Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_SLVIA
25
Beyond the ongoing tension between these conflicting forces for change,
there are few significant detractors impinging on the landscape.
4.2.27. The relatively undisturbed, natural and isolated character of this landscape
increases its sensitivity towards the type of change proposed by the
development. The limited nature of views beyond the landscape character
type, however, goes some way to moderating its sensitivity. However, views
of the sea or the role of the sea in forming part of the setting of the landscape
character type are not referred to in the Suffolk Landscape Character
Assessment description, and it is not described as being sensitive to offshore
development. The sensitivity of this landscape character type to the type of
change proposed by the offshore wind farm, outwith its area, is Low.
Plateau Estate Farmlands
4.2.28. This landscape character type includes a flat topography of light loams and
sandy soils with a large-scale rectilinear field pattern structuring the
landscape. This structure is augmented by a network of tree belts and coverts
as well as large areas of enclosed former heathland. Notable landscape
features include a number of 18th, 19th and 20th century landscape parks
and several former airfields. The settlement pattern is characterised by
clustered villages with a scattering of farmsteads around them. The
vernacular architecture is often a 19th century estate-type brick and tile.
4.2.29. This landscape character type lies at a minimum distance of 38.8km from the
nearest WTG.
Sensitivity to Change
4.2.30. The condition and intactness of this landscape character type has been
affected by development associated with the A14 and A12 trunk roads. In the
wider landscape, many hedges are in poor condition and the characteristic
pattern of fields, hedges and woodland coverts has been lost in parts through
20th century agricultural improvements.
4.2.31. The visual enclosure afforded by woodland and boundary vegetation
combines with the strong landscape structure to moderate the sensitivity of
this landscape character type. Views of the sea or the role of the sea in
forming part of the setting of the landscape character type are not referred to
in the Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment description, and it is not
described as being sensitive to offshore development. The sensitivity of this
landscape character type to the type of change proposed by the offshore wind
farm, outwith its area, is Low.