Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• Technical Appendix 4.5: References 4. Landscape and Visual • Figures 4.1 – 4.34 (a full list of Figures is provided in Technical Appendix 4.5) are referenced in the text as appropriate. Introduction Legislation & Planning Policy 4.1 This chapter considers the likely significant landscape and visual effects associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed Corlacky Hill Wind Farm. The 4.5 This section includes details of planning policy and other statutory documents and relevant specific objectives of the chapter are to: non-statutory classifications that have been used to inform this LVIA. This assessment has • To provide a descriptive analysis of the technical baseline, i.e. the landscape character been carried out in accordance with the current planning policy and guidance in Northern and visual amenity of a defined area (hereinafter referred to as the Study Area, see Ireland and planning policies which cover the Study Area. The primary policy guidance on paragraph 4.22) around the Proposed Corlacky Hill Wind Farm (hereinafter referred to as the assessment of landscape and visual effects of wind farm development is the Strategic the Proposed Wind Farm Development); Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS) which should be read in conjunction 1 • To identify the potential effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development at all stages with Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS18) and its Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) . of its development, including direct, indirect and cumulative effects; In addition there are a number of guidance documents and Development Plans, which • To assess the significance of these effects on the baseline landscape and visual contain relevant statutory planning designations within the Study Area. These documents characteristics of the Study Area; are listed below and are analysed in the Baseline Assessment where necessary. It is noted • To describe the mitigation measures proposed to address likely significant effects and to that Northern Ireland's planning system has recently been re-structured and further changes assess any residual effects remaining following the implementation of mitigation; in planning policy and updates to development plans are expected to take place over the • To present the information in accordance with a clearly stated methodology and in a next few months and years as Planning Policy Statements, supplementary guidance and clear manner that will inform the decision making process. existing Development Plans become superseded by the SPPS and emerging Local Development Plans. 4.2 This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared by Shanti McAllister on behalf of the Applicant, RES Ltd (hereinafter referred to as RES). Shanti McAllister is an Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS): Planning for Sustainable independent consultant and Chartered Landscape Architect with over 15 years' experience Development of preparing LVIAs for major development proposals including a large number of wind farms 4.6 The SPPS was introduced in September 2015. It consolidates 20 previous policy publications in Northern Ireland. and sets out strategic subject policies on a wide range of planning matters including 4.3 This LVIA has been prepared as part of an Environmental Statement (ES) which is required renewable energy, in accordance with the 'Regional Development Strategy 2025'. It is by the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. intended to provide core principles to underpin the delivery of the new two-tier planning The Regulations require the identification and assessment of any significant effects that system that was introduced in April 2015 whereby new local councils will develop Local would be likely to arise from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. In accordance with the Development Plans and will have primary responsibility for the implementation of local EIA Regulations, planning policy and best practice guidance this LVIA will include the planning policy, development control and planning enforcement, with the exception of identification and objective analysis of the key landscape and visual effects of the Proposed regionally significant developments where responsibility will remain with the Department of Wind Farm Development based on professional expertise and impartial judgement. In all the Environment. However, for the transitional period during which time the new councils instances the assessment will be made through the identification of the likely significant are preparing Local Development Plans, the existing suite of Planning Policy Statements, effects. supplementary and best practice guidance and relevant provisions within the 'Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland' will remain in place. 4.4 The chapter is supported by the following Technical Appendices and Figures, which are referenced in this Chapter where relevant: • Technical Appendix 4.1: Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance, Annex A; • Technical Appendix 4.2: Baseline Landscape Character Assessment; 1 Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (September 2015) ‘Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern • Technical Appendix 4.3: Viewpoint Selection Process; Ireland (SPPS): Planning for Sustainable Development’ , (2009) ‘Planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy’ and (August 2010) ‘Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland’s Landscapes, Supplementary Planning Guidance to • Technical Appendix 4.4: Cumulative Baseline; Accompany Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 1
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
4.7 The aim of the SPPS to plan for sustainable development is based on three overarching permitted where it will not result in unacceptable adverse impacts on a range of factors principles: including residential amenity, visual amenity and landscape character, built heritage and • Meeting the needs and aspirations of our society including supporting rural regeneration public access to the countryside. Applications should include details on decommissioning and progressing policies, plans and proposals that can improve the health and well-being and site restoration. of local communities; 4.11 "It will not necessarily be the case that the extent of visual impact or visibility of wind • Economic sustainability including the promotion of recovery and balanced growth; farm development will give rise to negative effects; wind farm developments are by their • Environmental sustainability including the protection and enhancement of the heritage nature highly visible yet this in itself should not preclude them as acceptable features in assets, landscape and seascape character, ensuring that the planning system contributes the landscape. The ability of the landscape to absorb development depends on careful to a reduction in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by continuing to support siting, the skill of the designer, and the inherent characteristics of the landscape such as growth in renewable energy sources and promoting high quality development and good landform, ridges, hills, valleys, and vegetation. Where any project is likely to result in design. unavoidable damage during its installation, operation or decommissioning, developers will 4.8 The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and the mitigation and adaptation to the effects be required to indicate how such damage will be minimised and mitigated, including details of climate change is a key principle in the SPPS and the promotion of renewable energy of any compensatory measures, such as a habitat management plan or the creation of a systems is one of the means by which the planning system will achieve this principle. new habitat. These matters will be agreed before planning permission is granted." (paragraphs 6.230 - 231). 4.9 'Subject Polices' for Renewable Energy are covered in paragraphs 6.214 - 6.234 of the SPPS and the supplementary planning guidance, 'Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland's Planning Policy Statement 18: Renewable Energy Landscapes' remains in place. The SPPS also retains the European Landscape Convention's 4.12 The aim of PPS18, which is broadly aligned with that of the SPPS, is "to facilitate the siting definition of 'landscape' to mean "an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the of renewable energy generating facilities in appropriate locations within the built and 2 result of the action and interaction of natural and / or human factors" . The policy natural environment in order to achieve Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets and statement recognises that Northern Ireland has significant renewable energy resources and realise the benefits of renewable energy" (PPS18, section 3.1). that the renewable energy industry makes an important contribution to sustainable 4.13 PPS18 Policy RE1 states that proposals must demonstrate that they "would not have an development and investment in the region. Renewable energy also reduces our dependence unacceptable impact on visual amenity or landscape character through: the number, scale, on imported fossil fuels and benefits our overall health, well-being and quality of life. "The size and siting of turbines; that the development has taken into consideration the aim of the SPPS in relation to renewable energy is to facilitate the siting of renewable cumulative impact of existing turbines, those which have permissions and those that are energy generating facilities in appropriate locations within the built and natural currently the subject of valid but undetermined applications". environment in order to achieve Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets and to realise the benefits of renewable energy without compromising other environmental assets of Supplementary Planning Guidance to Accompany PPS18 acknowledged importance." (paragraph 6.218) 4.14 The SPG is intended to provide broad strategic guidance on appropriate locations for wind 4.10 The strategic regional objectives are to ensure that environmental, landscape and visual energy development based on the definition of Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the amenity impacts are adequately addressed, and that natural and cultural heritage features Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment (NILCA). It advises that the detailed are adequately protected. The SPPS expects these objectives to be translated into policies assessment of landscape character and capacity to accommodate wind farm developments and proposals with Local Development Plans that will be prepared by the new Councils and should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis via LVIAs commissioned by developers. The that will support a diverse range of renewable energy developments whilst taking account of SPG itself is non-prescriptive with regards to turbine heights and groupings. Its assessment both local circumstances and the wider recognised benefits of renewable energy. Particular of landscape sensitivity is intended to provide broad guidance but not to exclude care should be taken when considering landscape effects and a cautious approach will be development. Rather it places an onus on developers to demonstrate, via the EIA process, applied to proposals within designated landscapes which are of significant value, and their that wind farms can be developed without unacceptable effects on LCAs as a whole. wider settings where it may be difficult to accommodate renewable energy developments 4.15 The SPG recommends a 20-30 km radius Study Area for medium or large commercial height without detriment to the regions cultural and natural heritage assets. Development will be turbines, which has informed the selection of a 30 km Study Area for the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The SPG includes recommendations that are specific to the potential 2 Definition of landscape used in the European Landscape Convention (2000, Article 1.a) Council of Europe and ‘Northern Ireland’s Landscape Charter’ (January 2014) NIEA Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 2 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
effects of wind energy developments on the character of individual LCAs. The SPG as it the countryside in principle, and that would contribute to the aims of sustainable relates to the Proposed Wind Farm Development is analysed in the Baseline Assessment. development, provided they are developed in accordance with PPS18. 4.16 The assessment of Landscape Value and Sensitivity for some LCAs has been altered from the Other Planning Policy SPG where detailed site survey in relation to the Proposed Wind Farm Development has 4.19 The following documents and sources were also used to inform the Baseline Assessment; revealed variations in particular areas. This is in accordance with the SPG, which states that, "It should be noted that within many LCAs there is considerable variation in • Derry Area Plan 2011 (DOE): The relevant countryside designations in this Plan have sensitivity level across the area, reflecting the fact that the LCAs are broad character or been superseded by PPS21 and it has not been further analysed in the Baseline identity areas. The overall sensitivity level is therefore the level that prevails over most of Assessment; the LCAs geographic area. Localised areas of higher or lower sensitivity may also exist and • Northern Area Plan 2016 (DOE, September 2015): This Plan provides a framework for these are generally identified in the sensitivity descriptions within each LCAs assessment development throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Area and sheet. The overall sensitivity level of a LCA is indicative of the relative overall sensitivity supersedes previous plans covering the North East Area, Limavady and Ballymoney. level of each LCA. A high sensitivity level does not necessarily mean that there is likely to However, as with other Development Plans, its countryside policies have largely been be no capacity for wind energy development within the LCA and conversely a low sensitivity superseded by PPS 21. For this reason it has not been further analysed in the Baseline level does not mean that there are no constraints to development" (SPG section 2.3). Assessment, but it is noted that the majority of environmental designations in the Northern Area are along or near the coastline, as well as the Sperrins AONB, which is Planning Policy Statement 21: Sustainable Development in the Countryside described as providing an attractive setting to Dungiven. 4.17 PPS 21 sets out planning policies for development in the countryside in accordance with the • The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) website provides details on AONBs 5 'Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025' (RDS)3. The latter provides a within the Study Area . strategic framework for protecting and enhancing Northern Ireland's physical, natural and Non Statutory Landscape Classifications man-made assets, and a recognition that the cumulative effect of development in the 6 countryside can be potentially negative. In response to the RDS, PPS21's objectives are: 4.20 The NILCA defines geographical areas of distinct character into Landscape Character Areas (LCAs), which are analysed in relation to wind energy development by the SPG. The LCAs of • "to manage growth in the countryside to achieve appropriate and sustainable patterns relevance to this Study Area are reviewed as part of the Baseline Assessment. of development that meet the essential needs of a vibrant rural community; 7 • to conserve the landscape and natural resources of the rural area and to protect it 4.21 A number of websites provide maps and information on way-marked trails, cycle routes, from excessive, inappropriate or obtrusive development and from the actual or and scenic drives, which are also described in the Baseline Assessment. They have been potential effects of pollution; used, in conjunction with Ordnance Survey maps to plot the routes of the Ulster Way, • to facilitate development necessary to achieve a sustainable rural economy; including National Cycle Network, and other way-marked routes in the Study Area (Figure 4.1), and to appropriate farm diversification and other economic activity; and aid the selection of Viewpoints. • to promote high standards in the design, siting and landscaping of development in the countryside.” (PPS 21, section 3.2) Scope of Assessment
4.18 PPS 21 takes precedence over the policy provisions for Green Belts and Countryside Policy 4.22 The Proposed Wind Farm Development comprises 11 turbines each with an overall maximum Areas that were previously contained within Development Plans and the Planning Strategy blade tip height of 149.9 m above ground level. The LVIA considered a provisional 40 km 4 for Rural Northern Ireland . Its policies are the main planning considerations in assessing Study Area which has been reduced through detailed site analysis to an area extending to a development proposals in the countryside, and would be overriding in all but exceptional 30 km radius from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It is considered to be an circumstances. Policy CTY1, Development in the Countryside, lists renewable energy appropriate size based on best practice guidance and a professional assessment of the projects as one of a range of development types which are considered to be acceptable in Proposed Wind Farm Development within its context. This LVIA does not necessarily
5 http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk 3 DoENI (June 2010) ‘Planning Policy Statement 21: Sustainable Development in the Countryside’ and (September 2001) 6 ERM and Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland (1999) ‘Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment’ ‘Shaping Out Future: Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025’ series 4 DOE Planning Service (1993, revised 1997) 'Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland' 7 http://www.walkni.com, www.cycleni.com, www.sustrans.org.uk Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 3
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
consider 30 km to be a boundary beyond which no effects are likely to occur. Rather, it is also contacted the then head of NIEA: Landscape Architects to request a scoping meeting in considered to be the area within which significant effects are most likely to occur. The relation to this proposal but were advised that this would only be available via the formal Study Area is indicated on all map-based figures which accompany this LVIA, starting at pre-planning application discussion (PAD) process. PAD has not been used for this project. Figure 4.1 Landscape Designation and Classifications. In July 2014 the ecology consultant received a scoping response from NIEA: Natural Environment that noted the site’s location within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural 4.23 This Chapter is structured as follows: Beauty and Landscape Character Area 39 Glenshane Slopes. This landscape designation and • Consultations: This section, starting at paragraph 4.24, describes who has been classification are considered as part of the LVIA Baseline Assessment. consulted in relation to the LVIA, how they have been consulted, and how they have responded; Assessment Methodology • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology: This section, starting at paragraph 4.25, provides a clear and detailed description of how this LVIA has been 4.25 This LVIA methodology has been specifically developed for wind farm development in carried out in accordance with best practice guidance, including the criteria that have Northern Ireland in accordance with the best practice guidance, where applicable (listed in been used to assess potential landscape and visual effects; Technical Appendix 4.5). The LVIA makes reference to mapped information, planning policy • Baseline: This section, starting at paragraph 4.82, includes relevant information on the and existing landscape character assessment documents, and uses photographs and field existing landscape and visual characteristics of the Study Area; survey work, together with the professional judgement of an experienced Landscape • Description of the Proposed Wind Farm Development: this section, starting at paragraph Architect. It combines existing desktop information, such as maps and documents, with 4.124, provides a summary description of Corlacky Hill Wind Farm in relation to detailed site surveys of the Study Area. The desktop study includes a review of relevant landscape and visual issues; planning policies in order to identify any elements or parts of the Study Area which are • Likely Significant Effects: This section, starting at paragraph 4.125, identifies how, and recognised for their landscape or visual qualities and any preferred locations for wind farms to what extent, the landscape and visual characteristics of the Study Area are likely to that may already have been identified. It also evaluates likely levels of acceptable change be affected by the Proposed Wind Farm Development; for various parts of the Study Area in accordance with current definitions of landscape and • Mitigation: This section, starting at paragraph 4.282, describes the iterative design visual sensitivity. process for the Proposed Wind Farm Development, and the measures that have been 4.26 Potential landscape and visual effects are assessed as separate but linked issues. Both implemented as part of this process to mitigate potential landscape and visual effects; require a combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluation. The magnitude of • Residual Effects: This section, starting at paragraph 4.285, makes an assessment of the landscape effects is derived from the extent to which physical changes cause changes in potential landscape and visual effects that would remain following implementation of landscape character and value. Visual effects relate to changes in the composition of views any proposed mitigation measures; and people's perception of/responses to these physical changes. • Cumulative Effects: This section, starting at paragraph 4.286, describes the incremental effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on the 'Cumulative Baseline', which is 4.27 For both landscape and visual effects the Significance of effect is derived from the defined by the presence of other existing, consented, and proposed wind energy assessment of Landscape Value, Sensitivity and Magnitude of change and also by using a developments within the Study Area. This section also describes how an appropriate combination of common sense and professional judgement in relation to site circumstances. Cumulative Baseline and Cumulative Study Area have been defined for the purpose of It is important to recognise that the landscape is constantly evolving and that opinions on this LVIA; the beneficial or adverse effects of wind farms are highly subjective. Therefore, whilst a • Summary: This section, starting at paragraph 4.290, summarises the findings of this judgement is made on the significance of effects, no judgement is made on whether these LVIA, and explains the resulting conclusions that have been drawn on the acceptability effects are beneficial or adverse. of the Proposed Wind Farm Development in relation to its potential landscape and visual Baseline Characterisation: Landscape Character effects. 4.28 The meaning of landscape in this LVIA is in accordance with the SPPS definition as "an area, Consultation as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of 4.24 RES advised Planning Service of their intention to submit an EIA for the development of this natural and / or human factors" (see section 4.2.1 of SPPS). The first stage of this LVIA site in September 2015. To date no response has been received from the Northern Ireland establishes the existing landscape character of the Study Area. It includes a description of Environment Agency who are the statutory consultees for landscape and visual issues. RES landform, land cover, seasonal elements and historical and cultural associations. Landscape character is the result of unique interactions between different elements such as geology, Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 4 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
soils, vegetation and historical and current human influences. Natural, man-made, physical condition, with a distinctive sense of place, and may be of national or international and aesthetic attributes are considered alongside the physical condition, frequency and importance that is evidenced by statutory designation; rarity of these attributes. Areas of distinct, recognisable or common character are defined • High Landscape Value: Such landscapes may be aesthetically pleasing and have positive individually as LCAs. Existing definitions of LCAs are analysed by site survey. characteristics including features that are unspoilt and in good condition, a high proportion of sites that are of geological or ecological interest, notable historic 4.29 Defining landscape character allows Landscape Value to be analysed. An understanding of associations and a strong sense of place. These areas may be of national or regional landscape character and value requires an understanding of the processes that have created importance that is evidenced by relevant statutory designations; this character and future processes that may alter it. The overall Value to society of each Moderate Landscape Value: Such landscapes may have overall good aesthetic qualities, LCA is evaluated against defined criteria and their Sensitivity to development and change is • established. The assessment notes if/where existing definitions of landscape character have with some intact characteristic features, but with other features that are not in been amended. Some LCAs may not be considered in detail following the Baseline optimum condition, or which are fragmented or spoilt. These areas may contain a Assessment if they are not judged to be significantly affected by the Proposed Wind Farm smaller number of features of interest and may be of local importance; Development. For example, LCAs on the periphery of the Study Area, or those from which • Low Value: Such landscapes may be in poor condition, or have undergone change to the there are few or no views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Such LCAs are clearly extent that they do not have a distinctive or coherent character, aesthetic quality or identified in the Baseline Assessment and Technical Appendix 2 of the ES. strong sense of place. Few characteristic features are likely to remain intact and features may be highly fragmented or spoilt. These areas may contain a limited number Landscape Value of notable features or associations and are unlikely to be statutorily designated. 4.30 Values are attached to landscapes by different stakeholders for a variety of reasons. The Landscape Sensitivity LVIA process seeks to establish a definition of Landscape Value that reflects both this range of opinions and each particular landscape's contribution to the overall landscape character 4.33 The SPG defines Landscape Sensitivity as a term based on the inherent sensitivity of of the Study Area. Defining the Value of a particular landscape to society requires the landscape receptors to changes in both landscape character and visual terms, and which, in 9 recognition of 'sense of place' through consideration of factors such as condition, scenic EIA terms, can also be used to encompass the value placed upon landscape . This definition 10 quality, tranquillity, remoteness, rarity, cultural associations, history, conservation and has been updated by the GLVIA which advises that Landscape Sensitivity should be clearly recreational interests, and broader social, economic and environmental aspects. separate from Value. It should combine judgements on the susceptibility of landscape receptors to change caused specifically by the Proposed Wind Farm Development with the 4.31 The definition of Landscape Value has been derived from best practice guidance and the Value attached to the landscape in question. Therefore, in the context of this LVIA SPG, which defines Landscape Value as "the intrinsic value that is attached to a landscape, judgements on Landscape Sensitivity consider the susceptibility of landscape receptors to often reflected in designation or recognition. It expresses national or local consensus as to the changes caused specifically by the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The LVIA takes the (degree of) importance of a landscape, for reasons including landscape quality, scenic account of the stability and resilience of LCAs to withstand change and recuperate from loss (or visual) quality, wildness and tranquillity, natural and cultural heritage interests, or damage to their character elements resulting from the Proposed Wind Farm Development 8 cultural associations and recreational opportunities." without unacceptable detrimental effects on overall character. An understanding of how 4.32 The following criteria outline the general principles that are used to inform and guide the different landscape attributes interact assists in defining if, and how, wind farm assessment of Landscape Value: development may be suitably placed in the landscape. It also allows choices to be made on • Outstanding Landscape Value: Such landscapes may be outstanding because of factors suitable turbine layouts and sizes of wind farms, which vary according to the characteristics such as dramatic scenic quality, or unspoilt beauty. They may also contain rare cultural of the receiving landscape. Key landscape attributes that are likely to influence sensitivity or historic features, have notable cultural associations, important geological features or to wind farm developments include: contain a large proportion of high quality habitats. They are likely to be in good • Scale and Enclosure: The perception of the size and presence of various character elements, such as landform, trees and houses, against which the relative scale of larger
8 The Landscape Institute and IEMA (April 2013) 'Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition’, 9 NIEA (August 2010) ‘Wind Energy Development in Northern Ireland’s Landscapes’ (Annex 2: Terms and Definitions, page EHS/ERM (1999) ‘Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment’ series and NIEA (August 2010) ‘Wind Energy 61) Development in Northern Ireland’s Landscapes. Supplementary Planning Guidance to Accompany Planning Policy 10 The Landscape Institute and IEMA (April 2013) 'Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition’ Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ (Annex 2: Terms and Definitions, page 60) section 5.39 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 5
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
features such as wind turbines are perceived. Consideration is given to whether the 4.34 The consideration of each of the key landscape attributes described above enables a landscape is open or enclosed, the range of views (e.g. close, medium or long range), considered judgement to be made on the level of Sensitivity to be apportioned to each and the extent to which elements such as topography and vegetation provide screening. defined LCA within the Study Area. The level of Sensitivity relates specifically to the Landscapes that are visually contained may be less sensitive, although close range views Proposed Wind Farm Development. The following criteria outline the general principles that from populated areas may increase sensitivity. A Proposed Development should be of a are used to inform and guide the assessment of Landscape Sensitivity: size and layout that is in keeping with the receiving landscape character; • High Landscape Sensitivity: A landscape where the majority of attributes are unlikely to • Skyline: The extent to which people's eyes are drawn towards the skyline depends on withstand change without causing a change to overall landscape character to the extent the simplicity or complexity of the skyline and whether there are other elements or foci that it would be difficult or impossible to restore. The frequency and sensitivity of distributed in the view and/ or along the skyline. Where they are visible, skylines are receptors may be high but not exclusively so; often important character components, and wind farm developments should relate well • Medium Landscape Sensitivity: A landscape with a combination of attributes that is to them; capable of absorbing some degree of change without affecting overall landscape • Landscape Pattern: Understanding the complexity of a landscape can help to determine character. There are unlikely to be large numbers of sensitive receptors; how a development might relate or conflict with the character of the receiving • Low Landscape Sensitivity: A landscape where the majority of attributes are robust and/ landscape. A landscape may have a simple composition, such as open moorland, or be or tolerant of change to the extent that change or development would have little or no more complex, for example, a rugged landscape containing many peaks, or a mosaic of effect on overall landscape character. It is likely to be easily restored and the land uses. New development should be designed to relate well to any strong existing frequency and sensitivity of receptors may be Low but not exclusively so. landscape patterns, such as hedgerow networks or drainage ditches; • Remoteness and Tranquillity: The introduction of turbines may not only result in Baseline Characterisation: Visual Character physical effects on the landscape but, together with the movement of blades, may 4.35 The visual context of the site is described and a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) is impact on the perceived sense of remoteness and tranquillity. The extent to which a established to indicate where all, or part of, the Proposed Wind Farm Development is likely landscape is remote or tranquil is considered in the assessment of Sensitivity; to be visible from. A ZTV is a map-based diagram of where and how many wind turbines, or • Features of Interest: The presence of natural and cultural heritage features, such as wind farms, would theoretically be visible from all parts of the Study Area. The ZTV is first designated habitats, archaeological sites, and specific cultural associations, which serve used to assist the identification of areas with theoretical visibility and the location of to make a landscape particularly special or unique. New developments should not viewpoints as part of the Baseline Assessment. It is then used to aid the assessment of diminish the enjoyment of these features; visual effects because the turbines would be the most visible element of the Proposed Wind • Manmade Influence: Some landscapes may contain existing, large-scale elements, such Farm Development, particularly during the operational period. as buildings, structures, commercial forestry, and transport infrastructure, which 4.36 The ZTV is created using computer-generated contour data at 50 m intervals (Ordnance indicate the extent to which the character is already shaped by man. This may Survey of Northern Ireland's digital terrain model, or 'DTM'). A three-dimensional computer influence how the landscape would be affected by wind farm development. A mix of model of the Proposed Wind Farm Development is created and accurately located within the different man-made elements may lead to visual confusion or interruption. Landscapes DTM. Categories of theoretical visibility are indicated using different colours, for example, which are already heavily influenced by man-made elements may also be less sensitive areas with theoretical visibility of all the proposed turbines would be indicated by one to wind farm development, although close proximity to settlement may also increase colour, and areas with visibility of lesser numbers of turbines would be indicated by sensitivity; contrasting colours. The computer model takes account of the effect the curvature of the • Rarity is the frequency, or density of rare or unusual landscape features which serve to earth would have on visibility, and is based on a viewing height of 2 m. make a landscape particularly special or unique; • Quality is influenced by the physical state of the existing landscape, its intactness and 4.37 ZTV diagrams are based on the visibility of the turbine blade tips unless otherwise stated. its ability to repair after loss. High quality landscapes may be more or less sensitive to Blade tip visibility means that any area where the tip of the blade is theoretically visible is change depending on the robustness of their individual character elements; indicated on the diagram. This approach is in accordance with the SNH recommendation to 11 • Value: The value attributed to the landscape is an important factor to be considered err on the side of over-representation of potential effects . A Reverse ZTV diagram is used when assessing the sensitivity of a given landscape.
11 Scottish National Heritage (July 2014) 'Visual Representation of Wind Farms' paragraph 43 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 6 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
as a clear means of illustrating the parts of the Study Area where no turbines would be considered. The Proposed Wind Farm Development is considered from the perspective of visible. the shortlisted viewpoints. Computer generated wireline models and photomontages are used to examine the design. Viewpoint Selection
4.38 Viewpoints are chosen as part of the Baseline Assessment to provide a representative Assessment of Effects on Landscape Character sample of viewers (receptors) and types of views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development 4.42 Landscape effects may include direct physical changes to landscape elements caused by the across the Study Area and, most importantly, to demonstrate potential views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development or indirect effects, such as effects on the setting of a Proposed Wind Farm Development rather than to show the screening effect of landscape particular landscape that may arise as a consequence of the Proposed Wind Farm features. Viewpoints are always selected in publicly accessible locations and those Development. The potential landscape effects across the Study Area are identified by the frequented by members of the public, such as public rights of way, car parks, popular visitor on-site analysis and verification of landscape character information gathered as part of the attractions and views from settlements, as well as viewpoints located in particularly scenic Baseline Assessment. The landscape assessment criteria described below provides a areas, are favoured because these are likely to represent a greater concentration of framework for the assessment of landscape effects. It must be noted that there may be sensitive visual receptors. Viewpoints from which the Proposed Wind Farm Development is exceptions to these broad categories due to specific local characteristics that may apply in likely to be prominent are also favoured if they are available. Private residential views are individual circumstances. This LVIA does not seek to determine whether the potential represented where possible by the selection of appropriate viewpoints on public roads in landscape effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be beneficial or adverse proximity to residential receptors. This is in accordance with current best practice because this is a subjective matter that depends very much on the viewer's own opinion. guidance. A selection of Provisional Viewpoints is identified through the Baseline Magnitude of Landscape Effects Assessment. These are assessed through an initial site survey and those that are most representative of typical views, locations and receptors across all parts of the Study Area 4.43 The Magnitude of effect on landscape character is defined as the degree of change that that fall within the ZTV are retained from more detailed assessment in the LVIA. The would result from the introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development in terms of size viewpoint selection process for this project is described in paragraph 4.117. or scale, geographical extent of the area that would be influenced, and the duration and reversibility of the proposed change12. It is dependent on a number of factors, including: 4.39 When carrying out viewpoint surveys, the nature of the view is noted, whether partial or full views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be experienced, whether views are • The degree to which landscape character elements would be altered by the Proposed static or transitory, how prominent the Proposed Wind Farm Development may be, and Wind Farm Development; whether large numbers of properties or viewers would experience such views. In many • The number of turbines and their prominence within the landscape; cases finding an uninterrupted view can be difficult and viewpoint locations where there is a • Whether effects would have a direct physical effect on a landscape or indirectly affect significant amount of existing screening or no safe stopping place (e.g. on a busy road) are its character by having an effect on its setting; generally not shortlisted. This is to ensure the safety of both the surveyor and any third • The distance of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the landscape character parties, such as the planning authority and members of the public, who may wish to visit the area in question; viewpoints. Therefore, although the views chosen are representative they cannot always be • The duration, permanence and extent of the effect in physical terms. typical of the whole Study Area. 4.44 The following criteria outline the general principles that are used to inform and guide the 4.40 Viewpoint locations are illustrated in all the Figures which accompany the LVIA and the assessment of the Magnitude of landscape effects: process for producing these illustrations is described in detail in paragraph 4.56 below. • High Landscape Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be Summary Description of the Proposed Wind Farm Development immediately apparent and would result in substantial loss or major alteration to key elements of landscape character to the extent that there is a fundamental and 4.41 Details of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and its associated infrastructure are permanent, or long-term, change to landscape character. The change may occur over described in detail in Chapter 2: Proposed Wind Farm Development of this ES and an extensive area; summarised briefly in relation to landscape and visual effects in section 4.124. To ensure that visual effects are minimised, factors such as layout and turbine specification, colour
scheme, rotation pattern of blades, uniformity, and infrastructure design may be 12 The Landscape Institute and IEMA (April 2013) 'Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition’ section 5.48 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 7
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• Medium Landscape Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be the type and nature of effects and individual perceptions. This LVIA does not seek to apparent in the view and would result in loss or alteration to key elements of landscape determine whether the potential visual effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development character to the extent that there is a partial long-term change to landscape character. would be beneficial or adverse because this is a subjective matter that depends very much The change may occur over a limited area; on the viewer's own opinion. The assessment criteria described in this section below • Low Landscape Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would result in minor provides a framework for the assessment of visual effects. It is noted that there may be loss or alteration to key elements of landscape character to the extent that there may exceptions to these broad categorisations due to specific characteristics that may apply to be some slight perception of change to landscape character. The change may be individual circumstances. temporary and occur over a limited area; 4.48 The potential visual effects across the Study Area are identified in four stages: • Negligible Landscape Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would result in 1. Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) diagrams are created. A desk-based analysis of such a minor loss or alteration to key elements of landscape character that there would these is carried out in order to gain a broad understanding of the nature of visibility in be no fundamental change. the Study Area, and to identify viewpoint locations. Wirelines are created as working Significance of Landscape Effects drafts for all viewpoints; 4.45 The EIA Directive requires the LVIA to identify and assess the acceptability of significant 2. The ZTVs and viewpoint locations are verified on site. The presence of screening effects. Best practice guidance recognises that the significance of effects is not absolute elements, such as vegetation, is noted because this is not reflected by the ZTVs bare- and is related specifically to the proposed development. It is also dependent on the points ground representation of visibility. Key visual receptors within the Study Area are considered within the landscape sensitivity appraisal, the factors that influence the identified during the site survey, and the assessment of potential visual effects on each Magnitude of change, and the relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Magnitude of of these receptor groups is made. Visual receptors may include, for example, people Landscape Effect. within settlements, on vehicular routes, at tourist destinations, etc. The viewpoints are assessed for the extent to which they provide truly representative views of the key 4.46 This LVIA uses the following criteria to inform and guide the assessment of the Significance visual receptors and typical views within the Study Area. of Landscape Effects: 3. In most cases photographs are taken from each viewpoint location. However, in • Significant Landscape Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of landscape accordance with SNH guidance, viewpoint locations beyond 20 km from the Proposed attributes are deemed to be highly sensitive and the magnitude of change would alter Wind Farm Development may not require photomontages where the proposed turbines landscape character to the extent that it would become defined, or considerably are below 150 m in height and where they are unlikely to be perceptible features in the influenced, by the presence of the Proposed Wind Farm Development; view13. A judgement on which viewpoints require photomontages is made on a case-by- • Moderately Significant Landscape Effects; the significance of effects would decrease as case basis in each LVIA; the number and sensitivity of landscape attributes also decreases. The Proposed Wind 4. Finally, a detailed assessment of visual effects is made from each viewpoint. This is Farm Development may still be easily noticeable but landscape character would remain assisted by computer-generated wirelines and photomontages, which provide as realistic less defined by the Proposed Wind Farm Development than by other landscape as possible visualisations of how the Proposed Wind Farm Development would appear attributes; within each viewpoint, and which are presented as Figures in the ES. • No Significant Landscape Effects: Effects would occur when the majority of landscape Assessment of Viewpoints attributes are not deemed to be highly sensitive and where the Proposed Wind Farm Development would have little, or no, effect on existing landscape character. Where 4.49 From each viewpoint a description is provided of the existing view and potential changes the Proposed Wind Farm Development can be integrated into the existing Study Area that would result from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The effect of the Proposed without the loss of key landscape attributes landscape effects would also be deemed as Wind Farm Development on the existing view is then assessed. The following elements are 'Not Significant'. considered in the description and assessment of visual effects from each viewpoint: Assessment of Visual Effects • The existing visual character and quality of the viewpoint (including whether it is within a designated landscape, the presence of visual detractors, etc.); 4.47 Visual effects relate to changes in the composition of views and people's responses to these changes. It is evident from research, and publications on public attitudes to wind farms, that opinions vary greatly, ranging from strongly adverse to strongly positive, depending on 13 Scottish National Heritage (July 2014) 'Visual Representation of Wind Farms' paragraph 161 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 8 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• The character of the existing landscape against which the turbines would be viewed Magnitude of Visual Effects including any screening provided by existing surface features, vegetation and local 4.51 The Magnitude of effect on visual character is defined as the degree of change that would topography; result from the introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It is dependent on a • The viewpoint location, the presence and concentration of receptors, and receptor number of factors, including: sensitivity (for example, would people view the site during work or leisure activities, • The prominence of the Proposed Wind Farm Development within the view; whilst in transit, etc.); • The number of turbines and extent of the Proposed Wind Farm Development that would • The number of turbines that would be visible, their scale, distance from the viewpoint be visible; and their position in the view in relation to other features in the viewpoint; • The angle and elevation of the view; • The duration of the potential effect, i.e. is it long term or temporary, continuous or The proportion of the view that is affected by the Proposed Wind Farm Development; transitory (the latter meaning that the receptor would be exposed to the effect for a • short time); • The scale and character of the landscape in which the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be viewed; • Whether effects would occur during construction and decommissioning of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. • The duration, permanence and frequency of available views. • The presence of existing wind farms, particularly those in close proximity to the 4.52 Factors such as the distance of a wind farm from a viewpoint, weather conditions, time of Proposed Wind Farm Development, are considered as part of the assessment of visual day/year, angle of view, and composition of other elements in the view, all contribute to effects as well as the assessment of cumulative visual effects. the assessment of visual effects. This LVIA uses these factors to define levels of visual prominence as follows: Sensitivity of Visual Receptors • Visually Dominant: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would occupy a commanding 4.50 The Sensitivity of visual receptors is dependent on the nature of the receptor and the value or elevated position and would seem to tower above the surrounding landscape from the of the view, including other landscape elements within it. The following criteria, which are viewpoint in question and/or from the surrounding landscape. The Proposed Wind Farm drawn from current best practice guidance (Technical Appendix 4.5), outline the general Development would become more important or noticeable than anything else in the principles that are used to inform and guide the assessment of visual sensitivity at each view. viewpoint: • Visually Prominent: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be immediately • High Visual Sensitivity: may typically include residents of properties where the main noticeable and likely to attract attention due to its size or position within the view. view is orientated towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development, or people undertaking • Visible: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be evident and perceptible from recreation where the landscape within which the Proposed Wind Farm Development is the viewpoint in question and/or from the surrounding landscape but would not be a seen is the primary reason for attraction (e.g. walkers, cyclist and drivers on scenic prominent feature. routes). Receptors are more likely to be within a designated landscape and could be • Not Visible: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would not be seen or would not be attracted to visit more frequently, or stay for longer, by virtue of the view; immediately apparent to the naked eye. • Medium Visual Sensitivity: may typically involve people undertaking active recreational 4.53 The following criteria outline the general principles that are used to inform and guide the pursuits where the wider landscape within which the Proposed Wind Farm Development assessment of the Magnitude of visual effects: is not seen as the primary reason for attraction (e.g. golf, water sports, theme and adventure parks, historic sites, parks and gardens). Receptors are less likely to be • High Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be a dominant within a designated landscape and could be attracted to visit more frequently or stay and immediately apparent feature that would affect and change the overall character of for longer by virtue of the facilities and features of the particular attraction rather than the view and to which other features would become subordinate; by the value of the view; • Medium Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would form a visible • Low Visual Sensitivity: may typically include vehicular travellers; outdoor workers (e.g. and recognisable new element within the overall view and would be readily noticed farm and forestry workers); people in indoor workplaces and community facilities; and without changing the overall nature of the view; residents within larger settlements. Receptors are unlikely to be within a designated • Low Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would form a component landscape and are most likely to be present at a given viewpoint by virtue of some other of the wider view that might be missed by the casual observer. Awareness of the need or necessity unrelated to the appreciation of the landscape or visual value. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 9
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Proposed Wind Farm Development would not have a marked effect on the overall quality The wireline model is an accurate model of the bare-ground topography. Land cover of the view; elements are then overlaid onto this model in the form of photographs, which are taken at • Negligible Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be barely each viewpoint location. Both the wireline and photograph cover a minimum 80 - 180º angle perceptible, or imperceptible, and would have no marked effect on the overall quality of view depending on the actual extent of the view on site. For example, the view on site of the view. may be constrained on both sides by tall vegetation or be part of a wider panorama. A 50 - 53.5º view is generally accepted as the normal viewing angle of the human eye14. Significance of Visual Effects 4.58 In accordance with best practice guidance all photographs are taken with a digital Single 4.54 The EIA Directive requires the LVIA to identify and assess the acceptability of significant Lens Reflex (SLR) camera and a digital lens focal length of 50 mm (to provide as accurate a effects. Best practice guidance recognises that the significance of effects is not absolute representation of the human eye as possible). The largest possible aperture setting is used and is related specifically to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It is also dependent on to ensure the maximum level of detail in the view is shown. A professional tripod head is the points considered within the appraisal of sensitive visual receptors, the factors that used to obtain true horizontal alignment of the photographs and maintain a constant height influence the magnitude of change, and the relationship between Visual Sensitivity and above ground (1.5 m). Magnitude of Visual Effect. 4.59 Accurate records are taken on site of weather conditions, camera height above ground, time 4.55 This LVIA uses the following criteria to inform and guide the assessment of the Significance of day, viewpoint coordinates recorded using a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS, of Visual Effects: accurate to 3.65 m), and the compass bearing at the centre of each photograph. • Significant Visual Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of visual receptors are deemed to be highly sensitive and the magnitude of change would alter 4.60 The photographs are merged together and the resulting image is imported into the software visual character to the extent that it would become defined, or considerably influenced, programme where it provides the backdrop to the wireline. The wireline terrain data may by the presence of the Proposed Wind Farm Development; differ slightly from that pictured in the photograph due to deficiencies in the DTM data. • Moderately Significant Visual Effects: The significance of effects would decrease as the This can cause the turbines to appear slightly above or below the ground. Therefore minor number and sensitivity of visual receptors also decreases. The Proposed Wind Farm adjustments may be made to the software settings to ensure that the photograph and Development may still be easily noticeable but overall visual character would remain wireline match before the turbines are rendered consistently with model data. On less defined by the Proposed Wind Farm Development than by other elements of the completion the wireline is hidden so that only the finished photomontage is visible. existing view; 4.61 Visualisations are prepared in accordance with the SNH best practice guidance as far as • No Significant Visual Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of visual practical. It is important to stress that visualisations can never match exactly what is receptors are not deemed to be highly sensitive and where the Proposed Wind Farm experienced in the field. The quality of photographs is limited by weather conditions, light Development would have little or no effect on existing views. The Proposed Wind Farm and shade, contrast, etc. The weather conditions for some of the photography in this LVIA Development would be likely to constitute a minor component of the wider view, which were hazy and, in some instances have prevented clear long-range views. Therefore, the might be missed by the casual observer, and awareness of the Proposed Wind Farm proposed turbines have been rendered in a darker colour in some viewpoints in order to Development would not have a marked effect on the overall quality of the view. make them visible where they might otherwise be unclear in the view. In many scenarios wind farms are visible as elements of wide angle views which can only be appreciated if Production of Viewpoint Visualisations: Wirelines and Photomontages viewers turn their heads from side to side or move through the landscape. Wirelines and 4.56 Computer-generated wirelines and photomontages are used to assist the assessment of photomontages show the turbines in accurate proportion to other visual elements. potential visual effects by providing an accurate impression of the scale, size and However, the overall scale of the view is reduced by the practical need to illustrate the appearance of the turbines from the chosen viewpoints. view on a single sheet of paper that allows as many people as possible to have fair and easy access to the published Environmental Statement. Features that are of note in wider views, 4.57 A wireline model of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and surrounding terrain is but which are beyond the angle that can be illustrated in the viewpoint figures, such as generated from each viewpoint using ReSoft Wind Farm R4, map tiles and digital terrain other wind farms, are included in the detailed written descriptions of viewpoints in the LVIA data provided by Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, the proposed turbine layout, and individual turbine geometry. Turbine blades are displayed at an angle of 0o, i.e. the
uppermost blade is always shown pointing directly upwards, in order to demonstrate the 14 Paper presented to British Wind Energy Association Conference by K. Hawkins of E4environment Ltd and Dr P. Marsh of highest possible level of visibility. All cumulative wind farms are shown on the wirelines. Environmental Data Analysis (2001) ‘The Camera Never Lies’ and Scottish National Heritage (July 2014) 'Visual Representation of Wind Farms'. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 10 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
report. Photomontage figures should be reproduced at a minimum of 300 pixels per inch to etc.) the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be considered from the perspective of ensure best quality representation of the viewpoints. the identified viewpoints. The computer-generated wirelines would be used to examine initial designs and identify opportunities to improve the layout in visual terms where 4.62 It must be noted that the purpose of wirelines and photomontages is to help the assessor necessary. establish what the Proposed Wind Farm Development's visual effect might be by providing a 'snapshot' of what the Proposed Wind Farm Development would look like within the 4.66 Further mitigation proposals, including any potential enhancement of landscape and visual landscape. They should always be viewed in conjunction with the LVIA report which character, will be made, where possible and appropriate, to address any potential effects provides a detailed written assessment of visual effects, as well as a visit to all of the which would remain with the final layout. It is important to note that the scope for viewpoints in appropriate weather conditions. Wirelines are not intended to be visually mitigating the visual effect of wind farms is greatly restricted by the functional siting representative images but they are generally accepted as an illustrative digital imaging tool. requirements, the scale of the turbines, and the characteristic movement of the blades. They provide a good indication of the location of turbines within the landscape and their Assessment of Residual Landscape and Visual Effects relationship with the Cumulative Baseline of other wind farms in the Study Area. If these limitations are recognised, visualisations can be accepted as adequate representations for 4.67 Where mitigatory design proposals are implemented in order to reduce significant landscape the purpose of the LVIA. and visual effects, the resulting reduction in effects is assessed and described in section 4.285. Assessment of Effects of the Proposed Layout on the Site Assessment of Cumulative Effects 4.63 This LVIA is primarily concerned with the operational phase of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. However, consideration is also given to the potential effects during 4.68 In relation to LVIAs of individual developments, cumulative effects are taken to mean "the construction and decommissioning. During the construction period a number of activities additional changes caused by a proposed wind farm in conjunction with other similar would occur that may temporarily or permanently affect the physical landscape or visual developments"15. amenity of the Study Area. Temporary effects may only last for the duration, or part of, the 4.69 "The purpose of a Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (CLVIA) is to construction period and may include effects such as the visibility of construction traffic, describe, visually represent and assess the ways in which a wind farm would have plant, and stockpiled materials. If managed adequately these construction effects can be additional impacts when considered in addition to other existing, consented or proposed minimised or avoided. Permanent effects would result from irreversible physical changes to windfarms. It should identify the significant cumulative effects arising from the proposed the site such as the removal of vegetation, alteration of landform and new access wind farm"16. In other words, the purpose of the cumulative impact assessment is to arrangements. measure the incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on the Cumulative 4.64 Details of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and its associated infrastructure are Baseline rather than to assess the combined effects of all, or some, of the Cumulative described briefly, starting at section 4.124 and in more detail in Chapter 2: Proposed Wind Baseline with the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Farm Development. Mitigation measures to avoid or minimise both temporary and 4.70 The Cumulative Baseline comprises existing, consented and proposed (in-planning) wind permanent effects are proposed in section 4.282. farms in an appropriate cumulative Study Area. In this LVIA a provisional Study Area Design Evolution and Mitigation Measures extending in a 40 km radius from the Proposed Wind Farm Development was used for the initial analysis and was subsequently reduced to a 30 km radius because it was found that 4.65 During the course of the EIA the layout of the Proposed Wind Farm Development may change there would be little visibility of these cumulative wind farms from the representative as part of an iterative assessment and design process. Liaison between all parties involved viewpoints selected for this LVIA (see Technical Appendix 4.4). Particular attention is paid in the EIA is a key part of this process and the LVIA takes cognisance of the findings of other to clusters of wind farms because these are already likely to be prominent features. chapters, such as Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Mitigation measures which seek to Existing single turbines are noted as features within the existing landscape and visual avoid, reduce, or compensate for landscape and visual effects would generally be baseline, and in particular if they appear within selected viewpoints. Their locations are implemented as part of this process and may include, for example, changes to layout and not illustrated in the wirelines or included in the ZTVs unless they have been subject to the turbine specification, colour, uniformity of layout, under-grounding of onsite power cables, and infrastructure design. Following the implementation of mitigation measures in relation 15 Scottish Natural Heritage (March 2012), ‘Assessing the Cumulative Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy Development s’ to physical site constraints (e.g. the presence of protected species, hydrological features, paragraph 7, paraphrased from the GLVIA para 7.12 16 As above, paragraph 55 Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 11
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
same EIA assessment process as the Proposed Wind Farm Development, or where they are • The distance of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the landscape character over 50 m hub height. The Cumulative Baseline is identified starting at section 4.118 and area in question, and from other cumulative wind farms that may also affect the mapped in Figure 4.4. landscape character area in question; 4.71 It must be noted that cumulative effect of some magnitude is largely unavoidable in any • The duration, nature, permanence and extent of the effect in physical and visual terms; Study Area which contains existing wind farms and a judgement must be made on the • The value attached to the landscape in question, including any landscape designations. relative and appropriate weight that is given to the various elements of the actual and Magnitude of Cumulative Landscape Effects assumed Cumulative Baseline. Current best practice guidance (including PPS18 at paragraph 1.3.37) makes it clear that the actual and assumed baseline for the assessment of 4.74 The following criteria outline the general principles that are used to inform and guide the cumulative effects should extend to operational schemes, consented schemes, and those assessment of the Magnitude of Cumulative Landscape Effects: which are the subject of undetermined applications for planning permission. Existing and • High Cumulative Landscape Magnitude: The introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm consented wind farms are generally considered to be part of baseline landscape and visual Development to the Cumulative Baseline would be immediately apparent and would character and the effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development take consideration of result in substantial incremental loss of, or major alteration to, key elements of their presence, or anticipated presence. The incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm landscape character to the extent that there would be a fundamental and permanent, Development on a Cumulative Baseline which includes other proposed wind farms is or long-term, change to landscape character. The change may occur over an extensive considered in the assessment of cumulative effects. It is noted that applications for planning area; permission may be rejected. Therefore, if a scheme is not yet approved, relatively limited • Medium Cumulative Landscape Magnitude: The introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm weighting should be given to adding this site to the baseline, and this needs to be reflected Development to the Cumulative Baseline would be immediately apparent and would in the assessment of the incremental effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The result in the incremental loss of, or alteration to, key elements of landscape character weight that is given to the baseline is a matter for the decision maker based on the to the extent that there would be a partial long-term change to landscape character. evidence presented in the LVIA. The change may occur over a limited area; • Low Cumulative Landscape Magnitude: The introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm 4.72 The assessment criteria described in this section provides a framework for the assessment of Development to the Cumulative Baseline would result in minor incremental loss of, or cumulative landscape and visual effects. It is noted that there may be exceptions to these alteration to, key elements of landscape character to the extent that there may be broad categorisations due to specific characteristics that may apply to individual some slight perception of change to landscape character. The change may be circumstances. temporary and occur over a limited area; Assessment of Cumulative Landscape Effects • Negligible Cumulative Landscape Magnitude: The introduction of the Proposed Wind 4.73 Cumulative landscape effects relate to the incremental degree of change to the existing Farm Development to the Cumulative Baseline would result in such a minor incremental landscape character or physical fabric of the Study Area that would result from the loss of, or alteration to, key elements of landscape character that there would be no introduction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development over and above that of the fundamental change to landscape character. Cumulative Baseline. The magnitude of cumulative change to landscape character is Significance of Cumulative Landscape Effects dependent on a number of factors, including: 4.75 The Significance of Cumulative Landscape Effects is dependent on the points considered • The presence, appearance and interrelationship of other cumulative wind farms in the within the landscape sensitivity appraisal, the factors that influence the Magnitude of Cumulative Baseline, and the degree to which this already influences landscape change upon it, and the relationship between landscape Sensitivity and Magnitude of character; cumulative landscape effect. The following criteria outline the general principles that are • The incremental change to landscape character elements that would be caused by the used to inform and guide the assessment of the Significance of cumulative landscape Proposed Wind Farm Development; effects: • The incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on the overall number • Significant Cumulative Landscape Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of turbines, their prominence within the landscape, and their effect on landscape scale; of landscape attributes are deemed to be highly sensitive and the incremental effects of • Whether effects are direct or indirect; the Proposed Wind Farm Development would alter landscape character to the extent that it would become defined or considerably influenced by the presence of wind farms, taking account of Cumulative Baseline conditions; Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 12 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• Moderately Significant Cumulative Landscape Effects: The significance of effects would • The incremental effect that the Proposed Wind Farm Development would have on the decrease as the number and sensitivity of landscape attributes also decreases. The prominence and distance of wind farms from visual receptors; Proposed Wind Farm Development may still be easily noticeable but its incremental • The incremental effect that the Proposed Wind Farm Development would have on the effects would not cause the landscape character to become more defined by wind farms number of turbines and the extent of wind farms that can be seen simultaneously, or than it currently is, or to become more defined by wind farms than by other landscape sequentially; attributes; • The incremental effect that the Proposed Wind Farm Development would have on the • No Significant Cumulative Landscape Effects: Effects that would occur when the proportion of the view that is affected by wind turbines and the number of wind farms majority of landscape attributes are not deemed to be highly sensitive and where the that would be visible in their entirety or otherwise; Proposed Wind Farm Development would have little or no incremental effect on the • The visual relationship between the Proposed Wind Farm Development and other wind existing landscape character. Where the Proposed Wind Farm Development can be farms, including separation distances between developments; integrated into the existing Cumulative Baseline, without the loss of key landscape • The scale and character of the landscape in which the Proposed Wind Farm attributes, cumulative landscape effects would also be deemed as Not Significant. Development would be viewed alongside the Cumulative Baseline; Assessment of Cumulative Visual Effects • The nature of available views, including angle of view, prominence, screening elements, elevation, and distance from the viewpoint location. 4.76 Cumulative visual effects relate to the degree to which wind energy developments feature • The duration, frequency and permanence of available views, including whether the in particular views or sequences of views, and the resulting effects of this upon visual potential cumulative effect is likely to be frequent (i.e. it would occur regularly, receptors. Current best practice guidance advises that the potential receptors of repetitively, or with short time lapses between occurrences) or occasional (i.e. it would cumulative visual effects should be identified and the most significant receptors selected occur infrequently, with long time lapses or distances between occurrences); for detailed assessment. This CLVIA considers simultaneous and sequential cumulative • Whether the viewer would need to look in the same direction or different directions to visual effects that may arise within the Study Area, and in relation to the selected obtain cumulative views; viewpoints. The presence of existing wind farms, particularly those that are closely related • The speed and mode of travel of visual receptors, and duration of cumulative views. to the Proposed Wind Farm Development, are considered as part of the assessment of visual effects as well as the assessment of cumulative visual effects. 4.80 The following criteria outline the general principles that are used to inform and guide the assessment of the Magnitude of cumulative visual effects: 4.77 Simultaneous cumulative visibility is the extent to which the Proposed Wind Farm • High Cumulative Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would Development would be visible with one or more other cumulative wind farms from a single increase the scale of wind turbines in the landscape to a level at which the view would location, either in the same or different directions. Sequential cumulative visibility is the become dominated by wind farms; extent to which the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be viewed in succession with • Medium Cumulative Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would one or more other cumulative wind farms by receptors travelling through the landscape, result in a noticeable increase in turbines but this increase would not result in wind regardless of whether or not the sites themselves are inter-visible. farms being the dominant feature of the view; 4.78 The LVIA principally considers the degree to which the Proposed Wind Farm Development • Low Cumulative Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be would contribute to wind energy development becoming a significant or defining visible but would constitute a component of the view that might be easily missed by the characteristic of visual character. The Sensitivity of visual receptors remains the same as casual observer and would not contribute to the overall prominence of wind farms that already defined in the visual effect assessment because the visual resource is within the view; unaltered. Different criteria are used for assessing Magnitude and Significance of • Negligible Cumulative Visual Magnitude: The Proposed Wind Farm Development would Cumulative Visual Effects. be barely perceptible, or imperceptible, and would have no effect on the perception of Magnitude of Cumulative Visual Effect wind turbines within the view.
4.79 The Magnitude of cumulative visual effect is dependent on a number of factors, including: Significance of Cumulative Visual Effect • The nature of the Cumulative Baseline, i.e. the presence, appearance and intervisibility 4.81 The Significance of cumulative visual effects is dependent on the points considered within of existing, consented and proposed developments; the appraisal of sensitive receptors, the factors that influence the Magnitude of cumulative
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 13
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
visual effects, and the relationship between visual Sensitivity and Magnitude of cumulative rural settlement in the surrounding countryside. Most other settlements within the Study visual effect. The following general principles are used to inform and guide the assessment Area are located towards its outer edges, beyond distances of approximately 15 – 20 km of the Significance of Cumulative Visual Effects: from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. However, there are also a number of smaller • Significant Cumulative Visual Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of towns and villages located between 5 and 10 km to the north and east of the Proposed Wind visual receptors are deemed to be highly sensitive and the addition of the Proposed Development, including Garvagh, Kilrea, and Glenullin as well as clusters of rural settlement Wind Farm Development to the Cumulative Baseline would result in the view becoming and individual houses in rural areas throughout the Study Area. These are more frequent in defined, or considerably influenced, by wind turbines; the lowland farming landscapes in the eastern half and in the Roe Valley in the north west • Moderately Significant Cumulative Visual Effects: The significance of effects would although they do occur at lower densities elsewhere in the Study Area. There is little decrease as the number and sensitivity of visual receptors also decreases. The Proposed settlement within upland parts of the Sperrin AONB. Levels of visibility from areas of Wind Farm Development may still be a noticeable addition to views containing wind settlement and the road network are included in the visual analysis of the Site starting at farms in the cumulative baseline but it would not cause the overall visual character of section 4.106. the view to become defined by wind turbines rather than by other elements of the 4.84 The Site is currently used for rough sheep grazing and primarily comprises wet marshy existing view; grassland and areas of degraded blanket bog dissected by several deeply incised water • No Significant Cumulative Visual Effects: Effects that would occur when the majority of channels. It is open and exposed with only a few shelter belts of coniferous trees planted visual receptors are not deemed to be highly sensitive and where the Proposed Wind on lower lying parts in the north west, north east and south. It is typical in character to the Farm Development would have little or no incremental effect on existing views. The surrounding upland areas. Proposed Wind Farm Development is likely to constitute a barely perceptible, or 4.85 The site is bounded by Corlacky Road to the east which is part of the tertiary network with imperceptible, component of the wider view, which might be missed by the casual very few dwellings along its length. The southern part of the road has a more open aspect observer. Awareness of the Proposed Wind Farm Development would not have a marked and upland character with rough grazing, gorse scrub and clear long range views to the effect on the overall quality of the view. north and east. There is a greater level of vegetation both along the road corridor and in Baseline Conditions surrounding fields at the northern end of Corlacky Road and the surrounding fields have a more agricultural character. Knockoneill Road, which is similar in character, is located Landscape Character of the Site and Study Area close to the site’s northern boundary. Corlacky Road is part of the Carntogher History Trail which is a local tourist attraction and driving route providing access to a number of historic 4.82 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is located in County Derry in the townlands of sites in the countryside surrounding Maghera town. Some of these sites are well-signposted Corlacky and Knockoneill. The site is positioned on an east-facing upland area below and easily accessible from the public road network and have therefore been selected as Carntogher Mountain at the point where the eastern end of the Sperrin Mountain range viewpoints for more detailed analysis within this LVIA (section 4.106). meets the southern end of the Binevenagh range of hills. The majority of the 30 km Study 4.86 There are 31 other wind farms (existing, consented and proposed) within a 30 km radius of Area is also located within County Derry. The eastern side falls within County Antrim and the Proposed Wind Farm Development. These are primarily located across the uplands in the southern part falls within County Tyrone. The western half of the Study Area comprises the western half of the Study Area but there are also several located on the ridge of uplands of a series of upland areas interspersed by only a few lowland river valley landscapes. The to the east. The closest wind farms to the Proposed Wind Farm Development are a eastern half of the Study Area comprises a greater amount of lowland agricultural consented wind farm and extension at Brockaghboy which is located immediately to the landscapes which are framed along the eastern edge of the Study Area by a ridge of hills north. These wind farms are adjacent to the Drumbane Waymarked Trail (section 4.94). (Long Mountain Ridge). The south western quarter of the Study Area falls within the Sperrin The location of all other wind farms in the Cumulative Baseline are illustrated on Figure 4.4 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Proposed Wind Farm Development is and described in more detail later in this Baseline Assessment. located at the eastern edge of this AONB. Much of the Binevenagh AONB is also located within the northern section but there are no other statutorily designated landscapes present Planning Policy and Designated Landscapes in the Study Area. 4.87 A review of relevant key statutory designations has been carried out as part of this LVIA 4.83 The nearest settlements are Maghera town, which is located approximately 6.5 km to the because designation is one of the criteria used to assess the Significance of effects on south east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development, and the small village of Swatragh, landscape character and visual amenity in an objective manner. Whilst all landscapes have which is located approximately 3 km to the east. There are also relatively high levels of some subjective importance, particularly for those who live and work in them, or use them
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 14 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
for leisure, designation gives an indication of a landscape’s ‘Value to Society’. Landscapes have been selected to demonstrate that the potential effects on these distant parts of the are designated by statute, and policies for their protection, use, and management are preliminary study area would be negligible (see sections 4.271 and 4.274). included in Development Plans, usually following a consultation process (which seeks to Other Statutory Designations reach a consensus opinion, thereby reducing subjectivity). The national, regional and local designations that have been identified as being relevant to the landscape and visual 4.91 No other statutorily designated landscapes have been identified on which the Proposed Wind character of this Study Area are described below and illustrated in Figure 4.1. Farm Development is likely to have a significant effect. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Non Statutory Landscape Classifications
4.88 AONBs are the principal landscape conservation designation in Northern Ireland. The 4.92 A review of relevant non-statutory landscape classifications has also been carried out as part designation gives statutory recognition to the high scenic quality and distinctive landscape of this LVIA. These classifications identify landscapes or elements within the landscape that character of an area and the need to ensure that sensitive conservation measures take place are recognised as being important by virtue of being marketed as attractions or identified in to preserve these qualities alongside measures to allow public access and enjoyment of the non-statutory documentation in the public realm, but which have no protection in law. Key area. The needs of local communities, including their social and economic well-being, is a non statutory classifications are illustrated on Figure 4.1 and 4.2. key management objective, although development deemed to be detrimental to Rights of Way, Cycle Routes, and Scenic Drives environmental quality is not permitted within AONBs. The landscape around AONBs performs an important function by providing context, particularly for views to and from the 4.93 The Ulster Way is a 1000 km long circular walking route which covers the most scenic parts AONB and from key approach routes. of Ulster. It is divided into 'Quality Sections', which provide largely off-road way-marked access for walkers in highly scenic areas, and 'Link Sections', which are mainly along roads 4.89 There are two AONBs within the 30 km Study Area: the Binevenagh and Sperrin AONBs. The and are not generally way-marked. The Ulster Way traverses much of the Binevenagh range latter is the most significant AONB to this LVIA because it contains the Proposed Wind Farm of uplands which stretch between the northern edge to the centre of the Study Area and Development (on its eastern edge) and covers the western quarter of the Study Area. There then connects with the Glenelly Valley within the Sperrins in the south western part of the would be very limited visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the Study Area. Binevenagh AONB as indicated on the 30 km ZTV diagram (Figure 4.6) and preliminary viewpoint 21 (Technical Appendix 4.3). The Sperrins is the largest AONB in Northern 4.94 The Carntogher History Trail is a circular walking route providing footpath access to Ireland, covering 118,206 hectares, and was one of first to be designated in 1968. In 2008 it Carntogher Mountain and paths and road-based routes to a number of cultural heritage sites was re-designated to increase its boundary slightly in most directions to encompass areas in close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It is marketed via the Northern around its previous boundary which share similar scenic qualities. Overall the Sperrins Ireland Tourist Board and Walk NI websites and the Carntogher Community Association landscape character comprises broad rounded mountains and high plateaux dissected by Website where a diagrammatic map and further information on the sites can be narrow glens and lowland moorland. The landscape is often relatively remote and sparsely downloaded. Some sites are signposted on local roads but others are located on private populated with little access, but the fringes are less remote and more strongly characterised land and are less easy to locate. The Drumbane Waymarked Trail is a well-marked 10 – 12 by human influence as evidenced by well-tended agricultural land and small towns and km circular route providing access across the open moorland, rough grazing areas, woodland villages located to the east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. There are four scenic and lanes to the south of the village of Glenullin and accessed via Drumbane Road which is driving routes on parts of the secondary and tertiary road network in this AONB, some of part of the North Sperrin Scenic Drive. It is located approximately 3 km to the north of the which pass in close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development (see section 4.97). A Proposed Wind Farm Development. Several Provisional Viewpoints were initially selected number of Provisional Viewpoints were identified around the fringes of the Sperrins AONB for their location on, or in close proximity to a waymarked trail (Technical Appendix 6.3) and several were selected for more detailed analysis (Technical Appendix 6.3 and and Viewpoints 3, 4, 6 and 7 have been retained for detailed analysis (starting from section Viewpoints 1 – 5, 7 and 17 starting from section 4.144). However, the ZTV indicates very 4.159). limited visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development within most parts of the AONB and 4.95 The National Cycle Network provides cyclists with marked scenic routes across the province. no viable viewpoints were identified in the central upland parts. Within this Study Area there are two main routes along the Bann Valley approximately 12.5 4.90 The Causeway Coast and Antrim Coast and Glens AONBs would be located within km to the east and the Roe Valley approximately 14.5 km to the west of the Proposed Wind approximately 32 – 40 km of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Viewpoints 21 and 22 Farm Development. A number of Provisional Viewpoints were identified in the Bann Valley
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 15
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
and Viewpoints 15, 16 and 18 represent the nature of views from this cycle route (starting at • The Cumulative effects of simultaneous and sequential views throughout the Study Area; section 4.240). No viable views were identified in the Roe Valley because the western- • The Cumulative effects of small and larger newer turbines used in different wind energy facing side of the Binevenagh range of hills screens views of the eastern-facing Glenshane developments in the Antrim Plateau region; Slopes. There is also a section of the cycle network that links the Binevenagh escarpment at • The potential effects of wind turbines in conjunction with electricity transmission lines, the northern edge of the Study Area to the Sperrin Foothills around the village of Claudy in in the Antrim Plateau region; the east. No viewpoints were identified along this part of the route. • Separation distances and thresholds of wind energy development on specific ridge lines 4.96 Some parts of the Causeway Coast Scenic Drive are located at the north western edge of the such as those in the Killeter Uplands, Lough Bradan and Slievemore LCAs within the Study Area and there is also a scenic drive along the Roe Valley between Dungiven and North West region; Limavady, also in this part of the Study Area. Both are low-lying routes where views • Impacts on skylines along the Foyle, Strule and Clogher valleys and the north of Lough towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be screened by the Binevenagh range Erne; of uplands in the central part of the Study Area and no viewpoints have been identified on • Impacts on the wild character of some landscapes, e.g. the Killeter Uplands and to the these routes. north and east of the Antrim Glens; • Impacts on transport corridors and important tourist routes, especially the A6, A5, A505 4.97 Parts of three circular scenic driving routes within the Sperrin AONB ranging in length from and A4 and also on approaches to the Antrim Coast and Glens; 80 – 145 km are located within the Study Area. They are reasonably well signposted in most • Impacts on the character, scenic value and setting of the Sperrins of any wind energy parts and include roadside information boards, points of interest and stopping places in local development in the Sperrin Foothills LCA and Carrickmore Hills LCA and Visual impacts towns and villages where visitors are likely to stop and make use of local facilities: on the Erne Lakelands to the south. The Proposed Wind Farm Development is not • The North Sperrins Scenic Drive is an 80 km circular route which skirts around the north located in any of these LCAs and the Erne Lakelands are not within the Study Area. The eastern end of the Sperrin Mountain range, encompassing the Proposed Wind Farm ZTV diagrams also indicate negligible levels of visibility from the and therefore this Development. It includes the settlements of Maghera, Draperstown, Swatragh, Garvagh consideration is not further assessed); and Dungiven. There are some views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the • Effects on the settings of a number of settlements within the Antrim Plateau region are eastern side of this route which is located on lower ground at the base of the Glenshane referred to as considerations but, with the exception of Ballymena, none of these hills within 5 – 10 km of the Proposed Wind Farm Development (Viewpoints 2, 8 and 9 settlements are located within the Study Area and the ZTV diagrams illustrate limited starting from section 4.152). Benbradagh Mountain screens all views of the Proposed visibility around Ballymena. Therefore, this issue is not considered further in this LVIA; Wind Farm Development from the western side of this route; • Cumulative impacts with trans-boundary development in Co. Donegal and Co. Monaghan. • The East Sperrins Scenic Drive is a 101 km circular route in the southern part of the The ZTV diagrams indicate very limited visibility from Co. Donegal and Co. Monaghan is Study Area. It includes the farmland between Cookstown, Magherafelt and Draperstown not located in close proximity to this Study Area. Therefore, transboundary effects are and the uplands around Carrickmore. Viewpoint 17 (section 4.250) represents the types not analysed further in this LVIA. of views likely to be obtained from these uplands from distances of approximately 20 4.99 There are 25 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area. The Proposed Wind km. These same uplands are likely to screen views from the southern half of this route; Farm Development is located within the Glenshane Slopes Landscape Character Area (LCA • A small part of the Central Sperrins Scenic Drive is located along the Glenelly Valley on 39) and would therefore have a direct physical effect on part of this LCA, which is described the south western edge of the Study Area. There would be no views of the Proposed in detail starting at section 4.100. The Proposed Wind Farm Development may also have a Wind Farm Development from this part of the Study Area. potential indirect effect on the setting of parts of nine other LCAs which are in close Existing Landscape Character Assessments proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development, or which contain shortlisted viewpoints. 4.98 The descriptions of landscape character in this LVIA are based on the NILCA and the SPG. Summary descriptions of these LCAs are provided in Technical Appendix 4.2. There are 15 The Study Area straddles the North West and Antrim Plateau regions and the SPG notes a LCAs which have not been assessed in detail because the Baseline Assessment indicates that number of considerations in relation to wind energy development in these regions which are they are either on the periphery of the Study Area and the ZTV, or because they do not listed below and which are also considered in relation to the assessment of landscape contain shortlisted viewpoints. Such LCAs would not be significantly affected by the character, visual and cumulative effects: Proposed Wind Farm Development and have therefore not been subject to further detailed assessment. The titles of these LCAs and the reasons for their exclusion are also provided in • Appropriate separation distances and cluster sizes within the Antrim Plateau region to Technical Appendix 4.1. ensure that wind energy developments do not become overbearing or dominant;
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 16 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
LCA 39 Glenshane Slopes north east facing slopes from where views towards the Antrim Plateau and along the east-facing side of the Binevenagh plateau can be obtained. 4.100 This is a relatively small upland LCA located where the southern end of the Binevenagh range of hills meets the north eastern fringes of the Sperrin Mountains. Its key features, as Landscape Value: High taken from the NILCA, are as follows: 4.101 This LCA is described by the NILCA as being in generally good condition but the transitional • Carntogher Mountain is the highest summit (464 m AOD) which towers over the landscapes on the eastern and north eastern slopes have broken field patterns and Glenshane Pass. It is surrounded by other summits (Coolnasillagh Mountain at 423 m abandoned farms and cottages that lend an air of decline. Almost all of the LCA is within AOD, Craigmore at 395 m AOD, Moneyoran Hill at 414 m AOD and Colcoscreghan at the Sperrin AONB and it also has a high proportion of cultural heritage sites relative to its 378 m AOD) which together form a series of broad, rounded ridges with sweeping slopes size and many of these are accessible via the Carntogher History Trail (section 4.94). and rocky outcrops, leading to steeper and more pointed summits than that of the Landscape Sensitivity to the Proposed Development: High adjacent basalt plateau of Binevenagh; • The LCA has a complex mix of land cover elements and features. Hill summits have a 4.102 The SPG states that, “While the rounded ridges of this LCA are, in principle, suited to wind simple open composition of largely open moorland, carpeted with close-cropped rough energy development, the very high prominence and visibility of the LCA at a Northern grassland and extensive bog. There are deep branching gullies on the edges of these Ireland-wide level is a key constraint. In addition, this is a pristine mountain landscape to uplands and particularly striking ladder field patterns on south-east slopes around which many special landscape values – including a strong sense of wildness – are attached. Crockor. The eastern slopes have a more diverse landscape pattern, with a transition to This landscape is highly sensitive to wind energy development. Even its north-eastern undulating drumlin topography and pastoral fields in lowland parts near Maghera; fringes, where landscape condition is in decline, are highly sensitive due to the presence of • Townland boundaries are visible as prominent earth banks and stone walls which form a important archaeological landscapes.” striking landscape pattern on some slopes; 4.103 At the time of the SPG’s assessment there were no operational or consented wind farms • Glenshane Forest is an extensive conifer plantation adjacent to the A6 road corridor at within this LCA. The nearest operational wind farm was at Rigged Hill, which was already the fringes of the Upper Roe valley on the south-western edge of the LCA. It is an established feature of the Binevenagh plateau approximately 10 km to the north. There accessible to the general public via a network of paths off the A6 at Altrasna Bridge; was also a consented wind farm at Long Mountain which is another upland ridge located • Man-made influences are judged by the NILCA to be generally limited and the LCA is approximately 16 km to the north-east. The SPG noted that both of these developments described as being an open, wild landscape with no prominent buildings or would have some impact on the landscape setting of the LCA and cumulative impacts would infrastructure except for the A6, which is a busy road taking traffic between Belfast and require careful consideration. Derry. There are also concentrations of archaeological sites around Crockmore and Carntogher Mountains indicating longstanding human use of this landscape and rough 4.104 Since the SPG’s publication the Cumulative Baseline both within this LCA and in the grazing and small stands of coniferous trees on side slopes. The fringes of this LCA are surrounding LCAS which create its setting, has changed significantly. There are two characterised by farmed landscapes and rural settlement becoming denser in proximity consented wind farms at Brockaghboy which would be located immediately to the north of to Maghera town; the Proposed Wind Farm Development within the Glenshane Slopes LCA, and a number of • This LCA is a key element in the approach to and route through the Sperrins and North other wind farms located on other upland areas within the Study Area, including on Long West along the A6 and the upland edges are an important skyline feature; Mountain Ridge and Binevenagh. Further detail of the cumulative baseline into which the Proposed Wind Farm Development would fit is described in section 4.123. • There are long distance views towards this area of the LCA from around Lough Neagh as well as closer range views from Garvagh to the north and Maghera to the west. There Key Location, Siting, Layout and Design Considerations are panoramic views in all directions from hill summits and, in clear weather conditions 4.105 The SPG describes this LCA as an exposed landscape with very high landscape and visual there are views to Donegal and Lough Foyle, Sawel Mountain and the high Sperrins, sensitivity and it recommends that any turbine development that is permitted should be Slieve Gallion, the Antrim Hills and the Mourne Mountains at the south eastern end of closely associated with and reflect the scale of farmsteads. It also recommends that care the province. Carntogher summit has a network of footpaths leading to its summit (the should be required to avoid adverse impacts on the extremely sensitive open, exposed Carntogher Way) but other summits in this LCA are less easily accessible. There is also a slopes and ridgelines and on the key landscape and visual characteristics and values small circular walk at the northern end of this LCA at Drumbane which crosses the lower described in this section. However, with the exception of a single turbine next to the Carntogher History Trail car park at the base of Carntogher Mountain, the wind farms that Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 17
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
have been consented in this LCA are located on the side slopes of the upland areas in the attraction and driving route providing access to a number of historic sites in the countryside north of the LCA around Coolcoscreaghan/ Brockaghboy/ Drumbane. Therefore, the analysis surrounding Maghera town. Some of these sites are well-signposted and easily accessible of the Proposed Wind Farm Development’s potential effects on the character of this LCA, from the public road network and have therefore been selected as viewpoints for more and surrounding LCAs takes account of the presence of existing and consented wind farms detailed analysis within this LVIA and to represent the nature of views and character of the which form part of the baseline landscape character. landscape along the Carntogher History Trail (see Viewpoints 1, 4 and 5 starting at section 4.144). Visual Character of the Site and Study Area Visual Receptors 4.106 As described in section 4.82 the site of the Proposed Wind Farm Development is an east- facing upland area below Carntogher Mountain at the point where the eastern end of the 4.110 The following key receptor groups who may be affected by the Proposed Wind Farm Sperrin Mountain range meets the southern end of the Binevenagh range of hills. It Development have been identified through the Baseline Assessment of the Proposed Wind overlooks the eastern half of the Study Area which comprises a greater amount of lowland Farm Development's visual context and ZTV: agricultural landscapes. These are physically contained along the eastern edge of the Study Residents of small settlements and individual dwellings in the countryside Area by another ridge of hills (Long Mountain Ridge). The western half of the Study Area primarily comprises of a series of upland areas with smaller lowland river valley landscapes 4.111 This group of receptors is judged to be of High Sensitivity because they are static and are in between them. likely to experience views for long periods of time. Individual dwellings within the countryside may be located in order to take advantage of high quality landscapes or views. 4.107 With the exception of the villages of Swatragh, Garvagh and the town of Maghera, most These receptors will sometimes be located in relatively close proximity to the Proposed larger towns and villages are located towards the outer edges of the Study Area beyond Wind Farm Development – there are clusters of rural properties on the road network and distances of approximately 15 - 20 km. However, there are also a number of smaller towns throughout the countryside to the east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development, in the and villages located between 5 and 10 km to the north and east of the Proposed Wind Farm countryside between Swatragh and the outskirts of Maghera as well as in the rest of the Development where views are often framed by the long ranges of uplands which stretch rural landscape in the eastern half of the Study Area. from Binevenagh in the north of the Study Area, along the Glenshane Slopes in the central part and then south westwards as the Sperrin Mountains. There are clusters of rural Visitors to designated and high quality landscapes and those undertaking passive recreation settlement and individual houses in rural areas throughout the Study Area. These are more activities that are directly associated with the enjoyment of scenery frequent in the lowland farming landscapes in the eastern half and in the Roe Valley in the 4.112 This group of receptors is judged to be of High Sensitivity because the character and north-west although they do occur at lower densities elsewhere in the Study Area. There is appearance of the landscape is their primary interest. Their length of stay may often be little settlement within upland parts of the Sperrin AONB. Levels of visibility from all areas governed by landscape and visual quality. They are most likely to be present on the of settlement are included in the Assessment of Visual Effects section 4.136. Carntogher History Trail, North Sperrins Scenic Drive and Drumbane Way in relatively close 4.108 There is a network of A-roads linking the main areas of settlement and tertiary B-roads in proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. They will also be located on the Ulster many other parts of the Study Area. The A6 and A29 are the closest A road routes to the Way as it traverses the Binevenagh range of hills, and on scenic driving routes located at Proposed Wind Farm Development and a number of Provisional Viewpoints were identified greater distances from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. on these roads (Technical Appendix 6.3). Most other parts of the Study Area, with the Visitors undertaking active outdoor recreation activities that are not directly associated exception of most mountains and upland areas, are accessible via a network of small rural with the enjoyment of scenery roads with generally low levels of traffic. Viewpoints have been selected to represent levels of visibility from various parts of the road network. 4.113 This group of receptors is judged to be of Medium Sensitivity because they are not always located in designated or highly scenic landscapes and their primary reason for being present 4.109 The site is bounded by Corlacky Road to the east which is part of the tertiary network with in the landscape is not the appreciation of its character and appearance. There are unlikely very few dwellings along its length (approximately five dwellings in total). The southern to be a large number of these receptors in the Study Area because there are few formal part of the road is more open and has clear long range views to the north and east. There is centres for such activities with the exception of the National Cycle Network and the River a greater level of vegetation both along the road corridor and in surrounding fields at the Bann canoe trail. Their length of stay is less affected by landscape and visual quality northern end of Corlacky Road and the surrounding fields which prevent longer range views. although their enjoyment may be enhanced by it. Knockoneill Road, which is similar in character, is located along part of the sites northern boundary. Corlacky Road is part of the Carntogher History Trail which is a local tourist
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 18 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Residents of larger settlements Viewpoints were not shortlisted if a more typical view was demonstrated elsewhere, where no safe stopping place was possible to take a photograph or where the viewpoint location 4.114 This group of receptors is judged to be of Medium Sensitivity and of less sensitivity than was not easily accessible to the public. residents of smaller settlements and individual dwellings in rural areas. Their location is unlikely to be governed solely by landscape and visual quality and their views would be Table 4.1: Shortlisted Viewpoints heavily influenced by manmade urban and suburban elements. Settlements are identified in Viewpoint number and location Approx. Direction Reason for Choice section 4.110. distance of View from Outdoor workers nearest turbine 4.115 This group of receptors are judged to be of Low Sensitivity because they are mobile and 1 Knockoneill Road Court 1.45 km South Residents in close proximity to Proposed Wind would be engaged in active work. The quality of landscape and visual character would not Tomb, Figure 4.13 west Farm Development; cumulative effects of influence their presence or length of stay although they are likely to spend prolonged Brockaghboy; point of interest on Carntogher periods of time outdoors. They are most likely to include farm workers located throughout History Trail (Knockoneill Court Tomb), within the Study Area and smaller numbers of forestry workers at plantations throughout upland AONB parts of the Study Area. 2 Drumbane Road, North 2.02 km South Tourists on scenic driving route within AONB in Sperrins Scenic Drive, west close proximity to Proposed Wind Farm Travellers in vehicles using the primary, secondary and tertiary road networks Figure 4.14 Development; cumulative effects of Brockaghboy 4.116 This group of receptors is judged to be of Low Sensitivity because they would experience 3 Drumbane Waymarked 1.89 km South Cumulative effects of Brockaghboy; tourists on transitory views whilst travelling at speed for reasons other than the enjoyment of Trail, Figure 4.15 well-marked trail in close proximity to Proposed landscape or visual quality. Their use of the road network may be enhanced by landscape Wind Farm Development and visual quality but would also be heavily influenced by manmade elements, the roads 4 Carntogher Mountain Trail 2.27 km North Tourist attraction in close proximity to Proposed themselves and the traffic on them. These may themselves be of detriment to landscape Car Park, Cotter Row, Wind Farm Development; represents similar quality, particularly where road corridors are in poor physical quality or where noise from Tirkane, Figure 4.16 views as approach road from Maghera direction busy traffic detracts from the tranquillity of the landscape. This group of visual receptors 5 Tirkane Sweat House near 4.50 km North Destination on Carntogher History Trail; similar would be located throughout the Study Area, including a number of regional transport Maghera, Figure 4.17 west views from nearby houses and An Carn routes in relatively close proximity to the site including the A6, A29, A42 and A54. Community Centre. Designated scenic routes and travellers on scenic driving routes are excluded from this 6 Benbradagh Mountain, 7.3 km South Ulster Way; elevated viewpoint; cumulative receptor group and included in the group undertaking passive outdoor recreation that are Figure 4.18 east effects of Brockaghboy judged to be highly sensitive. 7 Tamniarin Hill, Banagher, 8.45 km North Ulster Way near Banagher and A6 primary route; Figure 4.19 east within Sperrin AONB; elevated viewpoint Viewpoint Selection Process represents cumulative effects with wind farms in 4.117 As part of the Baseline Assessment 65 Provisional Viewpoints were identified to assess the west of Study Area potential effects upon the key receptor groups and from key parts of the Study Area. 8 Maghera Park & Ride, A6, 8.0 km North This part of A6 road corridor likely to experience Discussion with the Applicant and Archaeology Consultant informed this assessment and, Figure 4.20 west clearer views towards Proposed Wind Farm following a preliminary site survey, these Provisional Viewpoints were shortlisted to 22 Development than elsewhere along the A6 corridor viewpoints that represent typical views within the Study Area. Details of all Provisional Viewpoints, including those which have been shortlisted, are provided in Technical Appendix 9 Corby Island Parking Layby, 8.75 km North Main route with frequent views of similar nature 4.2, and their locations are also shown in Figure 4.3. The 22 final viewpoints are also listed A29 between Maghera and west to this one; exact location selected because Draperstown, Figure 4.21 parking layby includes tourist signage and offers a in Table 4.1 below, alongside the reasons why they have been shortlisted. A detailed safer stopping place than elsewhere on A29 description of the Shortlisted Viewpoints is included the Assessment of Visual Effects, 10 Tamlaght O’Crilly between 9.91 km West Represents typical medium-range views from section 4.136. A number of Provisional Viewpoints were not shortlisted because they Portglenone and Maghera, eastern side of Study Area; in proximity to a small provided no actual view of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Other Provisional
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 19
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Viewpoint number and location Approx. Direction Reason for Choice Viewpoint number and location Approx. Direction Reason for Choice distance of View distance of View from from nearest nearest turbine turbine Figure 4.22 settlement 20 Slieve Kirk at junction of 32.83 km East Elevated location; cumulative effects with wind Knockbrack and Lisdillon farms in western half of Study Area; represents 11 Curran Picnic Area, A6, 13.96 km North Stopping place on A6 approaching site Roads, Figure 4.32 typical scale of Proposed Wind Farm Figure 4.23 west Development in elevated long range views from 12 Approach to 12.39 km North Elevated views above A6; approach to small south west Knockloughrim, A6, Figure west village; represents similar open views that may 21 Junction of Toberkeagh & 37.33 km South Cycle network; represents scale of Proposed 4.24 also be obtained on nearby section of A6 Moycraig Roads, west Wind Farm Development in long distance views 13 Coolnasillagh Road 9.39 km South Proximity to rural houses and small settlement; Croaghmore Hill, Causeway from setting for Causeway Coast AONB between Garvagh and cumulative with Upper Ballyrogan; alternative Coast, Figure 4.33 Gortnamoyagh Forest, location to nearby Temain Hill (pvp15) which is 22 Slieveannorra Summit, 37.12 km South Nature reserve; represents scale of Proposed Figure 4.25 on Ulster Way but where site assessment Antrim Glens AONB, Figure west Wind Farm Development in long distance views revealed that views screened by forestry 4.34 from Antrim Glens AONB; historic tomb (Hugh 14 Magheraboy Road near 19.11 km South Elevated long range views from Long Mountain McP. O’N) Long Mountain, Figure 4.26 west ridge; cumulative effects likely with nearby wind farms and those on Binevenagh and Glenshane Slopes; represents views of rural residents Other Wind Farms in the Study Area 15 Townhill Road near 16.20 km West Rural road network within Bann Valley; junction with Blackstone alternative location with clearer views and safer 4.118 There are 31 within a 30 km radius of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and a further Road between Kilrea & stopping place than pvps14 and 18 (pvp14 23 wind farms within 40 km. These are primarily located across the uplands in the western Portglenone, Figure 4.27 would not experience views, views from pvp18 half of the Study Area but there are also several located on the ridge of uplands to the east. represented by this viewpoint) The majority of wind farms in the Cumulative Baseline are either existing or consented;
• There are nine existing wind farms and twelve consented wind farms within 30 km of 16 Lough Beg Road near 20.16 km North National Cycle Network and Lower Bann Cycle the Proposed Wind Farm Development Newferry Amenity Site, west Route; rural dwellings; canoe trail and visitor • There are a further ten existing and eight consented wind farms located 30 – 40 km from near Toome, Figure 4.28 amenity site the Proposed Wind Farm Development 17 Slieve Gallion Mountain at 18.98 km North Elevated location in AONB; alternative to Tirgan • There are ten proposed wind farms within 30 km Crockandun Viewing Point, Viewpoint which is mentioned in Council • A further five proposed wind farms located beyond 30 km. Figure 4.29 promotional literature but from where there is no visibility of Proposed Wind Farm 4.119 The closest wind farms to the Proposed Wind Farm Development are a consented wind farm Development; on East Sperrin’s Scenic Drive; and extension at Brockaghboy which is located immediately to the north. These wind farms signposted viewing point; excellent views over are adjacent to the Drumbane Waymarked Trail which is a well-marked 10 – 12 km circular Sperrin Mountains route providing access across the open moorland, rough grazing areas, woodland and lanes 18 Ballynacree House, 18.90 km South Tourist amenities in close proximity to this to the south of the village of Glenullin and accessed via Drumbane Road which is part of the Glenstall Road near west viewpoint (campsite and marina); near North Sperrin Scenic Drive. In accordance with GLVIA best practice guidelines existing and Balnamore, Figure 4.30 settlement; rural dwellings consented wind farms are considered to be part of baseline landscape and visual character 19 Ballyvelton Road, 23.85 km South Settlement with range of receptor types; as well as in the cumulative assessment. The assessment of effects of the Proposed Wind Ballyrashane near junction west secondary road network (B67); National Cycle with Newmills Road, Network; elevated long-range views; cumulative Farm Development takes consideration of their presence, or anticipated presence. The Coleraine, Figure 4.31 developments at various distances; similar views incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on a Cumulative Baseline which along much of Newmills Road includes other proposed wind farms is considered in the assessment of cumulative effects (section 4.286). Full details of the wind farms in the Cumulative Baseline, including their
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 20 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
names, status, distance from the Proposed Wind Farm Development, number of turbines, the interiors and structures of buildings. Land that is particularly prone to flooding will and visibility from particular viewpoints is provided in Technical Appendix 4.4 and their become undevelopable; locations are illustrated on Figure 4.4. • Demographic change is creating the need for a large number of additional dwellings in the countryside which creates pressures on infrastructure. In particular the rural 4.120 Three cumulative ZTV diagrams have been produced to assist the cumulative visual landscape at the edge of existing settlements, such as those around the Proposed Wind assessment. They illustrate the incremental effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Farm Development, is experiencing pressure for built development. In the open Development on the Cumulative Baseline created by existing, consented and proposed wind countryside the presence of derelict buildings signifies a loss of traditional built farms within both 30 and 40 km and are also analysed in the Assessment of cumulative vernacular and a loss of biodiversity and vegetation; effects starting at section 4.286. • Continued expansion of the road network in the study area is likely to occur alongside Single Turbines built development. Improvements to existing secondary roads are also likely (e.g. 4.121 The cumulative assessment takes account of the presence of existing non-commercial single straightening, widening and increased signage) and will have cumulative negative turbines where these are evident within the Study Area and in the photographs from the impacts on local landscape character by eroding local patterns and causing the loss of viewpoints selected for detailed assessment. Where they are evident they are included in roadside trees, hedgerows, stonewalls and bridges; the detailed description of viewpoints. • There is an ongoing trend towards the amalgamation of small farms with the associated loss of traditional buildings and vernacular features, loss of hedgerows and trees to Information Gaps create larger fields. This is having a detrimental impact on the general quality and 4.122 There are no known information gaps. condition of the rural landscape character. There is also a trend, however, for farmers to diversify into more traditional farming techniques, husbandry of traditional breeds, Future Baseline and the provision of tourist attractions and accommodation. This often has positive 4.123 Under the “do nothing” scenario, were the Proposed Wind Farm Development not to be landscape impacts. Current forestry grant schemes encourage farmers to plant more developed, it is anticipated that the site would be continued to be used in much the same broadleaved trees for amenity and wildlife benefits and in the future this should manner as it currently is. However, the existing landscape and visual character of the site strengthen the character of farmed landscapes. However, converting fields to coniferous and the wider Study Area will continue to be influenced by human activity which is plantations or selling it for housing development will continue to be a detrimental force; constantly changing the landscape and it is important that the implications of these changes • Commercial forestry on a large scale is detrimental to landscape character as it are considered and understood so that the intrinsic qualities of the landscape are retained conceals the intricate pattern of the landscape and often occupies visually prominent and enhanced rather than destroyed or compromised. The key trends are identified in the positions in upland areas. Peat cutting alters the undulating topography and creates NILCA and are also implied by the existing character of the Study Area: abrupt and artificial changes in level. This activity, particularly as it has become • There are existing wind farms within the Study Area, including two consented wind mechanised, also destroys natural vegetation and habitats. Where land becomes too farms on the adjacent Brockaghboy site, and more wind farms will be developed across wet to farm forestry is likely to become an attractive alternative. This may provide the Counties Antrim, Derry, Donegal and Tyrone, some of which are likely to be intervisible opportunity to continue the current shift from coniferous plantations to broadleaved with the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It is likely that the current trend of forestry which will in turn have a potentially positive impact on landscape character, developing cleaner renewable energy sources will continue and become more visual amenity and ecological function; environmentally acceptable given the predicted effects of climate change; • Agriculture is one of Northern Ireland's major industries. Pasture is likely to remain the • Climate change is likely to have the biggest implications on the landscape and its users dominant agricultural land-use but warmer temperatures will also enable spring cereal in the future. Broadly, it is characterised by a general increase in unpredictable weather crops to be grown as well as an increase in the use of pesticides. conditions which will inevitably impact upon all areas of life. River levels are likely to rise and there will be an associated loss of buildings in the flood plain. There will be a Description of the Proposed Corlacky Hill Wind Farm loss of habitats associated with the erosion of river banks and lough shores which 4.124 The Proposed Wind Farm Development comprises the construction of 11 turbines with a support unique combinations of plants and animals. Migrant species, in particular birds, maximum of 149.9 m to tip height. It will also include a new site entrance, access tracks, may also be affected and warmth-loving species will gradually replace those currently areas of hard standing, a control building and electricity substation, underground cabling, adapted to colder climates. Flooding will become more frequent and cause damage to
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 21
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
energy storage containers and a number of off-site areas of widening to the public road. iii Impacts on transport corridors and important tourist routes, especially the A6, A5, During construction there would be a number of temporary works including a construction A505 and A4 and also on approaches to the Antrim Coast and Glens; compound with car parking, an enabling works compound, temporary crane hard standings, The Proposed Wind Farm Development would not have a far-reaching effect on views from welfare facilities and three temporary meteorological masts. The details of the Proposed the A6. A large number of Provisional Viewpoints were identified along the A6 road corridor Wind Farm Development are included in Chapter 2, Proposed Development. in close proximity to the site but the majority were found to have no potential visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development due to steeply rising topography around the base of Likely Significant Effects Carntogher Mountain and adjacent hills (Figure 4.3 and Technical Appendix 4.3). The Effects on Landscape Character Proposed Wind Farm Development is likely to be intermittently visible from the A6 for people travelling towards Derry when they are located between the Curran (Viewpoint 11) Effects on Regional Landscape Character and Maghera (Viewpoint 8) as well as elevated ground to the north of the road corridor (Viewpoint 12). From this part of the Study Area the Glenshane Slopes merge with the 4.125 The SPG notes that a number of issues should be considered in relation to potential effects adjacent Binevenagh plateau and Sperrin Mountains to form a broad skyline which provides on landscape character within the North West and Antrim Plateau regions, parts of which the setting for lowland views. The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible on are within this Study Area and these are considered below: this skyline alongside the consented Brockaghboy wind farms which have already been i Impacts on skylines along the Foyle, Strule and Clogher valleys and the north of Lough accepted as a new element of these views and, therefore, the Proposed Wind Farm Erne. Development would not represent an entirely new landscape character element. The ZTV diagrams (Figures 4.5 - 4.8) that have been produced for this LVIA demonstrate that It is located at some distance from approaches to the Antrim Coast and Glens and the ZTVs there are unlikely to be significant views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the indicate patchy visibility which is likely to be further decreased by the presence of high western half of the Study Area and in particular from river valleys such as the Foyle and levels of vegetation in the Bann Valley LCAs to the east of the Proposed Wind Farm Roe. However, there are likely to be views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on the Development. Viewpoints within the Bann Valley LCAs and elevated parts of the Antrim skyline which frames views from the Bann Valley in the eastern half of the Study Area and Coast and Glens AONB demonstrate that the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be a these are analysed through the assessment of Viewpoints 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 18. The visible element on the skyline where views are available. However, it would not be a Strule and Clogher Valleys and Lough Erne are not within this Study Area. dominant feature because the uplands which form the skyline are expansive and stretch from the north Derry coastline into the Sperrins in the west. ii Impacts on the wild character of some landscapes, e.g. the Killeter Uplands and to the iv Turbine development, if permitted should be closely associated with and reflect the north and east of the Antrim Glens. scale of farmsteads. Care should be required to avoid adverse impacts on the None of the areas specifically referred to in the SPG are located within the Study Area. The extremely sensitive open, exposed slopes and ridgelines and on the key landscape and Proposed Wind Farm Development is located within a small upland LCA on the north eastern visual characteristics and values described in the SPG. fringes of the Sperrins and is described in the SPG as being a wild open landscape. 4.126 With the exception of a single turbine next to the Carntogher History Trail car park at the However, whilst many parts of the uplands in this LCA are not easily accessible, its small base of Carntogher Mountain, the two wind farms that have been consented in this LCA size means that it its character is also heavily influenced by the adjacent pastoral since publication of the SPG do not meet these criteria. Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy landscapes to the east which provides a setting for these uplands. Many parts of the lower Extension are located on the side slopes of the upland areas in the north of the LCA around slopes are also characterised by man-made influences such as forestry, the A6 road corridor, Coolcoscreaghan/ Brockaghboy/ Drumbane rather than around farmsteads or at a scale that rural dwellings and grazing land which are not elements of wild character. reflects them. The Proposed Wind Farm Development is closely related to these two wind The upland parts of the Sperrin Mountains LCA, which is also within the Study Area, has a farms and reinforces their influence on the landscape character rather than increasing the more remote, large scale and wild character, although it has also been shaped by man-made physical influence of wind energy development into other parts of the LCA. It is not being influences such as the clearance of vegetation and the partial cultivation of land for rough proposed in an extremely sensitive open or exposed ridgeline as evidenced by the limited grazing. The ZTV diagrams indicate that there is unlikely to be significant visibility of the extent of its visibility in the western half of the Study Area. Proposed Wind Farm Development from this LCA.
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 22 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
4.127 Of the twenty five LCAs within the Study Area ten are likely to be affected, either directly the village of Swatragh, which is the nearest settlement to the Proposed Wind Farm or indirectly, by the Proposed Wind Farm Development. However, with the exception of the Development, are frequently screened by this rising topography and vegetation along road LCA within which it is located, none are deemed to be significantly affected. corridors and adjacent pastoral fields (these areas were assessed in Provisional Viewpoints 11 and 20 described in Technical Appendix 4.3). 4.128 The remaining 15 LCAs have not been subject to detailed assessment because the Baseline Assessment indicates that they are on the periphery of the Study Area and the ZTV, or 4.131 The LCA as a whole is a key element in the approach to and route through the Sperrins and because they do not contain representative viewpoints and are therefore unlikely to be North West along the A6 and the upland edges are noted as an important skyline feature by significantly affected by the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The titles of these LCAs the SPG. The selection and site analysis of PVPs demonstrated that visibility of the and the reasons for their exclusion from detailed assessment are provided in Technical Proposed Wind Farm Development when passing over the Glenshane Pass on the A6 is Appendix 4.1. negligible. The LCA is small but is located between two more expansive upland LCAs – Binevenagh and the Sperrin Mountains - which combine to form a continuous plateau of hills Effects on LCA 39 Glenshane Slopes stretching from the north to the south west of the Study Area and beyond. The Proposed 4.129 This LCA is relatively small and the Proposed Wind Farm Development occupies the central Wind Farm Development is located across the middle slopes of this LCA, between part of it. Therefore, it is likely to significantly and directly affect some elements of the Carntogher Mountain and Moneyoran Hill. The SPG describes the landscape in this part of landscape character both on the site itself and on surrounding roads which will be used the LCA as having a simple open composition. Therefore, despite having some significant during the construction period because it will introduce a new physical element that does effects on the Glenshane Slopes LCA, the Proposed Wind Farm Development is also located not currently exist on the site. Land cover on this part of the LCA comprises a mix of open in conformance with many of the SPGs general principles of where to site wind energy moorland, areas of bog, rough grassland and areas of forestry – the former elements are developments in upland landscapes17: described by the SPG as being usually more sensitive, whilst forestry is regarded as less • “Uplands with a simple rounded and generally horizontal form are able to sensitive. The SPG also describes this LCA as an exposed landscape with very high landscape accommodate larger turbine groupings than more dramatic or convoluted upland and visual sensitivity and recommends that permitted wind turbines should be closely landforms”; associated with and reflect the scale of farmsteads. However, with the exception of a • Turbines sited on prominent summits should generally be avoided. “It is normally single turbine next to the Carntogher History Trail car park at the base of Carntogher better to utilise less prominent side slopes”; Mountain, the wind farms that have been consented in this LCA are located on the side • “Locations close to distinctive topographic features, field patterns, buildings or other slopes of the upland areas in the north of the LCA. Therefore the Proposed Wind Farm features may have a greater impact on landscape character and bring undesirable scale Development will not introduce an entirely new element into the LCA because there are comparisons”. In some parts of the LCA the SPG notes that townland boundaries are already two consented wind farms at Brockaghboy which is immediately adjacent to the visible as prominent earth banks and stone walls which form a striking landscape pattern Proposed Wind Farm Development. on some slopes but this is not the case on the site of the Proposed Wind Farm 4.130 The SPG recommends that adverse impacts on the extremely sensitive open, exposed slopes Development. and ridgelines should be avoided and, although the Proposed Wind Farm Development is Effects on Designated Landscapes located on an exposed slope the turbines are positioned on the middle slopes at elevations of between approximately 270 and 330 m AOD, well away from ridgeline which occurs at 4.132 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is located at the north eastern end of the Sperrin heights of approximately 380 to 550 m AOD. Its potential effects are also minimised by its AONB and would therefore have a direct physical effect on the landscape character of this adjacency to Brockaghboy and its avoidance of prominent summits within the LCA. In long part. However, this is a large AONB and the ZTV diagrams demonstrate that views of the distance views towards this LCA from around Lough Neagh, as well as closer range views Proposed Wind Farm Development from the rest of the AONB are very limited. Its location from Garvagh to the north east and Maghera to the south east, the Proposed Wind Farm adjacent to two consented wind farms at Brockaghboy further minimises its effects on the Development would be viewed alongside Brockaghboy. It is only likely to be perceived as a character of the AONB which are, overall, deemed to be Not Significant. The Proposed Wind separate development from very close range views, including those from footpaths on Farm Development is unlikely to be clearly visible from the Binevenagh, Causeway Coast or Carntogher Mountain itself. In these instances the Proposed Wind Farm Development is Antrim Coast and Glens AONBs (see section 4.89 – 90) and its effects on these AONBS are likely to appear as a prominent feature, although still within the setting of Brockaghboy. also deemed to be Not Significant. The topography continues to fall towards the east and views from the A29 road corridor and 17 SPG Table 4: General Principles: Sensitivity, Opportunities and Challenges in Different Landscapes (page 33) Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 23
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Effects on Non-Statutorily Classified Landscape boundary 4.133 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would not physically affect any parts of the Study 39 Glenshane Slopes 0 km High Medium Moderately Area with non-statutory landscape classifications. However, it would be located at close Significant range to parts of the Carntogher Way from where it would be a more prominent feature of 40 Upper Moyola Valley Adjacent Low Negligible Not Significant views than the consented wind farms at Brockaghboy. It is therefore deemed to have a boundary Significant effect on this waymarked trail. 50 Moyola Floodplain 1.5 km Low Low Not Significant Magnitude and Significance of Landscape Effects 51 Garvagh Farmland Adjacent Medium Negligible Not Significant boundary 4.134 The overall Significance of Landscape Effects on the Glenshane Slopes LCA is judged to be 52 Lower Bann Valley 4 km Medium Low Not Significant Moderately Significant because it is a small and highly sensitive LCA. However, the Proposed Wind Farm Development’s close relationship with Brockaghboy means that it 53 Lower Bann Floodplain 7.5 km Low Negligible Not Significant would not significantly alter the existing baseline character but will minimise the geographic 54 Coleraine Farmland 12 km Low Negligible Not Significant extent of landscape character effects on the LCA. Although it will have a direct physical 58 Long Mountain Ridge 13 km Low Low Not Significant effect on part of the Glenshane Slopes LCA this would be reduced by its proximity to two consented wind farms at Brockaghboy which would influence most views from the LCA from where the Proposed Wind Farm Development would also be visible. Effects on Visual Character 4.135 The Magnitude of effects on other LCAs within the Study Area is deemed to be negligible Effects on the Study Area and the Zone of Theoretical Visibility because the Proposed Wind Farm Development would appear alongside the two Brockaghboy wind farms as a smaller and more coherent element of panoramic views along the plateau 4.136 ZTV diagrams have been produced at radii of 15, 30 and 40 km from the Proposed Wind formed by Binevenagh, the Glenshane Slopes and Sperrin Mountains. Furthermore, the Farm Development based on the proposed turbine dimensions and illustrating blade-tip summit of Carntogher Mountain, and the wider plateau of uplands, serves to screen views of visibility. A 30 km Reverse ZTV has also been produced to clearly illustrate areas where the Proposed Wind Farm Development from most of the western side of the Study Area there would be no theoretical visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. These where its effects on landscape character will be negligible. The majority of landscape diagrams were the starting point for the baseline visual assessment and have been used to character elements within the Glenshane Slopes LCA would remain unaltered by the assist the selection of PVPs, the site assessment and to refine the size of the Study Area Proposed Wind Farm Development. The fact that the Proposed Wind Farm Development is from the initial 40 km to the final 30 km radius. ZTV diagrams are provided in Figures 4.5 – likely to be more visible in the eastern half of the Study Area where the lowlands are well- 4.8 and analysed below. They illustrate the theoretical visibility and non-visibility of the vegetated pastoral landscapes with some areas of complex drumlin topography means that Proposed Wind Farm Development as a standalone development, unrelated to any other any perceived changes to the existing landscape character would be slight and occur over wind farms in the Study Area. They indicate that, within a 15 km radius from the Proposed limited parts of the Study Area. Overall there would be no fundamental change and the Wind Farm Development, just over 64% of the Study Area is likely to have some theoretical Proposed Wind Farm Development would integrate into the existing landscape with no loss visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development (see Table 4.1). Within a 30 km radius to key landscape character elements or attributes. this theoretical visibility decreases to less than 48% and within 40 km it further reduces to less than 44%. The ZTVs illustrate that there is likely to be greater visibility in the eastern
half of the Study Area. Views from most parts of the Sperrin AONB are also shown by the Table 4.2: Summary of Effects on Landscape Character ZTV to be limited and the majority of this AONB is outwith the ZTV for the Proposed Wind
Landscape Character Area Approx. Landscape Magnitude of Significance of Farm Development. There are only likely to be clear views from some close range nearest Sensitivity to Landscape Effects Landscape Effects viewpoints in the north and north eastern corner of the AONB in which the Proposed Wind distance to Proposed Wind Farm Development is located. In the western half of the Study Area even close range views Proposed Farm Development Wind Farm are likely to be restricted by higher ground along the Binevenagh range of hills and Sperrin Development mountains. Clear areas of visibility are likely to be located on the lower slopes of Long 29 Sperrin Mountains 2 km High Negligible Not Significant Mountain Ridge, which encloses the eastern side of the Study Area. Clear views may also be 36 Binevenagh Adjacent High Low Not Significant expected from the low lying ground around the River Bann, which runs between Coleraine in
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 24 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
the north east and Toome in the south east although the ZTV suggests that the drumlin analysis (section 4.261 and Figure 4.31). The character of the agricultural landscape topography in this farmland may screen views in patches throughout this part of the Study surrounding Coleraine, and the potential effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Area. Development on this landscape is also considered in the analysis of Viewpoint 19; • Ballymoney, which is located approximately 24 km to the north east of the Proposed 4.137 Between 30 to 40 km the ZTV (Figure 4.8) indicates that Long Mountain Ridge is likely to Wind Farm Development. Views from within the settlement are constrained by buildings prevent views around the A26 road corridor between Ballymena and the north coast but that but there may be long-range views in the direction of the Proposed Wind Farm there may be some long distance views from the Causeway Coast, the fringes of the Antrim Development from the south eastern edge of the town and the surrounding countryside Glens AONB and from higher ground to the south east of Ballymena. Several Provisional overlooking the River Bann floodplain. Viewpoint 18 has been selected to represent Viewpoints were selected to confirm the nature of views from these parts of the provisional views from this part of the Study Area (section 4.256 and Figure 4.30); 40 km study area (Figure 4.3) but very few were deemed to demonstrate clear visibility, largely due to distance but also due to the screening effects of land cover elements such as • Ballymena, Toome, Randallstown & Antrim are towns located 30 – 40 km to the south planting on roadside embankments and field boundaries. Two distant viewpoints have been east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and have some associated areas of high retained to clearly illustrate the nature of long distance views from what were deemed to ground which were assessed through Provisional Viewpoints. However, contrary to the be the most sensitive locations beyond 30 km and also to justify the reduction of the final ZTV diagrams, very little visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development was Study Area to a radius of 30 km: Viewpoint 21 is located on the hills above Bushmills on the identified from this part of the Study Area because of distance and levels of vegetation Causeway Coast in close proximity to the coastal section of the Binevenagh AONB and in the agricultural lowlands. Viewpoint 16 has been selected for further analysis and to Viewpoint 22 is located within the Antrim Glens AONB. Neither of these viewpoints would illustrate the nature of views across the Lower Bann Valley towards the Glenshane Slopes on which the Proposed Wind Farm Development is located; experience significant effects from the Proposed Wind Farm Development (sections 4.271 and 4.274) and there would be no significant visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm • Magherafelt, Moneymore & Cookstown are small to medium sized towns located 20 – 30 Development throughout either of these AONBs. km to the south where a more pronounced drumlin landscape overlaid with a richly vegetated pastoral landscape prevent long ranging views; 4.138 Maghera town is the largest settlement located near the Proposed Wind Farm Development - • Plumbridge & Gortin are small villages located 35 – 40 km to the south west in the heart approximately 6.5 km to the south east. The smaller village of Swatragh is located of the Sperrin AONB and Derry city is located at a similar distance to the west. The ZTV approximately 3 km to the east of the site entrance. There are also a number of other diagrams indicated no potential visibility from these parts of the provisional study area smaller towns and villages located between 5 and 10 km to the east of the Proposed Wind which extended to 40 km and these settlements fall outwith the final 30 km Study Area Farm Development where views are often framed by the long ranges of uplands which which has been selected for detailed analysis; stretch from Binevenagh in the north of the Study Area, along the Glenshane Slopes in the • Limavady is a large town located approximately 20 km to the north west. The ZTV central part and then south westwards as the Sperrin Mountains. There are clusters of rural indicates that it is one of the only areas in the western half of the Study Area with settlement and individual houses in rural areas throughout the Study Area. These are more potential views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. However, the town is located frequent in the lowland farming landscapes in the eastern half and in the Roe Valley in the in the Roe Valley with high levels of associated trees and no potential views were north west although they do occur at lower densities elsewhere in the Study Area. There is identified within or immediately surrounding the town. Three Provisional Viewpoints little settlement within upland parts of the Sperrin AONB. were selected on the coast and elevated ground in this part of the Study Area but none 4.139 Larger settlements within the Study Area are generally located towards its outer edges, proved to be viable viewpoints. The conclusion of the baseline visual analysis is that no beyond distances of approximately 15 - 20 km where the Proposed Wind Farm Development significant effects are likely from this part of the Study Area; is unlikely to be a prominent feature of views. There are also a number of larger towns • Dungiven is a small town located approximately 11 km to the west but its position at the located over 15 km from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. These include: base of Benbradagh Mountain means that, whilst the Binevenagh range of hills provides • Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush. The latter two settlements were included in the a backdrop and setting to the town, all views are focussed from the south west to north provisional 40 km Study Area but beyond the refined 30 km Study Area and therefore west. There would be no views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from Dungiven have not been further assessed in this LVIA. Coleraine is located in the Bann Valley but Viewpoint 6 represents views from the summit of Benbradagh which is part of the which is a low lying part of the Study Area with little intervisibility with the Proposed Ulster Way. Wind Farm Development. Views from this part of the Study Area are therefore unlikely to be significant and this is illustrated through the selection of Viewpoint 19 for detailed Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 25
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
4.140 Clearer views towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development were identified from the wind farms and would not be a prominent additional feature in views. In long range and lowlands to the east which includes a number of smaller settlements at close to medium distant views the Proposed Wind Farm Development would generally also appear as a range. A large number of Provisional Viewpoints have been identified in close proximity to relatively small element within much wider panoramic views or be difficult to discern with the towns and villages of Portglenone, Garvagh, Kilrea, Swatragh and Tamlaght O’Crilly and the naked eye because of the distance between the viewpoints and the Proposed Wind Farm several have been selected for detailed analysis- Viewpoints 10, 13, 14, 15 and 16. Development. Table 4.3: Summary of Theoretical Visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development 4.143 The detailed site assessment of all 22 viewpoints is provided below. Wirelines and photomontages to accompany this assessment are provided in Figures 4.13 - 4.34. The ZTV Diagram No. of Turbines Visible % of Study Area with Visibility methodology for the assessment of the Magnitude and Significance of visual effects, and the 15 km ZTV 0 turbines 35.88 % criteria to determine the Sensitivity of receptors is provided in the Methodology (starting at (Figures 4.5) 1 – 3 turbines visible 5.52 % section 4.47). 4 – 6 turbines visible 5.62 % Total area where all turbines visible Viewpoint 1: Knockoneill Road Court Tomb (Figure 4.13) 7 – 9 turbines visible 8.30 % = 64.12 % Existing View 10 – 11 turbines visible 44.68 % 4.144 This viewpoint is located approximately 1.48 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind 0 turbines 52.26 % Farm Development at an archaeological site that is managed and signposted by the Northern 1 – 3 turbines visible 3.76 % Ireland Environment Agency and which is also a point of interest on the Carntogher History 30 km & Reverse ZTVs 4 – 6 turbines visible 3.26 % Total area where all Trail. It is easily accessible to the public by walking across a cattle field adjacent to a (Figures 4.6 & 4.7) turbines visible farmhouse which is located directly to the east of this viewpoint. This viewpoint has been 7 – 9 turbines visible 4.64 % = 47.74 % selected because of its function as a local tourist attraction and to represent views of 10 – 11 turbines visible 36.08 % adjacent residents. It is also located on the north eastern edge of the Sperrin AONB. It 0 turbines 56.32 % represents the nature of close range views in conjunction with the consented Brockaghboy 1 – 3 turbines visible 3.28 % and Extension wind farms which would be located immediately to the north / right hand 40 km ZTV side of the Proposed Wind Farm Development (however, these wind farms are beyond the 4 – 6 turbines visible 2.79 % Total area where all (Figures 4.8) turbines visible angle of view that is illustrated in Figure 4.13). 7 – 9 turbines visible 3.55 % = 43.68 % 4.145 The landscape character of the road corridors on the approach to this viewpoint are typical 10 – 11 turbines visible 34.06 % of that on the eastern-facing parts of the lower Glenshane Slopes LCA within which it is located. Relatively complex undulating drumlin topography is overlaid by pastoral fields divided by a combination of trees, roughly maintained hedgerows and fences. The road Effects on Viewpoints corridors are generally enclosed by hedgerows and trees and there are a very small number 4.141 Twenty two viewpoints have been selected to represent typical and particularly sensitive of rural properties located along the road corridor. Views from this location and other parts views and receptors in the Study Area. Of these two close range viewpoints – Viewpoints 1 of the Knockoneill and Corlacky Roads in close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm and 2 - are judged to experience significant visual effects. Three close range viewpoints Development are often constrained to close range views of the foreground landscape by would experience Moderately Significant visual effects (Viewpoints 3, 4 and 5). These would virtue of the topography and vegetation cover. There are few longer-range views in an all be located at close range (0 – approximately 5 km) from the Proposed Wind Farm easterly direction. However, this particular location is elevated above the road corridor and Development and would represent views where the Proposed Wind Farm Development will views are therefore more extensive in nature. Although there is no significant perception of be a prominent feature and where visual receptors may be particularly sensitive. the rural landscape in the River Bann valley, there are views above the level of roadside 4.142 The remaining 17 viewpoints would be located at medium range, long range, or at some vegetation in the foreground towards the uplands of the Long Mountain Ridge in the far distance from the Proposed Wind Farm Development (between approximately 10 and 35 km) eastern part of the Study Area. and, with the exception of Viewpoint 10 which would experience Moderately Significant 4.146 The rising slopes of Carntogher Mountain and its outlying summits frame westward facing Visual Effects, would experience No Significant Visual Effects. In most cases the Proposed views and are a key feature of views from this location, which is located a short walk from Wind Farm Development would have a close relationship with the consented Brockaghboy the road corridor. The character of this viewpoint is influenced by both the remoter Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 26 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
character of these uplands as well as the farmed lower slopes. There are areas of rough corridors in proximity to this viewpoint. The adjacent farmstead would have similar views grazing, moorland and naturally regenerating broadleaf woodland in the foreground and but people driving along local rural roads would be more constrained by rising topography views of small areas of coniferous forestry on the uplands in the middle distance. and roadside vegetation and are likely to have clear views of the turbine rotors, but no clear views of the base of the turbine towers.
Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High to Low Magnitude of Visual Effect: High to Medium 4.147 Although none of the key visual receptors that are represented by this viewpoint are likely to occur in large numbers they are generally deemed to be of high sensitivity, with the 4.150 The Proposed Wind Farm Development appears to be visually dominant from this viewpoint exception of farmers, who are deemed to be of low sensitivity. They would include: because it would fill the extent of the 80 degree view that is illustrated in Figure 4.13, and • Residents of rural properties: They would only occur in small numbers along the is in an elevated location. However, in practice, it is assessed as being visually prominent Knockoneill Road and upper parts of the Corlacky Road and would not always have rather than dominant because the wider view includes the consented wind farms at direct views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. However, they are considered to Brockaghboy and some distant views towards the uplands in the eastern part of the Study be of high sensitivity due to the close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Area. The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be clearly visible at close range but Development and the fact that their views into the wider landscape are often likely to would not impinge upon the parts of the view where there would be views beyond close be constrained by topography and vegetation. Therefore, features in the foreground range, and because close range views in other directions are already characterised by have a greater influence on the character of their views. consented wind farms. In addition, views from the adjacent road corridor are likely to be • Tourists: These receptors may be present at this specific viewpoint location, albeit in less frequent. small numbers, and at relatively low frequency, in order to visit a historic site within its Significance of Visual Effect: Significant landscape setting. They are considered to be of high sensitivity primarily because they 4.151 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would have a significant effect on views from this will also be located within the Sperrin AONB and because they will be in close proximity location because key visual receptors are mainly considered to be highly sensitive and the to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. magnitude of effect would be High to Medium depending on whether receptors were located • Farmers: Although they will be the most frequently occurring type of receptor at this in an elevated off-road position such as this viewpoint, or on the road corridor or houses viewpoint they are deemed to be of low sensitivity because their presence is unrelated located along the neighbouring road corridors where views are slightly more restricted. to scenic value, the AONB or the site’s function as a visitor attraction on the Carntogher History Trail. Viewpoint 2: Drumbane Road, North Sperrins Scenic Drive (Figure 4.14) Predicted View Existing View 4.148 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be visible at close range on the uplands which 4.152 This viewpoint is located on the tertiary road network between the villages of Swatragh and frame westward facing views from this location. In the 80 degree angle of view that is Glenullin approximately 2.02 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. illustrated in Figure 4.13 it appears to fill the entire extent of the view and the 11th turbine It has been selected to represent views that would be experienced by tourists within the in the Proposed Wind Farm Development is located to the right-hand side beyond the extent Sperrin AONB driving along this part of the North Sperrins Scenic Drive at close range to the of the illustrated view. However, the consented wind farms at Brockaghboy would also be Proposed Wind Farm Development from where there will already be clear close range views clearly visible from this location, some in closer proximity and some located at a greater of the consented wind farms at Brockaghboy. distance from this viewpoint and therefore appearing across a greater proportion of the 4.153 This part of Drumbane Road crosses the lower Glenshane Slopes to the north of Carntogher view. These two consented wind farms (Brockaghboy and its Extension) would be located Mountain and is characterised by a transition between the pastoral landscapes surrounding to the right of the view that is illustrated in Figure 4.13. both villages and the more remote upland landscape at the highest point of Drumbane Road. 4.149 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be separated from the pastoral landscape in There are very few residential properties or other visual receptors aside from people the immediate foreground by an area of broadleaf woodland and rough grazing land. It traveling along the scenic drive. The foreground comprises a combination of open rough would not impinge on eastward facing views towards Long Mountain Ridge which are grazing land and pastoral fields divided by fences. There are few hedgerows or trees aside available from this elevated location but which occur less frequently along the road from stands of beech, thorn and gorse along the road corridor. The more wooded pastoral
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 27
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
landscape around Swatragh is visible in the left hand side of the view illustrated in Figure 4.157 All 11 turbines would be clearly visible from this location and would extend across a large 4.14. proportion of the uplands that are located at close range to this viewpoint. However, they would be seen behind the more dominant Brockaghboy turbines and become less prominent 4.154 Westward views are framed by Carntogher Mountain and outlying east-facing slopes but are as one travels northwards along the road. From the southern end of the Drumbane Road, constrained in the other direction by roadside vegetation and undulating foreground around Swatragh, the Proposed Wind Farm Development would not be visible at all, and this topography. There are more open views northwards towards the Binevenagh range of hills would also be the case from the northern end of the road near Glenullin village. They and eastwards across the Bann Valley towards the Antrim Hills as one reaches the highest would not encroach upon the pastoral landscape in the foreground of this view, or upon point of Drumbane Road nearer Glenullin, and views become focussed more towards the views into the wider landscape which can be obtained to the north, south and north east. middle distance and long range than on close range views. At the southern end of Drumbane Road near Swatragh, views are constrained to the close range by a more richly Significance of Visual Effect: Significant vegetated pastoral landscape laid over a more undulating lowland topography. 4.158 The sensitivity of key visual receptors ranges from high to medium and the magnitude of Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High – Low visual effect is Medium. Although the effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be limited in extent, and would not affect views from the two ends of the Drumbane 4.155 This is not a busy road and receptors are unlikely to occur in high numbers but it is located Road, the effects on this section are deemed to be significant because many of the visual within the AONB and classified as a scenic driving route, and therefore the key visual receptors will be present because of the road’s classification as a scenic drive within the receptors are deemed to be of high to medium sensitivity with the exception of low AONB. sensitivity farmers. They would include: • General road users: These receptors are likely to be present in the greatest number and Viewpoint 3: Drumbane Waymarked Trail (Figure 4.15) comprise of drivers using the road network for general purposes including travel Existing View between nearby villages. They are considered to be of medium sensitivity because, 4.159 This viewpoint is located approximately 1.89 km to the north of the Proposed Wind Farm although they will also be located within the AONB and on the scenic drive, this is not Development. It has been selected to represent the clearest views of the Proposed Wind the main reason for their presence in this landscape. Farm Development that are likely to be experienced by walkers on the Drumbane • Tourists: These receptors, although experiencing transitory views whilst travelling along Waymarked Trail which is located at the northern end of Drumbane Road and is also within Drumbane Road, are likely to be present because of its classification as a scenic drive the AONB. The waymarked trail is accessible from the Drumbane Road as described in within the Sperrin AONB. They will be in close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Viewpoint 2 and from a secondary road to the west which is located at the base of the Development are considered to be of high sensitivity. consented Brockaghboy wind farms. It is not a through road, has no residential properties • Farmers: Although they will be the most frequently occurring type of receptor at this along its length and has a similar upland character to the upper sections of Drumbane Road. viewpoint they are deemed to be of low sensitivity because their presence is unrelated There are extensive areas of rough grazing land either side of the road corridor, including to scenic value. around the base of the Brockaghboy wind farms. These are interspersed with areas of gorse Predicted View scrub, rushes and wet willow carr. The uplands in the foreground are extensive and rise up 4.156 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be a prominent feature on the side slopes below from road level, preventing views into the wider landscape, particularly in the western part Carntogher Mountain which frame westward-facing views from this upper section of of the Study Area. However, on northern approaches to this viewpoint there are more Drumbane Road. The consented wind farms at Brockaghboy will be visible at closer range, extensive views across the Binevenagh uplands and Antrim Hills to the north and north east and will be the more dominant element of views. However, the Proposed Wind Farm of the Study Area. These views are also described in Viewpoint 2. Development would increase the lateral extent of turbines across a greater proportion of Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High - Low uplands located at close range to this viewpoint. The focus of views would shift from these 4.160 This is a very quiet road with no residential properties in close proximity to this viewpoint uplands, towards north and north-east facing medium to long range views as one travels and receptors are unlikely to occur in high numbers. However, it is located within the AONB closer to Glenullin, and the Proposed Wind Farm Development would become less and is along the route of a waymarked trail. The key visual receptors are deemed to be of prominent, whilst the consented Brockaghboy turbines would remain relatively dominant. high to low sensitivity. They would include: Magnitude of Visual Effect: Medium • Walkers: These receptors would experience views of the nature represented by this viewpoint from most sections of the Drumbane waymarked train and would be located in
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 28 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. They are considered to be of 4.165 Views from this location are relatively enclosed by broadleaved trees and hedgerows around high sensitivity. the car park and in the field between the car park and the upland parts of the Glenshane • Farmers: Although they will be the most frequently occurring type of receptor at this Slopes that are visible at close range in the centre of this view. This combination of uplands viewpoint they are deemed to be of low sensitivity because their presence is unrelated and a well-vegetated pastoral landscape with underlying drumlin topography contain all to scenic value. views to be close in range. There are tall roadside hedgerows and a small area coniferous forestry located on the other side of the car park in the opposite direction of view that Predicted View restricts views in the other direction. 4.161 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be clearly visible in its entirely as a prominent 4.166 The Tirkane Road is also part of the Carntogher History Trail, which is a driving route linking foreground landscape feature. There are few views beyond this foreground landscape and it a series of cultural heritage sites in the countryside surrounding Maghera. Information on would be seen largely against the skyline rather than impinging upon more extensive views the route and individual sites can be found on the WalkNi website and at the local An Carn across the Binevenagh uplands and Antrim Hills in the north and north east of the Study Area Visitor Centre but are not signposted on the ground. Other parts of the Tirkane Road in and which are visible on northern approaches to this viewpoint. The consented Brockaghboy proximity to this car park have similar views but with a more open aspect and are less wind farms would appear as a more dominant feature in the immediate foreground and in constrained by roadside vegetation. Views stretch slightly more extensively along the front of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Glenshane Slopes in both a northerly and southerly direction and would be appreciated by Magnitude of Visual Effect: Medium the residents of rural dwellings which are located at a low density along the road corridor 4.162 All 11 turbines would be clearly visible from this location but they would occupy a secondary and within the adjacent farmland. The occurrence of rural dwellings becomes higher in position behind the Brockaghboy wind farms and would not impinge upon any views into the density on the outskirts of Maghera but views in the direction of the Proposed Wind Farm wider landscape to the north and north east. They are likely to be perceived as an Development become more constrained by foreground vegetation and topography. extension to these consented wind farms. There are no views beyond the foreground to the 4.167 There is single turbine in the field immediately adjacent to this car park and an area of right-hand side/south west of this viewpoint but there are more extensive middle distance coniferous forestry that is a dominant foreground feature (it is not within the included angle and long range views to the north and north-west which the Proposed Wind Farm of view that is illustrated in Figure 4.16). The consented Brockaghboy wind farms are not Development would be detached from. Therefore, the Proposed Wind Farm Development visible from this location. They would be located beyond the skyline that is visible beyond would not significantly increase the geographical extent of influence that wind turbines the skyline on the far right-hand side (north) of the view illustrated in Figure 4.16. would have on views from this location. Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High to Low Significance of Visual Effect: Moderately Significant 4.168 Tirkane Road is part of the tertiary road network linking Maghera town to the surrounding 4.163 Although some visual receptors at this viewpoint are highly sensitive, others are of low pastoral landscape and scattered rural settlement within this landscape. Receptors on this sensitivity and none are likely to occur frequently or in large numbers. The magnitude of road network are located within the AONB and on a driving route that, whilst not signposted effect is assessed as medium and therefore the overall significance of effect is deemed to on the ground, is of local cultural significance (the Carntogher History Trail). The be moderate. Carntogher Way, which is a walking route traversing Carntogher Mountain and surrounding Viewpoint 4: Carntogher Mountain Trail Car Park, Cotter Row, Tirkane (Figure 4.16) uplands, is also a feature of local amenity value. The key visual receptors that are represented by this viewpoint are deemed to be range from high to low sensitivity and Existing View would include: 4.164 This viewpoint is located at the end of a tertiary rural road in a carpark at the base of • Tourists: These receptors would include walkers on the Carntogher Way and drivers Carntogher Mountain. It is located approximately 2.27 km to the south of the Proposed following the Carntogher History Trail. They would experience views of the nature Wind Farm Development and approximately 4.5 km from the outskirts of Maghera town. It represented by this viewpoint from the carpark and on their journey to the car park has been selected to represent views from this specific location, which is at the start of the along the Tirkane Road. They are considered to be of high sensitivity because scenic Carntogher Way footpath and also to represent similar views which can be obtained on value is likely to be one of the primary reasons for their presence. southerly approaches along the Tirkane Road from Maghera. The upper parts of the Tirkane Road, including this car park, are located on the north eastern edge of the Sperrin AONB.
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 29
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• Residents of rural properties: These receptors will be located at relatively low densities on the Carntogher History Trail. It has been chosen to represent views from this location along other parts of Tirkane Road. They would experience static views in the direction because it is an accessible tourist amenity site and also because there are adjacent rural of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and are also deemed to be of high sensitivity. properties along this road with similarly elevated views along upland parts of the Glenshane • Farmers: This group of receptors will be located in the pastoral fields surrounding the Slopes. The viewpoint is also located at the edge of the Sperrin AONB and is in close car park and the Tirkane Road. They are deemed to be of low sensitivity because their proximity to a cluster of rural houses and a community centre at An Carn on the outskirts of presence is unrelated to scenic value. Maghera. Predicted View 4.173 The foreground landscape is characterised by the undulating drumlin topography and richly vegetated pastoral landscape that is typical of the countryside surrounding Maghera town 4.169 The upper parts of four turbine rotors and towers would be visible on the skyline to the right and this viewpoint is located on the top of drumlin. There are reasonably extensive mid- hand side of this view through a gap in the trees surrounding the car park. The blade tips of range views along the upland parts of the Glenshane Slopes in both a northerly and a further three of the proposed turbines would also be visible. The lower parts of these southerly direction although the lower slopes and pastoral lowlands occupy a greater turbines, and the other four turbines would be located behind the preceding uplands and proportion of the view. screened from view. The foreground landscape is richly vegetated and the turbines are unlikely to be a prominent feature in this view. 4.174 The blade tips of some of the consented Brockaghboy turbines would be visible above the skyline to the north – in the right-hand side of the view that is illustrated in Figure 4.17. Magnitude of Visual Effect: Medium Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High 4.170 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is likely to be noticeable because it will be located at close range to this viewpoint but it is unlikely to form a prominent element of views 4.175 The majority of visual receptors in proximity to this viewpoint will comprise of tourists because of the complexity of the foreground landscape and because it will only occupy a visiting the Sweat House which is a cultural heritage site of local interest, and residents of small proportion of the uplands that are visible from this viewpoint. Views of these uplands rural properties. Both groups are considered to be of high sensitivity. There are also likely from neighbouring parts of the Tirkane are less constrained by foreground vegetation and to be farmers and general road users who will experience similar views but they are are more extensive in nature. Therefore, from these neighbouring parts of the road corridor considered to be of low sensitivity because they will be present for reasons unrelated to the the Proposed Wind Farm Development will become even less prominent. The nature of appreciation of views and, in the case of road users, will experience fleeting views from views experienced by walkers on the Carntogher Way are likely to become more extensive in moving vehicles. all direction as they climb Carntogher Mountain and southward-facing views into the Predicted View Sperrins, away from the Proposed Wind Farm Development, are likely to become the main visual attraction. However, the Proposed Wind Farm Development, along with the 4.176 The majority of turbines in the Proposed Wind Farm Development will be visible to some consented Brockaghboy wind farms, will be a feature of close range views in a northerly extent on the skyline to the right of the centre of the view illustrated in Figure 4.17. Five direction. of the turbines will be visible in their near entirety with only the base of the turbines screened by intervening upland topography. The blade tips and, in some cases hubs, of a Significance of Visual Effect: Moderately Significant remaining six turbines will also be visible. The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be 4.171 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is not a large or prominent feature of views from this located immediately to the left hand side of the consented Brockaghboy wind farms and location and the sensitivity of receptors varies from high to low. The magnitude of effect would be perceived as an extension of these. on highly sensitive receptors will reduce as views become more extensive on more elevated 4.177 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would not be visible from the Sweat House or the parts of the Carntogher Way and also become more focussed towards the Sperrins. lower parts of the access lane because these are surrounded by trees and tall hedgerows However, this viewpoint is still located at the edge of the Sperrin AONB and at a tourist and are located at the base of a drumlin from where views are screened. amenity location in close proximity to the Proposed Wind Farm Development. Therefore, the significance of visual effects is deemed to be of moderate significance. Magnitude of Visual Effect: Medium Viewpoint 5: Tirkane Sweat House near Maghera (Figure 4.17) 4.178 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible but would not be a prominent feature of views from this location because the pastoral landscape in the foreground Existing View occupies a greater proportion of the view. There are also relatively extensive views along 4.172 This viewpoint is located approximately 4.53 km to the south east of the Proposed Wind the upland parts of the Glenshane Slopes to both the north and south of this view. The Farm Development on a footpath leading from a roadside car park to a cultural heritage site Proposed Wind Farm Development would only occupy a small proportion of these uplands. Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 30 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Significance of Visual Effect: Moderately Significant to the north at a distance of approximately 10 – 20 km, and Garves wind farm plus the consented Glenbuck and Long Mountain wind farms approximately 25 km to the north east. 4.179 The majority of visual receptors in proximity to this viewpoint are deemed to be of high sensitivity and the viewpoint is located within the AONB and at the entrance to a tourist Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High amenity site. However, it would not be a prominent feature within views from this location 4.183 This is a scenic viewpoint that is easily accessible from Dungiven. It is part of the Ulster and would not be visible from the Sweat House itself. Therefore the overall visual effect is Way and is therefore likely to attract a reasonable number of walkers who are of High deemed to be of moderate significance. sensitivity. There are also likely to be a small number of farmers tending the rough grazing Viewpoint 6: Benbradagh Mountain (Figure 4.18) land in the foreground who would be of Low sensitivity.
Existing View Predicted View 4.180 This viewpoint is located approximately 7.32 km to the north west of the Proposed Wind 4.184 The blade tips of some of the consented Brockaghboy turbines would be visible at a distance Farm Development on the upper slopes of Benbradagh Mountain above the town of of approximately 7 km to the east of this viewpoint but views in this direction, including Dungiven. It is on the Ulster Way on the north western edge of the Sperrin AONB, within the views towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development, would be generally screened by the Binevenagh LCA. It has been selected to represent typical medium range views from the intervening summit of Carntogher Mountain. The rotors of six of the proposed turbines, and Binevenagh uplands which form a broad series of plateaux which run from the northern edge the blade tips of a further three turbines would be visible to the right hand side (east) of of the Study Area into the centre and link with the Sperrin mountain range which stretches the consented Brockaghboy wind farms for less than a 2 km stretch along this section of the from the centre into the south western part of the Study Area. This viewpoint is accessible Ulster Way. The lower parts of the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be screened by to walkers on the Ulster Way wishing to access one of the highest summits in the Binevenagh Carntogher Mountain. range and offers spectacular panoramic views across much of the north west of Northern Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low Ireland and Co. Donegal. Vehicular access to a parking area near the summit is via a very steep winding road at the outskirts of Dungiven town. 4.185 Views from this location are panoramic and highly scenic. There are expansive and far- reaching views across the Sperrins, the Loughermore Hills, and the hills around Lough Foyle, 4.181 The primary focus of views from Benbradagh is across the Roe Basin in the western part of Binevenagh and County Donegal. These are also the views that are accessible to the largest the Study Area and also into the Sperrin Mountains in the south western part of the Study number of potential receptors (i.e. walkers and vehicular traffic driving as far as the parking Area. The Roe Basin comprises high quality agricultural land interspersed with farmsteads area near the summit of Benbradagh but not walking further along the Ulster Way). Clusters and settlements. The town of Dungiven is the largest of these settlements, and is visible in of wind farms are already a longstanding feature of views in many directions. the middle ground. There is no settlement in the vicinity of this viewpoint. The backdrop to the Roe Basin is formed by a series of uplands stretching in all directions from the south 4.186 The main focus of views is not in the direction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development - east to north. They include the Sperrin Mountains directly to the south east, lower hills to eastwards. Views in this direction are only available to walkers and farmers, and are the east of the River Foyle, and several ranges of hills in Co. Donegal beyond this. The constrained in their extent by the western side of Carntogher Mountain. This viewpoint is central/mid-range part of views in this direction is dominated by the Loughermore Hills, located at an elevation where there are partial views of the upper parts of some of the including a large and long-standing cluster of existing wind turbines (Altahullion and proposed turbines. However, views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development will only be Glenconway), and second group of existing and consented wind farms to the left of this on possible from a short section – less than 2 km - of the Ulster Way which stretches from the Slievekirk Hill. summit of Binevenagh approximately 25 km to the north west of the Proposed Wind Farm to near Draperstown approximately 15 km to the south west. The ZTVs indicate very limited 4.182 The upper slopes of Benbradagh in the foreground are characterised by rough grazing fields visibility from these other parts of the Ulster Way. For these reasons the magnitude of divided by scrubby trees, stone walls and some gappy hedgerows. Although not in optimum visual effect on this viewpoint is deemed to be Low. condition, the elevated nature of this farmland with extensive wider views affords it a high degree of scenic quality. There are no northward or eastward facing views from Benbradagh Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant until one walks eastwards along the footpath away from the parking area. At this point, 4.187 Although the majority of visual receptors in proximity to this viewpoint are deemed to be views become more extensive along the Binevenagh range stretching northwards towards highly sensitive, the Proposed Wind Farm Development occupies a small proportion of the the coast. There are a number of clusters of existing wind farms visible in long range and overall view, which is extensive and panoramic in all other directions. It will not be the distant parts of the Study Area in this direction, including Rigged Hill, Dunmore and Dunbeg Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 31
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
focus of view and only the upper parts of some, not all, of the proposed turbines will be Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible visible. Wind farms are also a feature of many parts of this view. Therefore, a partial view 4.192 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be located at the outer edge of the broad of a small number of additional turbines that will only be experienced from a short section plateau which stretches from across the central part of this view. The blade tips and rotor of the footpath is unlikely to be perceived by most observers as a significant additional which break the skyline will form a small and barely noticeable element along this plateau. feature. Visual effects are not deemed to be significant. The focus of views is more likely to be towards the left-hand (western) side of this Viewpoint 7: Tamniarin Hill, Banagher (Figure 4.19) viewpoint where the attractive pastoral landscape of the Roe Basin is framed to the east and west by the summits of Benbradagh and Loughermore. The road descends towards the Existing View A6 and the Proposed Wind Farm Development would not be visible from this lower section of 4.188 This viewpoint is located on an elevated part of a relatively busy tertiary road linking the road. It is also likely to be screened from view by the intervening summits of Glenshane Draperstown in the southern part of the Study Area, to Dungiven town in the west. It is Mountain from higher sections of this road, which are located to the south of this viewpoint. located approximately 8.45 km to the south west of the Proposed Wind Farm Development Therefore, this view illustrated by this viewpoint will only be experienced from a short and has been selected to represent views from within the Sperrin AONB and a road-based section of the road corridor. section of the Ulster Way near Banagher Forest as well as the potential cumulative effects Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant of the Proposed Wind Farm Development with other wind farms in the western part of the Study Area. It is also in close proximity to the A6 road corridor linking Belfast and Derry 4.193 The majority of visual receptors in proximity to this viewpoint are deemed to be of medium and, although there are no views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the A6 in sensitivity and the magnitude of effects is deemed to be Negligible because the Proposed this part of the Study Area, it increases the accessibility of this part of the AONB and Ulster Wind Farm Development will occupy a small proportion at the outer extent of this view with Way. the focus of views being directed elsewhere. Furthermore, the nature of views represented by this viewpoint will only be experienced from a short section of the road. The Proposed 4.189 The landscape surrounding the road corridor in the foreground of this view comprises Wind Farm Development is a feature that is likely to be missed by most observers. Visual relatively degraded and marshy rough grazing land surrounded by coniferous forestry effects are not deemed to be significant. plantations at Banagher Forest to the south west, Glenshane Forest to the south east, and a smaller plantation at Tamniarin Forest immediately to the north. Middle distance views of Viewpoint 8: Maghera Park & Ride, A6 (Figure 4.20) the south-facing Benbradagh and Glenshane Slopes, comprising pastoral land on the lower Existing View slopes and open uplands/summits above these, are of more scenic value and are the most visually attractive parts of this view. There are similarly attractive longer range views of 4.194 This viewpoint is located on the A6 boundary with the Maghera Park and Ride facility the rural Roe Basin framed by the Loughermore Hills to the north west. The existing cluster approximately 8 km to the south east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It has been of wind farms at Altahullion and Glenconway is a clearly visible feature on these hills. selected to represent views from the part of the A6 road corridor that is most likely to experience clearer views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development, which is more often Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Medium screened from view by roadside vegetation and rising topography. There are no statutory 4.190 This is a relatively busy tertiary road because of its function as a link between two landscape designations in proximity to this viewpoint. settlements and its proximity to the A6 and the majority of vehicles are therefore likely to 4.195 The foreground landscape is the most prominent feature of views from this viewpoint and be general road users who are usually deemed to be of low sensitivity. However, it is within views are generally focussed inwards and visually contained by a combination of landscape the Sperrin AONB and may attract walkers using a road-based section of the Ulster Way or features surrounding the road corridor. The A6 is a busy regional road carrying traffic travelling to Banagher Forest. Because this group of receptors are also likely to be based in between Belfast and Derry with areas of hard shoulder and grass verges either side of the vehicles and will be located within a foreground landscape that is relatively degraded, they main roadway, road signage and tall lighting columns around this junction. The park and are deemed to be of medium sensitivity. ride facility is located on the outskirts of Maghera town and adjacent to a bus stop, which is Predicted View visible in the centre of the view illustrated in Figure 4.20. Field boundaries along the road are defined by a combination of post and wire fences on embankments, hedgerows and 4.191 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be partially visible to the far right-hand stands of broadleaved trees. The landform is relatively flat and low lying with small (eastern) side of this view. Six blade tips and one rotor will be visible but the majority of pastoral fields and semi-rural houses on the outskirts of Maghera town, becoming more the Proposed Wind Farm Development will be located beyond the summit of Carntogher undulating at greater distances from the road. Mountain and screened from view.
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 32 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
4.196 The east-facing sides of the Glenshane Slopes provide a backdrop and setting for close range corridor is more elevated, the screening effects of Carntogher Mountain and its outlying views. The lower slopes are largely obscured from view by vegetation in the foreground but summits becomes stronger. Therefore, the magnitude of visual effects is deemed to be there is a perception that these uplands stretch to the north and south beyond what is Low. visible from the road corridor. The extent of these uplands becomes visible when travelling Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant north westwards towards Dungiven where the road climbs in elevation and crosses the Glenshane Pass. However, there are no significant views of the Proposed Wind Farm 4.201 The overall sensitivity of visual receptors and the magnitude of effects are both deemed to Development from these parts of the road corridor (see Provisional Viewpoints 59 - 65 in be low. Therefore, there would be no significant effect represented by this viewpoint. Appendix 4.3). Viewpoint 9: Corby Island Parking Layby, A29 between Maghera and Draperstown (Figure Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low 4.21) 4.197 This is a busy road corridor within a foreground landscape where views are generally Existing View physically constrained by vegetation, topography and built development around the road 4.202 This viewpoint is located on the primary road network within the flat river basin landscape corridor. The variety of foreground features, including the movement and noise of traffic surrounding the Moyola River between Maghera and Draperstown. It is located and the dominance of man-made elements also serve to hold the main focus of views in the approximately 8.75 km to the south east of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and has foreground and visual receptors within this type of landscape are deemed to be of low been selected to represent the typical location of the Proposed Wind Farm Development sensitivity. within views from the A29 road and the typical character of these views. It is not within a Predicted View statutory landscape but this specific viewpoint has been selected because it is located in a parking layby with tourist information signage regarding outdoor visitor attractions in the 4.198 Four of the proposed turbines will be visible in their near entirety, and the upper parts of area. It also offers a safe stopping place along what is otherwise a busy road corridor with the rotors of the remaining seven turbines will also be visible on the skyline to the right fast-moving traffic and few places to stop. hand side (north) of the road corridor and above the belt of woodland around the outskirts of Maghera. However, the focus of views for most receptors is likely to be channelled by 4.203 The foreground landscape comprises a road corridor that is generally bounded by well- the road corridor and focussed on the upland area to the left hand side of the bus stop in maintained hedgerows and trees beyond which there is a mix of good quality pastoral fields Figure 4.20. The photography for this viewpoint was taken from the hard shoulder but there interspersed with areas of woodland. Individual rural dwellings and farmsteads are typically would be no visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from the other side of the located along the network of tertiary roads which are accessed from the A29 but there is road where the bus stop is located, from within the Park and Ride facility, which is located residential development along the main road. at a lower level, or from the junction by which this facility is accessed. 4.204 Due to the low-lying nature of this landscape, the Glenshane Slopes and Sperrin Mountains 4.199 The blade tips of some of the consented Brockaghboy turbines would theoretically be visible which provide a backdrop to views, are visible just above the treeline in the foreground as a to the right hand side of the Proposed Wind Farm Development but, in practice they are long broad range of uplands with a relatively simple flat profile that stretches from north to unlikely to be perceived because of the screening effect of foreground vegetation and the south across the entire view. The lower parts of the slope, which are partially visible, are speed at which most receptors of this view will be travelling. also characterised by a patchwork of pastoral fields, hedges and areas of woodland. The upper slopes are characterised by open moorland. There are currently no man-made Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low vertical elements apparent on the skyline but there are two consented wind farms at 4.200 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible but would not be a prominent Brockaghboy in the right hand side (north) of the view where the blade tips would be visible feature of views from this location and it would become an additional man-made feature at but not prominent, and one consented wind farm at Creagh visible at some distance to the the outer edges of a view that is already primarily influenced by man-made development. left (south). The towers of most of the turbines would be screened by Carntogher Mountain and views Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low to High from this location will largely be transitory and short lived because they will be experienced primarily by people travelling in vehicles in and around speeds of 60 miles per hour. 4.205 Receptors at this viewpoint would primarily comprise of road users and farmers on the Although visibility of the uplands on which the Proposed Wind Farm Development is located adjacent agricultural land who are deemed to be of low sensitivity because they will be may increase as one travels further up the A6 onto the Glenshane Pass where the road present for reasons other than the enjoyment of scenery and, in the case of road users, are
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 33
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
likely to experience transitory views whilst travelling at relatively high speeds (up to 60 4.210 The foreground and middle distance are characterised by extensive, broadly undulating miles per hour). However, there will also be residents of rural properties on roads adjacent lowland drumlin topography with high quality pastoral fields divided by well-maintained to the main A29 who are deemed to be of high sensitivity because they will experience hedgerows and a high level of broadleaved trees and small copses. There is rural settlement static views and are often likely to have views orientated towards the uplands on which the and farmsteads throughout this landscape both along the network of secondary and tertiary Proposed Wind Farm Development is located because it is an attractive part of the view. roads, clustered around secondary road junctions and within the farmed landscape. Predicted View 4.211 Views on one side of the valley - the west, in the direction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development - are framed by a low broad profiled series of uplands including Binevenagh, 4.206 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is entirely screened from view at this particular the Glenshane Slopes and the northern end of the Sperrins. Views on the other side of the location by the belt of woodland covering the foreground in the right hand side of the view. valley – the east, which would be visible behind the view illustrated in Figure 4.22 – are However, the wireline in Figure 4.21 illustrates the proportion of the view and the number framed in a similar way by the Long Mountain Ridge between Ballymena and Ballymoney. of proposed turbines that would be visible when travelling towards Maghera on other parts Both upland ranges appear just above the treeline of the rural landscape which is the of the road corridor. Four of the proposed turbines and the blade tips of a further six primary focus of views but they provide an attractive setting to it. There are clusters of turbines would be visible at the base of the main Carntogher Mountain summit in front of consented wind farms located along the distant skylines in several parts of the view the Brockaghboy blade tips. including Garves wind farm to the east (behind the view illustrated in Figure 4.22), and Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low consented wind farms at Brockaghboy, Craiggore and Upper Ballyrogan to the right of centre 4.207 From other parts of the road the turbines that are visible or partially visible, would occupy (north west). The existing wind farm at Rigged Hill is also visible on the skyline at a the northern most section of these uplands but would not intrude on the rest of the broad distance of approximately 20 km to the north east but it is not easy to discern with the skyline which extends far into the Sperrins in the south. They are unlikely to be perceived naked eye in most weather conditions. as a prominent feature because of the broad scale of the overall skyline, and the Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High to Low prominence of the foreground landscape and the generally fast-moving nature of most visual 4.212 There are a range of receptor groups represented by this viewpoint including residents of receptors. Residents of some rural properties may experience static views where the individual properties within the countryside and in small rural settlements who are deemed Proposed Wind Farm Development is more visible as an individual feature but the views of to be of high sensitivity. There will also be farmers and drivers on the rural road network other properties may be screened by belts of trees in the river basin. The overall magnitude who are deemed to be of low sensitivity. of visual effect is deemed to be Low. Predicted View Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant 4.213 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be clearly visible on the uplands below the 4.208 Whilst some visual receptors are deemed to be of high sensitivity, others are of low summit of Carntogher Mountain in the centre of this view provided there are clear weather sensitivity and all will be influenced by the presence of traffic moving along a busy road conditions. The turbines would be visible in their entirety and located at a similar distance corridor and also by the broad scale of the uplands which frame views from this road and on and location to the consented Brockaghboy wind farms and with a similar turbine layout which the Proposed Wind Farm Development would occupy a small proportion of the overall such that these three developments would be appear to be closely related to each other. view. Therefore, there are deemed to be no significant effects on this viewpoint. Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low Viewpoint 10: Tamlaght O’Crilly between Portglenone and Maghera (Figure 4.22) 4.214 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would cover a similar proportion of the skyline to the Existing View consented Brockaghboy wind farms and, together they would form a large, prominent and 4.209 This viewpoint is located approximately 9.9 km to the east of the Proposed Wind Farm recognisable group. However, the uplands that frame westward-facing views across the Development on the outskirts of Tamlaght O’Crilly village within the rural landscape of the Bann Valley, and the Bann Valley itself are both broad in extent. Therefore, the Proposed lower Bann valley. It has been selected to illustrate typical medium-range views from the Wind Farm Development would occupy a small proportion of the wider skyline and would rural landscape in the eastern half of the Study Area and this specific location has been comprise a relatively small element within the overall view. It would appear at a sufficient selected because it is also on the outskirts of a small rural settlement. There are no distance and scale to be perceived as a separate landscape character element to the statutory landscape designations in proximity to this viewpoint. pastoral landscape in the foreground. Furthermore, at this distance, it is likely to be
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 34 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
obscured from view in poor weather conditions. On balance the magnitude of visual effects be visible on the right hand side of the aperture above the road corridor in which the on this viewpoint is deemed to be low. Glenshane Slopes are visible. It will become steadily more visible as one travels along the road corridor towards Maghera (as described in Viewpoints 8 and 12) but, from this location,
and other sections of the A6 to the south west it remains largely screened by foreground Significance of Visual Effect: Moderate Significance vegetation and topography. 4.215 Although the magnitude of effects is deemed to be low, some visual receptors within this Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible viewpoint and the wider rural landscape are deemed to be of high sensitivity. The Proposed 4.220 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be partially visible but will not be a prominent Wind Farm Development is likely to be a noticeable feature in clear weather conditions but feature of views from this location. Views of this nature will also be experienced primarily is at such a distance from this viewpoint, and of a small enough scale/extent in relation to by receptors of low sensitivity in fast-moving vehicles within a landscape that is already the broad nature of the view that it would not unduly influence the overall character or heavily influenced by the man-made feature that is the road corridor. Therefore, the composition of the view. Therefore there are deemed to be effects of moderate magnitude of effect is deemed to be Negligible. significance on this viewpoint. Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant Viewpoint 11: Curran Picnic Area, A6 (Figure 4.23) 4.221 The majority of visual receptors are deemed to be of low sensitivity and the magnitude of Existing View effects is deemed to be negligible. Therefore there would be no significant visual effects on 4.216 This viewpoint is located on the A6 approximately 13.9 km to the south of the Proposed views from this part of the A6 road corridor. Wind Farm Development. It is located at a greater distance than Viewpoint 8, which is also Viewpoint 12: Approach to Knockloughrim, A6 (Figure 4.24) on the A6, and has been selected to demonstrate that views from parts of the A6 at a greater distance from Maghera are not as clear. The A6 road corridor is in a more rural Existing View setting than that described in relation to Viewpoint 8 and there are a number of picnic areas 4.222 This viewpoint is located approximately 12.3 km to the south of the Proposed Wind Farm and laybys for traffic to stop in the section of the road between the Castledawson Development. It has been selected to represent the nature of elevated mid-range views roundabout in the south eastern part of the Study Area and the location of this viewpoint. from the rural drumlin landscape that runs from the south east of Maghera towards However, views are generally also more restricted by embankments and tree planting at Cookstown at the southern edge of the Study Area. This viewpoint overlooks the A6 road either side of the road. corridor and offers clearer views along the series of broad upland areas formed by the 4.217 The uplands of the Glenshane Slopes form a more distant backdrop to views from the road Sperrins, Glenshane Slopes and Binevenagh which run from south to north across the centre corridor that is intermittently visible but never prominent. of the Study Area. Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low to Medium 4.223 This specific viewpoint is located on the tertiary road network on the outskirts of Knockloughrim village. The foreground landscape comprises high quality pastoral fields 4.218 All road users travelling in a north westerly direction will experience intermittent and divided by hedgerows and trees and a similar landscape character stretches onto the lower transitory views in the direction of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from fast-moving slopes of the uplands which frame and contain middle distance views. The skyline is vehicles. Most are deemed to be of low sensitivity although this may increase to medium characterised by uplands with a broadly undulating profile and a simple land cover of open sensitivity when stopping at roadside amenity sites such as the picnic area at this viewpoint. moorland. There are few built elements on these uplands although the consented wind Farmers working in the adjacent pastoral fields are also deemed to be of low sensitivity. farms at Brockaghboy would be clearly visible in favourable weather conditions at a distance Residents of dwellings in the vicinity are deemed to be of medium sensitivity because their of approximately 13 km on the right hand side of the view that is illustrated in Figure 4.24. outlook is already heavily influenced by their proximity to the primary road network. A second and smaller consented wind farm at Creagh would also be visible to the far left Predicted View hand side of this view although this is beyond the angle of view that is illustrated in Figure 4.219 This is the first location on the A6 when the Proposed Wind Farm Development is likely to 4.24. become visible. From this viewpoint it will be visible from the road corridor and hard Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low shoulder but not from the adjacent picnic area, which is located at a lower level than the road and surrounded by trees. The majority of the Proposed Wind Farm Development will Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 35
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
4.224 There are few residential receptors in proximity to this viewpoint and the majority of section of the Ulster Way that runs through Rigged Hill wind farm although no visibility was receptors experiencing this view would be road users or farmers who are both groups identified at this location. considered to be of low sensitivity. 4.229 In addition to the consented Upper Ballyrogan wind farm, which is visible in the land in the immediate foreground, the consented Brockaghboy wind farms would be visible on the skyline in the middle distance, behind Upper Ballyrogan. There are also views towards the Predicted View Long Mountain Ridge on which the existing Garves wind farm and other consented wind 4.225 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be clearly visible on the uplands below the farms are located. The foreground landscape comprises extensive areas of rough grazing and summit of Carntogher Mountain in the centre of this view provided there are clear weather coniferous forestry on the uplands upon which Upper Ballyrogan wind farm will be located in conditions. The turbines would be visible in their entirety and located at a similar distance the central and right hand side (west) of the view. This landscape becomes more pastoral in and location to the consented Brockaghboy wind farms and with a similar turbine layout the lower ground in the left hand side of the view illustrated in Figure 4.25 nearer the small such that these three developments would be appear to be closely related to each other. town of Garvagh. There are rural properties scattered throughout the more rural landscape Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low but relatively few rural properties are located along the upland sections of Coolnasillagh Road. However, this viewpoint is located adjacent to a small cluster of rural dwellings 4.226 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would cover a smaller proportion of the skyline than which are orientated in the direction of this viewpoint. the consented Brockaghboy wind farms which would already be a prominent feature of middle-range views to the northern edge of the uplands which frame this view. It would be Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Medium to Low perceived as a sizeable extension to Brockaghboy but would not significantly increase the 4.230 A small number of residential receptors will have views orientated towards the Proposed lateral extent of turbines across the rest of the uplands which frame this view. These Wind Farm Development and would normally be regarded as being of high sensitivity. uplands stretch beyond the southern edge of the 30 km Study Area and therefore the However, their views will already be dominated by Upper Ballyrogan wind farm, and backed Proposed Wind Farm Development would occupy a small proportion of the wider skyline and by Brockaghboy. Therefore, they are regarded as being of medium sensitivity to the would comprise a relatively small element within the overall view. It would appear at a Proposed Wind Farm Development. Road users and farmers, who are also likely to be sufficient distance and scale to be perceived as a separate landscape character element to present in relatively low numbers, are regarded as being of low sensitivity. the rural landscape in the foreground. Furthermore, at this distance, it is likely to be Predicted View obscured from view in poor weather conditions. On balance the magnitude of visual effects on this viewpoint is deemed to be low. 4.231 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible on the side slope of Carntogher Mountain which forms the backdrop to views in the centre of this viewpoint. All 11 of the Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant proposed turbines would be visible in their near entirety. They would be located behind 4.227 The magnitude of effects is deemed to be low and the majority of visual receptors Brockaghboy and Upper Ballyrogan wind farms. represented by this viewpoint are deemed to be of low sensitivity. The Proposed Wind Farm Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low Development is likely to be a noticeable feature in clear weather conditions but is at such a distance from this viewpoint, and of a small enough scale/extent in relation to the broad 4.232 The foreground and middle ground in this viewpoint are already dominated by consented nature of the view that it would not unduly influence the overall character or composition wind farms. The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be located on the skyline which of the view. Therefore there are deemed to be no significant effects on this viewpoint. forms the extent of this view and located slightly behind the two Brockaghboy wind farms which would appear to be of a larger scale. Although all parts of the 11 proposed turbines Viewpoint 13: Coolnasillagh Road between Garvagh and Gortnamoyagh Forest (Figure 4.25) would be visible the wind farm would occupy a much smaller proportion of the view than Existing View these consented wind farms. It is more likely to be perceived as an extension to 4.228 This viewpoint is located approximately 9.3 km to the north of the Proposed Wind Farm Brockaghboy than as a standalone development and is unlikely to have any marked effect on Development. It has been selected to represent the views of rural properties and the perception of visual character. Therefore the magnitude of visual effects is deemed to settlement in proximity to this location and also to demonstrate the potential cumulative be low. effects with the consented Upper Ballyrogan wind farm which will be located in the Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant foreground of this view, and other sequentially visible wind farms in this part of the Study 4.233 The majority of visual receptors are of low sensitivity and views are already dominated by Area (see section 4.286 for cumulative assessment). It is in relatively close proximity to the consented wind farms at close and medium range. The Proposed Wind Farm Development Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 36 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
will not have a marked effect on the perception of visual character from this location and conditions. On balance the magnitude of visual effects on this viewpoint is deemed to be the magnitude of effect is deemed to be low. Therefore there would be no significant Low. effects on views from this location.
Viewpoint 14: Magheraboy Road near Long Mountain (Figure 4.26) Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant Existing View 4.239 The pastoral landscape in the foreground is the dominant feature of this view and stretches 4.234 This viewpoint is located approximately 19 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind Farm into the distance. Visual receptors are not deemed to be highly sensitive and the uplands Development. It has been selected to represent elevated long range views across the Bann on which the Proposed Wind Farm Development is located are extensive, causing a low Valley from the Long Mountain Ridge and the potential cumulative effects of the Proposed magnitude of visual effect. Therefore there are deemed to be no significant effects on Wind Farm Development alongside other wind farms located on this ridge and the views from this location. Binevenagh uplands, Glenshane Slopes and Sperrin Mountains on the opposite side of the Viewpoint 15: Townhill Road near junction with Blackstone Road between Kilrea & Bann Valley. There are no statutory landscape designations in proximity to this viewpoint. Portglenone (Figure 4.27) 4.235 The foreground and middle distance are characterised by extensive, broadly undulating Existing View drumlin topography similar to that described in relation to Viewpoint 10. There is a high level of trees and hedgerows and rural settlement and farmsteads throughout this 4.240 This viewpoint is located approximately 16.2 km to the east of the Proposed Wind Farm landscape. Views from the west-facing slopes of Long Mountain Ridge are extensive and the Development. It has been selected to represent views from the rural road network within large proportion of foreground, middle range and long range views are occupied by a similar the Bann Valley. The foreground landscape is very similar to that described in relation to pastoral landscape. This is framed by a broad low profile of uplands stretching extensively Viewpoint 10 although in slightly poorer condition. The proportion of the view occupied by from north to south. There are clusters of existing and consented wind farms located along the pastoral foreground landscape and the proportion that is framed by broad profiled many parts of the distant skylines although their visibility is dependent on favourable uplands is also similar and the consented Brockaghboy wind farms are also visible as weather conditions. The consented Brockaghboy wind farms are visible in the centre of the described in Viewpoint 10. view in its entirety. Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low to Medium Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Medium - Low 4.241 There are a range of receptor groups represented by this viewpoint including residents of 4.236 These views would be experienced by residents of rural properties who are deemed to be of individual properties within the countryside and in small rural settlements who are deemed medium sensitivity to changes in long distance views and road users and farmers who are to be of medium sensitivity by virtue of their distance from the Proposed Wind Farm deemed to be of low sensitivity. Development. There will also be farmers and drivers on the rural road network who are deemed to be of low sensitivity. Predicted View Predicted View 4.237 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible on the uplands in the centre of this view provided there are clear weather conditions. The turbines would be visible in their 4.242 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be clearly visible on the uplands below the entirety and located at a similar distance and location to the consented Brockaghboy wind summit of Carntogher Mountain in the centre of this view provided there are clear weather farms and with a similar turbine layout such that these three developments would be appear conditions. The turbines would be visible in their entirety and located at a similar distance to be closely related to each other. and location to the consented Brockaghboy wind farms and with a similar turbine layout such that these three developments would be appear to be closely related to each other. Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low Magnitude of Visual Effect: Low 4.238 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would cover a similar proportion of the skyline than the consented Brockaghboy wind farms which would already be a visible but not prominent 4.243 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would cover a similar proportion of the skyline to the feature of distant views due to the expansive nature of the skyline. It would occupy a small consented Brockaghboy wind farms and, together they would form a large and recognisable proportion of the skyline and would comprise a relatively small element within the overall group of turbines. However, at this distance they are unlikely to be prominent and they will view. Furthermore, at this distance, it is likely to be obscured from view in poor weather occupy a small proportion of the wider skyline and would therefore comprise a relatively
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 37
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
small element within the overall view. It would appear at a sufficient distance and scale to 4.248 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is barely perceptible from this part of the Study Area be perceived as a separate landscape character element to the rural landscape in the and is likely to be missed by most visual receptors. foreground. Furthermore, at this distance, it is likely to be obscured from view in poor
weather conditions. On balance the magnitude of visual effects on this viewpoint is deemed to be low. Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant 4.249 The sensitivity of visual receptors is low and the magnitude of effect negligible. Therefore there will be no significant visual effects on views from this part of the Study Area. 4.244 The magnitude of effects is deemed to be low and visual receptors within this viewpoint are not deemed to be of more than medium sensitivity. The Proposed Wind Farm Development Viewpoint 17: Slieve Gallion Mountain at Crockandun Viewing Point (Figure 4.29) is likely to be a noticeable feature in clear weather conditions but is at such a distance from Existing View this viewpoint, and of a small enough scale/extent in relation to the broad nature of the 4.250 This viewpoint is located on the south eastern edge of the Sperrin AONB approximately 18.9 view that it would not have a marked effect on the overall character or composition of the km to the south of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. It has been selected to represent view, particularly because it will be closely related to the Brockaghboy wind farms. elevated views across the Sperrin Mountains towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development Therefore there are deemed to be no significant effects on this viewpoint. from a marked viewing area on the East Sperrins Scenic Driving Route. The foreground Viewpoint 16: Lough Beg Road near Newferry Amenity Site, near Toome (Figure 4.28) landscape is a highly degraded edge of a stone quarry that has been in longstanding use Existing View surrounded by large areas of rough grazing on heather moorland. However, there are expansive views across the Sperrin Mountains and lowland bog landscapes around the shores 4.245 This viewpoint is located approximately 20 km to the south east of the Proposed Wind Farm of Lough Fea in the south western part of the Study Area. To the north and north east there Development. It has been selected to represent views from the National Cycle Network, are some distant views along the Glenshane Slopes and glimpsed views as far as Long Lower Bann Cycle Network, canoe trail and tourist amenity site on the shores of Lough Beg Mountain Ridge where the blade tips of the existing Garves wind farm may be discernible in as well as residents of rural properties located within the surrounding landscape. The very clear weather conditions. character of this landscape is very flat and low lying with stands of willow which tend to restrict all views beyond the foreground landscape. The uplands in the central part of the 4.251 The blade tips of a small number of the consented Brockaghboy turbines would be visible at Study Area are intermittently visible above the treeline but are not are prominent element the base of Carntogher Mountain which forms the skyline just to the left-hand side of the of the view. In many parts of this landscape they are not visible at all. quarry entrance (marked by a line of boulders in the foreground of Figure 4.29). A consented wind farm at Creagh will be visible to the left hand side of this view at much Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low closer range although it is slightly beyond the angle of view illustrated in the Figure. 4.246 Although a number of receptor groups in proximity to this viewpoint would usually be Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: High considered to be highly sensitive, the restriction of views towards the Proposed Wind Farm Development by topography and vegetation means that their sensitivity to the Proposed 4.252 The majority of receptors at this viewpoint will be tourists stopping at this location along a Wind Farm Development is likely to be low. classified scenic driving route within the AONB. Predicted View Predicted View 4.247 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be located at some distance from this 4.253 The Proposed Wind Farm Development will be located on the east-facing slope of viewpoint and, although in theory it would be visible in its entirety, in practice, most views Carntogher Mountain. Three of the turbines will be visible in their entirety and the in this direction are entirely screened by foreground topography. No views were found at remainder will be visible to blade tip or rotor only. It will occupy a very small portion of the the Newferry Amenity Site and views from other parts of Lough Beg Road are intermittent. distant skyline at the far right hand side (northern) extent of this view where the focus is to From this specific location the Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible the south west and is unlikely to be a discernible feature. immediately above the treeline as a small feature that is likely to be missed by the casual Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible observer, and is also likely to be indiscernible if weather conditions are not favourable. 4.254 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is not within the main focus of views from this Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible location, which is orientated to look into the centre of the Sperrin AONB. It will only be partially visible and located at such a distance from this viewpoint that it is unlikely to be
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 38 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
easily discernible to the naked eye, particularly if weather conditions are unfavourable. 4.259 The Proposed Wind Farm Development is barely perceptible from this part of the Study Area Therefore the magnitude of visual effects is deemed to be negligible. and is likely to be missed by most visual receptors.
Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significance Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant 4.255 Although visual receptors will be of high sensitivity because of their location primarily for 4.260 The sensitivity of visual receptors is medium to low and the magnitude of effect negligible. the purpose of the appreciation of scenic quality within an AONB, the Proposed Wind Farm Therefore there will be no significant visual effects on views from this part of the Study Development will be a barely discernible feature at the very outer edges of an extensive Area. view. The magnitude of visual effects is deemed to be Negligible and therefore there would Viewpoint 19: Ballyvelton Road, Ballyrashane near junction with Newmills Road, Coleraine be no significant effects on views from this location. (Figure 4.31) Viewpoint 18: Ballynacree House, Glenstall Road near Balnamore (Figure 4.30) Existing View Existing View 4.261 This viewpoint is located approximately 23.8 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind 4.256 This viewpoint is located approximately 18.9 km to the north of the Proposed Wind Farm Farm Development. It has been selected to represent views from an elevated area of rural Development. It has been selected to represent views from a tourist amenity site on the settlement on the secondary road network near Coleraine, for its location on the National shores of the River Bann in close proximity to this location and rural properties along the Cycle Network and also for its cumulative effects with other wind farms on the Binevenagh secondary and tertiary road network in the Bann Valley. The foreground landscape is of a uplands in particular. similarly flat nature to that described in relation to Viewpoint 16 although it has lower 4.262 The foreground landscape is similar to that described in relation to Viewpoint 14 and is the density tree cover and more open views across the valley and towards the uplands on which dominant element of views. High tree and hedgerow cover means that views to the broad the Proposed Wind Farm Development is located. However, these uplands still form a very series of uplands running through the centre of the Study Area are intermittent and limited low profile in relation to the expansive nature of the foreground and vertical features on in their extent. There are clusters of existing and consented wind farms located along many the skyline appear as small and distant elements. The consented wind farms at parts of the distant skylines although their visibility is dependent on favourable weather Brockaghboy would be visible above the treeline in the centre of this view. There are no conditions and foreground screening elements. The consented Brockaghboy wind farms are statutorily designated landscapes in proximity to this viewpoint. visible to the left of the centre of the view. There are also glimpsed views of the existing Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Medium - Low Dunbeg and Dunmore wind farms in the far right hand side (north) of this view. 4.257 Although residents and tourists in proximity to this viewpoint would usually be considered to Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Medium to Low be highly sensitive, the distance to the Proposed Wind Farm Development and the 4.263 These views would be experienced by residents of rural properties who are deemed to be of dominance of the foreground landscape means that their sensitivity to the Proposed Wind medium sensitivity to changes in long distance views and road users and farmers who are Farm Development is likely to be medium. General road users and farmers ae deemed to be deemed to be of low sensitivity. of low sensitivity. Predicted View Predicted View 4.264 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be visible on the uplands in the centre of this 4.258 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be located at some distance from this view provided there are clear weather conditions. The turbines would be visible in their viewpoint and, although in theory it would be visible in its entirety, in practice, the entirety and located at a similar distance and location to the consented Brockaghboy wind combination of its distance from this viewpoint and the expansive dominant nature of the farms and with a similar turbine layout such that these three developments would be appear foreground landscape mean that it is not an easily discernible feature on the skyline. It will to be part of the same development. also be visible in front of the consented Brockaghboy wind farms and will therefore be perceived as part of this consented group rather than as a new, standalone element of Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible views. It is also likely to be indiscernible if weather conditions are not favourable. 4.265 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would appear in front of the consented Brockaghboy Magnitude of Visual Effect: Negligible wind farms which would already be a visible but not prominent feature of distant views due Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 39
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
to the expansive nature of the skyline. It would occupy a small proportion of the skyline would not experience views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and are not considered and would comprise a relatively small element within the overall view. Furthermore, at this in relation to this LVIA. distance, it is likely to be obscured from view in poor weather conditions. On balance the
magnitude of visual effects on this viewpoint is deemed to be Negligible.
Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant Predicted View and Magnitude of Visual Effect 4.266 The pastoral landscape in the foreground is the dominant feature of this view. Visual receptors are not deemed to be highly sensitive and the uplands on which the Proposed 4.270 The very tips of the blades of seven proposed turbines would theoretically be visible above Wind Farm Development is located are extensive and at some distance from this viewpoint, the skyline of Carntogher Mountain in the centre of the view. However, they would not be causing a negligible magnitude of visual effect. Therefore there are deemed to be no discernible from this distance and there would be a negligible magnitude of visual effect. significant effects on views from this location. Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant Viewpoint 20: Slieve Kirk at junction of Knockbrack and Lisdillon Roads (Figure 4.32) Viewpoint 21: Junction of Toberkeagh & Moycraig Roads, Croaghmore Hill, Causeway Coast Reason for Inclusion in the LVIA and Existing View (Figure 4.33) 4.267 This viewpoint is located approximately 32.8 km to the west of the Proposed Wind Farm Reason for Inclusion in the LVIA and Existing View Development. In accordance with current SNH guidance on the value of photomontages 4.271 This viewpoint is located approximately 37.3 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind from distant viewpoints the viewpoint has been visited but only a wireline has been included Farm Development. In accordance with current SNH guidance on the value of in Figure 4.32 because the Proposed Wind Farm Development is unlikely to be a discernible photomontages from distant viewpoints the viewpoint has been visited but only a wireline element of the view. It was identified as part of the assessment of a provisional 40 km has been included in Figure 4.33 because the Proposed Wind Farm Development is unlikely Study Area and has been included in the LVIA to illustrate that the magnitude of visibility to be a discernible element of the view. This Viewpoint is an elevated location within a from distant viewpoints in the western half of the Study Area will be negligible. The pastoral landscape above Bushmills and has a similar character to that described in relation wireline also illustrates the distribution of other wind farms in the cumulative baseline and to Viewpoint 19. It was identified as part of the assessment of a provisional 40 km Study the incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on this baseline. Area and has been included in the LVIA to illustrate that the magnitude of visibility from 4.268 This viewpoint is an elevated location on the edge of the Sperrin AONB on Slievekirk distant viewpoints within the setting for the Causeway Coast AONB will be negligible. The Mountain. The foreground comprises upland grazing land and the existing Slieve Kirk wind wireline also illustrates the distribution of other wind farms in the cumulative baseline and farm, which is located immediately to the right hand side of the viewpoint. There are the incremental effect of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on this baseline (see expansive panoramic views to the north and west across the pastoral farmland around section 4.X). Claudy and Derry city. The foreground is framed by the rounded profile of Loughermore Hill Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low in the middle distance on which Monnaboy and Altahullion clusters of wind farms are clearly 4.272 Visual receptors at this Viewpoint are judged to a low sensitivity to changes in their view visible at a reasonably long distance. There are longer range views over the top of the because of their distance from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. They are most likely Loughermore Hills to the Sperrin mountain range which stretches into the distance in the to include residents of rural properties, tourists travelling on the tertiary road network south west. This Viewpoint is located on a quiet road with little traffic and virtually no around the Causeway Coast and the town of Bushmills, and farmers. residential settlement, although there is some settlement on the lower slopes which would experience similar, if not slightly less expansive views. Predicted View and Magnitude of Visual Effect Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low 4.273 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would theoretically be visible in its entirety in the centre of the view and would be contiguous with the consented Brockaghboy wind farms. 4.269 Visual receptors at this Viewpoint are judged to be of low sensitivity to changes in their However, they would not be discernible from this distance and there would be a negligible view because of their distance from the Proposed Wind Farm Development and their close magnitude of visual effect. proximity to the existing and consented Slievekirk cluster of wind farms in the foreground. They are most likely to include a small number of workers at the Slieve Kirk wind farm and Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant farmers tending the grazing land surrounding it. Residential properties on the lower slopes
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 40 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Viewpoint 22: Slieveannorra Summit, Antrim Glens AONB (Figure 4.34) Drive Reason for Inclusion in the LVIA and Existing View Figure 4.14 4.274 This viewpoint is located approximately 37.1 km to the north east of the Proposed Wind 3 Drumbane 1.89 km Prominent High - Low Medium Moderately Waymarked Significant Farm Development. In accordance with current SNH guidance on the value of Trail photomontages from distant viewpoints the viewpoint has been visited but only a wireline Figure 4.15 has been included in Figure 4.34 because the Proposed Wind Farm Development is unlikely to be a discernible element of the view. It was identified as part of the assessment of a 4 Carntogher 2.27 km Visible High - Low Medium Moderately provisional 40 km Study Area and has been included in the LVIA to illustrate that the Mountain Trail Significant Car Park, Cotter magnitude of visibility from distant viewpoints in the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB will be Row, Tirkane negligible. The viewpoint is located in proximity to the Orra Scenic Drive, a cultural Figure 4.16 heritage site (Hugh McPhelim’s Tomb) and a nature reserve. The wireline also illustrates the distribution of other wind farms in the cumulative baseline and the incremental effect 5 Tirkane Sweat 4.53 km Visible High Medium Moderately of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on this baseline (see section 4.X). House near Significant Maghera Sensitivity of Visual Receptors: Low Figure 4.17 4.275 Visual receptors at this viewpoint are judged to a low sensitivity to changes in their view 6 Benbradagh 7.32 km Visible High Low Not Significant because of their distance from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. They are most likely Mountain near to include residents of rural properties on the lower slopes of Slieveanorra and tourists Dungiven walking and driving within the Antrim Glens AONB. Figure 4.18 Predicted View and Magnitude of Visual Effect 7 Tamniarin Hill, 8.45 km Visible Medium Negligible Not Significant Banagher 4.276 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would theoretically be visible in its entirety in the centre of the view and would be contiguous with the consented Brockaghboy wind farms. Figure 4.19 However, they would not be discernible from this distance and there would be a negligible 8 Maghera Park & 8.0 km Visible Low Low Not Significant magnitude of visual effect. Ride, A6 Figure 4.20 Significance of Visual Effect: Not Significant 9 Corby Island 8.75 km Not Visible Low - High Low Not Significant
Parking Layby, (but visible Table 4.4: Summary of Effects on Viewpoints A29 between from nearby Maghera and sections of Viewpoint No. and Approx. Visual Sensitivity of Magnitude of Significance of Draperstown road) Location Distance Prominence Key Visual Visual Effect Visual Effect from Receptors Figure 4.21 Nearest 10 Tamlaght 9.91 km Visible High - Low Low Moderately Turbine O’Crilly Significant 1 Knockoneill 1.45 km Dominant High to High Significant between Road Court Medium Portglenone Tomb and Maghera Figure 4.13 Figure 4.22 2 Drumbane 2.02 km Prominent High to Medium Significant 11 Curran Picnic 13.96 km Visible Low – Negligible Not Significant Road, North Medium Area, A6 Medium Sperrins Scenic
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 41
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Figure 4.23 Road, Coleraine 12 Approach to 12.39 km Visible Low Low Not Significant Figure 4.31 Knockloughrim, 20 Slieve Kirk at 32.83 km Barely Low Negligible Not Significant A6 junction of Visible Figure 4.24 Knockbrack and Lisdillon Roads 13 Coolnasillagh 9.39 km Visible Medium - Low Low Not Significant Road between Figure 4.32 Garvagh and 21 Junction of 37.33 km Barely Low Negligible Not Significant Gortnamoyagh Toberkeagh & Visible Forest Moycraig Roads, Figure 4.25 Croaghmore Hill, Causeway 14 Magheraboy 19.11 km Visible Medium - Low Low Not Significant Coast Road near Long Mountain Figure 4.33 Figure 4.26 22 Slieveannorra 37.12 km Barely Low Negligible Not Significant Summit, Antrim Visible 15 Townhill Road 16.20 km Visible Low – Low Not Significant Glens AONB near junction Medium with Blackstone Figure 4.34 Road between Kilrea & Portglenone Construction Effects Figure 4.27 4.277 This LVIA is primarily concerned with the operational phase of the Proposed Wind Farm 16 Lough Beg Road 20.16 km Barely Low Negligible Not Significant near Newferry Visible Development. However, consideration is also given to the potential effects during Amenity Site, construction and decommissioning. During the construction period a number of activities near Toome would occur that may temporarily or permanently affect the physical landscape or visual Figure 4.28 amenity of the Study Area. Temporary effects may only last for the duration, or part of, the construction period and may include effects such as the visibility of construction traffic, 17 Slieve Gallion 18.98 km Barely High Negligible Not Significant Mountain at Visible plant, and stockpiled materials. If managed adequately these construction effects can be Crockandun minimised or avoided. Permanent effects would result from irreversible physical changes to Viewing Point the site such as the removal of vegetation, alteration of landform and new access Figure 4.29 arrangements. 18 Ballynacree 18.90 km Barely Medium - Low Negligible Not Significant 4.74 Details of the Proposed Wind Farm Development and its associated infrastructure are House, Glenstall Visible described in detail in Chapter 2: Proposed Wind Farm Development. Mitigation measures to Road near avoid or minimise both temporary and permanent landscape and visual effects are proposed Balnamore in section 4.282. The construction period will be approximately 18 months and therefore, Figure 4.30 its visual effects would be short term, and limited in extent to close range views only. An 19 Ballyvelton 23.85 km Barely Medium – Negligible Not Significant outline habitat management plan has been developed (see Chapter 6) which will restore and Road, Visible Low enhance the existing blanket bog habitats on site which will also enhance the physical Ballyrashane appearance and condition of the landscape character. near junction with Newmills 4.278 The Proposed Wind Farm Development includes the construction of 11 turbines (each with an overall maximum height of 149.9 m above ground level) and associated infrastructure Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 42 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
including a new site entrance and associated road widening on Corlacky Road, temporary 4.283 At an early stage of the EIA process provisional wirelines were prepared for turbines with widening at two road junctions on the approach to the site, temporary passing bays, mainly 140 m and 150 m tip heights and it was established that the landscape and visual effects of within existing roadside verges elsewhere on the local road network, and site access tracks. using the taller turbines rather than the shorter ones would be negligible. From all the These works will require the removal of some roadside hedgerows, largely comprising gorse identified viewpoints the increase in turbine height did not equate to a significant or and hawthorn with some small hedgerow trees, predominantly alder. These will be discernible increase in the levels of visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. A reinstated on completion of the works. ZTV diagram was also prepared using the same parameters as the 30 km ZTV illustrated in Figure 4.6 but using turbines with 140 m blade tip height rather than 149.9 m. This showed 4.279 An on-site substation and control building, underground cables, three temporary monitoring that the taller turbines would only result in a theoretical increase in visibility of 1.04%, a masts and a temporary construction compound will also be constructed. As described in percentage which would not be discernible in practice. Appendix 2.1 it is anticipated that that the majority of cables connecting the Proposed Wind Farm Development to the grid will be undergrounded within the existing road corridors. 4.284 Mitigation proposals in response to landscape and visual effects include: Operational Effects • The exterior surfaces of the turbines will be painted in a recessive, non-reflective light grey colour to minimise their visual prominence against the sky in most weather 4.280 During the operational phase of Proposed Wind Farm Development landscape and visual conditions; effects would relate to the presence of the turbines themselves, as described in this LVIA. • The control room and substation compound will be finished in a manner that is sensitive Day-to-day activity on the site would be minimal and there would be no further changes to to the immediate landscape character with regards to colour and choice of materials. the landscape or visual character of the site resulting from site maintenance activities, These facilities have also been sited to avoid being prominent in key long range views, which are likely to comprise of visits by 1 – 2 members of staff. as identified by of the viewpoints in this LVIA. Decommissioning Effects Residual Effects 4.281 A landscape restoration plan will be implemented on decommissioning of the Proposed Wind Farm Development. This would include the reinstatement of appropriate vegetation, 4.285 In respect of landscape and visual effects no key alterations have been made to the enhancement of the landscape with additional planting if appropriate, the treatment of Proposed Wind Farm Development design as a result of the mitigation process. Therefore, remaining access tracks, etc. Such a restoration plan is outside the scope of this LVIA, and the residual effects are the same as those that have already been identified. it is not standard practice to prepare one at such as early stage, but it will be subject to discussion and approval by the relevant statutory authorities at the appropriate time. Cumulative Effects
Mitigation Cumulative Landscape Effects 4.286 The SPG notes that a number of issues should be considered in relation to potential Design Evolution cumulative effects on landscape character within the North West and Antrim Plateau 4.282 The layout of the Proposed Wind Farm Development has evolved throughout the EIA via an regions, parts of which are within this Study Area and these are considered below. The SPG iterative assessment and design process involving all disciplines in the project team, as also notes that these issues may need to be reconsidered in the context of any new wind described in Chapter 3: Design Evolution and Alternatives. The assessment of provisional farm development that wasn't present at the time the SPG was prepared. Therefore it is viewpoints was used to identify any potential landscape and visual issues with the turbine particularly pertinent to note that at the time of the SPG's publication there were no wind layout as well as from the effects of the wind farm as a whole. Liaison between the farms in the Glenshane Slopes LCA. Since then, Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Extension Landscape Architect and Archaeology Consultants demonstrated that there were a number have been consented on an adjacent site and will have a strong influence on the baseline of cultural heritage sites and features in close proximity that would require a detailed landscape character. assessment but only the Knockoneill Court Tomb was deemed to be sufficiently accessible to i Appropriate separation distances and sizes of wind farm clusters within the Antrim be included in the LVIA. The remainder of sites are analysed in Chapter 5: Archaeology and Plateau region should be maintained to ensure that wind energy developments do not Cultural Heritage. become overbearing or dominant.
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 43
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
• The Proposed Wind Farm Development is not located within the Antrim Plateau but is • The Binevenagh and Glenshane wind farms include several individual developments and likely to be visible from the west-facing slopes of Long Mountain Ridge and from the distinct clusters of wind farm developments located along the undulating upland plateau agricultural land around the Bann Valley. The potential landscape character effects are which runs from the northern edge to centre of this Study Area. At the northern-most addressed in section 4.125 and the relationship between the Proposed Wind Farm end, approximately 18 – 28 km from the Proposed Wind Farm Development, it includes Development and the adjacent Brockaghboy wind farms, and other clusters of wind the proposed Windy Hill wind farm and a cluster of existing and proposed wind farms farms in the Study Area are addressed through the detailed assessment of a number of between Keady Mountain and Binevenagh (Dunmore and its proposed extension, Dunbeg viewpoints in the eastern half of the Study Area. The Cumulative effects of and Croaghan) which are unlikely to be intervisible except from elevated viewpoints on simultaneous and sequential views throughout the Study Area are analysed from section the same range of hills (Viewpoint 6 on Benbradagh is likely to represent one of the few 4.287. accessible instances of such views, section 4.180). Rigged Hill, one of the oldest wind farms in Northern Ireland, is prominently located in the centre part of the plateau ii The potential effects of wind turbines in conjunction with electricity transmission lines overlooking the Roe Valley and there is a cluster of three consented wind farms at is referred to as a consideration in the Antrim Plateau region; Craiggore, Smulgedon and Upper Ballyrogan located below the main plateau to the west of Garvagh and approximately 8 – 11 km from the Proposed Wind Farm Development. At • The description of the Proposed Wind Farm Development provided in Chapter 2) the southern end of the Binevenagh plateau there is a proposed wind farm at provides a description of the means by which the development will connect to the grid, Evishagaran, to the east of Benbradagh summit and approximately 5 km from the primarily via undergrounded cables, thus minimising these types of effects. Proposed Wind Farm Development. The nearest wind farms to the Proposed Wind Farm Development are Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Extension which are located on the iii Separation distances and thresholds of wind energy development on specific ridge lines Glenshane Slopes rather than the Binevenagh plateau approximately 1 km to the north; such as those in the Killeter Uplands, Lough Bradan and Slievemore LCAs within the • The Antrim Hills wind farms include three distinct clusters located on the uplands which North West region. frame the eastern edge of the Study Area. Existing and consented wind farms at • None of these LCAs are located within the Study Area for this LVIA. However, this issue Garves, Glenbuck and Long Mountain are located on the Long Mountain Ridge at a is considered in relation to potential landscape character effects on the Binevenagh distance of approximately 22 km from the Proposed Wind Farm Development and may range of hills which form a ridge running from the northern edge into the centre of the be intervisible, or sequentially visible with the Proposed Wind Farm Development from Study Area. some medium to long range viewpoints in this part of the Study Area (in particular the area around Viewpoints 14 and 15 (section 4.234). There are two further clusters
located beyond 30 km which are less likely to be intervisible with the Proposed Wind iv The Cumulative effects of small and larger newer turbines used in different wind Farm Development. These are the consented Elginny Hill and Rathsherry wind farms energy developments is referred to as a consideration in the Antrim Plateau region. located approximately 35 km to the east, and a group of three existing wind farms at • The Proposed Wind Farm Development is not within the Antrim Plateau region. Corkey, Gruig and Slievenahanaghan, together with Altaveedan wind farm which is currently under construction; Cumulative Visual Effects • The Carrickmore and South Sperrin wind farms are located in the south west of the Study Area at distances ranging from 17 – 40 km from the Proposed Wind Farm 4.287 There are a number of clusters of existing, consented and proposed wind farms in this Study Development. Some of the nearer wind farms, including consented wind farms at Area which are intervisible with each other and which are also sequentially visible from the Creagh and a cluster of consented and proposed wind farms at Beltonanean/Ballynagilly local road network, by virtue of their location in upland areas. Simultaneous cumulative may be visible in sequence and in long range views when travelling through the southern effects are primarily analysed in the assessment of cumulative effects on viewpoints, which part of the Study Area between Draperstown and Cookstown but the majority of wind are representative of typical views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development within the farms in this group are located outwith the ZTV for the Proposed Wind Farm Study Area. More general simultaneous and sequential views, and the incremental effects Development and located at some distance from it. Therefore the Proposed Wind Farm of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on these views, are described below and Development is unlikely to be a visible feature in views of many of the wind farms in illustrated in Figure 4.4. this part of the Study Area; 4.288 In many cases, other wind farms are located in visually and/or physically distinct clusters. • The Slieve Kirk and Sperrin Foothills wind farms includes existing wind farms at Slieve For simplicity such wind farms are sometimes collectively described in this LVIA as follows: Kirk, Carrickatane and Curryfree, and consented wind farms at Slieve Kirk Extension and Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 44 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Eglish which are all located 30 – 40 km from the Proposed Wind Farm Development, in ZTV Diagram No. of Turbines Visible % of Study Area with Visibility an area of the preliminary Study Area where only patchy visibility is likely. Viewpoint Wind Farms Corlacky Hill 79.50 % 20 has been included in the LVIA to demonstrate that levels of visibility from this (Figure 4.11) Visibility of Proposed 41.82 % direction and at these distances are unlikely to be significant; wind farms together • The Loughermore Hills wind farms includes a large cluster of existing wind farms at with Corlacky Hill Total visibility of Corlacky Hill = 47.74 Altahullion and Glenconway and surrounding sites with existing and proposed wind farms % Additional visibility of 5.92 % located approximately 15 – 26 km to the west. This group is not located within the ZTV Corlacky Hill for the Proposed Wind Farm Development but it may be sequentially visible or 0 turbines 50.02 % intervisible from other elevated parts of the Study Area. Viewpoint 7, which is located on the north facing edge of the Sperrin Mountains, has been selected partly to represent Visibility of 2.24 % Total visibility Brockaghboy and of typical intervisibility between the Proposed Wind Farm Development and this group of 30 km Extension wind farms Brockaghboy wind farms. Cumulative where there is no and Extension ZTV: visibility of Corlacky Hill wind farms = Table 4.5: Summary of Theoretical Cumulative Visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Development Brockaghboy 43.09 % & Visibility of 40.85 % ZTV Diagram No. of Turbines Visible % of Study Area with Visibility Brockaghboy Brockaghboy and 0 turbines Visible 13.25 % Extension Extension wind farms Wind Farms together with Corlacky Visibility of existing & 39.01 % Total visibility Total visibility of Corlacky Hill = 47.74 % (Figure 4.12) Hill consented wind farms of existing &
30 km where there is no consented Additional visibility of 6.89 % Cumulative visibility of Corlacky Hill wind farms = Corlacky Hill ZTV: Existing 85.83 % & Consented Visibility of existing & 46.82 % Wind Farms consented wind farms (Figure 4.9) together with Corlacky Cumulative Effects on Viewpoints Hill Total visibility of Corlacky Hill = 47.74 % 4.289 The Proposed Wind Farm Development would be located immediately adjacent to the Additional visibility of 0.92 % consented Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Extension wind farms which are considered as part Corlacky Hill of the existing visual baseline in the assessment of viewpoints starting at section 4.141. In 0 turbines Visible 6.68 % addition it may have both simultaneous and sequential cumulative visual effects on the Visibility of existing & 49.64 % selected viewpoints and these potential effects are described below. The locations of other consented wind farms wind farms that are included in the Cumulative Baseline are shown in Figure 4.4 and the where there is no Total visibility 40 km Cumulative ZTVs (Figures 4.9 – 4.12). Their status, size and turbine dimensions are included Cumulative visibility of Corlacky Hill of existing & ZTV: Existing consented in Technical Appendix 4.4. Some wind farms may not be included within the angle of view & Consented Visibility of existing & 43.47 % wind farms = illustrated by the accompanying viewpoint figures, which are restricted by paper size and consented wind farms Wind Farms 93.32 % guidelines on the appropriate height and viewing distance for printed images. However, (Figure 4.10) together with Corlacky Hill Total visibility of Corlacky Hill = 43.98 % they still form part of the view, and are included in the description of cumulative effects from each viewpoint where applicable. Additional visibility of 0.21 % Corlacky Hill Table 4.6: Summary of Cumulative Effects on Viewpoints 0 turbines Visible 14.58 % 30 km Viewpoint No. and Location Sensitivity of Key Magnitude of Significance of Cumulative Visibility of proposed 37.68 % Total visibility Visual Receptors Cumulative Visual Effect Cumulative Visual ZTV: wind farms where there of proposed Effect Proposed is no visibility of the wind farms = 1 Knockoneill Road Court High to Medium High Significant
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 45
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Tomb Figure 4.25 Figure 4.13 14 Magheraboy Road near Medium - Low Low Not Significant Long Mountain 2 Drumbane Road, North High to Medium High Significant Sperrins Scenic Drive Figure 4.26 Figure 4.14 15 Townhill Road near Low – Medium Negligible Not Significant junction with Blackstone 3 Drumbane Waymarked High - Low Medium Moderately Significant Road between Kilrea & Trail Portglenone Figure 4.15 Figure 4.27 4 Carntogher Mountain High - Low Negligible Not Significant 16 Lough Beg Road near Low Negligible Not Significant Trail Car Park, Cotter Newferry Amenity Site, Row, Tirkane near Toome Figure 4.16 Figure 4.28 5 Tirkane Sweat House High Negligible Not Significant 17 Slieve Gallion Mountain High Negligible Not Significant near Maghera at Crockandun Viewing Figure 4.17 Point 6 Benbradagh Mountain High Low Not Significant Figure 4.29 Figure 4.18 18 Ballynacree House, Medium - Low Negligible Not Significant 7 Tamniarin Hill, Banagher Medium Negligible Not Significant Glenstall Road near Balnamore Figure 4.19 Figure 4.30 8 Maghera Park & Ride, A6 Low Negligible Not Significant 19 Ballyvelton Road, Medium – Low Negligible Not Significant Figure 4.20 Ballyrashane near 9 Corby Island Parking Medium – Low Negligible Not Significant junction with Newmills Layby, A29 between Road, Coleraine Maghera and Figure 4.31 Draperstown 20 Slieve Kirk at junction of Low Negligible Not Significant Figure 4.21 Knockbrack and Lisdillon 10 Tamlaght O’Crilly Low – High Low Not Significant Roads between Portglenone Figure 4.32 and Maghera 21 Junction of Toberkeagh Low Negligible Not Significant Figure 4.22 & Moycraig Roads, 11 Curran Picnic Area, A6 Low – Medium Negligible Not Significant Croaghmore Hill, Causeway Coast Figure 4.23 Figure 4.33 12 Approach to Low Medium Moderately Significant Knockloughrim, A6 22 Slieveannorra Summit, Low Negligible Not Significant Antrim Glens AONB Figure 4.24 Figure 4.34 13 Coolnasillagh Road Medium - Low Low Not Significant between Garvagh and Gortnamoyagh Forest
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 46 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Summary viewpoints – Viewpoints 3, 4 and 5 – were assessed as being moderately affected because, whilst also located at relatively close range to the Proposed Wind Farm Development, it 4.290 The overall Significance of Landscape Effects on the Glenshane Slopes LCA is judged to be would not be prominent or visible in its entirety. The remaining 17 viewpoints were moderately significant because it is a small and highly sensitive LCA. However, the assessed as experiencing no significant visual effects because the Proposed Wind Farm Proposed Wind Farm Development’s close relationship with Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Development would either not be visible, visible at some distance and therefore not easily Extension means that it would not significantly alter the existing baseline character. discernible, or visible as a small element of more expansive views along a broad and Although it will have a direct physical effect on part of the Glenshane Slopes LCA this would extensive profile of uplands that stretches from north to south across the full extent of the be reduced by its proximity to two consented wind farms at Brockaghboy which would Study Area. influence most views from the LCA from where the Proposed Wind Farm Development would 4.294 In terms of cumulative landscape effects the Proposed Wind Farm Development was not also be visible. deemed to have a significant effect on the receiving landscape. The consented Brockaghboy 4.291 There are deemed to be no significant landscape effects on other LCAs within the Study wind farms, comprising of 19 turbines, have recently been judged as being an acceptable Area because the Proposed Wind Farm Development would appear alongside the two addition to the Glenshane Slopes LCA and, in most cases the Proposed Wind Farm Brockaghboy wind farms as a smaller and more coherent element of panoramic views along Development, comprising a further 11 turbines, will not adversely affect this baseline the plateau formed by Binevenagh, the Glenshane Slopes and Sperrin Mountains. landscape character. In the wider Study Area wind farms are already a common and Furthermore, the summit of Carntogher Mountain, and the wider plateau of uplands, serves frequently occurring element along many upland areas and the close physical relationship to screen views of the Proposed Wind Farm Development from most of the western side of between the Proposed Wind Farm Development and Brockaghboy will serve to ensure that the Study Area where its effects on landscape character will be negligible. The majority of the additional cumulative effects of the Proposed Wind Farm Development on landscape landscape character elements within the Glenshane Slopes LCA would remain unaltered by character will be minimal. the Proposed Wind Farm Development. The fact that the Proposed Wind Farm Development 4.295 Of the 22 viewpoints only two were judged to have significant cumulative visual effects on will be more visible in the eastern half of the Study Area where the lowlands are well- views. Viewpoints 1 and 2 are close range viewpoints where only Brockaghboy and the vegetated pastoral landscapes with some areas of complex drumlin topography means that Proposed Wind Farm Development are visible and the latter would therefore equate to a any perceived changes to the existing landscape character would be slight and occur over significant increase in the visibility of turbines in these views. However, this would not be limited parts of the Study Area. Overall there would be no fundamental change and the the case with any of the other viewpoints. Viewpoints 3 and 12 are deemed to experience Proposed Wind Farm Development would integrate into the existing landscape with no loss moderately significant cumulative visual effects because the Proposed Wind Farm to key landscape character elements or attributes. Development and the Brockaghboy wind farms are the only three wind farms in close 4.292 The ZTV diagrams indicate that, within a 30 km radius, theoretical visibility of the Proposed proximity to each other and are visible within a wider upland profile. The remaining 18 Wind Farm Development would cover less than 48% of the Study Area and this is largely viewpoints are deemed to experience no significant cumulative visual effects because the concentrated in the eastern half of the Study Area. This percentage does not take into Proposed Wind Farm Development would either not be visible, visible at some distance and account the screening effects of trees and buildings etc. therefore actual visibility would be therefore not easily discernible, or visible as a small element of more expansive views lower. In the western half of the Study Area even close range views are likely to be within which a large number of other wind farms are already, or would be visible. restricted by higher ground along the Binevenagh range of hills and Sperrin Mountains. Clear 4.296 On the basis of the LVIA’s findings the Proposed Wind Farm Development is deemed to be areas of visibility are likely to be located on the lower slopes of Long Mountain Ridge, which acceptable because the level of significant landscape and visual effects will be confined to encloses the eastern side of the Study Area. Clear views may also be expected from the low close range views and its effects on landscape character elements will be limited. lying ground around the River Bann, which runs between Coleraine in the north east and Toome in the south east although the ZTV illustrates that the drumlin topography in this farmland may screen views in patches throughout this part of the Study Area. 4.293 Twenty two viewpoints representing typical levels of visibility throughout the Study Area were assessed in detail as part of the LVIA. Viewpoints 1 and 2, which are close range viewpoints where the Proposed Wind Farm Development would become the most prominent feature within the view, were assessed as being significantly affected. A further three
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 47
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Figure 4.17 Viewpoint 5: Tirkane Sweat House near Maghera Figure 4.18 Viewpoint 6: Benbradagh Mountain List of Tables, Figures, Appendices and Abbreviations Figure 4.19 Viewpoint 7: Tamniarin Hill, Banagher Tables Figure 4.20 Viewpoint 8: Maghera Park & Ride, A6 Table 4.1 Shortlisted Viewpoints Figure 4.21 Viewpoint 9: Corby Island Parking Layby, A29 between Maghera and Table 4.2 Summary of Effects on Landscape Character Draperstown
Table 4.3 Summary of Theoretical Visibility of Proposed Wind Farm Development Figure 4.22 Viewpoint 10: Tamlaght O’Crilly between Portglenone and Maghera Table 4.4 Summary of Effects on Viewpoints Figure 4.23 Viewpoint 11: Curran Picnic Area, A6 Table 4.5 Summary of Theoretical Cumulative Visibility of the Proposed Wind Farm Figure 4.24 Viewpoint 12: Approach to Knockloughrim near the A6 Development Figure 4.25 Viewpoint 13: Coolnasillagh Road between Garvagh and Gortnamoyagh Forest Figures Figure 4.26 Viewpoint 14: Magheraboy Road near Long Mountain Figure 4.1 Landscape Designations and Classifications Figure 4.27 Viewpoint 15: Townhill Road near junction with Blackstone Road between Figure 4.2 Landscape Character Kilrea and Portglenone Figure 4.3 Viewpoint Selection Figure 4.28 Viewpoint 16: Lough Beg Road near Newferry Amenity Site, near Toome Figure 4.4 Cumulative Baseline Figure 4.29 Viewpoint 17: Slieve Gallion Mountain at Crockandun viewing point Figure 4.5 Zone of Theoretical Visibility: 15 km radius, blade tip Figure 4.30 Viewpoint 18: Ballynacree House, Glenstall Road near Balnamore Figure 4.6 Zone of Theoretical Visibility: 30 km radius, blade tip Figure 4.31 Viewpoint 19: Ballyvelton Road, Ballyrashane near junction with Newmills Figure 4.7 Reverse Zone of Theoretical Visibility: 30 km radius, blade tip Road, Coleraine Figure 4.8 Zone of Theoretical Visibility: 40 km radius, blade tip Figure 4.32 Viewpoint 20: Slieve Kirk at junction of Knockbrack and Lisdillon Roads Figure 4.9 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility: Existing and Consented Wind Farms, Figure 4.33 Viewpoint 21: Junction of Toberkeagh and Moycraig Roads, Croaghmore Hill, 30 km radius, blade tip Causeway Coast Figure 4.10 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility: Existing and Consented Wind Farms, Figure 4.34 Viewpoint 22: Slieveannorra Summit, Antrim Glens AONB 40 km radius, blade tip Appendices
Figure 4.11 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility: Proposed Wind Farms, 30 km radius, Technical Appendix 6.1 Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance, Annex A blade tip Technical Appendix 6.2 Baseline Landscape Character Assessment Figure 4.12 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility: Brockaghboy and Brockaghboy Technical Appendix 6.3 Viewpoint Selection Extension, 30 km radius, blade tip Technical Appendix 6.4 Cumulative Baseline Figure 4.13 Viewpoint 1: Knockoneill Road Court Tomb Technical Appendix 6.5 References Figure 4.14 Viewpoint 2: Drumbane Road, North Sperrins Scenic Drive Abbreviations Figure 4.15 Viewpoint 3: Drumbane Waymarked Trail AoHSV Area of High Scenic Value Figure 4.16 Viewpoint 4: Carntogher Mountain Trail Car Park, Cotter Row, Tirkane AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 48 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
CLVIA Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment DoENI Department of the Environment Northern Ireland DCSDC Derry City and Strabane District Council EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ES Environmental Statement GLVIA 'Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment' LCA Landscape Character Area LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency NIEA:LA Northern Ireland Environment Agency: Landscape Architects NILCA Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment NIPS Northern Ireland Planning Service PPS18 'Planning Policy Statement 18 Renewable Energy' PSRNI 'Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland' SSPS ‘Strategic Planning Policy Statement for Northern Ireland (SPPS): Planning for Sustainable Development’
SPG 'Supplementary Planning Guidance to Accompany Planning Policy Statement 18, Renewable Energy' VP Viewpoint (Shortlisted Viewpoint) ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual Chapter 4 – Page 49
Corlacky Hill Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Volume 2: Main Report Chapter 4 – Page 50 Chapter 4: Landscape and Visual