Environmental Impact Assessment
Landscape & Visual
Wind turbines are big and are visible. In a well designed wind farm, generally the only impact is of a visual nature.
The Landscape & Visual Assessment (LVA) has examined the potential effects of the proposed Milton Keynes wind farm on landscape fabric, landscape character, landscape designations and visual amenity within a 15km study area.
The surrounding landscape is undulating and well vegetated so there will be only intermittent views of the Proposal from the surrounding area. As a result, significant effects on landscape character will be limited to within 2-3 km of the nearest turbines and effects on visual amenity will be limited to:
- Residents within 6 km of the nearest turbine whose views will not be interrupted by the landscape or vegetation
- Walkers, horse riders and cyclists using local bridleways and footpaths within 3 km of the nearest turbine and users of the Three Shires Way and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk
- Road users of minor roads around the site
Everyone has their own opinion on how turbines look. You cannot hide a wind turbine and we know that not everyone likes the look of them. National surveys show that over three-quarters of the population support wind energy and that once wind farms are built people grow to welcome their introduction to the landscape. It is important to note that wind farms are temporary features, this one will have a life of 25 years. During that time technological advances may lead to other ways of producing clean energy, and the landscape can be returned to its original state.
To see what the wind farm will look like from 26 viewpoints around the area, go to the interactive map or download the photomontages.
Click here to view the Environmental Statement Documents
Click here to view the Supplementary Environmental Information
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