Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 15: Shieldhill
Figure Number: CW-15a; CW – 15b
Grid Reference NS 898 768 Elevation 175m AOD
Bearing 358º Direction of View: north
LCT: Lowland Plateaux LCA: Slamannan Plateau
Distance to nearest
Turbine:
13.71km
Assessed Magnitude of
Change:
negligible
Cumulative effect with
operating WF:
Braes of Doune
Craigengelt WF
Earlsburn WF
ASDA depot
Cumulative effect with
approved WF:
Cumulative effect with Muirpark Cumulative effects: combined visibility
application WF:
successive visibility
Cumulative Effects:
When the receptor turns to the north the full layout of the Braes of Doune wind energy development is perceivable on
the backdrop of the Knaik Hills. The viewpoint proves that, due to their large number, the 35 turbines could be visible
at a distance of 38.3km.
The Craigengelt layout of turbines is in the view when the receptor turns to the north east with the turbines rising
above the skyline. Both wind energy developments are on a higher level position and easily detected by the eye which
is drawn towards the Highlands.
Some Earlsburn turbines would be visible next to Craigengelt’s turbines, the blades breaking the skyline.
Eight turbines at Muirpark would be visible next to Craigengelt and in this angle of the view the Muirpark turbines stand
beside, but at a closer distance, than Craigengelt.
The ASDA’s single turbine would be in the direct view rising above the Falkirk-Denny Urban Fringe at a distance of
5.2km. The turbine remains below the skyline and also below the Ochil Hill’s foothill which will not therefore form a
backcloth to the turbine.
The proposed turbines remain far behind ASDA’s turbine in combined visibility.
Magnitude of Cumulative Change: Medium
Due to the long distance the Braes of Doune wind energy development is seen as a slight element in a wide landscape
composition.
Craigengelt forms an evident skyline element but it does not form the main visual focus of the view.
The single ASDA turbine remains in the focus of the view.
Due to the large number of turbines clearly visible in the landscape the magnitude of the visual effect is increased.
Significance
of Effect:
Low - where the addition of the wind energy development will make a minor contribution to the
overall cumulative situation, and its addition may be missed.
Viewpoint 16: Dumyat Hill
Figure Number: CW-16a; CW – 16b
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
Assessed Magnitude of
Change:
LOW
Cumulative effect with
operating WF:
Braes of Doune
Craigengelt WF
ASDA depot
Cumulative effect with
approved WF:
Earlsburn North
Cumulative effect with Muirpark Cumulative effects: combined visibility
application WF:
successive visibility
Cumulative Effects:
Earlsburn wind energy development turbine 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. Earlsburn North’s blades would be
visible above the ridge against the skyline.
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.
Muirpark’s turbines would be visible next to the Craigengelt turbines while some would be staggered between the
Craigengelt turbines.
The layout of Braes of Doune’s turbines is clearly visible in the north.
The ASDA depot single turbine would be difficult to distinguish from the Falkirk-Denny busy environment at the
distance of 17km, therefore it will not add any visible effect to the view.
Magnitude of Cumulative Change: Medium
Due to the long distance the cumulative wind energy developments are seen as minor elements in the view.
The high level position of these cumulative wind energy developments together with the high level of the viewpoint,
brings the wind energy developments visually close to the higher level receptor and gives them more of a visual
prominence in comparison with the Forthbank wind energy development which sits in a low river valley.
Earlsburn wind energy development forms an evident skyline element but it does not form the main visual focus of the
view.
Slight potential increase in developed skyline in the view by Earlsburn North.
Dumyat Hill affords almost 360 degree views to the surrounding landscape therefore the variety of directions of the
views reduces the single value of the River Forth floodplain view to the south.
Significance of
Effect:
Low - where the addition of the wind energy development will make a minor contribution to the
overall cumulative situation, and its addition may be missed.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 112
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