North Logiealmond Wind Farm

Design and Access Statement

7. Conclusion



The Proposed Development has been subject to a rigorous iterative design process. This has been captured in this Design and Access Statement, and in EIA Chapter 3.

The iterative design process has carefully considered relevant guidance and policy, taking account of technical and environmental constraints that have been updated throughout the design evolution.

The final design is the result of several design iterations, for which the four key iterations are illustrated in Section 5. However, a number of minor changes have been made between the key design iterations and throughout the iterative process that took account of ongoing data analysis, engagement with statutory stakeholders and consultation with the local community.

The design freeze put forward for the final impact assessment comprises the most appropriate number of turbines that can be accommodated on the Site, whilst balancing:

  • A safe and constructable development;

  • Maximising energy yield;

  • Maximising the contribution towards net zero;

  • Impacts on receptors (including residential, heritage and biodiversity); and

  • Impacts on landscape character

The Applicant has carried out an iterative design process with meaningful statutory and community engagement, the results of which have been fully considered and helped inform the final design.

Public access has also been considered throughout the iterative design process, taking account of the access route to the Site, access onto the Site, and access within the Site during construction and decommissioning.

Access during operation has also been considered throughout the iterative design process, and the final layout contributes to an increase in accessible tracks for use by the community, particularly in areas that previously may not have been accessible for many.

This provides improved public access in the local area and increases circular routes within the Site. No long term direct impacts are predicted on core paths or national trails, however, indirect significant impacts are considered in Chapter 6 and it is acknowledged that the Proposed Development would result in some localised long term significant adverse impacts during the operational period.