's Wood Biodiversity

Bussavean Meadows

Treworder Woods

Treworder Woods

Treliske Stream /

West of Penwithers Junction Halbullock Moor /

Gloweth Stream /

Nansavallon Wood

Legend

/ Key sites for biodiversity and SUDS (from SUDS Strategy) Carrine Common and streams Carrine Common

Special Areas of Conservation (labels in italics) Upper County Wildlife Sites Fal & Helford River

Lower 1,000 ] MetersHelston Water Wood

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Truro Landscape Strategy 13 LAND USE AND HUMAN SYSTEMS district was also linked to the north coast at , from which much of its copper ores were shipped.

6. Heritage and Culture ‘Historically, this was the richest mining district in during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was referred to by contemporary writers as the Cultural heritage is not limited to designated sites ‘richest square mile to be found anywhere on the and the pattern of the lanscapes surrounding Truro earth’. Here, more than anywhere else in Cornwall, itself is important cultural heritage. This is reflected the landscape clearly displays the effects of extensive in the landscape character analysis in section 8. copper mining. Historic and Current Landscape Character. The Fal and Ria Cornwall AONB, Mining District ‘Most of the mines of this district were relatively World Heritage Site and the many listed buildings shallow, none being deeper than 400 metres below and scheduled monuments illustrate the richness and adit. They were, however, extraordinarily rich…’ breadth of cultural layers in Truro’s landscape. Listed buildings and Scheduled Ancient Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Monuments The The Fal Ria section of the Cornwall Area of Listed buildings such as , the Truro Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) lies to the south (North West) Railway Viaduct, the Royal Cornwall and southeast of Truro. This is an area of landscape Hospital and County Hall are key landmarks within very much defined by wooded creeks. the City. They are often visible and prominent from longer distances within the wider natural setting of ‘Above the wooded creeks, there are scattered the City. Truro Conservation Area defines the extent farming settlements throughout the area, with of architectural and historic interest which gives the reorganised field boundaries and recent hedgerow centre of Truro a character desirable to preserve or removal giving a sense of openness. Where these enhance. fields reach the shore, some of the land is covered in heath vegetation, providing a visual contrast to the Scheduled Ancient Monuments lie within farmland to more manicured farmed landscape.’ (Cornwall AONB the north and south of Truro, their prominence within Unit). the landscape varies. The round settlement 200 m north west of Penventinne (north of ) is clearly World Heritage Site defined in views from by the Scots Pine The ‘Gwennap Mining District with and trees which mark out its circumference. There is also Perran and Kennall Vale’ World Heritage Site (WHS) a ‘round and associated remains’ immediately to the appropriately to sensitive views. need to respond to cultural heritage patterns Top left: hedgerow patterns below Treliske Hospital Top right: the Cathedral and Railway Viaduct from Higher lies between Truro and . The eastern south-east of Threemilestone. • Through proper consideration of areas of likely in the landscape more generally. This includes Newham Farm boundary of the WHS follows the Truro to change which are located immediately adjacent to responding to patterns created by fields, water, Bottom left: the Cathedral and historic town from Morlaix Avenue on the edge of the bowl railway line as far as the area just to the south of The landscape to the north and south of the A390 these sensitive landscapes, in particular the area woodland, hedgerows, footpaths and green Bottom right: ring of trees at ancient settlement SAM to north of Goonvean, so the WHS covers the (the Highertown Ridge) has considerable potential for to the south of Threemilestone (WHS) and Higher lanes. These should be a principal consideration Treliske and . The area is described as follows by the archaeological remains. Newham (AONB). of the landscape structure plan both at the scale Cornwall and Scilly Isles Historic Environment Service • Landmarks and landmark features are important of Truro and Threemilestone as well as informing (http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/sites/gwennap. Implications for the Masterplan: in views and orientation. On the northern side of development more locally. htm, as at 21/12/2007): The landscape framework should identify ways of the Highertown ridge, for example, the hospital promoting and enhancing the AONB and WHS: is a landmark from the wider landscape and the Aspects of heritage and culture have informed the ‘This extensive area is centred on the hugely • Through improving access from Truro and round ancient settlement to the north of Gloweth landscape framework plans, in particular future important Consolidated, United and Poldice mines Threemilestone out to these landscapes. forms a distinctive cluster of landmark vegetation character area descriptions (section 5). near St. Day. The Scorrier mines (including North • By making the most of opportunities for leisure and on looking away from the town. The value of these Downs) and Wheal Busy form its northern and recreation, as well as education and healthy living. features should inform the layout of development, eastern boundary, whilst the district extends via the • By investigating important views from these for example through considering access and Carnon Valley and the mines which flank it to the port landscapes to existing and new development, connections (visual and physical) to these features. of Devoran on the Fal Estuary to the south-east. The and ensuring that new development responds • The masterplan and landscape framework also

14 Truro Landscape Strategy Cultural Heritage

Legend

Listed Buildings

Scheduled Ancient Monument

Conservation Area

Historic Parkland

Gwennap Mining District World Heritage Site

The Fal Ria section of Cornwall AONB

1,000 ] Meters

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Truro Landscape Strategy 15 LAND USE AND HUMAN SYSTEMS Implications for the Masterplan: • Access from the city into the countryside is important. How to achieve this should be a principal 7. Access and Movement consideration of the landscape framework.

• The landscape framework should seek to reduce Cycle routes dependency on the car by promoting walking and A national cycle route runs into Truro alongside the cycling routes that link new development with , follows the Truro River then runs along the existing, and settlement on the Highertown ridge dismantled railway to the south of Higher Newham. with Truro. Routes then run south towards Porth Kea and Carnon Downs. • The green lanes are characteristic of the surroundings of Truro and Threemilestone. Footpaths The landscape framework should promote the Footpaths link Truro with the River Allen and River enhancement of this network. and allow access to Halbullock Moor from Gloweth. Further away from built development, Bar • There is considerable cultural and natural heritage Meadows, Treworder Wood and Carine Common are interest in the landscape surrounding Truro. The crossed by footpaths. Footpaths connecting Truro framework should improve access to the wider directly with the wider countryside are limited. countryside; for example, to include routes from the City and new settlement to the Cornwall AONB and Top left: hedgerow patterns below Treliske Hospital Green lanes the mining World Heritage Site. Top right: the Cathedral and Railway Viaduct from Higher Green lanes which descend from the Highertown- Newham Farm Threemilestone ridgeline are used by dog walkers • Ensure the landscape strategy links with other Bottom left: the Cathedral and historic town from Morlaix Avenue on the edge of the bowl and horse riders but these routes are shared aspects of access and movement, such as the Bottom right: ring of trees at ancient settlement SAM to north of with motor vehicles. These green lanes are highly proposals for park and ride schemes running along Treliske distinctive of the countryside surrounding Truro and the Highertown ridge. are particularly noteworthy given their proximity to the urban area. • New roads serving new settlement on either side of the Highertown ridge would need extremely careful consideration in these landscapes, which have complex local topography and field patterns and have intervisibility with the facing Kenwyn and ridges. The character and structure of the Green lanes on the plateau side to the north of Treliske landscape will need to inform the alignment and design of new streets at an appropriate scale.

• Sensitive landscape design of new park and ride sites would be needed.

• The Highertown corridor contains low quality development. Ways in which landscape design can improve the character of the Highertown corridor should be considered in tandem with urban design proposals.

Aspects of access and movement are taken forward in the access and movement network plan in section 5.

16 Truro Landscape Strategy Access and Movement

Legend

Railway Public Rights of Way National Cycle Route Green lanes Truro Road Network Road Type A and B Roads C Roads 1,000 All Other Roads ] Meters © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2004 License number 100023554

Truro Landscape Strategy 17 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER heights and are not surveyed. The data included in woodland and stand-alone trees on surrounding • A number of areas on the ridge are already the terrain model as obstructions to views to or from slopes have a greater visual influence than the actual associated with the urban area and are not essential the reference points is at a strategic level only and ridges, although key views such as that from to the visual setting of the ridge. It would make 8. Visual Setting does not reflect the complexity of local hedgerows Wharf to Higher Newham are important and help to sense, sequentially, to focus on the development of and other obstructions. shape the perception of a rural visual setting for the these areas first. City. Generally, however, it is from the slopes rising up • The valleys below the ridge top plateau are generally The Landscape Strategy for Truro, Falmouth and Visibility of reference points along the from the City Centre that the ridges are most visible. not influenced by development. The impact of future Penryn (LDA Design, 2000) appraised the landscape Highertown corridor and in Truro’s City Centre This means that many of the people who live around development on the valleys should be carefully character of Truro and identified the boundaries (plan page 23) the edges of the bowl, or people approaching the considered. This is likely to mean constraining of visual settings for Truro and settlement on the The plan opposite shows separate viewsheds for City from the elevated entrances to the bowl, see the development to the plateau tops or upper slopes. Highertown ridge. reference points on the Highertown Ridge (blue) dense urban area against the backdrop of unspoilt • If development spills over key ridgelines or into the and in Truro (yellow). Prominent edges of the visual ridges. valley floors the visual setting of the Highertown Given the importance attached to Truro’s bowl, the settings were drawn onto the viewsheds, with ridge will be adversely affected or extended. Highertown ridge and the river valleys during the reference to the topography model, to show the The analysis plan identifies prominent ridgelines various visioning workshops, additional objective GIS extent of visibility of settlement along the Highertown that define the visual setting of Truro. These can be Summary analysis was undertaken to enable a testing of the Ridge and within the Truro bowl. classified into those that define the edges of the Truro The visual analysis confirms that the ridges and extent and nature of the visual setting of the city. The bowl and those that define the edges of Highertown’s slopes around Truro are important to its visual setting approach taken is described below. Fieldwork was Photographs on pages 20-21 illustrate some of the visual setting. These have been marked on the and contribute to the perception of the ‘Truro Bowl’. used to verify the findings of the GIS analysis. The points made in the visual setting analysis. landscape and visual setting plan opposite and inform It is possible to identify key areas that contribute to analysis undertaken for this landscape framework the development of the spatial vision in Section 4.0. the overall impression of the Bowl. For example the document has found that, with one or two exceptions, Conclusions northern slopes above the cemetery, whilst limited in the conclusions of the Truro Falmouth Penryn study Analysis of the visual setting defines a tightly The Truro Bowl size are very important in some viewpoints. Higher remain valid and would be the starting point for any contained visual envelope for the historic city and a Key findings are: Newham and the plateau above Kenwyn fall are also basis to promote or protect the landscape around more extensive visual setting for the urban area on • Higher Newham is important to the visual setting highlighted as being important to the bowl. However, Truro and Threemilestone from development with the Highertown ridge. This reflects the topographic of historic Truro and helps to create the impression a small area of Higher Newham appears to be less regard to its effect on the City’s visual setting. containment of the historic city (the bowl) and the of the ‘bowl’ but there is a zone in the lower middle sensitive than other parts of the bowl and may be open aspect of Highertown which is largely on the part of the site that is less important and could be appropriate for development in conjunction with Truro’s Visual Setting plateau top. These visual characteristics have a included within a comprehensive development of development of the waterfront. The visible plateau strong impact on the character of the two areas of the Truro waterfront (Garras Wharf and industrial and slopes around Kenwyn is in some respects the City and reflect the findings of the Truro, Falmouth estate). equally sensitive and development could have an Modelling the Visual Setting of Existing and Penryn Landscape Strategy (LDA Design 2000). • The western and eastern ends of the Higher impact on both the bowl and the well defined setting Settlement Development on the Highertown ridge tends to Newham ridge appear to be the most visually to Highertown that the landscape strategy seeks to ArcView 3D Analyst software was used to model be outward looking with views to the rural areas important to the bowl. encourage. the visibility of reference points within Truro and beyond the Kenwyn and Tinney/Calenick valleys. • The landscape setting of the City extends some on the Highertown Ridge. A terrain model was The Highertown area can be seen from a number of way to the north and the ridges on either side of the The Highertown ridge has an entirely different visual generated using OS contour data. Existing buildings distant vantage points and consequently the sense Allen River appear to be important. setting to historic Truro. It is generally outward from mastermap and principal blocks of woodland of arrival to the area is gradual. Development within • The Kenwyn slopes are important to both the bowl looking and generally its setting is more distant vegetation, also from mastermap and verified using the bowl generally tends to be more inward looking, and the visual setting of Highertown. It could be and expansive. There is scope to accommodate aerial photographs, were added to the terrain model with surrounding ridges and waterfront providing argued that significant development at Kenwyn is development in this area without extending, or at 7.5 and 15 m respectively. Reference points on the backdrop to the urban area. Because the area is inappropriate in terms of the visual setting of the adversely affecting the City’s visual setting. However existing buildings were imposed on top of the terrain visually contained there is a strong sense of arrival City because it impacts on the bowl and is outside it will be important to ensure that development does model at 10 m above the terrain surface. The visibility into the historic City from all modes of transport. The of the natural edges to the Highertown area. not break the natural edges formed by the valleys to of the reference points was modelled using ArcView visible undeveloped ridges are important because of the south and north not impinge on the visual settings 3D Analyst surface analysis. the stark contrast with the urban area; they help to Highertown Ridge of the valley floors which are generally free of urban build the image of a compact city within an unspoilt Key findings are: influence. There are various caveats associated with the rural setting. • The Highertown ridge has an open visual setting as viewshed analysis. Firstly, the model is based on opposed to an enclosed visual setting as with the OS data and the terrain model is generated by In should be noted that the ridges are not necessarily historic city. It is outward looking and visible across interpolating contour data. Secondly, reference points highly visible from all parts of the historic city. For a wide area and there is considerable scope for and obstructions to views are inputed at assumed example, from within large parts of the City Centre development within its overall visual setting.

18 Truro Landscape Strategy The Visual Setting of Truro and Settlement on the Highertown Ridge

Legend Prominent edges of the setting of: Truro Settlement on Highertown Ridge Legend Principal Woodland Blocks Prominent edges of the setting of Truro City 10m reference points +Truro Settlement Visible on Highertown Ridge + PrincipalWoodlandBlocks Highertown Ridge 10m reference points Truro Visible City 10 m reference points ProminentVisible area within visual setting of: Highertown Truro nce points 1,000

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2004 License number 100023554 Visible Highertown ] Meters Truro Landscape Strategy 19 Visual setting photos: 1. A typical view from the City Centre showing glimpses to a wooded backdrop. Note that from the lower central parts of the City the ridges are not generally highly visible. It is the wooded slopes and stand-alone trees within properties that have the greatest visual impact. 2. A view showing impact of trees in providing a green setting to the City. 1 2 3 3. A glimpse of trees at the end of Lemon Quay. Although these do not appear prominent in the photo, when experienced on the ground they have a significant impact in defining a green backdrop to the

4 5 City. 4. A view to wooded slopes above Garras Wharf. 5. A view to wooded northern slopes to City from Morlaix Avenue. 6. A view of Higher Newham from Garras Wharf. 6 7 The ridge line provides a backdrop to waterfront development and creates a green backdrop to the Truro River 7. The Truro River.

20 Truro Landscape Strategy Visual setting photos: 1. From slightly more elevated areas and approaches to the City, the ridges become much more visible and prominent in defining the edges to the urban area. 1 2 This is a typical view of the slopes to the north-east of the City from areas on the southern slopes. 2/3. A view of slopes forming backdrop to the north west of the City. 4 4. A view of slopes to the north of the City. 3 5. Slopes overlooking Truro River and Garras Wharf. 6. A view from south facing slopes looking towards Kenwyn. 7. A view from the ‘Cathedral View’ development on 5 6 7 approach to City towards Kenwyn. The interaction of landscape and urban area creates a highly attractive composition.

Truro Landscape Strategy 21 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER This appraisal has supported the findings of the Landscape Strategy for Truro, Falmouth and Penryn. 9. Historic and Current Landscape Character Very minor changes, however, have been made to the original characterisation. Area TL2 has been deleted from the characterisation as it has now been Historic Landscape Character developed. The boundaries of character areas have The Historic Environment Characterisation for not been altered, but some of the areas, for instance Cornwall identifies various historic landscape types TL21, 13 and 11 now partially contain development. for Truro’s setting: Below (and illustrated on page 25) is a summary • The valley sides to the north and south of selection of some of the character areas assessed in Highertown are comprised of a mixture of medieval this study. Most character areas fall into one of two and post medieval farmland, with small areas of key typologies with a common pattern of landscape 20th Century farmland. elements: the valley floors and lower slopes; and, the • The edge of Truro’s bowl is mainly comprised of valley sides and dividing ridges. There are however a medieval farmland, with pockets of post medieval number of other character areas that have a distinct and 20th Century farmland, plantation and scrub pattern of landscape elements not found within the and ornamental landscape types. main typologies. For full descriptions of the character areas around Truro’s refer to the 2000 study. The historic landscape character types are illustrated on page 23, opposite. Valley floors and lower slopes Valley floors and steep lower slopes which have an Implications for Masterplan: enclosed, pastoral and intimate character (Kenwyn • Past character is one of the layers of richness in Valley (TL15 and TL18, to Penwethers the landscape which informs current character and Valley Bottom (TL10) and the River Allen Valley which should inform positive change for the future. (TL20)).

Current Landscape Character • The Tomperrow to Penwethers Valley Bottom (TL10) The Landscape Strategy for Truro, Falmouth and is comprised of a mosaic of valley pasture, intact Penryn (LDA Design, 2000) identifies 30 landscape woodland scrub and scrub vegetation with a ‘wet’, character areas around Truro. The methodology for low-lying character. It has a strong structure of this study followed Countryside Agency guidance, trees and vegetation which, together with landform, which advocates an approach based upon a mix creates a strong sense of enclosure, intimacy and a Medieval and post-medieval field patterns at Newmill looking south towards Coosebean and Truro of subjective and objective judgment used in a distinctive sens of place. systematic and iterative way. The process used to • In a similar way, the Lower Kenwyn Valley landscape Valley sides and dividing ridges was potential for limited development around the on the valleyside and the setting of ridgetop determine landscape character areas involved the character area (TL18) forms a critical part of the high Sloping ground which forms the upper sides of these edges of settlements to round them off, although settlements . Continued encroachment may now following steps: an analysis of Truro in its landscape quality rural landscape which surrounds the City. It valleys and of the dividing landform ridges generally development was not generally recommended mean that a masterplanned approach to the setting; integrated landscape and townscape is a distinctive landscape unit, which relates far less characterised by a more open character and rolling or within more unspoilt parts of the character area. appropriate development of both of these character assessment; assessment of development capacity to the City than to the rural character of the Kenwyn sloping landform. • Upper Kenwyn Valleyside South (TL14) is an area areas can be considered. (including objective assessment of impacts on Valley further to the west. • Besore Valley Farmland (TL13) is an area of farmland of north-facing slopes, also dissected by minor intrinsic character and quality, of the setting and • Like the Kenwyn Valley, the Allen Valley Floor on generally south-facing slopes, dissected by tributaries.The 2000 characterisation found that Other character areas in the City’s setting character of the town, and of the impact on views and character area (TL 20) has an enclosed, intimate, minor tributary valleys. The farmland generally this character area related more to the rural Other areas are distinguished because they fall visual amenity); and finally an identification of potential quiet and rural character. Although it is a relatively has a rural unspoilt and attractive character, catchment of the Kenwyn to the north than to the outside the two basic typologies described above. directions for growth and development sites. The hidden and enclosed landscape, it has an important despite encroachment of development from linear more urbanised ridgetop. The characterisation The 2000 characterisation found that all of these output of the 2000 study has informed planning policy role in penetrating the built area. Like these other settlements along the ridgetop (this pattern has did note the hospital and overhead powerlines as areas play an important part in the setting of the in Truro and Threemilestone. The findings of the 2000 valley landscape character areas it has a supportive continued since the characterisation was completed detracting elements. This pattern of encroachment City and that, assessed against landscape and study have been re-tested through fieldwork and desk role in the wider setting of Truro. in 2000). Whilst the 2000 characterisation found has continued since the characterisation was visual criteria alone, should not be considered for study as part of this report to validate their continuing this area to be critical to the setting of the linear completed in 2000. The study did not recommend development. These conclusions are still valid on relevance. ridgetop settlements, it recognised that there development in this area due to potential impacts landscape and visual grounds.

22 Truro Landscape Strategy Legend

Historic Landscape Character From Cornwall HLC (1994) Farmland Post medieval Plantation and Scrub Settlement older core (pre- 1907) Ancient Woodland Industrial: Disused Recreational Water: Natural Commuinications Industrial: Working Rough Ground Water: Reservoirs Farmland C20 Ornamental Settlement C20 Farmland Medieval

1,000 ] Meters © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2004 License number 100023554

Truro Landscape Strategy 23 change. The framework should be able to inform • Higher Newham Farm (TL6) is an open, elevated the character and identity of new development and site, with an exposed windswept character how this sits within the existing character of the with extensive views over the city and river. The landscape. undeveloped ridge forms an important rural backdrop to Truro when viewed from the north and Landscape Character and the Importance of is critical in its setting. Truro’s Bowl • Carrine Common (TL8) has an open, elevated The landscape character assessment highlights that character with a sense of remoteness, and displays character areas surrounding the city largely remain a strong, ‘semi-natural’ and rural character. The intact as agricultural landscapes with few urbanising area has a strong sense of place and high scenic influences. This means that there is a clear distinction quality. It has intervisibility with some of the between the City and Countryside within which it sits. settlement on Highertown ridge. This distinction is reinforced for the historic City: here • Trennick Pastures (TL3) is a small scale valley side topography defines the ‘bowl’ within which the City landsacpe of rectilinear fields, with prominent trees sits. Beyond the lip of the bowl it is possible to quickly that include pines and other exotics. The area has leave any influence of the City behind. Conversely, a rural character but is more strongly related to the when approaching the City, the intact agricultural ‘Arcadian’ river landscape and plays an important landscapes leading up to the lip of the bowl ensure role in the setting of the Truro River and the City that there is a strong sense of arrival to the City. itself. Settlement • Kenwyn Hillside (TL19) occupies a prominent spur overlooking the city. The steeper slopes to the east The historic core of the City of Truro lies on the lowest form part of the valley sides of the River Allen and ground at the confluence of the three rivers. The are characterised by a small-scale field pattern with structure of its landscape setting is defined by the a strong structure of vegetation and an enclosed four ridges of the St Clements, Kenwyn, Highertown intimate character. Higher parts of the character and Calenick ridges. 20th Century development in area are more open and are clearly visible in distant Truro extended up the slopes of the St Clements, views from the south and east and across the Allen Kenwyn and Highertown ridges towards the edge of Valley. This character area plays an important role in Truro’s bowl. Ribbon development then spilled over the setting of the City. the edge of the bowl along the Highertown ridge. This was mainly influenced by the road corridor to Implications for the Masterplan: the west. Ribbon development here has infilled and • Development forms to the north and south of expanded hamlets and villages along the ridge. It Threemilestone, in valleyside / dividing ridge is notable that this form of development has not Distinctive character areas TL15 (Upper Kenwyn Valley) and TL14 (Upper Kenwyn Valleyside South) landscape types, should differ according to the occurred along the other ridges which form Truro’s character defined by local topography, vegetation, setting. in place a framework that protects the established and field and settlement patterns. The form of and valued setting of the Truro bowl whilst development should have strong links back to The landscape around Truro also contains scattered simultaneously encouraging a form of development defined aspects of the character area, such as farms and small villages (e.g. Kea, Newbridge and on the Highertown ridge that creates a similarly well variations in steepness of slope, and use these to New Mill) which will need specific consideration in the defined urban form in this area. inform the design of distinctive new development. masterplan and landscape framework. The landscape framework should take account of Key information on historic and current landscape existing character areas and the variations between Implications for the Masterplan: character is taken forward in the landscape them. • One of the main growth issues to deal with framework and future character area descriptions • The landscape character of new development is the overall form of settlement in Truro and (section 4). areas will fundamentally change, but should reflect Threemilestone. Whilst there is a positive historic and contemporary aspects of character relationship between the urban from of historic Truro where these can positively shape new identities. and its landscape setting, the ribbon development The landscape framework should preserve key along the Highertown Ridge has no such defined structural elements of the landscape to enable this relationship. The landscape strategy needs to set

24 Truro Landscape Strategy Current Landscape Character

TL24 TL25 TL16 TL22

TL17 TL23

TL15 TL21 TL26 TL20 TL19

TL14 TL1 TL18 TL12

TL27

TL11

TL28 TL3 TL13

TL30 TL10

TL6

TL9

TL4

TL7 TL29 TL8

TL5

1,000 ] Meters

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Truro Landscape Strategy 25 LANDSCAPE CHANGE AND protection, open space for recreation, wildlife habitats, corridors for foot and cycle connections, DEVELOPMENT land for growing local produce and for providing local building materials. So whilst the level of 10. Development Pressures and development proposed for the Truro area will mean Directions for Growth significant pressures on the City’s landscape setting, the landscape itself will be a critical part of making existing and future commitments liveable, identifiable Development Pressures and sustainable places. In the past, Truro has been perceived as a city within a bowl. During the 20th century, a pattern of Directions for Growth growth over-spilling the edges of the Truro bowl was The proposed growth for Truro has to happen established along the Highertown to Threemilestone somewhere and fundamentally there are two options Ridge. Development along this ridge has taken a or combinations thereof: growth either occurs sprawling linear form and much of it is of poor quality. around the historic city or along the Highertown- There have also been development pressures Threemilestone corridor. The preferred option in focussed on sensitive sites on the edges of Truro’s landscape and visual terms are fairly clear. Historic bowl. Truro is a valued and recognised urban area which sits within an equally valued landscape setting The road corridor of the A390 and the linear ridge that is visually sensitive both in terms of how it determine the form of recent development and create is seen from the City and how it is experienced problems of severance and poor connectivity for local when entering it. Extensive development within the communities. The Highertown to Threemilestone bowl or development that flows over its edges will ridge is in broad terms the most likely area to be able fundamentally change the relationship between City to accommodate the level of growth the city needs and landscape and hences its image and identity. to absorb. This will not, however, be done without Along the Highertown-Threemilestone Ridge, challenges with regards to the landscape setting of however, the situation is quite different. Here the Highertown, Gloweth and Threemilestone. Although urban area has not yet grown to create any form this setting is very different to Truro’s bowl, it has its of positive relationship with landscape setting. own intrinsic structure and sensitivities to which this The visual setting extends much wider than the landscape framework must respond. landscape immediately adjacent to development. Distant views that are unlikely to be affected by The January to March 2007 Issues and Options development are generally more important than Top left: recent development on the southern side of the version of the Truro and Threemilestone Area closer views. So in landscape and visual terms it linear ‘hilltown’. The continuation of this pattern has Highertown plateau Action Plan identifies a number of potential areas makes far more sense to locate development along considerable merit in landscape and visual terms. Top right: settlement on the hillside between Trennick and the for development around the Truro bowl and along the Highertown-Threemilestone ridge where there is It would avoid encroachment into the surrounding Truro River, viewed from Higher Newham Bottom left: the edge of Highertown and scattered farmsteads to the Highertown to Threemilestone ridge. With the an opportunity to forge a positive new relationship valleys which largely lack urban influence and the south of Highertown plateau pressure for approximately 6400 new homes (draft between development and the landscape. This has to promote the creation of an urban area that is outward Bottom right: new settlement on the north-eastern edge of the town overlooking the bowl RSS panel report) comes the requirement for land be preferable to disrupting an established and highly looking in contrast to the inward looking bowl. It for essential infrastructure, such as roads, public valued setting such as Truro’s bowl. would also concentrate development on the most transport corridors, foot and cycle connections, easily developed land without the need for extensive schools, hospitals and local shops. The areas along the Highertown-Threemilestone cut and fill and disruption of levels. ridge likely to be most appropriate for development in The level of development proposed for the Truro landscape and visual terms are defined predominantly area also presents a significant opportunity for by topography and slope. Essentially the Highertown- the landscape to contribute to the provision of Threemilestone ridge is comprised of plateau top infrastructure, for example by providing a resource development where it utilises the flattest and most that can be used to provide clean water, flood developable land. The corridor is essentially a

26 Truro Landscape Strategy Summary of Landscape Baseline Heritage Site contain an area of extraordinarily rich mining opportunity which has shaped the landscape. The AONB designation to the south-west reflects the Thematic analysis of baseline data shows the fine qualities of the south Cornwall countryside which following are important aspects of Truro’s landscape: are also marked in the rich patterns of green lanes, footpaths, woodlands, hedgerows and fields in the Natural Systems landscapes surrounding Truro. Access and Movement Landform: Elevation, Aspect and Slope The network of footpaths, green lanes and cycle The City’s dramatic setting is created by four ridges routes is an important asset for sustainable and three rivers. Two inter-related topographic movement, for leisure and recreation in their own conditions structure the study area. Firstly, the historic right, and for connecting to destinations in the city sits where the St. Clements, Highertown and landscapes surrounding the city. Kenwyn landforms meet, giving the impression of it being cradled in a bowl. Secondly, more recent Environmental Character settlement sits along the Highertown ridge, the boundaries of the ridge being defined by the Calenick and Kenwyn valleys. Visual Setting The landscape and visual setting is defined by the Geology and Hydrology two inter-related topographic conditions which exist Geology is the principal determinant of the landform for Truro (the bowl effect) and for Highertown to around Truro, which is further shaped by the three Threemilestone (the ridge). These are fundamental river valleys which converge on the City. These, aspects of the City’s landscape setting and should with the topography, provide the principal physical inform its growth. The perceived and actual proximity structure to Truro’s landscape. of very rural to urban areas as defined by these settings is also a unique facet of the city’s character. Vegetation Vegetation is an important characteristic of the Past and Current Landscape Character landscape surrounding Truro. At the macro-scale, it The landscape character work bolsters the visual is a structural element of the river valleys. At the local setting analysis by identifying open areas and unique scale, hedgerow patterns, blocks of woodland and character areas in the City’s setting. The open areas particular groupings of landmark vegetation provide on the edge of the bowl and the unique character of distinctive local character. Higher Newham are the essence of the City’s setting Settlement in the ‘bowl’ showing the proximity of high quality countryside to the historic City which means they present special opportunities for Biodiversity landscape framework. The river valleys, woodlands and hedgerows between the urban area and the landscape. Given provide a rich mosaic of habitats in the landscape Landscape Change and Development that an alternative location for the direction of growth surrounding Truro. Within this wider biodiversity exists, this valued area would not appear a good network, the Fal and Helford Estuary and Carrine starting place for new development when it could be Common SACs are designated for their international Development Pressures and directed to positive effect elsewhere. importance. There is also an important network of Directions for Growth SSSIs and County Wildlife Sites. There are substantial development pressures within and around Truro. Landscape and visual analysis Land Use and Human Systems suggests that the best location for the expansion of the city is to the west along the Highertown - Threemilestone ridge where there is a need for, and Heritage and Culture an opportunity to create, a new relationship between There are ubiquitous cultural layers in Truro’s the urban area and its landscape setting. The Truro landscape. The landscapes of the mining World Bowl has an established and valued relationship

Truro Landscape Strategy 27 28 Truro Landscape Strategy 3. The Vision

Vision and Objectives for Truro’s A Vision for Truro’s Landscape Social Economic Environmental 1) Create a network of green corridors in the city 3) Promote local food production in the farmed 7) Integrate new development with the assets of the Landscape and the countryside to provide well connected, landscape, in community allotments and in private existing landscape. ‘The vision for Truro’s landscape accessible routes for people and wildlife. These gardens. Setting the Vision and Objectives framework is to protect and should comprise: • ‘Green fingers’ reaching into built areas. through the Workshops • Farmers’ markets, organic schemes. • Reference landcape character in new development enhance the setting of the • Public transport links. • Advice and support for communities. to create meaningful local identities: field patterns, • Car free routes - cycleways, footpaths and hedgerows and cultural heritage. As described in section 1, a series of workshops historic City and to provide an bridleways. 4) Manage and maintain the landscape as an • Create an accessible farmed landscape. were held to develop the landscape framework. exceptional and sustainable • Well connected river valleys, green corridors, attractive gateway to the city. • Strengthen and define the role and character of the The questions put to the stakeholders and their ecological designated areas and other destinations. river valleys. responses are summarised in the Appendix. environment in which to build a • Use landscape as the first impression for visitors new complementary part of the City 2) Make use of the landscape to encourage healthy and potential investors. 8) Ensure new development responds to the textures In the first of these workshops, LDA Design facilitated living and environmental education. • Reconnect the city with its river both physically and and contours of the landscape and has a strong groups of stakeholders to explore the vision and on the Highertown ridge.’ economically. identity and sense of place. objectives for Truro’s Landscape Strategy. The main • Use landscape as the setting of educational and findings of the visioning workshop were compiled The following social, economic and environmental medical establishments. 5) Ensure appropriate local governance, • Nurture the character and identity of Truro and into the following vision and objectives which were objectives have been developed through the • Identify opportunities for accessible landscapes management and maintenance of the landscape. Threemilestone. presented to attendees of subsequent workshops. workshops and support this vision: and recreation. •  Make effective use of landmark buildings and • Effective capital and revenue funding. landmark landscape features. What is presented in this section is therefore the • Involving the community and local institutions/ summary of a collaborative process which steers businesses. 9) Protect, manage and encourage wildlife habitats the analysis of Truro’s landscape resource (section to promote the nature conservation value of the 4.0) to develop recommendations for the landscape 6) Incorporate recycling and renewable energy into landscape. framework (section 5.0). the productive landscape. • Improve connectivity and buffering of protected • Incorporate sustainable drainage schemes into sites. green infrastructure plans. • Treat the whole landscape as a potential • Use landscape as the site for productive landscpes, biodiversity resource, including, for example, the including solar, biomass and wind technologies. farmed landscape, parks and gardens. • Plan the landscape to provide for building materials including aggregates, stone and timbers.

Truro Landscape Strategy 29 30 Truro Landscape Strategy