Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_LVIA
32
September 2011
GALLOPER WIND FARM SUBSTATION
4.0 The Existing Landscape Environment
4.1. Introduction
4.1.1. In reviewing the existing landscape environment due consideration
has been given to landscape character assessments that have been
completed at the national and more local level. An appraisal of the
existing landscape features for the development site and the
immediate surrounding area has also been undertaken.
4.2. Landscape Character and Features of the Development Site and
its Immediate Context
The Substation Site
4.2.1. The site of the substation compound covers part of a woodland west
of the existing GGOWF substation and parts of two fields. The
northern field (Boom Covert) is a gently undulating, scrubby pasture
field containing closely grazed grass sward and some scattered small
trees and patches of gorse. The southern field is a rectangular arable
field. Post and wire fences separate the fields and woodland, with a
discontinuous line of scrub running along the fence between the two
fields. The woodland includes pine, beech, sycamore and oak trees,
varying in height between approximately 10m-15m. The GGOWF
substation to the east is enclosed by this woodland on its north, west
and south sides.
4.2.2. The arable field lies on a low plateau, sloping down to Sizewell Gap
road to the south. A line of pylons and overhead wires cross the
southeast corner of the field. From the field there are medium
distance views to the south, although longer distance views are
limited by blocks of coniferous and deciduous woodland in the
middle distance. The pylons, however, can be seen extending into the
distance in the wider landscape beyond. Views are obscured by trees
and woodland lining Lover’s Lane approximately 0.6km to the west,
and in the landscape to the north.