Hywind Scotland Pilot Park Project. Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

Transcription

1 Hywind Sctland Pilt Park Prject Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methdlgy hrner + maclennan 1 Dchfur Business Centre Dchgarrch Inverness IV3 8GY inv@hrnermaclennan.c.uk Tel Fax With Mike Wd, Landscape Architect

2 1 Intrductin The aim f the Seascape, Landscape and Visual Assessment prcess is t identify, predict and evaluate significant effects n particular elements f the seascape, landscape and visual resurces arising frm the prpsed develpment. Landscape is defined in the Eurpean Landscape Cnventin (Cuncil f Eurpe 2000) as an area, as perceived by peple, whse character is the result f the actin and interactin f natural and/r human factrs. The term des nt mean just special r designated landscapes and it des nt nly apply t the cuntryside. Landscape can mean a small patch f urban wasteland as much as a muntain range and an urban park as much as an expanse f lwland plain. It results frm the way that different cmpnents f ur envirnment - bth natural (the influences f gelgy, sils, climate, flra and fauna) and cultural (the histrical and current impact f land use, settlement, enclsure and ther human interventins) - interact tgether and are perceived by us. Offshre Renewables guidance n assessing the impact n castal landscape and seascape SNH (2012a) defines seascape as relating t the visual and physical cnjunctin f land and sea which cmbines maritime, cast and hinterland character. 2 SLVIA methdlgy The methdlgy fr the current study is based primarily n Offshre Renewables guidance n assessing the impact n castal landscape and seascape (SNH 2012a) which utlines a cherent apprach building n a number f earlier existing surces including Guidance fr Landscape/Seascape Capacity fr Aquaculture (SNH 2008). These in turn are funded n the principles f landscape and visual assessment established in the seminal series f guidance publicatins prduced under the jint auspices f the Landscape Institute and Institute f Envirnmental Management and Assessment. A third editin f these has recently been published: Guidelines fr Landscape and Visual Assessment 3rd Editin Landscape Institute and Institute f Envirnmental Management and Assessment 2013 (GLVIA3), and this updated guidance is reflected in the methds utlined belw. GLVIA3 stresses that the definitin f landscape frm the Eurpean Landscape Cnventin includes seascapes and marine envirnments; accrdingly the fundamental prcess f assessment is unaltered. In summary, this prcess includes the fllwing key stages: Definitin f Study Area; Cnfirmatin f Scpe; Descriptin f Baseline; Assessment f Effects; Design input and Mitigatin; Reprting f significant residual effects. The stages are described in further detail belw.

3 3 STAGE 1: DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA The prpsed Study Area n which the will SLVIA fcus will extend t include all areas frm within which significant seascape, landscape and visual effects (as defined by EIA Regulatins) are mst likely t ccur (this area will change as final sites are identified). The bundary which defines the Study Area was selected n a realistic and pragmatic basis, based n Zne f Theretical Visibility (ZTV) mapping. The Study Area bundary has been prvisinally determined as: 35 km radius frm the edge f the ffshre develpment site bundary (current base case is fr the Pilt Park t be lcated in the nrthern sectin f the Agreement fr Lease (AfL) area (nrth f the BP pipelines). It shuld be nted that this methdlgy is applicable t the assessment f ptential effects frm the presence f the ffshre wind turbines nly. Statil is currently negtiating the scpe f the envirnmental studies that are required t supprt the nshre planning applicatin (minr applicatin) and any required nshre wrk will be undertaken separately t the ffshre impact assessment. 4 STAGE 2: CONFIRMATION OF SCOPE This stage includes: Summary f the key pints that Marine Sctland (MS), Jint Nature Cnservatin Cmmittee (JNCC), Aberdeenshire Cuncil (AC) and Scttish Natural Heritage (SNH) wish t see addressed by the SLVIA, including meeting t agree viewpints if required. 5 STAGE 3: DESCRIPTION OF BASELINE This stage includes: A desk study t establish the existing cnditins, including the seascape, landscape and visual resurces f the study area, and initial mapping f Znes f Theretical Visibility (ZTVs) fr the ffshre Prject cmpnents; Field survey wrk, initially at strategic/recnnaissance level and later at detailed level, t verify the imprtant seascape, landscape, and visual characteristics f the area highlighted by the desk study; and Identificatin f key seascape, landscape, and visual receptrs Seascape Baseline Baseline seascape character will be described by reference t:

4 Seascape Character Types: as already identified at natinal level, derived frm SNH Cmmissined Reprt N.103 (1997) and N. 102 (1998); Castal Character Areas (CCAs): t be identified in accrdance with the methd in SNH Cmmissined Reprts N. 37 (2007), reflecting bth a cnsistency in verall character at a brad scale r knwn gegraphical area; and Castal Character Areas (CCAs): t be identified in accrdance with the methd in SNH Cmmissined Reprt N.215 (2007), by further subdivisin int areas f Lcal Castal Character Areas (LCCAs) with distinct castal character, by examining castal characteristics and issues which may include: maritime influences, character f the castal edge and immediate hinterland, and experience f wildness. The key seascape receptrs (the cmpnents f the seascape that are likely t be affected by the prpsal) will be identified frm the abve descriptins and will include: Overall seascape character and key characteristics; Particular castal elements and features; and Specific aesthetic r perceptual qualities Landscape Baseline Baseline landscape character will be described by reference t the Landscape Character Types identified in the existing published SNH assessment reprts. Designated landscapes within the Study Area will be identified and described. The landscape baseline infrmatin will reflect a full understanding f the histric characteristics f the landscape, in cnsultatin with the cultural heritage specialists ORCA. The key landscape receptrs (the cmpnents f the landscape that are likely t be affected by the prpsal) will be identified frm the abve descriptins and will include: Overall landscape character and key characteristics; Individual landscape elements r features; and Specific aesthetic r perceptual qualities. The scale f mapping t be used in the assessment prcess has been determined as 1:50000, in accrdance with guidance in SNH 2008.

5 Visual Baseline The baseline studies fr visual effects will establish: The area in which the develpment (i.e. ffshre wind turbines nly) will be visible; The different grups f peple wh may experience views f the develpment (visual receptrs); The viewpints where they will be affected; and The nature f the views at thse pints. The key visual receptrs are the peple within the area wh will be affected by the changes in views and visual amenity and will include: Peple living in the area (residents); Peple wrking in the area (n sea and land); Peple travelling thrugh the area n rads, ferries, r by air; Peple visiting the area (including turists); and Peple engaged in recreatin. Viewpints which fall within the ZTVs and Cumulative ZTVs (CZTVs) which are representative f these different grups will be identified and selected. They will be selected in accrdance with criteria in GLVIA3 and specific guidance in SNH 2012, (p.4.15) as agreed with MS and statutry cnsultees, principally JNCC, AC and SNH. The selectin criteria fr viewpints will include the fllwing: A range f different types f views, e.g. ppular hilltps, ftpaths and ther recreatinal rutes, key transprt rutes (n and ffshre where relevant), minr rads where the Pilt Park will be the fcus f the view, settlements, cultural and recreatinal fci, and s n; Views frm areas f high landscape r scenic value; bth designated and nn-designated, turist rutes and lcal amenity spaces; A representatin f views frm a range f distances ut t the edge f the 35 km study area, aspects, landscape character types and visual receptrs; t include castal views lking ffshre; All aspects f the prpsed develpment, i.e. illustrate it in the rund t help in the design develpment and assessment prcesses. This will als enable assessment f a range f light cnditins e.g. side-lit, back-lit and frnt-lit; Visual cmpsitin. Fr example fcussed r panramic views, simple r cmplex;

6 The variety f images that the Wind Turbine Generatr (WTG) Units and assciated infrastructure (e.g. navigatin / aviatin requirements buys and / r lights) will present frm castal and inland areas. A range f distances and elevatins ut t the edge f the Study Area; Sequential views alng specific rutes; and Viewpints that are already imprtant vantage pints within the landscape, fr example lcal visitr attractins, scenic rutes, r places with cultural landscape assciatins. Key Design Viewpints (as suggested in SNH 2012 Offshre Renewables guidance n assessing the impact n castal landscape and seascape) will be selected and agreed frm the abve list. 6 STAGE 4: ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS The assessment f effects includes: Identificatin and evaluatin f ptential effects n seascape. Seascape effects are effects n seascape as a resurce and affect seascape receptrs as defined in the baseline study. (SNH 2012a); Identificatin and evaluatin f ptential landscape effects. Landscape effects are effects n landscape as a resurce and affect landscape receptrs as defined in the baseline study; Identificatin and evaluatin f ptential visual effects. Visual effects are effects n views and visual amenity as experienced by peple and affect visual receptrs as defined in the baseline study; and Identificatin and evaluatin f cumulative effects. Cumulative effects may ccur t the seascape, landscape, r visual resurce and are defined as the additinal changes caused by a prpsed develpment in cnjunctin with ther similar develpments r as the cmbined effect f a set f develpments, taken tgether. (SNH 2012b). In keeping with guidance, this sectin des nt include cnsideratin f any effects n the settings and views fr histric buildings and ther heritage assets (GLVIA3, p.77), which are cvered in Sectin 4 belw Assessment Criteria Sensitivity t Change f Seascape The relative sensitivity f the seascape within the Lcal Castal Character Areas is specific t the prpsed change and depends upn a range f criteria which take accunt f the castline, and bth landward and seaward perspectives. The published guidance (SNH 2012, SNH 2008, GLVIA3) has been referred t in develping and applying the criteria. Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in 0 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the

7 Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f sensitivity will be given. Table 1 Sensitivity f seascape receptrs Sensitivity f receptr Very High High Medium Typical Criteria Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Seascapes with very distinctive physical characteristics including shape, enclsure, fragmentatin, and prminent histric, cultural, r gelgical features. Seascapes with spectacular views, very cmplex visual cmpsitin, very high diversity f detail, and aesthetic qualities which are intact and uncmprmised. Value Seascapes lcated within and which cntribute t the value f landscapes designated at natinal and internatinal level. Seascapes with a very high degree f relative wildness*, with strng evidence f and expsure t natural frces. Seascapes where there is evidence f high r very high value assciated with natural heritage, recreatinal activity, cultural assciatins, r ther special interests. Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Seascapes with distinctive physical characteristics including shape, enclsure, fragmentatin, and specific histric, cultural, gelgical features. Seascapes with striking/expansive views, diverse visual cmpsitin and aesthetic qualities which are predminantly intact. Value Seascapes lcated within and which cntribute t landscapes f high value, recgnised at reginal r lcal level. Seascapes with a high degree f relative wildness*. Seascapes where there is evidence f value assciated with natural heritage, recreatinal activity, cultural assciatins, r ther special interests. Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Seascapes with relatively unremarkable physical characteristics including linear shape, large-scale, and little fragmentatin, Seascapes with relatively simple visual cmpsitin. Seascapes where settings f key views include sme develped features and shipping r ther maritime activity. Value Seascapes with a degree f relative wildness*, which may be cmprmised by factrs including existing develpment and accessibility. Seascapes with few specific features f natural heritage, cultural assciatins, r ther special interest.

8 Sensitivity f Typical Criteria receptr Lw Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Seascapes cmprising well-settled and readily accessible castlines and hinterlands. Seascapes with prminent and frequent shipping r ther maritime activity. Value Seascapes with n specific features f natural heritage, cultural assciatins, r ther special interest. Negligible Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Seascapes cmprising urban castlines and hinterlands dminated by develpment. Seascapes with seaward views dminated by shipping r ther maritime activity. Value Seascapes with n specific features f natural heritage, cultural assciatins, r ther special interest. *The level r degree f relative wildness will be assessed taking accunt f the existing SNH methdlgy as set ut in Mapping Sctland s Wildness Phase 1 Identifying Relative Wildness Nn Technical Methdlgy, revised Octber The reasns fr the judgements n levels f wildness will be clearly set ut and justified in the assessment. We intend t supprt these judgements by building n the existing methdlgy, using mre detailed datasets and additinal parameters, which we believe will give a mre accurate assessment in the specific cntext f this Study Area Magnitude f Change t Seascapes The magnitude f change t seascapes is assessed in terms f 3 sets f criteria: (GLVIA3) Size r scale; Gegraphical extent; and Duratin and reversibility Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in 0 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f magnitude will be given.

9 Table 2 Definitins f magnitude f change t seascape Magnitude f change t receptr Severe Majr Mderate Typical Criteria Size r Scale Very high prprtin f seascape unit affected Very high prprtin f seascape elements affected Cmplete lss f, r fundamental change t, the key characteristics f the seascape. Gegraphical Extent Very large number f seascape units affected thrughut the study area; very large area affected f the seascape unit(s) within which the develpment will sit; fundamental change t the immediate setting; fundamental change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Permanent change t seascape Change nt reversible. Size r Scale High prprtin f seascape unit affected High prprtin f seascape elements affected. Substantial change t key characteristics f seascape. Gegraphical Extent Large number f seascape units affected in the majrity f the study area; large area affected f the seascape unit(s) within which the develpment will sit; cnsiderable change t the immediate setting; cnsiderable change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Lng term change t seascape (25 r mre years) Change difficult t remve r reinstate Size r Scale Mderate prprtin f seascape unit affected Mderate prprtin f seascape elements affected. Material change t key characteristics f the seascape. Gegraphical Extent Several seascape units affected ver part f the study area; medium area affected f the seascape unit(s) within which the develpment will sit; nticeable change t the immediate setting; nticeable change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Medium term change t seascape (5-24 years) Change that can be partially remved r reinstated.

10 Minr Negligible Size r Scale Small prprtin f seascape unit affected Small prprtin f seascape elements affected. Discernible changes t key characteristics f the seascape. Gegraphical Extent Few seascape units affected ver a small part f the study area; small area affected f the seascape unit(s) within which the develpment will sit; insignificant change t the immediate setting; insignificant change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Shrt term change t seascape (up t 5 years) Change that can be fully remved and reinstated Size r Scale Changes which are nt discernible r have n effect n the integrity f seascape elements r seascape unit. Gegraphical Extent Few seascape units affected ver part f the study area; very small area affected f the seascape unit(s) within which the develpment will sit; imperceptible change t the immediate setting; imperceptible change t the site f the prpsed develpment Landscape Sensitivity t Change The relative sensitivity f the landscape character within each character area is specific t the prpsed change and is assessed in terms f 2 sets f criteria: (GLVIA3): Susceptibility t the change; and Value f the receptr Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in 0 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f sensitivity will be given.

11 Table 3 Definitins f landscape sensitivity Sensitivity f receptr Very High High Medium Typical Criteria Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Landscapes f very high quality and cnditin: with cnsistent, intact, well-defined, and distinctive attributes, well-managed, in exceptinal state f repair. Nne f the key characteristics f the landscape relate well t the prpsed develpment Value Landscapes lcated within and which cntribute t the value f landscapes designated at natinal and/r internatinal level: e.g. designated Natinal Scenic Area, Natinal Park, and Wrld Heritage Site. Landscapes with a very high degree f relative wildness* Landscapes where there is evidence f very high value assciated with natural heritage, recreatinal activity, cultural assciatins, r ther special interests. Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Landscapes f high quality and cnditin. Few f the key characteristics f the landscape relate well t the prpsed develpment Value Landscapes lcated within and which cntribute t the value f landscapes designated r recgnised at reginal r lcal level e.g., Histric Gardens and Designed Landscapes, AGLV, SLLC, AASL. Landscapes with a high degree f relative wildness*. Landscapes where there is evidence f high value assciated with natural heritage, recreatinal activity, cultural assciatins, r ther special interests. Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Landscapes f mderate quality and cnditin. Sme f the key characteristics f the landscape relate well t the prpsed develpment Value Landscapes may be lcally valued but with n explicit designatin r recgnitin f value. Landscapes dminated by agricultural r ther man-mdified land uses, althugh with sme degree f relative wildness*. Landscapes where there is evidence f sme value assciated with natural heritage, recreatinal activity, cultural assciatins, r ther special interests.

12 Sensitivity f Typical Criteria receptr Lw Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Landscapes f lw r pr quality and cnditin, attributes prlymanaged, in pr cnditin and state f repair Settled landscapes, with cmplex land use patterns where built elements and structures are already a strng part f the landscape character. Landscape intrinsically able t accmmdate prpsed change with many f the key characteristics relating well t the prpsed develpment, r unlikely t be diminished. Value Landscapes with few specific features f natural heritage, cultural assciatins, r ther special interest. Negligible Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Heavily develped, industrial landscapes. Landscapes f very lw r very pr quality and cnditin, attributes very prly-managed, in very pr cnditin and state f repair. Nne f the key characteristics are likely t be diminished by the prpsed change. Value Landscapes with n specific features f natural heritage, cultural assciatins, r ther special interest. * The level r degree f relative wildness will be assessed taking accunt f the existing SNH methdlgy as set ut in Mapping Sctland s Wildness Phase 1 Identifying Relative Wildness Nn Technical Methdlgy, revised Octber The reasns fr the judgements n levels f wildness will be clearly set ut and justified in the assessment. We intend t supprt these judgements by building n the existing methdlgy, using mre detailed datasets and additinal parameters, which we believe will give a mre accurate assessment in the specific cntext f this Study Area Magnitude f Landscape Change The magnitude f change t landscapes is assessed in terms f 3 sets f criteria: (GLVIA3) Size r scale; Gegraphical extent; and Duratin and reversibility Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in Table 4 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f magnitude will be given.

13 Table 4 Definitins f magnitude f Landscape change Magnitude change Severe Majr Mderate f Typical Criteria Size r Scale Very high prprtin f landscape unit affected Very high prprtin f landscape elements affected Cmplete lss f, r fundamental change t, the key characteristics f the landscape. Gegraphical Extent Very large number f Landscape Character Types (LCTs) affected thrughut the study area; very large area affected f the LCT(s) within which the develpment will sit; fundamental change t the immediate setting; fundamental change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Permanent change t landscape Change nt reversible. Size r Scale High prprtin f landscape unit affected High prprtin f landscape elements affected. Substantial change t key characteristics f landscape. Gegraphical Extent Large number f LCTs affected in the majrity f the study area; large area affected f the LCT(s) within which the develpment will sit; cnsiderable change t the immediate setting; cnsiderable change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Lng term change t landscape (25 r mre years) Change difficult t remve r reinstate Size r Scale Mderate prprtin f landscape unit affected Mderate prprtin f landscape elements affected. Material change t key characteristics f the landscape. Gegraphical Extent Several LCTs affected ver part f the study area; medium area affected f the LCT(s) within which the develpment will sit; nticeable change t the immediate setting; nticeable change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Medium term change t landscape (5-24 years) Change that can be partially remved r reinstated.

14 Minr Negligible Size r Scale Small prprtin f landscape unit affected Small prprtin f landscape elements affected. Discernable changes t key characteristics f the landscape. Gegraphical Extent Few LCTs affected ver a small part f the study area; small area affected f the LCTs(s) within which the develpment will sit; insignificant change t the immediate setting; insignificant change t the site f the prpsed develpment. Duratin and reversibility Shrt term change t landscape (up t 5 years) Change that can be fully remved and reinstated Size r Scale Changes which are nt discernible r have n effect n the integrity f landscape elements r landscape unit. Gegraphical Extent Very few LCTs affected ver part f the study area; very small area affected f the LCTs (s) within which the develpment will sit; imperceptible change t the immediate setting; imperceptible change t the site f the prpsed develpment Sensitivity f Visual Receptrs t change All visual receptrs are peple. The relative sensitivity f the visual receptrs is specific t the prpsed change and is assessed in terms f tw sets f criteria (GLVIA3): Susceptibility f visual receptrs t the prpsed change; and Value attached t views experienced by receptrs Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in 0 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f sensitivity will be given.

15 Table 5 Definitins f visual sensitivity Sensitivity f receptr Very High High Medium Lw Negligible Typical Criteria Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Users f strategic utdr recreatinal facilities (including natinal lng distance ftpaths, natinal cycle rutes). Visitrs t imprtant muntain summits, landmarks, heritage assets r ther attractins, where views are an essential cntributr t the experience Residents at hme with views f the develpment* Value Attached t Views Very high value placed n the View: celebrated viewpint included in turist guides, view lcated within a landscape designated at natinal r internatinal level. Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Users f utdr recreatinal facilities (including lcal Cre Paths and ther recreatinal ftpaths, cycle rutes r rights f way) Special interest grups t whm landscape setting is imprtant. Residents f cmmunities/settlements where views are an imprtant cntributr t the landscape setting enjyed by residents in the area Value Attached t Views High value placed n the View: recgnised viewpint marked n maps, views within landscapes designated at reginal r lcal level, views frm recgnised scenic rutes/designated turist rutes, views f (r frm) landscape r built features with imprtant physical, cultural r histric attributes. View prtected at lcal r reginal level by Develpment Plan Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Peple engaged in utdr sprts r recreatin where appreciatin f the landscape setting cntributes t the experience Peple at places f wrk, whse attentin may be fcused n their activity rather than the wider landscape. but where the setting is recgnised as an imprtant cntributr t the quality f wrking life Travellers n rad, rail, ferry r ther transprt rutes Value Attached t Views Sme evidence f value placed n view, view may cntribute t setting f activity Susceptibility t Prpsed Change Peple at places f wrk, whse attentin may be fcused n their activity rather than the wider landscape. Peple engaged in utdr sprts r recreatin which des nt invlve r depend n appreciatin f views f the landscape Value Attached t Views N evidence f value placed n view Susceptibility t change f viewers and value attached t views are f a level nt cnsidered relevant t the assessment * Where agreed with the Planning Authrity

16 Magnitude f Change t Views and Visual Amenity The magnitude f change t views and visual amenity experienced by the receptr is assessed in terms f 3 sets f criteria: (GLVIA3) Size r scale; Gegraphical extent; and Duratin and reversibility Fr the purpses f this assessment the fllwing definitins have been applied as nted in Table 6 belw. It is stressed that in the assessment f a specific receptr/effect, the actual criteria applied may differ frm the Typical Criteria nted belw. In all cases a clear explanatin f the reasns fr the judgement f magnitude will be given. Table 6 Definitins f magnitude f visual change Magnitude f change Severe Majr Definitin Size r Scale Prpsed change will define view. All f develpment visible. Very strng cntrast with key visual characteristics f the baseline view e.g. scale, hrizntality, cmpsitin. Duratin f view lng, view studied/enjyed fr cnsiderable time. Gegraphical Extent Angle f view t develpment directly cincides with fcus f receptr activity/viewpint/rad alignment, etc. Very shrt distance frm viewpint t develpment Develpment ccupying the majrity f the view. Duratin and Reversibility Permanent change t view Change nt reversible Size r Scale Develpment will be the dminant feature in the view. High prprtin f develpment visible, n significant screening effects. Strng cntrast with key visual characteristics f the baseline view e.g. scale, hrizntality, cmpsitin. Duratin f view nt curtailed by physical parameters. Gegraphical Extent Angle f view t develpment cincides with fcus f receptr activity/viewpint/rad alignment, etc. Shrt distance frm viewpint t develpment Develpment ccupying a high prprtin f the view. Duratin and Reversibility Lng term change t view (25 r mre years) Change difficult t remve r reinstate

17 Mderate Minr Negligible Size r Scale Develpment will be a nticeable cmpnent f the view Develpment partially screened by tpgraphy, vegetatin, etc. Sme cnflicts with key visual characteristics f the baseline view e.g. scale, hrizntality, cmpsitin. Duratin f view relatively shrt. Time t absrb r cntemplate view curtailed by physical parameters. Gegraphical Extent Angle f view t develpment des nt cincide with fcus f receptr activity/viewpint/rad alignment, etc. Mderate distance frm viewpint t develpment Develpment ccupying part f the view. Duratin and Reversibility Medium term change t view (5-24 years) Change that can be partially remved r reinstated. Size r Scale Develpment is a minr cmpnent f view Develpment substantially screened by tpgraphy, vegetatin, etc. Develpment cmpatible with key visual characteristics f the baseline view e.g. scale, hrizntality, cmpsitin. Duratin f view shrt r transient. Glimpse r interrupted views Gegraphical Extent Angle f view predminantly away frm develpment Lng distance frm viewpint t develpment Develpment ccupying a small part f the view. Duratin and Reversibility Shrt term change t view (up t 5 years) Change that can be fully remved and reinstated Changes which are nt discernible Envirnmental Cnsequence: Seascape, Landscape and Visual effects The sensitivity f the receptr and the magnitude f effect are cmbined t define the envirnmental cnsequence f the effect. A clear explanatin f hw each judgement has been reached will be given in narrative frm in the text, supprted by reference t an impact matrix. It is imprtant t nte that with regard t Seascape, Landscape and Visual effects this matrix has been used as a guide nly. The matrix is nt used as a prescriptive tl, and the analysis f specific effects must make allwance fr the exercise f prfessinal judgement. Therefre, in sme instances, a particular parameter may be cnsidered as having a determining effect n the analysis at the expense f the matrix. It shuld als be nted that likelihd f impact is nt cnsidered a relevant parameter fr landscape, seascape and visual effects and has nt been included in the assessment. The impact matrices will need t shw cnsistency thrughut the EIA. Hwever, there may be individual chapters that need t be addressed slightly differently. Fr the purpses f the SLVIA methdlgy, the impact matrix is presented in 0.

18 Table 7 Determinatin f cnsequence f effect SENSITIVITY VERY HIGH HIGH MEDIUM LOW NEGLIGIBLE MAGNITUDE SEVERE Severe Severe Majr Mderate Minr MAJOR Severe Majr Majr Mderate Minr MODERATE Majr Majr Mderate Minr Negligible MINOR Mderate Mderate Minr Minr Negligible NEGLIGIBLE Minr Minr Negligible Negligible Negligible Significance f Landscape, Seascape and Visual Effects Again, the determinatin f the level f significance f the effect will need t be cnsistent thrughut the EIA. Hwever, there may be individual chapters that need t be addressed slightly differently The table f significance f effects is shwn belw. Please nte that this may change slightly in line with the verall EIA. Table 8 Determinatin f significance f effect Cnsequence f Impact Significance under EIA Regulatins Significant Severe Intlerable risk and / r significance. Effects t be avided at all csts. Significant Majr Mderate Minr Negligible Neutral Beneficial Highly significant and requires immediate actin. Effects t be avided rather than managed. Significant Requires additinal cntrl measures and/r active management Nt Significant May require sme management t ensure remains within acceptable levels Nt Significant Difficult t detect r measure. N significance N actin required Psitive T be encuraged Cumulative Seascape Landscape and Visual Effects

19 The Methdlgy fr the assessment f Cumulative Seascape and Landscape Effects will accrd with key guidance in: Landscape Institute and Institute f Envirnmental Management and Assessment 2013 Guidelines fr Landscape and Visual Assessment 3rd Editin (in particular Chapter 7 pp ); SNH 2012a Offshre Renewables guidance n assessing the impact n castal landscape and seascape (in particular pp33-35); and SNH 2012b Assessing the cumulative impact f nshre wind energy develpments (in particular pp10-21). Outputs will be in accrdance with the Advice Nte included at Annex 2 f SNH 2012a. Cumulative impacts will be defined as the additinal changes caused by a prpsed develpment in cnjunctin with ther similar develpments r as the cmbined effect f a set f develpments, taken tgether. (SNH 2012b) p4) The assessment will include cumulative effects assciated with the develpment prpsal in cmbinatin with a list f develpments t be agreed with statutry cnsultees which will include: existing develpment, either built r under cnstructin; apprved develpment, awaiting implementatin; and prpsals awaiting determinatin within the planning prcess with design infrmatin in the public dmain. A checklist list will be prvided with the list f prjects t be assessed t explain the reasns fr inclusin: e.g. setting the prjects against a menu f pririties, including distance frm the prpsal, certainty f cnstructin, etc. The relevant receptrs (landscape character areas, designated landscapes, designed landscapes, visual receptrs, including sequential rutes thrugh the study area) will als be listed. The prjects may include the fllwing categries f develpment: Buildings; Onshre wind farms; Offshre wind farms; Harbur, prt, waterfrnt and ther related castal develpment; Grid electricity cnnectr/link prjects ; A list f prjects t be included in the assessment will be agreed between the develper and statutry cnsultees.

20 7 STAGE 5 DESIGN INPUT AND MITIGATION The assessment f envirnmental effects is regarded as an integral part f the design prcess. Design iteratin and mitigatin, including input t siting and layut, has been infrmed iteratively by n-ging assessment f seascape, landscape and visual effects, resulting in an ptimised design slutin. In this regard, specific guidance in SNH 2012 with respect t Layut and Design, and Siting and Design (Sectins 5 and 6 respectively) has been taken int accunt. 8 STAGE 6 REPORTING OF SIGNIFICANT RESIDUAL EFFECTS The assessment reprt (written up in an Envirnmental Statement chapter) will refer exclusively t the residual effects f an agreed final scheme.