PROPOSED CAMPSITE LAND AT GLORORUM, BAMBURGH
Landscape and Visual Assessment
Stephen Laws Chartered Landscape Architect
November 2020
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 1
Proposed campsite Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Landscape and visual assessment
November 2020
CONTENTS PAGE
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 3
SECTION 2 METHODOLOGY 6
SECTION 3 APPRAISAL CRITERIA 7
SECTION 4 BASELINE CONDITIONS 13
SECTION 5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL 21
SECTION 6 CONCLUSION 45
Stephen Laws Chartered Landscape Architect BA (Hons) DipLA CMLI
07841 579297
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 2 SECTION 1; INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report has been prepared by Stephen Laws, a Chartered Landscape Architect with over 30 years’ experience in landscape architecture and environmental assessment. The report has been commissioned by Edesign to support the Planning Application for a small campsite facility on land to the south east of Glororum Farmhouse, Bamburgh.
1.2 The Application Site is located on part of the field adjoining Glororum farmhouse, to the south-east. The site would be accessed from the lane between Glororum and Burton.
1.3 The level of assessment undertaken for this Appraisal is considered to be appropriate to the scale and nature of the development and the level of information currently available. Field work for this assessment was undertaken on 25 October 2020 and 1 November 2020. The weather conditions were changeable with intermittent cloud and clear skies or overcast. Visibility was generally good and occasionally fair.
Scope of this assessment
1.4 This appraisal will consider the following potential effects of the development.
a) Potential effects on local landscape character.
b) Potential effects on the site and immediate area.
c) Potential visual effects.
Development description
1.5 The proposed development comprises a small campsite facility of ten, yurt style tents (beige/sand colour) located in part of the field adjoining Glororum farmhouse, to the south-east. See Figure 2. The tents will be erected on. The tents will be a maximum height of 3.3m. The tents will be spaced equally, across the campsite area in an informal arrangement, linked with gravel paths. The campsite will operate from March- October.
1.6 The car park and toilet/shower block will be located in the north-east corner of the site, partly enclosed with native hedging. Hardstandings will be in gravel. The toilet/shower block will be approximately 18m in length by 3.0m depth and between 2.4m - 2.7m high, with a mono pitch roof falling to the roadside. The finish will be vertical timber cladding with insulted metal profile roof.
1.7 There will be no external campsite lighting within the tented area. Head torches will be provided. The toilet block will have external bulkhead and internal light. Yurts will have low level internal. A non-illuminated sign will be provided at the site entrance. All lighting will be solar powered.
1.8 Grassland areas between the tents will be partly sown with native flower seed mix and managed to create a species rich grassland. Existing hedges around the Application Site will be gapped-up and replanted with native species to repair field boundaries. Native, hedgerow trees will be introduced around the boundary.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 3 Page 4
SECTION 2; METHODOLOGY
2.1 The approach adopted in this study for assessing landscape and visual effects follows the guidelines contained in The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), Third Edition (2013), published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
2.2 This study utilises source data from the government website www.magic.gov.uk which combines a range of environmental information provided by partner organisations including Historic England. Reference has also been made to planning policy, landscape character studies and other relevant information including digital mapping, satellite imagery and aerial photography.
Visual envelope
2.3 The study area shown on Figure 1 was largely defined by the extent of land within which the site and proposed development would be visible and would potentially experience significant visual effects. The predicted visual envelope shown on Figure 3 generally covers land within 1200m of the Application Site. There may be views of the development beyond this distance, but such views are unlikely to be significant, due to the scale and nature of the development and the diminishing effects of distance.
2.4 The study area has been extended beyond the predicted visual envelope to show the wider context and local designations. The study area covers part of the coastal margins around Budle Bay which falls within the Northumberland Coast, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Bamburgh Conservation Area. The study area extends up to 3.0km from the Application Site. Field work for this study was undertaken in October and early November 2020 when deciduous vegetation was partially in leaf. It is not expected that visibility would substantially change throughout the year due to the extent vegetation screening, especially hedgerows and local topography although some visual effects may increase due to a reduction in screening.
References
The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition (2013). Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment (2014). Natural England.
National Character Area Profiles. Natural England. September 2014.
The Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment (NLCA); Parts A and B. August 2010. Northumberland County Council.
Northumberland AONB Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study. August 2013.Northumberland AONB Partnership.
Northumberland Key Land Use Impact Study; Part A. Landscape Sensitivity at Settlement Edges. September 2010. Northumberland County Council.
North Northumberland Coast Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2023. Made Version (July 2018).
Design Guide for the Bult Environment. Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 6 SECTION 3; APPRAISAL CRITERIA
Landscape appraisal
3.1 An assessment of landscape effects deals with the effects of change and development on landscape as a resource. This includes how the proposal will affect the elements that make up the landscape, the aesthetic and perceptual aspects of the landscape and its distinctive character.
3.2 An appraisal of landscape sensitivity is made by combining professional judgements in relation to the susceptibility of the landscape to change (particular to the proposed development type) and the value of the landscape receptor.
3.3. Professional judgements are made in relation to the susceptibility of the landscape receptor to change. This is the capacity of a landscape receptor to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline situation and/or the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies (whether the landscape receptor contributes to the overall character of a particular landscape type/area, or an individual element/feature or designation within it).
3.4 Judgements in relation to the value of the landscape receptor should reflect;
• The value of the landscape character types or areas that may be affected based on a review of any designations at both national and local levels. Where there are no designations, judgements are based on criteria that can be used to establish landscape value.
• The value of individual contributors to landscape character, especially key characteristics, which may include individual elements of the landscape, particular landscape features, notable aesthetic, perceptual or experiential qualities, and combinations of these contributors.
3.5 The appraisal of value is based on professional judgement and includes consideration of factors such as;
• Landscape quality (condition): A measure of the physical state of the landscape. It may include the extent to which typical character is represented in individual areas, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of individual elements.
• Scenic Quality: The term used to describe landscapes that appeal primarily to the senses (primarily but not wholly the visual senses).
• Rarity: The presence of rare elements or features in the landscape or the presence of a rare Landscape Character Type.
• Representativeness: Whether the landscape contains a particular character and/or features or elements which are considered particularly important examples.
• Conservation Interests: The presence of features of wildlife, earth science or archaeological or historic and cultural interest can add to the value of the landscape as well as having value in their own right.
• Recreational Value: Evidence that the landscape is valued for recreational activity where experience of the landscape is important.
• Perceptual Aspects: A landscape may be valued for its perceptual qualities, notably wildness and / or tranquility.
• Cultural Associations: Some landscapes are associated with particular people, such as artists or writers, or events in history that contribute to perceptions of the natural beauty of the area.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 7 3.6 The resulting landscape sensitivity is described using a four-point scale (very high, high, medium or low) based upon the criteria set out in Table 1. The magnitude of change on landscape receptors is described using a four point scale ranging from high to negligible, as defined in Table 3. The magnitude of change on landscape features is is described using a four-point scale ranging from high to negligible using the criteria set out in Table 2.
Table 1 – Summary of landscape sensitivity
Landscape Description sensitivity Very high Typically, highly valued landscape of international or national landscape or conservation importance such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in pristine condition with no/few detracting elements.
Key characteristics of landscape are very vulnerable to change and are unable to accommodate development without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are very low.
High Typically, valued landscape of national or regional landscape or conservation importance such as some Special Landscape Areas, or areas within National Parks or AONBs with minor detracting factors.
Key characteristics of landscape are vulnerable to change and development can be absorbed only in limited situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are low.
Medium Typically, valued landscape of regional or local landscape or conservation/amenity importance such as some Special Landscape Areas and Areas of Local Landscape Importance, areas within National Parks or AONBs with significant detracting factors or local areas with value expressed in local publications.
Key characteristics of landscape are susceptible to change but with some ability to absorb development in some situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are intermediate.
Low Typically, undesignated landscape with some local community importance such as unmanaged/fragmented green space, highway corridors and remnant farmland.
Key characteristics of landscape are resilient to change and are able to absorb development in many situations without significant character change; thresholds for significant change are high.
Table 2 – Magnitude of change on landscape features
Magnitude of Criteria change on landscape features High Major loss or major alteration to an existing landscape feature. Medium Some loss or some alteration to part of an existing landscape feature.
Low Minor loss or alteration to part of an existing landscape feature. Negligible No loss or negligible alteration to existing landscape features.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 8 Table 3 – Definition of magnitude of change on landscape or visual character
Magnitude Landscape effects Visual effects
High The proposed development would be Major permanent /long term change in extremely damaging to landscape the existing view, change very character and would; prominent in character and Result in a complete change to composition of view through character, or introduce features, which obstruction, loss of key elements, are dominant, intrusive or totally addition of uncharacteristic elements. uncharacteristic. Be at complete variance with landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in the total loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce or remove their setting. Be incapable of mitigation. Medium The proposed development would Medium permanent/long term change damage landscape or visual character in the existing view, change may be and would; prominent but not substantially Result in a clearly identifiable or different in scale and character to prominent change to character, surroundings. View character partially although may not necessarily changed through introduction of considered to be substantially elements that may be uncharacteristic uncharacteristic. but not necessarily visually discordant. Be out of scale, or at odds with the landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in partial loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce or remove their setting. Be incapable of full mitigation and/or mitigation may conflict with local guidelines. Low The proposed development would Minor permanent /long term change in have a minor, but discernible change to view - change will be distinguishable landscape or visual character and from the surroundings whilst would; composition and character of view, Result in a discernible change to although altered will be broadly character, although not necessarily comparable in quality to pre-change uncharacteristic when set within the circumstances. attributes of the receiving landscape. Slight change in landform, scale and settlement pattern. Result in the minor loss or alteration of characteristic features and elements, and/or reduce their setting. Cannot be entirely mitigated, due to the nature of the proposals or character or not fulfil local guidelines. Negligible The proposed development will have Very slight permanent term change in no noticeable effect due to; view-change barely distinguishable The development being barely from surroundings. Composition and discernible as a change in landscape character of view substantially or visual character. unaltered. It complements the scale, landform and settlement pattern. It incorporates measures for mitigation/enhancement that enable the proposals to blend with the surrounding area, meeting local guidelines for the area.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 9 Visual appraisal
3.7 An appraisal of visual effects deals with the effects of change on the views available to people and their visual amenity. This includes how the surroundings of individuals or groups of people may specifically be affected by changes in the content and character of views as a result of the change or loss of existing elements of the landscape and/or the introduction of new elements. The magnitude of change on visual receptors is described using a four point scale ranging from high to negligible, as defined in Table 3.
3.8 A visual receptor is a special interest or viewer group that will experience an effect. This includes residents, recreational users, visitors and groups of viewers present at or passing through the viewpoint.
3.9 An appraisal of visual sensitivity is made by combining professional judgements in relation to the susceptibility of the visual receptor to change (particular to the proposed development type) and the value of the visual receptor. In visual appraisal some visual receptors are considered more sensitive than others. Greater weight is given to the visual effects upon public viewpoints than upon private properties. Views from rooms that are used during daylight hours, such as sitting rooms, are also deemed to be more important than views from secondary rooms such as bedrooms. Visual sensitivity is described using a four point scale ranging from very high to low, as defined in Table 4.
3.10 Professional judgements are made in relation to the susceptibility of the visual receptor to change. This is mainly a function of;
• The occupation or activity of people experiencing the view at particular locations.
• The extent to which their attention or interest may therefore be focused on the views and the visual amenity they experience at particular locations.
• The contents/context of the existing view in relation to the type of development proposed. • e.g. a view overlooking a moorland or other natural area devoid of any man-made features or intrusions has a higher susceptibility to change.
3.11 Judgements in relation to the value of the visual receptor should reflect;
• Recognition of the value attached to particular views i.e. in relation to heritage assets or planning designations.
• Indicators of the value attached to views by visitors, i.e. the appearance of them in tourist maps, provision of facilities for the enjoyment of views or references to specific views in literature or art.
• The contents/context of the existing view in relation to the type of development proposed- e.g. a view overlooking a moorland or other natural area devoid of any man-made features or intrusions has a higher susceptibility to change.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 10 Table 4 – Sensitivity of visual receptors
Sensitivity of Criteria visual receptor Very High People at tourist attractions with a specific focus on the view, visitors to historic features/estates (where the setting is important to the appreciation and understanding of the property and history).
High Residents with direct open views of the site. Users of long distance trails (e.g. Pennine Way) and public rights of way, caravan parks and campsites, tourist attractions with opportunities for views of the landscape (but not specifically requiring an appreciation of the landscape), slow paced recreational activities which derive part of their pleasure from an appreciation of setting (e.g. golf).
Medium Residents with partial/oblique views of the site. Users of public rights of way within urban /urban fringe or degraded landscapes Users of minor road users and commercial railways travelling through or past the affected landscape, recreational activities not specifically focused on the landscape (e.g. football), hotel users.
Low People at their place of work (e.g. offices), shoppers, users of trunk/major roads. Industrial and commercial activities, military facilities.
Appraisal of effects
3.12 The magnitude of change (or nature of effect) arising from the proposed development at any particular viewpoint is described as high, medium, low or negligible based on the interpretation of a combination of largely quantifiable parameters, as follows;
• Degree of physical change in landscape features and landscape character. • Duration of effect. • Distance of the viewpoint from the development. • Extent of the development in the view. • Angle of view in relation to main receptor activity. • Proportion of the field of view occupied by the development. • Background to the development. • Extent of other built development visible, particularly vertical elements.
3.13 The impact on the landscape and visual amenity is determined by combining the landscape sensitivity with the magnitude of change for each viewpoint, in accordance with the matrix and descriptions shown in Table 5.
3.14 Where an effect falls within a split category, professional judgement is used to evaluate which of the two categories most closely fits. While the matrices are helpful to moderate opinion, professional judgement may overrule a matrix in specific cases where this can clearly be justified.
3.15 The resulting significance values for appraisal of the effects upon both landscape and visual amenity are defined in Table 6.
3.16 Effects can be positive, negative or neutral. This is somewhat subjective and relies largely upon professional judgement but can be broadly defined as follows:
• Beneficial - the effect would result in an improvement in the baseline situation • Neutral - the effect would result in there being little or no change in the baseline situation, or a change that is neither negative nor positive • Adverse - the effect would result in a deterioration of the baseline situation
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 11 Table 5 – Criteria for assessing landscape and visual impact.
Magnitude Negligible Low Medium High of effect
Sensitivity
Low Neutral Minor/Neutral Minor Moderate/Minor Medium Minor/Neutral Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate High Minor/Neutral Moderate/Minor Moderate Major/ Moderate Very high Minor/Neutral Moderate Major/ Moderate Major
Table 6 – Significance of criteria for landscape and visual impact.
Level of significance Definition The proposed scheme would affect no landscape or visual receptors.
Minor/Neutral The proposed scheme is largely appropriate in its context and would have very little effect on its surroundings and affect very few receptors.
Minor The proposed scheme would cause a minimal change in the landscape and would affect very few receptors.
Moderate/Minor The proposed scheme would have a slight change on the landscape and would affect few receptors
Moderate The proposed scheme would have a noticeable effect on the landscape and would affect several receptors, therefore changing the landscape character or the character of a view.
Major/Moderate The proposed scheme would have a very noticeable effect on the landscape and would affect several or many receptors, therefore changing the character of a view.
Major The proposed scheme would change the character and appearance of the landscape, either for a long period or permanently. It would affect many receptors and would therefore greatly alter the character of a view.
Not significant Potentially significant Significant
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 12 SECTION 4; BASELINE CONDITIONS
The study area
4.1 The study area generally covers land within 3.0km of the Application Ste. The study area covers part of the coastal margins around Budle Bay and Bamburgh. The B1340, B1341 and B1342 form the main highways through the study area. A network of minor lanes and farm tracks connect to these routes. Bamburgh is the main settlement in the study area. There is dispersed settlement at Budle/Waren Mill and a small number of hamlets and scattered properties/farmsteads within wider countryside.
Planning context
4.2 The development plan covering the study area currently comprises the National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) and the Northumberland Consolidated Planning Policy Framework which includes saved policies from Berwick-upon-Tweed Local Plan, April 1999, the North Northumberland Coast Neighbourhood Plan (July 2018) and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2020-2024.
4.3 The following local policies are considered relevant to this report. Additional policies may be identified by the Planning Authority.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Local Plan, April 1999
Policy F1 Environmental Wealth Policy F13 Trees, Hedgerows and Woodland Policy R9 Camping and Caravanning
North Northumberland Coast Neighbourhood Plan (July 2018)
Policy 2: Landscapes and seascapes Policy 11: Bamburgh conservation area Policy 13: Non designated heritage assets Policy 25: Caravans, camping, bunkhouses and chalets
Topography
4.4 The study area lies within the low lying Northumberland Coastal Plain. Land within the study area rises away from the coast to around 40m AOD, east of Glororum. The low lying farmland is punctuated by a cluster of hills to the south of Waren Mill, some rising to around 70m AOD. These hills are often partially wooded and quarried. A ridge of higher land extends south from Brada Hill towards Glororum, forming a broad arc of elevated land to the south of Burton, rising towards Green Hill. A further band of minor hills extends south from Crook Hill along a broad ridge of higher land to the west of Glororum. These hills have steeper eastern slopes where land falls towards Crackerpool Burn.
4.5 The Application Site sits below a ridge of high land which extends from Brada Hill to Burton. The lane between Glororum and Burton follows a route along the top of the ridge. The Application Site falls towards the south-west corner in an even gradient. The eastern site boundary is generally around 51m-52m AOD falling towards the south western corner at around 49m AOD.
Vegetation
4.6 The Application Site covers part of a single enclosure of semi-improved pasture. The site is enclosed with stock proof fencing. There is a well maintained hawthorn hedge on the eastern boundary (approximately 2.5m high) and an open hawthorn hedge on the western boundary with significant gaps. The southern boundary is marked with stock proof fencing. There are three semi-mature sycamore trees located adjacent to this fence line, outside the Application Site. The northern site boundary is unmarked.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 13 Designations
4.7 The Application Site does not lie within a national or regionally designated landscape area.
4.8 The coastal margins in the northern part of the study area fall within land designated in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Application Site lies outside the AONB. The nearest part of the ANOB to the Application Site is located 700m to the west. The predicted visual envelope of the development (see Figure 3) does not cover land within the AONB except for a small area to the west of Shada Plantation and a narrow strip of land to the east of Crook Hill.
4.9 Bamburgh Conservation Area lies approximately 1.5km to the east of the Application Site. No part of the Conservation Area falls within the predicted visual envelope for the development.
4.10 There are numerous Listed Buildings located within the study area, mainly clustered within Bamburgh Conservation Area and around Budle. The nearest Listed Building to the Application Site is Glororum Farmhouse (Grade II Listed), located approximately 270m to the west- see Figure 3. This is the only Listed property within the predicted visual envelope for the development. Burton Limekiln, a non-designated heritage asset, is located approximately 750m to the south-east of the Application Site, on the southern edge of the predicted visual envelope.
4.11 There are several Ancient Monuments located within the study area. None of these designated sites fall within the predicted visual envelope generated by the development.
4.12 There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar Sites located within the study area, illustrated on Figure 3. The Application Site does not fall within land designated as an SSSI or Ramsar Site but it is washed over by land classified as an SSSI Impact Risk Zone. SSSI Impact Risk Zones cover all land within the study area.
Access
4.13 There is no public access across the Application Site.
4.14 The nearest public footpath to the Application Site is No 204/018, located approximately 150m to the south. This path connects to footpath 204/014, to the north of the lane between Glororum and Burton and footpath 204/012, south of Burton - see Figure 4. These footpaths fall within the predicted visual envelope generated by the development. A section of public footpath No 204/015, located north of Glororum, also falls within the visual envelope.
4.15 The waymarked Norththumberland Coast Path (Saint Oswald’s Way), follows a route along the coastal margins between Budle and Bamburgh, approximately 1.6km to the north of the Application Site. A short, elevated section of this path, located north of Brada Hill, falls within the predicted visual envelope - see Figure 3.
4.16 National Cycle Route 1 partly follows a route along Lucker Road, approximately 250m north of the Application Site. Part of this route falls within the predicted visual envelope generated by the development.
Visual envelope
4.17 The predicted visual envelope generated by the development is illustrated on Figure 3. It generally covers land within 1200m of the Application Site except for a small pocket of visibility north of Brada Hill. Visibility to the east is substantially restricted by topography, hedging (2.5M high) along the lane between Glororum and Burton and blocks of woodland. The main area of visibility occurs to the west, between Glororum and the minor hills to the west of Crackerpool Burn. There is no potential visibility from land south of Burton. Visibility to the north is restricted by rising land and hills to the south of Waren Mill.
Landscape character
National level
4.18 The Application Site and land within the study area fall within National Character Area (NCA) 1, Northumberland Coastal Plain. There is no potential for significant landscape and effects on this character area due to the extent of the area and the scale and nature of the proposed development.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 14 County/local Level
4.19 The landscape within the study area is characterised in The Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment (NLCA), August 2010. The Application Site and the western part of the study area fall within Landscape Character Area 3b Lucker, in the Farmed Coastal Plain (Landscape Character Type 3). The eastern part of the study area falls within Landscape Character Area 4b Farne Islands Coast, in the wider Rocky Coastline (Landscape Character Type 4). The northern coastal margins around Budle Bay fall within land classified as 5a Holy Island Coast in the wider Sandy Coastline (Landscape Character Type 5). There is no potential for significant landscape or visual effects on land outside the predicted visual envelope, therefore this study will focus on the baseline conditions and potential effects on Landscape Character Area 3b Lucker.
4.20 The following summary descriptions have been extracted from the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment; Parts A-D undertaken by Land Use Consultants for Northumberland County Council.
Key characteristics of Landscape Character Type 3: Farmed Coastal Plain • • Open, coastal location, although sea views are not always possible. • Gently rolling or almost flat farmland, dominated by large arable fields. • Generally low-lying, with some small hills and raised plateaux. • Intensive farmland, often with weak field boundary pattern. • Occasional wooded estates. • Large farmsteads comprising traditional and modern buildings.
Landscape Character area 3b Lucker
South of Belford, the coastal plain broadens into an area of flat or gently rolling farmland, rising to a plateau near the coast which obscures most seaward views. Large arable fields are dominant, with little settlement, but prominent features such as mobile phone masts, large agricultural buildings and silos. Post and wire fences are predominant, although stone walls occur near the quarry at Belford Station.
Key qualities (3b Lucker)
• Farmsteads of traditional vernacular architecture, with brick industrial farm chimneys. • Shelterbelts of mature beech and pine. • Estate landscapes and associated semi-natural and plantation woodland. • Coastal character, with views to the sea and coastal features and landmarks.
Development guidelines (3b Lucker)
• Encourage appropriate expansion of tourist infrastructure, including accommodation, including conversions or well-designed new build developments which respect local character. • Carefully consider the landscape and key coastal views when looking into siting and design of campsites, car parks and caravan parks. • Seek to encourage the sensitive siting of new farm buildings, particularly with regard to historic buildings and features
Application Site and adjoining land
4.21 The following description is based on field work and desk study undertaken for this report.
4.22 The Application Site occupies part of a single field of semi-improved pasture at Glororum, immediately west of the lane between Glororum and Burton. The land has no public access. The field is unremarkable and contains no important landscape features. Hedging around the site boundary is predominantly hawthorn and of low biodiversity.
4.23 The wider field extends to the grounds of the farmstead at Glororum. The farmhouse is a Grade II Listed Building. The field forms part of the wider setting of the farmhouse. The field lies just below a local ridge which extends from Brada Hill to Burton. It is substantially screened from land within the AONB by local topography, woodland and, in particular, hedging bordering the lane between Glororum and Burton. The southern site boundary is open and the western site boundary has intermittent hedging which is in a declining condition. There are views across the site at field gates off the lane and also from a small number of footpaths within 1200m of the Application Site. The site is intermittently visible from a short section of Lucker Road, mainly across field gates and though gaps in hedging. The site is visible from a small number of elevated locations in the AONB but is it barely perceptible local views. There are a small number of
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 15 residential properties with views of the Application Site. The site does not feature in views towards Bamburgh Castle or towards the village. The site is not visible from Bamburgh Castle.
4.24 The key characteristics of the Application Site and surroundings;
• Key characteristics; Part of an partially enclosed field of semi-improved pasture associated with the Glororum farmstead. Site is not located in the ANOB and designated wildlife sites. Part of the setting of a Listed Building and Non-designated heritage asset.
• Local distinctiveness; semi-enclosed, semi-improved pasture.
• Views; Visual envelope generally contained to within 1200m. Some minor intervisibility with land within the AONB. Intermittent views from public footpaths and minor roads/lanes within the visual envelope, including Lucker Road (west of Glororum). The site is not does feature in views towards Bamburgh Castle or Bamburgh. . • Functionalities; Inaccessible farmland
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Site photograph S1
Site photograph S2
Page 19 Site photograph S3
Site photograph S4
Page 20 SECTION 5; LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL
5.1 The following assessment is based on the proposals for a small campsite with car park facility on land at Glororum, Bamburgh as described in Section 1 and illustrated in Figure 2.
5.2 Potential effects on the Northumberland Coast AONB and other sensitive landscape receptors will be informed by the visual assessment. For the purpose of this study, the visual assessment has been undertaken prior to the landscape assessment in order to understand the extent of potential visual change in the landscape.
Key considerations.
• The scale and nature of the development • The effect on key views in the study area • The effect on local visual receptors • The potential long term reversibility of landscape and visual effects
VISUAL APPRAISAL
5.3 This appraisal of visual effects is based on field work and photographic viewpoint analysis as recommended in best practice guidance. A number of viewpoints were identified to represent a range of effects likely to be experienced by local receptors due to the development proposals and to illustrate specific visual effects or features in the landscape. Photography and survey work was undertaken from publicly accessible roads and footpaths except when additional on-site photographs were considered helpful to illustrate specific views, landscape features or visual effects.
5.4 The photographic viewpoints were selected to represent a range of views and viewer types. Where applicable, these cover a variety of different character types, are in different directions from the site and are at varying elevations. The viewpoints are located at a range of distances from the development to illustrate the varying magnitude of visual impacts.
5.5 The photographs are used to help illustrate the effects on visual receptors within the 3.0km study area, however, the visual assessment is primarily based on observations made in the field. The absence of photographic evidence does not imply that a receptor has not been assessed but may indicate issues with accessibility on private land or that the assessment is based on analysis of other illustrative photographs taken in the locality.
5.6 The photographic viewpoints are used as a tool to evaluate potential landscape and visual impacts on local receptors and to illustrate specific landscape features and visual characteristics. They do not represent every potential view or landscape feature in the study area. Photographs may illustrate potential effects on one or more local visual receptors. Others provide a general illustration of local views which are then used to inform the assessment on local receptors.
5.7 Viewpoints normally fall broadly into three groups;
Representative viewpoints; those viewpoints within the general area of the site.
Specific viewpoints; key viewpoints that are specific visitor attractions or destinations which are noteworthy as a result of their visual and/or recreational amenity such as those within designated areas or viewpoints with particular cultural associations.
Illustrative viewpoints; chosen to demonstrate a particular effect or specific issues, for example, restricted visibility at certain locations.
Photographic viewpoints
5.8 The location of each viewpoint is shown on Figure 5.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 21 5.9 Where required, an independent assessment of this report should be based on an independent site survey. The viewpoints contained in this report can be assessed using the location data provided in this report.
5.10 Photographs were taken using a Nikon full frame sensor, Digital SLR camera using a high quality lens to provide the equivalent of a 50mm lens on a traditional SLR camera. In some instances an alternative lens was used where this was useful in illustrating detailed features or the wider landscape context. The photographs have been stitched together using Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft ICE software. Where possible, the photographs have been cropped to illustrate specific views, landscape features and landscape/visual context. During the stitching process none of the photographs were distorted in terms of scaling.
Visual receptors
5.11 The following residents, local people and visitors are potential visual receptors. To minimise repetition receptors have been assessed in broad groups based on location, receptor type and potential effect. The visual assessment is set out in Tables 7-13. Any local receptors not listed below are considered to have no potential to experience significant effects due to the development. Lighting effects are not described in the assessment since there are no predicted significant lighting effects. Any minor effects due to proposed lighting on the development would be barely discernible in the wider landscape.
Visual receptor group 1 Residents in properties located at Glororum
Visual receptor group 2 Residents in properties located at Burton
Visual receptor group 3 Travellers on Lucker Road (National Cycle Route 1)
Visual receptor group 4 Travellers on the lane between Gororum and Burton
Visual receptor group 5 Public footpaths within the predicted visual envelope
Visual receptor group 6 Users of public footpath 204/002 in the AONB (west of Shada Plantation)
Visual receptor group 7 Visitors to Bamburgh/Bamburgh Castle
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 22 Table 7 Visual receptor group 1 Residents in properties located at Glororum.
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 2,3,4, Site photograph S2
Existing views
There are several properties at Glororum with partial views across the site from windows and private gardens. These include Glororum farmhouse and properties around the former farmstead on the south side of Lucker Road and a single property on the north side of the highway. Views towards the site from properties around Glororum farmstead are partially or substantially screened by garden walls and mature trees. Where views are available, the site forms part of the open field to the south of the properties. This field forms part of a wider view and setting across open farmland towards Burton. Views are generally pleasant but unremarkable in terms of landscape character and visual quality. Where available, the most important views are to the west, towards the Northumberland moors.
Predicted views
The proposed campsite facility would be partially visible in views towards the Application Site and Burton. Such views would be partially or substantially screened by garden walls and mature trees. Screening would be more extensive when vegetation is in full leaf.
At completion, the proposed tents would be partially visible and also the car park/toilet facility. The car park and toilet block would become increasingly screened by proposed native hedging. This is likely to provide substantial screening after 5-7 years.
There would be no loss of high-quality view due to the development although existing, filtered views towards Burton would be partially screened. Panoramic views to the west would be retained.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Residents High
Magnitude of change
Low
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Residents Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 23 Table 8 Visual receptor group 2 Residents in properties located at Burton.
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 9,10, Site photograph S3
Existing views
There are views towards the Application Site from the upper windows and gardens of several properties at West Burton and East Burton.
Views from properties at East Burton are oblique. The main focus of views from these properties is to the west, towards the Northumberland moors. The focus of views from West Burton is towards the coast and Bamburgh Castle.
At ground level there are unlikely to be views of the Application Site due to intervening hedges and topography. There may be partial views from upper windows. Where elevated views occur, the site will form a small part of a wider view across open farmland towards Glororum. The principal landscape features would be the distant Northumberland hills. The site would be discernible but not especially prominent in the view. Buildings at Glororum are likely to be substantially screened by mature trees although filtered views would be available in winter.
Predicted views
The proposed campsite facility would be partially visible in views towards the Application Site from elevated window viewpoints. The tents would be visible in the middle distance but are unlikely to interrupt the skyline and would sit below the visible woodland tree canopy. Partial views of the development will not obscure views of hills in the middle and far distance. The tents are likely to be visible or partially visible but not especially prominent in the view. There would be no significant effect on key views to the west and east.
The car park/toilet facility may be partially visible at completion but would become increasingly screened by proposed native hedging. This is likely to provide substantial screening after 5-7 years.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Residents High
Magnitude of change
Negligible
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Travellers on a minor road Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 24 Table 9 Visual receptor group 3 Travellers on Lucker Road (National Cycle Route 1).
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 4,12,13,14
Existing views
There are fleeting/intermittent views across the Application Site from this highway at Glororum and fleeting/intermittent views of the western boundary hedge for a distance of 1200m to the west. Such views are generally only available through hedgerow gaps, across field gates or from high sided vehicles.
The most extensive view occurs just west of Glororum, where there is a fleeting view towards Burton, across the open field adjoining Glororum farmstead. Here, the dominant view is of open farmland and woodland around Glororum. Burton Limekiln is visible in the distance. The dominant view is of generally pleasant but unremarkable open farmland, fringed with woodland. There are no views of the coast or distant hills.
On other sections of Lucker Road (west of Glororum), the site can only be discerned in the wider view by hedging on the western boundary and trees, immediately to the south. The site boundary hedge sometimes forms part of the visible horizon in views to the east.
The Application Site is not visible in coastal views from this road.
Predicted views
The proposed campsite facility would be visible in fleeting views towards the Application Site from a circa. 100m section of highway, immediately west of Glororum. Where such views occur, the tents are unlikely to punctuate the visible horizon but sit below the ridge and woodland canopy, visible south of Burton. The car park/toilet facility may be partially visible at completion but would become increasingly screened by proposed native hedging. This is likely to provide substantial screening after 5-7 years
From other sections of road, there may be fleeting glimpses of the upper part of a small number of tents but these would be barely discernible in the wider landscape. Where such views occur, there would be no loss of high quality view and the tents would not present a prominent feature in the landscape. There are unlikely to be views of the car park and toilet block. Any partial views of tents are likely to be substantially screened when new hedge planting becomes established.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Travellers on a minor High road
Magnitude of change
Low
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Travellers on a minor road Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 25 Table 10 Visual receptor group 4 Travellers on the lane between Gororum and Burton
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 1,2,3,10
Existing views
There are fleeting, foreground views across the Application Site through the occasional hedge gap along the lane (at Glororum) and across the existing field gate which will provide access to the site.
Where open views are available, the site is visible in the foreground of panoramic views to the west. The Northumberland hills form the distant horizon. The site is revealed as a generally pleasant but unremarkable open field of pasture with no distinctive landscape features.
Predicted views
There would be fleeting views of the proposed campsite and car park/toilet block though gaps in the hedge along the lane, as described above. Where views occur, at the existing field gate, there would be a partial loss of panoramic view towards the Northumberland hills. There would be no loss of panoramic view from other locations along the lane.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Travellers on a minor High road
Magnitude of change
Low
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Travellers on a minor road Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 26 Table 11 Visual receptor group 5 Public footpaths within the predicted visual envelope.
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,15
Existing views
There are fleeting, intermittment, glimpsed views of the Application Site from public footpaths 204/018 and 204/012. Generally, land on the site is barely discernible in the wider farmland landscape. Where visible, the southern edge of the site forms a small part of the view towards Glororum, occasionally visible on the horizon, flanked by woodland and tree belts. The site is not visible in glimpsed views towards the coast and Bamburgh Castle.
There are occasional views south-west towards the Application Site from footpath 204/015. These views are only available from higher land. Land on the site is not visible but the location can be determined by trees adjacent to the southern site boundary.
Predicted views
From footpaths 204/018 and 204/012 there may fleeting glimpses of the upper part of a small number of tents but these would be barely discernible in the wider landscape. Where such views occur, there would be no loss of high quality view. On short sections of footpaths 204/018 and 204/012 the tents would be fleetingly visible above the proposed hedge on the southern site boundary but would not present a prominent feature in the landscape. There are unlikely to be views of the car park and toilet block. Glororum is not generally clearly visible in views from these footpaths but is discernible in the wider landscape by the surrounding mature tree belts. These trees would remain visible in views from these footpaths.
There are unlikely to be views of the proposed tents from footpath 204/015 but in any event, any glimpsed/partial middle distance views would be barely discernible and would not form the prominent view or draw the eye. The most prominent feature in the landscape from this section of footpath is Glororum Holiday Park.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Users of public High footpaths
Magnitude of change
Low
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Users of public footpaths Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor Moderate/Minor
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 27 Table 12 Visual receptor group 6 Users of public footpath 204/002 in the AONB (west of Shada Plantation).
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 16
Existing views
There are fleeting, glimpsed, long distance panoramic views from public footpath 204/002 in the AONB (west of Shada Plantation) towards the Application Site. Some land on the Application Site is visible but barely perceptible in panoramic views, where the eye is drawn towards key landmarks around Budle Bay and Bamburgh and the attractive coastal margins. Any partial views of the development from this location would be barely discernible and would not be visible in views towards the coast.
Predicted views
There are unlikely to be significant views of the development from this location. In any event, any glimpsed, partial, distant views of part of the tents would be barely perceptible or distinguishable in the wider landscape and would not detract from principal views towards the coast and Bamburgh Castle.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Users of public High footpaths
Magnitude of change
Negligible
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Users of public footpaths Minor/neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 28 Table 13 Visual receptor group 7 Visitors to Bamburgh/Bamburgh Castle.
Visual receptor Photographic viewpoints 17,18,19,
Existing views
There are no views of the Application Site from publicly accessible parts of Bamburgh Castle, land within the village, from the edge of the settlement or land which forms the setting of the village. Views are screened by topography and vegetation and hedging along the lane between Glororum and Burton.
Predicted views
There are no predicted visual effects from this receptor.
Visual receptor Sensitivity
Visitors to Bamburgh Very High /Bamburgh Castle
Magnitude of change
No change
Significance of Impact Construction Operation Residual
Visitors to Bamburgh/Bamburgh Castle Neutral Neutral Neutral
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 29 LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL
Landscape features
4.12 The proposed development would result in the minor loss of semi-improved pasture. These effects would be reversible after removal of the campsite infrastructure. The introduction of species rich meadow grassland would increase the biodiversity of the site.
5.13 There would be no loss of existing hedges around the site boundary. Proposed hedging and hedgerow trees around the car park and site boundary would increase the biodiversity of the site and reinforce existing field boundaries, some of which are in decline and have become fragmented.
5.14 Overall, the landscape proposals will have a minor positive effect on local biodiversity.
Landscape sensitivity
5.15 The proposed campsite development is small scale and the minor effects on existing grassland are fully reversible on removal of the campsite infrastructure. The site contains no landscape features of special value. The dominant habitat is semi-improved grassland. Field boundaries are declining in places and would benefit from replanting. There would be no significant lighting generated by the development.
5.16 The Application Site lies outside the designated AONB area and there are no significant visual effects predicted for land within the AONB. The site falls within the wider visible setting of Glororum Farmhouse (Garde II Listed Building) and Burton Limekiln, a non-listed heritage asset. The proposed development would only be visible in part of the setting of these heritage assets and from a limited number of public viewpoints. Such views would be fleeting and intermittent.
5.17 Overall, the sensitivity of the site to a development of this scale and nature is considered to be medium. The sensitivity of the site is primarily derived from its location as part of the wider setting of the heritage assets.
Landscape receptors
5.18 The landscape receptors listed below have the potential to be affected by the development proposals. The landscape assessment is set out in Tables 14-16. In addition, there would be a minor change in the broad setting of Glororum Farmstead (Grade II Listed Building) and Burton Limekilm (Non-registered heritage asset) due to the introduction of the campsite into the rural landscape. This change would be visible only from a limited number of viewpoints within the predicted visual envelope. These visual changes do not necessarily infer that there would be any effect on the significance of the heritage assets. This would need to be determined by a Heritage Assessment.
Landscape receptor 1 The site and adjoining land.
Landscape receptor 2 Published landscape character areas.
Landscape receptor 3 Northumberland Coast AONB.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 30 Table 14 Landscape receptor 1 The site and adjoining land
Landscape receptor
Sensitivity Medium
Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.21 - 4.24
Nature of The proposed development would result in the loss of a small area of semi-improved Impact pasture to accommodate the car park and camping decks. There would be no change in field pattern. Field boundaries would be reinforced with new native hedge planting. These proposals together with additional areas of species rich meadow grassland would increase the biodiversity of the site. The development would not interrupt skyline views. Visual effects generated by the development would be generally restricted to within approximately 1200m of the site. There would be no significant lighting generated by the development.
The development has the potential to be dismantled and removed with no long term impact on the local landscape.
Construction
Magnitude Medium
Significance Moderate/minor
Operation /Completion
Magnitude Medium
Significance Moderate/minor
Residual
Magnitude Medium
Significance Moderate/minor
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 31 Table 15 Landscape receptor 2 Published landscape character areas
Landscape receptor
Character National Character Area Landscape Character Type Landscape Character area (NCA) 1, Northumberland 3: Farmed Coastal Plain 3b Lucker Area /type Coastal Plain Sensitivity Low Medium Medium of receptor
Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.18 - 4.20
Nature of There is no potential for significant landscape and effects on the National Landscape Impact Character Area due to the extent and character of the area and the scale and nature of the proposed development.
There would be no loss of features which define the landscape character type and area. There would be no loss of high quality coastal view due to the development. The development would not affect views towards Bamburgh and other coastal areas. The development would not introduce a feature which would appear distinctly discordant or uncharacteristic given the presence of other caravan site, campsites and other holiday accommodation in the study area. The scale and nature of development would generate a limited visual envelope and would be visible from a limited number of visual receptors.
Landscape proposals will have a minor positive effect on local biodiversity.
The development has the potential to be dismantled and removed with no long term impact on the local landscape.
Character National Character Area Landscape Character Type Landscape Character area 3b Lucker Area /type (NCA) 1, Northumberland 3: Farmed Coastal Plain Coastal Plain
Construction
Magnitude Negligible Negligible Negligible
Significance Neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral
Operation /Completion
Magnitude Negligible Negligible Negligible
Significance Neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral
Residual
Magnitude Negligible Negligible Negligible
Significance Neutral Minor/neutral Minor/neutral
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 32 Table 16 Landscape receptor 3 Northumberland Coast AONB
Landscape receptor
Sensitivity High
Baseline Refer to paragraphs 4.18 - 4.20
Nature of Impact The site lies outside the AONB. The predicted visual envelope does not fall within the AONB except for a small area to the west of Shada Plantation and a narrow strip of inaccessible land to the east of Crook Hill.
Land north of Shada Plantation offers panoramic views towards Budle Bay and Bamburgh. The development would be barely perceptible from this location. The Application Site would not be visible in key views towards the coast.
There is no potential for receptors within the AONB to experience significant views of the development or for the development to detract from or diminish high quality views.
There is no potential for the development to significantly affect the setting of the AONB due to the scale of the proposals and the limited visual effects. The development would not be visible in important views towards the coast or key landmark features such as Bamburgh Castle. The site would not be visible from major visitor attractions within the AONB.
Construction
Magnitude Negligible
Significance Minor/neutral
Operation /Completion
Magnitude Negligible
Significance Minor/neutral
Residual
Magnitude Negligible
Significance Minor/neutral
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh Page 33 Figure 5. Photographic viewpoints
Viewpoint 1. View north-east towards North Sunderland from Southfield Farm
Viewpoint 1. View south-west across the Application Site from existing the field gate.
Viewpoint 3. View north across the application site from public footpath 232/008
Viewpoint 4. View south-east along public footpath 232/008
Viewpoint 5. View south towards the application site at the minor road junction with public footpath 232/008 Page 34 Viewpoint 1. View south-west across the Application Site from the existing field gate.
Viewpoint 7. View south-west towards Southfield Farm from South Lane, North Sunderland.
Viewpoint 8. View west towards Southfield Lane public footpath 232/002
Viewpoint 9. View west towards Southfield Farm from the path west of SeahousesHUB.
Viewpoint 10. View west across Seahouses Golf Course towards Southfield Farm from the B1340.
Viewpoint 2. View south towards the Application Site across a hedge gap on the lane between Glororum and Burton.
Page 35 Viewpoint 3. View south-west towards the Application Site from Glororum.
Viewpoint 4. View south-west across the Application Site from Lucker Road, west of Glororum.
Page 36 Viewpoint 5. View north towards the Application Site from public footpath 202/018.
Viewpoint 6. View north towards the Application Site from public footpath 202/018.
Page 37 Viewpoint 7. View north towards Glororum from public footpath 204/012.
Viewpoint 8. View north towards Glororum from public footpath 204/012.
Page 38 Viewpoint 9. View east towards Glororum from public footpath at West Burton.
Viewpoint 10. View east from lane between Glororum and Burton at East Burton.
Page 39 Viewpoint 11. View north-west towards Glororum from public footpath at Burton Goldenhill.
Viewpoint 12. View east from Lucker Road /public footpath 201/032.
Page 40 Viewpoint 13. View north-east from Lucker Road towards the Application Site.
Viewpoint 14. View north-east from Lucker Road towards the Application Site.
Page 41 Viewpoint 15. View south-east towards the Application Site from public footpath 217/004.
Viewpoint 16. View south towards the Application Site from Northumberland Coast Path, west of Shada Plantation.
Page 42 Viewpoint 17. View south towards the Application Site from the track to Dukesfield.
Viewpoint 18. View south-west towards the Application Site from the western edge of Bamburgh at Lucker Road.
Page 43 Viewpoint 19. View south-west towards the Application Site from Bamburgh Castle car park.
Page 44 SECTION 6; CONCLUSION
6.1 The proposed campsite development is small scale and the minor effects on existing grassland are fully reversible on removal of the campsite infrastructure. The site contains no landscape features of special value. The dominant habitat is semi-improved grassland. Field boundaries are declining in places and would benefit from replanting. There would be no significant lighting generated by the development. The Application Site lies outside the designated AONB area and there are no significant visual effects predicted for land within the AONB. The site falls within the wider visible setting of Glororum Farmhouse (Garde II Listed Building) and Burton Limekiln, a non-listed heritage asset. The proposed development would only be visible in part of the setting of these heritage assets and from a limited number of public viewpoints. Such views would be fleeting and intermittent. Overall, the sensitivity of the site to a development of this scale and nature is considered to be medium. The sensitivity of the site is primarily derived from its location as part of the wider setting of the heritage assets.
6.2 The Application Site and study area falls within National Character Area (NCA) 1, Northumberland Coastal. There is no potential for significant landscape and effects on the National Landscape Character Area due to the extent and character of the area and the scale and nature of the proposed development.
6.3 The eastern part of the study area is characterised in The Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment under Landscape Character Area 4b Farne Islands Coast, in the wider Rocky Coastline (Landscape Character Type 4). The northern coastal margins around Budle Bay fall within land classified as 5a Holy Island Coast in the wider Sandy Coastline (Landscape Character Type 5). There is no potential for landscape or visual effects on land within these landscape character area/types as this land lies outside the predicted visual envelope for the proposed development.
6.4 The Application Site and western part of the study is classified under Landscape Character Area 3b Lucker, in the Farmed Coastal Plain (Landscape Character Type 3). The landscape sensitivity of these landscape areas/types to a development of this scale and nature is considered to be medium. The potential magnitude of change in the landscape due to the development is considered to be negligible. The resultant landscape impact would be minor/neutral. The long-term impacts following removal of this development would be neutral.
6.5 The predicted visual envelope does not fall within the AONB except for a small area to the west of Shada Plantation and a narrow strip of inaccessible land to the east of Crook Hill. Land north of Shada Plantation offers panoramic views towards Budle Bay and Bamburgh. The development would be barely perceptible from this location. The Application Site would not be visible in key views towards the coast. There is no potential for receptors within the AONB to experience significant views of the development or for the development to detract from or diminish high quality views. There is no potential for the development to significantly affect the setting of the AONB due to the scale of the proposals and the limited visual effects. The development would not be visible in important views towards the coast or key landmark features such as Bamburgh Castle. The site would not be visible from major visitor attractions within the AONB.
6.6 Seven local visual receptor groups have been identified which may experience visual effects due to the development proposals. These include residents living in properties at Glororum and Burton and travellers/users of minor roads and public footpaths. Views of the campsite in close proximity generally only occur where there are gaps in the field hedges or where road travellers are able to see above surrounding hedgerows. Where such views occur, the proposals would not distract from or diminish key views towards the coast. In middle and distant views, the development proposals would be barely discernible in the landscape due to the scale and nature of the proposals. There are no predicted visual effects on key views within the study area. Predicted visual effects on local receptors range from neutral to moderate/minor. These effects are not considered significant. There are no potential views of the development from Bamburgh, Bamburgh Castle or the coastal margins.
Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh PagePage 45 Campsite, Land at Glororum, Bamburgh PagePage 46