Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 14: Falkirk Wheel
Figure Number: VP-14
Grid Reference NS 853 800 Elevation 62m AOD
Bearing 20º Direction of View: North east
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCU: Falkirk/Denny Urban
Fringe
Distance to nearest
proposed turbine:
11.42km
Existing Cumulative
visibility:
Craigengelt WF
Braes of Doune WF
Earlsburn WF
Location:
The viewpoint is taken from the higher point of the Falkirk Wheel where the rotating boat lift is connected to the Union
Canal. The viewpoint is situated 11.42km to the south west of the site at an elevation of 62m AOD
Context:
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It is 35m high.
Situated in a natural amphitheatre outside Falkirk, this remarkable lift is the only structure of its kind in the world. The
Forth & Clyde Canal pass the Falkirk Wheel en route.
Receptor Type:
This viewpoint is selected as being representative of local/international tourists and recreational users of the
landscape.
Existing View:
The elevated position of the viewpoint affords a panoramic long distance view with the Ochil Hills forming the straight
skyline. Scarp slopes of the Ochil Hills form the backdrop to the carseland of the Lowland River Valley landscape.
The woodland on the foreground hides the Forth and Clyde Canal. The vegetation line behind large industrial buildings
marks the course of the River Garron. Above the vegetation the sprawl of Larbert’s built up area can be seen.
The tower of the Larbert Church rises above the River Garron vegetation. The church lies in the heart of
Stenhousemuir, which is the larger of the two villages. This tower is recognisable as a local landmark and can be seen
from higher elevations in Falkirk.
Over the Lowland River Valley the shape of the King’s Seat Hill is distinguishable above the dark river valley
vegetation. The range of the Ochil Hills runs in a north east direction. Further to the right of the view the Upland Hills
form the skyline. In between these high landmasses roll the Lowland Valley Fringes low, rounded hills with large dark
areas of plantations on top. The Kincardine block building is visible on the dark backdrop of the plantations. The top
parts of the lattice towers break the skyline above the Lowland Valley Fringes.
On the left side of the view the Craigengelt wind energy development is visible on the top of Craigengelt Hill. The view
looks over the Lowland Hill Fringes’ broad swathes of hummocky farmland visible on the other side of the Falkirk
Wheel construction.
The visibility of the proposal site:
The proposal site is not visible from the viewpoint due to the distance and the undulating landform and the screening
vegetation.
Visual detractors:
Large industrial buildings of Lochlands are directly in the view.
The tops of the lattice towers (barely perceptible) break the skyline above the Lowland Hills and Valleys’ ridge.
Some pylons of the row running on the River Carron valley are seen although they do not stand out in the view.
Extensive road and rail network of this flatland area is hidden by vegetation.
Landscape Designations:
None identified
Viewpoint Sensitivity to the proposed wind energy development: :
The landscape sensitivity of this location is considered to be medium.
The visual sensitivity of this location is considered to be high.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 51
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©