A number of broad principles often apply to in relation to the development of solar PV in the landscape. Specific guidance by landscape character type or sub-area is contained within section 4.
Landscape Character Effects
- Rectilinear blocks of solar arrays are more likely to fit within lowland landscapes where there is an existing strong pattern of rectilinear fields. Lowland arable landscapes typically have different cropping from field to field emphasising the field pattern. On slightly higher ground, fields are more typically pasture with greater homogeneity between fields making them less suitable for solar PV development.
- Layouts should respect and reinforce existing field patterns. Where landscape character has been eroded by the amalgamation of fields, development may provide opportunity to reinstate a field boundary structure.
- Where development is proposed to occupy more than one field, it is helpful that development in each field is sufficiently separate to avoid visual amalgamation of fields.
- Existing field boundary dykes, hedges and tree lines in particular can assist in visually dividing development. Similarly, the off-setting of fields where development takes place can sometimes reinforce field patterns.
- Existing woodland, forestry, tree lines and hedges can all increase the capacity of a landscape to accept solar PV development. However, avoid siting development in areas which would be affected by shade from trees.
- The presence of solar PV development may increase the perceived human influence on the landscape; therefore avoid areas where lower perceived human influence is part of the landscape character.
- Development on uneven ground could mask the underlying landscape character and could create an incongruous feature in the landscape (particularly where they do not follow contours).
- Avoid significant adverse effects upon the setting of sensitive features such as hill forts, other scheduled monuments and settlements.
Visual Amenity Effects
- Solar PV development on flat ground is typically less widely visible in views than development on sloping sites. Conversely, development on a hillside can increase visibility. Avoid development on profoundly sloping landforms, hill-tops and escarpments or the areas above them.
- Sites which are over-looked from higher ground, particularly within 2km will have higher visual impact.
- Visual effects will vary dependent upon the position of the viewer relative to the arrangement of the array. Typically, views from the west, through south to east would be towards the reflective face of the panels. Views from other directions would view the rear elevation of panels and supporting structures.
- An existing landscape structure of woodland blocks, tree lines and hedges can screen; provide backdrop; and visually break up views of solar PV development in the landscape. The ability of commercial forestry to create landscape capacity will depend upon intended forestry operations during the lifetime of the solar PV development.
- Avoid unacceptable significant effects upon sensitive visual receptors such as promoted recreation paths and areas noted for their scenic qualities. These could include Core Paths, path networks, Country Parks, hilltops, viewpoints and settlements.
Cumulative Landscape & Visual Effects
- Solar PV development in open landscapes, or on sloping landform; hill tops and ridges are likely to increase the potential for cumulative effects on both landscape character and views.
- An existing landscape structure of woodland blocks, tree lines and hedges can reduce all types of cumulative visibility.
- Where more than one field is proposed for solar PV development, sufficient space at field edges and possibly off-setting developed fields can preserve landscape pattern. Tree and hedge planting can reduce cumulative effects.
- In some parts of Angus there are extensive areas of poly-tunnels, most notably between Arbroath and Carlingheugh Bay. Both poly-tunnels and solar PV development consist of lines of frames with potentially reflective surfaces. They each have the potential to create a more intensive developed character to a landscape. There is therefore likelihood that both developments together would create cumulative effects which could erode the underlying landscape character of these areas. These cumulative effects should be assessed as part any cumulative assessment of landscape and visual effects. These cumulative effects are likely to reduce landscape capacity for solar PV development and should be assessed as part of cumulative assessments.
- Similarly, other man-made structures including electricity pylons and wind turbines can increase the developed character of a landscape and when considered with solar PV development can cumulatively increase the developed character and sometimes introduce visual clutter.