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Ms. Frances Fernandes Lead Member of the Panel of Examining Inspectors The Planning Inspectorate 3C Eagle Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN
Environment, Planning and Enforcement Invicta House County Hall Maidstone ME14 1XX Phone: 03000 418827 Ask for: Katie Stewart Email: [email protected] 26
th October 2016
Dear Ms Fernandes,
Application by National Grid for an Order Granting Development
Consent for the Richborough Connection Project – Deadline 6
Further to actions arising from the Issue Specific Hearing on Landscape,
visual and biodiversity effects including alternatives held on Friday 30th
September, the County Council sets out its comments as below:
Agenda Item 2.1
Discuss Kent County Council (KCC) suggested non-planting landscape
opportunities as part of s106 agreement.
This matter was discussed at a meeting between Kent County Council (KCC)
and National Grid on Thursday 13th October 2016.
The County Council can confirm that it has not proposed any non-planting
landscape opportunities as part of the s.106 agreement and therefore no
further discussions are to be held on this matter in relation to the s.106
agreement.
As part of KCC’s submission in response to Deadline 5, proposals in relation
to embedded mitigation and/or enhancement measures, particularly in relation
to the Ash Level were raised. This matter is set out in the Statement of
Common Ground between National Grid and the Joint Council (Document
8.4.6(A)) which is to be submitted by the Applicant at Deadline 6.
2
Agenda Item 2.4
Provide Post Hearing Note on applicability of Wind Turbines and Pylons
Guidance Post Hearing Note
The County Council’s full response to Hearing Action Point 3 regarding
agenda item 2.4 is appended to this letter.
If you require any further information or clarification on any matter then please
do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Katie Stewart
Director of Environment, Planning and Enforcement
EN020017 – Application by National Grid for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Richborough Connection Project
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Appendix 1: Kent County Council’s response to Hearing Action Points List
The County Council’s response to Hearing Action 3 arising from the Issue Specific Hearing on Landscape, visual and biodiversity effects including alternative, held at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Canterbury on 30 September 2016 is set out below:
Agenda Item 2.4: Provide Post Hearing Note on applicability of Wind Turbines and
Pylons Guidance Post Hearing Note
Introduction
KCC considers that the guidance document Wind Turbines & Pylons - Guidance on the application of separation distances from residential properties [REP5-050], which is based on the professional guidance in GLVIA3, provides a useful and impartial evidence-based review of the techniques used in assessing the visual effects of pylons. A copy of the guidance document is appended to this Post Hearing Note.
The guidance document was prepared because of ‘a range of pressures relating to wind energy and 400 kV overhead line developments’ (paragraph 1.2). The Richborough Connection Project comprises a 400kV overhead line development. Whilst the focus of the guidance document is on ‘separation distances’ to avoid potentially very severe adverse visual effects, it does also review the generally accepted professional techniques employed in assessing residential visual impacts of pylons.
KCC recognises that the Applicant has submitted a visual impact assessment [REP2-011]
which includes all residential properties within 1 km of the scheme. However, KCC contends
that the Applicant has in general under-estimated the significance of the adverse effects, and
the independent guidance provides a useful ‘benchmark’ to assist the Examining Authority in
its own assessment of visual impacts and in reviewing the accuracy of the Applicant’s
assessment.
Professional recognition of the guidance
The guidance document was Highly Commended in the Landscape Institute Awards 2015
and the Institute’s web-site sets out the following comments:
‘Gwynedd Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Snowdonia National Park Authority
have been receiving an increasing number of applications for single or multiple wind turbines
that are not large enough to be considered a ‘wind farm’ but together or individually could
have a significant impact on views from residential properties. The councils and park
authority currently have little information to help inform their judgement when making
decisions on whether or not a development should be given consent. To address this issue,
they commissioned this study with the aim of achieving more robust, transparent and
consistent decisions.’
‘The judges said: An innovative project that provides a credible method for analysing the
visual impact of wind turbines and pylons.’
Visual Amenity
Visual Amenity is a recognised concept within GLVIA3 and referred to in the context of visual
effects in the following:
Views and visual amenity (page 21, paragraphs 2.20-2.22)
EN020017 – Application by National Grid for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Richborough Connection Project
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Professional judgement in LVIA (page 21, paragraphs 2.23)
Scope (page 98, paragraph 6.2)
Predicting and describing visual effects (pages 112-116, paragraphs 6.26, 6.29,
6.30, 6.31, 6.32, 6.35, 6.36, and 6.44)
Summary advice on good practice(1st bullet, page 116; 7th bullet, 8th bullet, page 117; 3rd bullet point, page 118)
Whilst the guidance document has a particular concern for situations where the adverse
effects on visual amenity are so high as to be unacceptable in planning terms, the
assessment of visual amenity effects can be applied at all scales of magnitude.
Assessing the sensitivity of residential receptors
Paragraph 3.2 of the guidance document states ‘when assessing the significance of visual
impacts of a wind turbine or pylon on a residential receptor the potential scale of impact or
change in a view is considered together with the sensitivity of the receptor. As noted in
GLVIA3, it is generally accepted in the landscape profession that residential receptors are
considered high sensitivity visual receptors so the only variable then becomes the scale of
impact.’
The County Council considers that this approach is not adopted in the Applicant’s visual
assessment where residential receptors are assigned a medium sensitivity. This is possibly
a result of assigning a ‘local’’ value to the private views. However, residential views are not
public views so that the value/importance of the view should not be based on public values
(e.g. a value based on a landscape designation), but on the importance to the occupant of
the property, which is likely to be high. This demonstrates the need to use careful judgement
in interpreting the methodology in a non-deterministic manner in order to reflect particular
circumstances. The professionally accepted and recognised approach put forward in the
guidance document in assessing residential sensitivity is therefore preferred to the
Applicant’s deterministic approach.
Assessing visual impacts
Whilst the sensitivity of all residential receptors has been under-estimated by the Applicant,
KCC recognises that there are a large number of factors which will influence the magnitude
of the adverse effects on views as a result of a new 400kV pylon. This is considered in the
guidance document (paragraph 3.4) which states that ‘the assessment of the likely scale of
impact will depend on the extent of changes in the composition of a view brought about by
the introduction of a wind turbine or pylon; taking into account proximity and the proportion of
the view occupied by the development and also their apparent prominence as determined by
a number of modifying factors (discussed further in the main report, paragraph 4.14 and
Table 4.4).’ KCC supports this approach as a useful aid to the very wide range of factors
which need to be considered in assessing adverse impacts. An extract of the table (relevant
to pylons) is set out overleaf:
EN020017 – Application by National Grid for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Richborough Connection Project
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Modifying Factors (based on Table 4.4 of the main report)
Factors that may contribute to a reduction in the assessed scale of visual impacts
Factors that may contribute to an increase in the assessed scale of visual impacts
Relevant to Wind Turbines and Pylons
Occupies a small proportion of the view
Well screened by vegetation/landform/other
Partial or glimpsed view
Oblique angle of view
Viewer looks down onto structure from an elevated position
Absence of visual clues/visual reference e.g. mature trees, buildings etc.
Urban situation
Scale of structure fits with scale of landscape (typically large)
Backclothed
Well accommodated within the view
Complex scene
Low contrast
Time of day
Season
Weather
Size and design of the wind turbine or pylon
Occupies a large proportion of the view
Lack of screening
In full view
Direct angle of view
Viewer looks up to structure from a low lying position
Visual clues/visual reference e.g. mature trees, buildings etc.
Rural situation
Scale of structure conflicts with scale of landscape (typically small)
Skylined
Poorly accommodated within the view
Simple scene
High contrast
Time of day
Season
Weather
Size and design of the wind turbine or pylon
Specific to Pylons
Pylon is seen backclothed against a solid background
Few pylons visible
Orientation of pylon(s)
Pylon is seen skylined
Other pylons or vertical structures and creation of ‘wirescape’
More than one pylon visible, particularly if seen ‘stacked’ or ‘fenced’ against one another
Orientation of pylon(s)
MAY 2014
WIND TURBINES & PYLONS
GUIDANCE ON THE APPLICATION OF SEPARATION DISTANCES
FROM RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
FINAL REPORT
Gillespies File Reference: M5082-1 Final Report 22 May 2014Final Report 22 May 2014
REV DATE BY CHKD STATUS REASONS FOR
REVISION/COMMENTS
ORIGINATOR
GILLESPIES LLP
REVISION
Final
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT
Contents Page No.
SECTION 1 : INTRODUCTION 1
SECTION 2 : EVIDENCE BASE 4
SECTION 3 : ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL IMPACTS 9
SECTION 4 : TESTING DISTANCES ON SITE 13
SECTION 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS 19
GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS i
REFERENCES ii
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 : Summary Review of Legislation, Policy and Guidance
Appendix 2 : Summary Review of Appeal Decisions
Appendix 3 : Viewpoint Analysis Figures
Appendix 4 : Supplementary Pylon Viewpoint Photographs
Appendix 5 : Theoretical Apparent Height Model
Appendix 6 : Residential Visual Amenity Assessment Trigger Distances - Formula
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT Page 1
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Residential visual amenity refers to the visual amenity experienced by residential properties
including their gardens. It is a subset of residential amenity which also includes aspects such
as noise, light and vibration.1 In making judgements about residential visual amenity, it is
important to note that a potential significant adverse change to an outlook from a property
does not in itself result in material harm to living conditions – there needs to be a degree of
harm over and above this, for example undue obtrusiveness or overbearing effect, to warrant
a refusal2 or recommendation for refusal of a planning application.
Purpose of the Study
1.1 This study was commissioned by Gwynedd Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council (the
Councils) and Snowdonia National Park Authority (the ‘Park Authority’) to determine the
appropriateness of applying minimum separation distances between wind turbines or pylons and
residential properties, to protect residential visual amenity.
1.2 The Councils and Park Authority are experiencing a range of pressures relating to wind energy
and 400 kV overhead line developments. Local communities and Councillors are concerned
about the potential visual impacts of wind turbines or pylons on views from residential properties
within the study area, which is illustrated in Figure 1.
1 The approach taken by inspectors in England confirms that in planning, no individual has a right to a particular view. However
there may be a point when, by virtue of the proximity, size and scale of a development, a residential property would be rendered so unattractive a place to live that planning permission should be refused. Whilst the assessment of whether a change in outlook materially harms residential amenity or living conditions is ultimately a planning issue, a judgement on the visual component of residential amenity is often needed from a landscape architect to inform the planning judgement and this is increasingly being undertaken as part of a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). There is no published guidance that sets out the criteria for establishing whether or not the visual presence of a development impacts unacceptably on living conditions although the issue has been considered at a number of public inquiries, principally in England.
2 Knight R., ‘Residential Visual Amenity Assessment: Its Place in EIA’, IEMA, published by the Environmentalist Online (July 2012).
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Figure 1: Study Area
1.3 The study provides an evidence base to inform policies in the emerging Anglesey and Gwynedd
Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) and any review of policy in the Eryri Local Development
Plan (ELDP); it may also be a material planning consideration for considering relevant planning
applications in the intervening period.
Study Approach
1.4 There is no nationally recognised method for establishing generic minimum separation distances
for wind turbines or pylons from residential properties based on potential visual impacts. As
stated in paragraph 2.6, Welsh Government advice is that each case should be judged
independently and on its own merits.
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1.5 As a starting point to establish whether or not minimum separation distances should be applied,
and if so what these should be, the following desk based research and analysis of the issues was
initially undertaken:
National, regional and local planning policy and guidance;
Other current related guidance;
Comparative studies; and
Planning appeal decisions (including liaison with Joint LDP officers and other Local
Authorities in Wales to identify relevant planning appeal decisions and any other relevant
data which could be used as evidence to back up the study).
1.6 The results of the desktop research were analysed and an appropriate range of distances
identified (from which to assess the likely scale of the visual impacts of existing wind turbines and
pylons) in order to test and/or back up the research.
1.7 GIS data (provided by the Councils and Park Authority) was used to identify a number of
accessible locations within the study area from which existing wind turbines and pylons could be
viewed in the landscape. One example from each wind energy height band and two pylons were
selected and field work undertaken.
1.8 Following the data gathering and field work a set of draft recommendations were presented to the
Steering Group for review and discussion before the final report was drafted.
Report Structure
1.9 The remainder of the report is structured as follows:
SECTION 2: Evidence Base
SECTION 3: Assessment of Visual Impacts
SECTION 4: Testing Distances on Site
SECTION 5: Recommendations
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SECTION 2: EVIDENCE BASE
Review of Legislation, Policy and Guidance
2.1 The table set out in Appendix 1 provides a catalogue of research into relevant UK legislation,
policy and guidance related to separation distances between wind turbines or pylons and
residential properties as of April 2014.
2.2 The review of the legislation, policy and guidance for wind turbines quickly revealed that the
establishment of separation distances between turbines and residential properties in respect to
residential visual amenity is not a straightforward matter. This is reflected in the wide variety of
separation distances recommended by both national and local planning guidance. The only
current national guidance on separation distance for visual amenity is the 2 km community
separation distance3 applied in Scotland. Local planning guidance varies greatly; for instance
guidance on separation distances between turbines of around 20 m - 25 m to blade tip and
residential properties ranges from 350 m (Milton Keynes Local Plan) to 1 km (Wiltshire Core
Strategy). It is important to note that the height bands/descriptions of turbines often varies in
national and local guidance and the establishment of minimum separation distances sometimes
takes into consideration other factors such as noise and shadow flicker. Some local authorities
apply relatively rigid separation distances from residential properties whereas others provide
more general guidance and acknowledge that factors such as topography and vegetation may
reduce impacts on residential visual amenity.
2.3 National policy and guidance is summarised in the following paragraphs.
National Policy and Guidance Context – Wind Turbines
2.4 In Wales there are currently no nationally prescribed minimum separation distances between
proposed wind turbines and existing residential properties based on potential adverse visual
impacts. National planning policy requires that local planning policy and guidance be based on
robust evidence.
2.5 Annex D of Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8: Planning for Renewable Energy, provides a potential
methodology for local planning authorities with Strategic Search Areas which suggests minimum
separation distances between wind turbines and residential properties, specifically in relation to
noise impacts, as follows:
3 Separation distance between communities and wind farms
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"500 metres is currently considered a typical separation distance between a wind turbine and residential property to avoid unacceptable noise impacts. However, when applied in a rigid manner it can lead to conservative results and so some flexibility is advised." 4
2.6 The Welsh Government response to the Petitions Committee (June 2012) confirmed ‘Welsh Government guidance in respect of separation distances contained in TAN 8 relates to methodological guidance for local planning authorities in refining the boundaries of Strategic Search Areas and remains unchanged.’ and stated ‘we would therefore expect separation distances to be determined locally based upon the rigorous assessment of local impacts. The Welsh Government believes that a rigid minimum separation distance could unnecessarily hinder the development of renewable energy projects in Wales. We have taken the consistent view that the issue of separation distances between residential premises and wind turbines is best determined locally on a case-by-case basis, taking on board locally sensitive issues such as topography, local wind speeds and directions as well as the important considerations of visual and cumulative impacts.’
2.7 In response to a written question to the National Assembly for Wales5, Jane Davidson
(Environment Sustainability and Housing Minister) confirmed that:
"The issue is less to do with distance than the need to limit noise from wind farms to 5 decibels above background noise for both day and night time. The separation distances between wind turbines and residential properties can be examined as part of the refinement work by local planning authorities and on a case by case basis, taking into account topography and orientation, when decisions on planning applications are taken”.
2.8 In Scotland, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)6 provides the following guidance relating to
separation distances for wind farms in relation to visual impacts:
"Separation distance of up to 2km between areas of search and the edge of cities, towns and villages is recommended to guide developments to the most appropriate sites and to reduce visual impact, but decisions on individual developments should take into account specific local circumstances and geography. Development plans should recognise that the existence of these constraints on wind farm development does not impose a blanket restriction on development, and should be clear on the extent of constraints and the factors that should be satisfactorily addressed to enable development to take place. Planning authorities should not impose additional zones of protection around areas designated for their landscape or natural heritage value.”
4 Paragraph 3.4, Proximity to Residential Dwellings, Annex D of TAN 8
(http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/tans/tan8/?lang=en) 5 National Assembly for Wales, Answers issued to Members on 21 January 2008, WAQ50841 6 Scottish Planning Policy, (February 2010) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/300760/0093908.pdf supplemented by online
renewables planning advice, Onshore Turbines (Dec 2013) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-
Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/Onshore
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2.9 The Scottish Government recently consulted on a proposal to increase the community separation
distance guide for wind farms from “...up to 2km” (SPP February 2010, para 1907) to “...up to 2.5km” (Draft SPP for Consultation April 2013, paragraph 2188). Following consultation
responses, Scottish Government commissioned research on community separation distance to
inform the final SPP9. The research10 concluded that there was an absence of robust evidence
behind the 2 km separation distance but taking into account public acceptance of this there was
an argument for retaining the existing 2 km separation distance (with clearer definitions of
relevant terms). It also stated that another option was to remove the 2 km distance from SPP
altogether although retaining reference to visual impact as a criterion. The revised SPP is due to
be published in June 2014.
2.10 SNH published guidance Visual Assessment of Windfarms: Best Practice11 states that “Distance should not be used mechanistically to predict magnitude12 at a particular viewpoint because of the potential effects of other modifying factors”. However, a number of Local Authorities do provide
guidance on separation distances for wind turbines as part of Supplementary Planning Guidance
documents.
2.11 In England there are currently no separation distance guidelines for wind turbines.
National Policy and Guidance Context – Pylons
2.12 There is currently no published planning guidance within the UK relating to separation distances
between pylons and residential properties. However the Holford Rules13 with NGC (1992) and
SHETL (2003) notes refer to minimising impacts on people, residential areas etc. as follows:
‘a. Avoid routeing close to residential areas as far as possible on grounds of general amenity.
b. In rural areas avoid as far as possible dominating isolated houses, farms or other small-scale settlements’14
The Holford Rules are the current guidelines referenced in the National Planning Statements for
Nationally significant Infrastructure Projects.
7 Scottish Planning Policy, (February 2010) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/300760/0093908.pdf 8 Draft Scottish Planning Policy for Consultation (April 2013) - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/04/1027/downloads 9 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0044/00441852.pdf 10 Research carried out by ClimateXChange and the University of Dundee, Sept 2013
http://www.climatexchange.org.uk/files/5313/8496/4510/CXC_Report_-_Separation_distances_for_Wind_Farms.pdf 11 University of Newcastle (2002) Visual Assessment of Windfarms Best Practice. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report
F01AA303A 12 The magnitude of the visual effects refers to not only the scale of the change of view (including the nature of the view, the degree
of visible contrast or changes in the landscape and the nature of the view) but also the geographical extent of the view (including
angle of view, distance from receptor and extent of the area over which changes would be visible) and the duration and
reversibility of visual effects. 13 Guidelines used by National Grid for the routeing of new overhead lines, the Holford Rules were originally set out in 1959 by
Lord Holford, which have been reviewed and supplemented and form the basis for the approach to routeing new overhead lines. 14 Further notes on clarification to Holford Rule 7
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Review of Planning Appeals and Applications
2.13 A summary of research into recent UK planning appeals and applications, in connection with wind
energy and 400 kV overhead line developments, is included in the following paragraphs.
Review of Planning Appeals – Wind Turbines
2.14 The table set out in Appendix 2 summarises the reviews of a number of planning appeals for
proposed wind energy developments (most cases dating from 2009). Each written appeal
decision was analysed; particularly key text relating to observations on residential visual amenity
and the distances of proposed turbines from residential properties. Details of the heights of
turbines and their distances from properties are included in the table together with resultant
conclusions/comments on whether or not the overall effect on residential visual amenity was
deemed to be unacceptable i.e. so unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable that it may
result in a material harm to living conditions to warrant a refusal of planning permission in
the public interest.
2.15 Although there is currently no published guidance on how impacts on residential visual amenity
should be assessed, unacceptable impacts on residential visual amenity have been defined by
Planning Inspectors, as follows:
‘…there is no right to a view per se, and any assessment of visual intrusion leading to a finding of material harm must therefore involve extra factors such as undue obtrusiveness, or an overbearing impact leading to a diminution of conditions at the relevant property to an unacceptable degree’ (paragraph 32 of the Sixpenny Wood decision notice; Appeal ref: APP/E2001/A/09/2101851; Decision 8 December 2009)
“...when turbines are present in such number, size and proximity that they represent an unpleasantly overwhelming and unavoidable presence in main views from a house or garden, there is every likelihood that the property concerned would become widely regarded as an unattractive and thus unsatisfactory (but not necessarily uninhabitable) place in which to live. It is not in the public interest to create such living conditions where they did not exist before.” (paragraph 66 of the Enifer Downs decision notice; Appeal ref: APP/X22201/A/08/2071880; Decision 16 March 2009)
2.16 In the case of the Burnthouse Farm appeal case (APP/D0515/A/10/2123739) the decision letter
on behalf of the Secretary of State, provided the following clarification on the Inspector’s Report,
reinforcing the fact that a judgement of a significant adverse visual impact is not enough to merit
refusal (IR):
‘For the reasons given at IR229-232, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that serious harm to living conditions which might lead to a recommendation for planning permission to be refused, in the public interest, is a more stringent requirement than the identification of a significant adverse impact. He further agrees that when assessing the effect on visual outlook, it
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
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is helpful to pose the question ‘would the proposal affect the outlook of these residents to such an extent, i.e. be so unpleasant, overwhelming and oppressive that this would become an unattractive place to live?’15
Review of Planning Applications – Pylons
2.17 There have been no recent planning appeals in connection with 400 kV overhead line
developments. However, one of the more recent 400 kV overhead line developments to receive
planning permission in the UK is the upgraded Beauly to Denny line in Scotland, which was
granted in 2010. Chapter 24 (Visual Effects) of the Beauly to Denny Environmental Statement
(ES) stated the following:
‘every effort has been made to maintain a minimum distance of 100 m between any residential property and the proposed line’ (paragraph 24.5.1.3)
‘The 100 m distance has been established as a general guide in order to address concerns relating to visual amenity. The 100 m distance has been proposed as, at this distance, for a property located on level ground and with a garden extending to 15 m from the house, a 10 m tall tree at the end of the garden will screen views of a 55 m tall tower located at 100 m from the property. However, not all properties will be on level ground or with gardens 15 m in length. The situation at each property close to the line has been assessed and the information relating to properties where a major adverse effect is anticipated, is included in Technical Annex 24.2.’ (paragraph 24.5.1.4)
2.18 Of the properties assessed within Technical Annex 24.2 (Proximity Survey) of the ES, all of the
properties where a major (very large) adverse impact was anticipated were within 400 m of the
proposed line and most were within 200 m. No specific residential visual amenity assessment
was carried out in support of the application.
15 11-07-06 3-in-1 Burnthouse Farm Fenland 2123739 (http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ShowDocuments.asp)
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SECTION 3 : ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL IMPACTS
Scale of visual impact refers to the following:
‘The scale of change in the view with respect to the loss or addition of features in the view
and changes in its composition, including the proportion of the view occupied by the
proposed development;
The degree of contrast or integration of any new features or changes in the landscape
with the existing or remaining landscape elements and characteristics in terms of form,
scale and mass, line, height, colour and texture; and
The nature of the view of the proposed development, in terms of the relative amount of
time over which it will be experienced and whether views will be full, partial or glimpses.’16
(GLVIA3, paragraph 6.39)
A very large scale of visual impact can be defined as a very large scale change in a view
that introduces new, non-characteristic or discordant or intrusive elements into the view which
may form the principal element of/or dominate the view and may overpower the viewer. This
may occur where a proposed development would be in close proximity to the viewer, in a
direct line of vision, or affecting a substantial part of the view and where it would be prominent
within, or contrasts with, the visual context, and detracts from its visual amenity.
3.1 Although there is currently no published guidance on how impacts on residential visual amenity
should be assessed there are common threshold criteria which have been applied by Inspectors
when considering the acceptability of impacts on residential visual amenity (whether or not a
development may be likely to cause a change in outlook which would materially harm residential
amenity or living conditions).
3.2 Following the review of recent planning appeals, and from experience in carrying out Landscape
and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and residential visual amenity assessments, it is
recognised that the threshold for unacceptable visual impacts may often be higher than the
point at which the scale of visual impact is assessed to be very large. However, for the
purposes of the consideration of separation distances between residential properties and wind
turbines or pylons, it is recommended that the threshold for considering whether there would be
an unacceptable impact on residential visual amenity would be from any property where the
visual impact is predicted to be very high.
16 Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual
Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition, Routledge
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The Assessment of Visual Impacts of Wind Turbines or Pylons on Residential Properties
3.3 Principles regarding the assessment of the potential visual impacts of wind turbines or pylons are
set out in the following guidance documents:
Landscape Institute (LI) and Institute of Environmental Management Assessment (IEMA)
(Third Edition 2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (GLVIA3);
LANDMAP Guidance Note 3: Guidance for Wales, Using LANDMAP for Landscape and
Visual Impact Assessment of Onshore Wind Turbines (May 2013);
University of Newcastle (2002) Visual Assessment of Windfarms Best Practice. Scottish
Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F01AA303A; and
Holford Rules - with National Grid Company (NGC) 1992 and Scottish Hydro Electric
Transmission Limited (SHETL) 2003 notes.
3.4 When assessing the significance of visual impacts of a wind turbine or pylon on a residential
receptor the potential scale of impact or change in a view is considered together with the
sensitivity of the receptor. As noted in GLVIA3, it is generally accepted in the landscape
profession that residential receptors are considered high sensitivity visual receptors so the
only variable then becomes the scale of impact.
3.5 Scale of impact is often described as high, medium, low or negligible (positive, negative or
neutral) but terminology such as very large, large, medium, small, very small and negligible
(positive, negative or neutral) can also be used.
3.6 The assessment of the likely scale of impact will depend on the extent of changes in the
composition of a view brought about by the introduction of a wind turbine or pylon; taking into
account proximity and the proportion of the view occupied by the development and also their
apparent prominence as determined by a number of modifying factors (discussed further in
paragraph 4.14 and Table 4.4).
3.7 The most significant adverse visual impacts are predicted where residential receptors
(residential properties) may experience a very large scale of impact (or change in their
view). Because this study is primarily concerned with establishing whether or not a minimum
separation distance should be applied to prevent unacceptable impacts on residential visual
amenity it is important to reiterate the fact that a significant adverse impact on a view from a
residential property does not in itself result in material harm to living conditions ‘there needs to be a degree of harm over and above this to warrant a refusal in the public interest’17
17 Knight R., ‘Residential Visual Amenity Assessment: Its Place in EIA’, IEMA, published by the Environmentalist Online (July 2012).
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Wind Energy Development Height Bands
3.8 In order to assess the distances at which wind turbines of different heights may give rise to very
large scales of visual impact, the following five height bands18 are considered:
Up to 25 m
25.01 – 50 m
50.01 – 75 m
75.01 – 100 m
Over 100.01 m
3.9 These bands are broadly based on the heights set out in the wind energy development typologies
identified within the Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd & Snowdonia National Park, Landscape
Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment19.
3.10 It is important to note that applications and enquiries for large scale wind energy developments
(typically turbines over 80 m high) are most commonly associated with TAN 8 SSAs. There are
no SSAs within Gwynedd, the Isle of Anglesey or Snowdonia National Park; however, there are
several large developments to the north of Anglesey (including three operational wind farms).
There are also three SSA’s within relatively close proximity to the National Park (SSA A, B and
D). There are currently no wind turbines over 100.01 m in the study area, therefore it was not
possible to make on site assessments of turbines over this height.
3.11 The Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment20 study recommends that there is no further
capacity for wind energy developments comprising turbines above 50 m within the study area.
However, turbines above 50 m are included in this study for reference as these relate to some
operational/consented wind energy developments within the Isle of Anglesey and also within
neighbouring Authorities to Gwynedd and Snowdonia National Park.
18 All references to heights of wind turbines in this report refer to height to blade tip. 19 Gillespies (2014), Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd & Snowdonia National Park, Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment 20 Gillespies (2014), Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd & Snowdonia National Park, Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment
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Pylons
3.12 Although pylons for 400 kV overhead line developments can vary in height from around 35 to 60
m, this study focusses on pylons ranging from 40 – 60 m as this is the height range most typically
found within the study area. It also only considers pylons of the traditional steel lattice tower
design.
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SECTION 4 : TESTING DISTANCES ON SITE
Field Based Review
4.1 Following the desk top research, a field based review was undertaken to establish the range of
distances within which wind turbines or pylons may give rise to a very large scale of visual impact
(and therefore may give rise to unacceptable impacts in terms of residential visual amenity).
4.2 The results of the desktop research were compiled to identify an appropriate range of distances
to be tested on site (for various heights of wind turbines or pylons). The maximum distances
established for assessment purposes varied from around 2 km for turbines up to 100 m in height
down to 500 m for turbines up to 25 m in height. The 2 km distance was included as a
conservative distance as most of the desk based research revealed that a turbine of 100 m would
be highly unlikely to give rise to unacceptable harm on residential visual amenity from beyond 1
km.
4.3 It is important to note that the scope of this study is limited. One operational turbine example,
from within each of the height bands listed in paragraph 3.821, and two examples of pylons were
chosen within the study area in collaboration with the Steering Group (based on existing
operational wind turbine GIS data and OS data). In addition to height, the criteria for choosing
the turbines and pylons included accessibility in terms of the openness of views and public
accessibility for site assessment and photography. The two pylon examples were chosen to
illustrate the differences in scale of visual impacts and demonstrate the effects of modifying
factors such as whether the structure was seen against a solid background such as landform or
vegetation or skylined.
4.4 The height and co-ordinates of the wind turbines were provided by the Steering Group. The
locations of the pylons were based on 1:25,000 OS data and the heights of pylons provided by
National Grid.
4.5 Details of the turbines and pylons chosen and assessed on site are presented in Table 4.1
together with their corresponding Figures which are included in Appendix 3. The figures in
Appendix 3 illustrate the photographs taken on site, together with the viewpoint locations in
relation to the turbine(s) or pylon(s) being assessed.
21 Note: This is excludes turbines over 100.1 m as there are currently no operational turbines over this height in the study area.
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Table 4.1: Details of Wind Turbines and Pylons Assessed on Site
Height* Corresponding Figures (Appendix 3)
Win
d T
urb
ine
s
17.8 m Figure A3-1.1 : Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 17.8 m High
Figure A3-1.2: Views to Wind Turbine - 17.8 m High
34.2 m Figure A3-2.1: Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine – 34.2 m High
Figure A3-2.2: Views to Wind Turbine – 34.2 m High
53 m Figure A3-3.1: Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 53 High
Figure A3-3.2: Views to Wind Turbine - 53 m High
93 m Figure A3-4.1: Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 93 m High
Figure A3-4.2: Views to Wind Turbine - 93 m High
Pylo
ns
50–59 m Figure A3-5.1: Viewpoint Locations for Pylons 50-59 m High
Figure A3-5.2: Views to Pylons 50-59 m High
55-59 m Figure A3-6.1: Viewpoint Locations for Pylons 55-59 m High
Figure A3-6.2: Views to Pylons 55-59 m High
*Height of wind turbine measured to blade tip
4.7 The viewpoint photographs were taken using the same camera and lens setting to obtain a like
for like comparison for illustration purposes (based on current guidance - The Landscape
Institute, Advice Note 01/11: Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact
assessment, March 2011); however, it is important to note that although photographs are useful
they are no substitute for the true experience of the receptor on site.
4.8 Supplementary photographs of the Pylons in the range of 55-59 m high are included in Appendix
4 for illustrations purposes. These photographs were re-taken by Gwynedd Council to illustrate
the effects of the pylons under different weather conditions; however, they have not replaced the
original study photographs as they were taken using a different camera/lens setting, and from
slightly different viewpoints. This is an interesting example which not only illustrates how the
pylons can appear differently under different weather conditions but also reinforces the point that
photographs can be deceptive and as stated above should not replace site based assessment.
4.9 The site based assessments of each of these examples established an indicative range of
distances from which such structures may start to give rise to a very large scale of visual impact.
Table 4.2 summarises the findings of the site based review.
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Table 4.2: Results of Site Based Assessments
Height*
Indicative distances within which the structure may give rise to a very large
scale of visual impact W
ind
Tu
rbin
es 17.8 m c. 130 m
34.2 m c. 280 m
53 m c. 400 m
93 m c. 750 m
Pylo
ns
50-59 m c. 400 m
55-59 m c. 400 m
*Height of wind turbine measured to blade tip
Theoretical Apparent Height Model in Support of Field Based Review
4.10 It can often be difficult to perceive the height of a wind turbine or pylon during a site assessment;
in particular when assessing the potential visual impacts of a proposed development. This is due
to a combination of a lack of reference e.g. mature trees or buildings close to potential sites, and
assessing viewpoints at some distance.
4.11 In support of the site based assessment a mathematical model was used to calculate the
apparent height of a turbine or pylon when its true height and distance from a viewer are known.
The apparent height of a turbine or pylon is defined as the height that the structure would
appear at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer (i.e. the structure would appear to be the same
height as an X cm high object held at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer).
4.12 The formulae presented in Appendix 5 are used to work out the apparent height of a structure at
arm’s length (61 m), when the true height and distance from the viewer are known.
4.13 The apparent heights of the wind turbines and pylons assessed on site have been worked out
(based on this model) and are shown alongside the viewpoints in Appendix 3 (for a comparison of
known distances and apparent height). Table 4.3 demonstrates that there is a correlation
between the apparent height of the structure and the indicative distances within which the
structures may give rise to very large scales of visual impacts.
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Table 4.3: Results of Site Based Assessments
Height*
Indicative distances within which the structure may give rise to a very large
scale of visual effect
Apparent Height of Structure
(at arm’s length – 61 cm) W
ind
Tu
rbin
es 17.8 m c. 130 m 8.35 cm
34.2 m c. 280 m 7.45 cm
53 m c. 400 m 8.08 cm
93 m c. 750 m 7.56 cm
Pylons
50-59 m c. 400 m 7.63 - 9.00 cm
55-59 m c. 400 m 8.39 – 9.00 cm
*Height of wind turbine measured to blade tip
4.14 When comparing the apparent height values in Table 4.3 it was observed that when a turbine or
pylon roughly appeared the same height (or more) as a 7.5 cm object held at arm’s length (61
cm) from the viewer then there was potential that such a structure may give rise to a very large
scale of visual effect due to its prominence in the view.
4.15 As discussed above and previously in paragraphs 2.10 and 3.6, in addition to the height of a
structure and its distance from a receptor there are a number of modifying factors which may
affect the assessment of the scale of visual impact by reducing or increasing it. These factors are
outlined Table 4.422:
22Based on Figure 2: Conceptual Model for Visual Impact Assessment, University of Newcastle (2002) Visual Assessment of
Windfarms Best Practice. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F01AA303A
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Table 4.4: Modifying Factors
Factors that may contribute to a reduction in the assessed scale of
visual impacts
Factors that may contribute to an increase in the assessed scale of
visual impacts R
ele
van
t to
Win
d T
urb
ine
s a
nd
Pylo
ns
Occupies a small proportion of the view
Well screened by vegetation/landform/other
Partial or glimpsed view
Oblique angle of view
Viewer looks down onto structure from an elevated position
Absence of visual clues/visual reference e.g. mature trees, buildings etc.
Urban situation
Scale of structure fits with scale of landscape (typically large)
Backclothed
Well accommodated within the view
Complex scene
Low contrast
Time of day
Season
Weather
Size and design of the wind turbine or pylon
Occupies a large proportion of the view
Lack of screening
In full view
Direct angle of view
Viewer looks up to structure from a low lying position
Visual clues/visual reference e.g. mature trees, buildings etc.
Rural situation
Scale of structure conflicts with scale of landscape (typically small)
Skylined
Poorly accommodated within the view
Simple scene
High contrast
Time of day
Season
Weather
Size and design of the wind turbine or pylon
Sp
ecif
ic t
o W
ind
Tu
rbin
es
Existing movement within the view
Speed of blade movement
Design of turbine (ratio of blades to tower height/width)
Few turbines visible
Turbines are skylined
Turbine layout relates well to landscape pattern
Small geographical spread
Poor weather/visibility
Lack of existing movement
Speed of blade movement
More than one turbine visible
Layout of turbines
Turbine layout relates poorly to existing landscape
Wide geographical spread
Good weather/visibility
Sp
ecif
ic t
o
Pylo
ns
Pylon is seen backclothed against a solid background
Few pylons visible
Orientation of pylon(s)
Pylon is seen skylined
Other pylons or vertical structures and creation of ‘wirescape’
More than one pylon visible, particularly if seen ‘stacked’ or ‘fenced’ against one
another
Orientation of pylon(s)
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4.16 These modifying factors may rule out the potential of a wind turbine or pylon giving rise to
unacceptable impacts on residential visual amenity, even if a residential property falls within the
indicative distances shown in Table 4.3.
4.17 One example of how modifying factors can influence the scale of visual impact is illustrated in the
photographs below. The true heights, distances from the viewer and the apparent heights of
each of these pylons doesn’t vary dramatically, however the resultant scale of visual impacts
does. The photograph on the left illustrates how the scale of visual impacts of a pylon are
reduced when it is viewed against the backdrop of a mountain from a slightly more elevated
position; the bottom part of the structure is largely obscured by a stone wall field boundary and
topography which further reduces the impact. The scale of visual impacts of the pylon in the
photograph to the right are increased by the fact that it is viewed from a less elevated position
and is much more visible, because it is on the skyline (even though vegetation screens the very
bottom part of the structure).
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SECTION 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Analysis of current guidance and case law indicates that there are a variety of distances within
which unacceptable impacts on residential visual amenity can occur and that this is by no means
entirely dependent on the relationship between the height and proximity of a turbine or pylon from
a residential property.
5.2 There is therefore no conclusive evidence to support the strict application of minimum separation
distances between residential properties and wind turbines or pylons in terms of visual residential
amenity. For this reason it is recommended that each proposed development should be
considered on its own merits, on a case by case basis.
5.3 Although rigid separation distances are not recommended, the use of indicative residential visual
amenity assessment trigger distances (within which there is potential for very large scale of visual
impacts) is considered a valuable tool to identify any locations where a visual residential amenity
assessment should be carried out to identify any potentially unacceptable impacts in terms of
residential visual amenity.
5.4 The proposed guide to ‘residential visual amenity assessment trigger distances’ for broad height
bands of wind turbines and/or pylons are presented in Table 5.1 below:
Table 5.1: Rough Guide to Residential Visual Amenity Assessment Trigger Distances for
Wind Turbines and Pylons
Height*
Residential Visual Amenity Assessment Trigger Distance
(Potential ‘Very Large’ Scale of Visual Impact)
Win
d T
urb
ine
Up to 25 m Within 200 m
25.01 - 50 m Within 400 m
50.01 – 75 m Within 600 m
75.01 – 100 m Within 800 m
Over 100.01 m Within 800 m
Pylo
n
Up to 40 m Within 350 m
40.01 – 60 m Within 500 m
*Height of wind turbine measured to blade tip
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5.5 These distances are based on the findings of Table 4.3 and paragraph 4.14 which conclude that
when a wind turbine or pylon would have an apparent height of around 7.5 cm (or more) it may
give rise to a very large scale of visual impact.
5.6 Using the mathematical formula in Appendix 5 it is possible to refine the above guidelines further
for each individual case to work out a more precise trigger distance for any height of wind turbine
or pylon (including structures higher than 100 m). When the proposed height of a wind turbine or
pylon is known, the distance at which its apparent height would be around 7.5 cm can be worked
out as illustrated in Appendix 6. This formula can be used to work out and agree trigger
distances for each individual scheme.
5.7 It is important to reinforce the fact that in addition to the above there are a number of modifying
factors which may affect the assessment of the scale of visual impact by reducing or increasing it
(refer Table 4.4). These will all need to be taken into consideration in the establishment of an
agreed offset distance for carrying out a residential visual amenity assessment.
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GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS
Backclothing When a structure such as a wind turbine or pylon is seen against a solid backdrop such as vegetation or landform
Background The background or backdrop against which a structure such as a wind turbine or pylon is viewed
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ES Environmental Statement
GIS Geographical Information System
GLVIA3 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition, published jointly by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2013.
LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.
Magnitude* A term that combines judgements about the size and scale of the effect. The extent of the area over which is occurs, whether it is reversible or irreversible and whether it is short or long term in duration.
Receptor Physical or perceptual landscape resource, special interest, viewer group or individuals that may be affected by a proposal.
Residential Receptor
People living in a private residential property
Residential Visual Amenity*
A collective term describing the views and general amenity of a residential property, relating to the garden area and main drive, views to and from the house and the relationship of the outdoor garden space to the house.
Scale Indicators* Landscape elements and features of a known or recognisable scale such as houses, trees and vehicles that may be compared to other objects where the scale of height is less familiar, to indicate their true scale.
Scale of Visual Impact
The size of an impact
Skylined / Skylining
When a structure such as a wind turbine or pylon is seen against the sky
Sensitivity* A term applied to specific receptors, combining judgements of the susceptibility of the receptor to the specific type of change or development proposed and the value related to that receptor.
SSA Strategic Search Area
Susceptibility The ability of a defined landscape or visual receptor to accommodate the specific proposed development without undue negative consequences.
TAN 8 Technical Advice Note 8
Type or Nature of Effect
Whether an effect is direct or indirect, temporary or permanent, positive (beneficial), neutral or negative (adverse) or cumulative.
Visual Amenity* The overall pleasantness of the views people enjoy of their surroundings which provide an attractive visual setting or backdrop for the enjoyment of activities of the people living, working and recreating, visiting or travelling through an area.
Visual Impact Impacts on specific views and on the general visual amenity experienced by people (these can be adverse, neutral or beneficial)
Note: Descriptions marked with an asterisk are identical to those provided in the Third Edition Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment glossary or text.
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REFERENCES
ClimateXChange and the University of Dundee (Sept 2013) Review of the 2Km separation distance between areas of search for onshore wind farms and the edge of cities, towns and villages. Scottish Government Commissioned Report
Gillespies (2014) Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd & Snowdonia National Park, Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment
Holford Rules with National Grid Company (NGC) 1992 and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) 2003 notes
Knight R. (July 2012) ‘Residential Visual Amenity Assessment: Its Place in EIA’, IEMA, published by the Environmentalist Online
Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment (2013)
Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd Edition, Routledge
Landscape Institute (March 2011) Advice Note 01/11: Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment
National Assembly for Wales (2008) Answers issued to Members on 21 January 2008, WAQ50841 http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-chamber/bus-chamber-third-
assembly-written.htm?act=dis&id=71535&ds=1/2008
Scottish Government (February 2010) Scottish Planning Policy
Scottish Government (April 2013) Draft Scottish Planning Policy for Consultation
University of Newcastle (2002) Visual Assessment of Windfarms Best Practice. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report F01AA303A
Welsh Assembly Government (2005) Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8: Planning for Renewable Energy
Welsh Assembly Government (June 2012) Response to Petitions Committee
Scottish and Southern Energy (November 2009) Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line Environmental Statement (ES) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Infrastructure/Energy-
Consents/Beauly-Denny-Index/Environmental-Statement
Note: Other reference sources are included within Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
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APPENDICES
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Appendix 1 : Summary Review of Legislation, Policy
and Guidance
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FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 – Page 1
Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of National Planning Policy and Guidance Wales: Technical Advice Note 8(iii)
Wind Turbines 500m on the grounds of noise
‘500 metres is currently considered a typical separation distance between a wind turbine and residential property to avoid unacceptable noise impacts. However, when applied in a rigid manner it can lead to conservative results and so some flexibility is advised.’
Welsh Government Response to Petitions Committee June 2012
Wind Turbines 500m maintained as guidance distance but reiterated should not be applied rigidly
‘Welsh Government guidance in respect of separation distances contained in TAN 8 relates to methodological guidance for local planning authorities in refining the boundaries of Strategic Search Areas and remains unchanged. In this context TAN 8 states that "500m is currently considered a typical separation distance between a wind turbine and residential property to avoid unacceptable noise impacts, however when applied in a rigid manner it can lead to conservative results and so some flexibility is advised", we would therefore expect separation distances to be determined locally based upon the rigorous assessment of local impacts. The Welsh Government expects decisions on planning applications to respect Welsh planning policy as set out in Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and TAN 8: Renewable Energy. The Welsh Government believes that a rigid minimum separation distance could unnecessarily hinder the development of renewable energy projects in Wales. We have taken the consistent view that the issue of separation distances between residential premises and wind turbines is best determined locally on a case-by-case basis, taking on board locally sensitive issues such as topography, local wind speeds and directions as well as the important considerations of visual and cumulative impacts.’
Scottish Planning Policy PAN 45, 2002 (Planning Advice Note) Subsequently revoked. See below
Wind Turbines 2km ‘Separation distance of up to 2km between areas of search and the edge of cities, towns and villages is recommended to guide developments to the most appropriate sites and to reduce visual impact, but decisions on individual developments should take into account specific local circumstances and geography. Development plans should recognise that the existence of these constraints on wind farm development does not impose a blanket restriction on development, and should be clear on the extent of constraints and the factors that should be satisfactorily addressed to enable development to take place. Planning authorities should not impose additional zones of protection around areas designated for their landscape or natural heritage value.’(Para 190) Effect of turbines Distance Effect Up to 2km Likely to be a prominent
feature 2-5km Relatively prominent 5-15km Only prominent in clear
visibility – seen as part of the wider landscape
15-30km Only seen in very clear visibility – a minor element in the landscape
Scottish Government Online Renewables advice: Onshore Wind Turbines (2013) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/Onshore
Wind Turbines 2km Separation Distances: ‘Paragraph 190 of the SPP refers to a guideline separation distance of up to 2km between areas of search for groups of wind turbines and the edge of towns, cities and villages, to reduce visual impact. However, this 2km separation distance is a guide not a rule and decisions on individual developments should take into account specific local circumstances and geography.’ (page 7)
Scottish Planning Policy – Consultation Draft (2013)
Wind Turbines 2.5km
Consultation draft proposed increasing separation distance from 2km to 2.5km: ‘Community separation: a separation distance of up to 2.5 km is recommended between wind farms and cities, towns and villages identified in the local development plan. This is to
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Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of National Planning Policy and Guidance
reduce visual impact but decisions on individual developments should take into account specific local circumstances and geography. The guidelines should not be used to mitigate against noise and shadow flicker that will normally be subject to separate development management considerations.’ (para 218) Following responses to the consultation, further research was commissioned (see University of Dundee report below) The revised SPP is due to be published in June 2014 which will set out the revised (if any) planning guidance in relation to separation distances.
Review of the 2 km Separation Distance Between Areas of Search for Onshore Wind Farms and the Edge of Cities, Towns and Villages Prepared for Scottish Government by University of Dundee (2013)
Wind Turbines Two options proposed – the first to retain the existing 2km separation distance or secondly to remove reference to it from Scottish Planning Policy Revised Planning Policy containing the outcome of this decision due 2014
‘While some conjectural allusion is made to the provenance of the 2km criterion in the SPP (Scottish Government, 2010), we nevertheless conclude that no definitive evidence was found to establish the provenance of the criterion; neither was a justification or rationale found for it being 2km; nor the precise size of wind turbines upon which the criterion was based. While a seemingly logical approach for increasing the separation distance to 2.5km exists… it is questionable to suggest that subjective aspects of visual impacts are directly proportional to physical distance.’ It is generally acknowledged that the existence of clear planning policies and guidelines is correlated to the successful deployment of wind turbines. There is thus an argument for either 1) given existing public acceptance, retaining the existing 2km separation distance as a criterion in identifying spatial frameworks for wind energy in Scotland but with clear definitions of relevant terms or; 2) removing the 2km distance from SPP altogether although retaining reference to visual impact as a criterion.’ (section 7)
Companion Guide to PPS22: Renewable Energy
Wind Turbines Height of turbine plus 10% ‘The minimum desirable distance between wind turbines and occupied buildings calculated on the basis of expected noise levels and visual impact will often be greater than that necessary to meet safety requirements. Fall over distance (i.e. the height of the turbine to the tip of the blade) plus 10% is often used as a safe separation distance.’ (paragraph 51).
Northern Ireland: Planning Policy Statement: Related to wind farm development proximity to occupied dwellings. Wind Turbines: Planning and Separation Distances (2013)
10 times rotor diameter, but not less than 500m
In Northern Ireland, there is no statutory separation distances stipulated in legislation. Recommendations or suggestions for separation are made through planning policy and guidance. Planning policy and guidance influence and inform decisions made on applications, therefore it is good practice for a developer to adhere to the recommendations made, however, they are not obligated. Planning Policy Statement 18 (PPS18) suggests that turbines are a safe technology and that even in the rare event of structural damage occurring incidents of blade throw are most unlikely. Distances are calculated on the basis of noise levels so as to reduce nuisance: NIAR 767-13 Research Paper Northern Ireland Assembly, Research and Information Service. The minimum desirable distance between wind turbines and occupied buildings calculated on the basis of expected noise levels and visual impact will usually be greater than that necessary to meet safety requirements. Fall over distance (i.e. the height of the turbine to the tip of the blade) plus 10% is often used as a safe separation distance. The Department of the Environment’s best practice guidance on PPS18 goes on to state that: As a matter of best practice for wind farm development, the Department will generally apply a separation distance of 10 times rotor diameter to occupied property (with a minimum distance of not less than 500m). (Section 2.1 - Wind Turbines: Planning and Separation Distances (2013))
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Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of National Planning Policy and Guidance Wind Turbines (Minimum Distances from Residential Premises) Bill [House of Lords] 2010-12
Wind Turbines Turbine height
Separation distance
Reached a Second Reading in June 2011 the Bill was discontinued and will make no further progress. Made provision for a minimum distance between wind turbines and residential premises according to the size of the wind turbine.
25-50m 1000m 50-100m
1500m
100-150m
2000m
>150m 3000m
Onshore Wind Turbines (Proximity of Habitation) Bill [House of Commons] 2010-12
Wind Turbines Ten turbine rotor diameters The Bill had its first reading in November 2010 but subsequently failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session and therefore will make no further progress. It sought to give powers to local authorities to specify in their neighbourhood development plans a 'recommended best practice set-back distance' between onshore wind turbines and habitations.
Wind Turbines (Minimum Distance from Residential Premises) Bill [House of Lords] 2012-13
Wind Turbines Re-introduction of the earlier Bill was given its first reading in May 2012.
‘It has been mooted that a private members bill may result in mandatory minimum distances between turbines and dwellings. However at the present time this does not form part of Government policy and whether such measures would be enshrined in legislation is not known. The matter cannot therefore carry weight […..]’ APP/U2615/A/10/2131105 (November 2010)
The Local Government Association (LGA) Feb 2011
Wind Turbines 600-800m for large wind turbines
‘a setback distance of at least 600 – 800 metres from residential properties for large wind turbines. This may be reduced for smaller projects. Other land uses, including non-residential buildings and agriculture, can still be accommodated in this zone’. Section titled: designated areas and approximate setback distances.
Planning For Renewable Energy – A Companion Guide to PPS22, 2004
Wind Turbines 350m on grounds of Noise Suggests separation distance of 350m
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FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 – Page 4
Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of Local Planning Guidance Aberdeenshire Local Plan (2012) http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/finalised/
Wind Turbines Minimum of 400m on grounds of ice throw, shadow flicker, shadow throw and visual intrusion
Policy inf/7 (g): g) the proposal is sited to minimize adverse impact on the safety or amenity of any regularly occupied buildings and the grounds which they occupy - with regard to: ice throw in winter conditions, shadow flicker and shadow throw, visual intrusion, and the likely effect of noise generation. It is not anticipated that, taking into account all these factors, development would be less than 400m from the nearest dwelling and it is possible that a greater separation distance will be required;
Allerdale Wind Turbine Separation Distance Topic Paper
Wind Turbines 800m for turbines over 25m ‘…the policy sets out a minimum separation distance of 800m between wind turbines (over 25m) and residential properties.
Camarthenshire Local Development Plan 2006-2021 (2011) http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/english/environment/planning/planning%20policy%20and%20development%20plans/local%20development%20plan/pages/localdevelopmentplanhome.aspx
Wind Turbines 1500m (for large scale wind farms of 25 MW and over)
j) proposals will not cause an unreasonable risk or nuisance to, and impact upon the amenities of, nearby residents or other members of the public and should be located a minimum of 1500metres away from the nearest residential property (Policy RE1 Large Scale wind Power) Turbines are required to be sited a minimum of 1500 metres from the nearest residential property and shall pay due regard to the amenities of the residents and occupants of nearby properties. This requirement should reduce the potential nuisance arising from wind turbine operation, noise, shadow flicker, safety risk, radio or telecommunications interference. No turbine should cause demonstrable harm to the amenity of any resident. Proposals that would result in unacceptable nuisance arising from wind turbine operation, noise, shadow flicker, safety risk, radio, telecommunications or aviation interference will not be permitted. (para 6.7.12)
Cherwell: Planning Guidance on the Residential Amenity Impacts of Wind urbine Development (2011)
http://modgov.cherwell.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=8812
Wind Turbines 800m or no less than 3 times turbine height (to tip).
‘Normally a minimum of 800m from dwellings. No less than 3 times turbine height (ground to blade tip). Settlements of more than 10 dwellings should not normally have turbines in more than 90 degrees of their field of view for a distance of 5km Individual dwellings should not normally have turbines in more than 180 degrees of their field of view for a distance of 10km
Fenland District Council Wind Turbine Development Policy Guidance Incorporating Revisions following Public Consultation (2009)
Wind Turbines 400m ‘Proposals within 400m of settlement are highly unlikely to be considered acceptable in visual terms, unless existing features can be proven to fully screen views of the turbines, which otherwise would be dominant features and overpower sensitive receptors including residential locations. Proposals within 2km of settlement will need to be carefully considered as turbines are highly likely to be prominent features and command/control views for sensitive viewers, including residential properties, within this range. Existing features including built form and vegetation may be able to locally reduce visual impacts of turbines within this range.’ (para 6.2)
Highland Renewable Energy Strategy (2006) http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/energyplanning/renewbleenergy/highlandrenewableenergystrategy.htm
Wind Turbines 1km S.1 Devices should be positioned far enough away from residential areas and working places to avoid direct nuisance and disturbance. S. 2 Devices should be positioned so as to maintain at least a one km separation zone between dwellings and wind turbines S.3 The positioning of devices should also reflect the aesthetics of particular views. Developments should not take place in widely acknowledged and particularly important views, i.e. those generally valued by residents for their lack of other development influences such as wires, poles, signs, buildings, vehicles, or commercial forestry.
Wind Turbines & Pylons Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 – Page 5
Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of Local Planning Guidance Huntingdonshire District Council Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact of Wind Turbines in Huntingdonshire (2013)
Wind Turbines Guidance provided in relation to dominant, prominent, conspicuous, apparent, inconspicuous and negligible zones. First three categories reproduced over. (Para 4.25)
Magnitude of Impact/Height of Turbine
<30m 30-69m 70-99m 100-129m 130-c.150m
Dominant <400m <600m <800m <1km <1.2km Prominent <750m <1.5km <1.75km < 2km <2.5km Conspicuous 750m-
1.5km 1-5-3km 1.75 -4km 2-5km 2.5- 6km
Lincolnshire County Council Wind Energy Position Statement (2012) http://www.stopwestpinchbeckwindfarm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lincs-Wind-Farm-Position-Statement1.pdf
Wind Turbines 700m 2km if there are noise issues
‘No wind turbine developments shall be constructed in close proximity of a residential property (the accepted distance for separation is 700 metres) however, noise and amplitude modulation issues can be present up to 2km away. Therefore, unless through assessment, it can be demonstrated that there would be acceptable noise levels within the 2km radius of a residential property, the minimum distance should be 2km: No wind turbines shall be constructed within a distance of a factor of ten times the diameter of the blades of a residential property to mitigate against flicker, unless intervening topography/structures negates the impact.’
Milton Keynes Local Plan (2002)
Wind Turbines Local Plan: Turbines over 25m required separation distance of 350m, increasing to 1km if turbines over 100m. Revised to a sliding scale of approximately 10 times height within SPD
Rutland County Council Wind Turbine Developments Supplementary Planning Document (2012) Supported by Rutland Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study – Wind Turbines (The Landscape Partnership 2012)
Wind Turbines Turbines within ‘dominant’ zone of a property or ‘prominent’ zone of a settlement unlikely to be acceptable/require careful consideration respectively. Dependant on height of turbine, dominant zone ranges from within 320m to 920m and prominent zone ranges from 920m to 2.3km
WT2 – Visual impact: ‘Wind turbine proposals within the dominant zone of any property (see Appendix 2 of this document) are unlikely to be considered acceptable in visual terms, unless existing features can be proven to fully screen views of the turbines. Wind turbine proposals within the prominent zone of a settlement (see Appendix 2 of this document) will need to be carefully considered as turbines are highly likely to be prominent features and command/control views for sensitive viewers, including residential properties, within this range. Existing features including built form and vegetation may be able to locally reduce visual impacts of turbines within this range.’ Appendix 2 : Visual Impacts of Wind Turbines Extrapolated for Different Turbine Heights: Mag-nitude of impact
Distance from Turbines
Height of turbine
Up to 50m
50-70m
71-85m
86-99m
100-130m
131- c.150m
Domin-ant
Within 320m
Within 180m
Within 575m
Within 680m
Within 800m
Within 920m
Prom-inant
320-800m
480m-1.2km
575m-1.4km
680m-1.7km
800m-2km
920m-2.3km
Torridge District Council Wind Energy Policy (2010)
Wind Turbines 600m from residential settlements/dwellings, general settlements, villages, tourist development, campsites/caravan parks and isolated dwellings
‘Torridge District Council is aware of the restrictions placed by PPS22 with regards to separation distances from wind turbines but nevertheless it would like developers to consider the application of Torridge District Council's distance recommendations. These distance proposals should be seen as a starting point for discussions. The Council seeks to safeguard the amenity of residents and the minimisation of visual impact on the landscape. It recognises that noise and visual impact assessment might allow for wind turbine locations at distances of less than 500 [stipulated for designated landscapes] and 600m [stipulated for residential dwellings and tourist developments], as in some cases, lesser separation distances might be sufficient or not required for safeguarding purposes. Site-specific measurements will therefore determine separation distances from noise sensitive properties and distance to designated landscapes will be determined by landscape and visual impact assessment.’ (para 3.4)
Wind Turbines & Pylons Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 – Page 6
Authority/Document/ Year/Reference
Development type
Recommended Separation Distances – Summary
Recommended Separation Distances – Detailed Guidance
Review of Local Planning Guidance Wiltshire Core Strategy core policy 42 proposed change (2012) http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment/planningpolicy/wiltshirecorestrategy/wiltshirecorestrategyfocussedconsultation.htm
Wind Turbines Turbine Height
Separation Distance
‘(vii) residential amenity, including noise, odour, visual amenity and safety. Add new paragraph after paragraph 6.38 to read: Additional guidance will be prepared to support the implementation of Core Policy 42 to identify appropriate separation distances between wind turbines and residential premises in the interests of residential amenity, including safety. In the interim period, prior to the adoption of the guidance, the following minimum separation distances [1] will be applied Shorter distances may be appropriate where there is clear support from the local community. ‘ Source: Wind Turbines (Minimum Distances from Residential Premises) Bill [HL] 2010-12’
25-50m 1000m
50-100m 1500m
100-150m 2000m
>150m 3000m
Ynys Mon Onshore Wind Energy SPG (2013)
Wind Turbines 500m or 20 times tip height (metres) – whichever is greatest
‘In the absence of guidance, this document presents the local approach to be taken towards wind turbine development in Anglesey. To ensure that local residents or tourists onto the Island do not suffer from close proximity to Medium or Large Turbines (i.e. turbines higher than 20m to tip height) the Council has introduced Minimum Separation distances for residential and tourist receptors. Table 4 below set out the separation distances that will be applied to wind turbine developments: (para 7.9.8) Table 4 Typology of turbine Minimum Separation
distance from residential or tourism properties
Medium (i.e. between 20.1m – 65m tip height)
500m or 20 times tip height (in metres) (whichever is the greatest)
Large (i.e. between 65.1m – 135m + tip height)
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Page 3
Appendix 2 : Summary Review of Appeal Decisions
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Sum
mar
y R
evie
w o
f App
eal D
ecis
ions
(Sep
arat
ion
Dis
tanc
es b
etw
een
Win
d Tu
rbin
es/P
ylon
s an
d R
esid
entia
l Dw
ellin
gs)
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
nD
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
Cas
e: M
ynyd
d y
Gel
li R
ef:
APP
/Y69
30/A
/12/
2181
883
D
ate:
201
3 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
9 no
turb
ines
11
8m to
tip
Dis
tanc
es n
ot
know
n.
Num
ber o
f se
ttlem
ents
with
vi
ews
to
deve
lopm
ent
Not
ove
rbea
ring
’… a
ny im
pact o
n v
isual a
me
nity w
ou
ld
not b
e s
o
detri
men
tal t
hat t
he s
ettle
men
ts a
nd re
side
ntia
l pro
perti
es
with
in th
em w
ould
be
wid
ely
rega
rded
by
the
pub
lic a
s b
ein
g a
n u
natt
ractive p
lace
in w
hic
h to
liv
e.’ (
pa
ra 5
7)
S
ome
clea
r vie
ws,
oth
ers
conf
ined
by
val
ley
side
s
Sca
le a
nd d
ista
nce
Cas
e: T
re If
an, B
ryns
ienc
yn
Ref
:AP
P/L
6805
/A/1
2/21
9020
8
Dat
e: 2
013
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l am
enity
not
a fa
ctor
)
1 no
turb
ine
46.1
m to
tip
‘A n
um
ber’ o
f pr
oper
ties
look
to
war
ds th
e si
te a
t a
dist
ance
of 4
50m
or
grea
ter.
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘I d
o n
ot co
nsid
er
tha
t th
e p
rop
ose
d t
urb
ine, e
ve
n in
the
case
of T
y M
awr w
hose
sitt
ing
room
win
dow
face
s to
war
ds
the
site
at a
dis
tanc
e of
abo
ut 4
70m
wou
ld h
ave
such
a
dom
inan
t pre
senc
e as
to re
duce
livi
ng c
ondi
tions
to a
n u
na
ccepta
ble
le
ve
l.’ (p
ara
26
)
Cas
e: B
urnt
hous
e Fa
rm
Ref
:AP
P/D
0515
/A/1
0/21
2373
9
Dat
e: 2
011
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on g
rant
ed a
nd th
is
perm
issi
on s
ubse
quen
tly
uphe
ld b
y S
ecre
tary
of S
tate
(2
011)
3 no
turb
ines
10
0m to
tip
430-
470m
N
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘I c
onsid
er
that th
ey w
ou
ld n
ot b
e s
o d
omin
ant a
s to
rend
er
the
pro
pe
rty a
n u
nple
asan
t pla
ce
to liv
e.’ (
pa
ra 2
41
)
Turb
ines
app
ear t
o th
e si
de ra
ther
th
an in
the
mid
dle
of th
e vi
ew fr
om
the
gard
en/li
ving
room
Veg
etat
ive
scre
enin
g Tr
ees
in fo
regr
ound
wou
ld a
ppea
r la
rger
than
the
turb
ines
90
0mN
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘T
he w
ide a
nd o
pen v
iew
s o
f fe
nla
nd…
are
narr
ow
ed a
t g
rou
nd
le
vel…
by t
rees. T
he
se w
ou
ld f
ram
e v
iew
s o
f th
e
turb
ines
but
bec
ause
of t
heir
dist
ance
from
the
appe
al s
ite, I
co
nsid
er th
at th
ey w
ould
not
look
ove
rwhe
lmin
g. W
hils
t th
ere
wou
ldbe
a s
igni
fican
t im
pact
, thi
s w
ould
not
am
ount
to
it b
ecom
ing a
n u
natt
ractive p
lace
to
liv
e.’ (
pa
ra 2
46
)
D
ista
nce
930m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘With o
pen, south
-faci
ng v
iew
s fro
m li
ving
room
s an
d a
front
en
tranc
e, th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
cha
nge
the
visu
al o
utlo
ok fo
r o
ccu
pie
rs s
ubsta
ntially
… h
ow
ever,
I c
annot fin
d that th
e
turb
ines
wou
ld re
nder
the
cotta
ge a
n un
attra
ctiv
e pl
ace
to
live
.’ (
pa
ra 2
48
)
D
ista
nce
O
ccup
y sm
all p
ropo
rtion
of t
he
pano
ram
a
800-
900m
N
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘it
[is
conte
nd
ed] th
at th
ere
wo
uld
be s
igni
fican
t add
ition
al
cum
ula
tive im
pacts
fro
m th
e F
loo
d’s
Fe
rry t
urb
ine
s s
om
e
86
0m
to
th
e e
ast. A
s illu
str
ate
d o
n…
the p
ho
tom
onta
ge
, m
ost of
the
tu
rbin
es a
t F
lood
’s F
err
y …
would
be
prom
inen
tly s
een
with
in th
e sa
me
wid
e sc
ene
as a
ll th
e tu
rbin
es a
t Bur
ntho
use
Farm
. Nev
erth
eles
s, th
ey w
ould
be
sep
ara
ted b
y a
substa
ntial tr
act
of o
pe
n fa
rmla
nd
…In
my
opin
ion
[the
prop
ertie
s] w
ould
not
be
chan
ged
to a
n u
na
ttra
ctive p
lace to
liv
e.’ (
pa
ra 2
50
)
D
ista
nce
in v
iew
Dis
tanc
e be
twee
n di
ffere
nt
deve
lopm
ents
wou
ld re
duce
cu
mul
ativ
e im
pact
Gen
eral
Com
men
t ‘G
ive
n t
he s
ma
ll sca
le n
atu
re o
f th
e d
evelo
pm
ent, s
pacin
g
of th
e tu
rbin
es, d
ista
nces
invo
lved
, orie
ntat
ion
of p
rope
rties
an
d am
enity
spa
ce a
nd o
penn
ess
of v
iew
, any
effe
cts
on
outlo
ok w
ould
not
cro
ss th
e pu
blic
inte
res t
line
her
e at
B
urn
thouse.’ (
para
123)
S
cale
of d
evel
opm
ent
S
paci
ng o
f tur
bine
s
Dis
tanc
e
O
rient
atio
n
O
penn
ess
of v
iew
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
Cas
e: K
elm
arsh
R
ef:
APP
/Y28
10/A
/11/
2154
375
D
ate:
201
1 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
5 no
turb
ines
12
6.5m
to ti
p.
Dis
tanc
es u
nkno
wn.
R
evie
wed
a n
umbe
r of
pro
perti
es in
de
tail.
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Overa
ll, w
hile
the
win
d turb
ine
s w
ou
ld h
ave
a v
isu
al im
pact
that
wou
ld c
hang
e th
e liv
ing
cond
ition
s of
nea
rby
resid
ents
…th
at change w
ould
not
be h
arm
ful. A
s s
uch, I see
no d
epar
ture
from
the
requ
irem
ents
of L
P P
olic
y G
N2
or th
e ‘test’ a
pplie
d b
y p
revio
us I
nspecto
rs.’ (
pa
ra 6
0)
Ex
tent
of t
urbi
nes
with
in v
iew
Veg
etat
ive
scre
enin
g
Deg
ree
of s
epar
atio
n
Cas
e: M
ynyd
d Pw
llyrh
ebog
R
ef:
APP
/L69
40/A
/11/
2147
835
D
ate:
201
1 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
7 no
turb
ines
11
5m to
tip
Pro
perti
es o
utsi
de o
f 2k
mN
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘In m
y o
pin
ion s
om
e o
f th
e g
reate
st eff
ects
on r
esid
en
tial
amen
ity w
ould
be
expe
rienc
ed in
and
aro
und
the
terra
ce
know
n a
s ‘F
air V
iew
’… A
lthough F
air V
iew
is o
uts
ide t
he
2Km
stu
dy ra
dius
, thi
s te
rrace
is in
an
elev
ated
pos
ition
with
un
inte
rrupt
ed v
iew
s al
ong
the
stre
et a
nd fr
om g
arde
ns
tow
ard
s t
he …
win
d fa
rm.
Th
e o
rie
nta
tion
wo
uld
be s
uch
that th
e …
tu
rbin
es w
ould
exte
nd t
he fie
ld o
f vie
w o
ccupie
d
by tu
rbin
es to
incl
ude
an a
rea
that
wou
ld o
ther
wis
e be
see
n as
ope
n gr
assl
and.
Eve
n so
, the
pro
pose
d tu
rbin
es w
ould
b
e p
rom
ine
nt,
rath
er
than d
om
ina
nt.’ (p
ara
22
)
U
nscr
eene
d vi
ews
E
leva
ted
posi
tion
O
rient
atio
n
Pro
perti
es w
ithin
c2
km.
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Th
ere
are
re
sid
ential a
reas t
hat
are
clo
se
r to
th
e a
pp
ea
l si
te
than
Fai
r Vie
w, i
nclu
ding
the
north
ern
end
of th
e H
igh
Stre
et
in G
ilfac
h G
och
and
parts
of C
lyda
ch V
ale.
How
ever
, in
thes
e ar
eas
ther
e w
ould
be
othe
r fea
ture
s in
the
stre
et
scen
e an
d la
ndsc
ape
that
wou
ld d
raw
they
eye
from
or
scre
en th
e pr
opos
ed tu
rbi n
es.’ (
para
22)
O
ther
feat
ures
with
in v
iew
to d
raw
ey
e
Scre
enin
g
Cas
e: L
angh
am
Ref
:AP
P/D
2510
/A/1
0/21
3053
9
Dat
e: 2
011
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l am
enity
not
a fa
ctor
)
6 no
. tur
bine
s 12
7m to
tip
530m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘… A
lth
ou
gh
[th
e t
urb
ines]
wo
uld
dra
ma
tica
lly c
ha
ng
e t
he
view
from
this
pro
perty
, I d
o no
t con
side
r tha
t the
turb
ines
w
ould
hav
e a
dom
inat
ing
impa
ct th
at w
ould
har
m th
e liv
ing
con
ditio
ns o
f re
sid
ents
.’ (
pa
ra 6
6)
V
eget
atio
n
750m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Som
e lo
cal r
esid
ents
mig
ht fi
nd th
e vi
ew u
nple
asan
t, bu
t th
at w
ould
not
by
itsel
f mea
n th
at th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
so
over
whe
lmin
g th
at th
ey h
ad a
n op
pres
sive
effe
ct th
at
harm
ed th
e re
side
ntia
l am
enity
and
livi
ng c
ondi
tions
of t
he
occupie
rs.’ (
para
65)
V
eget
atio
n
Slim
pro
file
of tu
rbin
es -
Occ
upy
smal
l par
t of o
vera
ll ou
tlook
Par
ts o
f set
tlem
ent
at c
1100
m to
130
0m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Th
e tu
rbin
es w
ou
ld b
e p
rom
ine
nt fe
atu
res f
rom
the
w
indo
ws
of m
any
dwel
lings
, and
from
the
valu
ed p
rivat
e am
enity
spa
ce a
nd g
arde
nsof
loca
l res
iden
ts. H
owev
er, a
t th
ese
dist
ance
s, a
nd g
iven
the
type
of s
truct
ures
invo
lved
, th
is w
ould
not
be
suffi
cien
t to
elev
ate
the
adve
rse
visu
al
impa
ct in
to a
con
side
ratio
n th
at w
ould
sig
nific
antly
har
m th
e liv
ing
cond
ition
s of
occ
upie
rs. (
para
70)
D
ista
nce
Ty
pe o
f stru
ctur
es
Cas
e: B
aum
ber
Ref
:A
PP
/D25
10/A
/10/
2121
089
Dat
e: 2
010
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l vis
ual a
men
ity
cont
ribut
ed to
war
ds d
ecis
ion)
8 no
turb
ines
, m
in ti
p he
ight
12
5m.
17 p
rope
rties
with
in
900m
of t
urbi
nes.
C
lose
st a
t c69
8m.
Effe
cts
on re
side
ntia
l vi
sual
am
enity
wer
e no
t si
mpl
y lin
ked
to
dist
ance
; for
inst
ance
m
odify
ing
fact
ors
redu
ced
visu
al e
ffect
s fro
m c
lose
st p
rope
rty.
How
ever
, effe
cts
on
‘In t
erm
s o
f th
e v
isual im
pacts
on local re
sid
ents
tw
o
dwel
lings
wou
ld e
xper
ienc
e se
rious
adv
erse
effe
cts
with
the
prop
osed
turb
ines
app
earin
g un
plea
sant
ly o
verw
helm
ing
in
rela
tion t
o e
ach p
rop
ert
y a
s a
wh
ole
…th
e c
onse
qu
en
ces
here
wou
ld a
mou
nt to
far m
ore
than
a lo
ss o
f a v
iew
; the
ou
tcom
e w
ould
inev
itabl
y be
the
crea
tion
of u
nacc
epta
ble
livin
g c
onditio
ns.’ (
para
97
)
P
rinci
pal v
iew
s fro
m h
ouse
E
ffect
of a
rriva
l and
dep
artu
re
poin
t of h
ouse
Occ
upy
larg
e ex
tent
of t
he
view
C
ontra
st in
sca
le o
f tur
bine
s to
su
rroun
ding
bui
ldin
gs
H
eigh
t and
spr
ead
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
two
prop
ertie
s (d
ista
nces
of 7
39m
and
70
2m) w
ere
foun
dto
be
unpl
easa
ntly
ov
erw
helm
ing
and
cre
ate
‘un
acce
ptab
le
livin
g c
onditio
ns’.
Cas
e: C
arla
nd C
ross
R
ef:
APP
/D08
40/A
/09/
2103
026
D
ate:
201
0 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
10 n
o.
turb
ines
with
tip
hei
ght
100m
.
Pro
perti
es o
ver 1
km
away
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘…[th
ese] I co
nsid
er
much
to
o d
ista
nt to
suff
er
unsa
tisfa
ctor
y liv
ing
cond
ition
s in
con
sequ
ence
of t
he
prop
osed
turb
ines
sim
ply
bein
g v
isib
le) (
para
24)
D
ista
nce
900m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Th
e q
ualit
y o
f liv
ing
co
ndi
tions
cur
rent
ly e
njoy
ed h
ere
wou
ld, I
con
side
r, in
con
sequ
ence
be
dim
inis
hed
and
the
pre
se
nt occupie
rs’ e
njo
ym
en
t of
the p
rop
ert
y w
ou
ld, I
acce
pt, b
e m
uch
less
ened
. How
ever
, alth
ough
the
prop
osed
tu
rbin
es w
ould
int
rude
sig
nific
antly
into
the
plea
sant
vie
ws
ac
ross
ope
n c
ount
rysi
de fr
om th
e pr
oper
ty, i
t wou
ld s
till i
n m
y es
timat
ion
be w
idel
y he
ld t
o be
an
attra
ctiv
ely
rura
l p
lace
in w
hic
h to
liv
e.’ (
pa
ra 2
5)
O
pen
aspe
ct
La
ck o
f veg
etat
ion
as
scre
enin
g
Sin
gle
win
dow
s – n
o al
tern
ativ
e ou
tlook
600m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘ B
lad
e tip
s m
ight
be s
een r
ota
tin
g a
bo
ve
th
e t
rees f
rom
so
uth
faci
ng w
indo
ws
in P
enha
llow
and
obl
ique
ly fr
om th
e re
ar
gard
en o
f Illg
ram
…In
neither
case w
ould
liv
ing
cond
ition
s in
my
est
imat
ion
be s
igni
fican
tly a
ffect
ed. (
para
26
)
V
eget
ativ
e sc
reen
ing
O
bliq
ue v
iew
s
400m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘The p
resent outlook w
ould
not
much change
and e
xis
ting
livin
g co
nditi
ons
here
wou
ld, I
con
side
r, re
mai
n as
now
and
b
e s
atisfa
cto
ry.’ (
pa
ra 2
6)
E
xist
ing
view
s ac
ross
con
cret
e fil
ling
stat
ion
Exi
stin
g m
ovem
ent e
vide
nt
from
pas
sing
traf
fic
700m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘ T
he h
igh q
ualit
y o
f th
is v
iew
w
ou
ld
un
qu
estio
na
bly
be
m
uch
dim
inis
hed
by a
n ar
ray
of tu
rbin
es ro
tatin
g in
the
…B
ein
g effectively
sandw
iched b
etw
een the r
oad a
nd the
prop
osed
turb
ines
, it s
eem
s to
me
that
som
e m
ight
rega
rd
this
as
likel
y to
bec
ome
an
unat
tract
ive
plac
e in
whi
ch t
o liv
e, a
lthou
gh I
cons
ider
that
the
prop
osed
turb
ines
are
su
ffici
ently
dis
tanc
ed a
nd fa
r eno
ugh
spac
ed t
o av
oid
that
o
pin
ion b
ein
g h
eld
b
y m
ost.
’ (p
ara
27)
D
ista
nce
S
prea
d of
turb
ines
Cas
e: M
ynyd
d Y
Gw
air
Ref
:AP
P/B
6855
/A/0
9/21
1401
3
Dat
e: 2
010
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l am
enity
not
a fa
ctor
)
19 n
o tu
rbin
es
127m
to ti
p.
With
in 2
km
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Turb
ines w
ould
be
visi
ble
from
mos
t of t
he d
wel
lings
with
in
abou
t 2k
of th
e ne
ares
t tur
bine
s, b
ut fo
llow
ing
my
visi
ts to
th
e vi
cini
ty o
f the
se d
wel
lings
, I d
o no
t con
side
r tha
t the
vi
sual
intru
sion
at a
ny d
wel
ling
wou
ld b
e un
acce
ptab
ly
harm
ful t
o th
e vi
sual
am
enity
of t
h e o
ccupie
rs’ (p
ara
64)
Cas
e: R
oos
Ref
:AP
P/E
2001
/A/0
9/21
1307
6
9 no
126
.5m
to
tip
turb
ines
80
0mN
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘I a
ccept th
at th
e c
hang
e o
f vie
w f
rom
resid
ential p
rope
rtie
s
wou
ld b
e ob
ject
iona
ble
for m
any
who
live
in th
e ar
ea.
How
eve
r… t
he tu
rbin
es a
re u
nlik
ely
to b
e s
o v
isua
lly
Tu
rbin
es s
een
with
in c
onte
xt o
f w
ider
land
scap
e an
d sk
ylin
e
Dis
tanc
e fro
m d
wel
lings
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
Dat
e: 2
010
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on g
rant
ed
dom
inan
t or o
verw
helm
ing
as to
cau
se s
ever
e ha
rm to
the
visu
al a
men
ity c
ompo
nent
of r
esid
ential am
enity.’ (
para
35)
Ta
ll str
uctu
res o
f ‘li
ttle
mass’ -
occu
py s
mal
l pro
porti
on o
f vi
ew
Veg
etat
ion/
othe
r bui
ldin
gs g
ive
scre
enin
g
Cas
e: S
illfie
ld
Ref
:A
PP
/M09
33/A
/09/
2099
304
D
ate:
201
0 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
refu
sed
(effe
cts
on
resi
dent
ial v
isua
l am
enity
co
ntrib
uted
tow
ards
dec
isio
n)
3 no
turb
ines
. H
eigh
t un
know
n.
Pro
perti
es o
ver 2
km
away
‘..b
eyo
nd
th
at
range th
e turb
ines m
ight
be p
rom
ine
nt
in th
e la
ndsc
ape
but i
t is
unlik
ely
that
they
cou
ld r
easo
nabl
y be
pe
rcei
ved
from
dw
ellin
gs a
s do
min
ant a
nd in
trusi
ve;
ther
e w
ould
be
a ch
ange
to th
e vi
ew b
ut n
o di
rect
, ser
ious
har
m
to li
ving
con
ditio
ns. (
para
45)
D
ista
nce
770m
‘[T
urb
ines] sig
nific
antly
de
tract
from
livi
ng
conditio
ns’
‘ Clo
ser t
o th
e si
te v
isua
l im
pact
wou
ld b
e bo
th m
ore
dram
atic
and
sev
ere.
[fro
m th
ese
prop
ertie
s] th
e th
ree
turb
ines
wou
ld b
e in
trusi
ve in
the
open
lan
dsca
pe a
nd
dom
inant
at clo
se r
ange…
I belie
ve t
hat th
e v
isual
impa
ct
on C
ross
land
s C
otta
ge, t
he p
rinci
pal e
leva
tion
of w
hich
di
rect
ly fa
ces
the
appe
al s
ite, w
ould
sig
nific
antly
det
ract
fro
m li
ving
con
ditio
ns th
ere.
(par
a 48
)
P
artly
scr
eene
d
Dire
ct o
rient
atio
n
50. T
he in
timid
atin
g ef
fect
of t
he tu
rbin
es w
ould
in m
y op
inio
n be
par
ticul
arly
evi
dent
from
the
gard
ens
of b
oth
thes
e pr
oper
ties
but i
t wou
ld a
lso
be fe
lt ar
ound
Sillf
ield
as
a w
hole
and
par
ticul
arly
by
resi
dent
s pa
ssin
g to
and
from
thei
r pr
oper
ties
or re
laxi
ng in
gar
dens
. A
s th
e ha
mle
t is
at
pres
ent g
ener
ally
pea
cefu
l, de
spite
its
prox
imity
to th
e m
otor
way
to th
e w
est,
the
scal
e an
d m
ovem
ent o
f the
tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
parti
cula
rly d
istu
rbin
g. T
he m
otor
way
is
larg
ely
scre
ened
from
vie
w a
nd o
nly
mak
es it
s pr
esen
ce fe
lt in
low
bac
kgro
und
nois
e w
here
asth
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
a cl
ose,
insi
sten
t and
sev
ere
visu
al in
trusi
on.
O
rient
atio
n
Ele
vatio
n
Scre
enin
g
4 no
pro
perti
es
with
in s
ettle
men
t (of
6)
at 7
45m
, 708
m,
692m
, 744
m:
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘…w
ou
ld e
ach b
e s
cre
ene
d f
rom
direct
vie
w to
a g
rea
ter
or
less
er e
xte
nt b
y b
uild
ings,
he
dges o
r tr
ee
s.’ (
pa
ra 4
9)
S
cree
ning
from
bui
ldin
gs a
nd
vege
tatio
n
2 no
pro
perti
es
with
in s
ettle
men
t (of
6)
at 6
70m
and
68
6m
‘…m
ark
edly
detr
act
from
enj
oym
ent o
f bot
h th
e ho
use
and
its o
pen
space.’
‘Bo
th [
pro
pe
rtie
s]…
are
on h
igh
er g
roun
d [a
nd] w
ould
be
muc
h m
ore
effe
cted
...In
my
view
the
app
eara
nce
and
heig
ht o
f the
turb
ines
at c
lose
qua
rters
and
on
elev
ated
gr
ound
, and
the
mot
ion
of th
e bl
ades
, wou
ld b
e in
trusi
ve
and
intim
idat
ing
and
wou
ld m
arke
dly
detra
ct fr
om
enjo
ymen
t of b
oth
the
hous
e an
d its
ope
n s
pace
. (p
ara
49)
O
rient
atio
n
Ele
vate
d po
sitio
n of
de
velo
pmen
t
Dis
tanc
e
Mov
emen
t of b
lade
s
Set
tlem
ent o
f 6
prop
ertie
s as
not
ed
in tw
o pr
evio
us
sect
ions
(at
dist
ance
s ra
ngin
g fro
m 6
70m
to 7
45m
). G
ener
al c
omm
ent
‘intim
idatin
g e
ffect
of
the tu
rbin
es’
The
intim
idat
ing
effe
ct o
f the
turb
ines
wou
ld in
my
opi
nion
be
par
ticul
arly
evi
dent
from
the
gard
ens
of b
oth
thes
e pr
oper
ties
[at 6
70m
and
686
m] b
ut it
wou
ld a
lso
be fe
lt ar
ound
[the
set
tlem
ent]
as a
who
le a
nd p
artic
ular
ly b
y re
side
nts
pass
ing
to a
nd fr
om th
eir p
rope
rties
or r
elax
ing
in
gard
ens.
As
the
ham
let i
s at
pre
sent
gen
eral
ly p
eace
ful,
desp
ite it
s pr
oxim
ity to
the
mot
orw
ay to
the
wes
t, th
e sc
ale
Ex
istin
g pe
acef
ul lo
catio
n of
se
ttlem
ent
S
cale
of d
evel
opm
ent
M
ovem
ent o
f tur
bine
s
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
and
mov
emen
t of t
he tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
parti
cula
rly
dist
urbi
ng.
The
mot
orw
ay is
larg
ely
scre
ened
from
vie
w a
nd
only
mak
es it
s pr
esen
ce fe
lt in
low
bac
kgro
und
nois
e w
here
as th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
a cl
ose,
insi
sten
t and
sev
ere
vis
ual in
trusio
n.’ (
pa
ra 5
0)
Two
prop
ertie
s at
62
9m a
way
.
‘do
min
an
t a
nd
overb
ea
ring’
‘[T
he p
rop
ert
ies] sta
nd
in isola
tio
n o
n h
igh
gro
un
d…
fro
m
whe
re th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
in fu
ll vi
ew a
cros
s lo
wer
gro
und
in th
e m
iddl
e di
stan
ce.
Alth
ough
the
prop
erty
ow
ner
acce
pted
that
the
view
was
pan
oram
ic, a
nd th
e Ap
pella
nt
argu
ed th
at th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
onl
y fe
atur
e in
par
t of t
hat
view
, it i
s an
impo
rtant
par
t and
they
wou
ld in
evita
bly
attra
ct
atte
ntio
n th
roug
h th
eir s
ize
and
blad
e m
ovem
ent.
The
latte
r w
ould
be
parti
cula
rly d
istu
rbin
g in
that
one
turb
ine
wou
ld
ap
pe
ar
eff
ective
ly “
sta
cke
d”
be
hin
d a
noth
er.
In m
y o
pini
on,
whi
lst s
cree
ning
from
hed
ges
and
par
ts o
f the
bui
ldin
gs
wou
ld l
arge
ly c
once
al t
he tu
rbin
es fr
om v
iew
fro
m th
e st
atic
car
avan
s be
hind
the
hous
es, t
hey
wou
ld b
e in
suffi
cien
t to
prev
ent t
hem
from
app
earin
g do
min
ant a
nd
over
bear
ing
whe
n s
een
from
bot
h th
e dw
ellin
gs a
nd th
eir
imm
edia
te s
urro
undi
ngs,
in a
way
tha
t wou
ld i
nevi
tabl
y cause s
ignific
ant
harm
to liv
ing c
onditio
ns.’ (
para
51)
E
leva
ted
prop
ertie
s S
mal
l par
t of a
pan
oram
ic v
iew
Siz
e an
d m
ovem
ent
S
tack
ing
effe
ct o
f mul
tiple
tu
rbin
es
S
ome
scre
enin
g bu
t in
suffi
cien
t
Cas
e: B
ailli
e R
ef: I
EC
/3/1
05/3
D
ate:
200
9 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
21 tu
rbin
es,
tip h
eigh
t 11
0m
6 no
hou
ses
with
in
500m
from
turb
ines
. C
lose
st a
t 250
m a
nd
300m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘… T
he issue t
hat a
rises
her
e is
whe
ther
the
sign
ifica
nt
adve
rse
visu
al im
pact
on
loca
l res
iden
ts w
ould
be
so g
reat
a
s t
o r
en
de
r th
e d
evelo
pm
en
t u
naccepta
ble
… H
ere
, th
e
view
from
nea
rby
hous
es w
ould
not
be
lost
or w
holly
ob
stru
cted
, but
wou
ld b
e dr
amat
ical
ly a
ltere
d. T
he h
eigh
t of
the
turb
ines
and
the
rota
ting
mot
ion
of th
e bl
ades
, com
bine
d w
ith th
eir p
roxi
mity
, wou
ld re
sult
in th
e w
ind
farm
bec
omin
g a
dom
inan
t ele
men
t in
certa
in v
iew
s pa
rticu
larly
whe
n th
e w
indo
ws
of th
e pr
inci
pal r
oom
s fa
ce to
war
ds it
. Th
is e
ffect
w
ould
be
redu
ced
to s
ome
exte
nt b
y th
e lim
ited
arc
whi
ch it
o
ccupie
s in t
he w
ide o
ve
rall
field
of
vie
w.’ (
pa
ra 8
.21
)
‘…I fin
d t
hat th
e issue to
be
ad
dre
sse
d is w
heth
er
the
adve
rse
effe
cts
whi
ch w
ould
be
expe
rienc
ed b
y so
me
of th
e re
side
nts
of th
e 60
or s
o h o
uses
whi
ch a
re w
ithin
two
kilo
met
res
of th
e ne
ares
t tur
bine
s is
suf
ficie
nt to
out
wei
gh
the
wid
er p
ublic
ben
efits
whi
ch th
e de
velo
pmen
t is
desi
gned
to
ach
ieve
. In
my
judg
emen
t, on
the
mer
its o
f thi
s ca
se,
I fin
d th
at th
ese
adve
rse
effe
cts
are
not s
o gr
eata
s to
be
un
accepta
ble
’. (
pa
ra 8
.26)
M
ain
room
s/ga
rden
s di
rect
ly
orie
ntat
ed to
war
ds
deve
lopm
ent
B
road
land
scap
e se
tting
Few
hou
ses
orie
ntat
ed
tow
ards
dev
elop
men
t
Sm
all n
umbe
r of h
ouse
s in
volv
ed
Sup
port
expr
esse
d by
som
e of
th
e re
side
nts
D
ista
nce
from
turb
ines
Com
pact
layo
ut o
f win
d fa
rmD
evel
opm
ents
pos
ition
with
in
an o
pen
land
scap
e C
apac
ity o
f the
land
scap
e to
ac
com
mod
ate
a w
ind
farm
Cas
e: B
eech
tree
R
ef:
APP
/K11
28/A
/08/
2072
150
D
ate:
200
9
3 no
win
d tu
rbin
es
100m
to ti
p.
500m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Th
e p
rop
osal w
ould
ha
ve a
sig
nific
an
t eff
ect
on the
ou
tlo
ok
fro
m th
e [p
rop
ert
y a
nd
] …
I h
ave
no d
ou
bt th
at th
is w
ould
fu
ndam
enta
lly c
hang
e th
e ou
tlook
from
this
pro
perty
. A
la
ndsc
apin
g sc
hem
e m
ight
hel
p to
am
elio
rate
par
ticul
ar
lines
of s
ight
from
cer
tain
win
dow
s, b
ut it
wou
ld n
ot s
cree
n ou
t vie
ws
of th
e tu
rbin
es w
ithou
t cre
atin
g a
shad
ed a
nd
To
p of
bla
des
110m
abo
ve
prop
erty
M
ain
elev
atio
n w
ould
dire
ctly
fa
ce th
e de
velo
pmen
t
Mai
n vi
ews
affe
cted
(liv
ing
room
, mai
n be
droo
m, g
arde
n)
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l am
enity
not
a fa
ctor
)
cla
ustr
op
ho
bic
am
enity s
pa
ce f
or
th
e
occu
pie
rs…
Th
e
occu
pier
s of
this
pro
perty
wou
ld c
erta
inly
be
cons
tant
ly
awar
e of
the
pres
ence
of s
uch
high
, mov
ing
stru
ctur
es.
How
ever
, the
turb
ines
wou
ld b
e sl
ende
r stru
ctur
es, a
nd I
do
not b
elie
ve th
at th
ey w
ould
, at t
his
dist
ance
and
hei
ght,
have
an
over
bear
ing
or d
omin
atin
g im
pact
that
wou
ld h
arm
th
e re
side
ntia
l am
enity
that
the
occu
pier
s of
[the
pro
perty
] co
uld
reas
onab
ly e
xpec
t in
this
rura
l agr
icul
tura
l set
ting.
A
larg
e bu
lky
stru
ctur
e cl
ose
to a
dw
ellin
g, w
hich
gav
e it
an
encl
osed
feel
mig
ht h
ave
such
an
effe
ct, b
ut th
at is
not
the
case
her
e. M
y ju
dgem
ent i
s th
at th
e ap
peal
sch
eme
wou
ld
not h
ave
an u
nacc
epta
ble
effe
ct o
n th
e liv
ing
cond
ition
s of
th
e o
ccupie
rs o
f [t
he p
rop
ert
y]…
by r
ea
so
n o
f its a
dvers
e
vis
ual im
pact. ‘(p
ara
31)
C
onst
ant a
war
enes
s of
hig
h m
ovin
g st
ruct
ures
Sle
nder
stru
ctur
es
D
ista
nce
and
heig
ht
A
gric
ultu
ral s
ettin
g
Cas
e: E
nife
r Dow
ns
Ref
:AP
P/X
2220
/A/0
8/20
7188
0 D
ate:
200
9 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
refu
sed
(effe
cts
on re
side
ntia
l vis
ual
amen
ity c
ontri
bute
d to
war
ds
deci
sion
)
5 no
. tu
rbin
es.
120m
to ti
p.
C 3
60m
‘U
nple
asa
ntly
over
whe
lmin
g an
d unavoid
able
’
‘ my
impr
essi
on is
that
the
visu
al e
xper
ienc
e of
the
occu
pier
s fro
m th
e m
ain
livin
g ro
oms
and
gard
en o
f the
ir pr
oper
ty w
ould
be
com
para
ble
to li
ving
act
ually
with
in th
e tu
rbin
e c
luste
r…I consid
er
that th
e lo
om
ing p
resence o
f ro
tatin
g tu
rbin
es o
f the
hei
ght p
ropo
sed
wou
ld b
e u
np
leasan
tly o
ve
rwh
elm
ing
an
d u
na
vo
ida
ble
…’ (p
ara
67
)
Tu
rbin
es s
prea
d fu
lly a
cros
s th
e ou
tlook
Upw
ard
tilt o
f the
hea
d re
quire
d to
see
the
blad
e tip
s
Pro
perti
es c
510
m to
80
0m‘U
nple
asa
ntly
overw
helm
ing’
‘The
occ
upie
rs o
f the
se p
rope
rties
too
wou
ld b
e fa
ced
with
th
e un
avoi
dabl
e an
d, in
my
estim
atio
n, u
nple
asan
tly
over
whe
lmin
g pr
esen
ce o
f rot
atin
g tu
rbin
es s
prea
ding
bot
h ho
rizon
tally
and
ver
tical
ly a
cros
s a
subs
tant
ial p
ropo
rtion
of
thei
r mai
n ou
twar
d fie
ld o
f vie
w. B
y co
mpa
ring
the
turb
ine
spac
ing
to th
e di
stan
ce fr
om th
ese
prop
ertie
s, I
agai
n lik
en
that
to c
onve
ying
the
impr
essi
on o
f liv
ing
in o
r at a
win
d fa
rm,
rath
er
tha
n s
imp
ly h
avin
g a
tu
rbin
e c
luste
r clo
se
by.’
(par
a 68
)
Tu
rbin
es s
prea
d fu
lly a
cros
s ou
tlook
Set
tlem
ent c
800
m
to 1
km‘V
isually
invasiv
e’
‘…th
e o
utlook f
rom
the w
hole
of th
is s
mall
com
munity w
oul
d be
dom
inat
ed b
y th
eir u
navo
idab
le p
rese
nce,
whe
ther
see
n as
a c
ompl
ete
clus
ter,
indi
vidu
ally
or j
ust i
n gl
imps
es o
f m
ovin
g bl
ades
. In
this
cas
e it
is th
e sp
read
of t
he tu
rbin
es
rath
er th
an th
eir h
eigh
t tha
t wou
ld, i
n m
y ju
dgm
ent,
be s
o vi
sual
ly in
vasi
v e a
s to
mak
e th
e se
ttlem
ent a
less
sa
tisfa
ctor
y pl
ace
in w
hich
to li
ve th
an it
is n
ow. (
para
69)
S
prea
d of
turb
ines
650m
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Th
ere
are
som
e in
div
idua
l p
rop
ert
ies c
lose
r o
r e
qu
ally
clo
se
to tu
rbin
es th
at I
judg
e w
ould
be less a
ffecte
d…
[the tu
rbin
es
wou
ld] a
ppea
r muc
h m
ore
tight
ly g
roup
ed, a
nd th
us le
ss
intr
usiv
e in
th
e v
iew
.’ (
pa
ra 7
0)
G
roup
ing
of tu
rbin
es –
effe
cts
the
exte
nt o
f spr
ead
acro
ss
outlo
ok
Gen
eral
con
clus
ion
‘livin
g c
onditio
ns w
ould
be
dem
onst
rabl
y harm
ed’
‘…in
th
ose c
ases th
at I h
ave id
entifie
d w
here
th
e f
ull
heig
ht
and
max
imum
spr
ead
of tu
rbin
es in
the
num
bers
pro
pose
d w
ould
be
seen
at t
heir
grea
test
from
clo
sest
to (t
ypic
ally
at
up to
abo
ut 8
00 m
), an
d w
ith li
ttle
or n
othi
ng b
y w
ay o
f in
terv
enin
g sc
reen
ing,
it is
my
conc
lusi
on th
at li
ving
H
eigh
t and
spr
ead
of tu
rbin
es
with
in v
iew
Lack
of s
cree
ning
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
cond
ition
s w
ould
be
dem
onst
rabl
y ha
rmed
by
sign
ifica
nt
and
over
-dom
inan
t vis
ual i
mpa
ct. T
here
wou
ld b
e co
nflic
t w
ith th
e re
leva
nt S
P a
nd L
P p
olic
ies
safe
guar
ding
aga
inst
un
-nei
ghbo
urly
dev
elop
men
t whe
ther
from
noi
se, f
licke
r or
visu
al im
pact
. (pa
ra 7
1)
Cas
e: G
orse
dd B
ran
Ref
:AP
P/R
6830
/A/0
8/20
7492
1
Dat
e: 2
009
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l vis
ual a
men
ity
cont
ribut
ed to
war
ds d
ecis
ion)
13 tu
rbin
es
125m
to ti
p 10
pro
perti
es,
dist
ance
s un
know
n ‘O
verb
ea
rin
g’
‘It
was s
uggeste
d th
at as t
urb
ines b
ecom
e ta
ller
the
appr
opria
te s
epar
atio
n di
stan
ce b
etw
een
turb
ines
and
dw
ellin
gs s
houl
d al
so in
crea
se. I
n m
y vi
ew th
ere
is n
o sp
ecifi
c di
stan
ce a
t whi
ch tu
rbin
es a
re to
o cl
ose.
It a
ll de
pend
s on
the
circ
umst
ance
s. In
my
view
they
are
too
clos
e w
hen
the
heig
ht, s
ize
of s
wep
t are
a, a
nd re
lativ
e el
evat
ion
of th
e tu
rbin
es is
suc
h th
at th
ey a
ppea
r un
acce
ptab
ly o
verb
earin
g w
hen
view
ed fr
om a
dw
ellin
g or
its im
med
iate
surr
ou
nd
ing
s.’ (
pa
ra 1
0)
‘…F
rom
at le
ast a
ll th
ese p
rop
ert
ies th
e v
iew
s o
f th
e
turb
ines
wou
ld b
e su
ch th
at th
e pr
esen
ce o
f suc
h la
rge
turb
ines
loca
ted
on th
e el
evat
ed a
ppea
l site
wou
ld b
e ov
erbe
arin
g. (p
ara
14)
S
ettin
g of
dw
ellin
g
Vis
ibilit
y of
turb
ines
from
ga
rden
and
app
roac
h to
hou
se
E
leva
tion
Cas
e: S
ixpe
nny
Woo
d R
ef:
APP
/E20
01/A
/09/
2101
851
Dat
e: 2
009
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on g
rant
ed
10 n
o tu
rbin
es
125m
tip
heig
ht
Gen
eral
Com
men
t ‘…
the
re is n
o r
igh
t to
a v
iew
pe
r se, a
nd
any
ass
essm
ent o
f vi
sual
intru
sion
lead
ing
to a
find
ing
of m
ater
ial h
arm
mus
t th
eref
ore
invo
lve
extra
fact
ors
such
as
undu
e ob
trusi
vene
ss,
or a
n ov
erbe
arin
g im
pact
, lea
ding
to a
dim
inut
ion
of
cond
ition
s at
the
rele
vant
pro
perty
to a
n un
acce
ptab
le
de
gre
e.’ (p
ara
32)
Min
imum
600
m
‘Th
e o
ccu
pa
nts
of
[th
e d
we
llin
gs c
losest to
th
e
de
velo
pm
en
t]…
wou
ld b
e t
he m
ost se
rio
usly
aff
ecte
d b
y t
he
de
velo
pmen
t. It
was
cle
ar to
me
that
the
turb
ines
wou
ld b
e ve
ry p
rom
inen
t in
view
s fro
m th
ose
prop
ertie
s...B
ut th
at
prom
inen
ce d
oes
not n
eces
saril
y eq
uate
to h
arm
. The
re
wou
ld, o
fco
urse
, be
a si
gnifi
cant
cha
nge
in th
e vi
ew fr
om th
ose
prop
ertie
s. T
he o
utlo
okw
ould
cha
nge
from
an
aspe
ct g
ener
ally
acr
oss
open
fiel
ds
to a
n ou
tlook
inw
hich
turb
ine
or tu
rbin
es w
ould
be
the
maj
or fe
atur
e w
ithin
th
e la
ndsc
ape.
Ica
n w
ell a
ppre
ciat
e th
at m
any
wou
ld fi
nd th
at a
ser
ious
di
min
utio
n of
thei
rou
tlook
, tho
ugh
acce
pt th
at o
ther
s w
ould
find
them
ac
cept
able
and
attr
activ
e.
…it is m
y judgem
ent th
at g
iven [th
e] spacin
g a
nd
co
nfig
urat
ion,
the
turb
ines
wou
ld n
ot b
e so
dom
inan
t tha
t th
ey w
ould
intro
duce
una
ccep
tabl
e ob
trusi
vene
ss, b
e ov
erbe
arin
g to
the
poin
t of o
ppre
ssiv
enes
s, o
r oth
erw
ise
lead
to v
isua
l int
rusi
on w
hich
wou
ld a
mou
nt to
sig
nific
ant
ha
rm t
o liv
ing
co
nd
itio
ns.’ (
pa
ras 3
3-3
5)
S
lim p
rofil
e of
turb
ines
Spa
cing
of t
urbi
nes
The
land
scap
e st
ill a
maj
or
horiz
onta
l com
pone
nt o
f the
vi
ew
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
Cas
e: W
adlo
w– S
ecre
tary
of
Sta
te D
ecis
ion
Ref
:AP
P/W
0530
/A/0
7/20
5947
1
Dat
e: 2
009
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on g
rant
ed a
nd th
is
perm
issi
on s
ubse
q uen
tly
uphe
ld b
y S
ecre
tary
of S
tate
(2
009)
13 n
o tu
rbin
es
120m
to ti
p
Num
ber o
f se
ttlem
ents
, clo
sest
be
ing
2km
from
de
velo
pmen
t.
Exa
min
ed n
umbe
r of
prop
ertie
s, c
lose
st
bein
g 80
0 -82
0m
from
dev
elop
men
t.
Not
ove
rbea
ring
‘Vis
ual im
pact o
n in
div
idu
al bu
ildin
gs is
als
o un
likel
y at
di
stan
ces
of m
ore
than
1 k
m, w
here
resi
dent
ial a
men
ities
w
ill n
ot b
e af
fect
ed to
suc
h an
ext
ent t
hat o
ccup
atio
n of
dw
elli
ngs b
ecom
es im
possib
le for
a “
reasonable
pers
on”
…In
deed
, una
ccep
tabl
e vi
sual
dom
inan
ce is
unl
ikel
y to
occ
ur
at d
ista
nces
muc
h be
yond
650
-700
m w
here
as h
ere
the
two
near
est p
rope
rties
are
in th
e 80
0m-8
20m
rang
e. (P
AR
A 9.2
6)’
‘…Lik
ew
ise, I d
o n
ot consid
er
that sim
ply
bein
g a
ble
to
see
a tu
rbin
e or
turb
ines
from
a p
artic
ular
win
dow
or p
art o
f the
ga
rden
of a
hou
se is
suf
ficie
nt re
ason
to fi
nd th
e vi
sual
im
pact
una
ccep
tabl
e (e
ven
thou
gh a
par
ticul
ar o
ccup
ier
mig
ht fi
nd it
obj
ectio
nabl
e). N
onet
hele
ss, w
hen
turb
ines
are
pr
esen
t in
such
num
ber,
size
and
pro
xim
ity th
at th
ey
repr
esen
t an
unpl
easa
ntly
ove
rwhe
lmin
g an
dun
avoi
dabl
e pr
esen
ce in
mai
n vi
ews
from
a h
ouse
or g
arde
n, o
r are
lik
ely
to c
ause
ove
rsha
dow
ing
(and
par
ticul
arly
flic
ker
effe
cts)
, the
re is
eve
ry li
kelih
ood
that
the
prop
erty
co
ncer
ned
wou
ld c
ome
to b
e w
idel
y re
gard
ed a
s an
un
attra
ctiv
e (ra
ther
than
sim
p ly
less
attr
activ
e, b
ut n
ot
nece
ssar
ily u
ninh
abita
ble)
pla
ce in
whi
ch to
live
. It i
s no
t in
the
publ
ic in
tere
st to
cre
ate
such
livi
ng c
ondi
tions
whe
re
they
did
not
exi
st b
efor
e, a
nd it
is a
gain
st th
at th
resh
old
that
I
ha
ve a
ssessed th
e e
ffects
on o
utlo
ok.’(p
ara
12.3
4)
To
pogr
aphy
Ele
vatio
n
Veg
etat
ive
scre
enin
g
Vis
ibilit
y fro
m p
rinci
pal
resi
dent
ial w
indo
ws
La
rge
skyl
ines
Dire
ctne
ss o
f vie
w
Cas
e: S
t Joh
ns H
ill
Ref
: P/P
PN
110/
634
D
ate:
200
7 D
ecis
ion:
Pla
nnin
g pe
rmis
sion
gra
nted
9 no
turb
ines
10
0m to
tip
Clo
sest
c. 4
00m
N
ot o
verb
earin
g ‘ It is r
ecepto
rs to t
he n
ort
h a
nd w
est of
the s
ite a
nd
a fe
w
with
in th
e si
te w
hich
wou
ld b
e m
ost l
ikel
y to
rece
ive
sign
ifica
nt v
isua
l effe
cts,
incl
udin
g so
me
dire
ct v
iew
s of
the
win
dfar
m.
Thes
e ar
e lo
cate
d in
an
open
land
scap
e w
here
th
e tu
rbin
es w
ould
app
ear l
ess
dom
inan
t tha
n in
a m
ore
en
clo
se
d o
r in
tim
ate
scale
of
lan
dsca
pe
.’
M
ost p
rope
rties
orie
ntat
ed
away
from
dev
elop
men
t
Bui
ldin
gs a
ct a
s sc
reen
ing
O
pen
land
scap
e
Cas
e: L
leth
ercy
non
Win
d Fa
rm
Ref
:AP
P/T
6850
/A/0
3/11
2272
0
Dat
e: 2
004
Dec
isio
n: P
lann
ing
perm
issi
on re
fuse
d (e
ffect
s on
re
side
ntia
l vis
ual a
men
ity
cont
ribut
ed to
war
ds d
ecis
ion)
N.B
Old
er c
ase
but i
ts
definitio
ns o
f ‘p
rom
inent’ a
nd
‘dom
inant’ a
nd w
hat
constitu
tes a
n ‘overb
eari
ng’
6 no
turb
ines
76
m ti
p he
ight
2 no
pro
perti
es a
t 1k
m a
nd 6
80m
‘Do
min
atin
g’
Num
ber o
f pro
perti
es a
sses
sed
rang
ing
from
680
m to
c3
400m
.
Dis
tanc
e no
t the
onl
y fa
ctor
but
at t
wo
prop
ertie
s w
here
tu
rbin
es a
t 1km
and
680
m a
way
, im
pact
s fo
und
to b
e ‘d
om
inatin
g a
nd
‘d
om
inatin
g a
nd m
ajo
r’ r
esp
ective
ly.
(para
16
.33)
O
rient
atio
n
Land
form
Veg
etat
ive
scre
enin
g
Ele
vatio
n
Sta
ckin
g ef
fect
of b
lade
s
Scal
e
920m
‘Severe
im
pact’
‘…[th
e t
urb
ines]
would
be c
onsid
era
bly
ele
va
ted
ab
ove
the
le
vel o
f th
e ne
w fa
rmho
use
and
wou
ld b
e do
min
atin
g an
d in
trusi
ve b
ecau
se o
f the
ir sc
ale,
pro
xim
ity a
nd re
lativ
e el
evat
ion,
hav
ing
a se
vere
impa
ct o
n th
e ou
tlook
from
the
prop
erty
. Thi
s pr
oper
ty w
ould
be
the
mos
t affe
cted
and
I a
gre
e t
he
ap
pella
nt’s a
ssessm
ent
of
a m
ajo
r im
pa
ct.’ (p
ara
16
.33)
E
leva
tion
D
ista
nce
Sc
ale
FINAL REPORT APPENDIX 2 – Page
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Cas
e/R
ef/D
ate/
Dec
isio
n D
evel
opm
ent
Dis
tanc
e of
Pr
oper
ty/P
rope
rtie
s fr
om T
urbi
ne(s
)
Ove
rall
Impa
ct o
n R
esid
entia
l Vis
ual
Am
enity
Ass
essm
ent C
omm
ents
Mod
ifyin
g Fa
ctor
s
(whe
re n
oted
)
effe
ct a
re o
ften
quot
ed b
y in
spec
tors
Gen
eral
Com
men
t ‘In m
y o
pin
ion t
he v
isual im
pa
ct of
the p
rop
ose
d w
ind
fa
rm
on e
ach
indi
vidu
al re
side
nt li
ving
in th
e vi
cini
ty is
an
aspe
ct
of th
e pu
blic
inte
rest
. I fa
il to
see
how
the
publ
icin
tere
st c
an
be s
afeg
uard
ed b
y de
velo
pmen
t tha
t wou
ld b
e vi
sual
ly
harm
ful w
hen
seen
from
sev
eral
nei
ghbo
urin
g pr
oper
ties.
In
this
cas
e it
is n
ot m
erel
y th
e re
side
nts
of th
e pr
oper
ties
id
entif
ied
who
wou
ld b
e su
bjec
ted
to th
e ad
vers
e vi
sual
im
pact
of t
hese
turb
ines
but
all
the
peop
le w
ho v
isit
thos
e pr
oper
ties
on
busi
ness
or p
leas
ure
and
peop
le u
sing
the
road
s se
rvin
g th
ese
prop
ertie
s. A
nd in
the
case
of t
hose
liv
ing
in C
wm
Gw
ilym
I do
not
con
side
r tha
t it i
s in
the
publ
ic
inte
rest
to im
pose
on
them
the
seve
re im
pact
that
wou
ld
resu
lt if
this
pro
posa
l wen
t ahe
ad. T
he h
arm
ful e
ffect
on
resi
dent
s, b
oth
indi
vidu
ally
and
cum
ulat
ivel
y, w
eigh
s he
avily
a
ga
inst th
e w
ind fa
rm.’ (
pa
ra 1
6.3
5)
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Page 4
Appendix 3 : Viewpoint Analysis Figures
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
1M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Turbine
Figure A3-1.1 Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 17.8m High)
View pointRefer to Figure 1.1
1:5,000
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - C11/0888/34LL &C11/0495/34/LL 34.2m v2
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
FiguRe A3-1.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR WiNd TuRbiNe - 17.8m HigH
View 1
View 2
View 3
View 4
View 5
View 6
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
2
View1 View 2 View 3
View 4 View 5 View 6
N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Distance to Turbine: 310m (apparent height* 3.5 cm)Distance to Turbine: 255m (apparent height* 4.26 cm)Distance to Turbine: 170m (apparent height* 6.39 cm)
Distance to Turbine: 130m (apparent height* 8.35 cm)Distance to Turbine: 105m (apparent height* 10.34 cm)Distance to Turbine: 95m (apparent height* 11.43 cm)
Figure A3-1.2 Views to Wind Turbine - 17.8m Highurbines - Site Sur
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
3
A
B
Turbine A
Turbine B
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View pointRefer to Figure 2.1
1:10,000
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - C11/0888/34LL &C11/0495/34/LL 34.2m v2
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
Figure A3-2.1 Viewpont Locaitons for Wind Turbine - 34.2m High
FiguRe A3-2.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR WiNd TuRbiNe - 34.2m HigH
A
b
View 1View 2View 3 View 4
View 5
View 6
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
4
View1 View 2 View 3
View 4 View 5 View 6
N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Figure A3-2.2 Views to Wind Turbine - 34.2m Highd Turbines - Site Sur
Distance to Turbine A: 640m (apparent height* 3.26 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 685m (apparent height* 3.05 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 375m (apparent height* 5.56 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 475m (apparent height* 4.39 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 365m (apparent height* 5.72 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 280m (apparent height* 7.45 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 185m (apparent height* 11.28 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 285m (apparent height* 7.32 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 145m (apparent height* 14.39 cm)Distance to Turbine A: 70m (apparent height* 29.8 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 170m (apparent height* 12.27 cm)
A A A
A A A
BB B
B
B
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
5
Turbine A
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Figure A3-3.1 Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 53m High
A
b
View pointRefer to Figure 3.1
Turbine b
Turbine C
Turbine d
1:10,000
FiguRe A3-3.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR WiNd TuRbiNe - 53m HigH
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - 30c716A 27m
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
Pylon_site vist_buffer<all other values>
distance50100200300400500750
Ab
Cd
C
d
View 1
View 2
View 3
View 4
View 5
View 6
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
6N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)
Figure A3-3.2 Views to Wind Turbine - 53m High
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View 2 View 3
Distance to Turbine A: 95m (apparent height* 34.03 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 190m (apparent height* 17.02 cm)Distance to Turbine C: 285m (apparent height* 11.34 cm)Distance to Turbine D: 380m (apparent height* 8.51 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 390m (apparent height* 8.29 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 385m (apparent height* 8.4 cm)Distance to Turbine C: 390m (apparent height* 8.29 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 135m (apparent height* 23.95 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 510m (apparent height* 6.34 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 505m (apparent height*6.4 cm)Distance to Turbine C: 500m (apparent height*6.47 cm)Distance to Turbine D: 530m (apparent height* 6.1 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 265m (apparent height*12.2 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 265m (apparent height* 12.2 cm)
Distance to Turbine A:750m (apparent height* 4.31 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 735m (apparent height* 4.4 cm)Distance to Turbine C: 710m (apparent height* 4.55 cm)Distance to Turbine D: 715m (apparent height* 4.52 cm)
View 4 View 5 View 6
View1
A
A A
B
AB C
A BC D A B C D
BC
D
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
7
A
B
Turbine A
Turbine B
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View pointRefer to Figure 4.1
Figure A3-4.1 Viewpoint Locations for Wind Turbine - 93m High
1:20,000
FiguRe A3-4.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR WiNd TuRbiNe - 93m HigH
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - C11/0888/34LL &C11/0495/34/LL 34.2m v2
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
A
b
View 1View 2
View 3
View 4
View 6
View 5
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
8
View1 View 2 View 3
View 4 View 5 View 6
N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)
Figure A3-4.2 Views to Wind Turbine - 93m High Turbines - Site Survey
Distance to Turbine A: 1680m (apparent height* 3.38 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 1385m (apparent height* 4.1 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 1750m (apparent height* 3.24 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 2105m (apparent height* 2.7 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 800m (apparent height* 7.09 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 930m (apparent height* 6.1 cm)
Distance to Turbine A: 765m (apparent height* 7.42 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 1140m (apparent height* 4.98 cm)
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Distance to Turbine A: 620m (apparent height* 9.30 cm)
A A
A A
A
Distance to Turbine A: 570m (apparent height* 9.95 cm)Distance to Turbine B: 910m (apparent height* 6.23 cm)
A B
B
B B B
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
NTS
9M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View pointRefer to Figure 5.1
Figure A3-5.1 Viewpoint Locations for Pylons 50-59 m High
A
b Pylon b (50 m)
Pylon A (50 m)
FiguRe A3-5.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR PyLONS 50-59 m HigH
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - C11/0888/34LL &C11/0495/34/LL 34.2m v2
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
A
b
C
d
e
F
View 1View 2
View 3
View 5View 6
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - C11/0888/34LL &C11/0495/34/LL 34.2m v2
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
View 4
b
C
A
C
d Pylon d (59 m)
Pylon C (53 m)
e
F Pylon F (57 m)
Pylon e (56 m)
N.B All pylon heights are rounded to the nearest metre.
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
View1 View 2 View 3
View 4 View 5 View 6
* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m
Distance to Pylon C: 990m (apparent height* 3.27 cm)Distance to Pylon D: 1190m (apparent height* 3.02 cm)Distance to Pylon E: 1460m (apparent height* 2.34 cm)
Distance to Pylon B: 535m (apparent height* 5.70 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 290m (apparent height* 10.52 cm)Distance to Pylon A: 530m (apparent height* 5.75 cm)
Distance to Pylon C: 195m (apparent height* 16.58 cm)Distance to Pylon C: 135m (apparent height* 23.95 cm)Distance to Pylon C: 105m (apparent height* 30.79 cm)
Figure A3-5.2 Views to Pylons 50-59 m High
B
BA
C C
C D E
C
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of Ordnance Survey® on be-half of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright Licence No. EL273112
Key:
11
m5082-1 140522 -TuRbiNeS & PyLONS VieWPOiNTS
M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
Figure A3-6.1 Viewpoint Locations for Pylons 55-59 m High
A
b
C
Pylon A (56 m)
Pylon b (59 m)
Pylon C (55 m)
View pointRefer to Figure 6.1
1:10,000
FiguRe A3-6.1
VieWPOiNT LOCATiONS FOR PyLONS 55-59 m HigH
GILLESPIES
Westgate House, 44 Hale Road, Hale, Cheshi re, WA 14 2EXT: +44 ( 0)161 928 7715 E:desi gn.manchester@gi llespies .co.uk
www. gillesp ies.co.u k
Project:
Drawing Title:
Separation Distances - 30c716A 27m
Turbines and Pylons
Drawing File Location:
Mxxxx Project title\DRAWINGS\LAYOUTS
Client:
CLIENT NAME/GRAPHIC
Drawn:
Checked:
Approved: Initial
Initial
Initial Sheet Size:
Date:
Scale: 1:xx,xxx
xx/xx/xxxx
A3 (420mm x 297mm)
Rev Date Detail Made Chk'd App'd
X xx/xx/xx description of revision xx xx xx
Key:
A
b
C
d
View 2View 1
View 6
View 5
View 4
View 3
View 2
View 1 N.B All pylon heights are rounded to the nearest metre.
N.B All distances rounded to the nearest 5m* Apparent height of turbine/pylon at arms length of 61cm from viewer)M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View1 View 2 View 3
Distance to Pylon A: 75m (apparent height* 45.55 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 450m (apparent height* 8.00 cm)Distance to Pylon C: 810m (apparent height* 4.14 cm)
Distance to Pylon A: 270m (apparent height* 12.65 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 625m (apparent height* 5.76 cm)
Distance to Pylon A: 115m (apparent height* 29.70 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 485m (apparent height* 7.42 cm)
Distance to Pylon A: 400m (apparent height* 8.54 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 750m (apparent height* 4.80 cm)Distance to Pylon C: 1100m (apparent height* 3.05 cm)
Distance to Pylon A: 175m (apparent height* 19.52 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 535m (apparent height* 6.73 cm)
Distance to Pylon A: 760m (apparent height* 4.49 cm)Distance to Pylon B: 1085m (apparent height* 3.32 cm)Distance to Pylon C: 1420m (apparent height* 2.36 cm)
View 4 View 5 View 6
A
A
B
B
A
B
C
A
A A
BB
C B
C
Figure A3-6.2 Views to Pylons 55-59 m High
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Page 5
Appendix 4 : Supplementary Pylon Viewpoint
Photographs
Note: Viewpoint distances from pylons are not shown as the accuracy of the data source has not been confirmed; however viepoint locations are broadly similar to those in Figure A3-6.1 (Appendix 3)M5082-1 Wind Turbines & Pylons - Site Visit Viewpoints (Final Report)
View1 View 2 View 3
View 4 View 5 View 6
A
A
B B
B
A
B
C
A
A A
BC
BC B
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 1 for comparison
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 4 for comparison
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 2 for comparison
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 5 for comparison
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 3 for comparison
Refer to Appendix 3, Figure A3-6.2, View 6 for comparison
Figure A4 Supplementary Viewpoint Photographs to Pylons 55-59 m High
A
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Page 6
Appendix 5 : Theoretical Apparent Height Model
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT Appendix 5 - Page 1
Appendix 5 : Theoretical Apparent Height Model
The apparent height of a turbine or pylon is defined as the height that the structure would appear
at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer (i.e. the structure would appear to be the same height as
an X cm high object held at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer).
The steps presented below are based on trigonometry1 and are used to work out the apparent height
of a structure at arm’s length (61 m), when the true height and distance from the viewer are known.
This example is based on a 100 m turbine viewed from a distance of 1000 km.
STEP ONE: Firstly work out the tan (angular height) by inserting the known true height and the
known true distance from the viewer into the formula below (i.e. In this example divide the height by
the distance to work out the angular height: 100 m ÷ 1000 m = 0.1).
Tan (angular height) = 100 metres (True Height)
100 metres (True Distance)
1 Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships involving lengths and angles of triangles.
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT Appendix 5 - Page 2
STEP TWO: Insert 61 cm (arm’s length) as the distance and 0.1 the Tan (angular height) worked
out in STEP ONE into the formula, as below:
0.1 (Tan (angular) height from STEP ONE) = X cm (Apparent Height)
61 cm (Arm’s Length Distance)
STEP THREE: To work out the apparent height of the turbine, rearrange the formula as below (i.e.
Multiply 61 cm (arm’s length distance) by 0.1 (Tan (angula height) taken from STEP ONE): 61 cm x
0.1 = 6.1 cm).
61 cm (Distance Arm’s Length) X 0.1 (Tan (angular height)) = 6.1 cm (Apparent Height)
In this example a 100 metre high turbine located 1 km away from the viewer would appear to
be the same height as a 6.1 centimetre object held at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer.
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
Page 7
Appendix 6 : Residential Visual Amenity Assessment
Trigger Distances - Formula
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT Appendix 6 - Page 1
Appendix 6: Residential Visual Amenity Assessment Trigger Distances - Formula
When the proposed height of a wind turbine or pylon is known (in this example we assume 100 m
high turbine), the distance at which its apparent height would be around 7.5 cm can be worked out as
illustrated in the following steps.
STEP ONE: Firstly work out the tan (angular height) by inserting 7.5 cm as the apparent height and
61 cm (arm’s length distance) into the formula below (i.e. Divide the apparent height by the arm’s
length distance to work out the Tan (angular height): 7.5 cm ÷ 61 cm = 0.122950).
0.122950 (Tan (angular height)) =
7.5 cm (Apparent Height)
61 cm (Arm’s Length Distance)
Wind Turbines & Pylons: Guidance on the Application of Separation Distances from Residential Properties
FINAL REPORT Appendix 6 - Page 2
STEP TWO: Insert true height (assumed to be 100 m turbine in this example) and 0.122950 (the
Tan (angular height) worked out in STEP ONE) into the formula below.
0.122950 (Tan (angular) height from STEP ONE) = 100 m (True Height)
X cm (True Distance)
STEP THREE: To work out the true distance at which the apparent height of the structure would be
7.5 cm, rearrange the formula from STEP TWO as below (i.e. Divide 100 m (Assumed True Height)
by 0.122950 (Tan (angular height) taken from STEP ONE): 100 m ÷ 0.122950 = 813 m (rounded to
the nearest metre)).
813 m (True Distance) = 100 m (True Height)
0.122950 (Tan (angular) height)
In this example, when the viewer is 813 metres away from a 100 metre high turbine it would
have an apparent height of 7.5 cm (i.e. appear to be the same height as a 7.5 centimetre
object held at arm’s length (61 cm) from the viewer).
Gillespies: Westgate House
44 Hale Road, Hale,
Cheshire, WA14 2EX
T: 0161 9287715
www.gillespies.co.uk