LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

LAND WEST OF YORK ROAD THIRSK

JUNE 2020

One Environments Ltd June 2020

Landscape and Visual Assessment Land west of York Road, Thirsk June 2020

CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2. SUMMARY OF THE METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR THE ASSESSMENT

SECTION 3. APPRAISAL CRITERIA

SECTION 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE CONDITIONS

SECTION 5. POTENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

SECTION 6. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON VISUAL AMENITY

SECTION 7. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE RECEPTORS

SECTION 8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

APPENDIX

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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 This Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared by Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute from One Environments Ltd., for a proposed service area on land west of York Road, Thirsk. Reference should be made to the Figures in the Appendix to this report.

1.2 This assessment is based on site visits undertaken on 23 October and 23 November 2019. Weather conditions were sunny and bright or cloudy/overcast. Visibility was good.

Scope of this assessment

1.3 The purpose of this study is to identify potential landscape and visual receptors which may be affected by this development, review baseline conditions and undertake an appraisal of potential effects on the landscape and visual amenity.

1.4 The level of assessment is considered appropriate to the scale and nature of the development and the level of information currently available.

1.5 Landscape and visual appraisal involves an element of subjectivity on the part of the assessor. Professional judgement, taking account of quantitative and qualitative factors is now widely accepted as best practice for assessing effects on landscape character and on visual amenity. The approach taken for this study follows guidance recommended by the Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment; Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (GLVIA) and also landscape character guidance published by Natural England.

Development description

1.6 The development comprises a petrol station, food store, drive through restaurant and coffee shop, parking and associated infrastructure and landscape works. The illustrative masterplan layout is shown on Figure 2.

1.7 The application site covers approximately 3ha of land to the west of York Road, Thirsk covering part of two arable fields and the residential property at Oakfields, to the north-west of the A19/York Road roundabout junction.

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SECTION 2. SUMMARY OF THE METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR THE ASSESSMEMNT

2.1 The approach taken for this study follows guidance recommended by the Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (GLVIA) and also landscape character guidance published by Natural England.

2.2 This report utilises published and web-based information to inform the baseline conditions described in the LVIA. It includes data from the government website www.magic.gov.uk which combines a range of environmental information provided by partner organisations, including Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency.

2.3 The study area was largely defined by the extent of land within which the proposed development is theoretically visible and receptors would potentially experience significant landscape and visual effects. The extent of land visually affected by a development is commonly referred to as the visual envelope. This can be identified by field work or by reference to a ZTV map (Zone of Theoretical Visibility) or a combination of both techniques. The ZTV mapping technique combines digital mapping, topographical data and design information. ZTV mapping tends to illustrate a far greater visual envelope than would be produced by field work alone as it rarely takes account of minor landform variations, built development or vegetation such as hedges which can provide substantial or complete screening. Nor does it take account of the diminishing effects of distance. Such mapping techniques are normally used by practitioners to identify potential visual receptors within complex topographical areas. ZTV maps require professional analysis and interpretation to avoid overstating potential visual effects.

2.4 For the purpose of this assessment, the visual envelope was established by desk study using mapped information, web-based aerial photography and Google Street View images. It was later verified in the field. Site photography was used to provide a more detailed analysis of key features observed in views. The field work for this study was undertaken on 23 October and 23 November 2019 to assess seasonal changes in visibility due to the loss in leaf cover.

2.5 The study area includes a substantial part of the Sowerby Conservation Area, land to the south of Thirsk Market Place and part of Thirsk Industrial Park. The eastern part includes a section of the A168 and A19. The baseline studies and site visits undertaken by One Environments indicate that there was little potential for the development to generate significant landscape and visual effects beyond approximately 900m from the application site.

References Page 4 The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (2013). Landscape Institute and the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment

An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment (2014). Natural England

National Landscape Character Area Profiles. Natural England

Government website www.magic.gov.uk

Sustrans National Cycle Route Map. www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map

Historical O.S. maps 1856-1981

Core Strategy DPD (2007). Hambleton District Council

Development Plan Document and Policies DPD. (2008 Hambleton District Council)

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Allocations DPD (2010). Hambleton District Council

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (October 2019). OS Ecology Ltd

North Yorkshire and York Landscape Characterisation Project, (2011). North Yorkshire County Council (Chris Blandford Associates).

Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study, (May 216). Hambleton District Council (LUC)

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SECTION 3. APPRAISAL CRITERIA

Landscape appraisal

3.1 An assessment of landscape effects deals with the effects of change and development on landscape as a resource. This includes how the proposal will affect the elements that make up the landscape, the aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape and its distinctive character.

3.2 An appraisal of landscape sensitivity is made by combining professional judgements in relation to the susceptibility of the landscape to change (particular to the proposed development type) and the value of the landscape receptor.

3.3 Professional judgements are made in relation to the susceptibility of the landscape receptor to change. This is the capacity of a landscape receptor to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline situation and/or the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies (whether the landscape receptor contributes to the overall character of a particular landscape type/area, or an individual element/feature or designation within it).

3.4 Judgements in relation to the value of the landscape receptor should reflect;

 The value of the landscape character types or areas that may be affected based on a review of any designations at both national and local levels. Where there are no designations, judgements are based on criteria that can be used to establish landscape value.

 The value of individual contributors to landscape character, especially key characteristics, which may include individual elements of the landscape, particular landscape features, notable aesthetic, perceptual or experiential qualities, and combinations of these contributors.

3.5 The appraisal of value is based on professional judgement and includes consideration of factors such as;

 Landscape quality (condition): A measure of the physical state of the landscape. It may include the extent to which typical character is represented in individual areas, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of individual elements.

 Scenic Quality: The term used to describe landscapes that appeal primarily to the senses (primarily but not wholly the visual senses). Page 6  Rarity: The presence of rare elements or features in the landscape or the presence of a rare Landscape Character Type.

 Representativeness: Whether the landscape contains a particular character and/or features or elements which are considered particularly important examples.

 Conservation Interests: The presence of features of wildlife, earth science or archaeological or historic and cultural interest can add to the value of the landscape as well as having value in their own right.

 Recreational Value: Evidence that the landscape is valued for recreational activity where experience of the landscape is important.

 Perceptual Aspects: A landscape may be valued for its perceptual qualities, notably wildness and / or tranquility.

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 Cultural Associations: Some landscapes are associated with particular people, such as artists or writers, or events in history that contribute to perceptions of the natural beauty of the area.

3.6 The resulting landscape sensitivity is described using a four-point scale (very high, high, medium or low) based upon the criteria set out in Table 1.

Table 1. Summary of landscape sensitivity

Landscape Description sensitivity Very high Typically highly valued landscape of international or national landscape or conservation importance such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in pristine condition with no/few detracting elements.

Key characteristics of landscape are very vulnerable to change and are unable to accommodate development without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are very low.

High Typically valued landscape of national or regional landscape or conservation importance such as some Special Landscape Areas, or areas within National Parks or AONBs with minor detracting factors.

Key characteristics of landscape are vulnerable to change and development can be absorbed only in limited situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are low.

Medium Typically valued landscape of regional or local landscape or conservation/amenity importance such as some Special Landscape Areas and Areas of Local Landscape Importance, areas within National Parks or AONBs with significant detracting factors or local areas with value expressed in local publications.

Key characteristics of landscape are susceptible to change but with some ability to absorb development in some situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are intermediate.

Low Typically undesignated landscape with some local community importance such as unmanaged/fragmented green space, highway corridors and remnant farmland.

Key characteristics of landscape are resilient to change and are able to absorb development in many situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are high.

Page 7 3.7 The magnitude of change on landscape features is described using a four-point scale ranging from high to negligible using the criteria set out in Table 2 The definition of magnitude change on landscape character is described using a four-point scale ranging from high to negligible set out in Table 3.

Table 2. Magnitude of change on landscape features

Magnitude of change on Criteria landscape features High Major loss or major alteration to an existing landscape feature. Medium Some loss or some alteration to part of an existing landscape feature. Low Minor loss or alteration to part of an existing landscape feature. Negligible No loss or negligible alteration to existing landscape features.

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Table 3. Definition of magnitude of change on landscape or visual character

Magnitude Landscape effects Visual effects

High The proposed development would be Major permanent /long term change in the extremely damaging to landscape character existing view, change very prominent in and would; character and composition of view through Result in a complete change to character, obstruction, loss of key elements, addition or introduce features, which are dominant, of uncharacteristic elements. intrusive or totally uncharacteristic. Be at complete variance with landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in the total loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce or remove their setting. Be incapable of mitigation.

Medium The proposed development would damage Medium permanent/long term change in the landscape or visual character and would; existing view, change may be prominent but Result in a clearly identifiable or prominent not substantially different in scale and change to character, although may not character to surroundings. View character necessarily considered to be substantially partially changed through introduction of uncharacteristic. elements that may be uncharacteristic but Be out of scale, or at odds with the not necessarily visually discordant. landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in partial loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce or remove their setting. Be incapable of full mitigation and/or mitigation may conflict with local guidelines.

Low The proposed development would have a Minor permanent /long term change in view minor, but discernible change to landscape - change will be distinguishable from the or visual character and would; surroundings whilst composition and Result in a discernible change to character, character of view, although altered will be although not necessarily uncharacteristic broadly comparable in quality to pre-change when set within the attributes of the circumstances. receiving landscape. Slight change in landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in the minor loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce their setting. Cannot be entirely mitigated, due to the Page 8 nature of the proposals or character or not fulfil local guidelines.

Negligible The proposed development will have no Very slight permanent term change in view- noticeable effect due to; change barely distinguishable from The development being barely discernible surroundings. Composition and character of as a change in landscape or visual view substantially unaltered. character. It complements the scale, landform and settlement pattern. It incorporates measures for mitigation/enhancement that enable the proposals to blend with the surrounding area, meeting local guidelines for the area.

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Visual appraisal

3.8 An appraisal of visual effects deals with the effects of change on the views available to people and their visual amenity. This includes how the surroundings of individuals or groups of people may specifically be affected by changes in the content and character of views as a result of the change or loss of existing elements of the landscape and/or the introduction of new elements. The magnitude of change on visual receptors is described using a four-point scale ranging from high to negligible, as defined in Table 3.

3.9 A visual receptor is a special interest or viewer group that will experience an effect. This includes residents, recreational users, visitors and groups of viewers present at or passing through the viewpoint.

3.10 An appraisal of visual sensitivity is made by combining professional judgements in relation to the susceptibility of the visual receptor to change (particular to the proposed development type) and the value of the visual receptor. In visual appraisal some visual receptors are considered more sensitive than others. Greater weight is given to the visual effects upon public viewpoints than upon private properties. Views from rooms that are used during daylight hours, such as sitting rooms, are also deemed to be more important than views from secondary rooms such as bedrooms. Visual sensitivity is described using a four-point scale ranging from very high to low, as defined in Table 4.

3.11 Professional judgements are made in relation to the susceptibility of the visual receptor to change. This is mainly a function of;

 The occupation or activity of people experiencing the view at particular locations.

 The extent to which their attention or interest may therefore be focused on the views and the visual amenity they experience at particular locations.

 The contents/context of the existing view in relation to the type of development proposed eg. a view overlooking a moorland or other natural area devoid of any man-made features or intrusions has a higher susceptibility to change.

3.12 Judgements in relation to the value of the visual receptor should reflect;

 Recognition of the value attached to views i.e. in relation to heritage assets or planning designations.

 Indicators of the value attached to views by visitors, i.e. the appearance of them in tourist maps, provision of facilities for the enjoyment of views or references to specific views in literature or art. Page 9

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Table 4. Sensitivity of visual receptors

Sensitivity of visual Criteria receptor Very High People at tourist attractions with a specific focus on the view, visitors to historic features/estates (where the setting is important to the appreciation and understanding of the property and history).

High Residents with direct open views of the site. Users of long distance trails (e.g. Pennine Way) and public rights of way, caravan parks and campsites, tourist attractions with opportunities for views of the landscape (but not specifically requiring an appreciation of the landscape), slow paced recreational activities which derive part of their pleasure from an appreciation of setting (e.g. golf).

Medium Residents with partial/oblique views of the site. Users of public rights of way within urban /urban fringe or degraded landscapes Users of minor road users and commercial railways travelling through or past the affected landscape, recreational activities not specifically focused on the landscape (e.g. football), hotel users.

Low People at their place of work (e.g. offices), shoppers, users of trunk/major roads. Industrial and commercial activities, military facilities.

Appraisal of effects

3.13 The magnitude of change (or nature of effect) arising from the proposed development at any particular viewpoint is described as high, medium, low or negligible based on the interpretation of a combination of largely quantifiable parameters, as follows;

 Degree of physical change in landscape features and landscape character.  Duration of effect.  Distance of the viewpoint from the development.  Extent of the development in the view.  Angle of view in relation to main receptor activity.  Proportion of the field of view occupied by the development.  Background to the development.  Extent of other built development visible, particularly vertical elements.

3.14 The impact on landscape and visual amenity is determined by combining the landscape sensitivity with the magnitude of change for each viewpoint, in accordance with the matrix and descriptions shown in Table 5.

Page 10 3.15 Where an effect falls within a split category, professional judgement is used to evaluate which of the two categories most closely fits. While the matrices are helpful to moderate opinion, professional judgement may overrule a matrix in specific cases where this can clearly be justified.

3.16 The resulting significance values for appraisal of the effects upon both landscape and visual amenity are defined in Table 6.

3.17 This is combined with an appraisal of whether or not each effect is positive or negative or neutral. This is somewhat subjective and relies largely upon professional judgement, but can be broadly defined as follows:

 Beneficial - the effect would result in an improvement in the baseline situation

 Neutral - the effect would result in there being little or no change in the baseline situation, or a change that is neither negative nor positive

 Adverse - the effect would result in a deterioration of the baseline situation

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Table 5. Criteria for assessing landscape and visual impact.

Magnitude of Negligible Low Medium High effect

Sensitivity

Low Neutral Minor/Neutral Minor Moderate/Minor Medium Minor/Neutral Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate High Minor/Neutral Moderate/Minor Moderate Major/ Moderate Major Very high Minor/Neutral Moderate Major/ Moderate

Table 6. Significance of criteria for landscape and visual impact.

Level of significance Definition

Neutral The proposed scheme would affect no landscape or visual receptors.

Minor/Neutral The proposed scheme is largely appropriate in its context and would have very little effect on its surroundings and affect very few receptors.

Minor The proposed scheme would cause a minimal change in the landscape and would affect very few receptors.

Moderate/Minor The proposed scheme would have a slight change on the landscape and would affect few receptors

Moderate The proposed scheme would have a noticeable effect on the landscape and would affect several receptors, therefore changing the landscape character or the character of a view.

Major/Moderate The proposed scheme would have a very noticeable effect on the Page 11 landscape and would affect several or many receptors, therefore changing the character of a view.

Major The proposed scheme would change the character and appearance of the landscape, either for a long period or permanently. It would affect many receptors and would therefore greatly alter the character of a view.

Not significant Potentially significant Significant

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Setting

3.18 Setting is concerned with the inter-relationship of views and physical elements which define a sense of place. These can be positive features such as local historic landmarks or negative features such as major road corridors and commercial/industrial development. At the larger scale, setting can be the environs of a settlement or distinct character area.

3.19 Changes in local setting may occur due to development. These changes may be brought about by a change in land use, the loss of open land and the introduction of built development and green infrastructure. Changes in urban and landscape pattern may be noticeable from local viewpoints, however, not all changes will significantly alter the setting of a place. Significant changes in local setting normally only occur when there is a significant loss or change in key components in local views or where development introduces new components which are uncharacteristic and discordant.

3.20 The evaluation of the change in setting is informed by changes in landscape/townscape character, combined with the predicted changes in views. There are no set guidelines on how to evaluate the change in setting, it is a matter of professional judgement based on an analysis of predicted changes and the effect of these changes on local identity and sense of sense.

Temporal Scope

3.21 The LVIA considers the effects during demolition, construction and operational phases of the proposed development on landscape/townscape and visual receptors, having regard to the predicted change from the baseline conditions and taking into consideration mitigation factors which may reduce or compensate for any predicted effects. Some effects, for example, during demolition and construction may be short term and temporary while other effects may be long term, permanent and residual.

3.22 Landscape and visual effects will tend to reduce as materials weather and designed elements gradually blend with surroundings. Over time, mitigation may be provided by planting and other designed elements. Maximum screening mitigation will only be achieved when the planting has reached maximum height but substantial screening and effective integration can occur much earlier, depending on the specification of the planting, the nature of the development and the nature of views.

3.23 Visual effects may change throughout the year due to the loss of leaf cover, however, in some situations these changes can be less noticeable, where for instance the development is located within a built up area or where there is sufficient green infrastructure to provide effective winter screening. It should be noted that winter effects may also change the baseline conditions or the perception of the baseline conditions with regard to character and visual amenity.

Assumptions and limitations

3.24 The photographic viewpoints were selected to represent a range of views and viewer types. Where Page 12 applicable, these cover a variety of different character types, are in different directions from the site and are at varying elevations. The viewpoints are located at a range of distances from the development to illustrate the varying magnitude of visual impacts.

3.25 The photographs are used to help assess potential effects on visual receptors. As noted above, the visual assessment is primarily based on observations made in the field. The absence of photographic evidence does not imply that a receptor has not been assessed but may indicate issues with accessibility on private land or that the assessment is based on analysis of other photographs taken in the locality or general observations on site.

3.26 The photographic viewpoints are used as a tool to evaluate potential landscape and visual impacts on local receptors and to illustrate specific landscape features and visual characteristics. They do not represent every potential view or landscape feature in the study area. Some viewpoints illustrate potential effects on one or more local visual receptors. Others provide a general illustration of local views which are then used to inform the assessment on local receptors.

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SECTION 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE CONDITIONS

The study area

4.1 The study area generally covers land within 900m of the application site located around Cod Beck and Sowerby Flatts to the south of Thirsk and west of Sowerby, in the district of Hambleton. It covers part of Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area. See Figure 1 and Figure 3.

Planning context

4.2 The development framework covering the study area is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018) and the local development framework.

4.3 Hambleton District is currently preparing a new local plan which was approved for publication in July 2019. The plan has undergone consultation and representation and is now due to be submitted to the Secretary of State. Adoption of the plan is expected in April 2021. The current local development framework comprises;

 Core Strategy DPD (2007)  Development Plan Document and Policies DPD (2008)  Allocations DPD (2010)  Interim Policy Guidance Notes (2014)  Supplementary Planning Documents

4.4 The following local policies are considered relevant to this application site, the study area and the scope of this report. The planning authority may identify additional policies.

 Core Strategy Policy CP1 Sustainable development Core Strategy Policy CP2 - Access  Core Strategy Policy CP16 Protecting and enhancing natural and man-made assets  Development Policies DP10 Form and character of settlements  Development Policies DP28 Conservation  Development Policies DP30 Protecting the character & appearance of the countryside  Development Policies DP32 General design  Development Policies DP33 Landscaping

Designations

4.5 The application site and study area does not fall within any national or regionally designated Page 13 landscape area.

4.6 Part of the study area, mainly to the west of the Cod Beck, is defined as a Key Open Space in the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area Appraisal Supplementary Planning Document, Adopted 2010. This is a local planning designation concerned with the setting of the Conservation Area. The application site lies outside the Key Open Space- see Figure 3. There is no definition given for the Key Open Space in the Conservation Area Appraisal, but the following descriptions are provided in the report.

 Sowerby Flatts and the fields to the south have two extremely important roles in the Conservation Area, firstly by maintaining the separation between Sowerby and Thirsk and secondly by allowing the two settlements to be viewed from a distance. Although the two settlements join at the northern end of Sowerby the protected open space of The Flatts prevents them coalescing and it is as this setting to the town and village that the main value of this area lies. The views of Thirsk are dominated by the modern developments of the

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swimming pool and residential home accessed from Chapel Street but the historic character of the town peeps through in the form of Villa Place, a short late Victorian terrace facing out across the open fields. These buildings and the contoured foreground form the visual boundary of The Flatts and their form and layout produce a soft edge between the urban area and the green recreational space.

 In the northern part of The Flatts the character is that of an attractive municipal recreation area and the facilities bordering the space reflect this use well. Historically The Flatts area was subject to an Enclosure Act in 1798 but it appears to have remained accessible throughout the centuries until the Thirsk and Sowerby Flatts Preservation Trust was established to administer it in the 1950’s culminating in the purchase of the area by the community in 1959. The current form and use of the area reflects this historic legacy as it is laid out in a series of open spaces serving different purposes, from formally maintained garden spaces and mown grass land nearest to the urban fringe through to areas maintained for wildlife which provide a more natural character to the footpaths. Further to the south the area changes and becomes more enclosed as paddocks and hedges define private property boundaries. This area appears less accessible to the general public forming as it does long gardens and paddocks of the older domestic properties of Sowerby, which stretch across the space towards Cod Beck. . 4.7 The Key Open Space partly follows the eastern boundary of the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area. The application site lies outside the Key Open Space, approximately 300m to the east of the Conservation Area Boundary - see Figure 3. The boundary of the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area was reviewed in the Appraisal of 2010, but it was not considered appropriate to extend the area at any point. The Appraisal study confirmed that the setting of the Conservation Area was well protected.

4.8 There are numerous Listed Buildings located within the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area clustered around Front Street in Sowerby and the Market Place/Kirkgate in Thirsk. The nearest Listed Building to the application site is Blakey Bridge (Grade II) on Blakey Lane, approximately 480m to the south-west.

4.9 The Scheduled Monument at Pudding Pie Hill lies approximately 480m south-west of the Application Site - see Figure 3. The wider setting of the Scheduled Monument includes major highway corridors and large-scale commercial development to the east of the A168. There are no predicted landscape and visual effects which could impact on the landscape setting of the Scheduled Monument. In this instance, setting refers to land which has visibility with the Scheduled Monument and does not refer to the historic setting which might form part of a Heritage Assessment.

Photograph. Landscape setting of Pudding Pie Hill Scheduled Monument.

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4.10 Land around Sowerby Flatts is defined as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation in the Development Plan Document and Policies DPD (2008). See Figure 3. This is a local designation.

Topography

4.11 There are no significant topographical features across the application site. The site gently slopes from the north-east corner to the south and west. There is a maximum fall of 4m east to west, across the northern part of the site. The highest part of the site, on the north-eastern boundary, lies at approximately 37m AOD. The lowest part of the site is on the western boundary, at approximately 33m AOD.

4.12 In the wider area, slopes generally fall in an even gradient towards Cod Beck, rising more steeply on the west side of the watercourse, towards Sowerby. Land becomes more gentle undulating around Blakey Lane.

Vegetation

4.13 OS Ecology Ltd was commissioned on behalf of BP Oil UK Ltd. in October 2019 to undertake a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal of the application site and land east of Sowerby, Thirsk. The Appraisal confirmed there were no statutory ecological designated sites within 2km of the development site and no Natura 2000 sites within 6km. The Appraisal describes the application site as comprising a bungalow with associated outbuildings and gardens, part improved grassland field and part arable field. The arable field is bounded to the north and south by species rich hedgerows. A diverse hedgerow is also present along the northern boundary of the garden. The hedgerow on the southern boundary of the garden is well managed and is more species poor. There are two mature apple trees within the garden. The remainder of the trees on site have been felled. Overall, the site is considered to be of low local value, with areas of species-rich hedgerow of parish value.

Access

4.14 There is no public access across the application site. The nearest footpath is on the west side of York Road, between the A19 roundabout junction and Oakfields cottage. There is also a footpath on the east side of the highway.

4.15 There are numerous public footpaths and informal paths crossing farmland between York Road, Sowerby and Thirsk. See Figure 4. These are predominantly to the west of Cod Beck, but there is a route on the east side of the beck with connecting paths to York Road, just north of the application site and to Moor Lane Stell around the northern fringe of Thirsk.

4.16 Part of National Cycle Route 617 runs along Front Street in Sowerby and through the Market Place at Thirsk.

Historic maps Page 15

4.17 Refence to historic ordnance survey maps from the mid-C19th confirms that all the field enclosures within and adjoining the application site have been altered over the past 160 years. While broadly retaining their historic linear field pattern, many of the enclosures have been enlarged or merged together to form larger enclosures. A number of fields have been severed or reduced in size by highway works undertaken for the A168/A19/York Road junction. Oakfields is first shown on maps from the 1960s. A cricket ground is shown on land to the north of Blakey Lane on maps from the same period. This recreation facility appears to have been removed when the Bankside Close Caravan Park was developed around 20 years ago.

Visual envelope

4.18 The predicted visual envelope shown on Figure 3 covers almost all the farmland between Sowerby, Thirsk, York Road and the A168/A19 corridor, except for a narrow strip of land around Cod Beck, east of Sowerby Flatts. The visual envelope is constrained by built development, highway corridors, topography and belts of vegetation around Cod Beck. The envelope is particularly restricted by the A168/A19 road corridor which limits visibility to the east. The visual envelope does not exceed 900m from the application site.

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4.19 The principal public views across the application site are from York Road, from local public footpaths on farmland between Cod Beck and York Road and from the caravan site on adjoining land.

Landscape character

National level

4.20 The application site and study area lie within National Character Area (NCA) 24, Vale of Mowbray. NCA 24 covers over 60,633 hectares of land. It is described as a farmed landscape with a mix of livestock rearing, some dairying and arable cropping. Tree and woodland cover tends to be in small copses and game coverts with a network of hedgerows with hedgerow trees. The Vale of Mowbray lies immediately to the north of the Vale of York, occupying the undulating flood plains associated with the rivers Swale, Wiske and Cod Beck. It is framed by the uplands of the Pennines to the west and the North York Moors to the east.

4.21 There is no potential for significant direct or indirect landscape and visual effects on this character area due to the scale and nature of the proposed development and the scale and nature of the character area. No further study will be undertaken in this report.

Regional/county level

4.22 At county level, the site and study area fall within the Settled Vale Farmland Landscape Character Type 25 as defined in North Yorkshire and York Landscape Characterisation Project, North Yorkshire County Council (Chris Blandford Associates, 2011). This Landscape Character Type occupies an extensive swathe of land within the central parts of the North Yorkshire study area and encompasses broad valleys associated with the rivers Nidd, Ure and Swale. The Vale comprises flat or gently undulating farmland that has a relatively sparse cover of trees and woodlands.

4.23 There is no potential for significant direct or indirect landscape and visual effects on this character area due to the scale and nature of the proposed development and the scale and nature of the character area. No further study will be undertaken in this report.

Local level

4.24 The application site and study area fall within Area 17 Thirsk Settled Farmland as defined in the Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study, Hambleton District Council (LUC, May 2016). This character area is focused on Thirsk and the surrounding farmed landscape. The key characteristics are described below;

 A gently undulating, open topography, with some areas being particularly flat and open.

 The meandering river course of Cod Beck, weaving a thin ribbon of mature broadleaved trees across the character area. Page 16

 A network of major and local roads converging at the historic market town of Thirsk, at the centre of the character area, with Cod Beck passing directly through the town.

 Intensive arable farmland in a large scale field pattern surrounds Thirsk, with some smaller- scale pasture, particularly associated with Cod Beck and on the edges of Thirsk, and surrounding villages.

4.25 Farmland located in the study area around Cod Beck falls within historic landscape type Enclosed Land - Strip Fields The following descriptions of this landscape character area have been extracted from Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study;

 This character area has a simple topography, open or gently undulating with some areas being particularly flat and open, e.g. the area north-west of Thirsk. Cod Beck passes north to south across the character area, directly through the town, with several other becks and stells feeding in from surrounding farmland.

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 The surrounding farmland is primarily arable, medium or large in scale, but with some smaller areas of pasture associated with the river, and with the more intricate historic field pattern that surrounds Thirsk, and villages in the area. Boundary hedgerows often mark the field pattern with relatively few hedgerow trees, while some boundaries are open. A thin ribbon of mature trees line the course of Cod Beck. Sowerby Flatts is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) at the centre of Thirsk, an area of historic grazing land. There are relatively few woodland pockets in the area, but more so in the north-western part.

Landscape and visual sensitivity to general development

 The sensitivity of the Thirsk Settled Farmland to general development is primarily about the relationship between the town, its historic setting (and older field pattern), and the more intensively farmed landscape forming the wider surroundings.

Key sensitivities within this landscape include:

 the setting of Thirsk and its role as a principal town in the District.

 views across the area from the Hambleton Hills and North York Moors

 visibility of modern vertical features.

4.26 Reference is made in the Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study to a previous character study undertaken by Hambleton District in 1991. The earlier study assessed the district in smaller landscape units to characterise local variations. In the 1991 study, the farmland between York Road and Sowerby is described under LCT 9. Small-scale, remnant field pattern. The Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study describes these small-scale field patterns as among the more sensitive landscapes of the District. The description below of landscape character type LCT 9 has been extracted from the Hambleton Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Study.

 The remnant fields frequently extend in a band either side of minor and secondary roads which form the principal routes between smaller settlements. Associated with these are a range of farm buildings, both traditional and those now converted to residential use, which are present but an inconspicuous element.

 The landscape is small in scale and enclosed, with a simple linear pattern which is well integrated and which frequently forms a distinctive buffer zone between settlements and the wider countryside.

Application site and adjoining land Page 17

4.27 The following description has been informed by baseline studies and fieldwork undertaken for this study.

4.28 The application site covers land occupied by Oakfields residential property and part of two adjacent fields. The site is located on land adjoining the eastern settlement limit, in close proximity to an established industrial estate, accessible off one of the main highway routes into Thirsk and the A19/ York Road roundabout junction. The application site is not located in a designated area.

4.29 The boundaries of the fields adjacent to Oakfields have been previously altered and do not reflect historic strip field enclosures. The fields are intensively farmed. Hedges have local biodiversity value. The fields form part of a wider area of farmland to the east and west of Cod Beck. This farmland contains enclosures which broadly reflect patterns associated with historic strip fields but most have been previously altered and expanded during the C19th and C20th. Many historic hedges have been lost, especially on land to the north of the application site, where farmland is more open in character. Remaining historic field boundaries are often marked by tall, dense hedges and mature vegetation. This vegetation tends to create an enclosed farmland which restricts views across the

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wider landscape and towards the surrounding urban edge. The landscape becomes more open where land rises towards Sowerby (on the west side of Cod Beck), particularly around the recreation area at Sowerby Flats. More extensive views are available from elevated, open land around the eastern edge of Sowerby and Sowerby Flats. Part of the farmland between Sowerby and York Road - mainly to the west of Cod Beck- falls within Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area and an area defined as a Key Open Space. The application site lies 300m east of these designated areas.

4.30 The property at Oakfields comprises a single storey, brick-built dwelling with concrete tile roof. It was most likely constructed in the 1960s. It has no features which are typical of the local vernacular and no features of special architectural importance. Associated outbuildings are of no special quality. Most of the mature trees within the grounds have been previously felled. The boundaries around the property follow historic field boundaries but existing hedges are most likely to have been planted since the property was constructed. The property is detached and has no near residential neighbour. The nearest properties are commercial/industrial properties located on the Thirsk Industrial Park and on the caravan site to the south.

4.31 Land on the application site has very limited visibility with land to the west of Cod Beck. The property at Oakfields is almost entirely screened from any view to the west of Cod Beck and is substantially screened from most public views in the study area except in close proximity from public footpaths on adjoining farmland, from York Road and from the major road corridors to the east.

4.32 Summary description of the Application Site and adjoining land;

Key characteristics; Detached residential property adjoining farmland, part of an area of enclosed agricultural land to the east of Cod Beck between York Road and Sowerby. Urban fringe, adjacent to an industrial estate and caravan site on a principal route into Thirsk.

Function; Farmland/residential.

Value; Detached residential property of no special architectural value. Hedges have local biodiversity value. Some field boundaries form part of historic strip field enclosures but field patterns across the application site have been previously altered.

Character; Enclosed lowland farmland with some historic enclosures on urban fringe bordering Conservation Area.

Views; Principal views towards and across the application site are from York Road, the A19/ York Road roundabout junction and the caravan site to the south. Views from public footpaths on farmland to the east of Cod Beck.

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SECTION 5. POTENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

5.1 The nature and magnitude of landscape and visual impacts will change during the phases of the development, through construction, at completion and after establishment of any landscape proposals i.e. the long-term residual impacts. Some types of development may generate impacts which are severe but short term, for example, during construction, whereas others may have minor residual effects which may be of a permanent nature. In addition, some impacts could be significantly mitigated by landscape and other measures which will be of benefit in the longer term.

5.2 The following aspects of the proposed development are of relevance in the consideration of potential landscape and visual effects;

Demolition Impacts and Effects

5.3 The following potential impacts and effects have been taken into consideration in the landscape and visual assessment described in Tables 7-19. Most of the demolition impacts are relatively short term and temporary.

 Visual effects due to erection of site compound/hoardings and accommodation  Short term closure/ diversion of footpaths  Visual effects due to machinery and site operations  Visual effects due to site compound lighting  Visual effects due to tree removal  Potential disturbance to retained trees and vegetation  Potential disturbance/ loss of field boundaries  Changes in field pattern and field enclosures.

Construction Impacts and Effects

5.4 The following potential impacts and effects have been taken into consideration in the landscape and visual assessment in Tables 7-19.

 Visual effects due to site compound/hoardings and accommodation and site activity  Visual effects due to machinery and site operations  Visual effects due to site compound lighting  Visual effects due to construction of the buildings and infrastructure  Visual effects due to on-site storage of materials  Potential disturbance to retained trees and vegetation  Visual effects due to tree planting and other planting Page 19  Temporary closure/diversion of footpaths  Changes in field pattern and field enclosures  Changes in landscape character due to introduction of buildings, car parking, access roads and associated infrastructure.

Operation Impacts and Effects

5.5 The following potential Operational impacts and effects have been taken into consideration in the landscape and visual assessment in Tables 7-19.

 Visual effects due to traffic generated by the development  Visual effects due to lighting  Permanent change in views due to the introduction of new buildings and infrastructure  Permanent change in landscape character and setting due to the introduction of new buildings and infrastructure

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Residual Impacts and Effects

5.6 The following potential residual impacts and effects have been taken into consideration in the landscape and visual assessment in Tables 7-19.

 Visual effects due to traffic generated by the development  Visual effects due to lighting  Permanent change in views due to the introduction of new buildings and infrastructure  Permanent change in landscape character and setting due to the introduction of new buildings and infrastructure

Mitigation

5.7 The assessment of landscape and visual effects takes account of any design features which could prevent/avoid, reduce or offset and remedy (compensate for) any significant adverse effects.

5.8 The principal design features considered to provide landscape and visual mitigation are the proposed landscape works shown on the illustrative masterplan and planting strategy. The strategy aims to reduce landscape and visual effects by introducing screen planting and native hedging/woodland around the site boundary and HGV parking area. Existing boundary hedges, where retained, will be gapped up and managed to a height of 3.0m metres. New native species hedges will be managed to the same height. Native species will be introduced to enhance biodiversity and habitat value. The landscape proposals are intended to complement and enhance existing landscape features typically found in the study area. The masterplan layout includes the following landscape elements.

 Native woodland - 1,700m2  Native hedge - 500m  Native trees - 129no

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SECTION 6. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON VISUAL AMENITY

6.1 This section considers the potential visual effects and impacts associated with the development. This will inform the assessment of landscape effects.

VISUAL APPRAISAL

6.2 The appraisal of visual effects is based on fieldwork, supplemented by viewpoint analysis recommended in best practice guidance. Viewpoints were selected to represent a range of effects likely to be experienced by local receptors due to the development proposals and to illustrate specific visual effects or features in the landscape. Photography and survey work was undertaken from publicly accessible roads and footpaths except when additional on-site photographs were considered helpful to illustrate specific views, landscape features or visual effects.

6.3 Viewpoints normally fall broadly into three groups;

Representative Viewpoints; those viewpoints within the general area of the site.

Specific viewpoints; key viewpoints that are specific visitor attractions or destinations which are noteworthy as a result of their visual and/or recreational amenity such as those within designated areas or viewpoints with particular cultural associations.

Illustrative viewpoints; chosen to demonstrate a particular effect or specific issues, for example, restricted visibility at certain locations.

Photograph viewpoints

6.4 The location of each viewpoint is shown on Figure 4. All the photographs in this assessment are either representative or illustrative.

6.5 Where required, it is recommended that an independent assessment of this report should be based on an independent site survey. The viewpoints contained in this report can be assessed using the location data provided.

6.6 During photography work, viewpoint locations were recorded using GPS and google aerial view. Photographs were taken at 1.5m above ground level (approximate eye level).

6.7 The visual assessment utilised a number of different visualisation techniques in accordance with the Landscape Institute Technical Guidance Note 06/19 (September 2019) Visual Representation of Page 21 Development Proposals. The methodology for the visualisations and location data is described in the Appendix to this report. The following visualisation types are used in this report.

Type 1. annotated viewpoint photographs; Type 2. 3D wireline / model; Type 4. photomontage /photowire (survey / scale verifiable).

6.8 Baseline photographs for Type 1, 2 and 4 visualisations were taken using a full frame digital SLR camera with a fixed 50m lens to provide the equivalent of a 50mm lens on a traditional SLR camera. In some instances, an alternative 24mm lens was used where this was useful in illustrating detailed features or the wider landscape context. The photographs have been stitched together using Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft ICE software. Where possible, the photographs have been cropped to illustrate specific views, landscape features and landscape/visual context. During the stitching/cropping process none of the photographs were distorted in terms of scaling. Google Street View images are used where viewpoints on a public highway could not be safely accessed.

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Viewpoint locations

6.9 The following 16 viewpoints and visualisation types have been assessed in this report.

Viewpoint location Visualisation type

View 1. Sowerby Road/Sowerby Flats Type 1/Type 2

View 2. Sowerby Flats (public footpath10.137/1/4) Type 1/ Type 2

View 3. Sowerby Flats (public footpath10.137/1/3) Type 1

View 4. East of St Oswalds Hall Type 1

View 5. East of St Oswald’s Church cemetery Type 1

View 6. West of Cod Beck (public footpath10.137/14/3) Type 1/Type 2

View 7. West of Cod Beck (public footpath10.137/1/3) Type 1

View 8. East of Cod Beck (public footpath10.137/3/3) Type 1/Type 2

View 9. North of Blakely Lane (public footpath10.137/4/1) Type 1

View 10. South of Blakey Lane (public footpath10.137/9/1) Type 1

View 11. York Road/ A19 roundabout Type 1/Type 4

View 12. West of York Road (public footpath10.137/2/1) Type 1

View 13. York Road Type 1/Type 2

View 14. West of Brynkelhowe (public footpath10.137/2/1) Type 1

View 15. Sowerby Flats recreation ground Type 1

View 16. A168/A19 slip road Google Street View

6.10 All Type 1 visualisations show winter and summer views to assess seasonal changes in visibility due to leaf drop. Type 2 and Type 4 visualisations illustrate the winter view to represent the ‘worst case’ in terms of visibility. Type 2 and Type 4 visualisations show the development at Year 1 after construction and at Year 10. The Year 10 view illustrates the screening effect of planting. An Page 22 average plant growth rate of 500mm per annum has been illustrated. It assumes no plant growth in Year 1. Hedging is shown at a maximum height of 3.0m. Year 1 illustrates the height of vegetation when planted. The Year 10 view does not represent maximum screening. This would be achieved when planting has reached a maximum growth height which can vary between 10 and 30 years.

6.11 Type 2 wireline illustrations show the outline of buildings and infrastructure in yellow. HGV vehicles are shown as a white outline. Mounded earthworks are indicated in dark green. Planting is illustrated in the winter form in a green outline. Where required, the planting outline has been overlapped to represent the dense planting/screening effect of woodland and hedging. The Type 2 wireframe does not show masking/screening of the development due to foreground vegetation visible in the view. The visual assessment described in Tables 7-15 takes account of existing screening which would mitigate potential visual effects.

Visual receptors

6.12 The following residents, local people and visitors are potential receptors of significant visual effects. Similar receptors with potentially similar impacts are grouped together to avoid repetition. Any receptors located within the predicted visual envelop area, not listed below, are judged not to experience visual effects or have the potential to experience significant visual effects.

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Visual receptor group 1. Residents in properties in Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area.

Visual receptor group 2. Residents in properties at Brynkelhowe.

Visual receptor group 3. Residents/visitors to Bankside Close Caravan Park.

Visual receptor group 4. Workers in commercial/industrial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park.

Visual receptor group 5. Users of public footpaths between Sowerby and Cod Beck.

Visual receptor group 6. Users of public footpaths between Cod Beck and York Road.

Visual receptor group 7. Users of public footpaths south of Blakey Lane.

Visual receptor group 8. Travellers on York Road.

Visual receptor group 9. Travellers on A168/A19.

Visual receptor group 10. Travellers on Blakey Lane.

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Table 7. Visual receptor group 1. Residents in properties in Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 4, 5,15

Existing views

Some properties on the eastern edge of Sowerby and southern edge of Thirsk have views across Sowerby Flats and Cod Beck towards York Road and the distant Hambleton Hills. These views are from elevated positions and predominantly from upper floor windows. Views from gardens and lower windows are generally screened by garden vegetation and garden boundaries.

Where eastward views are available, the tree belt along Cod Beck provides substantial screening to land between the watercourse and York Road, however, there are likely to be glimpsed, partial views of industrial/commercial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park throughout the year and also of overhead powerlines and street lighting along York Road. These features are more clearly visible during the winter months, especially the large-scale buildings associated with the steel fabrication works. These urban features are generally viewed below the tree canopy in the middle distance and to do extend into skyline views or views of the Hambleton Hills. Pylons are often prominent in views.

In summer views, any features on the application site are likely to be totally or substantially screened by vegetation and barely perceptible in the wider view. The property at Oakfields may be visible in winter views but these are likely to be substantially filtered by vegetation. Any features on the application site are likely to be barely perceptible in the wider winter view.

Predicted views

Properties with eastward views towards York Road, Thirsk Industrial Park and the wider landscape are likely to have glimpsed, partial winter views of one or several buildings on the development. Views may consist of part of the petrol station canopy and some elevations of other buildings. Such views would be barely discernible in the wider view and would be not appear incongruous when viewed in the context of other urban/highway features partially visible on Thirsk Industrial Park and York Road. Such glimpsed winter views of the development would diminish as planting mitigation matures and provides substantial/ complete screening. There are likely to be no residual winter views of the development.

There are unlikely to be significant summer views of development on the application site. Any glimpsed views of buildings on the application site are likely to be barely discernible in the view and in any event, would not appear incongruous when viewed in the context of glimpsed views of other urban/highway features on Thirsk Industrial Park and York Road. Any glimpsed summer views of the development would diminish as the proposed planting matures and provides substantial/ complete screening. There are likely to be no residual summer views of the development.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Residents High

Magnitude of change

Negligible

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Residents Minor/Neutral Minor/Neutral Minor/Neutral Minor/Neutral

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Table 8. Visual receptor group 2. Residents in properties at Brynkelhowe.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 14

Existing views

There is a single property at Brynkelhowe which is likely to have filtered views of land on the application site from upper floor, south facing windows. Generally, views from this property would be screened by boundary hedges and intervening vegetation. Where views occur, they are likely to be more extensive in winter. Where south facing views are available, there are likely to be views of industrial/commercial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park, the highway corridor along York Road, overhead powerlines and the A189/A19 road corridor in the middle distance. The Hambleton Hills are likely to be visible in the far distance.

Predicted views

There are likely to be no views of the proposed development from the grounds of this property or lower floor windows. There may be filtered views from south facing upper windows. Such views are likely to be more open in winter. Where views occur, the development would be visible in the middle distance but would not protrude into the visible skyline marked by a belts of high canopy trees along the A189 corridor.

Where visible, the development would be partially screened by proposed planting and views would diminish over time. Tree planting is likely to substantially screen the development in summer views after 10 years with screening increasing until the trees reach maturity. There are likely to be residual, filtered, winter views of the development. Where views of the development occur, it would slightly alter the nature of views across farmland to the west of York Road, but such development would not appear distinctly uncharacteristic within the wider urban/landscape context of Page 25 large-scale industrial development and highway corridors.

Visual receptor Sensitivity

Residents High

Magnitude of change

Negligible

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Residents Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral

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Table 9. Visual receptor group 3. Residents/visitors to Bankside Close Caravan Park.

Visual receptor

P Photographic viewpoints 16

Existing views

There are views across the application site from Bankside Close Caravan Park through gaps in the field hedge which abuts the application site boundary. Views are likely to be more extensive in winter. Thirsk Industrial Park will be visible in these views.

Predicted views

Development would be visible through gaps in the existing field hedge. Views would be more extensive in winter. The existing hedge would provide a high degree of summer screening except through existing gaps which would be planted as part of the scheme proposals. Views would diminish as the existing hedge matures. Additional screening would be provided by new hedging and tree planting on the southern site boundary. Screening would increase as the new planting matures. Additional screening could be provided through the management of existing hedges. The development would be substantially screened in summer views by Year 10 and screening would continue to increase until the planting reaches mature height.

There are likely to be filtered winter views of the development. Where such views occur, the nature of views across existing farmland would change, however, the development would not appear distinctly incongruous when viewed against the wider urban context of large-scale industrial/commercial development and major road corridors.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Residents High

Magnitude of change

Medium

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Residents Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

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Table 10. Visual receptor group 4. Workers in commercial/industrial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 13, S1, S2

Existing views

There are direct and oblique views across the application site from parts of Thirsk Industrial Park bordering York Road. Land on the application site is partly screened by roadside hedging and buildings on the Oakfields plot.

Predicted views

The development would be visible from buildings on the western edge of Thirsk Industrial Park, bordering York Road. Where views occur, the nature of views across farmland would change, however, the development would not appear distinctly incongruous when viewed against the wider urban context of large-scale industrial development and major road corridors.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

People at work Low

Magnitude of change

Medium

Demolition Construction Operation Residual

People at work Minor Minor Minor Minor

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Table 11. Visual receptor group 5. Users of public footpaths between Sowerby and Cod Beck.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,15

Existing views

Some public footpaths on elevated land around Sowerby Flats have views across Cod Beck, towards York Road and the distant Hambleton Hills. Where eastward views are available, the tree belt along Cod Beck is a prominent feature and almost completely screens views of land between the watercourse and York Road. There are glimpsed, partial views of industrial/commercial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park and also of overhead powerlines and street lighting along York Road. The Hambelton Hills are visible in the distance. There are no summer views of land on the application site from any public footpath in this receptor group, however, there are occasional, filtered, winter views of the existing Oakfields property from some elevated locations around Sowerby Flats. Where this occurs, Oakfields is barely perceptible in the wider view. These winter views also feature views of large-scale industrial/commercial property on Thirsk Industrial Park, overhead power lines and street lighting on York Road.

Predicted views

There will be no summer views of the development from any public footpath in this receptor group.

There are likely to be filtered, partial winter views of parts of the development from elevated locations around Sowerby Flats. Such views are likely to be barely perceptible in the wide view and would be viewed in the wider urban context of existing large-scale industrial/commercial buildings on Thirsk Industrial Park. Such glimpsed winter views of the development would diminish as planting mitigation matures and provides substantial/ complete screening. There are likely to be no residual winter views of the development.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Footpath users High/medium

Magnitude of change

Negligible

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Footpath users Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral

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Table 12. Visual receptor group 6. Users of public footpaths between Cod Beck and York Road.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 8,9,12,14

Existing views

There are views towards the application site from public footpaths on farmland between Cod Beck and York Road. The nature of these views changes along the footpath routes, depending on the location, distance from the application site and the presence of intervening hedges. In most views, land on the application site is partially or completely screened by hedges and other vegetation or by buildings at Oakfields. There are occasional, glimpsed open views of part of the application site from public footpath 10.137/3/3, east of Cod Beck.

The nature of views (towards the application site) from these footpaths is predominantly pastoral but urban elements become increasingly visible towards York Road. Large scale industrial buildings form a strong urban edge which impacts on the quality of views towards the road corridor. Urban development is more clearly visible in winter when vegetation screening is reduced.

Intermittent and persistent views of overhead pylons, highway infrastructure and industrial/commercial buildings on York Road are available from public footpaths 10.137/3/3, 10.137/1/1, 10.137/2/1 and 10.137/3/2.

Predicted views

There are likely to be partial views of the development from sections of all public footpaths in this receptor group at Year 1. The development would be partially screened by existing hedges and proposed mounding. The proposed planting would provide minimal screening benefit at Year 1. Buildings, infrastructure, lighting and some high-level signage would be partially visible in views. HGV vehicles would be partially visible from public footpath 10.137/3/3, east of Cod Beck. Where the development is visible it would be viewed against the backdrop and wider context of existing urban development and major highway corridors. There would be a slight perceived shift in the existing urban edge.

Views of the development would diminish as the proposed planting becomes established and matures. Substantial screening would be achieved when proposed boundary hedging attains a height of 3.0m, after approximately 5 years. Additional screening would be provided by the proposed woodland/mounding. The Year 10 visualisation from Viewpoint 8 confirms that all HGV vehicles would be screened, and most parts of the development would be screened, although some framed views would persist. Proposed woodland planting would screen existing views of industrial development on Thirsk Industrial Park.

Generally, views from this receptor group would diminish as the proposed planting provides substantial screening. Existing and proposed boundary hedges, managed to a height of 3.0m, would provide effective screening at close distance. Bands of tree planting around the site boundary would provide additional summer screening which is likely to substantially screen the development. Glimpsed/ filtered/partial views of the development would persist. Glimpsed views of the development would not introduce elements which would appear distinctly discordant or uncharacteristic of existing views. Some views of the development would increase during winter without leaf cover. Page 29

Visual receptor Sensitivity

Footpath users Medium

Magnitude of change

Medium/low

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Footpath users Moderate/minor Moderate/minor Moderate/minor Moderate/minor

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Table 13. Visual receptor group 7. Users of public footpaths south of Blakey Lane.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 10

Existing views

There are several public footpaths on land south of Blakey Lane and around Pudding Pie Hill. There are no summer/winter views of land on the application site from these footpaths due to intervening topography, field trees and overlapping bands of mature hedges. There are no significant views of existing urban development from these footpaths.

Predicted views

There may be glimpsed/partial views of the upper part of buildings/ canopies from a short section of pubic footpath south of Blakely Lane at during construction and at completion. Such views would be substantially screened by intervening vegetation, proposed planting and topography. These views would diminish as the proposed planting matures. All parts of the development are likely to be screened in residual views.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Footpath users High

Magnitude of change

Negligible

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Footpath users Minor/ Neutral Minor/ Neutral Minor/ Neutral Minor/ Neutral

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Table 14. Visual receptor group 8. Travellers on York Road.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 11,12,13, S1, S2

Existing views

Travellers on York Road have close views of the development from a short section of this highway between the A19 roundabout junction and the access road to Thirsk Industrial Park. The application site is partly enclosed by hedges and part open at the A19 roundabout junction. From the roundabout there are glimpsed/ fleeting, open views across farmland to the tree belt along Cod Beck. There are partial/ glimpsed winter views of several properties at Sowerby from this location, but they are not prominent in the view and barely perceptible in the wider context. There are no views of these properties when vegetation is in leaf. The dominant feature in views from this section of road are highway infrastructure and the large scale industrial/commercial properties on Thirsk Industrial Park. The property at Oakfields is visible but not especially prominent in views due to hedge screening and its low elevation.

Predicted views

The development would be clearly visible from the section of York Road described above. Where views occur, some fleeting views across farmland would be lost. The road corridor would become more urban in character around the roundabout junction, but the development would not appear distinctly incongruous when viewed against the wider urban context of large-scale industrial/commercial development and major road corridors. There would be a slight perceived shift in the urban edge.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Travellers on major road Low

Magnitude of change

Medium

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Travellers on major road Minor Minor Minor Minor

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Table 15. Visual receptor group 9. Travellers on A168/A19.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 11, 16

Existing views

There are no summer views of the application site from the of A189 except for fleeting/glimpsed views from the A19 bridge crossing. There may be fleeting/glimpsed filtered views in winter. There are fleeting views towards the application site from the northbound A189/A19 slip road on the lower section, towards the A19/York Road roundabout junction. Where views occur, Bankside Close Caravan Park is visible in the foreground.

Predicted views

There are likely to be fleeting/glimpsed views of the of the development from the A189 (at the A19 bridge crossing) and from a short section of the approaching highway, when screening is diminished during the winter months. There will be fleeting views of the development from the northbound A189/A19 slip road, on the lower section, towards the A19/ York Road roundabout junction. Where views occur, Bankside Close Caravan Park would be visible in the foreground. Industrial/commercial development on Thirsk Industrial Park would be visible in winter views.

The development would be partially screened by existing hedges and proposed hedges/tree planting. The development is likely to be substantially or partially screened in summer residual views when proposed planting has matured and extended above viewing height. Winter views would be more extensive but would be partially filtered by existing and proposed vegetation. There would be no loss of any high-quality scenic view as a result of the development.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Travellers on major road Low

Magnitude of change

Low

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Travellers on major road Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral

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Table 16. Visual receptor group 10. Travellers on Blakey Lane.

Visual receptor

Photographic viewpoints 10

Existing views

There are no views towards the application site from this road except at the bend on the east side of Blakey Lane bridge, however, there are no views of land on the application site from the highway due to intervening topography, field trees and overlapping bands of mature hedges. Fleeting views towards the application site are not the focus of views along this route.

Predicted views

There may be glimpsed/partial views of the upper part of buildings/ canopies from the bend in the road at Blakey Lane bridge. Such views would be substantially screened by intervening vegetation, proposed planting and topography. These views would diminish as the proposed planting matures. All parts of the development are likely to be screened in residual views.

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Visual receptor Sensitivity

Travellers on major road Medium

Magnitude of change

Negligible

Significance Demolition Construction Operation Residual

Travellers on major road Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral

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One Environments Ltd June 2020

SECTION 7. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE RECEPTORS

7.1 This section considers the potential landscape effects and impacts associated with the development. Judgements have been informed by the visual assessment.

LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL

7.2 The proposed development is likely to bring about changes in the landscape due to alterations in land use, landform, landscape pattern, land cover, footpath access and the potential loss of existing landscape features. These changes could potentially affect landscape character and local visual amenity.

Landscape features

7.3 The proposed development would result in the loss of a residential site of approximately 0.4ha and the loss of 2.6 ha of arable land/ grassland. Development would result in the loss of approximately 280m of existing hedge (mainly hawthorn/blackthorn/elder species) and 4 trees, comprising common garden species and a single oak. The loss of vegetation would be mitigated by planting described in the landscape strategy comprising;

 Native woodland - 1,700m2  Native hedge - 500m  Native trees - 129no

7.4 Overall, the proposed planting strategy is likely to mitigate for the loss of hedges and tree cover and result in a net gain in the extent of green infrastructure across the application site. There would be loss of 2.6ha of farmland.

Landscape sensitivity

7.5 The sensitivity of landscape receptors to a development of this scale and nature in this location is shown in the landscape assessment tables. The assessment is based on professional judgement taking account of local landscape character studies and baseline studies undertaken for this report. Sensitivity recognises the inherit qualities and value of each receptor/character area at an International, National, Regional and local level, taking account of the susceptibly to change due to the proposed development and management. Susceptibility means the ability of a character area to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the Page 34 baseline conditions. Sensitivity takes account of the scale and nature of the development, the scale, nature and value of the receptor, landscape/urban features and the existing baseline conditions.

Landscape receptors

7.6 The following landscape receptors have the potential to be affected by the development proposals. For the purpose of this study, landscape character, the site, landscape designations and other potential landscape/urban receptors have been assessed under landscape receptors.

Landscape receptor 1. The Application Site

Landscape receptor 2. Published landscape character areas

Landscape receptor 3. The setting of Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area

7.7 There is no potential for significant landscape and visual effects on National and Regional/County landscape character areas due to the scale and nature of the development proposals, the scale and nature of the landscape character areas and existing baseline conditions.

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One Environments Ltd June 2020

Table 17. Landscape receptor 1. The Application Site

Landscape receptor

Sensitivity of Medium receptor Note; Sensitivity value is cognisant of the historic/local value of the farmland between York Road and Cod Beck but recognises that field enclosures/ land use across the application site has been previously altered. The site does not fall within a designated landscape area and is partly developed for residential use. The site is located adjacent to a major highway junction and industrial development.

Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.27- 4.32

Nature of The development would inevitably bring about changes to the application site through the Impact introduction of built development, access roads, car parking, service areas, lighting, signage, associated infrastructure, ground modelling and landscape works. The development would result in the loss/change in vegetation cover and boundaries.

The development would result in a minor change in field pattern through the loss of the Oakfields residential plot and a reduction in the fields which make up the remainder of the site area, however, the development would be generally well contained within the rectilinear field pattern. Planting around the development site would be in keeping with the enclosed character of farmland between York Road and Cod Beck.

The change in land use would cause a minor reduction in the extent of farmland between York Road and Cod Beck and slightly alter the urban pattern. The development would be visually and physically connected to the A19/ York Road roundabout junction, in close proximity to industrial/commercial development on Thirsk Industrial Park. The streetscape along York Road, would become more urban. Some views from the A19/York Road roundabout would become foreshortened and change in character.

Development would result in the loss of some hedge boundaries. Overall, there would be a net gain in hedging due to new native hedge planting. The development includes 174 native trees and 1743m2 of native woodland. Overall, there will be an increase in green infrastructure and biodiversity across the site.

Demolition

Magnitude High

Significance Moderate

Construction Page 35

Magnitude High

Significance Moderate

Operation /Completion

Magnitude High/medium

Significance Moderate

Residual

Magnitude Medium

Significance Minor

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One Environments Ltd June 2020

Table 18. Landscape receptor 2. Published landscape character areas

Landscape receptor

Character Area 17 Thirsk Settled Farmland Area /type Sensitivity Medium (see note for landscape receptor 1)

Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.20 - 4.32

Nature of The change in land use across the application site would bring about a minor change in the urban Impact edge. There would be no significant change in landscape pattern. The development would be largely constrained by existing field boundaries which maintain the broad rectilinear pattern of the historic strip fields (notwithstanding that most of the enclosures across or abutting the application site have been previously altered and enlarged).

The development would result in the loss of hedging. This would be mitigated by new hedging around the development site undertaken as part of the landscape strategy. Proposed native woodland would enhance local green infrastructure. The woodland would provide screening and maintain enclosure around the site. The proposed woodland planting would also enhance some local views from public footpaths through the screening of existing industrial units.

There would be no direct landscape effects on key features of this character area (within the study area) such as Cod Beck and its margins or Sowerby Flats. There would be the partial loss of two fields which have previously been altered. There would be no direct effect on any intact historic field enclosure. There would be no direct effect on designated areas in the study area. There would be no loss of habitat except for hedging which is of local value. There would be a net residual gain in local habitat due to the proposed native planting.

The development would introduce new built development, infrastructure, signage and lighting on a site located on the eastern approach into Thirsk, off a major highway junction, adjacent to large scale industrial development. The nature of the streetscape around the York Road/A19 roundabout junction would become more urban in character but the introduction of new urban elements would not appear distinctly uncharacteristic in this location.

Demolition

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Construction Page 36

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Operation /Completion

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Residual

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

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One Environments Ltd June 2020

Table 19. Landscape receptor 3. The setting of Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area.

Landscape receptor

Sensitivity of High receptor

Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.5- 4.8

Nature of Impact The development would result in a slight reduction in the extent of farmland and the redevelopment of a single residential plot. The development is not located within the designated Conservation Area or Key Open Space. The development is not located on land which is considered essential for the protection of the Conservation Area (refer to para. 3.5).

The wider landscape setting of Sowerby, viewed from the eastern edge of the village includes glimpsed views of large-scale industrial buildings off York Road, street lighting and overhead power lines. The proposed development is likely to be partially glimpsed from some elevated locations around Sowerby Flats at Year 1 in winter views, but it would be barely perceptible within the wider landscape and not distinctly uncharacteristic of other urban elements visible in views to the east. There would be no summer views of the development from this location and no residual views at any time of year.

The development would be visible from the public footpath along the boundary of the Key Open Space to the east of Cod Beck. Where such views occur, the development would form part of the wider urban/landscape setting of the Conservation Area. Proposed buildings, infrastructure, and landscape works would form part of the wider urban/landscape setting. Parked HGV vehicles would be partially visible. Such views would become increasingly screened as proposed hedges and woodland mature. Substantial screening of the development would be achieved between 5-10 years. From some locations, views of existing industrial buildings on Thirsk Industrial Park would be partially or completely screened by the proposed landscape works. There would be a minor change in the foreground setting of the Conservation Area in some westward views from public footpaths between York Road and Cod Beck but generally, such changes would only be experienced near to York Road which itself is characterised by large scale industrial buildings. There would be no change in key landscape elements along Cod Beck which form the defining features along the edge of the Conservation Area and Key Open Space (designated for the protection of the Conservation Area). Demolition

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Construction Page 37

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Operation /Completion

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

Residual

Magnitude Low

Significance Minor

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One Environments Ltd June 2020

SECTION 8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

8.1 The application site covers land occupied by Oakfields residential property and part of two adjacent fields. The site is located on land adjoining the eastern settlement limit, in close proximity to an established industrial estate, accessible off one of the main highway routes into Thirsk and the A19/ York Road roundabout junction. The application site is not located in a designated area.

8.2 The development would inevitably bring about changes to the application site through the introduction of built development, access roads, car parking, service areas, lighting, signage, associated infrastructure, ground modelling and landscape works. The development would result in the loss/change in vegetation cover and boundaries.

8.3 The development would result in a minor change in field pattern through the loss of the Oakfields residential plot and a reduction in the fields which make up the remainder of the site area, however, the development would be generally well contained within the rectilinear field pattern. Planting around the development site would be in keeping with the enclosed character of farmland between York Road and Cod Beck.

8.4 The change in land use would cause a minor reduction in the extent of farmland between York Road and Cod Beck and slightly alter the urban pattern. The development would be visually and physically connected to the A19/ York Road roundabout junction, in close proximity to industrial/commercial development on Thirsk Industrial Park. The streetscape along York Road, would become more urban. Some views from the A19/York Road roundabout would become foreshortened and change in character.

8.5 Development would result in the loss of some hedge boundaries. Overall, there would be a net gain in hedging due to new native hedge planting. The development includes 129 native trees and 1700m2 of native woodland. Overall, there will be an increase in green infrastructure and biodiversity across the site.

8.6 There is no potential for significant landscape and visual effects on National Character Areas or Local Landscape Character areas due to the scale and nature of the development proposals, the scale and nature of these landscape character areas and the existing baseline conditions.

8.7 Ten visual receptor groups have been identified which have the potential to experience visual effects due to the development proposals. These include people living in properties and travellers on roads and footpaths. The predicted magnitude of change in views from these receptors ranges from no- change to medium, with the highest level of change experienced by residents at Bankside Close caravan site, users of public footpaths between Cod Beck and York Road, travellers on York Road and people at work on Thirsk Industrial Park. Visual impacts are predicted to range from neutral to Page 38 moderate with the highest impact predicted for residents at Bankside Close caravan site. Such impacts are not considered significant.

Land west of York Road, Thirsk Page 38