Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES Landscape and Visual 2... · 2014-09-18 · Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES Methodology 7.14 The methodology for the LVIA has been undertaken in accordance with

Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES

7 Landscape and Visual Introduction and Overview

7.1 The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for wind farms forms one of the key components of the EIA process required by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘EIA Regulations’). The results of the assessment allow consideration of the proposed development against the relevant local planning policies which seek to protect the landscape resource and visual amenity. This section has been produced by Chartered Landscape Architects at AMEC Environment and Infrastructure Limited.

7.2 The objective of this assessment has been to determine the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development on the existing landscape resource and visual amenity. The following landscape and visual receptors have been assessed:

• landscape character, key characteristics, and elements;

• designated landscapes; and

• views and visual amenity experienced by residents, tourists, visitors, recreational and road users.

7.3 The assessment process has encompassed the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the proposed wind farm and has included design iteration and re-assessment of the residual effects. The design and assessment process has sought to achieve an acceptable compromise between maximising energy capture and achieving an acceptable design in terms of landscape and visual effects.

7.4 The assessment has also included cumulative assessment and considers the additional cumulative effect that would be generated by the proposed wind farm in combination with other existing, consented and proposed wind farms. The Drone Hill Wind Farm (consented and currently under construction) has been assessed as though it is already existing and is illustrated as such in the visualisations and photomontages, where the Drone Hill Wind Farm has been photomontaged into the existing view.

7.5 The Chapter is structured as follows:

• Strategic Landscape Planning Guidance

• Methodology

• Consultation and Scope of Assessment

• Baseline Description

• Mitigation Inherent in the Proposed Scheme

• Viewpoint (VP) and ZTV Analysis

• Residual Landscape Effects

• Residual Visual Effects

• Summary of and Evaluation of Residual Landscape and Visual Effects

• Conclusions

• References

Strategic Landscape Planning Guidance

7.6 The site area is located within ‘Zone 1’ of Scottish Natural Heritage’s Strategic Guidance for Onshore Wind Farms as it contains no national or local landscape designations and is not within the search area for wild land. The area is close to the Drone Hill Wind Farm which is currently under construction and within close proximity of the Berwickshire Coastline AGLV. The assessment will be required to examine potential landscape and visual effects in respect of this receptor. Zone 1 is defined as follows:

7.7 ‘Lowest natural heritage sensitivity identifies areas at the broad scale with least sensitivity to wind farms with the greatest opportunity for development, within which overall a large number of developments could be acceptable in natural heritage terms, so long as they are undertaken sensitively and with due regard to cumulative impact.’

Supplementary Planning Guidance

7.8 Specific guidance on wind energy development in the Scottish Borders is set out in the Supplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy (Scottish Borders Council, 2011). The SPG recognises that for most wind farm proposals:

7.9 ‘Landscape and visual impacts are usually significant and most wind farm proposals are likely to raise cumulative landscape and visual impacts to some degree.’

7.10 The SPG goes on to identify areas of constraint for wind energy development. The Spatial Strategy for the Scottish Borders is ranked as follows:

• Area of Significant Protection;

• Moderate Constraints (Higher);

• Moderate Constraints (Lower);

• Area of Search with Minor Constraints; and

• Area of Search.

7.11 The strategy indicates that the proposed wind farm is located within an area that is predominantly ranked as Moderate Constraints (Higher), although turbines 14 and 15 are within Areas of Significant Protection and turbine 1 is within Area of Search with Minor Constraints (see figure 4.1 for turbine numbers). The Areas of Significant Protection which overlap the peripheral parts of the site are likely to be those areas with theoretical visibility from the A1 and A1107, which are identified as visual receptors in the SPG report.

7.12 The SPG also lists the Berwickshire Coastal Path from Dowlaw to Pease Bay (Core Path 2) as a receptor of significant strategic importance in this area.

7.13 This variation in potential landscape capacity and constraints for wind farm development is noted and the design process has taken due account of the landscape and visual receptors identified in the SPG as well as many others within the study area (Chapter 3: Design Evolution and Alternatives and paragraphs 7.71 to 7.97) .

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Methodology

7.14 The methodology for the LVIA has been undertaken in accordance with the methodology set out in Appendix 7.1 . It conforms to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (GLVIA, 2002). Additional guidance has been taken from the following publications:

• Siting and Design of Wind farms in the Landscape, Version 1 (Scottish Natural Heritage, 2009);

• Visual Assessment of Wind Farms: Best Practice (University of Newcastle and Scottish Natural Heritage, 2002); and

• Guidance for the Assessment of Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impacts Arising from Wind farm Developments – Version 2 (SNH Advisory Services, 2005).

• The SNH document Visual Representation of Wind Farms: Good Practice Guidance provides guidance on the production of graphics, including Zones of Theoretical Visibility and photomontages, for wind farm assessments.

7.15 In addition, the LVIA has made reference to a number of relevant planning documents including the Scottish Government’s web based Planning Advice Note (PAN) on Onshore Wind Turbines, previously PAN 45 Renewable Energy Technologies, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) Development Plan Policy, in particular Structure Plan policy D4 Renewable Energy Development and Supplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy.

Defining the Study Area

7.16 The SNH guidance advises that the Study Area for wind turbines of this height should be based on an area 30 km distance from each of the proposed turbine locations. The Study Area is illustrated in Figure 7.1 and in order to achieve the SNH guidelines, covers a circular area of 30.925 km radius from the site centre (minimum 30 km distance from each of the proposed turbine locations).

7.17 It is important to note that the boundary of the Study Area is not the limit of potential visibility in clear weather conditions. Rather it is an area defined by SNH, on the basis of research to determine a suitable Study Area for the assessment of wind farms, which would contain all potential significant landscape and visual effects.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

7.18 Landscape effects are defined by the Landscape Institute as “Change in the elements, characteristics, character, and qualities of the landscape as a result of development. These effects can be positive or negative.” Development may have a direct (physical) effect on the landscape as well as an indirect effect perceived from outside the ‘host’ landscape character or character unit (type or area) within which it is located. The potential landscape effects, occurring during the construction, decommissioning, and operation phases, may therefore include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Changes to landscape elements: the addition of new elements or the removal of trees, vegetation, and buildings and other characteristic elements of the landscape character.

• Changes to landscape quality and characteristics: change to the condition of the landscape and / or the landscapes qualities and characteristics (including elements, patterns, and perceptual characteristics) particularly those which are considered as ‘key’ or defining characteristics.

• Changes to landscape character: the magnitude of change is sufficient to alter a notable part of the overall landscape character of a particular area.

• Cumulative landscape effects: where the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would lead to an additional or cumulative landscape effect, in combination with one or more wind farms.

7.19 Visual effects are concerned wholly with the effect of development on views, and the general visual amenity. The visual effects are identified for different receptors (people) who would experience the view at their places of residence, during recreational activities, at work, or when travelling through the area. The visual effects may include the following:

• Visual effect: a change to an existing static view, sequential views, or wider visual amenity as a result of development.

• Cumulative visual effects: the cumulative visibility of development change and in particular the cumulative visibility of more than one wind farm, which may combine to have a cumulative visual effect.

7.20 Essentially the level of landscape and visual effect (and whether this is significant) is determined through consideration of the ‘sensitivity’ of the landscape or visual receptor to the proposed development and the ‘magnitude of change’ caused by the proposed development, in this case the construction of a wind farm and associated infrastructure; the operation of the wind farm for a period of 25 years; and subsequent decommissioning.

7.21 The process involves iterative design and re-assessment of any remaining, residual effects that could not otherwise be mitigated or ‘designed out’. Landscape or visual sensitivity specific to this development is ranked from high, medium, low to negligible (with negligible as the lowest or least sensitive) and the magnitude of change is ranked from high, medium, low, negligible to zero as indicated in Table 7.1. The type of effect is also considered and may be direct or indirect, temporary (reversible) or permanent, cumulative, and positive, neutral, or negative. Where relevant, mostly in relation to cumulative effects, the probability of an effect is also stated.

7.22 The landscape and visual assessment unavoidably involves a combination of both quantitative and qualitative assessment and wherever possible has sought to gain a consensus of professional opinion through consultation, peer review, and the adoption of a systematic, impartial, and professional assessment approach.

7.23 In accordance with the EIA Regulations, it is important to determine whether the predicted effects are likely to be ‘significant’. Significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposed development would, in the assessor’s opinion, be all those effects that result in a ‘substantial’ or a ‘moderate / substantial’ effect and any exceptions would be clearly explained (refer to Table 7.1). A full description of the methodology used in this assessment is set out in Appendix 7.1 .

7.24 It is also worth noting that wind farm development is in a different category to other forms of development such as mineral extraction or housing development. Generally wind farm development will have a ‘small’ development footprint, and entails the addition of tall structures to the landscape, usually without removing other physical elements of the landscape although the site area may be large. Wind farm development also includes aspects of visual permeability and reversibility, although generally the visual effects are most likely to form the greater part of the assessed effects.

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Table 7.1: Evaluation of Landscape and Visual Effects

Landscapes and Visual Sensitivity Magnitude of Change

High Medium Low Negligible

High Substantial Moderate / Substantial Moderate Slight / Moderate

Medium Moderate / Substantial Moderate Slight / Moderate Slight

Low Moderate Slight / Moderate Slight Negligible

Negligible Slight Slight / Negligible Negligible Negligible

Zero None / No view None / No view None / No view None / No view

Key: Significant in terms of the EIA Regulations Not Significant in terms of the EIA Regulations

Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

7.25 The Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (CLVIA) in accordance with SNH guidance considers the additional effects of the proposed wind farm, which in combination with other wind energy development, may change the landscape resource.

7.26 The CLVIA draws from information on other wind energy development within a 60 km radius Search Area. This allows for the possibility that other development between 30 km and 60 km from the proposed wind farm may be cumulatively visible from the edge of the Study Area, and thus have a cumulative effect on the landscape and visual resource within the 30 km radius Study Area.

7.27 Several types of cumulative effect are possible and are defined as follows:

• Cumulative Landscape Effects: Where more than one wind development may have an effect on landscape character or a landscape designation.

• Cumulative Visual Effects: Where more than one wind energy development may be visible.

- Simultaneous or combined – where two or more developments may be viewed from a single fixed viewpoint simultaneously, within the viewer’s field of view and without requiring them to turn their head. Note: A person’s field of view is variable but is approximately 90° when facing in one direction.

- Successive or repetitive – where two or more developments may be viewed from a single viewpoint successively as the viewer turns their head through 360°.

- Sequential – where a number of developments may be viewed sequentially or repeatedly from a range of locations when travelling along a route within the Study Area.

7.28 The cumulative development of wind farms within a particular area may build up to create different types of cumulative effect as defined by SNH, as follows:

• “The wind farms are seen as separate isolated features within the landscape character type, too infrequent and of insufficient significance to be perceived as a characteristic of the area.

• The wind farms are seen as a key characteristic of the landscape, but not of sufficient dominance to be a defining characteristic of the area.

• The wind farms appear as a dominant characteristic of the area, seeming to define the character type as a ‘wind farm landscape’ character type.”

7.29 The level and significance of cumulative landscape or visual effects is determined in the same manner as for the LVIA, i.e. through a combination of sensitivity and magnitude of change (Table 7.1). For clarity, where significant cumulative effects have been predicted the responsible wind energy development(s) are identified and noted in brackets in the summary tables. The resulting level of cumulative effect can emerge through four scenarios or combinations of cumulative effect, taking account of other wind energy development as follows:

• A significant effect from the proposed wind farm is predicted in addition or combination with another significant effect attributed to other development(s). The effect is still termed significant and cumulative, but is a greater level of effect than for either development individually.

• A significant effect from the proposed wind farm is predicted in addition or combination with another non-significant effect attributed to other development(s). The effect is still termed significant and cumulative, but is attributed to the proposed wind farm and is a greater level of effect than for either development individually.

• A non-significant effect from the proposed wind farm is predicted in addition or combination with another significant effect attributed to other development(s). The effect is still termed significant and cumulative, but is attributed to the other wind energy development(s) and is a greater level of effect than for either development individually.

• A non-significant effect from the proposed wind farm is predicted in addition or combination with another non-significant effect attributed to other development(s). The effect is still termed cumulative and is a greater level of effect than for either development individually; the combined effect however, may or may not be significant.

7.30 A full description of the cumulative assessment methodology is provided in Appendix 7.1 .

Consultation and Scope of Assessment

7.31 Formal consultation was undertaken with statutory consultees (Scoping Opinion request) and the responses are summarised in Chapter 6: EIA Process and Methodolgy of this ES (see Table 6.1).

7.32 Consultation regarding the scope of the landscape and visual assessment and in particular, viewpoint selection was carried out with Scottish Borders Council (SBC), East Lothian Council (ELC), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Scotland (HS) and Northumberland Council (NC) in early 2011. The consultees were provided with a list of proposed viewpoints and the reason for the viewpoint’s selection. Further consultation was conducted via public exhibitions (held 26 -28 May 2011).

7.33 Consultation and research of local authority planning application databases, including the SBC Wind Farm Database, was carried out in relation to cumulative wind energy development within a 60 km search area. A summary of wind energy development, within the search area, and whether or not this has been included in the CLVIA is provided in Table 7.4.



Table 7.2: Summary of Post-Scoping Consultation

Consultee Summary of Post-Scoping Consultation

Scottish Borders Council

SBC agreed with a number of the selected viewpoints, proposed some additional or alternative locations and questioned the need for those beyond 20 km distance from the proposed development. SBC agreed with the CLVIA approach.

In response, all of the SBC comments have been adopted as part of this assessment and a number of close range viewpoints have been provided focusing on the areas within 20 km.

Scottish Natural Heritage

SNH agreed with a number of the selected viewpoints, proposed some additional or alternative locations and questioned the need for those beyond 20 km distance from the proposed development.

In response, all of the SNH comments have been adopted as part of this assessment.

East Lothian Council

ELC agreed with a number of the selected viewpoints, proposed some additional or alternative locations and questioned the need for those beyond 20 km distance from the proposed development.

In response, all of the ELC comments have been adopted as part of this assessment.

Historic Scotland HS requested viewpoints to be included to assist the cultural heritage assessment. All of the requested viewpoints are illustrated as photomontages or as wireframes, either within this chapter or Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology.

Northumberland Council

NC did not request any viewpoints from within the Northumberland Council Area.

Viewpoint Selection

7.34 All requests for additional or alternative viewpoint locations were considered through the viewpoint analysis and site observation process, which was undertaken over the course of the spring and summer 2011. As far as possible, viewpoints have been selected to represent the proposed development at its most visible, as experienced by a range of receptor groups, from a spread of different directions, and over varying distances.

7.35 A summary of the viewpoints considered as part of the assessment, and the reason for their selection is provided in Table 7.3. Each of these locations was visited as part of the assessment process (which included the preparation of wireframes) and those selected for illustration are numbered and shown in bold. In total 25 viewpoints agreed through consultation, have been illustrated in Figures 7.14a/b to 7.37a/b and the viewpoint locations are illustrated in Figures 7.3a, 7.3b and 7.5.

Table 7.3: Viewpoint Selection Process

Viewpoints (VP) Reason for Selection / Illustration or exclusion

1. Renton Barns (Figure 7.14)

Viewpoint location agreed with SNH and SBC. This location to the north-west of Renton House offers a clear view and would be experienced by residents and road users in the Renton area.

Howpark The viewpoint area identified at the pre-scoping stage, but site survey and analysis confirmed that views of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be screened and the viewpoint was dropped in favour of VP 1 at Renton Barns.


Renton House The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage, but site survey and analysis confirmed that view from the front gates of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be screened and the viewpoint was dropped in favour of VP 1 at Renton Barns.

Renton East Additional photography was carried out at the following locations in the Renton area: farm track (E382848 N665510), field corner E382799 N665021), and the small cemetery (E382799 N665021). Site survey and analysis confirmed that views of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be partly screened and the viewpoint was dropped in favour of VP 1 at Renton Barns.

2. A1, Grantshouse (Figure 7.15)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and would be experienced by road users and tourists (A1 tourist route).

3. Highview Caravan Park (Figure 7.16)

The viewpoint was requested by SNH and would be experienced by people at the caravan park.

4. St Helen’s Church (Figure 7.17)

The viewpoint was requested by Historic Scotland for cultural heritage reasons and would also be experienced by walkers and visitors/tourists to Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point, within the Berwickshire Coast Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV).

5. Southern Upland Way, Blackburn (Figure 7.18)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC. The viewpoint was illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011) and would be experienced by walkers on the Southern Upland Way.

6. A6112, Berry Hill Cottage (Figure 7.19)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC, it was illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011) and would be experienced by road users on the A6112.

7. Telegraph Hill, Dowlaw (Figure 7.20)

The viewpoint is indicative of the views likely to be experienced from an area of the Berwickshire Coast AGLV with overt marine influences.

Track leading to Greenwood Farm

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011). The viewpoint was later dropped in favour of other viewpoints and agreed with SBC.

8. Ewieside Hill (Figure 7.21)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and requested by Historic Scotland for cultural heritage reasons (see Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology), but was also indicative of the views likely to be experienced by occasional walkers on the summit accessed by a farm track / permissive path.

Passing Place, Cove Farm

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011). The viewpoint was later dropped in favour of VP 11 and agreed with SBC.

9. Butterdean Farm (Figure 7.22)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC, and would be experienced by road users and occasional walkers on a promoted path.

10. A1107 Falaknowe (Figure 7.23)

The viewpoint was identified at pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC. The viewpoint on Coldingham Moor to the east would be experienced by road users on the A1107 and the National Cycle Route 1.





11. Southern Upland Way, Cove (Figure 7.24)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and would be experienced by walkers on the Southern Upland Way near the settlement of Cove to the northeast of the site.

12. Cockburnspath (Figure 7.25)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and would be experienced by residents on the north western edge of this settlement to the northwest of the site.

Alternative viewpoints in and around the settlement were also surveyed as follows: Crofts Road (E377216, N670887), Cove Cemetery (E377706 N671561), both used in the public exhibition (May 2011), the A1 at the Cove roundabout (E377493 N671955), and the minor road near Kinegar Strip (E377576 N670203).

13. Southern Upland Way, Quixwood (Figure 7.26)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and would be experienced by walkers on the Southern Upland Way, at an elevated location, to the west of the site.

14. A6112 near Monashee Farm (Figure 7.27)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and subsequently illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011). The viewpoint would be experienced by road users on the A6112 to the south.

15. Hoprig (Figure 7.28)

The viewpoint was requested by SBC and would be experienced by residents at Hoprig hamlet and occasional walkers to the west of the site.

16. Home Farm, Dunglass (Figure 7.29)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and ELC, and illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011). The viewpoint would be experienced by tourists/visitors to the estate (registered Garden and Designed Landscape) and Dunglass Church and is also referred to Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology.

17. A1 Layby, Bilsdean (Figure 7.30)

The viewpoint was requested by SNH and subsequently agreed with ELC and would be experienced sequentially by road users and tourists (A1 tourist route). The photomontage was illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011).

Woollands A viewpoint from this location on a dead-end road within the Oldhamstocks conservation area was agreed with SNH and illustrated at the public exhibition. Subsequent consultation with ELC resulted in this viewpoint being replaced with VP 18.

Oldhamstocks A viewpoint to represent the views from the centre of this village was requested by ELC. However, viewpoint photography aligned with the wireframe demonstrated that the view would be screened by intervening vegetation at the two following locations: the village green (E373961 N670596) and the road leading east out of the settlement (E373929 N670610). Subsequent consultation with ELC resulted in this viewpoint being replaced with VP 18.

Figure 10.6 shows a wireframe from Oldhamstocks Parish Church and Graveyard.

18. Cocklaw, Oldhamstocks (Figure 7.31)

The viewpoint was agreed with ELC and would be experienced by residents and road users on a minor road at Cocklaw over looking part of Oldhamstocks.

The village of Oldhamstocks is a Conservation Area and this is assessed in Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology.


19. Cockburn Law Fort (Figure 7.32)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC. The viewpoint was illustrated at the public exhibition (May 2011) and would be experienced by occasional walkers. A wireframe (Figure 7.32c) is also included from Edin’s Hall Broch and this view would be experienced by tourists/visitors to this Historic Scotland site on the northern slopes of the hill. Edin’s Hall Broch is assessed under tourist attractions in this chapter.

20. Torness Point (Figure 7.33)

The viewpoint was requested by SNH and would be experienced by walkers on the John Muir Way.

Wester Dod The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH. Subsequent consultation with ELC resulted in this viewpoint being replaced with VP 22.

Barns Ness Beach This viewpoint on the John Muir Way was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH. Subsequent consultation with ELC resulted in this viewpoint being replaced with VP 24, Dunbar Harbour.

21. Blackcastle Hill (Figure 7.34)

The viewpoint was requested by ELC and would be experienced by occasional walkers on the hill summit.

Innerwick The viewpoint was requested by ELC, however viewpoint photography aligned with the wireframe demonstrated that the view would be screened by minor intervening landform.

22. West Steel (Figure 7.35)

This viewpoint (replacing the view from Wester Dod) was requested by ELC and would be experienced by road users on the minor road between Elmscleugh and Monynut in close proximity to existing Aikengall Wind Farm.

23. Fancove Head , Eyemouth (Figure 7.36)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC. The viewpoint is located on cliff tops overlooking Eyemouth and would be experienced by walkers on the Berwickshire Coastal Path.

John Muir Country Park

A potential viewpoint in this location within the Country Park was agreed with SNH. Viewpoint photography was carried out from the tops of the sand dunes in the north-eastern extents of the Country Park. Subsequent alignment with the wireframe indicated some blade tip visibility, but the location was subsequently dropped at the request of ELC.

24. Dunbar Harbour (Figure 7.37)

The viewpoint was requested by ELC and would be experienced by visitors / tourists and residents in the historic harbour area on the East Lothian coastline.

25. Twin Law (Figure 7.38)

The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage and subsequently agreed with SNH and SBC. The viewpoint would be experienced by walkers on the Southern Upland Way.

Matlees Hill The viewpoint was identified at the pre-scoping stage within the Northumberland Area of Great Landscape Value, but not requested by Northumberland County Council and both SNH and SBC challenged the need for any viewpoints beyond 20 km distance from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm.



Cumulative Wind Energy Development

7.36 In accordance with the SNH guidance1, other wind energy development within a 60 km radius Search Area has been identified and considered for cumulative assessment. The Search Area, together with the locations for other known wind energy development is illustrated in Figure 7.39.

7.37 Table 7.4 provides a list of other wind energy development within the 60 km radius Search Area which has been included in the CLVIA and includes existing and consented developments as well as developments for which there is a submitted planning application.

7.38 The most relevant development to the CLVIA assessment is Drone Hill Wind Farm which is 500 m from the proposed wind farm at its closest point and currently under construction. Three existing wind farms: Crystal Rig, Aikengall, and Black Hill are located in the Lammermuir Hills within approximately 11 km of the proposed wind farm and would be of some relevance to the assessment along with the consented developments at Brockholes Wind Cluster (3.9 km due south), and Dunbar Wind Cluster (11 km). Of less relevance, but included in the CLVIA are the single turbine consented developments at Pressmains Farm (7.3 km) and Steps of Grace (20.8 km).

7.39 Of further relevance, although uncertain probability, is a cluster of planning application sites to the west of the proposed wind farm: Blackburn Farm (3.3 km), Hoprigshiels (6.1 km), Fernylea (7 km), and Aikengall II (8.9 km. The proposed single turbine developments at Barnside Farm (8.1 km) and Kelloe Mains (13.7 km) have also been considered.

7.40 Other existing wind energy development including the cluster of wind farm development at Dun Law and Toddleburn, as well as the Long Park and Bowbeat Wind Farms, are physically and visually more remote and would be less relevant to the CLVIA. The case is similar in respect of other consented or planning application sites beyond 30 km distance from the proposed wind farm.

Cumulative Wind Energy Development Excluded from the CLVIA

7.41 The EIA Regulations require identification of likely significant effects and whilst the SNH guidance requires a search of all wind farms within a 60 km radius it is not practical or indeed a requirement to assess all of these in terms of their cumulative effect in relation to the proposed wind farm. Wind energy developments at the pre-planning or scoping stage have been identified where known within the Search Area (Figure 7.39), but are not included in the CLVIA in accordance with the advice set out in the web based Planning Advice Note (PAN) on Onshore Wind Turbines, previously PAN45 (wind energy developments 34 to 70 inclusive as listed in Table 7.4).

Table 7.4: Wind Energy Development Included in the CLVIA within 60 km Radius

Wind Farm Site Nr* BT* HH* RD* Distance (km)*

Operational Wind Farm within 30 km

1. Aikengall 16 125 80 90 11

2. Crystal Rig 1, 2 and 2a extensions 85 100-125

60-85 80 12

3. Black Hill 22 78 47 62 12

Operational Wind Farm between 30 km-60 km

1 Guidance for the Assessment of Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impacts Arising from Wind farm Developments –

Version 2 (SNH Advisory Services, 2005).


4. Dun Law 1 and 2 (extension) 61 63.5-75

40-49 47-52 34

5. Toddleburn 12 125 80 90 38

6. Long Park (Halkburn) 19 100 60 80 42

7. Bowbeat 24 76 43 66 55

8. Methil 1 81 50 62 59

Wind Farm under Construction or Approved within 30 km

9. Drone Hill (included in baseline) 22 76 45 62 0.5

10. Brockholes 3 79 55 48 3.9

11. Pressmains Farm (single turbine) 1 61 43 36 7.3

12. Steps of Grace (single turbine) 1 74 50 48 20.8

13. Fallago Rig 48 100-125

65-80 90 23.2

Wind Farm Construction/ or Approved between 30 km – 60 km

14. Barmoor 6 110.5 67 87 33

15. Keith Hill 10 93.5 55 77 34

16. Pogbie 6 76 45 62 35

17. Borders Precision (single turbine) 1 70 44 52 36

18. Carcant 3 101 60 82 48

19. Wandylaw 10 125 80 90 52

20. Middlemoor 20 130 90 80 54

Wind Farm Planning Application within 30 km

21. Blackburn Farm 6 125 80 90 3.3

22. Hoprigshiels 3 125 80 90 6.1

22. Ferneylea 2 71 55 32 7

24. Barnside Farm (single turbine) 1 54 39 30 8.1

25. Aikengall II (Wester Dod) 22 148 88 120 8.9

26. Dunbar 3 100 58.5 83 11

27. Kelloe Mains (single turbine) 1 67 50 34 13.7

Wind Farm Planning Application between 30 km-60 km

28. Corsbie Moor 21 126.5 80 93 31

29. Rowantree 23 125 80 90 39

30. Whitton 6 110 70 80 43

31. Broadmeadows 8 112 70 84 54




32. Spurlens Rig 6 125 80 90 58

33. Earlseat 9 120.5 85 71 59

Wind Farm at Pre-Planning (Scoping/Screening) Stage within 30 km

34. Old Cambus Townhead Farm 1 66 - - 1.5

35. Drysdale Moorhouse Farm 3 66 - - TBC (app 1-2 km)

36. Drysdale Old Cambus Quarry 1 66 - - 2.3

37. Quixwood Farm 13 125 - - 6

38. Monashee/Draikmire 17 70 - - 6.5

39. Blackhouse Farm 1 67.5 - - 6.7

40. Lintlaw Farm 1 86.5 - - 9

41. Blackmains 7 125 - - 9.5

42. Primrosehill Farm 2 79 - - 10

43. Alemill 1 62 - - 10.5

44. Greenvale 1 130 - - 12

45. Bulshelhill 1 100 - - 12.5

46. Edington Mains 1 86.5 - - 13.5

47. Rulesmain/Clockhill 1 66 - - 14

48. Crystal Rig III 9-19 110 - - 16

49. Sunwick 5 145 - - 17

50. Murton/Shorewood 10 120 - - 25

51. Brunta Hill 11 125 - - 25.9

52. Coldstream (single turbine) 1 53 37 32 27

53. Bassendean 1 67 50 34 29

Wind Farm at Pre-Planning (Scoping/Screening) Stage between 30 km-60 km

54. Halidon - - - - 31

55. Dere St Dunlaw 6 91 - - 33

56. Yetholm 2 71 - - 38

57. Gilston 24 115 - - 39

58. Frogdon - - - - 39

59. Girthgate 20 130 - - 39.5

60. Shawpark 9 99.5 - - 40

61. Easter Housebyres 6 80 - - 40.5

62. Forth Array Offshore 70-90 163 - - 41


63. Cathpaith 15 110 - - 41.5

64. Wester Housebyres 1 67 - - 42

65. Allanshaws 45 100 - - 45

66. Blaewearie 6 - - - 50.5

67. Standhill 1 - - - 51

68. North Common 6 125 - - 52.5

69. Minto Farm 1 71 - - 53

70. Barrel Law 10 125 - - 58

71. Bowbeat Extension - - - - 59

* Nr = Number of turbines; BT = Height to Blade Tip; HH = Hub Height; RD = Rotor Diameter;

Distance = shortest measurement between outermost turbine(s)

Baseline Description

7.42 Information on the existing landscape resource or baseline conditions, included in this assessment, has been collected from local plans, OS maps, and relevant literature, including SNH’s The Borders Landscape Assessmen 1998t, and information gathered from field surveys. This baseline information is set out as an inventory of the existing landscape resource and focuses on those landscape and visual receptors most likely to be potentially significantly affected.

7.43 The baseline inventory is set out as follows:

Baseline Landscape Receptors:

• Landscape Character of the Penmanshiel Site;

• Landscape Character of the Surrounding Area; and

• Landscape Designations. Baseline Visual Receptors:

• Visual Receptors: Settlements and Residential Properties;

• Visual Receptors: Transport Routes;

• Visual Receptors: Recreational Routes; and

• Visual Receptors: Recreational and Tourist Destinations.

Baseline Landscape Receptors

7.44 The ZTV and viewpoint analysis indicates that the assessment should be focused on a detailed study area of ~5.5 km radius from the proposed turbines. Taking a precautionary approach, the landscape assessment has been focused on those landscape receptors within 10 km. Within the wider 10-30 km Study Area the assessment has only included those receptors which are of national importance such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (there are no National Parks or National Scenic Areas within the 30 km Study Area).



7.45 The landscape receptors included in this assessment include the landscape character and related landscape planning designations. The landscape character of the wider study area is classified in three landscape classification documents as follows:

• The Borders Landscape Assessment, SNH Report No 112, Ash Consulting Group on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, 1998;

• The Lothians Landscape Assessment, SNH Report No 91, Ash Consulting Group on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, 1998;

• North East National Character Area, Countryside Character Volume 1: North East, Countryside Commission Report No 535, 1998; and

• An Assessment of the Sensitivity and Capacity of the Scottish Seascape in Relation to Windfarms, SNH Commissioned Report No. 103, 2005.

7.46 Each of these reports divides the landscape into regional landscape character units and then into broad areas of landscape character types (LCT) as well as more localised and area specific landscape character areas (LCA). Each of the LCTs within the Study Area is illustrated in Figure 7.7.

7.47 Taking account of all the character assessment documents, the 10 km Study Area contains 11 landscape character areas as follows:

Table 7.5: Landscape Classification

Character Appraisal Name

Landscape Classification

Landscape Type Landscape Character Area

Coastal Moorland Coldingham Moor (and Penmanshiel Moor)

Coastal Types

Coastal Farmland Coldingham

Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley

Eye Water River Valley Types

Wooded Upland Fringe Valley

Middle Whiteadder

Platform Farmland Eye Water Platform Upland Fringe

Grassland with Hills Knock Hill

Upland Types Dissected Plateau Moorland

Lammermuir plateau

The Borders Landscape Character Assessment

Lowland Types Rolling Lowland Margin Eye Water Lowland

Uplands Lammermuir Plateau

Upland Fringes Eastern Lammermuirs

The Lothians Landscape Character Assessment

Coastal Margins Dunbar Plain

Type 1: Remote High Cliffs

Pease Bay to St Abbs Head Sensitivity and Capacity of the Scottish Seascape

Seascape Area 1: Berwick Upon Tweed

Type 2: Rocky Coastline / Open Seaviews

Torness Point to Pease Bay

Landscape Character of the local landscape

7.48 The majority of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be located within the western section of the Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA and this is considered to be the primary ‘host’ character

area. However, Figure 7.7 indicates that the southernmost turbines would also be located on the north-eastern edge of the Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA and that turbines in the south-eastern corner of the site would be located on the boundary between the Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA and the Coastal Farmland: Coldingham LCA. This is considered to be a ‘quirk’ of the landscape character GIS mapping at a large scale. In practice, and judging from the site surveys, only the lower part of the proposed site access to Penmanshiel Wind Farm could be said to be in a ‘valley type’ landscape (Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA) and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines are located at least 1 km further back from the ‘top’ of the Eye Water valley. Detailed analysis and assessment of the site also reveals that the area of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm reflects most closely the landscape characteristics of the Coldingham Moor LCA, rather than the Coldingham Farmland LCA, and the division between these LCAs is marked by a gradual transition rather than an exact line on a map. This analysis conforms to the advice from SNH2 which encourages assessment of local landscape character and acknowledges that the boundary between landscape character areas is not as straight forward as a line on a map. ‘Boundaries are required around landscape character areas and types, although their precision will vary with the scale of the assessment. In reality, landscape is a continuum and character does not, in general, change abruptly.’

7.49 Both the Coldingham Moor and Coldingham Farmland LCAs fall within the Coastal LCT as defined by The Borders Landscape Assessment. They are elevated landscapes and the Coastal Moorland in particular may be considered as a coastal upland type at least in part, demonstrating characteristics of large scale, wind-swept character and remoteness3. In contrast, the Pastoral Upland Fringe LCT is a lower lying valley landscape that centres on the Tweed Tributaries, which in this case is the Eye Water.

7.50 The following landscapes therefore have been assessed as ‘host’ landscapes where the effects would be direct:

• Penmanshiel Moor Local LCA and part of the wider Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA (21);

• Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA (21); and

• Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water (26), due to the southern part of the proposed access.

Landscape Character of the Surrounding Area 7.51 Beyond the ‘host’ landscape character, the proposed wind farm could not have a direct effect on

landscape character. Rather the landscape effects would be indirect and relate to views and visual or perceptual characteristics which are a key feature of the surrounding landscape character. The ZTV and viewpoint analysis indicates that significant visual effects would occur within approximately 5.5 km, receding in magnitude (low to negligible) and unlikely to be significant beyond this distance. In order to identify any likely significant, indirect effects on landscape character, the landscape assessment has considered those surrounding LCTs and LCAs within 10 km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in the first instance. At further distances, between 10-30 km, the assessment has only considered LCTs where the landscape is designated at a national level such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (there are no National Scenic Areas and National Parks within the Study Area).

2 Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, prepared on behalf of the the Countryside Agency and

SNH by Carys Swanick and Land Use Consultants, 2002, page 40. 3 Drone Hill Wind Farm Appeal decision par. 98.



7.52 The following landscape character types and areas have been included in this assessment and the effects would be indirect:

• Scottish Borders Landscape Assessment

• Coastal Farmland: Coldingham (19);

• Coastal Farmland: Cockburnspath (19);

• Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau (1);

• Platform Farmland: Eye Water Platform (9);

• Grassland with Hills: Knock Hill (11);

• Wooded Upland Fringe Valley: Middle Whiteadder (28);

• Rolling Lowland Margin: Eye Water Lowland (16);

• Lothians Landscape Assessment

• Uplands: Lammermuir Plateau (1);

• Upland Fringes: Eastern Lammermuirs (8);

• Coastal Margins: Dunbar Plain (23);

7.53 The coastline and associated seascape within 10 km of the proposed wind farm is Area 1: Berwick upon Tweed as identified by SHN4 and contains two seascape typologies:

• Seascape: Area 1 - Berwick upon Tweed - Type 1 – Remote High Cliffs (from Pease Bay to St Abbs Head); and - Type 2: Rocky Coastline / Open Seaviews (Tourness Point to Pease Bay).

Landscape Character between 10 km and 30 km

7.54 Previous experience has shown that significant effects are unlikely to affect landscape character areas beyond 10 km from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and therefore the following landscape character areas for which there is ZTV coverage have been excluded from the assessment:

• Coastal Valley (12 km);

• Lowland with Drumlins (12 km);

• Upland Valley with Farmland (12 km);

• Coastal Pasture (14 km);

• Upland Fringe Moorland (17 km);

• North Northumberland Coastal Plain (18 km);

• Cheviot Fringe (20 km);

• Rolling Farmland (22 km); and

• Lowland Margin with Hills (28 km).

Landscape Designations

7.55 There are three local landscape designations that apply to the 10 km area surrounding the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm site and note has been taken of the SBC Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance: Draft Local Landscape Designations, August 2011.

• Berwickshire Coastline AGLV;

• East Lothian Coastline AGLV; and

4 Scott K.E., Anderson C., and Benson J. F., An assessment of the sensitivity and capacity of the Scottish Seascape in relation to offshore

windfarms, SHN Commissioned Report No.103, 2005.

• Lammermuirs AGLV.

7.56 Within the wider 10-30 km Study there is one nationally designated landscape:

• North Northumberland Coast AONB.

Baseline Visual Receptors

7.57 The visual assessment draws from the ZTV, site visits and viewpoint analysis and assesses the potential visual effects on views and visual amenity likely to be experienced by receptors (people) within the landscape as follows:

• views from residential properties and settlements;

• views experienced whilst travelling through the landscape (road users, walkers, horse riders and cyclists for example); and

• views from tourist and recreational destinations.

7.58 The viewpoint analysis indicates that potentially significant effects would occur within approximately 3.5 km and potentially 5 km from limited receptors, namely the A6112, receding in magnitude (low to negligible) and unlikely to be significant beyond these distances. The visual assessment has focused on those areas where potentially significant visual effects are most likely, in particular within the 10 km of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm.

Visual Receptors: Settlements and Residential Properties

7.59 Settlements within approximately 10 km of the proposed wind farm, which also fall within the ZTV have been assessed in detail, drawing from the viewpoint analysis and site survey information. The assessment of visual effects likely to be experienced from settlements includes consideration of residential areas, the public realm, and public open spaces within the settlement boundaries that would be frequented by people.

7.60 Settlements defined in the Scottish Borders local plan are illustrated om Figures 7.11 and 7.12. Settlements included within the assessment are listed as follows:

• Grantshouse;

• Cockburnspath;

• Oldhamstocks;

• Lumsdaine;

• Cairn Cross;

• Hoprig;

• Dunglass;

• Bilsdean;

• Birnieknowes;

• Cove;

• Thorntonloch;

• Thornton; and

• Pathhead.

7.61 The visual assessment of individual residential properties has been restricted for practical reasons to 3 km and considers the views 25 of the closest individual properties and groups of properties, such as those at Old Cambus, Penmanshiel, Woodend, and Butterdean. Those residential receptors within 3 km of the wind farm have been illustrated in Figure 7.12 and a written assessment for each property is provided in Appendix 7.3.


Visual Receptors: Transport Routes

7.62 The visual assessment considers the potential visual effects likely to be experienced by people travelling through the landscape on A roads and rail routes within 30 km, B roads within 10 km and minor roads in close proximity to the site as follows:

• A1 (Tourist Route);

• A1107;

• A6112;

• B6438;

• B6437;

• Howpark Road (minor road); and

• The East Coast Main Line Rail Route.

7.63 It is noted that other main routes within the study area including the A697 and A6105 are not overlapped by the ZTV and would not view the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm.

Visual Receptors: Recreational Routes

7.64 The visual assessment has considered the potential visual effects likely to be experienced by people (walkers / cyclists / horse riders / joggers) on the following recreational routes within the study area (Figures 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11).

National / Regional Routes:

• Southern Upland Way (Core Path189);

• Sir Walter Scott Way;

• Ravenber Way;

• Berwickshire Coastal Path (Core Path 2);

• John Muir Way;

• Sustrans National Cycle Route 76;



• ScotWays Walking Routes in the Lammermuirs; and

• Cockburnspath to Duns Scottish Hill Track.

Local Routes:

• Core Path 100;

• Core Path 2; and

• Core Path 95.

Visual Receptors: Recreational and Tourist Destinations

7.65 Recreational and tourist destinations included in this assessment include those features that appear as prominent landmarks or landscape features and locations associated with passive recreation such as walking and where there is a clear relationship between the feature / destination and the landscape. The assessment for example excludes locations for sports such as quad biking and team sports or other recreational / tourist destinations where the focus of activity is indoors, for example museums, libraries, and gift shops. Information has been collected from the tourist office and Visit Scotland. Only those locations that are open and accessible to the public are assessed.

7.66 The following recreational and tourist destinations fall within the ZTV and are included in the assessment:

Within 5 km:

• Highview Caravan Park;

• St Helen’s Church (Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point); Beyond 5 km:

• Edin’s Hall Broch;

• Dunglass Estate;

• John Muir Country Park;

• Twin Law Cairns;

• Duns Castle;

• Barns Ness Beach;

• Ewieside Hill;

• Cockburn Law; and

• Blackcastle Hill.

7.67 Scenic coastal settlements such as Cove and Cockburnspath have been assessed under settlements.

7.68 The following tourist attractions are beyond ~20 km from the proposed wind farm and are not assessed further as significant effects would be extremely unlikely to occur:

• Tilimouth Park;

• Balgone House;

• Leuchie; and

• Tyninghame.

7.69 There are numerous tourist attractions within the study area which are outwith the ZTV (there would be no view of the proposed wind farm from these locations) and these have been excluded from the study. These include the following:

• Dunglass Church;

• Fast Castle;

• St Abbs Head;

• Pease Bay and Caravan Park;

• Stockbridge Caravan Park Lammer Law;

• Greenknowe Tower (Historic Scotland property);

• Foulden Tithe Barn (Historic Scotland property);

• Edrom Church (Historic Scotland property);

• Hume Castle (Historic Scotland property);

• Abbey St. Bathan’s House;

• Haddington Gardens;

• Yester House;

• Coldingham Priory;

• Ayton Castle (Garden and designed landscape);

• Bughtrig (Garden and designed landscape);

• Paxton House;

• Belchester (Garden and designed landscape);

• Milne Graden (Garden and designed landscape);



• The Hirsel Country Park (Garden and Designed Landscape);

• Edrington (Garden and designed landscape); • Whitchester, Longformarcus; and

• Broxmouth Parks.

Information Gaps

7.70 The assessment of residential properties is limited to those properties which appear on the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale map although it is possible that there may be un-mapped properties, including any constructed since the assessment.

Mitigation Inherent in the Proposed Scheme

Landscape Design Objectives

7.71 The landscape design objectives have been developed through consultation with SBC and SNH and aim to provide an acceptable compromise between maximising energy capture and achieving an acceptable design in terms of landscape and visual effects. In particular the following design objectives have been developed which are specific to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm:

• To limit the ZTV and areas of potentially significant landscape and visual effect on areas including the Berwickshire Coast AGLV, local settlements including Grantshouse, Cove, Oldhamstocks and Cockburnspath, important routes including the A1 tourist route, the A1107, the Berwickshire Coastal Path, and the Southern Upland Way, and from local tourist destinations such as Pease Bay and Dunglass Church.

• To ensure that the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm appears visually compatible with the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

• To ensure the design and appearance of turbines from the north eastern viewpoints in particular is not over dominant.

• To limit landscape effects on neighbouring landscape character areas which may be considered as of high visual sensitivity (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley: Eye Water and Coastal Farmland: Coldingham Moor).

7.72 The design has also considered planning policy advice at a national level as well as the advice set out by SNH and in the development plans. Particular attention has been paid to the Local Planning Policy D4: Renewable Energy Development and the SBC Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy, 2010.

Landscape Design Evolution and Turbine Layout

7.73 A range of landscape constraints are present on the site area and these have influenced the final layout of the proposed wind farm including turbine and access track layout, the site access road and the location of associated infrastructure such as the control building, substation, and site entrance.

7.74 The design process involved a reduction in turbine numbers and a reduction in turbine height. There were 19 turbines at 125 m to blade tip in the initial scoping stage layout, which has reduced in the final layout to 15 turbines, 100 m to blade tip in a loose grid layout. The design process has sought to create a wind farm that is visually compatible with the neighbouring Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction), which would consist of 22 turbines, 76 m to blade tip, also in a loose grid layout. A

range of factors that may be considered as similar or compatible with the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) are listed as follows:

Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) Penmanshiel Wind Farm

Turbine number: 22 Turbine number: 15

Turbine height: 76 m to blade tip Turbine height: 100 m to blade tip

Turbine proportions:

Hub Height : Rotor Diameter = 60:80 = 1:1.33

Turbine proportions:

Hub Height : Rotor Diameter = 46:60 = 1:1.31

Turbine layout: Loose grid Turbine layout: Loose grid

Turbine colour: semi matt pale grey Turbine colour: semi matt pale grey

Rotation Speed: 12.8-19.2 rpm Rotation Speed: 6.5 – 22.9 rpm

Host Landscape:

Coastal Moorland - Coldingham Moor

Host Landscape:

Coastal Moorland - Penmanshiel Moor

ZTV: Limited ZTV: Limited, close match to Drone Hill

7.75 The process is illustrated in plan form in Figure 7.13a and is further illustrated through wireframes from four viewpoints in Figures 7.13b and 7.13c. In all cases, the design composition takes into account the appearance of the proposed wind farm alongside Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction, shown in red on the wireframes). A commentary of the effects of the design evolution is provided in Table 7.6.

Table 7.6: Design Evolution Viewpoint Commentaries

Design Commentary

Turbine Layout

Figure 7.13a

The scoping layout is an arced layout which stretches into the northern and north-western extents of the site. There is a noticeable gap between two of the “arms” of the arcs (i.e between turbines 15 to 19 and turbines 8 to 12). Turbines 1, 7, 13 and 14 are located on west facing slopes.

The final layout involves the proposed number of turbines being reduced from 19 to 15. The turbines are arranged in a grid which follows the undulations of the local landscape and respects a topography influenced by minor watercourses which run north-west to south-east. The compact layout incorporates even spacing between the turbines and reduces the overall footprint encompassed by the outermost wind turbines. Crucially the turbines are kept away from the higher ground to the north and north-west of the site which forms a locally prominent skyline in certain views.

The Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines would be located within a shallow bowl within the raised plateau local landscape, a feature that is also noted in respect of the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

Both wind farms are located within coastal upland landscape character types.

Viewpoint 5. Southern Upland Way, Blackburn.

Figure 7.13b

This is a long distance footpath and important receptor as defined in the SPG.

The design process constitutes a reduction to 70% of the horizontal and vertical angle of view (AOV) occupied by the Penmanshiel Wind Farm on the wireframe. This has the effect of minimising the apparent differences between the size of the proposed wind farm when compared with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) as well as reducing potential visual effects.




Design Commentary

Viewpoint 11. Southern Upland Way, Cove

Figure 7.13b

This is a long distance footpath and important receptor as defined in the SPG.

The design process constitutes a reduction to 50% of the horizontal and vertical AOV occupied by the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm on the wireframe. This has the effect of minimising the apparent differences between the size of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm when compared with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

Just one hub would be visible as a result of the changes compared to nine in the original design. The scale of the turbines relate more closely to existing features such as masts on the horizon. By setting the turbines back behind the horizon line they appear far less prominent.

The significant level of effect at this viewpoint location becomes Moderate and not significant as a result of the design process.

Viewpoint 12. Cockburnspath

Figure 7.13c

The design process constitutes a reduction to 50% of the vertical AOV and a reduction to 80% of the horizontal AOV occupied by the Penmanshiel Wind Farm on the wireframe. In reality the horizontal AOV would be less than 20% of the original size due to forestry screening. This has the effect of minimising the apparent differences between the size of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm when compared with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

The number of hubs visible would reduce from nine to one. The scale of the turbines relate more closely to existing features such as masts on the horizon. By setting the turbines back behind the horizon line they appear far less prominent.

The significant level of effect at this viewpoint location becomes Moderate and not significant as a result of the design process.

Viewpoint 17. A1 Layby, Bilsdean

Figure 7.13b

This is a major tourist route and important receptor as defined in the SPG.

The design process constitutes a reduction to 50% of the vertical AOV and a slight reduction of the horizontal AOV occupied by the proposed wind farm on the wireframe. This has the effect of minimising the apparent differences between the size of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm when compared with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

The number of hubs visible would reduce from 14 to five. The scale of the turbines relate more closely to existing features such as masts on the horizon. By setting the turbines back behind the horizon line, they appear far less prominent.

The resulting level of effect at this viewpoint location reduces from Moderate to Slight/ Moderate as a result of the design process and would not be significant.

7.76 The design evolution has specifically aimed to minimise effects on the following sensitive receptors which were identified by the consultees:

• The Berwickshire Coast AGLV to the north;

• tourist routes to the north-west and west including the A1, the East Coast Mainline, the Southern Upland Way, and the John Muir Way;

• settlements at Cockburnspath and Cove; and

• Dunglass Estate and Garden and Designed Landscape.

7.77 The results of the design process have lead to a coherent and cohesive turbine layout, which would appear as a tight group with no unacceptable outliers or large gaps. The layout compliments the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and would succeed in appearing as an extension when viewed from many of the sensitive receptors to the northwest. The vertical and horizontal AOV of the

proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm has been minimised where possible and the turbines would not appear disproportionate to the skylines and hillsides they occupy. There would be no ‘looming’ turbines seemingly ‘precariously’ positioned on key summits and no ‘stepping down’ of turbines into the lowland or valley landscapes when viewed from the west. For these reasons, in the assessor’s opinion, the turbine layout would be acceptable from a landscape and visual point of view.

Wind Turbines

7.78 The final proposal includes 15 turbines, laid out in a loose grid which responds to the north-west–south-east alignment of the local landform. The proposed turbines would have a maximum hub height of 60 m and maximum rotor diameter of 80 m, giving a maximum turbine height of 100 m to blade tip.

7.79 The colour of the neighbouring Drone Hill Wind Farm turbines would be pale grey with a semi-matt finish and the proposed Penmanshiel wind turbines would be coloured to match this. This colour is considered to be the most appropriate to reduce their contrast with the background sky and landscape and minimise their reflectivity. The turbines would be uniform in colour (no company logos or advertising).

7.80 Turbine transformers would be located adjacent to the turbine towers as a visual preference. However where this is not possible, the transformers would be housed externally adjacent to the turbine tower bases. The enclosure would be brown, or green in colour to reduce contrast with background moorland.

Meteorological Masts

7.81 One lattice tower meteorological mast, up to 80 m high would be located amongst the wind turbines.

7.82 During the construction period and the first 6-8 months of the operation period up to six temporary masts, 60 m in height would be erected and are likely to add noticeably to the construction and operational effects for a short temporary period.

Site Entrance and Access Tracks

7.83 Figure 4.1 illustrates the proposed site layout, which includes the use of an existing entrance area to the south at Harelawside Farm. The existing entrance would be widened into a bell mouth. The existing dry-stone dyke on the west side of the track will be demolished (~50 m length) and ~40 m would be rebuilt ~1 m back from its current position. The adjoining field boundaries would be neatly connected to the site entrance gates via a new section of traditional 1.2 m high, dry-stone dyke to create a neat and attractive entrance. An approximately 15 m section of the deciduous trees and shrubs at the site entrance would be pruned / felled.

7.84 The proposed new access track has been routed to respect existing landscape patterns and field boundaries and would not cut across any prominent skylines. The tracks would be approximately 5 m wide, with passing places as required and increased in width on corners to allow adequate space for turning vehicles. The route of the track passes through a belt of deciduous woodland and approximately two mature deciduous trees would be pruned or felled as a result.

7.85 The proposed access tracks would be required to cross existing field boundaries on at least 13 occasions. Any field boundaries at the crossing points (including hedgerows / tree belts, post and wire fences and or stone dykes) would be repaired to their full length and gated as required. Any access required through existing hedgerows / tree belts or stone dykes in particular, would be neatly finished and repaired / re-planted to their full length in order to retain these local landscape elements and


prevent damage or erosion. Stiles would be incorporated alongside gates along the route of the Core Path 100 which passes through the site (see paragraph 7.87).

7.86 On completion, the site entrance and access tracks would be cleared of any construction signage or waste and left in a tidy and co-ordinated condition.

Public Access

7.87 Core Path 100 passes through the site and coincides with the proposed site access track for ~500 m length to the west of Harelawside. A temporary diversion including notification and signage would be put in place during construction. Post-construction the path would return to normal use with parts of the route consisting of upgraded access track and stiles located at each set of gates across the access track.

Control Building, Substation Compound and Electrical Cables

7.88 The control building and compound have been sensitively sited and are located to the east of the existing sheds at Penmanshiel Farm and also near a block of mature, coniferous woodland, such that this part of the site would be screened from views from potential receptors to the west on the higher ground on the far side of the Eye Water Valley. The building would be approximately 13 m x 31 m, consisting of a single storey with a pitched roof and would be located adjacent to a substation of approximately 31 m x 9 m. The colour and texture of surface building materials, covering the external walls and roof of the building would be selected to match existing building colours typical of this area.

7.89 The electrical cables linking the turbines, transformers, and control building will be located within a trench alongside the proposed access tracks.

Temporary Construction Compound and Enabling Works Compound

7.90 The temporary construction compound would be located adjacent to the control building and substation compound near Penmanshiel Farm. It would require a land-take of 60 m x 50 m and be would screened by the adjacent forestry (which will remain) and sheds. On completion, the temporary compound would be cleared and restored to grassland and left in a tidy condition.

7.91 The temporary enabling works compound and wheel wash (20 m x 30 m) would be located to the northern side of forestry, adjacent to the access road, north of Grantshouse. On completion, the temporary compound would be cleared and restored to grassland and left in a tidy condition.

Grid Connection

7.92 The proposed grid connection would be subject to a separate consenting process and an initial landscape and visual assessment of the proposal is contained in Chapter 18: Potential Grid Connection. No significant landscape and visual effects are anticipated.

Construction Mitigation

7.93 During the construction period, the effectiveness of many of the potential construction mitigation measures will depend on small-scale site management decisions regarding the precise location of construction activities. Individually these may only have minor effects, but cumulatively they will have an influence upon the intrusiveness of the construction activities overall. The key measures that can be implemented in order to avoid or reduce potential construction effects include:

• The selective and sensitive location of temporary storage areas for materials, plant and security fencing;

• Using designated routes around the site for construction vehicles and operation of construction plant such as cranes; and

• Implementation and monitoring of site management procedures, such as regular litter sweeps of the immediate environs to ensure the removal of all litter arising from the construction activities.

Operation Mitigation

7.94 The operational period of the wind farm would cover a period of 25 years and include site management to ensure the adequate maintenance of site facilities and landscape features such as access tracks, field boundaries, gates, and signage.

Decommissioning Mitigation

7.95 All of the visible, above ground structures (turbines, and where applicable, transformers and control building and compound) would be removed upon decommissioning, thus rendering the vast majority of the landscape and visual effects as reversible.

7.96 The areas of hardstanding at the crane pads, substation and control building, and turbine foundations visible at the surface would be broken up and removed from the equivalent depth of the surrounding topsoil zone, spread with new topsoil and allowed to re-vegetate to grassland / moorland.

7.97 The site access tracks (and associated underground cables) would likely remain for use by the landowner along with localised landscape effects which would be permanent.

Viewpoint and ZTV Analysis

7.98 The viewpoint and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) analysis is an essential part of the design and assessment process. In particular, it is used to guide and focus the baseline information and detailed reporting of the assessment in this chapter.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Analysis

7.99 The ZTV was calculated using the ReSoft © Wind Farm computer software to produce an area of potential visibility of any part of the proposed wind project calculated to turbine blade-tip and hub-height. The ZTV however, does not take account of built development and vegetation, which can significantly reduce the area and extent of actual visibility in the field and as such provides the limits of the visual assessment study area.

7.100 The ZTV maps indicate the areas from where it may be theoretically possible to view all or some of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, calculated on the candidate turbine dimensions of 100 m to blade tip, 60 m to hub height, and a rotor diameter of 80 m. A number of ZTV maps have been provided as follows:

• Figure 7.2 illustrates the ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:250,000 scale across the study area and provides an overview of the theoretical extent of visibility.

• Figure 7.3a (AO fold-out) illustrates the viewpoint locations and the ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:80,000 scale across the study area.

• Figure 7.3b (AO fold-out) illustrates all the viewpoint locations and the ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:50,000 scale.

• Figure 7.4 illustrates the ZTV calculated to hub height at 1:250,000 across the study area.

• Figure 7.5 illustrates the viewpoint locations and the ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:250,000 across the study area.



• Figure 7.6 illustrates the detailed ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:30,000 across the central 3 km

section of the Study Area. In this case the ZTV has been amended to allow for the screening effects of the main blocks of woodland within the area.

• Figure 7.11 illustrates the detailed ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:50,000 across the central 5 km section of the Study Area and also shows the routes of Core Paths.

• Figure 7.12 illustrates the detailed ZTV calculated to blade tip at 1:30,000 across the central 3 km section of the Study Area and also indicates the locations of residential properties included in the assessment. The ZTV has been amended to allow for the screening effects of the main blocks of woodland within the area.

7.101 With the exception of Figure 7.6 and 7.12, the ZTVs do not take account of the screening effects of buildings, localised landform variations, and vegetation. As a result there may be roads, tracks, and footpaths which, although shown as falling within the ZTV, have restricted viewing opportunities since they are heavily screened or filtered by banks, walls, and vegetation. The ZTVs therefore provide a starting point in the assessment process and accordingly tend towards giving a ‘worst-case’ or over-estimate scenario of the potential visibility of the turbines.

ZTV Analysis: Proposed Wind Farm

7.102 Theoretical visibility to blade tip for the proposed wind farm accounts for ~57% of the landscape and visual study area (Figure 7.3). However, the North Sea accounts for ~42% of the coverage, leaving just ~15% of the land in the study area within the blade tip ZTV.

7.103 The general visibility of the proposed wind farm development reflects the underlying landform within the study area and there is a concentration of theoretical visibility within 10-12 km of the site extending northwest along the coastline, and southeast towards Eyemouth and Northumberland. Beyond this the ZTV pattern becomes sparsely fragmented and there is no ZTV coverage west, beyond the Lammermuir Hills towards Haddington or south, towards Duns.

7.104 Within 10-12 km, theoretical visibility is spread across either side of the Eye Water valley, affecting Penmanshiel Moor and Coldingham Moor to the east and the upland fringe landscapes to the west. Visibility also extends northwest along the East Lothian coast. Limited or no visibility is predicted along the Berwickshire coast and around the A1 to the south-east.

7.105 Beyond 10-12 km the ZTV pattern of theoretical visibility is limited to the following areas: the North Sea; the coastal areas around Dunbar and North Berwick; north and east-facing summits in the Lammermuirs; a swath of landscape between Eyemouth and Chirnside; and either side of the Tweed Valley (The Merse) between Berwick and Coldstream.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis

7.106 The cumulative ZTVs have been calculated to blade tip and as above, take no account of the screening effects of vegetation, landscape features, woodland, or buildings, and assume clear visibility. The list of the figures illustrating cumulative ZTV maps is provided as follows.

• Figure 7.40 – Existing, under construction and consented wind farms within 30 km

• Figure 7.41a/b – Existing wind farms within 30 km with Penmanshiel: Crystal Rig, Aikengall and Black Hill

• Figure 7.42a/b – Consented wind farms within 30 km with Penmanshiel: Drone Hill (under construction), Brockholes and Fallago Rig,

• Figure 7.43a/b – Consented single turbines within 30 km with Penmanshiel : Pressmains Farm and Steps of Grace

• Figure 7.44a/b – Submitted wind farms within 30 km with Penmanshiel: Blackburn and Aikengall II

• Figure 7.45a/b – Submitted wind clusters within 30 km with Penmanshiel : Hoprigshiels, Fernylea and Dunbar

7.107 The analysis has been broken down into three steps covering the existing and consented wind energy developments and wind energy application schemes.

• Analysis 1: 1a: ZTV of the existing and consented baseline 1b: Existing wind farms within 30 km

• Analysis 2: 2a: Consented wind farms within 30 km 2b: Consented single turbines within 30 km

• Analysis 3: 3a: Application wind farms within 30 km 3b: Application wind clusters within 30 km

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 1a: Existing and consented baseline (including Drone Hill, under construction) within 30 km

7.108 The combined cumulative ZTV (Figure 7.40) indicates that there is already theoretical visibility for at least one operational, under construction, or consented wind farm across almost all of the study area. The only areas that are excluded from theoretical wind farm visibility are the floors of the river valleys such as the Tweed, Eye Water, and the Whiteadder.

7.109 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would theoretically contribute very little (0.1% of the study area) in terms of new areas, to this cumulative ZTV pattern (areas coloured in pink).

7.110 Areas where the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be theoretically visible with at least one other existing, under construction / consented wind farm closely mirror the ZTV footprint of the under construction / consented Drone Hill Wind Farm, which is illustrated again in Cumulative ZTV 3 (Figure 7.42a/b). This pattern of cumulative visibility is borne out in the viewpoint assessment whereby all of the 360° wireframes from each of the viewpoint locations includes at least one other wind farm; in most cases Drone Hill Wind Farm.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 1b: Existing wind farms within 30 km

7.111 The cumulative ZTVs (Figures 7.41a/b) indicate the pattern of theoretical visibility for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in association with the three closest existing wind farms at Crystal Rig, Aikengall, and Black Hill.

7.112 The broad pattern of theoretical visibility excluding the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is illustrated in Figure 7.41a. Theoretical visibility is widespread and accounts for ~80% of the study area. Black Hill would tend to be the only wind farm from this group that would be theoretically visible in the south of the study area around the Merse, whereas Crystal Rig and Aikengall would be more influential in the north-western extents of the study area including the A1 and the East Lothian coast.

7.113 The pattern of theoretical cumulative visibility within the ZTV footprint of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Figure 7.41b) indicates that there are relatively few areas where the proposed wind farm would be the only theoretically visible wind farm in this group. In theory this situation would arise in twelve of the 25 assessment viewpoints. In reality it happens at four of the assessment viewpoints. In



other words, above-ground features which are not picked up on the ZTV would screen the other wind farms in this group from two thirds of the theoretically affected viewpoints.

7.114 Aikengall and Crystal Rig are significant features in VP 22 at West Steel and these wind farms are marginally more likely than Black Hill to contribute to significant effects in relation to views affected by the proposed wind farm.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 2a: Consented wind farms within 30 km

7.115 The cumulative ZTVs (Figures 7.42a/b) indicate the pattern of theoretical visibility for the proposed wind farm in association with the three closest consented wind farms at Drone Hill (under construction), Brockholes, and Fallago Rig.

7.116 The broad pattern of theoretical visibility excluding the proposed wind farm is illustrated in Figure 7.42a. Theoretical visibility is widespread and accounts for ~74% of the study area. Fallago Rig would be more influential in the west of the study area around the Lammermuirs, whereas Drone Hill (under construction) and Brockholes would be more influential in The Merse. Drone Hill (under construction) would be the only wind farm of this group theoretically visible along the East Lothian coastline between Dunbar and Thortonloch.

7.117 The pattern of cumulative visibility within the ZTV footprint of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Figure 7.42b), indicates the similarity between the Drone Hill (under construction) ZTV and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm ZTV. In theory, only 6% of the study area would be affected by either the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm or Drone Hill (under construction) in isolation and this is compared to 53% where both would be theoretically visible. In the viewpoint assessment there is one instance of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm being visible in isolation of Drone Hill (under construction, VP 1) and this is as a result of above-ground screening.

7.118 In theory, Brockholes would be visible from 15 of the assessment viewpoints although in reality only eight are affected. In theory, Fallago Rig would be visible from nine of the assessment viewpoints, although in reality only two are affected.

7.119 Drone Hill (under construction) would be a significant feature in six of the assessment viewpoints whereas Brockholes would not appear as a significant feature in any and Fallago Rig at one. The occurrence of potential significant cumulative effects in relation to views affected by the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would, in theory, therefore be far more likely with Drone Hill (under construction) than the other consented schemes in this group.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 2b: Consented single turbines within 30 km

7.120 The cumulative ZTVs (Figures 7.43a/b) indicate the pattern of theoretical visibility for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in association with the two closest consented single turbines at Pressmains Farm and Steps of Grace.

7.121 The broad pattern of theoretical visibility excluding the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is illustrated in Figure 7.43a. Theoretical visibility of Pressmains covers a swathe of landscape from St Abbs in the north, across the A1 and into the Merse and accounts for ~14% of the study area. Theoretical visibility of Steps of Grace within the study area is limited to the area around Berwick on Tweed (5% of the study area). Theoretical visibility of both schemes from within the study area would be highly unlikely, judging from this ZTV and would only tend to occur in the North Sea.

7.122 The pattern of cumulative visibility within the ZTV footprint of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Figure 7.43b) indicates that there is a marked reduction in cumulative visibility with one or both of

the two consented developments compared to the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. There is no likelihood of either of the consented developments causing significant effects in relation to views affected by the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and this is borne out in the viewpoint assessment.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 3a: Submitted wind farms within 30 km

7.123 The cumulative ZTVs (Figures 7.44a/b) indicate the pattern of theoretical visibility for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in association with the two closest application submitted wind farms at Blackburn and Aikengall II.

7.124 The broad pattern of visibility excluding the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is illustrated in Figure 7.44a. Joint theoretical visibility is concentrated on the area within 10 km of the proposed wind farm. Aikengall II would be more influential in the west and northwest of the study area around the Western Lammermuirs and the East Lothian coast and there would be relatively few areas where Blackburn would be theoretically visible, independently of Aikengall II.

7.125 The pattern of cumulative visibility within the ZTV footprint of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Figure 7.44b) indicates that within 10 km of the proposed wind farm all three wind farms would tend to be visible at the same time from affected locations rather than any one wind farm having noticeably more widespread ZTV coverage than the others.

7.126 In theory, Aikengall II would be visible from 21 of the assessment viewpoints although accounting for screening elements, 15 would be affected. In theory, Blackburn would be visible from 18 of the assessment viewpoints although accounting for screening effects, 16 would be affected. Aikengall II would theoretically be a significant element in four of the assessment viewpoints whereas Blackburn causes significant effects at five. These results reflect the geographic locations of the two wind farms. Blackburn is located on an upland fringe whereas Aikengall II is located on an elevated part of the Lammermuir uplands.

Cumulative ZTV Analysis 3b: Submitted wind clusters within 30 km

7.127 The cumulative ZTVs (Figures 7.45a/b) indicate the pattern of theoretical visibility for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm in association with the three closest application submitted wind clusters at Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, and Dunbar.

7.128 The broad pattern of theoretical visibility excluding the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is illustrated in Figure 7.45a. Excluding the North Sea, theoretical visibility is concentrated on the East Lothian coast (Dunbar) and the upland fringes to the east of the Lammermuirs (Hoprigshiels and Fernylea).

7.129 The pattern of theoretical cumulative visibility within the ZTV footprint of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Figure 7.45b) indicates a slight reduction, particularly in the northwest of the study area where the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be screened by the northern Lammermuirs.

7.130 The Fernylea ZTV is essentially a subset of the Hoprigshiels ZTV and given the relative turbines sizes and close proximity of the two schemes this pattern is easy to understand and is borne out in the viewpoint assessment whereby there are no instances of Fernylea being visible independently of Hoprigshiels.

7.131 In theory, Hoprigshiels would be visible from 13 of the assessment viewpoints although allowing for screening effects 11 would be affected. In theory, Fernylea would be visible from 9 of the assessment viewpoints although allowing for screening effects 7 would be affected, none significantly in respect



of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. In theory, Dunbar would be visible from 10 of the assessment viewpoints although allowing for screening effects 5 would be affected, none significantly in respect of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm.

Viewpoint Analysis

7.132 The viewpoint analysis indicates that significant visual effects have been predicted at 3 km distance and that high to medium magnitude visual effects would occur within approximately 5.3 km. Beyond these distances the potential effects, resulting from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would recede in magnitude (low to negligible) and would be unlikely to be significant beyond this distance.

7.133 Importantly each of the viewpoints have been specifically located where the sensitivity of the receptor and the views of the proposed wind farm would be greatest, in this sense they are not typical or representative and indicate the most visible scenario. The viewpoint analysis also assists the landscape assessment, indicating the magnitude of change that may affect key characteristics of the existing landscape character and designations. Again it should be noted that the effects illustrated in one viewpoint cannot be applied equally to whole landscape character types or units, which for the most part may have no view of the proposed wind farm and remain largely unaffected.

7.134 The viewpoint analysis is provided in Appendix 7.2 and a summary of this is provided in Table 7.7. Instructions on how to read the table, with reference to the top columns are provided as follows.

Distance to nearest visible Turbine (m):

• Distance from the viewpoint location to the nearest turbine within the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

Level of Effect: Baseline

• Provides and indication of the existing levels of visual effect taking account of the other existing wind farms within the landscape baseline and Drone Hill (under construction).

Sensitivity:

• Provides an indication of the sensitivity of the visual receptors and the viewpoint.

Level of Effect: Penmanshiel Wind Farm only

• Magnitude of Change: The magnitude of change, taking account of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm only, is recorded (ranging from high, medium, low, negligible, and zero) in accordance with the methodology.

• Level of Effect: The level of visual effect, taking account of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm only is recorded and takes account of the sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the methodology.

Cumulative Level of Effect: Baseline and Penmanshiel

• The combined cumulative level of effect, taking account of the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to the baseline of other existing wind energy development, including Drone Hill (under construction) is recorded.

Cumulative Level of Effect: Consented

• The combined cumulative level of effect, taking account of the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to the baseline of other existing and consented wind energy development, including Drone Hill (under construction) is recorded.

Cumulative Level of Effect: Planning Applications

• The combined cumulative level of effect, taking account of the addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm to the baseline of other existing, consented and submitted planning applications for wind energy development, including Drone Hill (under construction) is recorded.

• Those levels of effect shown in bold relate to significant effects in accordance with the relevant EIA Regulations and the windfarm(s) contributing most to the cumulative effect is recorded in brackets.

Sunlight and Weather Conditions

7.135 Changing weather patterns and local climatic conditions will influence the visibility of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm which will vary from periods of low visibility (fog, low cloud, and bright sunny conditions that are accompanied by haze generated by temperature inversions) as well as periods of high visibility in clear weather. In some instances the wind farm may appear ‘back-lit’ (e.g. appearing darker in colour during sunset/sunrise and periods of pale or white blanket cloud) and in other circumstances may appear to be ‘up-lit’ (e.g. during stormy periods that combine dark clouds and bright sunshine).




Viewpoint Analysis

Table 7.7: Viewpoint Assessment

Distance to Nearest Visible Turbine (m)

Level of Effect:

Baseline Magnitude of Change

LVIA Level of Effect:

Penmanshiel Wind Farm

Cumulative Level of Effect:

Baseline & Penmanshiel


Consented


Planning Applications Viewpoint (Figure Number)

Drone Hill Penmanshiel (Existing wind farms &

Drone Hill Wind Farm)

Sensitivity

(Penmanshiel Wind Farm only) (Penmanshiel, existing wind farms & Drone Hill)

(Penmanshiel, existing, consented & Drone Hill)

(Penmanshiel, existing, consented, application, & Drone Hill)

1. Renton Barns (7.14) 1781 1339 Substantial (Drone Hill) High High Substantial Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)

Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)


2. A1 Grantshouse (7.15) N/A 1584 No View Medium Low Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate

3. Highview Caravan Park (7.16) 886 2180 Substantial (Drone Hill) High Medium Moderate / Substantial




4. St Helen’s Church (7.17) 4108 2706 Slight High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate

5. Southern Upland Way, Blackburn (7.18) 5023 2926 Moderate High Medium Moderate / Substantial

Moderate / Substantial (Penmanshiel)

Moderate / Substantial (Penmanshiel)

Substantial (Penmanshiel and Blackburn)

6. A6112 Berry Hill Cottage (7.19) 4309 3158 Moderate Medium Medium Moderate

Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)


Moderate/ Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)

7. Telegraph Hill, Dowlaw (7.20) 2543 4159 Moderate Medium Low Slight / Moderate

Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill)



8. Ewieside Hill (7.21) 5609 3325 Slight / Moderate Medium Medium Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

9. Butterdean Farm (7.22) 5104 3482 Slight / Moderate Medium Medium Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

10. A1107, Falaknowe (7.23)

2724 4374 Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill)

High Low Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill)



11. Southern Upland Way, Cove (7.24)

6500 4642 Slight High Low to

Negligible Slight to Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

12. Cockburnspath (7.25)


Negligible Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Moderate (Blackburn)

13. Southern Upland Way, Quixwood (7.26)

7196 5325 No view (screened by forest)

High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

14. A6112, Monashee Farm (7.27)

N/A 5375 No view (screened by forest)

Medium Medium Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

15. Hoprig (7.28) 8090 5920 No view (screened by forest)

High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

16 Dunglass (7.29) 8120 6183 Slight High Low to

Negligible Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate

17. A1 Layby, Bilsdean 9304 7454 Slight / Negligible Medium Low to Slight / Moderate to Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate Moderate



Distance to Nearest Visible Turbine (m)

Level of Effect:

Baseline Magnitude of Change


Penmanshiel Wind Farm




Consented


Planning Applications Viewpoint (Figure Number)

Drone Hill Penmanshiel (Existing wind farms &

Drone Hill Wind Farm)

Sensitivity

(Penmanshiel Wind Farm only) (Penmanshiel, existing wind farms & Drone Hill)



(7.30) Negligible Slight / Negligible

18. Cocklaw, Oldhamstocks (7.31)

10560 8358 Slight to Moderate High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn and Hoprigshiels)

19. Cockburn Law Fort (7.32)

10238 8824 Slight / Moderate Medium Low Slight / Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

20. Torness Point (7.33)


Negligible Slight to Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn and Aikengall II)

21. Blackcastle Hill (7.34)

11819 9167 Moderate Medium Low Slight / Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall II)

22. West Steel (7.35) 14703 12404 Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall + Crystal Rig) Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Moderate / Substantial

(Aikengall + Crystal Rig) Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall + Crystal Rig)

Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall and Aikengall II)

23. Fancove Head, Eyemouth (7.36)

1184 13474 Slight to Moderate High Negligible Slight Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Moderate

24.Dunbar Harbour (7.37)

18981 17119 Slight High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall II)

25. Twin Law (7.38) 24375 22572 Slight High Negligible Slight Slight Moderate / Substantial (Fallago Rig)

Moderate / Substantial (Fallago Rig and Aikengall II)



Residual Landscape Effects

7.136 Landscape Effects are defined by the Landscape Institute as ‘Change in the elements, characteristics, character, and qualities of the landscape as a result of development.’ These effects are assessed by considering the landscape sensitivity against the magnitude of change. The type of effect is described as temporary or permanent, direct or indirect, cumulative and positive, neutral, or negative. The assessment of residual landscape effects has been set out as follows:

• Local Landscape Character: Penmanshiel Moor (Penmanshiel Wind Farm Site)

• Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA

• Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA

• Indirect effects on Surrounding Landscape Character (within 10 km)

• Indirect Effects on Designated Landscapes within the Surrounding Area

7.137 The residual landscape effects assessed here are those effects remaining after all of the embedded design measures or inherent mitigation (see paragraphs 7.71 to 7.92) has been taken into account.

Local Landscape Character: Penmanshiel Moor (Penmanshiel Wind Farm Site Area)

7.138 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is located within commercial forestry on Penmanshiel Moor. The site topography forms a shallow bowl within a broadly undulating plateau of the wider Coldingham Moor area. The site area is surrounded and contained by the hills of Gowel Hill, Endless Knowes, and Meikle Black Law to the southeast, east, and north; and Greenside Hill, Lady’s Folly, and Penmanshiel to the northeast and east of the site. There are no settlements or residential properties and no roads within the area of the proposed turbines, excepting forestry tracks, and the area has a remote, and exposed character. Although currently under construction, the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) is located 500 m to the east, within Coldingham Moor, and would also form a key characteristic of the local area. The landscape and visual characteristics of the site area corresponds with the Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA, which is an area of coastal moorland as defined by the Scottish Boarders Landscape Assessment. Western and southern portions of the site area are transitional to areas of adjacent Coastal Farmland and Pastoral Upland Valley Fringe as defined by the Scottish Boarders Landscape Assessment due mainly to more marked differences in landuse, landcover (forestry), elevation, and topography.

7.139 The local landscape character of the Coastal Moorland (Figure 7.8) consists of a large-scale, raised plateau running west to east from Penmanshiel Moor to Coldingham Common. The core area of the local landscape is characterised by moorland, coarse grassland, plantation forestry, and shelterbelts. Drone Hill Wind Farm is under construction on either side of the A1107, a single carriage road that bisects the plateau. The topography is predominantly smooth and flat or gently rolling, around 200 m AOD. In the peripheral, transitional areas of the local landscape (generally below 175 m) valleys and arable fields coexist with improved grassland on land which slopes, often sharply, away from the plateau at areas such as Old Cambus, Harlawside and Renton Barns.

7.140 An undulating ridge between Greenside Hill and Moss Maw clearly defines the western extents of the raised plateau beyond which the land falls away sharply into the Eye Water valley. The A1107 and Dowlaw Road define a transition to a more overtly marine influenced landscape to the north. Howpark Burn and Bell Hill define the southern extents of the local landscape which is bisected by the

Howpark Road. Lowries Knowes and Lumsdaine Moor, Coldingham Moor, and Drone Hill are located on the eastern side of the local landscape.

Landscape Sensitivity

7.141 In terms of landscape quality and condition, the local landscape character at Penmanshiel Moor has been heavily modified by forestry and proximity to wind farm development which is under construction (Drone Hill Wind Farm, under construction). This part of the landscape does not display large areas of semi-natural moorland vegetation. The area is one of medium to large sized pasture fields of mixed improved and rough grazing land with commercial forestry and the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). The forestry and the more recent Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) have become key characteristics of the local area through landscape change.

7.142 There are little or no landscape features of interest or notable landscape or scenic qualities beyond a medium level of Borders countryside. Although modified, the landscape and associated elements of fields, field boundaries, and woodland are reasonably well maintained and as such the landscape is considered to be of medium landscape quality.

7.143 The landscape is not designated at a national or local level and there is no history of local landscape designation or related values associated with cultural heritage or tourist / artistic attractions. However, the Laird’s Path which passes through the area (Core Path 100 in the Scottish Borders Adopted Core Paths Plan) indicates potential for recreational use of the area although the site visit indicated that this path is neither frequently used nor well signposted. These factors overall indicate that the landscape value of the area is also medium with the associated elements of fields, field boundaries, and forestry ranging from medium to low in terms of landscape value.

7.144 In terms of landscape capacity, the site area displays a number of characteristics that indicate medium to high capacity for wind turbine development of this scale, including the broad and simple landform, medium to large scale landscape pattern, and limited or no settlement. The site is also located within an upland coastal area and slightly contained by surrounding hills which create a subtle bowl or dip in the topography. In some respects the presence of the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) reduces the landscape sensitivity to further wind farm development on areas nearby, but equally the presence of this wind farm imposes a ‘limit’ on the remaining capacity of the landscape to accommodate further wind farm development.

7.145 Considering all of these aspects together (landscape quality, value and capacity), the local landscape character of Penmanshiel Moor and the Penmanshiel Wind Farm site area is considered to be of medium landscape sensitivity. This judgement corresponds in some respects with SPG and the Scottish Borders Landscape Assessment where the Coldingham Moor LCA is considered to be of medium visual sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Construction

7.146 The construction phase would result in localised direct landscape effects on the component elements of the local landscape. The following paragraphs provide an assessment of the landscape effect predicted in respect of each construction activity. A useful land take summary for the individual components of the proposed development is provided in Table 4.1 (Chapter 4: Description of Development).

Temporary Construction Compound

7.147 A Temporary Construction Compound of 3000 m² would be established within an area of existing pasture of low landscape sensitivity, beyond an existing shelterbelt that would provide screening. As


the works commence on site, the magnitude of change would increase from zero to medium, affecting a localised area within the affected field.

7.148 The landscape effect on this element (pasture) would be Slight / Moderate not significant, temporary (reversible), direct, and negative.

Site Entrance

7.149 There would be modifications to the existing access affecting the existing stone dykes and adjacent tree belt of medium to high sensitivity. The magnitude of change would increase from zero to medium affecting a localised area.

7.150 The landscape effect on this element would be Moderate, not significant, permanent, direct, and negative (during construction) to neutral on completion of the new access. Isolated significant effects may occur which would be Moderate / Substantial as a result of the loss of the stone wall and deciduous trees.

Access Tracks

7.151 Approximately 9.1 km of new access track would be required, affecting areas of pasture, deciduous and coniferous woodland, and field boundaries of low to medium sensitivity. A small area of woodland to the west of Harelawside would be affected with the potential loss of up to two deciduous trees of medium to high sensitivity. Approximately 78 m of drystone dyke would be lost, of which ~50 m would be rebuilt. Approximately 38 m of recently planted hedgerow would be lost. As the works commence on site the magnitude of change would increase from zero to medium, affecting localised areas.

7.152 The effects caused by the access tracks on landscape elements overall would be Slight / Moderate to Moderate and not significant although permanent, direct, and negative. Isolated significant effects which would be Moderate / Substantial may occur as a result of the loss of two mature deciduous trees near Harelawside.

Control Building

7.153 The Control Building and Compound would be established within an area of existing grassland of low landscape sensitivity, beyond an existing shelterbelt. As the works commence on site, the magnitude of change would increase from zero to medium, affecting a localised area.

7.154 The landscape effect on this element (grassland) would be Slight / Moderate not significant, temporary (reversible), direct, and negative.

Electrical Cables

7.155 Routed along access track verges, the landscape effect would be Negligible to None and not significant. Although the works would be temporary, the cables would remain permanently and the nature of these landscape effects would be temporary, direct, and negative, altering to neutral upon completion.

Turbines and Anemometer Masts

7.156 The proposed turbines and anemometer mast, including the temporary masts (up to six) would be located within Penmanshiel Moor (medium landscape sensitivity). As the works commence on site, the magnitude of change would increase from zero to high, directly affecting much of the site area at Penmanshiel Moor.

7.157 The landscape effect would range from None to Moderate / Substantial and significant. The nature of these effects would be long term (reversible), direct, and negative to neutral.

Forest Management and De-forestation

7.158 The total area of proposed deforestation is 204 ha (or 0.2% of the total forestry in the Scottish Borders). A description of the impact of the forest clearance is provided in Chapter 13: Forestry. Offsite compensatory planting will take place although the location is yet to be confirmed. Taking into account the quality, condition, value, and contribution to landscape character the forestry cover within Penmanshiel Moor is considered to be of medium to low sensitivity.

7.159 In terms of the felling operations, the magnitude of change would rise from zero to high as the number of trees is gradually reduced. Once the felling is complete and during the operation of the wind farm the effect of the de-forestation would constitute a change to the overall balance in landcover elements, affecting the local landscape pattern. The removal of the forestry would re-reveal the underlying rolling landform and the narrow watercourses at Broad Bog Burn, Blegdon Burn, and Longstruther Burn. Its removal would also increase the level of external and internal intervisibility particularly with regard to the neighbouring Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and the wider Coastal Moorland LCA. The level of change to the local landscape characteristics, qualities, and pattern would ultimately depend on the future management of the area as set out in the Outline Habitat Management Plan (See Appendix 8.3). In the short term the magnitude of change would be medium to high and largely negative due to the chaotic appearance of tree stumps alongside the clean lines of the site tracks and wind turbines, but in the longer term, as the site “greens up” with the intended heathland / acid grassland / scrub mosaic the magnitude of change would be low and positive, effectively restoring this area to the dominant characteristic or landcover element of the Coastal Moorland LCA.

7.160 During construction and up to 24 months into the operation period, the level of effect on this landscape element would range from Zero to Moderate/ Substantial and would be significant, and the nature of effects permanent, direct and negative. During the operation period and beyond 36 months, the establishment of moorland / rough grazing would result in a Slight to Slight / Moderate level of effect that would not be significant and would be permanent, direct and positive.

Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Operation

7.161 During operation, the completed wind farm (including restored temporary construction compound and areas of deforestation) would gain a more ‘settled’ appearance when compared to the same area during the construction period. This would largely be a result of the reduction in machinery movement within the site area.

7.162 The local landscape would already be subject to a high to medium magnitude of change as a result of Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and there would be a cumulative high magnitude of change affecting the site and its immediate surrounding area as a result of the Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the neighbouring Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). The level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial and significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

7.163 The landscape effects would be negative in respect of the unavoidable introduction of turbines to the moorland landscape in terms of their, large scale, moving, man-made character and form; although equally these aspects could be viewed as dramatic and of visual interest set within a landscape which already has wind turbine influences as a result of Drone Hill (under construction, wind turbines would already be a key characteristic of the local area). In this respect and due to the wind farm design and large scale, broad, simple and open character of the receiving landscape, the wind farm appears reasonably well accommodated, such that the landscape effects could also be regarded as neutral.



Cumulative Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Operation

7.164 Wider cumulative landscape effects (excluding Drone Hill, under construction) would be limited to the high ground on the peripheral areas of the local landscape and related to the indirect effect of other wind farms that may be visible in the wider landscape on perceptual characteristics. Two perceptual characteristics of this landscape (sense of remoteness and the availability of long distance views) are considered as follows:

• Sense of Remoteness: There are no major settlements or transport corridors within the local landscape. Rather there are wide-open spaces of moorland, the unfenced dead-end Dowlaw Road, isolated residential properties and low volumes of road traffic. These combine to cause a sense of remoteness. This perception is variable and ranges from points along tracks which appear relatively lonely or uninhabited to small farms, steadings, and roadside residences which are less remote. The presence of intermediate horizons and forestry cover may increase the sense of seclusion. The availability of long distance views (see below) may increase the sense of remoteness. The proposed wind farm is capable of co-existing with this characteristic because wind turbines do not constitute habitation and can emphasize the windswept nature of the landscape. For these reasons, there would be no significant effects in terms of this existing characteristic.

• Long distance views: such as those of the North Sea and the Lammermuirs are possible from high points and the edges of the raised plateau. In these peripheral locations, the turbines would be behind the viewer (Drone Hill Wind Farm, under construction and Penmanshiel Wind Farm) and would not interfere with the long distance views. For these reasons, there would be no significant effects in terms of this existing characteristic.

Penmanshiel Wind Farm + Existing

7.165 To conclude; existing wind farms would exert a negligible magnitude on local landscape character (perceptual characteristics). As stated previously, the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and the Penmanshiel Wind Farm would lead to a localised significant landscape effect. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

Penmanshiel Wind Farm + Existing + Consented

7.166 Consented wind farms (other than Drone Hill, under construction) would exert a low to negligible magnitude on local landscape character (perceptual characteristics) as a result of Brockholes. These effects would be not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

Penmanshiel Wind Farm + Existing + Consented + Application Sites

7.167 Proposed wind farms for which there has been a submitted planning application would exert a medium magnitude locally as a result of Blackburn but overall the magnitude would be low and the effects not significant. There would be no significant cumulative effects on the local landscape other than the significant effects caused by Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Decommissioning

7.168 During the decommissioning, the site would return to a construction site for a temporary period and as with the construction period, the level of effect would be variable over the site and according to the phase of activity. In overall terms, the magnitude would reduce from operational levels (high) to between low and negligible with the removal of the turbines and associated above ground infrastructure, and the retention of the site access and access tracks / areas of hardstanding.

7.169 The level of effect would reduce to non-significant levels of between Slight / Moderate and Negligible. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral when compared to the existing Penmanshiel landscape.

Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA

7.170 This character area is the host LCA for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines. The area is focussed on the elevated plateau of Coldingham Moor which is an area of heather moorland, rough grassland/pasture, and forestry that is of limited productivity in agricultural terms. It is this characteristic, as well the high elevation, plateau topography, and limited or sparse settlement pattern that distinguishes it from the Coastal Farmland LCT to the north (Cockburnspath) and south (Coldingham see Figure 7.8).

7.171 The landscape has a barren wind-swept quality and outwith the forestry areas there can be distant and expansive views out to sea or inland towards the Lammermuirs. Coldingham Moor is elevated above the adjacent coastline, forming a plateau landscape. Within the plateau itself, landform is typically flat or gently rolling. Settlement within the area is sparse and land use is predominantly rough grazing, and forestry blocks. The fields are large to medium and divided by drystone dykes and fences or unenclosed.

7.172 The Borders Landscape Assessment describes the following as key characteristics of the Landscape Type as follows:

• Expansive flat to gently rolling plateau sloping steeply to rugged cliffs at the coast, punctuated by occasional knowes and rock outcrops;

• Open land cover of rushes and coarse grassland in flatter areas, heather moorland on upper slopes, scattered gorse and locally prominent coniferous plantations;

• Widely dispersed farmsteads along minor roads; and

• An unusual landscape with a barren, exposed character and dramatic open views over the cliff tops to the North Sea.

7.173 The Borders Landscape Assessment pre-dates the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction), but on completion it is likely that wind turbines will be visible as a new feature or characteristic element of the LCA although not the dominant characteristic.


7.174 Although arguably variable (ranging from higher quality scenic views along the coastline to medium quality and condition further inland) the landscape is considered to be higher quality scenic views along the coastline to medium quality and condition further inland. The landscape is largely undesignated, with the exception of the Berwickshire Coast AGLV (local designation of high to medium value) and the landscape capacity for further wind farm development is also considered to be variable. Highest capacity is considered to relate to areas close to Drone Hill Wind Farm (under



construction), within moorland areas, away from the more sensitive coastlines and smaller scale valley and steep slopes.

7.175 Considering all of these aspects together (landscape quality, value and capacity), the Coldingham Moor LCA is considered to be of medium landscape sensitivity. This judgement corresponds with the Scottish Borders Landscape Assessment where the Coldingham Moor LCA is considered to be of medium visual sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Construction and Operation

7.176 The Penmanshiel Moor and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines would be located within this LCA and as stated previously (at paragraphs 7.146 to 7.167) there would be a localised significant effect on Penmanshiel Moor during the construction and operation periods. Considering the wider Coldingham Moor LCA this would translate to a medium magnitude of change on the LCA overall and the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.



7.177 ZTV coverage within the Coldingham Moor LCA as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) accounts for ~78% of the total area of the LCA. This figure would increase to 80% as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. The two ZTVs are almost identical.

7.178 In terms of the key perceptual characteristics of this coastal landscape, the appearance of the proposed turbines would extend development along the skyline towards the coastline. However, for the most part, views of the sea and the coastline would be relatively unaffected. The wind farm would increase the perception of development, although in many inland views from within the LCA the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and Drone Hill (under construction) would appear as one development.

7.179 Localised significant effects would occur in the area around Penmanshiel and Coldingham Common, as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. The nature and extent of these significant effects is described fully in the local landscape section (see paragraphs 7.138 and 7.169. In overall terms the magnitude of change affecting this LCA is considered to be medium as a result of the proposed wind farm and Drone Hill, and the level of effect overall would be Moderate and not significant. Other existing wind farms would exert a negligible effect on local landscape character (perceptual characteristics). The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.180 Consented wind farms (other than Drone Hill, under construction) would exert a low to negligible magnitude on local landscape character (perceptual characteristics) as a result of Brockholes, which is located on the far side of the Eye Platform LCA approximately 4 km to the south. The addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind farm would lead to a Moderate and not significant level of effect, and this would be cumulative with the Drone Hill Wind Farm under (construction). The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.181 Proposed wind farms for which there has been a submitted planning application would exert a medium magnitude locally as a result of Blackburn, but overall the magnitude would be low. The addition of

the proposed Penmanshiel Wind farm would lead to a Moderate and not significant level of effect, and this would be cumulative with the Drone Hill Wind Farm under (construction). The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.182 During the decommissioning, the site would return to a construction site for a temporary period and as with the construction period, the level of effect would be variable over the site and according to the phase of activity. In overall terms, the magnitude would reduce from operational levels (high) to negligible with the removal of the turbines and associated above ground infrastructure, and the retention of the site access and access tracks.

7.183 The level of effect would reduce to non-significant levels of Slight / Negligible levels of effect for the LCA overall. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and neutral.

Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA

7.184 The southern and extreme western edge of the site area falls within this character area. The valley of the Eye Water is flat bottomed, enclosed by slopes covered in pasture and woodland.

7.185 The tree cover is abundant with broadleaf woodland on the steeper slopes, riparian trees along the river, and coniferous plantation and shelterbelt on the valley sides. Drystone dykes with occasional hedgerow bound the medium/large pasture fields. Settlement is fairly sparse with scattered small villages and isolated properties, although the larger town of Earlston lies just within this character area.

7.186 Views are medium distance due to the enclosure and often directional along the valleys and tributaries.

7.187 The Borders Landscape Assessment describes the following key characteristics of this area:

• Medium scale pastoral valley with flat floor enclosed by upland fringe pastures, often with rough grassland and moorland covered hills above.

• Smooth large-scale landform modified in places by bluffs and moraine on valley floor, scree slopes or rock outcrops on valley sides.

• Narrow, often wooded tributary side valleys.

• Valley floor pastures enclosed by drystone dykes with occasional hedgerows, interspersed with occasional patches of scrub, coarse grass, and rushes.

• Scattered villages, farmsteads, and mansion houses with policy woodlands.


7.188 The Eye Water valley is considered to be of medium landscape quality, condition, and value. In terms of landscape capacity the area is of low capacity (indicating higher landscape sensitivity) due mainly to the smaller scale character of this landscape and the higher number of visual receptors located along the valley. The sensitivity of this area to wind farm development overall is considered to be medium to high and this compares to the Borders Landscape Assessment which considers the area to be of high visual sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change and Level of Effect: During Construction and Operation

7.189 The LCA borders the elevated plateau landscape which hosts the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). The proposed access road from Harelawside is located within this LCA and the proposed substation is located on the edge of this LCA, bordering with



the Penmanshiel Moor / Coldingham Moor LCA. The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines would be located approximately 1 km northeast of the edge of the Eye Water valley sides and are located neither within a valley landscape or this LCA.

7.190 The effects caused by the access tracks and site entrance on landscape elements overall would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate and not significant although permanent, direct, and negative. Isolated significant effects which would be Moderate / Substantial may occur as a result of the loss of two mature deciduous trees and some stone wall near Harelawside.



7.191 There are no existing wind farms within the Eye Water LCA and due to its containing valley form the influence of Crystal Rig, Aikengall and Black Hill wind farms would only be discernable from the higher valley sides and there would be no significant effects in relation to these.

7.192 ZTV coverage within the Eye Water LCA as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) accounts for ~50% of the total area of the LCA. There would be an additional 20% coverage as a result of the proposed wind farm. However, the high levels of woodland cover on the valley sides reduce actual visibility, particularly from the valley floor as demonstrated by VP 1.

7.193 Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this landscape such as the moderate range views formed by side-valleys and occasional sea views to the north. Considering the limited ZTV coverage in the core area of the LCA (the valley floor) and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be low overall, the level of effect would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.194 In terms of other consented wind farms only Brockholes wind cluster would have any effect, it is located approximately 1 km to the south of the LCA at its closest point and it would have a localised medium effect on the higher valley sides reducing to negligible and not significant overall. The level of effect overall would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.195 In terms of the proposed wind farms, there may be isolated significant effects on the higher valley sides as a result of Blackburn, but the overall effect would be low and the cumulative level of effect (Moderate to Slight / Moderate) would not be significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.196 During the decommissioning, the site would return to a construction site for a temporary period and as with the construction period, the level of effect would be variable over the site and according to the phase of activity. In overall terms, the magnitude would reduce from operational levels (high) to negligible with the removal of the turbines and associated above ground infrastructure, and the retention of the site access and access tracks.

7.197 The level of effect would reduce to non-significant levels of Slight to Slight / Negligible for the LCA overall. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and neutral.

Indirect Effects on the Surrounding Landscape Character within 10 km

7.198 Each of the surrounding LCAs located within 10 km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm have been assessed in paragraphs 7.200 to 7.280. The assessment has been restricted to the operational phases (visibility of wind turbines) and cumulative assessment in order to focus on the assessment of likely significant effects.

7.199 No part of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is located within any of these landscapes and the effects could only be indirect.

Borders Landscape Character Assessment

Coastal Farmland: Coldingham LCA (19)

7.200 This area has a complex and distinctive topography, ranging in height from sea level to 240 m AOD. The coastline is characterised by steep cliffs. Inland the terrain is moderately to strongly rolling. The landscape is more productive than the adjacent Coastal Moorland Landscape Type, and as such, land cover is typically a diverse patchwork of small, medium, and large sized arable and pastoral fields.

7.201 The Borders Landscape Assessment describes the following key characteristics of this area:

• Strongly rolling terrain interrupted by narrow, deeply incised stream valleys.

• Coastline formed by high, near vertical cliffs carved into strongly-folded resistant sedimentary rocks.

• Land cover dominated by arable and pastoral fields of varying sizes.

• Gorse and other scrub common on steep slopes and exposed locations.

• Field boundaries of mature thorn hedges with occasional hedgerow trees on lower ground.

• Major towns sited at the coast in sheltered folds and valleys.


7.202 This is one of four coastal landscape types and one of two coastal farmland LCTs within the 10 km study area.

7.203 The Coastal Farmland is considered to be of medium landscape quality and condition, and is partly designated Berwickshire Coast AGLV, indicating higher local value and medium value overall. In terms of landscape capacity the LCA has a slightly lower capacity than areas of the Coastal Moorland due mainly to the smaller scale field patterns and the slightly more settled nature with a higher number of visual receptors. The sensitivity of this area to wind farm development is considered to be high to medium overall and this compares to the Borders Landscape Assessment which considers the area to be of high visual sensitivity.



7.204 The transition between this landscape and the Coastal Moorland LCA at Penmanshiel Moor is gradual and it is considered that the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm turbines would be set back between 500 m and 1 km from the ‘edge’ of the Coastal Moorland LCA, beyond which there is a gradual transition into the more productive farmland and lower elevation of the Coastal Farmland LCA.

7.205 ZTV coverage within the Coldingham Farmland LCA as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) accounts for ~50% of the total area of the LCA. There would be no additional coverage as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, the ZTV coverage of which would be ~47%. Theoretical visibility of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is concentrated on inland areas to the southwest,



whilst the coastal strip between St Abbs and Eyemouth is outside the ZTV with the exception of blade tip visibility in the Hallydown area.

7.206 Existing wind farms are discernible at distances beyond 12 km to the west and are not significant.

7.207 In terms of the key perceptual characteristics of this coastal landscape, its sense of openness would not be affected and dramatic distant views along the rugged coastline and over the North Sea tend to be in the opposite direction to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. There would however, be an increased perception of development, cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms. The skyline would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction), which in most cases would be viewed in front of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, limiting its effect. The magnitude of change would generally be low to negligible over most of the LCA with no change to coastal areas outwith the ZTV.

7.208 The two windfarms would be viewed side by side from more limited transitional locations (Howpark / Bell Hill area), but the development would not be closer to the coastline. The magnitude of change to the landscape character would be medium to low, bearing in mind that there would be no direct landscape effects. The addition of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would lead to a level of effect which would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate, overall and not significant. There would however be a small localised and significant, cumulative effects (Moderate / Substantial) on landscape character around the Howpark and Bell Hill area as a result of both Penmanshiel and Drone Hill wind farms. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral.


7.209 Of the other consented wind farms only Brockholes would have any effect, it is located on the far side of the Eye Platform LCA approximately 4 km to the south of the nearest proposed turbine. There would be a negligible effect on the key perceptual characteristics, and a resulting magnitude of change, which is considered to be low overall as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and Drone Hill (under construction) would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral.


7.210 In terms of the proposed wind farms for which there has been a submitted application, the magnitude of change caused by Barnside Farm (9 km), Aikengall II (10 km), Blackburn (4.7 km), Hoprigshiels (7.4 km), and Fernylea (8.2 km) would also be negligible to low and not be significant. Cumulatively, the effects would be Moderate to Slight / Moderate, overall and not significant. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral.

Coastal Farmland: Cockburnspath LCA (19)

7.211 This is one of four coastal landscape types and one of two Coastal Farmland LCTs within the 10 km study area. It is separated from the Coastal Farmland: Coldingham LCA by the higher ground of Coldingham Moor. None of the proposed turbines is located within the Coastal Farmland LCA, nor are there any other existing or consented wind farms located in the LCA.


7.212 The Coastal Farmland is considered to be of medium landscape quality and condition, and is partly designated Berwickshire Coast AGLV, indicating higher local value and medium value overall. In terms of landscape capacity the LCA has a slightly lower capacity than areas of the Coastal Moorland due mainly to the smaller scale field patterns and the slightly more settled nature with a higher number of visual receptors. The sensitivity of this area to wind farm development is considered to be high to

medium overall and this compares to the Borders Landscape Assessment which considers the area to be of high visual sensitivity.



7.213 The existing wind farms at Crystal Rig (5 km) and Aikengall (3.6 km), although visible (low magnitude) are not significant. The consented wind farm at Drone Hill (under construction, 1.5 km) would also be visible. Drone Hill would have the potential to cause isolated significant effects due to its proximity but the closest area around Redheugh and Old Cambus are not significantly affected due to limited ZTV coverage and intervening landform screening the lower parts of the wind farm (low magnitude).

7.214 At its closest point around Old Cambus the LCA is within ~1.3 km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, although this area is outside the ZTV. ZTV coverage overall accounts for approximately 69% of the LCA area for blade tip visibility and 50% for hub height visibility. The LCA is separated from the proposed turbines by high ground along the edge of the elevated plateau and the proposed wind farm has been specifically designed to limit effects on receptors to the west by keeping the turbines back from the plateau edges, thus limiting the vertical AOV of the turbines when viewing from the west.

7.215 In terms of the key perceptual characteristics of this coastal landscape, its sense of openness would not be affected, and dramatic distant views along the rugged coastline and over the North Sea tend to be northwards whereas the proposed wind farm is to the east. The wind farm would increase the perception of development, cumulatively, in addition to the existing and consented wind farms, and reinforce the pattern of development at Coldingham Moor. The dramatic skyline around Fast Castle to the east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and where views of the rugged Berwickshire coastline occur; the proposed turbines would not affect these or extend development towards the sea.

7.216 Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be low overall and the level of effect would be Moderate to Slight/ Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral.


7.217 The consented wind farm at Brockholes (6.5 km) would also be visible, but with a reduced negligible magnitude of change on the LCA. The level of effect would not change and would be Moderate to Slight/ Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be permanent, direct, and negative to neutral.

7.218 Penmanshiel Wind Farm + Existing + Consented + Application Sites

7.219 In terms of proposed wind energy developments where there has been a submitted planning application, Fernylea is located within the Coastal Farmland: Cockburnspath LCA, Hoprigshiels is located just outside it, Blackburn is 1.4 km away at its closest point and Aikengall II is 1.7 km away. The combined cumulative effects of these schemes would cause significant effects in the Hoprig area. The overall effect of all four schemes on the LCA would be Moderate and not significant.

Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau LCA (1)

7.220 The area in the west of the study area comprises of a series of level topped hills and ridges separated by steep sided incised valleys, which drain down to the Tweed Valley. The summits can reach to over 650 m AOD. The main vegetation cover is heather moorland and coarse acid grassland used for sheep grazing. These provide a great seasonal variation and a richness of colour contrasts. Areas of



coniferous plantation can be found in limited areas and trees generally are not a common feature of this landscape type. Settlements and transport links are also sparse giving the area a remote character. Individual isolated farmsteads are restricted to the more sheltered valley sides.

7.221 The views from these areas are generally expansive and open.

7.222 The Lammermuir Plateau contains a number of wind farms which now form part of the key characteristics of this landscape. The consented Fallago Rig Wind Farm is located within this LCA, approximately 12 km to the north of the proposed wind farm. The existing Crystal Rig and Aikengall wind farms are also located in this LCT, at approximately 22-25 km distance further north.


7.223 This is one of two upland landscape types within the 10 km study area. The following assessment incorporates the entire Lammermuir Plateau (i.e the areas which fall within both the Borders and the East Lothian council areas). The landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation) and capacity (although approaching a limit to further development within this LCA).



7.224 Other existing wind farms at Crystal Rig and Aikengall already have a localised high to medium magnitude on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate overall.

7.225 The distance between the LCA and proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be between ~7 to 30 km (indicative of low to negligible magnitude). ZTV coverage is fragmented, affecting the east facing slopes and hill summits and accounting for approximately 13.5% of the LCA area within the study area. Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed wind farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this landscape such as the wide open spaces and ability to view over long distances, across the Borders, including the coastline. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing and consented wind farms (notably Crystal Rig and Aikengall). The skyline to the east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction, 11 km distance, negligible magnitude) and where views of the coastline occur the proposed turbines would not extend development towards the sea.

7.226 Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible and the overall the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible increasing to Slight / Moderate for localised areas along the edge of the plateau and not significant.


7.227 The consented Fallago Rig Wind Farm is located within the Lammermuir Plateau LCA and would lead to a further localised and direct high to medium magnitude of change on parts of this landscape. Brockholes (7.5 km) would lead to a localised low effect on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial to Slight / Moderate overall.


7.228 The proposed Aikengall II Wind Farm is located within the Lammermuir Plateau LCA (albeit in the East Lothian council area), approximately 8.8 km to the west of the nearest proposed turbine, directly affecting the LCA and leading to a high to medium magnitude of change over ~6% of this LCA, which would be significant, although reducing to low magnitude and not significant overall.

7.229 The proposed application sites of Fernylea, Hoprigshiels, and Blackburn are located within ~1 km to ~2.2 km of the Lammermuir Plateau LCA and would lead to a localised high to medium effect on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate overall for this LCA.

Platform Farmland: Eye Water Platform LCA (9)

7.230 The landscape type is located on the eastern fringe of Lammermuir where it tilts gently seawards towards the Eye Water Valley. The area is characterised by large scale gently undulating hills with smooth sweeping slopes modified in places by small scale narrow incised. Tree cover consists mainly of small to medium sized single species coniferous plantations and shelterbelts. Broadleaf trees are present in a few scattered shelterbelts, hedgerow lines, and woodlands.


7.231 Landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation and capacity.



7.232 The existing wind farms have a localised low effect on parts of this landscape, reducing to negligible overall.

7.233 The distance between the LCA and the proposed turbines is between ~1.75 km and ~9 km (indicative of medium to negligible magnitude). ZTV coverage is widespread accounting for approximately 72.5% of the LCA area. The Pease Burn and Eye Water valleys, and the south and west facing slopes would be the only areas theoretically indirectly affected by the proposed wind farm. Wind farms are not currently present within this area, although they are discernible and include Black Hill (4 km) to the south and Aikengall (3.5 km) and Crystal Rig (4 km) to the west.

7.234 Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this upland fringe landscape such as its sense of openness and the availability of outward views including the coastline. The skyline to the east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and where views of the coastline occur; the proposed turbines would not extend development towards the sea. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms and Drone Hill (under construction). Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be low overall and the level of effect would be Slight / Moderate increasing to Moderate for localised areas near the A1 corridor and not significant.


7.235 Brockholes would be located within the Eye Platform LCA approximately 3.8 km to the south of the nearest proposed turbine, directly affecting the LCA and leading to a high to medium magnitude of change over ~16% of this LCA and a Moderate / Substantial and significant effect, although reducing to Slight / Moderate (low magnitude) and not significant overall. The nature of these effects would be direct, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.236 The proposed application schemes at Blackburn, Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, Barnside Farm and Aikengall II would lead to a high magnitude of change and a Moderate / Substantial and significant effect,



particularly throughout the northern extents of the Eye Water LCA. The main contributor to significant effects would be Blackburn due to its central location within the LCA. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Grassland with Hills: Knock Hill LCA (11)

7.237 These upland fringe areas contain steep ‘cone’ or dome-shaped hills, frequently of volcanic or igneous rock. The topography of the grassland surrounding the hills ranges from smooth to undulating. Land cover is characterised by permanent pasture, with occasional heather moorland on the higher slopes and summits. Woodland occurs as small scattered blocks, shelterbelts, and riparian strips, with occasional coniferous plantations. Settlement density is low.

7.238 The Black Hill Wind Farm is located within the Knock Hill LCA, approximately 17 km to the northeast from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm.


7.239 Knock Hill is one of five areas of Grassland with Hills LCT within the Borders, although none of the other LCAs is within the study area. Landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation) and capacity, although approaching a limit to further development within this LCA.



7.240 The Knock Hill LCA is located approximately 8-25 km distance from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (indicative of low to negligible magnitude). ZTV coverage is fragmented and limited to the north and east facing slopes and summits, and accounts for approximately 32% of the LCA area. The existing wind farm at Black Hill is located within this LCA (high magnitude) and other existing wind farms are visible at Crystal Rig / Aikengall, Fallago Rig, and Drone Hill (under construction), (low to negligible magnitude).

7.241 Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this upland fringe landscape such as the ability to view over long distances. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms. Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible overall, the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant.


7.242 Brockholes would also be visible (negligible to zero magnitude) and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.243 The proposed single turbine at Barnside Farm is located within the LCA and would cause localised significant effect (high magnitude), reducing to (low magnitude) overall. The magnitude of change caused by Aikengall II (6 km), Blackburn (5.1 km), Hoprigshiels (6.6 km), Fernylea (7.4 km) and Kelloe Mains (5.5 km) would be low to zero and negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Wooded Upland Fringe Valley: Middle Whiteadder LCA (28)

7.244 This is a valley floor landscape, which is narrow and strongly enclosed by steep slopes. Woodland is a prominent feature of the valley floor and lower valley sides. Woodland includes riparian strips of planting on the valley floor, mature semi-natural woodland on the steeper sections of the valley sides and plantation woodland on the upper valley sides.


7.245 The Middle Whiteadder Water Platform is one of five areas of Wooded Upland Fringe Valley LCT within the Borders, although none of the other LCAs are within the study area. Landscape sensitivity to the proposed wind farm is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation) and capacity.



7.246 Wind farms are not currently present within this area, although they are discernible and include Black Hill (3 km) to the south and Aikengall (4.5 km) and Crystal Rig (4.4 km) to the north-west (low to negligible magnitude).

7.247 ZTV coverage is limited to the north and east facing slopes and the summits and accounts for approximately 37% of the LCA area. Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this river valley landscape such as its intimate enclosed character. Where visible, the wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms. Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible overall, the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.248 The magnitude of change caused by Brockholes (2.3 km), Drone Hill (6.65 km) and Fallago (9.6 km) would be medium to low in localised areas and negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would remain as Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.249 In terms of the proposed wind farms, the magnitude of change caused by Barnside Farm (300 m), Aikengall II (1.9 km), Blackburn (3.3 km), Hoprigshiels (3.6 km), and Fernylea (4 km) would be high to medium in localised areas and low overall and the cumulative level of effect would rise to Slight / Moderate (as a result of Barnside and Aikengall II) but would remain as not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Rolling Lowland Margin: Eye Water Lowland LCA (16)

7.250 The Eye Water Lowland is one of two areas of Rolling Lowland Margin LCT within the Borders, although the other LCA at Maxwell Heugh is outwith the study area. This is the only Lowland landscape type within the 10 km study area.


7.251 Landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value, and capacity.





7.252 The LCA is located within 4.9 - 21 km of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (indicative of low to zero magnitude). ZTV coverage is fragmented and accounts for approximately 25% of the LCA area. Wind farms are not currently present within this area, although they are discernible and include Black Hill (3.1 km to the west) and other more distant schemes in the Lammermuirs (negligible magnitude). Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed wind farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this river valley landscape such as its open character with distant and panoramic views. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms. Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible overall, the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.253 The magnitude of change caused by other consented sites would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would remain as Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.254 The magnitude of change caused by other application sites would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would remain as Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Lothians Landscape Character Assessment

Uplands: Lammermuir Plateau LCA (1)

7.255 This is an extension of the Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau LCA described by the Borders Landscape Assessment, but extended northwards into the Lothians area and described in the Lothians Landscape Assessment.

7.256 The assessment of this area is included in the Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau LCA assessment, stated previously.

Upland Fringes: Eastern Lammermuirs LCA (8)

7.257 This landscape fringes the Lammermuir Hills. It is typically a landscape of low rounded hills intersected by frequent streams. Within the southern, higher ground the land use is typically improved pasture and rough grassland. Further north, towards the coastal plain, the landscape becomes arable fields. It is a large scale, open landscape which allows for extensive views towards the coast.


7.258 Landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation) and capacity (medium, although approaching a limit to further development within this LCA).



7.259 Aikengall and Crystal Rig are located within 1 km of the LCA.

7.260 The Eastern Lammermuirs LCA is located approximately 7-20 km distance from the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (indicative of low to negligible magnitude). ZTV coverage is fragmented: limited to the east facing slopes and summits, and accounts for approximately 15% of the LCA area. Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed wind farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this upland fringe landscape such as its openness, the availability of long distance views and the close affinity with North Sea Coast. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms. The skyline to the east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and where views of the rugged coastline occur, the proposed turbines would not extend development towards the sea. Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible overall, the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant.

7.261 The existing wind farms at Crystal Rig and Aikengall are located within 1 km of the LCA and have a localised high to medium effect on parts of this landscape and the level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate and not significant overall. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.262 The consented wind farms at Fallago Rig (7.5 km), 9.2 km), Brockholes (9.5 km) would also be visible (negligible magnitude). The level of effect would remain Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate and not significant overall. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.263 The proposed wind farms at Aikengall II (150 m), Blackburn (3.4 km), Hoprigshiels (600 m), Fernylea (100 m) would cause localised significant indirect effects in the area around Oldhamstocks Burn (approximately one third of the LCA). The level of effect would remain Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate and not significant overall. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Coastal Margins : Dunbar Plain LCA (23)

7.264 This landscape skirts the north-eastern fringes of the Lammermuir Hills and forms a transition between the Hills and the coast. The landscape in the south is gently hilly, but flattens out towards the coast. The dominant land use is arable fields. The fields tend to be large scale. The arable fields are interspersed with small stretches of improved grassland along the steeper valley sides.

7.265 Although the streams which cut through the landscape are occasionally wooded, the landscape is predominantly un-wooded. This provides open views which are dominated by the horizon line of the sea. However, the A1 trunk road, the railway line and associated infrastructure e.g. bridges are also visually dominant features.


7.266 Landscape sensitivity is considered to be medium due to the landscape quality, value (AGLV local designation, high to medium value) and capacity.





7.267 The Dunbar Plain is located approximately 5.9 to 18.7 km distance from the proposed turbines

(indicative of low to zero magnitude). ZTV coverage is concentrated within the eastern and coastal areas and accounts for approximately 60% of the LCA area. There are no existing wind farms in the area, but the existing wind farms at Crystal Rig and Aikengall are visible and would lead to a negligible magnitude of change on parts of this landscape.

7.268 Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this coastal margin landscape such as extensive views. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing wind farms visible in the Lammermuirs to the south. The dramatic skyline around Fast Castle to the south-east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction, negligible magnitude) and where views of the Berwickshire coastline occur, the proposed turbines would not extend development towards the sea. Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible overall, the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.269 The magnitude of change caused by other consented sites would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would remain as Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.270 The proposed wind farms at Aikengall II (2.7 km), Blackburn (3 km), Hoprigshiels (1 km), Fernylea (500 m) and Dunbar (within this LCA) would lead to localised areas of high magnitude, reducing to medium magnitude overall. The cumulative level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Seascape: Area 1 - Berwick upon Tweed

Type 1 – Remote High Cliffs

7.271 The Remote High Cliffs seascape extends from Pease Bay to St Abbs Head.





7.273 Much of this seascape is outwith the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm and the focus of the key views and seascape characteristics are seaward and away for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm as well as other existing wind farms and the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). Approximately 2.5 km of the cliff top areas, east of St Helen’s Church fall with the ZTV with blade tip visibility indicated. The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.274 Other consented wind farms may be visible from this area, in the opposite direction of the key views and seascape characteristics. The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.275 Other application sites may also be visible from this area, again in the opposite direction of the key views and seascape characteristics. The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Type 2 – Rocky Coastline / Open Sea Views

7.276 The Rocky Coastline / Open Sea Views seascape extends from Tourness Point to Pease Bay.





7.278 Much of this seascape is within the ZTV for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm, and long views southeast along the coastline would be possible. The design of the wind farm however has ensured that visibility would be limited to blade tips and the upper parts of turbines, similar to the level of consented visibility for Drone Hill (under construction). The focus of the key views and seascape characteristics are seaward and away for the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm as well as other existing wind farms and the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.279 Other consented wind farms may be visible from this area, in the opposite direction of the key views and seascape characteristics. The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.


7.280 Other application sites may also be visible from this area, again in the opposite direction of the key views and seascape characteristics. The magnitude of change would be negligible overall and the cumulative level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be direct and indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Indirect Effects on Designated Landscapes within the Surrounding Area

7.281 The site which hosts the proposed wind farm site is not designated at either a local or national level and there would be no direct landscape effects on designated landscapes.

7.282 The assessment has considered the potential landscape effects on those landscape designations within 10 km of the proposed wind farm, in particular the Berwickshire Coastline Area of Great Landscape




Value (AGLV). Within the wider 10-35 km study area the assessment has included those receptors which are of national importance and includes the Northumberland Coast AONB.

7.283 The following assessment considers the indirect effects on the visual character and integrity of the designated landscape within the study area, with particular emphasis on the potential effects on valued features and characteristics for which these areas are designated. In all cases the nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral, and cumulative.

Berwickshire Coastline AGLV

7.284 The Berwickshire Coastline AGLV covers the coastal edge of the Scottish Borders Council area, from the East Lothian boundary in the north to the English Borders in the south. It comprises a narrow strip, bounded on the landward side by the A1, A1107, or by landforms which mark the extent of overt marine influence. In the recently published draft SPG review of the Borders local landscape designations5 there is a slight increase in the extents of the proposed Special Landscape Area compared to the existing AGLV. However, these additional areas are beyond ~5 km of the site and fall outwith the ZTV and therefore would not be affected by the proposed wind farm. The SPG reviewed the entire Coastal Moorland and Coastal Farmland LCTs to test potential inclusion in the proposed SLA but concluded that the designation should only apply to a narrow strip along the coastline. The Designation Statement for the proposed Berwickshire Coastline SLA includes a number of key characteristics, but makes no reference to existing and consented wind farms such as Drone Hill, as follows:

• Dramatic and wild coastline (one of the most dramatic sections of Scotland’s east coast);

• Steeply-sloping landform results in a pleasing, occasionally secluded landscape with attractive colours;

• Coldingham Moor is wild and rugged, and of very high scenic quality, with distinctive rocky outcrops and long views to Fife;

• Important coastal landmarks include St Abbs Head, and sites of biodiversity and geodiversity interest such as Siccar Point;

• The valued coastal landscape is well used for recreation; and

• The area provides the settlement settings of Eyemouth, St Abbs, Coldingham and Cockburnspath.


7.285 The draft SPG designation statement considers that the AGLV is highly valued locally. As a local designation the landscape sensitivity of this landscape is considered to be medium.


7.286 There would be no direct landscape effects on this designation and indirect effects on the perceptual characteristics of this landscape would be limited due to the limited ZTV coverage. The AGLV is located 850m distance from the nearest proposed turbine, but the ZTV pattern is sporadic and indicates visibility only in isolated areas such as Cove, Redheugh, Old Cambus, Dowlaw Road, the A1107, Telegraph Hill, and Fancove Head. Within 10km of the proposed Penmanshiel turbines the ZTV to blade tip coverage accounts for ~40% of the total AGLV area, and for the ZTV to hub height this reduces to ~15% of the AGLV (these calculations do not include the screening effects of forestry such as Old Cambus Woods). Valued places such as Fast Castle, St Abbs Head, Pease Bay, and Coldingham Bay are outwith the ZTV and there would be no view of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm.

5 Scottish Borders Council, Supplementary Planning Guidance Draft Local Landscape Designations, August 2011

Dramatic coastal and distant views along the rugged coastline and over the North Sea to Fife would be unaffected in the sense that the viewer would have to turn inland to gain views of the proposed wind farm.


7.287 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would exert a negligible magnitude of change on this AGLV overall, increasing to medium in the areas along Dowlaw Road and high near the junction with the A1107. Other existing wind farms, at further distance would have a negligible effect on the AGLV. The level of effect for Penmanshiel only would be Slight / Negligible and not signficant overall but would be Moderate / Substantial and significant in an isolated area near the A1107 / Dowlaw Road junction.

7.288 In most cases indirect effects would be related to the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). Analysis of ZTVs and wireframes indicates that in most cases only the blade tips of a small number of the proposed Penmanshiel turbines would be visible, along side Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). It is only from the edge of the AGLV, from Dowlaw Road, that the proposed Penmanshiel turbines would be more visible, again viewed alongside Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

7.289 When considered in conjunction with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) the overall level of effect on the AGLV would be slight / negligible although there would be significant cumulative landscape effects (moderate / substantial level of effect) along the Dowlaw Road on the edge of the AGLV and from Telegraph Hill (VP 7). In these locations Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) would be the more prominent of the two schemes.

7.290 The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.291 In respect of consented wind farms, the effects would be negligible and there would be no change to the level of effect which would be Slight / Negligible and not significant overall, increasing to Moderate / Substantial and significant along the AGLV boundary at Dowlaw Road and at Telegraph Hill. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.292 The proposed wind farms at Dunbar, Blackburn, and Aikengall II may also be visible from limited locations at further distance (negligible magnitude). The level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant overall, increasing to Moderate / Substantial and significant along the AGLV boundary at Dowlaw Road and at Telegraph Hil. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

East Lothian Coastline AGLV

7.293 In landscape terms this is a continuation of the previously assessed AGLV, stretching in a narrow ribbon along the coastline from Cove to Dunbar. It is located at 5.5 km distance from the nearest proposed turbine at its closest point. The ZTV indicates visibility throughout the AGLV. Due to the developed nature of this stretch of coastline which incorporates including industrial and transportation influences, the likely special qualities relevant to this assessment are as follows:

• Dramatic distant views of the rugged Berwickshire coastline and towards the Firth of Forth and the North Sea.

• Easily accessible sandy beaches and valued places such as Barns Ness.



7.294 As a local designation the sensitivity of this landscape is considered to be medium.



7.295 Where visible, Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be viewed as blade tips / upper parts of a limited number of turbines on the landward skyline to the southeast and adjacent to the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) which would exert a similar level of visibility. The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would have a negligible effect on this AGLV. The level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.296 In respect of consented wind farms, the effects would be negligible and there would be no change to the level of effect which would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.


7.297 The proposed wind farms at Dunbar, Hoprigshiels and Fernylea, Blackburn, and Aikengall II may also be visible from limited locations (negligible magnitude). The level of effect would be Slight / Negligible, increasing to Slight / Moderate along the AGLV boundary at Dowlaw Road and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), direct and negative to neutral.

Lammermuirs AGLV

7.298 The Lammermuirs AGLV (medium sensitivity) is contiguous with further AGLV in the Moorfoot Hills and East Lothian, covering a large and diverse landscape, approximately 5-30 km to the west of the nearest proposed turbine. The recently published draft SPG review of the Borders local landscape designations provides a Designation Statement for the proposed SLA and the likely special qualities relevant to this assessment are considered as follows:

• Valued key landscape characteristics which contrast with the surrounding lowlands - The proposed wind farm would have no effect on the landscape characteristics which contrast with the surrounding lowlands such as moorland vegetation

• Perceptions of spaciousness, scale, and openness, which have also allowed this landscape to be capable of absorbing multiple wind farms - The proposed turbines would have no effect on this characteristic being located outside of the AGLV.

• Valued places and long distance views – The proposed turbines would have no effect on most of these valued places, but would be visible from the Southern Upland Way at Twin Law Cairns (VP 25, negligible magnitude).


7.299 As a local designation the sensitivity of this landscape is considered to be medium.



7.300 Other existing wind farms at Crystal Rig and Aikengall already have a localised high to medium magnitude on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate overall.

7.301 The distance between the LCA and proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would be between ~7 to 30 km (indicative of low to negligible magnitude). ZTV coverage is fragmented, affecting the east facing slopes and hill summits and accounting for approximately 13.5% of the LCA area within the study area. Although discernible from within this LCA, the presence of the proposed wind farm would not affect the key perceptual characteristics of this landscape such as the wide open spaces and ability to view over long distances, across the Borders, including the coastline. The wind farm would however, increase the perception of development cumulatively, in addition to the existing and consented wind farms (notably Crystal Rig and Aikengall). The skyline to the east would already be developed as a result of Drone Hill (under construction, 11 km distance, negligible magnitude) and where views of the coastline occur the proposed turbines would not extend development towards the sea.

7.302 Considering the limited ZTV coverage and effect on key perceptual characteristics, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible and the overall the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible increasing to Slight / Moderate for localised areas along the edge of the plateau and not significant.


7.303 The consented Fallago Rig Wind Farm is located within the Lammermuir Plateau LCA and would lead to a further localised and direct high to medium magnitude of change on parts of this landscape. Brockholes (7.5 km) would lead to a localised low effect on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial to Slight / Moderate and significant to not significant overall.


7.304 The proposed Aikengall II Wind Farm is located within the Lammermuir Plateau LCA (albeit in the East Lothian council area), approximately 8.8 km to the west of the nearest proposed turbine, directly affecting the LCA and leading to a high to medium magnitude of change over ~6% of this LCA, which would be significant, although reducing to low magnitude and not significant overall.

7.305 The proposed application sites of Fernylea, Hoprigshiels, and Blackburn are located within ~1 km to ~2.2 km of the Lammermuir Plateau LCA and would lead to a localised high to medium effect on parts of this landscape and level of effect in relation to these would be Moderate / Substantial, reducing to Moderate and not significant overall for this LCA.

Northumberland Coast AONB

7.306 The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is not overlapped by the ZTV and there would be no views of the proposed Corsbie Moor Wind Farm and no affect on this NSA.

Residual Visual Effects

7.307 The visual assessment draws from the ZTV, site visits and viewpoint analysis and assesses the potential visual effects on views and visual amenity likely to be experienced by receptors (people) within the landscape as follows:

• Visual Effects on Views from Residential Properties;

• Visual Effects on Views from Settlements;

• Visual Effects on Views from Main Transport Routes;

• Visual Receptors: Recreational Routes; and



• Effects on Views from Recreational and Tourist Destinations.

7.308 The visual assessment has focused on those areas where significant visual effects are most likely, in particular within approximately 5 km of the proposed wind farm.

Visual Effects on Views from Residential Properties

7.309 Visual assessment of residential properties within closest proximity of the site (3 km) has been undertaken (Figure 7.12). All of the residents and visitors to settlements and residential properties are considered to be of high sensitivity in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA).

7.310 Based on the viewpoint assessment, significant visual effects would generally occur within distances of approximately 5.5 km from the nearest turbine where there are clear views of the wind turbines. Whilst it is not practical to assess all residential properties within this zone or the wider study area, those within 3 km of the proposed wind farm, which are likely to be the most affected have been assessed to give an indication of the greatest visual effects likely to occur. In all, 25 groups of properties (and a total of 60 individual properties) have been assessed within 3 km via a combination of a site visit to the closest public location in the vicinity of that property (usually the highway), desk based assessment, the production of wireframes and the use of Google Earth. None of the properties has been visited at the request of the resident and the assessment is not based on direct observations from within the house, and as a result the assessment errs on the side of caution. The findings of the residential assessment are described in detail in Appendix 7.3.

7.311 In summary, the residential assessment identifies four properties would experience a significant visual effect:

• Howpark unnamed properties 1 and 2;

• Blackburn House; and

• Riggwell.

7.312 Whilst it is accepted that a number of properties will experience a significant change to a view or views, considering the grouping and composition of the wind farm it is not considered that any of these properties would unduly suffer from negative visual effects such as visual dominance, overbearance, or blocking of light, which collectively may affect the overall visual amenity, and associated living standards.

7.313 The visual effect for approximately seven properties along the School Road may rise to significant as a result of Drone Hill (under construction):

• The Myrtle

• Burnside Cottage

• Cairnbank Schoolhouse

• Earn Bank

• Hawthorn Cottage

• Hawthorn Dean

• Springhill

7.314 The visual effect for approximately three properties in the Renton area may rise to significant as a result of Brockholes (consented wind farm):

• Renton Cottages

• Gardeners Cottage

• Gardens Bungalow

7.315 The visual effect for approximately four properties may rise to significant as a result of Blackburn (proposed wind farm):

• Bowshiel Farm

• Penmanshiel Farm

• Penmanshiel Cottages x 2

7.316 There are several properties included within the 3 km study area that are wholly outside the ZTV (Redheugh Farm and Old Cambus East Mains) and these have not been included in the assessment.

Visual Effects on Views from Defined Settlements

Grantshouse

7.317 This is a defined settlement in the Scottish Borders Local Plan and the settlement boundary is illustrated in Figures 7.10 and 7.12. Due to the containing valley landform, Grantshouse is almost wholly outside the ZTV and as such, the level of effect as a result of the wind turbines would be zero / no view for all the properties to the north of the A1. The three properties to the south of the A1 within the settlement boundary (Hotel, Rockvue and Tigh Bigh) are assessed independently in the residential assessment (Appendix 7.3) and there would be no significant effects on these properties.

7.318 The construction stage would include potential tree felling / pruning and movement of vehicles in the Harelawside area and this would affect the properties on the northern periphery of the settlement along Mansefield Road. Views of these activities would be relatively short in duration and would be subject to partial screening from roadside vegetation. The changes would be consistent with typical rural activities and farm management and the construction stage would not have a significant effect overall.

7.319 The type of effect would be cumulative (Drone Hill, under construction, ~2.7 km). The overall level of effect would be Slight and there would be no significant effects.

Cockburnspath

7.320 This is a defined settlement in the Scottish Borders Local Plan and settlement boundary is illustrated in Figure 7.10. There is a conservation area in the historic village core around the T-junction. The settlement is represented by a viewpoint taken from the northern periphery of the village as requested by SBC to demonstrate the most visible scenario of the proposed development: VP 12 (4,963 m viewing distance, low magnitude). Additional viewpoint photography and wireframe generation was studied using a location in the south of the village (Crofts Acre) and the level of effect would be slightly lower to that in the north due to increased levels of screening including built form and garden vegetation. The effects on the conservation area would be further reduced due to its lower elevation (AOD) and the screening effects of intervening built form and roadside vegetation on the far side of the adjacent B road. There are no properties with unobstructed direct views of the proposed wind farm. The open spaces including recreational and amenity areas within the settlement boundary are also relatively well insulated. For these reasons the magnitude of change to the settlement overall would be negligible. The level of effect would be Slight and there would be no significant effects as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.321 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented Drone Hill (under construction ~6.8 km), and proposed schemes at Blackburn (~3 km) and Hoprigshiels (~3 km, low magnitude). The overall cumulative level of effect would not be significant.



Oldhamstocks

7.322 The settlement of Oldhamstocks is defined in the East Lothian Local Plan and is represented by a viewpoint which is set back form the village and at a higher elevation: VP 18 (8,358 m viewing distance, low magnitude of change). The principal orientation of the buildings is north-south and at 90º to the proposed wind farm and only approximately 4 properties (Cromwell Hall, Barkeridge, Smithy Cottage and Ashgrove) would experience direct views. Viewpoint photography was also carried out from the village green and on the road leading out of the village to the east (potential direct / head-on views). The level of intervening vegetation and built form resulted in views from within the conservation area not being taken forward to final ES viewpoints. However, the work indicated that the level of effect for the majority of residents would be zero / no view and the effect on the village green open space would vary between none and slight. Overall the level of effect would be Slight and there would be no significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.323 Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology deals with the Oldhamstocks conservation area which extends some 500 m outside the settlement area and across the fields on either side of the valley. Viewpoint photography and wireframe assessment was carried out from the track leading up to Woollands on the far side of the valley to the south of Oldhamstocks to demonstrate the level of visual effect which would not be significant.

7.324 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented scheme at Drone Hill (~9.5 km, negligible magnitude) and the proposed schemes at Hoprigshiels (~2 km, blade tips) and Blackburn (~3.9 km), low magnitude. The cumulative level of effect would increase to Moderate and not significant.

Visual Effects on Views from other Settlements

Lumsdaine

7.325 There is partial ZTV coverage in this coastal settlement area. Views would be in the opposite direction to the coast and would be subject to high levels of screening due to extensive forestry cover to the west. In theory there could be views of the upper parts of ~7 turbines from the two properties in the north of the settlement and the level of effect would be deemed Slight as a precaution. There would be no significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.326 The type of effect would be cumulative (Drone Hill, under construction, ~2.7 km). The cumulative level of effect would not be significant.

Cairn Cross

7.327 The properties are orientated by 90º to the site. Direct views would be possible when egressing Cairn Cross to the west. Theoretically, there would be views of the upper parts of up to 7 turbines from this roadside hamlet to the east of the proposed wind farm. The viewing distance is ~7.5 km. In reality, views are likely to be screened by forestry on an intervening hillside to the west (Grange Plantation). As a precaution, the level of effect would be deemed Slight. There would be no significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.328 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented wind farms at Brockholes (~7.3 km), Drone Hill (under construction, ~6.1 km), and Pressmains (1.5 km). The overall cumulative level of effect would not be significant although isolated significant effects may occur as a result of Pressmains

Hoprig

7.329 This hamlet is located ~6 km to the west of the proposed wind farm and the most visible scenario viewing across open fields is illustrated in VP 15 (5,940 m viewing distance, low magnitude). Theoretically there would be views of the upper parts of up to 7 turbines but views will be partially screened by intervening forestry. The eastern portion of the settlement would see more turbines than the west but no houses have their principal elevations facing the proposed wind farm. The level of effect would be Slight. There would be no significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.330 The type of effect would be cumulative with consented Drone Hill (under construction, ~8 km) and proposed Blackburn (~2.5 km, medium magnitude). The cumulative level of effect would be significant as a result of Blackburn.

Dunglass

7.331 The hamlet at Dunglass Mains is located ~4.5 km to the west of the proposed wind farm. There is a high level of screening associated with the intervening designated Garden and Designed landscape and the most visible scenario is illustrated in VP 16 (6,183 m viewing distance, low magnitude). Given that there are no properties with unobstructed direct views of the proposed wind farm, the magnitude of change would be low in isolated areas and negligible to none elsewhere and the level of visual effect would be Slight and would not be significant. No cumulative effects.

Bilsdean

7.332 Bilsdean is a small hamlet located to the west of Dunglass. The location is coastal but the view towards the proposed wind farm is at greater than 100º to the coast. The settlement is well insulated by valley landform and riparian vegetation to the east. There may be heavily filtered views of the upper parts of up to 11 turbines in winter months (low to negligible magnitude) but these would occur only on the eastern edge of the settlement and there would be no significant visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm. The level of effect would be Slight. No cumulative effects.

Birnieknowes

7.333 Hamlet / steadings to the west of Dunglass. There are high levels of intervening screening in the form of riparian vegetation. There may be heavily filtered views of blade tips in winter months (low to negligible magnitude) but these would not be significant and the overall level of effect would be Slight and not significant. No cumulative effects.

Cove

7.334 Coastal settlement located ~4.6 km to the northwest of the proposed wind farm. VP 11 (4,642 m viewing distance, low to negligible magnitude) demonstrates the most visible scenario from the south-eastern periphery of the settlement: low magnitude. There is a block of coniferous forestry (Cat’s Hole Plantation) to the south of the settlement that would screen views from the properties with potential direct views which are located on the north-western periphery. Views from most of the closest properties in the south-east would be at an oblique angle (> 60º) and would be in the opposite direction to the coast. Properties at Annfield, Inverbrae, and Farthings in the south-east would have potential direct views but there is intervening garden vegetation. The dead-end road leading through the settlement would be insulated by built form and vegetation. Views from the car park would be screened. For these reasons, the overall magnitude of change would be negligible and there would be no significant effects. The level of effect would be Slight.



7.335 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented scheme at Drone Hill (under construction,

~6.5 km, blade tips, negligible magnitude) and the proposed scheme at Dunbar (~6.5 km, low to negligible magnitude). There would be no cumulative significant effects.

Thorntonloch

7.336 Small settlement located to the south of Torness Power Station and in close proximity to the sea. The most visible scenario is represented by VP 20 (9,062 m viewing distance, low magnitude). The properties in the north-west settlement area consist of single storey properties which are orientated towards the proposed wind farm and they will have partially filtered views which are subject to low magnitudes of change (not significant). The south-eastern settlement area consists of a large house (Thortonloch) and its grounds and annexe (Gardener’s Cott). The house may experience low magnitudes of change to southerly views (not significant). The caravan park on the eastern side of the settlement is not assessed, as the caravans are not permanently occupied. Given that the foreground in any affected views consists of a busy transport corridor, and the unaffected easterly views towards the sea and the distance of view, the overall level of effect would be Slight and not significant.

7.337 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented scheme at Drone Hill (under construction, ~10.5 km, negligible magnitude) and the proposed schemes at Blackburn (~8 km, low magnitude), Hoprigshiels (~6 km, blade tips, negligible magnitude), Aikengall II (13 km, low magnitude) and Dunbar (~2.5 km, medium magnitude). There would be isolated cumulative significant effects as a result of Dunbar but the overall cumulative level of effect would not be significant.

Thornton

7.338 Located ~8.9 km to the north-east of the proposed wind farm. There are a dispersed group of detached properties to the north (Thortonloch properties) for which the effects would be similar to those described for Thortonloch (paragraphs 7.336 and 7.337) (not significant). The more concentrated settlement area is within a valley landform and there is surrounding vegetation and there would be no view. The overall level of effect would be Slight and not significant.

7.339 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented scheme at Drone Hill (under construction, ~10.5 km, negligible magnitude) and the proposed schemes at Blackburn (~8 km, blade tips, negligble magnitude) and Dunbar (~2.5 km, medium magnitude). The overall cumulative level of effect would not be significant although isolated significant effects may occur as a result of Dunbar.

Pathhead

7.340 Small group of buildings on either side of the east coast railway line and along the road to the north of Cockburnspath. Any views would be at distances of ~5 km, and would be subject to partial screening in the form of vegetation and built form and transport corridor infrastructure. VP 12 (4,963 m viewing distance, low magnitude) demonstrates the most visible scenario from this location. Despite potential views at low magnitudes of change, the overall level of effect would be Slight there would be no significant visual effects.

7.341 The type of effect would be cumulative with the consented Drone Hill (under construction, ~6.9 km), and proposed schemes at Blackburn (~3 km) and Hoprigshiels (~3 km), low magnitude. The overall cumulative level of effect would be Slight to Moderate and not significant.

Visual Effects on Views from Main Transport Routes

7.342 This section of the assessment considered the visual effects on views from the main transport routes within the study area and includes an assessment of the A1, the A1107 and the East Coast Main Line which pass in close proximity to the proposed wind farm site. The views from these routes would be experienced transiently by road users and the sensitivity of these receptors is considered to be medium. Each of these routes was driven in both directions to assess the potential effects and the assessment has been assisted with the use of Google Earth modelling, Street View, sequential wireframes and ZTV maps. Those routes outside the ZTV have not been included in the assessment.

7.343 There would be significant visual effects on the views and visual amenity experienced from parts of the A1107 as they pass the site. Significant cumulative effects would also affect the views from other roads within the wider network and although the proposed wind farm would contribute to these sequentially, it would not be the significant wind farm in the views. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long term/reversible, and neutral to negative. In all of these cases the visual effects would be experienced in the context of road travel and the sequential nature of views experienced.

7.344 Drawing on the ZTV’s, site visits, viewpoint analysis and the assessment of views from residential properties and settlements, it is considered that there would be no significant effects on the views from other transport routes within the wider study area between 5 km and 35 km. Whilst the proposed wind farm may be visible from some locations over longer distances, it would appear as a distant feature.

A1 Tourist Route

7.345 The A1 tourist route is illustrated in viewpoints at Bilsdean Junction (VP 17, 7,454 m viewing distance, low to negligible magnitude) and Grantshouse (VP2, 1,584 m viewing distance low magnitude) Additional photography and wireframe assessment was carried out in roadside locations near Renton School House, Cove Cemetery, and Tower Bridge. ZTV coverage accounts for ~25% of the length of the route in the study area. The proposed wind farm would be partially screened by landform and forestry in intermittent views from the A1.

7.346 Eastbound travellers would begin to notice the upper parts of the turbines in direct views from distances of ~15 km (south of Dunbar, negligible magnitude). In these views the upper parts of the turbines would tend to be seen as stacked clusters. In the band between 5 km and 10 km radius, the magnitude of change would be low. Within 5 km radius the visibility is intermittent and views would be limited to the upper parts of 1-3 turbines and the magnitude of change would remain as low overall and would not be significant.

7.347 Westbound travellers would experience intermittent close range views around Renton School Houses and intermittent long distance views (beyond 10 km) from the stretch of the A1 to the south of Eyemouth. In both cases the views would consist of the upper parts of turbines or just their blade tips.

7.348 Based on the viewpoint assessment, ZTV analysis, wireframe generation and Google Earth modelling, it is concluded that significant effects would not occur, and given the general speed of traffic on this road any views would be fleeting in nature.

7.349 Cumulative visibility with Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) would result in an extension of the AOV occupied by wind turbines on the horizon. In these views, only the upper parts and blade tips of the turbines would be visible and the Penmanshiel turbines would be located on the opposite side of the consented array to the coastline. The wind farm would therefore have a reduced visual



association with the coastline and the cumulative level of effect would not be significant. In Northbound views the increase in horizontal AOV would barely be noticeable in long distance views and there would be no close range cumulative visibility. For these reasons there would be no significant, sequential, cumulative visual effects in association with Drone Hill (under construction).

7.350 Although other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably Dunbar (locally high magnitude affecting ~2 km of the route around the cement works), the proposed Wwind Ffarm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

7.351 Overall the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

A1107

7.352 The A1107 is a non-trunk route from near Cockburnspath to near Burnmouth. It follows the route between Burnmouth – Eyemouth – Coldingham – Old Cambus – Pease Bay and Cockburnspath. The route is closer to the east coast than the main A1 road, providing an alternative tourist route along the coast. This route is ~20 km long and is located to the north and east of the proposed wind farm and it runs through the middle of Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction). The visual effect is demonstrated by VP 10, Falaknowe (4,374 m viewing distance, low magnitude). Westbound road users would gain a direct view over some 2 km, then view the wind farm intermittently at an oblique angle for another 2.5 km and the Drone Hill turbines would stand in front of Penmanshiel. Eastbound road users would have head on views of ~2 blade tips over ~0.5 km and then later on oblique views of ~5 blade tips over ~1 km. The nearest turbines would stand some 800 m from the road. Significant cumulative visual effects would occur in relation to the proposed wind farm affecting ~2 km of the route.

7.353 Other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably the grouping of Aikengall I and II and Crystal Rig, however the proposed wind farm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

7.354 The consented Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) straddles the A1107 and would cause significant visual effects for a section of ~5 km length between Falaknowe and Meikle Black Law.

7.355 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, localised significant effects would occur affecting ~6 km of the route in total. Of the ~6 km, approximately 5 km would already be significantly affected by the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction), which would appear in front of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm. Approximately 1.5 km would be significantly affected as a result of the both the Drone Hill (under construction) and the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm together and only approximately 500 m would be significantly affected as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm alone. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

A6112

7.356 This ~13 km route is located to the south of the proposed wind farm and there would be no effect as a result of the proposed wind farm on southbound road users. Northbound users would experience direct / intermittent views for ~4.5 km.

7.357 Although other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably Black Hill (locally medium magnitude), the proposed wind farm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

7.358 Overall the level of effect would be Slight / Moderate and not significant. Significant cumulative visual effects would occur in relation to the proposed wind farm affecting ~2 km of the route and the level of effect here would be Moderate / Substantial. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

B6438

7.359 This ~7 km route is located to the east of the proposed wind farm and there would theoretically be oblique views for ~1.2 km. In reality, views are likely to be screened by intervening vegetation and the overall magnitude of change would be negligible and not significant.

7.360 Although other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably Brockholes (~7 km), Drone Hill (under construction, ~6 km), and Pressmains (~1 km), the proposed wind farm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

7.361 Overall the level of effect would be Slight/Negligible and not significant. Significant cumulative visual effects would occur in relation to the Pressmains wind farm affecting ~1 km of the route to the east of the single turbine scheme and the level of effect here would be Moderate / Substantial. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

B6437

7.362 This undulating ~7 km route is located to the south-east of the proposed wind farm and there would be no effect on southbound road users. In theory northbound road users would experience direct views for ~1 km and oblique views for ~2 km at viewing distances between 6 km and 10 km but in reality views are likely to be partially screened by intervening vegetation and the overall magnitude of change would be low when travelling northwards and negligible overall.

7.363 Although other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably Black Hill (~12 km), the proposed wind farm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

7.364 Overall the level of effect would be Slight/Negligible and not significant. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Howpark Road (Minor Road)

7.365 Howpark Road is a ~5 km route which connects Harelawside (the A1) and the A1107. The route is ~400 m from the nearest turbine at its closest point. The southern extents of the route pass alongside the Howpark Burn and there would be intermittent, filtered views of parts of the proposed wind farm for the first 2 km when travelling northwards. For the remaining ~3 km between Howpark and the A1107 the road is open and passes through higher elevations and there would be clear and open views of the proposed wind farm at close proximity and the level of effect would be significant. Overall the level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial and significant.

7.366 There would also be close range views of Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) on the opposite side of the road at distances of less than ~100 m. The wind farm would contribute to the significant effect. The combined level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Rail Routes: East Coast Main Line (ECML)

7.367 The alignment of the ECML results in southbound passenger views being to the north-east and south-west (perpendicular from the line) rather than south-east towards the proposed wind farm. Similarly



when travelling northbound views are north-east and south-west rather than north-west towards the proposed wind farm. The route passes through a valley landform when it is closest to the proposed turbines. For these reasons there would be a zero magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm.

7.368 Although other wind farms would be visible from this route, most notably Dunbar (locally high magnitude), the proposed wind farm would not lead to a significant, sequential, cumulative visual effect in combination with these.

Visual Receptors: Recreational Routes

7.369 The visual assessment on views from recreational routes is set out in paragraphs 7.374 to 7.412 and has considered the potential visual effects likely to be experienced by people (walkers / cyclists / horse riders / joggers) on recreational routes within the study area.

7.370 At a local level the assessment has considered the views from local recreational routes within 5 km of the proposed wind farm and includes the Core Path Network sourced from the Scottish Borders Adopted Core Paths Plan (2010) which is partly illustrated in Figure 7.11. The sensitivity of these local routes is considered to be medium, unless otherwise stated, due to the generally lower levels of use when compared to long distant or more popular routes and the tendency for some of these to be more focused on providing access.

7.371 Drawing on the ZTVs, site visits, and viewpoint analysis, it is considered that there would be no significant effects on the views from core paths within the wider study area between 5 km and 35 km. Whilst the proposed wind farm may be visible from some locations over longer distances, it would appear as a distant feature.

7.372 At a national / regional level the visual assessment has considered the views from national recreational routes within the 35 km study area, which includes Long Distance Routes, Sustrans national cycle ways, and long distance Ride UK horse riding routes, all of which are illustrated in Figure 7.9 and Figure 7.10. The sensitivity of these national / regional routes is considered to be high due to the generally higher levels of use when compared to local routes and the tendency for these to be more focused on recreation. There would be significant visual effects on the views and visual amenity experienced from parts of the Southern Upland Way and the Sir Walter Scott Way which follows the same route. Overall the level of effect on these routes would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from substantial sections of the Southern Upland Way mainly as a result of Fallago Rig, Black Hill and Blackburn wind farms. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

7.373 The proposed wind farm would lead to a significant and cumulative effect on the Blackburn section of this route when viewed together with Drone Hill (under construction) and Blackburn wind farms.

Southern Upland Way (Core Path 189)

7.374 This route provides a long distance route from Cockburnspath on the coast via the Lammermuirs towards Lauder just outside the study area. The route extends for ~46.3 km within the study area and a total of ~14.5 km is overlapped by the ZTV. When departing from Cove and travelling south-west the only affected section in terms of direct or oblique views would be the first 2 km of the route. In this area, the minimum viewing distance is ~3.5 km and the type of view is illustrated in VP 11 (low magnitude, not significant).

7.375 When departing from Lauder and travelling towards the coast ~12.5 km of the route is affected and the type of view is illustrated in the following viewpoints: VP 25 Twin Law (negligible magnitude), VP 13 Quixwood (medium magnitude) and VP 5 Blackburn (high magnitude).

7.376 Overall the level of effect would be Slight and not significant increasing to Moderate / Substantial and significant, for approximately 2.5 km of the route as it winds across a ridge near Blackburn before dropping to cross the A1 and mainline railway. Drone Hill (under construction) would cause significant visual effects (medium magnitude) around the Blackburn area for approximately 1.5 km.

7.377 The Southern Upland Way is already significantly affected as a result of existing and consented wind farms within the study area as follows:

7.378 Twin Law Cairns (VP 25). Fallago Rig Wind Farm in combination with the Crystal Rig / Aikengall Group, Dun Law Group and Black Hill: Significant cumulative visual effects (medium magnitude) at Twin Law Cairns for approximately 6 km, viewing to the north with large wind farms cumulatively and successively visible at approximately 7-17 km distance.

7.379 Black Hill Wind Farm would cause significant visual effects (high to medium magnitude) between Longformacus and Ellemford Bridge for approximately 5 km.

7.380 Further significant cumulative visual effects are predicted in respect of Blackburn proposed wind between Whiteburn and Blackburn Rig for ~4 km.

7.381 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from substantial sections of the Southern Upland Way including the 6 km section at Twin Law Cairns (mainly as a result of Fallago Rig), the 5 km section around Black Hill wind farm, and the ~4 km section around Blackburn wind farm. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Sir Walter Scott Way

7.382 The route of the Sir Walter Scott Way duplicates with the Southern Upland Way assessed in paragraphs 7.374 to 7.381.

7.383 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from substantial sections of the Southern Upland Way including the 6 km section at Twin Law Cairns (mainly as a result of Fallago Rig), the 5 km section around Black Hill Wind Farm, and the ~4 km section around Blackburn wind farm. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Ravenber Way

7.384 This long distance route in England follows the course of the river Tweed and its tributary the River Till in the 20 to 30 km range. The valley landform would screen any views. Overall the level of effect would be Zero / No view and not significant.

Berwickshire Coastal Path (Core Path 2)

7.385 This route connects Cockburnspath with Berwick-upon-Tweed. ~9 km of the route of the Berwickshire Coastal Path duplicates with Core Path 2. A further ~3 km duplicates with the Southern Upland Way and Core Path 189 assessed in paragraphs 7.374 to 7.381. The remainder of the route is only overlapped by the ZTV during a section of ~2 km length to the south of Eyemouth and is illustrated by VP 23 (low magnitude).



7.386 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be

significant effects on views from the ~2 km section of the route between Harly Darlies and Dowlaw as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and the proposed wind farm. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

John Muir Way

7.387 The John Muir Way (JMW) is being developed by ELC to provide a continuous path linking East Lothian with the City of Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. The JMW also forms part of the North Sea Trail – the North Sea Coastal Path Project. Within the 30 km study area, the route consists of a narrow track on grass and pebble beaches between Dunglass and Dunbar, it then veers inland to East Lothian before returning to the coast at North Berwick. Approximately 40 km of the route lies in the study area and ZTV coverage accounts for approximately half this distance. The types of view available are illustrated in VPs 17, 20 and 24 (low to negligible magnitude). Only south-easterly views would be affected and users travelling north-west would be unaffected. The level of effect overall would be Slight to Moderate.

7.388 There would be views of the existing wind farms at Crystal Rig, Aikengall (low to negligible magnitude). There would be views the consented Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction, low to negligible magnitude). The proposed wind farms at Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, and Aikengall II and Dunbar would be visible (low to medium magnitude).

7.389 Overall the level of effect would be Slight to Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from the ~4 km section of the route near the cement factory as a result of Dunbar. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Sustrans National Cycle Route 76

7.390 This route provides a long distance connection between Berwick-upon-Tweed to Haddington on the edge of the study area. The route ranges from between 1 km and 30 km distance from the proposed wind farm. Much of the route is outwith the ZTV and there would be no view of the proposed wind farm from that part of the route. The closest point on the route within the ZTV is on the A1107 around Old Cambus Wood (high magnitude). The proposed wind farm would contribute to significant effects for ~2 km of the route in this area. Further visibility is predicted on the A1 as illustrated by VP 17 (low magnitude) and in the area to the south of Eyemouth (negligible magnitude). The level of effect overall would be Slight.

7.391 In terms of the cumulative situation, there would be significant effects in relation to Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) affecting ~5.5 km of the route and Dunbar proposed wind farm would give rise to a significant effect along ~7 km of the route.

Sustrans National Cycle Route 1

7.392 This route connects Kelso and Berwick-upon-Tweed on the south-eastern extents of the study area. There is only partial ZTV coverage and the minimum viewing distance of the proposed wind farm would be ~20 km (negligible magnitude). Overall, the level of effect would be Slight and not significant

7.393 There would be no significant cumulative visual effects.

Sustrans National Cycle Route Route 68

7.394 This route connects the Sustrans Route 1 in Northumberland with destinations on the edge of the study area. There is only partial ZTV coverage and the minimum viewing distance of the proposed wind farm would be ~25 km (negligible magnitude). Overall, the level of effect would be Slight and not significant

7.395 There would be no significant cumulative visual effects.

ScotWays Walking routes in the Lammermuirs

7.396 There are five recreational routes developed by ScotWays in consultation with land owners, SBC, ELC and SNH. Route 1 is entirely outside the ZTV and there would be no views of the proposed wind farm. Routes 2,3, 4 and 5 are located at distances of between ~12 km and ~30 km from the proposed wind farm and are predominantly outwith the ZTV. The affected areas are as follows: Route 2: intermittent visibility affecting a total of ~6 km between Longformacus and Priest Law; Route 3: intermittent visibility affecting summits around Black Hill wind farm; Route 4: visibility of ~4 km around Twin Law (coincides with the Southern Upland Way); Route 5: intermittent visibility affecting a total of ~3 km around Twin Law, Rawburn near Longformacus, and Wrunk Law. There would be views of the existing wind farms at Black Hill, Crystal Rig, and Aikengall (low to high magnitude). There would be views of the consented Fallago Wind Farm (low to high magnitude). The proposed wind farms at Corsbie Moor, Rowantree, Blackburn, and Aikengall II would be visible (low to high magnitude).

7.397 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects for a total of ~15 km as a result of Fallago Rig, Black Hill and Crystal Rig. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Cockburnspath to Duns Scottish Hill Track

7.398 This route is listed in the Scottish Rights of Way Society publication: Scottish Hill Tracks. The north-south route takes in the following locations: Cockburnspath – Ecclaw – Bankend – Black Hill – Harden’s Hill – Duns and part of the route overlaps with the Southern Upland Way. The route passes within 4.5 km of the nearest proposed turbine at its closest point. ZTV coverage accounts for ~15% of the route. The magnitude of change would vary from none to medium and would be negligible overall. The level of effect would be Slight.

7.399 There would be views of the existing wind farms at Black Hill at close proximity (high magnitude locally but low overall). Crystal Rig, and Aikengall would also be visible (low magnitude). There would be views of the consented Drone Hill (under construction), Fallago Rig and Brockholes wind farm (low magnitude). The proposed wind farms at Barnside Farm, Blackburn, and Aikengall II would all be within 3 km of the route and would cause a medium magnitude as a group.

7.400 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects for a total of ~10 km as a result of Black Hill, Blackburn and Aikengall II. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Core Path Number 100

7.401 Also known as the Laird’s Road, this route provides a north-south link between Grantshouse and the A1107 / Old Cambus. The route passes within 350 m of the nearest turbine (T1) at its closest point. The route length is ~4 km and it is located to the west of the proposed wind farm. Topographically the route climbs up and over Moss Maw and the Lady’s Folly. The level of effect would range from




Moderate / Substantial on the higher ground to None / No View in the lower lying locations at either end of the route.

7.402 The existing wind farms at Black Hill, Crystal Rig, and Aikengall and the consented wind farms at Fallago Rig, Brockholes and Drone Hill (under construction) would all be visible from the higher points of the route (medium to negligible magnitude). In addition, the proposed wind farms at Blackburn, Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, and Aikengall II would be visible from the higher points of the route, (high to low magnitude). Blackburn would contribute to significant effects although at ~3 km distance at its closest point it would not appear as prominent as the proposed wind farm.

7.403 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial and significant. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Core Path 2 (Berwickshire Coastal Path)

7.404 The 5 km study area includes a ~9 km stretch of the route which connects the coastal locations at Oatlee, Dowlaw and Pease Bay. ~4 km is within the ZTV although approximately half of the affected area (~2 km) is outside the hub height ZTV. At its closest point the route passes within 1 km of the nearest proposed turbine (T12) although at this point there would be no visibility as it is outside the ZTV. Where visible within 2 km distance, views would be limited to blade tips and upper parts of the proposed wind farm.

7.405 Views of the proposed wind farm would not interfere directly with views of the North Sea which is regarded as the main point of interest in the Borders SPG. VP 4 (negligible magnitude) and VP 7 (low magnitude) illustrate the range of effects that would be experienced in those areas covered by the ZTV. The level of effect would range from None / No view to Moderate.

7.406 There would be views of the existing wind farms at Aikengall and Crystal Rig (low to negligible magnitude). There would be views of the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) at close proximity (~1 km at its closest point, medium magnitude).

7.407 No other consented wind farms would be visible.

7.408 The proposed wind farm applications at Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, Aikengall II, and Dunbar would be visible from the western extents of the route, (low to negligible magnitude).

7.409 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from the ~2 km section of the route between Harly Darlies and Dowlaw as a result of Drone Hill (under construction) and the proposed wind farm, with Drone Hill (under construction) appearing as the more prominent of the two. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Core Path 95

7.410 This is a ~3.5 km core path link on minor roads and it connects Cockburnspath with the Southern Upland Way, crossing the A1 and the ECML. The route is restricted to lower ground and ZTV coverage is limited to the areas to the west of the ECML. Views would consist of blade tips only. VP 12 illustrates the type of view available (low magnitude). The level of effect would range from None / No view to Slight / Moderate.

7.411 There would be views of the existing wind farm at Aikengall (low to negligible magnitude). There would be no views of any consented wind farms. The proposed wind farms at Hoprigshiels, Fernylea, and Aikengall II would be visible (medium magnitude).

7.412 Overall the level of effect would be Slight / Negligible and not significant. However, there would be significant effects on views from the south-western section of the route as a result of Hoprigshiels. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Visual Effects on Views from Recreational and Tourist Destinations

7.413 The Penmanshiel site area is not a tourist or recreational area. Within 5 km of the proposed wind farm site, the main tourist attractions are caravan sites and the Fast Castle Head ruin. There would be significant effects on the Highview Caravan Park but the remaining tourist and recreational site within 5 km including Pease Bay Caravan Park and Stockbridge Caravan Park are outside the ZTV.

7.414 The visual effects on the views from recreational and tourist destinations within the wider study area are assessed in paragraphs 7.421 to 7.437. There would be no significant visual effects in respect of the proposed wind farm.

Recreational and Tourist Destinations within the ZTV and within 5 km distance

Highview Caravan Park

7.415 Highview Caravan Park is located to the south-east of the site and contains ~150 units on site with occupation allowed for up to 7 months. The closest caravan to turbine distance is ~2.2 km and “The most attractive views from the site lie in the southern half of the compass”.6 Most of the caravans have their main aspect away from the proposed wind farm. The most visible scenario is illustrated in VP 3 (high magnitude). This type of view is not typical of the site as a whole and views of the proposed wind farm from the eastern and southern parts of the site would be subject to screening (medium to low magnitude). Overall, the level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial and significant. The consented Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction, approximately 760 m to the north), would contribute a high magnitude of change and would be more visible than the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Substantial). The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

7.416 Other existing developments that are visible from western and southern parts of the site include Crystal Rig, Aikengall and Black Hill, and they would contribute a negligible magnitude of change overall when considered as a group.

7.417 The consented Brockholes development would also be visible from western and southern parts of the site (4 km, low magnitude).

7.418 Other proposed application developments that would be visible from western and southern parts of the site include Aikengall II, and Blackburn and they would contribute a low magnitude of change overall when considered as a group.

7.419 Southerly views would be relatively unaffected and there would be no significant effect on views in this direction.

St Helen’s Church (Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point)

7.420 The view from St Helen’s Church is illustrated by VP 4 (negligible magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The level of effect would be Slight and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

6 Drone Hill Appeal Decision Notice, Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, The Scottish Government


Recreational and Tourist Destinations within the ZTV and within 5-30 km distance

Dunglass Estate

7.421 Dunglass Estate is a Garden and Design Landscape and is open to the public. The view from Dunglass Estate is illustrated by VP 16 (low to negligible magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The level of effect would be Slight to Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

Edin’s Hall Broch

7.422 This Historic Scotland visitor site is located ~8 km to the south of the proposed wind farm and the views would be experienced by tourists and visitors and is illustrated by VP 16 (low to negligible magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The magnitude of change to northerly views would be low to negligible. Southerly views would be unaffected. The level of effect overall would be Slight to Moderate.

7.423 The blade tips of the existing wind farm at Aikengall would be visible subject to screening (negligible magnitude). The consented schemes at Drone Hill (under construction) and Brockholes would be visible subject to screening (low magnitude). The proposed schemes at Aikengall II, Blackburn and Barnside would also be visible subject to screening (medium magnitude).

7.424 A significant cumulative effect would occur as a result of Barnside Farm and Aikengall II and the level of effect would be Moderate / Substantial. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

John Muir Country Park

7.425 This is a coastal area to the north-west of the proposed wind farm. At its closest point it is ~20 km from the site. ZTV coverage is partial and visibility of the proposed wind farm would only occur from the more distant western extents of the park. Viewpoint photography was carried out from the top of the dunes on the north-western spit to demonstrate the most visible scenario. The viewpoint was not carried forward to the viewpoint assessment at the request of ELC. The level of effect would range from zero to slight and overall would be Slight.

7.426 There would be views of the existing and consented wind farms at Aikengall, Crystal Rig and Drone Hill (under construction, low magnitude). There would also be views the proposed wind farm at Aikengall II (low magnitude).

7.427 Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Twin Law Cairns

7.428 Twin Law Cairns are two large hill cairns or small towers on the Southern Upland Way in the Lammermuir Hills. One of the cairns contains a visitor’s book and a stone seat orientated to view south across the borders landscape towards the Cheviots.

7.429 The proposed wind farm would be visible at 22,572 m to the north-east. Other existing wind farms that are visible include Black Hill, (currently the closest at approximately 10 km) and in the far distance, Long Park, Bowbeat, Carcant, Toddleburn, Dun Law, Crystal Rig, and Aikengall. Consented wind farms that would also be visible in the far distance include Fallago (7 km distance), Pogbie, Keith Hill, Pinnacle Hill, Brockholes, Pressmains Farm, Drone Hill (under construction), Langhope,

Middelmoor, Barmoor, and Wandylaw. Other proposed wind farms that would be visible, subject to consent, include Rowantree, Aikengall II, Blackburn Farm, Whitton, and Broadmeadows.

7.430 Twin Law Cairns has been assessed as part of the viewpoint analysis contained in Appendix 7.2 (VP 25). The visual effects as a result of the proposed wind farm when considered in isolation are predicted to be Slight (not significant) and the nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

7.431 A significant cumulative effect would, however occur as a result of the consented Fallago Rig Wind Farm and the proposed Aikengall II (Moderate / Substantial).

Duns Castle

7.432 This is a Garden and Designed Landscape, open to the public and located ~12 km from the proposed wind farm at its closest point. ZTV coverage is limited to the summit of Dun Law and the north-western extents of the Garden and Designed Landscape. Forestry cover would also limit visibility and effects would be limited to isolated areas on the northern fringes of the forestry. The level of effect would range from Zero to Moderate and overall would be Slight and not significant.

7.433 In terms of cumulative effects there would be views of Aikengall II and Kelloe Mains proposed wind farms (low magnitude). Overall the level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be indirect, long-term (reversible), negative / neutral, and cumulative.

Barn’s Ness Beach

7.434 The views from the beach area would range from zero to slight and overall would be Slight and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

Ewieside Hill

7.435 The view from Ewieside Hill is illustrated by VP 8 (medium magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The level of effect would be Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

Cockburn Law

7.436 The view from Cockburn Law is illustrated by VP 19 (low magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The level of effect would be Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.

Blackcastle Hill

7.437 The view from Blackcastle Hill is illustrated by VP 21 (low magnitude) and the visual effects are set out in the viewpoint analysis within Appendix 7.2. The level of effect would be Slight / Moderate and not significant. The nature of these effects would be long-term (reversible), negative to neutral and cumulative.



Summary and Evaluation of Residual Landscape and Visual Effects

7.438 A summary of the predicted landscape effects and an evaluation of their significance are provided in Table 7.8 and summary of the predicted visual effects and an evaluation of significance are provided in Table 7.9




Table 7.8: Summary and Evaluation of the Predicted Landscape Effects

Receptor Sensitivity Magnitude of Change

(Penmanshiel Wind Farm only)


Penmanshiel Wind Farm (Penmanshiel Wind Farm only)



(Penmanshiel, existing wind farms & Drone Hill)


Including Consented



Including Applications


Local Landscape Character: Penmanshiel Moor (Penmanshiel Wind Farm Site Area)

During Construction Medium Zero to High None to Moderate/ Substantial N/A N/A N/A

During Operation Medium High Moderate/ Substantial Moderate/ Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



During Decommissioning Medium Low to Negligible Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate

N/A N/A N/A

Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA

During Construction and Operation Medium Medium Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

During Decommissioning Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Note: there would be a localised significant landscape effect on part of the Coastal Moorland: Coldingham Moor LCA affecting the area of Penmanshiel Moor as result of Drone Hill and Penmanshiel

Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA

During Construction and Operation Medium to High Low Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate

During Decommissioning Medium to High Negligible Slight to Slight / Negligible Slight to Slight / Negligible Slight to Slight / Negligible Slight to Slight / Negligible

Note: there may be a very localised significant landscape effect on part of the Pastoral Upland Fringe: Eye Water LCA in connection with the site access.

Indirect Landscape Effects on Surrounding Landscape Character (within 10 km during Operation)

Coastal Farmland: Coldingham LCA Medium to High Low Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate

Note: there would be a localised significant landscape effect on part of the Coastal Farmland: Coldingham LCA affecting the area around Howpark and Bell Hill.

Coastal Farmland: Cockburnspath LCA Medium to High Low Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate Moderate to Slight / Moderate

Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau LCA

Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall)

Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig +Aikengall)

Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall II + Blackburn)

Platform Farmland: Eye Water Platform LCA Medium Low Slight / Moderate to Moderate Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig +Aikengall)

Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall)

Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall II + Blackburn)

Grassland with Hills: Knock Hill LCA Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Wooded Upland Fringe Valley: Middle Whiteadder LCA

Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate

Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate












Including Consented





Rolling Lowland Margin: Eye Water Lowland LCA

Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Uplands: Lammermuir Plateau As per the Dissected Moorland Plateau: Lammermuir Plateau LCA

Upland Fringes: Eastern Lammermuirs LCA Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig / Aikengall)

Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig / Aikengall)

Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig / Aikengall II)

Coastal Margins : Dunbar Plain LCA Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Moderate

Seascape: Type 1: Remote High Cliffs Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Seascape: Type 2: Rocky Coastline Open Sea views

Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Indirect Landscape Effects on Landscape Designations

Berwickshire Coastline AGLV Medium Negligible to Low Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate




East Lothian Coastline AGLV Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate

Lammermuirs AGLV Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall)

Slight / Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall

Moderate to Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig + Aikengall II + Blackburn)

North Northumberland Coast AONB High Zero No view No view No view No view


Table 7.9: Summary and Evaluation of the Predicted Visual Effects









Including Consented





Visual Effects on Views from Residential Properties

2 properties at Howpark

Blackburn House

Riggwell

High High to Medium Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Penmanshiel)

Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Penmanshiel)



The Myrtle

Burnside Cottage

Cairnbank Schoolhouse

Earn Bank

Hawthorn Cottage

Hawthorn Dean

Springhill

High Low Moderate Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Drone Hill)

Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Drone Hill)

Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Drone Hill)

Renton Cottages

Gardeners Cottage

Gardens Bungalow

High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate/ Substantial (Brockholes)

Moderate/ Substantial (Brockholes)

Bowshiel Farm

Penmanshiel Farm

Penmanshiel Cottages x 2

High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Substantial to Moderate/ Substantial (Blackburn)

Visual Effects on Views from Settlements: (defined by the Scottish Borders Local Plan)

Grantshouse High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Cockburnspath High Negligible Slight Slight Moderate Moderate

Oldhamstocks High Negligible Slight Slight Moderate Moderate

Visual Effects on Views from Other Settlements

Lumsdaine High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Cairn Cross High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Hoprig High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate/ Substantial (Blackburn)

Dunglass High Negligible Slight - - -

Bilsdean High Negligible Slight - - -












Including Consented





Birnieknowes High Negligible Slight - - -

Cove High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate

Thorntonloch High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate/ Substantial (Dunbar)

Thornton High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate/ Substantial (Dunbar)

Pathhead High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Visual Effects on Views from Main Transport Routes

A1 Tourist Route Medium Negligible to Low Slight / Negligible to Slight / Moderate




A1107 Medium Medium Moderate (Moderate / Substantial for 2 km)

Moderate (Moderate / Substantial for 6 km – Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



A6112 Medium Low Slight / Moderate (Moderate / Substantial for 2 km)

Slight / Moderate (Moderate / Substantial for 2 km – Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



B6438 Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Moderate / Substantial (Pressmains for 1 km)

B6437 Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible

Howpark Road (minor road) Medium High Moderate / Substantial Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



East Coast Main Line Rail Route Medium Zero No view No view No view No view

National / Regional Recreational Routes

Southern Upland Way (Core Path 189) High Negligible Slight (Substantial for 2.5 km) Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Fallago, Crystal Rig, Aikengall, Black Hill)

Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

Sir Walter Scott Way (Core path 189) High Negligible Slight (Substantial for 2.5 km) Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Fallago, Crystal Rig, Aikengall, Black Hill)

Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

Ravenber Way High Zero No view No view No view No view

Berwickshire Coastal Path (Core Path 2) High Low Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)













Including Consented





John Muir Way High Negligible to Low Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate (Moderate/ Substantial Dunbar)

Sustrans National Cycle Route 76 High Negligible Slight (Substantial for 2 km) Slight (Substantial for 5 km – Drone Hill)

Slight (Substantial for 5 km – Drone Hill)

Slight (Substantial - Dunbar)

Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Sustrans National Cycle Route Route 68 High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

ScotWays Walking routes in the Lammermuirs High Low Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Crystal Rig / Black Hill)

Moderate / Substantial (Fallago)

Moderate / Substantial (Fallago)

Cockburnspath to Duns Scottish Hill Track High Negligible Slight Moderate (Substantial - Black Hill)

Moderate (Substantial - Black Hill)

Moderate (Substantial – Blackburn / Aikengall II)

Local Recreational Routes

Core Path Number 100 Medium High Moderate / Substantial Moderate / Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



Core Path 2 High Low to High Moderate to Moderate / Substantial




Core Path 95 Medium Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Slight / Negligible Moderate

Visual Effects on Views from Recreational and Tourist Destinations: within 5 km

Highview Caravan Park High Medium Moderate / Substantial Substantial (Drone Hill and Penmanshiel)



St Helen’s Church (Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point)

High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight

Visual Effects on Views from Recreational and Tourist Destinations: within 5 – 30 km distance

Edin’s Hall Broch High Low to Negligible Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Barnside and Aikengall II)

Dunglass Estate High Low to Negligible Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate Slight to Moderate

John Muir Country Park High Negligible Slight Moderate Moderate Moderate

Twin Law Cairns High Negligible Slight Slight Moderate / Substantial (Fallago Rig)

Moderate / Substantial (Fallago Rig and Aikengall II)

Duns Castle High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall II)

Barns Ness Beach High Negligible Slight Slight Slight Slight











Including Consented





Ewieside Hill Medium Medium Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Blackburn)

Cockburn Law Medium Low Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate Slight / Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Barnside and Aikengall II)

Blackcastle Hill Medium Low Slight / Moderate Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall I)

Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall I)

Moderate / Substantial (Aikengall II and Hoprigshiels)



Conclusions

Introduction

7.439 The LVIA conforms to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (GLVIA) and has been produced by chartered landscape architects at AMEC Environment and Infrastructure Limited.

7.440 The assessment process has encompassed the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the proposed wind farm and has included design iteration and re-assessment of the residual effects.

7.441 The assessment has also included cumulative assessment and considers the additional cumulative effect that would be generated by the proposed wind farm in combination with other existing, consented, and proposed wind farms. The Drone Hill wind Farm (consented and currently under construction) has been assessed as though it is already existing and is illustrated as such in the visualisations and photomontages, where the Drone Hill Wind Farm has been photomontaged into the existing view.

Landscape Design

7.442 In particular the following design objectives have been developed which are specific to the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm:

• To limit the ZTV and areas of potentially significant landscape and visual effect on areas including the Berwickshire Coast AGLV, local settlements including Grantshouse, Cove, Oldhamstocks and Cockburnspath, important routes including the A1 tourist route, the A1107, the Berwickshire Coastal Path, and the Southern Upland Way, and from local tourist destinations such as Pease Bay and Dunglass Church.

• To ensure that the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm appears visually compatible with the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

• To ensure the design and appearance of turbines from the northern and western viewpoints in particular is not over dominant.

• To limit landscape effects on neighbouring landscape character areas which may be considered as of high visual sensitivity (Pastoral Upland Fringe Valley: Eye Water and Coastal Farmland: Coldingham Moor).

7.443 The results of the design process have lead to a coherent and cohesive turbine layout, which would appear as a tight group with no unacceptable outliers or large gaps. The layout compliments the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and would succeed in appearing as an extension when viewed from many of the sensitive receptors to the northwest. The vertical and horizontal AOV of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm has been minimised where possible and the turbines would not appear disproportionate to the skylines and hillsides they occupy.

Landscape Effects

7.444 The proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would result in a localised and significant effect on part of the Coastal Moorland LCA at Penmanshiel Moor. The local landscape would already be altered by wind farm development as a result of the consented Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and

the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm has been designed to appear as a compatible wind farm or extension to the consented Drone Hill Wind Farm.

7.445 There would be no significant effects on designated landscapes.

Visual Effects

7.446 Limited significant effects as a result of the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm would occur at 4 residential properties at Howpark (the closest of which is ~1.15 km from the nearest proposed turbine) and Core Path 100 which crosses the site. It is not considered that any of the residential properties with a view of the proposed wind farm would suffer unduly from negative visual effects such as visual dominance, overbearing, or blocking of light, which collectively may affect the overall visual amenity. Further significant effects would affect short sections of road and recreational routes, as well as the views from the Highview Caravan Park as follows:

• A1107 / National Cycle Route 76

• A6112

• Howpark Road (minor road)

• Southern Upland Way / Sir Walter Scott Way / Core Path 189

• Dowlaw Road / Core Path 2 / Berwickshire Coastal Path

7.447 All of these effects would be experienced cumulatively in the context of the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) which in many cases would have a greater visual effect.

7.448 There would be no significant effects on settlements as a result of the proposed wind farm.

Conclusions

7.449 To conclude the proposed Penmanshiel Wind Farm is located within ‘Zone 1’ of SNH’s Strategic Guidance for Onshore Wind Farms, whilst at a local level the Scottish Borders Supplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy indicates that the proposed wind farm is located within an ‘Area of Moderate Constraints (Higher)’ indicating landscape and visual capacity for wind farm development at this location in addition to the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction).

7.450 The site is located within a coastal moorland landscape, adjacent to the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) and has been designed to appear as an extension or visually compatible wind farm in terms of scale, turbine layout, height, and overall design include site access tracks. The Coastal Moorland landscape has a number of ‘upland’ characteristics and some containment from surrounding hills within the wider plateau, such that it is a suitable landscape character for wind farm development in accordance with the preferences expressed in SBC Policy D4 for wind farms to be located in ‘upland’ landscapes and in ‘Locations where there is surrounding landform that minimises the external visibility of the development, where there is no interference with prominent skylines… will be looked on more favourably than other locations’.

7.451 SBC Policy D4 requires an assessment of effects on high sensitivity receptors including major tourist routes and important landscape viewpoints and it may be noted that there would be no significant effects on the scenic viewpoints listed in Appendix D of the Draft SPG which includes Fancove Head at Eyemouth, Twin Law Cairns, and the A1, although there would be locally significant effects on the views from a small section of the Southern Upland Way and Berwickshire Coastal Path, which would already be affected by Drone Hill (under construction). Overall the zone theoretical visibility and the likely landscape and visual effects of the proposed wind farm are limited and largely correspond with the effects resulting from the Drone Hill Wind Farm (under construction) such that


the development would avoid significant effects on the Berwickshire Coast AGVL and associated seascapes.

References

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Ash Consulting Group on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, The Borders Landscape Assessment, SNH Report No 112, 1998.

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Landscape Institute, Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment, Advice Note 01/11, 2011

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Scottish Borders Council, Adopted Core Paths Plan, 2010.

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Scottish Natural Heritage Advisory Services, Guidance for the Assessment of Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impacts Arising from Wind farm Developments - Version 2 2005.

Scottish Natural Heritage, Guidelines on Environmental Impacts of Wind farms and Small Scale Hydro Electric Schemes, 2001.

Scott K.E., Anderson C., and Benson J. F., An assessment of the sensitivity and capacity of the Scottish Seascape in relation to offshore windfarms, SHN Commissioned Report No.103, 2005.

University of Newcastle and Scottish Natural Heritage, Visual Assessment of Wind Farms: Best Practice 2002.

University of Sheffield and Landuse Consultants, Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage publication, produced 2002.

OS Explorer Map 346 – Berwick-upon-Tweed

OS Explorer Map 351 – Dunbar and North Berwick

OS Explorer Map 345 – Lammermuir Hills


Documents

Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES Landscape and Visual 2... · 2014-09-18 · Penmanshiel Wind Farm RES Methodology 7.14 The methodology for the LVIA has been undertaken in accordance with