Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Effects on Visitor Attractions
15.4.40 The proposed wind energy development has the potential to affect views from visitor
attractions, which could affect the enjoyment of these attractions (an indirect impact). Views
from some of these attractions (such as the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Alloa Tower and the
Dunmore Pineapple) were assessed in Chapter 9 (Landscape and Visual Assessment). This
assessment considered the visual sensitivity of the viewpoint (considered to be high in areas
visited by large numbers of walkers, and along pathways – as defined by the SNH guidance)
and the magnitude of the change (generally small to medium). The magnitude of the
significance is therefore largely weighted by the sensitivity of the area from which the view is
taken, which is a set factor in the assessment.
15.4.41 The impact of the proposed wind energy development on views from nearby attractions were
assessed in Chapter 9 (Landscape and Visual) as follows:
Viewpoint Receptor Sensitivity Magnitude of Change Effects on Visual
Significant?
Amenity
Alloa Tower Medium High Major to Moderate Yes
Wallace Monument High Low Moderate to Minor No
Stirling Castle High Low Moderate to Minor No
Pineapple Medium Negligible Negligible to Minor No
Falkirk Wheel High Low Moderate to Minor No
15.4.42 However, the LVIA does not put any weight on the opinion of the viewer, or the weight that
they will place on any additional aspect in the view. In addition, the assessment of sensitivity
does not take into account the existing views achieved, or whether vegetation is currently
screening views– in the case of the proposed wind energy development, views from many
nearby visitor attractions will take in the existing industrial infrastructure around the Forth, and
the former landfill.
15.4.43 Although views may be seen as the prime reason for some visitors to visit some tourist
attractions in the area, they are unlikely to be the only reason. Other reasons may include the
opportunity to visit sites of historical or natural interest, the opportunity for outdoor leisure, or
the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Therefore, even if changes in views as a
result of the proposed wind energy development are perceived to be negative (which is not
necessarily the case, as shown in Table 15.7 and 15.8), this is unlikely to alter the whole visitor
experience of the majority of viewers, nor to discourage repeat visits or recommending the
attraction.
15.4.44 As a result, the significance of indirect effects of changes in views from tourist attractions is
considered to be minor.
15.4.45 During construction of the proposed wind energy development, vehicle movements could
impact on tourist routes or people attending tourist attractions in the area. As assessed in
Chapter 7 (Traffic, Access and Transport) the proposed routes of turbines to the site will be
from the M876 motorway, via the A876, Clackmannanshire Bridge, Kincardine Bypass, A977
and A907, and then through Alloa. Although there is some possibility that the proposed routing
will impact on tourists and visitors, it has been designed to minimise disruption on all users of
the local road network, and any impact will be minor given the short-term nature of the
construction programme and small number of turbines involved.
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 19
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