Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
character. Where the landscape baseline has already been developed to varying degrees or,
the presence of visual detractors is significant, this distance threshold may be less. The same
determining factors apply to the creation of a ‘wind farm landscape sub-type’, which may
occur up to 2 km from the proposed wind farm. The mechanics of how and when these wind
farm types and sub-types are formed, is explained at Appendix 9.4 with the aid of diagrams.
Climate and Weather Conditions
9.2.74 In addition to the physical features of the landscape, climate and weather conditions affect
perception and experience of the landscape. Changes in perception affect people’s
responses to the landscape and may influence the perceived effect of the proposal.
9.2.75 The main climatic influences are exposure, sunshine, precipitation and day length. Generally,
Scotland is fairly cloudy, due to the frequency of low-pressure systems from the Atlantic
Ocean. In addition, day length varies with the seasons. Precipitation (rainfall and snowfall) in
Scotland is very variable and is determined by topography and geographic location. The area
with the highest precipitation is the Western Highlands, and the driest area is the east coast.
The proposed wind farm site and study area has significantly more cloudy days and annual
rainfall than areas at lower elevation to the east of the country.
9.2.76 Views from a number of peaks within the study area are influenced by the weather
conditions. These influence the number of clear days when views can be experienced.
9.2.77 Scotland can also have periods of excellent visibility, as the greater part of the country is
remote from the more industrial and populous areas of Great Britain and mainland Europe,
free from air pollutants. These conditions however, are generally experienced for a limited
time, due to the prevailing climatic influences across the north. Notwithstanding this, whilst
not necessarily typical of the prevailing climatic conditions associated with the site and
surroundings, the assessment of effects of the proposed wind farm is based on a “worst
case” scenario of excellent visibility experienced during clear atmospheric conditions and
bright or sunny weather. The valency issue noted above, is clearly relevant to this aspect.
9.3 Baseline Information
Description of the Site and Surrounding Area
Introduction
9.3.1 A detailed landscape and visual resources assessment has been undertaken for a local zone
of 2 km radius from the site boundary within the wider 35 km radius study area. This has
allowed all visual receptors to be identified and the baseline conditions and potential effects
to be established in the immediate vicinity of the proposals, where significant effects may be
more likely to occur.
Overview of the Proposal Site
9.3.2 The proposal site lies within the relatively flat landscape that lies at the base of the northern
side of the Pentland Hills. This area of lowland is crossed by many rivers and watercourses
which flow into the Firth of Forth. The valley of the Crosswood Burn cuts through the gently
shelving landform of the site. The lowest point within the site is where the burn flows under
the A70 in the south at approximately 241 m AOD. The land rises to the east to
approximately 280 m AOD at the A70 and to the west to approximately 289 m AOD at
Camilty Hill. To the south east, the smooth and open profiles of the Pentland Hills rise up to
March 2013 9-17 ES Chapter 9
Landscape and Visual
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2013 ©