Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Appendix 6.4: Landscape Character Effects
M
H
H
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
Major to
Substantial
(Significant)
The Mynydd y Betws turbines
currently under construction would
be visible from much of this area
along its northern edge. However,
the proposed turbines would
become a dominant characteristic
within this area due to their
number, scale and introduction of
movements across the northern
part of the area. This would
reduce the sense of remoteness.
Panoramic views out from the
edges of the area would not be
affected; however, views across
the area to distant landscapes
would be significantly altered.
Despite the presence of existing
manmade features in the
surrounding landscape such as
telecommunication mast and
existing wind turbines the number
of turbines and extent of area over
which a wind farm landscape
would be created would result in a
High magnitude of change to this
character area . This would
redefine the visual and sensory
area and result in Major to
The main cumulative landscape
effects as a result of the proposed
development would occur as a
result of the development of
Mynydd y Gwair and the
consented Mynydd y Betws
schemes.
This character area is already
undergoing a significant change to
its character along its northern
edge as a result of the consented
Mynydd y Betws wind farm which
would create a wind farm
landscape across much of the
adjacent visual and sensory area.
The Mynydd y Gwair scheme
would create a wind farm
landscape within its immediate
environs with its influence on
character diminishing with distance
but extending on to Mynydd Betws
creating a subtype of the upland
moorland plateau where turbines
are an element along its southern
boundary. The combined effect of
the Mynydd y Betws and Mynydd y
Gwair wind farms would be to
create a wind farm landscape that
Exposed Upland Moorland Plateau
Pentwyn
Mawr
SWNS
VS735

Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0km

VPs: 1/2/4



large scale open landscape of
strongly rolling hills with
exposed upland character and
muted colours
lack of human presence /
detractors
views to Gower peninsula
scattered rural farmsteads
attractive views both in and out
to upland and coast
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
Substantial effect on character that
is considered significant.
extends across two closely related
Visual and Sensory Areas, with the
main significant cumulative effects
being within the area between the
two sites.
The proposed access track would
cross this area at grade and as
such there would be no need for
any major earthworks to facilitate
the access tracks. Whilst initially
appearing intrusive immediately
following construction the edges of
the access tracks would be
restored and over time the areas of
disturbance would blend with the
surrounding land cover and tracks
would mellow to resemble other
agricultural tracks in the area.
The proposed substation
compound is located immediately
adjacent to this area and would be
would be a prominent feature
initially. However, the effects on
this character area would be
negligible due to the very localised
nature of these effects. In addition
the proposed mitigation seeks to
integrate the substation with the
field pattern of SWNSVS 580
through the use of gentle earth
mounding and characteristic
landscape elements such as
cloddiau and native
Whilst these cumulative effects
would be significant they need to
be considered in the context of
TAN 8 and guidance from SNH in
terms of developing multiple wind
farms within the landscape.
The proposals are consistent with
the principle of developing multiple
wind farms within the same or
similar landscape areas and the
two schemes would be close
enough to be seen within the
landscape as a part of the same
wind farm landscape.
Mynydd y
Betws
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0.5km
VS Ref
CRMRT
VS504
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)



VPs: NA




extensive area of large scale
undulating open exposed
moorland
heather –rough grassland over
grazed in places is dominant
landcover
impressive views out over
south east Carmarthenshire
and Brecon Beacons
pylons and telegraph poles
intrusive elements in areas
absence of trees and shrubs
contrast between the open
moorland and enclosed land of
the lower northern slopes and
settled valleys.
Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm
and associated infrastructure
M
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
M
Significance
of Effect
Moderate (
not
significant)
Commentary
woodland/scrub planting. Once
the vegetation becomes
established the effects of the
compound would be significantly
reduced.
The existing landscape character
of this area will be heavily
influenced by the Mynydd y Betws
wind turbines which are currently
under construction. These
elements will be co-dominant with
the existing landscape
characteristics and create a wind
farm landscape. The proposed
Mynydd y Gwair turbines would
introduce further evidence of
human development along the
southern edge of this area visible
from the south facing slopes and
ridge of Mynydd y Betws. Whilst
the main characteristic views are
not toward the proposed wind farm
site the area is enclosed by the
higher ground of Mynydd y Gwair
to the south and this visually
defines the extent of the character
area.
The introduction of turbines and
movement on the southern edge of
this area would introduce an
incremental change to the overall
Cumulative Landscape Effects
Given the prominence of existing
turbine development across this
character area other wind farms
remote from the character area
would not significantly increase the
perception of being within a wind
farm landscape and as such
cumulative effects would be
incremental.
The combined effect of the Mynydd
y Betws and Mynydd y Gwair wind
farms would be greatest between
the two sites.
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
landscape character of CRMRT
VS504 resulting in a medium
magnitude of change associated
with a perceived extension of the
existing wind farm landscape in a
southerly direction
This would result in a moderate
significance of effect
Brecon Beacons Uplands
The Black
Mountain
CRMRT
VS016


Distance to
nearest
turbine: 5.8km
VPs:
9/11/12/14






large scale exposed upland of
muted colours
attractive views both in and out
particularly to the pastoral
lowland to the north
detractive views to opencast
and settlements to the south
rock exposures and outcrops
with some evidence of historic
quarrying on northern flanks
uneven topography with small
incised valleys in places
vegetation cover primarily
coarse grassland with heath
and dwarf upland shrubs
high points and ridges form
backdrops to surrounding
lowlands
no settlements
H
L
Moderate
(not
significant)
Whilst turbines would be visible
from the Black Mountains (within
the Brecon Beacons National Park)
they would be seen in the same
area of skyline as the Mynydd y
Betws wind farm. This would
result in an intensification of
turbines rather than a fundamental
change to characteristic views
which are already influenced by
the existing Mynydd y Betws
turbines.
The difference in turbines heights
between Mynydd y Gwair and
Mynydd y Betws would not be
particularly noticeable due to the
effects of perspective with the two
schemes appearing as a single
development.
The majority of those sites
included within the cumulative
baseline would be visible from
locations within the south facing
slopes of this Visual and Sensory
(VS) area as illustrated by the
cumulative wireframes for
Viewpoints 11, 12, 14.
In this context the proposed
development would not result in
any significant cumulative effects
as it would be seen as part of the
existing Mynydd y Betws wind
farm.
Dorwen ar
Gledd
VS Ref
BRCKN
VS118
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
See above
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
H
L
Moderate
(not
significant)
M
H
L
M
Moderate
(not
significant)
Commentary
As such the magnitude of change
to the key characteristics of this
area would be low due to the
distance to the turbines, panoramic
nature of views, existing manmade
elements/activities to the south (in
particular the existing turbines at
Mynydd y Gwair), limited extent of
the area that would have views to
the proposed development and the
fact that the majority of
characteristics would be
unaffected. This would result in a
moderate significance of effect that
is not considered significant.
This character area is very similar
to that above and comments above
also apply to this area.
Cumulative Landscape Effects
See above.
Distance to
nearest
turbine:
10.8km
VPs: NA
Exposed Moorland Grazed Plateau
Mynydd
Uchaf/
Mynydd Garth
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 3.8km
NPT
VS188




upland moorland plateau with
grazed rough grasslands
occasional areas of exposed
rock
absence of settlement
minor roads and tracks
The exposed upland character
would not be altered and turbines
would only be a visual element of
characteristic panoramic views to
the west from this character area
separated by a settled valley.
Turbines would be located at
There is potential for significant
cumulative landscape effects on
this area as a result of its location
between a number proposed sites
to the east, west and north.
Turbines would become a key
characteristic of views from this
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)

panoramic views to
surrounding uplands and lower
lying valley landscapes
(including views of wind farm
development at Mynydd y
Betws.


Rolling upland common
smooth and simple landcover
of sheep grazed grassland with
gorse and bracken
encroachment
sense of exposure
cairns provide additional
landscape features
muted colours
extensive views out to
surrounding valleys
pylons visible to north and
south with detractive views
associated with disturbed land
at Cwn Gors.
views of Mynydd y Betws
turbines
VPs: 8
Bryn Mawr –
Mynydd
Carnllechart
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0.8km
VPs: NA
NPT
VS951






M
H
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
M
H
Significance
of Effect
Major
(Significant )
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
distances in excess of 3.8km and
would be seen in the context of
existing wind turbines at Mynydd y
Betws, pylons and development
within the valleys. This would
result in a low to medium
magnitude of change to the key
characteristic views of the area
due to the increased proportion of
views influenced by wind turbine
development The Mynydd y Gwair
proposal would result in a
moderate effect that is not
considered significant.
area in all these directions and this
would reduce its sense of
remoteness. The Mynydd y Gwair
scheme would be seen as an
extension to the Mynydd y Betws
turbines and as such this will limit
the wider cumulative effects of the
turbines with other schemes. It
should be noted that this area is
located in close proximity to TAN 8
SSA E and as such significant
cumulative effects on landscape
character were anticipated as part
of this strategic policy.
The existing Mynydd y Betws
turbines are visible from this area,
however, the proposed Mynydd y
Gwair scheme significantly
increases the proportion of
characteristic views influenced by
turbines. The west facing slopes of
this area would be some 2-4.5km
from the proposed turbines. Due
to the proportion of views in this
direction influenced by turbines
they would be a defining
characteristic of views ,creating a
sub type with a reduced sense of
remoteness. As such the
magnitude of change would be
medium to high and would result in
Whilst other schemes to the east
would theoretically be visible they
are generally located at distances
in excess of 15km, which limits the
significance of any cumulative
effects with turbines in this
direction. Awel Aman Tawe is
located within 10km but would be
seen sequentially in a clearly
different landscape character area.
This combined with the distinctly
different scale of the development
would reinforce their separation
and limit wider effects on
landscape character.
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
a major effect.
Open Upland Valleys
Melyn &
Brtyn-chwyth
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0.9km
VPs: NA
NPT
VS485






isolated areas of upland
pastoral valleys with neglected
boundaries of various type
many trees along minor
watercourses gives sense of
enclosure and seclusion
scattered farmsteads
muted colours with attractive
views both in and out.
contrast with surrounding
exposed commons enhances
character.
views of Mynydd y Betws
turbines
Grazed Hills, Lower Plateau and Scarp Slopes
(Majority of areas outside ZTV)
M
H
M
Moderate to
Major
(Significant)
Turbines would be seen alongside
the Mynydd Betws turbines above
the western edge of this area at
distances of less than 2km. The
two schemes would become the
defining characteristic of available
views out of the valley to the north
and west respectively. This would
influence the relationship of the
enclosed valleys and upland
common land which is one of its
key characteristics. This would be
mitigated to some degree by the
enclosed nature of views in some
areas. The increase in the
influence of turbines to the west of
this area would represent a
medium magnitude of change to
characteristic views, however the
underlying character of the upland
pastoral valley would not be
fundamentally changed. This
would result in a moderate to major
effect.
Due to the screening afforded by
topography there would only be
cumulative effects in this area as a
result of the combined effects of
Mynydd y Betws and Mynydd y
Gwair as set out in the main
commentary.
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Cwmcerdinen
SWNSV
S580

Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0.6km


VPs: NA




medium scale upland valley
slopes
distinctive field pattern
mosaic of small fields divided
by cloddiau
small broadleaf woodlands
scattered farmsteads with
associated minor roads and
access tracks
pylons running north-south
attractive views both in and out
of the areas with views to
urban areas down the valley to
the south.
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
M
H
M
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
Moderate to
major
This area comprises the upper
valley slopes of the Dulais valley.
Whilst there would be reduced
visibility from lower lying areas due
to the combination of landform and
field boundaries there would be
clear views from the more elevated
east facing slopes and the edges
of this area on the east side of the
valley. In these areas the
proposed turbines would influence
the character through the
introduction of movement and
additional manmade structures
along the upland edge to the north
east. This would represent a
medium magnitude of change to
the landscape character of the
area. However, due to the
localised nature of effects and
strong valley character, this would
not fundamentally alter the
underlying upland valley
characteristics. This would result
in a moderate to major effect within
a localised area
There would be no significant
cumulative effects with other
schemes due to the very enclosed/
directional nature of views.
The proposed substation
compound would be located within
this character area and would be a
prominent feature initially due to
the introduction of the substation
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
building, transformers and security
fencing. However, the effects on
this character area would be very
localised due to the screening
effects of field boundaries and
woodland blocks from the lower
valley and would be limited to the
site of the compound and its
immediate surroundings and the
upper valley slopes which would
look down towards the compound.
These initial impacts would be
reduced over time as the proposed
mitigation measures become
established. These mitigation
measures seek to integrate the
substation with the field pattern of
this visual and sensory area
through the use of gentle earth
mounding and characteristic
landscape elements such as
cloddiau and native
woodland/scrub planting. The
landscape proposals illustrate that
the substation would appear
partially sunken and be surrounded
by cloddiau. This would mean that
the security fencing and much of
the low level infrastructure would
be largely hidden immediately
following construction. Once the
Cumulative Landscape Effects
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
vegetation becomes established
the effects of the compound would
be significantly reduced due to
increased screening of the
substation building and
transformers.
North Clydach
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 1.6km
VPs: NA
SWNS
VS146






convex upper valley slopes
with a mixture of remote upland
and settled rolling farmland
distinct field pattern of small
angular fields bounded by
cloddiau
scattered farmsteads
medium scale
attractive views out to the
uplands and wooded valley of
Cwm Clydach with views to
urban areas and settlement in
the south
views of Mynydd y Betws
turbines
M
H
M
Moderate to
Major
(Significant )
This area is a continuation of
NPTVS951 which was identified as
experiencing some significant
effects on its character. The west
facing slopes of the northern part
of this area would be some 1.64km from the proposed turbines.
The proposed turbines would
increase the proportion of
characteristic views influenced by
turbines with consequential
reduction in the sense of
remoteness. This would create a
sub type of the character area to
the north where turbines are a key
characteristic of views, The
southern extent of this area would
have views largely screened by
intervening landform and would not
experience any change to its
character. As such the overall
magnitude of change on this area
would be medium and this would
result in a moderate to major effect
that would be significant in the
Other schemes would be
sufficiently distant so as not to
result in any significant cumulative
effects.
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
north.
Mosaic Hills, Lower Plateau and Scarp Slopes
Crwbin Ridge
CRMRT
VS665


Distance to
nearest
turbine:
7.1.1km
VPs: 18




ridge of higher exposed land
contrasts with adjacent valleys
varied landscape with
unenclosed common, rock
outcrops, enclosed pasture and
coniferous plantation forming
mosaic and range of textures
and colours
limestone quarries evident
views over adjacent valleys
and beyond
scattered settlements
views of distant wind turbines
M
H
N
L
Minor
(not
significant)
Turbines would be located over
10km from this area and would
only be visible from south facing
slopes. The effects on scenic
quality would be varied due to the
nature of landcover. There would
be no other effect on the key
characteristics of the area which
are defined by contrast, variety and
views over valleys. Turbines would
be a minor element of these
characteristic views seen in the
same field of views as the Mynydd
y Betws turbines and would not
detract from the setting of the area
due to the presence of existing
development in the intervening
landscape and small extent of
distant skylines influenced. This
would represent a magnitude of
none to low and result in a minor
significance of effect.
Whilst other wind farms/ turbines
are theoretically visible cumulative
effects would be negligible due to
separation distances from all
schemes and the varied nature of
the landscape character.
impressive steep river valley
leading from Mynydd y Betws
and Pentwyn Mawr to the
Loughor valley
well wooded with broad leaved
M
H
L
Minor to
Moderate
(not
significant)
Whilst there would be some
visibility of turbines from this area
in combination and succession
with the Mynydd y Betws turbines ,
the balance of characteristics
Other schemes would not be
visible and as such would not
result in any cumulative landscape
effects
Mosaic Lowland Valleys
Cwm Cathan
Distance to
nearest
turbine: 0.8km
CRMRT
VS260


VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
VPs: NA




Llwchwr
Valley
CRMRT
VS579




Distance to
nearest
turbines: 3km

VPs: NA




Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
woodland that adds seasonal
interest
overgrown hedgerows
contribute to treed appearance
intimate enclosed landscape
but with some views to
surrounding areas
sparsely populated
pylons pass through area and
link to the upland plateau
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
would be retained with topography
and woodland dominant. As such
the magnitude of effect on
character would be low associated
with changes to the characteristic
views from the enclosed valleys to
the upland edge of Pentwyn Mawr.
As such effects on the overall
character would be minor to
moderate
Wide, straight valley
Open floodplain with irregular
field pattern
Slopes more wooded
Settlement generally absent in
the floodplain
Scattered settlement along
slopes
Urban area at Pontarddullais;
Straight line of railway
contrasts with meandering river
Attractive, harmonious
character
Distinctive sense of place
H
N
No Material
Change
Turbines would be visible above
the north-eastern skyline, however
these would be obviously outside
the valley landscape and be seen
in the context of turbines at
Mynydd y Betws. This would not
affect the balance of
characteristics within the Aspect
Area
Other schemes would not be
visible and as such would not
result in any cumulative landscape
effects.
medium scale rolling hills
crossed by a network of
medium sized roads and
A48(T)
strong pattern of rectilinear
M
N
No Material
Change
Turbines would be visible in in the
context of the turbines at Mynydd y
Betws in characteristics views to
the east from this area. Generally
these views would be seen across
Other schemes would not be
visible and as such would not
result in any cumulative landscape
effects.
Mosaic Rolling Lowland
Cross HandsCapel Hendre
Distance to
nearest
CRMRT
VS277


VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
turbine: 3.8km
VPs:NA



Rhyd-y-Pandy
SWN
SVS738

Distance to
nearest
turbine:
1.75km




VPs: 6

Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
development associated with
mining giving suburban
character
high hedgerows with large
hedgerow trees
views towards Brecon Beacons
and Mynydd y Betws
reduced sense of remoteness
due to settlement, commercial
development and road
networks
large scale rolling farmland
mosaic
scattered settlement pattern
network of minor roads
tranquillity influenced by M4
Pylons detract from scenic
quality
attractive views to uplands and
coast
Commentary
Cumulative Landscape Effects
a distinct pattern of modified
landscapes including areas of low
intensity agriculture, restored
opencast and linear settlement
along roads. Whilst obvious
features in these views the
turbines would clearly be located in
a distinctly different character area
and due to the intermittent nature
of views and strong existing
character this would not
fundamentally change the
character of this area.
M
N
No Effect
This area would be largely outside
the ZTV for the turbines due to the
screening effects of Mynydd Garn
Fach and Mynydd Pysgodlyn. As
such there would be no significant
effect as a result of the proposed
turbines.
The proposed access track passes
through this area using a
combination of existing upgraded
tracks and new track. Whilst there
would be some localised effects on
the landscape fabric along the
route, (particularly the upgraded
sections where lengths of roadside
banks would need to be realigned),
Due to the limited visibility of the
proposed turbines there would be
no cumulative effects with other
schemes.
VS Ref
Key Characteristics
(Based on LANDMAP Visual and
Sensory Aspects)
Magnitude
Landscape
Character
Area
Sensitivity
Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm
Significance
of Effect
Commentary
this could be re-established within
a reasonable period of time. New
embankments or cuttings would be
re-vegetated with a combination of
natural regeneration, turf
transplants and hydro seeding to
reflect the local situation and any
ecological sensitivity. Within 2-5
years the engineering work
required to construct the access
tracks will have integrated with the
surrounding landscape and the
access tracks will have mellowed
to resemble other access tracks
found elsewhere in these upland
areas. As a consequence it is
considered that the access track
construction will not have an
unacceptable adverse long term
effect on the landscape character
of this relatively large and varied
character area.
Cumulative Landscape Effects