Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 3: Clackmannan Public Park
Figure Number: VP-3
Grid Reference NS 911 916 Elevation 30m AOD
Bearing 255º Direction of View: west
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCU: Carse of Forth
Distance to nearest 1.60km
Existing Cumulative Craigengelt WF
proposed turbine:
visibility:
Earlsburn WF
Location:
The viewpoint is taken from the edge of the Clackmannan Public Park. The viewpoint is situated 1.60km to the east of
the site at an elevation of 30m AOD.
Context:
Clackmannan Public Park is located opposite Clackmannan School on the southern edge of the town. Clackmannan
sits at a higher position on the River Forth valley. The Black Devon binds it to the north and west and merges
downwards to join with the River Forth. The Public Park sits on the same line as the Clackmannan Tower which is in a
north west direction.
Receptor Type:
This viewpoint is selected as being representative of Clackmannan Park visitors, local residents and tourists and
recreational users of the landscape.
Existing View:
The view is elevated and panoramic. The eye is drawn over the River Forth valley floor towards the Lowland Hills in
the long distance horizon. Eight turbines of Craigengelt wind energy development are clearly visible on top of
Craigengelt Hill.
In the foreground, sprawls the low carseland of the River Forth with several Farm buildings dotted around its rich
pastureland.
On the right side of the view the water of the Forth is open in some rare spots as the course of the river convolutes
close to Alloa. This gives an impression of far stretching large green fields up to the point where the river valley
landscape meets the Lowland Hill Fringes.
Settlements are perceivable on higher fringes above the river valley vegetation. Cowie is recognisable by its Work’s
chimneys. Close to South Alloa a row of pylons of the 380kV Forth Crossing crosses the river although the pylons do
not break the skyline.
Stirling Castle rises against the subtle backdrop of Highland mountains, and the chimneys of the Alloa Works break
the skyline on the very edge of the right side of the view.
The water of the river is visible on the left side of the view in between Airth and Dunmore villages. In this section
Slamannan Plateau with woodlands forms the skyline above the river valley.
The visibility of the proposal site:
The proposal site is visible in its full length from this viewpoint position.
Visual detractors:
Craigengelt wind energy development is dominant, positioned directly in the view. The 380kV Forth Crossing runs
alongside the River Forth although the pylons do not break the skyline.
Landscape Designations:
National Cycle Route No 76 passes the park’s entrance and then heads down to the River Forth valley floor where it
takes its course along the coastline.
Viewpoint Sensitivity to the proposed wind energy development: :
The landscape sensitivity of this location is considered to be low.
The visual sensitivity of this location is considered to be medium.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 41
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