Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension

Landscape and Visual Assessment

Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 GUIDELINES 1 3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 2 4 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 3 5 BASELINE CONDITIONS 3 6 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 12 7 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS 13 8 MITIGATION 17 9 CONCLUSION 18

TABLES

Table 1 - Landscape Baseline Sensitivity Table 2 - Representative Viewpoint Baseline Table 3 - Summary of Landscape Effects Table 4 - Summary of Visual Effects

FIGURES 20

Fig 1 - Landscape Character Assessment Fig 2 - Visual Assessment Fig 3 – Viewpoint Panoramas APPENDICES 22 Appendix 1 - Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology

Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

1 INTRODUCTION Terms of Reference 1.1 This report assesses potential landscape and visual effects in respect of proposals to vary the approved quarry development scheme including construction of a small length of internal site haul road at Wilnecote Quarry, Tamworth operated by Hanson Brick. 1.2 Mineral working at the quarry, which is lies wholly within , has been authorised by a series of planning permissions dating back to 1994. These permissions authorise clay extraction followed by infilling using imported wastes. The currently approved working scheme is Figure 3, which was approved by planning permission T 05/08/905MW. 1.3 The planning submission, for which this assessment is required, seeks to allow: • the limited working of an additional 140,000 tonnes (approximately) of Etruria Marl from the eastern quarry benches within the existing quarry and • Construction of a small length of internal site haul road on the eastern site boundary 1.4 This report describes the methodology used to assess the potential impacts, includes an assessment of the baseline conditions and identifies the receptors likely to be affected by the proposed development. It also makes recommendations for mitigation, if any is required, to minimise the effect of the potential impacts identified. Objectives of the Assessment 1.5 The objectives of the landscape and visual impact assessment presented in this report are to assess the character of the existing ‘baseline’ landscape and visual resources and then identify the magnitude and significance of change which would arise from the proposed development. 1.6 Two broad categories of impact are considered: • Landscape impacts are changes in the fabric, character and quality of the landscape. These could include direct impact upon specific landscape elements (such as loss of woodland or hedgerows) or effects on landscape character and designated areas of landscape. • Visual impacts relate to specific changes in the character of views and the effects of those changes on visual receptors (for example, users of roads or rights of way, residents or users of recreational facilities). Visual impact to the setting of cultural heritage features is also considered (e.g. Historic Parks and Gardens, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) as these interests are protected by planning policy.

2 GUIDELINES 2.1 This landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken by a chartered landscape architect (CMLI) with significant experience of landscape and visual assessment across a range of development sectors.

1 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

2.2 The methodology which has been employed accords with relevant professional standards and guidelines, including the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2nd Edition 2002); the ‘Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for and Scotland’ (Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, 2002); ‘The Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2004).

3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 3.1 The methodology of this assessment aims to systematically appraise the existing landscape condition, to identify all the significant physical and visual characteristics and assess their quality or value as well as the perceived, visual amenity value. These then provide a baseline against which the key landscape and visual effects can be predicted and evaluated and their magnitude and significance assessed in a logical and well reasoned fashion. 3.2 In order to undertake a full assessment, a number of clear stages of work have been identified and addressed in accordance with the prescribed methodology. These stages include the following: • a desk study of current plans policy and designations in respect of the site and surrounding area; • a desk study of existing landscape character assessments for the site and surrounding areas; • site assessment and identification of the range of landscape and visual receptor groups within the study area; • an assessment of the sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors to change; • an assessment of the magnitude and significance of effects upon the landscape character and visual environment arising from the proposed development; • an assessment of any mitigation measures incorporated within the proposals to help reduce identified potential landscape and visual effects. 3.3 For full details of the landscape and visual assessment methodology refer to Appendix 1 of this report.

Terminology 3.4 The following terminology is used in this assessment: • Landscape: those physical components that together form the appearance of land, including its shapes, colours and textures. Landscape also reflects the way in which these various components combine to create distinctive landscape character particular to specific localities. • Landscape Character Area (LCA): an area of homogenous landscape character specific to a local area. Typical landscape components defining character include landform, land cover, vegetation, settlement pattern, remoteness and degree of tranquillity.

2 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

• Visual Receptors: people or groups of people such as residents, pedestrians and motorists who would experience an effect on views resulting from the proposed development. 4 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 4.1 The Landscape and Visual Assessment undertaken in this report is considered within the context of NPPF and local policies (Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent – Saved Policies Extended beyond 28 September 2007) relevant to assessing the landscape and visual impact of the proposal. An appraisal of the planning policy context is contained in Section 7 of the planning application supporting statement.

5 BASELINE CONDITIONS Site Description 5.1 The proposal site, hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’ (central point Grid Reference SP 22083 99912) is located within the existing Wilnecote Quarry located about 3 km south east of Tamworth in Staffordshire. 5.2 Wilnecote Quarry is an active and part landfilled/restored Etruria Marl quarry which extends to approximately 30Ha in area. 5.3 The quarry has been worked to a base depth of approximately 43m AOD which is 45m to 50m below the ground level at the eastern perimeter of the quarry. 5.4 The extraction of an additional 140,000 tonnes (approximately) of Etruria Marl will take place from the eastern quarry benches within the existing quarry. Extraction operations will require a 30m width land take at ground level on the eastern quarry perimeter. This will require part removal of an existing screen bund with regrading to the remaining outer remnant bund to create a similar feature but with a narrower footprint. 5.5 Additional clay would be extracted from a base depth of approximately 40m AOD to approximately 80m AOD (some 15m below ground level) from the eastern embankment of the existing quarry void.

Description of the Surrounding Area Location 5.6 The quarry is located in an urban fringe area which is characterised by residential and industrial development to the west and north, by open countryside to the east and by a mix of industry and countryside to the south. The closest residential areas to the site are as follows; • Wilnecote - the centre of the residential area is approximately 1.3Km to the north. • Hockley - the centre of the residential area is 700m to the north east. • - the centre of the residential area is 0.5Km to the west.

The quarry lies 700m east of the A51 and 1.5Km west of the M42. It also lies immediately to the east of the rail line which links Birmingham with Burton and Derby.

3 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Landform 5.7 Slopes and ridgelines are very prominent in the local landscape, helping to contain this part of the Tamworth fringe and separating it from the wider countryside to the south. The land rises from Hedging Lane (70 to 90m AOD) and Gorsy Bank Road (90 to 110m AOD) with up to the highest points of the Whateley area at 120m AOD, which lies within North Warwickshire. A slightly lower ridge lies to the west of Rush Lane on agricultural land, prominent above the current quarry workings when viewed from within Wilnecote or Dosthill. 5.8 From within the urban areas, in Hockley, Wilnecote and parts of Dosthill, the ridgelines form an important skyline landscape feature to the south which enables views of open countryside from within residential areas. The south and east faces of the existing quarry are also visible beneath this skyline. 5.9 This relationship of landform to the current limits of the town means that any substantial development along the northern side of the ridgeline would have an impact from within the town and over a wider area to the north and west. There are many publicly accessible places from where a southward extension of Tamworth in this manner could be seen and perceived as impacting on the open countryside.

Greenbelt 5.10 The Greenbelt boundary is illustrated on Figure 1 of this report. 5.11 The Site is located within Greenbelt which lies to the south of Wilnecote and Hockley and extends from the Tamworth – Birmingham rail line in the west to Overwoods Road in the east. All of the land to the south of this area of Green Belt lies within north Warwickshire, where the eastern boundary of the Green Belt is the track from Overwoods Road to Whateley Lane Farm. Land uses in this area are a mixture of agriculture and the extensive clay workings of Wilnecote Quarry. Rush Lane passes through the centre of the Green belt area in a north – south direction. 5.12 At the northern edge of the area the Green Belt extends towards Hedging Lane. This is a lower area of past clay extraction and landfill. This land has been left mostly unused for a significant period of time and part of the area is identified as a Site of Biological Importance. 5.13 Green Belt policy is not primarily focussed on the quality of landscape. The five purposes of Green Belts are defined in Government planning policy and now incorporated into the National Planning Policy Framework. The purposes are related to issues of containing sprawl, merging, encroachment into countryside and regeneration and there is no reference to landscape quality. In addition to this, paragraph 90 of the NPPF identifies mineral extraction as a form of development not inappropriate in Green Belt. The key point in relation to this is that the considerations of Green Belt relate to maintaining its openness in the long term. The current quarrying operation does not of itself impact on the openness of the area, although it clearly has an impact on its current and future character. The quarrying is a temporary activity, where land restoration will follow, so that the land continues to contribute to the openness of the area in the long term. 5.14 The Tamworth Greenbelt Review 2012 concludes that the quarrying activity at Wilnecote does not call into question the value of the Green Belt in this area.

4 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Landscape Character Areas 5.15 The broader landscape containing Wilnecote Quarry is described in the following Landscape Character Assessment study. 5.16 The Countryside Agency (now Natural England) methodology (Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, 2002) provides a description of the landscape character of England and provides a national and regional framework for more detailed assessments carried out at County, District or Unitary Authority level. These in turn often provide the background for more assessment at the local, parish and site level. The landscape character context within which the quarry is located is as follows; National • Landscape Character Area 97, ‘Arden’ - from Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, 2002.

5.17 The key characteristics relating to the local landscape as identified in the above study are as follows. JCLA 97 states; Arden is a true mix of urban and rural with the heavily urbanised centres of Birmingham, Coventry, Redditch, Nuneaton and Tamworth set within and around a landscape of farmland, parkland and former wood pasture. Traditionally known as the land lying between the River Tame, Birmingham and the River Avon in Warwickshire, it also extends into North Worcestershire where some of the highest ground can be found. Mining and post industrial urbanisation is prominent in the landscape to the north east between Nuneaton and Tamworth. Land use throughout the area is mainly, residential, agricultural and industrial including coal mining which is still active in the north east of the NCA. Numerous transport corridors; road, rail, air and canal run through the area. There is likely to be increased development and greater pressure upon the existing infrastructure, particularly around Birmingham, Coventry and the main towns. This pressure could lead to the creation of a new Green Infrastructure linking the urban areas out into the more rural areas. This NCA is among the most geologically diverse. This has had a strong impact on the landscape’s character and development and is further reflected in the range of locally and nationally important geological assets across the NCA.

5.18 The key characteristics of the Arden Landscape Character Area relevant to the Site are: • Well-wooded farmland landscape with rolling landform. • Woodlands include historic coppice. • Diverse field patterns, ranging from well hedged, irregular fields and small woodlands that contrast with larger semi regular fields. • Complex and contrasting settlement pattern with some densely populated where traditional settlements have amalgamated to form the major conurbation whilst some settlements remain distinct and relatively well dispersed. • North eastern industrial area based around former Warwickshire coalfield, with distinctive colliery settlements. North western area dominated by urban development and associated urban edge landscapes such as managed green space, for example allotments, gardens, parks, golf courses (rough areas) and

5 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

public open spaces; playing fields, churchyards, cemeteries and institutional grounds (schools, hospitals etc). • Transport infrastructure, the M42, M40, M6 and M5 are major transport corridors that sit within the landscape of this NCA.

Landscape and Conservation Designations 5.19 Landscape and conservation designations are considered in respect of the Site and are highlighted below. Where there is no intervisibility between the Site and designated areas no assessment of potential effects has been undertaken. Conservation Areas 5.20 The site does not lie within a designated Conservation Area. The two closest Conservation Areas are; • Wilnecote - 1.5Km north • Dosthill – 1.2Km west Listed Buildings 5.21 The closest Listed Buildings are as follows; • Hockley Hall - Grade II, (buildings and structures) 120m east. • Whately Hall Farmhouse - Grade II, 600m south east. Although there is currently limited inter visibility between Hockley Hall and the eastern screen bund and overburden storage area there would be no additional visual effect from the proposed development. There would also be no physical effects upon the Hall or its associated outbuilding or its setting. There would be no physical or visual effects upon Whatley Hall Farmhouse. Registered Historic Parks and Gardens 5.22 There are no local Registered Parks and Gardens which have intervisibility with the Site. Scheduled Monuments 5.23 No Scheduled Monuments have intervisibility with the Site. Ancient Woodland 5.24 There would be no physical or visual effects from the proposed development upon any ancient woodland. SSSI 5.25 There would be no physical or visual effects from the proposed development upon any SSSIs.

6 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Landscape Baseline Sensitivity 5.26 The following Table 1 summarises the sensitivity of the existing landscape character areas and other key landscape elements. These judgments are made on the basis of desk top and site work, undertaken in accordance with recognised guidance identified above.

Table 1 – Landscape Baseline Sensitivity Sensitivity to Site Name Distance from site change Landscape Character Site Site Low

Landscape Fabric Site Site Low

Sensitivity to Landscape Character Name Distance from site change Landscape Character Site within ‘Arden’ Medium Area LCA 97 Sensitivity to Conservation Areas Name Distance from site change Wilnecote 1.5Km High

Dosthill 1.2Km High Sensitivity to Listed Buildings Name Distance from site change High Hockley Hall 120m

High Whately Hall Farmhouse 600m

Registered Historic Parks Sensitivity to Name Distance from site and Gardens change N/A N/A N/A Sensitivity to Scheduled Monuments Name Distance from site change N/A N/A N/A Sensitivity to Ancient Woodland Name Distance from site change N/A N/A N/A Sensitivity to SSSI Name Distance from site change N/A N/A N/A

The Baseline Visual Environment 5.27 The inherent visibility of any new development and the consequential impact on the visual environment is often cited as a concern for local residents, people passing through the landscape and visitors alike. The purpose of the visual impact assessment is therefore to assess the likely extent of the visibility of the proposed development and to determine how significant the effects of the proposal would become on the general visual amenity of various receptor groups. Integral to this is the need to identify the existing visual environment and assess its sensitivity to change. This then provides a baseline against which the assessment of effects can be made using the methodology identified.

7 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Extent of Visibility 5.28 The visibility of the existing quarry is influenced primarily by the combination of local topography and its location within the urban edge of Tamworth. Urban areas to the west and north contrast with agricultural rural area to the south and east. The proposed extraction area is currently characterised by the worked but unrestored faces of the existing quarry which rise from variable base levels circa 50m AOD rising to and including the eastern perimeter screen bund at circa 95m AOD. 5.29 The baseline position can be summarised as follows (as illustrated on Fig. 2): • the Site is located within the existing Wilnecote Quarry. • the existing face has intervisibility with the urban areas of Dosthill to the west and Wilnecote to the north. • the screen bund screens views from Hockley. • mature scrub woodland is located immediately to the north of the quarry which screens views of the quarry from Hockley Road and Hedging Lane. • the existing quarry is visible from Gorsey Road although the proposed development area would only be visible where operations occur at and above ground level. • the eastern boundary of the existing quarry is located on the edge of agricultural elevated ground to the south and east of the urban edge of Tamworth. • immediately to the south of the existing quarry perimeter bunds to the landfill operation screen views of the Site, from the south. • Hockley Road located to the east of the Site is bordered by hedgerows and woodland which restrict views to the quarry. • existing quarrying related operations at ground level on the eastern boundary form the baseline visual context within which the extension should be considered. • the main rail line linking Tamworth with Nottingham and Birmingham runs along the western boundary of the quarry.

Key Visual Receptor Groups 5.30 The definition of a visual envelope and fields of view allows the following receptors and representative viewpoints to be identified and adopted as the basis for the visual impact analysis. Within the visual envelope a range of receptors will include but not be limited to local residents, road users, pedestrians, those visiting the area for amenity purposes and those working outdoors. However, the extent of the effect upon certain groups will vary according to their level of perception of the type of development. For ease of presentation the Visual Assessment identifies three key categories of visual receptors: residents, road users and visitors to the area. Residents 5.31 It is generally held, and embodied in recognised standard visual impact assessment methodology that local residents will have a high level of sensitivity to changes in their

8 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

landscape and visual environment. The most important views are likely to be those available from their own homes as they will be consistently present. Road Users 5.32 This category of visual receptor overlaps to a degree with the other two general categories in that it embraces local residents and workers and those who come to visit the area or pass through it. This group would have a moderate interest in their surroundings, and will have a medium level of sensitivity to changes in their landscape and visual environment. Amenity 5.33 This visual receptor group embraces a broad category with often different objectives. It includes those who are primarily concerned with the enjoyment of the outdoor environment for recreational pursuits and includes recreational walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It also includes those who work within the local outdoor environment. Important to all of these groups is visual amenity and this group will have a high level of sensitivity to changes in their landscape and visual environment. Local Visual Receptor Groups Settlements 5.34 The closest residential areas to the Site are Dosthill, Wilnecote and Hockley as indicated. The Site is visible from these residential locations and the existing quarry operations present as the baseline feature visible in the local landscape. Residential Properties 5.35 Largely due to the nature of the local landscape topography as well as the orientation of the existing eastern quarry face the number of residential properties having intervisibility with the Site is potentially high. The extent of visibility of the existing quarry is limited however by a combination of orientation of the properties and screening effects from local landform, woodland and hedgerows and other buildings. Roads 5.36 The closest local roads include the following; • Hedging Lane – occasional views eastbound although the quarry is screened by roadside scrub and woodland. • Hockley Road – the Site is screened by a combination of woodland, hedgerows and the local landform. • Gorsey Bank Road – occasional views westbound through gaps in roadside hedgerow. The screen bund and top sections of the western quarry face are visible. Amenity 5.37 One Public Right of Way (83) runs from Hockley Road past Hockley Hall towards the eastern perimeter of the existing quarry void. There is currently no other public access between the existing quarry void and either Hedging Lane or Hockley Road. One other PRoW (76) runs between Gorsey Bank Road and Whatley Lane approximately 400m from the eastern boundary of the existing quarry. Woodland and hedgerows provide effective screens between these Rights of Way and the quarry.

9 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Representative Viewpoint Appraisal 5.38 To help define the existing visual baseline, it is accepted practice to select a number of representative viewpoints within the likely visual envelope of the proposed development. These ideally include a range of sensitive viewpoints and visual receptor groups, from which the proposed development will be assessed. All views of the Site are considered within the context of the baseline. Six representative viewpoints have been selected as illustrated on Figure 2 and are as follows; Viewpoint 1 Sefton Road, Dosthill 5.39 Viewpoint 1 is located 600m west of the Site at a level of approximately 75mAOD which is approximately 15m below the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. This location represents residents and users of the residential road to the west of the quarry. The existing quarry is occasionally visible from locations within this residential area although the houses themselves screen views from many locations within the estate. Development of the eastern quarry faces would be occasionally visible as would views of the grading work to the existing screen bund. The views from this location area assessed as close and interrupted. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium. Viewpoint 2 – Hedging Lane (north) 5.40 Viewpoint 2 represents the new residential properties on Hedging Lane located approximately 630m to the north of the proposed working area within the existing quarry. This location is at a level of approximately 70m AOD which is approximately 20m below the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. From this location the landscape to the south is dominated by the existing quarry plant the quarry and the naturally colonising scrub woodland on its northern boundary alongside Hedging Lane. From this viewpoint there are close open views of the existing face on the southern horizon. The views from this location are assessed as close and open. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium. Viewpoint 3 – Hedging Lane (south) 5.41 Viewpoint 3 is located 550m north of the Site at a level of approximately 90m AOD which is approximately at the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. This location represents residential properties on the south side of Hedging Lane at a location 300m east of VP2. Although views are partially screened by local woodland it is possible that earthworks at ground level and regrading to the screen bund will be visible. The views from this location are assessed as close and interrupted. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium. Viewpoint 4 – Hockley Road 5.42 Viewpoint 4 is located on Hockley Road 350m north of the Site at a level of approximately 90m AOD which is approximately at the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. This location represents the residential properties on Hockley Road. There are only occasional oblique views of the Site at this location due to the screening effect from the woodland. Views from pedestrians and road users are almost totally screened by woodland and hedgerows. The eastern face of the existing quarry is not visible. The views from this location are assessed as close and interrupted. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium.

10 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Viewpoint 5 – Houses on Gorsey Bank Road 5.43 Viewpoint 5 is located on Gorsey Bank Road 450m north east of the Site at a level of approximately 97m AOD which is approximately 7m above the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. This location represents the residential properties on Hockley Road. Views from pedestrians and road users are partially screened by landform and hedgerows. From this location the overburden screen bund is visible although the proposed development area is screened. Views from this location are assessed as close and interrupted. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium. Viewpoint 6 – Houses on Gorsey Bank Road 5.44 Viewpoint 6 is also located on Gorsey Bank Road 900m east of the Site at a level of approximately 115m AOD which is approximately 20m above the ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. This location represents the views from residential properties as well those experienced by pedestrians and road users. The eastern perimeter screen bund and the top of the west face of the existing quarry are visible within a broad elevated urban fringe vista. From this location the screen bund is only a minor feature within the broader landscape and only visible where there are gaps in the roadside hedgerow. Views from this location are assessed as medium and interrupted. The sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as Medium. 5.45 Viewpoint locations and their landscape context are identified by the reverse view panoramas from the eastern screen bund as illustrated on Figure 3.

Visual Baseline Sensitivity 5.46 The following Table 2 summarises the sensitivity of the above representative viewpoints.

Table 2 - Representative Viewpoint Baseline

Distance from VP No Location Key Receptor Group Baseline Sensitivity Site

VP1 Sefton Road, Dosthill 600m Residential /Road Users Medium

Hedging Lane VP2 630m Residential Medium (north side)

Hedging Lane VP3 550m Residential Medium (south side)

VP4 Hockley Road 350m Residential Medium

VP5 Gorsey Bank Road 450m Residential /Road Users Medium

VP6 Gorsey Bank Road 900m Residential /Road Users Medium

11 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

6 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

The Development 6.1 The proposed quarry development is illustrated on drawing W22-39 which accompanies the application. Essentially it proposes moving the upper quarry bench approximately 30m in an east/south easterly direction, with subsequent movement in lower benches by a similar amount down to the quarry floor. 6.2 No changes are proposed to the historic working methods, the type of plant and machinery employed or outputs, with all of the reserve being taken to the on-site brickworks. 6.3 As the area has already been disturbed through permitted quarrying operations (stockpiling of materials and creation of a screen bund), no in-situ topsoil/subsoil resources remain and therefore soil stripping will not be required other than in a very small area (less than 0.1Ha) where a small storage bund will be moved to accommodate a new haul road. 6.4 Initial site works will comprise the removal of existing sandstone stockpiles located in the south eastern corner of the site between existing quarry workings and the screen mound located along the south eastern site boundary. This sandstone will be removed by hydraulic excavator and taken by dump truck to be placed on the quarry floor. Once the sandstone has been removed the screen bund will be re-contoured to the profiles illustrated on drawing W22-39. This work will be undertaken when soils are in a dry and friable condition using a hydraulic excavator working from the base of the bund to avoid compaction. Once complete, the bund will be sown with grass seed during the first available planting season and maintained throughout the life of the site until it can be removed and accommodated within the final restoration of the site. 6.5 These works will enable the development of benches within the sandstone overburden as illustrated on the accompanying development drawings. This sandstone will also be excavated using hydraulic excavators and dump trucks and taken by internal site haul roads to be placed on the quarry floor. Sandstone removal will be carried out in a single campaign of approximately 8 weeks duration. 6.6 Once the sandstone has been removed it will allow existing production benches within the Etruria Marl to be advanced further to the south east, thereby releasing additional reserves. These benches will continue to be worked on a ‘campaign’ basis, with campaigns undertaken once or twice a year over a typical 5-6 week period by contractors using the plant described previously. Restoration 6.7 Wilnacote quarry will be filled to ground level and restored to grassland and woodland in accordance with conceptual restoration proposals previously submitted by Biffa. The nature and scale of the proposals to vary the approved quarry development scheme will not vary the restoration proposals.

12 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

7 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS Landscape Effects – The Site 7.1 This section assesses the potential landscape and visual effects of the proposed development on the Site, the surrounding landscape and identified designations and conservation features. 7.2 Site preparation and stripping operations for the proposed extension development area will involve the removal of existing overburden, stockpiles and regrading to the existing screen bund at and above ground level on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. Once the overburden has been removed the screen bund will be re-contoured to the profiles illustrated on drawing W22-39. Landscape character and function will remain as the existing baseline. This localised work will not alter the existing character of the eastern perimeter of the quarry. 7.3 A small topsoil bund located in the south east corner of the quarry will be relocated to the northern end of the regraded screen bund. The operation will not change the baseline landscape character of the Site. 7.4 The proposal includes the development of an access road which links the proposed development area with the main quarry void as illustrated on W22-39. The access road will require the removal of several trees within an area of approximately 350m2 at the western extremity of the woodland block to the north east of the quarry void. The scale of this operation and its location indicate that the removal of the trees proposed will not change the overall character of the local wooded block which separates the quarry from the Hockley Road. 7.5 The magnitude of effect upon the proposed extension area is assessed as negligible and the sensitivity of the Site is assessed as low. The overall significance of effect upon the Site from the proposed development is therefore assessed as Negligible

Landscape Effects - The Landscape Character Areas 7.6 It is important to note that Wilnecote is a mature operational quarry. The proposed development will result in established quarry benches being moved by only 30m to the east and within the existing operational area which will not change the landscape character. 7.7 The magnitude of effect upon the local landscape character area from the proposed development is assessed as negligible and the sensitivity of the LCA locally is assessed as medium. The significance of effect upon the ‘Arden’ landscape character area is therefore assessed as Negligible. Conservation Areas 7.8 There will be no effect upon local Conservation Areas. Listed Buildings 7.12 There will be no effect upon Whately Hall Farmhouse. The magnitude of effect upon Hockley Hall is negligible and temporary and the sensitivity of the receptor is assessed as high. The significance of effect upon the landscape setting of this Listed Building is therefore assessed as Negligible in the context of the baseline. Early regrading and seeding of the perimeter screen bund will mitigate any effect upon the landscape setting of the Hockley Hall.

13 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Registered Historic Parks and Gardens 7.13 There will be no effect upon any Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. Scheduled Monuments 7.14 There will be no effect upon the closest Scheduled Monuments. Ancient Woodland 7.15 No Ancient Woodland would be affected by the proposed development. SSSI 7.16 There will be no effect upon the closest SSSIs.

7.17 Table 3 summarises the significance of effects of the development proposal upon the local landscape elements.

Table 3 - Summary of Landscape Effects

Magnitude Significance Application Site Name Sensitivity of Change of effects Landscape Site Low Negligible Negligible Character Negligible Landscape Fabric Site Low Negligible

Landscape Sensitivity Magnitude Significance Name Character of Change of effects Landscape LCA 97 Medium Negligible Negligible Character Area Arden Conservation Magnitude Significance Name Sensitivity Areas of Change of effects N/A Dosthill High N/A

Wilnacote High N/A N/A Magnitude Significance Listed Buildings Name Sensitivity of Change of effects Hockley Hall High Negligible Negligible Whately Hall Farmhouse High N/A N/A Registered Magnitude Significance Historic Parks Name Sensitivity of Change of effects and Gardens N/A N/A N/A N/A Scheduled Magnitude Significance Name Sensitivity Monuments of Change of effects N/A High N/A N/A Ancient Magnitude Significance Name Sensitivity Woodland of Change of effects N/A N/A N/A N/A SSSI Magnitude Significance Name Sensitivity of Change of effects N/A N/A N/A N/A

14 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Visual Effects 7.18 This section assesses the potential visual effects of the proposed development on the representative viewpoints both prior to and after any proposed mitigation. Viewpoint 1 - Sefton Road Dosthill 7.19 The existing eastern upper quarry face is visible from various locations within the residential development off Sefton Road. It is likely that visual effects will arise from movement of mobile plant undertaking additional work at and close to ground level. The soil and overburden stripping operations will be as existing and will not differ from work previously undertaken on the east face of the quarry. These operations will also be temporary. Clay extraction on the eastern face will be perceived as an extension to existing baseline operations. As such, there will be no greater effects than already experienced within the existing quarry development. Further clay extraction will therefore be perceived in the context of the ongoing quarry development which will include progressive landfill and restoration of the site. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as low. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as minor/moderate but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at depth the significance of effect will either be Negligible or the operation will not be visible. Viewpoint 2 – Hedging Lane (north side) 7.20 From Viewpoint 2 the landscape to the south is dominated by the existing quarry, the plant and the naturally colonising scrub woodland on its northern boundary alongside Hedging Lane. It is likely that visual effects will arise from movement of mobile plant undertaking additional work at and close to ground level. These operations will not differ however from work previously undertaken on the east face of the quarry. As these properties are relatively new it is unlikely that residents witnessed earlier extraction operations to the east face but have experienced mobile plant undertaking grading operations to the eastern perimeter. The scale of soil and overburden stripping will be as existing and will only be of a temporary nature and will be of a similar nature to recent operations. As such there will be no greater effects than already experienced within the baseline quarry development. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as low. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as Minor/Moderate but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at depth the significance of effect will either be Negligible or the operation will not be visible. Viewpoint 3 – Hedging Lane (south side) 7.21 From Viewpoint 3 the landscape to the south is dominated by the woodland located between the rear of the properties and the existing quarry. Visual effects will arise from movement of mobile plant undertaking additional work at and close to ground level. These operations will not differ however from work previously undertaken on the east face of the quarry. The scale of soil and overburden stripping will be as existing, will only be temporary and will be of a similar nature to recent operations. There will be no greater visual effects than already experienced within the baseline quarry development. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as low and at ground level will be temporary. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as Minor/Moderate but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at

15 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

depth the significance of effect will either be Negligible or the operation will not be visible. Viewpoint 4 - Hockley Road 7.22 There are only occasional oblique views of the Site at this location due to the screening effect from the woodland. The eastern face of the existing quarry is not visible. Visual effects will arise from movement of mobile plant undertaking additional work at and close to ground level. These operations will not differ from work previously undertaken on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as negligible at ground level and temporary. The scale of soil and overburden stripping will be as existing, will only be of a temporary nature and will be of a similar nature to recent operations. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as Negligible but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at depth the operation will not be visible. Viewpoint 5 - Houses on Gorsey Bank Road 7.23 From Viewpoint 5 the existing screen bund on the eastern perimeter of the quarry is visible but the main quarry lies below the local horizon. Visual effects will arise from movement of mobile plant undertaking additional work at and close to ground level. These operations will not differ from work previously undertaken on the eastern perimeter of the quarry. The scale of soil and overburden stripping will only be of a temporary nature and will be of a similar nature to recent operations. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as negligible at ground level and temporary. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as Negligible but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at depth the operation will not be visible. Viewpoint 6 – Houses on Gorsey Bank Road 7.24 This location represents the views from residential properties as well those experienced by pedestrians and road users. The eastern perimeter screen bund and the top of the west face of the existing quarry are visible within a broad elevated urban fringe vista. From this location the screen bund is only a minor feature within the broader landscape and only visible where there are gaps in the roadside hedgerow. The scale of soil and overburden stripping and grading will only be of a temporary nature and will be of a similar nature to recent operations. Extraction of clay from the eastern face will not be visible. The magnitude of visual effect at this viewpoint is assessed as negligible at ground level and temporary. The significance of effect upon this viewpoint is therefore assessed as Negligible but only whilst the proposed operations take place at or close to ground level. When the clay is being extracted at depth the operation will not be visible.

16 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Table 5 - Summary of Visual Effects

Magnitude of Significance of VP No Location Baseline Sensitivity Visual Effect Visual Effect

Minor/Moderate VP1 Sefton Road, Dosthill Medium Low then Negligible Hedging Lane Minor/Moderate VP2 Medium Low (north side) then Negligible Hedging Lane Minor/Moderate VP3 Medium Low (south side) then Negligible Negligible then VP4 Hockley Road Medium Negligible not visible Negligible then VP5 Gorsey Bank Road Medium Negligible not visible Negligible then VP6 Gorsey Bank Road Medium Negligible not visible

8 MITIGATION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCEMENT 8.1 The following measures will be adopted in order to minimise impact on the landscape character and visual receptors: Working and restoration at ground level 8.2 The working scheme will minimise land take for the proposed working area to a 30m wide strip at ground level. This strip is already within the operational area and lies beneath a perimeter screen bund. The small scale of operations at ground level will minimise the duration of operations to remove surface materials and enable early regrading of the screen bund mitigating views from the east. The phased working of the quarry benches as detailed on Dwg W22-39 will take place in the same manner as previously. Early restoration to the eastern perimeter 8.3 Development of the upper quarry benches will release soils and overburden which will be placed to construct the screen bund and create a seed bed for early seeding to the eastern perimeter. Tree planting 8.4 Trees will be planted in the eastern woodland block to replace those removed to accommodate the proposed access road. Trees species planted will be in accordance with the local landscape character guidelines. Retention of Existing Vegetation 8.5 All existing woodland to be retained on the boundary of the proposed development area would be protected and managed appropriately to ensure that it does not suffer damage during site stripping, quarrying and restoration operations. Seeding 8.6 All areas at and above ground level including the screen bund will be restored and seeded with an appropriate grass seed mix at the first appropriate opportunity.

17 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

9 CONCLUSIONS

9.1 Landscape and Visual Assessment has been conducted for proposed amendments to the approved quarry development scheme for Wilnecote Quarry in Staffordshire. The significance of effects of the proposed development on landscape site features, landscape character, views from representative properties, roads and recreational areas has been assessed and the conclusions are as follows: 9.2 Due to the nature of the proposed extension and the extent and maturity of mineral extraction operations at Wilnecote this assessment has concluded that the landscape effects upon the Site, its fabric and upon the local landscape character would be negligible. The proposed changes will effectively revisit existing and previously worked areas with little perceptible change to the visual baseline. 9.4 The proposed quarry development area would have no effect upon any landscape designations or any local Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Historic Parks and Gardens, or local Scheduled Monuments. 9.6 It would also have no effect upon any local Ancient Woodland or SSSIs 9.7 The main visual effect will arise from the regrading of the eastern screen bund and the removal of overburden from a 30m wide area on the eastern boundary to the existing quarry. This will require the presence of mobile plant working on the eastern perimeter of the existing quarry. The earthworks operations will be for a limited period of time and will be entirely consistent with permitted operations which have recently taken place in this area. 9.8 The key visual receptors will be those residents in the new properties to the north of Hedging Lane (viewpoint 2) who have close open views of the quarry eastern boundary. These residents will have occupied the dwellings relatively recently and as such have only limited experience of the quarrying operations at Wilnecote. They will however have already witnessed earth moving operations of a similar nature and the proposed development will be perceived as an extension of this baseline. At this location the significance of visual effect is assessed as being only minor to moderate and for a limited period whilst operations take place at ground level. Thereafter the significance of effect will be reduced to negligible as the working scheme progresses in the existing quarry void. 9.9 A similar significance of effect is also recorded for viewpoints 1 and 3 for the reasons described above. 9.10 The significance of visual effect upon receptors to the east (viewpoints 4, 5 and 6) is assessed as negligible whilst operations take place at ground level. When the extraction operations take place on the eastern face of the quarry void they will not be visible from these locations. 9.11 Views of the regrading operations from Hockley Hall, which is currently unoccupied, would be similar to those experienced for permitted operations and only for the limited period of time as described previously. Thereafter extraction operations to the eastern face would not be visible. Eventually the local landscape will be restored to its previous rural character. 9.12 The screen bund which will be regraded to maintain its existing function within a narrower footprint will not in itself be visually intrusive within the context of the local landscape. It will eventually be removed as the site is restored in accordance with the Biffa land filling and restoration operations.

18 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

9.13 The nature and extent of the proposal considered in the context of the existing permitted development indicates that the proposed development will be almost imperceptible from locations in the surrounding landscape. 9.14 This assessment therefore concludes that the significance of landscape and visual effect from the proposed quarry extension will be negligible.

19 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

FIGURES

Fig 1 - Landscape Character Assessment Fig 2 - Visual Assessment Fig 3 – Viewpoint Panoramas

20 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

INSERT FIGS 1, 2 AND 3

21 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

APPENDIX 1

Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology

22 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY Methodology The following summary of the general methodology adopted draws upon a variety of existing and emergent publications, the most relevant being the current publications from the Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Natural England. Defining Quality (Condition) and Sensitivity In determining the significance of landscape and visual effects of the proposed development the quality (condition) and sensitivity of the existing landscape and visual resource are first considered. Landscape quality (or condition) is ‘based on judgements about the physical state of the landscape and about its degree of intactness, from visual, functional and ecological perspectives. It also reflects the state of repair of individual features and elements which make up the character of any one place’. The categorisation of quality (defined as High, Medium or Low) in the landscape is defined using the following criteria • The general condition of the fabric of the landscape and the importance of its components; • The consistency of the strength of its character; • Its ‘attractiveness’ or scenic quality; • Its contribution to the wider landscape context; • Its amenity value and any protective designation that may cover areas of land; • Land use and quality of management/condition; • The intrusive nature of existing development, perception of proximity to urbanising influences of pylons, roads, the presence and character of visible built edge, and the dominance of detracting features. Drawing upon the Landscape Institute’s guidelines the following definitions are used: High: Areas that exhibit a very strong, positive character and which are in very good condition. The underlying attributes give an experience of unity, richness and harmony. These are landscapes that may be considered to be of particular importance to conserve and which may be sensitive or very sensitive to change. Medium: Areas that exhibit positive character but which may have evidence of alteration to / degradation / erosion of some features resulting in areas of more mixed character. Such areas may potentially be sensitive to change. Low: Areas that are of indifferent and / or negative character with few, if any, valued features.

The baseline quality of the landscape, as a whole, is also considered and is defined as High, Medium or Low. The criteria considered include the composition of the landscape, and the presence or absence of features and elements in the landscape, including both detracting features and focal points. The inherent quality is governed to an extent by the quality and

23 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment value of the landscape. This is also considered when decisions regarding baseline quality are made. Landscape value is concerned with the relative value that is attached to different landscapes and, in a policy context, the usual basis for recognising certain highly valued landscapes is through the application of a local or national landscape designation. Defining Landscape and Visual Receptor Sensitivity In order to undertake the assessment it is also necessary to identify the degree of sensitivity to change of both the landscape and the visual receptors to the type of development proposed. Landscape sensitivity is defined within GLVIA as ‘the extent to which a landscape type or area can accept change of a particular type and scale without unacceptable adverse effects on its character’. The identification of sensitivity also needs to be considered in relation to the type of change, i.e. the type of development proposed. The sensitivity of visual receptors is dependent upon the location and context of a specific viewpoint and the viewing experience as well as the occupation / pastime of the receptor and the importance of the view. Landscape and viewpoint receptor sensitivity are generally categorised as High, Medium or Low. As detailed in Table 1 Landscape and Visual Sensitivity below;

Table 1: Landscape and Visual Sensitivity

Sensitivity Receptor type Definition High Landscape Landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small change. Visual Viewers with a proprietary interest and prolonged viewing opportunities, e.g. principal views from residential properties; users of strategic recreational routes, public rights of way and beauty spots; and, those whose attention will be focused on the landscape. Medium Landscape A landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant of change. Visual Viewers with a moderate interest in their surroundings, e.g. users of outdoor recreation facilities, secondary views from residential buildings, viewers travelling through the landscape on roads Low Landscape A relatively unimportant landscape, not valued for its scenic quality and potentially tolerant of substantial change. Visual Viewers with a passing or minimal interest in their surroundings, e.g. views from commercial/industrial buildings or commercially engaged pedestrians (whose attention may be focused on their work or activity rather than the wider landscape), motorists.

Defining Magnitude of Impact Once the sensitivity to change is established for both the landscape resource and visual receptors the magnitude of the anticipated effects needs to then be identified. The magnitude of impact is defined within GLVIA as ‘a combination of the scale, extent and duration of an effect’ and is established in accordance with the following definitions as detailed in Table 2 Magnitude of Impact below;

24 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Table 2: Magnitude of Impact Magnitude Receptor Definition

High Landscape Total or major alteration to key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline character, such that post development character will be fundamentally changed. Significant change to landscape character and total alteration, fragmentation or introduction of landscape features which are important at the County or Regional level or where the change would be evident over a wide area. Baseline condition will be fundamentally changed. Visual Total or major alteration to key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline view, such that post development, the view will be fundamentally changed. Substantial change to the existing view which will be experienced by large numbers of people on a regular or permanent basis and/or will result in significant visual obstruction or intrusion. Medium Landscape Partial alteration to one or more key elements features or characteristics of the baseline character, such that post development character will be partially changed. Moderate or partial change to landscape character and/or a notable alteration or introduction of landscape features which are important in defining character at the District level. Visual Partial alteration to one or more key elements features or characteristics of the baseline view, such that post development the view will be partially changed. Noticeable change to the existing view which will be experienced on an occasional or regular basis by many viewers. Low Landscape Minor alteration to one or more key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline character, such that post development the change will be discernible but the underlying character will remain similar to the baseline. Where there will be a minor change to landscape character and/or a minor alteration or introduction of landscape features which are important in defining character at a local level. Change arising from the alteration will be discernible but the underlying character/composition/ attributes of the baseline condition will be similar to pre development circumstances/patterns. Visual Minor alteration to one or more key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline view, such that post development the change will be discernible but the underlying nature of the view will remain similar to the baseline. Minor change to the existing view which will be experienced by small numbers of people, usually on an intermittent or occasional basis. Negligible Landscape Very minor alteration to one or more key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline character, such that post development the change would be barely discernible, approximating to the “no change” situation. Insignificant change to landscape character and/or barely perceptible loss / introduction of landscape features which are important in defining local character. Visual Very minor alteration to one or more key elements, features or characteristics of the baseline view, such that post development the change would be barely discernible, approximating to the “no change” situation. Barely perceptible change to the existing view, approximating the existing baseline situation.

25 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

Establishing Extent (significance) of Effect The extent of an effect upon landscape character and viewpoints / visual receptors is then determined by assessing its magnitude in the context of the sensitivity of the landscape or viewpoint/visual receptor to the change. For example, a change of slight magnitude in a highly sensitive view or landscape may be more significant than a change of Moderate magnitude to a view or landscape considered having Low sensitivity. Other key criteria used in determining significance levels include: • the spatial extent of the effect; • the duration of the effect; and • the degree to which the effect is reversible. The significance of the effect is then determined in accordance with the following correlation table 3 Table 3: Significance of Effect

SENSITIVITY (of the landscape or viewpoint/visual receptor)

Low Medium High High Moderate Moderate/ Major MAGNITUDE Major (of the anticipated effect upon the Medium Minor/Moderate Moderate Moderate/ landscape resource or viewpoint/visual Major receptor) Low Minor Minor/ Moderate Moderate Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

In addition to the above there are situations where no effect may be recorded. This occurs where there is an absence of one or more of the following: impact source, pathway or receptor. It should also be noted that the correlation table above serves as a guide only and that each significance rating is individually assessed on site. Whilst the matrix is a valuable and transparent tool for determining the significance of an effect, professional judgment in the field can occasionally require an adjustment to the significance of effect. The prediction and significance of effects is not absolute and can only be defined in relation to the specific development and its location and involves overall professional judgment rather than mere compliance to an assessment methodology based on a table. The assessment criteria and significance thresholds for the proposed solar voltaic farm are based on informed guidance and well reasoned judgement, supported by thorough justification and explanation as to how conclusions about significance for each impact assessed have been derived. It should also be noted that only landscape and/or visual impacts that are Moderate/Major or Major in significance are deemed to be equivalent to a ‘significant impact’ as outlined in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations. As stated within EIA regulations, if an effect is not significant, it should not be considered as material to the decision making process.

26 Wilnecote Quarry Proposed Eastern Extension Landscape and Visual Assessment

It should be noted that significant effects need not be unacceptable or necessarily negative and may be reversible.

27