6.10.2.              Construction Mitigation

  1. Mitigation opportunities during the construction process would principally relate to potential restrictions or conditions imposed to avoid disturbance or damage to the baseline landscape and visual resource, where reasonably practicable.  Such measures would be identified via a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
  2. Post-consent, the development of the landscape mitigation proposals in combination with the CEMP would seek to stipulate measures to avoid, reduce or offset environmental effects of the construction works, including those related to landscape and visual amenity.

6.10.3.              Operational Mitigation

Onshore cable corridor and landfall

  1. The precise location of the cable trenches within the onshore cable corridor will not be finalised until subsequent detailed design stages.  However, the location of the onshore cable corridor is known and informs the assessment of likely significant effects on landscape and visual receptors that may be caused by the cable installation.
  2. Taking this into account, the following principles considered an appropriate approach to the detailed design of the onshore export cable and landfall are also considered to form an appropriate landscape and visual mitigation strategy for the onshore export cable and landfall:
  • As far as reasonably practicable, reduce hedgerow and tree loss along the onshore cable corridor through careful siting of the works areas;
  • Protection of trees during the construction phase where appropriate;
  • Reinstatement or replacement of removed trees (where reasonably practicable) and sections of hedgerow;
  • Restoration of all temporary construction, material storage and laydown areas to reinstate ground cover and return to previous land-use, where practical; and
  • During the detailed design process, the specification and design of permanent security fencing at landfall Transitional Joint Bays should be consistent with the coastal and agricultural setting, where possible, to reduce effects upon visual amenity in this location.

Onshore Substation

  1. The position of the onshore substation site on the gradually sloping agricultural land of the East Lothian coast provides existing elements of visual screening throughout the LVIA study area.  The pattern of screened theoretical visibility illustrated on Volume 3 Figure 6.9   Open ▸ shows views of the proposed onshore substation are generally confined to within 3 km.  A degree of mitigation of landscape and visual effects for a number of visual receptors is therefore provided by landform and existing scrub woodland and deciduous shelterbelts, from the outset.
  2. Landscape mitigation principles have been developed for the onshore substation to avoid or reduce further landscape and visual effects in areas where visibility of the Proposed Development is found.  These mitigation principles include proposed native species woodland and hedgerow planting and areas of proposed coastal grassland and wet meadow for ecological mitigation. 
  3. An outline of the proposed landscape mitigation is presented in Volume 3 Figure 6.12   Open ▸ and is also shown at the predicted height after 15 years' establishment on the LVIA visualisations (Volume 3 Figure 6.15   Open ▸ – 6.20). The following key principles are considered to form an appropriate landscape and visual mitigation strategy for the onshore substation: 

6.10.4.              Additional Mitigation

  1. In addition to the mitigation proposals detailed above, the following additional landscape and visual mitigation measures will be developed as part of the detailed design process:

Potential Advance Planting

  1. As the proposed landscape matures, the degree of adverse effect would reduce.  Consequently, where practical, advance planting of mitigation proposals during the early phases of the Proposed Development is recommended.  This approach would give mitigation planting additional growth time, from the start of the pre-construction phase, meaning a screening influence is establishing on site prior to completion of construction and commencement of operation.  This approach may be possible for mitigation planting to the north, west and east of the onshore substation, outside areas required for construction compounds, material storage areas or laydown areas. Advance planting measures would only be possible once the design of the onshore substation has been finalised. 
  2. It is important to note that LVIA visualisations (Volume 3 Figure 6.15   Open ▸ – 6.20) demonstrate mitigation planting after a 15-year period of growth but do not take account of any growth during potential advance planting.  Consequently, should advance planting be viable, the potential screening effect of the mitigation proposals after a 15-year period could be slightly greater than that illustrated.
  3. Landscape mitigation proposals would be developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including ELC, local landowners and Transport Scotland.

Potential Material Finish of the Onshore Substation

  1. Whilst the detail regarding specific materials and finish are subject to detailed design, it is understood that the wall cladding will likely comprise corrugated metal sheeting which can be installed with a range of colours.
  2. Figure 6.15   Open ▸ j&k shows a visualisation which provides an indicative example of building design finish and colour that is regarded to be suitable for the Proposed Development. This initial colour selection is based on experience of other similar large structures either experienced in the landscape or within proposals for other substation developments.
  3. The design concept is to provide a darker colour for the lower parts of the buildings and a lighter colour for the upper parts of the buildings. The darker colour is a muted green (RAL 6009) to help integrate the buildings with the underlying colours of the surrounding landscape, which would also help to form a backdrop to the mitigation planting. The lighter colour is a grey (RAL 7038) selected to be reflective of various atmospheric conditions of the sky and minimise the visual intrusion from views within the surrounding landscape. The roof material would utilise the same RAL 7038 colour as used in the upper parts of the buildings.

6.11. Assessment of Significance

6.11.1.              Introduction

  1. The potential impacts arising from the construction and operational phases of the Proposed Development are listed in Table 6.7.  The maximum design scenario against which each impact has been assessed is outlined in Table 6.8.
  2. An assessment of the likely significance of the effects of the Proposed Development on the landscape and visual resource caused by each identified impact is given below.
  3. The effects are residual effects as all landscape and visual mitigation is included within the Proposed Development as set out in the outline landscape mitigation principles and illustrated on Volume 3, Figure 6.12   Open ▸ and shown on the photomontage visualisations presented for each of the Viewpoints.

6.11.2.              Physical Landscape

Preliminary Assessment

  1. The construction of the onshore substation, open-cut trenching and trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) to construct the onshore cable corridor and the creation of temporary accesses, construction compounds and material storage areas would result in physical landscape effects on hedgerows and trees, agricultural land and the coastal landscape.   Disturbance of larger woodlands in the LVIA study area has been avoided by considered design of the onshore cable corridor.
  2. Subsequently, for the purpose of assessment, the physical landscape elements with the potential to experience significant effects as a result of the construction of the Proposed Development have been separated into three categories, as follows:
  • Agricultural land;
  • Hedgerows and trees; and
  • Coastal landscape.

Detailed Assessment of construction effects on landscape elements

Agricultural Land

  1. Arable and pastoral agriculture is the principal land use throughout the proposed route of the onshore cable corridor, the onshore substation and landfall site.  While semi-improved grazing is in evidence in exposed coastal areas (at landfall) and on more elevated hillslopes to the south of the cable corridor, the majority of the route crosses arable fields between Skateraw and Thornton Law.  The onshore substation site occupies a number of agricultural fields immediately south of the A1 trunk road carriageway. 
  2. Agricultural practices including ploughing or sowing of fields, harvesting crops and operating farm machinery are a fundamental characteristic of the landscape throughout the LVIA study area.  The nature of such land use means the appearance of the landscape, particularly in terms of ground cover, evolves and changes throughout the year (see site context photographs in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).
Sensitivity of the receptor
  1. The proposed landfall location and northern-most part of the onshore cable corridor are located in pastoral fields that are part of the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA.  A short section of the southern cable corridor crosses the Monynut to Blackcastle SLA. The broader agricultural landscape occupied by the proposed cable corridor and onshore substation comprise agricultural fields of varying quality and are not designated. The value of agricultural land is therefore considered to be medium.
  2. Areas of improved pasture are considered straight-forward to reinstate following disturbance and due to the level of existing disruption resulting from crop cultivation, combined with the widespread occurrence of agricultural land as a landscape element, susceptibility is considered to be low.
  3. Taking this into account, the sensitivity of agricultural land is considered to be medium-low.

Magnitude of change

  1. The construction process of the onshore cable corridor would involve open-cut trenching and trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) in predominantly arable fields, resulting in localised and short-term changes to parts of the landscape accustomed to agricultural activity.  The construction phase would also introduce temporary access tracks, haul roads, material storage areas and compounds and plant operating across the landscape.
  2. Following installation of the onshore cables, open-cut trenches would be backfilled, and the land reinstated.  Material storage areas, construction compounds and temporary access roads would also be fully restored to their previous agricultural land use and productivity.
  3. Similarly, the construction of the onshore substation would involve compounds, plant, material storage areas and potentially laydown areas.  Conversely, this process would involve the permanent loss of existing areas of agricultural land as preparatory groundworks and stripping and regrading of soils are undertaken before the foundations of the onshore substation are excavated and constructed.  The permanent loss of arable land would be limited to the footprint of the onshore substation area, although still only occupying a small proportion of the wider agricultural landscape of the LVIA study area.
  4. Taking this into account magnitude of change is considered to be medium – low.
Significance of the effect
  1. The sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium-low and the magnitude of change is deemed to be medium-low. The effect would, therefore, be minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction.  The effect is adverse, direct with permanent effects limited to the area of the proposed onshore substation. Other effects such as along the cable corridor are temporary, localised and reversible.

Hedgerows and Trees

  1. Hedgerows found along the route of the cable corridor and at the site of the onshore substation predominantly enclose field boundaries and line the routes of the minor road network (see site context photographs 7-10 in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).  A common feature of the baseline landscape, hedgerows can vary in height and quality and are frequently combined with post-and-wire fences to enclose field margins.  Although intermittent in their coverage, hedgerows are generally well maintained and of a good quality.
  2. Tree cover throughout the Proposed Development site is mixed.  In coastal areas, tree cover is restricted to small groups of trees around farmsteads and irregular bands of shelterbelt planting, including along the route of the A1 trunk road.  Deciduous scrub woodland follows the route of water courses inland.  At higher elevations coniferous belts and occasional field boundary trees are seen with larger areas of woodland limited river channels including at the Braidwood Burn, which is crossed by the cable corridor within the Monynut to Blackcastle SLA.  Coniferous plantation is limited to the edge of the LVIA study area, at High Wood.
Sensitivity of the receptor
  1. Hedgerows and trees are an important landscape feature and contribute to the rural character of the LVIA study area.  Small groups of trees and areas of woodland are also characteristic features of the landscape, providing structure and enclosure. Hedgerows and trees support a reduction in carbon emissions and provide vital habitat corridors within the managed landscape, increasing their value. The value of hedgerows and trees is therefore considered to be medium-high.
  2. The susceptibility of hedgerows and trees is related to the condition of the existing landscape feature, its maturity and the perceived overtness of its loss and the duration required for reinstatement.  Where hedgerows and trees are in good, mature condition a higher susceptibility would apply, for example medium or high, as their loss would be more apparent and replacement planting would require longer to reach a comparable condition.  Poorer quality, scrub vegetation is, in comparison, of lower susceptibility, i.e., medium-low. The hedgerows and trees that are potentially disturbed by the Proposed Development are deemed to be of overall good quality and as such susceptibility is considered to be medium-high.
  3. Taking this into account, the sensitivity of hedgerows and trees is considered to be medium-high.
Magnitude of change
  1. The considered onshore substation site selection process and routeing of the cable corridor has sought to reduce the loss of hedgerows and trees as far as possible. 
  2. The construction of the onshore substation would require the permanent loss of a single section of mature hedgerow, at the centre of the site.  A second poorer quality, irregular section of field boundary hedgerow would also be removed towards the west of the proposed onshore substation site.  Beyond the onshore substation site, loss of hedgerows would be limited to smaller sections along the route of the cable corridor, at material storage areas and for access from the minor road network to construction compounds.  Hedgerows along the cable route can generally be reinstated following completion of the works.
  3. The proposed widening of the existing culvert to the Dry Burn, south of the landfall, would result in the permanent loss of a small number of damaged, poorer quality trees (see site context photograph 5 in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).  A proposed cable bridge crossing of the Braidwood Burn, in the Monynut to Blackcastle SLA, would not result in the loss of any mature trees.  No further loss of trees is required for the Proposed Development.
  4. The permanent loss of hedgerows would be limited to the footprint of the onshore substation area, comprising a small proportion of an extensive element of the LVIA study area.  Similarly, permanent tree loss would be contained to the 12 m extension of the existing Dry Burn culvert.  Sections of hedgerow removed during the construction phase would be replaced.  The reinstatement of lost hedgerows would mitigate the physical effects by filling gaps resulting from the Proposed Development and restoring the previous boundary.  This process is anticipated to take 3-5 years for lower hedgerows and 5-10 years for taller, more mature hedgerows.
  5. Taking all of this into account, the magnitude of change is considered to be low.
Significance of the effect
  1. The sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium-high and the magnitude of change is deemed to be low. The effect would, therefore, be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction.  The effect is adverse, direct with permanent effects localised to the area of the proposed onshore substation and Dry Burn. Other effects are considered to be adverse, localised, reversible and short-medium term. The proposed tree planting would more than replace and compensate for the relatively small amount of tree losses resulting from the Proposed Development.

Coastal Landscape

  1. The FTOWDG SCA characterises the coastline of the LVIA study area as SA17: Eyebroughty to Torness Point and SA18: Torness Point to St Abbs Head.  A large portion of the coastline in this location is identified as an SSSI in recognition of both geological and ecological features that are rare in East Lothian and central Scotland and the Proposed Development landfall is within the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA. The area is also a popular local recreational resource as a result of striking coastal scenery, the John Muir Link and a number of public car parks and picnic spots.
  2. The East Lothian coastline at the Proposed Development landfall comprises various distinct features that combine to create the coastal character experienced at Chapel Point.  These features include the wave cut platform, the stony beach, the raised beach platform comprising dune grassland, salt marsh and shingle habitats, agricultural fields of semi-improved pasture and recreational routes (see site context photographs 1-4 in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).
Sensitivity of the receptor
  1. The coastal area at the Proposed Development landfall is within the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA and is identified as a SSSI, heightening its value. The raised beach platform, immediately inland, segregates the coast to a degree, creating a perception of isolation which is eroded by the visible presence of industrial sites such as Dunbar Cement Plant and Torness Power Station.  Nevertheless, this is a robust, large-scale landscape that is exposed to the elements. The value of the coastal landscape is considered to be high.
  2. The beach in this location is stony and narrow and acts as a link between the larger, sandy beaches at White Sands and Thorntonloch.  The use of trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) to bring the offshore export cable from sea to the landfall location means there would be no open-cut trenching of the coastline and susceptibility to change is considered to be medium-low.
  3. Taking this into account, the sensitivity of the coastal landscape is considered to be medium-high.
Magnitude of change
  1. Potential physical change to the coast as a result of the Proposed Development would be limited to the process to bring the offshore export cable ashore.  The landfall construction would involve trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) underneath the beach and rock platform to the pastoral field positioned on the raised beach platform, immediately behind the beach. 
  2. Disturbance of this area would involve construction compounds, material storage areas and temporary access tracks.  The construction of Transition Joint Bays at the landfall would involve the excavation of ground, construction of a permanent underground chamber and the erection of a temporary structure to ensure a weatherproof working environment during cable jointing.
  3. Construction activity would be contained within the existing field boundary with the beach (site context photograph 4 in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).  Following completion of the construction phase, disturbed areas would be reinstated to their previous pastoral land use meaning the disruption would be temporary and short-term in nature.  Permanent security fencing will be constructed to protect the Transition Joint Bays during the operation of the Proposed Development.
  4. The magnitude of change is therefore considered to be low.
Significance of the effect
  1. The sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium-high and the magnitude of change is deemed to be low. The effect would, therefore, be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms during construction.  The effect is direct, adverse, localised, temporary and reversible.

6.11.3.              Landscape Character Assessment

Preliminary Landscape Character Assessment

  1. Landscape character receptors within the LVIA study area (including LCTs and landscape designations) are assessed to identify those likely to be affected by the Proposed Development.
Onshore Cable Corridor and Landfall
  1. While some semi-improved pasture is present along the proposed cable route (at the proposed landfall location and on hill slopes to the south), the majority of the route crosses arable fields of varying quality.
  2. Agricultural practices - such as ploughing or seeding fields, harvesting crops and operating farm machinery – are a fundamental characteristic of LCT 277: Coastal Margins – Lothians and LCT 269: Upland Fringes – Lothians as well as the broader LVIA study area.  The nature of this land use means the appearance of the landscape, particularly in terms of ground cover, evolves and varies at different times of the year.  Ground excavation and crop cultivation form prominent features of existing agricultural practices and are a widespread characteristic of the LVIA study area.
  3. Along the cable route, fields are bound by mature hedgerows of mixed quality and, at higher elevations, occasional stone walls.  Tree cover is typically in the form of shelterbelt planting lining field boundary or roads, deciduous woodland on the steeper slopes of incised river channels including at the Braidwood Burn and scrub and broadleaf woodland lining the stream courses, such as the Dry Burn north of Skateraw Farm.  Occasional field boundary trees are also evident.
  4. The coastal area at the proposed landfall location comprises rocky foreshore, the narrow stony beach and large pastoral field that lies immediately inland.  The landform of the raised beach segregates and contains this coastal area, creating a sense of isolation that is undermined by the industrial sites at Dunbar Cement Works and Quarry and Torness Power Station.
  5. The construction of the proposed cable corridor would involve trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) and open-cut trenching in predominantly arable fields, resulting in short-term changes to parts of the landscape accustomed to arable agriculture.  Construction would also introduce temporary access tracks, haul roads, material storage areas and compounds and plant operating within the landscape.
  6. The considered routing of the cable corridor has sought to reduce the permanent loss of hedgerows and trees as far as reasonably practicable. The loss of hedgerows along the cable route would be limited to small sections at material storage areas and to allow access to compounds from the minor road network.  The widening of the existing culvert to the Dry Burn, north of Skateraw Farm, would result in the permanent loss of a small number of damaged, poorer quality trees (see context photograph 5 in Volume 3 Figure 6.7   Open ▸ a).  The proposed cable bridge crossing of the Braidwood Burn, which lies within the Monynut to Blackcastle SLA, would not result in Mature tree loss.  No woodland removal would occur.
  7. Construction to bring the offshore export cable ashore, at landfall, would also utilise trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) meaning there would be no open-cut trenching of the coastline.  However, disturbance of the pastoral field immediately inland would involve construction compounds, material storage areas and temporary access tracks.  The construction of Transition Joint Bays at the landfall would involve the excavation of ground, construction of a permanent underground chamber and the erection of a temporary structure to ensure a weatherproof working environment during cable jointing.
  8. Although crossing a sizeable portion of the landscape between Chapel Point and Branxton, the changes resulting from the construction process are limited to the extents of the cable route and are, on the whole, temporary and reversible. 
  9. Following installation of the onshore cables, open-cut trenches would be backfilled and then reinstated to their previous land use and productivity.  Material storage areas, construction compounds and temporary access tracks would be fully restored to their current land use.  Sections of hedgerow removed along the cable route would be reinstated following completion of works meaning the effects as a result of their removal would be temporary and confined, given the prevalence of hedgerows through the LVIA study area.
  10. During construction of the landfall, changes to the key characteristics of the beach and seascape would be restricted to very localised disruption for a short period of time.  Compounds, plant, material storage and any associated physical disturbance to facilitate the landfall construction would be contained within the existing field boundary west of Skateraw Harbour for a short duration, anticipated to be less than the 40-month construction programme.  No physical disturbance of the beach or rock platform is required to bring the offshore export cable ashore to the landfall.
  11. The outlined effects during the construction of the onshore cable corridor and landfall are associated with the key characteristics of LCT 277: Coastal Margins – Lothians and LCT 269: Upland Fringes – Lothians as well as SA17: Eyebroughty to Torness Point that these elements of the Proposed Development would be located within. However, temporary effects during the construction process would exert a limited influence upon landscape and seascape characteristics and are judged to be restricted to their physical extent over a short period of time. 
  12. It is considered that whilst these effects have some association with the landscape and seascape in which the proposed cable route and landfall are proposed, they are only likely to experience a low scale of change and/ or effects experienced over limited geographic areas. Upon completion of construction, there would be very limited or no permanent change to the key characteristics of the landscape or seascape.  Consequently, it is predicted the proposed onshore cable corridor and landfall would not comprise defining or prevailing features of the baseline landscape or seascape. 
  13. The temporary nature of the construction process, in conjunction with the reinstatement of disturbed land to its previous use and productivity during operation of the Proposed Development, is considered to preclude significant landscape or seascape character effects. This includes potential effects upon the higher sensitivity designated landscapes at the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA, where the proposed landfall and onshore cable corridor are located, and the Monynut to Blackcastle SLA, which a short section of the onshore cable corridor negotiates via a proposed cable bridge crossing south of Thornton Law.
  14. Attributable effects upon landscape and seascape character that may arise as a result of the onshore cable corridor and landfall are subsequently not considered further in the LVIA chapter, as it is judged there is no potential for significant effects to occur.
Onshore Substation
  1. Table 6.10 below identifies the landscape character receptors within the LVIA study area with the potential to undergo significant effects as a result of the proposed onshore substation and, consequently, will be carried forward to the detailed assessment process.  Please refer to Volume 3 Figure 6.3   Open ▸ Landscape Character, Figure 6.4   Open ▸ Landscape Designations and Figure 6.10   Open ▸ which overlays the screened substation ZTV with LCTs and landscape designations.
Table 6.10:
Preliminary Landscape Character Assessment – Onshore Substation

Table 6.10: Preliminary Landscape Character Assessment – Onshore Substation

6.11.4.              Detailed Landscape Character Assessment - Onshore Substation Construction and Operation

LCT 277: Coastal Margins – Lothians

  1. NatureScot Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Scotland describes the key characteristics of the LCT as follows:
  • Undulating agricultural hinterland of smooth convex curves.
  • Shallow unobtrusive stream courses.
  • Diverse coastal scenery provided by prominent rounded headlands and extensive rocky cliffs at the coast, with quiet sheltered coves containing small sand and pebble beaches backed by grassy dunes.
  • Agricultural character with medium to large scale arable fields, contained by intermittent hedgerows and post-and-wire fences, although this has been fragmented in places to accommodate road, railway and power station development.
  • Stone walls edge roadsides and occasional field boundaries on higher slopes.
  • Stream courses delineated by scrub and broadleaf woodland.
  • Scattering of traditional farms, houses and steadings served by numerous twisting minor roads.
  • Parallel transport corridors of the A1 trunk road and rail line form significant linear features, with bridges, embankments and structures.
  • Recreational facilities such as picnic sites, and caravan and camping sites.
  • Extensive views of the open sea and industrial development due to flat terrain and few woodlands.

Sensitivity of the receptor

  1. The coastline is a popular recreational resource with various car parks and picnic spots associated with its many beaches.  The coastal parts of this LCT within the LVIA study area are locally designated as the Dunbar to Barns Ness Coast SLA, to the north-west, and the Thorntonloch to Dunglass Coast SLA, to the south-east.  This stretch of the East Lothian coast is characterised as a historic, industrial landscape encompassing sites of pre-historic settlement, lime quarrying and is flanked within the LVIA study area by the GDLs at Broxmouth Park and Dunglass. However, the larger area of this LCT is not designated and not specifically recognised for its scenic quality.   Taking this into account the value of this LCT is considered to be medium.
  2. Although located within this LCT, the onshore substation would occupy a localised portion of the wider character area.  The Coastal Margins – Lothians LCT comprises an expansive rolling plain of medium-large scale agricultural fields lying inland from a rocky and complex coastline.  The nature of the agricultural land use means the appearance of the landscape, particularly in terms of ground cover, can evolve and change throughout the year as a result of human influence. The coastal plain is also crossed by the A1 trunk road and ECML which form considerable linear features of the landscape.  Structures associated with both routes, including bridges, tunnels, overhead lines and lighting columns, are visible features of the landscape in the vicinity of the Proposed Development. The LCT offers open views to the North Sea, however, these extensive views are disrupted by prevalent industrial development along the coastline.  Modern influences on the LCT include Torness Power Station, Dunbar Cement Plant and the Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility.  Taking this into account, susceptibility to change is considered to be medium.
  3. Taking into account the medium value and medium susceptibility, the sensitivity of this LCT is considered to be medium.

Magnitude of change

  1. As the onshore substation is located within the Coastal Margins – Lothians LCT, it will directly change features that contribute to its character.  The Proposed Development would result in the permanent loss of agricultural land and field boundary hedgerows within the footprint of the onshore substation and permanent access tracks.  This agricultural land would be replaced by industrial land use. 
  2. Beyond these physical effects, remaining effects upon this LCT would relate to potential visibility of the onshore substation from the wider landscape.  The ZTV on Figure 6.8   Open ▸ shows that the theoretical visibility of the onshore substation is largely contained within a 3km area of this LCT from the Dunbar Cement Plant in the northwest and Dunglass in the southeast. Figure 6.10   Open ▸ includes the screening effect of woodland blocks alongside landscape character which illustrates the reduced visibility across this area. The gradual rolling profile of the coastal plain would offer a degree of screening to the Proposed Development, as would shelterbelt planting following the route of the A1 trunk road (north of the site) and the deciduous woodland that follows the course of streams through the LCT. Visibility of the onshore substation is restricted in coastal areas by intervening topography, woodlands and existing industrial development. Actual visibility is therefore more restricted and unobstructed views of the onshore substation are limited to contained to a range of approximately 1 km. 
  3. The Proposed Development would introduce an area of industrial development to a landscape context currently subject to widespread human influence and agricultural management that are both characteristic features of the LCT.  Existing industrial development forms a feature of existing views to the open sea.
  4. During the construction phase, the increased parcel of land needed for material storage and laydown areas, construction compounds and temporary access tracks would exert a more prominent influence on the character of the LCT.  Once operational, these areas would be reinstated to their former land use and productivity as agricultural fields.
  5. Taking this into account, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium-high at the substation site, its immediate setting and extending to a range of approximately 1 km during construction, year 1 and in the years immediately following.  Beyond this range, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium-low across the wider context of the LCT during construction and year 1.
  6. In year 15 when landscape mitigation planting has matured the magnitude of change is considered to be medium for the localised area of the substation site and within approximately 1 km.  Beyond this range, the magnitude of change is considered to be low across the wider context of the receptor in year 15.

Significance of the effect

  1. The effect is considered to be moderate and significant in EIA terms to a range of approximately 1 km during construction, in year 1 and in the years immediately following. The significant effect is largely due to the introduction of large scale industrial infrastructure, which would permanently alter the key characteristics of a localised part of the LCT. The effect is considered to be moderate-minor in EIA terms and not significant beyond this localised area within the wider context of the LCT. 
  2. In year 15, the effect would reduce to moderate and not significant in EIA terms within the localised area (approximately 1 km) due to the effect of mitigation planting which would combine with existing strips of woodland to moderate the effect on key landscape characteristics in the area. The effect in year 15 within the wider context of this LCT is considered to reduce to minor and not significant in EIA terms.
  3. Construction effects are direct, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are direct, adverse and permanent.

LCT 269: Upland Fringes – Lothians

  1. NatureScot LCA for Scotland describes the key characteristics of the LCT as follows:
  • Broadly undulating, landforms forming a series of smooth rounded hills and slopes, some steep-sided and some gently sloping, shelving gradually from the Uplands northward to merge with rolling farmlands.
  • Occasional hills where underlying geology incorporates harder strata.
  • Varied scale, openness and land use reflecting transitional nature between upland and lowland.
  • Incised watercourses have etched V-shaped valleys into the slopes, often forming deep cleughs.
  • Occasional larger rivers flow through similar, but larger-scale, V-shaped channels.
  • Remnant heather moorland and rough grassland on high ground gives way to improved grassland and then to arable land on the lowest elevations, with a parallel transition from post and wire fence and walls to beech and hawthorn hedges.
  • Some areas of extensive coniferous forest, but tree cover is more frequent in the form of shelterbelts.
  • Deciduous woodland is restricted to steeper land in river channels, though this includes some important ancient woodlands.
  • Dispersed settlement pattern of farmsteads and clusters of cottages, with occasional small villages.
  • Distinctive character of rural road network, dense in places, including local features such as fords and bridges.
  • Quarries, overhead lines and busy A roads which have localised influence in some parts of the landscape;
  • Clearly transitional landscape between lowland and upland characters.
  • Views across the lowland, and to the coast in the east, backed by the ridge lines of the hills to the south.
    1. This is a large-scale LCT, extending from the east coast of Scotland across the Lothians to Penicuik, south of Edinburgh.  Consequently, some of the key characteristics describe areas that are a considerable distance from the Proposed Development.

Sensitivity of the receptor

  1. Notable landform within the LVIA study area include the Brunt, Doon, Pinkerton and Blackcastle (Cocklaw) Hills which extend easterly towards the coast.  These hills are locally designated by ELC as the Doonhill to Chesters SLA and Monynut to Blackcastle SLA for their high scenic value and historic importance.  The Upland Fringes – Lothians LCT comprises a range of rounded, low hills on the eastern fringe of the Lammermuir Hills that provide the backdrop to inland views from the coastal plain, south of Dunbar.  The unit forms a transitional landscape between upland fringes and the coastal lowlands.  The steeply sloped, wooded river valleys of the LCT dissect hill summits and are sheltered and visually contained, whereas a principally open aspect is experienced on hill slopes and at higher elevations, affording expansive views over the coastal plain to a horizon of open sea.  Taking this into account the value of this LCT is considered to be medium-high.
  2. The onshore substation is not located within this LCT and whilst the eastern boundary of the character type lies 500 m south of the site intervening topography limits the potential influence of the Proposed Development on the characteristics of this LCT.  This large-scale LCT extends from the beyond the study area and across the Lothians, to Penicuik.  Long range views from the LCT towards the coast is punctuated by the series of industrial developments south of Dunbar at Dunbar Cement Plant (including operational quarrying), the Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility and Torness Power Station.  Existing major electrical infrastructure is also sited within this character type including overhead power lines that track east to west within coastal views.  The Blackcastle Hill radio tower and Barns Ness Lighthouse form visual landmarks within views into and out of the LCT, respectively. Susceptibility to change of this LCT is considered to be medium-low.
  3. Taking into account the medium-high value and medium-low susceptibility, the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium.

Magnitude of change

  1. The Proposed Development is located outside this LCT and consequently would not result in the direct loss or alteration of features that contribute to its character. 
  2. The ZTV of the onshore substation demonstrates relatively limited theoretical visibility across the eastern Lammermuir Hills, in three bands across Thornton Hill and Blackcastle (Cocklaw) Hill.  Further areas of theoretical visibility are shown on the eastern slopes of Pinkerton and Doon Hill, the southern slopes of Brunt Hill and in Innerwick.  A greater degree of visual influence, as a result of the Proposed Development, is restricted by the topography of the character type and the presence of linear woodlands, shelterbelts and deciduous woodland following the steep slopes of incised river channels.
  3. Resultant effects upon the features that contribute to the character and value of the LCT are judged to be restricted to the influence of the onshore substation upon outward visibility from the LCT, to the coast.  The Proposed Development would appear as an additional industrial land use within expansive, long-range views from elevated locations.  The ZTV shows that the extent of this influence is limited to eastern slopes of terrain extending from the upland fringes into the coastal plain.  The onshore substation would also become a component of coastal views from Innerwick.  Baseline sea views from these locations already encompass industrial development, major transport routes, such as the A1 trunk road and ECML, and other human influences, including agriculture which alters ground cover throughout the year.
  4. Taking this into account, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium-high in closer proximity to the onshore substation along the northern boundary of the LCT (within around 1 km of the onshore substation), during construction, year 1 and in the years immediately following.   Across the wider context of the LCT, the magnitude of change is considered to be medium-low during construction, year 1 and in the years immediately following. This includes the elevated eastern hill slopes of the Lammermuir fringe.
  5. In year 15 when landscape mitigation planting has matured the magnitude of change is considered to reduce to medium in close proximity to the Proposed Development, on the northern boundary of the LCT (within around 1 km of the onshore substation).  In the wider context, the magnitude of change is considered to remain medium-low at year 15.  The elevated nature of the eastern hill slopes Lammermuir fringe means that the proposed planting has less mitigation potential to influence the effect on this part of the LCT.

Significance of the effect

  1. The effect is considered to be moderate and significant in close proximity (within around 1 km) to the Proposed Development during construction, year 1 and in the years immediately following. The significant effect is largely due to the introduction of large scale industrial infrastructure, which would significantly influence key characteristics of a localised part of the LCT. The effect is considered to be moderate-minor and not significant in EIA terms beyond this localised area within the wider context of the LCT. 
  2. In year 15, the effect would reduce to moderate and not significant in close proximity (within around 1km) to the Proposed Development due to the effect of mitigation planting which would combine with existing vegetation to moderate the effect on key landscape characteristics in the area. The effect in year 15 within the wider context of this LCT is considered to remain moderate-minor and not significant.
  3. Construction effects are indirect, adverse, reversible and temporary. Operational effects are indirect, adverse and permanent.

6.11.5.              Proposed Monitoring

  1. No monitoring to test the predictions made within the landscape effects section of the LVIA chapter is considered necessary.

6.11.6.              Assessment of Visual Effects

Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment

  1. Principle visual receptors and viewpoints within the LVIA study area are assessed to determine those likely to be influenced by the Proposed Development.
Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Cable Corridor and Landfall
  1. As described in section 6.8.2, the visual effects of the onshore cable corridor and landfall would largely relate to the construction phase.  The visual presence of open-cut trenching, trenchless technology (e.g. HDD) within construction compounds, material storage areas and temporary access tracks have the potential to exert attributable effects upon visual receptors in the LVIA study area.
  2. The preliminary assessment of visual effects, as a result of the onshore cable corridor and landfall, therefore, identifies receptors considered to have the potential to experience significant visual effects during the construction phase.  Table 6.11, below, identifies such receptors and determines those for inclusion in the detailed assessment process.
Table 6.11:
Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Cable Corridor and Landfall (Construction)

Table 6.11: Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Cable Corridor and Landfall (Construction)

Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Substation
  1. Potential construction and operational visual effects as a result of the onshore substation are assessed and reported together to avoid duplication of detailed baseline and sensitivity assessments. 
  2. Accordingly, the preliminary assessment in Table 6.12, below, considers these phases of the Proposed Development together and identifies visual receptors that have the potential to undergo significant effects requiring inclusion in the detailed assessment process.
Table 6.12:
Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Substation (Construction and Operation)

Table 6.12: Preliminary Visual Effects Assessment – Onshore Substation (Construction and Operation)

Summary of Preliminary Visual Assessment
  1. The preliminary visual assessment has identified visual receptors for inclusion in the detailed assessment process on the basis of potential effects of the Proposed Development.  These are as follows:
  • Viewpoint 1: A1, Skateraw Junction – Onshore cable corridor (construction) and onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Viewpoint 2: Innerwick – Onshore cable corridor (construction) and onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Viewpoint 3: John Muir Link near Skateraw Harbour – Onshore cable corridor and landfall (construction) and onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Viewpoint 4: Minor road near Thornton – Onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Viewpoint 5: Minor road near Thurston – Onshore cable corridor (construction) and onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Viewpoint 6: Blackcastle Hill – Onshore cable corridor and landfall (construction) and onshore substation (construction and operational);
  • Individual property at Links Cottage, Skateraw Harbour – Onshore cable corridor and landfall (construction);
  • Individual property at Castledene – Onshore cable corridor and landfall (construction); and
  • Core Path 18, north of Innerwick – Onshore substation (construction and operational).
  • Individual property at Railway Cottage, Skateraw Gate - Onshore substation (construction and operational).