Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
significant effects on the visual resources. These viewpoints are generally residential
receptors and view the turbines breaking the skyline.
9.6.14 From locations in close proximity as illustrated in Viewpoints: (VP2 Kennet Pans, VP3 -
Clackmannan Public Park, VP4 - Alloa Tower, VP8 -A905 and VP- 9 Dunmore Village and
VP11– Airth), the visibility of the turbines would be of high magnitude and the introduction of
large vertical elements i.e. turbines, would represent a major change in the landscape
character of the site and its immediate context.
9.6.15 The high magnitude of change would occur on the closest farms such as Park Farm, Arns farm
and Inch of Ferryton Farm. The view is orientated to the Gargunnock Hills, not the Ochil Hills,
and the turbines are viewed amongst the many pylons.
9.6.16 It should be noted that the average height of the Forth Crossing pylons is between 53.6m to
57.8m, and four pylons at the crossing point of the River Forth are 78m tall. The two lattice
towers, one on each side of the river, extend almost to 90m in height.
9.6.17 Within close proximity, the proposed turbines would become a principal determining element
of landscape character which is rated as a high magnitude of effect.
9.6.18 The other close range viewpoints on the Carse of Forth such as: VP7 - Fallin Village VP10 -
Path Pineapple, VP19 - South Alloa on the other hand illustrate the negligible magnitude of
predicted visual effect which is reduced by the screening provided by vegetation, built form and
slight undulation of the landform.
9.6.19 The visual effect in all other settlements within the ZTV coverage in the study area is
considered to be not significant. All the other settlements which sit at a low level on the river
valley have views due to the screening of vegetation or built forms. All the other settlements
which are sited restricted above the river valley are at a distance which reduces the magnitude
of the potential effects.
9.6.20 Throughout the study area a minor number of roads, rights of way and core paths (draft) would
experience changes from the presence of the wind energy development in the view. These
views are transient in nature and limited in extent due to the roadside’s high embankments and
hedgerows which prevent any sideways views. Within this inharmonious landscape, views are
frequently blocked and diverted by the harsh edges and physical division of road
embankments, and often rambling industrial and residential areas, giving way to filtered
glimpses of the nearby hills and the neighbouring petrochemical plant at Grangemouth.
9.6.21 The visual effects on the roads within the ZTV cover in the study area are not considered to be
significant. The general magnitude of the effect to the routes remains negligible. Although there
is potential for views towards the proposed wind energy development from roads in the local
area, much will depend on local circumstances including the extent to which the roadside
vegetation and urban environment filter or obstruct views towards the site. In general the same
visual format for settlements applies to the roads. All the roads which are at a low elevation on
the river valley have restricted views due to the screening of vegetation or built forms. All the
roads which are sited above the river valley are at a distance which reduces the magnitude of
the potential effects. The main factor reducing any possible occurring visual effect is the
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 125
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