STITHIANS WATER TREATMENT WORKS CORNWALL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT MARCH 2021
TEP The Reynard Suite, Bowden Business Village, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7SA
Tel: 01858 383120 E-mail: [email protected] www.tep.uk.com
Offices in Warrington, Market Harborough, Gateshead, London and Cornwall
PLANNING I DESIGN I ENVIRONMENT
Stithians Water Treatment Works Cornwall Landscape and Visual Assessment
Document Title Landscape and Visual Assessment
Prepared for nmcn on behalf of South West Water
Prepared by TEP - Market Harborough
Document Ref 8651.001
Author Louise Fitzgerald
Date March 2021
Checked Ian Grimshaw
Approved Ian Grimshaw
Amendment History
Check / Modified Version Date Approved Reason(s) issue Status by by
1.0 11.03.21 LF IJG Draft for client comment Draft
2.0 16.03.21 LF IJG Final Issue Final
Minor amendments to development 3.0 17.03.21 LF IJG Final description Minor amendments to UV building 4.0 23.03.21 LF IJG Final description
Stithians Water Treatment Works Cornwall Landscape and Visual Assessment
CONTENTS PAGE Executive Summary ...... 1 1.0 Introduction ...... 3 2.0 Method, Scope and Context ...... 4 3.0 Legislation and Policy Context ...... 6 4.0 Landscape Baseline ...... 11 5.0 Visual Baseline ...... 19 6.0 The Proposed Development ...... 33 7.0 Assessment of Landscape Effects ...... 35 8.0 Assessment of Visual Effects ...... 39 9.0 Summary ...... 51 References ...... 53 Glossary ...... 54
FIGURES Figure 1: Site Location Plan
Figure 2: Landscape and Environmental Designations
Figure 3: Landscape Character Areas Figure 4: Topography
Figure 5: Visual Receptor Plan
Figure 6: Representative Viewpoints
APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Site Plan APPENDIX B: Landscape Masterplan APPENDIX C: Landscape and Visual Methodology
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Executive Summary 1. This Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) considers the impact of the Proposed Development at Stithians Water Treatment Works on the local landscape. The landscape and visual assessment has assessed the existing landscape character and visual amenity of the area and its sensitivity to change.
2. The Proposed Development comprises: • Provision of a Granular Activated Carbon Contactors and Primary Filters Building measuring 23.26m x 17.98m x 7.52m x 8.26m high to eaves, • Provision of an Ultra Violet Disinfection Plant Building measuring 16.225 x 7.125m x 3m high to eaves, • Provision of a Motor Control Centre Building measuring 7.5m x 4.5m x 3.3m high to eaves,
3. At the county level, the Site lies within Landscape Character Area 10 - Carnmenellis. This is an elevated undulating granite plateau with outcrops in places, incised by stream valleys. The area is open and exposed with few trees on the tops although there are some limited broadleaved plantations in the valley heads and bottoms. The field pattern varies from small fields, bounded by sinuous Cornish hedges or hedgerows, to more recent enclosure of former rough ground into strongly rectilinear field patterns. Land use is predominantly pastoral with some rough grazing. Mining (tin and copper) and quarrying have been of major importance in the area in the past and evidence of this intense industrial use is visible in the form of engine houses and tips. 4. The Site lies within the Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). AGLVs are areas of high landscape quality with strong and distinctive characteristics which make them particularly sensitive to development. Within AGLVs the primary objective is conservation and enhancement of their landscape quality and individual character. 5. The study has assessed the potential effects on landscape character and concluded that these would be minor adverse to negligible in the short and long-term. The landscape character of the site would change as a result of the proposed development but would be consistent with its surroundings and would not impinge materially on landscape character beyond the Site.
6. There are private views towards the Site from residential properties at Dam Bungalows to the north of the Site, with public views possible from the local Public Rights of Way network, particularly from PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 to the immediate north of the Site. There are long distance views towards the Site from Carnmenellis Hill and the circular route around Stithians Reservoir within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, however the Site is barely discernible at such distance.
7. During construction and operation, the Proposed Development will have a restricted landscape and visual effect, with the most significant effects occurring close to the Site from the circular route along Stithians Dam, PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1, PRoW
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Footpath 231/53/1, PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 and PRoW Footpath 231/17/6. During construction the overall effect on these receptors will be localised moderate or major adverse. Such effects will be mitigated by the design of the Proposed Development in conjunction with planting, although it will take time for new planting to become established. Long-term adverse effects will be restricted to those receptors close to the Site, and those in elevated positions where the residual effect in most instances will be moderate adverse. In the far extents of the study area the Proposed Development will be barely discernible beyond the existing dam structure and the effect will be negligible. 8. The Landscape Masterplan proposes a new native hedgerow, native shrubs and trees to the south of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 which will provide some softening in views from the Bridleway, and from PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1. Given the relative elevation of most visual receptors above the Site, the effects of the Proposed Development cannot be fully mitigated. 9. The physical change to the landscape at the Site resulting from the proposed development would have a negligible effect on the character of the wider landscape where the existing water treatment works is clearly visible.
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1.0 Introduction 1.1 This report provides a landscape and visual assessment (LVA) of proposed Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) contactors and primary filters within a new building, an Ultra Violet (UV) disinfection plant and Motor Control Centre (MCC) (comprising the 'Proposed Development') on land at Stithians Water Treatment Works (the 'Site'). The provision of new clean backwash tanks, regen tanks, Clean Backwash Pumping Station, Interstage Pumping Station, Tarmac access roads, retaining walls, fencing, interconnecting pipework, associated plant and equipment are all considered to be Permitted Development, and this assessment focusses primarily on the proposed GAC, UV and MCC buildings. The Site boundary and location are shown on Figure 1. 1.2 This LVA assesses the potential effects of the proposed development on landscape character and landscape features and effects on visual amenity. The assessment is based on the proposals illustrated on the 'Site Plan' prepared by Arcadis (see Appendix A), accompanying elevations and the Landscape Masterplan (see Appendix B) and Detailed Planting Plans prepared by The Environment Partnership (TEP) Limited. 1.3 This report includes a review of published landscape documentation relevant to the Site; a description of the baseline conditions on the Site and the surrounding area; a description of existing visual amenity and views towards the Site; a description of the proposed development including embedded mitigation measures; and an assessment of the effects on both the landscape and visual amenity. 1.4 This report includes the following sections:
• Section 2.0 - Method, Scope and Context; • Section 3.0 - Legislation and Policy Context; • Section 4.0 - Landscape Baseline; • Section 5.0 - Visual Baseline; • Section 6.0 - The Proposed Development; • Section 7.0 - Assessment of Landscape Effects; • Section 8.0 - Assessment of Visual Effects; and • Section 9.0 - Summary.
1.5 This LVA is supported by a series of Figures (Figures 1 to 6) provided at the end of this report. Figures show relevant local planning policy, topography, and published landscape character assessment data; identify visual receptors; and show viewpoint locations. Photographs from selected viewpoints are presented at Figures 6.1 to 6.8.
1.6 As above, Appendix A of this report provides the proposed site layout, Appendix B provides the Landscape Masterplan and Appendix C provides the LVA method, discussed in Section 2.0 below.
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2.0 Method, Scope and Context 2.1 Method 2.2 This LVA has assessed the potential effects on landscape and on views of the Proposed Development as shown on the Proposed Works Plan prepared by Arcadis.
2.3 The method for this LVA is provided at Appendix C, and is based on guidance contained in the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition’, (Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2013) (GLVIA3).
2.4 Duration and reversibility of landscape effects has been assessed with the following considerations:
• Short term: 0-5 years during the construction period and completion; • Medium term: 5-15 years, which represents the establishment phase of • planting proposed; and • Long term: 15 years onwards for the life of the Proposed Development. 2.5 The LVA is based on field work undertaken in February 2021 when deciduous trees and hedges were not in leaf. Seasonal differences in effects arising due to varying degrees of screening and filtering from vegetation in summer to winter have been considered.
2.6 Site photography was undertaken during the February 2021 field survey, when the weather was dry and fair, and visibility was good.
2.7 The LVA involved the following key stages:
• Desk based assessment involving a review of relevant information, guidance and planning policy relating to the type of development proposed and to landscape and visual amenity; • Site survey and assessment to augment the baseline assessment, assess the landscape and visual effects of the Proposed Development and undertake photography at selected viewpoint locations; • Preparation of baseline landscape and visual drawings to inform the assessment; and • Assessment and reporting of effects using criteria for sensitivity of receptor, magnitude of effect and overall effect.
Scope and Context 2.8 The scope of this LVA has been informed by desk study and field assessment. Landform and screening by vegetation and built form at the Site and in the surrounding landscape has been considered.
2.9 This report reviews information regarding the Site and its surrounding area to identify potential landscape and visual characteristics and opportunities and to develop a landscape-led strategy to inform mitigation proposals.
2.10 The aims and objectives of this appraisal are:
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• To identify, describe and evaluate the current landscape character of the Site and its surroundings, along with any notable individual landscape elements, to determine the sensitivity of the landscape to the type of development proposed; • To identify potential visual receptors (i.e. people who would be able to see the development) and evaluate their sensitivity to the type of changes proposed; and • To identify and describe any impacts of the development in so far as they affect the existing landscape and/or views and to evaluate the magnitude of effect and the overall effect.
2.11 The assessment of landscape assists in understanding what key elements define landscape character and contribute to visual amenity so that:
• Elements which make an essential contribution to landscape character are maintained, enhanced and managed; • Changes can be accommodated within the existing landscape and visual context; and • Improvements and enhancements can be made where uncharacteristic features detract from the character and visual amenity of the area. Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Mapping 2.12 A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was generated using GIS software. The Digital Surface Model (DSM) has been derived from composite Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) data at 1m resolution. Earth curvature has been included in the ZTV calculation. The ZTV has been generated from a viewing height of 2m above ground. 2.13 The ZTV shows the screening effect of features within the landscape, such as built form and woodland blocks, as identified in the LiDAR data. The ZTV shown on Figure 6 is based on the parameters of the Proposed Development.
2.14 The ZTV shows potential visibility of the Proposed Development only. It does not indicate the extent of the development visible or show potential visual effects. The ZTV has been produced to inform the selection of assessment viewpoints, and the assessment of effects in conjunction with fieldwork.
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3.0 Legislation and Policy Context 3.1 This section provides an overview of planning policy as relevant to landscape and visual matters. National Planning Policy National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019)
3.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (February 2019) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England, how these are expected to be applied at a local level in development plans and how developers should address them. The Framework places great emphasis on plans and developments contributing to sustainable development.
3.3 The sub-topics beneath the goal of Delivering Sustainable Development that are most relevant to landscape and views within the assessment study area are:
• Section 12: Achieving well-designed places; • Section 15: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment; and • Section 16: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment.
NPPF Section 12: Achieving well-designed places
3.4 Section 12 recognises the importance of good design as: “the creation of high quality buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve”.
3.5 Paragraph 124 states that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development.
3.6 Under paragraph 127, planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change. NPPF Section 15: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment
3.7 Paragraph 170 of Section 15 states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan). Paragraph 171 indicates that plans should distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites and allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in the Framework.
3.8 Paragraph 172 of the NPPF notes that 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 landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in all these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks and the Broads.
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3.9 Paragraph 180 of Section 15 states that planning polices and decisions should limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity.
NPPF Section 16: Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment
3.10 NPPF Section 16 places emphasis on the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, recognising that 'heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource' and should be 'conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance'. These principles are supported by NPPG 18a: Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment. 3.11 Paragraph 184 requires local planning authorities to recognise that 'these assets are an irreplaceable resource and should be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of existing and future generations'.
3.12 Paragraph 194 b) states that harm to '…assets of the highest significance, notably Scheduled Monuments, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Battlefields, Grade I and II* Listed Buildings, Grade I and II* Registered Parks and Gardens, and World Heritage Sites, should be wholly exceptional'. There are long distance views towards the Site from parts of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site as described later in this document.
National Planning Practice Guidance
3.13 The NPPF is accompanied by Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) available online. Those elements of PPG addressing matters in the scope of this Landscape and Visual Assessment and relevant to the proposed development are detailed below, and the guidance has been taken into account when designing and assessing the proposed development.
Natural Environment
3.14 PPG reinforces the NPPF’s commitment to recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supports the use of landscape character assessment as a tool for understanding local distinctiveness and the use of Natural England’s guidance on landscape character assessment. Local Planning Policy and Guidance The Cornwall Local Plan
3.15 The Cornwall Local Plan was formally adopted in November 2016 and provides a positive and flexible overarching planning policy framework for Cornwall covering a plan period up to 2030.
3.16 Policies of relevance to landscape and visual matters are outlined below.
Policy 2 - Spatial Strategy
3.17 Policy 2 highlights that new development should maintain and respect the special character of Cornwall, recognising that all urban and rural landscapes, designated and undesignated, are important by:
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• 'Ensuring that the design of development is high quality and demonstrates a cultural, physical and aesthetic understanding of its location; • Considering the impact of development upon the biodiversity, beauty and diversity of landscape and seascape, character and setting of settlements, wealth of natural resources, agricultural, historic and recreational value of Cornwall; • Identifying the value and sensitivity, of the character and importance of landscapes, biodiversity and geodiversity and historic assets; • Protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural and historic landscape, heritage, cultural, biodiversity and geodiversity assets of Cornwall in recognition of their international, national and local status, in accordance with national legislation and policy, as amplified by the other policies of this plan'.
Policy 23 - Natural environment 3.18 Development proposals will be expected to sustain local distinctiveness and character and protect and where possible enhance Cornwall’s natural environment and assets according to their international, national and local significance.
3.19 Development should be of an appropriate scale, mass and design that recognises and respects landscape character of both designated and un-designated landscapes. Development must take into account and respect the sensitivity and capacity of the landscape asset, considering cumulative impact and the wish to maintain dark skies and tranquillity in areas that are relatively undisturbed, using guidance from the Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment and supported by the descriptions of Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). The Site is in the Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth AGLV which is described later in this report.
3.20 Policy 23 requires that development within an AGLV should maintain the character and distinctive landscape qualities of such areas.
3.21 Development should avoid adverse impact on existing features as a first principle and enable net gains by designing in landscape and biodiversity features and enhancements, and opportunities for geological conservation alongside new development. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable they must be adequately and proportionately mitigated. If full mitigation cannot be provided, compensation will be required as a last resort.
Policy 24 - Historic environment
3.22 Development proposals will be permitted where they would sustain the cultural distinctiveness and significance of Cornwall’s historic rural, urban and coastal environment by protecting, conserving and where appropriate enhancing the significance of designated and non-designated assets and their settings.
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3.23 Development within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (WHS) and its setting should accord with the WHS Management Plan. Proposals that would result in harm to the authenticity and integrity of the Outstanding Universal Value, should be wholly exceptional. If the impact of the proposal is neutral, either on the significance or setting, then opportunities to enhance or better reveal their significance should be taken. Policy 25 - Green infrastructure
3.24 The existing green infrastructure network in Cornwall, which is important to recreation, leisure, community use, townscape and landscape quality and visual amenity will be protected and enhanced. New development should contribute to an enhanced connected and functional network of habitat, open spaces and waterscapes.
Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010-2030 Community Network Area Sections
3.25 The Community Network Areas are intended to help deliver the vision and objectives of ‘Future Cornwall’ by managing future development to ensure all communities in Cornwall have an appropriate balance of jobs, services, facilities and homes. 3.26 The Site forms part of Community Network Area PP4 Camborne, Pool and Redruth. None of the policies outlined within the document are considered applicable to this assessment.
Saved Policies 3.27 The Secretary of State ‘saved’ a range of policies from the adopted Local and Structure Plans of the former Cornwall districts. The majority of these are now replaced by the Cornwall Local Plan. Whilst some of the remaining saved policies are relevant to landscape and views, none of the saved policies are from the former Kerrier District, where the Site is located. Stithians Neighbourhood Development Plan
3.28 In February 2018, Stithians Parish Council applied to Cornwall Council to designate the Parish of Stithians as a Neighbourhood Area. The Site lies within the designated Neighbourhood Area.
3.29 The Neighbourhood Development Plan is still in its inception and was temporarily halted in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Supplementary Planning Documents
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document
3.30 The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (referred to as 'the WHS’ in this document) is a designated heritage asset of the highest significance.
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3.32 The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape's designation (or ‘inscription’) as a WHS is testament to its cultural significance which is deemed so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is of importance for all of humanity both present and future generation.
3.33 The WHS comprises ten distinct areas, which in combination form the WHS. The Site lies closest to Area 4: Wendron Mining District. This is described further in paragraph 4.6.
3.34 The ‘setting’ of the WHS can be defined as the physical and cultural context in which the inscribed Areas lie. The setting of the Site requires protection because it affects the way that the Site is viewed and perceived in its surrounding landscape. The Nomination Document for the WHS states that ‘The setting of the Site includes the physical monuments and landscape components which provide additional historical context, and a physical space in which events could affect the visual appreciation of these elements’.
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4.0 Landscape Baseline 4.1 This chapter considers the relevant designations present within the study area, summarises characteristics of the landscape described in published landscape character assessments and provides a description of the Site within this context. The relevant information is presented on Figure 2 - Landscape and Environmental Designations.
Landscape and Environmental Designations
4.2 Figure 2 shows several statutory and non-statutory heritage, ecological and landscape designations within the Study Area, including:
• Listed Buildings; • Scheduled Monuments; • County Wildlife Sites; • The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (WHS); and • The Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth Area of Great Landscape Value.
4.3 In accordance with GLVIA3, relevant designations are considered as part of determining the value of the landscape potentially affected by the Proposed Development. The LVA does not however consider effects on each asset's conservation interest or its appreciation and understanding. Listed Buildings
4.4 There are scattered Listed Buildings throughout the Study Area. The closest to the Site are at Tretheague Farm, approximately 740m to the east of the Site. This includes Grade II Listed barns, cottages and gate piers, as well as the Grade II* Listed Tretheague House. There is no physical or visual relationship between the Site and any of these Listed Buildings due to layers of intervening vegetation.
County Wildlife Sites
4.5 The County Wildlife Site designation affirms a site's importance and value for wildlife in its county context. There are numerous CWS within the wider study area, including the water body of Stithians Reservoir. Typically these form features of landscape interest such as copses, heaths and other aspects but are not in themselves distinct from equivalent landscape features which do not have that designation.
Scheduled Monuments
4.6 The wider study area incorporates numerous scheduled monuments; the closest to the Site is a wayside cross 100m south east of Tretheague House. There is no intervisibility between the Site and this monument.
The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site
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4.7 The activity that gave rise to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS occurred between 1700 and 1914. The WHS comprises ten distinct areas which together form a unified, coherent cultural landscape and share a common identity as part of the overall exploitation of minerals.
4.8 The remains of mines, engines houses, smallholdings, canals, railways, tram roads, and industries allied to mining are still evident within the landscape today and are a prominent reminder of the contribution Cornwall and West Devon made to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and to the fundamental influence the area asserted on the development of mining globally.
4.9 The Site lies closest to Area 4: Wendron Mining District, which surrounds Carnmenellis, on the western site of Stithians Reservoir. This rural mining district was significant in terms of its near surface alluvial tin production which later led to comparatively shallow shaft mining. It contains areas of former tin-stream works together with extensive upland mineworkers' smallholdings.
4.10 The sparsely populated area of Carnmenellis (265m AOD) contains the most extensive and best-preserved evidence for mineworkers' smallholdings in Cornwall. The relationship between mining and the development of these small farms which emerged in the late eighteenth century is reported within the WHS Management Plan as being clearer here than anywhere else in the WHS. They occupy a significant proportion of the area. The remains of engine houses are also evident throughout the landscape. Areas of Great Landscape Value
4.11 Areas of Great Landscape Value are local landscape designations, first identified in the Cornwall Structure Plan. These are areas of high landscape quality with strong and distinctive characteristics which make them particularly sensitive to development. Within AGLVs the primary objective is conservation and enhancement of their landscape quality and individual character. AGLVs are of County significance.
4.12 The Site lies within the Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth AGLV. Special qualities include the mining areas, engine houses and stone walls and the prominence of Carn Brea as a landmark.
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Landscape Baseline Published Landscape Character Assessments 4.13 This section of the LVA summarises key characteristics of the landscape described in published landscape character assessments, followed by an analysis of the local landscape based on fieldwork undertaken by a qualified Landscape Architect. Published landscape character areas are shown on Figure 3. National: National Landscape Character Areas (Natural England, 2014)
4.14 The Site lies within the Carnmenellis National Character Area (NCA ID 155). The Carnmenellis NCA gets its name from its highest point, Carnmenellis Hill. The NCA is primarily an agricultural landscape of rolling hills, bounded by Cornish hedges. There is a long and internationally important history of mining, the remains of which now make up a significant portion of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS. The area is not a busy tourist destination, but attracts visitors, especially to Stithians Reservoir. The reservoir is not related to the mining history of the area and was formed by a dam completed in 1967 and the flooding of the land behind it.
4.15 Key characteristics of the Carnmenellis NCA include: • 'Carnmenellis is an area of exposed granite hill tops offering long views over the surrounding landscape, rising to a maximum elevation of 252 m at Carnmenellis hill and the prominent Carn Brea monument overlooking Redruth. • The acidic soils are of poor quality and predominantly gravelly and peaty but with patches of brown earths in the lower-lying parts of the area. • Small streams radiate in all directions from the highest points of granite. The centre of the granite mass is an irregular plateau with poor surface drainage where water collects in bogs and mires. Stithians Reservoir and a number of smaller reservoirs are distinctive features in the landscape. • Granite quarrying has influenced the landscape in the south and east, leaving a legacy of rock, waste tips and sheer rock faces. • Woodland is generally uncommon in the area. The hill tops are treeless but there are small patches of willow carr in damp valleys and deciduous woodlands occur on the deeper valley sides on the western and eastern fringes of the NCA. • Livestock rearing and dairy are the most common farm types. A large portion of the agricultural land is turned to grazing/uncropped land. There are small amounts of cereal and root crop growing in the NCA. Horticulture focuses on the richer soils and gentler slopes in the south and west. • The central open moorland is surrounded by patterns of irregular ancient fields and very distinct regular 18th- and 19th-century enclosures dominated by Cornish hedges constructed from moorland boulders. Prominent remains of prehistoric field patterns are present. • A network of narrow lanes criss-crosses the area, often along the valley bottoms, and there are few main roads. • Fragments of treeless heathland, wet moorland and mires punctuated by exposed granite outcrops are common on the bleak uplands.
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• Cornish hedges form wildlife corridors and are an important habitat in their own right. • The landscape is rich in historical assets such as the Neolithic settlement at Carn Brea. Granite walls, crosses, standing stones and stone stiles are other characteristic landscape features. • Remnants of the 19th-century mining industry abound. Engine houses and mining warehouses, processing buildings, terraced houses and Methodist chapels are major characteristics of the industrial areas. Large areas of bare spoil heaps and surface working dominate, some slowly being colonised by heathland and some supporting internationally rare bryophytes. Hundreds of former mine shafts occur throughout the area. This mining landscape is now recognised as internationally important, reflected by the designation of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape as a World Heritage Site. • The NCA has a dispersed settlement pattern of hamlets and farmsteads of medieval origin, with villages mainly of recent, industrial origin. The scattered farmhouses, hamlets and village centres normally consist of granite-built houses with slate roofs, whereas newer dwellings from the 1970s and 1980s are often covered with pebbledash'.
4.16 Relevant Statements of Environmental Opportunity include: • 'SEO 1: Conserve, manage and increase the understanding of the unique historic landscape and its geological and heritage assets, including the internationally important mining legacy, the distinctive granite tors, the prehistoric and later settlements and ritual remains, and the unique Cornish hedges and field patterns'. County: Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment
4.17 The Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment is a county wide assessment of the Landscape Character Areas within Cornwall. The Site lies within Landscape Character Area 10 - Carnmenellis. This is an elevated undulating granite plateau with outcrops in places, incised by stream valleys towards the LCA boundaries. The area is open and exposed with few trees on the tops although there are some limited broadleaved plantations in the valley heads and bottoms. The field pattern varies from small fields, bounded by sinuous Cornish hedges or hedgerows, to more recent enclosure of former rough ground into strongly rectilinear field patterns. Land use is predominantly pastoral with some rough grazing. The settlement pattern is of dispersed farmsteads and small clusters of modest cottages in former industrial areas. Mining (tin and copper) and quarrying have been of major importance in the area in the past and evidence of this intense industrial use is visible in the form of engine houses and tips.
4.18 Key Landscape Characteristics
• 'Gently undulating open and exposed elevated granite plateau, boggy in places, with radiating valleys at edge.
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• Significant remains of mining and quarrying industry including mine engine house and related structures and settlements particular around Carn Brea to the north and around Porkellis. • Permanent pasture and rough grazing, with some horticulture on south facing slopes. • Cornish hedges and some hedgerows enclosing small to medium scale fields of Anciently Enclosed Land, once highly managed. • Few hedgerow trees on plateau and narrow areas of woodland (mostly Wet Woodland) in valleys. • Fragmented remnant Lowland Heathland in high parts of Landscape Character Area with associated species in Cornish hedges. • Settlement pattern of mainly dispersed villages of medieval origin. • Pylons, masts and poles prominent in places. • Long views from elevated areas. • Upland recently enclosed as small farms and ‘miners’ smallholdings'. 4.19 Planning and Land Management Guidelines
• 'Manage the historic features of the World Heritage Site in particular and improve interpretation in places. • Maintain and repair Cornish hedges, hedgerows and stiles using appropriate materials and methods of construction. • Manage Upland Rough ground for biodiversity and archaeology. • Encourage the planting of small woodlands and farm copses in sheltered valleys avoiding planting conifer plantations on high open ground. • Develop design guidance to avoid incremental change to dwellings and development out of scale, pattern and landscape character'. 4.20 Landscape Character Areas are identified from constituent Landscape Description Units (LDUs). The Site lies within Landscape Description Unit 258, the key characteristics of the LDU are:
• Physiography: Hard rock uplands • Ground type: Impoverished humic soils on igneous • Land cover: Secondary wooded pastures • Settlement pattern: Dispersed with small farms
Historic: Cornwall Historic Landscape Characterisation
4.21 The northern part of the Site where the GAC and UV buildings will be located lies within the Medieval Farmland Historic Character Area. This area is predominantly agricultural, with farming settlements documented before the 17th century AD and whose field patterns are morphologically distinct from the generally straight-sided fields of later enclosure.
4.22 The southern part of the Site, to the south of the main Water Treatment Works Building lies within the Upland Rough Ground Historic Character Area. This area is characterised by areas of rough grassland, heathland, and open scrub, usually on the higher or more exposed ground in a locality.
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Cornwall Landscape Character Best Practice Guidance
4.23 The Cornwall Landscape Character Best Practice Guidance provides guidance for interpreting the Cornwall Landscape Assessment and highlights design principles for new development.
4.24 The guidance includes a recommended contents list for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment which has been referred to whilst producing this LVA.
Landscape Character of the Site and its Immediate Surroundings
4.25 The Site and the landscape on the eastern side of Stithians Reservoir is less characteristic of the Carnmenellis NCA and LCA than land to the west. The Site comprises managed grassland, with field on the eastern side of the reservoir generally being larger with increased frequency of arable cultivation when compared with those to the west. The landscape to the west of the reservoir comprises large areas of open moorland where there are many remnants of the 19th-century mining landscape, which are less apparent to the east. 4.26 A site survey was undertaken to assess the landscape character of the application site and its immediate surroundings and to consider the extent to which this is consistent with the findings of the desktop assessment. The site survey was undertaken on 25th February 2021 on a day with good visibility.
Context
4.27 Stithians Water Treatment Works is situated in a rural location and lies in the middle of the triangle bounded by Redruth, Helston and Falmouth on the west of Stithians Village and to the east side of Stithians Reservoir below the Dam.
4.28 The Site lies immediately adjacent to the existing water treatment works and is accessed via an unnamed lane from Treserven Hill to the north. The Site is entirely laid to grass and the site boundaries are unmarked on the ground. There are no existing trees or hedgerows within the Site.
4.29 With the exception of the reservoir, the wider landscape is largely agricultural, and dominated by pasture land and arable cropping.
4.30 The main settlement of Stithians lies approximately 1km to the east of the Site and its nearest point, although there are some scattered residential dwellings within the wider landscape, including Dam Bungalows to the north of the Site.
Topography
4.31 The Site lies within a steeply banked valley associated with a small tributary stream which emerges from Stithians Dam and runs south-east to the River Kennall.
4.32 The Site is sloping, falling from approximately 160m AOD at its highest point, to approximately 145m AOD at the lowest point. The wider landscape rises to approximately 250m AOD at Carnmenellis to the west. A ridge to the south of the Site serves to screen most views from that direction.
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Landscape Value
4.33 Table 1 in the LVA method at Appendix C explains the factors used to inform judgements about landscape value. The assessment below considers the value of the Site itself and the role of the Site within the wider landscape. Assessments of value in relation to other identified landscape receptors are described in Section 8.0. Landscape Quality and Condition
4.34 The Site comprises areas of grassland in proximity to the Stithians Water Treatment Works. The Site is influenced by the existing Water Treatment Works which introduces large scale built form into the landscape. 4.35 The quality of the surrounding landscape is generally good, with roadside hedgerows and characteristic Cornish hedges largely intact. Scenic Quality
4.36 The Site is relatively contained within the wider landscape by the valley landform. Generally scenic quality within the study area is very good. The landscape is sparsely settled and is largely undeveloped. The landscape and scenic quality of the Site's immediate surroundings is recognised through its designation as an Area of Great Landscape Value.
4.37 The combination of rolling topography, hedges, trees, patches of woodland and varied field sizes gives diversity to the composition of views. There are panoramic long distance views from ridges and short distance views within the tributary valleys. 4.38 The telecommunications mast on Carnmenellis Hill is visible from within the Site and from much of the local landscape, forming a distinctive local feature. The lime silos within the existing water treatment work are visible from much of the surrounding landscape, but are less prominent due to their location behind the dam.
Rarity
4.39 The landscape of the Site and its immediate surroundings has no rare landscape characteristics and does not contain rare landscape elements or features.
4.40 The wider landscape incorporates the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, which is of international importance.
Representativeness
4.41 The Site and its context demonstrate a number of the characteristics described in published landscape assessments at the National and County level. In particular, rolling farmland, intimate valleys and a network of lanes enclosed by hedgerows.
4.42 There is no indication from published information on landscape character that the Site and its immediate environs are of a particular character or contain features or elements which are considered particularly important examples.
Conservation Interests
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4.44 There are no Tree Preservation Orders or Ancient Woodland on Site or within its immediate surroundings. Nor are there any ecological designations.
4.45 The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS has a distinctive character which reflects its historical past. The distinctive character of the WHS does not manifest within the Site and its immediate surroundings. There are no features on the Site characteristic of the closest part of the WHS (see paragraphs 4.6 - 4.10 above).
4.46 Whilst there are a number of County Wildlife Sites within study area, these designations do not relate to landscape and do not look different to areas of the same character that do not have the designation. Their value is because of nature conservation interests that do not manifest particularly in the landscape.
Recreational Value 4.47 There is no public access to the Site and it offers no recreational value.
4.48 PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 follows the existing access track to the water treatment works, allowing clear views across the Site. There are further near distance views towards the Site from existing footpaths to the north and east of the Site. These footpaths are likely to be used by the local community, and there is no evidence that they are promoted at a regional or national level.
4.49 There is a circular walk around the perimeter of the reservoir which allows some views towards the Site, particularly from the dam. On the western side of the reservoir is a watersports centre. 4.50 Recreational value of the surrounding landscape is high although the role of the Site is low. Perceptual Aspects
4.51 The landscape exhibits some rural qualities but is influenced by human activity at the adjacent Water Treatment Works.
4.52 There is a general sense of tranquillity across the landscape as a result of its sparse settlement and far-reaching views.
Associations
4.53 The landscape of the Site and its immediate surroundings has no known associations with renowned artists or writers. The Site is clearly related to the relatively modern landscape intervention of the reservoir's construction.
Conclusion
4.54 With consideration of the factors described above, and with reference to Table 1 of the method, the Site and its immediate surroundings are of regional value. To the west of Stithians Reservoir lies the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. This area highly representative of the published landscape character assessment documents, and its inscription indicates that it is a landscape of international value.
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5.0 Visual Baseline 5.1 The visual influence of the Site has been determined through a combination of topographic analysis and field evaluation of features affecting visibility, such as built form and trees, hedgerows and woodland that filter and screen views of the development. This analysis determined the potential visibility of the Site and identified visual receptors. 5.2 The field survey considered all receptors from where views of the application site are considered likely and what the existing views comprise. No access has been sought to private properties or land and where assessments are reported they have been made from the nearest publicly accessible viewpoint. Panoramic views photographs illustrate views and are shown at Figures 6.1 to 6.8. 5.3 Photographs have recorded winter views when deciduous trees are not in leaf. This represents the worst case scenario in terms of visual screening. 5.4 Public views towards the Site are available from the surrounding road and Public Rights of Way Network. Private receptors include residential properties. Visual receptors are illustrated on Figure 5. 5.5 Further to field survey, visibility of the Site is summarised as follows: • Open views experienced by persons immediately adjacent and close to the Site, including visitors to the dam car park, users of the circular route along Stithians Dam and users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1, PRoW Footpath 231/53/1 and PRoW Footpath 231/9/1; • Open views experienced by persons on high ground to the west of the Site, including persons on PRoW Footpath 231/17/6; • Glimpsed views from the circular route to the west of Stithians Dam; • Open, distant views from the western edge of Stithians Reservoir and Carnmenellis Hill. Visual Receptors 5.6 Visual receptors i.e. those individuals who would see the Site and may experience a change in their view as a result of the proposed development have been identified as follows:
Public Views 5.7 Walkers using the following public footpaths:
• Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/51/1; • Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1; • Users of PRoW Footpath 231/9/1; • Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1; • Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/5; • Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6; • Users of PRoW Footpath 232/16/3; and • Users of PRoW Footpath 232/80/3.
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5.8 Motorists, walkers and cyclists along the following roads:
• South Road; and • Menherion Main Road.
5.9 Other receptors: • Users of the Open Access land surrounding Carnmenellis; and • Users of the circular route around Stithians Reservoir.
Private Views
5.10 Residents living at the following properties:
• Dam Bungalows 5.11 Other receptors:
• Workers at Stithians Water Treatment Works.
LVA Viewpoints 5.12 Viewpoint photography assists understanding of the baseline landscape and visual environment at the Site and in its context, and is used to inform the assessment of effects on the visual receptors listed above.
5.13 LVA viewpoints are listed in Table 2 below, and viewpoint locations are shown on Figure 5. Figures 6.1 to 6.8 provide viewpoint photography showing the existing view in the direction of the Site from viewpoints 1 to 8 below.
Table 1: LVA Viewpoints
Direction of View Viewpoint Viewpoint Easting/Northing and Approximate Reference Location Distance to Site
Looking south-west, PRoW Bridleway approximately 30m to 1 172082, 36340 231/52/1 the north-east of the Site
Looking east, approximately 135m 2 Stithians Dam 171838, 36316 to the west of the Site
Looking south-east, PRoW Bridleway approximately 580m 3 171605, 36720 231/51/1 to the north-west of the Site
Looking north, PRoW Footpath approximately 465m 4 171928, 35855 231/17/6 to the south of the Site
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Direction of View Viewpoint Viewpoint Easting/Northing and Approximate Reference Location Distance to Site
Looking north-west, approximately 5 South Road 172820, 34945 1,570m to the south- east of the Site
Looking east, Menherion Main approximately 6 170556, 36591 Road 1,440m to the west of the Site
Looking east, Stithians Reservoir approximately 875m 7 171095, 36301 Circular Route to the west of the Site
Looking east, 2,120m Open Access land 8 169857, 36369 to the west of the at Carnmenellis Site
5.14 Proposed representative viewpoints were sent to the Landscape Officer at Cornwall Council on the 3rd of March 2021. The Council provided general advice in relation to the selection of viewpoints, but was unable to provide specific advice as the request was not part of a Planning Performance Agreement or paid pre-application enquiry.
5.15 The general advice, and how we have responded to these comments are highlighted in Table 2 below.
Table 2: TEP Response to General Advice for Selection of Viewpoints
Council Advice TEP Response
Ensure a 360 degree coverage of the site is achieved, and viewpoints extend The selected viewpoint locations range out to a distance proportional to the from the near to long distance, scale of the development, to fully extending over 2km from the Site. convey the visual impact, this distance ZTV modelling was used to inform the can be determined through the use of a initial selection of viewpoints which was Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) refined further during the field survey.
Figure 6 provides an indication of the Provide a OS map base ZTV marking potential visibility of the proposed on the viewpoints development and marks the location of viewpoints considered within this ZTV.
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Council Advice TEP Response
In selecting viewpoints make sure the following are covered: • Context for the site itself from within which also shows the wider landscape beyond The selected viewpoint locations range • Viewpoints covering the visibility from the near to long distance, through 360 degrees from outside extending over 2km from the Site. the site at varying distances. It Where the Site is not visible, we have may be beneficial to include views not included viewpoints from these from key positions to also locations, but provide photographs for demonstrate there would be no reference within the text. view due to topography or vegetation. The LVA considers views from the • Approaches to the site from local highway, including views from existing highways, and views of South Road and Menherion Main any proposed new site access Road. points The LVA includes viewpoints from • Views of the site from local within the Cornwall and West Devon highways particularly if they are Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. known to be scenic routes or main routes • In valued landscapes illustrate how the site sits within the wider landscape and links to other existing development
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Council Advice TEP Response
Considerations for selection need to represent the following receptors and how they experience the existing landscape : • residents (individual properties, settlements, towns) • recreational users of the landscape (public rights of way, open access land, important Viewpoints have been carefully views and vistas) selected to include a range of • those working in the area or receptors, including from Public Rights travelling to work of Way, Open Access Land and the • those passing through the Cornwall and West Devon Mining landscape as travellers on roads Landscape World Heritage Site. or rail • from local attractions The field survey confirmed that the Site • important landscape character is not visible from the Bassett features Monument at Carn Brea. • views from and to important buildings, monuments and heritage features including a representation of their setting • important views within the landscape to and from specific focal points in the landscape
Ensure the site is centred in all The Site is clearly marked on all viewpoints viewpoints.
Clearly indicate the extent of the site The Site is clearly marked on all on all viewpoints viewpoints.
The view should be free from foreground objects such as hedges, trees, branches, and telegraph poles As far as possible, views are free from etc as these foreshorten the view and such foreground objects. make the background appear further away
At this stage, and in accordance with In sensitive landscapes or for large the Landscape Institute's Technical scale development it is recommended Guidance Note 06/19 photowires are that some views are selected to show not considered necessary. The extent the development outline as a wire of the Site is clearly marked on all frame on the photograph viewpoints.
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Council Advice TEP Response
Include the angle of view on the image and do not include views up to Single frame images are provided with 180degrees as these distort and do not a 40 degree field of horizontal view. represent what would be seen by an individual at that viewpoint.
If panoramic images are used to Panoramic viewpoints are provided at illustrate landscape context then also A1 width, with single frame shots at A3 include 50mm single frame images width in accordance with the centred on the site to more clearly Landscape Institute's Technical represent how the eye would perceive Guidance. the image if you were on site
Panoramic viewpoints are provided at Clearly label on the images the size A1 width, with single frame shots at A3 they are to be printed at and how the width in accordance with the viewer is to hold the image, ie. how far Landscape Institute's Technical from the face and whether they need to Guidance. Individual viewpoint bend the image round the head. photographs indicate viewing distance and projection.
Baseline Public Views 5.16 The following paragraphs describe existing views towards the Site, experienced by the visual receptors listed above, and with reference to relevant viewpoint photography shown at Figures 6.1 to 6.8. Receptor A: Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 (Viewpoint 1)
5.17 PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 follows the route of the existing access track to the water treatment works, to the north of the Site. There are clear views across the full extent of the Site from the Bridleway towards the existing water treatment works, the dam and high ground to the south of the Site. Receptor B: Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/51/1 (Viewpoint 3)
5.18 This bridleway goes west from Stithians Dam car park, following the edge of the reservoir. For the most part views towards the Site are obscured by the existing dam, but with the tops of the existing lime silos visible above this.
Receptor C: Users of PRoW Footpath 231/9/1
5.19 This footpath extends north from the water treatment works access track, through an old quarry to Hendra Road. There are only views towards the Site from the southern tip of the footpath where it meets the existing access track; moving north along the footpath views become entirely screened by existing vegetation.
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Inset A: View south-west from PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 with some screening gorse visible on the left hand side of the frame
Receptor D: Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1
5.20 This bridleway runs from the eastern edge of the water treatment works in a south- easterly direction to Tretheague Mill. There are only views towards the Site from the western tip of the footpath where it meets the existing access track; moving east along the footpath views become increasingly screened by existing vegetation.
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Inset B: Looking east towards the Site from PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1 which is vegetated on both sides
Receptor E: Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/5
5.21 This footpath extends south-west from Little Lansenmeth to Footpath 231/17/6. The footpath does not appear to be well used and is overgrown in places. For the most part, views towards the Site are entirely screened by a Cornish hedge on the northern side of the footpath. There are some glimpsed views towards the Site above the existing hedge which could be missed by a casual observer.
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Inset C: Screening effect of existing hedge along PRoW Footpath 231/17/5
Receptor F: Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 (Viewpoint 4)
5.22 PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 lies on ground on the valley side to the south of the River Kennell. The footpath does not appear to be well used and is effectively a dead end with no onwards connections. There are clear views across the full extent of the Site from the elevated position of the footpath. Receptor G: Users of PRoW Footpath 232/16/3
5.23 This footpath runs along the eastern edge of Carnmenellis hill, between two areas of open access land. The relative elevation of the footpath allows clear views across Stithians Reservoir towards the Site. These views are very similar to those afforded from the open access land on both sides and from PRoW Footpath 232/17/1, slightly further down the hillside.
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Inset D: Distant view towards the Site from PRoW Footpath 232/16/3
Receptor H: Users of PRoW Footpath 232/80/3
5.24 PRoW Footpath 232/80/3 extends south-east from a residential property named Lakefield towards Penmarth. There are clear views towards the Site from the elevated position of the footpath, although at this distance the Site is barely discernible.
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Inset E: Distant view towards the Site from PRoW Footpath 232/80/3
Receptor R1: Users of South Road (Viewpoint 5)
5.25 Travelling south along South Road most views towards the Site are entirely screened by existing roadside hedgerows. Around Coach House Cottage views start to open up, and for a stretch of approximately 350m there are clear views towards the existing water treatment works, which is seen at some distance. Receptor R1: Users of Menherion Main Road (Viewpoint 6)
5.26 From Menherion Main Road there are some clear views across Stithians Reservoir towards the Site, which is seen at some distance.
Receptor I: Users of Open Access land surrounding Carnmenellis (Viewpoint 8)
5.27 Open access land is designated for walking and outdoor recreation on foot. Areas of open access land are located around Carnmenellis hill where the landscape is predominantly moorland. The relative elevation of the open access land allows clear views towards the Site, which is barely discernible at this distance.
Receptor J: Users of circular route around Stithians Reservoir (Viewpoints 2 and 7)
5.28 Views towards the Site from the circular route around the reservoir vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. From the dam, to the west of the Site there are clear views across the full extent of the Site. Moving further from the Site views become increasingly screened by existing vegetation and the dam itself. From the western shore of the reservoir there are some views towards the Site, which is barely discernible at such distance.
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Inset F: View south-east across the Site from the Dam access
Views from Carn Brea
5.29 There is a publicised viewpoint at Bassett Monument on Carn Brea hill, to the south of Redruth. This area also includes a Scheduled Monument, 'the neolithic hilltop enclosure with later settlement and defensive structures, a prehistoric field system, a medieval castle and deer park and mineral workings on Carn Brea (1006704)'. The viewpoint was visited as part of the field survey and it was confirmed that the Site is not visible from Carn Brea beyond the rising landform at Higher Carnkie to the south. Views from this location have not been considered further.
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Inset G: Looking south-east from Bassett Monument with telecommunications tower south of Carnkie visible on the hillside
Baseline Private Views 5.30 The following section provides a description of anticipated views from residential properties and private roads.
Receptor K: Residents of Dam Bungalows 5.31 Residents of Dam Bungalows have varying views towards the Site depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening garden vegetation. For the most part, views are well screened by existing garden vegetation.
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Inset H: View south-east towards the Site from existing vehicular access adjacent to Dam Bungalows
Receptor L: Workers at Stithians Water Treatment Works 5.32 Workers and visitors to the Water Treatment Works have clear views across the full extent of the Site. These receptors are likely to be focussed upon the particularly activity which they are engaged in, but the wider landscape of the reservoir and its catchment forms part of the focus of such activity.
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6.0 The Proposed Development 6.1 The assessment of effects on landscape and views is based on the proposed layout as presented on the 'Site Plan' prepared by Arcadis, supporting elevations and the Landscape Masterplan and Detailed Planting Plan prepared by TEP.
6.2 The main driver behind the scheme is to improve drinking water quality; but the proposed development would have the additional benefits of:
• Improving resilience against extreme operating conditions, both locally and regionally; • Addressing long term maintenance and operability issues at the treatment works; and • Improving security of supply.
6.3 The proposed works are anticipated to commence in September 2021 with completion by July 2023.
6.4 A description of the Proposed Development and its design evolution is provided in the Design and Access Statement (DAS) prepared by Ralph Clayton Associates. In summary, the Proposed Development comprises:
• Provision of a Granular Activated Carbon Contactors and Primary Filters Building measuring 23.26m x 17.98m x 7.52m x 8.26m high to eaves, • Provision of an Ultra Violet Disinfection Plant Building measuring 16.225 x 7.125m x 3m high to eaves, • Provision of a Motor Control Centre Building measuring 7.5m x 4.5m x 3.3m high to eaves, 6.5 The design and location for the proposed buildings has due regard to the processing relationship requirements in the context of the nature of the overall Site, topography, suitability of ground and sub soil conditions and access restrictions.
6.6 Independently of the full planning application, plant and equipment will be installed at the treatment works as part of the overall process improvements under Permitted Development Rights.
6.7 The proposed facilities which will be provided under Permitted Development will include:
• Provision of a new Clean Backwash Tank; • Provision of a new Regen Tank; • Provision of a new Sludge Thickener; • Provision of a new Interstage Pumping Station; • Provision of a new Chlorine Contact Tank;
• Provision of a new Standby Generator and Fuel Tank; and • Provision of internal access roads, security fencing and interconnecting pipework and associated plant and equipment.
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6.8 This information is provided in order to provide background information only. This LVA is primarily focussed on the buildings described in paragraph 6.4 above.
6.9 The constructor’s working area will be confined to the immediate vicinity of the proposed development.
6.10 Construction traffic will be consistent with the nature and scale of the proposed development and will include an initial and final plant and equipment set up with daily staff and labour vehicle movements, and materials deliveries during the course of construction.
Mitigation 6.11 The design interventions aimed at reducing adverse landscape and visual effects include: • The positioning of buildings within the Site to reduce visual prominence on the upper slopes as far as possible; • Cladding in dark and earthy tones to enhance integration into the wider landscape; • The location of constructor's working area, which will be confined to the immediate vicinity of the Site; and • New native hedgerow planting on the southern side of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 to the north of the Site, providing some visual softening. • Areas of native shrub and tree planting to the north of the proposed GAC building.
6.12 The local landscape is generally open and the water treatment works is already well established, this has informed the approach to mitigation which will still allow some views towards the Water Treatment Works, which is already well established within the landscape. The use of native species will help to maintain the integrity of the existing landscape structure whilst further increasing wildlife habitat in accordance with policy.
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7.0 Assessment of Landscape Effects 7.1 The assessment of landscape effects considers the sensitivity of the landscape and the magnitude of the potential effect to come to an overall judgement as set out below. 7.2 The assessment of landscape effects during construction and after implementation (year 1 and year 15) for each of the identified landscape receptors is summarised below. Landscape Sensitivity 7.3 Landscape sensitivity combines judgements of the landscape’s susceptibility to change of the type of development proposed and the value attached to the landscape as defined in the landscape baseline.
Landscape Value 7.4 As highlighted in paragraphs 4.29 to 4.49, the Site and its immediate surroundings are of regional landscape value. 7.5 The Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) is of regional value. Although only designated locally for its landscape, the wealth of heritage designations of regional and international value are significant and form part of the landscape characteristics of the wider area.
7.6 The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS is of international value.
Landscape Susceptibility to Change 7.7 The susceptibility of a landscape to change is dependent on the characteristics of the receiving landscape and the nature of the proposed development. 7.8 The Proposed Development would introduce new built structures into a predominantly rural landscape. 7.9 Overall, the Site and wider landscape is considered to have a medium susceptibility to change as a result of the proposed development because: • There is similar built development present in the landscape; • Some screening is provided by existing vegetation and landform; • There are some opportunities for mitigation. • There is capacity to accommodate the proposed development without affecting the baseline situation. Landscape Sensitivity
7.10 Landscape sensitivity sequentially combines judgements of the landscape's susceptibility to change to the type of development proposed, and the value attached to the landscape.
7.11 The Site and the immediately surrounding landscape is of regional value with a medium susceptibility to change and the overall sensitivity of the Site and its immediate surroundings to the proposed development is medium.
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7.12 The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site to the west of Stithians Reservoir is judged to be of high sensitivity to the Proposed Development, given its international landscape value and the medium susceptibility to change reported above.
7.13 The Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) is of medium sensitivity. Assessment of Landscape Effects during Construction 7.14 During construction direct adverse effects to landscape components will result from changes in land cover, vegetation and alterations to the existing topography, for example through excavation for foundations and services. This will occur alongside the provision of temporary infrastructure such as access; erection of temporary fencing; the use of operational plant; and general construction works. All are uncharacteristic features of the landscape, but generally will be temporary and short- term. All construction works will be carried out in accordance with best practice to avoid, reduce or limit the extent of effects as far as possible. 7.15 The proposed development will result in a permanent change in land use. The existing greenfield land will be replaced with a temporary construction site. There will be a localised extent of change to land use within the Site boundary, but this will have limited influence on the wider landscape where the existing water treatment works are already visible. No landscape features (with the exception of areas of grassland) would be removed to enable the development to proceed.
7.16 The construction of the proposed development would be undertaken during daylight hours, however there may be periods, particularly during the winter months, where lighting would be required due to the shorter daytime periods. Lighting will be kept to the minimum necessary for safety and security, and where possible, artificial lighting would be designed and located to minimise light spill on the surrounding landscape and to minimise night glow.
7.17 Weldmesh perimeter fencing is required for security purposes and will be erected under permitted development rights. It is uncharacteristic of a rural landscape where fencing is more typically stock proof post and wire fencing, however similar security fencing is already present around the perimeter of the water treatment works. This will give rise to a more engineered influence in the local landscape however in the wider area it will have less influence as it will be recessive in appearance.
7.18 During the construction period, there would be a low magnitude of effect on Site and in its immediate surroundings for the short-term. Given the low magnitude of effect predicted, and the medium sensitivity of the landscape, the overall effect of construction activity on the landscape character of the Site and in its immediate surroundings, would be minor adverse.
7.19 Construction activity would introduced some localised disturbance to NCA 155: Carnmenellis and LCA 10: Carnmenellis, but would have a negligible effect overall as it would not affect the key characteristics of the landscape, most of which are not present within the Site itself.
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7.20 Whilst the Proposed Development is visible from the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS, it does not exhibit any of the key characteristics of the WHS. Given the distance between the Site and the WHS construction works will have a negligible magnitude of effect on the perceptual qualities of the landscape within the WHS. For this reason the overall effect during the construction phase will be negligible. 7.21 The Site lies within the Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). Although only designated locally for its landscape, the wealth of heritage designations of regional and international value are significant and form part of the landscape characteristics of the area. The changes to the landscape characteristics as a result of the Proposed Development will be negligible. The Site is heavily influenced by the existing water treatment works, which is an established and accepted part of the local landscape. Assessment of Landscape Effects during Operation 7.22 The Site lies immediately adjacent to the existing Stithians Water Treatment Works Site, with the proposed MCC building within the existing compound. Whilst the Proposed Development would introduce new built structures into the landscape, the structures would not be out of context in terms of nature, scale and mass in relation to adjacent development.
7.23 The layout of the proposed development responds to the topography of the Site, with buildings graded into the surrounding levels as far as possible.
7.24 A new native hedgerow, native shrubs and trees are proposed to the south of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 to the north of the Site. The use of native species will help to maintain the integrity of the existing landscape structure whilst further increasing wildlife habitat and creating a physical barrier to the Proposed Development. 7.25 The effect on the overall character of the Site and its immediate surroundings during operation will be minor adverse. Whilst proposed planting is in keeping with the character of the wider landscape, this will not fundamentally change the magnitude of effect on the Site and its immediate surroundings which will remain low negative, with a minor adverse effect overall. 7.26 The Proposed Development would be visible from a small part of the Carnmenellis NCA in the vicinity of the Site with partial, glimpsed and long distance views from the wider area where it would be seen as a minor element in views. The Proposed Development would introduce new built form into the landscape, but would be seen alongside the existing water treatment works. The new buildings would add to the existing built form presenting a slightly higher roofline although largely in keeping with the existing design and massing. Overall effects are judged to be negligible on landscape character of the NCA as a whole.
7.27 The Site lies within LCA 10 - Carnmenellis. This landscape contains a number of designations at international, regional and local levels, and has an open and simple character. The completed development will increase the extent of built form, but will result in limited changes to the identified landscape characteristics of the LCA. The overall effect will be negligible.
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7.28 The Proposed Development has no effect on the characteristics of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS. The overall effect post-completion will be negligible. 7.29 The completed development would result in very minor changes to the landscape character of the AGLV in a limited geographical area. The landscape and scenic quality will remain largely unchanged and the overall effect will be negligible.
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8.0 Assessment of Visual Effects 8.1 The following paragraphs describe the effects on views which would result from the construction and operation of the Proposed Development. They set out the sensitivity of the views potentially affected, the magnitude of the predicted effect, and the overall effect on each view assessed.
8.2 The assessment of visual effects during construction and after implementation (year 1 and year 15) for each of the identified visual receptors is summarised in Table 4. Sensitivity of Visual Receptors 8.3 The sensitivity of visual receptors depends on the susceptibility of the visual receptor to changes in views as a result of the development and the value of the view (as set out in the method in Appendix C). This LVA assesses the impact on both public and private views, however in planning terms there is no private right to a view.
Susceptibility to Change
8.4 Walkers and cyclists using the local PRoWs are judged to be of high susceptibility to change as their attention is likely to be focussed on the landscape views. Residents with views from lower storey rooms and gardens also have a high susceptibility to change as they are static receptors. 8.5 Road users within the study area generally have some clear views over the wider landscape and are considered to have a medium susceptibility. Residents of properties in upper storey rooms (unoccupied during daylight hours) are also considered to have a medium susceptibility to change. Workers at Stithians Water Treatment Works are likely to be focused on the activity at hand, rather than the wider landscape, and their susceptibility to change is low.
Value of View 8.6 The Site and wider study area lie within the Carn Brea, Carnmenellis and Carn Marth AGLV. These views are judged to be of regional value in recognition of the scenic quality of views and the value likely to be placed on views by visitors beyond the immediate locality.
8.7 To the west of Stithians Reservoir is the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS. Views from within the WHS are judged to be of international value in recognition of the value likely to be placed on views, including by tourists.
8.8 Residents of Dam Bungalows will experience private views across the Site and the reservoir. These views will be valued by residents at a community value.
8.9 Workers at Stithians Water Treatment Works have limited views across the wider landscape as a result of their position below the dam and at the bottom of the valley. These views are judged to be of local value.
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Receptor Sensitivity
8.10 In accordance with Method Table 8 at Appendix C, the sensitivity of each identified visual receptor is set out in Table 3 below.
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Table 3: Visual Receptor Sensitivity
Receptor Viewpoint Value Susceptibility Sensitivity
A - Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 1 Regional High High
B - Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/51/1 3 Regional High High
C - Users of PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 Not Available Regional High High
D - Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1 Not Available Regional High High
E - Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/5 Not Available Regional High High
F - Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 4 Regional High High
G - Users of PRoW Footpath 232/16/3 Not Available International High High
H - Users of PRoW Footpath 232/80/3 Not Available International High High
R1 - Users of South Road 5 Regional Medium High
R2 - Users of Menherion Main Road 6 International Medium High
I - Users of Open Access land 8 International High High surrounding Carnmenellis
J - Users of circular route around 2, 7 Regional High High Stithians Reservoir
K - Residents of Dam Bungalows Not Available Regional Medium Medium
L - Workers at Stithians Water Not Available Local Low Low Treatment Works
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Visual Effects during Construction 8.11 During construction visual impacts will arise from construction activities including site compounds and parking; the storage of materials; operational plant; and the construction of buildings, structures and landscape. The effects of construction works generally will be short term and temporary in nature. All construction works will be carried out in accordance with best practice to avoid, reduce or limit the extent of negative visual effects as far as possible.
8.12 The greatest levels of change during the construction phase will be experienced by those receptors within and immediately adjoining the Proposed Development. This is due to the proximity to the site and the extent of construction works that will be visible to receptors next to the Application Site.
Users of Public Rights of Way 8.13 Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 are close to the Site and will have clear views of construction work associated with the proposed GAC building, UV building and MCC building. Construction work will be clearly visible and would affect a large proportion of the view. The magnitude of effect during construction will be high negative with a major adverse overall effect. 8.14 During the later stages of construction, users of PRoW Bridleway 231/51/1 are likely to have glimpsed views towards the roofline of the proposed GAC building above the dam. The proposed UV and MCC buildings will be entirely screened by the dam. The magnitude of effect during the construction phase will be low negative with a minor adverse effect. 8.15 Views towards construction activity from PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 and Bridleway 231/53/1 will vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. Where these PRoWs join PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1, users will have clear views towards the construction of all three proposed buildings. Views from PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 are limited to a stretch of approximately 10m, beyond which the Site becomes entirely screened by layers of intervening vegetation. The overall effect during the construction phase to users of Bridleway 231/53/1 will be localised major adverse, but minor adverse overall. Views are more limited from PRoW Footpath 231/9/ where there will be localised major adverse effects, but negligible overall.
8.16 Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/5 may have some glimpsed views towards construction activity above the existing hedge, but these could be easily missed by a casual observer. The magnitude of effect and overall effect will be negligible.
8.17 Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 are looking down onto the Site from higher ground. Users of the Footpath will have clear views towards the construction to the GAC and UV buildings, with the MCC building screened from view by existing vegetation. Construction work will not be incongruous in the context of the receiving landscape where the water treatment works and existing plant are already clearly visible. The magnitude of effect during construction will be moderate negative with a moderate adverse overall effect.
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8.18 From PRoW Footpath 232/16/3 and PRoW Footpath 232/80/3 to the west of Stithians Reservoir, construction activity will be barely discernible due to distance and the magnitude of effect and overall effect will be negligible. Road Users
8.19 From South Road there are distant views towards the Site above the existing hedgerow. The existing water treatment works is visible in the distance, alongside the Dam and Visitor Car Park. Whilst construction activities will be visible from this point they will form a very minor part of a wider panoramic view and could be missed by a casual observer. The overall effect during construction will be negligible.
8.20 From Menherion Main Road there are distant views towards the Site across Stithians Reservoir. The lime silos at the existing water treatment works are visible in the distance, as is the Dam Visitor Car Park. Whilst construction activities will be visible from this point they will form a very minor part of a wider panoramic view and could be missed by a casual observer. The overall effect during construction will be negligible. Residential and Other Properties
8.21 Views towards the Site from Dam Bungalows vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. For the most part, views are well screened by existing garden vegetation and closeboard fencing. Construction works will be glimpsed at best from these residential properties with an overall minor adverse effect.
Other Receptors
8.22 From the Open Access land surrounding Carnmenellis there are clear views across the reservoir towards the Site. Construction activity will be barely discernible due to distance, with Stithians Dam also providing some screening. The overall effect during construction will be negligible. 8.23 Views towards construction activity from the circular route around Stithians Reservoir will vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. During the construction phase people on Stithians Dam (see Viewpoint 2) will have clear views toward construction activity across the full extent of the Site. North of the dam views are increasingly screened by existing vegetation and the dam itself (see Viewpoint 3). During the later stages of construction there are likely to be some glimpsed views to the roofline of the GAC building above the dam, however this will not be out of context given that the existing lime silos at the treatment works are clearly visible from this point. The overall effect during the construction stage will be moderate adverse on the dam, but minor adverse to overall.
8.24 Workers and visitors to Stithians Water Treatment Works will have clear views across the full extent of construction activity, although this will not be their primary focus. The overall effect during the construction phase will be moderate adverse.
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Visual Effects during Operation 8.25 New hedgerow planting, as proposed in the Landscape Masterplan, will soften views of the proposed development from Public Rights of Way to the north and east of the Site. At year 1 post-completion, planting will have a minimal effect and there is generally no change to the overall visual effects. As planting matures the magnitude of effect will decrease, reducing the overall effect by year 15.
8.26 Following the completion of the Proposed Development the greatest levels of effects will still be experienced by those receptors closest to the Site. Such effects have been mitigated by the design of the Proposed Development in conjunction with planting, which over time will become established and help to integrate the built form into the surrounding landscape.
Users of Public Rights of Way 8.27 Users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 are close to the Site and will have clear views of the proposed GAC building, UV building and MCC building on completion. The Landscape Masterplan proposes a new native hedgerow, native shrubs and trees on the southern side of the Bridleway, which will soften views in the long-term. At Year 1 post-completion, proposed planting will have little effect and the magnitude of effect will be high negative with a major adverse overall effect. The proposed hedgerow planting, shrubs and trees will help to soften and screen views, but the upper storey of the GAC building will be visible above the hedge. The magnitude at Year 15 will decrease to reach moderate negative, with a moderate adverse overall effect.
8.28 Post-completion, users of PRoW Bridleway 231/51/1 are likely to have glimpsed views towards the roofline of the proposed GAC building above the dam. The proposed UV and MCC buildings will be entirely screened by the dam. Proposed mitigation will have no effect on these views and the magnitude of effect will remain low negative with a minor adverse effect.
8.29 Views towards the completed development from PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 and Bridleway 231/53/1 will vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. At Year 1 post-completion, close to the Site, users of these PRoWs will have clear views towards the completed development. The proposed hedgerow planting, shrubs and trees as shown on the Landscape Masterplan will have little effect on PRoW Footpath 231/9/1 which extends up hill, allowing views over any proposed planting. The overall effect post-completion to users of PRoW Footpath 231/9/1will be localised major adverse, but negligible overall. From PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1 there will be some views towards the Site above the proposed hedgerow, the magnitude of change will remain high negative close to the Site, and low negative overall with an overall minor adverse effect.
8.30 Users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/5 may have some glimpsed views towards the completed development above the existing hedge, but these could be easily missed by a casual observer. The magnitude of effect and overall effect will remain negligible.
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8.31 Given the relative elevation of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6, mitigation will have little effect. Users of the Footpath will have clear views towards the completed GAC and UV buildings, with the MCC building screened from view by existing vegetation. The completed development will be seen in the context of the existing water treatment works and will not appear incongruous in the landscape. The magnitude of effect during the operational phase will remain moderate negative with a moderate adverse overall effect.
8.32 From PRoW Footpath 232/16/3 and PRoW Footpath 232/80/3 to the west of Stithians Reservoir, the completed development will be barely discernible due to distance and the magnitude of effect and overall effect will be negligible.
Road Users
8.33 From South Road there are distant views towards the Site above the existing hedgerow. The existing water treatment works is visible in the distance, alongside the Dam and Visitor Car Park. Whilst the completed development, and the GAC building in particular will be visible from this point they will form a very minor part of a wider panoramic view and could be missed by a casual observer. The overall effect post- completion will be negligible.
8.34 During operation the roofline of the proposed GAC building will be visible form Menherion Main Road, but will be seen alongside the existing lime silos. This will form a very minor part of a wider panoramic view and could be missed by a casual observer. The overall effect post-completion will be negligible.
Residential and Other Properties 8.35 Residents of Dam Bungalows will have varying views towards the completed development depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. Most views are partially screened by existing garden vegetation and closeboard fencing. Given the elevated position of these residential properties above the Site, mitigation will have no effect and the magnitude of effect post-completion will be low negative with a minor adverse effect overall.
Other Receptors 8.36 From the Open Access land surrounding Carnmenellis the completed development will be barely discernible due to distance. The overall effect will be negligible at both Year 1 and Year 15.
8.37 Views towards the completed development from the circular route around Stithians Reservoir will vary depending on distance, angle and levels of intervening vegetation. People on Stithians Dam (see Viewpoint 2) will have clear towards the completed development, and given their elevation above the Site mitigation will have no effect. North of the dam views are increasingly screened by existing vegetation and the dam itself (see Viewpoint 3). Post-completion there are likely to be some glimpsed views to the roofline of the GAC building above the dam, however this will not be out of context given that the existing lime silos at the treatment works are clearly visible from this point. The overall effect post-completion will be moderate adverse on the dam, but minor adverse overall.
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8.38 Workers and visitors to Stithians Water Treatment Works will have clear views towards the completed development, although this will not be their primary focus. Mitigation will have no effect on these views and the overall effect post-completion will remain moderate adverse.
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Table 4: Visual Receptor Overall Effect
Receptor Viewpoint Sensitivity Development Phase Magnitude of Effect Overall Effect
Construction High Negative Major Adverse A - Users of PRoW Bridleway 1 High Year 1 High Negative Major Adverse 231/52/1 Year 15 Moderate Negative Moderate Adverse
Construction Low Negative Minor Adverse B - Users of PRoW Bridleway 3 High Year 1 Low Negative Minor Adverse 231/51/1 Year 15 Low Negative Minor Adverse
Localised Major Localised High Negative, Construction Adverse, Negligible Negligible overall overall
C - Users of Localised Major Localised High Negative, PRoW Footpath Not Available High Year 1 Adverse, Negligible Negligible overall 231/9/1 overall
Localised Major Localised High Negative, Year 15 Adverse, Negligible Negligible overall overall
D - Users of Localised Major Localised High Negative, PRoW Bridleway Not Available High Construction Adverse, Minor Low Negative overall 231/53/1 Adverse overall
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Receptor Viewpoint Sensitivity Development Phase Magnitude of Effect Overall Effect
Localised Major Localised High Negative, Year 1 Adverse, Minor Low Negative overall Adverse overall
Localised Major Localised High Negative, Year 15 Adverse, Minor Low Negative overall Adverse overall
Construction Negligible Negligible E - Users of Year 1 Negligible Negligible PRoW Footpath Not Available High 231/17/5 Year 15 Negligible Negligible
Construction Moderate Negative Moderate Adverse F - Users of PRoW Footpath 4 High Year 1 Moderate Negative Moderate Adverse 231/17/6 Year 15 Moderate Negative Moderate Adverse
Construction Negligible Negligible G - Users of Year 1 Negligible Negligible PRoW Footpath Not Available High 232/16/3 Year 15 Negligible Negligible
Construction Negligible Negligible Not Available High Year 1 Negligible Negligible
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Receptor Viewpoint Sensitivity Development Phase Magnitude of Effect Overall Effect H - Users of PRoW Footpath 232/80/3 Year 15 Negligible Negligible
Construction Negligible Negligible R1 - Users of 5 Year 1 Negligible Negligible South Road High Year 15 Negligible Negligible
Construction Negligible Negligible R2 - Users of 6 Year 1 Negligible Negligible Menherion Main High Road Year 15 Negligible Negligible
Construction Negligible Negligible I - Users of the Year 1 Negligible Negligible Open Access land surrounding 8 High Carnmenellis Year 15 Negligible Negligible
J - Users of the Localised Moderate Localised Moderate circular route 2, 7 High Adverse, Minor Construction Negative, Low Negative around Stithians Adverse to Negligible to Negligible overall Reservoir overall
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Receptor Viewpoint Sensitivity Development Phase Magnitude of Effect Overall Effect
Localised Moderate Localised Moderate Adverse, Minor Year 1 Negative, Low Negative Adverse to Negligible to Negligible overall overall
Localised Moderate Localised Moderate Adverse, Minor Year 15 Negative, Low Negative Adverse to Negligible to Negligible overall overall
Construction Low Negative Minor Adverse K - Residents of Not Available Medium Year 1 Low Negative Minor Adverse Dam Bungalows Year 15 Low Negative Minor Adverse
Construction Moderate Negative Minor Adverse L - Workers at Stithians Water Not Available Low Year 1 Moderate Negative Minor Adverse Treatment Works Year 15 Moderate Negative Minor Adverse
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9.0 Summary General
9.1 This report presents the assessment of the anticipated effects on landscape character and views of the proposed development at Stithians Water Treatment Works, incorporating the proposed Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) contactors and primary filters within a new building, Ultra Violet (UV) disinfection plant and Motor Control Centre (MCC).
9.2 This report considers the effects of the completed scheme on landscape character and visual amenity from the surrounding properties, roads and Public Rights of Way network; from construction to completion. The effects of the Proposed Development on the landscape and on visual amenity have been assessed in accordance with the Guidelines for Visual and Impact Assessment Third Edition (GLVIA3). The nature and magnitude of landscape and visual effects will change during the various stages of the Proposed Development and have been assessed during construction and during operation. To take into account the establishment of the Proposed Development (in particular proposed vegetation), operation has been assessed in the short to medium term (from year 1 to year 15) and long-term (year 15 and beyond). The assessment of effects is based on the submitted planning application drawings.
Landscape Baseline and Landscape Effects 9.3 The Site lies immediately adjacent to the existing water treatment works and is accessed via an unnamed lane from Treserven Hill to the north. The Site is entirely laid to grass and the site boundaries are unmarked on the ground. There are no existing trees or hedgerows within the Site.
9.4 The assessment of landscape effects has been carried out using the established hierarchy of published Landscape Character Assessments from national to county level. In conjunction with field work sensitive landscape receptors within the study area have been identified.
9.5 The study has assessed the potential effects on landscape character and concluded that these would be minor adverse to negligible in the short and long-term. The landscape character of the site would change as a result of the proposed development but would be consistent with its surroundings and would not impinge materially on landscape character beyond the Site.
Visual Baseline and Visual Effects
9.6 The location of the Site, existing vegetation and landform mean that views of the Site are limited to nearby receptors and those in the middle distance. Open views are experienced by persons immediately adjacent and close to the Site, including visitors to the dam car park, users of the circular route along Stithians Dam and users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1, PRoW Footpath 231/53/1 and PRoW Footpath 231/9/1. To the south of the Site were are open views from PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 which is elevated above the Site.
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9.7 There are distant views towards the Site from the circular route around Stithians Reservoir, Public Rights of Way and the Open Access Land to the west of the reservoir; but the Site forms a very minor part of these views and could be missed by a casual observer.
9.8 The greatest visual effects will be experienced by the closest receptors: primarily users of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1, users of PRoW Footpath 231/17/6 and users of the circular route on Stithians Dam. During construction the overall effect to these receptors will be localised moderate or major adverse. Such effects will be mitigated by the design of the Proposed Development in conjunction with planting, although it will take time for new planting to become established. Long-term adverse effects will be restricted to those receptors close to the Site, and those in elevated positions where the residual effect in most instances will be moderate adverse. In the far extents of the study area the Proposed Development will be barely discernible beyond the existing dam structure and the effect will be negligible. 9.9 The Landscape Masterplan proposes a new native hedgerow, native shrubs and trees to the south of PRoW Bridleway 231/52/1 which will provide some softening in views from the Bridleway, and from PRoW Bridleway 231/53/1. Given the relative elevation of most visual receptors above the Site, the proposed development cannot be fully mitigated. 9.10 Whilst the Proposed Development would be visible from parts of Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape WHS, the Proposed Development will be seen in conjunction with the existing water treatment works and will not alter the key characteristics of the landscape.
Conclusion
9.11 This LVA has found that the effects of the Proposed Development will be restricted to a localised geographical area. The Proposed Development would not result in substantial harm to landscape character within and outwith the Site boundary nor would there be substantial detrimental effects to visual amenity across a wide area. The Proposed Development would not result in the alteration or loss of any landscape features or elements important to landscape character. It would not affect any other key characteristics of the landscape to the extent that diversity or quality of landscape will be substantially diminished.
9.12 The new buildings would be similar in design to the operational plant and would be finished in a similar way such that the extension would be read as an integral part of the operational plant. Given these factors it is concluded that the Development could be accommodated with only localised effects on landscape character and visual amenity.
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References Data Sources • Ordnance Survey maps (1:25,000 Explorer Series); • Historic Ordnance Survey maps; • Aerial images; and • Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC Map) (https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx).
Legislation and Policy • The National Planning Policy Framework, February 2019; • National Planning Practice Guidance; and • Cornwall Local Plan, Cornwall Council, November 2016.
Landscape Character Documents • Carnmenellis National Character Area Profile 155, Natural England, 2014; and • Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Assessment, Cornwall County Council, 2011.
Heritage Related Documents • The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Management Plan 2020 - 2025 Consultation Draft, Cornish Mining World Heritage, July 2020; and • Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document, Cornwall Council, May 2017.
Best Practice Guidance • Cornwall Landscape Character Best Practice Guidance, Cornwall County Council, June 2011; • Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Third Edition 2013); • An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment, Natural England 2014; • Visual Representation of Development Proposals. Technical Guidance Note 06/19. Landscape Institute, September 2019; and • BS5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations (BSi, April 2012).
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Glossary AOD - Above Ordnance Datum
Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) - Identified on the Local Plan policies map these are areas of high landscape quality with strong and distinctive characteristics which make them particularly sensitive to development. Within AGLVs the primary objective is conservation and enhancement of their landscape quality and individual character.
Baseline - The existing environmental conditions of a site or area upon which impacts are predicted against.
Condition - The degree to which a landscape is soundly managed, is fit for purpose or achieves optimum biodiversity.
Construction Effects - The effects on the environment resulting from the construction of the Proposed Development.
Cornish Hedge - Type of boundary in Cornwall, normally a stone-faced bank, with or without hedging plants on the top.
County Wildlife Site (CWS) - A conservation designation, which despite conferring no statutory protection onto a site, does affirm a site's importance and value for wildlife at the county level.
GIS - Geographical Information System
GLVIA3 - Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition (2013) produced by the Landscape Institute (LI) and IEMA.
Green Infrastructure (GI) - Strategic networks of accessible, multifunctional sites (including parks, woodland, informal open spaces, nature reserves and historic sites) as well as linkages (such as river corridors and floodplains, wildlife corridors and greenways). These contribute to people's well-being, and together comprise a coherent managed resource responsive to evolving conditions.
Landscape Character - A tool for identifying the features that give a locality its ‘sense of place’ Assessment and pinpointing what makes it different from its neighbouring areas. In the context of the European Landscape Convention it is an essential tool for identifying and understanding what makes landscapes important.
Landscape Character Area (LCA) - Constructed by amalgamating Landscape Description Units with shared common perceptual and other characteristics, they represent the next scale down from the large National Joint Character Areas.
Landscape Description Unit (LDU) - The varying-sized building blocks which form the base units for the construction of the larger Landscape Character Areas.
Landform - Combinations of slope and elevation, the producer shape and form of the land. Landscape Character - Landscape is about the relationship between people and the land, a combination of distinctive and valued natural and cultural elements, which extend to seascapes and the built environment.
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Local Development Framework (LDF) - The Local Development Framework is a non- statutory term used to describe a folder of documents, which includes all the local planning authority’s Local Development Documents. An LDF is comprised of Development Plan Documents (which form part of the statutory development plan) and Supplementary Planning Documents.
Mitigation Measures - Measures that are applied to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate for identified adverse impacts.
Operational Effects - The effects on the environment resulting from the operation of the Proposed Development.
PPG - Planning Practice Guidance.
PRoW - Public Right of Way. Residual Impact/Effect - Those impacts / effects that would remain following the implementation of mitigation measures
Sense of Place - The unique experience that arises as a result of being in or walking through a particular locality, generally as a response to the specific characteristics and quality of the area.
Sensitivity (of Landscape) - The inherent sensitivity of the landscape itself, irrespective of the type of change that may occur.
Scheduled Monument (SM) - Nationally important sites and monuments given legal protection by being placed on a list, or ‘schedule’.
Visual Receptors - People that experience views of the Site or who are likely to experience views of the Proposed Development.
World Heritage Site (WHS) - A natural or cultural site that demonstrates influence or significance in a global context, has Outstanding Universal Value, and is inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee.
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APPENDIX A: Site Plan
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APPENDIX B: Landscape Masterplan
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APPENDIX C: Landscape and Visual Methodology
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HEAD OFFICE MARKET GATESHEAD LONDON CORNWALL HARBOROUGH
Genesis Centre, The Reynard Suite, Office 26, Gateshead 8 Trinity Street, 4 Park Noweth, Birchwood Science Park, Bowden Business Village, International Business London, Churchtown, Warrington Market Harborough, Centre, SE1 1DB Cury, WA3 7BH Leicestershire, Mulgrave Terrace, Helston LE16 7SA Gateshead Cornwall NE8 1AN TR12 7BW
Tel: 01925 844004 Tel: 01858 383120 Tel: 0191 605 3340 Tel: 020 3096 6050 Tel: 01326 240081 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]