Crystal Rig Phase III is a proposed extension to the successful Crystal Rig I and Crystal Rig II projects. The proposed extension would be on the northern side of Crystal Rig II, 1.3km to the south of the Lothian Edge and 3km north of the summit of Birk Cleugh Hill. This phase of the project would comprise 11 turbines – 6 with a maximum height of 100m to tip and 5 with a maximum height of 125m to tip.
Phase III would use spare capacity on the local power distribution system and optimise the existing grid connectivity and infrastructure in place for Crystal Rig Phase II on the wind farm site itself. Phase III would make use of existing infrastructure where possible, including access routes from the A1 on public roads, on-site tracks and the operations centre. Moving forward, the layout and proposed development of Phase III will be assessed against baseline surveys by specialist consultants with the results presented in an Environmental Statement (ES) accompanying any planning application.
Environmental Impact Assessment
The environmental studies covering, for example, landscape, wildlife, archaeology and noise are being carried out by a combination of specialist independent consultants, including lead consultant Natural Power, who have a proven track record in sympathetically developing projects which aim to meet the shared needs of the Developer and the Local Stakeholders. The results of baseline surveys and the information gathered have been drawn upon to help design the proposed extension ensuring it would have minimal impact on the surrounding areas. The site layout map presents the preferred draft layout of Phase III that has resulted from the assessments and consultations mentioned above.
Planning
As Phase III would form an extension to an already consented development over 50MW, an application would be submitted to the Scottish Government under Section 36 of the Electricity (Scotland) Act 1989. The Local Council would be consulted on the application, which would then be determined by Scottish Ministers.