Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_LVIA
91
September 2011
GALLOPER WIND FARM SUBSTATION
views of the GGOWF substation from an area of grazing meadows
(within the Coastal Levels landscape character type). This area of
grazing meadows is already influenced by the presence of two pylons,
overhead wires, and Sizewell Power Station to the northeast.
Effects on Landscape Character Types at Year 1
Estate Sandlands
10.1.7. The main changes that will affect landscape character will be the
removal of part of Sizewell Wents woodland and the creation of the
proposed landform with the substation behind, and the cable sealing
compounds connecting to the existing overhead cables. The
constructed features will be new elements in the landscape, albeit set
within the context of existing infrastructure at GGOWF and the
adjacent pylons and overhead wires, and Sizewell Power Station to the
north-east. The proposed landform will screen lower parts of the
substation including security fences, vehicles and smaller scale
equipment, with taller structures such as larger buildings and
lightning rods protruding above it. At Year 1 (and until it is cloaked
in maturing woodland), the proposed landform will be a new feature
but, due to its gentle outside slopes, it will integrate into the existing
landform. Planting will be new and, due to the small size of plants,
will have little effect at this stage.
10.1.8. Within the areas described in paragraph 10.1.4 (including Sizewell
Wents wood, part of Broom Covert, the two arable fields to the south
of Broom Covert and Sizewell Wents (up to Sizewell Gap road), and
the land within which the gantries will be located (up to Sandy Lane))
the magnitude of effect at Year 1 will be High. The sensitivity of the
Estate Sandlands is Medium. The significance of effect at Year 1
within this localised area will be Major-Moderate. Beyond this
distance the magnitude and significance of effect would reduce
rapidly with distance, and as existing vegetation, landform and
development buffers effects. The effects will be Adverse.