FEATURE SPONSOR
POST CONSENT SUPPORT
POST CONSENT SUPPORT BEGINS AT THE DUE DILIGENCE STAGE
Last year we reported on moves to protect peatland which is among the most degraded and at-risk habitats in Britain, but the fact that onshore wind developers are obliged to preserve and rehabilitate these landscapes is something to be embraced. No planning application in these areas will succeed without a sound peat management plan – and work on fulfilling the plan will be continuous throughout the life of the development.
KNOWLEDGE BANK
Armed with the knowledge bank that has been built up over recent years, we have a clearer picture of what is best practice during the construction and operating phases of a development. Planners will always look for a credible carbon balance (often referred to as payback) analysis and the development of the Carbon Calculator at Aberdeen University, a project I have been involved in from the outset, helps developers to submit robust planning applications and, in turn, gives planners a background against which to assess them.
The tool is in the public domain and now in general use; so peat management plans have a carbon benchmark against which to measure their success.
KEY MESSAGE
A key message that I’d like to get across is that, for a development with a 25 year life span, rehabilitation is a 25 year project. Planning for post consent work starts on the day you first look at a site. Fulfilling the plan will call for action from day 1 after consent is won.
Of key importance is what is done with the peat that is removed during the construction process and how it is managed during the operational life of the windfarm and subsequently restored. Developers need to work with ecologists and environmental consultants to create a plan that will satisfy the regulatory bodies: SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and ultimately lead to a successful outcome for both developer and peatland habitat.
EXPERIENCE GAINED IS NOW HELPING TO INFORM THE CURRENT ROUND OF DEVELOPMENTS
The peat management plans that have been prepared in recent years and the experience that consultancies like Atmos have gained both in preparing plans and acting as Ecological Clerk of Works to verify that they are fulfilled, are also now helping to inform the current round of developments.
In practice, owners who are taking a responsible approach to construction and restoration work will reap the benefits as they look to the next phase of development.
Dr Geeta Puri
Principal Consultant Atmos Consulting
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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