Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
15.4.62 As indicated in Chapter 9 (Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment), although there may be
some residual landscape effects arising from the proposal, as indicated by visitor surveys
contained in Tables 15.7 and 15.8, these will not necessarily be perceived by viewers as
negative impacts to the area. This will include views from recreational spots, tourist
attractions, tourist facilities and tourist routes.
15.4.63 Any residual effect on traffic, such as delays due to abnormal loads, is likely to be minor, as
indicated in Chapter 7 (Traffic, Access and Transport). The use of local suppliers for
aggregate for site infrastructure will result in an increase in the vehicle numbers on the local
roads However, the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of this are considered to
outweigh the traffic implications, and local suppliers will have a smaller impact on the wider
network than more distant suppliers.
15.4.64 The residual effect on accommodation availability is likely to be short-term during the high
tourist season during the period of construction of the proposed wind energy development.
Occupancy is likely to be substantially increased by usage of available accommodation by
workers during the low season.
15.5 Land Use
Approach and Methods
15.5.1 Clackmannanshire Council’s Scoping Opinion commented that the ES should consider
potential impacts of the development on land use and contain measures to mitigate and
enhance these impacts. The assessment should include relevant interests in Falkirk and
Stirling Council areas whose boundaries lie close to the application area.
15.5.2 There is no specific guidance on the preparation of a land use impact assessment. This
assessment therefore, has considered total habitat loss and the ecological value of the land
within the application area and the potential changes in land use.
15.5.3 This section considers the effect of the proposed wind energy development on the land use of
the application area - this incorporates findings from the Ecology (Chapter 11) and Ornithology
(Chapter 12) Assessments.
15.5.4 Land use has been sourced from visits to the application area and surrounding area, and from
an examination of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer Map (366 – Stirling & Ochil Hills West –
Alloa & Dunblane).
Baseline Conditions
15.5.5 The application area covers an area of approximately 37.9ha, and consists primarily of a
former landfill in the southeast which is largely unvegetated, though with some tree cover. An
associated restored area exists in the northwestern area, near the site entrance – the rest of
the site is primarily rough grassland with some small trees and bushes along the fenced
boundaries. The application area lies to the south of Alloa adjacent to the Upper Forth
Estuary, and to the west of the Black Devon tributary to the Forth. Access is taken from an
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 23
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