Proposed Residential Development, Land Between Northop Road / Church Road, Northop, Flintshire

Proposed Residential Development, Land between Northop Road / Church Road, Northop, Flintshire.

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Prepared by PGLA Landscape Architects

For Swn Dwr (Northop) Limited and Anwyl Construction Ltd.

Final Report

JUNE 2016 M1 2JW Manchester Ducie Street [email protected] www. pgla.co.uk www. 229 Ducie House Tel: 0161 238 9138 Tel: Quality Checked Document: NOR1507_LVA01 Document: NOR1507_LVA01 ReportRevision - Final by: and drawn PGG/MI/KJWritten by:Reviewed PGG June 2016 Date:

Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

Page 2 CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION Page 4

02 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND POLICY DESIGNATIONS Page 4

04 EXISTING SITE AND PROPOSALS Page 10

05 LANDSCAPE STRATEGY AND MITIGATION Page 14

06 POTENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS Page 15

07 CONCLUSIONS Page 20 Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 3 The northThe sandy by parts defined eastern are area character of the of lowland with areas beaches at Talacre, and sand dunes/marsh further behind the sea wall farmland the south towards to pastoral Quay. Connah’s the former strategic indicate sites and historic of cultural A variety importance and the turbulent history route of the of the coastal parklands medieval Late Dyke. Dyke/Wat’s including Offa’s marchlands, further are sites features. historic and ecclesiastical/funerary partssouthern and central the in is apparent character settled strongly A settlements almost linked large, with the relatively area, of the character Quay-Mold-Wrexham-Ruabon. of Holywell- Connah’s settlements at is evident in the line of coalesced An industrial character line to both associated with the railway Quay and Holywell, Connah’s plants. generation power scale mining and large Holyhead, compact settlement is otherwise villages to By confined contrast, or coalesced farmsteads, and isolated with landed estates associated the which are upon commons, and encroachment ribbon developments legacy industries. and lead mining of the former coal to the floor the estuary and across open views across and valley Wide, contained with the more contrast views at Talacre and seascape Wirral, the of settlement to pattern coalesced the largely by created character south. side of the Estuary of the western of much industrial character The Point-offrom – Air Queensferry to of prominent a number has created historic dwarflandmark industrial buildings which the small scale castle. and its shoreline Flint e.g. of settlement, pattern Historic and cultural landscape elements bear witness to the turbulent elements bear witness to landscape and cultural Historic strategic with early medieval history and the marchlands, of the borders both Dyke Wat’s and Dyke earthworks and boundaries such as Offa’s area. within the character apparent period illustrate Scheduled the medieval Ancient from Monuments religious/ e.g. area, the character within of settlement continuity the notably the abbey at Holywell and a and funerary sites, ecclesiastical is reinforced established settled character at Spon. This chapel and well importance the strategic of demonstrating at Flint, the castle by 19th century Later linear and with Ireland. route trading the coastal and Connah’s Flint Holywell, e.g. settlement and urban sprawl, nucleated this pattern. reflects Quay, of parks and gardens of parklandA number and registered estates villages are with small (estate) sometimes associated interest, historic Rosehill, Erddig, Talacre, including area character the within evident HolywellMostyn is important Hall and Soughton Hall. as an 18th Century forms the and which Pennant Thomas by stylepicturesque landscape The Century18th mid the of setting name. same the of buildings listed the in evident is parkland of landscape estate planned and influence • • • • • • • • • • The historic and cultural landscape character is described and cultural as: historic The 2.5.

Assessment. LANDMAP Flintshire Unitary September 2000-2015, adopted Plan, Development Flintshire 2011. - RWE. Wales for Landscape character areas Wales). (Natural Wales for Countryside Council A bedrock geology composed primarily of coal measures interspersed interspersed measures of coal primarily A bedrock geology composed Holywell grit, of millstone Shales and Cefn-y-Fedw with outcrops sandstones. overlay drift Depositsterrace till and glaciofluvial and river of glacial this bedrock geology in partsto localised floor , giving rise of the valley gentle landform variation. deep red with seasonally wet area, Soils the character vary throughout sandy and deep sandstone overlaying loams and clays evident in areas measures. loams evident on the coal drained well elements including sheep and cattle Soils support of landcover a range of farm areas to addition in farmland arable some and pasture grazed cover. woodland to to the way floorvalley Dee Estuary landform adjacent give flat A broad further Caergwrle. undulating topography the south, around a more to Dee The area. opens the character traverses the Dee, river, A single large estuary a broad out into with tidal sand flats. the Alun and Eitha, e.g. dissect the landscape of minor rivers A number streams. and associated • • • • • • • • • • • The following documents have been reviewed as part reviewed been of our desktop have documents following The the assessment: for in setting the context which assists study, Wales divides into 48 regional scale landscape character areas. Each has Each characterscale landscape areas. 48 regional into divides Wales its geological, to and is describeda distinctive according sense of place characteristics. and perceptual cultural historic, habitats, Wrexham. 13: Deeside and falls with the Character Area site The the north to valley eastern forms a long and broad Deeside and Wrexham of the Alun the confluence containing area with the character edge of Wales, Dee the broad and opening into estuary the north to and Dee Valleys east, Coast. Norththe on Wales beachesthe as Talacre, of extendingand far as impart Mold and Wrexham a settled and often industrial Quay, Connah’s parts A area. and lower character the of the central of much to character partsmall part extends the westernmost into of the Clwydian AONB Range of the area. are: Key characteristics of the area LANDSCAPE CHARACTER LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. PGLA have been commissioned by Swn Dwr Swn (Northop) by commissioned been and Limited PGLA have that Appraisal Visual a Landscape and provide to Construction Ltd. Anwyl development residential a proposed that effects the potential analyses on the Northop land between have at may Road, Road and Church the consider will study This amenity. visual and landscape surrounding to a charactereffects on the landscape regard and visual amenity in 91 dwellings. up to for Outline Application Northop on land between is located site Road on RoadThe and Church triangular The edge of the village of Northop. settlement the eastern Northop the west, roads; to three Road(A5119) by land is bound shaped the South. Road to the East and Church to (A55) Expressway Wales North 7km the east and Mold is 5km to away is approximately Quay Connors is 8km away. and Flint a field across travels but a public footpath ownership is in private site The alongside properties Roadin the southern of the site corner on Church the location 1 for See Figure and unused. is overgrown the path however 5.5. hectares . is approximately site The Footpath. of the Public condition of value, landscape in terms the existing study appraises This settlement with the adjacent of the site the relationship and considers proposed the where Itof Northop. from the locations also identifies the sensitivity be visible; considers of the is likely to development of effects and the likely significance landscape and visual receptors landscape and on the have may the impactthat of the development measures appropriate any also identifies document This visual amenity. development by the effects caused adverse identified any mitigate to process. during the design this study is akin that for to adopted methodology and approach The ImpactVisual Landscape and detailed studies such as for used in more the Impact therefore Assessments, Environmental and Assessments has been receptors of key visual baseline study and identification with best practice in the put forward in accordance progressed Edition, Third Impact Visual Assessments, Landscape and Guidelines for a more See A for Appendix the Landscape Institute. 2013 published by of the Methodology undertakendetailed account this Appraisal. for visiting the site prior to exercise PGLA has carried out a desk research the potential to identify in the field and conducted a visual assessment on the character of the have may development the proposed effects that landscape and visual amenity. existing textby aided following laid out in the are exercise findings of this The Section panoramas. 2 considers photographic plans and diagrams, an within and provides is located the site the landscape character that is used as a information This policies. overview of landscape related effects. the potential measure baseline and benchmark to

INTRODUCTION Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

1. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. 1.7.

Page 4 KEY

A548 Site Boundary

Northop Road Settlements

Vehicular Routes Wales Coast Path Flint Mountain A Road

B Road F70 N55A

Wat’s Dyke Way Roads

F64 F62 F59 Connah’s Quay Public Rights of Way N55 N8 Public Footpath A55

N6 National Trail

N5 Bridleway

N9 N10 FP unnamed Other Public Access 1 F70 Northop N Rhosesmor Permissive Bridleway 2 N

N2 N4 Public Rights of Way Names

FP Footpath N18 N7 N Northop N18A Northop Hall CQ Connors Quay

N34 A519 Wat’s Dyke Way

N72 N19

N19 N37

N73 N71

N21

0m 500m 1km Soughton

Figure 1 - Site Location with Access and Circulation Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 5 The old Free

Grammar School Grammar CHURCH ROAD CHURCH and Court House The former Police The former Northop Cricket Club

The Boot B5126 The former smithy The former Plymouth House Post Office) Site of former Site of former Calvinistic Methodist Chapel (now Northop The Church of St of The Church Eurgain & St Peter Eurgain & The Red Lion

Edith Bankes

The former The former Feathers Inn A5119 ROAD NORTHOP Memorial Institute Memorial Farm

Parkgate The Boot

EDWYN FFORDD

HIGH STREET HIGH BRIDGE ST Chapel Former

The former butcher’s shop butcher’s The former

FFORDD OWEN ST PETERS PARK PETERS ST Methodist The former Star Vaults Star The former - Extract from Discover Northop 2 - Extract Discover Brochure from Figure Plymouth House, which dates from Plymouth House, was later a coaching inn 1673, Yacht. The known as United Church Reformed Reformed Church Congregational Site of the former Site of the former School Northop National Church of St Eurgain and St Peter – Grade I listed I listed – Grade Peter and St Eurgain St of Church and Eurgain of St Church to Wall and Boundary Gates Piers, Entrance II listed – Grade Peter St School II* listed Grammar – Grade II listed Lislea House – Grade North to II listed of Lislea House – Grade Wall Boundary II listed House – Grade Lislea at Stables Former II listed – Grade Station Old Police Old Court II listed House – Grade

• • • • • • • • THE GREEN THE

Historic buildings of Northop Historic buildings FFORDD GLYNDWR The listed buildings that are within close proximity to the site are: and are: the site to proximity within close are buildings that listed The buildings: of the the location 2 shows Figure Swan Inn The former The former 2.15. Owen Jones The Edith Bankes Institute Memorial which supported local widows and and their provided children, education for the in Youngsters receipt of this young. funding were The charity still exists today ‘Bluecoats’. known as providing help for local pensioners and giving a small grant to the village school. Many of the wealthy landowners have played an important part in most village notably life, the Bankes family who Soughton owned Hall from the Boundary type : Hedge With Trees BoundaryWith type : Hedge enclosed Small scale, parkland landscape Wooded be conserved should that Key qualities : and hedges trees Woodland, should be conserved: that Key elements Safeguard the surrounding countryside or undeveloped coastline coastline countryside the surrounding or undeveloped Safeguard furtherfrom encroachment; one into merging or villages from neighbouring towns Prevent another; towns; special character the of historic Preserve in urban regeneration; Assist be which would junctions development major road from Protect of a junction the appearance and compromise visually intrusive setting. within its rural • • • • • • • • • orthop has been fortunate to have several generous benefactors over the centuries. a dual carriageway a dual carriageway the A55 Corridor to adjacent is located site The deciduous and mixed The England. to coast Wales links the Norththat boundary site along the eastern the visual plantation mitigate helps to from within is still visible traffic although impact in places of the road the of some stretches along is a lack of vegetation there where the site boundary. Barrier Green as Northopdesignated in site area an within The located is Mountain - Northop(Flint 4. GEN4(6)). See figure Barriers GEN4 Green settlements and around between been identified barriers have Green to: intended are They the north to area and in the coastal of the County. Importance of International WB2 Sites it that unless it is demonstrated permitted will not be Development anyNatura or Ramsar Site effect on adverse a significant will not have or SACs); candidate SACs, SPAs, potential (including SPAs, 2000 site not it will that assessment, appropriate following it is demonstrated, 2000 site. Ramsar or Natura of any the integrity affect adversely WB3 Statutory Importance of National Sites will be a There (SSSI) will be protected. of Special Scientific Sites Interest either within or in the vicinity of a site against development presumption conservationnature effect on the adverse a significant have which would of the site. interest within the site buildings or scheduled monuments no listed are There Road and buildings on Church listed several are there boundary however of the site. within close proximity N Wealthy benefactors Wealthy mid 18th They century funded until the the building late 20th century. of the School National and John Eldon Bankes built the Edith Bankes Memorial Institute in memory of following his her wife, death in 1931. In the late 16th century, In Owen the Jones late was 16th century, reputedly found as a baby wrapped in a blanket and tied to the bell The rope in Northop church. church paid for his adoption from parish funds. He prospered and became a successful Chester butcher but never forgot the kindness of Northop. In he his leftwill, a considerable sum to help the including establishing the Owen poor, Jones Charity LANDSCAPE RELATED DESIGNATIONS LANDSCAPE RELATED DESIGNATION HISTORIC 2.9. 2.10. 2.11. 2.12. 2.13. 2.14. “I was a Blue Coat pupil, receiving £3 a year from the qualify To Owen Jones fund. we had to sing in the church attend Sunday School choir, and get a good school report.” Keith Brown medieval period, with Buckley (Buck-Ley) alluding to former medieval former medieval alluding to Buckley with (Buck-Ley) period, medieval deer pasture. often of settlement is irregular areas outside of the pattern field The a incorporating although Enclosure, postand is that of early medieval earthworks.19th as and elements such the 18th In of medieval number tracts extensive the and canalised Deethe of was course the centuries but subsequently for agriculture, side reclaimed of saltmarsh on either heavy to in the 20th century. industry over given much and commerce A broad valley landscape which is often of small scale due to agricultural agricultural to due oftenis scale small which of landscape valley broad A as field elements such of landscape and the interplay Enclosure farm blocks and mixed of deciduous boundary and oak trees, hedgerows such as settlements edges of the larger and the oftenwoodland wooded Mold and Wrexham. these landscape by mosaic is created landscape and textured A varied of arable areas with contrasting pasture grazing with elements, marsh, dune and flats. coastal cultivation, of merging near the by reduced often is greatly tranquility Perceived Mold and Wrexham, Ruabon, settlements around nucleated the large such as the transport associated Quay and by infrastructure Connah’s factory such as the aircraft A55 and A483 and some industrial elements of this part hub formerly the industrial was Wrexham at Broughton. settlements, with adjacent coalesced largely has now and of Wales of Mold. County Town including the historic and big skies of simple elements is landscape a tranquil However of the Irish Sea shoreline with the dunes and and the evident at Talacre, and in the scale variation and perceptual Movement marshland behind. tidal activity by at the mouth provided are qualityvisual the landscape of and associated Peninsula of the Dee Estuary distantly visible Wirral . The on the night time impact perceptibly and Heswall settlements of Hoylake and skyline the east. to landscape fields from pastoral the network of irregular for views across potential The SeaIrish the with viewpoints, Dee and Estuary elevated forming more tranquility. of perceived instances localised enhances the backdrop, Area is evaluated as Moderate is evaluated Area sloping moderately and narrow - Parkland and Valley Wooded parkland with associated valleys small river wooded sinuous lowland farmland & pastoral Rolling/Undulating Topography: • • • • • • • • • The visual and perceptual landscape character of the area is describedis as: characterarea landscape the of perceptual and visual The Within each area, different parts have their own local identity as well. well. own local identity parts as their have different each area, Within system information landscape LANDMAP the in recorded is detail Local (CCW). as Urban in Northop identified and within site The within an area is located FLNTVS011. Valleys, and Sensory Visual : Mosaic Aspect Lowland Area 3. See figure Wales). for - Countryside Council (LANDMAP Valleys: Key Characteristics of Mosaic Lowland

Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

2.6. 2.8. 2.7. LOCAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER LOCAL

Page 6 KEY

Site Boundary

Village/Urban

Visual and Sensory Classification

Mosaic Lowland Valleys (FLNTVS011)

Hillside & Scarp Slopes Grazing (FLNTVS005)

Mosaic Rolling Lowland (FLNTVS014)

River Dee (FLNTVS083)

Flat Open Lowland Farmland (FLNTVS017)

Lowland Wetland (FLNTVS018)

Road Corridor (FLNTVS084)

0m 500m 1km

Figure 3 - Landscape Character Map Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 7 CONNAH'S QUAY PONDS QUAY CONNAH'S AND WOODLAND [SSSI] Site Boundary [SSSI] Site of Specific Scientific Interest Importance) (WB3 Statutory Sites of National Area of Conservation Special (WB2 Sites of International Importance) Area [SPA] Special Potection (WB2 Sites of International Importance) RAMSAR Site (WB2 Sites of International Importance) Green Barrier (GEN4) Church of St Eurgain and St Peter

KEY References - Flintshire County Council Unitary Development Adopted 28th September 2011 Plan 2000-2015, - MAGIC Map (www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap) ] ], [SSSI], UCKLEY AC B SAC [ [S AND

SITES

Connah’s Quay STUARY EESIDE EWT E D N EE Northop Hall D [SPA], [RAMSAR] [SPA],

N SITES

EWT N UCKLEY B N AND

Figure 4 - Landscape Designations Figure ] EESIDE SAC MAES Y GRUG [SSSI] MAES D [ N N Northop Flint Mountain Flint Soughton N ] SAC [ OUNTAIN 1km M ALKYN HALKYN COMMON AND COMMON HALKYN GRASSLANDS [SSSI] HOLYWELL H 500m Rhosesmor Reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data Survey Ordnance Reproduced from reserved. 2016. All rights copyright © Crown 0100031673 Licence number Scale 1:25,000 Scale HALKYN COMMON AND COMMON HALKYN GRASSLANDS [SSSI] HOLYWELL 0m North

Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

Page 8 KEY

Site Boundary

300m AOD

275m AOD

250m AOD

225m AOD

200m AOD

175m AOD

150m AOD

125m AOD

100m AOD

75m AOD

50m AOD

25m AOD

0m AOD

0m 500m 1km

Figure 5 - Topography Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 9 1 A AR AR A R RAN

- Onsite Viewpoint locations NTS locations Viewpoint 6 - Onsite Figure

3 2

A V R V

R RA

5 8

NRP RA RAN AN PR R f a mix of o detached, semi detached and mews units which will be set back from the back from be set which will units and mews semi detached detached, layout. site for proposed 15 Figure See behind a landscape buffer. will be that Section the landscape strategy detail 4 describes in more is based on the LVIA for assessment The applied as part of the proposals. described in the Strategy. the quality of the treatments The site is approximately 5.5 ha and comprises a triangular shaped parcel a triangular 5.5 ha and comprises shaped parcel is approximately site The Northop Road the A55 towards and south from of land sloping gently Road. Church is There Northop part the western bounds Road (A5199) site. of the planting and dense the perimeter along timber fencing currently less become vegetation The norththe part western towards site. the of portion south western The of the site dense further Northop down Road. the cricket cemetery. club and to is adjacent majorityThe of the southern boundary of gardens runs along the rear Water Waste the to Access properties Road. residential along Church access The Road. on Church a point taken from is also Works Treatment the towards site the through runs currently works treatment the to road boundary site the outside sits which perimeter. works western the along boundary runs along the eastern (A55) of Expressway Wales NorthThe and trees. hedgerows mature band of of a dense it comprises the site, works treatment water waste the around vegetation the in gaps with the from accessed be can site The road. the crosses brook the where and A5119 Northop Road. Church Road and from 6 and Figure land. grazing used for majorityThe is currently of the site site. on the features site existing the illustrate photos onsite the following in the northernNorthop the site transcends Brook quarter of the site. the wider countryside and the from site the into views In general, built form the current of Northop due to settlement limited generally are within and vegetation trees within Northop of mature presence and the in the appropriate been assessed where have views The the landscape. in Section 5. of this LVIA Amenity chapter Visual for housing layout a residential introduce proposals development The on Northoppoint via an access will be accessed that 91 dwellings up to houses four the proposed Road for on Church point Road and an access Road. Church onto face that and distinctive landscape set within a strong are proposals The high, and comprise framework. properties storeys All two are

EXISTING SITE AND PROPOSALS AND SITE EXISTING Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

3. 3.9. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 3.6. 3.7. 3.8. 3.1.

Page 10 8

NRP RA

7 6 5

A AR 4 RAN R

NRP RA

RAN AN 2 PR R 1

R RA A AR RAN R

Figure 7: Onsite View 1 looking west

NRP RA

RAN AN 2 PR R

R RA A AR RAN R

Figure 8: Onsite view 2 looking northwest from a field gate on the southern boundary

ST EURGAIN AND ST PETER’S CHURCH

RAN AN PR R

R RA A

NRP RA Figure 9: Onsite view 3 looking southwest towards the rear of properties on Church Road

ST EURGAIN AND ST PETER’S CHURCH

A AR 4 RAN R

Figure 10: Onsite view 4 looking southwest towards the Church of St Eurgain and St Peter’s Church and the rear of properties on Church Road Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 11 RAN AN V R PR R

R RA

ST EURGAIN AND ST ST AND EURGAIN ST CHURCH PETER’S 1 A AR AR A R RAN

A AR AR A R RAN 4

A AR AR A R RAN

3 2

A AR AR A R RAN V R V

A R RA

ST EURGAIN AND ST ST AND EURGAIN ST CHURCH PETER’S

V R V 7

R RA

V R V 6 Onsite view 6 looking 12: Onsite southwest Figure Onsite view 8 looking 14: Onsite southeast Figure : Onsite view 7 looking 13: Onsite west Figure Onsite view 5 looking south towards the Cricket the Club view 5 looking 11: Onsite south towards Figure

R RA

V R V 5

R RA

7 8

NRP RA RAN AN PR R

NRP RA RAN AN PR R Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

NRP RA Page

PR R RAN AN 12 Figure 15 - Proposed site layout by Anwyl Construction Company Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 13 - Supporting Precedent Images to landscape Strategy Images landscape Strategy to 16 - Supporting Precedent Figure MITIGATION FOR EFFECTS ON VIEWS EFFECTS FOR ON MITIGATION impacts on the landscape and visual amenity. The objectives set out in The impacts and visual amenity. on the landscape landscape the existing to respect and respond the Landscape Strategy within the existing and hedges trees existing incorporating character by landscape framework ‘mature’ a provide to in order infrastructure green ‘beddingin’ typicalthe avoid to help will This development. the for maturity. reaches shrub planting and new tree whilst period experienced sit comfortably within its immediate to the development will enable This one. year from landscape context will planting field boundary and buffer vegetation Retained trees, improve to designed proposals, new planting through be enhanced the to corridors and contribute along green connectivity wildlife for objectivesin section outlined Character of the Landscape Study 2 of this document. partas process required be development the of removals tree Should of number species, The planting. with new tree these will be replaced with the local consultation through will be agreed of trees and size trees proposals planting tree replacement ensuring thus that officer, tree losses. any mitigate successfully green the valuable will protect landscape proposals the Overall, the landscape and diversify and enhance within the site infrastructure resource. trees, of existing the retention illustrate, photographs the viewpoint As contain will planting buffer field boundary and introduced vegetation and tree Additional the vicinitysite. of the from of the site views existing will enhance and gaps in hedgerows infill sparser areas to shrub planting the into has been incorporated This these belts of structure planting. further for the requirement eliminating the proposal for strategy overall mitigation. boundary of the existing Enhancement is particularly planting important those properties a change in view from to experience that adjacent Existing boundary Road. and Church Park along Northop Peters St Road, them with new hedges and supplementing by will be enhanced planting Intermittent development. of the proposed soften views to planting tree and filtering assist in fragmenting will also greatly trees of street planting visual the countryside and reinforce from of the development views connections the wider landscape. to 4.7. 4.8. 4.9. 4.10. 4.11. The retention of the existing trees and hedges where possible; and hedges where trees of the existing retention The places; in appropriate hedgerows new native Introduce for properties act to planting as a landscape buffer screen Provide along Northop of the site the west to Road; along both sides of the planting native through screening Provide barrier;acoustic with distinctive planting; hierarchy a street Introduce and side gardens front demarcate hedges to native low Plant appropriate; boundaries where gain; Biodiversity facing out towards are all boundaries that and enhance Improve and enhanced an improved the open countryside provide to Northop. edge to settlement • • • • • • • • The landscape strategy and design proposals for the development are are development the for proposals and design landscape strategy The further for mitigation requirement the negate to sufficient considered successfully to scheme the enable will planting the proposed as adverse identifiable any setting and offset the immediate into integrate The Landscape Strategy developed as part developed process of the design Strategy Landscape The the arranging by the new housing development a structure for provides also Strategy The site. the and around within key landscape elements any reduce to could be implemented that landscape measures identifies impacts landscape setting. potential on the surrounding hedges and boundary existing will remain The site bound the that trees with new native possible and gaps will be in-filled where as existing trees. hedge species and and hedgerows of substantial boundariesMuch of the existing consist and enclosed in many limited are the site into the views therefore trees the into views means that also sloping topography slightly The places. brings development The limited. landscape are the wider from site which will and trees hedgerows the existing opportunities reinforce to the increasing as well as furtherdevelopment proposed the screen of the site. value and habitat wildlife barrier an acoustic and mound along introduce seek to proposals The boundarythe eastern report A Miller by of the site. Goodall (101151) on a 1m the barrier of a 2m high timber fence that consists recommend either side that part As it is proposed mound. of the Landscape Strategy which will visually screen planting with native of the barrier is planted The development. the proposed both the A55 and from the barrier fence of 4-5m. Details of the height an ultimate to grow will planting native Drawings Plan in PGLA Planting be found can bund planting proposed LP01-LP05. and acts the layout to as a complementary Landscape Strategy The layer objectives: the following promotes

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY AND MITIGATION AND LANDSCAPE STRATEGY Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

4. MITIGATION FOR EFFECTS ON THE PHYSICAL FABRIC OF THE SITE THE OF FABRIC PHYSICAL THE EFFECTS FOR ON MITIGATION 4.6. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5.

Page 14 5. POTENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

5.1. This section assesses the potential effects that the proposed this stage due to the dominating effects being the road infrastructure and potentially enhance the settlement edge of Northop. The nature of development may have on the landscape character as described in the introduced built form. The new planting will not have matured sufficiently effects will remain as moderate. The likely significance of effects baseline in Section 2 above. The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual at this stage to provide sufficient positive benefits to offset the negative will be moderate but deemed to be permanent neutral due to the Impact Assessments, Third Edition 2013 (see Methodology for Reference) aspects of the development. enhancement of the maturing of the proposed trees and hedgerows to suggests that potential impacts should be measured at three levels; i) the boundaries, particularly on the western site edge. impacts on the site; ii) impacts on the setting of the site and iii) impacts POTENTIAL RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON THE SITE - AFTER 10 YEARS on the broader landscape context. It also offers guidance on measuring EFFECTS ON BROAD LANDSCAPE CONTEXT impacts during the Operational Stage i.e. at point of completion; and also 5.8. The site will benefit from the maturity of the introduced landscape which OPERATIONAL STAGE residual impacts such as long term impacts after a certain time period. In will fully integrate the site into the landscape and existing vegetation with this case we have measured the effects of the impact after ten years. the potential to enhance the existing settlement edge of Northop. The 5.14. The site falls with 2 landscape character areas urban and Mosaic Lowland 5.2. Mitigation measures have also been considered and recorded as part nature of effects will bemoderate and therefore the likely significance Valleys. This section describes the effects on the local landscape character of the assessment to explain how the introduction of certain landscape of effects will be reduced to moderate and the change will be deemed area, Mosaic Lowland Valleys. treatments can help reduce the overall effect of any potential adverse as permanent minor adverse due to the enhancements to the landscape 5.15. The nature of the receptor (sensitivity) of this character area has been effects. Please see PGLA Planting Plans LP01 - LP05 for further details. character and green network . assessed as moderate. There are no nationally recognised landscape or cultural designations. The general quality of landscape is wooded valleys EFFECTS ON THE PHYSICAL FABRIC OF THE SITE – OPERATIONAL STAGE EFFECTS ON THE LANDSCAPE SETTING OF THE SITE and pastoral farmland and the majority of the public rights of way network OPERATIONAL STAGE are seemingly well-used. 5.3. This section assesses the potential landscape effects of the impact 5.9. At time of Completion there will be some obvious effects on the 5.16. The nature of effects (magnitude of change) has been assessed as minor. caused by the proposed Development. The assessment has been made landscape setting of the site. In particular, the boundary edges to the The proposed development will have no adverse effect on the broader based on the Operational phase only as it is difficult to fully anticipate site will be improved and enhanced by the introduction of planting character area. Direct physical effects will be experienced within the what the phasing of this project will be at outline stage. However, in the which will mature over time to integrate the new built form and highway settlement edge of Northop as well as a change in views experienced by initial instance it is usual that there will be short term temporary adverse alignments into the landscape. The overall landscape planting that is introduced with the proposed development will form an appropriate, residents within the immediate vicinity of the site and the character areas effects during the construction stage. This will be closely regulated and this is assessed in the Visual Amenity section later in this document. with controlled times and vehicular movements. The site is likely to be improved and attractive boundary to the residential development. temporarily secured along Northop Road and Church Road and the 5.10. The nature of receptor (sensitivity) is deemed to be medium/High. 5.17. The proposed development will be re-introducing new hedgerows and boundaries of the existing settlement edge with timber hoarding to This is because the setting of the site generally accords with the key trees as part of the overall design and therefore the effects are considered reduce noise and adverse visual effects. characteristics of the landscape character area as described in Section 2 to be balanced by the beneficial effects that the planting and other landscape interventions will introduce. 5.4. In general terms, changes to the landscape fabric will only occur within and the remainder of landscape that forms the setting is of good quality, and not within any national or local landscape designation. the application boundary for the proposed Development. The impact 5.18. Using these two criteria the likely significance of effects on this LCA of the proposed Development will cause long term effects on the 5.11. The nature of effects (magnitude of change) is considered to be moderate. has been assessed as minor and permanent minor adverse due to landscape fabric through the removal of the existing agricultural land for The assessment recognises that there will be an obvious degree of change the associated landscape interventions which will improve the current the replacement with a residential development set within a landscape to the setting which will include the introduction of structure planting condition and status of the landscape characters as described in Section framework. Mature trees and hedgerows will be retained and incorporated to the perimeter of the site. However, the new planting will be immature 2 above. within the development layout wherever possible to minimise the loss of at this stage but the retention of the extensive vegetation within the valuable landscape features. existing hedgerows and boundaries will continue to partially screen the POTENTIAL RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON THE BROADER LANDSCAPE 5.5. The nature of receptor (sensitivity) is deemed to be medium. This is development. CONTEXT - AFTER 10 YEARS because the majority of the site is pastoral and generally accords with the 5.12. The likely significance of effects ismoderate . The significance of the key characteristics of the Mosaic Lowland Valleys and the Road Corridor impact is also considered to be permanent minor adverse due to the 5.19. The overall landscape character area will benefit from the maturity character descriptions as outlined in Section 2. quality and nature of the planting within the development that will be of the introduced landscape which will fully integrate the site into the introduced to the setting of the site. landscape and potentially enhance the north eastern settlement edge 5.6. The nature of effects (magnitude of change) is considered to be major of Northop. The proposed landscape treatments will also reinforce the due to the obvious change to the fabric and cover of the landscape by the buffer between the A55 and the village. The nature of effects (magnitude introduction of the housing and associated infrastructure and planting. POTENTIAL RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON THE SETTING OF THE DEVELOPMENT of change) has been assessed as imperceptible. The likely significance of AFTER 10 YEARS effects will be negligible and deemed to be permanent neutral due to 5.7. The likely significance of effects is moderate/major. This accounts for the maturing of the proposed landscape planting. the change in the fabric and cover of the landscape within the site from agricultural fields to a residential development with newly introduced 5.13. The setting of the site will benefit from the maturity of the introduced planting. The change will be permanent and deemed to be adverse at landscape which will fully integrate the site into the landscape and Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 15

Wales Coast Path 11

- Viewpoint location Map NTS Map location NTS Viewpoint 17 - Figure

2 1

Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way 13

Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

Page 16 5.20. Tables 1 - 4 in Section 6 below summarises the Predicted Landscape Transport and Road Receptors properties with a level of screening in the meantime, and potentially only Effects that the proposed development may have on the site, setting and the roof-lines and upper storeys will be visible. This can be demonstrated 5.28. Travelling receptors include those using major and minor roads in close broader character of the landscape. in viewpoints 1 - 4. proximity to the site. These include Northop Road, Church Road and North Wales Expressway A55. These are represented by viewpoints 1 - 3; VISUAL EFFECTS 9-11; and 13 respectively. RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OF CHURCH ROAD

5.29. Travelling receptors are considered to be medium-low in terms of the LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS - OPERATIONAL STAGE 5.21. This section assesses the potential visual effects of the impact caused by Nature of the Receptor. Moderate / Major - Permanent Adverse the proposed Development. The assessment has been made based on the operational phase only as it is difficult to fully anticipate what the phasing LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS: and construction operations of this project will be at outline stage. PREDICTED EFFECTS ON RESIDENTIAL RECEPTORS Moderate / Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse 5.22. Viewpoints were selected on the basis of which locations provide the 5.30. Residential properties located on Church Road in particular those that will RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OF NORTHOP ROAD / ST PETERS PARK clearest views of the site and are also the most accessible to the public. back onto the proposed development are likely to experience a change Some viewpoints also represent areas which may be perceived to be from their existing view from their rear windows and back gardens with LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS - OPERATIONAL STAGE sensitive to the visual impact of the proposed Development due to their the introduced development. Although the rear of these properties Moderate / Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse nature or proximity, but which in reality have restricted views of the site. are currently contained with fencing, the proposals are for two storey LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS: 5.23. Visual receptors have been analysed for the likely visual impact on the dwellings of which the upper storeys will be visible. Some properties Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse landscape from a relatively close range and from within the immediate towards the eastern side of Church Road may also experience a change setting. Medium to long-range views were tested within the area through of view from the side of their property. This can be demonstrated in PREDICTED EFFECTS ON RECREATIONAL RECEPTORS site visits and the extensive vegetation and topography precludes any Viewpoints 6 - 10. view of the site apart from the immediate vicinity. The properties located in the vicinity of the site on Northop Road, St Peters Park and Church 5.31. The proposals include introducing appropriate landscape treatments 5.37. Figure 1 highlighted a public footpath that runs across the south corner Road may experience partial views of the western and southern edge of that will help soften the view of new built form. The slightly sloping of the site from Church Road to the A55. There is no access to the path the proposed Development. However, along Church Road views will only topography of the field and the retained mature vegetation will assist in from Church Road as it is overgrown and appears to have been unused be gained from the private rear gardens or rear windows. making the new development less imposing. for sometime.

5.32. The views from the upper storeys of the properties that face onto Church 5.38. There are a number of other public footpaths within the vicinity of Visual Receptors Road will experience a change of view. Currently they look onto the the site from where the proposed development site may be visible, 5.24. The visual receptors are represented by viewpoints that consider the likely bungalows with partial views beyond of the fields and mature hedgerows these fall on the east of the site across the other side of the A55. The effects on the nearby settlements and residential amenity; recreational and trees. Some of the proposed built form will be visible especially in mature hedgerows and trees that bound both sides of the A55 and the areas such as public footpaths and parks. Consideration has also been the early years before the proposed planting has had time to mature. vegetation within the wider landscape currently screen the site from the given to transport routes such as roads. The existing hedgerow along Church Road, except where the proposed recreational receptors, identified in viewpoints 11 and12. access point is to be, will be retained and enhanced with additional native planting to provide further screening. Settlements and Residential Amenity Receptors 5.39. The introduction of a 3m high bunding with planting along the eastern boundary of the site will also reinforce the existing screening and 5.25. Within the vicinity of the site residential receptors include those adjacent 5.33. The proposed landscape framework will help screen the development mitigate any visual effects of the proposed development. to the eastern edge of the site on Northop Road and St Peters Park; and help integrate the site within the existing framework. these are represented by viewpoints 1 - 3, 9 and 10. Viewpoints 9 and 10 5.40. The urban area of Northop surrounds the site around the western and represent viewpoints on Church Road. 5.34. There are a numbers of properties along Northop Road and St Peters southern boundaries and the existing built form restricts views to the Park that face onto Northop Road and the eastern edge the proposed proposed site. 5.26. Residential receptors are considered to be medium in terms of the development. The properties to the north of the Northop Road will Nature of the Receptor. not experience any change of view as they will still overlook extensive 5.41. Viewpoint 13 represents a long range view from a receptor close to the vegetation where there is to be no built form. open access land of Halkyn Mountain. As the photograph demonstrates Recreational Receptors due to landform and extensive vegetation within the wider landscape 5.35. There is likely to be a minor change in view where the access is formed for the proposed development would not be visible. 5.27. Due to the extensive vegetation aligning the site and within the wider the new development but the actual housing is set back from the road landscape the site is screened and is barely visible from the Public into the development site and should be screened behind the existing 5.42. Should there be places within the open access land that the site would Rights of Way (PRoW) that travel in the vicinity of the site. This can be and enhanced vegetation and the cricket club. be visible, the proposed development would be seen in context with the demonstrated in Viewpoints 11-13. Recreational receptors are considered rest of the village of Northop and the planting around the boundary and to be medium in terms of the Nature of the Receptor. 5.36. Therefore it is likely that some of the built form will be partially within the site will mature in time offering additional screening and the visible especially in the winter months and in the early years of the potential to screen the proposed built form. development before the new planting has time to mature. However the existing boundary hedges that bound the development should provide Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 17 LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL VISUAL EFFECTS VISUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL LIKELY Neutral Minor - Permanent Effects Visual 1 - 4 in Section summarises the Predicted 6 below Tables Amenity of the Visual the on have may development the proposed that area. 5.49. The North Wales Expressway (A55) travels along the eastern boundary along the eastern of travels (A55) Expressway Wales NorthThe and trees. hedgerow majority the mature of which is bound by the site, and where Works Treatment Water Waste the gaps around are There along the A55 only whilst travelling However meets the road. the brook the site. onto partial offered glimpses are of a 3m barrier see the introduction will be a which proposals The the run will This planting. barrier native and bund, of combination any screen barrier eastern which will therefore of the entire perimeter the A55. from development Northop and the range of the site perimeter Road runs along the western 1 - 4. It Viewpoints in is demonstrated along the road of visibility achieved the extensive only partial due to the site are onto there views is clear that along the boundary and trees and within the site. hedgerow mature Northop will be set back from Road development the proposed As necessary where will be reinforced of which behind dense vegetation and partial built form the onto views any will be there it is unlikely that months hedge in winter gaps in the through be achieved glimpses may to the speed of travel. be fleeting due will but views In Road. along Church receptors travel 9 and 10 represent Viewpoints the partial will only be there over general glimpses of the development Towards Road. Church propertiesexisting the of border that rooflines is there a footpath, it becomes partthe eastern before Road, of Church It along the boundary that and road. hedgerow of the site mature a tall, will be the point access apart a proposed that where is proposed from enhanced. and hedge will be retained will be partially development Church the proposed visible from As this from be moderate to of change is considered Road the magnitude the maturing of prior stage to operational the especially at location, to minor as the planting reduced will be visual effects The the planting. matures. STAGE EFFECTS - OPERATIONAL VISUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF LIKELY Minor Adverse / minor - Permanent Moderate LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF VISUAL EFFECTS - OPERATIONAL STAGE STAGE EFFECTS - OPERATIONAL VISUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF LIKELY Minor Adverse Minor - Permanent EFFECTS VISUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL LIKELY Neutral Minor/ - Permanent Imperceptible

Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF VISUAL EFFECTS ON TRANSPORT RECEPTORS: EFFECTS ON VISUAL OF SIGNIFICANCE LIKELY PREDICTED EFFECTS ON TRAVELLING RECEPTORS: TRAVELLING PREDICTED EFFECTS ON LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF VISUAL EFFECTS ON PUBLIC FOOTPATH AND AND FOOTPATH EFFECTS PUBLIC ON VISUAL OF SIGNIFICANCE LIKELY RECEPTORS: RECREATIONAL 5.44. 5.45. 5.46. 5.47. 5.48. 5.43.

Page 18 Wales Coast Path

Wat’s Dyke Way Wales Coast Path

Wat’s Dyke Way

ST EURGAIN AND ST PETER’S CHURCH

Wales Coast Path 1

NORTHOP ROAD

Figure 18: Viewpoint 1 looking southeast from Northop Road

Wat’s Dyke Way

Wales Coast Path 2

Wat’s Dyke Way NORTHOP ROAD

Figure 19: Viewpoint 2 looking northeast from Northop Road

Wat’s Dyke Way

CRICKET PAVILION

Wat’s Dyke Way

Figure 20: Viewpoint 3 looking east from Northop Road with Northop Cricket Club in the foreground

CRICKET PAVILION

Wat’s Dyke Way

Figure 21: Viewpoint 4 looking north from the church cemetery Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 19

Wat’s Dyke Way Significance of Visual Effects of Significance Significance of Visual Effects of Significance Moderate / Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Moderate / Major - Permanent Adverse / Major - Permanent Moderate Minor Adverse Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor/ Imperceptible - Permanent Neutral Minor/ - Permanent Imperceptible Neutral Minor/ - Permanent Imperceptible Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent Minor - Permanent Minor Adverse Minor - Permanent Adverse / MinorModerate - Permanent VISUAL ASSESSMENT - OPERATIONAL STAGE OPERATIONAL - ASSESSMENT VISUAL VISUAL ASSESSMENT - RESIDUAL EFFECTS (10 YEARS) EFFECTS (10 RESIDUAL - ASSESSMENT VISUAL Table 3 3 Table Ref. AmenityResidential on NorthopProperties Park Road / ST Peters Road Church Recreational Mid footpaths range the east to range Long Travelling Northop Road Road Church North Wales (A55) Expressway Recreational Mid footpaths range east the to range Long Travelling Northop Road Road Church North Wales (A55) Expressway Table 4 Table Ref. Residential on Properties Northop Road / St Park Peters Road Church minor / adverse minor adverse moderate minor moderate moderate/ major moderate/ permanent minor permanent permanent neutral permanent neutral permanent permanent adverse permanent adverse permanent moderate permanent permanent moderate Significance of Effects Significance Significance of Effects Significance major minor moderate moderate moderate negligible Nature of Effects Nature Nature of Effects Nature OPERATIONAL STAGE OPERATIONAL RESIDUAL EFFECTS (10 YEARS) EFFECTS (10 RESIDUAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTERLANDSCAPE EFFECTS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER LANDSCAPE EFFECTS

medium medium moderate moderate imperceptible medium / high Nature of Receptor Nature Nature of Receptor Nature offset by the mitigation provided in the planting scheme describedscheme within planting the in provided mitigation the by offset report the findings of this demonstrate Therefore, the Landscape Strategy. without development residential accommodate is able to the site that the landscape character visual amenity and causing undue harm to of Northop countryside. and surrounding Table 2 Table Table Table 1 Setting Landscape Broader LCA Site Context Setting Landscape Broader LCA Site Context See Tables 1 - 4 below for Summary for below 1 - 4 of Effects. Tables See The site of the proposed residential development is located on the on the is located development residential of the proposed site The majority of consists The of the site of Northop. edge settlement eastern Northop by is bounded Road site Church The Road, farmland. pastoral trees with hedgerow Hedgerows (A55). Expressway Wales and the North the field boundaries most of the boundaries and delineate aligned are cricket club and cemeteryThe adjourn part western of the within the site. boundary of properties the Road align gardens Church on and the rear southern boundary. an opportunity will provide the enhance development to proposed The edge of Northop. settlement the eastern improving landscape character by treatments the perimeter how demonstrates Landscape Strategy The the distinctand improve attractive an to edge landscape form could hedgerows native existing the reinforcing by edge settlement existing will be development proposed The high quality planting. and introducing to buffer landscape a substantial accommodate to the site set back into will conserve the existing and enhance development The the boundaries. Local set out in the with the guidelines field boundaries in accordance described in SectionCharacter Assessments 2. thatconcludes effects on the landscape of the potential assessment The site change in the character of the existing will be an immediate there / will be of effects Moderate significance The as housing is introduced. effect the adverse for is potential There Adverse. Major and Permanent time as over Minor Adverse and Permanent moderate to being reduced matures. within the site landscape framework and the planting within the planting the introduced will benefit from setting of the site The be to deemed is This perimeter. the around especially and development Neutral Minor stage becoming Permanent the operational at Moderate has matured. site within the planting after the introduced broad effects on the no significant will have Development proposed The landscape character. the that has been carried that visual assessment out has demonstrated The the surrounding effects on some general have will development proposed the development for is the potential there However visual amenity. to the and enhancement landscape improvement overall an offer to along planting of a bund and associated in the form hedgerow, existing the A55 from will not only screen This boundarythe eastern of the site. existing the to buffer enhanced an offer but development proposed the of Northop.settlement properties vicinity Church on of the site residential in the immediate The the to the rooms from a change in views experience likely to Road are substantial that it is proposed However, and within the back gardens. rear the southern boundary to be introduced of the site. landscape screening and landscape on the site, In the effects of the development conclusion, have effects that Adverse be significant. to not likely visual amenity are and reduced be will stage operation the at present be to identified been

SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS & SUMMARY Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

6. 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. 6.7. 6.8.

Page 20 Wales Coast Path

Wat’s Dyke Way

Wales Coast Path

PROPERTIES ON CHURCH ROAD

Wat’s Dyke Way

5 Wales Coast Path

Figure 22: Viewpoint 5 looking east from St Eurgain and St Peter’s Church Cemetery

Wat’s Dyke Way CRICKET PAVILION

Wales Coast Path Wat’s Dyke Way 6

Figure 23: Viewpoint 6 looking northwest from the track within the site

Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way 7

Figure 24: Viewpoint 7 looking east from the track within the site

ST EURGAIN AND ST PETER’S CHURCH PROPERTIES ON CHURCH ROAD

Wat’s Dyke Way 8

Figure 25: Viewpoint 8 looking southwest from the track within the site Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 21

Wat’s Dyke Way Wales Coast Path CHURCH ROAD CHURCH

Wales Coast Path LOCATION OF OVERGROWN/ OF LOCATION N1 FOOTPATH PUBLIC CLOSED ENTRANCE TO WASTE WASTE TO ENTRANCE WATER TREATMENT WORKS TREATMENT WATER

Wales Coast Path

Wales Coast Path TOPOGRAPHY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY APPROXIMATE SITE LOCATION BEHIND BEHIND LOCATION SITE APPROXIMATE TOPOGRAPHY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY APPROXIMATE SITE LOCATION BEHIND BEHIND LOCATION SITE APPROXIMATE

Viewpoint 12 looking southwest from a Public Footpath west of Starkey Lane west Footpath a Public from 12 looking southwest 29: Viewpoint Figure Viewpoint 10 looking north 27: Viewpoint Figure Starkey Lane from 11 looking southwest 28: Viewpoint Figure Viewpoint 9 looking northeastViewpoint 26: Figure

10 10 Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Appraisal NorthopVisual Road, Landscape and

Page Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way 22 Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way Wat’s Dyke Way Wat’s Dyke Way

Wat’s Dyke Way Wales Coast Path

Wat’s Dyke Way

11 12

APPROXIMATE SITE LOCATION BEHIND TOPOGRAPHY AND VEGETATION

13 1 2 3 4 5 8 7 610 9

Figure 30: Viewpoint 13 looking east towards Northop and Connah’s Quay

Wat’s Dyke Way Page Landscape and Visual Appraisal | Northop Road, Northop 23 APPENDIX A METHODOLOGY

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Proposed Residential Development, Northop Road, Northop.

For Swn Dwr (Northop) Limited

Final Report

Prepared by PGLA Landscape Architects

June 2016 1. INTRODUCTION • The sensitivity of a receiving landscape to this specific type of development (assessed by making 1.1. The following is an overview of the Methodology and Approach used to test the likely Impacts of the proposals as reference to previously published documentation) well as a description of the Standards and Grades assigned from the Assessment part of the Appraisal. Generally, the Methodology adopted is in line with best practice for the production of LVIA’s based on the Guidance for 3.4. Tables A - C, provided later in this section, offers more detail of the process followed when judging landscape Landscape and Visual Assessment -Third Edition 2013 (GLVIA3). sensitivity leading to the significance of effects.

1.2. The GLVIA Third Edition offers the following definition with regards to impacts and effects: “ This guidance generally 3.5. Landscape Value has been assessed through consideration of the following factors, many of which overlap in their distinguishes between the ’impact’, defined as the action taken, and the ‘effect’ defined as the change resulting consideration of sensitivity: from that action. It recommends that the significance of effects on the landscape be measured as follows: • Presence of formal designations ‐ this is then scored according to the weight of the designation. e.g. 1. Effects on the Site National Parks and AONB’s are rated highest as they are a nationwide designation. 2. Effects on the Setting of the Site 3. Effects on the broader context of the Site – i.e. Landscape type and character 3.6. Landscape Condition has been assessed through consideration of the following factors;

1.3. This approach has been adopted for the assessment of the effects on the landscape carried out for this Appraisal. • Quality of the landscape; the ‘wholeness’ of the character type, having little disturbance or interruption The assessment can also test the significance of effects for various stages of the development, such as the to elements or characteristics. This is identified through written observations and field study. Construction Stage, Operational Stage and the Decommissioning and restoration/reinstatement Stage. The latter • The presence of detractors within the character type, identified through field survey stage is not applicable for this type of development and the Construction Stage is temporary. Therefore, the main significance in landscape and visual terms is considered to be the Operational Stage and the Residual Impacts 3.7. The concluding judgement on Sensitivity takes account of each of the above factors. (after 10 years). These two stages have been assessed in accordance with the advice offered in the GLVIA Third Edition. Predicted Effects 1.4. For the purpose of the landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA), the following distinction is made between landscape 3.8. The Predicted Landscape Effects describes the likely nature and scale of changes experienced by ’receptors’ as a and visual effects: result of the Development. Landscape receptors include landscape elements (trees, hedges landform, streams, built elements), the landscape fabric (patterns, scenic quality, sense of place) and landscape character (the distinct • Landscape effects are defined as physical changes in the fabric, character and quality of the landscape and recognisable pattern of elements that occurs consistently within a certain type of landscape.) The effects as a result of the Development; experienced can be direct (loss of vegetation cover, construction of new feature) or indirect (increased visitors • Visual effects are defined as changes in views of the landscape and changes to visual amenity as a result leading to erosion). The effects may be temporary or permanent. of the Development and the effects of those changes on the perceptions of visual receptors when experienced from available viewpoints. 3.9. The written descriptions of the predicted impacts experienced by the landscape resource are recorded in Section 5 of the Landscape and Visual Appraisal. Tables A - C have been included to provide the necessary transparency of 2. BASELINE CONDITIONS ‐ LANDSCAPE the methodology followed. Mitigation has been considered when assessing the residual impacts.

Desk Study 2.1. A desk study was carried out reviewing the published information to establish the baseline landscape characteristics Assessment of Magnitude of Change and context of the Application Site. This was undertaken through review of publicly available documents relevant 3.10. New development in the landscape will result in a change to the baseline conditions. Magnitude of change is used to the landscape character within the defined study area. to describe the degree or scale of change resulting from the Development. GLVIA 3 recommends the term ‘Nature of Effects’ to replace ‘Magnitude of Change.

Field Survey 3.11. A judgement is made in the field by the assessor and will apply a grade of the following landscape magnitude 2.2. The Application Site and surrounding areas were visited to review the baseline studies and gain further information categories: on the condition of the landscape element, characteristics and landscape character in the field. • Major ‐ A change that may be large in scale and extent, and include the loss of key landscape characteristics or the addition of new features or elements that would lead to a large‐scale change in 3. LANDSCAPE IMPACT ASSESSMENT the overall landscape quality and defined character. • Moderate ‐ A change of more limited scale and extent including the loss of some key landscape Assessment of Sensitivity characteristics or elements, or the addition of some new landscape features or elements that would 3.1. The extent to which a landscape can accommodate change due to development varies according to the Sensitivity lead to improvement or decline in landscape quality; of the landscape and the type of development that is proposed. To understand the significance of the impacts on • Minor ‐ A small‐scale change affecting small areas of defined landscape character, including the loss of the landscape resource an assessment first has to be made to understand the sensitivity of that resource. There some characteristic landscape elements or the addition of new features or elements that are also small‐ is no standard procedure for the determination of Sensitivity, however it is widely recognised that the values scale in the context of a particular landscape character area; or placed on the landscape, the rarity of landscape elements and characteristics, the sense of place and the quality • Imperceptible ‐ A change affecting smaller areas of landscape character, including the limited loss of or condition of these elements all contribute to the sensitivity of a landscape. some characteristic landscape elements or the limited addition of new features or elements, which are characteristic of a particular landscape area or barely perceivable. 3.2. It should be noted that the latest guidance offered in GLVIA 3 recommends that ‘Sensitivity’ should now be described as ‘Nature of Receptor’ 3.12. In general terms, changes to the actual landscape fabric will occur:

• Within the site boundary for the proposed Development; 3.3. For the purpose of this assessment we have determined Sensitivity through analysis of a range of factors; • Around the immediate setting and • The ‘value’ placed on the landscape; • At the scale of the broader landscape type and character area. • The overall ‘condition’ or quality of the landscape; and 3.13. The nature and magnitude of landscape impacts will change during the construction and development process. 4.4. The Magnitude of visual change is affected by the scale of change within the view, the degree of contrast with the Some impacts may be adverse but only effecting the short term, whereas others may be minor impacts with receiving view, the permanence of the effect, angle of view and distance from the receptor. It should be noted that residual effects, which may be of a more permanent nature. In addition, some impacts could be significantly landscapes are dynamic and subject to change over time and that landscape change will need to be assessed at mitigated by landscape and other measures, which could have benefit in the longer term. Potential impacts that various stages of the Development’s life cycle. may occur during the stages of the proposed Development are summarised below. 4.5. A system of scoring the magnitude of change (Nature of Effects) is applied. It considers the field of vision, the 3.14. Short term impacts are those that occur during the construction period. These are considered as follows: extent of the view that is altered by the effects of the Development, or a sequence of viewpoints that may have transient views (e.g. Along a road) as explained as follows: • Site access, delivery and traffic movements • Earthworks and materials stockpiles • Major ‐ A substantive change, obstruction of a view, or a new element introduced into views that is • Construction equipment and plant directly visible and likely to appear in the foreground or above a prominent section of the horizon; • Utilities, including water and lighting • Moderate ‐ A moderate change or partial view of a new element within the view which may be readily • Temporary parking noticed, directly or obliquely visible including glimpsed or intermittent views and appearing in the • Site compound and accommodation middle ground partly screened or mitigated; • Minor ‐ A low level of change, affecting a small part of the view, which may be obliquely viewed or 3.15. At Completion or the Operation Stage the impacts are considered for the proposed development at point of partly screened and/ or appearing as a minor element in the landscape. May include travelling views handover from the contractor to the developer or new owners of the Development. The condition of the site will from roads/ rail; and be fully operational and all landscape works will have been implemented and plant stock will be at a young stage. • Imperceptible ‐ Few viewers affected by a small or intermittent change to the view which may be All paraphernalia associated with construction such as hoardings, tree protection and site compounds will have obliquely viewed and/ or mostly screened and/ or appearing in the distant background and/ or not been removed. intruding above any section of the horizon or capable of being missed by the casual observer. 3.16. Residual Impacts are taken to be those that occur for duration of up to 15 years or more after completion reflecting Assessing Significance of findings any increased effects of mitigation over time due to the physical growth of the landscape structure: 4.6. The significance criteria for landscape and visual impact is assessed using a four‐point scale from Negligible, Slight, • Presence of built structures and road infrastructure Moderate, to Substantial. The definitions are: • Improved landscape and Green Infrastructure • Major ‐ The Development would completely change the character and/ or appearance of the landscape for a long period of time or permanently. It would affect many receptors. 3.17. Residual impacts are similar to the impacts on completion but may be partially or wholly mitigated by the • Moderate – The Development would cause a noticeable difference to the landscape character, fabric proposed landscape infrastructure, site management and other development proposals that may not take full and quality of the landscape; and effect At Completion. • Minor– The Development would cause a barely perceptible impact, and would slightly affect the character, fabric and quality of the landscape; 4. VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT • Negligible – The Development is appropriate in its context. It may be difficult to differentiate from its surroundings and would have no discernible impact on the character, fabric and quality of the landscape;

Assessment of Sensitivity 4.7. For this assessment, significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the Development will be all those 4.1. The determination of visual receptor sensitivity requires consideration of the following factors; effects which result in a ‘major’ or a ‘moderate/ major’ level of effect, as shown in the shaded section of Table A below. In determining the threshold for significance the assessment has taken account of the sensitivity (Nature • The location and context of the viewpoint; of Receptor) of the landscape or visual receptor maintained within baseline conditions and the magnitude of • The expectations and activity of the viewer; and the potential effects from the Development. Mitigation measures have been considered when assessing residual • The importance or ‘value’ of the view e.g. is it a recognised viewing point or landmark, does it appear in impacts. literature or art or in a guidebook? 4.8. Tables A - C below provide a description as to how the significance of landscape and visual effects are assessed. Significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposed development would be all those effects which 4.2. For this study we have assessed visual receptor sensitivity using a three‐point scale from Low, Medium, to High. result in a ‘moderate/ major’ or ‘major’ level of effect and are shaded blue in the table to highlight the significance. The definitions listed below and detailed in tables A-C: 4.9. Furthermore, we have identified the effects of the proposal in terms of beneficial or adverse environmental effect. As part of this process, a judgement has been made for the short, medium and long term, assessing whether the • High – Residents experiencing views from dwellings, recreational users focusing on high quality impact is temporary or permanent as demonstrated in table C: landscape (walkers, cyclists) on footpaths/cycleways, people experiencing views from important landscape features of physical, cultural or historic interest, beauty spots and picnic areas. Receptors within AONB’s, Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) or other high landscape designation; • Medium – Road users and train passengers with views of affected landscape, users of secondary footpaths/cycleways through recreational countryside experiencing views, outdoor recreational users focusing on an activity (golf, shooting, sailing); and • Low – Workers, users of facilities and commercial buildings (indoors) experiencing views from buildings. Predicted Visual Effects 4.3. The Predicted Visual Effects describes the likely nature and scale of changes to views experienced by visual receptors as a result of the Development. Tables A - C have been included to provide the necessary transparency of the methodology followed.

Assessment of Magnitude SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT Loss of significant or diverse landscape elements, features, characteristics, aesthetic or perceptual qualities MODERATE/SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT Effects are rare, distinctive, particularly More significant representative landscape character MODERATE IMPACT Loss of lower- value elements, features, SLIGHT/MODERATE IMPACT characteristics, aesthetic or perceptual qualities

SLIGHT IMPACT Loss of new, uniform, homogeneous elements, features, characteristics, qualities SLIGHT/NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT Effects on areas in poorer condition or degraded Less significant character NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT Effects on lower value landscapes

Table A

TableTabl eB A- Significance– Signiﬁcanc e ofo feffects Eﬀects

SENSITIVITY (NATURE OF RECEPTOR)

Low Medium High MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE Negligible Negligible Impact Slight Negligible Slight Impact (NATURE OF Low Slight/Moderate EFFECTS) Slight Impact Moderate Impact Impact

Medium Slight Moderate Moderate/Substantial Moderate Impact Impact Impact

High Moderate/Substantial Moderate Impact Substantial Impact Impact

Beneﬁcal

Minor Beneﬁcial

Temporary Neutral

Minor Adverse

Adverse

Beneﬁcal

Minor Beneﬁcial Permanent

Adverse

Minor Adverse

Table C Produced by:

- 229 Ducie House Ducie Street Manchester M1 2JW

( 0161 238 9138

* [email protected]

8 www. pgla.co.uk