Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 12: Bo’ness
Figure Number: VP-12 a Existing View; VP-12b Wireframe
Grid Reference NS 008 814 Elevation 24m AOD
Bearing 310º Direction of View: North west
LCT: Coastal margins LCA: The Bo’ness Coastal Hills
Distance to nearest 14.30km Cumulative visibility: Craigengelt WF
Turbine:
Earlsburn WF
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with 4
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
It is a long range view where the three turbines would be visible over the River Forth on the backdrop of the dark
landmass of the Ochil Hills. Turbine no.3 remains at this angle of view behind turbine no.4. In the view the turbines rise
amongst the pylons next to the Longannet Power Station. The chimney of the Power Station focuses the eye as it is
seen above the skyline.
Cumulative Effects:
The blades of the Earlsburn wind energy development are perceivable above the range of the Gargunnock Hills. The
Craigengelt wind energy development is concealed behind the vegetation.
Two blade tips of Burnfoot or Greenknowes would be visible by the wireframe. In reality it would be difficult to notice
these within the undulation of the landmass of the Ochil Hills.
Magnitude of Change: Negligible
From a range of 14.3km the turbines will be seen as relatively small objects within a wider landscape setting. The built
up density of the foreground of the viewpoint where Bo’ness spreads out will reduce the impact of the Forthbank wind
energy development. There is limited horizontal extent to the wind energy development which means it will only
occupy a limited section of the wider view. The turbines will be not seen to their full height, only the top part of turbine
towers is perceivable above the vegetation line.
From this range the turbines will appear as noticeable vertical elements and their blade movements will be seen,
although the vertical form of the turbines will not be pronounced due to their complete containment below the skyline.
Their vertical impact is limited due to the strong form of the Longannet Power Station chimney which contrasts with the
horizontal landscape. The close proximity of the turbines to the chimney creates the impression of their being a part of
this large utilitarian development.
The presence of the Power Station and Grangemouth Oil Refinery chimneys and pylons ensures that the turbines are
seen in a context where large-scale, man-made vertical elements are an established feature of the baseline situation.
These existing elements surround the turbines on either side, so that the turbines are not extending the influence of
this type of development in any direction. In this view the above named industrial elements are located closer to the
viewpoint than the Forthbank wind energy development therefore their presence dominates.
Nature of impact
Indirect/Neutral
Significance of Effect
Negligible to minor
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 89
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