Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
generally be of lower magnitude than a narrow, focussed view, even if the arc of view occupied
by the proposal is similar.
Duration
9.2.71 The duration of the effect. An effect experienced in a single location over an extended period
of time is likely to result in a higher magnitude of change than an effect which is of a short
duration, such as a glimpsed view from a road.
Orientation
9.2.72 The angle of the view in relation to the main receptor orientation. If the wind energy
development is seen in a specific, directional vista, the magnitude of change will generally be
greater. The more oblique the angle of the view, the lower the magnitude is likely to be, as the
traveller has to make an increasing effort to see the site, and may not be aware of it at all.
Context
9.2.73 The elements, which in combination provide the setting and context to the proposal. In
particular, vertical man-made structures within the context can decrease the magnitude of
change.
Scale
9.2.74 The scale of the landform and the patterns of the landscape, the existing land use and
vegetation cover, and the degree and type of development and settlement seen in the view will
all be relevant. In general, the large scale of the turbines tends to be better accommodated in a
large scale and relatively simple landscape. In addition, uncomfortable comparisons of scale
can be created where the turbines are seen in the context of elements of a more domestic
scale such as housing.
Background
9.2.75 Turbines seen against a single backdrop, e.g. sky or moorland, will generally be more coherent
than those viewed against a variety of backdrops. Where one particular backdrop
predominates, the selection of an appropriate colour and texture to the turbines can help
mitigate the effects by reducing their visibility against this backdrop.
The Setting
9.2.76 The setting of the view in terms of the foreground, middle ground and backdrop. Setting also
relates to the complexity or simplicity of the landscape or view, the sense of remoteness or
development, which provides the context for the proposal. Views of the wind energy
development that are gained directly over water, with no foreground and no middle ground and
with the site forming the backdrop, are likely to have a higher magnitude of change than those
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 15
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