Pant-y-Wal Extension (PyWEx2)...A107578 • Pant-y-Wal Extension (PyWEx2) Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 1.2 Scope of the appraisal 1 1.3 Appraisal methodology 3 1.4 Weather 4 1.5 Guidance

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Landscape & Visual Impact Appraisal A107578

November 2019

Pennant Walters Ltd Pant-y-Wal Extension

(PyWEx2)

www.wyg.com creative minds safe hands 5th Floor, Longcross Court, 47 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AD

Pennant Walters Ltd

Pant-y-wal Extension (PyWEx2)

Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal Document verification Client: Pennant Walters Project: Pant-y-Wal Extension (PyWEx2) Job number: A107578 Document title: Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal Status: Version 03 Date: November 2019 Document reference: W:\A107000-A107999\A107578 - PANTYWAL WIND FARM

TWO TURBINES\A107578 Landscape\7_Documents\DRAFT PYW LVApp v3.docx

Document Checking:

Prepared by: Emma Hayes CMLI Date: 12 November 2019

Checked by: Mary O’Connor DipLA MSc PIEMA FLI Date: 24 October 2019

Verified by: Date:

Issue Date Status

1 12.11.2019 First Issue

2 20.11.19 Planning issue

3

4

This report is copyright: © WYG Environment Planning Transport Limited, 2019. All drawings and photographs are by WYG Group Limited unless stated otherwise. Drawings based on the Ordnance Survey map are reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office: © Crown copyright WYG Environment Planning Transport Limited licence number: AR 1000 17603

A107578 • Pant-y-Wal Extension (PyWEx2)

Contents

1.0 Introduction 1 1.2 Scope of the appraisal 1 1.3 Appraisal methodology 3 1.4 Weather 4 1.5 Guidance etc 5

2.0 Landscape Policies and Designations 6 2.1 National and local policy 6 2.2 Designations 11

3.0 The Proposed Development 20

4.0 Effects on the Landscape 24 4.2 Assessment criteria 24 4.3 Landscape baseline 27 4.4 Site-specific appraisal 33 4.5 Public access 35 4.6 Effects on the landscape 36

5.0 Effects on Visual Amenity 51 5.2 Assessment criteria 51 5.3 Visual baseline 53 5.4 Visual receptors 68 5.5 Effects on visual amenity 72

6.0 Assessment of Cumulative Landscape & Visual Effects 88 6.2 Cumulative landscape effects 91 6.3 Cumulative visual effects 93

7.0 Summary and Conclusions 98 7.2 Summary of findings 98 7.3 Policy considerations 103 7.4 Designated landscapes 104 7.5 Conclusions 105

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Tables

Table 4-1 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape sensitivity 25 Table 4-2 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of landscape change 26 Table 4-3 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape effects 27 Table 4-4 Summary of LANDMAP 30 Table 4-5 Sensitivity of Landscape receptors 38 Table 4-6 Magnitude of change to the landscape 42 Table 4-7 Assessments of effects on the landscape 48 Table 5-1 Criteria for assessing visual sensitivity 51 Table 5-2 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of visual change 52 Table 5-3 Indicative criteria for assessing visual effects 53 Table 5-4 Viewpoint details 56 Table 5-5 Existing view descriptions 59 Table 5-6 View with development & magnitude of change 74 Table 5-7 Assessment of visual effects 83 Table 6.1 Cumulative assessment sites 89 Table 6.1 Judging the degree of cumulative landscape effects 91 Table 6.2 Judging the degree of cumulative visual effects 93 Table A3.1 Smaller wind turbine developments scoped out of the cumulative assessment 122 Table A3.2 wind turbine developments scoped out of the cumulative assessment 124

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Methodology 107 General Methodology 107 Landscape Effects Assessment 107

Table A2- 1 Indicative criteria to determine landscape value 108 Table A1- 2 Criteria for landscape susceptibility 111 Table A1- 3 Considerations for assessing magnitude of landscape change 112

Visual Effects Assessment 113 Table A1- 4 Indicative criteria for visual sensitivity 115 Table A1- 5 Considerations for assessing magnitude of visual change 116

Appendix 2 - Policy 118 Bridgend County Borough Council, Local Development Plan 2006 -2021 118

Appendix 3 - Cumulative developments scoped out of the assessment 122

Appendix 4 - Full figures list 125

1 LVApp

1.0 Introduction

1.1.1 WYG is instructed by Pennant Walters Holdings Ltd to prepare this Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVApp). The LVApp is to accompany the full planning application which relates to the construction of the proposed Pant-y-Wal Extension Phase 2 (PyWEx2) on land adjoining the existing Pant-y-Wal windfarm, Bridgend, see Figure LA.01-1.

1.2 Scope of the appraisal 1.2.1 The proposal is for two wind turbines to the south of the operational Pant-y-wal (PYW)

wind farm, which was extended. The original PYW wind farm comprises of 21 turbines with a blade tip height of 110m, which gained planning permission between 2009 – 2012 and is fully operational. In 2014, planning permission was granted to extend the wind farm by providing an additional 10 turbines with a blade tip height of 125m. However, only 8 wind turbines were constructed and are now fully operational. The combined operational wind farm consists of 29 wind turbines. The wind turbines that are subject of the current application are proposed in lieu of unimplemented turbines G & H (permitted pursuant to pp ref: P/14/293/FUL).

1.2.2 The proposed PyWEx2 would comprise of two wind turbines to match the existing, with a blade tip height of up to 125m and a hub height of 80m, giving a rotor diameter of circa 100m. The proposals include associated spurs from the existing PYW access tracks, the installation of two crane hardstandings, surface water drainage, and connection to the existing electricity substation within the existing PYW wind farm site.

1.2.3 The proposed study site is approximately 13.3 hectares located on Craig Rhiwberfa ridgeline at an elevation of between 375 -395m Above Ordinance Datum (AOD). The proposed wind turbines would be located at the following OS grid references:

Turbine 1: E294866, N190405 Turbine 2: E295190, N190826

1.2.4 This Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVApp) provides an assessment of the effects of the proposed PyWEx2, on the landscape of the site and its context. The design of the proposed development and the identification of mitigation measures incorporated within the design to minimise adverse effects, is informed by the findings of the appraisal. In this LVApp, effects on features identified as important to the scenic quality, or effects on the landscape character of the site and its setting are assessed. Effects on peoples’ views of the site and its setting, or visual amenity, are also assessed.

1.2.5 For the purposes of assessing the landscape and visual effects of this proposal, study areas have been defined, as follows:

2 A107578 • Pant-y-Wal Extension x2 (PyWEx2)

The “study site” extends to the boundaries as shown on Figure LA.01-2; The “landscape context” study area extends to a radius of 1.5km from the study

site, as shown on Figure LA.07. LANDMAP study areas are shown on Figures LA.04 as defined by Table 6 in the Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015;

The visual study area extends to 15km1 from the study site, as shown on Figures LA.09; and

The cumulative study area extends to 23km2 from the study site, as shown on Figure LA.12.

1.2.6 The objectives of the appraisal are to:

Describe and evaluate the landscape of the site and surrounding landscape context and visual amenity of the surrounding area, which might be affected by the proposed development;

Examine the development proposals and analyse the potential effects on the landscape and visual amenity associated with the scheme’s design and operation;

Provide an assessment of the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development with integral mitigation measures in place.

1.2.7 The LVApp is presented with separate sections dealing with effects on the landscape, visual amenity, and cumulative effects. The LVApp is illustrated by plans and photographs, as follows:

Figures LA.01 Proposed Turbine and Study Site Locations

Figures LA.02 Designations

Figure LA.03 Public Access

Figures LA.04 LANDMAP

Figure LA.05 Landscape Character

Figure LA.06 Topography

Figure LA.07 Study Site Context

Figures LA.08 Site Photographs

Figures LA.09 ZTVs

Figures LA.10 Appraisal Views

1 In accordance with Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual

Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

2 In accordance with Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

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Figures LA.11 Viewpoints

Figure LA.12 Cumulative Assessment

Figures LA.13 Cumulative Zone of Theoretical Visibility plans

1.2.8 Detailed information is presented in Appendices as follows:

Appendix 1 General Assessment Methodology

Appendix 2 Landscape policies

Appendix 3 Cumulative developments scoped out of assessment

Appendix 4 Full figures list

1.3 Appraisal methodology 1.3.1 The methodology used for assessing the landscape and visual effects is based on the

recommendations in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition published by The Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment in 2013 (GLVIA3). A summary of the general methodology used is set out in Appendix 1.

1.3.2 The Landscape Institute has advised in relation to Landscape & Visual Appraisals outside a formal EIA process in its “Statement of Clarification 1/13”3:

In carrying out appraisals, the same principles and process as LVIA may be applied but, in so doing, it is not required to establish whether the effects arising are or are not significant given that the exercise is not being undertaken for EIA purposes. … The emphasis on likely ‘significant effects’ in formal LVIA stresses the need for an approach that is proportional to the scale of the project that is being assessed and the nature of its likely effects. The same principle – focussing on a proportional approach – also applies to appraisals of landscape and visual impacts outside the formal requirements of EIA.

1.3.3 The appraisal process comprises a combination of desk studies and field surveys, with subsequent analysis, and involved:

A review of landscape designations and planning policies for the landscape, and of other landscape studies relevant to the area, including local landscape character assessments and LANDMAP;

A survey of the study site, landscape context study areas and inspection of views of the study site from publicly accessible viewpoints, including a photographic survey. The surveys were carried out on 12th and 20th June 2019 during dry weather with good visibility;

3 Landscape Institute website: https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/technical/glvia3-panel/glvia3-

clarifications/ [accessed 02 April 2019]


Initial viewpoint locations were selected and then discussed with the Principal Planning Officer and the Principal Landscape Architect at Bridgend Country Borough Council. Further viewpoints were requested and are included in this LVApp. Further detail is provided in paragraphs 5.3.8 and 5.3.10;

Evaluation of the features and elements of the landscape and their contribution to the landscape character, context and setting, based on these studies;

Analysis of the development proposals and consideration of potential landscape and visual effects;

Assessment of the susceptibility and sensitivity of the landscape to the changes likely to arise from the development;

Identification of the extent of theoretic visibility of the development and potentially sensitive viewers and view locations, supported by a viewpoint analysis;

Consideration of proposals for mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or offset adverse effects;

Assessment of magnitude of change arising from the proposal and the degree and nature of effects on the landscape and on visual amenity, with the mitigation proposals in place.

Assessment and mitigation 1.3.4 The effects of the development, whether beneficial or adverse, may vary in nature and

degree through its lifecycle and, where feasible, mitigation measures are proposed to be incorporated in the design of the development. Where design measures cannot address identified likely adverse effects, measures such as management of the construction and operational processes are proposed. The purpose of mitigation measures is, first, to prevent or avoid the potential adverse effects identified, and if that is not possible, to reduce the potential adverse effect. Where adverse effects are unavoidable, the purpose is to offset or compensate for the effect.

1.3.5 Details of the assessment criteria for landscape effects, visual effects and cumulative effects are set out in those respective sections.

1.4 Weather 1.4.1 The weather is a factor affecting the assessment of, especially, visual impacts. The Met

Office4 publish average statistics for weather patterns for the region, monthly and annual, for maximum and minimum temperatures, days of air frost, hours of sunshine, amount of rainfall - both generally and the number of days when rainfall is above 1mm. For the district of England SW and Wales S, the nearest Climate station to where the site is located:

4 The data quoted are those for the England SW and Wales S district, obtained from The Met Office

website: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gcjt9mfg4 [accessed 30.04.19]

5 LVApp

Rainfall above 1mm per day, which limits visibility, occurs on an average of 154.8 days in the year, about 42% of the year;

There are on average 41.7 days when air frost occurs, which can produce hazy conditions limiting visibility, about 11% of the year;

There is an average of 1519.7 hours of sunshine per annum for the district, more than the Wales regional average of 1401 hours.

1.5 Guidance etc 1.5.1 In addition to GLVIA3, the following sources of guidance were referred to:

The Landscape Institute’s Guidance Note, Visualisation of development, September 20195.

Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

SNH Visual Representation of Wind Farm Guidance, Version 2.2 February 2017.

1.5.2 Relevant policy, landscape character assessments, and other contextual information sources were also referred to, including:

An approach to Landscape Character Assessment, published by Natural England, 2014;

LANDMAP assessment information; Natural Resources Wales, LANDMAP Guidance Note 3: Guidance for Wales, Using

LANDMAP for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of Onshore Wind Turbines, May 2013

Policies relevant to the landscape and visual amenity in national and regional policy including Bridgend County Borough Council, Local Development Plan 2006-2021, (adopted September 2013); SPG 20 Renewables in the Landscape: Supplementary Planning Guidance; and Landscape Character Assessment for Bridgend County Borough, Final Report prepared by LUC July 2013.

Photography 1.5.3 Photographs have a special role in describing landscape character and illustrating key

views. In order for photograph to be representative and to create an image that is as similar as possible to that which is seen with the human eye, the Landscape Institute (LI) advises using a lens with a focal length equivalent to 50 mm for a 35 mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, and a horizontal field of view of a little under 40 degrees6.

5 The Landscape Institute Guidance Note, Visualisation of development, September 2019, on LI website:

https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/visualisation/ [accessed 22 October 2019] 6 The Landscape Institute Guidance Note, Visualisation of development, September 2019, on LI website:

https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/visualisation/ [accessed 22 October 2019]


The camera used for the appraisal photography was a Canon EOS 5D Mark iii digital SLR camera with a full frame sensor. Photographs were taken with a focal length of 50mm.

1.5.4 Landscape photography includes wide angle or panoramic views requiring a sequence of photographs to be taken across the view. Where this approach is taken, a series of overlapping photographs are digitally spliced together in PTGui Pro using a cylindrical projection to provide a panorama approximating to the normal field of view in a landscape context. Where necessary, the contrast and brightness of individual photographs is slightly manipulated in order to create a consistent panorama without visible joins.

1.5.5 The viewpoint locations were established using a camera mounted GPS device and verified against site survey or Ordnance Survey grid reference and height above Ordnance Datum. The viewpoint locations are shown on Figure LA.09-3.

Visualisations 1.5.6 Viewpoint locations were recorded using an on-camera GPS unit. The GPS readings

were plotted in GIS and fine-tuned with reference to aerial photography and OS Terrain 5 DTM data to match accurately each photograph location. A 3d model of the site topography and surrounding terrain was created in Resoft Windfarm software and turbines modelled for the proposed extension and the developments included in the cumulative assessment. The viewpoint locations were set up in this model and wireline and photomontage views were generated for each selected viewpoint. Wirelines are presented in 90°cylindrical and 53.5° planar projections, and photomontages in 53.5° planar projection as per the latest SNH guidance.

2.0 Landscape Policies and Designations

2.1 National and local policy

Planning Policy Wales 2.1.1 Planning Policy Wales (PPW), Edition 10 December 2018, sets out the land use planning

policies of the Welsh Government. It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs). It aims to ensure that the planning system contributes towards the delivery of sustainable development and improves the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, as required by the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and other key legislation. The key policies that are of relevance to the development include:

Chapter 3 Strategic and Spatial Choices, paragraph 3.9 states “The special characteristics of an area should be central to the design of a development… In

7 LVApp

areas recognised for their particular landscape… or historic character and value, it can be appropriate to seek to promote or reinforce local distinctiveness. In those areas, the impact of development on the existing character, the scale and siting of new development… will be particularly important.”

Chapter 5 Productive and Enterprising Places, Paragraph 5.9.19 states that “prior to an application being submitted, developers for renewable…energy development should, wherever possible, consider how to avoid, or otherwise minimise, adverse impacts through careful consideration of location, scale, design and other measures.”

Chapter 6 Distinctive and Natural Places, paragraph 6.0.2 states “The special and unique characteristics and intrinsic qualities of the natural and built environment must be protected in their own right, for historic, scenic, aesthetic and nature conservation reasons.” Paragraph 6.3.3 goes onto state that “All the landscapes of Wales are valued for their intrinsic contribution to a sense of place, and local authorities should protect and enhance their special characteristics, whilst paying due regard to the social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits they provide, and to their role in creating valued places.”

TAN 8: Planning for Renewable Energy, July 2005

2.1.2 This TAN relates to the land use planning considerations of renewable energy, with all decisions relating to renewable energy in Wales taking account of the Assembly Government’s policy.

2.1.3 TAN 8 identifies seven Strategic Search Areas (SSA), within which larger scale wind farms should preferably be located. The study site is located close to the southwest of SSA F: Coed Morgannwg.

2.1.4 In areas outside of SSA, paragraph 2.13 suggests that “local planning authorities may wish to consider the cumulative impact of smaller schemes in areas outside of SSAs…” Paragraph 2.14 goes onto to state that “there will also be opportunities to… extend existing wind farms which may be located outside SSA and these should be encouraged provided that the environmental and landscape impacts are acceptable.”

National Development Framework 2020 – 2040, Consultation draft: 7 August – 1 November 2019

2.1.5 The draft National Development Framework (NDF), sets out development policies for Wales as a whole and for the North, Mid and Southwest, and Southeast Wales regions. The key policies that are of relevance to the development include:

2.1.6 The draft NDF identifies Priority Areas for Wind and Solar Energy.7, which will supersede TAN 8 SSAs. “There is a presumption in favour of large scale on-shore wind and solar energy development in these areas, an acceptance of landscape change and a

7 Page 42, National Development Framework 2020 – 2040, Consultation draft: 7 August – 1 November 2019


focus on maximising benefits and minimising impacts.”8 The study site lies within Priority Area 14 for wind and solar energy.

2.1.7 Policy 10 – Wind and Solar Energy in Priority Areas states “The Welsh Government supports large scale on-shore wind… development in the identified Priority Areas for Solar and Wind Energy. There is a presumption in favour of development for these schemes and an associated acceptance of landscape change…

Planning applications must demonstrate how… the following adverse impacts have been minimised:

landscape and visual impacts; cumulative impacts; the setting of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; visual dominance…

Suitable access to the site for construction and maintenance purposes must be provided. Plans must also be in place for the end of the development’s lifetime, including the removal of all infrastructure as soon as their use ceases and the appropriate after-use of the site.”

Local Policy 2.1.8 The site lies within the boundaries of Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC). Local

planning policy relevant to the proposed development of the site is provided by the Local Development Plan 2006 – 2021, which was adopted in September 2013. Relevant policies relating to the proposed development are outlined below. Details of these policies can be found in Appendix 2 of this report.

Bridgend County Borough Council, Local Development Plan 2006 -2021

2.1.9 There are four strategic objectives underpinning the LDP. Objective 2 “To protect and enhance the environment” seeks to:

- “Promote, conserve and enhance the natural, historic and built environment of the County Borough

- Contribute towards the energy needs of Wales with a focus on the promotion of renewable energy”.

Strategic Policy SP2 Design and Sustainable Placemaking states that “all

development should contribute to creating high quality, attractive, sustainable places which enhance the community in which they are located, whilst having full regard to the natural, historic and built environment” by:

8 Page 36, Page 42, National Development Framework 2020 – 2040, Consultation draft: 7 August – 1

November 2019

9 LVApp

- “… respecting and enhancing local character and distinctiveness and landscape character”

- “being of an appropriate scale, size and prominence”

Strategic Policy SP4 Conservation and Enhancement of the Natural Environment seeks to prevent development that will “will have an adverse impact on the integrity of the County Borough's countryside” and the “character of its landscape”. SP4 states that “areas having a high and/or unique environmental quality will be protected” and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast will be protected from inappropriate development which directly or indirectly impacts upon it.

Policy ENV1 Development in the Countryside states that “development in the countryside will be strictly controlled” and where development is acceptable in principle it should “have an appropriate scale, form and detail for its context”.

Policy ENV3 Special Landscape Areas states “development within SLAs will only be permitted where:

- It retains or enhances the character and distinctiveness of the SLA; - The design of the development reflects the building traditions of the

locality in its form, materials and details, and/or assimilates itself into the wider landscape; and

- The proposed development is accompanied by a landscape assessment which takes into account the impact of the development and sets out proposals to mitigate any adverse effects”.

Policy ENV3 also seeks to protect the settings of SLAs with “consideration of the views from those areas to the settlements of the County Borough”. The policy identifies 9 SLAs within BCBC. The proposed wind turbine development is located not located within an SLA. Further detail on the surrounding SLAs is provided in section 2.2 below.

Strategic Policy SP5 Conservation of the Built and Historic Environment states that “development should conserve, preserve, or enhance the built and historic environment of the County Borough and its setting” and will not be permitted where there is a significant adverse impact on:

- Listed Buildings and their settings; - Conservation Areas and their settings; - Scheduled Ancient Monuments; - Sites or Areas of Archaeological Significance; - Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens or; - Locally Significant Buildings”.

No such features occur within the study site. Further detail on the above listed features within the 15km study area is provided in section 2.2 below.


Strategic Policy SP8 Renewable Energy states that “development proposals which contribute to meeting national renewable energy and energy efficiency targets will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impacts on the environment and local communities”.

Policy ENV18 Renewable Energy Developments states that developments will be permitted “provided that they will not detrimentally affect local amenity by reason of… visual dominance, shadow flicker, reflected light…”

SPG 20 Renewables in the Landscape: Supplementary Planning Guidance

2.1.10 The SPG provides evidence to support the LDP policies: SP2 Design and sustainable Place Making, SP4 Conservation and Enhancement of the Natural Environment, and SP8 Renewable Energy. The Council recognises the opportunities for renewable energy, but renewable energy developments within the County “needs to be managed carefully to achieve the greatest contribution towards energy needs, whist at the same time ensuring that the valued characteristics of the landscape are not unacceptably harmed.”

2.1.11 For wind energy developments, this SPG also refers its users to the Planning Guidance for Wind Turbine Development: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for the Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from the South Wales Landscape Liaison Group.

2.1.12 The SPG goes on to provide some “generic guidance on siting wind energy developments in Bridgend County Borough, focusing on minimising landscape and visual effects.” The following guidance that is of relevance includes:

Site wind energy developments away from dramatic rugged landforms or valued distinct landform features (including prominent headlands).

Ensure siting of turbines does not damage the special qualities of the landscape as recorded in the Bridgend Landscape Character Area descriptions.

Significant effects on views from important viewpoints (including views which are integral to the character of conservation areas and recognised /iconic views), popular tourist and scenic routes, and settlements should be avoided where possible or minimised through careful siting.

It is generally less distracting to see a substantial part of a turbine rather than blade tips only – this may be a particular consideration for views from sensitive viewpoints or those frequented by a larger number of viewers.

The visibility of turbines from valleys and lower ground may be reduced if they are located on high plateau with concave or steep wooded slopes.

2.1.13 Under guidance for designing multiple developments, it includes:

Ensure any… extension to an existing scheme, takes account of landscape sensitivity as well as any landscape strategies for wind energy development that may be available.

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When designing wind farm extensions, it will be important that scale of turbines (including the proportion of rotor diameter to tower height) and rotation speeds are compatible.

2.1.14 The SPG also provides a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment and Guidance by Landscape Character Areas. It uses the framework of the 15 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) to provide an assessment of sensitivity to wind energy developments that are strongly linked to local landscape character.

2.1.15 The assessment identifies LCA8 as having a moderate to high sensitivity to very large (turbines with a blade tip height of 111m to 150m) wind energy developments. The definition of moderate to high sensitivity is “The key characteristics and qualities of the landscape are sensitive to change from the type and scale of renewable energy being assessed.”

2.1.16 The summary of landscape sensitivity for LCA8 states:

“Although this is a large-scale landscape that is influenced by human activity (in the form of farming, forestry and wind farms), its steep sided valleys, naturalistic land cover patterns including areas of unenclosed moorland, important archaeological features, elevated skylines forming a backdrop to views and its largely undeveloped, remote character all heighten sensitivity to wind energy development.

Human influence is greater in the southern half of the LCA, lessening sensitivity, while areas of unenclosed naturalistic land cover in the north have a higher sensitivity. The complex undulating landform and variations in scale mean that the landscape would be particularly sensitive to the development of ‘very large’ turbines.

The following locational variations in terms of the above discussion should be taken into account:

• The lower farmed slopes in the south of the LCA would have a higher sensitivity to turbines of over 75 metres or clusters of more than five turbines, due to smaller scale enclosed landscape patterns and presence of human-scale features including farm buildings.”

2.2 Designations 2.2.1 Landscape designations provide an indication of landscape value. They are areas that

have been recognised for qualities such as scenic beauty and the recreational potential of the landscape. Designations are shown on Figure LA.02.

National Park 2.2.2 The Brecon Beacons National Park (BBNP) lies just beyond the 15km study area as

illustrated on Figure LA.02-1. Therefore, the BBNP has been scoped out from further assessment.


Special Landscape Areas 2.2.3 Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) are a non-statutory designation applied by the local

planning authority to define areas of high landscape importance within their administrative boundary. Within the 15km visual study area there are several SLAs that are indicated to have visibility of the proposed PyWEx2 (see ZTV Figures LA.09). SLAs that do not overlap with the ZTV have been scoped out from further assessment in this LVApp.

2.2.4 Relevant SLAs are located within the following LPAs:

Bridgend CBC Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC Neath Port Talbot Vale of Glamorgan Council

Bridgend CBC

2.2.5 In October March 2010, the Designation of Special Landscape Areas, prepared by TACP for BCBC, was published. It used the LANDMAP data sets and landscape assessment methodology. Nine SLA were subsequently designated in the adopted LDP under Policy ENV3, see section 2.1 above.

2.2.6 The study site is located approximately 160m to the south of SLA 2: Northern uplands. The primary landscape qualities and features of the SLA are described as:

An open upland ridge landscape lying between approximately 250m and 550m AOD... The eastern half of the SLA has steep westerly facing slopes of the quite narrow valley (Ogmore), with views across the urban area (Ogmore Vale, Pricetown) on the valley floor with which it has an urban/rural interface. Attractive upland views within and out over Ogmore Vale and to other upland areas that survive largely intact and unaffected by modern afforestation. Wind noise is a dominant aesthetic factor which evokes particular experience of exposure and wildness. Some visual clutter of pylons slightly detracts from this otherwise wild/exposed typical upland area with a strong sense of place. Not remote as close to valleys and their associated urban areas.

2.2.7 Other SLAs within Bridgend CBC that are indicated to provide views of the proposed wind turbine development include:

SLA 3: Western Uplands – Located to the west and between 7 – 12km of the study site

SLA 5: Mynydd y Gaer – Located to the south and between 3 – 6km of the study site

SLA 7: Laleston – Located to the southwest and beyond 10km of the study site

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Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC

2.2.8 Eight SLAs located within Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC are indicated to provide views of the proposed PyWEx2. They include:

Mynydd y Glyn and Nant Muchudd Basin - Located to the east and between 7 – 12km of the study site.

Mynydd Hugh and Llantrisant Forest – Located to the southeast and between 4 – 12km of the study site.

Llwyncely Slopes – Located to the east and between 7.5 – 10.5km of the study site. The SLA covers a small area of land.

Cwm Clydach – Located to the east and between 9 – 13km of the study site. A very small area of the SLA and beyond 10km is indicated to have potential views of the proposed wind turbines.

Llanharry Surrounds – Located to the southeast, on the boundary of RCT CBC, and between 10 -15km of the study site.

Llantrisant Surrounds – Located to the southeast and between 11 – 14km of the study site. The SLA covers a small area of land.

Taff Vale Eastern Slopes – Located to the east study site. At its nearest point it is located approximately 13km from the study site and extends to the east and beyond the 15km study area.

Efail Isaf, Garth and Nantgarw Western Slopes – Located to the southeast and on the edge of the 15km study area.

Neath Port Talbot

2.2.9 One SLA located within Neath Port Talbot is indicated to provide views of the proposed PyWEx2:

Margam, Policy EN2/4 – Located to the west of the study site on the Unitary Authority boundary. At its nearest point the SLA is located approximately 10km from the study site and extend to the west and beyond the 15km study area.

Vale of Glamorgan

2.2.10 The Vale of Glamorgan is located to the south and beyond 10km of the study site. Three SLAs are indicated to have views of the proposed PyWEx2. They include:

SLA 1: Castle upon Alun SLA 2: Upper and Lower Thaw Valley SLA 3: Ely Valley and Ridge Slopes

Historic and Cultural landscape designations 2.2.11 Historic and cultural landscape designations located within the 15km study area are

shown on Figure LA.02-1.


Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest

2.2.12 Cadw, in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales (now called Natural Resources Wales) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS UK) has compiled a non-statutory Register of 58 Landscapes of Outstanding or Special Historic Interest in Wales.

2.2.13 To the southwest of the study site, a small area of the Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest (LOHI) is located within the 15km study area. It comprises of two separate areas adjacent to the coast, the northwest area lies entirely beyond the 15km study area. At its nearest point, the southeast area is located approximately 13km to the study site.

2.2.14 Due to the small area located within the 15km study area and the limited potential visibility of the proposed PyWEx2 from the Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and distance from the study site, the LOHI has been scoped out from further assessment.

Landscapes of Special Historic Interest

2.2.15 To the northeast of the site is The Rhondda Landscape of Special Historic Interest (LSHI), which lies entirely within the 15km study area. It “is one of the largest and best known mining conurbations and coalfield communities in Britain… Today, the Rhondda, although devoid of its former economic base, retains intact its supporting infrastructure and is the most important industrial and cultural landscape of its kind surviving in Wales.9

2.2.16 At its nearest point, The Rhondda landscape is located approximately 0.80km to the northeast of the study site. In the southwest of the registered landscape, it contains 7 existing PYW turbines. Several other cumulative wind energy developments are also scattered within the LSHI.

2.2.17 To the west of the study site is Margam Mountain LSHI, which extends westwards and just beyond the 15km study area. At its nearest point it is located approximately 9.9km from the study site. The LSHI was “a strategic location which controlled early routes to West Wales, including the main Roman road linking the Roman forts of Cardiff and Neath. Much of the area is now afforested… The area displays continuity, density and diversity of human occupation…”10

9 http://cadwpublic-

api.azurewebsites.net/reports/historiclandscape/FullReport?lang=en&id=HLW%20(MGl)%205 10 http://cadwpublic-

api.azurewebsites.net/reports/historiclandscape/FullReport?lang=en&id=HLW%20(WGl/MGl)%202

15 LVApp

Conservation areas and listed buildings

2.2.18 The setting of conservation areas and listed buildings is a consideration during the preparation of landscape and visual impact appraisals.

2.2.19 Within 5km of the study site there are two conservation areas. Nant-Y-moel to the northwest of the study site lies outside of the ZTV. Llangeinor conservation area is located approximately 3km to the southwest of the study site. It was designated in 1975 and includes the Grade II* Church of St Cein and Grade II Hooped Grave Cover in Llangeinor churchyard.

2.2.20 Within the 15km study area there are a further 24 conservation areas, 11 of these lie outside of the ZTV.

2.2.21 Within 5km of the study site there are several listed buildings located along the settled valleys to the west and south of the study site, including at Ogmore Vale and Prince Town. The nearest listed buildings to the study site are the Grade II listed Former Co-Operative Wholesale Society Building and a Fingerpost at the Junction of the High Street and Glyn Street in Ogmore Vale. They are located approximately 1.1km to the west of the study site and lie outside of the ZTV.

Scheduled Monuments

2.2.22 There are 7 Scheduled Monuments within 5km of the study site. The nearest to the site is Cairn Lwyd11, which lies approximately 2.5km to the west of the study site. The cairn is situated on a northeast facing slope of the ridge on open moorland.

2.2.23 Within the 15km study are there a numerous Scheduled Monuments. Several of these lie outside the ZTV, particularly beyond 5km of the study site and to the north, west and east of the study site.

Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales

2.2.24 There are no Registered Parks and Gardens of Special Historic interest within 5km of the study site. Bryngarw is the nearest historic park and garden to the study site, as listed within the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales prepared by CADW, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and ICOMOS (UK)12.

2.2.25 At its nearest point it lies approximately 5.5km to the southwest of the study site and its essential setting extends around the north and east perimeter of the historic park and garden. The ZTV does not overlap with the park and has therefore been scoped out from further assessment.

11 https://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/sam/FullReport?lang=en&id=3825 12 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Part 1: Parks and

Gardens, CADW, Welsh Assembly Government, ICOMOS UK, 2000


2.2.26 Within the 15km study are there are a further 13 Registered of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. The ZTV does not overlap with 9 of the registered park and gardens, including Bryngarw.

2.2.27 Note: Whilst preparing this LVApp, the non-statutory Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales has not yet been incorporated into the statutory register, which is expected to come into force during 2019.13

Heritage Coast

2.2.28 At its nearest point, The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is located approximately 14.5km to southwest of the study site. Figure LA.02-1 shows that a very small area of the heritage coast is located within the 15km study area. Due to the limited area of the heritage coast being located within the 15km study area, the heritage coast has been scoped out from further assessment.

Ancient woodland

2.2.29 There are no areas of Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland or Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site within the study site boundary. Immediately to the south of the study site small areas of ancient woodland in Ogmore Forest extend southwards. They include areas of Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland; Ancient Woodland of Unknown Category; and Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site.

2.2.30 Approximately 1.1km to the northwest of the study site in Ogmore Vale there are areas of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and Restored Ancient Woodland.

Ecological designations 2.2.31 Ecological designations located within the 15km study area are shown on Figure

LA.02-2.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

2.2.32 The following Sites of Special Scientific Interest are within 3km of the study site:

Daren y Dimbath (0.9km to the south of the study site), “a rich assemblage of liverworts, mosses and ferns”.

Cwm Cyffog (2.2km west of the study site), “a particularly good example of upland blanket mire”.

13 https://cadw.gov.wales/advice-support/historic-assets/registered-historic-parks-and-

gardens/understanding-registered#section-what-is-registration [accessed 22.10.2019]

17 LVApp

Public access 2.2.33 Public access land and routes that are located within the 15km study area are shown on

Figure LA.03.

Public rights of way

2.2.34 There are several long-distance routes that transect the 15km study area. Very short sections of the Wales Coastal Path lie just within the 15km study area, to the southwest of the study site, and mostly do not overlap with the ZTV. Due to the distance of the route from the proposed PyWEx2 and limited potential visibility of the wind turbines from the route, the Wales Coastal Path has been scoped out from further assessment.

2.2.35 Other long-distance routes within the 15km study area include connecting ridgeway walks that head in a west to east direction. Ogwr Ridgeway Walk is the nearest long-distance route to the study site, which is located approximately 3.7km to the southwest. To the east, the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk connects to the Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk. In the south of the study area and beyond 10km of the study site, a section of the Millennium Heritage Trail transects lowland areas.

2.2.36 Within the easternmost extent of the 15km study area, a section of the Taff Trail heads in a north to south direction. It is located within a valley and lies outside of the ZTV, it is therefore scoped out from further assessment within the LVApp. In the west of the 15km study area, part of the St Illtyds Walk meanders in a north to south direction partly following the same route as the Coed Morgannwg Way. A very short section falls within the ZTV where it follows the same route as the Coed Morgannwg Way. Potential effects on the Coed Morgannwg Way will be assessed, but the St Illtyds Walk has been scoped out from further assessment.

2.2.37 The 15km study area also contains a network of public footpaths and bridleways, which includes routes that are located within the immediate vicinity of the study site and the existing PYW wind farm.

2.2.38 Public access within the study site is described in section 4.5 below.

Open access land

2.2.39 The study site and the surrounding Ogmore Forest is covered by Public Forest. To the north of the study site, areas are designated as Open Country, including land within part of PYW wind farm. Large tracts of the uplands and forests in the wider 15km visual study area are also designated access land under the CROW Act.


National cycle routes

2.2.40 National Cycle Route (NCR) 88314 is located entirely within 5km of the study site. At its nearest point it is located approximately 3.8km to the west of the study site. The 4mile route begins at Nant-y-moel and heads southwards along a disused railway line and connects to NCR 4 to the south at Blackmill.

2.2.41 To the west of NCR 883 is NCR 88415, which is an 8mile route that begins at Blaengarw and heads southwards finishing at Bryngarw House and Country Park. From the country park there is a footpath connection that links to NCR 4 to the south. NCR 884 lies entirely outside of the ZTV and has therefore been scoped out from further assessment.

2.2.42 In the southern half of the 15km study area, a short section of 432mile NCR 416 transects the 15km study area in an east to west direction, connecting London to Fishguard. At its nearest point the route is located approximately 3.7km to the southwest of the study site.

2.2.43 Beyond 5km of the study site there a several other NCRs that transect the study area, particularly to the north.

Transport network

2.2.44 A short section of the M4 Motorway transects the south of the 15km study area in a west to east direction. At its nearest point it is located approximately 8.1km to the south of the study site.

2.2.45 A very short section of The Heads of the Valleys A465 road is located just within the 15km study area. Th majority of the route lies beyond the study area to the north and has therefore been scoped out from further assessment within this LVApp.

2.2.46 The A4061 road runs in a north to south direction along Ogmore Vale to the west of the study site. The road connects the Rhondda to the north with the M4 motorway and Bridgend in the south, at its nearest point it is located approximately 1.15km from the study site. The A4093 heads in an east to west direction to the south of the study site, from where the existing PYW wind farm is accessed. At its nearest point it is located approximately 3.2km from the study site.

2.2.47 The 15km study area contains a strong network minor road that connect the surrounding settlements and farmsteads, particularly to the south of the study site.

2.2.48 There are no rail connections in the immediate valleys (Tonypandy, 4km to the east, is the nearest railway station) although former rail beds have been converted into cycle

14 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-883 15 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-884 16 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-4

19 LVApp

routes as part of the National Cycle Network: Cwm Ogwr Fawr (to the west) is part of National Cycle Route 883 and Cwm Ogwr Fach (to the south) carries a section of National Cycle Route 4 (The Celtic Trail).

Summary 2.2.49 The following elements of the landscape designations that are relevant to the assessment

of landscape and visual effects of this proposal:

The study site is located approximately 160m to the south of SLA 2: Northern uplands.

Other SLAs in Bridgend CBC, Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, Neath Port Talbot, and Vale of Glamorgan Council that overlap with the ZTV;

The Rhondda Landscape of Special Historic Interest (LSHI) is located approximately 0.80km to the northeast study site.

The setting of conservation areas and listed buildings is a consideration during the preparation of landscape and visual impact appraisals.

The setting of Scheduled Ancient Monuments that overlap with the ZTV, particularly within 5km of the study site;

There are no areas of Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland or Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site within the study site boundary.

Ecological designations, although not specifically related to landscape amenity, are an indication of landscape value.

There are several long distance routes, public footpaths and areas of access land within the 15km study are that need to be considered, including the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, the Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, the Millennium Heritage Trail, and the Coed Morgannwg Way; and

National Cycle Routes (NRC) 883 and 4 need to be considered in the assessments.

Features scoped out from the assessment

2.2.50 In summary, the following features are scoped out from the assessment, due to the factors set out above:

Brecon Beacons National Park; Special Landscape Areas that do not overlap with the ZTV; Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Landscape of Outstanding Historic

Interest; Conservation areas that do not overlap with the ZTV; Listed buildings were considered within 5km of the study site. Listed buildings that

do not overlap with the ZTV are scoped out from further assessment; Scheduled Ancient Monuments that do not overlap with the ZTV; Bryngarw Registered Park and Garden and a further 8 Registered Parks and

Gardens; The Glamorgan Heritage Coast; Wales Coastal path;


The Taff Trail; St Illtys Walk; Public footpaths, bridleways and open access land that do not overlap with the

ZTV; and National Cycle Route 884.

3.0 The Proposed Development

3.1.1 Details of the proposed development are provided on the application plans and the Planning Statement and Design and Access Statement accompanying the application. This section describes the main aspects of the proposed development which may affect the landscape and/or visual amenity. It also identifies features of the proposals which will assist in mitigating adverse landscape and visual impacts.

3.1.2 The proposed PyWEx2 would include 2 wind turbines, each capable of generating up to 2.5MW of electricity and would be operational for 25 years. The on-site development would also include spurs off the existing access tracks, cabling, and contractors’ compounds during the construction phase.

3.1.3 The proposed site layout is shown in the accompanying planning application drawings as well as details of the proposed wind turbines. Access to the PyWEx2 site would be served via the existing PYW access from the A4093 in Glynogwr and existing access tracks within the PYW site serving. New access spurs would be constructed that extend from the existing PYW wind farm site to serve the proposed wind turbines.

3.1.4 The proposed wind turbines are of the horizontal axis type, with a rotor consisting of three blades mounted on the turbine hub or nacelle. The specification for the proposed turbine, on which the assessment is based, is:

Maximum capacity: 2.5MW Maximum tip height: 125m Maximum hub height: 80m Maximum blade length: 50m

3.1.5 The maximum blade length of 50m would be used only with a hub height of 75m (not 80m) so that the maximum tip height would not exceed 125m.

3.1.6 Other components of the development proposal relevant to the LVApp are:

Traditional, reinforced concrete foundations for the wind turbines, approximately 17m in diameter;

An area of hardstanding, approximately 25m x 35m, adjacent to each turbine foundation for laying down turbine components during construction and to site the two cranes needed to lift the tower sections, nacelle and rotor into place;

21 LVApp

The hardstandings would be left in place in order to allow for maintenance and repair of the wind turbines during operation and at the end of the wind farm’s life, for decommissioning operations;

Spurs to the existing tracks connecting to the proposed turbine locations, constructed to a general width of 5.0m and a depth of approximately 0.3m (varying locally to reflect ground conditions);

Track-side drainage channels, lined where necessary with a geotextile layer to prevent ingress of soils and to assist removal of sediment;

Piped drainage below some tracks to facilitate naturally occurring drainage; Cables to connect the wind turbines to the substation, laid in trenches alongside

the access tracks; Connection to the grid, by means of overhead lines mounted on wooden poles

running parallel to the existing overhead line that serves the wind farm, which will be subject of a separate application under the Electricity Act 1989.

Construction phase

3.1.7 The overall construction period for PyWEx2is anticipated to be 12 months, with HGV deliveries to the site occurring over a period of about 3 months and delivery of the abnormal indivisible loads (AILs) over a period of about 1 month.

3.1.8 A micro-siting radius is proposed for each turbine location to allow for small changes in position to optimise the turbine layout to suit the selected turbine and to minimise impacts during construction.

3.1.9 At the end of the construction period, once the wind turbines have been commissioned, the site would be cleared of any construction related plant and equipment, temporary accommodation and compounds would be removed, and land disturbed during construction reinstated.

Operation phase

3.1.10 During operation, routine maintenance or servicing of wind turbines would require visits to the site two to four times a year by a team of two people using a 4x4 vehicle. The wind turbines would be switched off while being serviced, for periods of one day during a minor service to three days for a main service.

3.1.11 Blade inspection and maintenance would be carried out during mid-summer at 2 – 5 year intervals and may involve using a “cherry picker” or up to a 50T crane. Occasional maintenance of tracks, depending on the degree of use, would also be carried out in the summer months.

Decommissioning phase

3.1.12 At the end of the wind turbine development’s design life of 25 years, it would be decommissioned, and the wind turbines and all other above-ground plant and machinery would be dismantled and removed from the site.


3.1.13 Concrete turbine foundations below the adjacent ground level would be left in place. Soils would be re-spread over the foundations, crane platforms and former buildings/transformer areas, and the land either allowed to revegetate naturally or sown with upland grassland seed, for grazing.

Sources of potential effects on landscape and views 3.1.14 The main features of the development proposal which are likely to result in landscape

and visual impacts are:

Introduction of the additional wind turbines in context to the existing PYW wind farm. This would also include ancillary structures and infrastructure during the construction phase and their continued presence during operation;

The activity associated with the construction phase, with movement of vehicles and the large plant needed for construction of the development;

The long-term land use change to a wind turbine development adjacent to an existing wind farm during the operational phase;

Activities and changes in removing the wind farm in the decommissioning and restoration phase.

3.1.15 Although the PyWEx2 would be located adjacent to the existing PYW wind farm other potential sources of effect on landscape character and on visual amenity include:

Location: to make the best of the wind resource over land, wind farms are sited in exposed, elevated places which are often also scenic landscapes and exposed to view over a wide area.

Movement: unlike, for example, pylons which are static and comparatively unnoticed in their landscape setting, the movement of the turbine blades attracts attention.

Sound: when approaching the wind turbine development, the combined sound of the revolving blades produces a background sound effect similar to “white noise”. Closer to, the rhythmical sounds of the individual wind turbines are distinguishable and, as with movement, attract attention.

Shadow: passing near the wind turbines the shadow of the revolving blades cast on the ground adds to the awareness of movement.

Colour: the effect of white/pale colour catching the sunshine when viewed from the south, attracting attention.

Silhouette: when viewed against the sky in different light conditions or in the shade of passing cloud, the wind turbines may appear darker even though with a pale colour finish.

Ground disturbance: when forming and later removing the concrete bases for the structures, access spurs and cable trench, contractors’ compounds, and sub-stations.

Activity for maintenance and repair: personnel, with vehicles and equipment, visiting the wind turbine development at regular intervals, and the activities

23 LVApp

associated with the maintenance operations. As noted above, in case of breakdown, large plant may be needed to transport and install large components;

Grid connection would be overhead power line on timber poles, similar to the connection for the existing wind farm, located alongside the existing line.

Mitigation measures 3.1.16 The potential for adverse effects on landscape and visual amenity has been recognised

and mitigation measures incorporated in the scheme to avoid or reduce adverse effects or to offset or compensate for unavoidable adverse effects.

3.1.17 Mitigation measures incorporated into the scheme design include:

Turbine models: The PYWEx2 turbines would be the same model, measurements and colour as the existing PYW extension wind turbines. This is to ensure the proposed turbines would blend in the view where the PYW turbines are visible and not form a detracting or separate feature to the existing PYW wind farm.

Location: The PYWEx2 would be located to the southeast of the existing PWY wind farm and extension site. The location of the proposed wind turbines avoids routes of public rights of way, areas where mature coniferous forestry would need to be felled, and springs and watercourses.

Access spurs: The proposed routing and construction of new access spurs aims to minimise intrusion by utilising the exiting PYW wind farm access tracks and extend from these existing routes.

Public access: During the construction period disruption of the rights of way and access land would be minimised by management of site activities and ensuring safe routes and crossings are provided.

Landscape restoration strategy

3.1.18 After construction, disturbed land beyond the hardstandings would be reinstated and after decommissioning the landscape of the whole study site would be restored.

Aims and objectives

3.1.19 The landscape restoration strategy aims to maximise the potential for restoring the land used by the wind turbines, including the additional land used during construction and decommissioning rehabilitating the landscape features disturbed by the development.

Main features of the restoration proposals

3.1.20 There are three aspects to the landscape restoration: restoration upon completion of construction; management during the operational period; and landscape restoration and further ongoing management after decommissioning.


On completion of construction

3.1.21 At the end of the construction phase, disturbed land beyond the operational areas would be restored to pasture, marrying with the surrounding land. Land occupied by the contractors’ compounds and storage areas would be cleared and restored.

3.1.22 Concrete foundations for wind turbines would be covered by suitable fill material to make up levels and soiled over to marry with the surrounding levels. The edges of hardstandings would also be soiled over (as has been done at the existing wind farm). Soiled areas would be allowed to regenerate from seed and plant propagules present in the soils or would be over seeded if appropriate.

During the operational period

3.1.23 Land within the developer’s control would be managed by an appropriate grazing regime and would aim to improve the biodiversity and landscape interest.

On decommissioning

3.1.24 After removal of all the structures, the surface parts of concrete foundations and hardstandings would be broken up in situ, covered with stone as necessary to make up levels, and spread with the recovered soils. Vegetation would be re-established by natural regeneration or seeding where appropriate, protected by fencing until well-enough established to withstand grazing.

Monitoring

3.1.25 During construction and decommissioning, the operations on site would be monitored. A landscape and ecology management plan would be prepared to ensure the mitigation strategy is followed and mitigation measures for other environmental issues are integrated within the overall design of the scheme.

3.1.26 During operation of the wind turbines, regular inspection of regenerating vegetation would continue for 2-3 years. The management of the grazing regime would be monitored throughout the operational period.

4.0 Effects on the Landscape

4.1.1 This chapter deals with the effects on the landscape of the site and its context of the proposed construction and occupation of the site.

4.2 Assessment criteria 4.2.1 The assessment process is described generally in section 1.3. The general methodology

for assessing the effects is set out in Appendix 1, and the criteria used in this LVApp are set out in the tables below.

25 LVApp

4.2.2 The degree of the likely landscape effects of the proposed development is determined by relating the sensitivity of the receptors to the changes arising from the development proposals, and the degree and nature of the changes in the landscape arising from the proposals.

Sensitivity 4.2.3 As described in Appendix 1, the sensitivity of landscape receptors17 is dependent on

their value and susceptibility to, or ability to accommodate, the changes that would be brought about by the proposed development. The sensitivity of landscape receptors is assessed by combining professional judgments of the value attached to the landscape or its components, established in the baseline study, and their susceptibility to the type of change arising from the development, as follows:

4.2.4 The following categories of landscape sensitivity to change are used, combining consideration of landscape value and susceptibility, with the criteria applied:

Table 4-1 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape sensitivity Category Indicative criteria

High sensitivity A highly valued landscape e.g. of national or international importance, whose character or key characteristics are very susceptible to change;

Aspects of the landscape character are highly valued as “key characteristics” and, often identified as susceptible to change in national or local character assessments;

The landscape character is highly valued as intact and in good condition and particularly vulnerable to disturbance;

A highly valued landscape with no or limited potential for substitution or replacement.

Moderate sensitivity

A landscape of local importance or value, whose character or key characteristics are susceptible to change;

Other characteristics of the landscape character also valued in national or local character assessments and susceptible to change;

The landscape character is valued for moderate condition and not particularly vulnerable to disturbance;

A moderately valued landscape with some potential for substitution or replacement.

Lesser sensitivity No or little evidence of value or importance attached to the landscape area, its features or characteristics;

17 The term used for elements and aspects of the landscape that might be affected by the proposals and

people with views of the development.


Category Indicative criteria Few features, characteristics or qualities susceptible to disturbance or particularly susceptible to improvement or upgrading

Good potential for substitution or replacement

4.2.5 These are the criteria against which receptors are considered in order to arrive at a

judgement as to their sensitivity, but it is not necessary for all the criteria set out for a category to apply.

Magnitude of change 4.2.6 The degree of the likely landscape effects of the proposed development is determined

by relating the sensitivity of the receptors to the changes arising from the development proposals, and the degree and nature of the changes in the landscape arising from the proposals.

4.2.7 The scale of magnitude of the changes is related to considerations of the size or scale of the change, the geographical extent of the area influenced, and the duration and reversibility of the change. The scale of magnitude of the changes is graded, as follows:

Table 4-2 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of landscape change Magnitude of Change

Landscape Change

Great change Major size or scale of change, affecting the landscape type or character of the area within which the proposal lies or extending over the wider area; continuing into the longer term or permanently, with low prospect of reversibility.

Medium change Intermediate size or scale of change, affecting part of the landscape type or character of the area within which the proposal lies, or larger scale of change at the level of the site or immediate context; continuing into the medium to long term, and reversible.

Small change A minor proportion of the extent of the character type or area is affected or smaller scale of change over a larger extent; the changes occur at the level of the site or immediate context, and likely to be medium to short term and reversible.

Negligible/no change

No apparent change to landscape characteristics

4.2.8 While GLVIA3 includes the duration of the change in the consideration of the magnitude of change, in some cases a major size or scale of change of shorter duration may be considered a “great change”.

27 LVApp

Assessing effects 4.2.9 The degree of effect, whether adverse or beneficial, is assessed by relating the

sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of change, by considering the following indicative criteria:

Table 4-3 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape effects Landscape effect Indicative criteria

Major

Highly sensitive landscape completely degraded or greatly changed, with little or no scope for mitigation;

Great improvement, sufficient to upgrade overall landscape character.

Moderate Medium change to moderately sensitive landscape or its character; lesser change to higher sensitivity landscape or greater change to less sensitive landscape.

Minor Small or limited adverse change to the existing landscape or its character; greater change to less sensitive landscape;

Considerable scope for mitigation;

Small improvement to the existing landscape.

Negligible No perceptible change to the existing landscape or its character;

The change is difficult to discern.

4.2.10 Intermediate conditions may be described, such as Moderate-Major, where the criteria

for Moderate may be exceeded but not qualify as Major. Where magnitude of change is “None”, the effect would correspondingly be “None”.

4.2.11 Effects may be adverse or beneficial. In some instances, the effect may be offset by other considerations, for example, through the mitigation or landscape proposals, and the resulting effect may be neither beneficial nor adverse.

4.3 Landscape baseline 4.3.1 The landscape baseline is a description and analysis of the existing landscape, against

which the effects of the proposed development are assessed. The landscape is described, first, by reference to landscape character assessments for the area in which the site is located, at national and local levels and, then, from site-specific surveys and analysis carried out for the purposes of this assessment.


National landscape character assessment

LANDMAP 4.3.2 Landscape assessment, following the LANDMAP Guidance Note 3, has been undertaken.

The assessment uses the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) / Wales Landscape Partnership Group approach which separates the defining aspects of the landscape into five categories, or aspects: geological, habitats, historic, cultural, and visual & sensory. It considers the relationship that exist between people and places; how people have given meaning to places through time and how the physical landscape has shaped their actions, or how their actions have shaped the landscape.

4.3.3 The detailed descriptions for the most relevant aspect areas, in accordance with Guidance Note 3, are summarised below. The findings of the LANDMAP studies have formed the basis of the landscape and visual appraisal which forms the baseline for the landscape and visual impact assessment. Characteristics of particular relevance to the site and its context are highlighted in bold. LANDMAP aspect areas for each of the aspect layers are illustrated on Figures LA.04.

The study site

Geological Landscape

4.3.4 The study site is located within the north of aspect area U Ogwr Fach (CYNONGL036), which is classified as Glacial mountain valley (Level 3), see Figure LA.04-1. The geographical and topographical character of the area is described as (question GL4) “Glaciated U-shaped upper valley system eroded into north and south dipping Pennant sandstones… Tributary valleys between Ogwr Fach and Cwm Dimbarth controlled by west northwest to east southeast Tyn y Nant fault zone. Steep valley sides with cliff lines in sandstones beneath high level plateau. Closed collieries and waste tips...”

4.3.5 The rarity (question GL31) of the area is evaluated as low and the overall evaluation (question GL33) for the area is moderate.

Landscape habitats

4.3.6 The study site is located in two landscape habitat aspect areas. The west half of the study site is located in aspect area CynonLH007 (unnamed), which is classified as Acid Grassland (Level 3), see Figure LA.04-2. The key features that define the area’s biodiversity character (question LH24) include “unenclosed uplands with marshy/ acid grassland on the ridgetops, birberry heath on steeper slopes… scree slopes with ferns…”

4.3.7 The overall evaluation (question 45) for the area is high.

29 LVApp

4.3.8 The east half of the study site is located in aspect area CynonLH016 (unnamed), which is classified as Coniferous Woodland (Level 3). The key features that define the area’s biodiversity character (question LH24) include “conifer plantation with geological SSSI…”

4.3.9 The overall evaluation (question 45) for the area is moderate.

Historic Landscape

4.3.10 The study site is located within the north of aspect area H10 Ogmore Forest (CYNONHL633), which is classified as Woodland (Level 3), see LA.04-3. The aspect area is described as (question HL4) “Area of forestry created in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the 20th century by the afforestation of what was previously mainly open moorland…”

4.3.11 Historic features within the aspect area include Scheduled Monuments.

4.3.12 The overall evaluation (question HL40) for the area is moderate.

Cultural Landscape

4.3.13 The study site is located within the expansive aspect area of Designated Landscape Areas (CYNONCL056), which is classified as Institutions (Level 3). The aspect area is described as (question CL17) “(mostly) upland and moorland landscape that… have been variously designated statutorily… or by Unitary Authorities… or as part of the Coalfield Plateaux. Such designations are a reflection of 20th/21st century perceptions of the value of protecting both natural habitats and of rural areas of lesser importance though possessing much aesthetic and sensory value…”

4.3.14 The rarity (question CL33) of the area is evaluated as low see Figure LA.04-4, the group value (question CL35) of the area is evaluated as outstanding see Figure LA.04-5, and the overall evaluation (question CL40) for the area is high see Figure LA.04-6.

Visual & Sensory Aspect

4.3.15 The study site is located within the north of the Ogmore Forest aspect area (CYNONVS649), which is classified as Wooded Upland and Plateaux (Level 3). The aspect area covers Ogmore Forest and is described as (question VS3) an “upland landscape dominated by coniferous forest with small areas of rough grazing/open land interspersed”. It has a “strongly defined undulating topography with ridges and valleys”. There are also “limited short views to Mynydd Maesteg to east and more distant views to south” Question VS25 notes the lack of distinct sense of place.

4.3.16 The scenic quality (question VS46) of the area is evaluated as moderate see Figure LA.04-7, the character (question VS48) of the area is evaluated as moderate see Figure LA.04-8, and the overall evaluation (question VS50) for the area is moderate see Figure LA.04-9.


LANDMAP Summary

4.3.17 The below table summarises the evaluations for each Aspect Area that the study site is located in:

Table 4-4 Summary of LANDMAP Aspect Layer

Aspect Area name and Unique ID

Classification (Level 3)

Overall Evaluations

Geological Landscape

U Ogwr Fach

UID: CYNONGL036 Glacial mountain valley

Moderate

Landscape Habitats

(Unnamed)

UID: CYNONLH007 Acid Grassland High

(Unnamed)

UID: CYNONLH016 Coniferous Woodland Moderate

Historic Landscape

H10 Ogmore Forest

UID: CYNONHL633 Woodland Moderate

Cultural Landscape

Designated Landscape Areas UID: CYNONCL056

Institutions High

Visual and Sensory

Ogmore forest

UID: CYNONVS649 Wooded Upland and Pleteaux

Moderate

Contiguous aspect areas

4.3.18 Following Table 6 in the Heads of the Valleys Guidance document18, for the Geological Landscape, Landscape Habitats, and Cultural Landscape aspect layers only the aspect areas in which the proposed wind turbines are located, or immediately adjacent aspect areas are considered, see above paragraphs 4.3.4 – 4.3.9 and 4.3.13 – 4.3.14.

4.3.19 For the Historic Landscape and the Visual and Sensory aspect layers, all aspect areas within the 15km study area that have a High or Outstanding evaluation which are also indicated by the ZTV to have potential visibility of the proposed wind turbines are further considered as part of this assessment.

Historic Landscape

4.3.20 The 15km study area principally contains aspects areas that have a High or Outstanding overall evaluation, see Figure LA.04-3. They comprise of a diverse range of historic landscapes including marginal land, regular and irregular fieldscapes, woodland, and communications.

18 Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact

Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015

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4.3.21 Marginal land aspect area CYNONHL215 forms a ‘U shape’ around the Ogmore Vale valley to the west and north of the study site. It extends in a south to north direction along the uplands of Mynydd Llangeinwr to the west of the study site before following the uplands of Mynydd Maes-teg in a north to south direction. It is evaluated as Outstanding as it is an “extensive, unenclosed upland landscape that survives largely intact...”19. There are also several SAMs within the aspect area. Aspect area CYNONHL687 extends further to the east and north within the 15km study area covering the upland areas in the Rhondda. It is evaluated as Outstanding as it “represents a remarkably well-preserved multi-period upland landscape, containing evidence of human activity dating back to the Mesolithic era.”20 The aspect area contains SAMs, listed buildings and is located within the Rhodda LSHI.

4.3.22 Irregular fieldscapes are located on the lower slopes of Mynydd Llangeinwr, Mynydd Maes-teg to the south and southwest of the study site. Although part of the landscape has been fragmented by modern development, the aspect areas are evaluated as High for their surviving agricultural landscape that is characterised by varied and evolved enclosure. The aspect areas also contain listed buildings and some SAMs. Irregular fieldscape also occurs beyond 5km of the study site at Mynydd Baedan (CYNONHL227), which is evaluated as Outstanding. The aspect area contains the remains of settlement and enclosure dating from prehistoric, early medieval, medieval, and post-medieval periods. A Registered Park and Garden, several SAMs, conservation areas, and part of the LOHI are located in the aspect area.

4.3.23 Regular fieldscapes are located to the to the southeast of the study site on the rounded hills of Mynydd Maendy and between the settlements of Llanharan and Llanharry. The aspect areas are evaluated as Outstanding as they represent rich multi-period landscapes that date back to the Neolithic period. The aspect areas contain listed buildings and some SAMs.

4.3.24 Woodland at Garw Forest is located to the northwest of the study site and is evaluated as High. Although the steep valley sides between the ridges is dominated by modern forestry plantation, unenclosed moor survives in the north of the aspect area. The area also contains some SAMs.

4.3.25 The settlement of Sarn is identified as communications with an Outstanding evaluation to the southwest of the study site. It is described as “an important industrial communications/settlement corridor with some outstanding relict industrial buildings of national importance.”21 The aspect area contains listed buildings and SAMs.

19file:///W:/Landscape/GIS%20Datasets/Wales/NRW/LANDMAP/Historic_Landscape/HL_Descriptions/Cynon

HL215_04-12-2003.html 20file:///W:/Landscape/GIS%20Datasets/Wales/NRW/LANDMAP/Historic_Landscape/HL_Descriptions/Cynon

HL687_27-10-2003.html 21file:///W:/Landscape/GIS%20Datasets/Wales/NRW/LANDMAP/Historic_Landscape/HL_Descriptions/Cynon

HL242_04-12-2003.html


Visual & Sensory Aspect

4.3.26 The majority of the aspect areas within the 15km study area are evaluated as Moderate or Low and have therefore been scope out from further assessment. Figures LA.04-7 and LA.04-8 show that no aspect areas within the 15km study area have an Outstanding evaluation for Scenic Quality or Character, therefore no aspect areas have an overall evaluation of Outstanding within the study area, see Figure LA.04-9.

4.3.27 Aspect areas that have an overall evaluation of High are mainly located within 10km of the proposed wind turbines and are associated with the uplands of Mynydd Gaer, Mynydd Maes-teg, and Mynydd Baedan. The aspect areas are comprised of upland grazing or hillside and scarp slopes that are unsettled except for scattered farmsteads. The extensive views from these upland areas towards the Brecon Beacons to the north and the coastline to the south contribute to the sense of place and upland character. The PYW wind farm and extension has been noted in aspect area CYNON496 to the northeast of the study site for its contribution to sense of place.

Local landscape assessments 4.3.28 The most recently published Landscape Character assessment of relevance to the site is

the Landscape Character Assessment for Bridgend County Borough, which was published in July 2013. The study site is located within the Landscape Character Area 8: Ogmore Forest and Surrounding Uplands, see Figure LA.05. The key characteristics are identified as:

Topography, geology and drainage Highly undulating plateau and ridge landscape of Upper Coal Measures

dissected by steeply incised valleys, draining into the Cwm Ogwr Fawr to the west and Cwm Ogwr Fach to the south.

Hill summits and ridges reaching over 500 metres AOD in the north of the LCA.

Fast-flowing streams and springs draining off the uplands and passing under stone hump-backed bridges in their lower courses. Woodland cover

Forestry plantations (including the Ogmore Forest) with abrupt linear edges on ridges and hill summits, with riparian and broadleaved woodlands on valley sides. Agricultural land use and field patterns

Rough grazing by sheep predominating (including on upland commons). Enclosed land on valley sides, with marginal pastures divided by hedges

and mature hedgebanks forming tree lines. Patches of gorse, bracken and rush pasture conveying an upland feel.

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Semi-natural habitats Large tracts of semi-improved/semi-natural acid grassland, marshy grassland,

heath, bracken and scrub. Locally important swathes of broadleaved semi-natural woodland are found within

Cwm Dimbath and on the western slopes of Mynydd yr Aber. Archaeology and cultural heritage

Bwlch y Clawdd Dyke (a Scheduled earthwork) situated in a prominent upland position along the county borough boundary, with cairns topping hill summits elsewhere.

Evidence of the landscape’s coal mining heritage, with disused tips on slopes. Settlement and road pattern

The only settlements are occasional small villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads nestled on the southern slopes above the Ogmore Valley.

Minor lanes providing access, whilst a large proportion of the uplands is designated open access land and crossed by rights of way. Views and perceptual qualities

A largely unsettled and inaccessible landscape, heightening senses of remoteness and wildness with exposure to the elements. This is reduced on the fringes of the LCA close to valley settlements.

Spectacular panoramic views from high ground to the Brecon Beacons and Bristol Channel.

4.3.29 Relevant forces for change for the LCA include:

Renewable energy development: Demand for wind energy developments within the exposed landscape – with wind turbines already present at Fforch Nest and Pant-y-wal on the border with Rhondda Cynon Taf.

4.4 Site-specific appraisal The landscape of the study site

4.4.1 The study site is located in the centre of the South Wales valleys, approximately 12km northeast of Bridgend and similar distances to the west of Pontypridd and southwest of Aberdare. It is situated near the top of a rounded hill to the south of Mynydd yr Aber and between the valleys of Cwm Ogwr Fawr (Ogmore Valley) to the west, Rhondda Fawr to the northeast, and Cwm Ogwr Fach to the south. The settlements of Ogmore Vale are situated 1km to the west, Tonypandy 3km to the east, and Gilfach Goch and Evanstown 3km to the southeast and east.

4.4.2 The study site is located just below the high point of 399m AOD at Craig Rhiberfa rounded hill. Immediately to the north of the high point, the landform sharply falls into the valley of Cwm y Fuwch. The land then steeply rises to the north forming the


uplands of Mynydd yr Aber and Mynydd William Meyrick, which has a high point of 517m AOD. To the southeast of the study site, the landform steeply descends to into the valley of Cwm Dimbath before inclining and forming the surrounding rounded hills of Mynydd Maendy, Mynydd Gwair and Mynydd Gilfach with a high point of circa 390m AOD, see Figure LA.06.

4.4.3 Along the Craig Rhiwberfa ridgeline and to the west of the study site, the landform sharply falls into the settled valley of Ogmore Vale. Immediately west of the settlement is the upland of Mynydd Llangeinwyr that forms a north to south ridgeline, which has a high point of 356m AOD.

4.4.4 The surrounding uplands contrast with open ridge tops with rugged valley sides, to ridges planted with conifer plantations that also cover incised valleys. Wind farms are also located on some of the surrounding uplands, including the existing PYW wind farm and extension site on Mynydd yr Aber, which surrounds the north and east of the study site.

4.4.5 To the west and east of the study site, the north to south valleys tend to be settled, which were previously formed around the coal mining industry, including the settlements of Ogmore Vale, Pricetown, Nant-y-moel to the west, and Gilfach Goch, Evanstown, Willamstown, and Tonypandy to the east. The valleys are connected via ‘A’ roads that eventually link to the M4 Motorway to the south.

4.4.6 To the south of Cwm Ogwr Fach valley and the study site, the landform of the study area is generally lowland with some low hills that separate the higher ridges, which are comprised of agricultural farmland. As the landform levels, the study area becomes more settled with larger settlements such as Bridgend along the M4 corridor. Further to the south and beyond the study area is the coastal plain and coastline.

Features of the study site

4.4.7 The study site forms a small part of Ogmore Forest, a conifer plantation that extends from the ridgeline of Craig Rhiwberfa, to the south and west along the steep valley sides towards Ogmore Valley and Cwm Dimbath. The topography of the east half of the study site gently slopes down in an east to west direction from an elevation of 400m AOD down to circa 385m AOD. The west half of the study site slopes down in a northwest to southeast direction from a high point of circa 380m AOD down to circa 365m AOD.

4.4.8 The east of the study site comprises of semi-mature conifer plantation, which is backdropped by mature conifer plantation further to the east. A clearing in the more recently planted planation bisects the woodland. To the south of the plantation is the PYW wind farm vehicular access track, which connects to Footpath 7 in the centre of the study site and connects to the existing PYW Turbine 29 to the northwest. Proposed Turbine 2 is located in the east of the study site, between Footpath 7 and the existing PYW access track, see Figure LA.07.

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4.4.9 The west of the study site is comprised of less dense conifer plantation with some more open grassland areas and understory growth. From the existing PYW access track, Footpath 7 runs along the northwest boundary of the study site and continues along the ridgeline to the west before descending down the valley side and connecting with Ogmore Vale. The southwest and south boundary of the study site is defined by access clearings in the conifer plantation. Proposed Turbine 1 is located in the southern corner of the study site.

4.4.10 Throughout the study site, particularly along Footpath 7, the existing PYW access tracks and clearings in the plantations, there are near views of the PYW wind turbines. There are views of the full structures of some existing PYW turbines from more open areas of the study site, and in more enclosed areas, there are views of the rotating blades above the surrounding conifer plantation.

4.4.11 At the time of the site visit, part of the study site and surrounding area appeared to have been damaged by a past fire. New undergrowth is beginning to flourish but some remaining conifer trees appear to be scorched, see Figures LA.08-1 and LA08-2 for Site Photographs.

Characteristics and aesthetics

4.4.12 Landform is the defining characteristic of the landscape in this area: broad rounded ridges on a generally north to south alignment, separated by deeply incised valleys with steep side slopes rising to the open ridge tops.

4.4.13 Mynydd yr Aber to the north is open, exposed, rugged and wild, offering long-distance 360° panoramic views across the landscape, which contributes to the sense of large scale and a strong sense of place. The rounded ridgeline at Craig Rhiwberfa to the south is slightly lower in elevation and longer-distance views to the north are restricted to Mynydd yr Aber. Craig Rhiberfa is planted with conifer plantations that increases a sense of enclosure with tunnel like views in places. Between some gaps in the plantation there are some long-distance views to the coastline to the south, but these tend to be restricted and limited.

4.4.14 The presence of the existing PYW wind turbines, vehicular access tracks and associated infrastructure immediately to the north and east of the study site also contribute towards the reduced sense of remoteness.

4.5 Public access Public Rights of Way and access land

4.5.1 Two footpaths transect the study site. Footpath 7 follows the northwest boundary of the study site before heading in a northeast direction and connecting to surrounding footpaths. At its nearest point it is located approximately 165m to the northwest of Turbine 1. Footpath 21 connects to Footpath 7 and transects the east half of the study


site in a north to southeast direction. At its nearest point it is located approximately 185m to the south of Turbine 2.

4.5.2 The study site, the surrounding Ogmore Forest, and uplands to the north are open access land. Public rights of way and access land beyond the study site boundary are described in section 2.2 above.

Landscape value and susceptibility 4.5.1 The relative value attached to the landscape receptors was considered at the baseline

stage to inform the judgments about the effects likely to occur. Designation is a starting point in understanding landscape value, but value may also be attached to undesignated landscapes. For “ordinary, everyday landscapes”, areas whose character is judged to be intact and in good condition, and where scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and natural or cultural heritage features make a particular contribution to the landscape, or where there are important associations, are likely to be highly valued.

4.5.2 The judgement of value for the landscape of the study site was based upon the degree to which it may be considered to be representative of typical character, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of its elements, scenic quality, sense of place, aesthetic and perceptual qualities. Table 4-5 below identifies the features/ elements/ characteristics identified as important or key to the landscape character of the study site and surroundings, evaluating their value and susceptibility based on the criteria set out in Appendix 1.

4.6 Effects on the landscape 4.6.1 This section examines the landscape effects arising as a result of the proposed

development with reference to:

the effects on landscape fabric within the site; the effects on landscape character, including consideration of the effects on

designated landscapes;

4.6.2 Landscape character is derived from the combination and pattern of landscape elements. The effects of proposed development on landscape character would arise from its relationship to these combinations and patterns, and thus the character of the landscape. Effects on the landscape features, qualities and character may occur where there are either direct or indirect physical changes to the landscape. Direct changes to landscape fabric would only occur within the study site.

4.6.3 The effect of the proposed development on landscape character will depend on key characteristics of the receiving landscape; the degree to which the proposed development is considered consistent with or at odds with them; and how the proposed

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development would be perceived within the setting, with perception being influenced by:

the distance to the site; weather conditions; and the ‘fit’ of the proposed development within the landscape pattern and

characteristics.

Sensitivity 4.6.4 Landscape sensitivity is a product of consideration of the value associated with it and its

susceptibility of the changes likely to arise from the project/ development/ etc. proposals. Criteria for determining the landscape value and landscape susceptibility are set out in Appendix 1. For this informal appraisal the assessment of sensitivity is based on bringing value and susceptibility considerations together in one combined step, in accordance with the criteria set out in Table 4-1 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape sensitivity above.


Table 4-5 Sensitivity of Landscape receptors Receptor Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Study site

Landscape features – conifer plantation and vegetation cover

Medium value: of local and regional importance and a typical feature on the skyline in the area.

Not susceptible to change as the location of the proposed wind turbines avoids mature areas of conifer plantation to be felled. Cleared areas would be small.

Lesser sensitivity

Landscape character –

Large scale upland landscape with rounded ridges that has a sense of some enclosure in places and reduced sense of remoteness

Medium value: Not a nationally designated landscape but is of local and regional value.

The sense of remoteness and some enclosure is susceptible to change.

Moderate – high sensitivity

Public footpaths and access – public access within and adjacent to the study site including those in the surrounding vicinity for which the study site is a component of the landscape setting

High value: public footpaths are locally valued, and the access land is nationally designated.

Susceptible to change in the character of their setting, e.g. addition of vertical features, overhead movement and sound close to the routes.

High sensitivity

Local context

Landscape features – existing Pant-y-Wal wind farm and associated infrastructure

Low value: although noted in the LANDMAP assessments as adding to the sense of place, the PYW wind farm is not a key characteristic of the area.

Susceptible to change by extending and adding additional wind turbines to the existing PYW wind farm.


Landscape character – Large scale uplands with the distinct Cwm y Fuwch valley

Medium value: of local and regional value.

Moderately susceptible to change as the additional wind turbines would be located within the setting of the uplands and valley.


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Receptor Value Susceptibility Sensitivity

Other characteristics – long distant 360° panoramic views

Medium value: of local and regional value.

Moderately susceptible to change with the additional wind turbines adding more vertical elements to views.


Settlement – the character and setting of valley settlements

Medium value: local value with cultural and historic associations with mining in the area

Moderately susceptible to change by extending the existing PYW wind farm further to the south and closer to settlement.


Public footpath routes and access land – surrounding footpaths and access land in the local context

High value: public footpaths are locally valued, and the access land is nationally designated.

Moderately susceptible to change with additional wind turbines in the setting of public routes and access land.

Moderate - high sensitivity

Designated landscapes – Northern Uplands SLA

Medium value: SLA locally designated landscape.

Moderately susceptible to change with additional wind turbines in the setting of public routes and access land.


Designated sites – SAMS, conservation areas and listed buildings

High value: statutory designations.

Not susceptible to change as the Listed buildings and conservation areas are set in valley locations. The SAMs are distant from the site.

Lesser sensitivity

Historic landscape –The Rhondda LSHI High value reflecting the nationally important historic landscape.

Not susceptible to change. Although the Rhondda LSHI is located within 1km of the study site, several existing PYW turbines are located between the LSHI the study site acting as a buffer and forming part of the setting.

Lesser sensitivity

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Magnitude of change 4.6.5 Assessments for the magnitude of change to landscape receptors as a result of the

proposed development following its completion is set out in the below in table 4-6.

42 A107578 • Pant-y-Wal Extension x2 (Two Turbines)

Table 4-6 Magnitude of change to the landscape

Landscape Receptor

Magnitude of change

During operation: long term and reversible

Magnitude of change

During construction: short-term activities At decommissioning: short-term activities

Study site Landscape features – conifer plantation and vegetation cover

The study site would change to a ridgeline comprised grassland and more recently planted conifer plantation to one that would contain large wind turbines and associated hardstandings. The proposed wind turbines would add new elements and perceptual aspects the area but are not considered to be an incongruous feature due to the existing PYW wind farm that is located within the immediate vicinity and setting of the plantation. The proposed PYWEx2 would represent a medium scale of change to the character of the land use over a small geographical area, which would be reversible: medium change.

At construction some areas of more recently planted conifer plantation would be felled, and the ground would be stripped of any vegetation to accommodate the proposed wind turbines. The scale of the change would be small and over a small geographical area. The construction of the access spurs would be reversible, but the felling of some nursery conifer plantation would be permanent as the turbine concrete foundations would be left in-situ under re-spread soil. Although some construction actives would have permanent effects, the majority of the activities would be reversible and small in scale: small change. At decommissioning, activities would include the removal of the wind turbines and associated access spurs resulting in small scale changes over a small geographical area: small change. Once these short-term activities are completed, some areas of conifer plantation would be re-planted and ground cover vegetation would begin flourish. Over time as the trees and vegetation establish, the magnitude of change would reduce.

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Landscape Receptor

Magnitude of change


Magnitude of change




The study site is partially influenced by the adjacent existing PYW wind farm that has created a reduced sense of remoteness. The proposed PYWEx2 is likely to result in a reduced sense of enclosure in places, which would be over the long term but would be reversible. The medium scale of change over a small geographical area would result in a medium change.

During the construction phase, the study site would see an increase in activity with construction vehicles over the short term, which would be reversible. The large-scale upland landscape is likely to continue as the defining characteristic, although in some places the sense of enclosure would be reduced with the felling of some nursery conifer plantation. Effects of this would continue into the longer to permanent term (over 25 years). The medium scale of change over a small geographical area would result in medium change. During decommissioning, activities would be of similar nature to the construction phase. The removal of the access spurs are likely to increase the sense of remoteness within the study site. Overtime as some areas of the re-planted conifer plantation establish there would be an increase in the sense of enclosure. The medium scale of change over a small geographical area would result in medium change.

Public footpaths and access – public access within the study site and footpaths within and adjacent to the study site including those in the surrounding vicinity for which the study site is a component of the landscape setting.

Access to the study site and surrounding footpaths would be restored during the operational phase. However, the addition of the proposed wind turbines is likely to cause change at site level and within the immediate vicinity of the study site with additional sound, movement and shadow activity. The changes would be over the long term but would be reversible: medium change.

During construction and decommissioning, there would be temporary short-term disruption to the public access and footpaths routes within the study site. The disruption would be reversible, and access fully restored once the construction and decommissioning activities are completed. The changes would occur at site level and are considered to be small - medium.


Landscape Receptor

Magnitude of change


Magnitude of change


Local context Landscape features – existing Pant-y-Wal wind farm and associated infrastructure

The proposed wind turbines would be located to the southeast of the existing PYW wind farm. The proposed wind turbines would form part of the surrounding wind energy development. The character of the wind farm is unlikely to alter during the operational phase and would be integrated into the existing wind farm: negligible.

During the construction phase, vehicles would use the existing access tracks to gain access to the proposed turbine locations. However, this would be over the short-term and would be in context to the maintenance vehicles using the site and is unlikely alter the perceptual character of the wind farm. New access spurs would connect to the existing wind farm tracks. The construction of the wind turbines and access spurs would alter the layout of the existing wind farm into the longer to permanent term (over 25 years). Overall, effects would occur over a small geographical area and would affect a small area of the existing wind farm small change. During the decommissioning phase, activities would be similar to those during the construction phase. The effects would be over the short term: small change.


The large scale upland landscape contains the existing PYW wind farm and extension site with some existing wind turbines located close to the Cwm y Fuwch valley. The addition of the proposed wind turbines to the south of valley are likely to result in small scale indirect changes over a medium geographical area: small change.

During the construction and decommissioning phases, construction vehicles would use the existing PYW access tracks to gain access to the study site. Although there would be an increase in activity, the main area of activity would be on the study site, to the south. Indirect changes would be small in scale, over a medium geographical area during the short term, which would be reversible: small change.

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Landscape Receptor

Magnitude of change


Magnitude of change



Long distant 360° views are interrupted by the existing PYW turbines and other wind energy developments in the distance. The addition of the proposed wind turbines would be small in scale and over a medium geographical area but is unlikely to alter the characteristic of the views. The duration of the change would be over the longer term but would be reversible: small change.

The long distant 360° panoramic views available from the open upland areas would be interrupted in the short term by the construction and decommissioning activities. The activities would be viewed in context to the exiting PYW wind farm and maintenance activities. The changes to the character of the view would also be small in scale and over a small geographical area, which would be reversible: small change.


Although the proposed wind turbines would extend PYW wind farm closer to settlement, it is unlikely to noticeably influence the character of the setting to settlement. The proposed wind turbines would fall outside of the setting to most of the valley settlements due to separation and screening effects. The small-scale change would be over the long term and reversible over a small geographical area: small change.

Indirect changes to the setting of the nearby settlement during construction and decommissioning would be small in scale, over a small geographical area, over a short period of time and would be reversible: small change.

Public footpath routes and access land - surrounding footpaths and access land in the local context

The scale of the change on the setting of public footpaths and access land would be small-scale and over a small geographical area. The addition of the proposed wind turbines are likely to be interpreted in a similar manner to the existing PYW wind farm: small change.

No routes or access land beyond the study site would be directly affected during the construction and decommissioning phases. Indirect effects would be over the short term, reversible, and would be in context to the existing PYW wind farm: small change.


Landscape Receptor

Magnitude of change


Magnitude of change



The proposed wind turbines would be located to the south of the SLA, adjacent to the existing PYW wind farm that is partially located within the SLA. The proposed wind turbines would add additional movement, sound, and vertical features in the setting of the SLA, but is likely to be perceived in a similar manner to the existing PYW wind farm. The scale of the change would be small and over a small geographical area: small change.

During the construction and decommissioning phases, construction vehicles would use the existing PYW access tracks to gain access to the study site, which partially transect the most southern extent of the Northern Uplands SLA. The SLA would experience an increase in activity but would be in context to the existing PYW wind farm, which involves regular maintenance and vehicular access to the existing wind turbines and substation. The main area of activity would be on the study site, which is located beyond the SLA to the south. The scale of change would be small over a medium geographical area, which would be over the short term and would be reversible: small change.


No direct impacts would occur to the historic designated sites. The character of the setting to the designated sites are unlikely to alter due to the distances of the sites from the proposed wind turbines, the scale of the change is likely to be negligible.

During construction and decommissioning, there are unlikely to be any apparent changes to the character and setting of the historic designated sites. The magnitude of change is therefore concluded to be negligible.

Historic landscape –The Rhondda LSHI

No direct impacts would occur to the LSHI. The LSHI contains 7 PYW wind turbines with several other wind turbines located close to the boundary of LSHI. Due to the existing PYW wind farm and its influence on the LSHI, its setting, and the limited potential visibility of the proposed wind turbines, the scale of the change is likely to be negligible.

During construction and decommissioning, there are unlikely to be any apparent changes to the character and setting of the Rhondda LSHI. The magnitude of change is therefore concluded to be negligible.


Assessment 4.6.6 Consideration of the magnitude of the change on landscape receptors as a result of the

proposed development is combined with consideration of the sensitivity of landscape receptors to assess the degree and nature of the effect during construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed development.

4.6.7 The assessment conclusions are set out below in Table 4-8

Table 4-7 Assessments of effects on the landscape

Landscape Receptor

Sensitivity of receptor

Magnitude of change

Assessment of effects during operation

Assessment of effects during construction and decommissioning

Study site:

Landscape features – conifer plantation and vegetation cover

Lesser sensitivity

Medium change during operation.

Small change during construction and decommissioning.

Moderate adverse

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor adverse. Following the decommissioning phase Overtime, effects would reduce to minor neutral.



Moderate -high sensitivity


Medium change during construction and decommissioning.

Moderate neutral

Construction and decommissioning phases: moderate adverse. However, once the decommissioning phase has been completed effects would reduce to negligible effects.

Public footpaths and access – public access within the study site and footpaths within and adjacent to the study site including those in the surrounding vicinity for which the study site is a component of the landscape setting

High sensitivity


Small - medium change during construction and decommissioning.

Moderate adverse

Construction and decommissioning phases: moderate adverse. After the completion of the decommissioning phase and the restoration of the study site has established, the effects would reduce to negligible effects.

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Landscape Receptor


Magnitude of change



Local context: Landscape features – existing Pant-y-Wal wind farm and associated infrastructure


Negligible change during operation.


Negligible Construction and decommissioning phases: minor neutral.



Small change during operation.


Minor neutral

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor adverse. However, once the decommissioning phase is complete, effects would reduce to negligible effects.



Small during operation.


Minor – moderate adverse

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor – moderate adverse effects. However, once the decommissioning phase is complete, effects would reduce to negligible effects.





Minor - moderate neutral.

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor - moderate neutral landscape effects. Once the decommissioning phase is complete, effects would reduce to negligible effects.


Landscape Receptor


Magnitude of change



Public footpath routes and access land – surrounding footpaths and access land in the local context

Moderate -high sensitivity



Minor -moderate neutral.

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor - moderate neutral landscape effects. Once the decommissioning phase is complete, effects would reduce to negligible effects.





Minor adverse.

Construction and decommissioning phases: minor adverse landscape effects. Once the decommissioning phase is complete, effects would reduce to negligible effects.


Lesser sensitivity

negligible change during operation.

negligible change during construction and decommissioning.

Negligible Negligible

Historic landscape –The Rhondda LSHI

Lesser sensitivity

negligible change during operation.

negligible change during construction and decommissioning.


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5.0 Effects on Visual Amenity

5.1.1 This chapter deals with the effects on visual amenity, arising from changes in the views available to people in the surrounding area.

5.2 Assessment criteria 5.2.1 The assessment process is described generally in section 1.3 The general methodology

for assessing the effects is set out in Appendix 1, and the criteria used in this LVApp are set out in the tables below.

5.2.2 The degree of the likely visual effects of the proposed development is determined by relating the sensitivity of the receptors to the changes arising from the development proposals, and the degree and nature of the changes in the views available to people and in their visual amenity arising from the proposals.

Visual Sensitivity 5.2.3 The sensitivity of viewers is affected by the susceptibility of the viewer to changes in

views and visual amenity and the value attached to particular view locations and views. The context of the location contributes to susceptibility, for example, people viewing from residential properties or from a valued landscape are likely to be more susceptible to change than people viewing from an industrial context. Particular views may have importance and be valued, for example, as “classic” views depicted in art or reported in literature, or as part of the experience of a landscape of importance or promoted recreation facility or route.

5.2.4 The following criteria for visual sensitivity, combining susceptibility and value considerations, are used:

Table 5-1 Criteria for assessing visual sensitivity Category Indicative criteria

High sensitivity Viewers in residential or community properties with open views of/ towards the study site;

Views experienced by many viewers;

Daily, prolonged or sustained views available over a long period, or where the view of the landscape is an important attractant;

A view from a landscape, recreation facility or route valued nationally or internationally for its visual amenity.

Moderate sensitivity Viewers in residential or community properties with partial or largely screened views of/ towards the study site;


Category Indicative criteria Frequent open views available of/towards the study site;

Viewers are pursuing activities such as sports or outdoor work, where the landscape is not the principal reason for being there or the focus of attention is only partly on the view;

A view of/towards the study site from other valued landscapes, or a regionally important recreation facility or route.

Lesser sensitivity A view of low importance or low value attached to the view, or where the viewer’s attention is not focused their surroundings;

A view of/towards the study site from a landscape of moderate or less importance;

Occasional open views or glimpsed views available of/towards the study site passing views available to travellers in vehicles

A view available to few viewers.

Magnitude of change 5.2.5 The degree of the likely visual effects of the proposed development is determined by

relating the sensitivity of the receptors and the changes in the landscape or view of the landscape to which they will be subjected. The scale of magnitude of the changes in visual amenity is evaluated in terms of the size or scale of the change, the geographical extent of the area influenced, duration and reversibility, as follows:

Table 5-2 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of visual change Magnitude of Change

Visual Change

Great change Major size or scale of change, affecting a large proportion of the angle of the view, or affecting views from a wide area; continuing into the longer term or permanently, with low prospect of reversibility.

Medium change Intermediate size or scale of change, affecting part of the angle of the view, or affecting some views from the wider area, or larger scale of change in views from within the immediate context of the site; continuing into the medium to long term, and reversible.

Small change A minor proportion of the angle of view is affected or the contribution of the changed elements or characteristics to the composition of the view is not important; the changes are viewed from longer distances, are short to medium and reversible.

Negligible/no change

Barely perceptible change or the change is difficult to discern;

No change in the view or the changes due to the development are out of view.

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5.2.6 While GLVIA3 includes the duration of the change in the consideration of the magnitude of change, in some cases a major size or scale of change of shorter duration may be considered a “great change”.

Assessing effects 5.2.7 The degree of effect, whether adverse or beneficial, is assessed by relating the

sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of change, using the following indicative criteria:

Table 5-3 Indicative criteria for assessing visual effects Visual effect Indicative criteria

Major Great change or visual intrusion experienced by highly sensitive viewers or from highly sensitive public viewpoints;

The proposal would cause a great deterioration in the existing view available to highly sensitive viewers;

Great improvement in the view, sufficient to upgrade overall visual amenity.

Moderate Medium change or visual intrusion experienced by moderately sensitive viewers;

Smaller change to higher sensitivity viewers or greater change to less sensitive viewers.

Minor Small or localised visual intrusion in the existing view, especially for less sensitive viewers;

Small or localised reduction in visual intrusion, or improvement in the view.

Negligible Negligible change in the view or the change is difficult to discern even for a highly sensitive viewer.

5.2.8 In addition to these criteria, in some instances the effect may be discernible or greater,

but offset by other considerations, for example, through the mitigation or landscape proposals for the development, and the resulting effect is neither beneficial nor adverse.

5.3 Visual baseline

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) 5.3.1 Zones of Theoretic Visibility (ZTV) plans have been generated by computer to identify

the geographic extents within which views may be available of the proposed wind turbines. Figure LA.09-1 shows the predicted extent of the ZTV for the proposed wind turbines at hub height (80m high) within the 15km visual study area and Figure LA.09-2 shows the predicted extent of the ZTV to the blade tip height (125m high).


5.3.2 The ZTVs are based upon “bare ground scenario”, i.e. no allowance has been made for the potential screening by minor variations in topography, existing vegetation, buildings within settlements, etc. The computer generated ZTVs are based on a digital terrain model generated from the 5m grid interval OS Terrain 5® dataset, but minor undulations in the terrain may not be reflected in the 5m grid interval of the data. The viewer eye-height for each ZTV has been calculated at 2m above ground level.

5.3.3 The ZTV mapping has been produced at 1:125,000 scale to enable an overview of the theoretical visibility of the proposed wind turbine development within a 15km study area to be gained.

5.3.4 The ZTVs show that the surrounding topography influences the potential visibility of the proposed wind turbines. The surrounding upland areas of Mynydd yr Aber, Mynydd William Meyrick, Mynydd Llangeinwyr, and Werfa are predicted to provide views of the proposed wind turbines and would generally screen or limit views from locations to the north and west of the study site, except from higher ridges to the northeast and southwest. The settled valleys between the north to south uplands to the west and east of the study site are principally excluded from the predicted ZTV. Some small marginal areas of the settled areas that rise up along the steep valley sides within 5km of the study site are predicted to provide views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.3.5 To the south and within 5km of the study site, the proposed wind turbines are predicted to be visible on the land that rises up from Ogwr Fach to the rounded hill of Mynydd Maendy and beyond to where the existing PYW wind farm is located. The valley of Ogwr Fach is excluded from the ZTV, but as land rises up to the south from Ogwr Fach to the ridgeline at Mynydd Gaer and Waun Wen, the proposed wind turbines are predicted to be visible. The ridgeline screens views to the south from areas between 5km and 10km of the study site. To the south of the M4 motorway and beyond 10km of the study site, the proposed wind turbines are predicted to be visible from a large area of the gently rolling lowlands, including Bridgend. However, in reality, due to the screening effects of built form, hedgerows along roads and field boundaries, and small blocks of woodland which the ZTVs did not take into account, the extent of the potential visibility of the proposed wind turbines is likely to be more restricted.

5.3.6 Overall, the extent of the predicted visibility of the proposed wind turbines within 5km of the study site would be mostly concentrated on the surrounding upland areas. Between 5km and 10km of the study site, views of the proposed wind turbines are predicted to be from scattered elevated areas, particularly to the northeast, southeast, and southwest. Beyond 10km of the study site, potential distant views of the proposed wind turbines would mainly be concentrated to areas located within the southern half of the study area. The upland area of Mynydd yr Aber would largely screen views of the proposed wind turbines from areas beyond 5km of the study site to the north.

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Viewpoint study 5.3.7 A photographic survey was undertaken to identify the potential extent of the visibility of

the wind turbine development by locating viewpoints available to sensitive receptors. To inform the initial viewpoint selection, a study area of 15km radius from the study site was mapped showing the surrounding landscape designations, public access, landscape character, and the predicted ZTV for the proposed wind turbine development (Figures LA.09). Potentially sensitive visual receptors within the study area include residents, people visiting areas covered by landscape designations, areas or sites of historic interest, visitor attractions, and roads.

5.3.8 Based on the collated data, initial representative viewpoint locations were selected that relate to the “receptors”, that is, residents and users of the landscape, and locations from which they may have views towards or of the site. Bridgend Country Borough Council (BCBC) were consulted about the scope of the visual studies, including the initial viewpoint selection. A further three viewpoints were requested from BCBC from the settlements of Ogmore Vale, Evanstown, and Nant-y-Moel22, which are also considered as part of this LVApp. The three additional viewpoint references are prefixed with BC.

5.3.9 For each of the viewpoints, the precise location was chosen during the field studies where local features such as vegetation, buildings or localised topographic variation were identified. From some locations, receptors may not be able to view the study site itself. However, due to the height of the proposed wind turbines, which is taller than some surrounding features, viewpoint locations include areas where the proposed development would potentially be viewed above existing features.

5.3.10 A total of 13 viewpoints were taken to illustrate the study site and its appearance from publicly accessible areas where it was safe to take the viewpoint photographs. Of the 13 viewpoints that were taken, 11 were taken forward as viewpoints for the assessments, see Figure LA.09-3 for viewpoint locations. BC01 and BC03 are excluded from the assessments but are illustrated as Appraisal Views on Figures LA.10-1 to LA10-4. BCBC requested a view from Nantmoel (BC03) to confirm the limited visibility from the area, it was agreed that the viewpoint would be presented with a wireline but would not be accompanied with an assessment.

5.3.11 Viewpoint photographs and visualisations are reproduced on Figures LA.11-1 to LA11-38. Table 5.4 below lists the 11 viewpoints that are assessed and details including the receptors represented and the reasons for selection.

5.3.12 Views from within the study site are also provided to illustrate the landform and context of the study site, see Figures LA.08-1 - LA.08-2.

22 Email correspondence dated 23.05.2019 from Philip Thomas, Principle Planning Officer at Bridgend

County Borough Council


Table 5-4 Viewpoint details

VP Ref

Location Distance and direction to the nearest turbine

Receptors represented and reasons for selection

BC02

Edge of Evanstown

2.6km to the southeast

Residents.

• The viewpoint was requested by BCBC to consider additional residents as sensitive receptors.

01 Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale

1.6km to the west

Residents.

• It represents key receptors including residents.

• The ZTV indicates that both wind turbines would potentially be visible from the viewpoint.

• The viewpoint is close to several requested viewpoints by BCBC for the previous Pant-y-wal turbine extension planning application.

• To assist with cumulative assessments.

02 Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr


Users of the bridleway.

• The viewpoint is located close to a bridleway and the access tracks that lead to Pant-y-wal windfarm.



03

Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer

5km to the southeast

Users of the long distance footpath, users of access land, public road users.

• The viewpoint is located within SLA, is in public access land, and located at a public car park, which is illustrated on OS maps.

• There are elevated views towards the Pant-y-wal wind farm and the study site.



• The viewpoint was used for the Pant-y-wal wind farm extension planning application (viewpoint 09).

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VP Ref



04

On the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill

4.1km to the southwest

Residents at nearby scattered farmsteads, users of the long distance footpath and users of access land.

• The viewpoint is located within SLA, is in public access land, and located on a long distance footpath.

• There are elevated views towards the Pant-y-Wal wind farm and the study site.



• The viewpoint was used for the Pant-y-Wal wind farm extension planning application (viewpoint 07).

05

Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry

4.9km to the west

Users of the footpath and forest.

• The viewpoint is located on a footpath next to the forest which is publicly accessible.





06

Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communic-ations mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm

5.2km to the northwest

Users of the bridleway and access land.

• The viewpoint is located in SLA, on a bridleway and is in access land.




• The viewpoint is close to a viewpoint used for the Pant-y-Wal wind farm extension planning application (viewpoint 11).


VP Ref



07

Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip

8km to the northeast

Users of the access land and minor road.

• The viewpoint is located in Landscape of Special Historic Interest and access land.





08

On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyrefail


Residents at nearby scattered farmsteads, users of the NCR and minor road, and users of the nearby footpath.

• The viewpoint is located in SLA.

• On a minor road which is part of NCR4





09

Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend


Users of the road, playground, Bridgend Circular Walk and access land, and nearby residents.


• The ZTV indicates that both turbines would potentially be visible from the viewpoint.


• The viewpoint was used for the Pant-y-Wal wind farm extension planning application (viewpoint 20A).

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VP Ref



10

On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig


Users of the long distance footpath.

• The viewpoint is located in SLA and on the Ogwr long distance footpath.




Table 5-5 Existing view descriptions

Viewpoint Reference

Landscape context at viewpoint location

Existing view towards site

BC02 - Edge of Evanstown

The viewpoint is located on the western edge of Evanstown, to the southeast of the study site. The viewpoint is on a residential cul de sac with a mix of more recently constructed two storey terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. The properties are orientated towards the north with small rear gardens to the south. In the front curtilage of each property there is car parking areas with some properties having a small amenity grass strip. To the south of the residential road there is a local Primary School. Evanstown extends to the east and southeast of the viewpoint and connects to the settlement of Gilfach Goch. To the north and west of the viewpoint, the landform rises towards the uplands of Mynydd Maesteg and Mynydd Maendy.

Views from this location are generally restricted to short or middle distant views due to the surrounding built form and nearby uplands screening views.

In the left of the view is the semi-detached and detached two storey properties. The residential properties are backdropped by near views of the conifer plantation that cover the rounded hill of Mynydd Maendy, which screen more distant views. In the centre and right of the view, the grass uplands of Mynydd Maesteg form the skyline. Above Mynydd Maesteg, there are some near views of some PYW turbines breaking the skyline. The full rotor diameter is visible for three of the wind turbines, but Mynydd Maesteg screens views of the majority of the wind turbines with some blade tips being just visible puncturing the skyline. Below Mynydd Maesteg the lower slopes are comprised of scrub and rough grassland.

Views of the study site in the centre of the view are screened by the ridgeline of Mynydd Maesteg.


Viewpoint Reference



01 - Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale

The viewpoint is located near the south of Ogmore Vale settlement, to the west of the study site. Elm Terrace is a residential road that is lined with two storey semi-detached properties that are built on the lower slopes of Ogmore Vale valley. Several residential streets are located on the lower slopes that are constructed parallel to the A4061 main road at the bottom of the valley settlement. Elm Terrace is one of the higher elevated residential roads in Ogmore Vale. Properties along the road are east facing and overlook the roof tops of adjacent residential properties and rear gardens.

Ogmore Vale occupies the valley floor to the north and south of the viewpoint, where rows of houses are aligned along the valley side contours. To the west, the landform continues to steeply rise before levelling and forming the north to south ridgeline of Mynydd Llangeinwyr.

Some existing PYW wind turbines are viewed to the east and above Mynydd Aber.

The viewpoint has an urban context that is set within a large-scale landscape. The adjacent steep sided hills are imposing, which create a sense of enclosure.

Above the roofline of the adjacent properties immediately to the east of the viewpoint there are views of some residential properties in Ogmore Vale before the hills behind steeply rise to Mynydd yr Aber and Craig Rhiwberfa ridgeline, which form the skyline in the middle ground of the view. In the centre of the view there are views of Cwm Fuwch valley between Mynydd yr Aber and Craig Rhiwberfa ridgeline. Above the ridgeline there are glimpses of the top of some conifer plantation in Ogmore Forest. Immediately to the right of the ridgeline there are views of a steep rounded hill that is mainly covered with conifer plantation. In the centre of the view there are views of overhead cables and some PYW turbines puncturing the skyline.

Views of the study site are screened by the Craig Rhiwberfa ridgeline in the centre of the view.

02 - Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr

The viewpoint is located between a bridleway and an access track to the existing PYW wind farm, to the southeast of the study site. The track and bridleway are separated by a grassed embankment and a stonewall lined by post and wire fencing. The viewpoint is surrounded by small and medium sized pasture fields that are mainly

Sweeping across the view is pasture fields rising up to Mynydd yr Aber to the north. Above the pasture fields in the left and centre of the view there are views of the Ogmore Forest conifer plantation on Mynydd yr Aber and the steep sided slopes rising up from Cwm Dimbath valley. Mynydd yr Aber screens views further to the north. Above the uplands there are near

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Viewpoint Reference



bounded by stonewalls. The viewpoint is situated on a south facing slope that rises up from Ogwr Fach water course to the south and continues rising up to the rounded hills of Mynydd Maendy, Mynydd Maesteg and Mynydd yr Aber to the north. To the west is the wooded valley of Cwm Dimbath, where the tops of the conifer woodland is just visible. The woodland extends to the north where the top of the hills form part of Ogmore Forest.

The viewpoint offers distance views to the south to the ridgeline along Mynydd Gaer with views of Taf Ely and Mynydd Portref wind farms above the hills. To the southwest, there are long distant views towards the coastline.

At the viewpoint it is generally tranquil within the rural context.

views of some of the PYW wind turbines. In the right of the view and above the pasture fields, views of the wind turbines are mainly restricted to the blade tips. As the land falls towards the valley of Cwm Dimbath near the centre of the view, views of the wind turbines become less screened with views of the full rotor diameter for some of the extension wind turbines. Three wind turbines are viewed above Ogmore Forest conifer plantation. In the foreground of the view there are views of the existing PYW access track heading up to the north towards the PYW wind farm, which becomes screened from view in the middle distance. Views towards the study site are mostly screened by the gently sloping pasture fields that rise northwards. However, the are partial views of the western part of the study in the distance and the conifer plantation.

03 - Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer

The viewpoint is located on the Taff Ely Ridgeway walk, close to a car park and minor road on an open upland ridge of Mynydd y Gaer, to the southeast of the study site. The minor road transects the uplands in a north to south direction connecting the nearby farmsteads on the hills and main roads in the valleys. The ridgeway walk transects the uplands in a broadly west to east direction.

The ridge is set amongst rolling low hills and ridges rising from the coastal plain to the south. The land cover is mainly open upland grassland used for sheep pasture. Enclosed fields and woodlands are situated on the valley sides to the north. The settlements of Gilfach

The land descends northward from the viewpoint into Cwm Ogwr Fach, rising again beyond the valley to Mynydd Maendy, where the existing PYW wind farm is viewed beyond puncturing the skyline. It is seen in context with the blocks of conifer plantation on Mynydd Maendy, Ogmore Forest and, extending towards the centre background, Mynydd William Meyrick. To the right, Gilfach Goch can be seen in the mid-distance and further hills rising beyond. The hills forming a near horizon, and more distant hills and ridges form a distant backdrop. The wind turbines of the Taff Ely wind farm occupy the skyline in the near distant further to the east.


Viewpoint Reference



Goch and Glynogwr are within the valleys, and scattered farms along the valley sides.

A short distance to the east is Taff Ely wind farm, descending the slope to the north and PYW Wind farm is moderately prominent on the near hills to the north.

The context of the viewpoint is open and exposed, dominated by the open common land; generally tranquil with occasional intrusion of passing traffic and walkers using the parking layby. There is some sense of wildness and remoteness. Distant panoramic views are available, particularly to the south from this open and elevated location.

The study site is on the hill to the northwest covered by Ogmore Forest, with its characteristic fringe of plantation along the skyline. The study site lies just in front of the westernmost extent of the existing PYW turbines and beyond its access road, which can be seen climbing the farmland covered slope in the foreground of the forestry. Several wind turbines from the Llynfi Afan windfarm and the telecommunications mast on the mountain summit can be seen on the distant horizon to the left of the site.

04 - On the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill

The viewpoint is located on the north facing steep slopes of Mynydd y Gaer, to the southwest of the study site. The steep slope is comprised of bracken and is transected by footpaths. To the southwest of the viewpoint, the northwest facing slopes are comprised of a deciduous woodland block. To the northwest of the viewpoint, the settled valley below contains the convergence of Cwm Ogwr Fach and Cwm Ogwr Fawr at Blackmill, it is also an important transport route containing a busy A road junction and NCR 4. To the north of the valley, the land rises up to form rounded hills, which are comprised of irregular shaped pasture fields that are bounded by trees and hedgerows with small scattered block of deciduous woodland and farmsteads. Ogmore Forest covers the hill top beyond with the existing PYW turbines on the horizon. The rural landscape has a sense of tranquillity although there is

The broad steep northern slopes of Mynydd y Gaer occupy the foreground, obscuring the bottom of Cwm Ogwr Fach below. The middle ground consists of a large swathe of green farmland, sweeping across the view and extending to the east. This contains scattered farmsteads, large fields bounded by a mixture of mature deciduous trees and hedges with pockets of broadleaf woodland in small stream valleys. The dark green expanse of Ogmore Forest contrasts to this and covers the horizon in the central third of the view, forming a distinct separation between the farmland and the PYW turbines, which are on the horizon distance beyond the forestry. The study site lies towards the left of the existing wind farm in front of several existing wind turbines. Distant views are available to the north towards Mynydd Llangeinwyr, where the green fields give way to bracken moorland on the exposed ridge top. The blades of several wind turbines of

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Viewpoint Reference



some intrusion from the noise of traffic on the below A road in the valley.

the Llynfi Afan windfarm just break the distant horizon here. To the south-west the Ogmore Valley is deeply incised and covered in mature oak, which restrict distant views. No views are available to the south, screened by the steep northern slopes of Mynydd y Gaer.

05 - Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry

The viewpoint is on the upper slopes of Mynydd Moelgeila to the west of the study site. The viewpoint is on a forest track and close to coniferous woodland, which covers the majority of the of the valley sides and ridge. The viewpoint is located on an open and unenclosed area of the ridge comprised of grassland used for sheep grazing. The ridge overlooks the Cwm Garw to the east with small settlements in the narrow part of the valley, opening up to the north, where Pontycymer is located. The A4064 follows the valley and connects the settlement. Above Pontycymer to the east, the rising slopes are comprised of enclosed pasture with hedges, giving way to fenced fields, then ffridd on the steeper upper slopes and open upland grassland with some blocks of forestry on ridgetops.

PYW and Taff Ely wind farms are on the skyline above the ridges to the east and communications masts and the wind turbines of Llynfi Afan windfarm on Werfa at the head of Mynydd Llangeinwyr to the north.

The open upland character dominates, the large scale and openness emphasised by the fine and dramatic distant panoramic views.

From the viewpoint the land falls steeply into Cwm Garw in open grassland with bracken, with the town of Pontycymer visible at the head of the valley to the left. Through the middle to background the land rises to the rounded ridgeline of Mynydd Llangeinwyr, with farmland and some woodland on the lower slopes, ffridd and larger fields on the mid to upper slopes and open moorland on the ridge top. The existing PYW windfarm and extension punctures the skyline above open moorland on top of the distant ridge top to the left of Mynydd Llangeinwyr. The intervening gently undulating ridge of Mynydd Llangeinwyr partially screens views of some wind turbines, particularly for the more distant turbines. The characteristic skyline fringe of conifers on Mynydd William Meyrick is to the left of the wind turbines. The Taff Ely wind farm is seen on a more distant ridge to the right of PYW, receding into the distance.

The study site is screened from view by the Mynydd Llangeinwyr ridgeline in the centre of the view.

06 - Werfa Mountain,

The viewpoint is located close to the highest point on Werfa mountain, to

The open Mynydd Llangeinwyr ridge top extends through the foreground,


Viewpoint Reference



on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm

the northwest of the study site. Llynfi Afan windfarm and communications masts with associated access routes are located close to the viewpoint. A footpath transects the top of the ridgeline in a north to south direction, connecting to Mynydd Llangeinwyr to the south. The footpath connects to several other routes across the ridgeline and slopes. The ridge and the mountain are distinct from the other ridges in the area due to the absence of conifer plantations and is comprised of open upland moorland. An important inter-valley link road, the Bwlch-Y-Clawdd Road passes around the northern edge of the mountain.

The landscape is open, exposed, large scale, strongly unified and of simple composition. Although somewhat influenced by the nearby Llynfi Afan windfarm turbines, the area is tranquil. The elevation and openness afford distant views to the coastal plain and the sea to the south and to the Brecon Beacon uplands to the north.

Several wind farms can be seen on the surrounding ridges: Taff Ely and PYW to the south-east; Ferndale and Maerdy to the east; and Llynfi Afan, Ffynon Oer and Pen-y-Cymoedd to the north-west.

dropping off steeply and suddenly into the head of the Ogwr Fawr valley to Nant-y-moel. Beyond that near horizon, the brighter green fields of improved grassland on the slopes of a lower spur are seen. The opposite valley side enclosing Nant-y-moel rises steeply in open moorland or ffridd divided by stream valleys, to the long ridge of Mynydd William Meyrick, topped by Ogmore Forest conifer plantation. To the right of the plantation, there are views of the PYW wind turbines and the extension site above the ridgeline, which includes the study site. The Taf Ely wind farm can be seen receding into the mid-distance and behind some of the PYW wind farm. Beyond the ridgeline, the coastal plain forms the backdrop with Cardiff Airport and Port Talbot distinguishable in the distance. Ranges of ridges recede into the distance in the left of the view, providing a backdrop to the distinctive Tylorstown Tip in the middle distance, with the row of wind turbines at the Ferndale wind farm visible on lower slopes.

07 - Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip

The viewpoint is located at a layby along a minor road that crosses Cefn Gwyngul. It also provides the context for some informal memorials. The viewpoint is on the break of slope between land rising steeply from the valley to the west and continuing to rise gently eastwards over forestry land with young trees. To the south is the conical landform

From the viewpoint the land steeply descends into Rhondda Fach, climbing steeply again over Mynydd Ty’n-tyle before disappearing down into Rhondda Fawr valley, again emerging in the distance, this time as Mynydd William Meyrick, near to where the study site is located. Where the ridge of Mynydd Ty’n-tyle crosses the line of sight, the elevated settlement of

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Viewpoint Reference



of Tylorstown tip, a prominent landmark throughout the area. The viewpoint offers an expansive panorama of the Rhondda Fach, with its settlements appearing as a long ribbon far below. The elevated position provides an excellent vantage point to identify the landscape characteristics typical of the Valleys: terraces of houses on the lower slopes; steep ffridd above; large open fields higher up as the slopes ease, punctuated by tips; and eventually moorland or plantation forestry on the high ridges. This pattern is repeated throughout the view.

There is a strong sense of exposure, though the tips, forestry activities, memorial and litter reduce the sense of tranquillity and remoteness.

Penrhys with a block of conifer plantation is viewed on the spur to its right. This is the only plantation in the near to middle distance, whereas the ridge behind, and on the horizon, is predominately lined with conifers. Above Penrhys the PYW turbines are visible in the distance with the extension site viewed to the right. The lower parts of the hubs are obscured by the plantations. To the right the single turbine of Bwlifa Farm just breaks the skyline above Clydach Vale. Other wind farms that can be seen from this viewpoint include Taff Ely, Llynfi Afan, Ferndale, Pen-y-Cymoedd and Maerdy. Aside from Pen-y-Cymoedd and Maerdy, which are prominent within plantation to the right of the view, there is clear separation between the developments.

08 - On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyrefail

The viewpoint is located along a single lane minor road that is part of the route followed by NCR 4 between Pontypridd and Tonyrefail. The viewpoint is at the junction with Llan Farm access lane to the east, where the roadside vegetation to the west is replaced by a low stone wall and post and wire fencing. It is set amongst complex landform of small-scale hills comprised of irregular shaped pasture fields defined by tree lines and some hedgerows, with scattered shelter plantations. Valleys below are generally well vegetated and have areas of wetland. The valleys also contain small scattered settlement set amongst mature trees. The small settlements are connected by local minor roads. Tonyrefail occupies the larger valley to the west of the viewpoint, rows of houses are seen aligned along the

The land falls steeply from the road to the west, and the view opens up along a valley towards Tonyrefail in the centre of the middle ground of the view. Infront of Tonyrefail, there are views of the deciduous woodland in the valley. Above Tonyrefail, one PYW wind turbine is viewed above the upland ridge of Mynydd Maesteg and between conifer plantations on top of Mynydd Maendy and a plantation located on a hill top to the east of Gilfach Goch. Here, views of the site sie are screened from view by the Mynydd Maesteg ridgeline. Above the plantation, there are some barely perceptible views of some rotating blade tips of other PYW wind turbines. The extension site is located amongst the original wind turbines and above the conifer plantation. Views of the wind turbines are also mostly restricted to rotating blade tip views.


Viewpoint Reference



valley side contours and scattered farms within the valleys.

It is a small-scale landscape, generally enclosed with occasional openness; textured by frequent trees; very pleasant and tranquil; the cultivated farmland and frequency of settlement giving a domestic character.

A single turbine is viewed above the small area of upland ridge to the right. The land rising to Mynydd y Glyn in fields of pasture with a plantation or shelterbelt frames the view to the right. In the left of the view there are distant views of Mynydd Hugh with a cluster of wind farms puncturing the skyline, including Taff Ely and Mynydd Portref wind farm developments.

Intermittent views are available where gaps in vegetation allow or roadside hedges have been removed; otherwise the view is confined to the road. Wind turbines occur in the background, seeming to belong to the landscape beyond.

09 - Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend

The viewpoint is located in the south of a small area of access land, adjacent to Ty’n-Y-Garn a suburb of Bridgend. The access land is bisected by the M4 motorway to the north, and Heol Tyn-Y-Garn, a busy minor road, crosses the maintained open space to its south. Bridgend Circular Walk also crosses the access land and partly follows Heol Tyn Y Garn road. Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road provides access to the adjacent housing estate to the south. To the northwest of Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road is a playground with an area of dense deciduous vegetation to the north that screens views of the M4 motorway.

The viewpoint location is noisy due to the close proximity of the M4 motorway and traffic on Heol Tyn-Y-Garn. Although the dense vegetation to the north provides some screening along with the housing estate to the south, there is a sense of openness and large scale to the north where views become more open and long distant.

From the viewpoint the land falls to the Ogmore River allowing uninterrupted views to the northeast to the hills where the study site is located. A dense band of trees and vegetation crosses the view in the near middle ground, obscuring views of the M4 Motorway and interrupting views of the residential area of Sarn in the bottom of the valley. Beyond this the land gently rises, which is comprised of small irregular pastoral fields with residential settlements situated on the lower slopes. The land rises up to the ridgeline of Mynydd y Gaer in the right of the view, which screens more distant views. Just below the high point of Mynydd y Gaer, there are distant views of a cluster of wind farms to the right, including Taff Ely, Mynydd Portef and extension site. In the background and centre of the view, the land rises to open moorland covered ridges at Mynydd yr Aber, with distinctive blocks of plantation forestry, including on Mynydd Maendy and Ogmore forest. All of the PYW

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Viewpoint Reference



Three windfarms are visible on the horizon: Llynfi Afan to the north; PYW to the northeast; and Taff Ely to the east.

turbines and extension site are visible on the horizon behind Ogmore Forest. The study site lies in front of the wind turbines close to the centre of the existing wind farm but is screened from view by the conifer plantation. In the left of the view, there are distant views to Werfa and the Llynfl Afan wind farm.

Views to the south and southwest are near and confined by local infrastructure and to the southeast by the adjacent residential area.

10 - On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig

The viewpoint is located on the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, which heads in a northwest to southeast direction along the northern edges of the Craig-yr-Aber and Coed Cwm Kenfig plantations, from the more elevated area of Mynydd Margam to the northwest. This is a landscape of rolling upland hills and ridges and broad settled valleys. The land is in rushy sheep pasture with blocks of conifer forestry, the area immediately to the south of the viewpoint harvested and new trees establishing. Wind farms are apparent across the horizon from the north to the east, although there is separation between them, and each is identifiable in its own right. There are also tall pylons within the valley and on the ridges to the south and west, as well as communication masts on some of the high points.

On the lower land, the fieldscape is irregular with more frequent broadleaf woodlands.

The context of the viewpoint is open to exposed, a rural landscape enclosing settled valleys; scale is medium to large; it is attractive and tranquil.

Open panoramic mid-distance views are available to the north through to the southeast, the rising land to the south through to the west closing views in those directions. The views take in the contrasts of settled and farmed enclosed lowlands in the valleys, fenced or walled enclosed farmland on the upper slopes to open uplands on hills, with blocks of conifer plantation. The land falls gently from the viewpoint, creating a near horizon which masks the near middle ground of the view. Beyond this horizon the partially settled valleys extend through the view, the land rising beyond to ranges of low hills and ridges in the mid-distance background. Within the valley to the north is Maesteg (beyond the photograph), the nearer smaller village of Llangynwyd, and in the distance to the right there are roofscape views of Bettws. In the far distance and the right of the view, the tall buildings of Cardiff are barely perceptible in the coastal lowland.

In the background centre of the view, Mynydd William Meyrick and its characteristic ridge-top conifer plantation can be seen on the skyline,


Viewpoint Reference



which screens views of the study site. PYW wind farm is viewed in the distance on top of the ridgeline with the extension site extending to the left of the original site. Llynfi Afan wind farm is prominent in the left of the view on Werfa, puncturing the skyline. The masts on Werfa can also be distinguished on the high point. Taff Ely wind farm, Mynydd Portef and extension site wind farms are viewed as a cluster in the far distance in the right of the view.

5.4 Visual receptors 5.4.1 The assessment of visual effects is described by considering how the different groups of

“visual receptors” may be affected. The following is a review of the viewers (the visual receptors) and the views available to them at the selected representative locations.

People in settlements and residential properties 5.4.2 Viewpoint 01 illustrates the view available from the southern area of settlement of

Ogmore Vale where residents in adjacent properties would potentially have open or oblique views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that potential views of the proposed wind turbines from Ogmore Vale would be restricted to marginal areas of the settlement, where properties extend up the valley sides. Appraisal view BC01 (Figures 10-1 and 10-2) and the ZTV illustrates that there would be no views from Fairy Glen road, Ogmore Vale.

5.4.3 Viewpoint BC02 (Figures 11-1 to 11-3) shows the view available from the western edge of Evanstown settlement where residents in adjacent properties would potentially have oblique views of a proposed turbine. The ZTV and view shows that potential views of the proposed wind turbines from Evanstown would be restricted to views of just one proposed turbine. The central and western extent of Evanstown are predicted to have views of the proposed turbine, but any views are likely to be mainly restricted to the blade tip of the turbine. Moreover, the ZTVs did not consider built form and the surrounding residential properties are likely to further screen and restrict views of the proposed turbine.

5.4.4 Appraisal view BC03 (Figures LA.10-3 and LA.10-4) and the ZTV show that there would be no view of the proposed wind turbines from the settlement of Nantmoel.

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The ZTV also illustrates that there would be no views of the proposed wind turbines from the settlement of Price Town to the south of Nantmoel.

5.4.5 Viewpoint 04 (Figures LA.11-16 to LA.19) illustrates the view for nearby residents at the surrounding farmsteads at Waun Wen that would potentially have open or oblique or partially screened views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.6 Viewpoint 08 (Figures LA.11-30 to LA.32) illustrates the view for nearby residents at the surrounding farmsteads that would potentially have oblique views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.7 Viewpoint 09 (Figures LA.11-33 to LA.35) shows the view for nearby residents in the north of the suburb of Pen-y-fai, to the north of Bridgend that would potentially have open or oblique or partially screened views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV shows that there would be views of the proposed wind turbines from the majority of Bridgend. However, in reality, due to the screening effects of the surrounding built form, which the ZTV did not take into account, it is likely that views of the proposed wind turbines would be further reduced and limited.

5.4.8 The ZTVs show that from settlements located at the bottom of valleys would not have views of the proposed wind turbines. Within the 15km visual study area, settlement areas of Gilfach Goch, Tonypandy, Treherbert, Treorchy, Tonyfrail, Pontypridd, Llanharan, Maesteg, and Aberdare are also mostly excluded from the ZTV.

Users of public rights of way and areas of public access 5.4.9 Appraisal view BC01 (Figures LA.10-1 and LA.10-2) and the ZTV (Figure LA.09-2)

illustrate that users would not have views of the proposed wind turbines from a footpath on the western edge of Ogmore Vale. However, as the footpath heads up the valley side towards Mynydd Llangeinwyr, the ZTV illustrates that footpath users would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.10 Viewpoint 02 (Figures LA.11-8 to LA.11-11) shows the available view for users of the bridleway located to the south of the study site where users would have open views of the proposed wind turbines. The bridleway connects Glynogwr to the south to Tonypandy to the north. ZTV illustrates that users of the bridleway would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines from the majority of the route, except for the most north section of the route as the land descends towards Tonypandy.

5.4.11 Viewpoint 05 (Figures LA.11-20 to LA.11-22) shows the available view for users of the footpath located to the west of the study site where users would have open views of the proposed wind turbines. ZTV illustrates that potential views of the proposed wind turbines from the surrounding footpaths would be limited to the most elevated locations. As the footpaths descend from the ridgeline, the footpaths become excluded from the ZTV.


5.4.12 Viewpoint 06 (Figures LA.11-23 to LA.11-26) illustrates the view for users of the bridleway located to the northwest of the study site at Werfa where users of the bridleway would have open views towards the proposed wind turbines. The bridleway connects to a footpath to the north of Graig Fach to the northeast of the viewpoint and heads in a southwest direction along the uplands of Werfa before descending down the hillside and connecting to the outskirts of Blaengarw. The ZTV shows that potential views of the proposed wind turbines would be mainly restricted to the more elevated areas. As the footpath descends, views would be screened by the surrounding upland topography.

5.4.13 Within the study site and its immediate vicinity, the ZTV shows that users of the public route would have views of the proposed wind turbines along the whole length of Footpath 7 and Footpath 21.

5.4.14 Viewpoint 09 (Figures LA.11-33 to LA.11-35) illustrates the view for users of Bridgend Circular Walk and users of the adjacent playground where users would have open or partially screened views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV shows that users of the circular route around Bridgend would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines from the majority of the route. However, in reality, due to the surrounding built form, which the ZTV did not take into account, views of the proposed wind turbines are likely to be partially screened or filtered.

5.4.15 Viewpoint 03 (Figures LA.11-12 to LA.11-14) illustrates the view for users of the Taff Ely Ridgway Walk long distant footpath where users would have open views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV shows that within 5km of the study site, users of the long distant route would have views of the proposed turbine. As the route continues in an east direction through the 15km study area, views of the proposed wind turbines are likely to become more restricted and reduced. From more elevated sections of the route, users of the route are likely to have views of the proposed wind turbines at Mynydd Meiros and to the east of Llantrisant, but views of the proposed wind turbines would be distant.

5.4.16 Viewpoint 04 (Figures LA.11-16 to LA.11-19) and viewpoint 10 (Figures LA.11-36 to LA.11-38) illustrate the available view for users of the Ogwr Ridgway Walk long distant footpath where users would have open views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV shows that from the majority of the long distant route that is located within 12km of the study site, there would potentially be views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.17 The ZTV illustrates that the users of the Coed Morgannwg Way long distant footpath would not have views of the proposed wind turbines from the majority of the route. Short sections of the route are indicated to potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines from areas to the west and north of the study site. However, these areas are located in woodland areas, which the ZTV did not take into account, any potential views of the proposed wind turbines are likely to be screened/partially screened or filtered by the surrounding woodland.

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5.4.18 The ZTV also shows users of the Millennium Heritage Trail long distant footpath would potentially have distant views of the proposed turbines from scattered sections of the route to the south and beyond 10km of the study site.

5.4.19 Viewpoint 08 (Figures LA.11-30 to LA.11-32) shows the view for users of NCR 4 where users would have open and distant views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV illustrates from scattered sections of the cycle route within 10km of the study site, users of the cycle route would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.20 The ZTV illustrates that users of NCR 883 would potentially have views of the proposed turbines from a very small section of the 4mile route.

5.4.21 Viewpoints 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 and 09 illustrate the available view for users of the surrounding access land within the 15km study area.

Road users 5.4.22 Viewpoint 03 (Figures LA.11-12 to LA.11-14) illustrates the view for users of the

minor road located to the south of the study site at Mynydd Gaer. The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that road users along the section of the minor road located on the elevated ridge and north facing slopes would have views of the proposed wind turbines. However, in reality as the road descents to the north of the viewpoint, the single lane road is lined each side by a hedgerow and some trees. This restricts and reduces visibility towards the study site to the northwest.

5.4.23 Viewpoint 07 (Figures LA.11-27 to LA.11-29) shows the view for users of the minor road near Tylorstown tip to the northeast of the study area. The ZTV shows that a short section of the road would have views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.24 Appraisal view BC03 (Figures LA.10-3 and LA.10-4) and the ZTV show that road users would not have views of the proposed wind turbines from Commercial Street, Nantmoel.

5.4.25 The ZTV illustrates that from scattered sections M4 Motorway within the 15km study area would potentially have oblique views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.4.26 The ZTV also shows that users of the A4061 road to the southwest of the study site would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines from a very short section of the road. To the south of the study site, the ZTV shows that users of the A4093 road would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines from a section of the road.

Views from other landscape interests 5.4.27 Viewpoints 03 (Figures LA.11-12 to LA.11-14), 04 (Figures LA.11-16 to LA.11-19), 06

(Figures LA.11-23 to LA.11-26), 08 (Figures LA.11-30 to LA.11-32) and 10 (Figures LA.11-36 to LA.11-38) illustrate the available views from the surrounding SLAs. The


ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that there would be views of the proposed wind turbines from the Northern Uplands SLA. The ZTV also shows that there would be potential views of the proposed wind turbines from surrounding SLAs in Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf. From SLAs in Neath Port Talbot the ZTV shows that there would be limited areas where there would potentially be views of the proposed wind turbines. The ZTV also illustrates that there would potentially be views of the proposed wind turbines from SLAs in the Vale of Glamorgan in the south of the 15km study area and beyond 10km of the study site. Any views of the proposed wind turbines from the SLAs in the Vale of Glamorgan would be distant and are likely to be viewed in context to the existing PYW turbines.

5.4.28 Viewpoint 07 (Figures LA.11-27 to LA.11-29) illustrates the view from the Rhondda LSHI. The ZTV shows that the elevated ridgelines within the LSHI would have views of the proposed wind turbines.

5.5 Effects on visual amenity

Sensitivity 5.5.1 The susceptibility of viewers is affected by factors such as the distance to the viewer,

the relative number of viewers affected and the importance of the site in the overall view. The context of the viewpoint may also contribute to its ability to accommodate change; for example, a view from residential properties or from a valued landscape might be regarded as less able to accommodate change, than a view from an industrial context. Table 5-1 provides examples of High, Moderate and Lesser sensitivity, demonstrating how the contributing factors are interpreted.

5.5.2 The sensitivity of the visual receptors is assessed as follows:

People in settlements and residential properties: high susceptibility to changes in their visual amenity; open unobstructed views including towards the study site assessed as of high value: high sensitivity, and filtered, oblique or partial views of medium value: moderate sensitivity;

Users of public rights of way and access land: moderate susceptibility to change in their visual amenity; open unobstructed views including towards the study site with some indicators of value attached to the view assessed as medium value: moderate sensitivity, and filtered, oblique or partial views of low value: lesser sensitivity;

Visitors to locally valued landscapes designated as SLAs: moderate susceptibility to change in their visual amenity; open and unobstructed views including towards the study site assessed of medium value: moderate sensitivity, and filtered, oblique or partial views of low value: lesser sensitivity;

Users of public roads: low susceptibility to change in their visual amenity; rural context with some indicators of value attached to the view assessed as medium

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value: lesser sensitivity, a sub-urban context or areas with no indicators of value attached to the view assessed as low value: lesser sensitivity.

Magnitude of change 5.5.3 The representative views are described below with an analysis of the degree and nature

of changes in them resulting from the development, to inform the effects assessment.


Table 5-6 View with development & magnitude of change

Viewpoint Reference View with the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines

Magnitude of change During construction: short term and reversible During operation: long term and reversible At decommissioning: short term

BC02 – Edge of Evanstown

To the southeast of the study site. 2.1km to the nearest turbine

Some existing PYW wind turbines are visible above the grass rounded ridgeline of Mynydd Maesteg, which forms the skyline in the middle ground of the view. The ridgeline screens views of the majority of the existing PYW wind farm with some blade tips visible above the ridgeline in the centre and right of the view. However, in the centre of the view, three wind turbine hubs and nacelles extend above the hill with the full rotor diameter being visible. The proposed Turbine 2 blade tip would be visible between a gap and below two of the existing wind turbines. The majority of the nacelle of the turbine is likely to be screened by the ridgeline with the partial rotor diameter viewed above the ridgeline. Proposed Turbine 1 would be completely screened from view.

During operation, the rotation of the blade tip for Turbine 2 would occupy a small proportion of the angle of view adding an additional turbine to the view. It is likely to affect a small geographic area of Evanstown due to the surrounding topography and built form screening views from the wider area. Although the geographic area and proportion of the angle of view affected is likely to be small, the operational phase would change views into the long term but would be reversible. On balance, the magnitude of change to the view is concluded to be small-medium.

During construction and decommissioning, activities are likely to be mainly screened by the rounded hills, there may be some glimpses of tall cranes over the short term. The magnitude of change is concluded to be small.

01 - Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale

To the west of the study site. 1.6km to the nearest turbine

A few existing PYW and extension wind turbines are partially visible above the hills that form the skyline in the middle ground of the view. The full rotor diameter is visible for three of the existing wind turbines where the hills slope down towards the valley. To the left behind the high point of a hill, there are views of an existing turbine nacelle just breaking the skyline with views of the rotating blades. The two proposed wind turbines would be viewed to the right of the existing

During operation, the proposed wind turbines would extend the number of wind turbines in the view to the right of the existing development. However, Turbine 2 is likely to be barely perceptible and Turbine 1 is likely to be largely screened from view. The proposed turbines would occupy a small to moderate portion of the angle of the view and is likely affect the local residential area of Ogmore Vale. The proposed wind turbines are likely to be subservient to the views of the three existing turbines where the full rotor diameter of the turbines are clearly

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turbines. The blade tip of Turbine 2 is likely to be barely perceptible immediately to the right and below the nacelle of an existing wind turbine. Further to the right, the blade tip rotation of Turbine 1 is likely to be viewed above the line of coniferous plantation on top of the ridge.

visible. It is likely that views of Turbine 2 would be barely perceptible. Overall the magnitude of change is considered to be small-medium.

During construction and decommissioning, there may be some glimpses of tall cranes above the ridgeline over the short term. The magnitude of change is concluded to be small.

02 - Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr


Some PYW wind farm and extension turbines are viewed within the centre and right of the view. The wind turbines extend into the sky above the rounded grass hill in the middle ground of the view and above the coniferous planted hill tops in the distance. There are views of the nacelle and full rotor diameter for some of the extension wind turbines, but panning to the right, the middle ground rounded hill partially screens views of the blades for some of the original PYW wind farm turbines. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed with the extension PYW turbines with Turbine 1 viewed to the left of the existing turbines, slightly increasing the visible extent of the wind farm. The full structure of the proposed wind turbines are likely to be almost visible with just the lower part of the hub being screened from view.

During operation, the proposed wind turbines would be viewed above the ridgeline, slightly extending views of the PYW wind farm to the left. The proposed wind turbines would occupy a small proportion of the angle of the view, affecting the surrounding local ridgelines and the existing PYW site. Affects would be long term but reversible. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium.

During construction and decommissioning, it is likely that there would be views of tall cranes at each of the turbine locations. There may also be views of construction compounds. Views of construction vehicles traveling through the view would be immediately apparent the foreground heading up towards the PYW site, affecting a wider angle of the view. Affects to the view would be short term and reversible. On balance, the magnitude of change to the view is considered to be medium.




03 - Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer

To the southeast of the study site. 5km to the nearest turbine

The existing PYW wind farm is viewed puncturing the skyline above the coniferous plantation of Ogmore Forest on Mynydd Maendy in the mid-distance of the view. Mynydd Maendy partially screens the full rotor diameter of some of the original wind turbines, but panning to the left, views of the wind turbines become less screened with some full rotor diameters of the turbines being viewed. The extension wind turbines are mostly viewed to the left of the original turbines with the full structure of the wind turbines being almost visible. The proposed turbines would be viewed with the extension turbines with Turbine 1 being viewed just to the left of two existing extension wind turbines. Above the coniferous plantation, the complete structure of the proposed turbines is likely to be almost visible except for the lower part of the hub close to ground level.

During operation, the full structure of the proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context to the existing PYW turbines, occupying a small angle of the view. The additional wind turbines in the view would extend views of the existing wind farm slightly to the left along the top of the ridgeline. The wind proposed turbines would be viewed from the top of the Mynydd y Gaer ridgeline and its north facing slopes. On balance, the long term and reversible changes to the view are considered to be medium.

During construction and decommissioning, it is likely that there would be views of tall cranes at each of the turbine locations. There may also be distant views of construction compounds, but it is likely that the movement of construction vehicles would be imperceptible. Affects to the view would be short term and reversible. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

04 - On the Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill

To the southwest of the study site. 4.1km to the nearest turbine

The majority of the existing PYW wind farm and extension turbines are visible above Ogmore Forest, puncturing the skyline. The full rotor diameter for the turbines located within the centre of the wind farm are viewed above the ridgeline with wind turbines located on the edges of the wind farm being more screened by the ridgeline and coniferous plantation. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed amongst the extension

During operation, the full structures of the proposed wind turbines would be viewed amongst the existing wind farm occupying a small proportion of the angle of the view. The additional wind turbines in the view would be viewed between gaps of some existing turbines with the blade tip of Turbine 1 being viewed slightly above the surrounding turbines. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed from the top of Mynydd y Gaer ridgeline and its north facing slopes of. On

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turbines and within the west extent of the original PYW turbines. The full structures of both wind turbines would visible and viewed slightly in front of the existing wind turbines. The full rotor diameter of both turbines would be viewed above the ridgeline.

balance, the long term and reversible changes to the view are considered to be medium.

During construction and decommissioning, it is likely that there would be views of tall cranes at each of the turbine locations. There may also be distant views of construction compounds, but it is likely that the movement of construction vehicles would be imperceptible. Affects to the view would be short term and reversible. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

05 - Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry

To the west of the study site. 4.9km to the nearest turbine

Some existing PYW windfarm and extension turbines are viewed puncturing the skyline above the distant open moorland ridge and mid-distant rounded moorland hill. The round hill partially screens views of some wind turbines restricting views to just the blade tips. To the left, there are views of the full structure of some wind turbines within the distant open moorland area with the full rotor diameter breaking the skyline. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed amongst the original PYW wind turbines, above the rounded hill. It is likely that the full rotor diameter of Turbine 1 would be just visible above the rounded hill with views of Turbine 2 to the left being more restricted and screened.

During operation, the proposed wind turbines would occupy a small proportion of the angle of view in the distance and amongst the existing PYW turbines. The ZTV indicates that the proposed wind turbines would be visible from the Mynydd Moelgelia ridgeline, including from some areas of coniferous woodland. However, in reality, it is likely that the interviewing woodland would partially screen and restrict views, limiting available views mainly from small scattered open areas along the top of the ridgeline. Overall, the magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small – medium, taking into account the long term, but reversible effects.

Once the decommissioning activities are completed, the changes to the view would be negligible.

During construction and decommissioning, there may be some distant views of tall cranes puncturing the skyline at the proposed wind turbine locations above the ridgeline, which



Magnitude of change During construction: short term and reversible During operation: long term and reversible At decommissioning: short term would affect views over the short term. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

06 - Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm

To the northwest of the study site. 5.2km to the nearest turbine

The full structure of some PYW and extension turbines are viewed within the open moorland ridge above Nant Moel. The ridge partially screens views of the more distant wind turbines, restricting views to the rotating blade tips. Ogmore Forest also provides a backdrop to some of the nearer turbines in the centre whilst partially screening the more distant turbines. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed within the right of the PYW wind farm and extension, above Nant Moel. The full structures of both turbines would be visible above the ridgeline with the lowlands forming the backdrop and the blade tips of the turbines just breaking the skyline.

During operation, the full structures of the proposed wind turbines would add additional turbines in the mid-distance of the view. Views of the wind farm would be further extended along the ridgeline to the right, which would be viewed along the length of the top of Mynydd Llangeinwyr ridgeline. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context to the existing PYW wind farm and would occupy a small proportion of the angle of the view. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium.

During construction and decommissioning, there could be some distant views of the movement of larger vehicles using the access tracks within the existing PYW wind farm site. Over the short term, tall cranes at the proposed wind turbine locations are likely to be viewed above the ridgeline and there may also be some views of construction compounds. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

07 - Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip

The majority of the existing PYW wind turbines are viewed in the distance above the conifer plantation on top of the ridge with some of the extension turbines viewed mainly to the right of the original turbines. The full rotor diameter of the original PYW turbines are mostly visible above the ridge with some closer wind turbines being almost completely visible. To the right,

During operation the proposed wind turbines would occupy a small proportion of the angle of the view in the distance, just above the ridgeline. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed below the nacelle of the adjacent existing wind turbines. However, is unlikely that the addition of the two wind turbines amongst the line of existing wind turbines would be readily

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To the northeast of the study site. 8km to the nearest turbine

some extension turbines are partially screened by the ridgeline and conifer plantation with just some blade tips or partial rotor diameter breaking the skyline. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed between a gap of a cluster of seven original turbines above the conifer plantation. The full rotor diameter is likely to be almost completely visible for Turbine 1 with the conifer plantation partially screening views of the full rotor diameter for turbine 2 to the right.

discernible to a casual observer. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

During construction and decommissioning, activities are likely to be mostly screened by the ridgeline. Any views of tall cranes above the ridgeline in the short term are likely to be imperceptible. The magnitude of change is concluded to be negligible.

08 - On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyfrail


The rotation of some blade tips of the PYW wind farm and extension turbines are barely perceptible above the conifer plantation on top of the ridge in the distance. Adjacent to the conifer plantations there are views of grassland on the ridge where the full rotor diameter of two existing wind turbines are visible. The proposed wind turbines would be located amongst the original PYW site. Turbine 1 would be viewed above the grass ridge between the conifer plantations and behind a PYW turbine. Views of the wind turbine are likely to be restricted to views of the rotating blade tips above the ridge. Turbine 2 would be located to the right of Turbine 1, above the conifer plantation, and behind a cluster of three PYW turbines. It is likely that views of the blade tip above the conifer plantation would be imperceptible.

During operation, it is unlikely that the blade tip rotation of Turbine 2 would be perceptible in the distance. Turbine 1 to the left would occupy a very small proportion of the angle of view immediately adjacent to an existing turbine. Views would affect the local high points and ridgelines to the east of Tonyfrail. Although affects to the view would be long term, they would be reversible with views of the additional turbines unlikely to be readily discernible. Overall, the magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

During construction and decommissioning, activities are likely to be mostly screened by the ridgeline and conifer plantation. Any views of tall cranes above the ridgeline in the short term are likely to be imperceptible. The magnitude of change is concluded to be negligible.




09 - Heol tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend


The PYW wind farm and extension site is visible in the distant background of the view above the ridgeline and coniferous plantation. The full rotor diameter is visible puncturing the skyline across the ridgeline for the majority of the turbines. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed near the centre of the wind farm. Turbine 2 would be situated in front of an existing turbine with Turbine 1 viewed immediately to the left between a gap of existing turbines. The full rotor diameter for both turbines would be visible above the conifer plantation and broadly in line with the existing turbines.

During operation, the proposed wind turbines would be viewed in the distance and in context to the existing PYW wind farm and extension site affecting a small proportion of the angle of the view. Although the ZTV indicates that the proposed wind turbines would affect views from the majority of the settlement areas of Ty’n-Y-Garn, Sarn, and Bridgend, in reality, the geographical area affected is likely to be restricted to more rural, open and elevated areas due to the surrounding built form and vegetation screening views. The views would be affected over the long term but would be reversible. On balance the magnitude of change is considered to be small-medium.

During construction and decommissioning, there are likely to be some distant views of tall cranes at the proposed wind turbine locations above the ridgeline. It is likely that any views of construction compounds in the distance would be barely perceptible. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.

10 - On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig


The majority of the PYW wind farm and extension site is visible in the distance extending across skyline above the ridge. Full turbine structures are visible in the left of the wind farm above the open moorland with the full rotor diameter of the wind turbines breaking the skyline. The central and right area of the wind farm is partially screened by coniferous plantation and ridgeline with views of the wind turbines being

During operation, the proposed wind turbines would be viewed in the distance near the centre of the existing PYW wind farm, affecting a small proportion of the angle of view. Views of the proposed wind turbines over the long term are likely to affect the local ridgeline near Mynydd Baedan but affects would be reversible. It is unlikely that the addition of the two wind turbines along the ridgeline and within the context of the

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restricted to partial views of the full rotor diameter. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed near the centre of the existing wind farm. The full rotor diameter for Turbine 1 would be viewed above open moorland and would be situated partially in front of an existing turbine. To the left the rotating blade tips of Turbine 2 is likely to be visible above the coniferous plantation between the gap of two exiting wind turbines.

existing wind turbines would be readily discernible. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

During construction and decommissioning, there are likely to be some distant views of tall cranes at the proposed wind turbine locations above the ridgeline, which would affect views over the short term. It is likely that the construction compounds would be screened from view. The magnitude of change to the view is considered to be small.


Assessment 5.5.4 The visual appraisal has been informed by the ZTV study shown on Figures LA.09-1

to LA.09-3. It identified a number of locations from which the proposed wind development might be theoretically visible. A selection of representative views to illustrate the views available at a range of distances and for different receptors are identified and described in Table 5-5 and the sensitivity of the viewers (visual receptors) represented defined in section 5.5 above.

5.5.5 The following table sets out the assessment of effects on the visual amenity of the identified viewers likely to be affected by the proposals:

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Table 5-7 Assessment of visual effects

Viewers/ Visual Receptors & Sensitivity Reference Viewpoints Magnitude of change

Degree & nature of effect during operation

Degree & nature of effect during construction and decommissioning

Residents in properties located within 3km of the study site that have open unobstructed views towards the study site of high value: high sensitivity. Residents in properties located within 3km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

BC02 – Edge of Evanstown

VP01 - Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale

Small – medium change during operation.


Residents of with open and unobstructed views: moderate neutral.

Residents with oblique, filtered or partial views: minor – moderate and neutral.

Residents of with open and unobstructed views: minor -moderate neutral visual effects during the short-term.

Residents with oblique, filtered or partial views: minor neutral visual effects.

Residents in properties located beyond 8km of the study site that have open unobstructed views towards the study site of high value: high sensitivity. Residents in properties located beyond 8km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

VP09 - Heol tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend



Residents of with open and unobstructed views: minor - moderate neutral.

Residents with oblique, filtered or partial views: negligible.

Residents of with open and unobstructed views: minor neutral visual effects.

Residents with oblique, filtered or partial views: negligible.

Residents in properties located within 5km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

VP04 - On the Glamorgan Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill


Small change during

Moderate neutral Minor - moderate neutral





construction and decommissioning.

Residents in properties located beyond 8km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

VP08 - On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyfrail


Negligible change during construction and decommissioning.

Negligible Negligible.

Users of public rights of way and access land located within 5km of the study site that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

VP02 – Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr

VP03 – Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer



medium or - small change during construction and decommissioning.

Moderate neutral

For users of the bridleway at VP02: moderate adverse.

For users of the public rights of way and access land at viewpoints VP03 and VP04: minor – moderate neutral.

Users of public rights of way and access land located beyond 5km of the study site that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

Visitors to locally valued landscapes designated as SLAs located beyond 5km of

VP06 - Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm



Moderate neutral Minor - moderate neutral

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the study site that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.


Users of public rights of way and access land located beyond 5km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of low value: lesser sensitivity.

VP05 - Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry




For users of public rights of way and access land with open and unobstructed views: minor - moderate neutral.

For users of public rights of way and access land with filtered, oblique or partial views: negligible.

For users of public rights of way and access land with open and unobstructed views: minor neutral.

For users of public rights of way and access land with filtered, oblique or partial views: negligible.


VP07 - Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip




Negligible.

Users of public rights of way and access land located beyond 10km of the study site that have open and unobstructed views

VP10 - On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig


Small change during


Minor neutral





towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

Visitors to locally valued landscapes designated as SLAs located beyond 10km of the study site that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

construction and decommissioning.

Users of public rights of way and access land located beyond 5km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of low value: lesser sensitivity.

Visitors to locally valued landscapes designated as SLAs located beyond 5km of the study site that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site of low value: lesser sensitivity.

VP08 - On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyfrail



For users of NCR4 with oblique, partial or filtered views: negligible.

For visitors to the locally designated SLA: minor neutral.

Negligible.

Visitors to locally valued landscapes designated as SLAs located within 5km of the study site that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site of medium value: moderate sensitivity.

VP03 – Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer, and




Moderate neutral.

Minor - moderate neutral

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Users of public roads located within 5km of the study site in a rural context with some indicators of value attached to the view of medium value: lesser sensitivity.

VP03 – Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer



Minor neutral. Negligible

Users of public roads located beyond 5km of the study site in a rural context with some indicators of value attached to the view of medium value: lesser sensitivity.

VP07 - Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip VP08 - On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyfrail




Users of public roads located beyond 5km of the study site in a sub-urban context or areas with no indicators of value attached to the view of low value: lesser sensitivity.




Minor neutral. Negligible


6.0 Assessment of Cumulative Landscape & Visual Effects

6.1.1 The cumulative landscape and visual effects are assessed as part of this proposal with other developments within a 23km cumulative study area, which is defined by The Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements. 23 The extent of the cumulative study area used in this assessment was agreed with the local authority24.

6.1.2 In accordance with the guidance25, the operational, consented or in planning cumulative developments that are assessed include:

Micro developments within 2km of the study site; Small developments within 8km of the study site; Medium developments within 12km of the study site; Large developments within 17km of the study site; Very Large developments within 23km of the study site;

6.1.3 Wind turbine developments that fell outside of the above criteria, for example, all micro developments located beyond 2km of the study site were scoped out of the assessment. Wind turbine developments that have been scoped out from the assessments are listed in Tables A3-1, Appendix 3.

6.1.4 A further review was carried out that considered where interaction between the proposed development and other developments considered could result in a cumulative landscape or visual effects. Wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments that are unlikely to have interactions with the proposed wind turbines were scoped out from the assessment. These included developments where interactions would be restricted by the operational PYW and extension turbines to the northeast of the study site, and developments where interactions would be restricted by surrounding wind farms. Table A3-2, Appendix 3 lists the additional scoped out cumulative developments.

6.1.5 Table 6.1 below lists the wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments that are operational, consented or in planning, which were considered as part of the cumulative


Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

24 Email correspondence dated 23.05.2019 from Philip Thomas, Principle Planning Officer at Bridgend County Borough Council

25 Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

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assessments26. The locations of the wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments are shown on Figure LA.12, which also illustrates the scoped-out wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments within the 23km cumulative study area.

Table 6.1 Cumulative assessment sites Wind Farm/ smaller wind turbine development

Status Distance from nearest turbine (km)

Direction from study site

Typology Blade tip height (m)

Cenin site Operational 14.7 Southwest Large 105

Ferndale

(8 turbines) Operational 6.5 Northeast

Very Large

74

Fynnon Oer

(16 turbines) Operational 12.5 Northwest

Very Large

91

Hill house Farm Operational 11.5 South Medium 77

Land south of Gelli Las Farm

(2 turbines) Operational 7.65 Southwest Small 45

Llynfi Afan


Very Large

118

Maerdy wind farm

(8 turbines) Operational 8.65 North

Very Large

145

Mynydd Bwllfa


Very Large

125

Mynydd Portref

(12 turbines) Operational 5.8 Southeast

Very Large

86

Mynydd Portref Extension


Very Large

110

Newton Down Wind Farm (2 turbines)

Operational 15.15 Southwest Very Large

125

Pant-y-wal

(21 turbines) Operational 0.52 Northeast

Very Large

115

Pant-y-wal Extension


Very Large

125

26 Data gathered from

https://caerphillycbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=cb34f274a87f45fa9d757ee0edd0da30&extent=-4.1929,51.3096,-2.4351,52.0698 which was last updated in August 2018 [accessed 20th October 2019]


Wind Farm/ smaller wind turbine development




Pen y Cymoedd Central

(45 turbines) Operational 9 Northwest

Very Large

145

Pen y Cymoedd East


Very Large

145

Pen y Cymoedd West


Very Large

145

Taff Ely


Very Large

53

West of Rhiwfelin Fach Farm, Llantrisant

Operational 10 Southeast Large 100

Abergorki

(4 turbines) Consented 8.15 North

Very Large

146

Cenin site Consented 15 Southwest Very Large

125

Graig Fatha Farm Consented 7.6 Southeast Very Large

125

Headwind Taff Ely

(7 turbines) Consented 4.9 Southeast

Very Large

110

6.1.6 The “temporal scope” that informed selection of the other projects was based upon:

existing schemes and those under construction; schemes in the development and consenting process, including schemes with

planning consent and schemes that are the subject of a valid planning application that have not yet been determined.

6.1.7 Schemes at the pre-application or scoping stage were not considered due to lack of certainty about their ultimate form and limited publicly available information to inform the assessment.

6.1.8 The information about the other projects, and their ZTVs where available, was initially obtained from the publicly available database: Wind Turbines in South East Wales27. Where necessary, further information was obtained from their respective planning

27

https://caerphillycbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=cb34f274a87f45fa9d757ee0edd0da30&extent=-4.1929,51.3096,-2.4351,52.0698

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applications or other documents in the public domain. Where such information was not available, the developments are described from site observation.

6.1.9 Cumulative landscape and visual effects result from additional changes to landscape and visual amenity caused by the proposed wind turbine development in conjunction or in combination with other wind farm/turbine developments. The types of cumulative effects assessed are:

Additive effects: landscape and/or visual effects combined with or in addition to the effects of the other developments;

Sequential: experience of first one effect, and later another at different places as one moves through the landscape;

Temporal: effects accumulating over a period of time on the landscape or visual amenity, from this proposal and the other developments.

6.1.10 Cumulative landscape and visual effects that may introduce new types of change and/or increase or extend effects of the main project are identified and whether the proposed project adds to or combines with the other projects to create an important cumulative effect.

6.2 Cumulative landscape effects 6.2.1 The assessment considers cumulative effects on the fabric of the landscape and its

individual elements or features; on the aesthetic, perceptual or experiential aspects of the landscape, such as scale, sense of enclosure, diversity, pattern, colour, sense of naturalness, remoteness or tranquillity, and on the overall character of the landscape, especially modification to key characteristics and possible creation of new landscape character.

6.2.2 Final conclusions about the degree of the cumulative effect on the landscape of this proposed project with the other developments considered are based upon the following considerations:

Table 6.1 Judging the degree of cumulative landscape effects Degree of effect

Indicative criteria

Major Large irreversible effects, over an extensive area, on elements and/or aesthetic and perceptual aspects that are key to the character of nationally valued landscapes.

Cumulatively, the developments are a key characteristic of the landscape, defining a new landscape character type or area.

Moderate Cumulatively, the developments are becoming a characteristic of the landscape, but not of sufficient dominance to be a defining characteristic of the area.


Degree of effect

Indicative criteria

Minor Cumulatively, the developments are not an important or key characteristic of the landscape and have little effect on the values and experiences associated with the landscape e.g. wildness, sense of history;

Reversible effects of short duration, over a restricted area, on elements and/or aesthetic and perceptual aspects that contribute to but are not key characteristics of the character of the landscape.

Negligible The developments have little effect on the landscape character, cumulatively.

Analysis and assessment 6.2.3 As recommended within GLVIA3, this assessment of cumulative landscape effects

focuses on those landscape types / areas where cumulative effects are likely to occur. For this reason, the scope of the cumulative assessment focuses on landscape character and receptors located within 3km of the study site.

Additive effects

6.2.4 Within the 3km landscape study area the main cumulative landscape additive effect would be the proposed PyWEx2 turbines would be combined with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site. Effects would be to slightly enlarge its presence in the landscape as one apparent wind farm.

6.2.5 The proposed wind turbines would be integrated with the existing PYW wind farm and its effects would be well contained within the local landscape. It is anticipated that the proposed PyWEx2 turbines alongside the operational PYW wind farm and extension site would result in some additive effects on the landscape character of the study site and local context, including the characteristics of the long distant views and setting of settlement. The landscape character assessment identified moderate effects within the study site and mainly minor – moderate or minor effects in the local context. The additive effects would not be greater than identified in the landscape character assessment. The cumulative additive landscape effects are considered to be moderate.

Temporal effects

6.2.6 The consent for construction of wind farms generally limit the operational life of the wind farm to 25 years. The existing PYW wind farm and extension site is operational and it is assumed that it would be decommissioned and removed circa 2040 – 2045. It is also assumed that should the proposed PyWEx2 turbines gain consent, that they would be decommissioned and removed at the same time.

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6.2.7 There are no other wind farms or smaller wind energy development located within 3km of the study site that are consented. However, it is reasonably likely that more proposals may be put forward beyond the time frame of this assessment, and the relative amount of wind energy development may continue at this level rather than reducing with decommissioning of older schemes.

6.3 Cumulative visual effects 6.3.1 Cumulative visual effects, resulting from changes in the content and character of the

views due to introduction of new elements or removal of or damage to existing ones, are identified and the nature of views available and the contribution of project being assessed to cumulative visual effects. Additive effects may occur either when developments are seen together in one angle of view or where they are seen when looking in different directions from one location. The effects on viewers as they follow linear routes and move through the landscape are considered.

6.3.2 The following factors inform the judgment about the relative degrees of visual effects:

Table 6.2 Judging the degree of cumulative visual effects Degree of effect

Indicative criteria

Major Cumulatively, the developments dominate the view, seeming to define a new visual aesthetic;

Large scale effects arising from new, non-characteristic or discordant or intrusive elements into the view of highly sensitive receptors, or at recognised and important viewpoints, or from recognised scenic routes.

Moderate Cumulatively, the developments are seen as a characteristic of the landscape in the view, but not of sufficient dominance to be a defining characteristic of the visual amenity.

Minor Cumulatively, the developments are separate isolated elements of the landscape in the view, too infrequent and of insufficient importance to be perceived as a characteristic of the area;

Cumulatively, the effects on visual amenity are reversible, of short duration, or occur over a restricted area.

Negligible The developments have little effect on the visual amenity, cumulatively.

Analysis and assessment 6.3.3 Cumulative visual effects are considered within a 23km cumulative study area.


Additive effects

6.3.4 Cumulative Zones of Theoretical Visibility (CZTV) plans to blade tip heights were generated for PyWEx2 with the existing PYW wind farm and extension, see Figure LA13-1. It shows that the proposed wind turbines would be principally viewed in combination with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site. Very small scattered areas within the 23km cumulative study area would potentially only have views of the proposed PyWEx2 turbines.

6.3.5 CZTVs to blade tip heights for groups of wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments, which are identified as most frequently seen in context or in combination with the proposed development and the existing PYW wind farm and extension site were also generated, reflecting the patterns of wind farm/turbine visibility. The following CZTVs are presented:

Figure 13-2 CZTV: PYWEx2 with PYW wind farm and extension + Group 1 (Abergorki, Ferndale, Maerdy, Mynydd Bwllfa, and Pen y Cymoedd East) developments;

Figure 13-3 CZTV: PYWEx2 with PYW wind farm and extension + Group 2 (Fynnon Oer, Llynfi Afan, Pen y Cymoedd Central, and Pen y Cymoedd West) developments;

Figure 13-4 CZTV: PYWEx2 with PYW wind farm and extension + Group 3 (Cenin Site, Land south of Gelli Las Farm, Mynydd Brombil, and Newton Down) developments; and

Figure 13-5 CZTV: PYWEx2 with PYW wind farm and extension + Group 4 (Graig Fatha Farm, Headwind Taff Ely, Hill House Farm, Mynydd Portref, Mynydd Portref Extension, Taff Ely, Rhiwfelin Fach Farm) developments.

6.3.6 The Group CZTVs (Figures 13-2 – 13-5) shows a pattern of combined visibility strongly relate to the ridge and valley pattern of the landscape to the east and close around the study site, the extensive uplands in the west and north of the study area.

6.3.7 To the south, there would be extensive areas with views of the proposed PyWEx2 turbines with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site in combination of other wind farms. This is due to the location of the PyWEx2 turbines on the hills rising from the north of the coastal plain.

6.3.8 The viewpoint assessment carried out in section 5.3 above illustrates the cumulative visual effect of the proposed development with the surrounding wind farm/turbine development. Tables 5-5 above describes the existing view towards the study site, including any views of operational wind farms/turbines, and table 5-6 describes the changes to the view due to the proposed PyWEx2 turbines. Figures 11-1 to 11-39 illustrate the existing view and wireline views of all the wind farms/ smaller wind turbine developments that are operational or consented with a 90° angle of view. Every viewpoint shows that the proposed PyWEx2 development would be viewed with at least one existing PYW wind farm or extension site turbines. Viewpoint 03 and 05 – 10 show

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that the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines would be viewed with at least one other cumulative development apart from the PYW wind farm and extension site.

6.3.9 The proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines would be viewed amongst the existing PYW wind farm and extension site and perceived as one wind farm in the landscape. The addition of the proposed PyWEx2 turbines are unlikely to be readily discernible in the surrounding views from the majority of the cumulative study area. The cumulative additive visual effects are therefore concluded to be minor.

Sequential effects

6.3.10 The routes from which sequential views were considered are:

The local public rights of way network; Long distance footpaths: the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, the Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk,

the Coed Morgannwg Way, and the Millennium Heritage Trail; National Cycles routes (NCR): 883 and 4; and Main roads: M4 motorway, A4061 and A4093

6.3.11 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users of the local public rights of way network would potentially have views of the proposed turbines along the majority of the routes. However, the screening effects of the surrounding conifer forestry are likely to screen and filter some views of the proposed turbines. Some surrounding public rights of way are located close to the proposed PyWEx2 turbines and close to or within the existing PYW wind farm and extension site. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) illustrate that there would be views of other cumulative developments for users using the public access routes along the nearby ridgelines, particularly Group 2, 3 and 4 developments. The proposed PyWEx2 turbines would be viewed with the existing PYW wind farm. Views of wind turbines would be frequent and form part of the characteristic of the surrounding views, the cumulative effect is concluded to be moderate.

6.3.12 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users of the Ogwr Ridgway Walk would potentially have views of the proposed turbines along the majority of the route. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) illustrate that the proposed turbines and existing PYW turbines would be viewed with several surrounding wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments. Views of the proposed turbines would be backdropped by the surrounding PYW wind farm and extension site; the cumulative sequential visual effects are concluded to be minor.

6.3.13 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users of the Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk within 5km of the study site would have views of the proposed wind turbines. As the route continues in an east direction through the 15km study area, views of the proposed winds turbines become more restricted and reduced to small scattered sections of the route. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) illustrate that the proposed turbines and existing PYW turbines would be viewed with several surrounding wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments along the majority of the route. The Figure 13-5


show that the route passes through a large cluster of Group 4 developments. The proposed PyWEx2 turbines would also be viewed with wind farms to the north of the study site. Views of the proposed turbines would be backdropped by the surrounding PYW wind farm and extension site; the cumulative sequential visual effects are concluded to be minor.

6.3.14 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) illustrates that users of the Coed Morgannwg Way would not have views of the proposed turbines from the majority of the route. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) show that there would be short sections of the route, particularly to the west and north of the study site where there would potentially be views of the proposed PyWEx2 turbines with other cumulative developments. The cumulative sequential visual effects are concluded to be minor.

6.3.15 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users of the Millennium Heritage Trail would potentially have distant views of the proposed wind turbines from scattered sections of the circular route, which is located beyond 10km to the south of the study site. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) show that all the considered surrounding cumulative developments are located to the north of the route and that users of the route would have views of the proposed turbines and existing PYW turbines with other cumulative developments. However, due to the distance of the route from the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines and the location of the proposed turbines amongst the existing PWY turbines, it is likely that sequential visual effects resulting from the proposed PyWEx2 would not be readily discernible, the cumulative effects are therefore considered to be negligible.

6.3.16 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) illustrates that users along a very small section of the 4mile NCR 883 would potential have views of the proposed wind turbines, which would be viewed with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) show that there would be no views of other cumulative developments, therefore cumulative visual effects are concluded to be negligible.

6.3.17 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users along scattered sections of NCR 4 would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) illustrate that any potential sequential visual effects along the route would mainly be restricted to sections of the route located to the south of the study site. The Group 3 developments are located close to the route within the west of the study site, views of the proposed turbines would be experienced further to the east from scattered sections of the route. The Group 4 turbines are also located close to the route to the south. Views of these turbines would mainly be within a different angle of the view to the proposed turbines. Overall, the cumulative sequential visual effects are concluded to be minor.

6.3.18 The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) illustrates that users of the M4 Motorway would potentially have oblique views of the proposed wind turbines from scattered sections of the motorway. The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) also show that the PyWEx2, PYW wind

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farm and extension site would be viewed with other surrounding wind farms/ wind turbine developments. Due to the oblique nature of the views towards the study site, fast nature of the road, and screening effects of vegetation along the roadside, it is considered that the proposed PyWEx2 turbines would have little effect of the visual amenity cumulatively, negligible.

6.3.19 The A4061 road is located along a valley to the west of the site. The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that users along a very short sections of the A4061 road to the southwest and northwest of the study site would potentially have views of the proposed wind turbines, which would be viewed with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site (Figure 13-1). The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) show that from a short section of the road to the northwest of the study site, road users are likely to view the proposed turbines with Group 2 developments. Cumulative visual effects are concluded to be negligible.

6.3.20 To the south of the study site, the ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows road users along part A4093 road would potentially have oblique views of the proposed wind turbines, which would be viewed with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site (Figure 13-1). The CZTVs (Figures LA.13-2 – 13-5) show that the proposed wind turbines would be viewed with surround wind farm/ wind turbines developments, particularly Group 4 developments, but would not be in the same angle of the view. Cumulative visual effects are concluded to be minor.

Temporal effects

6.3.21 The consent for construction of wind farms generally limit the operational life of the wind farm to 25 years. The majority of the wind farms / smaller wind turbine developments that are considered as part of this assessment are operational. It is assumed that the majority of the operational developments would be decommissioned and removed circa 2035 – 204028. Four developments are consented, and it is assumed that they would commence operation in 2020 and would continue until about 2045.

6.3.22 Should the PyWEx2 turbine gain consent in 2020, it is likely to be in operation between 2020 -2022, which would coincide with the period when most wind farms/ smaller wind turbine developments would be in operation.

6.3.23 This is based upon the information available about wind farm/ smaller wind turbine developments coming forward but it is reasonably likely that more proposals would be put forward beyond the time frame of this assessment, and the relative amount of wind energy development may continue at this level rather than reducing with decommissioning of older schemes.

28 Based on publicly available information from



7.0 Summary and Conclusions

7.1.1 This Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVApp) has considered the likely effects of the proposed PyWEx2 on the landscape character and visual amenity, including cumulative effects.

7.1.2 The proposal is for two wind turbines located to the south of the operational Pant-y-Wal (PYW) wind farm, which has been extended. The original PYW wind farm comprises of 21 turbines with a blade tip height of 110m, which gained planning permission between 2009 – 2012 and is fully operational. In 2014, planning permission was granted to extend the wind farm by providing an additional 10 turbines. However, only 8 wind turbines were constructed, which are now fully operational. The combined operational wind farm consists of 29 wind turbines.

7.1.3 The effects of the landscape character and visual amenity were assessed using the approach advised in GLIVA3. Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015 was also referred to as well LANDMAP Guidance Note 3, and other guidance. The application of these guidance documents established an appropriate scope for this assessment to be undertaken.

7.2 Summary of findings The proposed development

7.2.1 The proposed PyWEx2 would include 2 wind turbines, each capable of generating up to 2.5MW of electricity and would be operational for 25 years. The on-site development would also include short lengths of access tracks extending from the existing PYW access tracks, cabling, and contractors’ compounds during the construction phase.

7.2.2 The proposed wind turbines are of the horizontal axis type, with a rotor consisting of three blades mounted on the turbine hub or nacelle. The specification for the proposed turbine, on which the assessment is based, is:

Maximum capacity: 2.5MW Maximum tip height: 125m Maximum hub height: 80m Maximum blade length: 50m

7.2.3 At the end of the wind turbine development’s design life, it would be decommissioned. The proposed wind turbines and all other above-ground plant and machinery would be dismantled and removed from the site. However, the concrete turbine foundations below the adjacent ground level would be left in place. Soils would be re-spread over

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the foundations, crane platforms and former buildings/transformer areas, and the land either allowed to revegetate naturally or sown with upland grassland seed, for grazing.

Landscape assessment

7.2.4 The landscape assessment assessed the potential impact on landscape receptors through the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the proposed PyWEx2.

7.2.5 LANDMAP was referred to for information about the study site in its landscape context. All five aspects were addressed as relevant to the proposal and as set out in NRW Guidance Note 3: LANDMAP and LVIA for onshore windfarms. The study site mainly has an overall evaluation of Moderate (Geological Landscape, part of Landscape Habitats, Visual and Sensory Aspect Layers). Cultural Landscape and part of Landscape Habitats has an overall evaluation as High.

7.2.6 Beyond the immediate context of the study site Historic Landscape and the Visual and Sensory Aspect Layers were considered for the 15km study area, in accordance with Table 6 in Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development29. The 15km study area principally contains Historic Landscape aspects areas that have a High or Outstanding overall evaluation. The Visual and Sensory aspect areas are mainly evaluated as Moderate or Low.

7.2.7 The Landscape Character Assessment for Bridgend County Borough was also referred to, listing key characteristics of Area 8: Ogmore Forest and Surrounding Uplands, which the study site is located in. A site-specific appraisal was also carried out identifying the landscape, features, characteristics and aesthetics of the study site. A brief summary of the study site is as follows.

7.2.8 The study site is located just below the high point of 399m AOD at Craig Rhiberfa rounded hill. The surrounding uplands contrast with open ridge tops with rugged valley sides, to ridges planted with conifer plantations that also cover incised valleys. Wind farms are also located on some of the surrounding uplands, including the existing PYW wind farm and extension site on Mynydd yr Aber, which surrounds the north and east of the study site.

7.2.9 The study site forms a small part of Ogmore Forest, a conifer plantation that extends from the ridgeline of Craig Rhiwberfa, to the south and west along the steep valley sides towards Ogmore Valley and Cwm Dimbath. Throughout the study site, there are near views of the PYW wind turbines. The presence of the existing PYW wind turbines,


Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015


vehicular access tracks and associated infrastructure immediately to the north and east of the study site also contribute towards the reduced sense of remoteness.

7.2.10 The assessment of landscape effects considered the effects on landscape fabric within the study site, the effects on landscape character, including consideration of the effects on designated landscapes. The main findings of the assessments are summarised below.

7.2.11 During construction, effects on the landscape features, character and public access within the study site were assessed as being moderate or minor effects, which are likely to be considered as adverse. During the operational phase of the proposed wind turbines, landscape effects within the study site were assessed as being moderate, which are likely to be considered as adverse or neutral effects. At the decommissioning phase, effects on the landscape within the study site were also assessed as being moderate or minor effects. However, overtime, as the restoration of the study site establishes, effects on the landscape would reduce to minor or negligible effects.

7.2.12 Effects on the landscape were also assessed beyond the study site and within its local context. The assessment concluded that effects during construction and decommissioning would mainly be minor – moderate or minor, which is likely to be considered as adverse or neutral effects. During the operation phase, effects were also assessed as mainly as minor – moderate or minor. However, following the completion of the decommissioning phase, as the restored landscape establishes, effects are likely to mostly reduce to negligible.

7.2.13 Effects on designated landscapes (SAMs, conservation areas and listed buildings) and the Rhondda LSHI were assessed as negligible from the construction phase through to decommissioning.

Visual assessment

7.2.14 ZTV plans to hub height (80m) and blade tip height (125m) of the proposed wind turbines were produced to show the predicted visibility extent of the proposed wind turbines based upon “bare ground scenario”.

7.2.15 The ZTVs show that the surrounding topography influences the potential visibility of the proposed wind turbines. Within 5km of the study site, the ZTV illustrated that the extent of the predicted visibility of the proposed wind turbines would be mostly concentrated on the surrounding upland areas. Between 5km and 10km of the study site, views of the proposed turbines are predicted to be from scattered elevated areas, particularly to the northeast, southeast, and southwest. Beyond 10km of the study site, potential distant views of the proposed turbines would mainly be concentrated to areas located within the southern half of the study area. The upland area of Mynydd yr Aber would largely screen views of the proposed wind turbines from areas beyond 5km of the study site to the north.

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7.2.16 To confirm the initial desk studies, a total of 13 viewpoints were taken to illustrate the study site and its appearance from publicly accessible areas. Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) were consulted about the scope of the visual studies, including the initial viewpoint selection. Of the 13 viewpoints that were taken, 11 were taken forward as viewpoints for the assessments. The main findings of the viewpoint assessments are summarised below.

7.2.17 Residents within 5km of the study site, the degree and nature of visual effect during construction and decommissioning was mostly assessed as minor – moderate. During the operational phase, effects were mainly assessed as moderate. As distance increases beyond 5km of the study site, visual effects for residents would reduce. Beyond 8km of the study site, visual effects for residents would mainly be negligible during construction, operation and decommissioning phases.

7.2.18 For users of public rights of way and access land within 5km of the study site, the degree and nature of visual effect during construction, operation and decommissioning phases was mostly assessed as moderate. Beyond 5km of the study site, users of public rights of way and access land that have open and unobstructed views towards the study site, the visual effects varied between negligible, minor and minor – moderate during construction and decommissioning phases. During operation, the visual effects were assessed as minor – moderate or moderate. However, users of public rights of way and access land that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site were all assessed has negligible visual effects during construction, operation and decommissioning phases.

7.2.19 Beyond 10km of the study site, for users of public rights of way and access land with open and unobstructed views towards the study site at viewpoint 10, the visual effects would be minor during construction and decommissioning and minor – moderate during operation.

7.2.20 Visitors to the surrounding SLAs with open and unobstructed views towards the study site, the visual effects were assessed as minor or minor – moderate during the construction and decommissioning phases. During operation, visual effects were assessed as minor – moderate or moderate. Visitors that have filtered, oblique or partial views towards the study site, visual effects would be less. Viewpoint 08 assessed effects during construction and decommissioning phases as negligible and minor during operation.

7.2.21 For road users, visual effects during construction and decommissioning were assessed as negligible. During operation, visual effects were assessed as negligible or minor throughout the 15km study area.


7.2.22 Overall, any visual effects for receptors are likely to be considered as neutral as the proposed wind turbines would be viewed amongst or back dropped by the existing PYW wind farm and extension site.

7.2.23 Weather conditions, as described in paragraph 1.4 above would further limit visibility for receptors as conditions that limit visibility occur on average 53% of the year.

Cumulative assessment

7.2.24 The cumulative effects on the landscape and visual amenity of the proposed development were considered in conjunction with wind farm/ smaller wind turbine developments that are operational, under construction, or consented were considered.

7.2.25 As recommended within GLVIA3, the cumulative landscape effects focus on those landscape types / areas where cumulative effects are likely to occur. For this reason, the scope of the cumulative assessment focuses on landscape character and receptors located within 3km of the study site.

7.2.26 The additive landscape effects were concluded to be moderate. The proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines would be integrated with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site and contained within the local landscape. Effects would be to slightly enlarge its presence in the landscape as one apparent wind farm.

7.2.27 The cumulative visual assessment considered surrounding wind farm/ smaller wind energy developments within a 23km cumulative study area. Several CZTVs were proposed, which grouped surrounding wind energy developments. Additive cumulative visual effects were concluded to be minor as the addition of the proposed PyWEx2 turbines are unlikely to be readily discernible in the surrounding views from the majority of the cumulative study area.

7.2.28 Sequential cumulative visual effects were also assessed from local public rights of way, several long distance routes, National Cycle Routes (NCR), and main roads. The cumulative sequential visual effects for users of local public rights of way were assessed as moderate. For routes beyond the local context that include the long distance routes, NCRs and main roads the cumulative sequential visual effects were concluded to be minor or negligible.

7.2.29 Temporal cumulative landscape and visual effects were also considered. The considered cumulative wind energy developments are mostly operational. It is assumed that the majority of the operational developments would be decommissioned and removed circa 2035 – 204030. Should the PyWEx2 turbine gain consent in 2020, it

30 Based on publicly available information from


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is likely to be in operation between 2020 -2022, which would coincide with the period when most wind farms/ smaller wind turbine developments would be in operation.

7.3 Policy considerations 7.3.1 In relation to Planning Policy Wales 10 the siting, scale and design of the proposed

wind turbines were considered to minimise adverse impacts on the landscape character and visual amenity on the surrounding landscape (Chapters 3, 5 and 6).

7.3.2 In relation to TAN 8, the proposed wind turbines are located outside of Strategic Search Area (SSA) 7. However, TAN 8 encourages existing wind farms to be extended provided that environmental and landscape impacts are acceptable.

7.3.3 The National Development Framework (NDF) is currently at the draft consultation stage. The NDF identifies Priority Areas for wind and solar energy developments, where there is support for large scale onshore wind energy developments under Policy 10, which would supersede TAN 8 SSAs. The study site is located in Priority Area 14.

7.3.4 In relation to the Bridgend County Borough Council Local Development Plan, the location of the proposed wind turbines was carefully considered. They would be sited to the south of the existing PYW wind turbines on a low elevation to reduce, where possible, visual impacts from the surrounding landscape. The siting of the proposed turbines would utilise the existing infrastructure of the existing PYW wind farm, minimising the need to construct new access tracks, and limiting any impacts on the landscape character. The model of the turbines would be the same as the existing PYW wind turbines, which would be of an appropriate form and scale for the context of the area. The proposed development would therefore comply with Objective 2, Policies SP2, SP4 and ENV1.

7.3.5 The proposed development would not be located within a SLA. Existing PYW turbines are located in the Northern Uplands SLA and the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines would be located close to the SLA. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context to the existing PYW wind farm and would therefore comply with Policy ENV3.

7.3.6 There are no historic features such as conservation areas, listed buildings, SAMs, or historic landscapes or parks and gardens. There would not be significant adverse landscape and visual amenity impacts as a result of the proposed development on these historic features. The proposed development therefore complies with Policy SP5.

7.3.7 The proposed wind turbine development would also not result in significant adverse impacts on the environment, local communities, and would not result in visual dominance. The proposed development therefore complies with and promotes Polices SP8 and ENV18.

7.3.8 Supplementary Planning Guidance SPG 20 Renewables in the Landscape provides evidence to support the LDP policies: SP2 Design and sustainable Place Making, SP4


Conservation and Enhancement of the Natural Environment, and SP8 Renewable Energy. The siting of the proposed wind turbines complies with the generic guidance provided for siting wind energy developments. The SPG also provides a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment and Guidance by Landscape Character Areas. The proposed wind turbines would not be located in the lower farmed slopes to the south in LCA 8, which would have a higher sensitivity to larger wind turbines.

7.4 Designated landscapes 7.4.1 The study site is not located in a Special Landscape Area (SLA) but is located

approximately 160m to the south of SLA 2: Northern Uplands. The ZTV (Figure LA.09-2) shows that there would be views of the proposed turbines from the Northern Uplands SLA. However, the proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context to the surrounding existing PWY wind farm and extension site, which is mostly located within the SLA. Although the proposed wind turbines would be located close to the SLA, the primary landscape qualities and features of the SLA, such as the open upland ridge, westerly facing slopes, and attractive upland views are likely to remain intact.

7.4.2 The Rhondda Landscape of Special Historic Interest (LSHI) is located circa 0.80km to the northeast of the study site. Between the Rhondda LSHI and the study site there are several existing PYW turbines and 7 turbines are located within the LSHI. There are also several other wind energy developments scattered within the LSHI. The ZTV shows that visitors to the LSHI would have views of the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines from some scattered areas along the elevated ridgelines within the LSHI. However, the proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context and to and behind the existing PYW wind farm.

7.4.3 In the west of the study area is Margam Mountain LSHI, which has been largely afforested. At its nearest point it is located almost 10km beyond the study site. The proposed PyWEx2 turbines are unlikely to result in adverse landscape and visual impacts to the LSHI and its setting.

7.4.4 Llangeinor conservation area is the only conservation area within 5km of the study site that is covered by the ZTV. It is located approximately 3km to the southwest of the study site. Due to the separation of the conservation area from the study site, there are unlikely to be any adverse landscape effects on the setting of the conservation area. The proposed turbines are illustrated to be visible from the conservation area, which would be backdropped by the existing PYW wind farm and extension site and viewed in context to the existing wind farm.

7.4.5 There are also several listed buildings within 5km of the study site. They are generally located within valley settlements where there is no inter-visibility with the proposed turbines.

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7.4.6 There are several Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) scattered within the 15km study area. Seven are located within 5km of the study site; two are not covered by the ZTV and one is located within conifer woodland, which the ZTV did not take into account. Due to the separation of the SAMs from the study site, effects of the proposed turbines would be limited to visual effects. The proposed wind turbines would be viewed in context and backdropped by the existing PYW wind farm and extension site.

7.4.7 There are no Registered Parks and Gardens within 5km of the study site. The proposed wind turbines are unlikely to result in any indirect adverse landscape effects or adverse visual amenity effects on the registered parks and gardens and their settings.

7.5 Conclusions 7.5.1 This Landscape and Visual Appraisal concludes that the study site represents an

opportunity to accommodate the proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines with associated access spurs amongst the existing PYW wind farm.

7.5.2 The siting of the proposed wind turbines utilises the existing PYW infrastructure, reducing the requirement for the construction of new features and minimising, where possible, the landscape impacts. The scale and model of the proposed wind turbines would match the existing PYW wind turbines and their siting would be amongst the existing wind farm, minimising adverse impacts to visual amenity.

7.5.3 The predicted landscape character effects are concluded to be no greater than moderate throughout the life cycle of the proposed wind turbines. The presence of the existing PYW wind turbines, vehicular access tracks and associated infrastructure immediately to the north and east of the study site contribute towards the reduced sense of remoteness. The proposed wind turbines would add new elements and perceptual aspects to the local area but are not considered to be an incongruous feature due to the existing presence of PYW wind farm.

7.5.4 The predicted visual effects of the proposed wind turbine development would be no more than moderate for users in the surrounding landscape throughout the life cycle of the wind turbines. As distance increases from the study site, visual effects are likely to decrease. The proposed PyWEx2 turbines would be viewed amongst or backdropped by the existing PYW wind farm and extension site. From some areas in the wider landscape, it is unlikely to be readily discernible that the two proposed wind turbines would be added to the view amongst the existing PYW wind farm and extension site.

7.5.5 Cumulative landscape and visual effects were also concluded to be no greater that moderate. The proposed PyWEx2 wind turbines would be integrated with the existing PYW wind farm and extension site and contained within the local landscape. Should the PyWEx2 turbine gain consent, it would coincide with the period when most wind


farms/ smaller wind turbine developments would be in operation, including the existing PYW wind farm.

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Appendix 1 - Methodology

General Methodology A1.1 Although not an ‘EIA’ project the methodology used in this informal appraisal has been

based upon the recommendations in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition published by The Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment in 2013 (GLVIA3). As advised in the Guidelines, the general approach and process can be applied to non-EIA assessments, or “Appraisals”. The Landscape Institute’s Statement of Clarification 1/13 also advises that it is not required in an Appraisal to establish whether the effects arising are or are not significant. However, the degree and nature of the effects identified is assessed.

Landscape Effects Assessment Establishing the landscape baseline

A1.2 Baseline studies for assessing the landscape effects included a mix of desk study and field work to identify and record the character of the landscape and the elements, features and aesthetic and perceptual factors which contribute to it.

A1.3 The elements that make up the landscape in the study area were recorded, including:

physical influences - geology, soils, landform, drainage and water bodies; land cover, including different types of vegetation and patterns and types of tree

cover; the influence of human activity, such as, land use and management, the character

of settlements and buildings, the pattern and type of fields and enclosure; and the aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape, e.g.: its scale, complexity,

openness, tranquillity, wildness.

A1.4 The overall character of the landscape in the study area was considered, including the particular combinations of elements and aesthetic and perceptual aspects that make each distinctive, usually by identification as key characteristics of the landscape. Evidence about change in the landscape was considered, including the condition of the different landscape types and/or areas, and their constituent parts and evidence of current pressures causing change in the landscape.

Landscape value

A1.5 The European Landscape Convention promotes taking account of all landscapes, including ordinary or undesignated landscapes. The relative value attached to the landscape was considered at the baseline stage to inform the judgments about the effects likely to occur, whether to areas of landscape as a whole or to individual elements, features and aesthetic or perceptual dimensions, at the community, local, national or international levels.

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A1.6 Landscape designation is a starting point in understanding landscape value but value may also be attached to undesignated landscapes. Special Qualities, reasons for designation, relevant policies in management plans or designation-specific policies in development plans, were consulted in assessing the relative value of the landscape within designated areas.

A1.7 Areas of landscape whose character is judged to be intact and in good condition, and where scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and natural or cultural heritage features make a particular contribution to the landscape, or where there are important associations, are likely to be highly valued. For “ordinary, everyday landscapes”, the judgement was based upon the degree to which they are representative of typical character, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of its elements, scenic quality, sense of place, aesthetic and perceptual qualities.

A1.8 In Wales, the evaluation of the five aspects of the landscape described in LANDMAP was used, in conjunction with the criteria in Table A2- 1 below, where appropriate.

A1.9 When determining the landscape value the following elements were considered, in addition to consideration of values associated with designations:

• The importance of the landscape, or the perceived value of the landscape to users or consultees, as indicated by, for example, international, national or local designations;

• The importance of elements or components of the landscape in the landscape character of the area or in their contribution to the landscape setting of other areas;

• Intrinsic aesthetic characteristics, scenic quality or sense of place, including providing landscape setting to other places;

• Cultural associations in the arts or in guides to the area, or popular use of the area for recreation, where experience of the landscape is important;

• The presence and scale of detractors in the landscape and the degree to which they are susceptible to improvement or upgrading; and

• Conservation interests: The presence of features of wildlife, earth science or archaeological or historical and cultural interest can add to the value of the landscape as well as having value in their own right.

A1.10 The following table indicates the criteria used to determine the Landscape value:

Table A2- 1 Indicative criteria to determine landscape value Value Criteria

High Value Landscapes subject to international or national designations, and non-designated landscapes where the following considerations apply:

Areas of landscape whose character is judged to be intact and in good condition;

Scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and/or natural or cultural heritage features make a particular contribution to the landscape;

There are important cultural and artistic associations;

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Value Criteria They are representative of typical character of the area or have a character or elements that are valued for their rarity;

Particular components may be identified as important contributors to the landscape character;

The landscape is valued for recreational activities where experience of the landscape is important.

Low Value Areas of landscape whose character is in poor condition;

Scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and/or natural or cultural heritage features are not key characteristics of the landscape;

Cultural and artistic associations are absent;

They are not representative of typical character of the area, but are also not valued for rarity;

Particular components may be identified as important contributors to the landscape character;

There is little scope for recreational activities where experience of the landscape is important.

A1.11 Where the value falls between high and low, an intermediate level of value is assigned,

e.g. “medium”.

A1.12 The landscape baseline report aims to:

describe, map and illustrate the character of the landscape of both the wider study area and the site and its immediate surroundings;

identify and describe the individual elements and aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape, particularly those that are key characteristics contributing to its distinctive character;

indicate the condition of the landscape, including the condition of landscape elements or features;

project forward drivers and trends in change and how they may affect the landscape over time, in the absence of the proposal; and

evaluate the landscape and, where appropriate, its components, aesthetic and perceptual aspects, particularly the key characteristics.

Assessing the Landscape Effects

A1.13 The baseline information about the landscape was combined with understanding of the details of the proposal to identify and describe the landscape effects. The landscape receptors were identified, that is, the components or aspects of the landscape likely to be affected, such as, overall character or key characteristics, individual elements or features, or specific aesthetic or perceptual aspects.

A1.14 Interactions between the landscape receptors and the components or characteristics of the development at its different stages were considered: construction, operation and decommissioning, and the different types of effect: direct and indirect, secondary,

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cumulative, short, medium and long- term, permanent and temporary, adverse and beneficial.

A1.15 Landscape effects considered included:

change in and/or partial or complete loss of elements, features or aesthetic or perceptual aspects that contribute to the character and distinctiveness of the landscape;

addition of new elements or features that will influence the character and distinctiveness of the landscape; and

combined effects of these changes on overall character.

A1.16 The landscape effects were categorised as adverse, beneficial, or negligible in their consequences for the landscape, judged from the degree to which the proposal fits with existing character and the contribution the development makes to the landscape in its own right, even if in contrast to existing character.

A1.17 The assessment of the landscape effects was based on assessment of the sensitivity of the landscape receptors and the magnitude of the change in the landscape arising from the proposal.

Sensitivity of the landscape receptors

A1.18 The sensitivity of landscape receptors combines judgments of their susceptibility to the type of change arising from the development proposal and the value attached to the landscape.

A1.19 Susceptibility to change means the ability of the landscape receptor 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.

A1.20 The value attached to the landscape receptors was established in the baseline study.

A1.21 When determining the landscape susceptibility, the following elements were considered:

The ability of the landscape receptor to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the landscape character and/or the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies;

The degree to which the changes arising from the development would alter the overall character, quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area;

The degree to which the changes arising from the development would alter individual elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to the landscape character; and

Existing landscape studies may identify the sensitivity of the landscape type or area or its characteristics to the general type of development that is proposed.

A1.22 The following table indicates the criteria used to determine the Landscape susceptibility:

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Table A1- 2 Criteria for landscape susceptibility

Susceptibility Criteria

Susceptible The changes arising from the type of development would alter the overall character, quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area.

The changes arising from the type of development would alter or remove individual elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to, or add new elements incongruous to, the landscape character.

The type of development would compromise the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies for the landscape.

The changes arising from the type of development would alter or remove elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to the landscape character, or add new elements that would reinforce the key characteristics of the landscape character.

Moderately Susceptible

The changes arising from the type of development would partially alter the overall character, quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area.

The changes arising from the type of development would partially alter or remove some individual elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to, or add some new elements incongruous to, the landscape character.

The type of development would compromise the achievement of some landscape planning policies and strategies for the landscape.

The changes arising from the type of development would partially alter or remove some elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to the landscape character or add some new elements that would reinforce the key characteristics of the landscape character.

Not Susceptible The changes arising from the type of development would not alter the overall character, quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area.

The type of development would not compromise the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies for the landscape.

The changes arising from the type of development would not alter or remove individual elements or features or aesthetic and perceptual aspects important to, or add new elements incongruous to, the landscape character.

Magnitude of Landscape Change

A1.23 Effects on landscape receptors are assessed in terms of size or scale, the geographical extent of the area influenced, and its duration and reversibility.

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Table A1- 3 Considerations for assessing magnitude of landscape change

Consideration Indicative criteria

Size or scale of change

Categorised on a scale of Large, Medium, Small, Negligible or None, based upon:

The extent of existing landscape elements that will be lost (or added), the proportion of the total extent that this represents and the contribution of that element to the character of the landscape;

The degree to which aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape are altered either by removal of existing components of the landscape or additions of new ones;

Whether the effect changes the key characteristics of the landscape, which are critical to its distinctive character.

Geographical area over which the landscape would be changed

Categorised on a scale of:

Small: at site level, within the development site itself or at the level of the immediate setting of the site;

Medium: at the scale of the landscape type or character area within which the proposal lies;

Large: where the development influences several landscape types or character areas.

The duration of the changes

The durations of changes due to the development are categorised as:

Short term: zero to five years;

Medium term: five to ten years;

Long term: ten to twenty-five years

Permanent: more than twenty-five.

Reversibility The prospect and the practicality of the effect being reversed within twenty-five years

Degree of Landscape Effects

A1.24 Final conclusions about the degree of effect relate the separate judgements about sensitivity of the receptors and magnitude of the changes combined, based upon the following considerations:

Major effect: irreversible adverse or beneficial effects, over an extensive area, on elements and/or aesthetic and perceptual aspects that are key to the character of nationally valued landscapes;

Moderate effect: where effects are judged to be between the criteria for either Major or Minor effects;

Minor effect: Reversible adverse or beneficial effects of short duration, over a restricted area, on elements and/or aesthetic and perceptual aspects that contribute to, but are not key characteristics of the character of landscapes of community value;

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Negligible effects where there is little or no perceived change to the existing landscape character or the change is difficult to discern.

Visual Effects Assessment Establishing the visual baseline

A1.25 Baseline studies for visual effects establish:

the area in which the development may be visible the different groups of people who may experience views of the development the location where they will be affected the nature of the views at those points where possible, the approximate or relative number of the different groups of

people who may be affected by the changes in views or visual amenity.

A1.26 In identifying important viewpoints, heritage assets in the vicinity of the proposed development and their settings were taken into account.

A1.27 The potential areas where the study site and proposed development are likely to be visible were mapped.

A1.28 The people within the study area who may be affected by the changes in views and visual amenity – the visual receptors – were identified:

people living in the area people passing through on roads and the local lanes people visiting promoted landscapes or attractions people engaged in recreation of different types, including users of public rights of

way, bridleways and access land.

A1.29 Views that form part of the experience and enjoyment of the landscape were noted, for example, from promoted paths, tourist or scenic routes and associated viewpoints.

A1.30 The proposed viewpoints were discussed with the local authority, and informed by the visual appraisal, field surveys, and by desk research on access and recreation, heritage assets and other valued landscapes, tourist attractions and destinations, popular vantage points, and relative distribution of population. Viewpoints were selected to represent the experience of different types of visual receptors.

A1.31 The details of viewpoint locations were mapped and catalogued, and the direction and area covered by the view recorded, sufficient to allow someone else to return to the location and record the same view. Photography was carried out in accordance with the Landscape Institute’s guidance in Photography and Photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment, Advice Note 01/11.

A1.32 The baseline report aims to describe, map and illustrate:

the type and relative numbers of people (visual receptors) likely to be affected, making clear the activities they are likely to be involved in when enjoying the view;

details of the viewpoints and of the visual receptors likely to be affected at each;

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the nature, composition and characteristics of the existing view, noting any particular horizontal or vertical emphasis, and any key foci; existing views have been illustrated in annotated photographs identifying important components of the view.

elements, such as landform, buildings or vegetation, which may interrupt, filter or otherwise influence the views;

whether or how the view may be affected by seasonal or weather variation.

Assessing the Visual Effects

Predicting and describing visual effects

A1.33 The baseline information about the visual receptors was combined with understanding of the details of the proposal to identify and describe the visual effects, considering:

changes in views and visual amenity arising from elements of the development; the distance of the viewpoint from the development and whether the viewer would

focus on the development due to its scale and proximity or whether the development would be only a small or minor element in a panoramic view;

whether the view is stationary or transient or one of a sequence of views; the nature of the changes: changes in the skyline, creation of a new visual focus in

the view, introduction of new elements, changes in visual simplicity or complexity, alteration of visual scale or the degree of visual enclosure; and

seasonal differences in effects, arising from the varying degree of screening and/or filtering of views by vegetation in summer and winter.

A1.34 Categorising the visual effects as adverse or beneficial (or neutral) in their consequences for views and visual amenity was based on judgments about whether the changes affect the quality of the visual experience, and the nature of the existing views and the nature of the changes to the views.

A1.35 The visual effects were assessed, based on assessment of the nature of the visual receptors and their sensitivity, and the nature of the effect on views and visual amenity, that is, the magnitude of visual change.

Sensitivity of the visual receptors

A1.36 The people or groups of people likely to be affected at a specific viewpoint – the visual receptors – are assessed in terms of their susceptibility to change in views and visual amenity and the value attached to particular views.

A1.37 The susceptibility of visual receptors to changes in views and visual amenity is a function of the occupation or activity of people experiencing the view at particular locations and the extent to which their attention or interest is focused on the views or the visual amenity they experience at particular locations.

A1.38 The visual receptors most susceptible to change include:

residents at home;

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people engaged in outdoor recreation, including use of public rights of way, whose attention or interest is likely to be focused on the landscape and on particular views;

visitors to designated landscapes, heritage assets, or other attractions, where views of the surroundings are an important contributor to the experience;

communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents in the area.

A1.39 Visual receptors less susceptible to change include:

people engaged in outdoor sport or recreation which does not involve or depend upon appreciation of views of the landscape;

people at their place of work whose attention may be focused on their work or activity not on their surroundings and where the setting is not important to the quality of working life.

travellers on road, rail or other transport routes, except along recognised scenic routes, where awareness of views is likely to be high.

A1.40 Judgments were made about the value attached to the views identified, taking account of recognition, for example, in relation to heritage assets, or through planning designations, appearance in guidebooks or on tourist maps, promotion of particular locations or provision of facilities provided for their enjoyment, such as parking places, sign boards and interpretive material, or references to them in literature or art.

A1.41 The sensitivity of visual receptors to change is categorised as high, moderate or lesser, in accordance with the criteria set out below.

Table A1- 4 Indicative criteria for visual sensitivity

Category Indicative criteria

High sensitivity Viewers in residential or community properties with open views of/towards the study site.

Views experienced by many viewers.

Daily, prolonged or sustained views available over a long period, or where the view of the landscape is an important attractant.

A view from a landscape, recreation facility or route valued nationally or internationally for its visual amenity.

Moderate sensitivity Viewers in residential or community properties with partial or largely screened views of/ towards the study site.

Frequent open views available.

Viewers are pursuing activities such as sports or outdoor work, where the landscape is not the principal reason for being there or the focus of attention is only partly on the view.

A view from other valued landscapes, or a regionally important recreation facility or route.

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Category Indicative criteria

Lesser sensitivity A view of low importance or low value attached to the view, or where the viewer’s attention is not focused their surroundings.

A view of/towards the study site from a landscape of moderate or less importance.

Occasional open views or glimpsed views available of/towards the study site; passing views available to travellers in vehicles.

A view available to few viewers.

Magnitude of visual change

A1.42 The visual effects identified are evaluated in terms of size or scale, the geographical extent of the area influenced, duration and reversibility.

Table A1- 5 Considerations for assessing magnitude of visual change

Consideration Indicative criteria

Size or scale of change

Categorised on a scale of major, moderate, minor or none, based upon:

The degree of the loss or addition of features in the view;

The extent of changes in the composition of the view, including the proportion of the view occupied by the proposed development;

The degree of contrast or integration of the changes with the existing or remaining landscape elements and characteristics;

The nature of the view of the proposed development, whether full, partial or glimpsed, or the relative amount of time over which it will be experienced.

Geographical area over which the changes would be experienced

The geographic extent reflects:

The extent of the area over which the changes would be visible;

The angle of view in relation to the main activity of the receptor;

The distance of the viewpoint from the proposed development.

The duration of the changes

Categorised as:

Short term: zero to five years;

Medium term: five to ten years;

Long term: ten to twenty-five years

Permanent: more than twenty-five.

Reversibility The prospect and the practicality of the effect being reversed within twenty-five years, or within a generation

Judging the overall visual effects

A1.43 Final conclusions about the degree of visual effects relate the separate judgements about sensitivity of the receptors and magnitude of the changes, for example:

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Major effect: Large scale changes which introduce new, non-characteristic or discordant or intrusive elements into the view, especially where affecting people who are particularly sensitive to changes in views and visual amenity or people at recognised and important viewpoints or from recognised scenic routes.

Minor effect: limited or localised change, or reversible short term changes, in views available to people for whom the view of the landscape is not the principle focus of interest.

As for landscape effects, where effects are judged to be between these extremes, they may be assigned moderate levels of effect.

Negligible effect: The change in the view is imperceptible or difficult to discern.

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Appendix 2 - Policy

Bridgend County Borough Council, Local Development Plan 2006 -2021

A2.1 Full details of relevant policy

Local Development plan Objectives The LDP Vision will be delivered through four strategic LDP objectives which seek to address the national, regional and local issues facing the County Borough. These four strategic objectives are at the centre of the LDP and form the basis for its policy development. They are:

1. To produce high quality sustainable Places. 2. To protect and enhance the Environment. 3. To spread prosperity and opportunity through Regeneration. 4. To create safe, healthy and inclusive Communities.

Strategic Policy SP2 Design and Sustainable Placemaking All development should contribute to creating high quality, attractive, sustainable places which enhance the community in which they are located, whilst having full regard to the natural, historic and built environment by:

1) Complying with all relevant national policy and guidance where appropriate;

2) Having a design of the highest quality possible, whilst respecting and enhancing local character and distinctiveness and landscape character;

3) Being of an appropriate scale, size and prominence; 4) Using land efficiently by:

(i) being of a density which maximises the development potential of the land whilst respecting that of the surrounding development; and

(ii) having a preference for development on previously developed land over greenfield land;

5) Providing for an appropriate mix of land uses; 6) Having good walking, cycling, public transport and road connections

within and outside the site to ensure efficient access; 7) Minimising opportunities for crime to be generated or increased; 8) Avoiding or minimising noise, air, soil and water pollution; 9) Incorporating methods to ensure the site is free from contamination

(including invasive species); 10)Safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity and green infrastructure; 11) Ensuring equality of access by all; 12)Ensuring that the viability and amenity of neighbouring uses and their

users/occupiers will not be adversely affected;

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13)Incorporating appropriate arrangements for the disposal of foul sewage, waste and water;

14) Make a positive contribution towards tackling the causes of, and adapting to the impacts of Climate Change; and

15) Appropriately contributing towards local, physical, social and community infrastructure which is affected by the development.

Strategic Policy SP4 Conservation and Enhancement of the Natural Environment Development which will conserve and, wherever possible, enhance the natural environment of the County Borough will be favoured. Development proposals will not be permitted where they will have an adverse impact upon:

- The integrity of the County Borough's countryside; - The character of its landscape; - Its biodiversity and habitats; and - The quality of its natural resources including water, air and soil.

Areas having a high and/or unique environmental quality will be protected and the following strategically important areas within the County Borough will specifically be protected from inappropriate development which directly or indirectly impacts upon them. SP4(1) Natura 2000 Network Sites (including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); SP4(2) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); SP4(3) Kenfig and Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserves (NNRs); SP4(4) The Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Policy ENV1 Development in the Countryside Development in the countryside of the County Borough will be strictly controlled.

1) Agriculture and/or forestry purposes; 2) The winning and working of minerals; 3) Appropriate rural enterprises where a countryside location is necessary

for the development; 4) The implementation of an appropriate rural enterprise/ farm

diversification project; 5) Land reclamation purposes; 6) Transportation and/or utilities infrastructure; 7) The suitable conversion of, and limited extension to, existing structurally

sound rural buildings where the development is modest in scale and clearly subordinate to the original structure;

8) The direct replacement of an existing dwelling; 9) Outdoor recreational and sporting activities; or 10) The provision of Gypsy Traveller accommodation.

Where development is acceptable in principle in the countryside it should where possible, utilise existing buildings and previously developed land and/or have an appropriate scale, form and detail for its context.

Policy ENV3 Special Landscape Areas

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Development in Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) will only be permitted where: 1) It retains or enhances the character and distinctiveness of the SLA; 2) The design of the development reflects the building traditions of the

locality in its form, materials and details, and/or assimilates itself into the wider landscape; and

3) The proposed development is accompanied by a landscape assessment which takes into account the impact of the development and sets out proposals to mitigate any adverse effects.

In this respect, the following areas have been designated as Special Landscape Areas: ENV3(1) Foel y Dyffryn ENV3(2) Northern Uplands ENV3(3) Western Uplands ENV3(4) Bryngarw Country Park ENV3(5) Mynydd y Gaer ENV3(6) Kenfig Burrows ENV3(7) Laleston ENV3(8) Porthcawl Coast ENV3(9) Merthyr Mawr Warren The settings of SLAs will be protected with consideration of the views from those areas to the settlements of the County Borough. New development within settlements should be designed to provide an attractive transition between the urban area and the countryside.

Strategic Policy SP5 Conservation of the Built and Historic Environment Development should conserve, preserve, or enhance the built and historic environment of the County Borough and its setting. In particular, development proposals will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that they will not have a significant adverse impact upon the following heritage assets: SP5(1) Listed Buildings and their settings; SP5(2) Conservation Areas and their settings; SP5(3) Scheduled Ancient Monuments; SP5(4) Sites or Areas of Archaeological Significance; SP5(5) Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens or; SP5(6) Locally Significant Buildings.

Strategic Policy SP8 Renewable Energy Development proposals which contribute to meeting national renewable energy and energy efficiency targets will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impacts on the environment and local communities.

Policy ENV18 Renewable Energy Developments Proposals for renewable energy developments will be permitted provided that:

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1) In the case of wind farm developments of 25MW or more, the preference will be for them to be located within the boundary of the refined Strategic Search Area;

2) The availability of identified mineral resources or reserves will not be sterilised;

3) Appropriate monitoring and investigation can demonstrate that the development will not have any significant impacts on nature conservation;

4) Appropriate arrangements have been made for the preservation and/or recording of features of local archaeological, architectural or historic interest;

5) They can be safely accessed to permit regular maintenance without detriment to the environment or the public rights of way network;

6) They will not detrimentally affect local amenity by reason of noise emission, visual dominance, shadow flicker, reflected light, the emission of smoke, fumes, harmful gases, dust, nor otherwise cause pollution to the local environment;

7) They will not lead to electromagnetic disturbance to existing transmitting and receiving systems (which includes navigation and emergency services), thereby prejudicing public safety;

8) Local receptors of heat and energy from the proposal are identified and, where appropriate, are connected to/benefit from the facility; and

9) Provision has been made for the removal of all infrastructure from, and reinstatement of the site following termination of the use.

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Appendix 3 - Cumulative developments scoped out of the assessment

A3.1 Table A3.1 below lists the smaller wind turbine developments that are located within the 23km cumulative study but have been scoped out of the assessment, which is in accordance with Planning Guidance for Smaller Scale Wind Turbine Development Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Requirements 31.

Table A3.1 Smaller wind turbine developments scoped out of the cumulative assessment

Wind Farm/ wind turbine development




Baiden Farm

(2 tubines) Operational 9.3 Southwest Micro 25

Bryn Ysgawen Farm Operational 22.2 East Medium 77

Castell Llwyd Farm Operational 17.85 East Medium 77

Cefn Bach Farm Operational 21.4 Northeast Medium 78

Cefn Fforest Farm Operational 15.8 Northeast Medium 77

Cefn Park Farm Operational 10.1 Southwest Micro 18

Cwm Risca Farm Operational 8.9 Southwest Micro 25

Ford Motor Company

Operational 12.35 South Medium 79

Groesfaen Farm Operational 21.2 Northeast Medium 77

Pengarnddu Industrial Estate

Operational 22.35 Northeast Medium 77

Penrhiw Farm Operational 17.65 Northeast Micro 18

Penrhiwfer Farm Operational 4.7 Southeast Micro 22

Radyr Farm Operational 21 Southeast Micro 12

Stormy Farm Operational 14 Southwest Small 26

The Stud Operational 12.4 Southwest Micro 18

Tir Cook Farm Operational 15.85 Northeast Medium 77

Coed Hills Rural Art Consented 19.3 Southeast Micro 7.75


Assessment Requirements, prepared by Gillespies LLP for The Heads of the Valleys Landscape Officers and Planners with support from The South Wales Landscape Liaison Group, April 2015.

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Wind Farm/ wind turbine development




Field adjacent to Llangan Primary School

Consented 13.25 South Micro 19

Hen Dafarn Consented 10.75 South Small 39

Hen Dafarn Consented 10.8 South Small 49

Highfield Farm Consented 14 South Micro 12

Hirwaun Consented 15 North Medium 78

Land at Graig-yr-hufen Road

Consented 16.3 East Medium 77

Maesteg Golf Club Consented 10.9 West Micro 21

Penbwch Isaf Farm Consented 4.85 Southeast Micro 20

Pengarnddu Industrial Estate

(2 turbines) Consented 21.7 Northeast Medium 77

Pentwyn Uchaf Farm

Consented 12.3 Northeast Micro 17

St Brides Court Consented 16.1 Southwest Micro 18

The Grange, St Brides

Consented 18.9 Southeast Medium 77

The Larks, Marcross Consented 14 South Micro 12

Tir Y Ferch Gryno Farm

Consented 22.4 Northeast Small 36

Tyle Crwth Consented 22.25 East Medium 77

Valley Heights Filling Station

Consented 21.7 Northeast Micro 20.5

Bryntail Farm

(2 turbines) Planning 14.5 East Medium 71

Haregrove Farm Planning 12.9 Southwest Small 45

St Merryn Meat Factory

Planning 22.2 Northeast Medium 77

A3.2 In addition to the above scoped out smaller wind turbine developments, additional wind

farms and smaller wind turbine developments were scoped out from the cumulative assessment.

A3.3 Table A3.2 below list the additional scoped out wind farms and smaller wind turbine developments.

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Table A3.2 wind turbine developments scoped out of the cumulative assessment

Wind Farm/ smaller wind turbine development




Bwllfa Farm Operational 3 North Medium 76

Maesgwyn


Very Large

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Mynachdy Farm

(2 turbines) Operational 10 Northeast Medium 67

Llwyncelyn Farm

(2 turbines) Consented 8.5 Northeast

Very Large

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Maesgwyn Extension

(3 turbines) Consented 19.05 Northwest

Very Large

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Nant-y-Gwyddon Former Landfill Site

Consented 4 Northeast Very Large

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Appendix 4 - Full figures list

Figure LA.01-1 Proposed Turbine Locations

Figure LA.01-2 Study Site and Turbine Locations

Figure LA.02-1 Designations: Landscape and Heritage

Figure LA.02-2 Designations: Ecology

Figure LA.03 Public Access

Figure LA.04-1 LANDMAP: Geological Landscape overall evaluations

Figure LA.04-2 LANDMAP: Landscape Habitats overall evaluations

Figure LA.04-3 LANDMAP: Historic Landscape overall evaluations

Figure LA.04-4 LANDMAP: Cultural Landscape – rarity (QCL33)

Figure LA.04-5 LANDMAP: Cultural Landscape – group (QCL35)

Figure LA.04-6 LANDMAP: Cultural Landscape – overall evaluations

Figure LA.04-7 LANDMAP: Visual and sensory – scenic quality

Figure LA.04-8 LANDMAP: Visual and sensory – character

Figure LA.04-9 LANDMAP: Visual and sensory – overall evaluations

Figure LA.05 Landscape Character

Figure LA.06 Topography

Figure LA.07 Study Site Context

Figure LA.08-1 Site Photographs 01 and 02

Figure LA.08-2 Site Photographs 03 and 04

Figure LA.09-1 ZTV: Hub Height

Figure LA.09-2 ZTV: Blade Tip Height

Figure LA.09-3 ZTV: Blade Tip Height with Viewpoint Locations

Figure LA.10-1 Appraisal View BC01 Location Map

Figure LA.10-2 Appraisal View BC01 Fairy Glen road, Ogmore Vale

Figure LA.10-3 Appraisal View BC03 Location Map

Figure LA.10-4 Appraisal View BC03 commercial Street, Nantmoel

Figure LA.11-1 Viewpoint BC02 Location Map

Figure LA.11-2 Viewpoint BC02 Edge of Evanstown (wireline)

Figure LA.11-3 Viewpoint BC02 Edge of Evanstown (planar wireline)

Figure LA.11-4 Viewpoint VP01 Location Map

Figure LA.11-5 Viewpoint VP01 Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale (wireline)

Figure LA.11-6 Viewpoint VP01 Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale (planar wireline)

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Figure LA.11-7 Viewpoint VP01 Elm Terrace, Ogmore Vale (photomontage)


Figure LA.11-9 Viewpoint VP02 Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr (wireline)

Figure LA.11-10 Viewpoint VP02 Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr (planar wireline)

Figure LA.11-11 Viewpoint VP02 Bridleway to the north of Glynogwr (photomontage)


Figure LA.11-13 Viewpoint VP03 Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer (wireline)

Figure LA.11-14 Viewpoint VP03 Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer (planar wireline)

Figure LA.11-15 Viewpoint VP03 Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk, Mynydd y Gaer (photomontage)


Figure LA.11-17 Viewpoint VP04 On the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill (wireline)

Figure LA.11-18 Viewpoint VP04 On the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill (planar wireline)

Figure LA.11-19 Viewpoint VP04 On the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk to the east of Blackmill (photomontage)


Figure LA.11-21 Viewpoint VP05 Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry (wireline)

Figure LA.11-22 Viewpoint VP05 Mynydd Moelgeila, where a public footpath crosses the access to publicly accessible forestry (planar wireline)


Figure LA.11-24 Viewpoint VP06 Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm (wireline)

Figure LA.11-25 Viewpoint VP06 Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm (planar wireline)

Figure LA.11-26 Viewpoint VP06 Werfa Mountain, on a bridleway close to a communications mast and Llynfi Afan wind farm (photomontage)


Figure LA.11-28 Viewpoint VP07 Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip (wireline)

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Figure LA.11-29 Viewpoint VP07 Lay-by at the high point of a minor road over Cefn Gwyngul, near Tylorstown tip (planar wireline)


Figure LA.11-31 Viewpoint VP08 On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyrefail (wireline)

Figure LA.11-32 Viewpoint VP08 On minor road and NCR4 to the east of Tonyrefail (planar wireline)


Figure LA.11-34 Viewpoint VP09 Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend (wireline)

Figure LA.11-35 Viewpoint VP09 Heol Tyn-Y-Garn road, northwest Bridgend (planar wireline)


Figure LA.11-37 Viewpoint VP10 On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig (wireline)

Figure LA.11-38 Viewpoint VP10 On Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, northeast of Coed Cwm Kenfig (planar wireline)

Figure LA.12 Cumulative Assessment: Other Wind Energy Developments within 23km

Figure LA.13-1 CZTV PyWEx2 and PYW

Figure LA.13-2 CZTV PYW and Group 1


