Upload
others
View
49
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Tullabeg 110kV Substation,
County Wexford
October 2019
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Statement of Authority ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.2 Description of the Proposed Development ........................................................................................... 4
1.1.3 Assessment Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.4 Extent of Study Area ........................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.5 Landscape and Visual Policy Context and Designations ...................................................................... 11
1.2 Existing Environment ...................................................................................................... 14
1.2.1 Landscape Baseline ............................................................................................................................. 14
1.2.2 Visual Baseline..................................................................................................................................... 22
1.3 Mitigation and resotration measures ............................................................................... 26
1.4 Identification of Viewshed Reference Points as a Basis for Assessment ............................ 30
1.5 Impact Assessment ......................................................................................................... 32
1.5.1 Landscape Impact ............................................................................................................................... 32
1.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ..................................................................................................... 55
1.7 ConclusioN ..................................................................................................................... 55
1.7.1 Overall Significance of Impact ............................................................................................................. 57
3
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared in respect of a planning application for
a 110kV substation and associated infrastructure proposed in conjunction with a solar farm at Ballyclogh,
Tullabeg, Medophall and Medophall Demesne, County Wexford. The solar farm application has already
been lodged with Wexford County Council and this combined LVIA reflects the ‘whole project’ approach
of the various environmental assessments. The LVIA report describes the landscape context of the
proposed substation / solar farm and assesses the likely landscape and visual impacts of the scheme on
the receiving environment. Although closely linked, landscape and visual impacts are assessed
separately.
Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) relates to assessing effects of a development on the landscape as a
resource in its own right and is concerned with how the proposal will affect the elements that make up
the landscape, the aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape and its distinctive character.
Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) relates to assessing effects of a development on specific views and on
the general visual amenity experienced by people. This deals with how the surroundings of individuals
or groups of people may be specifically affected by changes in the content and character of views as a
result of the change or loss of existing elements of the landscape and/or introduction of new elements.
Visual impacts may occur from; Visual Obstruction (blocking of a view, be it full, partial or intermittent)
or; Visual Intrusion (interruption of a view without blocking).
Cumulative landscape and visual impact assessment is concerned with additional changes to the
landscape or visual amenity caused by the proposed development in conjunction with other
developments (associated or separate to it), or actions that occurred in the past, present or are likely to
occur in the foreseeable future.
This LVIA uses methodology as prescribed in the following guidance documents:
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication ‘Guidelines on the Information to be
contained in Environmental Impact Statements (2015) and the accompanying Advice Notes on
Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (2015);
• Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
publication entitled Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2013).
1.1.1 Statement of Authority
This Landscape and Visual Assessment report was prepared by Macro Works Ltd; a consultancy firm
specialising in visual impact analysis and visual impact graphics. Relevant experience includes LVIA
work for a vast range of infrastructural, industrial and commercial projects since 1999 including more
than 80 solar farms.
4
1.1.2 Description of the Proposed Development
Terra Solar II Limited are seeking a 10-year planning permission for development at Tullabeg, Camolin,
Co. Wexford comprising a 110kV 4-bay C-type electricity substation (with 33kV customer compound)
(including two control buildings, lightning protection, perimeter security fencing, security lighting,
drainage infrastructure, temporary construction compound) to connect to and serve a proposed solar
farm (under Wexford County Council Reg. Ref. 20191272); associated loop-in infrastructure to tie into
an existing 110kV overhead transmission line including underground 110kV cabling and 2 No. new end
masts with 110kV line diversion cabling; vehicular entrance and access track from public road; all
associated site development works including formation of berms and landscaping.
The purpose of the substation and grid connection is to serve a solar farm development in the
townlands of Ballyclogh, Tullabeg, Medophall and Medophall Demesne. The application for planning
permission for the solar panels, support infrastructure and associated ancillary development works
has been made to Wexford County Council as part of a dual consent process. The applicant for that
proposed development is also Terra Solar II Limited. Notwithstanding this dual consent process, this
report considers the full combined development for the purposes of completing a robust assessment
of the entire project. In terms of definition, the use of the term ‘solar farm’ in this report means the
project singular comprising the solar panels and support infrastructure, the substation and grid
connection elements, and all associated enabling works.
1.1.3 Assessment Methodology
Production of this Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment involved:
• A desktop study to establish an appropriate study area, relevant landscape and visual
designations in the Wexford County Development Plans, as well as other sensitive visual
receptors. This stage culminates in the selection of a set of potential viewpoints from which
to study the effects of the proposal;
• Fieldwork to establish the landscape character of the receiving environment and to confirm
and refine the set of viewpoints to be used for the visual assessment stage;
• Assessment of the significance of the landscape impact of the development as a function of
landscape sensitivity weighed against the magnitude of the landscape impact; and
• Assessment of the significance of the visual impact of the development as a function of visual
receptor sensitivity weighed against the magnitude of the visual impact. This aspect of the
assessment is supported by photomontages prepared in respect of the selected viewpoints.
• Incorporation of mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts and estimation of residual
impacts once mitigation has become established.
1.1.3.1 Landscape Impact Assessment Criteria
When assessing the potential impacts on the landscape resulting from a proposed development, the
following criteria are considered:
5
• Landscape character, value and sensitivity;
• Magnitude of likely impacts; and
• Significance of landscape effects.
The sensitivity of the landscape to change is the degree to which a particular landscape receptor
(Landscape Character Area (“LCA”) or feature) can accommodate changes or new elements without
unacceptable detrimental effects to its essential characteristics. Landscape Value and Sensitivity is
classified using the following criteria set out in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Landscape Value and Sensitivity
Sensitivity Description
Very High Areas where the landscape character exhibits a very low capacity for change in the form of
development. Examples of which are high value landscapes, protected at an international or
national level (World Heritage Site/National Park), where the principal management objectives
are likely to be protection of the existing character.
High Areas where the landscape character exhibits a low capacity for change in the form of
development. Examples of which are high value landscapes, protected at a national or regional
level (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), where the principal management objectives are
likely to be considered conservation of the existing character.
Medium Areas where the landscape character exhibits some capacity and scope for development.
Examples of which are landscapes, which have a designation of protection at a county level or
at non-designated local level where there is evidence of local value and use.
Low Areas where the landscape character exhibits a higher capacity for change from development.
Typically this would include lower value, non-designated landscapes that may also have some
elements or features of recognisable quality, where landscape management objectives
include, enhancement, repair and restoration.
Negligible Areas of landscape character that include derelict, mining, industrial land or are part of the
urban fringe where there would be a reasonable capacity to embrace change or the capacity
to include the development proposals. Management objectives in such areas could be focused
on change, creation of landscape improvements and/or restoration to realise a higher
landscape value.
The magnitude of a predicted landscape impact is a product of the scale, extent or degree of change
that is likely to be experienced as a result of the proposed development. The magnitude takes into
account whether there is a direct physical impact resulting from the loss of landscape components
and/or a change that extends beyond the Application Site boundary that may have an effect on the
landscape character of the area. Table 1-2 refers.
Table 1-2 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts
Magnitude
of Impact
Description
6
Very High Change that would be large in extent and scale with the loss of critically important
landscape elements and features, that may also involve the introduction of new
uncharacteristic elements or features that contribute to an overall change of the landscape
in terms of character, value and quality.
High
Change that would be more limited in extent and scale with the loss of important
landscape elements and features, that may also involve the introduction of new
uncharacteristic elements or features that contribute to an overall change of the
landscape in terms of character, value and quality.
Medium
Changes that are modest in extent and scale involving the loss of landscape
characteristics or elements that may also involve the introduction of new
uncharacteristic elements or features that would lead to changes in landscape character,
and quality.
Low
Changes affecting small areas of landscape character and quality, together with the loss
of some less characteristic landscape elements or the addition of new features or
elements.
Negligible
Changes affecting small or very restricted areas of landscape character. This may include
the limited loss of some elements or the addition of some new features or elements that
are characteristic of the existing landscape or are hardly perceivable.
The significance of a landscape impact is based on a balance between the sensitivity of the landscape
receptor and the magnitude of the impact. The significance of landscape impacts is arrived at using
the following matrix set out in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 Impact Significance Matrix
Sensitivity of Receptor
Scale/Magnitude Very High High Medium Low Negligible
Very High Profound Profound-
substantial
Substantial Moderate Minor
High Profound-
substantial
Substantial Substantial-
moderate
Moderate-
slight
Slight-
imperceptible
Medium Substantial Substantial-
moderate
Moderate Slight Imperceptible
Low Moderate Moderate-
slight
Slight Slight-
imperceptible
Imperceptible
Negligible Slight Slight-
imperceptible
Imperceptible Imperceptible Imperceptible
Note: The significance matrix provides an indicative framework from which the significance of impact
is derived. The significance judgement is ultimately determined by the assessor using professional
judgement. Due to nuances within the constituent sensitivity and magnitude judgements, this may be
up to one category higher or lower than indicated by the matrix. Judgements indicated in orange are
considered to be ‘significant impacts’ in EIA terms.
7
1.1.3.2 Visual Impact Assessment Criteria
As with the landscape impact, the visual impact of the proposed development will be assessed as a
function of sensitivity versus magnitude. In this instance the sensitivity of the visual receptor, weighed
against the magnitude of the visual effect.
1.1.3.3 Sensitivity of Visual Receptors
Unlike landscape sensitivity, the sensitivity of visual receptors has an anthropocentric basis. It considers
factors such as the perceived quality and values associated with the view, the landscape context of the
viewer, the likely activity they are engaged in and whether this heightens their awareness of the
surrounding landscape. A list of the factors considered by the assessor in estimating the level of
sensitivity for a particular visual receptor is outlined below and used in Table 1-6 below to establish visual
receptor sensitivity at each VRP:
1. Susceptibility of Receptors - In accordance with the Institute of Environmental Management
and Assessment (“IEMA”) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (3rd edition
2013) visual receptors most susceptible to changes in views and visual amenity are;
• “Residents at home;
• People, whether residents or visitors, who are engaged in outdoor recreation,
including use of public rights of way, whose attention or interest is likely to be
focussed on the landscape and on particular views;
• Visitors to heritage assets, or to other attractions, where views of the surroundings
are an important contributor to the experience;
• Communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents
in the area; and
• Travellers on road, rail or other transport routes where such travel involves
recognised scenic routes and awareness of views is likely to be heightened”.
Visual receptors that are less susceptible to changes in views and visual amenity include:
• “People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation, which does not involve or depend
upon appreciation of views of the landscape;
• People at their place of work whose attention may be focussed on their work or
activity, not their surroundings and where the setting is not important to the quality
of working life”.
2. Recognised scenic value of the view (County Development Plan designations, guidebooks,
touring maps, postcards etc). These represent a consensus in terms of which scenic views
8
and routes within an area are strongly valued by the population because in the case of
County Developments Plans, for example, a public consultation process is required;
3. Views from within highly sensitive landscape areas. Again, highly sensitive landscape
designations are usually part of a county’s Landscape Character Assessment, which is then
incorporated within the County Development Plan and is therefore subject to the public
consultation process. Viewers within such areas are likely to be highly attuned to the
landscape around them;
4. Primary views from dwellings. A proposed Development might be seen from anywhere
within a particular residential property with varying degrees of sensitivity. Therefore, this
category is reserved for those instances in which the design of dwellings or housing estates,
has been influenced by the desire to take in a particular view. This might involve the use of
a slope or the specific orientation of a house and/or its internal social rooms and exterior
spaces;
5. Intensity of use, popularity. This relates to the number of viewers likely to experience a view
on a regular basis and whether this is significant at county or regional scale;
6. Connection with the landscape. This considers whether or not receptors are likely to be
highly attuned to views of the landscape i.e. commuters hurriedly driving on busy national
route versus hill walkers directly engaged with the landscape enjoying changing sequential
views over it;
7. Provision of elevated panoramic views. This relates to the extent of the view on offer and
the tendency for receptors to become more attuned to the surrounding landscape at
locations that afford broad vistas;
8. Sense of remoteness and/or tranquillity. Receptors taking in a remote and tranquil scene,
which is likely to be fairly static, are likely to be more receptive to changes in the view than
those taking in the view of a busy street scene, for example;
9
9. Degree of perceived naturalness. Where a view is valued for the sense of naturalness of the
surrounding landscape it is likely to be highly sensitive to visual intrusion by distinctly
manmade features;
10. Presence of striking or noteworthy features. A view might be strongly valued because it
contains a distinctive and memorable landscape feature such as a promontory headland,
lough or castle;
11. Historical, cultural and / or spiritual significance. Such attributes may be evident or sensed
by receptors at certain viewing locations, which may attract visitors for the purposes of
contemplation or reflection heightening the sense of their surroundings;
12. Rarity or uniqueness of the view. This might include the noteworthy representativeness of
a certain landscape type and considers whether the receptor could take in similar views
anywhere in the broader region or the country;
13. Integrity of the landscape character. This looks at the condition and intactness of the
landscape in view and whether the landscape pattern is a regular one of few strongly related
components or an irregular one containing a variety of disparate components;
14. Sense of place. This considers whether there is special sense of wholeness and harmony at
the viewing location; and
15. Sense of awe. This considers whether the view inspires an overwhelming sense of scale or
the power of nature.
Those locations which are deemed to satisfy many of the above criteria are likely to be of higher
sensitivity. No relative importance is inferred by the order of listing in the Table 1-5 below. Overall
sensitivity may be a result of a number of these factors or, alternatively, a strong association with one or
two in particular.
1.1.3.4 Visual Impact Magnitude
The magnitude of visual effects is determined on the basis of two factors: the visual presence (visual
prominence within the scene) of the proposal and its effect on visual amenity (nature of change to the
visual qualities of the scene). Given that the solar panels and ancillary structures do not represent
significant bulk and follow the ground plane, visual impacts will result almost entirely from visual
10
‘intrusion’ rather than visual ‘obstruction’ (the blocking of a view). The magnitude of visual impacts is
classified in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4 Magnitude of Visual Impact
Criteria Description
Very High The proposal blocks or intrudes into a large proportion or critical part of the available vista and
is without question the most noticeable element. A high degree of visual clutter or disharmony
is also generated, strongly reducing the visual amenity of the scene.
High The proposal blocks or intrudes into a significant proportion or important part of the available
vista and is one of the most noticeable elements. A considerable degree of visual clutter or
disharmony is also likely to be generated, appreciably reducing the visual amenity of the scene.
Medium The proposal represents a moderate intrusion into the available vista, is a readily noticeable
element and/or it may generate a degree of visual clutter or disharmony, thereby reducing the
visual amenity of the scene. Alternatively, it may represent a balance of higher and lower order
estimates in relation to visual presence and visual amenity.
Low The proposal intrudes to a minor extent into the available vista and may not be noticed by a
casual observer and/or the proposal would not have a marked effect on the visual amenity of
the scene.
Negligible The proposal would be barely discernible within the available vista and/or it would not
detract from, and may even enhance, the visual amenity of the scene.
1.1.3.5 Visual Impact Significance
As stated above, the significance of visual impacts is a function of visual receptor sensitivity and visual
impact magnitude. This relationship is expressed in the same significance matrix and applies the same
EPA definitions of significance as used earlier in respect of landscape impacts (Table 1-3 refers).
1.1.4 Extent of Study Area
From similar studies it is anticipated that the proposed development is likely to be difficult to discern
beyond approximately 5km and is not likely to give rise to significant landscape or visual impacts
beyond approximately 2km. In the interests of a comprehensive appraisal, a 5km radius study area is
used in this instance. However, there will be a particular focus on receptors contained within 1km,
except where iconic or designated scenic viewpoints exist at greater distances out to 5km. A study
area of 5km has typically been used for solar projects in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain.
11
Figure 1 – 5km radius study area from the edge of the Application Site
1.1.5 Landscape and Visual Policy Context and Designations
1.1.5.1 Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019
A Landscape Character Assessment has been prepared for County Wexford and this is incorporated
into the current Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019. Within the current County
Development Plan (CDP) the council notes that it is “prudent to await the publication of the National
Landscape Strategy before embarking on a comprehensive review of the LCA prepared for the
Wexford County Development Plan 2007-2013. In the interim, the LCA has been redefined,
principally to improve its legibility and practical application.” In the CDP, the landscape of County
Wexford is divided into four different landscape units: Uplands, Lowlands, River Valleys and Coastal.
The proposed site is located in Landscape Character Unit 2 – Lowlands (Fig.2). According to the Plan,
this unit is:
12
“Generally made up of gently undulating lands and relates to extensive areas of the
county. There are generally higher levels of population and more intensive agriculture.
The slopes and topography in this unit are shallower. Agricultural lands tend to be
characterised by views across larger fields as a result of the generally low well-trimmed
hedges. There are a number of prominent hills within the Lowlands which provide more
enclosure and ‘punctuation’ within the overall landscape … This landscape unit hosts the
principle towns and major infrastructure such as the main roads and railways. The
predominant agricultural use of most of the Lowlands unit is expected to continue due
to the high quality and fertility of the soils. Intensification of agricultural practices and
expansion of urban settlements will be factors of change in this landscape. The lowland
unit generally has characteristics which have a higher capacity to absorb development
without it causing significant visual intrusion although care still needs to be taken on a
site by site basis, particularly to minimise the risks of developments being visually
intrusive.”
Figure 2 – Extract from Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019, Map no. 13, showing the relevant
designated landscape units in the County, in relation to the site.
There are no scenic routes or views/prospects listed within the study area. In addition, the site is not
located within a designated ‘Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity,’ though there are two such designated
landscapes within the study area, and a third fringing its periphery:
Site
13
• Carrigroe Hill – located within 1.2km south of the southern parcel;
• Boley Hill – located within 2.1km southeast of the northern parcel;
• Ballyminaum Hill – located within 5.1km northeast of the northern parcel.
It should be noted that there is a high degree of inter-visibility between the site and the Carrigroe Hill
and Boley Hill ‘Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity,’ but far less so for Ballyminaum Hill. In addition, these
three wooded hilltops provide distinct visual amenity for the study area and the wider locality.
The Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 lists a number of objectives in relation to the
management of the landscapes of County Wexford (Chapter 14, section 14.4.3 of the CDP) and are
as follows:
• LO1 - To have regard to the Landscape Character Assessment and associated map contained
in Volume 3, the Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines for Planning Authorities
(2000) Draft and any updated versions of these guidelines published during the lifetime of
the Plan, when assessing planning applications for development.
• LO2 - To review the Landscape Character Assessment and the landscape objectives in the
Plan, after the publication of the National Landscape Strategy and future guidelines issued
by a Minister of the Government with respect to landscape.
• LO3 - To ensure that developments are not unduly visually obtrusive in the landscape, in
particular in the Upland, River Valley and Coastal landscape units and on or in the vicinity
of Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity.
• LO4 - To require all developments to be appropriate in scale and sited, designed and
landscaped having regard to their setting in the landscape so as to ensure that any potential
adverse visual impacts are minimised.
• LO5 - To prohibit developments which are likely to have significant adverse visual impacts,
either individually or cumulatively, on the character of the Uplands, River Valley or Coastal
landscape or a Landscape of Greater Sensitivity and where there is no overriding need for
the development to be in that particular location.
• LO6 - To ensure that, where an overriding need is demonstrated for a particular
development in an Upland, River Valley or Coastal landscape unit or on or in the vicinity of
a Landscape of Greater Sensitivity, careful consideration is given to site selection. The
development should be appropriate in scale and be sited, designed and landscaped in a
manner, which minimises potential adverse impacts on the subject landscape and will be
14
required to comply with all normal planning and environmental criteria and the
development management standards contained in Chapter 18.
• LO8 - To consider appropriate rural recreational and tourism related developments which
would facilitate public access to and appreciation of Upland, River Valley and Coastal
Landscapes and Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity in the County subject to compliance with
the relevant objectives in Chapters 6, 7 and 13. Developments should be appropriate in
scale and be sited, designed and landscaped in a manner, which minimises potential
adverse impacts on the landscape and shall be in compliance with all other planning and
environmental criteria and the development management standards contained in Chapter
18.
• LO9 - To require developments to be sited, designed and landscaped in a manner, which
has regard to the site specific characteristics of the natural and built landscape, for example,
developments should be sited, designed and landscaped to minimise loss of natural
features such as mature trees and hedging and built features.
1.1.5.2 Views of Recognised Scenic Value
Views of recognised scenic value are primarily indicated within County Development Plans in the
context of scenic views/routes designations, but they might also be indicated on touring maps,
websites, guidebooks, roadside rest stops or on post cards that represent the area. Neither the
previous Wexford County Development Plan (2007-2013) nor the present Wexford County
Development Plan (2013-2019) includes a list of designated scenic routes or views, although it should
be noted that hills and ridges designated as ‘landscapes of greater sensitivity’ are noted for their ‘views
across the surrounding landscape.’ Furthermore, there are no known Coillte woodland walks within
the study area, the route maps for which, might present recognised views of the surrounding
countryside.
1.1.5.3 National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)
According to the NPWS, within the study area there are no Nature Reserves, National Parks, Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) or Natural Heritage Area (NHAs). However, within 1.4km northwest of the site
is the only known NPWS designation in the study area: the Slaney River Valley Special Area Of
Conservation SAC (Site Code 000781), which runs along the Bann River – a tributary to the Slaney.
1.2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
1.2.1 Landscape Baseline
The landscape baseline represents the existing landscape context and is the scenario against which
any changes to the landscape brought about by the proposed development will be assessed. A
description of the landscape context of the proposed site and wider study area is provided below
under the headings of landform and drainage, vegetation and land use, centres of population and
houses, transport routes and public amenities and heritage sites. Although this description forms part
15
of the landscape baseline, many of the landscape elements identified also relate to visual receptors
i.e. places and transport routes from which viewers can potentially see the proposed development.
The visual resource will be described in greater detail in Section 1.2.2.
1.2.1.1 Landform and Drainage
The wider study area takes the general form of a gently-sloping basin, with landform in the north -
near the townlands of Camolin Park and Rossminogue South - exceeding 100m AOD, and in the south
exceeding 300m, in the form of Carrigroe Hill. Representative of the ‘Lowlands’ designation within
County Wexford, the site itself sits within a relatively low-lying and gently undulating basin between
Camolin/N11 and Carrigroe Hill/ Boley Hill.
The site of the northern parcel sits below 60m AOD, and drains into the petite Bracken River (i.e.
stream) that runs just south of its northern boundary. There are a couple of rather noticeable knolls
or rises (one prominent, one less prominent) within this undulating farmland that offers marginally
more dramatic relief to the otherwise tame terrain. The site of the southern parcel undulates between
50m-70m AOD, and is dissected by two small streams that eventually feed into the aforementioned
Bracken River.
Within a couple of kilometres south and southeast of the site, more elevated landform can be found
in the form of Carrigroe Hill (232m) and Boley Hill (152m), which are both designated ‘Landscapes of
Greater Sensitivity.’ This higher landform is mirrored in the hilly axis running northeast-southwest that
is found in the north of the study area. There, land climbs well above the 100m contour, as it ascends
towards Slieveboy (420m), which lies more than 1.5km outside the study area. Ballyminaun Hill (120m
AOD) lies just outside the eastern periphery of the study area, and is also a designated ‘Landscape of
Greater Sensitivity.’
Figure 3 – marginally elevated view from the west of the study area, showing the low-lying basin of the central study area, with Boley Hill (152m) visible on the skyline to the southeast (i.e. right).
16
Figure 4 – view from alongside the N11 in the north of the study area, with the Carrigroe Hill (to the south/right) and Boley Hill (to the left/ southeast) more than 4km to the south.
The Bann River is the main river in the study area, and most streams and/or smaller rivers directly or
indirectly feed into it. The Bann originates in the far north of the county, and flows in a general
south/southwest fashion, until eventually feeding into the Slaney, almost 5km north of Enniscorthy.
1.2.1.2 Vegetation and Land Use
The study area is predominantly an intensively managed, highly modified, agricultural landscape, with
an emphasis on pasture, followed by tillage/cropping. This mostly consists of medium or large sized
fields bound by mature, tree-lined hedgerows. However, there is also a reasonable degree of
woodland on elevated realms in the south and east of the study area, and commercial coniferous
plantations across pockets in the north. The village of Camolin and Ballycanew, as well as the N11, the
M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass and the Dublin-Wexford rail line accounts for additional land use in
the locality.
The site of the northern parcel is presently an intensively run dairy farm across a highly modified field
pattern from that of a century ago. There is a generally low to moderate degree of tall, tree-lined
hedgerows. When assessed against historical Ordnance Survey maps from the 19th Century, by
comparing Figure 5 with Figure 6 (below), it is apparent that numerous field boundaries, as well as
buildings and roadways/tracks, have been removed to create larger fields. In tandem with the
significant, deep cut-and-fill of the Dublin-Rosslare rail line that demarcates the site’s northern
boundary, the landscape integrity and fabric of the site has been considerably altered over the last
century, as farming systems have intensified. In the lower levels of this site, along the diminutive
Bracken River (i.e. stream) that runs just south of its northern boundary, scrub vegetation is re-
colonising, near which a pylon stands within the site, supporting a 110kV line that traverses the rail
line and site.
17
Figure 5 – site of the northern parcel: extract of Ordnance Survey Historic Map 25 Inch (1888—1913)
18
Figure 6 – site of the northern parcel, as per 2018 capture on Google Earth Pro.
Figure 7 – centre of the site of the northern parcel. Note the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass, which adjoins the site of the northern parcel at the south-eastern corner.
19
Figure 8 – scrub vegetation, pylon and 110kV line at the northern end of the site of the northern parcel. Note: the second, more distant pylon is not within the site.
Figure 9 – site of the southern parcel: extract of Ordnance Survey Historic Map 25 Inch (1888—1913).
20
The site of the southern parcel is also in pasture, though operated as a less-intensively managed sheep
farm. By comparing Figure 9 (above) with Figure 10 (below), it is apparent that numerous field
boundaries, as well as buildings and roadways/tracks, have been removed to create larger fields across
the southern site. Despite such clearances over the last century, the remaining field boundaries
generally sport strong, tree-lined hedgerows. The same, aforementioned 110kV line traverses the site
on double utility poles. Overall, the landscape fabric and character of the site of the southern parcel
appears to have been marginally less modified in recent centuries, compared to the northern site.
Figure 10 – site of the southern parcel, as per 2018 capture on Google Earth Pro.
21
Figure 11 – centre of the site of the southern parcel, looking south towards the thickly wooded Carrigroe Hill.
1.2.1.3 Centres of Population and Houses
The nearest centre of population to the site is the village of Camolin, which has approx. 400 residents
and is located 1.6km northwest of the site of the southern parcel. Ballycanew, a village of approx. 500
residents, is located along the eastern fringe of the study area (i.e. approx. 5km from the site). Aside
from this, there are no other noticeable settlements or centres of population within the study area,
and the settlement pattern can be summarised as being decidedly rural. There are numerous clusters
of linear development along certain third class roads scattered throughout the study area, with houses
that appear to have been constructed in the last quarter- or half-century. Outside the study area, the
town of Gorey is approx. 8km northeast of the site, while Ferns is approx. 6.5km southwest of it.
1.2.1.4 Transport Routes
Although very much a rural setting, the central study area holds some important transport routes,
between which the site is located. The Dublin-Rosslare rail line demarcates the northern boundary of
the site. The rail line at this location largely occupies a deeply engineered ‘cut’ in the landscape, and,
for much of the time, is not visible from the site.
The primary transport route in the study area is the recently opened M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass,
which aligns the south-eastern corner of the site of the northern parcel, and runs within 150m of the
site of the southern parcel. Following this in importance, the M11/N11 runs through the area in a
general northeast-southwest fashion, entering within 1.1km north of the site of the northern parcel.
There are two regional roads in the study area: the R772 in the northeast, and the R741 in the far east
of the area. Otherwise, the study area is punctuated by a series of third class roads.
22
Figure 12 – the recently-opened M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass, which aligns the south-eastern corner of the site of the northern parcel, and runs within 150m of the site of the southern parcel.
1.2.1.5 Public Amenities and Heritage Sites
Carrigroe Hill is a thickly wooded hill with numerous vehicle tracks, though summit views in the
direction of the site are challenging to obtain, owing to it being cloaked in mature commercial forestry.
The nearest designated, waymarked walking, hiking or cycling trail to the site is over 1.5km outside
the study area. This is on the Slieveboy hill range, spanning the Slieveboy, Ballybeg and Askamore
looped walks. There are a number of heritage features within study area, which include cairns, mottes,
barrows, churches and graveyards. In addition, within Camolin village, St. Patrick’s GAA club is located.
However, there are no recreational, visitor or tourist features close enough to the application site for
them to have any implications on their setting or appreciation.
1.2.2 Visual Baseline
Only those parts of the receiving environment that potentially afford views of the proposed
development are of concern to this section of the assessment. A computer generated Zone of
Theoretical Visibility (“ZTV”) map has been prepared to illustrate where the proposed development is
potentially visible from. The ZTV map is based solely on terrain data (bare ground visibility), and
ignores features such as trees, hedges or buildings, which may screen views. Given the considerable
vegetation cover within this landscape, the main value of this form of ZTV mapping is to determine
those parts of the landscape from which the proposed development will definitely not be visible (due
to terrain screening) within the 5km study area.
23
Figure 13 – Standard (bare-ground) ZTV map
The following key points are illustrated by the ‘bare-ground’ ZTV map:
• At least one-third of the study area has no theoretical visibility of the proposed development.
This is mostly from the southeast and southwest of the study area, with only sporadic and
partial visibility indicated from the northern sections of the study area.
• Most of the full theoretical visibility of the proposed development is focussed within 2km
northeast of the site, and a hillside/hilltop axis approx. 2km south of the site, at the Carrigroe
Hill and Boley Hill ‘Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity’: locations which are sparsely populated.
• The settlement of Camolin is contained within an area of no greater than 20% theoretical
visibility, while the village of Ballycanew experiences no potential for theoretical visibility.
• At least 2km of the Dublin-Rosslare rail line, the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass and the N11
experience theoretical visibility greater than 60%.
24
The most important point to make in respect of this ‘bare-ground’ ZTV map is that it is theoretical. The
proposed PV panels will not rise more than 2.8m above the underlying terrain and will therefore be
considerably screened by surrounding and intervening hedgerow vegetation, trees and numerous
buildings, walls and embankments littered through the study area, resulting in a much lesser degree
of actual visibility. In the case of the proposed development, it is worth noting that the entire site area
has been used to calculate the ZTV, whereas much of that area will have no panels located within it.
For these reasons, the ZTV represents the very worst-case scenario of what is already an entirely
theoretical projection. Thus, it is necessary to compare the terrain based ZTV map to the terrain and
land cover based ZTV maps (Figures 13 & 14).
The second form of ZTV mapping relies on a Digital Surface Model (DSM), which also spatially records
the terrestrial land cover elements, such as hedgerows and buildings, in addition to terrain. This is of
far more value in determining the likely visibility of the proposed development. It was not practical or
necessary to obtain DSM data for the entire study area, so a more consolidated area incorporating the
surrounding network of roads and dwellings within approximately 1km of the Application Site
boundaries was the focus of this more intensive level of spatial data analysis (see Figure 14, below).
25
Figure 14 – Scheme visibility from surrounding landscape accounting for screening by terrain and existing
vegetation.
As can be seen from the comparison of the ‘bare-ground’ ZTV map (Figure 13) and the Digital Surface
Model visibility map (Figure 14) that accounts for existing vegetation:
• There is a substantial reduction in visibility throughout the entire surrounds of the proposed
development; in most cases from 100% down to 20% or less (i.e. yellow pattern).
• While there remains the potential for visibility of the panels within approx. 1km of the
Application Site boundaries, where potential visibility does exist will only afford partial
glimpses of no more than 40% of the proposed development (i.e. light brown pattern),
including the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass.
• One-quarter to one-third of the land within approx. 1km of the Application Site boundaries
experiences no visibility of the proposed development.
26
1.3 MITIGATION AND RESTORATION MEASURES
The following mitigation measures are best read in conjunction with the Landscape Mitigation Plan
(LD.TLLBG 3.1 & LD.TLLBG 3.2).
The main mitigation by avoidance measure employed in this instance is the siting of the proposed solar
farm in a robust and well-contained rural area that also avails of both terrain and hedgerow screening,
such that the scheme will not be prominent within the surrounding landscape. Retention of all but
approx. 8m of existing hedgerows within the site also aids visual screening, and maintains the existing
field pattern. Furthermore, a c.0.2366ha native thicket/woodland mix proposed for approx. 130m
along the western boundary of the northern parcel will help to further reduce unfavourable landscape
and visual impacts of the proposed development. In this respect, the proposed solar farm is not
perceived to impose itself on the existing landscape pattern.
In addition to retaining the existing hedgerows around the site, it is proposed to bolster c.6697 linear
meters of existing hedgerows, where necessary, with under-planting and inter-planting of whip
transplants, as well as more advanced nursery stock. This is in order to ensure dense and consistent
screening of the site in perpetuity (see ‘Type 1’ planting detail in Figure 15, below). Plant species will
be selected to complement the existing broadleaf hedgerow species mix around the site and will be of
local provenance. Advanced nursery stock in the form of 8-10cm girth trees will be used to fill any
noticeable gaps in the existing perimeter hedgerow network where 4m screening is required within 2
growing seasons. For hedgerow sections that require 6m screening within 2 growing seasons, semi-
mature 12-14cm girth trees will be planted to fill gaps. Where not already exceeded by existing
vegetation, it is intended to manage hedgerows up to 3-4m in height in most instances, as well as up
to 6m where necessary in the site of the northern parcel, to prevent glint and glare effects on the new
section of the M11 motorway. This vegetation height will be achieved by a combination of allowing
lower sections of existing hedgerows to mature, filling obvious gaps with advanced nursery stock and
providing an additional line of whip planting to selected hedgerows that require densification.
Running east-west within the site of the northern parcel, it is proposed to plant c.744 linear metres of
a native riparian enhancement zone, which will be let grow out to reach maturity (i.e. c.8-10m in
height) and will assist in mitigating views of the proposed panels from numerous dwellings located
north of the northern parcel.
The total construction timeline for the solar farm and the 110kV substation will be c.75 weeks, with
the solar panels installed later in the programme, between Weeks 58 and 75.
It is proposed to bolster c.6697 linear metres of existing hedgerow, in addition to c.1555 linear metres
of new native hedgerow (‘Type 2,’ – see Figure 16, below) at Week 1 of the construction programme.
This advanced nursery stock will achieve a height of between 4 – 6 metres before solar panels are
installed at Week 58. Refer to Drawings LD.TLBG.3.1 and 3.2 for this proposed planting layout. With
27
this approach, landscape mitigation to eliminate residual glare will be established before the first solar
panel is installed. Stock-proof fencing with agricultural wind-stop netting will also be constructed at
Construction Week 1.
Figure 15 – Indicative boundary planting detail (‘Type 1’) showing the approach to inter-planting and under-plating of existing hedgerows (where consolidation is needed).
It is proposed that the growth of existing and new advanced nursery stock is professionally monitored
between Weeks 1 and 58, to ensure that the required establishment is achieved. Upon establishment,
these hedgerows will also help anchor or visually contain the proposed development within the wider
field patterns.
Figure 16 – Indicative boundary planting (‘Type 2’ in the Landscape Mitigation Plans) showing the approach for new sections of hedgerow.
As can be seen by the mitigation-based visibility map in Figure 17 below, the consolidated hedgerows
will further reduce the potential for visual impacts within the surrounding area.
28
Figure 17 – Scheme visibility from surrounding landscape in a post-mitigation establishment scenario (accounts for existing and proposed vegetation).
As can be seen from a comparison of Figure 14 (pre-mitigation visibility) and Figure 17 (post-mitigation
establishment), there is a notable reduction in visibility of the proposed development from
immediately south and east of the northern parcel (i.e. along, and within the vicinity of, the M11
bypass), as well as far north of the northern parcel. As a result of the proposed mitigation planting,
this highly localised area, which previously had up to 40% visibility of the proposed development, has
now almost exclusively been reduced to 0%. Elsewhere, while there may not be any prominent
reduction in visibility according to the coloured-coded categorisation (e.g. 1-20%, or 21-40%) of Figure
17, visibility within each of these categorisations is likely to have considerably reduced (e.g. from 15-
20%, to less than 5%) from Figure 14, as a result of the proposed mitigation measures. In addition,
where potential visibility exists within approximately 1km of the Application Site boundaries, it will
only afford partial glimpses of no more than 40% of the proposed development, the overwhelming
majority of which is from private agricultural land.
29
Closely linked to the landscape and visual mitigation measures (principally relating to hedgerows for
screening) are proposed biodiversity enhancement measures as indicated and detailed on drawing
LD.TLBG 3.3. One measure is the provision of ‘Wildflower Margins’ inside the majority of existing
(bolstered) and proposed hedgerows within the site. There are also five specific areas of ‘Species
Diverse Meadow’ provided throughout the site with the largest of these (Area 1) occupying a large
section of hillside to the west of the northern panel array. Finally, a ‘Riparian Enhancement Zone’ is
provided along the corridor of the River Brackan, which crosses the northern end of the northern array.
The installation method for these types of solar panels and mounting frames is undertaken using local
piling to reduce the impact deriving from construction to facilitate the long-term use of the field as
farmland. The panels, which will be up to 2.8m in height, are constructed using small-scale machinery
causing very limited effect to the existing grass surface. This process is akin to timber post fence
construction, whereby the post is driven a short length into the ground. This ensures that the fields’
general green characteristics can be retained or quickly redressed following construction. All new
cabling within the Application Site will be buried underground. The proposed perimeter 2.8m deer
fence will be set to the inside of the site boundaries. This will be maintained throughout the
operational phase of the development to ensure access is prevented for both stray farm animals and
human trespass. An un-grazed margin between deer fencing and the solar panels will be left for
biodiversity enhancement. When feasible, ancillary structures such as inverters, transformer cabins
and other plant will be coloured in green or muted shades to help blend them in with the surrounding
countryside.
Low intensity sheep grazing is anticipated to be the main land use under and beside the proposed
panels, to ensure that the areas of shorter swards and scrub will be managed. The proposed layout
allows sufficient width between module rows for pastureland to be productive. Upon completion of
construction, the areas temporarily affected by the construction process, which includes two
compound areas, will be re-seeded with agricultural grassland species. Reinstatement of temporary
construction areas, construction compounds and cable trenches to the preconstruction conditions will
be carried out at the end of the construction phase. Restoration of any areas disturbed during the
construction process will be undertaken on construction completion by appropriate grass seeding to
return a green characteristic.
The decommissioning of the site will involve the removal of all solar panels and associated fencing,
storage and operation facilities. With the exception of the proposed substation, the site will be fully
restored to agricultural use through reseeding of appropriate grass species to reflect the grass sward
mix in the immediate vicinity, in accordance with a detailed restoration plan. Any site access tracks
not required for on-going agricultural purposes will be excavated and top-soiled in order to reinstate
them to productive agricultural use. Existing hedgerow field boundaries, which will have been
maintained and reinforced with additional planting during the construction and operational phases,
will remain intact following the restoration phase. Indeed, due to the supplementary planting
30
proposed as part of the landscape mitigation the field boundaries are likely to be more consistent and
consolidated than they are at present.
1.4 IDENTIFICATION OF VIEWSHED REFERENCE POINTS AS A BASIS FOR ASSESSMENT
Viewshed Reference Points (“VRPs”) are the locations used to study the visual impacts of a proposal
in detail. It is not warranted to include each and every location that provides a view of a development
as this would result in an unwieldy report and make it extremely difficult to draw out the key impacts
arising from the proposed development. Instead, the selected viewpoints are intended to reflect a range
of different receptor types, distances and angles. Typically, the visual impact of a proposed development
assessed by Macro Works uses up to 6 no. categories of receptor type, as listed below:
• Key Views (from features of national or international importance);
• Designated Scenic Views;
• Local Community views;
• Centres of Population;
• Major Routes;
• Amenity and/or heritage features.
VRP’s might be relevant to more than one category and this makes them even more valid for inclusion
in the assessment. The receptors that are intended to be represented by a particular VRP are listed at
the beginning of each viewpoint appraisal. The Viewshed Reference Points selected in this instance are
set out in the Table 1-5 and Figure 14 below.
31
Table 1-5 Outline Description of Selected Viewshed Reference Points (VRPs)
VRP No. Location Direction
of view
VP1 N11, north of site S/SW
VP2 Eastern outskirts of Camolin village E/SE
VP3 Residences near Kehoe Brothers Machinery Ltd on local road north of site S/SW/SE
VP4 Residences at Ballyclogh townland on local road north of site S/SW
VP5 Local road northeast of northern parcel SW
VP6 Church grounds at Balloughter settlement, east of northern parcel W/SW
VP7 M11 bypass near its bridging of the Dublin-Rosslare rail line W/SW
VP8 M11 bypass adjacent to northern parcel N/NW
VP9 Bridge over M11 bypass at Ballyeden townland N/NW/W
VP10 Site entrance off local road, to northern parcel E/NE
VP11 Field entrance at local road, north of southern parcel SE
VP12 Local road southwest of southern parcel NE
VP13 Elevated local road aligning Carrigroe Hill N
VP14 Elevated local road aligning Boley Hill NW
32
Figure 18 – Viewpoint location map
1.5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
1.5.1 Landscape Impact
1.5.1.1 Landscape Value and Sensitivity
Landscape value and sensitivity are considered in relation to a number of factors highlighted in the
Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2013, which are set out below and discussed
relative to the proposal development site and wider study area. Landscape Character Value and
Sensitivity are assessed using the methodology described in Section 1.1.3 above.
1.5.1.2 Landscape Sensitivity Analysis
The landscape of the central study area has been greatly moulded and influenced by human activity,
and dominated by productive rural land uses for several centuries. The receiving landscape is that of
a productive rural setting of reasonable integrity, which contributes to the rural economy and amenity
of the surrounding population. The study area has been settled and farmed for the best part of a
millennium, which is reflective of its manageable terrain, fertile, free-draining soil and high sunshine
33
hours enjoyed by the county. Indeed, the much-modified, progressive land-based economy of the
application site is characteristic of most of the study area.
The site and its immediate surrounds is a landscape area with clear and well-defined transitions
between land uses, and with few uncultivated or underutilised areas. Less typical of most 10km-wide
areas across the County Wexford lowlands, there is an unusually high degree of designated
‘Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity’ within the vicinity: two within the study area and a third marginally
outside it. However, for the Carrigroe Hill and Boley Hill ‘Landscapes of Greater Sensitivity’, these are
wooded hilltops within the study area, whose landform and land use is not representative of the wider
study area. Indeed, sensitive designations are not typically shared throughout the study area, and, as
covered in Section 1.1.5.3, there is only one known NPWS designation in the study area: the Slaney
River Valley Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
While land use is dominated by agriculture, which has been subject to notable intensification over the
last century (e.g. with the patent removal of field boundaries), the landscape sensitivity of the study
area has also been influenced by settlements such as Camolin and Ballycanew, as well as a rail line,
and a well-traversed national road and motorway/motorway bypass. Although designated as being in
the ‘Lowlands’ of the county, which generally possesses low-lying vegetation/cut hedges that allow
long-distance visibility, much of the central study area has a robust degree of visual enclosure, as a
result of undulating farmland sporting mature, tree-lined hedgerows. In addition, Wexford County
Council has designated the general landscape unit, in which the site is located, as having “a higher
capacity to absorb development without causing significant visual intrusion”. This capacity is
reinforced by the fact the landscape within the study area has limited recreational value, with few
tangible perceptual aspects or associations outside that of centuries long, productive rural land uses.
The site itself is an intensively managed agricultural landscape with an integrity reflective of at least
the last century of intensification of agricultural production. Multiple field boundaries have been
removed to increase field sizes, resulting in a compromised landscape quality and condition. Neither
is the site a particularly unique or distinctive landscape, but more so one that tends to have strong,
perennial productive values rather than picturesque or naturalistic ones.
On the basis of the factors outlined above, it may be summarised that the study area is a varied and
fecund rural environment of relatively high integrity, settlement and use, which contributes to the
land-centred economy and amenity of the surrounding rural hinterland population. In general, the
central study area is a landscape with forceful productive landscape values rather than evidently
aesthetic or overtly ecological values. On balance of these reasons, the sensitivity of the receiving
landscape is deemed to be Medium-low, albeit those certain features of the study area
(aforementioned in Section 1.1.5.3 & 1.2.1.1) are acknowledged to have a higher degree of sensitivity.
1.5.1.3 Magnitude of Landscape Effects
In terms of physical landscape effects, the proposed development will not require any significant
excavation that would alter the landform of the site. While 4.93km of new access tracks will be
34
constructed to access and circulate through the site, these will be similar in nature to farm tracks that
can be found throughout this rural domain. To facilitate these new access tracks, 4,930m3 of soil will be
stripped and reused on-site as part of the proposed landscape mitigation measures. To facilitate these
access tracks in the site of the southern parcel, it is required to remove approx. 8m of existing
embankment and hedgerow, as well as the removal of two mature trees. The effect of this is a short
to medium term loss of vegetation and reduced degree of enclosure, but with little noticeable long-
term effect once mitigation planting establishes. The new access tracks will cross on-site watercourses
at two locations – one in each of the land parcels - via ‘dry construction agricultural bridges,’ which do
not require any works in the stream channel itself. Furthermore, the north and southern sections of
the arrays will be linked together by means of an underground AC cable trench.
The 25 no. inverters, built as part of the proposed development, are relatively minor and unobtrusive in
scale, as are the proposed battery storage module and associated equipment container, security fencing,
satellite pole and CCTV poles. There will be a much higher intensity of site activity during the construction
and decommissioning phases of the proposed development than during the operational phase. The
construction phase is likely to take in the order of 75 weeks to complete. Construction and
decommissioning-related effects are, therefore, brief in nature and will only result in short-term
landscape and visual impacts.
Construction activities will include:
• Movement of construction machinery on-site;
• Trucks travelling to and from the Application Site;
• Construction of solar/PV frame and foundation pads;
• Construction of substation;
• Road and site entrance building/upgrading;
• Construction and use of temporary site compound area;
• Vehicles, delivery of materials, equipment, and worker presence and activity;
• Any ground disturbances, dust, and emissions.
The duration of any physical landscape impacts will last only as long as the proposed development is in
place, which is proposed to be 35 years. Although these impacts may be classified as ‘long term’ (i.e. 15
to 60 years, as defined in the EPA’s EIS guidelines), within a short period of time following
decommissioning, with the exception of the proposed substation and associated ‘loop-in’ infrastructure,
there would be little evidence that the proposed development ever existed and the application site will
be returned to agricultural land use. Thus, the landscape impacts are ‘reversible’ except in the case of
the 110 kV substation and associated grid connection ‘loop-in’. The hedgerows within and around the
site, which will have been consolidated as part of the mitigation strategy, will remain as an enduring and
positive legacy of the solar energy development. In addition, approx. 1.555km of new proposed
hedgerows will remain on the site, although they are unlikely to notably impact the broader landscape
pattern of the central study area.
35
In relation to landscape character, the proposal seeks the introduction of a regular pattern of modern
utilitarian structures into a rural landscape by installing a series of technology structures in evenly spaced
rows. If viewed from a distance, these structures will read as a single uniform land use pattern.
Consequently, the change of land use within the site will contrast slightly in terms of form and function
with the current agricultural land use of some of the adjoining fields. The proposal, therefore, represents
an increase in the intensity of built development in the immediate landscape context, though the wider
study area is one that could be described as a relatively utilitarian landscape.
Though it is contained within the existing field pattern, the proposed development is clearly not related
to the predominant agricultural productivity of this area. In this respect, it represents an unfamiliar
feature in this landscape, which otherwise tends to be read as a pattern of more familiar rural landscape
features. Nonetheless, the proposed development will be read as simply an alternative and relatively
low-lying land use pattern (i.e. no taller than a mature maize crop). Furthermore, the presence of a native
woodland mix running along the western boundaries of the northern parcel, as well as a proposed
riparian enhancement zone running east-west through it, will also serve to strengthen the integrity of
the prevailing landscape pattern.
A 110kV substation is proposed for the southern boundary of the northern parcel, where it also avails
of existing and proposed screening and will not be conspicuous in the context of the overall
development. It will occupy an area of approximately 14,145m2, and its compound will include 18m-
high lightening masts, as well as busbars, line bays, grid and house transformers and two control
buildings that will be approx. 7.56m and 6.26m high, respectively. While the proposed lightening masts
will be 18m high, all other proposed structures/buildings within the site are less than 8m high. The
proposed substation is located approx. 500m southeast of an existing 110kV overhead line. It is proposed
to break this 110kV overhead line with the construction of two new c.21m-high overhead line/cable
interface towers sets, which will be of similar scale and character to the existing pylon sets within the
site and the central study area. An embankment planted with species rich meadow will be formed along
the eastern and northern sides of the substation to aid with visual screening and assimilation.
Once the solar farm has been decommissioned, only the proposed substation and associated grid
connection loop-in will remain as a noticeable legacy feature of the development. By such time,
mitigation screen planting will have been long established, greatly reducing visibility of this substation
building, if not entirely screening it from outside the site. It is, therefore, likely to have little impact upon
the landscape character of the site following decommissioning, and its likely return to agricultural use.
To put it a further way: the substation, in isolation to the solar parcel, will not appear out of context,
especially as will be in the vicinity of pre-existing pylons and overhead power lines.
In accordance with the above mitigation measures in Section 1.3, and in tandem with the proposed
Landscape Mitigation Plan, all but 8m of existing field boundaries within and around the site will be
retained. Furthermore, a 5m-wide, native woodland thicket is proposed for along the western
boundary of the northern parcel of the site, as well as a native riparian enhancement zone running
36
east-west through it – in addition to the existing field boundaries remaining at this location. Following
decommissioning, this native woodland thicket is likely to have a long-term or permanent effect of
marginally reducing field sizes along the western boundary of the northern parcel of the site, without
markedly impacting upon the prevailing field pattern of the site and central study area.
On the basis of the factors discussed above, it is considered that the magnitude of landscape impact is
Medium within the site and its immediate context (i.e. approx. 500m). Thereafter, the magnitude of
landscape impact is deemed to reduce to be Low and Negligible as the proposed development becomes
a progressively smaller component of the overall landscape fabric.
With reference to the significance matrix (Table 1- 3) above, the Medium-low landscape sensitivity
judgement attributed to the central study area, coupled with a Medium magnitude of landscape
impact in the immediate vicinity (<500m) of the proposed development, is considered to result in an
overall significance of no greater than Moderate-slight, with the rest of the 5km radius study area
likely to experience Slight and Imperceptible landscape impacts.
1.5.2 Visual Impact Assessment
1.5.2.1 Sensitivity of Visual Receptors
Table 1-6 Analysis of Visual Receptor Sensitivity at Viewshed Reference Points
Scale of value for each criterion
Strong association Moderate association Mild association Negligible association
Values associated with
the view
VP
1
VP
2
VP
3
VP
4
VP
5
VP
6
VP
7
VP
8
VP
9
VP
10
VP
11
VP
12
VP
13
VP
14
Susceptibility of viewers to changes in views
Recognised scenic value of the view
Views from within highly sensitive landscape areas
Primary views from residences
Intensity of use, popularity (number of viewers)
Viewer connection with the landscape
Provision of vast, elevated panoramic views
Sense of remoteness/ tranquillity at viewing location
37
Degree of perceived naturalness
Presence of striking or noteworthy features
Sense of Historical, cultural and / or spiritual significance
Rarity or uniqueness of the view
Integrity of the landscape character within the view
Sense of place at the viewing location
Sense of awe
Overall sensitivity assessment ML L ML ML ML M ML L L ML ML ML HM HM
N = Negligible; L = low sensitivity; ML = medium-low sensitivity M = medium sensitivity; HM = High-medium
sensitivity; H = high sensitivity; VH = very high sensitivity
1.5.1.4 Magnitude of Visual Effects
The assessment of visual impacts at each of the selected viewpoints is aided by photomontages of the
proposed development. Photomontages are a ‘photo-real’ depiction of the scheme within the view
utilising a rendered three-dimensional model of the development, which has been geo-referenced to
allow accurate placement and scale. For each viewpoint, the following images have been produced:
1. Existing View
2. Outline view (yellow outline showing the extent of the proposed development overlaid on
the photograph).
3. Montage View – New landscaping at commencement of Construction (Construction week 1)
4. Montage View – Established landscaping and solar farm (from construction week 58 onwards)
Note: Because mitigation screen planting will take place up to two growing seasons ahead of panel
placement, only the final image shows the panels in place at a time when mitigation planting has
already become established. Thus, the visual impact assessment does not include an appraisal of ‘pre-
mitigation impacts’ as these will not occur. Instead, the assessment only relates to post-mitigation
‘residual impacts’.
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP1 N11, north of site 1.3km S/SW
Representative of:
• Major routes;
• Local Community views
38
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View Until recently a busy arterial route, this relatively elevated location along the
N11 is approx. 3.7km northeast of the small village of Camolin. Along most
sections of this marginally elevated section of the N11, before it descends
towards Camolin, mature roadside vegetation mostly curtails views out of
over the surrounding countryside to the south/southwest. In this instance,
that roadside vegetation has been cleared to cater for a secured, fenced-off
compound in the adjacent field to the south of the road. Beyond a pastoral
field, a gently sloping agricultural basin is populated with rich, tree-lined field
boundaries and occasional residences/farm buildings. The recently opened
M11 bypass can be made out towards the left (i.e. north) of the depicted view,
while the wooded skyline of Carrigroe Hill and Boley Hill offer the most
compelling visual amenity on offer from this roadside location.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Over 1km south from here, the proposed northern parcel will occupy a
modest section of the low basin, and will be partially obscured by intervening
tall vegetation. The dark tone panels will be low-lying and ground-hugging,
while nestled within the prevailing field system, which has been augmented
by bolster planting to existing hedgerows and some sections of new
hedgerow planting. However, in this instance, the field in which most of the
panels will be visible is a large one, resulting in a modest show of visibility
from this comparatively elevated location. Relatively low inverter stations will
be centred in hubs throughout the proposed panels, although the proposed
substation will not be visible from this location. The two end masts proposed
to interrupt the existing 110kv OHL can just be discerned at the righthand side
of the solar array. The raised (i.e. on embankments, above the surrounding
terrain) and busy M11 motorway will align with sections of the northern
parcel’s eastern flank, and will also attract some attention from this location.
For the southern parcel, located almost 3km from this location, little can be
discerned, other than a faint and inconspicuous altering of tone in the land
use. Owing to the distance from the site, its general tonal absorption within
this multifarious landscape pattern, the more visually appealing
hilltop/ridgeline in the distance and the busy milieu in the foreground and
along the raised M11 bypass, the proposed development is deemed to have
a co-dominant to sub-dominant visual presence.
In terms of aesthetics, the proposed development will mark a clear increase
in the scale and intensity of built development in the scene, within the rolling
farmland context to the south/southwest, as well as the diversification of
rural land cover. Although the proposed panels will be a noticeable element
in this scene, their relatively low height, ground hugging form and distance
from this location will warrant that they will not be spatially dominant in this
scene. Rather, they will accentuate the landform and be coherent in their
39
layout between existing field boundaries, helping to visually ‘anchor’ the
proposed development within the landscape fabric of the central study area.
Although they maintain a broad lateral extent in the base of this gentle valley,
the proposed panels will have limited material bearing on the visual amenity of
the scene.
On balance of these factors, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be
Medium-low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Medium-low Slight
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP2 Eastern outskirts of Camolin village 1.5km E/SE
Representative of:
• Centres of Population;
• Major Routes;
• Local Community Views.
Receptor Sensitivity Low
Existing View Located where the N11 enters, from the east/north, the small village of
Camolin, this location is beside one large petrol station, and opposite another.
The view east/southeast is one in which pastoral fields, demarcated by
mature, tree-laden hedgerows, dominate across low, rolling countryside. To
the southeast (i.e. right) of the scene, the wooded skyline of Carrigroe Hill can
be made out in the distance.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Owing to intervening vegetation over the course of 1.5km, no aspect or
element of the proposed solar array will be visible from this location.
However, the two end masts that are required for the loop-in to the proposed
substation from the existing 110kV OHL are discernible on the skyline ridge.
These are seen as distant and relatively small scale features at this distance
and in the context of the existing OHL. Thus will have no material effect on
visual amenity at this location and thus, the magnitude of visual impact is
deemed to be Negligible.
40
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Low Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP3 Residences near Kehoe Brothers Machinery Ltd on
local road north of site 200m S/SW/SE
Representative of:
Local Community Views
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View In terms of context, for a distance of over 1km, a local/third class road winds
less than 250m north of the northern boundary of the northern parcel. The
road, from which this location is recorded, is also marginally elevated above
the terrain of the northern parcel, and is home to at least 18 separate
residences directly north of the site, most of which appear to have been
constructed in the last quarter-century.
In this scene, one such residence south of the road has relatively elevated,
rear views out over the site of the northern parcel. While the dwelling and its
garden dominate the foreground, the rolling pastoral terrain of the site of the
northern parcel can also be seen behind it. Also visible are a large agricultural
building at the centre of the scene, and a pylon towards the left (i.e. east) and
its attendant overhead lines (OHL). Further to the southeast, the wooded
skyline along Boley Hill can also be made out behind a couple of garden trees
in the foreground.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Located 146m from the foreground dwelling to the nearest panel (thereby
making it the closest dwelling to the proposed panels in either parcel), the
most northern sections of the proposed panels within the northern parcel will
be substantially visible from this location, albeit through a light filter of
foreground trees and above and between sections of proposed hedgerow
that will be planted up to two growing seasons ahead of panel placement. The
scheme ‘outline’ image also indicates that the two proposed end masts, which
will interrupt the existing 110kV OHL will also be visible above the nearest
ridge from the foreground dwelling, whereas the dwelling itself screens views
41
from this photomontage location. The closest panels will be less visible than
those beyond the overhead line wayleave because they occupy lower ground
that is more screened by the vegetated railway embankment and proposed
riparian planting. The panels beyond the OHL wayleave will present as a
relatively condensed horizontal band across the fore-to-middle ground.
However, the panels are just one of a number of textures, land uses and built
structures visible within this broad view across a productive rural context.
Consequentially, the proposed development is considered to have a co-
dominant visual presence within the overall vista.
Seen from this marginally elevated location, the proposed panels read as a
single form of land cover that read true to the contours of the land. Although
clearly not any form of agricultural or horticultural land use, they are largely
contained within existing and new / enhanced field boundaries. These
technological structures represent a noticeable increase in built intensity
within this already intensively managed landscape. The proposed end masts
also add slightly to the intensity of electrical infrastructure, but in the middle
distance and on the existing alignment of the OHL and its support structures.
Nonetheless, the panels represent a relatively modest horizontal strip of the
overall broader vista, and though the panels and end masts intrude on the
vista they will not obstruct or foreshorten the view or materially alter the
character of this working rural scene.
Overall, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Medium.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Medium Moderate slight
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP4 Residences at Ballyclogh townland on local road north
of site 229m S/SW
Representative of:
Local Community Views
42
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View In terms of context of this location, for a distance of over 1km, a local/third
class road runs within 250m north of the northern boundary of the northern
parcel. This road is also marginally elevated above the terrain of the northern
parcel, and is home to at least 18 separate residences directly north of the
site, most of which appear to have been constructed in the last quarter-
century. In addition, the Dublin-Wexford rail line runs between this road and
the northern parcel.
One such dwelling and its garden sit at the centre of this view, which are
moderately elevated above the site of the northern parcel. The garden hedge
marking the western boundary of the property is cut/maintained, allowing for
a partial, horizontal sliver of the site of the northern parcel to be viewed from
the roadside. Between the roadside pasture and the site of the northern
parcel runs the scarcely visible Dublin-Wexford rail line. Beyond the pastoral
fields, the wooded profile of Carrigroe Hill marks the distant skyline, and the
central visual amenity on offer here.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
The proposed panels in the northern parcel will appear as a broad horizontal
band, with the tops of a handful of inverter stations rising just above them,
around 200m from this location (please note: the foreground dwelling is
located 188m from the nearest panel). The panel array will be a distinctive
constructed feature of the southward view and will be a marked change from
the current pastoral land cover. However, in the context of the broad views
across this agricultural basin the visual presence is deemed to be co-
dominant.
Aesthetically, while the proposed development represents a notable increase
in the scale and extent of built development within this vista, it is not one in
which the inherent visual amenity of the scene will be markedly affected.
Crucially, views of the distant and highly scenic Carrigroe Hill will remain
unaffected as the panel array will not obstruct or foreshorten views across
this landscape. The proposed panels’ muted, darker tones will help them
visually recede into the lower middle ground field pattern, which has been
supplemented with proposed additional planting. Furthermore, the relative
uniformity and ground hugging nature of the array will present as an alternative
form of productive land cover.
The magnitude of visual impact, therefore, is deemed to be Medium.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
43
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Medium Moderate
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP5 Local road northeast of northern parcel 453m SW
Representative of:
Local Community Views
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View This third class road northeast of the site of the northern parcel is bridged
nearby by the recently opened M11 bypass motorway, which also bridges the
Dublin-Wexford rail line approx. 200m away. While there are no residences
located along this section of the local road, views south and east from here
are curtailed by the raised motorway.
Between this road and the rail line, a sloping pastoral field occupies the
foreground, following which views into the site of the northern parcel can be
attained. This takes the form of a large, gently sloping pasture that appears to
terminate in the west near large agricultural buildings, and in the east by the
new motorway bypass. The view is fragmented somewhat by mature, tree-
lined field boundaries, as the wooded profile of Carrigroe Hill marks the
distant skyline to the southwest.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Beyond the foreground field and barely discernible rail line, the proposed
panels within the northern parcel are partially visible around 450m away. The
two loop-in end masts are also visible above the skyline beyond the righthand
side of the panels on the same alignment as the existing 110kV OHL. The
panels present as a distinctive, albeit uniform landcover with a ‘built’ texture
that contrasts somewhat against the surrounding field and hedgerows.
Nonetheless, much of the site is screened by a combination of existing and
proposed intervening vegetation, and the panel array will only occupy a
modest portion of the broader landscape vista. In addition, as the panels are
set well below the skyline, they are absorbed within the lower middle ground
context of the vista, unlike the large, muscular embankment of the M11 bypass
and it busy arterial traffic. On balance of these factors, the proposed
development is considered to have a sub-dominant visual presence.
44
The advanced mitigation planting will help to ‘anchor’ the proposed
development into the prevailing field patterns of the central study area. The
bolstered hedgerow along the eastern boundary of the northern parcel will be
allowed to ‘grow out’ to 6m high, thereby curtailing potential views of some the
proposed panels. However, this screening is partially tempered by this
marginally elevated viewpoint (i.e. in relation to the site), resulting in the
proposed mitigation measures having less impact in reducing the extent to
which the proposed panels will be visible than might otherwise be the case.
The proposed development is likely to prove aesthetically compatible with the
deeper tones of the vegetation in the field boundaries around it, though the
linear layout of the rows will still lend an engineered imprint upon this
agricultural landscape. Nonetheless, the scheme does not block or intrude on
any important aspect of the view, and is broadly compatible in scale and
function with adjacent land uses in the central study area.
On balance, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Low Slight
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP6 Church grounds at Balloughter settlement, east of
northern parcel 788m W/SW
Representative of:
Local Community Views;
Amenity & heritage feature.
Receptor Sensitivity Medium
Existing View The context of this viewpoint is that of the grounds of Balloughter Church and
graveyard. Balloughter is a very small settlement of less than 10 dwellings,
with a school and adjacent church/graveyard. This view is taken from behind
the church, at the church grounds’ northern boundary wall. Owing to a thick
and tall layer of vegetation that mostly aligns this boundary, this view
represents the most open view in the direction of the site, and from a location
45
within the church grounds that is unlikely to be frequently visited by the
public.
In this scene, a relatively flat pastoral field anchors the foreground, over which
an electricity line runs, supported by wooden utility poles. The field boundary
on the northern side of this field obscure most views in the direction of the
site, and beyond. In places, the alignment of the M11 bypass motorway can
be discerned, as can distant wind energy turbines on the far-off skyline.
Otherwise, a patchwork of pasture and tillage is visible sweeping across this
low-lying, yet undulating basin.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Owing to intervening vegetation, no aspect or element of the proposed
development will be visible from this location.
Thus, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Negligible.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP7 M11 bypass near its bridging of the Dublin-Rosslare
rail line 274m W/SW
Representative of:
Major Routes
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View From the western roadside of the recently opened M11 bypass, this relatively
elevated view over a roadside crash barrier reveals a field of tillage lower
down that tends to anchor the field of vision; a field bound on its western end
by a mature field boundary with an irregular and inconsistent spacing of
mature trees. Beyond this boundary, gently sloping pastoral fields, which are
within the site of the northern parcel, ascend towards a large agricultural
building and a hedgerowed skyline. This field is traversed by twin sets of utility
poles transporting an 110kV power line, on the north end of which a pylon
can be discerned. Part of Carrigroe Hill can be seen above the motorway (to
46
the southwest i.e. left); while to the northwest more distant hills within Co.
Wexford can be discerned.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Beyond the comparatively lower foreground field of tillage, in a gently sloping
field around 270m away, the dark form of the proposed panels will appear to
knit with mature field boundaries. From this marginally elevated viewpoint to
the northeast, the proposed development takes the form of a dark horizontal
band of ground hugging structures set below surrounding field boundaries
and multiple utility poles supporting the 110kV power line, within which the
two proposed loop-in end masts will also be visible. It is proposed to erect
temporary agricultural wind stop netting on the security fence at the
boundary of this section of the site, which assists in marginally curtailing views
of the site from commencement of construction. In addition, a relatively
modest-sized building proposed for the substation will be visible between
tress to the south of the array, as will the tops of proposed inverter stations
among the panel parcel. Though slightly oblique to the direction of travel
towards Carrigroe Hill, the proposed solar parcel is a noticeable and
distinctive feature of the lower middle ground landscape to the west. In the
context of the broad panorama on offer, the visible presence is deemed to be
sub-dominant.
Advanced stage mitigation planting will see the field boundary to the east of
the northern parcel bolstered and ‘grown out’ up to 6m height, while the
proposed panels to their west will have a new native hedgerow aligning their
western extent. This will have the effect of lowering the visual presence of the
proposed development, while serving to further ‘embed’ it within a more
recognisable field pattern.
Tonally, the proposed development is marginally at odds with the
surrounding landscape, in that the panels do not fit the green or gold hues
present in this agricultural scene. However, from this location their tone is
more compatible with the M11 itself. In addition, the proposed development
will be well contained and compatible with the landscape character of the
central study area, while the land-hugging profile follows the landform
beneath. Furthermore, views of the proposed development will, in the most
part, be solely the remit of car/vehicle users travelling at high speeds along
the motorway, for which the partial view of the parcel will be fleeting.
On balance, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
47
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Low Slight
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP8 M11 bypass adjacent to northern parcel 33m N/NW
Representative of:
Major Routes
Receptor Sensitivity Low
Existing View From the western roadside of the recently opened M11 bypass, above the
foreground crash barrier, a post & rail fenceline demarcates the eastern
boundary of the northern parcel of the site. Two relatively large, marginally
sloping fields occupy the lion’s share of the scene, beyond which mature,
medium-height hedgerows delineate the edge of each field. To the
northwest, low rolling hills are visible, while to the west the low basin profile
of this site is more apparent within this straightforward, uncomplicated
scene. Less evident is a twin set of utility poles upon the distant skyline, as
well as similarly distanced farm buildings. The presence of a large busy
motorway in the direct vicinity of this scene, and the arterial typography it
invokes (e.g. hard shoulders, crash barriers, large earthworks etc.) does little
to invoke a sense of rural amenity or tranquillity in this locale.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
It is proposed to erect temporary agricultural wind stop netting on the
security fence at the boundary of this section of the site, which lies adjacent
to the motorway and curtails most views into the site from this roadside
location. It is also proposed to plant a new hedgerow consisting of both whips
and advanced nursery stock along this fence line, up to two growing seasons
ahead of the solar panel construction. This is to prevent glint and glare effects,
as well as reduce visual effects until mitigation planting has become fully
established. These screening elements will serve to mask the solar panels
from view, resulting in the main visual impact being a foreshortening of
westerly views beyond the motorway. Such views are not extensive and
afford limited visual amenity in any event.
Overall, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low-negligible at
both early stage planting (with wind stop netting) and once planting has
become established.
48
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Low-negligible Slight-imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP9 Bridge over M11 bypass at Ballyeden townland 349m N/NW/W/SW
Representative of:
Local Community View
Receptor Sensitivity Low
Existing View This view is from a recently constructed bridge across the new M11-bypass.
Prior to the construction of the bypass, this bridge simply took the form of a
local third class road. Owing to the excavations required for the bypass, this
location looks down across the embanked, channelled motorway to each side.
From this location, the scale of the motorway and its embankments are
spatially dominant. To the northwest (i.e. straight ahead along this bridge),
more distant views are curtailed by mature trees, whereas little else can be
discerned to the southwest, other than the distant motorway cutting heading
towards Wexford town, with a thin sliver of farmland visible along the skyline
above it. To the north and northeast, the site of the northern parcel, which
contains pastoral fields and a large agricultural building, can be made out
between trees, set within a low, rolling basin, with more pastoral hills
ascending further beyond, along which the M11 bypass further traverses.
What little visual amenity this scene offers is gifted by the low and very distant
rolling hills.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Set within the existing field pattern in the low basin more than 300m away,
isolated parcels of a sky-toned, ground-hugging solar panels will be made out
to the northwest, along with some of the taller structures within the proposed
substation. This represents only a modest portion of the northern parcel of
the scheme, which will also be partially screened by surrounding and
intervening land form and field boundaries. These field boundary hedgerows
will also be bolstered by advanced stage mitigation planting. To the
southwest, the potential view of a minutely thin sliver of the proposed panels
49
– approx. 700m away – will be screened by early stage mitigation planting to
bolster the site perimeter hedgerow. In light of such a partial and fractured
view of the proposed development, and in the context of a busy foreground
road corridor that will dominate the senses, the visual presence is deemed to
be sub-dominant.
The proposed solar farm will be seen to a limited and piecemeal degree from
here, with only modest and uneven portions of the northern parcel visible due
to terrain and existing / proposed vegetation screening. Consequently, the
sections of panel array are well absorbed within this complex landcover
pattern. The proposed solar farm and associated substation marginally
increase the intensity of built development within the low basin visible within
this vista, but in the context of this wide, muscular, arterial setting, this has
little consequence for visual amenity.
Overall, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Low Low Slight-imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP10 Site entrance off local road, to northern parcel 48m E/NE
Representative of:
Local community Views
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View At a sharp turn on a third class road, the entrance to the site of the proposed
development takes centre stage. This appears to be a relatively recently
constructed farm access track through the foreground field, enclosed in a post
& wire fence. The land cover of the foreground scene, in that context, appears
highly modified and reminiscent of intensive dairy farming. To either side of
the access track, a relatively flat pasture terminates in tree-spotted
hedgerows, largely curtailing more distant views of low hills. There is very
limited inherent visual amenity within this vista, which strikes the passer-by
50
as a much-altered landscape, owing to the removal of roadside hedgerows
and a vehicular track cutting through the foreground field.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
As with the roadside treatment at VP8, it is proposed to erect temporary
agricultural wind stop netting on the security fence at the boundary of this
section of the site. It is also proposed to plant a native thicket, consisting of
both whips and advanced nursery stock, between this fence line and the
existing field boundary to the west, two growing seasons ahead of the solar
panel installation. As a result, the only view of the solar parcel will be a brief
and channelled one along the site access road. The pre-existing view will be
foreshortened, but with little impact on visual amenity, as it is a relatively
contained and unremarkable view across a flat field.
For these reasons, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low
negligible.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Low negligible Slight imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP11 Field entrance at local road, north of southern parcel 391m SE
Representative of:
Local Community Views
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View From a third class road north of the site of the southern parcel, a roadside
field entrance allows for the most open views, from this road, to the
southeast. Views from this section of the road are almost exclusively curtailed
by a large roadside hedgerow, resulting in this relatively enclosed view over
this field entrance allowing for views of a large, slightly sloping pasture.
Beyond this field, the low agricultural basin undulates up towards the wooded
slopes of Carrigroe Hill.
Visual Impact
(Established
At the far end of the pastoral field in the foreground, advanced stage
mitigation planting to bolster the existing hedgerow will prevent a view of the
51
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
proposed solar array. As a result, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed
to be Negligible.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Negligible Imperceptible
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP12 Local road southwest of southern parcel 1.4km NE
Representative of:
Local Community Views
Receptor Sensitivity Medium-low
Existing View The context of this view is that of a quiet third class road that runs approx.
1.5km west of the site of the southern parcel. Although marginally elevated
above the site, there are very limited opportunities from the public sphere,
for views in the direction of the site. A clearing in the roadside hedgerow
allows for views to the northeast. There, the low agricultural basin slopes to
reveal the rich extent of mature field boundaries across the countryside, as
the dark vegetation stacked across the multiple hedgerows visually absorbs
multiple sets of twin utility poles supporting an 110kV overhead line. Aside
from the patent energy infrastructure, the scene generates a typically
traditional pastoral aesthetic.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
At 1.4km distance, the proposed panels of the southern parcel will appear to
be ‘split’ into two separate sections by the aforementioned utility
poles/overhead lines. From this marginally elevated viewpoint the panels and
several barely discernible inverter stations will appear to occupy two large
fields in the heart of the low agricultural basin. Set partially behind mature
trees in field boundaries to their southwest, the proposed panels will be a
noticeable variation to the otherwise typical rural land cover pattern. Early
stage mitigation planting serves to ‘bed’ the solar array into the field pattern.
The solar panels will still tend to draw the eye, but in the context of a broad
and richly textured area of rural landscape. Overall, the visual presence of the
development is deemed to be sub-dominant.
52
The proposed panels will represent an increase in the scale and intensity of
built development within this gently undulating farmland context, as well as
the diversification of rural land cover. Nonetheless, there is a strong thematic
relationship between the high voltage line that passes over the viewer’s head
and splits the site further downslope. This is also true to a lesser extent of the
visual relationship between the solar array and the wider productive rural
landscape.
For the reasons outlined above, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to
be Low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance Medium-low Low Slight
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP13 Elevated local road aligning Carrigroe Hill 1.1km N
Representative of:
• Amenity/heritage feature
• Local Community Views
Receptor Sensitivity High-medium
Existing View The context of this view is that of a hillside third class road aligning the
Carrigroe Hill ‘Landscape of Greater Sensitivity.’ As noted in Section 1.1.5.2 of
this report, although there are no designated scenic routes or views in the
Wexford County Development Plan, hills and ridges designated as ‘landscapes
of greater sensitivity’ are noted for their ‘views across the surrounding
landscape.’
There are numerous residences located along this road, which tend to enjoy
northerly views out over a low agricultural basin in which the site of the
proposed development is located. Within that basin, a strong pastoral
patchwork is evident, as well as a scattering of dwellings, large agricultural
farm buildings and the recently constructed M11 bypass. The number of
mature trees and hedgerows along field boundaries in the central study area
53
provides a relatively high degree of screening of existing land uses. Further
afield, the hills of north and west Wexford silhouette the skyline.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Set within the patchwork of fields and field boundaries, where partially
visible, the proposed panels will look like a contained, low-lying and sky-toned
land cover nestled within the heart of this gently sloping basin. Located over
1km away, the proposed southern parcel will be the closer and more apparent
of the two proposed parcels. Its sloping site, in tandem with this elevated
viewpoint, will allow for a greater degree of visibility into the site. The less-
sloping terrain of the northern parcel, however, combined with a distance of
more than 2km from this location, will mean that both screening (by mature
trees to its immediate south/southwest) and broader visual absorption of the
scheme into the wider landscape pattern will result in this parcel being
considerably less noticeable than the southern parcel, even though the faint
outline of the proposed substation will be partially made out in the northern
parcel. Proposed mitigation planting to bolster and supplement the existing
hedgerow network within and around the site serves to integrate the solar
array within the field pattern, albeit with little screening effect from this
elevated viewpoint. Whilst the northern parcel is barely discernible, the
distinctive tone and texture of the southern parcel within the agricultural
basin will draw some attention, albeit in the context of a vast and richly
diverse rural scene. Thus, the visual presence of the development is deemed
to be sub-dominant.
While the proposed development will mark a clear change of land use and
escalation of built intensity, it is accompanied by a large, busy motorway
development within the immediate vicinity of both parcels. While the
proposed development will not impede upon any important aspect of the
view, it will slightly reduce the visual amenity of this location, which has been
largely informed by an agricultural aesthetic. This proposed development will
broadly assimilate into its wider landscape setting, in terms of form (i.e.
ground-hugging and low-lying), function (i.e. another progressive rural land
use within the central study area) and scale (i.e. set within the pre-existing
field boundary systems, while not appearing to be ‘massed’ or at any point
visually prominent).
Overall, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significant High-medium Low Moderate-slight
54
Viewshed Reference Point Viewing distance to
nearest parcel
Direction of
View
VP14 Elevated local road aligning Boley Hill 2.1km NW
Representative of:
Amenity and/or heritage features;
Local community Views.
Receptor Sensitivity High-medium
Existing View The context of this view is that from a marginally-elevated third class road
aligning the Boley Hill ‘Landscape of Greater Sensitivity.’ As noted in Section
1.1.5.2 of this report, although there are no designated scenic routes or views
in the Wexford County Development Plan, hills and ridges designated as
‘landscapes of greater sensitivity’ are noted for their ‘views across the
surrounding landscape.’
Above/through a roadside field entrance, a large pastoral field gives way to a
wide, fertile-looking agricultural basin, with a high amount of tall trees
embedded within field boundaries. This gives rise to a relatively high degree
of screening and visual absorption of land use within the central study area.
Concurrent with this bucolic scene is the presence of a small housing
development between the site of the two proposed parcels, a tight linear
cluster of housing just north of the site of the northern parcel, and the faint
outline of the M11-bypass. In this regard, most of visual amenity from this
location emanates from the nearest kilometre, offset by the distant rolling
hills of northwest Wexford, including the prominent hilltop of Sliabh Bhui,
adjacent to which, can be seen several wind turbines.
Visual Impact
(Established
Landscaping and
Solar Farm
Montage)
Located over 2km away, the proposed northern parcel, substation and loop-
in end masts will be discernible, but not prominent from this location, while
the southern parcel will not be visible. In both instances, this will be primarily
owing to the distance from this location to the site, in combination with
intervening tall vegetation that partially screens and partially visually absorbs
the development. Mitigation planting to bolster and supplement existing
hedgerows within and around the site will also aid visual absorption. The
proposed development is just one modest scale, distant and well-absorbed
element within a wider, competing landscape. From those segments of the
northern parcel that will be partially visible, it will appear as low, ground-
hugging, tonally assimilated land use that is neither prominent nor
55
incongruous. Consequently, it is deemed that is visual presence is in the
regions of subdominant-minimal.
From what will be able to be discerned from this distance, the form, scale and
appearance of the proposed development will be well absorbed into its
receiving landscape pattern. While it will register an increase in built
development in the scene, it is a distant, low-lying feature that is not at odds
with this progressive rural domain. Crucially, it will be a development that is
unlikely to materially detract from the visual amenity of the scene, which
relates to its broad context and rich texture.
On balance, the magnitude of visual impact is deemed to be Low-negligible.
Summary Based on the assessment criteria and matrices outlined at Section 1.1.3, the
significance of residual visual impact is summarised below.
Visual Receptor
Sensitivity
Visual Impact Magnitude Significance of Visual
Impact
Significance High-medium Low-negligible Slight
1.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACT
There are no existing solar farms within the county, and no known proposed or permitted solar farms
within the 5km study area. Therefore, it is not considered that any significant cumulative effects will
arise from the proposed Tullabeg Solar Farm in-combination with any other proposed or permitted
solar farms within the study area. However, in combination with the recently completed section of the
M11 motorway to the east of the site, there is noticeable increase in the intensity of non-agricultural
constructed development within the central study area.
1.7 CONCLUSION
In terms of landscape impacts, the proposed development is considered to have a relatively minor
physical impact on the application site, as it is consolidated within the existing hedgerow network and
will not require significant excavation works to construct the solar panels or access and maintenance
tracks. These impacts will be considerably softened by the proposed landscape and visual mitigation
measures as well as the associated biodiversity enhancement measures stated in Section 1.3. These
measures will also permanently progress the inherent landscape values associated with the site
following decommissioning, when the proposed development will be removed and the site returned
to its former state, with the exception of the substation and its associated grid connection loop-in
remaining.
56
There will, however, be noticeable impacts on landscape character due to the introduction of a new
and relatively intense form of built development within this rural landscape. Nonetheless, being no
taller than a ripe crop of maize, the proposed solar panels are not a tall or bulky form of development
and will faithfully mirror the gentle slopes and undulations of the existing landform and the parcels
will be knitted into the established field pattern.
The productive values of this rural site outweigh any vulnerable scenic or naturalistic ones.
Furthermore, the landscape of the site must also be taken in context of the wider study area, where
the culture of an innovative land-based economy of relatively high integrity and intensity is well
established. While the proposed development may modify the ‘landscape fabric’ of the area, it will not
distinctly affect the extant landscape pattern, and will not markedly contrast with the study area’s
prominent rural landscape character. Furthermore, it will not contrast thematically with this
productive rural area and for these reasons, the proposed development is considered to result in an
overall landscape impact significance of no greater than Moderate-slight within the immediate context
of the site (i.e. <500m). The remainder of the 5km radius study area likely to experience Slight and
Imperceptible landscape impacts.
The visual impacts of the proposed development were assessed across 14 different representative
viewpoints from a wide range of angles, elevations and distances within the study area.
Mitigation planting to bolster and supplement existing hedgerows and treelines within and around the
site is proposed to be implemented up to two growing seasons ahead of panel placement, hence the
visual impact assessment only relates to residual impacts with mitigation already established. In terms
of these residual visual impacts, of the 14 viewpoints assessed, there are only three that are
considered to have an impact significance of greater than ‘Slight’. These include VP4 (Moderate) and
VP3 and VP13 (both Moderate-slight). In the case of VP3 and VP4, which are from a slightly elevated
local road to the north of the site, visual effects relate to relatively close and broad views of the
northern portion of the panel parcel, albeit in a relatively condensed horizontal band occupying lower
middle ground fields to the south. Whilst clearly apparent and adding to the intensity and diversity of
development within these views, the solar array does not impede or foreshorten the views across the
lowland basin towards Carrigroe Hill. The higher significance at VP4 relates to the lesser effectiveness
of mitigation screen planting at this location. VP13 affords elevated views from further afield and from
the opposite direction to VP3 and VP4 and although the magnitude of impact is ‘Low’, the sensitivity
of this viewpoint (within a designated ‘Landscape of Greater Sensitivity) is higher.
In summary, the proposed development is characterised by a residual visual impact significance that is
at the lower end of the spectrum in the case of the majority of the multiple selected viewpoints, with
the remaining viewpoints bearing mid to low-level residual visual impact significance.
57
1.7.1 Overall Significance of Impact
Based on the landscape and visual impact judgements provided throughout this LVIA, the proposed
Tullabeg Solar Farm is not considered to give rise to any significant residual impacts. Instead, the
proposed development is physically well assimilated within the prevailing landscape pattern and
thematically well assimilated in this productive rural basin.