Aspire Defence Capital Works

Army Basing Programme 2020 Landscape & Visual Appraisal Bulford

May 2015

Document No: 23-XXXGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Document Status Rev. Date Purpose of Issue Prep. Chkd. Appr. B 26.05.15 Issued for Planning RJC TFT DAG CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Methodology

3.0 Planning Policy

4.0 Elements of the Landscape

5.0 Landscape Character

6.0 Visual Amenity

7.0 Mitigation

8.0 Conclusion

APPENDICES

Appendix A – National Character Area

Appendix B – Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

FIGURES (contained in Annex)

Figure 1 Landscape Constraints Figure 2 Landscape Context Figure 3 Topography Figure 4 Receptor Viewpoint Locations Figure 5 Receptor Viewpoint Photography Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Appraisal – Bulford Masterplan

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Wiltshire’s landscape has been intensively used by the military for well over a century. Salisbury plain is one of the largest training areas in the UK. 1.1.2 This report describes the landscape and visual effects of the Army Basing Programme (ABP) 2020 at MoD Bulford on the camp and its surroundings. Specifically it appraises the likely effects on:

· the individual landscape elements and features of the camp and surrounding area; · the landscape character of the camp and surrounding area; · the specific aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape; and · visual amenity. The assessment of effects on the heritage assets within the camp and surroundings is reported in other documentation submitted in support of the hybrid application.

1.1.3 It has been prepared in support of the hybrid planning application for the masterplan proposals for delivery of the ABP assets at Bulford to be submitted to Wiltshire Council. The application site comprises land within the camp boundary, although a realignment of the security fence is proposed at its south-east boundary. The photograph below (taken in 2012 - looking north-west) illustrates its immediate setting.

1.1.4 Bulford has been in military use since the latter part of the 19th Century, being established, (along with nearby Larkhill, Tidworth, Perham Down and Warminster), as a Garrison since 1897 onwards. From 1905 to 1977, the camp was a principal base for the Royal Artillery. A large area of red brick Barracks were constructed in 1910 and from 1914 Sling Barracks, to the north, were constructed to replace the area of tented camp. The layout in terms of street pattern and building area was largely established by 1925, a pattern which still exists today. Additional Barracks and amenities were constructed between 1940 and 1976. The Normandy Officers Mess Picton Barracks, the Sergeants Mess Picton Barracks and St George’s Garrison Church have all been categorised as buildings of merit. In recent years, a rebuilding programme has been undertaken as part of Project Allenby Connaught.

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1.1.5 The masterplan covers an area of approximately 123 hectares. It is accessed from the Marlborough Road, which bisects the camp, north to south. In contrast with its surroundings, the camp is largely enclosed and compact and heavily characterised by the existing built development of significant extent. It comprises a mix of living, office, technical and training accommodation, together with other ancillary buildings, hardstanding, parking and sports facilities. In recent years, the site has been redeveloped and modernised under the Project Allenby Connaught (PAC) PFI.

1.1.6 The camp lies within the predominantly rural setting of the sensitive landscape of Salisbury Plain. Notwithstanding, the area in and around Salisbury Plain hosts a number of military camps, including: Warminster; Perham Down; Tidworth; Upavon and Larkhill; as well as Bulford. The North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north and east, but nearly 10km from the camp’s northern boundary. There are a number of recreational and tourism resources of particular importance in the vicinity, including Woodhenge (a Scheduled Monument) three kilometres to the west and the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

1.1.7 The quality of the built environment within the camp is variable, which reflects the historically ad hoc nature of its development and a weakness in spatial definition, which in part, is due to the absence of coherent design themes for external spaces. There are however, areas of higher townscape quality, in external spaces and buildings in the vicinity of the Picton Barracks Messes and the Garrison Church of St. George.

1.2 Study Area

1.2.1 The extent of the Study Area used for this appraisal is based on the landform, land cover, land use and built form in the vicinity of the camp.

1.2.2 It is important to note that the boundary of the Study Area does not define the area beyond which there will be no effects. Rather it contains the area within which there is potential for likely significant landscape and visual effects to occur.

1.3 Scope of Study

1.3.1 A Preliminary Landscape Assessment (PLA) - Capita November 2013 – of options for the Army Basing Programme (ABP) within the camp was undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced Landscape Architects in order to assist selection of options and the development of the masterplan for the ABP proposals, and to identify potential landscape and visual mitigation requirements. The PLA has been reviewed and revised in respect of the hybrid application proposals, both outline and detailed. It should be noted that each of the Priority Works applications for the camp that have recently been lodged with the planning authority were themselves accompanied by a landscape and visual appraisal.

1.3.2 The PLA work entailed in the preparation of this appraisal comprised two specific elements. The first element involved a desk based study of:

· relevant landscape planning policies in the development plan; · published documents relating to landscape character; and · the analysis of local mapping to identify potentially significant receptor viewpoints, taking into account topography, built development and significant vegetation features such as woodland.

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1.3.3 The second element entailed field work and included the walking of roads, public rights of way and permissive paths to establish a detailed understanding of the character of the landscape within the Study Area and to determine the extent to which the Army 2020 basing proposals would be capable of being seen (in whole or in part). A photographic record was taken at this time to inform the description of visibility from the receptor viewpoints.

1.3.4 The field work was carried out in late September 2013, with a second round of site photography taken in the ensuing winter and further augmented by subsequent site visits. It is considered that the work that has been carried out enables a reasoned analysis of the likely landscape and visual effects to be made.

1.3.5 The photographic record taken at the time of the study was to inform the description of visibility from the receptor viewpoints. The locations of the viewpoints – see Figure 4 - have been agreed with Wiltshire Council.

1.4 Assumptions

1.4.1 This report makes the following assumptions:

· The appraisal is based on the illustrative masterplan and parameters submitted with the hybrid application. · All existing vegetation located outside the potential development areas would be unaffected by the masterplan proposals; and · The application of good site construction practice. In particular, nearby retained trees are afforded protection in accordance with the recommendations provided in British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 The methodology employed for this appraisal is appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development. It draws upon a range of approaches and techniques but is primarily based on the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3).

2.1.2 The appraisal considers the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development during the construction and operational periods.

2.2 Baseline Conditions

2.2.1 The baseline landscape and visual conditions of the camp and surrounding area are described including:

· a factual description of the landscape conditions within the Study Area (including topography, geography, population, distribution, land use patterns, patterns of communication, history, etc.); · the identification of any anticipated changes within the landscape (excluding the proposed development) as a result of development allocations, consented developments, etc. Where Priority Works planning applications have been submitted, the proposed developments are considered to be part of the baseline condition; · a description of landscape character areas from both on site observation and from published documentation; and · a description of the visual amenity of the Study Area and general visibility of the camp.

2.2.2 The description of the baseline is informed by a number of site visits to understand the baseline landscape and visual conditions of the camp and surrounding area.

2.3 Appraisal of Effects

2.3.1 Landscape effects arising from development are considered by evaluating changes to landscape receptors in the Study Area. These receptors comprise landscape elements and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and the effects will consist of:

· physical changes to the landscape attributable to some aspect of the development proposals (for instance the loss of vegetation or buildings); · effects on the aesthetic or perceptual qualities of a character area attributable to a direct effect occurring elsewhere within or outside of the character area; and · effects on the character of LCAs.

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2.3.2 The effects on visual receptors (i.e. people) are assessed by considering the change experienced from key receptor viewpoints within the Study Area. The effects are assessed from representative viewpoints (i.e. viewpoints selected to illustrate a larger number of viewpoints that cannot all be included individually) and specific viewpoints (i.e. viewpoints selected as they are particularly important viewpoints within the landscape, e.g. local visitor attractions, viewpoints in areas of particularly noteworthy visual and/or recreational amenity).

2.3.3 The selection of receptor viewpoints is based on the following considerations:

· value / importance of view - for instance certain views may include statutory landscape, visual or historic designations; · potential number and sensitivity of viewers; and · accessibility to the public.

2.3.4 All of the receptors are assessed from publicly accessible locations. This is not to discount landscape or visual effects from private land (for example occupiers of residential properties with views of the camp) and commentary on these effects is provided where appropriate.

2.3.5 The landscape and visual effects of the proposed development on the identified landscape and visual receptors are assessed through consideration of sensitivity and magnitude.

2.3.6 The sensitivity of a landscape receptor or view stems from its ability to “accommodate” the masterplan proposals in terms of the pre-existing landscape and the nature of the receptor or view. There are a number of attributes of the landscape or view that combine together to determine its sensitivity to the type of development proposed. These may include:

· landscape/visual designations that may apply; · importance of the landscape or view to users; · the presence of intrinsic aesthetic characteristics such as scenic quality or sense of place; · physical state and condition of the landscape; · the extent to which the landscape or view displays a distinctive character; · historic or cultural associations; · accessibility; and · existing detractors.

2.3.7 The magnitude of effect is essentially the change that is likely to occur and is informed by:

· the size or scale of the effect arising from the proposals; · the geographical extent of the area that will be affected; and · the duration of the effect and its reversibility.

2.3.8 The significance of an effect is evaluated through the consideration of sensitivity and magnitude of effect with classification broadly undertaken based on the criterion set out in Table T1 below, but with effects ultimately determined through professional judgement; as the relationship between sensitivity and magnitude of effect is not necessarily linear and therefore different weightings between the criteria may be applied.

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Table 1 – Significance Matrix

Sensitivity/Value Magnitude of effects of Receptor High Medium Low Negligible High Substantial Substantial Moderate Insignificant Medium Substantial Moderate Minor Insignificant Low Moderate Minor Minor Insignificant

2.3.9 In addition to classifying its significance, each effect is considered in terms of whether it is adverse, neutral or beneficial:

· Adverse effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will introduce elements that are discordant with a landscape receptor or view or which detract from the existing condition. · Neutral effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will neither contribute to nor detract from the landscape receptor or view, but will be comfortably assimilated into the existing landscape or visual context. · Beneficial effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will complement or contribute to the landscape receptor or view, strengthening it or adding positive qualities and characteristics that were previously poorly expressed or not previously present.

2.4 Photography

2.4.1 The photographs taken from the agreed receptor viewpoints comply with the Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/114 and (unless otherwise stated) are taken using a fixed focal length camera (Digital SLR, 50mm equivalent). The individual images are joined to produce a composite panoramic image in cylindrical projection. The correct viewing distance for these images to replicate the view that will be obtained on Site is stated alongside each photograph.

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3. PLANNING POLICY

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Planning policies relevant to the Site and the Development are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (adopted March 2012), the statutory Development Plan and the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy. Polices relevant to landscape and visual matters are set out below.

3.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

3.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied by local planning authorities.

3.2.2 At paragraph 17, the NPPF sets out a list of core land-use planning principles to underpin decision taking, emphasising the need to: always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity; to take account of the different roles and character of different areas, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside; to contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment and to conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

3.2.3 Themes of particular relevance are:

· Achieving high quality and inclusive design for all development (paragraph 57); · Ensuring that developments: - Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area; - Establish a strong sense of place; - Respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials; and - Are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping (paragraph 58); · Encouraging the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental value (paragraph 111); · Attaching great weight to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in landscapes of national importance such as National Parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty (paragraph 115); · Aiming to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and adequately mitigating / compensating for any significant harm resulting from development, where that harm cannot be avoided (paragraph 118); and · Applying great weight to the conservation of designated heritage assets (paragraph 132) and weighing any harm against the public benefits of the proposal (paragraph 134). 3.3 The Development Plan

3.3.1 The Kennet Local Plan 2011 was adopted in June 2004, and is the statutory Development Plan for the east area of Wiltshire (formerly Kennet District). Pending the adoption of the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy, certain ‘saved’ policies remain relevant.

3.3.2 Perham Down lies within an area defined as ‘countryside’ where Policy NR6 restricts development unless it is permitted by other policies of the Local Plan or is

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demonstrated to be of benefit to either the rural economy or the social well-being of the local community. There are no site-specific policies for the Camp, or policies relating specifically to military development, but general development management policies are of relevance, including:

· Policy PD1 seeks to ensure that new development is of a high standard and maintains or enhances the character, appearance and environmental quality of the surrounding area; · Policy NR3 seeks to protect important geological and local nature sites from the adverse effects of development; · Policy NR7 which states that development that is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon the landscape will not be permitted; and · Policy HH1 protects archaeological deposits from adverse impact arising from development. 3.4 Wiltshire Core Strategy

3.4.1 In 2009 the districts of Kennet, North Wiltshire, Salisbury and West Wiltshire, together with Wiltshire Council were merged into a single unitary authority (Wiltshire Council). A new county-wide Core Strategy is currently at Examination. Once adopted this will replace the existing 4 district Local Plans covering Wiltshire.

3.4.2 Paragraph 216 of the NPPF states that weight may be given to relevant policies in emerging plans in decision-taking. The policies relevant to landscape and visual matters are considered below.

3.4.3 Core Policy 37 is a specific policy on Military Establishments in Wiltshire. It states, amongst other things, that redevelopment, conversion or change of use of redundant Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites and buildings will be supported provided they are well related to an existing settlement in terms of location and scale. The policy also explains that development on MoD sites should consider the effects on the character of sites and their environs: ‘’Development at operational or redundant sites should mitigate any adverse impacts on local infrastructure, and not erode the character of the surrounding area. All proposals must ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the military facilities located on the site are understood and inform the scope of future development of that site.”

3.4.4 Core Policy 51 considers landscape matters. The main thrust of the policy is that development should protect, conserve or enhance landscape character in Wiltshire. The policy refers to several Landscape Character Assessments which cover Wiltshire and states that these will be used for the purposes of implementing the policy until they are replaced. It explains that development proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other relevant assessments and studies.

3.4.5 The policy makes reference to landscapes of national importance, such as AONBs and World Heritage sites stating that development which affects these areas should take into account the relevant Management Plans (these are considered in more detail below).

3.4.6 The policy goes on to explain that development outside an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area’s natural beauty, must demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting. The camp lies nearly 10km to the south of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

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3.4.7 In response to the request for a screening opinion submitted to the planning authority in respect of the environmental assessment of effects of the masterplan proposals, Wiltshire Council confirmed that an Environmental Statement was not required under the EIA Regulations, but noted that the camp outside, but close to, the North Wessex Downs AONB and the need to consider the effect upon the landscape generally, taking account of distant views from the AONB.

3.4.8 Core Policy 57 explains that new development should incorporate a high standard of design and contains several design criteria/principles for achieving this including: “enhancing local distinctiveness by responding to the value of the natural and historic environment, relating positively to its landscape setting and the existing pattern of development and responding to local topography by ensuring that important views into, within and out of the site are retained and enhanced’’; and

“the retention and enhancement of existing important landscaping and natural features, (for example trees, hedges, banks and watercourses), in order to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity, create wildlife and recreational corridors, effectively integrate the development into its setting and to justify and mitigate against any losses that may occur through the development”

3.4.9 Once adopted, this Core Policy 57 will replace Policy PD1 in the Kennet Local Plan.

3.4.10 Core Policy 58 of the Strategy deals with the conservation of the historic environment stating, amongst other things, that: ‘’Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment, and should not have an unacceptable impact on the historic environment, particularly where this could be avoided or mitigated’’

3.4.11 The policy goes on to stipulate that new development must take into account various designations and criteria including:

· The archaeological remains and their setting; · the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site; · buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest and their settings; · the special character or appearance of conservation areas and their settings; · historic parks and gardens and their setting; · important landscapes and townscapes; · sensitive re-use of redundant and under-used historic buildings and areas which are consistent with their conservation; · nationally significant prehistoric archaeological monuments and landscapes; and · heritage assets associated with the military.

3.4.12 Once adopted, Core Policy 58 will replace Policy HH1 in the Kennet Local Plan.

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4. ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE

4.1 Topography

4.1.1 The general topography is characteristic of the open, rolling landscape found across much of Salisbury Plain. At the local level, the topography immediately to the north of the camp is typical of that found in the plain. By contrast, to the east is the dramatic escarpment of Beacon Hill, whilst the valley of the River Avon lies to the west. To the south and immediately to the west are more gently undulating landforms.

4.1.2 The camp straddles a subtle spur on the southern flank of the valley of Nine Mile River. The ground within its boundaries rises overall from west to east - from 90m AOD to generally 130m (150m max) AOD - toward the ridgeline above its eastern boundary at 204m AOD (max), but also falls away to the north and south from the spur’s gentle central ridge. Figure 3, illustrates the topography of the camp and surrounding area.

4.1.3 The masterplan development has been designed to minimise the quantum of earthworks movement required, consistent with existing ground conditions and the operational relationship between existing and new facilities, resulting in adjustments to marry with existing levels in the order of +/- 2m. Hence, the proposed level changes would be contained within the confines of the camp and not impact on the wider landform.

4.2 Public Rights of Way

4.2.1 Figure 1 illustrates the public rights of way in the area surrounding the camp. There are no public rights of way located within the camp and there are only a few within the camp’s local vicinity. The masterplan development will not physically alter any of the public rights of way, however, there are potential views of the camp for users of the following public rights of way:

· Footpath 13 along Clay Mound, past The Kiwi on Beacon Hill; · Footpath 10 on the A3028 near the radio station; · Footpath 5 from Bulford Village to Bulford Site; · Road used as public path 6 – Martinbushes Road; · Road used as public path 5 (Milston Drove); and · Bridleway 7 along Bulford Droveway.

4.2.2 Of the above, the camp is most conspicuous in views obtainable from Footpaths 3 and 5. It should be noted, however, that the extent of these views are controlled by intervening woodland and rolling topography.

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4.3 Watercourses

4.3.1 The River Avon is located approximately 1.2km to the west of the camp and Nine Mile River (a tributary to the River Avon) is located approximately 100m to the northwest of the Site. There are no notable water features within the camp. The masterplan proposals are not anticipated to affect any watercourses within the area. 4.4 Land Use

4.4.1 The surrounding, predominantly rural, landscape supports a complex mix of development including military establishments, small to medium sized towns, nucleated villages and some scattered isolated farmsteads. Immediately west of the Bulford military site is the older, linear village of Bulford, with the built up area of Durrington lying immediately across the River Avon from it. The small town of Amesbury is located some 2.5km to the south west.

4.4.2 The masterplan proposals include some alteration to the land cover within the camp, but the changes remain entirely in keeping with character of its long established military use. No change to the pattern of land use within the wider landscape is predicted.

4.5 Vegetation

4.5.1 The open landscape of Salisbury Plain is characterised by (high quality) arable fields, rough downland and calcareous grassland, with scattered hilltop beech and conifer woodlands. There are a number of mature tree and mixed woodland plantations in proximity to the camp, which combine to create a strong landscape framework- see Figure 2.

4.5.2 Surrounding fields are generally bounded by hedgerows, which are gappy and support few hedgerow trees. There are numerous woodland plantations along the north and east perimeter security fence of the camp and within the surrounding area. Of particular note are the larger mixed plantations to the north on Milston Down firing range. To the east of the firing range are mixed woodland, rough grassland and wetland along the corridor of the Nine Mile River and a series of scattered, varying sized broad leaved woodlands along the River Avon Valley.

4.5.3 Within the camp, mature tree cover occurs mainly on or near to the perimeter and includes tree belts which both help to define the functional areas and provide screening. Apart from that required for the construction of new security fencing on the southern boundary - a section of which would be set back within the perimeter woodland to avoid impact on the setting of the nearby group of tumuli, which are a Scheduled Monument - the masterplan proposals require the removal of only a small amount of vegetation from within the camp. Nonetheless, neither the integrity of the camp’s overall landscape structure nor its screening value would be compromised.

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5. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Various Landscape Character Areas have been defined at National and Regional level. The relevant Landscape Character Areas within the Study Area are shown on Figure 2. Further to the methodology described in Chapter 2, and in particular the relevant planning policies referred to in Chapter 3, a summary and appraisal of the potential landscape effects of the masterplan proposals on the various Landscape Character Areas are provided below.

5.2 National Character Areas

5.2.1 National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural areas defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Currently being revised (as part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper, Biodiversity 2020 and the European Landscape Convention), NCAs have their foundations in the Joint Character Areas undertaken by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and provide a description of the natural and cultural features that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. 5.2.2 The camp and its surrounding setting are located in National Character Area (NCA) 132 - Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs, which is an extensive open chalk plateau with a near continuous dramatic scarp to the north and a pattern of attractive valleys to the east and south. The NCA132 profile is contained in Appendix A of this report. It describes the Plain as: ‘‘……. a sparsely settled, predominately agricultural area with a strong sense of remoteness and openess. The dominant element in the landscape – apart from the expansive sky- is the gently rolling chalk downland , forming part of the sweep of Cretaceous chalk running from the Dorset coast and across the Chliterns to the Wash….’’ It notes its designation as both a Special Protection Area of Conservation (SAC) as a chalk grassland habitat and as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), whilst also recognising amongst its key characterisitics that military tracks, airfields and infrastructure are a major landuse, with ‘’… pockets of modern military dominated development in the east ….’’

5.2.3 The masterplan proposals are confined within the existing boundary of the camp, which is an established feature of the landscape, and maintain the functionality of its uses and its existing character. Their scale is too insubstantial to significantly affect the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of either NCA 132. Accordingly, the significance of landscape effect on these character areas is appraised to be insignificant.

5.3 Regional Landscape Character Areas

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

5.3.1 The ‘Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment’, 2008 (SDLCA) on behalf of Salisbury District Council (now South Wiltshire Council) provides a baseline inventory of the landscape character across Salisbury District. Although the camp falls within an urban area which is not described in the SDLCA, the document is a useful context on the landscape character of the surrounding area.

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5.3.2 The SDLCA identifies three Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area: · LCA A2 – Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley, which is located to the west of Bulford Village and aligns the River Avon; · LCA D3 - Larkhill Chalk Downland, which is located beyond the River Avon to the far west; and · LCA D4 – Boscombe Down Chalk Downland, which surrounds the urban area of the Site to the north south and east. The relevant extracts from the SDLCA for these three LCAs are contained in Appendix B of this report.

5.3.3 In summarising the visual character LCA D4, the SDLCA notes: The ‘….patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland is dominated in parts by the presence of Amesbury and Bulford Camp settlements, which impart a human character over the surrounding predominantly rural landscape…..’ and that the settlement pattern is quite dominant within this landscape in the relatively large-scale geometric landscape ‘………particularly resulting from the influence of the geometric layout and utilitarian built form of Bulford Camp’.

5.3.4 Along with Boscombe Down, the camp is noted to be ‘……dominant within several views across the landscape…’ whilst, together with traffic on the A303 corridor, activities associated with the camp are also cited as disturbing the strong pockets of tranquillity in the landscape. The character assessment study also identifies potential new development at Bulford Camp as one of several key landscape changes.

5.3.5 The masterplan proposals are located entirely within an urban area outside of the three LCA’s. They (as indeed also are the priority works applications) are focussed on the built up area of the existing camp, where the LCA is already influenced by the existing military infrastructure. During demolition and construction (and particularly for passers-by along Marlborough Road and Bulford Road), the proposals would be somewhat discordant with their immediate surrounds. Once complete, however, much of the proposed masterplan developments are modest interventions within the camp’s existing built fabric that would be similar in character, scale and appearance to that existing within the camp and its immediate surroundings.

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5.3.6 More apparent change would arise from the reconfiguration of the technical area included in the outline application, and the medical and community facilities and sports pitch proposed on the Marlborough Road. The technical area would be substantial reconfiguration of the technical area, combining demolition with new- build. There would be some intensification, the general use, appearance, and hence character, of the zone would be not significantly altered by the proposals, whilst the opportunity would be taken to improve the outward facing appearance to Bulford Road with new tree planting. The welfare and recreation changes included in outline in the application do represent an intensification of development to the Marlborough Road, but present community orientated streetscape rather than a military presence. Whilst an effect of minor significance, the impact would be localised and not extending to the wider landscape. Hence, the masterplan proposals are not expected to result in the camp exerting a significantly increased dominance over its landscape setting.

5.3.7 There would be no direct impact on LCA D4, whilst the intervening built-up footprint of Durrington and Bulford afford a separation between the camp and LCA D2 to the west. Where there is an interface, any changes arising from the masterplan proposals are unlikely to be readily noticeable, being subsumed within the overall character of the camp, which already influences the LCA. The masterplan development is appraised as not altering either the physical landscape resource or the perceptual aspects of LCA D4, whislt neither would there be significant change to the landscape character or quality to the settings of Scheduled Monuments within or near the camp.

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6. VISUAL AMENITY

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 In general the undulating topography and mature woodland vegetation in proximity to the camp restricts visibility from much of the surrounding area, albeit the camp is clearly visible in some views- including those from within the SLA- and so influences the character of the LCA’s. As a consequence of the location of the Site at the foot of Beacon Hill escarpment, it is relatively sheltered and enclosed on the southern and eastern boundaries. As a result the visual envelope is relatively contained, although less so in the winter months. 6.1.2 The potential visual envelope extends approximately two kilometres to the south. To the north, it is more extensive, stretching approximately three kilometres. However, the views are very much limited by the woodlands located along the dismantled railway close to the northern perimeter of the camp and within Milston Down itself. To the east, the visual influence of the camp is limited by Beacon Hill, but extends as far as Halters Hole about one and a half kilometres distant. There are panoramic views from Beacon Hill across Salisbury Plain, with the camp in the foreground. However, the presence of mature trees within and surrounding the camp reduce its prominence in the view. 6.1.3 To the west, only glimpsed views of the camp are available from Bulford Village, due to the tree cover along the corridor of the Nine Mile River. Some views of the camp are available from the higher, open ground in the vicinity of Woodhenge and the edge of the road junction between the A345 and the A3028. 6.1.4 Recent woodland management has cleared some woodland to either side of Marlborough Road that had suffered storm damage, increasing the camp’s presence when passing through it along the highway. The closest sensitive residential receptors with views toward the camp are the military family quarters situated immediately to the south-west, east and north. The closest civilian residents on Churchill Avenue and John French Way are some 250 metres to the south-west, but from which there would not be views of the proposed developments. Views from public rights of way are noted in section 4.2.

6.2 Receptor Viewpoints

6.2.1 A series of receptor viewpoints were identified at key locations across the Study Area and have been agreed with Wiltshire Council. The locations of the receptor viewpoints are shown on Figure 4. Baseline photography from these receptor viewpoints is illustrated within Figure 5. A description of the view from each receptor viewpoint and an appraisal of the potential visual effect of the masterplan proposals on each receptor viewpoint is provided below.

6.2.2 In addition to the new buildings and hardstands, the hybrid application includes new car parks and extensions to existing parking areas as well as new full-sized sports pitches (both synthetic and grass). Whilst some recently planted and a handful of mature trees would be cleared to accommodate their construction, the new car- parking areas would be generally subsumed unobtrusively within the built-up fabric of the masterplan footprint, with new planting proposed to blend them into their local setting.

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6.2.3 Two new synthetic pitches are proposed, both of which would be fenced and lit. One, located near the Marlborough Road, occupies an area where a woodland belt has been recently cleared due to storm damage, revealing views from the adjacent section of road into the camp. A roadside row of trees remains intact and will be extended to provide softening, however, as will new planting of a block of native shrub proposed to its south, whilst the pitch would present a different view of army life to the passer–by than the newly exposed view of parked tank transporters. The second new synthetic pitch would be located on an existing grass pitch area at the eastern end of the camp, opposite existing service accommodation on Hubert Hamilton Road, from which it would be visible from the frontage properties. The tops of the lighting masts may be visible above the trees at the base of the slope in the elevated views across the camp available from the ridge (see Receptor Viewpoints 1 and 8) as incidental elements in the view.

6.2.4 Where a Priority Works planning application has been made and no other new development forming part of the masterplan proposals would be visible from the receptor viewpoint, the impacts from the viewpoint are described within the particulars previously submitted and the viewpoint is not considered further in this assessment.

Receptor Viewpoint 01: Stephen’s Mound 6.2.5 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position on the Beacon Hill ridgeline - within the Special Landscape Area - approximately 300m from the camp and at an elevation of just below 170m AOD. The Bulford Kiwi (a Kiwi hill figure, commemorating the occupation of Sling Camp by New Zealand troops during the First World War) is located just below the viewpoint, just beyond the fenceline seen in the foreground on the far right of the photo. The photograph was taken on Footpath No.13 near Stephen’s Mound and is orientated in a west southwest direction. The camp is surrounded by established woodland vegetation and can be seen across the view at the base of the slope. New development included in a priority works application (extension to the JRSLA village) would also be visible on the open ground in front of an existing office building. The camp is bordered by residential developments to its north, east and south. The elevated location and open grassland in the foreground of view allow panoramic views towards Beacon Hill and across Salisbury Plain from this viewpoint.

6.2.6 The masterplan proposals are focussed on the built up area of the existing camp, where they would be similar in character, scale and appearance to the existing development. Very little of the new masterplan development would be visible, limited to the tops of new pitch lighting masts and filtered views of the new medical building located on Marlborough Road included as outline in the application. The remaining new facilities (included in both the detailed and outline) would be subsumed within the camp’s built fabric and existing landscape structure and barely discernible from this viewpoint. There would not be any noticeable change to the landscape character as perceived in the view and the visual effect would be insignificant. No masterplan development would be visible in the main views up toward The Kiwi.

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Receptor Viewpoint 02: Double Hedges Wireless Station 6.2.7 This viewpoint is located adjacent to the A3028 approximately 480m from the camp and at an elevation of just below 110m AOD. The photograph was taken at the wireless station lay-by near Footpath No.4 and is orientated in a northeast direction. The camp is decipherable beyond a residential development to the centre of view and through established woodland vegetation to the right and far right of view. An arable field is visible in the foreground of view and the open and rolling landform of Salisbury Plain is visible in the distance.

6.2.8 The surrounding established vegetation almost entirely screens the existing built elements within the Camp. The masterplan proposals include demolition of the bakery building (readily identifiable at the edge of the built-up area as the light coloured building with the distinctive curved roofline seen toward the left of the view beyond the intervening residential estate), to be replaced by the lower level and hence unseen wash down and fuelling facilities and ultimately a new block of woodland planting. The demolition of the bakery would remove a minor feature of visual interest and some simplification of the view would result. Proposed redevelopment of the technical area would be discernible amongst the trees, but would be similar in scale and appearance to that existing within the Camp already. The change would be barely perceptible from this viewpoint and would result in an insignificant visual effect.

Receptor Viewpoint 03: Salisbury Road 6.2.9 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position immediately to the east of Salisbury Road approximately 1.4km from the camp and at an elevation of approximately 110m AOD. The photograph was taken approximately 170m north of the radio station at the edge of an arable field and is orientated in an east northeast direction. The camp is seen in the middle distance to the centre of view, beyond the intervening power lines, the established woodland vegetation and a residential development. An arable field is visible in the foreground of view and is punctuated by earth mounds to the far right of view. The village of Bulford is also visible to the far left of view, with Salisbury Plain is visible in the background of the view.

6.2.10 Although some built form is visible, surrounding vegetation almost entirely screens the existing built elements within the camp. Much the same would pertain following implementation of the masterplan proposals. The changes to the Technical area contained in the outline application area would be barely perceptible from this viewpoint and would result in a neutral visual effect.

Receptor Viewpoint 04: Footpath off Double Hedges 6.2.11 This viewpoint is located within an arable field on Footpath 5, approximately 600m from the camp, at an elevation of between 95-100m AOD and approximately 200m southeast of Bulford Village. The photograph is orientated in an east northeast direction and is framed to the far left of view by dense woodland planting which aligns with the boundary of Bulford Village. The residential quarters which abut the west of the camp are visible in middle distance to the centre of the view. The camp is decipherable beyond and to the right of the residential quarters, through the established woodland vegetation located at the boundary of the camp itself.

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6.2.12 The established vegetation to the southwest boundary of the camp is less dense than in other locations, but largely screens the existing built elements in the summer months. The outline proposals in the hybrid application for the reconfiguration of the technical area would likely be perceptible in the view in the winter months, but likely pass unnoticed in the middle distance to the centre right of view. Such elements that can be seen would be similar in scale and appearance to those buildings that are already identifiable within the camp. The minimal change in the view would result in a neutral visual effect. As from Viewpoint 2 the distinctive roofline of the bakery building– seen, especially in the winter months, as a minor element in the far left of the picture- would disappear, being demolished to make way for the and fuelling facilities contained in the detail application, to be replaced (ultimately) by a new woodland block that would extend the existing mature trees visible alongside it in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 05: Woodhenge

6.2.13 This viewpoint is located in proximity to the Woodhenge Scheduled Monument, approximately 2.8km from the camp and at an elevation of almost 100m AOD. The photograph is taken adjacent to the car park and is orientated in an east direction. The open nature of the foreground allows distant views across the open rolling topography, arable fields and scattered woodlands that are typical of the Salisbury Plain. The settlements of Durrington and Bulford are visible to the left and centre of the view. The camp, however, is not discernible in the view

6.2.14 The masterplan proposals in the hybrid application would be entirely screened from this viewpoint and would result in no change.

Receptor Viewpoint 06: Bulford Droveway

6.2.15 This viewpoint is located adjacent to Bulford Droveway – to the edge of the Special Landscape Area - and approximately 300m from the camp and at an elevation of between 75-80m AOD. The viewpoint is located in close proximity to Bridleway 7 and is representative of the occasional glimpsed views into the camp from this route. The photograph is orientated in a southwest direction and overlooks an area of informal grassland punctuated by mature hedgerow and occasional tree planting. Accommodation blocks and technical buildings on the raised land to the northwest corner of the camp can be seen through the gap in the hedgerow to the centre of view, with filtered views of further buildings to their right in the view (including the bakery at the camp’s westernmost extent) also seen during the winter months.

6.2.16 During the summer months, the masterplan proposals would largely remain entirely screened from this viewpoint by intervening vegetation and existing buildings, although the proposed SLA block in the detail application may be seen along with existing development through other gaps from other sections of the route in front of other existing accommodation buildings. The relatively more expansive winter view would reveal little change, however, beyond the removal of the bakery building. The change would be incidental in the view and would result in a neutral effect.

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Receptor Viewpoint 07: A3028 / A303

6.2.17 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position of between 140-145m AOD within the Special Landscape Area and approximately 600m from the camp. The photograph was taken in a field immediately to the north of the A3028 slip road and near to the junction with the A303 and the view is orientated in a northerly direction. The elements of the existing camp are visible beyond the pylons and enclosed by established woodland vegetation, with a further scatter of some built form being decipherable, again amongst the trees across the right of the view. The open arable fields in the foreground of view enable distant views towards Durrington and Bulford Village to the far left of view and across Salisbury Plain in the background, with the Beacon Hill scarp (topped by radio masts) forming the wooded horizon to the right. The proposed mess and accommodation blocks submitted as one of the priority works applications would also be visible at the base of the falling ground in the foreground – largely their rooftops in the summer. During the winter, they would be rather more evident as filtered views, with some rooftops also of the JRSLA village extension also being just decipherable.

6.2.18 The proposals contained in the detail masterplan hybrid application would remain heavily screened by intervening vegetation, although the ridgeline of the SLA block may just be visible above the trees immediately to the right of the existing mess building in the centre of the view. Elements of the reconfigured technical area in the outline application may also be discernible in the winter months, but replacing demolished buildings and being of similar appearance and scale, the effect would be neutral.

Receptor Viewpoint 08: Beacon Hill 6.2.19 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position, overlooking the camp from the Beacon Hill ridgeline at approximately 185m AOD. It is within the Special Landscape Area and some 180m from the camp. The photograph was taken on Footpath No.13 near the Beacon Hill Mast and is orientated in a north-westerly direction. The camp is surrounded by established woodland vegetation and its built-up features can be clearly seen in both winter and summer across the centre of the view, stretching away from the base of the slope. The open grassland in the foreground of view enables open views across the Salisbury Plain and towards Durrington and Bulford Village which are decipherable to the left of view. The tree clearance following storm damage (see paragraph 6.1.4) and subsequent to the date of the photograph has revealed a few more rooftops towards the centre of the camp.

6.2.20 Views of development proposals submitted as priority works applications would also be visible from this viewpoint. Parts of the proposed mess and accommodation blocks on the camp’s southern boundary would be seen at the base of the falling ground in the foreground. Further, the upper portions and rooftops of some of the blocks in the JRSLA village extension will be visible to the right of the picture, amongst the trees within the camp and entirely integrated within the built fabric of the camp.

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6.2.21 The masterplan proposals contained in the hybrid application would introduce additional buildings, warehouses and car parking, some of which will be visible in the middle distance from this elevated viewpoint. Notwithstanding, of the detailed applications, only the new single officer SLA, to be located in an extended clearing in one of the large blocks of plantation woodland on the camp’s southern boundary to the left of the view would read as a new, freestanding component, and then only its roof would be seen adjacent to the existing mess roof behind. For the remainder of the detailed applications, the changes would imperceptibly merge within the existing built fabric. Of the outline proposals, filtered views of the new medical facility on the Marlborough Road would be seen toward the right of the view, notably during the winter months. Reconfiguration of the technical area will result in change, but being of similar use and appearance to the existing built form in this area, it would not be a change that would register markedly in the overall view. The changes would be incidental in the view, not affecting its character or quality and an overall neutral impact.

Receptor Viewpoint 09: Milston Drove 6.2.22 This viewpoint is located on Milston Drove - within the Special Landscape Area - approximately 1.9km from the camp and at an elevation of approximately 115m AOD. The photograph was taken adjacent to the hedgerow aligned road (used as public path No.5) at the entrance into a field to the east of the Milston Farm Buildings. The view is orientated in a south westerly direction. The view illustrates the open rolling landscape of Salisbury Plain and is characterised by extensive arable fields and grassland with scattered woodlands. As a result of topography, vegetation and the appreciable distance, the camp is not discernible in the view.

6.2.23 This viewpoint is located on Milston Drove - within the Special Landscape Area - approximately 1.9km from the camp and at an elevation of approximately 115m AOD. The photograph was taken adjacent to the hedgerow aligned road (used as public path No.5) at the entrance into a field to the east of the Milston Farm Buildings. The view is orientated in a south westerly direction. The view illustrates the open rolling landscape of Salisbury Plain and is characterised by extensive arable fields and grassland with scattered woodlands. As a result of topography, vegetation and the appreciable distance, the camp is not discernible in the view.

6.2.24 The masterplan proposals will not influence the existing visibility of the camp in the landscape by removal of screening vegetation or increase scale of built form. There would be no change.

Viewpoint 10: Amesbury Road / A3028

6.2.25 This viewpoint is located on a public footpath near the junction between Amesbury Road and the A3028 – at the edge of the Special Landscape Area - and approximately 500m from the camp and at an elevation of approximately 117m AOD. The photograph is orientated in a north northeast direction. The Site is visible in the middle distance across the view and is partially screened by established woodland vegetation located at its boundary. Arable fields are visible in the foreground of the view and slope gently down towards the Site. The rolling landform of Salisbury Plain is visible in the background.

6.2.26 Views of development proposals submitted as priority works applications would also be visible from this viewpoint. The roofline of the proposed mess and accommodation blocks on the camp’s southern boundary would be seen at the base of the falling ground in the foreground during summer months, with filtered views of its upper elevations also during the winter.

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6.2.27 The proposed masterplan developments submitted in the hybrid application, both those in detail and those in outline would be heavily screened in the main by intervening vegetation, in summer; buildings and landform. The roof of the officers SLA located toward the southern boundary in the extended clearing of a large woodland block would be visible, however, alongside that of the existing mess building. During the winter, views of parts of the reconfigured technical area will emerge also, but integrated within the built fabric. The nature of the change is likely to pass unnoticed. The change resulting from masterplan development would be incidental in the view and would result in a neutral visual effect.

Receptor Viewpoint 11: Marlborough Road

6.2.28 This viewpoint is located on the footpath adjacent to Marlborough Road, approximately 100m north of the camp and at an elevation of approximately 100m AOD. The photograph is orientated in an east southeast direction and overlooks sports fields associated with a school. A fence is visible in the foreground of the view and is aligned by mature trees to the right. Residential properties can be seen beyond the pitches to the centre of the view and school buildings are visible to the right of the view. A number of taller buildings located within the camp are decipherable in the background of the view set within woodland. Additionally, during the winter months, a few rooftops of the JRSLA village included in the priority works application would likely be decipherable in the background, amongst the existing roofscape.

6.2.29 The masterplan proposals would remain entirely screened from this viewpoint. There would be no change to this direction of view. The proposed medical (on the site of a previously demolished public house) and community buildings on the western side of Marlborough Road and included in the outline application, however, would lie behind the viewer and behind the intermittent row of roadside trees. Similarly, the synthetic games pitch included in the detail application would be visible looking south along the road from the viewpoint (see also paragraph 6.2.3). For passers–by along the Marlborough Road, there would be noticeable change. The intensification of development on the currently open area would be an adverse change of minor, but localised, significance.

Receptor Viewpoint 12: Bulford Road 6.2.30 This viewpoint is located on the footpath adjacent to Bulford Road (a public thoroughfare), within but immediately adjacent to the boundary of the camp and at an elevation of approximately 85m AOD. The photograph is orientated in a north northeast direction. Security fencing is visible in the foreground to the far side of Bulford Road set within open, mown grassland. A number of 2-storey buildings are visible beyond the fencing and dominate the centre part of the view. The view is enclosed by mature planting to the far left and an avenue of trees is visible to the far right.

6.2.31 The masterplan proposals include the demolition of the buildings forming the focus of the view for the reconfiguration of the technical area included in the outline application, to be replaced by new technical buildings set with their gable ends to the view and slightly further back into the camp. Other new buildings would be set in the open area seen to the right of the picture, the existing trees being removed. A new informal group of trees is also proposed across the green space in the foreground, ultimately providing greater softening to and separation from the new buildings than is currently the case. Thus, the built up character of the view would not significantly change but, as the proposed planting matures, the dominance of the built form will reduce. The net effect is assessed to be slight, beneficial.

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6.3 Summary

6.3.1 The visual effects from the viewpoints described above are summarised in the following table.

Table 2 Summary of Landscape of effects on Viewpoints

Receptor Distance Comment Initial Mitigation Viewpoint Impact Viewpoint 01: 0.3.km An elevated viewpoint in not - Stephen’s close proximity from significant Mound which masterplan development would be subsumed within the built fabric, causing no noticeable change Viewpoint 02: 0.48km The proposed changes to not New woodland Double Hedges the technical area would significant block will Wireless be discernible in the increase Station view, but in keeping with screening existing character. Viewpoint 03: 1.4km Masterplan development neutral - Salisbury Road will mostly remain screened by existing vegetation. Where visible, the changes would be barely perceptible. Viewpoint 04: 0.6km Masterplan changes to Neutral New woodland Footpath off the technical area will be block will Double Hedges perceptible in the winter, increase but likely pass unnoticed. screening

Viewpoint 05: 2.8km Masterplan development no change - Woodhenge entirely screened. Viewpoint 06: 0.3km The masterplan changes Neutral - Bulford would be largely Droveway screened in summer, although proposed accommodation block may be visible through other gaps in hedgerow, along with existing development. Viewpoint 07: 0.6km Masterplan development Neutral - A3028 / A303 would be generally heavily screened, although some rooftops visible and, in winter, some elements of the technical area – albeit character will not change. Viewpoint 08: 0.18km An elevated viewpoint in Neutral - Beacon Hill close proximity to camp from which masterplan

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development would be visible, but generally as incremental change, merging with the built fabric. The proposed medical building on Marlborough Road would be the most notable addition, but as filtered views and more noticeably in the winter. Viewpoint 09: 1.9km Existing camp not seen. No change - Milston Drove Masterplan development will not influence existing visibility of camp Neutral Viewpoint 10: 0.5km Most masterplan - Amesbury development heavily Road / A3028 screened in summer, but roof of the officers SLA within large woodland block would be visible. During the winter, views of parts of the reconfigured technical area will emerge also, but integrated within the built fabric. Change is likely to pass unnoticed. Viewpoint 11: 100m Proposals remain entirely Main view: - Marlborough screened in the view No change. Road (although new medical and community buildings (Passers-by Buildings and synthetic games along located to pitch would be located Marlborough minimise tree behind viewer). Road: Minor loss. significance) Architectural orientation and treatment addresses streetscape quality. Viewpoint 12: Adjacent Proposed garaging Slight Yes- new Bulford Road building(s) would be seen beneficial amenity tree in lieu of existing to be planting will demolished, but the soften views. character of view unaltered.

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6.3.2 Long views towards the camp are visually contained by the combination of topography and existing vegetation within the immediate surroundings of the camp. The visual effects from such locations, (viewpoints 3, 5 & 9) and including also the distant AONB, are anticipated to be imperceptible and insignificant from all distant viewpoints. At closer range (from between adjacent – approx. 1.5km), visual changes resulting from new buildings and tree removal would become discernible, more so during the demolition and construction phase, although the appearance and scale of the proposals once completed would be generally in keeping with that already visible in the view(s) and integrated within the existing built form and set amongst the trees. Even where visible, the effects are generally likely to be neutral or not significant. From Marlborough Road, however, there would be a localised adverse effect of minor significance.

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7. MITIGATION

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 This section identifies the mitigation measures which have been accommodated into the masterplan proposals to enable it to be more comfortably assimilated into its surroundings and to reduce adverse effects on landscape character and visual amenity. 7.2 Mitigation

7.2.1 The masterplan proposals are in the main accommodated within the existing camp boundary, barring local adjustments in the north-west and south-east corners. Proposed level changes are modest, contained within the confines of the camp and reflect the general site levels. Vegetation removal to accommodate the proposals within the hybrid application would be limited and localised, with no loss from the perimeter screening belts. Thus, the camp’s current general relationship to the landscape would be maintained.

7.2.2 Whilst, inevitably, there would be some intensification of development within the camp, the masterplan layout has sought to further reinforce the existing zoning of uses across the camp established by the Project Allenby – Connaught works. The resultant cohesion not only benefits both efficient operation and those that live and work in the camp, but also promotes visual harmony. New buildings would be of similar scale and appearance to the existing built form visible in their immediate context, so complementing them in the view. Demolition (both historic and proposed) of built fabric also contributes to partial offsetting of the proposed new- build in the overall view.

7.2.3 As far as practicable, the development of the masterplan layout has sought to minimise the loss of existing tree cover and the camp would retain its landscape structure. The overall screening value of existing woodland is not compromised. Woodland removed for development would be re-provided in new forestry-style planting belts, save for that removed to accommodate a new section of security fenceline so as to avoid it adversely affecting the setting of a Scheduled Monument.

7.2.4 Amenity planting of hedges, shrubs and ground cover, complemented by selected ornamental tree planting, is proposed to provide a local landscaped setting for new buildings, integrating them with the established landscape typology of the site.

7.2.5 In summary, mitigation measures to minimise and offset the identified adverse landscape and visual effects are listed below:

· Replacement planting to offset the area of woodland lost across the camp for built development. · Setting new security fenceline back into woodland to avoid impact on setting of Scheduled Monument. · Retention and reinforcement of woodland landscape structure. · The element of avenue/row planting of existing streets trees is retained and augmented. · New buildings are integrated with the fabric of existing use zones. · Provision of amenity tree planting in association with new office, welfare and living facilities to provide local setting and softening in the wider view.

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· Retained trees to be protected by fencing and works within the root protection area to be carried out in accordance with an arboricultural method statement.

7.3 Residual Impact

7.3.1 The proposed mitigation measures will reduce initial impacts, which are in any event assessed as neutral or no change, with the exception of the local street-scape of Marlborough road, where minor adverse effect is predicted. These measures are anticipated to contribute to the landscape structure of the camp and help assimilate the proposed development into its surroundings, both during construction and upon completion. Once fully established the measures are anticipated to assist further with the assimilation of the masterplan proposals within the existing built fabric of the camp.

7.3.2 Neither the quality nor character of the AONB would be impacted. Similarly, the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the surrounding landscape character areas and the SLA would not be materially denuded.

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8 CONCLUSION

8.1 Army 2020 Basing Programme

8.1.1 The implementation of the ABP will bring about physical changes to the detail appearance of Bulford Camp, continuing the history of change recorded at the camp during its use by the military. The changes would include: earthworks; the demolition of existing built-form; tree and woodland removal; and construction of new buildings, hardstands, roads, footpaths and car-parks and planting of trees and shrubs. There would be associated effects of the proposals on landscape character and visual amenity.

8.2 Planning Policy

8.2.1 The masterplan proposals would not significantly conflict with any planning policies relevant to landscape and visual matters.

8.3 Elements of the Landscape

Topography 8.3.1 The masterplan proposals would require the formation of new platforms for the proposed new buildings, but these are designed to fit into the existing levels with minimum change. Overall, changes to landform would localised within the camp boundary, and would be insignificant in terms of the overall topography.

Public Rights of Way 8.3.2 The masterplan proposals would not physically alter any of the public rights of way within the surrounds to the camp, but they would be in views from a few public rights of way and permissive routes within it. No significant change to the amenity of routes is predicted.

Watercourses 8.3.3 The masterplan proposals would not affect any watercourses.

Land Use 8.3.4 The masterplan proposals include some changes to existing uses within the camp, but generally respect and reinforce its existing land use zoning. The resulting improved cohesion is beneficial to operation, to those that live and work in the camp and to wider visual harmony also. The masterplan does not directly alter the land use within its wider surrounds, although proposals for a new 1.5 km military access track access at its western end (which connects to the Southern Range Road north of Old Carter Barracks) is to be implemented as permitted development, whilst a new-build secured vehicle washdown facility adjacent to the track (west of Old Carter Barracks) is being applied for separately.

Vegetation 8.3.5 The masterplan proposals for new built development would require the removal of some trees and limited woodland – predominantly mixed plantation planting within the camp. Re-provision in full of that removed for built development is proposed, but not for that removed for a new section of security fence- which has been aligned to avoid impact to a Scheduled monument. Nonetheless, the integrity and screening value of woodland plots within camp’s immediate setting and providing perimeter screening would not be significantly affected.

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8.4 Landscape Character

8.4.1 The masterplan proposals are in the main accommodated within the existing camp boundary, respecting the broad landform and retaining the mature perimeter tree belts. Where seen, new buildings would be of similar scale and appearance to the existing built form visible in their immediate context, so complementing them in the view. Thus, the camp’s current general relationship to the landscape would be maintained.

8.4.2 The nature and scale of masterplan proposals is not of the order that would be disruptive to the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the landscape character areas at a National or Regional scale. The masterplan proposals would not be perceptible from the AONB due to distance, landform and intervening vegetation and there would be no impacts. Local adverse effects in the vicinity of the camp would initially be mainly incremental and neutral/insignificant effects. The local dominance of the camp would not increase and the existing characteristics of the SLA would not be affected. Over time, the establishment of new planting proposed in the masterplan will further assimilate the proposed developments within the camp’s landscape structure. 8.5 Visual Amenity

8.5.1 The adverse effects of the masterplan proposals would be generally well contained within its wider landscape setting, particularly in distant views. The masterplan proposals, where visible, would result in generally neutral or incremental effects from the agreed reference receptor viewpoints. There would be minor adverse effect to the Marlborough Road, but slight beneficial effects at Bulford Road. 8.6 Mitigation

8.6.1 The masterplan proposals adopt layout and design precepts that are intended to reduce landscape and visual impacts. The adverse effects would be localised and generally incremental or neutral, whilst proposed planting will further assist the full integration of the developments within their landscape setting.

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APPENDIX A

National Character Area Profile

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Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Description

Physical and functional links to other National The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site shows that the link north to Avebury, on the Marlborough Downs, is very longstanding and the likely result of Character Areas related cultures. This now generates infrastructure and recreational links through The Chalk of the National Character Area (NCA) is part of a wider sweep, extending the tourist and heritage industry, with many related connections between the from the Dorset coast up across to north of the Wash into Yorkshire. numerous sites of interest.

The views from and to the escarpment over the Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Vales NCA form the principal connection to the areas to the north. Views from this NCA to the north are extensive and long distance.

The rivers of the Avon system rise locally, within the NCA itself or to the north in the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs, and flow south towards the New Forest. They may once have served as transport routes. To the south of Salisbury, after the rivers have joined, there are flood risks, which may affect settlements in the adjacent Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase NCA.

The area is a catchment for rivers affecting the Hampshire Downs to the east. A substantial pipeline network to move freshwater between the NCA and the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, to the south, was under development in the early part of the 21st century by Wessex Water. This is likely to prove vital for secure water supplies thereafter for this NCA, in addition to assisting with the water flow along the River Avon system, designated under European legislation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Transport links are by major roads running broadly east–west – thus to the South Hampshire Lowlands, the New Forest and Avon Vales, and onwards to London or Bristol. There are few rail links. Medieval farming landscape near Mere.

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Key characteristics

■ Salisbury Plain, an extensive and open rolling chalk plateau and one of the ■ A sparsely settled landscape, with few settlements of any size, and largest remaining areas of calcareous grassland in north-west Europe. notable for nucleated villages at the foot of the scarp along the springline. Large-scale farmsteads are a prominent feature. ■ Many small, sheltered river valleys, such as the Wylye, with narrow flood plains and meandering river courses. ■ Abundant use made in older buildings of local stone such as flint, Chilmark stone and clunch, together with timber frame and chalk cob. ■ Woodland generally confined to valley slopes, with scattered copses and shelterbelts (usually of beech or conifer) found on the high downs, and ■ Large parks and estates found in the valleys, with related groups of estate occasional ancient oak woods on the ridgetops. housing in common style.

■ Large arable fields predominate, with generally very few hedgerows or ■ Salisbury, an ecclesiastical centre since the early medieval period and obvious boundary features; there are often wide grass buffer strips. now a tourist and local administration centre, with a well-preserved historic core, and a cathedral whose spire has long been a feature in the ■ Rare flora and fauna of national significance, associated with a chalk surrounding landscape. landscape, from stone curlew, hobby and corn bunting to dropwort, early gentian and slender bedstraw. ■ Military tracks, airfields and structures reflecting a major land use. Visually prominent modern military housing and supporting development are ■ Outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape, with many Scheduled Ancient found in the eastern side of the NCA. Monuments and earthworks prominent in the open landscape, notably Stonehenge.

■ Distinctive chalk-cut figures – generally large horses – post-dating the medieval period.

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Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs today The two areas of AONB are noteworthy. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs to the south is designated as an AONB for its rich chalk down, whaleback ridges, wooded valleys and deeply rural, agricultural character and The overall character is of an extensive open chalk plateau, with a near- its rich archaeological resource. It is separated from its fellow AONB by continuous dramatic scarp to the north, and a pattern of attractive valleys to Salisbury Plain and shares its sense of remoteness and generally dark skies. the east and south. Two seperate areas, covering around one third of the NCA are designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Cranborne Chase The North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north east, towards Marlborough, and West Wiltshire Downs AONB to the south and North Wessex Downs AONB and is designated for its wide open downland and the scarp slopes, rich in flora to the north-east. and wildlife, its ancient woodlands, and its river valleys with rare spring-fed and fast-flowing chalk streams.

Salisbury Plain is the largest expanse of the rare habitat of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe. It is designated as an SAC and is rich in chalk plants and invertebrates. It is also rich in bird species, notably the stone curlew, and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), again under European legislation, as is the nearby area of Porton Down. The latter is generally known for its military and scientific role, but has distinctive and valuable heathland flora.

A major theme in this NCA is the continuity of use and division of the landscape, with features ranging from the Bronze Age through to the Roman and early Saxon periods all being used as boundaries for medieval estates and parishes, suggesting that many of the land units seen today reflect much earlier territorial divisions. Most of the area had been cleared of its woodland for farming and grazing by the end of the Neolithic period, resulting in the thin chalk-based soils which have helped to shape much of the area’s agricultural development and heritage. Large farmsteads are a feature across the area, often with nearby Open farm landscape near Winter's Penning. workers’ housing. Large arable fields with few hedgerows or settlements

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predominate across the area, resulting from the piecemeal enclosure of open and its cathedral were immortalised by the artist Constable and remain little fields around villages and also open downland from the medieval period. These changed, with functioning watermeadows between Salisbury and Harnham changes worked within an earlier framework of droveways and routeways. and beyond to Bodenham. Fields on the plateau generally date from the late 18th century, are more regular in their form and have been most affected in the post-1950 period by The low ridges of abandoned floated flood meadows which have developed declining hedgerow management and their removal. The downs to the south from the 16th and 17th centuries are characteristic; although many meadows and west are broad hills with long views, separated by shallow dry valleys. The have been lost, some continue to be grazed, notably by cattle. The valleys and main land use is arable farming, with much of the eastern area down to pasture watercourses are often lined with areas of carr woodland with willow and alder. – not least for the benefit of locally rich archaeology and for the setting of the Locally abundant is an ancient plant, marsh marigold; also found is the rare prehistoric monuments, from the early Robin Hood’s Ball to Durrington Walls, the brown galingale. The river valleys to the south and west are sheltered and Cursus and Stonehenge itself. There is abundant evidence of settlements and include long- established settlements, revealed not least by the smaller field surrounding fields across the open plateau and also across the area, which is enclosures from up to the 16th century. thought to have been largely cleared of trees in the Neolithic period. The settlements moved down into the river valleys after Roman times. Clay and gravel deposits, and exposures of older Jurassic rocks, some notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, illustrate the action of water over time There are scattered copses and shelterbelts – many planted in the 18th and through the chalk landscape. Steep sided and with narrow flood plains, the 19th centuries – on the high downs, with earlier and more substantial areas valleys are visually contained and often appear remote. of woodland confined mainly to valleys and steep slopes. There are some extensive ridge top ancient oak woodlands, some with newer planting, such Nucleated settlements prevail, often with groups of former estate cottages as at Grovely Wood. Occasional new planting of small broadleaved woods in uniform style. Older cottages are of cob and timber frame with thatch roofs, around the chalk plain may take place where military training needs call for with brick and tile common from the early 19th century onwards. There is some woods as cover, and where it is appropriate on a site-specific basis. use of local stone, for example the distinctive Chilmark stone or knapped flint with clunch. This adds to local distinctiveness. The plateau is drained by the River Avon and its tributaries, designated as an SAC for its biodiversity in fish (notably two lamprey species) and aquatic plants, There are few major communication routes across the NCA; where possible, such as the water crowfoot. These rivers drain along their natural course into people travelled along the valley floors but went across the Downs when the Avon just north of Salisbury, and expand across a flood plain just to the necessary, heading north and south. south of the city. The views over the flood plain to the historic core of the city

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This is a rural area with over 70 per cent agricultural use. This is largely arable, with some livestock use (generally pigs or sheep), in particular around Stonehenge, where there has been a drive for reversion to pasture. The popularity of Wiltshire ham, and its suitability in rotation with arable farming, also encourages the continuation of pig farming. Land is also managed (at least in part) in the interests of game shooting, which brings benefit to the local economy and affects the management measures that are applied. The main modern influence on the Plain’s landscape is military activity, which in places bars civilian use, generally influences the agricultural patterns, and is widely apparent owing to buildings and other infrastructure.

This NCA includes Stonehenge, part of a World Heritage Site, whose ancient monuments “together with their settings and associated sites... form landscapes without parallel” and are testimony to "a wealthy and highly organised prehistoric society able to impose its concepts on the environment”. Stonehenge4 retains spiritual associations for some. Over one million visitors from all over the world come to Stonehenge each year. Tourism and agriculture remain the main economic drivers within the NCA and likely forces for change, as they have been for well over a century.

Cattle grazing on Harnham water meadows to the south of Salisbury. 4 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/373

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The landscape through time of evidence for farmsteads and other settlements with their associated field systems, the development of large estates marked by linear boundaries which The western area of the NCA, the Downs, dates from the Upper Jurassic, around often formed the framework for present parishes, and causewayed enclosures, 150 million years ago, when Britain was covered by shallow shelf seas, and sees cursus monuments and hill forts (such as Scratchbury in the Wylye Valley), and some exposures of that period. Later in the Jurassic Period there was, over finally Neolithic long barrows, bronze-age barrows and other ritual and funerary time, a substantial fall in sea level. This resulted in a variety of depositional monuments. Pre-eminent among these is Stonehenge with its associated environments – marine and estuarine – leading to limestone, siltstones and clays. monuments, its significance recognised since 1986, with that of Avebury to the These deposits are seen in the areas along and to the south of the River Wylye. The north, by inscription by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This includes the Cursus notable resulting local stone is Chilmark Limestone, the building stone used for monument dating from around 3600 BC and the circles of sarsens and trilithons Salisbury Cathedral. erected within the circular earthwork enclosure of around 3000 BC, linked by its Avenue to the Avon. Archaeological work around 2000 revealed new Salisbury Plain, as the core and northern and western part of the NCA, was formed information about its development, its association with the 12-hectare henge at during the Cretaceous Period, after 145 million years ago, when sea levels had Durrington Walls and its linked settlement, and its role in the development of risen again and shallow marine conditions prevailed. The Lewes, Seaford and Neolithic and bronze-age Britain. Newhaven Chalks of this period form the majority of the Plain itself, and are very pure limestone of some 98 per cent calcium carbonate. There are few natural Roman settlement consists of small towns such as the roadside town that exposures of these chalks. developed outside the iron-age hill fort at Old Sarum, a few villa sites and villages. Of particular importance are a number of examples of deserted Roman villages The plateau slopes slightly up to the north and west, with the northern scarp on higher downland which survive, in part, as earthworks. These settlements slopes particularly striking. Subsequent erosion by rivers has left the area with a appear to have been deserted by the 4th or early 5th centuries. It is probable that pattern of river valleys with later alluvial deposits, all the rivers rising in the NCA most rural settlement in the Roman period (of which there are few visible traces other than the Avon itself. There are also many winterbournes, such as the Till, above ground) followed the existing pattern, with linear villages lying in the which flow over the Chalk only after prolonged rainfall. To the east, beyond the valleys alongside chalk streams. Within these valley-based settlements there is River Bourne, lie much more recent Tertiary deposits (including a number of sarsen evidence for both medieval planning in the form of regular property plots and trains) and superficial drift geology of alluvium, clay, silt, sand and gravel. the desertion and shrinkage of settlements in the 14th and 15th centuries. The present pattern of discrete villages separated by farmland is often the result of the The area was largely cleared for agriculture and grazing at the outset of the loss of some villages or shrinkage of existing villages at that time. Neolithic period (around 4200–3700 BC) followed by the development of a distinctive regional culture up until around 2500 BC and then continuing into the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman occupation. The result is an astonishing diversity

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Salisbury, dominated by its cathedral spire, is the main urban area in this NCA. fauna and flora, as well as the visible archaeology of settlement and land use Salisbury is a medieval new town created by the Bishop of Salisbury, moving it from from the prehistoric period which has been destroyed elsewhere by intensive the hill-top location at Old Sarum, slightly to the north. Downton, a little to the arable cultivation. The remains of practice trenches from both World Wars and south, is also a planned new town laid out opposite an earlier Saxon estate other features developed by the Army across the Plain are also of significance. centre. In the Saxon period Wilton was the most important town, being the Around the Plain are military camps which have developed into small towns, administrative capital of the area and having a royal residence. A rich legacy of including Tidworth, Larkhill and Bulford. Outstanding and probably unique in churches with 12th–13th century fabric (such as Fisherton Delamere) testifies to the an international context are the pre-1914 military aviation sites and structures prosperity of this area in this period, and the wealth gained from its arable land and at Larkhill, Netheravon and Upavon. Old Sarum retains the most complete wool. Clarendon is a largely overlooked Saxon royal palace, to the south-west of group of hangars and other buildings relating to a grass flying field of the First Salisbury, rebuilt by Henry III in the 12th century and enjoyed until the 17th century. World War period.

Travellers wrote about Stonehenge – while addressing the Dissolution of Over the latter part of the 20th century, there was much intensification of the Monasteries on behalf of Henry VIII, and the 17th century sees it agriculture – which remains the major industry in the NCA – but the early 21st documented by antiquarian John Aubrey. This inspired interest, which was century brought more reversion to pasture and less arable, particularly in the encouraged in the late 18th century by the romantic vision of its ‘wilderness’ and area of the World Heritage Site. This development results in large part from a saw a growing exploration of the area. The NCA’s several important country care for the historic environment and a willingness to support this financially – houses with their associated parklands, for example Wilton House, Boyton and which may not prove to be of long duration. A positive development has been Wilbury, developed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In parallel, large the restoration of the landscape setting to Stonehenge following the closure of farms were developing from the 15th and 16th centuries, often based on leased the A344. estates of major ecclesiastical landowners and through the engrossing of the holdings of smaller farmers. This resulted in the creation of some of the The farmed landscape and semi-natural habitats were, in the early 21st largest farms in the country and the rise of the ‘capitalist farmer’ who had century, developing in a manner consistent with the overall (rural) character for considerable resources. Wilton and other estates had a major impact on the the NCA, with little urban development outside military areas. Housing and rebuilding of farmsteads and the reshaping of the farmed landscape from the late other development was well managed, not least with the growing interest in 18th century. and use of green infrastructure to make landscape serve many purposes such as for recreation, drainage and biodiversity. The designation of the SAC for Wiltshire’s landscape has been intensively used for military training and Salisbury Plain and the River Avon has helped to advance the conservation of infrastructure from the late 19th century. Salisbury Plain is the largest training the NCA’s landscape. area in the United Kingdom, at some 38,000 ha, and is now one of the best- preserved archaeological landscapes in western Europe. The military use of the Plain has helped to conserve chalk grassland habitats for a rich diversity of

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Ecosystem services nitrates. It is believed likely that work with the agricultural community through the catchment sensitive farming schemes will satisfactorily address these The Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs NCA provides a wide range concerns and be a useful tool elsewhere. The NCA is largely a nitrate vulnerable of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes zone and already has many applicable regulations affecting land managers. (both natural and cultural features) within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. The predominant services are Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) summarised below. Further information on ecosystem services provided in ■ Sense of place/inspiration: The Chalk dominates the NCA’s history and this NCA is contained in the ‘Analysis’ section of this document. topography; Stonehenge and the surrounding open pasture land supply a strong sense of place to the NCA. The strength of the NCA’s character here can Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) be seen from the enduring power of the visitor attractions such as Stonehenge ■ Food provision: Substantial arable crops, of national importance – mostly and its associated monuments; the range of chalk-cut figures, to demonstrate wheat and (often for distillers and maltsters) barley, with additional man’s interaction with the chalk hills; and Salisbury itself, with the cathedral oilseeds (rape and linseed) and (largely for animal feed) maize; pig meat, and its close. one of largest sources in England, largely outdoor reared; limited mixed farming; and livestock. The current mosaic of agricultural production is ■ Sense of history: The area has captured the imagination of antiquarians and important in preserving the NCA’s landscape character. writers from the 16th century, and it has a strong sense of being one of the most anciently settled landscapes in the world. Much of this rich evidence ■ Water availability: Local rivers and aquifers are currently broadly has been conserved by military use of the Plain, its airfields and training sufficient for the supply of water within the NCA and beyond5 and the areas also being highly evocative of militarisation before and during the First underlying rocks are such that water flow is good. World War. To this can be added rich evidence of how pre-Roman land use has shaped present boundaries, and in its farmsteads, traditional buildings Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and and farmed landscape together with the development of a distinctive rural climate regulation) economy based on corn and sheep. Old Sarum, north of Salisbury, is both a ■ Regulating water quality: There is a major problem here in that the greensand medieval site and a former rotten borough. Wilton House is a stately home soils found in parts of the river valleys are in places degraded and have (and now a visitor attraction and thus an economic force) which has been 6 unsuitably high nutrient levels, and are occasionally higher than is desirable in inhabited by the same family since its construction in the 17th century ;

5 For details, see the Environment Agency website and search for aquifers 6 www.wiltonhouse.com

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Salisbury is a medieval town, now city, that is still in operation and serving as a centre today, showing continuity in human presence in this NCA and that activity in the city has endured and evolved over time.

■ Tranquillity: The NCA enjoys quiet countryside and a sense of isolation and escape, partly owing to the open spaces themselves, and there are many areas which seem to pre-date the modern world. This is appreciated by both residents and visitors. The area remains tranquil, with dark night skies away from the major transport links of the A36 and A3037, and this is largely unaffected by the many military uses.

■ Recreation: The NCA is richly endowed, with an extensive network of rights of way (including byways open to all traffic) and scope for game shooting, fishing, birdwatching (including of the great bustard, now restored to the NCA8 ), and many visitor attractions in relation to both heritage and nature. The NCA has resources for education on English history and culture, and on the natural world.

■ Biodiversity: Around a fifth of the NCA is recognised as being important for its diversity of wild species. There are large areas of semi-natural habitat and a wealth of flora and fauna. A number of key sites are supported by international and national designations.

7 www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies Shrill carder bee feeding on red clover. 8 www.greatbustard.org

13 Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Appraisal – Bulford Masterplan

APPENDIX B

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment.

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A2: UPPER AVON NARROW CHALK RIVER VALLEY

Location and Boundaries

The upper Avon Chalk River Valley flows northwards from Salisbury and is situated within the north of the District. The river valley meanders through adjacent Chalk Downland (Landscape Character Type D) and two minor roads corridors follow the path of the river.

Key Characteristics

 Narrow, strongly contained valley which cuts through adjacent Chalk Downland landscape and encompasses the upper section of the River Avon;  Rich ecology throughout, both within the river and within wet woodlands and commercial poplar plantations, hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows along the corridor;  Strong sense of enclosure and shelter within the valley, which contrasts with the predominantly open nature of surrounding Chalk Downland;  Generally small-scale settlement pattern in southern half of the valley, with larger nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupying the northern valley sides;  Long history of settlement apparent, visible in the built form of Amesbury Abbey, Great Durnford and Little Durnford Manor houses;  Belts of linear woodland along the valley sides further contribute to sense of enclosure;  Predominantly rural landscape with a strong sense of tranquillity throughout, despite isolated visual and noise intrusion from the A345 road corridors;  Intricate landscape pattern of small pastoral fields, woodland and scattered villages.

Summary of Visual Character

There is a strong sense of enclosure through the gently meandering course of this narrow river valley, due to the patches of linear woodland, which lines the valley sides, and the enclosing topography of adjacent rising Chalk Downland. As a result, landscape pattern within the valley is small-scale and intimate, consisting of a patchwork of small pastoral fields, woodlands and scattered villages. Within the northern half of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk Rover Valley, the relatively large, nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupy much of the valley sides and overlook the river. The valley corridor had strong ecological interest, resulting from the combination of wet woodland, commercial poplar plantations, softer, predominantly deciduous – hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows. A network of predominantly intact hedgerows lines pastoral fields and minor road corridors. Historic settlement continuity is also strong, with the historic manors at Great Durnford and Little Durnford; and Amesbury Abbey providing recognisable historic landscape features. Even though there is a military presence in the surrounding Chalk Downland landscapes, this does not generally permeate into the river valley. This is a predominantly rural character area, with a generally strong sense of tranquillity throughout. Occasional noise and visual intrusion is apparent where the A303 road corridor crosses the northern half of the valley and also associated with the A345 road corridors and large settlement edges.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The Avon Valley has been a foci for settlement and activity since the prehistoric period. Although the majority of the major prehistoric monuments are to be found in the surrounding Character Areas, the valleys would have provided a source of water and food. This can be seen in the remains of an Iron Age univallate hillfort, known as Vespasian's Camp;  It contains a number of historic buildings and parks and gardens which make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape. The historical development of estates has influenced land-

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 37

Location and boundaries of A2 Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley landscape character area

The vegetation-lined course of the Upper Avon River as it passes through Burrington

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 38

use across the area, whereby grazing land, arable and water-meadows were important components of traditional farming systems. Such estates include Heale House, an early 20th century gardens within a larger agricultural estate which is a grade II* Registered Park and Garden.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 In the medieval period the valley side would have been the focus of open field cultivation, between the valley floor meadows and the upland grazing, as a component of sheep-and corn agriculture. This system of mixed farming affected the arrangement of later enclosed fields, the layout tracks, droves and hollow-ways which survive to the present being influenced largely by the movement of livestock to and from the downs. Agricultural innovations in the post-medieval and modern periods saw the inclosure of the open fields adjacent to the villages. The large scale fields are the result of the recent amalgamation of earlier straight-sided fields characteristic of late 18th/ early 19th century Parliamentary inclosure.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Small riverside settlements with distinctive historic buildings follow the valley floor, complemented by the designed landscapes of old parkland. Due to their ‘special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’, over 11 of these are designated as Conservation Areas.

Biodiversity

The spring fed streams and river in this area are rich in plant and animal communities, deriving, in part, from the high-quality of the base-rich water which is naturally clear and fast flowing. The river irrigates the valley floodplains to create a rich mosaic of associated wetland habitats including water meadows, damp pasture, wet woodland and fens.

The ecological value of this area is reflected in parts of it having been designated as SAC (part of the River Avon SAC) and SSSI (part of the River Avon System SSSI and includes Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI). Notable amongst these SSSIs is the Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI, which is one of the last two actively managed water meadows in Wiltshire and retains the grassland communities typical of this type of management. SAC designation was awarded primarily for the presence of internationally rare/vulnerable species – populations of Atlantic salmon, bullhead, and brook and sea lamprey – and for its habitat value for flowing water vegetation and Desmoulin’s whorl snail.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

The overall condition of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley Landscape Character Area is considered to be good, as a result of the rich biodiversity within the river and adjacent riparian woodlands. The hedgerow network is predominantly intact, however in certain places boundary loss if visible. There is also a strong vernacular character within most of the small, generally well-kept villages.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area has a strong pattern of small pastoral fields, small pockets of woodland and scattered, small-scale villages. Patches of wet woodlands and water meadows adjacent to the river corridor further enhance strength of character. In addition, there is a strong sense of

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 39 tranquillity throughout much of the area, coupled with a predominantly rural character throughout. As a result, the overall landscape character sensitivity of this area is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

The relatively strong sense of enclosure and shelter within this narrow valley, which contrasts with adjacent Chalk Downland, contributes to a moderate to high visual sensitivity throughout. Views are generally constrained, north-south along the corridor by enclosing landform and linear woodland belts. In places, particularly from the higher valley sides, open and sometimes panoramic views can be gained across adjacent open Chalk Downland landscapes. In these locations, visual sensitivity is considered to be higher.

Key Landscape Changes

 Agricultural intensification leading to a gradual drainage and improvement of permanent pasture and water meadows on the floodplain and loss of riparian vegetation;  Nutrient pollution from riverside farmland plus road and urban run off affecting the high water quality within the Upper Avon River;  Loss of hedgerow field boundaries in places, and poor management in other locations;  Increased traffic pressure on the rural road network, leading to improvements including widening, kerbing and signage, leading to a more ‘urban’ character in places;  Potential visually intrusive new modern agricultural or residential development along the valley sides;  Modern residential development in more open locations, some close to the floodplain, have weakened the pattern of tight-knit villages in the past.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley should be to conserve the strong sense of tranquillity, predominantly rural character and intimate, small-scale landscape pattern throughout. This should include conservation and maintenance of key features, including wet woodlands, hanging valley side woodlands and historic vernacular buildings. There are also opportunities for restoration, replanting and management of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and waterside meadows.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Monitor road engineering to safeguard the rural character of the network of lanes;  Conserve the predominantly small-scale and tight-knit settlement pattern;  Conserve views across and along the valley corridor;  Consider opportunities for re-planting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost and consider opportunities for reinstatement of traditional management techniques;  Consider developing guidance for built development to ensure both future construction and changes to existing buildings are designed to integrate with the existing character and structure of settlements;  Protect the nature conservation value of the River Avon;  Conserve the strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout.

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D3: LARKHILL CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

This Landscape Character Area stretches from the north of Salisbury District, southwards towards the city of Salisbury. It falls between the Till Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A1) to the west and Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A2) to the east. To the north and south, this area is bordered by Chalk Downland Landscapes. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north of the District boundary.42

Key Characteristics

 Strong sense of continuity throughout this gently rolling landscape;  A largely uninhabited landscape of unenclosed rough grassland, criss-crossed by army tracks;  Numerous archaeological features visible within the landscape, including instantly recognisable landmarks, such as Stonehenge;  Strong recognisable sense of place as a result of views across this landscape towards archaeological features;  Very large-scale landscape, which generally has a strong sense of openness and exposure;  Strong sense of elevation, with frequent panoramic views over surrounding Landscape Character Areas;  The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Scattered settlement pattern, comprising small linear villages (such as Shrewton), hamlets (such as Winterbourne Stoke) and isolated farmsteads;  The utilitarian form, materials and layout of military camps (such as Larkhill towards the north of the area), have a strong influence on the character of this landscape;  A network of rural roads crosses the landscape, in addition to main road corridors of A303 and A345, which introduce noise and visual intrusion;  Sense of tranquillity is generally strong throughout much of the area, however, this is disrupted by military activities and traffic noise on the A303 and A345 road corridors;  Large-scale landscape pattern delineated by low hedgerows, which are often sometimes gappy, and regular shaped mixed woodland copses and shelter belts.

Summary of Visual Character

Larkhill and Winterbourne Landscape Character Area encompasses extensive areas of unenclosed and uninhabited chalk grassland and scrub, upon which, a layer of scattered mixed copses and plantations are visible features. The gently undulating, yet elevated topography of this area encompasses a series of dry valleys crossing the landscape, particularly in proximity to the village of Winterbourne Stoke. In places, these valleys are under arable cultivation. The associated ridgelines often facilitate dramatic views across this generally open landscape, towards landmarks and across adjacent Landscape Character Areas. Numerous paths and military tracks cross the landscape, the tranquillity of which varies with levels of military activity. Recognisable sense of place is very strong as a result of views towards the numerous archaeological landscape features, such as distinctive barrows (which are often sited on ridgelines) and the instantly recognisable landmark of Stonehenge. Landscape pattern is predominantly large-scale, punctuated by a smaller-scale settlement pattern of small villages and hamlets. The urban edges of Amesbury settlement to the east and the A303 road corridor are visual intrusions. Larkhill military camp, with its numerous large scale bulky barrack and administration buildings interspersed with grassed open space and enclosed by security fences, are also dominant landscape features within this area.

42 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plan (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D3 Larkhill Chalk Downland landscape character area

The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland

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Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The landscape of this area provides unique evidence from different period of changing human activities and land use over 5,000 years. In particular, the unusually extensive survival of the densest and most varied complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England are a visible part of the present day landscape, especially within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.  Many individual monuments are typical of their period while other types are extremely rare and the very dense archaeological landscape comprises ridge-top barrow grounds, henge sites, earthworks such as the Stonehenge Cursus, and evidence of early settlements and field patterns.  The earliest ceremonial monuments within this area, date from the early and middle Neolithic (4000-3000BC), and include over a dozen burial mounds and a causewayed enclosure.  During the Bronze Age (2500BC-1600BC) ceremonial monuments such as the Winterbourne Stoke Barrows dominated the landscape, although the focus soon moved to Stonehenge. The stone structures, which characterise this phase were erected in place of timber structures and were re- modelled several times during the period.  The farming activities which were practised within the area during the Iron Age (800BC-AD43) have left little evidence, but some monuments do remains such as hill fort.  Salisbury Plain reverted to downland used for the grazing of large flocks of sheep during the medieval period, and this was certainly the case when antiquarians first ‘rediscovered’ Stonehenge in the 17th century.  Arable agriculture progressively expanded during the 18th century however, it was the vast expanses of open grassland and the low land values which made the Plain suitable for acquisition for military training from 1897 onwards. Since then, the expansion and reconfiguration of military installations has been the most conspicuous use of the southern fringe of Salisbury Plain Training Area.  Lake House, a c.3ha 20th century garden with formal and informal features, is a grade II Registered Park and Garden within the Character Area.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although an area of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th century there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place- mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.  Remnant historic field systems can be seen south of South Newton and north of Middle Woodford.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement is concentrated in the valleys, with only farmsteads and small hamlets on the Down;  Vernacular buildings are generally of chalk and flint, flint and brick bands, or flint and limestone, with tile roofs.

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Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

Camp Down is an area designated as a SSSI due to its well-grazed botanically rich chalk grassland. The Downland is rich in plants characteristic of South Wiltshire chalk grasslands, including several species of nationally restricted distribution. The mosaic of grazed chalk grassland and scattered scrub provides conditions favourable to many bird and insect species.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

Most of the chalk grassland within the MOD controlled areas (to the north of Larkhill) is generally in good condition. Clumps of woodland within this area are generally well maintained. Outside MOD owned areas, arable farmland is generally in moderate condition, with hedges and field boundary loss apparent.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland includes several sensitive landscape elements, such as numerous archaeological features, mixed woodland copses and shelterbelts, which contribute to a diverse, yet large-scale landscape pattern. Overlying settlement pattern is small-scale and sense of tranquillity is strong throughout most of the area, at distance from the main A303 and A345 road corridors. Sense of tranquillity is, however, often disturbed by military training activities. Overall landscape character sensitivity is therefore considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

Sense of openness within this elevated landscape is strong, resulting in frequent wide panoramic views across open Chalk Downland. At the eastern and western edges of the area, views into the adjacent Till and Upper Avon river valleys are framed by riverside vegetation. Open views towards landmark features, such as Stonehenge and other archaeological monuments also contribute to the visual character of this area. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. Overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Scrub invasion and management of grazing levels;  Past intensification of arable agriculture has resulted in a loss of biodiversity value amongst the chalk grassland, ploughing up of archaeological sites and loss of hedgerow field boundaries;  Noise and visual intrusion associated with military vehicles and non-military traffic on the busy A303 road corridor to the south, and Salisbury;

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 Positive clearance of scrub encroachment and other land management within MOD owned areas;  Potential future impact of tall structures such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on the generally open skylines and could have a major impact on the sense of remoteness;  Potential damage to archaeological sites and the setting of archaeological monuments.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Larkhill and Winterbourne Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area should be to conserve the strong sense of openness and exposure throughout and intact landscape features, including clumps of woodland and archaeological features. Ecological habitats, particularly the chalk grassland, should also be conserved wherever possible and field boundaries restored using locally appropriate species.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Maintain open and dramatic views across the Chalk Downland towards landscape features and archaeological monuments, such as Stonehenge;  Seek active stock management and scrub removal wherever possible;  Maintain the small-scale settlement pattern and ensure that any potential new development responds to existing built character and form;  Consider opportunities for replanting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Continue positive landscape management of MOD owned landscapes.

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D4: BOSCOMBE DOWN CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

Boscombe Down Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area is situated within the north-east of Salisbury District, spreading northwards from the city of Salisbury towards Amesbury and Bulford Camp. To the east and west this area is bordered by the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north-east of the District boundary.43

Key Characteristics

 The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Character dominated by military use to the north-east of Bulford, where the landscape is criss- crossed by military tracks and mixed woodland copses, which are a feature;  In places, field boundaries are delineated by hedgerows which tend to be low and gappy;  Relatively large-scale landscape pattern which is interspersed by the nucleated settlement of Amesbury and regular layout of Bulford Camp, introducing human elements to the landscape;  Network of predominantly rural lanes criss-cross the landscape, in addition to the major A303 road corridor, which introduces a source of noise and visual intrusion;  Open views in places into the valley corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne;  Sense of tranquillity quite strong throughout much of the area, but disturbed in place by noise and visual intrusion associated with the A303 road corridor, the settlement edges of Salisbury and Amesbury, and military activities;  Relatively geometric landscape as a result of the numerous straight tracks and roads associated with military training areas;  Gently rolling and fairly elevated landscape.

Summary of Visual Character

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland is dominated in a parts by the presence of Amesbury and Bulford Camp settlements, which impart a human character over the surrounding predominantly rural landscape. Sense of place is strong in certain locations, as a result of views into the adjacent narrow river corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. Sense of openness is limited in places by relatively large copses and blocks of mixed woodland. In other locations, panoramic open views across surrounding areas of Chalk Downland contribute to the character of this landscape. This relatively large-scale geometric landscape is delineated by a series of hedgerows which are denuded and gappy in places. Settlement pattern is quite dominant within this landscape, particularly resulting from the influence of the geometric layout and utilitarian built form of Bulford Camp. Sense of tranquillity is strong within pockets of this landscape, but disturbed in other places by traffic on the A303 main road corridor, and activity associated with Amesbury and Bulford Camp. Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down are dominant within several views across the landscape. To the north of the area, sense of tranquillity is stronger and a predominantly rural character is apparent in combination with a scattered and small-scale settlement pattern.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 Figheldean Down, Bulford Camp and Ogford Camp Prehistoric Landscapes dominate the historic elements of the landscape character area. Extant remains from all prehistoric periods are evident in the landscape in the form of barrows, boundary banks and ditches, hillforts;

43 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plain (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D4 Boscombe Down Chalk Downland landscape character area

Gently rolling landscape, encompassing a patchwork of arable fields and grassland

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 Droveways and trackways are well represented in the Salisbury Plain Training Area, where they provide communications between individual settlements and link occupation areas with their fields. The trackways are frequently cut down below the level of the surrounding fields, while the related form of the holloway was often used to mark the boundary between neighbouring estates;  The presence of medieval enclosures within the Plain and their relationship with extensive field systems and settlement complexes are of critical importance to understanding the character and development of downland agriculture;  Old Sarum Airfield Conservation Area is a rare, almost complete, surviving example of a World War I airfield and training depot station. It retains open spaces, tree lined roads and buildings of each phase of the airfield’s development, which evoke a past era of military landscape design. Of particular architectural interest are the three surviving Grade II* listed Hangars, the Grade II listed workshops to the south of (ARS) Hangar 3, the station headquarters, the Motor Transport Sheds and Yard, and the Machine Gun Range, all dated to the World War I period; the Air Ministry Boundary Markers and the Station Headquarters, from the RAF Expansion period; and the World War II Pillboxes.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although areas of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th cent there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place-mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement within the Character Area is generally concentrated on the valleys, however the towns of Amesbury and Bulford Camp;  Amesbury was the centre for a widespread royal estate during the Saxon period, and the abbey was founded in AD979. It is probable that the town itself grew up around these establishments but little is known of the way in which the surrounding landscape was utilised;  Vernacular buildings are generally of flint, with brick, chalk or limestone dressings, with roofs of tile.

Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury Plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

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EVALUATION

Current Condition

Although this landscape is actively farmed, the intensive farming methods mean that some landscape features have declined. Hedgerows are often fragmented, gappy or over-managed, with post and wire fencing often acting as infill where hedgerow sections have been lost. The overall condition of this landscape is considered to be moderate.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area is considered to have a relatively strong character, on account of the large-scale, generally smooth rolling landform and exposed character. Landscape sensitivities include the hedgerow network and strong sense of tranquillity throughout (except in proximity to the A303 road corridor and edges of Salisbury and Amesbury). Overall landscape character sensitivity is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

This large-scale, sweeping landscape has an exposed and denuded character. Long distance, panoramic views across the landscape are key visual character, with small landscape elements such as isolated farmsteads or gappy hedgerows forming focal points on the horizon. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. As a result of these factors, and the rolling landform of ridges and slopes, overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Conversion from sheep grazing on unimproved grassland to intensive arable production is one of the most dramatic changes to have occurred within the landscape over the past three centuries;  There is pressure for development and facilities along the A303 transport corridor (such as the new services at Countess East); the loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  The loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  Pressure for residential development is changing the character of small nucleated villages and towns within the area;  Potential future impact of tall structures, such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on open skylines and impact on the sense of remoteness (particularly within the north of the area);  Changes in military activities, potentially leading to alterations to the management of the calcareous grassland and woodland blocks;  Potential new development associated with Amesbury, Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down Management Strategy and objectives.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Boscombe Down should be to conserve the patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland, and intact hedgerows, including clumps of woodland. Where possible, field boundaries should be restored using locally appropriate species.

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Specific objectives are to:

 Conserve the network of remaining hedgerows and restore where possible, using locally appropriate species;  Conserve open views into the Upper Avon and Bourne valleys;  Seek active management and scrub removal whenever possible;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Discourage unsympathetic ribbon development and associated planting (such as Leylandii hedges);  Seek to screen visually harsh urban edges;  Ensure that any potential new development responds to existing settlement scale and respects local vernacular building materials.

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FIGURES

Contained in Annex

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