## Landscape Assessment

# At Ferny Knowl, Sheen, Buxton, Derbyshire. Sk17 0Er.

Proposal to install a small-scale 6kW Wind Turbine on a 
15-mtr mast Date 8th July 2013
Written By: Mike Lowes

|      |                | CONTENTS              | Page          |
|------|----------------|-----------------------|---------------|
| 1.   | Purpose of the | Landscape Assessment. | 1             |
| 2.   | Explanation    | of a                  | Photomontage. |
| 3.   | Credibility    | of                    | pho           |
| accu | r              | a                     | cy            |
| Eq   | u              | i                     | p             |
| 4.   | The            | site.                 | 2             |
| 5.   | Understanding  | the                   | scale         |
| 6.   | Zone of        | T                     |               |
| 7.   | Ph             | o                     | t             |
| 8.   | Conclusion.    | 10                    |               |

## 1. Purpose Of This Landscape Assessment

1.1  The purpose of this Landscape Assessment is to provide to the Local Authority, and public / local community, a visual indication of the true impact that the proposed development will make. We have achieved this by taking numerous photomontages from the site itself and from key areas of population and individual objection outside of the site, to show what can be seen, if any, of the development once it is installed. The positions that photomontages are taken from are shown on the satellite image provided at section 4. 1.2  As noted in 1.1, images have been taken from outside the site itself to show the wider impact of the installation.

## 2. Explanation Of A Photomontage:

2.1  A photomontage is a continuous series of photographs taken from a single spot, while turning through a specific arc. The photos are then 'stitched' together by a designer, to enable the viewer to see a much wider field of vision than can be seen from the eye or from a traditional photograph. 2.2  A large measuring staff is held up at the exact point of the proposed installation and is photographed as part of the photomontage. The measuring staff is then used to allow the designer to scale-up the wind-turbine as it would physically be seen from the photo-taking position. In this way, it is possible to view the turbine amongst its surrounding landscape, before it has been installed.

## 3. Credibility Of Photographer / Cgi Designer And Accuracy Of Finished Images.

3.1  Our Photographer is a semi-professional photographer, studying at college before obtaining qualifications in Photography. Photography has been his hobby for over 20-yrs. His images have been displayed in numerous publications and a selection of his work is sold to Commercial and Domestic clients throughout the UK. 3.2  Our graphic designer has 19-yrs experience, was University educated and has a Diploma in Technical and Graphical Illustration. 3.3  Our photomontages are therefore incredibly accurate and are a true representation of what will be seen on site.

## Equipment Used And Background Information

3.4  All photomontages have been taken in line with guidelines laid out in the handbook 'Photography and Photomontage in Landscape' and visual impact assessment Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11. This document is a recognised and accepted guidance tool by Planning Authorities and Landscape Planners. 3.5  All images have been taken using a Canon G12 Professional Camera, with a 50mm lens to best replicate the actual view from the human eye.

3.6  All images have been taken at eye level - approximately 1.7mtrs up from ground level. 3.7  The conditions at the time the images were taken were fair and bright. 3.8  The images were taken in June 2013, between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

## 4. The Site

4.1  The site is a working farm in an open and rural location. 
4.2  Plan View satellite image, showing the site, position of the proposed Turbine (marked with blue dot) and the positions of the photomontage points: 4.3 For reference, the Easting and Northing Turbine Co-ordinates are:   409910  364468

## 5. Understanding The Scale Of The Proposal

5.1  Wind turbines can often be a controversial subject. This is generally because the perception of a wind turbine is of a large towering structure that is commonly seen in Wind-farms. The reality is that Wind Turbines are available in various sizes to suit various applications. 5.2  The Wind Turbine the client has chosen to install is size-designated as a Micro Wind Turbine. This is because it has a generator of under 15kW. It is a turbine that is often used on domestic, small-holding and farm sites. It is NOT a Medium or Largescale Wind Turbine that is found on Wind-farms. 5.3  The Micro-Wind Turbine we propose has a blade diameter of 5.6-mtrs. The total blade diameter of a commercial wind turbine is often over 100mtrs, some 17-times larger than the unit we propose. The unit we propose has a mast height of 15-mtrs. A commercial Wind Turbine will generally have a mast of over 100mtrs, over 6-times higher than the unit we propose.

## 5.4  We Propose A Single Unit, Not Multiple Units That Are Found On Wind-Farms.

5.5  This image shows the scale comparison between the turbine we intend to install on site, and a Commercial Wind Turbine.

## 6. Zone Of Theoretical Visibility

6.1  Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps are often mentioned in Wind-Farm design and Planning Applications. This can work well with Commercial Wind-farms; the turbine heights dwarf anything else on the landscape and can be seen from a great distance. 6.2  ZTV maps are generally thought as unfeasible for use with small-scale turbines. This is that because of their relatively low mast heights, they are hidden from view by surrounding tree-lines, buildings and topography at a short viewing distance, and even by moderate hedgerows at long distances. 6.3  Due to the Planning requirements of the Peak District Park Authority, it was decided to provide ZTV maps for the avoidance of doubt and in order to prevent delays in both Validating, Consulting on and obtaining a Planning Decision. We enclose them as separate documents due to their complexity and file size. They include: Grindon 9 - ZTV notes by the image author   /   Grindon 10 - ZTV topography map Grindon 11 - ZTV map - 15-mtr hub   /   Grindon 12 - ZTV map - 17.8 mtr blade tip

## 6.4  The Attached Photomontages Bear Testament To The Fact That Zvt'S Are A Relatively Pointless Exercise When Installing Small-Scale Turbines. 7. Photomontages And Observations.

7.1  The satellite map shown at 4. shows the positions the photomontages have been taken from. 

## 7.2  All Photomontages Consist Of:

A stitched image showing a full 180-degree field of view encompassing the proposed development, with the turbine position itself indicated with a red arrow to assist in finding it within the montage. 

## 7.3  All Photomontages Are Supplied Separatly To This Landscape Assessment Due To The Image Sizes. It Would Otherwise Be Virtually Impossible To E-Mail, Download Or Print The Finished Document.

| Photomontage location:         | 1                                                  |
|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:                    | Minor lane near Hope Cottage Farm. Approx 570-mtrs |
| south-east of turbine location |                                                    |
| OS image Co-ordinates:         |                                                    |
| 410304                         | 364028                                             |

| Comments                            |
|-------------------------------------|
| amongst the farm buildings on site. |
| Photomontage location:         | 2                                                    |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:                    | Minor lane to the east of Crowdecote. Approx 850mtrs |
| north-east of turbine location |                                                      |
| OS image Co-ordinates:         |                                                      |
| 410596                         | 364997                                               |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                     | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| due to the topography between the two points.                                                                                   |                                                       |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                       |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 3                                                     | Document ref Grindon 15 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | Near the Pack Horse Inn in Crowdecote. Approx 750mtrs |                         |
| north of turbine location                                                                                                       |                                                       |                         |
|                                                                                                                                 |                                                       |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                       |                         |
| 410081                                                                                                                          | 365218                                                |                         |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                    | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| due to the topography between the two points.                                                                                   |                                                      |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                      |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 4                                                    | Document ref Grindon 16 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | Layby on the eastern edge of Longnor. Approx 800mtrs |                         |
| north-west of turbine location                                                                                                  |                                                      |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                      |                         |
| 409266                                                                                                                          | 364905                                               |                         |

| Comments                                      |
|-----------------------------------------------|
| due to the topography between the two points. |
| Photomontage location:    | 5                                                       |
|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:               | B5053 alongside River Manifold. Approx 1100mtrs west of |
| turbine location          |                                                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:    |                                                         |
| 408819                    | 364575                                                  |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                     | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| distance. Is viewed with tree line to the rear                                                                                  |                                                       |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                       |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 6                                                     | Document ref Grindon 18 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | B5053 by Stiff Close Farm (labelled as such on Google |                         |
| maps). Approx 1200mtrs west,west-south of turbine                                                                               |                                                       |                         |
| location                                                                                                                        |                                                       |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                       |                         |
| 408775                                                                                                                          | 364268                                                |                         |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                     | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings                                                                     |                                                       |                         |
| and hills to the rear. Does not 'sky-line'                                                                                      |                                                       |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                       |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 7                                                     | Document ref Grindon 19 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | B5053. Near the intersecting easterly lane leading to |                         |
| Boothlow Hayes Farm. Approx 1285mtrs south-west of                                                                              |                                                       |                         |
| turbine location                                                                                                                |                                                       |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                       |                         |
| 408740                                                                                                                          | 364005                                                |                         |

| Comments                                                    |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings |
| and hill range to the rear. Does not 'sky-line'             |
| Photomontage location:          | 8                                                   |
|---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:                     | The Brambles Farm just off the B5053. Approx 1-mile |
| south-west of turbine location. |                                                     |
| OS image Co-ordinates:          |                                                     |
| 408624                          | 363530                                              |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                        | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hill range to the                                                                   |                                                          |                         |
| rear. Does not 'sky-line'                                                                                                       |                                                          |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                          |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 9                                                        | Document ref Grindon 21 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | Near the crossroads with the B5053 and the minor road to |                         |
| Fawfieldhead. Approx 1800mtrs south-west of turbine                                                                             |                                                          |                         |
| location                                                                                                                        |                                                          |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                          |                         |
| 408496                                                                                                                          | 363310                                                   |                         |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                   | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hill range to the                                                                   |                                                     |                         |
| rear. Does not 'sky-line'                                                                                                       |                                                     |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                     |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 10                                                  | Document ref Grindon 22 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | The Green on the minor road to Fawfieldhead. Approx |                         |
| 2200mtrs south-west of turbine location                                                                                         |                                                     |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                     |                         |
| 407981                                                                                                                          | 363479                                              |                         |

Comments I observations:
Impossible to view due to distance and topography

| Photomontage location:                   | 11                                                   |
|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:                              | Sycamore Cottage to the East of Fawfieldhead. Approx |
| 2500-mtrs south-west of turbine location |                                                      |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                   |                                                      |
| 407592                                   | 363712                                               |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                    | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                      |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 12                                                   | Document ref Grindon 24 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | The eastern fringe of Longnoor Wood. Approx 2300mtrs |                         |
| west of turbine location                                                                                                        |                                                      |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                      |                         |
| 407526                                                                                                                          | 364310                                               |                         |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                       | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Does not 'sky-line'. Is viewed with distant hills to the                                                                        |                                                         |                         |
| rear.                                                                                                                           |                                                         |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                         |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 13                                                      | Document ref Grindon 25 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | Wood Cottage on the Leek Road on the southern fringe of |                         |
| Millmoorhead Wood. Approx 2000mtrs west of turbine                                                                              |                                                         |                         |
| location                                                                                                                        |                                                         |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                         |                         |
| 407738                                                                                                                          | 364458                                                  |                         |

Comments I observations:
Turbine is not visible due to topography.
| Photomontage location:       | 14                                                  |
|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Taken from:                  | Heath House Farm on the Leek Road. Just over 1-mile |
| west of the turbine location |                                                     |
| OS image Co-ordinates:       |                                                     |
| 408179                       | 364515                                              |

| Comments                                                                                                                        | I                                                        | observations:           |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| preventing it from 'sky-lining'                                                                                                 |                                                          |                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |                                                          |                         |
| Photomontage location:                                                                                                          | 15                                                       | Document ref Grindon 27 |
| Taken from:                                                                                                                     | Just North of Longnor on the B5053. Approx 1-mile north- |                         |
| west of the turbine location                                                                                                    |                                                          |                         |
| OS image Co-ordinates:                                                                                                          |                                                          |                         |
| 408622                                                                                                                          | 365288                                                   |                         |

Comments I observations:
Turbine cannot be seen due to topography

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photomontage location: 
16
Document ref Grindon 28
Taken from: 
 North of Longnor, on the minor road (towards Hollinsclough) that meets the A53. Approx 2600mtrs northwest of the turbine location.
OS image Co-ordinates:
407287
365251

Comments I observations:
Turbine is not visible at this distance.

## 9.         Conclusion

9.1    We believe that we have proved beyond doubt that  this   is  both  a  worthwhile development   and   more  importantly, one who's Visual Landscape impact is minimal and by far offset by the benefits of the development, both now and in the future. 9.2
We believe that the content of this Landscape Assessment helps to show the incredibly small impact of this proposal. The photomontages have  been  taken  from various roads, farms and properties and prove the Visual Impact to be minimal at worst. 9.3    In light of this information, together with that provided in our Design, Access and Supporting Statement and other documents, we would ask that the Landscape Planners / Local Authority Planners support this application and give it their Approval

## Assessment Ends