10 Landscape and Visual

10 Landscape and Visual 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 This Chapter presents an assessment of the effect of the Proposed Scheme. In particular it considers the potential effects of the Scheme on local landscape character, viewpoints and notable features which have been identified through initial scoping studies and site visits. The chapter considers effects during both the construction and operational phases of the scheme. 10.1.2 This Chapter (and its associated figures and appendices) is not intended to be read as a standalone assessment and reference should be made to the Front End of this ES (Chapters 1 –6), as well as Chapter 19 - Cumulative Effects. Reference should also be made to Chapter 11 - Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Chapter 12 - Biodiversity, and Chapter 14 - Lighting for information on existing heritage and ecological receptors and lighting within the Site and in the surrounding area and the effects of the Proposed Scheme on these receptors. A copy of the Tree survey and Arboricultural Implications Assessment is provided in Appendix 10.1. 10.2 Legislation, Policy and Guidance Legislative Framework 10.2.1 The applicable legislative framework is summarised as follows: Ŷ European Landscape Convention (ELC, 2000) (Ref. 10.1); and Ŷ The Character of England Map (former Countryside Commission and English Nature, 1996) Directives, Acts, Regulations and Orders (Ref. 10.2). Planning Policy 10.2.2 Planning policy at the national and local level and its relevance to environmental design and assessment is discussed in Chapter 6 – Planning Policy Context. A summary of planning policy in relation to Landscape and Visual Amenity issues is outlined below. National Planning Policy Framework 10.2.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Ref. 10.3) was published on 27 March 2012 and is a key part of the reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the environment and to promote sustainable growth. There is an overarching presumption in favour of sustainable development that should be the basis of every plan and every decision. 10.2.4 The NPPF consolidates all of the previous Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) into one document. The following paragraphs/policies are considered relevant to this chapter: Ŷ Section 11 states that the planning system should aim to conserve and enhance the natural and local environment in part through the protection of valued landscapes. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) should therefore, ‘set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged’ (Section 11, Paragraph 113, pp26); Ŷ LPAs should, ‘set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green Volume 1: Environmental Statement – Main Text and Figures 10-1 Chapter 10 - Landscape and Visual infrastructure’ (Section 11, Paragraph 114, pp26). Strategic priorities should also include policies to conserve and enhance landscapes; Ŷ The NPPF identifies that impacts of climate change should be considered in terms of changes to biodiversity and landscape and that ‘great weight’ should be given to, ‘conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty’ (Section 11, Paragraph 115, pp26); Ŷ In relation to heritage assets and townscape, the Government’s objective is for Local Authorities to create policies that promote conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, taking into account, ‘the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place’ (Section 12, Paragraph 126, pp30); and Ŷ In determining applications, the NPPF states that LPAs should, ‘require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting’ (Section 12, Paragraph 128, pp30) and, ‘where appropriate, landscape character assessments should also be prepared, integrated with assessment of historic landscape character, and for areas where there are major expansion options assessments of landscape sensitivity’ (‘Plan Making’ Section, Paragraph 170, pp41). Ŷ Policy on the protection of Greenbelt land is identified in Section 9 Paragraphs 79 – 81 which identifies the key aim of the Green Belt as being the prevention of urban sprawl. They are characterised by their openness and permanence and serve five main purposes: x 'to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; x to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; x to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; x to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and x to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land'. 10.2.5 The policy seeks to encourage public access, outdoor sport and recreation; the retention and enhancement of landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity; and to improve damaged and derelict land. National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) 10.2.6 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) (Ref. 10.4) was published in March 2014 and formally revoked more than 150 planning guidance documents. The NPPG provides revised and updated planning practice guidance to make planning policy and the NPPF, more accessible The key guidance provided in the NPPG in relation to this chapter include the following: Ŷ NPPG Guidance Section: Natural Environment – Landscape. Paragraph: 001 Reference ID: 8- 001-20140306. This section states 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. Local plans should include strategic policies for the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, including landscape. This includes designated landscapes but also the wider countryside.' Local Plan or Local Development Framework 10.2.7 For the purpose of assessing the planning policy position in respect of the Proposed Development, the Development Plan comprises: Ŷ Daventry Local Plan (adopted 2010) – saved policies (Ref. 10.5); and Ŷ South Northamptonshire Local Plan (2007) – saved policies (Ref. 10.6). Volume 1: Environmental Statement – Main Text and Figures 10-2 Chapter 10 - Landscape and Visual Daventry Local Plan (adopted 2010) – saved policies 10.2.8 The key saved policies within the Daventry Local Plan (Ref. 10.5) in relation to this Chapter are outlined below: Ŷ Policy EN1 Special Landscape Areas. In areas designated as Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) due to their special environmental qualities, planning permission will be granted subject to a number of restrictions including, 'It comprises agricultural, forestry, recreation or Tourism development; or It relates to settlements within these areas; or…It does not adversely affect the character of the Local landscape'; and Ŷ Policy EN2 Conservation Areas seeks to ensure that development 'preserves or enhances the character of the area'. It also states that, '…development should not intrude into the setting of important buildings'. The policy goes on to encourage the use of appropriate materials, detailing and architectural character for any proposed built form. South Northamptonshire Local Plan (2007) – saved policies 10.2.9 The key policies within the South Northamptonshire Local Plan (Ref. 10.6) are outlined below: Ŷ Policy EN7 Special Landscape Areas. In areas designated as Special Landscape Areas (SLAs), planning permission will only be granted for development, 'which will not have a detrimental impact on their character and appearance. Particular attention must be paid to design, materials, siting of buildings and the use of land'; Ŷ Policy EN19 Trees and Woodlands states that, 'A proposal for tree felling or pruning will generally not be permitted to a tree in a conservation area or to a tree the subject of a tree preservation order except where the proposal is justified in the interests of good arboricultural practice or other clear environmental benefit'; Ŷ Policy EN21 Hedgerows, Ponds and Other Landscape Features seeks to protect these features, identifying that 'Development proposals will be expected to retain wherever possible, or failing that to replace, trees, hedgerows, ponds or other landscape features where they make an important contribution to the character of the area'; and Ŷ Policy EN25 Wildlife Corridors, Rivers and Waterways states that, 'The council will not permit development that would adversely affect the nature conservation, landscape or wildlife value of dismantled railways or waterways and watercourses'. Guidance 10.2.10 The assessment of landscape and visual effects has been based on the following good practice guidelines: Ŷ Interim Advice Note 135/10 Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment. The Highways Agency (2010). (Ref. 10.7); Ŷ Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) 3rd Edition. The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2013 (Ref. 10.8); and Ŷ Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland. The Countryside Agency and Scottish National Heritage, 2002 (Ref. 10.9). 10.3 Assessment Methodology and Significance

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