Direct landscape impacts

Direct landscape impacts – for example loss of seascape/landscape features or change in character resulting from construction activity or the presence of power plant/substation and grid connection, cabling, transformers, underwater turbines or barrages with or without surface piercing devices.

Potential direct impacts on the significance of a property where surface piercing devices, or onshore elements such as substation, cabling or associated infrastructure are located in the ‘setting’ of NT properties. Understanding significance of the assets and the extent and nature of the setting is critical in order to make this judgement.

Indirect impacts on the landscape and seascape

Indirect impacts on the landscape and seascape character of the surrounding area – for example change in the character of adjacent landscapes/seascape as a result of the change in outlook from those landscapes.

The character of surrounding landscape/seascape may contribute to the significance of the property. Note that direct impacts may occur where changes in the setting affect the significance of the place.

Direct impact views, daytime and nighttime

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 offshore transformers, surface piercing devices, barrages, and power stations (with night lighting) and construction activities into the landscape and areas off the coast.

Direct landscape impacts

Seascape, Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA). 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 Seascape Character Assessment.

Indirect impacts on the landscape and seascape

Effects on the character and quality of the seascape and coastal 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 the significance of NT properties in proximity to and with views to the site, and their contribution to the surrounding seascape and coastal landscape character.

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

Direct impact views, daytime and nighttime

Effects on views from the coast, 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.

Effects on key views and designed vistas as identified by the NT, considering the contribution of the seascape and coastal 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 NT properties, recreational receptors on long distance walking or cycling routes within or in proximity to NT properties, users of sea vessels such as kayaks or ferries.

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

The initial site selection and layout should consider the capacity of the seascape and surrounding landscape to absorb tidal energy development, taking into account scale and character of the coast. 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.

Ensure good practice during construction (i.e. tidy site etc). Endeavour to minimise visibility of construction movement in the area surrounding the site and in proximity to NT properties. Lighting is of particular concern in offshore developments due to the limited existing sources of artificial light, and care should be taken to minimise visibility of any development lighting in views from the coast.

Ensure site restoration upon decommissioning. Any landscape interventions should preserve the character of the site, in accordance with NT principals and relevant NT management plans.

Indirect impacts on the landscape and seascape

Ensure careful layout and siting of tidal scheme, locating away from sensitive seascape areas of high value. Site any onshore elements carefully, in order to minimise visibility within the surrounding landscape.

For onshore elements, incorporate screening measures where necessary and where they will not impact the existing character of the surrounding landscapes, using planting and fencing in-line with relevant NT management plans.

Direct impact views, daytime and nighttime

Site tidal scheme and supporting infrastructure away from key views and vistas within NT properties.

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

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

All impacts

For non – EIA development:

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

For EIA developments:

SLVIA 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. Key viewpoints to be agreed with Council, Natural England and Trust (where appropriate) at EIA Scoping stage. Both offshore and onshore elements to be included in the assessment. NB: where appropriate, a developer may wish to present both an LVIA and SLVIA, with separate study areas.

Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA). Where necessary, assessment of impact from residential properties within 2km of development (to establish if infrastructure breaches the ‘residential visual amenity threshold’). Note: it is unlikely that infrastructure deployed as part of these installations will be so dominant as to result in ‘unacceptable living conditions’, however due diligence should be taken.

Night-time lighting assessment (in addition to SLVIA). Night time lighting to consider effect on overall character (e.g. in remote seascapes/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 where onshore elements have been installed.

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.

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

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 construction and scour protection on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Direct impact of construction/ scour protection on loss/displacement of ecological receptors (e.g. habitat loss such as benthic/estuarine/coastal/seabed habitats and/or loss of plant or animal species, disturbance, fragmentation, sediment loading, pollution spills).

Direct and indirect impacts on ecological receptors

Direct and indirect impacts on ecological receptors (e.g. disturbance of habitats/species from operational impact of tidal plant, loss of food resources, impacts to water quality (changes to salinity)).

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancers

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancement.

Direct impact of construction and scour protection on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

The following would be required:

-Benthic survey of estuarine/seabed habitat/ and/or Preliminary -Ecological Appraisal (terrestrial components).
-Fish survey (including migratory fish).
-Macro-invertebrate survey.

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

Direct and indirect impacts on ecological receptors

The following would be needed:

Benthic, fish and shellfish and marine mammals survey (tidal locations), at least 2 years worth of data required.

Understanding of migratory fish patterns (salmon and eel).

Protected Species Surveys (terrestrial areas).

Noise surveys for marine mammals.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancers

Habitat Management Plan should be prepared.

Direct impact of construction and scour protection on loss and displacement of ecological receptors

Site tidal scheme and supporting infrastructure away from sensitive sites/habitats/species. For terrestrial elements, consider species specific mitigation measures e.g. retention of trees and buildings with bat roosts, retention of bat foraging and commuting corridors; siting development at least 30m from active badger setts; siting development away from ponds and watercourses that may support otter (100-200m buffer for breeding dens; 30m for non breeding holts or shelters) or water vole (10m zone around active burrows) and ensuring best practice pollution control measures; siting development away from great crested newt ponds or associated terrestrial habitat; ensuring sufficient reptile habitat on site to allow habitat manipulation under ecological supervision. Red squirrel, pine marten and hazel dormouse unlikely to be impacted by on-shore tidal development elements – but if impacts likely then suitable woodland, scrub and hedgerow habitat should be retained.

Habitat creation to compensate for habitat losses and to improve the
landscape and ecological potential for the site, for example the provision of wildlife sanctuaries, coastal lagoons and protected intertidal areas.

Ensure work is contained to minimise disturbance footprint.

Phasing work to avoid sensitive periods for wildlife.

Species specific mitigation measures (e.g. soft start piling and other techniques to reduce noise impact to marine mammals). Measures to be set out in CEMP.

Direct and indirect impacts on ecological receptors

Protect water quality and quantity (e.g. prevention of pollution and sedimentation).

Maintain hydrological regimes wherever possible. Regular, once weekly, flushing with sea water through the barrage may be necessary to
maintain ecological stability on the landward side of the development.

Opportunities for habitat management and enhancers

Protect habitats used for foraging, migration and shelter by fauna, including fish passes to bypass the sluice gates and turbines so that the migration of fish populations is not disrupted (note eels have specific requirements).

Options to reduce fish mortalities as described above include the installation of sonic generators producing one-second hammer blow pulses in the vicinity of the turbines and sluices so as to act as warning signals to fish nearby.

Biodiversity enhancement of tidal lagoons, including benthic conservation.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

For EIA Development:

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) should be included within the Ecology Chapter of ES. EcIA should contain details of Protected Species and Habitat/NVC Surveys where relevant.
Additionally, a Habitat Regulations Assessment: Screening Report and Appropriate Assessment may be required.

Further plans include:
– Biodiversity Net Gain assessment note (England) or Net Biodiversity Benefit assessment (Wales).
-Ecological Mitigation Plan and/or Habitat Management Plan and Environmental/Ecological Monitoring Programme.

All impacts

Ecological Monitoring Programme: Monitoring may target: Hydro dynamics / benthic surveys, export cable route and turbine locations and modelling to validate EIA predictions; collision / encounter interactions with the tidal turbines for marine mammals and fish of conservation concern; disturbance and displacement of marine mammals and other species during construction and operation. This must also link to the species protection plan for seals at haul outs; and migratory salmonids.

UK Government (2001) Scoping the Environment Impacts of Tidal Power Developments.

Disturbance to breeding, passage or wintering birds

Disturbance to breeding, passage or wintering birds due to construction activity.

Displacement and direct or indirect loss due to tidal facility operation

Displacement and direct or indirect habitat loss due to tidal facility operation, including barrier effects and impact to food resources.

All impacts

The following should be prepared:

-Desk study.
-Boat/aerial/ vantage point/ WeBS surveys of breeding, passage and winter birds i.e. throughout the year: at least 2 years’ worth of data required.

All impacts

Avoiding location of tidal schemes in areas with significant concentrations of birds (either breeding birds’ feeding grounds; large concentrations of wintering or passage birds (estuary wintering bird populations, sea ducks, grebes, divers, gulls, terns etc.).

Habitat creation to compensate for habitat losses and to improve the ornithological potential for the site, for example the provision of bird nesting, feeding or high tide roosting sanctuaries, or coastal lagoons and protected intertidal areas.

Ensure work is contained to minimise disturbance footprint.

Phasing work to avoid sensitive periods for birds, e.g. avoid breeding season if notable breeding species present, or avoiding construction in winter period if large numbers of notable wintering species present.

Species specific mitigation measures (e.g. soft start piling and other techniques to reduce noise impact to feeding or roosting birds). Measures to be set out in CEMP.

Avoid significant breeding, passage or wintering bird habitats/areas on terrestrial areas affected.

All impacts

For non EIA development:

Preliminary Ornithological Appraisal.

For EIA development:

An Ornithological Impact Assessment should be included within an Ornithology Chapter in the ES. Technical Appendices to include bird survey methodology and results should also be prepared.

Habitat Regulations Assessment: Screening Report and Appropriate Assessment may also be required. Additionally, Ornithology Mitigation and Management Plan and Monitoring Plan should be considered.

All impacts

Ornithological Monitoring Programme: Monitoring may target: collision / encounter interactions with the tidal turbines for diving birds; disturbance and displacement of birds during construction and operation.

DCLG (2005) Planning Policy Statement 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation.

Clark, N. (2006). Tidal Barrages and Birds. IBIS The International Journal of Avian Science, 148(1), 152-157.

EC Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Directive 79/409/EEC).

UK Government (2001) Scoping the Environment Impacts of Tidal Power Developments.

Direct physical impacts to marine heritage assets and paleo-landscapes

Direct physical impacts (loss or truncation) to marine heritage assets (wrecks, coastal and intertidal features, submerged archaeological deposits and features) and palaeolandscapes due to scheme groundworks. (Generally, no effect on Protected Wrecks or marine scheduled monuments would be acceptable.)

Assets and deposits may be subject indirect physical impacts once infrastructure is in place due to the way in which it can alter erosion/scour and scour patterns on the seabed.

Harm to the significance from change in the setting of on-shore heritage assets

Harm to the significance arising from change in the setting of on-shore heritage assets (e.g. interruption of visual, functional, symbolic or historic relationships; effects as a consequence of noise, vibration), including designated assets (e.g. scheduled monuments, listed buildings, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields, World Heritage Sites).

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 scheme to avoid physical impacts on identified heritage assets and preserve assets and deposits in situ wherever possible. (NB. Physical effects to scheduled monuments would require separate Scheduled Monument Consent. This is very unlikely to be granted for this type of project, as direct physical effects to a scheduled monument would generally be considered a ‘showstopper’ and lead to a scheme redesign to avoid such an effect). 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 assessment suggests that archaeological potential is high, mitigation strategy is to be informed by field evaluation – geophysical survey (where ground/tide conditions allow and such survey is warranted by the level of likely archaeological potential) 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, and by appropriately qualified and accredited archaeological professionals. The programme of fieldwork is to 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.

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).

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). This could also include diver based investigations to investigate the tidal and offshore zone.

In general, the Town and Country Planning Acts apply on land and down to low water, with marine licensing applying in tidal waters up to high water (including large inland areas with tidal rivers/estuaries etc.). It is likely that tidal schemes will be subject to multiple consenting arrangements.

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. 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.

It is likely that the consenting process will require both bodies that cover onshore elements (such as HE, LPA etc.) and those that cover tidal zones and offshore (such as the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) so applications will require input and crossover from both.

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 (2013) Historic Environment Guidance for Wave and Tidal Energy.

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 (2018) Tidal Range Developments: Considerations for the Historic Environment.

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’.

Wessex Archaeology (2007) Historic Environment Guidance for the Offshore Renewable Sector.

Oxford Archaeology and George Lambrick Archaeology and Heritage (2008) Guidance for Assessment of Cumulative Impacts on the Historic Environment from Offshore Renewable Energy.

Gribble and Leather (2011) Offshore Geotechnical Investigations and Historic Environment Analysis: Guidance for the Renewable Energy Sector.

Model Clauses for Archaeological Written Schemes of Investigation: Offshore Renewables Projects (Wessex Archaeology 2010a).

Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries: Offshore Renewables Projects (Wessex Archaeology 2010b).

Code of Practice for Seabed Development (JNAPC 2006).

Impact on marine wildlife

Increase in noise and vibration levels for marine wildlife could cause a disturbance to breeding marine life and birds. The increased noise and vibration levels could change migratory patterns. This could result in significant habitat fragmentation.

Increase in noise from construction, traffic and operations

Increase in noise from construction traffic and operations.

Impact on marine wildlife

Benthic, fish and shellfish and marine mammals survey (tidal locations and cable routes), at least 2 years’ worth of data required.

Understanding of migratory fish patterns (salmon and eel).

Protected Species Surveys (terrestrial areas).

Noise and vibration surveys for marine mammals.

Strategic monitoring of background ambient noise levels adn vibration levels in the waters should be considered, if not already underway, to provide a baseline for EIA and cumulative impact assessment.

Increase in noise from construction, traffic and operations

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).

Impact on marine wildlife

Protect water quality and quantity (e.g. prevention of pollution and sedimentation).

Maintain hydrological regimes wherever possible.

Avoid / limit noisy works within close proximity to marine protected areas and measure the noise generated by devices during operation to understand the effects on the sensitive receptor groups.

Increase in noise from construction, traffic and operations

Prepare Traffic Management Plan (as appropriate) which should include measures for avoidance of HGV deliveries during peak construction periods etc.

Impact on marine wildlife

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. Additionally, a Noise Impact Risk Assessment may be required.

This may be developed in conjunction with ecological impacts due to the interrelated effects between the two topics.

Increase in noise from construction, traffic and operations

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.

Impact on marine wildlife

The monitoring of underwater noise and vibration should be considered after consent to understand long term effects.

Increase in noise from construction, traffic and operations

No further monitoring will be needed for operation and maintenance.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (1993) Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic.

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

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

Welsh Government (2017) Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG).

Strategic Traffic Management Plan (STMP).

UK Government (2001) Scoping the Environment Impacts of Tidal Power Developments.

Impact on water quality and sediment processes

Tidal energy can have an impact on the quality of water and sediment processes. This can change the surface water hydrology and channel morphology. The surface water quality can change as well as the groundwater hydrology and quality.

Reduction in saltwater from tidal barrages

Reduction in saltwater from tidal barrages. Barrages change the shoreline within a bay, damage ecosystems that rely on tidal flats and may prevent flushing of the bay – impacting marine life as stated above.

Impact on water quality and sediment processes

A water quality assessment should be carried out.

A risk assessment should be carried out for each substance that will be stored on site, for example maintenance fluids, residues etc.

Reduction in saltwater from tidal barrages

see Ecology above.

All impacts

Careful siting of the location and proximity of the tidal project(s) relative to Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas, including the benthic floor is needed.

Careful siting of the location relative to migration routes, nursery areas, and spawning areas would reduce the likelihood of interactions with fish.

Consult with the Crown Estate.

All impacts

For EIA developments:

A Hydrology and Hydrogeology chapter should be included within the ES.

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.
– Hazard Management Plan: to reduce the risk of contaminants getting into the water system.

All impacts

Monitoring of water quality must continue post consent as well as monitoring of the impacts on marine wildlife.

Welsh Government (2020) Welsh National Marine Plan Implementation Guidance.

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

Welsh Government (2006) Planning Advice Note (PAN) 79: Water and Drainage.

LUPS-GU4: Planning guidance on on-shore windfarm developments (2017).

LUPS-DP-GU2a: Development Plan Guidance on Flood Risk (2018).

LUPS-GU19: Planning advice on wastewater drainage (2011).

LUPS-GU31: Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems, Version 3 (September 2017).

WAT-SG-25: Good Practice Guide – River Crossings (November 2010).

WAT-SG-26: Good Practice Guide – Sediment Management (September 2010).

WAT-SG-29: Good Practice Guide – Temporary Construction Methods (March 2009).

WAT-SG-75: Sector Specific Guidance: Construction Sites.

WAT-PS-06-02: Culverting of Watercourses (June 2015).

UK Government (2001) Scoping the Environment Impacts of Tidal Power Developments.

Increase in vehicle movements and noise on local roads during construction and the potential for abnormal loads being transported through local roads.

Transport and Traffic Impact Assessment.

Prepare Traffic Management Plan (as appropriate) which should include measures for avoidance of HGV deliveries during peak construction periods etc.

Work together with other projects to ensure the number of abnormal loads and deliveries is minimised and the timings of deliveries are managed and coordinated to ensure that disruption to local residents and other highway users is minimised.

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 assessments required may include:
– Abnormal Load Transport Management Plan.
– Construction Traffic Management Plan.

No further monitoring will be needed for operation and maintenance.

During construction regular maintenance would be undertaken to keep the site access track drainage systems operational and ensure there are no run-off issues into the public road networks.

Adherence to the Construction Traffic Management or Abnormal Local Management Plans.

Institute of Environmental Assessment (1993) Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic.

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

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

Welsh Government (2017) Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG).

Strategic Traffic Management Plan (STMP).

Welsh Government (2020) Pulling Together, Best Practice for Transporting Abnormal Loads in Wales.

Impact on commercial fisheries and fishing, navigation, shipping and water-based recreation

Impact on commercial fisheries and fishing, navigation, shipping and water-based recreation.

Impact on employment and expenditure in local economy

Impact on employment and expenditure in local economy i.e. impacts on commercial fisheries and fishing . Positive impact on spending in the local economy due to construction workers needing accommodation.

Long term positive impacts on employment

Long term positive impacts on employment by enabling local residents to access employment opportunities through operation and maintenance activities.

All impacts

Stakeholder engagement is key at all stages of the project. Early consultation with the MMO, Defra and other representatives is encouraged.

A Navigational Risk Assessment should be undertaken to determine if there is a consenting risk of building tidal projects in those areas.

Surveys of the effects on fish stocks should also be undertaken.

Surveys on the level of local employment and spending that could occur as a result of a long construction period.

All impacts

Safety zones can be implemented that take into account effects on commercial fishing.

There should be safety zones on pipelines to avoid catastrophic effects.

Projects should maximise the use of local labour, services and supplies. This will result in a positive socio-economic impact.

All impacts

For EIA development:
A socio-economics chapter of the ES could be prepared if required. These are often included as standalone reports separate from the ES.

However, if no adverse effects are expected this will be scoped out.

All impacts

A monitoring plan may be developed to ensure there are limited impacts on infrastructure and the potential positive impacts on the local economy / residents are fully implemented.

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

Welsh Government (2005) Technical Advice Note 8: Planning for Renewable Energy.

HM Treasury (2021) Build Back Better: our plan for growth.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy et al (2020) The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (2020) Energy White Paper.

HM Treasury (2020) National Infrastructure Strategy.

UK Government (2017) UK Industrial Strategy White Paper.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (2019) Sector Deal.

HM Government (2011) UK Marine Policy Statement (MPS).

Defra (2014) The East Inshore and East Offshore Marine Plans.