Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Landscape Character Type: COASTAL MARGINS
Landscape Character Area: COASTAL FLATS Kincardine
Extent within LCT extends to a 5-7km radius in an east direction within the study area.
the study area From the Coastal Braes and Hills, the Flats are seen as encroachments into the estuary.
Representative VP2 – Kennet Pans (PFP, NCR)
viewpoints
Wind energy None identified
developments
Visual Effects The potential visual effect would occur over a limited area, mainly remaining related to the A876.
Magnitude of The overall magnitude of change would be low.
change
As visual effect of proposed wind energy development would be localised in the vicinity of the A876
the magnitude of change has been adjudged to be medium.
The extent of visibility is related to the orientation of view. The views from the A876 are not
orientated towards the proposed Forthbank development.
Kincardine’s low level position, intervening riverside vegetation, Harkhill woods and the elevated
structure of the Clackmannanshire bridge, all contribute to the screening of views to the Forthbank
wind energy development.
Cumulative The cumulative view would occur with the operating/approved wind energy developments which are
Effects
located on higher levels on Lowland Hills such as: Craigengelt and Earlsburn.
Nature of Indirect
impact
Significance of
Effect on LCT
as a whole
No significant effect
The level of effect is considered to be of low magnitude and in the context of the low sensitivity of the
LCU, would be of no significant effect.
Landscape Character Type: COASTAL MARGINS
Landscape Character Area: The Bo’ness Coastal Hills
Extent within LCT extends to a 13-20km radius in a south east direction within the study area. A series of rolling,
the study area coastal hills about 100 to 150m ADD with a general down-slope to Bo'ness and the Firth of Forth.
The town of Bo'ness lies mainly on the rising land of the hills which are topped by a golf course. The
hills are crossed by the M9 and other major roads and railways.
Representative VP12 – Bo’ness
viewpoints
Wind energy None identified
developments
Visual Effects This LCU affords extensive views across the Forth and its strong coastal character.
Magnitude of
change
Cumulative
Effects
Nature of
impact
Significance of
Effect on LCT
as a whole
The overall magnitude of change would be negligible.
The southern periphery of the LCU is outwith the ZTV. The main effects could be found therefore
close to the coastline.
The visual effect of the proposed Forthbank wind energy development would be localised in the
vicinity of the River Forth’s southern shore where the magnitude of change has been adjudged to be
low. Inside Bo’ness the views are blocked by buildings and the sparse high level locations afford long
distance views over the built up urban area. Bo’ness itself restricts views to the outside area.
The blades would be viewed against the backdrop of the Ochil Hills landmass and would not break
the skyline. They will stand in view next to the Longannet Power Station chimney, amongst the
pylons. Any visibility will however be experienced in a context in which large scale pylons and the
Longannet Power Station are readily apparent features. This context will reduce the perceived scale
of the turbines. The more distant range reduces the scale at which the turbines will be seen and
therefore also their prominence.
The Lowland Hills accommodate operating wind energy developments: Craigengelt and Earlsburn,
which are already visible in this landscape and have some influence on its character. The main
visual influence is caused by Longannet Power Station and Grangemouth Oil Refinery facilities. The
proposed Forthbank and the operating ones are equivalent to the size of pylons in the view. Also the
prevailing presence of clouds conceals the operating wind energy developments.
Neutral/Indirect
No significant effect
The level of effect is considered to be of negligible magnitude and in the context of the low sensitivity
of the LCU, would be of no significant effect.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 74
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