Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual

5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL 5.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter of the Environmental Statement (ES), prepared by LDA Design, assesses the potential landscape and visual effects of the Development on the landscape and visual resource within a defined study area, agreed through consultation. This chapter of the ES: • Defines the existing landscape and visual baseline environments; • Assesses their sensitivity to change; describes the key landscape and visual related aspects of the Development; • Describes the nature of the anticipated change upon both the landscape and visual environments; • Assesses the magnitude and significance of the changes for the construction, operation and decommissioning stages together with cumulative effects; and • Describes the mitigation measures that will be incorporated within the Development to assist in reducing effects upon particularly sensitive receptor groups and landscape environments. This chapter is supported by the following technical appendices, presented in Volume III: Technical Appendices of this ES: • A5.1 Wind Farms Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology; and • A5.2 Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Visuals. This assessment is supported by a series of figures, wireframes and photomontages (Figures 5.13 to 5.50) contained within Volume II: Figures of this ES. 5.1.1 The Development The Development comprises grazed moorland located approximately 2 km to the south west of Todmorden, Calderdale, and approximately 3.5 km east of Bacup, Rossendale (refer to Figure 5.1). The Development is located within open access land (as defined by the CRoW Act) land adjacent to Gorpley Reservoir and includes a number of footpaths and bridleways, most notably the Rossendale Way and Limers Gate. The A681 passes to the north and the A6033 to the west of the site. The immediate landscape comprises upland moorland with a number of settlements located within wooded valleys. The Development will comprise 5 turbines with a height to blade tip of between 110 and 125 m (an indicative hub height of 79 m and a rotor diameter of 92 m have been used as the basis for the LVIA). There will, in addition, be associated infrastructure comprising access roads, a control building compound, temporary construction compounds and a meteorological mast, the height of which will match the final hub height of the turbines installed (up to a maximum height of 85 m). 5.1.2 The Study Area In accordance with best practice guidance, a study area has been agreed through consultation with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (CMBC) and Natural England (NE), as well as Rossendale Borough Council, Rochdale Borough Council, Burnley Borough Council, and Bury Borough Council. For the purposes of this Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) the following has been agreed: • A 1 km study area for the assessment of effects on residential amenity; • A 5 km study area for the assessment of effects on settlement edges; • A 10 km study area for the assessment of effects on regional and local landscape character, as well as local landscape designations; and • A 30 km study area for assessing the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), and for the assessment of visual effects from representative viewpoints and effects on national

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-1 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement landscape character areas and designations, as well as for the assessment of cumulative landscape and visual effects. A summary of the consultation which has informed the LVIA process is provided in Section 5.2.12. 5.1.3 Report Structure This chapter of the ES is structured as follows: • Methodology – summarising the approach which underpins the LVIA with reference to key established guidance and methodology and to the consultation process; • Baseline Description – a description of landscape designations, landscape character and the visual resource within the agreed study area, informed by desk studies, consultation responses and field surveys; • Development Design Mitigation – a summary of measures embedded in the design of the Development to eliminate or reduce potential negative landscape and visual effects; • Assessment of Potential Effects – a consideration of the ways in which the Development may affect landscape and visual amenity receptors within the study area, including potential cumulative effects; • Mitigation Measures and Residual Effects – a description of mitigation measures to reduce identified potential negative effects or enhance beneficial effects; • Summary of Effects – a tabulated summary of anticipated effects on the landscape and visual resource; and • Statement of Significance – a summary of the findings of the assessment identifying landscape and visual effects which, in EIA Regulation terms, are considered to be “significant”. The planning and legislative framework for the Development is provided in detail within Chapter 4: Planning and Energy Policy of this ES. Reference to specific landscape planning policies is made, where appropriate, throughout this Chapter. 5.2 METHODOLOGY LDA Design has an established methodology for carrying out LVIAs for proposed wind farm developments. The methodology may be varied slightly to address site or development specific situations, and the terms used to describe particular levels of effect may be varied depending on the terminology of the ES at the request of the EIA coordinator for consistency. The standard methodology is described below along with any variations specific to this assessment. Additional supporting information is also provided within Volume III: Technical Appendices of this ES: • A5.1: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology; and • A5.2: Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Visuals. 5.2.1 Overview The methodology has four key stages, which are described in more detail in subsequent sections, as follows: • Baseline – includes the gathering of documented information; scoping of the assessment and agreement of that scope with the Applicant, relevant consultees, EIA coordinator and Local Planning Authority; site visits and initial reports to the Applicant and/or EIA coordinator of issues that may need to be addressed within the design; • Design – review of initial layout/ options, turbine choice(s), and mitigation options; • Assessment – includes an assessment of the landscape and visual effects of the full scheme, requiring site based work and the completion of a full report and supporting graphics; and • Cumulative Assessment – assess the additional changes caused by the proposal in conjunction with other wind farm developments. The assessment methodology draws upon the established Countryside Agency methodology (Landscape Character Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-2 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Assessment Guidance, 2002)1 and other recognised guidelines, in particular the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and the Landscape Institute’s Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, second edition 20022 , and Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) “Visual representation of Wind Farms Best Practice Guidance” (2006, albeit published in 2007)3 . A comprehensive list of key reference and guidance documents is presented within the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology in Technical Appendix A5.1. 5.2.2 Baseline Methodology The baseline study establishes the planning policy context, the scope of the assessment and the key landscape receptors. It includes the following key activities: • A desk study of relevant current national, regional and local planning policy for the core area and surrounding areas; • Agreement of the main study area radius with the Local Planning Authority; • A desk study of existing landscape character assessments for the Development and surrounding areas, both at national, regional and local level; • ZTV studies to assist in identifying potential viewpoints and indicate the potential visibility of the Development, and therefore scope of receptors likely to be affected. The methodology used in the preparation of ZTV figures is described within Technical Appendix A5.2; • Through consultation, the identification of, and agreement upon, the scope of assessment for cumulative effects; • Identification of the range of visual receptors (including residents, the travelling public, workers and visitors; and • Site visits to become familiar with the core area and surrounding landscape and to identify viewpoints and receptors. 5.2.3 Design The degree of “design fix” of schemes coming forward pre-assessment varies. For some sites, the turbine layout may already be fixed, in which case input to the design may be limited to advising on mitigation or indication that adjustments to particular turbine locations would be desirable. In the case of this Development, the scope to amend the design such as turbine numbers, sizes and layouts, was considered and reviewed with the Applicant and EIA team in order to arrive at an optimum proposal that best addresses the balance between potentially conflicting issues. Chapter 3: Project Description of this ES details the design process and considerations for the Development. 5.2.4 Assessment The assessment of effects includes further desk and site based work, covering the following key activities: • The preparation of ZTVs based on the finalised design for the Development; • The preparation of computer-generated wireframes showing the Development from the agreed representative viewpoints; • An assessment of the magnitude and significance of effects upon the landscape character, landscape designations and the existing visual environment arising from the Development during construction, operational and decommissioning stages; and • The production of photomontages from a selection of the agreed viewpoints showing the anticipated view following construction of the Development.

1 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002): Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. 2 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002): Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Spon Press (second edition). 3 Scottish Natural Heritage (2006): Visual Representation of Wind Farms Best Practice Guidance, SNH. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-3 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.2.5 Preparation and Interpretation of Visuals The preparation of the ZTVs, wireframes and photomontages complies with the SNH document ”Visual Representation of Wind Farms Best Practice Guidance”4. The ZTVs and wireframes are used to inform the field study assessment work, providing additional detail and accuracy to observations made within the field during the site visit. The following points should be borne in mind in respect of the ZTV study: • The ZTV is a theoretical model only. When viewed on the ground, areas shown as having potential visibility may in fact have restricted or indeed no views of the Development due to local obstructions such as trees, hedgerows, embankments or buildings; • Two separate ZTV studies have been prepared for the reason, with the first using a topographical model alone (referred to as Bareground ZTV). The second study (referred to as Obstruction ZTV) includes visual barriers from settlement (generally modelled at 7.5 m height above ground level) and woodlands (generally modelled at 15 m height above ground level); and • Each turbine is analysed at both the proposed hub and blade tip height, differentiating the visibility of the two parts of the turbine in different colours. Consequently the ZTV should be regarded as the maximum theoretical visibility of the Development available, the actual extent of visibility in reality being smaller than that illustrated. In line with the SNH guidance5, photomontages are produced to assist readers of the assessment in visualising the proposals. In the wireframes and photomontages, the turbines are orientated toward the viewer, representing a “maximum visual effect” scenario. The photomontages and wireframes show both the Development and all consented wind farms within the study area, to inform the assessment of the Development in the context of a “near-future” baseline condition. The cumulative wireframe images illustrate operational wind farms (shown in black), consented wind farms (green), and wind farms currently in planning (blue) within the 30 km cumulative study area. 5.2.6 Assessment Terminology and Judgement The key terms used within assessments are Sensitivity, Magnitude and Significance. Sensitivity is assessed and assigned for both landscape receptors, such as designated areas and landscape character areas, and for visual receptors (people) at viewpoints where views of the Development are available. It provides an indication of the sensitivity of that receptor to change of the type proposed. A description of how sensitivity is assessed for each receptor type is included below. It is rated on the following scale: • High – Receptors highly sensitively to changes to their character or visual amenity. Includes international and national designations such as National Parks (NPs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), private residents or receptors of protected views including recreational users of National and Regional Trails; • Medium – Receptors reasonably tolerant of change to their character and visual amenity. Includes locally designated landscapes, such as Special Landscape Areas, or users of local PRoW (excluding National / Regional Trails); and • Low – Receptors tolerant of substantial change to their character and visual amenity. Likely to be non-designated character areas or visual receptors with little interest in views beyond their immediate vicinity, such as indoor workers.

4 Scottish Natural Heritage (2006): Visual Representation of Wind Farms Best Practice Guidance, SNH 5 Ibid. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-4 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Sensitivity of landscape character areas is influenced by their characteristics and is frequently considered within documented landscape character assessments and capacity studies. Sensitivity of designated landscapes is influenced by their value as indicated by their designation. Sensitivity of visual receptors is primarily a function of the expectations and occupation or activity of the receptor and the importance of the view. Magnitude of effect is assessed for all identified receptors and indicates the degree of change to a specific receptor. It is graded on the following scale: • High – total or major alteration to key elements, features or characteristics, or visual composition such that, post-development, the baseline situation will be fundamentally changed; • Medium - partial alteration to key elements, features or characteristics, or visual composition such that, post–development, the baseline situation will be noticeably changed; • Low – minor alteration to elements or limited key elements, features or characteristics, or visual composition such that, post–development, the baseline situation will be largely unchanged despite discernible differences; and • Minimal – very minor alteration to elements, features or characteristics, or visual composition such that post development the baseline situation will be fundamentally unchanged with barely perceptible differences. Whilst the duration of effect is also a consideration, the normal lifespan of a wind farm, though temporary, is for a period of 25 years. This is a considerable length of time and so is not taken into account in determining magnitude. The reversibility of effects is however, a material consideration and is referred to within the assessment. Significance indicates the importance of the effect, taking into account the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of the effect. The following descriptive thresholds have been used as a guide for this assessment: • Major – indicates an effect that is anticipated to be very important in the planning decision making process; • Major/Moderate - indicates an effect that is anticipated to be, in itself, material in the planning decision making process; • Moderate – indicates a noticeable effect that is not anticipated to be, in itself, material in the planning decision making process; • Minor - indicates an effect that is anticipated to be trivial in the planning decision making process; and • Negligible - indicates an effect that is akin to no change and is thus not anticipated to be relevant to the planning decision making process. Effects that are Major/Moderate or Major are considered to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations, in that they are anticipated to be, in themselves, an important consideration to the decision. Effects of Moderate significance or less are additional considerations. It should also be noted that whilst an effect may be significant, that does not necessarily mean that such an impact would be unacceptable. Where intermediate ratings are given, e.g. “Moderate/Minor”, this indicates an effect that is both less than Moderate and more than Minor, rather than one which varies across the range. In such cases, the higher rating is always given first, however this does not mean that the impact is closer to that higher rating. The process of forming a judgement of significance of effect is based upon the assessment of magnitude of effect and sensitivity of the receptor to come to a professional judgement of how important this effect is in landscape and visual terms. This process is guided by the significance matrix illustrated graphically within Table 5.1 below in combination with professional judgement and interpretation to come to an objective and informed conclusion:

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-5 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Table 5.1: Significance of Effect Matrix MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE

HIGH MEDIUM LOW MINIMAL HIGH MAJOR MAJOR/ MODERATE NEGLIGIBLE

MODERATE

MEDIUM MAJOR/ MODERATE MODERATE/ NEGLIGIBLE MODERATE MINOR

LOW MODERATE MODERATE/ MINOR NEGLIGIBLE SENSITIVITY MINOR

For the purposes of this assessment effects of Major/Moderate and above are considered to be significant in EIA terms. 5.2.7 Limitations The assessment methodology is designed to be as objective as possible. However, in the case of wind farms, there are difficulties in indicating whether landscape and visual effects will be positive or negative. Much depends upon the attitudes and predispositions of the individual. As has been shown in a number of opinion surveys, the attitudes of the general public vary widely from those who think that wind farms blight the landscape to others who feel that they are a positive addition, in some instances regardless of the natural beauty/value of the landscape in question. In general terms, there appears to be a majority view that is positive towards wind energy generation and its appearance in the countryside and this is particularly so once a wind farm is built in a particular location (further detail on public opinions is provided in Chapter 12: Land Use, Recreation and Socio-economics, of this ES). In examining landscape and visual effects, it is not realistic to ignore public opinion (nor the likelihood that professionally qualified landscape architects may have differing positions) when discussing what is an inherently subjective subject which often deeply divides opinion. The nature (or valency) of the visual effect (Positive, Neutral or Negative) has not therefore been identified as part of this assessment. Making positive/negative judgements for effects of wind farms on landscape character based on current guidance would be of questionable value, particularly if using the conventional interpretation (which is implicit and indeed explicit in many local plan policies) that any “out of character” development should be considered negative. This would effectively make all wind farm developments result in negative effects on landscape character except if they were proposed near to another wind farm. For this reason, such judgements are not included in this assessment. 5.2.8 Landscape Character The European Landscape Convention6 provides the following definition: “Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.” The Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland7, defines landscape character as: “the distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one area different from another.” It also notes (para. 2.1):

6 Council of Europe (2000): European Landscape Convention, Council of Europe. 7 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002): Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-6 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual “Character makes each part of the landscape distinct, and gives each its particular sense of place. Whether we value certain landscapes for their distinctiveness, or for other reasons, is a separate question.” Landscape character assessment is defined as by Natural England8 as: “the tool that is used to help us to understand, and articulate, the character of the landscape. It helps us identify the features that give a locality it’s 'sense of place' and pinpoints what makes it different from neighbouring areas." The sensitivity of landscape character areas is judged based on both the attributes of the receiving environment and the characteristics of the Development. Thus, the key characteristics of landscape character areas is considered, along with scale, openness, topography; the absence of, or presence of, nature and patterns of development, settlement, land cover and land uses in forming existing character. The condition of the receiving landscape, i.e. the intactness of the existing character will also be relevant in determining sensitivity. The likelihood of effects on landscape character can be judged based on the scale and layout of the proposal and how this relates to the characteristics of the receiving landscape. Thus large-scale landscapes are likely to be less sensitive to large scale wind farm developments, whilst some small scale, enclosed landscapes may be highly sensitive to all but very small scale proposals. Wind turbine developments are unusual in their effects upon landscape character as they primarily involve the addition of elements rather than any alteration to, or removal of, existing features. The introduction of a wind farm into an existing landscape adds a new feature which strongly affects the “sense of place” in its near vicinity, but with distance, the existing characteristics reassert themselves. At its most basic level, the magnitude of effect can best be understood by considering how one might perceive a particular place post-construction; i.e., if the baseline perception is “I am in a field”, then this may change to: “I am in, or at, a wind farm” (High magnitude); “I am in a field near a wind farm” (Medium); “I am in a field and I can see a wind farm over there” (Low); or remain as “I am in a field” (Minimal). It is specifically noted within Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland9 (para 1.14) that “Landscape Character Assessment is not a tool designed to resist changes that may influence the landscape. Rather it is an aid to decision-making - a tool to help understand what the landscape is like today, how it came to be like that, and how it may change in the future.” In para 6.32, it describes the purpose of key characteristics in landscape assessment, as follows: “Key characteristics are those combinations of elements which help give an area its distinct sense of place. They tend in many cases to be ‘positive’ characteristics but they may also, in some cases, be ‘negative’ features which nevertheless are important to the current character of the landscape. If the key characteristics which are identified were to change or be lost there would be significant consequences for the current character of the landscape. These would usually be negative but sometimes positive where some characteristics currently have a negative influence on the character (e.g. the effects of a busy road corridor). Key characteristics should therefore be the prime targets for monitoring change and for identifying landscape indicators.” It follows from the above that in order to assess whether landscape character is significantly affected by a development, it should be determined how each of the key

8 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002): Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. 9 Ibid. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-7 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement characteristics would be affected. The judgement of magnitude therefore reflects the degree to which the key characteristics and elements which form that overall characteristic will be altered by the proposals. Based on recent appeal decisions appertaining to wind farms which are located within comparable landscapes to the Development, there is a general consensus that significant direct and / or indirect effects on landscape character arising from wind farms are generally confined to the immediate vicinity, generally being of High magnitude within up to 1 km of turbines (where the turbines may become the dominant characteristic of the landscape), reducing to Medium within up to 4 km (where the turbines may become one of the key characteristics of the landscape) and decreasing further thereafter. The scale of the development, the nature and sensitivity of the receiving landscape, and local “barriers” in the landscape (such as breaks of topography, woodlands, settlements, and roads or rivers) will determine the exact extent of effects for each development, but in practice significant effects are highly unlikely beyond 10 km. For this reason the study of local landscape character areas is limited to a 10 km radius from the turbines, though the national landscape character areas will be reviewed up to a 30 km radius in order to provide context. 5.2.9 Landscape Designations and Value The sensitivity of designated landscapes is assessed based on their relative value. All landscapes are valued to a greater or lesser extent, and local people generally value open countryside regardless of whether or not it is designated. However, a despoiled or degraded landscape would generally be of low sensitivity in this respect as opposed to nationally designated landscapes such as National Parks (NPs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) recognised for their scenic landscape qualities. Locally designated landscapes would have medium value and sensitivity. In considering the effects on designated landscapes, a number of factors need to be considered. The effects on the component landscape character areas and views from within and towards the designated area need to be understood. These effects are then considered in light of the documented “special qualities” and purposes of the designation, and the proportion of the designated area that is affected, in order to arrive at a judgement of the magnitude of effect on the designated area. Thus the judgement of the significance of effect on designated landscapes takes into account the value of the landscape (via the sensitivity rating) and the degree to which the purposes of designation is affected (via the magnitude). Allowing for their lower sensitivity, significant effects on local landscape designations are highly unlikely to occur beyond 10 km from the turbines and the study area for local designations is limited to that extent, whilst that for national designations extends to the full 30 km study area. 5.2.10 Development Site The effect of physical changes to the Development Site is assessed in terms of the effects on the physical fabric. Factors such as the location and materials of access tracks, and the potential effects arising from temporary construction compounds and the control building compound are considered and assessed. 5.2.11 Viewpoints and Visual Receptors A wide variety of visual receptors can reasonably be anticipated to be affected by a proposed wind farm development. The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment10 indicate that the following factors affect the sensitivity of a viewpoint: • The location and context of the viewpoint; • the expectations and occupation or activity of the receptor; and

10 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002): Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Spon Press (second edition). Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-8 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • The importance of the view. These are all interlinked considerations as the location; context and importance of the view will influence the likely activities and expectations of the receptor. The range of visual receptors will include pedestrians, and recreational users of the surrounding landscape such as walkers, cyclists and those otherwise engaged in the pursuit of leisure activities, local residents, motorists, those working outdoors and other workers. All categories of receptors can potentially be affected to a greater or lesser degree by a wind farm development. The four main visual receptor groups are considered in more detail below, under the headings of residents, workers, the travelling public, and visitors. Local residents tend to have a higher level of sensitivity to changes in their landscape and visual environment than those passing through. For residents, the most important views are likely to be those from their homes, although they will also be sensitive to other views such as those experienced when travelling to work or other local destinations. However, it is these latter views, from public areas nearby houses that are of relevance to the main body of the visual impact assessment (views from private properties are considered under the residential amenity assessment – see Section 5.2.12). The travelling public category of visual receptor group overlaps to a degree with the other categories in that it embraces local residents, workers and those who come to visit the area. This group of visual receptors will include the following: • Motorists - for major trunk routes and motorways, the sensitivity of users will be low, as they will be travelling at speed and will be primarily focussed on achieving their destination. Users of other A-roads will have a low to medium sensitivity, unless these are particularly scenic or slow routes, in which case the sensitivity may be assessed as medium. The users of local roads will have a medium sensitivity; and • Cyclists and footpath users – these groups are addressed under the heading of visitors (albeit they may also be local residents) as they are generally less concerned with the object of reaching their destination than with the enjoyment of being outside and enjoying the landscape and available views. Users of the roads identified above will vary in their level of sensitivity to the Development depending primarily upon the purpose for which they are travelling. For example, local residents and those on business will be more preoccupied with achieving their destination than in enjoying the scenery and the views available along their route. In contrast, day trippers and longer term visitors to the area are likely to be more concerned with the views they enjoy as they travel, but the speed and direction of travel and the fact that they are in a vehicle will reduce their sensitivity compared to, for example, walkers. Workers are generally less sensitive to effects as they are focussed on the working tasks they are undertaking. Indoor workers generally have a low sensitivity, and outdoor workers, such as farmers and those offering outdoor pursuits are considered to have a low to medium sensitivity. Visitors - This category includes several visual receptor groups, each with different objectives and levels of sensitivity to any change in the fabric or character of the landscape and views arising from the Development. This group includes those who are mainly concerned with enjoyment of the outdoor environment but also those who may pursue indoor recreational pursuits and is anticipated to include the following (arranged in decreasing sensitivity): • Those whose main preoccupation is the enjoyment of scenery (High sensitivity); • Recreational walkers and equestrians using local PRoW (Medium sensitivity); • Those visitors engaged in cultural pursuits (Medium sensitivity); and • Cyclists (Medium sensitivity).

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-9 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.2.12 Residential Amenity Concerns about views of proposed development from private properties can clearly be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications to the extent that the reasons for the concerns expressed are based on material planning factors. Thus, a concern based on a dislike of wind turbines generically would be unlikely to be material. However, a concern based on impact on visual amenity should be taken into account. The impact on a dwelling in terms of amenity will not necessarily be the same as the visual effect for a nearby viewpoint as the assessment of effect on a dwelling needs to take into account the fact that a dwelling comprises a number of viewpoints: some indoors and some outdoors; from different rooms with different uses; and including both views towards and views away from the Development. The degree to which a residential property draws its character from the surrounding landscape may also be a consideration. For wind farms there is an emerging consensus (based on a number Public Inquiry decisions) that in terms of visual effects, “oppressive” or “overbearing” views, which may contribute to creating an “unattractive place to live” (words used by planning inspectors to define such potentially unacceptable harm), are only likely to exist within 1 km of the Development, and therefore properties within 1 km of the Development are assessed. 5.2.13 Public Rights of Ways Effects on the visual amenity of PRoW in the vicinity of the Development are assessed. Particular reference is made to effects on strategically important routes such as National Trails, long distance trails and national and regional cycle routes. Assessment is informed by viewpoints located on PRoWs where appropriate and by site visits and reference to aerial photography to ascertain the likely extent and nature of views available from such routes. Other publicly accessible locations such as permissive rights of way, open access land, Woodland Trust sites or similar are also considered where applicable. 5.2.14 Settlements The assessment of visual effects from settlements broadly follows the approach used for the fixed viewpoint assessment, using a combination of field surveys and desktop review of aerial photography and OS map data. A study area of 5 km from the Development has been adopted for the assessment as this is where significant effects, based on professional judgement, are considered most likely to occur. For the purposes of this LVIA, the principal visual receptors within settlements are assumed to be residential receptors with a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed; it is beyond the scope of this assessment to consider the full range of visual receptors within a settlement. The assessment is primarily focussed on dwellings located on the settlement edge, where views of the Development could reasonably be expected, though other areas within settlements, including the core, are noted where outward facing views towards the Development are anticipated. 5.2.15 Cumulative Assessment A search radius from the Development is agreed with the local authority. In terms of selecting which wind turbine proposals within the study area should be included, SNH Guidance “Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments”11 advises in para 26 that: “An assessment of cumulative impacts associated with a specific development proposal should encompass the effects of the proposal in combination with: - existing development, either built or under construction;

11 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012): Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments, SNH. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-10 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual - approved development, awaiting implementation; and - proposals awaiting determination within the planning process with design information in the public domain. Proposals and design information may be deemed to be in the public domain once an application has been lodged, and the decision-making authority has formally registered the application.” For this application a study area of 30 km was agreed the consultees. Within the agreed radius, all relevant Local Planning Authorities are contacted to identify existing and consented wind turbine developments, as well as applications yet to be determined. For each of these schemes agreement has been reached with the consultees as to whether they should be included in the assessment. Sites that have been refused planning permission and have submitted an appeal are also included, as are recently refused sites (within 6 months), where there is the potential for the decision to be appealed. Schemes which are in scoping are not included within the assessment unless they become (or are very likely to become) active applications before the LVIA is submitted. The cumulative assessment examines the same groups of landscape and visual receptors as the assessment for the Development. The assessment is informed to some extent by cumulative ZTVs, showing the extent of visual effects of the schemes in different colours to illustrate where visibility of more than one development is likely to arise. Cumulative wireframes are prepared to show each of the developments in different colours so that they are each readily identifiable (see Technical Appendix A5.2). In addition, the effects on users of routes through the area, from which wind farms may be sequentially visible as one passes through the landscape, are also considered. This assessment is based on the desk study of ZTVs and aerial photography, and site visits to travel along the routes being assessed. The way in which the assessment is described and presented is varied depending on the number and nature of scenarios which may arise. This variation is needed in order to convey to the reader the key points of each assessment, in line with the SNH guidance12 which emphasises in paragraph 33, and similar directions in paragraphs 66 and 102 that: “The key principle for all cumulative impact assessments is to focus on the likely significant effects and in particular those which are likely to influence the outcome of the consenting process.” 5.2.16 Distances Where distances from the Development are given in the assessment, these are approximate distances between the nearest turbine and the nearest part of the receptor in question, unless explicitly stated otherwise. 5.2.17 Consultation Preliminary consultation with CMBC and other consultees and stakeholders has been undertaken to inform the scope of the LVIA. Responses have been received through a formal scoping opinion prepared by CMBC, dated 4th May 2012 and through subsequent dialogue with relevant bodies. A summary of consultee responses relevant to the assessment of landscape and visual effects is provided below, with a wider summary provided in Chapter 2: Environmental Impact Assessment of this ES.

12 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012): Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Win Energy Developments, SNH. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-11 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Table 5.2 Summary of Consultee Comments Consultee Date Comments Where addressed in this chapter Natural 15 February 2012 Refer to GLAVIA 2002, LCA See methodology section 5.2 England (Scoping response) Guidance, Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments (2010) 31 August 2012 Confirmation of agreement - (LVIA consultation) with methodology, study area, viewpoints and cumulative sites. Calderdale 4 May 2012 Refer to Landscape Capacity Capacity Study is referenced in Metropolitan (scoping responses) Study for Wind Energy 5.3.3.3). Borough Developments (2010) Council Additional viewpoints 6no. additional viewpoints adopted requested at (see section 5.3.5.1) with the - Heptonstall Water exception of Boston Hill as views Tower; will be largely similar to those at - Boston Hill, Old VP13, and Basin Stone as views Town; will be largely similar to those at - Gib Slack Keighley VP03 and similar receptors are Road; represented by VP01. Additional - Basin Stone; viewpoints are: - Hoof Stone; - Heptonstall Water Tower - Bride Stone; is VP13 - Great Rock; - Gib Slack Keighley Road is - Bottomley VP14; - Hoof Stone is VP15; - Bride Stone is VP16; - Great Rock is VP17; and - Bottomley is VP18. Refer to Common Land (as See Sections 5.3.2.4; 5.5.1.1; defined within Policy OS8) 5.5.2.1; 5.6.1.1 Refer to distance from RoW, See Sections 5.5.1.6; 5.5.2.7 taking into account British Horse Society 2010 guidance Refer to NCAs and capacity See sections 5.3.3.1; 5.5.1.2; areas as set within the 5.5.2.2; and 5.3.3.3.1 Capacity Study. 1 August 2012 Confirmation of agreement All addressed in range of (LVIA consultation) with viewpoint selection viewpoints provided. including final comments Wind farms that are partly There are no wind farms that are within 30 km study area also only partly within the study area. to be considered in cumulative assessment. Sizes of cumulative sites

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-12 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Consultee Date Comments Where addressed in this chapter Rossendale 23 February 2012 Additional viewpoints 2no. additional viewpoints included Borough (Scoping response) requested at (see section 5.3.5.1) as follows: Council - A671 above Weir - A671 above Weir is VP19; - A681 Sharneyford - A681 Sharneyford is VP20. - Footpaths on Seat The remaining suggested Naze viewpoints have been considered - Maden Recreation but omitted for the following Ground reasons: - Pennine Bridleway - Views from Footpath on Seat adjacent to Cragg Naze will be similar to those at Quarry VP7, as it has a similar - Rooley Moor Road elevation and views to the site - Whitworth are at the same angle. VP7 Cemetery represents walkers on a National footpath rather than a local footpath at suggested location. - Maden Recreation Ground is 300m from VP7, and as such views are covered by VP7. - Views from Pennine Bridleway near Cragg Quarry will similar to those at VP9, as the viewpoint has a similar elevation and angle of view to the site. VP9 is also closer to the site. - Views from Rooley Moor Road will be similar to those at VP9, as the viewpoint has a similar elevation and angle of view to the site. VP9 is also closer to the site. - The ZTV indicates that there is limited visibility from Whitworth Cemetery. Include Crook Hill, Reaps See Table 5.8 and cumulative Moss, Todmorden Moor, Coal assessment Section 5.6. Clough wind farms as cumulative sites Cumulative ZTV for all See Figure 5.13 and cumulative operational, consented and assessment Section 5.6. in-planning wind farms Refer to distance to long See Sections 5.3.5, 5.5.1.6, and distance footpaths 5.5.2.7. 9 July 2012 General agreement with See comments above. (LVIA consultation) range of viewpoints but Viewpoints were visited during site requested to reconsider work and confirmed similar views viewpoints at from Footpath on Seat Naze with - Footpath on Seat VP7. Naze Field work also confirmed that - A671 above Weir there is no visibility to the - Whitworth Development from Whitworth Cemetery Cemetery. Rochdale 4 May 2012 Refer to planned expansion The extension has been referred Borough (Scoping responses); of Scout Moor wind farm to; it is at the scoping stage at the Council time of writing and therefore is not formally assessed. See methodology section 5.2.15.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-13 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Consultee Date Comments Where addressed in this chapter Blackshaw 7 February 2012 Additional viewpoints Viewpoints included within Parish Council (Scoping response) requested at assessment. - Hoof Stone; - Bride Stone; - Great Rock. Visual modelling based on All wireframes show proposed local topography showing turbines using a topographical proposed wind turbines model. See Figures 5.13 to 5.34. Include Coal Clough wind This operational wind farm is farm. included as part of the Baseline and the Repowering scheme is assessed as part of the Cumulative Assessment. Todmorden 16 February 2012 Refer to Town Council Town Council (Scoping response) Moorlands Policy Note Special Landscape Area Included in baseline and designation and include in assessment. See sections 5.3.2.3; visual assessment 5.5.1.1; and 5.6.1.1 Burnley 25 June 2012 Additional viewpoints Singing Ringing Tree has no Borough (LVIA consultation) requested at visibility of the Development. Council - Singing Ringing Hameldon Hill has been adopted as Tree; VP21. - Hameldon Hill 30 August 2012 Produce cumulative Refer to Figure 5.50a and b. (LVIA consultation) visualisation for Hameldon Hill Existing and proposed Only planning applications that are planning applications for submitted are taken into account. wind farms should be taken See methodology section 5.2.15. into account. Bury Borough 5 July 2012, and Confirmation of agreement - Council 17 August 2012 with methodology, study (LVIA consultation) area, viewpoints and cumulative sites.

5.3 BASELINE DESCRIPTION 5.3.1 Introduction A maximum study area of 30 km has been agreed as the basis of the assessment. This area includes a variety of landscapes from wooded incised river valleys, plantation woodland, open reservoirs, linear settlement and urban conurbations. However, the predominant characteristic of this area is the expansive, upland moorland which forms dramatic, windswept landscapes devoid of features and with a strong sense of remoteness. The site, in landscape terms, sits at the fringes of this upland moorland landscape, its geographical location near to Todmorden and the adjacent Gorpley Reservoir decreasing the sense of remoteness. For the purposes of the assessment, consented and operational wind farms have been included as part of the baseline.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-14 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Table 5.3 Baseline schemes within the 30 km study area Name Status No. of Height to Approximate turbines blade tip (m) distance from Development (km) Coal Clough Operational 24 49 5.2 Scout Moor Operational 26 100 6.6 Hameldon Hill Operational 3 91 12.0 Ovenden Moor Operational 23 49 17.0 Crook Hill Consented 12 125 1.5 Reaps Moss Consented 3 125 0.75 Todmorden Moor Consented 5 125 2.0 Hameldon Moor Consented 3 91 12.0 Extension Hyndburn Consented and 12 121 15.0 under construction Every attempt has been made to ensure data is correct. It should be regarded for indicative, general information purposes only.

The landscape baseline within the study area is considered to comprise the following types of receptors: • Statutory and non-statutory landscape designations – informed by a desktop study of published reports and policy documentation; and • Landscape character areas - informed initially by a desktop study of published landscape character assessments, and verified by field survey. The sensitivity of each receptor to the type of change proposed (i.e. an onshore wind farm) is then assigned, with reference, as applicable, to other published sensitivity studies such as the South Pennines Wind Capacity Study. 5.3.2 Landscape Designations The following statutory national landscape designations found are at least partially within the 30 km study area (refer to Figure 5.3): • Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and • Peak District National Park; The following designated/ registered local landscapes are located at least partially within the 10 km study area (refer to Figure 5.4): • Special Landscape Areas; and • Common Land. 5.3.2.1 Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The Forest of Bowland AONB lies approximately 18 km to the north west of the Development site at its closest point (refer to Figure 5.3). The AONB only partly lies within the 30 km study area. It is a landscape of heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds. It covers a total area of 803 sq.km of rural land in the counties of Lancashire and West Yorkshire. On its south eastern edge, Pendle Hill forms a discrete landscape feature, which is geologically linked to the rest of the AONB but separated from the main area by Ribblesdale. The Forest of Bowland AONB is nationally protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 200013, which protects AONBs solely on account of their natural beauty, with the aim of conserving and enhancing it. The landscapes within these designations are recognised as being of the very highest quality and, as such, they are afforded the highest status of protection at all levels of the planning system. The CRoW

13 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-15 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Act also created a statutory duty on local authorities to prepare and regularly review an AONB Management Plan. The Forest of Bowland AONB Management Plan14 identifies that the area was designated in 1964 as a landscape of national significance due to a variety of factors, including: - “The grandeur and isolation of the upland core; - The steep escarpments of the Moorland Hills; - The undulating lowlands; - The serenity and tranquillity of the area; - The distinctive pattern of settlements; - The wildlife of the area; and - The landscape’s historic and cultural associations”. In the Landscape Characterisation section of the Management Plan15 also summarises the key characteristics of the AONB landscape, identified by a landscape character assessment for Lancashire16 as being the following: - “Grandeur and isolation of the upland core; - Open expanses of moorland; - Cultural landscape of upland farming; - Historic landscape management as royal hunting forest and more recently as sporting estates; - Rural landscape of dry stone-wall enclosed pastures, stone built farms and villages; - Wooded pastoral scenery and parkland; - Steep scraps, deeply incised cloughs and wooded valleys; - Broad river valleys; and - Contrasting gritstone/limestone geology”. Management objectives are established for landscape character types within the AONB. The sensitivity of the Forest of Bowland AONB to wind farm development is judged to be High. 5.3.2.2 Peak District National Park (NP) The Peak District NP is situated approximately 16 km to the south east of the Development site at its closest point (refer to Figure 5.3). The NP only partly lies within the 30 km study area. The Peak District contains a variety of landscapes including broad open moorlands, more intimate enclosed farmlands and wooded valleys. To the north and east, the part, which falls within the study area, consists of broad open moorlands interspersed with grit stone formations, characteristic of the Dark Peak and Moorland Fringes. The Peak District NP is nationally protected under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 194917, which protects NPs because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage.

14 Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Forest of Bowland AONB Management Plan, April 2009 to March 2014. 15 Ibid. 16 Lancashire County Council, Environment Directorate (2000): A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire. Landscape Character Assessment, Lancashire County Council and The Countryside Agency. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-16 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual The Peak District National Park Management Plan18 lists the special qualities of the Peak District National Park, which include: - “Natural beauty, natural heritage, landscape character and landscapes. - Sense of wildness and remoteness. - Clean air, earth and water. - Importance of wildlife and the area’s unique biodiversity. - Thousands of years of human influence, which can be traced through the landscape. - Distinctive character of hamlets, villages and towns. - Trees, woodlands, hedgerows, stone walls, field barns and other landscape features. - Significant geological features. - Wealth of historic buildings, parks and gardens. - Opportunities to experience tranquillity and quiet enjoyment. - Easy access for visitors and surrounding urban areas. - Opportunities to experience dark night skies. - Vibrancy and a sense of community. - Cultural heritage of history, archaeology, customs, traditions, legends, arts, and literary associations. - Opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. - Environmentally friendly methods of farming and working the land. - Craft and cottage industries. - Opportunities to improve physical and emotional well-being. - Special values attached to the national park by surrounding urban communities. - The flow of landscape character across and beyond the national park boundary.” The Peak District National Park Authority has also prepared a landscape character assessment19 for the Peak Districts, which describes the Dark Peak as: “sparsely settled area of gritstone uplands lying at the southern end of the Pennine Hills. The area comprises an extensive upland plateau with steep gritstone slopes, sometimes with rocky edges, that drop away to lower lying slopes, wooded cloughs and deep valleys, some of which have been flooded to create large reservoirs.” The sensitivity of the Peak District NP to wind farm development is judged to be High. 5.3.2.3 Calderdale Special Landscape Areas (SLA) The Development site is situated within the SLA (refer to Figure 5.4), which is designated under Policy NE12 of the Calderdale Replacement Unitary Development Plan (UDP)20. The Policy states that development within the SLA “which would adversely affect landscape quality will not be permitted” and that “special attention should be

17 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. 18 Peak District National Park Authority: Peak District Nation Park Management Plan 2012 to 2017. 19 Peak District National Park Authority (March 2008): Peak District Landscape Character Assessment. 20 Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council (2006): Replacement Unitary Development Plan (as amended August 2009), Calderdale MBC Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-17 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement paid to conserving and enhancing the visual quality and minimising the environmental impact of development” in these areas. The sensitivity of the Calderdale SLA to wind farm development is judged to be Medium. 5.3.2.4 Common Land The Development site lies close to areas defined as Common Land, by Policy OS8 of the Calderdale UPD21. The Policy states, inter alia: “Development proposals within or at the edge of Registered Urban and Rural Commons and Village Greens will not be permitted unless they: - do not harm their function, or open character; - do not damage the recreational value of the land; - preserve the visual amenity of the space by protecting its landscape character, vistas, any trees and other natural features…” The sensitivity of the Calderdale Common Land to wind farm development is judged to be medium. Common Land as defined by the Calderdale UPD is not to be confused with the Open Access Land defined under the CRoW Act. It is stated within the UDP under the policy that “The Proposals Map does not show the access land defined under the provisions of the CRoW Act, but does show Council owned access land”. Table 5.4 Summary of Landscape Designations Name Sensitivity

Forest of Bowland AONB High

Peak District National Park High

Calderdale Special Landscape Area Medium

Common Land Medium

5.3.3 Landscape Character Baseline 5.3.3.1 National Landscape Character Natural England’s (NE) Landscape Character Map of England (2005)22 defines National Character Areas (NCAs) of broad strategic character for the whole of England. The map is currently in the process of being updated (although the nature of the character areas is unlikely to alter significantly). Character areas within the 30 km study area include (refer to Figure 5.6): • NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill; • NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys; • NCA 36 Southern Pennines • NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe; • NCA 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield; • NCA 51 Dark Peak; • NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe; • NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation; • NCA 56 Lancashire Coal Measures; and • NCA 60 Mersey Valley.

21 Ibid. 22 Natural England (2005): The Character of England’s Landscape, Wildlife and Cultural Features Map: No36 – Southern Pennines, Natural England Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-18 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual The ZTV indicates that there is no visibility within NCAs 21 and 38, and very limited visibility within NCA 56 and the visual effects on these areas will be very slight and therefore are not considered further within the assessment. NCA 36 Southern Pennines The Development site is located within NCA 36 Southern Pennines. Key characteristics of NCA 36 as noted by Natural England within their assessment include: - “Large scale, open, sweeping landscape with high flat topped hills providing extensive views , cut into by narrow valleys with wooded sides; - Mosaics of moorland vegetation on the plateaux, including blanket bog, and heathlands, supporting internationally important habitats and assemblages of upland birds, invertebrates and breeding waders; - Enclosed upland pastures and hay meadows enclosed by Drystone walls on the hillsides, and narrow valleys with dense gritstone settlements in the valleys, with steep slopes often densely wooded, providing strong contrast with open moorlands; - Many reservoirs on the moors supplying drinking water to adjacent towns, wintering and breeding habitats for birds and high quality recreation experiences; - Medieval villages and smallholdings on the higher shelves of land above the valleys, with small fields and a dense network of lanes and paths; - Local stone buildings, with stone flags on roofs, brings a high degree of homogeneity to towns, villages, hamlets and farmsteads; - Rich time depth from prehistoric features such as carved rocks, to medieval boundary stones, old mineral extraction sites, and more recently, mills, factories and non-conformist chapels; - Historic packhorse routes traverse the moorlands, while more recent road, rail and canal routes are located along valleys; and - Prominent features, including Stoodley Pike, Darwen Jubilee Tower, Rivington Pike, windfarms and communications masts, visible from afar.” The environmental opportunities identified for NCA36 are noted as being: - “Safeguard, manage and enhance the large areas of open, expansive moorland, and the internationally important habitats and species they support, as well as protecting soils and water resources; - Manage and enhance the pastoral character of the moorland fringes, lower hills and valleys, with their mosaics of pastures and meadows, and their strong field patterns defined by drystone walls, to improve ecological networks and strengthen landscape character; - Protect the comprehensive range of historic landscape features for their cultural value and the contribution they make to local distinctiveness and sense of identity; and - Increase the enjoyment and understanding of the countryside and improve access for people to enjoy the natural environment with its sense of escapism and inspiration, whilst also conserving the valuable wildlife, geological and historic features.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be medium due the openness of the upland moorland landscape contrasting with steep

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-19 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement and densely wooded valleys. A large portion of this NCA is also designated as a Special Landscape Area (SLA) in the Calderdale UDP. NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill NCA33 is located approximately 19 km to the northwest of the Development site. Key characteristics include: “- Undulating rolling landscape with local variation created by both the numerous river valleys and outlying upland features of Beacon Fell, Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill; - Strong outcrops of 'reef knolls' and limestone form distinct landscape features to the Ribble and Hodder Valleys; - Meandering, commonly tree-fringed rivers with oxbow lakes form prominent features within the predominantly pastoral landscape; - Predominantly Grade 3 agricultural land supporting permanent pasture, mostly improved, for dairy and livestock farming; - Intensively managed landscape, with lush hay meadows in small- to medium- scale fields defined by well maintained hedgerows with mature hedgerow trees. Some rough grazing at higher elevations; - Extensive semi-natural woodland, much of which is ancient, on both main valley bottoms, side valleys and ridges; - Dense north - south communication corridor, comprising the M6, the railway line and the Lancaster Canal, defining the western boundary and providing a physical and psychological barrier; - Numerous water courses and bodies including the rivers Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Wyre, a number of reservoirs, and field ponds north of Preston; - Small villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads mostly in local stone are well integrated into the landscape and connected by a network of winding hedge- lined country lanes; and - Bowland Fells provide a dramatic backdrop to the east and north with extensive views possible from high ground across the Lancashire and Amounderness Plain and across open valley bottoms.” The overall sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high as this NCA also includes parts of the Forest of Bowland AONB together with a number of natural features that contribute to the scenic quality of this area. NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys The Lancashire Valleys NCA is located approximately 8 km to the north west of the Development site at its closest point. Key characteristics are noted as being: “- The broad valley of the River Calder and its tributaries running northeast/southwest between natural backdrops of Pendle Hill and the Southern Pennines. - Intensely urban character derived from main towns of Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley which have developed rapidly since the industrial revolution. - A strong industrial heritage associated with cotton weaving and textile industries producing under-utilised mill buildings, mill lodges and ponds. - Profusion of communication routes along the valley bottom including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Preston-Colne rail link and M65 motorway. - Victorian stone buildings well integrated into the landscape.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-20 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual - Numerous large country houses with associated parklands particularly on northern valley side away from major urban areas. - Remnants of agricultural land fragmented by industry and scattered development. - Field boundaries, regular to the west, irregular to the east, and degraded round the urban areas, formed of hedges with few hedgerow trees and, at higher elevations by stone walls and post and wire fences. - Small woodlands are limited to cloughs on valley sides.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be low due to more urban character and industrial influences within this area. NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe The Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe NCA is located approximately 15 km to the east of the Development site. Key characteristics of the NCA include: “- Eastern slopes of the Pennines, dropping from upland in the west down to the east, and dissected by numerous steep-sided valleys; - Extensive urban influences from the matrix of large and small towns; - Close conjunction of large scale industry, urban areas and transport routes with open countryside; - Predominance of local sandstone and 'gritstone' as a building material, notably in large and dominant industrial buildings; - Urban development mainly confined by valleys creating dramatic interplay of views between settlements and the surrounding hillsides; - Predominantly pastoral farming with strong linear patterns of walled enclosures on plateaux; - Predominantly broadleaved woodlands on steep valley sides forming important backdrops to industrialised areas; - Impression of a well wooded landscape even though tree cover is relatively sparse overall; and - Dense network of roads, canals and railways.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be low due to the urban character of this area and presence of larger scale industry. NCA 51 Dark Peak The Dark Peak NCA is located approximately 15 km to the southeast of the Development site. Key characteristics of the NCA include: “- Dramatic character created by sharply defined, elevated and vast plateaux with 'gritstone ridges' and edges and long uninterrupted views; - Wild and remote semi-natural character created by blanket bog, dwarf shrub heath and heather moorland with rough grazing and a lack of habitation; - Contrasting valley heads created by combination of sheltered, deeply-incised cloughs with fast-flowing streams around margins of plateaux and greater diversity of vegetation including semi-natural broadleaved woodland; - Cultivated character of margins created by in-bye with dispersed farmsteads, gritstone wall boundaries and hedgerows in valley bottoms and small scale of enclosure; - Major valleys some of which are dominated by coniferous woodland and reservoirs; and Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-21 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement - Durable and stocky architectural style to dispersed buildings and settlements constructed from local gritstone with typical blackened appearance.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high due to high moorland plateaux landscape containing a number of natural features that contribute to the scenic quality of this area, as attested by its designation as a National Park. NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe The Manchester Pennine Fringe NCA is located approximately 7 km south of the Development site at its closest. Key characteristics are noted as: “- Transitional zone between wild open moorlands and densely populated urban areas with an abrupt boundary where the town stops and the countryside starts; - 18th and 19th century stone and brick-built industrial buildings including mill lodges and reservoirs originating from the woollen and cotton industry along the valley bottoms and providing important heritage features; - Broadly similar elevational range of 100-300 metres largely comprising ridges and steep sided valleys with fast flowing rivers; - Stock rearing and rough grazing on improved grassland between urban areas; - Field boundaries include dry 'gritstone' walls at higher elevations and hedgerows at lower elevations with predominance of holly along valley bottoms; - Countryside with an unkempt appearance due to heavy recreational demands and diversification of farming into uses such as haulage and riding schools; - Mineral extraction related to the quarrying of local sandstones creates prominent scars on the landscape; - Historic trans-Pennine communication routes, especially railways and canals, form important part of the cultural landscapes; - Woodland cover is sparse overall with concentrated pockets confined to narrow, steep-sided river valleys; - Overspill housing estates including high rise blocks form unsympathetic elements in the landscape; and - Elevated vantage points providing extensive views across adjacent Manchester conurbation.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be low due predominantly to the urban character of this area. NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation The Manchester Conurbation NCA is located approximately 18 km to the south of Development site. This is a predominantly urban area with great diversity and variation at the detailed level. Nonetheless key, strategic characteristics are noted as: “- Countryside extends throughout the Manchester Conurbation following the network of corridors formed by the numerous rivers, and to a lesser extent canals, railways and roads which thread through the urban fabric; - The Mersey river valley is the largest stretch of continuous countryside within the conurbation, dominated by its heavily meandering river within a broad flood plain. Typical land uses include golf courses and water treatment works. These, together with the heavy recreational demands and proximity of the M63 and frequent major road crossings, produce a suburban character to the countryside areas; Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-22 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual - Other river valleys include those of the Irwell, Irk, Medlock, Tame and Goyt which are more sinuous and narrow than the Mersey but nevertheless form important countryside corridors throughout the area. Many of these have large areas of woodland along their valley sides providing a buffer with neighbouring urban development. These valleys are also important as recreational areas with large expanses of playing fields, numerous golf courses and water treatment works set within an overall managed countryside. Numerous country parks and Victorian urban parks are associated with the river valleys, often connected by recreational trails; and - All the river valleys contain sizeable areas of open grassland and other semi- natural habitats. There are pockets of farmland within the river valleys, many of which are viable farmsteads though many are given over to urban farming uses such as horticulture. Parts of the river valleys and corridors associated with the canals have areas of derelict land.” The sensitivity of this NCA to the type of development proposed is assessed to be low. Table 5.5 below summarises the NCAs within the 30 km study area that have potential visibility of the Development: Table 5.5: National Character Area Summary National Character Area Proximity to Sensitivity Development (km) NCA 36 Southern Pennines 0 Medium NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill 19 High NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys 8 Low NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe 15 Low NCA 51 Dark Peak 15 High NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe 7 Low NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation 18 Low

5.3.3.2 Regional Landscape Character Regional landscape character areas and types, whilst important in defining the landscape context for the Development site, are not considered within the main assessment of effects which focuses primarily on the more detailed local landscape character. As such a sensitivity rating has not been assigned and detailed descriptions can be sourced from the Landscape Strategy for Lancashire23. This LCA does not cover the whole of the 10 km study area but only the north western half. The following regional landscape character areas are within 10 km radius of the Development site: • 1 Moorland Plateau: 1a South Pennine Moors • 3 Enclosed Uplands: 3a Rossendale Hills • 4 Moorland Fringe: 4a Trawden Fringe 4b Rossendale Moorland Fringe • 6 Industrial Foothills and Valleys: 6a Calder Valley 6c Cliviger Gorge • 8 Settled Valleys: 8a Irwell

23 Lancashire County Council (2000): A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-23 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement • Urban Landscape Types: Industrial Age Suburban 5.3.3.3 Local Landscape Character Given that significant effects to landscape character are likely to be limited to within a 10 km radius of the Development site (as stated in the methodology, Section 5.2.8), local character areas at district level and within this study area are summarised below. The location of these is shown on Figure 5.7. 5.3.3.3.1 Southern Pennines Wind Capacity Study 2010 The Southern Pennines Wind Capacity Study report24 (the “Capacity Study”) will be referenced and used as an evidence base to guide and inform wind energy development proposals in the Core Strategies of each of the six local planning authorities that is covers, namely; Burnley Borough Council, Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Rossendale Borough Council. The document identifies a number of Landscape Character Types (LCTs) as part of the study. No local level landscape character assessments have been undertaken for Calderdale Borough. Therefore, the Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and their corresponding sensitivity to wind energy development, as identified within the South Pennines Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments25 has been used as part of this assessment to ascertain effects on character at the local, detailed level. The LCTs identified within the Capacity Study have been informed by those identified as part of the South Pennines Landscape Character Assessment undertaken by the Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities (SCOSPA)26 and the Lancashire Landscape Character Assessment27, consolidating information, increasing coverage and correcting inconsistencies between the two assessments. The LCTs identified within the Capacity Study therefore represent the most accurate and up-to-date local landscape character information available. The Capacity Study28 assesses the landscape sensitivity each LCT to wind energy developments, and uses a set of sensitivity criteria, which include scale, landform, landcover, built environment, skylines and settings, visibility and views, landscape quality (condition), scenic quality, wildness and tranquillity, natural and cultural heritage features, cultural associations, and amenity and recreation. It then makes an overall assessment of sensitivity by considering the combined weight of evidence on landscape sensitivity. The following LCTs are within a 10 km radius of the Development site and are shown on Figure 5.6. These form the baseline of the assessment of local landscape character areas. • LCT A: High Moorland Plateaux; • LCT C: Enclosed Uplands; • LCT D: Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures; • LCT E: Rural Fringes; • LCT F: Settled Valleys;

24 Julie Martin Associates (2010): Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines – Final Report, Calderdale MBC 25 Ibid. 26 Land Use Consultants (1999): South Pennines Landscape Character Assessment, report to Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities (SCOSPA). 27 Environmental Resources Management (2000): A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire: Landscape Character Assessment, report to Lancashire County Council. 28 Julie Martin Associates (2010): Landscape Capacity Study for Wind Energy Developments in the South Pennines – Final Report, Calderdale MBC Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-24 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • LCT G: Wooded Rural Valleys; • LCT L: Lowland Farmland; • LCT O: Industrial/Business Parks is located; and • LCT U: Urban. LCT E Rural Fringes has got no visibility to the Development, as the ZTV in Figure 5.10 indicates, and is therefore not considered any further within the assessment. The Capacity Study makes further judgment on the capacity of an area, to accommodate different turbine heights and groupings. It identifies Capacity Areas (CAs), which take into consideration the sensitivity assessments for each of the LCTs. It concludes with a summary of overall capacity of a CA. The Development site is located within Capacity Area 5: South Pennine Moors. The Capacity Study notes the high scenic quality of this area and its important contribution to the recreational resource for nearby urban populations, as well as the numerous ecological designations afforded to these upland areas. However, the document29 does not preclude renewable wind energy development altogether and does note that development for further wind energy should ‘largely focus on existing development sites’ so as to ensure development impacts do not spread over a wider area than at present. LCT A High Moorland Plateaux This includes the majority of the Development site as well as further areas to the north, south west and south east of the Development site. Its key features include: “- A perception of remoteness, isolation and wildness provided by the altitude, absence of trees and settlement plus expansive views; - Mosaic of upland habitats, including blanket bog habitat, wet heathland, dry heathland and acid grassland which support an internationally important range of bird species; - Important archaeological landscape with much prehistoric interest. - Strong cultural associations; - Distinctive landform of terraces and gritstone edges reflecting the underlying geology and process of weathering. Frost weathered tors and regoliths are prominent features; - High geological interest including several geological SSSIs, at natural and quarried locations; - Reservoirs provide water and recreational resources, as well as supporting wildfowl and wader species; - Absence of settlement, with only isolated dwellings and abandoned farmsteads.” The LCT can be identified as high moorland plateaux (>300m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)) of sweeping ridges, noted for their windswept, exposed upland moorland and sense of ‘remoteness’ and ‘wildness’. It is split into two main blocks north and south of the Calder valley but these blocks are linked visually by the relatively narrow ridge that runs north-south from Crook Hill to Heald Moor (which includes the Development site). The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study, on account of its scenic quality, wildness and tranquillity, natural and cultural heritage features, cultural associations and recreational interests and opportunities, which are noted as being of national or even international importance. The Capacity Study notes

29 Ibid. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-25 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement that the most sensitive areas are at the edges of the plateau where scale comparisons can be easily made and turbines most visually prominent, however, the LCT is slightly less sensitive (moderate to high sensitivity) in the west were the slight erosion of these characteristics has occurred. Taking into account recent wind farm development within the LCT, large areas, such as Scout Moor, Reaps Moss , Todmorden Moor, Shore Moor and near Stiperden Moor (refer to Figure 5.7), are slightly less sensitive as consented and operational wind turbines are present. On this basis, the overall sensitivity is judged to be high to medium. LCT C Enclosed Uplands The Enclosed Uplands LCT lies approximately 3 km east of the Development site and is characterised by a generally flat upland landscape with only the peat capped ridges and summits providing diversity within. Key features include: “- Undulating high plateau divided into three by intersecting valleys. - Distinct cultural landscape and an unusual land use history (Forest of Rossendale) represented by the high altitude enclosure, the industrial and mining remnants, and the settlement pattern of small scattered dwellings and urban terraces. - Different geology distinguished by presence of Coal Measures and lead veins. The legacy of abandoned lead and coal mines and spoil heaps, along with day holes and Bell pits from the Middle Ages represent important cultural artefacts. - Enclosure landscape with eighteenth and nineteenth century gritstone walls climbing to a high altitude enclosing the upland. Many fields are now abandoned and walls are in a state of disrepair. - Blanket bog crowns the high summits providing both landscape diversity, biodiversity and an important archaeological resource. - Distinctive settlement pattern with isolated houses and small scattered dwellings at a high altitude.” The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be medium to low, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study, due to the open, expansive scale, relatively low landscape quality and reduced sense of wildness and tranquillity. LCT D Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures The Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures LCT occupies areas surrounding the Development site and is approximately 1.5 km from the Development site. It forms the fringe to more elevated areas of moorland within the landscape, characterised by broad terraces of fringe moorland and upland pasture. Its key features include: “- Open, ‘upland’ landscape character created by the altitude, absence of trees and long views, often with a sense of remoteness and isolation. - A characteristic patchwork of upland pastures including small irregular fields and larger rectangular fields representing a later phase of moorland enclosure. - A dense network of gritstone walls creates the field enclosures. The stone walls provide shelter and habitat for wildlife and are also of considerable historical/cultural interest. - Remnant unimproved upland pastures including colourful species-rich hay meadows and damp pastures are an integral part of the mosaic of upland habitats and are of great importance for nature conservation. (…). - Numerous paved packhorse routes linking with an extensive public Rights of Way network, providing not only distinctive features but evidence of the historic strategic importance of the moorland fringes.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-26 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual - Dispersed settlement pattern comprising scattered farmsteads (sometimes in fairly close proximity) and occasional short terraces of houses. - A network of narrow winding lanes connects the farmsteads and settlements. Stone walls without grass verges often bound the lanes. - Distinctive vernacular architecture dominated by the millstone grit building stone and including laithe houses and weavers’ cottages. - Frequent long views across the intersecting valleys and/or out over the urban conurbations that surround the South Pennines uplands.” The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study, due to its close relationship with adjacent moorland plateaux, as well as its small scale, complex land cover of high scenic quality. Locally, there are pockets of lower sensitivity (medium to high) as a consequence of increased scale and influence of detracting features such as power lines, quarrying and urban land uses. In account of recent wind turbine development within the LCT, some areas will be slightly less sensitive where consented and operation wind turbines are evident within adjacent High Moorland Plateaux LCT A. On this basis, the overall sensitivity is judged to be high to medium. LCT F Settled Valleys The Settled Valleys LCT is approximately 1.5 km from the Development site and occupies the western and eastern reaches of the 10 km study area, namely adjacent to the A681 corridor and is synonymous with the settled, incised valleys that cut through the encompassing moorland. Key features include: “- Deep incised valley profile with steps and terraces and deep side cloughs reflecting the underlying geology and weathering processes. - Sense of enclosure provided by the steep-sided profile and presence of woodland, emphasising contrast with the open moorland. - Broadleaved woodland, much of ancient origin, on the valley sides and in the side cloughs supporting important fern, bryophyte and bird species. - Characteristic linear pattern of urban settlement on the valley floor and the lower south-facing slopes, from which there are frequently views out to the woodland, pastures and the moorland edges. - Distinctive vernacular architecture including mills, packhorse bridges and terraces of weavers’ cottages providing evidence of the important role that these valleys played in our industrial history. - Rivers and canals creating green corridors and a valuable recreational resource as well as important wetland habitats, supporting a number of notable rarities. - Valley wetland habitats including fens and wet pastures. - Wealth of historical and archaeological interest, reflecting the historic evolution of the area. - In-bye pastures and hay meadows on the valley sides form an important element of the upland habitat mosaic. - Gritstone walls create the distinctive field pattern which is highly visible on the sloping valley sides. The stone walls provide shelter and habitat for wildlife, and are also of considerable historical/ cultural interest.” The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high to medium, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study, which identifies the significance of enclosure and cultural assets associated with early industrialisation.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-27 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys The Wooded Rural Valleys LCT is located approximately 2.7 km to the north of the Development site at its closest point. The LCT is characterised by steeply incised wooded valleys that dissect the surrounding moorland. They are noted as having a secluded and intimate feel and the combination of woodland, swift flowing streams and remnant mill sites creates a sense of tranquillity and mystery. Key features include: “- A secluded, `hidden' intimate and tranquil character created by the incised landform, densely wooded slopes and absence of modern development. - Distinctive incised landform with stepped terraces and a narrow valley floor. - Fast flowing, moss and fern edged, streams cut down into the bedrock. - Waterfalls are a characteristic feature where the streams cut alternating hard and soft layers of the underlying Millstone Grit geology. - A mosaic of wetland habitats including freshwater streams, damp pasture and meadows, marsh and millponds on the valley floor. - Thick broadleaved woodland including ancient woodland of high nature conservation value, clothes the valley sides. - Patchwork of light and shade created by the juxtaposition of woodland and pastures. - Local areas of landslip on the steep valley sides expose important geological sites and create a distinctive landscape feature. - Strings of now derelict water-powered mills with associated features including mill ponds and races occur along the valley floor and reflect the emergence of early industrialisation. - Archaeological features related to woodland management, such as charcoal hearths are common.” The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be high to medium, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study. LCT L Lowland Farmland The Lowland Farmland LCT is situated approximately 6 km south of the Development site, occupying pockets within and around the periphery of Rochdale. The LCT is characterised by its low lying agricultural landscapes, predominantly of improved pasture, although also comprising some arable and urban fringe land uses, such as smallholdings. Field sizes are generally medium and the lack of substantial tree cover lends to an open feel, emphasising intrusion and fragmentation as a result of adjacent transport infrastructure. Key features include: “- Lowland landscape but elevated above adjacent river valleys. - Small streams and ponds provide important habitats including sites for Great Crested Newts. - Semi-natural woodlands along motorway corridors provide enclosure in an otherwise relatively open landscape. - Clusters of archaeological sites remain as a result of limited suburban development including evidence of medieval settlement. - Sparse settlement contrasting with densely populated areas adjacent. - Views to surrounding upland landscapes.”

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-28 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be medium to low, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study. LCT O Industrial/Business Parks This LCT is located approximately 8.5 km to the south of the Development site within the urban expanse of Rochdale. This urban LCT includes “Victorian industrial development associated with mining and wool production as well as more recent large scale commercial sheds, distribution units and business and retail parks”. The sensitivity of this LCT to the type of development proposed is assessed to be low, which is consistent to the sensitivity identified in the Landscape Capacity Study. LCT U Urban This LCT encompasses larger settlements and urban conurbations within the 10 km study area. These are typically centred on the industrial urban centres that grew as a result of urbanisation during the Industrial Revolution. However, as these settlements has grown over time a number of styles and influences has informed their growth, resulting in a diverse mix of architectural styles, materials and forms, reflecting the period of construction. Nonetheless, at the historic core of these settlements local vernaculars and materials are noticeable, reflecting regional distinctiveness. There is clearly much diversity and hence within the Capacity Study, this LCT has not been assessed in terms of its sensitivity. For the purpose of this assessment, the sensitivity of LCT U is considered to be low. Table 5.6: Local Character Area Summary Local Character Area Proximity to Sensitivity Development (km) LCT A High Moorland Plateaus 0 High to Medium LCT C Enclosed Uplands 3 Medium to Low LCT D Moorland Fringes / Upland Pastures 1.5 High to Medium LCT F Settled Valleys 1.5 High to Medium LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys 2.7 High to Medium LCT L Lowland Farmland 6 Medium to Low LCT O Industrial / Business Park 8.5 Low LCT U Urban 6 Low

5.3.4 Historic Landscape Character Historic Landscape Types are included within the Landscape Strategy for Lancashire30 document at a regional level. No local level Historic Landscape Character Assessment (HLCA) has been prepared for West Yorkshire or Calderdale MBC. For the purposes of this assessment, historic landscape character is taken into account sufficiently within the Capacity Study. The criteria for assessing landscape sensitivity include natural and cultural heritage features as well as cultural associations. Therefore, a separate assessment of effects on historic landscape is considered unnecessary. 5.3.5 Visual Baseline This section considers the existing visual amenity of the Development site and surrounding environment within the agreed study area of 30 km. The visual baseline has been defined with reference to computer generated Zone of Theoretical Visibility studies (ZTV), with further assessment of general intervisibility derived through field survey.

30 Lancashire County Council (2000): A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire, Environment Directorate, Lancashire County Council. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-29 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Through consultation, 21 representative viewpoints within the ZTV have been agreed and are shown on Figure 5.8. Current views from each viewpoint are recorded and described in Section 5.3.5.1; the sensitivity of the principal receptor at each viewpoint is also assigned. In addition to the description of views from the representative viewpoints, the nature and composition of views are also considered from the following: • Residential dwellings within 1 km of the Development; • Rights of Ways within 10 km of the Development; • Settlements within 5 km of the Development; and • Principal highways and local routes within 10 km of the Development. 5.3.5.1 Representative Viewpoints The 21 representative viewpoints detailed below represent a variety of visual receptors at a range of geographical locations from the Development site. These viewpoints were chosen as they represent publically accessible views from the areas surrounding the site and are shown on Figure 5.8. The viewpoints were agreed with the local authorities. The sensitivity of the visual receptor is defined in the methodology Section 5.2.11 VP 1 Warland Reservoir • Grid Reference: 395827 420590 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.59 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Todmorden Centenary Way / Pennine Way / Rochdale Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users on other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High The viewpoint is located at the western edge of Warland Reservoir on the Pennine Way National Trail, which at this location is also the Todmorden Centenary Way and Rochdale Way. It is located at an approximate elevation of 380 m AOD. It lies within the Highland Moorland Plateaux LCT and the Special Landscape Area and Common Land (Policy OS8) designation. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.13. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. The viewpoint provides elevated and open 360 degree views across the Pennine Moors. The foreground consists of undulating open moorland with some dry stone walls. There is a strong presence of pylons within the middleground of the view running across the fields from east to west and mostly below the horizon line. The narrow valley with its wooded steep valley sides between Walsden, Bottomley and Summit forms the middleground of the view. The valley opens up to the larger settlement of Littleborough and Rochdale to the south. The skyline in the far distance is dominated by the operational Scout Moor wind farm (largely indiscernible on the photographic panorama), which frequently appears in conjunction with pylons to the west and south west of the view. The consented Crook Hill wind farm will be seen in front of the Scout Moor wind farm in the middle distance, extending to the west and north west. The operational Coal Clough wind farm is visible to the north in the far distance. The consented wind farm Todmorden Moor will also be visible on the horizon at a slightly closer distance to, and west of, the Coal Clough wind farm. The three turbines of the consented Reaps Moss wind farm will be visible to the north west, forming a small localised feature on the ridgeline. VP 2 Stoodley Pike Monument • Grid Reference: 397283 424206 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.96km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Pennine Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-30 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located at the Stoodley Pike Monument at an elevation of 406 m AOD. It lies within the Highland Moorland Plateaux LCT and Common Land as defined in the Calderdale UPD. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.15. The viewpoint provides 360 degrees panoramic views over the settlements of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge located within the wooded valleys and the Pennine Moors on the uplands. The settled valley stretches across the view from west to north east in the middleground and foreground. There are relatively small pastoral fields on the uplands forming the transition between settlement and upland moorland within the middleground of the view. The steep hillsides are mostly wooded and clearly mark the break between the settled valleys and open moorland / upland pastures. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. This location is also popular with paragliders that use this local summit as a setting off point. The foreground view to the north west is of the wooded valley between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge and of a mixture of arable and pastoral fields interspersed with small woodland copses and isolated farmsteads in the uplands. The Rochdale Canal together with the railway line can be seen within the Todmorden valley. In more distant views, the highland moorland forms a uniform ridgeline, interrupted only by a prominent mast which breaks the skyline. Slightly further to the west there are also three single wind turbines visible beyond the ridgeline. In the immediate foreground, to the west of the view, housing within Todmorden is set amongst woodland and arable and pastoral farmland. The steep moorland edge slopes of the Langfield Common form the middleground of the view westwards. The view to the south is also of the highland moorlands of the Langfield Common. In the far distance to the south west and located on the moorland ridgeline is the operational Scout Moor wind farm visible (largely indiscernible on the panorama). In the same direction but slightly to the south the consented Crook Hill wind farm will be visible as a prominent feature on the horizon. These are closer to the viewpoint than the operational Scout Moor wind farm and will therefore appear slightly larger. Further to the north west along the same ridgeline further vertical elements, i.e. pylons and telegraph poles are prominent in the far distance view breaking the horizon line. The three turbines of the consented Reaps Moss wind farm will add a further element to the skyline, but will only occupy a small proportion of the overall view. To the north lies the operational Coal Clough wind farm which forms a very prominent feature in the landscape. The consented Todmorden Moor wind farm will also be a discernible feature within the composition. VP 3 Shepherds Rest PH • Grid Reference: 394492 423157 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 4.01 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers and horse riders on Pennine Bridleway • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, visitors to the public house • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High The viewpoint is located opposite the Shepherds Rest Public House along the local road at its intersection with the Pennine Bridleway. It is located at an approximate elevation of 254 m AOD and lies within the transition of Highland Moorland Plateaux LCT and Moorland Fringes / Upland Pastures LCT, as well as the Special Landscape Area and Common Land as defined by the Calderdale UDP. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.16.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-31 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers and horse riders on the Pennine Bridleway. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Views are also broadly similar to those available to motorists (local road users) and visitors to the public house. The foreground consists of a pastoral field and moorland edge to the south where a barn and derelict farm building are visible on the hillside. An intact dry stone wall bounds the local road leading to the Shepherds Rest public house. In the middleground the undulating open moorland landscape and upland pastures are characterised by large fields often bordered by dry stone walls and isolated farmsteads. Pylons break up the open landscape, particularly to the north and on the ridgeline, and introduce vertical elements. A sense of enclosure is provided by the woodland clump to the west, which, together with a visible spire give an indication of the settlement of Todmorden located within the wooded valleys. The operational Coal Clough wind farm is visible in the far distance to the north west of the view (not shown in panorama) and sits on the moorland plateau and is viewed in the context of the wooded valley of Todmorden. The consented wind farm Todmorden Moor will also be visible to the west on the moorland ridgeline in the middle distance. The consented Reaps Moss wind farm will become a prominent feature of this composition at a distance of approximately 3.5km. VP 4 Sourhall Road, Todmorden Edge • Grid Reference: 391640 424481 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.32 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local road users • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Recreational walkers and horse riders on bridleway, local residents • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium to low The viewpoint is located on Sourhall Road near Moor Hey Farm and the bridleway that connects Sourhall Road with Stones Lane. It at an approximate elevation of 294 m AOD and is within the Moorland Fringes / Upland Pastures LCT, as well as the Special Landscape Area designation. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.17. Views are representative of those available to local road users. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium to low. Views are also broadly similar to those available to local residents of isolated dwellings on Sourhall Road, and users of the bridleway. Uninterrupted views toward the site are available from the local road. The upland landform of Gorpley Moor forms a prominent feature within the view, rising above the lower lying foreground. The consented Reaps Moss wind farm will be visible as a prominent feature in the middle distance to the west on the upland pasture ridgeline. The isolated property of Moor Hey Farm occupies part of the foreground in views to the south east. Further isolated farmsteads (which often include unkempt outbuildings, caravans and other obsolete agricultural machinery within their curtilage) also punctuate the composition. Pylons are also common features, breaching the horizon in places and forming an unbroken linear belt drawing the viewer’s eye to the distant moorlands. The steeply incised Todmorden valley can be seen to the far east of the view, nestled within the folds of the surrounding moorland. A further consented wind farm of Crook Hill will also be partly visible breaking the horizon line to the south. VP 5 Windy Harbour Farm, Pendle Hill AONB • Grid Reference: 381388 441852 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 21.47 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers within AONB • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, nearby residents of the farms. • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-32 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual The viewpoint is located within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and also lies within the Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill NCA. It is located along the rural road north of Barley on a high point near Pendle Hill Farm where a footpath intersects with the local road. The viewpoint lies at an approximate elevation of 349 m AOD. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.19. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Views are also broadly similar to those available to motorists (local road users) and nearby residents of the farms. The elevated location of Pendle Hill affords sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. In views southward toward the Development site the landscape is undulating, forming a series of wooded settled, valleys and open, expansive moorland. The urban fringes of Burnley can be seen in the middle ground, nestled amongst the moorland. A long distance view to the operational Coal Clough wind farm is also possible in clear atmospheric conditions at was visible during the site visit. The consented wind farms of Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor will be visible as small and recessive features on the horizon. VP 6 Thieveley Pike • Grid Reference: 387177 427118 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.77 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Burnley Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint in located the Thieveley Pike trig point (452 m AOD) on the Burnley Way National Trail and within the Highland Moorland Plateaux LCT. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.20. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers on Burnley Way long distance trail. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. This elevated location at the trig point affords 360 degree panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. In views southward, the Bacup Valley draws the eye towards the settlement of Bacup which nestles within the valley slopes. Brittania quarry is also visible above Bacup to the south creating a discernible scarring feature within the landscape. Pylons are a prominent feature of the view, breaching the horizon on several occasions as they extend southwards. Operational turbines at Scout Moor to the south are also visible as distant and recessive features on the horizon. In contrast, the consented wind farms of Todmorden Moor and Reaps Moss will be visible in the middle distance creating prominent features on the skyline. The consented Crook Hill wind farm will also be visible in the far distance. Geometric coniferous plantations create distinctive patterns on the moorland slopes, their dark green shade contrasting with the light green of the moorland grasses, and mixed woodland visible within the valleys. Glimpses of the Development site can be seen in the middle ground amongst the undulating moorland. VP 7 Huttock Top, Bacup • Grid Reference: 386296 422361 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 4.22 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Irwell Sculpture Trail • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local residents • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located on the Irwell Sculpture Trail, 4.22 km to the west of the Development site at an elevation of 305 m AOD, and to the north of a residential area

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-33 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement within Bacup. It lies within the Enclosed Uplands LCT. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.21. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. The main focus of the view is of the settled valley of Bacup which is set below the moorland ridgeline. The immediate foreground comprises pastoral fields bound by stone walls, and a barn which houses a farm shop. The settlement of Bacup is visible in the middle and foreground comprising new housing estates on the higher slopes of the valley. The Church is visible as a distinctive feature to the south. The upland moorland supports a substantial number of pylons which sit below the ridgeline; in addition there will also be 3 no. consented wind farms, with Reaps Moss being the closest and therefore the most prominent. Crook Hill wind farm will also be visible above the ridgeline, though views are restricted to blade tips as a result of the intervening landform. Only filtered views will be available of the Todmorden Moor wind farm, as a result of vegetation in the foreground. The Development site is not discernible as it sits behind the ridgeline. VP 8 Freehold Top • Grid Reference: 390603 421882 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 0.55 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Rossendale Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High The viewpoint is located on Freehold Top trig point at an approximate elevation of 458 m AOD, next to the Rossendale Way and its intersection with another local footpath within Open Access Land. It lies within the High Moorland Plateaux LCT and the Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.22. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers on the Rossendale Way. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. The viewpoint provides 360 degree panoramic views across the Pennine moorland and is located in very close proximity to the Development site which is marked by the weather mast at 550 m from the nearest proposed turbine. The foreground comprises undulating and open grazed moorland and pastoral fields, often bound by dry stone walls. Small farmsteads with associated small woodland blocks are present within the middle distance and to the north east, with a large farm complex being most notable to the north west, set within the context of several pylons. The pylons are a dominant feature and extend from east to west across the fields and skyline. The settlement of Todmorden lies in the wooded valley to east. The landmark of the Stoodley Pike Monument is visible to the far east. In the far distance, the operational Coal Clough wind farm is visible to the north, and forms a focal feature set on top of a hill range in the middle distance. In the same direction, the consented Todmorden Moor wind farm will also be visible on the horizon, seen in front of the operational Coal Clough wind farm. Further to the north west, the three turbines of the consented Reaps Moss wind farm will be visible in the middle distance. To the south west of the view, the operational Scout Moor wind farm is also visible over the ridgeline. VP 9 Cowpe Moss • Grid Reference: 385269 419526 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.02 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers and users of the Pennine Bridleway • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-34 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located to the south west of the Development site within the Highlands Moorland Plateaux LCT on the Pennine Bridleway, which at this location is also the Rossendale Way and near a local footpath. It is in close proximity to the existing Scout Moor wind farm, although not visible from this location. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.24. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. This elevated location (471 m AOD) affords expansive 360 degree panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. The foreground consists of grazed moorland often bound by stone walls. The settlement of Bacup, set within the intersection of three valleys, appears in the middle ground of the view to the north amongst substantial woodland cover. Upland farmland stretches across to the east of Bacup with the moorland ridgeline forming the background of the composition. The operational Coal Clough wind farm is visible above Bacup and below the skyline in the distance. The consented Todmorden Moor and Reaps Moss wind farm will be visible as discernible features breaking the horizon line above Bacup and stretching to the north east. Britannia Quarries, which is a popular recreational resource, is a prominent feature in the middle ground of the view to the north east. The exposed nature of the quarry and the inherent disturbance within the landscape and topography makes this the focus of the view. Pylons are also a feature in views, crossing the quarry and breaking the distant horizon line to the north east. Further vertical features will appear on the horizon line once the consented Crook Hill wind farm is built. VP 10 Crook Hill • Grid Reference: 391306 420334 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.23 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium This viewpoint is located on a local footpath approximately to the south of the Development site within High Moorlands Plateaux LCT. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.26. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium. This elevated location (428 m AOD) affords expansive 360 degree panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. The view is dominated by the wild and windswept upland moorland synonymous with the area. There is an absence of settlement or development in views northward towards the Development site, whilst to the south human influences are more readily discernible in the form of settlement and reservoirs. The distinct landmark of Stoodley Pike monument can also be seen to the far east. The consented wind farms of Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor will be seen in the middle distance to the north and will break the otherwise uncluttered horizon line. VP 11 Blackstone Edge, Pennine Way • Grid Reference: 397209 416383 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 8.99 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on the Pennine Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located on the Pennine Way National Trail at the trig point on the rocky outcrop at Blackstone Edge at an elevation of 470 m AOD to the south of the Development site and within the Highland Moorland Plateaux LCT as well as the Special

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-35 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.27. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. The view affords panoramic views westward. Littleborough can be seen in the middle ground set below upland moorland which forms the backdrop to the composition. Hollingworth Lake and Higher Chelburn Reservoir are distinct features to the south and north of the view respectively as is the meandering route of the A58 visible in the middleground. A collection of pylons is also visible within the moorland to the extreme north. At approximately 9 km from this location, the Development site is not clearly discernible. The operational Scout Moor Wind farm is visible on the horizon to the north west, and the operational Coal Clough wind farm to the north of the view (these are not clearly visible in the photographic panorama). The consented wind farms of Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor will be visible as a sprawling cluster on the moorland ridgeline to the north west of the view, breaking the horizon line. The consented Hyndburn wind farm may also be discernible in the far distance to the north west. VP 12 Within Height, Pennine Way • Grid Reference: 397147 432676 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 14.3 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on the Pennine Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located on the Pennine Way of 427 m AOD to the north of the Development site and within the Southern Pennines NCA. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.28. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers on the Pennine Way National Trail. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Walsham Dean reservoirs are the prominent feature of the view, the eye being drawn to them and consequently down the alignment of the valley to the moorland beyond. This is a stark, featureless landscape of water and moorland resulting in a wild and rugged feel, the absence of human features further emphasising the sense of remoteness. The expansive horizon comprises upland moorland and supports the consented wind farms of Crook Hill, Todmorden Moor and Reaps Moss, which will be visible on the ridgeline in the far distance. At this distance the Development site is not clearly discernible. VP 13 Heptonstall Water Tower • Grid Reference: 398290 428396 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 9.77 km • Principal receptors: Local residents • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.25. This viewpoint is located at the Heptonstall Water Tower at 290 m AOD. Views are representative of those available to local residents. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Views are also broadly similar to users of local footpath users. The wooded valley of Golden Water dominates the composition in the foreground. Beyond this rises the farmed valley side creating a settled and pastoral view. The drystone walls of the farmed valley sides visible in the middle ground are a feature of

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-36 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual the composition, their geometric alignment creating a series of polygonal field boundary shapes of the hillside. The horizon of the middle ground is broken by a series of telephone poles that stretch along the ridgeline. Expansive moorland is visible in the background to the west of the view, the eye being drawn to the horizon along the course of the valley. The consented Crook Hill wind farm will be visible on the ridgeline in the background and is likely to be partly screened by intervening vegetation in the middle distance. VP 14 Gib Slack, Hebden Bridge • Grid Reference: 399977 431190 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 12.87 km • Principal receptors: Road users on the A6033 • Other representative receptors: Users of PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Low This viewpoint is located along the A6033 on a car park and bus stop lay by at Gib Slack to the north of Hebden Bridge and to the north east of the Development site at an elevation of 376 m AOD. It is within the Moorland Fringes/Upland Pasture LCT and Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.30. Views are representative of those available to local road users of the A6033. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium to low. Views are also broadly similar to those available local footpath users. The emphasis of this view is in a north west to south east direction along the course of the valley in the middle ground. Looking south west towards the Development site, the wooded fringes of Hebden Bridge can be seen, sequestered within the steep folds of the valley. To the south, Stoodley Pike Monument can be seen on the moorland above Hebden Bridge, creating a prominent and distinct landmark within the view. To the west, the steep valley side, dissected by a rectilinear pattern of dry stone walls, isolated farmsteads and upland moorland create a distinctive rural scene. The Development site is visible although cannot be clearly distinguished owing to distance. There are no other wind farms currently visible from this viewpoint and ridgelines are generally unspoilt. However, the consented wind farms of Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor will add numerous vertical elements to the skyline, breaking the horizon line. Crook Hill wind farm will be visible in close proximity, but further to the west of the Stoodley Pike Monument. The 3 turbines of the Reaps Moss wind farm will be fully visible on the horizon to the south west, whilst only the blade tips and hub of the consented Todmorden Moor wind farm will be visible, located behind the ridgeline also to the south west. VP 15 Hoof Stone • Grid Reference: 391534 428738 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.38 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers in open access land • Other representative receptors: n/a • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium This viewpoint is located at the Hoof Stones Height trig point to the north of the Development site at an elevation of 467 m AOD and within the High Moorland Plateaux LCT as well as the Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.32. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers within open access land. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium. The existing wind turbines of Coal Clough wind farm form the dominant feature of the composition, creating a distinct and ‘kinetic’ feature within the landscape in the

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-37 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement immediate foreground. The consented wind farms of Todmorden Moor and Reaps Moss will also be visible to the south, and will be readily discernible in the middle distance breaking the horizon line. The consented Crook Hill wind farm will be visible on the horizon further to the south east of the view. The A646 road can also be seen winding its way east to west along the Cornholme valley although is often screened from view by the folds of the valleyside. The road and wind farm apart, there is a lack of human habitation evident, the series of featureless open moorland hills rising and falling away from the viewer to the horizon. VP 16 Bride Stone • Grid Reference: 393238 426738 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.08 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium This viewpoint is located at the Great Bride Stones rocky outcrop approximately 5 km to the north of the Development site at an elevation of 445 m AOD within the Moorland Fringes / Upland Pastures LCT and Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.33. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium. The view consists of undulating pastoral field and the wooded and steep valley of Todmorden in the foreground set below an upland moorland ridgeline. Some isolated farmsteads and woodland copses are notable characteristics set within the fields of upland pastures that are bound by stone walls and are in the middle ground of the view. A number of pylons scatter the ridgeline with pylons also crossing the valleys of Todmorden. Stoodley Pike Monument forms a landmark to the north east of the view. The operational Coal Clough wind farm is visible as a prominent feature to the west in the middle ground. To the far north east, the operational Ovenden Moor wind farm can also be seen. Directly to the south, the 3 consented wind farm schemes will be visible and become the focus of the view, with Crook Hill set above the wooded settled valley of Todmorden, and also Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor breaking the moorland skyline. VP 17 Great Rock • Grid Reference: 395986 426319 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.68 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on Calderdale Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality, local road users • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint is located on top of the Great Rock to the north of the Development site at an elevation of 320 m AOD within the Moorland Fringes / Upland Pastures LCT and Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.34. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers on Calderdale Way. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. The Great Rock is a distinct outcrop of rock on the Calderdale Way. The location affords views north eastward and south westward along the Hebden Bridge/Todmorden valley where the juxtaposition of pastoral valley floor and wide open moorland creates an attractive composition. Linear blocks of mixed woodland within the valley also add interest and texture to the view. Stoodley Pike Monument acts a prominent and distinct landmark to the far east. The three consented wind farms will be visible from this location, with Crook Hill and Reaps Moss located to on the ridgeline to the south west,

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-38 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual and Todmorden Moor partly screened by intervening topography further to the west. The site is not clearly discernible amongst the spurs of the valley side. VP 18 Bottomley • Grid Reference: 394204 421041 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 3.91 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local residents • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, users of PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High The viewpoint is located at the top of Bottomley Road within a very small scale residential area set on a steep hillside at an approximate elevation of 218 m AOD. It lies within the Settled Valley LCA and the Special Landscape Area. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.36. Views are representative of those available to local residents. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Views are also broadly similar to those available to motorists (local road users) and local footpath users. The viewpoint provides elevated views across the wooded settled valley of Bottomley and Walsden. The historic and restored Rochdale Canal with its small locks and bridges is visible in the foreground of the view. The sparsely settled well wooded steep valley sides include some buildings, such as mill buildings associated with the historic use of the canal. The open moorland plateau forms the skyline, where there is a strong presence of pylons that dominate the ridgeline. The juxtaposition of settled valley floor and open moorland upland creates and attractive composition enhanced further by historical industrial features such as the Rochdale Canal and mill chimneys. Woodland on the precipitous slopes of the valley further enhances the texture and interest of the view. However, modern infrastructure is also present, a series of pylons forming a notable feature north to south across the horizon. The Development site is located middle ground of the viewer to the north west of the view and west of the wooded valley of Walsden in the folds of the valley sides. The consented Todmorden wind farm is largely screened by vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the viewpoint in the foreground. However, glimpsed views of the consented scheme on the horizon may be possible. The consented Reaps Moss wind farm will not be visible and only a fraction of the blade tip could be just discernible appearing over the ridge. The Crook Hill wind farm will be visible on the ridgeline in the middle ground above the wooded steep valley sides and is likely to become the new focus of the view together with the existing pylons that also follow the ridge and are regularly spaces. VP 19 A671 above Weir • Grid Reference: 3870008 426201 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.17 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local residents • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users on the A671, users of PRoW in locality and on Rossendale Way and Irwell Sculpture Trail • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High This viewpoint in located along the A671 north of Weir at the intersection with the Rossendale Way and Irwell Sculpture Trail within the transition between Enclosed Uplands LCT and Moorland Fringes / Upland Plateaux LCT. It is to the north west of the Development site at an elevation of 390 m AOD. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.38. Views are representative of those available to local residents at the northern fringe of Weir. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high. Views are also broadly similar to those available to motorists (local road users) and local footpath users.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-39 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement The A671 and series of pylons stretching out across to the horizon are the prominent features of the view. Large blocks of coniferous plantation within the folds of the valley and Britannia quarries to the north of Bacup can also be seen further adding to the sense of settlement and industry. However, mixed woodland within the valley floor is also notable and softens the composition to some extent. The consented Todmorden wind farm will be seen in the middle distance forming a highly prominent feature on the horizon consented. The consented Reaps Moss wind farm will be seen in close proximity to the line of pylons which extend across the moorland, whilst only blade tips of the consented Crook Hill wind farm will be discernible above the ridgeline. The Development site is not clearly discernible owing to intervening undulating moorland. VP 20 A681 Sharneyford • Grid Reference: 388978 424486 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.58 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Road users on the A681 • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Recreational walkers on the Rossendale Way, local residents at Sharneyford • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium to Low This viewpoint is located at a layby on A681, which is a main route to Bacup and Todmorden, at the intersection with the Rossendale Way approximately 2.58 km to the north of the Development site at an elevation of 407 m AOD. It lies within the transition between Settled Valleys LCT and Moorland Fringes / Upland Plateaux LCT and within the Special Landscape Area and Common Land as defined by the Calderdale UDP. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.39. Views are representative of those available to local road users on the A681. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be medium to low. Views are also broadly similar to those available to users. The northern section of the site is clearly visible in the middleground, beyond the A681 which forms an apparent feature in the foreground. The undulating moorland of Gorpley Moor dominates the background forming an expansive backdrop to the composition. The upper sections of a pylon can be seen to the west of the view. The consented Reaps Moss wind farm will be a dominant feature within the immediate foreground of the viewer on the ridgeline to the east. The consented Crook Hill wind farm will only partly be visible above the skyline in views to the south east. VP 21 Hameldon Hill • Grid Reference: 380914 428595 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 11.43 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on the Burnley Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High to medium This viewpoint is located at the Hameldon Hill weather station on Burnley Way (a Long Distance Path) approximately 11.43 km north west of the Development site at an elevation of 397 m AOD within the Enclosed Uplands LCT. Reference should be made to the panoramic photograph in Figure 5.41. Views are representative of those available to recreational walkers on Burnley Way. The sensitivity of this receptor to the type of change proposed is considered to be high to medium. The elevated location of Hameldon Hill affords panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Looking southeast toward the site, Clowbridge Reservoir forms a notable aquatic feature in the middle ground, tucked within the folds of the valley floor. Adjacent to the reservoir are scattered dwellings and woodland creating a settled feel to the valley floor. Beyond this, upland moorland forms a backdrop to the scene with long distance views possible to the horizon. Within the moorland pylons are visible

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-40 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual stretching away from the viewer, whilst to the east of the view, operational turbines of Coal Clough wind farm can be seen in the far distance as small features within the landscape (not readily discernible within the photographic panorama). The 3 consented wind farms of Todmorden Moor, Crook Hill and Reaps Moss will also be visible in the far distance in views to the south east. Owing to distance the Development site is not clearly discernible. Table 5.7 Summary of viewpoint locations Viewpoint Proximity to Principal Views broadly Sensitivity Development Receptors typical of of (km) other Principal receptors Receptor VP1 Warland 5.59 Recreational Users of other High Reservoir walkers on Pennine PRoW in locality Way / Todmorden Centenary Way / Rochdale Way VP2 Stoodley Pike 6.96 Recreational Users of other High walkers on Pennine PRoW in locality Way VP3 Shepherds Rest 4.01 Recreational Local road High PH walkers on Pennine users, visitors to Bridleway the public house VP4 Sourhall Road, 2.32 Local road users Recreational Medium to walkers and Low horse riders on local bridleway, local residents VP5 Windy Harbour 21.47 Recreational Local road users High Farm, Pendle Hill walkers AONB VP6 Thieveley Pike 5.77 Recreational Users of other High (Burnley Way) walkers on Burnley PRoW in locality Way VP7 Huttock Top 4.22 Recreational Local residents High (Irwell Sculpture walkers on Irwell Trail) Sculpture Trail VP8 Freeholds Top 0.55 Recreational Users of other High (Rossendale Way) walkers on PRoW in locality Rossendale Way VP9 Cowpes Moss 6.02 Recreational Users of other High (Pennine walkers and users PRoW in locality Bridleway/Rossendale of the Pennine Way) Bridleway VP10 Crook Hill/Shore 32.23 Recreational Users of other Medium Moor walkers PRoW in locality VP11 Blackstone 8.99 Recreational Users of other High Edge, Pennine Way walkers on the PRoW in locality Pennine Way VP12 Withins Height, 12.18 Recreational Users of other High Pennine Way walkers on the PRoW in locality Pennine Way VP13 Heptonstall 9.77 Local residents Users of other High Water Tower PRoW in locality VP14 Gib Slack, 12.87 Road users on the Users of other Low Hebden Bridge A6033 PRoW in locality VP15 Hoof Stones 6.38 Recreational n/a Medium walkers in open access land VP16 Bride Stones 5.08 Recreational Users of other Medium walkers PRoW in locality VP17 Great Rock 6.68 Recreational Users of other High walkers on PRoW in locality,

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-41 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Viewpoint Proximity to Principal Views broadly Sensitivity Development Receptors typical of of (km) other Principal receptors Receptor Calderdale Way local road users National Trail VP18 Bottomley 3.91 Local residents Local road High users, users of PRoW in locality VP19 A671 above 5.17 Local residents Local road users High Weir on the A671, users of PRoW in locality and on Rossendale Way and Irwell Sculpture Trail VP20 A681 2.58 Road users on the Recreational Medium to Sharneyford A681 walkers on the Low Rossendale Way, local residents at Sharneyford VP21 Hameldon Hill 11.43 Recreational Users of other High to walkers on the PRoW in locality Medium Burnley Way National Trail

5.3.5.2 Residential Receptors The assessment, in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.2.12 and 5.2.14, considers visual effects arising from the Development on settlements within 5 km and on individual occupied dwellings within 1 km (where they do not form part of a settlement edge). A brief description of current views available from settlements and individual properties is presented below. It should be noted that individual residential properties were not accessed but the assessment was undertaken from the nearest publicly accessible location. This inevitably has limited the ability to establish the precise nature of views from specific windows and outdoor areas within the curtilage of a property. Site based assessment has been supplemented by reference to aerial photography and OS mapping. 5.3.5.2.1 Residential properties on settlement edges The settlements surrounding the Development site within the 5 km study area include Bacup, Whitworth, and Todmorden. These are linear settlements, with a degree of overlap and coalescence, which follow the main transport routes and are located within steep narrow wooded valleys. As the ZTV in Figure 5.10 indicates, and as a result of the underlying topography and often densely wooded valley slopes, outward views from settlements are frequently contained such that distant views across the upland moorland are rarely available. Properties located on higher ground on the steep valley sides have views outwards and over local ridgelines to the wider surrounding landscape, whereas dwellings located on the valley sides are generally orientated down and across the valley, further restricting views outwards. Views from higher ground are mostly over the wooded valleys with settlement in the foreground and the upland moorland forming the horizon of the view. 5.3.5.2.2 Individual residential properties There are a number of properties located within 1 km of the Development site and are shown on Figure 5.11 including: • Higher Ditches, on Foul Clough Road, approximately 790 m (to the nearest proposed turbine) to the south east;

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-42 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • Watermans Bungalow, on Foul Clough Road, approximately 800 m (to the nearest proposed turbine) to the south east; • Keepers Lodge, on Gorpley Road, approximately 850 m (to the nearest proposed turbine) to the north; • Shackleton Farm, on Market Street, approximately 850 m (to the nearest proposed turbine) to the south west; and • Lower Dyches, on Foul Clough Road, approximately 950 m (to the nearest proposed turbine) to the south east. In addition to the properties above, there are a small number of dwellings, which lie just beyond the 1 km residential amenity study area. For completeness, these have also been assessed and are identified below: • 501-503 Bacup Road; approximately 1,020 m to the north; • Pot Oven Farm, on Foul Clough Road, approximately 1,020 m to the south east; and • Pot Oven East, on Foul Clough Road, approximately 1,040 m to the south east. Higher Ditches (Property No. 1) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.51 with visibility splays and a typical view towards the Development site. The dwelling is a two storey stone house with a one storey extension to the south elevation. It has a predominantly eastern orientation with a terrace facing that direction to the front of the house. The main garden area is also to the east. There are windows to the rear (west side), where access is gained from. The northern elevation has no windows and it was not possible during site visit to establish whether there are any windows on the southern elevation of the extension. The property is set is set on the slopes down towards Ramsden Clough Reservoir directing views south east. Access to the dwelling is gained via a track at the bottom of Weather Hill and Burnt Hills from the north. This moorland hillside forms a local ridgeline restricting views towards the Development site. The dwelling sits within a relatively open setting with some tree planting within the garden area. Generally, views are directed towards the open valley to the south east. Views towards the Development site, located to the north west of the property, are also open but restricted by the local ridgeline. From the western elevation, outward facing views towards the Development site are consistently oblique from all first and second floor windows. First floor views are likely to be slightly intercepted by low level vegetation that is set above the ground floor level of the dwelling, as the dwelling is cut into the slopes. To the north west existing pylons and transmission lines are visible in the foreground. Watermans Bungalow (Property No. 2) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.52 with visibility splays and a typical view towards the Development site. The dwelling is a single storey bungalow and is orientated towards the south east with a terrace and garden area facing south east. Access to the property is gained from the north east via a track passing the adjacent dwelling (Higher Ditches). Windows were recorded on the north east elevation of the property, whilst the south west elevation of the property has no windows. Similar to the adjacent Higher Ditches, the property is set on the slopes down towards Ramsden Clough Reservoir directing the primary views south east and away from the Development site. Views towards the Development site, located to the north west of the property, are direct but restricted by locally elevated topography and by the adjacent dwelling Higher Ditches to the north west. Existing pylons and transmission lines are also in this view.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-43 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Keepers Lodge (Property No. 3) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.53 with visibility splays and typical view towards the Development site. The dwelling is a single storey bungalow and is orientated north-south with a terrace and garden area facing south. Outbuildings and a small shed are located to the north of the property where access is also gained via a track. A garden with a glasshouse and small stone building area are located to the west, enclosed by stone walls. It was not possible during the site visit to ascertain if there are any windows to the east elevation (facing away from the Development site), but it is assumed that there are windows present on all elevations of the bungalow. A local footpath passes through the private curtilage of the property following the access track and passing the dwelling to the north. This isolated property is set on the slopes down (south east) towards Gorpley Reservoir, clearly focusing views south over the reservoir and towards an uncluttered moorland ridgeline formed by Oatley Hill, Weather Hill and Spa Hill, where the Development site as well as the meteorological mast is proposed. Views from the southern elevation, towards the Development site are direct and uninterrupted as the garden area is very open and sloping down towards the reservoir. Views from western facing windows towards the Development site are also direct but contained and filtered by vegetation and tree planting within the allotment area, by stone walls, and by the locally elevated landform. Windows to the north and east elevation will have no views towards the Development site. To the east, a line of pylons passes the dwelling at an approximate distance of 180 m in a north-south direction and is visible from windows facing south and east. Shackleton Farm (Property No. 4) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.54 with visibility splays and typical view towards the Development site. The dwelling is a substantial two storey stone building with a one storey extension to the north elevation and large stone stables with a horse arena to the west. The property has a north-south orientation allowing extended views across the surrounding landscape. Access is gained via a track entering the premises from the east which passes the dwelling to the north elevation, where the main entrance is located. The south elevation has a small single storey glass conservatory. The main garden area is to the north and east and there is also a smaller patio and garden area to the east. Numerous windows are present on both storeys of the north and east elevations, but it could not be established during the site visit if the western elevation has any windows. The northern elevation has windows on both storeys located on the eastern end of the facade. Views from the southern elevation are in the direction of the valley and distant upland moorland where the existing Coal Clough wind farm is visible on the horizon. Ground floor views to the east are restricted by stone walls but first floor views are uninterrupted. Views to the north and in the direction of the Development site from ground floor windows are likely to be contained by locally elevated landform and stone walls bounding the garden area, whilst first floor views are anticipated to be more open and direct towards the grazed moorland and local ridgeline of Freeholds Top and Hogshead Law Hill. Lower Dyches (Property No. 5) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.55 with visibility splays and typical view towards the Development site. Lower Dyches comprises a substantial two storey stone building with outbuildings. The property is located in a north-south orientation within the broad valley of Ramsden leading towards Ramsden Clough Reservoir. The main garden area is to the south and

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-44 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual west of the property, facing down the valley, and is largely open. The south elevation has windows on both floors, whereas windows on the west elevation are absent. Access is gained via a track from the north, where it is assumed that the entrance is located. It was not possible to establish during field work if there are any windows present on the east elevation. Primary views from the property are from the south facing elevation and away from the Development site. Views from the north elevation towards the Development site are direct and open from both floors and are of the uncluttered moorland ridgeline of Weather Hill. Pylons and transmission lines are very prominent in views to the east at an approximate distance of 75 m to the transmission wire and 140 m to the closest pylon. 502 Bacup Road (Property No. 6) This property is a large two storey stone house set along the A681 facing the road and at the bottom of the very steep moorland hillside. It is anticipated that there will be no visibility of the Development from this property and, as such, this property will not be assessed further. Pot Oven Farm (Property No. 7) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.57 with visibility splays and typical view towards the Development site. The property is a large two storey stone house with a double garage attached to the eastern elevation. It is set along the broad valley sides of Ramsden and faces south eastwards down to the valley with an expansive and enclosed well vegetated garden area extension across the southern and western elevation. Most windows are located to the south and west elevation of the dwelling, whereas the northern elevation only has first floor windows. There are no windows on the eastern side. The dwelling is enclosed with dense coniferous tree planting to the north west and north. Access is gained via a track from the north east. Primary views from the property outwards are to the south and therefore away from the Development site. Views from the north and west elevation towards the Development site are always oblique and intercepted by coniferous vegetation within the curtilage of the property, this is particularly the case for ground floor views. The view towards the Development site is of open moorland and the local uncluttered ridgeline formed by Oatley Hill and Freeholds Top Pylons and transmission wires form a very prominent and close feature crossing the view from north to south at an approximate distance of 250 m. Pot Oven East (Property No. 8) The location and spatial context of this dwelling is shown on Figure 5.58 with visibility splays and typical view towards the Development site. The property is a large two storey stone house with set along the broad valley sides of Ramsden and faces south eastwards down to the valley with a large garden area extension across the south-eastern elevation. Access is gained via a track from the north east connecting to a drive located to the south west of the dwelling. Windows are located on the south, east and northern elevation. It was not possible to establish during field work whether there are any windows on the western side. Primary views from the property outwards are to the south and away from the Development site. Views from west and north elevation towards the Development site are always oblique and intercepted by stone walls and dense coniferous vegetation within the neighbouring property (Pot Oven Farm); this is particularly the case for ground floor views. This view consists of open moorland and the local uncluttered ridgeline formed by Oatley Hill and Freeholds Top, with pylons and transmission wires forming a very prominent and close feature crossing the view from north to south at an approximate distance of 280 m. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-45 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.3.5.3 Public Rights of Ways (PRoW) There is a number of national and regional PRoW at least partially within the 10 km study area (refer to Figure 5.5). A list of the National Trails and Long Distance Paths (LDP) within the area follows below. These are marked on the figure as red trails. Open Access Land as defined through the CRoW Act does not explicitly form part of this assessment as this is represented adequately by the assessment from PRoWs which always pass through CRoW Open Access Land. Pennine Bridleway: Designated a National Trail, this 209 km long distance route was specifically created for horse riders and cyclists and will eventually linking the Peak District with Northumberland National Park. In this area, the route forms a large loop around the site passing at it closest point to east along the Todmorden Valley. The route encompasses both open moorland plateau and incised river valleys. Pennine Way: Designated a National Trail, this 431 km long distance route passes to the east of the site along Blackstone Ridge Edge northwards to Hebden Bridge. The route in this section comprises open moorland plateau. Rossendale Way: The Rossendale Way is recognised as a LDP. Its 66 km route mainly traverses across open moorland. At its closest point, it runs to the east of the site along Reaps Moss Moor. Burnley Way: Recognised as a LDP, the Burnley Way is a 64 km circular trail that takes in a wide range of environments from Burnley City Centre, to woodland and open moor plateau. At its closest point, the path crosses Thieveley Pike to the north of Doals. Rochdale Way: The Rochdale Way is a 72 km circular LDP through the Borough of Rochdale. The route includes moorland, woodland and historic urban sites and passes closest to the site at Warland within the Todmorden valley to the south east. Calderdale Way: An 80 km circular route recognised as a LDP. The route generally follows valley bottoms passing through the towns of Todmorden, Halifax and Hebden Bridge. The route passes through Todmorden to the northeast of the site at its closest point. Irwell Sculpture Trail: Running a distance of 40 km from Bacup to Salford Quays, the Irwell Sculpture Trail is the largest sculpture trail in the UK. The trail takes in urban settlement, incised valleys and some upland moorland around Bacup. The closest point of the trail is at Bacup, to the east of the site. 5.4 DEVELOPMENT DESIGN MITIGATION The design of the Development has evolved as part of an iterative process that has taken into account environmental issues as well as technical constraints. The final assessed layout has been informed by: • The scoping opinion from Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council; • Information collated during the baseline assessment stage and EIA work; • Feedback from key consultees; and • Feedback from public exhibitions. As a result of this process the following modifications to the scheme were made (in relation to landscape and visual effects; a broader description of the design process is provided in Chapter 3: Project Description of this ES): • Early consideration of the maximum tip height in relation to turbines at the adjacent Reaps Moss wind farm, which limited the turbine tip height to 125m. • Turbines were reduced in number from 7 to 5 to maintain compliance with ETSU noise limitations, although this layout was also considered from a landscape perspective, and maximised the separation distance between the turbines and Limers Gate bridleway.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-46 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • A turbine layout which mirrored the Reaps Moss wind farm was not considered possible due to site constraints and the higher elevation of Reaps Moss wind farm. Therefore, a layout that followed the topography of the site was deemed the most appropriate for the site. However the turbines will often appear to be within the envelope of Reaps Moss wind farm, minimising the spread of turbines across the skyline from key viewpoints. • To a certain degree Todmorden Moor and Crook Hill wind farms have also informed the layout. • The considerations in finalising infrastructure design were to minimise effects on existing land use, such as public rights of way and habitats, minimise access track length and therefore reduce material brought onto site, and avoid physical and environmental constraints including minimising visual effects. • The main access track will be shared with the existing Reaps Moss wind farm track to reduce the effects on the moors, bridleways and other public rights of way, including reducing visual effects. Underground cabling connecting the control building will be laid in the verge of the access track. 5.5 ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS AND MITIGATION The following section provides an assessment of the anticipated landscape and visual effects arising from the Development during construction, operation and decommissioning phases. A summary table of likely significant effects during the construction and operational phases is provided in section 5.5.5. The assessment of likely significant cumulative effects associated with the Development is described in section 5.6. 5.5.1 Construction The construction phase is likely to last approximately 9 to 12 months. The principal operations during the construction process that are likely to give rise to landscape and visual effects are considered to be: • Pre-construction site preparation including groundworks, excavation and piling for foundations as required; • Construction of temporary access and construction tracks; • Construction for crane hardstandings for each turbine; • Assembling and erection of 5 turbines; • Construction of a control building compound, power connections and cabling to grid, and other ancillary infrastructure requirements; • Two construction compounds including siting of welfare facilities, site security and car parking areas; and • The movement of heavy plant, including construction machinery, mobile cranes and supply vehicles. Construction activities will result in direct effects on landscape character within the curtilage of the Development site boundary (see Figure 1.2). Direct effects will arise as a result localised alteration to the fabric of the Development site during the operations listed above. Beyond the Development site boundary, effects on landscape character will be indirect and will relate principally to effects on perceptual qualities such as the nature and composition of views and the sense of remoteness. Effects arising during the latter stages of construction and turbine erection will be broadly the same as the effects arising during the operation phase. Direct effects on landscape character are anticipated to be highest during the early stages of construction activity, when enabling works and infrastructure works are most intense. Direct effects will reduce towards the end of the construction phase, once turbines are being erected, and will remain at a consistent level throughout the operational phase.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-47 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Indirect effects on landscape character during the early stages of the construction phase are anticipated to be extremely limited due to the scale and nature of the activities, which are predominantly at ground level and therefore likely to be relatively discreet within the context of a large scale landscape. Indirect effects on landscape character towards the latter stages of construction are expected to be broadly the same as during operational stages. As such the assessment focuses on the operation stage indirect effects rather than the construction phase in order to limit repetition. Visual effects during the construction phase are anticipated to be greatest during the latter stage of operations to erect turbines. Visual effects are expected to be broadly the same as during the operational phase, albeit without the regular movement of turbine blades. As such, the assessment predominantly focuses on the operational phase visual effects, with the exception of those viewpoints, where close-up views of ground level construction may be available. It should also be noted that all anticipated direct and indirect effects during construction will be temporary. 5.5.1.1 Effects on Designated Landscapes Forest of Bowland AONB The Forest of Bowland AONB is located approximately 16.9 km to the northwest of the site at its closest point (Figure 5.3). The AONB will not experience direct effects as a result of the construction phase, but effects will be, if present, indirect and affecting the setting of the AONB. Indirect effects are considered to be greatest during the operation phase and as such are assessed in detail within Section 5.5.2.1.This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park lies approximately 16.8 km to the south east of the site at its closest point (Figure 5.3). The NP will not experience direct effects as a result of the construction phase, but effects will be, if present, indirect and affecting the setting of the NP. Indirect effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated effects are discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.1. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Calderdale Special Landscape Area The Calderdale Replacement Unitary Development Plan makes provision for the designation of Special Landscape Areas (SLA) within the District based on their scenic quality. The site is located within a SLA although it is situated at is south westerly fringe, the majority of the designation occupying the moorland around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The construction phase will result in localised and temporary direct effect on the intrinsic landscape characteristics of the SLA through alteration to vegetation and land use and on perceptual qualities associated with nature and composition of views. The magnitude of change is considered to be low within the constraints of the Development site boundary reducing to low to minimal within 1 km of the Site boundary as effects on perceptual qualities gradually diminish. Taking into account the medium sensitivity of the SLA, the effect to the SLA in which the site is located is therefore assessed to result in direct, temporary of effects of moderate/minor to negligible significance during the construction phase.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-48 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Common Land The Common Land, as defined by the Calderdale UDP (Policy OS8), is located adjacent to the Development site. The Common Land will not experience direct effects as a result of the construction phase, though indirect effects will arise in relation to the setting of the Common Land. Indirect effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated effects are discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.1. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.2 Effects on National Landscape Character The site is located relatively centrally within NCA36 Southern Pennines. Given the size and shape of the character area, construction is not anticipated to affect the character area as a whole. Key elements of the character area such as expansive, sweeping moorland and narrow, wooded valleys will remain intact at this level. The magnitude of change to the character area as a whole as result of construction activities is assessed to be low as the majority of the NCA will remain unaffected. Combined with the medium sensitivity of this NCA, it is concluded that direct effects of moderate/minor significance to the character of NCA36 are likely to occur as a result of the construction phase. Other national character areas identified as part of the baseline assessment within the 30km study area, these include: • NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill; • NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys; • NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe; • NCA 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield; • NCA 51 Dark Peak; • NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe; • NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation; and • NCA 56 Lancashire Coal Measures. The above listed NCAs will not experience any direct effects. Indirect effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated effects are discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.3 Effects on Local Landscape Character LCT A High Moorland Plateaux The site occupies a sizable area of LCT A - High Moorland Plateau at Inchfield Moor between Bacup and Todmorden (Figure 5.7). Much of this character area is designed as Common Land (policy OS8) and therefore effects to it will be representative of effects to this designation. Construction within this sector of LCT A will cause localised intrusion. However, consented schemes at Crook Hill to the south and Reaps Moss to the north will already have introduced wind farm elements into this landscape. Consequently, construction operations at the site will be seen in the context of these wind farms and will not appear as an alien element to this character area. The vast majority of this character area, namely to the east at Scout Moor and west at Rishworth Moor will remain unaffected by construction within the site due to the size of the character type and distance from construction activities. The magnitude of change to LCT A is assessed overall to be low to minimal, which combined with the high to medium sensitivity of this LCT will lead to direct, temporary effects of moderate to negligible significance. However, effects to LCT A Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-49 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement on a more local scale will be more significant albeit that they will be seen in the context of existing wind farm developments at Reaps Moss and Crook Hill. Other local character areas identified as part of the baseline assessment within the 10km study area, these include: • LCT C Enclosed Uplands; • LCT D Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures; • LCT F Settled Valleys; • LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys; • LCT L Lowland Farmland; • LCT O Industrial/Business Parks; and • LCT U Urban. The above listed LCTs will not experience any direct effects. Indirect effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated effects are discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.3. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.4 Effects on representative viewpoints The assessment of visual effects during the construction phase is summarised below and identifies anticipated effects from separate geographical areas within the 10 km visual study area with reference to fixed assessment viewpoints, together with anticipated effects from settlement edges, dwellings, PRoW, and local highways. The most prominent visual activity associated with the construction phase is anticipated to be the erection of turbines which will require the use of tall cranes; the resultant visual effects will be broadly the same as those arising during operation. The construction of access roads, control building compound and cabling (ground level operations) will be less prominent in visual terms except from PRoWs adjacent to the Development, local highways and from nearby residential areas which face the Development. Elevated areas within the study area will also allow more distant views of the construction phase. VP 1 Warland Reservoir Reference should be made to Figure 5.13. Ground level construction activities within the Development site are not likely to be visible. Operations to erect and install turbines will be seen as a dense cluster with turbines and/or cranes seen behind each other. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 2 Stoodley Pike Monument Reference should be made to Figure 5.15. Construction activity including ground level construction will be discernible from this viewpoint on the hillsides of the moorland to the west of Todmorden. The erection of the turbines with the aid of cranes will be visible on the horizon in the mid to far distance of the view. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-50 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual VP 3 Shepherds Rest PH Reference should be made to Figure 5.16. Construction activity including ground level activity as well as the temporary construction compound will become a very noticeable feature across the horizon. Movement of cranes will break the skyline set by the moorland and also rise above the level of pylons visible in the middle ground. However the construction will be at similar heights to existing turbines at Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor to the north. Both of these wind farm developments form notable features within the view and also break the skyline. At this distance, construction activity is likely to become a temporary focus of the view during the erection of the turbines, as there is no screening available. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be medium for the final months of the construction phase during and following the erection of the turbines. Taking into account of the high sensitivity of the visual receptors at this location, the significance of effects is judged to be major/moderate. VP 4 Sourhall Road, Todmorden Edge Reference should be made to Figure 5.17. Construction activities including ground level activities as well as the temporary construction compound will become a prominent feature within the composition of the view from this location. Construction activities such as movement of cranes and erection of towers, hubs and blades will be apparent in the centre of the view with Weather Hill forming a backdrop to construction. Although seen within the context of the consented Reaps Moss and Crook Hill wind farm, the activities and the erection of the turbines with the aid of cranes will take up a large portion of the view and at a relatively close distance. Elements of construction will also be at a similar height and scale to that of the turbines of the consented Reaps Moss to the west and Crook Hill to the east, both of which will form prominent features within the view. In addition, most of the isolated farmsteads in the surrounding landscape as well as Sourhall Road are orientated in the direction of the Development site. At this exposed upland moorland location there is no screening available. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be high, which combined with a medium to low sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a major/moderate to moderate significance of effect for the final months of the construction period during and following turbine erection. VP 5 Windy Harbour Farm, Pendle Hill AONB Reference should be made to Figure 5.19. At this distance, approximately 21km from the nearest turbine, above ground construction will be barely discernible on the horizon, whilst views of ground level construction will not be available. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 6 Thieveley Pike (Burnley Way) Reference should be made to Figure 5.20. At this distance (approximately 5.3 km), views of ground level construction will not be available. Looking southeast towards the site, operations to install all five turbines will be visible. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-51 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 7 Huttock Top (Irwell Sculpture Trail) Reference should be made to Figure 5.21. In views from Huttock Top only operations to install the upper portions of three of the turbines are likely to be visible, whilst views of ground level construction will not be available. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Consequently, visual effects will be the same as for the operation phase and reference should be made to Section 5.5.2.5. VP 8 Freehold Top Reference should be made to Figure 5.22. Construction activities, including ground level activities as well the as the temporary construction compound, will become a prominent feature within the composition from this location. Although seen within the context of existing and consented wind farm the views to the activities are immediate and will be experienced over the majority of the horizontal field of the view and along a large section of the Rossendale Way regional footpath. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be high, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a major significance of effect for the final months of the construction period during and following turbine erection. VP 9 Cowpe Moss Reference should be made to Figure 5.24. Ground level construction activities and the temporary construction compound will not be visible from this location Above ground level activities and primarily the use of cranes to erect the turbines will be just discernible above the ridgeline. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Consequently, visual effects will be the same as for the operation phase and reference should be made to Section 5.5.2.5. VP 10 Crook Hill/Shore Moor Reference should be made to Figure 5.26. Operations to erect turbines will be visible from Crook Hill, though the elevated landform will screen the lower portions of two of the turbines in the view; views of ground level construction will not be available. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 11 Blackstone Edge (Pennine Way) Reference should be made to Figure 5.27. Construction will be largely inconspicuous and ground level activities will not be discernible. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-52 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within in Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 12 Within Heights (Pennine Way) Reference should be made to Figure 5.28. Ground level construction will not be discernible from this viewpoint. Operations to install and erect turbines will potentially be visible. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 13 Heptonstall Water Tower Reference should be made to Figure 5.29. Ground level will not be visible from Heptonstall Water Tower. Operations to install and erect turbines will potentially be visible. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 14 Gib Slack, Hebden Bridge Reference should be made to Figure 5.30. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines will be discernible on the ridgeline in the distance. Views of ground level construction will not be available. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 15: Hoof Stones Reference should be made to Figure 5.32. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines will be discernible. Ground level construction activities will not be visible from this location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP16 Bride Stones Reference should be made to Figure 5.33. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines will be visible, whereas ground level construction activities will not be visible from this location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-53 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement VP 17 Great Rock Reference should be made to Figure 5.34. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines will be visible, whereas ground level construction activities will not be visible from this location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 18 Bottomley Reference should be made to Figure 5.36. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines only will be visible above the ridgeline. Ground level construction activities will not be visible from this location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 19 A671 above Weir Reference should be made to Figure 5.38. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines only will be visible, whereas ground level construction activities will not be visible from this location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. VP 20 A681 Sharneyford Reference should be made to Figure 5.39. Construction activities at the site will be prominent in views from the A681 at Sharneyford. Construction of the whole of all the turbines will be possible in the centre of the view. This will be in the context of consented turbines at Reaps Moss which are also prominent in the foreground and Crooks Hill, visible in the background. It is anticipated that construction activities will be slightly less prominent to that of turbines of Reaps Moss due to their greater distance from the viewer at this location. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be medium with the movement of cranes, construction plant and construction of ancillary structures likely to form a prominent feature within the view. Combined with a medium to low sensitivity of visual receptors this will give rise to a moderate to moderate/minor significance of effect for construction period. VP 21 Hameldon Hill Reference should be made to Figure 5.41. Construction activity relating principally to the erection of turbines only will be discernible in the distance, whereas ground level construction activities will not be visible from location. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-54 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.5. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.5 Effects on Residential Receptors 5.5.1.5.1 Residential properties on settlement edges Settlements within a 5 km radius of the Development have been assessed according to the methodology described in section 5.2.14. Effects of greatest significance (in EIA terms) are considered likely from settlement edges, which lie within broadly 2.5 km of the Development in locations from where open views of the turbines and construction cranes are available. As the narrow settled valleys and topography of the area suggest, the ZTV indicates mostly no visibility from the settlements located within the narrow valleys towards the Development. Properties located within settlement edges that sprawl onto higher ground on the steep valley sides will have views to either the blade tips of the wind farm or have views out towards the Development site. This is particularly the case of those dwellings which are sited on the valley sides perpendicular to the Development site, so that their main views are directed towards the Development. Views of ground level construction activities will not available to occupants of dwellings on settlement edges. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.1. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.5.2 Individual residential properties The effects to individual dwellings within 1 km of the Development and just beyond are assessed within this section. It is acknowledged that resident of dwellings within approximately 1 km of a wind farm are almost certain to experience visual effects of major significance, where a wind farm is fully or substantially visible, given their inherent sensitivity to the type of change proposed combined with the high magnitude of change, which is likely to arise from a wind farm development located within 1 km. The methodology for residential amenity assessment is described in Section 5.2.12. The assessment of individual properties should be read in conjunction with Figures 5.51 to 5.58. Higher Ditches Ground level construction activities will not be visible as a result rising local landform limiting views to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Watermans Bungalow Ground level construction activities will not be visible as a result of rising local landform limiting views to the Development site and the screening effect of the adjacent property (Higher Ditches). Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-55 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Keepers Lodge A limited number of ground level activities may be visible where these occur to the south of/below the ridgeline in views from the south and/or west facing elevations of the property; these south and west facing rooms and garden areas are assumed to be the main living/ recreational areas of the dwelling. The garden and terrace area are intentionally orientated south towards the reservoir and moorland ridgeline, where the Development is sited. The view towards the Development is uninterrupted and direct. Construction activities will result in a change in the view towards the uncluttered moorland ridgeline. During this period the ridge will accommodate cranes and turbines. The installed turbines will occupy approximate 64 degrees of south facing views and will only be seen from windows on the southern and western elevation of the dwelling. They will, however, be a dominant feature and have a commanding presence within the view, detracting the focus away from the reservoir. The elevated nature of the landform will accentuate the height of cranes and installed turbines when viewed from within the property and garden areas. Whilst the south facing view is dramatically changed as a result of the Development, other views across the wider landscape will remain unaltered. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is further moderated by the close presence of pylons to the east and by the consented Reaps Moss wind farm that will be located to the west of the dwelling, albeit further away. It is concluded that construction activities during and following turbine erection may give rise to an overbearing visual effect for a relatively small proportion of the wider view (of 64 degrees) from principal south and west facing garden and living areas as a result of the elevated and exposed landform. However, the turbines will not give rise to an overwhelming effect on residential amenity as only a sector of the overall view is affected. Therefore, it is judged, that whilst there could be a significant alteration to the nature and composition of key views, the Development in itself will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Shackleton Farm Ground level construction activities will not be visible as a result of the rising local landform restricting views to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Lower Dyches Ground level construction activities will not be visible as a result rising local landform limiting views to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Pot Oven Farm Ground level construction activities will be substantially screened as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-56 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. Pot Oven East Ground level construction activities will be substantially screened as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises of the adjacent dwelling Pot Oven Farm. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.6.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.6 Effects on Users of Public Rights of Ways Given the extensive network of PRoW within the 10 km study area, effects on visual amenity during the construction phase will vary considerably based on their distance from the Development and degree of intervening vegetation cover, built development and landform. Users of local footpaths are considered to have a medium sensitivity to the type of change proposed. This receptor group is likely to include dog walkers, runners etc. Users of important long distance trail and national trails, local trails and PRoW within landscapes designated for their scenic beauty such as AONBs and National Parks, whose main preoccupation is the enjoyment of the countryside, are considered to have a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed (refer to methodology in section 5.2.11). Reference should be made to Figure 5.5 showing the Rights of Way Network within the 10 km study area. The following assessment considers effects arising from the Development during the construction phase from PRoW within 2 km, 2 to 5 km, and 5 to 10 km of the Development. 5.5.1.6.1 PRoW within approximately 2 km of the Development Users of local and regional PRoW adjacent to the Development and the immediate vicinity (within approximated 2 km) will experience high magnitude of change given the distance, angle of the view, and upland moorland location of the turbines and associated construction activities where intervening vegetation is absent. The anticipated change will be viewed in the context of the consented Reaps Moss wind farm which will lie in close proximity to the Development. Given the high to medium sensitivity of local users as well as users on the Rossendale Way, the significance of effects is judged to be major to major/moderate, throughout the majority of the construction phase. 5.5.1.6.2 PRoW within approximately 2 to 5 km of the Development Temporary cranes and the turbines will be most apparent, whilst ground level construction activities are likely to be less discernible due to local topography and distance to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.7.2. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.6.3 PRoW within approximately 5 to 10 km of the Development Temporary cranes and the turbines will be most apparent, whilst ground level construction activities are likely to be less discernible due to local topography and distance to the Development site.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-57 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.7.3. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.7 Effects on Users of major transport routes Within the 10 km study area there are a relatively small number of major routes together with a large number of rural roads, which connect local settlements. As expected, visual effects on visual amenity from transport routes will vary considerably, largely based on their distance from the Development, the orientation of the route (and direction of travel), and the degree of intervening topography. Motorists using major roads (A and B roads) are considered to have a low sensitivity to the type of change proposed primarily on account of their speed of travel, whilst users of local roads are considered to have medium sensitivity to the type of change proposed due to their frequently lower traffic speed and generally greater perception of their surrounding landscape (refer to methodology in section 5.2.11). The following assessment considers effects arising from the Development during the construction for A and B roads, as well as for local roads within 2 km, 2 to 5 km, and 5 to 10 km of the Development. 5.5.1.7.1 A and B roads The A and B roads within the 10 km study area are all located within narrow valleys that are cut with steep valley sides into the upland moorland landscape connecting the settlements of Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Littleborough, and Rochdale with each other. These settlements are all, with the exception of Rochdale, linear settlements following the main A and B transport routes. With settlements mostly merging and due to their primary location within the valleys, the majority of these roads have no visibility towards of the Development site. There are a few locations, where sections of the roads ascend higher ground beyond settlements, in which case views towards the Development site may be possible. This is true for the section of the A671 north of Weir, and the section of the A681 east of Sharneyford (also refer to the previous assessment for viewpoints 19 and 20, which are located on these A roads). Overall A and B road users within 10 km of the development will experience a low to minimal magnitude of change, which combined with a low receptor sensitivity, will give rise to a significance of effects between minor to negligible, for the final months of the construction phase and following turbine erection. 5.5.1.7.2 Local roads within approximately 2 km of the Development The only roads that lie within 2 km of the Development, where effects of greatest significance are considered most likely to occur, include Sourhall Road and Stone Lane to the north, and to the west Tong Lane, which connects Trough Gate off the A671 with Bacup. Views of construction activities will be uninterrupted from the local roads to the north, due to the proximity of the view and the absence of screening and intervening topography (also refer to the previous assessment for viewpoint 4). The nature of change will however be moderated to a degree by the presence of the consented Reaps Moss and Crook Hill wind farms. There will be no views to the Development site from Tong Lane. Overall, users of these routes, where there are clear views to the Development, will experience a high magnitude of change, which combined with a medium receptor sensitivity of users of local roads, will give rise to major/moderate significance of effects throughout the majority of the construction phase.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-58 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual 5.5.1.7.3 Local roads within approximately 2 to 5 km of the Development Temporary cranes and the turbines will be most apparent, whilst ground level construction activities are likely to be less discernible due to local topography and distance to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.7.3. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.1.7.4 Local roads within approximately 5 to 10 km of the Development Temporary cranes and the turbines will be most apparent, whilst ground level construction activities are likely to be less discernible due to local topography and distance to the Development site. Visual effects arising from above ground operations to erect and install turbines during the latter stages of the construction phase are considered to be broadly the same as those arising during the operation phase; as such, the anticipated change in views is discussed in detail within Section 5.5.2.7.3. This is in accordance with the methodology described in Section 5.5.1. 5.5.2 Operation This section outlines the potential landscape and visual effects, which may arise as a result of the operation of the Development. For the purposes of this assessment, the following structures have been considered: • 5 Turbines –height to blade tip between 110 and 125 m; • On-site access track (5 m width) and the new site access point; • Switchgear and control building (12 x 19 m); and • Permanent meteorological mast (78 to 85 m). It should be noted that all anticipated effects during operation will be long term. 5.5.2.1 Effects on Designated Landscapes Forest of Bowland AONB The Forest of Bowland AONB is located approximately 16.9 km to the northwest of the site at its closest point (Figure 5.3). The AONB will not experience direct effects as a result of the Development, but effects will be, if present, indirect and affecting the setting of the AONB. The completed development will be hard to distinguish from within the expansive panoramas available and, at this distance likely to appear as a small feature within the view. The main composition or components of the landscape associated with the AONB designation will not be affected. Consequently, the magnitude of change the AONB experiences will be reduced owing to distance from the site and therefore the character and reasons for designation of the AONB is unlikely to experience any change as a result of the operational phase. The landscape sensitivity of the Forest of Bowland AONB is assessed as high. In light of the above, the magnitude of change is assessed to be minimal resulting in effects of negligible significance. Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park lies approximately 16.8 km to the southeast of the site at its closest point (Figure 5.3). The NP will not experience direct effects as a result of the Development, but effects will be, if present, indirect and affecting the setting of the NP. At this distance the completed Development is likely to be largely indiscernible from locations within the National Park due to distance and intervening landform. If visible, the Development is likely to form a small and distant feature within the composition of the view and not substantially alter key elements within it. Consequently, effects to the

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-59 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement character of the National Park are anticipated to be minimal with no substantial or fundamental change to landscape elements within the National Park, the character of the landscape itself or the reasons for its designations. The landscape sensitivity of the Peak District National Park is assessed to be high. The magnitude of change to the character of the Peak District National Park is assessed to be minimal leading to effects of negligible significance. Calderdale Special Landscape Area The site is within a SLA although located at is south westerly fringe, the majority of the designation occupying the moorland around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The completed Development will result in an increase of turbines within the SLA in the context of existing wind farms at Reaps Moss and Todmorden. However, the majority of the SLA will remain unaffected by the completed development, being sufficiently distant from it so as not to experience any substantial change to its intrinsic landscape characteristics. The sensitivity of the landscape designated under the SLA designation is considered to be medium. The magnitude of change is considered to be low as the turbines will become features within a small proportion of the SLA although within the local area of the SLA the magnitude will be higher. Therefore the effect to the overall landscape character of the SLA in which the site is located is assessed to result in effects of moderate/minor significance during the operation phase. Common Land The Common Land, as defined by the Calderdale UDP, is located adjacent to the Development site though outside the site boundary. The Common Land will not experience direct effects as a result of the construction phase, though indirect effects will arise in relation to the setting of the Common Land. Common Land designated under Policy OS8 has been registered to primarily preserve its open landscape character, visual amenity and other natural features. The Development will not affect any natural features or compromise its open character. Views towards the Development from areas of Common Land at Todmorden Moor and Walsden Moor (refer to Figure 5.4) will be possible, whereas views from within Common Land at Rishworth Moor and Erringden Moor are limited. Views from within Common Land at Stansfield Moor are primarily of the operational Coal Clough wind farm. The overall magnitude of change is considered to be low to minimal, as the Development will only affect some limited areas of Common Land that will also have views to operational and consented wind farms within the study area. Combined with a medium sensitivity, the significance of effect is judged to be moderate/minor to negligible. 5.5.2.2 Effects on National Landscape Character The operational Development will be located relatively centrally within NCA36 Southern Pennines. Additional turbines will be added to the landscape although these will be seen in the context of consented wind farms at Crook Hill and Reaps Moss. Given the size of the character area, the vast majority of its area will be unaffected and its inherent landscape characteristics will remain intact. The sensitivity of NCA36 Southern Pennines is classified as medium. The magnitude of change to the character area is considered to be low as the majority of it will remain unaltered. Effects of moderate/minor significance are therefore concluded to the character of NCA36 during the operational phase. Other national character areas identified as part of the baseline assessment within the 30 km study area, these include: • NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill; Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-60 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys; • NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe; • NCA 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield; • NCA 51 Dark Peak; • NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe; • NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation; and • NCA 56 Lancashire Coal Measures. It is considered that all of these character areas are sufficiently distant from the site so as not to experience any significant effects during the operational phase, the magnitude of change reducing with distance from the Development site. Only two NCAs, NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys and NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe lie within the 10 km radius of the site where the possibility of significant effects is greatest. These areas are characterised by the transition between built form and wider moorland and influenced by infrastructure such as motorways and dense urban settlement including Blackburn and Rochdale. Potential effects to these character areas as a result the operational phase are likely to appear inconsequential compared with other development activities within these largely urban character areas, and are therefore assessed as being of negligible significance. 5.5.2.3 Effects on Local Landscape Character LCT A High Moorland Plateaux The site lies within the High Moorland Plateaux landscape type. Within LCT A the completed Development will be seen in the context of consented wind turbines at Crook Hill to the south and Reaps Moss to the north. Consequently, the completed development will not add new or alien features within this landscape type. Nonetheless the influence of turbines within this particular area of the character type will increase, reducing the sense of openness of the moorland and adding built form to it. The vast majority of this character area, namely to the east at Scout Moor and west at Rishworth Moor will remain unaffected due to the separation of the areas of this landscape type and their distance from the site. Much of LCT A is registered as Common Land under Policy OS8 of the Calderdale UDP and therefore effects to it can be viewed as representative of effects to this designation. The sensitivity of LCT A is assessed to be high to medium. The overall magnitude of change to LCT A is assessed to be low leading to effects of moderate to moderate/minor significance. LCT C Enclosed Uplands The Enclosed Uplands LCT lies approximately 3 km east of the Development site and is characterised by a generally flat upland. The completed Development will be visible from within the character although due to topography is often screened partially, or in totality, from view. Built form within the character area is relatively sparse however settlement and other structures such as pylons and roads are present both within and adjacent to it. Indeed the settlement of Bacup, between the character type and the site, is a notable feature from the fringes. The completed Development will also be seen in the context of other consented turbines at Reaps Moss and Crook Hill and are thus not considered to be incongruent features within the locality of LCT C. Turbines at the site will appear as a feature within the surrounding landscape but not appear as a prominent intrusion to the character of LCT C. The inherent character and qualities of the LCT will not therefore be affected. The sensitivity of LCT C is assessed to be low to medium. The magnitude of change to LCT C Enclosed Uplands is assessed to be minimal leading to effects of negligible significance.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-61 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement LCT D Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures The Moorland Fringes/Upland Pastures LCT can mainly be found around the peripheries of the high moorland plateau and as the name suggests is characterised by open pasture and moorland. The completed Development will be seen from areas of LCT D closest to the site but will not appear to intrude within it, being seen as a feature within the high moorland plateau. Due to the topography of the moorland fringes, views are often screened by the rising landform. When visible, turbines at the Development will also be seen from these areas in the context of consented wind farms at Reaps Moss and Crook Hill, appearing to be associated with them and not introducing new or uncharacteristic elements into the landscape. The sensitivity of LCT D is assessed to be high to medium. The magnitude of change to the Moorland Fringes/Upland Pasture is considered to be low leading to effects of moderate to moderate/minor significance. LCT F Settled Valleys The completed Development will be visible from within certain areas of the LCT F although built form and the deeply incised topography will limit views. When visible, the completed Development will appear as a feature on the moorland and not as a feature within the settled valleys itself. The completed Development will also be seen in the context of consented wind farms at Reaps Moss, Crook Hill and Todmorden Moor and not as a new or alien feature within the landscape. As such the character of the settled valleys will remain relatively unchanged. The sensitivity of LCT F is assessed to be medium to high. The magnitude of change to LCT F as a result of the Development is considered to be minimal, with the completed Development appearing as a feature associated with the upland moorlands and not the settled valleys. Effects of negligible significance are therefore concluded. LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys The Wooded Rural Valleys LCT is located approximately 2km to the north of the Development site at its closest point. The LCT is characterised by steeply incised wooded valleys, meaning that potential views of the completed Development are limited by vegetation and topography. The completed Development, if visible, will form a small feature within views associated with the upland moorlands and beyond that of the wooded rural valleys. The sensitivity of the LCT to wind energy development is considered to be medium to high. The magnitude of change to LCT G is assessed to be minimal, the inherent character of this character type being largely unaffected. Effects of negligible significance are therefore anticipated. LCT L Lowland Farmland The Lowland Farmland LCT is situated approximately 6 km south of the Development site, occupying pockets within and around the periphery of Rochdale. Views of the completed Development may be possible although closer urban influences are likely to be more prominent. From within this character area the completed Development is likely to appear as small features beyond the extents of the character type. The sensitivity of the LCT to wind energy development is concluded to be low to medium. The magnitude of change will decrease with distance from the site. Consequently, a minimal magnitude of change is anticipated, with the completed Development, if visible, having no substantial incursion within the character type. An effect of negligible significance is therefore concluded. LCT O Industrial/Business Parks is located LCT O Industrial Business Parks is located approximately 8.5 km to the south of the Development site within the urban expanse of Rochdale. The completed Development is likely to be screened from view by intervening built form.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-62 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual The sensitivity of LCT O is considered to be low. The magnitude of change is assessed to be minimal leading to effects of negligible significance. LCT U Urban LCT U encompasses urban areas within the South Pennines Landscape Character Assessment, the closest of which is the town of Rochdale, approximately 6 km to the south. The sensitivity of LCT U is assessed to be low. The completed Development will be screened by the intervening built form of these urban areas. Some views may be possible at the fringes of the LCT but will appear as such a small feature as to have a minimal magnitude of change to the character. Effects of negligible significance are therefore concluded. 5.5.2.4 Zone of Theoretical Visibility The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) refers to the area in which the completed Development is potentially visible from. The ZTV is calculated using Ordnance Survey (OS) base mapping and Panorama terrain data. It should be noted that the bareground ZTV is a theoretical model based purely on ground heights. The obstruction ZTV considers screening effects of built form and vegetation but not that of atmospheric conditions, which will affect the visibility when in the field. The bareground ZTV should be regarded as providing an indication of the likely visibility of the proposals in an “optimum visibility scenario” which is significantly greater than actually experienced on the ground, with nearby trees, hedges and buildings providing screening and greatly limiting views, particularly at distances greater than 1 km. A full methodology for the production of ZTVs is provided in Volume III Technical Appendices of this ES, Technical Appendix A5.2 Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Visuals. Figure 5.9 illustrates the bareground ZTV for the completed Development, whereas Figure 5.10 is of the obstruction ZTV which further limits visibility. It should be noted that the viewpoints have been selected to be representative of locations from where open views towards the turbines are available and locations have been chosen using the obstruction ZTV. No viewpoints have been selected of locations from where open views towards the turbines are not available, although large areas within the 10 km study area are in this category. This is qualified in the text of the assessments as appropriate. 5.5.2.5 Effects on representative viewpoints VP 1 Warland Reservoir • Grid Reference: 395827 420590 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.59 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Todmorden Centenary Way / Pennine Way / Rochdale Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users on other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.13 and photomontage in Figure 5.14. The photomontage and wireframe indicate that the Development will be visible on the horizon as a dense cluster with turbines seen behind each other. It will be perceived as an extension to the consented Reaps Moss wind farm at the same location on the ridgeline, being comparable in both vertical scale and proportion. The Development will be seen in the context of numerous other vertical structures including pylons below the ridgeline in the middle distance, as well as existing and consented wind farms on the horizon spanning across the view from south west to north. The Development will be taking up a small portion of the view and will not introduce a new feature into the composition and is unlikely to become the principal focus of the view.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-63 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement The magnitude of change to the principle receptor is judged to be low, which combined with a high receptor sensitivity will give rise to a moderate significance of effects. VP 2 Stoodley Pike Monument • Grid Reference: 397283 424206 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.96km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Pennine Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.15. The wireframe indicates that the Development will a discernible feature from this viewpoint on the hillsides of the moorland to the west of Todmorden breaking the horizon in the mid to far distance of the view. The five turbines will take up a small proportion of the panoramic view. They will be seen within the context of several vertical features and other wind farms projecting into the skyline, and primarily in conjunction with the consented Reaps Moss wind farm. The scale and proportion of the turbines and their spatial arrangement will largely be consistent with the Reaps Moss wind farm such that the Development will read as a logical extension to the consented scheme. The magnitude of change is anticipated to be low, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to moderate significance of effects. VP 3 Shepherds Rest PH • Grid Reference: 394492 423157 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 4.01 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers and horse riders on Pennine Bridleway • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, visitors to the public house • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.16. The wireframe indicates that the Development will become a very noticeable feature within this view. Turbines will be seen in combination with consented turbines at Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor forming a notable feature occupying a reasonable extent of the middle ground of the view. The southern two turbines of the Development will overlap visually, as will the northern two turbines. The two southern turbines will also overlap with one turbine at Reaps Moss. The Development will also be seen in conjunction with other vertical structures, such as pylons and telegraph poles in close proximity. The scale and proportion of the turbines and their spatial arrangement will largely be consistent with the Reaps Moss wind farm such that the Development will read as a logical extension to the consented schemes. At this distance, the Development together with the consented wind farms of Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor is likely to become the new focus of the view. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be medium Taking into account of the high sensitivity of the visual receptors at this location, the significance of effects is judged to be major/moderate. VP 4 Sourhall Road, Todmorden Edge • Grid Reference: 391640 424481 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.32 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local road users • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Recreational walkers and horse riders on bridleway, local residents

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-64 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium to low Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.17 and photomontage in Figure 5.18. The wireframe indicates that the Development will become a prominent feature within the view. The five turbines will be fully visible as large features in an open landscape where there is no screening available. A moderating factor is the presence of pylons crossing the composition below the skyline. Although seen within the context of the consented Reaps Moss and Crook Hill wind farm, the five turbines will take up a large portion of the view and at relatively close distance. The Development will be seen as an extension of the Reaps Moss wind farm being similar in scale and spatial arrangement. In addition, turbines of the Development will appear ‘set down’ from the ridgeline of the moorland in the background. Nonetheless, a large portion of the view will be taken up by consented turbines and the Development, forming the dominant feature of the composition. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be high, which combined with a medium to low sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a major/moderate to moderate significance of effect. VP 5 Windy Harbour Farm, Pendle Hill AONB • Grid Reference: 381388 441852 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 21.47 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers within AONB • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, nearby residents of the farms. • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.19. At this distance, approximately 21 km from the nearest turbine, the completed Development will be barely discernible on the horizon of the view. The turbines will merge with consented turbines visible at Crooks Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor creating a cluster of movement in the centre of the view. Views of woodland blocks, undulating valleys and settlement visible in the fore and middle ground of the panorama will remain unaltered. Turbines of the completed Development will not be distinguishable from consented turbines Crooks Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor, all of which appear as small distant features. A minimal magnitude of change to visual receptors is therefore anticipated, which with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise negligible significance. VP 6 Thieveley Pike (Burnley Way) • Grid Reference: 387177 427118 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.77 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Burnley Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.20. Turbines of the completed Development will be visible from Thieveley Pike, forming a distinct feature in the view but not an overly prominent one. Three of the turbines will overlap. Turbines will be seen in combination with Reaps Moss to the west, Todmorden Moor to the east and Crooks Hill in the background, the turbines of which will be seen to overlap with the Development at this location. The combination of these wind farms will from a large ‘pocket’ of turbines within the composition but will not substantially alter the overall moorland panorama. All the turbines will project into the horizon

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-65 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement drawing the viewer’s attention and likely to create a distinct landmark within the landscape. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be minimal given the prominence of visible baseline turbines, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to negligible effects. VP 7 Huttock Top (Irwell Sculpture Trail) • Grid Reference: 386296 422361 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 4.22 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Irwell Sculpture Trail • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local residents • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.21. In views from Huttock Top it is only the blades of three of the turbines that are likely to be visible, the rest of the turbines being screened from view by intervening topography. In these views, turbines at Crook Hill and, more notably, Reaps Moss will be visible, sitting just beyond the ridgeline of the moors encompassing Bacup. As the vast majority of the turbines will be hidden from view and those which are visible will be behind existing turbines at Reaps Moss a minimal magnitude of change is anticipated to visual receptors. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors this will give rise to negligible significance of effects. VP 8 Freehold Top • Grid Reference: 390603 421882 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 0.55 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on Rossendale Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.22 and photomontage in Figure 5.23 The Development consisting of five turbines will be the prominent feature and new focus of the composition from this location. Although seen within the context of existing and consented wind farms as well as pylons, the view to the turbines are immediate and will be experienced over the majority of the horizontal field of the view and along a large portion of the Rossendale Way regional footpath. It will be seen as an extension to the consented Reaps Moss wind farm due to their close proximity, although at a larger scale when viewed from this particular location. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be high, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a major significance of effect. VP 9 Cowpe Moss • Grid Reference: 385269 419526 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.02 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers and users of the Pennine Bridleway • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.24 and photomontage in Figure 5.25. The wireframe and photomontage indicates that only the blade tips, hub and the top of the tower will be visible above the ridgeline. The Development will be seen directly to the north east of the consented Todmorden Moor wind farm and could be perceived as an extension to it due to the similar scale and rhythm between turbines. The Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-66 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Development is also seen in the context of operational (Coal Clough) and consented (Reaps Moss, Crook Hill, Todmorden Moor) wind farms as well as pylons and will not distract from the general composition of the view. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be low to minimal, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a moderate to negligible significance of effect. VP 10 Crook Hill/Shore Moor • Grid Reference: 391306 420334 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.23 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.26. Three completed turbines will be visible from this viewpoint with the blades of the other two also visible. Blades of two of the turbines will overlap. The turbines will form a notable feature in the middle ground and will be seen in the context of consented turbines at Reaps Moss to the west and Todmorden Moor behind. However, any views of the completed Development are likely to be dwarfed by the consented turbines of Crook Hill which will dominate the foreground and the main focus of the viewer’s attention. The magnitude of change to the view is therefore assessed to be low. Combined with a medium sensitivity of visual receptors this will give rise to a moderate/minor significance of effect. VP 11 Blackstone Edge (Pennine Way) • Grid Reference: 397209 416383 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 8.99 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on the Pennine Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.27. Turbines of the completed Development will be largely inconspicuous in the expansive panorama available at Blackstone Edge and, if discernible, will appear as a small feature on the horizon in the centre of the view. The turbines will also be seen in the context of consented wind farms at Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor, creating a cluster of turbines within the panorama. This is likely to catch the viewer’s eye but not be of such prominence to detract from the overall composition of the panorama. Given the expansive view possible and the relatively small feature formed by turbines at Gorpley, a minimal magnitude of change to visual receptors is anticipated. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors this will lead to effects of negligible significance. VP 12 Within Heights (Pennine Way) • Grid Reference: 397147 432676 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 14.3 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on the Pennine Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.28. In views from the Pennine Way at Within Heights the turbines, if discernible, will appear on the horizon between the consented wind farms at Reaps Moor and Todmorden Moor Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-67 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement to the west and Crook Hill to the east. The full extent of two turbines will be visible with the blades of the third also visible and the remaining two hidden by landform. At this distance the turbines will form a very small feature within the panoramic view and will not appear to intrude in the view. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be low as the turbines will form a small feature in the view in context with other turbines at this distance. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors this will lead to effects of moderate significance. VP 13 Heptonstall Water Tower • Grid Reference: 398290 428396 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 9.77 km • Principal receptors: Local residents • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.29. The hub and blades of three turbines will be visible from Heptonstall Water Tower, with the other two turbines screened by intervening topography. The eye is naturally drawn along the alignment of the valley where the turbines will form a feature within the composition, in combination with consented turbines at Crook Hill to the east (turbines at Todmorden Moor will be hidden from view). The turbines will break the horizon but will appear at a similar scale to those at Crook Hill. The blades will not overlap each other visually. The folds of the valley act as an effective screen to the turbines and it is considered they will not appear to intrude into the wooded slopes and valley floor visible in the foreground, consequently these key elements of the view will not be affected. As the turbines are likely to form a small but visible feature of the composition, a minimal magnitude of change is anticipated. In combination with a high sensitivity of visual receptors, this will result in effects of negligible significance. VP 14 Gib Slack, Hebden Bridge • Grid Reference: 399977 431190 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 12.87 km • Principal receptors: Road users on the A6033 • Other representative receptors: Users of PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Low Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.30 and photomontage in Figure 5.31. The wireframe and photomontage indicates that three of the proposed turbines will be fully visible and the other two with only the blade tips visible. The towers of the three turbines will be seen against a moorland background, though only the blades will break the horizon line. The turbines will be evenly spaced across the ridgeline and at this distance and angle of the view will likely to be read as an extension to the consented Reaps Moss wind farm due to the similar scale, proportion and spatial arrangement. The Development will also be seen in the context of consented wind farms breaking the horizon line in several directions of the view. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be low, which combined with a low sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a minor significance of effect. VP 15 Hoof Stones • Grid Reference: 391534 428738 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.38 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers in open access land • Other representative receptors: n/a Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-68 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.32. Reaps Moss, Todmorden Moor and Crooks Hill wind farms will be visible in the middle ground of this view. Turbines at the Development site will also be visible in the middle ground, essentially creating a row of turbines in the centre of the view. The hubs and blades will break the horizon set by the moorland in the background, although will be set partially below the horizon making them less conspicuous that than those turbines of consented wind farms at present. None of the turbines will overlap visually. To the west of the view, just beyond the horizontal field of view of the photograph illustrated for viewpoint 15 is the existing Coal Clough wind farm. This appears as a dominant feature in the foreground of the view and is be apparent to viewers at Hoof Stones, drawing their attention. Consequently the view will comprise the turbines of Coal Clough as a main focal feature in the foreground with the turbines of Reaps Moss, Crooks Hill, Todmorden Moor and Gorpley scattered within the undulating moorland landscape in the middle ground. As the completed Development is likely to form a feature within the wider panorama, the magnitude of change to visual receptors is concluded to be medium, which combined with a medium sensitivity of visual receptors will lead to effects of moderate significance. VP 16 Bride Stones • Grid Reference: 393238 426738 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.08 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.33. Turbines at the Development site will be visible in the panoramic views southward from Bride Stones where they will form a notable feature of the view. The turbines will be seen in the context of the consented turbines at Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor, forming a continuous line of turbines in the middle ground, filling a gap between wind farms. The towers of the turbines will be below the height of the moorland ridgeline in the background although hub and blades will project into the horizon. None of the turbines will overlap visually. As the turbines are likely to form a notable feature within views a high magnitude of change is anticipated. Combined with a medium sensitivity of visual receptors, this will result in effects of major/moderate significance. VP 17 Great Rock • Grid Reference: 395986 426319 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 6.68 km • Principal receptors: Recreational walkers on Calderdale Way • Other representative receptors: Users of other PRoW in locality, local road users • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe in Figure 5.34 and photomontage in Figure 5.35. The eye is drawn along the course of the Todmorden valley where the turbines will form a notable feature to the west of the view. All five turbines will be visible, the upper tower, hub and blade elements projecting into the horizon set by the moorland in the background. None of the turbines will overlap and there will be a visual symmetry to their layout when viewed at this location. The turbines will appear at a similar scale to that of consented turbines at Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and Todmorden Moor, all of which will also be visible. Moreover turbines at Gorpley will be set slightly below the height of Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-69 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement these existing turbines. All the wind farms will appear as on the moorland above the valley and not as an entity within it. The magnitude of change is considered to be medium as the Development will form a notable feature within the view between consented wind farms. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors, this will lead to effects of major/moderate significance. VP 18 Bottomley • Grid Reference: 394204 421041 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 3.91 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local residents • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users, users of PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe Figure 5.36 and photomontage in Figure 5.37. The wireframe and photomontage indicate that the Development will be seen as a small cluster on the skyline next to pylons. Turbines are arranged behind each other so that only one turbine will be fully visible from tower to blade and of the remaining 4 turbines only blade tips will be discernible above the ridge. The Development will not introduce a new feature within the landscape, but will be a noticeable element of the view due to the relatively close distance. However, the focus of the view will remain the wooded valley with consented wind turbines of the Crook Hill wind farm being a prominent feature on the ridge in the middle distance. The magnitude of change to visual receptors is considered to be low, which combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors will give rise to a moderate significance of effect. VP 19 A671 above Weir • Grid Reference: 3870008 426201 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 5.17 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Local residents • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Local road users on the A671, users of PRoW in locality and on Rossendale Way and Irwell Sculpture Trail • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High Reference should be made to wireframe Figure 5.38. All five of the turbines of the Development will be visible from viewpoint 19 to the north of Weir although this will be largely limited to the hub and blade elements, two turbines of which will overlap. The turbines will also be seen in combination and at a similar scale with the existing pylons that stretch over the horizon in the view. The turbines will appear as a cluster around these pylons and will not extend into the adjacent open areas of moorland. The magnitude of change is considered to be low as the turbines will from a new distinct moving feature in the view, albeit not an overly prominent one. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors, effects of moderate significance are concluded. VP 20 A681 Sharneyford • Grid Reference: 388978 424486 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 2.58 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Road users on the A681 • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Recreational walkers on the Rossendale Way, local residents at Sharneyford • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: Medium to Low Reference should be made to wireframe Figure 5.39 and photomontage in Figure 5.40. All five of the turbines of the Development will be prominent in views from the A681 at Sharneyford although parts of the turbine towers will be screened as a result of Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-70 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual topography. The turbines will form a prominent feature of the view, in combination with consented turbines at Reaps Moss, the eye being drawn along the alignment of the road toward them. However, it is considered that the Development will appear as a visually separate development to the turbines at Reaps Moss. Three of the turbines at Gorpley will overlap visually with each other and will also be seen in front of the turbines of the consented Crook Hill wind farm. The magnitude of change to the view is judged to be medium with the turbines forming prominent new features in combination with turbines at Reaps Moss. Combined with a medium to low sensitivity of visual receptors, this will lead to moderate to moderate/minor significance of effects. VP 21 Hameldon Hill • Grid Reference: 380914 428595 • Distance to the nearest proposed turbine: 11.43 km • Principal Visual Receptor: Recreational walkers on the Burnley Way • Receptors sharing a broadly similar view: Users of other PRoW in locality • Sensitivity of Principal Receptor: High to medium Reference should be made to wireframe Figure 5.41. The elevated position of Hameldon Hill affords panoramic views over the surrounding countryside south of Burnley. In views south, turbines at Gorpley are likely to be visible but will be largely indiscernible amongst the consented wind farms of Todmorden Moor, Crook Hill and Reaps Moss. Only the turbine hubs and blades will be visible although the turbines will overlap with each other. The Development, however, will be below the height of these wind farms forming a small feature on the horizon. Hameldon Hill and Hameldon Hill extension are not visible in this view because of the terrain. The magnitude of change will be minimal with minor additional features visible. Combined with a high sensitivity of visual receptors, this will result in a negligible significance of effects. 5.5.2.6 Effects on Residential Receptors 5.5.2.6.1 Residential properties on settlement edges Settlements within a 5 km radius of the Development have been assessed according to the methodology described in section 5.2.14. Effects of greatest significance (in EIA terms) are considered likely from settlement edges, which lie within broadly 2.5 km of the Development. As the narrow settled valleys and topography of the area suggest, the ZTV in Figure 5.10 indicates mostly no visibility from the settlements located within the narrow valleys towards the Development. Properties located within settlement edges that sprawl onto higher ground on the steep valley sides will have views to either the blade tips of the wind farm or have views out towards the Development site. This is particularly the case of those dwellings which are sited on the valley sides perpendicular to the Development site, so that their main views are directed towards the Development. Bacup Views from settlement edges of the northern valley are restricted to the western valley side, where views of turbine blade tips will be anticipated to be discernible on the horizon. The eastern valley side will have no views to the Development. Residential properties on the northern and southern valley sides of the Rossendale Valley are anticipated to have oblique views of turbine blades only. These are likely to be intercepted by mature woodland. The nature of change is also moderated by the fact that other wind farms, consented and existing are likely to be visible. The nature of the views is described more fully for viewpoint 7 above. The magnitude of change for properties on the edges of Bacup that are anticipated to have views of the operational Development is considered to be low to minimal, which Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-71 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement combined with a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed, will give rise to a moderate to negligible significance of effects. Whitworth Whitworth is situated in the narrow valley with a north to south orientation connecting Bacup with Rochdale and is to the south of the Development site. Properties located on the upper valley sides may have oblique views towards the Development site, which are likely to be intercepted by vegetation. These views will be of turbine blades only. Views from dwellings on the eastern valley towards the Development will be also oblique and only turbine blades on the ridgelines may be discernible. These dwellings are anticipated to also have direct views towards the existing Scout Moor wind farm, which is located to the west of the valley, and is likely to be the focus of their view, moderating the nature of change. The magnitude of change for properties on the edges of Whitworth that are anticipated to have views of the Development is considered to be low to minimal, which combined with a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed, will give rise to a moderate to negligible significance of effects. Todmorden Outwards views form properties set along the steep valley sides of the River Calder are limited by the immediate local ridgeline and there will be no visibility towards the Development. This is also true for dwellings located on the western valley side along the A6033. Views from properties to the west of the A6033 are directed towards the Development site and will have views of turbine blades on the horizon line in the middle distance. The nature of those views is described more fully for viewpoint 18 above. Dwellings north of the A646 are likely to experience oblique views of the Development, which are anticipated to be filtered by intervening woodland. Overall, the magnitude of change for properties on the edges of Todmorden that are anticipated to have views of the operational Development is considered to be low to minimal, which combined with a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed, will give rise to a moderate to negligible significance of effects. 5.5.2.6.2 Individual residential properties The effects to individual dwellings within 1 km of the Development and just beyond as a result of the operational Development are assessed within this section. As noted within the assessment of effects during the construction phase, residents of dwellings within approximately 1 km of a wind farm are almost certain to experience visual effects of major significance, where a wind farm is fully or substantially visible, given their inherent sensitivity to the type of change proposed combined with the high magnitude of change, which is likely to arise from a wind farm development located within 1 km. The methodology for residential amenity assessment is described in Section 5.2.12. The assessment of individual properties should be read in conjunction with Figures 5.51 to 5.58. Higher Ditches Views of the tower of the turbines will not be visible as a result of rising local landform limiting views to the Development site. The turning turbine blades are likely to be apparent in views to the north west from ground and first floor windows on the west elevation of the dwelling. These views will be oblique. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is further moderated by the general orientation of the dwelling and what is assumed to be its main living areas to the east and away from the Development. In addition, the north elevation has got no windows. The change of view as a result of the operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where blades of the turbines will be visible above the ridge. However, this will be viewed within the context of existing pylons and wires in the foreground to the north west of the view.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-72 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Watermans Bungalow Views of the tower of the turbines will not be visible as a result of rising local landform limiting views to the Development site but more so due to the adjacent property Higher Ditches intersecting the view. The turning turbine blades are likely to be apparent in direct views to the north west from first floor windows on the north west elevation of the dwelling.. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is moderated by the general orientation of the dwelling and what is assumed to be its main living areas to the south east and away from the Development. The change of view as a result of operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where the turbine blades will be visible above the ridge and above the roofline of the adjacent property Higher Ditches. However, this will be viewed within the context of existing pylons and wires in the foreground to the north west of the view. It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Keepers Lodge Four of the five turbines will be fully visible in views from the south and/or west facing elevations of the property; these south and west facing rooms and garden areas are assumed to be the main living/recreational areas of the dwelling. The garden and terrace area are intentionally orientated south towards the reservoir and moorland ridgeline, where the Development is sited. The view towards the Development is uninterrupted and direct. The completed Development will result in a change in the view towards the uncluttered moorland ridgeline. The moving turbines will occupy approximate 64 degrees of south facing views and will only be seen from windows on the southern and western elevation of the dwelling. They will, however, be the dominant feature of the view, changing the focus away from the reservoir. The elevated nature of the landform will accentuate the height of the turbines when viewed from within the property and garden areas. Whilst the south facing the view is dramatically changed as a result of the Development, other views across the wider landscape will remain unaltered. The magnitude of effect on residential amenity is further moderated by the close presence of pylons to the east and by the consented Reaps Moss wind farm that will be located to the west of the dwelling, albeit further away. It is concluded that the Development will give rise to an overbearing visual effect for a relatively small proportion (64 degrees) of the wider view from principal south and west facing garden and living areas as a result of the elevated and exposed topography. However, the turbines will not give rise to an overwhelming effect on residential amenity as only a specific sector of the view is affected with the view from north and east facing windows remaining the same. Therefore it is judged, that whilst there could be a significant alteration to the nature and composition of key views, the Development in itself will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Shackleton Farm The tower of the turbines will not be visible as a result of the rising local landform restricting views to the Development site. The blade tips of the turbines are likely to be apparent in views to the north and east elevation from first floor windows, whereas ground floor views are likely to be restricted by the garden area bound by stone walls and cut into the slope. Views from north elevation are direct, whereas views from the east elevation are oblique.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-73 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement The change of view as a result of the operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where blades of the turbines will be visible on the horizon line. It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to an unacceptable place to live. Lower Dyches The tower of the turbines will not be visible as a result rising local landform limiting views to the Development site. The turning blades of the turbines are likely to be apparent in first floor views from the north elevation of the dwelling. These views will be direct. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is moderated by the general orientation of the dwelling and what is assumed to be its main living areas to the south and away from the Development, as well as the absence of windows to the west elevation. The change of view as a result of the operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where blade tips will be visible above the ridge. However, this will be viewed within the context of existing pylons and wires in the foreground to the east of the view. It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to an unacceptable place to live. Pot Oven Farm Views towards the turbines will be substantially screened and filtered as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises. The turbines are likely to be apparent in views to the north west from first floor windows on the north elevation of the dwelling. These views will be oblique. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is further moderated by the fact that the dwelling and what is assumed to be its main living areas are orientated away from the Development. The change of view as a result of the operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where the turbines will be visible on top of the ridge. However, this will be viewed within the context of existing pylons and wires in the foreground. It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to an unacceptable place to live. Pot Oven East Views towards the turbines will be substantially screened and filtered as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises of the adjacent dwelling Pot Oven Farm. The turbines are likely to be apparent in views to the north west from first floor windows on the north elevation of the dwelling. These views will be oblique. The magnitude of impact on residential amenity is further moderated by the fact that the dwelling and what is assumed to be its main living areas are orientated away from the Development. The change of view as a result of the operational Development will be in views towards the open moorland ridgeline, where the turbines will be visible on top of the ridge. However, this will be viewed within the context of existing pylons and wires in the foreground. It is concluded that the operational Development will not give rise to an overbearing or overwhelming effect on residential amenity, and will therefore not contribute to an unacceptable place to live.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-74 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual 5.5.2.7 Effects on Users of Public Rights of Ways Effects on visual amenity, from PRoW arising from the operational phase will vary considerably based on their distance from the Development and the degree of intervening topography. Reference should be made to the assignment of sensitivity for users of PRoW detailed in the methodology in Section 5.2.13 and in the construction phase assessment in Section 5.5.1.6. The following assessment considers effects arising from the operational Development from PRoW within 2 km, 2 to 5 km, and 5 to 10 km of the Development. Users of PRoW are also representative of users of CRoW open access land. 5.5.2.7.1 PRoW within approximately 2 km of the Development Users of local and regional PRoW adjacent to the Development and the immediate vicinity (within approximated 2 km) will experience high magnitude of change given the distance, angle of the view, and upland moorland location of the turbines where intervening vegetation is absent. The nature of change will be moderated to a degree by the presence of the consented Reaps Moss wind farm in close proximity to the Development. Given the high to medium sensitivity of local users as well as users on the Rossendale Way, the significance of effects is judged to be major to major/moderate, for the operational Development. 5.5.2.7.2 PRoW within approximately 2 to 5 km of the Development Users of local and regional/national PRoW between 2 to 5 km where views of the Development are currently available will experience a noticeable change to the baseline view as a result of with turbines visible on the moorland ridgelines. However, the nature of change will be moderated to a degree by the presence of the consented wind farms Reaps Moss in close proximity to the Development, Crook Hill to the south and Todmorden Moor to the north of Development. Reference should also be made to the previous assessment from viewpoints 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, 18, 19, and 20. Overall, users of PRoW within 2 to 5 km of the Development will generally experience a medium to low magnitude of change, which combined with a high to medium receptor sensitivity will give to major/moderate to moderate/minor significance of effect, for the operational Development. 5.5.2.7.3 PRoW within approximately 5 to 10 km of the Development Users of local and regional/national PRoWs where views of the Development are currently available will experience a relatively minor change to the baseline view and the turbines will be most apparent and seen within the context of the consented wind farm schemes. Reference should be made to previous assessment from viewpoints 1, 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17, which are located on or near PRoW. Overall users within 5 to 10 km of the Development will experience a low to minimal magnitude of change, depending on detailed location, which combines with a high to medium receptor sensitivity, will give rise to a significance of effects between moderate to negligible, for the operational Development. 5.5.2.8 Effects on Users of major transport routes As stated within the construction stage assessment, effects on visual amenity from transport routes within the 10 km study area, will vary considerably, largely based on their distance from the Development, the orientation of the route (and direction of travel), and the degree of intervening topography. Reference should also be made to the assignment of sensitivity for road users detailed in the methodology (Section 5.2.11) and in the construction phase assessment (Section 5.5.1.7)

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-75 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement The following assessment considers effects arising from the Development during the operational phase for A and B roads, as well as for local roads within 2 km, 2 to 5 km, and 5 to 10 km of the Development. 5.5.2.8.1 A and B roads The A and B roads within the 10 km study area are all located within narrow valleys that are cut with steep valley sides into the upland moorland landscape connecting the settlements of Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Littleborough, and Rochdale with each other. With settlements mostly merging and due to their primary location within the valleys, the majority of these roads have no visibility towards of the Development site. There are a few locations, where sections of the roads ascend higher ground beyond any settlements, in which case views towards the Development site may be possible. This is true for the section of the A671 north of Weir, and the section of the A681 east of Sharneyford (also refer to the previous assessment for viewpoints 19 and 20, which are located on these A roads). Overall A and B road users within 10 km of the Development will experience a low to minimal magnitude of change, which combined with a low receptor sensitivity, will give rise to a significance of effects between minor to negligible. 5.5.2.8.2 Local roads within approximately 2 km of the Development Sourhall Road and Stone Lane lie to the north, and Tong Lane, which connects Trough Gate off the A671 with Bacup to the west of the Development. Views of the Development will be uninterrupted from the local roads to the north, due to the proximity of the view and the absence of screening and intervening topography (also refer to the previous assessment for viewpoint 4). The nature of change will however be moderated to a degree by the presence of the consented Reaps Moss and Crook Hill wind farms. There will be no views to the Development site from Tong Lane. Overall, users of these routes, where there are clear views to the Development, will experience a high magnitude of change, which combined with a medium receptor sensitivity of users of local roads, will give rise to major/moderate significance of effects. 5.5.2.8.3 Local roads within approximately 2 to 5 km of the Development Local roads that pass within a 2 to 5 km radius of the Development are to the north only and are roads branching out from Todmorden to the surrounding upland countryside, as well as road north of Bacup near Weir; there are no local roads within the southern part of the 2 to 5 km radius. Users of these roads will be expected to gain views of Development with turbines breaking the horizon line. Overall, users of these roads will be likely to experience a medium to low magnitude of change, which combined with a medium receptor sensitivity, will give rise to moderate to moderate/minor significance of effects for the final months of the construction phase and completion. 5.5.2.8.4 Local roads within approximately 5 to 10 km of the Development The majority of local roads beyond 5 km will have no views of the Development site due to topography. Most notable local roads that will experience views towards the Development site are the Long Causeway passing Todmorden to the north in an east west direction and connecting Hebden Bridge with Mereclouth, and Eastwood Road also north of Todmorden. Views to the Development from these roads will be seen in the context of the consented wind farms Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss and Crook Hill moderating the impact (also refer to the previous assessment for viewpoint 17). The existing Coal Clough wind farm is also located alongside the Long Causeway, which is expected to be the primary focus of views from these local roads. Overall, users of the local roads, where there are clear views to the construction activities, will experience a medium to low magnitude of change, which combines with a medium receptor sensitivity of users of local roads, will give rise to moderate Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-76 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual to moderate/minor significance of effects for the final months of the construction phase and completion . 5.5.3 Micrositing The micro-siting of turbines, as set out in Chapter 3: Project Description of this ES, has been considered within the assessment reported in this chapter, and would not change the conclusions on the significance of potential effects. 5.5.4 Decommissioning As the decommissioning process is anticipated to be broadly similar to that of the construction phase, effects on landscape designations, landscape character and visual amenity receptors during decommissioning are likely to be consistent with those assessed for the construction phase. The potential effects associated with visibility of the turbines and cranes will occur only during the early months of the decommissioning phase, as opposed to the latter months of the construction phase.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-77 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement

5.5.5 Summary of landscape and visual effects during construction and operational phases Table 5.8 Landscape effects summary Construction Phase Operational Phase

Receptor Sensitivity Magnitude of change Significance of effect Magnitude of Significance of effect (temporary) change (long-term)

Designated/ Registered Landscapes Forest of Bowland AONB High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Peak District NP High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Calderdale SLA Medium Low to Minimal Moderate/Minor to Low Moderate/Minor Negligible Common Land (as defined under Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Minimal Moderate/Minor to Policy OS8) Negligible Landscape Character - National NCA 36 Southern Pennines Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate/Minor NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Hill NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Fringe NCA 51 Dark Peak High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Landscape Character - Local LCT A High Moorland Plateaux High to Medium Low to Minimal Moderate to Negligible Low Moderate to Moderate/Minor LCT C Enclosed Uplands Medium to Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible LCT D Moorland Fringes/ Upland High to Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate to Pastures Moderate/Minor LCT F Settled Valleys High to Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys High to Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible LCT L Lowland Farmland Medium to Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible LCT O Industrial/ Business Park Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible LCT U Urban Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-78 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Table 5.9 Visual effects summary Construction Phase Operational Phase

Receptor Location Sensitivity Magnitude of change Significance of effect Magnitude Significance of effect (temporary) of change (long-term)

Residential Receptors Assessment from VP13 Heptonstall Water High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible representative Tower viewpoints VP18 Bottomley High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate VP19 A671 above Weir High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate Assessment from Bacup High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Moderate to negligible settlement edges minimal Whitworth High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Moderate to negligible minimal Todmorden High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Moderate to negligible minimal Assessment from Higher Ditches High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing and individual will not contribute to creating an unacceptable properties place to live. Watermans Bungalow High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing that will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Keepers Lodge High Effects not overwhelming but overbearing that will not Effects not overwhelming but overbearing that contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Shackleton Farm High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing that will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Lower Dyches High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing that will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Pot Oven Farm High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing that will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Pot Oven East High Refer to operational phase Effects not overwhelming or overbearing that will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-79 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement

Construction Phase Operational Phase

Receptor Location Sensitivity Magnitude of change Significance of effect Magnitude Significance of effect (temporary) of change (long-term)

Visitors – Recreational Walkers / Equestrians Assessment from VP10 Crook Hill/Shore Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate/Minor representative Moor viewpoints VP15 Hoof Stones Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Medium Moderate VP16 Bride Stones Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase High Major/Moderate Assessment from PRoW within 2 km of High to High Major to major/moderate High Major to major/moderate PRoW Development Medium PRoW within 2 to 5 km High to Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Medium to low Major/moderate to of Development Medium moderate/minor PRoW within 5 to 10 km High to Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Moderate to negligible of Development Medium minimal Visitors – Those engaged in outdoor activity whose main occupation is the enjoyment of scenery Assessment from VP1 Warland Reservoir High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate representative VP2 Stoodley Pike High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate viewpoints VP3 Shepherds Rest PH High Medium Major/moderate Medium Major/moderate VP5 Windy Harbour High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Farm, Pendle Hill AONB VP6 Thieveley Pike High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible VP7 Huttock Top High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible VP8 Freeholds Top High High Major High Major VP9 Cowpe Moss High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low to Moderate to Negligible minimal VP11 Blackstone Edge, High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Pennine Way VP12 Withins Height, High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Moderate Pennine Way VP17 Great Rock High Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Medium Major/moderate VP21 Hameldon Hill High to Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Minimal Negligible Medium

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-80 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Construction Phase Operational Phase

Receptor Location Sensitivity Magnitude of change Significance of effect Magnitude Significance of effect (temporary) of change (long-term)

Travelling Public Assessment from VP4 Sourhall Road Medium to High Major/Moderate to High Major/Moderate to Moderate representative Low Moderate viewpoints VP14 Gib Slack, Hebden Low Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Low Minor Bridge VP20 A681 Sharneyford Medium to Medium Moderate to Medium Moderate to Moderate/Minor Low Moderate/Minor Assessment from A and B roads Low Low to minimal Minor to negligible Low to Minor to negligible transport routes minimal Local roads within 2 km Medium High Major/moderate High Major/moderate of the Development Local roads within 2 to Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Medium to low Moderate to moderate/minor 5 km of the Development Local roads between 5 Medium Refer to operational phase Refer to operational phase Medium to low Moderate to moderate/minor to 10 km of the Development

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-81 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.6 CUMULATIVE ASSESSMENT The location of the schemes within the 30 km study area considered as part of the cumulative assessment is shown in Figure 5.12. Table 5.10 below summarises the cumulative schemes assessed as part of the cumulative assessment, in addition to the schemes included as part of the baseline as listed in Table 5.3. The list was agreed with all consultees. Table 5.10 Cumulative schemes within the 30 km study area Name Status No. of Height to Approximate turbines blade tip (m) distance from Development (km) Coal Clough In planning 8 110 5.25 Repowering Ovenden Moor In planning 10 115 17.0 Repowering Scar End Farm In planning (Appeal) 4 34.2 4.0 Causeywayside Refused but with the 1 54.5 7.8 Farm potential for appeal Every attempt has been made to ensure data is correct. It should be regarded for indicative, general information purposes only.

Current SNH guidance31 on cumulative assessment defines cumulative impact as “the additional changes caused by a proposed development in conjunction with other similar developments or as the combined effect of a set of developments, taken together”. The cumulative effects are assessed as the additional effects arising from the Development on the in-combination effects of other baseline and in-planning wind farms. Additional schemes that have been considered are listed in the above table and include two Repowering schemes, which, if consented, will replace the operational Coal Clough and Ovenden Moor wind farms respectively. The Repowering schemes will replace operational wind farms with fewer but taller turbines and therefore only changing the baseline situation slightly. The cumulative assessment also considers two small scale schemes currently in-planning, which are Scar End Farm and Causeywayside Farm, both below 55 m in height. These are anticipated to not result in a significant alteration of the baseline. In considering the above, it can be concluded that the cumulative assessment is very similar to the main assessment presented in Section 5.5, which assesses the Development in the context of operational and consented schemes. As such, the following cumulative assessment only describes cumulative effects where they deviate from the main assessment as a result of the presence of in-planning schemes. For completeness, visualisations have been provided that show the cumulative situation for certain viewpoints (refer to Figures 5.42 to 5.50). The only change in turbine information from the visualisations used in the main assessment (Section 5.5 of this chapter) is that the existing Coal Clough and Ovenden Moor turbines have been replaced with their repowering proposals, as well as Scar End Farm and Causeywayside Farm are shown where they are visible. To enable this to be represented by the visualisations, the cumulative wirelines (Figures 5.42 to 5.50) show both the operational and the repowering turbines. 5.6.1 Cumulative Landscape Effects For each landscape designation and landscape character area, the contribution to cumulative effects of the construction and operation of the Development with other

31 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012): Assessing the cumulative impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments, SNH. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-82 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual wind farms is described below. Given that the majority of the grid connection of the Development is underground, this element is not considered as part of the cumulative assessment. To avoid repetition and duplication, and to focus on potentially significant cumulative effects, only those landscapes concluded to experience a magnitude of change above low within the main assessed assessment are considered. 5.6.1.1 Landscape Designations Forest of Bowland AONB The Forest of Bowland AONB is located approximately 16.9 km to the northwest of the site at its closest point. The main assessment concluded a minimal magnitude of change to the character of the AONB. Consequently, the contribution to cumulative effects is considered to be insignificant. Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park lies approximately 16.8 km to the southeast of the site at its closest point. As a minimal magnitude of change was concluded in the main assessment, the contribution of the Development to cumulative effects is therefore unlikely to be significant. Special Landscape Areas The site lies at the south westerly fringes of a SLA which covers a large area of moorland around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. As a low magnitude of change was concluded in the main assessment, the contribution of the Development to cumulative effects is therefore unlikely to be significant. Common land As a low to minimal magnitude of change was concluded in the main assessment, the contribution of the Development to cumulative effects is therefore unlikely to be significant. 5.6.1.2 National Landscape Character No National Character Areas (NCAs) were found to experience a magnitude of change of over minimal and low to their character as part of the main assessment and therefore the contribution made to cumulative effects by the Development is also anticipated to be insignificant. 5.6.1.3 Local Landscape Character All the local character types (LCTs) were judged to experience minimal to low magnitude of change within the main assessment; it is therefore concluded that additional cumulative effects which may arise will be as a result of other schemes and not the Development. 5.6.2 Cumulative Visual Effects The assessment considers two types of cumulative visual effects, namely effects arising from combined and sequential views. This is in accordance with SNH publication on cumulative effects on wind farms32. These comprise: • Combined views, which “occur where the observer is able to see two or more developments from one viewpoint. Combined visibility may either be in combination (where several wind farms are within the observer’s arc of vision at the same time) or in succession (where the observer has to turn to see the various wind farms)”: • Sequential view, which

32 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012): Assessing the cumulative impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments, SNH. Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-83 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement “occur when the observer has to move to another viewpoint to see different developments”. This section of the assessment assesses the anticipated cumulative visual effects arising from the Development on the in-combination effects of other operational, consented and in planning wind farms. The main linear routes that share combined intervisibility in the study area are then summarised to anticipate the likely sequential views. 5.6.2.1 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility To support the cumulative assessment a cumulative ZTV has been produced (refer to Figure 5.12). The ZTV takes into account the screening effects of built form (modelled at 7.5 m) and principal woodland areas (modelled at 15 m). The ZTV shows in different colour shadings: • Visibility of the Development up to blade tip on its own (blue); • Visibility of operational / consented wind farms up to blade tip (pink); and • Visibility of in-planning wind farms up to blade tip (yellow). The overlapping colours then show the four different combinations of scenarios, i.e.: • Visibility of the Development in combination with operational / consented wind farms (purple); • Visibility of the Development in combination with all in-planning wind farms (pale green); • Visibility of the Development in combination with operational / consented and in- planning wind farms (brown); and • Visibility of operational, consented and in-planning wind farms without the Development (orange). For the purpose of this cumulative assessment, only scenarios 1, 2 and 3 are relevant for consideration, therefore only areas shaded purple, pale green and brown are relevant within the cumulative ZTV (Figure 5.12). The extent of visibility of all the wind farms within the cumulative assessment is however included as a useful comparison of visibility. 5.6.2.1.1 Visibility of the just the Development with no cumulative sites (blue) The ZTV indicates that there are no areas where only the Development itself is visible in isolation. This is an important aspect to note about the location of the Development, and its surrounding Development context in that it does not increase the extent of existing wind farm visibility within the study area. 5.6.2.1.2 Visibility of the Development with in-planning wind farms (pale green) There are no areas of visibility of this specific combination of schemes. This means there are no additional areas where in-planning wind farms are seen with the development. In-planning wind farms and the development are always seen in combination with operation/consented wind farms. 5.6.2.1.3 Visibility of the Development and operational / consented and in-planning wind farms (brown) The general pattern of cumulative visibility of the Development can be seen clearly from the cumulative ZTV. Visibility of the Development in combination with all operational, consented and in-planning wind farms (brown shading) generally follows the pattern of elevated open moorlands throughout the study area. These areas have low growing vegetation and expansive uninterrupted views towards adjacent moorland hilltops, where most cumulative wind farm sites are located. There are four operational, five consented and three in-planning wind farms within the study area. These cumulative views occur on the highest and most open parts of moorland hilltops. They occur across the immediate moorland surroundings of the Development location across Inchfield Moor. Within the nearest 10 km from the Development site, areas with

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-84 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual visibility consist of moorland areas to the south and east of Todmorden, at Langfield Common and Withens Moor respectively. Further west there is visibility at Brandwood Moor, and to the north at Stansfield Moor, continuing intermittently northwards towards Worsthorne Moor. Beyond 10 km from the Development site, visibility of the Development in combination with all cumulative schemes continues towards the south east, appearing intermittently following the moorland hilltops through the South Pennines to the north of the Peak District. There is also visibility from the moorlands to the northeast at Wadsworth and Widdop Moor at approximately 12 to 14 km from the Development site, and further north west beyond Burnley and Barrowford, on the top of Barley Moor and down some of the hill slopes leading up to it. 5.6.2.1.4 Visibility of the Development and operational / consented wind farms (purple) The areas with visibility of the Development with operational / consented wind farms is similar to above but with additional areas of visibility. The pattern of visibility again follows that of the open moorland hilltops with, however, extended visibility on lower areas of the moorland and along some hill slopes leading down into valleys. Most of the areas of additional visibility beyond that of the brown shaded areas lie within the immediate 10km from the project site, on lower moorlands and valley edges. These areas include the higher parts of the valleys leading down to Whitworth and Shawforth to the southwest of the project site, the tops of the valleys and valley slopes around Todmorden, and at the top of the valleys west of Bacup. Beyond 10 km from the Development site, there are patches of visibility on high moorlands at Wadsworth Moor and Chiserley to the northeast, and around Saddleworth Moor to the southeast. There is also visibility along the relatively low lying open stretch of the M62 south of Rochdale. 5.6.2.2 Effects on Representative Viewpoints The cumulative effects on the viewpoints below have been assessed for the latter phases of construction as well as the operational stage. VP 2 Stoodley Pike Reference should be made to Figures 5.42a and 5.42b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. The wireframe illustrates that the Development will be seen beside Reaps Moss (consented) and Crook Hill (consented) to the south west of the view at a similar scale and distance. They will form relatively distant but distinct features along the moorland ridge. Scout Moor (operational) lies between Crook Hill and the Development but at over 13km away and with the intervening topography is not easily discernible. To the west of the view Todmorden Moor (consented) lies clearly on the moorland at 7km away. The consented Hyndburn wind farm as well as the Ovenden Moor Repowering scheme (in-planning) will not be discernible on the horizon. Further to the north west the Development will be seen in successional views with the operational Coal Cough wind farm to be replaced by the Repowering scheme (in-planning). Cumulative visual effects are likely to arise in conjunction with all the described wind farms as these will be visible on the horizon in successional or in combination views. These effects are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5, as wind farms visible from this viewpoint are either operational or consented and have therefore been considered within the main assessment. . VP 5 Windy Harbour Farm, Pendle Hill (AONB) Reference should be made to Figures 5.43a and 5.43b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. The single turbine at Causeywayside Farm (in-planning, refused) will appear as a very small feature within the consented, operational and repowering scheme shown on the

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-85 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement wireframes in Figures 5.43a and b. The cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5, as wind farms visible from this viewpoint are either operational or consented and have therefore been considered within the main assessment. VP 7 Huttock Top Reference should be made to Figures 5.44a and 5.44b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. From this viewpoint, operational and consented wind farms will be seen in succession within a 360 degree view, separated by large gaps between them. There will be no in- planning wind farms visible from this location, and only a very small proportion of the blade tips of the Development will be visible of three turbines above the horizon with the rest of the turbines being screened by intervening topography. As such, there will be no cumulative effects arising from the Development. VP 10 Crook Hill/Shore Moor Reference should be made to Figures 5.45a and 5.45b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. The consented wind turbines of Crook Hill wind farm will be the dominant feature of the view. There are no cumulative wind farms visible other than operational and consented. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5. VP 11 Blackstone Edge, Pennine Way Reference should be made to Figures 5.46a and 5.46b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. No wind farms are visible looking south and west from Blackstone Ridge, however looking north and west a number of developments can be seen including to the north: Ovenden Moor and Ovenden Moor Repowering; and to the west: Scout Moor, Hyndburn, Crook Hill, Reaps Moss, Gorpley, Todmorden Moor, Coal Clough and Coal Clough Repowering and Causeywayside Farm. There are no cumulative wind farms visible other than operational and consented, as well as the single turbine at Causeywayside Farm, which will appear as part of either the operational Coal Clough wind farm or the Repowering scheme. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5. VP 12 Withins Height, Pennine Way Reference should be made to Figures 5.47a and 5.47b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. Turbines at Crook Hill, Reaps Moss, Scout Moor and Todmorden Moor will be seen in combination with turbines at Gorpley when looking south from Within Heights albeit hard to discern at this distance. Turbines at Hameldon Hill will also be seen to the west and at Ovenden Moor and Ovenden Moor Repowering will to the east. There are no cumulative wind farms visible other than operational and consented ones, as well as the Repowering scheme, which is at the same location and of similar visibility as the operational Ovenden Moor wind farm. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5. VP 13 Heptonstall Water Tower Reference should be made to Figures 5.48a and 5.48b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. No turbines are visible from Heptonstall Water Tower looking northeast. However in views southwest, turbines at Crook Hill, Gorpley and Todmorden Moor will be visible. There are no cumulative wind farms visible other than operational and consented ones. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-86 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual VP 16 Bride Stones Reference should be made to Figures 5.49a and 5.49b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. There will a large number of cumulative wind farms visible spanning across the horizon from views to the south west to the north east, taking up approximately 270 degrees of the view, which are Crook Hill, Reaps Moss, Todmorden Moor, Hyndburn and Scout Moor to the south west; Coal Clough and Coal Clough Repowering to the north west; and Ovenden Moor and Ovenden Moor Repowering to the north east. There are no cumulative wind farms visible other than operational and consented ones as well as Repowering schemes, which are of similar visibility and same location as the operational wind farms. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.5. VP 21 Hameldon Hill Reference should be made to Figures 5.50a and 5.50b that illustrate the cumulative schemes potentially visible from this viewpoint. To the south east, the Development will be seen in combination with Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss, Crook Hill (all consented) and Scar End Farm (in-planning), with Crook Hill and Reaps Moss located next to each other when viewed from this location. Turbines of the Development will be visible above the ridgeline and will appear similar to the scale of Crook Hill and Reaps Moss. The separation between Todmorden Moor, Scar End Farm and Reaps Moss / Crook Hill will be uncompromised by the Development. Coal Clough (operational), which will be replaced by the Repowering scheme (in-planning), is visible below the horizon line further to the north east. To the east and south the Development will be apparent in farm in successive views with Scout Moor (operational) and Hyndburn (consented). The magnitude of change as a result of the Development is considered to be low to negligible. Given the high sensitivity of visual receptor, the significance of the contribution to cumulative visual effects is judged to be moderate to negligible at this location. 5.6.2.3 Effects on Residential Receptors 5.6.2.3.1 Residential properties on settlement edges Cumulative effects of greatest significance are considered likely from settlement edges, which broadly lie within approximately 5 km of the Development. In general terms, visibility of the Development site from settlement edges is limited to residential properties located on the upper slopes of the settled valleys of Bacup, Whitworth and Todmorden. Outward facing views from within the valley are consistently contained by the steep valley sides; this is also indicated by the cumulative ZTV in Figure 5.12. Bacup Views from settlement edges of Bacup to the north and south are anticipated to be of the Development in conjunction with consented/operational wind farms, which are likely to be Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss and Crook Hill and possibly Scout Moor. Isolated properties that are located sufficiently high on the valley sides may also gain views of the Development in combination of consented/operational and in-planning schemes, which include Scar end Farm and the single turbine at Causeywayside Farm. Views will mostly be oblique and also likely to be intercepted by woodland. Views of the Development itself will be mostly of blade tips only with the towers screened by intervening topography. There will also be a visual separation of wind farm developments within views. In considering the above, the magnitude of cumulative change arising from the Development is considered to be low to minimal, which combined with a high Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-87 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement sensitivity of receptors, will give rise to moderate to negligible significance of cumulative effects. Whitworth Properties located on the upper valley sides may have oblique views towards the Development seen in combination or in succession with operational/consented schemes, which are likely to be Scout Moor, Reaps Moss, Todmorden Moor and Crook Hill. As the ZTV in Figure 5.12 suggest, no in-planning developments will be visible from Whitworth. As such, the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as those concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.1. Todmorden Outwards views form properties set along the steep valley sides of the River Calder are limited by the immediate local ridgeline and there will be no visibility towards the Development and therefore no cumulative effect. This is also true for dwellings located on the western valley side along the A6033. Views from properties to the east of the A6033 will have direct views of turbine blades on the horizon line in the middle distance and will be seen in combination with consented/operation wind farms, as well as with in-planning schemes on higher ground. Dwellings north of the A646 are likely to experience oblique views of the Development in combination of consented/operational and in-planning wind farms. Given the proximity of the Development to the settlement edge and its anticipated lateral spread in combination with cumulative schemes, the magnitude of cumulative change for properties on the edges of Todmorden that are anticipated to have cumulative views of the Development is considered to be low, which combined with a high sensitivity to the type of change proposed, will give rise to a moderate significance of cumulative visual effects. 5.6.2.3.2 Individual residential properties Cumulative effects to the residential amenity, within 1 km radius of Development, as a result of the Development in combination with other wind farm are provided below. Higher Ditches Views from the west elevation and back of the dwelling will be towards the blade tips of the Development above the immediate local ridgeline. These views will be oblique. The Development is likely to be seen in combination or in succession with the consented wind farms at Reaps Moss to the west, Todmorden Moor to the north, and Crook Hill to the south. Todmorden Moor and Crook Hill are expected to be mostly screened from views by topography or vegetation. Scar End Farm (in-planning) to the north west is also expected to be screened from views by intervening topography. Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. Watermans Bungalow Direct views of the Development are limited to turbine blades are likely to be apparent in views from the north west elevation of the dwelling. The view is intercepted by the adjacent property to the north west, as well as the rising local landform. The Development may be seen in combination with Reaps Moss (consented). It is expected that Todmorden Moor (consented) and Scar End Farm (in-planning) will not be visible from this property. The Development is also likely to be seen in successional views from the south eastern elevation of the dwelling with Crook Hill (consented). Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2.

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-88 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Keepers Lodge Four of the five turbines will be fully visible in views from the south and/or west facing elevations of the property. The view towards the Development is uninterrupted and direct. The three turbines of Reaps Moss (consented) will also be visible further to the west, creating a continuous line of equally spaced turbines on top of the ridgeline. Views from the east elevation of the dwelling may also experience in succession views of the Crook Hill wind farm (consented), which may be intercepted by topography. Glimpsed views of Todmorden Moor (consented) and Scar End Farm may also be possible from views from the north elevation. Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as those concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. Shackleton Farm Direct views of the turbine blades of the Development will be gained from the north and east elevation of the dwelling above the local moorland ridgeline. Reaps Moss (consented) is expected to be visible in combination with the Development further to the north west. Direct but distant views of the operational Scout Moor wind farm are possible from the southern elevation of the property. Crook Hill (consented) is also to be expected to form part of in succession views to the east, again some distance away. There will be no views to Scar End Farm (in-planning) Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as those concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. Lower Dyches Direct Views of the turbine blades of the Development will be gained from the north and west elevation of the dwelling above the local moorland ridgeline. The Development is anticipated to be seen in combination with turbine blades of Reaps Moss (consented) further along the ridgeline. In views to the south, the Development is likely to be seen in succession with Crook Hill (consented) further away, which is likely to be partly screened by intervening vegetation. There are no windows on the west elevation and therefore, Scar End Farm (in-planning) will not be visible. Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. Pot Oven Farm Views towards the Development will be substantially filtered as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises. The turbines may be apparent in views to the north west from the north elevation of the dwelling and if visible are anticipated to be seen in combination with Reaps Moss (consented). Todmorden Moor (consented) and Scar End Farm (in-planning) will not to be visible. In views to the south, which are filtered by vegetation within the garden area, the Development may be seen in succession with the Crook Hill wind farm (consented). Due to the limited visibility of other in-planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as those concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. Pot Oven East Views towards the Development will be substantially filtered as a result of dense coniferous vegetation along the boundary of the premises of the adjacent dwelling Pot Oven Farm. The turbines may be apparent in oblique views to the north west from the north elevation of the dwelling and if visible are anticipated to be seen in combination with Reaps Moss (consented) above the local ridgeline. Todmorden Moor (consented) and Scar End Farm (in-planning) are expected not to be visible. In views to the south from what is considered to be the front of the dwelling, the Development may be seen in succession with Crook Hill (consented). Due to the limited visibility of other in- Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-89 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement planning wind farms, it follows that the cumulative effects of the Development are the same as those concluded within the main assessment in Section 5.5.2.6.2. 5.6.2.4 Effects on Users of Public Rights of Ways In common with the assessment of the Development in isolation, cumulative effects on visual amenity from PRoW will vary considerably based on their distance from the individual wind farms and degree of intervening vegetation cover, built development and intervening topography. The following assessment considers additional cumulative effects arising from the Development in combination with other operational, consented, and in-planning wind farms during the construction and operational phases for users of PRoW within 2 km, 2 to 5 km, and 5 to 10km of the Development. 5.6.2.4.1 PRoW within approximately 2 km of the Development Users of local and regional PRoW adjacent to the Development and the immediate vicinity (within approximate 2 km) will be able to see turbines at Reaps Moss, Todmorden Moor, Crooks Hill and Scar End Farm in combination with those at Gorpley as they traverse along these routes. Viewpoints 4 and 8 are representative of views at this distance. Turbines will be particularly visible where routes traverse across open moorland where open, unscreened panoramas are available. The addition of the five turbines at Gorpley is not therefore considered to be a substantial change from the existing views at present. It is anticipated that the Gorpley turbines will visually merge with existing turbines At Reaps Moss and Crook Hill so as not to appear as a substantial addition to the existing turbines visible. A low magnitude of change is therefore anticipated and, coupled with the high to medium sensitivity of walkers on the Rossendale Way, will lead to a moderate significance of cumulative visual effects for the later construction stages and during the operation phase. 5.6.2.4.2 PRoW within approximately 2 to 5 km of the Development From PRoW within 2 to 5 km of the wind farms at Crook Hill, Gorpley, Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss, Coal Clough and Scar End Farm are likely to be visible. However, the alignment of the Todmorden and Bacup valleys will reduce the potential for open views to be possible. Nonetheless it is likely that the aforementioned wind farms will be visible either sequentially from along routes or successively from a single fixed point. Viewpoints 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, 18, 19, and 20 provide some indication of views at this distance. At this greater distance turbines at Gorpley will be smaller in scale than closer PRoW forming less notable features of the view. The addition of the Gorpley turbines will also be seen in the context of existing wind farms visible in the landscape. Consequently, the addition of the Gorpley turbines will not introduce new elements to the composition nor appear to be a conspicuous addition. Overall, users of PRoW within 2 to 5 km of the Development will generally experience a low magnitude of change, which combined with a high to medium receptor sensitivity, will result in a moderate/minor significance of cumulative visual effects for the later construction stages and during the operation phase. 5.6.2.4.3 PRoW within approximately 5 to 10 km of the Development From PRoW approximately 5 to 10 km from the Development a number of wind farms will be seen in combination, including Gorpley, Crooks Hill, Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss, Scar End Farm, Coal Clough and Coal Clough Repowering, Causeywayside Farm, Scout Moor and Ovenden Moor and Ovenden Moor Repowering. Given the increasing distance involved, in these views turbines at Gorpley will form smaller features, visually merging with neighbouring turbines of Reaps Moss and Crook Hill and resulting in low magnitudes of change. Reference should be made to previous assessment from viewpoints 1, 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17, which are located on or near PRoW. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-90 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Overall users within 5 to 10 km of the Development will experience a minimal magnitude of change, depending on detailed location, which combined with a high to medium receptor sensitivity, will give rise to a negligible significance of cumulative visual effects for the later construction stages during the operation phase. 5.6.2.5 Sequential Views From Major Transport Routes For the assessment of sequential cumulative visual assessment, the main transport routes within the 30 km study area are considered, with the main A routes only being considered within a 10 km study area. Transport routes selected for assessing sequential views are the M62 travelling in a south west to north east direction and passing the Development site to the south, the M66 travelling in a north south direction to the west, the M65 travelling in an east west direction to the north west, and within the 10 km area, the A681, A6066, A671, A646, A681, and A6033. Field based observations supported by the cumulative ZTV (Figure 5.12) have informed the assessment. 5.6.2.5.1 Sequential views from motorways From the M62 there are likely to be intermittent views of the Development in combination with operational/consented and in-planning wind farms. As the motorway travels though the urban areas near Bolton, north Manchester and Rochdale, as well as Huddersfield and Bradford, views towards the Development are screened. As such, only from small section of the M62 the Development will be visible in combination with consented/operational and in-planning wind farms. From the M66 and M65, the Development will not be visible. Other consented/operational and in-planning wind farms will be visible from this route in isolation. The magnitude of cumulative change is dependent on the availability of views and the proximity of the road user to any given wind farm development. Overall the magnitude of cumulative change is judged to be low to minimal as views of the Development in combination with consented/operational and in-planning wind farms will be distant and are limited to very short sections of the M62. Given the low sensitivity of the receptor, the overall significance of cumulative visual effect is judged to be minor to negligible for the later construction stages during the operation phase. 5.6.2.5.2 Sequential views from A roads within 10 km of the Development The A roads within 10 km of the Development are all located within narrow valleys with steep valley sides within the upland moorland landscape connecting the settlements of Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Littleborough, and Rochdale. The majority of these roads have no visibility towards of the Development site as the ZTV in Figure 5.12 suggests, and therefore views to cumulative wind farm schemes are equally limited. There are a few locations, where sections of the roads ascend higher ground beyond settlements, in which case views towards the Development site are possible. At these locations, including the section of the A671 north of Weir, and the section of the A681 east of Sharneyford, views of the Development in conjunction with operational/consented wind farms are possible, which are likely to be Todmorden Moor, Reaps Moss and Crook Hill. Overall the magnitude of cumulative change is judged to be low to minimal as views of the Development in combination with consented/operational wind farms will be limited to very short sections of A roads. Given the low sensitivity of the receptor, the overall significance of cumulative effect is judged to be minor to negligible for the later construction stages during the operation phase.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-91 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.6.3 Summary of Cumulative Landscape and Visual Effects Table 5.11 Summary of cumulative landscape effects Construction and Operational Phase

Receptor Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance of Cumulative Cumulative change effect

Designated / Registered Landscapes Forest of Bowland AONB Refer to main Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment assessment Peak District NP Refer to main Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment assessment Calderdale SLA Refer to main Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment assessment Common Land (as defined under Refer to main Refer to main Refer to main Policy OS8) assessment assessment assessment Landscape Character - National NCA 36 Southern Pennines Medium Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment NCA 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle High Refer to main Refer to main Hill assessment assessment NCA 35 Lancashire Valleys Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment NCA 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Low Refer to main Refer to main Fringe assessment assessment NCA 51 Dark Peak High Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment NCA 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment NCA 55 Manchester Conurbation Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment Landscape Character - Local LCT A Highland Moorland Plateaux High Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT C Enclosed Uplands Medium to Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT D Moorland Fringes/ Upland High Refer to main Refer to main Pastures assessment assessment LCT F Settled Valleys High to Medium Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT G Wooded Rural Valleys High to Medium Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT L Lowland Farmland Medium to Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT O Industrial/ Business Park Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment LCT U Urban Low Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-92 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Table 5.12 Summary of cumulative visual effects Construction and Operational Phase

Receptor Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance of Location cumulative cumulative change effect

Residential Receptors Assessment from VP13 Heptonstall High Refer to main Refer to main representative Water Tower assessment assessment viewpoints Assessment from Bacup High Low to Minimal Moderate to settlement edges Negligible Whitworth High Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment Todmorden High Low Moderate Assessment from Higher Ditches High Refer to main assessment individual properties Watermans High Refer to main assessment Bungalow The Bungalow High Refer to main assessment Shackleton Farm High Refer to main assessment Lower Dyches High Refer to main assessment Pot Oven Farm High Refer to main assessment Pot Oven East High Refer to main assessment Visitors – Recreational Walkers / Equestrians Assessment from VP10 Crook Medium Refer to main Refer to main representative Hill/Shore Moor assessment assessment viewpoints VP16 Bride Stones Medium Refer to main Refer to main assessment assessment Assessment from PRoW within 2 km High to Low Moderate to PRoW of Development Medium Moderate/Minor PRoW within 2 to High to Low Moderate to 5 km of Medium Moderate/Minor Development PRoW within 5 to High to Minimal Negligible 10 km of Medium Development Visitors – Engaged in outdoor activity - main occupation is the enjoyment of scenery Assessment from VP2 Stoodley Pike High Refer to main Refer to main representative assessment assessment viewpoints VP5 Windy High Refer to main Refer to main Harbour Farm, assessment assessment Pendle Hill AONB VP7 Huttock Top High Minimal Negligible VP11 Blackstone High Refer to main Refer to main Edge, Pennine assessment assessment Way VP12 Withins High Refer to main Refer to main Height, Pennine assessment assessment Way VP21 Hameldon High Low to Minimal Moderate to Hill Negligible Travelling Public (sequential assessment) Motorways Low Low to Minimal Minor to Negligible A roads within 10 Low Low to Minimal Minor to Negligible km of Development

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-93 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement 5.7 MITIGATION MEASURES AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS Due to the nature and scale of turbines, particularly when viewed in an open and upland landscape, the potential for meaningful mitigation measures post design stage is limited. Opportunities to improve the landscape setting are very limited in this type of landscape being open upland moorland that is characterised by the absence of tree cover. As such, there will be no amendment to the significance of effect concluded as part of the assessment. Consequently, residual effects remain as those stated as pre mitigation. 5.8 SUMMARY OF EFFECTS Effects assessed in this chapter as major or major/moderate are considered significant in terms of this assessment. Table 5.14 presents a summary of these for the assessment of the Development. The cumulative assessment has shown that there are no further significant cumulative effects over and above those identified within the main assessment in Section 5.5. Table 5.14 Summary of significant effects Potential Significant Effect Mitigation Residual Effect

Construction Phase Landscape receptors: - - No significant effects have been assessed for landscape receptors Visual receptors: - Effects remain Significant effects have been assessed for the following visual significant in EIA receptors: terms as recorded in the main Residential receptors at Higher Ditches, Watermans assessment Bungalow, Shackleton Farm, Lower Dyches, Pot Oven Farm, Pot Oven East, located within 1 km of the Development. It should be noted, although visual effects for occupants of individual properties are likely to be significant, the Development will not give rise to overbearing or overwhelming effects on residential amenity for the foregoing dwellings and will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Individual property of Keepers Lodge will experience significant effect on visual amenity, which will be potentially overbearing but not overwhelming. The Development will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live.

Visitors (recreational walkers using local PRoW, equestrians) within 5 km of the Development represented by viewpoint 4 Sourhall Road and viewpoint 7 Huttock Top.

Visitors (those engaged in outdoor activity whose main occupation is the enjoyment of scenery) within 10 km of the Development and represented by viewpoint 3 Shepherds Rest PH and viewpoint 17 Great Rock.

Travelling Public within 2.5 km of the Development and represented by viewpoint 4 Sourhall Road and viewpoint 20 A681 Sharneyford. Operational Phase Landscape receptors: - No significant effects have been assessed for landscape receptors

Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-94 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Potential Significant Effect Mitigation Residual Effect Visual receptors: - Effects remain Significant effects have been assessed for the following visual significant in EIA receptors: terms as recorded in the main Residential receptors at individual properties of Higher assessment Ditches, Watermans Bungalow, Shackleton Farm, Lower Dyches, Pot Oven Farm, Pot Oven East, located within 1 km of the Development. It should be noted, although visual effects for occupants of individual properties are likely to be significant, the Development will not give rise to overbearing or overwhelming effects on residential amenity for the foregoing dwellings and will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. Individual property of Keepers Lodge will experience significant effect on visual amenity, which will potentially be overbearing but not overwhelming. The Development will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live.

Visitors (recreational walkers using local PRoW, equestrians) within 5 km of the Development represented by viewpoint 4 Sourhall Road and viewpoint 7 Huttock Top.

Visitors (those engaged in outdoor activity whose main occupation is the enjoyment of scenery) within 10 km of the Development and represented by viewpoint 3 Shepherds Rest PH and viewpoint 17 Great Rock.

Travelling Public within 2.5 km of the Development and represented by viewpoint 4 Sourhall Road and viewpoint 20 A681 Sharneyford.

5.9 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Any wind farm development will give rise to some significant landscape and visual effects due to the very nature and scale of the Development. However, different landscapes have a different capacity to accommodate such change. This Chapter assessed in detail the significance of potential effects of both the construction and operational phases of the Development on the landscape character and visual resource. The Development has been assessed as having the potential to result in effects of a negligible to major significance to landscape character and visual amenity during all phases, though only effects of Major to Major/Moderate are deemed to be significant in EIA terms. The assessment of the Development concludes that no significant landscape effects will arise as a result of the proposals. However significant visual effects are anticipated to occur, albeit limited to within approximately 5 km radius of the Development. Significant visual effects are likely to occur as a consequence of generally uninterrupted views of the Development from PRoWs within 5 km of the Development, and local roads within 2.5 km of the Development. The most significant effects are expected to arise during the final months of the construction phase when turbines re being erected and throughout the operational phase. There are a small number of individual properties located within 1 km of the Development. The assessment concludes that there will be ‘overbearing’ but not ‘overwhelming’ effects on the residential amenity of one property during the later construction stages and throughout operational phases, namely ‘Keepers Lodge’, located to the north of the Development near the Gorpley reservoir. However, it is

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-95 Chapter 5 Gorpley Wind Farm Landscape and Visual Environmental Statement concluded that visual effects will not contribute to creating an unacceptable place to live. The assessment of cumulative effects concludes that visual effects are the same as those identified in the main assessment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Development will not give rise to any significant cumulative visual effects Overall it is concluded that whilst there are significant effects arising from the Development, these are generally localised. It is considered that the Development could be accommodated within the upland moorland, in landscape and visual terms, in which there is already a context for wind energy infrastructure.

5.10 GLOSSARY Cumulative effects. The summation of effects that result from changes caused by a development in conjunction with other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions.

Landscape character type. A landscape type will have broadly similar patterns of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use, settlement and field pattern discernible in maps and field survey records.

Landscape effects. Change in the elements, characteristics, character and qualities of the landscape as a result of development. These effects can be negative or positive.

Landscape character means the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occur consistently in a particular type of landscape, and how these are perceived by people. It reflects particular combinations of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement. It creates the particular sense of place of different areas of the landscape.

Landscape quality (or condition) is based on judgements about the physical state of the landscape, and about its intactness, from visual, functional, and ecological perspectives. It also reflects the state of repair of individual features and elements which make up the character in any one place.

Landscape value is concerned with the relative importance that is attached to different landscapes. In a policy context the usual basis for recognising certain highly valued landscapes is through the application of a local or national landscape designation. Yet a landscape may be valued by communities for many different reasons without any formal designation.

Landscape capacity refers to the degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type. Capacity is likely to vary according to the type and nature of change being proposed.

Landscape sensitivity. The extent to which a landscape can accept change of a particular type and scale without material effects on its character.

Magnitude. A combination of the scale, extent and duration of an effect.

Mitigation. Measures, including any process, activity or design to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate for adverse landscape and visual effects of a development project.

Receptor. Physical landscape resource, special interest or viewer group that will experience an effect.

Visual amenity. The value of a particular area or view in terms of what is seen. Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd Kelda Water Services Page 5-96 October 2012 Gorpley Wind Farm Chapter 5 Environmental Statement Landscape and Visual Visual effect. Change in the appearance of the landscape as a result of development. This can be positive (i.e. beneficial or an improvement) or negative (i.e. adverse or a detraction).

Visual envelope. Extent of potential visibility to or from a specific area or feature.

Zone of visual influence. Area within which a proposed development may have an influence or effect on visual amenity.

Kelda Water Services Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd October 2012 Page 5-97