1. Offshore wind farms: “Out at sea, out of mind”? Kate Ahern, Principal (LUC)

2. Thames Estuary: Offshore WF’s

3. Round 3 offshore wind farms

4. Offshore wind farms: Out at sea, out of mind? What you can see? Where and when you can see it? ….. And does the matter? Recommendations for siting and design in relation to sensitive visual receptors.

5. Thames Estuary: Offshore WF’s

6. Good to have here what the ES says, and or some visuals Character of the Thames Estuary

7. Kentish Flats, c. 12km from Whitstable

8. Thanet, c. 16km from Margate

9. Out at space?

10. What can you see in reality? Varies enormously in response to climatic conditions; In good visibility turbines at heights of up to 140 m height can be perceived by eye up to 38 km away; Moving blades can be perceived at over 25km distant; Night time aviation lighting can be visible at distance of up to 25-30 km; Schemes can be a dominant focus in views of up to 16km (note no value judgements) In good visibility turbines at > 16 km can be a noticeable element of the seascape.

11. Does this matter? What do people think, now the wind farms are there? Ongoing online survey – spring 2014

12. What do people think? 50% like the wind farm (s) 25% are negative - don’t like it 25% are neutral and neither like or dislike

13. What do people think? 60 % think the wind farms look better than they expected before they were built 40% had no expectations

14. What do people think? 30% think the wind farms have enhanced the view 20% think they have spoilt the view 50% neither enhanced or spoilt the view

15. What do people value about their sea views? th “Sense of space/distance” “Constant change – tide/wind/weather Diverse scene” “Long views/ open /unspoilt horizon” “crisp clear horizon” “sunsets” “The wind turbines” “Air of mystery!” “Contemplation/soul searching”

16. When is enough enough? 35% - there are enough turbines now 20% say it’s a good location -put more turbines in the estuary 45% possibly space for more turbines if well sited and designed (open horizons not curtain wall)

17. Thames Estuary: Offshore WF’s

18. Round 3 offshore wind farms

19. OESEA Recommendations “Significant adverse effects are likely without mitigation; however, for a variety of impact reduction reasons a general guideline of a 12 nautical mile buffer zone is recommended for large (>100MW) wind farm developments. This is not to exclude wind farms from being built closer to shore but to reduce conflicts with a range of ecological and other receptors (including landscape/seascape) and avoid potential public opposition and extended consenting timescales.” (DECC OESEA NTS 2009)

21. Atlantic Array up to 278 turbines Blade tip ht to 220m 3.6 – 8MW Exmoor NP North Devon AONB Cornwall AONB Lundy HC Hartland HC North Devon HC Exmoor HC SWCP NT

22. D photo and info on North Devon AONB North Devon Coast AONB Management Plan: Factors contributing to natural beauty “walking along the South West Coast Path across the open, windswept cliff tops, and gazing westwards across the seemingly infinite expanse of ocean, one is struck with a timeless sense of raw nature devoid of human influence”

23. Options for siting and design Case study: Rampion wind farm

24. Rampion 95 – 185 turbines 3.6 MW – 7 MW Hub Ht 100 – 124m- Tip Ht 165 – 210m South Downs NP Sussex HC South Downs NT

25. Rampion offshore wind farm SDNP Special Qualities contributing to natural beauty 1. Diverse inspirational landscapes and breathtaking views – stunning panoramic views to the sea 3. Tranquil and unspoilt places

26. Rampion Wind Farm: Beachy Head

27. Rampion Mitigation Case Study

31. NE MITIGATION WRITTEN INTO DCO Additional Requirement 3(x) of the DCO (and Condition 1(x) of Schedule 13) The undertaker shall have regard to the following design principles when designing the layout of the development in order to limit the visual effects of the development on the South Downs National Park and the Sussex Heritage Coast :– (a) Limit as far as possible the horizontal degree of view of wind turbine generators from key sensitive receptors within the SDNP and the HC; (b) Increase as far as possible the distance of the wind turbine generators from key sensitive receptors within the SDNP and the HC; (c) Locate the largest turbines, in any hybrid scheme, to the south-western portion of the Order limits (fewer larger turbines appear more balanced and visually pleasing) (d) Provide clear sight lines through the wind turbine layout in order that the regular geometric pattern of the array is apparent in views from selected key sensitive receptors within the SDNP and HC. (notably Beachy Head)

32. Summary

33. ‘Out at sea, out of mind’? Conclusions By following the 12 nm recommendation effects on special qualities and valued seascape receptors can be reduced; In other areas such as estuaries and developed coastline offshore wind can be a positive and eye catching feature…. but… … Capacity and cumulative impacts can be a concern (importance of the spaces/open sea between); SCA can help in developing a strategic approach to development of offshore wind.

35. ‘Out at sea, out of mind’?: Conclusions On this island, looking out to an uncluttered, uninterrupted horizon is an increasingly rare and important quality. Add a picture “I must go down to the seas again; to the lonely seas and the sky”

36. Kate Ahern Principal LUC Come and see us at stand K28 Drinks reception and presentation: Making space for a 2 GW super onshore wind farm Marc van Grieken, Principal 15.30 TODAY 15.00 TOMORROW