Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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10.4. Summary of Cumulative Effects
Onshore / Coastal Receptors including Regional Seascape Units
10.4.1. The proposed GWF will not significantly add to the existing cumulative
effects generated by the consented and existing operational offshore wind
farms in the study area. The GWF turbines, being further offshore, have a
slightly increased ZTV out to sea. The cumulative ZTV studies indicate the
theoretical landward visibility of the proposed WTGs will not extend greatly
beyond the existing areas of visual exposure associated with the WTGs of the
GGOWF. As a result, although the proposed GWF WTGs will add to the
existing spread of WTGs seen on the horizon line when viewed from land,
they will rarely alter the degree or extent of existing visual exposure, nor will
they generate significant additional effects on landscape or seascape
character. The overall cumulative effect of the proposed GWF over and
above that caused by the existing and consented wind farms of the study area
is considered, therefore, to be no more than Low to Negligible.
10.4.2. WTGs located within future development sites within the East Anglia Round
3 zone could potentially occupy a large proportion of seaward views from the
northern extents of the coastline within the study area, and in particular
from the Walberswick to Thorpeness regional seascape unit. WTGs within
the Round 3 zone, GGOWF and GWF could, theoretically, occupy almost the
entire horizon when viewed from his area of coast, with a small gap between
the Round three zone and GWF / GGOWF. Whilst there could potentially be
some significant overall cumulative effects they would be due to
developments within the East Anglia Round 3 zone (due to its size and
proximity from the coast) rather than the addition of GWF. The extent of
these cumulative effects can thus only be determined once development
details of the East Anglia Round3 zone are known.
Offshore Receptors
10.4.3. Offshore receptors comprising people on recreational and commercial vessels
located to the west of GGOWF (where the highest density of recreational
vessels occur) will see the WTGs at GWF in the context of those at GGOWF
in the foreground, except towards the south where a small part of GWF lies
west of GGOWF. GGOWF will, in most instances, be the most prominent
WTGs in views, with the WTGs at GWF seen beyond those at GGOWF,
increasing the density and possibly the spread of WTGs in the view.
10.4.4. Receptors passing within, close to or east of GWF (e.g. fishing, cargo or cruise
vessels) will see the proposed WTGs at closer distances and they will become
the most prominent WTGs in most views, albeit often seen in the context of
the WTGs at GGOWF just to the west. The WTGs at Gunfleet Sands, London