Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 11: Airth Village
Figure Number: VP-11
Grid Reference NS 902 878 Elevation 7m AOD
Bearing 345º Direction of View: north
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCU: Carse of Forth
Distance to nearest 2.7km
Existing Cumulative none
proposed turbine:
visibility:
Location:
The viewpoint is taken from the grounds of the residential property on the northern edge of Airth Village.
The viewpoint is situated 2.7km to the south of the site at an elevation of 7m AOD.
Context:
The village of Airth lies on the A905 which runs parallel to the south bank of the River Forth from Stirling to
Grangemouth. It is 1.6km north of the junction from which are access roads to the nearby Clackmannanshire Bridge.
Airth Castle (now functioning as a hotel) sits on the top of the Hill of Airth in wooded grounds on the west boundary of
the village. Airth Castle is accessible from the A905 in Airth.
Receptor Type:
This viewpoint is selected as being representative of Airth village residents and the A905 road users who are heading
in the direction of Stirling.
Existing View:
It is a wide panorama over the River Forth floodplains to the Ochil Hills which form the horizon at a distance of 10km .
In the foreground large arable fields sprawl over the River Forth floodplain. The River Forth’s water is not visible,
therefore a strong contrast with the flat carselands of the Forth valley and the high ground of the Ochil Hills is felt.
The vegetation of the fields’ boundary and riverside form the dense and green middle ground of the view.
The gently rising King’s Seat Hill along with the Clackmannan Tower are distinguishable but the peak of Kings Seat is
almost on an equal elevation as the Lowland Hills and Valleys’. The ridge of low rounded hills with large dark areas of
plantations on top of it is visible to the east of Clackmannan.
The settlements of Alloa and Clackmannan do not stand out in the view as they are well screened by the intervening
vegetation.
The 380kV Forth Crossing runs between Alloa and Clackmannan. The tops of pylons break the skyline above the low
hills on the right side of the view.
The visibility of the proposal site:
The proposal site is visible in its full length from this viewpoint position.
Visual detractors:
The 380kV Forth Crossing runs between Alloa and Clackmannan; Alloa Works’ chimneys.
Landscape Designations:
None identified.
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 48
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