20th September 2017

Land at Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Report Number: 10758_R01a_AL_JW

Author: Annabelle Langhorn BA (Hons), BLA, CMLI

Checked: Clare Brockhurst Bsc (Hons), Dip LA, FLI

Birmingham ・ Cotswolds ・ Exeter ・ London ・ Manchester

Contents

Section 1: Introduction ...... 1 Section 2: Planning Policy Context ...... 5 Section 3: Baseline Situation ...... 12 Section 4: Landscape Opportunities & Constraints ...... 17 Section 5: Analysis of Proposals against Local Planning Policy ...... 19 Section 6: Conclusion ...... 22

Appendices

Appendix 1: Proposed Site Layout (produced by Baldwin Design Consultancy Ltd Dwg Ref: WH/HRNM/SL/02)

Appendix 2: Extract from High Peak Borough Council Landscape Character March 2006 ‘Settled Valley Pastures’

Plans & Photoviewpoints

Plan 1: Landscape Planning Policy Context with Public Rights of Way (10758_P03_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 2: Topography (10758_P02_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 3: Zone of Theoretical Visibility (10758_P01_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 4: Photoviewpoint Locations and Field Verified Visual Envelope (10758_P05_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 5: Strategic Landscape Masterplan (10758_P06b_September 2017_LM/AL) Plan 6: Landscape Character Areas (10758_P04_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 7: Landscape Opportunities & Constraints (10758_P07a_September 2017_LM/AL)

Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1 to 14 (10758_P08_February 2017_LM/AL)

This report, all plans, illustrations and other associated material remains the property of Tyler Grange LLP until paid for in full. Copyright and intellectual property rights remain with Tyler Grange LLP.

The contents of this report are valid at the time of writing. Tyler Grange shall not be liable for any use of this report other than for the purposes for which it was produced. Owing to the dynamic nature of ecological, landscape, and arboricultural resources, if more than twelve months have elapsed since the date of this report, further advice must be taken before you rely on the contents of this report. Notwithstanding any provision of the Tyler Grange LLP Terms & Conditions, Tyler Grange LLP shall not be liable for any losses (howsoever incurred) arising incurred as a result of reliance by the client or any third party on this report more than twelve months after the date of this report.

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Section 1: Introduction

Introduction & Site Context

1.1. Tyler Grange LLP (TG) have been appointed by Wainhomes North West Ltd to provide a landscape and visual appraisal of the proposed residential development of Land at Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills (hereafter referred to as the site).

1.2. The detailed application relates to the proposed development of up 97 residential dwellings.

1.3. The site is located on the north-eastern periphery of New Mills (see Plan 1 at the rear of this report) approximately 12.4km (7.7 miles) south-east of Stockport; 13.8km (8.6miles) and north-east of Buxton. The site is centred on OS grid reference SK 01058 86511.

1.4. The site currently consists of pastoral grassland with an internal boundary parallel to the eastern edge of the site formed of post and wire fencing. The residential edge of New Mills is to the south- west of the site and the northern edge of the site forms part of the North West Derbyshire Green Belt boundary.

1.5. Topography across the site ranges from approximately 160m AOD in the western corner to 175m AOD in the north-eastern edge.

1.6. The site boundaries and immediate surroundings comprise:

• To the north-east – the site is defined by a drystone wall with scattered small trees, beyond which lies pastoral fields on ground sloping down towards the Sett Valley Trail; • To the east – the site is defined by a post and wire fence beyond which lies a drystone wall and buildings associated with High Hill Farm; • To the south-east – the site is bounded by a grassed embankment, drystone wall and Hayfield Road (A6015) Great Lane which links New Mills with Birch Vale; • To the south-west – the site boundary is formed by a low drystone wall adjacent to a bridleway to the rear of residential dwellings at the current settlement edge of New Mills, with part of the settlement edge also formed by an area of open grassed land; and • To the north-west – the edge of the site is defined by a post and wire fence and High Hill Road.

1.7. This report sets out the baseline landscape and visual context of the site in order to inform the emerging residential masterplan, followed by a Landscape and Visual Appraisal of the fixed development parameters. This report does not constitute a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Undertaking the Landscape & Visual Appraisal

1.8. To assist the reader in understanding the purpose for undertaking landscape appraisal work, the definition of ‘landscape’ as defined by the European Landscape Convention (ELC 2000) is set out below.

“’Landscape’ means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of nature and / or human factors.”

1.9. In the context of this definition the appraisal process seeks to consider the effects in an objective and systematic manner whilst recognising the perceptual and therefore subjective response to the

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landscape. Whilst subjectivity can never be removed from the appraisal process, by following a systematic and structured framework of appraisal, a more robust appraisal can be performed and more rational and transparent conclusion drawn.

1.10. Furthermore, the Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal (LVA) process deals with the separate but interlinked issues of:

• Landscape Character: The effect of the proposed development upon discrete character areas and / or character types comprising features possessing a particular quality or merit; and • Visual Context: The assessment of the proposed development on views from visual receptors, and upon the amenity value of the views.

1.11. Landscape character is defined in the Landscape Institute’s guidance (‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, Landscape Institute (LI) and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) 2013) as:

“A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes on landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.”

1.12. Changes to the landscape character can arise as a result of:

• Changes to the fabric of the landscape including either the loss of key elements or introduction of new features which alter the distinct character of the landscape; and • Changes which alter the way in which the landscape is perceived or appreciated.

1.13. Changes to views will occur where there is alteration of the view in terms of elements present and their distribution or dominance. Such changes may or may not have a significant effect on the visual amenity of identified visual receptors.

1.14. This report has been prepared as a standalone appraisal to assist the Council in the decision-making process as part of the planning application. Within the GLVIA (table 3.1, page 28) it sets out the components appropriate to a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment when used in EIA and in landscape appraisal. Scoping has confirmed that this is not an EIA project and therefore does not give rise to likely significant effects by definition, and therefore in respect of ‘Assessing the Significance of Effects’ this stage is ‘not required’. This approach is underpinned by the need for the assessment to be appropriate and proportional (GLVIA – page 9, paragraph 1.17).

LVA Methodology

1.15. The methodology and guidelines used in the preparation of this appraisal have been developed from the following:

• An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment, Natural England 2014; • Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), Third Edition, Landscape Institute and IEMA, 2013; and

• Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Agency, 2002.

1.16. The appraisal process is set out in further detail below.

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Baseline Appraisal

1.17. The baseline appraisal is a crucial part of any assessment and includes;

• An overview of statutory plans and other data regarding relevant designations and landscape and visual related planning policies for the area; • An assessment of the landscape character of the site and surroundings with reference to published works and checked and verified through fieldwork. This includes the classification of the landscape into units of distinct and recognisable character and land use at a site-specific level; • Field work to determine the extent to which the site can be seen from the wider area, taking into account any significant vegetation or built form which restricts or limits the extent of visibility; and • Identification of representative viewpoints and determination of likely visual receptors.

1.18. For the purpose of this report a visual appraisal of the site and its surroundings was carried out between January and March 2017.

1.19. For the purpose of the preparation of this LVA, we have established a study area that allows for verified visibility of the site to a middle distance of approximately 1.5km; and, allowed for consideration of the perceptual aspects of the wider landscape character area. Plan 2 illustrates the location of the site and the associated topographical context. The extent of the baseline study area was established through GIS topographical analysis and the production of a Theoretical Zone of Visual Influence (see Plans 2 and 3), which calculates the extent to which the site could potentially be seen from the wider area. This first sieve exercise has been verified in the field to take into account any significant vegetation or built form which further restricts or limits the extent of visibility.

1.20. The resulting Field Verified Visual Envelope (VE) is illustrated on Plan 4. The visual analysis is based on views from external spaces within the public domain and not from inside buildings or private spaces. However, where notable views from private properties are possible, these have been recorded and comments made if appropriate.

1.21. Photographs were taken from selected viewpoints with a digital camera with an equivalent 50mm focal length lens at eye level (approximately 1600mm above ground). A total of 14 representative viewpoints have been chosen from locations surrounding the site to enable the effects of the development to be assessed from all directions (see Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1 to 14 contained at the rear of this report). Whilst the views are chosen to be representative of the area, they cannot provide continuous coverage of all potential locations within the vicinity of the development. Often views will occur as a sequence within the surrounding environment. Where this is a significant aspect of the landscape experience, sequential views have been noted within the appraisal. Likewise, where transient or fleeting views are possible, and of significance as part of the landscape experience, they have been addressed in the appraisal.

1.22. The appraisal of the nature of the landscape and visual effects depends on the degree to which the development:

• Complements, respects and fits into the existing scale, landform and pattern of the landscape context; • Enables enhancement, restoration or retention of the landscape character and visual amenity and delivers policy aspirations; and • Affects strategic and important views in addition to the visual context of receptors.

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1.23. For the purposes of this report, the term ‘impact’ refers to the causation of change and ‘effects’ are the results of the changes on the landscape and visual context.

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Section 2: Planning Policy Context

2.1. The site falls within the administrative borough of High Peak Borough Council. The specific local level policy designations applicable to the site in relation to landscape and visual matters are detailed below and illustrated on Plan 1. This selection includes a review of planning policies relevant to landscape and visual issues at a national and local level.

National Planning Policy Guidance

2.2. At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The NPPF sets out three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number of roles:

• “An economic role – building a strong, responsive and competitive economy to support growth and innovation; • A social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities and responding to local needs; and • An environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment.”

2.3. For plan making, this means that local planning authorities “should positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs for their area”, with “sufficient flexibility to adapt to rapid change unless any adverse impact of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against NPPF policies”.

2.4. Paragraph 17 of the NPPF sets out the 12 Core Planning Principles used to underpin plan making and decision taking. These principles include the aim to “always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for existing and future occupants of land and buildings” and to “take account of the different roles and character of different areas, promoting the vitality of our main urban areas, recognising the intrinsic and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it”. Further principles look to conserve and enhance the natural environment.

2.5. Paragraph 58 stipulates the need for high quality design within Local and neighbourhood plans. The paragraph states that planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that development;

• “Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development; • Establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit; • Optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and transport networks; • Respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation; • Create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and • Are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping.”

2.6. Paragraph 60 states that policies; ‘should not attempt to impose architectural styles or particular tastes and they should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative’ however policies should seek to

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‘promote or reinforce local distinctiveness.’ This is reinforced by paragraph 64 which states that “Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.”

2.7. At paragraph 69 the framework states that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve places that promote: “Safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion; and “Safe and accessible developments, containing clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public spaces which encourage the active and continued use of public areas”.

2.8. Paragraph 75 considers the importance of public rights of way, stating that “planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails”.

2.9. At Paragraph 109 the Framework also states that the planning system should: “contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by “Protecting and enhancing valued landscape, geological conservation interests and soils”.

2.10. At paragraph 110 further detail is given as to which land Local Authorities should look to allocate for development, stating:

“In preparing plans to meet development needs, the aim should be to minimise pollution and other adverse effects on the local and natural environment. Plans should allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework.”

2.11. Attention is drawn to the difference between international, national and local landscape designations at paragraph 113 with regards to the criteria based policies against which development proposals should be judged where it states:

“Distinctions should be made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks.”

2.12. Paragraph 14, footnote 9 provides examples of those designated areas where development should be restricted, namely:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest; • Green Belt; • Local Green Space; • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; • Heritage Coasts; • National Parks; • Designated Heritage Assets; and • Areas at Risk of Flooding or Coastal Erosion.

2.13. The site is not currently subject to any of the above designations, although it adjoins the GB.

2.14. On 6th March 2014, the Government released the Planning Practice Guidance; paragraph 001 reference 8-001-20140306 reiterates that “One of the core principles in the National Planning Policy Framework is that planning should recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside”.

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2.15. The Practice Guidance does not preclude development, and the creation of new residential neighbourhoods can through sensitive design be deemed acceptable even where it results in a loss of open countryside.

Local Planning Policy

2.16. The High Peak Borough Council Local Plan was adopted on 14 April 2016 and sets out the council's vision and strategy for the borough until 2031.

2.17. This site is allocated for future residential development and Policy DS 8 states that:

“Land amounting to 5.8 hectares is allocated for residential development of approximately 107 dwellings. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies, and:

• The required proportion of affordable housing (currently 30%); • Developer contribution towards the provision of infrastructure, services and other community needs as required; • A Transport Assessment; • Coal mining and ground conditions survey; • An archaeological assessment; and • A landscaping plan including details of boundary treatment”

2.18. This Landscape and Visual Appraisal is accompanied by a Strategic Landscape Masterplan, which provides details of the soft landscaping proposed across the development (see Plan 5). This in conjunction with the architect’s layout (contained at Appendix 1) sets out details of all boundary treatments across the development.

2.19. The Strategic Objectives of the Local Plan are:

• SO1: To protect create and enhance the Green Infrastructure Network • SO2: To maintain, enhance and conserve the Borough’s distinct landscape characteristics, biodiversity, and cultural and historic environment. • SO3: To ensure new development is well designed, promotes local distinctiveness and integrates effectively with its setting. • SO4: To protect and enhance the character, appearance and setting of the towns and villages • SO5: To address, mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on people, wildlife and places; promoting the safeguarding and prudent sustainable use of natural resources.

2.20. These Strategic Objectives have been developed into a series of policies within the adopted Local Plan. Those of relevance in terms of the consideration of landscape character and visual amenity include:

• Policy S1 Sustainable Development Principles • Policy S1a Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development • Policy EQ1 Climate Change • Policy EQ 2 Landscape Character • Policy EQ 6 Design and Place Making • Policy EQ 8 Green Infrastructure • Policy EQ 9 Trees, woodland and hedgerows • Policy H1 Location of Housing Development • Policy CF4 Open Space, Sports and Recreation Facilities

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Policy S1 Sustainable Development Principles 2.21. This policy sets out the Council’s expectations that all new development will make a positive contribution towards the sustainability of communities and will protect, and where possible enhance the environment; and mitigate the process of climate change.

Policy S1a Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development 2.22. The policy states that when considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It goes on to state that the Council “will always work pro- actively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area.”

Policy EQ1 Climate Change 2.23. The policy states that the Council will adopt strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This involves requiring new development to be designed to contribute to achieving national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using land-form, layout, building orientation, tree planting, massing and landscaping to reduce likely energy consumption and resilience to increased temperatures.

Policy EQ2 Landscape Character 2.24. The policy states the Council will seek to protect, enhance and restore the landscape character of the Plan Area for its own intrinsic beauty and for its benefit to the economic, environmental and social well-being of the Plan Area.

This will be achieved by:

• “Requiring that development has particular regard to maintaining the aesthetic and biodiversity qualities of natural and man-made features within the landscape, such as trees and woodlands, hedgerows, walls, streams, ponds, rivers, ecological networks or other topographical features; • Requiring that development proposals are informed by, and are sympathetic to the distinctive landscape character areas as identified in the Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document and also take into account other evidence of historic landscape characterisation, landscape sensitivity, landscape impact and the setting of the Peak District National Park and where appropriate incorporate landscape mitigation measures. • Requiring that development proposals protect and/or enhance the character, appearance and local distinctiveness of the landscape and landscape setting of the Peak District National Park • Resisting development which would harm or be detrimental to the character of the local and wider landscape or the setting of a settlement as identified in the Landscape Impact Assessment.”

Policy EQ6 Design and Placemaking 2.25. This policy states that all development should be well designed and of a high quality that responds positively to both its environment and the challenge of climate change, whilst also contributing to local distinctiveness and sense of place.

This will be achieved by: • “Requiring development to be well designed to respect the character, identity and context of High Peak's townscapes and landscapes; • Requiring that development on the edge of settlement is of high quality design that protects, enhances and / or restores landscape character, particularly in relation to the setting and character of the Peak District National Park;

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• Requiring that development contributes positively to an area's character, history and identity in terms of scale, height, density, layout, appearance, materials, and the relationship to adjacent buildings and landscape features; • Requiring that development achieves a satisfactory relationship to adjacent development and does not cause unacceptable effects by reason of visual intrusion, overlooking, shadowing, overbearing effect, noise, light pollution or other adverse impacts on local character and amenity; • Requiring that public and private spaces are well-designed, safe, attractive, complement the built form and provide for the retention of significant landscape features such as mature trees; • Requiring that developments are easy to move through and around, incorporating well integrated car parking, pedestrian routes and, where appropriate, cycle routes and facilities; • Requiring that developments are designed to minimise opportunities for anti-social or criminal behaviour and promote safe living environments; • Requiring the inclusive design of development, including buildings and the surrounding spaces, to ensure development can be accessed and used by everyone, including disabled people; • Requiring new homes in residential developments meet environmental performance standards in accordance with Local Plan Policy EQ1; and • Ensuring that development takes account of national design guidance and Supplementary Planning Documents.”

Policy EQ8 Green Infrastructure 2.26. This policy states that the Council will develop, protect and enhance networks of Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure.

This will be achieved by: • “Requiring that development will not have a detrimental effect on the amount or function of existing green infrastructure unless replacement provision is made that is considered to be of equal or greater value than that lost through development; taking particular account of appropriate levels of mitigation where development would result in habitat fragmentation; • Requiring that development proposals, where appropriate, contribute towards the creation of new or enhancement of existing green infrastructure, including public and private open space, recreation areas, parks and formal outdoor sports facilities, local nature reserves, wildlife sites, woodlands, allotments, bridleways, cycle ways and local green spaces; • Requiring that through its layout and design, new development responds to the location of existing green infrastructure and ecological networks, supporting their appropriate uses and functions; • Where appropriate, ensuring that green infrastructure helps mitigate the effects of climate change including through management of flood risk and waterways; • The protection and extension of existing long distance trails and development of a network of Greenways in accordance with the West Derbyshire and High Peak Greenway Strategy; • Working with the Dark Peak Nature Improvement Area and other partners to help create better access routes linking High Peak settlements into the surrounding countryside for tourism and recreation; and • Identifying and protecting key wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect sites of importance for biodiversity, including creating or restoring habitats of nature conservation value, in accordance with Local Plan Policy EQ.”

Policy EQ9 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows 2.27. The policy states the Council will protect existing trees, woodlands and hedgerows, in particular, ancient woodland, veteran trees and ancient or species-rich hedgerows from loss or deterioration.

This will be achieved by: • “Requiring that existing woodlands, healthy, mature trees and hedgerows are retained and integrated within a proposed development unless the need for, and benefits of, the development clearly outweigh their loss;

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• Requiring new developments where appropriate to provide tree planting and soft landscaping, including where possible the replacement of any trees that are removed at a ratio of 2:1; and • Resisting development that would directly or indirectly damage existing ancient woodland, veteran trees and ancient or species-rich hedgerows.

Policy H1 Location of Housing Development 2.28. The policy states that the Council will ensure provision is made for housing taking into account all other policies in this Local Plan by supporting the development of specific sites through new site allocations in the Local Plan. The site is identified within a housing site allocation within the local plan (see Policy DS 8 below).

Policy CF4 Open Space, Sports and Recreation Facilities 2.29. The policy states that the Council will support the improvement of the quantity, quality and value of play, sports and other amenity green-space provision through requiring qualifying new residential developments to provide or contribute towards public open space and sports facilities in line with the High Peak local open space and recreation provision standards set out in the study report. The policy also states that all major residential developments are to design into schemes growing areas for residents and where this is not feasible, requiring a contribution to allotment provision off-site, in accordance with the local provision standards.

Policy DS 8 Land off Derby Road, New Mills 2.30. The policy describes the site as “Land amounting to 5.8 hectares is allocated for residential development of approximately 107 dwellings.” The policy states that development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies, and “a landscaping plan including details of boundary treatment”.

Evidence Base Documents

Landscape Character SPD March 2006 2.31. This SPD provides guidance for the design of new developments and alterations to existing developments, including associated landscape design. For each Landscape Character Type, this SPD identifies key characteristics and their implications for the siting, design and appearance of new development. A full consideration of this document is contained in Section 3 of this report.

Landscape Impact Assessment (January 2014 & July & August 2014 updates) 2.32. This Landscape Impact Assessment was produced by Wardell Armstrong to provide a robust landscape evidence base for the Local Plan. It has informed the selection of sites for allocation within the Local Plan and provides support for other policies and proposals which protect landscape character or manage change in the landscape.

2.33. The study identified the site as one of the preferred options for development and described the site as:

“Predominantly flat, semi-enclosed, improved grassland adjacent to residential properties and playing fields on the edge of the settlement. Screened from the National Park by topography with low impact on setting. Constraint of overhead lines could cause separation from existing settlement edge and this should be addressed. It should be considered in Policy DS8 that there is the potential for improvement to the urban edge of the settlement.”

2.34. The study also considers whether the Green Belt boundary is appropriate. The north-eastern edge of the site also forms part of the boundary of the North Derbyshire Green Belt.

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2.35. The study states that new development should include an appropriate landscape framework. This should include retention of existing trees and hedges, new native tree and shrub planting and appropriate trees for gardens.

Residential Design Adopted December 2005 2.36. This SPD promotes an approach to design grounded in an understanding of the qualities which contribute to local distinctiveness and sense of place in High Peak. It identifies existing settlement patterns and landscape features within the High Peak and advises on appropriate boundary treatments, native plant species, green corridors, open space provision and network, public realm, surface materials, street furniture and public art.

Designing out Crime SPG June 2005 2.37. This SPD advises on the layout of development including orientation of dwellings, public open space and play, parking and footpaths. Landscaping guidance includes design of hard and soft landscaping including appropriate species for secure green boundaries to properties and boundary treatments.

Public Rights of Way (PRoWs)

2.38. As shown on Plan 1 there are no footpaths located within the site. The nearest bridleway, NM BW116 is located to the south-west of the site and runs parallel to the field boundary from Derby Road to Hayfield Road. The Sett Valley Trail is located to the north-west of the site and is a 2.5 mile recreational trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking New Mills and Hayfield. It follows a former railway line through outstanding countryside and forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail between Hayfield and Birch Vale.

2.39. Further footpaths run through the landscape close to the site. These are illustrated on Plan 1.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

2.40. The site itself does not contain any nationally or locally valued heritage assets, such as; Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments or Conservation Areas. As shown on Plan 1, however, there is a Conservation Area within New Mills, centred on the historic core and a number of Listed Buildings to the north-west of the market town, largely located along Thornsett, Batemill Lane and Laneside Road. A small Conservation Area is located on Whittle Bank Road to the north-west of the site.

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Section 3: Baseline Situation

3.1. This section considers the existing landscape character and visual context of the site and its environs.

3.2. In order to establish the degree of change arising from the development of the site and the extent to which the change will affect local receptors, it is important to understand the existing situation and site context in terms of amenity, availability of views and the landscape character areas and types associated with the local area.

Landscape Character Areas and Types

3.3. The characterisation process is a non-value judgement process; therefore, classifying landscape into distinct areas does not suggest that one character is more sensitive than another or valued by people more or less.

3.4. The landscape character appraisal process reviews the wider landscape character type at a national level and then explores more detail character features at a district / local level, before analysing site specific land use that informs local distinctiveness and sense of place.

National Character Areas

3.5. Natural England’s National Character Areas identify broad, strategic character areas for the whole of England. National Character Area: 51, the ‘Dark Peak’ (NE378).

3.6. The key characteristics of NCA 74 relevant to the site and its context are:

• “Sharply defined, elevated and vast plateau with gritstone ridges and edges and long, uninterrupted views; • Contrasting valley heads created by a combination of sheltered, deeply incised cloughs with fast-flowing streams around the plateau margins, with their greater diversity of vegetation, including semi-natural broadleaved woodland; • Pastoral character of margins created by in-bye land with dispersed farmsteads, gritstone wall boundaries (hedgerows in valley bottoms) and the small scale of enclosure; • Durable and stocky architectural style to dispersed buildings and settlements constructed from local gritstone with typical blackened appearance; and • Historic routes traverse the moorland as well as more modern trails such as the Pennine Bridleway and Pennine Way. More recent road and rail routes are located along valley bottoms.”

3.7. For the purpose of assessing the effects of development National Character Areas are relevant; however, they are very broad and set out the key characteristics of large geographical areas. Whilst there would be localised effects, there would be no perceptible effects upon the wider character area or any particular features of merit described within the study.

3.8. The site and its context could be considered typical of the Dark Peak NCA as a pastoral field within the valley bottom, bound by gritstone drystone walls and adjacent to dispersed buildings and the Sett Valley Trail. However, the site is also influenced by the settlement edge and the urbanising influence of the pylons and overhead lines. Due to the local topography, the site is visible from the wider countryside and settlements on the hills to the north west, west and south. To the north-east intervening vegetation along the Sett Valley provides some filtering of views and the rising and falling landform limits views to the east.

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3.9. The Dark Peak NCA profile does also provide a series of Statements of Environmental Opportunity. The objectives are broad, and cover those more specific objectives set out within the Local Character study below.

3.10. Those relevant to this site include:

• SEO 4: Increase the extent of native woodland, scrub and trees, and manage existing tree cover to provide a range of benefits including helping to assimilate new infrastructure, restore lost habitats and landscape features, store carbon, reduce run-off and provide fuel, shelter and recreational opportunities. and • Additional Opportunity 1: Protect and appropriately manage the cultural heritage and its historic landscape setting for its intrinsic value, contribution to local character and sense of identity, and as a framework for habitat restoration and sustainable development.

Local Character

3.11. At a local level, the High Peak Borough Council Landscape Character Assessment (March 2006) defines the site within the ‘Settled Valley Pastures’ Landscape Character Type (see Plan 6 and Appendix 2). The landscape characteristics are summarised as:

• “Moderate to steep lower valley slopes dissected by stream valleys

• Poorly draining soils over carboniferous shale and sandstone

• Wooded character associated with tree belts along streams and cloughs, scattered hedgerow trees and tree groups around settlement and farmsteads

• Localised bracken in some road verges and rushes associated with damp hollows

• Small, irregular fields enclosed by mixed species hedgerows and occasional dry stone walls

• Settled landscape of small nucleated settlements and scattered stone farmsteads with stone slate roofs

• Stone terraces on lower slopes associated with historic mills

• Network of winding lanes with irregular verges, sometimes sunken on steeper slopes

• Pastoral farming with extensive improved pasture

• Enclosed landscape with views filtered by trees

• Roofs are generally dark slate or stone tiles”

3.12. The current pastoral usage of the land on site and bounded by drystone walls to the north and south is typical of the Settled Valley Pastures. There are no other characteristic features on the site itself and the site is influenced by the residential edge of New Mills where properties on Derby Road, Millpond Avenue, Bridleway and Hayfield Road overlook the site, and wider countryside of the Sett Valley. Overhead power lines also cross the south-western part of the site and detract from the extent to which the site can be considered representative of the wider Settled Valley Pastures.

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3.13. The Landscape Character Assessment also provides guidelines for development within the landscape which it states are the most appropriate way to ensure buildings respond to the landscape character of the area.

3.14. Development principles for the Settled Valley Pastures are listed as:

• “Properties are either isolated farmsteads or cottages clustered along the road

• The rural landscape character must be considered when developing at the urban rural edge

• Small groups of amenity trees around settlements and particularly farmsteads

• The impact of hardstanding and other surfaces should be considered, including the colour, brightness and reflectivity of the surface and how it would appear from a distance

• Development should be contained in low, gritstone, drystone walls”

3.15. Planting principles for the Settled Valley Pastures are focused on enhancing the well-wooded landscape, and listed as:

• “Small-medium scale woodland planting

• Where opportunities arise the removal of coniferous plantation woodland should be encouraged.

• Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native species.

• Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting.

• Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long lived species.

• Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees - through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting.

• Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland.

• Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees.”

• Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows.

Land Use & Site Context

3.16. The appraisal of existing land use is another useful tool for determining how the landscape has changed. It does not involve the application of sensitivity or value, but does assist in exploring the suitability and ability of the landscape to absorb further change, restoration and enhancement in relation to such matters as condition, scale relationship with other users and spatial arrangement.

3.17. The site comprises a field of pastoral farmland which sits on the south-eastern side of the Sett Valley. The boundaries consist of gritstone drystone walls and post and wire fencing. A small number of hedgerow trees are scattered along the north-eastern and north-western boundaries. The south-

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western edge of the site is defined by a low drystone wall. Hayfield Road aligns the eastern boundary and High Hill Road aligns the north-western boundary. Towards the south-western site boundary are pylons and overhead lines crossing the site. The public bridleway (Ref NM BW116) and the residential edge of New Mills is beyond.

3.18. Topography ranges from approximately 160m AOD in the western corner to 175m AOD in the north- eastern edge. There is a steep grassed embankment to the south-eastern boundary adjacent to Hayfield Road.

3.19. In the wider context to the north and east of the site, beyond the immediate site boundaries the landscape is formed of the wooded Sett Valley with the recreational trail which links New Mills with Hayfield. The valley also contains the Thornsett Trading Estate with a number of industrial units and Thornsett Cemetery. The further north and east the landform rises up to the linear village of Thornsett and to agricultural land and the moorland edges on the tops of the hills. To the east and south-east of the site is the village of Birch Vale and the Birch Vale Quarry surrounded by further agricultural land with scattered farmsteads and lanes. To the south and south-west of the site is the settlement edge of New Mills which stretches from the valley lower valley sides to meet the rising pastoral fields. To the west is the north-east of New Mills where the Sett Valley Trail runs through the green wedge at the bottom of the valley and the landform rises and residential development stretches northwards along Mellor Road.

Visual Context

3.20. In order to establish the degree of any change that may arise from the development of the site and the extent to which that change will affect local receptors, it is important to understand the existing situation in terms of amenity, availability of views and the landscape character types associated with the local area.

3.21. A photographic record of 14 selected views from public vantage points is illustrated on the Photoviewpoint Sheets contained at the rear of this report. The locations of the viewpoints are shown on Plan 4.

3.22. The extent to which the proposed development can theoretically be seen from the wider area has been assessed in the field and takes into account any significant vegetation or built form which restricts or limits the extent of visibility of the site. The resulting Field Verified Visual Envelope (VE) is also illustrated on Plan 4 and represents the visibility of the proposed development from the surrounding landscape.

Extent of Visibility

3.23. Visually, the site is well contained locally by existing built form, landform and vegetation associated with the Sett Valley Trail. However, at higher levels the site is visible from public rights of way, residential properties and farmland within the landscape to the north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west.

3.24. The approximate extent of the Visual Envelope (VE) is set out below:

• To the north – immediate views are possible from the Sett Valley Trail at the crossing point of High Hill Road (see Photoviewpoint 5). Distant views of the site are possible from Public Footpath (Ref. NM FP58) (see Photoviewpoint 13), Thornsett Primary School on Aspenshaw Road (see Photoviewpoint 9) and from the Public Footpath (Ref. NM FP 48) near Highwalls

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Farm (see Photoviewpoints 8), however views are seen against the existing settlement edge of New Mills; • To the north-east – glimpsed views into the site are possible from the residential properties on Sycamore Road in Thornsett on the (see Photoviewpoint 7) however these views are heavily filtered by vegetation on the slopes of the Sett Valley and the site is seen against the existing settlement edge of New Mills; • To the east – immediate views are possible from Hayfield Road and High Hill Farm adjacent to the site (see Photoviewpoint 3), more distant views from the east are restricted by the rising topography and the woodland block to the east of the site. • To the south-east – views towards the site from the Public Bridleway (Ref. NM BW127) and Public Footpath (Ref. NM FP 128) (see Photoviewpoint 2) but are restricted by the topography further to the south-east (see Photoviewpoint 14); • To the south – views are possible for transient users of Hayfield Road in close proximity (see Photoviewpoint 1) to the site due to gappy vegetation adjacent to the road, the falling topography and low drystone wall. Users of Public Bridleway (Ref. NM BW116) which runs along the settlement edge to the south of the site. Further south views are restricted by the residential development at Derby Road, Mill Pond Avenue and Bridleway; • The south-west – immediate views are limited by the vegetation along the Sett Valley Trail and the north-eastern development of New Mills. Elevated but distant views of the site are possible from Spring Bank (see Photoviewpoint 10). • To the west – immediate views of the views of the site are possible for transient users of High Hill Road and oblique views from residential properties on Derby Road (see Photoviewpoint 4) but further west views are restricted by the residential development on High Hill Road and the vegetation along the Sett Valley Trail. • To the north-west – immediate views of the site are restricted by vegetation along the Sett Valley Trail (see Photoviewpoint 6). Elevated but distant views are possible from the network of public footpaths on the hillside to the north-west of the site (see Photoviewpoints 11 and 12).

3.25. Overall, the fieldwork has indicated that the site has limited visual containment due to its location in the valley however views of the site locally are restricted by the vegetation to the Sett Valley Trail to north, east and west and the settlement edge and rising topography to the east and south. Distant views from the hills to the north-west, north and north east are possible but the site is seen distantly and against the existing settlement edge of New Mills.

Visual Receptors

3.26. Within the field verified Visual Envelope the visual receptors, i.e. those individuals who are likely to see the site and experience a potential change in the view should it be developed in-part, can be summarised as:

• Recreational users of the Public Rights of Way network located to the north, east, south and west of the site including the Sett Valley Trail and Public Bridleway NM BW116; • Private residents associated with High Hill Farm to the north-east of the site; • Private residents associated with Derby Road, Millpond Avenue and Bridleway to the south-west of the site; • Transient views from vehicular and pedestrian users of the adjoining vehicular highways (Hayfield Road and High Hill Road); and • Agricultural users associated with the farmsteads and agricultural land to the north, east and west of the site.

3.27. The visual receptor positions are also illustrated on Plan 4.

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Section 4: Landscape Opportunities & Constraints

4.1. In response to the landscape characterisation work, fieldwork, consideration of the baseline visual context and review of available SPD, a series of landscape opportunities and constraints were developed by Tyler Grange to ensure that the Site Layout responds to local circumstances and addresses opportunities for landscape enhancement. The broad themes / layout considerations and recommendations that emerged are illustrated on Plan 7, a summary of which is provided below:

• The area of land on site under the overhead pylons can be utilised to form an area of linear public open space for the development and the adjoining settlement edge. The space should seek to use the planting restrictions associated with overhead power lines creatively to define the space and enable informal recreational use, and to seek to tie the existing residential edge with the proposed development edge. • A varied development frontage in terms of property orientation, plot sizes and road layout, will assist in creating a relationship between the development edge, the public open space and the existing settlement edge. • Development should be focused towards the north of the site where there is no restriction from the overhead power lines. Responding to the settlement edge location by creating a more organic development layout and a varied and active frontage onto the adjacent countryside will be important to ensure a transition at the settlement edge is provided. This will also improve the current settlement edge transition in this location where the majority of the built edge currently consists of rear facing properties and their rear garden curtilages (Mill Pond Avenue and Bridleway) overlooking the allocated land on site. • The approach to New Mills along Hayfield Road should be considered in terms of the entrance to the development. Development setbacks, outward facing properties and soft landscaping (scattered trees would be characteristic) can all be utilised to create a transitional approach to the settlement edge, reflective and responsive to the current visual context for users of the road in which the settlement edge appears gradually in views, softened by tree planting. • The development edge along the north-eastern site boundary should seek to provide a varied and scattered development edge to allow soft landscaping at the development edge to be incorporated to filter views of the built form. This is more important further south along this boundary where visibility of the development edge will be most readily available from Hayfield Road. Further north the topographical arrangement of the site in comparison to the height of Hayfield Road, together with the lack of public rights of way to the north of the site, makes this area less readily visible as well as partially screened by the intervening built form associated with High Hill Farm. • The existing low stone wall along the northern site boundary should be retained to define the development edge. The use of outwards facing properties would allow future occupiers of the development to benefit from the views available across the adjoining agricultural land, as well as provide a characteristic and active settlement edge for the town. Scattered tree planting along this edge in conjunction with the front threshold and vehicular access to properties will also enable a softened and appropriate interface to be created between the settlement edge and open countryside. • The approach towards New Mills along High Hill Road should be considered in terms of how the development will appear visually and the provision of a continuation of existing vegetation in conjunction with the existing woodland to the north-west. Scattered tree planting and a new stone effect wall (or similar) would assist in assimilating the development into the local context.

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• A varied plot frontage and plot boundary types to the western corner of the development will assist in softening the development in views for users of High Hill Road and in views from the adjacent residential properties along the road to the south-west. Property curtilages can be broken up with soft landscaping to the frontages where properties will face outwards onto High Hill Road, and this together with soft landscaping within the public open space beneath the overhead power lines should provide a softened development edge.

4.2. The themes outlined above demonstrate a real opportunity to retain and manage existing landscape features, to provide a residential development that would sit well against the existing residential edge of New Mills whilst provided an enhanced settlement edge to interface with the open countryside adjacent. There is also the potential to fulfil other SPD and character requirements through good design such as increasing the provision of scattered boundary trees, the incorporation of new stone effect walling (or similar) where possible to contain the development and provide characteristic boundary features at key locations, as well the incorporation of a new area of public open space.

Scheme Response

4.3. The recommendations included on Plan 7 were circulated following the completion of the initial baseline work to inform the Proposed Site Layout. In response to the landscape opportunities and constraints provided, a series of strategic landscape themes for planting and boundary treatments are proposed. These are illustrated on the Strategic Landscape Masterplan (Plan 5), and described below:

• Boundary Trees Native trees to soften the residential edges as perceived from the north and aid in integrating the development into the wider landscape.

• Open Space around Existing Pylons Integrate the open space with surrounding rural landscape through meadow and wildflower planting. Blocks of vegetation in the form of long grasses and wildflowers at varying heights will be utilised to create dynamic layers between mown grass paths and open areas. Grass and flower blooms will provide visual interest and ecological benefits. This approach to planting within the open space will create an ecologically beneficial recreation space which also permits maintenance access to the existing electrical pylons.

• Link Area between Open Space and Residential Streets Provide a transitional space between the more formal residential streets and the less formal open space area. Low native hedges will soften the residential edge as perceived from with the open space and introduce semi-formal planting form between the two areas. Bulb planting will provide seasonal interest and provide an introduction to the more formal planting typical of garden planting styles. Inclusion of late-blooming flowers such as rudbeckias will provide seasonal interest late into the year.

• Site Entrance Scattered trees will create an attractive and welcoming entrance to the development. Tree species will be selected with strong architectural form and seasonal interest. Bulb planting will also provide interest and colour at the ground level.

• Street Trees Smaller scale ornamental trees to create an attractive street scene and provide internal greenery, seasonal interest

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Section 5: Analysis of Proposals against Local Planning Policy

Policy Policy Objectives Consideration / Design Response Reference

Adopted High Peak Borough Council Local Plan Policies

Policy S1 Development to make a positive Development of this site will provide an Sustainable contribution towards the opportunity protect and enhance existing Development sustainability of communities and landscape features alongside new Principles will protect, and where possible characteristic planting to soften the enhance the environment; and transition between the development and the mitigate the process of climate adjacent open countryside. This will change. contribute towards the enhancement of the environment and in that sense, will help to contribute towards the Councils aspiration to mitigate the process of climate change.

Policy S1a Secure development that The development of this site will provide an Presumption in improves the environmental opportunity to improve environmental Favour of conditions in the area. conditions of the site through enhancement Sustainable of existing vegetation and new site-wide Development planting.

Policy EQ1 New development to be The new development would be compliant Climate designed to reduce greenhouse with this policy by including land-form, tree Change gas emissions, reduce energy planting and new characteristic soft consumption and a resilience to landscaping (scattered trees primarily) increased temperatures. which would contribute towards the Council’s aspirations and specific development requirements to reduce the effects of climate change. Policy EQ2 Protect, enhance and restore the The development has been designed to Landscape landscape character of the Plan respond to the key features and Character Area. development principles of the Settled Valley Pastures LCT and the planting and

biodiversity guidance. The layout will allow for characteristic native hedgerows with scattered hedgerow trees and tree groups throughout the development and outer site boundaries will be formed of low, stone effect walls (or similar to same effect).

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Policy Policy Objectives Consideration / Design Response Reference

Policy EQ6 New development to be well In order to maintain the sense of place and Design and designed and of a high quality distinctiveness of the Dark Peak the Placemaking that responds positively to both development will respond to the its environment and the development guidelines within the Settled challenge of climate change, and Valley Pastures LCT which cover layout, contribute to local orientation and materials. distinctiveness and sense of The settlement pattern within this LCT is place. dominated by clustered buildings alongside roads. The development layout has sought to be informed by this more rural development grain, whilst remaining in keeping with the more urban character of the townscape edge of New Mills, thereby providing a transition between the two areas. Materials, colours and textures will reflect buildings within the local context. The development has been designed to connect visually with New Mills to ensure it is viewed as part of the settlement despite the necessary offset incorporated to accommodate the maintenance and safety requirements of the overhead power lines that traverse the site. Policy EQ8 Develop, protect and enhance The site is formed of a pastoral field with a Green networks of Biodiversity and small number of scattered trees adjacent to Infrastructure Green Infrastructure. the north-eastern and north-western boundaries. The development provides an

opportunity to improve the biodiversity and green infrastructure on site through the planting of native trees and hedgerows across the development layout. This will provide greater green infrastructure connections with the retained meadow grassland within the area of public open space beneath the pylons to the south of the site and with the woodland vegetation associated with the Sett Valley Trail to the north-west of the site.

Policy EQ9 Protect existing trees, woodlands There are currently no trees or hedgerows Trees, and hedgerows. within the site however the development will Woodlands comply with the policy through the planting of and new native and characteristic trees, tree Hedgerows groups and hedgerows. Existing small trees growing adjacent to the site boundaries will also be retained. Policy DS8 Landscaping Plan and details of The Strategic Landscape Masterplan (Plan boundary treatments. 5) provides details of the types and location of planting types alongside details of the existing and proposed boundaries.

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Policy Policy Objectives Consideration / Design Response Reference

Policy H1 Supporting the development of The site is allocated within the Local Plan Location of specific sites through new site and covered in Policy DS8 Land off Derby Housing allocations in the Local Plan Road, New Mills (SHLAA Ref. AS047(SS)) Development Development would adjoin the The development would not immediately built-up area boundary and be adjoin the built-up area boundary due to the well related with the existing location of the pylons and overhead lines. pattern of development and However, the layout would relate to the surrounding land uses and of an existing development patterns along appropriate scale for the Hayfield Road and High Hill Road and has settlement. been designed to be viewed as part of New Mills. The development would not lead The development has been designed to be to prominent intrusion into the seen as part of the existing settlement of countryside or have a significant New Mills and the layout has responded to adverse impact on the character the settlement edge location of the allocation of the countryside. through the use of an organic and scattered development layout which will assist in

creating a softened settlement edge. Property frontage will face outwards at the development edges and the site boundaries will incorporate scattered planting. All of this will result in the provision of a new settlement edge which not only responds to the countryside adjacent, but also provides a more transitional settlement edge than existing at present at the current settlement edge where the residential urban grain is more rigid in layout and properties are either side or rear facing onto the countryside. The use of characteristic stone effect walls, hedgerows and scattered trees will also ensure the development assimilates into its local context. Policy CF4 Improvement of the quantity, The development will provide a pedestrian Open Space, quality and value of play, sports connection to High Hill Road close to the Sett Sports and and other amenity green-space Valley Trail to the north of the site and the Recreation provision. land to the south of the site beneath the Facilities overhead lines will provide public open space.

5.1. The table above outlines that all of the relevant adopted landscape policy objectives can be satisfied completely through the proposed development response.

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Section 6: Conclusion

6.1. The site is centred on Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference SK 01058 86511 Wainhomes North West Ltd are looking to submit a full planning application seeking permission for residential development of 97 dwellings. A Site Layout has been submitted and is contained at Appendix 1.

6.2. The site is allocated for residential development within the High Peak Borough Local Plan and consists of pastoral grassland with boundaries comprised of low drystone walls and post and wire fencing. The residential edge of New Mills is located adjacent to the site to the south-west and the drystone wall along the northern edge of the site forms part of the North West Derbyshire Green Belt boundary.

6.3. It has been demonstrated within this Landscape & Visual Appraisal that all of the relevant adopted landscape policy objectives can be satisfied completely through the proposed development response.

6.4. The site is located within the Settled Valley Pastures Landscape Character Type (LCT) and the proposed development will result in a partial alteration to the character of a very localised part of the LCT, albeit one which the Council are committed to expecting change within given the allocation of the site. Changes as a result of the development of the site will affect only a limited geographical area, and the adjoining residential edge provides urban influence over this area of the Settled Valley Pastures already. Furthermore, new soft landscaping incorporated into the development proposals will provide characteristic enhancements to the wider LCT and ensure that the settlement edge and expansion to New Mills registers as a characteristic change within the landscape. With the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting in the form of scattered tree planting at the edge of the development and soft planting throughout the site, the development will cause limited visual intrusion, and the change will be consistent with views of the current settlement edge.

6.5. For residential receptors, the most notable changes relate to those residents living adjacent to the site to the south-west, and at High Hill Farm to the north-east, where there are properties with rear and side lower storey and upper storey windows overlooking the site and development area. For these residents, which include residents of Derby Road, Mill Pond and Bridleway, the construction activities will be visible over the top of their rear garden boundaries, and from side windows over the low drystone wall bordering the site. The completed development will be clearly visible, and although it will be offset some distance by the intervening Public Open Space, and the sight of residential development would not be wholly uncharacteristic of the location, some long-distance views from these receptor locations would be curtailed or interrupted. The proposed development is offset from the south-western edge of the site by an area of Public Open Space which will ensure the changes in visual amenity for the residents overlooking the site are limited.

6.6. For residents at Chestnut Close where there are properties with rear lower and upper storey windows facing the site, and High Hill Road where views are oblique and influenced in part by intervening built form along High Hill Road, the construction activities will be partially and more distantly visible, and these receptors cannot see the site and therefore the construction activities in their entirety. On completion, and after 15 years when the proposed mitigation planting has established, their views towards the development will be filtered.

6.7. For the remaining residential receptors, including residents at Hayfield Road, Sycamore Road and Spring Bank the distance at which the site will be viewed, as well as the presence of intervening built form which screens views, means the change associated with the development of the site will be barely noticeable. The mitigation planting once established will also not be noticeable within views

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6.8. For recreational users, the most notable changes as a result of the proposed development will be experienced by users of the Public Bridleway running adjacent to the south-western site boundary (Ref: NM BW116) and recreational users of the land used informally as a playing field immediately adjacent (off Portland Road). Construction activities will appear in the foreground of views, dominating the view and in close proximity, although this will only be for the short term. Again, on completion the development will be visible due to the close proximity of the new built form, though the presence of new housing within the visual context of the route and recreational area is not out of keeping and the development is offset from the route by a large area of Public Open Space beneath the overhead power lines. The development has been off-set from the Public Bridleway and incorporates softening planting at the edge of the development which lessens the extent to which users will be affected once this has established.

6.9. For the users of the Public Rights of Way more distantly offset from the site (including users of Public Bridleway NM BW127 and Public Footpath NM FP128), the changes likely as a result of the proposed development are les, as the construction activities will be viewed offset by a distance, beyond intervening built form which partially restricts views towards the site. On completion built development will be partially visible. The proposals include new scattered tree planting at the development edge, an offset from Hayfield Road to create a characterful entrance to the development, and an area of Public Open Space which will be planted with low-level planting. Once established this will soften and filter views of the new houses. Even though filtering and screening increases with distance along the routes, the development will still be glimpsed.

6.10. For the remaining recreational users of the landscape surrounding the site, the presence of intervening vegetation, built form and the distance at which the site can be viewed is such that although the construction activities will appear out of keeping with the visual context, they will only affect a small proportion of the overall wider view. On completion, even though the completed development will be partially visible in the distance from these locations, the housing will register as an extension of the existing backdrop of the settlement edge. Once the proposed mitigation planting becomes established the development will be filtered and this will assist with the extent to which the new built form blends into the surroundings.

6.11. For recreational users of the Sett Valley Trail there is no visibility of the site due to the extent of screening provided by the woodland vegetation associated with the Trail.

6.12. The only occupational receptors that will notice a change in their visual amenity as a result of the proposed development will be those associated with Thornsett Primary where the construction activities will be partially and distantly visible.

6.13. For vehicular and pedestrian users travelling along Hayfield Road and High Hill Road adjacent to the sites eastern and western boundaries the construction activities will be viewed in close proximity. On completion, the development will again be viewed in the close proximity, though visual change will only affect a short section of the road, and the development will be set back from the road beyond the existing drystone boundary wall, and new stone effect walling and soft landscaping is also proposed to assist in assimilating the development into the landscape. Upon the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting, the built form will appear filtered and softened.

6.14. In response to the observations set out within this LVA, the creation of the residential development proposed on this allocated site is not considered to result in an uncharacteristic addition to the landscape, nor would it result in an unacceptable change to the visual context of public receptor locations. The proposed development is compliant with all of the Council’s local adopted planning policy. The landscape guidance set out within the accompanying SPD documents has been acknowledged and incorporated where appropriate. Given the site’s settlement edge location, any effects would be localised and not considered wholly uncharacteristic.

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Appendix 1: Proposed Site Layout (produced by Baldwin Design Consultancy Ltd Dwg Ref: WH/HRNM/SL/02)

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Hayfield Road, New Mills 113

86 101

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G E 14

G E B POST

HAYFIELD ROAD GV GV CL179.292 MH SP POST 180.0m Consultancy Ltd Suite 109-110, Lovell House, Birchwood Park, Warrington, Cheshire. WA3 6FW Tel: 01925 747615 e-mail: [email protected] Baldwin Project Title: Revision: Drawing No: Drawing: Address: SURFACE FINISHES BOUNDARY TREATMENTS Hayfield Road Drawn: New Mills Detailed Site Layout LEGEND Residential Development TREES / HEDGES Scale: Protection Plan / Landscaping Refer to Arboricultural Impact Assessment / Tree * 1:500 RL Denotes 1.8m screen wall / fence Denotes 0.45m kneerail fence Denotes 1.2m railings Denotes 0.65m dwarf wall with 0.9m Denotes timber gate position railings (Refer to dwg FD-001) (Refer to dwg FD-004) Denotes affordable housing provision Denotes 1.8m heather edged fence (Refer to dwg FD-004) Existing trees & hedges to be Denotes street tree planting & Denotes granular stone path Denotes buff coloured bonded Denotes private drive - bitmac finish. Denotes shared surface bitmac with Denotes block paved ramp/rumble Denotes block paved shared Bitmac finish. Denotes collector road & footpath - retained red chippings. associated protective grid gravel strip raised table. surface/raised table/private drive. Ch'd: WH/HRNM/DSL/01 GB

Date: Paper Size: Date 01/09/17 A0 Design

Appendix 2: Extract from High Peak Borough Council Landscape Character March 2006 ‘Settled Valley Pastures’

Land at Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills Landscape and Visual Appraisal

10758_R01a_20 September 2017_AL_JW

Dark Peak Settled Valley Pastures

Settled Valley Pastures

Landscape Character The underlying geology is gritstone and shale. There are scattered farmsteads outside the compact settlements. This is a pastoral landscape with permanent improved pasture which gives way higher up the slopes to poorer grazing where the ecological value is greater. The landscape has a strong network of winding lanes and roads and railways along the lower slopes above the floodplain. This is a well wooded landscape with wooded cloughs around tributary valleys and hedgerows with some hedgerow trees which define irregular fields. Amenity tree groups are associated with settlements and there is woodland along the roads and railway lines. As with the field boundaries, the woodland often has irregular outlines.

Key Landscape Characteristics to Consider • Moderate to steep lower valley slopes dissected by stream • Network of winding lanes with irregular verges, sometimes valleys sunken on steeper slopes • Poorly draining soils over carboniferous shale and sandstone • Pastoral farming with extensive improved pasture • Wooded character associated with tree belts along streams • Enclosed landscape with views filtered by trees and cloughs, scattered hedgerow trees and tree groups around • Roofs are generally dark slate or stone tiles settlement and farmsteads • Localised bracken in some road verges and rushes associated with damp hollows • Small, irregular fields enclosed by mixed species hedgerows and occasional dry stone walls • Settled landscape of small nucleated settlements and scattered stone farmsteads with stone slate roofs • Stone terraces on lower slopes associated with historic mills

Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document 36 High Peak Borough Council Settled Valley Pastures Dark Peak

Development Principles High Peak Borough Council Planning Policy OC4 requires that new development must contribute to and not erode the landscape character and sense of place. The most appropriate way to achieve this is to ensure that buildings respond to the landscape character by following the design principles below. In areas within this landscape type where the landscape character has been eroded by previous activity any design approach should aim to improve and/or restore the landscape character.

These design principles are intended to help applicants and their advisers to think about how new development can be made to fit in with its surroundings. This does not mean trying to replicate the traditional style but to promote buildings that fit in with it in order to maintain the strong local character and identity of this part of the High Peak. This does not rule out appropriate contemporary design that demonstrates a response to the landscape.

Development and the Landscape

Small groups of amenity trees around settlements and particularly farmsteads

The impact of hardstanding and other surfaces should be considered, including the colour, brightness and reflectivity of the surface and how it would appear from a distance

Properties are either isolated farmsteads or cottages clustered along the road Development should be contained in low, gritstone, drystone walls

The rural landscape character must be considered when developing at the urban rural edge

Planting and Biodiversity Guidance Where possible new development should include appropriate tree planting and creation of wildlife habitats. Derbyshire County Council has identified priorities for this Landscape Character Type, which are summarised below. For full details, including tree species mixes, please refer to ‘The Landscape Character of Derbyshire’ (Derbyshire County Council, 2003).

A well wooded pastoral landscape of small organic woodlands, Habitat Creation and Enhancement occasionally of ancient origin, with densely scattered hedgerow and watercourse trees. The following habitat types would be appropriate for creation and enhancement: • Small-medium scale woodland planting • Where opportunities arise the removal of coniferous plantation woodland should be encouraged. Primary Habitat Type: • Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock • Ancient and semi natural broad leaved woodland with locally occurring native species. • Wet woodland • Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural • Veteran trees regeneration and planting. • Ancient and species rich hedgerows • Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including • Rush pasture a proportion of large, long lived species. • Reedbeds • Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees • Neutral grassland - through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting. • Standing open waters and canals • Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland. • Rivers and streams (river corridors) • Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by Secondary Habitat Type: management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees. • Lowland fen meadows • Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran • Lowland dry acid grassland trees within hedgerows.

High Peak Borough Council 37 Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document Dark Peak Settled Valley Pastures

Small-scale Development Building Form

Conversion of farm A simple and robust building buildings should maintain form with minimal detailing a simple, functional form and not involve additional development

Properties should have a Plain elevations with doors broad front elevation with and windows recessed into narrow sides and a steep walls roof of 26-32°, following the distinctive traditional form

Building Detail

Give particular Roofs should be flush to the Downpipes and guttering Windows should be set consideration to the walls with plain verges and should be discreet, black below the roofline and not design and proportions of no fascia or barge boarding and located close to the break the continuity of the windows, lintels and sills eaves of the house eaves. Dormer windows are not appropriate

Materials, colours and Chimneys should be low textures should reflect local and robust traditional buildings

Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document 38 High Peak Borough Council Settled Valley Pastures Dark Peak

Large-scale Development Building Form

New buildings should be kept as small as is practically possible and reflect the scale, proportions and form of existing traditional farm-outb uilding

Buildings should be durable; easy and economic to repair

Prefabricated metal buildings do not weather well and remain obtrusive within the landscape. For this reason, materials that do weather well and are sympathetic to the landscape will be preferred. Examples include vertical slatted boarding and painted concrete to blend with existing buildings, reclaimed stone

Building Detail

Darker roofing than walling Some stone detailing Downpipes and guttering Colours should reflect gives weight and reduces helps to assimilate new should be discreet, black those of existing, traditional visual impact and reflection development into the and located close to the gritstone buildings; warm on larger buildings existing landscape setting eaves of the building brown tones, or deep green colours to reflect colours in the wider landscape New buildings should be no lighter or brighter than existing buildings

Please Note: Use the landscape rather than this document as a colour guide as digital colours may vary.

High Peak Borough Council 39 Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document

Plans & Photoviewpoints

Plan 1: Landscape Planning Policy Context with Public Rights of Way (10758_P03_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 2: Topography (10758_P02_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 3: Zone of Theoretical Visibility (10758_P01_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 4: Photoviewpoint Locations and Field Verified Visual Envelope (10758_P05_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 5: Strategic Landscape Masterplan (10758_P06b_September 2017_LM/AL) Plan 6: Landscape Character Areas (10758_P04_February 2017_LM/AL) Plan 7: Landscape Opportunities & Constraints (10758_P07a_September 2017_LM/AL)

Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1 to 14 (10758_P08_February 2017_LM/AL)

Land at Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills Landscape and Visual Appraisal

10758_R01a_20 September 2017_AL_JW

NM Site Boundary RB45

NM NM Local Planning Designations FP47 FP58 Date plotted from http://www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx NM RB60 Green Belt NM Policy EQ4 FP46 NM NM RB43 Conservation Area FP57 Policy EQ7 NM RB63 NM Listed Buildings FP174 Policy EQ7 NM RB64 NM NM Peak District National Park FP49 FP51 NM NM NM FP55 NM FP52 FP56 FP48 Housing Allocations Preferred Option Sites Policy H2 NM FP66 NM Housing Allocations NM FP61 Pennine Bridleway Land with the potential to accommodate FP67 NM BW50 development FP69 Thornsett NM FP53 Policy H2

Public Rights of Way NM Date plotted from the High Peak Brorough Council NM FP168 Interactive Online Map: FP70 NM https://maps.derbyshire.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile FP62 /#/main?mapcfg=Ordnance_Survey_Maps NM Sett Valley Trail FP190 Sett Valley Trail BW181 Birch Vale Footpath BW180 NM NM FP121 FP56 Long Distance Walking NM NM Route / National Trail NM BW71 FP119 FP72 Bridleway

Restricted Byway NM FP126 NM BW116 NM FP123 FP01 Public Right of Way Reference NM NM FP78 NM FP85 FP125 NM NM BW127 NM NM FP91 NM FP128 FP135 FP88

NM FP79 NM NM FP111 FP110 NM FP114 NM NM FP90 FP86 NM FP131 NM FP130 NM NM FP184 FP141 NM FP202 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m 500m

Scale@1:10,000 NM FP132 New Mills Sett Valley Trail NM NM Project Land at Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, FP178 FP169 FP191 New Mills NM NM FP177 FP175 Drawing Title Plan 1: Landscape Planning Policy Context NM FP142 and Public Rights of Way Scale 1:10,000 @ A3 New Mills NM NM Conservation Area FP139 FP130 Drawing No. 10758/P03 Date September 2017 Checked LM/AL NM NM FP146 NM NM BW134 NM Goyt Valley Way NM RB163 FP147 FP153 NM FP137 FP176 NM FP96 FP136 Ladyfield House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB Tyler Grange LLP T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2017. Licence number 0100031673 Site Boundary

Height AOD (m)

427m and above

343m

259m

176m

91m and below

Source: The plan has been modelled using GIS computer software (QGIS) and Ordnance Survey Terrain 5 data.

0m 200m 400m 600m 800m 1000m

Scale@1:25,000

Project Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills

Drawing Title Plan 2: Topography

Scale 1:25,000 @A3 Drawing No. 10758/P02 Date September 2017 Checked LS/LM

Trident House, Ground Floor, 46-48 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QW Tyler Grange LLP T: 0207 620 2710 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2017. Licence number 0100031673 Site Boundary

ZTV (Zone of Theoretical Visibility)

Source: The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) illustrates the extent to which the the site at building heights (6m) is potentially visible within a 5km radius (1.6m high receptor). The ZTV has been modelled using GIS computer software (Global Mapper) and Ordnance Survey Terrain 5 data, and as such does not take into account built form or vegetation present within the landscape. Field verification is required to refine the accuracy of the ZTV.

0m 200m 400m 600m 800m 1000m

Scale@1:25,000

Project Hayfield Road and High Hill Road, New Mills

Drawing Title Plan 3: GIS Zone of Theoretical Visibility

Scale 1:25,000 @ A3 Drawing No. 10758/P01 Date September 2017 Checked LS/LM

Trident House, Ground Floor, 46-48 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QW Tyler Grange LLP T: 0207 620 2710 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved 2017. Licence number 0100031673