Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee

OPEN SESSION: There were no members of the public present.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Held on Friday 3rd May 2013 at 2.00pm

Cllr Mark Steele (Vice-Chairman) Cllr Stephanie Stokes Cllr Angela Wiseman Cllr Jeremy Heron Cllr Barbara Woodifield

IN ATTENDANCE: Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator Nuala Brothers, Student Advisor

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from the Chairman Cllr Burgess-Kennar, Cllr Rippon-Swaine and Cllr Chard.

In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Steele, chaired the meeting.

P/5038 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr Stokes and Cllr Wiseman declared a non-pecuniary interest – see P/5040 Cllr Heron declared a pecuniary interest - see P/5040 Cllr Heron and Cllr Woodifield declared a non-pecuniary interest – see P/5040

P/5039 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th April 2013, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/5040 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Cllr Stokes and Cllr Wiseman declared a non-pecuniary interest in application 13/10304, as members of Ringwood & District Community Association.

Cllr Heron declared a pecuniary interest in application 13/0243 due to a family connection with the agent. Cllr Heron took no part in the debate or decision on this application.

Cllr Heron and Cllr Woodifield declared a non-pecuniary interest in all planning applications, as they are also members of New Forest District Council planning committee.

Members considered the planning applications as detailed in Annex A attached.

RESOLVED: That the observations summarised in Annex A be submitted.

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ACTION Claire Perrens

P/5041 NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK LANDSCAPE ACTION PLAN AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

The Commitee considered the report on the above documents for consultation – Annex B attached. Cllr Heron commented that as the New Forest National Park (NFNPA) did not intend to adopt the action plan as a supplementary planning document, it would have no legal weight. Some Members felt that more time for consultation should have been allowed, given the length of the documents.

RESOLVED: 1) That the NFNPA Landscape Action Plan and Landscape Assessment be noted; and 2) That the NFNPA be asked why the action plan and landscape assessment are not being adopted as supplementary planning documents.

ACTION Jo Stannard

P/5042 NEW FOREST COMMUNITY ROUTES

Members considered correspondence from the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) asking for assistance in identifying existing routes for walking, cycling and riding between the town and the National Park – Annex C attached. The Deputy Town Clerk informed the Committee of feedback from The Ringwood & Fordingbridge Footpath Society.

RESOLVED: That the following feedback be provided to the NFNPA: i) The route across the Ring 3 area near Crow Arch Lane is not ‘made up’ ii) There is a route to Rockford Common through a gate in the field boundary ii) The Ringwood & Fordingbridge Footpath Society comments are forwarded as shown in Annex D.

ACTION Jo Stannard

The Vice-Chairman presented Nuala Brothers with a certificate and badge and thanked her for her time and contributions as a valued Student Advisor to the Committee. Ms Brothers said the role of Student Advisor had been interesting and the experience would be useful in view of her future career objectives.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 3.54pm.

RECEIVED APPROVED 15th May 2013 7th June 2013

TOWN MAYOR COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Note: The text in the Action Boxes above does not form part of these minutes. Page 2 of 2

Annex A to Planning, Town Environment Committee Minutes - 3 May 2013 Ringwood Town Council - Planning Observations - NFDC

Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

13/10304 GREYFRIARS, Access alterations Refusal (4) Given the importance of the historic wall in BICKERLEY GARDENS, (Application for Listed question, it was not felt that it would be RINGWOOD BH24 1GY Building Consent) justified to remove substantial parts in order to create openings for what is a small car park, which already has an adequate entrance/exit in place. It was noted also that there are disabled parking bays elsewhere with easy access to the Greyfriars building. 13/10320 13 HIGH STREET, Use as coffee shop (Use Refusal (4) The Committee disagreed with the NFDC RINGWOOD BH24 1AB Class A1 & A3) Policy Team's comments that there are 'few coffee shops / cafes in this part of town'; there are several in the vicinity. It was felt that the opening of a coffee shop at 13 High Street would have a negative impact on the café on the opposite side of the road, and those near by. The proposal would be contrary to Core Strategy Policy CS20 which seeks to safeguard retail use. 13/10333 19 MEADOW ROAD, Two-storey side and Permission (1) RINGWOOD BH24 1RT rear extensions 13/10336 EDEN, CHRISTCHURCH Infill extension Permission (3) The Committee agreed with the Planning ROAD, KINGSTON, Officer's assessment. RINGWOOD BH24 3BQ

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 1 of 6 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

13/10355 15 LAKESIDE, Single-storey side & rear Permission (1) HIGHTOWN, RINGWOOD extension BH24 3DX

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 2 of 6 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

13/10364 NEW FOREST DISTRICT 1 three-storey block Refusal (4) Proposed Uses – the Council has no COUNCIL PUBLIC comprised, ground floor objection to the proposed residential units on OFFICES, 65 (Use Class A1, A2 & D1) the site, however, it objects to the proposed CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, first and second floors 8 A1 use. Whilst acknowledging that policy RINGWOOD BH24 1DH flats; 1 terrace of 3 requires the retention of employment use on houses; bin & cycle the site, it is considered that an exception to stores; parking; policy should be made on this occasion. The landscaping; demolition loss of employment use has been mitigated of existing by the council offices moving to the purpose built Ringwood Gateway. Retail units have failed previously in this area of the town and, if the space is let as one large unit, as is suggested, this could have a detrimental impact on retailers in the town centre.

Impact on 63 Christchurch Road – the proposed three-storey block at the front of the site would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property. It would be 4 metres closer to the boundary and would cause overshadowing. If the retail element were to be removed from the scheme, it would be possible to overcome this by reducing the northern and southern elevations to two-storey. There would also be overlooking from the second floor windows of the house and flat closest to the shared boundary.

Parking and Traffic – the number of car parking spaces provided is inadequate and contrary to policy. All eight flats have two 1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 3 of 6 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the three houses have three bedrooms each. It therefore cannot be assumed that the occupants will not require more than one car, despite the site’s town centre location. Christchurch Road is very busy and there is no pedestrian crossing nearby. It is therefore considered that additional traffic exiting the site would cause a hazard in this location. It should be noted that the Highways Officer’s report was not available to view at the meeting.

Drainage – the Council objects to the proposal to connect the roof water to the main sewer. The sewerage infrastructure for the town is unable to cope with existing volumes and this is a matter that the Council is currently pursuing with Wessex Water. In addition, there is no flood risk assessment included with the application.

Contributions – the applicant’s calculations with regards to contributions for affordable housing should be challenged. In addition, although the Highways Officer’s comment was not available to view, it is considered that transportation contributions will be required.

Aspect to Woodstock Lane – the three houses to the rear of the site may sit better in 1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 4 of 6 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments the street scene if they were to front directly on to Woodstock Lane, which would be in keeping with the recently approved development to the rear of 55-57 Christchurch Road (12/98968) and the terraced properties in Woodstock Lane. 13/10365 NEW FOREST DISTRICT Demolition of existing Permission (1) It is recommended that the consent to COUNCIL PUBLIC three-storey B1 office demolish should be subject to either:- OFFICES, 65 building (Conservation a) the Local Planning Authority has approved CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, Area Consent to the redevelopment of the application RINGWOOD BH24 1DH demolish) site and an assured contract for that redevelopment has been let, the details of which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to any work whatsoever commencing on site, or b) A landscaping scheme for making good the demolished building area has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This landscaping scheme shall include details of the timescales for implementation of the proposed landscape works and the landscape scheme shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved details. 13/10389 13 FROBISHER CLOSE, Single-storey rear Permission (3) POULNER, RINGWOOD extension; boiler flue BH24 1UH

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 5 of 6 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

13/10392 WHITE HOUSE, Single-storey rear Permission (3) The Committee disagreed with the Planning CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, extension Officer's assessment that the style of the KINGSTON, RINGWOOD proposed extension would look 'contrived', BH24 3BQ and considered that the contemporary design would not be detrimental to the character of the building in question. 13/10401 BARCLAYS BANK, 6-8 Display 2 non Permission (1) HIGH STREET, illimunated fascia signs; RINGWOOD BH24 1BZ 1 non illuminated projecting sign; 1 atm surround; 2 name plate signs; 2 wall mounted car park signs 13/10402 3 AVONVALE INFORMATION ONLY COTTAGES, Single-storey rear CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, extension (Lawful KINGSTON, RINGWOOD Development Certificate BH24 3BG that permission is not required for proposal) 13/98250 FLAT 11, AVON COURT, INFORMATION ONLY GRAVEL LANE, Use of flat 11 as one RINGWOOD BH24 1LL residential unit (Use Class C3) (Lawful Development Certificate that permission is not required for proposal)

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 6 of 6 Annex A to Planning, Town Environment Committee Minutes - 3 May 2013 Ringwood Town Council - Planning Observations - NFNPA

Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

12/97644 Five Acres, Forest Lane, Agricultural Barn Permission (3) Hightown, Ringwood, (AMENDED PLANS) Hampshire, BH24 3HF 13/0227 AMBERWOOD, CONS/13/0227 T1 - Refusal (4) Based on the information provided, the HANGERSLEY HILL, Conifer - Fell. T2 - T7 - Committee was not covinced that the felling HANGERSLEY, Oak - Fell. of the oaks could be justified. RINGWOOD, BH24 3JS 13/0243 4 NURSERY ROAD, CONS/13/0243 - Ash - Fell. Officer Decision (5) RINGWOOD, BH24 1NF 13/98250 Potters Cottage, Hightown Two storey side extension Permission (1) Hill, Ringwood, BH24 3HB 13/98385 Sundial Cottage, Crow Hill, Stable Withdrawn by applicant Crow, Ringwood, BH24 3DH

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 08 May 2013 Page 1 of 1 B PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE – 3RD MAY 2013

NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK DRAFT LANDSCAPE ACTION PLAN AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION

1. The New Forest National Park Authority has worked with a range of Forest organisations to create a Landscape Action Plan for the New Forest National Park which sets out proposals on how to look after the landscape, conserve its history and wildlife, and help plan for its future. A Landscape Character Assessment sits alongside this plan.

2. The plans look at key themes that may affect the New Forest landscape and suggest ways of managing them.

3. Comments are invited from the local community, for which the closing date is Monday 13th May 2013. The draft documents (as amended) will then be considered for formal adoption by the National Park Authority on 27th June 2013.

4. The draft documents are available to view on the National Park Authority’s website here: http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/info/20044/building_conservation/275/draft_l andscape_action_plan_consultation, or at Ringwood Gateway.

5. The Landscape Action Plan sets out objectives, management guidelines and actions for the strategic direction for the landscape of the New Forest National Park over the next 20 years. The main objectives, which cover seven themes, are as follows:

Conservation and enhancement of tranquillity and dark night skies 1.1 Measure and understand tranquillity to ensure that existing and new developments within and surrounding the National Park do not adversely affect the tranquillity and lack of disturbance within the National Park. 1.2 Reduce visual intrusion of manmade structures within and around the National Park. 1.3 Reduce the impact of existing and potential lighting schemes on the New Forest both from sources within and outside the National Park. 1.4 Reduce the visual and noise impact of main roads within and on the boundary of the National Park.

Settlements in the landscape 2.1 To integrate the settlements of the New Forest and immediate surroundings into their wider Forest setting. 2.2 To promote the use of external lighting in a sensitive way that is not intrusive and protects tranquillity and the dark night skies of the National Park.

Integrating roads into the landscape 3.1 Achieve traffic management and road design solutions that reflect their rural context and have a character led approach. 3.2 A co-ordinated approach to road signage and new street lighting.

Integrating access to recreation provision into the landscape 4.1 Promote a low key approach to signage. 4.2 Minimise the impact of car parking on the wider landscape.

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Integrating renewable and low carbon technologies into the landscape 5.1 Promote those renewable and low carbon technologies that will bring wider benefits to the National Park or will have minimal landscape impact. 5.2 Establish a basis for assessment of large scale renewable energy proposals

Managing forests and woodlands in harmony with the New Forest landscape 6.1 Encourage woodland owners to bring woodlands back into active management, including through revitalising local markets for wood products, including wood fuel. 6.2 Maintain the framework of woodlands, trees and hedgerows within the National Park and the overall balance with open Forest habitats whilst exploring how to help these woodlands and trees adapt to climate change. 6.3 Encourage landowners to restore open semi- natural open habitats from forest where it is identified that this enhances wildlife and the landscape.

Managing the Enclosed landscapes 7.1 Reinforce character of the enclosed landscapes. 7.2 Encourage best practice pasture management. 7.3 Create a better understanding of how to integrate ancillary land use, boundaries, entrances and tracks into the landscape of the Enclosed lands.

6. Full details of the actions associated with each objective can be viewed in the Action Plan (see paragraph 4).

7. The Landscape Character Assessment builds on the New Forest District Landscape Character Assessment, produced in 2000. It takes each of the landscape character areas that fall all or part within the National Park boundary and: i Identifies the landscape features/attributes within that area that are most important in defining its character and sense of place; i Identifies the condition of the landscape and the most important features within it; and i Considers the forces for change acting on the landscape and on the basis of the above, identifies the future draft vision for that landscape character area and supporting management guidelines to assist in the achievement of the vision.

8. There are three character areas in the Ringwood area: i Upper Avon Valley i Lower Avon Valley i Poulner Woods and Pastures The Landscape Character Assessments for each of these three areas are attached as Appendix 1.

9. Members are asked to consider the draft documents and, following discussion at the meeting, whether the Town Council should submit any comments.

For further information, contact:

Jo Stannard Deputy Town Clerk Tel: 01425 484721, Email: [email protected]

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LCA 6: UPPER AVON VALLEY

Location of LCA in the National Park

Component Landscape Types

Only the eastern slopes and the northern most part of the floodplain of LCA 6: Upper Avon Valley fall within the New Forest National Park.

m~ÖÉ=N=çÑ=OM LCA 6: UPPER AVON VALLEY

A. LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION Key landscape characteristics1  Broad open valley containing the meandering  Main A338 runs the length of the valley with River Avon and enclosed to the east by a minor crossings in an East-West direction; steep wooded ridge;  Church towers are features, protruding from  Gently meandering river with stone bridges trees within the floodplain; at minor crossing points;  Timber framed thatched cottages are a  Large areas of neutral unimproved grassland feature of the valley; and open water meadows of high nature  Open bodies of water resulting from gravel conservation importance; extraction, function as important breeding  Large settlements of Fordingbridge and grounds and habitats for wintering wildfowl Ringwood in the floodplain are historic as well as recreational lakes; crossing points of the river;  Distant views to steep wooded slopes. Component landscape types The main landscape types found within this LCA, within the New Forest National Park, are as follows:

 6. Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings  7. Ancient Forest Farmlands  12. River Floodplain  20. Heathland  21. Historic Parkland Key positive landscape attributes  River Avon and seasonally flooded historic  Historic features including a hillfort on the water meadows, marsh and rough grazing on valley side. the valley floor.  Open heathland on the top of the valley side  Stone bridges, mills and historic built features at Mockbeggar. on the valley floor.  Enclosed heaths (Purlieus and enclosed  Small, medieval fields of pasture (including pastures). assarted fields) bound by thick thorn  Villages/hamlets often with an historic core hedgerows and hedgerow oaks. and village green or common on the valley  Semi-natural broadleaved woodlands on the side. valley side comprising some ancient hanger  Scattered smallholdings and dwellings with woodland, areas of ancient wood pasture, common grazing and interspersed with and plantation woodlands. pastures and paddocks on the valley side.  Coniferous plantation woodland on  A network of narrow lanes and residual heathland at Godshill Inclosure. commons, including drove roads running  Historic parkland, including historic from the lower land up to the commons. landscape features such as avenues and  Panoramic views from Castle Hill towards copses at Hale Park. Breamore.

1 Note that because most of this LCA falls outside the National Park, some of these key characteristics, taken from the New Forest District Landscape Character Assessment, do not apply. See the table of positive landscape attributes for information on the landscape attributes within the National Park.

m~ÖÉ=O=çÑ=OM Relevant designations relating to positive landscape attributes Key landscape features Relevant designations

River Avon and seasonally flooded historic water  Part of the Breamore Conservation meadows, marsh and rough grazing on the valley floor. Area.  River Avon is a candidate SAC.  The river forms part of the River Avon System SSSI.  Some meadows are designated as SINCs e.g. Breamore Meadow. Stone bridges, mills and historic built features on the  Part of the Breamore Conservation valley floor. Area.  St Michael’s Priory is a SAM;  Includes listed buildings. Small, medieval fields of pasture (including assarted fields) bound by thick thorn hedgerows and hedgerow oaks. Semi-natural broadleaved woodlands on the valley side  Some woodlands designated as SINCs comprising some ancient hanger woodland, areas of e.g. Sandy Balls Wood. ancient wood pasture, and plantation woodlands. Coniferous plantation woodland on heathland at  Part of the New Forest SPA, SAC and Godshill Inclosure. SSSI. Historic parkland, including historic landscape features  Part of the Western Escarpment such as avenues and copses at Hale Park. Conservation Area.  Grade II* listed park (on English Heritage’s Register).  Includes listed buildings. Historic features including a hillfort on the valley side.  Frankenbury Hillfort is a Scheduled Monument. Open heathland on the top of the valley side at  Part of the New Forest SPA, SAC and Mockbeggar. SSSI. Enclosed heaths (Purlieus and enclosed pastures).  N/A Villages/hamlets often with an historic core and village  Part of the Western Escarpment green or common on the valley side. Conservation Area;  Includes listed buildings. Scattered smallholdings and dwellings with common  Part of the Western Escarpment grazing and interspersed with pastures and paddocks Conservation Area; on the valley side.  Includes listed buildings. A network of narrow lanes and residual commons, including drove roads running from the lower land up to the commons. Panoramic views from Castle Hill towards Breamore.

m~ÖÉ=P=çÑ=OM B. LANDSCAPE EVALUATION Current condition Landscape structure: This is a largely intact landscape with strong medieval origins. The structure of the river floodplain, comprising water meadows, marsh and rough grazing on the valley floor is intact. The mosaic of woodlands, fields (including small assarted fields), commons and villages on the valley side is intact, although there is evidence of some field boundary loss which is beginning to erode landscape structure of the Ancient Forest Farmlands landscape type. The structure of Hale Park is readable in the landscape.

Landscape elements: The condition of individual elements in the floodplain landscape is good with bridges and mills in good repair, a varied age structure of trees in the floodplain and actively grazed fields. However, there is evidence of some paddocks on the floodplain. Large electricity pylons cross the floodplain, dominating views. On the valley side, in the Ancient Forest Farmlands landscape type, there is some evidence of under-grazed fields, gappy and grown-out hedgerows and hedgerow loss. The elements that comprise Hale Park are generally intact, but in variable condition. In the Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings landscape type there is evidence of coniferous species associated with gardens, close board fencing and signage which is suburbanising the area.

Landscape change Key issues and trends  Further loss of, or fragmentation of, hedgerows – altering the structure the landscape by affecting the small scale field pattern sense of enclosure. Loss of hedgerow oaks, as key features associated with the Forest, is also an issue. (In the Ancient Forest Farmlands type).  Under-grazed fields - affecting the condition of the Ancient Forest Farmlands landscape type.  Proliferation of paddocks on the floodplain – resulting in potential loss of historic water meadows and characteristic floodplain habitat, reducing the sense of openness of the flood plain and changing the traditional land use of rough grazing. (In the River Floodplain type)  Past coniferisation of open heathland and 19th century beech and oak Inclosures - restoration through clearfell positively affecting parts of the Heathland landscape type.  Decline in traditional woodland management and loss of wood pasture, decreasing the diversity of woodlands in both the Historic Parkland and Ancient Forest Farmlands types.  Expansion of coniferous and non-native species in private gardens – eroding the rural character of the area and spreading into semi-natural woodlands. (In the Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings type)  Replacement of native hedgerows or open roadside property curtilages with impermeable and suburban boundary treatments e.g. close board fencing and ornamental brick walls – eroding the rural character of the landscape. (In the Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings landscape type)  Proliferation of signage - eroding the rural and open character of the landscape. (In the Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings landscape type).  Encroachment of settlement onto commons – eroding the traditional character of the Ancient Forest Farmlands landscape type.

m~ÖÉ=Q=çÑ=OM C. LANDSCAPE QUALITY OBJECTIVES (LQOS) / STATEGY 20-year Vision

An open floodplain landscape of historic water meadows and unimproved grazing marsh subdivided by occasional hedgerows with ancient oak and willows, enclosed by a contrasting valley side that supports a mosaic of small scale fields (including medieval fields assarted from woodland or heathland) bound by well managed hedgerows with hedgerow oaks, managed semi-natural broadleaved woodlands (including assarted woodlands and ancient hanger woodlands), wood pasture, ancient commons supporting unimproved grazing, scattered smallholdings and dwellings, and historic parkland. A landscape in which rural villages and hamlets have strong functional and visual links with the landscape with strong commoning communities and historic elements such as hillforts and historic parkland forming landmark features. A landscape that is clearly part of the New Forest, with good links to the river floodplain to the west and to the central forest landscapes to the east.

Overall Landscape Strategy The priority in this landscape character area is to protect the positive landscape attributes valued within it. This will require active protection.

3. Manage through grazing to maintain the continuity of a grazed landscape, able to provide back- up grazing for commonable animals.

4. Manage the characteristic open floodplain habitats and traditional land use of rough grazing (in the River Floodplain landscape type) – maintaining traditional field patterns. Forestry and woodlands 5. Protect the semi-natural broadleaved woodlands (including assarted woodlands and ancient hanger woodlands) through the removal of exotics, and manage these to maintain a diverse age structure including through coppicing and pollarding where appropriate – helping increase adaptation to climate change. (in the Ancient Forest Farmlands, Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings and Historic Parkland types)

6. Protect the remaining areas of wood pasture, heathland and ancient commons and manage these by maintaining common grazing.

7. Plan for the gradual restoration of the conifer plantation at Godshill Inclosure to predominantly mixed and broadleaved woodland, by allowing broadleaf regeneration (in the Heathland landscape type). Refer to the appropriate Forest Design Plan for more detailed information.

m~ÖÉ=R=çÑ=OM Historic landscapes and features 8. Protect the stone bridges and mills that are features of the valley floor (in the River Floodplain landscape type) – manage these to ensure their survival.

9. Protect historic elements such as hillforts and historic parkland features and manage these to ensure they form visible features in the landscape. Development and settlement edge 10. Protect the distinctive medieval pattern of settlement with distinctive rural villages, hamlets and scattered smallholdings and dwellings – maintaining the rural character of the landscape with, for example, property boundaries of native hedgerows or railings rather than suburban close- board fencing, external lighting kept to a minimum and selection of deciduous species rather than ornamental conifers on garden boundaries (particularly in the Heath Associated Smallholdings and Dwellings landscape type).

11. Protect the strong functional and visual links between the settlements and their landscape setting and manage common grazing to maintain the character of these settlements, ensuring settlement does not encroach onto commons.

12. Protect the network of narrow lanes and residual commons.

13. Protect and enhance the physical and visual links between the river floodplain to the west and the central forest landscapes to the east, including maintaining the drove roads running from the lower land up to the commons.

14. Refer to the Western Escarpment Conservation Areas Appraisal and the Breamore Conservation Area Appraisal for details on historic landscape setting, layout and plan form of the historic settlements, and architectural styles, materials and detailing of buildings within these settlements.

m~ÖÉ=S=çÑ=OM Summary table showing landscape issues and guidelines by Landscape Type Landscape type Summary of issue Management guidelines (number) River Floodplain Proliferation of pony paddocks on the floodplain. 4 Loss of historic water meadows and characteristic floodplain habitat, 2, 4 reducing the sense of openness. Heathland Past coniferisation of open heathland and historic beech and oak 6, 7 Inclosures. Heath Associated Smallholdings and Spread of exotic species, including rhododendron, into semi-natural 5, 10 Dwellings woodlands. Lack of woodland management. Replacement of traditional hedgerow boundaries with suburban 10 treatments such as close board fencing. Proliferation of signage 10 Ancient Forest Farmlands Hedgerow and hedgerow tree loss, affecting ancient field patterns. 1 Undergrazed fields. 2 Spread of exotic species, including rhododendron, into semi-natural 5 woodlands. Lack of woodland management. Spread of development onto common land. 10,11,14 Historic Parkland Spread of exotic species, including rhododendron, into semi-natural 5 woodlands. Lack of woodland management. Loss of wood pasture. 6 Heath Associated Estates No issues identified N/A ALL – LANDSCAPE-WIDE ISSUES Development pressure (National Park wide issue) 10,11,12,14

m~ÖÉ=T=çÑ=OM LCA 7: LOWER AVON VALLEY

Location of LCA in the National Park

Component Landscape Types

m~ÖÉ=U=çÑ=OM LCA 7: LOWER AVON VALLEY

Most of this Landscape Character Area falls outside the New Forest National Park (including the majority of the River Avon floodplain), apart from a section stretching south from Crow to Ripley Wood and west to land surrounding Bisterne Manor; and a parcel of land in the south surrounding the settlement of Neacroft. A. LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION Key landscape characteristics1  Broad flat plain at approximately 14m AOD  The river creates a barrier to movement containing the meandering course of the west; the Avon Causeway provides the only River Avon. crossing point.  Tranquil pastoral scene on the floodplain,  Major communication route, the B3347, runs with open watermeadows and cattle grazing N-S along the length of the valley with small in the shade of mature floodplain trees hamlets of Avon, Bisterne and Kingston along (willows, poplars and oaks). the road.  Regular patchwork of mixed farmland divided  Built development characterised by red brick by hedgerows with hedgerow trees or thick thatched cottages and weather boarding on mature tree belts. agricultural buildings.  Straight lanes follow field boundaries,  Long views and big skies. creating a regular grid pattern.

Component landscape types The main landscape types found within this LCA, within the New Forest National Park, are as follows:

 5. Heath Associated Estates  11. River Terrace Farmlands  21. Historic Parkland

Key positive landscape attributes  Flat open landscape characterised by mixed  Historic parkland and veteran trees farming with floodplain meadows in the west. surrounding Bisterne Manor.  Regular fields of late Medieval and  Area crossed by quiet rural lanes lined by Parliamentary enclosure, divided by hedgerows and woodland. hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees.  Sparse settlement with red brick farmsteads  Small woodland copses sitting within the and cottages within quiet hamlets. farmland mosaic.  Long views often framed by trees and  Large block of wooded heath at Ripley woodland. Wood.

1 Note that because most of this LCA falls outside the National Park, some of these key characteristics, taken from the new Forest District Landscape Character Assessment, do not apply. See the table of positive landscape attributes for information on the landscape attributes within the National Park.

m~ÖÉ=V=çÑ=OM Relevant designations relating to positive landscape attributes Positive landscape attributes Relevant designations

Flat open landscape characterised by mixed farming  A small area of meadow falls within with floodplain meadows in the west. the Avon Valley SSSI. Regular fields of late Medieval and Parliamentary  N/A enclosure, divided by hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees. Small woodland copses sitting within the farmland  Four areas of woodland in the LCA mosaic. are designated as SINCs. Large block of wooded heath at Ripley Wood.  Parts of Ripley Wood are designated as SINCs. Historic parkland and veteran trees surrounding  Bisterne Manor is a Grade II Listed Bisterne Manor. Building. Area crossed by quiet rural lanes lined by hedgerows  N/A and woodland.

Sparse settlement with red brick farmsteads and  A number of farmsteads are Listed cottages within quiet hamlets. Buildings.

Long views often framed by trees and woodland.  N/A

m~ÖÉ=NM=çÑ=OM B. LANDSCAPE EVALUATION Current condition Landscape structure: This is a landscape that was formalised in the 18th and 19th centuries, reflected in the continued presence of Parliamentary fields (and some late Medieval fields) across much of the landscape. Today, the structure of the landscape continues to be affected primarily by agricultural intensification – with a further loss of valued hedgerow networks linking to woodland weakening its historic character (particularly in the River Floodplain type). Valued semi-natural woodlands and copses have been transformed in places through the planting of coniferous species, affecting their form and setting within the landscape. A loss of hedgerow trees has impacted on the visual links between these woodlands and the wider agricultural landscape within the River Floodplain. The setting of Bisterne Manor, a listed building within the Historic Parkland landscape type, has been eroded too by agricultural intensification – with veteran trees now standing out in arable fields rather than traditional grazed pasture. Links to the New Forest core are weakened due to the conversion of areas of open heath to forestry plantation in the 19th century (as at Ripley Wood). This landscape does, however, remain a tranquil backwater and forest-edge landscape, maintaining its integrity and separation from nearby urban development, with small hamlets linked by quiet rural lanes framed by a backdrop of long woodland views.

Landscape elements: Although the matrix pattern of regular Parliamentary fields remains strong within this landscape (particularly the River Floodplain landscape type), the elements that make up this character have suffered a decline in condition. Hedgerows are often closely flailed, with an absence of hedgerow trees in places, and gapped up or replaced by fencing. Woodland copses that make up the mosaic of land uses have been replanted with conifers in some locations, and a lack of active management such as coppicing, and consequential spread of exotics such as rhododendron, has influenced a decline in their biodiversity value. Heathland, which would once have covered a significant part of the middle section of this LCA (within the National Park) has been lost to forestry plantations in the last century. Another historic land use – ancient wood pasture associated with historic parkland – has been lost to agricultural intensification, although veteran trees remain as a reminder of this past character. The condition of built development remains strong in this landscape, with red brick buildings being particularly distinctive. Long views across the landscape remain a feature, often framed by trees and woodland as a reminder of its location within the New Forest National Park.

Landscape change Key issues and trends  Hedgerow loss and fragmentation, with gaps closed by post-and-wire. Loss of hedgerow trees in places. Both of these issues have weakened the area’s field pattern and disrupted important wildlife networks. Evidence of hedgerow re-laying is positively reversing this trend in places. (In the River Terrace Farmlands type).  19th and 20th century replacement of ancient woodlands with conifer plantations. Some of the area’s semi-natural woodlands are also suffering from a spread of rhododendron and pine through a lack of management, decreasing their biodiversity value. (In the River Terrace Farmlands type).  Past coniferisation of heathland – including at Ripley Wood. This has weakened habitat links to the nearby Open Forest. (In the Heath Associated Estates type).  Loss of wood pasture within historic parkland surrounding Bisterne Manor. Veteran trees remain but are now located in arable fields. New woodland planting is seeking to restore semi-

m~ÖÉ=NN=çÑ=OM natural woodlands surrounding the estate, positively contributing to landscape character. (In the Historic Parkland type).  Hard surfacing, including roads and car parking areas, affecting the character and setting of Bisterne Manor. (In the Historic Parkland type).

m~ÖÉ=NO=çÑ=OM C. LANDSCAPE QUALITY OBJECTIVES (LQOs) / STRATEGY 20-year vision

A mixed agricultural landscape set within a strong matrix of fields bounded by thick, well managed hedgerows with a healthy stock of hedgerow trees. Fields sit within a mosaic of managed semi-natural woodlands and copses dominated by broadleaves, including oaks. Historic parkland at Bisterne Manor is distinct from its intensive agricultural setting, with veteran trees standing in fields of grazed pasture. Visual and physical links to the New Forest core are strengthened, with historic locations of heathland restored to their former glory. The setting of the Avon Valley is characterised by grazed meadows and woodlands. Rural lanes wind through the landscape linking small red brick hamlets set within a tranquil backdrop of long views and wooded horizons.

Overall Landscape Strategy The priority in this landscape character area is to protect the positive landscape attributes valued within it. This will require active protection.

This should be accompanied by a strategy to manage the landscape to improve those attributes of the landscape that are in poorer condition to improve overall landscape quality. Future landscape management guidelines Field patterns and boundary features 1. Protect the matrix of regular Parliamentary and earlier medieval fields as a strong feature of this landscape. Maintain fields bounded by well managed hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees on the valley sides to strengthen historic field patterns. Agricultural land use 2. Manage and enhance the historic wood pasture land use around Bisterne Manor. Biodiversity 3. Protect grassland meadows on the edge of the Avon Valley, including through continued livestock grazing. 4. Restore and manage areas of former heathland (particularly at Ripley Wood), including through the gradual removal of conifers and the reinstatement of livestock grazing. This will restore habitat and visual links with the nearby Open Forest. Forestry and woodlands 5. Manage and restructure semi-natural woodlands, aiming to increase the proportion of broadleaves including through native tree planting with species including oak. 6. Protect the semi-natural broadleaved woodlands, including through the removal of exotics such as rhododendron, managing (including through coppicing) to maintain a diverse age structure. Development and settlement edge 7. Protect the landscape setting of Bisterne Manor. 8. Protect the landscape’s sparse settlement pattern of small traditional hamlets, retaining the clear separation from the urban area of Ringwood.

m~ÖÉ=NP=çÑ=OM Summary table showing landscape issues and guidelines by Landscape Type Landscape type(s) Summary of issue Management guidelines (number) River Terrace Farmlands Hedgerow loss and fragmentation, gaps filled with post-and wire fencing. 1 Loss of hedgerow trees. Past conifer planting within semi-natural woodlands. 5 Spread of rhododendron in woodlands and lack of woodland 6 management. Heath Associated Estates Conifer planting on former areas of open heath. 4 Historic Parkland Loss of historic wood pasture. 2 Road surfacing and creation of car parks affecting historic setting of 7 Bisterne Manor. ALL – LANDSCAPE-WIDE ISSUES Development pressure (National Park-wide issue). 8

m~ÖÉ=NQ=çÑ=OM LCA 8: POULNER WOODS AND PASTURES

Location of LCA in the National Park

Component Landscape Types

All of this character area falls within the New Forest National Park.

m~ÖÉ=NR=çÑ=OM LCA 8: POULNER WOODS & PASTURES

A. LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION Key landscape characteristics  Forest smallholdings and dwellings in  Wide variety of housing styles; ornamental irregular historic field pattern of small gardens have an influence on surrounding pastures surrounded by hedgerows landscape character. reinforced by tin sheeting or post and wire  The high density of private dwellings means fencing. there is little public access or recreational  Ancient semi-natural woodlands and opportunities. roadside oaks give a feeling of being ‘in the  Views over Ringwood and the Avon Valley. forest’.  Leafy lanes wind up the valley side; the modern A31 (T) dual carriageway cuts through the ancient landscape, dividing the area into two.

Component landscape types The main landscape types found within this LCA, within the New Forest National Park, are as follows:

 7. Ancient Forest Farmlands Key positive landscape attributes  Small scale regular pasture fields and  Network of winding leafy lanes with roadside meadows bounded by hedgerows and oaks and wide verges linking small areas of mature oaks. wayside common.  Piecemeal enclosures of former commons  Scattered properties along roads, in creating small, irregular fields contrasting woodland clearings and located at funnels with the later regular enclosures. into the forest.  Farmland interspersed by large blocks and  Timber frame, cob, brick, thatch, slate and copses of ancient semi-natural woodlands tile local vernacular reflecting the cultural and some coniferous plantation, providing a history of the area. link to the nearby Forest.  Long views west to the Avon Valley and east  Valued area of common land at Hightown. to the Forest. Generally, views are restricted by dense hedgerow and tree cover giving the feeling of being ‘in the forest’.

m~ÖÉ=NS=çÑ=OM Relevant designations relating to positive landscape attributes Key landscape features Relevant designations

Small scale regular pasture fields and meadows  Some meadows around Poulner are bounded by hedgerows and mature oaks. designated as SINCs Piecemeal enclosures of former commons creating N/A small, irregular fields contrasting with the later regular enclosures. Farmland interspersed by large blocks and copses of  Small areas along the eastern boundary ancient semi-natural woodlands and some coniferous lie within the New Forest SAC and plantation, providing a link to the nearby Forest. SSSI  Many of the copses are SINCs Valued area of common land at Hightown.  Hightown Common is owned and managed by the National Trust  Anything else? Network of winding leafy lanes with roadside oaks and  The northern part of the LCA wide verges linking small areas of wayside common. (Hangersley, Highwood) falls within the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Scattered properties along roads, in woodland clearings  The northern part of the LCA and located at funnels into the forest. (Hangersley, Highwood) falls within the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Timber frame, cob, brick, thatch, slate and tile local  The northern part of the LCA vernacular reflecting the cultural history of the area. (Hangersley, Highwood) falls within the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Long views west to the Avon Valley and east to the N/A Forest. Generally, views are restricted by dense hedgerow and tree cover giving the feeling of being ‘in the forest’.

m~ÖÉ=NT=çÑ=OM B. LANDSCAPE EVALUATION Current condition Landscape structure: The landscape structure is largely intact, with a strong pattern of fields and thick hedgerows linking to large blocks and copses of semi-natural woodland. This structure is, however, diluted in places by the loss of hedgerows and individual oaks– removing the intimate relationship between farmland and woodland that characterises this landscape. This has also created large scale fields often sub-divided by fencing for recreational pony keeping – impacting on the traditional field patterns of the area. The presence of coniferous planting sometimes detracts from the ancient woodlands that are typical of this traditional landscape. The valuable remaining piece of common land at Hightown is suffering from secondary woodland encroachment impacting on its open character, due to a lack of appropriate grazing. The A31 trunk road is a strong, physical and noise intrusion into the landscape, which effectively cuts it in two. Although a relatively well developed landscape, residential properties and lanes are generally well integrated into their woodland setting, retaining their scattered form.

Landscape elements: This is a landscape defined by its high woodland and tree cover – elements which have been affected by fragmentation and neglect in some locations. Gappy sections of hedgerow are stock-proofed with the addition of sections of post-and-wire fencing, whilst elsewhere whole sections have been removed to create larger fields. Some of the landscape’s ancient woodlands have declined in condition through the planting of conifers and a lack of traditional management. However, the presence of numerous ancient oak and beech specimens within this landscape provide a strong reminder of its New Forest character and give the landscape a strong sense of enclosure and separation from the nearby urban centre of Ringwood. Hightown Common, an important unenclosed common within this landscape, is declining in condition due to a spread of bracken and secondary woodland at the expense of its original heathland habitats. Although this landscape is in close proximity to an urban centre, the continued presence of valued landscape elements ensures that it retains its identity as an important Forest-edge landscape.

Landscape change Key issues and trends  Hedgerow fragmentation and the use of post-and-wire and ranch-style fencing at odds with the ancient character of this landscape.  Removal of individual boundary trees as key landscape features.  Enlargement and subsequent sub-division of fields into pony paddocks, replacing their historic use for back-up grazing and impacting on historic field patterns.  Planting of conifers within the area’s semi-natural woodlands, decreasing their nature conservation interest and ancient character.  Bracken and secondary woodland encroachment onto Hightown Common, as a result of declining grazing levels – impacting on traditional open character.  Modern buildings (including bungalows) and ornamental garden plantings out of keeping with local vernacular styles and local landscape setting.  Some inappropriate modern development, including infill development along roadsides and large, individual properties sited within woodland copses. This has eroded the small-scale, traditional settlement pattern of the area.  Significant visual and noise intrusion of the A31 dual carriageway – having a major impact on local levels of tranquillity.

m~ÖÉ=NU=çÑ=OM C. LANDSCAPE QUALITY OBJECTIVES (LQOs) / STRATEGY 20-year vision

A well managed, traditional forest-edge landscape with an intimate mosaic of small pasture fields and semi- natural woodlands connected by thick, well managed hedgerows and mature oak specimens. The landscape retains its historic sense of place, with scattered traditional buildings and settlements well connected by quiet rural lanes and integrated into their woodland setting. The area of common land at Highbury is managed by grazing, maintaining its open character and cultural associations with the nearby New Forest core. Visual links to the Avon Valley and Open Forest are retained, and the impacts of the nearby urban fringe and A31 road corridor are minimised through the landscape’s strongly wooded character.

Overall Landscape Strategy The priority in this landscape character area is to protect the positive landscape attributes valued within this Character Area. This will require active protection.

This should be accompanied by a strategy to manage the landscape to improve those attributes of the landscape that are in poorer condition to improve overall landscape quality. Future landscape management guidelines Field patterns and boundary features 1. Manage and strengthen the hedgerow network and protect / replace hedgerow oaks to conserve these important landscape features and maintain the historic field patterns of the landscape. Agricultural land use 2. Protect the current stock of back-up grazing for use by commoners’ livestock. Biodiversity 3. Manage and maintain grazing on meadows and the common land at Hightown to enhance biodiversity interest and prevent scrub/tree encroachment. Forestry and woodlands 4. Manage the landscape’s semi-natural woodlands and copses including through a gradual replacement of conifers with broadleaf species. 5. Protect native woodlands from a spread of exotic species. Reinforce traditional landscape character through the selection of native plants and trees in private gardens. Development and settlement edge 6. Protect the scattered settlement pattern of the area, integrating new development into its landscape setting through association with woodland and hedgerow planting and, where possible, locating new buildings within existing settlement curtilages. 7. Refer to the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Appraisal for details on historic landscape setting, layout and plan form of the historic settlements, and architectural styles, materials and detailing of buildings within these settlements. Transport pattern 8. Protect the network of rural roads, maintaining their character including by keeping signage and street lighting to a minimum. 9. Protect the landscape’s levels of tranquillity through filtering views of the A31 road corridor by woodland planting / allowing vegetation succession.

m~ÖÉ=NV=çÑ=OM Summary table showing landscape issues and guidelines by Landscape Type Landscape type Summary of issue Management guidelines (number) Ancient Forest Farmlands Hedgerow fragmentation and use of post-and wire. 1,2 Loss of field boundary trees. 1 Enlargement and sub-division of fields into pony paddocks. 3,2 Planting of conifers within semi-natural woodlands. 5 Spread of bracken and secondary woodland on common land. 4 Modern non-vernacular development and ornamental garden plantings. 6,7,8 Infill development along roadsides. 8,9 Noise and visual intrusion of the A31 dual carriageway. 9 ALL – LANDSCAPE-WIDE ISSUES Development pressure (National Park-wide issue) 7,9

m~ÖÉ=OM=çÑ=OM