Thames Basin Heath

Appendix JO5: Countryside Character – Volume 7: South-East and London’ National Character Area 129: Thames Basin Heath

59 Countryside Character Volume 7: South East & London

The character of England’s natural and man-made landscape

60 Contents

page Chairman’s Foreword 4 Areas covered by more than one 1 volume are shown Introduction 5 hatched 2 3 The character of England 5

The Countryside Agency and 8 4 countryside character 5 6 How we have defined the character of 8 England’s countryside – The National Mapping project 8 7 – Character of England map: a joint approach 11 8 – Describing the character of England 11

The character of England: shaping the future 11 This is volume 7 of 8 covering the character of England Character Areas page page 81 Greater Thames Estuary 13 119 North Downs 94 88 Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands 18 120 Wealden Greensand 99 90 Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge 25 121 Low Weald 106 91 Yardley–Whittlewood Ridge 30 122 High Weald 111 95 Northamptonshire Uplands 35 123 Romney Marshes 116 107 Cotswolds 40 124 Pevensey Levels 121 108 Upper Thames Clay Vales 45 125 South Downs 125 109 Midvale Ridge 52 126 South Coast Plain 131 110 Chilterns 56 127 Isle of Wight 137 111 Northern Thames Basin 62 128 South Hampshire Lowlands 142 112 Inner London 73 129 Thames Basin Heaths 146 113 North Kent Plain 76 130 Hampshire Downs 152 114 Thames Basin Lowlands 80 131 New Forest 156 115 Thames Valley 84 132 Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs 162 116 Berkshire and Marlborough Downs 89 134 Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase 167 135 Dorset Heaths 172

Acknowledgements The Countryside Agency acknowledges the contribution to this publication of a great many individuals, partners and organisations without which it would not have been possible. We also wish to thank Chris Blandford Associates, the lead consultants on this project.

View of the wooded Weald from the Surrey Hills.The South Downs can be seen on the horizon, across the extensive patchwork landscape of woods, hedgerows, sunken lanes and enclosed fields. 61 3 JOHN DYKE 1 North Northumberland Coastal Plain 80 The Broads 2 Northumberland Sandstone Hills 81 Greater Thames Estuary 3 Cheviot Fringe 82 Suffolk Coast and Heaths 4 Cheviots 83 South Norfolk and High Suffolk Claylands 5 Border Moors and Forests 84 Mid Norfolk 6 Solway Basin 85 Breckland 7 West Cumbria Coastal Plain 86 South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland 8 Cumbria High Fells 87 East Anglian Chalk 9 Eden Valley 88 Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands 10 North Pennines 89 Northamptonshire Vales 11 Tyne Gap and Hadrian’s Wall 90 Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge 12 Mid Northumberland 91 Yardley-Whittlewood Ridge 13 South East Northumberland Coastal Plain 92 Rockingham Forest 14 Tyne and Wear Lowlands 93 High Leicestershire 15 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 94 Leicestershire Vales 16 Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe 95 Northamptonshire Uplands 17 Orton Fells 96 Dunsmore and Feldon 18 Howgill Fells 97 Arden 19 South Cumbria Low Fells 98 Clun and North West Herefordshire Hills 20 Morecambe Bay Limestones 99 Black Mountains and Golden Valley 21 Yorkshire Dales 100 Herefordshire Lowlands 22 Pennine Dales Fringe 101 Herefordshire Plateau 23 Tees Lowlands 102 Teme Valley 24 Vale of Mowbray 103 Malvern Hills 25 North Yorkshire Moors and Cleveland Hills 104 South Herefordshire and Over Severn 26 Vale of Pickering 105 Forest of Dean and Lower Wye 27 Yorkshire Wolds 106 Severn and Avon Vales 28 Vale of York 107 Cotswolds 29 Howardian Hills 108 Upper Thames Clay Vales 30 Southern Magnesian Limestone 109 Midvale Ridge 31 Morecambe Coast and Lune Estuary 110 Chilterns 32 Lancashire and Amounderness Plain 111 Northern Thames Basin 33 Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill 112 Inner London 34 Bowland Fells 113 North Kent Plain 35 Lancashire Valleys 114 Thames Basin Lowlands 36 Southern Pennines 115 Thames Valley 37 Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe 116 Berkshire and Marlborough Downs 38 Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield 117 Avon Vales 39 Humberhead Levels 118 Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges 40 Holderness 119 North Downs 41 Humber Estuary 120 Wealden Greensand 42 Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes 121 Low Weald 43 Lincolnshire Wolds 122 High Weald 44 Central Lincolnshire Vale 123 Romney Marshes 45 Northern Lincolnshire Edge with Coversands 124 Pevensey Levels 46 The Fens 125 South Downs 47 Southern Lincolnshire Edge 126 South Coast Plain 48 Trent and Belvoir Vales 127 Isle Of Wight 49 Sherwood 128 South Hampshire Lowlands 50 Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent 129 Thames Basin Heaths 51 Dark Peak 130 Hampshire Downs 52 White Peak 131 New Forest 53 South West Peak 132 Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs 54 Manchester Pennine Fringe 133 Blackmoor Vale and Vale of Wardour 55 Manchester Conurbation 134 Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase 56 Lancashire Coal Measures 135 Dorset Heaths 57 Sefton Coast 136 South Purbeck 58 Merseyside Conurbation 137 Isle of Portland 59 Wirral 138 Weymouth Lowlands 60 Mersey Valley 139 Marshwood and Powerstock Vales 61 Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain 140 Yeovil Scarplands 62 Cheshire Sandstone Ridge 141 Mendip Hills 63 Oswestry Uplands 142 Somerset Levels and Moors 64 Potteries and Churnet Valley 143 Mid Somerset Hills 65 Shropshire Hills 144 Quantock Hills 66 Mid Severn Sandstone Plateau 145 Exmoor 67 Cannock Chase and Cank Wood 146 Vale of Taunton and Quantock Fringes 68 Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands 147 Blackdowns 69 Trent Valley Washlands 148 Devon Redlands 70 Melbourne Parklands 149 The Culm 71 Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coalfield 150 Dartmoor 72 Mease/Sence Lowlands 151 South Devon 73 Charnwood 152 Cornish Killas 74 Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Wolds 153 Bodmin Moor 75 Kesteven Uplands 154 Hensbarrow 76 North West Norfolk 155 Carnmenellis 77 North Norfolk Coast 156 West Penwith 78 Central North Norfolk 157 The Lizard 79 North East Norfolk and Flegg 158 Isles of Scilly 159 Lundy 62 6 The Character of England: landscape, wildlife & natural features

3 1 4 2

5 12 13 11 14 6 16 9 10 15 7 8 23 17 18 25 19 22 24 20 21 26 29 31 30 34 28 27 33 40 32 35 39 36 38 37 41

57 56 54 45 55 58 60 51 42 59 44 43 49 62 52 53 48 61 64 50 47 77 69 78 63 68 76 79 70 74 75 46 80 67 71 73 84 79 72 93 79 66 94 65 92 85 98 97 95 83 102 96 89 101 91 88 100 103 106 87 82 99 86 104 90 107 105 110 108 109 81 111

81 117 116 112 118 115 113 129 114 113 159 120 143 142 141 119 145 132 130 14 4 120 143 121 146 122 123 143 140 133 128 149 125 124 147 134 131 126 139 148 135 127 138 136 153 150 137 154 152 151

156 155 158 157

63 7 Character Area 129 Thames Basin Heaths

Key Characteristics

● Particularly diverse landscape unified by the high incidence of heathland and coniferous forestry, the open unenclosed nature of which is unusual within the context of the south-east region.

● Heavily populated and developed area characterised by large towns plus numerous smaller settlements along transport corridors interspersed by open land.

● Important occupation area from Mesolithic to modern times based on exploitation of the rivers with numerous Prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements, the latter of which extended along valley bottoms.

●

Fragmented but often connected blocks of largely AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDDE neglected remnant heathland as a result of early agricultural clearances and widespread development, Small towns and villages, such as the Roman settlement of Silchester, nestle discreetly amongst the gently sloping plateaux of with most heath retained on large commons or as the Reading and Bagshot Beds. Use of local materials is reflected Ministry of Defence training areas. in the buildings and flint wall.

● The western part of the area is fairly well-wooded Landscape Character with grazed pasture but retains a heathy character due to the dominance of oak/birch/bracken/pine The Thames Basin Heaths comprise a distinct area of and remnant heath on small unimproved pockets commonly unenclosed heathland and coniferous forestry of land. developed on the acidic soils in the west of the Thames ● Variety and contrast is given by the wide grazed Basin. The Heaths extend from the Thames Basin Lowlands floodplain, drainage ditches, restored gravel in the east, across north Hampshire north of the Downs and workings and lush wetland vegetation associated with through south-east Berkshire towards the dip slope of the the Kennet Valley. Berkshire and Marlborough Downs.

● Cultivated farmland and pasture is typically enclosed The once extensive heathland is now largely fragmented within small and irregularly shaped fields divided by and degraded but the landscape still maintains its open and hedgerows with small areas of wood and heath ‘heathy’ character. The area still contains large areas of heavily used for horse grazing. rolling unenclosed heathland where the varying seasons and weathers change the character of the open landscape from ● Large tracts of coniferous plantations or mixed colourful and exhilarating to sombre and bleak. The wood with beech and birch are typical of much of distinctive and widespread occurrence of the area, with significant areas of ancient woodland in oak/birch/bracken/pine reflects the poor acidic soils and the west. heathland origins of this area.

64 1146 10km ESHER 6

7 level in feet level A3050 height above sea- height above 0-200' 1 600-800' 200-400' 400-600' Elmbridge District Weybridge

M25 Byfleet M3 A3 114

Spelthorne District A318

5 0

SURREY Wey A245

Woodham River

Addlestone Character Area Area Character 129 Runnymede District A318 Lyne A320 Woking

SU 0 TQ SU 0 A324 Thames Basin Heaths GUILDFORD Water Virginia Woking District Chobham A322 Burrowhill A323 Windlesham Sunninghill Knaphill Bisley

A329 Donkey Tow n WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD UA WINDSOR A324 Lightwater Ascot District Guildford A332 9 District Deepcut Surrey Heath

A322 Bagshot

A331 Aldershot Farnborough Frimley District Rushmoor

CAMBERLEY A3095

BRACKNELL Canal

BRACKNELL FOREST UA BRACKNELL Basingstoke 115

A3013 Crowthorne M4 Fleet Church Crookham Yardley

Manor

Minley 8 A30 Wokingham A287 Hartley Garrison Wintney Arborfield Village

River Crondell A329(M)

Loddon River Hart

Crookham River Blackwater

A327 West Green West M3 Hound Green Hart District WOKINGHAM UA WOKINGHAM Hook Spencers Wood 7

READING UA Swallowfield A33 Rotherwick Burghfield Common Chineham Green Theale

West End West A340 Bramley 110 Mortimer 8 Monk Sherborne Bradfield District Tadley BASINGSTOKE Southend 6

Beenham Pang

Basingstoke and Dean River A340 A339 Woolhampton Alley 108 Ashampstead 130

Heath End

Charter M4 Yattendon Frilsham Buckleberry A4 Kingsclere

River Kennet Headley Cold Ash Thatcham

5 Greenham A34 Newtown Hermitage Burghclere WEST BERKSHIRE UA Ecchinswell

116 River NEWBURY A343

Lambourn HAMPSHIRE Speen Enborne 4 115 Kintbury Area 129 boundary Area Adjacent Area Motorway A Road B Road and station Railway County boundary Unitary authority District boundary

65 147 irregular fields set in winding, locally sunken lanes with hedgebanks, hedgerows and oaks. Small farms, cottages and straggling roadside settlements are dispersed throughout. A more regular field pattern also occurs, with a network of Blocks of remnant typically straight roads and small hedged fields or small to heathland on acidic medium-sized fields, often internally fenced. Roadside soils are often open and settlements, smallholdings, market gardening and garden unenclosed, which centres also tend to occupy this recently enclosed is rare in the south landscape. Bracken and gorse, typically prominent along the eastern landscape. Their bright purple fencelines and in the hedgerows, reinforce the impression patches make a of a ‘heathy’ character. distinct impression on the character Contrast and variety is provided by, the Kennet Valley of the Thames south of the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs. Generally, ~ Basin Heaths. the valley sides rise gently, in places in a series of terraces, encompassing an area of gentle character which is quintessentially English lowland river and vale. Over quite large areas the valley bottom is still undrained and damp in

PETER WAKELY/ENGLISH NATURE PETER WAKELY/ENGLISH character with a complex pattern of river, canal, drainage The Heaths have experienced rapid and intensive residential dykes and linking channels, with associated wet pasture, development in the last 50 years with large towns such as reed beds and woodland. Ascot, Camberley, Farnborough and Woking comprising The Kennet Valley has also borne the impacts of recent major focal points within the wider landscape. The M3, development, in particular the rapid growth of Newbury M4, M25 and A34 are major transport routes that cut and Thatcham, and some substantial sand and gravel through the area adding to the generally developed extraction. From Theale towards Reading, for example, the character of much of the heathlands. Within the wider rural extensive lakes of wet workings have completely landscape, farming is generally small-scale and enclosed, transformed the original character of the landscape. primarily, restricted to pasture, with widespread horse grazing and very little productive arable land due to the South of the Kennet, the land rises to a plateau of mixed poor soils. woodland with extensive conifer plantations, heath, farm and parkland. This area includes the famous defence Trees are a significant feature of western Surrey, Fields, establishment at Aldermaston, which is a distinct feature at gardens and houses appear to be set within all-enveloping night when lit. woodland; an illusion partly created by large wooded gardens and by belts of woodland along roadsides, together Physical Influences with substantial areas of woodland and forestry. Broad heaths and a subtle mosaic of grassland, bogs, ponds and The dominant landform is generally flat to gently sloping fringes of encroaching scrub combine with the woodlands plateaux commonly incised by broad or, in places, steep- and forestry to give the essential character of the area. sided river valleys. The plateaux are generally underlain by, At the western end of the Thames Basin Heaths, a Tertiary deposits including clays, silts, sands and gravels of landscape of mixed farmland and woodland forms most of the Reading and Bagshot Beds, with London Clay in the the boundary with the Hampshire Downs to the south. This valleys. These give rise to nutrient-poor acidic soils with a is largely a landscape of small to medium-sized irregular mainly light or slowly permeable character which are a major fields and woodlands as well as hedgerows and hedgebanks factor in the land use. Localised areas of more fertile loamy with large trees. Views are constrained by the many soils support arable farming within the predominantly woodlands and hedgerows. The chalklands are visible from heathland, woodland and pasture land use. areas of higher ground but, generally, this is an intimately Where the Chalk scarp of the Hampshire Downs meets the enclosed landscape, valued for its sense of remoteness and lower lying Heaths, water from within the higher Chalk seclusion. strata produces many spring lines. These are commonly Large areas are under private ownership, including sizeable associated with ecologically important habitats and also with tracts owned by the Ministry of Defence. Barracks, areas of distinctive linear settlement patterns. Many valley areas are army housing, camps, military signs and notices give much affected by gravel extraction. Elsewhere, drift deposits of the landscape an inescapable military tone. contribute to the variety of land cover elements within the area. Plateau deposits consisting of acidic sands and gravels This is an ancient landscape with many small well-hedged, give rise to heathland, whereas valley deposits including 66 148 fertile silt as well as gravels have created lush water largely undeveloped land within a generally heavily meadow landscapes. developed area. Other historic land uses, such as those resulting from the use and harnessing of river water, eg as Numerous watercourses drain the Heaths including the flood meadows and mills, add to the typically diverse rivers Enborne, Kennet, Pang, Loddon (and its tributary historic landscape associated with the Heathlands. the Lyde), Blackwater (and its tributary the Whitewater), the Hart, the Windle Brook and the Bourne. The During the 18th century the Thames Basin Heaths became a Basingstoke Canal is also an important element in the major focus for new development in the region due hydrological balance. largely, to the perceived scenic qualities of heathland coupled with the rapid growth of London. This led to a Historical and Cultural Influences major increase in the number of people moving to the area. Park estates, modest country houses and villages grew up The development of the heathland character began with in the more open parts, generally surrounded by woodland, prehistoric clearance of the natural woodland for grazing or which were fairly close and accessible to London. cultivation. The characteristically light soils, assisted by the slight natural acidity and permeability of the underlying Buildings and Settlement sands and gravels, were leached of nutrients and became more acidic and thus better suited for acid-tolerant species Large areas of the Thames Basin Heaths within easy, reach such as heather and gorse. Much of this heathland survived of London are dominated by extensive residential suburbs, well into the 18th century when it was one of the largest intermixed with golf courses and parkland. On many areas and most continuous areas of lowland heath in England. of former heathland the developing woodland has created a mature and enclosed setting for large houses at low density, associated in many places with a network of small fields, usually used as paddocks. Away from the influence of London and the main commuter routes, the area is characterised by a network of winding roads and lanes throughout which villages and scattered farming settlements are generally at a low density. Villages are commonly linear but locally there is a clear nucleus, typically associated with a village green. Within the Kennet Valley the settlements of Newbury and Thatcham dominate the area having grown extensively and almost coalesced in recent years. Military installations are significant built structures within

JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE the Heaths landscape such as the Atomic Warfare The wide grazed floodplain of the river Kennet is a distinctive Establishment at Aldermaston, Farnborough Airfield and feature. Regular flooding in winter restricts land use to permanent pasture also Greenham Common airfield. These military installations generally coincide with areas of heathland or The last 150 years has seen the extent of heathland greatly former heath surrounded by an alternating landscape of reduced due to cessation of stock grazing resulting in medium-sized farms, large houses in extensive grounds and encroachment by ‘pioneer’ species such as birch and the small villages. Some villages such as Aldermaston, located invasive bracken. More recently still, further areas of on the site of a former Saxon settlement, have managed to heathland have been lost through piecemeal housing retain a large part of their traditional character. In contrast development, commercial forestry plantations, scrub other villages, such as Burghfield or Mortimer, have woodland, nurseries and other suburban developments. experienced major expansion as commuter settlements The whole area has a complex history, of human during this century. Red brick housing is generally the intervention containing many known and many more norm for much of the Heaths. potential sites of archaeological interest. Henges, long and round barrows, Roman settlements, traces of ancient field Land Cover systems and evidence, of lynchets are all frequent and characteristic features of the historic landscape. Some areas An internationally rare habitat with a high conservation reflect wider historic land uses: for example, the influence value, heathland forms extensive pockets of uncultivated of early medieval hunting forests such as the Forest of land within the Thames Basin Heaths character area. These Evesley or Bracknell Forest which are extensive tracts of distinctive landscape features form open tracts of seasonally

67 149 Woodlands, coniferous and broadleaved, are major features of the character of the Thames Basin Heaths. Much is secondary woodland with oak, birch and sweet chestnut being common constituent species. JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE

colourful land, dominated by various types of heathers, years. The main woodland type is oak-birch secondary gorse, beech and birch. Many of the smaller grass- woodland with beech, rowan, holly and rhododendrons dominated heathlands are in local authority ownership frequent in many woods. Many smaller woodlands or wooded allowing public access while the generally larger but strips near the edge of settlements are often used for informal comparatively fewer areas of heather-dominated heathlands recreation. Increases in the size of fields within arable areas, are within restricted areas owned by the Ministry of at the expense of hedgerows and woodland, have left many Defence. A notable exception is Chobham Common owned woods isolated, contributing to the erosion of the patchwork by Surrey County Council. landscape that gives the Heaths their essential character. Farmland is generally of traditional scale, extensively Throughout the area, scattered isolated pockets of ancient hedged and, in some places, intercut with small woods and semi-natural woodlands and some areas of wood-pasture relict heathland. Improved grasslands dominate the provide significant nature-conservation value. A diverse agricultural scene with some small areas of arable on the range of significant landscape features such as streams, localised areas of more fertile soils. In addition to the meadows, commons and some ancient field systems are also widespread grazing of farm livestock, grazing by horses is a important wildlife habitats. Typically, hedges consist of oak, notable and common feature within the small paddocks that holly, ash or hazel. are a particular feature of the farmland in the urban fringes. Commercial nurseries are a common land use within this Riding schools and stud farms provide small paddocks and area, for example around Chobham and Bisley where light medium-sized fields, typically defined by a network of free-draining soils support a distinctive landscape pattern of hedges, although often these are reinforced or regular blocks of tightly spaced young trees. Some areas of supplemented by distinctive post and rail fencing. neglected and overgrown former nurseries have led to There is little ancient semi-natural woodland, except in the unusual woodlands which provide new and varied habitats. west part, with most woodland planted over the last 200 Golf courses are also a common land use in the Heaths.

68 150 These are generally well-wooded between the fairways and Shaping the Future are commonly either formed within woodland or on open heathland. ● The conservation of remaining areas of heath should be considered through the management of woodland scrub Secondary woodland, and sometimes also semi-natural encroachment by the restoration of grazing. This might woodland, adjacent to areas of suburban housing is often also include the reversion of woodland (in particular subject to the increasing influence of non-indigenous plants coniferous plantations) to heath. within their understorey and ground layers. Where gardens have extended into established woodlands, ornamental ● The restoration and management of sand and gravel shrubs and grasses combine with woodland species such as workings and waste disposal sites should be addressed. laurel, holly, sweet chestnut, beech and oak to give many ● The reversion of arable to permanent pasture in remnant areas a gardened appearance. unimproved valley floors, and the management of willow Forestry plantations are common on former heathlands. and alder along watercourses, are important. They are mainly coniferous, usually Scots pine, and are ● There is scope for the restoration and conservation often edged by broadleaved trees such as birch, oak or of hedgerows. sweet chestnut. Bracken is common beneath the trees and in open areas while heather also re-colonises where the ● Former Ministry of Defence landholdings might present canopy has not closed. Many of the forestry areas are opportunities for restoration and conservation of owned and used by the Ministry of Defence, alongside remnant heathlands, as at Greenham Common. active forestry management and public access. Some areas are typified by their distinctively dense crop of young trees Selected References grown for the Christmas tree market. Hampshire County Council (1993), The Hampshire Open riverside meadows are a distinctive characteristic of Landscape, HCC. the river valleys with alder, willow and poplar as typical Surrey County Council (1994), The Future of Surrey’s tree species. Extensive gravel extraction activities are a Landscape and Woodlands – Part 1: An assessment (Consultation common feature in these areas, such as in the Kennet Valley Draft), SCC. where current workings and large lakes, important for their recreation and wildlife value, are highly prominent features. Babtie Public Services Division (undated), A Landscape Strategy for Berkshire: Consultation Proposals, Berkshire County The Changing Countryside Council.

● Poor management of existing woodland and tree belts is diminishing the character of the landscape and making development more intrusive.

● Planting of extensive conifer plantations since 1945 has dramatically altered the traditional appearance of the heathlands.

● Loss of characteristic features such as hedgerows in small pockets of farmland.

● Ministry of Defence activity has restricted development and public access,

● Mineral extraction along rivers.

● Decline in commons grazing.

● Agricultural diversification pressures on the landscape giving rise to inappropriate land uses, such as Christmas tree nurseries and golf courses. AGEBCY JOHN TYLER/COUNTRYSIDE Farming is generally small-scale and restricted to intensive ● Development pressures from the continuing rapid pasture, with widespread horse grazing and little productive arable land due to the poor soils. growth of towns in the area and from pressures relating to transport infrastructure and road improvements.

69 151

Appendix JO6: Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment chapter J3

Adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance Note

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

DOCUMENT To be read alongside the Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Guidance

April 2004

71 Supplementary Planning Guidance Landscape Character Assessment - Summary Document

J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

DESCRIPTION

Key Characteristics

Rolling clay ridge enclosing Loddon Valley to the east and lowlands to west, punctuated by the valley of the Foundry Brook.

Substantial post-Victorian residential settlement with suburban character at Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross, Shinfield and in linear form along the roads connecting adjacent settlements, creating the perception of denser settlement.

Predominantly pasture plus areas of arable farmland within a variety of field sizes including some small irregular fields, indicative of early inclosure, located around settlements. Increasing presence of horse-keeping.

Intact hedgerow network with hedgerow oaks as features. Woodland blocks and copses including some ancient woodland.

Scattered traditional farmsteads with red brick and weatherboarding.

Patches of Scots Pine, birch, holly and rhododendron marking underlying presence of isolated pockets of older acidic river terrace outcrops.

Former Common land at Spencers Wood, to west of Basingstoke Road, is an important defining feature of the settlement and based around Stanbury Park and Highlands. Remnant parkland at Shinfield Park (The Grove), Loddon Court and Shinfield Lodge.

Sense of elevation and good views over surrounding lowlands.

Network of rural lanes bordered by water-filled ditches.

EVALUATION

Landscape Quality The Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay (J3) is a landscape of overall moderate quality. This is because it has a moderate character and a moderate condition. The overall moderate character arises due to the combination of a number of distinctive characteristics - the landform and the pastoral land use within a wooded setting for example. Also notable are the remnants of historic parklands and commons, habitats, views (particularly of the Loddon valley). The moderate condition arises due to the survival of some elements of the former field patterns, ancient woodland copses and presence of relatively well- managed hedgerows.

Landscape Strategy The overall objective for the Spencers Wood Farmed and Settled Clay landscape type is to enhance elements of existing character. Opportunities to enhance the landscape exist where the suburban edge of Reading is diluting the rural integrity of the character area – woodland planting is an option.

Landscape Sensitivity The Spencers Wood Farmed and Settled Clay landscape has a moderate sensitivity overall. Most of the key characteristics would be difficult but not impossible to recreate, with the most difficult being the early enclosure field patterns, ancient woodland and mature hedgerows with mature oak standards. With the exception of the ancient woodlands most of the characteristics are valued at the local level. The most sensitive aspects of the landscape are the ancient woodland copses, pasture enclosed within historic field boundaries and the sense of elevation and views provided across the adjacent lowland landscapes.

14 LANDSCAPE TYPE J: SETTLED AND FARMED CLAY

Landscape Character Areas

J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay

J2: Arborfield Cross and Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay

J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

J4: Woodley-Earley Settled and Farmed Clay

Characteristics of Landscape Type 14.1 There are four character areas of the Landscape Type classified as J: Settled and Farmed Clay. These areas correspond to a south-central location within the district and incorporate major areas of settlement within their bounds including Wokingham and the areas of Woodley and Earley east of Reading. The Settled and Farmed Clay landscape is distinguished by a shelving/undulating landform, with two predominant land uses - arable farming and urban settlement.

Key Characteristics • Gently shelving to undulating landform.

• Working arable farming within a system of large field units.

• Tributaries (and associated subtle valleys) draining towards the River Loddon.

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 295 73

• Large tracts of low-density (predominantly post war) settlement.

• Network of major and minor roads cutting through the landscape.

• Predominantly underlain by the Palaeogene deposit of London Clay.

Relationship to Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment 14.2 The character of J: Settled and Farmed Clay corresponds to Landscape Type K: Settled Farmlands of the county level assessment. Some minor boundary changes have occurred due to the more detailed nature of the district study but there is a strong match between the district level Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay (J3) and Spencers Wood Settled Farmlands (K1) at the county level. Character areas J1 and J2 (Wokingham-Winnersh and Arborfield Cross and Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay) fall within character area K3: Wokingham Settled Farmlands of the Berkshire Study. Character area J4 falls within the urban core of Reading, which at the county level did not form part of the Landscape Character Assessment. Perhaps most notably, at the county level, there is no character area distinction to separate the north and south of Wokingham and its surrounding urban fringe farmland. This is directly related to the different scales of the studies.

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 296 74 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

J3: SPENCERS WOOD SETTLED AND FARMED CLAY

DESCRIPTION

Introduction 14.47 The Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay is located in the south- west of the District, between the Loddon River Valley to the east and the Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland to the west. It is an undulating pasture dominated with a patchwork of moderate sized pasture and arable fields divided by hedgerows featuring mature hedgerow oaks. There are a number of woodlands, either mixed woodland belts and tree clumps associated with the remnant deciduous copses that once formed part of the extensive woodlands of Windsor Forest.

14.48 The character and diversity of this rural landscape is enhanced by the presence of the ancient river terraces of the Thames with acidic soils supporting woodland and parkland characterised by acid-loving species such as Scots pine, birch, holly and rhododendron.

14.49 The traditional built form is the rural farmstead - constructed from soft red brick. Weatherboarding is a distinctive feature of the associated barns. Roofs are often half-hipped and clay tiled and traditional brick walls are typical boundary features. Some of these traditional rural buildings are now encapsulated within the more recent suburban development that dominates the built character of the area today.

14.50 This character area retains a rural character although there is a strong (sub)urbanising influence as a result of the proximity to the large town of Reading.

Location and Boundaries 14.51 The Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay is a clay ridge that separates the Loddon River Valley (area A2) from Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland (area I3) in the south-west of the District. Its eastern boundary abuts the Loddon River Valley (area A2) and this boundary is clearly defined by a change in topography where the clay ridge ends and the flat valley floor begins. The western boundary of the

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 325 75 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

character area is also defined by topography and this coincides with the A33 along part of its length. In the north the boundary is defined by the urban edge of Reading and in the south the boundary is dictated by Wokingham District's administrative boundary. It is recognised that the character area extends beyond this administrative boundary into the adjacent District.

Key Characteristics

• Rolling clay ridge enclosing Loddon Valley to the east and lowlands to west, punctuated by the valley of the Foundry Brook.

• Substantial post-Victorian residential settlement with suburban character at Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross, Shinfield and in linear form along the roads connecting adjacent settlements, creating the perception of denser settlement.

• Predominantly pasture plus areas of arable farmland within a variety of field sizes including some small irregular fields, indicative of early inclosure, located around settlements. Increasing prescence of horse-keeping.

• Intact hedgerow network with hedgerow oaks as features.

• Scattered traditional farmsteads with red brick and weatherboarding.

• Woodland blocks and copses including some ancient woodland.

• Patches of Scots Pine, birch, holly and rhododendron marking underlying presence of isolated pockets of older acidic river terrace outcrops.

• Former Common land at Spencers Wood, to west of Basingstoke Road, is an important defining feature of the settlement and based around Stanbury Park and Highlands.

• Remnant parkland at Shinfield Park (The Grove), Loddon Court and Shinfield Lodge.

• Sense of elevation and good views over surrounding lowlands.

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 326 76 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

• Network of rural lanes bordered by water-filled ditches.

Physical Landscape 14.52 The Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay is a prominent, undulating clay ridge rising to a flat, sandy plateau. This sandy plateau is in fact an old (5th level) river terrace, deposited as a terrace of a proto-Thames and left high above the present day valley. The terrace is typically coarse loose sand and gravel with some imbedded flints or pebbles. The soils in this isolated area are acidic and this gives rise to distinctive vegetation and land use around Spencers Wood. The former unenclosed common land of Spencerswood is now a network of fields, woodland and parkland and is characterised by the presence of Scots pine, birch, holly and rhododendron. This contrasts with the Stagnogley soils on the remainder of the ridge. These soils are clayey or loamy over clayey soils that suffer impeded drainage resulting in an agricultural landscape dominated by pasture.

14.53 The sandy plateau of Spencers Wood is a flat area that forms the highest point of the ridge, reaching 66m AOD at Stanbury Park. The remainder of the ridge is an undulating ‘ridge’ landscape, between two lowland areas: Loddon River Valley to the east and Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland to the west. Historic Environment 14.54 In common with clay soils found elsewhere in the district there is little evidence for extensive prehistoric or Romano-British settlement of this area at the edge of the Loddon river valley. However, by Saxon times it appears likely that settlement and agriculture expanded onto previously marginal areas - the “-feld” element in the name of Shinfield, a Domesday settlement, suggesting a largely open and cultivated landscape in the Saxon period.

14.55 In the Medieval period in this area, forest law protected the Crown’s hunting, timber and other rights over both private and common land in the face of pressure from assart incursions into the woodland for cultivation and pasture. The piecemeal clearance of woodland to form cultivable land by assarting, and later by agreement, continued until the 18th century.

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 327 77 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

14.56 The 1st edition OS map shows the area to contain numerous small irregular fields with wavy boundaries, indicative of early inclosure of former open fields, as well as of heath and common as at Spencers Common. Some of the common still existed at the time the map was drawn. With adjoining landscapes of the Loddon (A2, C1) and Farley Hill (L2) these form the largest area of early enclosure landscape in the district. Many of the boundaries of these small fields have been lost in the modern amalgamation of fields, although a considerable area of this field systems survives particularly around Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood.

14.57 There are a number of moated sites around Shinfield, the construction of moats in the Post-medieval period being a commonly practiced way of enhancing the status and appearance of a manor or other large house. It is evident from the early maps that settlement consisted primarily of quite closely-spaced Medieval/Post-medieval farmsteads, interspersed with country houses and areas of landscaped parkland, traces of which are still evident to varying degrees around Shinfield Park (The Grove), Stanbury Park, Highlands and Loddon Court.

14.58 There was a loose network of winding country lanes, but few major roads until the 18th century. The road between Reading and Basingstoke was one of the earliest turnpikes in Berkshire, established in 1718. The settlement character changed markedly from the late 19th century to the early 20th century with new developments at Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield. Other significant 20th century additions are the World War II pillboxes located in the south of the area, which form part of the defensive GHQ line which extends northwards along the Foudry Brook.

Designations Summary of Importance

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

None

Regional Archaeological Site

There is a large amount of sites particularly around Sheepbridge Church Farm with scattered sites

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 328 78 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Designations Summary of Importance

elsewhere.

Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are associated with the settlements of Three Mile Cross, Spencers Wood and Shinfield.

English Heritage Register of Hist oric Parks and Gardens.

None

Ecological Character 14.59 This Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay is characterised by small and widely scattered woodland blocks. In total there are six woodlands with Wildlife Heritage Site status, three of which are recognised as being of ancient origin. These ancient woodlands have a history of coppice with standard management. Often this traditional management has ceased, but at Pearman’s Copse Wokingham District Council has reintroduced this management system. Old ash stools with field maple (Acer campestre) and hazel (Corylus avellana) dominate Pearman’s Copse, and it supports a rich woodland flora with around 27 ancient woodland indicator species and a good range of woodland invertebrates.

14.60 This character area also contains Clare’s Green Field, which represents unimproved neutral grassland with Wildlife Heritage Site status for its botanical interest.

Designations Summary of Importance

Site of Special Scientific Interest

None

Local Nature Reserves

None

Wildlife Heritage Site/Registered Ancient Woodland

Clay Hill 1.5 / 1.5ha – part of this site Ancient woodland also falls within I3

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 329 79 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Designations Summary of Importance

Normans Shaw 0.9 / 0.9ha – Part of this Ancient woodland site also falls within I3

Pearman’s Copse 2.1 / 2.0ha Ancient woodland

Beech Hill Coverts Ancient woodlands

High Copse Ancient woodland (partly replanted)

Whitley Wood Ancient woodland

Wildlife Heritage Site

Wood and Ditch Moat 1.6ha Woodland

Woods between Whitehouse and Woodlands Highlands 10.8ha

Clare’s Green Field 1.3ha Neutral grassland

Nore’s Hill 5.1ha – Part of this site also Woodland falls within I3

Denotified

Field at School Green 3.3ha Grassland, MG5b

Rural Land Use 14.61 The dominant land use is agriculture with much retained as pasture. The rolling farmland is characterised by a variety of field sizes divided by largely intact hedgerows and hedgerow oaks. Fields around Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood are small and irregular with wavy boundaries, indicating early inclosure of former open fields. However, many of these smaller fields have now been lost. The flat plateau area on the sandy soils of the 5th River Terrace was formerly Spencerswood Common but all common land has now been enclosed.

14.62 There are a number of woodlands, either mixed woodland belts and tree clumps associated with the designed landscapes or remnant deciduous copses that once formed part of the extensive woodlands of Windsor Forest. The presence of parkland is a feature of the landscape and parkland trees stand out as features against the

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 330 80 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

skyline especially the avenue of Metasequoia at the entrance to Stanbury Park.

14.63 Residential development is also a significant use of land. Boundaries include rows of conifers and suburban fences that have eroded the rural character of the ridge and contrast with the native hedgerows and hedgerow trees of the surrounding farmland. Other features that have an urbanising influence on the landscape are street lighting, kerbs and pavements, lay-bys and municipal street furniture.

14.64 A network of footpaths provides opportunities for informal recreation with views over the surrounding lowland landscapes. There are also a number of narrow tracks that give the areas beyond the settlement more rural character. Settlement and Built Character 14.65 The area is characterised by the presence of small agricultural and village settlements that have seen significant post-Victorian expansion. For example, the flat plateau area on the sandy soils of the 5th River Terrace was formerly Spencerswood Common at a time when Spencers Wood was a small common edge settlement. At this time Shinfield and Three Mile Cross were small agricultural settlements and the remainder of the area was characterised by scattered farmsteads and country houses associated with parkland. Map evidence suggests this was the case until at least 1883. However, the area saw rapid expansion during the Victorian and post-Victorian periods resulting in a number of good example Victorian semi-detached properties. Today the area is well settled with ribbon development merging adjacent settlements. The presence of ribbon development gives the impression of a higher density of development as one travels along the roads than is actually the case.

14.66 The extensive modern built development today illustrates a large range of different house styles and use of materials. However, the traditional built form is still the rural farmstead, constructed from soft red brick with weatherboarding on agricultural outbuildings. Clay roofs add to the warm tones of the built environment and brick walls form the typical boundary. Some of these traditional

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 331 81 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

agricultural buildings are now encapsulated within the more recent suburban development where they are regarded as historic built features and landmark buildings. EVALUATION

Landscape Quality 14.67 The Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay (J3) is a landscape of overall moderate quality. This is because it has a noderate character and a moderate condition. The overall moderate character arises due to the combination of a number of distinctive characteristics - the landform and the pastoral land use within a wooded setting for example. Also notable are the remnants of historic parklands and commons, habitats, views (particularly of the Loddon valley). The presence of the relatively densely-settled area of Spencers Wood with suburban development mean that the rural character is diluted in some areas. The moderate condition arises due to the survival of some elements of the former field patterns, ancient woodland copses and presence of relatively well-managed hedgerows, but also the influence of the suburban edge of Reading which breaks down the integrity of the rural landscape due to the presence of elements such as suburban fencing and coniferous shelterbelts. Landscape Strategy 14.68 The overall objective for the Spencers Wood Farmed and Settled Clay landscape type is to enhance elements of existing character. Opportunities to enhance the landscape exist where the suburban edge of Reading is diluting the rural integrity of the character area – woodland planting is an option. Key characteristics that should be considered in any change are the woodlands (especially those of ancient origin), the vernacular buildings, and the views into the surrounding landscape (especially the Loddon Valley), remnant parkland and pastureland within intact hedgerows.

Landscape Sensitivity 14.69 The Spencers Wood Farmed and Settled Clay landscape has a moderate sensitivity overall. Most of the key characteristics would be difficult but not impossible to recreate, with the most difficult being

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 332 82 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

the early inclosure field patterns, ancient woodland and mature hedgerows with mature oak standards. With the exception of the ancient woodlands most of the characteristics are valued at the local level. The most sensitive aspects of the landsape are the ancient woodland copses, pasture enclosed within historic field boundaries and the sense of elevation and views provided across the adjacent lowland landscapes.

The Changing Landscape: Key Issues 14.70 The following table sets out the main issues affecting or with potential to affect the character of the Spencers Wood Farmed and Settled Clay (J3) and the associated management guidelines for dealing with these issues. The overall objective is to enhance the character of the area by retaining and managing the current positive characteristics.

Key Issues Associated Guidelines Agriculture

Some hedgerow loss is evident - • Conserve and manage hedgerows as this is associated with the important wildlife habitats and expansion of fields and landscape features and promote intensification of agriculture. management of hedgerows as coppice, with oak standards left to

form future timber trees. Consider opportunities for reinstatement of hedges, particularly where they have been lost from highly visible locations e.g. along roadsides.

Recent years have seen loss of • Promote active management of viability of small farms leading to features of the agricultural landscape neglect of agricultural land and and promote agri-environment decline in management of management through schemes such agricultural features such as as Countryside Stewardship and local hedgerows. produce initiatives, to facilitate reinstatement of lost or declining features, such as standard oaks and hedgerows.

Forestry and Woodland Management Loss of structure and species • Conserve all ancient woodland diversity of the traditionally copses, and continue to promote coppiced woodlands has occurred appropriate management through

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 333 83 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Key Issues Associated Guidelines in the past through cessation of natural regeneration, control of non- coppice management. However, native species and reintroduction of there are positive signs that coppicing as a management tool for woodlands are being brought back neglected woodlands. into management.

There is evidence of loss of • Aim to continue to increase the extent ancient deciduous woodland and of native deciduous woodland using general shrinking of the native natural regeneration or locally deciduous woodland resource in occurring native species to enhance past years. The state of the the wooded character of the countryside report for the South landscape. The aim should be to link East (2001) indicates an increase existing sites without loss of in broadleaved and mixed significant views. woodland over the past decade.

Potential demand for large areas • Design areas of coppice sympathetic of energy crops (such as coppiced to landscape character and seek to willow woodlands) as demand to integrate other uses such as meet renewable energy recreation and nature conservation to obligations increased. enhance their value.

Minerals

No significant issues – river terrace gravels are unlikely to be commercially viable.

Habitat/Natural Features

Over-maturity of veteran parkland • Consider a tree planting programme and hedgerow trees is an on- to plan for the next generation of going threat to the landscape. parkland and hedgerow trees.

Built Development

Demand for residential • Protect the individual identity of development is continuing to push settlements by conserving the rural towards the amalgamation of character of the landscape between adjacent areas. adjacent towns and village centres and avoiding amalgamation of these settlements. In particular seek to preserve the gap between Spencers Wood/Shinfield and Shinfield/Whitley Wood.

The pressure for large areas of • Conserve historic buildings and housing is resulting in the consider undertaking built character dereliction and loss of traditional appraisals across the District to

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 334 84 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Key Issues Associated Guidelines dwellings, dilution of vernacular identify local styles, layouts, densities character and loss of distinct and materials that may be appropriate architectural style. in new buildings and the spaces between these buildings.

There is continuing pressure for • Consider undertaking character expansion and infill within appraisals of settlements within existing settlements leading to Wokingham District to identify loss of features such as trees, features worthy of conservation. woodland and historic features.

Infilling of village greens and • Restrict further ribbon development former heaths with built and consider opportunities to development has resulted in loss strengthen and enhance the of settlement structure, communal landscape setting to the villages areas and village focus. through planting.

Increasing demand for large-scale • Care should be taken in the siting and agricultural buildings leading to design of large agricultural buildings visual intrusion of these elements. with potential to be highly visible in this open landscape ensuring that key landscape characteristics are maintained.

Pressure for built development on • Consider the impact of any the skyline is leading to loss of development on skylines – where it wooded ridges which are would have the potential to be highly characteristic of the Wokingham visible from adjacent character areas. landscape. Retain the wooded skylines of Wokingham District.

Infrastructure

Demands for upgrading the • Maintain the historic lanes with their winding network of rural lanes ancient oaks and unimproved with new signage, line painting roadside verges. Resist road and widening is threatening the improvements or widening that would intimate rural character of the threaten their rural character. lanes.

There is continuing pressure for • Undertake sympathetic screening to new roads or additional lanes on minimise the impact of new and existing roads, particularly in this existing roads. well populated and commercially vibrant area, leading to visual

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 335 85 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Key Issues Associated Guidelines intrusion of transport corridors and fragmentation of the landscape.

Increasing demand for • Particular care should be taken in the communication masts, pylons and siting of communication masts or poles leading to visual intrusion of other vertical elements – these have these elements in the open the potential to be highly visible in landscape. this open landscape.

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 336 86 Character Area J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay

Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment 337 87

Appendix JO7: Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

Appendix JO8: Outline Planning Application O/2013/0346: Land Use Parameters Plan

103 The scaling of this drawing cannot be assured Revision Date Drn Ckd - ---

RIDGE SANG

Hyde End Lane Church Lane

MAY'S FARM SANG

Hyde End Lane

Basingstoke Road

FIVE ACRE SANG

Croft Road

Hyde End Road

Project Legend SPENCERS WOOD N & THREE MILE CROSS Assessment Site Boundary Proposed Allotments Secondary Vehicular Route Drawing Title FIGURE 4.1 - PARAMETER PLAN Subsequent Development Proposed SANG Secondary Route + Bus Route LAND USE - OVERALL Date Scale Drawn by Check by Residential (including incidental Public 12.12.12 1:5,000@A2 ALC/NO DJ School Building Location Proposed Junction Open Space & Infrastructure ) Improvement Project No Drawing No Revision Public Open Space & Sustainable Transport Link: 17795 16 S School Playing Fields 50 150 250m Landscape Bus, Cycle and Pedestrian 0 100 200 Existing Trees / Vegetation Indicative Location of Main Children's Retained Attenuation Feature Play Space Ecological Mitigation Principal Vehicular Route Area Planning ● Master Planning & Urban Design Architecture ● Landscape Planning & Design ● Project Services Environmental & Sustainability Assessment ● Graphic Design

bartonwillmore.co.uk

003

Certificate FS 29637 Offices at Reading London Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Ebbsfleet Edinburgh Leeds Manchester Solihull Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Crown Copyright Reserved.J:\17000 -Licence 17999\17700 No. 100019279.- 17799\17795 - Land East Of Spencers Wood, North Of Hyde End Road\A4 - Dwgs & Registers\M Planning\17795 - 16S - PARAMETER - Land Use Overall(49R).dwg - A2 104

Appendix JO9: The setting of Heritage Assets

105 THE SETTING OF HERITAGE ASSETS: ENGLISH HERITAGE GUIDANCE

2. DEFINITION OF SETTING AND KEY CONCEPTS Reference is sometimes made to the ‘immediate’ and ‘extended’ setting of a heritage assets3, but the terms should not be regarded 2.1 THE DEFINITION OF SETTING as having any particular formal meaning. While many day-to-day 0LANNING0OLICY3TATEMENT0LANNINGFORTHE(ISTORIC%NVIRONMENT (003 cases will be concerned with the immediate setting of an asset, ) defines the setting of a heritage asset as ‘the surroundings in which development within the extended setting may also affect significance, [the asset] is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as particularly where it is large-scale, prominent or intrusive. the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make Relationship of setting to curtilage, character and context a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral’. Setting is separate from the concepts of curtilage, character and context: This definition of setting is supported by a set of principles that allow the concept to be better understood for the purposes s Curtilage is a legal term describing an area around a building, of the plan making and development management processes. the boundary of which is defined by matters including These are set out in paragraphs 113 to 117 of 0030LANNING past and present ownership and functional association and FORTHE(ISTORIC%NVIRONMENT(ISTORIC%NVIRONMENT0LANNING0RACTICE interdependency. The setting of an historic asset will include, but 'UIDEand are repeated here in +EYPRINCIPLESFORUNDERSTANDING generally be more extensive than, its curtilage (if it has one).

SETTING (page 5) for ease of reference. The remainder of section 2 s The character of a historic place is the sum of all its examines in more detail the principles for understanding setting attributes. This may include its relationships with people, and how it may contribute to the significance of heritage assets. now and through time; its visual aspects; and the features, materials, and spaces associated with its history, including its 2.2 THE EXTENT OF SETTING2 original configuration and subsequent losses and changes. From the definition provided above, it can be understood that Heritage assets and their settings contribute to character, setting embraces all of the surroundings (land, sea, structures, features but it is a broader and non-statutory concept, often used and skyline) from which the heritage asset can be experienced or in relation to entire historic areas and landscapes. that can be experienced from or with the asset. Setting does not s The context of a heritage asset4 is a non-statutory term used to have a fixed boundary and cannot be definitively and permanently describe any relationship between it and other heritage assets, described as a spatially bounded area or as lying within a set which are relevant to its significance. These relationships can be distance of a heritage asset. Views on what comprises a heritage cultural, intellectual, spatial or functional (English Heritage 2008a). asset’s setting may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve, 106 They apply irrespective of distance, extending well beyond or as the asset becomes better understood. Construction of a what might be considered an asset’s setting, and can include distant but high building; development generating noise, odour, the relationship of one heritage asset to another of the same vibration or dust over a wide area; or new understanding of the period or function, or with the same designer or architect. relationship between neighbouring heritage assets may all extend what might previously have been understood to comprise setting. THE SETTING OF HERITAGE ASSETS: ENGLISH HERITAGE GUIDANCE

KEY PRINCIPLES FOR UNDERSTANDING SETTING*

s Setting is the surroundings in which an asset is s The setting of a heritage asset can enhance its experienced. All heritage assets have a setting, significance whether or not it was designed to do so. irrespective of the form in which they survive and The formal parkland around a country house and whether they are designated or not. Elements of a the fortuitously developed multi-period townscape setting may make a positive or negative contribution around a medieval church may both contribute to to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to the significance. (116) appreciate that significance, or may be neutral. (113) s The contribution that setting makes to the s The extent and importance of setting is often significance does not depend on there being public expressed by reference to visual considerations. rights or an ability to access or experience that Although views of or from an asset will play an setting. This will vary over time and according to important part, the way in which we experience circumstance. Nevertheless, proper evaluation of the an asset in its setting is also influenced by other effect of change within the setting of a heritage asset environmental factors such as noise, dust and will usually need to consider the implications, if any, vibration; by spatial associations; and by our for public appreciation of its significance. (117) understanding of the historic relationship between *Taken from paragraphs 113 to 117 of 0030LANNING places. For example, buildings that are in close FORTHE(ISTORIC%NVIRONMENT(ISTORIC%NVIRONMENT0LANNING proximity but not visible from each other may have 0RACTICE'UIDEwith relevant paragraph numbers cited. a historic or aesthetic connection that amplifies the experience of the significance of each. They would be considered to be within one another’s setting. (114) s Setting will, therefore, generally be more extensive than curtilage, and its perceived extent may change as an asset and its surroundings evolve or as understanding of the asset improves. (115) 107 THE SETTING OF HERITAGE ASSETS: ENGLISH HERITAGE GUIDANCE

Landscape, townscape and setting the asset. A long-distance view may intersect with, and incorporate the settings of numerous heritage assets. Views from within extensive Extensive heritage assets, such as landscapes and townscapes, can heritage assets can also be important contributors to significance: include many heritage assets and their nested and overlapping for example, views from the centre of an historic town, THROUGHthe settings, as well as having a setting of their own. Entire towns also townscape to its surrounding countryside, or from an historic house, have a setting which, in a few cases, has been explicitly recognised 5 THROUGHits surrounding designed landscape to the countryside beyond. in green belt designations . A conservation area that includes the 6 settings of a number of listed buildings , for example, will also have Some views may contribute more to understanding the significance its own setting, as will the town in which it is situated. The numbers of a heritage asset than others. This may be because the relationships and proximity of heritage assets in urban areas means that setting is between the asset and other historic assets or places or natural intimately linked to considerations of townscape and urban design features are particularly relevant; because of the historical associations (see section 2.5). It is also important in terms of the character and of a particular view or viewing point; or because the composition appearance of conservation areas and may often relate to townscape within the view was a fundamental aspect of the design of the attributes such as lighting, trees, and verges, or the treatments of heritage asset. Intentional inter-visibility between heritage assets, boundaries or street surfaces. Additional advice on setting in relation or between heritage assets and natural features, can make a to conservation areas is provided in 5NDERSTANDING0LACE#ONSERVATION particularly important contribution to significance. Some assets, !REA$ESIGNATION !PPRAISALAND-ANAGEMENT (English Heritage 2011a). whether contemporaneous or otherwise, were intended to be seen from one another for aesthetic, functional, ceremonial or religious The setting of a heritage asset, such as an individual building or reasons. These include military and defensive sites; telegraphs or site, may closely reflect the character of the wider townscape beacons; and prehistoric funerary and ceremonial sites. Similarly, or landscape in which it is situated, or be quite distinct from it many historic parks and gardens include deliberate links to other (eg a quiet garden around a historic almshouse located within designed landscapes, and remote ‘eye-catching’ features or ‘borrowed’ the bustle of the urban street-scene). Similarity or contrast landmarks beyond the park boundary. Inter-visibility with natural or between the setting of a heritage asset and its wider surroundings topographic features, or phenomena such as solar and lunar events, – whether fortuitously or by design – may each make an can also make a significant contribution to certain heritage assets. important contribution to the significance of heritage assets. Particular views may be identified and protected by local 2.3 VIEWS AND SETTING planning policies and guidance. This does not mean that additional The contribution of setting to the significance of a heritage asset views or other elements or attributes of setting do not merit

108 is often expressed by reference to views – a view being a purely consideration. Additional English Heritage advice on views is visual impression of an asset or place, obtained from, or by moving available in 3EEINGTHE(ISTORYINTHE6IEW!-ETHODFOR!SSESSING through, a particular viewing point or viewing place. The setting of (ERITAGE3IGNIlCANCE7ITHIN6IEWS (English Heritage 2011b). any heritage asset is likely to include a variety of views of, across, or including that asset, and views of the surroundings from or through

Appendix JO10: Table 3 Landscape Effects Table

109 PINS Reference: APP/X0360/A/13/2209286 March 2014 LPA Reference: O/2013/1221 Council’s Proof of Evidence on Landscape Issues

Table 3: Landscape Effects Table

Landscape Nature of Effect Size/ scale Geographic Duration Reversible Nature of Significance Mitigation Residual receptor receptor of effect extent effect of Landscape significance of (magnitude) Effect Landscape (sensitivity) Effect

DCP01: None. No change Medium Temporary No DCP02: None.

OP1: No physical change to the topography although its Ridgeline Slight role in creating scale and intimacy in the landscape is No change Neutral None Neutral topography Woodland blocks central and defined in the heading below. No change Medium Permanent No OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: The change of use will lead to an expansion of this largely adverse characteristic in an area where its influence Medium, is felt but does not overawe the overall landscape Medium Temporary No adverse character. DCP02: as per DCP01

OP1: The Appeal Proposals will result in the increase of this adverse characteristic within an area of rural character that Adherence to the Borough Design is significantly intact. Thus, the suburban character of Guide will ensure that the building Spencers Wood would adversely encroach on the type is appropriate. landscape in a fashion that perpetuates the suburban However this will not mitigate the Suburban Moderate, Slight, Slight, Slight creep of Reading along well-used routes into settlements. loss of a meaningful rural landscape settlement adverse negative negative OP2: the proposed junctions repeat the pattern of road under further negative expansion access only to the west of Beech Hill Road. However, their Medium, and encroachment. Thus the Large Permanent No required removal of existing hedgerow will leave bare the adverse mitigation fails the Key Issues frontage of the development as being noticeably and criteria from the WDLCA. obscurely disconnected from the road. The development will be left with an awkward relationship with a rural approach to the Spencers Wood that the Beatty Rise development resolved by accessing only from Basingstoke Road. OP3: None.

DCP01: This will lead to a total loss of pasture use (a significant defining feature of J3) at the Appeal Site which None. The Appeal Proposals Large, Substantial, Large, Large, Pasture use Large represents approx.. 40% of an enclosed area immediately Medium Temporary No mitigation cannot meet any of the adverse adverse negative negative surrounding the Appeal Site. Key Issues criteria. DCP02: of note but secondary to DCP01

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OP1: The Appeal Proposals will result in the total loss of this Key Characteristic that underpins the J3 character area. Its presence is a prime indicator of the intactness of the landscape character. Where pasture is not present then the character is eroded and development may be appropriate (see SM4 SDL). If the Landscape Strategy of the Policy supported WDLCA SPD is to be achieved then only landscape that is sufficiently eroded should be considered appropriate. Furthermore, the Appeal Proposals are located within an enclosed landscape which serves to magnify the effects of development. Therefore, the loss of approximately 40% of Large, Medium Permanent No the enclosed area containing the Appeal Site to adverse development would effectively be magnified and the suburbanising effect of development would encroach on a wider rural character beyond the Application boundary and one of the very few remaining at the edge of the settlement. Therefore, the effect on the J3 character type as a whole is limited due to the scale of the Appeal Site when compared to J3. However, the crucible enclosure of this area of J3 magnifies the scale of the effect and belies the above, overly-simplistic size comparison. OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01:Construction activities will not disrupt field pattern although the pattern, size and scale will be very difficult to Medium, perceive as they are closely tied to its pasture use Medium Temporary No adverse DCP02: vertical elements will disrupt pattern and scale through the creation of uncharacteristic subdivision. Moderate/ None. The Appeal Proposals Moderate/ Field pattern, Moderate, Large OP1: The Appeal Proposals do retain the field boundaries Large, mitigation cannot meet any of the Large, size and scale adverse and overall pattern but the ability to perceive the field negative Key Issues criteria. negative pattern, size and scale will be mostly lost under Medium, development. The scale and intimacy of the landscape Medium Permanent No adverse containing the Appeal Site will be lost as it relies on its existing visual dynamic whereby the wooded ridge encloses the fields and the curving boundary of the fields

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is seen as a piece of the wider scene. OP2: None. OP3: The conditioned proposals for the SANG will likely be of benefit to the landscape. The alignment of the SANG will leave a space left over after planning as an inaccessible field without proposals or management in immediate juxtaposition with the SANG. The boundary line is not reflective of the curved, historic western boundary.

DCP01: hedgerow loss at proposed entrances. Minor, Small Temporary No DCP02: no hedgerow loss expected. adverse

OP1: The Appeal Proposals result in the loss of 280 metres of hedgerow (30% of the Appeal Site total) and the wider perceived loss of intimacy and landscape scale as noted previously. The interaction of the pasture use, hedgerows Retain and protect hedgerows and field pattern are the key indicator of rural character during construction period to condition and, as such, require protection under CS policy. prevent loss. Intact The Illustrative Masterplan shows a continuous line of tree Moderate/ Planting of new hedgerows. planting all around the boundaries where hedgerows are Moderate, Moderate, hedgerow Large Large, Establish management regime for proposed to be retained. These trees could outcompete Medium, adverse negative network Small Permanent No negative retained hedgerows to ensure the hedgerow for sunlight and would lead to their lack of adverse continued vitality as per WDLCA. growth an vitality. Limit screen planting as this will OP2: loss of 280 metres of hedgerow along Beech Hill outcompete the hedgerow. Road to allow for traffic entrances (refer to Application Transport Assessment (CD ref. X.X [6.1] and Appendix 3). The loss of hedgerow will likely require the construction of new boundary fencing for housing at the eastern corner, a significant detracting element in the J3 landscape. OP3: None.

DCP01: introduction of slim vertical elements that will Thin out development to allow for puncture the wooded skyline and introduce much higher greater volumes of woodland complexities than that formed by the wooded backdrop. Minor, Medium Temporary No planting as suggested within Woodland However, the wooded backdrop will likely remain seen Moderate, Moderate, Moderate, Moderate adverse WDLCA. Currently, the Illustrative blocks until the latter stages of construction. adverse negative negative Masterplan does not create any DCP02: as per DCP01 woodland and thus does not meet

OP1: The Appeal Proposals result in no loss of woodland. Medium, Medium Permanent No the Key Issues criteria from the

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However, they would result in the loss of the wooded ridge adverse WDLCA. within the visual dynamic of the landscape. The wooded ridge skyline would be replaced with development where in other locations development has always sought to be below the wider skyline in an attempt to retain the rural setting to Reading. OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: introduction of fore- and mid-ground elements will result in loss of general perception of built Minor, development being assimilated into land through use of Medium Temporary No adverse lower elevations. DCP02: as per DCP01

OP1: Introduction of fore- and mid-ground elements will result in loss of general perception of built development being assimilated into land through use of lower Perceptual elevations. Slight/ None. The Appeal Proposals Slight/ sense of Minor, Large The enclosure and intimacy of the landscape limit the Moderate, mitigation cannot meet any of the Moderate, elevation / adverse importance of this Key Characteristic to the landscape negative Key Issues criteria. negative good views immediately containing the Appeal Site. However, the Minor, characteristic is located at the edge of the immediate area Medium Permanent No adverse to the west of the Appeal Site. Currently it is perceived beyond the settlement edge but the creep effect described above would, with the Appeal Proposals, located the characteristic at the edge of the suburban area. This is an indirect effect. OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: the character of Beech Hill Road will change with the imposition of a significant amount of construction None, the Appeal Proposals are Medium, traffic. This will also result in indirect effects on Basingstoke Medium Temporary No mitigated by their comparative Movement adverse Moderate, Slight, small scale compared to the whole Slight, Slight Road although this is already used as a busy local road network adverse negative of the movement network. The negative DCP02: as per DCP01 Appeal Proposals mitigation cannot OP1: the Illustrative Masterplan shows houses close to Medium, Medium Permanent No meet any of the Key Issues criteria. Beech Hill Road as being accessed from their own road adverse

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rather than off Beech Hill Road. The direct access of properties from the road would be possible within the confines of the rural character as is evidenced at Loddon Court and numerous other properties. However, the parallel alignment of the proposed residences to Beech Hill Road creates a contrast to the transitional-type edge evidenced by the Beatty Rise development. This contrast would increase the awkwardness experienced from the Appeal Proposals and would be of significant character harm to Beech Hill Road as a rural entrance / exit to Spencers Wood. OP2: the loss of the existing hedgerow resulting in an awkward relationship of development to Beech Hill Road will result in the strong suburbanisation of the road and thus loss of rural characteristic in this enclosed area. OP3: None.

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Appendix JO11: Table 4 Visual Effects Table

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Table 4: Visual Effects Table

Visual receptor Nature of Effect Size/ scale Geographic Duration Reversible Nature of Significance Mitigation Residual receptor of effect extent effect of Landscape significance of (magnitude) Effect Landscape (sensitivity) Effect

DCP01: the works will be prominent in views from the daytime rooms and result in the total loss of what is Large, Large Temporary No currently a very pleasant view over rural fields. adverse DCP02: as per DCP01.

OP1: the Appeal Proposals will replace rural fields and very attractive setting without evidence of built development with the rear view of houses and gardens. I accept that new views of houses and/ or developments should not always be seen as automatically adverse and that there is no ‘right The Illustrative Masterplan to a view’. However, in this location where a view wholly proposes small tree groups to be comprises of attractive rural features it significantly planted along the boundary Large/ Very Moderate/ contributes to the living amenity of these residences. The Substantial, hedgerow as partial screen 2-8 Diana Close Large Large, Large, development will result in the loss of the rural features and adverse mechanisms. The proposed houses negative negative is thus of complete contrast to the current condition. This Large, would, eventually, become part of Large Permanent No is a significant negative effect on the amenity of these adverse the consciousness of living in these residences. residences. OP2: none. OP3: the obscure division of the field to the west of the housing to provide for SANG will be readily visible from daytime rooms. The division of the field will result in that which is not SANG becoming derelict land through lack of viable use. This dereliction would result in significant erosion of the landscape character and thus loss of visual amenity.

DCP01: the works will be prominent in views from the The Illustrative Masterplan daytime rooms and result in the total loss of what is Large, proposes new street tree planting Medium Temporary No currently a very pleasant view over rural fields. adverse only. The housing will remain very DCP02: as per DCP01. visible as an edge without attempt Moderate/ Moderate/ 14-64 Beatty Moderate, of transitioning the housing into a Large OP1: the Appeal Proposals will replace rural fields and Large, Large, Rise adverse rural corridor along Beech Hill views of a wooded skyline, significant contributors to the negative negative Road. As a result a strong sense of rural setting of these houses being at the transitional edge Medium, Medium Permanent No suburbanisation will pervade where between settlement and rural setting. However, the Appeal adverse currently rural features define the Proposals would also be seen beyond rear gardens, landscape character. garages, other housing and Beech Hill Road although no

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built development except farm buildings is seen outside of the estate within which the receptor is located. Thus the Appeal Proposals would be of significant, adverse effect only slightly mitigated by the pre-existence of built development. OP2: the road junctions will result in a significant amount of new vehicular movement and suburbanisation in the view although this is mitigated by the receptor being located within a similar sized recent development with foreground views of garages and driveways. The loss of the hedgerow is a significant negative as it will take longer to assimilate the Appeal Proposals into the landscape through the growth of a new hedgerow and open views will be obtained of fencing boundary treatments. OP3: None.

DCP01: the works will be prominent in views from the daytime rooms and result in the total loss of what is Small, Small Temporary No currently a very pleasant view over rural fields. adverse DCP02: as per DCP01.

OP1: the Appeal Proposals will replace rural fields and views of a wooded skyline, significant contributors to the rural setting of these houses being at the transitional edge between settlement and rural setting. However, the Appeal Proposals would also be seen beyond rear gardens, The Illustrative Masterplan proposes new hedgerow planting 4-6 Allfrey garages, other housing and Beech Hill Road with the Minor, Slight, Slight, Moderate although no screening of a Grove houses on Diana Close also visible. Views are also only of a adverse negative negative small number of buildings. Thus the Appeal Proposals proposed gable end (i.e. mostly Small, would be of significant, adverse effect mitigated by the Small Permanent No brick faced) adverse pre-existence of built development. OP2: the road junctions will result in a noticeable amount of new vehicular movement and suburbanisation in the view although this is mitigated by the receptor being located within a similar sized recent development. The loss of the hedgerow is a significant negative as it will take longer to assimilate the Appeal Proposals into the landscape through the growth of a new hedgerow and

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open views will be obtained of fencing boundary treatments. OP3: None.

DCP01: the effects will be as for Beatty Rise receptors although mitigated by the intervening housing partially Small, Small Temporary No screening views. adverse DCP02: as per DCP01

OP1: the effects will be as for Beatty Rise receptors although mitigated by the intervening housing partially Tree and hedgerow planting will 5-30 Benham Minor, Slight, Slight, Slight screening views and the Appeal Proposals being a slightly soften views but to no Drive adverse negative negative background to existing residential development. However, significant degree. Small, the Appeal Proposals will result in the loss of rural Small Permanent No backdrop and sense of settlement edge location desired as adverse part of the residential amenity. OP2: none. OP3: none.

DCP01: the loss of rural features will be perceived in oblique views from daytime rooms as well as when Small, entering / leaving the properties. The new movement and Small Temporary No adverse noise will draw attention to the effects. DCP02: as per DCP01

OP1: where seen in oblique views the housing will result in the loss of views of the rural setting of the village as the Tree and hedgerow planting will 3-23 Beech Hill Beatty Rise development is not seen at all. Minor, Slight, Slight, Slight slightly soften views but to no Road adverse negative negative OP2: the new sense of movement will draw attention to significant degree. the proposed housing. The loss of hedgerows will increase Small, the effect of the new housing through loss of screening Small Permanent No adverse and assimilation achieved through retaining rural features. The loss of hedgerow will likely require the construction of new boundary fencing, a significant detracting element in the J3 landscape readily visible from these locations. OP3: none.

White House DCP01: an existing woodland copse will largely screen Small, Minor, Slight, The Illustrative Masterplan Negligible, Moderate Small Temporary No Farm views of the Appeal Site operations. Where seen the effects adverse adverse negative proposes a slender belt of trees negative

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will be perceived from daytime rooms at an oblique angle. along White Lane and adjacent to DCP02: depending on the location of the Construction the copse that will further filter compound it is likely that no effects will be experienced. views.

OP1: an existing woodland copse screens most of the Appeal Site with the area likely seen having a backdrop of 3 storey residential development at Beatty Rise. However, a wooded horizon is seen above these houses due to the topographical changes of the ridge and the Appeal Small, Small Permanent No Proposals would result in a loss of this feature as well as a adverse small amount of rural pasture which assimilate the Beatty Rise housing into the landscape. OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: the construction operations will result in a significant amount of movement and complexity within a Large, The Illustrative Masterplan view that is currently static and without construction Medium Temporary No adverse proposes a single line of hedgerow operation precedent; Beech Hill Road is not visible. enhancement tree planting to the DCP02: as per DCP01. south of the hedge line. This would Fixed mobile OP1: The built development at Beatty Rise provides built Moderate/ provide partial screening of the Substantial, Moderate, homes (Yew Moderate precedent in the view albeit below the wooded skyline. The Large, housing but not prevent significant adverse negative Tree Road) Appeal Proposals would, by virtue of their elevated negative views of the new housing on the skyline being visible. position on the ridge in comparison to Beatty Rise, create a Large, Medium Permanent No new built skyline to the significant detriment of this view adverse In addition, the trees would place albeit in the mid-ground. the existing hedgerow under threat OP2: None. of out-competition. OP3: None.

DCP01: the movement and noise of the Construction site would draw attention to the Appeal Site where currently its rural use and character renders it a discrete parcel of land Proposed tree planting along the Small, Neutral/ northern boundary will provide Highlands in views from this receptor. The elevated location of this Small Temporary No Negligible, Moderate adverse Slight, further filtering although gaps in Neutral Cottages receptor results in their likely receiving more views of the adverse Appeal Site beyond the Bridleway trees. negative the planting will minimise this its potency. DCP02: as per DCP01.

OP1: Views of the Appeal Proposals would be filtered by Negligible Small Permanent No

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the bridleway trees and any proposals for the SANG, if this includes tree planting. A small amount of development is visible in this view albeit assimilated into the landscape through tree planting. OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: the movement and noise of the Construction site would draw attention to the Appeal Site where currently its rural use and character renders it a discrete parcel of land Small, Medium Temporary No in views from this receptor. adverse DCP02: as per DCP01 although lighting could be a significant effect for this receptor.

OP1: the Appeal Proposals will be perceived through the The Illustrative Masterplan filtering of the trees aligning Beech Hill Road. The Beatty proposes no obvious mitigation in Lambs Lane/ Rise development provides very limited precedent being as Minor, Slight, Slight, Moderate views from the east. Thus the Back Lane they are screened by mature copse. The Appeal Proposals adverse negative negative assessment results remain would visually connect the Beatty Rise development, where unchanged. seen, with the White House farm residences to result in Small, Medium Permanent No over 50% of the view being developed where currently its adverse character is distinctly rural. The skyline would remain unaffected. The views are received only from upper storey rooms. OP2: none. OP3: none.

DCP01: the movement and noise of the Construction site The Illustrative Masterplan would draw attention to the Appeal Site where currently its proposes a landscape buffer along rural use and character renders it a discrete parcel of land Medium, Medium Temporary No White House Lane with a single line in views from this receptor. adverse of tree planting. This would provide DCP02: as per DCP01 although lighting could be a additional filtering to the view Moderate, Moderate, Moderate, Loddon Court Moderate significant effect for this receptor. although not as extensive as that adverse negative negative OP1: views from this receptor are more open than from which only partially screens the Back Lane residences albeit at a greater distance. The Beatty Rise 3 storey block. In Medium, Appeal Proposals will be perceived through the filtering of Medium Permanent No comparison to the mass of housing adverse the trees aligning Beech Hill Road. The Beatty Rise located on rising land this single development provides very limited precedent. The Appeal line of trees would likely be largely

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Proposals would visually connect the Beatty Rise ineffectual. development with the White House farm residences to result in over 50% of the view being developed where currently its character is distinctly rural. The skyline would remain unaffected. OP2: none. OP3: none. Recreation receptors

DCP01: the construction activity will be in strong, adverse contrast to the current rural scene characterised without Large, Medium Temporary No development and with a wooded and hedged skyline. adverse DCP02:, as per DCP01 The Illustrative Masterplan proposes a broken, single line of OP1: the Appeal Proposals would result in a developed trees as enhancement to the skyline where currently it is defined by rural Key existing hedgerow along the Characteristics without any visible development. This northern boundary of the Appeal strong contrast would be seen by a significant number of Moderate/ Moderate/ Moderate, Site. This will serve to filter views Bridleway XX Large the local community who, anecdotally, use this route to Large, Large, adverse and replicate the trees seen at the escape the suburban character of Spencers Wood. negative negative Medium, boundaries in the existing OP2: none. Medium Permanent No adverse condition. However, the Council will OP3: the obscure division of the field to provide for SANG likely require that these trees be will be readily visible from the Bridleway. The division of deciduous and thus in winter the the field will result in that which is not SANG becoming filtering will be ineffectual. derelict land through lack of viable use. This dereliction would result in significant erosion of the landscape character and thus loss of visual amenity.

DCP01: the construction operations will result in a The Illustrative Masterplan significant amount of movement and complexity within a proposes a single line of hedgerow Large, view that is currently static and without construction Medium Temporary No enhancement tree planting to the adverse operation precedent; Beech Hill Road is not visible. south of the hedge line. This would Moderate/ Moderate, provide partial screening of the Moderate, Footpath XX Large DCP02: as per DCP01. Large, adverse housing but not prevent significant negative OP1: The built development at Beatty Rise provides built negative views of the new housing on the precedent in the view albeit below the wooded skyline. The Medium, Medium Permanent No skyline being visible. Appeal Proposals would, by virtue of their elevated adverse In addition, the trees would place position on the ridge in comparison to Beatty Rise, create a the existing hedgerow under threat

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new built skyline to the significant detriment of this view of out-competition. albeit in the mid-ground. The vegetation aligning the footpath limit the size/ scale of the Appeal Proposals visible from this location compared to the mobile homes who possess an direct, open view from daylight rooms OP2: None. OP3: None.

DCP01: the movement and noise of the Construction site would draw attention to the Appeal Site where currently its rural use and character renders it a discrete parcel of land Small, in views from this receptor. Views are filtered by the Small Temporary No adverse vegetation aligning the Bridleway with only the northern extent of the Appeal Site visible. DCP02: None. Proposed tree planting along the OP1: the vegetation aligning the Bridleway would filter Slight/ northern boundary will provide views of the Appeal Proposals which would not break the Minor, Slight, Footpath XX Large Moderate, further filtering although gaps in existing wooded skyline from this location. Existing adverse negative negative the planting will minimise this its residential development provides mid-ground precedent. potency. OP2: None Small, Small Permanent No OP3: the obscure division of the field to provide for SANG adverse will be seen in filtered views through the Bridleway vegetation. The division of the field will result in that which is not SANG becoming derelict land through lack of viable use. This dereliction would result in significant erosion of the landscape character and thus loss of visual amenity.

DCP01: the effects will be as for Benham Drive receptors. Small, Small Temporary No DCP02:as per DCP01 adverse

OP1: the effects will be as for Benham Drive receptors Playground although mitigated by the intervening housing partially Neutral/ Tree and hedgerow planting will Neutral/ (Benham Minor, Slight screening views. Slight, slightly soften views but to no Slight, Drive/ Beatty Small, adverse OP2: none Small Permanent No negative significant degree. negative Rise) adverse OP3:none

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Traveller receptors

DCP01: the construction operations will be in very strong contrast to the small-scale, rural character of the Appeal Site and its setting. Medium, Large Temporary No DCP02: as per DCP01 as well as creating additional light adverse sources where currently the Appeal Site and Beech Hill Road is dark. The Illustrative Masterplan OP1: the Appeal Proposals would change views received proposes a single line of trees from being open across a rural, small-scale landscape to a within a landscape buffer aligning suburban housing development. Prior to mitigation views White House Lane. It is likely that of the development would be seen between the these trees would be required to be Basingstoke Road junction and the crest of the ridgeline at deciduous, Thus, whilst they would the Yew Tree Lane junction. Due to the small-scale filter views they would not screen intimacy of the landscape containing the Appeal Site the views. The joint efforts of the effects of development would be magnified and the rural landscape buffer and housing character would be changed to an abrupt, strongly would screen views of the ridgeline Moderate, Moderate, Moderate, Beech Hill Road Moderate suburban edge. The development at Beatty Rise is only crest and wooded skyline to result adverse negative negative visible as a precedent for a short section of the road and in in a loss of rural scale. It is not all other locations is screened in totality. Thus the reasonable to consider that the Medium, proposed line of trees would development would be a significant encroachment of Large Permanent No suburban development into a rural landscape. This would adverse replace the wooded ridgeline in be contrary to the Landscape Strategy of the area and maintaining the character of J3. fundamentally alter the setting of the village from one Therefore, the mitigation is where housing exerts a limited presence to one of considered ineffective and can be overbearing development pressure. seen as a bolt-on measure to OP2: the junctions will increase activity on the road and attempt to maximise the result in it appearing more as a suburban access road than developable area of the Appeal Site. a rural approach to the settlement. The setting of the settlement is harmed. The loss of hedgerows will also remove any opportunity for the assimilation of the housing into the landscape through retention of existing features. OP3: None.

DCP01: views of the construction operations will be visible The Illustrative Masterplan White House Medium, Moderate, Slight, Slight, Slight from the road at and near the junction with Beech Hill Small Temporary No proposes a landscape buffer along Lane adverse adverse negative negative Road (approximately 20% of its total length). The White House Lane. The effects of

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operations will be seen in contrast with the rural character this mitigation will be ineffective as of the Appeal Site albeit with a backdrop of Diana Close described for Beech Hill Road and Beatty Rise when travelling eastwards. (above). DCP02: as per DCP01

OP1: The Appeal Proposals are located perpendicular to the line of travel along the route although their presence will be noticeable as replacing rural features. When moving east along White House Lane the Beatty Rise development exerts some suburbanising pressure over the Appeal Site Medium, Small Permanent No although the nature of the edge to that development limits adverse the amount of pressure. White House Lane does not appear to be a well-used route. OP2: none. OP3: none.

DCP01: the effects will be the same as for White House albeit at a greater distance with the ridgeline and Small, Small Temporary No hedgerows creating a greater degree of screening. adverse The tree planting proposals will be more effective in views from Yew DCP02: as per DCP01. Neutral / Minor, Tree Lane than from White House Negligible, Yew Tree Lane Slight OP1: the effects will be the same as for White House albeit Slight, adverse Lane due to the ground form and negative at a greater distance with the ridgeline and hedgerows negative Small, hedgerows off-site providing creating a greater degree of screening. Small Permanent No adverse additional screening. OP2: none. OP3: none.

DCP01: due to the screening afforded by the Beatty Rise development and the mature copse at its southern boundary views into the Appeal Site are limited to an area around the junction with Beech Hill Road. The construction Duet to the widespread loss of the operations will be within the common eye-line of traffic hedgerow along Beech Hill Road moving along this busy school route and, where views are Medium, Minor, Minor, Minor, Lambs Lane Moderate Small Temporary No which will be slow to replace and obtained, they are done so with peripheral views of adverse adverse negative negative lack of mitigation planting the existing built development. The ridgeline copse provides a views will not be mitigated. wooded skyline above rural pasture and intact hedgerows in contrast to the built areas and, as such, reinforces this area as the point at which the settlement meets its rural setting. This would be lost under the construction

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operations/ DCP02: as per DCP01.

OP1: the Appeal Proposals will replace the rural features of the Appeal Site and result in the loss of the wooded skyline. The views of the Appeal Proposals will primarily be looking west (i.e. the receptor has had to just move past the Beatty Rise and other built development areas). This results in the Lambs Lane junction being the current definition of the settlement edge. The Beatty Rise development is peripheral in the view and Diana Close a distant feature. Instead the view is characterised by the Medium, broad, open nature of the pasture land coming down of Small Permanent No the ridge i.e. the rural landscape sweeps in towards the adverse settlement edge. Therefore, with the balance in the view being distinctly rural any development in the pasture area would be an expansion of the settlement without fore- or background precedent i.e. an encroachment. OP2: the junctions and loss of hedgerow would increase the sense of suburbanisation along Beech Hill Road in support of OP1. OP3: none.

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