8.0 CULTURAL HERITAGE
8.1 Introduction
Scope and purpose of this chapter
8.1.1 This chapter presents an assessment of potential impacts on the setting of
heritage assets in the vicinity of the development at Longhedge. The setting of
a heritage asset can contribute to its significance so change in that setting may
affect the significance of the asset.
8.1.2 The approach to assessment of setting effects adopted for this study follows
the advice provided in Section 4 of English Heritage’s guidance on The Setting
of Heritage Assets (2011). English Heritage promotes a five-step assessment
process of which the first four steps are relevant to the present study. This
assessment therefore proceeds in the following four stages:
Identification of heritage assets and their settings are likely to be affected
by the development;
Analysis of the contribution made by setting to the heritage significance of
these selected assets;
Assessment of the impact of the development on the heritage significance
of these assets based on an understanding of the predicted change in their
settings;
Identification of ways to minimise harm and, where possible, enhance
significance
8.1.3 Harm to the significance of a heritage asset due to change in its setting can
only be mitigated through modifications to the design of a development and
any enhancement will similarly be the result of deliberate design. As a result
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all of the mitigation proposed here is embedded in the design of the
development.
8.1.4 This chapter is one of two complementary heritage studies being carried out
for the Site which, together, will provide a complete appraisal of the heritage
resource. Wessex Archaeology has undertaken an archaeological assessment
which deals with the below-ground archaeological resource within the Site and
this is presented as Chapter 7.
8.1.5 This chapter has been prepared by Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd on behalf
of Catesby Land Limited.
Consultation
8.1.6 This assessment has been the subject of consultation with Wiltshire County
Council and English Heritage.
8.1.7 Pre-scoping discussions were held with both the Council and English Heritage
including joint meetings in Salisbury on 27th June 2012 and 8th January 2013
when all parties had the opportunity to share their understanding of the
cultural heritage issues raised by the Longhedge site.
8.1.8 A report containing the applicant’s initial appraisal of the setting of heritage
assets around the Longhedge site was issued to the Council and English
Heritage in advance of the meeting on 8th January 2013. The findings of this
report then formed the basis for proposals in the Scoping Report for a cultural
heritage assessment, submitted to Wiltshire County Council in February 2013.
8.1.9 A Scoping Opinion was provided by Wiltshire County Council on 12th April
2013. This accepted the scope of works and methods proposed by the
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applicant and noted that:
“ the assessments should cover the potential impact of the scheme on
the heritage assets around the site, including the setting of and the
visual impact of the scheme in respect of the Old Sarum Ancient
Monument, but also the Old Sarum Airfield Conservation Area”.
8.1.10 The final comment regarding the Old Sarum Airfield Conservation Area
reflects advice from English Heritage in a scoping response to the Council,
dated 15th March 2013 (e-mail to Development Management South from
David Stuart).
8.1.11 In this response, English Heritage confirmed that it had engaged in pre-
application discussions with the applicant and the Council during which it had
highlighted relevant heritage issues and identified mechanisms for ensuring
that they were appropriately accommodated. English Heritage was pleased to
note that the Scoping Report reflected those points.
8.1.12 English Heritage also noted that it was pleased to see reference to its guidance
on the setting of heritage assets and supported its application. It also promoted
consideration of the guidance on views (Seeing the History in the View) given
the particular relationship of the site to Old Sarum.
8.1.13 Consideration has been given to the use of the approach proposed in Seeing
the History in the View. However, it was felt that although many different
views were relevant to the appreciation of heritage assets, Old Sarum in
particular, there were no examples of “specific views that have been
recognised as being important” (STHITV page 5) that would be affected by
the development at Longhedge. As a result, it was concluded that the
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guidance would not be relevant in this case.
8.1.14 With regard to specific assets that may be susceptible to setting impacts,
English Heritage suggested that Old Sarum Airfield should be added to the list
provided in the Scoping Report both as a Conservation Area and for its
constituent Listed Buildings.
8.1.15 These assets have been considered as part of the assessment.
8.1.16 Finally, English Heritage noted that the EIA covers Landscape and Visual
Impact. It highlighted the role of landscape character in defining the setting of
heritage assets and expressed a wish to see this fully reflected in the setting
assessments.
8.1.17 It is recognised that landscape character, including the historic dimension of
landscape character, is of relevance to both the landscape and visual impact
assessment (LVIA) and the cultural heritage impact assessment (CHIA).
Actual impacts on landscape character are addressed in the LVIA; landscape
character is only relevant to the CHIA in so far as it is part of the contribution
that setting makes to the significance of heritage assets. Change in landscape
character may affect that contribution and therefore the significance of assets.
8.1.18 Old Sarum was clearly identified by both consultees as the key asset for this
assessment and, as a result, it has received most detailed consideration in the
analysis of potential effects in Section 8.4. The results of this assessment have
informed the design proposals for the Site and all mitigation of adverse effects
has been embedded in the design, as reported in Section 8.5.
Legislation, planning policy and guidance relevant to setting
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Legislation
8.1.19 Legislation regarding Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas is contained in
the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. There are
no Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas within the proposed development
site and therefore potential effects on their significance are limited to change
in setting. With respect to ‘setting’, Section 66 of the Act states (in part):
“In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which
affects a listed building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the
case may be, the Secretary of State shall have special regard to the
desirability of preserving the building or its setting”.
8.1.20 The setting of Conservation Areas is not protected in statute.
8.1.21 Legislation relating to archaeological monuments is contained in the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. There are no Scheduled
Monuments within the proposed development site and therefore potential
effects on their significance are limited to change in setting. This act makes no
reference to the setting of Scheduled Monuments and therefore has no direct
bearing on the issues raised by the present assessment.
8.1.22 No other types of heritage asset are protected or controlled by statute.
National planning policy
8.1.23 National planning policy for the historic environment is set out in the National
Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012). The NPPF is based on twelve core
planning principles; the relevant principle for this assessment is that planning
should “conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their
significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of
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life of this and future generations” (NPPF para. 17)
8.1.24 The glossary to the NPPF (Annex 2) provides definitions of key terms relevant
to the setting of heritage assets:
Heritage asset: A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape
identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in
planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes
designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority
(including local listing).
Setting of a heritage asset: The surroundings in which a heritage asset is
experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its
surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative
contribution to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to appreciate
that significance or may be neutral.
Significance (for heritage policy): The value of a heritage asset to this and
future generations because of its heritage interest. That interest may be
archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not
only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting.
8.1.25 Policy of specific relevance to the historic environment is set out in Section 12
of the NPPF.
8.1.26 In determining applications, “local planning authorities should require an
applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including
any contribution made by their setting” (NPPF para. 128).
8.1.27 The NPPF then goes on to differentiate between the treatment of designated
and non-designated heritage assets concerning the weight that should be given
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to the conservation of affected assets:
“When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance
of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s
conservation. The more important the asset, the greater the weight should be.
Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the
heritage asset or development within its setting” (NPPF para. 132).
“The effect of an application on the significance of a non-designated heritage
asset should be taken into account in determining the application. In weighing
applications that affect directly or indirectly non designated heritage assets, a
balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm
or loss and the significance of the heritage asset” (NPPF para. 135)
Local Planning Policy
8.1.28 Treatment of the historic environment within the development process is
covered by saved policies from the Salisbury Local Plan (2003).
8.1.29 Policy CN19 notes that the desirability of preserving a scheduled monument
and its setting is a material consideration when considering development
proposals.
8.1.30 Policy CN20 states that the Council will follow procedures to both protect
archaeological sites, and their settings, and arrive at a reasonable, informed
decision.
8.1.31 The South Wiltshire Core Strategy (2012) has identified part of the Site as a
strategic growth site and includes a template for its development. Some of the
place-making requirements in this development template are of relevance to
the present assessment:
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Key views to and from Old Sarum and impact on the Scheduled
Monument;
Ensuring the design responds to a detailed analysis of the historic
environment; safeguards key views to and from Old Sarum and; integrates
the sites important archaeology; and
There are no alterations, (unless essential in the interests of road safety), to
the line of the Roman road and long views of Old Sarum are preserved as
vehicles travel southwards along the A345 by containing development
within the site by structural roadside planting.
Guidance
8.1.32 English Heritage has issued detailed guidance on the Setting of Heritage
Assets (2011), which is of particular relevance to the present assessment where
change in setting is the means by which heritage assets are affected.
8.1.33 This guidance is based on the policies set out in Planning Policy Statement 5:
Planning for the Historic Environment (2010, now withdrawn) but remains
equally relevant under the NPPF. It also builds on principles and guidance
already issued by English Heritage in the Historic Environment Planning
Practice Guide (2010) and Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance
for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment (2008).
8.2 Methodology
The Assessment Process
8.2.1 The setting assessment has been carried out in the following stages:
Desk-based study leading to the identification of heritage assets potentially
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affected by the development, informed by emerging design proposals;
Definition of baseline conditions, based on results of the desk-based study
and visits to assets;
Selection of assets that merit inclusion in assessment, following discussion
with consultees;
Identification of predicted impacts on heritage assets, informed by baseline
heritage information, finalised masterplan and site visits;
Assessment of the magnitude of identified impacts, using the criteria
outlined below;
Assessment of the sensitivity of cultural heritage assets affected by the
development, using the criteria outlined below;
Assessment of the significance of effects, broadly a product of the asset’s
sensitivity and the magnitude of the effect, as outlined below;
Proposal of appropriate mitigation measures; and
Recognition of residual effects.
Scope of study
8.2.2 The Primary Study Area for the assessment takes in land up to 1km from the
Site boundary. All undesignated heritage assets within this area (as identified
in the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record) were considered as part of the
assessment. An Outer Study Area, extending to 5km from the Site boundary,
was used for designated assets, reflecting the higher level of policy protection
afforded to designated assets.
8.2.3 These study areas are considered to be sufficiently large to detect all affected
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heritage assets, given the general type and scale of development proposed for
Longhedge.
Data Sources
8.2.4 The Historic Environment Record (HER) for this area is held by the Wiltshire
County Archaeological Service. The HER is a database of recorded
archaeological sites, findspots and events. It was consulted for information
relating to the Primary Study Area in January 2012.
8.2.5 Data for designated heritage assets, excluding Conservation Areas, was
obtained from English Heritage. The datasets used in this assessment were as
follows:
World Heritage Sites – 08/07/2011 release;
Scheduled Monuments – 25/01/2012 release;
Listed Buildings – 25/01/2012 release; and
Registered Parks and Gardens – 23/12/2011 release.
8.2.6 Conservation Area data was obtained from the HER and Wiltshire Council’s
Development Management Team (South).
8.2.7 These existing records were augmented by additional information on heritage
assets which was collected during site visits.
Significance Criteria
Definition of Significance
8.2.8 The starting point for the assessment of impacts on heritage assets is an
analysis of what constitutes the significance of an asset. Significance, as
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defined in the NPPF, is the sum of the values we attach to an asset because of
its heritage interest. It includes the portion of the values that derive from the
setting of the asset.
8.2.9 NPPF recognizes four types of heritage interest: archaeological, architectural,
artistic and historic (NPPF: Annex 2). Archaeological interest is defined in
the NPPF as follows:
“There will be archaeological interest in a heritage asset if it holds, or
potentially may hold, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert
investigation at some point. Heritage assets with archaeological
interest are the primary source of evidence about the substance and
evolution of places and of the people and cultures that made them.”
8.2.10 Neither architectural, artistic nor historic interest is defined in NPPF and this
assessment has adopted the definitions used in its predecessor (PPS5):
“Architectural and artistic interest … are interests in the design and
general aesthetics of a place. They can arise from conscious design or
fortuitously from the way the heritage asset has evolved. More
specifically, architectural interest is an interest in the art or science of
the design, construction, craftsmanship and decoration of buildings
and structures of all types. Artistic interest is an interest in other
human creative skill, like sculpture.
Historic interest [is] an interest in past lives and events (including pre-
historic). Heritage assets can illustrate or be associated with them.
Heritage assets with historic interest not only provide a material
record of our nation’s history, but can also provide an emotional
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meaning for communities derived from their collective experience of a
place and can symbolise wider values such as faith and cultural
identity.”
8.2.11 Heritage significance should not be confused with EIA significance; it is
unfortunate that the same word has two closely related but different meanings.
8.2.12 The actual assessment of effects involves consideration of the magnitude of
the predicted impacts (positive or adverse) on the heritage significance of the
asset and the sensitivity of the asset to arrive at a conclusion regarding the
significance of the effects (using significance here in the context of EIA).
Impact Magnitude
8.2.13 Magnitude of impact is a measure of the degree to which the significance of a
heritage asset will be increased or diminished by the proposed development. In
determining the magnitude of impact, the asset’s heritage significance is
defined. This allows the identification of key features and provides the
baseline against which the magnitude of change can be assessed; the
magnitude of impact being proportional to the degree of change in the asset’s
baseline significance.
8.2.14 The criteria used to assign a value to impact magnitude are set out in Table 8.1
(below). These criteria should be treated as an aid to professional judgement
and cannot offer exact descriptions of what will occur in all cases.
8.2.15 In cases where the only potential impact is on the setting of a heritage asset,
only that part of the significance derived from setting can be affected. This
portion must be identified and the assessment of magnitude weighted
proportionately. English Heritage has published guidance on the factors that
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should be considered when assessing impacts on the setting of heritage assets
(The Setting of Heritage Assets, 2011). These factors have been applied
where relevant in the present assessment.
Table 8.1: Criteria for determining the magnitude of impacts on the significance of a heritage asset Magnitude of impact Criteria Major positive Alteration of the asset or change in its setting leads to major increase in the significance of the asset OR the significance of the asset is preserved where it would be lost if the ‘do nothing’ scenario was played out. Moderate positive Alteration of the asset or change in its setting leads to a considerable increase in the significance of the asset OR the asset is preserved by record, where it would be lost if the ‘do nothing’ scenario was played out. Slight positive Alteration of the asset or change in its setting leads to a slight increase in the significance of the asset OR the asset is preserved by record where it would otherwise continue to degrade if the ‘do nothing’ scenario was played out. Negligible Very slight loss or alteration of the asset, or change in its setting, not materially affecting the significance of the asset. Slight adverse * Alteration of the asset not affecting key elements, or change in its setting, leading to a slight reduction the significance of the asset. Moderate adverse * Loss or alteration of one or more key elements of the asset, or change in its setting, leading to a considerable reduction in the significance of the asset. Major adverse ** Total loss or major alteration of the asset, or change in its setting, leading to the total loss or major reduction in the significance of the asset. * Effects of slight and moderate adverse magnitude ane considered to equal ‘less- than-substantial-harm’ as the term is used in the NPPF. ** Effects of major adverse magnitude are considered to equal ‘substantial harm’ as the term is used in the NPPF.
Asset Sensitivity
8.2.16 The sensitivity of an asset to impacts on its significance is a measure of its
heritage importance and therefore the degree of protection it is afforded in
statute or policy. Table 8.2 sets out the criteria for assigning assets to one of
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three levels of sensitivity.
8.2.17 Nationally and internationally designated assets are assigned to the highest
level of sensitivity. Grade II Listed Buildings and Grade II Registered Parks &
Gardens are assigned to an intermediate level, reflecting the lower level of
policy protection provided by the NPPF. Most heritage assets are not formally
designated; the sensitivity of undesignated heritage assets is assigned to the
appropriate category according to the professional judgment of the assessor.
Table 8.2: Criteria for determining the sensitivity of heritage assets to impacts on their significance Sensitivity of Criteria the asset High World Heritage Sites, Grade I and II* Registered Parks and Gardens, Scheduled Monuments, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Battlefields, Grade I and II* Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, and undesignated heritage assets of equal importance Medium Grade II Registered Parks and Gardens, Grade II Listed Buildings, heritage assets with regional designations and undesignated assets of equal importance Low Undesignated heritage assets of lesser importance
Significance of Effects
8.2.18 The significance of an effect on the significance of a heritage asset is the
product of the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of the asset. The
matrix in Table 8.3 provides a guide to decision-making regarding levels of
significance but is not a substitute for professional judgement and
interpretation, particularly where the sensitivity or impact magnitude levels are
not clear or are borderline between categories. It should be noted that in each
case these effects can be either adverse or positive.
Table 8.3: Matrix for determining the significance of effects Magnitude of Change
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Level of Major Moderate Slight Negligible Sensitivity High Severe/ Major Moderate Minor Major Medium Major Moderate Minor Negligible
Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible
8.3 Baseline Conditions
8.3.1 The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the heritage resource
in the area surrounding Longhedge and to identify the heritage assets likely to
be affected by the development (Step 1 of the five-step assessment process
recommended by English Heritage in its guidance on the setting of heritage
assets).
8.3.2 This search has focussed on designated assets up to 5km from the Site (the
Outer Study Area) as these are more likely to experience significant adverse
effects due to the higher level of policy protection that they are afforded.
However, undesignated assets close to the Site (the Primary Study Area,
within 1km) have also been considered.
8.3.3 Visual change in the setting is most likely to lead to impacts on the
significance of a heritage asset although in the present case there is also
potential for noise and light effects to be relevant for assets close to the Site.
8.3.4 Predicted visual change has been the primary means by which assets have
been selected for further consideration, using a predicted Zone of Theoretical
Visibility (ZTV) for development within the Site. The model used to predict
visual change has assumed a maximum development height of 12m above
ground level throughout the entire development site. This will exaggerate
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actual visual change as not all buildings will be this high and not all of the Site
will be built on; the ZTV therefore offers a robust worst-case prediction of the
extent of visual change.
Landscape history
8.3.5 The landscape of the Primary Study Area is primarily one of fields, mostly in
arable use, which displays significant time depth. The only part of the Primary
Study Area where differing land cover is found is in the vicinity of the
Portway where light-industrial and housing development have grown on the
northern edge of Old Sarum airfield since the later 20th century.
8.3.6 Fields are generally rectilinear in character and appear to derive from a
mixture of piecemeal enclosure in the late post-medieval period and
Parliamentary enclosure of 19th century date. Prior to this date the land
appears to have been farmed in common by settlements based in the adjacent
river valleys.
8.3.7 These fields were not laid out on a blank canvas and have accordingly
inherited earlier features which provide much of the overall grain of the
landscape. The convergence of Roman roads at Old Sarum is a very strong
influence on the layout of the field systems. The other major conditioning
element on the grain of the landscape are the routeways which run between the
Bourne and Avon valleys on a broadly perpendicular axis to the Roman
Roads. They include the right of way at the northern edge of the Site.
8.3.8 These routes are likely to have been in use since at least the medieval period,
probably serving as drove routes from the valley settlements, and may have
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even earlier origins as many appear to integrate with the layout of the later
prehistoric to Romano-British fields described above. When taken together the
Roman roads and intra-valley routeways, combined with the confluence of the
Bourne and Avon valleys to the south of the Primary Study Area at Salisbury,
confer radial, web-like character to the fieldscapes.
8.3.9 Woodland is rare within the Primary Study Area and trees are confined to
hedges and a handful of small field-edge plantations, conferring a relatively
open character to the landscape. The Primary Study Area has probably been
continuously farmed since at least the Bronze Age and any extensive areas of
woodland are unlikely to have existed within this landscape since the Neolithic
period.
Undesignated heritage assets
8.3.10 The Wiltshire HER lists 92 heritage assets within the Primary Study Area, of
which two are designated: the Ende Burgh Barrow (Scheduled Monument List
Entry No. 1005688) and Old Sarum Airfield (Conservation Area). The two
designated assets within the Primary Study Area are considered with the other
designated assets (below).
8.3.11 The large number of undesignated assets is only part of a high concentration of
recorded archaeological features within the Salisbury area, reflected by the
designation of the whole district, including the Site, as an Archaeologically
Sensitive Area. The majority of HER records are sub-surface archaeological
features recorded as crop or soil marks.
8.3.12 The Site lies within an area of well-documented activity from the Neolithic
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into the Romano-British period. It is adjacent to a significant concentration of
Bronze Age funerary sites which lie on the opposing side of a dry valley
around the Portway. Remains of a Bronze Age land division, or Wessex linear,
and field systems and probable settlement of later prehistoric to Romano-
British date lie within the Site and have been recorded from aerial
photography. There is limited evidence for use of the Primary Study Area
from the Saxon period and it appears to have functioned as part of the
agricultural hinterland of nearby settlements, being part of the open field land
of Laverstock parish in the medieval period.
8.3.13 An initial consideration of the 90 undesignated heritage assets indicates that
only the Roman road at the western Site edge may be subject to impact on its
significance as a result of the proposed development affecting its setting.
8.3.14 The course of the Sorviodunum (Salisbury) to Cunetio (Mildenhall) Roman
road lies at the western Site boundary (Figure 8.2). It is currently in use as the
A345, a busy trunk road carrying the majority of traffic between Salisbury and
the north. The road was turnpiked in the 1840s and has experienced recent
further alteration, realignment and roundabout construction, due to the
construction of the Beehive Park and Ride.
8.3.15 As one of the main historic approaches into Salisbury, the road is a significant
historic landscape feature. In the vicinity of the Site, the present road displays
none of the morphological characteristics of a Roman routeway apart from its
generally straight course, aligned on Old Sarum. This alignment and views
towards Old Sarum, generally uncluttered by modern road furniture, are a key
element of understanding the origins of the route and it is how road users
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experience its time depth. The development has the potential to affect this
aspect of the road’s significance through the introduction of new junctions
and/or road furniture, should any be required. The impact this may have upon
the significance of the road merits detailed assessment.
Designated heritage assets
8.3.16 The following designated heritage assets lie within the Outer Study Area:
The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site;
42 Scheduled Monuments;
819 Listed Buildings;
Five Registered Parks and Gardens; and
Eight Conservation Areas.
8.3.17 These assets are discussed by designation type below and shown on Figure
8.1. The majority lie within Salisbury city centre and in the valleys of the
Avon, Bourne and Nadder. Old Sarum hillfort and castle and Old Sarum
Airfield also form foci of designations. As these last two areas contain
multiple forms of designation, they are discussed below in stand-alone
sections.
8.3.18 Within the Outer Study Area, the ZTV (Figure 8.2) predicts that visibility of
the development will be limited to the following areas:
Sections of the east-facing Avon-Wylye valley watershed above Little
Durnford, and Lower and Middle Woodford;
The Avon-Bourne watershed between High Post in the north and Castle
Hill/Hampton Park in the south;
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West facing slopes of the Bourne Valley between Laverstock in the south
and Idmiston in the north.
8.3.19 Whilst the Salisbury Conservation Area, including the Cathedral, Cathedral
Close and a very high concentration of other Listed Buildings, lie within the
Outer Study Area, the ZTV predicts that no part of it will be intervisible with
the development owing to intervening high ground to the north of the city.
8.3.20 This lack of intervisibility was confirmed by field visits carried out as part of
this assessment with one exception. The tip of the cathedral spire (because of
its very great height) is visible from the high ground to the north of Longhedge
but is only just visible from the highest part of the Site itself. It can be seen,
for example, when travelling south on the A345 from High Post, signalling the
location of Salisbury from up to 7km away. The development of Longhedge
would not interfere with these long-range views and the landmark status of the
spire will not be affected.
8.3.21 Assets within Salisbury will receive experience tangible impact as a result of
the development; no further assessment of the designated heritage assets will
be carried out.
Old Sarum
8.3.22 The multi-period site of Old Sarum lies just over 1km to the south-west of the
Site (Figure 8.1). The site consists of an Iron Age hillfort, a probable Roman
settlement, a late Saxon settlement, and a medieval city and castle complex.
The outer boundaries of the medieval city utilised the hillfort’s defensive
circuit, with unenclosed suburbs developing to the east and west of the city
gates.
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8.3.23 The castle was a royal foundation and comprises of a central motte
surmounted by a stone curtain wall with towers at east and west entrances. The
castle contains the remains of a number of stone buildings, whilst earthworks
and stone foundations of the cathedral and associated buildings survive within
the northern part of the city. Unlike the city defences, the motte was
apparently newly created in the 11th century and did not utilise an element of
the earlier Iron Age enclosure system.
8.3.24 The city was abandoned over the course of the 13th century following the
move of the Bishopric to New Sarum, present Salisbury, in 1219 with the
castle being demolished on royal authority in 1322.
8.3.25 The hillfort, castle, city and suburbs are a Scheduled Monument (1015675),
the stone-built remains of the castle and cathedral are also Grade I Listed
Buildings (1248682) and the site lies within the north-eastern part of the
Stratford sub Castle Conservation Area (Figure 8.1).
8.3.26 The proposed development will lie in the foreground of views to the north-east
from the Old Sarum where it will appear contiguous with the existing housing
adjacent to the Longhedge Site. Views out to the surrounding landscape are an
element of the setting of Old Sarum that contributes to its significance,
including specific links to other heritage assets such as Salisbury Cathedral
and Figsbury Ring hillfort. Views towards Old Sarum from many directions,
including the various Roman roads that are aligned on it, also contribute to its
significance. As the proposed development has the potential to affect some of
these views, the Old Sarum complex of heritage assets merits detailed
assessment.
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Old Sarum Airfield
8.3.27 Old Sarum Airfield was one of the earliest military airfields established in
Britain. The airfield was constructed between 1917 and 1918 and was in use as
a military airfield into the late 1970s. It was composed of service and domestic
buildings to the immediate south of the Portway with the grass flying field
occupying the rest of the land. Following disposal of the airfield in the early
1980s, much of the area of former airfield service buildings has been
developed as an industrial estate. Whilst most of the military buildings were
demolished prior to redevelopment, some remain in use as commercial
premises. The grass airfield is now in use for leisure flights and the core
airfield hangars, dating from 1918, remain on site and in use for storage and
maintenance of planes. It one of the most complete examples of a Training
Depot Station of the First World War period and, uniquely, retains a relatively
unaltered grass flying field.
8.3.28 The surviving technical buildings are listed at Grades II* and II and the
sections of the airfield which have not been subject to modern redevelopment
have been designated as a Conservation Area (Figure 8.1).
8.3.29 The Conservation Area is located to the south of the proposed development
and the ZTV predicts (Figure 8.2) that the upper parts of taller buildings will
be visible from the west end of the grass flying field. In any such views, the
Longhedge buildings will appear directly behind the housing recently
constructed to the north of the Portway, lying between the airfield and the Site.
They will be indistinguishable from the existing buildings on the Portway,
appearing as part of that development.
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8.3.30 The heritage designations within this area reflect the importance of the
surviving features in illustrating the development of military aviation and also
the uniqueness of the combination of assets at this location. Their setting
chiefly relates to technical concerns within the original layout of the airfield
and the relationship of the surviving features to one another. Views to the Site
are not relevant to the airfield’s significance and there will be no tangible
impact on their significance as a result of the proposed development.
8.3.31 No further consideration of setting impacts upon the Old Sarum Airfield is
merited.
World Heritage Site
8.3.32 The Stonehenge section of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site
(WHS) lies at the north-western edge of the Outer Study Area. This section of
the WHS contains several Scheduled Monuments: barrows above Lake
village, medieval village earthworks and lynchets at Lake, two Wessex linears
on Lake Down & the Rox Hill barrows.
8.3.33 This area has no intervisibility with the proposed development and will not be
viewed in combination with it. The WHS and the Scheduled Monuments it
contains are not considered further in this assessment.
Scheduled Monuments
8.3.34 Of the 42 Scheduled Monuments which lie within the Outer Study Area,
eleven lie within the indicative ZTV (Figure 8.2). The other 31 Scheduled
Monuments will not be viewed in combination with the development and do
not merit further consideration.
8.3.35 The monuments with possible intervisibility with the Site (all named in Figure
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8.2) are:
Old Sarum (1015675);
'Ende Burgh' long barrow (1005688);
Newton Barrow (1005687);
Group of barrows West of Hooklands Plantation (1005684);
Figsbury Ring (1005647);
Heale Hill round barrows and earthworks (1005609);
Round barrow East of Downbarn West (1005624);
Earthwork West of Woodford Clump (1005607);
Ancient cultivation terraces at Church Bottom (1005607);
Roman road between A30 and Winterslow Corner (1005645); and
Gomeldon deserted village (1003041)
8.3.36 These assets can be broadly divided into the following categories; prehistoric
funerary and ritual sites, later prehistoric settlement and land-use remains,
Roman routeways and medieval settlement. Potential impacts on the multi-
period site of Old Sarum have been discussed above.
8.3.37 Prehistoric barrows are often sited on the crests of watersheds or on the upper
reaches of valley slopes and are often at or near the head of a water course or
dry valley. They are often intervisible with nearby contemporary ritual and
funerary monuments and frequently have views to strong geographic features.
Such relationships form the key element of the setting of these monuments
that contributes to their significance.
8.3.38 The barrow closest to Longhedge is the 'Ende Burgh' barrow (1005688) which
is just south of the Portway to the east of Old Sarum Airfield. The Longhedge
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development would be located behind the new housing on the Portway and
will not materially change the setting of this barrow.
8.3.39 The proposed development is located between the 'Ende Burgh' barrow
(1005688) and the barrows at Newton (1005687), Heale Hill (1005609) and
west of Hooklands Plantation (1005684). However, there is no existing direct
line of sight between ‘Ende Burgh’ barrow and the others, 5km to the north-
west. There is therefore no reason to predict any impact on the significance of
these more distant assets or loss of visual links between any of them.
8.3.40 The barrow at Downbarn West barrow (1005624), 2.5km to the north-east of
the Site, directly overlooks the confluence of two branches of a dry valley and
it is likely that its setting is primarily related to this topographic feature. This
would be unaffected by development of Longhedge. The Site does not feature
in views from this barrow to any contemporary funerary monuments.
8.3.41 No further consideration of setting impacts is merited for any of these
prehistoric barrows.
8.3.42 Figsbury Ring (1005647) is a multi-period site comprising a Neolithic henge
and what appears to be use as a hillfort during the Iron Age. Substantial
earthworks related to both uses are visible at the monument. Views over the
surrounding landscape and to related contemporary monuments within the
landscape are likely to have been relevant in the setting of both the henge and
hillfort and now contribute to the significance of this asset.
8.3.43 The site has extensive views to the north, west and south including to the
hillfort at Old Sarum (1015675). The proposed development will be visible in
views from this monument to the west at a range of 3.5km, partially screened
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behind the existing housing on the Portway. Development of Longhedge
would not affect appreciation of Old Sarum, further to the south at a range of
5km from Figsbury Ring.
8.3.44 No further consideration of setting impacts is merited for Figsbury Ring.
8.3.45 Remains of later prehistoric land use are protected by the schedulings of the
enclosure west of Woodford Clump (1005607) and the cultivation terraces at
Church Bottom (1005607). These monuments form better-preserved elements
within the extensive systems of prehistoric land-use recorded across this part
of the Outer Study Area.
8.3.46 The contribution that setting makes to their significance relates to their place
within these systems and considerations of land exploitation during this
period. Views to or from the Longhedge site are not relevant to their
significance, which will not be affected as a result of the proposed
development.
8.3.47 No further consideration of setting impacts to these assets is merited.
8.3.48 The Roman road between A30 and Winterslow Corner (a Scheduled
Monument, 1005645) is an element of the route to the present-day city at
Winchester (Venta Belgarum) from Old Sarum. This road was constructed to
facilitate transport from Winchester to Old Sarum, the location of the roman
settlement of Sorviodunum and the junction of two other Roman Routes (to
Silchester and Mildenhall).
8.3.49 Areas of visibility with the proposed development are predicted by the ZTV
from sections of the road near Figsbury Ring but will not affect the line of
sight along the road towards Old Sarum. Roman routes were sited due to
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practical concerns of communication between settlements and other roads so
views to the Site do not contribute to the significance of this monument. The
Roman road will experience no tangible impact on its significance as a result
of the proposed development and no further consideration of this asset is
merited.
8.3.50 Gomeldon deserted village (1003041) lies adjacent to the River Bourne and
consists of the earthwork and below ground remains of a medieval settlement.
Visibility of the Longhedge development is predicted by the ZTV from the
higher parts of the monument at a range of at least 3km. Medieval villages in
the area are sited in valley floor locations at the edge of the floodplain. This
position was within a wider territory comprising valley-floor meadows, open
fields on valley slopes and downland grazing on upland areas. Such territories
often equate to the extent of the medieval parish. It is the relationship of the
village to these elements, and the repeated patterns of parishes within the
valleys, which forms the key element of their setting. Views to the Longhedge
development would not be relevant to its significance and it will experience
no tangible impact.
8.3.51 No further consideration of setting impacts to the medieval village of
Gomeldon is merited.
Listed Buildings
8.3.52 Of the 819 Listed Buildings which lie within the Outer Study Area, only ten
lie within the indicative ZTV (Figure 8.2). They are:
Old Sarum castle and cathedral (1248682, Grade I);
Longhedge House (1318520, Grade II);
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Granary at Manor Farm (1130770, Grade II);
Dykes Cottage (1130767, Grade II);
Garage at the Thatched Cottage (1130763, Grade II);
The Elms (1135724, Grade II)
Milestone on the A360 at Stoford Hill (1182776, Grade II);
Milestone on the A360 at Camp Hill (1284376, Grade II);
Milestone on the A345 at High Post (1130766, Grade II); and
Milestone on the A345 near Longhedge (1284849, Grade II).
8.3.53 The potential for impacts on the Grade I structures at Old Sarum are discussed
above. The remaining structures comprise domestic and agricultural buildings
lying adjacent to the Site and in the Bourne Valley, and milestones located
along the main roads through the area.
8.3.54 Longhedge House is a 19th century farmhouse which lies within a
contemporary farmstead immediately to the west of the Longhedge Site which
forms part of the land of Longhedge Farm. The farmstead is composed of this
house and a courtyard of associated buildings lying to its immediate north-
east, all lie within a contemporary rectilinear enclosure defined by hedges and
trees. The house fronts onto a garden and faces in the direction of the Site. The
complex as a whole is typical of the farms built outside of villages on higher
ground in this part of Wiltshire during the 19th century.
8.3.55 The positive contribution that setting makes to the significance of the house
relates chiefly to its place within this complex and relationship to its
associated farmland. The Site lies adjacent to Longhedge Farm and the
proposed development will affect the setting of this Listed Building through
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the conversion of neighbouring farmland to housing.
8.3.56 Longhedge House will be subject to further assessment.
8.3.57 The contribution setting makes to the significance of the Bourne Valley
buildings (Granary at Manor Farm, Dykes Cottage, Garage at the Thatched
Cottage, and The Elms) primarily relates to their place within the settlements
in which they lie and proximity to the associated agricultural fields. Views to
the site do not contribute to their significance and they will experience no
material impact on their significance as a result of the proposed development.
There will be no further consideration of these assets.
8.3.58 Milestones were sited due to practical concerns: the need for distance marking
along main roads. As such, views to the site or, indeed, land beyond the
adjacent road and verge are not relevant to their significance and they will
experience no material impact on significance as a result of the proposed
development. No further consideration of setting impacts to these assets is
necessary.
8.3.59 Consideration has been given to the potential for impacts on Listed Buildings
lying outside the ZTV where listed structures may be viewed in combination
with the proposed development. The only identified example of this type of
visual relationship is Salisbury Cathedral and this has already been discussed,
above.
Registered Parks and Gardens
8.3.60 Of the five Registered Parks and Gardens which lie within the Outer Study
Area only one, Wilton, lies within the indicative ZTV (Figures 8.2). A small
area of intervisibility with the proposed development is likely close to the high
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southern edge of park. The affected area is c. 3ha in extent and lies c.7km
away from the Site edge.
8.3.61 The central elements of the park, namely the house and adjacent formal
gardens, are not visible from this section of the park and the views from this
area are not cited as significant in the description of Wilton. The degree of
visual change associated with the development that would be experienced
within the park will be so small as to be imperceptible due to distance and
intervening development and screening vegetation.
8.3.62 It is considered that the proposed development would have no material impact
on the significance of Wilton Park and no further consideration of setting
impacts is merited.
Conservation Areas
8.3.63 Of the eight Conservation Areas which lie within the Outer Study, five lie
within the indicative ZTV (Figures 8.1 and 8.2):
Old Sarum Airfield;
Stratford sub Castle;
Winterbourne Gunner;
Winterbourne Earls; and
Winterbourne Dauntsey.
8.3.64 The potential for impacts on the Stratford sub Castle and Old Sarum Airfield
Conservation Areas have been discussed above.
8.3.65 The Conservation Areas covering the three Winterbournes have very minor
areas of possible intervisibility on their fringes. The Conservation Areas were
designated to reflect and protect the coherent range of historic buildings and
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associated meadows on the valley floors present in these villages. Intermittent
visibility of the proposed development at a distance of over 2km will not affect
these characteristics and no further consideration of setting impacts to these
assets is required.
Summary of baseline
8.3.66 Consideration of the heritage resource in the area surrounding Longhedge has
identified a short-list of heritage assets where it is concluded there is potential
for adverse impacts on their significance due to change in their setting.
8.3.67 The assets potentially affected are:
A345 Roman road between Mildenhall and Old Sarum (undesignated
asset)
Old Sarum designated assets (Scheduled Monument, Listed Building
Grade I, Conservation Area)
Longhedge House (Listed Building, Grade II)
8.3.68 Each of these assets, or groups of assets is assessed in detail in the following
section.
8.4 Impacts
Impacts during construction
8.4.1 All impacts on the significance of heritage assets due to change in their setting
have been assessed as post-construction impacts. This is because the
construction period is short and any effects on setting will be short-lived and
temporary. They will therefore not give rise to EIA significant impacts on the
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heritage significance of assets.
8.4.2 In reaching this conclusion it is recognised that the construction process will
progressively introduce visual change into the setting of heritage assets as
development proceeds until construction is completed. It is also recognised
that the visibility of buildings in views from the wider landscape will be
greatest at this point, before screening vegetation has had time to grow.
8.4.3 The construction process is also likely to generate additional noise that could
affect the settings of closely adjacent heritage assets, such as Longhedge
House, for the duration of the works. Again, these effects are not considered to
have the potential to lead to significant adverse impacts on significance due to
their temporary nature.
Impacts post construction
A345 Roman road between Mildenhall and Old Sarum
The significance of the asset and the contribution of setting
8.4.4 The Roman road between Mildenhall and Old Sarum is now followed by the
A345 road at the point where it forms the western edge of the Longhedge Site.
There is no evidence that physical remains of the Roman road survive,
although sub-surface archaeological deposits may exist below the modern road
surface. The significance of this undesignated heritage asset lies primarily in
the alignment of the modern road which is believed to preserve the original
course of the Roman road.
8.4.5 Setting contributes to this historical interest in providing views along the road,
experienced by people travelling in both directions along it. The route follows
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a series of straight sections, across the topography, in a typically Roman
manner.
8.4.6 For travellers going south towards Salisbury there are also relevant views
straight ahead to Old Sarum, which was the landmark used by the Roman
engineers when laying out the road network in this area. Old Sarum first
becomes visible just south of High Post and then is lost behind roadside
vegetation to the north of Longhedge. It re-appears much closer in the view
where the road turns slightly, to the south at Longhedge Cottages.
The visual relationship with the development
8.4.7 The A345 will run alongside the Longhedge development for some 800m on
its east verge. Travelling south along the A345, the northern edge of the
Longhedge housing will become visible soon after High Post at a range of
about 1.5km. As the traveller approaches the northern edge of the
development site, the view into the development will become screened by tree
belt along the side of the road. This screen will continue south to Longhedge
Cottages, broken where a new access road into the development joins the
A345 at an off-line roundabout.
8.4.8 Travelling north from the roundabout at the park and ride site, the Longhedge
development will be screened by an existing belt of trees along its southern
edge and then by the new tree belt along the western edge, already described.
Opportunities for north-bound travellers to look into the new development will
be largely limited to the new roundabout at the new access road junction.
8.4.9 Travellers in both directions will be aware of additional road signs,
particularly on the approaches to the new roundabout.
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The impact of the development on the significance of the asset
8.4.10 The Longhedge development will have a very limited impact on the
significance of this Roman road. The fundamental Roman alignment of the
road will be maintained, except where a roundabout is required to allow safe
vehicle access into the development. Here, because the roundabout will be off
the line of the road, it will not obstruct views straight along the road,
preserving the ‘feel’ of the Roman road.
8.4.11 Views towards Old Sarum, appreciated by southbound travellers, will be
unaffected as they lie slightly off to the right hand side of the road. The
additional screening planting along the western edge of the Longhedge site
will not obstruct views to Old Sarum, but will minimise visibility of the built-
up area, preserving as far as possible the uncluttered rural character of this
section of the Roman road.
8.4.12 Overall, these changes are assessed as an adverse impact of negligible
magnitude on the heritage significance of the asset. The road is an
undesignated asset of low sensitivity and the impact is considered to be of
negligible significance.
Old Sarum designated assets
The significance of the assets and the contribution of setting
8.4.13 The related group of designated heritage assets at Old Sarum comprises the
following:
The hillfort, castle, city and suburbs (Scheduled Monument, 1015675);
The stone-built remains of the castle and cathedral (Grade I Listed
Buildings, 1248682); and
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Stratford sub Castle Conservation Area
8.4.14 These different designations cover a nested set of heritage assets: the two
Listed Buildings are stone structures within the substantial prehistoric hillfort.
The scheduled area of Old Sarum covers the entire hillfort and extra-mural
features of Roman and medieval date. All of Old Sarum lies within the north-
eastern edge of the Conservation Area which also takes in the village of
Stratford sub Castle and its landscape setting in the valley of the River Avon.
8.4.15 The heritage significance of these various assets is complex individually but
also heavily inter-related, but it is not necessary to attempt to describe all
aspects of significance for the purposes of this assessment. What follows
focuses on those aspects of significance related to setting.
8.4.16 The heritage significance of Old Sarum derives largely from the
archaeological and architectural interest of the physical remains, both visible
and sub-surface and the considerable historic interest (both illustrative and
associative) of a site that is so central to the prehistory and history of the
locality and is linked to numerous historic events and individuals.
8.4.17 Setting contributes in various ways to the historic interest of Old Sarum.
Starting with the most general attributes, Old Sarum was an important central
place for much of its history and has always been physically impressive.
Views of the earthworks from all directions reinforce this historic social and
physical dominance of the local landscape. Close-range views (within 1km)
are particularly impressive: from the south travelling out of Salisbury on the
A345, from the A360 in Bemerton Heath looking across the valley of the
Avon, or from the north-east close to the Beehive Park and Ride site.
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8.4.18 The general 360º views out from Old Sarum are equally relevant, illustrating
the dominant position within the landscape, whether it was for the Iron Age
hillfort or the later medieval castle. The earthwork ramparts offer panoramic
views over the surrounding countryside including almost aerial views down
into Stratford sub Castle in the Avon valley to the west as well as long open
views out to the east and north.
8.4.19 The contrast between the views north and east to an open agricultural
landscape and the view south into urban Salisbury illustrates both the
prehistoric origins of Old Sarum as the central place in a rural agricultural
landscape and its close historic ties to its successor, Salisbury.
8.4.20 The value of these general views in and out of Old Sarum is enhanced through
some more specific relationships with individual features in its setting. The
prime example is the visual link south to Salisbury and its cathedral, recalling
both the origins of modern Salisbury in the 13th century as a ‘new town’,
replacing what we now call Old Sarum, and the re-location of the cathedral
from within the walls of Old Sarum to its present site in Salisbury.
8.4.21 The five Roman roads that radiate from a point just outside the east entrance to
Old Sarum also generate a series of focussed views that illustrate the historic
role of Old Sarum as a major landmark and destination for at least two
thousand years. Not all of these five roads can still be readily traced on the
ground and it is generally easier to appreciate the views towards Old Sarum
travelling along the roads than spot the roads radiating out from the
monument. However, the three roads that radiate from north round to east all
still offer some informative views towards Old Sarum.
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8.4.22 A third type of view, relevant this time to the hillfort element of Old Sarum, is
the intervisibility of the site to other contemporary hillforts such as Ogbury
and Figsbury Ring, and more distant monuments such as Danebury and
Quarley Hill. All of these require some specialist knowledge to locate but they
are available and help to illustrate the wider connections of the site in the Iron
Age.
8.4.23 The contribution that setting makes to the significance of the Stratford sub
Castle Conservation Area overlaps to some extent with that already described
for Old Sarum. This is because Old Sarum is a key site within the
Conservation Area. However, the primarily focus for the Conservation Area is
the valley of the Avon which provides the landscape setting for the village of
Stratford sub Castle. The Conservation Area was enlarged in 1990 specifically
to include a large area of open space in the valley considered essential to its
landscape setting.
8.4.24 The character of the Conservation Area is derived largely from the rather
enclosed landscape of the valley with Old Sarum serving as an important
visual backdrop to the Conservation Area, particularly in views from
Bemerton Heath at the western edge of the Conservation Area and various
other places on the valley floor. Important views out from the Conservation
Area are generally those already described above for Old Sarum but also the
view south-east down the valley to the cathedral spire.
The visual relationship with the development
8.4.25 The Longhedge development will be located at least 1km to the north-east of
the Old Sarum Scheduled Monument and 500m from the closest part of the
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Conservation Area.
8.4.26 The ZTV predicts that the development will be visible from or in combination
with Old Sarum and Stratford sub Castle Conservation Area from three
different viewpoints:
Looking north-east from Old Sarum
Looking north-east from the A360 Devizes Road in Bremerton Heath
Looking south-west from the public footpath at the northern edge of the
Longhedge Site.
8.4.27 The development will be visible from that part of Old Sarum facing to the
north-east: approximately one third of the scheduled area including the north-
east side of the castle earthworks and the east end of the cathedral ruin.
8.4.28 A visualisation has been prepared for a viewpoint on the hillfort rampart
closest to Longhedge to illustrate the likely level of visual change in this view
(Figure 4.13). It should be noted that this visualisation is illustrative only and
is based on the emerging masterplan. It is shown at Year One of operation and
does not show the growth of any existing or proposed vegetation. The colours
of buildings are generic and may not represent final choices.
8.4.29 In the view from the A360 at Bremerton Heath, the development will appear
slightly to the left of Old Sarum at a range of almost 3km but buildings will be
largely screened by trees along the west and south edges of the Site.
8.4.30 In the view from the footpath to the north of the Longhedge Site, the
development will occupy the foreground. A measured section from Old
Sarum to the footpath (Design and Access Statement p.64-67) suggests that
buildings or trees at the north end of the development could obstruct views of
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Old Sarum. Views may still be available where the masterplan allows for open
spaces between buildings aligned on Old Sarum.
The impact of the development on the significance of the assets
8.4.31 The development would lead to visual change in three areas where the
significance of Old Sarum and the Stratford sub Castle Conservation Area
could be affected.
8.4.32 The level of visual change in views of the Conservation Area and Old Sarum
from the A360 at Bremerton Heath are considered to be too low to affect
either the character of the Conservation Area or the historic interest of Old
Sarum.
8.4.33 In the view looking north-east from Old Sarum, the development will appear
as a northern extension to the built-up area that already exists on either side of
the Portway, including the industrial buildings beside the airfield and the
housing and football stadium to the north. This visual change will not affect
any of the specific views (noted above) from Old Sarum and it will not affect
the general quality of the panoramic views out: Old Sarum will remain the
dominant feature in its setting, overlooking the surrounding landscape.
8.4.34 The development will slightly shift the balance of rural and urban land-use
within the views from Old Sarum but this does not affect the contribution that
these general landscape views make to the significance of the asset.
Longhedge will be viewed as part of an existing settlement within the
generally open agricultural landscape that can be appreciated in views from
Old Sarum from the north-west round to the east. The edges of the built up
area will be partially screened by trees and it will be possible to see beyond the
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settlement to an undeveloped horizon.
8.4.35 This open agricultural landscape will continue to contrast with the distinctive
valley landscape of Stratford sub Castle in views to the west and south-west,
and the predominantly urban character of the views south and south-east into
Salisbury.
8.4.36 The Longhedge development will partially obstruct views of Old Sarum from
a 700m long section of public footpath on its northern edge. This footpath
forms part of the ‘Monarch’s Way’ footpath but does not provide views of Old
Sarum that are of particular relevance to its historic interest. It simply provides
one of many opportunities to view Old Sarum from publicly accessible
viewpoints in its setting.
8.4.37 Bringing together all of the analysis for Old Sarum, the following conclusions
can be made:
The heritage significance of the Grade I Listed remains of Old Sarum
Cathedral will be unaffected. This building will continue to be appreciated
in the context of the former walled town of Old Sarum and its relationship
to Salisbury Cathedral.
The heritage significance of the Grade I Listed remains of Old Sarum
Castle will be unaffected. The remains of the castle will continue to be
appreciated in the context of the prehistoric hillfort that it lies within. The
strategic and defensive properties of the location will remain clear.
The heritage significance of the Scheduled Monument, encompassing the
whole of Old Sarum will be very slightly reduced, reflecting the loss of
views towards the monument from Longhedge. This is assessed as an
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effect of negligible magnitude on an asset of high sensitivity and it is
considered to be of minor significance.
The heritage significance of the Stratford sub Castle Conservation Area
will be unaffected. The character of the Conservation Area and the valued
views out of the Conservation Area will not be materially changed.
Longhedge House
The significance of the asset and the contribution of setting
8.4.38 Longhedge House, a Grade II Listed Building, is located on the A345
immediately to the west of the development Site. It is a typical example of a
19th century farmhouse and its significance (and the justification for its
designation) lies primarily in the architectural interest of its fabric.
8.4.39 Setting contributes to the significance of the asset by providing a local
environment that is in keeping with the origins of the building. The house is
still located adjacent to a working farm and looks out onto fields to the west.
The visual relationship with the development
8.4.40 Longhedge House will be immediately adjacent to the development but
buildings are unlikely to be visible once the belt of trees along the western
edge of the Site grows up. Longhedge House already has hardly any view to
the east as it is set back from the A345 behind a belt of trees. Planting on the
edge of the development will only reinforce this screening. Some light from
the development may be visible at night time, particularly in winter when trees
are leafless.
The impact of the development on the significance of the asset
8.4.41 The contribution that setting makes to the significance of Longhedge House
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will not be affected, despite its proximity to the development. It is already
detached from the development site by the busy A345 and the house will
continue to be appreciated in the context of a working farm and adjacent to
agricultural land. Any change in night time light is not considered to be an
adverse effect as the special interest of this building does not rely in any way
on light levels.
8.4.42 The heritage significance of Longhedge House will be unaffected by the
proposed development.
8.5 Mitigation and Monitoring
8.5.1 Harm to the significance of a heritage asset due to change in its setting can
only be mitigated through modifications to the design of a development. As a
result all of the mitigation proposed here is already embedded in the design of
the development.
A345 Roman road
8.5.2 The potential for harm to the significance of this undesignated asset will be
minimised through the following measures:
the planting of trees and landscaping along the western side of the
development site to minimise the visibility of buildings from the road
maintenance of the existing line of the road except where traffic safety
requires it to be changed
avoidance of unnecessary street furniture along the verges
Old Sarum designated assets
8.5.3 The potential for harm to the significance of these designated assets will be
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minimised through the following measures:
Highest parts of the development site used for public open space to
minimise the height of roof lines when viewed from Old Sarum
Planting of trees across the development to break up the built-up areas and
screen buildings when viewed from Old Sarum
Longhedge House
8.5.4 The potential for harm to the significance of this Grade II Listed Building will
be minimised through the following measures:
the planting of a screening belt of trees along the western side of the
development site to minimise the visibility of buildings and light in the
Site from Longhedge House.
8.6 Residual Impacts
8.6.1 All mitigation of adverse impacts due to change in the setting of heritage
assets has been achieved through modifications to the design of the Project.
This mitigation is therefore already embedded in the masterplan and the
assessment of impacts has been undertaken with those measures in place (see
Section 8.4, above).
8.6.2 As no additional mitigation is proposed, the residual impacts on heritage assets
will be identical to those described above.
8.7 Conclusion
8.7.1 This assessment has identified those heritage assets with potential to be
adversely affected through change in their settings by development of the
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Longhedge site. It has described how setting contributes to the significance of
these assets and then assessed the potential effects of development on their
significance.
8.7.2 Three heritage assets or groups of assets have been identified with potential
for harm to their significance as a result of development. They are:
A345 Roman road between Mildenhall and Old Sarum (undesignated
asset)
Old Sarum designated assets (Scheduled Monument, Listed Building
Grade I, Conservation Area)
Longhedge House (Listed Building, Grade II)
8.7.3 All harm to the significance of Longhedge House has been avoided through
recognition of the potential for harm in development of the masterplan leading
to appropriate design.
8.7.4 Harm to the significance of the other assets has been minimised but there will
be some adverse impact. For the A345 Roman road this is assessed as being of
negligible magnitude and negligible significance. For Old Sarum this is
assessed as being of negligible magnitude and minor significance.
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