Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End ('Vaultex' site) Winchester

15 January 2021

Revision P02 Reference VTX-STL-XX-00-RP-A-XXXX-RP02

Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Site name Proposed Multi-Storey Car Park, Barfield, Winchester

Type of report Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Prepared by Landsmith Associates Ltd

On behalf of Wilmot Dixon

Issue status Preliminary Planning

Site address Coventry House, Barfield Close, Winchester SO23 9SQ

Date of Issue P01 11 December 2020 P02. 15 January 2021

2 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Contents

1. Executive Summary 5

2. Introduction 6 2.1. Background 6 2.2. Scope 6

3. Methodology 7 3.1. Approach 7 3.2. Best Practice 7 3.3. Viewpoint Selection 7 3.4. Study Area 7 3.5. Field survey work 8 3.6. Desktop Study 8

4. Landscape Analysis 9 4.1. Site Location 9 4.2. Site description 9 4.3. Site context 9 4.4. Landscape Character 10 4.5. Landscape Planning Context 11 4.6. Landscape, Environmental and Historic Designations 12

5. Visual Analysis 14 5.1. Introduction 14

6. Opportunities for the Landscape Development Strategy 17 6.1. Opportunities and Constraints 17

7. Project Appraisal 19 7.1. Project Description 19 7.2. Landscape Planning Context Appraisal of the proposals 19 7.3. Character appraisal of the proposals 20 7.4. Vegetation appraisal of the proposals 20 7.5. Visual Appraisal of the proposals 20 7.6. Summary 22

3 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

8. Conclusion 23

9. Appendices 24 9.1. Appendix – Landscape Character 24 9.2. Appendix – Planning Policy 27 9.3. Appendix – Viewpoint Section Criteria 30 9.4. Appendix – Sources of Information 31

10. Figures 32 Figure 1. Site Location

Figure 2. Landscape and Townscape Character

Figure 3. Landscape Planning Context

Figure 4. Topography

Figure 5. Viewpoint Location and Public Rights of Way

Figure 6. National and Recreational Trails and National Cycle Routes

Figure 7 - v1. to Figure 7 – v2 Viewpoint Photographs

Figure 8. Illustrative Layout

4 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

1. Executive Summary

The purpose of this Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) is to consider the potential landscape and visual effects that the development of the Vaultex site would have on the existing landscape and visual environment.

This LVA provides the Local Planning Authority (LPA) further clarity on specific landscape issues brought forward by the development proposals as part of the broader planning application and provides a tool to inform and guide the design proposals.

The methods used in this report follow the Landscape Institute and IEMA (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd edition (GLVIA3) This LVA has been prepared in response to feedback from the Local planning Authority (LPA)

Overall, the baseline analysis found three key aspects requiring careful consideration to bring forward development on the former Vaultex Building / Coventry House site. These three aspects are the public rights of way along Domum Road, the South Down National Park closely situated west of the site: and further afield on high ground to the south, St Catherine's Hill and Pilgrim Trail.

This LVA recommends that there be landscape and building design mitigation to the proposed development to reduce the impact of the nearby South Downs National Park and Public Rights of Way.

The report concludes that by bringing forward the development as outlined, would have the following effects on the existing landscape and visual environment:

• The reinforcement and enhancement of the planting to the site's western and southern boundary would reduce the visibility of development and neighbouring Industrial buildings from close and distant viewpoints • Enhancements to the site's western boundary would strengthen the wider strategic buffer that separates Bar End Industrial Estate from the South Downs National Park • A visually recessive development against the surrounding area and read the context of the wider built environment. • Limits change to close and distant viewpoints in designated landscapes, achieved through the landscape proposals and careful consideration of; buildings siting, roofscape design, elevational façade treatment and material finishes. • Adverse effects that would be minimised by retention of existing trees, the implementation of the landscape proposals, safeguarded by the Landscape Maintenance and Management Plan

5 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

2. Introduction

2.1. Background

Stride Treglown on behalf of Wilmot Dixon and Winchester City Council, appointed Landsmith Associates to undertake a Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) to be submitted as part of the planning application for a new multi-storey car park on Coventry House, Barfield Close, Winchester SO23 9SQ (referred to as 'the site'), Ordnance Survey Grid Reference SU 48647 28589.

The development includes the erection of car park to provide 287 park & ride car parking spaces including 800m2 of photovoltaic panels, 16 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays, with associated access, turning and landscape proposals.

The site is an approximately 0.52ha area of land, formerly occupied by The Vaultex Building / Coventry House (now demolished) and situated to the north of the East Winchester park and ride, Barfield. Coventry House was a two-storey, brick building around 13m high, with a dark tiled pyramidal-shaped pitched roof before demolition.

To provide information for the landscape and visual appraisal process, the following plans have been prepared:

• Figure 1. Site Location • Figure 2. Landscape and Townscape Character • Figure 3. Landscape Planning Context • Figure 4. Topography • Figure 5. Viewpoint Locations and Public Rights of Way • Figure 6. National / Recreational Trails and National Cycle Route The representative viewpoints which inform the visual analysis are presented in Figures 7 – v1 to Figures 7 – v9.

2.2. Scope

This LVA does not form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment, nor is it a formal Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. This document is a standalone Landscape and Visual Appraisal. This document provides the LPA specific landscape and visual aspects to review as part of the development proposals planning application.

The report has been prepared at an appropriate and proportionate level of detail that reflects the proposed development scale and nature. As England's ancient capital, Winchester and its surrounding countryside, has an abundance of historical sites and significant natural features reflected in the extent and structure of this Appraisal.

This report's scope does not cover any analysis or appraisal of lighting, acoustics, noise, or ecology brought forward by the development. Refer to specialist consultant's reports as listed below:

• Middlemarch Environmental's Preliminary Arboricultural Report, October 2020. • Middlemarch Environmental's Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, November 2020 • Stroma Built Environment, Noise Impact Assessment, November 2020 • DDA, External Lighting and Energy Report, December 2020

6 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

3. Methodology

3.1. Approach

The landscape and visual appraisal is informed by; desktop studies, field survey work, view analysis, site appraisal, and working in consultation with the Local Authority and an iterative manner with the design team.

The LVA aims to determine the likely effects of the proposed development on the existing landscape and visual receptors identified within the study area. In this respect, the following receptors have been appraised:

• Landscape character, including physical landscape elements and features (trees, hedges, etc.). • Views and visual amenity experienced by residents and users of public rights of way, public open spaces and local roads. The overall approach to the identification, evaluation and assessment of landscape and visual effects is summarised as follows:

• Determining the scope of the appraisal. • Collating baseline information for landscape and visual analysis. • Reviewing the proposed development and identifying the nature and duration of likely impacts. • Consideration of likely landscape and visual impacts against the baseline information. • Identification of measures to avoid or remedy impacts, and inclusion of these measures into the design and landscape strategy.

3.2. Best Practice

The methodology for this Landscape and Visual Appraisal follows best practice guidance as set out in the following documents:

• Landscape Institute and IEMA (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd edition (GLVIA3) • The Landscape Institute (2019) P Visual Representation of Development Proposals Technical Guidance Note 06/19

3.3. Viewpoint Selection

An approximate 1km radius for viewpoint locations was agreed with the Local Authority due to scale of development, site context and location. The sites also informed the viewpoint selection of historical features found in Winchester District Local Plan Part 2 Policies Map, as well as consideration of the views recorded in the South Downs National Park: View Characterisation and Analysis. Further information on viewpoint selection criteria can be found in Appendix 9.3.

3.4. Study Area

The study area's geographical scope includes the site, and an approximate 1km radius from the site boundary as agreed with the LPA (refer to Figure 1. Site Location and Figure 6. Viewpoint Locations and Public Rights of Way).

7 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

3.5. Field survey work

Field survey work was undertaken in November 2020 by two Chartered Landscape Architects: Sarah Jones Morris Ba (Hons), PGDip, MA, FLI and Jennifer Moreton MA (Hons) CMLI. The site, it's immediate surroundings, the broader landscape and city context were analysed during the site visits to establish the key landscape features, qualities and characters, and determine the site's visibility. These observations were recorded via team discussion, written notes and photographic record. The visibility of the development was assessed via a series of representative viewpoints, of which, nine were selected and agreed with the LPA.

3.6. Desktop Study

The desktop study has reviewed a comprehensive range of background information to inform the existing landscape baseline study (see appendix 9.5 Sources of Information).

8 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

4. Landscape Analysis

4.1. Site Location

The site lies in the Bar End Industrial Estate, to the south-east of the historic core of Winchester city. The site is an approximate 0.52ha plot, located between Barfield Close and Domum Road, (refer to Figure 1. Site Location). The site's western boundary is an embankment that drops steeply down to Domum Road and where several residential properties are located. Beyond the residential properties lies the Itchen Navigation Canal / Itchen River Valley and the South Downs National Park boundary. Adjacent to the site's northern boundary, are industrial buildings and their associated yards (Citroen repair garage and Biffa Municipal Depot). To the east of the site is Barfield Close, St Catherine's Court (residential), a tyre repair garage and beyond, the Bar End Road (B33300 and Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre, currently under construction. To the south, is the East Winchester Park and Ride car park and the larger extent of the Bar End Industrial Estate.

4.2. Site description

The site is accessed via a metal sliding vehicle and pedestrian gate from Barfield Close. Remnants of the previous site use (Vaultex/Coventry House) remain only in a metal palisade fence that flanks the perimeter with a margin of the earlier landscape scheme of existing trees and shrub planting.

The site is a relatively flat area within the fence line, around 38.600 AOD, falling marginally from east to west. The majority of the site is bare ground with some grass and scrub vegetation. On the eastern boundary, close to the entrances, a small and isolated group of Lime trees is visible from Barfield Close. The southern border contains a handful of Hornbeam and Whitebeam trees which blend into the vegetation on the other side of the boundary. The northern edge looks into the neighbouring industrial yard through the palisade fence.

Beyond the existing fence line, is the site's western treelined embankment, which drops approximately 5m down to Domum Road. It is a steeply sloping bank with a number of mature existing trees, approximately 20m high and extends north and south along Domum Road, offering a landmark for identifying the site from further afield.

For further details on the species, height and condition of the existing trees refer to Middlemarch Environmental's Preliminary Arboricultural Report, October 2020.

4.3. Site context

This section describes the site context within the study area.

Topography and landform

Topographically, the study area centre is on the low-lying floodplain of the Itchen River Valley, which separates the higher ground east and west of Winchester, the local topography is illustrated in Figure 5. The Itchen River Valley lies around 25-40m AOD and gives way to prominent physical landmarks such St Catherine's Hill and the Meon Anticline. To the east is the gentler sloping land of the Vale of Chilcomb, enclosed by the Magdalen Hill Down and the Meon Anticline/Decon Hill. To the west of the site is west Winchester where the land rises steadily and steeply away from the Itchen River Valley to a height of around 120-130m AOD. To the north is St Giles hill, a steep-sided spur running east-west rising away from the Itchen River Valley.

9 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Hydrology

The Itchen River Valley is the dominant water feature within the study area and is described in the Wiltshire District Landscape Character Assessment as "one of the best examples of a chalk river in Europe". The Itchen River Valley comprises the river, its tributaries, flood plain, navigation canal, historic water meadows, water mills, drains, and weirs.

Land use

Land to the east and south of the site has a varied mix of uses; recreation (leisure centre, playing fields, rifle range), M3 motorway and its associated junctions and embankments as well as the open-access ground on St Catherine's hill. Beyond the Motorway there lies a sewage farm, golf course and arable landscapes, most of which falls within the South Downs National Park.

The Itchen River Valley floodplain runs north-south through Winchester and occupies the central part of the study area, and for the most part, is used for recreation and wildlife areas. Winchester City occupies the portions to the west and north of the study area.

Vegetation

There is reasonable tree cover across the city's historic core and the wider conservation area to the north of the study area. Mature individual trees are a feature of the St Giles Hill area. The Itchen River Valley offers stretches of large and mature trees, particularly the treelined embankments (former railway lines) that run towards Domum Road and Bar End Road, close to the site. These treelined embankments are an essential strategic buffer between the industrial estate and the South Downs National Park. Areas to the south and east have limited vegetation with few trees and a low incidence of woodland cover. The most quantitive woodland cover exists in pockets around the M3 Motorway, and its associated road junctions.

Public access

The concentration of public rights of way in the study area are found within the relatively flat Itchen River Valley and congregating around Winchester Cathedral and Wolvesey Palace. Three recreational/long-distance routes run south from the Cathedral area; Clarendon Way, Pilgrims' Trail and Itchen Way, with the latter two passing them close to the site's western boundary (refer to Figure.6 National / Recreational Trails and National Cycle Routes). Running along the edge of site's western border is the Bridleway/Public Footpath and National Cycle Route 23 along Domum road at the bottom of the steep wooded embankment.

Settlement and transport patterns

The city centre and city edge form the majority of settlement pattern within the study areas. The historic core of the city falls to the north of the site, as does the conservation area (north and west) historic settlements, including the Iron Age Hill Fort of St Catherine's Hill to the south.

The M3 Motorway defines Winchester's eastern edge and is a prominent element and noticeable feature in the landscape. The motorway junctions occupy the land directly south and east of Bar End Industrial Estate.

4.4. Landscape Character

This section combines several Character Assessments (National, County, Local, Townscape), into two summary descriptions, Townscape and Landscape. (Refer to Appendix 9.1 Landscape Character for an expanded summary).

The site lies within the Bar End Industrial Estate Townscape Character, of which the key characteristics are;

10 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• Enclosed coarse-grained industrial estate on a small scale • Flat and low lying • Profile pale metal cladding and asbestos-cement sheeting to steel frames • Industrial shed-like structures • Very little tree cover to the character area but adequate tree screening to the River Itchen boundary The wider study area falls into the following Landscape Characters Areas;

• At a National Level, NCA 125: South Downs & NCA 130: Hampshire Downs • At a County Level, 3C: The Itchen Valley, 7F: West Winchester Downs & 8G: East Winchester Downs • At a local level,12: East Winchester Downs & 13: Lower Itchen Valley The study area has the following key characteristics:

• A topographically complex landscape • Strong landscape structure • Upper Chalk geology • Internationally significant rivers and streams of the Test and Itchen catchments • Wide flat, low-lying floodplain • A significant concentration of remnant of historic water meadows • Winchester as the heart of the landscape • A landscape that forms an important setting to the rich built heritage of Winchester • Numerous historic features, including the prehistoric hillfort on St Catherine's Hill and historical features associated with the presence of the Itchen river and the Itchen Navigation • Habitats of national and European ecological importance • Good public access with a network of public rights of way, including the South Downs Way National Trail and open access land at St Catherine's Hill • Numerous footpaths including the Itchen Way • Panoramic views from St Catherine's Hill across the Itchen Valley

4.5. Landscape Planning Context

This section summarises and links together salient points from the relevant planning policies. (Refer to Appendix 9.2 Planning Policy).

• Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, which have the highest protection status. • Development within and adjoining the South Downs National Park which would have a significant detrimental impact to the rural character and setting of settlements and the landscape, should not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal is of over-riding national importance, or its impact can be mitigated. • Development proposals will only be permitted where they preserve the visual integrity, identity and scenic quality of the National Park, in particular, by conserving and enhancing important views and views of key landmarks within the National Park.

11 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• Development proposals will be permitted that conserve and enhance views from publicly accessible areas, views from public rights of way, open access land and other publicly accessible areas Development proposals will be permitted provided:

• they conserve and enhance sequential views, and do not result in cumulative adverse impacts • are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting • protect and enhance valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils • important views and vistas to and from the key historic features are protected • views that are integral to local character and distinctiveness are maintained, in particular, views of treed skylines which connect Winchester with its setting • roof designs are sympathetic • micro-energy generation equipment is avoided or sensitively integrated within the roof- profile Concerning proposals with decentralised energy schemes (solar cells), the following points will be taken into account:

• impact on areas such as the South Downs National Park, conservation areas and heritage assets, including their setting • potential to integrate with new or existing development • effect on the landscape and surrounding location

4.6. Landscape, Environmental and Historic Designations

The following section summarises the designations applicable to the study area (refer to Figure 3, Landscape Planning Context).

National Park

The site does not lie in the South Downs National Park (SDNP). However, the development's western boundary is 20m and within the setting of SDNP boundary.

Conservation Area

The site does not lie in a Conservation Area, the nearest is Winchester Conservation Area and lies approximately 200m to the north and 400m to the west on the opposite side of the Itchen River Valley.

Listed Buildings

There are no listed buildings within the immediate site surroundings. The nearest listed building is Wolvesey Palace, some 450m from the site boundary.

Scheduled Monument

There are several Scheduled Monuments within the study area the closest is Wolvesey palace at approximately 400m from the site boundary. Beyond Wolvesey Palace to the north-west there are:

• Winchester Cathedral Close

12 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• The Kings Gate • Several Winchester City Wall Sites • City Bridge • Winchester Castle • Old wall and Jacobean monument in Hyde Close • Abbey Gateway The closest Scheduled Monument to the south is St Catherine's Hill hillfort, around 620m from the site boundary. Further beyond St Catherine's Hill are;

• Roman Road East of St Catherine's Hill • Lynchets on the north-west spur of Twyford Down • Romano – British enclosure and larger hollow ways on Twyford Down

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

The site lies within the River Itchen SSSI impact zone, which lies approximately 20-50m from the site's western boundary.

Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

The north-west corner of the site lies approximately 185m from the River Itchen Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Refer to Middlemarch's Environmental's Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, November 2020, for further details.

13 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

5. Visual Analysis

5.1. Introduction

This section establishes the specific nature and extent of the existing views towards and between the site and the broader study area in order to construct the visual baseline (Figure 5. Viewpoint Locations and Public Rights of Way The representative viewpoints are presented either as single-frame photographs or stitched panoramic photographs (refer to Figure 7a – Figure 7i, inclusive).

The following selected and representative views have been analysed based on the site's current condition. At the time of writing, is a cleared area of land, whereby the only assets of the site that can be visually registered are the metal palisade fence, and the tree lined embankment.

Viewpoint v1

Domum Road Public Footpath, close to Willow Cottage, is a close view of the north-west corner of the site's treelined embankment on the left-hand side of the photograph. The view looks south/east along Domum Road Bridleway (PROW) and National Cycle Route no.23. The site's metal palisade fence on top of the embankment can be seen between the gaps in the trees. As the view extends into the distance, the collection of tree trunks obscures the fence. The trees are of a similar age and species, Ash and Sycamore; the bank has limited understorey.

The viewpoint is taken at approximately +33.0m AOD and, the top of the tree lined embankment is circa +38.5m AOD. Domum Road was observed during working hours, in winter, to be frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Viewpoint v2

This view is taken from the Public Footpath within Rack Hill informal green space, approximately 200m away from the site and at a higher elevation, +47.0m AOD. The vegetation on Rack Hill's southern boundary, for the most part, conceals the views to the south including the site. This viewpoint is one of the few locations within Rack Hill where there are filtered views through the trees to the Biffa Compound (the yard between the site and Rack Hill), and behind which, a partial section of the site is discernible.

Viewpoint v3

Wharf Bridge Public Footpath / The Itchen Way, approximately 154m from the north-west corner of the site's western fence line, +32.0m AOD. This location is also the city centre's southern threshold into the South Downs National Park. The view looks south-east along the Itchen Navigation Canal with the residential properties of Domum Road in the middle ground. The Itchen Navigation Canal and the open ground on the right-hand side of the photograph are within the South Downs National Park. The site's treelined embankment creates a strong landscape backdrop to Domum Road and forms part of the more comprehensive strategic buffer planting between the South Downs National Park and the Industrial Estate.

Viewpoint v4

Permissive path by the Itchen Navigation Canal, is a close east-facing view, around 45m from the site and +33.0m AOD and within the South Downs National Park. In this winter view, the site's existing mature trees along the embankment are visible between and above the gables and ridgelines of residential properties, The Willow Tree House and Swans Reach. The metal palisade fence, which sits on the top of the treelined embankment, is marginally visible above the garage (in the middle foreground). The fence is marginally detectible between the trees free of ivy growth.

14 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Viewpoint v5

The Itchen Way footpath gate viewpoint is approximately 110m from the site at around +31.0m AOD and lies within the South Downs National Park. Looking northeast across the Itchen Navigation Canal, the site's treelined embankment is visible above the residential properties' ridgeline. The embankment trees free of ivy growth behind residential properties, Swans Reach and Mallards, lie in the site's north-west corner. The remaining western boundary embankment trees are hidden from view by intervening vegetation and Waterside residential property.

Viewpoint v6

St Catherine's hill, entrenchments path, approximately 750m from the site and circa +84.0m AOD. The view looks north towards Bar End Industrial Estate (in the middle ground) and beyond to St Johns and St Giles' ward. The site itself is mostly concealed in this view by the site's treelined embankment, which merges into the strategic buffer of mature trees that grow along the former railway lines. The property to the north of the site, the Biffa building, is visible in the view due to its light grey cladding contrasting against the dark winter vegetation. The Biffa building is somewhat isolated from the rest of Bar End Industrial Estate from this view angle, due to the tree cover along the disused railway line and party the tree cover within the Winchester East park and ride. The large and light coloured roofscapes of the Bar End Industrial Estate buildings are visible through the winter trees, as are the frames of the solar panel frames on the Emmaus building. The Leisure centre has a light-coloured façade and roof as well as a flat and high roof and can be viewed right-hand side of the photograph. The darker roofscapes and the solar panel glass on the Emmaus building are recessive in the view. Although many buildings have different coloured and material façade treatments, it is the light-coloured roofs en masse (regardless of whether pitched or flat) that result in a cumulative adverse impact and impinge on the enjoyment of the view.

Viewpoint v7

St Catherine's Hill is a distant view, 800m from the site at +94.0m AOD. The view is looking north, the site hard to identify. Similar to viewpoint v6, the neighbouring Biffa building aids in locating the site. However, in this view, the Biffa building is mostly subsumed by the site's treelined embankment, and the fuller length of the along the disused railway lines is an established strategic buffer of mature trees. The area of South Downs National Park that extends along the River Itchen River Valley towards the site and city have significant tree cover and largely obscures Winchester's historic core. The residential area within the ward of St Johns and St Giles's Hill Park appears as the backdrop to the site, where the brick dark coloured and recessive in the view, with the exceptions of a few light-coloured terraces. The large, light-coloured roofscapes of Bar End Industrial Estate and the Leisure Centre are visible through the trees in this winter view.

Viewpoint v8

Pilgrim's Trail, just over 1km, south-east from the site, at +96.0m AOD and situated within the South Downs National Park. The site's flat ground cannot be located in this view; however, the Biffa building is visible, albeit at a 1km distance. The Biffa building is partially screened by the trees on the Winchester East park and ride eastern boundary, former railway line. The M3 runs across the middle ground between two areas of a wooded landscape. The majority of the Bar End Industrial Estate is hidden from view and is far less apparent than in the views from St Catherine's Hill.

Viewpoint v9

St Giles's Hill approximately 600m from the site and +85.0m AOD. The vegetation on St Giles Hill's southern boundary and the treelined embankments in the middle ground limit the view to the site and the wider Bar End Industrial Estate. This location is one of the few places on St

15 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Giles's Hill where a gap in the vegetation affords a view south, and a glimpse of St Catherine's Hill in the distance.

Viewpoint Analysis Summary

• From the view analysis, the site is mostly concealed from the areas north-west to the east, bar some glimpsed views. • There are close views of the site's western treelined embankment from Domum Road and the South Downs National Park. • The site's flat ground is hidden from distant southern views, and only the site's treelined embankments are visible, albeit merges into the broader tree cover. • The site can be located by identifying the neighbouring Biffa building, which is evident in the view, due to its light-coloured upper facade and roof, contrasting against the dark vegetation. • The perception of the wider Bar End Industrial Estate is evident in long-distance views, due to the light coloured roofscape against dark foregrounds and backgrounds; this is principally the case when winter vegetation forms the backdrop. • The strategic buffer of mature trees along the disused railway lines is an essential feature in the landscape and provides a backdrop to the South Downs National Park / Itchen River Valley and separation from the Bar End Industrial Estate.

16 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

6. Opportunities for the Landscape Development Strategy

6.1. Opportunities and Constraints

• The Public Rights of Way that run adjacent to the site along Domum road, used by residents, walkers and cyclists are a sensitive receptor • The Public Rights of Way including the National and recreational trails along the Itchen Navigation are a sensitive receptor • Consideration of the development's impact on the South Downs National Park which lies close to the site • The site has a strong treelined embankment on the threshold between the Industrial Estate and the Itchen River Valley which forms part of an important strategic buffer between the Bar End Industrial area and the South Downs National Park • The site is visually contained from the north and northeast • The first few meters of the site above datum level are broadly obscured from the distant southern viewpoints • Mitigation planting on the site's southern boundary has the potential to reduce further visibility of future development on this site as well as the existing neighbouring Biffa Building from St Catherine's Hill • The neighbouring Biffa building offers a reliable guide as to the visibility of future development on site, in particular, views from St Catherine's Hill.

6.2. Guide for the landscape development strategy • Retention and protection of the majority of the existing trees on site • Positive management to the site's western boundary treelined embankment • Landscape proposals in keeping with the local area with an emphasis on planting locally indigenous species where appropriate • Increase the understorey planting to the site's western boundary to reduce the perception of development from Domum Road • Increased native evergreen tree and understorey planting would reduce the perception of the site's development • Enhance the western and southern boundary with more varied, resilient tree planting, with taller growing tree species to negate winter views of the development, particularly from the Itchen Navigation, South Downs National Park and St Catherine's Hill • Mitigation planting on the site's southern boundary has the potential to reduce further the visibility of the proposed development onsite as well as the neighbouring Biffa Building from St Catherine's Hill • Setting the future development back from the western boundary to retain the existing trees and reinforcing the strategic buffer planting along the site's western border (between the Bar End Industrial area and the South Downs National Park). • Maintaining the future development roof line below the height of the trees on the western embankment • Bringing forward a development that does not add to the cumulative adverse effect; it reduces the overall impact by providing a recessive building that screens neighbouring buildings from important southern views.

17 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• Retain the site's containment from the north and east by capping the building height • All parts of the proposed external building structure; stair cores, upper deck surface material, cladding, roofscape and solar panel frames, are specified as dark and natural colours in a non-reflective finish to ensure the building recessive and is read against the immediate surroundings. This also could set the tone for new developments in Bar End Industrial Estate going forward.

18 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

7. Project Appraisal

7.1. Project Description

This section provides a summary of the proposed development. Further information can be found in the Design and Access Statement.

The proposed development is for a multi-storey car park as part of the Winchester City Park and Ride offer. The proposals consist of three decks of split-level parking building and at-grade parking, to provide a total of 287 park & ride parking spaces. Proposals also include 800m2 of photovoltaic panels, 16 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays, with associated access, turning and landscape proposals, (refer to Figure 8. Illustrative Layout).

The building elevation treatments are part open façade and part clad for headlight screening (in a dark natural colour and matt finish/non-reflective) per storey. Two stair cores extend to a height circa +48.5m AOD finished in a dark and natural colour.

Above a partial section of the third deck, a roof area contains a decentralised energy scheme (solar panels). The solar panels are arranged into rows/strings on supporting metal frames, mounted on an inverted pitched roof and orientated south to maximise benefit from the sun. The panels contain photovoltaic cells, which maximise the sun's rays' absorbency whilst minimising the risk of solar glare. The maximum height of the solar panels would be +48.0m AOD.

Lamp columns are positioned across the open top decks to the southern and eastern parts of the roof and extend to a height of +50.5m AOD.

The building is sited to allow for a robust landscape zone to the western boundary.

All existing trees are to be retained with further enhanced additional planting, including understorey scrub planting, tree planting, hedge planting and climbers to the building's façade and fence.

7.2. Landscape Planning Context Appraisal of the proposals

As an adjoining site to the South Downs National Park, the impact of the development from a visual perspective will reduce over time as the mitigation planting establishes. In particular, with regards to the important views along the Itchen Navigation Canal and views from key landmarks form the open access land and historic feature of St Catherine's Hill.

The proposals' material choice and roofscape design are distinctly different from the surrounding buildings, resulting in a recessive building in the landscape from long-distance views. The proposals will not increase the cumulative adverse impact as part of the wider Bar End Industrial Estate.

The solar panels have been integrated an inverted pitched roof-profile and hidden from ground- level views by façade cladding.

The building height is set below the treed skyline on Domum road, protecting ground-level views from Winchester's historic core.

Although the site is situated within the Bar End Industrial Estate, the proposals depart from the more visually prominent, single ridgeline, light-coloured building, routinely found in this area. Instead, the development is sympathetic in material/colour choice and roofscape design-driven, and by the visual analysis understanding of landscape designations, found close to the site's western boundary and the more distant, southern boundary.

19 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

The cladding along the western boundary minimises the impact of the solar panels on the South Downs National Park, and the mounted frame and roof colour choice reduces visibility from the St Catherine's hill.

7.3. Character appraisal of the proposals

The development proposal follows the built form strategies from the Local Landscape Characters; No 12, East Winchester Downs, and No: 13 Lower Itchen Valley, which states the new development avoids prominent ridgelines and minimises the impact of intrusive structures through screening with locally indigenous species where appropriate.

The proposed development is in keeping with the Townscape Character WIN08 Winchester Industrial Estates (Winnall and Bar End) regarding its overall size and height. It departs from the majority of the Industrial estate buildings by its lessened visibility, primarily due to its darker roofscape and varied ridgeline.

7.4. Vegetation appraisal of the proposals

The majority of the site is bare ground; the existing vegetation is retained as it is located around the site's perimeter. An overall net gain of vegetation is expected by planting new trees, including larger species selected than currently exist, increased planting to the western boundary, replacement understorey planting to the southern and eastern borders, and proposing climbers to building's facade. The proposals include planting for locally indigenous species where appropriate.

7.5. Visual Appraisal of the proposals

This section of the Appraisal considers the likely visual impact of the development on the visual amenity.

Viewpoint v1

Domum Road close to Willow Cottage, a close viewpoint of the north-west corner of the site's and the tree lined embankment on the left-hand side of the photograph. The existing trees within the embankment and the metal palisade fence would remain. New understorey planting, including evergreen species, is proposed within the embankment. On both sides of the fence, a native mix hedge is proposed, --- additional trees and evergreen and deciduous climbers are proposed along the building's western façade and the area between the building and the fence.

The view of the building from this location would not be well-defined—however, a filtered view due to the existing and proposed vegetation. The Appraisal of this view is based on the continued existence of mature trees until which time the proposed landscape would mature.

The proposed dark colour recessive matt finish of the cladding to the western façade helps reduce visual awareness of the building. The change to the view would be a more vegetated embankment than currently exists, with some filtered view of the building during the winter months.

Viewpoint v2

This view is taken from the Public Footpath within Rack Hill informal green space with only a section of the site visible through the gap in the trees. There are occasional glimpses where the building would be visible, albeit only a limited area of the northern elevation. A glimpsed view of a partial section of the building would be read in the context of the industrial estate character (scrap yard and Biffa compound) that lie between the viewpoint and the proposed building and therefore the change to the view would be limited.

20 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Viewpoint v3

Wharf Bridge Public Footpath, looking towards the north-west corner of the site. There would be little change to this location's view due to building height proposed as lower than that of the existing trees. Some visual awareness of the building would be registered in the winter months as a filtered view through the trees. Particularly in the tree gap behind residential properties No.1 and No.2 Domum road, overtime the view would be lessened as the proposed trees mature beyond a height of 10m.

Viewpoint v4

Itchen River Valley Permissive Path, a close east-facing view, around 45m from the site. Partial sections of the proposed building would be detectible through the trees when looking directly east above the garages and slightly above the residential properties' ridgeline. Similar to Viewpoint v1, this is a close view, however not a clear and unobstructed view. It would be a filtered view between and above ridgelines and gables of the residential properties, screened by the existing trees the proposed vegetation.

Viewpoint v5

Itchen Way footpath gate. The middle and upper parts of the building's western elevation would be discernible through the trees above the ridgelines and gables of Swans Reach and Waterside. Similar to Viewpoint v3 and v4, this view would be filtered on to the building through trees during the winter months, decreasing as the proposed trees grow beyond a height of beyond 10m.

Viewpoint v6

The path on the Entrenchments. Looking towards the site, partial sections of the building would be perceivable, including the upper levels of the southern façade. Also, the upper parts of the eastern stair core, sections of the solar panel and roof, and a small area of the third level deck and car parking on the north-eastern corner. The partial sections of the building that are perceivable are in the distance and would lie in front of the Biffa building and block elements of the Biffa building elevation. The dark matt coloured cladding and would make it significantly more recessive than the Biffa building.

The majority of the proposed building is also lower than the Biffa building ridgeline. However, the roofline is not pitched, like the shed-like pitched roof of the pale Biffa Building and surrounding buildings. Instead, the roofscape is a varied mix of split-level parapets, stair cores, open deck and solar panels on an inverted pitched roof rather. The top-level of cars would be mostly obscured from view by the solar panel roof, parapet cladding and stair core with only a small section remaining visible; the third level deck and car parking on the northeast corner. The solar panels would be recessive in the view compared to the Emmaus building, due to the with a dark coloured mounting frame and roofscape and they are further in the distance. The proposed development would be read in the context of the existing urban surroundings. The proposed building would bring about a slight change and improvement to St Catherine's Hill's view by partially obscuring the Biffa building. Although only a minor modification, it does turn the tide in the cumulative effect of the light coloured and large format buildings of the wider Bar End Industrial Estate.

Viewpoint v7

St Catherine's Hill, close to the summit, some from the site. The proposed building would be less visible than the previous viewpoint v6. The view’s angle emphasises the strategic buffer (along the former railway embankment that leads up to Domum Road) and conceals the western half of the proposals as well as being filtered by the intervening vegetation in the foreground. Only small and upper sections of the proposals would be visible, the upper levels of the southern façade, the upper parts of the eastern stair core, a small area of the solar panels

21 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal and roof and almost detectible would be the third level deck and car parking on the northeast corner. Similar to v6, the dark matt coloured cladding and materials an essential role in reducing the building's visibility. The building would be read as part of the built area with Biffa building to its left and the darker backdrop of St Johns and St Giles behind.

Viewpoint v8

Pilgrim's Trail. The building's main body would be concealed from this distant view, revealing only the top of the stair cores, partial sections of the north and east upper parapet façades and a partial view of the solar panel roof. This would be a partially filtered view through the trees that line Winchester East park and ride in the winter months. The view on to the upper parts of the building would be further obscured over time as the tree planting proposed to the southern boundary mature. As per previous viewpoints, the colour and recessive finish of the building significantly reduces the perception of the building in the view. The proposed development would be read in the context of the wider built area behind and to the east.

Viewpoint v9

There would be no change to St Giles's Hill's view as the proposed building would not be visible from this location.

7.6. Summary

The effects of the proposals on the existing landscape would be limited to the close-range views to the west and a minor degree, the south's distance views. The effects to these areas would be minimised by the considered siting and height of the building, the building material finishes and varying roofline, the retention of the site's embankment trees and the implementation of the new landscape.

22 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

8. Conclusion

This report concludes that there should be both landscape and building design mitigation to the proposed development to reduce the impact on nearby South Downs National Park and Public Rights of Ways.

By bringing forward the development in the manner described in section 7.1, would have the following effects on the existing landscape and visual environment:

• Tree planting: The reinforcement and enhancement of tree planting to the site's western and southern boundaries would reduce the visibility of the development and the neighbouring Industrial buildings, from both close and distant viewpoints. • Enhancements: by way of new tree planting, to the site's western boundary would strengthen the wider strategic buffer (treelined embankment along Domum Road) that separates Bar End Industrial Estate from the South Downs National Park • A development that is barely visible against its background and is viewed as part of the wider built environment of Bar End and East Winchester. • Limited change: to close and distant viewpoints from designated landscapes (South Downs National Park), which is achieved through the new landscape proposals and careful consideration of: • Building position: by siting the back from its western and southern boundaries, allows for tree and shrub planting areas. • Building height: the proposed building is lower than the existing Biffa building to the north and is significantly lower than the existing treelined embankment that runs along Domum Road. • Roof design: by avoiding a mono-pitch roof and locating the main body of solar panels to parts of the roof hidden from important views, help reduce the building's visibility. • Elevational treatments: include cladding part of the building to reduce views of the roof and parked cars. Also, green walls soften and enhance specific aspects of the building. • Material finishes: by choosing dark, matt and natural-coloured finishes, mainly the cladding and stair cores, the building will be largely hidden from view and avoid standing out against its immediate surroundings. • Adverse effects: minimised by retaining existing trees, implementing the landscape proposals, and further safeguarded by the Landscape Maintenance and Management Plan.

23 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

9. Appendices

9.1. Appendix – Landscape Character

National Landscape Character At a national level, the study area is split between National Character Area (NCA) profile 130: Hampshire Downs to the north and west and NCA profile 125: South Downs. The NCA descriptions help inform the landscape baseline of the study area by providing a national perspective.

National Character Area profile 130: Hampshire Downs, is described as having the following key characteristics:

• "The rivers and streams of the Test and Itchen catchments are internationally significant, and distinctive chalk rivers, running in deep valleys, cut into the Chalk." • "There is widespread evidence of prehistoric settlement on the open downlands, including burial mounds with visually prominent iron- age hill forts." • "The ancient city of Winchester is located at the heart of this landscape and the centre of the Itchen Valley" National Character Area profile 125: South Downs, is described as having the following key characteristics:

• "A broad elevated east–west chalk ridge with a predominantly steep north- facing scarp slope and a gentle southerly dip slope, breaking into a series of hills in the west" • "Bronze-age round barrows and prominently sited iron-age hillforts, such as Cissbury Ring and Old Winchester Hill, are notable prehistoric features of the scarp and hilltops, especially in the west, as well as Mount Caburn in the east, and further bronze-age barrows and a causewayed camp at Willingdon (most of which are designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments)." • "Public rights of way following drove roads and ancient routes along the accessible downland tops, benefiting from panoramic views across the downs". County Landscape Character Areas Landscape character areas at a county level are described in the Hampshire County Integrated Character Assessment, May 2004. The study area covers three landscape character areas. Each character area is summarised below;

Area 3C: The Itchen Valley key characteristics:

• The Itchen is a classic chalk stream • A valley of contrasts from a small stream to a fast-flowing river and then deep estuary but the largely undeveloped floodplain is a unifying feature. • The stream and some of the floodplain is internationally designated as a SAC • An important concentration of remnant water meadows. • An extremely rich built heritage and setting to Winchester • There is fairly good access to the valley by rights of way, and the Itchen Valley path follows the former towpath from Cheriton to Southampton. Area 7F, West Winchester Downs key characteristics

• A landscape of mixed downland scale,

24 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• Very undulating landscape • Strong time-depth, including prehistoric barrows on open downland, a range of enclosure processes and drove routes reflecting historical corn-sheep farming practises. Area 8G: East Winchester Downs, Key Characteristics:

• "Topographically varied and striking rolling landscape including steep scarps; • Tracks surviving from the earlier manorial downland landscape are important historic landscape features; • Occasional areas of species-rich unimproved chalk grassland occur, for example at Cheesefoot Head and St Catherine's Hill along with patches of scrub; • A large number of prehistoric and later earthworks, long barrows and round barrows, providing a strong sense of historical continuity; • Good public access with a network of public rights of way, including the South Downs Way national trail, and open access land at Magdalen Hill Down and St Catherine's Hill; • "Panoramic views from St Catherine's Hill across the Itchen Valley; The area forms an important eastern setting to Winchester;"

Local Landscape Character Areas The "Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment January 2004" provides a local level understanding of the surrounding landscape. The site itself does not fall within these character areas and is covered in the Townscape Assessment, wider study area into the following three landscape areas;

No 12, East Winchester Downs, chalk/clay farmland and scarp. Key characteristics;

• Topographically varied • Upper Chalk geology, • Free-draining area with no obvious surface water bodies • Important ecological sites • Numerous historic features, including the prehistoric hillfort on St Catherine's Hill • Drove roads are also a common feature, such as the Dongas at St Catherine's Hill. • Footpaths including sections of the South Downs Way • • Built Form Strategies relevant to the site, "Sensitively locate new development to avoid prominent ridgelines and plant locally indigenous species where appropriate and Minimise the impact of intrusive structures (e.g. telecommunications masts) through sensitive siting and screening with planting". No: 13 Lower Itchen Valley, river valley floor and river valley side. Key characteristics;

• Wide flat, low-lying floodplain with gently rising valley sides channel containing river with many meanders and braided sections • A somewhat irregular field pattern largely made up of paddocks and pasture resulting from the enclosure of historic water meadows. • Historic features associated with the presence of the river and the Itchen Navigation • Habitats of national and European ecological importance SSSI and cSAC. • This landscape provides the immediate setting for Winchester.

25 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

• Numerous footpaths including the Itchen Way and the historical course of the Itchen Navigation. • Built Form Strategies relevant to the site, "Integrate new development with the surrounding landscape by providing locally indigenous planting, as appropriate". Winchester City Council (WCC) Townscape Assessment The site falls into the area Townscape Character Type (TCT) 15 - Industrial 1945–Present Townscape Character Areas

WIN08 Winchester Industrial Estates (Winnall and Bar End)

Character Summary Medium- to a coarse-grain mix of small, medium-sized and large industrial units with some limited ancillary office uses and large retail (food store). Buildings are highly utilitarian in character, using modern materials with very-low-pitch roofs. There are generally large areas of hardstanding used for parking and/or storage forming the setting to built form. This area, by virtue of the nature of the uses, is very poorly connected with its neighbours and access is via a single exit and egress point. This character area is divided into two sub-areas which are physically separate, however, share very similar underlying characteristics.

Bar End Industrial Estate

• Enclosed coarse-grained industrial estate on a small scale • Flat and low lying • Regular grid of plots of a consistent size • Consistent building lines throughout • Profile metal cladding and asbestos-cement sheeting to steel frames, some brick to plinths and gables but limited • Industrial shed-like structures the equivalent of two-storey domestic buildings (height to eaves) Industrial manufacturing, commercial services (garage and workshop) and associated ancillary uses • Very little tree cover to the character area but good tree screening to the River Itchen boundary (to west) • Poor public realm, favouring the car user

26 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

9.2. Appendix – Planning Policy

This section summarises the policies relevant to the site and the wider landscape and visual analysis and Appraisal.

National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) sets out the governments planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.

Section 12, Achieving Well-Designed Places:

Paragraph 127 states that: Planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments: b) are visually attractive as a result of good architecture, layout and appropriate and effective landscaping; c) are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change

Section 15, Conserving and enhancing the natural environment:

Paragraph 170 states that:

Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

• protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan);

• recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and trees and woodland;

• minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures;

• preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental conditions such as air and water quality, taking into account relevant information such as river basin management plans; and

• remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate. Paragraph 172 states that:

Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in all these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks and the Broads.

27 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Local

The site and study area are located within the Winchester District Administrative Area, and the relevant planning policies from the Winchester District Local Plan and the South Downs Local Plan include;

Winchester District Local Plan Part 1 - Joint Core Strategy Core Policy 19 - South Downs National Park, states that:

Development within and adjoining the South Downs National Park which would have a significant detrimental impact to the rural character and setting of settlements and the landscape should not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal is of over-riding national importance, or its impact can be mitigated.

Core Policy 20 - Heritage and Landscape Character states that:

The Local Planning Authority will continue to conserve and enhance the historic environment through the preparation of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans and/or other strategies, and will support new development which recognises, protects and enhances the District's distinctive landscape and heritage assets and their settings. These may be designated or undesignated and include natural and man-made assets associated with existing landscape and townscape character, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, listed buildings, historic battlefields and archaeology. Particular emphasis should be given to conserving: recognised built form and designed or natural landscapes that include features and elements of natural beauty, cultural or historical importance; local distinctiveness, especially in terms of characteristic materials, trees, built form and layout, tranquillity, sense of place and setting.

Policy CP12 - Renewable and Decentralised Energy , states that:

The Local Planning Authority is supportive of the generation of renewable and decentralised energy in the District. It will support the creation of CHP/district heating/cooling systems and the development of larger-scale renewable energy developments, especially where there is a strong degree of community benefit and/or community ownership. When assessing proposals for large- scale renewable energy and decentralised energy schemes, account will be taken of:

• impact on areas designated for their local, national or international importance, such as Gaps and the South Downs National Park, conservation areas and heritage assets, including their setting;

• contribution to national, regional & sub-regional renewable energy targets and

CO2 savings;

• potential to integrate with new or existing development, whilst avoiding harm to existing development and communities;

• benefits to host communities and opportunities for environmental enhancement;

• proximity to biomass plants, fuel sources and transport links; G connection to the electricity network;

• effect on the landscape and surrounding location.

Winchester District Local Plan Part 2 - Development Management and Site Allocations

28 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Policy WIN3 - Views and Roofscape, states that:

Development within and around Winchester Town which accords with the Development Plan will be permitted, provided:

• views that are integral to local character and distinctiveness are maintained, in particular views of treed skylines which connect Winchester with its setting;

• important views and vistas to and from the key historic features shown on the Policies Map (and listed below) are protected;

• roof designs are sympathetic to the character of the Town's historic roofscape in terms of bulk, grain, form and materials and make a positive contribution to the roofscape;

• any necessary plant, micro-energy generation equipment and other intrusive roof features are avoided or sensitively integrated within the roof-profile. South Downs Local Plan 2014-2033, Adopted 2019 include:

Strategic Policy SD6: Safeguarding Views states that:

1. Development proposals will only be permitted where they preserve the visual integrity, identity and scenic quality of the National Park, in particular by conserving and enhancing key views and views of key landmarks within the National Park.

2. Development proposals will be permitted that conserve and enhance the following view types and patterns identified in the Viewshed Characterisation & Analysis Study: a. Landmark views to and from viewpoints and tourism and recreational destinations. b. Views from publicly accessible areas which are within, to and from settlements which contribute to the viewers' enjoyment of the National Park. c. Views from public rights of way, open access land and other publicly accessible areas; and d. Views which include or otherwise relate to specific features relevant to the National Park and its special qualities, such as key landmarks including those identified in Appendix 2 of the Viewshed Characterisation & Analysis Study, heritage assets (either in view or the view from) and biodiversity features.

3. Development proposals will be permitted provided they conserve and enhance sequential views, and do not result in adverse cumulative impacts within views.

29 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

9.3. Appendix – Viewpoint Section Criteria

Vp Name OS Grid Elevation Key Reasons for selection no. Ref AOD 1 Domum Road SU 48606 33m Residents Public Footpath 28517 Visitors/tourists Local users on Public Right of Way Cyclists on NCN 23 2 Public Footpath in SU 48623 47m Visitors/tourists greenspace 28778 Local users on Public Right of Way between Wharf Hill and Barfield Close 3 Wharf Bridge public SU 48586 32m Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park footpath / The 28647 Local and regional users on Itchen Way Itchen Way National Trail 4 Permissive path by SU 48536 33m Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park the Itchen 28558 Local and regional users on Itchen Way Navigation Canal National Trail 5 The Itchen Way, SU 48508 31m Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park footpath gate and 28504 Local and regional users on Itchen Way entrance to Nature National Trail Reserve 6 Path on the SU 48466 86m Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park Southern 27810 Local and regional users on open access land Entrenchments on St Catherine's Hill 7 St Catherine's Hill, SU 48408 86m Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park close to summit. 27763 Local and regional users on open access land

8 Pilgrim's Trail SU 49006 1 km Visitors/tourists to South Downs National Park (National Trail) 27560 Local and regional users on Pilgrim Trail National Trail 9 St Giles's Hill SU 48876 85m Visitors/tourists to the public park 29158

30 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

9.4. Appendix – Sources of Information

The National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) , accessed on 14 November 2020

Winchester District Local Plan , accessed on 14 November 2020

South Downs Local Plan, July 2019 https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SD_LocalPlan_2019_17Wb.pdf, accessed on the 17 November 2020

Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx, accessed on 12 November 2020

Natural England, National Character Area Profile, 130 Hampshire Downs , accessed on 14 November 2020

Hampshire County Integrated Landscape Assessment, March 2010 www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/landscape/integratedcharacterassessment, accessed on 14 November 2020

Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment, March 2004 www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/landscape-countryside/landscape-character-assessment>, accessed on the 14 November

Sustrans, National Cycle Networks https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/ accessed on the 23 November 2020

Hampshire County Council Map of Public Rights of Way https://maps.hants.gov.uk/rightsofwaydefinitivemap/ accessed on 12 November 2020

Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer Leisure Map

High Quality Places Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 2015 https://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning-policy/winchester-district-local-plan-2011-2036-adopted/supplementary- planning-documents-spds/high-quality-places-spd-adopted accessed on the 14 November

31 Park & Ride, Barfield Close, Bar End (‘Vaultex’ site) Landscape and Visual Appraisal

10. Figures

Figure 1. Site Location

Figure 2. Landscape and Townscape Character

Figure 3. Landscape Planning Context

Figure 4. Topography

Figure 5. Viewpoint Location and Public Rights of Way

Figure 6. National and Recreational Trails and National Cycle Routes

Figure 7 – v1 to Figure 7 – v9. (Inclusive) Viewpoint Photographs

Figure 8. Illustrative Layout

32 Figure 1. Site Location

KEY

The Site

1km Study Area (measurement from site boundary)

site

a e r A y d tu S m k 1

0km 1km N Copyright Landsmith Associates Ltd. ISSUE STATUS: DRAFT ISSUE DATE: 03.12.20 © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Landsmith Associates Ltd accepts no liability for any use of this document for other than it’s original purpose. REFERENCE: VTX-STL-XX-00-RP-L-XXXX-RP02 Figure 2. Landscape and Townscape Character

Winchester Townscape Assessment Winchester District Landscape Character Areas KEY Character Areas WIN08 Winchester Industrial Estates (Winnall and Bar End) Winchester District Landscape Character Areas 8b Bar End Industrial Estate 1. Hursley Scarplands 2. Sparsholt Woodlands 3. Crawley Downs

10a 6 4. Wonston Downs 6b 5. Dever Valley 5 7 6. North Dever Downs

10 7. Stratton Woodlands 1 4 8. North Itchen Downs

6a 3 8 8 9. Upper Itchen Valley 5 10. Bighton Woodlands 9 2 11. Bramdean Woodlands Winchester 12. East Winchester Downs 2 12 6c site 11 13. Lower Itchen Valley 1 * 14. Cranbury Woodlands 4 13 15. South Winchester Downs 14 site 16. Upper Meon Valley * 15 17. Hambledon Downs 16 8b 18. Forest of Bere Lowlands 19. Portsdown Hill a e r 23 20. Lower Meon Valley A y 17 3 d 21. Whiteley Woodlands tu S 22 m 22. Shedfield Heathlands k 1

23. Durley Claylands

21 18

0km 1km N N

Copyright Landsmith Associates Ltd. ISSUE STATUS: DRAFT ISSUE DATE: 03.12.20 © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Landsmith Associates Ltd accepts no liability for any use of this document for other than it’s original purpose. REFERENCE: VTX-STL-XX-00-RP-L-XXXX-RP02 v Figure 3. Landscape Planning Context

KEY

Site

1. Hursley Scarplands South Downs National Park 2. Sparsholt Woodlands Open Access Land 3. Crawley Downs (CRoW Act 2000) 4. Wonston Downs

5. Dever Valley Scheduled Monument 6. North Dever Downs 7. Stratton Woodlands Key historic features 8. North Itchen Downs Conservation Area 9. Upper Itchen Valley

10. Bighton Woodlands 1km Study Area 11. Bramdean Woodlands 12. East Winchester Downs site 13. Lower Itchen Valley 14. Cranbury Woodlands

Conservation Area P N 15. South Winchester Downs s n w 16. Upper Meon Valley o D a th e 17. Hambledon Downs Sou r A y 18. Forest of Bere Lowlands d tu S 19. Portsdown Hill m k 1

20. Lower Meon Valley

21. Whiteley Woodlands

22. Shedfield Heathlands

23. Durley Claylands

KEY (0m AOD)

125 - 130m

120 - 125

115 - 120

110 - 115

105 - 110

100 - 105

95 - 100

90 - 95

85 - 90

80 - 85 site 75 - 80

70 - 75

65 - 70

a e r 60 - 65 A y d tu 55 - 60 S m k 1 50 - 55

45 - 50

40 -45

35 - 40

30 - 35

25 - 30

KEY

Viewpoint number and location:

v1 Domum Road public footpath v9 v2 Public footpath in greenspace between Wharf Hill and Barfield Close

v3 Wharf Bridge Public footpath / National Trail

Permissive path by The Itchen v2 v4 Navigation v3 v5 The Itchen Way, public v1 footpath gate

Entrenchements on St site v6 v4 Catherine’s hill

v5 v7 Close to the summit of St Catherine’s hill

v8 Pilgrim’s Trail

v9 St Giles’s Hill

The Site

1km Study Area

a Public Footpath e r A y d Bridleway tu S m k 1 National Trail /

v6 Recreational Trail

v7 National Cycle Route 23

Open Access Land (CRoW Act 2000) v8 0m 50m N Copyright Landsmith Associates Ltd. ISSUE STATUS: DRAFT ISSUE DATE: 03.12.20 © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Landsmith Associates Ltd accepts no liability for any use of this document for other than it’s original purpose. REFERENCE: VTX-STL-XX-00-RP-L-XXXX-RP02 Figure 6 National / Recreational Trails & National Cycle Routes KEY

Site

Itchen Way South Downs National Park

National Cycle Route 23

St Swithuns Way

National Trail

South Downs Way

South Downs Way Recreational Trail / Long Distance Routes

Clarendon Way

Itchen Way site Pilgrim’s Trail

Clarendon Way P N St Swithuns Way s n w o D Pilgrim’s Trail th a u e So r A y d tu S Itchen Way m k 1

KEY

Viewpoint: v1: Domum Road Public Footpath

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 33.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 11:30am Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 24mm focal length Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: next to Frame: Single Notes: PROW NCN route along a quiet road leads to tennis courts (cul-de-sac). The steep bank leads up to the south western site boundary contains OS grid reference: SU 48606 28517 Direction looking: South East 150˚ mature deciduous trees up to 20m high with little undergrowth.

ISSUE STATUS: DRAFT ISSUE DATE: 03.12.20 Copyright Landsmith Associates Ltd. Landsmith Associates Ltd accepts no liability for any use of this document for other than it’s original purpose. REFERENCE: VTX-STL-XX-00-RP-L-XXXX-RP02 Figure 7b Viewpoint Photograph v2 The site

Viewpoint: v2: Public Footpath within Rack Hill

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 47.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 11.55 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 194m Frame: Single Notes: Public right of way on top of a old railway embankment part of a narrow linear green space. Glimpsed single view on to northern elevation of site OS grid reference: SU 48623 28778 Direction looking: South 180˚ set within existing industrial context. Less popular footpath

Viewpoint: v3: Wharf Bridge public footpath / The Itchen Way

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 32.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 12:10 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 154m Frame: Single Notes: Northern boundary to the SDNP and on the Itechen Way Trail. Rural feel to the area, building site below the top of bank on the western boundary OS grid reference: SU 48586 28647 Direction looking: South East 130˚ of the site. Glimpsed views of the north western and western elevation of the proposed buildings. Popular route for walkers, joggers,

Viewpoint: v4: Permissive path by the Itchen Navigation Canal

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 33.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 12:20 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 45m Frame: Double Notes: View directly onto the northern end of the western boundary of the site. Mature trees on bank break up view. . OS grid reference: SU 48536 28558 Direction looking: East 80˚

No.3 Willow Willow Tree Swans Mallards Waterside Domum Cottage House Reach House

The site (approximate boundary length -not height)

Viewpoint: v5: The Itchen Way footpath gate

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 31.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 12:40 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 110m Frame: 3 Frames Notes: Glimpsed views on to site’s western and south western corner. Popular sections of the Itechen Way with access to local nature reserve and SSSI OS grid reference: SU 48508 28504 Direction looking; North East 35˚ too.

Viewpoint: v6: Path on the Entrenchments, St Catherine’s Hill

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 86.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 13:00 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 750m Frame: Single Notes: Local landmark and high point on open access land, popular with locals and visitors. View on to the site’s south western boundary, site is set OS grid reference: SU 48466 27810 Direction Looking: North 30˚ within existing urban context

Viewpoint: v7: St Catherine’s Hill

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 94.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 13:14 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 800m Frame: Double Notes: Local landmark and high point on open access land, popular with locals and visitors. View on to the site’s south western boundary, site is set OS grid reference: SU 48408 27763 Direction looking: North 0˚ within existing urban context with predominant industrial units and Leisure Centre in the foreground

Viewpoint: v8: Pilgrim’s Trail (National Trail)

Date: 16.11.2020 Elevation: 96.000 AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 13:45 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 1km Frame: Double Notes: View on to the sites southern boundary/ the site is located within the wider urban development. The viewpoint located in wooded surrounding OS grid reference: SU 49006 27560 Direction looking: North West 340˚ close to M3.

Viewpoint: v9: St Giles’s Hill

Date: 21.11.2020 Elevation: 85.000m AOD Viewpoint height: 1.6m Time: 13:00 Camera and lens: Canon EOS 550D, 50mm fixed lens Weather: Light grey high clouds, 13C, good visibility Distance from site: 735 m Frame: Single Notes: Limited and very glimpsed view on to the sites northern boundary within the context of industrial units and wider urban development. Park used OS grid reference: SU 48876 29158 Direction looking: South West 210˚ locals and visitors