Appendix D. Landscape and Visual

Smart Motorways Programme M1 13 - 16 Environmental Study Report – Appendix D

Appendix D. Landscape and visual

D.1. Visual effects schedule Table D-1 Visual effects schedule (refer to drawing HA549348-AMAR-ELS-SWI-DR-YE-000039 for viewpoint locations)

Effect: Moderate adverse

3b 24 Looking east from 0m This view shows the M1 in slight cutting. The The introduction of two ERAs and a noise Established mitigation planting between Bugbrooke Rd top of the banks are planted with continuous barrier would cause the removal of existing chainages 36450 and 37100 would overbridge, dense shrubs and occasional trees. The vegetation on top of the banks and would soften the appearance of the motorway Kislingbury. vegetation along the southbound edge of the introduce more infrastructure elements into the infrastructure and would help to screen motorway helps to screen views to and from existing view. It is considered that these views of traffic and proposed signage the M1 towards properties along Miller’s changes would be noticeable and readily from the surrounding areas. The noise Close. apparent to the receptors. barrier would have weathered and be visually screened by the proposed Sensitivity: Low Impact: Moderate adverse vegetation which would provide a similar level of coverage to the existing Effect: Slight adverse vegetation.

Impact: Negligible adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

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4 23 Looking north-east 1300m Open long distance views towards the hills The Proposed Scheme would be viewed from Established mitigation planting would from Kislingbury Rd, beyond the M1. The views are over the distance and within the context of the filter views of traffic on the embankment Bugbrooke. agricultural fields, generally flat, with low existing motorway. The introduction of several between chainages 37200 and 38350 field hedges and occasional trees. The M1, signs and gantries would constitute a minor and would provide the same or a higher Representative view associated infrastructure and traffic are change to the nature of the existing view, level of screening than the existing from Bugbrooke clearly visible in the distance. Towards the already dominated by the road infrastructure. It vegetation does at the moment. settlement. left it is possible to see the large built form of is considered that the proposed elements are Bugbrooke Mills. The A4500 appears in the at such a distance that they would barely be Impact: Negligible beneficial long distance, beyond the M1, going up noticeable or would be in keeping with the Harpole Hill. existing view. Effect: Slight beneficial

Sensitivity: High Impact: Negligible adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

5 22 Looking south-west 175m Close range and well contained views of the Vegetation loss along the highway verge Established mitigation planting would from the Grand M1 near J15a. The view features the Grand would slightly open up views of passing traffic, filter views of traffic on the embankment Union Canal Walk Union Canal, with a listed lock in the left however due to the intervening belt of existing between chainages 33300 and 38350 (PRoW HW17) next foreground, passing under the A43. The M1 vegetation it is considered that the views and would provide a similar level of to Drawbrigde Lock, lays beyond the A43 slightly elevated on an would be filtered glimpses of larger vehicles on screening than the existing vegetation Shelfleys embankment and mostly screened by a wide the M1 and would be barely noticeable. These does at the moment. belt of deciduous trees and shrubs. views would be more filtered in summer with Represents views of the vegetation in leaf. Impact: Negligible adverse public rights of way Sensitivity: High users and users of Impact: Negligible adverse Effect: Slight adverse the Grand Union Canal. Effect: Slight adverse

6 21 Looking north-east 700m Long distance view over agricultural fields Some vegetation clearance would occur Established mitigation planting would from North St near with predominantly low lying vegetation. The adjacent to the M1, on the right hand side of screen or filter most of the views of traffic Castle Farm, M1 and associated infrastructure are visible the long distance view. The Proposed Scheme and proposed signage, and would Rothersthorpe. in the distance to the right of the view. The would not cause any changes to the rest of the provide a better screening than current maintenance depot at Northampton services view due to intervening topography and built vegetation. Representative view and the National Lift Tower are dominant form. This change would be barely noticeable from Rothersthorpe features towards the left hand side of the in this view. Impact: Negligible beneficial settlement and view. conversation area. Impact: Negligible adverse Effect: Slight beneficial Sensitivity: High

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7 20 Looking south-east 0m Elevated view of the motorway corridor The introduction of one ERA, in conjunction Established mitigation planting would from Towcester Rd gently bending to the left and rising towards with the verge widening on the southbound soften the appearance of the motorway overbridge near the horizon, before disappearing in the carriageway, will result in the clearance of infrastructure and would help to screen Milton Crematorium, background. The foreground shows the M1 vegetation on the embankment, potentially views of traffic and proposed signage Milton Malsor. in cutting, with well vegetated embankments. opening up views to and from the residential from nearby residential properties. The dense vegetation of shrubs and trees on properties. It is likely that removal of this Represents views of the southbound bank provides screening to vegetation will make the environmental noise Impact: Negligible adverse users of the M1. a couple of adjacent residential properties. barrier visible to M1 users. A superspan gantry will replace the existing gantry visible in the Effect: Slight adverse Sensitivity: Low middle distance. This structure in conjunction with the verge widening will result in the removal of several large trees in the middle distance. This line of large deciduous trees are an important feature in the view and provide visual screening from Shelfleys to the motorway. It is considered that these changes would be noticeable and readily apparent to the receptors.

Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

8 19 Looking north-east 420m Middle distance open views of the motorway The Proposed Scheme would be viewed in the Established mitigation planting would from Collingtree Rd over arable land. The M1 and passing traffic middle distance and within the context of the screen or filter views of traffic and near a residential are clearly visible due to the flat topography existing motorway. The introduction of new proposed signage, and would provide a property immediately and absence of intervening vegetation. The signs and gantries would be barely noticeable better screening than current vegetation. west of Maple Farm, settlement of Wootton is visible beyond the and would not contrast with the existing view, Milton Malsor. motorway, laying on the gently rolling which is already dominated by the road Impact: Negligible beneficial background hills. infrastructure. Represents views of Effect: Slight beneficial residential properties Sensitivity: High Impact: Negligible adverse along Collingtree Road. Effect: Slight adverse

9 18 Looking south-west 335m In this view the M1 is in deep cutting and The verge widening would give rise to the loss Established mitigation planting would from Watering Ln therefore only the top half of HGV’s and of the thin hedge at the top of the highways soften the appearance of the motorway near the Hilton other large vehicles are visible in the middle bank, opening views to tall passing traffic. infrastructure and would help to screen distance and beyond fields of arable land. In However, the Proposed Scheme doesn’t views of traffic and proposed signage

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Viewpoint Current Key representative Approx. Existing view and sensitivity Magnitude of impact and significance of Magnitude of impact and significance No. from Viewpoint No viewpoint dist. to (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of effect Winter Year 1 of effect Summer Year 15 Scoping (HA549348- description Scheme the Scoping Report HA549348-AMAR-EGN- (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 Report AMAR-ELS- SWI-RP-YE-000100) Scoping Report) of the Scoping Report) SWI-DR-YE- 000039). Northampton hotel, the foreground, to the right hand side, it is propose any new gantries or other signs that from the surrounding areas. The noise Collingtree. possible to see the edge of the allotments would be visible in the view at this location. It barrier would have weathered and be along Watering Lane. A thin hedge defines is likely that the west wing of the Hilton Hotel visually screened by the proposed Represents views of the highway boundary and filters views of (J15) and approximately 10 residential vegetation which would provide a similar residential properties passing traffic. The gentle topography properties along Watering Lane would have or better level of coverage than the along Watering beyond the M1 corridor reveals a skyline of partial views from the upper storeys, of the existing vegetation. Lane, allotment multiple blocks of deciduous and evergreen proposed environmental noise barrier (CH users and guests of woodland. 30100 – 30400) filtered by intervening Impact: Residential properties: the Hilton Hotel at vegetation. Allotment users would have open Negligible beneficial J15. Sensitivity: Residential properties: High views of the Proposed Scheme. Effect: Residential properties: Slight Sensitivity: Allotment users and hotel guests: Since the motorway is in cutting and tall beneficial Moderate passing traffic is already visible, it is considered that the changes would be a Impact: Allotment users and hotel perceptible element in the overall view. guests: Negligible beneficial Effect: Allotment users and hotel guests: Impact: Residential properties: Minor adverse Neutral Effect: Residential properties: Moderate adverse

Impact: Allotment users and hotel guests: Minor adverse Effect: Allotment users and hotel guests: Slight adverse

10 17 Looking south-west 220m The motorway is seen in the middle to close The verge widening would result in the loss of Established mitigation planting would from PRoW LF1 distance, rising to the centre of the view, the majority of vegetation within the highways screen or filter views of traffic on next to Quinton beyond fields of arable land. The highways bank to the left hand side of the view. It is embankment and proposed signage. Screen, Grange bank to the left of the view accommodates likely that limited sections of the hedge in the Park. deciduous trees and understorey vegetation right hand side bank would also be affected. It Impact: Negligible beneficial whilst the banks to the right are planted with would also be possible to see a new gantry Represents views of a dense and continuous hedge. Views of and two new ROTTMS. Effect: Slight beneficial users of the PRoW. passing traffic are possible both through the Since the motorway and passing traffic are line of trees and above the hedge. The view already a dominant feature in the view, it is is contained immediately beyond the considered that the proposals would be motorway by a dense screen of deciduous perceptible but not enough to alter the overall and evergreen woodland. balance of features in the view.

Sensitivity: High Impact: Minor adverse

Effect: Moderate adverse

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Viewpoint Current Key representative Approx. Existing view and sensitivity Magnitude of impact and significance of Magnitude of impact and significance No. from Viewpoint No viewpoint dist. to (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of effect Winter Year 1 of effect Summer Year 15 Scoping (HA549348- description Scheme the Scoping Report HA549348-AMAR-EGN- (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 Report AMAR-ELS- SWI-RP-YE-000100) Scoping Report) of the Scoping Report) SWI-DR-YE- 000039). 11 16 Looking south-east 0m Elevated view of the motorway corridor The Proposed Scheme would cause the loss Established mitigation planting would from a pedestrian gently bending to the left and rising in the of all the vegetation at the top of both banks. It return the view back to its original overbridge and the middle distance before dropping down in the would be possible to see three new gantries, condition. Midshires Way background. The foreground shows the M1 two new ROTTMS and a new ERA, replacing (PRoW KY1) near in slight cutting, with the top of the banks the two gantries in the existing view. Since the Impact: PRoW users: No change Quinton Green, planted with a continuous hedge. Is also motorway and passing traffic are the dominant Effect: PRoW users: Neutral Quinton. possible to see a gantry at close range and feature in the view, it is considered that the another in the distance, just before proposals would be perceptible but not enough Impact: Motorway users: No change Represents views of Courteenhall footbridge. to alter the overall balance of features in the Effect: Motorway users: Neutral users of the view. motorway and the Sensitivity: PRoW users: High Midshires Way. Sensitivity: Motorway users: Low Impact: PRoW users: Minor adverse Effect: PRoW users: Moderate adverse

Impact: Motorway users: Negligible adverse Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse

12 15 Looking south-west 520m Wide and open views over arable land of the The Proposed Scheme would result in the loss Established mitigation planting would from National Cycle motorway corridor sitting on an embankment of the vegetation within the highways screen or filter views of traffic and Route 6 along in the middle distance. Gantries, lighting embankment slopes. A new gantry and proposed signage, and would provide Wootton Rd, south columns and other highway infrastructure ROTTMS sign will replace an existing gantry. better screening than current vegetation. of Quinton Green, are readily noticeable. The motorway banks It is considered that the proposals would be Quinton. are sparsely vegetated and passing traffic is perceptible but not enough to alter the overall Impact: Negligible beneficial clearly visible, composing most of the balance of features in the view. Represents views of skyline. Beyond the motorway it is possible Effect: Slight beneficial users of the National to see multiple large scale wind turbines, Impact: Minor adverse Cycle Route 6. which are a dominating feature in the view. Effect: Moderate adverse Sensitivity: High

13 14 Looking north-east 430m Wide and open view over arable land of the The loss of vegetation in this view would be Established mitigation planting would from PRoW KZ16 motorway corridor in the middle distance. minimal and only limited to the southbound screen or filter views of traffic and near Ashwood Farm, Gantries, lighting columns and other embankment. Two new gantries would be proposed signage, and would provide Hartwell. highway infrastructure are readily noticeable. located against the backdrop of woodland and better screening than current vegetation. The motorway verges are sparsely or non- would replace the existing ones. Two new Represents views of vegetated and passing traffic is clearly ROTTMS would be introduced to the left hand Impact: Minor beneficial users of the PRoW visible. Three large wind turbines adjacent to side of the view. and residents at the motorway are a dominating feature in the It is considered that these changes would form Effect: Slight beneficial Ashwood Farm. view. A large block of woodland sits beyond a barely noticeable feature within the context the motorway, to the right hand side of the of the existing view.

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14 13 Looking north-west 0m Elevated view of the motorway corridor The three gantries in the view would be Established mitigation planting would from National Cycle gently bending and rising to the left, before replaced by a new superspan gantry in the return the view back to its original Route 6 passing disappearing in the background behind middle distance, in the proximity of a new condition. over Forest Rd woodland. The view shows the M1 corridor ERA. Eight new ROTTMS would be introduced Bridge, Salcey well screened and contained by the dense along this section. Due to the verge widening Impact: National Cycle Route 6 users: Forest. evergreen and deciduous woodland of some vegetation loss would occur along both No change Salcey Forest. Lighting columns are a sides of the motorway. At this stage it is Effect: National Cycle Route 6 users: Represents views of dominant feature in the centre of the view. envisaged that the closest line of trees to the Neutral users of the National Other noticeable elements are a gantry in motorway on both sides would be lost. Cycle Route 6 and the right hand side foreground and two other It is considered that the proposals would be Impact: Motorway users: No change the M1. further into the distance. noticeable but would not alter the overall Effect: Motorway users: Neutral balance of features in the view. Sensitivity: NCR 6 users: High Sensitivity: Motorway users: Low Impact: National Cycle Route 6 users: Minor adverse Effect: National Cycle Route 6 users: Moderate adverse

Impact: Motorway users: Minor adverse Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse

15 12 Looking south-east 0m Elevated views of the motorway corridor A new gantry and a ROTTMS sign would be Established mitigation planting would from Forest Rd gently bending to the left, before introduced on the southbound carriageway in replace part of the existing vegetation Bridge carrying the disappearing in the distance. The view the foreground-middle distance, before the lost and would help to soften the Hanslope Circular shows the M1 corridor in slight cutting, well overbridge. The northbound carriageway will appearance of the motorway Ride and the Milton screened and contained by the dense accommodate a new ERA which, in infrastructure. Keynes Boundary deciduous vegetation. In the middle distance conjunction with the verge widening, will cause Walk over the M1. it is possible to see an overbridge. the removal of most of the foreground Impact: PRoW users: Negligible vegetation on the bank. This is likely to open adverse Represents views of Sensitivity: PRoW users: High views towards and from farm buildings just Effect: NCR 6 users: Slight adverse users of the Sensitivity: Motorway users: Low beyond the line of trees. The perception of a recreational routes continuous vegetation screen and containment Impact: Motorway users: Negligible and the M1. of the M1 would be affected however it is adverse considered that this would not alter the overall Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse balance of features in the view.

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Impact: Motorway users: Minor adverse Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse

16 11 Looking north-east 1300m Open long distance views over agricultural Due to the long distance away from the Established mitigation planting would from Eastfield Dr, fields, generally flat, with low field hedges Proposed Scheme, the nature of intervening screen or filter views of traffic and Hanslope. and occasional trees. The M1, associated topography, and vegetation, it is considered proposed signage, and would provide infrastructure and traffic are partially visible that only very small parts of the project would better screening than current vegetation. Representative view in the distance. be discernable. from Hanslope Impact: Negligible beneficial settlement. Sensitivity: High Impact: Negligible adverse Effect: Slight beneficial Effect: Slight adverse

17 10 Looking south-west 100m Close range view, contained by existing A new gantry will be introduced along the Established mitigation planting would from PRoW vegetation and landform, of the M1 corridor southbound verge, near the bridge, which will return the view back to its original Hanslope BW 026 along a track which carries the Midshires require the clearance of some vegetation. condition. and Midshires Way Way. Views of the M1 and passing traffic are However due to the presence of the bridge near Yew Tree limited to the bridge which crosses the track and the vegetation alongside the track, leading Impact: No change Farm,Tathall End. underpass. to the underpass, it is considered that only a very small part of the project would be Effect: Neutral Represents views of Sensitivity: High discernable. users of the Midshires Way Impact: Negligible adverse recreational route. Effect: Slight adverse

18 9 Looking west- 550m Middle distance view of the M1 corridor A new superspan gantry will be visible in the Established mitigation planting would southwest from beyond agricultural fields with hedges and center of the view, approximately aligned with screen or filter views of traffic and PRoW Gayhurst FP occasional trees. Passing traffic, in particular the location of Park Farm. Verge widening and proposed signage, and would provide 008 next to large vehicles, is clearly noticeable over a the introduction of other signs would result in better screening than current vegetation. Longland’s Wood, limited section of the view and against a the removal of most of the vegetation along Gayhurst. backdrop of gently undulating farmland and the M1 verges. The motorway is currently a Impact: Negligible beneficial blocks of woodland. Towards the right hand noticeable feature in the view and the existing Represents views of side, the M1 disappears behind landform, vegetation doesn’t provide effective screening. Effect: Slight beneficial users of the PRoW. whilst towards the left it is screened by Although it is considered that the Proposed Gayhurst Wood. Scheme would be perceptible, the changes would not alter the balance of features that Sensitivity: High comprise the existing view.

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Impact: Negligible adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

19 8 Looking south-west 550m Middle distance view of the M1 corridor A new gantry will be visible approximately in Established mitigation planting would from a track beyond gently undulating agricultural fields the center of the view. Verge widening will screen or filter views of traffic and adjacent to Gayhurst with hedges and occasional small groups of result in the removal of all the vegetation within proposed signage, and would provide House Registered trees. The M1 and passing traffic is seen on the M1 embankment between Hoo Wood and better screening than current vegetation. Park and Garden, an embankment filtered through existing the block of woodland around Dairy Farm. Gayhurst. vegetation, present along most of the side These changes will expose the motorway and Impact: Negligible beneficial slopes of the motorway, with the exception passing traffic. These elements would be Represents views of a section of the left hand side of the view. readily apparent in the view to receptors from Effect: Slight beneficial from Gayhurst The vegetation along the highway banks the Registered Park and Garden as well as House Registered defines the skyline. Towards the right hand users of the recreational route. Park and Garden. side the M1 disappears behind landform with exception of the top of a gantry. Towards the Impact: Moderate adverse left it is screened by the woodland at Hoo Wood. Effect: Large adverse The recreational route Three Shires Way runs along the bottom of the motorway embankment from Hoo Wood, for approximately 500m until it crosses the motorway through an underpass.

Sensitivity: High

21 7 Looking south-east 465m Middle distance and glimpsed views of the It is possible that a new gantry would be visible Established mitigation planting would from PRoW M1 corridor beyond an undulating grazing from this location in conjunction with localized screen or filter most of the views of traffic Haversham/Little field and densely wooded areas. The M1 vegetation clearance at the edge of the and proposed signage, and would Linford FP 012 and and passing traffic are seen through a small motorway. However due to the distance, provide better screening than current the Ouse Valley gap in the intervening vegetation. intervening topography, and vegetation, only a vegetation. Way, Little Linford. very small part of the project would be Sensitivity: High discernable from this view. Impact: Negligible beneficial Represents views of from nearby Impact: Negligible adverse Effect: Slight beneficial residents and users of the Ouse Valley Effect: Slight adverse recreational route.

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Viewpoint Current Key representative Approx. Existing view and sensitivity Magnitude of impact and significance of Magnitude of impact and significance No. from Viewpoint No viewpoint dist. to (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of effect Winter Year 1 of effect Summer Year 15 Scoping (HA549348- description Scheme the Scoping Report HA549348-AMAR-EGN- (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 Report AMAR-ELS- SWI-RP-YE-000100) Scoping Report) of the Scoping Report) SWI-DR-YE- 000039). 22 6 Looking north-west 0m Elevated view of the motorway corridor Two new gantries will replace the existing Established mitigation planting would from Little Linford Ln gently bending to the right in the foreground, ones. The northbound one will be replace most of the vegetation lost and bridge as it passes before disappearing in the distance. The approximately in the same location as the would screen the new noise barrier and over the M1, just view shows the M1 corridor in cutting, well existing whilst the southbound one will move properties beyond the bank. north of Newport screened and contained by the dense closer into the foreground of the view. The Pagnell Services, deciduous vegetation. In the middle distance verge widening will result in the loss of a large Impact: Negligible adverse Little Linford. is possible to see an overbridge and two area of vegetation within the right hand side gantries. bank. This is likely to open up views from the Effect: Slight adverse Represents views of motorway users to the noise barrier at the top from users of the Sensitivity: Low of the bank which screens the residential M1. properties beyond, located along Sorrell Drive and Portfields Farm. The replacement and introduction of a new noise barrier is likely to contribute to the loss of vegetation in this area. It is considered that the Proposed Scheme would result in a noticeable change in the view.

Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

23 5 Looking south-west 120m Close range and glimpsed view, framed by The Proposed Scheme will result in the Established mitigation planting would from Wolverton Rd existing vegetation and residential considerable loss of vegetation within the bank replace most of the vegetation lost and through a dense properties, of the M1 corridor on a bridge on the left hand side of the bridge. It is likely would screen the new noise barrier and residential area, over Wolverton Road. Passing traffic is that this will open up views from a group of other motorway infrastructure elements. Newport Pagnell. partially visible above the bridge parapet. residential properties, particularly the ones located on the right hand side before the Impact: Negligible adverse Represents views of Sensitivity: High bridge, towards passing traffic and/or an from residential environmental noise barrier. It is considered Effect: Slight adverse properties along that the Proposed Scheme would form a Wolverton Road. noticeable feature on the view from these properties.

Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Large adverse

24 4 Looking north-west 0m Elevated view of the motorway. The view A new gantry will replace the existing one in Established mitigation planting would from PRoW Moulsoe shows the M1 corridor in slight cutting along the foreground at approximately the same return the view back to its original FP 014 as it passes the northbound and a deeper cutting along location. The verge widening will result in the condition.

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Impact: PRoW users: Minor adverse Effect: PRoW users: Moderate adverse

Impact: Motorway users: Minor adverse Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse

26 3 Looking north-west 0m Elevated view of the motorway corridor A new superspan gantry will be located in the Established mitigation planting would from Cranfield Rd gently bending to the right in the foreground, foreground. Verge widening along this area will return the view back to its original overbridge, carrying before disappearing in the distance. The necessitate minimal vegetation removal. A condition. National Cycle view shows the M1 corridor coming out of new ERA will be located beyond the Route 51 and Milton the cutting in the foreground. Vegetation superspan gantry on the northbound Impact: PRoW and National Cycle Route Keynes Boundary screening is intermittent and allows for long carriageway and is likely to give rise to some 51 users: No change Walk over the M1 at distance views towards the west. In the vegetation clearance. Three new ROTTMS will Effect: PRoW and National Cycle Route Wavendon. middle distance it is possible to see two be located in the foreground before the 51 users: Neutral gantries. superspan gantry. Represents views of It is considered that these changes would be Impact: Motorway users: No change users of the Sensitivity: PRoW and National Cycle Route noticeable but would not alter the overall Effect: Motorway users: Neutral recreational route, 51 users: High balance of elements that form the view. National Cycle Sensitivity: Motorway users: Low Route 51 and the Impact: PRoW and National Cycle Route M1. 51users: Minor adverse Effect: National Cycle Route 51 users: Moderate adverse

Impact: Motorway users: Minor adverse Effect: Motorway users: Slight adverse

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28 1 Looking west from 250m Middle distance view over agricultural fields Due to the verge widening, all of the Established mitigation planting would Salford Rd near towards the M1 corridor. It is possible to see vegetation along the northbound edge would screen or filter views of traffic and PRoW FP10 at the top of a superspan gantry rising above be removed. This would result in having proposed signage, and would provide Brogborough. the vegetation present along the edge of the uninterrupted views of the motorway and better screening than current vegetation. motorway and to afford glimpsed and filtered passing traffic from this location. It is Represents views of views of passing traffic. considered that this would cause a perceptible Impact: Negligible beneficial users of the PRoW change in the view but wouldn’t alter the and nearby farms. Sensitivity: High overall balance of features that comprise the Effect: Slight beneficial existing view.

Impact: Minor adverse

Effect: Moderate adverse

Due to lack of access to private residential property, the following residential receptors are not represented by viewpoint photographs, but have been assessed based on knowledge gleaned from aerial photography, Google Earth Street View and field work. N/A N/A Newport Pagnell, 100m Middle to close distance view from Due to the verge widening and the installation Open views of the environmental barrier Green Park, approximately five residential properties over of a new gantry sign and noise barrier, part of would remain, although it would have properties along Burgess Park and towards a dense belt of the vegetation along the southbound edge weathered to be slightly less stark. Dulwich Close. tree which screens the M1. would be removed. It is likely that this would Mitigation planting behind the barrier result in having uninterrupted views of the would have established to filter narrow Sensitivity: High motorway noise barrier and passing traffic views of the gantry. from this location. It is considered that this would cause a noticeable feature in the view Impact: Negligible adverse from these properties.

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Effect: Large adverse

N/A N/A Newport Pagnell, 50m Close distance view from approximately 15 Due to the verge widening and the installation Open views of the environmental barrier Green Park, residential properties towards a belt of trees of a new ggantry sign and noise barrier, part of would remain, although it would have properties along which screens the M1. the vegetation along the southbound edge weathered to be slightly less stark. Hornbeam would be removed. It is likely that this would Mitigation planting behind the barrier Sensitivity: High result in having uninterrupted views of the would have established to filter narrow motorway noise barrier and passing traffic views of the gantry. from this location. It is considered that this would cause a noticeable feature in the view Impact: Negligible adverse from these properties. Effect: Slight adverse Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Large adverse

N/A N/A Newport Pagnell, 30m Close distance view from approximately 20 Due to the fact that the M1 is in deep cutting Open views of the environmental barrier Poets Estate, residential properties towards a bund and the reasonable width of the motorway would remain, although it would have properties along accommodating a noise barrier and a belt of bank, it is unlikely that the Proposed Scheme weathered to be slightly less stark. Sorrell Drive trees which screens the M1. would impact on the top of the bund and the Mitigation planting behind the barrier vegetation between the noise barrier and the would have established to restore the Sensitivity: High properties. Therefore it is considered that the current condition. changes would not alter the overall balance of elements in the view. Impact: Negligible adverse

Impact: Negligible adverse Effect: Slight adverse

Effect: Slight adverse

N/A N/A Hartwell, properties 40m Close distance view from the back of Due to the fact that the M1 is in deep cutting, Filtered views of the environmental along Stoneway. approximately 20 residential properties and the reasonable width of the motorway barrier would remain, but the barrier towards a dense belt of trees which screens bank and intervening vegetation, it is unlikely would have weathered to be slightly less the M1. that the Proposed Scheme would alter the stark. Mitigation planting behind the overall balance of elements in the view. The barrier would have established to restore Sensitivity: High new noise barrier would be filtered through the current condition. intervening vegetation. Impact: Negligible adverse Impact: Negligible adverse

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N/A N/A Collingtree, 25m Close distance view from the front of The Proposed Scheme proposes the Open views of the environmental barrier properties along approximately 15 residential properties introduction of two gantries in this area, along would remain, although it would have Collingtree Court (or towards a noise barrier and the canopy of the edge of the southbound carriageway. weathered to be slightly less stark. High Street as it is trees beyond, located within the motorway Since the M1 is in deep cutting and the bank is Mitigation planting behind the barrier also known). bank and providing visual screening to the planted towards the top with large trees, it is would have established to restore the M1. likely that some trees might be affected due to current condition for properties No. 60b impacts on their root system. Replacement of to 82. However, properties no. 71 to 77 Sensitivity: High the noise barrier is likely to cause some would have direct and open views of the vegetation loss too. Due to the small width of new gantry and noise barrier which the tree belt it is likely that the M1 corridor will would not be able to be mitigated due to be visible from the upper floors of the the lack of space to introduce planting residential properties. Therefore it is between the gantry and the noise barrier. considered that this would cause a noticeable feature in the view from these properties. Impact on properties No. 60b to 82: Negligible adverse Impact: Moderate adverse Effect on properties No. 60b to 82: Slight adverse Effect: Large adverse Impact on properties No. 71 to 77 (odd numbers only): Moderate adverse Effect on properties No. 71 to 77 (odd numbers only): Large adverse

A hierarchy of mitigation options has been developed in liaison with the design team and a preferred option will be integrated into the design during DF4 to reduce effects to below significant. One of the following options will be taken forward, and forms a commitment for the design team as part of the OEMP: o 1 - To alter the design in the same location, such as refining the gantry base or a narrow verge design, to accommodate a line of tree planting between the noise barrier and gantry: o 2 - To move the gantry approximately 100m north;

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Smart Motorways Programme M1 13 - 16 Environmental Study Report – Appendix D

Viewpoint Current Key representative Approx. Existing view and sensitivity Magnitude of impact and significance of Magnitude of impact and significance No. from Viewpoint No viewpoint dist. to (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of effect Winter Year 1 of effect Summer Year 15 Scoping (HA549348- description Scheme the Scoping Report HA549348-AMAR-EGN- (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 Report AMAR-ELS- SWI-RP-YE-000100) Scoping Report) of the Scoping Report) SWI-DR-YE- 000039). o 3 - To move the gantry 300m or more north. The latter two options will give rise to knock on changes elsewhere and departures from standard highway design would need to be approved, although at the time of writing it has been confirmed that either Option 2 or 3 can be implemented. The design and landscape teams have had a number of design workshops around the options and are in the process of identifying the preferred solution to reduce the level of these significant visual effects to not significant. There are no engineering constraints to either of these options and a departure from standard will be secured for the preferred option through PSCRG. It can therefore be confirmed for the purposes of assessment that one of the options outlined above will be implemented. During DF4 the landscape architects and design team will collaborate closely to ensure that the design is developed to provide this required mitigation as a requirement of the OEMP. The preferred option will be implemented during DF4 and will successfully reduce the effects on these receptors to levels below the significance threshold of Moderate and therefore will be not significant. N/A N/A Properties along an 10m Close distance view from three residential The Proposed Scheme proposes the Established mitigation planting would unnamed road south properties towards a noise barrier and the introduction of one ROTTM sign in this area, screen or filter views of traffic and of the Counties canopy of trees beyond, located within the along the edge of the southbound proposed signage. Crematorium at motorway bank and providing visual carriageway. Since the M1 is in deep cutting Towcester Road. screening to the M1. and the bank is planted towards the top with Impact: Negligible adverse trees and shrubs, several trees will be affected Sensitivity: High due to impact on their root system. Effect: Slight adverse Introduction of a retaining wall will cause some vegetation loss too. Due to the small width of

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Smart Motorways Programme M1 13 - 16 Environmental Study Report – Appendix D

Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Large adverse

N/A N/A Kislingbury, 30m Close distance view from the back gardens The Proposed Scheme proposes the Open views of the environmental barrier properties along the of approximately 10 residential properties introduction of one ERA and ROTTM sign in would remain, although it would have south-west edge of towards a dense belt of shrubs which this area, along the edge of the southbound weathered to be slightly less stark. Miller’s Close. provides visual screening to the M1. carriageway. However these will be filtered Mitigation planting behind the barrier through existing vegetation which defines the would have established to filter views of Sensitivity: High edge of the property gardens facing southeast. the M1 corridor and soften the noise Since the M1 is in slight cutting and the bank is barrier. planted towards the top with shrubs, the works required for the verge widening, and the Impact: Negligible adverse introduction of a new noise barrier, are likely to cause significant vegetation loss in particular Effect: Slight adverse between ch 37100 and 36900. Due to the small width of the shrub belt it is likely that the M1 corridor will be visible from the upper floors of the residential properties which face southwest and over the noise barrier. Therefore it is considered that this would cause a noticeable feature in the view from these properties.

Impact: Moderate adverse

Effect: Large adverse

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Smart Motorways Programme M1 13 - 16 Environmental Study Report – Appendix D

D.2. Landscape effects schedule Table D-2 Landscape effects schedule (refer to drawing HA549348-AMAR-ELS-SWI-DR-YE-000039 for locations of Landscape Character Areas)

This character area includes the locally designated Special Landscape Area at Glassthorpehill.

Sensitivity: Moderate

2D Ouse The key characteristics of this area are gently sloping valley sides, A large proportion of the motorway soft estate vegetation Mixed native woodland and tree planting is proposed Valley large scale arable fields with low clipped hedges, occasional stone would be lost within this character area and along both within the soft estate in various locations between Northern walls to fields boundaries and limestone in fields, low proportion of sides of the motorway, to allow for the verge widening chainages 15600 and 16150 to integrate the Slopes woodland and hedgerow trees, panoramic views over meandering and introduction of signage. The banks of the motorway motorway infrastructure within the wider landscape. valley, general absence of visual detractors and limited impact would be re-profiled due to the verge widening, however, Once established, this would offer a similar level of from built urban development, historic parklands, limestone these earthworks are unlikely to cause any changes to screening and integration as provided by the existing villages, historic associations with William Cowper and John the landscape character apart from the loss of soft estate. Newton and heavily wooded skyline of Yardley Ridge to the north. vegetation. It is considered that the aforementioned changes would cause slight damage to the existing Impact: Negligible adverse This character area includes the Ouse Valley locally designated features and elements of this area. Area of Attractive Landscape and the Registered Park and Garden Effect: Slight adverse of Gayhurst House. Impact: Minor adverse

Sensitivity: High Effect: Moderate adverse

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LCA Landscape Existing characteristics and sensitivity Magnitude of impact and significance of effect Magnitude of impact and significance of effect No. Character (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the Scoping Report Winter Year 1 Summer Year 15 Area HA549348-AMAR-EGN-SWI-RP-YE-000100) (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the Scoping (refer to criteria provided in section 4.3.4 of the Report) Scoping Report) 2B Ouse The western section of the Ouse Valley skirts the northern edge of A proportion of the motorway soft estate vegetation Mixed native woodland and tree planting is proposed Valley Milton Keynes and the settlements of Stoney Stratford, Wolverton would be lost within this character area and along both within the soft estate in various locations between Urban and Newport Pagnell. This length of the valley has been sides of the motorway, to allow for the verge widening chainages 14200 and 15600 to integrate the Fringe significantly affected by extensive mineral extraction carried out in and introduction of signage. The banks of the motorway motorway infrastructure within the wider landscape. the building of Milton Keynes. However a new landscape is now would be re-profiled due to the verge widening, however, Once established, this would offer a similar level of emerging including lakes and important wildlife and recreational these earthworks are unlikely to cause any changes to screening and integration as provided by the existing after uses. The key characteristics of this area are a meandering the landscape character apart from the loss of soft estate. river in flood plain corridor with riparian vegetation, extensive vegetation. It is considered that the aforementioned restored mineral sites including lakes and semi natural vegetation, changes would cause slight damage to the existing Impact: Negligible adverse considerable recreational use including linear park, areas of features and elements of this area. pasture both on slopes and flood plain, associated areas of higher Effect: Slight adverse ground overlooking valley, isolated settlement but urban areas Impact: Minor adverse prominent in close proximity and historic and industrial archaeological features of interest. Effect: Moderate adverse

This character area includes the Ouse Valley locally designated Area of Attractive Landscape.

Sensitivity: High

5C Salford, The area is partly within the Forest of Marston Vale. Its key A proportion of the motorway soft estate vegetation Mixed native woodland and tree planting is proposed Aspley characteristics are large to medium scale, gently undulating would be lost within this character area and along both within the soft estate in various locations between Clay Vale landscape defined by the underlying Oxford Clay geology and sides of the motorway, to allow for the verge widening chainages 600 and 7300 to integrate the motorway relatively flat topography. Intermittent views provided across the and introduction of signage. The banks of the motorway infrastructure within the wider landscape. Once vale to the prominent landscapes of the Greensand Ridge plus would be re-profiled due to the verge widening, however, established, this would offer a similar level of views to the elevated clay plateau landscape to the north. Land these earthworks are unlikely to cause any changes to screening and integration as provided by the existing use predominantly defined by intensive arable cropping contained the landscape character apart from the loss of soft estate. within large arable fields, although pockets of ridge furrow survive vegetation. It is considered that the aforementioned in small areas of pasture. Tributary streams and drainage changes would cause slight damage to the existing Impact: Negligible adverse channels (aligning Salford Road) associated with the River Great features and elements of this area. Ouse, cut through the landscape. The prominent, embanked M1 Effect: Slight adverse with conspicuous junction 13 with the A421 dual carriageway cuts Impact: Minor adverse east-west and dissects the landscape, having a dominant visual and audible presence together with the A421 and A507. The Effect: Slight adverse loosely clustered settlement of Salford and small hamlet of Hulcote. Settlement character is consistent and has some relationship with the vernacular style of the Wooded Greensand Ridge. Individual farmsteads and associated agricultural buildings are scattered throughout the landscape. Development surrounding J13 of the M1 including large scale building units exert a large scale and industrial influence in the south east of the area. Prominent views from the vale to Cranfield University and Technology Park located on an elevated area of plateau in the adjacent Clay Farmland landscape type. Some small remnant

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Smart Motorways Programme M1 13 - 16 Environmental Study Report – Appendix D

Sensitivity: Moderate

HA549348-AMAR-EGN-SWI-RP-YE-000203