Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 8: A905
Figure Number: VP-8 a Existing View; VP-8b Wireframe
Grid Reference NS 888 895 Elevation 10m AOD
Bearing 20º Direction of View: North east
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCA: Carse of Forth
Distance to nearest 1.38km Cumulative visibility: None
Turbine:
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with 4
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
All four turbines will be visible from the relatively close range distance of 1.4km. The turbines rise as strong
architectural vertical features on the landscape. Turbine no.1 does not break the skyline on the backdrop of the Ochil
Hills as, being further away from the group of three, it is seen as the smallest in this angle of the view. The blades of
three turbines will rotate against the skyline. The turbines no.2 and 3 will be potentially screened behind the hedgerow
trees when these have leaves.
Cumulative Effects:
The cumulative visibility is restricted due to the low level position of the viewpoint which allows containment of views to
the outside. In this case Dunmore Hill with its Woods blocks all views towards the Gargunnock Hills where there are
operating wind energy developments such as Craigengelt and Earlsburn.
Magnitude of Change: High
Turbines will appear as large scale elements within the valley landscape against the Ochil Hills. The hubs and blades
will be seen above the skyline and the movement of their blades will add to their prominence. The pylons do not stand
out on the backdrop of the Ochil Hills and do not compete with the prominent form of the turbines.
The very close proximity of the turbines to the viewpoint means that they will appear as immediately apparent
components in the view. While a high magnitude of change is inevitable from such a close range, there are some
factors that reduce the overall extent to which this view will be altered. The turbines will be seen in a context in which
the movement and noise of traffic has a direct influence on the character of the road. The movement of the blades will
therefore not form such a notable change as they would from a static and less busy viewpoint.
Nature of impact
Direct
Significance of Effect
Major to moderate
Viewpoint 9: Dunmore Village
Figure Number: VP-9 a Existing View; VP-9b Wireframe; VP9-c Photomontage
Grid Reference NS 894 895 Elevation 6m AOD
Bearing 1º Direction of View: north
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCA: Carse of Forth
Distance to nearest 1.03km Cumulative visibility: None
Turbine:
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with 4
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
Close range distance of 1km. It is the closest view for local residents of the Dunmore conservation village although not
all residents would be able to see the view other than if walking along the shore of the River Forth. All four turbines
would contrast against the Ochil Hills and their blades would be seen above the skyline. Turbines will appear as large
scale elements within the river valley landscape.
Cumulative Effects:
The cumulative visibility is restricted due to the low level position of the viewpoint which allows containment of the
views to the outside. In this case Dunmore Hill with its woods blocks all views towards the Gargunnock Hills where
wind energy developments such as Craigengelt and Earlsburn are operating. Inside the village the buildings block the
views outside.
Magnitude of Change: High
The wind turbines would be perceived as new, vertical elements, and the turbines would become a defining element of
the local landscape character, due to the proportion of horizontal angle of view which they would occupy.
The hubs and blades will be seen above the skyline and the movement of their blades will add to their prominence.
The very close proximity of the turbines to the viewpoint means that they will appear as immediately apparent
components of the view. While a high magnitude of change is inevitable from such close range, there are some factors
that reduce the overall extent to which this view will be altered.
The ‘Forth Crossing’s’ pylons establish large scale man-made vertical elements which are a familiar feature in the
view. The visual effect of the turbines when viewed from this location is to establish new vertical architectural
structures along the River Forth shoreline. The pylons reduce the overall prominence of the turbines and their
unfamiliarity in this view. Apart form the landform of the Ochil Hills there are several industrial elements along the
River Forth’s northern shore such as Alloa Works, Longannet Power Station, lattice towers and farm outbuildings.
Nature of impact
Direct
Significance of Effect
Major to moderate
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 87
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