Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. The landform of exposed rock platforms, small headlands, sheltered bays and the Isle of May will be perceived during civil twilight (dusk), however these characteristics will be appreciated less after the end of civil twilight, when it is technically 'dark' and wind turbine aviation lighting is switched on. The Proposed Development wind turbine aviation lights will appear subsumed behind much of Neart na Gaoithe in views from this CCA at night, increasing the density of lighting where they overlap, but only adding a small amount to the HFoV of aviation lighting on the skyline, into the sea skyline area between Neart na Gaoithe and the Isle of May. The aviation lighting associated with the Proposed Development may marginally decrease the extent of dark sea skyline between Neart na Gaoithe and the Isle of May, extending lights on the horizon slightly nearer to the Isle of May in excellent visibility conditions, however, the CCA is located at distances between 41.7 km (Fife Ness) and 57 km (Elie) from the potential sources of light, which reduces the magnitude of change as viewers are unlikely to perceive the aviation lights to any degree of intensity at such long range. The visible aviation lights would be small scale and very distant and would integrate with the context of other distant wind turbine aviation lighting seen offshore. As a result of these factors, the magnitude of change on the perceived character of the CCA at night, resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as low, and when combined with the medium sensitivity of the receptor, results in a not significant (minor), indirect, long term and reversible effect.

SA17 – Eyebroughty to Torness Point

Baseline and Sensitivity to Change
  1. This coastline is settled and developed in places and lighting is a feature of night-time views, particularly around the urban areas of North Berwick and Dunbar, but also from areas including industrial lighting such as at Torness and Dunbar Cement Plant, as well as street and car lighting along the A1. There is also some lighting from ships at sea. Aviation lighting of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm may also be visible in night-time views out to sea, at distances between 33 km (at North Berwick) and 46 km (at Skateraw). Due to the influence of existing lighting in the baseline, the character of much of the CCA therefore has a low sensitivity to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night. There are three main areas of the CCA that are considered susceptible to change at night. These are within the coastal areas designated as part of the North Berwick to Seton Sands Coast SLA and Tantallon Coast SLA (between Eyebroughty and Tantallon) and the Belhaven Bay SLA.
  2. North Berwick to Seton Sands Coast SLA - Dark skies are not identified as a special quality of this SLA. The character description notes that ‘at night the lights of Fife sparkle across the Forth’, however the guidelines for development note that ‘Any proposed development must not harm the night-time darkness of those areas of the coast that are currently darker; Gosford Bay to Craigielaw and Gullane Bents to Broad Sands’ (East Lothian Council, 2018). Gosford Bay and Craigielaw are outside the SLVIA study area (beyond 60 km), with the main area with susceptibility to change being the area between Eyebroughty and Broad Sands, where there is potential for distant offshore wind turbine lighting to appear in the seascape backdrop to the small volcanic islands that are distinctive along the shore from Yellowcraig to North Berwick (e.g. Fidra, Lamb, Craigleith). The susceptibility is however moderated by these perceived characteristics already being influenced by a coastal baseline context that is partially lit at night, locally around the settlements of North Berwick, Dirleton and Archerfield, as well as in views across the Firth of Forth to the lights of Fife’s coastal settlements, masts and coastal wind turbines, oil rigs and the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm aviation lighting at sea, and by the limited and oblique association of the coast with the Proposed Development at such long range offshore to the east. The sensitivity of this part of the North Berwick to Seton Sands Coast SLA of SA17 to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night is considered to be medium-low, reflecting a medium value and a medium-low susceptibility to change.
  3. Tantallon Coast SLA - Dark skies are not identified as a special quality of this SLA, however the guidelines for development note that ‘Any proposed development must not harm the night-time darkness of this area of the coast’ (East Lothian Council, 2018). The main characteristics that are susceptible to change at night is the perception of the distinctive landform of Bass Rock and the steep coastal cliffs particularly around Tantallon, topped by the imposing ruins of Tantallon Castle, from the coastline between North Berwick and St Baldred’s Point (Seacliff). Together these are highly distinctive landmarks and their form may be appreciated at night in views out to the Forth of Forth, in the context of the seascape backdrop. The susceptibility is however moderated by these perceived characteristics already being influenced by a coastal baseline context that is partially lit at night, locally around the settlement of North Berwick, as well as in views across the Firth of Forth to the lights of Fife’s coastal settlements, masts and coastal wind turbines, oil rigs and the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm aviation lighting at sea. The sensitivity of this part of the Tantallon Coast SLA of SA17 to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night is considered to be medium, reflecting a medium value and a medium susceptibility to change. The sensitivity to change lessens in the southern part of the SLA where these characteristics are not within the more open offshore views and the hinterland is extensively wooded around Tyninghame.
  4. Belhaven Bay SLA – Dark skies are one of the defined special qualities of the Belhaven Bay SLA of SA17, identified as the ‘Lack of artificial lighting as well as accessibility makes the Bay a good place to observe the night sky, including on occasion the Aurora Borealis, as there is little lighting directly to the north, with the lights of Fife being largely obscured by landform’. The guidelines for development also note ‘Any proposed development must not harm the night-time darkness of this area of the coast’ (East Lothian Council, 2018). Although there is limited lighting to the north (towards the coast), the southern edges of the SLA are influenced by lighting at night within the urban edges of Dunbar and the A1 and ECML on its southern edge. The main characteristics that are susceptible to change at night derives from the openness of the wide Tyne estuary and Belhaven Bay, which allows for appreciation of the night skies which are a feature of the area, and on occasions the Aurora Borealis to the north. The perception of the red sandstone cliffs, offshore rocks, skerries and reefs of Dunbar at night are also susceptible to changes in their seascape backdrop. Although they are not high, they are dramatic due to their varied form – bays, vertical cliffs, platforms, with interesting formations and the historic Dunbar castle with the sea swirling round them. The susceptibility of the southern parts of the SLA near the edges of Dunbar and A1 are however moderated by the baseline context that is partially lit at night, as well there being existing lighting in views to the sea including vessels and the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm aviation lighting. The sensitivity of the Belhaven Bay SLA of SA17 to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night is considered to be medium-high, reflecting a medium-high value and a medium susceptibility to change.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. The coastal landforms of the North Berwick, Tantallon and Belhaven Bay will be perceived during civil twilight (dusk), however these characteristics will be appreciated less after the end of civil twilight, when it is technically 'dark' and wind turbine aviation lighting is switched on.
  2. North Berwick to Seton Sands Coast SLA - Gosford Bay, Craigielaw and Gullane Bents are outside the SLVIA study area (beyond 60 km) and outside the ZTV, therefore the Proposed Development will result in zero change and no effect to the night-time darkness of those areas of the coast. The coastline between Eyebroughty and Broad Sands is located at distances between 57 - 60 km from the potential sources of light, which reduces the magnitude of change as viewers are unlikely to perceive the aviation lights to any degree of intensity at such long range. The majority of the aviation lights are also likely to be on or below the horizon at such distance from this relatively low-lying section of coast and will result in little change to the seascape backdrop of the small volcanic islands that are distinctive along the shore from Yellowcraig to North Berwick (e.g., Fidra, Lamb, Craigleith). As a result of these factors, the magnitude of change on the perceived character of the North Berwick to Seton Sands Coast SLA of SA17 at night, resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as negligible, and when combined with the medium-low sensitivity of the receptor, results in a not significant (negligible), indirect, long term and reversible effect.
  3. Tantallon Coast SLA - The coastline between North Berwick and St Baldred’s Point (Seacliff) is located at distances between approximately 51 - 55 km from the potential sources of light, which reduces the magnitude of change as viewers are unlikely to perceive the aviation lights to any degree of intensity at such long range. The majority of the aviation lights are also likely to be low to the horizon or beyond it at such distance and will result in low levels of change to the seascape backdrop of the distinctive landform of Bass Rock and the steep coastal cliffs particularly around Tantallon. From the closest sections of the SLA coastline at Ravensheugh Sands (51 km away), these distinctive coastal landforms are to the north and not seen within the more open north-easterly offshore views towards the Proposed Development. As a result of these factors, the magnitude of change on the perceived character of Tantallon Coast SLA of SA17 at night, resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as low, and when combined with the medium sensitivity of the receptor, results in a not significant (moderate/minor), indirect, long term and reversible effect.
  4. Belhaven Bay SLA - The coastline of the Belhaven Bay SLA is located at distances between approximately 47 - 52 km from the potential sources of light, extending further inland along the Tyne, which reduces the magnitude of change as viewers are unlikely to perceive the aviation lights to any degree of intensity at such long range. The visible aviation lighting would be seen as distant point sources of red light, at slightly varying heights but generally seen low to the horizon, which would limit intrusion into views of stars in the night-sky overhead. The majority of aviation lights are visible to the south of Neart na Gaoithe, avoiding the views to dark skies (and on occasions the Aurora Borealis) the north across Belhaven Bay, which is also generally very low lying around the bay and Tyne Estuary. From the Dunbar cliffs, the Proposed Development aviation lights may extend the influence of offshore wind farm lighting across the skyline backdrop to the distinctive red sandstone cliffs, offshore rocks and skerries of Dunbar, to the south of Neart na Gaoithe, however would be of low intensity and would integrate with the context of other distant wind turbine aviation lighting seen offshore. As a result of these factors, the magnitude of change on the perceived character of the Belhaven Bay SLA of SA17 at night, resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as low, and when combined with the medium-high sensitivity of the receptor, results in a not significant (moderate/minor), indirect, long term and reversible effect.
  5. From all areas of the SA17 – Eyebroughty to Torness Point, the Proposed Development aviation lights are not expected to result in obtrusive light that impedes the wider expanse of night sky, which can be experienced readily, nor result in brightening of the night sky (skyglow) or glare on to the sea surface and would therefore not be of detriment to the character of these areas perceived at night or the experience of the night skies.

SA18/SA19 Torness Point to St Abbs Head

Baseline and Sensitivity to Change
  1. This coastline is settled and developed in places and lighting is a feature of views, including street lighting in Eyemouth, Coldingham and St Abbs and along the A1107. There is also some lighting from ships at sea and the lighthouse at St Abb’s Head. Aviation lighting of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm may also be visible in night-time views out to sea, at distances between 29 km (at Torness Point) and 33 km (at St Abbs Head). Due to the influence of existing lighting in the baseline, the character of much of the northern part of the CCA, between Torness Point and Pease Bay has a low sensitivity to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night. The main area of the CCA that is considered susceptible to change at night is the coastal areas designated as part of the Berwickshire Coast SLA between Fast Castle Head and St Abbs Head.
  2. Berwickshire Coast SLA - Dark skies are not identified as a special quality of this SLA (Scottish Borders Council, 2012) and there are no dark skies planning policy protection for this area, a reflection of reflection of the value that society attaches to coast at night. The main characteristic that is susceptible to change at night is the perception of the elevated moorland and dramatic, steep rocky coastline of cliffs and bays, recognised in the SLA citation (SBC, 2012) as a ‘unique landscape on the east coast of Scotland’. The landform of this steep rocky coastline of cliffs extending between Fast Castle Head and St Abbs Head in particular, may be perceived at night in the context of the wider the sea skyline. The susceptibility of this stretch of coastline, between Fast Castle Head and St Abbs Head, is relatively higher than other parts of this CCA as there is generally relatively little lighting on land and at sea, apart from ships and the distant presence of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore windfarm aviation lights. In distant views to the north, Torness Power Station is a noticeable source of lighting, with some less bright lighting scattered along the East Lothian coastline farther north. The sensitivity of this part of the Berwickshire Coast SLA of SA18/SA19 between Fast Castle and St Abbs Head, to the offshore wind farm lighting associated within the Proposed Development at night is considered to be medium-high, reflecting a medium value and a medium-high susceptibility to change.
Magnitude of change and significance of effect in EIA terms
  1. Berwickshire Coast SLA - The coastline of the Berwickshire Coast SLA of SA18/SA19 between Fast Castle and St Abbs Head is located at distances between approximately 40 km (Fast Castle) to 38 km from the potential sources of light, which reduces the magnitude of change as viewers are unlikely to perceive the aviation lights to any degree of intensity at such long range.
  2. The visible aviation lighting would be seen as distant point sources of red light, at slightly varying heights, seen close to the horizon which would limit intrusion into views of stars in the night sky overhead. The extent of wind turbine aviation lights will be visually separate from Neart na Gaoithe with a clear gap between them on the sea skyline, forming a distinct new array of lights to the south of Neart na Gaoithe, representing an increase in the lighting of the undeveloped sea skyline. The aviation lights are located out to sea, contrasting with the dark seascape, yet being located in an area which is visually separated from the coast and therefore avoids effects on the perception of the elevated moorland and dramatic, steep rocky coastline of cliffs and bays, extending to the north. As a result of these factors, the magnitude of change on the night-time view resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as medium, and when combined with the medium-high sensitivity of receptors at this viewpoint, results in a significant (moderate), indirect, long-term, and reversible visual effect. Moderate effects are assessed as significant on receptors experiencing the perceived character at night 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 receptors with not significant (moderate) effects and the sensitivity of this more remote and less developed section of coastline, its elevation 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.
  3. The aviation lights may influence the continuity between the dark sea below and the dark skies above, however they are low to the horizon and do not extend into, nor impede, the view of sky at night. The aviation lights are not expected to result in obtrusive light that impedes the wider expanse of night sky, which can be experienced readily above the viewer, nor result in brightening of the night sky (skyglow) or glare on to the sea surface and would therefore not be of detriment to the overall experience of the night skies experienced from SA18/SA19 Torness Point to St Abbs Head.

Northumberland Coast AONB

  1. Northumberland Coast AONB Special Quality 8 ‘Dark Skies’ is described in the AONB Management Plan (Northumberland Coast AONB, 2020-2024) as follows:
  2. ‘Ever-increasing levels of outdoor lighting are constantly diminishing our view of the spectacular sky visible on a clear night, and most people have to travel far from their homes to experience a good view of the night sky. Areas of the Northumberland Coast AONB still retain such dark skies, and these are a special quality of the area, valued by residents and visitors alike’.
  3.  The Northumberland Coast AONB is not a dark sky park (the Northumberland Dark Sky Park lies inland and outside the SLVIA study area, within the Northumberland National Park), however part of the appreciation of the Northumberland Coast AONB defined in Special Quality 8 is the ability to experience ‘a good view of the night sky’ and areas that ‘retain such dark skies’. Areas with night-time light pollution within the AONB are centred upon the main settlements of Haggerston and Bamburgh, which are relatively small in size, however lighting from the larger settlement of Berwick-upon-Tweed located outside the AONB influences the night skies viewed from the northern part of the AONB. Lights from cars and street lighting along the main A1 road corridor and scattered settlement also provide sources of baseline lighting at night. The areas with darkest nights skies and low levels of night light pollution (Figure 15.15) are the coastal areas and nearshore seascape in the southern part of the SLVIA study around Holy Island sands, Lindisfarne NNR/Fenham Flats and the Farne Islands.
  4. The WTG aviation lights are not located within the Northumberland Coast AONB. The closest part of Northumberland Coast AONB is located 47.9 km from the Proposed Development at its closest point, with the areas of darkest nights skies around Holy Island sands/Lindisfarne NNR being located 53 km to 60 km from the Proposed Development. The WTG aviation lights may however be visible offshore from viewpoints in the Northumberland Coast AONB at very long range, during limited periods of excellent visibility, and therefore have the potential to affect the experience of dark skies qualities in views from the AONB.
  5. As shown in the WTG aviation lighting ZTV (Figure 15.10e), there is theoretical visibility of the WTG aviation lights from the area of the AONB between Cocklawburn (Viewpoint 18) and Holy Island (Viewpoint 19) to people viewing the sky at night, however there is no visibility or very low visibility from the areas of darkest nights skies around Hold Island sands/Lindisfarne NNR, which are low lying and largely screened by the intervening landforms of Holy Island to the north. These principal areas of the Northumberland Coast AONB where qualities of the night-time skies may be appreciated will not be affected by the Proposed Development.
  6. Changes to the appreciation of dark night skies could occur principally in long distance views from the closest coastline of the Northumberland Coast AONB, however as demonstrated in the assessment of Viewpoint 18 from Cocklawburn Beach (Figure 15.38h), the magnitude of change on views from this part of the AONB at night is assessed as low. The aviation lighting may only be seen as very distant point sources of red light, very low to, or on, the horizon, at very long range, which would limit the intrusion of wind turbine aviation lights into the views of the night-sky overhead. The wind turbine aviation lights would be small scale and very distant, with the very long range impeding the ability of receptors to perceive the intensity of lights out to sea against the relatively dark background.
  7. The magnitude of change to Special Quality 8 ‘Dark Skies’ resulting from the wind turbine aviation lights operating at 2,000 cd is assessed as low to negligible, and when combined with the high sensitivity of receptors at this viewpoint, results in a not significant (minor), indirect, long term and reversible visual effect. The aviation lights are low to the horizon and do not extend into, nor impede, the view of sky at night. The aviation lights are not expected to result in obtrusive light that impedes the wider expanse of night sky, which can be experienced readily above the viewer, nor result in brightening of the night sky (skyglow) or glare on to the sea surface and would therefore not be of detriment to the overall experience of the night skies experienced from the Northumberland Coast AONB and it is assessed that ‘good views of the night sky’ and areas that ‘retain such dark skies’ will be retained.

15.12. Cumulative Effects Assessment

15.12.1.         Methodology

Approach to Additional or Combined Cumulative Effects

  1. The Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) takes into account the impact associated with the Proposed Development together with other relevant plans, projects and activities. Cumulative effects are therefore the additional or combined effect of the Proposed Development in combination with the effects from a number of different projects, on the same receptor or resource. Please see volume 1, chapter 6 for detail on CEA methodology.
  2. GLVIA3 (Landscape Institute and IEMA 2013, p120) defines cumulative landscape and visual effects as those that ‘result from additional changes to the landscape and visual amenity caused by the proposal in conjunction with other developments (associated with or separate to it), or actions that occurred in the past, present or are likely to occur in the foreseeable future.’
  3. NatureScot’s guidance, Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments (NatureScot 2012) is widely used across the UK to inform the specific assessment of the cumulative effects of windfarms. Both GLVIA3 and NatureScot’s guidance provide the basis for the methodology for the cumulative SLVIA undertaken in the SLVIA. The NatureScot (2012) guidance defines:
  • “Cumulative effects as the additional changes caused by a Proposed Development in conjunction with other similar developments or as the combined effect of a set of developments taken together (NatureScot, 2012: p4);
  • Cumulative landscape effects are those effects that ‘can impact on either the physical fabric or character of the landscape, or any special values attached to it’ (NatureScot, 2012, p10); and
  • Cumulative visual effects are those effects that can be caused by combined visibility, which occurs where the observer is able to see two or more developments from one viewpoint and / or sequential effects which occur when the observer has to move to another viewpoint to see different developments” (NatureScot, 2012, p11).
  1. In line with NatureScot guidance and GLVIA3, cumulative effects are assessed in this SLVIA as the additional changes caused by the Proposed Development in conjunction with other similar developments (not the totality of the cumulative effect). The CEA assesses the cumulative effect of the proposed development with other projects (Table 15.42) against the baseline (Section 15.7), with the assessment of significance apportioning the amount of the effect that is attributable to the Proposed Development. The contribution of the proposed development to the cumulative effect upon the baseline character/view is assessed and information provided on ‘how the effects of the applicant’s proposal would combine and interact with the effects of other development’ (PINS, 2019). Adjacent developments may complement one another, or may be discordant with one another, and it is the increased or reduced level of significance of effects which arises because of this change that is assessed in the CEA, such as through design discordance or proliferation of multiple developments affecting characteristics or new geographic areas, and ultimately if character changes occur because of multiple developments becoming a prevailing characteristic of the seascape or view.

Tiered Approach to CEA

  1. In accordance with NatureScot guidance and GLVIA3 (para 7.13), existing projects and those which are under construction ( Table 15.42   Open ▸ ) are included in the SLVIA baseline and described as part of the baseline conditions, including the extent to which these have altered character and views, and affected sensitivity to windfarm development. An assessment of the additional effect of the Proposed Development is undertaken in conjunction with a baseline that includes operational and under-construction projects as part of the main assessment in Section 15.11. This includes assessment of the Proposed Development against magnitude factors such as its size, scale, spread and landscape context, as well as cumulative effect factors relating to the operational and under-construction wind farms, such as its increase in spread, aesthetic relationship, and contrasts of size and spacing of wind turbines of the projects.
  2. A further assessment of the additional cumulative seascape, landscape and visual effects of the Proposed Development with other potential future projects is undertaken in the Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) in this Section 15.12.
  3. In undertaking this CEA for the Proposed Development, it is important to bear in mind that other projects and plans under consideration will have differing potential for proceeding to an operational stage and hence a differing potential to ultimately contribute to a cumulative impact alongside the Proposed Development. Therefore, a tiered approach has been adopted. This provides a framework for placing relative weight upon the potential for each project/plan to be included in the CEA to ultimately be realised, based upon the project/plan’s current stage of maturity and certainty in the projects’ parameters. The tiered approach which will be utilised within the Proposed Development CEA employs the following tiers:
  • tier 1 assessment – Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore (whole project effect assessment);
  • tier 2 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 1, plus projects with consent and submitted but not yet determined;
  • tier 3 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 2, plus those projects with a Scoping Report; and
  • tier 4 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 3, plus those projects likely to come forward where an Agreement for Lease (AfL) has been granted.
  1. This tiered approach has been adopted to provide an explicit assessment of the Proposed Development as a whole.
  2. The projects and plans selected as relevant to the CEA presented within this chapter are based upon the results of a screening exercise (see volume 3, appendix 6.4 of the Offshore EIA Report). Each project or plan has been considered on a case by case basis for screening in or out of this chapter's assessment based upon data confidence, effect-receptor pathways and the spatial/temporal scales involved. A comprehensive ‘long list’ of projects was reviewed, and projects within the cumulative search area base plan compiled within the 60 km SLVIA study area (Figure 15.16), with potential for cumulative impact interactions. The specific projects scoped into the CEA for seascape, landscape and visual receptors, are set out in Table 15.42   Open ▸ .
  3. As described in volume 1, chapter 3, the Applicant is developing an additional export cable grid connection to Blyth, Northumberland (the Cambois connection). Therefore, applications for necessary consents (including marine licences) associated with the Cambois connection will be applied for separately. The CEA for the Cambois connection is based on information presented in the Cambois Connection Scoping Report (SSER, 2022e), submitted in October 2022. The Cambois connection has been scoped out of the CEA in this SLVIA on the basis that there will be no potential for significant cumulative effect-receptor pathways for coastal character and visual receptors. During construction there may be an increase in vessel movements visible during cable laying however these will be at long distance offshore within the Cambois Connection export cable route located approximately 40 km from the nearest coastline of the SLVIA study area (at St Abbs Head and Holy Island). During operation, the offshore cables will be located below the sea surface so would not be visible as part of the seascape or views once operational and would therefore have no potential for operational cumulative effects with the Proposed Development on seascape, landscape and visual receptors.
  4. The range of potential cumulative effects that are identified and included in the CEA, is a subset of those considered for the Proposed Development alone assessment. This is because some of the potential impacts identified and assessed for the Proposed Development alone, are of low magnitude, or localised geographic extent and temporary in nature. It is considered therefore, that these potential impacts have limited or no potential to interact with similar changes associated with other plans or projects. These have therefore been scoped out of the cumulative effects assessment.
  5. Similarly, some of the potential impacts considered within the Proposed Development alone assessment are specific to a particular phase of development (e.g., construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning). Where the potential for cumulative effects with other plans or projects only have potential to occur where there is spatial or temporal overlap with the Proposed Development during certain phases of development, impacts associated with a certain phase may be omitted from further consideration where no plans or projects have been identified that have the potential for cumulative effects during this period.

Maximum Design Scenario

  1. The maximum design scenarios identified in Table 15.42   Open ▸ have been selected as those having the potential to result in the greatest effect on an identified receptor or receptor group. The cumulative effects presented and assessed in this section have been selected from the details provided in volume 1, chapter 3 of the Offshore EIA Report as well as the information available on other projects and plans, to inform a ‘maximum design scenario’. Effects of greater adverse significance are not predicted to arise should any other development scenario, based on details within the PDE (e.g., different wind turbine layout), to that assessed here, be taken forward in the final design scheme.

 

Table 15.42:
List of Other Projects and MDS Considered Within the CEA for Seascape, Landscape and Visual

Table 15.42: List of Other Projects and MDS Considered Within the CEA for Seascape, Landscape and Visual

15.12.2.         Tier 1 Cumulative Effects Assessment

  1. The tier 1 assessment considers the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore, forming a ‘whole project effect assessment’. A description of the significance of cumulative effects upon seascape, landscape and visual receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
  2. Seascape, landscape and visual receptors may be affected by both the construction and operation of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) and the construction and operation of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore (i.e., onshore substation, onshore cable corridor and landfall location). There is potential for effects to interact, spatially and temporally, to create cumulative effects on a receptor.
  3. An assessment of these tier 1 cumulative effects has been undertaken in the sections below to assess any areas where the construction and operation of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) and the construction and operation of the onshore infrastructure (Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore) combine, or inter-relate, to have an effect. For example, visibility of the Proposed Development and the onshore substation or landfall, from a particular viewpoint or landscape designation, may interact to produce a different, or greater effect on a receptor than when the effects are considered in isolation.

CUMULATIVE EFFECT (Tier 1) OF THE Construction and Decommissioning OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON coastal (SEASCAPE) CHARACTER, Landscape character and views/visual amenity

  1. The majority of seascape, landscape and visual receptors in the SLVIA Study Area will not experience tier 1 cumulative effects during construction and decommissioning, since they have either no visibility, or very limited/distant visibility, of either the construction of the onshore infrastructure or the construction of the offshore elements of the Proposed Development, and therefore have limited potential for tier 1 cumulative effects to occur.
  2. Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore is located entirely offshore and will not result in tier 1 cumulative effects on physical landscape features, which occur entirely due to Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore.
  3. The construction and decommissioning of Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore may only result in changes to views and visual aspects of perceived character, as apparent to people with views of both the construction of Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore and the construction of the landfall, onshore cable corridor and onshore substation.
  4. These effects during construction will only occur during overlapping construction phases, on receptors in relatively close proximity to the landfall, onshore cable route and onshore substation, where their construction will be visible together with the construction of the offshore infrastructure, which may affect visual amenity or influence the perceived character.
  5. The residual effects arising as a result of the construction and decommissioning of the Proposed Development are assessed as being of the same or lower magnitude and significance on all seascape receptors (CCAs), landscape receptors (LCTs and landscape designations) and visual receptors/viewpoints as those arising due to their operation and maintenance, however the residual effects are assessed as being short-term and temporary, occurring during the length of the construction and decommissioning phase.
  6. In terms of landscape and coastal character, the tier 1 cumulative effect of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore) and Berwick Bank onshore substation will be concentrated largely within the Coastal Margins LCT (277) and Upland Fringes (269) (Lothians) and derives primarily from the construction of the landfall, onshore cable corridor and onshore substation. The magnitude of change to the landscape character is predicted to be large and the effect significant temporarily during construction, but over a restricted geographic extent adjacent to the landfall, onshore cable route and onshore substation, and short-term during construction. The construction of Berwick Bank wind Farm offshore is likely to increase these effects temporarily during the construction period, from areas within its ZTV, due to views of the offshore export cable laying to shore; distant installation of wind turbines, vessel movements and partially constructed offshore elements, all of which may combine with changes resulting from the landfall, cable route and/or onshore substation to increase the influence of energy development in views and the perceived character. The additional contribution of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore to the tier 1 cumulative effect is however, assessed as not significant, fundamentally because its construction will have a limited influence on the perceived character of these LCTs at such long range offshore and results in a low level of additional cumulative change over and above the effect of the onshore infrastructure alone during construction.
  7. In terms of views/visual receptors, there is potential for the construction of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore) to be viewed offshore to the north-east in successive and in-combination views with the construction of the Berwick Bank onshore substation, onshore cable route and landfall. The whole project effect derives primarily from the construction of the onshore substation and onshore cable corridor in local views from within the LVIA study area between Skateraw, Torness, Thurston, Innerwick and Thornton, as identified in Table 15.45   Open ▸ and shown in Figure 6.9 of the onshore LVIA (Chapter 6 of the onshore EIAR). The construction of Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore is assessed as significant (moderate or major/moderate) in these views due to the change arising mainly from the onshore substation at close proximity (as assessed in Chapter 6 of the Onshore EIAR). The additional contribution of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm Offshore) to the cumulative effect during construction is however, assessed as not significant, fundamentally because it will have a limited influence on these views at such long range offshore and results in a low level of additional cumulative change over and above the effect of the construction of Berwick Bank onshore substation and onshore cable route.
  8. The main tier 1 cumulative effect during construction and decommissioning is likely to occur in views experienced by walkers along a short section on the John Muir Link between Torness, Skateraw and Chapel Point, and visitors to Skateraw Beach and Harbour, where the construction of the landfall will be visible at close range near Chapel Point (Viewpoint 3, Figure 6.17c) in combination with the construction of Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore in views to the seascape beyond to the north-east, and the construction of the onshore substation in inland views to the south-west. The tier 1 cumulative effects (whole project effect) during construction is assessed as significant (major/moderate) in views from this section of the John Muir Link, due to the change arising mainly from the landfall and onshore substation at close proximity, however the offshore export cable laying will also contribute notably to the effect over a short-term duration when cable installation and vessels near the landfall will be visible at relatively close range. The effects are moderated to some degree by the influence of large-scale industrial developments visible at close range in the baseline at Torness Nuclear Power Station and Dunbar Cement Works. The additional contribution of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm to the cumulative effect during construction is however assessed as not significant, fundamentally because it will have a limited influence on the view at such long range offshore and results in a low level of additional cumulative change over and above the effect of the construction of Berwick Bank onshore.

CUMULATIVE EFFECT (Tier 1) OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON coastal and landscape CHARACTER

  1. As described in Chapter 6 of the onshore EIAR, the landscape and visual effects of the onshore cable corridor and landfall would largely relate to the construction phase. Since the onshore export cable is proposed to be buried, there would be little or no residual effects on coastal character or landscape character resulting from the proposed onshore cable once operational. This assessment of Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance therefore focuses on the potential effects resulting from the proposed onshore substation.
  2. The majority of CCAs and LCTs in the SLVIA Study Area will not experience tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance, primarily because they have no visibility or very limited/distant visibility of the onshore substation, therefore have limited potential for cumulative effects to occur. Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance will only occur on those CCAs and LCTs near the onshore substation, where both the operational onshore substation and the Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore may be visible and influence the perceived character.
  3. It is assessed that the potential for such Tier 1 cumulative effects will be limited to the CCAs and LCTs identified in Table 15.43   Open ▸ and as shown in Figure 6.3 (of the Onshore LVIA). The cumulative effect of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore during operational and maintenance is assessed as not significant on all other CCAs and LCTs in the SLVIA study Area (Figure 15.3).
Table 15.43:
Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Coastal and Landscape Character

Table 15.43: Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Coastal and Landscape Character

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON special qualities of designated landscapes

  1. As described in Chapter 6 of the onshore EIAR, the landscape and visual effects of the onshore cable corridor and landfall would largely relate to the construction phase. Since the onshore export cable is proposed to be buried, there would be little or no residual effects on special qualities of designated landscapes resulting from the proposed onshore cable once operational. This assessment of Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance therefore focuses on the potential effects resulting from the proposed onshore substation.
  2. The majority of landscape designations in the SLVIA Study Area will not experience tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance, primarily because they have no visibility or very limited/distant visibility of the onshore substation, therefore have limited potential for cumulative effects to occur. Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance will only occur on those landscape designations near the onshore substation, where both the operational onshore substation and the Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore may be visible.
  3. It is assessed that the potential for such Tier 1 cumulative effects will be limited to the landscape designations identified in Table 15.44   Open ▸ and as shown in Figure 6.4 (of the Onshore LVIA). The cumulative effect of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore during operation and maintenance is assessed as not significant on all other landscape designations in the SLVIA Study Area (Figure 15.4).
Table 15.44:
Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Landscape Designations

Table 15.44: Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Landscape Designations

CUMULATIVE EFFECT (Tier 1) OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON views/visual amenity

  1. As described in Chapter 6 of the onshore EIAR, the landscape and visual effects of the onshore cable corridor and landfall would largely relate to the construction phase. Since the onshore export cable is proposed to be buried, there would be little or no residual visual effects resulting from the proposed onshore cable once operational. This assessment of Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance therefore focuses on the potential effects resulting from the proposed onshore substation.
  2. The majority of viewpoints and visual receptors in the SLVIA Study Area will not experience tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance, primarily because they have no visibility or very limited/distant visibility of the onshore substation, therefore have limited potential for cumulative effects to occur. Tier 1 cumulative effects during operation and maintenance will only occur on those viewpoints and visual receptors near the onshore substation, where both the operational onshore substation and the Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore may be visible.
  3. It is assessed that the potential for such Tier 1 cumulative effects will be limited to the viewpoints and visual receptors identified in Table 15.45   Open ▸ and as shown in Figure 6.5 and Figure 6.8 (of the Onshore LVIA). The cumulative effect of the Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore during operation and maintenance is assessed as not significant on all other representative viewpoints and visual receptors in the SLVIA study Area (Figure 15.11).
Table 15.45:
Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Viewpoints and Visual Receptors

Table 15.45: Cumulative Effects (Tier 1) on Viewpoints and Visual Receptors

15.12.3.         Tier 2 Cumulative Effects Assessment

  1. The tier 2 assessment considers all plans/projects assessed under Tier 1, plus projects which are operational, under construction, those with consent and submitted but not yet determined applications, as listed in Table 15.42   Open ▸ . A description of the significance of cumulative effects upon seascape, landscape and visual receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
  2. Tier 2 projects within the SLVIA study area consist of the offshore and onshore wind farms in Figure 15.16 and shown in the viewpoint wireline visualisations where visible, in Figure 15.21 to Figure 15.75. Of particular relevance for the SLVIA is the consented Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm and Seagreen 1A, for which a Screening Report (SWEL, 2022) has been submitted for a s36C variation to increase the wind turbine parameters of 36 consented Seagreen 1 wind turbines which have not yet been constructed, which is considered as a consented project in the SLVIA Tier 2 CEA to ensure that the worst-case parameters are assessed. ICOL have also submitted a screening request to modify the consented wind turbine spacing, however the proposed variation is at a very early stage in the development process, and the conclusion of the screening request is that there are no new or materially different impacts from the variation proposals for EIA, therefore this screening request to modify the consented wind turbine spacing is not considered further in the CEA.
  3. Operational and under construction projects are considered as part of the baseline conditions and an assessment of the additional effect of the Proposed Development is undertaken in conjunction with this baseline as part of the main assessment in Section 15.11.
  4. This tier 2 assessment concentrates on the additional cumulative seascape, landscape and visual effects of the Proposed Development with consented and submitted but not yet determined applications. The preliminary assessment in Table 15.42   Open ▸ has identified that there is potential for further change to the landscape and visual baseline and cumulative effects on coastal (seascape) character, designated landscapes and views/visual amenity, as a result of the consented Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A.
  5. The tier 2 assessment also factors in the influence of consented and application stage onshore windfarms, as listed in Table 15.42   Open ▸ , however these are somewhat secondary to the effects arising principally in relation to Inch Cape. These consented and application stage onshore windfarms may on occasion be visible in the wider panorama from coastal viewpoints, however they are all located over between 43 - 60 km from the Proposed Development array area and are not visible in offshore views towards the Proposed Development.
  6. The Tier 2 CEA assesses the additional cumulative effect of the proposed development with other tier 2 projects (Table 15.42) against the baseline (Section 15.7), with the assessment of significance apportioning the amount of the effect that is attributable to the Proposed Development.
  7. The effects identified are considered as being likely to arise, on the assumption that the consented projects have received planning consent and are likely to be built and become operational, however it is the case that some consented and application stage projects may not ultimately built in the form that they are consented or submitted, or may not be built at all, introducing some uncertainty that effects assessed in the tier 2 assessment may not arise in full.

CUMULATIVE EFFECT (Tier 2) OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON views/visual amenity

  1. The potential for cumulative effects on views and visual amenity arising in the tier 2 assessment is informed by the assessments undertaken in the visual assessment undertaken in Section 15.11. The range of potential cumulative effects that are identified and included in this CEA are a subset of those considered for the Proposed Development alone assessment, in the context of an assumed baseline with operational and under-construction projects.
  2. Some of these potential impacts on views and visual receptors identified and assessed for the Proposed Development alone (in Section 15.11) are of negligible or low magnitude or of localised geographic extent, and certain visual receptors do not require further detailed assessment due to the unlikelihood of significant effects occurring. It is considered likely that these potential impacts have limited or no potential to interact with similar changes associated with other plans or projects, and therefore only the views and visual receptors assessed in detail Section 15.11 are assessed further for potential cumulative effects in this tier 2 assessment. This assessment is undertaken as follows for all representative viewpoints and in Table 15.46   Open ▸ (Visual Receptors), Table 15.47   Open ▸ (CCAs/Local Landscape Designations) and Table 15.48   Open ▸ (Northumberland Coast AONB Special Qualities).

Viewpoint 1 Johnshaven

  1. The cumulative wireline from Johnshaven (Figure 15.21c) illustrates that there may be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm, as well as Seagreen 1 Variation, located to the south-east in the same sector of the offshore view.  In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 48.3 km, however may appear to visually link Seagreen 1A (33.5 km) and Inch Cape (25.0 km) in the central section of the view between these offshore wind farms. Inch Cape will be visible at closer proximity and larger vertical scale in the view, contributing more to the cumulative effect. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and overlaps with Seagreen 1, which it is partially subsumed behind. The Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive yet may (when visible) create further visual linkage between Inch Cape and Seagreen 1, resulting in a further loss of open sea skyline in the space between Inch Cape and Seagreen 1, contributing to a wider combined lateral spread of distant wind turbines on the sea skyline. The open sea aspect will be retained to the north and south of this combined array of offshore wind farms in the view, with open sea separating them from Red Head/Lang Craig headland. The Neart na Gaoithe wind turbines are highly unlikely to be perceived given that only a limited number of blade tips may just intermittently appear above the horizon line at 51.7 km.
  2. The contribution of the Proposed Development to the cumulative effect with tier 2 projects on this view will be medium-low, due to it being visually recessive at long distance offshore partially behind Seagreen 1 and Inch Cape, with Inch Cape contributing most to the overall cumulative effect on the view given its closer proximity and larger vertical scale. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development is assessed as low and for the identified medium-high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate). 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 on receptors experiencing this view primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, due to it being visually recessive at long distance offshore partially behind Seagreen 1A and Inch Cape.

Viewpoint 2 Montrose

  1. The cumulative wireline from Montrose (Figure 15.22c) illustrates that there may be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and Seagreen 1 Variation, located to the south-east in the same sector of the offshore view. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 45.3 km, however it may appear to slightly increase the perceived visual linkage between Seagreen 1A (34.4 km) and Inch Cape (20.1 km) in the section of the view between these offshore wind farms. Inch Cape contributes more to the cumulative effect due to its closer proximity and larger vertical scale in the view, and due to it be seen at the coastal edge beyond Scurdie Ness, where the Inch Cape wind turbines will affect views of coastal features/landmarks and create some enclosure to the south of Montrose Bay. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and will be largely located behind Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A and is therefore subsumed within and behind the array of Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A wind turbines. The Proposed Development may result in some increase in the density of the array and the addition of distant wind turbines across a narrow section of sea view between Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A, which is likely to be a relatively subtle change, due to the proximity of Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A on the sea skyline. The Proposed Development results in no changes to the wider undeveloped sea views to the north of Seagreen 1, where the open sea aspect will be retained, separating the combined array from the coastline.
  2. The contribution of the Proposed Development to the cumulative effect with tier 2 projects on this view will be low, due to it being viewed predominantly behind Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A, within which it is subsumed, with only a slight increase in the density of the array and the addition of distant wind turbines across a narrow section of sea view in the gap between Inch Cape and Seagreen 1A. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development is assessed as low and for the identified medium sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (minor).

Viewpoint 3 St Andrews Cathedral

  1. The cumulative wireline from St Andrews Cathedral (Figure 15.23c) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and Seagreen 1A, located to the east in the same sector of the offshore view. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 52.9 km, however it may (when visible) appear to visually link Neart na Gaoithe (28.5 km) and Inch Cape (34.6 km)/Seagreen 1A (57.6 km) in the central section of the view between these offshore wind farms. Inch Cape will be visible at closer proximity and larger vertical scale in the view, contributing more to the cumulative effect. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and overlaps with Neart na Gaoithe, which it is partially subsumed behind. The Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive, occupying a smaller HFoV, and therefore contributes less to the cumulative effect, yet the northern part of the array is likely (when visible) to create visual linkage between Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape, resulting in some further loss of open sea skyline in the space between Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape which will be principally influenced by Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe. The open sea aspect will however be retained to the north of this combined array of offshore wind farms in the view, with open sea separating them from St Andrew’s Bay, the Firth of Tay and Angus coastline to the north.
  2. The contribution of the Proposed Development to the cumulative effect with Inch Cape on this view is assessed as medium-low, due to it being viewed partially behind Neart na Gaoithe, within which it is partially subsumed, with only a slight increase in the density of the Neart na Gaoithe array and the addition of distant wind turbines across a section of sea view between Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low and for the identified medium-high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate). 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 on receptors experiencing this view primarily due to the magnitude of change factors evaluated, which is assessed as medium-low at worst, due to it being visually recessive at long distance offshore partially behind Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape.

Viewpoint 4 Cambo Sands

  1. The cumulative wireline from Cambo Sands (Figure 15.24c) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and the more distant Seagreen 1A, as well as Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm (which is part of the assumed baseline conditions), located to the east in the same sector of the offshore view. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 44.8 km however, may appear to visually link Neart na Gaoithe (19.4 km) and Inch Cape (29.7 km) in the central section of the view between these offshore wind farms. Inch Cape will be visible at closer proximity and larger vertical scale in the view, contributing more to the cumulative effect. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and overlaps with Neart na Gaoithe, which it is partially subsumed behind. The Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive, contributing a narrow increase in the lateral spread of wind turbines in the gap on the sea skyline between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe, with just the northern part of the array likely (when visible) to extend across part of the space between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe and increasing the perceived visual linkage between them. The open sea aspect will be retained to the north and south of this combined array of offshore wind farms in the view, with open sea separating them from the Fife and Angus coastlines to the north-west and Fife Ness to the south-east.
  2. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development with tier 2 projects is therefore assessed as medium-low and for the identified medium-high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate).

Viewpoint 5 Fife Ness

  1. The cumulative wireline from Fife Ness (Figure 15.25c) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and Seagreen 1A, as well as Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm (which is part of the assumed baseline conditions), located to the east in the same sector of the offshore view. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 41.7 km in the context of the visually more pronounced Neart na Gaoithe (15.6 km) and Inch Cape (28.2 km) in the central section of the view. Inch Cape will be visible at closer proximity and larger vertical scale in the view, contributing more to the cumulative effect, while Seagreen 1A (49.3 km) is subsumed behind Inch Cape. The Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive, contributing a very small increase in the lateral spread of wind turbines in the gap on the sea skyline between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe, with just the northern edge of the array likely (when visible) to extend into part of the space between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe, with minimal perceived extension of the visual linkage between them. The open sea aspect will be retained to the north and south of this combined array of offshore wind farms in the view, with open sea separating them from the Fife and Angus coastlines to the north-west and Firth of Forth to the south.
  2. The contribution of the Proposed Development to the cumulative effect with Inch Cape on this view will be low, due to it being viewed primarily behind Neart na Gaoithe, within which it is subsumed, with only a slight increase in the density of the Neart na Gaoithe array and the addition of distant wind turbines across a section of sea view in the gap between Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development is assessed as low and for the identified medium-high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor).

Viewpoint 6 Crail

  1. The cumulative wireline from Crail (Figure 15.26b) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and Seagreen 1A, as well as Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm (which is part of the assumed baseline conditions), located to the east in the same sector of the offshore view.  In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 45km, in the context of the visually more pronounced Neart na Gaoithe (18.5 km) and Inch Cape (32 km). Inch Cape contributes more to the cumulative effect due to its closer proximity and larger scale in the view, and due to it being seen as a separate offshore wind farm at the coastal edge beyond Fife Ness/Roome Rocks, where the Inch Cape wind turbines will affect views of coastal features/landmarks and create some enclosure to the north of Crail Bay. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and will be largely located behind Neart na Gaoithe and is therefore subsumed within and behind the array of Neart na Gaoithe wind turbines. The Proposed Development results in some increase in the density of the array in combination with Neart na Gaoithe, which is likely to be a relatively subtle change, and may contribute a very small increase in the lateral spread of wind turbines in the gap on the sea skyline between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe, with just the northern edge of the array likely (when visible) to extend into part of the space between Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe, with minimal perceived extension of the visual linkage between them. The Proposed Development results in no changes to the wider undeveloped sea views to the south of Neart na Gaoithe, where the open sea aspect will be retained, separating the combined array from the coastline and landmarks in the Outer Firth of Forth to the south.
  2. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development with tier 2 projects is assessed as low and for the identified medium-high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor).

Viewpoint 7 North Berwick Law

  1. The cumulative wireline from North Berwick Law (Figure 15.27c) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm, located to the north-east in the same sector of the offshore view, but that Seagreen 1A is highly unlikely to be perceived given that only a limited number of blade tips may just intermittently appear above the horizon line at 72.9 km. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 56 km however, may appear to visually extend the combined Neart na Gaoithe (33.1 km) and Inch Cape (52.4 km) array to the south. Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe will both be visible at closer proximity, but with similar vertical scale in the view. Inch Cape forms a northern extension to Neart na Gaoithe, roughly doubling the lateral spread of wind farm influence on the sea skyline. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and overlaps with Neart na Gaoithe, which it is partially subsumed behind. This northern portion of the Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive, however the southern part of the Proposed Development is likely (when visible) to form a southern extension of the offshore wind farm influence, contributing to a wider combined lateral spread of distant wind turbines on the sea skyline extending southwards in the distant seascape backdrop between Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle. The open sea aspect will be retained to the north and south of this combined array of offshore wind farms in the view, with open sea separating them from the Firth of Forth to the north-west and East Lothian coastline to the east.
  2. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development with tier 2 projects is assessed as low and for the identified high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate/minor).

Viewpoint 8 Tantallon Castle

  1. The cumulative wireline from Tantallon Castle (Figure 15.28c) illustrates that there would be potential for the Proposed Development to be visible in combination with the consented Inch Cape offshore wind farm and Seagreen 1A, as well as Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm (which is part of the assumed baseline conditions), located to the north-east in the same sector of the offshore view. In this context the Proposed Development will form a visually recessive distant element at 52.2 km however, may appear to visually extend the combined Neart na Gaoithe (29.4 km) and Inch Cape (49.5 km) array to the south. Inch Cape forms a northern extension to Neart na Gaoithe, with its most notable cumulative effect arising from it appearing in the immediate context of the Isle of May and connecting to Neart na Gaoithe across the sea skyline to the south of the island. The Proposed Development, by comparison, is located at greater distance offshore and partially overlaps with Neart na Gaoithe, which it is partially subsumed behind. This northern portion of the Proposed Development will appear more distant and recessive however, the southern part of the Proposed Development is likely (when visible) to form a southern extension of the offshore wind farm influence, contributing to a wider combined lateral spread of distant wind turbines on the sea skyline extending southwards in the seascape backdrop between Neart na Gaoithe and Tantallon Castle. The open sea aspect will be retained to the south of Tantallon Castle, with open sea separating them from the East Lothian coastline.
  2. Although the Proposed Development may theoretically result in an additional notable southern extension of wind farm influence on the distant sea skyline, the contribution of the Proposed Development to the cumulative effect with tier 2 projects on this view will be medium-low, due to it being visually recessive at such long distance offshore (52.2 km) from this viewpoint, and partially behind Neart na Gaoithe, within which it is partially subsumed. On balance, the additional cumulative magnitude of change resulting from the contribution of the Proposed Development is assessed as medium-low and for the identified high sensitivity receptors at this location the additional cumulative effect of the Proposed Development with Inch Cape is assessed as not significant (moderate).