Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
9.4.12 The effects on the character of the landscape during the construction phase would result
primarily from the activity and movement of large construction vehicles on the site and on the
network of minor roads in the surrounding areas. The landscape character of the site and its
surroundings is considered to have a low sensitivity to temporary construction traffic. The
effects of this on the character is considered to be medium/high in magnitude; however the
effects would be temporary, of short duration and limited in extent.
9.4.13 Accordingly the significance of the temporary construction effects on the character of the
landscape is considered to be moderate due to the limited extent and duration.
Potential Construction Effects on Visual Amenity
9.4.14 The flat topography of Lowland River Valley landscape would limit the visibility of construction
operations to an extent, reinforced by the riverside and roadside vegetation in some areas. The
visual effects during the construction period would be predominantly limited to ‘close-range
views’ of the erection, dismantling and movement of the crane, layout areas, temporary
compound, control building and construction vehicles using the site access track and entrance.
The visual effects of the activities during the construction phase would be temporary and
intermittent and will be minimised by good site management and a relatively short construction
programme (see Chapter 4 Description of the Proposed Development).
9.4.15 Vehicle movements to and from the site would be visible and would give rise to an increased
perception of activity. However, the majority of vehicle movements would take place within the
site, generally screened from view from the settlements within the study area. The described
activity would be visible from some sections of the A905 road and from a few individual
properties within the close vicinity. The construction works will also be seen from settlements
such as: Dunmore village, Clackmannan, Alloa and Airth. It should be noted that the view to
the proposal site is possible only from the edge of the above named settlements.
9.4.16 The excavation of turbine foundations, formation of access tracks and the installation of
underground cables and grid connection would have local effects only.
Operational Phase
9.4.17 It is anticipated that the proposed wind energy development will be in operation for
approximately 25 years. On completion of its operational life the site may be re-commissioned
following further planning approvals or will be decommissioned.
9.4.18 The operational elements with the potential to affect the landscape and visual amenity of the
study area are:
• Wind turbines
• Permanent meteorological mast
• Switchroom/control building; and
• Access tracks.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 62
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