A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has continued to be given a high priority in the design process, in parallel with other technical parameters which have needed to be considered. It will establish the potential effects of the Proposed Development on the surrounding landscape and visual amenity.
An LVIA will be undertaken to analyse and identify the potential effects that the Proposed Development will have on views from the surrounding area and the surrounding landscape character of areas. This assessment will include consideration of effects on views from settlements, walking routes, roads, visitor destinations, hilltops and other relevant locations. Assessments will also be made which consider the effects of the wind farm on the ‘Special Qualities’ of National Scenic Areas (NSAs).
A specific assessment of Residential Visual Amenity has not been required. The design changes also mean that a detailed assessment of effects upon wildland qualities of Wild Land Areas (WLAs) has not been required.
A comparison between the 11 wind turbine layout (Layout D on the Design Evolution board) and the current layout is presented at the exhibitions. The locations of the viewpoints are shown on the Zone of Theoretical Visibility Board.
Wireline views are computer-generated models that show the proposed turbines in their landform setting. They do not show any features that appear in views such as trees, houses, forestry or roads. Wirelines are therefore theoretical rather than realistic, but they do provide an impression of the turbine arrangement.