Rhoscrowther Wind Farm

APPLICATION BY RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM LTD FOR: THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF 5 WIND TURBINES WITH A MAXIMUM TIP HEIGHT OF 126.5m TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY DEVELOPMENT COMPRISING SUBSTATION, CONTROL BUILDING, NEW AND UPGRADED ACCESS POINTS AND TRACKS, HARDSTANDINGS, TEMPORARY COMPOUND AND ASSOCIATED WORKS AT RHOSCROWTHER, PEMBROKESHIRE

Chapter 5: LSVIA Appendices DRAFT 3

September 2020

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Wales) Regulations 2017

On behalf of the Applicant: Rhoscrowther Wind Farm Ltd

H : B : A E N V I R O N M E N T

RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM CONTENTS LSVIA Appendices

Contents

Appendix 5.1: Assessment Criteria A5.1/1 Appendix 5.2: LANDMAP data sheets A5.2/1 Appendix 5.3: PNCPA and PCC Landscape Character Assessments A5.3/1 Appendix 5.4: Seascape Character Area data sheets A5.4/1 Appendix 5.5: Viewpoint Analysis A5.5/1 Appendix 5.6: Residential Visual Amenity Assessment A5.6/1 Appendix 5.7: Methodology for Production of ZTVs and Visualisations A5.7/1

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Appendix 5.1: Assessment Criteria

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Assessment Criteria

A5.1.1. The criteria used to assess the effects of the proposed development on landscape and seascape (landscape fabric, landscape character, seascape character, landscape designations and seascape designations), and on views and visual amenity are described below.

Landscape and Seascape

Effects on Landscape Fabric

A5.1.2. The assessment of effects on landscape fabric considers the existing landscape elements and features on the site and surrounding area and the predicted residual (physical) effects of the proposed development on the site and surrounding landscape taking into account the design mitigation measures (embedded and good practice) and then the landscape and habitat enhancement measures, and makes a judgement as to whether there is likely to be any significant beneficial or adverse effect on landscape fabric based on the following definitions:

▪ Significant beneficial effects on landscape fabric would occur where the proposed development would result in the addition, reinstatement or improvement of important/mature/diverse/distinctive components, which had previously been lost or degraded as the result of agricultural operations or other development.

▪ Significant adverse effects on landscape fabric would occur where the proposed development would result in the permanent loss (or long-term temporary loss) of important/mature/diverse/distinctive components and the effects cannot be adequately mitigated.

Effects on Landscape Character

A5.1.3. The assessment of effects on landscape character considers the predicted residual effects of the proposed development, the landscape context, the theoretical visibility analyses, the viewpoint analysis and other fieldwork observations, and predicts the degree and extent of the likely significant adverse or beneficial effects on landscape character as a consequence of the addition of the proposed development, either directly (into the host

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landscape) or indirectly (into views from the surrounding landscapes).

A5.1.4. The criteria used to judge landscape value, susceptibility, sensitivity, magnitude and significance of effects on landscape character are as follows.

Landscape Value

A5.1.5. Most landscapes are locally valued by local people. Landscape and recreational designations are an indication of landscape and recreational value over and above local value, as they are areas that have been recognised for their particular scenic beauty and/or recreational potential. They are also usually landscapes within which a higher level of development control is in place for the purpose of protecting those qualities.

A5.1.6. Judgements on landscape value (for landscape units or landscape features) are based on those given in published landscape character assessments (where given), checked in the field and/or from fieldwork observations, based on the criteria provided in Table A5.1.1 below.

Table A5.1.1: Landscape Value Landscape Value Description

International Where the landscape is designated at an international level, eg World value Heritage Site and the purposes include landscape and/or recreational aims.

National value Where the landscape is designated at a national level, eg National Parks (England, Scotland and Wales), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England, Wales and NI), National Scenic Areas (Scotland) and Heritage Coasts (England and Wales) or where a landscape feature is designated at a national level, eg Scheduled Monument, and forms a highly distinctive landscape feature.

County/Borough/ Regional Parks, landscape designations in Structure, Unitary or Local District value Development Plans or a landscape feature that is designated at a County/Borough/District level and forms a distinctive landscape feature.

Local value For undesignated landscapes and landscape features which are locally valued, and display evidence of responsible use and value.

Unvalued Where the landscape and/or landscape features have been despoiled and there is evidence that society does not value the landscape and/or landscape features, eg fly tipping, abandoned cars, litter, vandalism, etc.

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Landscape Susceptibility

A5.1.7. Susceptibility is defined in GLVIA3 (para 5.40, p88-89, LVIA-1) as:

“the ability of the landscape receptor (whether it be the overall character or quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area, or an individual element and/or feature, or a particular aesthetic and perceptual aspect) to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline situation and/or the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies” (para 5.40, p88-89, LI/IEMA 2013).

A5.1.8. The susceptibility of a landscape unit to the change that will be brought about by the type and scale of development proposed depends on:

▪ The key characteristics of the landscape (including physical/natural and cultural/social elements, and aesthetic and perceptual factors), and the clarity and robustness of these characteristics.

▪ Nature of views (visual enclosure/openness of views, and extent to which views contribute to landscape character).

▪ Landscape planning policies and strategies for the landscape unit.

▪ The nature of the changes to landscape character and views that would be brought about by the proposed development (based on the inherent characteristics of commercial scale wind energy development, and the scale and location of the development proposed) and the compatibility of these with the above factors.

A5.1.9. The key characteristics including the nature of views are derived from the baseline landscape character assessments and fieldwork observations, the landscape planning policies and strategies include national and local policies and guidance, and the nature of the changes are drawn from experience of similar development types and scales in similar landscapes. As susceptibility depends not just on the type and scale of the proposed development but also on its location, the influence of the above parameters on the susceptibility of a landscape unit can vary depending on whether it is the host landscape unit or an adjacent or more distant unit.

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A5.1.10. The criteria used to judge landscape susceptibility are provided in Table A5.1.2 below.

Table A5.1.2: Landscape Susceptibility to Large Scale Wind Turbines Landscape Description Susceptibility

Very susceptible Where the clarity of the key characteristics are very strongly expressed and/or their robustness to change is fragile and/or views are an essential characteristic, and/or policies and strategies aim to achieve “no change” to landscape character, and the changes to landscape character that could be brought about by a development of the type, scale and location proposed would be incompatible with these factors.

Susceptible Where the clarity of the key characteristics are strongly expressed and/or their robustness to change is weak and/or views are an important characteristic and/or policies and strategies aim to conserve the key characteristics, and the changes to landscape character that could be brought about by a development of the type, scale and location proposed would have a poor compatibility with these factors.

Moderate Where the clarity of the key characteristics are clearly expressed susceptibility and/or their robustness to change is moderately strong and/or views contribute to landscape character and/or policies and strategies promote or accept limited changes to key characteristics, and the changes to landscape character that could be brought about by a development of the type, scale and location proposed would have a limited degree of compatibility with these factors.

Slight susceptibility Where the clarity of the key characteristics are vaguely expressed and/or their robustness to change is strong and/or views are a minor contribution to landscape character and/or policies and strategies promote or accept that the landscape could evolve, and the changes to landscape character that could be brought about by a development of the type, scale and location proposed would have a degree of compatibility with these factors.

Negligible Where the key characteristics are muddled and/or their robustness to susceptibility change is very strong and/or views are incidental to landscape character and/or policies and strategies promote or accept major changes to key characteristics and the changes to landscape character that could be brought about by a development of the type, scale and location proposed would be compatible with these factors.

A5.1.11. It is important to note the use of the word “could” rather than “would” in relation to the changes to landscape character that “could” be brought about by the proposed development as the magnitude of change is not taken into account at this stage.

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Landscape Sensitivity

A5.1.12. In accordance with GLVIA3, the sensitivity of each landscape unit is judged on the basis of its value and its susceptibility to change (GLVIA3, paras 5.39 – 5.47, pp88 – 90, LVIA-3). Accordingly, the judgements on value and susceptibility are combined to give levels of sensitivity as in Table A5.1.3 below.

Table A5.1.3: Landscape Sensitivity to Large Scale Wind Turbines Landscape Sensitivity Description

Very high sensitivity A landscape with international or national value and/or with features, elements, areas or special qualities of international or national value, that could be very susceptible to the type, scale and location of development proposed.

High sensitivity A landscape with national or County/Borough/District value and/or with features, elements, areas or special qualities of national value, that could be susceptible to the type, scale and location of development proposed.

Medium sensitivity A landscape with County/Borough/District or local value and/or with features, elements, areas or special qualities of County/Borough/ District or local value, that could have a moderate susceptibility to the type, scale and location of development proposed.

Low sensitivity A landscape with local value and/or with features, elements, areas or special qualities of local value, that could have a slight susceptibility to the type, scale and location of development proposed.

Very low sensitivity A landscape that is unvalued and/or with features, elements, areas or special qualities that are unvalued, and that could have a negligible susceptibility to the type, scale and location of development proposed.

Magnitude of Change in Landscape Character

A5.1.13. The magnitude of change to landscape character depends on the scale or degree of change to the landscape resource and the nature, geographical extent, duration and reversibility of the effects that would be brought about by the proposed development (see GLVIA3, paras 5.48 – 5.52, p90 - 91, LVIA- 3). It also assumes that any changes that do not conserve or enhance existing landscape character would be adverse. Accordingly, the judgements of magnitude are based on the criteria in Table A5.1.4 below.

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Table A5.1.4: Magnitude of Change to Landscape Character Magnitude of Change Description

Very substantial Where the proposed development would become a defining adverse characteristic of the landscape, would override and be in stark contrast with [or would substantially enhance] the existing landscape [or beneficial] context, would be in the context of no similar structures [or would reinstate particularly valued features that had been previously lost or degraded] and would be a dominant additional feature(s) which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Substantial adverse Where the proposed development would become a key characteristic [or beneficial] of the landscape, would compete with and detract from [or enhance] the existing landscape context, would be in the context of few similar structures [or would reinstate particularly valued features that had been previously lost or degraded] and would be a prominent additional feature(s) which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Moderate adverse Where the proposed development would become a characteristic of [or beneficial] the landscape and would contrast with [or complement] the existing landscape context, may be in the context of a few similar structures [and/or would reinstate valued features that had been previously lost or degraded] and would be a visible additional feature(s) which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Slight adverse Where the proposed development would become a characteristic of [or beneficial] the views from this landscape and would contrast with [or complement] the existing landscape context, may be in the context of some similar structures [and/or would reinstate features that had been previously lost or degraded] and would be a noticeable additional feature(s) which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Negligible adverse Where the proposed development may contrast with [or would [or beneficial] complement] the existing landscape context, may be in the context of several similar structures [and/or would reinstate minor features that had been previously lost or degraded] and would be a barely discernible additional feature(s) which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

No change Where the proposed development would not be visible or would not result in any discernible change in landscape character.

Significance of Effects on Landscape Character

A5.1.14. The effects on landscape character are then derived by combining the sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the matrix in Table A5.1.5 below.

A5.1.15. In the following table, where overall effects are predicted to be

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major/moderate or higher, there are likely to be significant changes in landscape character. Overall effects of moderate+ may be significant if these apply to an extended area or location, and overall effects of moderate may contribute to significance if combined with greater changes in the same general location, whereas moderate/minor+ or lower changes are unlikely to result in significant changes to landscape character.

Table A5.1.5: Assessment of Effects on Landscape Character

LANDSCAPE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE SENSITIVITY V sub V sub/ Sub Sub/ Mod Mod/ Slight Slight/ Neg sub mod slight neg Very high Major++ Major+ Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ mod+ mod min+ min High Major+ Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ mod+ mod min+ min Medium Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor mod+ mod min+ min Low Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor Min/ mod+ mod min+ min neg+ Very low Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor Minor/ Min/ mod min+ min neg+ neg

A5.1.16. The nature of the predicted significant effects on landscape character can be: direct/indirect, secondary, individual/ cumulative (additional or combined), short/medium/long-term, temporary/permanent, intermittent/continuous, reversible/irreversible and/or adverse/beneficial effects (based on Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations).

A5.1.17. With regards to landscape character, the effects of wind energy developments are generally direct (within the host landscape), indirect (on neighbouring landscapes), individual (when in isolation), cumulative (when there are other wind schemes in the landscape), temporary, continuous and reversible after the 25 year operational life of the development. Although 25 years is a short timescale relative to the natural evolution of a landscape, it is equivalent to a generation and so the effects on landscape character are, therefore, considered to be long-term.

A5.1.18. Finally, the degree and extent of change on landscape character is typically described in terms of three levels (where “landscape unit” is the existing name of the landscape character area or type under assessment) as follows:

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▪ Wind farm landscape” – where the wind turbines would override many of the other key characteristics such that the wind turbines would become one of the defining characteristics of the landscape and a new landscape area or type would be defined.

▪ “Landscape unit with wind turbines” – where the wind turbines would become one of the key characteristics of the landscape and some of the other key characteristics would change, such that a new landscape sub- area or sub-type could be defined and so the name of the landscape unit would be followed by “with wind turbines”.

▪ “Landscape unit” – where the wind turbines would become one of the key characteristics of the landscape (or views out of the landscape unit) but the majority of the other key characteristics would remain largely unchanged, such that there would be a material change to landscape character but not sufficient to justify the creation of a new landscape sub-area or sub-type, and so the name of the landscape unit would not change.

Effects on Seascape Character

A5.1.19. The assessment of effects on seascape character considers the predicted residual effects of the proposed development, the seascape context, the theoretical visibility analyses, the viewpoint analysis and other fieldwork observations, and predicts the degree and extent of the likely significant adverse or beneficial effects on seascape character as a consequence of the addition of the proposed development, either directly (into the host seascape unit) or indirectly (into views from the surrounding seascape units).

A5.1.20. The criteria used to judge seascape value, susceptibility, sensitivity, magnitude and significance of effects on seascape character are the same as those described above for assessing the effects on landscape character.

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Effects on Landscape Designations

A5.1.21. The assessment of effects on landscape designations, such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBS), considers the special characteristics and purposes of these designations plus the predicted residual effects of the development, the theoretical visibility analyses, the viewpoint analysis and other fieldwork observations, and makes a judgement as to whether there are likely to be any significant beneficial or adverse effects on the special characteristics and purposes of the designations based on the following definitions:

▪ Significant beneficial effects are likely to occur where the proposed development would bring about a significant change in the special characteristics that underpin the purpose/objectives of the designation, and that change would significantly enhance the ability of the designation to fulfil those purposes/objectives.

▪ Significant adverse effects are likely to occur where the proposed development would bring about a significant change in the special characteristics that underpin the purpose/objectives of the designation, and that change would significantly compromise the ability of the designation to fulfil those purposes/objectives.

Effects on Seascape Designations

A5.1.22. The assessment of effects on seascape designations, such as Heritage Coasts and the seascape components of coastal National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBS), considers the special characteristics and purposes of these designations plus the predicted residual effects of the development, the theoretical visibility analyses, the viewpoint analysis and other fieldwork observations, and makes a judgement as to whether there are likely to be any significant beneficial or adverse effects on the special characteristics and purposes of the designations based on the definitions for landscape designations above.

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Views and Visual Amenity

Effects on Views

A5.1.23. The criteria used to judge value, susceptibility, sensitivity, magnitude and significance of effects on views are as follows.

Location Value

A5.1.24. The value attached to a location or to a particular view at a location can influence the purpose and expectation of receptors at the location, and the judgement of value takes into account:

▪ Recognised value - for example, by the presence of planning designations or designated heritage assets.

▪ Indicators of value – to individuals, communities and society generally, for example, the popularity of the location and views as indicated by visitor numbers, the inclusion in guidebooks or on tourist maps, the provision of visitor facilities and references in literature and art.

A5.1.25. The value of a location and/or view is described as in Table A5.1.6 below.

Table A5.1.6: Value of Location or Particular View Value of Location Description or View National value A recognised scenic view in a landscape that has been designated at a national level, eg National Parks (England, Scotland and Wales), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (England, Wales and NI), National Scenic Areas (Scotland) and Heritage Coasts (England and Wales), or a view of or from a distinctive landscape feature designated at the national level, eg Scheduled Monument, Grade I Listed Building, Grade I Listed Garden. County/Borough/ A popular view promoted in visitor guides and/or in a landscape designated District value in Structure, Unitary or Local Development Plans. Community value A popular view in an undesignated landscape which is locally valued, and displays evidence of responsible use and value. Private value A private view, eg from a residential property, that is likely to be valued by the occupants. Unvalued Where the landscape has been despoiled and there is evidence that society does not value the view or landscape, eg fly tipping, abandoned cars, litter, etc.

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Receptor Susceptibility

A5.1.26. Susceptibility to changes in a view will vary between receptor groups and the judgement of susceptibility takes into account:

▪ Receptor location, occupation or activity – for example, relaxing at home, undertaking leisure, recreational or sporting activities, or at work, etc.

▪ Movement of receptor and duration and frequency of view experience - whether receptors would be stationary or moving (which influences how long they would be exposed to the change at any one time) and whether receptors are exposed to the view daily, frequently, occasionally or rarely.

▪ Focus of attention or interest – where their attention would be focused at the location, which depends on their orientation and/or direction of travel, the nature of the landscape and existing views and visual amenity.

A5.1.27. The susceptibility of each receptor group at each location is judged in terms of five levels of susceptibility, as provided in Table A5.1.7 below.

Table A5.1.7: Visual Receptor Susceptibility to Large Scale Wind Turbines Receptor Susceptibility Description

Very susceptible Where the receptor would be stationary or moving slowly, would be exposed to the change daily and for much of each day and the focus of their attention or interest would be towards the view of the proposed development.

Susceptible Where the receptor would be stationary or moving slowly, would be exposed to the change frequently and for sustained periods and the focus of their attention or interest would be towards the view of the proposed development.

Moderate susceptibility Where the receptor would be moving steadily, would be exposed to the change infrequently and for short periods, and the focus of their attention or interest may be towards the view of the proposed development.

Slight susceptibility Where the receptor would be moving swiftly, would be exposed to the change occasionally and for very short periods, and the focus of their attention or interest may be oblique to the view of the proposed development.

Negligible Where the receptor would be moving swiftly, would be exposed to susceptibility the change rarely and for very short periods, and the focus of their attention or interest would be oblique to or away from the view of the proposed development.

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Receptor Sensitivity

A5.1.28. All visual receptors are people and assumed to be equally sensitive to change. However, the location and activities of visual receptors influence the way in which they currently experience the landscape and views, the extent to which views of the surrounding landscape may contribute to their existing visual amenity, the value they place on these views and their susceptibility to changes in these views. Accordingly, at any one location there may be different levels of sensitivity for the different receptor groups, the sensitivity may vary depending on the direction of the view, and any one receptor group may be accorded different levels of sensitivity at different locations.

A5.1.29. Some of the above factors for value and susceptibility will vary even within the same receptor group (eg some walkers on access land may visit only once, others may walk there every day). Therefore, the judgement on sensitivity for each receptor group at each viewpoint location assumes a worst-case scenario in terms of both the value attached to the views at that location and the susceptibility of each receptor group to changes in those views.

A5.1.30. Equally, a receptor’s experience and appreciation of the landscape, views and visual amenity is influenced by their cultural background, awareness of historical and contemporary influences, and personal and professional interests. These influences vary from person to person but, in order to assess the worst-case scenario, it is assumed that receptors are fully aware of the cultural, historical and contemporary context of each view.

A5.1.31. Some typical receptor location sensitivities are provided in Table A5.1.8 below. However, these are only examples which take into account some of the combinations of factors that may influence the judgement of location sensitivity for any one receptor group at any one location. Wherever location sensitivity is judged to be different to those shown in Table A5.1.8, the specific combination of factors that have influenced that judgement are described in the assessment.

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Table A5.1.8: Receptor Location Sensitivity to Large Wind Turbines

Receptor group Location sensitivity Residents High - would view the proposed development in the primary views from their property (eg main windows and gardens), would be stationary or moving slowly about their property, would see the development on a daily basis, could be orientated towards the development, and would value these views. High/medium - would view the proposed development in the secondary views from their property (eg driveway), would be stationary or moving slowly at these

locations, would see the development on a daily basis, could be orientated towards the development, and would value these views. Medium - would view the proposed development from very limited locations on their property (eg single attic window), would be stationary or moving slowly at these locations, would see the development on a daily basis, could be orientated

towards the development, and would value these views. Zone receptors Zone Recreational High - are stationery or moving slowly (eg walking, cycling or horse riding), can be receptors orientated towards the development, are at that location primarily in order to enjoy the view, on a nationally designated route, regional long distance route and/or in a landscape nationally designated for its scenic value. High/medium - are stationery or moving slowly (eg walking, cycling or horse riding), can be orientated towards the development, are at that location primarily in order to enjoy the view but also for other purposes, at scenic vantage points, on access land, locally promoted route or local right of way. Medium - are stationery or moving slowly, can be orientated towards the development, may be at that location in order to enjoy the view but may have other purposes (eg playing sport), or where the main view is not in the direction of the development, on a local right of way, beach, sports field or other leisure/

recreational facility. Zone and receptors Zone linear Outdoor Medium - outdoor workers and school children in locations where they may be workers and moving slowly, can be orientated towards the development, may experience the school view on a daily basis, may be at that location in order to enjoy the view but will children have other purposes. Medium/low - outdoor workers in locations where they may be moving slowly, can

be orientated towards the development, may experience the view on a daily basis, but are at that location primarily to undertake activities unconnected with the view. Indoor Low - indoor receptors with limited views in this direction, who are in that location

workers primarily to undertake activities unconnected with the view. Zone receptors Zone Road and High/medium – in locations where they are moving steadily/swiftly, can be rail users orientated towards the development, are likely to be at that location in order to (motorists, enjoy the view, in a landscape that is nationally designated and/or on a nationally passengers, recognised scenic route. bus and train Medium - in locations where they are moving steadily/swiftly, can be orientated travellers) towards the development, may be at that location in order to enjoy the view but

may also have other purposes (eg journey to work), in a landscape that is not nationally designated for its scenic value and/or not on a nationally recognised scenic route. Medium/low - in locations where they are moving swiftly, with a direction of travel that is oblique or side on to the development, are likely to be travelling for a purpose other than in order to enjoy the view (eg journey to work), in a landscape

that is not designated. Linear receptors Linear

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Magnitude of Change in a View

A5.1.32. The magnitude of the change in a view is a judgement based on a series of measured parameters which, in order to assess the worst case, assumes that the visual receptors are being exposed to the change for the first time, in excellent visibility (30km+) and that the rotors are turning and are face on to the receptor.

A5.1.33. Computer-generated visualisations, fieldwork observations and professional judgement are used to identify a largely quantifiable set of parameters, which include:

▪ Distance and direction of the viewpoint from the development.

▪ Extent/proportion of the development visible from the viewpoint.

▪ Field of view occupied by the development (horizontal/vertical angles).

▪ Context of the view, existing visual amenity and the degree of contrast with the existing landscape and built elements (background, form, pattern, composition, scale and mass, line, movement, colour, texture, etc).

▪ Scale of change with respect to the loss or addition of features in the view. For the addition of wind turbines, this includes the scale of the development relative to the scale of the landscape, field pattern, etc and whether the development would be dominant, prominent, visible, noticeable, discernible or barely discernible.

▪ Nature of change, particularly in relation to existing visual amenity and the composition of the view, such as changes to skyline, creation of a new visual focus, introduction of new man-made elements, changes to visual simplicity or complexity, alteration of visual scale or changes to the degree of visual enclosure.

▪ Duration and nature of the effect, eg direct/indirect, secondary, individual/cumulative, short/medium/long-term, temporary/permanent, intermittent/continuous, reversible/irreversible, etc (as related to the nature of the development, not the receptor activity).

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A5.1.34. For each viewpoint location, the parameters in para A5.1.33 above are examined, the findings combined and the assessment of magnitude judged using a scale of: very substantial, substantial, moderate, slight and negligible.

A5.1.35. For large wind turbines (typically 90m – 125m to tip), each magnitude band approximates to the combinations of parameters in Table A5.1.9 below.

Table A5.1.9: Magnitude of Change in a View Magnitude of Change Description

Very substantial Where the proposed wind turbines would be close to the viewpoint, visible in their entirety, would occupy the majority of one sector of the view (90˚), the rotors would be turning and facing the receptor, the turbines would be in stark contrast to the landscape context (particularly in terms of scale and an absence of similar structures), such that they would be a dominant new feature which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Substantial Where the proposed wind turbines would be in the near distance, visible in their entirety or partly screened, would occupy up to one half of one sector of the view (~ 48˚), the rotors would be turning and facing the receptor, the turbines would contrast with the landscape context (particularly in terms of scale and few similar structures), such that they would be a prominent new feature which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Moderate Where the proposed wind turbines would be in the middle distance, visible in their entirety or partly screened, would occupy up to one quarter of one sector of the view (~ 24˚), the rotors would be turning and facing the receptor, the turbines may contrast with the landscape context (particularly in terms of scale and few similar structures) or may be in the context of similar structures but a visible additional feature which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Slight Where the proposed wind turbines would be in the distance, noticeable in their entirety or partly screened, would occupy a small part of one sector of the view (~ 12˚), the rotors would be turning and facing the receptor, the turbines may contrast with the landscape context (particularly in terms of scale and few similar structures) or may be in the context of similar structures but a noticeable additional feature which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

Negligible Where the proposed wind turbines would be in the far distance, partly or largely screened, would occupy a very small part of one sector of the view (~ 6˚), the rotors would be turning, the turbines may contrast with the landscape context (particularly in terms of scale and few similar structures) or may be in the context of similar structures but a barely discernible additional feature which would be present for a long, albeit temporary and reversible, time frame.

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A5.1.36. These levels of magnitude are used to assess individual and cumulative (additional and/or combined) effects and have been derived from assessing thousands of viewpoints at hundreds of proposed wind farm sites in the UK and examining views of operational wind farms in the field.

A5.1.37. However, magnitude of change is a continuum. These levels are used to describe bands along that continuum and, in order to identify more subtle differences, where appropriate, the intermediate levels of very substantial/substantial, substantial/moderate, moderate/slight and slight/negligible are also used.

A5.1.38. Where the parameters at a viewpoint do not fit neatly into one of the above magnitude levels, further judgement is required. For example, there may be mitigating factors in a view, such as a degree of screening by intervening topography, buildings or vegetation, which means that the magnitude may be less than suggested by the combination of other parameters. Also, where an extension to an existing operational wind farm is proposed, the addition of wind turbines to a view that already contains wind turbines may not result in the magnitude of change suggested by the combination of other parameters at the viewpoint as the proposed wind turbines would be seen in the context of similar structures.

Significance of Effects on Views

A5.1.39. For each receptor group, the sensitivity of the location is combined with the predicted magnitude of change to determine the overall change in the view and whether there is likely to be a significant change in the view at that location. In most cases, the overall change in the view can be derived by combining the sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the matrix in Table A1.10 below.

A5.1.40. In the following table, where overall effects are predicted to be major/moderate or higher, there are likely to be significant changes in the view. Overall effects of moderate+ may be significant if experienced over a sustained length of a route or over most of a zone, area or location, and overall effects of moderate may contribute to significance if combined with greater changes at the same location, whereas moderate/minor+ or lower changes are unlikely to result in significant changes to views.

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Table A5.1.10: Assessment of Effects on Views

RECEPTOR MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE SENSITIVITY V sub V sub/ Sub Sub/ Mod Mod/ Slight Slight/ Neg sub mod slight neg High Major++ Major+ Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ mod+ mod min+ min High/ Major+ Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ medium mod+ mod min+ min Medium Major Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor mod+ mod min+ min Medium/ Maj/ Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor Min/ low mod+ mod min+ min neg+ Low Maj/ Mod+ Mod Mod/ Mod/ Minor+ Minor Minor/ Min/ mod min+ min neg+ neg

A5.1.41. The nature of the predicted significant effects on views can be: direct/indirect, secondary, individual/cumulative (additional or combined), short/medium/long-term, temporary/permanent, intermittent/continuous, reversible/irreversible and/or adverse/beneficial effects (based on Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations).

A5.1.42. With regards to views, the effects of wind turbines are generally direct, individual (when seen in isolation), cumulative (when there are other wind turbines in the view), temporary, intermittent (when seen in various views along a route), continuous (when seen at a viewpoint) and reversible after the 25 year operational life of the development. 25 years is equivalent to a generation and so the effects on views are, therefore, considered to be long- term for visual receptors.

Effects on Visual Amenity

A5.1.43. The assessment of effects on visual amenity draws on the predicted residual effects of the proposed development, the landscape and visual baseline, the theoretical visibility analyses, the viewpoint analysis and other fieldwork observations, and makes a judgement as to whether there are likely to be any significant effects on the visual amenity of the main visual receptor groups and locations in the study area, based on the following definition:

▪ Significant effects on visual amenity can occur where a development would result in significant effects on the primary view(s) at a location or

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along a route and the view(s) is one that is valued and can be appreciated by receptors that are at that location for purposes that include the appreciation of the view(s).

A5.1.44. Significant effects on visual amenity can be perceived as beneficial, adverse or neutral and this depends largely on the perceptions and opinions of the individual receptors/observers. The variability of public opinion on renewable energy installations is such that it is difficult to define significant effects on visual amenity as a result of a wind farm as definitely beneficial or definitely adverse for all members of the public who may experience that view.

A5.1.45. However, in order to assess the worst case, it is recommended that all predicted significant effects on visual amenity are placed on the negative side of the planning balance, but that the variability in public perception and the likely numbers of receptors who would be affected are taken into account in the planning balance.

Effects on Residential Visual Amenity

A5.1.46. The assessment of effects on residential visual amenity assesses the effects on the most open view from each residential property local to the site, using the same process and criteria used for the assessment of effects on views and visual amenity (as described above), plus a further stage which makes a Residential Visual Amenity Threshold judgement for each property, taking into account views “in the round” from each property.

A5.1.47. This is described in more detail in the Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (Appendix 5.6).

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Appendix 5.2: LANDMAP data sheets

VS061: Castlemartin (PMBRKVS061) VS063: Merrion Ranges (PMBRKVS063) VS065: Angle (PMBRKVS065) VS079: Kilpaison Burrows (PMBRKVS079) VS098: Estuarine Mud (PMBRKVS098) VS117: Angle Bay (PMBRKVS117)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS061

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS061

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Castlemartin Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2002-09-26

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Rolling Lowland Level 3: Mosaic Rolling Lowland

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record has been updated following monitoring updated following monitoring work, there was a real change in the aspect area - work? views to more industry

Q1c - Change indicated by • OS Data, Aerial Photographs • Policies, plans & information resources • Fieldwork

Q1d - What has changed? • Description • Condition & Trend • Boundaries

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • No or functional link with an adjacent area?

Q2a - During which season(s) was • Late summer fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The large Aspect Area of Castlemartin contains a rolling agricultural landscape with interspersed woodland areas and small valleys. Red (sandstone) soils underlie the characterise fields and minor roads of this area. Borrowed views across the Cleddau

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estuary are generally attractive, with visual detractors including borrowed views of the power station & oil refinery and views of large pylons within the Aspect Area. • Change detection 2014: From the northern half of this area there are views across the Haven to wind turbines and oil terminals - additional industrial 'clutter'.

Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Rolling/Undulating Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Field Pattern/Mosaic Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • Scattered Rural/Farm Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • Managed Hedge Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Medium

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Open Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Simple Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Smooth

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Angular

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Regular

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Frequent Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - the settlements of Lamphey and Milton Light Pollution? within the Aspect Area create localised light pollution as does the town of Pembroke on the northern boundary of the area, whilst the remainder of the Aspect Area is much less affected.

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Generally Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • The majority of the Aspect Area is rural with most

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Details: residences made of stone with render and slate roofs in the traditional style of the area with some modern additions appearing similar in style and others attractively faced in exposed stone…

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - the area features an open rural landscape with strong coastal influence and some areas having open, windswept landscapes to the west of the area and a raised position offering views of the estuary bay to the north...

Q23 - There are detractive • ...both in and out - there are large scale electricity views... pylons within the Aspect Area that detract from the landscape as do views of the power station and oil refinery to the west of the area... • 2014 - additional views to wind turbines and oil terminals across Haven

Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Exposed Sensory Qualities • Attractive • Remote • Wild - the aspect area is generally settled with an agricultural landscape displaying the traditional use of the land in stone walls and traditional buildings... The western part of the area is more open and exposed with a wild feel to it despite the impact of the industrial elements to the north of this area... • Unattractive • Settled

Q25 - What is the sense of • Moderate - borrowed views across the Daugleddau place/local distinctiveness estuary and a dune like landscape with views of the oil refinery and power station to the west of the area add to the more general agricultural aspect of the majority of the Aspect Area...

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • Moderate - the Aspect Area contains a characteristic farmland landscape with small fields and minor roads that is enhanced by borrowed views of the Daugleddau estuary to the west, yet is reduced in value by the impact of pylons and industrial works out to the north...

Q27 - Condition: • Fair - the area is under a generally appropriate level of care with mostly well-kept yet unintensive areas...

Q28 - Trend: • Declining - gradually more visual intrusions of industrial developments around the Haven

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Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • The Aspect Area contains mostly rural landscapes remarks: with some scattered small villages and is generally well-managed with some areas including stone walls that are apparently less well-managed...

Q31 - Principal management • Preserve the rural character of the Aspect Area recommendation:

Q32 - Guideline • Medium Term - prevent further encroachment of industrial works into the north of the Aspect Area. • Long Term - preserve the rural character of the aspect area defined by woodland, farmland and coastal and estuarine hinterland.

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Coastal aspect and wilderness feel to the western should be conserved: end of the Aspect Area...

Q34 - Define the key qualities that • None should be enhanced:

Q35 – Define the key qualities that • None should be changed:

Q36 - Define the key elements that • Traditional buildings and views of the Daugleddau should be conserved: estuary to the north should be conserved as these enhance the character of the Aspect Area...

Q37 - Define the key elements that • Boundaries including stone walls should be more well should be enhanced: maintained to ensure their preservation in open exposed areas...

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • Some - boundary with VS059 and VS065 defined by the Aspect Area boundary is relatively greater woodland content, with VS063 by precise? undulating landform...

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline

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Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area boundary contains the open lowland the Aspect Area boundaries? mosaic of farmland with scattered small settlements in the south west part of Pembrokeshire... • 2014 - boundary change to exclude expansion of Pembroke in two places

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • Moderate - the Aspect Area contains attractive views quality of rural landscapes with minor roads and small villages crossed in some areas by imposing pylons as well as borrowed views of the Daugleddau estuary beyond the less attractive oil refinery and power station to the north of the area...

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • Moderate - the pylons and industrial plants that impact on the area do not significantly affect the nature of this rural area with a strong coastal influence in places...

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • Moderate - the area is characterised by pleasant Character farmland with minor lanes and small villages and is enhanced by borrowed estuarine views and a windswept coastal feel to the west...

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • Moderate - the majority of the area is characteristic of rural landscapes in Pembrokeshire yet is of note because of its undeveloped nature and coastal aspect...

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • Moderate - the Aspect Area is largely an attractive Evaluation rural landscape influenced by farming practices both historically and in the present... Small villages and coastal influences add to the value of the area which is, however, reduced by the impact of large pylons close to Pembroke and views of industrial plants to the north of the area...

Q51 - Justification of overall • The overall moderate valuation of the Aspect Area evaluation has been reached through consideration of the moderate values for all criteria of scenic quality, integrity, character and rarity which reflect the not uncommon agricultural character of the landscape

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Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • None

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Valleys and rolling lowland (mosaic 20-50% wooded, types (LMP14) hedgerow character)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Lowland mosaic >20% wooded types (LMP09)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS063

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS063

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Merrion Ranges Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2002-09-26

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Flat Lowland/Levels Level 3: Flat Open Lowland Farmland Level 4: Flat Farmland - Levels

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record remains unchanged following monitoring updated following monitoring work work?

Q1c - Change indicated by • -

Q1d - What has changed? • -

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • No or functional link with an adjacent area?

Q2a - During which season(s) was • - fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The Merrion Ranges Aspect Area is a gently undulating grassland and farmland landscape set in the coastal hinterland on the southern tip of Pembrokeshire... The area has a low level of built development yet is characterised by evidence of former quarries and scattered villages and a military influence on range areas to the north and west of the Aspect Area...

Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Levels

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Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Field Pattern/Mosaic Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • Scattered Rural/Farm Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • Mixture Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Medium

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Open Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Simple Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Medium

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Angular

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Organised

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Frequent Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - there are some small-scale settlements as Light Pollution? well as scattered agricultural and military buildings within the Aspect Area that lead to localised light pollution...

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Generally Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • Traditional stone built cottages and houses with Details: characteristic render and pastel painted colours form the majority of developments, with additions in modern alternative block stone or brick generally decorated to appear similar... Less appropriate modern buildings featuring a high proportion of metal in sheeting etc... are associated with military and agricultural areas...

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - the area offers pleasant views of the gently undulating grazed farmland and rough areas of the landscape within and views to the coast

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out to the south...

Q23 - There are detractive views... • ...within - modern agricultural buildings and military sheds form a minor detractor to the area...

Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Attractive Sensory Qualities • Remote - the aspect area is largely rural yet has a pleasant settled feel with occasional artillery noise disrupting this impression... • Noisy • Settled - the open coastal grassland landscape of the aspect area has a settled feel with strong impressions of the coastal and military aspects through noises of gunfire, coastal wind etc...

Q25 - What is the sense of • Moderate - the sense of place is identified by the place/local distinctiveness agricultural and military landscape which is enhanced by the coastal aspect and views...

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • Low - the open agricultural and coastal landscape is reduced in value by the impact of the military range and associated buildings and noise...

Q27 - Condition: • Poor - use of parts of the area as military grounds lead to relatively low levels of care in these areas giving a neglected appearance although this is likely to benefit some wildlife in the area...

Q28 - Trend: • Constant - the area has evidence of previous changes to land use including quarrying and military activities yet appears to be in a fairly stable state at present...

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • Some areas are appropriately managed as farmland remarks: with small villages, some having attractive buildings retained... Areas of the military range are less well managed...

Q31 - Principal management • Retail [retain?] coastal character with low levels of recommendation: built development with maintenance of traditional field boundaries...

Q32 - Guideline • Immediate - maintenance hedges/walls • Long Term - preserve coastal character with low levels of built development

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Coastal aspect and traditional construction should be conserved: methods...

Q34 - Define the key qualities that • None

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Q35 – Define the key qualities that • None should be changed:

Q36 - Define the key elements that • Field boundaries (hedges and walls) and traditional should be conserved: buildings...

Q37 - Define the key elements that • Walls and hedges that have suffered neglect should should be enhanced: be restored with appropriate management including regular cutting hedges and protection from overgrazing vulnerable plants...

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • Some - boundary with VS061 defined by generally the Aspect Area boundary is level landform precise?

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area contains the open lowland farmland the Aspect Area boundaries? with coastal and military influence in this southwest part of Pembrokeshire...

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • Low - the area has coastal views and contains quality farmland with low development levels yet is detracted from by the presence of a military range...

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Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • Low - the Aspect Area contains key separate zones; with the farmland and scattered settlements to the east and a military range to the west...

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • Moderate - the rural agricultural and coastal Character character of the eastern parts of the Aspect Area is affected significantly by the military influence of the range to the west...

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • Moderate - the Aspect Area is of note for its military influence and underlying coastal farmland landscape...

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • Low - the coastal farmland landscape of the area is Evaluation significantly affected by the influence of the military range located to the western part of the area...

Q51 - Justification of overall • The Aspect Area has been given values of low for evaluation scenic value and integrity and moderate for character and rarity, resulting in an overall low evaluation and reflecting the areas domination by land use including military activities which overlay an otherwise attractive coastal landscape...

Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • None

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Valleys, rolling and flat lowland (grassland >50%, types (LMP14) open, <20% wooded, lacking hedgerow trees)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Lowland open >50% grassland, <20% wooded types (LMP09)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS065

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS065

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Angle Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2002-09-26

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Rolling Lowland Level 3: Open Rolling Lowland

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record has been updated following monitoring updated following monitoring work, there was a real change in the aspect area - work? views across Haven to detractors.

Q1c - Change indicated by • Fieldwork

Q1d - What has changed? • Description

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • Yes - The Aspect Area has close links with the two or functional link with an adjacent adjacent bays: West Angle Bay (VS074) and Angle Bay area? (VS078). NOTE: VS074 is St Ann’s Head (of which West Angle Bay is a part). Angle Bay is VS117. VS078 is Gelliswick Bay on the north side of the Haven.

Q2a - During which season(s) was • Late summer fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The Aspect Area of Angle contains some exposed hill tops with scattered farmsteads in an agricultural landscape on the coastal hinterland at the south west extremity of the study area. The open landform and borrowed coastal views give the area a strong coastal feel with a high presence of traditional cottage buildings in Angle. Borrowed views over the Cleddau estuary to the oil refinery creates a visual detractor

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but views to West Angle Bay are attractive. • Change detection 2014: Increase in wind turbines and oil terminal across the Haven has added to visual detractors in northern part of this area.

Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Rolling/Undulating Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Field Pattern/Mosaic Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • Village Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • Hedge with Trees Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Medium

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Exposed Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Simple Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Mixture

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Angular

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Organised

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Infrequent Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - the village of Angle and the surrounding Light Pollution? scattered farmsteads and rural residences cause localised light pollution which is not large scale.

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Generally Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • Most properties are in the attractive traditional style Details: with rendered stone and slate roofs. Some additional properties are constructed in a more modern method with rendered block stone which appears similar to the traditional style. Some recent extensions have utilised exposed stone whilst a more modern style development on the western edge of Angle village

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has used rendered stone with pastel colours in an attempt to match the surroundings

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - views of attractive cottages, fields, hedgebank bordered lanes and woodland patches within the area are further enhanced by coastal and estuarine views outside of the Aspect Area.

Q23 - There are detractive • ...both in and out - a small caravan park has a views... negative visual impact when approached from the west whilst further detractors are provided by telecom masts and by borrowed views of the oil refinery across the estuary. • 2014 - wind turbines and oil terminal across the Haven increase views to detractors

Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Exposed Sensory Qualities • Attractive • Tranquil • Sheltered • Safe • Remote • Wild - the inland landscape of village, farmland and small wooded valley contrast with more exposed areas towards the coast. • Settled

Q25 - What is the sense of • Moderate - borrowed views across the Daugleddau place/local distinctiveness estuary add to the sense of place as do views of the coastline to the north and west.

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • Moderate - the area of Angle and its surroundings are characterised by traditional agricultural field patterns with hedges and hedgebanks interspersed with small wooded valleys and traditional buildings and has a strong coastal feel.

Q27 - Condition: • Fair - the area has a generally appropriate level of care with areas appearing unintensive yet well maintained.

Q28 - Trend: • Constant - this valuation was considered to be accurate at the time of survey.

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • The agricultural management is small scale and remarks: varied with wooded valleys and hedgerows

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maintained and development being generally considerate of traditional techniques.

Q31 - Principal management • Preserve the traditional character of the area. recommendation:

Q32 - Guideline • Medium Term - retain character of Angle village through sensitive, small scale development • Medium Term - seek to minimise the visual impact of industrial works within neighbouring Aspect Areas • Long Term - preserve the traditional coastal and agricultural character of the landscape.

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Traditional management and construction together should be conserved: with the coastal aspect of the area.

Q34 - Define the key qualities that • Visual quality of borrowed views to industrial areas should be enhanced:

Q35 – Define the key qualities that • None should be changed:

Q36 - Define the key elements that • Traditional buildings, hedgerows and wooded valleys should be conserved: should be conserved as they define the areas character.

Q37 - Define the key elements that • Views of industrial workings within the wider should be enhanced: landscape outside the Aspect Area.

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • Some - boundary with VS061 defined by relatively the Aspect Area boundary is low woodland context. precise?

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

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Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area boundaries define the coastal the Aspect Area boundaries? agricultural area with evidence of traditional management in south west Pembrokeshire.

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • Moderate - the Aspect Area features attractive views quality of the traditional buildings and field patterns set among hedges and wooded valleys which is enhanced by the coastal feel and associated views out to sea, except where the oil refinery can be seen to the east.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • High - the Aspect Area has retained a strong sense of the traditional methods of agricultural land management and of building techniques.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • High - the area is characterised by the presence of Character low levels of development, retention of traditional buildings and field patterns set against a coastal surrounding and interspersed with small wooded valleys.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • Moderate - the area is of note for its coastal influence and for the degree to which it has retained traditional buildings and field patterns within the landscape.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • Moderate - the agricultural landscape around Angle Evaluation features traditional buildings and field patterns with scattered wooded valleys and a strong coastal feel yet is negatively affected by its proximity to the nearby oil refinery.

Q51 - Justification of overall • The overall ''moderate'' evaluation has been reached evaluation through consideration of the ''moderate'' values given for scenic quality and rarity and ''high'' values given for integrity and character. This represents the impact of industrial views on this well situated agricultural landscape on the coastal hinterland.

Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • None

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Valleys, rolling and flat lowland (grassland >50%,

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Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Lowland open >50% grassland, <20% wooded types (LMP09)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS079

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS079

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Kilpaison Burrows Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2002-09-26

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Coastal Level 3: Dunes & Dune Slack Level 4: Dunes & Dune Slack

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record remains unchanged following monitoring updated following monitoring work. work?

Q1c - Change indicated by • -

Q1d - What has changed? • -

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • Yes - the dunes at Kilpaison Burrows have a strong or functional link with an adjacent functional link with the adjacent beach (VS081). area? NOTE: VS081: Frainslake Sands

Q2a - During which season(s) was • - fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The Aspect Area is characterised by a large open area on the southwest Pembrokeshire coastal hinterland. Mature sand dunes of marram and rough grasses dominate the landcover of this undulating landscape which has a very strong coastal feel, with some enclosed fields to the inland side of the area. Low key parking areas lie by the minor coastal road with recessive stone-built facilities. Views to coastal cliffs and beach add to the area's sense of place.

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Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Rolling/Undulating Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Mixture Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • No settlements Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • None Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Medium

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Exposed Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Simple Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Medium

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Curved

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Harmonious

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Random

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Occasional Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - there are no developments within the Aspect Light Pollution? Area that may cause light pollution apart from road and car park.

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • Stone and timber. Details:

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - the Aspect Area contains attractive sand dune landscapes and looks out onto the adjacent beach and surrounding coast and sea.

Q23 - There are detractive • ...neither in or out - none views...

Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Exposed

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Sensory Qualities • Attractive • Tranquil - unspoilt exposed coastal dunes • Sheltered • Remote • Wild - the undulating sand dune landscape of this aspect area leads to an attractive wilderness feel with some areas open and exposed and others more sheltered...

Q25 - What is the sense of • Strong - the dunes are on a renowned exposed beach- place/local distinctiveness Freshwater West - with associated strong sense of place.

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • High - the sand dune system offers pleasant naturalistic views, and this is enhanced by views out to the surrounding coast and seascape. The sand dune system of this area is largely unaffected by any detractors from the integrity of the site but may be threatened by extensive use of footpaths leading to erosion if this is not managed. The undulating dune landscape with marram grass vegetation and coastal association give the Aspect Area a strong character. The area is notable for its large and undeveloped area of sand dunes.

Q27 - Condition: • Fair - the dunes appear to be in fairly good condition without significant erosion.

Q28 - Trend: • Constant - the area was considered to be in a constant state regarding its condition and management.

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • The area is largely managed in a low-key way with remarks: sensible visitor management at its fringes.

Q31 - Principal management • Retain the natural sand dune succession of the recommendation: area...

Q32 - Guideline • Immediate - preserve the sand dune system through avoiding any developments which would disturb the successional system of dune development... • Immediate - prevent and where necessary ameliorate footpath erosion across the dune system, through allocating set routes where damage is accepted or rotating routes to allow recovery.

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Tranquillity, unspoilt and undeveloped coastal should be conserved: character of the Aspect Area...

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Q34 - Define the key qualities that • None should be enhanced:

Q35 – Define the key qualities that • Restoration [of] naturalistic character should be should be changed: considered in areas adapted to agricultural fields.

Q36 - Define the key elements that • Natural sand dune succession with marram grass should be conserved: communities to the rear of the burrows should be protected by managing footpath use to reduce erosion and avoiding any development which would disrupt this succession...

Q37 - Define the key elements that • Restoration of agricultural fields to naturalistic dune should be enhanced: landscape where opportunities arise...

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • All the Aspect Area boundary is precise?

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area boundaries define the extent of the the Aspect Area boundaries? Kilpaison and Broomhill Burrows sand dunes...

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • High - the sand dune system offers pleasant quality naturalistic views, and this is enhanced by views out

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to the surrounding coast and seascape.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • High - the sand dune system of this area is largely unaffected by any detractors from the integrity of the site but may be threatened by extensive use of footpaths leading to erosion if this is not managed...

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • High Character

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • High - the area is notable for its large and undeveloped area of sand dunes...

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • High - the sand dune system offers pleasant Evaluation naturalistic views, and this is enhanced by views out to the surrounding coast and seascape. The sand dune system of this area is largely unaffected by any detractors from the integrity of the site but may be threatened by extensive use of footpaths leading to erosion if this is not managed. The undulating dune landscape with marram grass vegetation and coastal association give the Aspect Area a strong character. The area is notable for its large and undeveloped area of sand dunes.

Q51 - Justification of overall • All high evaluation

Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • Consultation with the Landscape Habitats LANDMAP assessment should be undertaken with regards to management changes to the area...

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coastal edge, cliffs and islands types (LMP14)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coast types (LMP09)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS098

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS098

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Estuarine Mud Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2002-09-26

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Coastal Level 3: Intertidal

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record remains unchanged following monitoring updated following monitoring work. work?

Q1c - Change indicated by • -

Q1d - What has changed? • -

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • Yes - the Aspect Area has links with the adjacent or functional link with an adjacent land areas to which the estuary backs onto (VS061 area? and VS067). NOTE: VS061: Castlemartin, VS067: Pembroke Dock

Q2a - During which season(s) was • - fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The ''Estuarine Mud'' Aspect Area contains a series of intertidal mud flats in various locations around the shores of The Haven. These include mud patches that have formed in association with tidal processes within The Haven itself and areas of outflow, notably the Pembroke River. Small patches of shingle exist within the Aspect Area which is bordered by both agricultural and urban areas.

Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Levels

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Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Water Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • No settlements Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • None Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Large

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Open Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Simple Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Smooth

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Sinuous

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Regular

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Infrequent Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - adjacent towns and industrial plants have Light Pollution? some impact on the light levels in the Aspect Area.

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • None present Details:

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - the estuaries feature attractive mudflats at low tide, often with feeding birds evident and a pleasant sheet of water at high tide. Borrowed views of the surrounding Haven are also available.

Q23 - There are detractive views... • ....out - the urban areas of Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven can be seen from the area as can the large-scale oil refineries and other industrial plants around the Haven.

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Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Attractive Sensory Qualities • Tranquil • Sheltered - the aspect areas feature a naturalistic environment of intertidal mud with changing sights and sounds (particularly the evocative calls of wading birds) which are generally pleasant • Smell • Unattractive • Noisy

Q25 - What is the sense of • Strong - the sense of place is influenced by views of place/local distinctiveness the Haven and its developed areas of town and industry and by the estuarine mudflats within.

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • High - the Aspect Area features a series of valuable ecosystems that offer a close naturalistic experience for the likely visitor.

Q27 - Condition: • Fair - the area is under an appropriate level of low maintenance being changed daily by the natural process of the tide.

Q28 - Trend: • Constant - the area was felt to be in a constant state at the time of survey, in terms of its management and condition.

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • The area is apparently under an appropriate low remarks: level of management with some use for boat mooring.

Q31 - Principal management • Preserve the areas through continued uninterrupted recommendation: intertidal processes.

Q32 - Guideline • Immediate - protect the areas from pollution incidents that may result from surrounding industrial or dock activities in order to preserve the wildlife value of the area and the positive sensory features of this including bird song. • Long Term - preserve the estuarine character of the area through allowing continued natural intertidal processes across the area.

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Intertidal and undeveloped character of the should be conserved: mudflats.

Q34 - Define the key qualities that • None should be enhanced:

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Q35 – Define the key qualities that • None should be changed:

Q36 - Define the key elements that • The open mudflats with their tidal flow should be should be conserved: protected from any oil spills or other chemical spills that may be a risk from local industry and should remain open from any barrages.

Q37 - Define the key elements that • None should be enhanced:

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • Most the Aspect Area boundary is precise?

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area boundaries define the areas of the Aspect Area boundaries? intertidal mud flats around the Haven.

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • High - the mudflats of the Aspect Area offer an quality attractive sight with feeding wading birds at low tide and tranquil sheets of water at high tide as well as views of the surrounding Haven detracted from by heavy industry and urban development.

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Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • High - there do not appear to be any current threats to the integrity of these mudflats.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • High - the intertidal mudflats have a very strong Character character defined by the changing tidal influence and views of the Haven.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • High - the Aspect Area is of note as a series of intertidal mudflats which are of high landscape and wildlife value.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • High - the Aspect Area contains a series of attractive Evaluation intertidal mud flats around the Haven.

Q51 - Justification of overall • The overall evaluation of ''high'' for this Aspect Area evaluation has been reached through consideration of the ''high'' values given to each of the criteria of scenic quality, integrity, character and rarity which demonstrates the value of this uncommon landscape type.

Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • Any potential plans for the area which may impact on the management of these sites should take into account the findings of the Landscape Habitats LANDMAP assessment.

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coastal edge, cliffs and islands types (LMP14)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coast types (LMP09)

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SURVEY DETAILS FOR PMBRKVS117

Area Unique ID: PMBRKVS117

Aspect: Visual and Sensory Area: Angle Bay Region: Pembrokeshire Survey Date: 2012-03-06

Level 1: Lowland Level 2: Coastal Level 3: Intertidal

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring? • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority. Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been • This record has been updated following monitoring updated following monitoring work, there was a real change in the aspect area - work? views to turbines.

Q1c - Change indicated by • OS Data, Aerial Photographs • Policies, plans & information resources • Fieldwork

Q1d - What has changed? • Description

Q1e - Has the information ever • Yes - 1:25,000 been verified in the field?

Q2 - Does this area have a special • Yes - the Aspect Area has strong functional links with or functional link with an adjacent the adjacent area of Angle (VS065). area?

Q2a - During which season(s) was • - fieldwork carried out?

Description

Q3 - Summary Description • The Angle Bay Aspect Area forms one of two bays adjacent to the village of Angle, this being to the east of the village. The bay has a broad sweeping form with a mud and sand cover sheltered by and set back between two rocky outcrops. The area has some borrowed views of the Haven which are restricted by the sheltered nature of the bay. The area is affected by the visual detractor of the oil refinery nearby and by views across the Haven to

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industry and wind turbines.

Q4 - Physical Form and Elements: • Levels Topographic Form?

Q5 - Physical Form and Elements: • Water Landcover Pattern?

Q6 - Physical form and elements: • No settlements Settlement pattern

Q7 - Physical form and elements: • None Boundary type

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale? • Medium

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of • Enclosed Enclosure?

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: • Uniform Diversity?

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture? • Mixture

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines? • Curved

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour? • Muted

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance? • Harmonious

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity? • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern? • Regular

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal • Mixed Interest?

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of • Infrequent Human Access?

Q19 - Other Factors: Night-Time • Slight - the adjacent area of Angle with its village Light Pollution? houses border onto the bay but are largely shielded from it by the landform and by vegetation... Views of the oil refinery outside of the area are lit at night but this does not extend into the area...

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of • Appropriate Construction Materials?

Q21 - What materials? Give • None present Details:

Q22 - There are attractive views... • ...both in and out - the pleasant curved bay with sandy and muddy levels and rocky outcrops is visually attractive and offers further pleasant views out to the Haven...

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Q23 - There are detractive views... • ....out - the borrowed views of the oil refinery are a detractor... • 2014 - plus wind turbines on shoreline across the Haven

Q24 - Perceptual and Other • Attractive Sensory Qualities • Tranquil • Sheltered • Safe - the bay to the east of Angle village is sheltered by its curved nature between the protecting headlands of Angle Point and Sawdern Point... • Unattractive

Q25 - What is the sense of • Moderate - the areas sense of place is defined by place/local distinctiveness Muddy and sand beach sheltered between two small headlands and having views out to the Haven...

Evaluation

Q26 - Value: • High - the Aspect Area is an attractive sandy/ muddy bay with rocky outcrops set back from the Haven which is seen in views that are mostly attractive but are affected by the presence of the nearby oil refinery and wind turbines.

Q27 - Condition: • Fair - the area is under an appropriate low level of maintenance being strongly influenced by natural tidal processes...

Q28 - Trend: • Constant - the area was felt to be in a constant state of management and condition at the survey time...

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Existing management • The area is under little active management which is remarks: appropriate as a beach location... The main human intervention is the placing and use of boat moorings low on the beach...

Q31 - Principal management • Preserve and enhance coastal quality of the bay... recommendation:

Q32 - Guideline • Long Term - preserve the coastal character of the bay through avoiding development within the area.

Q33 - Define the key qualities that • Coastal and relatively undeveloped nature of the should be conserved: Aspect Area.

Q34 - Define the key qualities that • Visual features outside of the Aspect Area by should be enhanced: screening the oil refinery if possible...

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Q35 – Define the key qualities that • None. should be changed:

Q36 - Define the key elements that • Sandy and rocky beach with views of the Haven. should be conserved:

Q37 - Define the key elements that • The view of the oil refinery should be reduced if should be enhanced: possible.

Q38 - Define the key elements that • None should be changed:

Tolerance to Change

Q39 - Are there any significant • Not known threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this • Level 3 information site-surveyed?

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of • All the Aspect Area boundary is precise?

Q42 - What baseline information • OS Landline source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what • 1:10,000 was the scale?

Q44 - What is the justification for • The Aspect Area boundaries identify the sandy and the Aspect Area boundaries? rock of Angle Bay...

Bibliography

Q45 - List the key sources used for • OS plans and aerial photographs this assessment

Evaluation Matrix

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic • Moderate - the Aspect Area contains an attractive quality sand/ mud beach with rocky outcrops and small boats moored on the lower shore... Attractive views of the Haven outside the area are reduced in significance by views of the nearby oil refinery to the east...

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity • High - the Aspect Area itself is not affected by any processes or elements acting as detractors to its

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integrity...

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: • High - the area has a strong character defined by its Character sand/ mud beach with rocky outcrops, coastal location and views out to the surrounding Haven.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity • Moderate - the bay is of some note for its sheltered and undeveloped nature in close proximity to developed areas...

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall • High - the Aspect Area consists of an attractive mud Evaluation and sand bay with rocky outcrops in a sheltered location and having views out through two rocky headlands to the Haven, yet is negatively affected by its proximity to the nearby oil refinery and wind turbines.

Q51 - Justification of overall • The overall moderate [high?] evaluation has been evaluation reached following consideration of the moderate values awarded to the areas scenic quality and rarity and its high values for integrity and character... This portrays the impact that the surrounding industrial area has on the feel of the attractive bay...

Assessment

Q52 - Additional Assessments • None

Q53 - Additional Comments • None

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coastal edge, cliffs and islands types (LMP14)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape • Coast types (LMP09)

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Appendix 5.3: PNCPA and PCC Landscape Character Assessments

From PNCPA Landscape Character Assessment: LCA 6: Castlemartin/Merrion Ranges LCA 7: Angle Peninsula LCA 8: Freshwater West/Brownslade Burrows

From PCC draft Landscape Character Assessment: LCA 24: Southern Haven Mudflats LCA 25: Hundleton and Lamphey

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Appendix 5.4: Seascape Character Area data sheets

SCA 31: Outer Milford Haven SCA 32: Inner Milford Haven

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Appendix 5.5: Viewpoint Analysis

H:B:A Environment September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.5 LSVIA Appendices Viewpoint Analysis

Table A5.5/1: Viewpoint Analysis

Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

Junction of minor road and local bridleway outside the National Park and on boundary of the HWEZ. Horse riders The turbines would be very prominent, Walkers Bridleway north of Cyclists Very Vp01 0.276km 5 turbines 48° in the foreground and very close, Major+ Hoplass centred on the existing view of the Motorists substantial Valero Oil Refinery chimneys and stacks, (High/ and not within the sector of the view medium) that includes Angle Bay and Milford Haven.

On minor road to Rhoscrowther, on boundary of National Park and just Horse riders Walkers inside the HWEZ. Very Cyclists Vp02 Lane to Rhoscrowther 0.669km 5 turbines 65° substantial Major The turbines would be prominent, in the Motorists /substantial middle ground, in a receding line to the (High/ right of the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys medium) and in front of the stacks.

Junction with minor road outside the Motorists National Park and inside the HWEZ. Major/ (high/ Oblique view for motorists on minor moderate+ medium) road, forward view for workers leaving the power station. Entrance to Pembroke 5 partial Vp03 0.948km 41° The turbines would be clearly visible, in Substantial Power Station turbines a line beyond and partially screened by the roadside hedgerow, to the left of Workers Moderate the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys and (low) stacks and beyond foreground vertical poles. There is a car park on the oil refinery site in intervening fields.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

On Pembrokeshire and Wales Coast Path in the National Park and HWEZ. An oblique inland view for walkers on the path, with the focus of the view being Walkers on Pembrokeshire and Angle Bay in the opposite direction. Vp04 Wales Coast Path, west 1.107km 5 turbines 22° coast path Substantial Major The turbines would be clearly visible, in of Rhoscrowther (High) a receding line to the right of the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys, with the base of some of the towers partially screened by intervening vegetation.

On elevated section of local bridleway, Horse riders also used as access to Wogaston Farm. Walkers Major/ View from local road nearby more Cyclists Substantial moderate+ restricted by roadside vegetation. (High/ Outside National Park and HWEZ. medium) The turbines would be clearly visible Bridleway south of Vp05 1.360km 5 turbines 21° beyond the next ridgeline, in front of Wogaston and to the right of the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys, with the Hoplass Motorists solar farm, the Pembroke Power Station Substantial/ Major/ and pylons in the view and the Castle (High/ moderate moderate Pill, Lower Scoveston Farm and Wear medium) Point wind turbines noticeable on the north side of the Haven.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

On minor road south of Wallaston Green outside the National Park and the HWEZ. The turbines would be clearly visible Motorists beyond the next ridgeline, in a line in Substantial/ Major/ Vp06 Near Wallaston Green 1.479km 5 turbines 12° front of the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys (High/ moderate moderate and beyond a line of nearby electricity medium) poles. The Hoplass solar farm is also visible in the intervening fields (installed since baseline photograph was taken).

On elevated ridgeline road in National Park which provides elevated and panoramic views of Milford Haven when travelling towards Angle. Horse riders The turbines would be clearly visible in Walkers the view to the side of the direction of Cyclists Moderate/ Vp07 B4320, south of Neath 1.830km 5 turbines 32° Substantial travel, beyond the next ridgeline, in a Motorists major+ line to the right of the Valero Oil (High/ Refinery chimneys (but in front of the medium) stacks), with the Hoplass and Wogaston solar farms, the Pembroke Power Station and pylons and the Wear Point wind turbines also in the view.

On minor road through the village of Castlemartin inside the National Park Residents and with the Castlemartin Artillery Major/ Range just over the ridgeline to the (High) moderate south. Vp08 Castlemartin 3.104km 5 rotors 15° Moderate The turbine rotors would be clearly visible to the north beyond two Motorists intervening ridgelines, which will screen Moderate+ the lower towers, and in front of the (High/ Valero Oil Refinery chimneys and stacks. medium) H:B:A Environment A5.5/3 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.5 LSVIA Appendices Viewpoint Analysis

Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

On the foreshore near to the Coast Path (which is routed through woodland along this section of Angle Bay). In the National Park and outside the HWEZ. Pembrokeshire and Walkers on Major/ Vp09 Wales Coast Path, Angle 3.393km 5 turbines 10° The turbines would be visible in a line to Coast Path Moderate the right of the Valero Oil Refinery. The moderate Bay (High) town of Milford Haven and some of the Castle Pill and Lower Scoveston Farm wind turbines are also noticeable on the north side of the Haven.

On the Pembrokeshire and Wales Coast Residents Path through a residential area in Walkers Moderate+ Milford Haven. There are panoramic views of the Haven to the south. (High) 5 partial Moderate/ Vp10 The Raith, Milford Haven 3.433km 13° rotors The turbines would be noticeable on the slight other side of the Haven, between the Motorists Valero Oil Refinery stacks and chimneys, Moderate/ partially screened by the ridgeline and (Medium) minor+ woodland above the cliff top.

On the Wales Coast Path at an entrance to the Castlemartin firing range, just south of Gupton Farm and in the National Park. The turbines would be visible in a line Pembrokeshire and Walkers on 5 partial adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery Major/ Vp11 Wales Coast Path near 3.552km 15° Coast Path Moderate turbines chimneys and either side of the stacks moderate Gupton Farm and beyond several intervening (High) ridgelines which would screen the lower towers. The Lower Scoveston Farm and Wear Point wind turbines are also discernible on the north side of the Haven. H:B:A Environment A5.5/4 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.5 LSVIA Appendices Viewpoint Analysis

Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

Outside the Old Point House public house, on the Wales Coast Path inside the National Park and Heritage Coast. This provides a sea level and open view Walkers The Old Point House, across Angle Bay. Visitors to Angle on the Pub and Major/ Vp12 3.623km 5 turbines 6° The turbines would be visible on the far Moderate Pembrokeshire and beach moderate Wales Coast Path side of Angle Bay, adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery. The partial rotors of the (High) Wear Point wind turbines are discernible on the skyline to the left of the oil refinery.

In Pennar Park on the western side of Pennar. There are similar views from Residents Major/ nearby residential properties on the (High) moderate southwestern edge of Pennar. This provides a view across the Pembroke Military Road, Pennar 5 partial Vp13 3.842km 12° River estuary. Moderate Park turbines The turbines would be visible in a line Park visitors on the other side of the Pembroke River, Moderate+ adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery and (High/ with the lower towers screened by medium) intervening land.

On the route from Angle down onto the beach, on the Wales Coast Path, in the National Park and Heritage Coast. This provides a sea level and open view Walkers East of St Mary’s across Angle Bay. Visitors to Major/ Vp14 4.160km 5 turbines 7° Moderate Church, Angle Bay The turbines would be visible on the far beach moderate side of Angle Bay, adjacent to the Valero (High) Oil Refinery. The blades of the Wear Point wind turbines are screened by vegetation. H:B:A Environment A5.5/5 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.5 LSVIA Appendices Viewpoint Analysis

Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

On the Wales Coast Path in an elevated location on the north coast of the Angle Peninsular which provides panoramic views of the Haven. In the National Park and Heritage Coast. Pembrokeshire and The turbines would be visible to the Walkers Major/ Vp15 Wales Coast Path, North 4.232km 5 turbines 5° Moderate east, adjacent to the Valero Oil (High) moderate Hill Refinery. At this location and along most of this section of the Wales Coast Path, the town of Milford Haven and Castle Pill, Lower Scoveston and Wear Point wind turbines are also visible on the far side of the Haven.

On the junction between the B4320 and a minor road that are the main vehicular routes into and out of the village of Angle. In the National Park. The turbines would be visible in a line to the right of the Valero Oil Refinery over Motorists 5 partial the nearby roadside hedgerow which Moderate/ Vp16 B4320, south of Angle 4.256km 9° (High/ Moderate rotors would screen all but the upper rotors slight and refinery chimneys. At this location, medium) the town of Milford Haven and the Castle Pill and Lower Scoveston wind turbines are discernible on the far side of the Haven but the Wear Point wind turbines are screened by the roadside hedgerows.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

In a sports field on the western edge of the village of Hundleton. Similar views Residents Moderate+ from some of the properties on the (High) edges of the village. Hundleton Community Moderate/ Vp17 4.391km 5 rotors 6° The turbines would be noticeable to the Sports Field left of the Valero Oil Refinery chimneys slight which are visible from most of the sports Sports field users Moderate/ field. Vegetation around the field and minor+ several intervening ridgelines would (Medium) partially screen the turbines.

On a single-track lane on the western edge of the village of St Twynnells, on Residents the boundary of the National Park. Moderate+ Similar views from some properties in (High) the village. Gateway on North Lane, 5 partial The turbine rotors would be noticeable Moderate/ Vp18 5.080km 4° St Twynnells rotors in front of the Valero Oil Refinery Horse riders slight chimneys, beyond and partially screened Walkers by the intervening ridgelines and Cyclists vegetation. The Castle Pill, Lower Motorists Moderate Scoveston Farm and Wear Point wind turbines are discernible on the north (High/ side of the Haven. medium)

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

In the car park at West Angle Bay on the far western side of the Angle Peninsular. In the National Park and on the landward edge of the Heritage Coast. Walkers 1 partial 4° Visitors to Vp19 West Angle Bay car park 5.565km rotor, The turbines would be to the right of the Slight Moderate (2.5°) beach 3 blades Valero Oil Refinery chimneys with T5 entirely screened and four turbines (High) largely screened so just 3 blades and a partial rotor would be discernible above the vegetation.

Side view from the Cleddau Bridge. This is a two lane road bridge that spans the Walkers Haven between Pembroke and Nayland. Cyclists It has shared use paths on both side and Moderate+ both the Wales Coast Path and Sustrans (High) NCR 4 cross the estuary on this bridge. It provides a panoramic view of the 5 partial Haven including much of the urban and Moderate/ Vp20 Cleddau Bridge 6.559km 8° turbines industrial development on both sides but slight the direction of travel is side on to this view. Motorists Moderate/ The turbines would be noticeable in a minor+ line in the middle distance, on the south (Medium) side of the Haven, beyond the Power Station and adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

From a tower within the battlements of Pembroke Castle, a popular visitor attraction. The foci of views from the castle are towards the Pembroke River (to right of view captured in photograph) which wraps around the 2 partial base of the rock on which the castle is built, and out towards the estuary to the Visitors to turbines Vp21 Pembroke Castle 6.581km 6° castle Slight Moderate 3 partial northwest. rotors The turbines would be noticeable in the (High) middle distance to the west adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery and with the Pembroke Power Station to the right and the line of pylons stretching along the skyline to the left.

Panoramic view of the Haven from the Pembrokeshire and Wales Coast Path on an undeveloped headland on the north side of the Haven. The South Hook jetty and liquefied gas terminal are visible on Pembrokeshire and 1 turbine, the nearby headland to the left. Walkers Vp22 Wales Coast Path, Great 7.193km 4 partial 2° Slight Moderate The turbines would be noticeable on the Castle Head turbines (High) south side of the Haven adjacent to and behind parts of the Valero Oil Refinery and new CHP plant. T3 would be directly behind T2.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

This is a panoramic view of rolling inland Horse riders countryside to the south from a field Walkers gateway on a single track lane in the far Cyclists Moderate/ northeast of the study area. The minor+ (High/ existing view southwards is side on to medium) the direction of travel and some of the Local road between development along the Haven is Vp23 Johnston and Trooper’s 9.135km 5 rotors 6° discernible but the Haven itself is not. Slight Inn The turbines would be discernible in the distance, between the Wear Point wind Motorists Moderate/ turbines and the Valero Oil Refinery (Medium) minor chimneys, with the Castle Pill and Lower Scoveston Farm wind turbines to the right of the oil refinery.

This is an elevated view from the southern tip of the Dale Peninsular, at the entrance to Milford Haven, in the far west of the study area. It is on the Pembrokeshire and Wales Coast Path and in the National Park and Heritage Coast. It provides an elevated and Pembrokeshire and panoramic view eastwards of the mix of Walkers Vp24 Wales Coast Path, St 10.104km 5 rotors 4° Slight Moderate developed and undeveloped coastlines (High) Ann’s Head on both sides of the Haven, including the Castle Pill, Lower Scoveston Farm and Wear Point wind turbines. The turbine rotors would be discernible in the distance, adjacent to the Valero Oil Refinery, partially screened by the intervening Angle Peninsular.

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Turbines Array Receptors Magnitude Effects on No Location Distance visible width Context (sensitivity) of change views

This is a view from the waterfront in the village of Dale on the east facing coast of the Dale Peninsular, in the far west of the study area. It is on the Residents. Walkers Moderate/ Pembrokeshire and Wales Coast Path minor+ and in the National Park and Heritage (High) Coast. It provides a sea level and framed view eastwards towards the Pembrokeshire and 4 rotors, Haven and, as the photograph of the Slight/ Vp25 Wales Coast Path, Dale 10.359km 1 partial 2° existing view illustrates, normally in the negligible Waterfront rotor summertime, the bay is characterised by an abundance of small yachts with masts. Motorists The turbine rotors would be discernible Moderate/ (High/ minor in the distance, adjacent to the Valero medium) Oil Refinery, with one rotor (T5) partially screened by the intervening Angle Peninsular.

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Appendix 5.6: Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

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Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Introduction

A5.6.1. This appendix provides a residential visual amenity assessment (RVAA) that has examined views of the proposed wind farm from private residential properties within 1.5km of the proposed wind turbines.

Policy and Guidance

Draft National Development Framework

A5.6.2. In relation to wind and solar energy developments outside the Priority Areas, Policy 11 of the draft NDF Spatial Strategy (WG August 2019) states that “Planning applications must demonstrate how local social, economic and environmental benefits have been maximised and that there are no unacceptable adverse effects on, or due to, the following: ...” and the list includes “visual dominance, shadow flicker, reflected light or noise impacts”.

A5.6.3. These are some of the components of “residential amenity” as they can affect living conditions. Residential visual amenity is the “visual component” of residential amenity. However, no one has a “right to a view” and the outlook from a dwelling is a private interest so not strictly protected by the UK Planning system. However, private interests are sometimes taken into account ‘in the planning balance’ by decision makers where these are in the public interest.

Inspector Decisions

A5.6.4. For example, Inspector Lavender in the Enifer Downs Appeal Decision in 2009 (Lavender 2009) stated that “when turbines are present in such number, size and proximity that they represent an unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable presence in main views from a house or garden, there is every likelihood that the property concerned would come to be widely regarded as an unattractive and thus unsatisfactory (but not necessarily uninhabitable) place in which to live. It is not in the public interest to create such living conditions where they did not exist before” (para 66, Lavender 2009).

A5.6.5. This approach has been adopted by Inspectors in other appeals for wind farms including Burnthouse Farm where Inspector Kingaby took a similar approach in

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her recommendations. These were endorsed by the Secretary of State in his decision (para 10, SoS 2011), where he stated: “… the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that serious harm to living conditions which might lead to a recommendation for planning permission to be refused, in the public interest, is a more stringent requirement than the identification of a significant adverse impact. He further agrees that when assessing the effect on visual outlook, it is helpful to pose the questions ‘would the proposal affect the outlook of these residents to such an extent, ie be so unpleasant, overwhelming and oppressive that this would become an unattractive place to live?”.

RVAA Guidance

A5.6.6. The GLVIA3 (para 6.17, p107, LI/IEMA 2013) notes that, in some instances, it may be appropriate to consider private viewpoints from residential properties. It advises that the scope and approach of such an assessment should be agreed with the planning authority as it would be impractical to visit all properties that might be affected, and the effects of development on private views is usually dealt with by way of residential amenity assessments.

A5.6.7. The Landscape Institute has since issued Technical Guidance Note 2/19 Residential Visual Amenity Assessment (RVAA) (LI March 2019) which draws on the principles and processes established by the GLVIA3, Inspector decisions and the experience of landscape architects in this field. The Foreword explains that “residential visual amenity assessment (RVAA) is a stage beyond LVIA and focusses exclusively on private views and private visual amenity”. It defines residential visual amenity (at para 1.2) as “the overall quality, experience and nature of views and outlook available to occupants of residential properties, including views from gardens and domestic curtilage”.

A5.6.8. It notes that changes in views and visual amenity are considered in the planning process but, in respect of private views and visual amenity “no one has ‘a right to a view’” (para 1.5). It also notes that “it is not uncommon for significant effects on views and visual amenity to be experienced by people at their place of residence as a result of introducing a new development into the landscape” but “this in itself does not necessarily cause a particular planning concern. However, there are situations where the effect on the outlook/visual amenity of a residential property is so great that it is not

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generally considered to be in the public interest to permit such conditions to occur where they did not exist before” (para 1.6).

A5.6.9. With regards to when an RVAA should be undertaken, it advises that “LVIA findings of significant (adverse) effects on outlook and/or visual amenity at a residential property do not automatically imply the need for an RVAA. However, for properties in (relatively) close proximity to a development proposal, and which experience a high magnitude of visual change, a RVAA may be appropriate, and may be required by the determining /competent authority” (para 2.5).

A5.6.10. With regards to undertaking an RVAA, the guidance recommends a transparent, objective approach to the assessment, based on the GLVIA3 principles and processes, evaluating and assessing the likely change to the visual amenity of a dwelling, as a result of the development and for the assessor to draw a conclusion as to whether the effect reaches the “Residential Visual Amenity Threshold” (para 3.1).

A5.6.11. With regards to the RVAA process, the guidance recommends four steps which are set out in Figure 1 and Section 4, and can be summarised as:

▪ Step 1: Define the study area and identify the properties to be assessed – determine the size of the study area and the scope of the RVAA on a case by case basis, taking account of the type and scale of the proposed development and the landscape and visual context, informed by ZTVs.

▪ Step 2: Evaluate baseline visual amenity of properties – describe the type, nature, extent and quality of the primary/main and secondary/peripheral views that may be experienced ‘in the round’ from the dwelling itself and from its domestic curtilage (including domestic gardens and drives).

▪ Step 3: Assess likely change to visual amenity of properties – assess the magnitude and significance of changes to views and visual amenity of properties, taking into account the sensitivity of residential receptors (which is likely to be high based on the value they place on their private views and visual amenity and their susceptibility to change).

▪ Step 4: Form the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold judgement – undertake a detailed assessment of individual properties predicted to

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experience the greatest magnitude of change to judge whether the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold would be reached.

A5.6.12. With regards to forming a judgement on the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold, the guidance advises that this requires experience in addition to thorough and logical evaluation and reasoning, and that experience can be gained by peer review of assessments by others, visiting completed developments and checking if the changes to views and visual amenity were as predicted, plus analysing the information and reasoning used by planning Inspectors in England and Wales, Reporters in Scotland [and Commissioners in Northern Ireland] in reaching their findings and conclusions (para 3.1).

A5.6.13. It advises (para 4.19) that judgements should be communicated in a coherent manner, using text with clear descriptions, employing terminology which is commonly understood and descriptors which may have been previously used. Judgements should be unambiguous and have a clear, rational conclusion. It also gives some example descriptions and descriptors that might be used:

▪ “blocking the only available view from a property”

▪ “overwhelming views in all directions”

▪ “unpleasantly encroaching”

▪ “being inescapably dominant from the property”.

A5.6.14. It notes that it may be useful to employ bespoke graphics such as annotated aerial photographs and wireframe visualisations to aid this final step of the assessment (para 4.19).

A5.6.15. The guidance also advises that the final judgement on residential amenity is a planning matter which may be informed by an RVAA and other assessments, but which requires the weighing of all factors and likely effects (positive and negative) in the planning balance, so is a matter for qualified planners (and decision makers), not the RVAA assessors (para 1.9).

Method of Assessment

A5.6.16. This RVAA has been undertaken in accordance with the following method of assessment which takes into account the above policy, inspector decisions and

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guidance. It has involved a desk-based analysis using Ordnance Survey maps and aerial photography, a computer-generated ZTV (see ES Figure 5.46), fieldwork observations from both the nearest accessible location to each property and the wider area using computer-generated wireframe views from each residential location (taken from the façade closest to the wind turbines, see ES Figures 5.47 – 5.57) and professional judgement.

Step 1: Study Area and Residential Properties

A5.6.17. A study area extending approximately 1.5km from the proposed wind turbines has been selected (see ES Figure 5.46) as this includes all residential properties in the local area that would be within zones of theoretical visibility and which would be sufficiently close to the five proposed wind turbines to assess whether the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold has been reached.

A5.6.18. Then, the status of all properties within the study area have been examined to determine whether they are:

▪ An existing residential property that is occupied or capable of occupation.

▪ A derelict property or a non-residential building (eg an agricultural barn).

▪ An existing property that is owned and/or occupied by the wind farm landowners or others with a financial interest in the scheme.

A5.6.19. Derelict properties and non-residential buildings are discounted from the assessment. Where an existing property is owned and/or occupied by the wind farm landowner or others with a financial interest in the scheme, this is noted, but is not taken into account in the assessment of change to visual amenity or when determining whether the presence of the wind turbines would reach the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold. However, it should be taken into account in the planning balance by the decision maker.

Step 2a: Baseline Visual Amenity of Properties

A5.6.20. Then, for each residential property (occupied or capable of occupation), the type, design and orientation of the property and the type, extent and nature of the existing views that may be experienced from the property and its domestic curtilages (including domestic gardens and drives) have been examined from the nearest publicly accessible location, taking into account

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seasonal variations, and using descriptors such as:

▪ Type and design of property – bungalow, semi-detached, detached, T- shaped, L-shaped, etc, number of storeys (single, single with dormer windows or skylights, two, three, etc), the number of windows in the front and rear façades and gable ends (where these can be determined) and the layout of the external spaces (front/rear gardens, driveway, etc).

▪ Orientation of property – using the OS grid directions – north (N), north- northeast (NNE), northeast (NE), east-northeast (ENE), east (E), east- southeast (ESE), southeast (SE), south-southeast (SSE), south (S), south- southwest (SSW), southwest (SW), west-southwest (WSW), west (W) west- northwest (WNW), northwest (NW) and north-northwest (NNW).

▪ Type, extent and nature of view – using terms such as panoramic, open, framed, enclosed, elevated, etc and with a description of the existing built and natural elements in the view.

A5.6.21. Where feasible, existing views have been characterised in terms of whether they may be the primary/main or secondary/peripheral views from each property. In general, views from windows and doors in the front and rear façades of a property are considered to be primary and views from gardens and driveways are considered to be secondary.

Step 2b: Availability of Views towards the Proposed Wind Turbines

A5.6.22. This is an additional step and informs Steps 3 and 4. For each residential property, views towards the proposed wind turbines from within the dwelling itself and from its domestic curtilage have been analysed to identify where there are likely to be lines of sight between the windows, gardens, driveways, etc, within the property boundaries and the proposed wind turbines, the type of views that would be experienced and the extent to which landform, vegetation and/or other buildings are likely to screen the turbines in these views (using computer-generated wireframe views, fieldwork observations, aerial photographs and local knowledge). Descriptors include:

▪ Type of views – direct or oblique and relative elevation.

▪ Degree of screening – unscreened, partially screened, largely screened or screened.

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A5.6.23. This analysis identifies the location(s) within the property that would provide the most open (least screened) view of the wind turbines, ie the “worst case” view (which informs Step 3) and also the number and range of views of the wind turbines from each property “in the round” (which informs Step 4).

Step 3: Likely Change to Visual Amenity of Properties

A5.6.24. The likely effects on the most open view or views of the wind farm from each property have been assessed in accordance with the method for the viewpoint analysis (see Appendix 5.1), whereby the sensitivity of each location is combined with the predicted magnitude of change in these views to determine whether there would be a significant effect on the most open view or views from each property, as follows:

▪ Sensitivity – based on the susceptibility of the residential receptors to change and the value they are likely to place on views from their properties, taking into account receptor activities, receptor movement, duration and frequency of views, orientation and purpose/expectation of receptors.

▪ Magnitude of change in the views – arising from the proposed development taking into account the distance to the turbines and their relative elevation, the direction of the view(s), the extent of the development visible (number and parts of turbines), angle of view occupied (array width), the context of the view (including the degree of contrast or integration with the landscape and other elements in the view), the scale of change, the nature of change and the duration and nature of the effects (direct/indirect, individual/ cumulative, short/medium/long- term, temporary/permanent, intermittent/ continuous, reversible/ irreversible, etc) (see paras A5.1.29 - 30, Appendix 5.1).

▪ Effects on views - derived by combining the sensitivity of the location with the predicted magnitude of change in accordance with the matrix set out at Table A5.1/10 (Appendix 5.1).

A5.6.25. Residents may differ in terms of the value they place on different views from their properties as a consequence of how they use, and how much time they spend in, the various spaces within their property. For example, some may place greater value on views from their garden compared with views from

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internal rooms within the property, others may place greater value on views from certain rooms, such as rooms used during the daytime. However, for the purposes of this RVAA, it has been assumed that all residents place great value on all the views from their properties and are highly susceptible to changes in these views, so the sensitivity of residents in all views from all these properties has been considered “high”.

A5.6.26. Magnitudes of change have been judged on a scale from “negligible” to “very substantial”, as defined in Table A5.2/9 (Appendix 5.1).

A5.6.27. In terms of the effects on views, the predicted effects are for the most open view or views from each property. The degree to which these are typical of views “in the round” from each property is taken into account in the Residential Visual Amenity Threshold judgement in Step 4.

Step 4: Residential Visual Amenity Threshold judgement

A5.6.28. Finally, the various predicted views from each property (identified in Step 2b) have been examined “in the round” to determine whether the proposed wind turbines could be overwhelming in views from a property, where:

▪ Overwhelming - is where a proposed development would, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from a residential property. This depends on the layout and orientation of the property, the availability and nature of views from the property and the number, proximity, scale, relative elevation, arrangement and array width of the turbines in these views.

A5.6.29. Whilst the judgements on overwhelming use fieldwork observations and quantifiable factors as much as possible, they are essentially subjective.

A5.6.30. The locations of the residential properties included in the RVAA are shown on ES Figure 5.46 and wireframe visualisations to illustrate the locations and scale of the wind turbines in views from these properties are presented in ES Figures 5.47 – 5.57.

A5.6.31. The findings of the RVAA are presented below and summarised in Table A5.6/1.

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Property ID & name H1. Greenhill Farm

Location NGR / 192527E, 202157N (31mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.007km / WSW to T3 (56mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This white rendered farmhouse is located one field E of the minor road that runs orientation of northwards from Wollaston Cross to Pwllcrochan (and which also provides access property to the nearby Pembroke Power Station). It is on land that slopes down towards the NE. Only the roof of the farmhouse is visible from the minor road during the summer (plus a sliver of white render beneath the eaves in the winter), but it may be a two-storey house which (from aerial photos and the OS map) appears to be L- shaped with WSW, SSE, NNW and ENE façades and car parking to the S. It has not been possible to determine how many windows are in these façades. Several large farm buildings are located on higher land to the S of the farmhouse. Both the farmhouse and farm buildings are accessed off the minor road via a driveway that runs E/W to the N of the farm buildings and then to the car parking area on the S side of the farmhouse. Consequently, the main pedestrian access into the farmhouse is likely to be in the SSE façade. The farmhouse is surrounded by gardens bounded by vegetation, there is a woodland to the N and E of the farmhouse and tall (3m+) deciduous vegetation along both sides of the driveway and along the roadside to the W of the farmhouse which form a dense screen in summer and would filter views in winter.

Existing views Existing views from the farmhouse windows and gardens are likely to be partially enclosed by rising landform to the W and by the surrounding vegetation. The Power Station chimneys are likely to be screened by the nearby woodland to the ENE but there may be views of the tops of the Valero oil refinery chimneys and/or stacks from any windows in the WSW façade and from parts of the garden to the W and S of the farmhouse.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.007km to the WSW of this proposed turbines property, partially screened by rising landform to the W (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.47) with further screening provided by intervening vegetation. Consequently, the most open view from this property would be from the entrance/exit of the driveway onto the minor road, from where there would be views of five partial rotors over the roadside hedgerow, occupying approximately 36⁰ of the view to the left of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There would also be a view of the partial rotors of T2 and T3 from the westerly section of the driveway when leaving the property, framed by the tall vegetation on both sides of the driveway, and there may also be views of turbine tips above the intervening vegetation from any upper storey windows in the WSW façade of the farmhouse and from the garden to the W and S of the farmhouse. Views from windows in the SSE, NNW and ENE façades and from the garden to the E would remain unchanged.

Effect on view from Sensitivity: High driveway entrance/ Magnitude of change: Moderate exit Effect on view: Substantial/moderate (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/9 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H2. Westwinds and Sunnyridge

Location NGR / 192342E, 201259N (64mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 0.837km / WNW to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and These semi-detached properties are located on the N side of the minor road that orientation of runs westwards from Wollaston Cross. They are on top of the ridgeline that runs property E/W to the immediate S of the site. These are traditional single storey cottages which face S (front façade) and N (rear façade). They have been extended laterally and, in the case of Westwinds (the left-hand property), also into the roof space with dormer windows in the rear facing roof. Both properties have 3 windows and a front door in the front (S facing) façade and ground floor windows in the rear (N facing) façade which are not visible from the road. Westwinds also has one ground floor gable end window that faces W and a double garage to the west of the property. Sunnyridge has a large front porch, a single-storey garage built onto the E facing gable end of the property and a single-storey outbuilding. Both properties have vehicular and pedestrian access off the minor road with small front gardens and a low stone wall separating them from the road and large, triangular gardens to the rear (N) and sides (W and E) of the properties bounded by tall hedgerows that contain a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees which form a dense screen in summer and would filter views in winter.

Existing views Despite their elevated location, existing views southwards from the front ground floor windows and gardens are largely enclosed by the hedgerow on the far side of the minor road (more so in summer and less so in winter) and views from the rear ground floor windows and gardens would be largely enclosed by the vegetation around the gardens. Views from the rear dormer windows of Westwinds would be more elevated and are likely to provide an open and panoramic view to the north, which would include the Valero oil refinery, the Wear Point wind turbines and oil storage tanks on the north side of Milford Haven and the Pembroke Power Station. Upper parts of the Valero chimneys and stacks may also be visible over the garden vegetation from the more elevated locations in the rear gardens.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 0.837km to the WNW of these proposed turbines properties (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.48) with no screening provided by landform, but partially screened by the vegetation around the gardens. The most open view from these properties would be from the dormer windows in the rear (N facing) roof of Westwinds where the five turbines would occupy approximately 19⁰ of the view in front of and to the left of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There would also be views of partial turbines from locations where the Valero chimneys and stacks are currently visible, such as from high points within the gardens of both properties. Views from windows in the front S facing façades would remain unchanged.

Effect on view from Sensitivity: High dormer windows Magnitude of change: Substantial Effect on view: Major (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from these residential properties.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/10 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H3. Wallaston Farm

Location NGR / 192500E, 200643N (57mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.330km / NW to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This white rendered farmhouse is located on the E side of the minor road that runs orientation of northwards from the B4320 to Wollaston Cross (and which also provides access to property both the Valero oil refinery and the Pembroke Power Station). It is in a relatively elevated location. It is a two-storey farmhouse which is L-shaped with WSW, SSE, NNW and ENE façades and outbuildings on the NNW and ENE sides. Several large farm buildings are located to the E and N of the farmhouse and the properties in Wallaston Green are located on the other side of the minor road to the W and WSW. Both the farmhouse and farm buildings are accessed off the minor road via two separate driveways. There is a circular driveway/car parking area on the S side of the farmhouse and a porch on the SSE façade. There are 10 windows but no door on the WSW façade, so the main pedestrian access into the farmhouse is likely to be from the car park area via the door on the SSE façade. There is a wide grass verge between the road and the farmhouse and what may be a small garden area within a stone wall surrounded by dense conifers adjacent to the driveway.

Existing views Existing views from the ground floor windows in the WSW façade, from the windows in the SSE, NNW and ENW façades, from the driveway and garden are likely to be partially enclosed by the surrounding buildings and vegetation. There are likely to be elevated and panoramic views to the west from the five upstairs windows in the WSW façade from where there may be oblique views of the Valero oil refinery chimneys and stacks to the NW.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.330km to the NW of this proposed turbines property, partially screened by rising landform to the W (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.49) with T1 directly behind T5 and with further screening provided by the intervening vegetation (more so in summer and less so in winter). The most open views from this property would be from the five upstairs windows in the WSW façade, from where there would be oblique views of five rotors over the roadside hedgerow, occupying approximately 12⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the SSE, NNW and ENE façades and from the garden and parking area to the S would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High five upstairs windows Magnitude of change: Substantial/moderate in the WSW façade Effect on view: Major/moderate+ (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/11 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H4. Wallaston Green

Location NGR / 192320E, 200670N (50 – 58mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.191km / NW to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This is a group of eight detached properties located on the W side of the minor orientation of road that runs northwards from the B4320 to Wollaston Cross (which also provides property access to both the Valero oil refinery and the Pembroke Power Station). They are in a relatively elevated location on land that slopes to the W. The properties are accessed via a shared access road off the minor road. Four of the properties are located to the N of the shared access road and four are located to the S of the access road. The properties generally face NNW/SSE but some have windows in the WSW and ENE façades. The property at the entrance, The Paddock, is a single-storey bungalow, the remainder are all two storeys. All properties have vehicular and pedestrian access off the access road with front and rear gardens. There are mature hedgerows around the settlement and trees within the gardens.

Existing views Due to their elevated location, there are existing views out across the countryside from these properties, screened to a degree from the ground floor windows and gardens by the surrounding hedgerows (more so in summer and less so in winter) but there are likely to be more elevated and open views from the upstairs windows over the surrounding vegetation. Views to the NW would include the Valero oil refinery. The Wear Point wind turbines and oil storage tanks on the north side of Milford Haven and the Pembroke Power Station are likely to be screened by rising land and vegetation to the NNE.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.191km to the NW of these proposed turbines properties, partially screened by rising landform to the W (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.50) with further screening provided by the intervening vegetation (more so in summer and less so in winter). The most open views from these properties would be from the upstairs windows in the rear NNW façades of the properties on the N side of the access road, from where there would be views of five rotors over the intervening hedgerows, occupying approximately 14⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There may also be views from the upstairs windows in the front NNW façades of the properties on the S side of the access road although a degree of screening would be provided by the properties on the N side of the access road. There may also be oblique views from windows in WSW façades, and partially screened views of partial rotors from some ground floor windows in the NNW façades and gardens and from the access road (in tall vehicles that permit views over the tall hedgerow on the N side of the road). Views from windows in the SSE and ENE façades and from the access road would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High upstairs windows in Magnitude of change: Substantial/moderate the NNW façades Effect on view: Major/moderate+ (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from these residential properties.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/12 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H5. Wogaston Farm

Location NGR / 191782E, 200643N (51mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 0.98km / NNW to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This white rendered farmhouse is located on the E side of the bridleway that runs orientation of northwards from the B4320 to the minor road immediately south of the site. It is property on a NE facing valley slope in a relatively low-lying location. It is a two-storey farmhouse that faces N/S with a two-storey extension on the N side that may have windows in the W and E façades and possibly in the N facing gable end of the extension (not visible from bridleway to S). Several large farm buildings are located to the N of the farmhouse. Both the farmhouse and farm buildings are accessed off the B4320 via a driveway that is also the bridleway. The aerial photograph shows a car parking area on the S side of the farmhouse which extends around to the E side of the farmhouse to a small building that may be a garage. There is also hardstanding in a yard to the N of the farmhouse, so pedestrian access into the farmhouse is likely to be from both the S and N sides. There is a garden on the S side of the farmhouse which is surrounded by tall trees.

Existing views Existing views from the driveway approaching the farmhouse are largely enclosed by trees and views from the farmhouse ground floor windows are likely to be partially enclosed by the farm buildings to the N and the garden to the S. There are likely to be elevated views over the farm buildings to the N from the upstairs windows in the N façade and N facing gable end (if any) from where there would be views of the other side of the valley, the Hoplass solar farm and, above the skyline, the Valero oil refinery chimneys and stacks to the NNW.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 0.979km to the NNW of this proposed turbines property, partially screened by rising landform to the N (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.51) and with further screening provided by the intervening roadside vegetation along the skyline (more so in summer and less so in winter). The most open views from this property would be from the upstairs windows in the N façade and upstairs windows in the N facing gable end (if any), from where there would be slightly oblique views of five rotors, occupying approximately 25⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the S, W and E façades, from the garden to the S and from the parking areas to the S and E of the farmhouse would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High upstairs windows in Magnitude of change: Substantial N façade and N Effect on view: Major (significant) facing gable end

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/13 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H6. Hoplass Farm

Location NGR / 191766E, 201079N (52mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 0.54km / NNW to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This white rendered farmhouse is located on the E side of the bridleway that runs orientation of northwards from the B4320 to the minor road immediately south of the site. It is property on a SSW facing valley slope in a relatively low-lying location. It is a two-storey farmhouse that faces S/N with a porch on the S (front) façade and extensions on the N and E sides of the house. There are windows in the S façade and there are also likely to be windows in the N façade (not visible from the minor road). Several large farm buildings are located to the W of the farmhouse. Both the farmhouse and farm buildings are accessed off the minor road via a driveway that is also the bridleway and has hedgerows both sides. The aerial photograph shows hardstanding on the W side of the rear side of the farmhouse which may be for car parking. There is also hardstanding and a small building to the north of the farmhouse that may be a garage. Pedestrian access into the farmhouse could be from the N, W or S sides. There is a garden on the S side of the farmhouse surrounded by vegetation.

Existing views Windows in the S façade are likely to provide open and panoramic views across the valley to the S. Existing views from windows in the N façade would be up the valley slopes to the N and would include some of the Hoplass solar farm panels and, above the skyline, the Valero oil refinery chimneys and stacks to the NNW. From the driveway, views to the N and S would be similar but partially framed by the existing hedgerows (more so in summer, less in winter). Views from the parking areas near the farmhouse would be largely enclosed by the surrounding buildings.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 0.555km to the NNW of this proposed turbines property, partially screened by rising landform to the N (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.52) and with further screening provided by the intervening roadside vegetation along the skyline (more so in summer and less so in winter). The most open views from this property would be from the upstairs windows in the N façade from where there would be slightly oblique views of five partial rotors, occupying approximately 30⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the S façade (and any in the W and E façades), from the garden to the S and from the parking areas to the E of the farmhouse would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High upstairs windows in Magnitude of change: Substantial N façade Effect on view: Major (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/14 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H7. Harry Standup

Location NGR / 190874E, 200356N (63mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.429km /NNE to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and This is a detached, two-storey cottage located on the S side of the B4320 in an orientation of elevated location as this route runs along a ridgeline to the S of the site. property This would originally have been a single-storey cottage built at right angles to the road with N and S facing gable ends and with E (front) and W (rear) façades but has been extended upwards into the roof space and has a rear extension to the W and also extension to the S, so it is now T-shaped in plan. It has a porch in the E (front) façade and a glazed porch to the rear that faces N. There are ground floor windows in the E, W and N façades. There is one small upstairs window in the N gable end and one small upstairs window in the W gable end of the rear extension plus two small Velux windows in each of the E, W, N and S facing roofs. There may also be ground floor windows in the S façade (not visible from the road). The property has vehicular and pedestrian access via a short driveway off the B4320 on the E (front) side of the cottage and a small side garden bounded by a stone wall separating it from the road to the side (N) and fields to the rear (W). There is a much larger garden to the S bounded by tall hedgerows.

Existing views Due to its elevated location, there are likely to be existing views in all directions from the various ground floor windows, the glazed porch and small upstairs gable end and Velux windows. Views from the ground floor windows and gardens would be partially enclosed by the surrounding garden wall and hedgerows (more so in summer and less so in winter). Views from the upstairs gable end and Velux windows are likely to be elevated and open but not panoramic due to the narrow apertures. Existing views to the N and NE include the Valero oil refinery, the Wear Point wind turbines and oil storage tanks on the north side of Milford Haven and the Pembroke Power Station.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.429km to the N and NNE of proposed turbines this property (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.53) with no screening provided by landform, and only limited screening by the garden wall and roadside hedgerow during summer. The most open view from this property would be from the upstairs window in the N facing gable end and from the two Velux windows in the N facing roof of the rear extension, where the five turbines would occupy approximately 33⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery and Wear Point wind turbines. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There would also be views from the ground floor window in the N facing gable end and N façade of the rear extension, from the glazed porch and from the small side garden, where the Valero chimneys and stacks are currently visible. Views from windows and Velux windows in the E, W and S façades and roofs and from the garden to the S would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High N facing gable end Magnitude of change: Substantial and Velux windows Effect on view: Major (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/15 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H8a. Newton Cottage

Location NGR / 190616E, 200440N (61mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.50km / NNE to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and Newton Cottage is a detached, two-storey cottage located on the S side of the orientation of B4320 in an elevated location as this route runs along a ridgeline to the S of the property site. This would originally have been a pair of cottages built at right angles to the road with E (front) and W (rear) façades and N and S facing gable ends. It has since been turned into a single dwelling with a single-storey extension to the N gable end. There is a garage door and porch in the E (front) façade of the extension and a front door in the E (front) façade. There are ground floor and upstairs windows in the E and W façades but no windows in the N facing gable ends of the house and extension. The property has vehicular and pedestrian access via a short driveway off the B4320 on the E (front) side of the cottage and gardens to the E (front) and S (side) of the property bounded by stone walls to the E and W and a hedgerow to the S.

Existing views Due to its elevated location, there would be elevated views E and W from the windows in the E and W façades. Views from the ground floor windows and gardens would be partially enclosed by the surrounding garden walls and hedgerow (more so in summer and less so in winter). Views from the upstairs windows are likely to be elevated and open but not panoramic due to the narrow apertures. The hedgerow on the bank along the N side of the B4320 has been left to grow tall, presumably to screen the view of the Valero oil refinery from the driveway and front garden. However, during winter there are likely to be filtered views through this vegetation from the driveway and front garden that include the Valero oil refinery, the Wear Point wind turbines and oil storage tanks on the north side of Milford Haven and the Pembroke Power Station.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.507km to the NNE of this proposed turbines property (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.54) with no screening provided by landform, and a degree of screening by the garden walls and roadside hedgerow during summer. The most open view from this property would be from the driveway during winter where the five turbines would occupy approximately 35⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery and Wear Point wind turbines. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There would also be a similar view from the front garden. Views from windows in the E and W façades and from the garden to the S would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High driveway and from Magnitude of change: Substantial garden Effect on view: Major (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/16 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H8b. Newton Farm

Location NGR / 190560E, 200450N (61mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.540km / NNE to (T5) (45mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and The farmhouse at Newton Farm is a two-storey farmhouse located on the S side of orientation of the B4320 in an elevated location as this route runs along a ridgeline to the S of property the site. This would originally have been a double-fronted, detached stone farmhouse built at right angles to and set back from the road with E (front) and W (rear) façades and N and S facing gable ends. It has since been extended to the rear with two, two-storey extensions that link the farmhouse to single storey outbuildings. There is a porch, plus two ground floor and three upstairs windows in the E (front) façade and a door, two downstairs and three upstairs windows in the N facing façade of the rear extensions but no windows in the N facing gable end of the house. There may also be windows in the W (rear) façade of the farmhouse and in the S facing façade of the rear extensions (not visible from the road). The property has vehicular and pedestrian access via a gate off the B4320 into a large parking area on the N side of the rear extension bounded by stone walls to the N and E and the outbuildings to the W. There is a large garden laid to lawn to the E (front) of the property bounded by a tall stone wall to the S and a low stone wall with tall coniferous hedging to the N and E. There is also an S- shaped range of substantial stone outbuildings to the W of the farmhouse.

Existing views Due to its elevated location, there would be open views to the E and N from the windows in the E (front) façade, from the N facing windows in the rear extensions and from the parking area and parts of the garden to the E (eg at the gated entrance off the B4320). Views from the E facing ground floor windows and from parts of the garden to the E would be partially enclosed by the surrounding garden walls, coniferous hedgerows and Newton Cottage. Views to the E and N from the upstairs windows are likely to be elevated and open but not panoramic due to the narrow apertures. The existing views to the N include the Valero oil refinery, the Wear Point wind turbines and oil storage tanks on the north side of Milford Haven and the Pembroke Power Station.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.540km to the NNE of this proposed turbines property (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.54) with no screening provided by landform, and only limited screening by the garden walls and hedgerows. The most open view from this property would be from the three N facing upstairs windows in the rear extension where the five turbines would occupy approximately 35⁰ of the view in front of the Valero oil refinery and Wear Point wind turbines. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. There would also be a similar but less elevated view from the N facing ground floor windows in the rear extension and from the parking area and parts of the garden to the E. Views from windows in the E (front) and W (rear) façades of the farmhouse would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High driveway and from Magnitude of change: Substantial garden Effect on view: Major (significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/17 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H9. Neath Farm. Little Neath Barn and Barn y Cel

Location NGR / 190233E, 201154N (29mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 1.216km / NNE to (T4) (52mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and Neath Farm consists of a farmhouse and an L-shaped range of converted orientation of outbuildings around a courtyard to the rear of the farmhouse, located at a property relatively low elevation on the SW facing slopes of a minor valley. The farmhouse is a white rendered two-storey property that faces SSW (front) and NNE (rear). There is a porch to the front and a two-storey extension to the rear. It is not clearly visible from the surrounding roads but is likely to have ground and upstairs windows in the SSW (front) and NNE (rear) façades and also in the rear extension. It is accessed off the minor road to Rhoscrowther via a long driveway that sweeps around the garden and parking area to the S of the farmhouse. Little Neath Barn is a part single, part two-storey barn conversion along the WNW side of the courtyard. It has windows in the WNW façade and is likely to also have windows facing into the courtyard on the ESE façade. The garden and parking area is to the W. Barn y Cel (or Nook Hill Barn) is a single-storey stone barn conversion with a double garage and parking area, along the NNE side of the courtyard. It has large windows that face NNE onto a raised garden area and is likely to also have windows facing into the courtyard on the SSW façade. Little Neath Barn and Barn y Cel are accessed off the main driveway to the farmhouse via a separate driveway that runs to the N and W of the complex.

Existing views Existing views from the driveway, farmhouse and converted barns at ground level may be limited by the rising land in all directions. However, there are likely to be more elevated views from the upstairs windows in the SSW (front) façade of the farmhouse over the garden and up the valley to the S and also from the upstairs windows in the NNE (rear) façade and rear extension gable end of the farmhouse over the other buildings to the NNE from where there would be views of the Valero oil refinery chimneys and stacks on the skyline.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 1.216km to the NNE of these proposed turbines properties, partially screened by rising landform to the NNE (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.55) and with further screening provided by the intervening roadside and field boundary vegetation along the skyline (more so in summer and less so in winter). The most open views from this property would be from the upstairs windows in the NNE (rear) façade and gable end of the farmhouse, from where there would be slightly oblique views of five rotors, occupying approximately 45⁰ of the view in front of and to the right of the Valero oil refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the SSW, WNW and ESE façades of the farmhouse and barns, and from the garden and parking areas to the S of the farmhouse, would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High upstairs windows in Magnitude of change: Substantial NNE façade and Effect on view: Major (significant) gable end

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

H:B:A Environment A5.6/18 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.6 LSVIA Appendices Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Property ID & name H10. Pleasant View

Location NGR / 190524E, 202310N (31mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 0.355km / ESE to (T4) (52mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and Pleasant View is a detached, two-storey cottage located on the E side of the orientation of minor road through Rhoscrowther. It is the only occupied residential property in property the village and is in a relatively elevated location. The cottage is built at right angles to the road with SSW (front) and NNE (rear) façades and WNW and ESE facing gable ends. There is a front door and two ground level and two upstairs windows in the front façade and there may also be a door and windows in the rear façade (but not visible from the road). There are not any windows in the WNW and ESE facing gable ends. The property has a gated vehicular and pedestrian access off the minor road on the W side of the cottage and gardens to the S (front), E (side) and N (rear) of the property with tall vegetation to the N and E. There is a large corrugated garage to the W and some smaller outbuildings in the garden to the N.

Existing views Due to its elevated location, there would be elevated views across the countryside to the S from the ground level and upstairs windows in the SSW façade and gardens to the S and E. Views from the ground level windows in the NNE façade may be largely contained by the outbuildings and tall vegetation to the N but there are likely to be views over the vegetation from the upstairs windows in the NNE façade which would include views of the Valero oil refinery chimneys (more in winter, less in summer).

Views of the T1 – T4 would be at least 0.355km to the ESE of this property (see wireframe, ES proposed turbines Figure 5.56) with no screening provided by landform, and a limited degree of screening of the base of the towers by the vegetation to the E (more in summer and less in winter). T5 would be entirely screened by intervening vegetation. The most open view from this property would be from the garden to the S and E where the four turbines (T1 – T4) would occupy approximately 18⁰ of the view to the right of the Valero Oil Refinery. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the SSW (front) and NNE (rear) façades would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High garden Magnitude of change: Very substantial/substantial Effect on view: Major+ (significant)

Overwhelming No – T4 would be very prominent in views from the garden but the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

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Property ID & name H11. Eastington Manor

Location NGR / 290140E, 202500N (25mAOD) Elevation

Distance / direction 0.78km (T4) (52mAOD) to nearest turbine

Type, design and Eastington Manor is a large two-storey Grade I listed manor house located on the E orientation of side of Angle Bay. property The manor house has SSW (front) and NNE (rear) façades with a tower to the WNW gable end. There is an outbuilding to the ESE gable end, plus further outbuildings to the NNE of both the outbuilding and manor house. There is a front door and seven ground level windows and eight upstairs windows in the SSW (front) façade and there may also be a door and windows in the NNE (rear) façade (but not visible from the road). The property has a long driveway that provides vehicular and pedestrian access off Pleasant View, Rhoscrowther. There is parking and a large grassed area to the front and a large garden area within a wall to the rear.

Existing views There are open views across Angle Bay to the W and SW from the windows in the SSW façade and driveway, parking area and garden to the S. Views from the NNE façade may be partly contained by the outbuildings and garden walls but there are likely to be views over these from the upstairs windows in the NNE façade which could include oblique views of the Valero oil refinery.

Views of the The five proposed wind turbines would be at least 0.782km to the ESE of this proposed turbines property, largely screened by intervening vegetation so that filtered views of partial rotors would be visible through and above the trees in winter and only the blades of T4, T1 and T5 would be visible above the intervening vegetation in summer (see wireframe, ES Figure 5.57 and CH Vp D, ES Figure 8.8). The most open view from this property would be from the garden, parking area and driveway to the S of the manor house where the turbines would occupy approximately 15⁰ of the view. This would be a long-term change in the view for the lifetime of the proposed wind farm (35 years) and reversible once the wind farm is decommissioned. Views from windows in the SSW and NNE façades would remain unchanged.

Effect on views from Sensitivity: High driveway and from Magnitude of change: Moderate/slight garden Effect on view: Moderate+ (not significant)

Overwhelming No – the proposed wind farm would not, by virtue of its scale and proximity, be an unpleasantly oppressive and unavoidable presence in views “in the round” from this residential property.

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Table A5.6/1: Residential Visual Amenity Assessment

Residential properties Proposed wind turbines Assessment of effects on most open view RVA Threshold

ID Residential NGR Orientation Distance to Direction to Ts visible Approximate Sensitivity Magnitude Effects of Overwhelming Property nearest T nearest T field of view change H1 Greenhill Farm 192527 ENE/WSW, 1.007km WSW 5 partial 36⁰ High Moderate Major/ No 202157 NNW/SSE (T3) rotors moderate H2 Westwinds and 192342 S/N 0.837km WNW 5 turbines 19⁰ High Substantial Major No Sunnyridge 201259 (T5) H3 Wallaston Farm 192500 ENE/WSW, 1.330km NW 5 rotors 12⁰ High Substantial/ Major/ No 200643 NNW/SSE (T5) moderate moderate+ H4 Wallaston Green 192320 NNW/SSE, 1.191km NW 5 rotors 14⁰ High Substantial/ Major/ No 200670 ENE/WSW (T5) moderate moderate+ H5 Wogaston Farm 191782 N/S, W/E 0.979km NNW 5 rotors 25⁰ High Substantial Major No 200643 (T5) H6 Hoplass Farm 191766 S/N 0.555km NNW 5 partial 30⁰ High Substantial Major No 201079 (T5) rotors H7 Harry Standup 190874 E/W, N/S 1.429km NNE 5 turbines 33⁰ High Substantial Major No 200356 (T5) H8a Newton Cottage 190616 E/W 1.507km NNE 5 turbines 35⁰ High Substantial Major No 200440 (T5) H8b Newton Farm 190560 E/W, N/S 1.540km NNE 5 turbines 35⁰ High Substantial Major No 200450 (T5) H9 Neath Farm, 190233 SSW/NNE 1.216km NNE 5 rotors 45⁰ High Substantial Major No Little Neath Barn 201154 WNW/ESE (T4) & Barn y Cel H10 Pleasant View, 190524 SSW/NNE 0.355km ESE 4 turbines 26⁰ (18⁰ with High Very Major+ No Rhoscrowther 202310 (T4) screening) substantial/ substantial H11 Eastington Manor 290140 SSW/NNE 0.782km ESE 3 blades 15⁰ High Moderate/ Moderate+ No 202500 (T4) slight

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H:B:A Environment A5.6/22 September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.7 LSVIA Appendices Methodology for Production of ZTVs and Visualisations

Appendix 5.7: Methodology for Production of ZTVs and Visualisations

Provided by Wood Group UK Ltd

H:B:A Environment September 2020 RHOSCROWTHER WIND FARM APPENDIX 5.7 LSVIA Appendices Methodology for Production of ZTVs and Visualisations

Methodology for Production of ZTVs and Visualisations

Introduction

A5.7.1. Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTVs), panoramic photographs and visualisations (wirelines and photomontages) are graphical materials produced to assist and illustrate landscape and visual impact assessments (LVIAs) (including seascape and cumulative impact assessments). The following methodology has been used for undertaking the viewpoint photography and for producing the ZTVs and visualisations that illustrate the LVIA in Chapter 5 of the ES. It accords with current guidance, including the Scottish Natural Heritage guidance The Visual Representation of Wind Farms, Version 2.2 (SNH February 2017) and the Landscape Institute Technical Guidance Note 06/19: Visual Representation of Development Proposals (LI 17 September 2019).

Methodology for Production of ZTVs

A5.7.2. The blade tip and hub height ZTVs were generated using the ReSoft WindFarm software, which uses a digital terrain model (DTM) and 3-dimensional computer models of the locations and dimensions of the proposed wind turbines to calculate the theoretical visibility of the proposed development across the existing landscape. The computer model takes account of the effects caused by atmospheric refraction and the curvature of the Earth. The ZTVs have been generated using the following combined DTM datasets:

▪ Ordnance Survey Terrain 50: used to aid in the production of the ZTV plots and wirelines at long distances exceeding those covered by the 30km x 40km area of the more detailed OS Terrain 5 data, these tiles provide a digital record of the existing landform of Great Britain, based on 50m grid squares and models representing the specified geometry and position of the proposed turbines; and

▪ Ordnance Survey Terrain 5: used to produce a more detailed ZTV plot or wireline for a limited area, in the case of Rhoscrowther Wind Farm, covering 30km x 40km around the site. These tiles provide a digital record of the existing landform of Great Britain based on 5m grid squares and models representing the specified geometry and position of the proposed turbines.

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A5.7.3. The resulting ZTV plots have been overlaid on Ordnance Survey mapping at an appropriate scale and presented as figures using GIS software.

A5.7.4. The ReSoft WindFarm software has also been used to calculate a cumulative ZTV plot to illustrate the intervisibility of the proposed development with the existing operational wind farms (Wear Point, Castle Pill and Lower Scoveston Farm).

Methodology for Baseline Photography

A5.7.5. Photographic viewpoint locations were initially selected with the aid of the ZTVs. Each location was then visited, confirmed, and assessed in the field. Panoramic photography was taken to record the view and the details of the viewpoint locations and associated data were recorded to assist in the production of visualisations and to validate their accuracy.

A5.7.6. The following photographic information was recorded:

▪ Date and time.

▪ GPS recorded locational data in the form of a 12-figure grid reference accurate to ~4m.

▪ GPS recorded elevation data in the form of metres above Ordnance Datum (mAOD).

▪ Camera model, lens focal length and format used.

▪ the approximate horizontal angle of view photographed.

A5.7.7. All of the photographs included in this assessment were taken with a full- frame digital SLR camera equipped with a 50 mm fixed focal length lens. This produces photographs that are equal in horizontal and vertical extent to those taken with a manual 35 mm SLR camera with a fixed 50 mm focal length lens. Almost all were taken in landscape (horizontal) format. The exceptions were the photographs for Vp 2, where the camera and 50 mm lens were used in portrait (vertical) format, and the photographs for Vp 1, where the camera was fitted with a 35 mm fixed focal length lens and used in portrait (vertical) format. This was to provide more vertical extent in the panoramic photographs at these two closest viewpoints.

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A5.7.8. All photography was taken using a tripod equipped with a levelling head and a panoramic head set to take photographs at 20º intervals (i.e. approximately a 50% overlap between each frame).

Methodology for Production of Visualisations

A5.7.9. Each viewpoint has been illustrated with a panoramic photograph of the existing view together with a wireline and a photomontage to illustrate the parts of the proposed development that could be visible from each location.

A5.7.10. The wirelines and photomontages were produced using ReSoft WindFarm software to generate a perspective view of the wind farm. This software creates a 3D computer model of the existing landscape and the proposed development using the DTM and models representing the specified geometry and position of the proposed turbines. The computer model includes the entire Study Area and all visualisations take account of the effects caused by atmospheric refraction and the Earth's curvature. The computer model does not take account of the screening effects of any intervening built development or vegetation.

A5.7.11. The photographs from each viewpoint were joined to form a cylindrical projection panorama, using appropriate photography panorama stitching software. This panorama was imported into ReSoft WindFarm using the locational data recorded at each viewpoint. A wireline of the proposed development and the existing landform was generated for each viewpoint using the same software. A series of fixed reference points were identified within each panoramic view, the alignment of which, in tandem with the topography visible within the panorama, enabled the wireline to be superimposed and accurately positioned both horizontally and vertically over the panorama. To produce the photomontage, the 3D computer models of the turbines were then rendered to appear ‘life-like’ taking into account the position of the sun at the date and time of the photography and weather conditions occurring on the day.

A5.7.12. The completed baseline panoramic photographs, wirelines, photomontages and accompanying data have been presented as figures using desktop publishing/graphic design software.

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A5.7.13. All electronic maps and visualisations should be printed out and viewed at the correct scale as noted on the drawings.

Limitations of Visualisations

A5.7.14. Whilst two-dimensional images cannot fully represent the real viewing experience, the panoramic photographs and visualisations aim to provide a realistic representation of the baseline view and proposed development, based on current information and photomontage methodology.

A5.7.15. However, in using these to form a judgement on the wind farm proposal, it is important to be aware of their limitations. These include:

▪ Photographs and visualisations cannot illustrate how the existing view and proposed development would appear in different lighting, weather and seasonal conditions. These vary both daily and seasonally in the UK and affect the clarity of the photographic image. Every effort is made to take the photographs on days when the lighting is strong and the visibility is very good. However, photographs can capture only the conditions at the moment the photograph is taken, and it is usual to match these conditions when creating the photomontages. Therefore, photographs and visualisations will illustrate the existing view and proposed development only under the lighting, weather and seasonal conditions that were present when the photographs were taken.

▪ Photographs and visualisations produced and viewed in accordance with this methodology, provide a good impression of the location and scale of the proposed wind turbines and their distance from each viewpoint, but can never be 100% accurate due to varying degrees of accuracy in the data and process, for example, in the GPS locations taken in the field, in the OS DTM and in the software packages that handle the data. They also cannot take into account any micro-siting of the wind turbines that may occur during construction phase (if micro-siting is permitted within the consent).

▪ A static image cannot convey rotor movement, or flicker or reflection from the sun on the turbine blades as they move.

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▪ The viewpoints illustrated by the photographs and visualisations are representative of the more sensitive locations in the study area and where there are most likely to be relatively open views of the wind turbines. However, they do not represent all views of the proposed development.

▪ The viewpoint photographs and visualisations are best viewed in the field at the viewpoint in order to gain the most realistic impression of how the proposed development would appear to the viewer at each location.

▪ Printed images must be printed at the paper size stated on the image. In this case, 841mm x 297mm (half A1) for the viewpoint images (Figures 5.21 – 5.45) and 420mm x 297mm (A3) for the residential wireframes (Figures 5.47 – 5.57). All the figures have margins on all four sides, hence the “image sizes” are slightly smaller than the paper sizes.

▪ Printed images should be viewed correctly. All the photographs, wirelines and photomontages in Figures 5.21 – 5.45 have a horizontal field of view of 120⁰ and are cylindrically projected so, when printed at the correct size (half A1), have a principal viewing distance of 400mm. This means that they should be held at a distance of approximately 400mm from the eye (relaxed arms’ length) and curved through 120⁰ (ie gently curved). All the wirelines in Figures 5.47 – 5.57 have a horizontal field of view of 60⁰ and are cylindrically projected so, when printed at the correct size (A3), have a principal viewing distance of ~375mm. Therefore, they should be held at a distance of approximately 375mm from the eye (slightly more relaxed arms’ length) and curved through 60⁰ (ie gently curved).

▪ It is preferable to view printed images, rather than view images on screen. However, if the images are viewed on a screen, ideally, they should be viewed on an A3-sized monitor and enlarged to the full screen height.

A5.7.16. The SNH guidance advises that, given the limitations of depicting wind turbines in photographs and photomontages, they will usually be of most value for views within 20km of a wind farm site as, at distances greater than this, it can be difficult to represent the wind turbines realistically. All the viewpoints used to illustrate the LVIA for this proposed development are within 11km of the proposed wind turbines.

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