Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. The magnitude of change resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low for parts of Dunbar along the north and east defined by the coastline and the A1087. Remaining areas of the settlement set further back from the coastal edge are assessed as experiencing a negligible magnitude of change.
  2. High numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from much of the north- east facing coastline and the town, which includes the isolated West Barns to the west, as indicated by the ZTV. Properties within the north and east of the town, between the ECML and the coast, tend to address the coastline and are the areas likely to be most affected by the Proposed Development. The vertical height/apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines will be relatively small, due to their long distance offshore and the large scale of the seascape in the view, the relatively contained lateral spread of the Proposed Development, amount of open sea skyline retained with seascape separation to the coast, and the Proposed Development wind turbines generally being seen beyond the horizon, as a ‘horizon development’ beyond a large open seascape. Newer development to the south and adjoining the A1 does not address the coast and is likely to be less affected, in part due to the combination of urban form and topography. The north east around Belhaven; and north and east of Lochend Wood, have no potential visibility of the Proposed Development.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the town and medium-low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development for north and east areas defined by the coastline with visibility of the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible, with effects reducing to not significant (minor) from residential areas of the town set further back from the coastal edge. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing views as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development over 45.3 km from the viewpoint, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance, their position beyond the sea skyline and their introduction as further elements that are already characteristic in the baseline view, in which Neart na Gaoithe has a moderating influence.

Minor settlements - East Lothian

Bilsdean

Baseline and sensitivity

  1. The village lies between Thorntonloch and Cockburnspath on the East Lothian coast. It lies approximately 400 m from the sea to the west of the A1 and the ECML. The small linear village lies along a minor road adjoining the A1, its houses facing the road and backing onto the ECML. Expansive seascape views are contained by woodland to the south and landform to the north.
  2. The sensitivity of Bilsdean is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of its visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the village.
  3. Value. The coastal village overlooks the East Lothian coast and lies on the edge of the Thorntonloch to Dunglass Coast SLA which is afforded planning policy protection. Views from the town are typical of this section of coast, which has a north easterly aspect and is dominated by the open sea. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop to the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence particularly from the rear of their properties. These are largely unimpeded by landform, built form or land cover, apart from infrastructure associated with the rail line; and intermittently interrupted by activity on the A1 and ECML. Torness Nuclear Power Station lies approximately 2.7 km to the north, moderating susceptibility. Residents experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development, including Torness Nuclear Power Station, the A1 and ECML, and offshore views influenced by Seagreen 1 offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but with a distinct seascape backdrop that contributes to the visual amenity experienced.

Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms

  1. The magnitude of change to Bilsdean resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low.
  2. The coastal village lies 46.2 km from the Proposed Development array on the East Lothian coast between Dunbar and Cockburnspath. It lies entirely within the ZTV (Figure 15.6), which indicates that high numbers of the proposed wind turbines may be visible from the settlement.
  3. The Proposed Development will appear to extend the level and lateral extent of existing offshore windfarm development on the sea horizon. The intervening open seascape will largely remain unchanged and much of the wider open sea horizon will be retained.
  4. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor and medium-low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing this view as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development over 46.2 km from the receptor, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance, their position beyond the sea skyline and their introduction as further elements that are already characteristic in the baseline view, in which Neart na Gaoithe has a moderating influence.

Innerwick

Baseline and sensitivity

  1. The village lies approximately 2.6 km from the sea, between Dunbar and Cockburnspath, within open farmland that slopes down gently to the coast. Wide, open views to the sea from the village encompass the A1, ECML, the Torness Nuclear Power Station and the cement works at Oxwell Mains. Beyond the farmland the coastline has a north easterly aspect and is designated as the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA. Many properties on the settlement edge face north, overlooking the mouth of the Firth of Forth towards the Angus and Aberdeenshire coast. The main axis of the village is north to south, focussing attention between the cement works and power station which frame Neart na Gaoithe and Seagreen 1 beyond. Seascape views are available from the northern edge of the town, while views from remaining parts are partially obstructed by built form due to the pattern and density of development behind.
  2. The sensitivity of Innerwick is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium value of its visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the village.
  3. Value. The coastal village overlooks the East Lothian coast, part of which lies within the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA, which is afforded planning policy protection. Views from the village are typical of this section of coast, which has a north easterly aspect over the coastal hinterland to the sea beyond. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views to the sea from this village will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop to the settlement.  
  4. Susceptibility. Residents may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence, however seascape views are limited by the village’s inland location and surrounding landform. Residents of Innerwick experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views towards the sea influenced by built development including Torness Nuclear Power Station, cement works at Oxwell Mains, and major transport routes and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but with the distant seascape setting contributes to the visual amenity experienced. Offshore wind farm development lies at Neart na Gaoithe and Seagreen 1, on the horizon.

Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms

  1. The magnitude of change to Innerwick resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low.
  2. The village lies 48.1 km from the Proposed Development array and entirely within the ZTV (Figure 15.6), which indicates that high numbers of the proposed wind turbines may be visible from the settlement. The Proposed Development will be seen on the distant sea horizon beyond Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, extending the level and lateral extent of offshore wind farm development in the village’s wider context. This will largely remain unchanged with the wide seascape retaining much of the existing open sea horizon.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor and medium-low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing this view as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development over 48.1 km from the receptor, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance, their position beyond the sea skyline and their introduction as further elements that are already characteristic in the baseline view, in which Neart na Gaoithe and onshore energy generation infrastructure has a moderating influence.

Major Settlements - Fife

Anstruther

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. Anstruther is a small coastal town comprising two settlements, Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester, which are divided by a stream, the Dreel Burn. The largest community on the East Neuk, it merges with the village of Cellardyke, to the east. Founded as a fishing village, tourism is now Anstruther’s main industry, and recreational vessels now moor in the harbour, with sightseeing/wildlife cruises from the harbour to the Isle of May, operate from April to October and it is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
  2. The sensitivity of Anstruther is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The village overlooks coastline within the East Fife Coast and the East Neuk LLAs, which are afforded local planning policy protection and locally valued. Views from the town are typical of this section of coast, which has a south easterly aspect across the outer Firth of Forth, to the Isle of May, the open sea to the east and landform backdrop of East Lothian to the south. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this village will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Seascape views are limited to the coastal edge of the town by the pattern and density of development within it. Users of open space along the seafront, residents of properties along the shoreline, and streets leading down to it, may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence. The coastline has a south easterly aspect which is oblique to the Proposed Development. Properties along the seaward edge are most susceptible to changes arising from the Proposed Development. Residents of Anstruther experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. The magnitude of change to the view resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as low.
  2. 49.4 km from the Proposed Development array and centred on the harbour, the town rises to west and east where the ZTV indicates higher numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible. The harbour itself and the surrounding area, including Shore Street, as far as Bankie park has no potential visibility.
  3. High numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from much of the south east facing coastline and the town, as indicated by the ZTV. Properties along the coast, tend to address or back onto the coastline and are the areas likely to be most affected by the Proposed Development. Views of its offshore elements from the town will be open, direct and long range. The Proposed Development will appear almost entirely behind Neart na Gaoithe. The increase in the number and lateral extent of offshore wind turbines, will be barely noticeable.
  4. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the viewpoint and low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible.

Crail

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. Crail (Viewpoint 6 Crail: Figure 15.26) is a historic fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife with cobbled streets and a miniature harbour, is sheltered by cliffs.  The village lies on the picturesque Fife Coastal Route, a 136.7 km drive around the northeast coast of the Kingdom of Fife. The Fife Coastal Path passes by Crail and other fishing villages including Elie and St Monans.
  2. The sensitivity of Crail is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context view and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The Fife visible coastline to the east and to the west of Anstruther are covered by the East (Fife) Coast LLA and East Neuk LLA. While sea views from the town are expansive and long ranging, the pattern and density of its urban form contrast with the adjoining rural areas of coastline. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this village will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience, as the coastal village and its residential properties overlook and tend to address the sea, along the coastline. Residents of Inverbervie experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. At Crail, operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development will result in a low magnitude of change for receptors at the seafront south of Crail Harbour, with remaining areas observing a negligible magnitude of change.
  2. The Blade Tip ZTV (Figure 15.6) indicates that high numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from the northern and southern ends of the village. However, the combination of the coastal aspect, local topography and the density and pattern of built development will restrict views to those from its coastal edge, south of the harbour where the coastal aspect is more easterly. Views of the offshore elements of the Proposed Development from this area will be open and direct views, at a range of approximately 44.7 km. While there will be an observable increase in the number and lateral extent of offshore wind turbines, these will occupy a relatively small proportion of the open sea horizon and will represent a smaller element of the view in good visibility.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptors and low magnitude of change to the limited area of the town’s seafront south of the harbour, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible, dropping to not significant (minor) in areas with restricted visibility.

Pittenweem

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. Pittenweem has existed as a fishing village since early medieval times. It sits astride a raised beach with the lower part of the village containing the harbour and the older houses. The upper part has the main shopping area, churches, school, and the more recent houses. The town is well preserved and attractive, with many historic buildings and white houses with red roofs that illustrate the classic East Neuk building style, influenced by trade with the Low Countries.
  2. The sensitivity of Pittenweem is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context view and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The Fife visible coastline to the east and to the west of Anstruther are covered by the East (Fife) Coast LLA and East Neuk LLA. While sea views from the town are expansive and long ranging, the pattern and density of its urban form contrast with the adjoining rural areas of coastline. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this village will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence from properties that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience, as the coastal village and its residential properties overlook the harbour to face the sea. Residents of Pittenweem experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and harbour, and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experience.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. 51.6 km from the Proposed Development array, the entire coastal town lies within the ZTV with higher numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines potentially visible from much of the town. Topography and the pattern of development is likely to limit visibility of the Proposed Development in combination with the aspect of the coastline which is more southerly than Anstruther to the east.
  2. At Pittenweem, operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development will result in a low magnitude of change for receptors on the coastal edge, with remaining areas observing a negligible magnitude of change.
  3. The Blade Tip ZTV (Figure 15.6) indicates that high numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from the entire coastal town. However, the combination of the coastal aspect, local topography and the density and pattern of built development will restrict views to those from the town’s coastal edge. Views of the offshore elements of the Proposed Development from this area will be open, direct views, and at a range of approximately 51.6 km. While there will be an observable increase in the number and lateral extent of offshore wind turbines, these will occupy a relatively small proportion of the open sea horizon and will represent a smaller element of the view in good visibility.
  4. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of receptors within Pittenweem and low magnitude of change to the limited area of the town’s coastal edge, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible, dropping to not significant (negligible) in areas with restricted visibility.

St Andrews

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. 16 km southeast of Dundee and 50 km northeast of Edinburgh, the town of St Andrews (Viewpoint 3 St Andrews Cathedral: Volume 3, Figure 15.23) is Fife's fourth-largest settlement. The town grew around St Andrews Cathedral to become the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, until the Scottish Reformation. Once one of the largest buildings in Europe, the famous cathedral, the largest in Scotland, now lies in ruins.  The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. St Andrews is also known as the "home of golf", because The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews exercised legislative authority over the game; and the famous Old Course of St Andrews Links is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's four major championships. Several of St Andrews’ golf courses are ranked amongst the finest in the world, and draw many visitors as do its sandy beaches.
  2. The sensitivity of St Andrews is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The coastline within St Andrews itself is not covered by a designation that recognises its scenic value, or that affords it protection in planning policy, however the visible landscape to the east falls within the St Andrews to Fife Ness LLA and the Links LLA to the north. Sea views from the town are expansive and long ranging. Although there is no formal recognition of the views from the town itself, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the town.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence from properties that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience. The coastline has a largely north easterly aspect that makes them slightly less liable to development at sea, and the coastal village and its residential properties overlook and gently slope down to the harbour to face the sea. Residents of St Andrews experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. At St Andrews operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development will result in a low magnitude of change for receptors between St Andrews Aquarium and East Sands, with remaining areas observing a negligible magnitude of change.
  2. The Blade Tip ZTV (Figure 15.6) indicates that high numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from the northern part of St Andrews bounded by the shoreline, Bell St to the west, and the A918 to the south; gradually lowering to lower numbers inland. Properties along the towns northern edge, between St Andrews Aquarium and East Sands may have largely unobstructed views of the Proposed Development. The density and pattern of built development will limit views to those from the towns northern edge, between St Andrews Aquarium and East Sands, and along roads leading to the seafront. Seafront views will be defined by open, direct views of the offshore elements of the Proposed Development, at a range of approximately 53.5 km. While there will be an observable increase in the number and lateral extent of offshore wind turbines, these will largely appear behind Neart na Gaoithe and will extend further offshore, into the distance. The Proposed Development will occupy a relatively small proportion of the open sea horizon and will represent a smaller element of the view in good visibility.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of receptors within St Andrews and low magnitude of change to the limited area of the town along the northern edge, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible, dropping to not significant (negligible) in areas with restricted visibility.

Major Settlements - Scottish Borders

Eyemouth

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. Eyemouth is a small town in Berwickshire, 13 km north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Named for its location at the mouth of the Eye Water, the town is a fishing port that holds a yearly Herring Queen Festival. Its narrow streets and 'vennels’ are preserved features of a traditional fishing village that gave shelter from the sea. The main road north–south, the A1, lies 3 km away. The town is centred around a deep bay between Hairy Ness and Nestends.
  2. Eyemouth’s sensitivity is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context view and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The coastline of Eyemouth lies within the Berwickshire Coast SLA, whose ‘dramatic and wild, expansive and exciting’ special quality is afforded protection in local planning policy. This stretch of coastline is untypical of the wider Borders landscape and represents ‘one of the most dramatic sections of Scotland’s east coast’. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the town.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence from properties that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience. The coastline has a largely north easterly aspect that makes them liable to development at sea, and the coastal village and its residential properties overlook and gently slope down to the harbour to face the sea. Residents of Eyemouth experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and harbour, and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. At Eyemouth, the magnitude of change resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium, for properties along the town’s northern edge and the seafront; and low for remaining parts of the village.
  2. High numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are potentially visible from this section of coastline and almost the entire coastal town, excluding the narrow harbour, the area to its east, and the area towards Eyemouth High School in the south, as indicated by the ZTV. A large caravan park lies to the northwest, inland of the ruined Fort Point, whose earthworks screen the sea from view. Properties along the town’s northern edge may have largely unobstructed views of the Proposed Development. Seafront properties may have a partial view of it, channelled by the bays enclosing headlands. The pattern of development largely ignores the coast and in combination with the density of development, receptors within much of the town are unlikely to have more than glimpsed views of it and the surrounding seascape.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of residents of Eyemouth and medium magnitude of change to the limited area of the town along the northern edge and the seafront, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as significant on receptors experiencing these views as they fall within the ‘upper’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered significant primarily due the combination of the medium magnitude of change assessed (in comparison to the medium-low magnitude at other viewpoints with not significant (moderate) effects and the sensitivity of this elevated section of coastline, affording longer range views down over the Proposed Development, together with its closer proximity and wider HFoV without a strong influence of Neart na Gaoithe in the baseline. For remaining areas of the town set-back further inland, which experience a low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible.

Minor Settlements - Scottish Borders

Cove

Baseline and sensitivity

  1. The village of Cove (Viewpoint 12 Cove (SUW), Figure 15.32) lies on the Scottish Borders coast between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh. The village lies on the Berwickshire Coast, on the dramatic clifftops overlooking Cove Beach. The small linear village aligns a road to the coast. Its buildings lie in varying orientations. The elevated location allows panoramic views to the sea from the village, limited by the coastline, with Torness Nuclear Power Station and shipping in the Forth detracting from a largely natural seascape.
  2. The sensitivity of Cove is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium value of the visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the village.
  3. Value. The coastal village overlooks the Scottish Borders coastline within the locally designated Berwickshire Coast SLA, whose special qualities are protected in local planning policy. Views from the village are typical of the ‘dramatic and wild, expansive and exciting’ qualities of this section of coast, which has a north easterly aspect and is dominated by the open sea. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of this elevated coastal settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents have prolonged views of the expansive seascape and the coastal aspect and the village’s elevation means there are direct views out to sea from the coastal edge. Cove’s residents are more liable to be influenced by development in the sea. Residents of Cover experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement, Torness Nuclear Power Station to the north and offshore views are influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.

Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms

  1. For Cove the magnitude of change resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low.
  2. Cove lies 45.7 km from the Proposed Development array, entirely within the ZTV (Figure 15.6) with potential visibility of a high number of proposed wind turbines. The Proposed Development will be seen on the distant sea horizon beyond Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, extending the level and lateral extent of offshore wind farm development in the village’s wider context. The seascape and coastline will largely remain unchanged apart from the greater enclosure of the seascape by offshore windfarm development on the horizon.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the village and medium-low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing this view as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development over 45.7 km from the receptor, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance, their position beyond the sea skyline and their introduction as further elements that are already characteristic in the baseline view, in which Neart na Gaoithe has a moderating influence.

St. Abb’s

Baseline and sensitivity

  1. St Abb’s is a small fishing village Berwickshire. Originally known as Coldingham Shore, the village adopted its name in the 1890s, deriving it from the rocky promontory located to the north of the village, itself named after the 7th century saint Æbbe of Coldingham. The coastline has a near easterly aspect, and the coastal village and its residential properties overlook and slope down to the harbour. The village and its buildings tend to face the open sea, particularly in areas adjoining the harbour. Offshore windfarm development at Neart na Gaoithe lie on the open sea horizon, beyond and partially screened by St Abb’s Head.
  2. The sensitivity of St Abb’s is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The coastal village overlooks the Scottish Borders coastline within the locally designated Berwickshire Coast SLA, whose special qualities are protected in local planning policy. Views from the village are more enclosed and less typical of the ‘dramatic and wild, expansive and exciting’ qualities of this section of coast and less dominated by the open sea than the coastline further north. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence of the expansive seascape framed by St Abb’s Head to the north. The village is slightly elevated with direct views out to sea and its residents are more liable to be influenced by development in the sea. Residents of St Abb’s experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement and the harbour, and offshore views influenced by Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, moderating susceptibility, but a general of lack visual detractors and a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity and scenic quality experienced.

Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms

  1. The magnitude of change to St Abb’s from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium.
  2. The ZTV (Figure 15.6) encompasses the entire village with potential visibility of a high number of proposed wind turbines which drops of sharply beyond the village’s limits. The Proposed Development will be seen on the distant sea horizon beyond Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, considerably extending the level and lateral extent of offshore wind farm development in the village’s wider context. Offshore wind farm development will enclose much of the seascape framed by the Scottish Borders coastline.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the viewpoint and medium magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible.

Major Settlements - Northumberland

Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. The town of Berwick-upon-Tweed (Viewpoint 17 Berwick-upon-Tweed: Figure 15.37) lies 4 km south of the Anglo-Scottish border, in the English county of Northumberland. 90 km north-west lies Edinburgh, 105 km south is Newcastle upon Tyne. The traditional market town has some notable architectural features, including its medieval town walls, Georgian Town Hall, Elizabethan ramparts, and Britain's earliest barracks buildings, built by Nicholas Hawksmoor for the Board of Ordnance. English since 1482, the town was central to the historic border wars between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland for more than 400 years.
  2. The sensitivity of Berwick-upon-Tweed is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the high value of the town’s visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The Berwick-upon-Tweed coastline lies within the North Northumberland Heritage Coast, but is outside the Northumberland Coast AONB. This stretch of coastline is not typical of the ‘Dramatic natural coastline of rocky headlands and cliffs’ or the ‘extensive sweeping sandy beaches and dynamic sand dune systems’ within AONB and is instead defined by the heavily settled townscape of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The visible seascape is valued as part of the Heritage Coast and views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence from properties that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience. The coastline has a largely easterly aspect that makes them liable to development at sea, while the coastal town and its residential properties equally addresses and overlooks the sea and the River Tweed. Residents of Berwick-upon-Tweed experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement, golf courses and holiday parks at the coast, however offshore views are not currently influenced by offshore wind farm development, and there is a distinctive seascape setting that contributes to the visual amenity experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. For receptors within the north-east of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s old town and the newer area of Highfields, the magnitude of change resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low, with remaining areas observing a negligible magnitude of change.
  2. Due to the topography around the sweeping River Tweed, high numbers of Proposed Development wind turbines are only potentially visible from the north and north-east of the town, as indicated by the ZTV. This includes the newer area of Highfields and the old town north of the Castle Gate Car Park. Properties on the A6105 and south of the Castle Gate Car Park have little to no potential visibility of the Proposed Development, further reduced in the old town by the pattern and density of development. Areas likely to be most affected by the Proposed Development lie on the seaward edge of the town where properties tend to address the coast, including, Newfields and Sea View in Highfields and Lord’s Mount in the old town. Receptors on the eastern boundary of Haven Berwick Holiday Park will observe a similar magnitude of change to these areas.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor and medium-low magnitude of change to the seaward edge of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Remaining areas of Berwick-upon-Tweed set-back from the coast with little to no visibility of the Proposed Development will observe a negligible magnitude of change that is assessed as not significant (minor), direct, long-term and reversible.

Minor Settlement – Northumberland

Spittal

Baseline and sensitivity
  1. The village lies on the south bank of the River Tweed. Its sandy beach led to the village’s development as a seaside resort and a Victorian promenade and a 'Venetian' pavilion, built in 1928, lends a traditional feel to the popular beach. The village lies between the shoreline and Sunnyside Cut/A1167 with the ECML dividing the lower part of the town, abutting the shoreline, from the upper part, on the elevated hinterland. Main Street, which echoes the coastline, defines the pattern of the lower village and much of its housing faces or backs on to the sea, particularly at the Promenade. Apart from its seaward edge, the upper village’s housing has a more complex pattern that relates less well to the coastline.
  2. The sensitivity of Spittal is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of the town’s visual context view and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors within the town.
  3. Value. The Spittal coastline does not lie within the North Northumberland Heritage Coast or the Northumberland Coast AONB, falling within the undesignated break in the Heritage Coast to the south of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The visible seascape to the north and south does however fall within the North Northumberland Heritage Coast and the coast to the south marks the north edge of the AONB. While untypical of the ‘Dramatic natural coastline of rocky headlands and cliffs’; Spittal Beach is sandy with some dunes at the mouth to the River Tweed and similar to the ‘extensive sweeping sandy beaches and dynamic sand dune systems’ that are characteristic of the AONB. Although there is no formal recognition of the views, the views of the sea from this settlement will be valued at the local level by residents as the backdrop that is fundamental to the seascape setting of the settlement.
  4. Susceptibility. Residents of the town may have static, long-term views of the seascape from their primary place of residence from properties that address the coast. Seascape views are likely to be a large part of their experience. The coastline has a largely easterly aspect that makes them liable to development at sea, while the coastal town and its residential properties equally predominantly addresses and overlooks the sea. Residents of Spittal experience varying levels of visual amenity, with views influenced by built development in the settlement, the ECML and holiday parks however offshore views are not influenced by wind farm development, and the seascape setting contributes to the visual amenity experienced.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. For receptors within Spittal that have clear sea views, the magnitude of change resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low, with those in remaining areas observing a negligible magnitude of change.
  2. Due to the topography inland, high numbers of the proposed wind turbines are potentially visible from the seaward edge of the upper town, between the ECML and A1167; and lower numbers are potentially visible from the lower town, backing the beach, as indicated by the ZTV (Figure 15.6). Properties on the Promenade, Albert Road, Spittal Hall Road and Eastcliffe will be most affected. Beyond these parts of the town the pattern and density of development will limit visibility of the Proposed Development.
  3. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor and medium-low magnitude of change to the seaward edges of the upper and lower town of Spittal, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Remaining areas of the settlement set-back from the coast with little to no visibility of the Proposed Development will observe a negligible magnitude of change that is assessed as not significant (minor), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing this view as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development from the receptor, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance and their position beyond the sea skyline.

Recreational Routes

Berwickshire Coastal Path

  1. A preliminary assessment of the visual effects arising from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development on the Berwickshire Coastal Path is set out in Table 15.22   Open ▸ , which is informed by the ZTV analysis of the Berwickshire Coastal Path presented in Figure 15.12
Table 15.22:
Preliminary Assessment Berwickshire Coastal Path

Table 15.22: Preliminary Assessment Berwickshire Coastal Path

 

  1. The Berwickshire Coastal Path covers 48 km from Cockburnspath south, crossing the border between Scotland and England, to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Much of the route is well waymarked and reasonably straightforward with some steep ascents and descents. The northern end of the route links up with the Southern Upland Way, and the John Muir Way, via the John Muir link, to continue around the coastline of East Lothian. The route map and description of sections is available online[4]. This route is identified by NatureScot as one of Scotland’s ‘Great Trails’[5], and accordingly is considered to have national value as a recreational asset.
Cockburnspath to Dowlaw (12 km)
  1. Cockburnspath is the terminus of the Southern Upland Way which links with Portpatrick, 340 km away in Dumfries and Galloway. A linking path connects to the John Muir Way at Dunbar, 17 km away, via Dunglass.
  2. The 12 km section heads east and under the A1 and ECML to join the coast at Cove (Viewpoint 12 Cove (SUW): Figure 15.32). It follows the clifftop before descending to Pease Bay SSSI where it passes behind a caravan park before climbing to the higher ground behind the cliff edge. The route passes St Helen’s Church, dedicated to the mother of Emperor Constantine, and Siccar Point (Hutton’s Unconformity) where James Hutton, James Hall and John Playfair found horizontal layers of red sandstone overlying older, steeply pitched sedimentary rocks known as greywacke. Passing through farmland the route eventually joins Dowlaw Road, to Dowlaw.
  3. The sensitivity of receptors using the Cockburnspath to Dowlaw section is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of its visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors. The whole of this route section passes through the Berwickshire Coast SLA (see Figure 15.4) which recognises the value of this coastal landscape at a local level. The relevant qualifying interest features of the SLA are summarised in Table 15.11   Open ▸ . The (2012) SLA Designation Statement notes that this is a particularly dramatic, and unique section of Scotland’s east coast. The qualities of this coastal landscape are referred to as wild and rugged, particularly around Cockburnspath and Coldingham Moor; the latter is also noted for its very high scenic quality. Users of this route would correspondingly be susceptible to changes to their views that might affect an appreciation of these qualities; however, a moderating factor is the presence of Torness Nuclear Power Station in views along the coast and Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm which is visible from this section of the route in views out to sea (Figure 15.18).
  4. The magnitude of change to the Cockburnspath to Dowlaw section resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low from the most distant part of the path to the closest areas near Dowlaw. Even at its closest point, the Proposed Development will be located a long distance, approximately 41.3 km, from this section of the Berwickshire Coastal Path. The ZTV (Figure 5.12d) and Table 15.22   Open ▸ show that walkers on this section of the route would experience long-duration theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development. The route follows the broadly north-west to south-east alignment of this section of the coast and typically the Proposed Development would appear oblique to the direction of travel, although there will be intermittent sections that align more directly, for example heading eastwards from Harly Darlies to Dowlaw. The uniformity of the high rugged cliff landform, punctuated by occasional rocky inlets, offers long stretches of coastline with elevated views out to sea; as the landform continues to rise inland, albeit more gently, there is a greater emphasis on the seaward nature of views along this section of the route.
  5. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the Cockburnspath to Dowlaw section and medium-low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as significant (moderate), direct, long-term and reversible. Moderate effects are assessed as not significant on receptors experiencing views from this section of the route as they fall within the ‘lower’ grey area of the matrix (indicated in mid-grey in Table 15.17   Open ▸ ) and are considered not significant primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, given the distance of the Proposed Development over 41.3 km from the receptor, the apparent scale of the Proposed Development wind turbines at this distance, their position beyond the sea skyline and their introduction as further elements that are already characteristic in the baseline view, in which Neart na Gaoithe has a moderating influence.
Dowlaw to St Abbs (10km)
  1. An optional diversion to Fast Castle (Viewpoint 13 Fast Castle: Figure 15.33) heads north from Dowlaw down the steep slopes to the coastline. The ruined castle occupies a dramatic, sheer-sided rock jutting out into the sea best viewed from the higher ground on the landward side. Sir Walter Scott set part of his novel, Bride of Lammermuir here, calling it ‘Wolf’s Crag’.
  2. From Dowlaw the route continues away from the clifftops, re-joining them near Oatlee Hill, before passing two Admiralty Distance Poles. These poles over a measured mile enabled shipping companies to test the speed of ocean-going vessels. The route follows the clifftops to Tun Law (Viewpoint 14 Tun Law: Figure 15.34), the highest cliff on the Berwickshire coast at 150 m. Tun Law is also the site of two Iron Age forts, represented by defensive banks and ditches on the landward side. From Tun Law the route descends to Pettico Wick which has magnificent views of the coastline of cliffs. The jetty was built to land supplies for the lighthouse prior to the road and this was also the location of an early salmon fishing station. The route then ascends to St Abbs Lighthouse (Viewpoint 15 St Abb’s Head: Figure 15.35) and Kirk Hill, the site of a 7th century monastery of St Æbba and a later chapel. It passes through St Abbs Head NNR, famous for its many thousands of seabirds and wild coastal plants, to the coastal village of St Abbs.
  3. The sensitivity of the Dowlaw to St Abbs section is considered to be high, reflecting the medium-high value of its visual context, and the high susceptibility to change of receptors across much of the route.
  4. The whole of this route section passes through the Berwickshire Coast SLA (Figure 15.4) which recognises the value of this coastal landscape at a local level. The relevant qualifying interest features of the SLA are summarised in Table 15.11   Open ▸ . The (2012) SLA Designation Statement notes that this is a particularly dramatic, and unique section of Scotland’s east coast. The qualities of this coastal landscape are referred to as wild and rugged, particularly the seas around St. Abbs. St. Abbs Head is also noted as an important coastal landmark.
  5. The susceptibility of receptors is considered to be high on the short detour to Fast Castle. The attention and interest of people would tend to be focused on the steeply sloping coastal edge and coastal headland site of the historic castle ruins. The publicised Berwickshire Coastal Path description recommends that the castle is best viewed from higher ground on the landwards side, from where it is appreciated against the vast expanse of the seascape to the east. The susceptibility of travellers on the route around St. Abbs headland is also considered to be high on account of its popularity as a destination for tourist visitors, scenic quality of views along the coastline, and as a panoramic viewpoint identified on OS mapping. Users of this route would correspondingly be susceptible to changes to their views that might affect an appreciation of these qualities; however, a moderating factor is the presence of Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm which is visible from this section of the route in views along the coastline and out to sea (Figure 15.18 and Viewpoints 13, 14 and 15).
  6. The magnitude of change to the Dowlaw to St Abbs section resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium. At its closest point, the Proposed Development array area would be located some 37.9 km from this section of the route. The ZTV (Figure 15.12) and Table 15.22   Open ▸ show that walkers on this section would experience long-duration theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development. The route follows the broadly north-west to south-east alignment of this section of the coast and typically the Proposed Development array would typically appear oblique to the direction of travel, although short sections may align more directly. The uniformity of the high rugged cliff landform, punctuated by occasional rocky inlets, offers long stretches of coastline with elevated views out to sea; as the landform continues to rise inland, albeit more gently, there is a greater emphasis on the seaward nature of views along this section of the route.
  7. Based on the combination of the high sensitivity of the Dowlaw to St Abbs section and medium magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development on the route section as a whole is assessed as significant (major/moderate), direct, long-term and reversible.
St Abbs to Eyemouth (6 km)
  1. From St Abbs, the 6 km section goes around Coldingham Bay, an award-winning beach lying about a mile from the village of Coldingham, following the clifftops behind the ruined Fort Point (Viewpoint 16 Eyemouth: Figure 15.36) to Eyemouth. Once Scotland’s largest south-eastern port, Eyemouth is the largest town in Berwickshire.
  2. The sensitivity of receptors on the St Abbs to Eyemouth section is considered to be high, reflecting the medium-high value of the visual context of this section, and the high susceptibility to change of receptors using this section. The whole of this route section passes through the Berwickshire Coast SLA (Figure 15.4) which recognises the value of this coastal landscape at a local level that contributes to its visual context. The relevant qualifying interest features of the SLA are summarised in Table 15.11   Open ▸ .  The (2012) SLA Designation Statement notes the continuation of the dramatic cliffs from St. Abbs to Eyemouth. Views along this section of the Berwickshire Coastal Path are influenced by settlement at St. Abbs and Eyemouth and the working agricultural hinterland, which is considered to slightly moderate the susceptibility to change of walkers when compared to the more rugged and remote coast to the north of St. Abbs. A further moderating factor is the presence of Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, which is visible from this section of the route in views along the coastline and out to sea (Figure 15.18).
  3. The magnitude of change to the St Abbs to Eyemouth section resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium. At its closest point, the Proposed Development would be located some 38.9 km from this section. The ZTV (Figure 15.12) and Table 15.22   Open ▸ show that walkers on this section would experience long-duration theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development, although with fewer wind turbines theoretically visible from the more sheltered part of the route which rounds the north of Coldingham Bay. The route follows the broadly north-west to south-east alignment of this section of the coast and typically the Proposed Development would appear oblique to the direction of travel, although there will be short sections that align more directly. The uniformity of the exposed high cliffs offers distant views along the shoreline and out to the North Sea.
  4. Based on the combination of the high sensitivity and medium magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as significant (major/moderate), direct, long-term and reversible.
Eyemouth to Berwick upon Tweed (20 km)
  1. After following the bay’s shoreline through Eyemouth and turning inland to cross the River Eye behind the harbour, the route ascends to follow the cliffs to Burnmouth and on to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The route follows the coast past Berwick’s ramparts which provide a popular promenade around the town (Viewpoint 17 Berwick-upon-Tweed: Figure 15.37). Their present form was a response to the construction of Fort Point at Eyemouth by the French. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, famous for his London churches, and built in 1711, they are the oldest in Britain. Finally turning west to follow the north bank of the River Tweed, the route ends at Quay Walls with views of Old Berwick Bridge with its fifteen sandstone arches, the Royal Tweed Bridge and Robert Stephenson’s Royal Border Bridge, which carries the ECML.
  2. The sensitivity of the Eyemouth to Berwick upon Tweed section is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of its visual context, and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors. Part of this section, between Eyemouth and Lamberton, lies within the Berwickshire Coast SLA (see Figure 15.12e), which recognises the value of this coastal landscape at a local level. The section of the route in England, south of Lamberton to Berwick upon Tweed, lies within the North Northumberland Heritage Coast. This section of the route closely follows the elevated landform along the coastal edge with distant views out across the North Sea experienced relatively consistently on this section of the route. Although users of this route would be susceptible to changes to their views that might affect an appreciation of these qualities, there are several moderating factors; the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm is distantly visible from this section of the route in views along the coastline and out to sea (see Figure 15.18 and Viewpoint 17). Furthermore, settlement, tourist development, the A1 and ECML railway, have a greater influence on the visual amenity experienced from this section compared to those further north.
  3. The magnitude of change to the Eyemouth to Berwick upon Tweed section resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as low. At its closest point, the Proposed Development would be located at a minimum distance of 39.0 km from this section of the Berwickshire Coastal Path. The ZTV (Figure 15.12) and Table 15.22   Open ▸ show that walkers on this section would experience long-duration theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development. This is a relatively linear stretch of coastline, and this section of the route largely follows its north-west to south-east alignment; thus, the Proposed Development would typically appear oblique to the prevailing direction of travel, although there would be short sections that may align more directly.
  4. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity and low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term and reversible.

Fife Coastal Path

  1. A preliminary assessment of the visual effects arising from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development on the Fife Coastal Path is set out in Table 15.23   Open ▸ , which is informed by the ZTV analysis of the Fife Coastal Path presented in Figure 15.12
Table 15.23:
Preliminary Assessment Fife Coastal Path

Table 15.23: Preliminary Assessment Fife Coastal Path

  1. The extended Fife Coast Path runs between the Kincardine Bridge and Newburgh, generally keeping to the shore. Apart from the exposed but optional Elie Chainwalk at Kincraig Point, the path is quite accessible although some places use the foreshore. The route passes castles, fishing villages, rock formations, caves, and long sandy beaches. This route is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is considered to have national value as a recreational asset.
Elie to Cambo Sands (25.8 km)
  1. The section From Elie to Cambo, or Kingsbarns, begins at Ruby Bay, once a site famous for Red Garnet gemstones. There is an optional short detour to Elie Lighthouse and Lady Tower.  From here to St Monans (Viewpoint E: Figure 15.47) the route passes the ruins of Ardross and Newark Castles and the 14th century St Monans Church. Passing the restored St. Monans Windmill, the route continues to Pittenweem, Fife’s only working fishing harbour, to skirt the golf course and the rocky shore, past Billow Ness to the four old Royal Burghs which constitute Anstruther. The path then continues through Cellardyke, towards Crail and onto open pasture. A prominent sandstone feature, the Caiplie Caves, lie almost midway between the two villages. Continuing past an old salt works, the path winds to Crail, a traditional fishing village with a 17th century harbour, passes through the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Kilminning Coast Wildlife and on to Fife Ness. Now at the most easterly point in Fife, the path passes King Constantine’s Cave, a golf course, and continues along the shore beneath the Randerston cliffs before leading to a bridge over the Cambo Burn. It then continues along a sandy track through the dunes or follows Kingsbarns beach to end at the Kingsbarns Beach Car Park (Viewpoint 4 Cambo Sands: Figure 15.24).
  2. The sensitivity of the Elie to Cambo Sands section is considered to be medium-high, reflecting the medium-high value of its visual context and the medium-high susceptibility to change of receptors using this section of the Fife Coastal Path, which include people Dolphin spotting along this stretch of coast, often using telescopes and cameras. Parts of this section fall within the East Neuk SLA and St Andrews to Fife Ness SLA (Figure 15.12), which recognises the value of this coastal landscape at a local level.
  3. The relevant qualifying interest features of the SLAs are summarised in Table 15.11   Open ▸ . The (2009) Fife Local Landscape Designation Review for the East Neuk SLA notes that this stretch of the coastline is particularly wide and open, with extensive seaward views and a relatively open farmland character. The (2009) Review also identifies that the coastal path provides a key access route along the coastal edge for recreation. Open sea views which extend to the southern shore of the Forth are noted as being vulnerable to inappropriate offshore development. Views from this section of coast look outwards towards the distant Lothian coast to the south, with East Neuk villages generally focused inwards on their harbours. The Isle of May is noted as a particular feature in views from this coastline.
  4. Further east, the Coastal Path passes through parts of the St Andrews to Fife Ness SLA. The (2009) Review notes the scenic quality of the landscape as a result of the intricate, rugged coastal edge of promontories and incisions that is somewhat isolated from the inland coastal landscape. Extensive seaward views and perceptions of openness and exposure are identified as qualities of the SLA.
  5. Users of this route would be susceptible to changes to their views that might affect an appreciation of these qualities and their attention is likely to be transitory but focused on sea views from this coastal path, which is the principal outlook, and often experienced over relatively long duration. A moderating factor will be the presence of Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm which is visible from this section of the route at moderate range in views along the coastline and out to sea (see Figure 15.18 and Viewpoints 6 and E).
  6. The magnitude of change to the Elie to Cambo Sands section of the Fife Coast Path resulting from the operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development is assessed as low from this section of the route. At its closest point, the Proposed Development would be located some 41.6 km from this section of the route. The ZTV (Figure 15.12) and Table 15.22   Open ▸ show that walkers on this section would experience long-duration theoretical visibility of the Proposed Development. The orientation of walkers travelling east from Elie to Fife Ness would also be frequently towards the Proposed Development. The Proposed Development will however, appear subsumed behind and overlapping Neart na Gaoithe, making the combined array appear denser yet only adding a small amount to the HFoV, in which the majority of the sea skyline will be retained and the wider sea views unaffected.
  7. The effect to views from the Coastal Path occurs mainly between Cambo Sands and Pittenweem, although farther west of Pittenweem towards Elie the number of visible wind turbines would start to reduce beyond approximately 50 km from the Proposed Development array area, aside from at some isolated, elevated sections of the route.
  8. Based on the combination of the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor and low magnitude of change, the significance of effect arising from the Proposed Development is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor), direct, long-term, and reversible.