Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

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how each of the key characteristics would be affected. The judgment of
magnitude therefore reflects the degree to which the key characteristics and
elements which form those characteristics will be altered by the proposals.
11) Landscape Designations and Value
The sensitivity of designated landscapes is assessed based on their relative
value. All landscapes are valued to a greater or lesser extent, and local people
generally value open countryside regardless of whether or not it is
designated. However, a despoiled or degraded landscape would generally be
of Low value (and corresponding Low sensitivity in this respect).
Undesignated, ‘everyday’ countryside would tend to be of Medium value.
Nationally designated landscapes, which enjoy statutory protection
(National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) have a High value
(and thus a high sensitivity in this respect). Locally designated landscapes
would have High-Medium value and sensitivity, as would Heritage Coasts,
which though nationally designated, are protected only via local plan policy.
In considering the effects on designated areas, a number of factors need to be
considered. The effects on the component seascape / landscape character
areas and the effects on views from within and towards the designated area
need to be understood. These effects are then considered in light of the
documented “special qualities” and purposes of the designation; and the
proportion of the designated area that is affected, in order to arrive at a
judgement of the magnitude of effects on the designated area.
Thus the judgement of the significance of effect on designated areas takes
into account the value of the landscape (via the sensitivity rating) and the
degree to which the purposes of designation are affected (via the magnitude).
12) Viewpoints and Visual Receptors
A wide variety of visual receptors can reasonably be anticipated to be affected
by a proposed wind farm development. The Guidelines for Landscape and
Visual Impact Assessment indicate that the following factors affect the
sensitivity of a viewpoint: The location and context of the viewpoint; the
expectations and occupation or activity of the receptor and the importance of
the view. These are all interlinked considerations, as the location, context and
importance of the view will influence the likely activities and expectations of
the receptor. The range of visual receptors will include pedestrians, and
recreational users of the surrounding landscape such as walkers, cyclists and
those otherwise engaged in the pursuit of leisure activities within the visual
envelope of the site, local residents, motorists, those working outdoors and
other workers. All categories of receptors can potentially be affected to a
greater or lesser degree by a wind farm development. The four main visual