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 the presence of plant construction, ground disturbances and lighting. Changes in the setting of a property can also result in direct impacts on the setting of the place.

Indirect impacts on the landscape

Indirect impacts on the landscape character of the surrounding area and setting to NT properties – for example change in the character and sense of place relevant to the property.

Direct impacts on views, daytime and night-time

Direct impacts on views, daytime and night-time – for example changes in views to and from NT properties and NT key views and vistas as a result of the introduction of large industrial structures, storage infrastructure, access tracks, with potential night lighting.

Note: small scale installations are not likely to have significant impacts on views, if sensitively sited and located within existing structures.

Direct landscape impacts on the site

Effects on the special qualities and sensitivities 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.

Indirect impacts on the landscape

Effects on the character and qualities of the surrounding 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, daytime and night-time

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 relevant NT properties.

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

Minimise extent of disturbance to ground.

Ensure good practice during construction (i.e. tidy site etc.).

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. Endeavour to minimise visibility of construction movement in the area surrounding the site and in proximity to NT properties. Any fencing or screening should fit with the character of the landscape and setting.

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.

Consider opportunities for landscape enhancements in-line with long term plans as defined by NT management plans. LEMP – Landscape Enhancement and Management plan providing detailed species specifications, relevant BS, programme, management and monitoring of replacement, mitigation, and any enhancement elements.

Indirect impacts on the landscape

Ensure careful design of site layout and location, considering impacts on views within, and in proximity to, the surrounding area and to the setting of NT properties.

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, daytime and night-time

Ensure careful site location, layout design and use of screening, considering the scale of the development within the landscape.

Incorporate perimeter and off-site screen planting in key locations to screen the development, using species appropriate for the context, and in-line with relevant NT management plans and guidance.

A Lighting Management Plan should also be prepared.

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 Trust (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. Fencing to be maintained and in character with the surrounds. Signage to be 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 impacts of plant construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Direct impact of plant construction on loss/displacement of ecological receptors (e.g. habitat loss and/or loss of plant or animal species, disturbance, fragmentation).

Indirect impacts of plant 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 impacts of plant construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Phase 1 (or UK Habs) Habitat Survey.

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

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

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

An Ecological mitigation and management plan and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment should be prepared.

Direct impacts of plant construction on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

CEMP measures – these must cover, traffic, lighting, pollution construction sites and methods.

Micro-site plant away from sensitive habitats/species, using buffer protection zones as necessary.

Restore habitat edges adjacent to infrastructure – ecological planting.

Contain plant footprint to minimise disturbance footprint; make use of existing access tracks where possible.

Environmental Clerk of Works supported by a suite of detailed Method Statements or for larger developments, a Biodiversity Mitigation Strategy should include all embedded and additional measures required to offset and minimise effects. Additionally, a BNG management plan to design and timeline the programme for delivery, management and monitoring of required BNG measures should be prepared.

Possible link to a LEMP – see landscape.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement

Retain and enhance valuable habitats, create new wildlife opportunities and provide BNG.

All impacts

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. Details of methodology and results of any protected species surveys and data search should be provided.

Additional documents that may be needed include:

– Biodiversity Net Gain report (England) or Net Biodiversity Benefit report (Wales).
-HRA (if required).
-Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan.

All impacts

An Ecological Monitoring Strategy should be prepared.

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 the assets arising from change in their setting

Harm (negative impact) to the significance of assets arising from change in their setting (visibility of hydrogen tanks, hydrolysers, and associated infrastructure)

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

All impacts

Design installation of hydrolysers, tanks and associated transport and storage infrastructure to avoid physical impacts on identified heritage assets. 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. Layout is to be informed by the use of ZTVs and appropriate visualisations (wireframes, and photomontages for the final ES) to enable design to minimise effects to heritage assets arising from change in their setting.

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 on some schemes. 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 should 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, or archaeological excavation license (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.
Department of the Environment (2009) Best Practice Guidance to Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’.

CO2 and hydrogen compression, venting, pumping and fan noise

CO2 and hydrogen compression, venting, pumping and fan noise are potential sources of noise during operation.

Increase in noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors

Increase in noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors during construction and decommissioning (e.g. from construction/decommissioning activity – construction of access tracks, piling etc.) and from construction traffic on the roads.

CO2 and hydrogen compression, venting, pumping and fan noise

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).

Increase in noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors

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.

CO2 and hydrogen compression, venting, pumping and fan noise

Appropriate site layout design and siting of particularly noisy pieces of plant away from site boundaries (e.g. located away from sensitive sites).

Set noise limits at site boundaries or at sensitive receptors.

Incorporate noise attenuation features (e.g. within roof and walls) to reduce noise break-out. Timing of works could also be utilised.

Increase in noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors

Restrict working hours during construction/decommissioning.

Adopt good practice measures for reducing noise in line with British Standards guidance, such as blade modifications which reduce noise effects.

Also practice good practice management measures relating to control of construction noise and vibration.

All impacts

For EIA development:
A noise and vibration chapter would be included within an ES and set out if the development accords with the relevance guidance.

For Non EIA development:
A Noise Technical Report would typically be prepared.

All impacts

It is likely that any proposed development that is granted planning permission will have noise conditions attached to the consent. Operational noise monitoring is required if there are any complaints received by the operator directly or the relevant local planning authority.

Guidance: Emerging techniques for hydrogen production with carbon capture, Environment Agency (2023)

EU Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006

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

IOA (2013) The IOA Good Practice Guide (IOA GPG).

British Standard (BS) 5228 (2014).

British Standards (BS) 4142 (2019).

Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) (1988).

Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) (2020).

Nitrogen dioxide pollution when hydrogen is produced through steam methane and use of other fossil fuels. Levels of nitrogen dioxide emissions are up to six times worse than those released by methane combustion. Handling, storing and using some amines may result in odour emissions. Additionally dust pollution from construction must be considered.

Air Quality Assessment (if necessary) and inclusion of air quality matters in the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) (if necessary).

Effective controls for nitrogen dioxide pollution from this form of hydrogen production do not yet exist.

Provide a monitoring plan for monitoring emissions to air, based on expected pollutants such as: ammonia, amine compounds, SO2, NOx, CO, methane, hydrogen.

For EIA Development:

An air quality assessment may take the form of a scoping report, a screening assessment or a detailed air quality impact assessment, presented as either a standalone report or as a technical chapter within an ES.

Additionally, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) may be necessary.

A monitoring plan may be produced that assesses emissions to air, based on expected pollutants such as: ammonia, amine compounds, SO2, NOx, CO, methane, hydrogen.

Environment Agency (2023) Guidance: Emerging techniques for hydrogen production with carbon capture.

Transportation of hydrogen

Hydrogen can be transported through various means. In gas or liquid form, or through a carrier, e.g. ammonia, hydrogen can be transported by pipeline or vehicle, including by road, rail or sea.

Increased vehicle movements on local roads during construction

Increased vehicle movements on local roads during construction due to construction workers travelling in and out of site and during operation.

All impacts

Transport and Traffic Assessment to assess the construction traffic on the local road network.

All impacts

Minimise transport needs and proximity to populations – must consider the likelihood of hydrogen leakage and its impacts in decisions about where and how to deploy hydrogen. Use should be concentrated where it is produced and used in close proximity, with limited need to transport it.

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.

A Construction Traffic Management Plan may also be required.

All impacts

None likely required.

BEIS (2022) Hydrogen Transport and Storage Infrastructure.

Environment Agency (2023) Guidance: Emerging techniques for hydrogen production with carbon capture.

Increased local demand for water

Increased local demand for water – Hydrogen production requires significant amounts of water (where water is the fuel of choice – likely when seeking to produce the cleanest hydrogen). Electrolysis to create green hydrogen requires up to 9 tons of water per ton of H2 produced. If the water needs to be purified, the amount of water needed could double to 18 tons of water per one ton of hydrogen.

Flood risk posed by development

Potential flood risk posed by development by being closer than 50m from any watercourses and risk to local watercourses/ water bodies/ groundwater/ private and public water supplies (e.g. from pollution, erosion, sedimentation, impediments to flow, reduction of woodland).

All impacts

The following desk and field surveys may be required:

Review of geology, hydrogeology and soil of the site and sub-catchment.

Identification of designated and protected areas within the drainage pathways of site.

Identification of watercourses within site and within a 300m radius of site, in addition to existing and potential watercourse crossings, artificial and/or natural drainage pathways.

Review of quality and condition of the watercourses within site and sub-catchments.

Review of flow characteristics of the catchments draining to/from site, as any reduction in baseflows or a change in the magnitude and frequency of flood peaks in the watercourses as a result of the development can be important issues with regards to flood risk, water supplies and aquatic ecology.

Identification of location and nature of public and PWS abstractions within site and sub-catchments, recognised by local authorities and statutory bodies.

Peat survey (where appropriate) to characterise the depth and variability of peat deposits across site.

All impacts

Appropriate plans to be put in in to place for sustainable use of water resources.

Use wastewater rather than other sources of water – co-location of wastewater treatments and hydrogen production is therefore advisable.

Coastal locations are more likely to be able to provide (cost-efficient) access to the huge amount of water needed for hydrogen plants.

A CEMP should be put in place to minimise potential impacts. Pre-construction ground investigation work should also be taken to inform the detailed foundation and infrastructure design.

Targeted monitoring and assessment of groundwater levels and flows beneath the site. This will be a key part of the design of the infrastructure and the selection of materials for use during the construction process.

All impacts

For EIA development:

A Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology Chapter will be required in the ES.

Additional assessments that may be required include:

– Water Management Plan
– Flood Risk Assessment.
– Watercourse Crossing Assessment.
– Private Water Supply Assessment.
– Sustainable Drainage Strategy.
– Outline Pollution Prevention Management Plan.
– Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment.
– Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
– Water Framework Directive Assessment.
– Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment.
– Habitat Management Plan (See Ecology above).
-Surface Water Pollution Risk Assessment.

All impacts

There may be a need for water quality monitoring and groundwater monitoring post consent, with surveys and site assessments to make sure the conditions do not change too much over the lifetime of the project.

If a diversion or replacement of a PWS (public water supply) or pipework is required ongoing monitoring will be needed to ensure suitable continuation and quality of supply.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023) Draft NPS for Renewable Energy.

Welsh Government (2021) Technical Advice Note 15 ‘Development, Flooding and Coastal Erosion’.

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

Northern Ireland Environment Agency (2015) Wind farms and groundwater impacts A guide to EIA and Planning considerations.

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

ADAS (1993) The Design of Field Drainage Pipe Systems, Report No.345.

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (2006) Flood Estimation Handbook CD-ROM V2.0.

WAG (2004) Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk.

CIRIA (2002) Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites – Guide to Good Practice on Site.

Welsh Government (2004, updated 2021) Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15 ‘Development and Flood Risk’.

CIRIA (2015) The Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Manual C753.

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) (2001) C532: ‘Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites – Guidance for Consultants and Contractors’.

Welsh Government (2019) SuDS Statutory Guidance.

Welsh Government (2018) Statutory standards for sustainable drainage systems – designing, constructing, operating and maintaining surface water drainage systems.

Environment Agency (2017) Protect Groundwater and Prevent Groundwater Pollution.

Environment Agency (2017) Groundwater Protection Technical Guidance.

Guidance for Pollution Prevention (covers the whole of the UK).

Potential adverse impact from construction and operation of the development.

Desk-based review of soil types.

Embed soil and agricultural measures within operation of development.

Soils Management Plan.

For EIA development:

A soils and agriculture chapter should be prepared within the ES.

Additionally, a soils management plan may be required.

Review and monitor embedded environmental measures to ensure quality of soil is not deteriorating.

Natural England (2021) Guide to development proposals on agricultural land.

Highways England (2019) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.

Defra (2009) Safeguarding our Soils: A Strategy for England.

Defra (2009) Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites.

Natural Capital Committee (2019) Advice on Soil Management.

Disruption to Public Rights of Way (during construction and/or operation).

Outdoor Access Management Plan.

Avoid re-routing or loss of Public Rights of Way.

For EIA development:

A socio-economics chapter of the ES could be prepared if required. These are often included as stand alone reports separate from the ES.

Recreation and Access Management Plans.

Application to divert or extinguish public right of way (if relevant).

It is not anticipated that monitoring measures would be required to address any socio-economic impacts.

Scottish Government (2019) Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments.

Welsh Government (2016) Guidance for Local Authorities on Public Rights of Way.

Accidents and emissions from leaks.

HSE Risk assessment.

Prepare a leak detection and repair (LDAR) programme that is appropriate for the fluids and their composition. This should use industry best practice to manage releases, including from joints, flanges, seals and glands.

The LDAR should show how it aims to eliminate or reduce fugitive emissions of methane and hydrogen due to their global warming potential.

The hazard assessment and mitigation for the plant must consider the risks of accidental releases to the environment. This should also consider the actual composition of the liquids, gases and vapours that could be released from the plant after an extended period of operation.

For EIA development:

A Major Accidents and Disasters chapter should be prepared within the ES.

Additionally, a HSE Risk Assessment should be prepared.

None likely required.

BEIS (2021) UK Hydrogen Strategy.

BEIS (2022) Hydrogen Strategy update to the market: July 2022.

Clean Energy Group (2021) Five reasons to be concerned about Green Hydrogen.