Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Updated Landscape Assessment (including visualisations illustration effect of removing Turbine 3)
Further Environmental Information
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
contrast, the Lammermuirs Hills candidate SLA would reduce the extent of the local landscape designation, receding west and off Dunglass Common which is currently included in the Lammermuir 7 Landscape and Visual Hills AGLV. 7.7 The Draft SPG also contained an audit of the existing AGLVs documenting the key characteristics and Introduction and Overview special qualities of these landscapes against which the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm was assessed in the ES 2011. There has been no change to this information and the existing assessment of the likely 7.1 This Chapter provides further Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and Cumulative effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm on the Lammermuir Hills and the Berwickshire Coast Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (CLVIA) in connection with the proposed Penmanshiel Wind AGLVs as set out in the ES 2011 remains unchanged. Farm, addressing three main areas of assessment as follows. 7.8 A Statements of Importance have been provided for the candidate SLAs and additional landscape • Revised CLVIA to take account of the changes to the baseline of other existing, consented and assessment has been included to account for this. application wind farms since the submission of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm application; • presentation of additional LVIA in connection with the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm; and Revised Cumulative Baseline of Other Wind Farm Developments (20km) • assessment of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, to allow for the potential deletion of Turbine 3 (referred to as the 14 turbine scheme). 7.9 The revised cumulative baseline of other wind farm development includes existing and consented 7.2 With the exception of the 14 turbine scheme, there is no change to the design of the proposed wind farms and those where there is a submitted planning application within a 20km radius of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm, mitigation or the baseline landscape and visual receptors which were proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, effectively updating the cumulative baseline set out in Table 7.4 of included in the ES 2011. the ES 2011. The revised cumulative baseline is indicated in a number of FEI figures as follows: 7.3 The Chapter is structured as follows: • Figure 7.1 provides and illustration of the cumulative baseline of other existing and consented wind farms as well as current wind farm application sites within 20km of the proposed • Review of New Landscape Planning Guidance and Methodology Penmanshiel Wind Farm. • Revised Cumulative Baseline of Other Wind Farm Developments within 20km • Figures 7.2 and 7.3 provide detail of the cumulative baseline in respect of landscape and visual • Revised Cumulative Viewpoint and ZTV Analysis receptors (including landscape character areas, landscape planning designations and recreational • Revised Cumulative Landscape Effects routes) within 5km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. • Revised Cumulative Visual Effects • Penmanshiel Wind Farm (14 turbine scheme) 7.10 In accordance with SNH guidance, wind farm proposals at the screening or scoping stages have been excluded as have micro-generation schemes (turbines less than 50m to blade tip height) and the • Summary and Conclusions application for a single turbine at Weirburn Farm which would also be a small development at 54m to Review of New Landscape Planning Guidance and Methodology blade tip. 7.11 Wind farms within 10km radius of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm will be of most relevance as Methodology noted by SNH in their consultation response letter (dated 17 January 2012). 7.4 The revised CLVIA has been undertaken in accordance with the new guidance from SNH on cumulative 7.12 Changes to the cumulative baseline since the ES have been set out in Table 7.1 and are in italics and assessment (Guidance: Assessing the Cumulative Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy Developments, SNH, underlined. The changes to the cumulative baseline have also been summarised below: March 2012). • There is no change to the baseline of existing wind farm development, particularly as the ES had 7.5 The assessment has been revised to take account of all existing, consented and current wind farm assessed the now existing Drone Hill Wind Farm as existing although during the assessment it was applications within 20km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, including those such as Aikengall II under construction. (Wester Dod) and Ferneylea which are the subject of an appeal process. It may be noted that SNH • There is a slight change to the baseline of consented (under construction) wind farm development have stated in their letter (dated 17 January 2012) that one of their concerns related to the with the consent of 3 turbines at Hoprigshiels. cumulative development of wind farms within 10km. • There is notable change to the baseline of application wind farm developments with applications Supplementary Planning Guidance: Local Landscape Designations for 14 turbines at Quixwood Farm Moor, 6 turbines at Monashee, 2 turbines at Neuk Farm and a single turbine application at Woodhall. 7.6 Scottish Borders Council has produced Supplementary Planning Guidance on Local Landscape 7.13 The most relevant development to the CLVIA assessment remains as the Drone Hill Wind Farm which is Designations which has undertaken a review of the existing AGLVs. Recommendations have been just over 500 m from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm at its closest point and is now constructed made for new ‘candidate’ Special Landscape Areas (SLA), which would effectively alter the boundaries / existing. Three existing wind farms: Crystal Rig, Aikengall, and Black Hill are located in the of the existing AGLVs and in particular the boundary of the Berwickshire Coast AGLV / candidate SLA Lammermuir Hills within approximately 11-12km of the proposed wind farm and are of some relevance as indicated on FEI Figure 7.3. The Berwickshire Coast candidate SLA would be extended south to the A1107 to include a larger area of Coldingham Moor and part of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm. In
7-1 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
to the assessment along with the consented wind clusters at Brockholes, and Hoprigshiels. Of less Lammermuirs and coastal upland areas (Penmanshiel Moor and Coldingham Moor) as demonstrated by relevance, but included in the CLVIA is the single turbine consented development at Pressmains Farm. the existing and consented developments at Crystal Rig and Aikengall in the Lammermuirs and the 7.14 Of further relevance, although uncertain probability, is a cluster of planning application sites to the case of Drone Hill and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in the Penmanshiel Moor and Coldingham west of the proposed wind farm, along the upland fringes of the Lammermuirs at Blackburn, Quixwood Moor area. This approach is also promoted in the Council’s SPG (paragraphs 5.11) and the proposed Farm Farm, Neuk Farm, Fernylea, and Monashee. Beyond these there is also a further proposal at Penmanshiel Wind Farm would benefit from its close grouping and association with the Drone Hill Aikengall II (Wester Dod) which is located within the Lammermuir Hills. Of less relevance, but Wind Farm. As a result there would be a consequentially lower level of landscape and visual effect in included in the CLVIA is the application at Dunbar and the single turbine application at Woodhall. comparison to ‘stand-alone’ schemes, remote from existing development. 7.15 The applications for single turbine developments at Barnside Farm and Kelloe Mains which were 7.18 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm fits with this existing pattern of development, being located as included in the ES 2011 have since been withdrawn or refused. part of an existing wind farm cluster and within an undesignated ‘upland’ albeit coastal upland landscape type. However, unlike other development at Crystal Rig and Aikengall within the eastern
Lammermuirs, the spread of wind turbines, relative to the area of upland landscape dose not threaten Table 7.1: Wind Energy Development Included in the CLVIA within 20 km Radius to entirely fill and overwhelm the area of this LCT.
Wind Farm Site Nr BT HH RD Distance (km) 7.19 Outwith this established pattern of development (relating wind farms to upland landscapes and clusters of existing development), there are only a handful of small consented wind clusters of 3 Existing Wind Farm Developments turbines, widely dispersed at Hoprigshiels, Brockholes and a larger, early development of ‘shorter E01. Drone Hill (now constructed) 22 76 45 62 0.5 turbines’ at Black Hill, all located within the upland fringe landscape character types, skirting the E02. Aikengall 16 125 80 90 11 edges of the Lammermuirs. These wind farms occur as ‘stand alone’ development occupying the E03. Black Hill 22 78 47 62 12.7 ‘spaces’ within the established pattern of development. E04. Crystal Rig 1, 2 and 2a extensions 85 100-125 60-85 80 12 7.20 Recent applications at Blackburn, Quixwood Farm, and Monashee are proposed within this upland Consented Wind Farms (including those under construction) fringe area and as such fall outwith the established pattern of development, and are much larger (both in terms of number and turbine height) than the consented wind clusters. It is notable that C01. Brockholes 3 84 60 48 3.9 many of the existing wind farm developments within the Lammermuirs (including Crystal Rig and C02. Hoprigshiels 3 115 68.5 92.5 6.2 extensions and Fallago Rig were all designed to avoid turbines appearing on the skyline at full height C03. Pressmains Farm 1 61 43 36 7.3 or appearing on the outer slopes and upland fringe areas of the Lammermuirs, where they could be Wind Farm Planning Application seen as overly prominent from lowland receptors. A01. Blackburn (pending Appeal) 6 126.5 80 93 3.6 7.21 Further applications for wind farm development at Neuk Farm and Dunbar are clearly located within A02. Quixwood Farm Farm 14 126 80 92 3.7 lowland and coastal lowland landscape character types. These also represent a departure, from the
A03. Neuk Farm 2 110 65 90 4.9 established pattern of development, although they are of a smaller scale in turbine number.
A04. Monashee (Draikmire) 6 119 78 82 5.8 7.22 Whilst the new applications or stand alone schemes (subject to the capacity of the landscape) may demonstrate a further potential evolution of the pattern of wind farm development across the region, A05. Ferneylea (waiting for Appeal Decision) 2 71 55 32 7 their consent would entail a broader spread of wind farm development at a greater density, likely to A06. Aikengall II (Wester Dod) (Awaiting Appeal Decision) 22 148 88 120 8.7 have a more pervasive effect on a wider range of landscape character typologies and areas and A07. Dunbar 3 100 58.5 83 11 potentially blurring the boundaries between upland, upland fringe and lowland areas. Of all the A08. Woodhall 1 78 50 56 12.6 current wind farm applications, the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm has the best fit within the established pattern of development, by virtue of its location within an undesignated area of coastal
upland landscape typology and as part of an existing cluster of development (Drone Hill) where there The Existing and Consented Pattern of Cumulative Wind Farm Development is available landscape capacity to accommodate this development. 7.16 FEI Figure 7.1 illustrated the cumulative baseline of other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. The underlying topography and any areas Revised Cumulative Viewpoint and ZTV Analysis of upland and coastal upland landscape character types are indicated on the map and from the 7.23 Further Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis and revised viewpoint analysis, updating the analysis of this, the pattern of cumulative wind farm development (existing and consented) can be information in the ES 2011 is provided in this section in order to take account of the changed baseline identified. of cumulative wind farm development. 7.17 When the wider regional landscape pattern of wind farm development is considered, it is clear that a ‘cluster and space’ pattern is emerging with wind farms largely restricted to ‘upland areas’ within the
Further Environmental Information 7-2 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Analysis either Drone Hill Wind Farm or the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm) by 3% across the 30km landscape and visual study area. This represents a negligible increase in the ZTV footprint, affecting 7.24 The cumulative ZTV’s have been calculated using the ReSoft © Wind farm computer software to the an area of coastal fields where there would be no visual receptors. same methodology as set out previously in the ES 2011. The ZTVs do not take account of the screening effects of buildings, localised landform variations, and vegetation. As a result there may be 7.30 This trend can also be applied at a more local scale and FEI Figure 7.5 illustrates the baseline ZTV for roads, tracks, and footpaths which, although shown as falling within the ZTV, have restricted viewing existing and consented wind farm development within 20km, and indicates that within the area shown opportunities since they are heavily screened or filtered by banks, walls, and vegetation. The ZTVs (approximately 10km from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm) the theoretical increase in the ZTV, therefore provide a starting point in the assessment process and accordingly tend towards giving a caused by the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, would be 0.31%. This represents a ‘worst-case’ or over-estimate scenario of the potential visibility of the turbines. It may also be noted negligible increase in the ZTV footprint, affecting an area of coastal fields where there would be no that a large portion of the study areas and the ZTV plots covers areas of the North Sea. visual receptors. 7.25 A number of cumulative ZTV maps have been provided as follows: Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Blackburn Wind Farm
• FEI Figure 7.4 illustrates a comparative ZTV for the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and the 7.31 FEI Figure 7.6 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Blackburn Wind Farm and the existing and proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, calculated to blade tip at 1:250,000 scale across the ES study consented baseline of other wind farm development. However, unlike in the case of the proposed area. Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, the proposed Blackburn Wind Farm is • FEI Figure 7.5 illustrates a comparative ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the not closely associated with any existing and consented development and areas of ZTV within 5km are existing and consented baseline of other wind farm development within 20km, calculated to blade likely to be perceived as ‘new’ affecting receptors such as residents and walkers on Ewieside Hill and tip at 1:50,000 scale and shown for the area within 10km the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. the Southern Upland Way to a significant degree as confirmed by the Blackburn ES. • FEI Figure 7.6 as above, Blackburn Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. 7.32 The proposed Blackburn Wind Farm site is located approximately 3.6km west of the proposed • FEI Figure 7.7 as above, Quixwood Farm Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) and • FEI Figure 7.8 as above, Neuk Farm Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. receptors between the two wind farms including the A1 and the Southern Upland Way would have • FEI Figure 7.9 as above, Monashee Farm Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. limited visibility of these schemes due to the screening effects of topography and vegetation. Where • FEI Figure 7.10 as above, Ferneylea Farm Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. visible, a limited number of receptors including residents and walkers on the Southern Upland Way • FEI Figure 7.11 as above, Aikengall II (Wester Dod) Farm Wind Farm against the existing and would view to two schemes in opposite directions, separated by this valley. Significant cumulative consented baseline. visual effects are likely to be experienced sequentially from along the Southern Upland Way. • FEI Figure 7.12 as above, Dunbar Farm Wind Farm against the existing and consented baseline. Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Quixwood Farm Wind Farm ZTV Analysis: Proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm 7.33 FEI Figure 7.7 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Quixwood Farm Wind Farm and the existing and 7.26 As stated in the ES 2011 (para. 7.102) ‘the theoretical visibility to blade tip for the proposed consented baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed Quixwood Farm Wind Farm is not Penmanshiel Wind Farm accounts for ~57% of the 30km landscape and visual study area. However, closely associated with any existing and consented development and areas of ZTV within 5km are the North Sea accounts for ~42% of the coverage, leaving just ~15% of the land in the study area likely to be perceived as ‘new’ affecting receptors such as residents and walkers on the Southern within the blade tip ZTV’. Upland Way to a significant degree as confirmed by the Quixwood Farm ES. 7.27 Considering a detailed area of 5km from the site centre and excluding areas of sea and large woodland 7.34 The proposed Quixwood Farm Wind Farm site is located approximately 3.8km southwest of the blocks / forestry, the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm covers 58.5% of this area. Most of proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) this theoretical visibility is overlapped by visibility of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and the and receptors between the two wind farms including the A1, Granthouses, A6112 and the Southern addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would add 10.9% of ‘new’ theoretical visibility. This Upland Way would have limited visibility of these schemes due to the screening effects of topography compares to other existing wind farms such as Crystal Rig and Black Hill where within 5km of these and vegetation. Where visible, a limited number of receptors including residents and walkers on the turbines the computer calculates the percentage of theoretical visibility to be approximately 65-70%. Southern Upland Way would view to two schemes in opposite directions, separated by this valley. 7.28 Considering the area within 10km of the site centre, there is a greater degree of topographical and Significant cumulative visual effects are likely to be experienced sequentially from along the Southern vegetation screening (acknowledged by SBC). Excluding areas of sea and large woodland blocks / Upland Way. forestry, the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is 36.0% of the 10km study area, measured Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Neuk Farm Wind Farm from the site centre. 7.35 FEI Figure 7.8 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Neuk Farm Wind Farm and the existing and Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm consented baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed Neuk Farm Wind Farm is not 7.29 In comparison with the Drone Hill Wind Farm (FEI Figure 7.4) the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm closely associated with any existing and consented development and areas of ZTV within 5km are would increase the cumulative footprint (area from where it may be theoretically possible to view likely to be perceived as ‘new’ affecting receptors such as to a significant degree.
7-3 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
7.36 The proposed Neuk Farm Wind Farm site is located approximately 4.8km northwest of the proposed Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Dunbar Wind Farm Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) and the 7.43 FEI Figure 7.12 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Dunbar Wind Farm and the existing and consented Heriot Water valley. Receptors between the two wind farms including the A1 would have limited baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed Dunbar Wind Farm is not closely associated visibility of these schemes due to the screening effects of topography and vegetation. Where visible, with any existing and consented development and areas of ZTV within 5km are likely to be perceived a limited number of receptors including residents and walkers on Ewieside Hill would view to two as ‘new’ affecting receptors such as the A1 and the coastline. schemes in opposite directions, separated by these valleys. Cumulative visual effects where both 7.44 The proposed Dunbar Wind Farm site is located approximately 11km northwest of the proposed schemes would be visible to a significant degree would be unlikely. Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) and East Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Monashee Wind Farm Lothian coastline. Due to the intervening distance, cumulative visual effects experienced by 7.37 FEI Figure 7.9 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Monashee Wind Farm and the existing and receptors including road users on the A1 would view to two schemes in opposite directions, over consented baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed Monashee Wind Farm is not longer distances. Cumulative visual effects where both schemes would be visible to a significant closely associated with any existing and consented development and areas of ZTV within 5km are degree would be unlikely. likely to be perceived as ‘new’ affecting receptors. Revised Cumulative Viewpoint Analysis 7.38 The proposed Quixwood Farm Wind Farm site is located approximately 5.8km south of the proposed 7.45 The ES viewpoints (shown in ES Figures 7.14 to 7.38b and 7.46 to 7.47) have been reassessed against Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) and the revised cumulative baseline and those visualisations which illustrate a change have been revised in receptors between the two wind farms including the A1 and Granthouses would have limited visibility FEI Figures 7.13 to 7.28. Table 7.2 (revised from the ES Appendix 7b) provides a summary of the of these schemes due to the screening effects of topography and vegetation. Where visible, a limited revisions to this assessment underlined and in italics. Further viewpoint assessment has been number of receptors including residents and road users on the A6112 would view to two schemes in provided for each viewpoint (divided between the two local authority areas of East Lothian and opposite directions, separated by the Eye Water valley. Cumulative visual effects where both schemes Scottish Borders) in the text that follows Table 7.2. It should be noted that in many cases a slight would be visible to a significant degree would be unlikely, with the exception of sequential views from change or alteration to the visualisation (for example changing the status of the Hoprigshiel Wind the A6112. Farm from application to consented) has not lead to a change in the level of cumulative effect Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Ferneylea Wind Farm predicted.
7.39 FEI Figure 7.10 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Ferneylea Wind Farm and the existing and 7.46 As set out in the ES 2011 (para. 7.132) the viewpoint analysis indicates that in relation to the consented baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed Ferneylea Wind Farm is closely proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm ‘significant visual effects have been predicted at 3 km distance and associated with the consented Hoprigshiels development and areas of ZTV within 5km are likely to that high to medium magnitude visual effects would occur within approximately 5.3km’. Beyond 3km overlap. distance from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm other significant cumulative effects that are likely are triggered by other existing, consented or application wind farms as shown in brackets in 7.40 The proposed Ferneylea Wind Farm site is located approximately 7km west of the proposed column 3 of Table 7.2. Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) and Ewieside Hill. Receptors between the two wind farms including the A1 would have limited visibility of 7.47 Although there has been a slight change to the consented baseline and new applications, submitted these schemes due to the screening effects of topography and vegetation. Where visible, a limited since the ES 2011 have now been considered, these have had limited effect on the cumulative number of receptors including residents and walkers on Ewieside Hill would view to two schemes in viewpoint assessment and visualisations (simultaneous visibility) as none of these are within the opposite directions, separated by these valleys. Cumulative visual effects where both schemes would coastal region north and east of the A1 (excepting Dunbar Wind Farm, further to the northwest along be visible to a significant degree would be unlikely. the coastline. This is also due to the intervening distance and separation between the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and these new proposals, which are all within the upland fringes west and Cumulative ZTV Analysis: Proposed Aikengall II (Wester Dod) Wind Farm south of the A1 and the Eye Water valley. 7.41 FEI Figure 7.11 illustrates the ZTV for the proposed Aikengall II (Wester Dod) Wind Farm and the 7.48 There would however be changes to the successive visibility with significant visual effects related to existing and consented baseline of other wind farm development. The proposed development is new wind farm applications occurring at viewpoints 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 19 and related to views closely associated with the existing Aikengall and Crystal Rig wind farms and areas of ZTV within 5km from the Southern Upland Way and high points such as Ewieside Hill and Cockburn Law Fort, when are likely to overlap. viewing in the opposite direction from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. There would also be 7.42 The proposed Aikengall II (Wester Dod) Wind Farm site is located approximately 9km west of the changes to the sequential cumulative effects experienced from routes such as the Southern Upland proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, beyond the Eye Water valley (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley LCA) Way and the A6112. and Upland Fringes. Due to the intervening distance, cumulative visual effects experienced by receptors including residents and walkers would view to two schemes in opposite directions, over longer distances. Cumulative visual effects where both schemes would be visible to a significant degree would be unlikely.
Further Environmental Information 7-4 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Table 7.2: Viewpoint Assessment Viewpoint Distance to Cumulative Level of Effect: Change to Assessment Nearest (Penmanshiel, existing, Viewpoint Distance to Cumulative Level of Effect: Change to Assessment Visible consented, and Nearest Penmanshiel (Penmanshiel, existing, application wind farms) Visible consented, and Turbine (m) Penmanshiel application wind farms) Turbine (m) 12. Cockburnspath 4963 Moderate No change to assessed level of effect
1. Renton Barns 1,339 Substantial No change to assessed level of effect (Drone Hill and 13. Southern Upland 5325 Substantial CHANGE: Penmanshiel) Way, Quixwood Farm (Blackburn and Quixwood Quixwood Farm would be visible to a Farm) 2. A1 Grantshouse 1,584 Slight / Moderate No change to assessed level of effect high magnitude.
14. A6112, Monashee 5,375 Substantial CHANGE: 3. Highview Caravan 2,180 Substantial No change to assessed level of effect Farm (Monashee) Monashee would be visible successively Park (Drone Hill and Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be to a high to medium magnitude. Penmanshiel) visible to a negligible magnitude beyond Quixwood Farm would be visible to a vegetation. negligible magnitude.
4. St Helen’s Church 2,706 Moderate No change to assessed level of effect 15. Hoprig 5,920 Substantial CHANGE: (Blackburn and Neuk Neuk Farm would be visible to a high Farm) magnitude. 5. Southern Upland 2,926 Substantial CHANGE: Way, Blackburn 16 Dunglass 6,183 Slight to Moderate No change to assessed level of effect (Penmanshiel, Blackburn Quixwood Farm would also be and Quixwood Farm) successively visible to low to medium magnitude (not shown on the ES 17. A1 Layby, Bilsdean 7454 Moderate No change to assessed level of effect visualisation). Neuk Farm would be visible to a low to 6. A6112 Berry Hill 3,158 Moderate/ Substantial No change to assessed level of effect negligible magniude. Cottage (Drone Hill, Penmanshiel, Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be 18. Cocklaw, 8358 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect Quixwood Farm and successively visible to a low to medium Oldhamstocks (Blackburn and Neuk Farm would be visible to a low Monashee) magnitude (not shown on the ES Hoprigshiels) magnitude. visualisation). 19. Cockburn Law 8,824 Moderate / Substantial CHANGE: 7. Telegraph Hill, 3,282 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect Dowlaw Fort (Quixwood Farm, Monashee and Quixwood Farm would be (Drone Hill) Neuk Farm would be visible to a low to Monashee) visible to at a medium to low negligible magnitude. magnitude. 8. Ewieside Hill 3,325 Substantial CHANGE: 20. Torness Point 9,062 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect (Blackburn and Quixwood Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be (Blackburn and Aikengall Neuk Farm would be visible to at a low Farm) visible to a medium to low magnitude. II) magnitude. 9. Butterdean Farm 3,482 Substantial CHANGE: 21. Blackcastle Hill 9,167 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect (Quixwood Farm) Quixwood Farm would be successively (Aikengall II and Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be visible to a high magnitude (not shown Hoprigshiels) visible to a low to negligible magnitude. on the ES visualisation). Neuk Farm may be visible to at a low 10. A1107, Falaknowe 4,374 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect magnitude. (Drone Hill) Quixwood Farm would be visible to a 22. West Steel 12,404 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect negligible magnitude. (Aikengall I, II + Crystal Rig) Neuk Farm may be visible to at a low to 11. Southern Upland 4642 Moderate No change to assessed level of effect negligible magnitude. Way, Cove
7-5 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Viewpoint Distance to Cumulative Level of Effect: Change to Assessment Viewpoint 4: St Helen’s Church Nearest (Penmanshiel, existing, 7.55 There would be no significant visual effects from this viewpoint and no change to the visibility of Visible consented, and other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km. Penmanshiel application wind farms) Turbine (m) Viewpoint 5: Southern Upland Way, Blackburn 23. Fancove Head, 13,474 Moderate No change to assessed level of effect 7.56 Although there would be no change to the visualisation produced for this viewpoint in the ES 2011, Eyemouth Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be there would be a change to the successive views and Quixwood Farm application wind farm would be visible to a negligible magnitude. visible to a low to medium magnitude in the opposite direction (successively). The additional visual 24.Dunbar Harbour 17,119 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be significant from this viewpoint, and further (Aikengall II) Neuk Farm may be visible to at a significant visual effect would relate to the visibility of application sites at Blackburn and Quixwood negligible magnitude. Farm. 25. Twin Law 22,572 Moderate / Substantial No change to assessed level of effect 7.57 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would visually coalesce with the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, (Fallago Rig and appearing in front of it, and set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this Aikengall II) Quixwood Farm and Monashee would be visible to a negligible magnitude. change.
Viewpoint 6: A6112 Berry Hill Cottage
Visibility from the Scottish Borders 7.58 Although there would be no change to the visualisation produced for this viewpoint in the ES 2011, 7.49 Each of the assessment viewpoints within the Scottish Borders local planning authority area have been there would be a change to the successive views and Quixwood Farm and Monashee application wind reassessed in terms of the revised cumulative baseline of other existing, consented and application farms would be visible to a low to medium magnitude successively. The additional visual effect of the wind farms within 20km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. Significant cumulative visual proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be significant from this viewpoint, and further significant effects wholly or partly attributable to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would occur at ES visual effect would relate to the visibility of application sites at Drone Hill, Quixwood Farm and viewpoints 1 (Renton Barns), 3 (Highview Caravan Park), 5 (Southern Upland Way, Blackburn) and 6 Monashee. (A6112 Berry Hill Cottage). 7.59 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be visible alongside the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this change. Viewpoint 1: Renton Barns Viewpoint 7: Telegraph Hill, Dowlaw 7.50 Both the additional and the combined visual effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm with the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm would be significant. There would be no change to the visibility of 7.60 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.14. The other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km and subsequently no change to the Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a low to negligible magnitude. The additional cumulative assessment. visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, but the combined 7.51 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be visible alongside the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm would be set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this change. significant and in this respect there is no change to the overall level of cumulative visual effect. 7.61 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, Viewpoint 2: A1 Grantshouse appearing largely screened by the intervening landform. 7.52 There would be no significant visual effects from this viewpoint and no change to the visibility of Viewpoint 8: Ewieside Hill other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km. 7.62 Although there would be no change to the visualisation produced for this viewpoint in the ES 2011, Viewpoint 3: Highview Caravan Park there would be a change to the successive 360° views (FEI Figure 7.15) and the Quixwood Farm 7.53 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.13. The (medium magnitude) and Monashee application (low magnitude) would be visible successively. Blades application wind farms at Monashee and Quixwood Farm may be visible to a negligible magnitude, of the Neuk farm turbines would be screened from view by existing vegetation. The additional visual beyond vegetation. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant from this viewpoint, although significant, but the combined visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the existing significant visual effects would relate to the visibility of application sites at Quixwood and Blackburn. Drone Hill Wind Farm would be significant and in this respect there is no change to the overall level of 7.63 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would visually coalesce with the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, cumulative visual effect. appearing in front of it, and set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this 7.54 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, change. appearing as a discrete extension to the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm.
Further Environmental Information 7-6 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Viewpoint 9: Butterdean Farm Viewpoints 15, 16, 17, 18, are located within East Lothian
7.64 Although there would be no change to the visualisation produced for this viewpoint in the ES 2011, Viewpoint 19: Cockburn Law Fort there would be a change to the successive views and the Quixwood Farm application wind farm would 7.74 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.22 (360° be visible to a high magnitude in the opposite direction (successively). The additional visual effect of view). The Monashee and Quixwood Farm application wind farms would be visible at a medium to low the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant from this viewpoint, although further magnitude. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant visual effect would relate to the cumulative visibility of application site at Quixwood Farm significant, but there could be significant visual effects in relation to the Monashee and Quixwood with the existing Drone Hill, and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm contributing. Farm applications. 7.65 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be visible alongside the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, 7.75 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this change. although it would be visible alongside the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, set within a simple landscape Viewpoint 10: A1107, Falaknowe of sufficient scale to accommodate this change.
7.66 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.16. The Viewpoints 20 and 21 are located within East Lothian Quixwood Farm application wind farm would be visible at a negligible magnitude. The additional Viewpoint 22: West Steel visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, but the combined visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm would be 7.76 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.25. The significant and in this respect there is no change to the overall level of cumulative visual effect. Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a low to negligible magnitude. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, appearing in front of 7.67 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, appearing largely screened by the intervening landform and beyond the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm. and coalescing with the existing Drone Hill wind Farm. 7.77 There would be significant visual effects in relation to the Aikengall I and II (Wester Dod) wind farms Viewpoint 11: Southern Upland Way, Cove as set out in the ES 2011. 7.68 There would be no significant visual effects from this viewpoint and no change to the visibility of Viewpoint 23: Fancove Head, Eyemouth other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km. 7.78 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.26. The Viewpoint 12: Cockburnspath Monashee and Quixwood Farm application wind farms would be visible at a negligible magnitude. The 7.69 There would be no significant visual effects from this viewpoint and no change to the visibility of additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant. other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km. Viewpoint 24 is located within East Lothian Viewpoint 13: Southern Upland Way, Quixwood Farm Viewpoint 25: Twin Law 7.70 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.17. The 7.79 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.28. The Quixwood Farm application wind farm would be visible at a high magnitude, extending beyond the Monashee and Quixwood Farm application wind farms would be visible at a negligible magnitude. The right of the illustrated view. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant. would not be significant, but there would be significant visual effects in relation to the Blackburn and Quixwood Farm applications. Visibility from East Lothian
7.71 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view. 7.80 No significant visual effects or cumulative visual effects as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Viewpoint 14: A6112, Monashee Farm Farm have been identified from any of the viewpoints or visual receptors within East Lothian.
7.72 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.18. The Viewpoint 15: Hoprig Monashee application wind farm would be visible successively to a high to medium magnitude and the 7.81 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.19. The Quixwood Farm application would be visible to a negligible magnitude. The additional visual effect of Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a high magnitude. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, but there would be significant visual the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, appearing as a small feature on the effects in relation to the Monashee applications. horizon, partly screened by landform. 7.73 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, 7.82 There would be significant visual effects in relation to the Neuk Farm and Blackburn application wind although it would be clearly visible in the direction of travel, set within a simple landscape of farms, the latter as set out in the ES 2011. sufficient scale to accommodate this change.
7-7 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Viewpoint 16: Dunglass 7.91 The Thortonloch Caravan Park and public car park are located to the south of Torness nuclear power station. Both the caravan park and the car park are located low in the landscape such that their 7.83 There would be no significant visual effects from this viewpoint and no change to the visibility of settings and principle views are focused east towards the beach, sea, and foreground coastline. other existing, consented and application wind farms within 20km. 7.92 Any significant cumulative visual effects would relate to the visibility of the Aikengall II (Wester Dod) Viewpoint 17: A1 near Bilsdean and Blackburn application wind farms. 7.84 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.20. The ES Viewpoints 21: Blackcastle Hill Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a low to negligible magnitude. The additional visual effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, appearing as a small 7.93 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.24. The feature on the horizon, largely screened by landform. Monashee, Quixwood Farm and Neuk Farm application wind farms would be visible at a low to negligible magnitude. The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant 7.85 This viewpoint is located at 7,454m from the nearest proposed turbine and would be viewed by feature in this view, although it would be visible alongside and partly coalescing with the existing motorists on the A1 travelling at speed. Most of the combined development would be screened from Drone Hill Wind Farm, set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to accommodate this change. view (limited to upper parts and blade tips) and extending over 9° of the horizontal AOV. Motorists would not experience this as a ‘continuous’ feature, viewing the wind farm intermittently in the 7.94 Any significant cumulative visual effects would relate to the visibility of the Aikengall I and Aikengall II direction of travel and would be likely to find it difficult to focus on this small feature, whilst (Wester Dod) wind farms. travelling at speed. Passengers / coaches viewing from side windows would be unable to view the ES Viewpoint 24: Dunbar harbour wind farm, instead viewing perpendicular to the direction of travel, experiencing either the coastal 7.95 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.27. The panorama or inland views. The main focus of this view is to the northeast towards the sea and away Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at negligible magnitude. The proposed from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to the southeast. The roadside location is not designated Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not appear as a new significant feature in this view, being located at at a local or national level and views to the south in the direction of the proposed wind farm are not 17,119km distance, largely screened from view (affecting a small 4.5° of the horizontal AOV) and well fully panoramic, being foreshortened and contained by foreground hills, which incorporate existing beyond the setting of Dunbar Harbour and other features such as the Torness Nuclear Power Station masts and transport infrastructure including the A1, railway masts and wires, of lower scenic quality. and the cement works. The visibility of the combined wind farms would be limited and the visual effects would not be significant, reducing further for more distant viewpoints. Nature of Visual Effects
7.86 There would be no change to the level of cumulative visual effects (not significant) as set out in the 7.96 It should further be noted that the nature of these effects although cumulative and long term, would ES 2011. also be reversible and neutral to negative with the wind farms appearing as simple consistent ES Viewpoint 18: Cocklaw elements within a wide open landscape setting, such that the wind farms would appear well accommodated within the scale of the landscape. Views of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm 7.87 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.21. The would often appear to coalesce (appearing behind or in front) of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a low magnitude. The additional visual effect of ensuring that the affected section of the horizon is limited (developments partly overlapping) and the the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, appearing as visually overlapping and overall affected horizontal AOV is small, such that the proportion of developed to non-developed coalescing with the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm to appear as ‘one’ wind farm. skyline is minimised. The nature of the wind turbines allows for a high degree of visual permeability 7.88 Significant cumulative visual effects would relate to the visibility of the consented Hoprigshiels Wind and coexistence with the existing rural / coastal landscape and the current levels of landscape Farm and the Blackburn application wind farm. attractiveness and amenity would remain paramount. ES Viewpoint 20: Torness point Revised Cumulative Landscape Effects 7.89 There would be a change to the view and a revised visualisation is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.23. The Neuk Farm application wind farm would be visible at a low magnitude. 7.97 The assessment of landscape effects was set out in the ES 2011 as follows: 7.90 The viewpoint is located at 10,799m from the nearest proposed turbine and would be viewed by • Local Landscape Character walkers on the John Muir Way. Most of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be screened from • Indirect effects on Surrounding areas of Landscape Character (within 10km) view with only the upper parts of turbines visible and affecting a small 8° of the horizontal AOV. The • Effects on Designated Landscapes combined horizontal angle of view of both the Drone Hill Wind Farm and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be 16° out of a much wider panorama in excess of 180°. The additional visual 7.98 Although there has been some change to the cumulative baseline since the date of the ES in October effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not be significant, appearing as a small feature 2011, there has been no change to the cumulative baseline of other commercial scale existing, on the horizon, largely screened by landform. consented and application wind farm development within the local landscape character of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, which includes the coastal landscape types of coastal moorland and
Further Environmental Information 7-8 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
coastal farmland to the north and east of the A1. Cumulative landscape effects related to the capable of accommodating wind farm development. The site area is less prominent than the adjacent proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm therefore remain as presented in the ES, and largely relate to the Drone Hill Wind Farm site on Coldingham Moor and as such benefits from some low level screening of combined effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm. surrounding topography. Partly as a result, the area of theoretical ZTV is limited, and as 7.99 There would be a change to the landscape effects on surrounding areas of landscape character (within demonstrated by many of the assessment viewpoints the overall proportion of development to the 10km) and locally designated landscapes as a result of new applications, although the contribution of remaining area of simple, open landscape remains in favour of the wider landscape, such that the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to these effects would not be significant. although there may be visual prominence and significant effects from some close range views, these are limited by the topography and the overall characteristics of this landscape. In particular, the 7.100 The cumulative landscape assessments for the Coastal Moorland landscape character area (LCA), areas valued coastal characteristics and scenic qualities, as defined by the AGLV and candidate SLA, within which the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be located, and the closest local landscape would remain paramount. In particular viewpoints 3 (Highview Caravan Park), 4 (St Helen’s Church), 7 designation (Berwickshire Coast AGLV and candidate SLA) have been revised in this section along with (Telegraph Hill), and 10 (Falaknowe) demonstrate the cumulative landscape effects from viewpoints a review of the likely cumulative landscape effects related to the new wind farm applications which within this LCA or the adjacent Coastal Farmland which is closely associated with it. In effect the were not previously considered as part of the ES 2011. development of the Drone Hill Wind Farm has changed this landscape and due to its more prominent Coastal Moorland LCA and central location, straddling the A1107, this wind farm accounts for the majority of the landscape 7.101 FEI Figures 7.1 and 7.2 illustrated the cumulative baseline of wind farm development in relation to and visual effects from within this area. The addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is the underlying topography, upland landscape character types and landscape character areas (the modest in comparison and the additional level of landscape effect is limited. latter adjusted from the national dataset to reflect local conditions). 7.106 The FEI has not identified any other significant cumulative landscape effects as a result of the 7.102 The ES identified a significant effect on a localised part of the Coastal Moorland LCA at Penmanshiel proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in combination with any other existing, consented or application Moor, as could well be expected in the case of any wind farm development. The local landscape is wind farms, and it may be noted that the indirect landscape effects to the west and south of the A1, already altered by wind farm development as a result of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and the resulting from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm drop to low or negligible magnitudes. additional landscape effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm largely overlap with that of the Conversely, and due to the intervening distances, the indirect landscape effects of other wind farms initial impact resulting from the Drone Hill Wind Farm. to the west and south of the A1 (notably Blackburn and Quixwood Farm Moor) would have a low or negligible magnitude of change on the coastal landscape types to the north and east of the A1 7.103 The SNH document ‘Siting and Designing Wind farms in the Landscape’ (CD 7.3) explains that the resulting in no further significant cumulative effects. development of multiple wind farms within a particular area may create different types of cumulative effect, such as where: 7.107 There is essentially no ‘overlap’ of the areas of significant landscape effect related to other existing, consented and application wind farms, beyond the clustered or combined effect of the Drone Hill • “The wind farms are seen as separate isolated features within the landscape character type, too Wind Farm and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, which have been designed as an extension, such infrequent and of insufficient significance to be perceived as a characteristic of the area; that the combined effects may be considered as limited / acceptable and fall within the landscape • The wind farms are seen as a key characteristic of the landscape, but not of sufficient dominance capacity of the coastal moorland area. to be a defining characteristic of the area; • The wind farms appear as a dominant characteristic of the area, seeming to define the character Landscape Designations type as a ‘wind farm landscape character type.” 7.108 There would be no significant effects on designated landscapes including the Berwickshire Coast AGLV 7.104 A ‘wind farm landscape’ can also be created by the development of a wind farm within the site area and it may be observed that there is limited ZTV coverage of this area (comparing ES Figures 7.10 and in the case of larger wind farm developments. This can be seen in the case of the existing Drone Hill 7.11) with actual visibility largely related to the occasional views of blade tips on the landward Wind Farm which creates an area of wind farm landscape, affecting the site area of this wind farm horizon, from locations on the edge of this designation as demonstrated by ES viewpoints 4 (St Helen’s through which people can travel whilst on the A1107. The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would Church) and 7 (Telegraph Hill). extend this area slightly, although the visibility and opportunity for this to be experienced as a ‘wind 7.109 In addition, it should be noted that since the submission of the ES, Scottish Borders Council have farm landscape’ is far more limited in comparison to Drone Hill Wind Farm. From most of the Coastal finalised their SPG on Local Landscape Designations. A suit of new Candidate Special Landscape Areas Landscape Types in this area the level of cumulative wind farm development would range from ‘wind (SLA) has been proposed, which in due course are intended to replace the existing AGLVs. The farms are seen as separate isolated features within the landscape character type, too infrequent and Berwickshire Coast Candidate SLA has been reassessed in order to consider the new boundary and the of insufficient significance to be perceived as a characteristic of the area’ to areas where ‘wind special qualities identified in the SPG and related cumulative effects. farms are seen as a key characteristic of the landscape but not of sufficient dominance to be a 7.110 The boundary of the Berwickshire Coast Candidate SLA is illustrated in FEI Figure 7.3 which shows that defining characteristic of the area’. the area would extend to cover a larger area, including Coldingham Moor and extending as far south 7.105 It is considered that the combined cumulative effect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the as the A1107 and Drone Hill Wind Farm. Although much of this new area would be overlapped by the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm would not exceed the landscape capacity of the Coastal Moorland LCA, ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, views of the development from this area would be as this is a large scale, open, simple, and remote landscape exhibiting many of the key characteristics largely screened by either Old Cambus Wood and or the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and as such
7-9 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
effectively subsumed by the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, part of which is included in the A1107 / National Cycle Route 76 Berwickshire Coast Candidate SLA boundary. Considering the designation statement, it is noted that 7.117 The cumulative visual effects on the view from the A1107 are illustrated by FEI Figure 7.16, the SLA boundary extends to include the areas of ‘overt marine influence’ and wind farm development Viewpoint 10 at Falaknowe and it can be clearly seen that the significant visual effect largely relates is noted as a ‘force for change’ in the area. Coldingham Moor is described as ‘wild and rugged, and of to the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, which appears in the foreground of the view and on either side very high scenic quality, with distinctive rocky outcrops and long views to Fife’. The proposed of this road. Further sequential wireframes from regular intervals along this route and a bar chart Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not significantly increase the influence of wind farm development on illustrating the sequential effects are illustrated in FEI Figures 7.29 a/b/c/d. this area or reduce any scenic or perceptual qualities of ‘wildness’, due to its location beyond the 7.118 It can be seen from these figures that the sequential, cumulative visual effects largely relate to the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and it would have no affect on the distinctive rocky outcrops and long existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, which is closest to this route, whilst the proposed Penmanshiel Wind views to Fife. Farm in comparison is located at further distance and set lower down in the landscape. Indeed the 7.111 To conclude, the cumulative landscape effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm on the point at which the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would appear most visible from this route Berwickshire Coast Candidate SLA would be Slight/Negligible to Slight/Moderate and not significant. (Wireframes I and J) would in fact be screened by existing coniferous woodland at Old Cambus Wood. The effect of this woodland and the intermittent nature of the visibility along this road is also Revised Cumulative Visual Effects demonstrated in ES Figure 7.6 which accounts for the screening effects of forestry within 3km of the 7.112 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would lead to limited significant effects affecting four wind farm. residential properties (the closest of which is ~1.2km from the nearest proposed turbine) and Core 7.119 The ES did not account for the screening effects of this woodland and if this is taken into account the Path 100 (a local footpath) which crosses the site. addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not lead to any further significant visual 7.113 Further significant effects would affect short sections of road and recreational routes (A1107/National effects on the views from this route (in terms of length of route affected sequentially). Neither the Cycle Route 76, A6112, Howpark Road, the Southern Upland Way and the Berwickshire Coastal Path) , additional contribution of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to these views nor the combined as well as the views from Highview Caravan Park. cumulative effect (largely related to the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm) should therefore be considered as unacceptable in landscape terms. 7.114 Considering the limited change to the existing, consented and application baseline of other wind farm development there would be no further significant visual effects on the four residential receptors or A6112 the local footpath which crosses the site, due to the intervening distance / screening between these 7.120 The cumulative visual effects on the view from the A6112 are illustrated by Viewpoints 6 and 14 (ES and other wind farm applications not previously included in the assessment. As already stated there Figures 7.19 and 7.27 and FEI Figure 7.16) which illustrated the sections of this route where the would be no change to the cumulative baseline of other wind farm development within the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be most visible. Further sequential wireframes from regular Penmanshiel / Coldingham Moor area to the north and east of the A1. Changes to the cumulative intervals along this route have been provided in FEI Figures 7.30 a/b/c/d/e. baseline relate largely to the areas of upland fringe, skirting the Lammermuirs to the south and west 7.121 It can be seen from these figures that the visual effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm of the A1 and as such are most likely to contribute to sequential cumulative visual effects experienced would affect up to 4km of this route of which up to 2km would be significant (ES Viewpoint 6 and FEI from roads and recreational routes. wireframes C and D). The visibility would be intermittent with the wind farm visible at distances of 7.115 Those receptors where a significant visual effect in relation to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm between 5.5km and 2.2km (affecting 2-3 minutes of the road user’s experience, whilst travelling have been reassessed against the revised cumulative baseline in order to determine if there would be approximately 60 mph). Although the visual effects would be cumulative with the existing Drone Hill any further significant cumulative effects that may be related to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Wind Farm, this is located at further distance and set lower down in the landscape, such that the Farm. All of these effects would be experienced cumulatively in the context of the Drone Hill Wind contribution of this wind farm to the visual effects would be more limited. Farm and other development, which in many cases would have a greater visual effect. 7.122 Considering the other existing, consented and application wind farms, there would be sequential Highview Caravan Park visibility of other applications (most notably Monashee and the consented Brockholes Wind Farm) and 7.116 The cumulative visual effects on the view from Highview Caravan Park are illustrated by FEI Figure it is likely that the Monashee application would be intermittently visible from 3-4km of the route (high 7.13 Viewpoint 3 and it can be clearly seen that the significant visual effect largely relates to the to medium magnitude at distances of 500m to 3 km from the road and affecting 2-3 minutes of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, which appears in the foreground of the view. Neither the additional road users experience, whilst travelling at approximately 60 mph) viewed largely in the opposite contribution of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to these views nor the combined cumulative direction of travel when viewing towards the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. effect (largely related to the existing wind farm) should therefore be considered as unacceptable in 7.123 Neither the additional contribution of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to these views nor the landscape terms. combined cumulative effect (largely related to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm or the Monashee application experienced in opposite directions) should therefore be considered as unacceptable in landscape terms.
Further Environmental Information 7-10 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Howpark Road (minor road) cumulative effect on the sequential views, experienced in opposite directions and successively at close range (700 to 1.5km distance) from the Southern Upland Way affecting approximately 6km of 7.124 This minor road connects Howpark to the A1107 and skirts around the eastern side of the proposed the route. Penmanshiel Wind Farm, passing between the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the Drone Hill Wind Farm. There would be significant, cumulative effects on the views from this road as a result of Berwickshire Coastal Path the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. This road has no 7.129 The route of the Berwickshire Coastal Path (as indicated in the Berwickshire Coastal Path Leaflet, recreational status beyond that of a minor road passing between two wind farms and the effects on produced by Scottish Borders Council) is illustrated in ES Figure 7.11 and the cumulative visual effects views from this road should not be regarded as unacceptable in landscape terms, although a on the views from this route are illustrated in ES Viewpoints 4 (St Helen’s Church) and 7 (Telegraph significant cumulative visual effect is noted. Hill, which are located nearby the route) and ES Viewpoint 23 (Fancove Head Eyemouth). ES Southern Upland Way viewpoint 7 and 23 are illustrated in the revised FEI Figures 7.14 and 7.26). Further sequential wireframes from regular intervals along this route and a bar chart illustrating the sequential effects 7.125 The cumulative visual effects on the view from the Southern Upland Way (also known as the Sir Walter (have been provided in FEI Figure 7.32 a/b/c. Scott Way and Core Path 189) are illustrated by ES Viewpoints 5 (Southern Upland Way, Blackburn), 11 (Southern Upland way, Cove), 13 (Southern Upland Way, Quixwood, also shown in FEI Figure 7.17) and 7.130 Significant cumulative visual effects would relate to intermittent visibility from approximately 500m 25 (Twin Law, also shown in FEI Figure 7.28), which illustrate the sections of this route where the of the route on Dowlaw Road near Dowlaw (Wirerame D) where much of the existing Drone Hill Wind proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be most visible. Only ES viewpoint 5 illustrates a significant Farm is visible and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would appear visible alongside this at effect and it should be noted that the section of this route which is closest to the proposed approximately 3.5km, beyond the existing telecommunications mast at Harly Darlies. In most cases Penmanshiel Wind Farm (approximately 4.5km between Pease Bay and Bowsheil Wood) is outwith the the route skirts the edge of the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, such that where ZTV and there would be no visibility of the wind farm from this part of the route. Significant visual visible, visibility would be restricted to turbine blades and blade tips. The sequence of views from effects (resulting from the combined effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and Drone Hill this stretch of the route are all inland and do not affect the primary coastal and seaward views which Wind Farm) have been re-calculated to take account of a gap in the ZTV at Reedy Burn and existing would form the principle scenic attraction to this route. trees along the route where there would be no visibility of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. 7.131 Neither the additional contribution of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to these views nor the Further sequential wireframes from regular intervals along this route and a bar chart illustrating the combined cumulative effect (largely related to the existing wind farm) should therefore be considered sequential effects have been provided in FEI Figures 7.31 a/b/c/d/e/f. It is concluded that there would as unacceptable in landscape terms. be a significant visual effect on the views from along 1.25km of the SUW as east bound walkers travel Other Visualisations across and down through sloping farmland between Blackburn Farm and Bowsheil Wood. At Blackburn Farm the views towards the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be partly screened by vegetation 7.132 FEI Figures 7.38, 7.39a/b/c/d and 7.40a/b/c/d all relate to views from Winding Cairn and are and further southwest there would be no visibility until Quixwood Farm Moor at approximately 4.5 to referred to in the Cultural Heritage chapter. A further visualisation, FEI Figure 7.41 illustrates the 5km distance. view from Oldhamstocks Green and also assists the Cultural Heritage assessment. 7.126 Although the visual effects would be cumulative with the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm, this is located Penmanshiel Wind Farm (14 turbine scheme) at further distance and set lower down in the landscape, such that the contribution of this wind farm to the visual effects would be more limited. 7.133 There is the potential for Turbine 3 to be removed from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, which 7.127 Considering the wide open and simple nature of the views and the distances (between 2.25 and would result in a 14 turbine scheme. 3.5km) at which the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be experienced, although significant in 7.134 FEI Figure 7.33 illustrates a comparative ZTV of the proposed 14 and 15 turbine options for the EIA terms, the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would visually coalesce with the existing Drone Hill Penmanshiel Wind Farm. The removal of Turbine 3 would reduce the ZTV footprint for the proposed Wind Farm, appearing in front of it, and set within a simple landscape of sufficient scale to Penmanshiel Wind Farm by 0.01%. accommodate this change. The additional contribution of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to 7.135 FEI Figures 7.34 to 7.37 illustrated the visual effect of removing Turbine 3 from the assessment these views should therefore not be considered as unacceptable in landscape terms. viewpoints where this turbine would be most visible. They include the views from ES Viewpoint 1: 7.128 This section of the route between the coast and the edge of the Lammermuirs is not significantly Renton Barns, ES Viewpoint 3: Highview Caravan Park, ES Viewpoint 6: A6112 near Berryhill Cottage affected by the views of other existing and consented wind farms. There would however, be greater and ES Viewpoint 8: Ewieside Hill. significant cumulative effects (when compared to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm) as a result of 7.136 The removal of Turbine 3 would have a negligible effect on the visual appearance of the wind farm both the Blackburn and the Quixwood Farm applications. The Blackburn wind farm application is from the assessment viewpoints and no effect on any of the assessed cumulative landscape or visual located 700m to the north of the Southern Upland Way and would be viewed beyond shelterbelts / effects. trees and buildings associated with Blackburn Farm. The Quixwood Farm wind farm application is located 900m to the south of the Southern Upland Way and would be viewed beyond shelterbelts associated with Quixwood Farm Moor. Both wind farm applications are likely to have a significant
7-11 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
Summary and Conclusions Law Fort, when viewing in the opposite direction from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. There would also be changes to the sequential cumulative effects experienced from routes such as the 7.137 The revised cumulative baseline of other wind farm development includes existing and consented Southern Upland Way. wind farms and those where there is a submitted planning application within a 20km radius of the Revised Cumulative Landscape Effects proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. 7.138 Changes to the cumulative baseline since the ES have been set out in Table 7.1 and are in italics and 7.146 The ES identified a significant effect on a localised part of the Coastal Moorland LCA at Penmanshiel underlined. The changes to the cumulative baseline have also been summarised below: Moor, as could well be expected in the case of any wind farm development. The local landscape is already altered by wind farm development as a result of the existing Drone Hill Wind Farm and the • There is no change to the baseline of existing wind farm development, particularly as the ES had additional landscape effects of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm largely overlap with that of the assessed the now existing Drone Hill Wind Farm as existing although during the assessment it was initial impact resulting from the Drone Hill Wind Farm. under construction. 7.147 There would be no change to the extent of significant cumulative landscape effects on other areas of • There is a slight change to the baseline of consented (under construction) wind farm development with the consent of 3 turbines at Hoprigshiels. landscape character and local landscape designations, which relate to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, as presented in the ES 2011. • There is notable change to the baseline of application wind farm developments with applications for 14 turbines at Quixwood Farm Moor, 6 turbines at Monashee, 2 turbines at Neuk Farm and a Revised Cumulative Visual Effects single turbine application at Woodhall. 7.148 As reported in the ES 2011, the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would lead to limited significant 7.139 The most relevant development to the CLVIA assessment remains as the Drone Hill Wind Farm which is effects affecting four residential properties (the closest of which is ~1.2km from the nearest proposed 500 m from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm at its closest point and is now constructed / turbine) and Core Path 100 (a local footpath) which crosses the site. existing. 7.149 Further significant cumulative effects would affect short sections of road and recreational routes Cumulative ZTV and Viewpoint Analysis: Proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (A1107/National Cycle Route 76, A6112, Howpark Road, the Southern Upland Way and the Berwickshire Coastal Path) , as well as the views from Highview Caravan Park. 7.140 In comparison with the Drone Hill Wind Farm (Figure 7.4a) the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would increase the cumulative footprint (area from where it may be theoretically possible to view 7.150 Due to the new applications at Quixwood Farm Farm and Monashee there would be a change to the either Drone Hill Wind Farm or the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm) by 3% across the 30km extent of significant cumulative visual effects, mainly affecting successive and sequential views from landscape and visual study area. This represents a negligible increase in the ZTV footprint, affecting road and recreational routes including the A6112 and the Southern Upland Way, largely on account of an area of coastal fields where there would be no visual receptors. the Monashee and Quixwood Farm applications, which are closer o both of these recpretors. These visual effects would generally be experienced in the opposite direction of view / travel to the 7.141 This trend can also be applied at a more local scale and Figure 7.5 illustrates the baseline ZTV for proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. existing and consented wind farm development within 20km, and indicates that within the area shown (approximately 10km from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm) the theoretical increase in the ZTV, The Existing and Consented Pattern of Cumulative Wind Farm Development caused by the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, would be 0.31%. This represents a 7.151 When the wider regional landscape pattern of wind farm development is considered, it is clear that a negligible increase in the ZTV footprint, affecting an area of coastal fields where there would be no ‘cluster and space’ pattern is emerging with wind farms largely restricted to ‘upland areas’ within the visual receptors. Lammermuirs and including coastal upland areas (Penmanshiel Moor and Coldingham Moor) as 7.142 Although there has been a slight change to the consented baseline and new applications, submitted demonstrated by the existing and consented developments at Crystal Rig and Aikengall in the since the ES 2011 have now been considered, these have had limited effect on the cumulative Lammermuirs and the case of Drone Hill and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in the Penmanshiel viewpoint assessment and visualisations (simultaneous visibility) as none of these are within the Moor and Coldingham Moor. This approach is also promoted in the Council’s SPG (paragraphs 5.11) coastal region north and east of the A1 (excepting Dunbar Wind Farm, further to the northwest along and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would benefit from its close grouping and association with the coastline. This is also due to the intervening distance and separation between the proposed Drone Hill Wind Farm. In this case the development would consequentially have a lower level of Penmanshiel Wind Farm and these new proposals, which are all within the upland fringes west and landscape and visual effect in comparison to ‘stand-alone’ schemes, more remote from existing south of the A1. development within the upland areas. 7.143 Significant cumulative visual effects wholly or partly attributable to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind 7.152 Of all the current wind farm applications, the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm has the best fit within Farm would occur at viewpoints 1, 3, 5 and 6 within the Scottish Borders. the established pattern of development, by virtue of its location within an undesignated coastal 7.144 There would be no significant visual effects from the East Lothian Council area. upland landscape typology and as part of an existing cluster of development (Drone Hill) where there 7.145 In contrast, significant cumulative visual effects related to new wind farm applications other than the is available landscape capacity to accommodate this development. proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would occur at 14 viewpoints where other wind farm development would be visible from the Southern Upland Way and high points such as Ewieside Hill and Cockburn
Further Environmental Information 7-12 Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual
Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES
References
In addition to those listed in the ES 2011 the following references have been used: • Scottish Borders Council, Supplementary Planning Guidance on Local Landscape Designations, 2012. • Scottish Borders Council, Berwickshire Coastal Path Leaflet. • Scottish Natural Heritage, Guidance: Assessing the Cumulative Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy Developments, SNH, March 2012.
7-13 Further Environmental Information Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual