Direct landscape impacts on the site

Direct landscape impacts on the site – for example loss of landscape features or change in the character of the site resulting from ground disturbances, construction activity, lighting and presence of new features including but not limited to; access tracks, fuel cells, substation, cabling, lighting and tall fencing. Changes in the setting of a property can also result in direct results in the significance of the place.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area and National Trust properties

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area and setting to NT properties – for example change in the character of adjacent landscapes as a result of the change in character or sense of place important to the property.

Direct impacts on views

Direct impacts on views – for example changes in views to and from NT properties and NT key views and vistas as a result of the introduction of access tracks, fuel cells, substation, and cabling. Effect on the landscape if the land is currently developed, cumulative impact if the land is developed with existing battery storage.

Direct landscape impacts on the site

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). Effects on the special qualities, sensitivities and significance of the landscape within the site, considering the landscape value the site provides to NT properties and to their setting. Analysis to be based on desk study, baseline assessment of site, field study and photography.

Use existing documents including Statement of Significance, Management Plans and other landscape evidence including Landscape Character Assessment.

Considering if the land has been previously developed and to what extent, does the land have high environmental value.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area and National Trust properties

Effects on the character and quality of the landscape and of the value provided to NT properties and their setting. Analysis to be based on desk study, baseline assessment of the surrounding landscape, field study and photography.

Consideration of NT properties in proximity to the site and their contribution and significance within the surrounding landscape.

Use existing documents including Statement of Significance, Management Plans and other landscape evidence including Landscape Character Assessment.

Direct impacts on views

Effects on views, considering size/scale, geographical extent, and duration of the effect. Analysis to be based on desk study, ZTV, and may include photomontages of agreed viewpoints, field study and photography.

Effects on key views and designed vistas as identified by the NT, considering the contribution of the site and surrounding landscape to the setting of any NT propertiesQ

Potential receptors to assess include; visitors/tourists to NT properties including those travelling on routes to/from NT properties, residential receptors living within or in proximity to NT properties, recreational receptors on long distance walking or cycling routes within or in proximity to NT properties.

Night-time visualisations may be provided in certain circumstances, for example in proximity to areas of dark night skies or where otherwise requested by the NT.

Direct landscape impacts on the site

Maximise opportunities inherent to this technology to integrate fuel cell plants in existing buildings and previously developed land, siting larger fuel cell plants amongst similar sized buildings, to minimise visual and landscape impact.

The initial site selection and layout should consider the capacity of the landscape to absorb a large-scale battery plant, particularly as battery storage is frequently located in proximity to other large-scale renewable technology. Selected sites should carefully consider proximity to sensitive landscapes, including from NT properties and settlements. Consideration should be given to the significance of the property, including key views and vistas, and the contribution of the setting to significance, as outlined in NT documents.

Site and design large installations to ensure visual impacts are minimised, minimising extent of disturbance to ground. Use sympathetic materials and colours to minimise any impact on the landscape.

Make use of existing features on site to screen enclosures (e.g. trees and hedges, shelterbelts, woodlands). Undertake landscape restoration works at the end of the construction period, ensuring any new plantings or interventions are in character with the site and surrounding context. Planting can be used as a suitable and effective screening measure for battery storage facilities.

Ensure site restoration upon decommissioning. Any landscape interventions should respect the character of the site, in accordance with NT principles and associated Management Plans.

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area and National Trust properties

Ensure careful site layout design and siting of plant (i.e. where appropriate, digesters can be partially buried to minimise visual impacts).

Incorporate screening measures to minimise potential adverse impact of the plant. Any fencing or vegetation is to be in character with surrounding landscape and relevant NT Management Plans.

Minimise visibility within the surrounding area of vehicular movement associated with the plant, using vegetation or fencing in character with the setting.

Direct impacts on views

Ensure careful design of site layout and siting, minimising impact on views to and from NT properties, and considering scale within the landscape.

Incorporate off-site screen planting in key locations to screen access tracks, fuel cells and substation. Any fencing or vegetation is to be in character with the setting.

Consider opportunities for landscape enhancements in-line with long term plans as defined by NT Management Plans.

Use appropriate colour coating for the plant and any vertical elements within.

Ensure site restoration upon decommissioning, considering any opportunities to enhance the site and surrounding landscape in character with the setting.

All impacts

For non – EIA development:

Appraisal of impact of proposal on landscape character and visual amenity.

For EIA developments:

LVIA chapter within Environmental Statement as set out in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition (GLVIA3). Assessment of impacts on visual receptors to be agreed in consultation with NT and relevant consultees. Key viewpoints to be agreed with Council, Natural England and NT (where appropriate) at EIA Scoping stage.

Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) where necessary – Assessment of impact from residential properties within 2km of development (to establish if infrastructure breaches ‘residential visual amenity threshold’).

Night-time lighting assessment where necessary (in addition to LVIA). Night time lighting to consider effect on overall character (e.g. in remote landscapes, dark sky reserves) as well as visual receptors.

Cumulative Landscape and Visual Amenity Assessment – assessment of additional cumulative effects that would arise when adding the Development to a baseline containing other existing large-scale developments (including wind and solar) or those that are the subject of a valid planning application within the 33 km search area (these equate to ‘Tier 1’ projects as set out in the Planning Inspectorate Advice Note 17).

Site selection and design chapter within Environmental Statement. Setting out the rationale behind the site selection, design objectives, the design evolution in response to different sensitivities and constraints, and any potential mitigation strategies.

‘Construction Method Statement’ and ‘Construction Environmental Management Plan’ (CEMP) which should include arrangements for implementation of various aspects of the works. The statement should also set out restoration of landscape earthworks, soils and surface vegetation e.g. alongside tracks, around borrow pits, and along cable routes once the construction phase is complete

All impacts

Monitoring by Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) or other relevant landscape professionals to ensure restoration efforts are implemented as outlined in the CEMP. A landscape management plan should be agreed upon post-consent, providing further detail and guidance for the implementation and guidance of the CEMP. The landscape management plan should be in effect for the duration of the development, and appropriate monitoring is to be expected throughout along with any necessary remedial/additional works which will be identified and implemented.

Any vegetation that is planted for screening purposes, and as part of the CEMP or other landscape management plan is to be monitored for health, and replaced where necessary, for the duration of the development. Fencing to be maintained and in character with the surrounds. Signage to be in character with the surrounds, and clear and defined, particularly around any recreational assets and paths to be maintained.

Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition.

Landscape Institute (2023) Notes and Clarifications on aspects of the 3rd Edition Guidelines on Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3).

Landscape Institute (2019) Visual Representation of Development Proposals – Technical Guidance Note 06/19.

Countryside Council for Wales (2007) Guide to Good Practice on using the Registers of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process.

Direct impact of battery energy storage systems construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Direct impact of battery energy storage systems construction on loss/displacement of ecological receptors (e.g. habitat loss and/or loss of plant or animal species, disturbance, fragmentation). Indirect impacts of battery energy storage systems construction on ecological receptors (e.g. disturbance of habitats/species from impact of altered hydrological regime on wetland habitats etc.).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement.

Direct impact of battery energy storage systems construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Phase 1 (or UK Habs) Habitat Survey.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) including Protected Species surveys (where recommended in PEA).

Habitat Regulations Assessment if European Wildlife Sites (SPAs, SACs) are impacted.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Ecological mitigation and management plan.

All impacts

Micro-site battery energy storage systems away from sensitive habitats/species, using buffer protection zones as necessary.

Restore habitat edges adjacent to infrastructure.

Contain battery energy storage systems footprint to minimise disturbance footprint; make use of existing access tracks where possible.

Direct impact of battery energy storage systems construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

For non EIA development:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

For EIA development:

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) should be prepared, either alone or as part of the Ecology Chapter of an ES. It should include details of methodology and results of any protected species surveys and data search.

Further documents include:
– Biodiversity Net Gain report (England) or Net Biodiversity Benefit report (Wales).
– HRA (if required).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan.

All impacts

Ecological Monitoring Strategy

CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland.

CIEEM (2018) Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

UK Habitat Classification System.

DEFRA (2023) Collection of Documents regarding Biodiversity Net Gain in England.

CIEEM (2022) Welsh Government’s Approach to Net Benefits for Biodiversity and the DECCA Framework in the Terrestrial Planning System.

Welsh Government (2023) Targeted policy changes to Planning Policy Wales on net benefit biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Physical impacts to above-ground heritage assets and buried heritage assets

Physical impacts (loss or truncation) to above-ground heritage assets (buildings, landscape components) and buried heritage assets (archaeological deposits and features, including undiscovered archaeology and paleoenvironmental remains).

Harm to the significance of assets arising from change in their setting

Harm (negative impact) to the significance of assets arising from change in their setting (e.g. interruption of visual, functional, symbolic or historic relationships; effects as a consequence of noise, vibration).

NB. Effects as a consequence of setting change are direct, as they directly affect the heritage significance of the asset.

Harm to historic landscape character

Harm to historic landscape character.

All impacts

Understanding of significance of assets potentially affected is vital prior to determining impacts/potential impacts. Historic environment desk-based assessment (HEA), in line with associated CIfA Standard and Guidance, informing ES chapter or as a standalone supporting document for the application (non-EIA cases) or other appropriate document (e.g. in Wales a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) following associated Cadw guidance is to be produced in the scenario that the application directly affects (i.e. is in) a historic asset).

HEA/HIA to include walkover survey of construction footprint and micrositing allowance, and prospection for assets potentially affected within the redline boundary. Designated assets to be assessed for sensitivity to the proposed change within the ZTV, along with non-designated assets of high importance. The potential for views of the development in combination with assets also need to be considered with the assistance of the ZTV.
Depending on the nature and location of the site, local authority archaeologists may require pre-consent evaluation field work (non-intrusive such as geophysical survey or intrusive trial trenches) to fully understand significance of assets subject to potential direct physical effects, fulfil information requirements for determination and provide the basis for an appropriate mitigation strategy (including redesign of proposals where assets are to be preserved in situ). This work is to be undertaken in line with relevant guidance (e.g. CIfA, HE).

Assessment methodology is to be in line with 2021 ‘Principles of Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment in the UK’, as industry-standard guidance developed and promoted by the relevant professional institutes for the historic environment and EIS. It is to meet relevant Historic England or Cadw guidance. Assessment of heritage significance should be transparently articulated (i.e. in line with Historic England or Cadw ‘Conservation Principles’, or equivalent heritage values set out in national planning polices (e.g. NPPF)). The assessment is to use a transparent articulation of impacts and effects, making it clear what effects are significant effects in EIA terms and why, to enable consistent judgement across topics. In England, these are to be expressed in terms of whether and what level of harm arises so the tests in NPPF can be applied by the decision maker.

Clear evidence of the design process and solutions explored to avoid/minimise effects are to be provided in the ES and DAS.

Physical impacts to above-ground heritage assets and buried heritage assets

Design and locate main structures and associated infrastructure to avoid physical impacts on identified heritage assets.

All other impacts

Avoid impacts and preserve features in situ wherever possible.
Where assessment suggests that archaeological potential is high, mitigation strategy should be informed by field evaluation – geophysical survey (where ground conditions allow) and/or trial trenching, in line with an approved WSI.

Where physical impacts to non-designated assets cannot be avoided, preservation by record can be acceptable, but must be undertaken in line with a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI), approved by the LPA archaeological adviser. The programme of fieldwork should be secured by condition, and the necessary funding from the developer for analysis of excavation outcomes, analysis of environmental samples, finds etc., deposition of archive material and processed finds, and publication in a periodical commensurate with the significance of the evidence recovered, must be secured by legal agreement.

(NB. Physical effects to scheduled monuments would require separate Scheduled Monument Consent. This is very unlikely to be granted for this type of project, and would generally be considered a ‘showstopper’.)

Where significant archaeological, built heritage or historic landscape complexities are involved in the delivery of the project, the Applicant should undertake to provide an Archaeological Clerk of Works (ACoW) or Historic Environment Clerk of Works to monitor ground-breaking work in sensitive areas, advise on mitigation requirements and deal effectively with any previously unrecognised assets identified during construction.

Mitigation through screening and/or surface treatment measures may be possible for effects due to setting change and historic landscape issues. Such measures are to ensure that they are well-blended into the landscape grain and character so as not to introduce a different kind of harm than that which they seek to address (e.g. uncharacteristic woodland planting/species). There may be potential for landscape design solutions to aid integration of battery buildings within the landscape. These are to be designed in a way that does not give rise to additional impacts, but works with existing historic landscape structure.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Input on effects to historic assets prepared by historic environment specialist in Design and Access Statement.

Appropriate historic environment reports explaining baseline and effects to assets (e.g. HEA (incl. setting assessment), geophysical survey report, trial trenching report, geoarchaeological assessment, historic buildings assessment, HIA, WSI).

For EIA development:

– Input on effects to historic assets prepared by historic environment specialist in Design and Access Statement.

– ES Historic Environment chapter.

– Appropriate supporting technical appendices (e.g. HEA (incl. setting assessment), geophysical survey report, trial trenching report, geoarchaeological assessment, historic buildings assessment, HIA, WSI).

All impacts

Monitoring by relevant curatorial authority (e.g. LPA archaeological advisor, conservation officer; HE/Cadw officer, HED) to ensure agreed mitigation works are being undertaken in line with the approved WSI and archaeological excavation license if required (for works in Northern Ireland). This process may take several years where archaeological investigation is required as any specialist analyses and post-excavation works must be concluded before reporting can be completed and published, at which point the monitor certify that they have been completed in line with the WSI.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (2020) Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment.

IEMA, IHBC & CIfA (2021) Principles of Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment in the UK.

CIfA (2020) Standard and guidance for archaeological geophysical survey.

CIfA (2020) Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation.

Historic England (2015) Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment: Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 2.

Historic England (2017) The Setting of Heritage Assets: Historic Environment: Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3.

Historic England (2019) Statements of Heritage Significance: Analysing Significance in Heritage Assets Historic England Advice Note 12.

Cadw (2017) Heritage Impact Assessment in Wales.

Cadw, Countryside Council for Wales & ICOMOS (2007) Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process Second Edition.

Cadw (2017) Setting of Historic Assets in Wales.

Welsh Government (2017) Technical Advice Note 24: The Historic Environment.

Department for Communities (2018) Guidance on Setting and the Historic Environment for Northern Ireland.

Department for Communities (2019) Guidance on making changes to Listed Buildings: Making a better application for listed building consent for Northern Ireland.

Department for Infrastructure (2019) Best Practice Guidance to PPS 23 ‘Assessing Enabling Development for the Conservation of Significant Places.

Potential flood risk as a result of increase in impermeable land cover.

A Flood Risk Assessment should be undertaken.

Minimise area of impermeable surface and raising of ground level.

Reinstate vegetation where possible.

Use appropriate culverts and drains to match existing hydrological regimes.

For EIA development:

A hydrology and hydrogeology chapter within the ES should be prepared.

Additional assessments that may be required include:
– Water Management Plan: to ensure there is efficient land drainage, reduced site runoff and reduced impact on nearby water courses
– Flood Risk Assessment.
– SUDs strategy.

Alarms may be installed on site in areas of high flood risk.

UK Government (2021) Understanding effective flood and coastal erosion risk governance in England and Wales.

Welsh Government (2021) Technical Advice Note 15: Development, Flood Risk and Coastal Erosion.

Increase in ambient noise levels due to ancillary equipment

Increase in ambient noise levels due to ancillary equipment (e.g. heat recovery units).

Increase is noise related to construction work and traffic

Increase in noise related to construction work and traffic.

All impacts

An assessment of construction noise should be undertaken in accordance with British Standard (BS 5228-1) which provides guidance on a range of considerations relating to construction noise including the legislative framework, general control measures, example methods for estimating construction noise levels and example criteria which may be considered when assessing the significance of any effects. Similarly, part 2 (BS 5228-2) provides general guidance on legislation, prediction, control and assessment criteria for construction vibration.

Operational noise should be assessed in accordance with ETSU-R-97. Good practice in the application of the ETSU-R-97 methodology is set out in Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 (IOA GPG).

Assessment of ambient noise levels may be needed.

All impacts

Design site layout, particularly noisy plant equipment, away from sensitive site boundaries.

Orientate equipment to achieve suitable sound levels at the closest sensitive properties.

Incorporate noise attenuation features within roofs and walls of enclosures/containers to reduce noise break-out. Acoustic fencing can be used.

If necessary, establish noise limits at site boundaries or at sensitive receptors to ensure noise levels are acceptable.

Increase in ambient noise levels due to ancillary equipment

By their nature battery energy storage systems (BESS) are inherently quiet. It is likely noise would be scoped out of any ES.

Increase is noise related to construction work and traffic

For non EIA development:

Acoustic modelling of facility including noise sensitive receptors could be prepared.

Increase in ambient noise levels due to ancillary equipment

Not likely required.

Increase is noise related to construction work and traffic

Monitoring sound levels to ensure compliance with noise limits at sensitive receptors post construction.

The British Standards (2014) Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and Open Sites, Part 1 Noise and Part 2 Vibration.

Welsh Government (1997) Technical Advice Note 11: Noise.

Increase in emissions if charged from non-renewable energy generation sources, such as during off-peak times or when the renewable energy source is not available.

Unlikely to have direct impact.

In plants using fossil fuels, identify and implement best available emission reduction and/or capture technologies.

Likely to be screened out of EIA as BESS has no direct emissions to air post construction phase.

Monitoring of grid charging times to ensure renewable charging is prioritised.

The British Standards (2014) Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and Open Sites, Part 1 Noise and Part 2 Vibration.

Welsh Government (1997) Technical Advice Note 11: Noise.

Increased traffic movements during construction and operation

Increased traffic movements during construction and operation, including contractor and visitor parking.

Accidents on local roads

Accidents on local roads.

Impact on public rights of way

Impact on public rights of way.

All impacts

Transport and Traffic Impact Assessment and Construction Management Plans might be needed.

Increased traffic movements during construction and operation

Design site layout to maximise use of existing transport infrastructure, to minimise vehicle miles travelled where possible.

Prepare Traffic Management Plan including measures to avoid abnormal load deliveries during peak periods etc.

Minimise delivery movements (e.g. programme fuel delivery to share vehicle loads, etc.).

Accidents on local roads

Prepare Traffic Management Plan in conjunction with local transport authority to determine most appropriate times and routes for HGV traffic and include measures for vehicle sharing, avoidance of HGV deliveries during peak periods etc.

Impact on public rights of way

Design layout around rights of way to mitigate impacts.

All impacts

For EIA development:

An Access, Traffic and Transport chapter within the ES would be required. This would typically include a Transport assessment (TA) as an appendix.

Additional documents that may be needed include:
– Outline Construction Traffic Management Plan.

All impacts

Continued monitoring of traffic and transport requirements during construction phase, including car parking details for contractor staff and visitors. Car parking matters may be addressed by way of condition.

The Highways Agency (2006) Design Manual for Roads and Bridge.

Institution of Highways and Transportation (1994) Guidelines for Traffic Impact Assessment.

Community level storage batteries

Community-level storage batteries can be used/provided for housing developments or community centres or other entities that provide cost benefits to users.

Safety risks

Safety risks e.g. fires. Security risk with access to the equipment.

All impacts

Fire Statement.

Battery Safety Management Plans.

Community level storage batteries

Consult with the local communities to ensure there are co-benefits, such as co-location with other renewable technologies.

Safety risks

Appropriate design and ensure it will be maintained and operated throughout its operation.

Appropriate information for end-users on safety risks. CCTV systems may be in place.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Details of security measures may be secured by way of condition or through a Battery Safety Management Plan.

For EIA development:

A socio-economic chapter can be included within the ES.

All impacts

Review of security measures post construction may be necessary and ensure the development is adhering to the management plan.

BEIS (2020) Domestic Battery Energy Storage Systems.

UK: Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems, IET standards [25].