APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 1
Engine shed at Brecon Overburden at Ffos-y-fran Mountain Railway opencast site Twynau Gwynion Wind turbines above Pengarnddu Caeracca quarries Morlais Castle with housing area Trecatti landfill site quarries below Gurnos housing area
Development site behind woodland
View from bridleway south of the summit at Garn Ddu in the Brecon Beacons – looking southeast over Morlais Quarries and towards Ffos-y-fran opencast/ reclamation site
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 1 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 2 PHOTOGRAPH 3
Water tank in field Pylon in Zone Morlais Tunnel above site 4 field ventilation shaft (Listed) Mountain Railway Site Zone 4: field behind Pylon in Site engine shed disused railway Zone 4 Mountain Railway car Proposed access road park behind hedge Disused railway: Site crosses this field Zone 4 is behind this embankment
View from entrance to Morlais Castle Golf Club – View from Morlais Heritage Trail and access road to Morlais Castle Golf Club – looking northwest towards Brecon Mountain Railway looking northeast towards Twynau Gwynion quarries
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 2 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 4 PHOTOGRAPH 5
Group of mature trees in Site Zone1 Mountain Railway Southern Site Zone 4 behind Site Zone 4 behind end of site engine shed Garth Conifer forest disused railway disused railway east of Pontsticill Barn in Site Zone 1 Mountain Reservoir Railway car park Site Zone 2
View from upper part of Pant Cemetery – View from main slopes in Pant Cemetery – looking northeast towards Twynau Gwynion Quarries and Merthyr Common looking northeast towards Twynau Gwynion Quarries and Merthyr Common
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 2 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 6 PHOTOGRAPH 7
Entrance to Mountain Morlais Tunnel Group of Derelict quarry Mountain Railway Railway ventilation shaft (Listed) mature trees in area engine shed Site Zone 1 Existing access track to site. Site itself is behind Mountain Railway disused railway car park
View from Brecon Mountain Railway car park – View from route of proposed access road – looking northeast along existing access track to site looking northwest towards Brecon Mountain Railway
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 3 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 8 PHOTOGRAPH 9
Disused railway on Water tank in field Disused railway along western edge of west edge of site above site site – crossed by proposed access road Existing farmhouse behind hedge/trees Existing barn in Higher ground at Site Zone 1 Site Zone 2 Eastern edge of south end of site acts Site Zone 4 as screen Pylons cross Zone 4
Site Zone 4
Existing access track
View from exiting access road to site – View from exiting access road to site – looking northeast over disused railway and zone 2 looking southeast over Zone 4 towards Merthyr Tydfil
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 4 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 10 PHOTOGRAPH 11
Disused railway along western edge of site (crossed by proposed access road) Line of existing Pant Cemetery access track
Pylons cross Zone 4
Site Zone 2 Site Zone 4
Site Zone 2
View from exiting access road to site – View from north end of zone 2 in site – looking northeast towards the farmyard area looking south over zone 4 to disused railway and towards Merthyr Tydfil
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 5 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 12 PHOTOGRAPH 13
Group of mature trees in Site Zone 1 Stone wall marks eastern Wooded area between site Site Zone 4 edge of site. Row of mature and Mountain Railway with disused ash trees outside site but railway along within land holding Farm house western edge boundary walls
Site zone 3
View within site (Zone 3) – View from within farmyard area (Zone 1) – looking north towards Brecon Beacons looking southeast over zone 4 to disused railway and towards Merthyr Tydfil
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 6 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 14 PHOTOGRAPH 15
Wooded area between site Site Zone 3 and Mountain Railway Listed barn Stone wall marks eastern edge of site Wooded area between site and Mountain Railway Listed farmhouse Site Zone 1
Site Zones 2& 3
Foreground is to east of site boundary Site Zone 4 Disused railway
View from edge of farmyard area (zone 1) – looking northwest over Blaen-y-garth farmhouse and buildings
View from disused railway along western edge of site (zone 4 in foreground) – looking north towards Brecon Beacons
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 7 APPENDIX D: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Tourism/Leisure Development: Blaen-y-garth, Merthyr Tydfil
See Figures 1 and 2 for locations of viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPH 16 PHOTOGRAPH 17
Overburden at Ffos-y-fran Edges of woodland west opencast site of Pontsticill Reservoir Site Zone 1 Garn ddu Garth Rising ground Mountain Pant housing areas Railway Site Zone 2 acts as screen engine shed Morlais Quarries (disused)
Site Zone 4
Mature hedgerow on edge of site and behind viewer acts as partial screen
View across site (zone 4) from its southern edge– View from beyond south end of site (Zone 4) – looking towards the Brecon Beacons looking southeast towards Ffos-y-fran opencast and over the edge of Pant
Fiona Cloke Associates/601/3.11.15 8 Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALLEYS Broad Landscape Type: UPLAND VALLEYS
Description Location and Context This LCA is located in the south of the National Park, and abuts its southern boundary near Merthyr Tydfil. To the north is the Central Beacons, to the west Fforest Fawr and to the east Mynyddoedd Llangatwg and Llangynidr, and the Eastern Usk Valley.
Summary Description This LCA is characterised by its reservoirs, surrounded by steep sided, dark green forested valleys. Between the reservoir valleys are more open ridges of upland moorland which have long views across the reservoirs and their surrounding forests. This LCA is easily accessed from Merthyr Tydfil and the A470, and is a popular recreation destination.
The Talybont Valley
Historical Development of the Landscape The landscape was dramatically altered in the early to mid 20th century, when strings of reservoirs were created through the damming of steep valleys. There are three reservoirs in the Taf valley, four in the Taf Fechan valley, and one large one in the Talybont valley (Glyn Collwn). All are surrounded by extensive conifer plantations and have associated water treatment works and other structures. Pockets of fields, farms and woodland remain (for example around Vaynor) which give an indication of how the valleys would have looked prior to their flooding. The area has strong links with the towns to the south; providing natural resources such as limestone and water, and also acting as a transport corridor. A Roman road, turnpike road (now the A470), industrial tramways, and the Brecon and Merthyr Railway (now forming part of the Taff Trail) all run through this LCA. Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 71
Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS Distinctive Characteristics Mostly underlain by Devonian age sandstones of Semi-Natural Habitats of Principal Importance to the Brownstones Formation, with small areas of Wales including modified blanket bog, marshy the upper Old Red Sandstone Grey Grits and grassland, broadleaved and coniferous Carboniferous Limestone in the south, and Twrch woodland, flush/ spring and acid grassland. Sandstone on the southern margin. Many historic features lost under reservoirs and A series of steep V-shaped valleys separated by forests. Surviving features include farms, field flatter uplands. The Taff valleys have a strong boundaries and Vaynor church. Parts of the north-south orientation and drain southwards, Brecon and Newport Railway survive, including whilst the Talybont valley lies broadly north-east Pont-sarn viaduct, the opening of the tunnel to south-west and drains into the Usk. which connected the Talybont and Taff valleys, Chains of artificial reservoirs occur in valleys, and some track (now the Brecon Mountain linked by rivers. Mountain streams (and Railway) and station buildings. occasional waterfalls) flow down the steep valley Very limited settlement within the LCA (Llwyn- sides, sculpting sandstone and limestone rocks. onn, Pontsticill and occasional farms). Other Coniferous forestry is dominant land use, plus built development includes housing for reservoir reservoirs, pasture and open moorland. workers, large-scale water treatment works Surviving field boundaries usually stone walls, below dams, and former limestone quarries. occasionally patched with post and wire. Some Recreation provision e.g. car parks, picnic areas, former field boundaries still visible within trails, Garwant Forest Visitor Centre, forestry plantations. watersports. Extensive coniferous forests, with some larch and Generally a simple landscape composition, with patches of more mixed deciduous woodland (for large blocks of forest in simple valley landform. example on the western side of the Llwyn-onn Forests appear strongly textured (especially valley). Deciduous trees also associated with where they include deciduous trees) and contrast watercourses. in colour with surrounding open moorland.
Landmap Components (See Appendix 3 for components of all LANDMAP Aspect Areas)
Key Visual and Sensory Vaynor Uplands (H); Penmoelallt (M); Carnafell Valley and Talybont Forest (H); Upper Taf Aspect Areas Fechan Valley (H); Taf Fawr Valley (H); Beacons Reservoir (M); Upper Taff Fawr (M); Taff Fawr (H); Vaynor Farmlands (M); Taff Fechan (H); Ponsticill and Pentwyn Reservoirs (O); Ponsticill Reservoir (O); Brecon Beacons (O); Talybont Reservoir (O); Upper Neuadd Reservoir (H) Key to Landmap evaluation criteria: (O) Outstanding: of international importance. (H) High: of regional or county importance. (M) Moderate: of local importance. (L) Low: of little/no importance
Settlements Settlements within the LCA limited to the village of Pontsticill, hamlets such as Llwyn-onn and scattered farms. These include some traditional stone-built buildings, but also more modern development, including housing for reservoir workers. There is some visual connection with the towns to the south, particularly area of elevated modern housing, including the northern edge of Merthyr Tydfil.
Key Views Key views include the attractive compositions of water, trees and distant hills which can be seen from many lakeside viewpoints. Higher ridges have views across the reservoir valleys, into the surrounding LCAs, and also encompass land beyond the National Park boundary. There are views across this LCA from surrounding uplands including the Central Beacons, and from popular summit viewpoints such as Pen y Fan.
Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 72
Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS Evaluation Special Qualities The natural beauty and recreational factors that make this landscape special are summarised in the table below, along with examples of their sensitivities to landscape changes:
Criteria Special Qualities for this Landscape Character Area Sensitivities Scenic quality and Waterbodies, forests and landform combine Changes in the Sense of place to create a distinctive character, high scenic composition of the quality and strong sense of place, which is landscape and views heightened by views to the Central Brecon from the area. Beacons and other high land on the horizons. Landscape quality A well-managed landscape, with forests and Neglect/ poor and integrity other land generally in good condition. management of forests and farmland. Changes to grazing patterns of upland areas. Perceptual Extensive forests create a sense of tranquillity Loss of tranquillity as a qualities and relative remoteness, despite this LCA’s result of visually proximity to urban areas. The enclosure intrusive/ audible experienced within the forests contrasts with developments beyond the openness and long views experienced the National Park across lakes and from higher land. Parts of boundary. the LCA are within the BBNP core dark skies area, which enhances the sense of tranquillity. Rarity or This LCA contains some of the largest forests representativeness and waterbodies in the National Park, giving it a unique character and recreational opportunities. Natural heritage Particular geological interest, with the Caves are sensitive to features western part of the LCA in the Geopark. Also surface conditions (e.g. several geological SSSIs associated with the changes in vegetation limestone (including Nant Glais Caves) and and water storage RIGS near Pontsticill. capacity). Accessible conservation sites include bird hides at Talybont Reservoir SSSI, and a Local Nature Reserve at Penmoelallt ancient woodland. This LCA also contains rare whitebeam trees and hawkweeds. Cultural heritage A range of cultural heritage sites, including Archaeology vulnerable features Scheduled Monuments dating from the to natural processes, Neolithic to Medieval periods, Vaynor church, damage and erosion, and surviving industrial archaeology relating including during forestry to the Brecon and Newport railway, including felling operations. the Pont-sarn viaduct and tunnel openings. Standing buildings (e.g. Extensive prehistoric sites survive on higher surviving railway land. buildings) vulnerable to neglect and vandalism. Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 73
Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS
Opportunities for A wide range of outdoor recreation within a The forested nature of landscape high quality landscape, including Nature the landscape in this area enjoyment Reserve and bird hides, Garwnant Forest gives it a relatively high Visitor Centre (with trails, low ropes course, carrying capacity for children’s play area, café, visitors centre etc.), recreation, but it must be and water-based recreation including fishing managed to ensure that and sailing. The landscape can also be the area’s special experienced from the Brecon Mountain qualities are not affected. Railway from Pontsticill Station. Recreation Exceptionally good access and infrastructure Potential impacts of provision and for recreation, including car parks, picnic sites, recreation on reservoir access trails (including a wheelchair accessible trail at water quality. Taf Fechan forest), the Taff Trail cycle route, Beacons Way long distance route and numerous other paths. This LCA is a gateway into the National Park from the south, and is also a popular access route into the Central Brecon Beacons (LCA 7).
Contribution to Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure (refer to sections 4.6 & 4.7 for terminology)
Extensive plantations aid in climate regulation and provide timber. The various reservoirs provide fresh water, support wildlife and regulate water flows, whilst small areas of farmland support food production. In common with the rest of the National Park, this LCA also contributes to cultural services such as spiritual enrichment, cultural heritage, recreation and tourism and aesthetic experiences.
Green Infrastructure features include the extensive woodland plantations and reservoirs which support leisure and recreational pursuits. This LCA includes a variety of visitor attractions such as the Brecon Mountain Railway, river corridors and mountain moorland.
Pontsticill Reservoir with the Garwnant Visitor Centre, Llwyn- Water-eroded rocks in the Taf Brecon Beacons on the horizon onn Reservoir Fechan valley
Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 74
Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS Forces for Change in the Landscape Local Forces for Change and Their Landscape Implications (See also the general forces for change described in section 6.0)
Past and Present Past construction of reservoirs and plantation of straight-edged forests, significantly altering the previous character of the landscape. Construction and upgrading of main Brecon- Merthyr road (A470) through the area with associated heavy and fast-moving traffic. Past quarrying of limestone leaving scars in the landscape. ‘Urban fringe’ influences of adjacent urban areas and high visitor numbers (e.g. litter, fly-tipping, ‘police operation’ notices, evidence of car break-ins etc). Land uses just beyond the southern boundary associated with adjacent development, e.g. golf clubs, derelict quarry etc. Water quality issues in reservoirs. Ongoing management of forests, particularly where trees are reaching maturity. Impacts of Phytophthora ramorum pathogens, particularly on larch trees. Decline in traditional hillfarming, particularly in more marginal areas, and associated impacts on traditional common grazing of upland areas. Loss/ damage/ neglect of archaeological and historic sites and buildings and their settings (including during forestry felling operations). Changes in surface conditions and management affecting underlying cave systems e.g. through impacts on groundwater flow. Future Long-term management of forests to improve their biodiversity and fit within the landscape, and to ensure minimal damage to archaeology. Development proposals beyond the National Park boundary to the south (including open cast coal extraction, windfarms (TAN 8 area F is close to the southern boundary) and waste schemes) potentially affecting views southwards, particularly from higher land. Designation of the Talybont Reservoir as a Local Nature Reserve. Continued decline in grazing of upland areas affecting upland habitats and the open appearance of the landscape in these areas. Continued loss of archaeological and built heritage features. Climate change potentially resulting in increased storm damage to forests, new pests and diseases and changes in tree species to those more tolerant of altered conditions. Climate change effects on water quality and supply.
Vaynor Quarry, skirted by the southern Phytophthora felling and information The main A470 near Cantref Reservoir boundary of the National Park. poster near Storey Arms Centre
Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 75
Landscape Character Area 8: TALYBONT AND TAFF RESERVOIR VALEYS Strategy
Overall Strategy To sensitively manage forestry, water resources and recreation to ensure the long-term enhancement of the area’s biodiversity and special qualities, and enhance views of the area from adjacent higher ground. Forests and woodlands are well managed to increase biodiversity, improve their fit within the landscape, encourage recreation and protect archaeology, particularly once trees reach maturity. People are encouraged to visit and enjoy a wide range of appropriate recreation within the landscape, but it is managed to minimise impacts on sensitive habitats and water resources. Archaeological and built-heritage features are protected, and recorded where necessary. Upland commons are in good condition.
LCA-Specific Management Guidelines
Protect Protect (through appropriate management) historic features within the landscape, including industrial archaeology, and prehistoric sites on higher land. Protect the upland skylines and occasional long views which form the backdrop to the area. Protect vulnerable geological sites.
Manage Manage coniferous forests to maximise biodiversity, minimise damage to archaeology, and enhance views from surrounding uplands, particularly following felling. Manage upland habitats, (including through encouragement of appropriate levels of grazing) to retain and enhance biodiversity and environmental conditions in underlying cave systems. Manage recreation, encouraging visitors and local people to enjoy the landscape whilst minimising impacts on the area’s biodiversity, heritage and special qualities. Manage archaeological sites, recording where necessary and respecting their settings. Manage pockets of remaining farmland, encouraging a viable farming community which farms in a traditional way to maintain the landscape and biodiversity of the area. Manage remnant broadleaf woodlands to encourage age and species diversity.
Plan Plan to work closely with landowners in the area (specifically Forestry Commission Wales and Welsh Water) with regard to forest and reservoir management. Plan for the creation, extension and linking of semi-natural habitats, e.g deciduous woodlands and grasslands. Plan recreation strategically across the National Park, reducing pressure on ‘honeypot’ sites and encouraging recreation in areas with relatively high capacity. Plan for community education and involvement in the management of the area, developing links with the communities beyond the National Park boundary. Plan to reduce the visual impacts of existing extraction/ development beyond the National Park boundary, and resist applications for future development which would harm the special qualities of the area. Plan to retain the area’s dark skies and reduce incidence of light pollution.
Brecon Beacons National Park Landscape Character Assessment Fiona Fyfe Associates, August 2012 76
APPENDIX F: Assessment Methodology
1 Introduction
1.1 The methodology used in this Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is in line with the principles set out in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), Third edition (Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment, 2013).
1.2 GLVIA3 aims not to be prescriptive or formulaic, instead providing guidance on principles and practice, and emphasising the importance of professional judgement in applying these principles to form an appropriate and proportionate approach and methodology for specific projects.
1.3 The study area has been defined through a combination of:
• The extent of Landscape Character Areas, with reference to LANDMAP, considered to be likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development.
• The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)
• On-site observations during field survey. Two visits were made to the site and the surrounding area – one in October 2014 and the other in October 2015.
1.4 Landscape and visual assessments are separate but linked procedures and have been reported separately in this document. This is because of the different nature of the effects for each:
• Landscape effects are effects on the landscape as a resource in its own right and which may give rise to changes in the landscape character and how this is experienced.
• Visual effects are effects on both specific views and the general visual amenity as experienced by people - both specific views and the general visual amenity.
1.5 Impact assessment refers to the assessment process while the changes resulting from the development are referred to as the effects. The significance of the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development was determined by relating the ability of the landscape or view to accommodate the changes arising from the development proposals, and the magnitude of the changes to which they would be subjected. The rationale behind the evaluation of significant effects is explained in the report text and in tables which provide a summary of the process of evaluation.
Fiona Cloke Associates 1 2 Landscape Effects
2.1 LANDSCAPE BASELINE: In order to understand the potential effects of the development, baseline information is obtained to identify the landscape resource including:
• Individual elements that make up the landscape e.g. woods, hills, ponds, buildings, access routes.
• Characteristics – elements or combinations of elements that make a contribution to distinctive landscape character, including aesthetic and perceptual qualities.
• Landscape character – the distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse. Historic landscape and cultural heritage influences are considered in so far as they define landscape character.
2.2 Landscape character assessment has been based upon reviews of existing LCAs and LANDMAP information and then tested, refined and adapted through site survey work.
2.3 Landscape receptors are aspects of the landscape resource which are identified as having the potential to be affected by the proposal. These aspects may be single elements e.g. existing trees, or attributes of the wider landscape character e.g. tranquillity.
2.4 MAGNITUDE & SENSITIVITY OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS: The assessment of landscape effects involves linking judgements about the sensitivity of the landscape receptor and about the magnitude of change likely to result from the proposed development, in order to arrive at conclusions about the significance of the effects.
2.5 The sensitivity of a landscape resource is based on judgements regarding:
• the susceptibility of the landscape resource (the receptor) to the type of change arising from the specific proposal. The susceptibility to change of the landscape receptor relates to its ability to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the landscape baseline. This includes the degree to which particular elements or characteristics can be replaced or substituted.
• the value attached to the landscape resource in respect to its quality and character. This value may be reflected in national, regional and local landscape designations but undesignated landscapes also need to be carefully considered. LANDMAP includes an evaluation of each aspect for any given location i.e. geological landscape, landscape habitats, visual and sensory, historic landscape and cultural landscape.
Fiona Cloke Associates 2 2.6 Value and susceptibility are combined to provide a measure of the sensitivity of the particular landscape to change. The sensitivity analysis follows the definitions identified in Table 1.
2.7 The magnitude of a landscape effect is based on judgements regarding:
• the size and scale of the effect • the geographical extent of the effect • the duration of the effect and its reversibility
The criteria for assessing magnitude of effects follows definitions identified in Table 2.
2.8 The effects of the development, whether beneficial or adverse, will vary in nature and degree through the construction and operational phases. Mitigation measures are proposed in the design of the development and by management of the construction and operational processes. The aims of mitigation measures are: first, to avoid potential effects; and second, to reduce the degree of adverse effects which are unavoidable. The effects assessed are those that remain after mitigation measures are put in place, defined as ‘residual effects’.
2.9 LEVEL OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS: The overall level of the likely landscape effects of the proposed development was determined by relating the ability of the landscape to accommodate the changes arising from the development proposals, and the magnitude of the changes to which they would be subjected. See Table 3.
2.10 As recommended by the Landscape Institute for assessments which do not form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, this Landscape Appraisal does not conclude whether the identified landscape effects are 'significant' or not. However it is important that the Landscape Appraisal is clear about which effects are deemed by the authors to be a material consideration in the planning balance. In this regard, effects described as Major, Major/Moderate and in some cases Moderate may in the opinion of the authors be regarded material in the planning balance.
Fiona Cloke Associates 3 Table 1: LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY
Very High A landscape of very high importance, for example:
• a landscape of international importance reflecting landscape and scenic value, or evaluated as 'outstanding' in LANDMAP; or • a landscape particularly vulnerable to disturbance, where the loss of key features would result in significant change in character; or • a landscape with no or little potential for substitution or replacement
High A landscape of high importance, for example:
• a landscape with a statutory (national) designation reflecting landscape and scenic value; or evaluated 'high' in LANDMAP; or • a landscape particularly vulnerable to disturbance, where the loss of key features would result in a significant change in character; or • a landscape including a large number of landscape elements sensitive to disturbance; or • a landscape with little potential for substitution or replacement
Medium A landscape of medium importance, for example:
• a landscape of national or local importance which may have a non-statutory landscape designation reflecting landscape and scenic value; or evaluated 'moderate' in LANDMAP; or • a landscape vulnerable to disturbance, where the loss of features may result in a significant change in character; or • a landscape including some landscape elements sensitive to disturbance; or • a landscape with potential for substitution or replacement
Low A landscape of low importance, for example:
• a landscape of local importance which has the capacity to accommodate changes of the scale proposed; or evaluated ‘low’ in LANDMAP; or • a landscape which is not vulnerable to disturbance, where the loss of features would not result in a significant change in character; or • a landscape with good potential for substitution or replacement
Fiona Cloke Associates 4
Table 2: MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO LANDSCAPE Major Total loss or major adverse change to distinctive landscape character, features or elements of the landscape; these changes may occur over an extensive area or represent a localized change to notable features that would lead to a change in the overall landscape quality and character; or
Improvement to the landscape character over a wide area sufficient to alter perceptions.
Moderate Discernible change, partial loss or alteration to key characteristics, features or elements of the landscape, leading to a partial change in the overall landscape quality and character ; or
Perceptible improvements to landscape character.
Slight Minor loss or alteration to the existing landscape character or to key features or elements of the existing landscape, but the overall landscape character remains the same; or
Localised improvement to the existing landscape quality.
Very slight Barely noticeable loss or alteration to key landscape features, elements or the existing landscape character.
No change No notable loss, damage or alteration to existing landscape character or features.
TABLE 3: LEVEL OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY
Very High High Medium Low
Major Major Major Major/Moderate Moderate
Moderate Major Major/Moderate Moderate Minor
Slight Major/Moderate Moderate Minor Negligible
Very slight Minor Minor Negligible Negligible MAGNITUDE OF MAGNITUDE CHANGE
No change None None None None
Fiona Cloke Associates 5 3 Visual Effects
3.1 VISUAL BASELINE: this includes the area from which the development is visible and within which the view is of interest or concern. It considers specific views and effects upon general visual amenity experienced by people.
3.2 The baseline assessment of visual amenity has involved field assessment and the study of maps and aerial images of the area to establish a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV).
3.3 Establishing the visual baseline enables the assessor to identify likely visual receptors, their value, susceptibility and sensitivity. Visual receptors are individuals and/or defined groups of people who have potential to be affected by a proposal. Those who may obtain views of the site include residents, visitors and travellers whether in vehicles, on foot, cycling or on horseback.
3.4 People generally have different responses to changes in views and visual amenity depending upon the context, including location, time of day, season, and degree of exposure to views. Their purpose also affects their response. Certain activities and locations may be specifically associated with the experience and enjoyment of the landscape, such as the use of paths, tourist or scenic routes and associated viewpoints.
3.5 Viewpoints around the site and at varying distances and locations were selected to represent a range of views and visual receptor types. These viewpoints include representative viewpoints selected to represent the typical experience of a number of different receptors; specific viewpoints such as views of local attractions or heritage assets, and illustrative viewpoints selected to demonstrate a particular issue.
3.6 SENSITIVITY & MAGNITUDE OF VISUAL EFFECTS: assessments of sensitivity are made in relation to the particular receptor’s susceptibility to change of the type of development proposed, in combination with the value attached to particular views. While the particular type of receptor’s susceptibility to change may be fairly consistent, the value of a view is more variable depending upon local circumstances. Table 4 provides ratings for visual receptor sensitivity but, due to this potential variation in local circumstances, particularly around th relative importance of specific view, it must be recognised that some sensitivity ratings may differ from the typical examples shown in the table.
3.7 The magnitude of visual effect (see Table 5) is based on judgements regarding:
• the size and scale of the effect • the geographical extent of the effect • the duration of the effect and its reversibility
Fiona Cloke Associates 6 3.8 LEVEL OF VISUAL EFFECTS (see Table 6): The level of the likely visual effects of the proposed development is determined by relating the ability of the view to accommodate the changes arising from the development proposals, and the magnitude of the changes to which they would be subjected.
3.9 As recommended by the Landscape Institute for assessments which do not form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, this Landscape Appraisal does not conclude whether the identified visual effects are 'significant' or not. However it is important that the Landscape Appraisal is clear about which effects are deemed by the authors to be a material consideration in the planning balance. In this regard, effects described as Major, Major/Moderate and in some cases Moderate may in the opinion of the authors be regarded material in the planning balance.
TABLE 4: VISUAL SENSITIVITY
Sensitivity Visual Receptors High Residents at home, visitors to the landscape for specific enjoyment of the landscape character or visual quality; users of the landscape who will be directly appreciating the existing qualities. For example: recreational walkers and tourists.
A view of high importance e.g. of or from a nationally important landscape, designated for its scenic value, where receptors are primarily at the locations in order to enjoy the view.
Medium Users of public rights of way and minor roads which do not appear to be used primarily by those with a particular focus on the landscape quality or visual context. Recreational activities nor specifically focused on the landscape. For example: outdoor workers, users of scenic/minor roads, railways or waterways, schools and other institutional buildings and their outdoor areas.
A view of medium importance e.g. from or of a valued landscape or an area designated for its scenic value.
Low Users passing through the landscape for purposes other than for its appreciation or users with minor scope for peripheral appreciation of its character. For example: indoor workers, users of main roads/transport corridors, users of recreational facilities where the purpose of that recreation is not related to the view.
Fiona Cloke Associates 7
TABLE 5: MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE TO VIEW/VISUAL AMENITY Major Major change to, or an obstruction of, a view with visual intrusion experienced by a large number of people. The addition of a prominent feature that is directly visible, usually in the foreground; or
An improvement in the view, sufficient to provide benefits to visual amenity.
Moderate A readily noticeable change to a view, or partial view of a new element within a view that may be readily noticed. The addition of a new feature that may be partly screened or viewed intermittently, usually in the middle ground ; or
A reduction in visual intrusion, or improvement to the view.
Slight Minor loss or limited alteration to the existing view.
Localised reduction in visual intrusion, noticeable improvement to the view.
Very Slight A very small or intermittent change to an existing view. The addition of a feature that is viewed obliquely, mostly screened and/or appearing in the distant background.
No change No notable loss, damage or alteration to existing landscape character or features.
TABLE 6: LEVEL OF VISUAL EFFECTS VISUAL SENSITIVITY High Medium Low
Major Major Major/Moderate Moderate
Moderate Major/Moderate Moderate Minor
Slight Moderate Minor Minor
Very slight Minor Negligible Negligible MAGNITUDE OF MAGNITUDE CHANGE
No change None None None
4 Residual Effects
4.1 The evaluation of landscape and visual effects includes ‘designed in’ or embedded mitigation i.e. mitigation measures which have already been incorporated into the design of the preferred option, on which the assessment is based. The aims of mitigation measures are: first, to avoid potential effects; and second, to reduce the degree of adverse effects which are unavoidable. The effects assessed are those that remain after mitigation measures are put in place, defined as ‘residual effects’.
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