Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
degraded to an extent whereby it is considered to be in a fragile state and therefore a
degraded landscape may have a higher sensitivity to wind energy development.
Capacity
9.2.62 The ability of a landscape or view to accommodate the proposed change while retaining the
essential characteristics which define it. The existing landscape character determines the
degree to which the receptor may accommodate the influence of the proposed wind energy
development. For example, a landscape that is of a particularly remote character may have a
higher sensitivity to the influence of the wind energy development due to the contrast that the
wind energy development would have with the landscape whereas a developed, industrial
landscape, where built elements and structures are already part of the landscape character,
may have a low sensitivity.
9.2.63 When assessing sensitivity, values currently placed on the landscape, in terms of policy or
designation, are considered. This chapter identifies whether the policies themselves have
been developed though landscape character assessment.
9.2.64 Objectives are often set at a county or local level for each landscape character type. These
include conservation, enhancement, maintenance or restoration of existing character and
creation of a new character. The ability of a development to fit with the objectives can also be
taken into account in determining the landscape’s sensitivity.
9.2.65 The level of sensitivity of each receptor is a product of the specific combination of value, quality
and existing landscape character as evaluated for that receptor. The combination of these
three criteria and the resulting level of sensitivity to the proposed wind energy development are
described in the evaluation of sensitivity for each receptor. The following table defines the
criteria, which have guided the judgement as to the Sensitivity of the Receptor.
Table 9.2 Sensitivity of Receptor
Landscape Sensitivity Criteria
High
Medium
Low tolerance to change.
Nationally designated/valued countryside and
landscape features; strong/distinctive landscape
character; absence of landscape detractors. No
incongruous features.
Best examples of a particular landscape type.
These landscapes may be open or exposed with a
remote character and an absence of man-made
features. They are often highly visible from adjacent
landscapes and exhibit a high density of sensitive
landscape features.
Medium tolerance to change.
Locally designated/valued countryside and landscape
features; with moderate strength of character; some
distinctive landscape characteristics; few landscape
detractors; may have suffered some decline and may
feature occasional incongruous features.
These landscapes may have some enclosure, or be
affected by some man-made features, or have little
inter-visibility with adjacent landscapes and exhibit a
moderate density of sensitive landscape features.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 13
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Degrees of Sensitivity for Visual Receptors to
this type of development
Public views from: Designed vistas or viewpoints;
Settlements or groups of dwellings; Public open
space;
Motorways and A class roads; National Trails or
named recreational paths; Designated Tourist
Routes;
Outdoor recreational and tourism
spaces/activities;
Navigable waterways; Private views from
residential properties.
Observer’s attention very likely to be focused on
landscape.
People experiencing views from important
landscape features of physical, cultural or historic
interest, beauty spots and picnic areas.
Public views from: B class and local distributor
roads;
Main railways; Local railways; Other public
footpaths/bridleways.
Observer’s attention may be focused on
landscape, such as road or rail users, users of
secondary footpaths, and people engaged in
outdoor sport or recreation. e.g. fishing, water
sports, golf
Low High tolerance to change. Public views from: Low usage roads; Little used