IAPpendiX vii

Glen Orchy/ Glen Lochy: Assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts of theproposed road network 2016 - 2025

1. Introduction

The proposed forest road network planned to be built between 2016 - 2025 within the combinedforests of Glen Lochy and Glen Orchy total 25.5 km. This includes access routes to felling coupesproposed in both glens and an 'off road' haul route in Glen Orchy to limit impacts on the existingnarrow public road and its bridges.

The potential impacts on landscape character ('landscape') and visual amenity ('visual') have beenassessedon site and recorded as notes relative to each section of proposed road on the attachedmaps.

Note that the one stretch of road in Glen Lochy which was identified as having potentially medium­high impacts on landscape character and visual amenity has been subject to a detailed landscapeand visual impact assessment that has been submitted separately.

2. Method

The purpose of the assessment was to identify the degree of potential impacts on landscapecharacter or visual amenity. The assessment took into account the following key good practiceconsiderations:

2.1 landscape Character

• A road should first and foremost link as strongly as possible to the existing landscapecharacter, by fitting in with the pattern of existing infrastructure and having a spatialrelationship to topographical features.

• A well designed road should minimise impacts on the landform. For example, wherethere is a choice, a well located road should aim to minimise cut and fill, by crossing sideslopes which are gentle in gradient (thereby minimising the cut and fill) wherever this ispracticable.

2.2 Visual Amenity

• If a road is well located in terms of landscape character, its potential visual impact ismuch reduced, as even if it is visible, it will 'fit in' to the landscape character. Degree, oramount, of visibility is therefore less important than what is actually visible.

• The degree of potential visual impact is related to the relative sensitivity of theviewpoint, potential number of viewers, and the type of view that is experienced. Aglimpse side view of a hillside from the relatively fast A85, for example, is far significantthan a sustained view of a ridgeline that is the focal point of a view from the WestHighland Way.

1

2.3 Landscape Designations

• None of the proposed roads lie within a National Scenic Area, a Special LandscapeArea,or an area of Wild Land, therefore an assessment against attributes which contribute toany designation was not required.

2.4 Site Assessment Considerations

The site assessment that follows has therefore taken into account:

2.4.1 Degree of naturalness/ relationship with existing infrastructure

Neither Glen Lochy nor Glen Orchy can be considered 'untrammelled'. Both are dominatedby planted forest, and already include infrastructure such as roads, the railway in GlenLochy, small farms, and other settlements including nearby villages, aswell as overhead linesand bridges across the rivers.

The infrastructure is largely located in the floor and lower sides of the glens. There may be aneed to accesswoodland by establishing roads that are higher up the slopes, but where thisis not necessary for operational reasons, roads should aim to be located as close to the glenfloor as possible.

2.4.2 Topography

The most significant issue in relation to accommodating a new road into the landscape is itsrelationship with landform. Ideally, where it is possible, the road should be located wherethere is a natural linear feature that in addition reduces the need for cut and fill. Examplesinclude:

• Flat or nearly level terrain, which requires very little cut and fill• Natural terraces, which form level or nearly level platforms

• Breaks in slope - i.e. where there is a marked change of gradient from more gentleto more steeply climbing slopes, which are often long linear' break points' in thetopography. Here, the road is located on the more gentle gradient, but hugs therising ground, so that it is back-dropped by the steeper ground, and follows a naturallinear feature

Topography is also assessed in terms of:

• The gentleness of gradient - the cross-fall on less steep slopes require less cut andfill to accommodate the level platform of the road;

• Spurs/ ridges and side valleys/ hollows - in particular the convex slopes of spurs,when viewed side on, can be interrupted by the 'cut' created by the level platformof a road curving around the spur. Ideally, the road should cross the contours of aspur at a very gentle angle.

2

• Side slopes - roads should, wherever possible, rise and fall at a gentle gradientacross side slopes, minimising the amount of 'zig-zag' required to reach the requiredelevation

• Smaller scale topography - where ever possible, the road should curve around smallknolls, rather than cut through them. This is especially important where there aresmall scale glacial deposit features along the lower hillside slopes in these glens

2.4.3 Viewpoint

• The A85, the railway, and the West Highland Way are the most potentially sensitiveviewpoints. Sustained visibility from the railway and the A85 is limited by the speedof travel

• The Glen Orchy 88074 is a much smaller public road, therefore views can be moresustained as speed oftravel is slower. The carpark and River Orchy walk in GlenOrchy was also identified as a more sustained viewpoint.

• Nearly all the main public views from within the glens are from viewpoints lowerthan the road, limiting views of the plane of the road and of the batter of the moredistant, hillside 'cut'. The main exceptions to this are two access points from thepublic road network, at the Glen Orchy carpark (road length 13) and Glen Lochy(road length 6) where there is higher visibility of the road plane.

• The roads are likely to be visible from higher viewpoints, including hilltops, but arenot likely to be a significant change in the landscape from these distances and withinthe wider panoramic setting.

• No views from settlements

2.4.4 Type of view

Views are assessed in terms of:

• Sustained - a view that is within sight for a length of time, for example from apromoted viewpoint, or in line of sight for a long length of roadline, therebyincreasing visual sensitivity

• Focal point - when the object in view lies ahead, or is the focus of the view, or is thepurpose of a viewpoint, thereby increasing visual sensitivity

• Revealed view - when a view is suddenly revealed, for example after climbing a hill,often after a period of expectation, thereby increasing visual sensitivity

• Side view - a view that is seen in passing, and is secondary to the main focus of theview, and is therefore less visually sensitive

• Glimpse view - a view that is seen very briefly in passing from a road or path, and istherefore lessvisually sensitive

• Panoramic view - when there is a great expanse of view, and the object is small orlarge relative to this visual context

2.4.5 Degree of visibility

The visibility of the proposed road is also assessed relative to the amount of visual screeningavailable or likely to become available:

3

• Smaller scale topography, such as drumlins, glacial deposits, etc ... can visually breakup the regular line of the road

• Small scale topographical features near to the viewpoint, can provide permanentvisual screening

• Permanent tree cover, close to the viewpoint (such as roadside broadleaves alongthe public road or riparian woodland) that obscures or limits visibility

• Tree cover near to the proposed forest road, which also limits visibility either aspermanent cover or temporarily between felling periods

3. Presentation

The assessment is recorded as annotations, related to specified stretches of road, on the attachedmaps.

Alison GrantLandscape ArchitectForest Enterprise Scotlandzs" July 2016

4

GLENLOCHYSOUTH

Site location

:;:::;_... ~J' .... )1'.- c::J Land Mannagement Plan area

_ Felling Phose 1:2016 - 2020

_ Felling Phose 2: 2021 - 2025

Existing rood

"

"./'"

;_ \................ . .~:;;;;..r ~.~.,..,..;_J .

",-

'jJ \ Proposed rood 2016-2020

Proposed rood 2021·2025

Proposed rood post 2026

Scotland's Nationa,

FSC

Forest Estate Isresponsiblymanaged to theUKWoodlandAssurance Standard.

/'\i Forestry Commission Scotland~ Coimisean no CoiUtcarochd Alba

West ArgyllForest District

Glen Orchy/Glen LochyLand Management Plan

Analysis of potentiallandscape and visual

impacts of the proposedroad network 2016- 2026

Glen lochy South1:Short slretch of proposed rood extendsaround convex spurThe cut through the convex slope will bevisible as a 'Ievel platform' the width of therood in the slope profile

• The 'Ievel platform' will be visible from a veryshort stretch of Ihe AS5 (travelling eastlandIs not the focal point of the view

• The gentle gradient across the side slopeminimises cut and fill

• The rood is partially In open ground. soglimpse view will be visible from the outset

• Proposed second phose telling will revealmore of Ihe rood

• Side view glimpsed in passingLow-medium landscape and visual impact

2: Proposed rood extends along break inslope. but Winds Into side volley to ovoidsheilings

• Rood follows a natural break in slope and is •well located relative to landformRood is low down the hillside at the edge atthe glenRood ovoids sheiling sites

• The gentle gradient across the side slopeminimises cut and fill

• Proposed first phose felling will partiallyreveal roodIntermittent side view seen in passing

low landscape and visual impact

3: Proposed rood extends along break in slope• Rood follows the natural break in slope and

is well located relative to landformRood is low down the hillside at the edge ofthe glenThe gentle gradient across the side slopeminimises cut and fillProposed first phose felling will partiallyreveal rood

• Intermittent side view seen in passingLow landscape and visual impact

4: Proposed rood extends across unplanledland and around spur

Proposal assessed in more detailedlandscape and visual assessment.

Site location

LandMannagement Plan area

FellingPhase1: 2016- 2020

FellingPhase 2: 2021- 2025

ExistingroadScotland'sNotionalForestEstateisresponsiblymanaged to theUKWoodland

IJFSC_,...,

'K'C:11U'"lJ

Proposed road 2016-2020

Proposed rood 2021-2025

Proposed rood post 2026

1"\.& Forestry Commission Scollond~ Coimisean no Coilltearachd Alba

~':~l',~

~~~;

West ArgyllForest District

Glen Orchy/Glen lochyLand Management Plan

Analysis of potentiallandscape and visual

impacts of the proposedroad network 2016- 2026

'. ,i.

,'::'

~~~~:.'t

Glen lochy North5: Proposedrood along a relativelyeven slope

• Roodverygently crossescontours to rise upthe side slope

• Thegentle gradient across the side slopeminimises cut and fill

• Proposedsecond phose felling will partiallyreveal road. ollhough visibilityis very limited

• Distantside viewLow landscape and visual impact6: Proposed rood located on lower slopes.

clearly visible from A85• Roodis located on lower slopes and iswell

located relative to landformRood located on relativelylevel and gentlegradients with minimal cut and fillRoodentrance curves quicklyaway fromA85, so limiting visibilityalong rood lengthExistingfelling and proposed second phosefelling will reveal rood

• Sfdeview seen in passing• Establishmentof woodland on recent felled

sitewill assist immediate screeningLow-medium visual impact. Low landscapeimpact7: Proposedrood located on lower slopes,

clearlyvisible from A85• Rood is located an lower slopes and iswell

located relative to landform• Rood located on relatively leveland gentle

gradients with minimal cut and fill• Rood entrance curvesquickly away from

A85, so limiting visibilityalong rood length• Proposed first phose felling will reveal road• Sideview seen in passingLow-medium visual Impact. Low landscapeimpact

~

-.-"

~.

..~.;t~!:'.n

.~..r-J-~ j

P

J _

Site location

Land Monnogemenl Plan area

Felling Phose 1: 2016 - 2020

Felling Phose 2: 2021 - 2025

.~ Exisling rood

Proposed rood 2016-2020

Proposed rood 2021-2025

Proposed rood pOSI2026

SCALE1:25000

"--"'.Scolland's Nalional r« ~Faresl [slate is " .",Jresponsibly FSC -managed 10 Ihe _ .....UK Woodland Fsc'c'aw __

Assurance Standard. ,.~~ .,_,..--~

I"l1. Forestry Commission Scollond(._lIIl Coimiseon no Coilltcarochd Alba

West ArgyllI Forest DistrictGlen Orchy/Glen lochyland Management Plan

Analysis of potentiallandscape and visual

impacts of the proposedroad network 2016 - 2026

From Glen Lochy, side view glimpsed inpossing, hidden by retained roadside Irees ~

Low-medium landscape and medium visual .impact10: Proposed road crosses irregular slope• Road located allhe base of Ihe sleeper I

slopes and is weillocaled relalive 10 landform• road locoted on side slope with minimal cui

and fillRoad crosses slope at gentle gradient

• No proposed felling first two phasesLow landscape and visual impact11:Proposed rood extends very close to 88074

Rood Iransilions from level volley floor 10genlly rising up Ihe hill slope

• Rood located on relatively level and gentlygradients wilh minimal cui and fillNo proposed felling firsl twa phases

• Potenlial glimpse view along shan length 01Ihe rood

Low landscape impact. Low-medium visualimpact.

I,,;

~.~

6: Proposed rood across glen floor• Rood extends across almosl level terrain,

avoiding low hummocks, and is well locoledrelative to landlormLevel terrain limils cut and fill

• Rood enlrance curves quickly away fromA85, so limiting visibilily along rood lenglh

• Proposed first phose felling will partiallyreveal road, allhaugh woodland at entranceis retained

• Side view glimpsed in passing .~Low landscape and visual impact9: Proposed rood extends around wesl

faCing spur• Rood occupies noiurol terraces, gentle

slopes, or sils on break in slope belween >:.steeper and less steep ground and is well ..-~-,located relallve to landform '

• Rood gently crosses canlours• The gentle gradient across the side slope IF.

minimises cui and fillRood aligned to work around Ihe smallscale terrain to minimise visual intrusion

• Proposed first and second phases felling willreveal rood

• From Dalmally, potential sustolned focalview, bul intermittenl as largely screened bybroadleaves close 10 viewpoinls andforeshortened landform

,.t._ti+

;.:t.1, ....(~.,:

" ,.

"<,

Site location

.._..t..

~~1

land Mannagement Planarea

FellingPhase1:2016- 2020

FellingPhose2: 2021- 202S

Scotlond'sNolionalFareslEslale isresponsiblymanaged 10 theUKWoodlandAssuronceStandord.

Existingroad

Proposed rood 2016-2020

Proposedrood 2021-2025

Proposed road post 2026

IJFSC-n........ .)1-......,

,I -• r.r ...._

r:/'\..l Forestry Commission Scalland~ Coimiscan no CoilUearochd Albu,

West ArgyllForest District

Glen Orchy/Glen lochyland Management Plan

Analysis of potentiallandscape and visual

impacts of the proposedroad network 2016 - 2026

14

""';?!:!:r"'>':.!t'~:~i·-l.~

13-.,..,._,,,~\,Glen Orchy'1 j,'.!1 :;

12:Proposedroad exlends along edge of lIatglen floor

• Road locoled at the nalural break in slopebetween Ihe valley floor and the hillside.well located relative to landform

• level terrain minimisescut and fill• Roodvisiblealong the field and forest edge• Proposedsecond phase felling will alsopartially reveal road

• Sideview in passinglow landscape and visual impact13:Praposedlocation of access from the

public B8074/crossing point• High but localised visibility from the B8074and the visitor cor pork

• Bridgecrossing already built, along with lineof road to the north of the river

• Roadcrosseslevel terrain then is located otbreak in slope at the bose of the stope. andiswell located relative to landform

• level terrain limits cut and fill• Rood curvesaway from B8074 to limit

visibilityalong the length oflhe road frompublic viewpoinl

• Proposed first and second phase felling willreveal rood

• Sustainedview from cor pork, cumulativevisual impact where roads converge, butvisual impact localised

Medium visual impact. low landscape impact14:Proposedroads extend both sidesof the "

RiverOrchy and the B8074 ,',', '• Roadis locoled on natural terraces to Ihe ,t~.~

north of Ihe river,well located to landform ~Rood is locoled at break in slape south ofthe river,well located to londform

• Roadcrossescontours at a genlle gradientlimiting cut and fill

• Forestroad crossesB8074.but road curves ~ ~quickly away from A8S.so limiting visibilityalong road length

• Proposed first and second phase felling will •intermiltently reveal some stretchesof rood ,~

• Views from public road, car park and palh /"- ~,along the RiverOrchy very limited by riverside e "trees,low levelhummocky landform and -localised ridges near to theB8074

low visuallmpoct. low landscape impact. ;,:.---'

:.~y.:~~

~

,.,~,.ft" , ....

~~ , .~~.

~~..'·l .....

·t ...,!]"

~....(.

~I

, :,..

~., i II', ",~,"

9-

,-

n..! Forestry Commission ScotlandCtJIl Coimiseon na Coilltcorochd Alba

',; ..

I"~'-. :"~\_:.._-.:r -

s~·::West Argyll

Forest DistrictGlen Orchy/Glen LochyLand Management Plan

Analysis of potentiallandscape and visual

impacts of the proposedroad network 2016 - 2026

,~.~,

! c.....

~1c· :

______ ----1.% J

15:Proposed road extends across very gentteterroinRood extends across very genlle and levelterrain. limiling cut and fillNo proposed felling first two phases

• Views very limitedLow landscape and visual impact

16:Proposed road extends across irregularslope

• Road located at break in slope. well tacotedrelative to landform

• Road located behind low hummocks onirregular lerrain. limiting visibility

• Proposed second phase felling willintermittenlly reveal some stretches of rood

• Intermittent views from A82. West HighlandWay and railway will be parlially screenedby standing trees and londform

Low landscape and visual impact

~:..~..J.)'" .~.(:..:'

'..~~;",::',It.....,·.it -c" .. ',;1'

'.....4.~r

- ;:~

.....

~~ ..,-.~~~.~......- .~ "":"

Land Mannagement Plan area Dl--,,"-AC"<

::..,I

Felling Phase 1:2016 • 2020

Felling Phase 2: 2021 ·2025

Scolland's NationalForest Estate Isresponsiblymanaged to theUK WoodlandAssurance Standard.

JJFSC~I$C'CU-'l71

""-"ro.__.."..........

Exisling road

Proposed road 2016·2020

Proposed road 2021·2025

- Proposed road past 2026