Environmental studies
Partnerships for Renewables only develops wind turbines in appropriate locations. We work hard to ensure that our projects are responsibly developed and well designed. To achieve this we carry out a number of detailed studies during the development process to ensure that any inappropriate sites are not developed, and that good sites are accompanied by a complete and thorough planning application.
Our work with British Waterways on the Boddington Reservoir site is being carried out in accordance with this policy.
We carry out our studies in consultation with all of the relevant statutory consultees including the Local Authority, Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation Authority and the various relevant environmental bodies.
The studies carried out include:
- Access: The aim of this work is to ensure that we can get all of the required machinery (turbine components, cranes etc) onto the proposed site.
- Archaeology: This work identifies sites of archaeological interest in or around the proposed location. The information gathered influences the layout of the final proposal.
- Aviation: Potential impacts on radar is identified and addressed in consultation with the Ministry of Defence, the National Air Traffic Service and the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Civils: Requirements for onsite roads, foundations and other civil engineering work is identified and assessed.
- Cultural Heritage: Historic monuments and buildings are identified. The information gathered influences the layout of the final proposal.
- Ecology: Local plant life and protected species, such as bats and water voles, are identified and local biodiversity is assessed to ensure that the final proposal is designed sympathetically to the local environment and wildlife.
- Grid Connection: The likely route and specification of the grid connection is identified.
- Hydrology: Water flow onsite is assessed and any potential impacts are identified to ensure that the final design will not have a negative impact on water courses and private water supplies.
- Landscape and Visual: The visual appearance of the proposal is assessed from agreed key locations. Photomontages are produced for the final planning application.
- Microwave links and Telecommunications: All microwave and telecommunication links across or adjacent to the site are identified. The information gathered influences the layout of the final proposal.
- Noise: A noise assessment is carried out to ensure that the amenity of local residents is not negatively affected by the development.
- Ornithology: Bird activity in and around the site is investigated including identification of nesting sites, flight patterns, migratory routes and feeding grounds. The information gathered is used to ensure that the proposal is designed sympathetically to the local birdlife.
- Shadow flicker: Potential for shadow flicker and associated mitigation measures are identified.
- Wind Resource: It is important to gain a good understanding of the local wind resource to ensure that the final proposal is financially viable, turbines are located in good locations and the correct turbines are selected for the project.