Fearn Wind Energy Project
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Richard Gauld BSc(Hons)
IEng MInstMC Dip. DesInn Dip. GeoSci
Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Fearn Wind Energy Project
Landscape and Visual Assessment
Report OSE/2871 Section 2
June 2010
Project Developer:
David S Sutherland Tullich Farm Fearn Ross-shire IV20 1XW
Project researcher:
Emma Dunsmuir
Visual Assessment:
Richard Gauld IEng MInstMC BSc(Hons) Dip. GeoSci Dip. DesInn
Orkney Sustainable Energy Ltd 6 North End Road Stromness Orkney KW16 3AG
Telephone 01856 850054 Facsimile 01856 851239 Email [email protected]
Richard Gauld is Honours qualified in Earth Sciences and Design and is registered as a professional engineer with the
Engineering Council of Great Britain.
2 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 5
2 THE PROJECT 6
3 SCALE OF THE DEVELOPMENT; DETERMINING TURBINE SIZE 7
3.1 TURBINE DIMENSIONS 7
3.2 DESIGN ELEMENTS 7
3.3 TURBINE IDENTIFICATION 9
4 PLANNING LEGISLATION AND HIGHLAND COUNCIL WIND ENERGY POLICY 12
5 LANDSCAPE PLANNING DESIGNATIONS 13
6 IMPACT UPON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL RESOURCE 16
6.1 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 17
6.2 METHODOLOGY 17
6.3 VIEWPOINTS 17
6.4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL SENSITIVITY 17
6.5 GRADING OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL SENSITIVITY 18
6.6 MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 19
6.7 MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO VISUAL AMENITY 19
6.8 GRADING OF MAGNITUDE OF EFFECT 19
6.9 SIGNIFICANCE MATRIX 20
6.10 LANDSCAPE EFFECTS 20
6.11 VISUAL IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 22
7 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 26
7.1 ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE LANDSCAPE EFFECTS 26
7.2 ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE VISUAL EFFECTS 27
7.3 CUMULATIVE ZONES OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY 27
7.4 CUMULATIVE WIREFRAME ANALYSIS 28
7.5 SEQUENTIAL EFFECTS 28
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 30
APPENDIX A CUMULATIVE ZTV
APPENDIX B NEIGHBOUR WIREFRAMES
3 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Summary Conclusions
Turbine Selection
The Fearn Wind Energy Project has been designed around a 2 MW scale wind turbine, with a 78m tower and a 41m blade. The actual turbine to be used by the project will not be selected until nearer the construction date, however a maximum tip height of 120m will not be exceeded. This report demonstrates that the visual impact of the turbines of this scale is not highly significant and that the project is appropriate for the proposed location.
Impact on Designated Landscapes
The proposed turbines are to be located on a derelict airfield and have been assessed as having Medium significant effects on the landscape elements around the area, with at most Medium/High significant effects upon the nearest Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings
The Dornoch Firth National Scenic Area is a special location with views over mountain, sea and coastal countryside, and although a highly sensitive area there are no direct impacts upon the Dornoch Firth by the project. The turbines are over 10km from the nearest viewpoints in the Firth, and are subservient to the landscape, giving overall landscape impacts of Medium significance. The project does not dominate the surrounding landscapes and does not affect the integrity of the National Scenic Area in any way.
Impacts on Visual Resource of the Area
Maps produced to predict Zones of Theoretical Visibility indicate that the development would be well screened from the communities in the greater area, with the turbines only fully visible from neighbours and communities in the Tarbat Peninsula. The views from the main roads are largely of a peripheral nature, with direct views of the wind turbines mainly from the surrounding neighbours.
The use of a small cluster of wind turbines and the positioning of the turbines a good distance from neighbours results in largely Low to Medium significance of impact upon neighbours to the development. The wind turbines fit well with the flat and low-lying topography and in no view do the turbines appear to dominate or diminish the apparent scale of the landscape, nor do they adversely affect the quality of any view to a significant extent.
Cumulative Impacts
The existing wind farms in this part of the Highlands tend to be located on moorland and hill landscape character types; Fearn is an exception to this rule, and consequently there are no cumulative landscape effects. Cumulative and sequential effects can be considered only at a distance, as the nearest existing projects are over 20km away from the Fearn site, and the intervening landscapes and large areas of woodland act as significant visual barriers.
4 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 1 Introduction
1.1 This report is an assessment of the landscape and visual impact of a wind energy project to be located on a brownfield development site on the Tarbat Peninsula. Fearn Aerodrome is a flat area of derelict land within open farmed slopes roughly 9km south- east of Tain. The project consists of three turbines that are likely to have a maximum tower height of 78m and a rotor diameter of around 82m.
1.2 The project has been designed and planned using the recommendations and advice
contained within Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments [1] , S PP 6:
Renewable Energy [2], Planning Advice Notes PAN 45: Renewable Energy
Technologies [3] PAN 56: Planning and Noise [4] PAN 58: Environmental Impact
Assessment [5] and PAN 68: Design Statements [6] and the Guidelines on Wind Energy
and Aviation Interests from the Defence and Civil Aviation Interests Working Group [7]. The project has also considered the SNH Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of
Windfarm [8], Scottish Planning Policy 15: Planning for Rural Development , PAN 73:
Rural Diversification [9], and the Inner Moray Firth Landscape Character Assessment
[10]
1.3 The methodology used has been developed in line with the Guidelines for Landscape
and Visual Impact Assessment [11], and has the following approach:
• Collection of relevant background information; • The creation of maps showing the Zones of Theoretical Visibility; • The use of wireframe and photomontage images to help assess the overall significance of the impact of the proposed development; • The establishment of viewpoints around the general area; • A baseline study of the existing landscape and the visual resource; • The assessment of impact significance; • A study into the scale and extent of the development; • The assessment of any potential cumulative impacts.
1.4 The proposed turbine location is an area of flat land that had been a Navy airbase during the Second World War, with the turbines positioned on or next to the old airstrips. The foundations for the turbines will be located below ground level and trenches will be excavated next to the current tracks to accommodate the high voltage and telecommunications cabling. The cabling from the site will all be underground, connecting to the National Grid at a switchgear building next to the A9 trunk road.
5 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 2 The Project
2.1 The proposed site is south of the Hill of Fearn, a small village east of Tain. The project consists of three 2MW scale turbines, with existing access provision from previous airfield runways. A cable from each of the turbines will be routed underground and connected to the National Grid next to the A9 approximately 5km away from the site. The turbines will stand on concrete foundations, all of which will be below ground level, with only stone hardstanding visible around the base of the turbines themselves. Existing access tracks will be used and will have a compacted stone finish, with only minor road surface improvements required.
2.2 The construction phase of the development will take place over a matter of months, and visual impact of this stage has not been assessed in any depth. The operational phase of the project will last for over 20 years, and this assessment considers the impact and visual effects of the wind turbines upon the landscape over this period. At the end of the project the turbines will be removed and the land will revert to rough moorland.
2.3 The development is known as the Fearn Wind Energy Project, with the visual impact of the turbines demonstrated using photomontages, wireframes and maps showing the theoretical zones of visual influence; Volume 2 of the report. Cumulative and sequential impacts are also assessed, considering the potential intervisibiliy of the project with other major developments in the area.
2.4 Wind farms are becoming common in the Highlands, with the nearest existing windfarms on the hills 25km to the west; Novar and Beinn Tharsuinn. This project has turbines rated at 2000 kW, with 78m towers and a maximum blade length of 41m, and is located on flat land at sea level. In 2008 there was a proposal for a small windfarm at the Hill of Nigg, 3km to the south of Fearn, however this required additional environmental information, and has outstanding objections from Inverness Airport and the MoD; it is felt that this project will not proceed. Cumulative effects are considered in part 7 of this report.
2.5 The hills surrounding the site are very effective barriers, especially the Hill of Nigg which shelters almost all views from the south. The western side of Loch Eye (SSSI) is sheltered due to a slight rise in elevation between it and the site. Views from other sensitive locations such as Skibo Castle, Tarbat House, and the House of the Geanies are also largely blocked due to trees or hills. Views from the west are quite patchy, and impact further decreases when taking into consideration the woodland in the area. 6 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 3 Scale of the development; determining turbine size
3.1 Turbine dimensions
When considering the scale of the wind turbine that is appropriate for an area, there has to be a balance between the number of wind turbines that a given site can accommodate, compared with the dimensions of the chosen turbine. Wind turbines have also been increasing in scale, primarily to increase the amount of energy that can be extracted from a given site; the industry is also developing an offshore sector, with turbines increasing in scale to justify the increased cost of civil engineering at sea. As a consequence, medium scale turbines are difficult to obtain, with one manufacturer, Siemens, refusing to supply their machines to anything other than large scale projects. The flat low lying landscape encourages the use of machines capable of generating large amounts of energy from moderate windspeeds, therefore both the RE Power MM82 and the Enercon E82 are considered appropriate for the site.
3.2 Design Elements
From a design and visual perspective there are three aspects of turbine design to consider: height, rotor speed and proportion:
• The overall height of grid-connected wind turbines in the UK varies from 75m to over 120m for onshore wind turbines. The smaller turbines are all less than 1MW in generation capacity, and the largest component dimension is less than 30m, allowing delivery to any site which has access from an ‘A’ class road. As turbine sizes increase, delivery becomes much more problematic: the largest land based wind turbine, the 2.75MW NM92, has a 45m long blade and can only be delivered to relatively few locations. In contrast mainland Europe has much taller towers, although blade lengths tend to be similar to those installed in the UK.
• Increasing the size of the wind turbine rotor tends to result in slower rotational speed. The rotor speed of the RE-Power MM82 is a maximum of 17.1 rpm and the Enercon E82 2MW has a maximum rotor speed of 19 rpm. The slower the speed, the more acceptable from a visual perspective, as it enhances the sculptural aspects of wind turbine development. The newer designs of wind turbine are also variable speed, rotating at much lower speeds in lower wind conditions. This results in a more relaxed appearance and a much quieter wind turbine, particularly on days when the windspeed is less than optimal.
• The relative geometry or proportion of the wind turbine is a comparison of the blade length and tower height. A wind turbine with an overly large blade on a short tower is 7 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 perceived as being out of proportion, and as a consequence can appear to be ponderous and overbearing. Similarly a wind turbine with a relatively tall tower and small rotor can sometimes appear spindly.
• The human eye looks for proportion and symmetry, and when considering a structure like a wind turbine, an optimum dimensional ratio of 0.618 is looked for. This ratio, phi, is shown on a more familiar image below, Figure 2, where a = 0.618 b. As the human eye is looking for proportion, there is little to be gained by positioning a large blade on a shorter tower, as shown in the schematic of the now discontinued Vestas V66. Given that wind turbines can be positioned on undulating ground, the viewer will simply assume that there is a dip in the ground, and that the towers are the “correct”, longer length anyway; this effect can now be seen at the completed Dummuie project, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. The Enercon turbine appears to have good proportions.
NM 92 REPower MM82 Enercon E82 VestasVestas V66 45m46m blade / 80m tower 41m blade / 80m tower 41m blade / 78m tower 33m blade / 47m tower
125
100
75
50
25
Figure 1: Comparison of blade and tower lengths
a a
b b
Figure 2: Comparison of Da Vinci drawing of Vitruvian man and theoretical wind turbine
8 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 3.3 Turbine Identification
A range of alternative models has been considered. The project has attempted to maximise generation within the identified constraints, with transport access through the existing road and track network an important issues. A 6-8MW capacity can be achieved through the use of the following turbines.
• Enercon E82 – 2MW: Enercon are a long established German manufacturer of wind turbines, and are concentrating on the onshore market. Enercon have recently constructed a windfarm of E70 turbines at Boyndie Aerodrome near Banff, and are looking to establish a presence throughout Scotland. By using advanced technology, they have produced machines which are relatively more efficient for the size of the rotor, Noise levels are also low due to the gearbox-less design and different blade geometry, and has been set at 100 dB(A) at 8m/s wind speed. This machine is an upwind design, and is IEC class 2 upwind design turbine, with an 82m diameter rotor, a nacelle height of 78 and variable speed between 6 and 19 rpm.
• RE Power MM82 – 2.05MW: RE Power are relatively new manufacturers, and are concentrating on both the large offshore and onshore markets; RE Power have recently constructed the two 5MW wind turbines for the Beatrice offshore project in the Moray Firth. By using advanced technology, they have produced machines which are relatively more efficient for the size of the rotor. Noise levels are also low, and can be set at 100 dB(A) by reducing rotor speed. This machine is a Class 2 upwind design turbine, with an 82m diameter rotor, a nacelle height of 59 or 80m, and variable speed operation of 12 to 17 rpm.
• Nordex N90 – 2.5MW: Nordex are a German/Danish company producing a small range of wind turbines between 1.5 and 2.5MW, primarily for the onshore market. The N90 is a class 2, 2.5MW wind turbine, with a 45m blade. This machine is an upwind design, with an 90m diameter rotor, a tower height of 80m, variable speed operation of 10 to 17 rpm. Noise levels are slightly higher than other equivalent machines due to the higher rotational speeds. A similar turbine has been used in Orkney, with two turbines installed in 2006, and has also been proposed for the extension of the Millennium windfarm above Fort Augustus.
• Vestas NM92 – 2.75MW: The largest wind turbine presently operating onshore in the UK is the Vestas NM92, a 2.75MW wind turbine. This machine is an upwind design, with a 92m diameter rotor and a tower height of 80m. The design and scale of the
9 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 NM92 is similar to that of the turbines installed at the Millennium project and at Causeymire in Caithness, however it should be noted that this turbine cannot be considered; the scale of this machine is too large for the Fearn site, primarily due to access difficulties along the smaller site roads.
• Selection process: The Enercon E82 and the RE Power are both strong possibilities for the Fearn project. Given the design requirements of maximum power production, with moderate wind speed, the E82 was identified as being the most appropriate, creating a sympathetic visual appearance in proportion with the surrounding landscape. Note that turbine size and type could change nearer to construction, due to availability.
3.4 Landscape Relationship
The design of the Fearn Wind Energy Project has followed an iterative process, and when considering potential impact upon the landscape, the project has attempted to determine the most appropriate scale of project and location for development. The intended site is defined as an area of Open Farmed Slopes in the SNH Landscape Character Assessment for the area, and is bordered by open Hard Coastal Shore in the east and Intensive Farmland to the west. It should be noted that the LCA has not taken into account that Fearn Aerodrome is a large flat derelict area within the farming landscape.
The LCA describes the landscape as an overall area of medium sensitivity, as it is a relatively common landscape type and can absorb development with only minor degradation of values. This type of landscape is characterised by mixed use and a patchwork of farmland on sloping hillsides; there are existing onshore wind farms in this type of landscape throughout Scotland. The fields tend to be bordered by either old stone dykes – creating more character – or wire fencing, although on the slopes there are often lines of trees or scrub vegetation following the slope down into a valley. This creates a point of interest for the eye as the trees draw the attention into the valley – this could leave the higher landscape open to larger developments and the trees to act as a distraction. It is also pointed out that this type of landscape can often be characterised by such upstanding features and that “mixtures of old and new architectural forms.”(pp.61 SNH Inner Moray Firth LCA) are quite common.
The project design has fully embraced the design advice, wit the LCA and the turbine development fits well within the site setting, with only minor indirect impacts on surrounding areas. Figure 3 is an extract of the LCA showing the various types of landscape for the Inner Moray Firth area.
10 1 June 2010 Figure 3 – Inner Moray Firth Firth Moray Inner – 3 Figure Character AssessmentLandscape Wind project energy 11
Document Document OSE/2871 Section 2
Orkney Sustainable Energy Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 4 Planning Legislation and Highland Council Wind Energy Policy
4.1 Highland Council Structure Plan:
The Highland Council Structure Plan considers the relevance, suitability and sustainability of renewable energy projects in the Highland area, with a key aspect of safeguarding and enhancing the environment. This Structure Plan is founded on three principles of sustainable development, and in a local context they (part1.4):
• Support the viability of communities
• Develop a prosperous and vibrant local economy
• Safeguard and enhance the natural and built environment
In the context of the Fearn development, these aims are realised through community empowerment, diversification of the local economy, an improvement in the quality and quantity of employment opportunities, the optimal use of renewable resources, the efficiency of energy use and improvements to the quality of air, water and land.
Wind energy proposals are examined in more detail in part 2 of the Structure Plan. The plan recognises that all electricity in the Highland area is derived from renewable resources comprising hydro and wind energy, and that this resource should be reconciled with environmental issues, section 2.12.2. It is further stated that it is important that there is a local benefit derived from meeting UK targets of non-fossil sources of energy. Policy E1 states: “The Council supports the utilisation of the region’s distributed renewable energy resource…” and “Approvals for renewable energy developments will normally be for a temporary period, tied to the lifetime of the project” .
Community wind energy developments are examined in section 2.12.5 of the Plan: “Small scale wind energy developments, for a single building or a community, are considered to be particularly relevant for Highland, given the remote nature of many settlements. Such applications will generally be supported” . Section 2.12.11 further examines community projects: “A key means by which new renewable energy projects can provide local benefit is if they improve the supply of electricity for local residents or communities…The Council views….. community projects as particularly appropriate for the Highland area, especially for remoter settlements in the west and north”. Policy E8 states: “The Council will support efforts to make more provision for community renewable energy projects” .
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4.2 Highland Renewable Energy Strategy (HRES):
In 2006 the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy was published, identifying locations suitable for large scale development, and in the context of the Fearn project, it also identified locations suitable for local scale developments. The Highland Renewable Energy Strategy has a vision for renewable energy in 2010, and it suggests that 400MW of power would be possible for the Inner Moray Firth area; the proposed Fearn project would provide 6MW of this proposed capacity. The site is not clearly defined as a preferred area for development, although the LCA reports otherwise, suggesting that the broad-brush nature of the HRES is perhaps over simplistic. The chosen area is not contained within the NSA or any of the other designated areas and therefore would only indirectly affect them. From a visual and landscape perspective, the Fearn project fulfils the recommendations of the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy.
5 Landscape Planning Designations
5.1 Designated areas
The Dornoch Firth National Scenic Area (NSA) encompasses a particularly attractive estuary situated between Tain and Dornoch and is “narrow and sinuous, yet exhibits within its compass a surprising variety of landscapes. It is enclosed by abrupt rounded granite hills clad in heather moor and scree . . . Their lower slopes are frequently wooded, oakwoods being a noticeable feature of the area . . . Interspread among these hills and plantations are areas of pasture and arable on the lower alluvial lands, with whin and broom a common feature in the hedgerows and on the sandy links of the outer firth. But above all it is the bay itself, with its innumerable bays, sands, flats, shallows and promontories which present a constantly changing scene as much with the coming and going of the tide as with the changing scene afforded by passage round its shores.” (reference from sitelink). The wind energy project is to be located approximately 10km away from the southern shoreline of the Dornoch Firth, outwith the NSA on an area of derelict land, which was once an airfield. Due to the distances involved the proposed site will have only marginal indirect effects on the setting of the NSA.
5.2 Project setting
The general area is defined as open farmed slopes in the LCA, however the site is an area of flat low-lying land, with the occasional hill or elevated landscape restricting the visibility of the three turbines. This landscape type consists of arable farmland which creates a patchwork effects upon the landscape, and the surrounding woodland to the west; Nigg Hill to the south; Cadboll Mount to the east; and a slight rise in land to the north, isolates the site, providing
13 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 visual barriers. The site is a derelict airfield, with the outbuildings and runways still in reasonable condition. The terrain is rough and uneven and the land has poor agricultural value. Regeneration of the site is required, ensuring that the land is no longer seen to be degraded or devalued, and a new use for the site will demonstrate that modern developments can fit well within this locality. This mixture of a brownfield development site within fields and woodland make this a prime location for wind development, regenerating the site while allowing the surrounding woodland and topography to provide visual barriers from the A9 and the NSA to the north.
5.3 Planning designations
• Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDL) : There are several HGDL properties in this part of the Highlands, including Ardross Castle, Balnagown Castle and Cromarty House, however most of these properties can be excluded from assessment, due to distance, screening or because they are outwith the ZTV. The nearest property is the House of the Geanies, just over 5km north-east of the project, however this has only very restricted views due to intervening woodland. The project ZTV demonstrates that there will be some impact on certain areas of the Skibo Castle Designed Landscape, however direct views of the turbines will be shielded by woodland and the local topography, Figure 4. The theoretical view from the castle is shown as a wireframe, Figure 5, demonstrating the very marginal visual impacts created by the Fearn project. Figure 7 lists the various HGDLs in the area.
Figure 4 – ZTV at Skibo Castle.
14 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Figure 5 – Wireframe view from Skibo Castle.
• Listed Buildings (LBs) and Scheduled Ancient Monuments(SAMs): The potential indirect impact upon all listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments within 5km of the site is discussed within the Archaeology Section of the full report. Investigations revealed that there are 7 SAMs and LBs within the 5km Zone of Theoretical Visibility, and in most cases, woodland or rises in the landscape largely obscures any view of the turbines. Table 2 contains details of these locations.
5.4 Zone of Theoretical Visibility
The woodland running along side the A9 northbound protects views from the west, and then Nigg Hill provides a considerable visual barrier for views from the south; it should be noted that there is no impact upon Inverness Airport. Road users on the A9 travelling south will have occasional fleeting glimpses of the project due to location, a peninsula off the east coast, however it is evident that mature forestry in the area provides a significant visual barrier.
The Zone of Theoretical Visibility was established using the WindFarm programme along with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic ‘Panorama’ data. These maps are presented in differing scales, showing the impact within 15km on a 1:50,000 high resolution backdrop, Figure 6, and extended views of all three turbines up to 30km on a 1:250,000 map, Figure 7. Tip height plots have been completed, in line with the recommendations in Visual Assessment
of Windfarm: Best Practice [12 ], though it should be considered that in clear conditions the site may be seen from areas beyond these boundaries. No account has been taken of the reduction of views through obstruction by forestry and buildings, and these maps were used to determine the location of the viewpoints selected to demonstrate the impact of the development .
15 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Figure 6 – Local ZTV Figure 6 – Local ZTV
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. Crown Copyright reserved. Licence No. 0100031673
Historic Gardens and 1 Designed Landscapes
2 1: Dunrobin Castle
2: Skibo Castle 3: Geanies House 3 4: Tarbat House 5 5: Balnagown Castle 8 4 6: Cromarty House
7 7: Novar 6 8: Ardross Castle
Figure 7 – Maximum ZTV 16 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
6 Impact upon Landscape Character and Visual Resource
6.1 Landscape Context
The landscape surrounding the site and extending between Invergordon and Tain is a relatively flat coastal strip along the Cromarty Firth, with Hill of Nigg standing out as an isolated hill to the east. There are several coastal settlements along the firth, with a cluster of small villages around Fearn. These villages tend to be located on slightly elevated landmasses, such as Hill of Fearn, emphasising the flat, mainly farming landscape around the windfarm. The landscape to the west rapidly becomes much more hilly and forested, and contains some of the area's most spectacular scenery, incorporating lochs and rivers, with the uplands clothed in woodland flanked by mountain ranges.
6.2 Methodology
The significance of the impact of the proposed development on the landscape character was considered by evaluating the sensitivity of the landscape and the degree or magnitude of the predicted changes to it. This was then considered in a matrix table relating sensitivity to magnitude in order to determine the significance of impact. The same matrix was also used to determine visual effects, assessing the significance of the impact; viewpoint sensitivity is considered along with the magnitude of change predicted to occur at each location.
6.3 Viewpoints
Views were determined by considering the quality of the landscape; whether or not there are any discordant or prominent features; the type and number of possible viewers; and any historical context. Only viewpoints within the ZTV have been considered. A street-viewing search tool was used to identify the relative screening for each viewpoint, and a series of photographs were taken using a 50mm lense (or equivalent), ensuring the images were similar to that seen by the human eye.
6.4 Landscape and Visual Sensitivity
Sensitivity is an indication of the capacity to absorb change. The factors used to assess sensitivity included the quality of the landscape and views; the value and importance of the landscape through national or local designations and archaeological, historical or cultural associations; the presence of discordant features; the rareness of the landscape, the number of viewers; and the ability of the landscape to absorb change.
17 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
6.5 Grading of Landscape and Visual Sensitivity
VERY HIGH sensitivity is used to describe an area or view with the following criteria:
• The landscape and views are of very high quality - intact, coherent and harmonious;
• The landscape and views are very highly valued, beautiful and of high importance;
• The landscape contains no or very few discordant features;
• It is a very rare landscape character type;
• This type of development may cause major degradation to the landscape quality;
• The development is seen by a very large number of viewers.
HIGH sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following criteria:
• The landscape and views are of good quality - intact, coherent and harmonious;
• The landscape and views are very highly valued and considered attractive;
• The landscape may contain only minor discordant or intrusive elements;
• It is a moderately rare landscape character type;
• The development may cause moderate degradation to the landscape quality;
• The development is seen by a large number of viewers.
MODERATE sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following:
• The landscape and views are of average quality - less coherent and harmonious,
• The landscape and views have lower values or valued only locally,
• The landscape may contain a number of confusing, discordant or intrusive elements,
• It is a moderately common landscape character type,
• The landscape can absorb the development with minor degradation to values;
• The development is seen by a moderate number of viewers.
LOW to NEGLIGIBLE sensitivity is used to describe an area which meets the following criteria:
• The landscape and views are of low quality, that is despoiled or degraded;
• The landscape and views are not valued locally;
• The landscape may contain many confusing, discordant or intrusive elements;
• It is a very common landscape character type;
• The landscape could easily absorb this type of development;
• The development is seen by only a very low number of viewers.
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6.6 Magnitude of Change to Landscape Character
The degree or magnitude of change to the landscape character was assessed by primarily considering the location, size and scale of the turbines in relation to the size and scale of the surrounding landform. The magnitude of change also considered the extent of effects predicted by the development, the compatibility of the development within the landscape character, including a fit with the landform and the identification of any conflicts or synergies with vertical elements. The loss of key landscape features and the permanence of effects have also been assessed, along with the cumulative effect of any other adjacent wind projects in the same landscape.
6.7 Magnitude of Change to Visual Amenity
The degree of change to the visual resource was assessed by considering a range of factors. The proximity of the development, the scale and number of wind turbines in the area and the compatibility with the existing landscape character, visual conflicts with discordant features, the composition and balance of the development, the direction and elevation of the view, the distance over which the view is seen, the percentage of the view taken up by the development, the permanence of the change and any cumulative effects.
6.8 Grading of Magnitude of Effect
1: VERY HIGH magnitude is used to describe a major change to baseline conditions, resulting in complete alteration of landscape character, composition and quality. The development would dominate the view;
2: HIGH magnitude is used to describe an easily discernible and noticeable change to some aspect of the landscape character, composition and quality. The development would be conspicuous and distinct;
3: MEDIUM magnitude is used to describe a moderate, but still discernible change to some features of baseline conditions, resulting in a slight change to the landscape character, composition and quality. The development would be apparent;
4: LOW magnitude is used to describe a minor change such that the baseline conditions remain largely unchanged. The development would be inconspicuous;
5: NEGLIGIBLE magnitude is used to describe a change of such indiscernible nature that the baseline conditions remain fundamentally unchanged. The development would be scarcely visible.
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6.9 Significance Matrix
Significance is a relative term; a landscape could be highly sensitive to change, but if the magnitude of change is very low then the overall significance would be moderate. The significance of impact on the landscape is a combination of the sensitivity of the landscape character and the magnitude of the change upon it, and similarly the significance of impact on the visual resource is a combination of viewpoint sensitivity and magnitude of change. In line with the recommendations given in section 6.4 of Visual Assessment of Windfarm [12] a 20-cell matrix has been created to determine the likely significance of the impact upon both the landscape character and the visual resource, with eight impact categories created. These categories are then used to determine the overall significance of the development.
1: VERY HIGH Medium/High High High/Very High Very High
2: HIGH Medium Medium/High High High/Very High
3: MEDIUM Low Medium Medium/High High
4: LOW Negligible/Low Low Medium Medium/High
5: NEGLIGIBLE Negligible Negligible/Low Low Medium
MAGNITUDE LOW / NEGLIGIBLE MODERATE HIGH VERY HIGH SENSITIVITY
6.10 Landscape effects
There is a range of different landscapes across the region, with three primary areas identified, detailed below. Dornoch Firth NSA is included, although direct impacts are minimal, as evident from the ZTV and the photomontages. .
Table 1: Significance of impact upon landscape elements
LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITIES MAGNITUDE OF EFFECTS SIGNIFICANCE OF ELEMENTS IMPACT
Open, rolling landscape, A small number of large OPEN FARMED sparsely populated, with few turbines, renewing derelict Medium SLOPES small towns: Moderate land: Medium Magnitude. Sensitivity.
Highly sensitive, National The turbines are 15km away, DORNOCH FIRTH Scenic Area, and Site of with negligible impact on the Medium NSA Scientific Interest: Very High NSA setting: Negligible Sensitivity. Magnitude.
The turbines are almost Highly sensitive, Historic SKIBO CASTLE completely screened by Garden and Designed Medium (HGDL) extensive woodland: Low Landscape: High Sensitivity. Magnitude.
20 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 6.10.1 Landscape effects: Open Farmed Slopes.
The Open Farmed Slopes area occupies a large area of the inner Moray Firth. The area appears to stretch along the Moray Firth coast from the northern peninsula at Tarbat Ness into an integrated pattern on the Black Isle, separated by the Firth creating a northern and southern section. The northern section is where the project is located and it is a flat area of land with only a few small hills in its surroundings. The general characteristic of this type of landscape is that of a background of sloping hillsides and patchwork arable farmland, however this particular site occupies a very different character – that of flat derelict land surrounded by rough terrain and woodland. The dense forestry to the west provides a shield to the project and Nigg Hill provides a significant visual barrier for views from the south. This type of landscape has been identified in the Inner Moray Firth LCA as one where old and new forms are common, and one where upstanding features can add character to its surroundings. Therefore, following this guidance, it can be seen that regenerating a derelict airfield into a renewable wind energy site will be beneficial to the surroundings and have little or no direct impact upon the Open Farmed Slopes landscape, giving an impact of medium significance.
6.10.2 Landscape effects: Dornoch Firth NSA.
The Dornoch Firth National Scenic Area encompasses a very sensitive and attractive estuary, situated around 15km away from the turbines. The Firth is bordered by woodland in the lower regions – oak trees being a prominent feature of this area – and hills covered in heather and scree emphasising the beauty of the area. There are areas of arable farmland along the lower alluvial lands providing the familiar patchwork countryside, bordered by whim and broom which is seen to be a common feature. The ZTV displays the split nature of the effect on the Dornoch Firth, views of the project from the western side of the firth are completely hidden, with only slight glimpses on the northern shoreline. These glimpses are further diminished due to the wooded areas along the southern shoreline. The eastern side of the firth appears to have quite clear visibility according to the ZTV, however the wireframe image, figure 5, confirms that the view will not result in the turbines affecting the skyline, therefore further decreasing visual effects. Dense woodland provides additional visual barriers, and the distance from the site suggest impacts of negligible magnitude; medium significance.
21 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
6.10.3 Landscape effects: Skibo Castle (HGDL).
Skibo Castle is typical of the Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes in the area, with strong historical values. The gardens are highly regarded, and due to the surrounding lochs and woodlands providing great habitats, nature conservation is an important aspect of the location. The castle has stood since the 9 th or 10 th century, and the profile of Skibo was raised when it was purchased in 1898 by Andrew Carnegie, the multi-millionaire philanthropist, who extended the estate and made extensive alterations to the castle. He began his improvements around 1900, building new tenants' houses, the dairy, the coach-house, the swimming-pool, the conservatories, and the West Lodge. Improvements were also made to the grounds, the lochs were constructed and water and electricity supplies installed. Thomas Mawson was commissioned to improve the Terraced Garden, with an avenue laid to the west lodge. The project ZTV and wireframe image demonstrate that views of the turbines are largely obscured, and in any event do not rise above the skyline; the woodland within the grounds also diminishes the possibility of the turbines being seen. This therefore results in a low magnitude of effect, componded by the distance from the site – around 17km.
There are HGDLs closer to the site, however impact was deemed to be of very low/negligible magnitude as views of the turbines are very restricted. Tarbat House is considered to have moderate sensitivity, and moreover the turbines will not affect this view and will not be visible from the house due to the surrounding dense woodland. Cadboll Mount provides a visual barrier, blocking the view from Geanies House, the nearest HGDL. Overall Skibo Castle and the other HGDLs in the area were deemed to have high sensitivity; however the turbines have a relatively low magnitude of effect, giving an overall impact of medium significance.
6.11 Visual Impact Significance
A range of viewpoints was established to determine the overall visual impact of the wind energy project. These cover a range of different views, including nearby communities and roads, at varying distances and directions from the turbine site. Photomontages and wireframe images have been used to show how the impact would be perceived from these viewpoints, with the turbines visible from each location, Volume 2. Longer distance views are not included, as the turbines have a diminished nature beyond 20km. The magnitude/sensitivity matrix shown above has been used to determine the significance of visual impact at each viewpoint. A set of wireframe images is also appended to this report, demonstrating how the project will be perceived by the neighbours to the development.
22 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Table 2: Significance of impact upon viewpoints
VIEWPOINT SENSITIVITIES MAGNITUDE OF EFFECTS SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT
Nearest community, small The turbines are clearly village north of the project visible in an open flat plain, with one school and a hotel. giving a moderate but easily Population is relatively low discernable change to the with few historical features. view. Existing vertical 1 HILL OF FEARN / A flat landscape and few elements include street Medium 1A FEARN HOTEL existing vertical elements. lampposts, with the project Medium quality of view, with clearly visible at a distance of a moderate number of 1.8km. The development viewers, therefore it is an would cause medium area of Moderate Sensitivity. magnitude of effect.
Fearn Abbey is an A listed The wireframe shows that the building, located around 1km blades are visible on the north of the site. The Manse skyline with the towers below, 2 FEARN ABBEY AND is the Abbey’s immediate however the photographs Medium/High MANSE neighbour and is a B class show that 2 out of 3 turbines listed building. The are hidden by surrounding viewpoint has an overall trees when viewed from the High Sensitivity. car park: Medium Magnitude
This is the closest building to Turbines all visible in their the site, and is a class C entirety, with the closest Listed Building. The turbine 820m away from the building is derelict, requires building, however from this 3 FEARN CONTROL significant renovation and is viewpoint the turbines appear Medium TOWER part of the surrounding appropriate for the setting and derelict airfield. This do not look out of place at this building provides an existing brown-field development site: vertical element to the site: High Magnitude Low Sensitivity.
A working landscape, with This viewpoint is from a blades rotating above the junction just north of horizon. A moderate but Balintore, and represents a easily discernable change to clear viewpoint from the east; the view, with the project Balintore is partially shielded 4 ABOVE BALINTORE clearly visible at a distance of Medium due to a drop in the 1.9km. This is one of the few topography. The houses and locations with possible the distant hills provide cumulative effects, with vertical elements. Medium Novar in the far distance Sensitivity. Medium Magnitude
Shandwick stone is an All three turbine rotors are important Scheduled Ancient visible, however the towers Monument located south of are entirely hidden due to a Balintore. The monument rise in the topography on the provides a distinct vertical 5 SHANDWICK STONE hill upon which the stone Medium/High element in the landscape, and stands. The turbines appear is accessible, although relatively small, with the protected by a modern nearest tower 1.8km from the structure. Extensive views to project: Medium Magnitude. the east: High Sensitivity
23 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Easter Rarichie is a Scheduled Elevated viewpoint 2km Ancient Monument, located on from nearest turbine, with sloping and elevated land to the blades marginally the south of the site. It is not affecting the skyline. Few 6 EASTER RARICHIE set up to be a tourist attraction existing vertical features to Medium and is rarely visited. A decrease the apparent patchwork of fields and turbine scale; overall this pockets of woodland, valued will have a Medium locally: Moderate Sensitivity. Magnitude of effect.
The Chapelhill Church is a B Three turbines are visible class listed building located from this site, however the 2.5 km SW of the site. scale is diminished by other Rectangular in plan, with a vertical features in the area, square tower, presently in use such as telegraph poles and 7 CHAPELHILL CHURCH Low/Medium as an ecclesiastical building. coniferous trees. The Medium quality of view, with a scattering of houses distracts low to moderate number of the eye as does the gorse viewers: Low/Moderate running along side the road: Sensitivity Low/Medium Magnitude.
Although all turbine blades The Clay of Allan is a working are visible above the farm situated to the NW of the skyline, the towers are site. A moderate number of hidden by vegetation viewers on a minor road, alongside the farm roads. 8 CLAY OF ALLAN transitory impact, with strong The scale of the turbines is Low existing vertical elements, diminished by the presence medium quality views, with of three large silo towers, large outbuildings: Moderate making the turbines appear Sensitivity as inferior structures: Low Magnitude
This is a current working train The wireframe image station on the northbound route indicates that blade tips of from Inverness to Thurso. It is three turbines are visible situated around 3 km from the along the skyline, behind a site, attracting commuters from small rise in the landscape. 9 FEARN STATION Hill of Fearn, Kildary, or However these are only Negligible/Low Milton: The Station and the fleeting glimpses as Railway Cottages are category vegetation makes the blade B and C listed buildings tips very hard to identify respectively: Moderate and distinguish: Negligible Sensitivity Magnitude
Tarbat House is listed as a The wireframe image shows Historic Garden and Designed that only two blade tips are Landscape, and is situated theoretically visible around 6.5 km SW of the however the site visit 10 TARBAT HOUSE Negligible project. The building is now confirmed that this view is derelict and the gardens are protected entirely by dense overgrown and degraded: forestry giving Zero to Low/Moderate Sensitivity. Negligible Magnitude.
24 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
Attractive aspect, with good All three turbines are visible views of land and seascapes. at a distance of 12km, with Nigg Hill is quite prominent, each turbine in open view and viewers will see the above the skyline. In days turbines on clear days, to the of poor visibility the project 11 SALTBURN north of the area. The road is will be difficult to see, and Low the B817, a minor road that the turbines are not in the runs parallel to the A9, direction of view from the following the western shore of properties located along the the Cromarty Firth: Moderate shore of the firth: Low Sensitivity. Magnitude.
The midway point on the Three rotors are visible on bridge crossing the Dornoch the wireframe image, Firth is 13.5 km away from the although the towers are site. This is the main route for hidden by a low hill. The road transport heading north or rotors are prominent and can 12 A9 DORNOCH FIRTH commuting south to Inverness, be seen above the skyline, Medium with a moderate to large mitigated by existing number of viewers possible. vertical elements at Tain. The Dornoch Firth is a NSA, At these distances the therefore this is an area of project would not be High Sensitivity. significant: Low Magnitude.
A minor road running Three turbines are visible at alongside the Dornoch golf a distance of 15km. Nigg course, leading to Embo with Hill has become the views overlooking the backdrop, and the project is Dornoch Firth National Scenic not viewed as a skyline 13 NORTH DORNOCH Medium Area. This viewpoint also development. Dornoch represents the possible views itself has large building and from the town of Dornoch many trees, obscuring itself, therefore this is an area visibility from within the of relatively High Sensitivity. town: Low Magnitude.
Three turbines are visible at The beach at Dornoch is an a distance of 14km attractive coastal strip running Although all the project is around the southern perimeter visible, the blades do not of the town, with fine open 14 BEACH ROAD extend into the skyline, with views to the south and the Medium/High DORNOCH a backdrop from Nigg Hill. NSA. Popular tourist location, In days of poor visibility the with good walks, a caravan site project will be difficult to and a golf course.: High see: Low/Medium Sensitivity. Magnitude
Carn Liath is a broch just off All three turbines can be the A9, situated close to seen in front of the Nigg Dunrobin Castle. which will Hill backdrop, however at a 15 A9 CARN LIATH CAR be of relatively high distance of 25km the project Negligible/Low PARK sensitivity but this destination will be scarcely visible, with itself does look over the NSA the blades well below the and therefore overall skyline: Negligible Moderate Sensitivity. Magnitude.
25 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 7 Cumulative effects
7.1 Assessment of Cumulative Landscape Effects
Cumulative landscape effects can include both direct and indirect effects on landscape elements as a consequence of a new development in an area, with potential impacts upon landscape character, condition and value. Wind turbines in this part of the Highlands tend to be located upon hilltops and forested moorland, as these types of landscape tend to have a good capacity to absorb wind turbine developments. The Novar wind farm is 30km to the west of the project, and is appropriate for the landscape in that area, and similarly the Beinn Tharsuinn project, 25km to the north-west appears to be appropriate for a forested backdrop character. The wind project at Findhorn consists of relatively small 45m high turbines, and due to the distant proximity in relation to the project, and the size of the turbines, this site has been excluded from assessing the cumulative effect on the area if the Fearn project were to proceed.
Note that assessment of the proposed project at Nigg Hill has not be included; this development has objections from Inverness Airport and from the Ministry of Defence, making it unlikely to proceed.
30km
Figure 8 – Wind projects within 30km of Fearn.
26 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 7.2 Assessment of Cumulative Visual Effects
A systematic approach has been taken to explore the potential for cumulative impacts with other developments in the area, and three aspects of cumulative visual effects have been assessed:
• Combination, where more than one project can be seen from the same viewpoint at the same viewing angle;
• Succession, where more than one project can be seen from same viewpoint, but from different viewing angles;
• Sequential, the changing view of developments as seen during a journey along a transport corridor.
7.3 Cumulative Zones of Theoretical Visibility
Maps showing the cumulative zones of theoretical visibility are appended to this report. These show the areas in which the ZTV of the Fearn project overlaps with the ZTV of the Novar and Beinn Tharsuinn wind energy projects, and thus indicate the places from where the turbines could in theory be seen in combination with one or more of the other developments. This is a confusing and unsatisfactory mechanism for analysis due to the extent of forestry in the area, particularly in the west, along with the nature of the convoluted and elevated landmasses, making it difficult to identify cumulative effects.
The cumulative ZTV analysis suggests that the Fearn project had the smallest range of visibility and has quite restricted views when compared with the other wind projects in the area, Beinn Tharsuinn - having the largest range. The areas where all 3 windfarms can be seen theoretically are limited, although it does cover three towns – Dornoch, Cromarty, and Invergordon. However, all of the projects are some distance away from one another, therefore slight visual restrictions such as trees or tall buildings will act as an effective barrier towards cumulative impacts.
The locations where more than one wind project will be seen in the same visual frame are those from the small settlements on the east coast of the Tarbat peninsula. These views will have the Fearn in the foreground and either Novar or Beinn Tharsuinn some 25km in the background, giving relatively little cumulative visual impact; the existing projects do not have a significant impact upon views around Fearn.
27 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010
7.4 Cumulative Wireframe Analysis
Wireframe images have not been conducted to analyse cumulative effects. The three identified projects – Novar, Beinn Tharsuinn, and Fearn – are long distances from each other, and consequently any wireframes would be of very different scales, with the existing projects largely absorbed by the surrounding landscapes.
7.5 Sequential Effects
Sequential impact is the changing view of development as seen during a journey along a transport corridor. It assesses the changes in the experience of that journey caused by the development. Cumulative sequential effects occur when a project is viewed in combination or succession with other developments. The project is positioned on the east coast of Easter Ross, and therefore theoretical sequential or cumulative views are restricted to mainly east coasts settlements, with only marginal effects upon the A9, the main travel route through the area.
Assessment of the impact upon this transport route was conducted by using the Windfarm software in conjunction with Ordnance Survey gridded topographic ‘Panorama’ data, at a scale of 1:50000. The projects were placed within a virtual landscape then the viewer was moved along the transport route, while conducting analysis of visual effects. This was then followed up with a drive along the route to compare the virtual landscape with the actual route. The methodology considered the following aspects:
o Direction of travel; o Directness of view; o Proximity of the development; o Duration of the view; o Elevation of the viewer; o Variation in landscape; o Changes in direction ; o Presence of screening elements; o Existence of other structures; o Scenic quality of the road.
• A9 Southwards: All three windfarms are theoretically visible for a short distance when travelling south on the A9 from Dornoch, although not all in the same frame of vision. The view of all three continues until the Dornoch Firth bridge, where the views of the Novar project diminish. The mid point on the bridge appears to be able to see only the Beinn Tharsuinn project to the right, along with the proposed Fearn site to the left.
28 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 Continuing south, this view becomes one of only Beinn Tharsuinn therefore unaffected by the presence of turbines at Fearn. When approaching Tain, Fearn is the only wind farm within visibility, as it is theoretically directly in front of you until the right turn at the roundabout 5km later.: Medium Sequential Significance.
• A9 Northwards: Travelling northwards from Inverness on the A9 the first cumulative effect is at the Cromarty bridge, with Novar visible on the hills above Evanton and Fearn just visible at the far end of the Cromarty Firth. Continuing north, Fearn is visible by itself until just before Alness, when Beinn Tharsuinn can theoretically be seen to the left. For the next stretch of the A9 heading towards Tain, both Novar and Fearn are theoretically visible, with the Novar project to the left, and Fearn directly ahead and slightly to the right, however the distance of Novar from the A9 is a considerable 15km, and therefore any theoretical visibility is blocked by dense woodland to the west of the A9: Low Sequential Significance.
• A832 Northwards: The A832 runs along the eastern coast of the Black Isle towards Cromarty, after leaving Fortrose there is a stretch of road where no cumulative effects will take place until reaching Davidston where all three windfarms become visible – although not in the same direction – until arriving in Cromarty, when Fearn can no longer be seen. Note, when heading southwards from Cromarty all projects are behind the field of vision and cannot be seen: Medium Sequential Significance.
• B817 Northwards: The route after turning right off the A9, along the B817 towards Invergordon is split into 3 sections in terms of sequential visual effects. In the first part of the route Fearn is theoretically visible, in the middle part both Novar and Fearn could be seen, producing a new potential cumulative effect, and in the later part all three windfarms can theoretically be seen, although at quite different viewing directions. When heading westwards only Novar and Beinn Tharsuinn are theoretically visible. Similar to all other routes, Novar and Beinn Tharsuinn are a long distance away (15- 20km) and therefore easily blocked by upstanding vertical features such as woodland, buildings or local topography: Medium Sequential Significance.
It should be noted that for all routes, the distance between the two operational wind farms decreases sequential significance, as the projects are readily absorbed by the landscapes concerned.
29 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 June 2010 References and bibliography
1 BWEA (1998). Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Developments http://www.bwea.com/ref/bpg.html
2 Scottish Planning Policy SPP6 (2007). Renewable Energy. Scottish Executive Development Department. ISBN 0 1-84268-684-4
3 Planning Advice Note PAN 45 (2002). Renewable Energy Technologies. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 0372 2
4 Planning Advice Note PAN 56 (1999). Planning and Noise. Scottish Executive Development Department.
5 Planning Advice Note PAN 58 (1999). Environmental Impact Assessment. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7480 8912 8
6 Planning Advice Note PAN 68 (2003). Design Statements. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 0862 7
7 Defence and Civil Aviation Interests Working Group (2002). Wind Energy and Aviation Interests – Interim Guidelines. ETSU W/14/00626/REP
8 Scottish Natural Heritage. Guidelines on the Environmental Impact of Windfarm and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes. SNH Publications
9 Planning Advice Note PAN 73 (2005). Rural Diversification. Scottish Executive; ISBN 0 7559 4425 9
10 Inner Moray Firth Landscape Character Assessment no.90. Sarah Fletcher SNH Publications, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1998.
11 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment and The Landscape Institute, 2002 12 Visual Assessment of Windfarm: Best Practice. Scottish Natural Heritage report F01AA303A University of Newcastle, 2002 13 An Assessment of the Sensitivity and Capacity of the Scottish Seascape in relation to Wind farms’ Scott, K.E; et al. SNH Report no.:1032005. Web Links www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/corporate/factsandfigures/0304/map07.pdf www.repower.de www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/heritage/gardens.html www.snh.org.uk/snhi www.enercon.de www.scottish-places.info www.energy4all.co.uk www.scottishpowerrenewables.com www.hillofnigg.co.uk www.highland.gov.uk
30 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Fearn Wind Energy Project
Report OSE/2871 Section 2
Appendix A
Cumulative Zones of Theoretical Visibility
31 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. Crown Copyright reserved. Licence No. 0100031673
Figure A1 – Fearn Only ZTV
32 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. Crown Copyright reserved. Licence No. 0100031673
Figure A2 – Novar only ZTV
33 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. Crown Copyright reserved. Licence No. 0100031673
Figure A3 – Beinn Tharsuinn Only ZTV
34 Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. Crown Copyright reserved. Licence No. 0100031673
Fearn only Novar only Beinn Tharsuinn only Fearn + Beinn Tharsuinn Novar + Beinn Tharsuinn Fearn + Novar All three windfarms
Figure A4 – Combination ZTV
35
Orkney Sustainable Energy Document OSE/2871 Section 2 1 February 2010
Fearn Wind Energy Project
Report OSE/2871 Section 2
Appendix B
Impact upon Neighbours - Wireframe images
36