Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Static Effects
9.2.46 The assessment of static visual effects is through analysis of individual viewpoints, considered
representative of the range of views within the study area.
Sequential Effects
9.2.47 Individual viewpoints are selected on the basis of where the proposal is theoretically visible
from and where it is likely to have a significant effect. This can create a slightly misleading
impression when assessing a number of viewpoints along a route. The sections of the route
from where the proposal is not visible tend not to be represented through viewpoints.
9.2.48 The assessment of the proposed wind energy development’s potential effects on the
motorways is based on the analysis of the experience recorded during the field study. It is
prohibited to stop on these roads and a lower speed limit is set in order to preserve normal
flow. Due to the speed and the orientation of these roads it is difficult to gain a constant long
view. The direction of the view is determined as straight forward and brief glimpses to the side
are not considered in the assessment.
9.2.49 The assessment of sequential effects is therefore undertaken partly through the analysis of
viewpoints along main transport routes, partly through an assessment of the existing
characteristics of the route, and partly through analysis of other visualisation tools such as the
Zone of Theoretical Visibility and OS maps.
Cumulative Effects
9.2.50 The assessment of cumulative effects describes the effects of each individual wind energy
development (installed, approved, in planning) within 70 km of the proposed Forthbank wind
energy development that interacts with the wind energy development, including supporting
graphics such as cumulative ZTVs and cumulative visualisations.
9.2.51 Cumulative effects on visual amenity can be experienced either from static viewpoints, where
two or more developments can be seen from a single location (combined visibility); or
sequentially, where in the process of moving along a route, two or more proposals are visible.
9.2.52 Combined visibility is experienced either in combination, where more than one wind energy
development is visible within the same field of view, or in succession, where only by turning to
face another direction is any other wind energy development visible.
9.2.53 The proposed turbines in this instance are over 100m height to which the cumulative
assessment guidance recommends a search area of 70km.
9.2.54 An initial list of all wind energy developments within 70km of the proposed wind energy
development was prepared based on information derived from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
and the Renewable UK (formally the British Wind Energy Association). Falkirk Council
supplied information concerning the wind energy developments such as Rullie, Burnhead,
Callander Estates and a Community project near Torwood.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 11
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©