Rumster Community Wind Energy Project

Transcription

1 Rumster Community Wind Energy Project Report OSE3525 Appendix A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

2 Rumster Community Wind Energy Project Landscape and Visual Assessment Report OSE/3525 Appendix A December

3 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 5 2 THE PROJECT 6 3 SCALE OF THE DEVELOPMENT; DETERMINING TURBINE SIZE DESIGN ELEMENTS: SCALE, HEIGHT AND ROTOR SPEED TURBINE DESIGN 7 4 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT LANDSCAPE RELATIONSHIP LANDSCAPE EFFECTS 8 5 LANDSCAPE PLANNING DESIGNATIONS 10 6 IMPACT UPON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL RESOURCE LANDSCAPE CONTEXT METHODOLOGY VIEWPOINTS LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL SENSITIVITY GRADING OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL SENSITIVITY MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO VISUAL AMENITY GRADING OF MAGNITUDE OF EFFECT SIGNIFICANCE MATRIX LANDSCAPE EFFECTS VISUAL IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 19 7 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE LANDSCAPE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE VISUAL EFFECTS SEQUENTIAL EFFECTS 25 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 28 WEB LINKS 28 ANNEX 1: CUMULATIVE WIREFRAME ANALYSIS 3

4 Summary Conclusions Turbine Selection The Rumster Community Wind Energy Project has been designed around a 900kW scale wind turbine. The actual turbine to be used by the project will not be selected until nearer the construction date, however a windfarm capacity of 2.7MW is desired, and the maximum tip height is not expected to exceed 75m. This report demonstrates that the visual impact of three 900kW wind turbines is not adversely significant in this part of Caithness, and that the project appears to be visually correct for the proposed location. Impact on Designated Landscapes The nearest National Scenic Areas are Hoy and West Mainland on Orkney, and the Dornoch Firth and Kyle of Tongue NSAs in Sutherland; these NSAs are more than 50km from the Rumster site, with zero impact predicted. The Flow Country and Berriedale Coast Special Landscape Area is adjacent to the project site, and extends from the cliffs near Berriedale in the south to Loch More in north Caithness, and includes The Flow Country to the west. There are no direct impacts upon this Special Landscape Area, as there are major topographic barriers and the turbines are subservient to the surrounding landscapes; landscape impacts are of moderate significance. Impacts on Visual Resource of the Area Maps produced to predict Zones of Theoretical Visibility indicate that the development would be well screened from surrounding communities, with the project only fully visible from isolated properties around Lybster. The views from the main roads are largely of a peripheral nature, with very few direct views of the wind turbines. From Lybster itself the project is at a distance of 5km and is largely obscured by buildings in the town; the project cannot be seen from Lybster Harbour. The use of moderate scaled wind turbines results in largely low and medium significance of impact upon neighbours to the development. The wind turbines fit well within the largely flat moorland and forested topography and in no view do the turbines appear to dominate or diminish the apparent scale of the landscape, nor do they adversely affect the quality of any view to a significant extent. Cumulative Impacts The existing wind farms in this part of Caithness tend to be located on either flat open moorland or upon within plantation forestry; Rumster Community follows this design, however cumulative landscape effects are limited by the surrounding more elevated topography. Cumulative and sequential effects can be considered only at a distance, as there are only very limited viewpoints where Rumster can be seen in conjunction with other developments, with the intervening landscapes and large areas of woodland providing significant visual barriers. 4

5 1 Introduction 1.1 This report is an assessment of the landscape and visual impact of a proposed wind energy project at the Rumster plantation forestry in Sutherland. Lybster is the nearest village to the site, with the Rumster development being established as a windfarm to benefit this community. The project consists of three wind turbines that are likely to have a tower height of 49m and a rotor diameter of 52m, however the turbine model will only be determined nearer construction; the maximum tip height is expected to be no more than 75m. 1.2 The project has been designed and planned using the recommendations and advice contained within Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments [1], SPP 6: Renewable Energy [2], Online planning advice on renewable energy and the Advice Sheet regarding onshore wind turbines [3] PAN1/2011: Planning and Noise [4] PAN 2/2011: Planning and Archaeology, PAN 58: Environmental Impact Assessment [5] and PAN 68: Design Statements [6] and the Guidelines on Wind Energy and Aviation Interests from the Defence and Civil Aviation Interests Working Group [7]. The project has also considered the SNH Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarms [8], Scottish Planning Policy 15: Planning for Rural Development, PAN 73: Rural Diversification [9], and the Caithness and Sutherland Landscape Character Assessment [10] 1.3 The methodology used has been developed in line with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment [11], and has the following approach: Collection of relevant background information; The creation of maps showing the Zones of Theoretical Visibility; The use of wireframe and photomontage images; The establishment of viewpoints around the general area; A baseline study of the existing landscape and the visual resource; The assessment of impact significance; A study into the scale and extent of the development; The assessment of any potential cumulative impacts. 1.4 The proposed turbine location is an area of largely flat forestry plantation, located east of the A9 trunk road and north of the Rumster transmitter, with the turbines positioned within an area of cleared forestry. The foundations for the turbines and the cabling within the site will be located below ground level. Connection to the National Grid will be under the control of Scottish and Southern Energy, and will likely be at a substation adjacent to the existing high voltage cables at the A9. 5

6 2 The Project 2.1 The project consists of three 900kW scale wind turbines, using existing access provision from previous forestry work. A cable from each turbine will be routed underground and connected to switchgear building in the centre of the site. The National Grid is approximately 2km west of the forest, with cabling required between the project site and the existing overhead cables; this connection to the grid will be the responsibility of Scottish and Southern Energy. 2.2 The turbines will stand on concrete foundations, all of which will be below ground level, with only stone hardstanding visible around the base of each turbine. The existing forestry has a compacted stone finish, which will be extended with a floating road established across the cleared forestry; the route of an old fire break will be used. 2.3 The construction phase of the development will take place over a matter of months, and will not have any significant visual impacts, due to the remote nature of the site. The operational phase of the project will last for over 20 years, and this assessment considers the impact and visual effects of operational wind turbines upon the landscape over this period. At the end of the project the turbines will be removed and the land will revert to rough moorland. 2.4 The development is known as the Rumster Community Wind Energy Project, with the visual impact of the turbines demonstrated using photomontages, wireframes and maps showing the theoretical zones of visual influence. 2.5 Large wind farms are becoming common in this part of the Highlands, with the nearest existing large scale developments at Causaymire to the northwest and Buolfruich to the south west; this latter project has turbines of a similar scale as those proposed for Rumster, with 26m blades on a 49m tower. 2.6 The higher topography to the west of the site provides an effective visual barrier, which shelters almost all views from the west; there are little if any cumulative effects. The large hills and landmasses to the west and south also provide significant barriers, thus the main views of the development are from the Lybster community. Views in the area are quite patchy, and impact further decreases when taking into consideration the extensive plantation forestry across this part of Caithness. 6

7 3 Scale of the development; determining turbine size 3.1 Design elements: scale, height and rotor speed The overall height of grid-connected wind turbines in the north of Scotland varies from 67m to over 120m. Wind turbines have also been increasing in scale, primarily to increase the amount of energy that can be extracted from the site; the industry is developing an offshore sector, with turbines increasing in scale to justify the increased cost of civil engineering at sea. As the turbines get larger, delivery becomes much more problematic - the most recent turbines have 45m long blade and machines of this size can be delivered to relatively few locations. In contrast mainland Europe has much taller towers, although blade lengths tend to be similar to the UK. These taller towers are used in flat or rolling landscapes rather than exposed hilltops, and typical overall heights can be 120 to 150m. Increasing the size of the wind turbine rotor tends to result in slower rotational speed, and these slower speeds tend to be more acceptable from a visual perspective when turbines are located in prominent positions, enhancing the sculptural aspects of the technology. The newer designs of wind turbine are also variable speed, rotating much slower in lower wind conditions. This results in a more relaxed appearance and a much quieter wind turbine, particularly in days with lower windspeeds. 3.2 Turbine Design When considering the scale of the wind turbine that is appropriate for an area, there has to be a balance between the number of wind turbines that a given area or landscape can accommodate, compared with the dimensions of the turbine. By choosing a moderate size turbine, the project can be located so as to minimise visual impact, while maximising distances to neighbours. The design of the Rumster Community project has followed an iterative process, and has considered a range of different turbine sizes. The original scoping report for the development used 2MW scale turbines, which appear to work with the landscape, however as the project has developed it became clear that community applicant felt that a smaller development would be more appropriate, and consequently moderate sized turbines are being considered at this stage. The use of smaller turbines does allow for future expansion of the development site, alternatively larger machines can be considered at a later date; any change to the layout or to a larger turbine size would require a planning variation. This scale of turbine results in a project that has become well hidden from viewers to the west, and appears appropriate for Rumster Forest. 7

8 4 Landscape Character Assessment 4.1 Landscape Relationship When considering potential impact upon the landscape, the project has attempted to determine the most appropriate scale of project and location for development. The area is Coniferous Woodland Plantation as defined in the SNH Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Caithness and Sutherland, although now clear-felled, and is bordered by the remaining forestry, hills and moorland. The LCA describes Caithness and Sutherland as a vast region containing only a small population concentrated in certain areas. There are contrasts between inland and coastal areas, between the north, west and eastern parts, the variation between the scale of landscapes, and whether they are inhabited or remote lands. Rumster is located near to a boundary between two quite different landscapes, with the contained area around the turbines and the community of Lybster to the east offering a sheltered climate, relative ease of access and good agricultural land, created by rain shadow effects and a coastal plain of well-drained Devonian sedimentary bedrock. By contrast Stemster Hill creates a ridgeline which provides both a visual and an environmental barrier, and to the west and north the landscape becomes one of flat openness, blanket bog and sweeping moorland; the Flow Country. 4.2 Landscape Effects The underlying landscape at the site is one of Moorland Slopes and Hills, which is being revealed with the clearing of the Rumster conifer plantation. SNH have provided guidance on the possible impacts of windfarms in this type of landscape, and recognised that this landscape is favoured for windfarm development. SNH guidance suggests that a windfarm will be most appropriate where it is located within open areas, so that the sizes of the turbines appear inferior to the scale of the surrounding space. A windfarm should aim to portray a simple and sculptural image within moorland surroundings, however this can be difficult to achieve, for although a single turbine may clearly relate to a specific point, it is hard to locate numerous turbines in this manner without creating visual confusion. This means that it tends to be most appropriate to arrange a windfarm in a concentrated or clearly ordered group. The project has fully embraced this design advice and the project fits well within the site setting, providing an evenly-spaced linear feature which follows existing forestry boundaries. Figure 1 is an extract from the Caithness and Sutherland LCA. The area is within the Rumster Conifer Plantation, which itself is located upon Moorland Slopes and Hills landscape type. 8

9 Wind energy project Figure 1 Caithness and Sutherland Landscape Character Assessment 9

10 5 Landscape Planning Designations 5.1 Designated areas The nearest National Scenic Areas (NSA) are Hoy and West Mainland on Orkney, and the Dornoch Firth and Kyle of Tongue NSAs in Sutherland. Each of these NSAs is more than 50km from the Rumster site, with zero impact predicted. Highland Council has established Special Landscape Areas across the Highlands, with the nearest area known as The Flow Country and Berriedale Coast Special Landscape Area (SLA), Figure 2. This SLA extends from the coastal shelf and cliffs near Berriedale in the south, including Badbea, to Loch More in the north. It includes the wide expanse of interior peatland known as The Flow Country, extends westwards to include Knockfin Heights and southwards to encompass a prominent and distinctive range of Inselbergs. The SLA encompasses a range of landscapes; peatland, isolated mountains and a raised coastal shelf, and includes a large portion of the Flow Country. The area is dominated by the flat openness and the feeling of remoteness and wildness. The south western edge of the Flow country peatland is marked by a highly distinctive range of lone mountain peaks and moorland peaks that form a distinctive skyline which is visible from much of Caithness. These hills are bounded by the glens of the Berriedale and Langwell rivers and offer a series of fine vantage points from which to enjoy panoramic views over much of the Flow Country. The wind energy project is to be located approximately 4km away from the north-eastern boundary of the SLA, however the ridgeline formed by Ben a chielt and Stemster Hill creates a significant visual barrier between the proposed wind energy project and the landscapes to the west. Figure 3 is an extract of the project Zone of Theoretical Visibility, and it can be seen that there are few locations within the SLA where the Rumster project can be seen. It should be further noted that two operational wind energy developments have a much greater visual impact within the SLA; Buolfruich at Houstry and Causaymire near Spittal are both clearly seen from within the boundary of the SLA. The Rumster project can only be seen from the remote landscape around Coire na Beinne, and from the isolated summits to the west of Houstry. Due to the distances involved and the relatively moderate scale of turbine size, it is felt that the proposed development will have only marginal indirect effects on the setting of the Flow Country and Berriedale Coast Special Landscape Area. 10

11 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/3525 Appendix A Figure 2 The Flow Country and Berriedale Coast Special Landscape Area Figure 3 Rumster 10km Zone of Theoretical Visibility (Nacelle Height) 11 1 December 2011

12 5.2 Project setting The general area is defined as Coniferous Woodland Plantation overlying Moorland Slopes and Hills, and is adjacent to Sweeping Moorland, as described in the Landscape Character Assessment. With the clear-felling of Rumster Forest, the open moorland nature of the site can be more easily seen, with the topography gently sloping to the south-east. This woodland plantation landscape is quite stark, with sharply defined boundaries; however the clear-felled areas show a much more irregular landscape, with stumps and the occasional tree scattered throughout the turbine site, which creates a contrast with the remaining woodland to the north and south. The site terrain is thus rough and uneven and the land has poor agricultural value. Natural regeneration of the site has begun, however it will be many years before this landscape recovers. A new use for the site demonstrates that the land is no longer seen to be degraded or devalued, and this modern development can be made to fit within this locality - a linear turbine layout is appropriate. This mixture of rough moorland and forestry makes the Rumster site suitable for wind development. 5.3 Planning designations Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDL): The Historic Scotland PASTMAP service was used to identify any HGDLs in the locality of the Rumster development; Castle of Mey, Dunbeath Castle and Langwell Lodge are listed for this part of Caithness. Each of these properties can be excluded from assessment, due to distance, screening or because they are outwith the ZTV. Listed Buildings (LBs) and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs): The theoretical indirect impact upon Grade A Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 5km of the site has been considered, Table 1. Note that LB-A 7935 is backed by an escarpment and can only see a very marginal view of the turbines, and visual impact upon the brochs SAM 599 and 575 is explored in the archaeology report. Site No. Name Distance Visible Y/N LB-A 7935 The Corr; thatched croft 4.7 km Y LB-A 7949 Forse Dovecot 5 km N SAM 419 Achkinloch chambered cairn 2.2 km N SAM 420 Achkinloch stone setting 2.3 km N SAM 555 Greysteil broch, Loch Rangag 3 km N SAM 550 Golsary broch, Rumster 2.8 km N SAM 573 Rumster broch 3 km N SAM 519 Appnag Tulloch broch 4.4 km N SAM 599 The Tulloch; broch 5 km Y SAM 575 Rhianrivach; broch 4.8 km Y Table 1; Grade A Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 5km 12

13 5.4 Zone of Theoretical Visibility Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps were generated using the WindFarm programme along with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic Panorama data. These maps are presented in differing scales, showing the impact within 5km on a 1:25,000 backdrop, up to 20km on a 1:50,000 backdrop and extended views up to 25km on a 1:250,000 map. These plots are contained within volume 2 of the report, and have been completed in line with the recommendations in Visual Assessment of Windfarm: Best Practice. It should be considered that in very clear conditions the site may be seen from areas beyond these boundaries, and similarly no account has been taken of the reduction of views through obstruction by forestry and buildings. The ZTV is largely contained within the open valley extending from Lybster to Rumster forest, with only partial views to the north, south and west. At longer distances the scale of the turbines is much diminished and subservient to the surrounding landscapes. The moorland hills inland from the site act to block the views of the project from the A9 to the west of the development, with the largest impacts shown to be upon the extended community around Lybster. The compact and linear nature of Lybster ensures that the development cannot be seen from within the town, and moreover the project is well screened from Lybster Harbour. When considering impact upon the main trunk roads in the area, the project can only be seen from the section of the A9 between Spittal and Causaymire, and from the A99 around Thrumster and at Lybster. The views of the project from these mains roads are sporadic, with little in the way of direct views. The project is in clear view from the minor road between Lybster and Stemster, with the turbines located near to the highest part of this route. The topography to the east of the site becomes elevated at a distance of around 3km. Cnoc Earrannaiche and Ballharn Hill create a visual barrier to the east, and the ZTV maps demonstrate that the project cannot be seen from almost all parts of the linear valley at Camster; the turbines are not visible from the important Neolithic landscape at the Grey Cairns of Camster, and from the brochs at Lower Camster. 13

14 6 Impact upon Landscape Character and Visual Resource 6.1 Landscape Context The landscape surrounding the site and extending between Lybster and the A9 is largely moorland hills, with forestry and pockets of open land, with elevated landscapes restricting the visibility of the turbines. The screening effects of the elevated land is evident from the ZVI maps, where it can be seen that the turbines are hidden from view 1km west of the development site. Views of the turbines from the roads around Lybster from the south are more extensive, with the project largely seen against a backdrop of moorland hills and pockets of plantation forestry. 6.2 Methodology The significance of the impact of the proposed development on landscape character was considered by evaluating the sensitivity of the landscape and the degree or magnitude of the predicted changes to it. This was then considered in a matrix table relating sensitivity to magnitude in order to determine the significance of impact. The same matrix was also used to determine visual effects, assessing the significance of the impact; viewpoint sensitivity is considered along with the magnitude of change predicted to occur at each location. 6.3 Viewpoints Views were determined by considering the quality of the landscape; whether or not there are any discordant or prominent features; the type and number of possible viewers; and any historical context. Only viewpoints within the ZTV have been considered. A street-viewing search tool was used to identify the relative screening for each viewpoint, and in line with Highland Council and SNH guidance the photographs were taken using a digital camera with a 50mm equivalent lense, ensuring the images were similar to that seen by the human eye. 6.4 Landscape and Visual Sensitivity Sensitivity is an indication of the capacity to absorb change. The factors used to assess sensitivity included the quality of the landscape and views; the value and importance of the landscape through national or local designations and archaeological, historical or cultural associations; the presence of discordant features; the rareness of the landscape, the number of viewers; and the ability of the landscape to absorb change. 14

15 6.5 Grading of Landscape and Visual Sensitivity VERY HIGH sensitivity is used to describe an area or view with the following criteria: The landscape and views are of very high quality - intact, coherent and harmonious; The landscape and views are very highly valued, beautiful and of high importance; The landscape contains no or very few discordant features; It is a very rare landscape character type; This type of development may cause major degradation to the landscape quality; The development is seen by a very large number of viewers. HIGH sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following criteria: The landscape and views are of good quality - intact, coherent and harmonious; The landscape and views are very highly valued and considered attractive; The landscape may contain only minor discordant or intrusive elements; It is a moderately rare landscape character type; The development may cause moderate degradation to the landscape quality; The development is seen by a large number of viewers. MODERATE sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following: The landscape and views are of average quality - less coherent and harmonious, The landscape and views have lower values or valued only locally, The landscape may contain a number of confusing, discordant or intrusive elements, It is a moderately common landscape character type, The landscape can absorb the development with minor degradation to values; The development is seen by a moderate number of viewers. LOW to NEGLIGIBLE sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following criteria: The landscape and views are of low quality, that is despoiled or degraded; The landscape and views are not valued locally; The landscape may contain many confusing, discordant or intrusive elements; It is a very common landscape character type; The landscape could easily absorb this type of development; The development is seen by only a very low number of viewers. 15

16 6.6 Magnitude of Change to Landscape Character The degree or magnitude of change to the landscape character was assessed by primarily considering the location, size and scale of the turbines in relation to the size and scale of the surrounding landform. The magnitude of change also considered the extent of effects predicted by the development, the compatibility of the development within the landscape character, including a fit with the landform and the identification of any conflicts or synergies with vertical elements. The loss of key landscape features and the permanence of effects have also been assessed, along with the cumulative effect of any other adjacent wind projects in the same landscape. 6.7 Magnitude of Change to Visual Amenity The degree of change to the visual resource was assessed by considering a range of factors. The proximity of the development, the scale and number of wind turbines in the area and the compatibility with the existing landscape character, visual conflicts with discordant features, the composition and balance of the development, the direction and elevation of the view, the distance over which the view is seen, the percentage of the view taken up by the development, the permanence of the change and any cumulative effects. 6.8 Grading of Magnitude of Effect 1: VERY HIGH magnitude is used to describe a major change to baseline conditions, resulting in complete alteration of landscape character, composition and quality. The development would dominate the view; 2: HIGH magnitude is used to describe an easily discernible and noticeable change to some aspect of the landscape character, composition and quality. The development would be conspicuous and distinct; 3: MEDIUM magnitude is used to describe a moderate, but still discernible change to some features of baseline conditions, resulting in a slight change to the landscape character, composition and quality. The development would be apparent; 4: LOW magnitude is used to describe a minor change such that the baseline conditions remain largely unchanged. The development would be inconspicuous; 5: NEGLIGIBLE magnitude is used to describe a change of such indiscernible nature that the baseline conditions remain fundamentally unchanged. The development would be scarcely visible. 16

17 6.9 Significance Matrix Significance is a relative term; a landscape could be highly sensitive to change, but if the magnitude of change is very low then the overall significance would be moderate. The significance of impact on the landscape is a combination of the sensitivity of the landscape character and the magnitude of the change upon it, and similarly the significance of impact on the visual resource is a combination of viewpoint sensitivity and magnitude of change. In line with the recommendations given in section 6.4 of Visual Assessment of Windfarm [13] a 20-cell matrix has been created to determine the likely significance of the impact upon both the landscape character and the visual resource, with eight impact categories created. These categories are then used to determine the overall significance of the development. 1: VERY HIGH Medium/High High High/Very High Very High 2: HIGH Medium Medium/High High High/Very High 3: MEDIUM Low Medium Medium/High High 4: LOW Negligible/Low Low Medium Medium/High 5: NEGLIGIBLE Negligible Negligible/Low Low Medium MAGNITUDE SENSITIVITY LOW / NEGLIGIBLE MODERATE HIGH VERY HIGH 6.10 Landscape effects There is a range of different landscapes across the area, with three landscape elements identified, Table 2. The Flow Country and Berriedale Coast SLA has been included, although there are only negligible indirect impacts, as evident from the ZTV maps. Table 2: Summary impact upon landscape elements LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS SENSITIVITIES MAGNITUDE OF EFFECTS SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT SMALL FARMS AND CROFTS Open, farming landscape, sparsely populated, with isolated houses and small villages: Moderate Sensitivity. Three moderate scale turbines, renewing area used for plantation forestry, no direct impacts: Medium Magnitude. Medium MOORLAND SLOPES AND HILLS Favoured for windfarms, tall masts present, area degraded by plantation forests: Moderate Sensitivity. Turbines located well away from neighbours, simple linear structure and use of existing tracks: Medium Magnitude. Medium FLOW COUNTRY AND BERRIEDALE COAST SLA Open landscapes, special views, sense of isolation, open moorlands and flat peatlands: High Sensitivity. Almost completely screened by topography and forestry, with views from isolated locations: Low Magnitude. Medium 17

18 Small Farms and Crofts: The Small Farms and Crofts landscape type covers much of the eastern coastal fringe of Caithness and Sutherland. The northern section between Dunbeath and Wick has undulating coast and gently sloping arable land with a background of plantation forestry and moderate-scale hills; this landscape encompasses the area between Lybster and Rumster. Dense forestry and the hills to the north, south and west provide significant visual barriers. This landscape element represents a traditional form of crofting and farming land use, closely tied to the intrinsic qualities of the landscape. The character of this landscape has been established by the occupation and activity of people, who are responsible for a complex variety of different land use characteristics over thousands of years, resulting in a range of crofts, small farms, areas of marginal moorland and ruined properties, dotted with ancient sites and remains. There is no specific guidance on how wind farms should be integrated into this type of landscape; however the wind energy development has been positioned within plantation forestry and has avoided farmland. By keeping the project design simple, and by using a linear layout against a hill and moorland backdrop, the wind energy project appears to provide a more modest feature, with little or no direct impact upon the Small Farms and Crofts landscape type in this area, giving an impact of Medium Significance Moorland Slopes and Hills: This landscape element occurs throughout Sutherland - often acting as a transition between low lying sweeping moorland and the higher mountains. The landscape at Rumster comprises sloping open moorland, which gradually rises to form a ridgeline of broad hills, which tends to limit visibility to the west. The Rumster coniferous plantation forms a key landscape characteristic within this area of moorland slopes and hills, and in this case has been positioned close to an access route and upon the slopes of Stemster Hill. The design of this plantation provides a strong rectilinear contrast to moorland and farmland surroundings, and represents past forestry practice which is no longer advocated. It is recognised that this landscape type may be favoured for windfarm development due to high wind speeds, open spaces and the presence of powerlines; this can relate to the exposed and wind-dominated character of this landscape, and may appear as a positive addition. It is recognised that conflicts can arise, particularly if a development requires associated facilities such as access tracks and substations, however it is felt that a simple 18

19 linear structure is appropriate, providing a clearly ordered group that follows the boundary of the plantation forestry. The impact of the wind project has also been mitigated to a certain extent by using existing forest tracks, and moreover the very tall masts located upon the hills and within the forests immediately south of the development site provide existing vertical elements; this is not a wild and undisturbed area, with moderate magnitude resulting in a landscape impact of Medium Significance Flow Country and Berriedale Coast Special Landscape Area: The wind energy project has only a very marginal indirect impact upon this Special Landscape Area. This area extends from the coastal shelf and cliffs near Berriedale in the south, to Loch More in the north. It includes a wide expanse of peatland and extends westwards to include Knockfin Heights and a range of Inselbergs in the south including Morven, Maiden Pap and Scaraben. This extensive area comprises a contrasting range of landscapes, from peatland to isolated mountains and a raised coastal shelf, and includes a large portion of the distinctive Flow Country. The area is dominated by the overriding simplicity and horizontal emphasis to the landscape and the feeling of remoteness and wildness which is experienced directly from within its interior, and indirectly when looking in from the roads and tracks around its edge. The project ZTV demonstrates that views of the turbines are largely obscured by hills, particularly from the Flow Country to the west and from the incised valley at Berriedale to the south. By ensuring the project is off the highest ground and is of the correct scale for the surrounding landforms, the magnitude of the project is low, giving a moderate overall impact upon the SLA; Medium Significance Visual Impact Significance A range of viewpoints was established to explore the overall visual effects of the Rumster Community Wind Energy Project. These cover a range of different locations, including neighbours, nearby communities, tourist attractions, ancient monuments and roads, at varying distances and directions from the turbine site. Photomontage and wireframe images have been created using the WindFarm programme along with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic Panorama data, and these have been used to show how the development would be perceived from these viewpoints, Volume 2. Longer distance views are not included, as the project has a diminished nature beyond 15km. The magnitude/sensitivity matrix shown above has been used to determine the significance of visual impact at each viewpoint, Table 3. 19

20 Table 3: Significance of impact upon viewpoints VIEWPOINT SENSITIVITIES MAGNITUDE OF EFFECTS SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT 1 A9 AT MYBSTER & CAUSEYMIRE Main trunk road from the north of Scotland. This section of the road travels past long stretches of open peatland and though the Flow Country, with extended open views and horizons. This location was chosen as one of the few viewpoints that results in cumulative impact, with the Causaymire windfarm providing a significant affect upon users of the road. The Buolfruich windfarm is also visible when travelling southwards from this location: High Sensitivity. A small part of one turbine rotor will be visible at this location, with the Rumster project largely hidden behind Stemster Hill. Causeymire provides a significant focus, with Rumster largely obscured. When travelling southwards, the project becomes hidden, with only an occasional glimpse of a blade, and when traveling northwards the project is not seen by road users. The windfarm is 11km to the south, and is inconspicuous: Negligible Magnitude. Low 2 RUMSTER CAR PARK Nearest access to the site, sign-posted parking area, with open views to the south and coast. This location is adjacent to Rumster Forest, with tree clearance resulting in a somewhat degraded landscape. Popular location with walkers and cyclists, providing easy access to open and forested areas. Rumster TV and radio mast is a significant feature to the south, with the wind project fully visible to the north: Moderate Sensitivity. All three turbine towers and blades are fully visible, located in a degraded landscape against a forestry backdrop, providing a significant, easily discernible and noticeable change to aspects of the landscape character. Mature forestry provides vertical elements on all sides, with the project remaining clearly visible. The nearest turbine is T3 and is 700m from the car park: High Magnitude. Medium/High 3 LYBSTER STEMSTER ROAD Minor road leading north out of Lybster. This route is more commonly used when travelling towards Thurso, with the turbines clearly visible in the direction of travel, appearing over the trees to the right hand side of the road: Moderate Sensitivity. The project is visible in an area of cleared forestry with a discernible change to baseline conditions, resulting in a change to the landscape character, composition and quality. The development would be clearly apparent at 2.4km: Medium Magnitude Medium 4 BAYVIEW HOTEL, LYBSTER View from southern side of Lybster. The project is largely hidden by houses from most of the town, with visibility only from open areas. Medium quality of view, with a moderate number of viewers: Moderate Sensitivity. The wireframe image suggests that the turbines should be clearly visible, however at a distance of 6km the project is subservient to the landscape and the development would be inconspicuous: Low Magnitude. Low 20

21 5 A99 WEST OF LYBSTER Attractive view of the farming land north of Lybster. The project is located against the backdrop of Stemster Hill, with the Rumster television mast providing a very prominent vertical structure to the left of the project. A moderate number of viewers can be expected: Moderate Sensitivity The three turbines are visible at a distance of 5km, providing a backdrop to the view, resulting in a moderate but discernible change to baseline conditions, giving a change to the landscape character. The development would be apparent: Medium Magnitude Medium 6 EAST OF LYBSTER View to the east of Lybster. The project is located against the backdrop of the Rumster Forest skyline, with the television mast providing a very prominent vertical structure. A moderate number of viewers can be expected, with the project visible to road users travelling south: Moderate Sensitivity The three turbines are only just visible at a distance of 7km. The wireframe image shows that the turbine blades should be visible, however the project is largely hidden and subservient to the landscape; the development would be inconspicuous: Low Magnitude Low 7 BRUAN BROCH ULBSTER Open view to the north of Lybster. The Broch is one of the many ancient monuments in this part of Caithness, largely located to have open views to the sea. The view towards the project is not sensitive, and largely shows a farming landscape: Moderate Sensitivity. The wind turbines are over 10km west of the Broch, with only part of one turbine blade theoretically visible, although largely obscured by distant woodland. The development would be scarcely visible: Negligible Magnitude Negligible/Low 8 CAIRN HANACH Forest landscape to the north of Lybster. A collapsed chambered cairn at a rarely visited location. Scheduled Ancient Monument. The view towards the project is not significant, and largely shows extensive coniferous plantation: Moderate Sensitivity The project is over 10km west of the cairn, with the blade tips from all three turbines theoretically visible, rising above the distant woodland plantation. The development would be scarcely visible: Negligible Magnitude Negligible/Low 9 UPPER LYBSTER A fine viewpoint overlooking the small farms and crofts landscape north of Lybster. This is an open view of a gently sloping rural landscape, with a backdrop of hills and woodland; the Rumster mast is quite prominent: Moderate Sensitivity The project is 4.5km from the viewpoint, in an area of cleared forestry. A discernible change to landscape character, composition and quality has occurred. The development would be apparent: Medium Magnitude Medium 21

22 10 THE CORR The Corr is a Grade A listed traditional Caithness thatched croft building, comprising two L-plan, single storey longhouse dwellings. The Corr is no longer inhabited and accordingly is now on the building at risk register. It is in poor condition, and missing several sections of the roof: High Sensitivity The building faces towards the open landscape to the south of the property. One rotor of the Rumster project appears to be visible, with partial views of the others. Topography and vegetation blocks the views to the north, and it is likely visibility will be marginal: Negligible Magnitude. Low 11 THE TULLOCH, (USSHILLY) The remains of a Broch west of Forse House. Located on a low, outcropping rock, with large stones exposed over the surface. Scheduled Ancient Monument, with the visible remains around 20m in diameter and 2-3m high. Known locally as 'The Tulloch', with attractive open views to the south and west. A moderate number of viewers can be expected: High Sensitivity Three turbine rotors are theoretically visible, at 5km. Brochs tend to be located at positions with open views; The Tulloch is no exception. When looking northwards however the view is one of mature forestry, combined with a degraded landscape where the trees have been cleared. The wind turbines would become visible when the last trees are removed: Negligible Magnitude. Low 12 RHIANRIVACH BROCH The remains of a Broch on a minor road north of the A99 west of Lybster. Scheduled Ancient Monument, with the visible remains a grassy mound around 20m in diameter and 2.5m high. The road has been routed through the mound, and farm buildings adjoin the site. Rumster TV mast provides a significant vertical element: Moderate Sensitivity. The blades of all three turbines are theoretically visible from the top of the mound, but not from the road and site setting, with blades only just appearing above the forestry north of the site. Although 5km from the viewpoint, the turbines would be scarcely visible and have negligible impact: Negligible Magnitude. Negligible/Low 22

23 7 Cumulative effects 7.1 Assessment of Cumulative Landscape Effects Cumulative landscape effects can include both direct and indirect effects on landscape elements as a consequence of a new development in an area, with potential impacts upon landscape character, condition and value. The August 2011 Highland Council Windfarm Activity updated map has been consulted, and it evident that wind farms in this part of the Highlands tend to be located upon hilltops and forested moorland, as these types of landscape tend to have a good capacity to absorb large scale wind turbine developments. The nearest operational projects are Causeymire, located on Flat Peatland, and at Buolfruich, on Sweeping Moorland landscape. These projects are located on the opposite side of the A9 corridor west of Rumster. The nearest windfarm is Buolfruich, and is located 7km south-west of Rumster, with significant topographic barriers minimising cumulative effects. The Rumster Community project is proposed for a Moorland Slopes and Hills site, away from the highest land and accordingly there appears to be little in the way of cumulative landscape effects between the different developments in the area. 7.2 Assessment of Cumulative Visual Effects Cumulative effects can include both direct and indirect effects as a consequence of a new development in an area, with potential impacts upon landscape character, condition and value. Wind turbines in this part of the Highlands tend to be large windfarms located upon exposed moorland and peatlands. By contrast the Rumster Community project is relatively small (three 900kW turbines) and cumulative analysis suggests that the Rumster development has limited visibility and quite restricted views when compared with existing wind projects in the area. There are three further projects to be considered that are east of the Stroupster Hill topographic barrier, and accordingly will likely have a degree of cumulative visual effect; Nottingham Mains to the south, Camster Forest to the north and Burn of Whilk to the east. The Camster and Burn of Whilk projects have been consented and are entering their respective construction phases, whereas Nottingham Mains is at the scoping stage Camster The Camster Windfarm an Eon project and is rated at 50MW and will likely consist of 25 turbines, each with 80m towers. This is a significantly large development, and is expected to be operational by the winter of The project is located in Camster Forest, around 8km due north of the Rumster turbines, and was submitted for planning in 2004; consent was awarded in

24 7.2.2 Burn of Whilk The Burn of Whilk project was consented in March 2011, and is owned by npower Renewables. This development has nine turbines, each rated at 3MW, and is to be located within plantation forestry 8km due west of Rumster. It should be noted that the Rumster, Camster and Burn of Whilk projects have very similar settings, suggesting that Rumster could have scope for further development, if desired, and appears to be appropriate for a 20 30MW scale windfarm, notwithstanding any environmental constraints Nottingham Mains The Nottingham Mains project is at the scoping stage, with a site identified but without a planning application being submitted. This project consists of two 2.3MW scale turbines positioned on the southern flank of Ben a Cheil, 4.5km due south of Rumster. This project is located upon an exposed rocky hilltop, adjacent to the A9, and is very prominent Cumulative Analysis Cumulative visual assessment has been completed by considering the five identified projects, then using wireframe analysis to show the degree of intervisibility. The original 12 viewpoints have been used, with the additional windfarms used to create cumulative wireframes. This technique is favoured for the Rumster development, as this more clearly shows the impact upon viewers in the community, and is more accessible than the alternative Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility process; this latter technique tends to become visually confusing if more than one other project is assessed. It is felt that only these five projects should be considered for cumulative analysis, as the project photomontages demonstrate that Rumster has a small development footprint that does not have significant visual effects beyond 10km from the site, evident from Viewpoints 1, 7 and 8. The cumulative wireframes are appended to this report. Camster, Causeymire and Buolfruich: Cumulative wireframe analysis demonstrates that there is little, if any, visual interaction between Rumster and the existing developments of Causeymire and Buolfruich; the high landmasses between the Rumster site and the A9 corridor to the west provide a barrier to cumulative impacts. Similarly, the Camster development is located in a part of Caithness that provides a high degree of seclusion when viewed from the Lybster community. These three projects are quite prominent when viewed from the A9 corridor, but have negligible impact upon the Lybster area, and accordingly the cumulative effects of the arrival of the new development at Rumster are very low: Negligible Cumulative Significance. 24

25 Burn of Whilk: The cumulative wireframes show that the Burn of Whilk project will be very prominent and visible to communities along the eastern seaboard of Caithness, with the turbines rising above forestry just to the west of the A99 north of Lybster. These turbines can be seen in conjunction with the Rumster project, particularly from locations north of Lybster; the two projects can be seen in the same field of view when travelling south on the A99. For other locations around Lybster the Rumster project is seen to the west and north, with a moorland backdrop, whereas Burn of Whilk is seen towards the east and against a seascape; the two projects are quite different. Burn of Whilk will come to dominant the views to the north and east of Lybster, however when considering the project in conjunction with Rumster, the cumulative aspects are moderate: Medium Cumulative Significance. Nottingham Mains: The cumulative wireframe analysis demonstrates that the Nottingham Mains turbines will be prominent, and due to the exposed position, are seen throughout the Lybster community and also to the south and west along the A9 corridor. These turbines can be seen in conjunction with the Rumster project, particularly from locations around Upper Lybster. The two projects cannot be readily seen in the same field of view, with perhaps The Corr and The Tulloch being the viewpoints where both projects can be seen at the same time. In other area large fields of view are required before both projects can be seen, nevertheless the Nottingham Mains development remains a prominent site, and this development will be for more readily visible than the Rumster turbines, should this project proceed to planning and construction. Nottingham Mains will dominant the views to the south of Lybster, however when considering the project in conjunction with the Rumster site, the cumulative aspects are moderate: Medium Cumulative Significance. 7.3 Sequential Effects Sequential impact is the changing view of development as seen during a journey along a transport corridor. It assesses the changes in the experience of that journey caused by the development. Cumulative sequential effects occur when a project is viewed in combination or succession with other developments. The project is positioned upon a remote forested area near the conjunction of the two main trunk roads in Caithness, and therefore theoretical sequential or cumulative views are restricted to mainly travellers upon these roads; potential effects upon users of the A9 between Thurso and Latheron, and upon users of the A99 between Wick and Latheron have been considered. 25