Human Environment - inchcapewind.com · 12.4.7 Public Access ..... 12 12.4.8 Baseline Without the Project ... Multiple Deprivation ELC East ... Human Environment Chapter 12 2 of 36

HumanEnvironmentChapter 12: Socio-Economics, Tourism, Land Use and Recreation

Human Environment SOCIO-ECONOMICS, TOURISM, LAND USE AND RECREATION

INCH CAPE OFFSHORE LIMITED ONSHORE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

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Contents

Contents ......................................................................................................................................... i

List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. iii

List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. iii

Abbreviations and Acronyms ......................................................................................................... iv

Glossary ......................................................................................................................................... iv

12.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1

12.2 Consultation ................................................................................................................... 1

12.3 Policy and Legislation ..................................................................................................... 4

12.4 Baseline Environment ..................................................................................................... 4

12.4.1 Data Sources .......................................................................................................................... 4

12.4.2 Study Area ............................................................................................................................. 5

12.4.3 Population ............................................................................................................................. 6

12.4.4 Economic Activity and Employment ...................................................................................... 7

12.4.5 Land Use ................................................................................................................................ 7

12.4.6 Tourism and Recreation ........................................................................................................ 9

12.4.7 Public Access ....................................................................................................................... 12

12.4.8 Baseline Without the Project .............................................................................................. 14

12.5 Assessment Methodology ............................................................................................. 15

12.5.1 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 15

12.6 Embedded Mitigation .................................................................................................... 17

12.7 Impact Assessment – Onshore Transmission Works ....................................................... 18

12.7.1 Impacts of Construction ...................................................................................................... 18

12.7.2 Impacts of Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................. 23

12.7.3 Impacts of Decommissioning .............................................................................................. 26

12.8 Impact Interactions ....................................................................................................... 26

12.9 Additional Mitigation .................................................................................................... 26

12.10 Conclusions and Assessment Summary .......................................................................... 26

12.11 Cumulative Impacts – Onshore Transmission Works and Offshore Wind Farm ............... 28



12.11.3 Impacts of Decommissioning .............................................................................................. 29

12.12 Cumulative Impacts – Onshore Transmission Works and Other Projects ........................ 30


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12.13 Cumulative Impacts Conclusions .................................................................................... 34

References .................................................................................................................................... 36


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List of Tables

Table 12.1: EIA Scoping Comment and Actions ..................................................................................... 2 Table 12.2: Key Data Sources ................................................................................................................ 4 Table 12.3: Determining Magnitude of Predicted Impacts .................................................................. 15 Table 12.4: Determining Sensitivity of Receptors ................................................................................ 16 Table 12.5: Determining the Significance of Effect .............................................................................. 17 Table 12.6: Summary of Residual Effects ............................................................................................. 26

List of Figures

Figure 12.1: Preston/Seton/Gosford Ward 2007 ................................................................................... 6 Figure 12.2: Land Use Allocations in the East Lothian Local Plan .......................................................... 8 Figure 12.3: Key Tourism and Recreation Attractions with 5 km of the Application Site .................... 12 Figure 12.4: Core Paths and Rights of Way .......................................................................................... 13


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Abbreviations and Acronyms

CCGT

EIA

ES

FTE

GROS

HDD

ICOL

NCR

OfTW

OnTW

PPP

SIMD

Denotes the Cockenzie Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Station

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Statement

Denotes full time equivalent jobs

General Register of Scotland

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Inch Cape Offshore Limited

National Cycle Route

Offshore Transmission Works

Onshore Transmission Works

Planning Permission in Principle

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation

ELC East Lothian Council

SLVIA Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

STEAM Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor

Glossary

Right of Way A Right of Way is a route over which the public has been able to pass unhindered for at least 20 years. The route must link two “public places”, such as villages, churches or roads and must follow a more or less defined route.

Core Path Core Paths are paths or routes, including waterways, to facilitate the exercise of access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The purpose of Core Paths is to provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area.


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12 Socio-‐Economics, Tourism, Land Use and Recreation

12.1 Introduction

1 This chapter presents an assessment of the potential socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism effects of the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Inch Cape Onshore Transmission Works (OnTW).

2 In particular, this chapter considers the following effects:

• Direct, indirect and induced effects on employment and the economy through job creation and expenditure;

• Effects on land use, including consideration of the implications of changes to existing land uses;

• Effects on public access and recreation, including consideration of Rights of Way, Core Paths and other promoted outdoor access routes; and

• Effects on tourism.

3 Effects on tourism will be indirect and will be primarily related to visual effects and the impact of these visual effects on visitor numbers and the local tourism economy. Consequently this chapter shares direct linkages with Chapter 8: Landscape and Visual of this Environmental Statement (ES) and makes reference to its content where relevant. Other indirect impacts such as noise, traffic and transport and air quality resulting from the OnTW may also have an indirect effect upon visitor numbers. Such effects are not generally considered within this chapter given they are not considered to have the potential for significant effects but are discussed in Chapter 10: Noise and Vibration, Chapter 11: Traffic and Transport and Chapter 13: Air Quality respectively.

12.2 Consultation

4 Comments from the East Lothian Council (ELC) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion dated 14 May 2014 related to socio-‐economics, tourism, land use and recreation are summarised in Table 12.1 below, along with a summary of how these comments have been addressed.



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Table 12.1: EIA Scoping Comment and Actions

Consultee Scoping/Consultation Response Project Response

East Lothian Council

The Scoping Report identifies Core Paths crossing the site, as well as the nearby Ghost Trail. The John Muir Way crosses the site. The Scoping Report identifies direct and indirect impacts on recreation and tourism. Impacts from the construction phase are scoped in, but scoped out of the operational phase. Given the size of the structure and the re-‐routing of the Core Path running through the site, the impact on this route will be continuing. This is an important route linking Tranent to the coast (as well as Cockenzie) and ongoing impacts should be examined.

Impacts on traffic and transport are considered in Chapter 11: Traffic and Transport.

This assessment considers the potential effects of the OnTW on specifically on the Core Paths during both the construction and operational phase which can be found in Section 12.5 to 12.9

Mitigation has also been identified to minimise the potential effects on the Core Path running through the Application Site (Core Path 144).

East Lothian Council/ Historic Scotland

There is the potential for direct impacts on the Prestonpans Battlefield, as a significant portion of the development is within this site.

There are also a number of assets in the vicinity of the proposal which should be assessed for their potential impact on setting, namely:

• Seton West Mains, enclosures (Index no. 5687) Scheduled Monument

• Seton Castle (formerly Seton House) with retaining terrace and walls (HB no 19080)

• Cockenzie House, with Great Custom, Gates, Walls and garden features (HB no. 23026)

• Cockenzie House (on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes)

• Seton House (on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes)

• Prestonpans (Inventory Battlefields

Impacts on the Prestonpans Battlefield site in addition to another of cultural heritage assets are considered in Chapter 9: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. Mitigation appropriate to reduce impacts to an acceptable level are detailed in this chapter.

Setting impacts are detailed in Chapter 8: Landscape and Visual.

Any indirect impacts on tourism or recreation are assessed in Section 12.5 to 12.9.


The site is located on an area identified on the John Hutton Institute maps as prime quality agricultural land. The impact on this should be briefly stated. The area may also contain mineral reserves and this again should be briefly explored and any sterilisation of these noted.

Land use considerations are included in the Chapter 6: Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology in Baseline Environment Section 6.4 and assessed in the impact assessment Sections 6.5 to 6.9. These are further considered in Section 12.5 to 12.9.



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Consultee Scoping/Consultation Response Project Response

East Lothian Council/ SEPA

Any application involving large scale beach replenishment and/or dredging works should be cross checked as to whether the proposals lie within or close to a designated bathing water or shellfish growing water. Ideally all physical works should be done outwith the Bathing Water Season (1 June to 15 September) and spatfall (oyster spawning) periods. Further guidance on the Bathing Waters Directive (2006/7/EC) can be obtained from www.sepa.org.uk/data/bathingwaters.

In Section 6.4.3, it has been identified that the Application Site is not within designated bathing waters of shellfish growing water. As such no seasonal restrictions are proposed in the mitigation in Section 6.5.2 and 6.7.

The effects on leisure beaches and recreation associated with the Project are further considered in the Inch Cape Offshore ES Chapter 10 Metocean and Coastal Processes and Chapter 22 Socio Economics and tourism


Any impacts on the consented Cockenzie Gas Pipeline should be examined, whether it is constructed or not (provided the consent is still valid at the time of application). If the route of this Pipeline would have to be altered as a result of this project the impacts of this should be examined as an indirect impact.

Potential effects on prime quality agricultural land, the Cockenzie Gas Pipeline and Core Paths are assessed in Sections 12.5 to 12.9 of this chapter.


Scottish Water has assets in the area. A map of these can be obtained from Site Investigation Services (UK) Ltd, Tel 0333 123 1223 email [email protected], or National One-‐Call, Tel 0844 800 9957, email swplans@national-‐one-‐call.co.uk , which will charge, or by calling at Scottish Water area offices. Precautions will require to be taken to avoid damage to these assets. Scottish Water requests that the applicant contacts their Service Relocation team via [email protected] regarding this. Measures, which may include an offset distance from the asset, requirements for excavation, pumping or piling, and maintenance of access to the asset for SW staff. This should be very briefly summarised in the ES.

Potential effects on Scottish Water assets are assessed in Chapter 6: Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology.

SNH While we support the proposed methodology and scope of the impact assessment, we also strongly encourage the applicant to consider opportunities for mitigation and positive enhancement of local landscape and visual amenity and green networks.

Landscape and Visual impacts are detailed in Chapter 8 Landscape and Visual.

These are further considered for indirect impacts on socio-‐economics, tourism, land use and recreation in Sections 12.5 to 12.9.



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5 The information received through scoping has informed the methodology and scope for the assessment of the socio-‐economic, tourism, land use and recreation effects presented in this chapter.

12.3 Policy and Legislation

6 Relevant policies and legislation are introduced in Chapter 2: Policy and Legislation. An overview of policy and legislation relevant to this chapter are provided below:

• The Land Reform (Scotland ) Act 2003 sets out where and when access rights apply and how land should be managed with regard to access. The Act also places a duty on local authorities to draw up a Core Paths plan. This is a plan sufficient to give the public reasonable non-‐motorised access throughout their area;

• The Scottish Outdoor Access Code defines how access rights should be exercised and gives detailed guidance on the responsibilities of those exercising access rights and those managing land and water;

• Policy DC1: Development in the Countryside (part 5) of the East Lothian Local Plan, (See Section 12.4.5 and Chapter 2 for further details);

• Policy NRG1: Electricity Generating Stations of the East Lothian Local Plan, See Section 12.4.5 and Chapter 2 for further details); and

• Policy C3: Protection of Open Space See Section 12.4.5 and Chapter 2 for further details).

12.4 Baseline Environment

12.4.1 Data Sources

7 Information on the baseline environment was established through a desk based assessment and a visit to the Study Areas. Key data sources for the desk based assessment are identified in Table 12.2 below.

Table 12.2: Key Data Sources

Data Source Area of Research

Existing Data

Scotland’s Census 2011

(http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/)

Population, employment, economic activity.

Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics

(http://www.sns.gov.uk/)

Education and employment.

Nomis Official Labour Market Statistics Employment

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2012

(http://simd.scotland.gov.uk/publication-‐2012/)

Deprivation



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Data Source Area of Research

VisitScotland

(www.visitscotland.org)

Tourism

Visit East Lothian

(http://www.visiteastlothian.org/home.asp)

Tourism


(http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/)

Tourism and Recreation

Sustrans

(http://www.sustrans.org.uk/)

Recreation

East Lothian Local Plan 2008 Land Use

Land Capability for Agricultural Map Sheet 66 (Macaulay Institute, 2010).

Land Use

Site Surveys

Site visit to Study Areas Land use, tourism and recreation.

12.4.2 Study Area

8 The Study Area used in this assessment varies depending upon the potential effect being considered and the sources of information used. In general the Study Areas below were used:

• Economic Study Area – the Preston/Seton/Gosford Electoral Ward 2007 (see Figure 12.1: Preston/Seton/Gosford Electoral Ward 2007) was used to define the population, employment and economic baseline for the Application Site and the local area. This was compared with data from the 2011 Census for ELC and Scotland-‐wide data;

• Land Use Study Area – the Study Area was confined to the land within the Application Site;

• Public Access and Recreation Study Area – the Study Area was confined to the land within the Application Site; and

• Tourism Study Area – a 5 km radius around the Application Site was chosen to determine tourism routes and attractions with the potential to experience an indirect impact upon their use as a result of visual impacts. This reflects the Study Area used in the landscape and visual impact assessment (see Chapter 8), the conclusions of which informed this assessment. Beyond this distance it is not anticipated that there will be any significant indirect impacts upon tourist visitor numbers as a result of the OnTW.



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Figure 12.1: Preston/Seton/Gosford Ward 2007

12.4.3 Population

9 According to the 2001 census, the Preston/Seton/Gosford ward had a total population of 17,540 people, making it the ward with the second highest population in East Lothian.

10 The Preston/Seton/Gosford ward includes the main settlements of:

• Prestonpans – 9,140 people (52 per cent of the population of the ward);

• Port Seton/Cockenzie – 5,551 people (32 per cent of the population of the ward); and

• Longniddry – 2,488 people (14 per cent of the population of the ward).

11 Across the ward the population has grown at a faster rate than across East Lothian as a whole, with a population increase of 11.4 per cent since 2001 compared to 10.7 per cent across the district.

12 The age structure of the ward is very similar to East Lothian. Compared to Scotland there are proportionally more children and fewer people of working age.

13 Further details on the population structure of the Preston/Seton/Gosford ward, including comparison with that of East Lothian and Scotland, is contained in Appendix 12.A: Socio-‐Economics Baseline.



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12.4.4 Economic Activity and Employment

14 Although East Lothian is considered to be an area of high employment and general affluence there is a considerable variation in economic activity, unemployment and the financial position of households within East Lothian. According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2012, Prestonpans (the nearest settlement to the Application site) falls within the 20 per cent most income deprived areas in Scotland.

15 According to the 2001 census, the greatest industry of employment sector in the Preston/Seton/Gosford ward was wholesale and retail, which employed 15.2 per cent of all persons of working age in employment compared to 14.1 per cent across East Lothian. The next most popular sectors were human health and social work (14.1 per cent compared to 15.2 per across East Lothian) and construction (9.1 per cent compared to 8.4 per cent across East Lothian).

16 Further details of economic activity and employment within the Preston/Seton/Gosford ward, including comparison with that of East Lothian and Scotland, is contained in Appendix 12.A: Socio-‐Economics Baseline.

12.4.5 Land Use

17 The majority of the Application site (approximately 13 ha) lies within countryside (land use allocation DC1: Development in the Countryside) as defined in the East Lothian Local Plan (see Figure 12.2). The remainder of the Application Site lies within land defined as open space (Policy C3: Protection of Open Space) (approximately 4 ha), and land safeguarded for use as or in association with a power generating station (Policy NRG1: Electricity Generating Stations) (approximately 6 ha).



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Figure 12.2: Land Use Allocations in the East Lothian Local Plan

18 Prime Quality Agricultural Land is defined by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (now the James Hutton Institute) as land which is:

• Class 1: Land capable of producing a very wide range of crops;

• Class 2: Land capable of producing a wider range of crops; and

• Class 3.1: Land capable of producing consistently high yields of a narrow range of crops and/or moderate yields of a wider range of crops.

19 Most of East Lothian aside from the upland areas is defined as prime quality agricultural land. All of the land within the Application Site defined as countryside in the East Lothian Local Plan (13 ha) is classified as Class 1 agricultural land according to the Land Capability for Agricultural Map Sheet 66 (Macaulay Institute, 2010). However field visits and a review of aerial photography identify that the majority of the land is rough grassland which is no longer in agricultural use.

20 A number of Scottish Water utilities have been identified beneath the Application Site. These include a water distribution main and combined sewer beneath the Onshore Substation Site and a water distribution main, combined sewer and combined sewer overflow intersecting the Onshore Export Cable Corridor. Further details on these utilities is discussed in Chapter 6: Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology, with their locations shown on Figure 6.2.



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21 Part of the Application Site also lies within a Coal Authority Referral Area which means that the area has been defined by the Coal Authority as containing potential hazards from former coal mining activity. Potential hazards identified include a historical coal mine and a number of mine shafts at Preston Links, one of which is identified as lying within the Onshore Export Cable Corridor. Further details on these mining hazards is discussed in Chapter 6, with their location shown on Figure 6.7.

22 Other land uses within the Application Site include a railway line which runs from Prestonpans through the Onshore Substation Site to the Cockenzie coal store. A Certificate of Lawfulness for the demolition, dismantlement and removal of infrastructure at the Cockenzie coal store was issued by ELC to Scottish Power Generation on 14 April 2014 reference 14/00212/CLD. The railway line is not publicly accessible.

23 The B1348 (Edinburgh Road) crosses through the Onshore Export Cable Corridor. The B1348 provides an important link between Cockenzie and Prestonpans and is also a promoted long distance cycle route and tourist route as discussed in the sections below. Other footpaths and recreational land uses within the Application Site, including a number of Core Paths which cross through the Application Site, are also discussed in detail Section 12.4.7. Details on traffic flows along the B1348 are discussed in Chapter 11.

24 Outwith the Application Site, the land uses in the vicinity of the Application Site include residential development along the eastern edge of Prestonpans along the length of the Application Site, further agricultural land to the south and east of the Application Site, and the former Cockenzie coal store and Cockenzie Power Station to the north and east of the Application Site. A full description of these land uses is contained in Chapter 6.

12.4.6 Tourism and Recreation

25 According to the East Lothian District Council Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) Report 2012 (Global Tourism Solutions, 2013), the total revenue generated by tourism in East Lothian in 2012 was estimated to be £195.88 million, comprising £148.60 million spent directly and £47.28 million spent indirectly. Visitors spent their money on a variety of things, with £36.63 million spent on transport, £34.48 million spent on food and drink, £21.15 million spent on accommodation, £16.16 million spent on recreation and £15.42 million spent on shopping. This revenue accounted for 3,736 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

26 The East Lothian Visitor Survey 2011 (East Lothian Council, 2012) is a comprehensive survey of 542 visitors to East Lothian between April to October 2011. The survey identifies that:

• The majority of visitors to East Lothian were from the UK (92 per cent), with 74 per cent of those coming from elsewhere in Scotland. Most day trip visitors were from Scotland (66 per cent) with the main areas represented being Edinburgh, Strathclyde, Borders, West Lothian and Midlothian;



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• More than half of visitors to East Lothian were on a day trip from home (52 per cent). For those on holiday, the majority of visitors (56 per cent) were on a short break booked or arranged by themselves;

• More than four out of five visitors to East Lothian were on a repeat visit to the area (84 per cent), whilst 16 per cent were on their first ever visit to East Lothian;

• The main type of accommodation used by overnight visitors to East Lothian was staying with friends and relatives (29 per cent). Other visitors stayed in static caravans and mobile homes (25 per cent), hotels (16 per cent), self catering accommodation (8 per cent) and bed and breakfasts (8 per cent); and

• Visitors spent on average £49.08 per person per day in 2011 if the costs for accommodation are included.

27 Tourists are drawn to East Lothian for a variety of reasons. With over 40 miles of coastline, East Lothian is a popular destination for those who enjoy the outdoors. It is a popular destination for walkers, water sports and bird watchers. It is also a leading golf tourism location; home to a number of high quality golf courses including Muirfield, host of Open championships. Food and drink is also gaining prominence as a driver for tourism in East Lothian, with a number of farmers markets and popular restaurants present across the district.

28 According to the East Lothian Visitor Survey 2011, the most common general activities undertaken by the majority of visitors to East Lothian in 2011 were general sightseeing and touring (68 per cent) and visits to the beach/viewing coastal scenery (64 per cent). Other popular activities were visiting cafes/tearooms and coffee shops (60 per cent) and visiting restaurants and pubs (24 per cent). Other common activities amongst tourists in East Lothian were visits to museums/galleries and arts exhibits (43 per cent), visits to the countryside (34 per cent) and visits to historical buildings/churches/other heritage attractions (31 per cent).

29 According to the East Lothian Visitor Survey 2011, the most common sporting activities undertaken were golfing (eight per cent), indoor swimming (eight per cent), horse riding/pony trekking (six per cent), outdoor water sports (four per cent), cycling (three per cent), walking (three per cent) and bird watching (three per cent).

30 The top five visitor attractions within East Lothian, based upon visitor numbers, are the National Museum of Flight near East Fortune (approximately 15.7 km to the north east of the Application Site), the Seabird Centre in North Berwick (approximately 19.3 km to the north-‐east of the Application Site), Tantallon Castle near North Berwick (approximately 22.3 km to the north east of the Application Site), Newhailes House in Musselburgh (approximately 7.1 km to the west of the Application Site) and Glenkinchie Distillery near Pencaitland (approximately 8.5 km to the south east of the Application Site).

31 The key tourist and recreation resources within the Tourism Study Area are shown on Figure 12.3 and include (but are not limited to):



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• Meadowmill Sports Centre which lies approximately 602 m to the south west of the Application Site. As well as an indoor sports hall, the centre also contains outdoor football, rugby and hockey pitches and an athletics track;

• Seton Sands Holiday Park which is located approximately 1.4 km to the east of the Application Site at its closest point. The caravan park is a popular destination for many visitors in the summer months;

• The Royal Musselburgh Golf Course which is located approximately 1.6 km to the west of the Application Site at its closest point. This 18 hole golf course was built in 1926, with the club established in 1774;

• Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum which is located approximately 2.4 km to the west of the Application Site at its closest point. The museum, which is run by ELC, is situated on a former colliery site near Prestonpans and has extensive displays and special exhibitions, the centrepiece of which is its rare Cornish beam engine;

• Longniddry Golf Course which is located approximately 2.8 km to the east of the Application Site. This 18 hole golf course was founded in 1921;

• Musselburgh Race Course which lies approximately 4.5 km to the west of the Application Site at its closest point. The racecourse is a VisitScotland five star attraction and provides an extensive programme of horse racing throughout the year;

• Musselburgh Links, The Old Golf Course which is located approximately 4.5 km to the west of the Application Site. The nine hole course is the oldest continually played course in the world, dating back to 1672;

• Longniddry Bents which lie approximately 3 km to the north-‐east of the Application Site at its closest point. This 4.5 km stretch of coastline is popular for walkers and bird watchers;

• The Battle of Prestonpans Memorial which is located approximately 191 m to the south west of the Application Site at its closest point. The memorial is in memory to the site at which Prince Charlie’s Highland army defeated Hanoverian redcoats under General John Cope during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion; and

• The Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint which lies approximately 389 m to the south west of the Application Site at its closest point. The pyramidal viewpoint provides a vantage point for visitors of the battlefield, with a series of display panels positioned on the summit.



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Figure 12.3: Key Tourism and Recreation Attractions with 5 km of the Application Site

32 With specific regard to the Battle of Prestonpans Memorial and Viewpoint, no visitor numbers are available. It is understood that a study has been undertaken by Richard Gerald Associates Ltd (2007) on behalf of The Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Heritage Trust to explore the feasibility of developing a visitor centre at Meadowmill. At the time of writing of this ES chapter no firm proposals for the development of this facility or another similar facility were available.

33 The B1348 crosses the Application Site and forms part of Scotland’s Golf Coast Road. This promoted tourism route stretches from Musselburgh to Dunbar and incorporates 22 golf courses along its length. The road was re-‐branded in June 2013 to reflect East Lothian’s title of Scotland’s Golf Coast.

34 The East Lothian Tourism Strategy 2010-‐13 (East Lothian Council, 2010a) outlines ELC and partner commitment to supporting the continued development of the tourism economy in East Lothian. It details how ELC, in partnership with both the private sector and other public bodies, will work together towards activities which contribute toward the national ambition for 50 per cent tourism growth by 2015.

12.4.7 Public Access

35 The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 took effect in February 2005 and placed a duty on local authorities to draw up a Core Paths plan. This is a plan sufficient to give the public reasonable non-‐motorised access throughout their area.



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36 The East Lothian Core Path Plan (East Lothian Council, 2010b) identifies five Core Paths which cross through the Application Site (see Figure 12.4). These are Core Path 144 (which runs from the B6371 to the B1361), Core Paths 145 and 146 (which skirt around the eastern periphery of Prestonpans), Core Path 284 (which runs immediately south of the Cockenzie Gas Holder) and Core Path 276 (which runs along Preston Links).

Figure 12.4: Core Paths and Rights of Way

37 Core Path 276 forms part of The John Muir Way, a long distance promoted footpath which extends along the coastline of East Lothian from Dunbar to Musselburgh and has been recently extended through to Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland. The newly extended John Muir Way officially opened in April 2014, with the Scottish Government anticipating that the route will bring about £40 million in economic benefits to communities along the route.

38 Core Path 144 forms part of the Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway, a public footpath between Cockenzie and Prestonpans which runs along the route of the first railway line in Scotland and is well used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Chapter 9: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology considers the historical significance of the Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway.

39 As shown on Figure 12.4, sections of Core Paths 144, 145, 146 , 276 and 284 are also designated as Rights of Way. In addition, there is also a designated Right of Way which runs under the conveyor belt from the coal store to Cockenzie Power Station through the Application Site. Whilst the conveyor belt currently obstructs access on this Right of Way and there is no evidence of the route being diverted.



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40 The B1348 road crosses the Application Site. The B1348 forms part of National Cycle Route (NCR) 76 of the National Cycle Network and runs from Berwick upon Tweed to Edinburgh, Stirling and St Andrews.

41 The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 also gives the public the right of responsible non-‐motorised access to most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation such as walking, cycling, horse riding or canoeing.

42 The Application Site crosses Preston Links, an area of open amenity space which is popular with walkers and dog walkers. Outwith Preston Links and the Core Paths identified above, the remainder of the Application Site comprises areas of rough grassland that is less well used for public access. There is no inland water within the Application Site.

12.4.8 Baseline Without the Project

43 The above information describes the baseline conditions at the time of undertaking the assessment. There is the likelihood that these baseline conditions will change in the future, regardless of whether or not the OnTW is developed. However prediction of many of these aspects is very uncertain and is considered unlikely to impact upon the conclusions of the assessment.

44 Many social and economic factors influence population change. The relationships between the various factors are complex and involve inherent uncertainty. However, on the basis of the population trends identified above it is anticipated that the population of East Lothian will continue to grow.

45 Employment and economic activity is very difficult to predict. However in terms of energy developments it seems likely that the Scottish Government energy targets (as outlined in Chapter 2) and commitment to investment in renewable energy that there will be continued growth associated with renewable energy developments. In particular, it is noted the emerging National Planning Framework 3 identifies that there may be significant opportunities for renewable energy-‐related investment at Cockenzie. Consequently the proportion of the local economy benefitting from renewables related developments is likely to increase in the future.

46 Tourism activity is likely to depend on the overall state of the economy and is therefore also difficult to predict. VisitScotland Consumer Review 2012 (VisitScotland, 2012) has identified that the current economic climate has led to consumers becoming more cautious. The experience of the holiday is now seen as the most important factor when booking a trip, as consumers look to gain an unforgettable experience that allows them to gain a sense of achievement and authenticity from their holiday.

47 Public access is expected to remain as present or increase slightly as the population in the Study Area increases.

48 Without development of the OnTW, it is not predicted that land uses within the Application Site will change significantly. Outwith the Application Site, there are a number of


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development proposals which may have a significant change on land use in the immediate vicinity of the Application Site. These development proposal are discussed in Chapter 3 and are assessed in Section 12.12 of this Chapter.

12.5 Assessment Methodology

12.5.1 Methodology

49 There is no prescribed methodology or standard guidance for assessing the socio-‐economic and related effects in EIA. The method adopted is therefore one of determining the existing circumstances (the baseline conditions) through desk based analysis. The potential impacts of the OnTW on this baseline are then identified, taking into account the embedded mitigation measures (see Section 12.6 Mitigation Measures below). Professional judgement is then applied to determine the significance of any predicted residual effects.

50 As detailed in Chapter 3, determining the significance of predicted effects is a function of the magnitude of the predicted impact and the sensitivity of the receptor. Whether the predicted effect is considered to be positive or negative and temporary or permanent is also influential in determining the significance of effects.

Magnitude of Impacts

51 Criteria for determining the magnitude of impact are presented in Table 12.3.

Table 12.3: Determining Magnitude of Predicted Impacts

Receptor Criteria for Magnitude of Impacts

High Moderate Low

Employment and the economy

A fundamental change to baseline business/ employment/ economic conditions.

A detectable but not fundamental change to baseline business/ employment/ economic conditions.

Little change to baseline business/ employment/ economic conditions.

Land Use A fundamental change to current land uses and compatibility with other existing land uses within the Study Area.

A detectable but not fundamental change to current land uses and compatibility with other existing land uses within the Study Area.

Little change to current land uses and compatibility with other existing land uses within the Study Area.

Tourism A fundamental change in visitor numbers to the local tourism economy.

A detectable but not fundamental change in visitor numbers to the local tourism economy.

Little change to visitor numbers to the local tourism economy.

Recreation Permanent or long term effects on the access/ recreation resource.

Longer term but temporary effects on the access/ recreation resource.

Short term temporary effects on the access/ recreation resource.


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Sensitivity of Receptor

52 Criteria for determining the sensitivity of receptors are presented in Table 12.4.

Table 12.4: Determining Sensitivity of Receptors

Receptor Sensitivity Criteria

High Moderate Low


The business/ employment/ economic conditions would have a low capacity to accommodate the predicted change.

The business/ employment/ economic conditions would have some tolerance to accommodate the predicted change.

The business/ employment/ economic conditions would be generally tolerant of the predicted change.

Land Use Nationally important/ rare land use. The land use would have a low capacity to accommodate the predicted change.

Regionally important/ rare land use. The land use would have some tolerance to accommodate the predicted change.

Locally important land use. The land use would be generally tolerant of the predicted change.

Tourism Nationally important tourism resource. The local tourism economy would have a low capacity to accommodate the predicted change.

Regionally important tourism resource. The local tourism economy would have some tolerance to accommodate the predicted change.

Locally important tourism resource. The local tourism economy would be generally tolerant of the predicted change.

Recreation Nationally important access/ recreational resource. The access/ recreation resource would have a low capacity to accommodate the predicted change.

Regionally important access/ recreational resource. The access/ recreation resource would have some tolerance to accommodate the predicted change.

Locally important access/ recreational resource. The access/ recreation resource would be generally tolerant of the predicted change.

Assessment of Effect Significance

53 Using the above criteria, the significance of predicted effects is determined using the matrix in Table 12.5 below. Effects that are predicted to be major and moderate/major are deemed to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations.


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Table 12.5: Determining the Significance of Effect

Magnitude of Impact

Sensitivity of Receptor

High Moderate Low

High Major Moderate/Major Moderate

Moderate Moderate/Major Moderate Minor/Moderate

Low Moderate Minor/Moderate Minor

Negligible Minor/Moderate Minor Negligible

12.6 Embedded Mitigation

54 The assessment of effects on socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism receptors has taken account of the following embedded measures to minimise environmental effects:

• The Onshore Substation will be located to avoid any closure of the route of Core Path 144 and the Right of Way during all phases of development;

• Where public access will be temporarily disrupted during construction, maintenance or decommissioning activities, a suitable diversion which minimises the length of path affected will be put in place along with the display of signage at each end of the route where the route is diverted. The signage will detail the path which is closed, the proposed alternative route and the duration of the closure. All signage will be agreed with the Access Officer for ELC prior to the commencement of construction, maintenance or decommissioning activities. Sustrans will also be notified of any planned closures or diversions to the National Cycle Network, with information disseminated to the public prior to and during the route diversion. The duration of all temporary closures and diversion will also be minimised by Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) as far as a possible;

• Where technically feasible, ICOL will seek to use Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to lay the Onshore Export Cables under the B1348. This will avoid the need for any potential closure of this road. However in the event that HDD is not feasible and open cut trenching is required to install the Onshore Export Cables, as detailed in Chapter 11, a local traffic management scheme will be put in place to minimise any potential disruption to road users during the construction works. The scheme will be designed in consultation with the local community, local businesses, ELC and Transport Scotland. During these works ICOL commit to maintaining access to the Prestonpans Yachting and Boating Club, located adjacent to the Landfall, at all times; and

• The Onshore Export Cable will be routed to avoid any interaction or other potential indirect effects on the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline and minimise interaction with any other utilities infrastructure. In the event that the proposed site access track crosses the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline post construction, the track will be strengthened


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and best practice construction methods will be put in place to protect the pipeline. The method of track strengthening will be confirmed at the detailed design stage.

55 These measures will be delivered as part of the OnTW (see Section 5.6).

56 All of the above mitigation measures have been taken into account when determining the significance of effects in this assessment.

12.7 Impact Assessment – Onshore Transmission Works

12.7.1 Impacts of Construction

Expenditure

57 Development projects may have a positive effect on the local economy as a result of financial investment for a number of businesses who may supply services and goods during construction. The significance of potential effects arising from expenditure during the construction of the OnTW are considered below.

58 The total capital expenditure for the OnTW is estimated to be in the region of £60.5 million. The greatest element of this expenditure will be for the Onshore Substation, the cost of which is anticipated to cost in the region of £50 million.

59 Given the current levels of employment in the construction, manufacturing and transportation and storage sectors, the structure of the local economy is such that it is considered to have the capacity to benefit from expenditure associated with the OnTW. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore considered to be moderate. Site preparation and building works will provide opportunities for materials and construction equipment to be sourced locally. Although these will represent modest proportions of the total capital expenditure, this direct expenditure would be likely to re-‐circulate and bring some benefits to the local economy. However, given that the majority of the capital expenditure will be for specialist equipment that is likely to be sourced outwith the local area, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a positive temporary effect of minor significance is therefore anticipated to the local economy from project expenditure during the construction phase.

Employment and Economic Activity

60 All development projects will result in direct employment opportunities as well as potential indirect and induced employment opportunities. The significance of potential direct, indirect and induced employment and economic activity arising from the construction of the OnTW are considered below.

61 The construction of the OnTW would directly support around 40 FTE jobs for a period of up to 24 months. The construction of the OnTW will require both specialist and general construction labour capabilities.


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62 It is estimated that the total civil construction value of the OnTW will be approximately £10.7 million. The majority of this civil construction value relates to the Onshore Substation, the value of which will be approximately £7.5 million.

63 Given the current levels of employment in the construction sector, the structure of the local economy is such that it is considered to have the capacity to benefit from construction contracts (in particular for general labour) associated with the OnTW. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be moderate. However, due to the greater level of specialist construction labour which will be required there will be a greater competitive advantage for experienced contractors who are likely to be located outwith the local area in Edinburgh or further afield. The magnitude of this impact is therefore considered to be low. Overall a positive temporary effect of minor significance is therefore anticipated to direct local employment during the construction phase.

64 Indirectly, the OnTW may also create further employment opportunities down the supply chain for those companies providing services to the contractors during the construction of the OnTW. In addition, there will be further induced economic benefit to the local economy relating to expenditure from workers spending their income in local businesses such as shops, pubs, cafes and takeaways. There may also be some benefit to businesses providing accommodation to specialist construction workers, albeit it is anticipated that the majority of workers will live within the Central Belt of Scotland and will consequently not require accommodation.

65 The capacity of the local economy is such that it is considered to have the capability to provide such services to contractors. Consequently the sensitivity of this receptor can be assessed as moderate. However, given the anticipated scale of additional indirect and induced employment, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a positive temporary effect of minor significance is therefore anticipated to the local economy from indirect and induced employment and economic output during the construction phase.

Land Use

66 As discussed in Chapter 5 the Onshore Export Cable Corridor will be approximately 1.3 km in length from Transition Pits to the Onshore Substation and 1 km in length from the Onshore Substation to the grid connection point. For the purposes of the application for Planning Permission in Principle (PPP), an indicative 60 m wide area has been identified for assessment. The exact location of the Onshore Export Cables within this indicative area will be determined based on site investigation and the conclusions of EIA. All construction works for the installation of the Onshore Export Cables, including access for plant and vehicles, will take place within this Onshore Export Cable Corridor. A maximum total area of approximately 9 ha is therefore required for installation of the Onshore Export Cables.

67 In addition to the temporary land take for the installation of the Onshore Export Cables, formation of the temporary construction compound next to the Onshore Substation Site will also require occupation of an area of approximately 1.7 ha for the duration of the


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construction activities. Permanent land take effects associated with the Onshore Substation and site access track are assessed in Section 12.7.2.

68 The construction of the OnTW (both the Onshore Substation and the Onshore Export Cable and associated infrastructure) will therefore require the direct temporary disturbance of approximately 10.7 ha of land defined as countryside/agricultural. However given that this land is not currently in agricultural use it is considered to be generally tolerant to potential disturbance. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be low. Taking into account that outwith the Onshore Substation Site that construction activities will only take place within a small part of the Application Site at any one point in time, and given that the land will be fully restored once these construction activities have ceased, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance is therefore predicted on countryside/agricultural land during construction of the OnTW.

69 Potential construction effects on open space at Preston Links and on public access and recreation are considered in the section below.

70 Potential construction effects on utilities and on potential hazards from former mining activities are considered in Chapter 6. Potential construction effects on local and strategic road network, including traffic disruption and accessibility, are considered in Chapter 11. Potential construction effects upon the residential amenity of nearby residential properties as a result of visual impacts, noise, and air quality are considered in Chapters 8, 10 and 13 respectively.

Public Access and Recreation

71 The construction phase of the OnTW has the potential to directly disrupt the following public access and recreational facilities which cross through or lie within the Application Site:

• The John Muir Way;

• NCR 76;

• Core Paths 144, 145, 146, 276 and 284 (and associated Rights of Way); and

• Preston Links open space.

72 The John Muir Way and NCR 76 are considered to be the most sensitive of the above receptors given that they are long distance promoted routes recognised as being of national importance. The sensitivity of both these receptors are considered to be high. Given that Core Path 276 forms part of the John Muir Way, the sensitivity of this receptor is also considered to be high.

73 Core Paths 144, 145, 146 and 284 are considered to be of no more than regional importance and consequently the sensitivity of these receptors are assessed as being moderate. Assessment of the sensitivity of the Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway (Core Path 144) in cultural heritage terms is detailed in Chapter 9. Preston Links is considered to be of no more than local importance and consequently the sensitivity of this receptor is assessed as being low.


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74 As discussed in Chapter 5, the Onshore Export Cables between Landfall and the Onshore Substation will be laid in up to four separate trenches which will each be approximately one metre wide. It is anticipated that the majority of the Onshore Export Cables will be installed using surface cut trenching. However, if technically feasible some sections of the Onshore Export Cable Corridor, such as the crossing of the B1348, may be undertaken by HDD.

75 The laying of the Onshore Export Cable will result in the temporary diversion of a short section of the John Muir Way (and Core Path 276) for a maximum period of up to 7 weeks. Given the short term nature of the diversion and the very slight diversion to the route that will be required, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of moderate significance on users of the John Muir Way and Core Path 276 is therefore anticipated during construction.

76 In the event that HDD is not technically feasible to install the Onshore Export Cables under NCR76 and open cut trenching requires to be undertaken, a local traffic management scheme will be put in place to minimise any potential disruption to road users during construction. The installation of the Onshore Export Cables under this route is anticipated to take up to 4 to 12 weeks. With this mitigation measure in place, it is considered that potential delays to cyclists using this route will be negligible. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance at worst is predicted on cyclists using NCR76 during construction of the OnTW.

77 The Onshore Export Cable will also cross Core Path 284. This will result in the temporary diversion of a short section of the route for a maximum period of up to 7 weeks. Given the short term nature of the diversion and the slight diversion to the route that will be required, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance on users of Core Path 284 is therefore anticipated during construction.

78 Core Paths 145 and 146 both run along the western boundary of the Application Site. As outlined in Chapter 5, the exact location of the Onshore Export Cables within the Application Site will be determined following site investigation. If the Onshore Export Cables were to be located along or near these footpaths, there may be the requirement for slight temporary diversions to both these routes to minimise disruption from construction activities due to their proximity to the Onshore Export Cables. The magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance on users of Core Paths 145 and 146 is therefore anticipated during construction of the OnTW.

79 The Onshore Substation will be located to avoid any direct effects on the route of Core Path 144 which crosses through the Application Site, both during construction and operation.

80 There will be a requirement for temporary closure of a small area of Preston Links during the construction of the OnTW to facilitate the laying of the Onshore Export Cables. Given the remainder of the open space at Preston Links which will remain accessible during construction and the extent of other amenity open space in the local area, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance


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on recreational users of Preston Links is therefore anticipated during construction of the OnTW.

81 With regard to public access in general, as identified in Section 12.4 Baseline Environment, the remainder of the Onshore Export Cable Corridor and the Onshore Substation Site outwith Preston Links and the path networks assessed above is less well used for access and recreational use but is considered to be of local importance. The sensitivity of this receptor is therefore considered to be low. Construction activities will result in a temporary loss of public access to parts of the Onshore Export Cable Corridor and the Onshore Substation Site where the infrastructure is being installed and materials and equipment stored. However given that construction works will progress sequentially throughout the Onshore Export Cable Corridor and will therefore only affect public access to a small part of the overall Application Site at any one point in time, the magnitude of this impact is therefore considered to be low. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance on public access to the Application Site in general is therefore anticipated during construction of the OnTW.

Tourism

82 The construction phase of the OnTW has the potential to directly disrupt tourists using the Golf Coast Road which crosses through the Application Site. Given the importance of golf to the economy of the local area, East Lothian and Scotland, the sensitivity of this receptor is considered to be high.

83 Similar to the effects discussed above on cyclists using the NCR76 which shares the same route as the Golf Coast Road, in the event that open cut trenching is utilised to lay the Onshore Export Cables under the B1348 a local traffic management scheme will be put in place to minimise any potential disruption to visitors using this road during construction. With this mitigation in place it is considered that potential delays to visitors using this section of the Golf Coast Road will be negligible. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance on the local tourism economy is therefore predicted at worst as a result of a decrease in visitors numbers using the Golf Coast Road during construction of the OnTW.

84 The construction phase of the OnTW also has the potential to indirectly impact upon visitor numbers to the Battle of Prestonpans Memorial and the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint if their appreciation of the current view were to be notably affected. Both these tourism attractions are considered to be of local importance to tourism and consequently are assessed as being of low sensitivity in this regard. This judgement reflects the current low visitor numbers observed to both these attractions.

85 The landscape and visual impact assessment in Chapter 8 identifies that visitors to the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint are predicted to experience temporary effects of major/moderate significance on their view as a result of the construction works and associated machinery at the Onshore Substation Site. Although it should be recognised that the view may be regarded by some visitors as an important reason for visiting the site, it is considered that


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the cultural heritage value of the battlefield and gaining an understanding of how the battle was fought are likely to be the primary reason for the majority of visitors to the site. As detailed in Chapter 9, these values will not be significantly affected by the proposed construction works. Consequently it is concluded that the number of visitors who may be deterred by the visual impact of the OnTW will be small at worst. The magnitude of this impact is therefore considered to be moderate. Overall a temporary negative effect of minor significance is therefore predicted at worst on the local tourism economy as a result of any decrease in visitor numbers to the Battle of Prestonpans site.

No potential for any other direct or indirect effects upon visitor numbers to any other tourism routes or attractions within the Tourism Study Area during the construction of the OnTW is predicted to occur.

12.7.2 Impacts of Operation and Maintenance


86 The Onshore Substation will not normally be manned and staff will only be on site during maintenance or for repair work. Typically, these activities will require up to a maximum of five staff for five days, once or twice a year over the lifetime of the OnTW. There will be opportunities for suitable qualified locally based contractors to carry out this maintenance work. ICOL will implement a protocol to enable suitably qualified locally based contractors to tender for work in relation to the construction and operation of the OfTW.

87 The structure of the local economy is such that it is considered to have the capacity to benefit from these operational employment opportunities. Consequently the sensitivity of this receptor can be assessed as moderate. However, given the very small scale of employment opportunities associated with the operation of the OnTW, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be negligible. Overall a positive effect of negligible significance is therefore predicted to direct local employment during the operational phase.

Land Use

88 During the operational phase, all of the land within the Onshore Export Cable Corridor will have been fully restored to its former use. Following this restoration, the operation of the Onshore Export Cables is not predicted to have any potentially significant effects upon countryside/agricultural land use.

89 The footprint of the Onshore Substation Site will be approximately 2.7 ha (including screening).

90 Given that the land upon which the Onshore Substation will be located comprises rough grassland which is not currently in agricultural use, the sensitivity of this receptor is consider to be low. Taking into account the small magnitude of the landtake, and the fact that it will not result in loss or severance of access to other surrounding land for agricultural use, the magnitude of this impact is considered to be low. Overall a negative effect of minor


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significance is therefore predicted on countryside/agricultural land during operation of the OnTW.

91 Potential effects on open space at Preston Links and on public access and recreation are considered in the section below.

92 Potential operational and maintenance effects on utilities and on potential hazards from former mining activities are considered in Chapter 6. Potential operational and maintenance effects on traffic on the local and strategic road network are considered in Chapter 11. Potential operational and maintenance effects upon the residential amenity of nearby residential properties as a result of visual impacts, noise, and air quality are considered in Chapters 8, 10 and 13 respectively.


93 As detailed in Section 12.6, it is confirmed that the Onshore Substation will be located to avoid any direct effects on the route of Core Path 144. Consequently there is no potential for direct effects on Core Path 144.

94 Given the land for the Onshore Export Cable Corridor will be fully restored to its former use during the operational phase of the OnTW, there is no potential for direct impacts upon any other public access and recreational facilities that cross or lie within the Application Site. The only exception to this would be for infrequent maintenance activities (approximately one day per year) or in the unlikely event that a fault occurs on a section of the Onshore Export Cable and requires to be repaired and/or replaced.

95 In the event that a fault does occur along a section of the Onshore Export Cable, the potential direct effects on public access and recreation with the Application Site is considered to be equivalent to and potentially lower than the effects anticipated to occur during the construction phase. Overall, at worst, a temporary negative direct effect of moderate significance is therefore predicted to public access and recreational resources within the Application Site in the unlikely event that a fault occurs on a section of the Onshore Export Cable.

Tourism

96 Once operational, the landscape and visual impact of the Onshore Substation has the potential to indirectly impact upon visitor numbers to tourism routes and attractions within the Tourism Study Area.

97 The actual impacts on visitors is difficult to assess given that people’s views on the landscape and visual effects of developments are entirely subjective. For example, even at locations where the Onshore Substation is a feature in the landscape, for some visitors this may have no effect on their enjoyment and their future propensity to visit, whilst for others the presence of the Onshore Substation may decrease their enjoyment and propensity to revisit.


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98 As identified in the baseline Section 12.4 of this chapter, it is important to note the most popular tourist attractions within East Lothian are located outwith the Tourism Study Area at distances of approximately 7 to 23 km from the Application Site where there is no potential for any adverse indirect impact upon their use as a result of visual effects of the Onshore Substation.

99 Figure 12.4 identifies those tourism routes and attractions within the Tourism Study Area that have theoretical visibility of the Onshore Substation. However, as discussed in the landscape and visual impact assessment in Section 8.4.3, the zone of theoretical visibility illustrates the bare earth situation, not taking into account the screening impacts of vegetation, buildings, or other local features that may prevent or reduce visibility. The ZTV therefore illustrates a maximum theoretical visibility scenario. Field surveys have demonstrated that actual visibility of the Onshore Substation within the Study Area would be much reduced as a result of existing vegetation as well as local landforms (not captured by the Ordnance Survey data) and buildings.

100 On the basis of the conclusions of the landscape and visual impact assessment, it is considered that the only visitor attraction within the Tourism Study Area that has the potential to experience a decrease in visitor numbers due to the landscape and visual impact of the Onshore Substation will be the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint. The potential impacts upon this tourist attraction are discussed below.

101 The landscape and visual impact assessment identifies that visitors to the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint are predicted to experience landscape and visual impacts which will be major and of significant effect at Year 1. At year 15 of operation with the established vegetation of the Landscape Mitigation (see Section 8.5.2) the magnitude of change would be slight and the overall impact moderate.

102 Although it should be recognised that the view may be regarded by some visitors as their primary reason for visiting the site, it is considered that the cultural heritage value of the battlefield and gaining an understanding of how the battle was fought are likely to be the primary reason for the majority of visitors to the viewpoint. As detailed in Chapter 9, the setting of the Battle of Prestonpans battlefield was assessed from a variety of locations including the coal bing viewpoint (The Battle of Prestonpans viewpoint). Buildings, topography and dense mature trees and vegetation between this viewpoint and Cockenzie coal store suggests the Onshore Substation would be slightly visible from the bing viewpoint but would appear below the horizon in an area already dominated by trees in the foreground and by the industrial structures of the Cockenzie coal store below the horizon. In views from this location the Onshore Substation will appear below the horizon in an area already characterised by modern industrial development.

103 Consequently it is concluded that the number of visitors who may be deterred from visiting the viewpoint will be small. The magnitude of this impact is therefore considered to be minor at worst. Overall a negative effect of minor significance is therefore predicted at worst on the local tourism economy as a result of a decrease in visitor numbers to the Battle of Prestonpans site.


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12.7.3 Impacts of Decommissioning

104 The potential impacts of decommissioning are considered to be equivalent to and potentially lower than the worst case impacts assessed for the construction phase. The assessment findings are therefore presented for construction and operational phases of the OnTW only, assuming that the impacts during the construction will apply to the impacts during decommissioning. The approach to decommissioning is described in Chapter 5.

12.8 Impact Interactions

105 The potential for individual impacts identified through the impact assessment above to interact and create significant effects on the identified receptors has been considered. No such potential interactions have been identified.

12.9 Additional Mitigation

106 On the basis of the findings that there will be no significant socio-‐economic, land-‐use, recreation and tourism effects as a result of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the OnTW following implementation of the embedded measures identified in Section 12.6 of this chapter, no requirement for any additional additional mitigation has been identified.

12.10 Conclusions and Assessment Summary

107 This assessment of the OnTW has considered effects on socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism. The key findings of the assessment are summarised in Table 12.6 below. Overall, no significant adverse effects are predicted for socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism.

Table 12.6: Summary of Residual Effects

Receptor Effect Nature of Effect Significance of Effect

Construction and Decommissioning


Temporary direct, indirect and induced employment

Positive Minor (not significant)

Land Use Temporary loss of countryside/agricultural land

Negative Minor (not significant)


Temporary diversion of the John Muir Way and Core Path 276 (and associated Right of Way)

Negative Moderate (not significant)


Temporary disruption to cyclists using NCR76



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Receptor Effect Nature of Effect Significance of Effect

Public Access and recreation

Temporary diversion to users of Core Paths 144, 145, 146 and 284 (and associated Rights of Way).



Temporary loss of recreational open space at Preston Links.



Temporary loss of public access to the Application Site.


Tourism Economy Temporary traffic disruption to visitors using the Golf Coast Road resulting in a decrease in visitor numbers.


Tourism Economy Temporary adverse visual effects on the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint resulting in a decrease in visitor numbers.


Operation and Maintenance

Employment and the Economy

Direct, indirect and induced employment.

Positive Negligible (not significant)

Land Use Loss of countryside/ agricultural land due to the Onshore Substation.



No direct effects are predicted as a result of the operation of the OnTW given the Onshore Export Cable Corridor will be fully restored once constructed and the Onshore substation will be located to avoid any closure of Core Path 144.

N/A N/A

Tourism economy

Adverse visual effects on the Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint resulting in a decrease in visitor numbers.

Negative

Minor (not significant)


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12.11 Cumulative Impacts – Onshore Transmission Works and Offshore Wind Farm

108 This section considers the potential cumulative effects upon employment, economic activity and tourism that are predicted to arise during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the OnTW in combination with the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and associated Offshore Transmission Works (OfTW). Potential effects upon land use and potential direct effects upon public access and recreation are not considered given there is no potential for cumulative effects with regard to either of these topics due to their geographical separation.



109 The Socio-‐Economic Assessment within the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm ES (Section 22.7.2) (ICOL, 2013) estimates that a total of 2,244 FTE jobs will be created in association with the construction of the OfTW and the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. However the majority of these jobs will be for specialist skilled labour that will most likely be located outwith the local area, for example in Edinburgh (Leith), Rosyth (Fife), Dundee and the Cromarty Firth (Highland) and further afield. It is therefore considered that the addition of the employment associated with the OfTW and the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will not result in a significantly greater effect upon employment and economic activity in the local area than that predicted to occur during the construction of the OnTW in isolation.

110 Although the construction of the OnTW in combination with the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and OfTW will not result in a significant effect on the local economy, it is however important to note that the significant employment and economic opportunities presented to the East Coast of Scotland and further afield by the development of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm are entirely dependent upon the development of the OnTW. These opportunities include the development of business and industry networks, infrastructural strengthening of various ports, skills and training initiatives and attracting major international energy investors and manufacturing businesses. The importance of these economic opportunities should consequently not be ignored when considering the economic effects of the OnTW.

Tourism

111 The effects of both the OnTW and the OfTW on tourism will be indirect and will be related to the impacts of visual effects on visitor numbers.

112 There will be construction activity related to both the OnTW and the OfTW occurring at the same time in the intertidal area. However, it is considered that members of the public will perceive these activities as part of the same project and that consequently the predicted effects on tourism will be no greater than those predicted to occur during the construction of the OnTW in isolation.


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113 The Socio-‐Economic Impact Assessment within the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm ES (Section 22.7.3) (ICOL, 2013) identifies that there would be between 72 and 104 onshore based FTE jobs created as a result of operational and maintenance activities. However, the majority of these jobs will again be for specialist skilled labour that will most likely be located outwith the local area. It is therefore considered that the addition of the employment associated with the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and OfTW will not result in a significantly greater effect upon employment and economic activity in the local area than that predicted to occur during the construction of the OnTW in isolation.

114 As with construction employment effects, it is important again to note that the employment and economic opportunities to the East Coast of Scotland and further afield as a result of the development of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm are entirely dependent upon the development of the OnTW and its continued maintenance. The importance of this effect should consequently not be ignored when considering the economic effects of the OnTW.

Tourism

115 The effects of both the OnTW and the OfTW on tourism will be indirect and will be related to the impacts of visual effects on visitor numbers.

116 The Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA) within the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm ES (Section 16.16) identifies that significant effects are predicted for tourism visitors at distances of up to approximately 35 km with open sea views towards the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.

117 The Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will be over 50 km away from any of the tourist attractions in the Tourism Study Area. Consequently it is concluded that the visual impact of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will have no significant impact upon visitor numbers to the tourist routes and attractions in the Tourism Study Area. No significant cumulative effects are therefore predicted on tourism as a result of the operation of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and the OnTW in combination.

12.11.3 Impacts of Decommissioning

118 The potential cumulative impacts of decommissioning of the OnTW in combination with the decommissioning of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and OfTW are considered to be equivalent to and potentially lower than the worst case impacts assessed for the construction phase. The assessment findings are therefore presented for construction and operational phases of the OnTW only, assuming that the cumulative impacts during the construction will apply to the impacts during decommissioning.


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12.12 Cumulative Impacts – Onshore Transmission Works and Other Projects

119 This section considers the potential cumulative effects that are predicted to arise during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the OnTW in conjunction with the following other development proposals:

• The proposed Cockenzie Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Station;

• The proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline; and

• The proposed Blindwells New Settlement.

120 Further details on each of the above development proposals is contained in Chapter 3.

121 An Environmental Scoping Report was submitted in April 2014 for an Energy Park at Cockenzie by Scottish Enterprise. The detail of the scale, location and composition of future development is not yet known and will evolve over time as consultation with key stakeholders progresses.

122 The timescales for taking forward the Cockenzie Energy Park are not known at this time. It is expected that an application for Planning Permission in Principle will be submitted in 2015. For this reason and given the uncertainty regarding the scale and composition of future development, it has not been considered in the cumulative assessment in this ES because it is only at the scoping stage and there is currently insufficient information on which to base an assessment of the impacts of this development (see Section 3.6.2 for more information).



123 In the absence of detailed construction programmes for the other development proposals, it is difficult to predict which of the above development proposals might be constructed in parallel or in close sequence with the OnTW. This will have implications for the number of construction workers required at any one time in the local area and may result in increased local employment opportunities and/or the import of construction labour into the local area during peak periods of construction activity. The import of construction workers into the local area will provide a short term economic benefit as a result of the need to accommodate these workers however may also have other effects such as reducing tourist bed availability.

124 The ES for the proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009) identifies that its construction will create between 564 and 627 FTE jobs within the local area and a further 243 to 270 FTE jobs in the regional area during its 83 month construction. This is deemed to be a temporary positive effect of major significance in the ES. Indirect and induced effects on the local economy are not assessed in the ES but are also likely to be significant.

125 The ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) identifies that the total construction labour workforce is expected to total approximately 200. The construction period for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline is expected to last for nine to twelve


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months. The ES for the proposal considers that its construction will have a temporary positive effect of minor significance in terms of local employment, and a temporary positive effect of moderate significance in terms of indirect and induced effects on the local economy.

126 The ES for the proposed Blindwells New Settlement (SRG Estates, March 2011) does not identify the direct, indirect or induced effects on employment and the local economy. However, given the scale of the development it is anticipated that it would have a significant temporary benefit to employment and the local economy during its construction.

127 On the basis of the above it is considered that the construction of the cumulative projects, if more than one are built in parallel or overlapping each other, will have a significant temporary effect on direct local employment and on the local and regional economy from indirect and induced employment and economic activity. However it is not considered that the addition of the OnTW to this potential cumulative baseline will result in a further significant effect due to the small levels of direct employment and indirect and induced benefits that the construction of the OnTW will generate.

Land Use

128 The CCGT proposals will be on brownfield land, whilst the proposed Blindwells New Settlement will be on land which the ES for the Blindwells proposal (SRG Estates, March 2011) acknowledges has not been reused since its return to agricultural status after previous mining activity.

129 Although the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline will result in temporary loss of approximately 175 ha of predominantly Class 1 and Class 2 agricultural land, given the extent of such agricultural land in East Lothian and the fact this loss will only be temporary the ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) considers that this loss will not be significant. It is not considered that the addition of the loss of a further 10.7 ha of land defined as countryside/agricultural as a result of the construction of the OnTW in combination with the proposed CCGT would have the potential for a significant cumulative effect on agricultural land use.

130 The consented Cockenzie Gas Pipeline corridor includes parts of the Application Site however the consent for the gas pipeline includes a degree of flexibility in terms of allowing the final routing of the gas pipeline within the geographic area which, in accordance with the EIA Regulations, has been subject to full EIA. This flexibility allows the final routing of the pipeline approximately 250 m either side of the proposed pipeline route along the majority of its length, although it is acknowledged that where the proposed Pipeline route enters more urban areas at its western end, the potential for flexibility is reduced. The gas pipeline would not be located within the Onshore Substation Site.

131 Potential cumulative construction effects on open space at Preston Links and on public access and recreation are considered in the section below.


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132 Potential cumulative construction effects on Scottish Water Utilities and on potential hazards from former mining activities are considered in Chapter 6 Potential cumulative construction effects on traffic on the B1348 and the local and strategic road network are considered in Chapter 11. Potential cumulative construction effects upon the residential amenity of nearby residential properties as a result of visual impacts, noise, and air quality are considered in Chapters 8, 10 and 13 respectively.


133 The ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) identifies that a safe means of crossing the working width of the cable will be provided at all footpaths that cross through the site during construction activities. On this basis it is considered that there is no potential for significant direct cumulative effects upon public access and recreation as a result of its construction in parallel or close succession with the construction of the OnTW.

134 The proposed CCGT power station will be constructed mainly within the footprint of the existing Cockenzie Power Station. However the ES for this proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009) identifies that there will be a temporary loss of a small area of open space at Preston Links (as well as at Whin Park Playing Fields) during construction. The ES concludes that this will result in temporary adverse effect on recreational open space provision of minor significance. Given the equally small extent of recreational open space that will require to be temporarily closed as a result of the construction of the OnTW, it is not considered that there is potential for significant direct cumulative effects upon recreation in the local area as a result of the construction of the consented CCGT proposals in parallel or close succession with the construction of the OnTW.

135 No potential for significant direct cumulative effects upon public access and recreation are predicted to occur as result of the construction of the proposed Blindwells New Settlement in parallel or close succession with the construction of the OnTW. This conclusion is made on the basis that public access to the site at present is actively discouraged for safety reasons.

Tourism

136 The ES for the proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009) does not identify any potential for adverse impacts upon tourism as a result of the construction of the development. Likewise the ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) did not identify the potential for any adverse impact upon tourism as a result of its construction. Consequently it is not considered that there is the potential for significant effects upon the local tourism economy as a result of the construction of the OnTW in combination with either or both of these development proposals.

137 The ES for the proposed Blindwells new settlement (Scottish Resources Group, 2011) identifies that the construction of the development will result in disruption to visitors using the A198 between the between the Bankton and Meadowmill roundabouts. The ES concludes that this will result in temporary adverse effect on tourist visitor numbers of minor significance. As detailed in Chapter 11 of this ES, although this route will also be used for traffic for the construction of the OnTW, the percentage increase in cumulative total


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construction vehicles along the A198 should construction of both development occur at the same time would not be significant. Consequently it is not considered that there is the potential for significant cumulative effects on tourists visitor numbers and associated effects on the local tourism economy due to traffic disruption should both developments be constructed at the same time. No potential for any other adverse effects upon tourism are identified in the ES for the proposed Blindwells new settlement.



138 The ES for the proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009) and the ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) both conclude that, once operational, that these development will result in a negligible effect on the local economy in term of employment and economic activity. Given the very small scale of employment opportunities associated with the operation and maintenance of the OnTW, it is not considered that the addition of the OnTW to this cumulative scenario has the potential for a significant positive effect on the local economy.

139 The ES for the proposed Blindwells new settlement (Scottish Resources Group, 2011) does not discuss the economic benefits to the local area once operational. However, it is considered on the basis of the extent of employment land to be provided that there will likely be a significant beneficial effect on the local economy in terms of direct employment. It is not considered that the addition of the OnTW will result in a further significant positive effect given the very small scale of employment opportunities associated with the operation and maintenance of the OnTW.

Land Use

140 The ES for the proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009) does not identify the potential for any significant effects on land use given that its use will remain the same as the current land use. Neither does the ES for the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) identify the potential for any significant effects on land use given the site will be fully restored once the Pipeline has been installed. Consequently no significant cumulative effects are predicted as a result.

141 The ES for the proposed Blindwells new settlement (Scottish Resources Group, 2011) concludes that the development of a new settlement at Blindwells would have a significant permanent effect on the current land use of the site by virtue of the land use changing from its current rural agricultural status to a new urban settlement. The amount of permanent land take of agricultural land at Blindwells will be circa 127 ha.

142 It is not considered that the addition of the OnTW in combination with the proposed Blindwells New Settlement will result in a further significant negative effect on agricultural land given the small landtake of the Onshore Substation. Although the Onshore Substation will be a further industrial development, it is not considered that its addition to the Blindwells New Settlement proposals will result in an increased urbanisation of this part of


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East Lothian given its small footprint and limited visibility outwith the immediate locality of the site as discussed in Chapter 8.

143 Additional cumulative effects relating to land use including landscape and visual effects and effects on transport and landscape and visual are discussed in Chapters 8 and 11 respectively.


144 There will be no direct effects upon public access and recreation once the proposed CCGT power station and the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline are operational. Consequently no significant direct cumulative effects are predicted in the ES for both these proposals as a result.

145 The ES for the proposed Blindwells new settlement (Scottish Resources Group, 2011) identifies that, as a result of the provision of a path network through and around the site and the creation of new areas of open space as part of the development proposals, that the development will result in a permanent beneficial effect of moderate significance on public access and recreation.

146 The construction of the OnTW would not result in any beneficial effects upon public access and recreation and consequently no significant effects upon public access and recreation in combination with the proposed Blindwells new settlement are predicted.

Tourism

147 The ES for the proposed CCGT power station (Scottish Power, 2009), the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline (Scottish Power, 2010) and the proposed Blindwells new settlement (Scottish Resources Group, 2011) do not identify the potential for adverse impacts upon tourism as a result of these developments. Consequently no significant direct cumulative effects upon the local tourism economy are predicted as a result.

12.13 Cumulative Impacts Conclusions

148 The above assessment considered the potential for cumulative effects on socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism as a result of both the development of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and OfTW and other development proposals in combination with the OnTW.

149 Overall the cumulative impact assessment concludes that the addition of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and OfTW will result in no greater effects on socio-‐economic, land use, recreation and tourism than those predicted to occur during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the OnTW in isolation.

150 With regards to other cumulative development proposals, including the proposed CCGT, the proposed Cockenzie Gas Pipeline and the proposed Blindwells New Settlement, the assessment concludes that should all of these developments be constructed in parallel or in


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close succession that there may be a significant temporary positive effect on local employment and the economy. No other significant cumulative effects on land use, recreation and tourism are predicted.


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References

East Lothian Council (2008). East Lothian Local Plan 2008. Available at: http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/204/statutory_development_plans/231/statutory_development_plans/3

East Lothian Council (2010a). East Lothian Tourism Strategy. East Lothian Council, Economic Development Division.

East Lothian Council (2010b). East Lothian Core Path Plan. Available at: http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/379/countryside_and_wildlife/1264/core_paths

East Lothian Council (2012). East Lothian Visitor Survey 2011. Prepared for East Lothian Council by Leithal Thinking, Edinburgh.

Global Tourism Solutions (2013), East Lothian District Council STEAM Report 2012. Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, 23 April 2013.

GROS (2012). Population Projections for Scottish Areas (2010-‐based). General Register Office for Scotland, February 2012. Available at: http://www.gro-‐scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/population-‐projections/scottish-‐areas-‐2010-‐based/population-‐projections-‐scottish-‐areas-‐2010-‐based.pdf

ICOL (2013). Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Statement. Inch Cape Offshore Limited, May 2013.

Macaulay Institute (2010). Land Capability for Agriculture Sheet 66 Edinburgh. The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen.

Richard Gerald Associates (2007). Feasibility Study for a New Visitor Experience at Prestonpans, East Lothian. Richard Gerald Associates Ltd, Edinburgh.

Scottish Power (2009). Cockenzie Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Station Environmental Statement. Scottish Power, December 2009.

Scottish Power (2010). Cockenzie Gas Pipeline Environmental Statement. Scottish Power, December 2010.

Scottish Resources Group (2011). Blindwells New Settlement Environmental Statement. Scottish Resources Group, March 2011.

VisitScotland (2012). Consumer Review 2012. Available at: http://www.visitscotland.org/pdf/Consumer%20Review%20-‐%202012.pdf


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