Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 16: Dumyat Hill
Figure Number: VP-16 a Existing View; VP-16b Wireframe; VP16-c Photomontage
Grid Reference NS 836 977 Elevation 426m AOD
Bearing 221º Direction of View: south east
LCT: Lowland Hills LCU: Ochil Hills
Distance to nearest
proposed turbine:
8.16km
Existing Cumulative
visibility:
Craigengelt WF
Earlsburn WF
Braes of Doune WF
4
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
All four turbines will be visible from the medium range distance of 8.1km. The turbines would be visible rising above the
floodplain of the River Forth. Turbine no.3 remains behind turbine no.1 in this angle of the view giving an appearance
of one vertical element.
The turbines will appear well below the skyline when seen from this elevated viewpoint. Alloa’s built up area is visible
in the middle ground of the view with its large warehouse buildings on its periphery.
Cumulative Effects:
Earlsburn wind energy development rises on the top of the Touch Hill ridge, breaking the skyline in the view to the
west. The wind energy development is at the far range distance of 20.2km.
Craigengelt’s turbines are hard to identify against the backcloth of the Fintry Hills due to the atmospheric conditions.
The wind energy development is at a distance of 17.4km.
The scattered layout of Braes of Doune’s turbines is clearly visible in the north.
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. The turbines have less vertical impact in this situation, and this is
further reduced by the containment of the turbines below the skyline.
Alloa’s built up area spreads over the middle ground of the view reducing the impact of the Forthbank wind energy
development.
The presence of the industrial units alongside the River Forth shoreline, reduce the unfamiliarity of proposed turbines
within this open flat river valley 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 280 degree view that is
available from the viewpoint. There is a limited horizontal extent to 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
Viewpoint 17: Saline Hill
Figure Number: VP-17 a Existing View; VP-17b Wireframe
Grid Reference NS 033 931 Elevation 272m AOD
Bearing 262º Direction of View: west
LCT:
Upland Igneous and LCU:
Cleish Hills
Distance to nearest
proposed turbine:
Volcanic Hills
13.82km
Existing Cumulative
visibility:
Craigengelt WF
Earlsburn WF
Greenknowes WF
Black Law
4
Number of Hubs
4 Number of turbines with
theoretically visible:
blades theoretically visible:
Visual Effects:
The visual effect caused by the proposed wind energy development is barely perceptible due to the distance.
Cumulative Effects:
The Greenknowes turbines are visible to the north in the view on the Ochil Hills, rising above the skyline. Turbines are
at the long range distance of 15km.
The rotating blades of Earlsburn are distinguishable above the Touch Hills ridge to the west.
Craigengelt wind energy development is difficult to distinguish on the backcloth of Touch Hill landform.
It is possible to perceive Black Law wind energy development (67 turbines) looking to the south at a distance of
approximately 40km.
Magnitude of Change: Negligible
Nature of impact
Significance of Effect
Indirect/Neutral
Negligible
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 93
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©