Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
9.2.55 Cumulative assessment methodology is discussed later in the section 9.5 Cumulative
Landscape and Visual Effects.
Assessment Criteria
9.2.56 The objective of the assessment process is to identify and evaluate the predicted significant
effects arising from the proposed wind energy development. The assessment informs the
layout in an effort to prevent, reduce or offset the significant effects. This process has
embedded primary mitigation measures within the design of the proposal.
9.2.57 The assessment then identifies and evaluates the residual effects within the finalised design.
In order to provide a level of consistency and transparency to the assessment, and allow
comparisons to be made between the various landscape and visual receptors, the assessment
of significance is based on pre-defined methodology and criteria.
9.2.58 Significance is not graded in bands, and a degree of informed judgement is required. Even
with the application of pre-defined criteria, interpretation may differ between individuals, but
this allows the process of reaching these conclusions to be transparent.
Sensitivity of Receptor
9.2.59 The sensitivity of a landscape or a view to change varies according to the nature of the existing
resource and the nature of the proposed change. Considerations of value, integrity and
capacity are all relevant when assessing sensitivity. For this purpose, these terms are defined
as follows:
Value
9.2.60 The value or importance attached to a landscape for its scenic or aesthetic qualities, or cultural
associations, can be recognised through national, regional or local designation. A viewpoint
that is marked on tourist maps, signposted, or otherwise recognised may have a greater
importance, and this may be increased if facilities for the enjoyment of the view such as a
viewpoint indicator, benches or footpaths are provided. Conversely, a viewpoint located on a
minor road may have a more limited importance. A viewpoint that is visited or used by a large
number of people will tend to have greater importance than one gained by very few people,
although this is not always the case. The greater the importance of the viewpoint, the greater
its sensitivity is likely to be.
Integrity
9.2.61 The degree to which the value has been retained, the condition and integrity of the landscape
or the view. The integrity/quality of a landscape character receptor is a reflection of its
attributes, such as sense of place and scenic quality, and the extent to which these attributes
have remained intact. A landscape with consistent, intact and well-defined, distinctive
attributes is generally considered to be of higher quality and, in turn, higher sensitivity, than a
landscape where the introduction of inappropriate elements has detracted from its inherent
attributes. However, there are instances when the quality of a landscape may have been
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 12
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©