Armoy Wind Farm by clydeshanks

ABO Wind NI Ltd

ARMOY WIND FARM Community Consultation MAY 2022

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

WELCOME Welcome to this online community consultation. This online magazine has been prepared to illustrate the proposed construction of a wind farm comprising 5no. wind turbines (maximum 150 metres to blade tip), an electrical substation / control building, battery energy storage (BES) area, construction compound, delivery route junction improvements, a new access onto the Coolkeeran Road and all associated ancillary works at lands approximately 615m east of 16 Coolkeeran Road, Armoy, in the townlands of Kilcroagh and Carrowlaverty approx. 2.5km South East of Armoy We warmly invite you to take time to absorb the work the applicant and their professional design and technical team have prepared to date to support the preparation of a forthcoming planning application. A statutory part of the pre-application process is to engage meaningfully with the local community to share our vision for the identified site and to invite your feedback. Public engagement is an integral component of the planning application process as it allows the applicant to share their vision for the site and provides the local community an opportunity to provide constructive feedback. The feedback received is very much welcomed as all matters raised will be taken into consideration during the detailed design of the scheme which will ultimately inform a future application submission to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

INTRODUCTION This community information pack follows a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on 09 March 2022 in accordance with the Planning (General Development Procedures) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015. The PAN notifies the Council that a formal planning application will be submitted after the required 12 week notice period expires. The PAN was accepted by the Council on 06 April 2022. The Department for Infrastructure temporarily removed the legal requirement to undertake an event in public on 01 May 2020 by The Planning (Development Management) (Temporary Modifications) (Coronavirus) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (‘the Coronavirus Regs’). The requirement to hold a public event was suspended from 01 May 2020 until 31 March 2022. This requirement was reinstated for PAN’s submitted to the Council after the end of the emergency period on 31 March 2022. A full planning application (LA01/2017/1654/F) was previously submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on 22 December 2017 for a wind farm comprising 6no. turbines at this site. The application was refused on 30 November 2018 with four refusal reasons relating to impacts upon public safety; the setting of scheduled monuments; the setting of a listed building; and the impact on visual amenity and landscape character. The decision was thereafter appealed and dismissed (2018/A0199) however only one refusal reason relating to the visual amenity and landscape character was sustained. This proposal proposes a reduced scheme of 5no. turbines with a revised layout as detailed in this information pack.

WHO IS ABO WIND? Experience ABO Wind are one of Europe’s most experienced developers of renewable energy projects. Originating in Germany, ABO Wind now has subsidiaries in South America, Europe, and South Africa. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, ABO’s core business is wind energy having successfully developed, constructed and maintained approximately 1,800MW of wind farms to date. Expertise Our team has expertise covering all phases of wind farm development, from site selection and land acquisition to assessing the specific wind yield for a project, technical wind farm design, planning and environmental impact assessment, financing, construction and operational maintenance. Oﬃces We have been operating in the UK and Ireland since 2006 and have offices in Lisburn, Dublin and Falkirk. ABO Wind has a number of consented and operational wind farms across the UK and Ireland. In Northern Ireland we have secured planning approval for several renewable projects, including circa 100MW of wind energy and 50MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a further circa 60MW for wind farm projects currently in planning stage. We plan a long-standing commitment to the local Northern Ireland market and economy over the coming years and with a substantial pipeline of projects, could contribute substantially to NI renewable energy targets

Consultation ABO Wind recognises the importance of neighbours and the local community around a wind farm site. Our windfarm would become part of the local environment for 35 years, so we design our projects to ensure minimal environmental and visual impacts as well as manage construction to cause the least inconvenience for local people. It is important to us that communities surrounding the site are involved in the development process, so suggestions and concerns can be taken on board. As such, we welcome all feedback on our proposals. Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

THE SITE AND SURROUNDING CONTEXT The Site The site, approximately 121ha in size, is located approximately 3 kilometres south east of the village of Armoy within the townlands of Kilcroagh and Carrowlaverty. The site consists of grassland on the lower slopes used for the cattle and sheep grazing. The site transitions as it rises to semi-improved grassland and marshy grassland. The higher slopes comprise of upland moor. The field boundaries of the grassland areas comprise of post and wire fencing whereas the higher slopes are mainly open. A SoDAR monitor was previously installed on the site in July 2017 and the data collected indicated very good average wind speeds across the site.

The Surroundings The site is bound to the west by Coolkeeran Road and by agricultural lands on all other sides. The wider surroundings to the north, south and west comprise of agricultural land with dispersed single dwellings and farmsteads. East of the application site the area rises to approximately 330m AOD at Breen Forest.

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

View from the centre of the site facing south west

View from the centre of the site facing west

View from the site facing east

View from the site facing south Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The proposed windfarm will have a capacity of between 18MW - 25MW and will comprise of the following development:

•

energy storage area;

•

cable installation;

•

creation of temporary spoil deposition areas;

•

delivery route junction improvement; and

•

new access onto Coolkeeran Road.

five wind turbines; The proposed candidate turbine will have a maximum tip height of 150 metres. Each turbine will have an adjacent hardstanding area to provide a base for the cranes, an area of component lay down and to facilitate vehicle turning. Nine turbine options (maximum tip height of 150m, rotor diameter range from 117m to 136m and hub height range from 78m to 91.5m) are being considered and will be appropriately assessed within the Environmental Statement. The candidate turbines are detailed in Table 1.

•

access and internal access tracks; The site access will be granted via a new entrance on the Coolkeeran Road. The internal access track will be upgraded and extended for the proposed windfarm.

•

permanent substation / control building the proposed substation / control building will house the transformers and switch gear to connect the wind farm to the grid.

•

temporary construction compound; the compound will also include parking and turning areas for contractors on site during the construction period.

The grid connection point is unknown at this time. Following the grant of any planning permission, NIE will dictate the location that the wind farm connects to the grid as well as the route the connection takes however we have provided an indicative assessment. Unlike any other type of development, any wind farm planning permission will last for 35 years, after which the above ground elements of the wind farm will be decommissioned and removed from the site.

Proposed Dimensions: Tip Height: Up to 150m Rotor Diameter Range: 117m-136m Hub Height Range: 78m-91.5m

Example geometry within the above ranges:

58.5m

66.5m

58.5m 58.5m

142.5m

58.5m

144.6m

144.5m 142.5m

84m

142.5m

78m

86m 84m

G.L

Turbine Specifications:

· · · · ·

Proposed Dimensions: Tip Height: Up to 150m Rotor Diameter Range: 117m-136m Hub Height Range: 78m-91.5m

G.L

Turbine Specifications:

· · · · ·

WTG Type : N117 WTG Capacity : 3.60MW Hub Height : 84m Rotor Length: 58.5m Tip Height : 142.5m

58.5m

142.5m

149.4m

144.5m

91m

82m

84m

82m 83m

78m

G.L

Turbine Specifications:

Turbine · WTGSpecifications: Type : V136 ·Turbine WTG Capacity : 4.30MW Specifications: WTG Type: 82m : N133 · ·Hub Height WTGLength: Capacity : 4.80MW · ·Rotor ·Hub WTG Type: 68m :83m V117 · Height · Tip Height : 150m WTG Capacity : 3.60MW · ·Rotor Length: 66.5m Hub Height : 86m · ·Tip Height : 149.6m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 144.5m

Turbine · WTGSpecifications: Type : N117 ·Turbine WTG Capacity : 3.60MW Specifications: WTG Type: 91m : N133 · ·Hub Height WTGLength: Capacity : 4.80MW · ·Rotor ·Hub WTG Type: 58.5m :78m V117 · Height · Tip Height : 149.4m WTG Capacity : 4.20MW · ·Rotor Length: 66.5m Hub Height : 84m · ·Tip Height : 144.6m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 142.5m

84m

91m

86m

Turbine Specifications:

Turbine · WTGSpecifications: Type : V117 · WTG Capacity : 3.60MW WTG Type: :86m N117 · ·Hub Height WTGLength: Capacity : 3.60MW · ·Rotor 58.5m Hub Height : 84m · ·Tip Height : 144.5m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 142.5m

149.6m

91.5m

G.L

Turbine Specifications:

150m

144.6m

83m

84m

66.5m

150m

149.6m

78m

68m

66.5m

150m

142.5m

86m

58.5m

144.6m

144.5m

66m

58.5m

66.5m

58.5m

149.4m

· WTGSpecifications: Type : N133 Turbine · WTG Capacity : 4.80MW ·· Hub Height WTG Type :: 78m V117 ·· Rotor 66.5m WTGLength: Capacity : 4.20MW ·· Tip HubHeight Height: 144.6m : 84m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 142.5m

· WTGSpecifications: Type : V117 Turbine · WTG Capacity : 3.60MW ·· Hub Height WTG Type :: 86m N117 ·· Rotor 58.5m WTGLength: Capacity : 3.60MW ·· Tip HubHeight Height: 144.5m : 84m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 142.5m

68m

66.5m

58.5m

Turbine Specifications:

WTG Type : V117 WTG Capacity : 4.20MW Hub Height : 84m Rotor Length: 58.5m Tip Height : 142.5m

Example geometry within the above ranges:

58.5m

84m

· WTGSpecifications: Type : SG 132 Turbine ·Turbine WTG Capacity : 5MW Specifications: ·· Hub Height WTG Type :: 84m V136 ·· Rotor Length: Capacity : 4.30MW ·WTG WTG Type 66m : N133 ·· Tip Height : 150m Height : 82m : 4.80MW ·Hub WTG Capacity · ·Rotor Length: 68m Hub Height : 83m · ·TipRotor Height : 150m Length: 66.5m

· WTGSpecifications: Type : V117 Turbine ·Turbine WTG Capacity : 4.30MW Specifications: ·· Hub Height WTG Type :: 91.5m N117 ·· Rotor Length: Capacity : 3.60MW ·WTG WTG Type 58.5m : N133 ·· Tip Height : 150m Height : 91m : 4.80MW ·Hub WTG Capacity · ·Rotor Length: 58.5m Hub Height : 78m · ·TipRotor Height : 149.4m Length: 66.5m

· Tip Height : 149.6m

· Tip Height : 144.6m

66m

58.5m 58.5m

68m

66m

58.5m

150m

150m 149.4m

150m

84m

91.5m 91m

82m

84m

91.5m

G.L

Turbine Specifications:

Turbine Specifications: Turbine · WTGSpecifications: Type : V117 · WTG Capacity : 4.30MW WTG Type: :91.5m N117 · ·Hub Height WTGLength: Capacity : 3.60MW · ·Rotor 58.5m Hub Height : 91m · ·Tip Height : 150m · Rotor Length: 58.5m · Tip Height : 149.4m

Turbine · WTGSpecifications: Type : SG 132 · WTG Capacity : 5MW WTG Type: :84m V136 · ·Hub Height WTGLength: Capacity : 4.30MW · ·Rotor 66m Hub Height : 82m · ·Tip Height : 150m · Rotor Length: 68m · Tip Height : 150m

NI 011

TurbinePlanning Specifications:

· · · · ·

Turbine Specifications:

P7.000

WTG Type : V117 WTG Capacity : 4.30MW Armoy Wind Farm, Hub Co.Height Antrim: 91.5m Rotor Length: 58.5m Tip Height :Turbine 150m Elevations Potential

21.03.2022

· · · · ·

KES

N/A@A1

NI 011

Planning

WTG Type : SG 132 WTG Capacity : 5MW Hub Height : 84m Rotor Length: 66m Tip Height : 150m

P7.000 21.03.2022 KES

Armoy Wind Farm, Co. Antrim

N/A@A1

Potential Turbine Elevations

Turbine Model

WTG Type

WTG Capacity

Nordex Acciona

N117

Vestas Vestas

Hub Height

Rotor Length

Tip Height

3.6MW

84m

58.5m

142.5m

V117

4.2MW

84m

58.5m

142.5m

V117

3.6MW

86m

58.5m

144.5m

Nordex

N133

4.8MW

78m

66.5m

144.6m

Nordex Acciona

N117

3.6MW

91m

58.5m

149.4m

Vestas

V136

4.3MW

82m

68m

150m

Vestas

V117

4.3MW

91.5m

58.5m

150m

Nordex

N133

4.8MW

83m

66.5m

149.6m

Siemens

SG 132

5MW

84m

66m

150m

Table 1 - Candidate Turbines

ABO WIND NI Ltd Unit 6, Balmoral Business Park Boucher Crescent Belfast, BT12 6HU Northern Ireland Tel. +44 (0) 28 90 996 445

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ABO WIND NI Ltd Unit 6, Balmoral Business Park Boucher Crescent Belfast, BT12 6HU Northern Ireland Tel. +44 (0) 28 90 996 445

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT AND COMPLIANCE Local Section 45(1) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 requires that all applications must have regard to the local plan, so far as material to the application, and all other material considerations. Section 6(4) states that in making any determination where regard is to be had to the local development plan (LDP), the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The adopted LDP for the proposed site is the Northern Area Plan (NAP) 2016. The site is located within the countryside.

Regional Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) and Planning Policy Statement 21 (PPS 21) ‘Sustainable Development in the Countryside The SPPS and PPS 21 state that planning permission will be granted for renewable energy projects in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS 18) ‘Renewable Energy’. PPS 18 ‘Renewable Energy Development’ PPS 18 Policy RE1 ‘Renewable Energy Development’ sets out the criteria in which all energy generating development from renewable sources, including wind energy development, will be assessed. Policy RE1 also requires that all proposals for renewable energy development should have account to the following supplementary guidance: 1. Best Practice Guidance to Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’; and

Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is identified approximately 0.1km east of the site.

2. Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland’s Landscapes.

A scheduled Archaeological Site and Monument (ASM) (Clegernagh Graveyard and Kilcroagh Fort) and an unscheduled ASM (enclosure) are identified at the western portion of the site in proximity to Coolkeeran Road.

An Environmental Statement and Design and Access Statement will be submitted with a full planning application and set out in detail how the proposal complies with the relevant regional planning policy and supplementary guidance.

Nor

Church Bay

Ballintoy

Portballintrae

Ballycastle

Lisnagunogue

For Inform

Portrush Portstewart

A B

Ballyvoy

Bushmills Ballytober

Castlerock

Liscolman Mosside

Ballyrashane Articlave

Coleraine

Ballybogy

Macosquin

Bushvale

Ballymoney

Clarehill

Cushendall

BALLYMONEY BOROUGH

Loughguile

Waterfoot Plan Area Glenariff Council Boundary (Bay)

Church Bay

Settlement Development Limit

Glenkeen Dunloy

Ballintoy Corkey

Portballintrae

Ballycastle

Lisnagunogue

For Information Only

Portrush

Finvoy Portstewart

NAP 2016 - Overview

Cloughmills

Articlave

Road Network Liscolman Mosside

Ballybogy

Shanvey

Macosquin

Bendooragh

Loughguile

Corkey

Dunloy

Cloughmills

LARNE BOROUGH

Moneydig Burnfoot

Glenullin

Boveedy

Dernaflaw

STRABANE DISTRICT

Drumagarner

BALLYMENA BOROUGH

Dungiven

MAGHERAFELT DISTRICT Feeny

Kilrea Rasharkin

Craigavole

Foreglen

Waterfoot Glenariff (Bay)

Finvoy

Garvagh

Drumsurn

Cushendall BALLYMONEY BOROUGH

BALLYMENA BOROUGH

Lislagan

LARNE BOROUGH

Cushendun

Drones Magherahoney

Dunaghy

Glenkeen

Boleran

Largy

Gortnahey

Clarehill

Ringsend

LIMAVADY BOROUGH

Bushvale

Ballymoney Balnamore

Rasharkin

Ardgarvan Glack

Castleroe Loughan

COLERAINE BOROUGH

Limavady Drumagarner Ballykelly Greysteel

Stranocum

MOYLE DISTRICT Knocknacarry

Armoy

Dervock

Artikelly

DERRY CITY

Cromaghs

Derrykeighan

Coleraine

Bellarena

Kilrea

Boveedy Craigavole

Ballytober

Ballyrashane

Moneydig

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Ballyvoy

Bushmills

Castlerock

Garvagh

Glenullin

Northern Area Plan 2016 Map No. 1 - Overview

Lislagan

Bendooragh

Boleran

urn

Drones Magherahoney

Dunaghy

Balnamore

COLERAINE BOROUGH

Ringsend

Stranocum

Cushendun

Knocknacarry

Armoy

Dervock Castleroe Loughan

MOYLE DISTRICT

Cromaghs

Derrykeighan

MAGHERAFELT DISTRICT

2.5

5 Kilometres

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right, NIMA No. EMOU206.1 (2015)

NAP 2016 - Moyle District A0L

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Noise An assessment of the potential noise impact of the proposed wind farm is being undertaken by Irwin Carr, a specialist acoustic consultancy. There are strict guidelines on noise emissions from wind turbines to ensure the protection of residential amenity for people living close to a wind farm. The principal sources of noise generated by a wind farm during its operational phase are from the blades of the turbines rotating in the air (aerodynamic noise) and from internal machinery, normally the gearbox and, to a lesser extent, the generator (mechanical noise). The blades are carefully designed to minimise noise.

Table 2 demonstrates the noise generated by a typical wind turbine in the context of other noise sources in the environment: Source/Activity

Indicative noise level (decibels)

Threshold of pain

140

Jet aircraft at 250 m

105

Pneumatic drill at 7 m

Truck at 30 mph at 100 m

Busy general office

Car at 40 mph at 100 m

Wind farm at 350 m

35 – 45

Quiet bedroom

Rural night-time background

20 – 40

Threshold of hearing

The first stage of the assessment is to predict noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptors using computer modelling software and the noise data provided by the turbine manufacturers.

The guidelines require noise to be monitored at a number of representative locations around the site to determine existing background noise levels, which are used as a baseline to compare to the predicted levels of the wind farm during operation.

Transportation and Haulage

Noise monitoring equipment will be installed for over 14 days at four noise monitoring locations around the proposed site, in liaison with the local Environmental Health Department.

An assessment to evaluate traffic volumes, restricted road widths and vertical alignments is being carried out by WSP UK Ltd. The assessment will review the preferred route to the proposed wind farm for the delivery of the turbine components. These are known as abnormal loads due to the length of vehicles required to carry them. The turbine components will be shipped into Larne Harbour.

Simultaneous rain, noise and wind speed monitoring will be undertaken using a LIDAR (remote sensing device), located within the proposed wind farm site. Where any periods of rainfall are identified, the associated noise and wind speed data points were removed from the analysis.

The proposed abnormal loads haul route is anticipated to follow the A8 from Larne Harbour, the A36 towards Ballymena, the M2 towards Teeshan, the A26 towards Cloughmills and the A44 through Armoy, before utilising the local, minor road network for the final approach to the application site.

The baseline noise data will be compared to the predicted noise levels at the nearest dwellings to the proposed site to make an assessment against the strict limits imposed by the ETSU-97 as per Institute of Acoustics guidelines. These noise limits will be strictly adhered to by the proposed wind farm and controlled by planning conditions.

The main transport impacts will be associated with the movements of general construction HGV’s to and from the site during the construction period. The amount of traffic associated with the scheme will be minimal when in operation, with the only traffic expected to visit the site will be for service and maintenance purposes.

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Socio-Economic Assessment Cogent Management Consulting LLP have been commissioned to articulate and quantify the predicted monetary and non-monetary impacts (at a national, regional and local level) that may be attributable to the development of Armoy Wind Farm. The development, if permitted, will result in significant socio-economic and environmental benefits for the local area and wider region. The Northern Ireland Executive has set a target that by 2030, at least 70%1 of the electricity consumed in Northern Ireland must come from renewables. In line with new climate change legislation currently being progressed, this target is set to be increased to 80%2. Achieving these targets means we need to more than double the number of new wind and solar farms across Northern Ireland3. The proposed development will make a significant contribution towards these targets by delivering up to 25 MW of clean, green energy that can be readily connected to the electricity grid.

https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/economy/Energy-Strategy-for-Northern-Ireland-path-to-netzero.pdf

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/legislation/bills/executive-bills/session-2017-2022/climate-change-no.2-bill/climate-chnage-no.-2-bill-as-amended-at-fcs---full-print-version.pdf

https://www.soni.ltd.uk/newsroom/press-releases/next-steps-for-energy-pol/index.xml

1.1

ABO Wind NI Limited commissioned Cogent Management Consulting LLP to articulate and quantify the predicted monetary and non-monetary impacts (at a national, regional and local level) that may be attributable to the development of Armoy Wind Farm.

1.2 The development, if permitted, would represent a significant investment in the local economy. Projected wind capacity factor is

39.7% - 43.2 43.2%

32% - 44% higher than the Republic of Ireland averageAverag

Provide enough energy to power 23,499 - 30,029 homes (or 44%-56% of the households in the Council area) Total commitment to local landowners of circa £4.6m over the 35-year project life

Reduce CO2 emissions by 29,972 to 38,255 tonnes p.a.

Inclusion of energy storage = societal & electricity system benefits

£2.3m of construction & £12.8m - £13.8m of operational expenditure = retained in the Causeway Coast & Glens District Council area.

£51.3m - £54.7m of total expenditure will be retained in the NI economy.

Create 98.6 FTE job years in NI

Over 35 years, £7.2m - £9.9m of business rates generated for the Council and the NI Executive

Local Community Benefit = £1.6m - £2.2m across the 35year project life Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Landscape and Visual Impact A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be prepared by Soltys Brewster Consulting for the proposed wind farm to determine the potential effects of the proposed development on the existing landscape character and visual amenity. The site is located outside the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, adjacent to its western boundary. It is identified within the ‘Dervock Farmland’ and the ‘Moyle Moorlands and Forest’’ character areas. A visual appraisal has been undertaken to determine the relationship of the Site with its wider surroundings and to understand the potential effects that the proposed wind farm may have on views from the surrounding area. A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was modelled to illustrate the areas where the proposed wind farm will theoretically be visible (assuming a bare-earth scenario i.e. not taking into account intervening vegetation or built forms).

The ZTV demonstrates that for the most part, views of the proposed wind farm will be restricted to western parts of the study area. From within the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, any potential views of the proposed development will be predominantly restricted to north eastern areas and as such will only affect a small proportion of the AONB landscape. Any views of the proposed development from these areas will however be seen at a distance of over 19km away and therefore will not result in any significant effects on landscape character or visual amenity. Where the Site and proposed wind farm will be visible, it will generally be seen as forming part of upland, undulating landscape. Seventeen viewpoints have been selected for inclusion within the LVIA in order to undertake the assessment, a selection of which are enclosed within this information pack. The viewpoints selected are deemed to be representative of both landscape and visual receptors and therefore include locations in different landscape types and key routes over a range of distances.

Armoy Wind Farm, County Antrim Figure XX: Zone of Theoretical Visibility to Blade Tip Height Key: Proposed Turbine Location Study Area Boundary Theoretical number of turbines visible to tip height 1 2 3 4 5 ZTV Notes * Visibility takes earth curvature and atmospheric refraction into account, but not buildings, trees or other surface obstacles. * ZTV produced for 5 turbines of 150 m to tip. * Viewpoint height set to 1.6 m AGL

Ballycastle Portrush

Coleraine

Ballymoney

DRAFT Scale 0km

5km 2.5km

20km 10km

N Date: 20-04-22 Job Number:

Prepared By: RC

Checked By: RC

Layout: N/A

Soltys Brewster Consulting The Mount 2 Woodstock Link Belfast BT6 8DD

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

Photomontage

Photomontage - View from Moyle Way Armoy Wind Farm, County Antrim Figure: 5.13c VP 3 - Moyle Way

Photomontage - View from Bregagh Road

View flat at comfortable arm’s length. If viewing this image on a screen, enlarge to full screen height.

OS Reference: Height: Direction to center of photograph: Principle Distance:

312658, 434959 170 m AOD 222 o 812.5 mm

Horizontal field of view: Vertical field of view: Paper size: Correct printed image size:

53.5 o (planar projection) 18.2 o 841 mm x 297 mm 820 mm x 260 mm

Camera: Lens: Camera height: Date and Time:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 50 mm f1.4 1.6 m AGL 11/05/2022 12.29

Nearest turbine: Nearest visible turbine: Theoretical number of tips visible: Theoretical number of hubs visible:

4.68 km 4.68 km 5 2

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

Photomontage Photomontage

Photomontage - View from Friary Road Armoy Wind Farm, County Antrim Figure: 5.19c VP 9 - Friary Road

Photomontage - View from Junction of B67

View flat at comfortable arm’s length. If viewing this image on a View screen, to full screen flatenlarge at comfortable arm's height. length

OS Reference: Height: Direction to center of photograph: Principle Distance:

307068, 428760 122 m AOD 41 o 812.5 mm

Horizontal field of view: Vertical field of view: Paper size: Correct printed image size:

53.5 o (planar projection) 18.2 o 841 mm x 297 mm 820 mm x 260 mm

Camera: Lens: Camera height: Date and Time:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 50 mm f1.4 1.6 m AGL 11/05/2022 10.46

Nearest turbine: Nearest visible turbine: Theoretical number of tips visible: Theoretical number of hubs visible:

3.05 km 3.05 km 5 5

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Fisheries An assessment of the potential effects of the proposed wind farm upon fisheries and aquatic ecology in and around the proposed wind farm is being undertaken by Paul Johnston Associates. The study will focus on the streams draining the proposed site and also on the adjoining reach of the River Bush. Field surveys are being carried out to assess stream quality in line with the Water Framework Directive procedures, fish habitats and fish stocks. The potential effects on fisheries and aquatic ecology will be assessed for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the project, and any mitigation measures required to address significant effects will be proposed.

drains a relatively small area of the site and appears to be populated by trout throughout with salmon present in the lower reach. The greater part of the site is drained by two smaller un-named streams; trout are restricted to the lower end of one stream while the third stream is of no fisheries significance. The adjoining section of the Bush has been subject to major drainage works and remains largely in canalised, homogeneous form with long slowmoving glides and pools. However, there has been some degree of recovery in isolated short sections, and the reach is populated with both trout and salmon. Lamprey larvae were also found to be present in this reach.

The site is drained by three streams of varying habitat quality and ecological/ fisheries potential, all of which flow in a westerly direction to join with the River Bush. The largest of these streams, Glasnaferna Burn,

Potential impacts are mainly associated with ground disturbance during the construction phase and the entrainment of sediments in surface water drainage. Mitigation measures to address these impacts will be incorporated and, provided these are adhered to, no significant risk to the fisheries and aquatic ecology are likely.

Kick sampling for invertebrates River Bush

Salmon parr

Grid ABO Wind NI Ltd has assessed the proposed grid connection relating to the development of the wind farm at Armoy. It considers the impact of the grid connection alone, as well as cumulatively, as part of the wider wind farm development. This assessment considers the impact of complete project and is based on our professional experience. A grid connection application will be submitted to NIE Networks for the proposed wind farm in due course. NIE Networks shall define the final grid connection route and

method in a grid connection offer. For this reason, the proposed grid connection that has been assessed, best represents the most feasible and likely route NIE Networks would pursue, in our professional judgment. The proposed route consists solely of underground cable from the proposed Armoy wind farm substation to the existing 110kV Rasharkin Main substation. The total route length is approximately 28km and all works will be conducted within the public road in line with NIE Networks best practice requirements.

Armoy Wind Farm

28.6km of Underground Cable from Armoy WF to Rasharkin Substation

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ABO WIND NI Ltd Unit 1, Wallace Studios Wallace Avenue

Lisburn, BT27 4AE Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy | 27 Northern Ireland Tel. +44 (0) 28 90 996 445

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Water and Geology Environment An assessment of the potential effects of the proposed wind farm upon the hydrological and geological environment on the site and surrounding environment is being carried out by McCloy Consulting Ltd. The assessment undertaken comprised desktop investigations and field surveys. Where constraints have been identified during the assessment these were reported to the design team at the early stage of design and avoided as far as possible within the proposed layout. The site is crossed by minor watercourses which flow east to west, into significant watercourses located beyond the Application Area. An artificial pond of low ecological value is located in the centre of the site. The shallow soils on site comprise peat in the east of the site, with the remainder expected to comprise deposits of silts, sands, clays, gravels, cobbles and boulders.

The bedrock beneath the site is predominately sandstone, quartz, siltstone and mudstones. The western area of the site is situated on sandstone which may contain mudstone, siltstone and pebbles. Several north to south trending Dykes are present across the site. The bedrock across the application area is anticipated to lie relatively close to the surface due to the limited thickness of superficial soils. The shallow soils on site are not classified as aquifers. The underlying bedrock is indicated to have limited water productivity potential. An assessment of water supplies from bedrock and surface water has identified no 3rd party abstractions within an area that could be affected by the proposed wind farm. With the proposed application site layout and mitigation measures, no significant risk to the water and geology environment are likely.

Shadow Flicker There are strict guidelines on shadow flicker from wind turbines to ensure the protection of residential amenity for people living close to wind turbines. A Shadow Flicker Assessment has been prepared by ABO Wind AG, a specialist in undertaking these assessments. Shadow flicker refers to the flickering effect caused when rotating wind turbines periodically cast shadows over neighbouring properties or observers. Shadow flicker can be experienced by residents living near wind turbines when turning blades are between the sun and a property. Shadow flicker is exaggerated and usually only identified when it is experienced through an opening in a building i.e. a window. A computer modelling programme was used to calculate the incidence of Shadow flicker based on the positioning of the turbines and their dimensions. The Software calculates the occurrences of shadow flicker at each property.

Planning Policy Statement 18 Renewable Energy and accompanying Best Practice Guidance (BPG) acknowledge that proposals for wind energy projects need to demonstrate that they will not cause significant harm to the amenity of any sensitive receptors by way of shadow flicker. Based on surveys undertaken by Predac (an EU sponsored organisation that promotes best practice in energy use and supply), Section 1.3.77 of the PPS18 BPG recommends:“that shadow flicker at neighbouring offices and dwellings within 500m should not exceed 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day”. These shadow flicker limits will be strictly adhered to by the proposed wind farm and controlled by planning conditions where necessary.

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Ecology and Ornithology Allen and Mellon Environmental Ltd are carrying out an assessment of the site ecology and ornithology. The assessment covers existing flora and fauna, with particular focus on protected habitats and species. Habitat survey and classification have been undertaken across the site and the immediate surroundings with reference to the relative abundance of key species. This information was then mapped and cross-referenced by the examination of aerial photographs and records/data compiled during the desktop survey. Surveys are presently being carried out to establish baseline activity on the site in respect of protected species including bats, badgers and newts.

Flora Context

Breeding and wintering bird surveys were undertaken over two years within the site and the surrounding area. This included surveys of flight activity over the area as well as walkovers to assess bird populations and distribution. The results of the intensive survey efforts carried out to date have shaped the proposed development to ensure that there will not be any unacceptable or significant impacts on important flora or fauna as a result of the proposed wind farm. Mitigation and enhancement of habitats around the wind farm is also proposed to be included in the final application.

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13 Jane Stree Edinburgh EH6 5HE www.headland

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13 Jane Street Edinburgh EH6 5HE www.headlandarchaeology.com

Key Blue Line Development Boundary

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Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Headland Archaeology UK Ltd has been commissioned to undertake an archaeological and cultural heritage assessment for the proposed development. The assessment will identify any impacts the development may ANT013:020 have on any archaeological sites both at the site and within the wider surrounding area. 308000

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The nature and location of existing archaeology has been identified from a deskbased study of publicly held records and maps, as well as relevant literature and in liaison with DfC Historic Environment Division. This was coupled with a site inspection, which sought to identify any previously unknown archaeological remains to form the baseline for the assessment. An assessment was also undertaken on the importance of heritage assets affected by the development. 309000

Wirelines of key sites will be prepared to illustrate changes to key views, where potentially significant effects have been identified or where particularly sensitive assets are present, such as Armoy Round Tower, a Monument in State Care. All identified regionally important sites within the study area will be assessed in terms of how their settings contribute to their cultural significance and how and to what extent this would be affected by the wind farm. In terms of @ A3 potential effects on the settings of assets, no operational impacts of greater than negligible significance are predicted for heritage assets in Figure 1: Heritage Assets within Inner Study Area (Proposed Development the surrounding area. Mitigation measures will Area) be proposed in relation to those sites where a physical impact may occur. 309000

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Scheduled Monument and Northern Ireland Sites and Monument Record (NISMR) data downloaded from Northern Ireland Environment Agency website.

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Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

Figure 1: Study Ar Area)

ARMOY WIND FARM ABO WIND NI LTD

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We kindly thank you for taking the time to look through this magazine and welcome your feedback on the project and the prospect of the proposed development proceeding through planning. Following the end of the consultation period (10 June 2022), your feedback will be taken into consideration in finalising the proposed development. A formal planning application will be submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council thereafter, following the end of the 12 week notice period for public consultation. The application will be accompanied by an Environmental Statement, Pre-Application Community Consultation report, Design and Access Statement and a suite of detailed application drawings for consideration by the Council and its statutory consultees. Once submitted, the opportunity for public engagement in the decision making process will take place in the normal manner through the submission of representations to the Council following the application’s advertisement and neighbour notification procedures.

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE? On our website you can leave feedback, raise questions or leave your contact details should you require further assistance. If you wish to discuss the proposal you can also do so by: Telephone – 028 9043 4393 Email - hayley@clydeshanks.com Post – Clyde Shanks Ltd, 2nd Floor, 7 Exchange Place, Belfast, BT1 2NA

REQUEST A PRINTED COPY If you would like to receive a printed copy of this magazine, we can post this out to you on your request, accompanied with a feedback form.

DEADLINE Please note all comments should be with Clyde Shanks Ltd no later than Friday 10th June 2022

Proposed Wind Farm, Armoy |

2nd Floor 7 Exchange Place Belfast BT1 2NA t | 028 9043 4393 clydeshanks.com