Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_SLVIA
Making positive/adverse judgements for effects of wind farms on landscape
character based on current guidance would be of questionable value,
particularly if using the conventional interpretation (which is implicit in
many local plan policies) that any ’out of character’ development should be
considered adverse. This would effectively make all wind farm developments
result in adverse effects on seascape / landscape character except if they were
proposed near to another wind farm. For this reason, such judgements are not
included in assessments.
10) Landscape Character
The European Landscape Convention (2000) provides the following
definition:
“Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the
result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.”
The Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland,
CA/SNH, 2002 defines landscape character as:
“the distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the
landscape that makes one area different from another.”
It also notes that (para. 2.1):
“Character makes each part of the landscape distinct, and gives each its
particular sense of place. Whether we value certain landscapes for their
distinctiveness, or for other reasons, is a separate question.”
Landscape character assessment is defined as (Natural England website –
credited as a quote from the guidance):
"the tool that is used to help us to understand, and articulate, the character of
the landscape. It helps us identify the features that give a locality its 'sense of
place' and pinpoints what makes it different from neighbouring areas."
The sensitivity of seascape regional units and landscape character areas
judged is based on both the attributes of the receiving environment and the
characteristics of the proposed development. Thus, the key characteristics of
the seascape units / landscape character areas are considered, along with
scale, openness, topography; the absence of, or presence, nature and patterns
of development, settlement, landcover and land uses in forming the
character. The condition of the receiving seascape / landscape, i.e. the
intactness of the existing character will also be relevant in determining
sensitivity. The likelihood of material effects on the seascape units /