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

Landscape impacts relate to the effects of the proposals on the
physical and other characteristics of the landscape and its resulting
character and quality.
Visual impacts relate to the effects on views experienced by visual
receptors (e.g. residents, footpath users, tourists etc) and on the visual
amenity experienced by those people.
TYPES OF EFFECT CONSIDERED IN THE LVIA
6.8 The LVIA assesses both the long term effects relating to the operational
lifetime of the wind farm and also the short-term impacts associated with
its construction. Where appropriate, the LVIA also considers any residual
effects once the wind farm has been decommissioned and removed.
6.9 The LVIA not only assesses the impacts associated with the turbines but
also any related impacts resulting from the meteorological mast, control
compound, underground cabling, site tracks and access roads.
6.10 Consideration has been given to seasonal variations in the visibility of the
wind farm.
6.11 The LVIA also assesses cumulative effects caused by the development of
the site in conjunction with other existing or proposed wind developments.
6.12 The cumulative impact of other wind farms within 40km of Penny Hill which
are either operational, under construction, consented or the subject of a
full planning application have been assessed. These sites have been
identified in Appendix 13.1 and are illustrated in Figure 6.1. Best practice
guidelines identify three types of cumulative visual impact:
STUDY AREA
Simultaneous (or combined) visibility – where two or more sites are
visible from a fixed viewpoint in the same arc of view;
Successive visibility – where two or more sites are visible from a fixed
viewpoint, but the observer is required to turn to see the different sites;
and
Sequential visibility – where two or more sites are not visible at one
location, but would be seen as the observer moves along a linear
route, for example, a road or public right of way.
6.13 The study area for the visual assessment was taken to have a radius of
20km from the site in all directions.
6.14 Scottish guidance suggests that for wind turbines of the size proposed, a
30km radius may in some cases be appropriate. However, this guidance
has been specifically prepared for the consideration of landscape and
visual effects of turbines in Scottish landscapes.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement