Rolliers Development Project

Our ongoing noise assessment, follows strict guidelines to ensure we’re looking out for you and your neighbours near the proposed turbine site. We're all about keeping noise levels in check during both construction and operation, so you can enjoy the benefits without the bother.

We've teamed up with Lucion Delta-Simons to take a closer look at how much noise the proposed wind turbine at Challon's Combe Farm might make for nearby homes and other sensitive areas. Their thorough noise assessment included surveying the current noise levels in the area and measuring how the turbine might sound at different wind speeds.

By using this real-world data, they set noise limits for different wind conditions and ran 3D modeling to check how the turbine would perform. Good news— the turbine’s noise levels stayed within those safe limits at all times, even at its highest operational speeds.

The findings? The noise levels from the turbine will be well below the set thresholds, meaning its impact on the surroundings will be minimal. Because of this, there’s no need for any extra noise control measures.

We've partnered with HCUK Group to carry out a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). This vital assessment ensures the project harmonises with the local landscape and minimises any visual impact on the surrounding area.

The assessment has involved a mix of detailed desk-based research and on-site visits to identify key viewpoints where the turbine might be visible, in the context of the local and national landscape. We're committed to making sure the turbine’s design and positioning blend as seamlessly as possible into the landscape.

Key factors considered include:

• Impact on designated landscapes: This includes sensitive areas like the South Devon National Landscape (formerly AONB).
• Visibility from public spaces: We're closely examining views from public rights of way (PRoW), walking routes, and coastal paths.
• Natural screening: Existing vegetation, terrain, and buildings play a role in reducing visibility, and we've taken this into account.

An initial Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis was conducted to estimate where the turbine could be seen. While the turbine might be visible from certain spots, natural barriers like trees and hills will significantly limit actual sightlines in many cases.

We’re creating wireframe models and photomontages to show what the turbine will look like from key locations, giving a clear and realistic idea of how it will fit into the landscape. This helps ensure everyone can see exactly how the project will look and feel before it’s built.

As part of the planning process, the LVIA will be submitted, detailing our findings and any mitigation strategies to minimise visual impact. We’ll also be sharing these results with local stakeholders, offering the public a chance to provide feedback through the consultation phase.

Photomontages

Zone of Theoretical Visibility

We will be conducting a Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA). This will cover a habitat survey and desk study, giving us some initial recommendations for further surveys and monitoring. We’ll also be carrying out additional bird and bat surveys to make sure everything's in tip-top shape. And the best part? We're committed to ensuring at least a 10% biodiversity net gain for the project!

We will carry out the necessary surveys for Radar and Telecommunications. We’ll share the scope of the study and its findings here.

We have prepared a Heritage Impact Assessment to look at the significance of historic buildings, complexes, areas, monuments, or archaeological sites (heritage assets). This assessment checked out how the proposed wind turbine might affect these heritage assets and their surroundings.

At Octopus Energy, we’re all about embracing green energy while respecting the history and culture around us. For the Rolliers Wind Turbine Project, we’ve teamed up with HCUK Group to dive deep into a Heritage and Archaeological Impact Assessment. The goal? To make sure this project preserves the rich cultural heritage of the area.

The assessment involved both desk research and on-site visits, and it highlights that the turbine site is within 2km of some fascinating heritage sites, including 30 listed buildings (mostly Grade II). Notable spots include Challon’s Combe Farmhouse, Coombe Cottages, and the Church of St. Lawrence. While the turbine may be visible from a few of these places, the good news is that its impact will be minimal, thanks to natural features like hedgerows and local terrain that help screen the view.

When it comes to archaeology, the study found three scheduled monuments within 2km of the site, including St. Ann’s Well and a Medieval Dovecote. But rest easy—there’s no archaeological evidence directly on the turbine site itself. The overall conclusion? The Rolliers Wind Turbine Project will have no significant impact on the area’s treasured heritage and archaeology. We’re keeping things green while respecting the past!

We are conducting a Shadow Flicker Assessment to check out the flickering effect caused by wind turbine blades casting shadows over neighbouring properties through windows and other openings. Depending on the results, we might need to install a Shadow Flicker Prevention (SFP) System on the wind turbine to make sure no properties in the area experience unacceptable shadow flicker. We’ve got you covered!

We have teamed up with Via Solutions to assess the best possible routes for transporting turbine components from major roads to the project site. This thorough evaluation aims to ensure that the selected route minimises disruption to local communities while being safe and efficient. Via Solutions, a trusted transport planning and highway engineering consultancy, brings years of expertise to this extremely important task.

Several potential routes are being carefully considered, with particular attention given to factors that could create challenges, such as:

• Narrow roadways
• Low-hanging trees, bridges, or nearby structures
• Sharp turns and tight junctions

The initial route selection process has focused on finding the shortest and least restrictive paths, avoiding populated areas whenever possible. Advanced Swept Path Analysis (SPA) is being used to simulate how the specialised vehicles carrying turbine components will navigate tight spaces, using accurate digital mapping.

After this detailed assessment, Via Solutions has conducted site visits to test various routes and take precise measurements. They are working closely with turbine manufacturer EWT and the road hauliers to finalise the optimal solution.

As part of the planning application, the recommended routes and any necessary mitigation measures will be presented to the local council, alongside a construction traffic management plan. This step ensures all feedback from the local Highway Authority is addressed and that any abnormal loads are transported with minimal impact.

Please see our download files for the full report when published.

Information on flood risk and drainage assessments will be visible here.