Wind Farm Extension

Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

403-0799-00010

August 2010 RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment i August 2010

CONTENTS

1.0 Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 1

1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Comparative ZTV Analysis 1 1.3 Comparative Viewpoint Analysis 1 1.4 Forest of Bowland AONB 4 1.5 Design and Location of Scheme 6 1.6 Woodland and Tree Planting 6 1.7 Summary and Conclusions 6

FIGURE LIST

Figure LV-1.34 ZTV: Hameldon Submitted Layout and Hameldon Revised Layout Figure LV-1.35 Viewpoint 1 – Shuttleworth Recreation Ground Figure LV-1.36 Viewpoint 5 – Sainsburys, Figure LV-1.37 Viewpoint 6 – Southern Edge of Burnley off A682 Figure LV-1.38 Viewpoint 8 – Tree Panopticum, Burnley Figure LV-1.39 Viewpoint 9 – Figure LV-1.40 Viewpoint 14 – Hapton Inn off the A679 Figure LV-1.41 Viewpoint 15 – A678 Figure LV-1.42 Viewpoint 16 – Thorny Bank Figure LV-1.43 Additional Viewpoint 1 – Nick of Pendle Photomontage Figure LV-1.44 Additional Viewpoint 1 – Nick of Pendle Cumulative Wireline

RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 1 August 2010

9. The three existing turbines at Hameldon are 90m to blade tip and the proposed three were 110m, but 1.0 Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment have now been revised to be two at 110m and one at 100m. The reduced height turbine is located at grid reference E80730, N29879. 1.1 Introduction 10. Initially a comparative zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) was produced, comparing the submitted 1. SLR has been instructed to prepare a supplementary landscape and visual impact assessment scheme in 2009 against that of the revised layout. Wirelines for all eight viewpoints within 5km of the (hereafter referred to as “LVIA”) of the proposed Hameldon Hill Wind Farm extension, following proposed Hameldon Wind farm were then produced, again to allow comparisons to be made between th objections received from the Defence Estates, dated 15 February 2010 and a consultation response the revised and the previously submitted schemes. Viewpoints beyond 5km away have not been re- th received from Natural , dated 16 February 2010. assessed as the differences in turbine height proposed are unlikely to be noticeable at these distances. 2. Firstly, the objection received from the Defence Estates identified that the eastern most “Turbine 3 will be approximately 1.18km from; in line of sight to; and will cause unacceptable interference to the 11. The additional photomontage at Nick of Pendle has been produced using the revised turbine heights. Meteorological Office radar at Hameldon Hill. If the proposed turbine is constructed at this location, at the proposed height of 110m to blade tip, the radar beam will be obscured resulting in unacceptable 1.2 Comparative ZTV Analysis degradation to Meteorological Office services. However, if the developer is able to reduce the blade tip height of Turbine 3 to 100m, we will be happy to reassess the proposal and it is likely that we will 12. As illustrated in Figure LV-1.34, the two alternative layouts would have virtually identitical zones of be able to remove our Met Office objection.” theoretical visibility.

3. This supplementary LVIA therefore initially considers the potential effect on the landscape and visual 13. Where there is a predicted reduction in extent, as a result of the slightly shorter turbine at the east of amenity of the site and surrounding area of a revised turbine layout based on reducing the height of the array, this is generally limited to the edges of unchanged areas of visibility, such as adjacent to the Turbine 3 to comply with Defence Estates requirements. All other aspects of the proposed Long Causeway at 4km to the east. development would remain the same. 14. There are small areas to the south east of the proposed development, particularly on the summits of 4. Secondly, the consultation response received from Natural England requested further consideration of Small Shaw Height (409m AOD), Higher Hogshead (445m AOD) and Freeholds Top (454m AOD) at the local landscape and visual impacts of the proposals, inter alia, in relation to potential effects upon over 5km away that would previously have had theoretical visibility of the submitted layout, but would the Forest of Bowland AONB, design and location of the scheme and the potential for mitigation have no visibility as a result of the revised layout. woodland and tree planting. 15. There are also areas to the west of the study area from the centre and northern fringes of Preston in 5. This supplementary LVIA therefore also presents an additional photomontage from the requested excess of 20km, where there would be a reduction in theoretical visibility as a result of the revised public viewpoint at the Nick of Pendle, Forest of Bowland AONB and further information in relation to scheme. landscaping proposals as set out in the original Design and Access Statement, 2009. 16. Overall the differences between the two layouts are negligible to slight, with the revised layout being 6. This additional assessment has been prepared by SLR Consulting Ltd, a multidisciplinary beneficial due to the reduction in theoretical visibility. environmental consultancy, with a landscape practice of over 40 staff which is Registered with the Landscape Institute. The project team consisted of Bob Bainsfair, a Chartered Landscape Architect 1.3 Comparative Viewpoint Analysis with over 15 years experience, Simon Higson, a Chartered Landscape Architect with over 10 years of experience and Ben Pickering, a graduate Landscape Architect with over 2 years experience and 17. The following sub-section of the supplementary assessment considers comparative effects of the two support from specialist GIS staff. This is the same senior team that worked on the original LVIA in alternative turbine heights on selected viewpoints: 2009. • Viewpoint 1 – School Recreation Ground south of Hameldon Terrace and George IV Public 1.1.1 Methodology House (off A646);

7. This additional assessment follows the same methodology, process and evaluation criteria as used for • Viewpoint 5 – Sainsburys; the original LVIA in 2009. The assessment has involved desktop study, data processing and analysis, as well as interpretation using professional judgement. • Viewpoint 6 – Southern edge of Burnley off A682;

8. Since baseline conditions include the existing wind farm at Hameldon Hill, immediately adjacent, the • Viewpoint 8 – Tree Panopticum, Burnley; original LVIA in 2009 focused primarily on the potential cumulative or additional effects on landscape and visual amenity arising from the introduction of the proposed turbines in conjunction with the • Viewpoint 9 – Burnley Way; adjacent turbines. RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2 August 2010

• Viewpoint 14 – Hapton Inn off the A679; 24. Again, differences between the submitted and revised layout would be minimal (as shown on Figure LV-1.36), however, only the blade tips of Turbine 3 would be visible above the skyline in the revised • Viewpoint 15 – A678 Padiham; and layout whereas the hub and blade tips are visible above the skyline in the submitted layout. Sitting lower in the landscape, the revised turbine also relates better to the sloping landform beyond the • Viewpoint 16 – Thorny Bank turbines and thus may be a better option.

1.3.1 Viewpoint 1: School Recreation Ground south of Hameldon Terrace and George IV 25. As a result the slight cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would Public House (off A646) remain the same. Thus the cumulative impact on landscape character and visual amenity for residents and road users will remain moderate/minor and will not represent a significant effect. 18. This viewpoint is located at E380854, N433402 on the intersection of the A671 Padiham Road and the A646 Kiddrow Lane, on the boundary of the school recreation ground. This viewpoint represents views 1.3.3 Viewpoint 6: Southern edge of Burnley off A682 obtained by local residents, road users and users of the recreation/school grounds. 26. This viewpoint is located at E383023, N430419 on the southern edge of Burnley on the A682, 19. The submitted turbine layout (as shown on Figure LV-1.35) appear as a pair of turbines to the west Road looking west, close to a public right of way. It represents views obtained by local and an outlier to the east, almost mirroring the appearance of the existing turbines on Hameldon Hill. residents, road users and recreational visitors. The eastern most proposed turbine (Turbine 3) overlaps with the western most turbine of the existing wind farm cluster. The nearest proposed turbine will be 3.71km away from this viewpoint. The 27. The existing wind turbines are situated some 2.5km away and wholly within this moorland fringe valley perceived heights of the hubs and blade tips vary but the difference is only marginal and does not side, where the turbines are mostly visible above the intervening ridge and appear as a pair (to the appear out of keeping with the sloping nature of the backgrounding landform. The overall layout of the right of the view) and an outlier (to the left of the view), but generally as a simple group. The southern existing and submitted turbines appear balanced despite overlapping. The blade tips of all of the most existing turbine is partially backgrounded by elevated land to the west. submitted turbines break the skyline. 28. The predicted view for the submitted scheme (as illustrated in the wireline on Figure LV-1.37) 20. The revised layout offers very limited changes to the view in comparison to the submitted scheme indicates that the turbines would appear as a pair (to left of the view) and an outlier (to the right of the (Figure LV-1.35). Turbine 3 which has reduced in height is viewed behind the western most turbine of view) similar to the existing wind turbines, but a mirror image. However, both the existing and the existing wind farm with its blade tip (albeit a smaller proportion) still viewed above the skyline. submitted turbine arrangements appear more balanced when viewed together, as the turbines appear Consequently, the reduction in turbine height is difficult to discern from this viewpoint, although less of fairly evenly spaced as a single group. Due to the varying base levels of the towers, the perceived the turbine tip would be seen above the skyline and this may be considered to be beneficial. heights of the hubs and blade tips vary, creating some complexity; the two northern most proposed wind turbines appearing lower on the skyline than the other proposed turbine, with just the blades and 21. As a result the moderate cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would hubs visible above the ridgeline. remain the same. The cumulative impact on landscape character will remain moderate and will not represent a significant effect. For residents and recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual 29. The revised layout (as seen in the wireline on Figure LV-1.37) shows that there would be a negligible amenity will remain major/moderate and therefore significant and for road users, the impact on visual change to the view from that of the submitted layout. Turbine 3 is the southern most proposed turbine amenity of the proposed wind farm extension will remain moderate and therefore does not represent a (left of the view) and due to the close nature of the view, the 10m reduction in height can be seen. significant effect. Nevertheless in relation to the existing and proposed turbines to the left and right of this turbine respectively, the overall layout is still evenly spaced and well balanced. 1.3.2 Viewpoint 5: Sainsburys, Burnley 30. As a result the moderate cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would 22. This viewpoint is located at E384083, N433043 on the roundabout on Bank Top, off the A679, at the remain the same. The cumulative impact on landscape character will remain moderate and will not entrance to the retail complex/adjacent to Sainsbury’s Supermarket, within the centre of Burnley. It represent a significant effect. For residents and recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual represents views obtained by local residents, road users and shoppers. amenity will remain major/moderate and therefore significant and for road users, the impact on visual amenity of the proposed wind farm extension will remain moderate and therefore does not represent a 23. The submitted turbine layout (as shown on Figure LV-1.36) indicates that Turbine 3 of the proposed significant effect. wind farm would lie between two of the existing turbines at Hameldon Hill. Further west of this, beyond the western most existing turbine, the two remaining proposed turbines can be seen at a lower 1.3.4 Viewpoint 8: Tree Panopticum, Burnley height. The nearest proposed turbine will be 4.61km away from this viewpoint. However, field research has shown that these remaining turbines would be screened behind the gritstone buildings 31. This viewpoint is located at E384762, N428847 off Crown Point Road at the Tree Panopticum parking and mature tree belt on the valley side and are thus not visible from this viewpoint. The existing and and picnic area. It represents views obtained by road users and recreational visitors. submitted turbines are comparative in scale. 32. The three existing wind turbines at Hameldon Hill are visible to the north east of the view approximately 3km away on the moorland ridge, with all turbines appearing as a simple fairly evenly RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3 August 2010

spaced group, backgrounded against the rising land to the north west, with the exception of the blade 40. The substantial cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would remain tips which are skylined for two of the three turbines, the central turbine set lower down and so not the same. The cumulative impact on landscape character will remain major/moderate and thus a skylined. significant effect. For recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual amenity will remain major and therefore a significant effect. 33. The predicted view of the submitted layout (as illustrated in the wireline on Figure LV-1.38) shows the three proposed turbines at Hameldon Hill forming a relatively uneven spaced group with two turbine 1.3.6 Viewpoint 14: Hapton Inn off the A679 tips visible above the skyline. The proposed turbines will appear as a pair (to the left) and an outlier (to the right), but will appear more balanced when viewed together with the existing turbines at Hameldon 41. This viewpoint is located at E379510, N431018 on the A679 Road, south of the M65 and Hill as they appear fairly evenly spaced as one linear group, with the exception of the northern most the settlement of Hapton and east of Hapton Inn Public House. It represents views obtained by local submitted turbine which will overlap with the central existing turbine, thus appearing unbalanced and residents, road users and recreational visitors as a number of public footpaths pass within the vicinity discordant. Due to the varying base levels of the towers, the perceived heights of the hubs and blade of this viewpoint. tips of the submitted turbines vary, creating some complexity/unbalance, particularly given that the existing turbines appear at similar heights. 42. The existing wind turbines at Hameldon Hill are situated approximately 1km away where the top half, of the turbines, including hub and blades are skylined/appear above the ridgeline, as a pair (to the 34. The revised layout introduces little change to the view with the reduction in height of Turbine 3 barely right) and an outlier (to the left), although overall the three existing turbines appear as a simple cluster noticeable from the distance in excess of 3.7km. Nevertheless, a smaller section of turbine blade tip arrangement. would be visible above the skyline and would be viewed at a more similar height to the southern most proposed turbine (left of the view), which may be a slight improvement. 43. The submitted layout (as illustrated in the wireline image on Figure LV-1.40) shows the three proposed turbines at Hameldon Hill forming a simple cluster to the west (right) of the existing wind turbines. Due 35. As a result the slight cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would to the varying base levels of the towers, the perceived heights of the hubs and blade tips create some remain the same. Thus the cumulative impact on landscape character will remain moderate/minor complexity/unbalance. In addition the two proposed turbines to the east of the group will appear as an and visual amenity for residents and road users will remain moderate and moderate/minor respectively overlapping pair and the remaining turbine as an outlier to the west. The pair will appear comparative and will not represent a significant effect. in scale to the existing turbines with a similar proportion of the tower and blades visible on the skyline, although only the blades of the outlying proposed turbine will be visible on the skyline, and for the 1.3.5 Viewpoint 9: Burnley Way main will be backgrounded against the ridgeline. The overall cumulative image of the existing and submitted turbines would appear quite balanced given the mirror image arrangement of existing and 36. This viewpoint is located at E379931, N428871 on the Burnley Way at Great Hameldon. It represents proposed and similar overall composition. views obtained by recreational visitors using the long distance trail/path. 44. The revised scheme (also illustrated on Figure LV-1.40) is of similar scale and composition to that of 37. The submitted layout (as illustrated in the wireline image on Figure LV-1.39) shows the three proposed the submitted scheme. The hub of Turbine 3, located behind and to the left of another proposed turbines at Hameldon Hill appearing to form a relatively simple group which mirrors the grouping of the turbine, would now be seen below the hub of the intervening turbine, whereas in the submitted layout existing turbines on Hameldon Hill from this viewpoint, with a pair of turbines to the west and an outlier it was seen above. The effects are minimal, although the reduction in height arguably minimises the to the east. The closest proposed wind turbine is 1.09km from this viewpoint. However the spacing of scale of this turbine and relates more consistently with the surrounding topography. the submitted turbines means that the cumulative image of the existing and proposed turbines on the hillside appears balanced, with the combined turbines appearing to form a relatively well spaced linear 45. The substantial cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would remain arrangement with turbines of a comparative scale. the same. Thus the cumulative impact on landscape character will remain major/moderate and thus a significant effect. For residents and recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual amenity will 38. Despite variation in the base levels of the turbines, both the proposed and existing turbines appear at remain major and for road users will be major/moderate and in both cases constitute a significant similar levels across the sloping hillside from this viewpoint which avoids confusion. The turbines effect. dominate the centre of the view in the middle ground but from this viewpoint no turbine hubs break the skyline, only the occasional blade tip, as the turbines are backgrounded by the long distance horizon 1.3.7 Viewpoint 15: A678 Padiham beyond Burnley to the north. 46. This viewpoint is located at E378446, N433576 on the intersection of the A678 and the A6068 looking 39. The revised layout (also shown on Figure LV-1.39) illustrates that even less of the blade tip of Turbine south east. It represents views obtained by local residents/recreational visitors and road users. 3 (furthest right revised turbine) would be seen above the skyline compared to that of the submitted scheme. The overall layout remains balanced with the revised Turbine 3 seen at an even more 47. The existing wind turbines are situated approximately 3.7km where the turbines are fully visible and comparative scale to that of the existing turbines. As a result, the revised scheme would produce a appear as a simple, evenly spaced group. Two hubs and the remaining blade tip of the existing slightly more balanced overall scheme than that of the previously submitted scheme. turbines appear above the skyline. RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 4 August 2010

48. The submitted layout (as shown on Figure LV-1.41) shows that the proposed turbine layout will appear 1.3.9 Conclusions on the Alternative Height for Turbine 3 as an evenly spaced cluster forming a balanced continuation of the group of turbines already present at Hameldon Hill. The proposed turbines will appear similar/comparative in scale to the existing 55. In summary, the assessment of the comparative ZTVs and a selected number of relevant viewpoints turbines at Hameldon Hill and owing to the local variation in topography the proposed turbines will be has concluded that the revised height for turbine 3 would not alter the overall significance of effects largely backgrounded against Hameldon Hill to the south, with the exception of blade tips. predicted upon landscape character and/or visual amenity for the original scheme and LVIA in 2009.

49. As seen in the revised layout (also as shown on Figure LV-1.41) the lowering of Turbine 3 would result 1.4 Forest of Bowland AONB in less of the blade tip being seen above the skyline. The reduced height of this turbine also relates better to the existing and remaining proposed turbines that are situated on lower terrain. The overall 56. The Natural England consultation letter stated that “the ES does not take enough account of the change is slight but the balance of the existing and revised turbine groups has improved. AONB which is approximately 6.5km distant at its closest point, since the summit and much of the south side of , the viewpoint above Sabden at Nick of Pendle, and the gritstone ridge along 50. The moderate cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would remain which the AONB’s southern boundary runs will have views of the scheme. We feel there should have the same. The cumulative impact on landscape character will remain moderate and will not represent been more viewpoints from the Pendle Hill, e.g. the topor at the car parking area at the Nick of a significant effect. For residents and recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual amenity Pendle.” will remain major/moderate and therefore significant and for road users, the impact on visual amenity of the proposed wind farm extension will remain moderate and therefore does not represent a 57. It is accepted practice that not every location within a study area should be individually assessed in significant effect. detail, but that an appropriate range of representative viewpoints should be used to inform conclusions on the wider potential landscape and visual effects of a development. 1.3.8 Viewpoint 16: Thorny Bank 58. The Local Planning Authority, Burnley Borough Council were consulted via a letter from SLR dated th 51. This viewpoint is located at E379813 N429714 in the grounds of the isolated residential property at 19 August 2009 on the methodology and list of 15 initial viewpoints proposed for the LVIA. A Thorny Bank, accessed via a private track, off Hameldon Road south of Hapton. It is representative response was not received in respect of this letter and the 15 viewpoints were subsequently used in primarily of views obtained by local residents at the property itself, but also other similarly positioned, the final assessment, but with the additional of a residential property at Thorny Bank following isolated properties in the area and users of the public footpaths, including the Burnley Way which is to feedback at the public exhibitions. the west of the property. 59. The 16 final viewpoints included receptors such as designated landscapes, settlements and residential

52. The existing wind turbines are situated approximately 1km away where the turbines are fully visible properties, public rights of way and other recreational locations. The representative coverage also and appear as a simple, evenly spaced group. The existing turbines appear almost entirely skylined included varying distances and directions rom the proposed development and altitude. to the north east. The submitted turbines are illustrated in the wireline on Figure LV-1.42. The 60. In respect of the assessment of effects upon the Forest of Bowland AONB it was noted in the original predicted view shows that the three submitted turbines would appear as a relatively evenly spaced LVIA in 2009 that the blade tip ZTV identified that only 15% of the designation had theoretical visibility cluster, with the western most turbine slightly separate from this angle of view. The closest proposed of the proposed development and as a result two representative viewpoints were considered sufficient wind turbine will be situated at a distance of 0.55km from this viewpoint. The proposed turbines will as follows: appear larger in scale than the existing turbines at Hameldon Hill, due in part to the difference in height, but also owing to their proximity to the viewpoint. All hubs and blades of the submitted turbines • Viewpoint 2 – Southern Edge of Forest of Bowland, north west of Fence, at 8.18km to the north would break the skyline and overlap in places with the existing turbines on Hameldon Hill, thus of the proposed development; and creating an element of discord. • Viewpoint 13 – Marked/popular viewpoint and public right of way north of Hurst Green at 53. As predicted in the wireline on Figure LV-1.42 the revised layout would not significantly alter the 16.71km to the north-west of the proposed development. overall appearance of the proposed windfarm compared to the submitted layout. The lowered Turbine

3 would however relate better in scale/appearance with the existing turbines located behind on 61. Overall it was concluded that there would be no significant visual effects upon The Forest of Bowland Hameldon Hill. AONB, where effects upon landscape character and visual amenity were at the most moderate.

54. The substantial cumulative magnitude of change predicted in the original LVIA in 2009 would remain 62. Notwithstanding the above, a further additional viewpoint at the Nick of Pendle has been assessed in the same. The cumulative impact on landscape character will remain moderate and not a significant detail as part of this supplementary assessment, in response to the request from Natural England. effect. For residential and recreational visitors, the cumulative impact on visual amenity will remain major/moderate and therefore a significant effect. 1.4.1 Additional Viewpoint at the Nick of Pendle

63. An additional viewpoint has been assessed at the Nick of Pendle, near Sadden and located at grid reference E: 377149, N: 438555. This viewpoint is located at the car parking area close to the minor RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 5 August 2010

road which runs north to south over Pendleton Moor. This viewpoint represents views obtained by viewpoint. However, the latter two wind farms lie over 10km away to the south of the view where the road users and recreational visitors to the Forest of Bowland AONB. tops of the turbines of each are not discernible in the existing photograph although they appear to break the skyline in the wireline. 1.4.1.1. Existing View 73. There would also be a slight magnitude of change as a result of the existing operational Coal Clough, 64. The existing view is illustrated by Figure LV-1.43 and shows a large scale landscape, based on a Scout Moor and Hameldon Hill wind farms viewed cumulatively with the proposed Hameldon Hill Wind broad valley defined by a relatively near intervening ridgeline and more distant enclosing valleyside. Farm Extension and other wind farms for which applications have been submitted at Crook Hill, Reaps Beyond this distant ridge the landform appears to plateau forming a generally horizontal skyline (but Moss and Moor. with some minor undulations). 74. The removal of the existing turbines at Hameldon Hill during the final years of the proposed wind farm 65. The foreground is rough moorland, whilst the lower middle ground is more settled but pastoral with extension will constitute a return to the current baseline conditions of 3 visible turbines, but within a woodland blocks and hedgerows, a small settlement and isolated farmsteads. Beyond this, the main different position and for an extended period of time and overall will thus be no more than slight. The Calder valley is more settled and organised with industry present and on the distant upper valleyside eventual removal of the proposed wind farm extension will constitute a negligible effect, in the long- the land cover returns to open moorland. term.

66. The existing wind turbines are situated over 8km away and located amongst the moorland on the 1.4.1.4. Cumulative Impact on Landscape Character distant valleyside, although backgrounded against Hameldon Hill to the south. 75. This viewpoint occurs on the northern boundary of the Valleys National Character Area 67. The visibility of the site will be dependent on conditions, but on a clear day the existing site is and the landscape character at this location is considered to be of a medium sensitivity primarily owing noticeable, mainly because of the straight vertical whites of the turbines towers seen against the to its location on the edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB, the medium to high quality of the browns of the moorland and owing to the movement of the turbine blades. landscape but large scale and long distance views in the direction of the development.

1.4.1.2. Predicted Cumulative View 76. The cumulative impact on landscape character as a result of the existing operational Coal Clough, Scout Moor and Hameldon Hill wind farms viewed cumulatively with the proposed Hameldon Hill Wind 68. The predicted view of the existing and proposed turbines at Hameldon Hill are illustrated in the Farm Extension will be moderate/minor. Therefore the cumulative effect on landscape character will photomontage image on Figure LV-1.43. The wireline on Figure LV-1-44 also shows simultaneous not be significant. theoretical visibility of other operational wind farm sites at Hameldon Hill, Scout Moor and Coal Clough, as well as sites for which applications have been submitted at Crook Hill, Reaps Moss and 77. The cumulative impact on landscape character as a result of the existing operational Coal Clough, Todmorden in addition to the proposed Hameldon Hill extension within the 180° vista at this viewpoint. Scout Moor and Hameldon Hill wind farms viewed cumulatively with the proposed Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension and other wind farms for which applications have been submitted at Crook Hill, Reaps 69. The proposed wind farm extension layout will appear as a continuation to the west of the existing Moss and Todmorden Moor will be moderate/minor. Therefore the cumulative effect on landscape turbine cluster on Hameldon Hill and would form an overall simple and evenly spaced array. The character will not be significant. proposed turbines although of different dimensions will appear comparative in scale and not out of place. 78. The nature of effect upon landscape character at this viewpoint will be neutral.

70. The closest wind turbine is at a distance of approximately 8km and occupy a horizontal field of view of 1.4.1.5. Cumulative Impact on Visual Amenity 76°. The proposed wind farm extension will introduce tall, vertical (but tapered) features with moving rotors into a landscape where the existing turbines at Hameldon Hill already provide vertical features 79. For recreational visitors, considered to be highly sensitive to change, the significance of the of this scale, along with masts and electricity pylons. cumulative impact on visual amenity of the proposed wind farm extension viewed with the existing operational wind farms will be moderate and thus not a significant effect. The significance of the 71. As for the existing turbines, the visibility of the proposed wind farm extension will be dependent on cumulative impact on visual amenity as a result of the proposed wind farm extension at Hameldon Hill conditions and being positioned on the rising valley side will be entirely backgrounded against the viewed with the other operational sites and sites for which applications have been submitted will be rising ground to the south at Hameldon Hill. The turbine colour and vertical form will contrast to the moderate and thus not a significant effect. muted colours of the surrounding landscape and be similar in these respects to the existing turbines. 80. For road users, considered to be of a medium sensitivity to change, the significance of the cumulative 1.4.1.3. Cumulative Magnitude of Change impact on visual amenity of the proposed wind farm extension viewed with the existing operational wind farms will be moderate/minor and thus not a significant effect. The significance of the cumulative 72. There will be a slight cumulative magnitude of change when the other existing operational wind farms impact on visual amenity as a result the proposed wind farm extension at Hameldon Hill viewed with are viewed together with the proposed wind farm extension at Hameldon Hill. The wind farms at the other operational and submitted wind farms will be moderate/minor and thus also not a significant Hameldon, Scout Moor and Coal Clough are all theoretically visible within the view cone at this effect. RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 6 August 2010

1.4.2 Updated Effects on Designated Landscapes more similar the two schemes can be in turbine design, colour, speed of rotation, etc the more acceptable it will be.” 81. The inclusion of the additional viewpoint at Nick of Pendle does not alter the overall effects concluded in the original LVIA in 2009 for the Forest of Bowland AONB, which it was considered would not 89. This supplementary LVIA has updated the proposed turbine heights, as discussed in detail above. experience significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm extension, where effects Furthermore, Section 1.5.3 set out the site specific design measures have taken account of the upon landscape character and visual amenity would be no more than moderate. potential cumulative effects of the existing and proposed turbines, when viewed together as a single development including the layout and specification of the number of blades, colour and rotation speed. 82. It is noted that Natural England in their consultation letter also state that “while we have some concerns over the high visibility of the scheme from the AONB it is set in a different character area and will not in itself compromise the purposes of the designation.” 1.6 Woodland and Tree Planting

90. The Natural England consultation letter stated that “the local impact on visual amenity and recreation, 1.5 Design and Location of Scheme and on historic features, could be ameliorated to some extent in the long term by landscape enhancement of the Industrial Foothills and Valley (Lancashire Character Assessment) landscapes, 83. The Natural England consultation letter in relation to the design and location of the scheme states that including woodland and tree planting.” “there will be visual conflicts between the turbines and existing masts and pylons in fairly close proximity. These are very different features which are incompatible in terms of design, each ideally 91. The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application in 2009 stated under requiring landforms of a large scale and extensive nature to accommodate them. In particular, high 3.5.1 that “New tree and hedgerow planting measures are often incorporated into certain types of power transmission lines will intervene in many views of the turbines from Burnley itself and from the development, partly to compensate for the removal of any existing vegetation but also to help screen main transport routes through the valley, and there may be views where pylons, turbines and masts on the development from the surrounding area, so reducing its landscape and visual impact. In the case Hameldon Hill all coincide, including direct views from the M65. As a general rule, wind turbines are of wind farm developments, new planting is not a particular requirement since loss of vegetation is aesthetically more acceptable in an uncluttered and simple open landscape, and any opportunities to generally minimised by the small footprint occupied by the turbines, control building and access tracks. enhance the setting of the scheme through reduction of clutter, and general increase in woodland Depending on the nature of the site, new planting can be ineffectual at screening the turbines as wind cover, would be helpful.” farms tend to be sited in elevated and exposed locations.”

84. The points made by Natural England about the landscape character of the local area, reflect the key 92. The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application in 2009 also stated characteristics described in the relevant National Character Area for the site and surrounding areas, under 3.5.2 that “Notwithstanding this RWE NRL will consider the introduction of mitigation measures namely of the “Southern ” and its “large-scale sweeping landform with an open character through the introduction of new tree and hedgerow planting as part of the wind farm development created by exposed gritstone moors at an altitude of 400 m - 450 m, deeply trenched by narrow should their introduction be beneficial.” valleys and wooded cloughs.” and “Intrusive features, including wind farm developments, numerous transmission masts, overhead power lines and sandstone, gritstone and clay quarries, mainly on the 93. The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application in 2009 also stated fringe of the area.” under 3.5.3 that “The current agricultural use of the wind farm site will be maintained during the lifetime of the development. The access tracks, control building and turbines have all been carefully 85. The proposed development is an extension to an existing cluster of 3 wind turbines and thus the views positioned to minimise impacts on the physical fabric of the site. Areas of rough grazing and improved of pylons, turbines and masts already exist and in this regard the proposals would not constitute the pasture that are disturbed during the construction and decommissioning of the wind farm extension introduction of new features. will be reinstated on completion of these phases.”

86. The proposals would double the overall size of the wind farm and create a total cluster of 6. The wind farm design has been optimised taking account of the other environmental and technical constraints to 1.7 Summary and Conclusions produce a layout with a reasonably balanced group of turbines when seen from most locations in the 94. In summary, the above supplementary landscape and visual impact assessment concludes that the vicinity and cumulatively with the existing turbines on Hameldon Hill. This has helped to reduce the revised height for turbine 3 would not alter the overall significance of effects predicted upon landscape potential for visual clutter. character and/or visual amenity for the original scheme and LVIA in 2009.

87. Reference was also made in the original LVIA in 2009 to the potential effects following the removal of 95. The inclusion of the additional viewpoint at Nick of Pendle does not alter the overall effects concluded the existing turbines at Hameldon Hill, which is anticipated to take place during the final 4 -5 years of in the original LVIA in 2009 for the Forest of Bowland AONB, which it was considered would not the proposed wind farm extension. For the majority of viewpoints this will see a return to current experience significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm extension, where effects baseline conditions of 3 visible turbines, but within slightly different locations. upon landscape character and visual amenity would be no more than moderate.

88. The Natural England consultation letter in relation to the design and location of the scheme also stated 96. In terms of design and location of the scheme, the wind farm layout has been optimised taking that “There is a small difference in size between the existing (100m) and proposed (110m) turbines account of the other environmental and technical constraints to produce an array with a reasonably which will together form one scheme. Design of the scheme to have taken this into account, but the RWE Npower Renewables Ref: 403/0799/00010 Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Extension, Supplementary Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 7 August 2010

balanced group of turbines when seen from most locations in the vicinity and cumulatively with the existing turbines on Hameldon Hill.

97. Within the Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application in 2009 the applicant confirmed a commitment to consider the mitigation measures through the introduction of new tree and hedgerow planting as part of the wind farm development should their introduction be beneficial.

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