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CMS UKRural, Business and Renewable Energy Consultants |
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Landscape and Visual Impact AssessmentThe visual impact of wind turbines is a common source of debate in many areas. Windy sites most suitable for wind turbines are often in prominent positions, such as on the brow of hills. This, combined with the moving nature of the turbines themselves, often leads to a degree of visual impact on the immediate and surrounding landscape. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) can be undertaken as part of the planning process, and concerns the sensitivity to any change that will be produced by the proposed development upon the surrounding environment. This process can be used to decide where best to site the wind turbine, or upon request from the Local Authority to show the visual impact of the wind turbine from a decided location. The CMS UK LVIA service includes:
Each LVIA is accompanied by a written reportUltimately the assessment can be used to deduce the capability of the surrounding landscape to absorb the proposed development, and highlight the visual impact that may be incurred on nearby properties, an SSSI, AONB or Archaeological Site. On the right is an example ZTV map, showing the line of sight for a wind turbine with a hub height of 50m. As shown, the map displays where the turbine can (highlighted in blue) and can't (highlighted in red) be seen in a 15km radius from the site. This is not taking into account any visual obstructions, such as buildings or woodland, as it is based on a bare ground map. The report is produced by CMS UK specialists using purpose designed soft wear, in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) - 2nd edition, 2002. For further information on the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment or to discuss your particular requirements please contact CMS UK on Tel 01270 522645. Click here to 'Meet the Team'...
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