Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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4.0 Landscape and Seascape Character
4.1. Introduction
4.1.1. The identified study area embraces a long, varied and indented stretch of
coastline, extending from the Blythe Estuary to the north, southwards to the
Alde and Deben Estuaries and beyond to the Naze in the south. Whilst
considerable areas exhibit a natural, undeveloped character, there are areas of
urban development dotted along the coast, including Southwold, Thorpeness
and Aldeburgh along the northern extents of the coast and the docks at
Felixstowe to the south.
4.1.2. In assessing the sensitivity of this varied coastline to the proposed changes of
the offshore wind farm, due consideration has been given to the existing
landscape and seascape character to be found within the study area.
4.2. Landscape Character
Refer to Figure 02.
4.2.1. In reviewing the character of the existing landscape environment due
consideration has been given to landscape character assessments that have
been completed at the national and local level.
4.2.2. National Character Areas, as described by the Countryside Character
Initiative (CCI) and Natural England's Landscape Character Assessment,
provide the broader framework to determine the character of the British
countryside at a national level. Within the CCI Character Map, at a national
level, the majority of the study area can be seen to lie within the bounds of
Character Area 82, Suffolk Coast and Heaths.
4.2.3. At the local level, Suffolk County Council published the Suffolk Landscape
Character Assessment in 2008 which describes the landscape character types
that can be found within the county. It was updated in 2010.
4.2.4. Landscape character types at an approximate distance of 40km or greater
from the proposed development are considered to be at such a distance that
the change proposed by the offshore wind farm, outwith its area, will not
cause any effects. Descriptions and assessment for landscape character types
lying beyond 40km have not, therefore, been included within the assessment
even where they lie within the 45km study area.
4.2.5. The landscape character types identified by this assessment lying within
40km of the proposed development are as follows:
� Ancient Estate Claylands;