Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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dominated by the buildings and infrastructure associated with Sizewell
power station, although the Minsmere and Dunwich cliffs partially screen
views towards the power station in places. Views towards inland features
and promontories beyond the seascape unit are largely limited by the
headlands forming the boundaries of the unit, even when visibility is good.
When visibility is very good, however, there will be very distant seaward
views from some areas of coastline towards the WTGs of GGOWF, lying
approximately 31km out to sea in a south easterly direction.
Perceptual Qualities
4.3.13. The seascape unit is characterised by the gently curving lines and forms that
structure and enclose the coastal edge. Whilst there are extensive views
eastwards out to sea, there is limited visibility beyond the headlands at
Walberswick and Thorpeness to the north and south. This limited distant
visibility along the coast combines with the enclosure of the Minsmere and
Dunwich cliffs to result in a relatively intimate and contained character
along some stretches of the coastline. This sense of partial enclosure
contrasts strongly with the more open, large-scale character of the inland
marsh areas and the exposed character of the cliff tops around Dunwich
Heath. The juxtaposition of the dunes, marshes, cliff-top heaths and the
wooded hinterland results in a vibrant array of contrasting natural colours
and textures. The extensive areas of marshland also combine with the areas
of woodland and heath to keep major roads and settlement at a distance from
the coast edge, which instils a strong sense of remoteness and wilderness in
places. Sizewell power station acts as a strong focal point in many of the
views available along the coastline and its dominating presence within the
seascape forms a striking contrast to the adjacent tracts of naturalistic
marshland and heath habitats.
Existing Sensitivity to Change
4.3.14. The seascape environment appears to be well maintained and is generally
intact. The unit is characterised by an unusual and distinctive combination
of habitats and features and, with the notable exception of Sizewell power
station, is largely free of significant detractors.
4.3.15. The sense of remoteness and wilderness combines with the partial enclosure
of sea views in lower lying areas along the beach to increase the seascape
unit's sensitivity to the type of change proposed by the offshore wind farm.
The existing contrast between the Sizewell power station and the adjacent
matrix of natural habitats, however, combines with the very distant views
that will be sometimes seen towards GGOWF to moderate this sensitivity.
The sensitivity of the Walberswick to Thorpeness regional seascape unit to
the type of change proposed is considered, therefore, to be High-Medium.