When looking at a potentially suitable site, we carry out a preliminary study looking at all relevant environmental and ecological factors. These form the basis of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which must be submitted alongside a planning application, demonstrating that the impacts of development are outweighed by the benefits.

The EIA must examine:

• Landscape and visual impact – To ensure the wind farm is not detrimental to sensitive or important local viewpoints.
• Surface and ground water - To assess any likely impacts on water quantity and quality within both the development area and surrounding countryside and ensure these are minimised.
• Noise - Noise levels at nearby homes are measured and analysed to ensure that a wind farm will not be a noise nuisance to its neighbours.
• Ecology - Information gathered from site surveys is fed into the design process to ensure access roads and turbines don't impact on sensitive ecology, flora and fauna.
• Ornithology - Extensive bird surveys are carried out over several seasons to establish whether the proposed turbines will have an effect on local bird life. A habitat management plan is drawn up to show how any impact can be minimised.
• Archaeology - Both national and local archaeological groups are consulted to establish if proposed sites are likely to have significant impacts on heritage sites or archaeological remains.