Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 18: Cowie
Figure Number: VP-18 a Existing View; VP-18b Wireframe; VP18-c Photomontage
Grid Reference NS 839 894 Elevation 44m AOD
Bearing 74º Direction of View: North east
LCT: Lowland Hill Fringes LCA: East Touch Fringe
Distance to nearest 5.42km
Existing Cumulative
Craigengelt WF
Turbine:
visibility:
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 medium range distance of 5.42km above Cowie’s built up area rooftops, seen
against the backdrop of the Upland Hills. The blade tips of three turbines will marginally break the skyline as the
turbines are backed by the Lowland Hills and Valleys’ ridge of low, rounded hills with large dark areas of plantations on
top of them.
The grand form of the range of the Ochil Hills draws the eye in the view. The appearance of the Forthbank wind energy
development beyond the Ochil Hills makes it of secondary value in the view.
Cumulative Effects:
The Craigengelt and Braes of Doune wind energy developments become visible when the viewer moves 100m to the
north towards the local school play area. When the viewer moves to the south east, at the Community Centre open
space area, the Braes of Doune wind energy development becomes visible.
Magnitude of Change: Medium
The position of turbines in relation to the foreground buildings may give rise to awkward comparisons of scale. While
the more distant Benarty Hill offers some enclosure to the view, the turbines do not sit above the skyline and as a
result increase the ability of the background hills to backcloth the view. Cowie’s built up area spreading over the
foreground and middle ground in the view will reduce the impact of the Forthbank wind energy development. All four
turbines will be visible although they will be seen as a single and relatively compact group.
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.
The presence of the chimney stacks 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.
Nature of impact
Direct
Significance of Effect
Moderate
Viewpoint 19: South Alloa
Figure Number: VP-19a Existing View; VP-19b Wireframe
Grid Reference NS 876 915 Elevation 12m AOD
Bearing 105º Direction of View: east
LCT: Lowland River Valley LCA: Carse of Forth
Distance to nearest
Turbine:
1.28km
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:
This is a close range view. All turbine towers will be concealed by the riverside vegetation and industrial buildings.
Only the movement of blades would be seen against the skyline.
Cumulative Effects:
The Craigengelt wind energy development is visible on top of the Craigengelt Hill, rising above the skyline. Earlsburn
wind energy development blade tips above the Touch Hills ridge are barely perceptible.
Magnitude of Change: Low
Pylons dominate this view. The chimneys of Alloa Works are seen in the 95 degree view in the left side of the view.
The chimneys break the skyline above the Ochil Hills and the pylons’ height exceeds that of the top of the blade tips.
The buildings in South Alloa are orientated to the north where opens the view over the River Forth towards Stirling.
This view is spectacular with the craigs rising above the floodplain of the River Forth and with the Highlands on the
horizon.
Nature of impact
Significance of Effect
Direct
Minor
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 94
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©