Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_SLVIA
Landscape capacity refers to the degree to which a particular landscape
character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant
effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type.
Capacity is likely to vary according to the type and nature of change being
proposed. 1
Landscape sensitivity. The extent to which a landscape can accept change of a
particular type and scale without material effects on its character. 2
Magnitude. A combination of the scale, extent and duration of an effect. 1
Mitigation. Measures, including any process, activity or design to avoid,
reduce, remedy or compensate for adverse landscape and visual effects of a
development project. 1
Receptor. Physical landscape resource, special interest or viewer group that
will experience an effect. 1
Regional seascape units. They will normally be defined by regional headlands,
islands, or coastal features and the determining factor will be shared
intervisibility (although there will be pockets inside this where some other
parts are not visible). The unit will generally extend up to 15km offshore, and
inland to the extent of the ZVI or buffer. The distance offshore (or the
offshore buffer) may be extended where there is elevated topography in close
proximity to the shore. 3
Seascape. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines ‘Seascape’ as a ‘picture or
view to the sea’. However for the purposes of this [GSA] guide we have
broadened the concept and assumed the definition to include:
� Views from land to sea
� Views from sea to land
� Views along coastline
� The effect on landscape of the conjunction of sea and land
These parameters are used to define the seascape areas included in this
methodology. Some additional areas on land may be included that are coastal
in character, but which may not have direct views of the sea, such as areas
behind sand dunes. 3
1 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Institute of
Environmental Management and Assessment/Landscape Institute, 2002)
2 Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland,
Scottish Natural Heritage and The Countryside Agency, 2002
3 Maritime Ireland/Wales Interreg 1994-1999 'Guide to Best Practice in
Seascape Assessment' (GSA) March 2001.