INTRODUCTION
Ballylumford 110kV GIS Substation
Project Summary
SummaryHaving obtained outline planning permission in August 2022, NIE Network is seeking full planning approval for a 110kv GIS Substation to replace the existing substation building that houses the existing air insulated switchgear located adjacent to Ballylumford Power Station, Islandmagee.
The proposal comprises the construction of the substation building which will house the GIS and associated equipment plus a secondary building.
The proposed development is driven by the need to replace the existing substation infrastructure which has been highlighted for replacement based on asset condition and limited availability of spares and technical support.
The proposed GIS will be smaller in height and mass than the existing substation and will be technically superior in ensuring continuation of supply.
What is this Consultation about?
The project is deemed to be a major development and in line with requirements, NIE Network is undertaking a pre-application community consultation process to inform the community and gather views on the project. The information gathered will be used to inform the final scheme.
PROJECT NEED
Ballylumford Substation is a critical transmission node on the network enabling access for conventional generation and the Moyle interconnector to the Northern Ireland Transmission Grid.
Studies were commissioned by NIE Network to establish the condition of the 110kV indoor switchgear equipment and the substation building. Whilst the equipment was determined to be in good condition, it is 40 years old and is increasingly likely to be subject to short circuit failures. This combined with limited availability of spares and technical support dictated the need for replacement of the equipment.
A number of options were considered including rebuilding of equipment in-situ or the construction of a new air insulated substation; both of these options were discounted due to technical limitations associated with outages, programme requirements and land availability. The remaining option involved the development of a GIS on lands adjacent to the existing substation – this was considered to be the preferred option in terms of operational, technical and cost. Ballylumford Substation is a critical transmission node on the network enabling access for conventional generation and the Moyle interconnector to the Northern Ireland Transmission Grid.
Studies were commissioned by NIE Network to establish the condition of the 110kV indoor switchgear equipment and the substation building. Whilst the equipment was determined to be in good condition, it is 40 years old and is increasingly likely to be subject to short circuit failures. This combined with limited availability of spares and technical support dictated the need for replacement of the equipment.
A number of options were considered including rebuilding of equipment in-situ or the construction of a new air insulated substation; both of these options were discounted due to technical limitations associated with outages, programme requirements and land availability. The remaining option involved the development of a GIS on lands adjacent to the existing substation – this was considered to be the preferred option in terms of operational, technical and cost.
PROJECT PLANNING
Planning Application
NIE Networks obtained outline planning consent in August 2022 under planning application reference LA02/2022/0298/O. The proposed development will now be the subject of a full planning application, to be submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council planning authority.
Nature of the Application
The area of the site boundary is in excess of 1 hectare and as such, under the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015, the project would constitute a ‘major development’ as defined by Section 25 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. NIE Network is therefore committed to carrying out this Pre-Application Community Consultation (PACC) process as required by Section 27 of the Act.
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
The proposed development does not fall within either Schedule 1 or 2 of The Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA]) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 and as such, it is not anticipated to be required to accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). It is however anticipated that the planning authority will undertake an EIA screening exercise under Schedule 8 of the EIA Regulations.
Environmental Reporting
Whilst a full ES is not anticipated to be required, in support of the planning application, a range of environmental reports and supporting information are to be provided, to include ecology, noise and air quality, outline construction and environmental management plan and contaminated land.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY
1. Ecology
The proposed site was subject to ecological assessment including Phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys for the outline planning application. The subject site had limited habitat value comprising of bare gravel and sporadic patches of common weed species and hedgerow. Surveys identified no presence of protected species on site; there was no evidence of bats in the building structures. A shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) was undertaken in respect of proposals and the proximity to European sites including Larne Lough SPA and Ramsar. The shadow HRA concluded no significant impact upon European sites as a result of the project. These surveys will be updated to for the full planning application.
2. Landscape and Visual
Photomontages were produced for the outline planning application from seven viewpoints, providing both distant and close views of the subject site, including views across Larne Lough (Olderfleet Castle, Glynn, Shore Road/A2) and on Islandmagee. The photomontages will be updated for the full planning application.
3. Noise
Baseline noise surveys were undertaken for the outline planning application to inform the noise impact assessment report, considering locations of sensitive receptors at Loughview Bungalows, Ferris Bay Road, Quarterland Road and Ballylumford Road. The noise impact assessment considered both construction and operational phase noise impacts during both daytime and night time settings with no significant noise effects predicted from the proposed development. The noise surveys will be updated for the full planning application.
4. Air Quality
An Air Quality Impact Assessment was undertaken for the proposed development at outline planning application stage, considering locations of sensitive receptors in line with those considered within the noise impact assessment. The assessment found that impacts such as dust generation and plant/vehicle emissions would be of short duration but can be managed through appropriate mitigation; associated impacts were considered not significant/negligible. This assessment will be updated for the full planning application.
5. Contaminated Land
A generic quantitative risk assessment and conceptual site model was produced of the subject site for the outline planning application, following historical data review and analysis of site investigation data. Whilst concluding that no source-pathway-receptor linkages were present and no remediation for the site was required, recommendations for appropriate waste management and disposal were recommended. This assessment will be updated for the full planning application.
*Relevant reports associated with the aforementioned disciplines and an Outline Construction Environmental Management (CEMP) will be provided in support of the project planning application.