Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
9.2.3 In accordance with current best practice, the study area for the landscape and visual effects
extends to 35km from the outer turbines. To assess the likely cumulative effects of the wind
energy development the study area has been extended to 70km radius. These figures are
based on the recommended distance of Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) as provided by
‘Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best Practice’, (p.58, para. 6.1.8) University of Newcastle
2002.
9.2.4 Planning policy is set out in Scottish Planning Policy document (SPP) and Planning Advice
Notes (PANs) from the Scottish Government, and Structure Plans and Local Plans produced
by Councils. In these documents, there are policies that relate to the environment and in
particular to the landscape.
• SPP: Scottish Planning Policy (2010);
• PAN45: Renewable Energy Technologies, Scottish Executive (Revised 2002); and
• PAN60: Planning for Natural Heritage (2000).
9.2.5 Scottish Natural Heritage (2005) Strategic Locational Guidance for Onshore Windfarms in
Respect of the Natural Heritage, contains guidance with regard to the sensitivity of Scotland in
terms of its natural heritage, based on a desktop assessment of landscape and natural
heritage designations. Areas of high, medium and low sensitivity are identified across
Scotland, as well as intermediate areas (hatched areas on Map 5: Zones of Natural Heritage
Sensitivity (SNH 2009) of the document). The proposed wind energy development site lies in
an area of low sensitivity.
Consultation
9.2.6 Consultations were undertaken with statutory consultees through a ‘request for a formal
scoping opinion’ in connection with the proposed wind energy development. Consultations
have been carried out with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Stirling Council, Falkirk Council
and Clackmannanshire Council. Consultation has focussed on the selection of viewpoints and
cumulative wind energy developments to be considered in this assessment. The current SNH
WindFarm GIS mapping dataset was consulted in order to identify other wind energy
developments which would need to be included in the cumulative impact assessment.
Table 9.1 Consultation
Consultees
SNH
Discussion
In SNH’s letter of 19 July 2010 the scoping advice for the LVIA’s first 12 viewpoints selected by
RPS were agreed.
A88 Bellsdyke viewpoint was excluded as on a level of 7m AOD the proposed wind energy
development remained hidden by the Hill of Airth which rises up to a level of 30m AOD.
Additional viewpoints were requested from the Ochil Hills, Clackmannanshire Bridge, Falkirk
Wheel and routes for assessment of sequential/cumulative effects (M9, A811, A907, A84 and
A873).
SNH provided up to date data about cumulative wind energy developments and which wind
energy developments the cumulative assessment should focus on.
On the meeting on 19 August 2010 it was agreed to check for additional viewpoints at Tomtain
Hill, Earl’s Hill, Cairnpapple and Saline Hill and to take a 360 degree view from Ben Cleuch for
the cumulative assessment.
SNH advised to focus the CLVIA on the likely significant impacts of the proposal in combination
with wind energy developments such as:
Forthbank + Braes of Doune;
Forthbank + Craigengelt/Earlsburn/Earlsburn Extension/Muirpark;
Forthbank + Burnfoot; and
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 4
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