Strategic Landscape Capacity Assessment for Solar Energy in Angus

Contents


Assessment of Landscape Capacity by Landscape Character Type

The assessment of landscape capacity by landscape character type and sub-areas is detailed below. As well as describing the factors which affect landscape capacity, it also describes the variability of landscape capacity and also provides guidance on the particular constraints and opportunities within each type or sub-area. Landscape capacity by landscape type and sub-area is shown on figure 3.

TAY 1A Upper Highland Glen (outside National Park)

There is considered to be no capacity for solar PV development within the Upper Highland Glens type.

These are deeply incised glens with qualities of remoteness and wildness emphasised by a lack of development and only minor roads and tracks. The areas outwith the National Park generally have similar qualities to those areas within. However, being further removed from the highest mountains within the National Park they are generally of lesser depth and wildness with more settled references on valley floors; such as enclosed fields, public roads and occasional houses and farms.

Where fields exist they are pasture and there remains a uniformity of colour and pattern.

TAY 1B Mid Highland Glens (outside National Park)

There is considered to be low capacity for solar PV development in the Mid Highland Glens type.

Glens within this type are generally of lesser depth than the Upper Glens, with settled valley floors including enclosed fields, public roads, farms, houses and occasional villages. Fields are typically pasture but occasionally arable as part of crop rotation. The often undulating glen floors are typically overlooked from valley sides and higher ground nearby.

There may be limited opportunities for development in the more developed parts of the type; where ground is flatter; and existing woodland may provide visual screening from higher ground.

TAY 3 Highland Summits and Plateaux (outside National Park)

There is considered to be no capacity for solar PV development within the Highland Summits and Plateaux type.

This is a landscape where landform and vegetation cover is dominant with few manmade features. It contains irregular patterns of heather, grassland and forestry, relating to landform with no field boundaries. Solar PV development would form incongruous rectilinear blocks of development and would typically introduce a human scale element into a large scale landscape.

Development would also be highly visible in a landscape with medium/high landscape value.

TAY 5 Highland Foothills

There is considered to be variable capacity for solar PV development within the Highland Foothills type. Overall, landscape capacity is considered to be low.

The type lies on the Highland Boundary Fault and as such is a transitional landscape. The Highland Foothills have complex landforms and often small scale detail due to the complex pattern of steep hills, small settled valleys and pockets of more sheltered fertile ground. The lower slopes are often arable giving way to enclosed pasture with elevation; which in turn becomes unenclosed pasture and heather towards the crests and ridges of these rounded hills. Similarly, there is a pronounced transition from a more tamed and more developed character in the arable areas to a greater perceived wild land character on the unenclosed higher ground. This type is highly visible in the wider landscape from Broad Valley Lowland, the Low Moorland Hills, Igneous Hills and Summits and Plateaux types. Overlooking from higher ground, together with steeper slopes limits capacity even in the arable areas. Avoid development in non-arable areas and where slopes are steeper and overlooked from higher ground. Views to and from the White and Brown Caterthuns within the Menmuir Hills are particularly sensitive.

TAY 8 Igneous Hills

There is considered to be variable capacity for solar PV development within the Igneous Hills type. Overall, landscape capacity is considered to be low.

As is the case with the Highland Foothills LCT, there is substantial variation in character within the Igneous Hills in terms of factors which influence landscape capacity for solar PV development. The lowest slopes to both the north and southern edges of these hills are more gentle sloping enclosed arable fields. As elevation and often gradient increases, this gives way to enclosed pasture, which in turn, becomes unenclosed pasture and heather towards the crests and ridges of these rounded hills. Similarly, there is a pronounced transition from a more tamed and more developed character in the arable areas to a greater perceived wild land character on the unenclosed higher ground. Towards the eastern part of Igneous Hills hills are more rounded and merge with Dipslope Farmland with gradients often more gentle than further west. There are also more extensive areas of enclosed arable fields but with limited woodland cover

There is an extensive network of paths across the hills and there are hillforts at Kinpurney Hill, Auchterhouse Hill and at Denoon Law. On the summit of Kinpurney Hill within the hillfort there is a ruin of an observatory. Above Balkello Community Woodland, Baluderon Hill is a local geodiversity site and there is a viewpoint on Carrot Hill..

This type is highly visible in the wider landscape from Broad Valley Lowland, Dipslope Farmland, the Low Moorland Hills, Highland Foothills and Summits & Plateaux types. Overlooking from higher ground, together with steeper slopes limits capacity even in the arable areas. Avoid development in non-arable areas and where slopes are steeper and overlooked from higher ground.

Avoid development in non-arable areas and where slopes are steeper and on or above hill crests. Similarly, avoid areas overlooked from higher ground, particularly from ancient monuments and recreational, attractions.

TAY 10 Broad Valley Lowland

This type can be considered to consist of two areas (Strathmore and the Lower South Esk & North Esk valleys)

Strathmore

This sub-area has variable capacity for solar PV development, but typically medium. Strathmore, (west of Forfar) is enclosed by the Highland Foothills to the north and the Igneous Hills to the south. The rectilinear arable field pattern of this type increases capacity for solar PV development. The policies of Glamis Castle is a designed landscape

Tree and woodland cover within Strathmore is limited, which reduces capacity, but with the extensive policies of the Glamis Castle designed landscape being the most notable exception. Whilst tree cover can increase capacity to accept development, the importance of the designed landscape is likely to significantly constrain landscape capacity. However, there may be less sensitive areas, which do not feature in views towards or from the castle and its designed landscape.

Avoid development where it is overlooked and prominent from higher ground particularly from the north and south of the sub-area.

In addition sub-area (i) is an area of complex rolling fluvioglacial landforms where field sizes are smaller and less regular. Again, these characteristics reduce landscape capacity for solar PV development. Avoid development on steeper slopes and on landform crests and ridges where development would be either be prominent or inconsistent with the landscape pattern.

Lower South Esk & North Esk River Valleys

This sub-area has variable capacity for solar PV development, but typically medium. The rectilinear arable field pattern of this type and typical gentle slopes increase capacity for solar PV development. Much of this area is enclosed by the Highland Foothills to the north-west and the Low Moorland Hills to the south or south-east. The rectilinear arable field pattern of this type increases capacity for solar PV development.

Tree and woodland cover within this area is typically limited to along the river corridors; around Careston and the Brechin Castle designed landscape. The landscape is otherwise typically open in character.

Sub-area (ii) is the corridor of the South Esk. It is characterised by a degree of topographic enclosure, with sometimes steep river terraces and the meandering course of the South Esk. This sub-area includes the Brechin Castle designed landscape. Avoid development on or just above the river terrace escarpments where they are likely to be prominent. Capacity is greatest where the pattern consists of rectilinear arable fields.

Sub-area (iii) is a significant area lying between the A90(T) and the Menmuir Hills and is topographically separated by a curved ridge of land north of sub-area (ii). (iii) drains to the North Esk. To the north of this sub-area lies the Menmuir Hills and two hillforts, the White and Brown Caterthuns. Both scheduled monuments are in the care of Historic Scotland. Avoid development where it is overlooked and prominent from higher ground particularly from the Caterthuns. Avoid development on the curved ridge where development would be either be prominent or be inconsistent with the landscape pattern.

Sub-area (iv) is an elevated area at Muir of Pert between Brechin, the A90(T) and Montrose, which separates the North Esk and Montrose Basin. Although within Broad Valley Lowland, it rises to a plateau of over 100m AOD, has steep escarpments to the north and south, and have many of the more exposed characteristics of Dipslope Farmland. Tree and woodland cover is typically limited, which reduces overall capacity for solar PV development. Avoid development on escarpments where it would be prominent or be inconsistent with the landscape pattern. This sub-area has a significant number of wind turbines which cumulatively may contribute to a more developed character. This will locally limit capacity and should be assessed as part of any landscape and visual impact assessment submitted in support of applications.

TAY 12(i) Low Moorland Hills (Forfar Hills)

It is considered that there is low capacity for solar PV development within the Low Moorland Hills (Forfar Hills).

A varied landscape of small steep hills and ridges set within a wider area of rolling farmland. The hills provide a backdrop to Forfar and define the southern edge of the South Esk section of Strathmore. To the north of Forfar, ridges are more pronounced with unenclosed grassland typically on the higher ground, with arable on lower and flatter ground. South of Forfar, hills are more rolling with a greater occurrence of enclosed arable, even on the higher ground. Woodland cover is limited and localised, often on hilltops including Hill of Finavon, Carse Hill, Dunnichen Hill and Fotheringham Hill.

The type contains a number of sensitivities which reduce capacity. These include the setting of Turin and Finavon hillforts together with Pictish standing stones around Aberlemno. Balmashanner Hill is close to Forfar and is an important part of the Forfar Path Network and has a network of Core Paths across it. The open character of this type together with the landform combines to substantially increase visibility and reduce landscape capacity for solar PV development.

Avoid development on escarpments and slopes where it would be prominent or be inconsistent with the landscape pattern. Avoid PV development in areas of pasture, where development would be inconsistent with landscape pattern. Avoid significant impacts upon the setting of historic sites and recreational areas and views from such places.

TAY 12(ii) Low Moorland Hills (Montreathmont Moor)

It is considered that there is medium capacity for solar PV development within the Low Moorland Hills (Montreathmont Moor) sub-area.

This sub-area to the east of the Forfar Hills is distinctly different in character. The landform is predominantly gently undulating and gradually slopes down to the Montrose Basin LCA to the east. There are no distinctive hill landforms, although the northern edge forms an escarpment of some 100m descending to the River South Esk. It is a medium to large scale arable landscape dominated by the Montreathmont Forest. The north-western part of the sub-area, to the east of Aberlemno rises in elevation towards the escarpment and has little woodland cover. This elevated and open landscape is more widely visible than other parts of the sub-area.

Capacity for solar PV development is typically high on flatter, lower areas where forestry provides a strong landscape structure within which to locate development. In contrast, capacity is considered to be low on the more open higher ground east of Aberlemno.

Avoid development on or above the escarpment due to high prominence of these areas. Avoid development on higher more open areas and on sloping landforms where visibility is likely to be high.

TAY 13 Dipslope Farmland (Overall Assessment)

Overall, the capacity for solar PV development within Dipslope Farmland is variable and ranges from high within the Monikie/ Crombie sub-area to low or no capacity within the Ethie sub-area. This reflects the variation in landform and in particular the level of enclosure across Dipslope Farmland. Each of the six sub-areas is assessed below:

TAY 13(i) Dipslope Farmland (Dundee/ Tealing)

It is considered that there is medium capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Dundee/ Tealing) sub-area.

A settled area of elevated lowland arable farmland area set between the Sidlaw hills and Dundee. Landform is gently rolling or undulating, falling south and east from the Sidlaw Hills towards Dundee and the Firth of Tay. The escarpment of the southern edge of the Sidlaws rises abruptly along the northern edge of this sub-area. Land use consists of large or medium rectilinear arable fields, woodland blocks. This pattern is broken by occasional watercourses on lower ground.

Although overlooked by the Sidlaw Hills they screen views from further north and west and whilst close to Dundee views from the city are limited by containing landform. Whilst rectilinear arable fields increases capacity for this type of development, overlooking from the Sidlaws and the limited woodland cover reduce capacity.

The sub-area, particularly west of the A90(T) around Tealing, has a number existing wind turbines and a series of electricity pylons radiating from the Tealing sub-station. While solar PV development would be consistent with this semi-industrialised character, it could lead to an over-developed and cluttered effect upon views and landscape character. Cumulative effects should be carefully considered as part of any LVIA.

Avoid areas over-looked from the Sidlaws within 2km. Development should seek to reinforce the established field patterns and use existing woodland as a landscape structure within which to locate development.

TAY 13 (ii) Dipslope Farmland (Monikie/ Crombie)

It is considered that there is high capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Monikie/ Crombie) sub-area.

The sub-area is a slightly elevated arable area with significant areas of enclosure and recreational landscapes. The landform is gently rolling or undulating, with a north-south dip towards the sea. The sub-area consists of medium sized rectilinear arable fields broken up by woodlands. There are occasional open uncultivated areas on higher ground.

There are substantial areas of woodland within the sub-area around both Monikie and Crombie Country Parks. In addition, the relict designed landscape associated with the demolished Panmure House, provides an extensive framework of woodland, shelterbelts and parkland areas.

In general there are open views from higher and treeless areas to both the north and south of this sub-area, but tree cover restricts views elsewhere. From outwith the sub-area, few areas are prominent when seen from surroundings although it is overlooked by higher ground to the north and east, including around Douglasmuir. It is visible as backdrop from the coast.

Overall the rectilinear arable field pattern together with a strong woodland framework within which development could be accommodated substantially increases capacity for solar PV development.

Avoid development in areas which affect the setting of the country parks or which are overlooked from higher ground.

TAY 13(iii) Dipslope Farmland (Redford Farmland)

It is considered that there is medium capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Redford Farmland) sub-area.

A large, intensively managed elevated arable farmland area set above the North Sea and surrounded by similar farmland. Gently rolling or undulating, with a NW-SE dip towards the sea and lower farmland. The sub-area has large or medium rectilinear arable fields, many where field boundaries have been removed. There are only occasional woodland blocks in this sub-area, the most notable being around Guynd designed landscape.

Views are generally open, although tree cover around Guynd restricts views. Development within this sub-area can be prominent at a distance. Whilst rectilinear arable field patterns can increase capacity for solar PV development, the lack of woodland cover and frequent absence of field boundaries substantially reduces capacity to low in more open areas. Development proposals should seek to reinforce the established field patterns and use existing woodland as a landscape structure within which to locate development.

Avoid development on higher more open areas and on sloping landforms where visibility is likely to be high.

TAY 13(iv) Dipslope Farmland (Letham/ Lunan Water/ Arbroath)

It is considered that there is variable capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Letham/ Lunan Water/ Arbroath) sub-area, but overall it is considered to be medium,

This sub-area consists of intensively managed agricultural land with areas of more sheltered and intimate landscape in shallow valleys. The sub-area is typically gently rolling or undulating, shallow and sometimes indistinct valley sides, and often flat valley floors gradually descending to the North Sea coast. The area has medium rectilinear arable fields, woodland blocks, broken by watercourses on lower ground.

The sub-area contains designed landscapes at Pitmuies and Guthrie, which create a more wooded character locally. Overall, woodland cover is variable, most commonly located on the lower ground closer to the Lunan Water. On slightly higher ground, most notably between Arbroath and Friockheim, the more intensive arable farming is more open with less frequent woodland. Whilst visibility is varied, the lower areas are often less visible than many other parts of Dipslope Farmland. Elsewhere, there are open mid distance views.

There are areas of poly-tunnels, particularly north of Arbroath and within the valley of the Lunan Water between Friockheim and Inverkeillor. Both poly-tunnels and solar PV 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 PV solar development.

Capacity for solar PV development is considered highest on lower ground, where significant impacts upon designed landscapes are avoided and where existing woodland provides a framework for development.

Avoid development on or above river valley escarpments; higher more open areas and on sloping landforms where visibility is likely to be high.

TAY 13(v) Dipslope Farmland (Ethie)

It is considered that there is variable capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Ethie) sub-area. Overall it is considered to be low, but may be higher away from the coast and steeper slopes inland, where there may be no capacity.

The rectilinear arable field pattern of this sub-type and gentle slopes increase capacity for solar PV development. A structure of trees and woodland towards the western part of this sub-type, around Kinblethmont and West Woods of Ethie, can provide a landscape framework within which solar PV development could be accommodated. Steeper slopes locally, particularly around Kinblethmont Hill and Dickmontlaw, reduce capacity due to increased visual prominence and potential landscape character impacts upon landform.

Towards the east, capacity is reduced by the limited screening provided by trees and woodland. Promoted paths closer to the coast further reduce capacity.

There are extensive areas of poly-tunnels between Arbroath and Carlingheugh Bay within this type (as well as within 14b Coast with Cliffs). Both poly-tunnels and solar PV 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 shown in visualisations and assessed as part any cumulative assessment of landscape and visual effects. These cumulative effects are likely to reduce landscape capacity for PV solar development. Avoid solar PV development which would be prominent in coastal panoramas.

Therefore in summary, greatest capacity exists to the western part of this sub-type where trees and woodland can provide a landscape structure to accommodate development. Solar PV layouts should aim to reinforce field patterns. Where more than one field is proposed for development it would be desirable that each field continues to be visually distinct by the retention of field boundary features. In some cases the field pattern can be emphasised by the off-setting developed fields. Within the eastern part and closer to the coast, the combination higher landscape value; limited screening and the existence of poly-tunnels substantially reduces capacity for solar PV development.

TAY 13(vi) Dipslope Farmland (Rossie Moor)

It is considered that there is low capacity for solar PV development within the Dipslope Farmland (Rossie Moor) sub-area.

A broad rolling undulating hill with a south and east dip towards the sea and the Lunan Water and steeper northern slopes above Montrose Basin. The sub-area forms a backdrop to Montrose Basin and town. The sub-area has large or medium rectilinear arable fields often with former field boundaries removed, There is an open uncultivated moorland on higher ground at Rossie Moor.

There is a designed landscape with associated woodland at Dunninald Castle. Woodland is typically concentrated along the northern escarpment of the sub-area and in larger blocks on or close to hilltops at Rossie School, Rossie Moor, Fithie Wood and Wuddy Law.

The location of the woodland together with the hill landform and the often absence of field boundaries leads to it being generally visible and sometimes prominent from surrounding lower ground and further afield. Capacity is highest where existing woodland provides a landscape framework and reduces visibility of development on arable areas with established field boundaries.

Avoid development on non-arable land and the periphery of Rossie Moor. Avoid development on or above the northern escarpment; higher more open areas and on sloping landforms where visibility is likely to be high.

TAY 14a Coast with Sand

There is considered to be no capacity for solar PV development within the Coast with Sand type.

This type is relatively narrow strip along the coastline. The rectilinear arable field pattern of this type and gentle slopes would normally increase capacity for solar PV development. However, the high relative landscape value; scenic qualities; and the Angus Coastal Path, combined with limited screening and open views substantially reduce capacity.

TAY 14b Coast with Cliffs

There is considered to be no capacity for solar PV development within the Coast with Cliffs type.

This type is relatively narrow strip along the coastline. The rectilinear arable field pattern of this type and gentle slopes would normally increase capacity for solar PV development. However, the high landscape value; scenic qualities; and the Angus Coastal Path, combined with limited screening and open views substantially reduce capacity.

There are extensive areas of poly-tunnels between Arbroath and Carlingheugh Bay within this type. Both poly-tunnels and solar PV 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 and compromise the undeveloped character of the coast. 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 PV solar development.

Given the above it is considered unlikely that solar PV development could take place without significantly adversely affecting the scenic qualities of the type; the setting of the coastal paths; and panoramic views along the coastline.

TAY 15 Lowland Basin

There is considered to be low capacity for solar PV development within the Lowland Basin type.

Towards the east is a large scale open basin with rectilinear arable fields to the west of the basin and more organic patterns within Kinnaird deer park. Closer to the basin, there is a structure of hedges and hedgerow trees. There are small scale steep slopes on raised beaches and river embankments. The type is enclosed by higher ground to both the north and south. Whilst trees, hedges and woodland can increase capacity, the designed landscape at Kinnaird; the proximity to Montrose Basin; and the overlooking from higher ground substantially reduces capacity for development.

There may however be visually discreet areas where landscape value and visual sensitivity would not be significantly affected by smaller scale development.