Landscape and Visual Assessment
Landscape effects are defined by the Landscape Institute as “changes to landscape elements, characteristics, character, and qualities of the landscape as a result of development”, whereas visual effects are concerned wholly with the effect of the proposed development on views, and the general visual amenity.
The Study Area for the assessment of landscape and visual effects extends for 35km from the proposed turbine locations, and to 70km for the consideration of the cumulative effects with other wind energy developments. With regard to the latter, very few proposed or operational wind turbines are found within this area, with only one assessed to be of relevance; the 120m high Green Park turbine, 4km to the west of the proposed scheme.
The methodology for the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) follows standard guidance promoted by the Landscape Institute and adopted for use by most practitioners. Consultation was conducted with representatives from Wokingham Borough Council to discuss and informally agree the scope of the assessment and the choice of assessment viewpoints.
The assessment of effects on landscape was conducted primarily in relation to the Landscape Character Areas (LCA) defined within the Wokingham Borough Landscape Character Assessment. The assessment concludes that there would be localised significant effects on the two LCAs found on the Rushy Mead site (Loddon River Valley and Aborfield River Terrace) and that there would be no significant effects on National landscape designations (including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks) within the Study Area.
Analysis of Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), wireframe diagrams and photomontages indicates that significant visual effects would generally be limited to viewpoints within an approximately 2.1km radius from the proposed wind turbines. The landscape is low-lying and well wooded / vegetated with substantial urban / built-up areas that all act to contain or limit wider visual effects. This feature can be observed by reference to the limited visual effects of the existing Green Park Turbine.
Significant visual effects are predicted at 32 residential properties, local footpaths, and parts of the settlements of Lower Earley, Shinfield and Aborfield Cross. Because none of these properties or amenities would be affected by overshadowing, visual domination, or oppression of views it is considered that the wind turbines will not adversely affect the overall visual amenity and attractiveness of the area as a place to live or the living standards experienced by residents.
The turbines have been located in accordance with Highways Agency guidance for wind turbines and motorways. With regard to visual effects from the M4 motorway, the assessment concludes that there would be a significant effect experienced by passers-by although only while travelling along the 4km section of motorway between Shinfield and Sindlesham. Beyond this area, the turbines would generally be screened by vegetation and built-form. Short sections of the A327 and B3030 are also likely to be subject to substantial visual effects.
With regard to the visual effects on recreational and tourist destinations, none of the locations assessed are likely to experience substantial effects. Within 2.5km of the proposed turbines the destinations assessed were Bearwood and Bearwood Lakes Golf Courses, and the Bearwood and Aborfield Riding Centres.