Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
proposed wind energy development. As the Group 3 remains at a long distance range, the
magnitude of the visual cumulative effect is not high.
9.5.74 The cumulative magnitude appears higher from high level viewpoints due to the scale of the
open view and the extent of the view. This position enables the viewer to see more cumulative
wind energy developments. The increased magnitude is dependent on the numbers of turbines
visible but this does not mean that the cumulative effect would be significant when the
proposed wind energy development is added to the view.
9.5.75 It was demonstrated in several viewpoints in the case of the Braes of Doune and Black Law
wind energy developments that the large number of turbines could increase significantly the
magnitude of the effect.
9.5.76 The cumulative effect is not increased in the viewpoints such as VP5 – Wallace Monument,
VP6 – Stirling Castle, VP13 Ben Cleuch, VP14 – Falkirk Wheel and VP16 – Dumyat where the
views are experienced by significant numbers of people.
9.6 Summary of Effects
Landscape Effects
9.6.1 The proposed Forthbank site is well located for wind energy development due to its absence of
landscape designations, which apply to the site and the immediate surrounding area. There
are no international/national designated landscapes located within the study area. However,
local landscape designations such as Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) were identified.
The study concluded that the identified AGLV´s would not experience significant effects as a
result of the proposed development.
9.6.2 There are 9 nationally designated Gardens and Designed Landscapes (Figure 9.4) which fall
within the ZTV in the 35km study area. The proposed wind energy development shall have no
effects over these properties and curtilages due to the surrounding vegetation intervening
landscape and distance.
9.6.3 Regional Scenic Areas (Figure 9.3) of the Kilsyth Hill and the Campsie Fells situated to the
west of the proposed wind energy development range from negligible for the Kilsyth Hill to no
change for the Campsie Fells.
9.6.4 Local landscape designations (Figure 9.3) comprise Areas of Great Landscape Value. Of these
only the Ochil Hills AGLVs is expected to have minor effects. The proposed wind energy
development is therefore considered not to have any significant effects on any landscape
designations.
9.6.5 Further, the existing wind energy developments within the study area demonstrate how any
wind energy development proposal will modify the existing character of the landscape through
the introduction of new and large-scale elements. However the large scale and open character
of the landscape is capable of accommodating substantial change, while retaining the essential
characteristics, which define the area. In appropriate locations, turbines can be accommodated
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 123
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