Chapter 6 - Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - Musdale Windfarm

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement
6
6.1
6.1.1
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Introduction
This, the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) evaluates the impacts of the proposed Musdale Wind Farm (the proposed wind farm) on the landscape and visual resource. This Chapter contains the following sections: Introduction outlining the content and scope of the chapter; Policy, legislation and guidance - describing the policy, legislation and guidance that are relevant to the assessment; Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria - presenting a summary of consultations, establishing the study area, and describing the methods used in baseline surveys, the evaluation of the significance of impacts and limitations of the assessment; Baseline Conditions- a description of the proposed wind farm site and the surrounding area based on the result of desk information, site visits and consultation; Predicted impacts a description of the predicted impacts during construction, operation and decommission; Development Design Mitigation summary of the measures taken to avoid or minimise the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed wind farm through the design; Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Elements identifying the residual impacts on landscape elements; Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character identifying the residual impacts on landscape character areas and landscape designations; Assessment of Impacts on Views - identifying the residual impacts on selected viewpoints and principal visual receptors; Assessment of Cumulative Impacts considering any landscape and visual impacts that may arise cumulatively with other wind farms; and Summary of impacts and conclusions.
6.1.2
6.1.3
The assessment has been undertaken by Chartered Landscape Architects at Optimised Environments Limited (OPEN) on behalf of the Applicant. It considers the impact on the landscape resource; both direct impacts and impacts on how the landscape is perceived, and the impact on visual amenity; views and visual receptors, that occurs within the study area as shown on Figure 6.1 (Volume III). Cumulative impacts, arising from the impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with other wind farms, are also considered. The assessment covers the construction, operational phase and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. It will consist of 16 wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 132m, with associated operational infrastructure, including access tracks, a transformer either inside each turbine tower or an external transformer associated with each turbine, one permanent met mast, and a substation located as shown in
6.1.4
Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 1
Figure 4.1. The grid connection, borrow pits (if required) and detailed site access will form separate applications and are not assessed in this LVIA. 6.1.5 The landscape and visual assessment is based on a turbine within the maximum dimensional envelope of 132m. The turbine used in this assessment has a maximum hub height of 80m and a maximum rotor diameter of 104m. There are four technical appendices to this Chapter, included in Volume IV of the ES, which should be read in conjunction with this Chapter, as they inform which receptors are assessed in detail. They are as follows: Technical Appendix 6.1: Landscape and Visual Assessment Detailed Methodology, contains the detailed methodology used for the assessment. A summary methodology is provided in this Chapter. Technical Appendix 6.2: Assessment of Effects on Landscape Character, contains, in tabulated form, the preliminary assessment of all of the landscape character receptors included in the assessment. The receptors that were found to have the potential to undergo a significant impact are assessed in full in this Chapter. Technical Appendix 6.3: Assessment of Effects on Views, contains, in tabulated form, the preliminary assessment of all of the viewpoints and visual receptors included in the assessment. The viewpoints and visual receptors that were found to have the potential to undergo a significant impact are assessed in full in this Chapter. Technical Appendix 6.4: Assessment of Cumulative Impacts, contains, in tabulated form, the preliminary cumulative assessment of all of landscape character receptors, viewpoints and visual receptors included in the assessment. The landscape character receptors, viewpoints and visual receptors that were found to have the potential to undergo a significant cumulative impact are assessed in full in this Chapter.
6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8
6.1.9
6.1.10
Scope of the Chapter

6.1.11 Wind farms tend to give rise to impacts within the landscape by virtue of a number of attributes specific to both their individual form and to the location and grouping of turbines. These attributes include: Strong vertical form and size; Movement; Grouping within the landscape; Location; and Relationship to the scale and nature of the existing landscape. 6.1.12 The LVIA is intended to determine the impacts that the proposed wind farm will have on the landscape and visual resource. For the purpose of the assessment, the potential impacts on the landscape and visual resource are grouped into four categories: Physical landscape impacts are restricted to the area within the application boundary, and are the direct impacts on the fabric of the site, such as the removal or addition of trees and alteration to ground cover. This category of impacts is made up of landscape elements, which are the components of the landscape, such as grassland and forestry that may be physically affected by the proposed wind farm.
6.1.13
6.1.14
Landscape character is the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occurs consistently in a particular type of landscape, and the way that this pattern is perceived. Impacts on landscape character arise either through the introduction of new elements that physically alter this pattern of elements, or through visibility of the proposed wind farm, which may alter the way in which the pattern of elements is perceived. This category of impacts is made up of landscape character receptors, which fall into two groups; landscape character areas and designated areas. The assessment of impacts on views is an assessment of how the introduction of the proposed wind farm will affect views throughout the study area. The assessment of impacts on views is carried out in two parts: An assessment of the impacts that the proposed wind farm will have on representative viewpoints; and An assessment of the impacts that the proposed wind farm will have on views from principal visual receptors, which are the notable settlements, routes, features and attractions found throughout the study area (as ascertained through the baseline study).
6.1.15
6.1.16
Cumulative impacts may arise where the study areas for two or more wind farms overlap. In these circumstances the proposed wind farm may give rise to an incrementally greater landscape character or visual impact on any given baseline than the impact of the proposed wind farm itself. Again, wind farms may combine to have a sequential impact, irrespective of any overlap in study areas. It is the incremental impact of the addition of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation that is assessed in the LVIA, not the overall impact of wind farms across the study area.
Issues scoped out of assessment

6.1.17 On the basis of the desk based and survey work undertaken, the professional judgement of the EIA team, experience from other relevant projects and policy guidance or standards, the following topic areas have been scoped out, as proposed through the scoping process: the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of wind farms that lie beyond a 60km radius from the proposed wind farm turbines; written cumulative assessment that includes scoping stage wind farms; the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of turbines of less than 50m; and the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of small scale wind farm development beyond a 10km radius.
Terminology
6.1.18 The terminology used in the LVIA is consistent with that set out in Chapter 1: Introduction of this ES. It refers to the proposed wind farm for Musdale Wind Farm. Occasionally in the LVIA, it is necessary to refer to individual turbines or groups of turbines, in which case the terminology refers to the proposed turbines for the Musdale turbines. The assessment uses the term turbines when referring generally to wind turbines.
6.2
6.2.1
Policy, Legislation and Guidance

The main national policy documents in relation to land use planning are The Scottish Government (Updated 2009) National Planning Framework For Scotland 2 and The
Scottish Government (2010) Scottish Planning Policy, referred to as NPF2 and SPP. 6.2.2 NPF2 sets out the long term spatial strategy for Scotlands development. It presents a policy context for national developments of strategic importance. In respect of landscape heritage it makes the following comment; Landscapes evolve continuously in response to climatic, economic, social and technological change. As the European Landscape Convention recognises, their value extends beyond those protected by formal designations to all areas which reflect the interaction of natural processes with human activities. 6.2.3 NPF2 is in the process of being replaced by the NPF3 update which is currently at the Main Issues Report and Draft Framework stage. In SPP (which is also in the process of being updated) and as part of Scotlands commitment to sustainable development it is recognised that the planning system has an important role through its influence on the location, layout and design of new development. Paragraph 37 states that decision making in the planning system should, amongst other things: protect and enhance the natural environment, including biodiversity and the landscape In the policy section entitled Landscape and Natural Heritage Paragraph 125 emphasises the fact that: Scotlands landscape and natural heritage are internationally renowned and important, underpinning significant industries such as food, drink and tourism industries, and are a key component of the high environmental quality which makes Scotland an attractive place in which to live, do business and invest. Improving the natural environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it is one of the Governments national outcomes. 6.2.6 It is recognised in Paragraph 127 that; Landscape in both the countryside and urban areas is constantly changing and the aim is to facilitate positive change whilst maintaining and enhancing distinctive character. Further it is considered that: Different landscapes will have a different capacity to accommodate new development, and the siting and design of development should be informed by local landscape character. The natural and cultural components of the landscape should be considered together, and opportunities for enhancement or restoration of degraded landscapes, particularly those affecting communities, should be promoted through the development plan where relevant. Policies also advise that landscapes may be sensitive to inappropriate development and that the cumulative impact of incremental changes should be considered when preparing development plans and deciding planning applications. Paragraph 131 states that: Statutory natural heritage designations are important considerations where they are directly or indirectly affected by a development proposal. However, designation does not necessarily imply a prohibition on development. Policies also advocate that international and national designations can be complemented by local designations which protect, enhance and encourage the enjoyment and understanding of locally important landscapes and natural heritage.
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.7
6.2.8
6.2.9
Landscape designations
6.2.10 The proposed wind farm site itself is not covered by any known international, national, regional or local landscape-related planning designations. Various nationally and regionally designated areas are, however, found elsewhere in the 35 km radius study area and these are considered in the assessment. There are three ways in which such designations are relevant to the LVIA: The presence of a designation can give an indication of a recognised value that may increase the sensitivity of a landscape character receptor, viewpoint or visual receptor, and may therefore affect the significance of the impact on that receptor; The presence of a relevant designation can lead to the selection of a representative viewpoint within the designated area, as the viewpoint will provide a representative outlook from that area; and Designated areas may be included as landscape character receptors so that the impacts of the proposed wind farm on these features of the landscape that have been accorded particular value can be specifically assessed. 6.2.12 The designated areas that are relevant to the assessment are shown on Figure 6.4 and are described below.
6.2.11
National Scenic Areas

6.2.13 National Scenic Areas (NSAs) are areas of land considered to be important on a national level: on the basis of their outstanding scenic interest or unsurpassed attractiveness which must be conserved as part of the countrys natural heritage. In relation to NSAs, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) February 2010 (paragraph 137) states that: A National Scenic Area (NSA) is an area which is nationally important for its scenic quality...Proposed Development that affects a NSA... should only be permitted where: it will not adversely affect the integrity of the area or the qualities for which it has been designated, or any such adverse impacts are clearly outweighed by social, environmental or economic benefits of national importance. 6.2.15 In the Argyll and Bute Local Plan (adopted August 2009) NSAs are covered by policy LP ENV 9 Development Impact on National Scenic Areas (NSAs): Development in, or adjacent to, National Scenic Areas that would have a significant adverse impact on a National Scenic Area will be refused unless it is demonstrated that: (A) The objectives of the designation and overall integrity of the area will not be compromised; (B) Any significant adverse impacts on the quality for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by social and economic benefits of national importance; (C) Where acceptable, development must also conform to Appendix A of the Local Plan.
6.2.14
In all cases the highest standards in terms of location, siting, landscaping, boundary treatment, materials and detailing will be required within a National Scenic Area.:... 6.2.16 This policy covers the setting of the designated area as well as the area within the boundary, and therefore while the proposed wind farm does not lie within an NSA, potential impacts on the settings of the NSAs in the study area are considered in this chapter. The site is not covered by an NSA and no NSAs lie within a 14.5km radius of the site. There are four NSAs in the study area; Ben Nevis and Glencoe NSA approximately 19.5km to the north; Lynn of Lorn NSA 14.5km to the northwest; Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs NSA 23km to the southwest and Knapdale 27km to the south. While all these designated areas lie some considerable distance from the proposed wind farm, the potential impact on their setting, especially in respect of the cumulative impact, will be considered within the assessment of the proposed wind farm. The ZTV for the proposed wind farm shows very limited visibility in the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA, with a small patch concentrated through Glen Etive and on the higher summits and south facing slopes. The Lynn of Lorn NSA shows visibility most extensive across Lismore, concentrated on the east facing slopes and patchier across Benderloch and Appin. Visibility across the islands of Scarba, Luing and the Garvellachs is patchy and concentrated on the higher ground and typically of a limited number of turbines. The ZTV shows similarly low levels of visibility across Knapdale and patchiness in their extents.
6.2.17
6.2.18
Gardens and Designed Landscapes

6.2.19 Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDLs) are described in paragraph 122 of SPP as follows: 122. An Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes of national importance is compiled by Historic Scotland. Planning authorities have a role in protecting, preserving and enhancing gardens and designed landscapes included in the current Inventory and gardens and designed landscapes of regional and local importance. Relevant policies should be included in local development plans. The effect of a proposed Development on a garden or designed landscape should be a consideration in decisions on planning applications. Change should be managed to ensure that the significant elements justifying designation are protected or enhanced. 6.2.20 In the Argyll and Bute Local Plan (adopted August 2009) GDLs are covered by Policy LP ENV11 Development Impact on Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes: In assessing proposals for development in, or adjacent to, gardens or designed landscapes particular attention will be paid to the impact of the proposal on: (A) The archaeological, historical or botanical interest of the site; (B) The sites original design concept, overall quality and setting; (C) Trees and Woodland and the sites contribution to local landscape character within the site including the boundary wall, pathways, garden terraces or water features; and (D) Planned historic views of, or from, the site or buildings within it.
6.2.21
This policy covers the setting of the designated area as well as the area within the boundary, and therefore while the proposed wind farm does not lie within a GDL, potential impacts on the settings of GDLs in the study area are considered in this chapter. There are a number of GDLs in the study area, many of which lie within a 15km radius of the site. These include Ardkinglas, Inveraray, Ardanaiseig, Achnacloich and Ardchattan Priory. They are all situated in the glens, often next to the loch shore. As such, visibility of the proposed wind farm will depend largely on the alignment of the surrounding hills which in turn will determine whether each individual GDL will gain visibility of the proposed wind farm. The ZTV for the proposed wind farm shows that there is little possibility that visibility of the turbines will be gained from the GDL sites. From site visits and aerial photography it can be seen that all the GDLs contain well wooded policies and that this will further reduce the possibility of actual visibility. These GDLs will nonetheless be included within the initial assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm on landscape designations contained in Appendix 6.2.
6.2.22
6.2.23
Area of Panoramic Quality

6.2.24 Area of Panoramic Quality is the regional designation used by Argyll and Bute Council. The aim of the policy is to provide: panoramically important landscapes in Argyll and Bute with adequate protection against damaging development. Although there is no formal documentation describing the reasons behind the designation of the APQs in the Argyll and Bute Local Plan (adopted August 2009) APQs are covered by Policy LP ENV10 Development Impact on Areas of Panoramic Quality: Development in, or adjacent to, an Area of Panoramic Quality will be resisted where its scale, location or design will have a significant adverse impact on the character of the landscape unless it is demonstrated that: (A) Any significant adverse effects on the quality for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national or regional importance; (B) Where acceptable, development must conform to Appendix A of the Local Plan. (C) In all cases the highest standards in terms of location, siting, landscaping, boundary treatment, materials and detailing will be required within Areas of Panoramic Quality.:... 6.2.26 There are large extents of APQ in the study area, the largest extending from the coast of Loch Linnhe in the north across the northern and eastern parts of the study area and down to the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in the south-east. This area lies 6km to the east of the proposed wind farm at its closest. Another APQ covers the coastal area from Oban down to the Knapdale NSA and this lies 6km to the west of the proposed wind farm at its closest. APQs also cover the Isle of Mull, Jura and the coastline of Loch Fyne. The ZTV shows that the APQ which lies to the east of the proposed wind farm will gain closest range visibility which will be continuous across the south facing slopes of Ben Cruachan and patchier but still extensive across the east facing slopes of Ben Lui and its wider hill group. The APQ designations are considered in the assessment.
6.2.25
6.2.27
Special Landscape Areas

6.2.28 In September 2010, The Highland Council proposed that areas previously known as AGLVs be renamed as Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) and has produced citations for each of the SLAs in The Highland Council (June 2011) Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas. The SLAs generally follow the boundaries shown in The Highland Council (2001) Structure Plan. The policy context for these SLAs is within Policy 58 - Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage of The Highland Council (2012) Highland wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP), which also has an appendix item for proposed SLAs. There are two SLAs in the study area; Inninmore Bay and Garbh Shlios, and Ardgour which lie approximately 23km and 28km from the proposed wind farm. Visibility from both these areas will be distant and limited in extents to the south-east facing slopes which enclose Loch Linnhe. These SLAs are included within the initial assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm on landscape designations contained in Appendix 6.2.
6.2.29
Search Area for Wild Land

6.2.30 The site lies outwith a Search Area for Wild Land (SAWL) as defined in the Scottish Natural Heritage (2003) Wildness in Scotlands Countryside Policy Statement No. 02/03 and as shown on Figure 6.4. The concept of Wild Land was raised in the now superseded NPPG 14 and has been continued in its successor, SPP, which states in paragraph 128: The most sensitive landscapes may have little or no capacity to accept new development. Areas of wild land character in some of Scotlands remoter upland, mountain and coastal areas are very sensitive to any form of development or intrusive human activity and planning authorities should safeguard the character of these areas in the Development plan. 6.2.31 Wildness in Scotlands Countryside considers the following as attributes of Wild Land: A high degree of perceived naturalness in the setting, especially in its vegetation cover and wildlife, and in the natural processes affecting the land The lack of any modern artefacts or structures Little evidence of contemporary human uses of the land Landform which is rugged or otherwise physically challenging Remoteness and/or inaccessibility 6.2.32 And goes on to state the following policy aim: 34. The policy aim. SNH identifies as its policy aim that: there are parts of Scotland where the wild character of the landscape, its related recreational value and potential for nature are such that these areas should be safeguarded against inappropriate development or land-use change. The only uses of these areas should be of a low key and sensitive nature, which do not detract from their wild qualities. Within the main areas of wild land, a restrictive approach to development should be taken, as these will be landscapes where development is inimical to their character.. 6.2.33 The closest SAWL occurs 14km to the north-east and is centred around Glen Etive and the south-eastern part of the Glen Coe range. The ZTV shows visibility of the proposed wind farm to be limited to localised high points and at lower levels along
the northern end of Loch Etive. Three other SAWLs occur in the south-west of the study area; Scarba, Jura and the Garvellachs, all at ranges in excess of 27km. Distant visibility is shown to occur although at the lower levels in terms of number of turbines visible. 6.2.34 In 2012 SNH published on their web-site, updated wildness mapping for the whole of Scotland (http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/looking-afterlandscapes/landscape-policy-and-guidance/wild-land/mapping/). As an additional layer to the search area approach, this indicates wildness on a scale of high (dark green) to low (brown). The criteria used to determine wildness are: perceived naturalness; ruggedness; remoteness from public roads and ferries; and absence of modern artefacts. 6.2.35 These criteria are individually mapped and then combined to produce the overall wildness mapping. The individual maps indicate that the study area has the following levels of wildness characteristics; generally low levels of perceived naturalness, with patches of a medium level around the site and high levels to the north and northeast of the study area; very variable levels of ruggedness, generally low but with some small patches of medium around the site and more concentrated areas of a high rating to the north and north-east of the study area; generally medium and low levels of absence of modern artefacts, low around the site with medium patches to the east and areas of a high rating to the north and northeast of the study area; and generally low levels of remoteness, rated medium to low around the site with levels of a high rating to the north and northeast of the study area. 6.2.36 In 2013 SNH produced further updated guidance on wildness mapping showing Core Areas of Wild Land across Scotland. In respect of the study area three core areas occur. The closest is the Loch Etive Mountains to the north, and then Bein Lui Beinn Ime to the east and Jura, Scarba, Lunga and the Garvelllachs to the south. The Loch Etive Mountains and the Jura, Scarba, Lunga and the Garvelllachs Core Areas largely relate to the original SAWL designations for these areas, albeit extended along some boundaries. Bein Lui Beinn Ime is a new wild land area that was not previously identified as SAWL. The Core Areas of Wild Land are part of the draft SPP update. The advice from SNH is that the original SAWLs should be considered to represent wild land in the interim, pending adoption of the new SPP and updates to the Development Plans. These SAWLs are included within the initial assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm on landscape designations contained in Appendix 6.2.
6.2.37
6.3
6.3.1
Methodology Consultations
The LVIA has been carried out in consultation with SNH and Argyll and Bute Council. This consultation helped to define the viewpoint list, the wind farms to be included within the cumulative wind farm assessment, the routes to be included in the sequential assessment and aspects of the presentation of the visualisation material. The viewpoints and cumulative wind farms to be included in the
assessment were initially agreed with SNH in December 2012 and then updated in March 2013. 6.3.2 A summary of consultation responses relevant to the LVA is shown in Table 6.1 below. Table 6.1
Consultation responses
OPENs response ZTVs have been prepared both for the proposed wind farm and individually and cumulatively with other developments within 30km.
Meeting with SNH / Argyll and Bute Council Consultee comment Advised that ZTV should be prepared in respect of the individual development proposed, along with ZTVs in respect of cumulative impacts with other consented or proposed wind farms out to 30km. Recommended that a Landscape Character Assessment detailing the consequences of the development on landscape character be carried out. This should be undertaken in accordance with the published Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 2002) and should have regard to the Landscape Assessment of Argyll and the Firth of Clyde (Scottish Natural Heritage Review No. 78, Environmental Resources Management 1996). Advised that particular consideration be given to the consequences for sensitive environments, including National Scenic Areas, Designed Landscapes and the National Parks. Impacts upon the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA and the Lynn of Lorn NSA are anticipated in this case. Particular attention should be paid to the consequences of the development for views out of the NSAs. Advised that consideration be given to impacts arising from the presence of the development upon areas of wild land, particularly in terms of the experiential qualities of remote and wild landscape (Reference to SNH guidance on wildness in the countryside). Recommended that the landscape and visual assessment addresses all aspects of the proposal (access to the site and within the site, borrow pits, control/transformer buildings, and grid connection route) as well as turbine locations. Advised that an SNH/Planning Authority commissioned Landscape Capacity Study for Wind farms and Wind Turbines in Argyll and Bute is currently underway and will become a material consideration in decision-making once approved. Advised that representative viewpoints be agreed in advance with the Council and Scottish Natural Heritage. Recommended that the visual impacts at night due to aviation obstruction lighting should be assessed where appropriate Advised that the following locations be considered
The impacts on landscape character are reported in the assessment and make reference to the relevant documents.
Designated areas have been considered in the assessment and the NSAs represented by a series of viewpoints.
Wild Land has been considered in the assessment.
All aspects of the proposal have been considered in the assessment (with the exception of the access into the site which is currently undetermined and the grid connection which does not form part of this application). No borrow pits are proposed. The Capacity Study has been used to inform the assessment and is referenced in this chapter. 29 viewpoints were agreed with SNH and Argyll and Bute Council. The visual impact at night has been considered not to be an issue requiring assessment These recommended viewpoints /
Meeting with SNH / Argyll and Bute Council Consultee comment as viewpoints / visual receptors in the assessment: A85: Section before Ardanaseig LLTNP: visibility from Ben Lui - cumulative impacts. Mull: Visibility from ferry routes/ Duart Castle and along sensitive southern edge. Loch Awe: Impacts on north end of loch-sequential impacts on B Road Routes Recommended that the number of viewpoints selected should be proportionate to the nature of the application and based on the Identification of potentially sensitive receptors (people, places and activities) and potentially significant views, locations of landscapes, taking into account the likely impacts of the wind farm (paragraph 106 of the Visualisation Good Practice Guidance) OPENs response visual receptors have been included as part of the assessment.
29 viewpoints have been included which represent a wide range of distances, directions, landscapes, roads and settlements, as well as the cumulative situation.
Study area
6.3.3 The LVIA covers a study area of 35 kilometres (km) radius, which is considered to be the maximum radius within which a significant impact could occur, given the height of the turbines to be used, and follows guidance given in Horner + MacLennan and Envision (March 2006). Visual Representation of Wind farms: Good Practice Guidance. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) (F03 AA 308/2). Inverness. The 35km study area is measured from each of the outer turbines. The study area is not intended to provide a boundary beyond which the proposed wind farm will not be seen, but rather to define the area within which the proposed wind farm may have a significant landscape or visual impact. It is considered very unlikely for a significant impact to occur towards the edges of the study area. The study area is shown in Figure 6.1.
Assessment methodology
6.3.4 This section summarises the methodology (shown in full in Appendix 6.1: Methodology) used to carry out the LVIA. The methodology accords with guidance given in The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (GLVIA2). Spon Press. The third edition The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (GLVIA3). Spon Press was published on 17 April 2013 and replaces the GLVIA2. The Landscape Institute has provided guidance on what should be done during this transitional period and stated the following in a communique to practitioners on 19 April 2013: In general terms the approach and methodologies in the two editions are the same. The main difference is that GLVIA3 places greater emphasis on professional judgement and less emphasis on a formulaic approach. Members have asked for clarification on the status of projects developed under GLVIA2, but reviewed or implemented after publication of the third edition. An assessment started using GLVIA2 should be completed using that edition. However, if in the view of the professional a comparison should be undertaken with GLVIA3, and subsequently if necessary a re-assessment undertaken according to GLVIA3, then this should be discussed and agreed with the client in the first instance. Obviously, assessments started after the publication of GLVIA3 should use it, rather than GLVIA2.
6.3.5
Following this advice, the LVIA has been based on guidance contained in GLVIA 2 and no re-assessment will be required. The full methodology, described in Appendix 6.1, covers the following topics: Guidance used in the assessment methodology; Methodology for the assessment of physical impacts; Methodology for the assessment of impacts on landscape character; Methodology for the assessment of impacts on views; Methodology for the assessment of cumulative impacts; Nature of impacts; Duration and reversibility; and Graphic techniques.
6.3.6
Guidance used in the assessment methodology

6.3.7 The methodology used in this assessment draws on the following guidance: The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd Edition, Spon Press; Horner and Maclennan and Envision for Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Renewables Forum and the Scottish Society of Directors of Planning (2006) Visual Representation of Windfarms Good Practice Guidance; Scottish Natural Heritage (2012) Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments; Land Use Consultants on behalf of SNH and the Countryside Agency (2002) Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland; Landscape Institute (2011) Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11, Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment; Scottish Natural Heritage (2001) Guidelines on the Environmental Impacts of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes; and Scottish Natural Heritage (2009) Siting and Designing Windfarms in the Landscape, Version 1.
Significance of impacts
6.3.8 The previous section of this chapter describes how the landscape and visual assessment is carried out in four parts: the assessment of physical impacts; the assessment of impacts on landscape character; the assessment of impacts on views; and cumulative impacts. The broad principles used in the assessment of significance are the same for each of these four parts, and are described below. The detailed methodology for the assessment of significance does, however, vary, and the specific criteria used are described in Appendix 6.1 of Volume IV of this ES. The broad objective in assessing the impacts of the proposed wind farm is to determine, as required by the EIA Regulations, what the predicted likely significant
6.3.9
impacts on the landscape and visual resource will be. In this assessment impacts are assessed to be either significant or not significant. 6.3.10 The significance of impacts is assessed through a combination of two considerations - the sensitivity of the landscape element, landscape character receptor, view or visual receptor, and the magnitude of change that will result from the introduction of the proposed wind farm. Sensitivity is an expression of the ability of a landscape element, landscape character receptor, view or visual receptor to accommodate the proposed wind farm, and is dependent on baseline characteristics including value, quality, importance, the nature of the viewer, and existing character. Levels of sensitivity - high, medium to high, medium, medium to low and low - are applied in order that the judgement used in the process of assessment is made clear. The criteria used to determine sensitivity differ for the four categories of assessment (physical impacts, impacts on landscape character, impacts on views and cumulative impacts) and are explained in full in Appendix 6.1 in Volume IV of this ES. Magnitude of change is an expression of the scale of the change on landscape elements, landscape character receptors and visual receptors that will result from the introduction of the proposed wind farm. Magnitude of change is dependent on a number of factors, including the extent of the landscape element or receptor that will be removed or altered by the proposed wind farm, the distance of the landscape character receptor or visual receptor from the proposed wind farm, the context within which the proposed wind farm will be seen, the extent of the proposed wind farm that will be seen, and the position of the proposed wind farm in relation to the principal orientation of the landscape character receptor or visual receptor. Definitions of magnitude of change high, medium to high, medium, medium to low, low and negligible - are applied in order that the process of assessment is made clear. These definitions are described in full in Appendix 6.1 (Volume IV) along with the criteria that are used to determine magnitude of change for each of the four categories of the assessment. The factors that are considered in sensitivity and magnitude of change are assimilated to assess whether the proposed wind farm will have an impact that is significant or not significant. These factors are considered holistically in order that the relevant considerations can be individually assessed, and the attribution of formulae or matrices is avoided. A significant impact will occur where the combination of sensitivity and magnitude of change results in the proposed wind farm having a material impact on the landscape element, landscape character receptor or view, so that it becomes defined by the presence of the proposed wind farm. A not significant impact will occur where the impact of the proposed wind farm is not material, and the baseline characteristics of the landscape element, landscape character receptor, view or visual receptor continue to provide a definitive influence. In this instance the proposed wind farm may have an influence but this influence will not be definitive. The matrix in Table 6.2 provides a general illustration of how various combinations of sensitivity and magnitude of change might give rise to a significant impact. However the assessment of significance is in each case a matter of professional judgement.
6.3.11
6.3.12
6.3.13
6.3.14
6.3.15
6.3.16
6.3.17
Table 6.2
Magnitude Sensitivity High
Evaluation of landscape and visual impacts

High Medium / High Significant Medium Medium / Low Significant / Not significant Significant / Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Low Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Negligible Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant
Significant
Significant Significant / Not significant Significant / Not significant Not significant Not significant Not significant
Medium / High
Significant
Significant Significant / Not significant Significant / Not significant Not significant Not significant
Medium
Significant Significant / Not significant Significant / Not significant Significant / Not significant
Medium / Low
Low
Negligible
6.3.18
This assessment assumes clear weather and optimum viewing conditions. This means that impacts that are assessed to be significant may be not significant under different, less clear conditions.
Nature of impact
6.3.19 In relation to many forms of development, the landscape and visual assessment will identify beneficial and adverse impacts by assessing these under the term Nature of Impact. The landscape and visual impacts of wind farms are difficult to categorise in either of these brackets as, unlike other disciplines, there are no definitive criteria by which the impacts of wind farms can be measured as being categorically beneficial or adverse. In some disciplines, such as noise or ecology, it is possible to quantify the impact of a wind farm in numeric terms, by objectively identifying or quantifying the proportion of a receptor that is affected by the proposed wind farm, and assessing the nature of that impact in justifiable terms. However, this is not the case in relation to landscape and visual impacts where the approach combines quantitative and qualitative assessment. It is evident from existing research and publications on public attitudes to wind farms, that public opinion nationally towards wind farms is diverse and that some observers would perceive the visual impacts of a wind farm as beneficial or neutral, while others would perceive the same impacts as adverse. This varied perception often depends on the type of impact, the perception/opinion of the observer and whether the public attitudes surveyed are pre or post construction. The attribution of beneficial and adverse nature of impacts is used inconsistently by landscape professionals when preparing landscape and visual assessments for wind farms and there is not a consensus of opinion that supports its use for wind farm assessments. Generally, in the development of new wind farms, a precautionary approach is taken that assumes that significant landscape and visual impacts will be weighed on the negative side of the planning balance. Beneficial impacts may,
6.3.20
6.3.21
however, arise in certain situations. Judgements on the nature of impact are based on professional experience and reasoned opinion informed by best practice guidance. Unless it is stated otherwise, the impacts considered in this assessment are considered to be adverse.
Duration and reversibility

6.3.22 The impacts of the proposed wind farm are of variable duration being assessed as short-term or long-term, and permanent or reversible. It is proposed that the operational life of the proposed wind farm will be 25 years, and the turbines, access tracks, the permanent anemometer mast and a substation and control building will be apparent during this time. These impacts are considered to be long-term. Other infrastructure and operations such as the installation of the temporary construction compounds will be apparent only during the initial construction phase of the proposed wind farm, and are considered to be short-term impacts, as are the impacts that may occur as a result of the decommissioning process. The reversibility of impacts is also variable. The major impacts on the landscape and visual resource, which result from the presence of the turbines, are reversible as the turbines will be removed on decommissioning. The impacts that will occur during the construction phase and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm, such as the use of tall cranes and heavy machinery, are also reversible. Permanent impacts include physical removal of landscape elements required for the development of the site, any residual impacts that remain following the restoration of the construction compounds. Underground cabling will remain, but will have no permanent landscape and visual impacts. The access tracks will be left in-situ to be used by the landowner. . Turbine foundations will be left in-situ, below ground, and have no residual landscape and visual impacts following the restoration of ground cover following decommissioning. In order to avoid repetition, the duration and reversibility of impacts are not reiterated throughout the assessment.
6.3.23
6.3.24
6.3.25
6.3.26
Graphic techniques
6.3.27 Guidelines and standards for the production of the graphic component of the landscape and visual assessment are contained in SNHs Visual Representation of Wind farms, Good Practice Guidance. The graphics have been produced to present a visual representation of the impacts of the proposed wind farm and to assist in the assessment. They contain map data, zone of theoretical visibility maps, photographs, wirelines and photomontages. This information relates to the proposed wind farm and those cumulative sites that are relevant to the assessment. Site survey is used to gain a more detailed, localised impression of visibility of the proposed wind farm. Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps have been generated using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to demonstrate the number of turbines that may theoretically be seen from any point in the study area. There are two ZTVs; the first, shown in Figure 6.6a (Volume III), indicates the number of blade tips that are theoretically visible while the second, shown in Figure 6.7a, indicates the number of hubs that are theoretically visible. A1 sized Figure 6.6b and Figure 6.7b show this information at a larger scale. There are limitations in this theoretical production, and these should be borne in mind in the consideration and use of the ZTVs:
6.3.28
6.3.29
The ZTVs illustrate the bare ground situation, and do not take into account the screening impacts of vegetation, buildings, or other local features that may prevent or reduce visibility; The ZTVs are based on a 10m data grid and there may therefore be local, small-scale landform that is not reflected on the ZTVs, but would alter the real visibility of the turbines, either by screening theoretical visibility or revealing parts of turbines that are not theoretically visible; The ZTVs do not indicate the decrease in visibility that occurs with increased distance from the proposed wind farm. The nature of what is visible from 3 km away would differ markedly from what is visible from 10km away, although both are indicated on the ZTVs as having the same level of visibility (although this is represented on Figure 6.8 Horizontal Angle ZTV); and Finally, it is important to remember that there is a wide range of variation within the visibility shown on the ZTV. For example, an area shown on the blade tip ZTV as having visibility of all of the turbines may gain views of the smallest extremity of blade tips, or of full turbines. This can make a considerable difference in the impacts of the proposed wind farm on that area. 6.3.30 These limitations mean that while the ZTVs are used as a starting point in the assessment, providing an indication of where the proposed wind farm would theoretically be visible, the information drawn from the ZTVs is not completely relied upon to accurately represent the visibility of the proposed wind farm. The LVIA includes a Horizontal Angle ZTV in Figure 6.8. This has been generated using openWind software and the same data as the other ZTVs. These Horizontal Angle ZTVs show the horizontal field of view (in degrees) that may be affected by views of the turbines. There may be small discrepancies between the areas affected by theoretical visibility when compared with the ZTV. These occur around the edges of the plotted areas where the field of view that may be affected by theoretical visibility of for example one small blade tip in the ZTV is not picked up by the Horizontal Angle ZTV. This appears to be as a result of the different analytical processes used by the software to generate this information. This discrepancy is not considered material. As with the ZTV analysis the Horizontal Angle ZTV is a helpful starting point for assessment.
6.3.31
Limitations of Assessment
6.3.32 The visualisations are based on theoretical visibility from 1.5m above ground level. There are limitations in these theoretical productions, and these should be borne in mind in the consideration and use of the wireline images. Firstly, the wireline illustrates the bare ground situation, not taking into account the screening impacts of vegetation, buildings, or other local features that may prevent or reduce visibility. Secondly, the wireline is based on a terrain data with 10m contour intervals, so there may be local, small-scale landform that is not reflected in the wireline but may alter the real visibility of the proposed wind farm, either by screening theoretical visibility or revealing parts of the proposed wind farm that are not theoretically visible. Where descriptions within the assessment identify the numbers of turbines visible this refers to the theoretical illustrations generated and therefore the reality may differ to a degree from these impressions. Ordnance Survey landform panorama has been used to generate the ZTVs. The analysis is based on visibility at points on a 50m grid and does not take into account local, small-scale landform changes in analysing theoretical visibility.
6.3.33
6.4
6.4.1
Baseline conditions Introduction

The baseline section of the LVIA records the existing conditions of the study area. Establishing a baseline helps to gain an understanding of what makes the landscape distinctive, what its important components or characteristics are, and how it is changing prior to the introduction of the proposed wind farm. The baseline is instrumental in the identification of the landscape character receptors and visual receptors / views to be included in the assessment. The baseline conditions are presented in three sections: Landscape character; Landscape-related planning policies and designations; and Visual receptors and views.
6.4.2
6.4.3
Operational wind farms are treated as part of the baseline landscape character and visual amenity of the area, and as such any changes resulting from the proposed wind farm are judged against a baseline which includes operational wind farms.
Landscape Character Assessments

6.4.4 The distribution of Landscape Character Types is illustrated on Figure 6.4 and in conjunction with the ZTV on Figure 6.9. The Landscape Character Assessment documents refer to Landscape Character Types (LCTs) which are defined as: tracts of countryside .. which have a unity of character due to particular combinations of landform and landcover and a consistent and distinct pattern of constituent elements. 6.4.5 Each LCT shares distinct characteristics that are typical of that landscape. Because these types often occur more than once they are referred to as units of that type and are given names that associate them with their local geographical location. These are called Landscape Character Units (LCUs), with each unit given a name to identify it. LCTs and LCUs are subject to change over time and new landscape types may be created where significant development or land use change takes place, such that the key characteristics of the landscape become defined by new elements or features. These changes may result in the creation of an entirely new landscape type, the creation of sub-sets of the same landscape type (where they share similar underlying characteristics) or the creation of a new landscape unit, within a discrete geographical area. While the LCTs / LCUs have been used as the basis of the assessment, the detailed assessment has drawn information from the field work that has been carried out across the study area. This reflects more detailed analysis of the landscape character in respect of the proposed wind farm.
6.4.6
6.4.7
Landscape Character Reviews

6.4.8 Landscape character information is based on SNH Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) documentation. The great majority of the study area lies within the following LCA report: Environmental Resources Management. (1996). Argyll and the Firth of Clyde landscape character assessment. Scottish Natural Heritage Review No 78.
6.4.9
The northern extremity of the study area is covered by one further LCA report: Environmental Resources Management. (1998). Lochaber: landscape character assessment. Scottish Natural Heritage Review No 97.
6.4.10
The information in these reviews has been verified on site by OPEN. The SNH reviews divide the landscape into tracts that are referred to as landscape character types (LCT). Many of these landscape character types are extensive, often covering several areas that are geographically separate, and the impacts of the proposed wind farm can vary widely across a single LCT. The Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study which was published in March 2012 provides a review and update of the LCTs and this has led to the subdivision of some of the larger LCTs such as the Craggy Uplands. The landscape character types that cover the study area are shown on Figure 6.2 and the landform of the study area is shown on Figure 6.3. The site lies within an area of Craggy Uplands. In the LCA Report this LCT is extensive and covers much of the study area. It extends from the west coast to east of Loch Awe, and from Loch Etive in the north, to Knapdale in the south. The extent of the area means that the description of the LCT is fairly general and in reality it comprises a number of sub-types in terms of landscape character, which have since been identified in the Capacity Study. The Craggy Uplands LCT is described in the LCA Report using the following key characteristics; Upland moor with irregular, rather amorphous landform; Rounded knolls, rock outcrops and numerous lochs in low-lying hollows; Open moorland predominates, but extensive conifer plantations camouflage the landscape pattern in some areas; Oak birch woodland on lower slopes; Stone walls enclose an irregular patchwork of pastures within glens on margins of moorland; Isolated farmsteads and small villages in sheltered sites within glens; and Numerous archaeological remains, often concentrated on rounded knolls on lower slopes.
6.4.11
6.4.12
6.4.13
In the guidelines associated with the Craggy Uplands LCT there is no reference to the pressures for wind farm development. In respect of general development, upland valleys and coastlines are cited as the most scenic and sensitive parts. The description of the Craggy Uplands LCT does not highlight any particularly unique or special characteristics that would make this area of scenic value.
Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study

6.4.14 Carol Anderson and Alison Grant, Landscape Architects (March 2012) Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study (referred to here as the Study) has involved a review of the landscape classifications contained in the original SNH reviews which cover the region. The Craggy Upland LCT which covers the site and a large proportion of the surrounding study area has been broken down into units based on more specific characteristics of the landscape. The area in which the site is located is closest in character to the original classification and so remains classified as Craggy Upland. The wider area has been sub-divided to form Craggy
Uplands with Settled Glens, Craggy Coasts and Islands, North Loch Awe Craggy Upland and Mull Craggy Upland. 6.4.15 The purpose of the Study is to identify the sensitivity of the different LCUs to wind farm development. The typology which is relevant to the assessment of the proposed wind farm is the larger typology with turbines 80-150m to blade tip height. The three criteria which are assessed in the Study include landscape sensitivity, visual sensitivity and landscape value. The following extract from the Study describes these ratings for the Craggy Upland LCU. This higher core of the Craggy Upland character type comprises an irregular upland plateau lying either side of Loch Awe. This landscape generally has a large scale and simple land cover of extensive moorland and coniferous forestry. It is very sparsely settled and already accommodates a number of operational and consented windfarm developments. This landscape has a Medium sensitivity to the larger development typologies. Although this is a very sparsely settled landscape with roads aligned in valleys and views additionally restricted by extensive coniferous forest and loch-side woodland, immediate skylines formed by hills on the edge of the Craggy Upland, and visible from more settled loch shores and valleys, are sensitive. Existing and consented wind farm development is already a prominent feature seen from Loch Awe and potential cumulative issues are discussed in more detail below. Visual sensitivity was concluded to be High-medium for the large typology and Medium for the medium typology. No designated landscapes apply to this character type with landscape values therefore judged to be Low for both typologies. 6.4.16 In terms of landscape character the Study recognises the constraints and opportunities particular to the LCU: Constraints The backdrop of steep slopes and skyline ridges which provide the immediate setting to the settled and farmed fringes of Loch Awe and to the less settled Loch Avich area but also to the small scale settled landscapes of the adjacent Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens (7a) to the west. Areas of more complex craggy landform including steep-sided ridges and knolly tops and the higher pronounced summits of Beinn Chapull, Beinn Dearg and Beinn Ghlas seen from adjacent settled glens. The intricate pattern of lochans and small knolly hills in the south-eastern part of the interior plateau of this character type and the more extensive areas of unmodified ground, for example in the Musdale area, where a sense of wildness can be experienced away from forestry and wind farm development. Occasional pronounced small open-topped hills close to Loch Awe and long wooded lower hill slopes which form spurs and promontories extending into Loch Awe and add to its scenic interest. Potential cumulative effects with existing wind farm development at AChruach, An Suidhe, Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas particularly on views from Loch Awe and Loch Fyne. Opportunities The generally simple landform and land cover and the large scale of interior plateaux.
The very sparsely settled nature of these uplands and their relative inaccessibility which limits visibility particularly of the interior plateau. An absence of landscape designations within the character type. 6.4.17 The opportunities presented above suggest that the site is in an area which generally has potential for wind farm development but that many of the specific characteristics and features referred to in the constraints must be borne in mind when considering specific sites and proposals. For example the prominent and craggy summit of Beinn Dearg which is on the proposed wind farm site and which is considered a constraint and the sense of wildness which can be experienced in parts of the Musdale area. The extent of existing wind farm development, including most notably the operational Beinn Ghlas and Carraig Gheal, is considered in the Study to give rise to the following series of issues; Key cumulative issues include: Incremental loss of open, less modified moorland and effects on the diverse character of the more intricate pattern of small lochans and craggy knolls. Existing and consented wind farm development to date appears to have favoured areas of open moorland rather than the less sensitive forested areas where the underlying landform tends to be less craggy and patterned by water bodies. Cumulative effects arising from potential differences in the layout and size of turbines associated with different wind farm developments which may be perceived in close views from Rights of Way but also from occasional open views from minor roads aligned within this character type. Cumulative effects on skyline ridges prominent in views from minor roads within the Craggy Upland (7) character type, for instance along the Loch Avich road and from the B840 on the southern shores of Loch Awe but also from the southeastern shore of Loch Fyne and from the A886 and the A85, at the head of Loch Awe and southern shore of Loch Etive. The spacing between wind farm developments where additional developments could have significant cumulative effects as multiple wind farm developments extend either side of Loch Awe. The spatial pattern of existing and consented clusters of wind farms is likely to limit the incidence of development seen along the very long length (40km) of Loch Awe in sequential views. Extensive forestry and woodland also limits views from roads along Loch Awe although additional new wind farm developments (as opposed to extensions to existing wind farms) could result in turbines being prominent in the backdrop of every open view seen from the B840/Cycle Route 74. Cumulative impacts on smaller settled landscapes such as the Rocky Mosaic (20) around Ford near Loch Awe where the larger turbines of consented wind farm developments such as Carraig Gheal will have a greater effect on views and the setting of settled loch shores and where additional development could significantly intrude on the setting of settlement and archaeological features. Existing larger scale commercial wind farm developments are at present not widely visible from the sensitive Craggy Coast and Settled Glens (7a) and Craggy Coast and Islands (7b). The consented wind farm of Carraig Gheal will be visible from a few elevated locations in these character types. Further development in the Craggy Upland (7) could increase visibility particularly if
6.4.18
these were sited on higher ground and comprised taller turbines/more extensive wind farms. 6.4.19 The Study highlights the importance of the Craggy Upland skyline in views from Loch Awe and the potential cumulative impact that might be experienced with additional developments in this area. In terms of guidance on development the Study presents the following statement; There is some scope to accommodate further larger scale typologies in this character type. It would be preferable to consolidate existing wind farm developments in order to reduce cumulative visual effects but to also minimise the incremental effects on landscape character. Extensions to existing developments should aim to replicate similar turbine heights and retain the integrity of layout of the original scheme. 6.4.21 The Study provides well-detailed descriptions and guidance in respect of wind farm development in the Craggy Uplands which makes a positive contribution to the baseline assessment and which will be considered in the design and assessment of the proposed wind farm.
6.4.20
Landscape Character Study area

6.4.22 The study area covers a radius of 35km from the proposed wind farm as shown in Figure 6.1. The area covers the south-western extents of the Scottish Highlands. It includes the western coast from Ballachuillish in Glen Coe to the north down to Crinan in Knapdale to the south. It extends out across Loch Linnhe and the Firth of Lorn to take in the mainland coast of Kingairloch, as well as the small islands of Lismore, Kerrara, Luing and Scarba, and the south-eastern extents of Mull and the northern tip of Jura. From these areas views open up across the water and the coastal edges and upland skylines of the mainland become important features. Conversely, views from the mainland coast are orientated out towards the islands and views back landward are less important. The landward area is characterised by a combination of mountains, hills, glens and lochs. The mountain ranges occur to the north and east of the study area. Loch Etive and the Pass of Brander mark the transition between the lower Craggy Uplands, where the proposed wind farm is situated and the High Tops which extend from Ben Cruachan into the southern hills of Glen Coe. These include Ben Starav and Beinn Trilleachan which sit either side of the upper reaches of Loch Etive. This area is identified as a SAWL on account of its rugged and remote character. The High Tops extend round to the east of the study area, where the distinct summit of Ben Lui forms a prominent feature. To the south of this a group of High Tops, including Beinn Ime and The Cobbler, enclose the iconic Rest and be Thankful pass. The hills across the remainder of the study area are typically lower and less dramatic. They are characterised by much broader extents of forestry plantation which presents a more modified appearance to the landscape. The hills are generally more rounded in profile and collectively form low and level ridges around the lochs and glens. The three most relevant lochs in the study area are Loch Awe to the immediate southeast, Loch Fyne to the distant southeast and Loch Etive to the north. Loch Awe is a largely undeveloped loch with small scale development set along the minor road. It is often enclosed by coniferous forestry or deciduous woodland which adds to the insular character. Loch Fyne is a larger sea-loch and has a more developed character largely owing to the presence of the busy A83 and the larger settlements which have established along its route (although still small scale in comparison to
6.4.23
6.4.24
6.4.25
central belt Scotland). Loch Etive comprises a mix of the two, with the northern part which extends into the High Tops appearing wild and remote with very little development evident and the southern part influenced by the busy A85 and associated small settlements which occur along its route.
Landscape Character Local to Site Area

6.4.26 The site lies approximately 12km to the southeast of Oban and 6km northwest of Inverinan on Loch Awe. It covers an expansive part of the Craggy Uplands which lie to the west of Loch Awe. The landform undulates mostly between 300m and 450m AOD and comprises open moorland of rough and marshy grasses. Loch Sior is aligned east west through the site to separate the northern section. Smaller lochans occur intermittently across the upland areas and small burns drain run-off down to the lochs and rivers. The land is generally marshy with watery mires occurring in wetter locations. There is no forestry within the site. The high point on the site is Beinn Dearg, which at 484m AOD forms a distinct summit in the northeast to southwest ridge which marks out the southeast edge of the site. This alignment is followed by the other glens and ridges to the northwest. Musdale Farm House sits in a low bowl where rivers converge and around which the hills form enclosure. The hills to the northwest add further enclosure to the site and depth to the overall upland area. The hills form a steep and craggy ridge to enclose the south side of Sior Loch. Gentler slopes enclose the north side and behind these the elevated landform gently undulates as an upland plateau. Sior Loch and its enclosing ridgelines sit at a contrasting alignment to the predominant northeast to southwest to create an unusual configuration of landform in which the hills at the western end of the loch disconnect the glen around Musdale from Sior Loch. There is little development on the site other than Musdale Farm House, the minor road leading up to it and the rough track which accesses the northern shore of Sior Loch. This provides access to the small-scale hydro infrastructure around Loch Sior, which includes small dams and pipes. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which occupies the land to the southeast and Beinn Ghlas which occupies the land to the north, are visible from parts of the site.
6.4.27
6.4.28
6.4.29
Visibility
6.4.30 General Visibility The landform of the site has a notable influence on the extent of visibility across the wider study area. The landform comprises a series of two inter-connected upland valleys, enclosed by the ridgelines of the surrounding hills to form what appears like large scale bowls amidst the upland landscape. The valley in which Musdale Farm sits, lies to the south of the site, while the valley in which Sior Loch sits, lies to the north. They are separated by a group of low hummocky hills. Not only does the enclosure of the landform create visual containment from within the site, but it also reduces the extent of visibility from the surrounding area, whereby many potential views are either fully or partially screened by the surrounding ridgelines. The Principal Visual Receptors are shown on Figure 6.5 and in conjunction with the ZTV on Figure 6.11. The blade tip ZTV in conjunction with the Viewpoints is shown on Figure 6.6a and 6.6b. The pattern of theoretical visibility produced by the proposed wind farm responds to the surrounding landform in the following ways. The most extensive areas of theoretical visibility occur within the immediate vicinity of the site, then in bands along the west facing slopes to the east of Loch Awe, and a band along the Firth of
6.4.31
Lorn extending to the coasts of the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Lismore and Kingairloch. In these areas theoretical visibility is of a high proportion of the 16 turbines; typically above 13. The hills to the immediate north of the site shield much of the northern sector from visibility. Similarly, the hills that lie between Loch Awe and Loch Fyne shield much of the southeast sector. Visibility to the southwest is patchy owing to the complex pattern of elevated hills and low lying lochs and coastal edges, but with substantial areas either screened or gaining only low levels of visibility in terms of number of turbines visible. 6.4.32 It is within the first 5km of where the site is located that the visibility will be of the greatest magnitude. This concentrated patch rapidly gives way to considerably lower levels of visibility between 5 and 10km. To the north, visibility does not occur because of the screening effect of the hills as described above, while in the other directions typically 5-8 turbines are visible and then only in localised patches. This occurs as the land falls away from the elevated position in which the site sits, the steepness of the slopes precluding views back in the direction towards the turbines. Factoring in the screening effect of the extensive tracts of commercial forestry and loch side tree cover will further reduce the potential for visibility in these areas. In the area between the 10 and 20km radii from the proposed wind farm, higher levels of visibility of a lower magnitude of change reoccur where intermediate low lying land opens up views, such as along the eastern slopes of Loch Awe and the coastal edges on the opposite side of the Firth of Lorn. Mountains such as Ben Cruachan, and further north, Benn Trilleachan and Ben Starav form concentrated areas of visibility where south facing slopes gain almost continuous visibility, albeit at more distant ranges. Orientation of the landform is an important factor when considering the potential effects of visibility. The coastal edge of the islands and mainland in the north-west sector of the study area is orientated towards the south-east where the site lies. The openness of the water in the foreground may have a foreshortening effect on views and the proposed wind farm may make a notable change to the cumulative situation as seen from this direction. Conversely, the coastal edge of the majority of the mainland is out towards the northwest and is sheltered from visibility by the hills which lie between the proposed wind farm and the coastal edge.
6.4.33
6.4.34
Viewpoints
6.4.35 The assessment of landscape and visual impacts is informed by a series of 29 viewpoints, which are shown in conjunction with the blade tip ZTV on Figure 6.6a and with the hub height ZTV on Figure 6.7a and listed in Table 6.3 below. These are selected to cover points of specific importance such as recognised viewpoints, settlements, important routes, designated landscapes and remote landscapes. A variety of LCUs and points from different directions and distances have also been represented in the selected views. Visibility of cumulative sites has been an important consideration in viewpoint selection. The process of identifying viewpoints involves extensive investigation to ensure that the final viewpoints are representative of levels of visibility around the study area, and that they clearly illustrate the predicted visibility of the proposed wind farm. Additional potential viewpoints were also investigated, where they were suggested by the statutory consultees or correspond with viewpoints used in previously submitted LVIAs for other wind farm developments. These were discounted owing to limited extents of visibility of the proposed wind farm or alternative viewpoints presenting greater extents of visibility. The viewpoint assessment is used to inform and illustrate the assessment of impacts on landscape character, as well as the assessment of impacts on views and principal visual receptors. A preliminary viewpoint assessment is contained within
6.4.36
Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES, and potentially significant impacts on viewpoints are expanded upon later in this chapter. The relevant information is extrapolated in the assessment of impacts on landscape character and the assessment of impacts on visual receptors. Table 6.3 below identifies the 29 viewpoints used in the assessment. Table 6.3 No
Viewpoints
Grid reference
204906 / 720837 207561/ 721339 204393 / 722856 199593 / 713570 196657 / 709586 200699 / 724725 193206/ 724548 214420 / 725854 209451 / 726457 191936 / 737727 193784 / 723153 185086 / 728917 187186/ 725790 188281 / 730310 189291/ 738861 211494 / 724218 206955 /
Viewpoint / Grid reference

Portsonachan
Distance Direction
8.61 km E 11.22 km E 8.09 km E 8.04 km SSE 11.00 km S 5.15 km ENE 1.10km W 18.47km ENE 13.85 km ENE 14.84 km N 0.53 km NW 10.98 km WNW 7.62 km WNW 9.26 km NW 16.66 km NNW 15.31 km ENE 13.60 km
Representation / Landscape Character / Designation

Settlement / B840 Rocky mosaic East Loch Awe APQ Settlement / B840 Rocky mosaic East Loch Awe APQ Settlement / Minor road Craggy Uplands North Loch Awe APQ Settlement / B840 Rocky mosaic East Loch Awe Settlement / B840 Rocky mosaic East Loch Awe Recreational walking route Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Minor road Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Recreational walking route Craggy Uplands - North Loch Awe APQ Minor road / Recreational route High Tops APQ Hill top view Lowland Ridges and Moss Recreational walking route Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Hill top view Craggy Coast and Islands Main road / Residential Craggy Coast and Islands APQ OS viewpoint / walking route Craggy Coast and Islands Visitor attraction Lowland Ridges and Moss Main road Rocky Mosaic East Loch Awe APQ Hill top view
1 Woodland east of Portsonachan Kilchrenan, minor road Blarghour Eredine Loch Nant Musdale minor road Dalmally Monument Military road above the A85 Beinn Lora Musdale Path Druim Mor, Oban A816, Kilmore 13 Barran an Fhraoich Ardmucknish Bay A819 layby near Achlian Ben Cruachan
4 5 6 7
10 11 12
14 15
16 17
No
Viewpoint / Grid reference
Grid reference
730450
Distance Direction
NE 25.04 km NNE 28.04 km NNE 24.19 km E 26.26 km ENE 30.58 km E 2808 km ESE 22.93 km NW 17.69 km NW 19.50 km NW 21.75 km NNW 6.50 km W 8.15 km W
Representation / Landscape Character / Designation

High Tops APQ Hill top view High Tops NSA Valley view High Tops NSA Hill top view High Tops APQ Main road Mountain Glens APQ Hill top view High Tops APQ Hill top view Hill Island view Mull Basalt Lowlands Ferry crossing Island view Lynn of Lorn NSA Island view Lynn of Lorn NSA Minor road / Residential Craggy Upland with settled glen Loch Scammadale Minor road / Residential Craggy Upland with settled glen Loch Scammadale
Beinn Trilleachan 18 Gualachulain Loch Etive Beinn Bhuidhe 20 A85 east of Inverlochy Ben Lui 22 Beinn an Lochain Duart Castle, Isle of Mull Ferry crossing route Kilcheran, Lismore Clachan, Lismore Loch Scammadale Loch Scammadale, Kickshaw
208599 / 743888 211906/ 745814 220290 / 718805 222091/ 727184 226545/ 726406 221675 / 707921 174925 / 735290 180007/ 733773 181765 / 738101 185788/ 742975 187786 / 720446 186139/ 720280
19
21
23 24 25
26
27
28
29
6.4.37
While there is a concentration of visibility within the first 5km radius of the proposed wind farm, there are very few visual receptors in this area, other than access tracks and a few isolated properties. Access into this group of hills is restricted and there is little incentive for walkers to venture into this area. The closest viewpoints have been located at Musdale Minor Road (Viewpoint 7), Musdale Path (Viewpoint 11), Loch Nant to the east (Viewpoint 6) and Loch Scammadale to the west (Viewpoint 28 and 29). Although it appears that only a limited number of locals and visitors will be experiencing these views, they do provide examples of close range visibility of the proposed wind farm. The ZTV shows a band of visibility occurring along the eastern shore of Loch Awe. A minor road runs along the shoreline and along it there are a small number of dispersed properties, sometimes collected in clusters to make small settlements.
6.4.38
Visibility is patchy from these receptors, mostly lying in the lower bands of visibility, with 1-4 or 5-8 turbines visible, but in sections there is no theoretical visibility, and in other sections actual visibility is screened by tree cover. Levels of visibility increase with the elevation up the hills on the eastern side of Loch Awe, but here there are few receptors as all the residential properties are concentrated along the shoreline and only a few tracks exist to access the blocks of forestry. There is little evidence to suggest this area attracts walkers and little provision in the way of parking and paths. 6.4.39 A series of viewpoints have been selected along the eastern shore of Loch Awe which aim to show the clearest views of the proposed wind farm from the most populated parts, as well as the cumulative impacts which will be experienced from the loch shore. These include Viewpoint 1 Portsonachan, Viewpoint 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan, Viewpoint 4 Blarghour, and Viewpoint 5 - Eredine. Visibility is even more restricted on the western shore of Loch Awe and this is represented by Viewpoint 3 Minor Road near Kilchrenan, which leads from the village of Kilchrenan to the GDL at Ardanaiseig. The ZTV shows visibility extending to the east, occurring fairly extensively from the north end of Loch Awe, across the A819 and the foothills around the west of Beinn Buidhe. Much of this area is covered in commercial forestry, precluding views of the surrounding landscape. Viewpoint 16 A819 layby near Achilain has been located where the road emerges from the cover of the forestry and views open up across Loch Awe. Visibility along Glen Lochy becomes patchy and is further reduced by the extent of tree cover. Views from the main road are represented by Viewpoint 21 A85 east of Inverlochy, while Viewpoint 8 - Dalmally has been used to provide an elevated view from a location which features in circular walks from the town and which is frequently visited by locals and tourists. Viewpoint 9 Military Road above the A85 is a popular track for walking and cycling and also presents an elevated perspective in views along Loch Awe. Although visibility from Oban is limited, there are a number of principal receptors in this area to the west of the proposed wind farm which will gain visibility. These are mostly roads and settlements and include the A816 which links Oban with Lochgilphead. Viewpoint 13 A816 Kilmore represents the views of road-users travelling south-bound along this main road as well as residents in the small settlement of Kilmore. Viewpoint 14 Barran an Fhraoich has also been taken from this area and represents the formal viewpoint above the minor road between Connel and Kilmore and the small settlement of Barronrioch which occurs along its route. A more informal viewpoint was considered from the minor road along Glen Lonan near Ballygowan Farm, but was discounted owing to very limited visibility. There are a number of hills and mountains in the study area that are a focus for walkers and climbers, and the views from these are an important consideration in the assessment. The most popular summits include Ben Cruachan (Viewpoint 17) to the northeast, Beinn Trilleachan (Viewpoint 18) to the north, Ben Lui (Viewpoint 22) and Beinn Bhuidhe (Viewpoint 20) to the east and Beinn an Lochain (Viewpoint 23) to the south-east. These hills and mountains help to represent the landscape character of the study area as well as the designated areas, for example Beinn Trilleachan represents the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area and Beinn an Lochain represents the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui and Beinn Bhuidhe also represent the regional designation of Area of Panoramic Quality. Viewpoint 19 Gualachulain, Loch Etive has been included to represent the contrastingly low-lying view along the loch toward the proposed wind farm.
6.4.40
6.4.41
6.4.42
6.4.43
Two smaller hills have been included in the viewpoint list; Viewpoint 9 Druim Mor and Viewpoint 12 - Beinn Lora. Druim Mor lies on the southern edge of Oban. The ZTV shows how limited visibility is in and around Oban with very little potential of gaining visibility from the town. Druim Mor presents an elevated viewpoint which can be accessed from the town and which presents clear views across the wider landscape and towards the proposed wind farm. Beinn Lora provides a viewpoint with clear, uninterrupted views and which is readily accessible from the settlement of Benderloch with parking provision, sign posts and a path to the top. Viewpoint 15 Ardmucknish Bay is located at the lower level of the bay and is representative of views from this coastline. The ZTV shows how visibility extends across the Firth of Lorn to the Isle of Mull, Lismore and Kingairloch. Viewpoint 24 Duart Castle has been selected to represent the views from Mull on account of its sensitivity as a visitor attraction and location on a promontory with open views back to the mainland, and Viewpoint 25 is representative of views from the ferry crossing. Viewpoint 26 - Kilcheran and Viewpoint 27 - Clachan have been selected as the viewpoints on Lismore whose sensitivity relates both to the experience of visitors as well as locals who live on this island. The majority of the viewpoints feature the recently constructed Carraig Gheal Wind Farm on account of its close proximity to the proposed wind farm. Beinn Ghlas, despite its smaller scale and more discreet location does feature in some of the views especially those from the north and north-east and at elevated locations. These views are important for demonstrating the cumulative assessment.
6.4.44
6.4.45
Visual Receptors
6.4.46 There are a number of visual receptors such as settlements and travel routes, and visitor attractions in the study area that have been considered in the assessment as views from them may be affected by the proposed wind farm. It is not possible to consider every potential visual receptor in the study area due to the extent of the ground that it covers, and the assessment therefore concentrates on the principal visual receptors that may gain visibility of the proposed wind farm. The principal visual receptors and the basis for their inclusion are described briefly below and are shown on Figure 6.5 and in conjunction with the ZTV on Figure 6.11. They are listed for the first 10km radius in Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES. Settlements The study area covers the western coast of Scotland, including the mainland from Ballachuillish in the north down to Lochgilphead in the south and from Tyndrum in the east to Oban in the west. It also extends out over the Firth of Lorn to include Lismore, Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs and parts of Mull. The majority of the study area comprises upland landscapes which are very sparsely populated. Isolated farmsteads and small clusters of houses occur through the more sheltered glens and along the loch shores. Only a few small towns occur in the study area, the most relevant being Oban on the west coast and Taynuilt on the shore of Loch Etive as these are closest to the proposed wind farm. In the immediate 5km radius around the proposed wind farm there are no properties other than the Musdale Farm House and Bragleenmore at the east end of Loch Scammadale. In the 5-10km radius around the proposed wind farm there are some small settlements along the surrounding loch-sides and coast-lines where visibility is typically limited by the enclosure of the surrounding hills.
6.4.47
6.4.48
6.4.49
An initial assessment of the potential impacts on the settlements in the first 15 km radius of the proposed wind farm is presented in Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES. Route Corridors The study area comprises a hierarchy of A roads, B roads and minor roads. The predominance of the upland landscape and the absence of settlement through large areas are reflected by the limited extents of the road network. The roads are typically concentrated in the lower-lying glens and along the loch-sides, which has the impact of visibility often being restricted in terms of extents. The main east to west route through the study area is the A85 which connects the A82 at Tyndrum to Oban on the east coast. The main, north to south routes include the A828 from Ballachuillish to Connel Bridge and the A816 from Oban to Lochgilphead. In the southeast of the study area, the A83 is the main route from the A82 at Tarbet round to Lochgilphead and further on down the length of Kintyre. The most relevant roads to the assessment which occur in the first 10 km of the study area include the A819 between Dalmally and Inveraray, the B840 which runs along the eastern shore of Loch Awe, the A85 between Dalmally and Oban and the A816 between Oban and Melfort. It is not possible, or necessary, to assess the potential impacts of the proposed wind farm on every route, however some of the key routes require consideration in the assessment. Three principal criteria have been considered in determining the inclusion of routes in the assessment: The extent to which the route traverses the study area or extends across a notable part of it; The importance of the route in terms of recognition, signage, traffic volume and usage; The extent of visibility of the proposed wind farm from the route; and The potential for cumulative impacts along the route.
6.4.50
6.4.51
6.4.52
6.4.53
An initial assessment of routes within the first 15 km radius of the proposed wind farm is presented in Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES and a more detailed assessment of the routes in Section 6.10 of this chapter where it is considered there is the potential to undergo a significant impact. Railways The study area includes one railway line which extends from Tyndrum in the east to Oban in the west. It follows the route of the A85 through Glen Lochy and the Pass of Brander and then along the southern shore of Loch Etive. At Tyndrum the railway line connects with the main west coast line between Glasgow and Mallaig. An initial assessment of the railway line is presented in Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES. Long distance routes and Core Paths One National Cycle Route features in the first 15km study area. National Cycle Route 78 extends from Oban to Campbelltown via a series of main and minor roads. From the A85 at Taynuilt it passes south through Glen Nant to Kilchrenan and then follows the western shore of Loch Awe to Ford. Argyll and Bute Councils Core Paths Plan has not been formally adopted. The Plan shows a network of paths across the study area. Those of most relevance to the assessment occur within the first 10km radius of the proposed wind farm. The
6.4.54
6.4.55
6.4.56
Musdale core path passes over the site to connect Loch Awe in the east with Loch Nell in the west. Having passed through the forestry which surrounds Loch Nant, the path passes along the northern shore of Sior Loch and then connects with the minor road which accesses Musdale from Glen Feochan. 6.4.57 An initial assessment of routes within the first 10km radius of the Development is presented in Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES and a more detailed assessment of the routes in Section 6.10 of this chapter where it is considered there is the potential to undergo a significant impact. Attractions and Visitor Facilities Tourism and recreation in the area are addressed in Chapter 15: Socio-economics of this ES. The study area contains a number of attractions and visitor facilities; mostly relating to the natural environment although some relating to the built environment. Oban is the main centre for tourism in the area due to its function as a ferry port to the western isles as well as its own scenic location. A number of Gardens and Designed Landscapes occur along the loch shores, which along with associated historic buildings, provide an attraction for visitors. At Ben Cruachan the big attraction at the visitor centre are the trips inside the mountain. Many of the settlements in the study area provide facilities to support tourism such as tourist information centres, accommodation, restaurants and bars. Some also provide small or medium scale attractions such as craft centres, museums and galleries. Many of the main attractions relate to outdoor activities such as hill walking, mountain biking, horse riding and sailing. The mountains around Loch Etive and across the southern side of Glen Coe are the most pronounced with plenty of high tops for hill walkers. To the east as well, Ben Lui and Beinn Ime provide good hill walking territory. Sailing is popular along the mainland coast and out to the islands with marinas or harbours provided at some of the coastal settlements. The study area has many different types of visitor attractions. Those of relevance to the assessment are included in Chapter 15: Socio-economics of this ES. Cumulative situation Cumulative impacts may arise where there is visibility and influence of more than one wind farm. The cumulative assessment covers the potential cumulative impacts on landscape character receptors and views. Cumulative physical impacts on landscape elements are not included in the cumulative assessment as they cannot be assessed without detailed knowledge of the other wind farm sites. Owing to the close proximity of the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms to the proposed wind farm, the cumulative impact in conjunction with all operational sites is included in the main assessment. The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with all other consented and application wind farms, as well as operational wind farms is included in the cumulative assessment.
6.4.58
6.4.59
6.4.60
6.4.61
6.4.62
Methodology for the cumulative assessment

6.4.63 The methodology used in the assessment of cumulative impacts differs in some respects from that used in the rest of the assessment. The full methodology for the cumulative assessment is described in Appendix 6.1. A significant cumulative impact will occur where the combined impact of the proposed wind farm with other existing and proposed wind farms will result in a landscape character receptor or view that is defined by the presence of more than one wind farm and is characterised primarily by wind farms. A not significant cumulative impact will occur where the combined impact of the proposed wind farm
6.4.64
with other existing and proposed wind farms will not result in a landscape character receptor or view becoming defined by the presence of more than one wind farm. It should be noted that even if the proposed wind farm itself is assessed to have a significant impact, it does not necessarily follow that the cumulative impact will also be significant. 6.4.65 The significance of cumulative impacts is determined through a combination of sensitivity and cumulative magnitude of change. The sensitivity of landscape receptors and views is the same in the cumulative assessment as in the assessment of the proposed wind farm. However, the cumulative magnitude of change is assessed in a different way, with definitions as follows: High: the addition of the proposed wind farm will make an immediately apparent contribution to the cumulative wind farm situation in a landscape receptor or view; Medium: the addition of the proposed wind farm makes a notable contribution to the cumulative situation, and its cumulative addition is readily apparent; Low: the addition of the proposed wind farm will make a minor contribution to the overall cumulative situation, and its cumulative addition is only slightly apparent; and Negligible: where the addition of the proposed wind farm will make a negligible contribution to the cumulative situation and its addition equates to a no change situation. 6.4.66 Intermediate levels of cumulative magnitude of change may also be included, for example medium to high and medium to low. The cumulative magnitude of change is dependent on a number of variables, which are described in Appendix 6.1. It is important to remember that the objective of the cumulative assessment is different from the assessment of impacts of the proposed wind farm; in the cumulative assessment, the intention is to establish whether or not the addition of the proposed wind farm, in combination with other relevant existing and proposed wind farms, may lead to a landscape character or view that is characterised primarily by wind farms so that other patterns and components are no longer definitive. The assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm focuses on the impact that the proposed wind farm will have, taking operational wind farms into consideration but not assessing the contribution of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation.
6.4.67
Wind Farm sites included in the main assessment

6.4.68 An initial study reviewed the potential for significant cumulative impacts to occur in relation to operational wind farm developments within a 60km radius of the proposed wind farm but found that such potential did not arise and that a 35km radius would be sufficient for capturing any potential significant cumulative impacts. The cumulative situation changes frequently as applications are made or withdrawn, and the layouts of submitted application wind farms are changed. It is therefore necessary to decide on a cut-off date when the sites and layouts to be included are fixed. May 2013 has been used as a cut-off for this cumulative assessment, and any changes in the cumulative situation after this date are not incorporated in the assessment. Before the cumulative assessment is carried out, it is necessary to ascertain which of the operational wind farms will be relevant to the cumulative assessment. A wind farm is considered to be relevant if the addition of the proposed wind farm to this and other operational wind farms could result in a significant cumulative impact on a
6.4.69
6.4.70
landscape character receptor, view or visual receptor. In general, sites that lie outwith the 35km radius study area of the proposed wind farm can be discounted due to the distance between the sites, which ensures that either one or both of them will be seen from some distance away and will therefore have a very limited impact. Operational, consented, application and scoping stage wind farms that lie within a 35km radius of the proposed wind farm have been listed in Table 6.4 below and their locations shown on Figure 6.12. Table 6.4
Cumulative wind farms

Status
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational Consented Application Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping
Cumulative wind farm

Carraig Gheal An Suidhe Beinn Ghlas Clachan Flats Cruach Mor A Chruach Glen Lonan Achnaba Ardchonnel Beinn Ghlas II Clachan Flat Extension Creag Dubh A Chruach Extension Garraron Kerrera
Distance
0.49 km 12.89 km 3.70 km 22.25 km 32.92 km 21.06 km 3.02 km 14.84 km 10.37 km 5.45 km 20.54 km 9.97 km 19.18 km 17.44 km 13.83 km
Direction
SE SSE NE ESE S S NW N SSE NE ESE SE S SW WNW
Number
20 23 14 9 35 21 11 13 20 10 7 5
Size (m)
110 / 126 80 55 93 72 126.5 121 125 125 -
6.4.71
Cumulative ZTVs that show the visibility of the operational, consented and application wind farms along with the visibility of the proposed wind farm have been run for all of the sites that are considered relevant in the cumulative assessment and are shown on Figures 6.13 6.20. The list below shows the radius that has been used for the cumulative ZTV of the relevant operational, consented and application wind farms. This is dependent on the size of the turbines at each site, and is calculated according to guidance given in Visual Representation of Wind Farm Good Practice Guidance, which recommends the following radii: Turbines up to 50m to blade tip Turbines 51-70m to blade tip Turbines 71-85m to blade tip Turbines 86-100m to blade tip Turbines 101-130m to blade tip 15km radius ZTV; 20km radius ZTV; 25km radius ZTV; 30km radius ZTV; and 35km radius ZTV.
6.4.72
6.4.73
The operational wind farms are shown in a set of cumulative wirelines for each of the representative viewpoints as shown on Figures 6.50 6.67. In these wirelines, the
proposed wind farm turbines are shown in red, operational wind farms are indicated in black, consented wind farms are shown in green and application wind farms are shown in blue.
Cumulative Scenarios
6.4.74 The cumulative impacts of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with operational wind farms has been considered in Section 6.8 Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character and Section 6.9 Assessment of Impacts on Views of this chapter. The most relevant sites to this assessment have been the operational wind farms at Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas which occupy the same East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU as the proposed wind farm. Carraig Gheal comprises 20 turbines at 110m and 126m, while Beinn Ghlas comprises 14 turbines at 55m. Other operational sites in the 35km radius include An Suidhe, Clachan Flats and Cruach Mhor. The remaining consented and application sites are assessed in Section 6.10 Cumulative Assessment of Impacts in conjunction with the proposed wind farm and other operational sites. This assessment considers all landscape character receptors and visual receptors contained in the main assessment. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is visible from extents comparable with those of the proposed wind farm, as demonstrated in the combined ZTVs, wirelines and photomontages. The combined ZTV with Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm shows that intervisibility with the proposed wind farm does not occur to the same extent but that there are large areas of overlap. In a new wind farm development the majority of impacts on the landscape and visual resource stem from the introduction of the completely new elements of the turbines, which can provide a contrast to the existing scale, form, colour, movement, character and pattern of the landscape receptor or view. However, in the case of this proposal for a wind farm close to an existing wind farm, the existing wind farm is already likely to be a component of the majority of landscape receptors and views, and the proposed wind farm will not constitute a completely new element. A high level of integration and a good relationship with the existing wind farm can help to avoid immediately apparent or notably contrasting impacts on landscape receptors and views, as the proposed wind farm will appear to relate to the existing wind farm, which is already accommodated within the landscape receptor or view. Where a high level of integration is achieved and the proposed wind farm appears as part of the existing wind farm, resulting in a cohesive whole, the impacts of the proposed wind farm are likely to be more limited and have less of a contrast with the baseline characteristics of landscape character receptors and views. This in turn can limit the extent of significant impacts. Conversely, the presence of existing wind farms in the same area can limit the capacity for further wind farm development and the cumulative impacts in this respect need to be determined through the assessment in terms of understanding the thresholds of the landscape and views to accommodate further wind farm development.
6.4.75
6.4.76
6.4.77
6.4.78
6.5
6.5.1
Predicted impacts Potential impacts

The impacts of the proposed wind farm on the landscape and visual resource will arise principally from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the wind
turbines, access and site tracks, transformers, one power performance mast, control building, grid connection and construction laydown areas. The temporary construction facilities, such as cranes, construction vehicles, construction compounds, laydown areas and delivery vehicles required during the construction of the proposed wind farm will have impacts on the landscape and visual resource. The construction of access tracks and crane hard-standings in relation to the gradient of the route will require earthworks to be carried out involving areas of cut and fill. The access routes will be apparent during construction, operation and post decommissioning. 6.5.2 It is anticipated that construction and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm will be undertaken in phases as described in Chapter 4: Project Description of this ES. The construction impacts assessed in this section are therefore predicted to occur during this period and end at the start of the operational stage. It is anticipated that the proposed wind farm will be in operation for approximately 25 years. On completion of its operational life the proposed wind farm will be decommissioned. The construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm may affect the landscape and visual resource in four ways: The physical impact on the fabric of the site; The impact on the landscape character of the site and study area; The impact on views from throughout the study area; and The cumulative impacts that may arise from the addition of the proposed wind farm to other wind farms in the area. 6.5.4 Table 6.5 below summarises the potential impacts of construction, operation and decommissioning. Table 6.5 Activity
Construction
6.5.3
Potential impacts of construction, operation and decommissioning

Specific Element
Construction plant, temporary construction facilities, localised vegetation removal, access tracks, earthworks for infrastructure, turbine construction. Wind turbines, access tracks, substation compounds, earthworks, transformers. Construction plant, turbines being removed.
Potential Impacts
Short or long-term physical impacts on landscape fabric. Short-term impacts on landscape character. Short-term impacts on views. Short-term cumulative impacts. Long term impacts on landscape character. Long term impacts on views. Long term cumulative impacts with other wind farms. Short or long-term physical impacts on landscape fabric. Short-term impacts on
Potential Sensitive Receptors

Physical landscape features, e.g. ground cover. Landscape character receptors Landscape Character Units, APQs, NSAs. Views experienced by different receptors, e.g. residents, road users, walkers.
Operation
Decommissioning
landscape character. Short-term impacts on views.
6.5.5
The physical impacts of the proposed wind farm may occur during the construction and decommissioning stages, but can have longer term impacts, and will be restricted to the area within the application site. They are the direct impacts on the fabric of the site, such as the removal of forestry and alteration to ground cover that may take place during the construction of the proposed wind farm. This category of impacts is made up of landscape elements, which are the components of the landscape such as moorland that may be physically affected by the proposed wind farm on the site. Impacts on landscape character will arise either through the introduction of new elements during the construction and operational stage, that alter the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements in a particular type of landscape, or through visibility of the proposed wind farm, which may alter the way in which the pattern of elements is perceived. This category of impacts is made up of landscape character receptors, which fall into two groups; LCUs and designated areas. Impacts on views are the changes to specific views and visual receptors that will result during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. The assessment of the construction stage impacts on views is carried out through an assessment of visual receptors, e.g. settlements, route corridors and visitor attractions, and at a series of viewpoints that are selected to represent the outlook towards the proposed wind farm from around the study area, at a range of distances and from various directions. Cumulative impacts arise as a result of more than one development being under construction or operation giving rise to combined impacts, so that both developments are experienced at a proximity where they may have a greater incremental impact. A cumulative assessment has been carried out as part of the LVIA in order that the potential for any such impacts is identified, and their significance assessed.
6.5.6
6.5.7
6.5.8
6.6
6.6.1
Mitigation Introduction
This section describes the landscape and visual mitigation measures which have been incorporated through the iterative design of the proposed wind farm in order to prevent, reduce or offset potentially negative landscape and visual impacts caused by the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed wind farm. It should be read in conjunction with the full project description and the rationale for site selection and scheme design in Chapter 4: Project Description and Chapter 3: Site Selection, Design and Consideration of Alternatives of this ES respectively.
Embedded Mitigation Measures

6.6.2 Embedded mitigation measures are those which have been taken on board as part of the siting, design and layout of the proposed wind farm. They are based upon the aspiration of design objectives which are developed in response to the site and context. Various layouts were tested using ZTV mapping, field studies and visualisations. Chapter 3: Site Selection, Design and Consideration of Alternatives charts the iterative process and Figures 3.1-3.8, demonstrate the improvements made in the refinement of the layout. Technical and environmental
constraints were also factored into the consideration to arrive at the layout assessed in the ES. 6.6.3 A series of wind farm layouts were considered as well as different turbine heights as described in Chapter 3: Site Selection, Design and Consideration of Alternatives, of the ES. The wind farm reduced in size from 24 turbines to 16 turbines, each with 132m blade tip height, as a result of the iterative process. Key landscape and visual mitigation measures respond to guidance contained in the Siting and Design of wind farms in the landscape (SNH 2009) and features of the final layout are as follows: The reduced number of turbines from 24 to 16, mitigates the impact on the local landscape and visual resource through a reduction in the wind farm influence both individually and cumulatively; The 16 turbines form a well contained group that fits within the broader scale of the Craggy Uplands landscape; The turbines are located only in the southern half of the site to ensure that the northern half of the site is kept free from wind farm development and a separation with the smaller scale Beinn Ghlas turbines is formed; The location of the turbines in the southern half of the site ensures a closer relationship with the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm to which the proposed wind farm appears as an extension; The scale and proportioning of the turbines is similar to the Carraig Gheal turbines to ensure a degree of continuity; The retention of an open corridor through the centre of the layout ensures ornithological constraints are respected but also prevents turbines from occupying the highest land which would otherwise increase their prominence; The layout has attempted to reduce the impacts of overlap and gapping between the turbines; Access tracks are laid out to follow contour lines and to achieve shallow gradients in order to avoid the need for extensive landform change to accommodate them; The turbines themselves are sited on areas of shallow gradient to avoid the need for extensive cut and fill in their vicinity and to create the associated crane hard standings.
Mitigation during construction

6.6.4 Landscape and visual mitigation measures that would be associated with the construction process are as follows: The temporary land take will be reinstated at the end of the construction period; and The construction compounds have been located within a low lying discreet and in a position which reduces its visibility across the surrounding area.
Mitigation during operation

6.6.5 Landscape and visual mitigation measures that would be specifically associated with the operation of the proposed wind farm are as follows: The construction compound area will be covered over with soil and revegetated and the ground cover will begin to regenerate; and
The side slopes associated with the changes in level required to accommodate the infrastructure will begin to regenerate and they will become less noticeable.
Decommissioning
6.6.6 The turbines, met mast, and sub-station will be removed and the land reinstated so that there will be no above ground evidence of these features once the ground cover has regenerated. Access tracks and hard standings will be left in situ in order to to be used by the landowner. These will be narrowed by encouraging the encroachment of vegetation to reduce their impact. The other hard standings will be covered over with soil or peat and re-vegetated in accordance with Chapter 4: Project Description.
6.7
6.7.1
Assessment of physical impacts Introduction

The first category of impacts covered in the assessment is physical impacts, which are direct impacts on the fabric of the site, such as the removal of grassland. Physical impacts are found only on the site, where existing landscape elements may be removed or altered by the proposed wind farm. This category of impacts is made up of landscape elements, which for this proposal includes the removal of rough grassland. This landscape element has been identified for the purposes of this assessment and is defined by the principal land cover types evident within the developable area. The methodology for the assessment of physical impacts is described in full in Appendix 6.1 in Volume IV of this ES.
Rough Grassland with Watery Mires

6.7.2 Baseline condition and sensitivity to change Rough grassland with watery mires is the predominant landcover across the site. It comprises grasses which grow from soil that tends to be waterlogged for much of the year. This type of landcover is typical throughout upland areas across Scotland. It contributes to the open and exposed character of the upland landscapes, and while diversity occurs at a detailed scale, the general impact is of a homogenous landcover. Rough grassland, of the type that covers most of the site, is a characteristic element of the less intensively farmed upland areas of Argyll and Bute. Rough grassland contributes to the rough and less modified character of the Craggy Uplands. The rough grasslands are not covered by a designated area of landscape value or nature conservation, which would otherwise imply a greater level of protection of the landscape. While it is a relatively abundant landscape element that is not rare or recognised for its value, within the diversity at the detailed scale there are landscape elements which are of greater value owing to the importance of the flora and fauna. The grasses are generally invasive enough to enable them to re-colonise disturbed areas. The combination of these factors results in a low sensitivity being attributed to the rough grassland on the site. Magnitude of change Changes to the rough grassland landscape element will result from the removal of the marshy grassland soil and vegetation from the routes of the access tracks, from the areas where the turbines and meteorological mast stand, from the construction compound, and sub-station. The magnitude of change on the rough grassland element will be low as the proposed wind farm will result in the removal of a relatively small area and small proportion of this extensive landscape element. The location of the tracks, turbines, mast, construction compounds, and sub-station have been carefully located so as to avoid the more sensitive habitats within this
6.7.3
6.7.4
landscape element where possible. The permanent land-take will be 11.79 Ha of the total site area. Significance of the impact The physical impact of the proposed wind farm on the rough grassland is considered to be not significant. This is primarily due to the low sensitivity of the landscape element, the limited proportion of the landscape element that will be affected, and the high potential for the visual mitigation of any direct impacts through reinstatement. Summary of the impacts on landscape elements The principal physical impact that the proposed wind farm will have on the landscape fabric of the site is the removal of relatively small areas of rough grassland and watery mires. The impact on rough grassland and watery mires has been assessed as not significant.
6.7.5
6.7.6
6.8
6.8.1
Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character

The second category of impacts covered in the assessment is impacts on landscape character. Landscape character is the distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occur consistently in a particular type of landscape, and the way that this pattern is perceived. Impacts on landscape character are manifested both on the site, where the pattern of elements that characterises the landscape will be directly altered by the addition of the proposed wind farm to the landscape; and off-site, around the study area, where visibility of the proposed wind farm may alter the way in which this pattern of elements is perceived. For example, if the wind farm is visible from the Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic LCU, the perceived experience of this area may be altered as the visibility of the wind farm introduces different contextual characteristics despite its physical location in another, quite different, area. Landscape character receptors fall into two groups: Landscape Character Units; and Designated areas.
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The first stage in the assessment of the landscape character receptors is a filtering process to ascertain which of these within the study area have potential to be significantly affected by the proposed wind farm. This process is carried out through a site survey and desk study, which examines the visibility of the proposed wind farm from the landscape character receptors in the study area, checking against the ZTV and wirelines. A table that shows this process, including a brief description of the assessment for each landscape character receptor, is presented in Appendix 6.2 in Volume IV of this ES. Where it is considered that the proposed wind farm may result in a significant impact on the character of these receptors a detailed assessment is included within the following sections of this chapter. The cumulative assessment of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms is included in this, the Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character. This is due to the close proximity of the proposed wind farm to the operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and operational Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm and the integral impact which these developments will have on the landscape character receptors. It is important to remember that the objective of the cumulative assessment is different from the assessment of impacts of the proposed wind farm; in the cumulative assessment the intention is to establish whether or not the addition of the proposed wind farm, in combination with other operational wind farms, may lead to a landscape character that is characterised primarily by wind farms so that other
6.8.4
patterns and components are no longer definitive. The assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm focuses on the impact that the proposed wind farm will have, taking operational wind farms into consideration but not assessing the contribution of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation. The methodology for the assessment of cumulative impacts is explained in detail in Appendix 6.1 Methodology. 6.8.5 The cumulative assessment of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with operational, consented and application wind farms is presented in the Assessment of Cumulative Impacts in section 6.10.
Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character Units

6.8.6 The first group of receptors covered in the assessment of impacts on the landscape character are the LCAs that cover the study area. These are shown in Figure 6.2, and shown in conjunction with the ZTV in Figure 6.9. The initial filtering process has indicated that six LCAs have potential to undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm: Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands- East Loch Awe; Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens Scammadale; North Loch Awe Craggy Upland High Tops Ben Cruachan; and Rocky Mosaic East Loch Awe. 6.8.8 The impact on each of these landscape character receptors is assessed as follows.
6.8.7
Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe

6.8.9 Baseline The West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands covers a relatively extensive upland area to the west of Loch Awe. It extends from Beinn Ghlas at 512m AOD in the north to Carn Duchara at 491m AOD in the south. It is surrounded by the Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens of Glen Lonan in the north and Loch Scammadale in the west, the Craggy Coast and Islands of the west coast also in the west and the Rocky Mosaic of Loch Awe in the east and south. The West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands comprises a broad range of medium sized hills extending up to 515m AOD in height. The general pattern of the landscape comprises a ridge of higher hills aligned from north-east to south-west in parallel with Loch Awe which are set centrally in the LCU and from which the elevation of the landscape falls away to Loch Awe in the east and the Atlantic Coast in the west. A number of glens and lochs penetrate into the upland mass to separate the cluster of hills. Loch Avich lies across the centre of the LCU interrupting the upland ridge by separating Carn Duchara from the main group of hills to the north. The land use of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands is predominantly forestry, evident by the extensive blanket coverings, in which blocks of often single coniferous species are commercially cultivated. Large scale blocks cover much of the upland area adjacent to the western shoreline of Loch Awe, extending around Loch Avich in the south and with smaller blocks around Loch Nant in the north. In contrast, hill sheep farming occurs across the open moorlands where the landcover is typically
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rough grassland. On lower lying slopes and in the glens the grassland is improved or semi-improved and where shelter has allowed, small areas of farmed fields have become established. 6.8.12 Development in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands is limited. In the northeast of the LCU small scale loch-side development is contained in the Rocky Mosaic LCU The only settlement occurs at Dalavich which is a small village situated on the western shore of Loch Awe. Other settlement comprises small clusters of dwellings and isolated farmsteads. There are no main roads through this area, with access only from minor roads and tracks. The extent of minor roads includes the single track along the west shore of Loch Awe, the single track to Musdale and the single track passing over the hills from Loch Awe to the west coast via Loch Avich. There are two large scale developments in this LCU; Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm in the north and Carraig Gheal Wind Farm in the north-east. Both are commercial wind farms, Beinn Ghlas comprising 16 turbines each 61m in height and Carraig Gheal comprising 20 turbines varying between 110 and 125m in height. The influence of these developments is notable within this LCU, especially across the northern half where they are both located. A further influence comes from An Suidhe situated in the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands on the opposite shore and which comprises 24 turbines at 80m. These are situated 12km from the proposed wind farm and 3.5km from the nearest edge of the LCU. Sensitivity to the proposed wind farm The sensitivity of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands to wind farm development is medium. This finding concurs with the sensitivity rating reported in the Argyll and Bute Landscape Capacity Study, which is based on the large scale and simple land cover of the landscape, the sparse extents of settlement and the existing presence of wind farm developments in this LCU. In addition, other factors which have an influence on the sensitivity of this landscape include the hydro installations around Loch Sior and the extent of commercial forestry which owing to the modified appearance of the landscape it has created, detracts from its sensitivity. This LCU is also not covered by any landscape designation which would otherwise denote a special sensitivity in terms of scenic value. With the exception of the wind farms, development in this LCU is relatively small-scale and sparse and the character of the landscape, whilst seldom wild or remote is distinctly rural. Magnitude of change The ZTV indicates visibility to occur as an almost continuous circular patch around the proposed wind farm, extending out to 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3 km to the north-west, south-west and south-east. With the exception of the area to the south and south-east, visibility is shown mostly to comprise 13-16 turbines, which will be seen as large scale structures with moving components. To the south and southeast, visibility is indicated as either 1-4 or 5-8 turbines on account of the screening effect of the higher land which runs through the proposed wind farm. The presence of the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas within the local area means that the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature in this LCU. The magnitude of change that the proposed wind farm will have on the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands will be medium to high in the area defined by the Beinn Ghlas and Carn Gaibhre summits to the north, the A Chruach summit to the west, the Beinn Chapuill summit to the south and Carrig Gheal summit to the east and the
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ridgelines that run between these high points and which enclose the immediate visual envelope around the proposed wind farm. 6.8.18 The enclosing hills described above largely preclude extensive visibility from extending out across the remainder of the LCU. The most pronounced example of this occurs to the north where practically no visibility is shown along the northern edge and the magnitude of change will be negligible. To the south, visibility becomes low in levels and patchy in extents, with turbines seen set behind intervening landform from increasing distances between 3 and 15km and with the existing influence of Carraig Gheal already forming an influence. Here the magnitude of change will be medium to the north of Loch Avich and low to the south. The magnitude of change falls to medium to low to the immediate south-east owing to the presence of operational Carraig Gheal in this location and the comparatively lower levels of visibility of the proposed wind farm owing to the intervening ridge between the two, which means patches of mostly of 1-4 and 5-8 turbines are indicated on the ZTV. The only other area in which a medium magnitude of change occurs lies to the south-west of the proposed wind farm at a range of 4-6km and comprises the northeast facing slopes of Carn Dearg that sit above Loch Scammadale. From here the closer range of the proposed wind farm compared to that of Carraig Gheal combined with the orientation of the landform will make the turbines a prominent feature, albeit partially set behind Beinn Chapull to the south of the proposed wind farm. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands will be significant in the area extending out to 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the north-west, south-west and south-east. This covers the area defined by the Beinn Ghlas and Carn Gaibhre summits to the north, the A Chruach summit to the west, the Beinn Chapull summit to the south and Carrig Gheal summit to the east and the ridgelines that run between these high points. This boundary encloses the immediate visual envelope around the proposed wind farm. From this close range, the proposed wind farm development will redefine the character of this localised area in the LCU by introducing 16 large scale turbines and associated infrastructure. The impact of the proposed wind farm will be not significant across the remaining parts of the LCU. This relates chiefly to reduced levels of visibility or no visibility; greater distance from the proposed wind farm; and the greater influence from Carraig Gheal and / or Beinn Ghlas. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which are also located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. An Suidhe is also visible, although with its location on the opposite side of Loch Awe, its influence will not be as apparent as the other operational wind farms. A significant impact will arise in parts of this LCU as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant cumulative impact will also arise in parts of this LCU owing to the impacts of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas. This finding represents those areas where wind farm development has led to the creation of a wind farm landscape. The cumulative ZTVs show that inter-visibility with Carraig Gheal occurs across much of the northern part of the LCU with the exception of the enclosed bowl of
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Musdale where Carraig Gheal is not visible and the east facing slopes of Loch Awe where the proposed wind farm is not visible. Inter-visibility with Beinn Ghlas also occurs across much of the northern part of the LCU with the exception of small patches on south facing slopes. Although wind farm development is already visible across much of this LCU, and the introduction of the proposed wind farm will appear as an extension to the existing development at Carraig Gheal, it will also notably increase the extents into the interior of the Craggy Uplands. It will infill some of the space which is currently separating Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas and broaden the influence of this type of development on the character of the landscape. 6.8.25 The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of adding the proposed wind farm to the operational wind farms will be medium to high across the northern end of the LCU where visibility of all three developments is most concentrated. A significant cumulative impact will occur across this area which extends out to 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the north-west, south-west and south-east. This covers the area defined by the Beinn Ghlas and Carn Gaibhre summits to the north, the A Chruach summit to the west, the Beinn Chapull summit to the south and Carrig Gheal summit to the east and the ridgelines that run between these high points. This boundary encloses the immediate visual envelope around the proposed wind farm. This coincides with the area in which a significant impact will occur, as reported above, and reflects the high levels of visibility of the proposed wind farm as well as the other operational wind farms within this localised landscape. The remaining areas will undergo a medium or low cumulative magnitude of change and a not significant impact.
Craggy Uplands East Loch Awe

6.8.26 Baseline The East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands comprise a distinct north-east to south-west ridge of hills extending from Cruach Mhor at 589m AOD and Beinn Bhreac at 526m AOD in the north to Cruach Mhic Fhionnlaidh at 458m AOD and Sidh Mhor at 408m in the south. The hills are higher and craggier with more upland lochs in the north and south of the LCU and this is reflected in the land use pattern whereby these areas have remained largely open, and the lower intermediate hills have become extensively afforested. The upper ridge of the hills meets with the Loch Fyne Upland Forest Moor Mosaic which follows the same northeast to southwest alignment and is parallel also to the western shore of Loch Fyne. The profile of the hills is typically steep next to the Rocky Mosaic of the Loch Awe shoreline and then gradually levelling out into more of a hill top plateau. This has an effect on how this landscape relates to surrounding landscapes whereby the steep loch side slopes form a closer association with the loch and the opposite shore towards which they are orientated, while there is less of an association from the upper slopes and upland plateau which lack the same distinct orientation, and owing to the greater distance from the loch and the greater depth of the hills themselves draw much of their character from the local landform, as well as wider landscape context. In the open areas local landform is characterised by craggy summits and upland lochs. The Eredine Forest is large in scale covering the LCU from Portinnisherrich in the north to Finchairn in the south, masking the underlying landform and limiting the extent to which this landscape is influenced by surrounding landscapes. Smaller forestry blocks occur to the north and south of the LCU although in these areas they are features amidst a predominantly open landscape of rough grasslands used principally for hill sheep farming.
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There is very little development in the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands with most of the minor road and associated residential clusters contained in the neighbouring Rocky Mosaic LCU. Forest tracks provide access for workers into the area but there is little evidence that this area is popular for walkers. The two large scale developments which occurs in this area are An Suidhe Wind Farm which is located in the Eredine Forest with sections having been clear felled to accommodate it and the hydro scheme on Ederline Estate which is currently under construction. An Suidhe comprises 23 turbines each at 80m in height. Other nearby wind farms which have an influence on the character of this LCU include the under construction A Chruach located in the north-west of the Loch Fyne Upland Forest Moor Mosaic, which comprises 21 turbines each at 126.5m in height, as well as Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas on the opposite side of Loch Awe which are readily visible especially from the northern part of the LCU. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands to wind farm development is medium. This finding concurs with the sensitivity rating reported in the Argyll and Bute Landscape Capacity Study, which is based on the large scale and simple land cover of the landscape, the sparse extents of settlement and the existing presence of wind farm developments in this LCU. In addition, other factors which have an influence on the sensitivity of this landscape include the extent of commercial forestry which owing to the modified appearance of the landscape is has created, detracts from its sensitivity. The majority of this LCU is also not covered by any landscape designation which would otherwise denote a special sensitivity in terms of scenic value. Although the northern edge is covered by the Area of Panoramic Quality designation, this relates to the sensitivity of this area as a setting to the head of Loch Awe and Ben Cruachan rather than the sensitivity to wind farm development in a different LCU. Magnitude of change The relationship between the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands and the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands largely determines the extent to which the proposed wind farm will be visible from this LCU. The position of the proposed wind farm partially behind the intervening ridge of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands reduces the extents of its visibility. While in the north section the ZTV indicates a small patch of visibility of 13-16 turbines around Cruach na Gearr-choise at a range beyond 10km, the remaining areas of visibility will comprise 9-12 turbines in north and central parts from a minimum range of 5.5km and 5-8 in southern parts from beyond 10km. The ZTV indicates that visibility will not be continuous with patches of no visibility occurring in the lower-lying parts and lower south to northeast facing slopes. Actual visibility will be greatly reduced by the broad extents of Eredine Forest which will screen almost all visibility from the centre of the LCU. The vertical extents of the turbines will be limited from the lower slopes with wirelines indicating that views will mostly comprise blades with towers largely concealed. In relation to the baseline description above, the steep slopes will be more readily influenced by what appears on the opposite side of Loch Awe and the turbines will form a readily apparent feature, set behind the skyline. The influence will diminish with distance and although the increased elevation will mean greater vertical extents are visible, the increasing influence of the immediate landscape, as well as the wider landscape, will moderate the influence from the opposite side of Loch Awe including the influence from the proposed wind farm. A further factor to consider is the existing influence of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which from much of this LCU will be seen to the fore of the proposed wind farm. The
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limited visibility of the proposed wind farm will be moderated by the presence of turbines seen to fuller extents in the foreground which will in some instances partially screen the turbines and in all instances diminish their influence, and this will in turn reduce the overall magnitude of change. Carraig Gheal will appear larger in scale and more prominent owing to the more elevated location of the turbines within the nearside of the enclosing ridge to Loch Awe. 6.8.35 Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change that the proposed wind farm will have on the character of the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands will be medium to low. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands will be not significant. This relates chiefly to the distance between the LCU and the proposed wind farm; the nature of the visibility in which not all the turbines are visible and not to their full vertical extents; the patchy extents of visibility in which not all areas will gain visibility including the large afforested area which occupies the central section; the location of the proposed wind farm to the rear of operational Carraig Gheal which moderates its influence; and the much broader influence from the immediate and surrounding landscapes, especially as experienced from the upland plateau. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which, along with the proposed wind farm, are located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands and operational An Suidhe, which is located in the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of adding the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation will be low and the cumulative impact will be not significant. Visibility of the proposed wind farm is patchy in extents across this LCU, especially taking into account the broad coverage of forestry. Where visibility does occur, the proposed wind farm is always seen in conjunction with Carraig Gheal and in close enough proximity to appear as an extension to the existing wind farm. The visible extents of the proposed wind farm is typically less than that of Carraig Gheal and it will be seen to make a proportionally small addition to what appears from this LCU to be a larger wind farm. Carraig Gheal is positioned along the enclosing ridgeline to Loch Awe with the proposed wind farm set behind it, with the result that Carraig Gheal appears a more prominent influence on surrounding landscape character than the proposed wind farm. Beinn Ghlas is also visible from this LCU but owing to its greater distance, more northerly location and smaller scale, has more limited extents of visibility across the LCU and a more limited influence on the cumulative situation. An Suidhe is located in this LCU and will therefore create a more immediate influence and one that will increase the extents of the wider influence of wind farm development from the cluster that is being formed over on West Loch Awe. The addition of the proposed wind farm will have a limited impact in respect of this situation as it is being added to the existing cluster and it is An Suidhe which is spreading the influence over a broader area.
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Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens Scammadale

6.8.40 Baseline The Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens occurs twice in the study area; the more northerly area extending from Taynuilt to Oban covering the upland area to the south
of the Loch Etive Rocky Mosaic in which the settled Glen Nant, Glen Lonan and Glen Feochan occur; and the more southerly area extending across Loch Scammadale, the Braes of Lorn and the upland area around Cruach Rarey. Limited visibility across the northerly area has led to it being discounted from the detailed assessment. The following assessment therefore focuses on the southerly area from which more extensive visibility at a closer range occurs, especially along Loch Scammadale. 6.8.41 This area of Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens can be broadly sub-divided into two with the north to south A816 forming the dividing line. To the west there lies an area of low craggy uplands with a high point at Creag nan Cuilean of 282m AOD. An almost continuous blanket covering of coniferous plantations covers these low hills and defines the character of this area. To the east the character is different. While there are still some large forest blocks set along the A816, large areas of moorland open up to the east. A well-defined east to west alignment of the landform becomes apparent through the alignment of the lochs, glens and intermediate hill ridges. The lochs form the main feature in this landscape with Loch Scammadale set at the end of Glen Euchar in the north and Loch Tralaig set below the Braes of Lorn in the south. Steep and sometimes craggy hill slopes enclose the lochs to form a strong sense of enclosure. The landform is still relatively low with numerous high points between 200 and 350m occurring across the plateau tops above the steeper enclosing slopes. The higher hills, such as Carn Dearg at 437m AOD which lies between the lochs, are contained within the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU. Development in this LCU is limited with the main feature being the A816 which connects Oban in the north with Lochgilphead in the south. The only other road is the minor road which passes along Glen Euchar to Loch Scammadale and ends at Bragleenbeg House at the head of the loch. There is the small settlement of Raera in the north which comprises a small group of dispersed properties and a school and then a small number of properties occur along the road into Loch Scammadale. Wind farm developments are not readily apparent from this LCU owing to the enclosure of the landform and forestry as well as the greater distance from operational schemes. Sensitivity to change An extensive APQ extends along the western coast from Oban in the north to Knapdale in the south. It mostly covers the Craggy Coast and Islands LCU and although no citation to justify its designation is available it would appear to relate largely to the scenic qualities of the coastal landscape, although it does extend landward to cover all of the afforested area to the west of the A816 and the western end of Glen Euchar and Loch Tralaig, but does not extend into Loch Scammadale. Despite the extents of this designation, the afforested area to the west of the A816 is considered to have a low sensitivity owing to the blanket covering of forestry which means that very few external influences will alter the character of this landscape. While the afforested areas to the east of the A816 will similarly have a low sensitivity, the open areas will be more sensitive on account of, not only the openness of the landscape but also the more scenic character derived from the lochs and the definition of the space around them by the steep sided hills. Wind farm development is not readily apparent from much of this landscape, especially along the floor and lower slopes of the glens. With the exception of the afforested areas, the sensitivity of the area to the east of the A816 is medium.
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Magnitude of change The ZTV indicates two principal areas in which visibility occurs across this LCU. The more distant and less notable of these occurs at a range beyond 11 km where patches of visibility occur across the east facing slopes of the low afforested hills to the west of the A816. From here the forestry will screen most visibility and the magnitude of change will be negligible. In instances where the turbines may be seen from localised open areas, they will be seen set behind intervening landform and occurring as a small proportion of a much wider landscape influence and the magnitude of change will be low. The closer range and more notable area of visibility occurs along Loch Scammadale from a range of 310km. The enclosed landform around the loch limits levels of visibility with 13-16 turbines only visible from the southern upper slopes and then levels falling away towards the floor of the glen and then patches of no visibility occurring on the northern slopes. The nature of the visibility is typically of turbines set behind the intervening landform. From the lower-lying parts they will be seen in the trough between A Cruach and Beinn Chapull. The influences on this landscape are limited by the enclosure of the surrounding hills. This enclosure makes the skyline a prominent feature and the landform of the glen makes the eastern end a prominent aspect of the LCU. Wind farm development is not a readily apparent feature from the lower lying parts of the LCU and the introduction of the proposed wind farm will bring a new and unfamiliar external influence to the character of this landscape. From the upper slopes greater numbers and vertical extents of the proposed wind farm turbines will be visible, although these will be seen within a wider landscape context which lacks the same defined orientation and from which other wind farm developments will be visible. Taking all these factors into consideration, the magnitude of change that the proposed wind farm will have on the Loch Scammadale part of the LCU will be medium. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the Loch Scammadale Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens will be not significant. The area most likely to undergo significant impacts is Loch Scammadale as this is closest range and indicates some visibility. A significant impact will not occur on account of the limited extents to which the proposed wind farm will be visible from the lower lying parts and the existing influence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which will ensure the proposed wind farm does not become the defining feature in the more extensive views from the higher parts. All other parts of the LCU will also undergo a not significant impact. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which are located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands along with the proposed wind farm. As in the assessment of impacts, the area most likely to undergo significant impacts lies along Loch Scammadale where there is concentration of visibility of the proposed wind farm. The cumulative ZTVs show that visibility of Beinn Ghlas is limited in this area largely owing to the alignment of the landform east-west and the location of Beinn Ghlas to the north. Visibility of Carraig Gheal occurs within Glen Euchar, which is more distant than Loch Scammadale and from which visibility of Carraig Gheal is limited by the
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intervening landform. The proposed wind farm forms a more prominent feature and in comparison Carraig Gheal has a limited influence on the cumulative situation. 6.8.53 Taking these factors into account the cumulative magnitude of change will be low and the cumulative impact will be not significant.
North Loch Awe Craggy Upland

6.8.54 Baseline The North Loch Awe Craggy Upland occurs at the north end of Loch Awe. It occurs as two distinct areas; one to the west and one to the east, separated by the head of the loch and the Rocky Mosaic LCUs on either side. The area to the west comprises low hills which border the loch with summits between 200-300m AOD with a steep ridge along the northern edge enclosing the River Awe and the Pass of Brander and the remaining area undulating gently with levels falling away towards Loch Tromlee to the west. Although there is an area of open moorland in the centre of the LCU, large forest blocks occur to the north and south, with a mix of coniferous and deciduous woodland cover extending into the Rocky Mosaic LCU around the Loch Awe shore. The area to the east of Loch Awe is bounded by the A85 in the north, the Rocky Mosaic of Loch Awe in the west, the High Tops in the east and the Loch Fyne Upland Forest Moor Mosaic to the south. This area is also heavily afforested, with a large block extending south of Dalmally and then two large blocks set either side of the village of Cladich. The eastern side of the LCU remains as open moorland with craggy hills rising up towards the south where Beinn Ghlas at 550m AOD forms the high point (a different Beinn Ghlas to that associated with the operational wind farm). There is very little development in these areas as most is typically located in the settled Rocky Mosaic shoreline, where minor roads access small villages, clusters or isolated properties. Apart from the A819 which cuts through the southern part of the eastern area, there are only minor roads around the peripheries although more extensive tracks extend into the afforested areas. There are no large scale developments in this LCU, although wind farms at Beinn Ghlas and Carraig Gheal in the neighbouring Craggy Uplands are readily apparent, especially from the closer range western part of the North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands from which they are seen at minimum of 5.5km and 7km respectively. An Suidhe, situated in the Craggy Uplands on the east side of Loch Awe is also visible, albeit at a minimum distance of 12km. The scenic quality of the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland is derived from the wider context rather than any special qualities found in the area itself. The location of this LCU is important in terms of marking the convergence between Loch Awe, Inverlochy and the Pass of Brander, all of which form channels through the upland landscape and which draw views in towards the landscapes around the head of Loch Awe. Furthermore, there is the presence of Ben Cruachan which presents a dramatic feature at the head of the loch and to which the surrounding landscapes form an important setting. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland to change is medium. Both areas are covered by the APQ designation. While there is no citation to justify the reasons for the designation, reference in the Argyll and Bute Wind Energy Strategy explaining why it has been distinguished from the other Craggy Uplands identifies the reasons as being heightened sensitivities related to its relatively dramatic
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context and the presence of the Area of Panoramic Quality. This suggests that the sensitivities relate to the surrounding LCUs rather than the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland LCU. 6.8.60 In terms of how the surrounding LCUs and their content influences the sensitivity of the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland, wind farm development is already evident as a feature to the west and south-west. Furthermore, in the LCUs themselves the extent of forestry not only limits the extents to which external influences affect character but also detract from the sensitivity by notably increasing the extents to which the landscape has been modified by forestry practices. Magnitude of change Across the western part of the LCU, the ZTV indicates patchy visibility with bands following the north to south alignment of the landform. Visibility of 13-16 turbines occurs across the low ridge to the east of the LCU at a range of 10km and then drops away in bands as the land descends towards the east. This is on account of the intervening landform which gradually screens more and more of the proposed wind farm, both in terms of numbers of turbines, as well as vertical extents, until it is screened completely. The extents of actual visibility are further reduced by forest cover which occurs over much of this LCU, leaving patchy extents of visibility through the central part. Very limited visibility of 1-4 turbines occurs from 7km and partially screened visibility of 13-16 turbines from 10km. Seen set behind intervening forestry and landform and occupying only a small proportion of a wider landscape influence, in which the main influence comes from Ben Cruachan in the opposite direction, the proposed wind farm will not form a prominent influence on the character of this area. The existing presence of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas further reduces the magnitude of change as the proposed wind farm will be seen as an extension to operational Carraig Gheal and will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature or be seen to spread wind farm development into previously undeveloped landscapes. The magnitude of change on the western part of the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland will be medium to low. Across the eastern part of the LCU visibility is more continuous and typically shown to comprise 13-16 turbines occurring from a range between 15-25km. The greater extents of theoretical visibility are on account of less intervening landform occurring between this area and the proposed wind farm development. Patchier and lower levels of visibility occur on either side of the A819 from a range of 10-15km, where intervening landform does have more of a screening impact. Actual visibility will be greatly reduced by the extent of forest cover, leaving small patches of visibility in the closer range west and large patches in the more distant range east. The magnitude of change will be further reduced by the presence of Carraig Gheal, which from this easterly direction will appear mostly to the fore of the proposed wind farm. While the addition of the proposed wind farm will increase the depth of the overall development, it will make only a small increase to the horizontal extents, thus limiting the perceived spread of wind farm development as experienced from this part of the LCU. The magnitude of change on the eastern part of the North Loch Awe Craggy Upland will be medium to low. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands will be not significant. This takes into account the distance between the LCU and the proposed wind farm which will be beyond 10km, as well as
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the location of the proposed wind farm behind the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and the limited extents of actual visibility owing to extensive forest cover. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which are also located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. The cumulative ZTVs show that visibility of the proposed wind farm largely coincides with that of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas. This demonstrates that there is existing visibility of wind farm development from much of the LCU prior to the introduction of the proposed wind farm, which therefore, in most instances, will not form a new or unfamiliar feature. Beinn Ghlas, which comprises much smaller turbines than the other two developments, is located closer to this LCU and this reduces the apparent variances in scale. The proposed wind farm will appear as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal owing to their proximity to one another, their similar scale, proportioning, colour and location along the ridgelines of the Craggy Uplands. This will reduce the magnitude of change by giving the appearance of a co-ordinated approach to wind farm development. The combined developments will, however, produce one larger scale wind farm. From the range of beyond 10km and with a proportion of the LCU covered in forestry, this cumulative impact will not be significant. The cumulative magnitude of change will be low and the cumulative impact will be not significant.
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High Tops Ben Cruachan

6.8.68 Baseline The High Tops LCT occurs once in the study area; covering an extensive mountainous area to the north and east of the proposed wind farm. The Ben Cruachan High Tops extend far beyond Ben Cruachan. The northern boundary meets the southern boundary of the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA; the eastern area wraps all the way around to the head of Loch Fyne and its boundary is marked by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park; the southern boundary is marked by the Pass of Brander and then to the west of this Loch Etive; and the western boundary is marked by the Lynn of Lorn NSA and to the north of this the Lorn Craggy Uplands. The second biggest mountain in the High Tops is Ben Cruachan at 1126m AOD. It sits on the southern edge of the LCU to the north of Loch Awe and forms a dramatic feature over the surrounding area. High and open hilltops extend north of this to where the southern mountains of Glen Coe occur. To the west of Loch Etive there is an area of lower hills over which forestry has encroached, while to the north the hills rise in height towards Bidean Nam Bian. To the east the highest summit is Ben Lui at 1130m AOD which sits right on the boundary of the LCU although in impact is part of the wider mountainous area which extends across the administrative boundary to the east. The High Tops landscape is characterised by large scale and open mountains, the profiles typically steep to form distinct summits and skylines, some with rocky outcrops which add to the rugged appearance. While views from the summits are expansive and place these hills within the wider upland context, views from the glens and lochs are often channelled or more focussed on particular features owing to their specific alignment. The High Tops, especially to the north of the area, have a sense of remoteness and wildness largely derived from the scale of the landscape but also the absence of development. This is denoted by the SAWL which covers much of this area. There is very little small scale development in this area, with the exception of the roads and isolated properties which occur in the more sheltered glens, and no
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large scale development, with the exception of the hydro-electric power station at Ben Cruachan. 6.8.71 While there is little development in the High Tops, developments in surrounding LCUs have an influence on its character. The NSAs to the west and north and the National Park to the east have protected these landscapes from large scale developments. Wind farm developments are therefore concentrated to the south of the High Tops where there are no national or regional designations. Beinn Ghlas and Carraig Gheal are the closest range wind farm developments, situated in the Craggy Uplands to the south-west of Ben Crauchan and at a range of 7 km and 11 km respectively, from the closest boundary of the LCU. Sensitivity to change The Ben Cruachan High Tops is covered by the regional APQ designation, with the exception of a small area to the west at Benderloch. Unfortunately there is no citation to identify the special qualities which have led to this designation. The scenic qualities are nonetheless apparent, with the dramatic scale and openness of the mountains contrasting with the intimacy and enclosure of the glens and lochs. The area to the north of Ben Cruachan and extending beyond the LCU into the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA is designated as a Search Area for Wild Land, denoting the importance of this area in terms of wildness qualities. While these designations raise the sensitivity of the High Tops, it should be noted that neither are designations of national importance. While there is very little development within this LCU, there are large scale developments in neighbouring LCUs which currently have an influence on its character. The raised elevation of much of this LCU means that it draws influences from a much wider extent than other lower-lying LCUs and this reduces its sensitivity to development in one particular area. Taking all these factors into consideration, the sensitivity of the Ben Cruachan High Tops is medium to high. The LCU is of notable scenic quality and displays wild land characteristics as reflected in the designations, but these are not of national importance and there are already influences from large scale developments on the character of this landscape. Magnitude of change The Ben Cruachan High Tops is a minimum of 10.5km from the proposed wind farm. The ZTV indicates very limited extents of visibility across this broad LCU with localised patches associated with specific landform features. Most notably a concentration of visibility occurs across the south-west facing slopes of Ben Cruachan and the neighbouring Beinn a Bhuiridh at a range between 10.5 and 13.3km. The elevation and openness of the landform means that these views will show the proposed wind farm at its full extents. All 16 turbines will be seen set in the Craggy Uplands around Musdale. Operational Beinn Ghlas and Carraig Gheal wind farms already have a presence in this area, such that the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature or increase its extents into a different landscape. It will however, increase the extents within that landscape and with its close proximity to Carraig Gheal, will appear as an extension which collectively forms one larger wind farm development of 36 turbines. The magnitude of change that the proposed wind farm will have on this part of the High Tops will be medium. The ZTV shows that other patches of visibility occur to the west of Loch Etive; through Loch Etive and the summits on either side; through Glen Lochy; and around Beinn Bhuidhe. To the west of Loch Etive, the ZTV indicates visibility to be limited to 1-4, 5-8 or 9-12 turbines, but never the full 16. Wirelines for this area show how the
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full vertical extents are never visible with the turbines partially concealed behind intervening landform. From ranges beyond 12.5km and taking into account the limited visibility, the magnitude of change in this area will be low. 6.8.77 From Loch Etive the ZTV indicates visibility of 1-4 turbines. Wirelines indicate how this small number of turbines are seen next to the existing Carraig Gheal turbines and framed by the valley landform at a range beyond 18km. The number of turbines visible increases with elevation over a narrow band towards the summit of Beinn Trilleachan and Ben Starav. From these summits at a range of approximately 25km the proposed wind farm will be seen at its full extents, set below the skyline and appearing as small components in much wider views. The existing presence of Beinn Ghlas and Carraig Gheal will mean that the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature or increase its extents into a different landscape. It will however, increase the extents within that landscape and with its close proximity to Carraig Gheal will appear as an extension which forms one larger wind farm development of collectively 36 turbines. The magnitude of change that the proposed wind farm will have on this part of the High Tops will be medium to low. The ZTV indicates visibility extending along the enclosing ridges to Glen Lochy. At a range of 24-33km and with this part of the landscape separated from the proposed wind farm by intervening landscapes and forestry, and with the existing developments of Carraig Gheal and to a lesser extent Beinn Ghlas already visible in the same sector, the magnitude of change will be low. Similarly, the range at which visibility occurs around Beinn Bhuidhe; beyond 20km and with the closer range Clachan Flats Wind Farm to the south providing a scale reference which moderates the influence of the proposed wind farm, the magnitude of change will also be low. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the Ben Cruachan High Tops will be not significant. The area most likely to undergo significant impacts occurs across the south-west facing slopes and ridge of Ben Cruachan. The principal reasons this has not been reported as a significant impact include the distance of between 10.5 and 13.5km of this area from the proposed wind farm which means that it will occupy only a small proportion of a wider landscape influence, as well as the existing influence on this LCU from Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which are also located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. From parts of the High Tops, operational An Suidhe and Clachan Flats are also visible, albeit as distant features. These wind farms have a limited influence on the cumulative situation owing to their small horizontal and vertical extents amidst much wider landscape influences experienced across the open parts of this LCU. They do, however, add to the context in which wind farm development is seen to be an existing feature of the more moderately scaled upland landscapes to the south of the High Tops. From the High Tops, the main influence comes from operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas and it is the close proximity of the proposed wind farm to these developments which leads to a clustering impact and the appearance of the proposed wind farm as an extension to Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. This clustering acts to lower the cumulative magnitude of change as the proposed wind farm is not increasing the extents of wind farm development into new landscapes and is concentrating it in the same sector. There are also sufficient similarities between the
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proposed wind farm and Carraig Gheal, in terms of the scale, proportioning and colour of the turbines and their organic layout along the ridgeline of the Craggy Uplands to make them appear compatible. 6.8.82 From some aspects, a gap is seen between Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm while from other aspects they are seen to be conjoined. In both instances, the variance in scale is apparent, albeit more pronounced and discordant where they are seen conjoined and this impact raises the cumulative magnitude of change. Also, although concentrating wind farm development within the one location, the proposed wind farm does increase the extents within that location and from some aspects makes the three small developments appear as one large development. This will however be seen from distances beyond 10km, which will reduce the scale of the developments, which will be seen to occupy a small proportion of a wider landscape influence. Taking these factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change will be medium to low and the cumulative impact will be not significant.
6.8.83
Rocky Mosaic East Loch Awe

6.8.84 Baseline The East Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic occurs along the eastern shore of Loch Awe, extending from the Teatle Water in the north to below Durran in the south. It comprises a narrow band of land situated parallel to the shore and contains the lower hill slopes which are associated with, and form the immediate setting to, the loch. While this LCU is generally characterised by wooded steep slopes descending down towards the loch shore, there are some variations to this which occur. Forestry is extensive in this area and large commercial blocks covering the hills to the rear extend down to the loch and enclose the landscape from surrounding influences. In a few low-lying areas, typically where a water course joins the loch and fluvial deposits have created more fertile land, open areas of farmland occur which are at contrast to the wooded enclosure of much of the shoreline, and from which open views across the loch are afforded. These occur at Ballimeanoch, Blarghour and Durran with an open area also between Ardchonnel and Portinnerisherrich. In the northern section of the LCU the landscape is more open along the shoreline south of Teatle Water and in the elevated and open sections either side of Cladich, a closer association with Loch Awe and its opposite shores occurs as well as with the mighty Ben Cruachan to the north. Development in the LCU is limited to the A819 in the northern section and then the minor road from Cladich which runs along the shoreline and the associated small scale residential developments which occur periodically along its length. The development outwith this LCU which has the greatest influence on its character is the operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm situated on the opposite shore of Loch Awe on the hills adjacent to the proposed wind farm. Visibility of Carraig Gheal is limited from much of the LCU owing to the enclosure of woodland and forestry, but is readily visible from the more open areas, especially as it is seen to sit on the enclosing ridge to the west of the loch from the minimum range of 4.9km. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of the East Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic to change is low in those areas enclosed by forestry or woodland where there is little external influence on character, but medium in the open areas more readily influenced by the proposed wind farm. Although the northern part of the LCU is covered by the APQ designation, this area
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is on the periphery of the APQ and its inclusion relates to the sensitivity of this landscape as a setting to Ben Cruachan and the head of Loch Awe and not any sensitivity of the landscape in its own right. This is reflected by the absence of any difference between landscape character on either side of the designation boundary. It also reflects the association of this northern part with the landscapes to the north rather than to the west where the proposed wind farm is situated. The presence of the APQ does not alter the sensitivity of the LCU. 6.8.88 The sensitivity rating has also taken into consideration the relatively scenic nature of the shore line, enhanced where views across the water and to the higher hills to the north occur. It also considers the extent to which this landscape has been modified by extensive forestry and by the influence of large scale development in surrounding landscapes, and to a much lesser extent by small scale settlements and minor roads. Magnitude of change The ZTV indicates that the majority of the LCU will gain some visibility of the proposed wind farm, albeit mostly limited in extents with only 1-4 or 5-8 turbines visible from a range of 6-14.5km, with the exception of the area to the north where 13-16 turbines are theoretically visible from a range of 14.5-17km. Wirelines show that the limited extents of visibility occur as a result of the proposed wind farm being set behind the intervening ridge that encloses the west side of Loch Awe. Not only does this screen a number of turbines, but it also reduces the vertical extents to which the visible turbines are seen. Actual visibility in this LCU is greatly reduced by the extent of tree cover, either in the form of coniferous forestry blocks or deciduous woodland which lines much of the shoreline. This either screens views completely or filters them such that only glimpsed views are gained through thinner bands. The lower elevation of the intervening landform to the north ensures that greater visibility of the proposed wind farm occurs from this northern part of the LCU, with 13-16 turbines theoretically visible. The greater distance of 15-17km means that they will appear as small scale components in a wider visible landscape in which Ben Cruachan already forms a prominent feature. Where visibility does occur throughout this LCU, the proposed wind farm will be seen in the context of the existing Carraig Gheal. From the north and south of the Rocky Mosaic LCU the proposed wind farm will be seen adjacent to Carraig Gheal, while from the central section it will be seen to the rear. The presence of Carraig Gheal means that the proposed wind farm will not form a new or unfamiliar influence on the character of the Rocky Mosaic LCU. It will be seen as a less prominent development owing to its greater distance from the LCU and partial concealment behind the intervening landform and this will reduce its magnitude of change, despite the additional extents of wind farm development it will bring into this area. The magnitude of change from these areas is either low or negligible. The magnitude of change from those areas enclosed by woodland or forestry is either low or negligible. From open areas the magnitude of change will be medium to low. This takes into account the limited extents of visibility, whereby typically a limited number of turbines will be seen and in the context of existing Carraig Gheal. While greater levels of visibility occur across the northern part of the LCU, the greater distance of this area from the proposed wind farm combined with the small proportion of the wider visible landscape means that the magnitude of change will also be medium to low.
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Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the landscape character of the East Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic will be not significant. This takes into account the limited levels of visibility, the extent of forestry and woodland across the LCU which further reduces visibility, and the existing presence and influence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative situation comprises the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, both of which are also located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. Visibility of these developments is similarly limited by the extent of forestry and woodland across this LCU such that visibility only occurs in select patches. The more northerly location of Beinn Ghlas, combined with its smaller scale and more recessed location into the Craggy Uplands means that visibility of this wind farm is limited from this LCU and therefore has a limited influence on the cumulative situation. Where it is seen in conjunction with Carraig Gheal from the more elevated northern section of the LCU, it does, however, consolidate wind farm development as a feature of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. Where visibility does occur, the proposed wind farm is always seen in conjunction with Carraig Gheal and in close enough proximity to appear as an extension to the existing wind farm. The visible extents of the proposed wind farm are typically less than that of Carraig Gheal and it will be seen to make a proportionally small addition to, what appears from this LCU, to be a larger wind farm. Carraig Gheal is positioned along the enclosing ridgeline to Loch Awe with the proposed wind farm set behind it, with the result that Carraig Gheal appears a more prominent influence on surrounding landscape character than the proposed wind farm. Taking these factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change will be low and the cumulative impact will be not significant.
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6.8.96
Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Designations

6.8.97 The second group of landscape character receptors is designated areas, which includes landscape-related planning designations that have been identified in the baseline study. Such receptors frequently have a particular character that may have contributed to their designation, and this character can be influenced by the introduction of the proposed wind farm. The relevant designated areas are shown in Figure 6.4 and are shown in conjunction with the ZTV in Figure 6.10. As with the landscape character types, the first stage in the assessment is a filtering process to ascertain which of the designated areas have potential to be significantly affected by the proposed wind farm, the findings of which are presented in Appendix 6.2 in Volume IV of this ES.
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North Loch Awe Area of Panoramic Quality

6.8.99 North Loch Awe Area of Panoramic Quality has been identified as having the potential to undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. The closest range parts of this APQ occur as the Ben Cruachan High tops, North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU, and the northern parts of the West Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic LCU, the East Loch Awe Rocky Mosaic LCU and the East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands. The local landscape designation of the APQ was taken into account in assessing the sensitivity of these constituent LCUs. The assessment of landscape character has reported that none of these areas will undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. These findings can therefore be applied to the APQ to arrive at the conclusion that it will also undergo not significant impacts.
6.8.100 In terms of the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm on the North Loch Awe Area of Panoramic Quality, the assessment of the LCUs, which comprise the APQ, were found to be not significant. These findings can therefore be applied to the APQ to arrive at the conclusion that it will also undergo not significant cumulative impacts.
Summary of the impacts on landscape character

6.8.101 The impacts of the proposed wind farm on landscape character have been assessed as being significant in the localised parts of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands around the proposed wind farm and not significant across the remainder of the landscape character units and designated landscapes. The area of the significant impact extends out to 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the northwest, south-west and south-east and in the area defined by the Beinn Ghlas and Carn Gaibhre summits to the north, the A Chruach summit to the west, the Beinn Chapuill summit to the south and Carrig Gheal summit to the east and the ridgelines that run between these high points and which enclose the immediate visual envelope around the proposed wind farm. From this close range, the proposed wind farm development will redefine the character by introducing 16 large scale turbines and associated infrastructure into the localised area. 6.8.102 The limited extents of the significant impacts in respect of the wider landscape relates to a combination of the following factors. Firstly, as the ZTV shows, visibility of the proposed wind farm becomes patchy beyond the first 4-5km radius around the proposed wind farm and extensive forestry further reduces actual visibility. Secondly, where visibility occurs, in most instances it is combined with visibility of existing Carraig Gheal, to which it appears as an extension, and in some instances Beinn Ghlas. This has the impact of the proposed wind farm not appearing as a new or unfamiliar influence to the surrounding landscapes, albeit contributing to the impact of one larger wind farm or a larger cluster of wind farms. Thirdly, other than the local designation of the North Loch Awe APQ, there are few designations in close proximity which would otherwise raise the sensitivity of the landscape to change. 6.8.103 In respect of the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of all other operational wind farms, significant cumulative impacts have been assessed to occur across the same extents as identified in the assessment of impacts on landscape character. This finding relates to the notable addition that the proposed wind farm will make in the context of the two close range operational wind farms, Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas and the cumulative influence on this core area in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU. A summary of the impacts on landscape character is shown in Table 6.6 below. Table 6.6
Summary of Impacts on Landscape Character

Sensitivity medium medium medium low medium Magnitude of change high medium medium to low medium to low medium low medium to low Significance significant not significant not significant not significant
Receptor assessed in detail Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens Loch Scammadale North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands
not significant
Receptor assessed in detail High Tops Ben Cruachan Rocky Mosaic East Loch Awe Area of Panoramic Quality Loch Awe / Ben Cruachan Craggy Uplands West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands East Loch Awe Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens Loch Scammadale North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands High Tops Ben Cruachan Rocky Mosaic East Loch Awe Area of Panoramic Quality Loch Awe / Ben Cruachan
Sensitivity medium to high medium low variable
Magnitude of change medium to low low medium to low low / negligible variable
Significance not significant not significant not significant
medium medium medium low medium medium to high medium low variable
medium medium to low low low low
significant not significant not significant not significant
low medium to low low variable
not significant not significant not significant not significant
6.8.104 The other LCUs and landscape designations will undergo not significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. These findings relate to the following key factors, which are outlined below; The greater distance of the LCUs and landscape designations from the proposed wind farm outwith the immediate visual envelope; The influence of intervening landform which reduces the levels of visibility outwith the immediate visual envelope; The existing presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which means that wind farm development is not a new or unfamiliar feature; The location of the proposed wind farm in the same LCU as Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas which helps prevent the spread of wind farm development into new landscapes; The greater extents of the wider landscape around LCUs and landscape designations which will reduce the comparative influence of the proposed wind farm; The broad scale of the landscapes in this area, whereby there appears to be sufficient horizontal and vertical scale to accommodate the proposed wind farm; The absence of any local or national designations within the first 6km radius of the proposed wind farm; and The absence of any national designations within the first 10km radius of the proposed wind farm.
6.9
Assessment of impacts on views
6.9.1
Impacts on views are the changes to views that result from the introduction of the proposed wind farm. The assessment of impacts on views is carried out in two parts: An assessment of the impacts that the proposed wind farm will have on a number of viewpoints that have been selected to represent visibility from around the study area; and An assessment of the impacts that the proposed wind farm will have on views from principal visual receptors, which are the settlements and routes found throughout the study area.
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Each of these parts of the assessment of impacts on views has been carried out through a comprehensive site survey along with the study of wirelines, photomontages and ZTVs, following the full methodology described in Appendix 6.1 in Volume IV of this ES.
Assessment of impacts on representative viewpoints

6.9.3 The first part of the assessment of impacts on views is the assessment of impacts on the representative viewpoints. This assessment is carried out on site, using wirelines and, where possible, photomontages as a tool for assessment. The first step in the assessment of impacts on the representative viewpoints is a filtering process to ascertain which of the representative viewpoints have potential to be significantly affected by visibility of the proposed wind farm. A table that shows this process, including a brief description of the assessment for each viewpoint, is presented in Technical Appendix 6.3 in Volume IV of this ES. This filtering process has indicated that 18 of the 29 representative viewpoints have potential to undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. The potential impact on each of these viewpoints is assessed in full below. The other representative viewpoints were considered to not have the potential to undergo a significant impact, although there is likely to be some impact resulting from the proposed wind farm. The viewpoint locations are shown on Figure 6.6a and are illustrated in Figures 6.21 6.49 where a photograph of each existing view is accompanied by a computer-generated wireline showing the proposed wind farm and for a number of the views, a photomontage. Photomontages have been produced for 15 of the 29 viewpoints; generally out to 1015 km of the proposed wind farm and being from the more sensitive locations such as local settlements, roads or tourist attractions. The viewpoints have been represented using photographs, wirelines and photomontages. These graphics comply with the requirements of SNH as set out in their guidance on Visual representation of wind farms. Panoramic images have been prepared to allow viewing distances of 32 and 51cm and to meet the minimum height requirement of 13cm. A full description of the graphic techniques and how they comply with the guidance is contained in Appendix 6.1 in Volume IV of this ES. The majority of the viewpoint photographs were taken in good or very good visibility with partially blue skies and scattered cloud. In some of the more distant viewpoints, however, it can be more difficult to distinguish the turbines in the printed photographs. Wirelines showing baseline operational wind farms have been included, to assist with identification.
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6.9.9
The effects of different light and weather conditions are very notable when viewing wind farms. Modern wind turbines are a matt grey/off-white colour, but their colour varies when viewed in different light conditions and positions in relation to the sun. At the extreme end of this spectrum, when the sun is shining from behind the viewer directly onto the turbines they appear brighter and more prominent; and when the sun is behind the wind farm, shining towards the viewer, the turbines appear darker, sometimes even silhouetted against a low sun, and potentially less prominent, depending on their back-clothing. The extremes of this effect vary through the day and with changing cloud cover, such that some of the turbines within the layout may appear brighter and more prominent at one time than others that appear greyer and less prominent. These variable lighting conditions are evident in the viewpoint photographs, which are taken at a specific moment in time, although wherever possible they are taken at a time of the day when the sun is either behind the camera, or to one side of the panorama. In some situations, such as viewpoints with a viewing direction directly to the south, there will always be a part of the panorama which is towards the sun. The cumulative assessment of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms is included in this, the Assessment of impacts on views. This is due to the close proximity of the proposed wind farm to operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and operational Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm and the integral impact which these developments will have on the visual receptors. It is important to remember that the objective of the cumulative assessment is different from the assessment of impacts of the proposed wind farm; in the cumulative assessment the intention is to establish whether or not the addition of the proposed wind farm, in combination with other operational wind farms, may lead to a landscape character or view that is characterised primarily by wind farms so that other patterns and components are no longer definitive. The assessment of the impacts of the proposed wind farm, focuses on the impact that the proposed wind farm will have, taking operational wind farms into consideration but not assessing the contribution of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation. The assessment of cumulative impacts is explained in more detail in Appendix 6.1 Methodology. The wirelines show operational wind farms with their turbines indicated in black and the proposed wind farm turbines indicated in red. The cumulative assessment of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with operational, consented and application wind farms is presented in the Assessment of Cumulative Impacts in section 6.10.
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Viewpoint 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan

6.9.12 Baseline This viewpoint has been included at the request of SNH and is close in location to Viewpoint 1 Portsonachan. The viewpoint is located at a high point on the B840 to the east of where it enters into the enclosure of the shoreline woodland. There are no properties along this elevated section, such that the viewpoint is representative mostly of road-users although some walkers may also use this minor road as a walking route. It is not a formal viewpoint and there is not a formal lay by. The road is single track with passing places which are not to be used for stopping. The view was taken from a gated entrance leading into the land to the south. The view will be apparent to those travelling southbound but not northbound and will only be apparent for a maximum of 150m beyond which the enclosure of surrounding tree cover will screen views across the loch. Even with this 150m section, the birch woodland to the west of the B840 will filter the views in parts.
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From this viewpoint close to the high point of Tom nan Freumh 145m AOD the view is orientated towards the Craggy Uplands which enclose the western shore of Loch Awe. The hills appear low and collectively form a relatively level ridgeline. The bold contrast between the light coloured open moorland and dark coloured enclosed forestry forms a mosaic pattern across the hills; the forestry typically covering the lower slopes leaving most of the ridgeline as open moorland. The loch is only seen as a narrow band between the foreground and background of the view. Deciduous woodland encloses much of the western shoreline and small scale rural development is evident in places. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm forms a feature in the view, mainly owing to the alignment of the road in this direction. From the distance of 9.2km, the 19 visible turbines appear as medium scaled components and their location along the ridgeline and against the open skyline increases their prominence in the view. Beinn Ghlas is also visible in the Craggy Uplands to the right of Carraig Gheal and seen at a range of 10.2km, although seen only partly against the open skyline owing to the location of the turbines to the fore of the ridge and at a slightly lower elevation. Beinn Ghlas is a less prominent feature owing to the oblique angle at which it is seen from this viewpoint, the smaller scale of the turbines and the partial screening of intervening tree cover. Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas establish this type of development as a component of the Craggy Uplands. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of this view to the proposed wind farm is medium. It is not a formal viewpoint and there are no formal stopping points along this section of the singletrack road, only passing places. The viewpoint is taken some 10m west of an access track to forestry and therefore is representative of transient and not static viewers. While speeds along this road are typically slow, the enclosure of the forestry combined with the descending road level means that the view towards the proposed wind farm is short-lived. The viewpoint and the foreground of the view lie within the APQ designation and this raises the sensitivity to a degree, despite the fact that the majority of the view is outwith the designated area. The view presents one of the few outlooks from the B840 across Loch Awe. Wind Farm development is already visible in this view and although a much smaller scale feature, the pole mounted electricity distribution line presents a close range example of vertical structures which contrasts with the predominantly horizontal ridgeline of the Craggy Uplands. In terms of the character of the view, it is attractive in that it presents a rural context in which hills enclose loch, and large scale development is restricted to a defined section of the Craggy Uplands ridgeline. While the Craggy Uplands form an important component to the overall composition, they are not in themselves an exceptional landscape feature. The extent of forestry also denotes the extent to which these hills have been modified by human intervention, although the mixed and deciduous woodlands around the shoreline and the open moorland across the ridgeline, both add notably to the overall character. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that six of the 16 proposed wind farm turbines are theoretically visible, seen partially screened by the ridge of hills which enclose the western side of Loch Awe at a distance of 11.2km. Three are visible above the skyline to just below the nacelle, one as a blade, one as a tip and one as a barely discernible tip. Two of these turbines are set behind the existing Carraig Gheal turbines such that they appear as discreet components and as an extension to the existing development. The proximity of the other three turbines means they also appear as an extension;
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only a small gap occurring with the first turbine on the right and then larger gaps with the blade and the tip further to the right. While the gaps are apparent, the limited visibility of the two outlying turbines means that the increased extents of wind farm development are not as apparent as if the turbines had been visible at their full extents. 6.9.20 Those factors which increase the magnitude of change include the greater spacing between the turbines which highlights the variance between the developments, the overlap between the proposed wind farm turbines and the existing turbines, which although an existing feature of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm does nonetheless add to the overlapping overall, and the increase in the extents of wind farm development. The magnitude of change is, however, tempered by the limited visibility of the turbines owing to their partial screening by the intervening ridgeline and the perception that the proposed wind farm is an extension to Carraig Gheal. Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change on the view as a result of the proposed wind farm will be low. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view will be not significant. This finding relates principally to the limited sensitivity of the viewpoint which will only be experienced by south-bound road-users whilst in transit and the limited extents of visibility of the proposed wind farm in the immediate context of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be low in that the additional turbines will make a minor contribution to the cumulative situation. The proposed wind farm will make a small increase to the extents of wind farm development in the context of the operational wind farms. The cumulative impact will therefore be not significant.
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Viewpoint 4 Blarghour
6.9.24 Baseline This viewpoint is taken from the minor road along the eastern shore of Loch Awe. It is located close to Blarghour Farm to the north of Ardchonnel village. It is representative of the views from the minor road that will be experienced by northbound road-users. The farmhouse and the other properties in the area are mostly orientated west towards the loch, rather than north northwest towards the proposed wind farm. Views from the local area could, however be affected by the proposed wind farm. While the majority of the eastern shore is graded steeply down to the water, there are a few areas, typically associated with the fluvial depositions of local rivers into the loch, where more level and fertile patches of land occur. The character of these areas is more settled, open and cultivated than the wilder woodland areas which enclose much of the shoreline. The view shows the farmed fields of Blarghour and the more open aspect afforded across Loch Awe. The extent of the view is limited by the ridgeline which encloses the western shore of the loch. The character of the view presents the contrasts between the cultivated landscape of the farm in the foreground, the forestry on the opposite hill slopes and the open moorland of the hill ridge. The farmed landscape lacks the uncultivated character of
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much of the deciduous woodland which typifies this eastern loch shore and the contrast emphasises the modified nature of these small farmed areas. The forestry on the opposite shore occurs in great swathes across the hill slopes and this also denotes modification. Patches of open moorland present a less modified character across the upper hill slopes. 6.9.27 Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is readily visible from this viewpoint and is seen to its full extents of 20 turbines. It sits along the ridgeline mostly set behind the intervening forestry and is seen at a range of 6.6 km. The turbines are relatively well spaced and contained within a defined section of the longer ridgeline. There is no visibility of Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm further to the right of the view. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm is medium to low. The extent of enclosure along much of Loch Awe means that where open areas occur, these provide open views across the loch, which presents a welcome contrast and a better understanding of the surrounding landscape. Other than that, the sensitivity of the view is limited by the informal nature of the viewpoint in that there are no formal stopping points, only entrance ways and passing places and the view will mostly be experienced by road users with the proposed wind farm situated at an oblique angle to the direction of both north-bound and south-bound travel. While there are a small number of properties in the area, including the farmhouse, none are orientated directly towards the proposed wind farm. The modified nature of the cultivated farmland in the foreground and managed forestry in the background means that the view doesnt present the same sense of natural beauty found in many other parts of the study area. The Craggy Uplands are an important feature in the enclosure they provide to the loch, but are in themselves relatively unexceptional in character and appear modified by the extents of forestry. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that five of the proposed wind farm turbines are theoretically visible in this view at a distance of 8.0km; one seen as a small tip, three seen to just below the nacelle and one with the base of the tower concealed. The proposed wind farm is seen to the left of the existing Carraig Gheal turbines; a tip and a turbine set within the extents such that they appear as a part of the existing development and then three turbines set apart to the left by a small gap, such that they still appear as part of the existing development albeit with larger spacing between the turbines as shown in the photomontage. The covering of forestry along the ridge will screen the tip to the far left and reduce the extents to which the other three turbines are visible. The three turbines to the left will increase the extents of wind farm development to a small degree. It will be made more apparent by the variance in spacing which makes the three turbines appear as outliers from the main group. While these factors increase the magnitude of change, the small number of turbines which are visible, combined with their partial concealment by intervening landform and forestry and the appearance of the proposed wind farm as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, limit it to an overall medium to low rating. The removal of the forestry along the ridge would not materially alter this rating. Other than the apparent variance in spacing, the proposed wind farm turbines appear compatible with the Carraig Gheal turbines, owing to their similar scale, proportioning, colour and location on the same ridge and in the same landscape type. These similarities help to reduce the magnitude of change by making the proposed wind farm appear as a development consistent with the key characteristics of the existing situation.
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The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Blarghour will be not significant. This finding relates chiefly to the limited extents to which the proposed wind farm will be visible in the immediate context of the existing influence of the more readily apparent Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. Significance of the cumulative impact The photomontage shows that only one turbine appears as an outlier to the left owing to the screening of the other two proposed turbines on the left by intervening forestry on the ridge. The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the addition of the proposed wind farm will be low as it will make a minor contribution to the existing situation which is largely influenced by Carraig Gheal. The combination of the low cumulative magnitude of change with the medium to low sensitivity leads to a cumulative impact which will be not significant.
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Viewpoint 6 Loch Nant

6.9.36 Baseline This viewpoint was selected to represent the views of walkers who pass through this area and the views of workers associated with the nearby hydro-electric dam and forestry. The viewpoint is located at a rise in the surfaced track which leads to the dam on the southern edge of Loch Nant, a loch created as part of a hydro-electric scheme. This is not part of the C171b Kilmore Loch Nant Kilchrenan core path which passes through this area of Craggy Uplands and comes close to the western shore of Loch Nant. The viewpoint can however be reached by following the road to the dam which leads off from this core path. It is not possible to determine how many walkers will venture over to the dam, although during two site visits to Loch Nant, no other walkers were seen on either route. The principal orientation of the wider view coincides with the orientation of the 72 degree used as the basis for this assessment, that is southwest towards the proposed wind farm. This is because the view in this direction gives the most expansive outlook across the loch and is positioned perpendicular to the edge of the loch. The wider view does extend in all other directions albeit not extensively owing to the bowl shaped enclosure which the hills form around the loch. The view looks out onto the Craggy Uplands of West Loch Awe. While alternative views from the east across Loch Awe itself have the effect of moderating the variances in shape and form of the Craggy Uplands so that collectively they appear as one long hill ridge without much depth, this view, from further to the northeast presents a different perspective in which the separate hill forms are more clearly distinguished. The hills therefore appear more undulating and craggy. The simple moorland ground cover contrasts with the enclosure of the forestry around the loch. Coniferous forestry surrounds the loch and although this denotes a modified landscape, in this situation it does not appear at such variance to the character of the landscape as it is seen to create an appropriate setting to this upland loch. The edges follow the edges of the loch to form a more sympathetic pattern than the hard geometric edges, which are hidden around the backs of the hills. While the water provides an attractive feature, the presence of the dam and the track as well as the exposed shore from reduced water levels indicates that this not a natural feature and this detracts from the authenticity of the place.
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Other developments visible from this viewpoint include the operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which forms a feature in the view and operational Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm which is readily apparent to the west northwest. Carraig Gheal is seen within the 72 degree view extending up to the ridgeline such that some of the turbines are seen to their full extents at a range of 4.6km and the remainder are seen partially screened by the landform. The fourteen Beinn Ghlas turbines are seen set on the ridge to the right of the 72 degree view, and although seen at a range of 2.6km do not have the same influence on the view as the Carraig Gheal turbines owing to their much smaller scale. Sensitivity to change The viewpoint and the content of the view are not covered by any landscape designation which would otherwise denote a special value and raise the sensitivity of the view. In an area where lochs and hills are a common feature and many more scenic examples are evident, this view is considered unexceptional. With the route to the viewpoint forming a spur off the core path, a dead end at the dam and with no sign posts to lead walkers in this direction, there is little incentive for walkers to visit Loch Nant. Furthermore, the path leading up to this spur passes along a quarry track and then enters into dense forestry, both of which detract from the overall character of the walk. The other feature which detracts from the sensitivity of the view is the dam and although relatively small in scale, it, along with the exposed shoreline, denotes the artificial nature of the loch which detracts from the experience of the landscape. The extent of forestry, whilst adding to the character of the upland view, also denotes the modified state of the landscape. These features detract from the sense of naturalness or remoteness which might have otherwise been evident. The view does, nonetheless, have scenic qualities relating to the contrast between the loch and the hills within this upland setting. While the two existing wind farms show that this type of development is a feature of this landscape, their presence in this instance raises the sensitivity to the proposed wind farm as part of the capacity has already been taken up and as a subsequent development it will need to respond to these existing developments. Taking all these factors into consideration, the sensitivity of the view from Loch Nant is medium. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that fourteen of the proposed turbines are theoretically visible in this view, seen set either side of the summit of Beinn Dearg at a minimum range of 5.2km. Four turbines sit to the right of Beinn Dearg and while all the turbines are close enough to appear as an extension to Carraig Gheal, these four fit on the left side without any notable variance in spacing. There is no visible overlap with the Carriaig Gheal turbines, such that the proposed wind farm effectively appears to sit to the right of the existing wind farm. A gap occurs around Beinn Dearg with a couple of tips discernible to the right of the summit and then the remaining eight turbines are visible to the right of these; five seen at almost full height and then two to just below the nacelle and one as a blade. There is very little screening across the open moorland with only the turbines on the far right being partially screened by intervening forestry. The proposed wind farm approximately doubles the horizontal extents of wind farm development visible in this view and draws the development over the ridge and into the immediate landscape, so that, despite the more distant range, it has a more
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immediate impact on the view. The proposed wind farm is also seen to extend across the craggier and more undulating profile of the ridge which lacks the same simplicity as the more level ridge where Carraig Gheal is situated. From a range of 5.2km the proposed turbines will appear as large scale elements, especially with reference to the scale of Beinn Dearg. The proposed turbines are seen to extend off the hills and into, what appears to be from this perspective, a valley landform and this increases the perceived extents and the magnitude of change. 6.9.48 While the factors listed above increase the magnitude of change, the following factors limit the change and are mostly related to the existing presence of Carraig Gheal in the view and the appearance of the proposed wind farm as an extension. The proposed wind farm fits onto the end of the existing turbines with no overlap between them, and the scale, proportioning and colour of the turbines matches well with little variance. The developments are seen at a similar range and located in the same area of Craggy Uplands. Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change on the view as a result of the proposed wind farm is considered to be medium. In terms of site infrastructure, a section of the access track which wraps around the northeast side of Beinn Dearg between T2 and T7 will be visible from this viewpoint. Visibility of the site infrastructure is generally limited such that it will not alter the medium magnitude of change. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Loch Nant is significant. This relates more closely to the medium magnitude of change as a result of the close proximity of the viewpoint to the proposed wind farm rather than any special sensitivity in relation to the viewpoint. Significance of the cumulative impact The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium as it will be readily apparent and make a notable contribution to the cumulative situation. With Carraig Gheal visible to the left and Beinn Ghlas visible to the right, the proposed wind farm will partially fill the gap separating the two and increase the extents of the developed skyline across this view. The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm on the views from Loch Nant will be significant. This relates chiefly to the close proximity of the viewpoint to the proposed and operational wind farms which means that collectively all three occupy a notable proportion of the view.
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Viewpoint 7 Musdale, Minor Road

6.9.52 Baseline This viewpoint was selected to represent the views of road-users from the minor road to Musdale. The viewpoint is located at the brow of the hill to the northwest of Musdale Farmstead. The minor road connects with the A816 at Kilmore and having passed the small settlement of Barran and other clusters of properties along the roadside, follows Glen Feochan into the Craggy Uplands of Musdale. Beyond the farm at Kilbride, there are no other properties accessed by this road other than Musdale Farm and while it serves as a public access, it is infrequently used by roadusers other than those living at, working at, or visiting the farm. The road is narrow with passing places and the surface often in a state of disrepair. The road ends at Musdale Farm and there is no provision for parking for walkers in this area. The route does however coincide with C171b the core path between Kilmore Loch Nant Kilchrenan.
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The Musdale Minor Road weaves in and out of the hills which screen the proposed wind farm from most of the route until the road ascends up to the brow of the ridgeline which encloses Musdale to the northwest. This is where the viewpoint is located and from here the view opens up across the upland basin which is enclosed by the ridge of Craggy Uplands which extends from the northwest, through the east, to the south. The simplicity of the view relates to the distinct and extensive character of the Craggy Uplands. The hills collectively form a hill mass which spans across the view, characterising it with their craggy and undulating landform and open moorland land-cover. No other wind farms are visible from this viewpoint and there is a distinct lack of development other than the Musdale farmstead, the road, the pole-mounted transmission line and the fence lines. This gives a sense of remoteness and isolation. The landscape appears open and exposed with very little modification other than the small fields of improved pasture around the farm and the edges of forestry which encroach into the wider view. Sensitivity to change The viewpoint and the content of the view are not covered by any landscape designations which would otherwise denote a special value and raise the sensitivity of this view. Furthermore, the viewpoint is not a formal viewpoint, in that it is located at a relatively arbitrary location along a minor road. It will be mostly road-users experiencing this view, which will be transitory with more focus on the road rather than the surrounding landscape, and only experienced by the small number of locals and visitors who have some reason to make the trip to Musdale Farm or are users of core path C171b. The view from the road is nonetheless impressive in terms of the scale of the landform and the sense of enclosure it presents. The Craggy Uplands are open and rugged, with a more notable absence of commercial forestry than in other units of this type, and despite the presence of the farmstead, this landscape presents a sense of remoteness. Taking these factors into account, the overall sensitivity of the view is considered to be medium. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that parts of all of the sixteen turbines are visible from this viewpoint. The turbines are seen set up on the ridgeline, most seen to almost their full extents with the four more distant turbines partially screened. The closest turbine is 1.1km from the viewpoint which makes them close in range and as a result they will appear large in scale, especially in comparison to the farmstead and trees, and will be seen to cover a wide extent of the hills. The movement of the blades will add a dynamic aspect to an otherwise still landscape and the location of the turbines on the enclosing ridge will make them the focus of the view. No other wind farms are readily visible from this viewpoint which means the proposed wind farm is adding a feature which is new and unfamiliar, and this increases the magnitude of change. Tracks and other site infrastructure including the met mast will also be visible from this viewpoint. The tracks will be seen to create a new pattern across the hillside, although seen from a low elevation looking up, their visibility will be limited to short sections. The magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be high. This relates principally to the close range of the viewpoint to the turbines, which means they will appear as large-scale, dynamic elements at variance with the scale and character of the landscape in the view.
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Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Musdale Minor Road will be significant. This takes into account the high magnitude of change as a result of the close proximity of the proposed wind farm, despite the absence of any heightened sensitivity. Significance of the cumulative impact No other wind farms are visible from this viewpoint and so there will be no cumulative impact on the view.
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Viewpoint 8 Dalmally Monument

6.9.61 Baseline This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of visitors to the Dalmally Monument. The monument is accessed from the minor road which joins the back road through the village of Dalmally. It passes through commercial forestry for a 2km stretch to the southwest of the village before arriving at a clearing where there are two small knolls, Creagan Chaorach to the northwest where there is a mast, and the unnamed knoll to the south where the Dalmally monument is located. There is also space for parking. A short stepped walk leads up to the monument from where views extend out principally to the west across the head of Loch Awe and north towards the Ben Cruachan mountain range. The view from the monument extends around 360 degrees with the view to the east featuring the distinctive peaked profile of Ben Lui. The High Tops extend from the east all the way round to Ben Cruachan in the north to form an impressive outlook of mountain scenery. The profile is of rugged and sometimes craggy mountains with high peaks and open exposed slopes apart from where forestry encroaches onto the lower slopes. There is very limited development in this landscape. To the south the landscape is much lower and commercial forestry forms the primary land cover. The 72 degree view used in this assessment centres on the view to the west towards the head of Loch Awe. The loch forms the focus in this view, presenting a contrasting feature to the surrounding Craggy Uplands. At this range, the Craggy Uplands appear low and level, especially in comparison with the High Tops to the north and west. The Craggy Uplands behind the far shore form a setting to the loch rather than a feature in themselves. The landscape appears more inhabited, and evidence of small settlements and cultivation can be seen around the loch shore. Forestry is visible across large parts of the landscape creating a bold patchwork pattern with the open moorland, whereby dark green swathes are set against the lighter brown patches. While the forestry adds to the character and setting of the loch and the mountains, the geometric edges and single species visible in parts, denotes the commercial nature of these plantations and this detracts from the unmodified appearance of much of the landscape in the view. Wind farm development forms an existing feature of the baseline situation with the 20 Carraig Gheal turbines visible in the Craggy Uplands set behind Loch Awe. Seen at a range of 16.9km, the turbines appear as relatively small components in the view, although still readily visible in clear conditions. The smaller Beinn Ghlas turbines are visible also in the Craggy Uplands to the north of Carraig Gheal at a range of 16.2km. Together these two developments establish wind farm development as a component of the baseline view.
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Sensitivity to change The viewpoint is not formally recognised on the OS mapping but is nonetheless regarded as a viewpoint in the sense that the purpose for locating the monument in this position relates to the surrounding view it affords. The sensitivity is also raised by the principal orientation being towards the north and west, with the proposed wind farm being located towards the west, where the contrast between the lower wooded hills and the enclosure they form around the head of Loch Awe give the view its scenic value. The viewpoint and much of the fore to middle ground of the view are subject to the APQ designation which denotes the local value of the landscape. It would appear that visitors come to the monument as much to enjoy the view as visit the monument, although the duration of views will be relatively short compared, for example, to views from residential properties. While the forestry forms an important part of the setting to the scene, it also denotes the extent to which the wider landscape has been modified by the commercial cultivation of typically single species plantations and this reduces the sensitivity of the view by detracting from its natural appearance. Development is also evident in this view with small scale rural settlement evident along the loch shore and wind farm development, as well as electricity transmission lines, evident across the upland landscape. Taking all these factors into account the overall sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm is medium to high. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that ten of the proposed wind farm turbines are readily visible to the right of the Carraig Gheal turbines and a further three are set behind them, seen at a range of 18.5km. The ten proposed turbines to the right are set along the ridge and mostly seen at their full height, while the remaining three proposed turbines are at a lower elevation with two almost fully obscured behind the existing Carraig Gheal turbines. Those features of the proposed wind farm which increase the magnitude of change include, most notably, the increased extents of wind farm development along the ridgeline, which is doubled in length, and the variance in spacing whereby the proposed turbines are in places more spaced out compared to the tight bunching and occasional overlapping of the Carraig Gheal turbines. While there is continuity in the location of the proposed turbines along the ridgeline, the same as the Carraig Gheal turbines, they are generally seen set against the open skyline, feature in one of the key aspects from the viewpoint, and are seen to extend off the hillside and into the trough, all of which increases the prominence of the proposed turbines. Those features of the proposed wind farm which limit the magnitude of change include, most notably, the fact that the proposed turbines appear as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. Despite the variances in spacing, the location of the proposed wind farm to the immediate right of the existing turbines gives the appearance that this is one larger wind farm. From the ranges of 16.9km for Carraig Gheal and 18.5km for the proposed turbines, they appear similar in scale and they all share the same location, set long the ridgeline of the Craggy Uplands. The proposed turbines can even be seen to complete the pattern, whereby the Carraig Gheal turbines occupy the left hand up-slope towards the high point at Beinn Dearg and the proposed turbines occupy the right hand down-slope. These similarities between the developments present a co-ordinated appearance with fewer complexities or discordant features than might have otherwise occurred and this in turn moderates the magnitude of change. In respect of Beinn Ghlas,
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there is enough of a separation from the proposed wind farm that direct comparisons of scale are not applied. They appear as two distinct developments and although not too dissimilar in range, the smaller scale of the Beinn Ghlas turbines combined with their location on a hill group which appears more distant, add to the sense of separation. Collectively, all three wind farms are contained in the well-defined Craggy Uplands ridgeline. 6.9.73 The proposed wind farm does not add a new or unfamiliar feature to the view. It is seen within a sector of the view and within a distinct ridgeline in which wind farm development already exists. Furthermore it is located in the space between two existing developments and so does not increase the extents put into the wider view, instead creating a cluster within this specific sector. The horizontal extents of both the proposed wind farm and the cumulative wind farms, occupies only a small proportion of the wider available view and the long and level ridgeline appears to have capacity to accommodate the additional turbines as seen from this middle range viewpoint. Taking all these factors into consideration the magnitude of change is considered to be medium to low. This rating reflects the additional extents which the proposed wind farm makes along this ridgeline, albeit in a context where wind farm development is already visible and seen at a distance from which the turbines appear as minor components in the wider view. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be visible from this distance and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the Dalmally Monument will be not significant. This finding relates principally to the existing presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, to which the proposed wind farm appears as an extension and although it increases the extents of wind farm development along this ridgeline and in this sensitive sector of the view, the distant range and location within the background of the view, combined with the visual attraction of other features in the wider view, means that the proposed wind farm will not redefine the character of the view. Significance of the cumulative impact The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low as it will make a relatively minor contribution to the cumulative situation. The proposed wind farm will add to the cluster already being formed by Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas, but the extent of similarities which exist between these three developments in respect of their location in the same sector of the view, in the same Craggy Uplands LCU and at very similar ranges helps to co-ordinate their appearance and reduce the extent of visual disparity. The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm will be not significant.
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Viewpoint 9 Military road above A85

6.9.77 Baseline This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of walkers and cyclists on the Military Road above the A85. Although originally a publicly accessible road, this route is now closed to vehicles, with restricted access only for works vehicles associated with the hydro-electric dam and reservoir. It is however used by walkers and cyclists as it provides a route into the Ben Cruachan hill range. The specific viewpoint was selected to coincide with the viewpoint used in other ESs and is taken from a high point along the road where a works yard is situated and from which clear
views in the direction of the proposed wind farm can be afforded. Views during the approach from the east are largely screened by intervening landform 6.9.78 The viewpoint provides an elevated outlook across the wider landscape, with extensive views principally to the south along Loch Awe, while views to the north are restricted by close range landform. The view is characterised by the head of Loch Awe which forms the main feature and to which the surrounding hills form an important setting. The hills are classified as Craggy Uplands and are typified by their medium scale and the comparatively low and level ridgelines that they collectively form. Open moorland covers much of the higher ground while large swathes of forestry blanket over the lower slopes and encroach onto the upper slopes. This sector of the view is not remarkable in scenic terms. Settlement in this view occurs in the less marginal enclaves of the shorelines and glens. Farm fields of a contrastingly bright green can be seen next to farmsteads, and are surrounded by the softer edged and more varied texture of deciduous and mixed woodland. Large-scale and modern structures are a feature of this view, most notably in the form of the electricity transmission line which runs parallel and at close range to the Military Road and which partially obstructs the otherwise open aspect. Wind Farm development is also visible in the Craggy Uplands, with all 20 Carraig Gheal turbines seen along the ridge to the left of Beinn Dearg at a range of 12.6km and the 14 Beinn Ghlas turbines seen set around Carn Gaibhre further to the right at a range of 11.3km, although appearing more distant owing to their comparatively smaller scale. The North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands which lie between the viewpoint and the Craggy Uplands, where the proposed wind farm and the existing wind farms are located, creates a sense of separation making the Craggy Uplands appear more distant than if there had been only lower landform in the middle-ground. Behind the high point of Creag Thulach at 222m AOD swathes of forestry add to the perceived depth of this landscape. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of this viewpoint to the proposed development is medium. Those factors which detract most notably from the sensitivity of the viewpoint include the informal nature of the viewpoint, in that it is located at a relatively arbitrary point along a route which is not set up for the enjoyment or appreciation of the view. Walkers and cyclists will mostly experience this view whilst in transit such that their focus will be shifting and the proposed wind farm seen typically at an oblique angle to the direction of the route. The presence of the electricity transmission line in close proximity also detracts from the sensitivity as these tall modern structures appear at variance with the unmodified character of much of the view. The closer range deer fence adds further interruption to the view. Despite the limited sensitivity of the immediate locale, the APQ across parts of the wider area denotes the sensitivity of the landscape in respect of the potential impacts of development on its scenic qualities. This only extends as far as the North Loch Awe Craggy Uplands and further than this much of the landscape remains undesignated. Beyond the electricity transmission line, the landscape has scenic qualities relating to the contrast between the afforested hills and the loch. Taking these factors into consideration the overall sensitivity of the view is considered to be medium. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that 14 of the proposed turbines are visible in this view at a distance of 13.8km, although two as blade tips that will not be discernible and only
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three seen to their full extents with the towers of the remaining nine partially screened by intervening landform. The turbines are seen to the right of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, with no notable gap so that the proposed wind farm will appear as an extension to the existing turbines, and to the left of the existing Beinn Ghlas turbines but with a notable gap so that they appear as separate developments. While a notable variance in scale occurs between the proposed wind farm and Beinn Ghlas, the setting of Beinn Ghlas behind an apparently greater depth of intervening landform appears to account for this difference by making its location appear more distant. 6.9.84 The proposed wind farm increases the extent of wind farm development to almost double the existing extents of Carraig Gheal. While a number of factors make these developments seem consistent in appearance, the variance in spacing combined with the location in a more undulating rather than level section of the ridgeline, makes the proposed wind farm appear different in this respect and this adds to the magnitude of change. Despite these differences the proposed wind farm does appear as an extension owing to its close proximity and the following similarities. A comparison between the proposed and existing turbines shows that the turbines appear generally compatible in terms of their scale, proportioning and colour. They are located at a similar range and in the same distinctive Craggy Uplands landscape, albeit as part of the more undulating skyline profile. The lower elevation of the majority of the turbines means that they appear less prominent in the view than the turbines on the higher land. However, in this view they appear to sit on the intervening landform and this gives a discordant impression. At a range of 13.8km from the viewpoint the turbines appear as relatively small components in the view occupying a small proportion of a wider view. Furthermore, they are seen to occupy the upland area which lies between Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farms, and therefore, while increasing the extents of wind farm development, this increase does not occur within the wider extents. The proposed wind farm will be seen as a feature associated with the hills which form the background setting to the view and this further diminishes its prominence. Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. From this elevated perspective and distance, the tracks will be the only part of the infrastructure with the potential to be visible. They will be seen as a light coloured line linking the bases of the turbines which can be seen. This will have a limited influence on the magnitude of change which will not alter from medium to low. Significance of the impact The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the Military Road above the A85 will be not significant. This finding relates principally to the location of the proposed wind farm within a sector of the view and landscape character area in which wind farm development already exists. The addition it makes is relatively well contained in the upland landscape, increasing the horizontal extents of wind farm development by a small proportion in respect of the wider panoramic view and as seen from the range of 13.8km. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. Despite the range of 13.8km, the proposed wind farm will make a contribution to the cumulative situation owing to the combined extents it makes with Carraig Gheal which make them appear collectively as a large scale development, and which extends wind farm development down into the lower tiers of the Craggy
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Uplands. It appears at slight variance with Carraig Gheal owing to the larger spacings, and with Beinn Ghlas owing to the larger scale of the proposed turbines. The proposed wind farm does, however, help to concentrate wind farm development within a specific sector of the view and within a landscape which has sufficient scale to accommodate these additional vertical structures without leading to wind farms becoming the defining component in terms of the character of the view. 6.9.90 In combination with the medium sensitivity, the medium to low magnitude of change will give rise to a not significant cumulative impact.
Viewpoint 10 Beinn Lora

6.9.91 Baseline This viewpoint has been included to represent views from the area to the north of the Connel Bridge. Views from the settlement of Benderloch are interrupted by tree and forest cover and along the section of the A85 to the south there is little provision for road-users to stop. Beinn Lora forms a popular and formalised walk from Benderloch to the open summit, from which clear views of the surrounding landscape can be gained. In the Ordnance Survey Pathfinder Guide for Oban, Mull and Kintyre it features as walk number six and describes it in the following way. The wonderful views from heretotally dispel the myth that you have to scale great heights and conquer mighty peaks in order to reach the best views. 6.9.92 From the Forestry Commission car park in the village of Benderloch there is an information board and sign posting with a path leading all the way to the summit which passes intermediate viewpoints in the forestry along the way. The commercial scale and nature of the forestry practices is evident by the large tracks which run through the area and the extents of clear felling which occur especially currently across the upper slopes. The view from the summit of Beinn Lora at 308m AOD is panoramic in all directions, extending north to Loch Linnhe and Ben Nevis; east to Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan; southwest to Oban and the Isle of Kerrara and west to Morvern and the Isles of Mull and Lismore. The view towards the proposed wind farm is directed south southeast and is characterised by the Craggy Uplands which collectively form a rounded hill mass with Beinn Ghlas marking the central high point at 512m AOD as seen from this northerly viewpoint. The hills form the southern enclosure to Glen Lonan which lies at the base in amongst the forestry and woodland. Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm is visible at the left side of the Beinn Ghlas hill ridge, 13 of the 14 turbines are visible from a range of 12.6km mostly set along or behind the ridge but with a few spilling over the top. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is not visible from this viewpoint, being screened by intervening landform. The hills form the northern edge of the Craggy Uplands and present one of the less scenic aspects of the wider view. Views tend to be drawn out either across the Firth of Lorn to the islands or across Loch Etive to the distinctive cluster of peaks of the Ben Cruachan range. In clear conditions, Ben Nevis can be seen to the north along with the other High Tops which sit along the coastal edge. Sensitivity to change The sensitivity of the view from Beinn Lora is medium. The viewpoint and the view which extends south southeast towards the proposed wind farm are not covered by any regional or national landscape designation which would otherwise denote a special sensitivity in respect of scenic value. The landscape around Beinn Lora, which walkers pass through to reach the summit is characterised by forestry where
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wide forest tracks and clear-felled areas add to the sense that this landscape has been modified extensively by forestry practices. Once at the summit, the duration of walkers views will be relatively short, owing to the colder and more exposed conditions than experienced at ground level and this tends to curtail the time spent on the summit. 6.9.96 The expectation of walkers will be to gain an impressive view of the surrounding landscape and the scenic and panoramic view from such a relatively low elevation is rewarding. While the view towards the proposed wind farm is important in terms of the contribution it makes to the wider view, it is in itself unexceptional with greater interest lying in the other directions. The view is largely rural in character with wild and remote hill tops contrasting with the cultivated hill slopes of forestry and glens of farmland. Development is generally small in scale and Oban is the largest visible settlement where ferries can be seen to regularly come and go. Magnitude of change The wireline shows that eight of the proposed wind farm turbines are visible in this view at a distance of 14.8km, two as tips which will be indiscernible, three as blades and three as turbines seen to just below the nacelle. They are seen set behind the right side of the Beinn Ghlas hill ridge such that they appear as part of the adjacent, rather than immediate, landscape. Their relatively low elevation in respect of the wider hill ridge reduces their prominence and their scale is diminished by the scale of the rising upland profile. The small number of turbines visible and the partial screening by the intervening landform, reduces the horizontal and vertical extents of the proposed wind farm. Seen at a range of 14.8km, the turbines will be seen as relatively minor components in the view. While the proposed wind farm will introduce a new wind farm into this view, it will be seen in one of the less exceptional sectors of the view where wind farm development already exists. The presence of Beinn Ghlas means that the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature and the two developments will appear as separate wind farms, one at either end of the Beinn Ghlas hill range. Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change.
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Significance of the impact 6.9.100 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Beinn Lora will be not significant. While the proposed wind farm will be seen to add to the extents of wind farm development in the view, the relatively small scale of the turbines as seen from this distance, combined with the limited horizontal extents within a much wider and scenic panorama, ensures that the proposed wind farm does not redefine the character of the view. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.101 The cumulative situation is limited by the limited extents to which Beinn Ghlas, as the only other readily apparent wind farm, is visible. Both Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm are limited in their horizontal and vertical extents owing to the intervening landform of the hill ridge. They occupy only a small proportion of the wider view which is more attractive in other directions. While Beinn Ghlas does appear smaller in scale, even from this range, there is enough separation between the developments to avoid the comparisons appearing awkward. The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the addition of the proposed wind farm will be
low and when combined with the medium sensitivity, leads to a not significant cumulative impact.
Viewpoint 11 Musdale Footpath

Baseline 6.9.102 This viewpoint has been selected to represent the views of walkers passing along the core path, which connects Loch Awe with Loch Nell, via Sior Loch. The track is wide enough to accommodate vehicles, which use this route to access the small hydro systems and land around Sior Loch. It is made of rough stones and is uneven and waterlogged in places. In the absence of any defined viewpoints, the viewpoint is located along an even stretch of the track which is far enough to the northeast to present a different aspect to Viewpoint 7 Musdale minor road, but also far enough southwest to ensure that Beinn Ghlas is still visible. 6.9.103 The path is low lying, passing along the side of small burns, which run through the area. It is enclosed to the northwest by the steep slopes of a small group of hills and these restrict the extent of views in this direction. To the southeast the aspect is more open, albeit not expansive, and views extend out to the hills which form the higher ridge through the proposed wind farm. The ridge contains the views to within a range of 2-4km and forms a prominent skyline from this lower lying glen. 6.9.104 The hills are typical of the Craggy Uplands. The high points range between 303m and 515m AOD. Collectively they form an undulating ridgeline with occasional craggy outcrops which add to their more rugged appearance. While more distant forestry is seen to encroach across the hills to the south, the hills that occupy much of the view are open and are characterised by the rough grasslands which form a low and homogenous groundcover. This is a view of a large scale and simple landscape in which the landform, rather than the landscape patterns and features, define the view. 6.9.105 Beinn Ghlas is visible from this viewpoint, albeit visible as three blade tips set behind the intervening landform to the north, outwith the same sector and at a range of 4.5km. This development establishes wind farms as a component of the baseline situation despite the limited visibility. There are few other modern artefacts visible in this view other than the track and the farmstead at Musdale. Sensitivity to change 6.9.106 The sensitivity of this view is medium to low. It is not a formal viewpoint and the view is taken from a fairly arbitrary point along a longer receptor. It is characterised by the surrounding Craggy Upland landscape which is not subject to either a local or a national landscape designation and this denotes that it is unexceptional in scenic terms. The broad scale of the landform combined with the simplicity of the landcover present a baseline situation with capacity to accommodate large structures and with few patterns or features that could give rise to awkward comparisons of scale. It is not possible to tell how well frequented this route is, although during three visits to the Musdale area no other walkers were seen. 6.9.107 The factors that raise the sensitivity to medium to low include the fact that the view is of an upland landscape with very limited extents of coniferous forestry. The open grasslands that cover the hills make them appear close to their natural state, and the scale of the hills and the enclosure they form around this bowl shaped landscape presents an impressive feature. Other than the Beinn Ghlas wind farm and the Musdale farmstead there are very few modern artefacts and this, along with the distance from the main roads, and the stillness of the landscape gives this area some sense of remoteness and isolation.
Magnitude of change 6.9.108 The magnitude of change on the view as a result of the proposed wind farm will be high. 15 of the 16 turbines are visible from this viewpoint with eight seen to their full extents, four with towers partially concealed, and then one as a blade, one as a tip and one as a tiny tip. The distance between the viewpoint and the closest turbine will be 0.5km which demonstrates the close proximity and how large in scale these vertical structures will appear. The scale of the closest turbines will be accentuated by the comparison with the scale of the hills against which they will be seen. They will mostly be seen contained within the ridge of the hills and their position in relation to the skyline will make them appear prominent, especially from this lower-lying location. The movement of the blades will add a dynamic feature to this otherwise relatively still landscape. 6.9.109 Components of the site infrastructure will be apparent, most notably the tracks connecting the turbines which will be seen as light coloured lines marking across the hillside. Although only seen as short sections, the tracks will be seen to alter the largely unmodified upland landscape. The magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be high. This takes into account the close proximity of the viewpoint to the proposed turbines and the limited influence of existing wind farm developments on this view. Significance of the impact 6.9.110 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view will be significant. This relates more closely to the high magnitude of change rather than the medium to low sensitivity. The viewpoint is so close range that the turbines will be seen as large scale structures that not only occupy a large proportion of the available view, but also redefine the character of the view. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.111 The proposed wind farm will have a significant impact when considered independently. In respect of the cumulative situation, while the proposed wind farm will make a highly notable influence on account of its close proximity and apparent large-scale, the influence of Beinn Ghlas will be comparatively limited owing to the reduced extents of the visibility and location behind the ridge. The addition of the proposed wind farm will therefore have a low cumulative magnitude of change as it is not being added into a situation in which the combined impacts with other wind farms will lead to a wind farm landscape. The cumulative magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with Beinn Ghlas will be low and when combined with the medium to low sensitivity will lead to a not significant cumulative impact.
Viewpoint 12 Druim Mor, Oban

Baseline 6.9.112 The ZTV shows that visibility of the proposed wind farm from Oban is limited. This is due to the enclosure of the hills that surround the town. Theoretical visibility is shown to occur across high ground along the east of the town and across Druim Mor to the southwest. Actual visibility on the east is restricted by the enclosure of tree cover and built form but is mostly clear across the southwest. The Pulpit is a formal viewpoint on this side of the town, which is sign-posted and with parking provision. Clear views to the proposed wind farm are, however, restricted by surrounding tree cover and built form. Druim Mor does not present such an obvious viewpoint as the track to the top is not signposted and it is not marked on maps as a formal viewpoint. It does, nonetheless, present an elevated vantage point with clear views towards the proposed wind farm.
6.9.113 Druim Mor is a long and low ridge which follows the northeast to southwest alignment of the adjacent coast. It is situated to the southwest of Oban town centre and has residential and commercial development wrapping around either side, and encroaching onto the hill slopes. The track onto Druim Mor is accessed via the surrounding residential area and leads to the hill top which is marked by large vertical masts. The view from the summit is panoramic and, in clear conditions, extensive. Views extend to the northeast to where the High Tops surrounding Glen Coe can be seen. The other key view is seaward out across the Firth of Lorn to the islands of Mull, Kerrara and Lismore, which are especially scenic. In the opposite direction, the landward view faces towards the proposed wind farm. Here the Craggy Uplands collectively form a gently undulating ridge and the presence of the newly constructed Carraig Gheal forms a feature of vertical elements set partially behind the distant skyline. Seen at a range of 13.5km the turbines appear as small components in the view, albeit seen against the open skyline. 6.9.114 The view comprises a series of distinct tiers which add to the depth of the view. The foreground is seen as the open grassland of Druim Mor beyond which the land falls away into Glen Sheilleach where the urban development of Oban is visible. The glen is enclosed by hills to the east which are wooded across the lower slopes and open across the summits. Although predominantly rural, some large scale buildings occur across these hills including the Cattle Market and the Water Works. Beyond this the landform becomes more elevated with the intermediate Craggy Uplands characterised by forestry, and the more distant Craggy Uplands by the open moorland. The hills in the background appear comparatively distant in contrast to the closer tiers of landscape. Sensitivity to change 6.9.115 The sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm is considered to be medium to low. The sector of the view towards the proposed wind farm comprises the least exceptional part of the wider panorama. In the foreground it contains the built development of Oban, in the middle ground afforested hills and in the background the operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm set on the more open Craggy Uplands. Much more spectacular views occur to the west, north and northeast which will remain unaffected by the proposed wind farm, although it will form a feature in the wider view. 6.9.116 The viewpoint is not a formal viewpoint and while likely to be used by locals, the lack of signage and difficulty in finding access onto the hill means that it is unlikely that many visitors will come here. The presence of the mast also detracts from the sense of an undeveloped outlook which many walkers seek. Development is a common feature from this viewpoint, with the vertical masts visible along Drium Mor and on other summits and the extent of larger scale commercial developments in Oban as well as smaller scale residential development adding to the extent to which human influence has changed this landscape. The viewpoint and the view are not covered by any local or national landscape designation which would otherwise denote a special landscape value. Magnitude of change 6.9.117 The wireline shows that all 16 turbines are theoretically visible, five almost at their full height, seven to below the nacelles, two as blades and two as tips. In terms of actual visibility, the two tips will be barely discernible and the blades will not form a prominent feature. Those turbines at the left of the layout sit at a low point on the ridge and are seen to be interspersed with the Carraig Gheal turbines 6.9.118 Although the proposed wind farm increases the extents of wind farm development by a proportion that is less than half that of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, the
proposed turbines are a more prominent feature than the existing turbines owing to their location to the fore of the ridgeline and the fuller extents to which they are visible. The proposed turbines to the left create some overlap with the Carraig Gheal turbines and to the right they increase the extents across the hills. The difference in scale may be apparent from this viewpoint as their actual size is slightly larger and in this view they are seen slightly closer to the viewer. They make wind farm development a more readily apparent feature from this viewpoint, albeit seen at a distance of 13.5km. 6.9.119 The magnitude of change is most notably limited by the existing presence of Carraig Gheal to which the proposed wind farm is seen as an extension owing to the overlapping extents of the layouts and their location at a similar range and on the same group of hills. As well, there are enough similarities in terms of the perceived scale of the turbines, their colour and their proportioning as seen from this range of 11.0km for the proposed turbines and 13.5km for the Carraig Gheal turbines. . This means the proposed wind farm does not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature and is seen within the same hill group in the sector of the view where there is existing development. 6.9.120 In respect of the wider 360 degree view, the 72 degree sector shown in the photograph is the least scenic. It comprises Craggy Uplands, typical in this area and characterised by their low and gently undulating skyline. They lack the same visual interest as the High Tops to the north and the islands to the west. 6.9.121 Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change on the view will be medium to low. This relates principally to the range at which the turbines are seen, the existing influence of Carraig Gheal in the view and the greater scenic attraction of the landscapes in other sectors of the view, despite the increase in prominence and extents as a result of the proposed wind farm. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.122 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Druim Mor above Oban will be not significant. This finding relates principally to the location of the proposed wind farm in the least scenic sector of the view and the fact that it clusters with existing wind farm development rather than spreading it into new sectors and landscapes. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.123 The cumulative situation comprises Carraig Gheal as the only other operational wind farm readily visible in the view. The cumulative magnitude of change is limited by the fact that the proposed wind farm appears as an extension, thus preventing the spread of wind farm development into different landscapes and different sectors of the wider view. There are enough similarities between the developments to present a relatively cohesive relationship, although the increased extents and more prominent feature which the proposed wind farm creates, raises the cumulative magnitude of change to medium to low. The cumulative impact will, however be not significant, as the addition of the proposed wind farm does not lead to the creation of a wind farm landscape.
Viewpoint 13 A816, Kilmore

Baseline 6.9.124 This viewpoint has been selected to represent the views of road-users travelling south-bound on the A816 between Oban and Lochgilphead. It is also representative
of the small number of properties which are set along this section of roadside. Kilmore is a small but dispersed settlement with the main cluster of properties occurring along the minor road to Barran. The viewpoint is located some 20m south of the parking area to the local village hall. With the road southwards descending down the hill and close range mature trees enclosing the roadside, this viewpoint gives the clearest and most elevated view towards the proposed wind farm. 6.9.125 The view comprises a distinct foreground and background. The foreground is characterised by the settled valley of Glen Feochan and the background by the uplands, which enclose it. Glen Feochan broadens across this area to where Feochan Bheag merges with the head of Loch Feochan. More fertile fluvial soils have enabled the establishment of farm fields and intermittent farmsteads and small clusters of properties are nestled into this more sheltered glen, where deciduous woodland adds to the rural character. 6.9.126 The association of this landscape is generally towards the seaward side as the hills form an enclosing backdrop from which the land falls away to the west. In respect of the view, the alignment of the road draws the view in towards the landward side where the contrast between the glen and the hills forms the visual interest, albeit without any specific focus. 6.9.127 The hills are not especially large or rugged but provide sufficient height to form a distinct contrast with the glen. While the open, steeper and slightly more rugged hills feature briefly to the rear of the view, the uplands are principally characterised by the lower hills and their blanket covering of coniferous forestry. Compared to other examples in the area, the afforested area appears largely sympathetic to the landform, with no harsh geometric edges visible from this viewpoint and the softening impact of deciduous woodland occurring towards the edge of the glen. 6.9.128 Small-scale human artefacts are visible from this viewpoint, including the road, houses and the pole-mounted telecommunications line. The fields and the forestry denote the extent to which the landscape has been modified from its natural state through cultivation, while the hills to the rear present a landscape, which appears to be less modified and more natural. Tips of five of the Carraig Gheal turbines are theoretically visible, but difficult to make out in the field owing to their limited vertical extents seen at a range of 10.1km and the short duration of the view. There are no other wind farm developments visible in this view. Sensitivity to change 6.9.129 The sensitivity of this view relates to the experience of the road-users. While a small number of properties occur in this area, their views will not be directly affected owing to a combination of their orientation in directions other than that towards the proposed wind farm; the extent of close range tree cover screening views; and the lower-lying elevation, especially in respect of the properties to the south of the viewpoint. The sensitivity of road-users is lower than that of residents, as road-users views are much shorter in duration and are experienced whilst in transit. The curved alignment means that the focus of the views from this section of the A816 is constantly shifting, such that only a short section aligns towards the proposed wind farm. The extent of tree cover and the descent of the road for southbound roadusers, further reduce the extents to which this view is experienced. 6.9.130 Other factors to consider in the assessment of sensitivity include the character of the view, which is pleasant albeit without any exceptional scenic qualities or features. It is predominantly of a settled rather than natural landscape, which means human influence is already evident although only as small scale and relatively discreet developments. Although Carraig Gheal is theoretically visible, in terms of actual
visibility it is not readily apparent. The viewpoint and the foreground parts of the view are covered by an APQ, which denotes a local landscape value. This viewpoint is also part of the Argyll National Tourist Route which follows this section of the A816 and this raises the sensitivity. Taking all these factors into account the sensitivity of the view is considered to be medium. This is not a formal viewpoint and is representative of the transient views of road-users. Magnitude of change 6.9.131 The wireline shows that seven proposed turbines will be visible from the view, two seen to below the nacelle, three as blades and two as tips. The photomontage shows that actual visibility is much the same with only the turbine tip on the right being partially concealed by the forest cover along the skyline. The two most visible proposed turbines are seen close together but this will change with movement along the route. Gaps occur between the turbines causing them to appear spread out, albeit across a relatively small proportion of a much wider extent of skyline. The main focus will be the concentration of turbines in what is seen to be a fold between the hills. The blades further to the right will appear less prominent. 6.9.132 While the location of the blades along the skyline makes them readily apparent, the fact that they are set largely behind the ridgeline reduces their prominence as they are clearly part of a more distant landscape. In contrast, the two more fully visible turbines are seen partially against the backdrop of the more distant hills and this makes them appear closer in range. These two turbines will create a new focus to the view, owing to the alignment of the road in this direction and the composition of the landscape, whereby the profile of the hills creates a V shape which draws the viewers attention to this point. The alignment of the turbines above one another will make then look larger than might otherwise be the case. 6.9.133 From this range of 7.6km the proposed turbines will be seen as relatively small-scale elements. The scale comparison between the turbines and the closer range hills acts to reduce the perceived scale of the turbines. The hills appear sufficiently high and wide to accommodate the turbines without appearing dominated by their presence. The ridge acts to conceal the majority of the turbines such that only a limited number are visible and those that are, occupy only a very small proportion of the wider view. The duration of the view will be limited by intervening landform, which during descent down the hill will obscure the turbines at the V although the blades behind the skyline may be visible for longer. 6.9.134 Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change on the view as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium. While the turbines will create a focus in the view, the concentrated extents in the context of a wider view in which the scale of the hills limits the perceived scale of the turbines, these factors moderate the overall magnitude of change. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.135 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the A816 at Kilmore will be not significant. This finding relates principally to the limited number of turbines visible, the limited extents to which they are visible, as well as the short duration of the view, despite the location of the turbines within the focal point of the view. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.136 The cumulative situation comprises one other operational wind farm; Carraig Gheal. The very limited visibility of this development means that it will have a very limited influence on the cumulative situation. While the proposed wind farm will give rise to
significant impacts independently, in conjunction with Carraig Gheal the cumulative magnitude of change will be low and the cumulative impact not significant.
Viewpoint 14 Barran an Fhraoich

Baseline 6.9.137 This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of walkers venturing to the top of Barran an Fhraoich. It is a formal viewpoint marked on Ordnance Survey mapping and is located at the top of a small rounded hill named Barran an Fhraoich at a height between 150m and 160m AOD. It is not a natural viewpoint like viewpoints such as Ben Cruachan or Beinn Lora. It is not easy or obvious how to reach this viewpoint and the route to the top is convoluted. There is a parking space for one car at the side of the minor road and there is a small sign marking the start point. The route passes across muddy farmland with occasional posts marking the route. Having crossed the river, it passes under the railway line and ascends up to the hill top. The hill top is rounded and there is no specific point marked as the viewpoint. 6.9.138 The relatively low elevation of the viewpoint combined with the extents of similar scaled hills around limits the wider extents of the views. Higher land is still visible above these hills, for example the Ben Cruachan hills to the north and the Isle of Mull hills to the west. Visibility of most of the surrounding water features is reduced to glimpsed views of the Firth of Lorn to the west and around Ardmucknish Bay to the northwest. The hills which enclose Oban to the west also screen views of the coastline and the islands. The viewpoint does not give the same quality of view as some of the other viewpoints in the area, for example Beinn Lora (Viewpoint 10) or the Dalmally Monument (Viewpoint 8). 6.9.139 The view towards the proposed wind farm presents a relatively seamless landscape. Transitional changes occur from the bright green of the improved pasture in the glens through the mottled bright and dull greens of the semi-improved pasture on the hill slopes to the dull brown and beige of the open moorland across the hill tops. There are few visible divisions in this landscape and the landscape appears almost as a continuous and open entity. From this range the hills appear rugged rather than smooth and the ridgeline undulates gently from one hill to another. 6.9.140 While the view is predominantly rural, there is evidence of human intervention in the form of small scale rural farmsteads associated with the farming, blocks of forestry (more outwith the 72 degree view), occasional minor roads following the glens and wind farm development seen set behind the far ridgeline. Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is seen as ten turbines with three further tips indiscernible. The turbines are set either along the enclosing ridgeline or tucked behind it and seen from a minimum range of 11.9km. Further left than the 72 degree view some blades of Beinn Ghlas are visible albeit at the range of 9.8 km and owing to their limited vertical extents, are barely discernible. Sensitivity to change 6.9.141 While the sensitivity of this viewpoint would normally be raised by the fact that it is marked on Ordnance Survey mapping as a formal viewpoint, it does not appear as a natural viewpoint and this moderates its rating. The start of the route is difficult to locate and the route to reach the viewpoint is convoluted and not especially scenic. It would appear that only a limited number of visitors would make the effort to reach this viewpoint. The relatively low elevation limits the extents of the viewpoint such that the surrounding Craggy Uplands form the principal feature and the higher hills and islands appear as more distant features. This limits the scenic contrasts between the hills and water, evident in other viewpoints, as visibility of surrounding
water features are largely screened and this leads to a disappointing conclusion to the walk. 6.9.142 The character of the view is nonetheless attractive on account of the simple and largely rural scene of a farmed glen merging with an upland landscape. Development is generally small scale and rural with the exception of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm visible in the same group of hills as the proposed wind farm. The sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. This relates principally to the limited number of people, who it is thought, visit this viewpoint despite its formal identification as a viewpoint. Magnitude of change 6.9.143 The wireline shows that all 16 of the proposed turbines will be visible from this viewpoint. They will be seen in the same sector of the view as Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and owing to their similar range and close proximity, the proposed wind farm will appear as an extension to the existing wind farm. The turbines are seen to occupy the land on either side of the Beinn Dearg ridge, such that from this viewpoint they are seen contained between the middle and distant ridge or behind the distant ridge. Six of the turbines are seen as blades, seven to below the nacelle to include parts of the towers, and the remaining three as full turbines. The extents of the proposed wind farm overlap with a large part of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. 6.9.144 The proposed turbines will be seen at a range of 9.3km and will appear as medium scaled structures in relation to the scale of the landscape. There appears to be sufficient breadth along the hill side to accommodate them and in the context of the full 360 degree view they occupy only a small 10-20 degree proportion. In respect of their vertical scale, some turbines are seen to extend above the skyline and in comparison to the vertical scale of the landform the scale of the turbines will be accentuated. 6.9.145 The existing presence of Carraig Gheal means that the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature in the view, furthermore the proximity of the two developments means that the proposed wind farm will appear as an extension. The similarities between the location of the developments, the range at which they are seen, and the scale, proportioning and colour of the turbines all help to present continuity in appearance. The most notable difference is the variable height of the proposed wind farm turbines which appear up and down across the landscape from this viewpoint. Also the proposed turbines are largely back-clothed by the land and not seen against the skyline as in the case of the Carraig Gheal turbines. 6.9.146 Taking all these factors into consideration, the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm on the view will be medium. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.147 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Barran an Fhraoich will be not significant. Despite the relatively close proximity of the viewpoint to the turbines and the lack of consistency in the height of the proposed turbines, the fact that the hills have sufficient breadth to accommodate the proposed turbines; that they will only occupy 10-20 degrees of the wider view; and will be seen in the context of, and as an extension to, the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, means the impact will not redefine the character of the view.
Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.148 The cumulative situation comprises Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas as the only other operational wind farms in the view. The limited visibility of Beinn Ghlas means that it has limited influence on the cumulative situation and the main influence comes from Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. The cumulative magnitude of change is limited by the fact that the proposed wind farm appears as an extension, thus preventing the spread of wind farm development into different landscapes and different sectors of the wider view. There are enough similarities between the developments to present a relatively cohesive relationship, although the increased extents and more prominent feature which the proposed wind farm creates, raises the cumulative magnitude of change to medium to low. The cumulative impact will, however be not significant, as the addition of the proposed wind farm does not lead to the creation of a wind farm landscape.
Viewpoint 16 A819 layby near Achlian

Baseline 6.9.149 This viewpoint is located on the A819 and is representative of the views which will be gained by road-users travelling southbound. While theoretical visibility is shown on the ZTV to occur almost continuously between the junction with the A85 and the junction with the B840, actual visibility is greatly reduced by the extent of forest cover across this area, as well as localised landform in places. The viewpoint is representative of the section of the route between the Teatle Water and 300m southwest of Achlian where clear views across Loch Awe to the proposed wind farm can be gained. Achlian Farmstead is one of the few properties in this area and is orientated northwest towards Ben Cruachan. The viewpoint is therefore solely representative of the views of road-users and not local residents. 6.9.150 This section of the A819 is open and fast. In contrast to the character along the B840 where intermittent properties cluster along the roadside to create a settled rural character, along this section of the A819 there are no properties other than Achlian Farmstead recessed from the road via an access track. The character, therefore, has a less settled and more remote feel about it, except for the well-used road route. The land between the road and the loch shore comprises scrubby marsh and rough grassland and this adds to the more rugged and less cultivated appearance of the landscape. 6.9.151 The orientation of the view is drawn out across Loch Awe. For northbound roadusers these views focus on Ben Cruachan and the surrounding High Tops. For southbound road-users they focus on the newly constructed Carraig Gheal Wind Farm visible on the opposite shore of Loch Awe and seen at a range of 13.6km. The large scale and distinctly conical form of Ben Cruachan make it the dominant focus in the wider view. The hills which are seen in the 72 degree sector towards the proposed wind farm are much more modest in scale, collectively forming a low and level ridgeline with a mosaic covering of forestry and open moorland. The operational Beinn Ghlas is also visible in this sector of the view, seen to the right of Carraig Gheal and at a range of 13.3km. Sensitivity to change 6.9.152 The sensitivity of the viewpoint is tempered by the fact that it is not a formal viewpoint and is representative solely of road-users. While the layby does provide road-users with an opportunity to stop, it appears to be for functional rather than particular scenic purposes. Road-users who stop will experience the pleasant but unremarkable view for a longer duration than the majority of road-users who will drive on by, seeing the view whilst in transit and travelling at speed. The layby is on the south-bound side and so views take in Carraig Gheal and the proposed wind
farm. While there is very little development evident in the view, the presence of the newly constructed Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is evident along the skyline ridge in the same direction as to where the proposed wind farm will be seen. 6.9.153 This northern section of Loch Awe is included as part of the APQ designation on account of its relationship with, and the setting it provides to, the head of Loch Awe, including the Ben Cruachan mountain range. The character of the landscape around the viewpoint is unexceptional and the heightened scenic value would appear to relate to the views to the northwest than the views to the west where the proposed wind farm is situated. The outlook across Loch Awe is nonetheless scenic and this adds to the sensitivity of the view. 6.9.154 Taking these factors into account, the overall sensitivity of the view is considered to be medium. This reflects the scenic nature of the outlook and the designation of parts as APQ, as well as the limited sensitivity of road-users in transit and the absence of residents in this area. Magnitude of change 6.9.155 The wireline shows that 11 of the 16 turbines will be visible in this view, although only three to below the nacelle, three as blades and the remaining five as tips, four of which will be barely discernible. The extents overlap slightly with Carraig Gheal but mostly occur to the right of the existing turbines. The turbines are seen at a range of 15.3km. 6.9.156 Those factors which reduce the magnitude of change include the fact that there are already existing wind farm developments which means the proposed wind farm will not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature and will be seen to occupy the same distinct landscape character unit and sector of the view as the existing developments. This means it will concentrate wind farm development within this area and as it is located between Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas it will not increase the extents across the wider view. The proposed wind farm adds a comparatively small number of turbines to the existing view, with only five readily visible to the right of Carraig Gheal and a further two set behind. The two turbines furthest to the right are seen only as blades and from this range will not be readily discernible. The increased extents to the overall extents of wind farm development, therefore, will appear less than the existing extents of Carraig Gheal. Those turbines set behind Carraig Gheal will not appear as prominent as they are not increasing the extents, but will add to the appearance of tight spacing which occurs in the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm. From this range of 15.3km, the proposed turbines will be seen as relatively minor components in the view and seen within the context of a much longer ridgeline, which appears to have capacity to accommodate them. 6.9.157 The similarities between Carraig Gheal and the proposed wind farm in terms of the range of the turbines from the viewpoint, their similar scale, proportioning and colour, as well as their arrangement along the ridgeline, increases the continuity between these two separate developments such that the proposed wind farm appears as an extension to Carraig Gheal. The location of the proposed wind farm on the downslope of the ridge to the right as opposed to the location of Carraig Gheal on the down-slope to the left of the ridge creates a balanced composition in relation to the shape of the landform as seen from this direction. These compatibilities reduce the magnitude of change. 6.9.158 The difference in spacing does however form the most notable variance, although from this distance of 15.3km it will not be overly apparent. The proposed wind farm will increase the extents of wind farm development along the prominent skyline and add to the spread of development in this upland landscape.
6.9.159 Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.160 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the A819 near Achlian will be not significant. This takes into account the fact that the view is representative only of road-users who will mostly experience the view in transit and at speed. It also considers the distance from which the proposed wind farm will be seen and its position between two existing wind farm developments, with a close association with Carraig Gheal to which it appears as an extension and sufficient separation from Beinn Ghlas, between which variances in scale arise. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.161 The cumulative situation comprises the two operational wind farms visible in this view; Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas. The proximity of the proposed wind farm to Carraig Gheal means that it appears as an extension and this concentration of development reduces the cumulative magnitude of change. It is seen contained in the gap between the two existing developments and similar in appearance to Carraig Gheal, albeit with variances in the spacing of turbines. The addition of the proposed wind farm forms, what appears to be one larger wind farm which extends further along the skyline and closer to Beinn Ghlas, accentuating the scale difference which occurs. Taking all these factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change is low and the cumulative impact is not significant.
Viewpoint 17 Ben Cruachan

Baseline 6.9.162 This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of walkers from Ben Cruachan and the surrounding mountain range. The route up Ben Cruachan starts at the side of the A85 where there is a rough area for parking for 8-10 cars, near the railway underpass. The path then leads up through deciduous woodland, and then past the dam and reservoir, before ascending the open hill slope to the summit. The route is located on the north side of the hill such that views towards the proposed development are visible from many of the open sections and especially apparent on the descent when walkers are facing south. 6.9.163 The viewpoint provides an elevated outlook across the wider landscape in all directions. From the elevation of 1126m AOD the view, in clear conditions can be expansive, extending out to Jura, Islay and Colonsay to the west. The most scenic views occur to the north where the High Tops which surround Glen Coe and which include Ben Nevis are visible, and to the west where views extend out across the Firth of Lorn to Lismore and Mull. 6.9.164 The view to the southwest is towards the proposed wind farm and is characterised by the Craggy Uplands. The elevated perspective of this mountain top alters the perception of this landscape in the following ways. Firstly, the scale of the landscape is reduced and the Craggy Uplands appear flattened. The form of the hills and the enclosure they form around the lochs and glens is not evident. Secondly, the ridgeline profile, which was an important feature from the low-lying viewpoints, is not so clearly defined in this view owing to the back-clothing by the more distant hills within this more expansive view. Thirdly, the detailed patterns in the landscape are not so readily evident with the effect that the landform prevails as the principal defining feature, presenting a view in which the different landscapes no longer appear so distinct and merge seamlessly with one another. Small scale
development is difficult to make out and the existing wind farm turbines appear as relatively small components in the context of the upland landscape. The appearance is of a broad and simple landscape with little division or detail evident. 6.9.165 The view to the southwest comprises a broad extent of low hills within which the most distinctive features are Loch Awe and Loch Nant owing to their light colour and flat surface in contrast to the comparatively dark colour and undulating surface of the landform. Forestry marks out a broad pattern of blocks with the remainder of the landform left open as upland moorland or in the more sheltered glens small pockets of improved farmland. The hills can be seen to continue on for some considerable distance and the background of the view is marked by the distinctive outline of the Paps of Jura. 6.9.166 Wind farm development is an existing feature in this sector of the view; all 16 of the Beinn Glas turbines and all 20 of the Carraig Gheal turbines are visible from this viewpoint, both seen set in the Craggy Uplands to the south of Ben Cruachan. Their form, colour and movement are in stark contrast to the underlying landscape and although a notable feature, they do not interrupt the wider view beyond. Sensitivity to change 6.9.167 The sensitivity of this viewpoint to the proposed wind farm is medium to high. Ben Cruachan presents a distinct and dramatic landform feature in views from the surrounding landscapes and as the highest in Argyll and Bute, is one of the most popular munros for hill walkers in this area. The direction of walkers ascending Ben Cruachan will be generally to the north, while on the descent they will be to the south and it is then that views are orientated towards the proposed wind farm. If weather conditions permit, the summit will be a point where walkers take time to enjoy the view and although the proposed wind farm does not lie within the most scenic sector of the view, it will form a feature within the wider panorama. The viewpoint and the area which extends out across the mountain slopes to around the head of Loch Awe are designated as APQ and this reflects the scenic value of this close range area. 6.9.168 There are a small number of factors which prevent the sensitivity of this viewpoint from being rated high. Firstly, the viewpoint and the view are not covered by a national designation which would denote scenic value at a national level and they are also not covered by the SAWL or the proposed Core Area of Wild Land. Secondly, large scale development is already evident in the view in the form of the dam and reservoir at Ben Cruachan and the wind farm developments at Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas. Thirdly, the sector of the view in which the proposed wind farm is located presents one of the less remarkable aspects, with the Craggy Uplands appearing low and level compared to the dramatic profiles of the High Tops to the north and east. Magnitude of change 6.9.169 The wireline shows that all 16 turbines will be visible and almost all seen at their full extents and at a minimum range of 13.6km. From this viewpoint they will be seen to sit between operational Carraig Gheal to the left at range of 13.1km and operational Beinn Ghlas to the right at a range of 9.9km. The proposed wind farm increases the extent of wind farm development in the Craggy Uplands by more than double that of Carraig Gheal, although the increased extent will still only occupy 10-20 degrees of the full 360 degree panorama. 6.9.170 The proposed wind farm will form a notable addition by increasing the extents of wind farm development in this sector of the view. All the turbines are visible and almost all seen at their full extents. The proposed wind farm will appear as an extension to Carraig Gheal owing to the close proximity of the turbines and their
similar scale, although the gap between the proposed turbines around Beinn Dearg will form a slight separation in the collective group. Despite the proximity of the proposed turbines to the Beinn Ghlas turbines on the right, the apparent variance in scale means that the proposed wind farm does not appear as an extension to Beinn Ghlas, only to Carraig Gheal. The variance in scale accentuates the scale of the proposed turbines and diminishes the scale of the Beinn Ghlas turbines. The three developments do, however, form a continuous band of development across the Craggy Uplands, extending across the low lying intermediate area between the proposed wind farm and Beinn Ghlas. 6.9.171 The magnitude of change is moderated by the fact that there are existing wind farm developments in this sector of the view such that the proposed wind farm does not appear either new or unfamiliar. It fills the space between Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas such that the extents of wind farm development are contained within this already partly developed portion. This adds to a definite clustering of developments whereby wind farm development is concentrated in this Craggy Uplands landscape while the surrounding landscapes, especially to the west and the north, appear relatively free from this type of development. In terms of the wider view, the view south to the Craggy Uplands and the proposed wind farm is the least scenic with more scenic sectors occurring to the west and north, which will remain unaffected by the proposed wind farm. 6.9.172 The turbines are all seen set below the skyline and within a landscape which appears open and simple, such that there are no awkward comparisons of scale and there appears to be sufficient vertical and horizontal capacity to accommodate the proposed wind farm without the view becoming redefined by its presence. The magnitude of change on the view from Ben Cruachan, as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. 6.9.173 The viewpoint is too distant for associated infrastructure other than the tracks to be visible. As the example of Carraig Gheal shows in the photo, the proposed wind farm tracks will appear similarly as faint lines traced between the turbines and although adding a new pattern to the landscape will not alter the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.174 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Ben Cruachan will be not significant. The proposed wind farm will be seen to increase the extents of wind farm development within this sector of the view, albeit in a contained pattern which will lead to a clustering impact of wind farm developments. The majority of the wider 360 degree view will remain unaffected, especially in those more scenic sectors to the west, north and east. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.175 A cumulative impact will arise in respect of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm. The cumulative magnitude of change will be medium to low for the following reasons. The proposed wind farm relates closely to the existing developments in that it occupies a location in the same landscape and is seen to be contained on the same group of hills as Carraig Gheal. The turbines appear similar in colour, scale and proportioning to the Carraig Gheal turbines and follow a similar organic pattern along the hill ridge. The proposed wind farm infills the gap between the two existing developments and while this creates, what appears to be one large wind farm, it also contains the development and prevents it from spreading into other more sensitive sectors of the view. In relation to Beinn Ghlas, the variance in scale is apparent and this creates a discordant contrast. Taking these factors into
account the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with the operational developments will be not significant.
Viewpoint 25 Ferry Crossing Oban to Craignure

Baseline 6.9.176 This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of passengers on the ferry between Oban and Craignure. The arrangement of the boat is such that the passengers deck is located at the stern and as such views from the boat are mainly to the rear of the direction of travel as well as to the sides. This has the effect of views towards the proposed wind farm being evident during the Oban to Craignure crossing but not evident on the Craignure to Oban crossing, when the proposed wind farm lies to the front of the direction of travel. From inside the boat, views are not so clear but similarly do extend to the rear and sides of the boat. The viewpoint is taken a couple of kilometres beyond Kerrara to enable the view to be as close in range as possible, whilst also showing the proposed wind farm at the fullest possible extents. 6.9.177 The ferry is one of the larger Caledonian MacBrayne boats, taking vehicles and passengers between the mainland and the Isle of Mull. During the summer months there are five to seven crossings each day, and these are often busy with visitors as well as locals. The ferry departs from the harbour in Oban, from which the main attraction of views is the town itself. The attention then shifts to the Island of Kerrara and as the ferry passes out into the Lynn of Lorn, the view opens up and views are drawn across a much wider panorama with the High Tops visible along the western coast and the islands of Lismore and Mull coming into view as well as the mainland at Morvern which wraps around the top. 6.9.178 The 72 degree view looks back towards the Craggy Uplands of the mainland. In relation to the High Tops to the left of the view, they appear more moderate in scale and form. Collectively the hills form a long and gently undulating ridge without any pronounced peaks or contrasts in elevation. Although the view extends into these hills, they appear as a backdrop to the coast and islands which form a more prominent aspect in the view. Sensitivity to change 6.9.179 The sensitivity of this viewpoint to the proposed wind farm will be medium. The main factor which contributes to the sensitivity is the alignment of the ferry which during the Oban to Craignure crossing is northwest to southeast such that from the stern of the ferry, where the main viewing deck is located, the view is aligned towards the proposed wind farm. If conditions are reasonable, passengers on the ferry may take time to enjoy the views during the crossing and this raises the sensitivity of the view. 6.9.180 By the time the proposed wind farm can be seen from the ferry, the wider view has opened up and more scenic views extend across to the High Tops to the north and the islands to the south and west. The attraction of these wider views replaces the attraction of the views back to the mainland. Despite not forming the most attractive part of it, these views will still contribute to the wider panorama. 6.9.181 The viewpoint and much of the area included in the 72 degree view are not subject to any local or national planning designation which would otherwise denote a special value and sensitivity. Other sectors of the view are subject to national and local designations, for example the Lynn of Lorn NSA to the north, the West Coast APQ to the south and Isle of Mull APQ to the west. These designations denote the higher value and sensitivity of these landscapes and the more scenic attraction they have in terms of the wider view.
Magnitude of change 6.9.182 The ZTV shows that there is no visibility of the proposed wind farm from Oban and visibility only starts once the ferry has passed the Island of Kerrara. At first the extents of visibility are limited by intervening landform before gradually becoming more extensive. Visibility then continues all the way to Craignure although becoming increasingly distant. The viewpoint is taken at a range of 17.9km so that the proposed wind farm is seen at its fullest possible extents but without becoming too distant. 6.9.183 The cumulative wireline shows that the proposed wind farm will be seen located next to the existing Carraig Gheal, close enough and with enough similarities in terms of scale, layout and location to appear as an extension to the existing operational wind farm. While Carraig Gheal is seen set on or behind the ridgeline, the proposed wind farm is seen to extend over the ridgeline and this makes it appear comparatively more prominent as a feature in the view. There is also variation in the levels of the turbines which creates a discordant appearance albeit seen from a considerable range. 6.9.184 In respect of this sector of the view, the proposed wind farm contains wind farm development within the Craggy Uplands where wind farm development already occurs. The turbines are seen to extend over and along the ridgeline, albeit largely contained across one hill and not spreading across the higher Craggy Uplands to the north. In respect of the wider view, the proposed wind farm only occupies horizontal extents of 5-10 degrees of the available 360 degrees. This demonstrates the relatively small proportion of the wider view which will be occupied. Furthermore the proposed wind farm will be seen in a sector of the view which appears unremarkable in respect of the scenic landscapes which occur to the north, west and south. The scale of the turbines from this distance makes them appear as minor components in the view and the scale of the hills on which they sit appear to have sufficient capacity to accommodate them. 6.9.185 Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low. Significance of the impact 6.9.186 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the Oban to Craignure Ferry will be not significant. Despite slight variance in appearance of the proposed wind farm, such as variable elevation and extension over the ridgeline, the small proportion of the wider and more remarkable view, which the proposed wind farm occupies, means that its impact will not be significant. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.187 The addition of the proposed wind farm will give rise to a cumulative impact in relation to the operational Carraig Gheal. Beinn Ghlas does not form a prominent feature in the view owing to the distant range of 18.9km coupled with the smaller scale of the turbines and the concealment of the majority of the turbines behind the ridgeline, such that it has a negligible influence on the cumulative situation. 6.9.188 Visibility of Carraig Gheal does already occur and the location of the proposed wind farm in close proximity means that it appears as an extension. The turbines are seen at a similar range and seen to be of a similar scale, set in the same landscape and in a similar position along the ridge. These similarities help to relate the proposed wind farm to the existing cumulative situation and in so doing, moderate the cumulative magnitude of change. The proposed wind farm, does, however appear larger in extents and with greater variance in the elevation of the turbines. Taking all these
factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change is medium to low and the cumulative impact is not significant.
Viewpoint 26 Kilcheran, Lismore

Baseline 6.9.189 This viewpoint was selected to represent the views of residents who live in the small community of Kilcheran on the Isle of Lismore and the views of visitors passing through this southern end of the island. A small number of properties are situated close to the shoreline at a relatively low elevation while the farmhouse and associated cottages are set at a slightly higher elevation up the hill slope. The principal orientation of the properties is southeast towards the mainland coast and generally in the direction of the proposed wind farm. Visitors to the island may travel along the B8045, the only road other than access tracks, on the island, to this southern end from which a short walk leads to the lighthouse on the shore. 6.9.190 The Isle of Lismore is low-lying with the high point of Barr mor 127m AOD occurring in the south of the island. The view from the shoreline at Kilcheran looks out across the Firth of Lorn towards the mainland, with Creag Island, Pladda Island and Eilean Dubh featuring in the middle ground. The closer range of these islands and the greater level of discernible detail means that they form the principal feature in the view, with the mainland seen as more of a background feature. This diminishes the prominence of the Craggy Uplands which form the background hills. 6.9.191 The more pronounced outline of the Ben Cruachan range and the clearer aspect towards it means that this forms the main feature on the mainland within the wider view. The view is open and expansive, and scenic on account of the contrast between the expanse of water and the wild and remote character of the mountains. 6.9.192 The view appears largely undeveloped; there is some small scale residential development close to the viewpoint, while the islands block visibility of the developed coast around Oban on the mainland. Carraig Gheal forms the most apparent largescale development with 10 turbines seen set along the ridge of the Craggy Uplands, although at a range of 22.3km appearing as minor components of the wider view. Six of the Beinn Ghlas turbines are also visible, and although at the closer range of 19.6km are less prominent owing to their small scale and partial concealment behind the intervening landform. Sensitivity to change 6.9.193 The sensitivity of this viewpoint to the proposed wind farm is medium to high. The main factor which raises the sensitivity of the viewpoint is its location in the Lynn of Lorn NSA, a national designation which denotes the special qualities of the landscape and its sensitivity to change. While there is no reference in the special qualities of the NSA to the importance of views from the island, the importance of the surrounding highlands as a strongly contrasting feature to the low and lush landscape of the NSA is highlighted. This refers to the High Tops to the left of the view, although the Craggy Uplands do still form a part of the wider background setting, albeit diminished in prominence by the closer range islands. 6.9.194 Tree cover occurs around Kilcheran which obscures views and which is why the viewpoint was located closer to the shoreline than the minor road, where a clearer view can be gained. While this is an area through which visitors may pass, there is no incentive for them to stop and the viewpoint is therefore more closely representative of the local residents. While the majority of the small number of properties is orientated towards the proposed wind farm, the close range trees will partially screen views and the middle range islands, will form a more prominent
feature in the view. The proposed wind farm will be seen associated with the distant tier of hills in the background of the view. Magnitude of change 6.9.195 The wireline shows that all 16 of the proposed wind farm turbines are visible in this view seen at a range of 19.5km. Two of the turbines are seen at full height, four as blades and the remaining ten visible to below the nacelle and with part of their tower showing. Some are seen set behind the background ridgeline, while the majority appear to the fore, often partially concealed by another intervening ridgeline. Their elevation is variable with some set above the skyline and some completely backclothed below. The horizontal extents are relatively well contained with the exception of an outlier to the right and spacing between the turbines appears relatively even. 6.9.196 The proposed wind farm more than doubles the horizontal extents of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, although only a limited extent of Carraig Gheal is visible and collectively they still only occupy a small proportion of the wider view. The position of the proposed turbines on the down slope from the ridgeline makes them appear as more of a feature of the immediate, rather than distant landscape and this increases their prominence. 6.9.197 The location of the proposed wind farm next to Carraig Gheal reduces the magnitude of change as it appears as an extension to the existing development, thus avoiding the spread of wind farm development into a new location. In respect of the landform, the turbines are seen to be contained within the trough between two higher points along the ridgeline, albeit with Beinn Dearg in the middle. This helps to contain wind farm development within a defined section of the Craggy Uplands. The turbines are also seen set at this lower elevation in comparison with the rising level of the ridgeline, especially to the left, and this moderates their perceived scale. 6.9.198 In respect of the wider context, the proposed wind farm occupies only 5-10 degrees of the wider 180 degree panorama and is seen as a relatively small feature along a much longer upland ridgeline. The islands in the middle ground temper the prominence of the proposed wind farm by creating a closer range attraction, which in turn makes the hills more of a background feature. The extent of the proposed wind farm overlaps with that of Carraig Gheal such that it appears as an extension to the existing development, creating a cluster rather than a new and separate location for development in the view. It does, however, introduce a different pattern of development to that of Carrig Gheal owing to its location to the fore of the ridgeline. 6.9.199 The magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to low in relation to the view from Kilcheran. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.200 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Kilcheran on Lismore will be not significant. This takes into account the existing influence of the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and the containment of the proposed wind farm within a much wider view, and its location behind intermediate islands as well as the alignment of the view in this direction and the fuller extents at which the proposed wind farm is seen compared to the other operational wind farms. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.201 The addition of the proposed wind farm will give rise to a cumulative impact in relation to the operational Carraig Gheal. Beinn Ghlas does not form a prominent
feature in the view owing to the distant range of 19.6km coupled with the smaller scale of the turbines and the concealment of the majority of the turbines behind the ridgeline, and therefore has a limited influence on the cumulative situation. 6.9.202 Visibility of Carraig Gheal does already occur and the location of the proposed wind farm in close proximity means that it appears as an extension. The turbines are seen at a similar range and seen to be of a similar scale, set in the same landscape and in a similar position along the ridge. These similarities help to relate the proposed wind farm to the existing cumulative situation and in so doing, moderate the cumulative magnitude of change. The proposed wind farm, does, however appear larger in extents and with greater variance in the elevation of the turbines. Taking all these factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change is medium to low and the cumulative impact is not significant.
Viewpoint 27 Clachan, Lismore

Baseline 6.9.203 This viewpoint was selected to represent the view of residents who live in the small community of Clachan on the Isle of Lismore and the views of visitors passing through this northern end of the island. A small number of properties are located in this area as well as a small fire station, a small church and the access road to Castle Coeffin closer to the west coast. Intermittent tree cover and localised landform screens views across the Firth of Lorn for some sections along the road. The viewpoint was positioned between the fire station and the church, close to the residential properties but where trees did not obscure the view. A clear view across to the mainland can be gained from this location. 6.9.204 The principal orientation of the view from this location is not south southeast towards the development but east towards the mainland, with Benderloch forming the closest mainland area. In comparison with the view from Kilcheran, the focus of the view from Clachan is drawn more towards the High Tops with Ben Cruachan forming the obvious focus, but with more distant views extending across the High Tops as they stretch up the western coast to Glen Coe and Ben Nevis. In contrast, the view towards the lower and less dramatic Craggy Uplands, where the proposed wind farm is located, has less of a draw on account of its comparatively unremarkable character. 6.9.205 The low-lying location of the viewpoint is representative of much of the island and, as can be seen in the view, means that beyond the depth of the foreground, the vertical extents of the visible landform are compressed into a narrow band. This has the effect of reducing the perceived scale and prominence of the distant hills which in respect of the Craggy Uplands appear as only a thin section of the ridgeline above the foreground landform. The High Tops which occur to the left, rise higher above the foreground, making them appear more prominent and more of a feature. This explains why views are drawn in this direction and not towards the development. 6.9.206 The key characteristic of the Isle of Lismore is its comparative lushness in the surrounding context of the highland landscape. Fertile pasture characterises the foreground of the view and marks the island as being distinct amidst the wider context. The view is open and expansive and the most notable influence comes from the High Tops on the mainland, which in contrast to the settled landscape, appear wild and remote. Visibility of the Firth of Lorn is largely obscured in this view, increasing the perceived connection with the mainland, as it does not appear so distant.
6.9.207 Development on the island is typically sparse, small-scale and rural. Much of the landscape is farmed, although important pockets of woodland and meadows remain to protect the rich abundance of flora and fauna. The screening effect of the foreground means that the settlements along the mainland coast cannot be seen. There is little evidence of development in the uplands other than the wind farm developments located in the Craggy Uplands to the south-east. Ten of the Beinn Ghlas turbines can be seen at a range of 20.3km, tucked behind the intervening ridge, and two of the Carraig Gheal turbines can be seen as blades behind the ridgeline, further to the right and at a range of 24.1km, although these are not obvious. Sensitivity to change 6.9.208 The sensitivity of this view to the proposed wind farm relates principally to the location of the viewpoint within the Lynn of Lorn NSA; a national designation which denotes the special qualities of the landscape and its sensitivity to change. While there is no reference in the special qualities of the importance of views from the island, the importance of the surrounding highlands as a strongly contrasting feature to the low and lush landscape of the NSA is highlighted. 6.9.209 As the principal orientation of the view is drawn towards the High Tops and not towards the Craggy Uplands where the proposed wind farm is situated, this moderates the sensitivity of this view, especially considering the limited vertical extents to which this landscape is seen. The view from the small number of properties in the area are more towards the High Tops and visitors travelling across the island will be taking the one minor road which runs northeast to southwest, and therefore in a direction at an oblique angle to the direction of the view, with views drawn more towards Ben Cruachan. 6.9.210 Taking all these factors into account, the sensitivity of this view is considered to be medium to high. Magnitude of change 6.9.211 The wireline shows that 13 of the proposed wind farm turbines will be visible from this viewpoint, although the three shown as tips will be barely discernible. Of the remaining ten, one will be seen as a blade, six to below the nacelle including the upper part of the tower and two almost at their full extents. Together, they form a group located in the Craggy Uplands seen on the mainland shore of the Firth of Lorn. 6.9.212 The proposed wind farm forms a relatively compact group with fairly even spacing. The turbines generally sit in a trough which occurs along the ridgeline and this has the effect of making them appear less prominent than if they were all sitting up on the ridgeline. Furthermore, the landform on either side rises above the height of the turbines and this presents a scale reference which also diminishes their prominence. In relation to the long and level ridgeline which appears to extend across most of the view, the proposed wind farm occupies only a small proportion and it is seen within a sector of the wider view which is less scenic than the other sectors. The draw of the wider view from this viewpoint is towards the High Tops to the left of the 72 degree view. 6.9.213 While these factors all act to limit the magnitude of change, the most notable factor is the distance from the viewpoint, which at 21.8km means that the proposed wind farm turbines appear as minor components in the view. There are however, also a number of factors which increase the magnitude of change and these are presented below.
6.9.214 From the viewpoint a clear and uninterrupted view towards the proposed wind farm will be afforded. While the turbines form a defined group, the higher elevation of the few turbines seen at almost their full extents makes them appear more prominent in the group. The turbines are also seen to extend over the ridgeline, although still seen set behind the intervening ridgeline. This has the impact of the turbines appearing part of the more immediate landscape albeit still at some considerable distance. Most of the turbines are partially back-clothed by the more distant ridgeline, apart from the two higher turbines which are seen set partially against the open skyline. 6.9.215 Wind farm development is not a new or unfamiliar feature in this view, with a large proportion of Beinn Ghlas already visible to the left and a very small proportion of Carraig Gheal visible to the immediate left. Beinn Ghlas may only be readily visible in good visibility conditions owing to its small scale and range from which it is seen. The limited visibility of Carraig Gheal means that the proposed wind farm may not necessarily appear as an extension, although from other parts of the island Carraig Gheal is more readily apparent and therefore will be an established feature, especially for local residents. Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm are seen in the same sector of the view and set upon the same group of Craggy Uplands. They appear similar in terms of their location, although Beinn Ghlas appears smaller in scale. This disparity in scale could be perceived to relate to Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm being set further away. The proposed wind farm does, however, introduce a new wind farm development which is more prominent and increases the extent of wind farm development in this landscape and sector of the view. 6.9.216 Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm on the view from Clachan will be medium to low. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.217 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Clachan on Lismore will be not significant. This finding relates chiefly to the fact that the main focus of the view is drawn towards the High Tops on the mainland and not towards the proposed wind farm, as well as the distance between the viewpoint and the proposed wind farm such that the turbines will appear as minor components in the view, and the context they will be seen in, whereby the turbines are set in a fold between the slightly higher sections of the Craggy Uplands. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.218 The addition of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative situation will form a low magnitude of change and give rise to a not significant cumulative impact. This finding relates to the limited influence of the operational wind farms, whereby visibility of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas will be limited and therefore present a situation in which the addition of the proposed wind farm will not make a notable cumulative impact.
Viewpoint 28 Loch Scammadale

Baseline 6.9.219 This viewpoint has been selected to represent the views from the minor road and small number of properties along Loch Scammadale. It is taken from the western end of the loch from a small grassed area on the loch shore which allows for limited parking and appears to be used as an informal stopping point. The road along the loch-side leads to the end of the loch where there is a small collection of properties
including Bragleenmore House; an old hunting lodge now let out as holiday accommodation. Visibility of the proposed wind farm decreases with movement eastwards along the loch-side road as the intervening landform increasingly screens the visible extents of the turbines. 6.9.220 Loch Scammadale lies within the Craggy Upland and Settled Glen LCT with the Craggy Upland LCT evident as the ridge of hills which surround the loch to the north, east and south. While the hills range in height between 250m and 400m AOD, they collectively form a relatively even ridge, the steep slopes which enclose the loch levelling off into gently rounded summits. The hills are mostly bare, exposing the mottled contrasts of rough grasslands and bracken, as well as the occasional craggy outcrop. There are light coverings of low deciduous trees in patches, which add a further texture to the hill sides. While the hills are typical of the Craggy Upland landscapes which characterise the wider area, they nonetheless form an attractive setting and distinct sense of place to Loch Scammadale. 6.9.221 Loch Scammadale is a quiet location; the no through road limiting the volume of traffic along the minor road to either those few residents who live here or those few visitors who come to enjoy the scenery and walk through the landscape using the core paths which are accessed from the minor road. There are no visitor attractions other than the natural scenery, which might otherwise alter the understated character of this area. The loch appears to be popular for fishing. It appears largely undeveloped, with the properties all appearing small in scale and rural in character. The minor road and the pole mounted transmission line in the left of the view are a few of the human artefacts visible from this viewpoint. Behind the enclosing ridgeline at the end of the loch, two turbine tips and one blade from the Carraig Gheal wind farm are visible, seen at a range of 8.2km and made more apparent than they would otherwise be, by their location at the focal point in the view. Sensitivity to change 6.9.222 The viewpoint and the view lie outwith the APQ designation which would otherwise have denoted a local landscape value to the landscape. The viewpoint is not a formal viewpoint and although informal in the sense that there are no signposts or interpretation boards, does appear to be used as a lochside stopping point. The view is largely representative of road-users, walkers and anglers, rather than residents, as there are so few properties in this area, and those which do occur are mostly orientated south across the loch and not east towards the head of the loch. These factors all limit the sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm. 6.9.223 Although the landscape is not designated, it does have scenic qualities in respect of the scale of enclosure which the hills form around the loch and the relative absence of large scale forestry so that the hummocky and sometimes craggy form of the hills can be seen to add to the character. The landscape is also largely undeveloped, with the exception of Carraig Gheal, just visible behind the hills at the head of the loch, and residential development which occurs in a sparse and dispersed pattern, but with no properties close to this viewpoint. A single property, Shellachan and a farmstead are located approximately 600m back up the glen but neither is orientated east towards the proposed wind farm. The draw of the view to those travelling eastbound, is towards the head of the loch where the proposed wind farm is situated and this, along with the other factors presented above, increases the sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm. 6.9.224 Taking all these factors into consideration the sensitivity of this view is considered to be medium; it is not subject to any landscape designation and is not representative of residents, but is nonetheless attractive and follows the natural draw of the view.
Magnitude of change 6.9.225 The wireline shows that in total five turbines are theoretically visible; three turbines will be visible to just below the nacelle, then one visible as a blade and one as a tip. The limited extents to which the tip is visible means that it will be barely discernible and this helps to contain the extent of wind farm development within a more limited section of the wider ridgeline. The turbines will be seen at a minimum distance of 6.5km from the viewpoint and appear as medium scaled components in comparison to the height and breadth of the Craggy Uplands on which they sit. 6.9.226 The key factors which limit the magnitude of change include the small number of turbines which are visible in this view, (five out of the total 16) which gives the impression this is a smaller development than it actually is, and acts to contain the horizontal extents seen in this view. The visible extents of the proposed wind farm are further reduced by the intervening landform which conceals all of the towers and one of the nacelles of the five visible turbines and this in turn reduces their vertical extents, as well as their prominence, in the view. The turbines are also seen in the lowest section of the skyline profile where the ridgeline appears to dip. This has the effect of the surrounding ridgeline appearing to rise up above the height of the turbines and this diminishes their perceived scale. Their location behind the ridgeline ensures that the turbines appear as part of the adjacent rather than the immediate landscape and this increases the sense of distance from the viewpoint. 6.9.227 The key factor which increases the magnitude of change is the fact that the wind farm is located within the focal point created by the landform. The hills around the loch channel views to where the proposed wind farm is located and this raises its prominence in the view, despite the limited vertical and horizontal extents. The two turbines which appear closer than the others and which are seen to overlap, in particular form a prominent feature. 6.9.228 The impact of the proposed wind farm is moderated to an extent by the existing presence of the Carraig Gheal turbines. While they do not form a prominent feature in the baseline view, seen as one blade and two tips, their location in the focal point of the view and their movement makes them more prominent than they would otherwise be and this is enough for the wind farm to become an apparent, if not obvious feature and make this type of development a component of the baseline view. The location of the proposed turbines in the same section of the ridgeline means that they appear as an extension to the existing turbines and this reduces the magnitude of change. The similarities which ensure this appearance as an extension include the similar location and scale, and from this range any slight variances in the colour and proportioning of the turbines will not be discernible. 6.9.229 Taking all these factors into account the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm on this view will be medium. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.230 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Loch Scammadale will be significant. While this takes into account the absence of any national or local landscape designations, which would otherwise denote a special landscape value, the location of the proposed wind farm at the focal point in the view, combined with the limited visibility of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm means the proposed wind farm will redefine the character of the view. 6.9.231 The magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm when considered sequentially along the minor road from Viewpoint 28 to Viewpoint 29 and beyond is
gradually decreasing with movement eastwards. This relates chiefly to the increasing extent to which the intervening landform is screening the visible extents of the turbines. The assessment that Viewpoint 28 is significant is a borderline conclusion as visibility is reduced from that seen in respect of Viewpoint 29 which is also reported as being significant. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.232 The cumulative situation comprises one other wind farm Carraig Gheal. While the impact of the proposed wind farm has been reported to be significant, the cumulative impact will be not significant and this relates principally to the notable impact the proposed wind farm will have on its own and the limited impact it will have in conjunction with Carraig Gheal. Visibility of Carraig Gheal is very limited and will, therefore, make a very limited contribution to the cumulative situation. The cumulative magnitude of change will be low.
Viewpoint 29 Loch Scammadale, Kickshaw

Baseline 6.9.233 Two viewpoints from Loch Scammadale have been included at the request of SNH. This, the second of the two, is located further west and set in Glen Euchar, on the minor road at a point from which the access to a property named Kickshaw is taken. Views from the few surrounding properties are mostly south across the glen and not east towards the proposed wind farm. There is no formal or informal stopping point in this area such that the view will be experienced by road-users or walkers whilst in transit and evident to east-bound travellers as it will appear as a visible feature in the direction of their movement. 6.9.234 The viewpoint is enclosed to the north and south by the steep slopes of the Craggy Uplands, which are bare and craggy to the north, but covered in scrub and patchy woodland to the south. While the surrounding hills are an important feature and setting to the loch, they also channel longer range views either east over Loch Scammadale to the Craggy Uplands which enclose this end of the loch, or west along Glen Euchar where the view becomes enclosed by the encroaching hill slopes at a closer range. 6.9.235 The view to the east features a foreground characterised by a narrow glen floor in which small semi-improved farm fields with fenced enclosures are used as pasture for sheep farming and rougher grasses on the opposite southern shore are left fallow. Further along the glen, small blocks of forestry plantation occur which appear low and scrubby and which currently fail to block the view which extends further to the higher, enclosing ridgeline of the Craggy Uplands. 6.9.236 The hills are characterised by their open aspect where the low ground cover of grasslands and bracken expose the hummocky and craggy surface of the landform. The hills are not high, but are sufficiently steep to form a distinct enclosure around the glen. The closer range hill slopes have the effect of diminishing the scale of the hills at the end of the loch and adding to the perception of depth through this view. The draw of the view is still, however towards the head of the loch and the skyline which encloses it. 6.9.237 At this point, one of the Carraig Gheal turbines is visible as a blade, seen moving behind the ridgeline and at a range of 9.9km. Although not prominent in this view, it does introduce wind farm development as a feature of the upland landscape. Other development visible in the view as well as in the surrounding area, is rural in character and denotes the settled and cultivated character of this area of the landscape.
Sensitivity to change 6.9.238 The viewpoint and the view lie outwith the APQ designation which would otherwise have denoted a local landscape value to the landscape. The viewpoint is not a formal viewpoint and is located at a relatively arbitrary point along the road. The view is representative of road-users and walkers in transit and therefore not seen with the same duration or intensity as residents, for example. These factors all limit the sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm. Views from residential properties will remain largely unaffected owing to the fact that none appear to be aligned towards the proposed wind farm, although there is the possibility that residents may gain views from within their private curtilage. 6.9.239 Although the landscape is not designated, it does have scenic qualities in respect of the scale of enclosure which the hills form around the loch and the relative absence of large scale forestry or marked human influence so that the hummocky and sometimes craggy form of the hills can be seen. There is also little evidence of large scale development with the exception of the one or more Carraig Gheal turbine blades which can be made out behind the Craggy Uplands at the centre of the view. The draw of the view to those travelling eastbound, is towards the head of the loch where the proposed wind farm is situated and this along with the other factors, increases the sensitivity of the view to the proposed wind farm. 6.9.240 Taking all these factors into consideration the sensitivity of this viewpoint is considered to be medium; it lies outwith a designated area and is not representative of a formal viewpoint, but is nonetheless attractive and appears largely undeveloped. Magnitude of change 6.9.241 The wireline shows that four of the turbines are visible to below the nacelle and one turbine is visible as a blade. They are seen set behind the ridgeline of the Craggy Uplands at the head of the glen. The four more visible turbines are grouped together in the trough of the ridgeline while the blade is set apart to the right by a small gap. The location of the turbines coincides with that of the Carraig Gheal turbines such that they do not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature, although they do increase the presence of turbines in the view. From this range of 8.2 km they are seen as medium scaled components with sufficient horizontal and vertical extents in the landform to accommodate the number and height of the turbines. 6.9.242 Although there are only five turbines readily visible and these five are partially concealed by the intervening landform, they appear as prominent features in the view on account of the channelling effect of the landform which draws the viewers attention towards this end of the glen and the skyline which encloses it. The proposed turbines appear slightly larger in scale and more prominent and while this does not detract from their appearance as extension turbines to the existing Carraig Gheal turbines, it does increase the presence of turbines in the view. 6.9.243 The fact that the turbines are seen to be located in the adjacent, rather than immediate landscape, combined with the reduction in their vertical extents by the screening effect of the intervening landform, reduces the magnitude of change. Their location in the lowest lying section of the ridgeline, whereby the rising ridgeline on each side increases far beyond the height of the turbines and reduces their perceived scale, and in so doing also the magnitude of change. 6.9.244 The turbines appear as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal on account of their location in the same section of the ridgeline. Although the turbines of the proposed wind farm appear larger in scale and more prominent than the Carraig Gheal turbines this is accounted for by their closer proximity and slightly higher elevation which means they are not concealed to the same extent. It is difficult to
form a comparison between the turbines owing to the extent to which they are concealed coupled with their distance from the viewpoint although they generally appear to be similar enough to be part of the same development. This reduces the magnitude of change as the proposed wind farm is seen as a small extension to an existing development and therefore does not spread wind farm development into a new sector of the view or landscape within the wider view. 6.9.245 Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium. The tracks and other site infrastructure associated with the proposed wind farm will not be readily visible in this view and will therefore not contribute to the magnitude of change. Significance of the impact 6.9.246 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Loch Scammadale near Kickshaws will be significant. While this takes into account the absence of any national or local landscape designations, which would otherwise denote a special landscape value, the location of the proposed wind farm at the focal point in the view, combined with the limited visibility of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm means the proposed wind farm will redefine the character of the view. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.247 The cumulative situation comprises one other wind farm Carraig Gheal. While the impact of the proposed wind farm has been reported to be significant, the cumulative impact will be not significant and this relates principally to the notable impact the proposed wind farm will have on its own and the limited impact it will have in conjunction with Carraig Gheal. Visibility of Carraig Gheal is very limited and will, therefore, make a very limited contribution to the cumulative situation. The cumulative magnitude of change will be low.
Assessment of impacts on principal visual receptors

6.9.248 The second part of the assessment of impacts on views is the assessment of impacts on principal visual receptors. This is carried out through a desk study and site survey, which examines the visibility of the proposed wind farm from the principal visual receptors as identified in the baseline study, using the ZTV and wirelines as an initial basis. 6.9.249 The principal visual receptors considered in the assessment include settlements and route corridors. These are shown in Figure 6.5 and in conjunction with the ZTV in Figure 6.11. The criteria used to select the principal visual receptors are described in the baseline section of this chapter. 6.9.250 Settlements are generally assumed to have high sensitivity to change; residents of these settlements are static receptors and may have extended longer-term views from their primary place of residence. Long distance footpaths and cycle paths are generally assumed in this assessment to have a medium-high sensitivity to change, although specific viewpoints along these routes may have lower sensitivity according to the landscape which the route passes through; walkers and cyclists are likely to value the landscape around them as part of the principal focus of their activity but are transient. Roads and rail corridors are assumed to have a medium or medium to low sensitivity to change; road users and rail passengers travelling on these road and rail corridors are dynamic and will be moving at speed, with a short, but potentially repeated viewing pattern. National Tourist Routes are identified by Visit Scotland and denote the importance of a route in respect of its value to tourism. These are generally attributed a medium to high sensitivity.
6.9.251 The first step in the assessment of impacts on principal visual receptors is a filtering process to ascertain which of the receptors have potential to be significantly affected by visibility of the proposed wind farm. A table that shows this process, including a brief description of the assessment for each of the principal visual receptors, is presented in Appendix 6.3 of Volume IV of this ES. 6.9.252 This filtering process has indicated that of the principal visual receptors, one settlement, Musdale and two routes, the B840 and Core Path C171b have potential to undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. The potential impact on each of these principal visual receptors is assessed in full below. The other principal visual receptors were discounted through this filtering process as they were considered to not have the potential to undergo a significant impact. 6.9.253 The initial assessment has indicated that of the principal visual receptors, only one of the settlements in the study area will have potential to experience significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. The main reason for this is the limited number and size of settlements within the first 0-15km where significant impacts are most likely to arise. While there are a small number of isolated properties in the first 5km, there are no settlements and then a limited number of small settlements in the next 5-15km. These settlements are typically set along the shoreline of the lochs or the floor of the glens, such that the extent of their visibility is often limited. Forest cover also plays a part with many of the settlements enclosed by either deciduous woodland or commercial forestry. Settlements located at these greater distances from the proposed wind farm, experience other external visual influences and focus of views from the settlements such that the baseline characteristics of visual amenity of the settlements largely prevail.
MUSDALE
Baseline 6.9.254 Musdale comprises a working farm with a farm house. It is located at the end of the Musdale minor road and comprises a small collection of farm buildings centred around a farm yard. The farm is generally in a state of disrepair with parts of buildings dilapidated. The settlement is assessed in respect of the visual amenity of residents and workers at the farm. The owner of Musdale Farm House and Farm owns the land where the proposed wind farm is located. 6.9.255 Musdale is located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU, which is characterised by a range of medium sized hills, which are open and rugged with a covering of rough grasslands. The hills form a ridge which encloses a low-lying bowl. Musdale sits within this bowl and enclosed by the ridge. There are few patterns or artefacts visible across this landscape which leaves it appearing simple and uniform in character. 6.9.256 Carraig Gheal is located on the opposite side of the ridge and although visibility occurs along the minor road during the approach to Musdale, it is not seen from the settlement. There are very few other markers of human intervention other than the farm itself and the field boundaries within this local area. There is very little forestry and only patches of the land have been improved for sheep grazing. Sensitivity 6.9.257 The sensitivity of Musdale is high. It is a receptor representing the visual amenity of residents who live in the farm house, and these views are typically long term. The principal orientation of the farm house is west northwest, in the opposite direction to the proposed wind farm. The position of the farmhouse at the base of the hill means that views south southeast are enclosed by the hillside.
6.9.258 Musdale does not lie within an area subject to national or local landscape designations which would otherwise denote a special value and sensitivity. The landscape is open and remote, and appears scenic in terms of the scale of the space enclosed by the hills and the open and rugged character of the hills. Magnitude of change 6.9.259 The magnitude of change as a result of the proposed wind farm will be medium to high. The ZTV shows that Musdale lies within an area where visibility of 9-12 turbines occurs. The wireline confirms that 12 turbines are visible from this location albeit to varying degrees owing to the screening effect of the intervening landform. With the closest turbine situated just under 1km from Musdale, the turbines will appear as large scale moving structures which will be at variance with the existing, largely undeveloped character of the views. 6.9.260 Although there will be no views of the proposed wind farm from the principal orientation of the farm house, there may be the possibility of views from the rear although the turbines will be set well above the height of the house on the hill slopes which enclose this aspect of the farm. The close proximity of the farm house to the proposed wind farm means that not all 12 visible turbines will be seen and a framing impact of sections will occur. Views will be readily apparent during the approach on the minor road to the farm house and from the grounds around the farmhouse. Significance of the impact 6.9.261 The impact of the proposed wind farm on Musdale will be significant. Although the principal views from the house will remain unaffected, the close proximity of the turbines to the house will make them a close range and readily apparent feature from the surrounding area, with the possibility also of framed views from the rear of the house Significance of the impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.262 There will be no cumulative impact as the other operational wind farms are not visible from Musdale.
B840
Baseline 6.9.263 The B840 is represented by Viewpoint 1 - Portsonachan, Viewpoint 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan and Viewpoint 4 - Blarghour. In the assessment of impacts on views, none of these viewpoints were found to undergo significant impacts. 6.9.264 The B840 is the minor road situated along the eastern shore of Loch Awe. This route represents the views experienced by locals and tourists travelling along this route. It is a single track road with passing places which means drivers need to travel with their attention on the road. Traffic volumes are low and with the faster A819 / A83 to the east and A816 to the west, it is assumed that this road is used principally by locals and tourists. 6.9.265 The narrow scale of the road and absence of kerbs and verges, make it a relatively discreet feature in the landscape, and gives it a rural character. The enclosure of the road by deciduous or coniferous trees establishes a very distinctive wooded character which further diminishes its prominence within the landscape setting. Views to the loch are mostly screened with glimpses through where the trees thin or more open views occur around the farmed areas where rivers join the loch. 6.9.266 In terms of landscape character, the majority of the road, from the junction with the A914 to south of Durran, lies within the Rocky Mosaic LCT which is associated with
the loch shore and is characterised by steeply sloping hill sides working down to a shallower shoreline with woodland or forestry covering both. To the south of Durran, the road passes into the Craggy Uplands LCT and this is characterised by steeply sloping hill sides without any level land in between, extending down to the shoreline. There are no settlements or farmland in this section and the hill sides are heavily afforested. At the southern end of the loch, where the road reaches Finchairn, the LCT reverts to Rocky Mosaic for a short section before passing into the Upland Parallel Ridges LCT of Knapdale prior to joining the A816. 6.9.267 Describing the route from north to south, the northern end starts as a spur off the A819 to the northeast of the village of Cladich. While woodland surrounds this area, the alignment of the road combined with the elevation of this section means that glimpsed views of the Craggy Uplands and the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm on the opposite western shore of Loch Awe are seen. The road winds through Cladich and then takes a sharp right and for the next 3km section winds through an undulating landscape of small farm fields of pasture and small copses of woodland. The localised landform combined with the woodland makes this section relatively enclosed in terms of the extent of views and only periodic glimpses from the more elevated sections afford views across the loch. 6.9.268 From the high point at Tom nan Freumh 145m AOD the road aligns toward the existing Carraig Gheal and in amongst the road-side tree cover views out across the loch can be gained (Viewpoint 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan). The road then descends down into Portsonachan and beyond this the elevation of the road stays closer to the lower level of the shoreline. Tree cover also closes in such that the majority of the views from the remaining section of the B840 are either screened or partially filtered, with the following notable exceptions. 6.9.269 To the east of Portsonachan Hotel there is a small clearing from which a view of the loch can be gained and this is represented by Viewpoint 1 Portsonachan Hotel. Larger clearings occur around Ballimeanoch, Cruach Bheac and Blarghour where small farms have become established on the shallower shelves and more fertile fluvial soils. These farms change the character from a wilder wooded enclosed landscape to an open, organised and cultivated landscape. Viewpoint 4 Blarghour is representative of these areas. Tree cover and land form still enclose these open enclaves such that the wider extents of the view are limited. Views across the loch to the Rocky Mosaic and Craggy Uplands of the opposite shoreline are readily apparent, where the turbines of Carraig Gheal form a focal feature. The scale of the hills is not large and their appearance is unexceptional. They do, however, form an important sense of enclosure to the loch. The views do not align with the direction of the road and are mostly seen by road-users at an oblique angle. 6.9.270 Openings occur also at Ardchonnel and Portinnisherrich where small clusters of properties occur as well as a small caravan park and school at Ardchonnel, which present a more settled character. Loch side tree cover means that views across the loch are very intermittent and often filtered. From Barr Mor the road enters into a large tract of commercial forestry which defines the character and encloses the views. Visibility out form Eredine is very limited and it is not until Durran that a view across the loch can again be gained. Once the road reaches Ford at the southern end of the loch, views open up but then the road turns away from Loch Awe, south into the Upland Parallel Ridges where the continuously undulating landform determines the more limited extent of views. Sensitivity to change 6.9.271 The sensitivity of the B840 to the proposed wind farm is largely determined by the extent of enclosure along the route, which in turn determines the extent to which the
proposed wind farm will have an influence on the views. The majority of the route is enclosed by tree cover such that views are contained within the close range corridor of the road and where the trees thin, glimpsed views out towards the loch can be gained. These views are typically obscured such that only fragments of the view are visible and features on the opposite shore can be difficult to make out. Between Portsonachan and Blarghour the direction of road-users is at an oblique angle to the direction of the proposed wind farm. These factors all limit the sensitivity of the views from the route. 6.9.272 The northern section of the road lies within the local APQ designation as far as Portsonachan. As this designation appears to relate to the setting of the head of Loch Awe and the Ben Cruachan hill range, its character will not be affected by the proposed wind farm located in a different direction. The landscape is generally attractive although often difficult to appreciate owing to the enclosure of tree cover along much of the route. Where open views out occur, the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is visible. 6.9.273 The sensitivity of this route to the proposed wind farm is low in the sections enclosed by woodland or forestry and generally medium in the openings where views out can be gained. Magnitude of change 6.9.274 The ZTV shows that visibility along the B840 is patchy in extents; with sections where there will be no visibility, either owing to intervening landform or the enclosure of forestry. These include the section between Cladich and Tom nan Freumh, south Port and Balliemeanoch, Ardchonnel to Portinnisherrich and then south of Durran. In those sections which show theoretical visibility, actual visibility is greatly reduced by the extent of tree cover. Furthermore the ZTV shows that the levels of visibility are low in terms of the overall turbine numbers visible, with only the 1-4 and 5-8 bands occurring from the B840. 6.9.275 Wirelines from along the route show that the limited horizontal extent of visibility is due to the proposed wind farm being situated behind the ridgeline, which defines the western side of Loch Awe. This conceals more than half the turbines in views from the B840. The intervening ridgeline also reduces the vertical extents, such that typically the towers and / or the nacelles are concealed. The existing presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm on the enclosing ridgeline occurs in much the same location as the proposed wind farm in views from the B840. This appears as a more prominent feature and has the effect of reducing the prominence of the proposed wind farm, which without the presence of Carraig Gheal would be a much more apparent feature. 6.9.276 Those remaining areas from which visibility of the proposed wind farm can be gained include the following sections. Very small patches occur around Cladich where glimpsed views of 5-8 turbines may be visible between the tree cover and seen at a range of 13km. Visibility occurs west of Tom nan Freaumh for an approximate 150 m section in which 5-8 of the turbines will be visible from a range of 11km, as represented by Viewpoint 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan. A small patch occurs from the east of Portsonachan Hotel where only a couple of blades are seen behind the ridgeline at a range of 8.6km, as represented by Viewpoint 1 - Portsonachan. Then small patches of visibility occur at the clearings around Balliemeanoch, Cruach Bheac and Blarghour from ranges of 6-8km. The view from Blarghour is represented by Viewpoint 4 Blarghour. Balliemeanoch was used as an initial viewpoint but later discounted owing to low levels of visibility. A further small patch occurs around Durran at a range of 13km beyond which there will be no further actual visibility.
6.9.277 The existing presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm on the enclosing ridgeline occurs in much the same location as the proposed wind farm in views from the B840. It appears as a more prominent feature owing to its location on the ridgeline and the fuller extents of its visibility from the B840. This has an effect on the magnitude of change in a number of respects. Firstly, it ensures that the proposed wind farm is not seen as a new or unfamiliar feature. Secondly, the proposed wind farm is seen in the same sector of the view and therefore does not spread the influence into new sectors of the view and more specifically it is seen in the same distinct landscape character unit and therefore does not spread the influence into new landscape character units. Thirdly, the proximity of the proposed wind farm to Carraig Gheal means that it appears as an extension and contains the extent by appearing as single development. 6.9.278 The closer proximity of Carraig Gheal combined with the visibility of its fuller extents and its more prominent position in the views from the B840, by comparison reduces the impact of the proposed wind farm turbines which appear smaller in scale and more discreet in the landscape. Those factors which increase the magnitude of change include the small increase in horizontal impacts and the apparent variance in spacing which occurs in views from some sections of the B840. 6.9.279 Any impact on the B840 southbound will occur in sections of actual visibility between the A819 junction and Balliemeanoch beyond which the position of the proposed wind farm will lie behind the road-users and conversely northbound between Durran and Balliemeanoch. While the Craggy Uplands are important in the enclosure they afford to the loch, they lack the same scenic value as the larger scale and more dramatic High Tops to the north. The Craggy Uplands have sufficient scale to accommodate the additional turbines, appearing from the B840 as a long and largely level ridgeline. 6.9.280 Taking all these factors into account, the magnitude of change in those sections which gain visibility will be medium to low. As the viewpoints representative of these sections show, the intervening landform reduces the visible extents of the proposed wind farm and the closer range and more prominent presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm moderates the influence of the additional development. Significance of the impact 6.9.281 The impact of the proposed wind farm on views from the B840 will be not significant. This relates to the limited extents of visibility experienced along the route and then the limited extents to which the proposed wind farm will be visible where actual visibility does occur and the existing presence of Carraig Gheal Wind Farm which reduces the perceived impact of the proposed wind farm. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.9.282 The cumulative situation seen from the B840 comprises the operational wind farms Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas. Both these wind farms are seen to occupy the same area of Craggy Uplands on the opposite shore of Loch Awe to which the proposed wind farm is being added. Carraig Gheal has the greater influence on the cumulative situation owing to its location on the enclosing ridge to the loch and therefore its prominence in the more open views which occur along the B840. In contrast, the smaller scale of Beinn Ghlas and its location further north and set back into the Craggy Uplands limits its influence on the cumulative situation. 6.9.283 As viewpoints 1, 2 and 4 illustrate, the addition which the proposed wind farm makes in the context of the existing Carraig Gheal Wind Farm is limited. Typically, only a limited number of the proposed turbines are visible and seen in close proximity to the Carraig Gheal turbines such that they appear as an extension. These factors reduce
the cumulative magnitude of change to low as the proposed wind farm relates closely to the existing development and does not make a notable addition. The cumulative impact will therefore be not significant.
C171b Kilmore Loch Nant - Kilchrenan

Baseline 6.9.284 Core path C171b is represented by Viewpoint 7 Musdale Path. In the assessment of impacts on views, Viewpoint 7 was found to undergo significant impacts largely owing to its close proximity to the wind farm at a minimum distance of 1.1km. 6.9.285 C171b Kilmore Loch Nant Kilchrenan is a core path which crosses the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands from Loch Awe in the east to Glen Feochan in the west. The majority of the path lies in the Craggy Uplands LCU, with the western section extending into the Craggy Uplands with Settled Glens through Glen Feochan and Craggy Coast and Islands towards Kilmore. The following description of the path follows the walk from east to west. 6.9.286 The path starts from the B845 approximately 600m north of Kilchrenan, where a track leads west up the hill past the electricity sub-station. The track provides access to the quarry to the south of Loch Nant. C171b then branches off this wide track and over a locked gate to follow the surfaced track to Loch Nant, crossing the hill-side around Loch an Droighinn. The surfaced track then continues on to the dam at Loch Nant, while C171b again branches off to follow the forestry track. The path winds through the plantation for more than 3km with views enclosed by tree cover apart from a short section which opens up next to Loch Nant. Once out of the forestry, the path follows the track along the north side of Loch Sior and on through the Craggy Uplands until it meets the Musdale minor road. It then follows the minor road all the way down into Glen Feochan and onto Kilmore. 6.9.287 The character of the route changes along its length. Where it starts in the east, the presence of the electricity sub-station and transmission lines combined with the wide hard-core track leading to the quarry, detract from the undeveloped character of the landscape. Carraig Gheal is also visible seen set behind the intervening ridgeline and forestry at a range between 5-6km. The direction of the path aligns views towards the wind farm making it a readily apparent feature, albeit with the turbines partially concealed by the landform. Once the track branches off from the quarry track, the character becomes more peaceful and there is a sense of remoteness. The loch, the undulating hills and the wider view of the High Tops to the north present an attractive setting to this section of the walk. 6.9.288 Once the path enters the forestry the character changes as views are enclosed and there is no influence from the surrounding landscape apart from along the short section which comes close to the Loch Nant shoreline. After more than 3 km of forest track, the route emerges into the core of the Craggy Uplands where higher and craggier hills enclose the track as it leads onto Sior Loch. The existing Beinn Ghlas sits above the track on the hills to the north at a minimum range of approximately 1.6km, but does not appear as prominent as might be expected owing to its location behind forestry and the relatively small scale of the turbines. The existing Carraig Gheal is visible on the hills to the south at a minimum range of 2.2km. Although the turbines are partially screened by the intervening ridgeline, their close range and notably larger scale than the Beinn Ghlas turbines will make them prominent features as seen from the path. The track and the presence of a series of small dams also denote human intervention in this landscape.
6.9.289 Beyond the loch, the path sweeps round a small group of hummocky hills to follow the course of Allt an Loin Mhoir. This section of the core path is represented by Viewpoint 7 Musdale footpath. The path continues on to connect with the Musdale minor road. The landscape around this section of the path is simple in that it comprises one large landscape of craggy and undulating hills which collectively form a basin around the core. There are very few patterns or artefacts in the landscape, with the ground cover comprising a homogenous blanket of rough grasses, and without any settlement evident from this section of the path. There is a sense of openness and some sense of remoteness. 6.9.290 C171b follows the Musdale minor road all the way down to Kilmore. This detracts from the experience of the walk as it dispels any sense of remoteness, but as it is a quiet road, does nonetheless retain some sense of escape. At first the character of the Craggy Uplands continues with open and rugged hills surrounding the road side and then gradually this gives way to the softer and more fertile landscape of the settled glen in which farm fields of pasture and small clusters of roadside dwellings become characterising features. Sensitivity to change 6.9.291 The sensitivity of this core path is variable along its length, although none of the sections are subject to any national or local landscape designations which might otherwise raise the sensitivity to high or medium to high. It is not clear how many walkers use this route although during three site visits to the area, none were seen. 6.9.292 The sensitivity of the eastern section of the core path is moderated by the presence of the quarry road and the extent of forestry which reduce the rating to low. In the open section which lies between the quarry road and the forestry, the sensitivity is medium as the surrounding landscape appears more attractive and there is a lesser influence from surrounding developments. Within the forestry the sensitivity is low as the enclosure of the forestry limits influences from the surrounding landscapes. The central section of the core path, where it runs to the north of Loch Sior and then along by the small burn Allt an Loin Mhoir, presents views which are of medium sensitivity. The views are characterised by the Craggy Uplands and although not subject to any local or national landscape designations, which would otherwise denote a special sensitivity, the hills are scenic on account of their steep and rugged terrain and the enclosure they form around the loch and glen. From where the path joins with the Musdale minor road back down to Kilmore, the sensitivity of the views from this section are also medium. Despite the routing of the core path along the road and the presence of settlement lower down in the glen, both of which diminish the sense of remoteness, the surrounding landscape is still attractive and predominantly rural in character. Magnitude of change 6.9.293 The ZTV shows that visibility is most concentrated in the central section of the core path where it comes into closest proximity to the proposed wind farm. In the eastern section, where the path crosses over the open hill side, the ZTV shows visibility to be of 1-4 or 5-8 turbines and patchy in extents. Wirelines show that visibility will typically comprise blades and tips seen behind the intervening landform and forestry and from a range of 5-7.5km. The track aligns towards the proposed wind farm for west-bound walkers, and for them the magnitude of change will be medium to low for the reasons listed above as well as the existing presence of Carraig Gheal which will form a more readily apparent example of wind farm development. 6.9.294 For the 3km plus section which passes through the forestry there will be no magnitude of change. Where the path emerges from the forestry, the proposed wind farm is more readily visible at a range of 2.7km, along with Carraig Gheal and Beinn
Ghlas at 2.8 and 1.6km respectively. The ZTV shows that the proposed wind farm is visible as 13-16 turbines and wirelines show that this visibility typically comprises some turbines seen at their full extents but most partially concealed by the landform. The path comes within 500m of the turbines beyond the western end of Loch Sior before it turns south to join the Musdale minor road. The magnitude of change through this section will be high owing to the large scale of the turbines seen from such close proximity and also taking into account the influence of the existing wind farms. This magnitude of change will apply regardless of direction as the turbines will be highly visible to both east-bound and west-bound walkers. 6.9.295 From where the ZTV shows the path to pass out of visibility there will be no magnitude of change which will continue to be the case as the path passes alongside Allt an Loin Mhoir to meet the minor road. Beyond this, west-bound walkers will not experience a magnitude of change as the proposed wind farm will be to the rear of their direction of travel. Only small patches of visibility occur from the minor road but they will, nonetheless, show the proposed wind farm at close proximity and from these points the magnitude of change will be medium to high for east-bound walkers. There will be only a limited magnitude of change for eastbound walkers for the remaining section from Kilmore and in the few patches where visibility occurs this will be medium to low. Significance of the impact 6.9.296 The impact of the proposed wind farm on views from the core path will be significant in the section between the Loch Nant forestry to the east and the Musdale minor road to the west, and not significant in the remaining sections. This relates chiefly to the close proximity of the core path to the proposed wind farm and in contrast, the limited extents of visibility to the east and west of this central section. Significance of the cumulative impact in the context of operational wind farms 6.9.297 There will be a cumulative impact on the core path in respect of the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms. The cumulative ZTVs show Carraig Gheal will form the primary influence on the cumulative situation owing to its close proximity and high levels of visibility from the central section of the path. Beinn Ghlas will form a more secondary influence owing to its notably smaller scale turbines and partial concealment behind the intervening landform and in parts forestry as well. 6.9.298 The existing cumulative situation comprises Beinn Ghlas at close range to the north and Carraig Gheal at close range to the south. There is therefore already a notable influence on this core path from wind farm developments. The addition of the proposed wind farm adjacent to Carraig Gheal increases this influence further by adding another close range development which will be seen as large scale moving structures. 6.9.299 The cumulative magnitude of change will be moderated by the proximity of the proposed wind farm to Carraig Gheal and the similarity in the appearance of the turbines, which means that the proposed wind farm appears as an extension. In relation to Beinn Ghlas, the location of the proposed wind farm to the south means that it adds to the cumulative magnitude of change by increasing the extents of development in this opposite direction and making walkers on the path feel more surrounded. Taking all these factors into account the cumulative magnitude of change will be medium to high and when combined with the medium sensitivity will give rise to a significant cumulative impact. This will occur in the central section of the core path between the Loch Nant forestry to the east and the Musdale minor road to the west.
6.9.300 The remaining parts of the core path will undergo lower levels of cumulative change owing to their more distant location from both the proposed and operational wind farms. With medium and low cumulative magnitudes of change the cumulative impact on these sections will be not significant.
Summary of impacts on views

6.9.301 The assessment of impacts on views has assessed how the proposed wind farm will affect views around the study area, based on the change that will occur to views available from representative viewpoints and principal visual receptors. Table 6.7 presents the findings of the assessment which shows that there will be significant impacts on views from five viewpoints and a section of one principal visual receptor. 6.9.302 The significant impacts all occur within the 10km radius of the proposed wind farm, with the furthest occurring at 8.15km. Viewpoint 7 Musdale minor road and Viewpoint 11 Musdale path, which represent the close range Musdale area to the immediate northwest of the site are reported to be significantly affected. This relates chiefly to their close proximity to the site, rather than any special sensitivity. Viewpoint 6 - Loch Nant is also reported to be significantly affected, again largely owing to its close proximity rather than any special sensitivity. These three viewpoints are located in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU which is not subject to any national or local landscape designations which would otherwise denote a special sensitivity. 6.9.303 The other two viewpoints reported to be significantly affected lie to the west; Viewpoint 28 Loch Scammadale and Viewpoint 29 Loch Scammadale. Visibility from these areas to the west is generally very patchy with limited extents of visibility of the proposed wind farm, largely owing to the screening effect of intervening landform and forestry or woodland. These two viewpoints are similar in that the proposed wind farm is seen to coincide with the focal point of the view, thus increasing the prominence of the turbines despite their very limited visible extents. 6.9.304 The principal visual receptors reported to be significantly affected include the core path C171b which is routed in close proximity to the north of the site and Musdale farm house which is located in close proximity to the immediate west. The significant impact on C171b occurs along an approximately 5 km stretch from where the path emerges from the cover of the forestry in the east to where visibility becomes screened by intervening landform to the west. The proposed wind farm will be seen in close proximity from this section of the core path. 6.9.305 In respect of the cumulative impacts on views in the context of the operational wind farms, as summarised in Table 6.8, the assessment has found that the addition of the proposed wind farm will give rise to a significant cumulative impact from one viewpoint and from a section of one principal visual receptor. The viewpoint which will undergo a significant cumulative impact is Viewpoint 6 Loch Nant and this relates to the relatively close proximity of the viewpoint to the proposed wind farm and the notable addition it will make in the context of the existing Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms, both of which have a notable influence on the cumulative situation owing to their relatively close proximity to the viewpoint. A significant cumulative impact will arise along a 5km stretch of core path C171b from where the path emerges from the cover of the forestry in the east to where visibility becomes screened by intervening landform to the west. This again relates chiefly to the close proximity of the receptor to the proposed wind farm as well as Beinn Ghlas and to a lesser extent Carraig Gheal. Table 6.7
Summary of impacts on views
Receptor assessed in detail 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan 4 Blarghour 6 Loch Nant 7 Musdale minor road 8 Dalmally Monument 9 Military road above A85 10 Beinn Lora 11 Musdale path 12 Druim Mor, Oban 13 A816, Kilmore 14 Barran an Fhraoich 16 A819 layby near Achlian 17 Ben Cruachan 25 Oban to Craignure Ferry 26 Kilcheran, Lismore 27 Clachan, Lismore 28 Loch Scammadale 29 Loch Scammadale, Kickshaw B840 Core Path - C171b Musdale
Distance / direction 11.22km E 8.04km SSE 5.15km ENE 1.10km NW 18.47km E 13.85km E 14.84km N 0.53km NW 10.98km NW 7.62km WNW 9.26km NW 15.31km E 13.60km NE 17.7 km NW 19.50km NW 21.75km NW 6.50km W 8.15km W 5.5-23 km E to S 0.4-7 km W to N to E 0.96km W
Sensitivity medium medium to low medium medium medium to high medium medium medium to low medium to low medium medium to low medium high medium medium to high medium to high medium medium medium low variable high
Magnitude of change low medium to low medium high medium to low medium to low medium to low high medium to low medium medium medium to low medium to low medium to low medium to low medium to low medium medium medium to low low / negligible variable medium to high
Significance not significant not significant significant significant not significant not significant not significant significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant significant significant not significant significant in the central section significant
Table 6.8
Summary of cumulative impacts on views in the context of operational wind farms

Distance / direction 11.22km E Sensitivity medium Cumulative magnitude of change low Cumulative significance not significant
Receptor assessed in detail 2 Woodland east of Portsonachan
Receptor assessed in detail 4 Blarghour 6 Loch Nant 7 Musdale minor road 8 Dalmally Monument 9 Military road above A85 10 Beinn Lora 11 Musdale path 12 Druim Mor, Oban 13 A816, Kilmore 14 Barran an Fhraoich 16 A819 layby near Achlian 17 Ben Cruachan 25 Oban to Craignure Ferry 26 Kilcheran, Lismore 27 Clachan, Lismore 28 Loch Scammadale 29 Loch Scammadale, Kickshaw B840
Distance / direction 8.04km SSE 5.15km ENE 1.10km NW 18.47km E 13.85km E 14.84km N 0.53km NW 10.98km NW 7.62km WNW 9.26km NW 15.31km E 13.60km NE 17.86km NW 19.50km NW 21.75km NW 6.50km W 8.15km W 5.5-23 km E to S 0.4-7 km W to N to E
Sensitivity medium to low medium medium to high medium medium medium to low medium to low medium medium to low medium high medium medium to high medium to high medium medium medium low variable
Cumulative magnitude of change low medium medium to low medium to low low medium medium to low low medium to low low medium to low medium to low medium to low medium to low medium medium low medium to high medium low
Cumulative significance not significant significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant significant significant not significant significant in the central section not significant
Core Path - C171b
6.9.306 The other views and principal visual receptors will undergo not significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. These findings relate to the following key factors, which are outlined below; The absence or limited extents of visibility either owing to screening by intervening landform (as represented by the ZTV on Figure 6.6) or by intervening forestry which greatly reduces actual visibility; The limited occurrence of visual receptors within the first 5 km radius of the proposed wind farm where typically significant impacts are more likely to arise;
The limited number of receptors with a high or medium to high sensitivity, especially in the first 10 km where there are no national landscape designations and few settlements with visibility; The existing presence of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms which means that wind farm development is not a new or unfamiliar feature; The more scenic nature of the landscapes to the north, north-east and west which make the Craggy Uplands in which the proposed wind farm is situated appear comparatively unremarkable; and The broad scale of the landscapes in this area, whereby there appears to be sufficient horizontal and vertical scale to accommodate the proposed wind farm;
6.10
6.10.1
Assessment of Cumulative Impacts Introduction

Cumulative impacts may arise where there is visibility and influence of more than one wind farm. The cumulative assessment covers the potential cumulative impacts on landscape character receptors and views. Cumulative physical impacts on landscape elements are not included in the cumulative assessment as they cannot be assessed without detailed knowledge of the other wind farm sites. The main assessment contained in Section 6.8 and 6.9 includes the cumulative assessment of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with all operational wind farms within a 35km radius and of relevance to the assessment. In the cumulative assessment all consented and application stage wind farms are considered in conjunction with the operational wind farms and the proposed wind farm. The methodology used in the assessment of cumulative impacts differs in some respects from that used in the rest of the assessment. The full methodology for the cumulative assessment is described in Appendix 6.1. Cumulative wind farms that lie within a 35km radius of the proposed wind farm have been listed in Table 6.9 below and their locations shown on Figure 6.12. Cumulative ZTVs that show the visibility of the relevant sites along with the visibility of the proposed wind farm have been run for all of the sites that are considered relevant in the cumulative assessment as shown on Figures 6.13 6.20. The cumulative sites are shown in a set of cumulative wirelines for each of the representative viewpoints as shown on Figures 6.50 6.67. In these wirelines, the proposed wind farm turbines are shown in red; operational and under-construction wind farms that fall within the views are indicated in black; consented wind farms are shown in green; and proposed wind farms that are in planning are coloured blue. Table 6.9
6.10.2
6.10.3
6.10.4
6.10.5
Cumulative wind farms

Status
Operational Operational Operational Operational Operational

Carraig Gheal An Suidhe Beinn Ghlas Clachan Flats Cruach Mor
Distance
0.49 km 12.89 km 3.70 km 22.25 km 32.92 km
Direction
SE SSE NE ESE S
Number
20 23 14 9 35
Size (m)
110 / 126 80 55 93 72

A Chruach Glen Lonan Achnaba Ardchonnel Beinn Ghlas II Clachan Flat Extension Creag Dubh A Chruach Extension Garraron Kerrera
Status
Consented Application Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping Scoping
Distance
21.06 km 3.02 km 14.84 km 10.37 km 5.45 km 20.54 km 9.97 km 19.18 km 17.44 km 13.83 km
Direction
S NW N SSE NE ESE SE S SW WNW
Number
21 11 13 20
Size (m)
126.5 121
125
10 7 5
126.5 125
6.10.6
In some instances, wind farms show up in the wirelines although they are beyond their own study area radius. Where this occurs, the wind farm is not included in the written assessment as it lies outwith its own study area radius and is therefore considered to lie beyond the radius within which it may contribute to a significant cumulative impact.
Cumulative Scenarios
6.10.7 The cumulative impacts of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with operational wind farms has been considered in Section 6.8 Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character and Section 6.9 Assessment of Impacts on Views of this chapter. The most relevant sites to this assessment have been the operational wind farms at Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas which occupy the same West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU as the proposed wind farm. Carraig Gheal comprises 20 turbines at 110m and 126m, while Beinn Ghlas comprises 14 turbines at 55m. Other operational sites in the 35km radius include An Suidhe, Clachan Flats and Cruach Mhor. The remaining consented and application sites are assessed here in conjunction with the proposed wind farm and other operational sites. In terms of the cumulative assessment, A Chruach is the only consented windfarm, and Glen Lonan the only application wind farm in the 35km radius. This assessment considers all landscape character receptors and visual receptors contained in the main assessment.
6.10.8
Assessment of cumulative impacts on landscape character

6.10.9 The assessment of cumulative impacts on landscape character uses the same receptors as the Assessment of Impacts on Landscape Character carried out previously in this chapter. These are in two groups: Landscape character types / units; and Designated areas. 6.10.10 The cumulative assessment for both of these groups of receptors is described in the following section of this chapter. The detailed methodology for the assessment of
cumulative impacts on landscape character is described in Appendix 6.1 in Volume IV of this ES. 6.10.11 The first stage in the cumulative assessment of the landscape character types / units and designated areas is a filtering process to ascertain which of them have the potential to undergo significant cumulative impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. This process is carried out through a desk study and site survey which examines the visibility of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with other wind farm sites from the landscape character types and designated areas around the study area, using the ZTV and wirelines. A table that shows this process, including a brief description of the assessment for the relevant landscape character types / units and designated areas, is presented in Appendix 6.4 in Volume IV of this ES. 6.10.12 This filtering process has indicated that one of the landscape character types / units and none of the landscape designations have potential to undergo significant cumulative impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm.
West Loch Awe - Craggy Uplands

Cumulative baseline 6.10.13 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.8 to be significant in respect of part of the West Loch Awe - Craggy Uplands extending out approximately to 4 km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the north-west, south-west and south-east of the proposed wind farm. This significant cumulative impact relates chiefly to the close proximity of the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms within this localised area. 6.10.14 This part of the cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline containing the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. In addition to operational wind farms, the only other wind farm readily visible from this LCU is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.15 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a blade tip height of 121m and is located in the same West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm. It is set in the northwest corner of the LCU, 3km northwest of the proposed wind farm. 6.10.16 Prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm, it is the close range wind farms which will have the greatest influence on the cumulative baseline. The location of Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and Glen Lonan all within this northern part of the LCU means that the landscape character will already be defined by the presence of large scale turbines. These developments sit to the southeast, north and northwest, placing the proposed wind farm centrally in amongst them. 6.10.17 The relatively low elevation of the Glen Lonan turbines combined with the presence of intervening hills reduces the extent of inter-visibility. As a result, the core area around the proposed wind farm, which is identified as undergoing significant cumulative impacts in the context of the operational wind farms, receives limited extents of additional visibility of Glen Lonan. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.18 The cumulative ZTV shows how inter-visibility between Glen Lonan and the proposed wind farm is patchy across this LCU with main areas of visibility kept separate by intervening landform. There will however be a notable impact in parts of the area between these two developments, despite the patchy extents of visibility.
This relates to the close range of both developments and their locations on opposite sides of this part of the LCU, which maximises the extent to which wind farm development influences the character of this intermediate area. From some parts, visibility of both developments will occur concurrently while in other parts it will occur sequentially. During the latter, the perception of two close range wind farms will still affect the overall character of the landscape and add to the cumulative impact. 6.10.19 Visibility of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas will also occur within this area and this will amplify the additional impact as a result of the proposed wind farm. Wind farm development will be evident in every sector other than to the southwest, and although the cumulative baseline prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm was already in parts defined by the presence of wind farms, the proposed wind farm increases this impact. The area 3km to the northwest and west of the proposed wind farm will undergo a medium cumulative magnitude of change, while the remaining areas will undergo either a medium to low or low cumulative magnitude of change. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.20 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with the application Glen Lonan Wind Farm on the Craggy Uplands LCU will be significant in the area which lies between the proposed wind farm and Glen Lonan and which extends out to 3km to the northwest and west. The remaining parts of the LCU will undergo not significant cumulative impacts largely owing to the limited visibility of Glen Lonan wind farm.
Assessment of cumulative impacts on visual amenity

6.10.21 The assessment of cumulative impacts on views is carried out using the same viewpoints and visual receptors considered in the assessment of impacts on views as described previously in this chapter. 6.10.22 The cumulative assessment of the viewpoints and visual receptors is described in the following section of this chapter. The detailed methodology for the assessment of cumulative impacts on views is described in Appendix 6.1. 6.10.23 The first stage in the cumulative assessment of the representative viewpoints and principal visual receptors is a filtering process to ascertain which of them have the potential to undergo significant cumulative impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. This process is carried out through a study which examines the visibility of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with other wind farm sites from the viewpoints, using the ZTV and wirelines. A table that shows this process, including a brief description of the assessment for each representative viewpoint, is presented in Appendix 6.1. 6.10.24 This filtering process indicates that six of the representative viewpoints and none of the principal visual receptors have the potential to undergo a significant cumulative impact as a result of the addition of the proposed wind farm.
Viewpoint 12 Druim Mor, Oban

Cumulative baseline 6.10.25 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from Druim Mor. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising the operational wind farms plus the
consented and application wind farms. The only other wind farm readily visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.26 The cumulative wireline shown in Figure 6.56 shows how Glen Lonan will be visible to the left of Carraig Gheal and the proposed wind farm at a range of 7.1km. While the proposed wind farm appears as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal, Glen Lonan appears as an entirely separate development for the following reasons; firstly, it is seen to occupy a location at a closer range; secondly, because of this closer range the turbines appear notably taller; thirdly, there is a gap between the developments which reinforces the appearance of separate developments. 6.10.27 Without the proposed wind farm, Glen Lonan is seen as the prominent feature with Carraig Gheal as a distinctly separate and more distant feature, largely set behind the intervening ridgeline. The developments are seen contained in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU and occupy a small proportion of the wider view. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.28 The addition of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative baseline increases the extent of wind farm development along the skyline and appears to extend Carraig Gheal from being a small, to being a medium sized development. In relation to Glen Lonan, the proposed turbines appear comparatively smaller and this reduces their prominence in the view. The increased extents in combination with the extents of Glen Lonan increases the influence of wind farm in the view although ultimately still appearing contained within the wider extents of the skyline. The more even elevation of Glen Lonan accentuates the more varied elevations of the proposed turbines as well as the occurrence of overlap which occurs with the Carraig Gheal turbines. 6.10.29 While the increased extents of wind farm development and the occurrence of discordant contrasts between the developments adds to the cumulative magnitude of change, the comparatively smaller scale of the turbines and their more distant location combined with the contained extents within a much wider and more remarkable panorama detracts from the cumulative magnitude of change. Taking all these factors into account the cumulative magnitude of change on the view will be medium to low. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.30 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Druim Mor will be not significant. While the proposed wind farm increases the extents of wind farm development in relation to Glen Lonan and appears at variance in terms of the variable level of the turbines, its more distant location and therefore limited vertical extents, as well as limited horizontal extents in the context of the wider view means the overall cumulative impact will be not significant.
Viewpoint 14 Barran an Fhraoich

Cumulative baseline 6.10.31 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from Baran an Fhraoich. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. The only other wind farm readily visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.32 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a blade tip height of 121m. It is located in the same West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas
and the proposed wind farm. Figure 6.57 shows how Glen Lonan occupies practically the same horizontal extents as the proposed wind farm, albeit seen at the closer range of 5.2km in comparison to 9.3km. Carraig Gheal lies behind both at the more distant range of 11.9km. Visibility of Beinn Ghlas is negligible owing to the screening effects of the intervening landform and no other cumulative developments are visible from the viewpoint. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.33 The addition of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative baseline of Glen Lonan and Carraig Gheal wind farms does not increase the extents of wind farm development and this limits the cumulative magnitude of change. It is seen set behind Glen Lonan without any notable increase in extents across the view and appears as part of the overall development. 6.10.34 In respect of the closer range Glen Lonan turbines, the proposed turbines appear comparatively smaller than they otherwise would and this limits their prominence in the view. The difference in scale is, however, apparent and this leads to a discordant appearance whereby the developments appear as if they should be part of the same development owing to their location in the same sector of the view, and yet are possibly not, because of the apparent difference in scale. 6.10.35 Taking all these factors into account, the cumulative magnitude of change which will arise as a result of the addition of the proposed wind farm to the cumulative baseline will be medium to low. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.36 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with all other wind farms will be not significant. It will be seen to add to the depth of wind farm development albeit contained within a very specific portion of the view.
Viewpoint 17 Ben Cruachan

Cumulative baseline 6.10.37 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from Ben Cruachan. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. Consented A Chruach is theoretically visible, although at a range of 33.8km visibility will be negligible. The only application wind farm visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan at a range of 15.2km. 6.10.38 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a blade tip height of 121m. It is located in the same Craggy Uplands LCU as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm and seen to the right of Beinn Ghlas. Operational Clachan Flats is seen to the southeast, at a range of 18.7 km and operational An Suidhe to the south at a range of 22.2km. An Suidhe and Clachan Flats wind farms establish the influence of wind farm development into this south and southeasterly sector of the view. This spreads the influence over a wider area, such that it is not just concentrated in the Craggy Uplands, albeit distant in range and with a limited influence on the overall cumulative situation. In respect of the addition of the proposed wind farm, it is the relationship of the closer range cumulative developments that will have more of a bearing on the overall impact. 6.10.39 The close range cumulative baseline prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm will comprise the three separate developments of Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and Glen Lonan, which establish wind farm development as a component of the Craggy
Uplands LCU. The developments are all seen to be similar in terms of the number of turbines, albeit with Beinn Ghlas appearing notably smaller in terms of the height of the turbines. There is sufficient space between all three developments to ensure they appear separate, and collectively they form a pattern across this sector of the view, of well-defined groups set over adjacent hills. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.40 The addition of the proposed wind farm infills the gap between Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas to create what appears to be a longer band of development across the Craggy Uplands LCU. The presence of Glen Lonan makes this addition more notable as it is seen in the context of a wider extent of wind farm development, than if there were just the operational wind farms present. 6.10.41 Taking into account in this cumulative scenario, the additional influence of Glen Lonan does raise the cumulative magnitude of change, although not beyond the rating of medium to low. In terms of a cumulative impact there are enough similarities between the proposed wind farm and the cumulative baseline to ensure a reasonable level of visual cohesion; for example the appearance of the proposed wind farm as an extension to Carraig Gheal and its containment within a sector of the view where wind farm development is already clustered. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.42 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Ben Cruachan will be not significant. In the context of application wind farms, as well as operational wind farms, the proposed wind farm will have a more notable impact but this will be moderated by its location within a sector of the view where wind farm development is an existing feature and where the scale and depth of the hills is able to accommodate this further development without the experience of a wind farm landscape arising, as seen from this sensitive viewpoint.
Viewpoint 25 Oban to Craignure Ferry

Cumulative baseline 6.10.43 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from the Oban to Craignure Ferry. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. The only other wind farm readily visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.44 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a blade tip height of 121m. It is located in the same Craggy Uplands LCU as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm and is seen in this view to the left of Carraig Gheal and the proposed wind farm. Visibility of Beinn Ghlas from this viewpoint is negligible owing to the concealment of much of the turbines behind the intervening landform. 6.10.45 The cumulative baseline prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm comprises Glen Lonan, seen to practically its full extents at a range of 13.9km, and Carraig Gheal partially concealed by the intervening ridgeline at a range of 20.6km. Glen Lonan appears the more prominent of the two, seen well to the fore of the ridgeline, albeit at a comparatively lower elevation than Carraig Gheal. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.46 The proposed wind farm will be seen as an extension to the existing Carraig Gheal, largely owing to its close proximity and similar location and scale. Although it doesnt bring wind farm development any closer to the extents of Glen Lonan, it does
increase the extents to the right and bring turbines to the fore of the ridge. combination with Glen Lonan, the proposed wind farm is close enough to make three developments appear as one large development, and this reduces cumulative magnitude of change as there is seen to be cohesion between developments.
In the the the
6.10.47 Glen Lonan remains as the most prominent of the three developments, the larger scale of the turbines reducing the comparative scale of the proposed turbines. The layout of the proposed wind farm does not appear as orderly, with variation in the levels and with turbines set on and off the ridgeline. These differences, along with the difference in scale between the proposed turbines and the Glen Lonan turbines, present a less cohesive appearance, which increases the cumulative magnitude of change. Overall, and in the context of the wider view, the addition of the proposed wind farm will give rise to a medium to low cumulative magnitude of change. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.48 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from the Oban to Craignure Ferry will be not significant. Taking into account the presence of the application wind farm at Glen Lonan and the operational wind farm at Carraig Gheal, the addition of the proposed wind farm will not lead to the creation of a wind farm landscape.
Viewpoint 26 Kilcheran, Lismore

Cumulative baseline 6.10.49 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from Kilcheran on Lismore. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline containing the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. In addition to operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas, the only other wind farm readily visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.50 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a blade tip height of 121m and is located in the same Craggy Uplands LCU as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm, seen at a range of 15.5km. 6.10.51 The cumulative baseline prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm comprises the two operational and two application wind farms all seen in the same sector of the view to the southeast of the viewpoint. Wind farm development is not visible in any other sector. Visibility of Beinn Ghlas is so limited that its influence on the cumulative situation is considered negligible. 6.10.52 Nine of the 20 Carraig Gheal turbines are seen set either along or behind the distant skyline of the Craggy Uplands. These are visible from the viewpoint in clear conditions but do not form a prominent feature. Glen Lonan sits to the fore of the ridgeline with all 11 turbines visible, almost all seen to their full extents and forming a more prominent feature. There is a degree of overlap between these two developments which helps to make them appear as one, albeit with differences in scale possibly apparent. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.53 The proposed wind farm would be added between Carraig Gheal to the rear and Glen Lonan to the fore. The addition of the proposed wind farm coincides with the location of Carraig Gheal and Glen Lonan, such that it only increases the extents to the right by one turbine. It appears as an extension to the existing wind farms and
acts to contain the extents within this one clearly defined portion of the view. In terms of scale of turbines, it appears comparable with Glen Lonan and Carraig Gheal owing to the intermediate location, although variances with Glen Lonan are apparent. 6.10.54 The proposed wind farm will increase the concentration of turbines within this specific portion of the view, and this leads to overlapping occurring between turbines and in parts a discordant appearance. The location of the Glen Lonan turbines well below the ridgeline reduces the prominence of the proposed turbines, which in contrast, are not seen as the closest in range. Taking all these factors into account the cumulative magnitude of change on the view is low. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.55 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Kilcheran on Lismore will be not significant. While the addition of the proposed development will lead to a greater concentration of wind farm development, this will be seen to occur largely within the existing extents of wind farm development and will prevent the spread of turbines across the much wider extents of the view.
Viewpoint 27 Clachan, Lismore

Cumulative baseline 6.10.56 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in the context of operational wind farms was found in Section 6.9 to be not significant in respect of the view from Clachan on Lismore. This cumulative assessment considers the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising the operational wind farms plus the consented and application wind farms. In addition to operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas, the only other wind farm readily visible from this viewpoint is Glen Lonan, which is currently at application stage. 6.10.57 Glen Lonan comprises 11 turbines each with a height of 121m and is located in the same Craggy Uplands LCU as Carraig Gheal, Beinn Ghlas and the proposed wind farm, and seen at a range of 17.9km. 6.10.58 The cumulative baseline prior to the addition of the proposed wind farm comprises the two operational, and one application, wind farms all seen in the same southeast sector. Wind farm development is not visible in any other sector. Visibility of Beinn Ghlas is limited owing to its more distant range, small scale of turbines and partial concealment behind the intervening ridgeline. In clear conditions it may be visible but will not make a notable influence to the cumulative situation. Visibility of Carraig Gheal is also limited owing to intervening landform such that visibility is practically negligible. 6.10.59 All 11 of the Glen Lonan turbines are visible, seen set below the distant skyline of the Craggy Uplands, almost all seen to their full extents and in clear conditions, forming an apparent feature. The turbines appear fairly evenly spaced and at a consistent elevation, and collectively form a well contained group. Cumulative magnitude of change 6.10.60 11 of the proposed turbines are visible in this view, almost all seen partially screened by intervening landform with the exception of a few in the middle, which appear more prominent. The proposed wind farm is located to the left of Glen Lonan with minimal overlap between the two and increasing the extents of wind farm development by double. Despite the more distant location and apparent smaller scale of the turbines, the position next to Glen Lonan means that the proposed wind farm does
appear as an extension. It extends wind farm development up onto the skyline, although mostly only blades are seen to rise above the ridge. 6.10.61 The partial concealment of the proposed wind farm combined with the scale comparison with Glen Lonan, in which the proposed turbines appear smaller, moderate the magnitude of change, while the increased horizontal extents and greater variance in the elevation of the proposed turbines, increases the magnitude of change. The limited visibility of the other developments means that these two developments make up the core of the cumulative situation. In respect of the wider view, collectively they occupy only a small proportion of the wider landscape and are still seen to be contained within a defined area of the wider Craggy Uplands landscape, despite the increased extents. Taking all these factors into account, the overall cumulative magnitude of change, will be low. Significance of the cumulative impact 6.10.62 The impact of the proposed wind farm on the view from Clachan on Lismore will be not significant. While the addition of the proposed development will lead to an increased horizontal extent of wind farm development, this will occur within a sector already containing wind farm development and will prevent the spread across the much wider extents of the view.
Summary of cumulative impacts in the context of operational, consented and application wind farms
6.10.63 The assessment of cumulative affects has considered the addition of the proposed wind farm to a cumulative baseline comprising application and consented wind farms in addition to operational wind farms. The potential for cumulative impacts was found to relate to the close range application wind farm at Glen Lonan, while the influence of the one consented wind farm at A Crauch was found to be limited owing to distance from the proposed wind farm and very limited inter-visibility. 6.10.64 Significant cumulative impacts have been found to arise in parts of one landscape character type / unit but in none of the other landscape or visual receptors. A summary of the cumulative impacts in the context of consented and application sites is shown in Table 6.10 below. The significant cumulative impact occurs in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU in an area between the proposed wind farm and Glen Lonan, extending approximately 3km to the northwest and west of the proposed wind farm. This relates to the cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm being added to the context of the close range developments of Glen Lonan, Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas, all of which occupy sites in this northern end of the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU. 6.10.65 The cumulative impact identified in Section 6.8 in the context of just the operational wind farms extends out to approximately 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the north-west, south-west and south-east. Table 6.10 Summary of cumulative impacts in the context of consented
and application wind farms

Receptor assessed in detail West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU 12 Druim Mor, Oban Distance Direction Proposed wind farm located in this LCU. 10.98km Sensitivity medium Cumulative magnitude of change medium medium to low low medium to low Cumulative significance significant not significant
medium to low
not significant
NW 14 Barran an Fhraoich 17 Ben Cruachan 25 Oban to Craignure Ferry 26 Kilcheran, Lismore 27 Clachan, Lismore 9.26km NW 13.60km NE 17.86km NW 19.50km NW 21.75km NW medium to low high medium medium to high medium to high medium to low medium to low medium to low low low not significant not significant not significant not significant not significant
6.10.66 The limited occurrence of cumulative impacts in the context of consented and application sites relates to the following findings of the assessment. The limited number of consented and application wind farms within the 35km radius, with only one consented wind farm at 21.1km and one application wind farm at 3.0km; The relative consistency in the appearance of the wind farms, being all of similar numbers and size, albeit with Beinn Ghlas turbines being notably smaller; The same location of the majority of the wind farms in the Craggy Uplands LCT which forms a clear association and reoccurring pattern across the wider landscape; The existing presence of Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas within close range which ensure that the addition of the proposed wind farm does not form a new or unfamiliar feature in this landscape and views of this landscape; The proximity of Glen Lonan to Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas which again concentrates the impacts within a more localised area, albeit giving rise to issues of capacity; The relatively unremarkable nature of the Craggy Uplands which in the context of more scenic and nationally / regionally designated landscapes has a lesser sensitivity.
6.11
6.11.1
Summary and conclusions

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) examined the potential for impacts of the proposed wind farm within a study area with a radius of up to 35km. The assessment covers four categories of potential impacts; physical impacts; impacts on landscape character, which includes landscape character types / units and designated areas; impacts on views, which includes 29 representative viewpoints around the study area and a series of principal visual receptors; and cumulative impacts, which covers the potential cumulative impacts on landscape character receptors and views. As would be the case for any commercial on-shore wind farm proposal in the UK, the LVIA indicates that the proposed wind farm would result in certain significant impacts on the landscape and visual resource. The impacts that have been identified as being significant in each of these categories are listed in Table 6.11 below. Table 6.11 Significant impacts
Receptor West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU
Summary of significant impacts A significant impact and significant cumulative impact will occur approximately 4km to the west, south and north-east, and 3km to the north-west, south-west and south-east. A significant impact and significant cumulative impact will occur on this view as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant impact will occur on this view as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant impact will occur on this view as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant will occur on this view as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant impact will occur on this view as a result of the proposed wind farm. A significant impact and significant cumulative impact will occur on views from the core path between Loch Nant forestry in the east and Musdale minor road in the west. A significant impact will occur on this farm house as a result of the proposed wind farm.
Viewpoint 6 Loch Nant Viewpoint 7 Musdale minor road Viewpoint 11 Musdale footpath Viewpoint 28 Loch Scammadale Viewpoint 29 Loch Scammadale, Kickshaw Core path C171b
Musdale
6.11.2
Significant impacts on the landscape character types / units that cover the site and its surroundings are likely to occur up to 4 km from the proposed wind farm and are concentrated in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands where the proposed wind farm is located. These impacts result primarily from the high levels of visibility of the proposed wind farm which occur across this area, the contrast of the proposed wind farm with the existing open Craggy Uplands, and the resulting influence that the proposed wind farm will have on the landscape character. While the impacts of the proposed wind farm will be moderated by the existing presence of the operational Carraig Gheal and Beinn Ghlas wind farms, it will be seen as an additional wind farm development increasing the extents and influence of this type of development in this landscape. No designated areas, including the four National Scenic Areas (NSAs), the extensive Areas of Panoramic Quality (APQs) and twelve Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL) would be significantly affected by the proposed wind farm. There are two Search Areas for Wild Land (SAWL) in the study area, neither of which will undergo significant impacts as a result of the proposed wind farm. 29 viewpoints were considered in the assessment of impacts on views, representing routes, settlements, mountain and hill tops and other visitor attractions. Of these 29, five where assessed to be significantly affected by the proposed wind farm. Two of these viewpoints are especially close range, lying within 1.1km of the proposed wind farm. The remaining three are located within a 8.2km range of the proposed wind farm. The impact of the proposed wind farm on the other 24 viewpoints was found to be not significant. In respect of the principal visual receptors, no significant impacts on settlements or main roads have been identified, other than a significant impact on the close range farm house at Musdale, where the landowner of the proposed wind farm site lives. There will be significant impacts on a section of core path C171b, which connects Kilchrenan with Kilmore via the Craggy Uplands of Musdale. The
6.11.3
6.11.4
6.11.5
significant impact will occur on the central section which comes in close proximity to the proposed wind farm. 6.11.6 The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with operational wind farms has been assessed and has identified a significant impact on the landscape character of localised extents in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU, a significant impact on Viewpoint 6 Loch Nant, and a significant impact on a section of core path C171b. The cumulative impact of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with other operational wind farms, were found to be not significant in respect of all other receptors. The assessment of cumulative impacts also considered the addition of the proposed wind farm to other consented and application wind farms, as well as the operational wind farms. A significant impact on the landscape character of localised extents in the West Loch Awe Craggy Uplands LCU was identified as a result of the proposed wind farm. No other significant cumulative impacts were identified as a result of the proposed wind farm in conjunction with consented and application wind farms. The limited occurrence of significant impacts relates to the following main factors considered in the assessment. Firstly, there are the limited extents of visibility as shown on the ZTV in Figure 6.6a. Visibility is shown to be concentrated in the first 5km around the site and then becoming patchy in extents largely owing to the screening impact of intervening landform. Large-scale coniferous forestry and smallscale deciduous woodland, especially around many of the principal visual receptors, further reduces the extents of theoretical visibility. Secondly, the limited number of receptors within the first 5km radius of the proposed wind farm limits the potential for significant impacts which are typically more likely to occur in close proximity owing to the potentially higher magnitudes of change.
6.11.7
6.11.8
6.11.9
6.11.10 Thirdly, as the summary in Table 6.6 shows, there are very few receptors with a high or medium to high sensitivity and none within the first 10km radius of the proposed wind farm. This is due to the absence of any national landscape designations within this range and the limited extents of visibility from settlements which are typically located along the more enclosed glens and lochs. 6.11.11 Fourthly, there is the relative value of the Craggy Uplands in the context of much finer scenic landscapes, especially with the High Tops to the north and north-east, and the islands and coastal landscapes to the west. This means that in views, which typically comprise a wider panorama, the proposed wind farm is often seen in the context of a less remarkable sector of the view. 6.11.12 Fifthly, there is the presence of existing wind farms in close proximity to the site which means that the proposed wind farm does not appear as a new or unfamiliar feature from the majority of the visual receptors. 6.11.13 The proposed wind farm will give rise to significant impacts within a range of 8.15km and significant cumulative impacts within a range of 5.2km. It will add a further development into an upland area where wind farm development already exists, increasing the extents of this type of development and in most instances appearing as an extension to Carraig Gheal Wind Farm and making the two developments appear as one larger development. 6.11.14 The significant impacts and significant cumulative impacts are relatively localised and many other receptors within these ranges will not undergo significant impacts. The proposed wind farm will contribute to a clustering impact of wind farm
development and whilst concentrating the impacts within this area, other surrounding landscape and visual receptors which are subject to national and local landscape designations, will either undergo no impact or impacts which are reported to be not significant.
6.12 References
The Scottish Government (Updated 2009). National Planning Framework For Scotland 2. The Scottish Government (2010). Scottish Planning Policy. The Highland Council (June 2011). Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas. The Highland Council (2001). Structure Plan. The Highland Council (2012). Highland wide Local Development Plan Scottish Natural Heritage (2003). Wildness in Scotlands Countryside Policy Statement No. 02/03 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012) published on their web-site, updated wildness mapping for the whole of Scotland (http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/looking-afterlandscapes/landscape-policy-and-guidance/wild-land/mapping/) Environmental Resources Management (1996). Landscape Assessment of Argyll and the Firth of Clyde, Scottish Natural Heritage Review No. 78. The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition. The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition. Horner and MacLennan and Envision for Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Renewables Forum and the Scottish Society of Directors of Planning (2006) Visual Representation of Windfarms: Good Practice Guidance. Scottish Natural Heritage (2012) Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments. Land Use Consultants on behalf of SNH and the Countryside Agency (2002). Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland. Landscape Institute (2011) Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11, Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment. Scottish Natural Heritage (2001) Guidelines on the Environmental Impacts of Windfarms and Small Scale Hydroelectric Schemes. Scottish Natural Heritage (2009) Siting and Designing Windfarms in the Landscape, Version 1. Carol Anderson and Alison Grant, Landscape Architects (March 2012) Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study.
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Chapter 6 - Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - Musdale Windfarm

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Chapter 6 - Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - Musdale Windfarm

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Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 1

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Scope of the Chapter

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 2

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Issues scoped out of assessment

Policy, Legislation and Guidance

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 3

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 4

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

National Scenic Areas

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 5

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 6

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Area of Panoramic Quality

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 7

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Special Landscape Areas

Search Area for Wild Land

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 8

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 9

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Wild Land has been considered in the assessment.

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 10

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 11

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Guidance used in the assessment methodology

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 12

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 13

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Evaluation of landscape and visual impacts

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 14

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Duration and reversibility

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 15

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 16

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Baseline conditions Introduction

Landscape Character Assessments

Landscape Character Reviews

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 17

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Argyll and Bute Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 18

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 19

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 20

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Landscape Character Study area

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 21

Musdale Wind Farm Environmental Statement

Landscape Character Local to Site Area

Chapter 6: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Page 22