodland • Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserves

Taking advantage of screening provided by landform and existing features

The use of the existing landform and vegetation as screening for the converter station has been considered throughout the study area identification process outlined in this report and will be considered when selecting the final site.

Keeping environmental effects to a minimum

Forewind will undertake an extensive environmental impact assessment on the selected site(s). This will identify all potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures to reduce these to an acceptable level. Forewind will seek to minimise landscape and visual impacts by locating the onshore converter station(s) within the vicinity of the existing National Grid substation.

Consideration of land use effects (impact to nationally important land)

The impact of the converter station on land use has been considered throughout the assessment outlined in this report, and will be considered further when selecting a particular site. In particular: landscape character, Agricultural Land Classification, minerals extraction and land drainage have been considered.

Minimising the length of the HVDC cable route There is a clear economic justification for minimising the cable length where constraints allow. There are also environmental benefits of a shorter cable route, such as minimising disruption to the countryside and residential and commercial properties.


The onshore cable will approach Creyke Beck from the north east due to the location of the Dogger Bank Zone and the proposed landfall location. Therefore any converter station site(s) located significantly west or south of the Creyke Beck substation would require a longer cable route than would otherwise be necessary.

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Cottingham

A1174 PropertiesBentley

Skidby

Beverley

Risby

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01/3.1/02

Figure 3.1: Revised4km Study Area


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LegendRefined initial onshore converterstation study area (2)



Areas excluded from the initial 4km radius onshore converter station study area

A1174 Properties

Bentley

Beverley

Cottingham

Risby

Skidby



3.3 Assessment of the revised 4km study area

Following identification of a refined 4km study area, a number of further development considerations were identified through more detailed desk top studies, consultation and surveys. These development considerations are shown in the figures below and described in Section 2.4:

• Land Use (Figure 3.2);

• Ecology (Figure 3.3);

• Archaeology (Figure 3.4);

• Hydrogeology and Land Quality (Figure 3.5).

3.4 Selecting the final converter station study area

Based upon the development considerations given above, the revised 4km study area shown in Figure 3.1, was refined to provide a ‘Final Converter Station Study Area’, as shown in Figure 3.6. The reasons for these refinements, in clockwise order around the existing substation, are shown in Table 3.2 below.

Table 3.2: Development Considerations within the revised 4km study area

Number Direction from Creyke Beck Substation

Development Consideration

Information

1 North Infrastructure (Long Lane), Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Properties (commercial and residential)

There are a number of commercial and residential properties along and either side of Long Lane (including Ross Farm, Hampston Hill, County Farm, Hollycroft Farm and Halfway House). There is also a designated LWS south of Long Lane.

2 North Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Beverley Parks LNR is situated to the north. This site includes a large orchard and areas of woodland as part of the Old Hall Farm small holding.

3 North Residential Property Close proximity to Halfway House, a residential property.

4 North East Woodland and Properties

A belt of broadleaved woodland is situated to the east of the railway line. There are also residential and commercial properties (Low Farm and large glasshouse and nursery buildings).




Information

5 East Scheduled Ancient Monument and other archaeological features, Railway Line

A Bowl Barrow, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument is located approximately 400m north of Highfield House. There are also a number of features identified by the East Riding Historic Environment Record within and surrounding the site. In terms of national and local planning policy, it is considered an unsuitable location for the converter station(s), where less constrained sites are available. In addition the Bridlington to Hull Railway Line lies to the east of the substation and is considered to represent a constraint to development.

6 East Hydrology and Ecology Natural England Green Infrastructure corridor and large number and density of hydrological features present.

7 South East Hull and Cottingham Residential Area

Proximity to large areas of residential properties, schools and playing fields.

8 South East Dunswell Road and Railway Line

There are a number of commercial and residential properties along Dunswell Road. In addition, the Bridlington to Hull Railway Line lies to the east of the substation and is considered to represent a constraint to development.

9 South Hydrological and Hydrogeological Features

A major aquifer, inner zone of the groundwater source protection zones and Wanlass Beck lie to the south, all of which represent sensitive receptors in terms of planning policy.

10 West Golf course and residential properties

Cottingham/Sidby Lakes Golf course and parks lie to the south west of the substation. Properties and school in close proximilty.

11 West Landscape Character These areas are characterised as being within the Yorkshire Wolds National Character Area and the South Wolds Rolling Farmland Local Landscape Character Area. This more rural, tranquil and gently rising landscape has greater landscape sensitivity than the more developed and lower lying areas of the urban fringe.

12 West Nature Conservation and Recreation

Birkhill Wood Ancient Woodland and LWS and Jillywood Lane LWS are present in this area along with other blocks of established woodland.




Information

13 West Residential and Commercial Properties

Close proximity to Poplar Farm, Burn Park and Cottages.

Well used paths traverse the area, including the Beaver Trail between Poplar Farm and Burn Park Farm, following a mature hedgerow.

14 North West LWS Popular Farm Drain LWS is situated to the west of the study area.

15 North West Property Model Farm residential property and associated out buildings occupy this area.

16 North West Beverley Parks Listed buildings and the Historic Environment Records associated with Old Hall and White Hall and grounds.

East Riding Heritage Way/Beverley 20.

17 North West Beverley Historic Town and Residential Area

Close proximity to Beverley and associated residential areas. Beverley is an historic market town with a 13th century Minster.

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /3 .2 /02

Figure 3.2: Land Use Considerations


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Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Overhead Power Lines © National GridPlanning Policy Areas © East Riding of Yorkshire Council


LegendExisting Creyke Beck SubstationRefined initial onshore converterstation study area (2)National Grid Overhead CablesWolds Area of Landscape ProtectionProperties within Study Area200m Property Buffer

0 28/07/2011 HLRW RHOriginal1 30/09/2011 JPB ALCRevised2 17/11/2011 PGW ALCRevision

Figham Pastures LWS

Fishpond Wood LWS

Mill Beck and Fields LWS

Bentley Moor Wood LWS

Birkhill Wood LWS and Ancient Woodland

Weel Carr Drain LWS

Wanlass Sub-station LWS

11 Acre Plantation LWS

Bentley Moor Wood LWS

Beverley Barracks Disused Pit LWS

Long Lane LWS

Jillywood Lane LWS

Drove Road LWS

Dunswell Road LWS

Wood Hill Way LWS

Mill Beck Path LWS

A164 Roadside Scrub LWS

Poplar Farm Drain LWS

Creyke Beck LWSWoodhill Path, Cottingham LWS

North Farm Path LWS

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /3 .3 /02

Figure 3.3: Ecology


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Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Local Wildlife Sites © North and East Yorkshire Ecologcal Data Centre, 2011Overhead Power Lines © National Grid. 2011Planning Policy Areas © East Riding of Yorkshire CouncilLocal Nature Reserve © Natural England 2011Detailed River Network © Environment Agency, 2011




1km Study Area

National Grid Overhead Cables

Watercourses

Local Nature Reserves

Local Wildlife Sites including 50m buffer

0 28/07/2011 HLRW RHOriginal

Beverley Parks LNR

1 30/09/2011 JPB ALCRevised2 17/11/2011 JPB ALCRevision

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /3 .4 /02

Figure 3.4: Archaeology


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Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings © English Heritage, 2011Local Sites and Monuments Record © Humber Archaeology PartnershipOverhead Power Lines © National GridPlanning Policy Areas © East Riding of Yorkshire Council




National Grid Overhead Cables

Scheduled Ancient Monument

Scheduled Ancient Monument 150m buffer

Historic Environment Record

Historic Environment Record 50m buffer


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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /3 .5 /02

Figure 3.5: Hydrogeology and Land Quality


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Source:Ordnance Survey Digital Map Data © Crown copyright,All rights reserved. 2011 Licence number 0100031673 Aquifer Classification and Groundwater Source Protection Zones © Environment Agency, 2011Overhead Power Lines © National Grid, 2011


LegendRefined initial onshore converterstation study area (2)Existing Creyke Beck SubstationNational Grid Overhead Cables

Aquifer ClassificationMAJORMINOR

Groundwater Source Protection ZonesInner ZoneOuter ZoneTotal Catchment


1

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01 /3 .6 /04

Figure 3.6: Converter Station Study Area Refinements


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LegendRefined initial onshore converterstation study area (2)Final Onshore Converter Station Study Area (3)

Development Consideration1 Infrastructure, LWS and properties

2 Local Nature Reserve

3 Residential property

4 Woodland and properties

5 SAM and other archaeology / railway line

6 Hydrology and ecology

7 Hull and Cottingham residential area

8 Dunswell Road and railway line

9 Hydrological and hydrogeological features

10 Golf course and residential properties

11 Landscape Character

12 Nature Conservation and recreation

13 Residential and commercial properties

14 Local Wildlife Site

15 Property

16 Beverley Parks

17 Beverley historic and residential area

0 28/07/2011 HLRW RHOriginal1 22/08/2011 JPB RHRevised

17/11/20114 Revision PGW ALC


4 SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS

This report has described the activities undertaken to date to define the final converter station study area to locate the onshore converter station(s) and associated infrastructure for Dogger Bank Creyke Beck. It has refined the onshore converter station study area from a 4km radius around the existing national grid substation at Creyke Beck to the final converter station study area comprising approximately 2km2, shown in Figure 4.1.

This revised study area will be used for consultation with the public, statutory consultees and landowners; further surveying and assessment; and to aid the identification of a final site(s) for the converter substation(s) and associated infrastructure.

0 0.5 10.25

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9W0421/CSSAIR/01/4.1/01

Figure 4.1: Final Onshore Converter Station Study Area


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LegendFinal Onshore Converter Station Study Area (3)



environmental statement chapter 6 appendix d … dogger bank creyke beck environmental statement...

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