Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Farm ... - North Ayrshire Council

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Intimate Pastoral Valley Description 4.32 The Brisbane Glen cuts into the upland area to the north-east of Largs. Small pastures occupy the narrow floor and rolling lower slopes of the glen in its lower reaches. Fields are enclosed by dense hedgerows and a strong pattern of small broadleaved woodlands, and mixed policy woodlands, contributes to the diversity and intimate scale of this character area. The Glen becomes less wooded and settled in its upper reaches and has a more upland character with extensive semi-improved grazing enclosed by occasional stone walls within the valley floor and grass moorland increasingly a feature on valley sides. Although more open in character, the valley is still strongly contained by steep hill slopes which are cut by deeply incised water courses. A minor road is aligned through this valley from Largs to Greenock via Loch Thom. Landscape sensitivity 4.33 All development typologies would conflict with the intimate scale and diverse, intricate landcover pattern of this character area. High sensitivity Perceptual qualities and values 4.34 The strong containment of this valley can give a sense of seclusion particularly within the less settled upper reaches. This character area also has some naturalistic qualities derived from its well-wooded character and the river. This area lies within the CMRP. High sensitivity Views and visibility 4.35 While the containment of the valley would limit visibility of most development typologies from other character areas, there would be close views from houses and the minor road within the Glen. Medium to high sensitivity Overall sensitivity 4.36 It is unlikely that wind farm development would be considered in this area due to its inherent sheltered nature. Irrespective of the severe technical constraints likely to be present, all development typologies would incur significant adverse impacts on the intimate scale and rich diversity of this valley. High sensitivity 31
Rolling Hill Fringes Description 4.37 The lower hill slopes lying between the uplands of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and the broad, flat-bottomed valley between Kilbirnie and Lochwinnoch have a highly scenic character. This area comprises a small scale patchwork of rolling pastures enclosed by dense, intact hedgerows and cut by narrow wooded valleys. Woodlands line valleys and ridgelines and small copses shelter farmsteads. Minor roads, occasionally lined by mature trees, wind through this area and provide access to traditional small farms and cottages which contribute to the strongly rural character of the area. These rolling farmed slopes are complemented by the simple backdrop provided by the open uplands which together create a richly diverse wider landscape composition. Landscape sensitivity 4.38 All development typologies would dominate the intimate scale of these rolling hill fringes and conflict with the strong pattern of small woodlands and hedgerows and small scale buildings. Wind farm development, and particularly larger typologies (1+2), sited at the transition with the uplands would adversely affect the rich landscape composition which occurs between this area and the open backdrop of hills by appearing to diminish the vertical scale of steep slopes and adversely affecting their simple and open character. Wind farm development sited within the eastern hills of the adjacent ‘Upland Core’ character area would also impact on the intimate character of these ‘Rolling Hill Fringes’ and diminish the uncluttered backdrop and vertical scale provided by the uplands. High sensitivity Perceptual qualities 4.39 The containment provided by rolling landform and woodland can give a sense of seclusion in parts of this character area. The area also has a strong rural character derived from the presence of small pastures, largely intact hedges, broadleaved woodlands and traditional buildings. This area lies within the CMRP. Medium to high sensitivity Views and visibility 4.40 There are extensive views of these hill fringes from roads and settlements within the lowlands of North Ayrshire to the east and all development typologies would be likely to be highly visible. Woodlands and the rolling landform restrict views to some extent from within the character area itself although it is a relatively well-settled area. High sensitivity Overall sensitivity 4.41 All development typologies would be visible from populated areas to the east and would conflict with the intimate scale and strongly rural qualities of this character area. Wind farm development sited within the adjoining upland area 32
Page 1 and 2: Landscape Capacity Study for Wind F
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS 1. Background Page Introdu
Page 5 and 6: 1. Background Introduction to the s
Page 7 and 8: 1.11 The LUC capacity study informe
Page 9 and 10: landscape character. Sensitivity is
Page 11 and 12: Existing and proposed wind farm dev
Page 13 and 14: survey, professional assessment and
Page 15 and 16: 2.29 It is also considered that the
Page 17 and 18: 1 2 3 D Existing and Consented Wind
Page 19 and 20: 3.5 Visual sensitivity was calculat
Page 21 and 22: Raised Beach Coast Intimate Pastora
Page 23 and 24: 4. Sensitivity Assessment Loch Thom
Page 25 and 26: Duchal Moor Description 4.7 This ch
Page 27 and 28: The Upland Core Description 4.12 Th
Page 29 and 30: The Blaeloch and Crosbie Hills area
Page 31 and 32: cumulative landscape and visual imp
Page 33 and 34: Extensions (5) located on southern
Page 35: the containment provided by the upl
Page 39 and 40: 5. Cumulative Effects Introduction
Page 41 and 42: 5.9 The uplands which form the core
Page 43 and 44: e developed, there would only be ve
Page 45 and 46: North Ayrshire Landscape and Visual
Page 47 and 48: North Ayrshire Landscape and Visual
Page 49 and 50: 6. Conclusions on capacity Summary
Page 51 and 52: 6.10 With regard to current wind fa
Page 53: periphery of the site. The distinct
Page 56 and 57: Appendix A: References Ayrshire Joi
Page 58 and 59: Appendix B: Review of specific wind
Page 60 and 61: and would appear to diminish the pe
Page 62 and 63: The proposal would have significant
Page 64 and 65: Background This report on the lands
Page 66 and 67: the ‘Rugged Moorland with Hills a
Page 68 and 69: e expected. A number of golf course
Page 70 and 71: Transportation issues are assessed

Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Farm ... - North Ayrshire Council

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