Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Consultation

Overview

In November 2025, LUC was commissioned by East Lothian Council to prepare a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (LSA) for wind energy, solar photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage systems (BESS) and certain other large-scale developments, such as substations and data centres.

The purpose of this LSA is to evaluate how sensitive different landscape character areas (LCAs) are to different types and scales of development. 

This LSA provides judgements on the sensitivity of the landscape within the East Lothian Council area to these types of development. It considers different scales of each type of development, with the exception of other large-scale development. For example, for wind energy developments, it considers turbines with different tip heights, and the number of turbines (e.g. single turbines, small groups of turbines, and large groups of turbines). Likewise, different spatial scales are assessed for solar PV and BESS developments.

The findings of this assessment will help the Council and developers guide renewable energy developments to less sensitive parts of the landscape and achieve better design outcomes through well-considered siting and appropriate mitigation.

The document builds on the council’s existing wind capacity studies from 2006 and 2013. Since their publication, East Lothian has experienced growing interest in renewable energy development, including proposals for taller wind turbines exceeding 150 metres. Alongside this, updates to NatureScot’s landscape guidance and the adoption of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) highlight the need for refreshed guidance to effectively manage future proposals.

Why your views matter

We are interested in what you think of all, or any part, of the Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. The Council will take your views into account prior to finalising the document.

Comments can be made by completing the online survey (see below). There is a button at the end of the survey labelled 'Submit Response' - no part of the survey will be received by us until you click this button. 

Or, you can email us at: landscape@eastlothian.gov.uk  

Or, write to us at: Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Consultation, Planning, John Muir House, Brewery Park, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3HA

Please mark your response with the title heading: Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Consultation

Comments made via email or post must be received by the consultation closing date.