Euchanhead RED - Landscape and Visual Considerations

What will it look like?

Changing views are an apparent effect of operating wind turbines, and, whilst opinions on this are highly individual and varied, a clear and objective assessment can be made using established guidance and procedures

Landscape and Visual Assessment

To demonstrate what the proposed Development will look like, a landscape and visual impact assessment is being undertaken in line with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) requirements. This examines effects on both the landscape and the visual amenity of the people experiencing the views of the landscape.

A selection of viewpoints is informed by establishing a ‘Zone of Theoretical Visibility’.

We have then agreed these with Dumfries and Galloway Council, East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The viewpoints will be represented through a mix of photomontages and wireframes, with photographs taken from the appropriate viewpoints.

The viewpoints and photography are used to make an objective assessment of the impact of the development on the landscape and visual amenity of the proposed Development and its surrounding environment.

View a larger version of the map above

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)

The ZTV illustrates the theoretical visibility of the proposed Euchanhead Renewable Energy Development, based on what is referred to as a bare earth model. It does not include the screening effect of ground cover features, such as vegetation and buildings, which typically significantly reduces the amount of actual visibility of turbines.