Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 14: Falkirk Wheel
Figure Number: VP-14 a Existing View; VP-14b Wireframe; VP14-c Photomontage
Grid Reference NS 853 800 Elevation 62m AOD
Bearing 20º Direction of View: North east
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCA: Falkirk/Denny Urban
Fringe
Distance to nearest 11.42km Cumulative visibility: Craigengelt WF
Turbine:
Braes of Doune WF
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with 4
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
All four turbines will be visible from the long range distance of 11km against the Ochil Hills landmass.
The turbines will appear well below the skyline which is formed by the Ochil Hills when seen from this elevated
viewpoint.
Cumulative Effects:
When the viewer turns to the north the full layout of the Braes of Doune is visible against the dark backdrop of the
Knaik Hills.
The row of eight turbines of Craigengelt wind energy development rises above the skyline to the north west on top of
the Craigengelt Hill.
Magnitude of Change: Low
From a range of 11km the turbines will be seen as relatively small objects within a wider landscape setting.
The built up density of the middle ground of Falkirk with its large warehouse buildings visible on its periphery 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 bases of the turbines are screened by the intervening landform and woodland, which will greatly
reduce the perceived scale of the turbines.
From this range the turbines will appear as noticeable vertical elements although the vertical form of the turbines will
not be pronounced due to their complete containment below the skyline. They will however have some vertical impact
in contrast to the horizontal landscape context in which they are seen.
The presence of the pylons and operating turbines ensures that the Forthbank turbines are seen in an environment
where large-scale, man-made vertical elements are an established feature of the baseline situation. Two lattice towers
compete with the height of turbines in this view and pylons are in close range in the view.
The turbines will not form a notable addition to the view especially when people are pre-occupied with the Falkirk
Wheel attraction.
Nature of impact
Indirect
Significance of Effect
Moderate to minor
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 91
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