Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
be as high as 89% in Self catering units, and 77% in guest houses/B&Bs (in 2008) 32 . During
the off season occupancy rates are considerably lower – less than 20% in January in guest
houses and hostels.
Other Recreational Interests in the Area
15.4.25 There are some paths on Clackmannanshire Core Path Plan and Rights of Way Mapping
which pass close to the application area, though there are none on the application area itself.
These are shown on Figure 15.2. Core Path 6 (Riverside View/Craigrie Road) follows a track
south from Alloa, before tuning sharply to the east, crossing a bridge over the Black Devon and
heading towards Clackmannan. At its nearest point, this track is approximately 50m outside
the red line boundary to the application area. A path, though not recorded on the Core Paths
Plan, is noted to the east of the Black Devon, running north from the Firth of Forth. A network
of further paths is present around Alloa and Clackmannan.
15.4.26 It must be noted that although there are no formal designated paths on the application area
itself, informal paths are marked on OS mapping, including one running south from Core Path
6, and one running along the shoreline, southeast of the sewage works. There are also
existing access tracks on the application area (which will be modified for turbine access)
associated with its past usage as a landfill. In addition, there is a right of access to the
application area under the Land Reform Act 2003 (as outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access
Code). This allows walkers, cyclists and horseriders the right to access any land (with a few
exceptions – including for safety reasons) as long as access is taken responsibly. Therefore,
there is potential for people to access the application area under these rights – particularly
given the coastal nature of the application area, and the proximity to Alloa.
15.4.27 Additional walking cycling and riding will take place in the Ochil Hills and Campsie Fells and
around the Gartmorn Dam and other wildlife areas in the vicinity of the application area.
Birdwatchers in particular may have some interest in the application area, given it’s designation
as an Important Bird Area, and proximity to Inch Island Farm and the Firth of Forth SPA and
SAC (though the application area itself is not adjacent to these designations).
15.4.28 The nearest National Cycle Network is Route 76 (a mixture of on road routes, with traffic free
sections in urban areas) which is part of the “Round the Forth” route. This runs through Alloa
and Clackmannan, approximately 700m north and east of the application area.
15.4.29 The Black Devon was recorded as having moderate water quality in 2008, with moderate
ecological potential 33 . It is protected for freshwater fish. The Upper Forth Estuary, a Special
Area of Conservation in parts, though not adjacent to the application area, is recorded as
having overall poor ecological quality and little fishing interest. However the River Forth at
Stirling is fished for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout. Other fishing areas include the
Gartmorn Dam approximately 3km northeast of the application area which is fished for Brown
Trout and Rainbow Trout by boat between April and October. The River Devon, north and
west of Alloa is also a good fishing river, though water quality is generally poor, particularly
where it flows nearer the application area. The impact on water quality and fisheries is
considered in Chapter 13 (Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology). Careful environmental
monitoring during construction and operation of the proposed wind energy development will
minimise the risk of adverse effects occurring.
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 15
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