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environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ... environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

epa.ie
28.12.2012 Views

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS 11 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT 11.1 INTRODUCTION This report examines the visual impact of a proposed extension to a composting facility at Ballynalurgan, Kilmainhamwood, Co Meath. The assessment includes a map to indicate the location of potential views of the proposal, as well as photosheets to illustrate these views. Key measures to ameliorate the identified visual impacts and aid the integration of the building into the existing environment are proposed. 11.1.1 Definition of Visual Impacts Terminology used in the assessment of impacts is defined as follows: The quality of the Impact may be described as: • Neutral – A neutral impact will neither enhance nor detract from the landscape character or viewpoint. • Positive – A positive impact will improve or enhance the landscape character or viewpoint. • Negative – A negative impact will reduce or have an adverse effect on the existing landscape character or viewpoint. The Duration of Impacts is defined as follows: • Temporary Impacts lasting one year or less • Short Term Impacts lasting one to seven years • Medium Term Impacts lasting seven to fifteen years • Long Term Impacts lasting fifteen to sixty years • Permanent Impacts lasting over sixty years For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The Significance of Impacts may be described as follows: • None – There will be no change to an existing view. Arises where existing landform, vegetation or the built environment adequately screens the proposal. • Imperceptible – An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences. • Slight – An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment without affecting its sensitivities. • Moderate – An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is consistent with existing and emerging trends. • Significant – An impact which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment. • Profound – An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics. 159 EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:56:00

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS 11.2 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER The application site is located in the townland of Ballynalurgan and lies approximately 2.4km to the northeast of the village of Kilmainhamwood, approximately 6km to the northwest of Nobber and approximately 9km west of Ardee Town. The site lands are situated at an elevation of between 60m and 88m AoD. To the east and west of the application site, the land rises gently from low hills reaching high points of 173m AoD at Carrickleck to the east and 155m AoD at Boynagh to the west. The landscape in the immediate vicinity is generally open with a gently rolling topography, with some visual enclosure formed by field hedgerows. The amount of screening provided by the existing hedgerows depends on the height of vegetation in any particular location. There is a well-developed pattern of medium sized fields throughout the study area as seen in photoplate 10. In some areas, particularly in the flatter areas, the fields are larger resulting in open views across the landscape, see photoplates 3, 4, 5, 7. The nature of the topography results in some visual enclosure even where there is no screening vegetation, as seen in photoplate 3. There are open panoramic views of the landscape at higher levels, see photoplates 9-11. Settlement in the immediate area consists of scattered private homes along the minor roads, with more concentrated settlement in the townlands of Lisnagrow and Ballynaclose and in the village of Kilmainhamwood. There is a large area of coniferous forestry immediately to the southwest and northeast of the existing composting facility which prevents views into the site from views in this area, see photoplate 1. 11.3 DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES/PROTECTED VIEWS/RELEVANT POLICY The current County Meath Development Plan 2007-2013 is the statutory plan detailing the development objectives of the Authority. Landscape Character, Value and Capacity For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The area is located in the landscape character area, “Teervurcher Uplands”. Landscape Value is described as Moderate, Landscape Sensitivity is described as Low and Landscape Importance is Regional. The Development plan recommends the following for this landscape character area: • Develop incentives to encourage landowners to maintain the integrity of historic field patterns and manage field boundaries and woodland. 160 EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:56:00

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS<br />

11.2 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER<br />

The application site is located in the townland of Ballynalurgan and lies approximately 2.4km to the<br />

northeast of the village of Kilmainhamwood, approximately 6km to the northwest of Nobber and<br />

approximately 9km west of Ardee Town.<br />

The site lands are situated at an elevation of between 60m and 88m AoD. To the east and west of the<br />

application site, the land rises gently from low hills reaching high points of 173m AoD at Carrickleck to<br />

the east and 155m AoD at Boynagh to the west.<br />

The landscape in the immediate vicinity is generally open with a gently rolling topography, with some<br />

visual enclosure formed by field hedgerows. The amount of screening provided by the existing<br />

hedgerows depends on the height of vegetation in any particular location. There is a well-developed<br />

pattern of medium sized fields throughout the study area as seen in photoplate 10. In some areas,<br />

particularly in the flatter areas, the fields are larger resulting in open views across the landscape, see<br />

photoplates 3, 4, 5, 7. The nature of the topography results in some visual enclosure even where there<br />

is no screening vegetation, as seen in photoplate 3. There are open panoramic views of the landscape<br />

at higher levels, see photoplates 9-11.<br />

Settlement in the immediate area consists of scattered private homes along the minor roads, with more<br />

concentrated settlement in the townlands of Lisnagrow and Ballynaclose and in the village of<br />

Kilmainhamwood.<br />

There is a large area of coniferous forestry immediately to the southwest and northeast of the existing<br />

<strong>compost</strong>ing <strong>facility</strong> which prevents views into the site from views in this area, see photoplate 1.<br />

11.3 DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES/PROTECTED VIEWS/RELEVANT POLICY<br />

The current County Meath Development Plan 2007-2013 is the statutory plan detailing the development<br />

objectives of the Authority.<br />

Landscape Character, Value and Capacity<br />

For inspection purposes only.<br />

Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.<br />

The area is located in the landscape character area, “Teervurcher Uplands”. Landscape Value is<br />

described as Moderate, Landscape Sensitivity is described as Low and Landscape Importance is<br />

Regional. The Development plan recommends the following for this landscape character area:<br />

• Develop incentives to encourage landowners to maintain the integrity of historic field patterns and<br />

manage field boundaries and woodland.<br />

160<br />

EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:56:00

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