ADDENDUM SUMMARY
Background:
DF Concerts Limited (DFC) submitted a planning application and an Environmental Statement (ES) on
15th January 2015 which assessed the environmental impacts of the proposed annual music festival
at the Strathallan Castle Estate in Perthshire Scotland.
Following a 4 week consultation period, Perth & Kinross Council advised on 6th March 2015 that
additional information was required to be submitted. A copy of their letter is provided as
Attachment 1.
This document summaries the content and findings of the Addendum to the Environmental
Statement (ES), which was submitted last month. The Addendum will also be subject to a 4 week
consultation period until Saturday April 25th.
Key Issues
Further information was requested on the following key issues, in apparent decreasing order of
importance were:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Traffic & Transport
Ecology
Ornithology
Water Management/Private Water Supplies
Noise
Project Description
The Site Selection Process
1.TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT
By applying the successful process that had been adopted over the past 18yrs at Balado, the 2015
Strathallan Traffic Management Plan 2015 (TMP) has been developed as an evolving document by a
Traffic sub-Group.
The TMP has been updated to:
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A format making it more accessible for public reading.
Has incorporated the newly available forecast information obtained from an analysis of the
type of ticket purchased and post code data for sales of 30,000 tickets for the 2015 event.
This information has given greater certainty and confidence in the prediction of the likely
split between arrival days and the origin of trips and the identification of further routing
options
Further discussions have been held with public transport operators and this has informed an
updated view on the likely bus schedule.
Updated construction programme for the installation of permanent infrastructure works.
The permanent infrastructure works involve a limited number of traffic movements and
may be extended over several years. It does not overlap with the main event set up and
therefore will have a minimal effect on the external road network.
Conclusions:
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Both the original assessment and this one in respect of peak flows have used trip figures
which have been uplifted by 20% to allow for a contingency. This assessment has also used
a higher peak flow rate.
In terms of the overall assessment, the findings of the Environmental Statement do not
change.
In terms of mitigation, the updated TMP confirms that appropriate mitigation measures can
be implemented.
As with all previous events for T in the Park, a traffic subgroup is formed 6 months prior to
each event to produce a final TMP. The sub group includes representatives from Perth and
Kinross Council, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland and Emergency Services. The draft TMP
which was produced in the Environmental Statement is still evolving in response to public
comments and ticketing information.
For further detail the updatedTMP is attached as Appendix 2 of the Addendum on the Find Out More
section of our TLocal website.
2.ECOLOGY
PKC and SNH requested further information regarding the mitigation proposed for the protected
species on the site, in the form of Species Protection Plans for Otter, Bats and Red Squirrel.
Updated Information provided:
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Updated survey information was provided and Species protection Plans submitted which
sets out the nature of the issues for each species, what actions are proposed to address
them, and explain how they will satisfy the legal requirements either for avoidance of
disturbance or for licensing purposes.
Otter
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It is confirmed that, as a result of further monitoring, the potential holt identified in the ES is
not in current use by otter. The hole is unsuitable for otter as the entrance is very narrow
and the cavity itself is too small. A licence from SNH in relation to disturbance to otters at
the location is not required.
Management contained within the provided Otter Species Protection Plan addresses the
possibility that new resting places/holts may be found in subsequent years and identifies
what actions will be taken. The Plan includes the potential for otter to benefit from the
installation of an artificial holt.
The Addendum also corrected mislabelling of previous drawings showing high flood water
levels for wildlife corridors under the temporary bridges and culverts. All bridges drawing
now correctly illustrate that the wildlife corridor is above the high water level.
Bats
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A follow up survey of all trees with Bat Roost Potential (BRP) within the main disturbance
zones was undertaken which included ground and aerial (climb & Inspect) surveys.
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Twelve (12) roosts have been found in a total out of over 200+ trees with BRP. Seven (7)
roosts were found in the Arena area and four (4) on North Castle Drive, (which is not
intended to be used for event traffic). Only one suspected pipistrelle maternity-roost was
found, located within Strathallan Castle
A series of measures are set out in a Bat Protection Plan which include proposed blocking of
roosts, future monitoring requirements, lighting mitigation measures, license application
protocols, and the potential for establishing artificial roosts in areas which are less
vulnerable to disturbance. The Bat Protection Plan will be integrated with the site
construction management plan (CMP) and the Event Environmental Management Plan
(EMP)to ensure that site staff adhere to relevant protocols following advice from the
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
Licence applications for temporary disturbance will be made for confirmed roosts.
Monitoring will take place on the suspected maternity roost within Strathallan Castle each
month between April –July 2015, at the request of the SNH Licensing Officer.
Red squirrel
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Three survey visits during February and March 2015 were carried out on the 14 potential red
squirrel dreys identified in the ES. Many of these were confirmed to be either old buzzard
nests or collapsed structures indicating no current use. Only six of the structures appeared
to be dreys due to their size, shape and the presence of leaves within the structure.
Of the six dreys it is still not possible to confirm if these are red squirrel or grey squirrel. no
signs of use have been seen in the surveys. A red squirrel was seen approximately 20m from
one drey but was not seen using it.
Using the precautionary principle, the site layout has been adjusted so that works areas are
outwith the recommended disturbance zones for dreys in North Mains Wood and in Bernie
Wood. In one location in Bernie Wood it has not been possible to reconfigure the site to
remain entirely outwith a 50m buffer where the works area comes to within 35m. In this
location the canopy of a large tree will remain overhanging the works area and provide a
screening function. 2m Heras fencing will be in place at the 35m mark at the edge of the
wood and will also screen noise associated with the adjacent pedestrian pathway.
Conservation/steel-shield fencing will be erected bounding the woodland blocks in which
some of the dreys are located. However this will not involve heavy construction and the
potential disturbance risk is considered negligible. As a precaution an Ecological Clerk of
Works (ECoW) will be present at the installation of fencing in these areas to provide
induction talks to site staff.
No dreys are within 100m of potential disturbance from significant noise sources.
Grey squirrel have been seen behind the Castle during surveys. DFC will liaise with SNH and
other organisations such as Scottish Squirrels and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, to explore the
feasibility of undertaking a Grey Squirrel control programme.
Badger
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Follow up survey has confirmed that there are no signs of current use by badger of the setthole identified in the ES. Notwithstanding, the wildlife corridor provided for badger as a
precautionary measure under the forestry access track of the wood will remain in situ as a
precautionary measure. It will afford access above the 0.5% flood level.
Conclusions:
The focus of this additional information has been on the proposed mitigation of protected species by
the development of a series of Species Protection Plans and further information to support potential
disturbance licenses, where applicable. The follow up surveys have acted to reduce the potential
impacts assessed for otter, red squirrel and badger.
3.ORNITHOLOGY
The Osprey which has been nesting in close proximity to the site, and which has the potential to be
disturbed by the festival, has only been publically raised as a matter of concern by a small number of
vocal and organised objectors. Even though RSPB is a non-statutory consultee, they have been given
trusted advisor status and have been kept continuously up to date with the ongoing bird monitoring
results and the osprey relocation strategy.
Updated Information provided:
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A draft Osprey Management Plan (OMP)was put forward in the ES to demonstrate the range
of options available to DFC. Given the differing expert opinions being provided to DFC, it was
considered advisable to agree the alternative mitigation approaches with all relevant
authorities (SNH, RSPB, PKC and others) by setting up a proposed Osprey Working Group.
However RSPB and PKC did not wish to participate in this group.
Therefore at the request of PKC, DFC has finalised the OMP. DFC propose to undertake a
relocation programme for the Osprey. On 5th February 2015 a site visit was conducted and
a suitable tree identified by Mr Brockie outwith the site which was built on 13th March.
Ongoing monitoring of both the new nest and the old nest are occurring.
Other species
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There is no evidence or records of Red Kite, Barn Owl or ground nesting birds breeding on
the site.
Ongoing monitoring of bird species once the breeding season has commenced (April) will
occur. Early monitoring of some species is already ongoing.
Compensatory habitat in terms of wildflower meadows for any potential habitat loss of
ground breeding birds is possible in suitable areas away from potential disturbance,
Conclusions :
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The ES assessed the impacts on Osprey at the conservation status / population level at a
worse case, namely it assumed that an Osprey pair would nest in the current nest location
each year, and that while there is a high likelihood of short term adverse impact, and that
the impacts may not be reversible, the adverse effect on the broader conservation status of
the Osprey are assessed as minor.
The draft Osprey Management Plan (OMP) was developed to address the specific need to
protect the pair of Osprey on site under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA). However it is
important to note that the success or not of the OMP would make no difference to the
conclusions of the ES.
4.WATER MANAGEMENT/PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES
There has been a significant amount of misinformation which has been publically aired regarding the
nature of the groundwater environment and the source of private water supplies. All of it is
factually incorrect.
Updated Information provided :
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The ES assessed that the Tullibardine Spring source is located significantly far away and
upgradient of the site to not be impacted by the event. This conclusion was supported by
SEPA in their letter of 13th February 2015.
The private water supplies on the Strathallan site are supplied via a pipe network. These
pipes are pressurised, are at relatively shallow depth, and totally isolated from the
underlying superficial aquifer (located at 7+m).
Further investigations into the Strathallan Private Water supply have discovered that the
source of the supply is located further offsite (1.6km) than previously considered in the ES.
These investigations have therefore completely removed the risk that there is any potential
for the contamination of the PWS. There is no possibility of this supply becoming
contaminated as a consequence of the event. There is therefore no rationale for water
quality monitoring or a contingency water supply of the PWS.
Mitigation has been proposed as a precautionary measure to prevent surface runoff to the
well head for the deep aquifer bore (>30m) developed to supply Bernie Farmhouse (Bernie
House) and Kinkell Grange.
The site pipe network across the site is located in areas which will not be subject to heavy
traffic and was previously considered when assessing the potential impacts of disturbance
caused by the installation of the event water supply network, data cabling and access tracks.
Conclusions:
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There has been no change to the conclusions of the ES and there is no risk to the local water
supply
5.NOISE
Updated Information provided in the Addendum
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The current policies, guidance and standards which recommend an assessment of noise
levels with windows open are not intended to apply to temporary events, rather to planning
and development for new permanent noise sources or the introduction of new noise
sensitive development. This is why extraordinary events generally operate under an
entertainment license.
Noise from build and break traffic, operational traffic and use of the car parks and PUDO
were originally assessed on the basis that windows are closed because each of these noise
sources constitutes short term, temporary and reversible effects.
Nonetheless, additional calculations have been undertaken as requested.
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For calculations relating to the transportation hub and car parks, calculations now include
the mitigating effects of proposed Steel Shield fencing which will confer significant acoustic
benefit. In the same manner as the calculations presented in the ES, no correction has been
applied for sound attenuation over soft ground, intervening topography or other existing
barriers or angle of view of the receiving windows in relation to the noise source. The recalculation therefore remain a very conservative estimate
Conclusions:
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In general terms, the conclusions of the ES Chapter remain the same although it is
acknowledged that, unsurprisingly, where residents choose to open their windows, the
potential impacts associated with noise ingress to habitable rooms from temporary changes
in road traffic noise will be greater than if they keep windows closed. No change in the
significance of temporary impacts associated with use of the car parks or transport hub is
predicted where residents choose to open their windows because the received levels will
remain within the assessment parameters.
Similarly, no change in the significance of temporary impacts associated with use of
temporary power supplies is predicted, providing that appropriate separation distances and
mitigation measures are implemented.
In terms of changes to the permanent infrastructure build programme, noise from
construction-type activities will be controlled by the requirements stipulated by PKC, which
are likely to include stated hours for undertaking noise generating activities that will be
audible beyond the site boundary. PKC has agreed to this approach.
It is considered, therefore, that any change in the duration of these works will not have any
effect on the qualitative assessment presented in the ES.
The operation of the Waste Transfer Station (WTS) / Bulking Station requires to be agreed in
detail with SEPA. Litter picking in the main arena will occur from dawn. This will initially take
place on foot with the litter picking teams delivering the rubbish bags to small transport
vehicles and cargo bicycles. The waste will then be gathered from these small vehicles into
refuse trucks to be taken off site for separation and recycling (ie ‘bulking’).
The noise impacts associated with the bulking process will be minimal, and SEPA has taken
the potential for adverse impacts associated with noise into their consideration of a suitable
site for the process. The proposed location for the bulking will be at the hardstand carpark of
Strathallan Airfield, which is currently earmarked for contingency parking. SEPA has
confirmed that the specific mitigation for the site would comprise netting and the erection
of 2m Heras boundary fencing
6.PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Updated / Additional Information provided :
Lighting Plan
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Other than concerns to wildlife, the impacts of light were scoped out at the early stages of
the impact assessment and were not a specific topic for consideration within the PKC
Scoping Opinion.
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All policies, guidance and standards for addressing ‘light pollution’ (ie ‘unnecessary light’)
are specifically directed to addressing nuisance from permanent installations and any
‘assessment’ proposed by PKC will not be applicable to this temporary event.
Lighting proposals for the event site are very short term in nature. There can be no public
health impacts as a consequence of the lighting for the event. All lighting is necessary,
efficient and directed into the site, and determined by the absolute need to provide a safe
and secure environment. Lighting on the site must be positioned to ensure there is no
overlap to cause areas of shadow within the venue. As the power supply for the lighting is
generated on site, there is strong incentive for DFC to ensure there are no excess light
towers used, and to turn off lights in areas whenever possible. Specific mitigation has been
developed to minimise impacts on wildlife by the use of cowled lighting in the vicinity of
woodlands and watercourses.
Lighting layouts and detailed design will vary significantly from year to year and therefore a
specific map showing the location of over 1000 lights would be misleading and impractical,
however the addendum provided a Lighting Plan identifying the key principles which would
remain consistent from year to year.
Capacity of the site
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The current area of the site allocated to camping, following removal of land for conservation
buffers and set back distances is 71.2 hectares, with an additional 8.3 hectares for
campervans, which are isolated from general camping. This is significantly in excess of the
minimum standard for camping (7m2 per person). The current land available allow DFC
provide just in excess of 10m2 per person. Space allocations will vary considerably
depending upon the type of tickets purchased, but DF Concerts Limited are looking forward
to being able to provide greater space standards for general campers than was possible in
recent years at Balado.
It is highly unlikely that any satellite camping will occur. Any nearby landowner
contemplating creating a satellite campsite would need to take into consideration the
modest difference in cost between camping and non-camping tickets currently on sale, and
the significant costs associated with providing the legal minimum level of facilities necessary
to provide a campsite to the paying public.
Residential Amenity
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Figures showing the security fencing likely to be provided at Strathallan were provided.
A target set off distance of 50m has been established between event boundaries and
neighbouring residential ownership. Only on estate properties with prior agreement from
the Estate and the tenant, are they proposed to be reduced further. Boundaries to
residential properties are illustrated in Addendum Figures 7.3A to 7.3I).
In some instances, and in response to requests from owner/occupiers, a secondary line of
3.5m high Steelshield fence or Superfortress is located immediately on the boundary of
properties. This is to provide greater visual and acoustic privacy and does not represent part
of the secure perimeter.
Within the above 5 week erection period, DF Concerts Limited will have sufficient flexibility
that they will endeavour to accommodate requests from neighbouring properties as to their
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personal preference over timing. Fencing round residential properties will remain in place
for a maximum of 14 days, unless otherwise agreed with the Planning Authority.
Toilet facilities will not be placed closer than 100m from the nearest residential property.
The only exception to this being disabled toilet provision for the dedicated disabled
campsite.
Telecommunications infrastructure
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The data cabling referred to as part of the permanent infrastructure in Chapter 6 of the ES is
for internal communication data cabling. No broadband connection is planned by DF
Concerts Limited.
External wired connection to the site may be provided by a third party statutory undertaker,
which if achieved would provide the potential for the future connection to other properties
in the area. It is understood that proposals for such a connection are being considered by
one provider who is in negotiations with landowners to secure a route across private land
with minimal road crossings and thereby causing the minimum of disruption.
7.SITE SELECTION
The site search process carried out on behalf of Perth & Kinross Council has been used repeatedly by
objectors to challenge the decision to move to Strathallan.
Updated / Additional Information provided:
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The initial search criteria and scores were presented based on the broad brush parameters
developed for the PKC study, which resulted in the high score for Middleton Farm.
Once DFC became involved, the search criteria significantly changed to reflect more
technical requirements. Critical changes to the criteria included traffic and aesthetics.
It should be noted that it was the high score achieved by nearby Middleton Farm that led
the team to repeatedly re-visit the area, to scope out numerous variations and alternatives.
. It was during such a re-visit while investigating Drumdowie Farm, that Strathallan Estate
was revisited as a positive alternative.
Conclusions :
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There is no change to the ES.
The land to the north of the A9 along the stretch served by the Greenloaning and Gleneagles
junctions is ideally suited to the siting of T in the Park, and after extensive searches, and
based upon the criteria set out in Chapter 2 of the ES, Strathallan Castle Estate proved to be
the most suitable location.