Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Effects on Tourist Accommodation
15.4.58 The peak demand for tourist accommodation typically occurs between July and August when
occupancy rates in Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond and the Forth Valley can be as high as
89% 35 . During the low season occupancy rates are considerably lower – less than 20% in
January in guest houses. During the construction phase of the project there is expected to be
additional demand for accommodation and associated services (restaurants, store services
etc) throughout the year.
Mitigation
15.4.59 Some potential effects on tourism and recreation have been identified, though these are likely
to be of only minor significance. It is relevant to note that the assessments undertaken on
walking and pathways, as a result of the LVIA, do not place any weight on the perceived
importance or value of the views from the individual viewer. The assessment of significance is
weighted by the fact that pathways and walking areas are seen to be as of high sensitivity, so
that a “moderate” significance is gained even if there is only a small magnitude of change to
the view. Whilst this is appropriate for an objective assessment of the landscape and visual
resource, it is likely to overestimate the significance placed on any change by individual users
of these recreational pathways.
15.4.60 The proposed wind energy development has been designed to minimise landscape effects as
far as possible, which is expected to have some tourist benefit, as well as being of benefit to
local residents.
15.4.61 The following mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure any remaining effect is
minimised as far as possible:
• turbine parts will be brought in via the M876 motorway, and the Clackmannanshire
bridge, reducing the potential impact on tourist routes and the need to travel through
Kincardine;
• the site will be using an existing access track to the former landfill, and tracks
associated with the landfill;
• construction workers will be spread over accommodation in a wider area over the
peak season to ensure tourist accommodation is still available in any one area for
visitors;
• abnormal loads will allow traffic to pass on route to the site – this will be part of the
proposed Traffic Management Plan to be implemented during construction to
effectively manage road users (motorists, walkers and cyclists) in the vicinity of the
development; and
• incorporation of interpretative material into viewing locations outside of the
application area could establish it as an attraction, and increase visitor numbers to
the area.
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 22
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