Above: the Vale of the White Horse forming part of a cumulative impact assessment for a windfarm

We have recently been appointed to act as landscape expert witness for Stratford-on-Avon District Council in relation to a large housing proposal on the outskirts of Stratford. Issues include the effect on Anne Hathaway's Cottage and on the hillside setting of the town.           
Covanta's proposed Brig y Cwm Energy from Waste Facility near Merthyr Tydfil was recently withdrawn shortly before Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) hearings. White Consultants had prepared written representations concerning landscape and visual issues to the IPC for the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority who objected to the scheme.

The proposed Pen y Cymoedd windfarm which covers 47sqkm and consists of 76 turbines 145m high has been given the green light by Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) council. Councillors have decided not to object to the massive project which is being considered by the Infrastructure Planning Commission. We advised both RCT and Neath Port Talbot Councils on landscape and visual matters helping to negotiate a significant reduction in the number of turbines protecting residents' quality of life and reducing effects on the Brecon Beacons National Park.                      

Our work on landscape and visual impact assessments continues. We are currently assessing an anaerobic digester in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are also advising on wind farm developments in Wales.

Date

Summary.

Anaerobic digester, South Wales

We are undertaking a landscape and visual impact assessment for an anaerobic digester in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are advising on mitigation matters and taking into consideration the potential effects on a National Trail.

LANDMAP quality assurance

We are advisors to the Countryside Council for Wales on LANDMAP issues including visual and sensory guidance and quality assurance on a national basis. This gives us a wide understanding of the landscape resource of Wales and of the LANDMAP process which we then apply at a local level to inform planning decisions.

Lifeboat Station in West Wales

We are undertaking a landscape, seascape and visual assessment for a new lifeboat station in a sensitive part of Wales’ coastline. We are well placed to comprehensively assess the development following our recent seascape character assessment of Wales.