environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

6.704 A small number of breaks would be required in hedgerows on site to
accommodate the access tracks. Therefore there would be a low
magnitude of change to several hedgerows which are of high landscape
sensitivity. The magnitude of change would be minimal and result in no
greater than a slight adverse effect.
6.705 The Penny Hill site falls within a single Joint Character Area (JCA), namely
the „Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfields‟, (JCA 38). The
Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside (GOYH) Planning for
Renewable Energy Targets in Yorkshire and Humber Final Report has
assessed the region for its sensitivity to wind farm development in general
terms.
6.706 Out of the 24 JCAs represented within the Yorkshire and Humber region, it
was determined that JCA 38 had the lowest sensitivity to wind energy
development apart from JCA 42 (Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes).
6.707 It is also acknowledged that the site falls within an Area of High Landscape
Value (AHLV) as designated in the Rotherham UDP saved policies.
Although Government policy guidance no longer favours the use of local
landscape designations the fact that this tract of landscape has been
designated as such in a soon to be replaced development plan is an
indication that it is of slightly higher landscape quality than other areas
within the district.
6.708 Essentially, the landscape can be considered to be pleasantly rural but on
the fringes of the urban conurbations of South Yorkshire and the character
is strongly influenced by the external human influences in the surrounding
landscape. The proximity of the M1 to the site with its moving traffic and
associated infrastructure gives the landscape in the vicinity of the site a
less than tranquil character. Overall, the landscape has a pleasant
agricultural character but with prominent and established modern human
influences. The site and surrounding area is therefore considered to be of
medium sensitivity to wind energy development when considered in the
national and regional context.
6.709 The primary impact on the landscape character of the immediately
surrounding area, broadly defined as within 2km of the site boundary,
would arise from the introduction of six new turbines, meteorological mast,
control building, substation and access tracks within the site. The control
building and site compound would be located in a relatively discrete
location adjacent to mature hedgerows. In this position, the compound
would be partially screened and softened by the established vegetation.
6.710 The turbines would appear as tall structures and be greater in height than
other vertical structures in the immediate area although there is notable
precedent for manmade vertical features in the landscape including
overhead electricity pylons and gantries on the M1. The movement of the
turbine blades would be evident in the surrounding landscape. However,
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement