Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 20: A876 to Clackmannanshire Bridge
Figure Number: VP-20
Grid Reference NS 920 872 Elevation 17m AOD
Bearing 325º Direction of View: North west
LCT: Coastal margins LCU: Kincardine Coastal Flats
Distance to nearest 4.15km
Existing Cumulative Earlsburn
proposed turbine:
visibility:
Location:
The viewpoint is taken from the National Cycle Way on the Clackmannanshire bridge. The viewpoint is situated
4.15km to the south west of the site at an elevation of 2m AOD.
Context:
The bridge crossing, designed to alleviate traffic pressure on the Kincardine Bridge includes an extensive network of
new cycleways and footpaths and provides transport links between Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Fife.
Receptor Type:
This viewpoint is selected as being representative of A876 road users who are heading to the Clackmannanshire
Bridge in a north east direction. The viewpoint represents the general view that would be seen crossing the bridge on
foot or by bicycle as the high railings of the bridge block views for vehicle users.
Existing View:
It is a wide panorama over the River Forth flood plain and its water to the Ochil Hills which at a distance of 10km form
the skyline. On the left side of the view the Highlands faded summits rise behind the Ochil Hills. The lower horizon is
formed by the dark vegetation line. Dunmore village buildings are distinguishable through the riverside vegetation.
The distinguishable shape of Abbey Craig with the Wallace Monument on top of it appears above the vegetation line
on the background of the Highland Summits.
The light coloured Alloa industrial development lies directly in view on the northern shore of the River Forth. Alloa
Works chimneys and the highest four pylons are clearly visible. The most conspicuous vertical elements are two lattice
towers, one on each side of the bridge. The lattice towers break the skyline above the Ochil Hills.
The King’s Seat Hill with Clackmannan Tower and church are visible on the right side of the view on a backdrop of the
Ochil Hills. The run of pylons of the ‘Forth Crossing’ is clearly seen alongside the shore of the River Forth. The pylons
extend over the riverside vegetation and the landform of King’s Seat Hill.
The visibility of the proposal site:
The proposal site is not clearly visible from the viewpoint. The Alloa Works chimneys are in the view and the
Clackmannan Tower is visible. The location of the proposal site between Alloa and Clackmannan is indicated by these
above named landmarks. Part of the site remains behind the dark line of the riverside vegetation.
Visual detractors:
Both lattice towers rise above the Ochil Hills and break the skyline. The 380kV Forth Crossing runs along the northern
shore of the River Forth towards Alloa where it crosses the river. Alloa Works’ white chimneys and industrial buildings
are clearly visible on the darker backdrop of the Ochil Hills.
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 57
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©