Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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main effect. There will be additional effects arising from marine activity
associated with cable installation, cargo barges and transportation of
materials including land based or harbour construction activity. The
presence of the construction vessels and the associated marine activity is
considered to be relatively insignificant, however, as there is an existing
baseline of significant marine activity in the study area.
Operational
6.2.4. The operational phase will have the most significant impact due to the long
duration of this stage. The main element of effect during the operational
period will be the visual influence of the WTGs on the seascape and
landscape receptors identified in the study area. The substations may also be
visible due to their mass but, as they are smaller in height and fewer in
number than the turbines, it is the turbines that will have the greatest effect.
Decommissioning
6.2.5. During the decommissioning phase, there will be visual effects associated
with decommissioning activity similar to that of the construction phase.
Given the existing baseline of marine activity in the study area and given that
the anticipated length of decommissioning will be slightly less than that for
the construction phase, these impacts arising from the decommissioning
phase will be more temporary than for the construction period and are
considered to be relatively insignificant.
6.3. Operational Effects on Designated Landscapes, the Historic
Environment and Local Footpaths
6.3.1. The majority of the coastline within the study area is recognised for its
aesthetic value, with a number of overlapping national and local
designations present (refer to Figure 01). Although these designations
physically incorporate various intertidal areas, all the proposed WTGs fall
well beyond any of the designation boundaries. The proposed GWF will not,
therefore, result in any physical effect upon designated landscapes within the
study area. Any effects arising will be limited to indirect effects upon visual
attributes of the designated landscapes only.
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB
6.3.2. Panoramic sea views are an important characteristic of the coastline within
the AONB. There will be open distant views towards the WTGs of the
proposed GWF visible along many of the beaches, shingle spit areas and the
eastern extents of cliff tops within the AONB. The views towards the
proposed WTGs, however, will be seen in the same sector of the seaward view