Planning Application for an Anaerobic Digestion Scheme

LAND AT SNARLTON FARM SNARLTON LANE MELKSHAM

LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL PREPARED BY PEGASUS GROUP | THORNFIELD 007 LIMITED | DECEMBER 2016 | BRS.6294

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PLANNING APPLICATION FOR AN ANAEROBIC DIGESTION SCHEME

LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL

SNARLTON FARM, MELKSHAM, WILTSHIRE

ON BEHALF OF THORNFIELD 007 LIMITED

Pegasus Group

©Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Limited 2011. The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Pegasus Planning Group Limited Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

CONTENTS:

Page No:

1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. METHODOLOGY 2 3. BASELINE CONDITIONS 2 4. LANDSCAPE PLANNING POLICY 5 5. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS 7 6. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 9 7. EFFECTS ON VISUAL AMENITY 12 8. LANDSCAPE MITIGATION 18 9. SUMMARY 19

FIGURES:

FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION PLAN FIGURE 2: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT LAYOUT FIGURE 3: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT SECTIONS FIGURE 4: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT COMPONENTS FIGURE 5: ACCESS TRACK LAYOUT PLAN FIGURE 6: LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS PLAN FIGURE 7: TREE PROTECTION/RETENTION PLAN FIGURE 8: LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS PLAN FIGURE 9: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS PLAN FIGURE 10: SCREENED ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY AND VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS FIGURE 11: PHOTOVIEWS 1 - 11

APPENDICES:

APPENDIX 1: DETAILED METHODOLOGY APPENDIX 2: SUMMARY LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS SCHEDULE

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Landscape Appraisal has been prepared by Pegasus Group on behalf of Thornfield 007 Ltd for a proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) scheme near Snarlton Farm, Melksham. This Landscape Appraisal considers the effects on landscape elements, landscape character and visual amenity.

1.2 This Landscape Appraisal has been undertaken with regard to best practice guidelines within GLVIA3 that states in paragraph 1.1 that “Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a tool used to identify and assess the…effects of change resulting from development on both the landscape as an environmental resource in its own right and on people’s views and visual amenity.”1

1.3 This Landscape Appraisal should be read in conjunction with the following Figures:  Figure 1: Site Location Plan  Figure 2: Anaerobic Digestion Plant Layout  Figure 3: Anaerobic Digestion Plant Sections  Figure 4: Anaerobic Digestion Plant Components  Figure 5: Access Track Layout Plan  Figure 6: Landscape Elements Plan  Figure 7: Tree Protection/Retention Plan  Figure 8: Landscape Designations Plan  Figure 9: Landscape Character Areas Plan  Figure 10: Screened Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations  Figure 11: Photoviews 1 - 11

1.4 This Landscape Appraisal should also be read in conjunction with the following Appendices:  Appendix 1: Detailed Methodology  Appendix 2: Summary Landscape and Visual Effects Table

1.5 Further details regarding the proposals are provided in the Planning Statement supporting the application. The site location for the AD scheme is shown on Figure 1 and the AD scheme layout, sections, components and access track route are shown on Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

1 Para 1.1, Page 4, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 This Landscape Appraisal has been undertaken with regard to the latest published guidelines and the detailed methodology provided in Appendix 1.

3. BASELINE CONDITIONS

3.1 The site is located within an area of pastoral farmland to the east of Snarleton Farm, Melksham in Wiltshire as shown on Figure 1. The site is centred on Ordnance Survey Grid Reference ST 93316 63724 and is located within the Wiltshire Council administrative area.

3.2 The site comprises part of a single pastoral field located immediately adjacent to the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 between the A3102 Sandridge Road and Tanhouse Farm. The site is enclosed by Eight Acre Plantation to the north, trees and hedgerows following the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east, semi- mature woodland and a small tributary to the south, and a triangular area of woodland to the south west of the site.

Vehicular Access Routes

3.3 The vehicular access route to the site for construction purposes directly follows the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 leading from the A3102 Sandridge Road to the north near Manor Farm. The vehicular access route for the feedstock supply vehicles follows the same farm track except for a new junction between the A3102 Sandridge Road and Prater’s Lane to the north of the Sandridge Solar Park as shown on Figure 5.

Land Use and Field Pattern

3.4 The surrounding area generally comprises pastoral farmland within the gently undulating vale. Field boundaries are predominantly hedgerows with mature trees, however, there are also a number of treebelts and woodlands within the vale. The field patterns surrounding the site are typically medium scale and geometric in pattern. The Sandridge Solar Farm occupying 17 no. fields and approximately 80 hectares is located to the north east of the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 and the site. Another small solar farm (1.5MW) occupies a single pastoral field near Craymarsh Farm to the south east of the site.

Topography

3.5 The site is located within a gently undulating vale with ground levels varying between 40m and 50m AOD. The land rises to form defined ridgelines at

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Sandridge Hill (100m AOD) to the north east and at Seend (96m AOD) to the south of the site.

Woodlands, Hedgerows and Trees

3.6 The majority of field boundaries within the vale are formed by hedgerows and trees, generally in excess of 2m and often between 3-4m in height. There are also a number of deciduous woodlands surrounding the site at Eight Acre Woodland and Brickyard Plantation to the north, Eighteen Acre Plantation and Morass Wood to the north east, and Hundred Acre Plantation to the east of the site.

Watercourses

3.7 A small tributary is located directly to the south of the site that flows west towards the River Avon at Melksham. This forms part of a network of small tributaries within the vale including Clackers Brook which feeds into the River Avon. The Kennet and Avon canal towpath is also located to the south of the site and runs in an east to west alignment between Seend Cleeve and Sells Green.

Built Infrastructure

3.8 The Sandridge Solar Farm is located directly to the north east of the site with the small solar farm at Craysmarsh Farm located to the south east of the site. Pylons and transmission lines are also visible to the north east of the site crossing the Sandridge Solar Farm. There are numerous agricultural buildings surrounding the site within the vale at Snarleton Farm, Redstocks and Blackmore Farm.

Landscape Designations

3.9 The AD scheme is not located within any statutory or non-statutory landscape designations as shown in Figure 8. The Spye and Bowood Parklands Special Landscape Area (SLA) is located beyond the A3102 and the ridgeline of Sundridge Hill to the north east of the site.

Residential Properties

3.10 The settlement of Melksham is located approximately 1.5km to the west of the site near Snarleton Farm. The villages of Bromham is located 3.1km to the north east, Sells Green is 2.4km to the south east, and Seend is 2.7km to the south of the site.

3.11 There are a number of individual farms and residential properties surrounding the site including:

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 Sandridge Farm located 1.5km to the north east;  Tanhouse Farm, Craysmarsh Farm and Redstocks located 0.6km, 1.1km and 0.56km to the south;  Residential properties on Somerset Close, Dial Close and the Lye within Seend village located 2.68km to the south;  Snarlton Farm located 0.95km to the west;  Newly constructed residential properties on Skylark Road and Cranesbill Road in Melksham located 1.11km to the west; and  Blackmore Farm located 1.0km north west of the site.

3.12 The landowners at Snarlton Farm have a vested interest in the planning application.

Public Highways

3.13 There are a number of public highways surrounding the site including:  A3102 Sandridge Road located 795m to the north;  A365 Devizes Road located 1.5km to the south; and  Snarlton Lane near the newly constructed residential properties in Melksham located 1.11km to the west of the site.

Public Rights of Way (PROW)

3.14 There are a number of public rights of way (PROW) surrounding the site including:  Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 directly to the east;  Public footpath MELW26 located 0.2km to the west;  Public bridleway MELW41 between Snarlton Farm and Redstocks. From here it becomes MELW43, passing to the south west of Craysmarsh Farm before turning south to meet with the A365. Bridleway MELW25 also runs from Prater’s Lane, south west to Craysmarsh Farm, and then onto the A365;  Public footpath links MELW41 and Prater’s Lane, passing to the south of the site. It also continues north east, meeting MELW25A which links Broad Lane Farm and Sandridge Farm;  Public footpath MELW22 passes from MELW41 travelling west towards the edge of Melksham;  There are a number of footpaths in the vicinity of Redstocks – MELW 20, 23, 23A, 24 and 29; and  Elevated PROWs between Seend village and the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath including SEEND 5, 6, 27, 29, 44 and 49.

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4. LANDSCAPE PLANNING POLICY

4.1 The relevant landscape planning policies are detailed within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Wiltshire Core Strategy (January 2015), and the West Wiltshire District Plan 2011, First Alteration (Adopted June 2004) ‘Saved Policies’.

National Planning Policy Framework

4.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section 11 refers to ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment.’ Paragraph 115 of Section 11 states:

“Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.”

4.3 The AD scheme is not located within any statutory or non statutory landscape designations.

Wiltshire Core Strategy (Adopted January 2015)

4.4 Policy 51, Landscape of the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Adopted January 2015) states: “Core Policy 51 Landscape Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character and must not have a harmful impact upon landscape character, while any negative impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design and landscape measures. Proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other relevant assessments and studies. In particular, proposals will need to demonstrate that the following aspects of landscape character have been conserved and where possible enhanced through sensitive design, landscape mitigation and enhancement measures: i. The locally distinctive pattern and species composition of natural features such as trees, hedgerows, woodland, field boundaries, watercourses and waterbodies; ii. The locally distinctive character of settlements and their landscape settings; iii. The separate identity of settlements and the transition between man-made and natural landscapes at the urban fringe; iv. Visually sensitive skylines, soils, geological and topographical features;

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v. Landscape features of cultural, historic and heritage value; vi. Important views and visual amenity; vii. Tranquillity and the need to protect against intrusion from light pollution, noise, and motion; viii. Landscape functions including places to live, work, relax and recreate; ix. Special qualities of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and the New Forest National Park, where great weight will be afforded to conserving and enhancing landscapes and scenic beauty. Proposals for development within or affecting the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), New Forest National Park (NFNP) or Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) shall demonstrate that they have taken account of the objectives, policies and actions set out in the relevant Management Plans for these areas. Proposals for development outside of an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area’s special qualities (as set out in the relevant management plan), must also demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting.”

West Wiltshire District Plan 2011, First Alteration ‘Saved Policies’

4.5 Saved Policy C3, Special Landscape Areas of the West Wiltshire District Plan 2011 First Alteration (Adopted June 2004) states: “Special Landscape Areas, as defined on the Proposals Maps, are identified as follows:  The higher land of the Spye and Bowood Parklands.

The landscape character of Special Landscape Areas will be conserved and enhanced and development will not be permitted which is considered to be detrimental to the high quality of these landscapes.

Proposals for development essential to the social and economic well being of the rural community or desirable for the enjoyment of its amenities will be permitted having regard to highways, access, scale, design, materials, location, siting, landscaping and other appropriate environmental considerations.”

Compliance with Planning Policy

4.6 This Landscape Appraisal demonstrates that the proposals would have a limited effect on natural features, settlements and their landscape settings, transition on the urban fringe, historic features, important views and tranquillity and would therefore be compliant with Policy 51, Landscape. With the exception of the feedstock vehicular access junction and the existing Praters Lane farm track, the

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proposals would not generally be visible from within the Spye and Bowood Parklands SLA and therefore would not affect ‘Saved Policy’ C3, Special Landscape Areas.

5. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

5.1 The effects on landscape elements relates to the direct changes on the physical fabric of the site arising from the proposals.

Site Topography

5.2 The proposals are located within the gently undulating vale with the topography varying between 40m and 50m AOD within the site. The site topography is considered to be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. The proposals would require reducing the ground level of the digestor tanks, residue storage and liquid intake tanks by approximately 3 metres to provide physical containment and to reduce the visual profile and elevations of the AD components. Other localised changes in site topography would be required for the associated access tracks, foundations, hardstandings, earth bunds and fencing, etc. With a medium sensitivity and medium magnitude of change, there would be a moderate effect on site topography.

Woodlands, Hedgerows and Trees

5.3 The proposals are located between woodlands at Eight Acre Plantation to the north, hedgerows following the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east, young deciduous woodland to the south east, and a currently open field boundary to the west of the site. A proposed native hedgerow would be established along the west boundary to enclose the site.

5.1 In terms of the vehicular access for construction and feedstock traffic, the route would generally follow the existing Prater’s Lane farm track accessing the compound area through a field gate. It is intended that no trees are to be removed except, however, if during construction it becomes clear that the access needs widening and the removal of T32 (Oak – Category U, Unsuitable), T33 (Oak – Category U, Unsuitable) and T34 (Oak – Category U, Unsuitable) may be required. Given their current condition, their potential future loss would not be significant (refer to Arboricultural Assessment).

5.2 In terms of the vehicular access junction for the feedstock traffic that would require a new junction between the A3102 Sandridge Hill Road and the Praters

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Lane farm track to the north west of the Sandridge Solar Park as shown on Figure 5, this would require the removal of a 30 linear metre stretch of hedgerow and trees including T38 (Ash – Category C1, Low Quality) and T39 (Oak – Category C1, Low Quality) to allow for forward visibility.

5.3 Woodlands, hedgerows and trees are considered to be of high value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. The woodlands, hedgerows and trees would not generally require removal within the AD scheme with the exception of a relatively small number of hedgerows and trees on the new junction for the feedstock access route. Approximately 145 linear metres of native hedgerow would be proposed to the west of the digester scheme resulting in a low magnitude of change. With a high sensitivity and a low magnitude of change, there would be a moderate (beneficial) effect on hedgerows surrounding the site although not on the new junction with the A3102 Sandridge Hill Road.

Pastoral Grassland

5.4 The proposals are located within a single medium scale pastoral field within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. Pastoral grassland is considered to be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity. The pastoral grassland would require removal within the footprint of the AD scheme resulting in a high magnitude of change. With a medium sensitivity and a high magnitude of change, there would a major effect on pastoral grassland within the site itself. However, the AD scheme would appear in keeping with the agricultural character of the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1).

Watercourses

5.5 A small tributary stream feeding into the River Avon is located directly to the south of the site. The watercourse is considered be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. The proposals would not affect the watercourse resulting in a negligible magnitude of change. With a medium sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, there would be a negligible effect on the watercourse.

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Summary

5.6 The effects on landscape elements are summarised in Table 1:

Table 1, Summary of Effects on Landscape Elements Landscape Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Magnitude Effect elements

Site Topography Medium Medium Medium Medium Moderate

Woodlands, Hedgerows and High High High Low Moderate Trees (Beneficial)

Pastoral Farmland Medium Medium Medium High Major

Watercourses Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible

6. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

6.1 Landscape character is defined as the “distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.”2 The effect on landscape character considers how the introduction of new landscape elements physically alters the landform, landcover, landscape pattern and perceptual attributes of the site or how visibility of the proposals changes the way in which the landscape character is perceived.

6.2 The site is located within the following published Landscape Character Areas (LCAs):  Natural England, Avon Vales, NCA 117; and  Wiltshire Council, Melksham Open Clay Vale, LCA C1.

6.3 The effects on landscape character has been assessed at each representative viewpoint in Appendix 2.

Natural England, Avon Vales (NCA 117)

6.4 Natural England has identified 159 large geographical areas of similar landscape character known as National Character Areas (NCAs). Whilst the NCAs provide a

2 Glossary, Page 157, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

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national spatial framework, the scale of the mapping and information makes it of limited use as a strategic planning tool at the local scale. The proposals are located within National Character Area 117, Avon Vales with the following key characteristics:  “An undulating clay vale with a mix of arable and pasture;  Small and medium sized fields with mostly hedgerow boundaries with few hedgerow trees, varying in shape from irregular piecemeal enclosure to rectilinear planned enclosure;  Numerous low ridges with local views over towns and villages;  Wide River Avon corridor, with an ancient pattern of flood meadows and closely associated settlements and more recent development; and  Transport corridors along roads and watercourses, heavily influential on all development in the NCA.”3

6.5 The Avon Vales (NCA 117) covers a large geographical area between Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Frome. The site is located to the east of the Avon Vales (NCA 117) and is not located within any statutory or non statutory landscape designations. The Avon Vales (NCA 117) are considered to be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity within the surroundings of the site.

6.6 The proposals would result in a physical and visual effect on the character of the Avon Vales (NCA 117) within the site itself and limited areas of the ZTV as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) shows that only a small percentage of the Avon Vales (NCA 117) character area would be intervisible with the proposals. The vast majority of the NCA 117 geographical area would remain entirely unaffected by the proposals resulting in a negligible magnitude of change. With a medium sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would result in a negligible effect on the Avon Vales (NCA 117) character area.

Wiltshire Council, Melksham Open Clay Vale (LCA C1)

6.7 At the district scale, the site is located within the Wiltshire Council, Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) with the following key characteristics:  “Flat, low-lying landscape (in places adjacent to the floodplain of the River Avon);  Mixed use farmland, with ‘horsey culture’ as a significant element;

3 Page 6, National Character Area 117, Avon Vales

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 Relatively regular, medium-scale field pattern;  Road corridors lined in places with mature deciduous hedgerows and telegraph poles;  Pylons are dominant vertical elements across parts of the landscape;  Scattered settlement pattern, with isolated farmsteads;  Brooks and stream corridors scattered across the landscape – including Clackers Brook (a tributary of the River Avon).”4

6.8 The management strategy and objectives of the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) are to:  “Conserve and enhance the landscape setting of existing urban settlements, such as Melksham and Bowerhill;  Screen visually intrusive urban edges of Melksham and Bowerhill;  Conserve open views across the clay vale to distant downland ridges;  Encourage screening of visually intrusive modern farm buildings;  Seek ways to mitigate the visual impact of the A3102 and A365 main road corridors;  Conserve and enhance the existing hedgerow network; and  Introduce arable field margins as an important nature conservation feature.”5

6.9 The landscape character of the locality comprises the medium scale geometric pastoral fields, occasional woodlands and farmsteads, generally level topography of the vale with rising ridgelines at Sandridge Hill to the north east and Seend to the south, together with the Sandridge Solar Farm and the pylons and transmission lines to the north east of the site. The landscape mitigation measures associated with the proposals would contribute to these management objectives through the planting of native hedgerows to the south west of the site as shown in Figure 2. The site is not located with any statutory or non statutory landscape designations and is considered to be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity in character terms.

6.10 The proposals would result in result in a physical effect on the character of the site through the removal of pastoral grassland and small number of trees and hedgerows on the new junction for feedstock vehicles. However, the surrounding woodland, hedgerows and trees would be largely retained and a new +145 linear metre hedgerow is proposed to provide additional visual enclosure to the

4 Page 48, Wiltshire Council, ‘Melksham Open Clay Vale’ LCA C1 5 Page 49, Wiltshire Council, ‘Melksham Open Clay Vale’ LCA C1

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anaerobic digestion plant to the west. The proposed feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building are located within the surroundings of other agricultural buildings at Snarlton Farm, Tanhouse Farm and Blackmore Farm therefore would not appear as an unusual occurrence within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. The key characteristics of the vale at the district level would prevail with the proposals in place resulting in a low magnitude of change. With a medium sensitivity and a low magnitude of change, the proposals would result in a minor effect on the character of the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1).

Summary

6.11 The effects on landscape character are summarised in Table 2:

Table 2, Summary of Effects on Landscape Character Landscape Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Magnitude Effect Character

NCA 117, Avon Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible Vales

LCA C1, Melksham Minor to Medium Medium Medium Low Open Clay Vale Moderate

7. EFFECTS ON VISUAL AMENITY

7.1 The effects on visual amenity considers the changes in views arising from the proposals in relation to visual receptors including settlements, residential properties, transport routes, public rights of way (PROW) and recreational routes; and the effect on representative viewpoints or specific locations within the study area.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)

7.2 The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) shows the extent of potential visibility of the proposals within the study area (Figure 10). Importantly, the ZTV mapping within the study area shows a ‘screened’ ZTV whereby the screening effects of woodland and buildings have been modelled with an assumed woodland height of +15m and an assumed building height of +8m above ground level (agl). The ‘screened’ ZTV does not take account of partial visibility or the screening effects provided by intervening trees, hedgerows, farmhouses or agricultural buildings due to limitations with the ground modelling data. However, the ZTV does provide

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an indication of the visual screening provided by woodland and built up areas across the study area.

7.3 The ZTV within 2km shows that the proposals would theoretically be visible between the A3102 Sandridge Road at Blackmore Farm, Brickyard Plantation, Eight Acre Plantation and Morass Wood on the ridgeline to the north; the Sandridge Solar Farm, Hundred Acre Plantation and Lapwing Plantation to the east; Redstocks, the A361, the Kennet and Avon canal towpath and the Seend ridgeline to the south; and the newly constructed residential development to the east of Melksham and to the west of the site.

7.4 The ‘actual’ visibility of the proposals would be less than shown on the ZTV on Figure 10 as shown by the representative viewpoints on Figure 11. The proposals would generally be enclosed by the dense framework of trees, hedgerows and woodlands within the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) character area. The layering of hedgerows reduces the visual effects of the proposals with close proximity views limited to the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east and the public footpath MELW26 located to the south west of the AD scheme.

Visual Receptors

7.5 Following site surveys, the visual effects resulting from the proposals have been assessed as follows:

Residential Properties

7.6 The proposals would be partially visible from a limited number of farms and residential properties including:  Sandridge Farm located 1.5km to the north east;  Tanhouse Farm, Craysmarsh Farm and Redstocks located 0.6km, 1.1km and 0.56km to the south;  Residential properties on Somerset Close, Dial Close and the Lye within Seend located 2.68km to the south;  Snarlton Farm located 0.95km to the west;  Newly constructed residential properties on the edge of Melksham located 1.11km to the west; and  Blackmore Farm located 1km north west of the site.

7.7 Views from individual farms and residential properties are generally considered to be of high value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity. The majority of residential properties are located at distance from the proposals and views would generally

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be filtered or screened by intervening woodland, hedgerow and trees within the vale character area resulting in a negligible magnitude of change. With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, there would be minor (or negligible) effect on the surrounding farms or residential properties surrounding the site.

Public Highways

7.8 The proposals would be intermittently visible during travel from the following public highways:  A3102 Sandridge Road located 0.79km to the north;  A365 Bowerhill – Devizes Road located 1.5km to the south; and  Snarlton Lane near the newly constructed residential properties in Melksham located 1.11km to the west of the site.

7.9 Views from the surrounding public highways are generally considered to be of medium value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity. Views would generally be filtered or screened by intervening woodland, hedgerow and trees and there would be no prolonged views during travel of the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building due to the set back from the A3102 and A365 resulting in negligible magnitude of change. With a medium sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, there would be a negligible effect on the public highways surrounding the site.

Public Rights of Way (PROW)

7.10 The proposals would be visible to varying degrees from public rights of way (PROW) surrounding the site. Views from PROW are generally considered to be of medium value, high susceptibility and of high overall sensitivity. Close proximity views of the proposals would be visible from bridleway users on the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 near the Sandridge Solar Farm who would have clear views of vehicles using the access road and the digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building when passing the site resulting in a high magnitude of change (Viewpoint 1).

7.11 Close proximity views would also be permitted from the public footpath MELW26 between Redstocks and Blackmore Farm passing to the south west of the site resulting in a high magnitude of change on this short section (Viewpoint 2). With a high sensitivity and a high magnitude of change, there would be a major effect on these short sections of PROW with the remaining sections unaffected.

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7.12 Distant elevated views from the Seend ridgeline would be perceptible although the proposals would be largely screened by the intervening hedgerows and would appear similar in character to other agricultural buildings within the vale resulting in a negligible magnitude of change and a negligible effect (Viewpoint 10).

7.13 Views from the Kennet and Avon canal towpath below the Seend ridgeline would be filtered by intervening hedgerows in the vale resulting in a negligible magnitude of change and a negligible effect (Viewpoint 11). The magnitude of change would be low or negligible on the other PROWs due to the intervening woodlands, hedgerows, trees and the Sandridge Solar Farm at close proximity to the site. On the remaining PROW sections, there would be minor to negligible effects.

Landscape Designations

7.14 The AD scheme is not located within any statutory or non statutory landscape designations. The Spye and Bowood Parklands Special Landscape Area (SLA) is located beyond the A3102 Sandridge Road and the Sandridge Solar Farm to the north east of the site. The SLA is considered to be of high value, susceptibility and overall sensitivity. The digester proposals are generally screened by intervening woodland at Eight Acre Plantation, Brickyard Plantation, and Morass Wood on the lower slopes of the Sandridge ridgeline resulting in a negligible magnitude of change on the SLA. With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, there would be a negligible effect on the SLA due to the location of the Sandridge Solar Farm between the AD scheme and the SLA.

Representative Viewpoints

7.15 The appraisal of landscape and visual effects has been informed by a selection of representative viewpoints as shown on Figure 11. The selected viewpoints intend to encompass the relevant character areas and a range of visual receptors from different directions and distances from the site. The viewpoints are not intended to cover every possible view but are intended to be representative of a range of visual receptor types e.g. residents, walkers on public footpaths and road users. The field survey was undertaken during the winter months when deciduous vegetation was not in leaf.

Construction Phase

7.16 The construction phase for the proposals would be a relatively short over a number of months. Construction activity within the site would increase and would be visible to receptors in close proximity to the site on the Prater’s Lane bridleway

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MELW40 (Viewpoint 1) as it passes the proposals and the public footpath MELW26 to the south west of the site (Viewpoint 2). Construction traffic would also be visible from the A3102 Sandridge Road on the site access to the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 and the A3102 Sandridge Road on the elevated ridgeline overlooking Sandridge Solar Farm and the lower vale (Viewpoint 7).

Operational Phase

7.17 Close proximity views of the proposals and vehicle movements would be apparent from the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east (Viewpoint 1), from the public footpath MELW26 between Redstocks and Blackmore Farm to the west (Viewpoint 2) and from the bridleway between Snarleton Farm, Redstocks Farm and Tanhouse Farm to the west of the site (Viewpoint 3). Within these close proximity views, the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building would be partially visible above intervening hedgerows and framed by the woodlands enclosing the site. The AD scheme and components would appear of similar character to the other agricultural buildings within the vale surrounding the site.

7.18 Medium distance views of the proposals between the woodland areas would be intermittently visible from the A3102 Sandridge Road on the ridgeline that overlooks Sandridge Solar Farm to the north east (Viewpoint 7), the public footpaths to the east near Lapwing Plantation (Viewpoint 6), and the newly constructed residential properties near Snarlton Farm to the east of Melksham (Viewpoint 8). Within these medium distance views, the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building would be framed between the woodlands and the visual profile or elevations of the components would be reduced by the backdrop of woodland enclosing the site.

7.19 Distant views of the proposals would be perceptible within elevated panoramic views across the vale from the ridgeline at Seend to the south of the site (Viewpoint 10). Within these distant panoramic views across the vale, the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage, technical building and vehicle movements would be heavily filtered by the dense framework of woodlands, hedgerows and mature trees within the vale. Filtered views of the proposals would be barely perceptible from a section of the Kennet and Avon canal towpath between Seend Cleve and Rusty Lane (Viewpoint 11). However, the focus of the view tends to be along the canal towpath in an east/west direction.

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Night Time Visual Effects

7.20 There would be no additional lighting installed as part of the proposed anaerobic digestion plant. Some additional lighting may be anticipated through vehicular movements along the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the site during the winter months.

Summary

7.21 The effects on representative viewpoints are summarised in Table 3:

Table 3, Summary of Effects on Representative Viewpoints

Representative Viewpoint Value Suscep- Sensitivity Magnitude Effect tibility

Viewpoint 1 – View from Prater's Lane Bridleway MELW40 (South West Medium High High High Major Direction)

Viewpoint 2 – View from public footpath MELW26 to the south west of the site Medium High High Medium Major (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 3 – View from the junction of public bridleway MELW41 and public footpath Medium High High Negligible Negligible MELW30 to the south west of the site (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 4 – View from junction of public bridleway MELW41 and public footpath Medium High High Negligible Negligible MELW29 to the south west of the site (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 5 – View from the minor road at Bollards Hill to the south of the A365 Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible junction (North Direction)

Viewpoint 6 – View from public bridleway MELW25A to the south east of the site Medium High High Negligible Negligible (North East Direction)

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Viewpoint 7 – View from the A3102 public highway on Sandridge Hill within the Spye Minor to High Low Medium Low and Bowood Parklands SLA Moderate (South West Direction)

Viewpoint 8 – View from embankment on the east side of recently constructed road on eastern edge of Melksham, Medium High High Negligible Negligible close to Snarlton Farm (East Direction)

Viewpoint 9 – View from public footpath MELW18 to the east of Melksham and to Medium High High Negligible Negligible the north of Bowerhill (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 10 – View from public bridleway SEEN6 to the Medium High High Negligible Negligible north of Seend (North West Direction)

Viewpoint 11 – View from the canal towpath (SEEN52) on the north side of the Kennet and Avon Canal forming part Medium High High Negligible Negligible of the Mid Wilts Way recreational trail (North Direction)

8. LANDSCAPE MITIGATION

8.1 The proposed anaerobic digestion plant to the east of Snarleton Farm includes a number of mitigation measures to limit the landscape and visual effects of the proposals.

Construction Phase

8.2 The existing woodland, hedgerows and trees surrounding the site would be retained and protected in accordance with BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction.

Landscape Elements

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8.3 The existing woodland, hedgerows and trees surrounding the site would be retained where possible as these enhance the visual screening of the proposed feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building. A new +145 linear metre native hedgerow would be planted to the south west of the digestor site to enhance visual screening and to provide a wildlife corridor/habitat linkage between deciduous woodlands to the north and south of the site (Figure 2).

Landscape Character

8.4 The proposed anaerobic digestion plant is considered to be of similar character to other agricultural buildings in the vale and the cylindrical digestor tanks, residue storage and technical would be finished in muted colour to blend into the woodlands, hedgerows and trees surrounding the site.

Visual Amenity

8.5 The site for the proposed anaerobic digestion plant has been selected as it is remote from the surrounding residential properties and farms and is visually enclosed by Eight Acre Plantation to the north, hedgerows and mature trees on the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east, young deciduous woodland to the south east, and a triangular area of woodland to the south west of the site. A new 145 linear metre native hedgerow is proposed to the south west of the site to enclose the existing field boundary. The retention of the surrounding woodlands, hedgerows and trees and the provision of a new hedgerow would enhance the visual screening and reduce the visual profile of the proposed feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage, technical building within the landscape.

9. SUMMARY

9.1 This Landscape Appraisal considers the effects of the proposed AD scheme on land to the east of Snarlton Farm, Melksham.

Baseline Conditions

9.2 The site comprises part of a single pastoral field located immediately adjacent to the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 between the A3102 Sandridge Road and Tanhouse Farm. The site is enclosed by woodland at Eight Acre Plantation to the north, mature trees and hedgerows on the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east, younger woodland and small tributary to the south, and a triangular

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area of woodland to the south west and hedgerows to the west of the pastoral field containing the AD scheme.

Vehicular Access Routes

9.3 The construction traffic vehicular access leading to the digestor site follows the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 leading from the A3102 Sandridge Road to the north near Manor Farm. The feedstock vehicular access route follows the same farm track except for a new junction between the A3102 Sandridge Road and the Prater’s Lane farm track to the north west of the Sandridge Solar Farm requiring a limited section of hedgerow and tree removal (refer to Arboricultural Assessment).

Effects on Landscape Elements

9.4 The proposals would not generally require the removal of any native woodland, hedgerows or mature trees surrounding the site. A new 145 linear metre native hedgerow would be planted to the west of the digestor site to enhance visual screening and to provide a wildlife corridor/habitat linkage between the woodlands to the north and south of the AD scheme.

9.5 In terms of vehicular access, both the construction and feedstock routes generally follows Prater’s Lane accessing the AD scheme through the existing field gate which may require a degree of widening and tree removal on either side. A limited stretch of hedgerow and tree removal would be required along the A3102 Sandridge Road to the north to allow for the new junction required to the west of the existing junction for the feedstock vehicular access route.

9.6 The pastoral grassland would require removal within the proposed development footprint and the site topography would lowered by approximately 3 metres to physically contain and reduce the visual profile of the digester tanks, residue storage and liquid intake tanks within the AD compound. Other localised changes in site topography would be required for the vehicular access tracks, foundations, hardstandings, earth bunds and fencing, etc.

Effects on Landscape Character

9.7 The proposals are located within the Natural England, Avon Vales (NCA 117) and the Wiltshire Council, Melksham Open Clay Vale (LCA C1) character areas. The site comprises a medium scale geometric pastoral field enclosed by Eight Acre Plantation to the north, hedgerows and mature trees on the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east, young deciduous woodland to the south east, and a triangular area of woodland to the south west of the site.

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9.8 The proposals would result in a physical effect on the character of the site through the removal of pastoral grassland and site topography, however, the surrounding woodland, hedgerows and trees would be retained and a new +145 linear metre hedgerow is proposed to the west of the site. The proposals would not be an unusual occurrence and would appear consistent with other agricultural buildings within the vale in the surroundings of the site. The character of the Avon Vales (NCA 117) and the Melksham Open Clay Vale (C1) would prevail with the proposals in place.

Effects on Visual Amenity

9.9 The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) in Figure 10 shows the extent of potential visibility of the proposals across the study area. The ZTV shows that the proposals would theoretically be visible between the A3102 Sandridge Road on the ridgeline to the north, Sandridge Solar Farm, Hundred Acre Plantation and Lapwing Plantation to the east, the Seend ridgeline to the south, and the newly constructed residential properties in Melksham to the west of the site.

9.10 The actual visibility of the proposals would be less than shown in the ZTV in Figure 10 as shown by the representative viewpoints in Figure 11. Close proximity views of the proposals and vehicle movements would be apparent from the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 to the east (Viewpoint 1) and from the public footpath MELW26 between Redstocks and Blackmore Farm to the west (Viewpoint 2). Within these close proximity views, the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building would be visible above intervening hedgerows and would be framed by the woodlands forming a leafy backdrop to the AD scheme.

9.11 Medium distance views of the proposals would be intermittently visible during travel from the A3102 Sandridge Road on the ridgeline that overlooks the Sandridge Solar Farm to the north east (Viewpoint 7), the public footpath to the east near Lapwing Plantation (Viewpoint 6), and near the newly constructed residential properties to the east of Melksham (Viewpoint 8). Within these views, the feedstock storage tanks, digestor tanks, residue storage and technical building would be filtered by intervening woodlands, hedgerows and mature trees and the visual profile or elevations would be reduced by the backdrop of mature treecover within the vale.

9.12 Distant views of the proposals would be perceptible between the woodlands from the elevated Seend ridgeline (Viewpoint 10) to the south of the site. Within these

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panoramic views, the digestor tanks, residue storage, technical building and vehicle movements would be heavily filtered by the dense framework of woodlands, hedgerows and mature trees within the vale. Filtered views of the proposals would be barely perceptible from a section of the Kennet and Avon canal towpath to the south due to intervening hedgerows (Viewpoint 11).

Effects on Landscape Designations

9.13 The AD scheme is not located within any statutory or non statutory landscape designations. The Spye and Bowood Parklands Special Landscape Area (SLA) is located beyond the A3102 Sandridge Road and the Sandridge Solar Farm to the north east of the site. The proposals are generally screened from the SLA by the intervening woodland at Eight Acre Plantation, Brickyard Plantation, and Morass Wood on the Sandridge ridgeline therefore the SLA would generally remain unaffected.

Summary

9.14 The proposed anaerobic digestion plant would appear consistent with the character of other agricultural buildings within the vale and would be largely screened by woodlands, hedgerows and trees surrounding the AD scheme. The proposed anaerobic digestion plant would result in limited effects on landscape elements, landscape character and visual amenity within the study area.

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FIGURE 1: SITE LOCATION PLAN

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Site Boundary

Revisions: First Issue- 25/01/2016 DB A - (10/08/2016 AD) Revised red line

Site Location Plan

Snarleton Farm, Melksham

Client: Elgar Middleton Bio Power Ltd DRWG No: BRS6294_04 Sheet No: - REV: A Drawn by: DB/AD Approved by: RF Date: 10/08/2016 Scale: 1:25,000 @ A3 0 1 km > Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 2016 Emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093. Promap Licence number 100020449. Pegasus accepts no liability for any use of this document other than for its original purpose, or by the original client, or following Pegasus’ express agreement to such use. T 01285 641717 www.pegasuspg.co.uk (N Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 2: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT LAYOUT

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Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 3: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT SECTIONS

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Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 4: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT COMPONENTS

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 RESIDUE STORAGE PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) BIOGAS UPGRADING & CONTROL SYSTEMS PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 39180MM 3000MM

SILAGE CLAMP FLARE STACK REMOTE OPERABLE VALVE UNIT WIDTH/DEPTH DIMENSIONS VARIABLE PER SITE 2500MM 4490MM 3500MM

FLARE STACK PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 8160MM 4180MM

SILAGE CLAMP PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) DIGESTATE EXTRACTION POINT 2500MM . DIGESTER TANKS

apply REMOTE OPERABLE VALVE UNIT PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 3000MM 2500MM

5990MM 10200MM 2500MM

REMOTE OPERABLE VALVE UNIT PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 2500MM DIGESTER TANK PLAN 3000MM (NOT TO SCALE) DIGESTATE EXTRACTION POINT PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 28820MM 4000MM WEIGHBRIDGE OFFICE

.co.uk LIQUID INTAKE TANK CHP CONTAINER 2500MM .pegasuspg www 3000MM 2500MM Licence number 0100031673 Standard OS licence rights conditions rights licence OS Standard 0100031673 number Licence 6000MM

641717 LIQUID INTAKE TANK PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 9060MM 12500MM 01285 EmapSite . T . 2500MM use

TECHNICIAL BUILDING WEIGHBRIDGE OFFICE PLAN

2500MM (NOT TO SCALE) 3000MM

CHP CONTAINER PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) 3000MM 3500MM DNO SUB-STATION agreement to such to agreement TRANSFORMER express 27000MM Promap Licence number 100020449 number Licence Promap . 2100MM Pegasus’ 2500MM

3500MM 3000MM TRANSFORMER PLAN

or following or TECHNICIAL BUILDING PLAN (NOT TO SCALE) , (NOT TO SCALE) 3000MM

16125MM 2100MM

Licence number 100042093 number Licence BIOGAS UPGRADING & CONTROL SYSTMEMS DNO SUB-STATION (NOT TO SCALE)

the original client original the SEPARATOR

2500MM FEEDSTOCK STORAGE TANKS purpose 2500MM

Ordnance Survey Ordnance 12500MM .

2500MM 3000MM FEEDSTOCK STORAGE TANKS

6530MM REMOTE OPERABLE VALVE UNIT . 3600MM use of this document this of use Ltd any RESIDUE STORAGE PASTEURISATION SYSTEM Planning Group Planning Pegasus accepts no liability for liability no accepts 2650MM Copyright Pegasus

11989MM PASTEURISATION SYSTEM 12740MM (NOT TO SCALE)

RESIDUE STORAGE PLAN (NOT TO SCALE)

39180MM

FLARE STACKLAND AT SNARLTON FARM, SNARLTON LANE, MELKSHAM - SITE COMPONENT ELEVATIONS

FIGURE 5: ACCESS TRACK LAYOUT PLAN

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Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 6: LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS PLAN

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Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 7: TREE PROTECTION/RETENTION PLAN

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Ash Elm multibole Ø 0.23 ht 12.0 ditch ht 8.0 wood post & small trees root line ht 5.0 foliage gate barbed wire fence Oak stone wall mh ht 4.0-5.0 ht 1.10 grass cl 50.28 mkr Ø .58 grass ht 1.20 rs ht 12.0 Oak ditch Ø 0.72 gravel wood post & tree canopy rs ht 10.0 road grass barbed wire fence 50.23 ht 7.0 50.26 50.31 50.38 gully road ditch ht 1.10 foliage H36 -B2 tarmac gully road ht 4.0-5.0 50.11 50.21 gully road drop drop 50.29 50.38 conc mh ditch gully drop textured tarmac road foliage cl 53.89 kerb kerb tarmac gully ht 4.0-5.0 49.99 kerb surface mh foliage 50.09 50rs.17 p p A3102 cl 51.44 grass soil rs p 50.28 mh ht 3.5 ht 0.50 50.11 cl 52.33 c Armco hr il Ø225 road Oak 50 49.18 50.31 textured 50 50.40 gully road Ø 0.52 50.21Shrub mass rs surface rs foliage 50.06 .04 50.30 foliage gully ht 10.0 grass textured road ht 3.5 hedge Heras fence .97 .16 ht 3.5 mh surface 49 textured gully grass ht 1.5 ht 2.00 49 cl 50.84 tarmac surface Sandridge c Oak Common 49 .98 foliage 7No Ø 0.37 48 ht 4.5 . ht 12.0 .97 ditch road overhead .95 50 50.20 gate water level tarmac grass gully 49 49.12m 49 .04 50.20 tarmac cables on 22/12/15 .91 A3102 .92 drop Oak ditch foliage kerb Ø 0.68 wood post & ht 4.5 rs bushes 48 rs ht 13.0 barbed wire fence foliage rs ht 3.0-4.0 50.10 50.0m ht 1.10 ht 3.5 .78 50.00 grass .95 ditch ditch 49.84 49 foliage Ash Oak tarmac ht 2.0 Oak on Ø 0.28 Ø 0.58 ht 10.0 ht 10.0 Ø 0.52 grass wp & rf ht 10.0 ht 1.20 wood post & barbed wire fence wp & rf 49.81 ht 1.10 ht 1.20 49.74 hedge 49 gate ht 2.5 hedge .85 ht 1.5 gate

48 49

.78 grass 49 .31 49 49 .51 T37 -C1 grass T39 -C1 .63 T38 -C1 49 .76 .65 T40 -B1 T41 -C1 49 49 .45 wp G42 -B2 & .29 pig T43 -C1 mesh fencegravel wood post & barbed wire

ditch fence ht 1.10

ht 1 .20 48 49 .68 49 49 49 .10 .22 49 49 .31 48 .48 49 .28 .42 .74 .27

48 .67

T3 -C1 tree ht 14.0

culvert 48.13 50x32 soffit 49 47.81 grass il conc Oak 48 .04 wall Ø 0.92 T5 -B1 .85 49 48 ht 15.0 49 .17 .34 48 .14 grass 47 .85 47 .84 .74

tree T4 -C1 ht 14.0

hedge ht 2.5 48 .53 49 49 49 .04 48 49 .20 T6 -C3 .16 48 .83 .00 .68 48 Oak .46 Ø 1.30 48 ht 15.0 .91

49 49 .14 49 .43 49 49 .05 .37 49 .42 49 48 .05 .26 .90 48 rs .78

gravel

49 49 49 .92 .99 49 .98 .83 49 49 .83 49 .50 hedge 49 .39 ht 2.5 .26 grass grass 50

50 50 .12 wp .0m .0m fence & wood post & pig ht barbed wire mesh 1 fence ht 1.10 .20

50 49 .29 .98 T7 -B3 49 .85 tree ht 17.0 51 51 50 51 .03 51 .08 .86 .14 .12 H1 - B2 50 50 .90 50 .60 51 51 .61 .55 .54 51 51 .90 51 .86 51 .97 .96 51 .60 51 grass .80 hedge wp ht 2.5 fence 51 & pig .41 ht mesh 1 51 .20 .32 gravel

52 .55 stone

52 base

.5m 52 52 .65 52 52 .69 .59 52 .32 51 wood post & 51 .30 .68 barbed wire .97 fence ht 1.10 T8 -B1 tree ht 17.0 53 53 .01 53 52 53 .24 .27 .98 53 .25 grass .15

52 .96 52 52 .50 52 .22 53 .16 52 .23 .88 53 53 .89 53 .79 Oak 53 53 .95 Ø 0.98 ht 13.0 .53 53 .90 .74 T9 -B1 53 rs .44 53 grass 52 .01 52 .86 rs 52 .72 .52 wp & rf ht 1.20 54 54 .00 53 54 hedge 54 .20 ht 2.5 .87 .17 54 .18 .01 wp 53 & pig 52 .73 mesh fence gravel H2 - B2 52 .98 .77

52 ht .64 1 .20 wood post & barbed wire fence ht 1.10 54 54 .10 54 54 .21 53 .18 .02 .76 T10 -B1 tree 53 53 ht 20.0 52 .08 .60 .82

54 54 54 .04 grass .01 .06 53 .67 53 53 .90 53 .48 hedge .09 52 grass ht 2.5 52 .89 Existing access track .55 height 52 restriction 58.79m .26 53 52 .26 .85 53 wp 53 .27 53 & 53 .31 bwf .26 ht .09 1 52 .10 extent .59 of 52 wp overhead51 & .34 pig wood post & .90 51 cables mesh fence gravel barbed wire .96 fence ht 1.10

ht 52 1 .5m 7No .20 . overhead 52 52 52 52 cables .45 52 .53 .43 .52 51 51 .39 52 .62 .83 Ø200 .38 il 52 51.82 .43 hedge 51 ht 2.5 grass .58 extent 52 of .55 overhead gravel

cables 52 .15 52 .35 52 51 T11 -C1 tree .02 52 .62 ht 8.0 51 hedge 51 .24 ht 2.5 .38 .94 51 51 51 .27 .27 51 .51 .14 gravel 51 .53 51 grass .68 extent 51 of .54 overhead

cables 51 grass .24 7No wp approx. overhead & pig 51 clearance 50 cables mesh .14 50 9 .91 .2m .77 50 51 50.56 .73 .07

50 gate 50 .91 .55 50 50 extent 50 .78 of .90 overhead 50 .87 50 .73 cables grass 50 .69 & .30 soil 50 hedge track ht 2.5 50 .30 .20

50 50 .52 50 .07 .37 50 50 tree 49 .45 T12 -B1 ht 16.0 50 .36 49 .75 49 .35 .82 grass .85

49 .59 50.0m grass 49 .51

49 Oak Ø 0.56 49 .90 ht 15.0 49 .83 .77 49 Oak T14 -B1 .69 Ø 0.61 49 ht 15.0 49 .37 .30 49 .06

48 .83 Oak 49 49 Ø 0.77 .20 ht 14.0 T15 -B1 49.23 49 .17 48 .06 .79 48 48 .80 .78

48 .38 hedge 48 ht 2.5 .88 48 48 .81 grass 48 .75 .58 48 .34 48

.30 grass

48 .07 tree 48 48 T16 -B1 ht 19.0 48 .52 .46 48 .40 .34 48 grass 48 .10 & .02 soil

track

T17 -B1 tree ht 22.0 47 .73 48 48 48 .30 .17 Oak .09 Ø 0.68 47 ht 16.0 .99 47 Oak Ø 0.77 47 .75 T18 -B1 ht 16.0 .65

47 47 .5m 47 .19 47 .66 47 .59 .68

47 grass .50 47 47 .31 .15

hedge ht 3.0-4.0

47 46 .04 .53 grass 46 46 .97 46 46 .96 .59 .89

46 .49

45 46 .78 46 46 .33 .34 grass 46 .28 .17 & soil 45 track 45 .88 .89

45 45 .33 45 .87 45 .83 45 .79 hedge .74 ht 3.5 45 45 .39 .43

44 45 45 45 .81 .50 45gate.55 .45 .32 grass

45 45.26 44 45 45 .15 .82 .25 .27 hedge 45 ht 1.2 .12

45 wood post & barbed wire .32 fence ht 1.10 grass H13 - B1

45 .05 45 .24 45 wood post & barbed wire 45 .16 45 fence ht 1.10 44 .17 .89 .16 gate hedge 45.14 ht 1.2 44 45 .0m 44.91 .96

.76 grass grass 44 grass & 45 .47 soil 44 .04 track 44 .98 .90 44.81 44.76

wood post & 44 barbed wire 44 .39 fence ht 1.10 44 .97 wood post & 44 .89 barbed wire .82 fence ht 1.10 44.71

hedge bushes ht 1.2 ht 2.5

44.58 44 44 .48 .69 44 stile 44 .74 .68 grass 44.29 Ash 44.63 Ø 0.17 ht 10.0 T20 -C1

44.42

grass 44 44 .12 44 trees 44 .51 ht 16.0 .67 .61 grass 44.65 wood post & 44.68 & barbed wire soil fence ht 1.10

track

44 44 44 .46 .36 .44 hedge 44.40 ht 3.5 44.27

43 44 .83 44 .23 44 .42 .31

Ash Ø 0.24 T21 -B1 44.12 ht 9.0 44.08

trees wood post & ht 16.0 grass barbed wire fence ht 1.10 43 43 .54 .95 grass water trough hedge 44 ht 3.0 44 .15 44.04 .13 43 43 .82 .42 43 gate .86 .8043.79 43.74 43 .63 p 43.96 43 43 43.87 43 .37 .69

grass

43 43 43 .61 .21 hedge 43 .76 ht 3.5 .72

43.45 43.25

43 42 .00 .87 43 43 .12 wood post & 43.03 .10 barbed wire fence ht 1.10 42.96.96 trees ht 16.0

42 42 .65 42 .78 42 .85 .83

grass 42.72 & 42.70 soil track

hedge grass ht 3.0

42 42 .48 42 .60 42 .64

.67 42 .5m 42.48 42.52 grass

42 42 .5m 42 .41 42 42 .45 trees .63 wood post & .66 ht 7.0-9.0 barbed wire fence ht 1.10 42.41 42.36

42 42 .22 .33 42 42 .59 .45 42.29 W19 - B2 42.33

42 42 42 .10 42.20 .45 42 .25 .37 hedge 42.19 ht 3.0

water level stone 41.73m on 22/12/15 42 grass .33 41 .09 T34 -U42 .53 .31 ditch 42 trees ht 15.0

track water level 41 42 soil 41.71m & brambles .60 on 22/12/15 .78 .10 grass ht 1.2 41 42 wood post & .12 T33 -U barbed wire .16 .15 fence ht 1.10 42 dead Ø 0.44 42 T22 -B1 ditch p grass ht 11.0 42.14

.20 wp p 42.03 42 & .59 41 bwf brambles 41 .18 Oak .95 ht T44 -B1 ht 0.8 42 Ø 0.72 1 .02 .10 T32U -U 42 42.12 ht 19.0 42.46wp & grass Oak bwf hedge .12 ht 1.6 Stump 42 Ø 0.62 ht Ø 1.05 42.01 ht 17.0 1 ditch .00 Oak Ø 0.98 42.02 19 ht 16.0 Oak T31 -C1 Ø 0.63 grass hedge water level .62 ht 12.0 42.02 .06 42.33 ht 2.5 41.70m 41 .08 41 & on 22/12/15 42 soil ditch 42 .64 41.88 Oak T30 -B1 track Ø 0.65 41.96 ht 13.0 wp & trees bwf Ash ht 12.0 .63 ht Ø 0.36 42.20 41 1 Ø 0.31 .10 ht 17.0

Ash .03 T29 -C1 Ø 0.32 .05 42 Oak ht 12.0 42 Ø 0.47 41.93 ht 10.0 41 42.28 .73 .00 1 41.97 grass ht H27 - C2 bwf 41.98 ditch H45 -B2 & wp 42.01 Oak .58 Ø 0.56 41 hedge ht 16.0 ht 1.6 .14 42 .14 42 17 42.20 ditch 1 Sycamore 41 Ø 0.22 42.00 water level .54 ht 14.0 track 42.02 41.68m 18 soil wp on 22/12/15 .56 & 41.90 41.97 & 12 bwf 41 grass Oak T28 -B1 Ash ht Ø 1.14 Ø 0.33 42.09 16 41.88 1 ht 18.0 .10 Oak ht 17.0 .11 41.89 Ø 0.82 .17 42 41 ht 18.0 42 .50 wp 13 & 42.07 bwf 2 ditch ht 41.93 41.95 1 .10 .56 41 41 11 9 .30 41.91 41.74 hedge Ø 0.29 .29 ht 1.6 41.65 ht 17.0 ditch 42 .27 41.96 42 21 Oak Sycamore Ø 0.48 water level Ø 0.65 42.06 10 42.12 ht 16.0 41.60m ht 16.0 .00 42.22 1 T26 -B1 on 22/12/15 ht 15 bwf & ditch wp 42.23 41.77 41.74 .50 Ø 0.34 42.22 41.70 40 ht 17.0 .50 wood 41 wp & bwf footbridge .31 14 ht 1.20 42 .32 42 41.82 H23 - C2 .54 H46 -B3 42.26 7 40 EARTH 41.87 .51 20 41.94 41 trees BUND H35 - B2 ht 6.0-7.0

40.50 41.60 .59 hedge .24 .29 ht 1.7 42 42 40 grass 42.14 5 .3 42.21 ditch 1 41.67 ht track hedge soil & 40.50 .36 grass ditch 41 40.50 42.18 .15 .14 40.50 42 42 6 grass 42.04 8 40.50

.45

41.99 40 trees 3 ht 6.0-7.0 40.50 4 41.59 KEY BS 5837 : 2012 Categories Root Protection Area to BS 5837:2012 42.12 40.50 W24 - B2 40.50 40.50 41.92 The original of this drawing was Tree Category A - High Quality 40.50 produced in colour - a monochrome copy Shrub Mass / Offsite Tree 40.50 41.38 41.94 3 .37 should not be relied upon. 40.50 Oak 40 water level Ø 0.46 40.51m EARTH Ø 0.39 on 22/12/15 40.50 ht 12.0 T25 -B1

41.80 BUND ditch A Category - Hedgerow, Group, Woodland Tree / Hedgerow to be Removed 40.50 Revisions: Temporary tree protection fencing to 40.508 41.29 First Issue- 04/02/2016 AD BUND 41.78 be installed prior to construction. EARTH A - (07/07/2016 JS) Additional trees and survey added, updated Tree Category B - Moderate Quality .34 Tree Protection Barrier to BS 5837:2012 40.50 40 41.64 41.58 41.38 with new layout B - (28/07/2016 shg) Amendment to red line and access track Swale and boundary fence post hole trees 40.50 ht 7.0-9.0 B Category - Hedgerow, Group, Woodland Tree Protection Secondary Barrier to BS 5837:2012 41.68 C - (02/12/2016 AD) Revised layout excavations to be carried out by hand in grass (during swal excavation) 41.21 accordance with an approved AMS. BUND 41.64 41.54 .23 EARTH Tree Category C - Low Quality 40 All weather information notices to read ditch 40.50 41.56 'Construction Exclusion Zone - Keep out' Tree Retention & Protection C Category - Hedgerow, Group, Woodland 41.10 A2 in size. To be attached to tree protection barriers 41.43

trees ht 7.0-9.0 41.34 40.93 .99 Tree Category U - Unsuitable for Retention 39 Snarleton Farm

ditch .04 41.27 40.83 40 water level 40.10m on 22/12/15 Root Protection Area to BS 5837:2012 Client: Elgar Middleton Bio Power Ltd

foliage ht 2.0 40.40 40.0m.0M .59 40.73 39 DRWG No: BRS6294_14 Sheet No:_ REV: Shrub Mass / Offsite Tree 0 100m Drawn by : JS/shg/AD Approved by: MP Date: 02/12/2016 PLANNING | DESIGN | ENVIRONMENT | ECONOMICS Scale: 1:1,250 @ A1 Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 Emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093. Promap Licence number 100020449 . Pegasus accepts no liability for any use of this document other than for its original purpose, or by the original client, or following Pegasus' express agreement to such use. T 01285641717 www.pegasuspg.co.uk Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 8: LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS PLAN

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294

Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 9: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS PLAN

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 5km KEY Bowood and Bowden Parkland Site Boundary Cotswolds Avon Vale National Character Areas Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2005) Corsham Rolling Lowland Avon Valley Lowland Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2005)

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2004)

Wooded Greensand Hills North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2004)

F1 Hilmarton Rolling Lowland West Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2007) Landscape Character Areas

B1 A3: Broughton Gifford Limestone Lowland 11 B1: Avon Clay River Floodplain Limestone Lowland C2 C1: Melksham Open Clay Vale Cherhill Down 2km C2: Semington Open Clay Vale

04 E4: Green Lane Rolling Clay Lowland E5: Steeple Ashton and Keevil Rolling Clay Lowland A3 Rolling Clay Lowland F2 09 E6: Bulkington Rolling Clay Lowland F1: Bowden Hill Greensand Hills C1 F2: Sandridge Park Greensand Hills

Urban: Urban

Kennet Landscape Character Assessment (1998) Landscape Character Areas Urban 04: Horton Down

Open Clay Vale 09: Vale of Pewsey

10: Bristol Avon Clay Vale

B1 11: Spye Parklands

Greensand Vale09

Revisions: First Issue- 02/03/2016 DB A - (10/08/2016 AD) Revised red line

Landscape Character Areas C2 Greensand Vale Rolling Clay Lowland 09 Snarleton Farm, Melksham

Client: Elgar Middleton Bio Power Ltd DRWG No: BRS6294_06 Sheet No: - REV: A E5 Urban E6 Drawn by: DB/AD Approved by: RF E4 Date: 10/08/2016 09 Scale: 1:40,000 @ A3 0 2 km > Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 2016 Emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093. Promap Licence number 100020449. Pegasus accepts no liability for any use of this document other than for its original purpose, or by the original client, or following Pegasus’ express agreement to such use. T 01285 641717 www.pegasuspg.co.uk (N Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 10: SCREENED ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY AND VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 5km KEY Site Boundary

!( Viewpoint Location

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (12m Max Development Height = 8.9m above existing ground level)

Screened ZTV Production Information - - DTM data used in calculations is OS Terrain 5 that has been combined with OS Open Map Local data for woodland and buildings to create a Digital Surface Model (DSM).

- Indicative Woodland and Building heights are modelled at 15m and 8m respectively. - Viewer height set at 1.7m - Calculations include earth curvature and light refraction

2km N.B. This Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) image illustrates the theoretical extent of where the development will be visible from, assuming 100% visibility, and includes the screening effect from vegetation and buildings, based on the assumptions stated above.

!(7

!(8 !(1 !(2 !( 6 !( 3

!( 9 !( 4

!(5

!(11 !( 10 Revisions: First Issue- 28/01/2016 DB A - (10/08/2016 AD) Revised red line

Screened Zone of Theoretical Visibility and Viewpoint Locations

Snarleton Farm, Melksham

Client: Elgar Middleton Bio Power Ltd DRWG No: BRS6294_07 Sheet No: - REV: A Drawn by: DB/AD Approved by: RF Date: 10/08/2016 Scale: 1:40,000 @ A3 0 2 km > Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 2016 Emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093. Promap Licence number 100020449. Pegasus accepts no liability for any use of this document other than for its original purpose, or by the original client, or following Pegasus’ express agreement to such use. T 01285 641717 www.pegasuspg.co.uk (N Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

FIGURE 11: PHOTOVIEWS 1 - 11

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Extent of Site (field beyond foreground hedge)

Bridleway

VIEWPOINT 1 View from Prater’s Lane Bridleway MELW40 (South West Direction) Description Magnitude of Change

The view is along the wide, grassed and tree-lined Prater’s Lane bridleway The proposals would be clearly visible from the short section of bridleway MELW40 across the site to the south west. Bridleway users travelling in a south passing the site, but views from elsewhere on the bridleway would generally easterly direction will have already passed through the section of the bridleway be restricted by the woodland to the north west and south east of the site. The being used as the access road to the Sandridge Solar Farm directly to the east of magnitude of change is therefore assessed as high as the bridleway users the bridleway. The solar farm is visible to the north east of the bridleway. Those directly pass the proposals but low for the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 on travelling in the north west direction would have views towards the access road the whole. and the solar farm. Users of the bridleway would have views through the field gateway and over the boundary hedge into the site. Scale of Visual Effect

Sensitivity With a high sensitivity and a high magnitude of change, the proposals would result in major effect on the Prater’s Lane bridleway MELW40 directly passing Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non the site. The effect on the remaining section of the Prater’s Lane bridleway statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be MELW40 would be moderate to negligible on passing the site boundary. medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of the bridleway users’ experience of the route resulting in an overall high sensitivity. Although the solar farm to the north east will have been visible through gateways, the ongoing management of the hedgerow between the bridleway and the solar farm will reduce the effects on visual amenity arising from the solar farm over time. © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 45m Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 12:55 Distance from site - 12m OS grid reference - 393363, 163826

Sandridge Solar Farm

VIEWPOINT 2 View from public footpath MELW26 to the south west of the site Description Magnitude of Change (North East Direction) The viewpoint is located on public footpath MELW26 to the south west of the The proposals would be visible between the woodland blocks on the far side of site with views along a stoned farm track towards the site. The view is at 90 the field containing the site. However, such visibility would be restricted to only degrees to the direction of travel and therefore oblique towards the site. The a short section of the footpath as it passes the gap between the intervening site is clearly visible above the intervening field boundary hedgerow and through woodland blocks. The magnitude of change would therefore be medium on this the field gateway. The solar farm is visible beyond the site boundary to the section of the footpath, but low for the PROW as a whole. Visibility would slightly east. Elsewhere on this public footpath section, the proposals would generally reduce over time with the establishment of the new hedgerow to the west of the be hidden from view by intervening woodland, notably those to the north west, site. south east and south west of the site. Scale of Visual Effect Sensitivity With a high sensitivity and medium magnitude of change, the scale of effect Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non- would be major at this location on the public footpath. However, the effect would statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be reduce moderate or negligible on the remaining section of the public footpath medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view travelling away from the site. from the PROW is a component of the bridleway users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity. © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 41m Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 14:26 Distance from site - 188m OS grid reference - 393065, 163624

VIEWPOINT 3 View from the junction of public bridleway MELW41 and public Description footpath MELW30 to the south west of the site (North East Direction) The view is over a well managed native hedgerow towards the rising ground of Sandridge Hill. HGVs on the A3102 Sandridge Road are visible towards the crest of the hill, whilst the woodlands that surround much of the site are visible near the foot of the hill. The pylons which cross the landscape to the north east of the site are also visible. The site is predominantly hidden from view by intervening vegetation notably the woodland to the south east and south west of the site.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non- statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of the footpath users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals would be predominantly hidden from view by intervening vegetation, resulting in a negligible magnitude of change. © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown Scale of Visual Effect Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 43m Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 14:36 Distance from site - 322m OS grid reference - 393179, 163317 With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would result in a negligible effect. PLANNING | DESIGN | ENVIRONMENT | ECONOMICS BRS6294_11A | SNARLTON FARM | THORNFIELD 007 LTD. Approximate extent of Site (predominantly hidden from view by intervening vegetation)

VIEWPOINT 4 View from junction of public bridleway MELW41 and public footpath Description Scale of Visual Effect MELW29 to the south west of the site (North East Direction) The public footpath crosses a horse paddock to the south of the site. However, With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change, the proposals the route is poorly marked on the ground and is partially blocked by overgrown would result in a negligible effect. vegetation at stiles and electric fence tapes, suggesting that the route is perhaps little used. The bridleway heads in a northerly direction, located to the west of the strong hedgerow which is visible on the left side of the viewpoint. The site is predominantly hidden from view by intervening vegetation, notably the woodland to the south east and south west of the site.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of the bridleway users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals would be predominantly hidden from view by intervening treecover

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown and hedgerows, resulting in a negligible magnitude of change.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 45m Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 14:08 Distance from site - 780m OS grid reference - 393169, 162846

VIEWPOINT 5 View from the minor road at Bollards Hill to the south of the A365 Description junction (North Direction) The view is along the minor road towards the A365 junction near New House Farm. Sandridge Hill is visible in the distance beyond the intervening hedgerow. The site is not visible due to consecutive layers of intervening hedgerows within the vale.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non- statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. The susceptibility of road users to the proposals is considered to be medium as a minor road with slower traffic speeds. The overall sensitivity of road users at this viewpoint is therefore considered to be medium.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals are unlikely to be visible due to the consecutive layers of intervening hedgerows resulting in a negligible magnitude of change.

Scale of Visual Effect

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown With a medium sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals Camera make & model Viewpoint height (AOD) - Canon EOS 5D - 45m would result in a negligible effect. Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 16:52 Distance from site - 1.55km OS grid reference - 393414, 162068

Eastern edge Pylons and of Melksham transmission lines

VIEWPOINT 6 View from public bridleway MELW25A to the south east of the site Description Scale of Visual Effect (North East Direction) The view is across a gently undulating vale landscape towards the eastern edge With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would of Melksham. Sandridge Hill is visible to the north, but the view is dominated by result in a negligible effect. the Sandridge Solar Farm in the foreground which occupies much of the lower land to the north and west. High voltage electricity transmission lines mounted on pylons also cross the landscape immediately in front of the viewpoint. The site is not easily discernible due to the mass of intervening woodland and hedgerows to the south east and north west.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non- statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of the bridleway users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals are unlikely to be discernible due to consecutive layers of

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown intervening woodland and hedgerows and the mass of solar panels in the

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 58m foreground of the view. If parts of the proposals are visible they would not form Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 13:30 Distance from site - 1.01km notable features in the view, nor would they result in notable changes to views OS grid reference - 394385, 163519 towards the Special Landscape Area to the north of the viewpoint. The magnitude

Eighteen Acre Plantation

VIEWPOINT 7 View from the A3102 public highway on Sandridge Hill within the Description Scale of Visual Effect Spye and Bowood Parklands SLA (South West Direction) The view is across the flat to gently undulating vale towards Melksham in the east With a medium sensitivity and low magnitude of change, the proposals would and the rising ground around Seend to the south. Woodland treecover encloses result in a minor to moderate effect at this viewpoint. However, from the much of the site and Sandridge Solar Farm. The site is partially visible between remaining sections of the A3102 and the SLA, the visual effects would be two woodland blocks with the solar farm visible in the foreground of the view. negligible.

Sensitivity

The viewpoint is located on the boundary of the locally designated Spye and Bowood Parklands SLA, therefore the value of the view is considered to be high. For receptors travelling along the busy A3102 highway, the susceptibility to changes arising from the proposals is considered to be low given the location of the solar farm, pylons and transmission lines in front of the proposals. The overall sensitivity is considered to be medium.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals would be partially visible from a short section of the A3102 as it passes a break in the treecover on the south slope of Sandridge Hill. The view would be oblique to the direction of travel, would be limited by the existing

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown surrounding woodlands, and would be seen in the context of the existing solar

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 94m farm. The magnitude of change is therefore assessed as low from this viewpoint Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 12:22 Distance from site - 812m on Sandridge Hill and negligible for the remaining section of the route. OS grid reference - 393635, 164579

VIEWPOINT 8 View from embankment on the east side of recently constructed road Description Magnitude of Change on eastern edge of Melksham, close to Snarlton Farm (East Direction) The view is partially representative of that obtained from some residential There may be some limited visibility of parts of the proposals, though most of the properties on the eastern edge of Melksham, and from the bridleway which structures would be hidden from view by the consecutive layers of intervening passes alongside Snarlton Farm. Views from the road would be restricted by the treecover and hedgerows. The magnitude of change is therefore assessed as embankment itself. The view is across a gently undulating pastoral landscape negligible. with strong field boundary hedgerows, woodlands and trees. Sandridge Hill is visible to the north east, with the farm buildings of Snarlton Farm to the south Scale of Visual Effect east of the site. Woodlands to the north west, south west and south east of the With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would site are visible in the middle distance, but the site itself is predominantly hidden result in a negligible effect. from view by these woodlands. The pylons and transmission lines which crosses the Sandridge Solar Farm is visible beyond the woodlands in the distance.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive farmed landscape outside of any statutory or non- statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of users’ experience of the route resulting in an overall high sensitivity. The susceptibility of occupiers of residential properties is also high as views from properties in rural areas are normally an important

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown component of the occupancy of the property. The overall sensitivity for occupiers Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 41m of residential properties is therefore considered to be high. Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 15:21 Distance from site - 990m OS grid reference - 392241, 163825

VIEWPOINT 9 View from public footpath MELW18 to the east of Melksham and to Description Scale of Visual Effect the north of Bowerhill (North East Direction) The view is across a grass field adjacent to the urban edge of Melksham with With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would Sandridge Hill visible in the distance. Residential properties are visible to the result in a negligible effect. north, and there appears to be the start of further residential development on the far side of the field. The woodland to the north west of the site is visible beyond the construction area. The site is not visible due to intervening trees and hedgerows.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive urban-edge landscape outside of any statutory or non-statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change

The proposals are unlikely to be visible due to the intervening vegetation and residential development activities. If visible, the proposals would be seen in the

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown context of the residential development activities and would not form a notable

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 40m feature in the view. Over time the proposals may become completely hidden Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 15:43 Distance from site - 1.66km from view by the intervening residential development. The magnitude of change OS grid reference - 391729, 163003 is therefore considered to be negligible.

VIEWPOINT 10 View from public bridleway SEEN6 to the north of Seend (North Description Scale of Visual Effect West Direction) The view is across the flat to gently undulating vale towards the wooded skyline With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would of Sandridge Hill to the north with the urban edge of Melksham to the north east result in a negligible effect. of the site. The view is of a pastoral vale landscape with strong field boundary hedgerows, woodlands and hedgerow trees. The site is predominantly hidden from view by the intervening woodland and hedgerows to the south east within the vale.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive urban-edge landscape outside of any statutory or non-statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. There is also limited visibility towards the SLA, but the separation distance means that this is not considered to increase the value of the view from this location. For PROW users the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is a component of the footpath users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Magnitude of Change

© Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2016 emapsite Licence number 0100031673 Licence 2016 emapsite All rights reserved. copyright, © Crown There may be some restricted visibility of parts of the proposals, though most

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 87m of the structures would be hidden from view by the intervening woodland and Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 16:29 Distance from site - 2.50km hedgerows within the vale resulting in a negligible magnitude of change. OS grid reference - 394262, 161310

VIEWPOINT 11 View from the canal towpath (SEEN52) on the north side of the Kennet Description Scale of Visual Effect and Avon Canal forming part of the Mid Wilts Way recreational trail (North Direction) The view is across a flat to gently undulating pastoral landscape towards the With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change, the proposals would rising ground of Sandridge Hill. Views are generally restricted by consecutive result in a negligible effect. layers of hedgerows and mature trees. Woodlands to the north west, south west and south east of the site are visible in the middle distance, but the site itself is predominantly hidden from view by these woodlands. The pylons and transmission lines which crosses the Sandridge Solar Farm are visible in the distance as they rise over the western edge of Sandridge Hill.

Sensitivity

Being a not unattractive urban edge landscape outside of any statutory or non-statutory landscape designation, the value of the view is considered to be medium. There is also limited visibility towards the SLA, but the separation distance means that this is not considered to increase the value of the view from this location. For PROW users, the susceptibility is assessed as high as the view from the PROW is an important component of users’ experience of the route, resulting in an overall high sensitivity.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 5D Viewpoint height (AOD) - 52m There may be some limited glimpse views of the proposals though most of Date & time of photograph - 04/02/2016 @ 16:12 Distance from site - 2.20km the structures would be hidden from view by the intervening hedgerows and OS grid reference - 393559, 161432 treecover within the vale resulting in a negligible magnitude of change.

APPENDIX 1: DETAILED METHODOLOGY

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 1. LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY

1.1 This Landscape Appraisal has been undertaken with reference to best practice, as outlined in the following published guidance:  Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd Edition, 2013) - Landscape Institute / Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment;  Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual assessment (2011) - Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11;  Topic Paper 6, Techniques and Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity (2003) - Countryside Agency / Scottish Natural Heritage;  Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland (2002) - Countryside Agency / Scottish Natural Heritage; and  An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment (2014) - Natural England.

1.2 GLVIA3 states within paragraph 1.1 that “Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a tool used to identify and assess the significance of and the effects of change resulting from development on both the landscape as an environmental resource in its own right and on people’s views and visual amenity.”1

1.3 GLVIA3 also states within paragraph 1.17 that when identifying landscape and visual effects there is a “need for an approach that is in proportion to the scale of the project that is being assessed and the nature of the likely effects. Judgement needs to be exercised at all stages in terms of the scale of investigation that is appropriate and proportional.”2

1.4 GLVIA3 recognises within paragraph 2.23 that “professional judgement is a very important part of LVIA. While there is some scope for quantitative measurement of some relatively objective matters much of the assessment must rely on qualitative judgements”3 undertaken by a landscape consultant or a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI).

1.5 The effects on cultural heritage and ecology are not considered within this Landscape Appraisal.

Study Area

1 Para 1.1, Page 4, GLVIA, 3rd Edition 2 Para 1.17, Page 9, GLVIA, 3rd Edition 3 Para 2.23, Page 21, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |1 1.6 The study area for this Landscape Appraisal covers a 5km radius from the site. However, the main focus of the assessment was taken as a radius of 2km from the site as it is considered that even with clear visibility the proposals would not generally be perceptible in the landscape beyond this distance.

Effects Assessed

1.7 Landscape and visual effects are assessed through professional judgements on the sensitivity of landscape elements, landscape character, visual receptors and representative viewpoints combined with the predicted magnitude of change arising from the proposals. The landscape and visual effects have been assessed in the following sections:  Effects on landscape elements;  Effects on landscape character; and  Effects on visual amenity.

1.8 Sensitivity is defined in GLVIA3 as “a term applied to specific receptors, combining judgments of susceptibility of the receptor to a specific type of change or development proposed and the value related to that receptor.”4 Various factors in relation to the value and susceptibility of landscape elements, landscape character, visual receptors or representative viewpoints are considered below and are cross referenced to determine the overall sensitivity as shown in Table 1:

Table 1, Overall sensitivity of landscape and visual receptors

VALUE

HIGH MEDIUM LOW

HIGH High High Medium

MEDIUM High Medium Medium

SUSCEPTIBILITY SUSCEPTIBILITY LOW Medium Medium Low

1.9 Magnitude of change is defined in GLVIA3 as “a term that combines judgements about the size and scale of the effect, the extent over which it occurs, whether it is reversible or irreversible and whether it is short or long term

4 Glossary, Page 158, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |2 in duration.”5 Various factors contribute to the magnitude of change on landscape elements, landscape character, visual receptors and representative viewpoints.

1.10 The sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptor and the magnitude of change arising from the proposals are cross referenced in Table 9 to determine the overall degree of landscape and visual effects.

2. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

2.1 The effects on landscape elements are limited to within the site and includes the direct physical change to the fabric of the land, such as the removal of woodland, hedgerows or grassland to allow for the proposals.

Sensitivity of Landscape Elements

2.2 Sensitivity is determined by a combination of the value that is attached to a landscape element and the susceptibility of the landscape element to changes that would arise as a result of the proposals – see pages 88-90 of GLVIA3. Both value and susceptibility are assessed on a scale of high, medium or low.

2.3 The criteria for assessing the value of landscape elements and landscape character is shown in Table 2:

Table 2, Criteria for assessing the value of landscape elements and landscape character

HIGH Designated landscape including but not limited to World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty considered to be an important component of the country’s character experienced by a high number of people.

Landscape condition is good and components are generally maintained to a high standard.

In terms of seclusion, enclosure by land use, traffic and movement, light pollution and presence/absence of major infrastructure, the landscape has an elevated level of tranquillity.

Rare or distinctive landscape elements and features are key components that contribute to the landscape character of the area.

MEDIUM Undesignated landscape including urban fringe and rural countryside considered to be a distinctive component of the national or local landscape character.

5 Glossary, Page 158, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |3 Landscape condition is fair and components are generally well maintained.

In terms of seclusion, enclosure by land use, traffic and movement, light pollution and presence/absence of major infrastructure, the landscape has a moderate level of tranquillity.

Rare or distinctive landscape elements and features are notable components that contribute to the character of the area.

LOW Undesignated landscape including urban fringe and rural countryside considered to be of unremarkable character.

Landscape condition may be poor and components poorly maintained or damaged.

In terms of seclusion, enclosure by land use, traffic and movement, light pollution and presence/absence of major infrastructure, the landscape has limited levels of tranquillity.

Rare or distinctive elements and features are not notable components that contribute to the landscape character of the area.

2.4 The criteria for assessing the susceptibility of landscape elements and landscape character is shown in Table 3:

Table 3, Criteria for assessing landscape susceptibility

HIGH Scale of enclosure – landscapes with a low capacity to accommodate the type of development being proposed owing to the interactions of topography, vegetation cover, built form, etc.

Nature of land use – landscapes with no or little existing reference or context to the type of development being proposed.

Nature of existing elements – landscapes with components that are not easily replaced or substituted (e.g. ancient woodland, mature trees, historic parkland, etc).

Nature of existing features – landscapes where detracting features, major infrastructure or industry is not present or where present has a limited influence on landscape character.

MEDIUM Scale of enclosure – landscapes with a medium capacity to accommodate the type of development being proposed owing to the interactions of topography, vegetation cover, built form, etc.

Nature of land use – landscapes with some existing reference or context to the type of development being proposed.

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |4 Nature of existing elements – landscapes with components that are easily replaced or substituted.

Nature of existing features – landscapes where detracting features, major infrastructure or industry is present and has a noticeable influence on landscape character.

LOW Scale of enclosure – landscapes with a high capacity to accommodate the type of development being proposed owing to the interactions of topography, vegetation cover, built form, etc.

Nature of land use – landscapes with extensive existing reference or context to the type of development being proposed.

Nature of existing features – landscapes where detracting features or major infrastructure is present and has a dominating influence on the landscape.

2.5 Various factors in relation to the value and susceptibility of landscape elements are assessed and cross referenced to determine the overall sensitivity as shown in Table 1.

Magnitude of Change on Landscape Elements

2.6 Professional judgement has been used to determine the magnitude of change on individual landscape elements within the site as shown in Table 4:

Table 4, Criteria for assessing magnitude of change for landscape elements

HIGH Total loss of a landscape element.

MEDIUM Partial loss or alteration to part of a landscape element.

LOW Minor loss or alteration to part of a landscape element.

NEGLIGIBLE No loss or very limited alteration to part of a landscape element.

3. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

3.1 Landscape character is defined as the “distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.”6 The assessment of effects on

6 Glossary, Page 157, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |5 landscape character considers how the introduction of new landscape elements physically alters the landform, landcover, landscape pattern and perceptual attributes of the site or how visibility of the proposals changes the way in which the landscape character is perceived.

Sensitivity of Landscape Character

3.2 Sensitivity is determined by a combination of the value that is attached to a landscape and the susceptibility of the landscape to changes that would arise as a result of the proposals – see pages 88-90 of GLVIA3. Both value and susceptibility are assessed on a scale of high, medium or low.

3.3 The criteria for assessing the value of landscape character is shown in Table 2.

3.4 The criteria for assessing the susceptibility of landscape character is shown in Table 3.

3.5 The overall sensitivity is determined through cross referencing the value and susceptibility of landscape character as shown in Table 1.

Magnitude of Change on Landscape Character

3.6 Professional judgement has been used to determine the magnitude of change on landscape character as shown in Table 5:

Table 5, Criteria for assessing magnitude of change on landscape character

HIGH Introduction of major new elements into the landscape or some major change to the scale, landform, landcover or pattern of the landscape.

Introduction of some notable new elements into the landscape or some MEDIUM notable change to the scale, landform, landcover or pattern of the landscape.

LOW Introduction of minor new elements into the landscape or some minor change to the scale, landform, landcover or pattern of the landscape.

No notable or appreciable introduction of new elements into the NEGLIGIBLE landscape or change to the scale, landform, landcover or pattern of the landscape.

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |6 4. EFFECTS ON VISUAL AMENITY

4.1 The effects on visual amenity considers the changes in views arising from the proposals in relation to visual receptors including settlements, residential properties, transport routes, recreational facilities and attractions; and representative viewpoints or specific locations within the study area as agreed with the Local Planning Authority.

Sensitivity of Visual Receptors

4.2 Sensitivity is determined by a combination of the value that is attached to a view and the susceptibility of the visual receptor to changes in that view that would arise as a result of the proposals – see pages 113-114 of GLVIA3. Both value and susceptibility are assessed on a scale of high, medium or low.

4.3 The criteria for assessing the value of views is shown in Table 6:

Table 6, Criteria for assessing the value of views

Views with high scenic value within designated landscapes including but not limited to World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Areas of HIGH Outstanding Natural Beauty, etc. Likely to include key viewpoints on OS maps or reference within guidebooks, provision of facilities, presence of interpretation boards, etc.

Views with moderate scenic value within undesignated landscape MEDIUM including urban fringe and rural countryside.

Views with unremarkable scenic value within undesignated LOW landscape with partly degraded visual quality and detractors.

4.4 The criteria for assessing the susceptibility of views is shown in Table 7:

Table 7, Criteria for assessing visual susceptibility

Includes occupiers of residential properties and people engaged in HIGH recreational activities in the countryside using public rights of way (PROW).

Includes people engaged in outdoor sporting activities and people MEDIUM travelling through the landscape on minor roads and trains.

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |7 Includes people at places of work e.g. industrial and commercial LOW premises and people travelling through the landscape on major roads and motorways.

Magnitude of Change on Visual Receptors

4.5 Professional judgement has been used to determine the magnitude change on visual receptors as shown in Table 8:

Table 8, Criteria for assessing magnitude of change for visual receptors

Major change in the view that has a defining influence on the overall HIGH view with many visual receptors affected.

Some change in the view that is clearly visible and forms an MEDIUM important but not defining element in the view.

Some change in the view that is appreciable with few visual receptors LOW affected.

NEGLIGIBLE No notable change in the view.

5. DEGREE OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

5.1 The degree of effects are professional judgements based upon all the factors in terms of landscape and visual sensitivity and the magnitude of change arising from the proposals. The cross referencing of landscape and visual sensitivity and the magnitude of change determines the overall degree of effects as shown in Table 9:

Table 9, Degree of landscape and visual effects

Sensitivity

High Medium Low Negligible

High Major Major Moderate Negligible

Minor to Medium Major Moderate Negligible Moderate Minor to Low Moderate Minor Negligible Moderate

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Magnitude of Change

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |8 6. NATURE OF EFFECTS

6.1 GLVIA3 includes an entry that states “effects can be described as positive or negative (or in some cases neutral) in their consequences for views and visual amenity.”7 GLVIA3 does not, however, state how negative or positive effects should be assessed and therefore becomes a matter of subjective judgement rather than reasoned criteria. Due to inconsistencies with the assessment of negative or positive effects a precautionary approach is applied to this LVIA that assumes all landscape and visual effects are considered to be negative or adverse unless otherwise stated.

7 Para 6.29, Page 113, GLVIA, 3rd Edition

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Page |9 Thornfield 007 Ltd Snarlton Farm, Melksham

APPENDIX 2: SUMMARY LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS SCHEDULE

23/12/2016 | BRS.6294 Appendix 2: Summary of Landscape and Visual Effects Schedule – Snarlton Farm, Melksham

Landscape Character Visual Amenity Representative Distance Landscape Viewpoint (m) Character Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Magnitude Effect Receptor Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Magnitude Effect Area Viewpoint 1 – View from Prater's Lane Melksham Bridleway MELW40 12 Open Clay Vale Medium High High High Major PROW Medium High High High Major (South West (C1) Direction) Viewpoint 2 – View from public footpath Melksham MELW26 to the 188 Open Clay Vale Medium Medium Medium Medium Moderate PROW Medium High High Medium Major south west of the (C1) site (North East Direction) Viewpoint 3 – View from the junction of public bridleway Melksham MELW41 and public 322 Open Clay Vale Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible PROW Medium High High Negligible Negligible footpath MELW30 (C1) to the south west of the site (North East Direction) Viewpoint 4 – View from junction of public bridleway Melksham

Representative Viewpoints MELW41 and public 780 Open Clay Vale Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible PROW; Medium High High Negligible Negligible footpath MELW29 (C1) Residential to the south west of the site (North East Direction) Viewpoint 5 – View from the minor road at Bollards Hill to Bristol Avon Public 1550 Medium Low Medium Negligible Negligible Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible the south of the Clay Vale (10) Highway A365 junction (North Direction)

Viewpoint 6 – View Melksham from public 1010 Open Clay Vale Medium Low Medium Negligible Negligible PROW Medium High High Negligible Negligible bridleway MELW25A (C1) to the south east of the site (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 7 – View from the A3102 public highway on Sandridge Park Sandridge Hill within Minor to Public Minor to 812 Greensand High Low Medium Low High Low Medium Low the Spye and Moderate Highway Moderate Hills (F2) Bowood Parklands SLA (South West Direction)

Viewpoint 8 – View from embankment on the east side of recently constructed Melksham road on eastern 990 Open Clay Vale Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible Public Medium High High Negligible Negligible edge of Melksham, (C1) Highway close to Snarlton Farm (East Direction)

Viewpoint 9 – View from public footpath MELW18 to the east Melksham of Melksham and to 1660 Open Clay Vale Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible PROW Medium High High Negligible Negligible the north of (C1) Bowerhill (North East Direction)

Viewpoint 10 – View from public bridleway SEEN6 to Bristol Avon 2500 Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible PROW Medium High High Negligible Negligible the north of Seend Clay Vale (10) (North West Direction)

Viewpoint 11 – View from the canal towpath (SEEN52) Bristol Avon on the north side of 2200 Medium Medium Medium Negligible Negligible PROW Medium High High Negligible Negligible the Kennet and Clay Vale (10) Avon Canal forming part of the Mid Wilts Way recreational trail (North Direction)

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