PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST AT HIGHER LANGDON, NEAR BOLVENTOR, (ESN40001)

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL

November 2020 Introduction

OS Copyright Licence: Sightline Landscape 0100031673 Planning consent is sought for a fifteen metre high telecommunications mast, ground mounted satellite dish and control cabinets in the corner of a field by the entrance to Higher Langdon Farm, which is situated in the Valley south of Bolventor, Cornwall. The mast will be part of the Emergency Services Network which provides critical national infrastructure to enable communications and inter-operability for the police, fire and ambulance services in , Scotland and Wales. The Site lies within the Moor area of The Cornwall and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This report assesses the likely landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposed development. The Site is located on Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: Location Plan

Figure 2: Aerial Plan

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 2 Methodology

This assessment has followed guidance set out in the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Determination of the study area Impact Assessment’, Third Edition (Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment, 2013) but as the guidance states, the depth of the assessment should be The extent of the study area has been determined by running software which calculates the proportional to the scale of the proposed development and its likely impacts. Landscape and potential visibility of the 15m high mast based on topography and tree cover (based on 3 D Visual Appraisals (LVA) aim to determine the key impacts in a clear and concise manner and the LIDAR topographical mapping). Publicly accessible areas where visibility is indicated were visited methodology is less prescriptive than a full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. to see if the mast is likely to be visible or whether views will be blocked by trees, hedges or buildings. This Theoretical Zone of Visibility (TZVI) is indicated on Figure 3. The level of impact is assessed by combining the sensitivity of the person looking at the view with the magnitude in the change in the view. For this a series of assessment tables are used to ascribe a value to the combination of magnitude and sensitivity and these are presented in Appendix A, which sets out the methodology used in more detail. People’s sensitivity to a change in a view can vary, for example workers within an industrial area are less sensitive than those people who chose to use the public right of way network for the enjoyment of the countryside. Viewers within an unattractive landscape are less sensitive than those in an acknowledged scenic landscape, such as Area of Outstanding Beauty (within which the Site lies).

The magnitude and sensitivity are combined in the matrix (Appendix A) to determine the degree of significance of an impact (whether beneficial or adverse) ranging from Major to Negligible.

The various levels of significance, what they mean and the weight that should be given to them in the decision-making process are also presented in Appendix A.

Limitations to Survey Methods

The assessment was undertaken on the 22 October when deciduous trees and hedges were partially out of leaf and the majority of the hedges had not been cut back for winter (an allowance has been made in the assessment for this). It was an overcast day with some periods of sun at the time of the survey. Visibility was good for short and medium views with some mist affecting long distance views.

Photography and Imaging

Photographs illustrating views from each viewpoint were taken using a Sony Alpha 7 full frame digital camera with a Sony SEL50F 1.8 lens which has a fixed focal length of 50 mm. For the annotated photographs in the report, the camera was set in portrait panoramic mode (at 50mm focal length) to show the scene in context. A second image is presented as a single frame at 50 mm focal length, which is a more realistic view as how the eye sees the view at that location. Photomontages have also been produced for the key viewpoints (see Appendix B). For these the view is presented as a single landscape frame, (50 mm focal length) presented in a format which if printed at A3 and held 540 mm from the eye, is an accurate representation of the view, (in accordance with Visual Representation of Development Proposals, Landscape Institute Technical Guidance Note 06/19,17 September 2019). The camera has a full frame sensor and an inbuilt spirit level and photographs were taken 1.5 m above ground level from publicly accessible locations.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 3 Figure 3: Theoretical Zone of Visibility (TZVI)

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Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 4 Designations and Policy

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Cornwall AONB Partnership

The National Planning Policy Framework (June 2019) sets out core national policy which must The Cornwall AONB Partnership provides advice to on AONB planning matters. be taken into account by the Council when creating regional and local planning policies and in Guidance is set out within The Cornwall AONB Management Plan 2016-2021 - ‘Place and People’. determining applications. The Partnership objected to the location of a similar mast nearby which occupied a more elevated location, but stated in their objection that the “effects of the mast could be reduced by locating it Relevant chapters include: away from a visually exposed skyline location” and with improved screening to the cabinets and compound. This new application seeks to address these concerns with a new location lower in the 10. Supporting high quality communications valley.

“Advanced, high quality and reliable communications infrastructure is essential Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and Open Access Land for economic growth and social well-being. Planning policies and decisions should support the expansion of electronic communications networks, including next PRoW are absent in the area but there are extensive areas of Open Access Land near the generation mobile technology (such as 5G) and full fibre broadband connections”. Site, although many are difficult to access due to the paucity of crossing points over the . Views from key areas of Open Access Land are assessed, especially in the vicinity of the 15. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment Scheduled Monuments within these areas.

“Great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic Historical and Cultural assets beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues”. There are signs of historic human activity over large areas of the valley with a wealth of prehistoric features such as burial chambers, stone circles, settlements and field systems, medieval 16. Conserving and enhancing the historic environment. farmsteads, chapels, wells, crosses and stream works. The key assets have been designated Scheduled Monuments (SM) and are: The Statutory Development Plan 1) Prehistoric field systems, enclosure, hut circles and rounds, with adjacent medieval The Statutory Development Plan is the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies 2010 – 2030. settlement, longhouse and field system on Higher Langdon Farm (the Site lies Relevant policies are as follows: outside of this SM). The closest edge lies 328 m west of the Site. The features of the monument have survived well. The three separate prehistoric field systems The Policy 23: Natural environment with their groups of hut circles show clearly the nature of settlement and farming activity and their relationship to the topography during the Bronze Age. The Iron 2(a). The Cornwall and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Age to Roman rounds and the medieval settlement sites and field system similarly demonstrate those aspects for these later periods. List UID: 1007475. Great weight will be given to conserving the landscape and scenic beauty within or affecting the setting of the AONB. Proposals must conserve and enhance the landscape 2) A Scheduled Monument lies immediately to the west of Higher Langdon Farm character and natural beauty of the AONB and provide only for an identified local need and which also includes prehistoric settlements and field system with adjacent medieval be appropriately located to address the AONB’s sensitivity and capacity. settlement, field systems, boundaries and tin streamworks on the Brown Gelly Downs. List UID: 1007770. Policy 24: Historic environment 3) A group of six Scheduled Monuments lie 1.1 km southeast of the Site near Carkeet Development proposals will be permitted where they would sustain the cultural Farm. They comprise a collection of stone huts within a prehistoric irregular distinctiveness and significance of Cornwall’s historic rural, urban and coastal aggregate field system. List UID: 1011324, 1011326, 1011325, 1011322, 1011323 environment by protecting, conserving and where appropriate enhancing the significance and 1011318. of designated and non-designated assets and their settings. 4) A group of three prehistoric cairns lie north of Furswain Farm, 1.97 km to the southeast. List UID: 1008121, 1008116 and 1008180.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 5 Designations and Policy

5) Prehistoric regular aggregate field system with incorporated enclosure and stone hut circles 550m NNW of Lamelgate Farm, 2.1 km to the south. List UID: 1007474.

There are three listed structures near the Site:

A) A brick kiln and chimney south west of Carkeet Farmhouse, Grade: II, 682 m to the southeast of the Site. List UID: 1311074.

B) Carkeet Farmhouse, Grade: II, 790 m to the east. List UID: 1159315.

C) Barn about 20 metres north of Carkeet Farmhouse, 790 m to the east, Grade: II. List UID: 1329199.

D) Rick stand about 20 metres north of barn at Carkeet Farmhouse, Grade: II. 785m to the east. List UID: 1140504.

Designations are illustrated on Figure 4 and the impact of the proposed development on their setting is assessed in this report.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 6 Figure 4: Designations

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Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 7 Baseline Landscape

Topography and Drainage

The Site lies within the base of the valley of the River Fowey which flows south, draining high ground to the north, west and east. The Site lies at a low point in this part of the valley at 201m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), the river lies on the opposite side of the lane, while the valley sides either side crest at around 345 m AOD. There are numerous lakes and pools on the high ground to the east and west (, Colliford Lakes and Siblyback Lake) but they lie beyond the valley crests and none are inter-visible with the Site.

Description of the site and the immediate surroundings

The Site

The Site comprises an area of agricultural hardstanding where an existing farm track leading to Higher Langdon Farm joins the lane which runs between Bolventor and Redgate.

Land to the north

The northern edge of the site is defined by a ditch and then, to the northeast, the lane. A line of Grey Willows grow along the ditch and lane, providing some screening to the Site. A pole mounted telegraph line runs between the Site and the lane. Trees and scrub run along the opposite side of the lane with the river Fowey flowing alongside. The land north of the river comprises a band of moorland scrub, typically 200 m in width and is Open Access Land. It is a wet and poorly drained landscape while the mid slope of the valley comprises enclosed grassland pasture.

Land to the west

The land to the west of the Site also comprises poorly draining moorland scrub, also Open Access Land and again the mid slopes are occupied by enclosed pasture. Higher Langdon Farmhouse occupies higher ground 500 m west of the Site and overlooks the Site.

Land to the south

The base of the valley to the south comprise moorland scrub and is also Open Access Land. Scrubby willows have colonised extensive areas along the road and river corridor.

Land to the east

A wide band of moorland scrub Open Access Land lies to the east. Several farmhouses lie within the enclosed pasture land which occupies the mid slopes, including Wimalford Farm (330 m to the northeast), Ninestones and Lower Ninestones (550 m to the northeast) and properties at Carkeet Farm (750 m to the east) and Riverdale (695 m to the south east).

A series of photographs have been taken from the Site to illustrate its setting and landscape context. The locations from where the photographs were taken are shown in Figure 5 and the photographs are presented in Figure 6.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 8 Figure 5: Internal Viewpoint Locations

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 9 Figure 6.1: Internal viewpoints A & B

The Site Photograph A

A view of the Site looking northeast, illustrating the backdrop of willows between the Site and the lane.

Photograph B

The view from the Site looking south, illustrating how willow scrub within the base of the valley provides low level enclosure

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 10 Figure 6.2: Internal viewpoints C & D Viewpoint 5 Photograph C

This is the first of a sequence of photographs which form a continuous pan to illustrate the likely extend of visibility of the proposed mast within the surrounding landscape. At ground level views out from the Site are blocked by scrub and so a pan has been taken from a slightly more elevated position up the farm track where the more open view gives a better indication of potential visibility. This view is looking west up the track that leads to Higher Langdon Farm, which is visible on the skyline (See View 5). The area around the farm is a Scheduled Monument. The rising hillside will limit the visibility of the proposed mast from the landscape further west although and area of high ground beyond, Brown Gelly, affords a view from its summit (see View 6).

Photograph D

This is a view from the same location as C, panning north northwest. The rising ground will limit the visibility of the proposed mast.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 11 Figure 6.3: Internal viewpoints E & F Wimalford Farm Photograph E

A continuation of the pan, looking north northeast, illustrating how the valley provides enclosure. The barns of Wimalford Farm are visible mid-slope on the far side of the valley.

Viewpoint 7 Carkeet Farmhouse

Photograph F

This is the view looking northeast, down the farm track to towards the Site. There are views from Open Access land in the base of the valley (such as View 7 from the track leading to Ninestones Farm) and potentially views from the Open Access Land at the top of the farm hillside, although this is difficult to access without crossing private land.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 12 Figure 6.3: Internal viewpoints G & H Rivervale Viewpoint 8 Photograph G

This is a view looking southeast, towards Carkeet, where there is a Grade II listed dwelling and chimney. A recently constructed dwelling (Riverdale) affords a clear view towards the Site. View 8 is taken from the edge of the Open Access land close to the barn.

Viewpoint 9 lies behind the crest of the hill

Photograph H

This is the view looking down the valley, illustrating the enclosing topography and the lack of sensitive receptors. It also illustrates the numerous power line poles close to this part of the Site. High ground further south (and a Scheduled Monument) affords a distant glimpsed view of the Site (View 9).

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 13 Figure 6.3: Internal viewpoints I & J

Photograph I

The view looking southeast, illustrating the enclosing topography and lack of sensitive receptors.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 14 Landscape Character

National present, and rushes, gorse and bracken are more dominant than open grassland. There is a clear visual change on the mid slopes which comprise enclosed grazed pasture with limited tree cover. The Site lies within National Character Area 153 . Environmental Opportunity SEO 1 This predominately grassland landscape changes to the rougher texture of open moorland on the seeks to: higher slopes where granite outcrops are visible. While some hilltops are open, others are now mature forestry plantations which form prominent skyline features. Protect and appropriately manage the nationally important historic landscape of Bodmin Moor; retaining the open character of the moorland, the strong sense of remoteness and tranquillity, the There are several large telecommunications masts on hilltops to the northeast and southeast of distinctive moorland valleys on the fringe and the links to the historical agricultural use and the valley. These occupy prominent skyline positions but are not visible from the Site. There are associated settlement patterns. numerous pole mounted electricity lines within the base of the valley and running across the mid slopes, servicing the farms. A pole mounted line runs alongside the lane which run through the Regional valley, passing over the entrance into the Site. The poles are sufficiently numerous that they are a feature of the valley. The Site lies within Landscape Character Area CA32 Bodmin Moor, within the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Study. It is described as: Landscape Quality

The quality of the local landscape is considered to be High, the only significant detractors is the An extensive exposed granite upland of tors, rocky outcrops and heath with pastoral farmland in pole mounted infrastructure and telecommunication masts. the more sheltered areas especially in the valleys around the edges of the moorland. This is some of the highest land in Cornwall with Rough Tor and being the two highest peaks. Much Landscape Value of the area is unenclosed and unsettled, wild and often bleak with panoramic views of moorland grass and wet heath sweeping into the distance punctuated by granite boulders and scree as well The Site and surrounding landscape lie within an AONB and so has High value of national as hidden bogs and mires and unsettling blocks of coniferous plantations. From the moorland significance. plateau streams flow in all directions cutting into weakness in the underlying rock to form narrow incised valleys that are wooded and enclosed with attractive cataracts and waterfalls. Anciently Landscape Susceptibility enclosed farmland with its small fields and sinuous boundaries can be found in the sheltering folds of the undulating plateau usually surrounded by more rectangular fields where the moorland has Landscape susceptibility looks at how well a landscape can absorb a development of the type been more recently enclosed. proposed. The vegetation type in the base of the valley is predominately wet tussocky grassland and willow dominated scrub which affords a high level of visual enclosure, enabling the landscape The Vision and Objectives for the LCA are: to absorb the lower elements of the proposed development. Pole mounted infrastructure is already a notable feature of the valley. Aside from the scrub within the valley, it is an open landscape and “This landscape is perceived as a wilderness area with a great richness and diversity in terms of so cannot easily absorb change on the mid slopes and hill tops. To conclude there are aspects the visual, historical and ecological elements. Pressures for change can result in the incremental of the landscape which can absorb a development of this type, but other aspects which make it loss of the special features which create a sense of place…” difficult and overall landscape susceptibility is ascribed as Medium.

The planning and Land Management Guidelines state: Landscape Sensitivity

“Conserve local landscape character by ensuring that major infrastructure projects, such as The local landscape has been assessed as being of Medium – High sensitivity to change since forestry plantations, communications and transport corridors, are assessed for their potential it has high scenic and historical value and is largely free of intrusive elements and features a few impact on landscape character and, where approved, designed to be in scale with local landscape simple components. pattern and scale”.

Site specific landscape assessment

The valley is defined by three distinct landscape typographies. The lower slopes of the valley either side of the river corridor are characterised by poorly drained moorland scrub, which due to only light grazing is being colonised by trees, particularly willows. Hawthorn and oak are also

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 15 Description of the Proposed Development

The proposed development comprises the following elements:

• A 14.97 m high mast, designed as a pole and painted Bitter Chocolate; • A ground mounted backhaul satellite dish less than 4m in height; • Ground mounted control cabinets less than 2.5 m high, and • Enclosure with a 1.2 m high stockproof post and rail fence.

The design of masts has evolved substantially in recent years and the type of mast proposed is very slender and has been designed to appear as a telegraph pole with the size of mounted equipment minimised. While telegraph poles are typically 8 – 10 m high the mast will only be slightly taller, out of necessity to achieve the required signal coverage.

It is proposed that the mast is finished in Bitter Chocolate colour because in most views the mast will be seen against the backdrop of the valley sides and in particular the moorland scrub where brown tones and dark greens are prevalent.

Figure 8: Mast Elevation

Figure 7: Mast Layout Plan

Choice of Location

The location and height of the mast has been determined by the need to fill in a gap in coverage within the valley. A previous proposal sought to locate the mast at Wimalford Farm but the Cornwall AONB Office raised an objection on the grounds that:

“It would be a conspicuous and intrusive element within an area of enclosed improved moorland grazing ….with it largely appearing on the skyline when viewed upslope from lower elevations” and “the effects of the mast could be appreciatively reduced by relocating it away from the visually exposed skyline”.

This new proposal locates the mast in the base of the valley, set among the scrubby tree cover, limiting any skyline views to just a short section of the lane as it passes the Site.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 16 Assessment of Landscape and Visual Effects when operational

Effect on topography Assessment of the effect of the proposed development on visual amenity

The construction of the compound will require only minor regrading of existing ground levels to A series of viewpoints have been chosen to illustrate the likely impacts on the visual amenity of create flat surface and so the impact on existing topography will be Negligible and not readily people living, working and visiting the area around the Site. The viewpoints are plotted on perceivable. Figure 9. For each view an assessment of visual impact is made using the methodology set out in Appendix A and is presented in Figures 10.1 – 10.9. Photomontages have been Proposed mitigation to topographical impacts and residual effect prepared for Views 2, 5, 7 and 8 and these are presented in Appendix B.

No mitigation required, residual effect – Negligible.

Effect on trees and hedges

The proposed development will not require the removal or pruning of any trees or shrubs.

Proposed mitigation and residual impact

It is proposed to plant scrubby native species typical of the locality to reduce the visual impact of the compound. Once the planting has established the residual impact on trees and hedges will be Beneficial and Minor.

Impact on Landscape character

Pole mounted infrastructure is a feature of the existing valley landscape and while it is undesirable to increase the number of these detracting elements the erection of a single new element will not have a significant cumulative effect on landscape character due to the high number of existing poles in the vicinity.

In relation to existing telecommunication masts in the area, these are all located on elevated skyline positions are far more substantial in height and structure. They are also distant to the Site. It is unlikely that the proposed mast will be seen in association with these; it is more likely to be seen in association with the pole mounted infrastructure within the valley.

The magnitude of change will be Negligible - Low, adverse, and the sensitivity is High, as a result the proposed development will have an adverse effect on landscape character of Low - Moderate significance.

Proposed mitigation and residual impact

The proposed planting will integrate the ground level elements of the proposed development into the landscape. Once the native shrubs have established it will reduce the impact of the proposed development on the immediate landscape character of the area to Minor adverse.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 17 Figure 9: External Viewpoint Locations

OS Copyright Licence: Sightline Landscape 0100031673 VISUAL BASELINE

The site visit confirms the result of the TZVI that visibility is restricted to the valley and only the central part of the valley, with the exception of some visibility from parts of Brown Gelly. Photographs have been taken from a series of viewpoints to illustrate this and are presented in Figures 10.1 – 10.9. The locations from where the photographs were taken are presented in Figure 9.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 18 Figure 10.1: View from the lane immediately southeast of the entrance (Panoramic View) The Site is screened by the hedge bank

Viewpoint 1 The existing view Direction of view: Northwest The existing entrance lies within a hedge bank and a line of Goat Willow. This substantially screens the Site in summer, but only partially in winter. There is an existing telegraph pole just inside the entrance, the line of poles Distance to the mast: 31 m runs along the lane through the valley. Elevation: 200 m AOD Predicted change to the view Grid reference: SX 21230 73337 The existing entrance will be used to access the proposed development and there is no need to modify the entrance. It will be possible to glimpse the compound through the gateway when passing, seen against a Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 backdrop of existing willows. The mast will be visible with the upper section set against the sky. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Medium resulting in an adverse impact on visual amenity of Moderate - Major significance but only for a short section of the lane. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. Residual impact on visual amenity - adverse impact of Moderate significance for a short section of the lane, Negligible for most of the lane.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 19 Figure 10.1: View from the lane immediately southeast of the entrance (Single Frame)

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 20 Figure 10.2: View from the lane 160 m southeast of the entrance gate close to the access to Ninestones Farm (Panoramic View) The compound abd mast will be screened behind the trees

Viewpoint 2 The existing view Direction of view: Northwest This view illustrates how the tree cover flanking the lane screens the Site when approaching from the southeast. This wide lay-by affords on of the few open views of the surrounding hillside. High Langdon Farm is visible on Distance to the mast: 148 m the skyline. Existing pole mounted infrastructure is visible in the landscape. Elevation: 199 m AOD Predicted change to the view Grid reference: SX 21332 73257 The mast compound and ground mounted equipment will be screened from view by the tree cover growing along the lane. Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change negligible in summer, Low in winter, resulting in an adverse visual impact of Moderate significance in winter. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. Residual impact on visual amenity - adverse impact of Minor - Moderate significance for a short section of the A photomontage has been prepared for this lane, Negligible for most of the lane. view. See Appendix B.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 21 Figure 10.2: View from the lane 160 m southeast of the entrance gate close to the access to Ninestones Farm (Single Frame)

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 22 Figure 10.3: View from the lane as it approaches the Site from the northwest (Panoramic View) The mast will be visible in the gap, seen in the context of the existing pole

Viewpoint 3 The existing view Direction of view: Southeast Until this point views of the Site are screened by the tree cover which flanks the road. A gap in the tree cover affords a brief glimpse through to the Site but a telegraph pole occupies the foreground. Distance to the mast: 111 m Predicted change to the view Elevation: 202 m AOD The compound and ground mounted equipment will be screened from view in summer, but the majority of the Grid reference: SX 21122 73426 mast will be visible in the gap, seen set behind and to one side of the existing telegraph pole. 22.10.2020 The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Medium in summer and winter resulting in a Date photo was taken: Moderate - Major adverse impact on visual amenity, but the mast will be seen in the context of the existing pole and only fleetingly for a short section of the lane. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. Residual impact on visual amenity – a Minor adverse impact in summer, adverse of Moderate significance for a short section of the lane in winter. A photomontage has been prepared for this view. See Appendix B.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 23 Figure 10.3: View from the lane as it approaches the Site from the northwest (Single Frame)

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 24 Figure 10.4: View from the track to Higher Langdon Farm as it crosses open access land to the west. (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the tip of the mast will be visible above the willows, seen set against the far hillside

Viewpoint 4 The existing view Direction of view: East northeast The track to Higher Langdon Farm heads west, gaining elevation as it climbs the valley side. It affords a view down to the Site which is screened by trackside tree cover. Distance to the mast: 198 m Predicted change to the view Elevation: 203 m AOD The compound and ground mounted equipment will be screened from view but the upper section of the mast Grid reference: SX 21007 73292 will be visible, seen set against the backdrop of the rising ground on the other side of the valley. 22.10.2020 The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Low resulting in an adverse impact on visual Date photo was taken: amenity of Moderate significance. The impact will increase to adverse of Major significance as users of the track pass the proposed development on approaching the gate. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view, particularly when passing along the track. There will be a view to the compound along the proposed access track when passing. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce potential visibility in winter. Residual impact on visual amenity – overall an adverse impact of Moderate significance.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 25 Figure 10.4: View from the track to Higher Langdon Farm as it crosses open access land to the west. (Single Frame)

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 26 Figure 10.5: View from in front of (south side) Higher Langdon Farmhouse (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the upper section of the mast will be visible

Viewpoint 5 The existing view Direction of view: East northeast This view from a field gateway illustrates the view typically available from the farmhouse and its environs. It also illustrates the relationship of the Site with the Scheduled Monument which occupies the foreground. The Distance to the mast: 552 m character of the Open Access Land in the base of the valley is evident. The farmed and settled mid-slope is evident while the hills are topped by the moorland of Open Access Land and forestry plantation. Elevation: 241 m AOD Predicted change to the view Grid reference: SX 20670 73261 The compound and ground mounted equipment will be screened from view, but upper section of the mast will be Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 visible, seen against the backdrop of the far hillside. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Low resulting in a Moderate adverse impact to residents and visitors to the farmhouse and its immediate environs. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. Residual impact on visual amenity – overall an adverse impact of Moderate significance. A photomontage has been prepared for this view. See Appendix B.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 27 Figure 10.5: View from infront of Higher Langdon Farmhouse (Single Frame)

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 28 Figure 10.6: View from close to the summit of Brown Gelly, 1.6 km to the southwest (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the tip of the mast will be visible

Viewpoint 6 The existing view Direction of view: Northeast This is a local high point and affords views over a lower ridge, into the Fowey Valley. This part of the summit is a Scheduled Monument and so it gives an indication of the likely effect on its setting. It is Open Access Distance to the mast: 1.6 km Land which is accessible from a public highway further west. Higher Langdon Farm is visible, as are the other farmhouses and dwellings on the far side of the valley. The pattern of moorland scrub in the base of the valley, Elevation: 329 m AOD enclosed mid slope grazing land and open hilltop moorland is evident. The Site is difficult to locate with the Grid reference: SX 19641 72804 naked eye due to distance and because it is screened by scrub. Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 Predicted changes to the view without mitigation The upper section of the mast will be visible, seen set against the browns and dark greens of the moorland scrub in the base of the valley. At this distance it will be difficult to make out, particularly due to its Bitter Chocolate paint finish. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Negligible resulting in an adverse impact on visual amenity of Negligible significance. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce potential visibility of the compound in winter. The residual impact will be adverse but Negligible.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 29 Figure 10.6: View from close to the summit of Brown Gelly, 1.6 km to the southwest (Single Frame) The Site

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 30 Figure 10.7: View from the track leading to Ninestones within the Open Access Land (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the tip of the mast will be visible

Viewpoint 7 The existing view Direction of view: West southwest This view illustrates how the scrub in the base of the valley restricts views towards the Site. In this view the existing gateway is visible. Views further along the track become screened by intervening tree cover and views Distance to the mast: 267 m from the Ninestones area are blocked by topography. It is likely that views will be possible from some of the Elevation: 204 m AOD windows in Wimalford Farm which occupies a slightly elevated position northeast of the Site. Grid reference: SX 21462 73436 Predicted changes to the view without mitigation Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 The compound will be screened from view by intervening tree cover, but the upper section of the mast will be visible, seen rising above the tree cover but seen against the backdrop of the rising hillside. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Low resulting in an adverse impact on visual amenity of Moderate significance. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. A photomontage has been prepared for this view. See Appendix B. Residual impact on visual amenity - adverse impact of Negligible significance.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 31 Figure 10.7: View from the track leading to Ninestones within the Open Access Land (Single Frame) The Site

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 32 Figure 10.8: View from the track leading to Carkeet Farm by the barn on the edge of the Open Access Land (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the tip of the mast will be visible

Viewpoint 8 The existing view Direction of view: Northwest This view is illustrative of the view from the Open Access Land, the scheduled Monuments nearby, and the Grade II listed chimney and farmhouse nearby. There is also a modern dwelling nearby which has a slightly Distance to the mast: 720 m more elevated view towards the Site. The pattern of moorland scrub in the base of the valley and enclosed grazing on the mid slopes is evident. Higher Langdon Farm is visible, as is the unimproved ground of the Elevation: 215 m AOD Scheduled land to the right of it. The numerous infrastructure poles within the valley are evident. The Site is Grid reference: SX 21810 72952 obscured by foreground scrub. Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 Predicted changes to the view without mitigation The compound ill be screened from view, but the upper section of the mast will be visible, seen rising above the tree line, but set against the backdrop of the Open Access Land. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Low resulting in an adverse impact on visual amenity of Moderate significance. Proposed mitigation and residual impact It is proposed to plant Grey Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn shrubs either side of the compound to screen the ground level elements from view. The planting is designed to replicate the existing scrub in the floor of the A photomontage has been prepared for this valley and provide a densely branching structure which will reduce visibility, even in winter. view. See Appendix B. Residual impact on visual amenity - adverse impact of Moderate significance. Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 33 Figure 10.8: View from the track leading to Carkeet Farm by the barn on the edge of the Open Access Land (Single Frame) The Site

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 34 Figure 10.9: View from Open Access Land and site of a Scheduled Monument south of Westlake Farm (Panoramic View) The compound will be screened behind the trees but the tip of the mast will be visible

Viewpoint 9 The existing view Direction of view: North northwest This is a local high point to the south of the Site which affords a view north, up the valley, towards the Site. The Site is obscured by scrub within the base of the valley although the existing access gate into the Site can be Distance to the mast: 2 km made out with binoculars. Elevation: 240 m AOD Predicted changes to the view without mitigation Grid reference: SX 21768 71356 The compound will be screed by tree cover in the base of the valley, but the upper section of the mast will be visible, seen rising above the trees, but set against the backdrop of trees and moorland. It will, however, be Date photo was taken: 22.10.2020 distant and difficult to make out. The sensitivity of the viewer is High and the magnitude of change Negligible resulting in an adverse impact on visual amenity of Negligible significance. Proposed mitigation and residual impact None required, residual impact, adverse of Negligible significance.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 35 Figure 10.9: View from Open Access Land and site of a Scheduled Monument south of Westlake Farm (Single Frame)

The Site

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 36 Impacts and Conclusion

Impact on cultural heritage The Site lies within Landscape Character Area CA32 Bodmin Moor. The lower slopes of the valley either side of the river corridor are characterised by poorly drained moorland scrub, which due to The physical remains of the prehistory of the valley have become overlain with features of only light grazing is being colonised by trees, particularly willows. There is a clear visual change subsequent generations, although in this valley it is limited to the enclosed pasture lands, roads, on the mid slopes which comprise enclosed grazed pasture with limited tree cover. This farmsteads and infrastructure. Some of this infrastructure already crosses some of the Scheduled predominately grassland landscape changes to the rougher texture of open moorland on the Monuments and is specifically excluded from the listings. Nevertheless, the erection of additional higher slopes where granite outcrops are visible. modern infrastructure will adversely affect the setting. In this instance the mast is located outside of Scheduled land the more intrusive ground mounted elements will be screened by scrub in the The location and height of the mast has been determined by the need to fill in a gap in coverage base of the valley and that proposed for mitigation. Although the upper section of the mast will be within the valley. A previous proposal sought to locate the mast at Wimalford Farm but the visible from several of the heritage assets and within views looking towards assets, it will be seen Cornwall AONB Office raised an objection on the grounds that: in the context of existing pole mounted infrastructure. The proposed mast is of a slender, simple form and will be seen set against the backdrop of the valley sides and so will not be a prominent “It would be a conspicuous and intrusive element within an area of enclosed improved moorland feature, particularly given the viewing distances. grazing ….with it largely appearing on the skyline when viewed upslope from lower elevations” It is concluded that the proposed development will have a Minor adverse impact on the setting of and “the effects of the mast could be appreciatively reduced by relocating it away from the the Scheduled Monuments and listed buildings within the zone of visual influence. visually exposed skyline”. This new proposal locates the mast in the base of the valley, set among the scrubby tree cover, Cumulative effects limiting any skyline views to just a short section of the lane as it passes the Site. It will not require No other infrastructure of a similar nature is proposed in the vicinity. The proposed mast will be any significant changes to topography or the construction of a new access and will not require the very similar in character to the existing poles which run along the ridge and so potentially has an removal or pruning of any trees or shrubs. adverse cumulative impact in increasing the number of these undesirable features on the ridge but, there are over thirty two poles on the ridge and so an additional pole is unlikely to have a Pole mounted infrastructure is a feature of the existing valley landscape and while it is undesirable significant adverse cumulative effect. to increase the number of these detracting elements the erection of a single new element will not have a significant cumulative effect on landscape character due to the high number of existing poles in the vicinity. Overall, the impact on landscape character is considered to be adverse of Low SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION – Moderate. Planning consent is sought for a fifteen metre high telecommunications mast, ground mounted satellite dish and control cabinets on hardstanding by the entrance to Higher Langdon Farm, The compound and cabinets will be screened from the surrounding landscape by existing tree which is situated in the Fowey Valley south of Bolventor, Cornwall. The mast will be part of and hedge cover but the upper section of the mast will be visible from the mid and upper slopes of the Emergency Services Network which provides critical national infrastructure to enable the valley. It will, however, be seen against a backdrop of rising ground and at distance and in the communications and inter-operability for the police, fire and ambulance services in England, context of existing pole mounted infrastructure within the base of the valley. Scotland and Wales. The Site lies within the Bodmin Moor area of The Cornwall and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Public Rights of Way are absent in the area but there are The mast will be a new visible element in the landscape in views from four properties, Higher extensive areas of Open Access Land near the Site. Langdon Farm, Wimalford Farm, Carkeet Farmhouse and Rivervale. In all cases the compound will be screened from view, but the upper section of the mast will be visible, but it will be seen at There are signs of historic human activity over large areas of the valley with a wealth of prehistoric distance with a backdrop of rising ground. The proposed mast will have a Minor adverse effect on features such as burial chambers, stone circles, settlements and field systems, medieval the visual amenity of residents. farmsteads, chapels, wells, crosses and stream works; the most significant of which are Scheduled Monuments. The site does not lie within a Scheduled Monument or near a listed Visible infrastructure within a highly sensitive landscape such as the AONB is undesirable and structure, but lies within the setting of several. It is concluded that the proposed development will will inevitably result in some adverse landscape and visual effects. In this instance the adverse have a Minor adverse impact on the setting of the Scheduled Monuments and listed buildings impacts are not considered to be Major and will be very localised. These impacts should be within the zone of visual influence. weighed against the benefit of providing essential emergency telecommunications in rural areas in accordance with Government policy.

Proposed Telecommunications Mast at Higher Langdon, near Bolventor, Cornwall (ESN40001). Page 37