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• About the Project
• Benefits
• Environmental Studies
  • Access
  • Archaeology
  • Aviation
  • Civils
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Ecology
  • Grid Connection
  • Hydrology
  • Landscape and Visual
  • Microwave Links and Telecommunications
  • Noise
  • Ornithology
  • Wind Resource
• Location
• Timeline
• University of Reading

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 the University of Reading is being carried according to this policy.

We carry out our study work 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.

Details of the environmental and technical studies we intend to carry out to assess the suitability of the Rushy Mead site as a location for wind turbines can be found in the 'Rushy Mead Scoping Report' at the bottom of this page.

Wokingham District Council has confirmed that our proposed development is classified as requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999. This being so, any planning application needs to be accompanied by an extensive report called an Environmental Statement. The Environmental Statement is an impartial collection and assessment of information relating to all potentially significant effects caused by the construction, operation and decommissioning of the turbines. Such statements are common practice and are required for a wide range of planning applications, including golf courses and motorway service areas. The Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Statement for the Rushy Mead site is being undertaken by Entec UK Ltd, a multi-disciplinary company with many years of experience of wind energy developments, who are accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment as being competent to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment.

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 is identified and local biodiversity is assessed to ensure that the final proposal is designed sympathetically to the local environment.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.