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

would justify the conclusion that within the context of the Rotherham
District the landscape is of relatively high quality.
6.165 However it is noted that wind turbines in any rural location can be
designed so as not to affect these positive characteristics of a landscape.
It is therefore concluded that the landscape character of the site and
immediately surrounding area is of no greater sensitivity to wind energy
development than other areas within the JCA which are not designated as
an AHLV.
6.166 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.
6.167 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.
SENSITIVITY OF SURROUNDING JOINT CHARACTER AREAS TO
WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BEYOND THE EXTENTS OF THEIR
OWN BOUNDARY
6.168 The sensitivity of surrounding JCAs to wind energy development beyond
the extents of their own boundary has been established by extrapolating
information from the relevant landscape character assessment, capacity
studies and from observations in the field.
6.169 Essentially, JCA 37 (Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe) and JCA 50
(Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Dewent) are considered to be of
medium sensitivity to wind energy development beyond the extents of their
own boundaries as a key constituent element of their landscape character
is derived from the long distance views over the surrounding landscape.
JCA 30 (Southern Magnesian Limestone), JCA 39 (Humberhead Levels)
and JCA 49 (Sherwood) are considered to be of low sensitivity to wind
energy development beyond the extents of their own boundaries as the
landscape character experienced within these JCAs is influenced very little
by elements in the distant landscape.
6.170 Table 6.5 summarises the sensitivity of surrounding JCAs to wind energy
development beyond the extents of their own boundary.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement