Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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Suffolk Heritage Coast
3.2.11. The Suffolk Heritage Coast is a designated area of coastline located within the
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and extending offshore by approximately
2km, covering the Suffolk Coast between Kessingland and Felixstowe. The
designation of this narrow coastal strip recognises the local importance of its
high scenic quality and its largely unspoilt nature and the need for these
assets to be safeguarded.
3.2.12. The Suffolk Heritage Coast is made up of low marshes and reed beds
interspersed with beaches of sand and shingle. Martello Towers were built
along the coast for defensive purposes during the Napoleonic era and form
distinct features along the coastline. Long estuaries serve to keep the major
roads well inland, and there are relatively few large settlements. The main
settlements found in the Suffolk Heritage Coast within the confines of the
study area are Southwold, Aldeburgh and Orford.
3.2.13. There is no specific policy for the Suffolk Heritage Coast designation listed in
the adopted Suffolk Coastal Local Plan.
Landscape Sensitivity to Change
3.2.14. Given the local importance of its high scenic quality and its largely unspoilt
nature, and that it extends offshore, the sensitivity of the Suffolk Heritage
Coast to the type of change proposed by the offshore wind farm is considered
to be High-Medium, in accordance with the methodology in Appendix 1.
Heritage coasts, although nationally designated, are protected only via local
plan policy.
Special Landscape Areas
3.2.15. The Special Landscape Areas are afforded protection in the Suffolk Coastal
Local Plan under Policy AP13 which states:
‘The valleys and tributaries of the Rivers Alde, Blyth, Deben, Fynn, Hundred,
Mill, Minsmere, Ore and Yox, and the Parks and Gardens of Historic or
Landscape Interest are designated as Special Landscape Areas and shown on
the Proposals Map. The District Council will ensure that no development
will take place which would be to the material detriment of, or materially
detract from, the special landscape quality.’
3.2.16. There are eight Special Landscape Areas located within the study area,
including areas covering the valleys and tributaries of the River Alde, River
Blyth, River Deben, River Hundred and River Minsmere and also the