Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Significance of Effects
10.2.42 The significance of effects is a combination of the value of the resource or asset and the
magnitude of effect on that resource or asset. Effects can be adverse or beneficial. Beneficial
effects are those that mitigate existing effects and help to restore or enhance heritage assets,
therefore allowing for greater understanding and appreciation. In line with Guidance Note
208/07 (DMRB Volume 11, Section 3, Annex 7) the following matrix is used for all three subtopics.
Table 10.4 Cultural Heritage: Significance of Effects Matrix
Value
Sensitivity
Very High Neutral Slight Moderate/Large Large or Very Large Very Large
High Neutral Slight Moderate/Slight Moderate/Large Large/Very Large
Medium Neutral Neutral/Slight Slight Moderate Moderate/Large
Low Neutral Neutral/Slight Neutral/Slight Slight Slight/Moderate
Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral/Slight Neutral/Slight Slight
No Change Negligible Minor Moderate Major
MAGNITUDE OF IMPACT
10.2.43 Where the matrix provides a split in the significance of effects, e.g. Moderate/Slight, the
assessor will exercise professional judgement in determining which of the levels of significance
is more appropriate.
10.2.44 Moderate or greater effects are considered to be significant for the purposes of the EIA
Regulations.
10.2.45 The table below, based on Figure 8 of PAN 45 (entitled General Perception of a Wind Farm in
an Open Landscape), with an additional comment on the maximum potential magnitude of
effect, generalises the relationship between distance and magnitude of effect, without taking
into account the sensitivity of receptors, or environment/visibility. It is very possible that the
maximum potential effect is not reached in most cases, given that most receptors will only
have a partial view of the proposed wind energy development.
Table 10.5 Relationship Between Distance and Wind Farm Visibility
Distance Description Maximum potential
magnitude of effect
To 2km The wind farm is a prominent feature within the landscape High
2km-5km The wind farm is a relatively prominent feature within the landscape High
5km-15km Prominent in clear visibility and as part of the wider landscape Medium
15km-30km Only prominent in very clear conditions and as a minor element within the Low
landscape
Settings
10.2.46 The identification of the 'setting' of cultural heritage features, and the nature and magnitude of
effects and consequently effects on such 'settings', has been subject to much recent debate
within the historic environment profession. Legislation and guidance make reference to the
desirability of preserving or not adversely affecting 'settings', but the term has never really
been clearly defined.
10.2.47 It is noteworthy that there are no agreed guidelines on the identification of the setting of cultural
heritage features. SHEP (paragraph 1.2) notes that “The context or setting in which specific
historic features sit and the patterns of past use are part of our historic environment. The
historical, artistic, literary, linguistic, and scenic associations of places and landscapes are
November 2010 Chapter 10 Page 11
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