Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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visible from within it when visibility is good include the infrastructure and
buildings associated with Sizewell power station to the north, as described in
the Walberswick to Thorpeness seascape unit. When visibility is good, there
will also be distant seaward views to the southeast towards the WTGs of
GGOWF. There may also be very distant seaward views towards the WTGs of
the London Array wind farms and the Gunfleet Sands wind farms in views
along the coastline to the south on occasions when seaward visibility is
excellent.
Perceptual Qualities
4.3.20. The seascape unit is defined by a series of contrasts in scale and features. The
seascape is a simple composition of elements, consisting mainly of shingle,
sea and sky. The coastal edge and shingle spit create a regular landscape
pattern, defined by a harmonious combination of straight and gently curving
lines animated with a changeable palette of colours. The seascape is
predominantly horizontal in form, with vast horizons and a general lack of
vertical forms, although the radio masts at Lantern Marshes and the
occasional distant views towards offshore WTGs form notable exceptions.
The seascape has an exposed, isolated and wild character along Orford Ness
spit to the south of the unit. Elsewhere, in the north of the seascape unit
around Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, however, the character of the seascape
can be intimate, welcoming and busy.
Existing Seascape Sensitivity to Change
4.3.21. The components that form and characterise this seascape unit are generally
intact and well-maintained. Whist there are a number of existing detractors
evident within and visible from the coast line, the simple composition of the
seascape and the vastness of the available horizon line combine to moderate
the impact of these detractors on the seascape quality .
4.3.22. The overall simple and harmonious character of the seascape environment
increases the unit's sensitivity to the proposed change of the offshore wind
farm. The presence of existing vertical structures in the landscape, however,
goes some way to moderating the sensitivity of the seascape unit. It is,
therefore, considered that the sensitivity of this seascape unit to the type of
change proposed by the offshore wind farm, outwith its area, is High-
Medium.