SgurrEnergy Ltd Linfairn Wind Farm: Environmental Statement: Chapter 6

Transcription

1 6 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL 6.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter of the ES evaluates the impacts of the Project on the landscape character and visual amenity. It achieves this by describing and evaluating the potential change to the landscape and visual amenity during the construction and operational phases of the Project, and the extent to which these affect the perception and views of the landscape and visual resource. The assessment has been undertaken by Chartered Landscape Architects, ASH design+assessment Ltd (ASH). The subjects of landscape character and visual amenity, although closely related to one another, have been considered separately in this chapter for reasons of clarity and robustness. Related subjects such as ecology, cultural heritage and recreation / tourism are addressed in Chapters 7 (Ecology), 10 (Archaeology and Cultural Heritage) and 15 (Socio- Economics, Recreation, Tourism and Land-Use) respectively. Consideration of these subjects in this chapter has been limited to the extent to which they influence the landscape character and visual amenity of the Project site and the wider area. The assessment is supported by Appendices 6.1 to 6.6, which accompany this Environmental Statement (ES). 6.2 SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT STUDY AREA The overall study area defined for the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) in this chapter extends to 35 km from the Project site and is shown on Figure 6.1. This study area is considered the maximum distance within which a significant effect could be experienced. Current best practice guidance dictates that the 35 km study area should be defined from the Project s periphery (i.e. the outermost WTGs) CONSULTATION A request for a Scoping Request was made to the Scottish Ministers in January 2012 and a response provided in June A summary of the consultee scoping comments received specifically relating to landscape, visual amenity and cumulative assessments are detailed in Table SNH Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best Practice Report No. F01AA303A. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 1 of 61

2 Table 6-1: Relevant Landscape and Visual Consultation Responses from Scoping Request Organisation Summary Response Comment / Action South Ayrshire Council (SAC) Consideration should be given to the potential effects of the development upon local designations Scenic Areas as defined in the Structure and Local Plans and the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan. Consideration should be made to the impact of the development on the landscape character as defined in the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment. The LVIA should address all aspects of the proposal (access to the site and within the site, borrow pits, forestry/tree felling) in accordance with industry best practice. The relationship of the Linfairn Windfarm proposal to operational and consented windfarms (in particular Dersalloch and Hadyard Hill) along with other developments currently in planning. Views of SNH, South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council should be taken into account on the cumulative LVIA impact of Linfairn. Cumulative LVIA (CLVIA) should address intervisibility and the visibility of multiple wind farms from key viewpoints and address consequences of travelling through Scenic Areas have been taken into consideration. A full assessment of Scenic Areas identified as potentially experiencing potential intervisibility with the Project has been undertaken and is described in Appendix 6.1 and shown on Figures 6.4a 6.5d. The impact of the development on the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment has been assessed. Landscape Character Types (LCTs) potentially experiencing intervisibility with the Project have been identified and assessed within Appendix 6.1 and shown on Figures d. These have been summarised in Section of this Chapter. As part of the LVIA, an assessment of the effects related to access tracks has been undertaken. Additionally, the LVIA has included an assessment of the proposed route for the main components of the Project and associated construction traffic. No borrow pits are proposed. The LVIA has taken into consideration that felling would be required to the north of the Project site (see Chapter 3 (Project Description) for further details in relation to felling). The cumulative assessment has identified 140 wind farms within 60 km of the Project. A cumulative landscape assessment has been undertaken as described in Appendix 6.4, and a cumulative visual assessment in Appendix 6.6. Separate consultations were undertaken with both SNH and the mentioned Local Authorities. This is detailed in Table 6-2. The cumulative landscape assessment undertaken has assessed all designations and landscape character types predicted in the main landscape assessment as potentially experiencing 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 2 of 61

3 Table 6-1: Relevant Landscape and Visual Consultation Responses from Scoping Request Organisation Summary Response Comment / Action Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) the landscape and sequential views. The visual impact should be carried out in line with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2 nd Edition, 2002) and Cumulative Effects of Wind Farms (SNH, 2005). Representative viewpoints should be agreed in advance with South and East Ayrshire Councils and SNH. The consequence of the proposed windfarm for occupiers of the property within the vicinity of the development should be assessed in terms of impacts of views from properties and access routes. Ascertain the landscape and visual impact for the lighting of turbines. A thorough assessment should be carried out for any Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL) in the 35 km study area that will have visibility with the windfarm. an adverse impact (see Section 6.8 for explanation). As part of the cumulative visual assessment, ten cumulative viewpoints have been assessed; these consist of the main viewpoints considered within the visual assessment. Additionally, potential sequential impacts have been considered for four routes found within the 35 km study area that are predicted to receive a significant impact as a result of the Project. Notwithstanding the publication of GLVIA 3 rd Edition in April 2013, the LVIA was undertaken in March 2013 and hence has been prepared with reference to the GLVIA, 2nd Edition in line with Landscape Institute recommendations; see Section SNH guidance on cumulative effects has formed the basis of the cumulative assessment on landscape and visual. Viewpoint consultations have been undertaken with both South and East Ayrshire Councils and SNH. This has been detailed in Table 6-2. The visual assessment has included a detailed assessment of all residential properties within 5 km and important route receptors predicted to receive potential visibility with the Project as detailed in Appendix 6.5 and shown on Figures Infrared lighting is to be used if aviation lighting is required by the MoD. Detail is set out within Chapter 12 (Aviation and Telecommunications). All GDLs found within the 35 km study area have been identified (see Figure 6.4) Those predicted by the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) as potentially experiencing intervisibility with the Project have been assessed and are detailed in Appendix 6.1 and shown on Figures d. The EIA should include information An assessment of the potential impacts 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 3 of 61

4 Table 6-1: Relevant Landscape and Visual Consultation Responses from Scoping Request Organisation Summary Response Comment / Action on the various sensitivities, values or qualities for which each designated area is valued including the areas afforded Scenic Area status in the Local Plan. The capacity of each landscape character type should be assessed in the LVIA as to its ability to accommodate the proposed windfarm. We would expect the LVIA and CLVIA study areas to assess impacts to an appropriate level (35 km for individual development and 60 km for cumulative assessment) ZTVs should be supplied to blade tip and hub height as standard. Consideration should be given to producing a more detailed ZTV which models the main forest blocks in terms of how they may influence predicted visibility. Forest removal should be considered in the LVIA and even illustrated in some of the photomontages. The cumulative assessment must thoroughly address the impact on the South Ayrshire Scenic Area designation and assess whether there is capacity for the proposal without damaging the integrity and special qualities of the designation. upon the character and special qualities of the South Ayrshire Scenic Area has been undertaken and is described in Appendix 6.1 and shown on Figures 6.4a 6.5d. The designation has also been assessed as part of the cumulative landscape assessment as detailed in Appendix 6.4 and shown on Figure 6.16b. All LCTs found within the 35 km study area have been identified (see Figure 6.6). The capacity of all LCTs experiencing potential intervisibility of the Project has been included as part of the landscape assessment and is described in Appendix 6.1. The LVIA has been undertaken extending from the outer WTGs to 35 km as considered best practice by SNH, refer to Figure 6.1. SNH subsequently suggested that all cumulative sites within 60 km should be identified, which has been undertaken as listed in Appendix 6.3 and shown on Figure ZTVs have been prepared to both blade tip (see Figure 6.2) and hub height (see Figure 6.3). Screening effects of intervening forestry have been taken into account in the visual assessment. The LVIA has taken into consideration that felling would be required for WTGs to the north of the Project site.. A cumulative assessment of the potential impacts upon the special qualities of the South Ayrshire Scenic Area has been undertaken as described in Appendix 6.4 and shown on Figures 6.16b. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 4 of 61

5 Further consultation was made with South Ayrshire Council (SAC), East Ayrshire Council (EAC) and SNH regarding the LVIA methodology and selection of viewpoints for the visual amenity and cumulative assessments and is detailed in Table 6-2. Table 6-2: Landscape & Visual Assessment Consultation Organisation Summary Response Comment / Action SNH SNH We would expect the LVIA and CLVIA study areas to assess impacts to appropriate levels, out to full extent in relation to current guidance i.e. 35 km for individual development and 60 km for cumulative assessment. Best practice guidance and advice documents should be referenced. Any proposed tree felling should be included in the LVIA. The CLVIA search area base plan should include all existing operational wind farms, consented and undetermined applications, proposals subject to scoping requests and any other proposals deemed relevant. Recommend a more extensive list of viewpoints be considered including local residencies, nearby settlements, the Southern Upland Way, as well as viewpoints selected for other wind farms in close vicinity. The LVIA has been undertaken extending from the outer WTGs to 35 km as shown on Figure 6.1 and explained in Section All cumulative sites within 60 km have been identified as shown on Figure Best practice guidance and advice documents produced by SNH and relevant local authorities have been taken into consideration and referenced throughout the LVIA, see Section 6.3. The LVIA has taken into consideration that felling would be required to the north of the Project site. The cumulative assessment has included all sites above 50 m (described in Section ) that are operational, consented and in planning. These are shown on Figure 6.13, details of each development are provided in Appendix 6.3. Wind farm sites at Scoping stage have also been included where they are within 10 km of the Project. Other Scoping sites have not been included within the detailed assessment due to the uncertainty as to whether such proposals will continue through the planning process and the lack of certainty regarding the form such proposals would take. The ZTV has informed the selection of 20 viewpoints within the 35 km study area. These viewpoints have been chosen in consultation with South Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and SNH and are intended to provide a representative cross section of potential visibility and impact of the Project throughout the 35 km study area. The Southern Upland Way (SUW) would not receive any visibility of the Project as indicated in Figures 6.5a 6.5d. Therefore, the SUW has not been included within the assessment. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 5 of 61

6 Table 6-2: Landscape & Visual Assessment Consultation Organisation Summary Response Comment / Action South Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire Council Liaise with South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Councils as per the list of wind farms for inclusion in the cumulative assessment. Agree with the comments suggested by SNH Suggested including an additional three viewpoints 1) A713 in the vicinity of Hollybush. 2) B741 north-east of Dalmellington. 3) A713 between Dalmellington and Bellsbank. Consultation was undertaken with East and South Ayrshire Councils in relation to cumulative sites within 60 km. Both councils provided a list of developments which formed the basis of the cumulative assessment. Once an indicative cumulative list was produced, further consultations were undertaken to confirm the cumulative list, agree methodology and to confirm cumulative viewpoint locations. No further action required. These viewpoints were taken into consideration and are included within the assessment ASSESSMENT SCOPE The aim of the LVIA is to identify, predict and evaluate potential key impacts arising as a result of the Project. In light of the scoping and subsequent consultee responses, the following potential issues have been assessed: The direct impact of the 25 WTGs, associated structures, required access tracks on the baseline landscape of the site and its immediate environs; The indirect impact on the landscape designations, character and visual amenity of the wider area arising from the introduction of potentially visible WTGs into the area; and The cumulative impact of the Project in relation to other proposed and existing wind farm / WTG developments, identified within a 60 km radius of the Project Landscape assessment All landscape designations and SNH LCTs within the 35 km study area have been identified (see Figures 6.4a and 6.6). Those receiving potential intervisibility with the Project (as indicated by the tip-height ZTV shown on Figure 6.2) have been considered as part of this assessment Visual assessment Within the overall 35 km study area a series of 20 viewpoints were selected in consultation with SAC, EAC and SNH. These viewpoints form the basis of the visual assessment. In 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 6 of 61

7 addition to the viewpoints, a detailed assessment of all potential receptors (including residential properties, workplaces and routes) within 5 km of the Project has been carried out (see Appendix 6.5 and Figures 6.10a to 6.10d), as following an initial site visit and review of the ZTV, it was considered within this area that significant visual impacts would be most likely to occur Cumulative assessment As part of the landscape and visual assessments it is also important to consider potential cumulative impacts. In terms of landscape designations and character, cumulative impacts may arise where a number of wind farms / WTGs combine to increase the prevalence of WTGs within a landscape to the extent where they may become a defining characteristic. The likely significance of these impacts relate to the number of wind farms / WTGs affecting the landscape, their scale, the inter-relationship between their respective visual envelopes, and sensitivity and capacity of the particular landscape to accommodate this type of development. In terms of visual amenity, cumulative impacts may arise where a number of wind farms / WTGs combine to increase their appearance and prominence within a particular view or views. The likely significance of these impacts relates to the number of wind farms / WTGs visible and their scale, location and inter-relationship to each other within the view. An initial search area of 60 km from the WTGs has been adopted for the CLVIA. Within this area, 140 other wind farms or single WTGs, which are either operational, consented or within the planning system have been identified for inclusion in the cumulative assessment, as shown on Figure Only wind farm sites at Scoping stage within 10 km of the Project have been included, as these sites were requested by SAC to be included within the cumulative assessment. Other Scoping sites have not been included within the detailed assessment due to the uncertainty as to whether such proposals will continue through the planning process and the lack of certainty regarding the form such proposals would take. All wind energy schemes with a tip height in excess of 50 m have been included in the assessment, as it is considered that WTGs below this height are largely at a domestic scale and do not relate to large commercial structures. The number of wind farm applications made or withdrawn changes frequently, therefore, in order to inform the cumulative baseline scenario a cut-off date of 23 August 2013 has been used. All new applications, applications withdrawn and addendums to current projects taken place since the cut-off date have therefore not been considered in this assessment. An initial appraisal of all wind farms / WTGs within 60 km of the Project which may have the potential to result in significant cumulative impacts in combination with the Project was undertaken. This involved running ZTVs for all 140 developments identified within the 60 km study area. These were then reviewed in conjunction with the Project tip height (worst case scenario) ZTV to establish potential cumulative impacts. During this exercise, a number of sites were identified as not receiving combined intervisibility of the Project and therefore the cumulative baseline has been scoped down to 17 sites which have been assessed in more detail in conjunction with the Project (refer to Sections 6.8 of this Chapter and Appendices 6.3 & 6.6) Impacts scoped out of assessment Impacts arising from the process of decommissioning have been scoped out since they are of a similar nature to construction issues, but of a smaller scale and shorter duration. Where the assessment refers to potential construction impacts these are also considered representative of predicted decommissioning effects. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 7 of 61

8 6.3 POLICY AND LEGISLATION The assessment has taken account of international, national, regional and local statutory designations, regulations, strategies, national planning policies and the relevant policies from the statutory Development Plans for the area in which the Project is located. A detailed review of planning policy has been undertaken and is presented in Chapter 5 (Policy Framework) of this ES. The main legislative framework and policies of relevance to the subjects of landscape character and visual amenity are outlined in the following paragraphs LEGISLATION The following pieces of primary legislation relate to landscape as a specific interest and broader biological and cultural aspects of the natural heritage: Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967; Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991; Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997; Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004; and Planning etc. (Scotland) Act NATIONAL POLICY AND GUIDANCE National planning policy and guidance relevant to landscape and renewable energy includes: National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 (NPF2), 2009; Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), 2010; Scottish Government Renewable Energy Policy Subject Online Advice for Onshore Wind Farms, last updated October 2012 (replacement to PAN 45); Planning Advice Note 58 Environmental Impact Assessment (PAN 58), 1999; Planning Advice Note 60 Planning for Natural Heritage (PAN 60), 2000; Planning Advice Note 68 Design Statements; and Historic Environment (Amendment) Scotland Act REGIONAL AND LOCAL POLICY Ayrshire policies The site for the proposed Project falls entirely within South Ayrshire Council boundary. The current Development Plan comprises: Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (2007); and South Ayrshire Local Plan (2007). The following regional policies are relevant to this Project in relation to landscape and visual: Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan ECON 6 Renewable Energy: This policy requires that proposals for the generation and utilisation of renewable energy should be promoted where it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impact, including cumulative impact; 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 8 of 61

9 ECON 7 Wind Farms: This policy sets out criteria against which the wind farm will be assessed. To guide wind farm development, two Areas of Search for large-scale wind farms are identified within the Joint Structure Plan. The proposed Project is not within an Area of Search and Policy ECON 7 sets out criteria against which proposals outwith Areas of Search will be assessed. ENV 1 Landscape Quality: This policy requires that the quality of Ayrshire s landscape and its distinctive local characteristics shall be maintained and enhanced and care should be taken to conserve the local distinctiveness when providing new development; and ENV 2 Landscape Protection: Part B of this policy states that in sensitive landscape character areas, the protection and enhancement of the landscape shall be given full consideration in the preparation of local plans and determination of planning applications. South Ayrshire Local Plan (SALP) Local planning policy is set out in the South Ayrshire Local Plan, which was adopted in April This contains the following policies that are relevant to the Project in the context of the landscape and visual resource: Policy STRAT 5 Establishes the criteria that the Council expect to ensure a high quality environment in South Ayrshire. The criteria relates to the requirement for the development to be an appropriate design, scale and layout in relation to its surroundings and appropriate in terms of its siting and setting and is not visually intrusive; Policy ENV8 Protection of scenic areas. This policy sets out criteria for which proposals located within or having impact on scenic areas as identified on the South Ayrshire Local Plan proposals map (which corresponds with the Sensitive Character Area outlined within the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan), will be assessed; and Policy ENV10 Protection of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Wind Farms: Addendum to Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Technical Report TR03/2006 In order to support the implementation of wind energy policy as set out in the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (Policy ECON 6 and Policy ECON 7), an Addendum to the Structure Plan Technical Report TR03/2006: Renewables has been approved by South, East and North Ayrshire Councils. It has not been adopted as supplementary planning guidance, but the document is intended to give greater clarity to developers, but will only have effect while the current Structure Plan policy remains in effect. This document outlines where wind farm proposals are likely to be supported and provides further details on the criteria used to assess applications. Broad Areas of Search have been identified within the document, specifically at South Carrick and Whitelee. Although the Project does not lie within a Broad Area of Search, the site lies within Foothills with Forestry Landscape Character Type (LCT) which the Addendum stipulates is of medium sensitivity to large scale (>20 MW) wind farm development and that a large part of the LCT has potential for wind farm development. South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan South Ayrshire Council published the proposed South Ayrshire Local Development Plan (LDP) for consultation in 2012 with the consultation period ending in November The LDP is now being prepared for submission to the Scottish Ministers for examination, it is currently anticipated that the LDP will be adopted in Until the LDP is adopted, the existing Development Plan remains in place. The key policies most relevant in terms of landscape and visual aspects are summarised below: 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 9 of 61

10 LDP Policy: Landscape Quality seeks developments to conserve features that contribute to local distinctiveness; LDP Policy: Protecting the Landscape consider proposals within or next to character areas and scenic areas (defined on the LDP environment map) against conditions including the significance of impacts and cumulative impacts on the environment, particularly landscape and visual effects, how they would benefit the economy and whether they can be justified in a rural location; LDP Policy: Renewable Energy seeks to support renewable energy technologies where it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impact, including adverse cumulative impact and where the design of the development is sensitive to the landscape character, biodiversity and cultural heritage; and LDP Policy: Wind Energy supports proposals if the landscape is capable of accommodating the development, respects the main features and character of the landscape and keeps the effect on the landscape and wide area to a minimum, does not have a significant detrimental effect on the amenity of nearby residents, and has an acceptable cumulative impact. South Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study (July 2013) A report on the above study has been prepared and was approved by South Ayrshire Council s Leadership Panel at the end of August The study will be used in the assessment of the landscape impact of WTG developments and to inform future, revised spatial guidance on such developments. However, since published or approved at the time of assessment it has not been referred to in this study SNH POLICY AND GUIDANCE SNH is responsible for advising the Scottish Government and local government on matters relating to natural heritage. In response to these duties, SNH has developed and issued policies, guidelines, discussion documents and joint studies that define landscape values, quality, characteristics and interests and has framed strategies targeted at conservation, enhancement and sustainable development within the Scottish landscape. Natural Heritage Futures The Natural Heritage Futures is a series of publications, prepared by SNH, which set out long-term objectives to guide the future management of Scotland's natural heritage towards 2025, within the wider context of sustainable development. The West Central Belt 2 is of relevance to the assessment of this Project. In relation to wind energy the 2009 Update 3 of this document recognises that there have recently been an increase in the number of wind farms and proposals in the area resulting in a change to the character of the landscape. The number of applications is expected to remain high and applications for small/single WTGs are increasing, particularly in lowland and urban areas. Renewable Energy and the Natural Heritage (SNH policy on Renewable Energy) This policy document outlines SNH policy on renewable energy developments including wind farms in respect of the natural heritage. The document states that SNH will continue to encourage and support the development of renewable energy in recognition of the role it can play in mitigating against climate change. It also recognises that renewable energy offers rural development opportunities and is beneficial to the Scottish economy. However, the 2 Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural Heritage Futures: West Central Belt, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural Heritage Futures Update: West Central Belt, /6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 10 of 61

11 document also recognises that renewable energy developments can cause significant adverse impacts to the natural heritage and calls for a balance of the benefits of renewable energy and the potential resultant impacts. SNH have defined a number of general policies outlining their views on renewable energy development. The most relevant of these in terms of landscape and visual aspects are summarised below: SNH seeks to safeguard those elements of the natural heritage that are of most value; Assessment of all renewable energy schemes for their natural heritage impacts is encouraged; The need to address cumulative impacts and avoid significant adverse impacts on the qualities of areas of national or international importance is identified; SNH will seek to steer development, which is of a scale that changes landscape character towards areas where the landscape is already developed and which is relatively close to centres of population; and Encourage the use of the SNH Strategic Locational Guidance document, as referred to below. Strategic Locational Guidance for Onshore Wind Farms in Respect of the Natural Heritage (SNH Policy Statement Number 02/02, updated March 2009) This guidance document is based on the policy stance outlined in Renewable Energy and the Natural Heritage, as discussed in the previous paragraphs, but with particular reference to onshore wind energy development, and provides strategic locational guidance for such developments. In order to establish a strategy for the siting of wind farms, SNH has used a strategic approach to identify zones of sensitivity to wind farm development. Zones of low, medium and high natural heritage sensitivity were identified by assigning levels of sensitivity to natural heritage designations, the presence of certain habitat types, the presence of bird species sensitive to WTGs and the presence of potential wild land. The resulting information was mapped and combined to create an overall map indicating natural heritage sensitivity to wind farm development across Scotland. SNH is currently reviewing and updating this document, however, at the time of this LVIA, no date of publication or draft has been issued and for this reason has not been referred to in this study; hence the above guidance document is used to inform this assessment. The Project falls just within an area identified as Zone 2: Medium Sensitivity. Within Zone 2 areas SNH considers that, while there is often scope for wind farm development, it may be restricted in scale and energy output and will require both careful choice of location and care in design to avoid natural heritage impacts. 6.4 LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY This section describes the key components, features and characteristics that contribute to the quality and perception of the landscape within the study area. It provides an evaluation of the implications of the Project in terms of direct impacts on key landscape components and features. It considers the extent to which loss of features and the introduction of the Project would influence perception of local character within the 35 km study area and its implications for the wider regional landscape character. WTGs inevitably attract a spectrum of opinion from the public, ranging from very adverse to very beneficial reactions. However, using the precautionary principle, the LVIA has been 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 11 of 61

12 carried out based on the assumption that all landscape and visual impacts reported are adverse ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE The assessment has been prepared with reference to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) Second Edition published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment in At the time of the assessment the revised GLVIA (Third) Edition had not been published and the Landscape Institute has advised landscape practitioners that an assessment started using GLVIA2 should be completed using that edition. This advice has been followed and hence the assessment has been carried out using the GLVIA Second Edition. Reference has also been made to the following guidelines issued by SNH: Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, SNH/The Countryside Agency (2002); Siting and Designing Windfarms in the Landscape, Version 1, SNH Guidance, (2009); Wildness in Scotland s Countryside, SNH Policy Statement No. 02/03 (2002); and Assessing the Impacts on Wild Land Interim Guidance Note, SNH (2007) Key stages of the assessment The GLVIA relies on an appreciation of the existing landscape, its sensitivity to change, a thorough understanding of the development proposals, the magnitude of change that would result from the construction and operation of the proposals and the potential to mitigate impacts. There are four key stages to the assessment: Establishment of the baseline; Appreciation of the Project; Consideration of variation of impacts over time; and Assessment of impacts ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BASELINE The following specific desk-based tasks have been undertaken: A review of the Project Scoping Opinion and other correspondence from Statutory Consultees with regard to landscape and visual; Consultation with South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Councils and SNH; A review of the relevant policies included in the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan adopted (2007) and the South Ayrshire Local Plan (SALP) adopted 2007; A review of the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment (Report No.111) (1998), Dumfries and Galloway Landscape Character Assessment (Report No.94) (1998) and the Dumfries and Galloway s Wind Energy Interim Planning Policy (IPP); A review of national and regional/local landscape designations; and A site appraisal of landscape character and its key landscape, ecological and cultural elements and identification of its Sensitivity to Change to development of the type proposed. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 12 of 61

13 6.4.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY (ZTV) In order to identify and assess potential impacts on the landscape and visual resource, a ZTV has been prepared. The ZTV defines the effective boundaries within which views of the Project could potentially be obtained. ZTVs have been prepared using specialist computer software, Resoft Windfarm (Version 4). This produces an analysis of a computer-based model that uses landform as the key determinant of availability or construction of view. The landform model is based on contours at 10 m intervals derived from 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey Land-Form Panorama tiles. For limitations of the ZTV, refer to Section LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY TO CHANGE Sensitivity to change considers the nature of the landscape and its ability to accommodate development of the type proposed without compromising its key characteristics and components. Sensitivity to change is defined through appraisal of scenic quality, value and the capacity of the landscape to accommodate change Scenic quality An appraisal of scenic quality has been carried out based on a three-point scale and evaluated against the following criteria: High A landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small changes of the type proposed; Medium A reasonably valued landscape with a composition and characteristics tolerant of some degree of change of the type proposed; and Low A relatively unimportant landscape which is potentially tolerant of a large degree of change of the type proposed. This evaluation is only relevant to landscapes in the local context. It should be noted that areas of different landscape scenic quality do not necessarily correlate with different landscape character areas Landscape value Landscape value is another determinant of sensitivity and is frequently addressed by reference to international, national, regional and local designations, determined by Statutory and Planning Authorities (landscape related designations in the study area are shown on Figures 6.4a to 6.5d). However, absence of such a designation does not necessarily imply a lack of quality or value. Factors such as accessibility and local scarcity can render areas of nationally unremarkable quality, a highly valuable local resource Criteria for the identification of sensitivity to change Sensitivity to change of the type proposed has been evaluated with reference to the subject areas above and using a three-point scale as follows: High A landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small changes of the type proposed; Medium A reasonably valued landscape with a composition and characteristics tolerant of some degree of change of the type proposed; and Low A relatively unimportant landscape which is potentially tolerant of a large degree of change of the type proposed. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 13 of 61

14 6.4.5 VARIATION OF IMPACTS OVER TIME Landscape effects change over time as the landscape naturally evolves or development takes place. The assessment acknowledges change and reports on the impacts during the construction phase and during the operational life-cycle of the Project (25 years) ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE IMPACTS The aim of the landscape assessment is to identify, predict and evaluate potential key impacts arising from the Project. The assessment of predicted impacts involves: A review of the sensitivity to change of designated sites and landscape character in relation to changes proposed. This is arrived at by a review of landscape value and scenic quality; An evaluation of the predicted magnitude of change experienced by designated sites and landscape character types resulting from the construction and operation of the Project; and Assessment of the degree and significance of the potential impact of the Project on the identified landscape designations and character during the construction and operational phases Magnitude of change Magnitude of change concerns the degree to which the Project would alter the existing characteristics of the landscape. The determination of magnitude of change has considered the potential for both direct and indirect change. Direct change occurs where the Project would result in a physical change to the landscape. An indirect change may occur where the Project would become a feature in the landscape, but physically located in an adjacent landscape area. The ZTV is used as a tool to gauge the extent of potential indirect change, supported by targeted field surveys. For more information on the use and limitations of ZTV diagrams refer to Sections and 6.5. Magnitude of change has been assessed on a four-point scale of high, medium, low or negligible. These criteria are described as follows: High Noticeable change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to a very intensive change over a more limited area; Medium Perceptible change in landscape characteristics over an extensive area to noticeable change in a localised area; Low Virtually imperceptible change in landscape characteristics over an extensive area or perceptible change in a localised area; and Negligible No discernible change in any landscape characteristics or components. In some cases direct / indirect effects may only affect a limited part, or parts, of a landscape designation or character area. These localised areas may experience widespread potential intervisibility with the Project, however, when taken as a whole, potential intervisibility may be more limited at a regional level. Where this occurs within this assessment, it is referred to as a localised magnitude of change. Intervisibility, a medium of indirect change to landscape character, has been considered in determining the magnitude of change. The potential extent of this visibility is assessed from the ZTV, or visual envelope. For the purposes of this assessment, the tip height ZTV has been used as it is considered that this ZTV represents the worst case scenario (see Figure 6.2). Wireframe diagrams and photomontages from viewpoint receptors have also been used as a tool to aid assessment (refer to Figures a ). 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 14 of 61

15 The prominence of the WTGs in the landscape would vary according to the weather conditions. Therefore, the assessment has been carried out, as is best practice, by assuming the worst case scenario i.e. on a clear, bright day in winter, when neither foreground deciduous foliage nor haze can interfere with the clarity of the view obtained LANDSCAPE IMPACT CRITERIA Evaluation of the predicted level of impact has been carried out through analysis of the magnitude of change anticipated to be experienced by a designated site or landscape character type/area in relation to the identified sensitivity to change of the type proposed and using a degree of professional judgement. The assessment takes into account direct impacts upon existing landscape elements, features and key characteristics and assesses whether these would be lost or their relationships modified, in the context of their importance in determining the existing sensitivity of the character area / type in question. It also takes into account indirect impacts on the wider landscape context. Anticipated impacts are reported in terms of a descriptive scale ranging from substantial moderate slight adverse through to negligible and no change to an ascending scale of slight moderate substantial beneficial. The criteria adopted for the assessment of landscape impacts are as follows: Substantial adverse (or beneficial) very noticeable deterioration / improvement in the existing landscape; Moderate adverse (or beneficial) noticeable deterioration / improvement in the existing landscape; Slight adverse (or beneficial) perceptible deterioration / improvement in the existing landscape; Negligible virtually imperceptible deterioration / improvement in the existing landscape; and No Change no deterioration / improvement in the existing landscape. In some cases, direct and / or indirect impacts may only affect a limited part, or parts, of a landscape designation or character area. This applies often where the introduction of a development can result in adverse impacts upon an area in the immediate vicinity. However, this significant impact may not be reflective of the overall impact upon the landscape designation or landscape character area. When this occurs, it is referred to in the assessment as a localised impact. For the purposes of this assessment, impacts of Moderate and above are considered to be significant. The predicted impacts have been considered in the context of primary mitigation measures associated with site planning, culminating in a statement of the predicted impacts and their overall significance to the landscape resource of the study area LANDSCAPE MITIGATION Landscape and visual mitigation for the Project has been embedded in the design of the Project and has largely centred on the selection of a layout and WTG option which minimise the potential for significant impacts whilst achieving operational objectives. See Chapter 2 (Site Selection) for further information on the iterative design process for the Project RESIDUAL IMPACTS As all mitigation for landscape and visual impacts was centred on WTG location and selection, the impacts outlined in the main assessment are considered to represent residual impacts. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 15 of 61

16 6.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE ASSESSMENT The assessment was undertaken from January to March 2013; therefore, any changes to the landscape resource taken place since this date have not been included in this assessment. The data utilised for identifying and assessing regional designations has originated from a number of resources (refer to References in footnotes). This data is not available in an electronically usable format; therefore, regional designation information has been extracted from the referenced documents and digitised from current maps. This information was then superimposed on the assessment maps. It should be noted that every effort has been made to accurately place this information. There are a number of limitations to the use of ZTVs. It should be noted that the computer model does not take into account features such as trees or woodland, buildings and other structures or local landform, which can vary the ZTV locally and therefore, the ZTV is not representative of the landscape impact in itself. Nevertheless, the ZTV is a valuable tool in assisting with the identification of areas of potential impact. The assessment of potential landscape impacts has been undertaken from public roads, footpaths or open spaces and been further supported by photographs, maps and satellite images. Therefore not all of the landscape designations and landscape character areas have been visited as part of this assessment. 6.6 BASELINE LANDSCAPE CONDITIONS CONTEXT The Project would be located on farmland approximately 8 km to the south-east of the town of Maybole within South Ayrshire (see Figure 6.1). A Project ZTV run to blade tip height is shown on Figure 6.2. The north area comprises an elevated area of farmland including areas of commercial forestry plantations which have been periodically felled resulting in a number of scattered areas of coniferous plantation and evidence of past felling activities. The south area comprises rough pasture and moorland with past evidence of commercial forestry plantations. Both sites are located on steep ground with ground elevation ranging from 120 m above ordnance datum (AOD) to 425 m AOD. A series of watercourses can be across the Project site which include tributaries to the Water of Girvan. The nearest settlement is Straiton village and is located approximately 1 km to the south-west of the Project, with numerous farms, cottages and small groups of houses, scattered throughout the wider landscape (see Figure 6.8) LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS Landscapes can be ascribed an international, national, regional or local designation that recognises the importance of the landscape for its outstanding scenic interest or attractiveness. There are no national level designations within the study area however there are a number of sites included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes and a SNH Search Area for Wild Land (SAWL). Whilst these are not nationally designated, they are important in terms of the national interest. Within the study area, there are a number of regional / local designations comprising of a range of Scenic Areas (SA), Regional Scenic Areas (RSA), Sensitive Landscape Character Areas (SLCAs), which are identified by Local Authorities within their relevant Development Plans. All designated areas within the study area are shown on Figure 6.4a. All landscape designations identified as potentially experiencing potential impacts as a result of the Project are described in detail in Appendix 6.1 and summarised in the following paragraphs. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 16 of 61

17 National context / landscape designations Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDLs) The Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes lists those gardens or designed landscapes which are considered by a panel of experts to be of national importance. Although inclusion on the list does not comprise a Statutory Designation, it is a material consideration in any planning application. Within the 35 km study area, 13 GDLs have been identified as illustrated on Figure 6.4a. The ZTV has been used to predict the likelihood of these sites being affected by the Project and to refine the scope of assessment as detailed in Table 6-3 and shown on Figures 6.5a to 6.5d. Table 6-3: Gardens and Designed Landscapes Site Name/Location Potential for Intervisibility of the Project (based on ZTV) Approximate Distance from Project Inclusion in Assessment Auchencruive ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 18.2 km Yes Bargany ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 8.1 km Yes Blairquhan ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 0.3 km Yes Carnell ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility 28.3 km No Caprington Castle ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility km No Craigengillan ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 4.7 km Yes Culzean Castle ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility 10.7 km No Dumfries House ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility 21.2 km No Glenapp ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 33.5 km Yes Kilkerran ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 1.9 km Yes Loudoun Castle ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility 34.9 km No Rozelle (La Rochelle) ZTV indicates potential intervisibility 14.4 km Yes Skeldon House ZTV indicates no potential intervisibility 8.4 km No As indicated in Table 6-3, six of the 13 GDLs identified within the 35 km study area would not experience potential intervisibility of the Project and have therefore not been considered further within this assessment. 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 17 of 61

18 Regional / local designations Scenic Areas (SAs) / Regional Scenic Areas (RSAs) Scenic Areas (SAs) are a regional designation within the adopted South Ayrshire Local Plan (2007) as they are notable for their landscape quality. Regional Scenic Areas (RSAs) are identified within the Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan (1999) and more recently the Dumfries and Galloway Proposed Local Development Plan Technical Paper: Regional Scenic Areas (January 2013). RSAs have been identified as good examples and attractive combinations of scenically valued landscape character types which form recognisable and comprehensible geographic units. Within the 35 km study area, one SA is found in South Ayrshire in which the Project would be located within. One RSA is also found within the study area in the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area as shown on Figure 6.4a to 6.5d. Sensitive Landscape Character Areas (SLCA) Sensitive Landscape Character Areas (SLCAs) are designated within the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan, to provide protection for high quality landscapes. The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan identifies the designated area on the proposals map. However, the written statement does not name the different SLCAs. For the purposes of this assessment the designation will be assessed as one Additional considerations Dark Sky Park The Galloway Forest Park is the first national park in the UK to be awarded Dark Sky Park status from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) in November The Dark Sky Core area is located approximately 2.5 km to the south of the Project site; however the buffer area is adjacent to the southern boundary of the Project, as shown on Figure 6.4a. However, the award is aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting the dark skies. Infrared lighting is proposed to be used if aviation lighting is required by the MoD (see Chapter 12 (Aviation and Telecommunications)) and except insofar as it indicates elevated local landscape value, since the proposals will not create any light pollution, the Dark Sky Park is not considered further in this study Wild land areas SNH s Policy Statement No.02/03 Wildness in Scotland s Countryside 4 recognises the concept of wild land / wildness as land that is sensitive to any form of development and provides psychological benefit to those seeking more challenging forms of outdoor recreation. SNH s policy statement notes that it is scarce in national terms and has declined in extent over the past few decades. Map 3 (within the policy statement document) Search areas for wild land (SAWL) identified areas of search where it is considered most likely that wild land will be present. This map identifies that the Project would be located approximately 9.4 km to the south-west of a SAWL covering the Merrick area of the southern uplands. No other SAWLs are located within the 35 km study area. Recent mapping exercises carried out by SNH have attempted to identify relative areas of wildness to a greater degree of accuracy than previously existed. A preliminary Map of Relative Wildness 5 has now been produced with wildness indicated on a 25 m square and a colour- based gradient from Low to High. However, this revision of SNH s policy and guidance relating to wild land is still in the early stages and the Map of Relative Wildness is still at a consultative phase, therefore, although the mapping has been given consideration in 4 SNH Policy Statement No. 02/03: Wildness in Scotland s Countryside 5 SNH Mapping Scotland s Wildness, Wildness Map (2012) 11/6267/001/GLA/O/R/002 Revision B1 Page 18 of 61