Land West of St Martin's Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire

Land west of St Martin’s Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

May 2018

Land west of St Martin’s Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

LC-360 Document Control Box Client Horsley Parish Council Report Title LVIA for land west of St Martin’s Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire Status Final Filename LC-360_Horsley_LVIA_5_110518WE.docx Date May 2018 Author WPE Reviewed NJD Approved NJD LVIA at Horsley, Gloucestershire May 2018 LC-360_Horsley_LVIA_5_110518WE.docx Contents

1 Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Appointment and scope of work ...... 2 1.2 This report ...... 2 1.3 Planning history ...... 3 1.4 Site description...... 4 1.5 Planning Policy Context ...... 5 1.6 Document structure ...... 8 2 Assessment Methodology ...... 9 2.1 LVIA Process ...... 9 2.2 Description (Section 1) ...... 9 2.3 Baseline studies (Sections 3 and 4) ...... 9 2.4 Impact Assessment (Sections 5 and 6) ...... 9 2.5 Mitigation (Section 7) ...... 10 2.6 Discussions with Horsley Parish Council ...... 10 2.7 Baseline and viewpoints ...... 10 2.8 Significance criteria ...... 11 2.9 Sensitivity ...... 12 2.10 Magnitude ...... 14 2.11 Significance ...... 15 3 Baseline: Landscape Character ...... 17 3.1 Introduction ...... 17 3.2 Landform ...... 17 3.3 Landscape Character Assessment ...... 17 3.4 Relevant landscape character assessments ...... 18 3.5 Landscape receptors ...... 21 3.6 Designated features ...... 23 3.7 Natural factors ...... 26 3.8 Cultural and social factors ...... 26 3.9 Perceptual & aesthetic factors...... 26 4 Baseline: Visual Receptors & Viewpoints ...... 27 4.1 Viewpoint selection and descriptions ...... 27 4.2 Visual receptors ...... 27 5 Assessment of Landscape Effects ...... 29 5.1 Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment ...... 29 5.2 Stroud Landscape Assessment...... 29 5.3 Landscape Character Impact Assessment ...... 30 6 Assessment of Visual Effects ...... 31 6.1 Impacts prior to mitigation ...... 31 6.2 Assessment of visual effects ...... 31 6.3 Viewpoint 1: Hollingham Lane and B4058 road junction ...... 31 6.4 Viewpoint 2: B4058 road ...... 32 6.5 Viewpoint 3: The Street ...... 32 6.6 Viewpoint 4: Cemetery of St Martin’s Church ...... 33 6.7 Viewpoint 5: Recreation ground...... 34

6.8 Viewpoint 6: Footpath south of Site ...... 34 6.9 Viewpoint 7: Boscombe Lane ...... 35 6.10 Viewpoint 8: Footpath north of Kingscote Wood ...... 36 6.11 Viewpoint 9: Footpath west of Horsley Wood ...... 36 6.12 Viewpoint 10: Footpath west of High Barn ...... 37 6.13 Viewpoint 11: Hollingham Lane ...... 38 6.14 Viewpoint 12: Footpath junction north of Kingscote Wood ...... 38 6.15 Viewpoint 13: Footpath adjacent to Hay Lane ...... 39 6.16 Viewpoint 14: Footpath at Barton End ...... 39 6.17 Viewpoint 15: Bath Road (A46) ...... 40 6.18 Cumulative impacts ...... 41 7 Landscape and visual mitigation and enhancement ...... 42 7.1 Approach to mitigation...... 42 7.2 Hedgerows and trees ...... 42 7.3 Construction materials ...... 43 8 Residual effects ...... 44 8.1 Conclusions ...... 44

Appendix A Viewpoint locations map Appendix B Panoramic photographs Appendix C A3 photographs Appendix D Stroud DC - SALA (2017) Appendix E Stroud DC - Issues and Options Paper (2017) Appendix F Stroud DC - Landscape Sensitivity (2016) Appendix G Cotswolds NCA - Key Facts Appendix H Cotswolds Landscape Character Assessment (2004) Appendix I Stroud DC - Landscape Character Assessment (2000) Appendix J Cotswolds AONB - Landscape Strategy and Guidelines (2016) Appendix K Landscape Character Assessment Table Appendix L Viewpoint Assessment Table Appendix M The Horsley hamlets

AOD Above Ordnance Datum AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty GLVIA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ha Hectares km Kilometres LCA Landscape Character Area LCT Landscape Character Type LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment m Metres NCA National Character Area NPPF National Planning Policy Framework PRoW Public Rights of Way SALA Strategic Assessment of Land Availability SDC Stroud District Council SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest VP Viewpoint

List of Figures

Figure 3.1 What is landscape?

List of Tables

Table 2.1 Landscape character sensitivity criteria Table 2.2 Visual receptor sensitivity criteria Table 2.3 Magnitude of impact criteria for landscape character and visual receptors Table 2.4 Guide to significance terms for landscape character and visual receptors Table 8.1 Summary of findings: visual impact Table 8.2 Summary of findings: landscape character

E1 Lepus Consulting Ltd has been appointed by Horsley Parish Council to carry out a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) on land west of St Martin’s Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire.

E2 The Site is located within the Nailsworth LCA (No. 5A). This LCA is located within the Settled Valley LCT (No. 5) (Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004)). The Site is located within the Secluded Valleys LT (No. 3) (Stroud District Landscape Assessment (2000)). The character of the Site is mostly in keeping with these Landscape Character Assessments. This is due to the land cover at the Site comprising entirely of pasture.

E3 A total of 15 viewpoints were chosen to be representative of the variety of visual receptors.

E4 At year one, adverse significant visual effects have been identified for all viewpoints. Major adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 1, 2, 3 and 4, with any potential development expected to obscure views towards to the countryside. Moderate adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 as it is likely that potential development would interrupt views of the countryside. Minor adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15, where there will only be a minor interruption to views to the countryside due to the distance from the Site.

E5 The planting of vegetation designed to integrate development into the landscape is expected to have matured after 15 years, providing further cover for the potential development. Therefore, all visual impacts have lessened. Moderate adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 1, 2, 3 and 4. Minor adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. Negligible effects have been identified at viewpoints 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 as existing built form will continue to partially obscure views.

E6 Residual effects on landscape character in the first year after development have been identified at major/severe adverse with no change after 15 years. This is primarily because the Site is within the Cotswolds AONB.

E7 Overall, potential development on the Site is likely to have adverse significant visual and landscape impacts.

1.1 Appointment and scope of work

1.1.1 Lepus Consulting Ltd has been appointed by Horsley Parish Council to carry out a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) on land west of St Martin’s Church, Horsley, Gloucestershire (hereafter referred to as the ‘Site’).

1.1.2 Lepus Consulting is an environmental assessment practice specialising in landscape and ecological impact assessment. This report has been prepared by William Ewart (BSc) and Neil Davidson (BSc, MSc, CEnv, CIEEM, CMLI).

1.2 This report

1.2.1 The definition of LVIA is defined in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA)1 as:

“LVIA is a tool used to identify and assess the significance of and the effects of change resulting from development on both the landscape as an environmental resource in its own right and on people’s views and visual amenity”.

1.2.2 This LVIA has been prepared on behalf of HPC to consider what impact a notional development at this location would have on landscape and visual receptors; development at this location has been the subject of considerations in the Stroud Local Plan Review2.

1.2.3 The purpose of this LVIA is to assess the impacts of potential development on Site. There are no current planning proposals for the Site. The quantity or scale of potential development has not been specified. This LVIA has been undertaken with the assumption that the layout, density, design specification and height of houses will be broadly similar to existing residential development that surrounds to the Site to the north, east and west.

1 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Third Edition) Abingdon: Routledge 2 Stroud District Council (2017) Stroud District Local Plan Review – Issues and Options Paper. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/356516/local-plan-review_issues-paper_iso-compliant_medium-quality.pdf

Built Form

1.2.4 It should be noted that the surrounding built form in Nupend and Horsley includes houses, farms and other places of work. The spatial format of the settlement can be described as low density, ribbon and partially nucleated. Generally, the housing is two storey with some buildings utilisaising roof spaces as a third story. In this respect, the buildings are low-lying and settled within the valley, with the tallest building being the church. Housing style includes detached, semi-detached and terraced housing. There is no singular distinctive architectural style but rather a range of dwellings that include Cotswold stone, render, and occasional Bradstone.

1.3 Planning history

1.3.1 Stroud District Council undertook an assessment of land available for housing, employment, retail and community uses, called the Strategic Assessment of Land Availability (SALA) in May 20173. The Site was identified in the SALA as a site with ‘future potential’. This document concludes that the development potential of the Site is as follows:

“Taking account of the character of the site and its surroundings, a small part of this site on the eastern side could be developed for low density development typically comprising detached, semi -detached dwellings at an average density of about 20-25 dph, and the suggested yield is up to 3 units.”

1.3.2 The full text from the SALA concerning the Site is presented in Appendix D.

1.3.3 As a result of the findings from the SALA, the Site was then included in SDC’s Local Plan Review: Issues and Options Paper (October 2017)4 as a ‘potential site’. The page from this document concerning the Site is presented in Appendix E.

3 Stroud District Council(2017) Strategic Assessment of Land Availability (SALA) Report of Findings. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/evidence-base/housing- evidence/strategic-assessment-of-land-availability-sala 4 Stroud District Council (2017) Stroud District Local Plan Review – Issues and Options Paper. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/356516/local-plan-review_issues-paper_iso-compliant_medium-quality.pdf

1.3.4 To inform the SALA, a landscape sensitivity assessment was commissioned in 20165. The Site was assessed in this report under land parcel reference ‘H03’ and it was concluded that sensitivity to housing use is high/medium’ and sensitivity to employment use is ‘high’. The Site assessment from this report has been reproduced in Appendix F. The summary for sensitivity to housing use is as follows:

“The area’s sensitivity lies in its open valley sides, views across it to the church and from across the valley and from the B40586 approaches and its role as open setting to an essentially linear village. Housing would be prominent, deviating from the essentially linear character of the rural village and would interfere with views to the church tower and from the churchyard. Sensitivity increases both to the west due to openness and to the east, due to proximity to the church. Housing of the scale needed for a housing allocation is considered inappropriate. The only limited potential may be for up to three houses with large gardens along The Street between hedge and road in the north eastern part of H03 avoiding significant effects on the church and churchyard and the more open parts of the land parcel.”

1.3.5 The summary for sensitivity to employment use is as follows:

“The area’s sensitivity lies in its open valley sides, views across it to the church and from across the valley and from the B4058 approaches and its role as open setting to an essentially linear village. Employment uses would be highly prominent deviating markedly from the residential rural character of the village and its essentially linear character. It is considered highly inappropriate.”

1.4 Site description

1.4.1 The Site is located adjacent to the south of the B4058 road to the west of the centre of Horsley, a village and civil parish. The Site is located approximately 2.2km to the south west of the town centre of Nailsworth and approximately 7.2km to the south of the town centre of Stroud.

1.4.2 The Site is located within the administrative boundary of SDC and within the county of Gloucestershire. The Site is also located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

5 Stroud District Council (2016) Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/evidence-base/environmental- evidence/landscape-sensitivity-assessment-2016 6 Incorrectly stated as the ‘A4058’ in the Stroud District Council SALA Report and Landscape Sensitivity Report.

1.4.3 The size of the Site is approximately 3.42 hectares (ha) and comprises an open field of pasture. The northern boundary of the Site is lined with metal fencing and occasional trees and abuts the B4058 road. The eastern boundary of the Site is lined with trees and abuts Horsley Primary School, the cemetery of Saint Martin’s Parish Church and a playing field. The southern and western boundaries of the Site meet fields of pasture.

1.5 Planning Policy Context

National Planning Policy

1.5.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) acts as guidance for local planning authorities and decision-takers, both in drawing up plans and making decisions about planning applications. Paragraph 115 makes clear that in designated landscapes, including AONBs, the conservation of the landscape and scenic beauty has great weight with respect to planning issues. This longstanding national policy has been one of the main tools to maintain the quality of the finest landscapes.

1.5.2 Para 116 recognises that planning permission should be refused for major developments in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest.

Box 1: NPPF - Conserving and enhancing the natural environment Para 115. Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in all these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks and the Broads2.

Para 116. Planning permission should be refused for major developments in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of:

• The need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations, and the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy; • The cost of, and scope for, developing elsewhere outside the designated area, or meeting the need for it in some other way; and • Any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape and recreational opportunities, and the extent to which that could be moderated.

Cotswolds AONB Position Statement on Housing and Development

1.5.3 In the Cotswolds AONB, the planning system has been essential in conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the landscape. Whilst the Board is not the planning authority for the AONB, it has a legitimate interest in concerning itself with planning matters and providing advice.

1.5.4 The position statement concerns the use of land to meet the growth of housing and employment in the Cotswolds AONB. The Cotswolds need economic growth and need to accommodate that growth. The Board’s view is that the AONB is a living and working landscape and must remain so; it should not become an exclusive commuter belt. The statement is about how the planning system should continue to be used to ensure the correct balance is maintained, conserving those things which make the Cotswolds distinctive

1.5.5 The statement was adopted in March 2007 and revised in June 2013.

District Planning Policy

1.5.6 The Local Plan for Stroud District was adopted in November 2015 and provides a positive planning policy framework up to the year 2031. The adopted Local Plan replaces the 2005 Local Plan6. Stroud District Council (SDC) is currently in the process of reviewing the adopted Local Plan for Stroud District. The first stage of the review process began with an Issues and Options consultation which was undertaken in Autumn 20177.

1.5.7 Boxes 3-4 contain relevant policies from the adopted Local Plan (2015) since they are of relevance to landscape character and visual considerations. This LVIA has been prepared with these policies in mind.

Box 2: Core Policy CP8 – New Housing Development New housing development must be well designed to address local housing needs, incorporating a range of different types, tenures and sizes of housing, to create mixed communities. New developments should take account of the District's housing needs, as set out in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment.

6 Stroud District Council (2018) Stroud District Local Plan. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/stroud-district-local-plan 7 Stroud District Council (2018) Stroud District Local Plan review. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/stroud-district-local-plan-review

Residential development proposals will need to: 1. Be built at an appropriate density that is acceptable in townscape, local environment, character and amenity terms 2. Have a layout that supports accessibility by bus, bicycle and foot to shopping and employment opportunities, key services and community facilities or contribute towards provision of new sustainable transport infrastructure to serve the area 3. Have a layout, access, parking, landscaping and community facilities that are appropriate to the site and its surroundings 4. Use sustainable construction techniques and provide renewable or low carbon energy sources in association with the proposed development and 5. Enable provision of infrastructure in ways consistent with cutting greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change and its consequences. Major residential development proposals will be expected to enhance biodiversity on site and, where appropriate, through a network of multifunctional green spaces, which support the natural and ecological processes

Box 3: Delivery Policy ES7 – Landscape Character

Within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or on land that may affect its setting, priority will be given to the conservation and enhancement of the natural and scenic beauty of the landscape whilst taking account of the biodiversity interest and the historic and cultural heritage. Major development will not be permitted unless it is demonstrated to be in the national interest and that there is a lack of alternative sustainable development sites. In all locations development proposals should conserve or enhance the special features and diversity of the different landscape character types found within the District. Priority will be given to the protection of the quality and diversity of the landscape character. Development will only be permitted if all the following criteria are met: 1. The location, materials, scale and use are sympathetic and complement the landscape character; and 2. Natural features including trees, hedgerows and water features that contribute to the landscape character and setting of the development should be both retained and managed appropriately in the future. Opportunities for appropriate landscaping will be sought alongside all new development, such that landscape type key characteristics are strengthened. The Stroud District Landscape Assessment will be used when determining applications for development within rural areas.

Box 4: Delivery Policy ES8 – Trees, hedgerows and woodlands

Development should seek where appropriate to enhance and expand the District’s tree and woodland resource. Development that would result in the unacceptable loss of, or damage to, or threaten the continued well-being of protected trees, hedgerows, community orchards, veteran trees or woodland (including those that are not protected but are considered to be worthy of protection) will not be permitted.

Where the loss of trees is considered acceptable, adequate replacement provision will be required that utilise species that are in sympathy with the character of the existing tree species in the locality and the site.

1.6 Document structure

1.6.1 The remainder of this report includes the following sections:

• Section 2 (Assessment Methodology) sets out the way in which the landscape and visual assessments were undertaken. This includes a guide to the determination of significance assessed. • Section 3 (Baseline: Landscape Character) provides a description of the existing landscape elements that affect the character of the Site and surrounding landscape. The data is obtained via field observation as well as published landscape character assessments. The baseline outlines the landscape character studies that are relevant to the Site and locality. It also considers landscape designations within the study area. • Section 4 (Baseline: Visual Receptors) provides a description of visual receptors that are known to be present in the Study area. This includes recognition of prominent viewing locations. Viewpoint selection is presented in this section. • Section 5 (Assessment of Landscape Effects) uses the landscape character area profiles, which form part of the baseline, to analyse the effects on landscape character. • Section 6 (Assessment of Visual Effects) uses the photographic studies, which form part of the LVIA, to analyse the effects on people and the extent of visibility of potential development. This section includes cumulative impact assessment findings. • Section 7 (Landscape Mitigation and Enhancement) provides suggestions for any proposed landscaping recommended for achieving landscape and visual mitigation for potential development • Section 8 (Residual Effects) provides a conclusion about the overall landscape and visual effects of potential development.

2.1 LVIA Process

2.1.1 This LVIA report was written following the guidance and advice of the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, as available in the GLVIA8.

2.1.2 The process follows a standardised and prescriptive approach. It includes an assessment of impacts on landscape character and key receptors affecting visualisation of the Site.

2.1.3 The following stages have been prepared:

2.2 Description (Section 1)

• General description of the Site, including settlement and infrastructure, access, land use and landform; and • Planning Policy context.

2.3 Baseline studies (Sections 3 and 4)

• Interpretation of existing landscape character at national, county and local level; • Recognition of any protected landscapes of designated features; • Identification of existing landscape value; • Identification of existing landscape policy; • Identification of visual receptors; and • Identification of representative viewpoint locations.

2.4 Impact Assessment (Sections 5 and 6)

• Creation of a visual envelope for the stone extraction operation; • Assessment of effects on landscape character; • Assessment of effects on visual receptors; and

8 Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Third Edition) Abingdon: Routledge

• Cumulative Impact Assessment.

2.5 Mitigation (Section 7)

• Recommendations and requirements for landscape mitigation and enhancement.

2.6 Discussions with Horsley Parish Council

2.6.1 Lepus Consulting contacted Horsley Parish Council with a request to comment on viewpoint locations. The viewpoint locations map was circulated around the NDP Steering Group and to the Horsley Parish Councillors. Two additional viewpoints were suggested (VP13 and VP14 see Appendix A).

2.7 Baseline and viewpoints

2.7.1 The LVIA has considered the baseline conditions that include the existing situation both within the Site, and its locality, together with the sources of impact that could arise as a consequence of the proposed stone extraction.

2.7.2 The baseline information for landscape character is presented in Section 3 and baseline for visual receptors is in Section 4.

2.7.3 A total of 15 viewpoints considered to be potentially representative, specific or illustrative in terms of a variety of receptors were explored and have been included in this LVIA.

2.7.4 The viewpoints have been used to inform the analysis of current visibility, describing the effects of the proposed scheme on visual receptors and providing a greater understanding of the effects and visual consequences of the stone extraction site across the defined area of visibility. Impacts are defined by reviewing whether the proposed scheme has no impact, or if consequences of the change produce a positive or adverse effect.

2.7.5 By understanding the components and aspects of the visual amenity, which includes a range of visual receptors (all of which are people) it was then possible to review visual effects.

2.7.6 Seasonal variation is recorded where appropriate in the assessment findings. All survey work to collect photographic evidence for this LVIA was collected in March 2018 with limited foliage present.

2.7.7 Viewpoint locations are illustrated on drawing number LC-360_VP_1 (see Appendix A). The photographs available in Appendix B and C demonstrate the visual context.

2.7.8 Appendix B presents viewpoints according to panoramas, to provide visual context. Appendix C presents viewpoints in A3 resolution. Images in A3 resolution are considered to reflect an accurate field of view for the human eye. A viewing distance of 300 to 500mm is recommended.

2.8 Significance criteria

2.8.1 The process of LVIA is known as impact assessment, and the emphasis is on the identification of likely significant environmental effects. This should include effects that are positive/beneficial and negative/adverse, direct and indirect, long and short term, as well as cumulative effects (LI/IEMA, 2013).

2.8.2 The nature of effect of any proposed development may be negative (adverse) or positive (beneficial); direct, indirect, secondary or cumulative and be either permanent or temporary (short, medium or long term). Effects may also arise at different scales (local, regional or national) and have different levels of significance (local, regional or national).

2.8.3 The assessment is based on identifying elements of potential development that are likely to have a significant effect. Adverse effects of potential development are deemed to occur if the potential development remains an intrusive feature within an identified view. Positive effects are deemed to occur if there is a reduction in adverse visibility compared to the current situation.

2.8.4 The assessment considers landscape and visual effects for potential development whilst cumulative effects are assessed in combination with other development of a similar nature in the vicinity of the Site.

2.8.5 Landscape effects: Landscape effects derive from changes in the physical landscape, which may give rise to changes in the character and quality of the landscape. These can include direct effects on specific landscape elements (such as loss of woodland or important hedgerows) or wider effects on landscape character and designated landscape areas.

2.8.6 Visual effects: Visual effects relate to specific changes that arise in the character of views and the effects of these changes on visual receptors (such as users of roads or Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and residents). Visual effects are also considered against the setting of features of cultural heritage, including scheduled monuments, listed buildings and conservation areas.

2.8.7 Cumulative effects are defined as ‘the additional changes caused by a proposed development in conjunction with other similar developments or as the combined effect of a set of developments, taken together’9.

2.8.8 Assessment of effects is prepared for 1 year after potential development and later at year 15. Some mitigation measures, in particular planting schemes, are not immediately effective. The GLVIA advises that where planting is intended to provide a visual screen that it is appropriate to assess the effects for different periods of time to better demonstrate the contribution made by such measures. Assessment results for year 1 and year 15 are presented in Table 8.1 and Table 8.2.

2.8.9 The significance criteria, against which the effects of potential development at the Site are assessed, are summarised below and explained in terms of the sensitivity of receptors and magnitude of impact.

2.9 Sensitivity

2.9.1 Sensitivity refers to the wide array of factors that determine the nature of the receptor (landscape or visual) likely to be affected. The nature of the landscape or visual receptor’s sensitivity should be assessed by combining judgements about its susceptibility to the type of change arising from the specific proposal with judgements about the value attached to the receptor.

9 Scottish Natural Heritage (2012) Assessing the Cumulative Impact of onshore wind energy development. Quoted in GLVIA 3 (2014), p.120.

2.9.2 Sensitivity predicts the degree to which an area can accommodate change without detrimental effects on its character and the degree to which individual receptors will be affected by the change. Sensitivity varies between receptor types, for example, views from PRoW would normally be more sensitive to change than views from roads, given the relative speed at which the observer moves. Factors affecting the sensitivity of the receptors to landscape changes and visual impacts include:

• Quality of landscape character/resources; • Importance and rarity of special landscape elements; • Ability of the landscape to accommodate change; • Significance of the change in local/regional context; • Value and quality of existing views; • Availability and amenity of alternative views; • Type and estimated number of receptors/population; • Duration and frequency of view; and • Degree of visibility.

2.9.3 Table 2.1 presents a guide to the way in which this LVIA document values landscape sensitivity.

Table 2.1: Landscape character sensitivity criteria

Sensitivity Typical criteria

Key characteristic(s) of the landscape are very vulnerable and could be adversely impacted by the development; or areas of very strong positive High character that are highly valued by virtue of their scenic quality. The quality of such landscapes is often recognised through protective designations such as National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Areas that exhibit positive character but may have some evidence of alteration to/ degradation of/ erosion of features resulting in areas of more Medium mixed character. Can also apply to areas with evidence of degraded character that remain valued by local communities.

Key characteristic(s) of landscape very robust and will not be adversely impacted by development; or areas that have been subject to substantial Low alteration, degradation, or erosion of features resulting in generally negative character. Scope for positive enhancement frequently occurs. Most views unlikely to be adversely affected by level of change.

Landscape is undesignated and lacks distinctive visual receptors or Negligible landscape features of note. Capacity for change is strong.

No loss or alteration to key elements/features/ characteristics of the baseline landscape. Introduction of elements characteristic with the No effect surrounding landscape or view – approximating to the ‘no change’ situation.

2.9.4 Table 2.2 presents a guide to the way this LVIA document values landscape sensitivity.

Table 2.2: Visual receptor sensitivity criteria

Sensitivity Typical criteria

Highly sensitive receptors include people spending time pursing outdoor recreation associated with enjoying the landscape as part of their recreational experience. They include walkers, horse riders and cyclists. High Other receptors in this category include residents at home, visitors to heritage assets, or other attractions where the views of surroundings provide an important contribution to the experience.

GLVIA suggests that drivers and other road users in vehicles are considered Medium as medium level visual receptors.

Receptors in this category include people engaged in outdoor sport, which Low does not depend or involve appreciation of the views of landscape. It also includes people at their place of work where the setting in not important to the quality of the working life.

2.10 Magnitude

2.10.1 Magnitude refers to the nature of the change likely to be affected by potential development. The magnitude of a predicted effect should be determined by combining judgements about matters such as scale and size of the change, the geographical extent of the area over which it will occur, the reversibility of change; and whether it is a short or long term change. Factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing landscape and visual impacts include:

• Compatibility of the project with surrounding landscape; • Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases; • Scale of development; • Reversibility of change; • Viewing distance; and • Potential blockage of view.

2.10.2 Table 2.3 presents a guide to the way in which this LVIA document determines magnitude of change.

Table 2.3: Magnitude of impact criteria for landscape character and visual receptors

Magnitude of Typical criteria impact

Total loss of or major alteration to key elements/features/ characteristics of the baseline i.e. pre-development landscape or view and/or introduction of High elements considered to be totally uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape or view.

Partial loss of or alteration to one or more key elements/features/ characteristics of the baseline landscape or view and /or introduction of Medium elements that may be prominent but may not necessarily be considered to be substantially uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape or view.

Minor loss or alteration to one or more key elements/features/ Low characteristics of the baseline landscape. Introduction of elements that are generally characteristic with the surrounding landscape or view.

Very minor loss or alteration to one or more key elements/features/ characteristics of the baseline landscape. Introduction of elements Negligible characteristic with the surrounding landscape or view – approximating to the ‘no change’ situation.

No loss or alteration to key elements/features/characteristics of the baseline No effect landscape. Introduction of elements characteristic with the surrounding landscape or view – approximating to the ‘no change’ situation.

2.11 Significance

2.11.1 By combining the assessment of sensitivity and magnitude is it possible to predict the significance of the impact. Impact can be categorised as negligible, minor, moderate, major or severe/superior. The landscape and visual effect analysed can be either beneficial or adverse depending on the nature of the development and the design and mitigation measures proposed.

2.11.2 Table 2.4 presents the guide to significance terms for landscape character and visual receptors.

Table 2.4: Guide to significance terms for landscape character and visual receptors

Significance Definition

A proposed scheme would result in effects that: • are at a complete variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape; Severe adverse • would permanently degrade, diminish or destroy the integrity of valued characteristic features, elements and/or their setting; • would cause a very high quality landscape to be permanently changed and its quality diminished.

A proposed scheme would result in effects that: • cannot be fully mitigated and may cumulatively amount to a severe Major adverse adverse effect; • are at a considerable variance to the landscape degrading the integrity of the landscape; • will be substantially damaging to a high quality landscape.

A proposed scheme would:

Moderate adverse • be out of scale with the landscape or at odds with the local pattern and landform; • leave an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality.

A proposed scheme would: Minor adverse • not quite fit into the landform and scale of the landscape; • affect an area of recognised landscape character.

A proposed scheme would: Negligible • complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; • maintain existing landscape quality.

A proposed scheme has the potential to: • improve the landscape quality and character; Minor beneficial • fit in with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; • enable the restoration of valued characteristic features partially lost through other land uses.

A proposed scheme would: Moderate beneficial • fit very well with the landscape character; • improve the quality of the landscape through removal of damage caused by existing land uses.

A proposed scheme would:

Major beneficial • enhance and redefine the landscape character in a positive manner; • repair or restore landscape badly damaged or degraded through previous uses.

A proposed scheme would: Superior beneficial • enhance and redefine the landscape character in a positive manner, making a contribution at a national or international scale.

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 The landscape setting represents the existing situation within the Site and the surrounding area. The description is formed from the features observed locally on Site and also from wider patterns apparent from a desktop review of character studies and aerial photography. This, combined with other elements, may have a greater or lesser effect on the visual and landscape character of the area.

3.1.2 It should be noted that the description of certain features, properties or any other observation is made at this stage without acknowledging any consequential landscape or visual effect. Further description of the principal area of visibility and affected viewpoints is provided in Section 5.

3.2 Landform

3.2.1 The topography of the immediate Site setting rises from north west to south east between c. 155m AOD and c. 165m AOD. The topography of the wider area rises to the west and falls into a river valley to the north, east and south.

3.3 Landscape Character Assessment

3.3.1 The different individual components of a landscape set one area apart from those adjacent to it and make its character unique to the people who live in or visit the area. Recognition of this character variation requires an understanding of the influences that give different areas a unique 'sense of place'.

3.3.2 Landscape Character Assessment is a process of characterising a landscape and of informing decision makers when considering effects on landscape character. Natural England guidance on landscape character assessment was published in 2014, “An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment”10.

10 Natural England (2014) An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396192/landscape-character-assessment.pdf

3.3.3 This section reviews existing landscape character assessments that relate to the Site and the locality.

3.3.4 For the purposes of this study, especially at a desktop review stage, a general distance of 3km from the Site was taken as being an appropriate scale (coverage) of assessment. The extent of potential visibility, is in reality, much less than the 3km from the Site.

3.4 Relevant landscape character assessments

National level

3.4.1 At a national level, landscape character assessment has been defined by the assessment work of Natural England, which has divided England into areas of similar landscape character called National Character Areas (NCAs)11.

3.4.2 The Site is located within the Cotswolds NCA (No. 107)12. A description of this NCA is as follows:

“The Cotswolds form the best-known section of the predominantly oolitic Jurassic Limestone belt that stretches from the Dorset coast to Lincolnshire. The dominant pattern of the Cotswold landscape is of a steep scarp crowned by a high, open wold; the beginning of a long and rolling dip slope cut by a series of increasingly wooded valleys. The scarp provides a backdrop to the major settlements of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Bath and provides expansive views across the Severn and Avon Vales to the west. Smaller towns and villages nestle at the scarp foot, in the valley bottoms and on the gentler valley sides at springlines. Scattered hamlets and isolated farmsteads are found on the higher ground. The limestone creates a strong sense of place and unity which carries through to the buildings and walls which have been built using local limestone for centuries. The distinctive character of the area is reflected in its designation as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with sixty five percent of the NCA being covered by this designation.”

3.4.3 Key characteristics of this NCA include:

• Defined by its underlying geology: a dramatic limestone scarp rising above adjacent lowlands with steep combes, and outliers illustrating the slow erosion of escarpments. The limestone geology has formed the scarp and

11 Natural England (2014) National Character Areas – defining England’s natural boundaries. Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx 12 Natural England (2013) NCA Profile:107. Cotswolds (NE420). Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5900626?category=587130

dip slope of the landscape, which in turn has influenced drainage, soils, vegetation, land use and settlement. • Open and expansive scarp and high wold dipping gently to the southeast, dissected by river valleys. • Arable farming dominates the high wold and dip slope while permanent pasture prevails on the steep slopes of the scarp and river valleys with pockets of internationally important limestone grassland. • Drystone walls define the pattern of fields of the high wold and dip slope. On the deeper soils and river valleys, hedgerows form the main field boundaries. • Ancient beech hangers line stretches of the upper slopes of the scarp, while oak/ash woodlands are characteristic of the river valleys. Regular blocks of coniferous and mixed plantations are scattered across the open high wold and dip slope. • Large areas of common land, important for unimproved calcareous grassland, are characteristic of the scarp and high wold around the Stroud valleys and along the crest of the scarp to Cleeve Hill. • The majority of the principal rivers flow south-eastwards forming the headwaters of the Thames with the exception of rivers in the west which flow into the River Avon and then the Severn Estuary13.

3.4.4 The Cotswolds NCA is covered by 31,831 ha of woodland (11% of the total area), of which 10,348 ha (33%) is ancient woodland14. Key facts and data of the Cotswolds NCA are presented in Appendix G.

The Cotswolds AONB

3.4.5 The Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004) provides profile information regarding key characteristics, landscape character, physical influences and human influences. This LCA divides the Cotswolds into 19 Landscape Character Types (LCTs) which are subdivided into 68 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs).

13 Natural England (2013) NCA Profile:107. Cotswolds (NE420). Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5900626?category=587130 14 Natural England (2013) NCA Profile:107. Cotswolds (NE420). Accessed on 15/03/18. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5900626?category=587130

3.4.6 The Site is located within the Nailsworth LCA (No. 5A). This LCA is located within the Settled Valley LCT (No. 5). The full text for the relevant LCT and LCA have been reproduced in Appendix H. Key characteristics of the Settled Valley LCT are as follows:

• Steep sided, concave narrow valleys with upper sections forming an abrupt break of slope with the High Wold and High Wold Dip-Slope; • strong sense of enclosure; • predominantly pastoral land use with scattered areas of arable land enclosed by a network of hedgerow boundaries; • relatively well wooded with deciduous species predominating, with a large proportion of ancient woodland; • stonewalls are common features within the valley bottom, particularly surrounding settlements; • sequence of settlements along the valley bottoms and sides resulting in a settled character; • close proximity of large urban areas beyond the AONB boundary; • strong evidence of industrial past from communications infrastructure and mill development confined primarily to valley floors; • areas of development dominate the valley floor and sides with significant urban influence from surrounding settlements; • extensive road network within the majority of valleys connecting settlements and areas within the valleys to the High Wold; and • isolated and deeply rural character in remoter tributary valleys.

3.4.7 A description of the Nailsworth LCA is as follows:

“This is the largest of the Character Areas within the Settled Valleys Landscape Type, located to the south of Stroud and centred around the settlement of Nailsworth, located outside the AONB boundary. Four small tributary valleys adjoin the main valley around Nailsworth, which then flow into the River Frome at Stroud.

The valley slopes are dominated by pastoral land with only scattered areas under arable production. Fields are enclosed mainly by hedgerow boundaries, although stone walls become frequent features around settlements on the valley floor. Woodland within the valleys is extensive, particularly in smaller tributary valleys and consists mainly of ancient deciduous species, although large areas of coniferous plantation can be found within Woodchester Park, an area owned by the National Trust.

District level

3.4.8 Stroud District Landscape Assessment was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in the year 2000. This document divides Stroud District into 12 LCTs. Each LCT provides profile information regarding key characteristics, key priorities for action, landform and context, land use and landscape pattern, settlement and vernacular character, human response and sensitivity to change. The Site is located within the Secluded Valleys LT (No. 3). The full text from this LCT is presented in Appendix I. The key characteristics from this Landscape Assessment are as follows:

• Enclosed, secluded character. • Steep sides, concave narrow valley form; steeper upper slopes forming abrupt break of slope with Wold Tops landscape. • Complex interlocking valley/ridge forms in some areas. • Extensive bands of deciduous ancient woodland along valley rims. • Tall hedges forming enclosure within the valleys with many hedgerow trees. • Predominantly pastureland. • Field size varies relative to degree of slope; more open character where valleys join and broaden out. • Scrub and unimproved grassland on steep and broken slopes. • Fast flowing streams draining to River Severn and tributaries. • Dry stone walls on higher land. • Settlement: larger settlements at valley mouth and junctions on flatter land; smaller settlements, e.g. cottages and mills along valley bottoms and along upper valley rims.

3.5 Landscape receptors

3.5.1 The following landscape receptors are located in the LVIA area of search. All distances have been measured from the centre of the Site unless stated otherwise.

Cotswolds AONB

3.5.2 A description of the Cotswolds AONB as taken from the Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004) is as follows:

“The Cotswolds was designated as an AONB in 1966, in recognition of its special landscape character. The outstanding natural beauty of the area is derived from its

remarkable visual unity, and yet scenic diversity. The unifying factor is, of course, the underlying geology.

The Cotswolds form the best-known section of the extensive belt of Jurassic Limestone that stretches across England from Lyme Bay in Dorset to the North Sea, in North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It is in the Cotswolds in particular, however, that the surface expression of the Jurassic Limestone is so well represented. Not only has it determined the structure of the dramatic landform, but has also strongly influenced the pattern of man’s progressive occupation of the land, and the form and appearance of settlements and buildings, and the unique vernacular architecture.

The Cotswolds landscape has long been perceived as a rural idyll. Many of the features associated with this cherished landscape evoke strong images, particularly the dramatic escarpment and expansive high wolds, the network of limestone walls, beech woods clothing the escarpment, and secluded valleys and valley bottom meadows. The built environment is also very evocative ranging from the charm of the many picturesque villages and historic small towns to the individual houses, churches and mansions, and historic landscaped parks. Together these create a strong perception of harmony throughout the area. Despite this unifying pattern of common elements, however, a great variety of landscapes can be observed, each displaying distinctive patterns of landform, vegetation, and landscape elements.”

Settlement

3.5.3 The Site is located adjacent to the south of the B4058 road to the west of the centre of Horsley, a village and civil parish. The Site is located approximately 2.2km to the south west of the town centre of Nailsworth and approximately 7.2km to the south of the town centre of Stroud.

3.5.4 Despite the presence of residential properties adjacent to the northern side of the B4058 road, the Site is considered to form a gap between the village of Horsley to the east and the hamlet of Nupend to the west. Potential development at this location will lead to further coalescence of these two settlements. A map showing the location of the hamlets within the parish of Horsley is presented in Appendix M.

Public Rights of Way

3.5.5 No PRoW cross through the Site. The Site has informally had a path crossing through it near the junction of Hollingham Lane to join the playing fields and Boscombe Lane. This has been used as a valuable informal link for many residents over the years.

3.5.6 The wider area contains high numbers of PRoW. Footpaths in close proximity to the Site include: A footpath is located c. 140m to the south of the Site at its closest point and crosses from east to west connecting the recreation ground with Boscombe Lane. A bridleway is located c. 250m to the south of the Site at its closest point and crosses through an area of Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland named ‘Sandgrove’. A footpath is located c. 260m to the south of the Site at its closest point and runs from east to west connecting the bridleway in Sandgrove Wood with a footpath junction adjacent to the south of Chambers Grove. Another footpath is located c. 260m to the south of the Site at its closest point and connects the bridleway in Sandgrove Wood with a footpath junction near an ancient burial mount (named ‘Tumulus’ on OS map) to the north of Kingscote Wood. A footpath runs north from the northern side of ‘The Street’ opposite the north eastern corner of the Site and runs north towards Downend.

3.6 Designated features

Listed Buildings

3.6.1 Numerous Listed Buildings are located within close proximity of the Site. A former detached house which is now a row of 4 houses are designated as a Grade II Listed Building named ‘Park View Cottages’ on the northern side of ‘The Street’ near the north western corner of the Site15. Two Listed Buildings are located to the west of the Site adjacent to the west of Boscombe Lane, these are: ‘Nupend Farmhouse’ (Grade II) and ‘barn immediately south west of Nupend Farmhouse’ (Grade II). A cluster of Listed Buildings are also located at the eastern extent of ‘The Street’, these are: entrance gateway to churchyard of Church of St Martin (Grade II), Village Cross (Grade II) and K6 telephone kiosk (Grade II). A cluster of Listed Buildings are located at St Martin’s Parish Church. These are the following:

• Elizabeth Harvey monument in the churchyard approximately 1m south of nave to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Group of 2 monuments in the churchyard approximately 8m south of south transept to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Unidentified monument in the churchyard approximately 20m south of south transept to Church of St Martin (Grade II*).

15 Historic England (2018) Search the list. Park View Cottages. Accessed on 19/03/18. Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1091138

• Unidentified monument in the churchyard approximately 5m south east of chancel to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Unidentified monument in the churchyard approximately 5m south of nave to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Group of 3 monuments in the churchyard immediately south east of south transept to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Unidentified monument in the churchyard approximately 8 metres south of nave to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Group of 2 monuments in the churchyard approximately 10m east of chancel of St Martin (Grade II*). • Church of St Martin (Grade II*). • John woodland monument in the churchyard approximately 10m south of nave to Church of St Martin (Grade II). • Lord family monument in the churchyard approximately 5m south west of south transept to Church of St Martin (Grade II)16.

Site of Special Scientific Interest

3.6.2 Kingscote and Horsley Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located c. 360m to the south of the Site at its closest point. This SSSI comprises an area of 43.79 ha. Reasons for notification of this SSSI are as follows:

“The site represents a good example of an ancient beech dominated woodland complex typical of the Jurassic limestone of the western part of the Cotswolds.

Horsley, Kingscote and Sandgrove woods are all similar, being dominated by beech Fagus sylvatica of various ages, with some ash Fraxinus excelsior, and with oak Quercus robur in Sandgrove. The understorey consists largely of hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with beech, ash and wych elm Ulmus glabra regrowth. The ground flora contains abundant bluebell Endymion non- scriptus, dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis, anemone Anemone nemorosa and some dense patches of ramsons Allium ursinum.”17

16 Historic England (2018) Search the List. Horsley. Accessed on 19/03/18. Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/results?searchtype=nhleadvanced 17 Kingscote and Horsley Woods SSSI (no date) Kingscote and Horsley Woods SSSI. Accessed on 19/03/18. Available at: https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1001720

Conservation Area

3.6.3 No Conservation Areas are located within the village of Horsley. The nearest Conservation Area to the Site is located in the town of Nailsworth which is located c. 1.7km to the north east.

Character on Site

3.6.4 Whilst appreciation of character is best made in the context of published Landscape Character Assessments, it is worth including a description of landscape character on Site.

3.6.5 The Site generally conforms to the wider characteristics of the Settled Valley LCT and Nailsworth LCA (Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004)) and the Secluded Valleys LT (Stroud District Landscape Assessment (2000)).

Figure 3.1: What is landscape?18

18 Natural England (2014) An approach to landscape character assessment. Accessed on 29/03/18. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396192/landscape-character-assessment.pdf

3.6.6 Based on the components in Figure 3.1, the following text provides a description of landscape character at and around the Site.

3.7 Natural factors

3.7.1 The Site comprises an area of pasture located on a north easterly facing slope. The eastern boundary is lined with broadleaved trees. A scattering of trees are located within the Site including a line of trees that cross through the Site centre. Occasional broadleaved trees are located along the southern, western and northern boundaries. A small area of rushes are present in the north eastern part of the Site.

3.8 Cultural and social factors

3.8.1 The northern Site boundary is located adjacent to the B4058 road. The village of Horsley surrounds the Site to the north and east. The cemetery of St Martin’s Church is located adjacent to the eastern Site boundary. Telegraph poles and overhead wires cross through the southern part of the Site.

3.9 Perceptual & aesthetic factors

3.9.1 The colour of the pasture at the Site during the time of the assessment was shaded with a mixture of muted green tones.

3.9.2 Noise disturbances at the Site are minimal. The sound of intermittent passing vehicles can be heard along the B4058. Vehicles can be faintly heard on the A46 road to the east.

4.1 Viewpoint selection and descriptions

4.1.1 The viewpoint locations are chosen to demonstrate the range of visibility to the Site. The viewpoints help interpret both the visual and landscape consequences of potential development. Viewpoints are selected to illustrate worst-case scenarios. The offer a range of views taking in several different aspects around the area of search.

4.1.2 For each illustrated photograph, a panoramic view is illustrated using a focal lens of 50mm; viewing distances are recommended at 300 - 500mm this best equates to the depth of field of a human eye. All pictures have been taken at an eye level of approximately 150cm.

4.1.3 Not all viewpoints offer guaranteed views of the Site.

4.1.4 Appendix A provides details of the viewpoint locations.

4.1.5 All viewpoint photographs can be found in Appendix B and C.

4.1.6 Subsequent sections (see Chapter 6 and Appendix L) assess the effects of potential development from each of the viewpoints.

4.2 Visual receptors

Residential receptors

4.2.1 GLVIA suggests that residential receptors are classified as being highly sensitive to changes in the landscape.

4.2.2 Of the residential receptors, the Site is most clearly visible from properties located along the northern side of the B4058 road to the north of the Site. Views into the Site from these residential properties are exposed due the limited vegetation cover along the northern Site boundary.

4.2.3 The Site is also visible from residential properties located to the west of the Site at Nupend, particularly from houses on the southern side of the B4058 road and east of Boscombe Lane. This is due to the elevated topography at this location.

4.2.4 Residential properties at the far southern extent of Priory Fields may experience filtered views into the Site during the winter months when foliage cover is reduced on the broadleaved trees which are located along the western extent of the recreation ground.

Outdoor recreational receptors

4.2.5 GLVIA suggests that outdoor recreational receptors are classified as being highly sensitive to changes in the landscape, especially those associated with enjoying the landscape as part of their recreational experience. Outdoor recreational receptors include cyclists, horse riders and walkers.

4.2.6 There are plentiful access routes across the area, particularly to the south of the Site.

Road users

4.2.7 GLVIA suggests that drivers and other road users in motor vehicles are considered as medium level visual receptors. Visual receptors in the road traveller category are those people using the road for vehicular access.

4.2.8 The Site is visible from the B4058 road which runs adjacent to the northern Site boundary.

Places of work

4.2.9 GLVIA suggests that places of work are generally low level sensitivity visual receptors.

4.2.10 Horsley Community Shop and Horsley Primary School may experience filtered views into the Site during the winter months when foliage cover is reduced.

5.1 Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment

5.1.1 The Site is located within the Settled Valley LCT (No. 5). This is derived from the Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004).

Impacts on Settled Valley LCT

5.1.2 The Cotswolds AONB Landscape Strategy and Guidelines19 for the Settled Valley LCT (see Appendix J) includes a description of landscape sensitivity:

“The settled valleys are under particular pressure from the outward expansion of existing urban areas onto the steep, highly visible valley sides. Such development would detract from the characteristic wooded, rural backdrop of valley towns and their typical linear form. The valleys are also sensitive to the coalescence of settlements along the valley floor, resulting in the loss of their distinctive identity. Despite the close proximity of large urban areas, some valleys retain an isolated rural character. The remoter sections of these valleys are highly sensitive to change that would compromise their intrinsic secluded character.”

5.2 Stroud Landscape Assessment

5.2.1 The Site is located within the Secluded Valleys LCT (No. 3). This is derived from the Stroud Landscape Assessment (2000).

Impacts on Secluded Valleys LCT

5.2.2 Key priorities for action taken from the Stroud Landscape Assessment (2000) are as follows:

• Ensure that careful and stringent planning controls on the siting and design of new development are provided to maintain the character of this landscape type and to protect the AONB landscape. • Encourage the uptake of grants and other support schemes to maintain traditional land management in the rural valleys. • Encourage the continued protection of important wildlife habitats.

19 Cotswolds AONB (2016) Cotswolds AONB Landscape Strategy and Guidelines. Accessed on 19/03/18. Available at: https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/our-landscape/landscape-strategy-guidelines/

• Conserve and restore important cultural features such as old mill buildings and protect old quarry sites which form distinctive local features where they have revegetated and become important local sites of nature conservation. • Protect remnant pastures and small woodlands both on the valley sides and valley floor within the more urban pressured areas.

5.3 Landscape Character Impact Assessment

5.3.1 Drawing on the information presented in the Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2004), the Stroud Landscape Assessment (2000) and fieldwork conducted to inform this LVIA, the character of the Site is in keeping with the Settled Valleys LCT (Cotswolds AONB) and Secluded Valleys LCT (Stroud). This is due to the land cover at the Site comprising entirely of pasture and containing broadleaved trees (see Section 3.8). For this reason and due to the Site being located within the Cotswolds AONB, the sensitivity of the Site can be described as high (see Table 2.1).

5.3.2 The magnitude of impact on character associated with development is medium/high (see Table 2.3). The is due to the location of the Site in close proximity to existing built form within the village of Horsley.

5.3.3 Residual effects on landscape character in the first year after development will be major/severe adverse with no change after 15 years (see Table 2.4).

5.3.4 Mitigation is discussed in Section 7 with residual effects of the scheme discussed further in Section 8.

5.3.5 A table breaking down the assessment of effects on landscape character in more detail is presented in Appendix K.

6.1 Impacts prior to mitigation

6.1.1 The section provides information about the likely impact of development from the 15 viewpoints presented in Appendix A. All impact findings are presented in accordance with the methodology in Section 2.

6.2 Assessment of visual effects

6.2.1 See Appendix B and C for viewpoint photographs.

6.3 Viewpoint 1: Hollingham Lane and B4058 road junction

6.3.1 Viewpoint 1 is located at the road junction between the B4058 and the far southern extent of Hollingham Lane. This viewpoint is located adjacent to the north western corner of the Site. A banked grass verge rises sharply to metal estate fencing which defines the northern Site boundary. An ivy- covered tree is located within the northern Site boundary and partially obscures views form this location. Whilst views from this location are generally unobstructed and unfiltered, the full extent of the Site is not clearly visible as views of the southern and eastern parts of the Site are obscured by the topography which falls to the south east. Nearby residents, walkers and road users will experience views into the Site from this location.

6.3.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since the view represents views for local residents. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be high. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that will obscure views of countryside to the south.

6.3.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 1 at the end of year one is considered to be major adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to moderate adverse effects at year 15.

6.4 Viewpoint 2: B4058 road

6.4.1 Viewpoint 2 is located adjacent to the centre of the northern boundary at the B4058 road. This viewpoint has been split into two separate images (2a and 2b) for presentation purposes to demonstrate the full extent of visibility (see Appendix A). A banked grass verge rises sharply to metal estate fencing which defines the northern Site boundary. Whilst views from this location are generally unobstructed and unfiltered, the full extent of the Site is not clearly visible as views of the southern and eastern parts of the Site are obscured by the topography which falls to the south east. Nearby residents, walkers and road users will experience views into the Site from this location.

6.4.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since the view represents views for local residents. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be high. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that will obscure views of countryside to the south.

6.4.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 2 at the end of year one is considered to be major adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to moderate adverse effects at year 15.

6.5 Viewpoint 3: The Street

6.5.1 Viewpoint 3 is located at the far western extent of The Street. This viewpoint is located adjacent to the north eastern corner of the Site. A banked grass verge rises sharply to metal estate fencing which defines the northern Site boundary. Whilst views from this location are generally unobstructed and unfiltered, the full extent of the Site is not clearly visible as views of the southern and eastern parts of the Site are obscured by the topography which falls to the south east. Nearby residents, walkers and road users will experience views into the Site from this location.

6.5.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since the view represents views for local residents. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be high. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that will obscure views of countryside to the south.

6.5.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 3 at the end of year one is considered to be major adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to moderate adverse effects at year 15.

6.6 Viewpoint 4: Cemetery of St Martin’s Church

6.6.1 Viewpoint 4 is located at the far western extent of the cemetery of St Martin’s Church (Grade II* Listed Building). This viewpoint is located adjacent to the eastern Site boundary. Views from this location look west across the northern and western part of the Site towards residential properties along the B4058 road. Southern parts of the Site are obscured by vegetation. Views of the landscape contribute to the appeal of this location for visitors and contributes to the its tranquil nature. This location represents views for people taking in the view from the church cemetery as well as walkers choosing to explore the church environs.

6.6.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be high. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting and the presence of the Grade II* Listed St Martins church.

6.6.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 4 at the end of year one is considered to be major adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to moderate adverse effects at year 15.

6.7 Viewpoint 5: Recreation ground

6.7.1 Viewpoint 5 is located at a footpath that crosses through the recreation ground. Views into the Site from this location are partially obscured by broadleaved trees that are located along the north western boundary of the recreation ground. Views from the windows of the residential properties at Priory Fields experience a similar view of the Site from this general location as they look across the recreation ground towards the Site. Views into the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. Nearby residents at Priory Fields, walkers and people engaged in outdoor sport will experience views into the Site from this location.

6.7.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since this location represents views for local residents and walkers enjoying open air recreation. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting beyond a band of vegetation that filters views.

6.7.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 5 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.8 Viewpoint 6: Footpath south of Site

6.8.1 Viewpoint 6 is located at a footpath to the south of the Site. Due to the rising topography, views looking north into the northern parts of the Site are obscured. Vegetation located along the southern boundary of the Site is visible. The top half of a telegraph pole located within the Site is visible. Views of the landscape contribute to the appeal of this location for visitors and contributes to the its tranquil nature. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.8.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that are likely to be prominent within the surrounding landscape. The full extent of the Site is not visible from this location.

6.8.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 6 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.9 Viewpoint 7: Boscombe Lane

6.9.1 Viewpoint 7 is located on Boscombe Lane. Views from this location look east towards the Site across a field of pasture. Views into the Site are partially obscured by vegetation. Views into parts of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. St Martin’s Church is visible across the Site from this location. Walkers and road users will experience views into the Site from this location.

6.9.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since the view represents views walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that are likely to be prominent within the surrounding landscape. Views of the Grade II* Listed St Martin’s Church are likely to be interrupted.

6.9.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 7 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.10 Viewpoint 8: Footpath north of Kingscote Wood

6.10.1 Viewpoint 8 is located at a footpath north of Kingscote Wood adjacent to a field boundary. The majority of the Site is visible from this location to the north east across a river valley excluding the far north eastern extent which is obscured by vegetation. This viewpoint location is approximately 15m AOD higher in elevation than the north western corner of the Site. Views of the landscape contribute to the appeal of this location for visitors and contributes to the its tranquil nature. Views from this location show that potential development at the Site will increase the risk of coalescence between the village of Horsley and the hamlet of Nupend. Views into parts of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.10.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium/high. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that are likely to be prominent within the surrounding landscape.

6.10.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 8 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.11 Viewpoint 9: Footpath west of Horsley Wood

6.11.1 Viewpoint 9 is located at a footpath west of Horsley Wood adjacent to a field boundary. The Site is visible from this location north east across a river valley excluding the far northern and eastern extents which are obscured by the undulating topography and vegetation. Views of the landscape contribute to the appeal of this location for visitors and contributes to the its tranquil nature. Views into parts of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.11.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a rural setting that are likely to be prominent within the surrounding landscape.

6.11.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 9 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.12 Viewpoint 10: Footpath west of High Barn

6.12.1 Viewpoint 10 is located at a footpath west of High Barn adjacent to a field boundary. This viewpoint looks south east towards the Site. Due to the undulating topography and presence of built form along the B4058 road, the Site interior is not visible. Rooftops of two storey houses at the Site are likely to be visible from this location above existing properties along the northern side of the B4058 road. This is due to the topography at the Site which rises sharply on the southern side of the B4058 road. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.12.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be low. This is due to the presence of buildings that partially obscure the view from this location.

6.12.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 10 at the end of year one is considered to be minor adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to negligible effects at year 15.

6.13 Viewpoint 11: Hollingham Lane

6.13.1 Viewpoint 11 is located at Hollingham Lane adjacent to a footpath entrance at a field boundary. Due to the undulating topography and presence of built form along the B4058 road, the Site interior is not visible. Rooftops of two storey houses at the Site are likely to be visible from this location above existing properties along the northern side of the B4058 road. This is due to the topography at the Site which rises sharply on the southern side of the B4058 road. Road users and walkers enjoying open air recreation experience views into the Site from this location.

6.13.2 The mix of visual receptors provides differing levels of sensitivity. However, levels of sensitivity are considered to be high since this location represents views for walkers enjoying open air recreation. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be low. This is due to the presence of buildings that partially obscure the view from this location.

6.13.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 11 at the end of year one is considered to be minor adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to negligible effects at year 15.

6.14 Viewpoint 12: Footpath junction north of Kingscote Wood

6.14.1 Viewpoint 12 is located at a footpath junction north of Kingscote Wood. The Site is visible from this location to the north east across a river valley. Broadleaved trees and vegetation obscure parts of the Site. This viewpoint location is approximately 25m AOD higher in elevation than the north western corner of the Site. Views of the landscape contribute to the appeal of this location for visitors and contributes to the its tranquil nature. Views of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.14.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a distant rural setting beyond existing built form within Horsley.

6.14.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 12 at the end of year one is considered to be moderate adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to minor adverse effects at year 15.

6.15 Viewpoint 13: Footpath adjacent to Hay Lane

6.15.1 Viewpoint 13 is located at a footpath within a field of pasture adjacent to Hay Lane. This viewpoint looks north west towards the Site. This location offers views into parts of the Site excluding the north eastern extent which is obscured by trees and vegetation. The line of trees that cross through the Site partially obscure views into the northern parts of the Site. Views from this location show that potential development at the Site will increase the risk of coalescence between the village of Horsley and the hamlet of Nupend. Views of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.15.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be medium. This is due to the introduction of houses into a distant rural setting.

6.15.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 13 at the end of year one is considered to be minor adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to negligible effects at year 15.

6.16 Viewpoint 14: Footpath at Barton End

6.16.1 Viewpoint 14 is located at a footpath at Barton End within a field of pasture. This viewpoint looks west towards the Site. Views from this location look into northern parts of the Site. Central and southern parts of the Site are partially obscured by broadleaved trees and vegetation. Views of the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This viewpoint location represents views for walkers.

6.16.2 The sensitivity level for walkers enjoying open air recreation in the AONB is considered to be high. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be low. This is due to the introduction of houses into a distant rural setting beyond existing built form within Horsley.

6.16.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 14 at the end of year one is considered to be minor adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to negligible effects at year 15.

6.17 Viewpoint 15: Bath Road (A46)

6.17.1 Viewpoint 15 is located on the pavement adjacent to the Bath Road (A46). The view from this location looks across a valley and across the village of Horsley towards the Site. The northern part of the Site is visible. From this location it is clear to see that potential development at the Site would be prominent due to the topography which rises to the west of Horsley. Central and southern parts of the Site are obscured by broadleaved trees and vegetation. Views from this location show that potential development at the Site will increase the risk of coalescence between the village of Horsley and the hamlet of Nupend. Views into the Site are likely to be more obscured during summer months when foliage cover is increased. This location represents views for road users.

6.17.2 The sensitivity level for road users is considered to be medium. The magnitude of impact at this location is considered to be low. This is due to the introduction of houses into a distant rural setting beyond existing built form within Horsley.

6.17.3 Significance of effect at viewpoint 15 at the end of year one is considered to be minor adverse. In the short term, the proposed development will introduce change that contrasts with the existing landscape. Over time, the development proposal will become established leading to negligible effects at year 15.

6.18 Cumulative impacts

6.18.1 The planning proposal is not being submitted at the same time as other planning applications in the area that the authors are aware of at the time of writing. No cumulative impacts are expected as a result of this development. The mitigation proposals in Section 7 will help enhance development proposals and contribute to more trees in the wider landscape.

7.1 Approach to mitigation

7.1.1 No detailed mitigation has been drawn up at the time of writing.

7.2 Hedgerows and trees

7.2.1 To strengthen the edges and reduce the visual impact of potential development, planting a hedgerow with trees using native species is suggested along the Site’s northern, southern and western boundaries in order to help integrate potential development into the landscape and reduce the visual impact from viewpoints to the north, south and west.

7.2.2 Potential development at the Site may lead to the loss of the trees that cross through the centre of the Site boundary. From a landscape perspective, losing these trees are likely to adversely affect the existing landscape quality.

7.2.3 The planting of trees within the existing tree line of the eastern boundary will further reduce the visual impact of potential development.

7.2.4 Hedgerow trees should be encouraged. Suggested species for the planting scheme include oak (Quercus robur), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and field maple (Acer campestre). A final list of tree species should ideally be informed by a site survey of hedgerow trees in the vicinity.

7.2.5 To speed up the impact of the strengthened hedgerows, whips with growth height of 1.5m or more could be used. Natural England and RSPB provide a guide to hedgerow planting20. Ecological and/or tree survey data of the existing local hedgerows can be used to inform the planting scheme. We recommend that a mix of suitable local native species be used; a benefit of which will be to enhance biodiversity.

20 Natural England and RSPB (2014) Climate Change Adaptation Manual. Hedgerows. Accessed on 27/03/18. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5629923804839936

7.3 Construction materials

7.3.1 The materials used to construct the new development should be carefully chosen to blend the new houses into the surrounding landscape and minimize the visual impact.

8 Residual effects

8.1 Conclusions

8.1.1 A summary table of significance according to each viewpoint as evaluated in this LVIA is presented in Table 8.1. A summary table of significance according to landscape character as evaluated in this LVIA is presented in Table 8.2.

8.1.2 Assessment of effects has been prepared for 1 year after potential development and later at year 15. A table breaking down the assessment of effects on landscape character in more detail is presented in Appendix K and the table visual impacts are presented in Appendix L as evaluated in this LVIA report.

8.1.3 Significance of effects during the construction phase have not been considered in this report as there is currently no development proposal at the Site.

Table 8.1: Summary of findings: visual impact Viewpoint number Significance of effects at year 1 Significance of effects at year 15 & location Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected VP 1 landscape is expected to have to be major adverse. Hollingham Lane matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have and B4058 road further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing junction existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become moderate adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have to be major adverse. VP 2 matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have B4058 road further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become moderate adverse. Effects after one year are expected Planted vegetation designed to to be major adverse. VP 3 integrate development into the Vegetation is expected to have The Street landscape is expected to have begun maturing and be providing matured after 15 years, providing additional cover of the Site.

Viewpoint number Significance of effects at year 1 Significance of effects at year 15 & location further cover, in- combination with existing vegetation. Effects on views at this location will become moderate adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have VP 4 to be major adverse. matured after 15 years, providing Cemetery of St Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with Martin’s Church begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become moderate adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have to be moderate adverse. VP 5 matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have Recreation ground further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have VP 6 to be moderate adverse. matured after 15 years, providing Footpath south of Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with Site begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have to be moderate adverse. VP 7 matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have Boscombe Lane further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have VP 8 to be moderate adverse. matured after 15 years, providing Footpath north of Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with Kingscote Wood begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Planted vegetation designed to VP 9 Effects after one year are expected integrate development into the Footpath west of to be moderate adverse. landscape is expected to have Horsley Wood matured after 15 years, providing

Viewpoint number Significance of effects at year 1 Significance of effects at year 15 & location Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Existing built form will continue to VP 10 Effects after one year are expected partially obscure views. Footpath west of to be minor adverse. Effects after 15 years are expected High Barn to be negligible. Existing built form will continue to VP 11 Effects after one year are expected partially obscure views. Hollingham Lane to be minor adverse. Effects after 15 years are expected to be negligible. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected VP 12 landscape is expected to have to be moderate adverse. Footpath junction matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have north of Kingscote further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing Wood existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become minor adverse. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have VP 13 to be minor adverse. matured after 15 years, providing Footpath adjacent Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with to Hay Lane begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become negligible. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have VP 14 to be minor adverse. matured after 15 years, providing Footpath at Barton Vegetation is expected to have further cover, in- combination with End begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become negligible. Planted vegetation designed to integrate development into the Effects after one year are expected landscape is expected to have to be minor adverse. VP 15 matured after 15 years, providing Vegetation is expected to have Bath Road (A46) further cover, in- combination with begun maturing and be providing existing vegetation. additional cover of the Site. Effects on views at this location will become negligible.

Table 8.2: Summary of findings: landscape character Landscape Landscape Significance of effects at Significance of effects at Character Character Type year 1 year 15 Assessment Cotswolds AONB Landscape Settled Valley LCT Effects on landscape Effects on landscape Character character after one year are character after 15 years are Assessment expected to be expected to continue to be Stroud major/severe adverse major/severe adverse Landscape Settled Valleys Assessment LCT (2000)

8.1.4 At year one, major adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 1, 2, 3 and 4 and moderate adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. At year one, minor adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 10,11, 13, 14 and 15. This is due to the impact of change associated with introducing housing in the short term.

8.1.5 At year 15, moderate adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 1, 2, 3 and 4. Minor adverse significant visual effects have been identified at viewpoints 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. Negligible effects have been identified at viewpoints 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 due to the existing built form continuing to obscure views.

8.1.6 Residual effects on landscape character in the first year after development have been identified at major/severe adverse with no change after 15 years. This is primarily due to the Site being within the Cotswolds AONB.

8.1.7 No cumulative visual or landscape effects have been identified.

8.1.8 Development at this location is likely to lead to the coalescence of Nupend and Horsley.

8.1.9 Overall, it is likely that development allocated at the Site will have adverse impacts on the landscape. This is a combination of residual effects on the landscape character and the likelihood of major adverse significant visual effects. As the Site is situated within the Cotswolds AONB, potential development could be likely to have severe impacts on the landscape.

Appendix A

Viewpoint locations map

15 1 2 3

7 5 6 14

9 12

Viewpoint location 13 LVIA at Horsley, Gloucestershire May 2018 LC-360_Horsley_LVIA_5_110518WE.docx

Appendix B

Panoramic photographs

B4058 road

Viewpoint 1

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.907N TIME: LC-360 2,14.4289W 11:32

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 1 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 160m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Hollingham Lane and CHECKED: LENS: B4058 road junction NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 125m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: NW DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

1 Bath Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YE T: 01242 525222 W: www.lepusconsulting.com © Crown copyright and database rights (2018) Ordnance Survey 0100031673 copyright and database rights (2018) Ordnance © Crown Northern site boundary (fence)

B4058 road

Viewpoint 2a

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.9003N TIME: LC-360 2,14.3269W 11:35

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 2a VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 155m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: B4058 road CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 80m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: N DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

B4058 road

Viewpoint 2b

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.9003N TIME: LC-360 2,14.3269W 11:39

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 2b VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 150m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: B4058 road CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 80m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: N DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

B4058 road

Viewpoint 3

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.9023N TIME: LC-360 2,14.2111W 10:54

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 3 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: The Street CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 170m Not to scale 1/200

DIRECTION FROM SITE: NE DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

Site interior

Viewpoint 4

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.8792N TIME: LC-360 2,14.2391W 11:49

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 4 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Cemetery of St Martin’s CHECKED: LENS: Church NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 130m Not to scale 1/160

DIRECTION FROM SITE: E DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

Viewpoint 5

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.7979N TIME: LC-360 2,14.2353W 13:42

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 5 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 135m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Recreation ground CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 190m Not to scale 1/100

DIRECTION FROM SITE: SE DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/5.6

Viewpoint 6

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,40.79N TIME: LC-360 2,14.443W 12:05

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 6 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath south of Site CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 180m AOD Not to scale 1/160

DIRECTION FROM SITE: S DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/5.6

Site interior

Viewpoint 7

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’49.7”N TIME: LC-360 2°14’38.8”W 12:18

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 7 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 160m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Boscombe Lane CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 350m Not to scale 1/160

DIRECTION FROM SITE: W DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/5.6

Viewpoint 8

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’34.9”N TIME: LC-360 2°14’54.0”W 12:46

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 8 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 175m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath north of CHECKED: LENS: Kingscote Wood NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 820m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: SW DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

Viewpoint 9

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’39.3”N TIME: LC-360 2°14’35.4”W 12:15

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 9 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath west of CHECKED: LENS: Horsley Wood NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 470m Not to scale 1/200

DIRECTION FROM SITE: SW DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

Viewpoint 10

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,41.0947N TIME: LC-360 2,14.8272W 11:12

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 10 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 190m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath west of CHECKED: LENS: High Barn NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 700m Not to scale 1/320

DIRECTION FROM SITE: NW DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

Viewpoint 11

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51,41.0655N TIME: LC-360 2,14.3922W 11:25

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 11 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Hollingham Lane CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: 400m Not to scale 1/200

DIRECTION FROM SITE: N DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/5.6

Site

Viewpoint 12

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’37.9”N TIME: LC-360 2°15’20.7”W 12:35

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 12 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 185m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath junction north of CHECKED: LENS: Kingscote Wood NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 1.25km Not to scale 1/160

DIRECTION FROM SITE: SW DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/6.3

Viewpoint 13

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’31.7”N TIME: LC-360 2°13’56.0”W 13:14

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 13 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath adjacent to CHECKED: LENS: Hay Lane NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 750m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: SE DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

Viewpoint 14

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’45.1”N TIME: LC-360 2°13’30.7”W 13:58

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 14 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Footpath at CHECKED: LENS: Barton End NJD 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: 1.05km Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: E DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

Viewpoint 15

PROJECT CODE: MAP COORDINATES: 51°40’55.6”N TIME: LC-360 2°13’32.9”W 15:18

PROJECT NAME: LVIA at Horsley TITLE Viewpoint 15 VIEWPOINT HEIGHT (AOD): c. 145m AOD

CLIENT: Horsley Parish Council IMAGE TAKEN BY: WPE CAMERA: Canon EOS 70D

VIEWPOINT LOCATION: Bath Road (A46) CHECKED: NJD LENS: 50mm

DISTANCE FROM SCALE: SHUTTER SPEED: SITE CENTRE: c. 930m Not to scale 1/250

DIRECTION FROM SITE: E DATE: 20.03.18 APERTURE: f/7.1

Appendix C

A3 photographs

© Lepus Consulting for Horsley Parish Council • Images in A3 resolution are considered to refect an accurate feld of view for the human eye 1 Bath Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YE Viewpoint 1 • A viewing distance of 300 to 500mm is recommended T: 01242 525222 W: www.lepusconsulting.com • Images in A3 resolution are considered to refect an accurate feld of view for the human eye 1 Bath Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1YE Viewpoint 2a • A viewing distance of 300 to 500mm is recommended T: 01242 525222 W: www.lepusconsulting.com