Landscape and visual impacts
As part of the planning consent process, wind farm developers are required to carry out a rigorous analysis of the impacts their projects are likely to have on the local environment through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Wind farms can be, and are, refused on the basis of these impacts.
An EIA is required for a vast majority of commercial-scale onshore wind turbine applications. It must cover a wide range of issues including consequences for flora and fauna, landscape and visual impact.
The process of complying with environmental regulations as part of the consenting process is important to ensure new development is located and constructed appropriately. Developers are required to minimise any adverse effects through siting, layout, landscaping and design.