The Landscape Character of Vale Royal

Home , Leftwich, Mercia Mudstone Group, Rocksavage

Vale Royal Borough Council

Landscape Character

Supplementary Planning Document 5

Adopted September 2007 Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Prepared for Vale Royal Borough Council by Land Use Consultants

September 2007

43 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD Tel: 020 7383 5784 Fax: 020 7383 4798 [email protected] FOREWORD

Welcome to this Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) covering the issue of Landscape Character Assessment. This is the fifth SPD of the Council’s Local Development Framework which aims to provide additional detail to supplement the policies contained in the Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration which was adopted in June 2006. It is one of a series of SPDs that are now material planning considerations and an essential part of the Council’s strategy for delivering high quality development in a sustainable manner that provides for the needs of the residents and others in the Borough. Their preparation has involved a wide range of stakeholders including six weeks formal public consultation during April 2007 and May 2007. We’ve listened carefully to the feedback we’ve received and reflected many of the responses in the final document.

Councillor Mark Stocks, Lead Councillor for Environmental Policy This SPD has been prepared under new arrangements introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The purpose of the SPD is to assist the interpretation and application of those policies concerned with protection and enhancement of landscape character. This Landscape Character SPD is divided into two sections: Part 1 sets out the purpose of the guidance, the planning policy context for the SPD, the basis for the guidance, and how the SPD should be used. Part 2 presents a brief introduction to the factors which have shaped the Vale Royal landscape. It then provides information on landscape character areas across the borough and provides guidance on the protection and enhancement of landscape character.

Vale Royal Borough Council and Land Use Consultants September 2007

Landscape Character SPD i CONTENTS Foreword...... i Introduction ...... 7 The Landscape Character of Vale Royal ...... 17 1A: Delamere...... 23 1B: Allostock...... 27 2A: Northern Sandstone Ridge ...... 31 2B: Southern Sandstone Ridge ...... 35 2C: Helsby Hill ...... 39 3A: Alvanley Sandstone Fringe...... 43 3B: Tarporley Sandstone Fringe...... 47 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland...... 51 4B: Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland...... 55 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland ...... 59 4D: Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland...... 63 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland ...... 67 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland...... 71 6A: Darnhall Plain...... 75 6B: Stublach Plain ...... 79 6C: Lostock Plain ...... 83 6D: Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain...... 87 7A: Manley Plain...... 91 8A: Upper Weaver Valley...... 95 8B: Mid Weaver Valley ...... 99 8C: Lower Weaver Valley...... 103 8D: Ash Brook Valley...... 107

Landscape Character SPD iii Contents 8E: Dane Valley ...... 109 9A: Marbury Mere...... 113 10A: Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses...... 115 10B: Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses...... 119 11A: Frodhsam, Helsby & Lordship Marsh...... 123 12A: Frodsham Score ...... 127 13A: Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape...... 129

FIGURES

Figure 1: Using the Vale Royal Borough Landscape Character SPD…………………after p.13 Figure 2: Landscape Classification of Vale Royal Borough (1:250,000 base map)……after p.21 Figure 2a: Landscape Classification of Vale Royal Borough (1:25,000 base map)…back pocket

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Checklist for developers Appendix 2: Glossary of Terms Appendix 3: Useful References

Landscape Character SPD iv Contents PART 1: INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

1. This section provides an introduction to landscape character, sets out the purpose of this guidance, provides the planning policy context for the SPD, indicates how the guidance should be used, and contains the ‘statement of compliance’.

AN INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

What is Landscape Character? 2. Landscape character relates to the ‘distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse’1. Character makes each part of the landscape distinct, and gives each its particular sense of place. The landscape character approach considers that all landscapes are valuable and seeks to protect their essential character. Any future review of this SPD will be informed by information collected and analysed through the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) and will be programmed into a revision of the Local Development Scheme (LDS). 3. Understanding the landscape character of any area requires systematic investigation of the many different factors that have helped to create and influence that location e.g. geology, landform, natural attributes and influences of human land use and settlement. This process is called landscape character assessment. A fuller description of the process of landscape character assessment in Vale Royal is presented in the LCA Technical Report.

Why Should Landscape Character be Considered? 4. Landscape character assessment is not a tool to resist changes in the landscape. Rather, it is an aid to decision-making – a tool to help ensure that change and development supports rather than erodes landscape character. The LCA Guidance2 suggests that landscape character assessment can be ‘a powerful tool to aid the planning, design and management of landscapes’. This guidance aims to ensure that development conserves and enhances the distinctiveness and diversity of landscapes across Vale Royal Borough.

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT 5. This SPD has been prepared under new arrangements introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The purpose of the SPD is to assist the interpretation and application of those policies concerned with protection and enhancement of landscape character. In particular, this SPD aims to:

1 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland. CAX 84. p.8. 2 Ibid.

Landscape Character SPD 7 Introduction • Provide information on the variety and diversity of landscapes across the borough;

• Indicate key landscape sensitivities;

• Provide guidance on landscape management and built development. 6. The prime aim of the guidance is to prompt an applicant to respond to landscape character considerations and produce a proposal that meets the objectives of the policies mentioned below. The SPD will be taken into account as a ‘material consideration’ when planning proposals are assessed. 7. For each landscape character area, this SPD identifies key characteristics, visual sensitivities and their implications for landscape management and built development. It is important to note that there will be other planning policies to consider including the adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan.

LINKS TO NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL POLICY 8. The guidance in this SPD supplements the policies contained in a number of documents. The key policy links are presented below.

Links with National Planning Policy 9. The guidance in this SPD is embedded in the key principles set out in PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, PPS 3 Housing, and PPS 7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas. 10. PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development, at paragraph 17, states that ‘Planning policies should seek to protect and enhance the quality, character and amenity value of the countryside and urban areas as a whole’. 11. PPS 3 Housing, at paragraph 48, states that ‘Local Planning Authorities should facilitate good design by identifying the distinctive features that define the character of a particular local area’. 12. Principle vi) of PPS 7 states ‘All development in rural areas should be well designed and inclusive, in keeping and scale with its location, and sensitive to the character of the countryside and local distinctiveness.’ PPS 7 also states that ‘planning authorities should continue to ensure that the quality and character of the wider countryside is protected and, where possible, enhanced’ and that ‘local planning authorities should prepare policies and guidance that encourage good quality design throughout their rural areas, in accordance with Annex C to PPS1, and utilising tools such as Landscape Character Assessments and Village or Town Design Statements, and the design elements of Village or Parish Plans prepared by local communities’.

13. This SPD is therefore consistent with national policy for sustainable development as set out in PPS 1, policy for housing as set out in PPS 3, and policy for sustainable development in rural areas as set out in PPS 7.

Landscape Character SPD 8 Introduction Links with Regional Planning Policy 14. This SPD is prepared in accordance with the Regional Planning Guidance for the North West (RPG13), March 2003, which at Policy DP3 ‘Quality in New Development’ states that ‘Local authorities should… set out guidance to ensure the integration of new development with surrounding land use taking into account the landscape character, setting, the quality, distinctiveness and heritage of the environment and the use of sympathetic materials’. It expands on Policy ER1 ‘Management of the North West’s Natural, Built and Historic Environment’ which aims to protect all important aspects of the landscape and conserve and enhance regional and local distinctiveness by re-assessing local landscape designations in the light of the former Countryside Agency’s (now Natural England’s) Countryside Character initiative supported by local landscape assessments; Policy ER2 ‘Landscape Character’ which aims to conserve and enhance the rich diversity of landscapes and their settings; and Policy SD8 ‘Development in the Wider Countryside’ which states that development in rural areas should sustain landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage and should be encouraged where it is respectful of the landscape character of the countryside in which it is to be located. 15. It is also prepared in accordance with the North West Plan Submitted Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West of England, January 2006: It expands on policy RDF3 (Rural Areas) which states that plans and strategies should ‘understand and respect the varying character of the rural areas’, and policy EM1 (Integrated Land Management) which states that ‘plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should deliver an integrated approach to land management, based upon detailed character assessments and landscape strategies derived from the North West Joint Character Area map’. Policy EM1 also suggests that ‘plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should identify, protect, maintain and where possible, enhance natural, man-made and historic features that contribute to the character and culture of landscapes, places and local distinctiveness within the North West’. 16. This SPD also provides additional guidance in relation to policy RDF2 (Key Service Centres) and RT2 (Management and Maintenance of the Highway Network) which both state that ‘where safety is not compromised, highway engineering measures should reflect the character of the local countryside, including landscape and conservation’.

Links with Structure Plan Policy 17. The SPD is also prepared in accordance with the Cheshire Structure Plan 2016 – Alteration (Adopted December 2005). It will help implement Policy GEN3 (general requirements for the quality of new development) which states that development will be required to minimise adverse impacts on the ‘beauty, heritage value and amenity of its site and surroundings’, ‘should be appropriate to its surroundings in design, height, scale and materials’, and ‘should take into account local character and traditions; and should enhance degraded environments’. 18. The SPD will also help to implement policy IND4 (diversification of the rural economy) which states that ‘small-scale employment development, including tourism, will be allowed, provided that it is in character and scale with the village’,

Landscape Character SPD 9 Introduction and policy R2 (Areas of Special County Value) which states that ‘In designated Areas of Special County Value (ASCV), because of their landscape quality or their archaeological, historic or nature conservation importance, development will only be allowed if it does not have an adverse effect on the character or features for which the ASCV has been designated.’

Links with Local Plan Policy 19. The key policy (within the Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration, June2006) that this SPD helps to implement is Policy NE 7 (Protection and Enhancement of Landscape Features) which states that ‘all proposals should maintain or improve the quality and variety of the landscape in which the development occurs’. 20. The SPD will also help implement policy NE 13 (River Corridors) which aims to protect the nature conservation, archaeological, recreational and landscape value of the valley; policy NE14 (Dane Valley) which aims to protect the conservation, geomorphological, recreational and landscape value of the valley; policy NE18 (Mersey Estuary Zone) which aims to protect the open landscape, wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities of the area; and policy BE1 (Safeguarding and Improving the Quality of the Environment) which aims to ensure development takes full account of characteristics of the development site and relationship to its surroundings, is compatible with the local character, and retains important trees, hedgerows and other valuable landscape features. 21. Policy NE 1 (Protection of the nature Conservation Resource), which states that ‘in determining planning applications for development and when considering its own development schemes the Council will take into full account the effect on wildlife, vegetation and geological/geomorphological features’, is also relevant. 22. It is important to note that there will be other planning policies to consider when assessing the viability/suitability of a development and it is essential that prior to submitting a planning application the Vale Royal Borough Local Plan is consulted. 23. The County Council’s planning policy for minerals at present is identified in the adopted Cheshire Replacement Minerals Local Plan, 1999, which is in the process of being reviewed. Cheshire contains a variety of minerals including salt, construction sand and silica sand which are important to the regional and national economy, the working of which has the potential to create a negative impact on the environment. The Plan proposes that future working of salt, silica sand and sand and gravel should come from limited areas of the County and that the impact of all mineral working be minimised by rigorous monitoring of site operations and ensuring a positive restoration of sites on set timescales for both phasing and completion.

24. The Landscape Character Areas identified in this SPD replace those designated Areas of Special County Value and Areas of Significant Local environmental Value identified in policies NE11 and NE12 of the Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration.

Landscape Character SPD 10 Introduction Village Design Statements and Village/Parish Plans 25. Village Design Statements (VDS) and Parish Plans are documents, produced by the local community, that add greater detail to certain Local Plan policies dealing with the impact of new development in the landscape. 26. The 2000 Rural White Paper introduced the concept of Village Design Statements and Parish Plans. The purpose of these documents is to provide localised guidance within the broader framework set by the Local Plan. The guidelines within a VDS help to ensure that any new development is designed to fit its location and respect local character. The Council has adopted a number of VDS within Vale Royal as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the Local Plan.

BASIS FOR THE GUIDANCE 27. This SPD is based upon work undertaken by Land Use Consultants (LUC) to characterise the landscapes of Vale Royal into landscape character types and landscape character areas as follows:

• Landscape Types - which are generic and share common combinations of geology, topography, vegetation and human influences, e.g. Sandstone Ridge.

• Character Areas - which are single and unique, discrete geographical areas of the landscape type, e.g. ‘Southern Sandstone Ridge’. 28. LUC’s assessment was undertaken at a scale of 1:25,000, within the framework of the former Countryside Agency and English Nature’s (now Natural England’s) Countryside Character Initiative and the emerging Cheshire County landscape character assessment. The Cheshire Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is one of the baseline datasets that fed into the landscape classification. The findings of this study are presented in the Vale Royal Landscape Character Assessment Technical Report3 (hereafter referred to as the ‘LCA Technical Report’). 29. The work was undertaken in accordance with current best practice4 and aimed to document the current status of the landscape of Vale Royal, articulating those features or combinations of elements that contribute to the character of the landscape, thereby enabling the special character and qualities of a particular area to be understood. This information allows reasoned consideration of those issues affecting the landscape, which can be used as a basis for the development of appropriate recommendations for future landscape conservation and management.

Stakeholder Consultation 30. The new planning system includes a strong emphasis on continuous community involvement. It is the intention of Vale Royal’s Adopted

3 Landscape Character Assessment of Vale Royal Technical Report (2006) Land Use Consultants 4 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland, CAX 84.

Landscape Character SPD 11 Introduction Statement of Community Involvement 5 (SCI) to ensure that all sections of the community have the opportunity to participate in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all Local Development Documents. 31. Non-statutory stakeholder consultation was undertaken during the landscape character assessment, at the ‘evidence gathering’ stage of the preparation of this SPD. This was undertaken in accordance with the former Countryside Agency’s (now Natural England’s) best practice guidance on landscape character assessment6 and involved local interest groups attending two participatory workshops on July 12th 2006 in Northwich Memorial Hall. The information emerging from the workshops was used to refine and augment the assessment adding local detail and nuance specifically regarding valued features. The full stakeholder workshop report is appended to the LCA Technical Report, available on-line from www.valeroyal.gov.uk.

USING THE SPD

Does this SPD Apply to My Planning Application? 32. This guidance applies to all development in rural areas of Vale Royal Borough. The extent of urban areas is shown on Figure 2 – these correspond to the ‘Town and Village’ policy areas in the Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration, June2006. Whilst the guidance is focussed on rural areas, any development that may impact on the areas covered by the LCA including development in urban areas, particularly in urban fringe locations, should take account of the guidance given in this SPD. 33. Figure 1 demonstrates a method for assessing whether the SPD is applicable to a development. It shows which developments should be informed by the SPD and also summarises details of how the SPD can be used.

How to use the Guidance 34. The SPD provides specific advice on how landscape issues should be considered as an integral part of the design and development process. 35. For each of the landscape character areas, the SPD provides information on its location and boundaries and key characteristics. This is provided for context, and to help inform the siting and design of potential development. A paragraph on ‘visual sensitivity’ is included to provide information required to help integrate development visually into the landscape and the ‘overall management objective’ is included as an introduction to the more specific guidance. The detailed guidelines are presented as numbered bullet points. Applicants should aim to ensure that proposed development accords with these guidelines.

5 Vale Royal Borough Council (2006) Statement of Community Involvement Adopted September 2006 6 Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland. CAX 84.

Landscape Character SPD 12 Introduction 36. Appendix 1 contains a ‘checklist for developers’ that sets out a process for ensuring landscape character is taken into account in any development proposal or planning application. 37. For a major planning application the full landscape character descriptions and evaluations for each character area, contained in the LCA Technical Report, should be referred to.

FURTHER INFORMATION 38. For further information contact the Planning Policy team at Vale Royal [email protected]. The local plan can be viewed online along with other supplementary planning documents which may be relevant at www.valeroyal.gov.uk. We are also consulting on the draft Landscape Sensitivity and Wind Turbine Development SPD.

Other sources of information: 39. The Landscape Character Assessment for Vale Royal Borough: Technical Report is available on-line from www.valeroyal.gov.uk

Landscape Character SPD 13 Introduction FIGURE 1: USING THE VALE ROYAL BOROUGH LANDSCAPE CHARACTER SPD

LOCATION

Identify the geographical position of the development (using 1:25,000 OS base) STEP 1 Is it within the urban area deﬁned on Figure 2?

COLLECT INFORMATION COLLECT INFORMATION YES NO

Is it visible from a rural area? (May require Use Figure 2 to identify which landscape site visit to check) character area the development lies within YES NO

Use Figure 2 to identify which This SPD is not relevant to LCA the development is visible your development from

FOR RELEVANT CHARACTER AREA

Use text to identify:

STEP 2 -Key Characteristics; -Visual sensitivity; -Overall management objective. IDENTIFY LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSITIVITIES

CHECKLIST OF LANDSCAPE MANAGMENT AND BUILT DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 3 Use text to identify how: -the development can comply with overall landscape management objectives and guidance; STEP THE GUIDANCE THE GUIDANCE -the development can be sited well in the landscape; -the development can make a positive contribution to local landscape character. SING U PART 2: THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF VALE ROYAL BOROUGH THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF VALE ROYAL

40. This section presents a brief introduction to the factors which have shaped the Vale Royal landscape. It then provides information on landscape character areas across the borough and provides guidance on the protection and enhancement of landscape character.

INTRODUCTION 41. Vale Royal is a lowland rural landscape of lush, green pastures divided by a prominent sandstone ridge. The north-west of the borough borders the Mersey Estuary where open marshes and mudflats are overlooked by the sandstone ridge. To the east of the sandstone ridge Delamere Forest forms a distinctive area of woodland, heathland, meres and mosses. Peaceful canals and rivers form a setting to the industrial heritage of the borough – the salt industry has had a great impact on the landscape, including presence of subsidence flashes. 42. The landscape of Vale Royal as we see it today is the product of a series of major changes through which its character has been transformed by the interaction of natural and human or anthropogenic processes. 43. By way of introduction, the text below briefly summarises the influences which have shaped the landscape of Vale Royal Borough. A more detailed explanation is set out in the LCA Technical Report.

Physical Influences 44. The landscape of Vale Royal has evolved in response to the basic underlying geological characteristics of the land upon which natural processes and human activities have operated in turn influencing patterns of land use as well as ecological and cultural character. 45. The solid geology of the borough is composed of two groups of Triassic rocks. These are the Sherwood Sandstone Group and the Mercia Mudstone Group. 46. Rocks of the Sherwood Sandstone Group are the oldest rocks, dating from some 250 million years ago. The Chester Pebble Bed and Wilmslow Sandstones together form the lowest of the Triassic strata (formerly known as Bunter Sandstone). The highest member of the Sherwood Sandstone (overlying the Wilmslow Sandstone) is the Helsby Sandstone (formerly known as the Keuper Sandstone). 47. Rocks of the Mercia Mudstone Group are found to the east of the sandstone outcrop at Frodsham. These rocks generally have a weak structure which give rise to low lying, flat landscapes. The Mercia Mudstone Group includes salt-bearing rock formations, including the ‘Northwich Halite Formation’ and ‘Wilkesley Halite Formation’.

Final Draft Landscape Character SPD 17 Landscape Character of Vale Royal 48. The solid rocks that underlie Vale Royal Borough are almost entirely masked by quaternary or `drift’ deposits of unconsolidated clays, sands, gravels of the Quaternary Ice Age and recent period. These are glacio-fluvial deposits, till, alluvium and river terrace deposits and have a great influence on the character of the landscape. The only part of the borough that is not masked by quaternary deposits is the highest sandstone ridge between Frodsham in the north to Tarporley in the south where the Sherwood Sandstone Group is exposed at the surface.

Human Influences 49. Like most areas of Britain, the landscape of the borough bears the imprint of successive periods of human inhabitation and land use. 50. Agriculture has historically been important within Vale Royal and the pattern of field systems visible within the borough reflects the complex and varied history of enclosure and farming. There is a relatively low incidence of 20th century field systems and no one area where there is a dominance of 20th century enclosure. Formal enclosure during the 19th century (including enclosure by Acts of Parliament and encroachment onto surviving commons and heaths) is more evident and exists at a variety of scales, characterised by regular rectilinear field systems. 51. Historically woodlands have been planted in the borough to provide a source of wood. Woodland to the north, south and east of the district, tends to be small blocks of post Medieval plantation and Ancient Woodland. In the 19th century Delamere was planted with oaks for the Royal Navy. However, the oaks failed on the poor soil and were subsequently replaced by Corsican pine. 52. Cheshire was a wealthy county in the 19th century and industrial development led to rapid, unplanned growth in towns with the development of factories, mines and railways. Various industries were instrumental in the industrial growth of Vale Royal, most importantly the development of salt mines and the later growth of the soda ash and chemical industry. The Brunner and Mond soda ash factory was a particular driving force in the growth of industry in Vale Royal. The growth of the salt and soda ash industry was supported by the canals and railway. 53. During the 20th century infrastructure development shifted from railways to roads and these roads (including motorways), along with power lines, new housing and industrial developments all affected the landscape. Since the 1960s there has been a decline in the extractive industries and a steady erosion of the manufacturing base. This decline has left a legacy of pollution, dereliction, damaged landscapes and abandoned or underused infrastructure including salt works' dereliction around Northwich and Winsford which is now a focus for restoration and regeneration.

Landscape Classification of Vale Royal 54. Vale Royal is characterised by a diversity of landscapes and these variations and differences are represented by thirteen landscape types.

Final Draft Landscape Character SPD 18 Landscape Character of Vale Royal Type 1: Woodland, Heath, Meres and Mosses Type 2: Sandstone Ridge Type 3: Sandstone Fringe Type 4: Undulating Enclosed Farmland Type 5: Heathy Farmland and Woodland

Type 6: East Cheshire Plain Type 7: West Cheshire Plain Type 8: River Valleys Type 9: Mere Basins Type 10: Lowland Farmland and Mosses

Type 11: Reclaimed Salt Marsh Type 12: Estuary Type 13: Salt Heritage Landscape 55. Each of the generic landscape types has a distinct and relatively homogenous character with similar physical and cultural attributes, including geology, landform, land cover, biodiversity and historical evolution. The landscape types can be further sub-divided into component landscape character areas. These are discrete geographic areas that possess the common characteristics described for the landscape type. Each character area has a distinct and recognisable local identity. 56. The landscape classification for the borough is set out in Table 1 below and illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 2 has been prepared on a Geographic Information System (GIS), with mapping undertaken at a scale of 1:25,000. The boundaries cannot therefore be accurately interpreted at scales greater than 1:25,000. If development is located on a boundary between two areas, guidance for both character areas should be taken into consideration. 57. In Figure 2 the landscape character areas are shown to flow underneath the urban areas. However, this report focuses on the rural landscape and while it takes account of influences that the urban areas and industrial areas have on the character of the surrounding rural landscapes, it does not attempt to undertake an analysis of the urban areas. The boundaries of the urban areas have been taken from the `town and village’ policy areas from the Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration proposals map. Table 1 Landscape Classification of Vale Royal Borough Type 1: Woodland, Heaths, Meres and Mosses 1A Delamere 1B Allostock

Final Draft Landscape Character SPD 19 Landscape Character of Vale Royal Type 2: Sandstone Ridge 2A Northern Sandstone Ridge 2B Southern Sandstone Ridge 2C Helsby Hill Type 3: Sandstone Fringe 3A Alvanley Sandstone Fringe 3B Tarporley Sandstone Fringe Type 4: Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4A Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4B Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4C Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4D Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4E East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland Type 5: Heathy Farmland and Woodland 5A Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland Type 6: East Cheshire Plain 6A Darnhall Plain 6B Stublach Plain 6C Lostock Plain 6D Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain Type 7: West Cheshire Plain 7A Manley Plain Type 8: River Valleys 8A Upper Weaver Valley 8B Mid Weaver Valley 8C Lower Weaver Valley 8D Ash Brook Valley 8E Dane Valley Type 9: Mere Basins 9A Marbury Mere Type 10: Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10A Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10B Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses Type 11: Reclaimed Salt Marsh 11A Frodsham, Helsby and Lordship Marshes Type 12: Estuary

Final Draft Landscape Character SPD 20 Landscape Character of Vale Royal 12A Frodsham Score Type 13: Salt Heritage Landscape 13A Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape

Final Draft Landscape Character SPD 21 Landscape Character of Vale Royal Figure 2: Landscape Cla ssifica tion for Vale Royal Key

Vale Royal Borough boundary

Urban Areas

2 1 : Woodland, Hea ths, Meres and Mosses 1a : Delamere Forest 10b 1b : Rudheath 11 2 : Sandstone Ridge 2a : Northern Sandstone Ridge 2b : Southern Sandstone Ridge

12a 2c : Helsby Hill 3 3 : Sandstone Fringe 5a 4d 3a : Alv anley Sandstone Fringe 11a 3b : Tarporley Sandstone Fri nge 4 4 : Undulating Enclosed Farmland 9a 4a : Norley Undulating Encl osed Farmland 4b : Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Fa rmla nd 8c 13a 4c : Eaton, Marton and Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 2c 4d : Whitley and Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4e : East Winsford Undula ting Enclosed Farmland 3a 2a 12 5 : Hea thy Farmland and Woodland 4b 6c 5a : Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 5 6 : East Cheshire Plain 7a 6a : Darnha ll Plain 4a 10a 6b : Stublach Plain 6c : Lostock Plain

1b 6d : Wimboldesley and Sproston Pl ain 13 7 : West Cheshire Plain 7a : Manley Plain 8 8 : River Valleys 8e 6b 1a 8a : Upper Weaver Valley 8b : Mid Weaver Valley 8c : Lower Weaver Val ley 8d : Ash Brook Valley 4e 4c 8e 8e : Dane Valley 3a 8b 7 9 : Mere Basins 2b 9a : Marbury Mere 6d 9 10 : Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10a : Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10b : Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 8a 1 11 : Reclaimed Saltmarsh 11a : Frodsham, Helsby and Lordship Marshes 3b 6a 6d 10 12 : Estuary 4c 8d 12a : Frodsham Score 6 13 : Salt Heritage Landscape 6a 13a : Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape

0 1.5 3 Km

Source: LUC Vale Royal Borough Council Date: 15/12/2006

Reproduced f rom Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright, LUC Licence No 100019265 File:\\3700\3775 Vale Royal LCA\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\SPD_Figures\3775-01_LCA_Aug06_A4_0907.mxd 1 : Woodland, Heaths, Meres and Mosses

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 1a : Delamere Forest 1b : Allostock 1A: DELAMERE

CONTEXT

Location and Boundaries Delamere occupies a hollow created during the last glaciation when meltwaters forced their way through the sandstone ridge at the `Mouldsworth Gap’ and deposited extensive glacial sand and gravel deposits in the area that is now Delamere Forest. This is an extensive area bounded to the north by the undulating clay farmland landscape surrounding Norley, to the south by the undulating clay farmland landscape surrounding Oulton, and to the west the prominent Sandstone Ridge. The extent of Delamere is marked by the extent of glacio- fluvial deposits and accompanying sandy soils which give rise to its distinctive character.

Key Characteristics 1. A gently undulating large scale landscape of woodland, farmland and heathland overlying sand and gravel glacio-fluvial drift material, deposited during the last glaciation, lying between 65m and 85m AOD. 2. An organic mosaic of meres, mosses, swamp, fen, woodland and heathland forming part of the ancient Forest of Mara and Mondrem, interspersed with conifer plantations, quarries and large, straight sided fields. 3. A dynamic landscape with many areas showing different stages of peatland/ mossland development and vegetation succession. 4. Large open water bodies occupying kettle holes formed during the last glaciation, known as meres, are associated with fen, mire, acidic grassland and bog habitats and form part of the Meres and Mosses Ramsar site. 5. Peatland features include quaking bogs or `schwingmoor’, where Sphagnum moss has formed over the water surface e.g. at Abbots Moss. 6. Large areas of plantation woodland on former heath and peatland, dominated by conifers, at Delamere Forest. 7. Sandy soils also support species rich acid grassland, oak-birch woodland and lowland heath – Little Budworth Common, one of best surviving examples of lowland heath in Cheshire. 8. Extensive glacio-fluvial drift deposits have created a resource of sand which is actively quarried to create large water bodies and lakes. 9. Around and between the woodland and water is pattern of planned 19th century enclosure representing relatively late enclosure of this landscape from waste heath. 10. Large areas managed for recreation including Delamere Forest, Little Budworth Country Park, parking and picnic sites, two golf courses and part of the Sandstone Trail long distance recreational path.

Landscape Character SPD 23 1A: Delamere 11. Settlement form is relatively late in origin and comprises farmsteads of 18th-19th century origin, linked by turnpike roads, and set within areas of relatively recent enclosure together with scattered linear development. 12. Buildings are characteristically red brick or sandstone with clay or slate tiles. White washed buildings are also characteristic and prominent features within the landscape. 13. A great contrast between the openness of the heaths, clearings and meres, and the enclosed nature of the woodland 14. The skyline is dominated by trees, most often the dark line of conifer plantations. 15. There is a great diversity of visual experiences - of particular significance are the open views across the Meres.

Visual Sensitivity This landscape character area is not visually prominent because of its relatively consistent topography and presence of woodland. The presence of woodland indicates that this landscape provides an opportunity for some screening of low level elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on views. The character area therefore has a generally low visual sensitivity, although an exception to this is views across the meres - open views across the Meres are a key feature of the area. The western extent of the Delamere character area is overlooked by the elevated landform of the Frodsham and Southern Sandstone Ridges. However, as this section of the landscape is densely wooded, views into the character area are limited. Although settlement is low and dispersed, the landscape is used extensively for recreational purposes, and a number of main transport routes run through the character area, meaning that there are a high number of potential receptors of views.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the mosaic of habitats and sense of tranquillity, and ensure sensitive restoration of mineral sites.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain the organic mosaic of open water, mires, mosses, woodland and heathland. 2. Support management of peatland habitats to maintain different stages of peatland/ mossland development and vegetation succession, including the quaking bogs or `schwingmoor’. 3. Conserve areas of species rich acid grassland and seek opportunities to extend this habitat. 4. Support restoration and re-creation of lowland heath, including removal of conifers on heathland sites. Manage through grazing and aim to include heathland creation in mineral restoration plans.

Landscape Character SPD 24 1A: Delamere 5. Conserve the remaining areas of ancient woodland and encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 6. Support plans to increase woodland cover in areas of farmland using native broadleaved species, including oak-birch woodland. 7. Ensure mineral extraction does not detract from the naturalistic and tranquil qualities of the area – use naturalistic planting to screen extraction activities. 8. Ensure extraction does not result in lowering of the water levels or adversely affect wetland habitats. Avoid planting conifers in these areas which may exacerbate the lowering of the water table. 9. Seek positive restoration schemes for mineral extraction sites, including restoration of wetland habitats, grassland, heathland, scrub and woodland. Aim to increase the diversity of habitats by creating different stages of peatland/ mossland development and vegetation succession. 10. Seek opportunities for recreational use of restored sites where this is compatible with nature conservation objectives. 11. Manage recreation to ensure heavy recreational use does not threaten naturalistic and tranquil qualities of the area. 12. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 13. Protect above ground archaeological features such as the ancient settlement site on the shores of Oak Mere, ancient glassworks at Glazier’s Hollow, and round barrows at `Seven Lows’ and promote sustainable management practices in their vicinity to avoid damage by root growth or ploughing. 14. Conserve the historic character of, and settings to, the historic parks at Petty Pool and Oulton. 15. Maintain the great contrast provided by the openness of the heaths, clearings and meres, and the enclosed nature of the woodland. 16. Maintain the simple tree-dominated skyline and the open views across the Meres. 17. Maintain plantations of Scots pine as distinctive features of the sandy landscape where this does not conflict with nature conservation objectives. 18. Consider opportunities for replanting of hedgerows and trees in areas of enclosed farmland to maintain a continuous hedgerow network.

Landscape Character SPD 25 1A: Delamere Built Development 1. Conserve the 18th-19th century farmsteads and hamlets that provide evidence of the relatively late enclosure of this landscape from waste heath. 2. Conserve the low settlement density and sense of tranquillity of this well-visited landscape. 3. Ensure new buildings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area. 4. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 5. Conserve open areas along roads, particularly views across meres – seek to limit incremental linear development which could create a continuous built edge. 6. Using local materials such as red Cheshire brick and sandstone with slate or clay tile roofs, and white-washed finishes, will maintain the local vernacular and enhance sense of place.

Landscape Character SPD 26 1A: Delamere 1A: Delamere 1B: ALLOSTOCK

CONTEXT

Location and Boundaries Allostock occupies an area of glacio-fluvial deposits on the eastern boundary of the borough. To the north lies the lowland landscape of the Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses and to the west lies the flat clay Stublach Plain. This heathy landscape extends beyond the administrative boundary of the borough to the east and south.

Key Characteristics 1. A flat landscape of woodland, farmland and heathland overlying sand and gravel glacio- fluvial drift material, deposited during the last glaciation, lying between 45m and 50m AOD. 2. Extensive glacio-fluvial drift deposits have created a resource of sand and gravel which is still actively quarried to create large water filled quarries. 3. Areas of plantation woodland on former heath and peatland, including conifers which form a dark skyline. 4. Sandy soils support species rich acid grassland, oak-birch woodland and lowland heath. 5. Open water, woodland and heathland resulting from sand and gravel extraction on former heathland. 6. Shakerley Mere Country Park provides recreational opportunities. 7. Around and between the woodland and water is pattern of planned 19th century enclosure representing relatively late enclosure of this landscape from waste heath. 8. Settlement form is relatively late in origin and comprises farmsteads of 18th-19th century origin set within areas of relatively recent enclosure together with scattered ribbon development alongside roads and a village at Allostock. 9. Straight roads bordered by verges and punctuated by gorse reflecting the sandy character of the area. 10. Buildings are characteristically red brick with clay or slate tiles. White washed buildings are also characteristic and prominent features within the landscape. Individual houses in large plots are characteristic. 11. Nurseries and polytunnels are familiar features. 12. There is a great diversity of visual experiences - of particular significance are the open views across the Meres. The skyline is dominated by trees.

Landscape Character SPD 27 1B:Allostock Visual Sensitivity This landscape character area is not visually prominent because of its flat landform. The presence of woodland indicates that this landscape provides an opportunity for some screening of low level elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on views. The character area therefore has a generally low visual sensitivity, although an exception to this is views across the meres. Settlement is low and dispersed and recreation focussed on Shakerley Mere indicating that there are relatively few visual receptors. However, the M6 passes through the area indicating that there are a large number of people with glimpsed views of the area.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the diverse mosaic of heathy habitats and restore areas of heathland and woodland.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Conserve and manage areas of species rich acid grassland and seek opportunities to extend this habitat. 2. Support restoration and re-creation of lowland heath, including removal of conifers on heathland sites. Manage open heathland habitats through grazing. 3. Encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species, control of invasive species such as Rhododendron, and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 4. Seek opportunities to increase woodland cover using native broadleaved species, including oak-birch woodland, where this does not compromise heathland or wetland habitats. 5. Ensure mineral extraction does not detract from the naturalistic and tranquil qualities of the area – use naturalistic planting to screen extraction activities. 6. Seek positive restoration schemes for mineral extraction sites, including restoration of wetland habitats, grassland, heathland, scrub and woodland. Aim to increase the diversity of habitats by creating different stages of peatland/ mossland development and vegetation succession. 7. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 8. Maintain the simple tree-dominated skyline and the open views across the Meres. Consider opportunities to create new views.

9. Maintain plantations of Scots pine and gorse scrub as distinctive features of the sandy landscape where this does not conflict with nature conservation objectives.

Landscape Character SPD 28 1B:Allostock 10. Consider opportunities for replanting hedgerows and hedgerow trees in areas of enclosed farmland to maintain a continuous hedgerow network. 11. Ensure uses associated with the large water bodies (e.g. fishing, water skiing and other recreational activities) do not conflict with nature conservation objectives and the peaceful enjoyment of the meres.

Built Development 1. Conserve the 18th-19th century farmsteads and hamlets that provide evidence of the relatively late enclosure of this landscape from waste heath. Individual buildings in large plots are characteristic. 2. Conserve open areas along local roads, particularly views across meres – seek to limit incremental linear development which could create a continuous built edge. 3. Screen views of the M6 using native vegetation, where possible. 4. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 5. Using local materials such as red Cheshire brick and sandstone with slate or clay tile roofs, and white-washed finishes, will maintain the local vernacular and enhance sense of place. 6. Use native and locally characteristic vegetation (oak-birch woodland, gorse, Scots pine) to integrate any built development into the landscape and to screen industrial land.

Landscape Character SPD 29 1B:Allostock 1B:Allostock 2 : Sandstone Ridge

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 2a : Northern Sandstone Ridge 2b : Southern Sandstone Ridge 2c : Helsby Hill 2A: NORTHERN SANDSTONE RIDGE

CONTEXT

Location and Boundaries The Northern Sandstone Ridge is a prominent ridge that extends from Frodsham in the north to Delamere Forest in the south. The boundaries are defined primarily by geology and topography. Key Characteristics 1. Outcrops of Triassic sandstone form a prominent ridge reaching over 150m at Beacon Hill and Birch Hill. 2. Steep sandstone cliffs to the north and west of the ridge support dense woodland, including ancient oak woodland, for example at Alvanley Cliff Wood. 3. Dry gorges, created by glacial meltwater, are features of the northern and western edges of the ridge. 4. Brown sandy soils support permanent grassland, dwarf shrub heath, bracken and gorse scrub and woodland on steeper slopes, for example at Frodsham and Overton Woods. 5. Groups of Scots pines form distinctive skyline elements. 6. Quarries are features, particularly along the west-facing cliff. 7. Less steep slopes support arable farmland. 8. Regular rectangular fields, resulting from Parliamentary enclosure of heath and forest during the 18th century, dominate the ridge. 9. New Pale is a former 17th century deer park whose prominent boundaries are still a landscape feature. 10. Low density of dispersed farms and hamlets – many farm buildings are constructed from sandstone (quarried from the ridge) with welsh slate roofs. 11. Sunken lanes provide access over the ridge, responding to landform – there are no main roads. 12. A hill fort at Woodhouse Hill on the western edge of the ridge, and a former Roman camp at Birch Hill, occupy defensive positions on the ridge (both Scheduled Ancient Monuments). 13. The War Memorial on Frodsham Hill is a landscape feature, from where there are views over the Mersey Estuary.

14. Long distance footpaths run along the length of the ridge from where there are some spectacular panoramic views from the ridge as far as Wales to the west and the Peak District to the east.

Landscape Character SPD 31 2A: Northern Sandstone Ridge Visual Sensitivity The prominent skyline of this character area and its visibility from extensive areas of the borough and beyond make this ridge visually sensitive. Although population density is low, there are a large number of visitors to this landscape as a result of the recreational opportunities provided by the open access land and three long distance recreational footpaths. However, the presence of woodland as a key characteristic provides some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline and panoramic views from the ridge, and to restore and link former heathland sites.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 2. Support the vision to create a well-wooded landscape with links to Delamere whilst maintaining panoramic views from the ridgeline. 3. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensuring a young stock of hedgerow trees to replace over-mature trees. 4. Conserve the ancient field systems around Newton and the historic boundaries of New Pale as features of the landscape. 5. Protect above ground archaeological features, particularly the Iron Age hill fort at Woodhouse Hill, Maiden’s Cross, and Castle Cob, and consider opportunities for extending areas of pasture around archaeological monuments. 6. Maintain sandstone outcrops as features of the landscape – consider opportunities to enhance views of and, where appropriate, access to, these features whilst maintaining their geological and ecological interest. 7. Conserve the glacial meltwater channels that are of geological and historical interest. 8. Encourage drainage of footpaths to prevent erosion. 9. Ensure any quarries are sensitively sited and ensure plans for their restoration have ecological interest, incorporating recreational uses and access where possible. 10. Maintain the ancient sunken lanes, minimising small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or straightening of the road network which could change the character of these lanes. Encourage restoration of sandstone boundary walls alongside these lanes.

Landscape Character SPD 32 2A: Northern Sandstone Ridge 11. Maintain field ponds and meres as features of the landscape as well as the gorse thickets and bracken scrub that provide variety and texture. 12. Consider opportunities for re-creation of heathland on the ridge and seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi-improved species rich grassland. 13. Maintain groups and belts of Scots pine as distinctive skyline features of the ridge where this does not interfere with biodiversity objectives. 14. Support the diversification of farm activities that maintain the rural and peaceful character of the landscape. 15. Conserve the sense of peace and quiet away from the main roads, and maintain the sparse settlement and road network and limited visible development. 16. Conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline – consider opportunities to mitigate the visual effect of existing communication masts on the skyline in the future. 17. Maintain panoramic views from the ridge – consider opportunities to create additional viewpoints and increased opportunities for public views. Consider views when planning locations for new woodland associated with The Mersey Forest. 18. Protect views to and from the War Memorial on Frodsham Hill, and hill forts.

Landscape Character SPD 33 2A: Northern Sandstone Ridge 2A: Northern Sandstone Ridge 2B: SOUTHERN SANDSTONE RIDGE

CONTEXT

Location and Boundaries The Southern Sandstone Ridge is a prominent ridge that extends from Eddisbury Lodge in the north to Tarporley in the south. The boundaries are defined primarily by geology and topography. Key Characteristics 1. Outcrops of Triassic sandstone form a prominent ridge reaching 176m at Pale Heights, at its northern end. 2. Steep sandstone cliffs and dry gorges support dense woodland, including ancient oak woodland. 3. Brown sandy soils support permanent grassland and woodland on steeper slopes, including the plantation woodland at Primrosehill Wood. 4. Belts of Scots pines form distinctive skyline elements. 5. Quarries are features including King’s Chair quarry. 6. Less steep slopes support cereals, potatoes and fruit farming. Orchards are features around Kelsall/Willington. 7. Small to medium sized fields, enclosed during a variety of periods, are bordered by straight sided thick hedgerows, some atop low sandstone walls. 8. Low density of dispersed farms – farm buildings are typically constructed from sandstone (quarried from the ridge) with welsh slate roofs. 9. Sunken lanes provide access over the ridge, responding to landform while the A54 and A49 cross the ridge in cutting. 10. Hill forts at Eddisbury Hill and Kelsborrow Castle occupy defensive positions along the ridge (both Scheduled Ancient Monuments). 11. Location of Cheshire’s only Roman Villa at Eaton. 12. The `Sandstone Trail’ runs along part of the ridge from Eddisbury Lodge before descending the ridge at The Willingtons. 13. Spectacular panoramic views from the ridge across Delamere and beyond to the north-east, over the open plains to the south-east, to the Peckforton Hills to the south, and to North Wales to the west.

Visual Sensitivity The prominent skyline of this character area and its visibility from extensive areas of the borough and beyond make this ridge visually sensitive. Although population density is low, there are a large number of visitors to this landscape as a result of the

Landscape Character SPD 35 2B: Southern Sandstone Ridge recreational opportunities provided by the Forestry Commission land and the Sandstone Trail long distance recreational route. However, the presence of woodland as a key characteristic provides some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline and panoramic views from the ridge, and to restore and link former heathland sites.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 2. Support the vision to create a well-wooded landscape with links to Delamere. 3. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensuring a young stock of hedgerow trees to replace over-mature trees. 4. Protect above ground archaeological features, particularly the defensive Iron Age hill forts of Eddisbury and Kelsborrow, and consider opportunities for extending areas of pasture around archaeological monuments. 5. Maintain sandstone outcrops as features of the landscape – consider opportunities to enhance views of and, where appropriate, access to, these features whilst maintaining their geological and ecological interest. 6. Maintain the ancient sunken lanes, minimising small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the character of these lanes. Encourage restoration of sandstone boundary walls alongside these lanes. 7. Maintain field ponds as features of the landscape. 8. Consider opportunities for re-creation of heathland on the ridge and seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi-improved species rich grassland. 9. Maintain groups and belts of Scots pine as distinctive skyline features of the ridge where this does not interfere with biodiversity objectives. 10. Ensure farm diversification activities maintain the rural and peaceful character of the landscape. 11. Conserve the sense of peace and quiet away from the main roads, and maintain the sparse settlement and road network and limited visible development.

Landscape Character SPD 36 2B: Southern Sandstone Ridge 12. Conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline – consider opportunities to mitigate the visual effect of existing communication masts on the skyline in the future. 13. Maintain panoramic views across adjacent landscapes – consider opportunities to create additional viewpoints and increased opportunities for public views. Consider views when planning locations for new woodland associated with The Mersey Forest. 14. Conserve the panoramic views, for example views of the medieval castle at Beeston from the edge of Tarporley, and views across Delamere from Old Pale.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern. Conserve the local vernacular - local sandstone and red brick farmsteads and barns with Welsh slate roofs. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 2. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style of farmsteads in this area. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 3. Minimise the impact of road cuttings, signage and associated development using native planting. 4. Maintain panoramic views out of Tarporley – ensure new build does not block these views that connect the village with its landscape setting. Of particular importance are the views to Beeston Castle. 5. Refer to the Tarporley Village Design Statement (VDS) when considering change in and around Tarporley. 6. The ridgeline is particularly sensitive to large scale, or tall, built development.

Landscape Character SPD 37 2B: Southern Sandstone Ridge 2B: Southern Sandstone Ridge 2C: HELSBY HILL

CONTEXT

Location and Boundaries The Helsby Sandstone Ridge is a prominent, but isolated outcrop, of sandstone located above Helsby, forming an outlier to the west of the Northern Sandstone Ridge. The boundaries are defined primarily by geology and topography. Key Characteristics 1. Outcrops of Triassic sandstone form a prominent hill (Helsby Hill reaching 141m) with distinctive cliff profile. 2. Steep sandstone cliffs to the north and west of the ridge support dense woodland, and are used for rock climbing. 3. A rich variety of habitats - brown sandy soils support sheep grazed pasture, semi-natural grassland, dwarf shrub heath, bracken and gorse scrub, with woodland on steeper slopes. 4. Sandstone outcrops, sandstone quarries (Helsby Quarry) and cliffs are features, including the ‘Old Man of Helsby’. 5. Regular rectangular fields, resulting from Parliamentary enclosure of heath and forest during the 18th century. 6. Low density of dispersed farms – farm buildings are typically constructed from sandstone (quarried from the ridge) with welsh slate roofs. 7. Narrow sunken lanes provide access up to the hill – there are no main roads. 8. A hill fort at Helsby Hill occupies a defensive position on the north-western edge of the outcrop (a Scheduled Ancient Monument). 9. The Longster Trail long distance footpath crosses the outcrop, from where there are some spectacular panoramic views over the Mersey Estuary to the north and towards the Northern Sandstone Ridge to the east.

Visual Sensitivity The prominent skyline of this character area and its visibility from extensive areas make this sandstone outcrop visually sensitive. Although population density is low, there are a relatively large number of visitors to this landscape as a result of the hill fort and the recreational opportunities provided by the public footpaths and woodland park. However, the presence of woodland as a key characteristic provides some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 39 2C: Helsby Hill Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline and panoramic views from the hill, and to restore and link former heathland sites.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 2. Support plans to extend existing woodlands on steep hillsides where this does not conflict with heathland restoration proposals. 3. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and continuing to gap up existing hedges. 4. Seek to restore broken stone walls that are a feature of this landscape. 5. Protect above ground archaeological features, particularly the Iron Age hill fort at Helsby Hill, and consider opportunities to extend areas of pasture around this archaeological monument. 6. Maintain former quarries and sandstone outcrops as features of the landscape – consider opportunities to enhance views and, where appropriate access, to these features whilst maintaining their geological and ecological interest. 7. Manage visitor access to minimise erosion of the soft sandstone. 8. Maintain the ancient sunken lanes, minimising small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the character of these lanes. Encourage restoration of sandstone boundary walls alongside these lanes. 9. Maintain the gorse thickets and bracken scrub that provide variety and texture, except in the vicinity of the hill fort where gorse and bracken are removed to prevent damage to the monument. 10. Conserve remnant areas of heathland and consider opportunities for re-creation of further, linked, heathland habitats where topography is not a limiting factor. 11. Seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi-improved species rich grassland. 12. Consider further opportunities for passive recreational use of the landscape avoiding activities that may have a detrimental impact on the landscape. 13. Support the diversification of farm activities that maintain the rural and peaceful character of the landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 40 2C: Helsby Hill 14. Conserve the sense of peace and quiet away from the main roads, and maintain the sparse settlement and road network and limited visible development. 15. Conserve the strong, prominent and simple skyline and the distinctive, natural slope profile of this outcrop. 16. Maintain panoramic views – consider opportunities to create additional viewpoints and increased opportunities for public views. Consider views from the ridge when planning locations for new woodland associated with The Mersey Forest.

Landscape Character SPD 41 2C: Helsby Hill 2C: Helsby Hill 3 : Sandstone Fringe

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 3a : Alvanley Sandstone Fringe 3b : Tarporley Sandstone Fringe 3A: ALVANLEY SANDSTONE FRINGE

Location and Boundaries The Alvanley Sandstone Fringe wraps around the western edge of the Northern Sandstone Ridge from Frodsham in the north to Manley in the south, forming a transitional landscape between the Northern Sandstone Ridge and the Manley Plain. This Sandstone Fringe landscape is defined by its sandstone geology and intermediate topography and continues to the south beyond the borough boundary.

Key Characteristics 1. Transitional zone between the prominent Northern Sandstone Ridge and the low lying Manley Plain forming an undulating landscape of intermediate elevation (mostly between 35 and 85m AOD). 2. Underlying bedrock geology of Helsby and Wilmslow Sandstone Formations and Tarporley Siltstone that has been weathered and overlain by glacio-fluvial drift and till (boulder clay) deposits. 3. Steep, gorse-clad sandstone outcrops, for example overlooking the Manley Plain, marked by disused quarries e.g. Manor Farm. 4. Geology gives rise to brown sands and earths which support a mixed agricultural landscape of arable and grassland and some woodland, and fragments of acid grassland. 5. Fields are typically small to medium in size and dating to the medieval period or earlier, enclosed by hawthorn hedges or low sandstone walls. 6. The clayey soils have a low permeability and give rise to a number of water bodies, including ponds, brooks and streams. Water filled marl pits are a reminder of the past use of the boulder clay to fertilise fields. 7. A low level of woodland cover, but containing a number of mature hedgerow trees, small scattered woodland blocks, small copses and riparian woodland along the course of narrow streams e.g. along Moor’s Brook. 8. A nucleated village at Alvanley surrounded by distinctive small medieval townfields. Scattered hamlets/farms constructed from combinations of sandstone and red brick, or white washed – sandstone walls and thatch are also a feature. 9. The church spire of Trinity Church at Frodsham is a landmark. 10. Although this area does not provide as many recreational opportunities as the adjacent Northern Sandstone Ridge and Helsby Hill, it contains a number of public footpaths, including the Longster Trail long distance recreational footpath. 11. The adjacent Northern Sandstone Ridge and Helsby Hill form a backdrop to views across the Alvanley Sandstone Fringe.

Landscape Character SPD 43 3A: Alvanley Sandstone Ridge Visual Sensitivity The position of this landscape character area in the shadow of parts of the Sandstone Ridge means it is not as visually prominent as the sandstone ridge itself. However, the undulating topography allows opportunities for views across the landscape of the Alvanley Sandstone Fringe. There is some settlement in this landscape (indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors) and, although recreational use of the landscape is relatively low compared to the adjacent Northern Sandstone Ridge, there are views from the Northern Sandstone Ridge and Helsby Hill across the Alvanley Sandstone Fringe. Although there is a relative absence of woodland cover, the presence of undulating topography and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The area is visible from the Manley Plain to the west. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve/enhance the pastoral character, strong field pattern and views to and from the Sandstone Ridge.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensuring a young stock of hedgerow trees to replace over-mature trees. 2. Conserve ancient field patterns, particularly those dating to the medieval period or earlier which provide historic continuity in the landscape.

3. Seek to repair sandstone walls where they bound fields or align roads, to conserve these as a feature of the landscape. 4. Maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 5. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Conserve the remnant fragments of unimproved or semi-improved acid grassland on the sandy soils that are of nature conservation value and consider opportunities to extend this habitat. 8. Conserve the ponds, brooks and streams that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. 9. Consider further opportunities for recreational use of the landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 44 3A: Alvanley Sandstone Ridge 10. Support plans to enhance woodland cover, including the establishment of a woodland framework around Helsby and Frodsham and creation of a woodland buffer on suitable land between the settlements and the motorway. Small scattered woodland blocks, copses and riparian woodland are the most appropriate forms of woodland in this area. 11. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 12. Manage existing woodlands to ensure a diverse canopy structure and rich ground flora. 13. Conserve and manage Castle Park in Frodsham, and its setting. 14. Conserve the sense of peace and quiet away from the main roads, and conserve the rural character of the lanes. 15. Conserve views to the adjacent Northern Sandstone Ridge and Helsby Hill and consider opportunities to create additional viewpoints and increased opportunities for public views, for example across the Mersey Estuary. Consider key views when planning locations for new woodland associated with The Mersey Forest.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads and hamlets away from the main urban areas. 2. Conserve the local vernacular built style - red brick/sandstone or white washed farmsteads and buildings, thatch, and sandstone walls. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 3. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style (i.e. maintain the existing structure of simple form and sandstone/red brick finish). Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 4. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 5. Conserve the historic nucleated village at Alvanley and its landscape setting formed by distinctive small medieval townfields. 6. Maintain the rural gap between Frodsham and Helsby and maintain a rural setting to these settlements. 7. Seek to integrate the M56 into the landscape using planting along the sandstone fringe. 8. Conserve views to the church spire at Frodsham.

Landscape Character SPD 45 3A: Alvanley Sandstone Ridge 3A: Alvanley Sandstone Fringe 3B: TARPORLEY SANDSTONE FRINGE

Location and Boundaries The Tarporley Sandstone Fringe wraps around the western edge of the Southern Sandstone Ridge from Utkinton in the north to Tarporley in the south, forming a transitional landscape between the Southern Sandstone Ridge and the West Cheshire Plain. This Sandstone Fringe landscape is defined by its sandstone geology and intermediate topography and continues to the north beyond the borough boundary.

Key Characteristics 1. Transitional zone between the prominent Southern Sandstone Ridge and the low lying West Cheshire Plain forming an undulating landscape of intermediate elevation (mostly between 50 and 90m AOD). 2. Disused quarries mark places where the underlying geology is not obscured by glacial deposits, for example at Birch Heath Farm. 3. Underlying bedrock geology of Helsby Sandstone and Tarporley Siltstone that has been weathered and overlain by till (boulder clay) deposits. 4. Geology gives rise to brown sands and earths which support a mixed agricultural landscape, dominated by pasture, and some small woodlands. 5. Fields are typically small to medium in size and dating to the medieval period or earlier, enclosed by hawthorn hedges or low sandstone walls. 6. The clayey soils have a low permeability and give rise to a number of water bodies, including numerous ponds and brooks. Water filled marl pits are a reminder of the past use of the boulder clay to fertilise fields. 7. A generally low level of woodland cover, but containing three small woodland blocks at Bentley Wood, Oxpasture Wood and Ash Wood. 8. Mature hedgerow trees are important landscape elements, contributing to the overall tree cover. 9. The settlement pattern is characterised by scattered red brick farmsteads linked by a network of historic lanes, some sunken. 10. Utkinton and Tarporley are nucleated villages located at the edge of the Southern Sandstone Ridge, overlooking the Tarporley Sandstone Fringe. 11. Although this area does not provide as many recreational opportunities as the adjacent Southern Sandstone Ridge, it contains a number of public footpaths, including part of the Sandstone Trail long distance recreational footpath.

12. The adjacent Southern Sandstone Ridge forms a backdrop to views across the Tarporley Sandstone Fringe.

Landscape Character SPD 47 3B: Tarporley Sandstone Ridge Visual Sensitivity The position of this landscape character area in the shadow of part of the Sandstone Ridge means it is not as visually prominent as the sandstone ridge itself. However, the undulating topography allows opportunities for views across the landscape of the Tarporley Sandstone Fringe. There is some settlement in this landscape (indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors) and, although recreational use of the landscape is relatively low compared to the adjacent Northern Sandstone Ridge, there are views from the Southern Sandstone Ridge across the Tarporley Sandstone Fringe. Although there is a relative absence of woodland cover, the presence of undulating topography and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The area is visible from the West Cheshire Plain, outside the borough to the west. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve/enhance the pastoral character, strong field pattern and views to and from the Sandstone Ridge and West Cheshire Plain.

GUIDANCE

3. Maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil, for example as a result of growth of crops. 4. Seek to repair sandstone walls where they bound fields or align roads, to conserve these as a feature of the landscape. 5. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Consider opportunities to recreate areas of unimproved or semi-improved acid grassland and heathland habitats on the sandy soils that are of nature conservation value. 8. Conserve the field ponds and streams that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. 9. Support plans to enhance management of woodland and seek opportunities for new woodland planting, particularly broadleaved woodland copses and riparian woodland.

Landscape Character SPD 48 3B: Tarporley Sandstone Ridge 10. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 11. Conserve the sense of peace and quiet away from the main roads, and conserve the rural character of the lanes. 12. Conserve views east to the adjacent Southern Sandstone Ridge and views west across the West Cheshire Plain, particularly from the Sandstone Trail.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads and hamlets. 2. Maintain the rural setting to villages. 3. Conserve the local vernacular style - red brick/sandstone or white washed farmsteads and buildings. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style (i.e. maintain the existing structure of simple form and sandstone/red brick finish). Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 6. Refer to the Tarporley Village Design Statement (VDS) when considering change in and around Tarporley.

Landscape Character SPD 49 3B: Tarporley Sandstone Ridge 3B: Tarporley Sandstone Fringe 4 : Undulating Enclosed Farmland

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 4a : Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4b : Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4c : Eaton, Marton and Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4d : Whitley and Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4e : East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4A: NORLEY UNDULATING ENCLOSED FARMLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland represents a particularly undulating area of farmland, influenced by glacial drift deposits, located to the north of Delamere. The boundary between Delamere and Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland is defined by a change in topography and change in extent of glacio-fluvial sand and gravel deposits. To the north of the Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland is the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland which is lower lying and less steeply undulating.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of Bollin Mudstones (part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) covered by a mantle of glacial drift deposits (a mixture of boulder clay and glacio-fluvial sand and gravels) gives rise to an undulating topography between 35m and 90m AOD. 2. Steep, wooded valleys incise the hills, containing small brooks that drain towards the Weaver. Gorse occupies steep slopes. 3. Glacio-fluvial deposits mask the underlying mudstones giving rise to well drained sandy and coarse loamy soils. These soils support a mixture of dairying on short term grassland and arable crops. 4. Small scale fields - a mixture of ancient irregular enclosures and regular Parliamentary and planned enclosures – are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees. 5. The sheltered valleys and steeper slopes support woodland – for example along Small Brook and the upper reaches of Crowton Brook. 6. Historic orchards e.g. to the south-west of Kingsley. 7. Glacio-fluvial deposits have been quarried in the past – there are disused sand and gravel quarries at Gallowsclough Lane, Norley Bank and The Gorse. 8. Areas of former parkland at Norley Hall, Norley Bank, around Royalty Covert and at Delamere Park. 9. Passive recreation in the form of public footpaths, including part of the Delamere Way which provides access to the adjacent Delamere Forest. Breech Moss is a small area of Registered Common Land with open access. 10. A network of small sunken lanes link scattered farms and hamlets while the post- medieval settlement of Norley forms a focus for the area. 11. Characteristic vernacular architecture including sandstone farmsteads and a sandstone church at Norley. 12. Steep undulations and woodland contribute to an enclosed, intimate landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 51 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 13. Views across Delamere to the south-west and across Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the north-east.

Visual Sensitivity

The hilly topography in this area means that the ridges are visually prominent while the valleys are hidden. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors and, although recreational use of the landscape is relatively low compared to the adjacent Delamere, recreational receptors using the Delamere Way long distance recreational footpath are considered to be sensitive to their visual environment. The presence of undulating topography, woodland and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The area is visible from the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the north-east.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the rural pastoral character of the landscape and enhance the hedgerow and woodland network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensuring a young stock of hedgerow trees to replace over-mature trees. 2. Avoid over-intensive flail mowing or ploughing too close to hedgerow boundaries – protect saplings and encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 3. Consider opportunities to replace hedgerows where they have been lost. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape. 5. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 6. Support retention of pasture and grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. Seek opportunities to re-create herb rich hay pastures. 7. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 8. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, encouraging the management/restoration of permanent pasture, parkland trees, clumps and avenues.

Landscape Character SPD 52 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 9. Conserve and manage earthworks, such as the remnants of the Motte and Bailey at Harthill Bank and the tumulus at Gallowsclough Hill, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 10. Conserve the remnant fragments of acid grassland on the sandy soils that are of nature conservation value and consider opportunities to extend this habitat. 11. Conserve and manage the remaining field ponds, bogs and mosses that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. 12. Restore Breech Moss to mossland habitat and bring this important peatland site back into management. 13. Seek to restore coniferous woodlands to broadleaved woodlands. 14. Support plans to enhance woodland cover, including planting on the steeper valley slopes. Respect the small scale of the landscape when designing new woodland. 15. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 16. Consider views when designing new woodland - conserve views across Delamere to the south-west and across Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the north-east 17. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as kerbs and large scale signage. 18. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 19. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads and hamlets. Norley forms the main focus for development.

2. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area. 3. Conserve the local vernacular built form – i.e. simple red brick/sandstone farmsteads. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style fencing, garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style (i.e. simple design and of sandstone and brick construction). Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Soften built edges by introducing small scale planting schemes using native broadleaved species. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows rather than close-board fencing.

Landscape Character SPD 53 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 6. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 7. Conserve rural views from Delamere Way long distance footpath. 8. Retain the sandstone farmsteads and their rural settings as features of the landscape. 9. Consider views to the skyline ridges e.g. Gallowsclough Hill, and the function of these skyline ridges as a backdrop to the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland, in relation to any change. 10. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 54 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4A: Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4B: FRODSHAM TO NORTHWICH UNDULATING ENCLOSED FARMLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland represents an area of large scale gently undulating farmland located to the south of the Weaver Valley. To the south-west of the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland is the more steeply undulating character area, Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland. The boundary between these two character areas is defined by a marked change in topography.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of Bollin Mudstones (forming part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) covered by a mantle of glacial drift deposits (mostly boulder clay with some glacio-fluvial sand and gravels) gives rise to a gently undulating topography mostly between 25m and 50m AOD. 2. Steep, wooded valleys incise the hills, containing small brooks that drain towards the Weaver e.g. along Cliff Brook. 3. Boulder clay deposits mask the underlying mudstones giving rise to a predominance of slowly permeable clay soils that support dairying and some arable crops. 4. Small scale fields - a mixture of ancient irregular enclosures and larger late post medieval enclosures – are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees and drainage ditches. Small scale Medieval townfields surround Kingsley. 5. Small farm woodlands, coverts and historic orchards are important features of a landscape with relatively low woodland cover. 6. Field ponds are a feature of the lower lying areas, indicating the extraction of marl (calcareous deposits) from the boulder clay for past agricultural improvement. 7. Designed landscapes at Pike Nook Farm, Hefferston Grange, Weaver Holt, and Hollies Farm are associated with large country houses or farmsteads. 8. Passive recreation is in the form of public footpaths, including part of the Delamere Way and Eddisbury Way. 9. New community woodland sites at Thorn Wood and Hazel Pear Wood are managed by the Woodland Trust and provide open access. 10. Settlement pattern comprises scattered farms, halls and hamlets linked by a network of rural lanes. Kingsley, Acton Bridge and Weaverham form nucleated settlements.

Landscape Character SPD 55 4B: Frodsham to Norwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 11. Built materials are typically red brick with large red brick dairy barns a particular feature. Peel Hall is a moated farmstead (and an SAM), the origins of which date the Medieval period. 12. Railway lines, the disused ICI mineral railway, electricity pylons, the A49 and A556 pass through the area, contributing to the sense of movement and noise locally. 13. Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline – the Northern Sandstone Ridge or Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland form a backdrop to views. 14. The tower of Weaverham Church is a landmark on the skyline. Panoramic views from the B5152 across the Weaver Valley.

Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance – the Northern Sandstone Ridge or Norley Undulating Enclosed Farmland form a backdrop to views from the north-east. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden while hill tops are open and visually more sensitive. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors. Although recreational use of the landscape is relatively low compared to other character areas, the presence of the Delamere Way and Eddisbury Way long distance recreational footpaths bring sensitive recreational receptors to the area. The presence of undulating topography, woodland and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The area is visible from the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the north-east. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the pastoral character of the landscape and to enhance the hedgerow and woodland network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensuring a young stock of hedgerow trees to replace over-mature trees.

2. Avoid over-intensive flail mowing or ploughing too close to hedgerow boundaries – protect spalings and encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 3. Consider opportunities to replace hedgerows where they have been lost. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape. 5. Support retention of pasture and grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. Seek opportunities to re-create herb rich hay pastures.

Landscape Character SPD 56 4B: Frodsham to Norwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, encouraging the management/restoration of permanent pasture, parkland trees, clumps and avenues. 8. Conserve and manage historic earthworks, such as the moated sites, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 9. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 10. Conserve the remnant fragments of acid grassland on the sandy soils that are of nature conservation value and consider opportunities to extend this habitat. 11. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 12. Conserve and manage the remaining field ponds that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. 13. Support plans to enhance woodland cover, including restoring and creating orchards, copses and small woodlands within the existing field pattern. Respect the small scale of the landscape when designing new woodland. 14. Consider views when designing new woodland - conserve panoramic views from the B5152 across the Weaver Valley and views to the church tower at Weaverham, particularly from the Trent and Mersey Canal. 15. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as kerbs and large scale signage. 16. Provide informal car parking areas adjacent to recreational sites to avoid erosion of the landscape in these areas. 17. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 18. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Landscape Character SPD 57 4B: Frodsham to Norwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. 4. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 5. Retain the red brick dairy barns and their rural settings as features of the landscape. 6. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape and vernacular style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 7. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 8. Soften built edges and views of infrastructure by introducing small scale planting schemes using native broadleaved species. 9. Consider views from Delamere Way and Eddisbury Way long distance footpaths when considering any new built development. 10. Refer to the Hartford Village Design Statement (VDS) and Weaverham VDS when considering change in and around Hartford and Weaverham. 11. Conserve the open setting of church on the skyline at Weaverham. 12. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 58 4B: Frodsham to Norwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4B: Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4C: EATON, MARTON & OVER UNDULATING ENCLOSED FARMLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland represents an area of gently undulating farmland lying between the elevated areas of Delamere and the Southern Sandstone Ridge and flat lowland of the Darnhall Plain to the south-east. It wraps around the northern edge of Winsford and meets the Weaver Valley at its eastern end.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of Mercia Mudstones (Northwich Halite Formation) covered by a mantle of glacial drift deposits (mostly boulder clay with some glacio-fluvial sand and gravels) gives rise to a gently undulating topography mostly between 50m and 70m AOD. 2. Steep cloughs incise the hills, containing small brooks that drain south-east towards the Weaver e.g. Shay’s Lane Brook, Cat’s Clough and Pettypool Brook. 3. Boulder clay deposits mask the underlying mudstones giving rise to a predominance of slowly permeable clay soils that support dairying and some arable crops. 4. Glacio-fluvial outwash deposits of sands and gravels support some fragments of acid grassland/heathland. 5. Unimproved meadows and species rich grassland along brooks and on lower lying areas e.g. Beauty Bank and Brookhouse Farm Meadows. 6. Small scale fields - a mixture of ancient irregular enclosures and larger late post medieval enclosures – are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees and drainage ditches. Small scale Medieval townfields surround Eaton, Little Budworth, Marton House Farm and Church Hill. 7. Small farm woodlands, coverts and withy beds are important features of a landscape with relatively low woodland cover. 8. Field ponds and larger pools (e.g. Marton Hole, Bradford Wood Pool, Sixes Pool) are a feature of the area. 9. Recreational opportunities provided by public rights of way (including the Whitegate Way), picnic sites, fishing and golf courses. 10. Settlement pattern comprises scattered farms, halls and hamlets linked by a network of rural lanes. Eaton, Little Budworth and Whitegate form nucleated villages. West Winsford/Over is a large residential area.

Landscape Character SPD 59 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 11. The site of Vale Royal Abbey, once the largest Cistercian abbey church in Britain, is located in Vale Royal Park. 12. Built materials are typically red brick and sandstone - large red brick dairy barns a particular feature. 13. Moated sites were once a feature – surviving sites on the outskirts of Eaton and Marton Hall date to the Medieval period and are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. 14. The A54 and the race track at Oulton Park (outside the area) erode tranquillity locally. 15. The skyline is punctuated by hedgerow trees, copses and farm buildings. The church spire at Over forms a prominent landmark feature. 16. There are long distance views from high points e.g. from Vale Royal park on the edge of the Weaver Valley.

Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden while hill tops are open and visually more sensitive. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors. The Whitegate Way, picnic facilities at the former Whitegate Station and north of Brownhill, and two golf courses bring recreational users to the area that are likely to have a visual interest in their surrounding landscape. The presence of undulating topography, hedgerows and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying features without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The western part of the area is visible from the Southern Sandstone Ridge above Eaton. There are also some views into the area from Delamere, although these tend to be glimpsed. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the rural, pastoral character of the landscape and to enhance the grassland, hedgerow, and woodland network.

GUIDANCE

4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 60 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 5. Support retention of pasture and grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Seek opportunities to re-create/extend unimproved species rich grassland. 8. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 9. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, encouraging the management/restoration of permanent pasture, parkland trees, clumps and avenues. 10. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 11. Conserve the remnant fragments of acid grassland/heathland on the sandy soils that are of nature conservation value and consider opportunities to extend this habitat. 12. Conserve and manage the remaining pools, field ponds and ditches that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Seek opportunities to extent/re-create areas of reedswamp and willow scrub and other wetland habitats. 13. Support plans to enhance woodland cover, particularly extending broadleaved woodlands along cloughs, and willow scrub in wet areas. Respect the small scale of the landscape when designing new woodland. 14. Consider bringing withy beds back into coppice management, exploring opportunities for use of the willow as wood-fuel and/or creating markets for traditional craft skills, for example withies for basket making. 15. Support plans to establish a well-wooded landscape around the periphery of Winsford. However, consider views when designing new woodland - conserve panoramic views from Vale Royal Park and views to the landmark of the church spire at Over. 16. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 17. Screen quarrying activity using broadleaved species. Consider the long term restoration of sand and gravel quarries for the benefit of wildlife, creating new wetland habitats and recreational access where possible. 18. Protect above ground archaeological features, such as the moated sites, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing).

19. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species.

Landscape Character SPD 61 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 20. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads and hamlets outside the main villages. 2. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area. Maintain a distinction between urban and rural areas. 3. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick or white washed materials/finishes, and thatch. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. 4. Conserve the black and white estate railings known as ‘Cheshire Railings’. 5. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 6. Maintain the close relationship between Winsford and its rural landscape, ensuring land on the edge of the urban area remains well managed. 7. Conserve the settings of Eaton, Little Budworth, Whitegate and St Chad’s that are designated as Conservation Areas – refer to the Conservation Area Appraisals when considering change in these areas. 8. Retain the red brick dairy barns and their rural settings as features of the landscape. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape and vernacular built style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 9. Soften built edges and views of infrastructure by introducing small scale planting schemes using native broadleaved species. 10. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 11. Conserve rural views from the Whitegate Way and from the main picnic site areas when considering the location for new built development. 12. Refer to the Whitegate and Marton Village Design Statement (VDS) when considering change in and around these settlements. 13. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 62 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4C: Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4D: WHITLEY & COMBERBACH UNDULATING ENCLOSED FARMLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland represents an area of large scale gently undulating farmland located to the north of the Weaver Valley. To the west, separated by the Trent & Mersey Canal, lies the Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland, to the north-east the landscape gradually forms a transition to the peaty and alluvial lowlands of the Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses and to the south-east the landscape meets Marbury Mere.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of Bollin Mudstones (forming part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) covered by a mantle of glacial drift deposits (mostly boulder clay with some glacio-fluvial sand and gravels) gives rise to a gently undulating topography mostly between 30m and 60m AOD. 2. Steep, wooded cloughs incise the hills, containing small brooks that drain towards the Weaver e.g. Whitley Brook and Cogshall Brook. Semi-improved species rich grassland is found alongside some brooks. 3. Boulder clay deposits masking the underlying mudstones produce a predominance of slowly permeable clay soils that support dairying and some arable crops. 4. A mixture of ancient irregular enclosures and larger late post medieval enclosures are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow oaks which produce a strong field pattern. 5. Small farm woodlands, coverts and designed copses/clumps in parkland are important features of a landscape with relatively low woodland cover. 6. Field ponds, resulting from the extraction of marl for past agricultural improvement, are a feature. 7. Water bodies to the west of Higher Whitley result from sand/gravel extraction in an area of glacio-fluvial deposits. 8. Settlement pattern comprises scattered farmsteads, hamlets and villages linked by a network of rural lanes. 9. Built materials are typically red brick or white washed with large red brick dairy barns a particular feature. A former moated farmstead beside Belmont Hall is a remnant of the Medieval period. 10. A quiet, rural landscape with settlements of Barnton and Comberbach, and main roads (A559, A49 and A533), which erode tranquillity locally.

Landscape Character SPD 63 4D: Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 11. Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline – hedgerow trees, woodland and electricity pylons form the skyline. The church at Great Budworth is a landmark on the skyline. 12. Long distance views from the southern edge of the area across the Weaver Valley. There are also long views from the A559 which runs along the ridge top. 13. Views of large scale industrial works at Northwich and Preston Brook that lie outside the character area’s boundary.

Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance and is not greatly inter-visible with other landscapes, except the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland on the opposite side of the Weaver Valley. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden while hill tops are open and visually more sensitive. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors. Although recreational use of the landscape is relatively low compared to other character areas, the presence of the Delamere Way long distance recreational footpath brings sensitive recreational receptors to the area. The presence of undulating topography, woodland and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the rural pastoral character of the landscape and the settings to the picturesque villages, and to enhance the hedgerow and woodland network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensure a young stock of hedgerow trees is ready to replace over-mature trees (typically oak).

2. Avoid over-intensive flail mowing or ploughing too close to hedgerow boundaries – protect saplings and encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 3. Conserve the strong field pattern, particularly ancient field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape. 4. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 5. Support retention of pasture and grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 6. Seek opportunities to re-create species rich grasslands, particularly alongside brooks.

Landscape Character SPD 64 4D: Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 7. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 8. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 9. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, encouraging the management/restoration of permanent pasture, parkland trees, clumps and avenues. 10. Conserve and manage earthworks, such as the moated sites, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 11. Conserve and manage the remaining field ponds that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. 12. Support plans to enhance woodland cover, including restoring and creating valley woodlands and copses/small woodlands within the existing field pattern. Respect the scale of the landscape pattern when designing new woodland. 13. Consider views when designing new woodland - conserve long distance views from the southern edge of the area across the Weaver Valley and from the A559 that runs along the ridge. 14. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as kerbs, lighting and large scale signage. 15. Conserve the designed parklands at Belmont Hall and Cogshall Hall, and their settings. 16. Ensure appropriate afteruse, restoration and management of former gravel workings to meet biodiversity, landscape and recreation/access objectives. 17. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 18. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads, hamlets and picturesque villages – conserve the rural settings of villages and views to landmark features such as the church tower at Great Budworth and church spire at Little Leigh. 2. Conserve the open settings of the church tower at Great Budworth and church spire at Little Leigh that form landmarks on the skyline. 3. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area.

4. Conserve the local building vernacular including local red brick and white wash materials/finishes, and thatch - ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries,

Landscape Character SPD 65 4D: Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 5. Conserve the black and white estate railings known as ‘Cheshire Railings’. 6. Retain the red brick dairy barns and their rural settings as features of the landscape. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape - pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways, gateways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 7. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 8. Soften built edges and views of infrastructure by introducing small scale planting schemes using native broadleaved species. Use similar planting schemes to integrate new development into the landscape. 9. Consider views from Delamere Way when considering locations for new built development. 10. Refer to the Whitley Village Plan when considering change in and around Whitley. 11. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 66 4D: Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4D: Whitley and Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4E: EAST WINSFORD UNDULATING ENCLOSED FARMLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland represents a finger of gently undulating farmland sandwiched between the valleys of the Weaver and Dane which lie to the west and east respectively. At the north tip of the area is the confluence of the Weaver and Dane Rivers where the centre of Northwich is located. To the south the landscape gradually forms a transition to the flat lowland of the Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain.

Key Characteristics 1. A gently undulating lush landscape, mostly between 30m and 50m AOD, on a bedrock geology of Mercia Mudstones (Northwich Halite Formation) covered by a mantle of glacial drift deposits. 2. Small brooks drain west into the Weaver or east into the Dane – many of these courses are wooded. 3. Boulder clay deposits mask the underlying mudstones giving rise to a predominance of slowly permeable clay soils that support a lush pastoral landscape as well as some arable crops. 4. Small scale irregular ancient enclosures and larger late post medieval enclosures are bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees and drainage ditches forming a strong field pattern and sense of enclosure. 5. Designed parkland landscapes and woodland at Bostock Hall, Davenham Hall and Stanthorne Hall indicate the wealth of the 19th century and provide a well manicured character. 6. Occasional field ponds are a feature of the area. 7. Sustrans’ national cycle route 5, which runs between Winsford and Northwich, and the towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal both provide public access to the countryside. 8. Settlement pattern comprises large, scattered farmsteads, halls and hamlets linked by a network of rural lanes. Davenham Hall and Bostock Hall are now Conservation Areas. 9. Bostock Green is a late 18th century planned estate village associated with Bostock Hall and forming part of the Bostock Conservation Area. 10. Significant 20th century residential development forming the eastern outskirts of Winsford (Wharton) and the southern outskirts of Northwich (Leftwich, Davenham, Mere Heath, Moulton).

Landscape Character SPD 67 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland 11. A distinctive built vernacular with timber framed buildings and large red brick dairy barns a particular feature. 12. The Shropshire Union Canal (Middlewich Branch including Stanthorne Lock) is an important part of the industrial archaeology of the area – it is also a Site of Biological Importance for its emergent vegetation and grassland. There is also a salt mine and industrial estate at Wharton. 13. The A533, A5018, A54, mainline railway and power lines cut across the landscape, eroding tranquillity locally. 14. The skyline is punctuated by hedgerow trees, woodlands, farm buildings, electricity pylons and industrial buildings at Wharton. The church spire at Davenham forms a prominent landmark feature.

Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden while ridge tops are open and visually more sensitive. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors. The Sustrans cycle route 5 between Winsford and Northwich and the canal towpath bring recreational users to the area who are likely to have a visual interest in their surrounding landscape. The presence of undulating topography, hedgerows, hedgerow trees and woodland means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying features without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. The western edge of the area is visible from the opposite side of the Weaver Valley (from the Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland landscape character area) and the eastern edge of the area is visible from the opposite side of the Dane Valley (the Stublach Plain). Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the lush, pastoral character of the landscape and to enhance the urban edges as well as the hedgerows and unimproved grassland resource.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Character SPD 68 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland 5. Support retention of pasture and grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 6. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – seek opportunities to re-create/extend unimproved species rich grassland and create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 7. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 8. Glacio-fluvial outwash deposits of sands and gravels have the potential to support some fragments of acid grassland/heathland e.g. around Bostock Green and Eaton Hall Farm. 9. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, encouraging the management/restoration of permanent pasture, parkland trees, clumps and avenues. 10. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 11. Conserve and manage earthworks, such as the moated site of Old Bostock Hall, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 12. Conserve and manage the remaining pools, field ponds and ditches that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Seek opportunities to extent/re-create areas of marsh, reedswamp, willow scrub and other wetland habitats. 13. Support plans to enhance woodland cover of native broadleaf species - respect the small scale of the landscape when designing new woodland. 14. Support plans to establish a well-wooded landscape around the periphery of Winsford and Northwich. However, consider views when designing new woodland - conserve views to the church spire at Davenham. 15. Consider opportunities to improve public access in this area close to large centres of population. 16. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 17. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 18. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Landscape Character SPD 69 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland Built Development 1. Conserve the rural settlement pattern comprising scattered farms, halls and hamlets linked by a network of rural lanes – ensure new built development does not obliterate this characteristic. 2. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area outside the main settlements. 3. Conserve the local vernacular building style – particularly the timber framed buildings, large red brick dairy barns, thatched buildings, and the halls that indicate the wealth of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. 4. Conserve the black and white estate railings known as ‘Cheshire Railings’. 5. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 6. Soften existing built edges and views of infrastructure by introducing planting schemes using native broadleaved species (e.g. community woodland schemes). 7. Conserve the settings of Davenham Hall and Bostock Hall (including Bostock Green estate village) that are designated as Conservation Areas – refer to the Conservation Area Appraisals when considering change in these areas. 8. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape - pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 9. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 10. Consider views from Sustrans cycle route 5 and the canal towpath when considering the location of new built development. 11. Conserve views to the church spire at Davenham and conserve the open setting of the spire so that it continues to form a landmark on the skyline. 12. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 70 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland 4E: East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland 5 : Heathy Farmland and Woodland

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 5a : Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 5A: ASTON HEATHY FARMLAND AND WOODLAND

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries This area is located on the northern edge of the borough, between the Weaver Valley and the borough boundary. It is and ‘island’ bounded to the west, north and east by railway lines (also the M56 to the north and Trent & Mersey Canal to the east), and the Weaver Valley to the south. There are only two access points to the area – from the A56 at Sutton Weaver, or via the Whitehouse Industrial Estate from the north.

Key Characteristics 1. An ‘island’ of farmland cut off from its context by a combination of railway lines, the M56 motorway, the Trent & Mersey Canal and River Weaver. 2. A bedrock geology of Bollin Mudstones (forming part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) forms a prominent flat-topped ridge reaching 65m AOD. 3. Sand, gravel and boulder clay deposits produce a mixture of slowly permeable clay soils and lighter sandy soils that support pasture, arable and former heath. 4. Numerous brooks drain towards the Weaver, often in steep wooded valleys. 5. Large areas of ancient deciduous woodland on the ridge slopes and along Longacre Brook provide some enclosure and changing colour with the seasons. 6. The designed parkland surrounding the former Aston Hall (now demolished) contributes to the wooded character of the ridge and is a locally important historic site. 7. Field ponds are a feature of the landscape - formed by the digging of marl pits before the 19th century, they now form important landscape and ecological features. 8. Relatively large scale fields resulting from late post-Medieval agricultural improvement and 20th century field re-organisation. 9. Recreational opportunities are provided by public rights of way, and area of open access land at Longacre Wood and a golf driving range at Sutton Weaver. 10. The scale of the landscape is large as a result of the large scale field units and sense of openness, emphasised by the low hedgerows, the lack of hedgerow trees and long distance views from the ridge in all directions. 11. Part of the Trent and Mersey Canal passes along the eastern edge of the area adjacent to the railway, providing a link to the River Mersey. 12. Settlement is sparse – scattered farms and the rural hamlets of Aston, Aston Heath and Sutton Weaver are linked by narrow lanes and tracks. 13. Buildings are typically constructed from red brick and sandstone, with slate roofs.

Landscape Character SPD 71 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 14. A peaceful `island’ in a busy context – surrounded by the M56 motorway, roads, railways, built development and industry. 15. The `ridge’ forms a strong skyline in views from outside the character area, including from the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland and the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland. 16. From the ridge views are influenced by industry, located to the north and west.

Visual Sensitivity The elevated, open character of this landscape and its inter-visibility with adjacent landscapes makes it visually sensitive to change. However, the area has a relatively low settlement density and therefore relatively few potential residential receptors that may experience visual impacts. Although public rights of way cross the ridge, the main recreational opportunities (Cheshire Ring Canal Walk and open access land at Longacre Wood) are located in the Longacre Valley where views are constrained by landform. The presence of woodland provides some potential for mitigating visual impact of low level elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to enhance the condition of the hedgerow, tree and woodland network, and restore and link former habitats such as woodland and heathland.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges, planting lost hedgelines, and re-planting a young stock of hedgerow trees. Consider a programme of replacement hedgerow tree planting to re-instate those that have been lost over the years. 2. Avoid over-intensive flail mowing or ploughing too close to hedgerow boundaries – protect saplings and encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 3. Reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 4. Promote appropriate management of arable farmland to create a wildlife-rich habitat supporting farmland birds, including retaining areas of fallow land, over-wintering stubbles, maintaining an unploughed margin around arable land, and management of existing hedgerows. 5. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors.

Landscape Character SPD 72 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Conserve and manage the remaining field ponds and wetlands along the valleys – seek opportunities to extend areas of wet woodland and species rich unimproved grassland. 8. Consider opportunities to re-create areas of heathland habitat on the sandier soils of the ridge. 9. Promote traditional woodland management techniques of the deciduous woodland to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 10. Seek opportunities to expand and link existing woodlands – support plans to create additional large woods in balance with the open agricultural landscape. 11. Seek opportunities to restore and create orchards at the farm scale – in the past nearly all farms would have had an orchard. 12. Minimise the impact of existing major roads and industry on the area by using native planting to screen, but maintain panoramic views, for example those from the ridge top across the Mersey Estuary. 13. Seek to conserve and restore historic designed landscapes and their settings, such as the historic parkland at the former Aston Hall and consider opportunities to enhance access to, and appreciation of, this landscape. 14. Avoid road ‘improvements’ (such as addition of kerbs and lighting) that would alter the rural character of the lanes.

Built Development 1. Conserve the low settlement density and rural character of the hamlets. Avoid ‘suburbanising’ features such as gate posts, kerbs and close board fences around gardens. 2. Ensure new built development fits with the local built vernacular, including use of materials (sandstone and red brick). Use indigenous planting to integrate any new built development into the landscape. 3. Maintain the external fabric, appearance and setting of farm buildings and promote the use of local materials. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape and vernacular building style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings.

Landscape Character SPD 73 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 6. Consider the effects of any development on adjacent landscapes, particularly the Frodsham to Northwich Undulating Enclosed Farmland and the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland. 7. Consider views from public rights of way, but particularly the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk long distance recreational route, when considering any new built development. 8. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting, including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. Consider views from the canal in planning new built development.

Landscape Character SPD 74 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 5A: Aston Heathy Farmland and Woodland 6 : East Cheshire Plain

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 6a : Darnhall Plain 6b : Stublach Plain 6c : Lostock Plain 6d : Wimboldesley and Sproston Plain 6A: DARNHALL PLAIN

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Darnhall Plain is an open, flat plain lying on the southern borders of the borough. To the north the landscape makes a gradual transition to the more undulating landscape of the Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland. The character area continues to the south beyond the administrative boundary of Vale Royal Borough. Key Characteristics 1. Flat plain-like topography resulting from the uniform characteristics of the underlying Eldersfield Mudstone bedrock. 2. The surface mantle of glacial till (boulder clay) gives rise to seasonally waterlogged soils that are suited to dairying on short term and permanent grassland, interspersed with some arable fields. 3. Variety of field sizes – from small ancient irregular shaped fields south of the Weaver Valley to large 20th century fields around Weaverwood Farm. 4. The fields are bounded by an intact network of low thorn hedgerows with relatively few hedgerow trees. Ditches are also present along field boundaries. 5. Woodland cover is generally absent, although the occasional covert or copse punctuates the landscape e.g. Darley Gorse, Cocked Hat Covert. 6. The area is drained by a small number of brooks that drain into the Upper Weaver e.g. Ash Brook. 7. Field ponds, formed during the 19th century when pits were dug to extract marl for improving fields, are a common feature of the plain. 8. Recreational use of the landscape is limited to a few public rights of way that follow tracks and field boundaries across the farmland. 9. Low density of settlement – the settlement pattern is defined by scattered red brick farmsteads with large red brick dairy barns and some farmsteads in the distinctive timber framed black and white style. Darley Hall is a moated site. 10. The road network is typically comprised of narrow, rural unmarked lanes linking farmsteads, is relatively inaccessible and predominantly used by farm traffic. 11. Long range views across the open, flat landscape with trees and farmsteads forming the skyline. The spire of Over Church is also visible across the plain.

Landscape Character SPD 75 6A: Darnhall Plain across the landscape. This open character means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements or for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves being highly visible - making it a visually sensitive landscape. However, the low density of settlement and few recreational opportunities means there are relatively few sensitive visual receptors in the area. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the pastoral character and local built vernacular of the landscape, and enhance the condition of the hedgerow and tree network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Conserve and manage grassland to conserve the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 2. Maintain the hedgerow network, gapping up incomplete hedgerows where appropriate and avoiding harsh flail mowing, to ensure the network continues to provide a unity across the landscape as well as providing wildlife habitats. 3. Protect and encourage hedgerow trees, encouraging them to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape e.g. south of the River Weaver. 5. Conserve the remaining hedgerow trees and seek opportunities to encourage a new generation of hedgerow trees to increase their presence in the landscape. 6. Aim to extend broadleaved woodlands along water courses and plant small scale copses within existing field patterns. 7. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. Seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi- improved species rich grassland. 8. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 9. Conserve and manage the remaining ditches, field ponds and brooks that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Prevent further drying out of wetland habitats and seek opportunities to extent/re- create areas of wetland habitat including reedswamp and willow scrub. 10. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting.

Landscape Character SPD 76 6A: Darnhall Plain 11. Protect above ground archaeological features, such as the moated site of Darley Hall, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 12. Conserve the designed parkland at Darnhall Park, and its setting. 13. Conserve views to the church spire at Over, Winsford. 14. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 15. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the scattered, low density settlement pattern of farmsteads. 2. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick farmsteads with large red brick dairy barns (containing round windows) and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 3. Seek to ensure that new farm buildings do not threaten the settings of the older farmsteads, particularly the pre-Victorian and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 6. Maintain the rural character of the narrow, unmarked lanes – resist improvements such as additions of kerbs and lighting that would erode the rural character of the landscape. 7. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 77 6A: Darnhall Plain 6A: Darnhall Plain 6B: STUBLACH PLAIN

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries Bounded to the west and south by the River Dane, the Stublach Plain forms a flat pastoral plain. The character area is bounded to the north by the more industrialised Lostock Plain and to the east by the heathy landscape of Allostock Woodland, Heath, Meres and Mosses. Key Characteristics 1. Flat plain-like topography resulting from the uniform characteristics of the underlying Eldersfield Mudstone bedrock. 2. The surface mantle of glacial till (boulder clay) gives rise to seasonally waterlogged soils that are suited to dairying on short term and permanent grassland, interspersed with some arable fields. 3. A pattern of small and medium sized fields is overlaid onto the flat plain providing unity across the landscape – some fields are Medieval in origin e.g. around Stublach Grange. 4. The fields are bounded by an intact hedgerow network and some hedgerow trees that filter views across the area. Ditches are also present along field boundaries. 5. Woodland cover is generally absent, although the occasional copse or shelter belt punctuates the landscape e.g. Drakelow Gorse. 6. The area is drained by a number of brooks and streams, including Bradshaw Brook, Crow Brook, Puddinglake Brook and Wade Brook. 7. Field ponds, formed during the 19th century when pits were dug to extract marl for improving fields, are a common feature of the plain. 8. The Trent and Mersey Canal that includes associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. 9. The Billinge flashes beside the canal, formed land subsidence due to brine pumping, now support important wetland habitats, including swamp. 10. Recreational use of the landscape is limited to a few public rights of way that follow tracks and field boundaries across the farmland, and the canal towpath that forms part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk. 11. Low density of settlement – the settlement pattern is defined by scattered farmsteads with distinctive red brick dairy barns. Two moated Medieval sites remain. 12. The road network is typically comprised of narrow, rural unmarked lanes linking farmsteads.

Landscape Character SPD 79 6B: Stublach Plain 13. The Kings Road (A530) is a Roman Road that crosses the plain in a dead straight line, connecting Middlewich to Northwich. The railway line between Northwich and Middlewich also crosses the plain. 14. Long range views across the open, flat landscape with electricity pylons prominent on the skyline. Industrial works at Northwich East have a visual influence on the Stublach Plain.

Visual Sensitivity This is a flat, low lying landscape that in itself is not visually prominent. However, the openness of the landscape (due to lack of vegetation) provides opportunities for long views across the landscape. This open character means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements or for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves being highly visible - making it a visually sensitive landscape. However, the low density of settlement and few recreational opportunities means there are relatively few sensitive visual receptors in the area. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the pastoral character and local built vernacular of the landscape, and enhance the condition of the hedgerow and tree network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Character SPD 80 6B: Stublach Plain network of wildlife corridors. Seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi- improved species rich grassland. 8. Conserve and manage the remaining ditches, field ponds and brooks that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Prevent further drying out of wetland habitats and seek opportunities to extent/re- create areas of reedswamp, willow scrub and other wetland habitats. 9. Support plans to create a woodland setting for the industrial and business areas to the east of Northwich. 10. Aim to extend broadleaved woodlands along water courses and plant small scale copses within existing field patterns. 11. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 12. Protect above ground archaeological features, such as the moated sites of Hulme Hall and the former Drakelow Hall, promoting sensitive agricultural practices in their vicinity (i.e. grazing not ploughing). 13. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 14. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the scattered, low density settlement pattern of farmsteads. 2. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick or white washed materials/finishes. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 3. Maintain the scattered farmsteads that represent examples of the red brick local vernacular building style – the red brick barns are particularly distinctive. Seek to ensure that new farm buildings do not threaten the settings of these farmsteads. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 6. Maintain the rural character of the narrow, unmarked lanes – resist improvements such as additions of kerbs and lighting that would erode the rural character of the landscape. 7. Protect the character of Kings Street Roman Road, including the avenue of trees along its length.

Landscape Character SPD 81 6B: Stublach Plain 8. Consider opportunities to screen development on the urban edge of Northwich using planting of broadleaved species. 9. Screen quarrying activity using planting of broadleaved species. Consider the long term restoration of sand and gravel quarries for the benefit of wildlife, creating new wetland habitats and recreational access where possible. 10. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting, including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. Consider views from the canal in planning new built development. 11. Ensure any structures associated with the brine extraction and gas storage industries are well integrated into the landscape using native planting, and proposals are accompanied by enhancement of existing hedgerows and hedgerow trees in the vicinity of the site to ensure the landscape structure around any new facility is maintained/improved. 12. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 82 6B: Stublach Plain 6B: Stublach Plain 6C: LOSTOCK PLAIN

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Lostock Plain is a distinct area of the East Cheshire Plain, located to the east of Northwich, that is defined by its function as a brine field and is influenced by above ground structures and that are associated with brine extraction and underground ethylene/gas storage. Key Characteristics 1. Flat plain-like topography resulting from the uniform characteristics of the underlying Eldersfield Mudstone bedrock, except for the bunded lime beds. 2. Salt bearing strata underlie the area – this area is a large brine field used for extraction of salt and storage of gas in underground chambers with well-heads, fenced compound and tracks visible in the landscape. 3. The surface mantle of glacial till (boulder clay) gives rise to seasonally waterlogged soils that suited to permanent grassland, interspersed with some arable fields. 4. A small scale pattern of irregular fields is overlaid onto the flat plain providing unity across the landscape – some fields are Medieval in origin. 5. The fields are bounded by an intact hedgerow network and some hedgerow trees that filter views across the area. Ditches are also present along field boundaries. 6. Woodland cover is generally absent, although the occasional copse or shelter belt punctuates the landscape. Part of Holford Moss Wood falls in this area. 7. Field ponds, formed during the 19th century when pits were dug to extract marl for improving fields, are a feature of the plain. 8. Crow Brook and Wade Brook are distinctive hydrological features, producing local variety in topography and creating important wetland habitats. 9. Recreational use of the landscape is limited to a few public rights of way that follow tracks and field boundaries across the farmland. 10. Settlement characteristically falls into two types – a dispersed pattern of farmsteads, and nucleated villages e.g. Lostock Gralam and Lostock Green. The farmsteads, and particularly the distinctive red brick barns, form points of focus in the landscape. 11. The road network is typically comprised of narrow, rural unmarked lanes linking farms and villages – although the A556 fragments and the area and creates movement and noise locally. 12. Part of the Trent and Mersey Canal passes through the area - including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology.

Landscape Character SPD 83 6C: Lostock Plain 13. Long range views across the open, flat landscape with electricity pylons prominent on the skyline. Industrial works at Northwich East form a backcloth to the Lostock Plain.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Conserve and manage grassland to conserve the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 2. Maintain the hedgerow network, gapping up incomplete hedgerows where appropriate and avoiding harsh flail mowing, to ensure the network continues to provide a unity across the landscape as well as providing wildlife habitats. 3. Protect hedgerows and hedgerow trees from salt spillages – encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape. 5. Conserve existing hedgerow trees and seek opportunities to encourage a new generation of hedgerow trees to maintain these as features of the landscape for years to come. 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. Seek opportunities to re-create/extend unimproved species rich grassland. 8. Conserve and manage the remaining ditches, field ponds and brooks that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape.

Landscape Character SPD 84 6C: Lostock Plain Seek opportunities to extent/re-create areas of reedswamp and willow scrub and other wetland habitats. 9. Conserve the area of woodland, grassland and rare inland salt marsh at Holford Moss. 10. Seek opportunities to create a woodland setting for the industrial and business areas to the east of Northwich. 11. Hedgerow, tree planting and small scale copses may be more appropriate on the plain itself. Aim to extend broadleaved woodlands along water courses. Respect the small scale of the landscape when designing new woodland. 12. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 13. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 14. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads, ensuring residential development takes place within existing villages.

2. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting, including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. Consider views from the canal in planning new built development. 3. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick or white washed materials/finishes. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 4. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 5. Maintain the rural character of the narrow, unmarked lanes – resist improvements such as additions of kerbs and lighting that would erode the rural character of the landscape. 6. Maintain the scattered farmsteads that represent examples of the red brick local vernacular building style – the red brick barns are particularly distinctive. Seek to ensure that new farm buildings do not threaten the settings of these farmsteads. 7. Screen quarrying activity using broadleaved species. Consider the long term restoration of sand and gravel quarries for the benefit of wildlife, creating new wetland habitats and recreational access where possible. 8. Industrial structures associated with the brine extraction and gas storage industries are generally well integrated into the landscape – however, any development should be accompanied by enhancement of existing hedgerows and hedgerow trees in the vicinity of the site to ensure the landscape structure around any new facility is maintained.

Landscape Character SPD 85 6C: Lostock Plain 9. Soften built edges and views of main roads, commercial sheds and industry on the eastern edge of Northwich and Lostock Gralam by introducing planting schemes using native broadleaved species. 10. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 86 6C: Lostock Plain 6C: Lostock Plain 6D: WIMBOLDESLEY & SPROSTON PLAIN

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain is located on the southern borders of the borough surrounding Middlewich. It is divided into two separate areas by the administrative boundary of the borough – in reality the plain is one continuous area and extends well beyond the borough boundary. To the north the plain meets the East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland and the Dane Valley. Key Characteristics 1. Flat plain-like topography, resulting from the uniform characteristics of the underlying Eldersfield Mudstone bedrock, with minor undulations around water courses. 2. The surface mantle of glacial till (boulder clay) gives rise to seasonally waterlogged soils that are suited to dairying on short term and permanent grassland. 3. A pattern of small and medium sized fields is overlaid onto the flat plain providing unity across the landscape – some fields are Medieval in origin e.g. around Chapel House Farm and east of Wimboldsley. 4. The fields are bounded by a hedgerow network and some hedgerow trees that filter views across the area. Ditches are also present along field boundaries. 5. Woodland cover is generally absent, although the occasional field sized copse or covert punctuates the landscape e.g. Spring Covert and Rookery Wood. 6. The area is drained by small brooks, including Sanderson’s Brook and River Croco which produce local undulations in the landform. 7. Field ponds, formed during the 19th century when pits were dug to extract marl for improving fields, are a common feature of the plain. 8. The Shropshire Union Canal (Middlewich Branch including Stanthorne Lock) is an important part of the industrial archaeology of the area – it is also a Site of Biological Importance for its emergent vegetation and grassland. 9. Recreational use of the landscape is limited to a few public rights of way that follow tracks and field boundaries across the farmland, and the canal towpath that forms part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk. 10. Low density of settlement – the settlement pattern is defined by scattered farmsteads and halls with large red brick dairy barns and some farmsteads in the distinctive timber framed black and white style e.g. Wimboldsley Hall. 11. The local road network is typically comprised of narrow, rural unmarked lanes linking farmsteads. However, long distance railways and roads (including the M6) cut across the flat plain.

Landscape Character SPD 87 6D: Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain 12. Long range views across the open, flat landscape with trees and farmsteads punctuating the skyline. The hills of the Pennines are visible in the distance. 13. Large scale industrial works on the southern outskirts of Middlewich have a visual influence on the Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain.

Visual Sensitivity This is a flat, low lying landscape that in itself is not visually prominent. However, the openness of the landscape (due to low vegetation cover) provides opportunities for long views across the landscape. This open character means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements or for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves being highly visible - making it a visually sensitive landscape. However, the low density of settlement and few recreational opportunities means there are relatively few sensitive visual receptors in the area. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the pastoral character and local built vernacular of the landscape, and enhance the condition of the hedgerow and tree network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Conserve and manage grassland to conserve the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 2. Maintain the hedgerow network, gapping up incomplete hedgerows where appropriate and avoiding harsh flail mowing, to ensure the network continues to provide a unity across the landscape as well as providing wildlife habitats. 3. Conserve the remaining hedgerow trees and seek opportunities to encourage a new generation of hedgerow trees to increase their presence in the landscape. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape e.g. the small ancient irregular shaped fields to the east of the A530 and around Catishulme Farm and Mooresbarrow Lodge and the area of Medieval townfields between Chapel House Farm and Holly Farm. 5. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 6. Aim to extend broadleaved woodlands along water courses and plant small scale copses within existing field patterns. 7. Protect and actively manage the remaining wetland habitats, including field ponds. 8. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous

Landscape Character SPD 88 11A: Frodsham, Helsby and Lordship Marshes network of wildlife corridors. Seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi- improved species rich grassland. 9. Conserve and manage the remaining ditches, field ponds and brooks that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Prevent further drying out of wetland habitats and seek opportunities to extent/re- create areas of wetland habitat including reedswamp and willow scrub. 10. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 11. Conserve views to the distant Pennines. 12. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 13. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the scattered, low density settlement pattern of farmsteads. 2. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick farmsteads with large red brick dairy barns (containing round windows) and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 3. Seek to ensure that new farm buildings do not threaten the settings of the older farmsteads, particularly the pre-Victorian and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings are sensitive to the vernacular style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 6. Screen quarrying activity using planting of broadleaved species. Consider the long term restoration of sand and gravel quarries for the benefit of wildlife, creating new wetland habitats and recreational access where possible. 7. Maintain the rural character of the narrow, unmarked lanes – resist improvements such as additions of kerbs and lighting that would erode the rural character of the landscape. 8. Minimise the visual impact of intrusive features such as roads, railways and industrial buildings using native broadleaf planting. 9. Consider the effect of any change on views from the Pennines.

Landscape Character SPD 89 6D: Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain 10. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 90 6D: Wimboldesley & Sproston Plain 6D: Wimboldesley and Sproston Plain 7 : West Cheshire Plain

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 7a : Manley Plain 7A: MANLEY PLAIN

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Manley Plain is an open, almost flat plain lying between the Alvanley Sandstone Fringe and the borough’s western boundary. In reality the character area continues to the west, beyond the administrative boundary of Vale Royal Borough. Key Characteristics 1. Gently shelving, plain-like topography resulting from the soft nature of the underlying Wilmslow sandstone bedrock. 2. The surface mantle of glacial till (boulder clay) gives rise to seasonally waterlogged soils that are suited to dairying on permanent grassland, interspersed with some arable fields (fodder crops). 3. Variety of field sizes – from small ancient irregular shaped fields in the south of the area to large 20th century fields around Manley Mere. 4. The fields are bounded by an intact network of low thorn hedgerows with relatively few hedgerow trees. Ditches are also present along field boundaries. 5. Woodland cover is generally absent, although planting and tall hedgerows associated with the golf course provide some enclosure. 6. The area is drained by drainage ditches and Peckmill Brook, which forms Vale Royal’s administrative boundary. 7. Field ponds, formed during the 19th century when pits were dug to extract marl for improving fields, are a common feature of the plain. 8. Manley Mere is a large water body at Lower Farm, now used for watersports. Helsby golf club and the Longster Trail also provide recreational opportunities. 9. The road network is typically comprised of narrow, rural unmarked lanes linking farmsteads – these typically have large red brick dairy barns and some farmsteads are in the distinctive timber framed black and white style. 10. 20th century `suburban’ housing and industry on the outskirts of Helsby. 11. Long range views across the open, flat landscape with trees and farmsteads forming the skyline. Views to the hills of North Wales to the west and to the Sandstone Ridge to the east.

Visual Sensitivity The flatness of the landscape provides opportunities for long views to the Sandstone Ridge, which forms a backdrop and prominent skyline to the east. The relatively open character of the plain means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements – however,

Landscape Character SPD 91 7A: Manley Plain the visual impact of low level elements could be mitigated using native planting that would not itself be highly visible. The proximity of the area to Helsby and its position (overlooked by the Sandstone Fringe) heightens its visual sensitivity. Recreational receptors are also present in this landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the pastoral character and local built vernacular of the landscape, and enhance the condition of the hedgerow and tree network.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Conserve and manage grassland to conserve the pastoral character of the landscape and reduce soil erosion by minimising exposure of bare soil. 2. Maintain the hedgerow network, gapping up incomplete hedgerows where appropriate and avoiding harsh flail mowing, to ensure the network continues to provide a unity across the landscape as well as providing wildlife habitats. 3. Protect and encourage hedgerow trees, encouraging them to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 4. Conserve the small scale pattern of fields, particularly early field systems which contain species rich hedgerows and provide historic continuity in the landscape e.g. in the south of the character area and north of Helsby golf course. 5. Conserve the remaining hedgerow trees and seek opportunities to encourage a new generation of hedgerow trees to increase their presence in the landscape. 6. Aim to extend broadleaved woodlands along water courses and plant small scale copses within existing field patterns. 7. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. Seek opportunities to re-create unimproved or semi- improved species rich grassland. 8. Conserve and manage the remaining ditches, field ponds and brooks that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the visual diversity of the landscape. Prevent further drying out of wetland habitats and seek opportunities to extent/re-create areas of wetland habitat including reedswamp and willow scrub. 9. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as close board fencing, kerbs, signage and lighting. 10. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns.

Landscape Character SPD 92 7A: Manley Plain 11. Conserve distant views to the Welsh hills and take account of views from the Sandstone Fringe when planning for change. 12. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 13. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the scattered, low density settlement pattern of farmsteads. 2. Conserve the local vernacular built style – including red brick farmsteads with large red brick dairy barns (containing round windows) and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. Ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. 3. Seek to ensure that new farm buildings do not threaten the settings of the older farmsteads, particularly the pre-Victorian and distinctive timber framed `black and white’ farmsteads resulting from the Victorian `black and white revival’ that is typical of Cheshire. 4. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the vernacular style. Pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 5. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 6. Maintain the rural character of the narrow, unmarked lanes – resist improvements such as additions of kerbs and lighting that would erode the rural character of the landscape. 7. Take account of views to and from the Sandstone Fringe when planning for change. 8. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 93 7A: Manley Plain 7A: Manley Plain 8 : River Valleys

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 8a : Upper Weaver Valley 8b : Mid Weaver Valley 8c : Lower Weaver Valley 8d : Ash Brook Valley 8e : Dane Valley 8A: UPPER WEAVER VALLEY

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Upper Weaver Valley is a relatively shallow valley containing the upper reaches of the River Weaver. It includes the River Weaver from where it enters the borough (at Boundary Wood) to Winsford. The boundaries of the valley are defined predominantly by landform with the top of the slopes meeting the adjacent landscapes types of the Undulating Enclosed Farmland and East Cheshire Plain.

Key Characteristics 1. Relatively shallow valley containing the natural meandering course of upper reaches of the Weaver. 2. Large flashes (formed by subsidence as a result of brine pumping) occupy the valley floor upstream of Winsford. 3. Steeper valley sides and series of steep sided tributary valleys support distinctive clough woodland, much of which is ancient e.g. Wimboldsley Wood SSSI. 4. Less steep valley sides support small/medium scale arable and pastoral fields, bounded by low gappy hedgerows. 5. Alluvium on the valley floor gives rise to waterlogged soils which generally support permanent pasture including unimproved and semi-improved species rich grassland. 6. The majority of the valley is inaccessible to the public, although there is some access on the edges of Winsford. 7. Views are typically restricted to within the valley, for example there are views across the valley from either side, and from floodplains to the valley sides. The top of the valley side forms a skyline. 8. Generally a quiet, tranquil landscape with a low settlement density.

Visual Sensitivity The landform of the valley means the floodplain is highly visible from the valley sides and, conversely, the valley sides are highly visible from the valley bottom. The crests of the valley sides form a skyline. The low settlement density means there are relatively few residential receptors for visual impacts – although the recreational opportunities presented by the valley mean there are likely to be a number of recreational receptors, particularly in the north of the valley. Where clough woodland is present, it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the valley sides. However, the floodplain is open and provides extremely few opportunities for mitigating visual impacts.

Landscape Character SPD 95 8A: Upper Weaver Valley Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the ancient clough woodlands, unimproved grassland and wetland habitats of the Weaver Valley, and seek to extend and enhance these features where possible.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Support the management of all existing woodlands and pay special regard to the ancient woodland sites. Promote traditional woodland management techniques of the valuable clough woodland on the valley sides to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 2. Support plans to extend woodland cover by planting on the valley shoulders and valley sides. Where possible, new woodlands should be established adjacent to ancient woodland, or to connect separate wooded blocks. 3. While wet woodland may be appropriate alongside the river on the valley floor care should be taken to conserve the pastoral and open character of the valley floor. Care should be taken not to block the line of the valley floor by extensive planting. 4. Encourage reversion of arable back to pasture on the floodplain. Encourage seasonal grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the floodplain. 5. Conserve and extend characteristic floodplain habitats such as unimproved grassland, traditionally managed meadows, reedbeds and riverside trees which contribute to the natural character of the floodplain. 6. Support recreational use of the landscape, particularly passive recreation, and ensure that any visitor facilities are integrated into their landscape context. Seek to improve access to and along the river in this part of the Weaver valley, but manage recreational use to maintain the tranquil quality of the valley. 7. Conserve the Middlewich Branch Canal Bridge and its setting. 8. Support proposals for the Bottom Flash as part of the Weaver Valley Regional Park. 9. Seek to improve boundary management e.g. of hedgerow boundaries to strengthen this feature of the valley sides. 10. Monitor water levels and manage water abstraction to prevent drying out wetland habitats. 11. Support research into physical improvements to Bottom Flash to prevent continued siltation of this feature (including dredging of the Top Flash). 12. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 13. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Landscape Character SPD 96 8A: Upper Weaver Valley Built Development 1. Minimise the visual impact of existing built development on the character of the valley sides using native planting where appropriate. 2. Protect the valley `crests’ from large scale built development that would detract from the `intimate’, hidden character of the valley. 3. Conserve the low settlement density that results in a quiet, tranquil landscape along much of its length. 4. Conserve the undeveloped character of the floodplain. 5. Conserve and maintain the mills that are typical of tributaries of the Weaver and provide an indication of the former use of the river. 6. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 97 8A: Upper Weaver Valley 8A: Upper Weaver Valley 8B: MID WEAVER VALLEY

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Mid Weaver Valley has fairly low, but steep valley sides. It flows between Winsford and Northwich and contains the course of the Weaver Navigation as well as the Winsford Salt Works. The floodplain is narrow, the valley sides rising steeply to the East Winsford Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the east, and to the Eaton, Marton & Over Undulating Enclosed Farmland to the west.

Key Characteristics 1. Distinct valley with a relatively narrow, flat floodplain and steep, wooded, valley sides. 2. Containing the course of the Weaver Navigation with many artificial channels (`cuts’), locks and bridges, including Valeroyal Locks. 3. The steep valley sides and series of steep sided tributary valleys support distinctive clough woodland, much of which is ancient. 4. Alluvium on the valley floor gives rise to waterlogged soils which generally support permanent pasture including unimproved seasonally wet species rich grassland. 5. Recreational opportunities are provided by public footpaths alongside the river/navigation, and the river itself which supports boat traffic. 6. Views are typically restricted to within the valley, for example there are views across the valley from either side, and from floodplains to the valley sides. The top of the valley side forms a skyline. 7. Generally a quiet, tranquil landscape with a low settlement density. However, industrial elements have a defining visual influence on parts of the valley – particularly close to Northwich and Winsford. 8. Steel bridges, such as in the centre of Northwich and at Hartford Bridge, contribute to the industrial character of the valley. Railway viaducts e.g. through Northwich. 9. Settlement is generally absent from floodplain, except at locks and in the centre of Northwich. Scattered farms are typical of the less steep valley sides. 10. Industry has had a great influence on the valley with old works sites now supporting a wide range of habitats, for example at Weaver Parkway.

11. Large scale industrial works have a defining visual influence on the valley between Winsford and Meadowbank (the Winsford Salt Works).

Landscape Character SPD 99 8B: Mid Weaver Valley Visual Sensitivity The landform of the valley means the floodplain is highly visible from the valley sides and, conversely, the valley sides are highly visible from the valley bottom. The crests of the valley sides form a skyline. The low settlement density means there are relatively few residential receptors for visual impacts – although the recreational opportunities presented by the valley mean there are likely to be some recreational receptors. Where clough woodland is present, it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the valley sides. However, the floodplain is open and provides extremely few opportunities for mitigating visual impacts.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve and enhance the ancient clough woodlands, unimproved grassland and wetland habitats, and to restore industrial sites whilst preserving the industrial interest of the Weaver Valley and its links with the salt industry.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Support the management of all existing woodlands and pay special regard to the ancient woodland sites. Promote traditional woodland management techniques of the valuable clough woodland on the valley sides to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 2. Support plans to extend woodland cover by planting on the valley shoulders and valley sides. Where possible, new woodlands should be established adjacent to ancient woodland, or to connect separate wooded blocks. 3. While wet woodland may be appropriate alongside the river on the valley floor care should be taken to also conserve the pastoral and open character of the valley floor. Care should be taken not to block the line of the valley floor by extensive planting. 4. Encourage reversion of arable back to pasture on the floodplain. Encourage seasonal grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the floodplain. 5. Conserve and extend characteristic floodplain habitats such as unimproved grassland, traditionally managed meadows, reedbeds and riverside trees which contribute to the natural character of the floodplain. 6. Support recreational use of the landscape, particularly passive recreation, and ensure that any visitor facilities are integrated into their landscape context. 7. Seek to improve boundary management e.g. of hedgerow boundaries. 8. Support creative use of derelict and neglected land to improve the area’s image – conserve existing industrial and heritage features associated with the salt industry and extend the wooded character of the valley.

Landscape Character SPD 100 8B: Mid Weaver Valley 9. Minimise the impact of built development on the valley sides using native planting where appropriate. 10. Monitor water levels and manage water abstraction to prevent drying out wetland habitats. 11. Seek to increase opportunities for views into the valley. 12. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 13. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Support river and canal side regeneration that provides opportunities to preserve the industrial archaeology formed by the Weaver Navigation with its `cuts’, locks, sluices, and accompanying built heritage. 2. Protect the valley `crests’ from large scale built development that would detract from the `intimate’, hidden character of the valley. 3. Conserve the low settlement density that results in a quiet, tranquil landscape along much of its length, particularly between Meadowbank and Hartford Bridge. 4. Conserve the undeveloped character of the floodplain – this part of the valley is generally unsuitable for built development and would be a risk from flooding. Avoid the use of the floodplain for car parks and light industrial units. 5. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 101 8B: Mid Weaver Valley 8B: Mid Weaver Valley 8C: LOWER WEAVER VALLEY

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Lower Weaver Valley has fairly low, but steep valley sides rising to an elevation of approximately 30m A.O.D. It flows from Northwich to the Mersey Estuary. The boundaries of the valley are defined predominantly by landform with the top of the slopes meeting the adjacent landscapes types of the Undulating Enclosed Farmland and East Cheshire Plain.

Key Characteristics 1. Distinct valley with a flat open floodplain and steep, wooded, valley sides. 2. Containing the course of the River Weaver and Weaver Navigation with many artificial channel (`cuts’), remnant meanders, locks and sluices. 3. The steep valley sides and series of steep sided tributary valleys support distinctive clough woodland, much of which is ancient. 4. Valley sides also support small/medium scale arable and pastoral fields, bounded by low gappy hedgerows. 5. Alluvium on the valley floor gives rise to waterlogged soils which generally support permanent pasture including unimproved seasonally wet species rich grassland. 6. Recreational opportunities are provided by public footpaths alongside the river/navigation, including Delamere Way and the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk long distance recreational footpaths. 7. Views are typically restricted to within the valley, for example there are views across the valley from either side, and from floodplains to the valley sides. The top of the valley side forms a skyline. 8. Generally a quiet, tranquil landscape with a low settlement density. However, industrial elements have a defining visual influence on parts of the valley. 9. The Trent and Mersey Canal (a Conservation Area) follows the northern bank of the valley – contributing associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology, many of which are listed. 10. Steel bridges, such as at Frodsham (A56), Acton (A49), and Northwich Swing Bridge (A 533) contribute to the industrial heritage of the valley. 11. Railways cross the valley on dramatic brick viaducts, for example at Sutton Bridge and Dutton Viaduct, both listed structures. 12. Settlement is generally absent from floodplain, except at locks and alongside the A49. Scattered farms are typical of the less steep valley sides.

Landscape Character SPD 103 8C: Lower Weaver Valley 13. Industry has had a great influence on the valley with old tipping lagoons, dredging lagoons and deposit grounds now forming rich wildlife habitats including open water, reedbeds and unimproved grassland. 14. Large scale industrial works have a defining visual influence on the valley at Winnington (Northwich) and Rocksavage (Runcorn).

Visual Sensitivity The landform of the valley means the floodplain is highly visible from the valley sides and, conversely, the valley sides are highly visible from the valley bottom. The crests of the valley sides form a skyline. The low settlement density means there are relatively few residential receptors for visual impacts – although the recreational opportunities presented by the valley mean there are likely to be a number of recreational receptors. Where clough woodland is present, it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the valley sides. However, the floodplain is open and provides extremely few opportunities for mitigating visual impacts.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve and enhance the ancient clough woodlands, unimproved grassland and wetland habitats, and to preserve the industrial interest of the Weaver Valley and its links with the salt industry.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Character SPD 104 8C: Lower Weaver Valley 7. Seek to improve boundary management e.g. of hedgerow boundaries to strengthen this feature of the valley sides. 8. Support creative use of derelict and neglected land to improve the area’s image. 9. Minimise the impact of roads, signage and associated development on the valley sides using native planting where appropriate. 10. Monitor water levels and manage water abstraction to prevent drying out wetland habitats. 11. Seek to increase opportunities for views into the valley. 12. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 13. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Avoid ribbon development along main roads which could obstruct views across the valley and erode the sense of tranquillity of the valley. 2. Support river and canal side regeneration that provides opportunities to preserve the industrial archaeology formed by the Weaver Navigation with its `cuts’, locks, sluices, and accompanying built heritage. 3. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting, including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. Consider views from the canal in planning new built development. 4. Preserve the character of the bridges across the Weaver. 5. Protect the valley `crests’ from large scale built development that would detract from the `intimate’, hidden character of the valley. 6. Conserve the low settlement density that results in a quiet, tranquil landscape along much of its length. 7. Conserve the undeveloped character of the floodplain away from the industrial works at Winnington. 8. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 105 8C: Lower Weaver Valley 8C: Lower Weaver Valley 8D: ASH BROOK VALLEY

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Ash Brook Valley is a narrow, steep and wooded valley containing tribuaties of the River Weaver. It includes Ash Brook between Darnhall and its confluence with the Weaver, and Wettenhall Brook between Wettenhall Wood and its confluence with Ash Brook. The boundaries of the valley are defined predominantly by landform with the top of the slopes meeting the adjacent East Cheshire Plain.

Key Characteristics 1. Steep, wooded valley containing the Ash Brook and Wettenhall Brook, tributaries of the River Weaver. 2. The steep valley sides support distinctive clough woodland, much of which is ancient semi-natural woodland of oak, ash hazel and elm. 3. A narrow band of alluvium on the valley floor gives rise to waterlogged soils which support some unimproved species rich grassland. 4. The majority of the valley is inaccessible to the public, although a public footpath crosses the valley at Brookside Wood. 5. Views are typically restricted to within the valley, for example there are views across the valley from either side, and from the valley floor to the valley sides. The top of the valley side forms a skyline. 6. Generally a quiet, tranquil landscape with a low settlement density. 7. Mills and stone bridges are a feature e.g. Darnhall Mill and Darnhall Bridge.

Visual Sensitivity The crests of the valley sides form a skyline which is visually sensitive. The low settlement density means there are relatively few residential receptors for visual impacts – although the presence of one road and one footpath crossing the valley means there are likely to be some recreational receptors, particularly around Brookside Wood and the hamlet of Darnhall. Where clough woodland is present, it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the valley sides.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the ancient woodlands, unimproved grassland and wetland habitats of this tributary valley.

Landscape Character SPD 107 8D: Ash Brook Valley GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Support the management of all existing woodlands and pay special regard to the ancient woodland sites. Promote traditional woodland management techniques to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 2. Support plans to extend woodland cover by planting on the valley shoulders and valley sides. Where possible, new woodlands should be established adjacent to ancient woodland, or to connect separate wooded blocks. 3. Wet woodland may be appropriate alongside the tributary streams on the valley floor, but this should not be at the expense of botanically rich grasslands. 4. Conserve and extend characteristic floodplain habitats such as unimproved grassland, traditionally managed meadows, reedbeds and riverside trees which contribute to the natural character of the valley floor. 5. Support recreational use of the landscape, particularly informal passive recreation, but ensure the tranquil character of the valley is maintained. 6. Monitor water levels and manage water abstraction to prevent drying out wetland habitats. 7. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 8. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Protect the valley `crests’ from built development that would detract from the `intimate’, hidden character of the valley. 2. Conserve the low settlement density that results in a quiet, tranquil landscape. 3. Conserve and maintain the mills that are typical of tributaries of the Weaver and provide an indication of the former use of the river.

4. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 108 8D: Ash Brook Valley 8D: Ash Brook Valley 8E: DANE VALLEY

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Dane Valley is a relatively shallow valley containing the course of the River Dane. It runs from Sproston Wood (where it enters the borough) to its confluence with the River Weaver in the centre of Northwich. The boundaries of the valley are defined predominantly by landform with the top of the slopes meeting the adjacent landscapes types of the Undulating Enclosed Farmland and East Cheshire Plain.

Key Characteristics 1. Shallow valley with low, steep sides containing the natural meandering course of the River Dane and part of the Trent and Mersey Canal. 2. The valley sides support small remnants of ancient woodland, e.g. Sproston Wood and Peck Mill Valley. 3. Alluvium on the valley floor gives rise to waterlogged soils which generally support pasture, but also some arable farmland. Only small remnants of unimproved or semi- improved grassland. 4. Fields tend to be relatively large in size on the floodplain with smaller fields on the valley sides. 5. Willows and riverine vegetation border the river, marking its meandering course across the landscape. 6. Part of the Trent and Mersey Canal, constructed in 1777 by James Brindley to link the navigable River Trent to the River Mersey, contributes associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology, including a listed milepost. 7. Recreational opportunities are provided by the towpath alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal (forming part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk) and the Dane Valley Way. 8. Sandstone Bridges are distinctive features of the valley, located at historic crossing points of the River e.g. Shipbrook Bridge and Ravenscroft Bridge. 9. A notable absence of settlement/development – forms a ‘green lung’ entering Northwich. 10. A highly tranquil landscape due to lack of settlement, natural meandering river course, presence of woodland, pasture and riverside vegetation. 11. Views are generally restricted to within the valley.

Landscape Character SPD 109 8E: Dane Valley Visual Sensitivity The landform of the valley means the floodplain is highly visible from the valley sides and, conversely, the valley sides are highly visible from the valley bottom. The crests of the valley sides form a skyline. The lack of settlement means the only residential receptors for visual impacts are located on the crests of the valley. Recreational receptors are located along the Trent and Mersey Canal and along the Dane Valley Way. Where woodland is present, it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the valley sides, but this is rare. The floodplain is open and therefore particularly visually sensitive.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the rural, pastoral character of the valley, and to extend/enhance woodland, unimproved grassland and wetland habitats where possible.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Support the management of all existing woodlands and pay special regard to the ancient woodland sites. Promote traditional woodland management techniques of the valuable clough woodland on the valley sides to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 2. Seek to extend woodland cover by planting on the valley shoulders and valley sides. Where possible, new woodlands should be established adjacent to ancient woodland, or to connect separate wooded blocks. 3. While wet woodland may be appropriate alongside the river on the valley floor care should be taken to also conserve the pastoral and open character of the valley floor. Care should be taken not to block the line of the valley floor by extensive planting. 4. Encourage reversion of arable back to pasture on the floodplain. Encourage seasonal grazing to maintain the pastoral character of the floodplain. 5. Conserve and extend characteristic floodplain habitats such as unimproved grassland, traditionally managed meadows, reedbeds and riverside trees which contribute to the natural character of the floodplain. 6. Support and provide additional opportunities for recreational use of the landscape, particularly passive recreation, and ensure that any visitor facilities are integrated into their landscape context. 7. Seek to improve boundary management e.g. of hedgerow boundaries. 8. Minimise the impact of existing built development using native planting where appropriate. 9. Manage recreational use of the vulnerable floodplain, monitoring effects of activities such as off-road motorcycling and providing restrictions where necessary.

Landscape Character SPD 110 8E: Dane Valley 10. Monitor water levels and manage water abstraction to prevent drying out wetland habitats. 11. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 12. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the undeveloped character of the floodplain and maintain the low settlement density that results in a quiet, tranquil landscape. 2. Protect the valley `crests’ from large scale built development that would detract from the `intimate’, hidden character of the valley. 3. Conserve the sandstone bridges that are distinctive features of the valley, reflect the local geology and mark historic crossing points of the river. 4. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting, including associated structures and artefacts of industrial archaeology. Consider views from the canal in planning new built development in adjacent areas. 5. Ensure rock salt extraction does not threaten the floodplain habitats such as unimproved grassland, traditionally managed meadows, reedbeds and riverside trees which contribute to the natural character of the floodplain. 6. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 111 8E: Dane Valley 8E: DaneValley 9 : Mere Basins

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 9a : Marbury Mere 9A: MARBURY MERE

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries Marbury Mere is located along a geological fault line to the north of Northwich. The boundaries of the mere basin are defined predominantly by landform with the top of the slopes meeting the adjacent undulating farmland of the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland.

Key Characteristics 1. Located on a bedrock of Northwich Halite Formation, commonly known as rock salt, close to a geological fault which forms a steep slope along the northern boundary. 2. Budworth Mere (also known as Marbury Mere) and Pick Mere were either formed by natural salt subsidence, or by glacial morainic action and support a wide range of habitats including open water, reed beds and willow/alder woodland. 3. Alluvial soils in the basin support traditionally managed grassland e.g. Pickmere meadow. 4. Areas of peat deposits support oak-birch woodland with hawthorn and hazel. 5. Fields of arable and pasture on the basin slopes represent agricultural improvement of former Medieval fields associated with Great Budworth. 6. Notable for the absence of settlement. Some buildings are associated with the Mere e.g. boat house/sailing club. 7. Intimate, hidden landscape with a tranquil character. Bird watching is a popular activity. 8. Sailing, boating and open water swimming contribute activity to this landscape. 9. Panoramic views from the northern edge of the basin across Marbury Mere with the industrial works of Northwich in the background.

Visual Sensitivity The landform of the basin means the Mere is highly visible from the slopes enclosing the basin and, conversely, the slopes are highly visible from the Mere. The crests of slopes enclosing the basin form a skyline. Where woodland is present (e.g. along the south side of the Mere), it provides some visual screening and scope to mitigate visual impacts on the basin slopes.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the inherent sense of tranquillity of this landscape and diversity of natural habitats.

Landscape Character SPD 113 9A: Marbury Mere GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Promote traditional woodland management techniques of the valuable woodland on the Mere edge and basin slopes to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 2. Continue to reduce the spread of invasive species such as bracken, rhododendron and sycamore where they threaten native habitats. 3. Seek opportunities to expand and link existing woodland through new tree planting. 4. Encourage reversion of arable back to pasture, particularly on the basin floor and seek to extend traditionally managed meadows. 5. Seek to improve management of hedgerows on the basin slopes to strengthen this feature of the basin. 6. Monitor potentially conflicting uses, such as water sports, use of land for fairgrounds, nature conservation, bird watching and walking. 7. Monitor the effects of climate change, particularly changes in water table and changes in species composition. 8. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 9. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Support recreational use of the landscape, ensuring any visitor facilities are integrated into their landscape context. 2. Maintain the unsettled character of this intimate `hidden’ landscape and ensure any facilities associated with recreation are integrated into their landscape setting. 3. The valley crests are particularly sensitive to large scale, or tall, built development.

Landscape Character SPD 114 9A: Marbury Mere 9A: Marbury Mere 10 : Lowland Farmland and Mosses

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 10a : Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10b : Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10A: PEOVER LOWLAND FARMLAND AND MOSSES

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses represents an area of undulating farmland located to the east of the M6, on the north eastern boundary of the borough. To the south-west it forms a transition to the distinctive sandy landscape of Allostock while to the north-eastwards the character area continues beyond the borough boundary.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of the soft salt-bearing strata of the Northwich Halite Formation (forming part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) gives rise to a landscape of intermediate to low elevation in Vale Royal, ranging mostly between 35m and 50m AOD. 2. Glacial till (boulder clay) deposits and pockets of glacio-fluvial sand and gravels produce a locally undulating topography, including distinct NW-SE ridges. 3. The area is drained by numerous streams and brooks, including Bradshaw Brook, which produces further undulations in the surface. The courses of the brooks are often wooded. 4. The combination of slowly permeable, seasonally waterlogged soils deep, permeable sandy and coarse loamy soils support a mixture of fertile pasture and arable farmland. Ditches drain areas of heavier clay soil. 5. Dominated by ancient irregular enclosures bounded by tall hedgerows with mature hedgerow trees which produce a strong field pattern and time depth. 6. Small farm woodlands and coverts are important features of the landscape. 7. An affluent area – the settlement pattern is characterised by a network of rural winding lanes linking scattered farms, hamlets and cottages. 8. The small scale undulating topography, high enclosing hedgerows, narrow lanes, small irregular fields and small scale built development combine to form an intimate character. 9. Generally quiet and rural in character, although `suburban’ style development, nurseries, the M6 and A50 ensure that the area does not feel `remote’. 10. The skyline is generally formed by hedgerow trees. The church tower at Lower Peover is a landmark feature on the skyline.

Landscape Character SPD 115 10A: Poever Lowland Farmland and Mosses Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance and is not greatly inter-visible with other landscapes. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden and the presence of high hedgerows and wooded water courses provides further visual screening and enclosure. Residential settlement is scattered throughout the area indicating the presence of sensitive residential receptors, but the relatively low recreational use of the landscape means few recreational receptors. The presence of undulating topography, woodland and hedgerow trees means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the rural and intimate character of the landscape and to enhance the condition of woodland.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensure a young stock of hedgerow trees is ready to replace over-mature trees. 2. Conserve the strong field pattern, particularly ancient field systems which provide historic continuity in the landscape. 3. Protect trees by maintaining a buffer around the field margin. 4. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 5. Seek opportunities to re-create species rich grasslands, particularly alongside brooks. 6. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 7. Support the management of all existing woodlands. Promote traditional woodland management techniques to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 8. Seek to enhance woodland cover, including restoring and creating streamside woodlands and copses/small woodlands within the existing field pattern. Respect the scale of the landscape pattern when designing new woodland.

9. Consider views when designing new woodland - conserve views to the church tower at Lower Peover from key public viewpoints.

Landscape Character SPD 116 10A: Poever Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. Avoid features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as kerbs, lighting and large scale signage. 11. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 12. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farms, hamlets and cottages – conserve the rural settings of villages and views to landmark features such as the church tower at Lower Peover. 2. Ensure redevelopment of existing buildings and large house extensions do not obscure the local vernacular. 3. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area. 4. Conserve the local building vernacular including local red brick and white wash materials/finishes - ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 5. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape - pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways, gateways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 6. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 7. Soften built edges and views of infrastructure by introducing small scale planting schemes using native broadleaved species. Use similar planting schemes to integrate new development into the landscape. 8. Screen quarrying activity using broadleaved species. Consider the long term restoration of sand and gravel quarries for the benefit of wildlife, creating new wetland habitats and recreational access where possible. 9. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 117 10A: Poever Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10A: Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10B: ARLEY LOWLAND FARMLAND AND MOSSES

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses represents an area of almost flat farmland located on the north eastern corner of the borough. To the south-west the land rises to the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland while to the north-eastwards the character area continues beyond the borough boundary.

Key Characteristics 1. A bedrock geology of soft Bollin Mudstone (forming part of the Mercia Mudstone Group) gives rise to a flat landscape of intermediate to low elevation in Vale Royal, at around 60m AOD. 2. Quaternary deposits mask the underlying solid geology – comprising glacial till (boulder clay) with pockets of glacio-fluvial sand and gravels, alluvium and peat. 3. Surface deposits give rise to complex soils patterns including a large extent of sandy soils with a peaty surface horizon which supports a peaty mosslands at Park Moss and sheep grazed pasture. 4. Drainage ditches and brooks drain the area. Field ponds are also a feature of this seasonally waterlogged landscape. 5. Distinctive narrow straight sided fields relating to post-Medieval planned enclosure and Parliamentary enclosure are a feature of the peaty soils. 6. Public rights of way create passive recreational opportunities and an area of open access land at the Woodland Trust’s Park Moss provides trails through woodland. 7. The settlement pattern is characterised by scattered farmsteads linked by a network of narrow, rural lanes. 8. Built materials include red brick and white wash finishes. Red brick barns are a feature of the landscape. 9. A sense of openness results from the flat topography, large fields, low cut hedgerows and low woodland cover. 10. However, the skyline appears to be wooded, formed by hedgerow trees and birch woodland at Park Moss. 11. Quiet and rural in character, with some areas having a sense of `remoteness’ due to the general absence of large scale visually intrusive built elements.

Landscape Character SPD 119 10B: Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses Visual Sensitivity Since this is a comparatively low lying landscape it doesn’t have a strong skyline from a distance and is not inter-visible with other landscapes. The flat and open nature of the landscape means it is visually sensitive. However, the filtering provided by hedgerow trees and birch woodland provides some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying elements without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Residential settlement is at a low density indicating the presence of few sensitive residential receptors. There are also relatively few recreational users of the landscape, although visitors to Park Moss may be considered to be sensitive visual receptors. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the remote and rural character of the landscape and to enhance the variety and condition of wetland and mossland habitats.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Maintain an intact hedgerow network through management of hedges and ensure a young stock of hedgerow trees is ready to replace over-mature trees. 2. Conserve the strong field pattern, particularly the distinctive areas of post-medieval planned and Parliamentary enclosures. 3. Avoid over-intensive flail mowing or ploughing too close to hedgerow boundaries – protect saplings and encourage trees to grow up at intervals along the hedgerow. 4. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 5. Conserve the drainage ditches, brooks and field ponds that provide wetland habitats and visual diversity in the landscape. 6. Seek opportunities to re-create species rich grasslands, particularly alongside brooks. 7. Encourage sympathetic integration of horse paddocks through maintenance of hedgerow field boundaries, rather than sub-division of fields and erection of high visibility fencing - ensure the land use does not break up traditional field patterns. 8. Support the management of the existing woodlands. Promote traditional woodland management techniques to ensure a diverse (indigenous) species and age structure. 9. Seek to re-create new, and manage existing, mosses on the peaty soils by ensuring wet conditions for the establishment of sphagnum moss, and removing invasive succession species such as silver birch from these sites.

10. Conserve the rural character of the lanes. A void features that `suburbanise’ the landscape such as kerbs, lighting and large scale signage.

Landscape Character SPD 120 10B: Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 11. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 12. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Maintain the low density, scattered settlement pattern of farmsteads. 2. Ensure new built single dwellings and their gardens, drives, gates etc. do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area. 3. Conserve the local building vernacular including local red brick and white wash materials/finishes - ensure new built development is of high quality design and responds to local materials and styles. Resist suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting outside the main settlements. Seek to integrate garden boundaries with the rural landscape through use of native hedgerows. 4. Ensure riding schools, stables and equestrian development do not accumulate to detract from the rural character of the area – ensure sensitive integration of fencing, tracks, jumps and ancillary buildings. 5. Maintain red brick barns as features of the landscape. Ensure conversion of farm buildings is sensitive to the rural landscape - pay particular attention to the features which accompany the conversion such as driveways, gateways and gardens, ensuring that these features do not `suburbanise’ the landscape. 6. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 121 10B: Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 10B: Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 11 : Reclaimed Saltmarsh

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 11a : Frodsham, Helsby and Lordship Marshes 11A: FRODHSAM, HELSBY & LORDSHIP MARSH

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries Frodhsam, Helsby & Lordship Marsh is an area of former saltmarsh and mudflats on the south bank of the Mersey Estuary that was embanked, ditches created, and reclaimed in 1894. Its northern boundary is formed by an artificial bank which separates it from the Manchester Ship Canal and open Estuary of the Mersey Estuary beyond. Its southern boundary is marked by a change in topography where the flat Reclaimed Salt Marsh meets the Sandstone Fringe between Frodsham and Helsby. Key Characteristics 1. A flat, low lying landscape of former mudflats and saltmarsh alongside the Mersey Estuary. 2. Reclaimed as part of the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894, with further drainage following the Second World War to produce productive farmland. 3. The flat landscape is etched with a distinctive pattern of straight drainage ditches which delineates the field pattern of planned 19th century enclosure. 4. Ditches and pools contain extensive aquatic species which provide important wetland habitats. 5. Incomplete hedgerow boundaries provide partial enclosure along some field boundaries. 6. Land to the south of Lordship Lane is in agricultural use – a mixture of pasture and arable with incomplete thorn hedgerows. 7. Land to the north of Lordship Lane is used as a deposit ground for dredgings from the Manchester Ship Canal and supports a range of wetland habitats. 8. Provides a wintering ground for waders and raptors which add movement to the landscape. 9. An isolated, bleak and open landscape - settlement is limited to isolated farms linked by rough tracks between ditches. 10. The M56 utilises the flat landscape, crossing the marsh at the base of the Sandstone Fringe. 11. Running parallel to the M56 area a number of large scale overhead power lines which are dominant features in this flat landscape. 12. The flat, open landscape provides clear views to and from Helsby Hill, Northern Sandstone Ridge and the Frodsham Sandstone Fringe. 13. Industrial works at Ince Marshes, Halton and Rocksavage form a backdrop.

Landscape Character SPD 123 11A: Frodsham, Helsby & Lordship Marsh Visual Sensitivity This is a flat, low lying landscape that in itself is not visually prominent. However, it is overlooked from adjacent areas, most notably Helsby Hill, Northern Sandstone Ridge and the Frodsham Sandstone Fringe. The openness of the landscape provides opportunities for long views across the landscape. This open character means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements or for mitigating visual impact without the mitigation measures in themselves being highly visible - making it a visually sensitive landscape. The low incidence of settlement means there are few sensitive residential receptors within the area. However, residential areas of Frodsham and Helsby overlook the marsh. Residential receptors include walkers and joggers who use the network of public rights of way across the marsh, as well as visitors to the viewpoints at the top of Helsby Hill and war memorial above Frodsham (in adjacent character areas). Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to enhance the condition of habitats and features of the marshes.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Encourage recreational development as a means of managing some of the more derelict and degraded areas of the landscape. Encourage use of the area by walkers, cyclists, rowers and horseriders (including provision of picnic facilities and viewing opportunities) whilst safeguarding the nature conservation interest of the area. 2. Maintain the distinctive field pattern that reveals the planned 19th century enclosure of the marsh. 3. Seek to restore thorn hedgerows that are falling into decline. 4. Maintain a range of habitats, from open water to agricultural land. Seek opportunities to re-create habitats such as unimproved or semi-improved species rich grassland and reed beds. 5. Increase the biodiversity of intensively managed grassland and arable land – create and link buffer strips along linear features such as hedgerows and ditches to create a continuous network of wildlife corridors. 6. Encourage restoration of derelict industrial land including re-creation of saltmarsh and reintroduction of grazing to maintain the open character of the marsh. 7. Consider opportunities to create views across the Mersey Estuary.

8. Conserve the `remote’ character of the marshes away from the main transport corridor of the M56.

Landscape Character SPD 124 11A: Frodsham, Helsby & Lordship Marsh 9. Retain the open character of the marsh by restricting planting to low growing scrubby species typically found in the local landscape. Screening using tall or ornamental species is not appropriate in the open marsh. 10. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 11. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Conserve the open, undeveloped character of the marsh – farmsteads and bird hides are the only forms of built development. 2. Consider using native scrubby vegetation to screen views of traffic on the north side of the M56 motorway (taller species may be appropriate on the southern side of the motorway adjacent to the Sandstone Fringe). 3. Consider views to and from Helsby Hill, Northern Sandstone Ridge and the Frodsham Sandstone Fringe when planning any change. 4. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 125 11A: Frodsham, Helsby & Lordship Marsh 11A: Frodsham, Helsby and Lordship Marshes 12 : Estuary

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 12a : Frodsham Score 12A: FRODSHAM SCORE

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries Frodsham Score is an area of inter-tidal sand a mudflats and salt-marsh along the southern bank of the Mersey Estuary, and includes part of the Manchester Ship Canal. Its southern boundary is formed by an artificial bank which separates it from the Reclaimed Salt Marsh of the Frodhsam, Helsby & Lordship Marsh. It extends beyond the administrative borough boundary into and along the Mersey Estuary. Key Characteristics 1. A flat, open and expansive landscape of mudflats, sandflats and saltmarsh alongside the Mersey Estuary. 2. A naturalistic landscape with winding channels forming intricate patterns in the salt marsh. 3. Excavation of the Manchester Ship Canal in the later 19th century resulted in the creation of Frodsham Score, an area of embanked land at the southern edge of the mudflats. 4. A dynamic landscape composed of rising and falling tides, constantly shifting sediments and flocks of over-wintering birds. 5. Recognised as an internationally important site for wildfowl (protected by SSSI, SPA and Ramsar designations). 6. A remote and peaceful landscape relatively undisturbed by humans and of international importance for nature conservation. 7. No public access to this remote area, although there is a landing stage on the canal at Frodsham Score. 8. Devoid of settlement. 9. Long, uninterrupted views and large skies. 10. Industrial works at Ince Marshes, Halton and Rocksavage form a backdrop. 11. Panoramic views across the estuary from Helsby Hill (above Helsby) and Beacon Hill (above Frodsham).

Visual Sensitivity This is a flat, low lying landscape that in itself is not visually prominent. However, it is overlooked from adjacent areas within the borough, most notably Helsby Hill, Northern Sandstone Ridge and the Frodsham Sandstone Fringe. The openness of the landscape provides opportunities for long views across the landscape. This open character means there is little opportunity for screening any large scale elements or for mitigating visual impact without the

Landscape Character SPD 127 12A: Frodsham Score mitigation measures in themselves being highly visible - making it a visually sensitive landscape. The absence of settlement and lack of public access means there are few sensitive visual receptors within the area. However, adjacent landscapes overlook the Estuary. Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to conserve the naturalistic and dynamic qualities of this landscape relatively undisturbed by humans.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Ensure activities or developments in adjacent areas do not result in siltation and deposition on the inter-tidal habitats of the Frodsham Score. 2. Ensure abrasion caused by the wash from boats or by trampling from walkers does not affect the inter-tidal habitats and salt-marsh in this area. Board walks and wooden hides may allow observation of wildlife whist minimising disturbance to wildlife. 3. Ensure pollution arising upstream, or seepage from old landfill sites, does not adversely affect the habitats of the Frodsham Score. 4. Minimise nutrient and organic loading in the Estuary upstream. 5. Conserve the `remote’ character of the area.

Built Development 1. Conserve the open, undeveloped character of this area. 2. Minimise noise and visual disturbance arising from industrial, transport and recreational activities in adjacent areas.

Landscape Character SPD 128 12A: Frodsham Score 12 A: Frodsham Score 13 : Salt Heritage Landscape

10b

12a

5a 4d 11a 9a

8c 13a 2c

3a 2a 4b 6c

7a 4a 10a 8b 1b

8e 6b 1a

4e 3a 4c 8e 2b 6d

3b 6a 6d 4c 8d 6a

Landscape Character Areas 13a : Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape 13A: NORTHWICH SALT HERITAGE LANDSCAPE

DESCRIPTION

Location and Boundaries The Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape is an area of formerly extensive salt works on the northern outskirts of Northwich. It incorporates the confluence of Wade Brook and Marbury Brook with the River Weaver and a large area of subsidence flashes. To the north lies the undulating farmed landscape of the Whitley & Comberbach Undulating Enclosed Farmland and to the south is the urban area of Northwich. Key Characteristics 1. Underlying geology containing rock salt. 2. A post-industrial landscape of subsidence flashes surrounded by a mosaic of grassland, marsh, scrub and woodland forming the heart of the Northwich Community Woodlands. 3. Brooks in steep-sided valleys, including Wincham Brook, Wade Brook, Witton Brook and Marbury Brook. 4. Lime beds, containing the waste products from the production of soda ash, support calcareous grassland within prominent bunds. 5. Inland salt marsh is also present, due to natural brine springs and spillage from the salt industry. 6. Former salt works and industrial archaeology characterise the area e.g. standing remains of the Lion Salt Works and remnants of the Adelaide works beneath the Adelaide Flash. 7. Current industry influences the area - including the prominent EON steam pipeline and the Brunner Mond works in the adjacent Lower Weaver Valley. 8. To the north-east of Marston is an area of Post Medieval and planned enclosure, recognisable as irregular, straight-sided fields. 9. Part of the Trent and Mersey Canal (a Conservation Area) passes through this area with its associated artefacts of industrial archaeology including wharves, bridges, canal loading bays, waterside pub and famous Victorian boat lift at Anderton (a Scheduled Ancient Monument). 10. Extensive recreational opportunities with newly created country and nature parks, visitor parking and picnic facilities, waymarked trails, boat trips, visitor attractions (the Anderton Boat lift and Lion Salt Works), the Trent and Mersey Canal, and Marbury Country Park. 11. Settlement is defined by the 19th century village of Marston (a Conservation Area), scattered farmsteads, and 20th century development at Higher Marston and Higher Wincham.

Landscape Character SPD 129 13A:Northwhich Salt Heritage Landscape 12. The village of Marston and the Trent and Mersey Canal have strong connections with the salt industry. 13. Typical built materials are red Cheshire brick and Welsh slate roofs, although industrial buildings include cast iron and timber. 14. The skyline is not prominent – horizon views are formed by new tree planting and industrial buildings both inside and outside the character area. 15. There are panoramic views from artificially created high points e.g. Carey Park – these are typically long views over open water and grassland to a backdrop of woodland and industry.

Visual Sensitivity As a comparatively low lying landscape the area does not have a strong skyline in views. The undulating nature of the landscape means the low lying areas are hidden while hill tops are open and visually more sensitive. The lime bed bunds are prominent features locally. The area now contains a large amount of woodland planting and is mostly well screened from adjacent landscapes. This reduces its visual sensitivity. Furthermore the presence of woodland means there is some potential for mitigating visual impact of low lying features without the mitigation measures in themselves having an adverse effect on the character of the landscape. Residential settlement at Marston indicates the presence of sensitive residential receptors while the extensive recreational opportunities indicate presence of a large number of recreational receptors.

Overall Management Objective The overall management objective for this landscape should be to continue to restore and enhance the landscapes and industrial archaeology while conserving the unique habitats of the area. This area presents opportunities for new landscape creation.

GUIDANCE

Landscape Management 1. Support continued restoration of derelict industrial land for nature conservation and recreation. 2. Encourage enhanced management of woodlands, including the replacement of non-native species by native broadleaved species and active management of existing woodlands to ensure a diverse age structure and ground flora. 3. Consider creation of withy beds, exploring opportunities for use of the willow as wood- fuel and/or creating markets for traditional craft skills. 4. Conserve the diversity of habitats that are of importance for biodiversity as well as contributing to the diversity of the landscape. Seek opportunities to extent/re-create areas of reedswamp, inland salt-marsh, marshy species rich grassland, willow scrub and other wetland habitats.

Landscape Character SPD 130 13A:Northwhich Salt Heritage Landscape 5. Conserve and actively manage the lime beds that support calcareous grassland (for example though grazing) to maintain the open calcareous habitats. 6. Preserve the industrial archaeology associated with former salt works. 7. Preserve the industrial aesthetic of the Trent and Mersey Canal and its setting – including associated artefacts of industrial archaeology including wharves, bridges, canal loading bays, waterside pub and famous Victorian boat lift at Anderton. 8. Manage recreation to ensure it does not threaten wildlife interest. Board walks and wooden hides may allow observation of wildlife whist minimising disturbance to wildlife. 9. Conserve the `remote’ and tranquil character of the area which results from the presence of naturalistic habitats and planting schemes. 10. Maintain views to the landmark of Great Budworth Church from Marbury Country Park (across Budworth Mere). 11. Planting near watercourses should consist of native species. 12. Control spread of invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Built Development 1. Preserve the structure and setting of the village of Marston that has strong connections with the salt industry and a unique character. 2. Seek to restore the original architectural detail of the brick terraces in Marston village. 3. Seek to restore and preserve the surviving historic buildings with links to the salt industry. 4. Use of built materials such as red Cheshire brick and welsh slate roofs in residential buildings, and cast iron, Cheshire red brick and timber in industrial buildings, will maintain a continuity in use of materials and create a stronger sense of place. 5. Enhance boundaries within the area by promoting repair of traditional brick wall boundaries and creating new boundaries that may enhance the apparent condition of the landscape. 6. Invasive species, e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, should be eradicated prior to any development taking place, and where species are present a method statement should be produced on how to deal with them.

Landscape Character SPD 131 13A:Northwhich Salt Heritage Landscape 13A: Northwich Salt Heritage Landscape Appendix 1: Checklist for Developers Appendix 1: Checklist for Developments

Which landscape character area is the development in?

Landscape Character Area Landscape Character Area Landscape Character Area 1A Delamere 4D Whitley & Comberbach 8C Lower Weaver Valley Undulating Enclosed Farmland 1B Allostock 4E East Winsford Undulating 8D Ash Brook Valley Enclosed Farmland 2A Northern Sandstone 5A Aston Heathy Farmland 8E Dane Valley Ridge and Woodland 2B Southern Sandstone Ridge 6A Darnhall Plain 9A Marbury Mere 2C Helsby Hill 6B Stublach Plain 10A Peover Lowland Farmland and Mosses 3A Alvanley Sandstone Fringe 6C Lostock Plain 10B Arley Lowland Farmland and Mosses 3B Tarporley Sandstone 6D Wimboldesley & 11A Frodsham, Helsby and Fringe Sproston Plain Lordship Marshes 4A Norley Undulating 7A Manley Plain 12A Frodsham Score Enclosed Farmland 4B Frodsham to Northwich 8A Upper Weaver Valley 13 A Northwich Salt Heritage Undulating Enclosed Landscape Farmland 4C Eaton, Marton & Over 8B Mid Weaver Valley Undulating Enclosed Farmland

Have the key characteristics been taken into account in the siting and design of the development?

If so, how?

Has visual sensitivity been taken into account in the siting and design of the development?

If so, how?

Describe how you support the management objectives and specific guidelines

… cont. overleaf How does the development make a positive contribution to local landscape character?

------Appendix 2: Glossary GLOSSARY OF TERMS Term Definition

AOD Above Ordnance Datum (sea level).

Ancient woodland Woods that are believed to have been continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD.

Assart The informal enclosure of private farmland by encroachment into woodland or heath. Built Form The characteristic nature of built development.

Characteristic A distinctive element of the landscape that contributes to landscape character for instance a particular hedgerow pattern or sense of tranquillity.

Clough woodland Woodland (often ancient, semi-natural broadleaf woodland) that clings to the steep slopes of clough valleys.

Coppice A traditional form of woodland management where trees are cut regularly on a cycle to promote growth from their bases.

Enclosure The placing in private hands of land to which there was previously common rights. Fen Fens are peatlands. Two main types of fen occur: Topogenous fens where water movement in the peat or soil is generally vertical (e.g. basin fens and floodplain fens) and Soligenous fens where water movements are lateral (e.g. mires associated with springs, rills and flushes and valley mires). They are dynamic semi- natural systems requiring appropriate management in order to maintain the open fen communities and associated species richness.

GIS Geographic Information System.

Guidelines Guidelines outline the actions required to ensure that distinctive character is maintained. Landscape character The distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements that occur in a particular landscape and how these are perceived. It reflects particular combinations of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement.

Landscape character areas Single unique areas that are the discrete geographical area of a particular landscape type. Term Definition

Landscape character types Distinct types of landscape that are relatively homogenous in character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas in different parts of the country, but share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation, historic land use and settlement pattern.

LCA Landscape character assessment.

Lime beds Waste product from the production of soda ash is dumped in large areas within prominent bunds. These areas support calcareous grassland.

Meres Lakes formed when ice sheets retreated, carving out hollows in the underlying bedrock, and filling with meltwater from the glaciers.

Mosses Waterlogged peat bogs, produced when meres are infilled by the remains of vegetation in the form of peat.

Rock salt Rock salt is the common name for the salt bearing ‘halite’ rock formations. Halite formations are found in the Mercia Mudstone Group of rocks in Vale Royal and include the Northwich Halite Formation and the Wilkesley Halite Formation. SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument

Sensitivity A judgement of how sensitive or vulnerable a landscape component is to change.

Schwingmoor A floating raft of bog-moss Sphagnum which forms over the surface of water. Also known as a quaking bog.

Skyline The outline of a range of hills, ridge or group of buildings seen against the sky.

SPA Special Protection Area.

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Subsidence flashes Lakes or water bodies formed by ground subsidence caused by mining of underground salt.

Supplementary Planning A document to assist the interpretation and application Document (SPD) of policies, prepared under new arrangements introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

VDS Village Design Statement. Term Definition

Vernacular architecture Architecture which is indigenous to a specific place and adapted to both the environment and to the user’s need. (The term ‘vernacular’ is derived from the Latin vernaculus, meaning ‘native’). Appendix 3: Useful References USEFUL REFERENCES • A New Historical Atlas of Cheshire, ADM Phillips and C B Phillips (2001)

• British Regional Geology: The Pennines and adjacent areas, third edition, British Geological Survey (1993)

• Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration, Cheshire County Council (2006)

• Entry Level/Organic Entry Level Stewardship for JCA’s060, 061 and 062, DEFRA (2005)

• Environmental Stewardship Handbook: Terms and Conditions and how to apply, DEFRA (2005)

• Landscape Assessment of Cheshire Document No 480, Cheshire County Council (1994)

• Landscape Character Assessment for Vale Royal Borough, Technical Report, Land Use Consultants (2006)

• Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland for England and Scotland, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002)

• Minerals Development Framework- Vale Royal Fact Sheet 6, Cheshire County Council (2006)

• NA27 Meres and Mosses, English Nature (1998)

• North West Draft Regional Spatial Strategy Examination In Public Report of the Panel, NWRA (2007)

• North West Plan submitted Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West of England, NWRA (2006)

• PPS 1 - Delivering Sustainable Development, ODPM (2005)

• PPS 7 - Sustainable Development in Rural Areas, ODPM (2004)

• Soil, Map of England and Wales 1:250,000, Soil Survey of England and Wales (1983)

• The Mersey Forest Plan, The Mersey Forest (2006)

• The Urban Mersey Basin Natural Area- A Nature Conservation Profile, English Nature (1997) This document can also be made available in Braille, large print and audio tape on request.

Are we accessible to you? If not tell us.

0800 0852493

Vale Royal Borough Council Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford Cheshire CW7 1AH Tel: 01606 862862 Fax: 01606 862100 www.valeroyal.gov.uk