Landscape, Visual and Cumulative Impact

• Overview & Location
• Site Selection
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Ecology and Ornithology
• Landscape, Visual and Cumulative Impact
• Community Engagement
• Post Event Questionnaire

The landscape and visual impact assessment considered the effect the proposed wind cluster would have upon the landscape and the people who view that landscape. The viewpoints considered were based on consultations with Angus Council and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). The assessment involved a desk study, field survey and computer modelling and was carried out using the most up to date guidance from SNH and an extensive list of guidance material available. A number of the key figures for this part of the assessment are on display today.

In terms of landscape, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) identified there were no significant direct effects on the immediate landscape. There were no significant indirect effects found on any of the surrounding areas of landscape character or designated landscapes. The visual impact of the wind cluster was assessed from 17 viewpoints agreed with Angus Council and SNH. A selection of the key viewpoints can be seen on display today. A cumulative visual impact of the proposed wind cluster with other developments within 60km was assessed from all viewpoints and the impact was considered negligible.

Noise

Cumulative impact in the form of noise can have an effect on the environment and on the quality of life enjoyed by individuals and communities – therefore, it is a material consideration in deciding planning applications. Noise impacts can arise from three distinct areas of the wind farm development:-

• The construction of the wind farm
• During operation of the wind farm
• Resulting from increased traffic flow during the construction and operation stages

As recommended by Angus Council's Environmental Health Department, background noise monitoring was carried out at three locations, including an area that covered occupied properties close to the proposed site. These were at Finavon House, Shepherds Seat and Howmuir. These locations were visited with the Environmental Health Office (EHO) to establish noise monitoring positions that would not be adversely affected by extraneous sources of noise, such as running water.

Noise constraints, in line with the ETSU - R97 Guidelines, have been established for the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the proposed Hill of Finavon. The proposed wind cluster is being designed to meet these constraints and on this basis, noise from the turbines is not expected to have an unacceptable or adverse impact on any nearby properties.

Cultural Heritage and Archaelogy

The proposed development area was the subject of on-site and desk based studies to identify features of cultural heritage and archaeological interest that could potentially be impacted upon by the development. The proposed turbine locations, access routes and other aspects of the wind farm avoid locations of known features and so, no direct impact has been identified. A number of hill forts that are designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments are situated in Angus. The closest to the proposed wind cluster is Hill of Finavon fort at 1.5km to the eastnorth- east of the closest turbine. From this location the full extent of the turbines in their linear layout will not be visible.

Hydrology & Hydrogeology

An assessment has been carried out of the likely impact of the proposed development on water quality, resources and flooding. The assessment found that with appropriate mitigation measures, the wind cluster would have no adverse impact on the watercourses, soils or geology of the site.

Existing Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Television, Aviation and Electromagnetic Safety

By their nature, operational wind turbines have the potential for interfering with communications networks that utilise electromagnetic signals, civil aviation radars, safeguarding radars and other types of infrastructure.

Organisations with interests in telecommunications, television, aviation and defence were consulted to establish potential interference from the proposed wind turbines. Consultation undertaken to date indicates that there will not be any impact on aviation radars. Also, no serious issues regarding public service telecommunication users are expected if the proposal is consented.

Potential television reception problems are difficult to predict and identify, but developers rectify any problems as part of the planning agreement for their wind farm application. With the national programme of digital switch over currently ongoing, no significant impact on TV reception is expected.

Shadow Flicker

In line with Scottish Government guidance, a shadow flicker assessment was carried out. This monitors the shadow flicker of the turbines by several considerations: the position of the sun at a given date and time, the size and orientation of the windows of a property that may be affected and the size of the turbine(s) that may cast the shadows. Within the site area, only two residential premises were identified as having potential for shadow flicker.