Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
• A876 crossing the Clackmannanshire Bridge; and
• A905 between Fallin and Airth.
9.5.45 Apart from the field survey the cumulative sequential effects are tested by the combined
cumulative baseline ZTVs drawn over the main roads as shown on Figure 9.15. The
cumulative ZTV presents the potential visibility that applies to views from the main routes,
taking account of the effects of operational (Craigengelt and Earlsburn) and approved (ASDA
depot) wind energy developments within the 20km study area. Craigengelt and Earlsburn are
shown as a group with reference to Table 9.14 ‘Wind Energy Development Groups Within
35km’. Burnfoot and Greenknowes wind energy developments are not included in the
cumulative sequential assessment because they are not visible from the selected routes.
9.5.46 The potential cumulative effect of the ASDA depot single turbine is assessed in Appendix 9.10
(Group 5 – Lowland River Valleys: Denny/Falkirk Urban Fringe) where it is stated that the
CZTV pattern of the ASDA depot/Forthbank is almost identical to the pattern of
Craigengelt/Forthbank CZTV. Due to the location of the ASDA depot single turbine at a 9km
distance to the south of the proposed wind energy development at a low elevation within the
urban sprawl of Falkirk it would be difficult to achieve a cumulative view from the selected
roads.
9.5.47 The additional effects that could potentially arise as a result of the Forthbank wind energy
development are described below. In assessing potential visibility, views from a route have
been assessed as those available in the direction of travel and up to 90° towards the proposed
wind energy development.
The M9
9.5.48 The M9 follows the course of the River Forth in a south east to north west direction and
therefore there would be no views directly towards the site. An oblique view of the proposed
turbines with blades visible above the Dunmore Woods canopy is possible to achieve within a
short section after the M9 emerges from the M876 and crosses the railway to head towards
Stirling.
9.5.49 Heading on the M9 to the north the Craigengelt turbines appear frequently straight ahead in
the view. The additional effect of the proposed turbines is considered negligible. The
magnitude of the effect of the proposed Forthbank wind energy development to the M9 was
considered negligible (Table 9.6-1 in Appendix 9.6). While the Craigengelt turbines are straight
ahead in the view, the proposed Forthbank turbines would be barely perceptible in an oblique
view for those travelling on the M9.
The A876
9.5.50 The A876 emerges from the A977 on the north shore of the River Forth, crosses the
Clackmannanshire Bridge to the south and joins the M876 which heads to Denny to the west.
The proposed wind energy development would be in an oblique view when crossing the bridge
in both directions.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 119
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