Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Effects on Walkers and Pathways
15.4.46 In accordance with the Land Reform Act 2003, chapter 2 part 6(1) (g) (as outlined in the
Scottish Outdoor Access Code), general public access rights will be removed from the
construction site for health and safety reasons. However, these effects would be temporary
and the provision of appropriate signage and information for local users regarding construction
activity would reduce any effects experienced. There are no Rights of Way crossing the
application area which will require to be stopped during construction.
15.4.47 As there are no formal rights of way/core paths in the application area, direct impact on
walkers during the construction period would consist of temporary closure of the path running
along the foreshore (access associated with the former landfill) and any access taken under
the Land Reform Act.
15.4.48 Access rights would be reinstated after the defined construction period (apart from for some
periods for essential maintenance) though signage would discourage passing close to the
turbines. Preferred routes away from the application area will be marked – potentially to follow
Core Path 6 – approximately 50m north of the application area. This access right would be for
anyone on foot, cycle or horseback.
15.4.49 The significance of this direct impact is likely to be negligible, given the small number of
defined routes passing through the application area, the large number of other routes in the
area, the potential for users to use the current routes if desired, and the past use of the
application area as a landfill, reducing its appeal for walkers.
15.4.50 The landscape and visual effects associated with the proposed wind energy development on
nearby walking routes, pathways, and areas of land where tourists are likely to observe and
value the view are considered in Chapter 9 (Landscape and Visual). As indicated in paragraph
96 above, 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 from the pathway – in the case of the proposed wind energy development,
views from nearby pathways currently take in surrounding industrial infrastructure on both
banks of the Forth, and the former landfill.
15.4.51 Although “views” may be seen by some walkers as the prime reason for walking, the journey
and experiences other than the view (such as exercise, shared experience with family/friends
and physical challenges gained from the activity, as well as the benefit of travelling between
two points) are likely to play an important role in others’ enjoyment of the activity. These will
not be affected by the presence of the proposed wind energy development.
15.4.52 Overall, the significance of the proposed wind energy development on walkers in the area is
therefore considered to be minor, given the fact that the view is unlikely to be the main benefit
achieved by people enjoying this activity, and any change in view compared to the existing
state is unlikely to be viewed negatively by walkers.
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 20
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