EHG6443 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed onshore infrastructure for offshore Ayre Wind Farm

A desk-based assessment and targeted walkover survey were undertaken by RPS in 2023-4 for an area extending westwards from Sinclair Bay towards and around the north side of Loch Scarmiclateand south to Banniskirk in order to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed onshore infrastructure for the proposed Ayre Offshore Wind Farm. The 250m Cultural Heritage Study Area extended for 250m from the Planning Application boundary. Data was gathered for this area to identify those heritage assets, the physical fabric of which may be affected, and to inform the assessment of archaeological potential. The study area was considered sufficient to identify all known heritage assets that might be affected physically by the proposed development and provide sufficient background data for the assessment of potential effects without gathering large amounts of extraneous data. In addition, a 3km Cultural Heritage Study Area extended from the proposed location of the Substation at Spittal/Banniskirk. Data was gathered for this area to identify designated heritage assets the setting of which may be affected by the Substation. Given the maximum height of the Substation (15 m), the existing forestry in the surrounding area and the character of designated heritage assets in the wider area, this is considered an appropriate and proportionate study area in respect of potential impacts relating to setting. Non-designated heritage assets to be considered in the assessment were identified based on a review of HER data, historic mapping and satellite imagery combined with targeted walkover survey of the intertidal zone and areas of unimproved land within the Cultural Heritage Study Area to augment and verify the findings of the desk-based work. The current baseline study also identified a further four heritage assets within the planning application boundary from cartographic sources and examination of LiDAR data produced for the project. Overall, it was concluded that there will be no likely significant environmental effects arising from the proposed development during the construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning phases and no monitoring will be required. However, a programme of archaeological works would be put in place to offset the physical loss of any archaeology affected. <1>