Landscape capacity and sensitivity in relation to wind farms
As a major strand of work by the practice over recent years, we have studied the sensitivity and capacity of landscapes for wind turbine development throughout England and Wales. Studies have encompassed upland and lowland areas, nationally designated landscapes, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and locally valued landscapes.
In helping to develop TAN8 in Wales, the concept of concentration of development in strategic search areas [SSA] was developed with Arup in order to reduce the effects across Wales. Subsequently, each SSA was studied in detail.
A refined version of the Welsh approach was used for the North East England region. This included additional work on defining landscape objectives and studying potential cumulative effects and won a Landscape Institute award.
Our studies seek to provide an objective and robust landscape evidence basis for wind energy policy and development control decison making which is not influenced either by developers or local pressure groups.
