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

6.30 The viewpoints were selected to represent a range of views and viewer
types as discussed in Table 7 of Visual Representation of Windfarms –
Good Practice Guidance, SNH commissioned report FO3 AA 308/2. The
viewpoints cover a variety of different character types, are in different
directions from the site and are at varying elevations. The viewpoints are
located at a range of distances from the development to illustrate the
varying magnitude of visual impacts with distance from the site.
6.31 All of the representative viewpoints were photographed at 1.7m above
ground level. However, where relevant, assumed views from upper floors
of buildings were considered in the assessment.
6.32 For each of the viewpoints, a wireline model was generated to help identify
the scale, arrangement and visibility of the turbines (see Table 6.2 for a
description of how the wireline models were produced). These are
presented in Figures 6.10 – 6.29. The images were proofed on site to
assess how natural and built screening would affect visibility of the site.
6.33 Six of the wireframe models were developed further into photomontages to
help illustrate the predicted impact of the development (see Table 6.3 for a
description of how the photomontages were generated and their
limitations).
6.34 Each of the representative viewpoints was visited on a number of
occasions to understand the sensitivity of views. Furthermore, the entire
extent of the study area was visited to appreciate visibility of the
development as receptors move through the landscape.
6.35 The viewpoints were used as the basis for determining the effects on
visual receptors within the entire study area.
6.36 The potential impact upon residential amenity was considered a key
potential constraint to development in this location, it was therefore
considered appropriate to undertake a further analysis upon the impact of
residential amenity for those that have the potential to be most affected.
This assessment has been done considering those properties within 2km
of the site.
6.37 It should be noted that it was beyond the scope of this study to gain
access to individual dwellings or gardens and the nearest public access
point was used for visual assessment purposes. The assessment can
therefore be used only as an approximate guide. Defining the limits of
private gardens was particularly challenging and considering the view from
all corners of any individual garden was impossible. Therefore, the score
attributed to each property or cluster of properties is based first and
foremost on the view from the property but where possible the view from
the garden has also been taken into account.
6.38 The assessment has been done on the basis of the following assessment
methodology:
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement