Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 13: Ben Cleuch
Figure Number: VP-13 a Existing View; VP-13b Wireframe; VP13-c Photomontage
Grid Reference NS 903 006 Elevation 721m AOD
Bearing 186º Direction of View: south
LCT: Lowland Hills LCA: Ochil Hills
Distance to nearest
Turbine:
9.25km
Existing Cumulative
visibility:
Craigengelt WF
Earlsburn WF
Braes of Doune WF
Burnfoot WF
Greenknowes WF
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with 4
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
All four turbines will be readily visible from the medium range distance of 9km. The turbines would be visible rising
above the River Forth’s flat floodplain. The turbines will appear well below the skyline when seen from this elevated
viewpoint. Alloa’s built up area is in the middle ground of the view.
Cumulative Effects:
Craigengelt and Earlsburn wind energy development turbines appear on the dark background of the Fintry Hills. Due
to the long range distance (22km) and the atmospheric conditions they are difficult to distinguish.
The cluttered composition with an overly dense and confused appearance and the frequent overlapping of turbines of
the Braes of Doune appears against the attractive Highlands view when the receptor turns to the north west.
Installed turbines of Burnfoot stand on a slope between Ben Cleuch and Ben Buck, at a close distance of 2.3km to the
north.
Greenknowes’ turbines on Rowantree Craig are visible at a medium range distance of 10km to the north east.
All turbines of cumulative wind energy developments’ are contained below the skyline due to the high location of the
receptor.
Magnitude of Change: Low
The elevation of the landscape is such that much of it rises above the wind energy development and this gives it less
visual importance, and therefore less influence, than if it rises above the viewer. The turbines have less vertical impact
in this situation, and this is further reduced by the containment of the turbines below the skyline.
The presence of the industrial units alongside the River Forth shoreline reduces the unfamiliarity of the proposed
turbines within this open flat river valley landscape.
The presence of the transmission poles and pylons reduce the unfamiliarity of these vertical elements within this
predominantly open landscape. It is notable that the wind energy development will not introduce an entirely new
influence into the view.
The very strong, inherent character of the Ochil Hills is also an important consideration. The landmass gives two
aspects to the view from the top of it, the open view being over the landmass of the Ochil Hills and secondly over the
open flat river valley underneath.
As an external influence, the wind energy development will affect a very small proportion of the 360 degree view that is
available from the viewpoint. There is limited horizontal extent of the wind energy development which means it will only
occupy a limited section of the wider view.
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.
Nature of impact
Significance of Effect
Indirect
Moderate to minor
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 90
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©