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Forthbank Wind Energy Development
the magnitude of the change upon it are not utilised in matrices, but are considered holistically
in order that the relevant considerations can be individually assessed, and the attribution of
ratings or formulae is avoided.
Table 9.6 Categories for Significance of Effect
Landscape And Magnitude Of Change
Visual Sensitivity High Medium Low Negligible
High Major Moderate to Major Moderate to minor Minor
Medium Major to Moderate Moderate Minor to moderate Negligible to minor
Low Moderate Moderate to minor Minor Negligible
9.2.84 The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact assessment (2002) (GLVIA) states “the
relationship between the two axis (sensitivity and magnitude) is not linear. The axis (in the
matrix) is also likely to have different weightings, as the nature and scale of effects are largely
derived from objective data, while the sensitivity and value of a landscape resource is largely
derived from subjective judgements” (GLVIA para. 7.47).
9.2.85 The landscape and visual effects which are classified as Major or Major to Moderate are
considered by the assessor to be equivalent to the likely significant effects referred to in the
Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.
9.2.86 Significance can vary depending on individual circumstances and the baseline situation, for
example the presence of landscape designations and/or visual detractors. This is particularly
true of the effects on landscape resources for instance in assessing whether (or not) a
proposed development would a) give rise to a new landscape character type in its own right
where the proposed development would be the defining landscape characteristic and/or b) give
rise to a new landscape sub-type in which the proposed development would be major
contributory element in defining character. In the first case the resulting effect would normally
be significant. In the second case the assessor must use professional judgement to determine
if the effect is significant or not.
9.2.87 A conclusion that an effect is 'significant' should not be taken to imply that the proposed
development is unacceptable. Significance of effect needs to be considered with regard to the
scale over which it is experienced.
9.3 Baseline Conditions
9.3.1 This section sets out the existing conditions in relation to the site and surrounding area. The
process of this survey helps to gain an understanding of what makes the landscape distinctive,
and what its important components or characteristics are. The baseline study is instrumental
in the identification of the landscape character receptors, views and visual receptors to be
included in the assessment.
9.3.2 The baseline study is presented in five sections:
• landscape-related planning designations;
• landscape character types and units;
• the proposal site and surrounding Landscape Context;
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 18
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