Force 9 Energy - Balblair Wind Farm

Volume 1 Table of Contents

Introductory Chapters 1-4

Chapter 5 Planning Policy and Legislation

Chapter 6 Landscape and Visual

Chapter 7 Ornithology

Chapter 8 Ecology

Chapter 9 Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Peat

Chapter 10 Cultural Heritage

Chapter 11 Climate change

Chapter 12 Traffic and Movement

Chapter 13 Noise

Chapter 14 Other Issues

AI Figure 2.1 Revised Proposed Development

AI Figure 2.2 Design Iterations

Revised Figure 6.3 – Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibilityto 45 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.4 – Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.5 – Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.6 – Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.7 – Lit Turbine Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.8 – Turbine Lighting Intensity Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20 km with Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.12 – Landscape Designations to 20 km with Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.15 – Landscape Character Types within 20 km with Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.19 – Principal Visual Receptors to 20 km Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoints

Revised Figure 6.28 – Other Wind Farms within 45 km

Revised Figure 6.29 – Other Wind Farms within 20 km

Revised Figure 6.50 – Viewpoint 2 Bonar Bridge – NatureScot

Revised Figure 6.50 – Viewpoint 2 Bonar Bridge -THC

Revised Figure 6.52 – Viewpoint 4 Ardgay- NatureScot

Revised Figure 6.52 – Viewpoint 4 Ardgay – THC

Revised Figure 6.55 – Viewpoint 7 A836 at Ardchronie – NatureScot

Revised Figure 6.55 – Viewpoint 7 A836 at Ardchronie – THC

Revised Figure 6.58 – Viewpoint 10 Struie Viewpoint on B9176- NatureScot

Revised Figure 6.58 – Viewpoint 10 Struie Viewpoint on B9176 – THC

AI Figure 6.65 – Comparative Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility – EIA Layout vs Revised Layout to 20km

AI Figure 6.66 – Comparative Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility– EIA Layout vs Revised Layout to 20km

AI Figure 6.67 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 1 – Minor Road Drochaid na h-Uidh

AI Figure 6.68 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 2 – Bonar Bridge

AI Figure 6.69 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 3 – Core path Cornhill – Culrain, via Invercharron Hill/Carbisdale;

AI Figure 6.70 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 4 – Ardgay

AI Figure 6.71 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 5 – Creagan Glas

AI Figure 6.72 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 6 – A839 Between Lairg and Rosehall

AI Figure 6.73 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 7 – A836 at Ardchronie

AI Figure 6.74 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 8 – Auchintoul

AI Figure 6.75 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 9 – Lairg Cemetery, overlooking Lairg

AI Figure 6.76 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 10 – Struie Viewpoint on B9176

AI Figure 6.77 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 11 – West Langwell

AI Figure 6.78 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 12 – Achnairn, near Caravan Park

AI Figure 6.79 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 13 – A837 Strath Oykel

AI Figure 6.80 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 14 – Carn Chuinneag

AI Figure 6.81 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 15 – A836 Rhian Bridge

AI Figure 6.82 – Comparative Wireline Viewpoint 16 – Ord Hill

AI Figure 6.83 – Cumulative Photomontage Viewpoint 10 – Struie Viewpoint on B9176 (NatureScot)

AI Figure 6.83 – Cumulative Photomontage Viewpoint 10 – Struie Viewpoint on B9176 (THC)

AI Technical Appendix 2.1 Grid Connection Additional information

AI Technical Appendix 6.1 Viewpoint Assessment

AI Technical Appendix 6.2 Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

AI Technical Appendix 6.2 Residential Visual Amenity Assessment Figures 6.2.1 to 6.2.6

AI Technical Appendix 6.3 Assessment of Effects on Special Landscape Qualities

AI Technical Appendix 7.1 Communications with NatureScot

AI Technical Appendix 7.2 Outline Black Grouse Management and Monitoring Plan

AI Technical Appendix 13.1 Noise Modelling and Calculations

Non-Technical Summary

Advert

Cover Letter

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Volume 2)

Figures (Volume 3a)

NatureScot (NS) Visualisations (Volume 3b)

The Highland Council (THC) Visualisations (Volume 3c)

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Visualisations (Volume 3d)

Technical Appendices (Volume 4)

Figure 1 Site Location

Figure 2 Site Boundaries

Figure 3 Proposed Development Layout

Non Technical Summary

Chapters 1 to 4 Introductory Chapters

Chapter 5 Planning Policy and Legislation

Chapter 6 Landscape and Visual Assessment

Chapter 7 Ornithology

Chapter 8 Ecology

Chapter 9 Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Peat

Chapter 10 Cultural Heritage

Chapter 11 Climate Change Carbon Balance

Chapter 12 Traffic and Movement

Chapter 13 Noise

Chapter 14 Other Issues

Chapter 15 Schedule of Environmental Commitments

Figure 1.1 Site Location

Figure 1.2 Site Boundaries

Figure 2.1 Proposed Development Layout

Figure 2.2a Indicative Wind Turbine (200m)

Figure 2.2b Indicative Wind Turbine (180m)

Figure 2.3 Indicative Wind Turbine Foundation

Figure 2.4 Indicative Crane Hardstanding

Figure 2.5 Indicative Site Access

Figure 2.6 Indicative Track Details

Figure 2.7 Indicative Cable Trench Details

Figure 2.8 Indicative Substation

Figure 2.9 Indicative Substation and Battery Energy Storage System Plan

Figure 3.1 Environmental and Historic Designated Sites

Figure 3.2 Site Constraints Heat Map

Figure 3.3 Project Footprint and Peat Depth Information

Figure 3.4 Site Access Options

Figure 3.5 Design Iterations

Figure 6.1 Site Location and Initial Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Study Area 45km

Figure 6.2 Site Location and Detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Study Area 20km

Figure 6.3 Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.4 Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.5 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.6 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.7 Lit Turbine Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.8 Turbine Lighting Intensity Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 20km with Viewpoints

Figure 6.9 Dark Sky Baseline Satellite Image

Figure 6.10 Landscape Designations within 45km

Figure 6.11 Landscape Designations within 20km

Figure 6.12 Landscape Designations to 20km with Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoints

Figure 6.13 Landscape Character Types within 45km

Figure 6.14 Landscape Character Types within 20km

Figure 6.15 Landscape Character Types within 20km with Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoints

Figure 6.16 Topography Plan to 20km

Figure 6.17 Local Landscape Context to 5km

Figure 6.18 Principal Visual Receptors to 45km

Figure 6.19 Principal Visual Receptors to 20km Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoints

Figure 6.20 Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km NWQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.21 Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km SWQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.22 Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km NEQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.24 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km NWQuadrant with Viewpoint

Figure 6.25 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km SWQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.26 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km NEQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.27 Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility to 45km SEQuadrant with Viewpoints

Figure 6.28 Other Wind Farms within 45km

Figure 6.29 Other Wind Farms within 20km Low Resolution

Figure 6.30 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Operational Achany Rosehall

Figure 6.31 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Operational Lairg

Figure 6.32 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Operational Kilbruar Kilbruar Extension

Figure 6.33 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Operational Beinn nan Oighrean and Beinn Tharsuinn

Figure 6.34 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Operational Coire na Cloiche

Figure 6.35 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Achany Extension

Figure 6.36 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Lairg II

Figure 6.37 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Strathy Tirry

Figure 6.38 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Chleansaid

Figure 6.39 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Meall Buidhe

Figure 6.40 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Consented Strathrory Redesign

Figure 6.41 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with In Planning Garvary

Figure 6.42 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with In Planning Acheilidh

Figure 6.43 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with In Planning Strath Oykel

Figure 6.44 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Scoping Braelangwell

Figure 6.45 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Scoping Allt An Tuir

Figure 6.46 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Scoping Inveroykel

Figure 6.47 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Scoping Coille Beith

Figure 6.48 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility with Scoping Creachan

Figure 7.1 Flight Activity Survey Vantage Points and Viewsheds

Figure 7.2 Scarce Breeding Bird Study and Survey Areas

Figure 7.3 Black Grouse Study and Survey Areas

Figure 7.4 Breeding Wader and Winter Walkover Study and Survey Areas

Figure 7.5 Ornithological Designated Sites within 20km

Figure 7.6 Flight Activity Curlew and Golden Plover

Figure 7.7 Flight Activity Greylag Goose Pink-footed Goose and Whooper Swan

Figure 7.8 Flight Activity Merlin Osprey and Peregrine

Figure 7.9 Flight Activity Red Kite

Figure 7.10 Raptor Activity April 2022 to May 2024

Figure 7.11 Breeding Wader Registrations April 2022 to May 2024

Figure 7.12 Migratory Waterfowl Activity April 2022 to May 2024

Figure 8.1 Ecological Designated Sites and Ancient Woodland within 5km

Figure 8.2 Carbon and Peatland 2016

Figure 8.3.1-8.3.10 National Vegetation Classification Survey Area and Survey Results Tiles

Figure 8.3 National Vegetation Classification Survey Area and Survey Results

Figure 8.4.1-8.4.10 Potential Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems Survey Area and Survey Results Tiles

Figure 8.4 Potential Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems Survey Area and Survey Results

Figure 8.5 Protected Species Survey Area and Survey Results

Figure 8.6 Anabat Locations and Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment Survey Area and Results

Figure 8.7 Seasonal Bat Site Activity 2023 Common pipistrelle

Figure 8.8 Seasonal Bat Site Activity 2023 Soprano pipistrelle

Figure 8.9 Electrofishing Atlantic Salmon Presence Absence

Figure 8.10 Electrofishing Trout Presence Absence

Figure 8.11 Outline Biodiversity Enhancement Management Plan

Figure 9.1 Study Areas

Figure 9.2 Bedrock Geology

Figure 9.3 Superficial Geology

Figure 9.4 Soils Peat and Carbon

Figure 9.5 Peat Depth

Figure 9.6 Hydrological Catchments and Watercourses

Figure 9.7 Private Water Supplies PWS

Figure 9.8 Water Quality Monitoring WQM Locations

Figure 10.1 Known Heritage Assets within the Site

Figure 10.2 Cultural Heritage Viewpoints CHVPs within the Outer Study Area OSA and Zone of Theoretical Visibility ZTV

Figure 12.1 Traffic Study Area

Figure 12.2 Abnormal Load Route

Figure 12.3 Traffic Count Points

Figure 12.4 Traffic Accident Data

Figure 12.5 Construction Traffic

Figure 13.1 Site Layout Study Areas and Monitoring Locations

Figure 13.2 Proposed Development Noise Contours

Figure 13.3 Proposed Development and Operating and Consented Developments Noise Contours

Figure 13.4 Operating and Consented Developments Noise Contours

Figure 13.5 Proposed Development and Operating Consented and InPlanning Developments Noise Contours

Figure 13.6 Operating Consented and InPlanning Developments Noise Contours

Figure 14.1 Shadow Flicker Study Area

Figure 14.2 Shadow Flicker Results

NatureScot (NS) Visualisations

Figure 6.49 A F Viewpoint 1 Minor Road Drochaid na h Uidh

Figure 6.51 A C Viewpoint 3 Core Path

Figure 6.52 A F Viewpoint 4 Ardgay

Figure 6.53 A C Viewpoint 5 Creagan Glas

Figure 6.54 A C Viewpoint 6 A839 Between Lairg and Rosehall

Figure 6.55 A C Viewpoint 7 A836 at Ardchronie

Figure 6.56 A C Viewpoint 8 Auchintoul

Figure 6.57 A C Viewpoint 9 Lairg Cemetery overlooking Lairg

Figure 6.58 A F Viewpoint 10 Struie Viewpoint on B9176

Figure 6.59 A C Viewpoint 11 West Langwell

Figure 6.60 A C Viewpoint 12 Achnairn near Caravan Park

Figure 6.61 A C Viewpoint 13 A837 Strath Oykel

Figure 6.62 A C Viewpoint 14 Carn Chuinneag

Figure 6.63 A C Viewpoint 15 A836 Rhian Bridge

Figure 6.64 A C Viewpoint 16 Ord Hill

Figure 6.65 Viewpoint 10 Including Acheilidh and Garvary

Figure 6.49 A F Viewpoint 1 Minor Road Drochaid na h Uidh

Figure 6.50 A F Viewpoint 2 Bonar Bridge

Figure 6.51 A C Viewpoint 3 Core Path

Figure 6.52 A F Viewpoint 4 Ardgay

Figure 6.53 A C Viewpoint 5 Creagan Glas

Figure 6.54 A C Viewpoint 6 A839 Between Lairg and Rosehall

Figure 6.55 A C Viewpoint 7 A836 at Ardchronie

Figure 6.56 A C Viewpoint 8 Auchintoul

Figure 6.57 A C Viewpoint 9 Lairg Cemetery overlooking Lairg

Figure 6.58 A F Viewpoint 10 Struie Viewpoint on B9176

Figure 6.59 A C Viewpoint 11 West Langwell

Figure 6.60 A C Viewpoint 12 Achnairn near Caravan Park

Figure 6.61 A C Viewpoint 13 A837 Strath Oykel

Figure 6.62 A C Viewpoint 14 Carn Chuinneag

Figure 6.63 A C Viewpoint 15 A836 Rhian Bridge

Figure 6.64 A C Viewpoint 16 Ord Hill

Cultural Heritage Visualisations

Balblair Cover Letter

Balblair Wind Farm – Planning Statement

Balblair Wind Farm – Public Notice

Design and Access Statement

Pre-Application Consultation Report

Socio-economic Statement