Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
For Maldon District Council
more information please go to www.the-edi.co.uk
FINAL REPORT March 2010
Contents
1.0 Background…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 1.2 Brief……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 1.3 Methodology………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
2.0 Context…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
3.0 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment………………………………………………………. 8
3.1 Maldon & Heybridge.………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 3.2 Southminster…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48 3.3 Burnham on Crouch………………………………………………………………………………………… 69
4.0 Summary Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………… 92
Appendices
I Project Brief II Methodology
List of Figures
Figure
1.1 Location Plan…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 2.1 Landscape Character Assessment of Maldon District……………………………….. 4 2.2 Environmental Designations A…………………………………………………………………. 5 2.3 Environmental Designations B…………………………………………………………………. 6 2.4 Environmental Designations C…………………………………………………………………. 7 3.1 Maldon study areas…………………………………………………………………………………. 9 3.2 Maldon environmental designations……………………………………………………….. 10 3.3 Southminster study areas………………………………………………………………………… 49 3.4 Southminster environmental designations………………………………………………. 50 3.5 Burnham-on-Crouch study areas……………………………………………………………… 70 3.6 Burnham-on-Crouch environmental designations……………………………………. 71
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
1.0 Background
1.1 Introduction larger of the broad areas (in the refined list) including a quantitative In 2009 Maldon District Council ‘significance score’, commissioned Essex Landscape design to prepare a landscape and • Advice as to how any landscape visual impact assessment for sites impacts can best be around the edges of Maldon, minimised/mitigated for each of the Southminster and Burnham to provide sites. an evidence base for informing the preferred options stage of the core 1.3 Methodology strategy for the Local Development Framework. This study has been The assessment has comprised the informed by: following tasks:
• Landscape Character Assessment Desk based Analysis of Maldon District by Chris Blandford and Associates (Extract • Preparation of base maps for each from Braintree, Chelmsford, settlement Maldon and Uttlesford landscape • Review of relevant Landscape character Assessments) Character Types and Areas • Historic Landscape around each settlement from Characterisation data provided by landscape character assessment Essex County Council information • Mapping landscape features and The key settlements that Maldon designations District Council are assessing for development, shown by Figure 1.1 Site Survey and Analysis are: • Identifying and recording key views • Maldon and Heybridge (refered to into and out of each settlement later in the document as Maldon) • Identifying key landscape features • Southminster • Identifying impacts on the • Burnham-on-Crouch landscape • Identifying opportunities for 1.2 Brief creating a landscape structure
The project brief (see Appendix I) set The detailed methodology for out the objectives for the study. assessment of sites is set out in Appendix II. The key outputs from the study are:
• Qualitative statement regarding the landscape sensitivity of each of the locations,
• Comparative assessment of these sites including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’,
• Comparative assessment of individual parcels of land within the
1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design Figure 1.1 Location Plan 2 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
2.0 Context
A review of the landscape character and environmental designations of Maldon District was carried out and is illustrated by the plans on the following pages.
2.1 Landscape Character
The Landscape Character Map of Maldon District (fig. 2.1) is an extract from the Landscape Character Assessment of Maldon District by Chris Blandford Associates.
The individual site assessments summarise the key landscape characteristics of the zone in which the site lies.
2.2 Environmental Designations
The plans illustrating environmental designations (figs. 2.2a – 2.2c) have been produced using GIS software and Ordnance Survey data held by Essex County Council.
The rights of way shown are indicative only and are not definitive. This refers to all the plans showing rights of way throughout the document.
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Figure 2.1 Landscape Character Assessmentof MaldonDistrict
4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design - A
Figure 2.2a EnvironmentalDesignations
5 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design * – B (Draft Rights of Way)
Figure 2.3b Environmental Designations
6 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design – C
Figure 2.4c EnvironmentalDesignations
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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
3.1 Maldon
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Figure 3.1 Maldon study areas
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Figure 3.2 Maldon environmental designations
Maldon: M1 Maldon: M1
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Maldon: M1 the footpath to the east. The pine woodland forms part of the western boundary of the site and scattered vegetation of varying density lies along the southern boundary.
Site Description Rights of Way
Context and Land Use A public footpath is found east of the
B1022 and runs east to west between The site is made up of an arable field to the west and two fields to the east, the two fields. which are used as pasture. Broad Street Green Road (B1022) runs from Views north to south between the fields. A Residential properties along the row of detached houses and a narrow grass paddock lie along the eastern southern edge of the site have the side of the road. following views through a thin hedge: north across the arable field to The site is bound to the north, east woodland and a slight ridge in the distance, west to the pine woodland, and west by attractive and sensitive east to the fields used for pasture and countryside including: arable land to the north; mature pine woodland to the countryside. west; and an area of wetlands and scattered vegetation to the east. The edge of a residential development forms the southern boundary of the site.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium to high landscape sensitivity.
Topography
The landform of the site is very flat. Five properties on the B1022 have ground floor views west through a Vegetation hedge into the arable field as well as views east across the attractive A tall deciduous hedge and scattered countryside. Two properties on the trees run along both sides of the B1022 have views south into the B1022 as well as the northern side of paddock and oblique views into the
11 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design arable field. sand and gravel scattered along it. There are larger expanses of sand and A listed building and two residential gravel along the sides of the ridge, as properties to the north have first floor well as areas of Boulder Clay and views south to the arable field. head deposits. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields Users of the B1022 have views into which are probably of medieval origin the fields to both the east and west and some maybe even older, mostly and users of the the public footpath regular in plan. This zone contains a have views north and south across the large amount of ancient woodland with fields to the east. These views are little change from the first edition OS of filtered to varying extents by the c.1880 to today’s extent. The historic hedgerows and trees. settlement pattern was dispersed farmsteads with a very small Designations community at Wickham Bishops. In the southern part of the zone lies the site The eastern half of the site lies within of Langford Grove and Park which still the Coastal Protection Belt. The pine retains elements of late 18th and early woodland to the west of the site is 19th century landscaping. A number of designated a County Wildlife Site and pollarded oak trees survive as a Ancient Woodland. A right of way reminder of the parkland scene. The crosses the site. lakes and associated features such as the temple and bridge survive well, Landscape Character along with a pavilion and part of a haha. The modern settlement of As defined in the Braintree, Wickham Bishops largely dates to the Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and 20th century. Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Another part of the site lies within a Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape zone (HECZ 3.7) which has the character area (sub-unit A7a). following historical landscape character: The key characteristics of this area are as follows. The majority of the historic fields were rectilinear in form, albeit within an • Mixture of arable and pastoral irregular framework, possibly fields on the valley floor. determined by individual farm extents. • The lower Chelmer where it meets Historically the settlement is the river Blackwater has a wide, dispersed, comprising isolated farms flat valley floor. which survive today. The historic • Extensive linear poplar and willow landscape character has radically plantations are a distinctive feature changed with large scale quarrying in close proximity to the river. occurring in the zone. This has resulted in very few original Historic Landscape Character boundaries surviving. Elements of the built heritage in the form of farms do Part of the site lies within a zone survive. (HECZ 1.2) which has the following historical landscape character: Landscape and Visual Impact
A ridge of higher ground, sloping down Visual Impact to the Blackwater estuary. The backbone of the ridge is composed of Attractive views from residential London Clay, with small pockets of properties to the south across the west of the site, towards the woodland and
12 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design the ridge to the north, would be be a highly adverse impact on users of affected by development. There would the private fishing lake to the north- be a major adverse impact on five east of the site. properties, a highly adverse impact on nineteen and a moderately adverse Summary of Visual Impact impact on seven. There would be a major adverse Views across the site from residential impact on ten properties, a highly to properties on the north and south of major adverse impact on three, a Scraley Road would also be affected. highly adverse impact on thrity-four, a There would be a major adverse moderately to highly adverse impact impact on one property north of the on six and a moderately adverse road. To the south, there would be a impact on nineteen. major adverse impact on four properties, a highly adverse impact on There would be a highly adverse twelve and a moderate impact on nine. impact on users of one footpath, a moderately adverse impact on users of Of the five properties which lie along another footpath, a highly adverse the B1022, there would be a highly to impact on users of a fishing lake and a major adverse impact on three of slightly adverse impact on the users of these, which have attractive first floor a road. views across the countryside. There would also be a moderately to highly Landscape Impact adverse impact on the other two, which have filtered ground floor views The landscape impact is likely to be of the arable field to the west. There is moderately to highly adverse. likely to be a highly adverse impact on the two properties to the north of the Mitigation paddock. Visual impacts could be partly Five properties west of Scraley Road mitigated through planting and also have views to the south east part creation of open space adjacent to of the site. Four of these have filtered existing housing. Landscape impacts first floor winter views across the could not be mitigated. countryside to the rear and the impact M1-M4 would require new road of development here would be access. The visual impact of this moderately to highly adverse. The could be partly mitigated through its other property has filtered ground floor location, its vertical alignment and winter views and the impact would be through planting and earthworks. highly adverse.
The visual impact of development upon the three properties to the north of the site would be moderately adverse as the edge of the town extends into the countryside.
Users of the B1022 would lose glimpses of the Maldon skyline through gappy roadside vegetation.
There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath and a moderately adverse impact on a footpath to north. There is also likely to
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Maldon: M2 Vegetation
Most of the fields to the south are pasture but some are unmanaged grassland. Mature trees and areas of tree planting are also present to the south-east of the site. Fairly dense hedgerows and scattered trees lie along the southern boundary.
Views
Views into the site are screened by vegetation in several places. Views from the north-east are screened by an area of pine woodland and views Site Description from properties midway along the southern boundary are screened by a Context and Land Use belt of trees. The site is also screened from users of Maypole Road as they The site is made up of large arable approach from the north-west. fields to the north and smaller However, a significant number of enclosures to the south. The northern residential properties and users of part of the site is open to the attractive roads and footpaths have views into countryside beyond. and across the site.
An area to the south-east of the site A large number of properties to the consists of attractive features such as east have views, most of which are paddocks, small wetlands, wilder from the ground floor, into and across vegetation and mature trees, some of the arable fields to distant trees and a which have an interesting character. wooded ridge. Those at the most However, the presence of large run- northern point have views to the pine down sheds, clutter and views of woodland only and those to the south- adjacent industrial buildings detracts east overlook the arable fields. from the quality of the landscape in this area.
The housing to the east degrades the landscape setting of the northern fields although the pine woodland, despite being non-native, serves to enhance it.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium landscape sensitivity.
Topography
The area is reasonably flat. The Properties to the south-west have countryside to the north rises gently to filtered views and glimpses of two a wooded ridge. fairly attractive paddocks. Approximately four of these properties have first floor views and one has ground floor views to the countryside
14 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design in the north. However, most properties fields on the valley floor. along the southern edge are fairly well • The lower Chelmer where it meets screened. the river Blackwater has a wide, flat valley floor. There are some properties in the • Extensive linear poplar and willow centre of the site, which have views to plantations are a distinctive feature the open countryside and back across in close proximity to the river. the fields to existing housing development. Historic Landscape Character
From northern parts of the site and Part of the site lies within a zone some paths and a road to the north, (HECZ 1.2) which has the following there are views back to the distinctive historic landscape character: Maldon skyline. A ridge of higher ground, sloping down A footpath running north-south across to the Blackwater estuary. The the north of the site enjoys attractive backbone of the ridge is composed of views to the north but views to the east London Clay, with small pockets of are adversely affected by existing sand and gravel scattered along it. development. A public footpath also There are larger expanses of sand and runs through and has views of the gravel along the sides of the ridge, as south-east part of the site. well as areas of Boulder Clay and head deposits. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields which are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older, mostly regular in plan. This zone contains a large amount of ancient woodland with little change from the first edition OS of c.1880 to today’s extent. The historic settlement pattern was dispersed farmsteads with a very small community at Wickham Bishops. In the southern part of the zone lies the site of Langford Grove and Park which still th Designations retains elements of late 18 and early th 19 century landscaping. A number of The site lies within a Special pollarded oak trees survive as a Landscape Area. The woodland to the reminder of the parkland scene. The north-east is a County Wildlife Site. lakes and associated features such as Two public footpaths cross the site. the temple and bridge survive well, along with a pavilion and part of a ha Landscape Character ha. The modern settlement of Wickham Bishops largely dates to the As defined in the Braintree, 20th century. Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character Another part of the site lies within a assessment, the site is within the zone (HECZ 2.1) which has the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape following historical landscape character area (sub-unit A7a). character:
The key characteristics of this area are This zone is situated on the valley as follows. slope on the northern side of the river • Mixture of arable and pastoral Chelmer. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields
15 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design probably of medieval origin, some the north-east. maybe older, mostly are regular in plan. There is a considerable degree The properties at the centre of the site of co-axiality in the field layout, usually would be impacted as follows: a major relating directly to the immediate adverse impact on one, a highly topography. The historic settlement adverse impact on one and a pattern comprises dispersed moderately adverse impact on one. farmsteads located on the valley slope of the Chelmer along with the historic There would be a highly to major settlement at Langford. adverse impact on the footpath, which runs north-south through the south- Landscape and Visual Impact eastern part of the site. There would be a highly adverse impact on views Visual Impact from the footpath to the south, as the edge of development would move There would be adverse visual closer and degrade the view of impacts of varying degrees on a Maldon’s skyline. There would be a significant number of residential highly adverse impact on the footpath properties. There would be a major running from east to west. adverse impact on approximately nineteen properties, which would lose Summary of Visual Impact long ground floor views west across the site or of the wood. Fifteen There would be a major adverse properties, which lose these same impact on twenty-one properties, a views from first floor windows would highly to major adverse impact on suffer a highly adverse impact. eight, a highly adverse impact on forty, a moderately to highly adverse impact There would be a highly to major on eight and a moderately adverse adverse impact on four properties, impact on eighteen. which would lose ground floor views of the grassy field. The impact would be There would be a highly to major highly adverse for eleven properties, adverse impact on the users of one which have first floor views only. footpath and a highly adverse impact There would also be a moderately on users of another. adverse impact on fourteen properties behind other houses. There would be Landscape Impact a highly adverse impact on seven properties with views across the east The landscape impact upon the site as of the site to the north. a whole would be moderately adverse.
Development would affect properties Mitigation with views north across the western part of the site. There would be a Visual impacts could partly be highly to major adverse impact on four mitigated through planting and properties and a major adverse impact landscape impacts partly mitigated by on one. There would be a moderately creating adequate planting to set the to highly adverse impact on development into the landscape. approximately eight properties to the M1-M4 would require new road south of Holloway Road and a highly access. The visual impact of this adverse impact on two. could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and There would be a highly adverse through planting and earthworks. impact on four properties to the south- east of the site and a moderately adverse impact on three properties to
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Maldon: M3
Views
There are oblique, first floor views to the site from approximately three properties to the south-west and one Site Description property on Langford road. These include views to the more attractive Context and Land Use north-eastern part of the site.
The site consists of a small, L-shaped, A distant property to the west has a arable field and the landscaped first floor view to the site and a grounds of a residential property to the vicarage in the south-west has a south-west. filtered first floor view in winter. There are also distant views from four The busy Maypole Road and tendency properties to the north and a number of oak trees on site to be stag-headed of others to the east. detracts from the landscape quality of much of the site. However, the landscape quality of the north-east corner is noticeably higher.
Compared to M4, this site seems to be significantly less a part of the sensitive landscape to the north.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Designations Topography The entire site is within a Special The site is relatively flat. Landscape Area.
Vegetation Landscape Character
A dense hedge containing willow, oaks As defined in the Braintree, and elm creates a vegetation screen to Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and the north although there are gaps in Uttlesford landscape character places. A vigorous but gappy hedge assessment, the site is within the runs along the north of Maypole Road. Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a).
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The key characteristics of this area are which is already affected by a busy as follows. road. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on users of Maypole • Mixture of arable and pastoral Road and Langford Road. fields on the valley floor. • The lower Chelmer where it meets Summary of Visual Impact the river Blackwater has a wide, flat valley floor. There would be a highly adverse • Extensive linear poplar and willow impact on two properties, a moderately plantations are a distinctive feature adverse impact on one, a slightly to in close proximity to the river. moderately adverse impact on eleven and a slightly adverse impact on five. Historic Landscape Character There would be a moderately adverse The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.1) impact on the users of one footpath which has the following historical and a slightly adverse impact on users landscape character: of another footpath and two roads.
This zone is situated on the valley Landscape Impact slope on the northern side of the river Chelmer. The fieldscape largely Although the north-west part is comprises pre-18th century fields relatively sensitive, the landscape probably of medieval origin, some impact is likely to be moderately maybe older, mostly are regular in adverse.. plan. There is a considerable degree of co-axiality in the field layout, usually Mitigation relating directly to the immediate topography. The historic settlement Considerable planting would be pattern comprises dispersed required to retain a setting for the farmsteads located on the valley slope listed buildings. Visual impacts could of the Chelmer along with the historic be partly mitigated by planting and the settlement at Langford. landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green edge to any Landscape and Visual Impact proposed development.
Visual Impact M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this There would be a highly adverse could be partly mitigated through its impact on two properties to the south- location, its vertical alignment and west as development would affect a through planting and earthworks. valuable view. There would be a moderately adverse impact on one property to the west. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on eleven distant properties to the east. There would be a slightly adverse impact on one property to the south of Langford Road and on four distant properties to the north.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on the footpath to the north and a moderately adverse impact on the footpath to the west, the setting of
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Maldon: M4 Maypole Road for some distance to the north-east.
There is a long, attractive view north across the site and beyond to the countryside and wooded ridges from three properties to the south of the site and from Langford Road.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site consists of parts of two arable fields to the north of Langford Road. A ditch and public footpath lie on the boundary between the two fields. There are views south across the site
from two footpaths to Maldon on the To the north, the landscape merges higher land beyond. However, a line of into Langford Park, which retains pylons crosses the site and detracts historical landscape features and is from the quality of the views. connected to Langford Grove, a listed building.
Although not a landscape of particular distinction in itself, the site is part of a very attractive and extensive area of countryside.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a high landscape sensitivity.
Topography Designations The site is part of an extensive, flat arable area. The site is within a Special Landscape Area. It is also crossed by one public Vegetation footpath and another lies along its south edge. There is little vegetation on the site other than some poor quality oaks to in Landscape Character the north-eastern corner. As defined in the Braintree, Views Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character There are views into the site from the assessment, the site is within the busy Langford Road from the south- Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape west and views from the equally busy character area (sub-unit A7a).
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The key characteristics of this area are moderately adverse impact on two as follows. footpaths to the north.
• Mixture of arable and pastoral There would be a slightly to fields on the valley floor. moderately adverse impact on users of • The lower Chelmer where it meets Langford Road, which is a less the river Blackwater has a wide, sensitive receptor, and users of flat valley floor. Maypole Road. • Extensive linear poplar and willow plantations are a distinctive feature Summary of Visual Impact in close proximity to the river. There would be a major adverse Historic Landscape Character impact on three properties, a moderately adverse impact on three The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.1) and a slightly adverse impact on three. which has the following historical landscape character: There would be a highly adverse impact on users of one public footpath This zone is situated on the valley and a moderately adverse impact on slope on the northern side of the river users of two others. There would be a Chelmer. The fieldscape largely slightly to moderately adverse impact comprises pre-18th century fields on users of two roads. probably of medieval origin, some maybe older, mostly are regular in Landscape Impact plan. There is a considerable degree of co-axiality in the field layout, usually As it is part of the open landscape to relating directly to the immediate the north, the setting of Langford topography. The historic settlement Grove and Langford Park, the pattern comprises dispersed landscape impact is likely to be highly farmsteads located on the valley slope adverse. of the Chelmer along with the historic settlement at Langford. Mitigation
Landscape and Visual Impact Appropriate planting would be required to retain a setting for the listed Visual Impact building. Visual impacts could be partly mitigated by planting and the There would be a major adverse landscape impact mitigated partly by impact on the three properties by creating a new green edge to any Langford Road, which would lose a proposed development. striking view to the north. M1-M4 would require new road There is likely to be a moderately access. The visual impact of this adverse impact on Langford Grove, a could be partly mitigated through its distant property to the north-east and a location, its vertical alignment and property to the west. There would also through planting and earthworks. be a slightly adverse impact on a distant property to the north-east, a distant property to the north-west and a property to the south-east.
There would likely be a highly adverse impact on the footpath that runs beside Langford Road and a
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Maldon: M5 a ditch.
For much of its length, a belt of vegetation screens Elms Farm Park from the busy road to its south-west.
An area to the south-west has a relatively secluded character and contains a cricket bat willow plantation and winding stream lined by young willow.
Views
A large number of properties in the housing development to the east have first floor, often filtered, views across the road to the vegetation belt. Site Description Beyond the north-west end of the park, Context and Land Use the site widens to include the paddocks and Langford Place. This The site consists of a length of disused part of the site occupies a roughly railway, some paddocks and a triangular area bounded by Heybridge residential property. The old railway is Approach, Langford Road and the old now a public footpath called the railway. The garden of Langford Place Blackwater Rail Trail. is generally well screened.
To the south of Langford Place is a paddock. There are views onto and across this to countryside beyond from Heybridge Approach and two properties on the other side of it.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a high landscape sensitivity.
Vegetation To the north and north-west of There is a belt of vegetation along the Langford Place are interesting grass railway including numerous multi- enclosures with trees, small wetland stemmed oaks, which creates a areas and some artificial grassed and landscape feature of significant value. mossy banks. This is a fairly high An established garden is found at quality landscape and is overlooked Langford Place. Mature oaks grow from the two roads near their junction. north and north-west of Langford Two properties have filtered, first floor Place and a row of willows lies beside
21 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design views in winter and three properties to of the Chelmer and Blackwater the north have direct ground floor Navigation. Elements of the enclosed views. meadow pasture survive along the sides of the river Chelmer although a A public footpath crosses the site in considerable amount has been turned the north-west and runs parallel to the into arable production. The boundary site further south. A row of pylons also between these areas of traditional crosses the site to the north-west. In pasture is defined by clear boundaries the north-west corner is a property, often including lynchetts. Even where which used to be a railway station and converted to arable remains of these adds to the character of the boundaries often survive offering the landscape. This end of the site is possibility of relatively easy largely screened from Langford Road restoration. The settlement pattern by a hedgerow. within the zone comprises dispersed farmsteads and mills. The built Designations character of the zone is dominated by the structures associated with the The site lies within the Chelmer and Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Blackwater Navigation Conservation (Kemble and Gould 2001). The Area. The north-west end of the site is church at Ulting lies within the zone. within a Special Landscape Area. A public footpath runs the length of the Landscape and Visual Impact site and another crosses the site. Visual Impact Landscape Character There would be a major adverse As defined in the Braintree, impact on users of Elm Farm Park, as Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and development would likely mean the Uttlesford landscape character removal of the existing treebelt. There assessment, the site is within the would likely be a highly adverse Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape impact on seventeen of the properties character area (sub-unit A7a). with views across Heybridge Approach and a moderately adverse impact on The key characteristics of this area are four others. There would be a highly as follows. adverse impact on Langford Place and a major adverse impact on three • Mixture of arable and pastoral properties to the north. fields on the valley floor. • The lower Chelmer where it meets There would be a major adverse the river Blackwater has a wide, impact on the footpath that crosses flat valley floor. and runs parallel to the site. There • Extensive linear poplar and willow would also be a moderately adverse plantations are a distinctive feature impact on users of the towpath beside in close proximity to the river. the Navigation near Beeleigh Falls.
Historic Landscape Character The impact on users of the roads beside the site would be slightly to The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.2) moderately adverse as they are a less which has the following historical sensitive receptor. landscape character Summary of Visual Impact This zone is characterised by the flood plain of the river Chelmer and is There would be a major adverse contained within the conservation area impact on the users of the park, a major adverse impact on three
22 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design properties, a highly adverse impact on eighteen properties and a moderately adverse impact on four properties.
There would be a major adverse impact on one footpath and a moderately adverse impact on another. There would be a moderately to slightly adverse impact on users of two roads.
Landscape Impact
Development would likely lead to the loss of valuable landscape features such as the old railway and Blackwater Rail Trail, the paddocks beside Langford Place, Elms Farm Park and the effect on the Conservation Area. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
It would not be possible to mitigate the impacts through planting or earthworks on this site.
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Maldon: M6 eastern edge of the site. Many of these properties are on the crest of the eastern slope and the bypass is generally screened from them by vegetation. Users of the elevated and publicly accessible Leech Memorial Garden, an attractive landscape in its own right, enjoy the same views.
A footpath runs along the northern boundary of the site and crosses the bypass. To the east of the bypass, it descends towards the road through a tunnel of vegetation. To the west, it runs through a generally vegetated area beside the slope, which is on the
edge of the Chelmer and Blackwater Site Description Navigation Conservation Area.
Context and Land Use Designations The site consists of fields to the east and west of the Maldon bypass, which The west of the site is within a Special runs north to south. The land to the Landscape Area. The east of the site west is mainly arable farmland. The is within the Chelmer and Blackwater bypass is contained by a ribbon of Navigation Conservation Area. vegetation. Another Conservation Area lies adjacent to the site to the east. Landscape Sensitivity Beeleigh Abbey lies a short distance to the north-west of the site. A public The site has a high landscape footpath runs along the site’s north sensitivity. boundary.
Topography Landscape Character
This is an area of rolling landscape As defined in the Braintree, which extends to the west. Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character Vegetation assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape Most of the eastern slope consists of character area. areas characterised by large numbers of scattered shrubs, which appear to The key characteristics of this area are be grazed by horses. There is also an as follows. open grassy area. Part of this slopes down and provides a good view of the • Shallow valley. landscape opposite and another part is • Predominantly arable farmland on flattened and could be used for sport. the valley slopes. • The lower Chelmer where it meets Views the river Blackwater has gentle valley sides. There are very attractive views of this area of landscape and extensive views Historic Landscape Character down into the adjacent Chelmer valley from a number of properties near the The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.3)
24 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design which has the following historical a moderately to highly adverse impact landscape character: on Beeleigh Abbey, from which there would be first floor views of the edge This zone is situated on the valley of the development on the horizon. slope on the southern side of the river There would be a highly adverse Chelmer. The fieldscape largely impact on the footpath to the north. comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin Summary of Visual Impact and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale There would be a major adverse there is a considerable degree of co- impact on five to eleven properties, a axiality in their layout, usually relating highly to major adverse impact on directly to the immediate topography. thirty-one, a highly adverse impact on The historic settlement pattern eight to thirteen and a moderately comprises dispersed farmsteads adverse impact on three. located on the valley slope of the Chelmer. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of one footpath and Landscape and Visual Impact one road and a slightly adverse impact on users of another road. Visual Impact Landscape Impact There would be a major adverse impact on users of the Leech Memorial As well as the impact on the site itself, Garden. If the Leech Memorial Garden there would be an adverse impact on was developed, there would be a the edge of the Chelmer and major adverse impact on Blackwater Navigation Conservation approximately eleven properties to the Area as well as the settings of the east of the site. If the garden was Conservation Area within Maldon and excluded from development, there Beeleigh Abbey. would be a highly adverse impact on five properties. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on approximately Mitigation twenty-eight residential properties, which generally have conspicuous first It would not be possible to adequately floor views of the site. There would be mitigate the landscape and visual a highly adverse impact from eight impacts on this site. properties near the London Road bridge and a highly to major adverse impact on two properties at the farm in the west. There would be a moderately adverse impact on approximately three flats, which have oblique views of the site.
Some interesting views of the Maldon skyline would be lost from London Road and Abbey Turning. Some views of the Chelmer valley would be lost from London Road. There would be a highly adverse impact from one of these roads and a slightly adverse impact from the other. There would be
25 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M7 Topography
This is an undulating site in an area of rolling attractive countryside which extends to the west.
The land rises in the north-west corner of the field and falls towards the north- east corner.
Vegetation
The wellingtonias and nearby trees enhance the landscape of the field when viewed from the south and close to the north-east corner. An attractive copse has been planted in this corner near the bypass.
Site Description To the south-west of the site is a young copse, which should grow to Context and Land Use effectively screen views from points to the west of the south end of the site. The bulk of this site is located within However, a couple of nearby an arable field, immediately to the properties to the south-west and west of the Maldon bypass. Within south-east have views onto this south this field, the site is generally located end. on the higher, east side. There are informal paths along the east and The eastern part of the cemetery has a north edges of the field. high density of mature trees including striking wellingtonias and other There appears to be an articially conifers. These largely screen views of created bank in the north-west corner the field from within the cemetery. The used for sewage treatment, which western part of the cemetery has detracts from the landscape quality. younger trees on its edges but Small pylons on the site also detract generally has less vegetation. from the sensitivity of the landscape. Views The northern part of the site is occupied by a cemetery, which is The site is part of the wider landscape, surrounded by vegetation. which is seen from a footpath along the west of the field where users have Also within the site and to the east long views to the west. side of this field is a stretch of the Maldon Bypass, which is within a The treebelts along the bypass block cutting and lined on each side by a views from the site to the eastern edge treebelt. Beyond this and to the east is of Maldon. However, a small number a strip of land used as allotments and of rather distant properties do have overlooked by many properties on the occasional first floor views of parts of edge of Maldon. the site. There are also glimpsed views of the site from a few distant Landscape Sensitivity properties to the north-west and one by the cemetery. The site has a high landscape sensitivity. The allotments are overlooked by
26 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design twelve flats to the south. Sixteen the northern and western parts of the properties to the east have views of zone. the allotments from first floor windows This field-type is of considerable and fifteen have views from the ground antiquity, and may have its origins in floor. Seven of these properties have the mid-late Saxon period, if not first floor views of the main part of the before. In the northern part of the area site. Views west towards the treebelt the fieldscape largely comprises pre- are also quite pleasant. 18th century fields (these are probably
of medieval origin and some maybe Designations even older), mostly regular in plan. On
a micro-scale there is a considerable Most of the site west of the bypass is degree of co-axiality in their layout, within a Special Landscape Area. A usually relating directly to the public footpath runs along the immediate topography. The river southern boundary and western edge valleys are marked by an irregular field of the field that contains the site. pattern, much of it enclosed meadow.
There are some areas of ancient Landscape Character woodland and former commons, moist
notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey As defined in the Braintree, Common. Historically the settlement Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and is dispersed, comprising isolated Uttlesford landscape character manors, farms, moated sites and small assessment, the site is within the hamlets. Woodham Wooded Farmland landscape character area. Landscape and Visual Impact The key characteristics of this area are as follows. Visual Impact
• Sands and gravels over London An analysis of visual impact assumes Clay. that development would occur west of • Broad wooded east-west ridge the bypass and the treebelt would be descending from Danbury. retained. • Distinctive small, rounded hills visible where ridge has eroded in There would be a major adverse the south-east. impact on one property to the south- • Open landscape of arable west of the site and a moderately farmland framed by woodland and adverse impact on another nearby. hedgerows on the lower ground. There would be a highly adverse • Enclosed to semi-enclosed impact for two properties with first floor commons, small irregular fields views from the south-east and a and pasture on the wooded ridge. moderately adverse impact on two slightly more distant properties. Historic Landscape Character Seven properties with views over the The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) bypass treebelt to new development which has the following historical would suffer a moderately adverse landscape character: impact and five would suffer a slightly adverse impact. Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, There would be a major adverse comprising a distinctive co-axial impact on users of the footpath to the rectilinear field pattern, although it west and the unofficial footpaths on becomes increasingly less regular in the northern and eastern field edges. There is likely to be a highly adverse
27 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design impact on visitors to the cemetery.
If the allotments were developed, there would be a major adverse impact on approximately five properties and a highly adverse impact on thirty-eight properties. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on five properties.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a major adverse impact on one property, a highly adverse impact on two, a moderately adverse impact on ten and a slightly adverse impact on five.
There would be a major adverse impact on one public footpath and atleast one unofficial path. There would be a highly adverse impact on cemetery visitors.
If the allotment strip was developed, the following visual impacts would result: a major adverse impact on six properties, a highly adverse impact on forty, a moderately adverse impact on three and a slightly adverse impact on about ten.
Landscape Impact
It is assumed the cemetry would not be included in development proposals.
Development would adversely affect the Special Landscape Area and the setting of the cemetery. The landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse.
If the bypass treebelts were removed, there would be a highly adverse landscape impact as valuable features would be lost and the landscape quality degraded.
Mitigation
It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.
28 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M8 the opposite side of Spital Road.
The site also contains an area that is largely well screened and enclosed by vegetation. Internally, it contains a couple of buildings used for poultry surrounded by rough grass.
There are views of the site from a public footpath, which runs alongside the avenue of trees.
An electricity substation in the north- west corner is largely screened by vegetation.
Site Description Designations
Context and Land Use Most of the site is within a Special Landscape Area. Four of the Most of this site consists of the properties within the site are listed. A landscaped gardens and grounds of public footpath runs along the north properties, much of which is landscape edge of the site. of particularly high quality. These include the impressively landscaped Landscape Character gardens of Maldon Hall and Maldon Wycke. Smaller gardens include the As defined in the Braintree, ornamental garden of Wycke Lodge Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and and others to the south of the site. Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the A new large property and its garden lie Woodham Wooded Farmland to the south-west and a small grass landscape character area. paddock is to the south-east. The key characteristics of this area are Landscape Sensitivity as follows.
The site has a high landscape • Sands and gravels over London sensitivity. Clay. • Broad wooded east-west ridge Vegetation descending from Danbury. • Distinctive small, rounded hills The gardens and the site as a whole visible where ridge has eroded in contain large numbers of trees. To the the south-east. south, an avenue leads from Spital • Open landscape of arable Road to an attractively landscaped farmland framed by woodland and area between a number of properties. hedgerows on the lower ground. Some large trees and a copse are • Enclosed to semi-enclosed found in the south. commons, small irregular fields and pasture on the wooded ridge. Views Historic Landscape Character The area is largely screened from views from the south but is open to the The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) large field to the north and overlooked which has the following historical by the first floors of two properties on
29 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design landscape character: Summary of Visual Impact
Much of the field system is similar to If the entire site was developed, there that of the Dengie Peninsula, would be a major adverse impact on comprising a distinctive co-axial eight properties, a highly adverse rectilinear field pattern, although it impact on two properties and a highly becomes increasingly less regular in adverse impact on two footpaths. the northern and western parts of the zone. This field-type is of considerable Landscape Impact antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not If the entire site was developed, there before. In the northern part of the area would be a highly adverse landscape the fieldscape largely comprises pre- impact. This is due to the high 18th century fields (these are probably landscape sensitivity of the gardens of medieval origin and some maybe and the area between the properties at even older), mostly regular in plan. On the north of the site as well as the a micro-scale there is a considerable impact on the setting of the listed degree of co-axiality in their layout, buildings and adjacent countryside. usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The river Development of the paddock to the valleys are marked by an irregular field north would have a fairly highly pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. adverse landscape impact on adjacent There are some areas of ancient countryside and the setting of the woodland and former commons, moist listed properties. notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is Development of the area containing dispersed, comprising isolated poultry buildings is likely to have a manors, farms, moated sites and small moderately adverse impact. hamlets. It is assumed that the sub-station area
would not be considered for Landscape and Visual Impact development.
Visual Impact Mitigation
Development of the whole site would It would not be possible to adequately have a major adverse impact on every mitigate the landscape and visual one of the eight properties within it. It impacts on this site. would also have a highly adverse impact on two properties to the east of Spital Road.
There would be a highly adverse impact on the footpath alongside the avenue and a fairly high impact on a footpath to the west of the site.
If development was limited to the plot containing poultry buildings, there would likely only be a slightly adverse impact on users of the avenue in winter.
30 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M9 land that rises above the flat land to the south of Spital Road. Most of the land comprises a south-facing slope.
Views
The fields are largely screened from the adjacent roads by hedging except where there are gaps.
There are three properties within the site with views onto it and one property to the south which has a view onto it. There is also one new property under construction to the north with a view across the site.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site occupies an area to the west of Wycke Hill and to the north-west of Spital Road. The site includes some paddocks and parts of two rather larger fields. It also includes Knowles Farm.
The landscape quality of the fields is enhanced by the landform, their use A footpath crosses the site from the as pasture and by the surrounding east and has views from higher land to countryside, which is a Special the north across the site and beyond. Landscape Area. Designations
The site is within a Special Landscape Area. A public footpath crosses the site.
Landscape Character
As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Woodham Wooded Farmland Landscape Sensitivity landscape character area.
The site has a high landscape The key characteristics of this area are sensitivity. as follows.
Topography • Sands and gravels over London Clay. The site is on the edge of an area of • Broad wooded east-west ridge
31 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
descending from Danbury. distinctive co-axial rectilinear field • Distinctive small, rounded hills pattern, although it becomes visible where ridge has eroded in somewhat less regular in the northern the south-east. and western parts of the zone. It is of • Open landscape of arable considerable antiquity, and may have farmland framed by woodland and its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, hedgerows on the lower ground. if not before. The historic settlement • Enclosed to semi-enclosed pattern comprises a church/hall commons, small irregular fields complex and dispersed farmsteads. and pasture on the wooded ridge. Landscape and Visual Impact Historic Landscape Character Visual Impact Part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) which has the following Within the site, there would be a major historical landscape character: adverse impact on two properties and a highly adverse impact on one Much of the field system is similar to property. Outside the site, there would that of the Dengie Peninsula, be a highly adverse impact on the comprising a distinctive co-axial property with views across the site rectilinear field pattern, although it from the south of Spital Road. There becomes increasingly less regular in would be a major adverse impact on a the northern and western parts of the property to the north of the site, which zone. This field-type is of is currently being built and which considerable antiquity, and may have would otherwise have a very attractive, its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, long view across to a ridge at the if not before. In the northern part of south. the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields There would be a major adverse (these are probably of medieval origin impact on users of the footpath to the and some maybe even older), mostly north as development would cut regular in plan. On a micro-scale across the existing long, attractive there is a considerable degree of co- view to the south. The impact on the axiality in their layout, usually relating westward view, which is currently directly to the immediate topography. towards industry, would be The river valleys are marked by an insignificantly adverse. There would irregular field pattern, much of it be a highly adverse impact on users of enclosed meadow. There are some another footpath that runs north-south areas of ancient woodland and former through the Special Landscape Area commons, moist notably at Cock further to the west. Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is The impact on users of adjacent roads dispersed, comprising isolated would be slightly adverse or possibly manors, farms, moated sites and small higher. hamlets. Another part of the site lies within a Summary of Visual Impact zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape There would be a major adverse character: impact on users of a footpath and a highly adverse impact on users of Mundon Marsh and Creek originally another. extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that There would be a major adverse of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a impact on two properties and a highly
32 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design adverse impact on another two properties.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of two roads.
Landscape Impact
The areas of field that would be lost have a high landscape sensitivity and development would undermine the character of the Special Landscape Area. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
It would not be possible to adequately mitigate for the visual and landscape impacts on this site.
33 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M10 The arable field has fairly high landscape value and is enhanced by the vegetation on its boundaries. This includes scattered oaks and shrubs along the winding line of the ditch to the south and by the sense of enclosure in its north-east corner.
An area beside Spital road close to the roundabout has been planted with a copse called Mid Land Wood. There are also some old pollarded trees near the site to the west.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site consists of of an arable field to the south and a wilder area known as ‘Wycke Meadow’ and a number of paddocks and properties to the north. To the west, the site extends into part of another arable field beside Spital Road. Views
The site is bounded to the north-west There is a large area of attractive by Spital Road, to the north-east by landscape to the south, which includes Limebrook Way and to the east by the a striking ridge from which there are wooded embankment of a disused views over the arable field. railway. The quality of the field’s landscape Wycke Meadow is an area of long and views are slightly degraded by two grass with scattered trees and shrubs warehouse buildings a short distance and contains a sizeable pond. It has to the west. Atleast one of these has a some wildlife value and is adjacent to busy industrial function. Spital Road the railway embankment, which is part also detracts from the landscape of an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve. It setting and is visible through gaps in has quite a high landscape value and vegetation. is largely enclosed by vegetation. The paddocks to the north-west are Landscape Sensitivity enhanced by large boundary hedges but are unsightly and heavily trampled The site has a high landscape in places. For example, one paddock sensitivity. beside Spital Road has Heras fencing on much of its boundary. Vegetation Within the north-west part of the site Along the boundary at Limebrook are several properties and an area Way, there is a belt of shrub planting apparently used for storing vehicles. to the west and a hedgerow to the Two properties within the site have east. filtered views onto the arable field.
34 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Outside and to the south of the site, the mid-late Saxon period, if not there are two footpaths running from before. In the northern part of the area east to west. The top of the railway the fieldscape largely comprises pre- embankment is also used as an 18th century fields (these are probably informal footpath although views to the of medieval origin and some maybe site from this are largely screened. even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable Designations degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the The site is within a Special Landscape immediate topography. Area. There are two public footpaths to The river valleys are marked by an the south of the site. irregular field pattern, much of it
enclosed meadow. There are some Landscape Character areas of ancient woodland and former
commons, moist notably at Cock As defined in the Braintree, Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Historically the settlement is Uttlesford landscape character dispersed, comprising isolated assessment, the site is within the manors, farms, moated sites and small Woodham Wooded Farmland hamlets. landscape character area.
The key characteristics of this area are Landscape and Visual Impact as follows. Visual Impact • Sands and gravels over London Clay. If the paddocks are excluded from • Broad wooded east-west ridge development, there would likely be a descending from Danbury. moderately adverse impact on two • Distinctive small, rounded hills properties within the site. If the visible where ridge has eroded in paddocks are developed, the impact the south-east. on these properties is likely to be • Open landscape of arable moderately to highly adverse. farmland framed by woodland and hedgerows on the lower ground. There is likely to be a moderately to • Enclosed to semi-enclosed highly adverse impact on Limebrook commons, small irregular fields Farm, which would have direct views and pasture on the wooded ridge. of development but already has prominent views of Spital Road. Historic Landscape Character Views of development from Brookhead Farmhouse are likely to be more The site lies within a zone(HECZ 9.1) oblique and will suffer a moderately to which has the following historical to highly adverse impact. landscape character: The footpath lying on higher gound to Much of the field system is similar to the north of Spital Road provides long that of the Dengie Peninsula, views across the attractive landscape comprising a distinctive co-axial and ridge to the south. Development to rectilinear field pattern, although it the west would have a major adverse becomes increasingly less regular in impact on these views. the northern and western parts of the There would be a major adverse zone. impact for users of the southern footpath closest to the site. However, This field-type is of considerable this does not appear to be well used. antiquity, and may have its origins in
35 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
The views of development from part of Mitigation the more distant footpath to the south would be screend by the slightly It would not be possible to adequately convex landform inbetween. Existing mitigate the landscape and visual views of the supermarket in this area impacts on this site. also serve to reduce the sensitivity this receptor. Elsewhere on the footpath, these factors do not apply and the visual impact would be greater. Overall, there would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on users of this footpath.
Despite screeening, there would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the unofficial path on the railway embankment.
The users of Spital Road would lose a glimpsed view across the landscape to the south, which is likely to cause a slightly adverse impact. There would be an insignificantly adverse impact for users of Limebrook Way.
Summary of Visual Impact
If the paddocks are developed, there is likely to be a highly to moderately adverse impact on four properties. If the paddocks are not developed, the impact on two of these properties would be moderately adverse.
There would be a major adverse impact on users of two footpaths, although one does not appear to be well used, and a highly to moderately adverse impact on one footpath.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of one road and an insignificantly adverse impact on users of another.
Landscape Impact
The overall landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse. The land to the south of this area has the same landscape sensitivity and development extending to the south would have a highly adverse landscape impact.
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Maldon: M11 fairly attractive, enhanced by gentle undulations and woodland in the distance. This landscape forms part of the setting of the town although the field in itself does not have a great landscape value.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site consists of a strip of land that occupies the northern part of a large arable field. It is bounded on the north The views of most properties north of by Limebrook Way and on the east by Limebrook Way are screened by Fambridge Road, both of which are vegetation to the north and south of busy roads. To the west, it is bounded the road. However, some properties by a tree-belt on the large have filtered first floor views of the site embankment of an old railway. in winter.
Landscape Sensitivity A footpath runs along the west edge of the site, past oak trees and the tree- The site has a medium landscape belt on the old railway embankment. sensitivity.
Topography
The land is generally flat. Beyond the site boundary to the south-east, the field falls gently southwards.
Views
The site is partly screened from Fambridge Road by a low hedgerow, although views from there are not particularly interesting. Designations
For most of the northern boundary, a A public footpath runs along the west tall, thick shrub belt screens views of edge of the site. the site from Limebrook Way. However, the eastern 200 metres are Landscape Character open to the road. To the west, the shrub belt is replaced by a thin sliver As defined in the Braintree, of a field beside the road with a thin Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and hedge on its south side. Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Views southwards across the site are Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh
37 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design landscape character area. woodland and former commons, moist The key characteristics of this area are notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey as follows. Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated • Gently rolling marsh hinterland manors, farms, moated sites and small crossed by intricate creeks merges hamlets. with the flat marshland on the Landscape and Visual Impact southern shore of the Blackwater Estuary. Visual Impact • Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field The views from Mundon Road to the pattern. west are of a particularly high quality. • Lack of tree cover and settlement Therefore, there would be a fairly pattern with scattered large farms. highly adverse impact on these views • Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows even though the site is some distance or random copses, mainly near away. farmsteads. • Sense of emptiness and The presence of vegetation between openness, mitigated by views to the site and Mundon Road would higher ground at Maldon, to the reduce the impact upon some steep slopes to the south-east, and properties. Of these properties, there from views out over the estuary to would be a highly adverse impact on the wooded ridges in the north- approximately twenty-five, a east. moderately adverse impact on seventeen and a slightly adverse Historic Landscape Character impact on twenty-two.
The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) Approximately twenty properties to the which has the following historical north of Limebrook way have filtered landscape character: first floor views of the site in winter. There would be a highly adverse Much of the field system is similar to impact on one of these properties, a that of the Dengie Peninsula, moderately adverse impact on three, a comprising a distinctive co-axial slightly adverse impact on atleast ten, rectilinear field pattern, although it a slightly adverse impact on two and becomes increasingly less regular in an insignificantly adverse impact on the northern and western parts of the four. zone. This field-type is of considerable There would be a moderately adverse antiquity, and may have its origins in impact on users of Mundon Road. the mid-late Saxon period, if not There would be a slightly to before. In the northern part of the area moderately adverse impact on users of the fieldscape largely comprises pre- Limebrook Way and an insignificantly 18th century fields (these are probably adverse impact on users of Fambridge of medieval origin and some maybe Road. even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable There would be a highly adverse degree of co-axiality in their layout, impact on users of the footpath by the usually relating directly to the site’s west edge. However, there is immediate topography. The river only likely to be a slightly adverse valleys are marked by an irregular field impact on users of other footpaths pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. further to the south, who would see the development against the backdrop of There are some areas of ancient existing development.
38 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Summary of Visual Impact
There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on twenty-six properties, a moderately adverse impact on twenty properties, a slightly adverse impact on thirty-four properties and an insignificantly adverse impact on four properties.
There would be a moderately adverse impact on the users of one road, a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of one road and an insignificantly adverse impact on users of one road. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on the users of another footpath.
The land to the south of this area has the same landscape sensitivity and development extending to the south would have a highly adverse visual impact.
Landscape Impact
The most significant landscape impacts are likely to be on the landscape seen from the eastern 200 metres of Limebrook Way as this contributes to the setting of the town. Otherwise the existing site is fairly unremarkable.
The landscape impact is likely to be moderately adverse.
Mitigation
While planting could mitigate some of the visual impacts, development here would be very intrusive in views from the south and would require substantial planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.
39 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M12 Views
The site has busy roads on its north and west edges and is open to Limebrook Way at the north. The site is also quite open to fairly long views from the south.
Properties to the north of Limebrook Way generally have first floor views and filtered ground floor views through a thin hedge. However, towards the east end, the screen becomes thicker and taller. Generally, the screen should grow enough to screen views in summer but not to prevent filtered Site Description winter views.
Context and Land Use Views of the site from the stretch of Fambridge Road on its western The site consists of the northern parts boundary are screened by a low of two arable fields. hedge.
The west field does not have high Designations landscape quality. The east field has a rather higher quality, enhanced by a None. small copse in a corner. Landscape Character Landscape Sensitivity As defined in the Braintree, The site has a medium landscape Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and sensitivity. Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Topography Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. Generally, these fields have a slight, convex, south-facing slope although, The key characteristics of this area are within the site, most of the west field is as follows. flat. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland crossed by intricate creeks merges with the flat marshland on the southern shore of the Blackwater Estuary. • Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field pattern. • Lack of tree cover and settlement pattern with scattered large farms. • Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows or random copses, mainly near farmsteads. • Sense of emptiness and openness, mitigated by views to
40 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
higher ground at Maldon, to the suffer a slightly to moderately adverse steep slopes to the south-east, and impact. from views out over the estuary to the wooded ridges in the north- There would likely be a highly adverse east. impact on users of Mundon Road. There would be a slightly adverse Historic Landscape Character impact on users of Fambridge Road, mostly on those some distance to the The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) south. which has the following historical landscape character: There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of Limebrook Way as Mundon Marsh and Creek originally this is a less sensitve receptor. extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that Summary of Visual Impact of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field There would be a highly adverse pattern, although it becomes impact on thirty-seven properties, a somewhat less regular in the northern moderately adverse impact on twenty- and western parts of the zone. nine and a slightly adverse impact on approximately ten. It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon There would be a highly adverse period, if not before. The historic impact on the users of one road and a settlement pattern comprises a slightly adverse impact on the users of church/hall complex and dispersed two roads. farmsteads.
Landscape Impact Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact The impact is likely to be moderately adverse. If this area extended further There would be a fairly highly adverse south this would create a greater impact on views from near Mundon landscape impact, assessed as highly Road, to the east, which are currently adverse. of a particularly high quality. The effect for some properties on Mundon Road Mitigation would be less due to existing vegetation. Of these properties, there While planting could mitigate some of would be a highly adverse impact on the visual impacts, development here approximately thirty, a moderately would be very intrusive in views from adverse impact on twenty-seven and a the south and would require slightly adverse impact on seven. In substantial planting to screen the long term, these impacts could be development and create a green edge mitigated to some extent but not to the town. completely.
There would be a highly adverse impact on about seven or eight of the properties to the north of Limebrook Way, which would lose attractive, long views across the site. However, for perhaps half of these, the impact would be reduced in time as existing vegetation matures. Another four or five properties further east would
41 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M13 views in winter.
The site is open to Mundon Road and the long row of properties along it, which detracts to an extent from its landscape quality to the east. There are long attractive views to a distant ridge and line of vegetation by the stream from the busy Mundon Road and the ground and first floors of properties along it.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site consists of parts of three arable fields. Limebrook Way lies along its northern boundary. The site contributes to the attractive nature of the town’s landscape setting.
Landscape Sensitivity
Designations The site has a high landscape sensitivity. None.
Topography Landscape Character
The site is reasonably flat. As defined in the Braintree,
Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Vegetation Uttlesford landscape character
assessment, the site is within the A hawthorn hedge runs along most of Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh the northern boundary with some landscape character area. vegetation along the eastern edge.
There is a band of vegetation that The key characteristics of this area are follows the winding stream between as follows. two of the fields.
• Gently rolling marsh hinterland Views crossed by intricate creeks merges
with the flat marshland on the There are glimpses into the site from southern shore of the Blackwater the eastern part of Limebrook Way Estuary. through a hedge. The western part of the site is open to Limebrook Way. • Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field Existing vegetation largely screens the pattern. site from properties to the north of • Lack of tree cover and settlement Limebrook Way. Four of these pattern with scattered large farms. properties have direct first floor views • Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows although two are set back some or random copses, mainly near distance. Four or five have filtered farmsteads. views and six or seven have filtered • Sense of emptiness and
42 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
openness, mitigated by views to Summary of Visual Impact higher ground at Maldon, to the steep slopes to the south-east, and There would be a major adverse from views out over the estuary to impact on approximately thirty-four the wooded ridges in the north- properties, a highly adverse impact on east. twenty to twenty-two and a moderately adverse impact on twenty-one. Historic Landscape Character There would be a highly adverse The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) impact on the users of one road and a which has the following historical slightly adverse impact on the users of landscape character: another.
Mundon Marsh and Creek originally Landscape Impact extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that Considered in isolation from its of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a surroundings, the site does not have a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field particularly high sensitivity. However, it pattern, although it becomes is an important part of the high quality somewhat less regular in the northern landscape visible from near Mundon and western parts of the zone. It is of Road. Therefore, the landscape considerable antiquity, and may have impact is likely to be highly adverse. its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, If this area extended further south the if not before. The historic settlement landscape impact would be greater, pattern comprises a church/hall and assessed at major adverse. complex and dispersed farmsteads. Mitigation
Landscape and Visual Impact While planting could mitigate some of
the visual impacts, development here Visual Impact would be very intrusive in views from
the south and would require Although the properties along Mundon substantial planting to screen Road overlook the highway, they development and create a green edge would be affected to varying degrees to the town. by development. There would be a major adverse impact on thirty-four properties, a highly adverse impact on sixteen to eighteen with oblique views and a moderately adverse impact on ten.
The impact on users of Maldon Road would be highly adverse as existing views are of high quality and the road, despite being fairly busy, is unclassified. There would only be a slightly adverse impact on users of Limebrook Way.
There would be a highly adverse impact on four properties north of Limebrook Way and a moderately adverse impact on approximately eleven.
43 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M14 Views
Properties to the north of the main road generally have first floor views of the field.
To the east is an area of sports pitches.
Designations
The site is within the Coastal Protection Belt. A public footpath runs along the site’s east boundary.
Landscape Character
Site Description As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Context and Land Use Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area.
The key characteristics of this area are as follows.
• Gently rolling marsh hinterland crossed by intricate creeks merges with the flat marshland on the southern shore of the Blackwater Estuary. • Predominantly open, arable fields
with a regular, rectilinear field The site consists of one arable field. pattern. The field is bounded on the north by • Lack of tree cover and settlement Park Drive and by Mundon Road to pattern with scattered large farms. the west. • Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows
or random copses, mainly near Topography farmsteads.
The site has a slight north facing • Sense of emptiness and slope. openness, mitigated by views to higher ground at Maldon, to the Landscape Sensitivity steep slopes to the south-east, and from views out over the estuary to The site has a low to medium the wooded ridges in the north- landscape sensitivity. east.
Vegetation Historic Landscape Character
There is a thin hedge several metres The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) high along the field’s northern edge which has the following historical and a larger, thicker hedge along its landscape character: southern edge.
44 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Mundon Marsh and Creek originally highly adverse impact on twelve extended as far inland as Mundon properties. Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a There would be a moderately impact distinctive co-axial rectilinear field on two properties and the users of a pattern, although it becomes footpath. somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of There would be a slightly adverse considerable antiquity, and may have impact on approximately ten other its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, properties. if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall Landscape Impact complex and dispersed farmsteads. Despite being in the Coastal
Protection Belt, development here Landscape and Visual Impact should not impact much on the coastal
landscape. The overall landscape Visual Impact impact is likely to be slightly adverse.
There are fifteen properties to the Mitigation north with direct first floor views onto the site over Park Drive and, in many Visual and landscape impacts could cases, from beyond a belt of shrubs. be mitigated through planting. For several of these properties, there is likely to be a highly adverse impact, and a fairly highly adverse impact for others. There would also be a moderately adverse impact on two properties with oblique views.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on a farm house to the south- east but a fairly highly adverse impact on a property with views over a hedge to the edge of the development from the south.
Properties to the south-west would have oblique first floor views of the development over a large hedge, which would result in a slightly adverse impact.
There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the footpath along the east boundary and along its approach to the site from the south.
The impact on road users would be insignificantly adverse.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a highly adverse impact on four properties and a fairly
45 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Maldon: M15 coast and is connected to the coastal landscape.
A footpath runs north-south between the fields with a hedge alongside. Two properties by the south edge of the site look into it.
Designations
The site is in the Coastal Protection Belt. A public footpath crosses the site and another runs beside the south boundary.
Site Description Landscape Character
Context and Land Use As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and The site consists of two arable fields. Uttlesford landscape character At the north-east, the site also includes assessment, the site is within the a small area of pasture on an old Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landfill site, which has value as landscape character area. landscape. The key characteristics of this area are as follows.
• Gently rolling marsh hinterland crossed by intricate creeks merges with the flat marshland on the southern shore of the Blackwater Estuary. • Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field pattern. • Lack of tree cover and settlement
pattern with scattered large farms. Landscape Sensitivity • Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows or random copses, mainly near The site has a high landscape farmsteads. sensitivity. • Sense of emptiness and openness, mitigated by views to Topography higher ground at Maldon, to the steep slopes to the south-east, and The site has a gently sloping, south- from views out over the estuary to facing aspect. the wooded ridges in the north- east. Views Historic Landscape Character The site is open to views from a wide area to the south. The west field is The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) overlooked from the first floors of which has the following historical properties along its west boundary. landscape character: The east field has views towards the
46 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Mundon Marsh and Creek originally Summary of Visual Impact extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that There would be a major adverse of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a impact on two properties, a highly distinctive co-axial rectilinear field adverse impact on over twenty and a pattern, although it becomes moderately adverse impact on two somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of There would be a highly adverse considerable antiquity, and may have impact on three footpaths and a its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, slightly adverse impact on users of a if not before. The historic settlement road. pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads. Landscape Impact
The site lies within the Coastal Landscape and Visual Impact Protection Belt and is part of the
broader coastal landscape. Visual Impact Development of the site would
therefore impact upon this wider There would be a highly adverse landscape. impact on over twenty properties by the site’s west edge near Mundon The development would also affect the Road. These have first floor and, in setting of the historic site of the battle some cases, filtered ground floor of Maldon. views of the site.
There is likely to be a highly adverse There is likely to be a major adverse landscape impact. impact on the two properties that overlook the site from its south edge; a Mitigation farm house and another property with attractive views. Landscape and visual impacts could
not be mitigated adequately on this The development would be visible site. over a wide area to the south and is likely to have a highly adverse impact on three footpaths to the south and south-east. These include the coastal path.
There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on approximately two properties some distance to the south as it would affect the character of their surroundings.
Landform in the small area, which was previously landfill, could potentially succeed in obscuring any development as seen from viewpoints to the south-east. However, this is uncertain.
There is likely to be a slightly adverse impact on users of Mundon Road to the south.
47 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
3.2 Southminster
48 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design Figure 3.3 Southminster study areas
49 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design Figure 3.4 Southminster environmental designations
50 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Southminster: S1 Vegetation
To the east of the site is Seasons Wood, which is publicly accessible. Shrub belts have been planted to the c d south and west sides of Southfield Way. b Views
At least six properties by the B1018 have more or less direct first floor a views of the site. One property has a clear ground floor view and others have filtered or oblique ground floor views.
Site Description A terrace of houses to the north-east
have oblique first floor views of the This site consists of four separated site, some of which are filtered in parts and the site has therefore been winter and screened in summer by subdivided into S1A, S1B, S1C and elm. There are more direct views from S1D. the end of the terrace, mainly from the
first floors. S1A
A small number of properties to the east of Season’s Wood have filtered first floor views of the site.
Running parallel to the site’s eastern boundary is a woodland footpath, which has filtered winter views of the site through a hedge. To the north of the wood is a small public open space with a view of the site.
There are views of the field from higher land to the more distant north, Context and Land Use which includes first floor views from a few properties. Vegetation and The site consists of an arable field with landform screen views to the site from a drainage pond in the north-west the south and west. corner. It is bounded by Southfield Way on the south and west and by the S1B B1018 at the north. Context and Land Use Landscape Sensitivity This site consists of a rectangular The site has a medium landscape arable field to the north of the B1018, sensitivity. which is bounded by Steeple Road to the east. Topography Landscape Sensitivity The site slopes up from the north to the south. The site has a medium landscape
51 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design sensitivity. other structures cluttered within the grounds of a residential property. Its landscape sensitivity is reduced by existing development on two sides and Landscape Sensitivity a large building to the south-west. The site has a low landscape Topography sensitivity.
The land has a slight south-facing Topography slope. It is relatively low-lying compared to land in the north and The area is relatively flat. south, which slopes more steeply. Vegetation
Vegetation includes a row of lombardy poplars and irregular hedging.
There is a large hedge on the boundary to the north of the paddocks and trees and hedging on the boundary to the north of the sheds.
Vegetation
There is a hedge along Steeple Road
Views
The site is screened from the ground floors of properties along Steeple Road by a hedge but overlooked from the first floors. Views
Views of the site are enhanced, where The area is overlooked from a number the higher land beyond the site to the of properties on the south and west north is visible. It is more visible from boundaries. the ground and first floors of four properties by the B1018. Two S1D properties at the south of Steeple Road have oblique first floor views of Context and Land Use this higher land and one has a filtered winter ground floor view. This small area appears to be an old sewage treatment site planted largely S1C with native trees and shrubs. It is open to the public. Context and Land Use The area is likely to increase in This relatively small area consists of a amenity value as the planting matures. number of horse paddocks. To the It is likely to become a valuable public east are a yard used for exercising green space for this part of horses, a number of large sheds and Southminster.
52 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Landscape Character
As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area.
The key characteristics of this area are as follows.
Landscape Sensitivity • Gently undulating arable farmland behind the coastal marshland, The site has a medium to high locally quite steep. landscape sensitivity. • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy loamy soils where sand and gravel Topography deposits overlie clay. • Distinctive long hedgerow The site is relatively flat. boundaries running on parallel axes are a common feature, Vegetation though to be the result of ancient planned enclosure. The planting is approximately five to • Dutch elm disease has made elm ten years old. Oak and hornbeam are loss noticeable in hedgerows. scattered through the site. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. Views • Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel Approximately six properties by the formations on a ridge between south boundary have direct views into Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere the site. There are oblique first floor settlement on slopes in clay areas. views into the site from a number of houses on two roads to the south-west Historic Landscape Character and a first floor view from a property to the west. The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) with the following historical landscape All these views are likely to be character: screened in two to three years if the existing vegetation is retained and There is a ridge of slightly higher allowed to mature. There are few ground running down the centre of the views of the site from the north, largely zone, drained by a few small streams. due to a small ridge. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Designations Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- axial rectilinear field pattern (known as S1A and part of S1B are subject to the Dengie-form after this area). These policy on development affecting are of considerable antiquity, and may airports. have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field There is a footpath adjoining site S1A boundaries were historically bordered along the east boundary. by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered
53 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design along the roads along the top of the properties and a moderately adverse ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and impact on ten properties. Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the There would be a highly adverse Crouch and Blackwater estuaries impact on one footpath, a moderately respectively. Historically the adverse impact on a public space and settlement pattern was highly a slightly adverse impact on two roads. dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. S1B
There would be a major adverse Landscape and Visual Impact impact on four properties by the
B1018, particularly if site S1A was Visual Impact also developed. There is likely to be a
highly to major adverse impact for S1A fourteen properties by Steeple Road.
There would be a major adverse Development would constitute a major impact on two properties beside the element in the views from the garden B1018 and a high impact on four and first floor of a property to the others, which would lose their views north. Although there are existing onto the field. There would be a features which detract from the views, slightly adverse impact for users of there would be a highly adverse Southfield Way and the B1018. impact.
There would be a moderately adverse There would only be a slightly to impact on users of the public space to moderately adverse impact for the the north of Season’s Wood and six neighbouring property of Squeaks properties in the adjacent terrace. House. Other than this, there would be These properties would appear to be minimal visual impact on other more enclosed by development if the receptors to the north and west. site is built on.
S1C There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on one or two There would likely be an at least properties to the east of Season’s moderately adverse impact on several Wood, which would lose views of properties by the south boundary and countryside beyond the wood. five properties by the west boundary.
The impact for visual receptors on If site S1B is also developed, there higher land to the north is likely to be would be a cumulative impact on slightly adverse in most cases as the properties to the west. setting is already affected by development. However, there is likely S1D to be a moderately adverse impact on two properties. There would be an adverse impact on
nearby properties if all the existing Development would have a highly planting, including that which would adverse impact on users of a footpath otherwise screen the area, was that runs east-west to the south of removed. Southfield Way.
There would be a major adverse In summary, there would be a major impact for five or six properties, a adverse impact on two properties, a highly adverse impact for one property highly adverse impact on four and a moderately to highly adverse
54 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design impact for a number of other be partially mitigated by retaining properties. However, if enough of this existing vegetation and additional planting remained to screen new planting. development, there would be an insignificantly adverse impact.
Landscape Impact
S1A
Other than as an undeveloped setting for Season’s Wood and the village, the site does not have a high landscape quality.
There is likely to be a slightly adverse landscape impact.
S1B
There is likely to be a moderately adverse landscape impact.
S1C
There is likely to be a slightly adverse landscape impact.
S1D
There is likely to be a moderately adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
S1A
Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated by planting.
S1B
The site would need considerable planting to mitigate the visual and landscape impacts
S1C
Landscape and visual impacts could be mitigated through planting.
S1D
Landscape and visual impacts could
55 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Southminster: S2 Views
Properties on the edge of Southminster have views over the dip, which contains a vegetated stream, and to the undulating landscape beyond. Those by the south edge of the east field have views from the first floor and ground floor. Those by the west field have fairly open views from the ground floor.
Some properties to the south-east have oblique or filtered views across the site to the countryside beyond. Site Description The slope of the east field means it is Context and Land Use overlooked from the north, from Foxhall Road and the bridleway The site occupies the larger parts of passing through Sheepcotes Farm two arable fields, which lie adjacent to particularly. the north edge of Southminster.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity.
Topogaphy
The larger field slopes down to the stream on the site’s northern boundary. The west field slopes in a similar way in its south-east corner but is generally flatter and lower. The landform of the west field means it
is overlooked less from the north apart Vegetation from views from a short length of
footpath to the north-west. Alongside the eastern part of the stream is a particularly gappy line of There are views of the site from three vegetation. Scattered trees and shrubs properties to the north although these are found along the rest of the stream. are either distant, partial or oblique.
Designations
A public footpath crosses the site.
Landscape Character
As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal
56 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Farmland landscape character area. moated sites. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. Landscape and Visual Impact
• Gently undulating arable farmland Visual Impact behind the coastal marshland, locally quite steep. There would be a major adverse • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy impact on fifteen to twenty properties loamy soils where sand and gravel to the south of the west field. There deposits overlie clay. would also likely be a major adverse • Distinctive long hedgerow impact for a similar number of boundaries running on parallel properties on the south side of the axes are a common feature, east field. The landform would though to be the result of ancient increase the impact on receptors to planned enclosure. the north and prevent any mitigation • Dutch elm disease has made elm by screening. loss noticeable in hedgerows. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect There is likely to be a moderately ancient field pattern. adverse impact for a few properties to • Settlement pattern reflects the south-east of the site and a slightly underlying soils - sand and gravel to moderately adverse impact for three formations on a ridge between properties to the north. Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas. The impact for users of the bridleway passing through Sheepcotes Farm Historic Landscape Character would be major adverse.
The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) There would be a highly adverse with the following historical landscape impact for users of a length of footpath character: to the north-west of the site. There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the The impact for users of Foxhall Road zone, drained by a few small streams. would be highly adverse. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Summary of Visual Impact Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- axial rectilinear field pattern (known as There would be a major adverse Dengie-form after this area). These impact for approximately thirty to forty are of considerable antiquity, and may properties, a moderately adverse have their origins in the middle Saxon impact for three and a slightly to period, if not before. The field moderately adverse impact for three. boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm There would be a highly adverse standards were lost in the 1970s impact on the users of a road, a major because of Dutch Elm Disease. The adverse impact for the users of one historic settlement is largely scattered footpath and a highly adverse impact along the roads along the top of the on the users of another footpath. ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Landscape Impact Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries Development of the site would have respectively. Historically the quite a highly adverse landscape settlement pattern was highly impact on the area to the north of the dispersed with isolated farms and site.
57 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
There would be a highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts.
58 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Southminster: S3 Vegetation
There is a stream with a line of vegetation along the lower edge of the field. Woodland and other vegetation to the north-east of the site add to the quality of the valley’s landscape.
Views
There are clear views of the site from the far side of the valley. This includes views from Foxhall Road, which lies high on this side of the valley. However, there no views of the site Site Description from footpaths to the north of Foxhall Road. Context and Land Use There are views to the site from The site occupies the greater and Sheepcotes Lane bridleway, where it higher part of a large arable field. The lies to the north side of the valley and field forms one side of a length of south of Sheepcotes Farm. There are valley. There is a distant industrial also attractive views of the site from plant to the north-east. part of Sheepcotes Lane along the site’s west boundary.
There are approximately two distant properties to the north with ground floor views.
There are very attractive long views across the valley and of vegetation on field edges from the first and ground floors of several properties along the south boundary.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a high landscape sensitivity.
Existing houses on some of the site edges slightly reduce the site’s landscape sensitivity.
Topography
The land slopes down towards the The site and valley are quite open to north and is quite convex near the views from a length of Tillingham Road higher end. to the east. Houses on this road have fairly open first and ground floor views to the upper end of the field and, to a lesser extent, of the valley.
59 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
The site is overlooked by a garden to within the Dengie Peninsula upon a the south-west and from the first floor plateau, rather than hill, with of a distant property to the east. commanding views south down to the Asheldham Brook allowing the fort to Designations be seen from a considerable distance. There is evidence for a buried creek The site is in the Coastal Protection system that would have provided Belt. A public bridleway runs along its navigational waters from the Crouch west edge. estuary to the site at Asheldham (See HECZ 10.3). Asheldham brook flows Landscape Character west east across the zone splitting it into two low ridges sloping down to the As defined in the Braintree, marshes in the east. Much of the field Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and system is similar to that of the Dengie Uttlesford landscape character Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co- assessment, the site is within the axial rectilinear field pattern. This Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal field-type is of considerable antiquity, Farmland landscape character area. and may have its origins in the mid- late Saxon period, if not before. The The key characteristics of this area are medieval settlement was dispersed as follows. with isolated farms, manorial complexes and the historic settlement • Gently undulating arable farmland of Asheldham. A largely rural economy behind the coastal marshland, has existed to modern times however locally quite steep. recent mineral extraction has occurred • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy over a relatively large proportion of the loamy soils where sand and gravel zone. deposits overlie clay. • Distinctive long hedgerow An assessment of the Historic boundaries running on parallel Environment of Southminster has axes are a common feature, been undertaken which includes though to be the result of ancient detailed information on the historic planned enclosure. settlement, buildings and landscape of • Dutch elm disease has made elm the parish which covers part of this loss noticeable in hedgerows. zone. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. Landscape and Visual Impact • Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel Visual Impact formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere Eight properties to the south of the site settlement on slopes in clay areas. would lose particularly attractive views and suffer a major adverse impact. Historic Landscape Character There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on fourteen properties by The site lies within a zone (HECZ Tillingham Road. 10.4) which has the following historical landscape character: The nature of the landform makes the site conspicuous to views from the There is evidence for pastoral north. There is likely to be a highly cultivation dating back to before the adverse impact on two distant construction of the Iron Age hillfort and properties to the north with ground finds of Neolithic pottery may indicate floor views and a slightly adverse settlement. The fort is located centrally impact on a property some distance to the east of the site.
60 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
There would be a highly adverse impact on users of Foxhall Road and Sheepcotes Lane. Users of Sheepcotes Lane bridleway on the north side of the valley and south of the farm would suffer a major adverse impact.
Tillingham Road is a less sensitive receptor so the impact on users would be moderately adverse.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a major adverse impact on eight properties, a highly adverse impact on sixteen properties and a slightly adverse impact on one property.
There would be a major adverse impact on users of one footpath, a highly adverse impact on users of two roads and a moderately adverse impact on users of another road.
Landscape Impact
There would be a highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts.
61 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Southminster: S4 Nearby, to the east of the site, is the property of Newmoor, which contains cedars, pines and wellingtonia trees within its attractively landscaped grounds
There is a line of oaks by a footpath, including some ancient specimens and others which have been more recently planted as replacements. These trees enhance the adjacent landscape quality in the same way as the trees in the grounds Newmoor.
Views
Part of the northern field contributes to views of the adjacent valley and is visible from some properties to the east. It is also open to Tillingham Road at the northern edge.
A number of properties along the east Site Description side of Tillingham Road look out from first and ground floors across the Context and Land Use central field and beyond to the coastal landscape. Other properties along the The site comprises a belt of land west side of the road have similar spread over parts of three arable views from first floor windows. fields. Adjacent land has some industrial use.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium landscape sensitivity.
Topography
The site is fairly flat.
Vegetation
The northern two fields are crossed diagonally by a footpath while another runs east to west between the two southern fields and the eastern boundary of the southern field.
A number of properties by the west side of the southern-most field have more open views across it to the distant coastal landscape. At least six have direct first floor views while one
62 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design has direct ground and first floor views 10.4) which has the following historical and ten have oblique views. The landscape character: hedge between the south field and along the east side of the footpath is There is evidence for pastoral very gappy hawthorn and elm. cultivation dating back to before the construction of the Iron Age hillfort and No properties are visible to the east of finds of Neolithic pottery may indicate the south field. settlement. The fort is located centrally within the Dengie Peninsula upon a Designations plateau, rather than hill, with commanding views south down to the The northern field is part of a Asheldham Brook allowing the fort to Scheduled Monument of high be seen from a considerable distance. archaeological importance with There is evidence for a buried creek prehistoric and Roman cropmarks. system that would have provided Two public footpaths cross the site. navigational waters from the Crouch estuary to the site at Asheldham (See Landscape Character HECZ 10.3). Asheldham brook flows west east across the zone splitting it As defined in the Braintree, into two low ridges sloping down to the Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and marshes in the east. Much of the field Uttlesford landscape character system is similar to that of the Dengie assessment, the site is within the Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co- Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal axial rectilinear field pattern. This Farmland landscape character area. field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid- The key characteristics of this area are late Saxon period, if not before. The as follows. medieval settlement was dispersed with isolated farms, manorial • Gently undulating arable farmland complexes and the historic settlement behind the coastal marshland, of Asheldham. A largely rural economy locally quite steep. has existed to modern times however • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy recent mineral extraction has occurred loamy soils where sand and gravel over a relatively large proportion of the deposits overlie clay. zone. • Distinctive long hedgerow boundaries running on parallel An assessment of the Historic axes are a common feature, Environment of Southminster has though to be the result of ancient been undertaken which includes planned enclosure. detailed information on the historic • Dutch elm disease has made elm settlement, buildings and landscape of loss noticeable in hedgerows. the parish which covers part of this • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect zone. ancient field pattern. • Settlement pattern reflects Landscape and Visual Impact underlying soils - sand and gravel formations on a ridge between Visual Impact Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas. Development in the northern field would constitute a significant extension of Southminster into the Historic Landscape Character countryside, which would affect the setting of the valley to the north-west. The site lies within a zone (HECZ It is likely to have a fairly highly adverse impact on users of Tillingham
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Road and two properties to the east. Landscape Impact There would also be a slightly adverse impact for Newmoor. The site has a number of features which distinguish and enhance it. There would likely be a moderately adverse impact for users of the There is likely to be a fairly highly bridleway by Sheepcotes Farm. There adverse landscape impact. would also be a slightly adverse impact on Sheepcotes Farm and a Mitigation footpath to the north of Foxhall Road. There may be a slightly adverse Landscape and visual impacts could impact on one or two distant properties not be mitigated through planting on to the north. this site.
Development in the middle field would result in a major adverse impact on a five to six properties along the east side of Tillingham Road and a highly adverse impact on a number of properties to the west of Tillingham Road. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on Newmoor, which would have oblique views.
Regarding the south field, there would be an at least highly adverse impact on sixteen properties and a major adverse impact on one property.
There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on the footpath that crosses the site diagonally and a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath running beside the oak trees.
There would be no impact on distant views of Southminster from the east.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a major adverse impact on six to seven properties, a highly adverse impact on apprioximately twenty-two properties, a slightly adverse impact on four properties
There would be a highly adverse impact on one footpath, a moderately adverse impact on two rights of way, a slightly adverse impact on one footpath and a fairly highly adverse impact on the users of one road.
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Southminster: S5 are mainly from first floors but one property has a limited ground floor view. There is a recently planted tree belt to the south of Rose Drive, which will screen views of the site as it grows c d e and matures.
b The views from Rose Drive are of countryside but include some a unattractive features, which detract from its landscape sensitivity.
Views of the site from most cars on Site Description Burnham Road to the west are screened by a hedge, other than the This site consists of five seperated northern-most thirty metres. parts of different character. It has therefore been subdivided into S5A, A property to the south-west has S5B, S5C, S5D and S5E. oblique gronud and first floor views of the site. S5A S5B
Context and Land Use Context and Land Use S5A is the northern part of the flat field to the south of Rose Drive. This area This part of the site is immediately to of field is pasture, which appears to be the north-east and has significant unmanaged. To the south-east is a landscape and wildlife value. It is lake fringed by attractive vegetation, a occupied by part of a lake and its possible result of mineral extraction in margins, which is fished by a private the area. club. A footbridge crosses the lake.
Landscape Sensitivity The area to the south retains some of the character of its previous use for The site has a low to medium mineral extraction. landscape sensitivity. Landscape Sensitivity Views The site has a fairly high landscape A few properties by Rose Drive have sensitivity. views onto the site, some of which include long views of features beyond the lakeside vegetation. These views
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Vegetation Approximately nine properties to the west have views of the site. One There are reed-beds and birch property has direct first and ground woodland on the site. floor views, which include views of containers on the opposite side of the Views site. One has an oblique ground floor view and some have first floor views, Several properties have views onto the which are mainly filtered, distant or lake, mainly from first floors. There is a oblique. steep bank down to the lake from the rear of some Rose Drive properties. The nearby village church is visible from the site. The impact of developing areas beside the lake has been considered. S5D
S5C Context and Land Use
Context and Land Use This area is a sports field and lies immediately to the east of S5C.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity.
Vegetation
There is a line of trees along the east edge and a belt of conifers by the south boundary.
The site consists of a rectangular area of grass, which is flanked by residential properties to the west and by a school to the north.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium landscape sensitivity.
Vegetation
There is a line of trees by the east Views edge including some mature oaks. Along the south edge is a belt of elm The site is overlooked by a number of and ivy. The area is screened at the properties, mainly from first floor northern boundary by a hedgerow. windows, on its north side and by a railway along the east edge. Views Approximately ten of these properties have direct views and two have This is a fairly attractive area and oblique views. enhances the setting of the neighbouring properties. Detracting features include pallisade
66 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design fencing along the south boundary and floors. To the rear, these properties the railway, a signal gantry over the have views towards the coast and/or railway, flood-lit areas to the north- of a manure heap. west of the site, containers used as sheds at the west boundary and a Designations phone mast near the north-east corner. The site has value as public The west end of S5A is within the area green space but does not have a high affected by the policy on development landscape sensitivity. that affects airports.
S5E Landscape Character
Context and Land Use As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and This part of S5 lies to the east of the Uttlesford landscape character railway. It is part of a field with a small assessment, the site is within the area of rough ground at the north. Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The landscape of the field is significantly degraded by the presence The key characteristics of this area are of a number of machines, such as as follows. bulldozers, and materials, which are stored there. To the north are • Gently undulating arable farmland industrial buildings, the railway and behind the coastal marshland, phone mast. Machines stored in the locally quite steep. field appear to access a landfill site to • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy the south. loamy soils where sand and gravel deposits overlie clay. Landscape Sensitivity • Distinctive long hedgerow boundaries running on parallel The site has a low landscape axes are a common feature, sensitivity. though to be the result of ancient planned enclosure. • Dutch elm disease has made elm loss noticeable in hedgerows. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. • Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas.
Landscape and Visual Impact
Vegetation Visual Impact
There is a length of treebelt by the S5A railway. There would be a moderately adverse Views impact for approximately four properties along Rose Drive. One of Seven properties by the east side these would suffer a more highly overlook the site from first and ground adverse impact than the others. There
67 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design would be a slightly adverse impact on view of the small area and detracting the property to the south-west. features, development is likely to have a moderately adverse impact. There would be an insignificantly adverse impact on users of Burnham S5C Road. There would be a moderately adverse S5B landscape impact.
There is likely to be a highly adverse S5D impact on approximately three properties overlooking the lake and on There would be an insignificantly to users of the fishing lake. slightly adverse landscape impact.
S5C However, it is important to note that there is likely to be an impact on the There is likely to be a major adverse amenity value of the site for users of impact for one property and a highly the sports field. adverse impact for approximately eight properties. S5E
S5D. There is likely to be a fairly insignificant landscape impact. There would be a highly to moderately adverse impact for approximately Mitigation twelve properties. The impact for other identified receptors is not likely to be S5A significant. Visual impacts could be mitigated S5E largely through planting.
In view of the condition of the site, the S5B impact for the seven properties at the east is likely to be slightly adverse. If It would be hard to mitigate the the treebelt was removed, there would landscape and visual impacts of likely be a slightly adverse impact on development on this site. one or two properties to the west of the railway and on users of the S5C railway. The landscape and visual impacts Landscape Impact would be mitigated through retaining existing trees and additional planting. S5A S5D There is likely to be an insignificantly adverse landscape impact. Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated through planting. S5B S5E This site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity despite the presence of Landscape and visual impacts could detracting features and its small scale. be mainly mitigated through planting. If this area is included as part of development, it would have a highly adverse impact locally. However, in
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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
3.3 Burnham-on-Crouch
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Figure 3.5 Burnham-on-Crouch study areas
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Figure 3.6 Burnham-on-Crouch environmental designations
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B1 Views
There are a large number of properties to the east and north with views across the site. Some of the views from the ground floor are screened by hedging along the site boundary.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
An area of commercial buildings to the The site is on the south side of Maldon east of the site detracts from the Road. It consists of parts of two arable landscape quality. The landscape fields, a number of properties with beyond the site to the south includes gardens, a wild area and a football woodland and is of greater sensitivity. pitch. Creeksea Lane runs north-south across the site. Trees and shrubs in some of the
properties by Creeksea Lane form an effective screen.
There is a footpath to the south of the east half of the site and an open view onto the site from another footpath nearby to the south-west.
The football pitch is overlooked from the first floors of properties to the north and east of it.
Designations Landscape Sensitivity The site is within a Special Landscape The site has a low to medium Area and the Coastal Protection Belt landscape sensitivity. as well as the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development Topography affecting airports.
The land is relatively flat . The main fields comprising the site have parts which are within a Special Vegetation Landscape Area although these parts are outside the site itself. A public There is a hedge along much of the footpath runs beside the south edge of Maldon Road and there are many much of the site. trees within the wilder area.
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dispersed with isolated farms and Landscape Character moated sites.
As defined in the Braintree, Landscape and Visual Impact Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and
Uttlesford landscape character Visual Impact assessment, the site is within the
Fambridge Drained Estuarine Marsh There would be a fairly major adverse landscape character area. impact on approximately five
properties to the north of Maldon The key characteristics of this area are Road, which would lose long, as follows. attractive ground floor views over the
road and across the site. There would • Low-lying flat, drained marsh be a highly adverse impact on another hinterland north of river Crouch, six properties, which would lose the that becomes gently rolling further same view from first floor windows. inland. • Predominantly open, arable fields There would be a highly adverse with a regular, rectilinear field impact on approximately nine pattern. properties to the north-east by • Steeply rising land above Chandlers, which would lose quite Creeksea and North Fambridge. attractive first floor views. • Extensive grazing marsh. • Sense of isolation and openness There would be a moderately adverse near the sea-wall. impact on a property by Creeksea Lane with a first floor view along Historic Landscape Character Maldon Road.
The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) Development on the west field would with the following historical landscape have a major adverse impact on three character: or four properties on or near its edges. There is a ridge of slightly higher There may also be a highly adverse ground running down the centre of the impact on another property that is only zone, drained by a few small streams. partly screened. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the There would be a slightly adverse Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- impact for users of a railway to the axial rectilinear field pattern (known as south and a slightly to moderately Dengie-form after this area). These adverse impact on users of Ferry are of considerable antiquity, and may Road and Maldon Road. have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field There would be a fairly highly adverse boundaries were historically bordered impact on approximately six by elm hedgerows, but the elm properties, which would lose first floor standards were lost in the 1970s views onto the football pitch. There because of Dutch Elm Disease. The would be a slightly to moderately historic settlement is largely scattered adverse impact on a few properties along the roads along the top of the beyond Springlfield Road with filtered ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and views. Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the There would be a moderately adverse Crouch and Blackwater estuaries impact on users of the two footpaths to respectively. Historically the the south edge of the site. settlement pattern was highly
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Summary of Visual Impact
There would likely be a major adverse impact on nine properties and a highly adverse impact on approximately twenty. There would also be a slightly to moderaterly adverse impact on several properties.
There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of two footpaths and a slightly adverse impact on users of two roads and one railway.
Landscape Impact
The landscape impact would be slightly adverse.
However, the loss of the football pitches would constitute a significant loss of amenity for the community.
Mitigation
Landscape and visual impacts on this site could be partially mitigated through planting.
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B2 Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a high landscape sensitivity.
Vegetation
Much of the area to the south-west is attractive. There are areas containing scattered shrubs and young trees and a stand of oaks on the eastern side adds to the landscape value.
Views Site Description A few properties to the south-west Context and Land Use have first floor views onto part of the site from the south, in which lies a This site consists of a number of areas footpath to Maldon Road. Another with different characters. attractive wild area is overlooked from the ground and first floors of two Several areas to the south-west properties by Green Lane. A third consist of wild vegetation. A large vegetated area is overlooked from the garden lies to the east of these areas first floors of three properties. and south of Green Lane. To the east of the garden is a flat arable field, To the east, the area is enclosed by which extends to the south.. vegetation on its eastern edge and overlooked from the first floors of two properties by Green Lane. It is also overlooked from the south by the first and ground floors of two properties and six with first floor views only.
To the east is a paddock, which slopes down to a stream at the south and is overlooked by a property in the north. It is also glimpsed from the road.
Beyond the site and to the east is a
small arable field, which is overlooked Smaller enclosures lie to the east of from the first floors of several the field and include a landscaped properties to its the north. It has no garden, hard-surfaced yard, reservoir great landscape sensitivity other than and pleasant paddock, which is the absence of development. surrounded by trees. At the far east of the site is a belt To the far east is a nursery, the trees separating the areas of development and poly-tunnels of which are to north and south. This is glimpsed overlooked from the first floors of from the road and overlooked from the properties to the north. There is quite first floor of one property to the north. an attractive area beside Church Road, which lies either side of the The area to the north of Green Way stream and contains a paddock and consists of paddocks at its west, which trees. are open in character with expansive views of the sky. It lies on higher
75 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design ground than the arable land in the • Gently undulating arable farmland north and slopes gently down to a behind the coastal marshland, stream before rising again. Some locally quite steep. railway carriages on the higher ground • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy and, to a lesser extent, the paddocks, loamy soils where sand and gravel detract from the sensitivity of the deposits overlie clay. landscape. A few properties on higher • Distinctive long hedgerow ground beyond Mangapp Chase boundaries running on parallel overlook this area. axes are a common feature, though to be the result of ancient planned enclosure. • Dutch elm disease has made elm loss noticeable in hedgerows. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. • Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas.
Historic Landscape Character An area of some landscape value is to the north-east, which consists of two The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) small paddocks surrounded by trees. It with the following historical landscape is overlooked from the first floors of the character: properties by Mangapp Chase. There are some gardens between these There is a ridge of slightly higher paddocks and Green Lane. ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. An arable field, small copse and The field system is similar to that of paddocks lie to the north east. These the Canewdon area to the south of the have either little inherent landscape Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- value or contain unattractive features axial rectilinear field pattern (known as such as sheds and derelict vehicles. Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may Designations have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field The site is within the area covered by boundaries were historically bordered the Local Plan policy on development by elm hedgerows, but the elm affecting airports. Two public footpaths standards were lost in the 1970s cross the site. because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered Landscape Character along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and As defined in the Braintree, Mayland. North Fambridge and Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Maylandsea are sited close to the Uttlesford landscape character Crouch and Blackwater estuaries assessment, the site is within the respectively. Historically the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal settlement pattern was highly Farmland landscape character area. dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. The key characteristics of this area are as follows.
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Landscape and Visual Impact be a major adverse impact on two properties by Green Lane, a highly Visual Impact adverse impact on six properties and a major impact on a footpath. There would be a highly adverse impact on two properties, which have There would be a moderately adverse first floor views south from Green lane. impact on the footpath running north There would be a slightly to from Green Lane. moderately adverse impact on two properties by Mangapp Chase to the There would be a moderately adverse north-east. impact on the footpath to the north near the ditch. There would be a highly adverse impact on four or five properties, which Summary of Visual Impact have views north of Green Hall Lane. There would be a major adverse There would be a major adverse impact on the property south of Green impact on three properties and, if Hall Lane, which overlooks the areas of wild vegetation at the south- paddock. west are included in development, on another two properties and a footpath. There would be a highly adverse impact on approximately four There would be a highly to major properties at the end of Beauchamps, adverse impact on one property and a which would lose filtered yet attractive highly adverse impact on eighteen first floor views in the winter. There properties. If the areas at the south- would be a moderately adverse impact west are developed, there would be a on a property along Mangapp Chase, highly adverse impact on six which has a filtered winter view. properties.
There would be a moderately to highly There would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on approximately six adverse impact on six properties, a properties to the north of the small moderately adverse impact on one arable field in the south-east. property and a slightly to moderately adverse impact on two properties. If the nursery is included in development, there is likely to be a There would also be a moderately highly adverse impact on adverse impact on users of two approximately three properties to the footpaths and a road. north of it. If the paddock to the south is developed, there will be a highly Landscape Impact adverse impact on the nursery itself. The landscape quality of most of the There would be a major adverse site is not particularly high. However, impact on two properties and a highly there are certain areas which are more adverse impact on six properties, sensitive than others. Part of the site which look north across the site from provides a green space that seperates St Peter’s Fields and from north of development to the south from the Maldon Road. north east.
There would be a moderately adverse If the entire site is developed, there impact on users of Southminster would be a highly adverse landscape Road. impact. However, if only the western half of the area north of Green Lane is If the enclosures to the south-west are developed, there would be a slightly included in development, there would adverse landscape impact.
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Mitigation
It would not be possible to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site with planting.
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B3 Views
The tree belt screens views from properties to the north. Apart from a glimpse, the field is also screened from Church Road by cypress trees.
However, a number of properties do have views across the site from the south. The attractive field to the west is overlooked by the properties to the south, which have first floor views. Site Description
Context and Land Use
Designations
The site is within the area covered by The site is comprised of a number of the Local Plan policy on development areas. A small elongated arable field affecting airports. lies to the east and slopes down to a stream at the north. There are a Landscape Character number of small, cultivated enclosures west of this. The southern part of a As defined in the Braintree, large arable field and an area, which is Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and apparently unfarmed and contains Uttlesford landscape character long grass and young trees, lie to the assessment, the site is within the west. This latter area has some Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal landscape value. Farmland landscape character area.
Landscape Sensitivity The key characteristics of this area are as follows. The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. • Gently undulating arable farmland behind the coastal marshland, Vegetation locally quite steep. • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy A tree-belt is found alongside the loamy soils where sand and gravel stream and there are lines of pollards deposits overlie clay. beyond this. Other vegetation on site • Distinctive long hedgerow includes hedgerow trees, remnants of boundaries running on parallel field boundary vegetation and trees axes are a common feature, and shrubs on neighbouring land though to be the result of ancient behind areas of housing to the south. planned enclosure.
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• Dutch elm disease has made elm impact on two properties looking south loss noticeable in hedgerows. from Green Lane. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. There would be a moderately adverse • Settlement pattern reflects impact on a property with filtered underlying soils - sand and gravel winter views from the south edge of formations on a ridge between the site and a highly to moderately Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere adverse impact on a property with an settlement on slopes in clay areas. attractive view from the north through trees to the edge of the site. Historic Landscape Character There would be a slightly adverse The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) impact on two properties to the north- with the following historical landscape east, St Peter’s School and one character: property beside the school playing field. There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the There would also be a slightly adverse zone, drained by a few small streams. impact users of Green Lane and The field system is similar to that of users of Church Road. the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- Summary of Visual Impact axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These There would be a major adverse are of considerable antiquity, and may impact on two properties, a highly have their origins in the middle Saxon adverse impact on five properties, a period, if not before. The field moderately to highly adverse impact boundaries were historically bordered on one property, a moderately adverse by elm hedgerows, but the elm impact on three properties and a standards were lost in the 1970s slightly adverse impact on three because of Dutch Elm Disease. The properties. historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the There would be a slightly adverse ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and impact on one school and users of two Mayland. North Fambridge and roads. Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries Landscape Impact respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly There is likely to be a slightly to dispersed with isolated farms and moderately adverse landscape impact. moated sites. Mitigation Landscape and Visual Impact Landscape and visual impacts could Visual Impact be largely mitigated through planting.
There would be a major adverse impact on two properties in the south, which overlook the western fields from ground floor windows. Five properties which overlook these fields from the first floors only would suffer a a highly adverse impact.
There would be a moderately adverse
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B4 the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports.
Landscape Character
As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area.
The key characteristics of this area are as follows.
Site Description • Gently undulating arable farmland behind the coastal marshland, The site consists of school sports locally quite steep. pitches, which include an all-weather • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy pitch in the north-east corner. Some loamy soils where sand and gravel small trees and shrubs lie along the deposits overlie clay. north side of the all-weather pitch. A • Distinctive long hedgerow painted metal pallisade fence runs boundaries running on parallel along the Maldon Road boundary. axes are a common feature, though to be the result of ancient planned enclosure. • Dutch elm disease has made elm loss noticeable in hedgerows. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. • Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas.
Historic Landscape Character The site is overlooked by the school, the first floor windows of approximately The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) three properties to the west and a with the following historical landscape number of properties beside and character: beyond Maldon Road. There are also There is a ridge of slightly higher views into the site from Maldon Road. ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. Landscape Sensitivity The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the The site has a low to medium Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- landscape sensitivity. However, the axial rectilinear field pattern (known as site does have high amenity value for Dengie-form after this area). These the school. are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon Designations period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered The site is within the area covered by by elm hedgerows, but the elm
81 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design standards were lost in the 1970s insignificantly to slightly adverse. because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered Mitigation along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and The landscape and visual impacts Mayland. North Fambridge and could be mitigated through planting. Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. However, the site does not exhibit the landscape or historical character described.
Landscape and Visual Impact
Visual Impact
There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the school and there would be a fairly highly adverse impact on the three properties at the west.
Properties to the south of Maldon Road would be affected as follows. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on ten properties with direct views across the road to the site, a slightly adverse impact on five properties with oblique or filtered winter views of the site.
There would be moderately adverse impact on a property to the north of Maldon Road.
The impact on users of the road would be insignificantly adverse.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a highly adverse visual impact on users of the school, a highly adverse impact on thirteen properties, a moderately adverse impact on one and a slightly adverse impact on five.
Landscape Impact
The landscape impact would be
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B5 views are mainly from first floors but several properties also have ground floor views. The pastures are also overlooked from a number of properties on the south side of the valley.
Site Description
Context and Land Use
The site is located on the south-facing slope of a small, shallow valley, which At the west of the site is an arable lies between Stoneyhills development field, which slopes down form to the north and Burnham. properties in the north to the stream. Near the stream is a treebelt and Apart from the arable field at the west, church, which enhance the views from the fields are mainly pasture the northern properties. However, this field as a whole does not have high Landscape Sensitivity landscape sensitivity as certain features detract from its quality. The The site has a high landscape field is fairly open at the west to views sensitivity. from Church Road.
Topography Designations
The fields generally lie on a gently The site is within the area covered by convex slope. the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. A public footpath Vegetation crosses the site.
A winding tree-lined stream runs along Landscape Character the lower edge of the site. As defined in the Braintree, Views Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character There are long attractive views across assessment, the site is within the the site and beyond from a footpath, Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal which crosses it, and a couple of Farmland landscape character area. properties beside it. The key characteristics of this area are Farm buildings lie at the bottom of the as follows. slope and includes a number of unsightly elements, such as sheds and • Gently undulating arable farmland clutter. behind the coastal marshland, locally quite steep. Approximately ten properties in the • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy north overlook the pastures. These
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loamy soils where sand and gravel be a highly adverse impact on six deposits overlie clay. properties, which would lose views • Distinctive long hedgerow across the site from first floors, and a boundaries running on parallel major adverse impact on four, which axes are a common feature, would lose additional views from though to be the result of ancient ground floors. planned enclosure. • Dutch elm disease has made elm There would be a major adverse loss noticeable in hedgerows. impact on two properties along the • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect west side of the footpath, which would ancient field pattern. lose long, attractive views eastwards. • Settlement pattern reflects There would also be a highly adverse underlying soils - sand and gravel impact on two other properties nearby. formations on a ridge between Users of another nearby footpath Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere would lose simliar views and suffer a settlement on slopes in clay areas. major adverse impact.
Historic Landscape Character For properties to the north of the site and west of the footpath, there would The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) be a highly adverse impact on seven, with the following historical landscape which would lose filtered views, and a character: major adverse impact on one, which has an open view across the site. There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the There would be a highly adverse zone, drained by a few small streams. impact on the farmhouse. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the There would be a highly adverse Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- impact on the users of unofficial paths axial rectilinear field pattern (known as alongside the stream, many of which Dengie-form after this area). These appear to be well used. are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon Development would be conspicuous in period, if not before. The field the views of a number of properties on boundaries were historically bordered the south side of the valley along by elm hedgerows, but the elm Marsh Road. There would be a highly standards were lost in the 1970s adverse impact on thirteen of these because of Dutch Elm Disease. The properties with first floor views and a historic settlement is largely scattered major adverse impact on one with along the roads along the top of the ground floor views. ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and The railway is a less sensitive receptor Maylandsea are sited close to the and would suffer a slightly adverse Crouch and Blackwater estuaries impact. respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly Summary of Visual Impact dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. There would be a major adverse impact on eight properties, a highly Landscape and Visual Impact adverse impact on twenty-nine Visual Impact properties, a major adverse impact on users of one footpath and a slightly For properties to the north of the site adverse impact on users of a railway. and east of the footpath, there would
84 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design
Landscape Impact
There would be a highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting.
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B6 Views
There are views from properties and Marsh Road to the south across the site and beyond to the far slope of the valley. Views of the farmhouse sheds and clutter are partly screened from the south.
An unofficial footpath, which runs along the stream, has views into the site. These views are degraded by the Site Description presence of Marsh Road and properties alongside it. Context and Land Use
The site consists of three fields, which lie between the Stoneyhills development to the north and Burnham.
A winding stream lined by trees enhances the landscape. However, to the north, the sheds and clutter near the farmhouse detract slightly from the landscape quality.
The western field is small and arable. Approximately fourteen properties It is moderately attractive although not along Marsh Road have first floor particularly rural in character. It is views onto the site. Ten of these enhanced by the nearby church and a properties have views across another number of pine and ornamental trees garden to the north of the road. A on its edges. property to the north of the road also overlooks the site. Landscape Sensitivity A primary school on Marsh Road faces The site has a medium to high onto and overlooks the site. A number landscape sensitivity. of properties along The Leas have oblique or distant views. Topography Three other properties overlook the The site lies on the north-facing slope western field from first floors. One of of a short and shallow valley. these properties also has views across the site from its ground floor. Vegetation A footpath crosses the site at the north The smaller field to the east is made and there is an attractive view of the up of long grass and is fringed by site from trains on a raised trees. It has quite a high landscape embankment.in the east quality. The other two fields are arable land although the main field does not Approximately ten properties overlook appear to be farmed. the valley from the north, mainly from first floors although several have ground floor views as well.
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Designations have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field The site is within the area covered by boundaries were historically bordered the Local Plan policy on development by elm hedgerows, but the elm affecting airports. A public footpath standards were lost in the 1970s crosses the site. because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered Landscape Character along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and As defined in the Braintree, Mayland. North Fambridge and Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Maylandsea are sited close to the Uttlesford landscape character Crouch and Blackwater estuaries assessment, the site is within the respectively. Historically the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal settlement pattern was highly Farmland landscape character area. dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. Landscape and Visual Impact • Gently undulating arable farmland behind the coastal marshland, Visual Impact locally quite steep. • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy There would be a highly adverse loamy soils where sand and gravel impact on thirteen properties south of deposits overlie clay. Marsh Road, which have first floor • Distinctive long hedgerow views onto the site. In addition there is boundaries running on parallel likely to be a highly adverse impact on axes are a common feature, five nearby properties with oblique though to be the result of ancient views of the site from south of Marsh planned enclosure. Road. There would be a major • Dutch elm disease has made elm adverse impact on the property north loss noticeable in hedgerows. of Marsh Road. • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern. There would be a highly adverse • Settlement pattern reflects impact on ten properties on the north underlying soils - sand and gravel side of the valley, which would lose formations on a ridge between their view of the north-facing slope. Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas. There is likely to be a moderately to highly adverse impact on users of Historic Landscape Character Marsh Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) footpath crossing the site and a slightly with the following historical landscape adverse impact on users of the character: railway.
There is a ridge of slightly higher Summary of Visual Impact ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. There would be a major adverse The field system is similar to that of impact on one property and a highly the Canewdon area to the south of the adverse impact for twenty-eight Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- properties. axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These There would be a moderately to highly are of considerable antiquity, and may adverse impact on the users of one
87 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design road, a highly adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on the users of a railway.
Landscape Impact
The farm buildings, Marsh Road and the properties at the south detract from the sensitivity of the site. However, the general character of the valley and eastern field particularly is an attractive one. There would be a moderately to highly adverse landscape impact.
Mitigation
Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting.
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Burnham-on-Crouch: B7 Vegetation
There are some old oaks in the smaller field to the south, which are mainly along its southern boundary. On the field’s eastern edge is a treebelt containing oak, ash, birch and field maple, which are approximately ten years old.
Views
There are clear views of the site from a railway along part of its western boundary. There are also views across the smaller field from some properties at the north-west and south-west. Site Description These views are attractive, particularly those which include the countryside beyond. The field is largely screened from other properties to the west of the railway and Marsh Road.
There are long views to the south-east from the southern end of the treebelt, although the landscape is flat and not particularly interesting.
Properties on the eastern edge of the large field have views across the site to the uniform treebelt. These Context and Land Use properties also have oblique views to the distant landscape in the south-east The site lies to the east of Burnham. It and the line of oaks in the smaller consists of a small arable field and a field. Thirteen of these properties have larger, L-shaped arable field to the views from ground floors and nine south of Marsh Road. It also includes from first floors. the corner of a third arable field to the north of Marsh Road.
Landscape Sensitivity
The site has a medium landscape sensitivity.
Topography
The site is generally flat. The field to the north of Marsh road is gently undulating and enhances the quality of the landscape. On most of the large field’s south edge is a low hedge, beyond which is an area of allotments. The allotments are cluttered and contain a large number
89 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design of sheds. To the south of the There is a ridge of slightly higher allotments, there are views from a row ground running down the centre of the of properties to the site. zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of Three distant properties have ground the Canewdon area to the south of the floor views and two have first floor Crouch, comprising a distinctive co- views of the south-east corner of the axial rectilinear field pattern (known as site. Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may Designations have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field The site is within the area affected by boundaries were historically bordered the Local Plan policy on development by elm hedgerows, but the elm affecting airports and the main field is standards were lost in the 1970s within the Coastal Protection Belt. because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered Landscape Character along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and As defined in the Braintree, Mayland. North Fambridge and Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Maylandsea are sited close to the Uttlesford landscape character Crouch and Blackwater estuaries assessment, the site is within the respectively. Historically the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal settlement pattern was highly Farmland landscape character area. dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. Landscape and Visual Impact
• Gently undulating arable farmland Visual Impact behind the coastal marshland, locally quite steep. There would be a highly adverse • Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy impact on one property to the north- loamy soils where sand and gravel east. There would be a slightly deposits overlie clay. adverse impact on one distant • Distinctive long hedgerow property to the east. boundaries running on parallel axes are a common feature, The impacts upon properties to the though to be the result of ancient west of the smaller field would be as planned enclosure. follows. Two properties at the north- • Dutch elm disease has made elm west would suffer a highly adverse loss noticeable in hedgerows. impact as they would lose attractive, • Right-angled bends in lanes reflect long views from first floors. Two ancient field pattern. properties at the south-west would • Settlement pattern reflects suffer a highly adverse impact as they underlying soils - sand and gravel would lose attractive first floor views. formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere There is likely to be a highly adverse settlement on slopes in clay areas. impact on about nineteen properties to the west of the larger field, which have Historic Landscape Character views of from the east. There would be a major adverse impact on three The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) properties to the east, which have with the following historical landscape views of the oak trees. character:
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Development is likely to be visible from twenty properties to the south of the allotments. The impact on these properties would be slightly adverse.
Three properties wth distant views of the south-east corner of the site are likely to suffer a moderately adverse impact and two will suffer a slightly adverse impact.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of the railway.
There is likely to be only a slightly adverse impact for users of a footpath to the east of the site as the treebelt already provides an effective screen. There would be a slightly adverse impact for users of Marsh Road.
Summary of Visual Impact
There would be a major adverse impact on three properties, a highly to major adverse impact on two, a highly adverse impact on twenty-two, a moderately adverse impact on three and a slightly adverse impact on twenty-three.
There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of a railway, a road and a footpath.
Landscape Impact
Although the site lies within a designated Coastal Protection Belt, the landscape is not generally of high sensitivity.
If the small area to the north of Marsh Road is developed, this may increase the landscape impact marginally.
The landscape impact is likely to be slightly to moderately adverse.
Mitigation
Landscape and visual impacts could be satisfactorily mitigated through planting and retention of existing vegetation.
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4.0 Summary Tables
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Maldon Site Comparison Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
M1 High to Highly to Properties Visual impacts could be partly mitigated through orange/red Links to woodland Major - 10 planting and creation of open space adjacent to medium moderately and right of way adverse High - Major - 3 existing housing. Landscape impacts could not High - 34 be mitigated. -
High-moderate - 6 Moderate - 19 M1-M4 would require new road access. The Rights of Way visual impact of this could be partly mitigated High - 1 through its location, its vertical alignment and Moderate - 1 through planting and earthworks.
M2 Medium Moderately Properties Visual impacts could partly be mitigated through adverse Major - 21 planting and landscape impacts partly mitigated orange Links to woodland Major-High – 8 by creating adequate planting to set the and right of way development into the landscape. High - 40 + - High-Moderate – 8 M1-M4 would require new road access. The
Moderate - 18 visual impact of this could be partly mitigated Rights of Way through its location, its vertical alignment and High-Major - 1 through planting and earthworks. High - 1 Moderate - 1
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Site Landscape Landscape Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity Impact
M3 Medium Moderately Properties Considerable planting would be required to retain orange None adverse High - 2 a setting for the listed buildings. Visual impacts Moderate - 1 could be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a + - Slight-moderate-11 Slight - 5 new green edge to any proposed development.
Rights of Way Moderate – 1 M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual Roads impact of this could be partly mitigated through its Slight - 2 location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.
M4 High Highly adverse Properties Appropriate planting would be required to retain a orange/red Link to right of way Major - 3 setting for the listed building. Visual impacts could Moderate - 3 be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green - Slight – 3 Rights of Way edge to any proposed development.
High -1 no Moderate - 2 M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual Roads impact of this could be partly mitigated through its Slight-moderate – 2 location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.
Properties M5 High Highly adverse Major - 3 It would not be possible to mitigate the impacts red Link to right of way High – 18 through planting or earthworks on this site. Moderate – 4 Rights of Way -- Major - 2 Moderate – 1 Roads Moderate-slight -2 Major - 1 Park
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Landscape Site Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities
M6 High Highly adverse Properties It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the red Link to right of way Major - 11 to 5 no landscape and visual impacts on this site. High to major - 31 no High - 13 to 8 no --
Moderate - 3 no Roads High - 1 no Footpath High 1 no
M7 High Highly adverse Properties It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the red Link to right of way major – 6 no landscape and visual impacts on this site. high- 40 no Moderate - 3 no --
Slight – 10 no Major -1 footpath High - cemetery
M8 High Highly adverse Properties It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the red Link to right of way Major – 8 no landscape and visual impacts on this site. High – 2 no -- Rights of Way High – 2 no
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
M9 High Highly adverse Properties It would not be possible to Link to right of way red Major adverse-2 adequately mitigate for the visual
Highly adverse-2 and landscape impacts on this Rights of Way site.
Major adverse-1 -- Highly adverse-1
Roads Slightly adverse-2
M10 High Highly adverse Properties It would not be possible to Link to right of way Mod adverse-4 adequately mitigate the landscape orange/red
Rights of Way and visual impacts on this site. Major – 2
Moderately adverse- 1 - Slight – 1 Road
M11 Medium Moderately adverse Properties While planting could mitigate orange/red Link to right of way Highly adverse – 26 some of the visual impacts, on east of site Moderately adverse-20 development here would be very Slight-34 intrusive in views from the south
High - 1Right of Way and would require substantial - Moderate -2 roads planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
M12 Medium Moderately adverse Properties While planting could mitigate orange/red None Highly adverse-37 some of the visual impacts, Moderate-29 development here would be very intrusive in views from the south Slight-10 Roads and would require substantial -
High - 1 planting to screen development Slight 2 and create a green edge to the town.
M13 High Highly adverse Properties While planting could mitigate None red Major adverse-34 some of the visual impacts,
Highly adverse-22 development here would be very Moderately adverse-21 intrusive in views from the south
Roads and would require substantial - - Highly adverse-1 planting to screen development
Slightly adverse-1 and create a green edge to the town.
M14 Low to medium Slightly adverse Properties Visual and landscape impacts green Link to right of way Highly adverse-4 could be mitigated through Fairly high-12 planting. Moderate-2 +
Slight-10 Rights of Way Moderate-1
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
M15 High Highly adverse Properties Landscape and visual impacts orange/red Link to right of way Major-2 could not be mitigated adequately Highly adverse-20 on this site. Moderate - 2 - Rights of Way
Highly adverse-3
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Southminster Site Comparison Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
S1A Medium Slightly adverse Properties Landscape and visual impacts Green Retain pond within village Major - 2no could be mainly mitigated by green or for nature High - 4no planting conservation area Moderate - 10no
Slight- several + + Public Open Space Moderate - 1no Footpath High - 1no
S1B Medium Moderately adverse Properties The site would need considerable Orange Link with right of Major - 4no planting to mitigate the visual and way by pumping station High to major - 14no landscape impacts High - 1no + -
Slight-moderate - 1no
Green/Orange Properties Landscape and visual impacts S1C Low Insignificantly to Retention of existing slightly adverse Moderate - 8 no could be mitigated through vegetation planting +
S1D Medium to Moderately adverse Properties Landscape and visual impacts Orange (farm Retention of some of the high Major-6 could be partially mitigated by and existing vegetation for High-several retaining existing vegetation and woodland) screening and amenity additional planting +
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
S2 Fairly High Highly adverse Properties Considerable planting would only red Good views out Major - 30-40 no partially mitigate the landscape Stream in part of site Moderate - perhaps 3 and visual impacts Mod-slight - 3 - - Rights of Way Major adverse - 1no High adverse-1 no Roads High adverse-1 no
S3 High Highly adverse Properties Considerable planting would only red Good views out Major-8 partially mitigate the landscape Stream in part of site High-16 and visual impacts - - Slight-1 Footpath-major Roads High-2 Moderate-1
S4 Medium Fairly high Properties Landscape and visual impacts Retention of old oak trees could not be mitigated through red Major - 7 and development of open High - 22 planting on this site space around historic links Slight- 4 - - Rights of Way High - 1 Moderate - 2 Slight - 1 Fairly High - 1 – Road
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
green S5A Low to medium Insignificantly Properties Visual impacts could be mitigated Existing vegetation largely through planting adverse High-moderate - 1 provides opportunities Moderate - 4 Slight - 1 + + Road Insignificant - 1
red It would be hard to mitigate the S5B Quite High Moderately adverse Properties Views of lake and woodland High - 3 landscape and visual impacts of Fishers-high development on this site - -
green/orange The landscape and visual impacts S5C Medium Moderately adverse Properties Views of lake to the south Major-1 would be mitigated through High-8 retaining existing trees and + additional planting Slight - several
S5D Quite High Insignificantly to Properties Landscape and visual impacts orange Retaining trees for screening slightly adverse Moderate-high - 12 could be mainly mitigated through and amenity A separate impact planting + - on amenity
Landscape and visual impacts S5E Low Insignificantly Properties green Views out to the south adverse Slight - 7 could be mainly mitigated through planting + +
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Burnham-on-Crouch Site Comparison Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
Landscape and visual impacts on B1 Low to medium Slightly adverse Properties orange/green Existing woodland Major - 9no this site could be partially could make attractive mitigated through planting High - 22no + feature in open space or Moderate - several good edge to this
Rights of Way
Moderate - 2no
Slight - 3 no
B2 High overall Highly adverse if Properties It would not be possible to Retain natural features mitigate the landscape and visual orange/red whole site developed Major - 5no eg stream, woodland Highly adverse - 25no impacts on this site with planting and character of lane Moderately adverse- 7 - Slightly adverse - 2no Rights of Way Major - 1no Moderate - 2no Road - 1 - moderate
B3 Low to medium Slightly -moderately Properties Landscape and visual impacts Retain woodland and could be largely mitigated through orange/green adverse Major adverse - 2no maintain rural Highly adverse-5no planting character Moderate - 4no + Slight - 3no School - 1 - slight Roads - 2 - slight
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
B4 Low to medium Slightly-insignificantly Properties The landscape and visual impacts red Views to the north adverse Highly adverse – 13 could be mitigated through (Loss of (Significant loss of Moderately adverse-1 planting playing amenity for school) Slightly adverse - 5 field)
- -
B5 High Highly adverse Properties Landscape and visual impacts orange/red Open space could be Major adverse - 8 could not be mitigated (orange if developed along brook High adverse-29 satisfactorily by planting devmt as attractive amenity Footpath-major kept away linking to right of way Railway - slight from Hall Farm)
-
B6 High to medium Highly-moderately Properties Landscape and visual impacts Orange/red Public open space High-moderate adverse Major adverse - 1 could not be mitigated (orange if beside brook. High adverse-29 satisfactorily by planting devmt Road- high-moderate kept away Footpath-high from Railway - slight Hall Farm)
-
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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity
B7 Medium Moderately adverse Properties Landscape and visual Develop green space Major adverse – 3 impacts could be green plan to link to rights High-Major adverse – 2 satisfactorily mitigated of way through planting and Highly adverse – 22 retention of existing Moderately adverse – 3 vegetation + + Slightly adverse – 23 Road – slightly adverse Railway – slightly adverse Footpath – slightly adverse
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Appendix I landscape impact of development on greenfield sites Project Brief are examined.
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Background Information
1.1 Maldon District Council wishes to 2.1 The Council are required, in commission a specialist accordance with the emerging consultant to undertake a East of England Plan (RSS14) to “Landscape and Visual Impact plan for a net dwelling stock Assessment” of sites on the increase in the period 2001 to periphery of certain settlements 2021. To date, since 2001 within the Maldon District where dwellings completions have been there is expected to be pressure below the rate required by for greenfield housing RSS14 however the Council’s development in the Council’s extant development plan, the emerging Local Development 2007 Local Plan has a time Framework (LDF). horizon of 2011 and only allocates sufficient land to meet 1.2 In accordance with Government the district’s housing Planning Policy contained in requirements to then. Therefore, PPS3 – “Housing”, the Council is the Council’s LDF will need to producing a Strategic Housing identify sufficient land to deliver Land Availability Assessment the required number of new (SHLAA) that will assess the homes post 2011. availability, suitability and deliverability of land for future 2.2 Local Development Frameworks housing development; an are required to cover a 15 year essential piece of evidence base period and the Council’s LDF will that will underpin the housing consequently cover the period land elements the LDF Core 2011 to 2026. By projecting the Strategy and Allocations East of England Plan’s documents. requirement of 425 dwellings per year to 2026, it is expected that 1.3 The Landscape Impact the Council will need to plan for Assessment will be key to the in the region of 6,375 new SHLAA in determining the homes in the district between suitability for development of 2011 and 2026. greenfield sites on the periphery of certain settlements where, 2.3 Initial work on the Council’s due to the finite and ever SHLAA has indicated that the decreasing supply of brownfield supply of brownfield land within land within built-up areas, there built up areas is diminishing and might be a need for significant that by 2011, the few remaining settlement expansion in the sites will be those that have not period 2011-2026. come forward, either due to the global current credit crunch or 1.4 Consequently, as such the due to exceptional development Council would require a costs or ownership issues. representative of the successful Consequently, it is likely that the consultant to act as “expert majority of housing development witness”, on behalf of the post 2011 will need to be on Council, at consequent LDF greenfield sites on the periphery independent examinations if or of certain key settlements. when matters related to the
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2.4 The distribution of housing designed to protect the special growth between different parts of landscape quality of the the district will be set out in the undeveloped coastline from Council’s Core Strategy which, inappropriate forms of at the time of writing, is yet to be development. The Coastal the subject of public consultation Protection Belt was originally on different options. Whilst the defined in the 1984 Essex Coats Council is yet decide what the Protection Subject Plan. distribution of growth will be, there is an expectation that the 3.0 Project objectives following of the district’s urban settlements could be under 3.1 The overarching objective is for pressure to expand post 2011: the assessment to provide advice as to the likely landscape • Burnham impacts of different greenfield • Maldon and Heybridge development scenarios; advice • Southminster that can be used to assess the ‘suitability’ of land for housing 2.5 In addition, albeit to a lesser development as part of the extent, there could be pressure Council’s Strategic Housing for limited expansion of some Land Availability Assessment – a rural villages. key element of the LDF evidence base. The assessment will be 2.6 In Maldon, a predominantly rural required to: district in a coastal/estuarine location, the impact of • assess the likely landscape development on the natural impact of future housing landscape is a real issue that will development on greenfield be given significant weight when land in broad locations considering options for identified by the Council in its settlement expansion. In the 2008 technical document; case of some settlements, the options for growth are limited by • assess the relative impact of physical constraints such as development in the above- flood risk and topography. mentioned broad locations so a comparison can be Landscape Character Assessment made between different options; perhaps using some 2.7 The countywide document sort of ranking system; provides an assessment for this. • assess the likely landscape Essex Coast Protection Subject Plan impact of housing (1984) development on different parcels of land within the 2.8 In addition to the physical above-mentioned broad constraints like flood risk and locations to identify the topography and policy parcels with the designations like Local Green lowest/highest impact where Gaps, many of Maldon’s development might be settlements (including those more/less favourable; where there is pressure for expansion) are affected by the • advise as to how the ‘Coastal Protection Belt’; a potential landscape impacts designation in the Local Plan, of housing development in
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the above-mentioned broad boundaries. locations could be mitigated, perhaps through careful 4.5 Thirdly, it will enable the Council landscaping/use of a to consider the need for landscape buffer etc and the landscape mitigation measures likely land-take of such and their likely land-take. mitigation measures; 4.6 In terms of methodology, the 4.0 Project methodology Council will expect the consultants to elaborate on the 4.1 The successful consultant will be findings of the stage 1 required to develop a robust assessment, revisiting the sites if methodology for undertaking the necessary, to provide a assessment, although given the qualitative statement as to: specific nature of the work required, it is envisaged that any • The variations in landscape methodology will be along the sensitivity that exist within following lines: the larger broad areas of greenfield land; 4.2 In terms of methodology, the • Measures required to Council will expect the mitigate against potential consultants to have undertaken landscape impacts; and a survey of each of the broad (where applicable) areas in order to provide a • Measures required to qualitative statement as to the minimise the impact of sensitivity of these areas development on the function commenting on: of Local Green Gaps or the Coastal Protection Belt; or • Key Landscape Features; • Opportunities to rationalise • Adjacent Land Uses; Local Green Gap boundaries • Recreational Resources; in these areas. • Visual Sensitivity; 4.7 The Council will also expect the 4.3 The consultant will be required to findings of the stage 2 develop a scoring mechanism to assessment to be presented quantify the overall landscape graphically on ordnance survey impact so that broad maps and in a format that can be comparisons can be made. The downloaded to the Council’s GIS Council will also expect the system. findings of the assessment to be presented graphically on ordnance survey maps and in a 5.0 Essential Outcomes – core format that can be downloaded elements to the Council’s GIS system. 5.1 The main outputs the Council will 4.4 Secondly, where a broad area of expect from the assessment are: greenfield land appears to have the potential to accommodate • Detailed explanation of area for settlement expansion, it methodology; will enable the Council to give • Qualitative statement full consideration to minimising regarding the landscape the impact of development on sensitivity of each of the the landscape through careful locations; definition of development • Comparative assessment of
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these sites including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’; • Comparative assessment of individual parcels of land within the larger of the broad areas (in the refined list) including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’; • Advice as to how any landscape impacts can best be minimised/mitigated for each of the sites; • Findings presented graphically on OS maps; and
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Appendix II
Methodology
1 General
1.1 In landscape, townscape and visual assessments, a distinction is normally drawn between landscape effects (i.e. effects on the character or quality of the landscape (or townscape), irrespective of whether there are any views of the landscape, or viewers to see them) and visual effects (i.e. effects on people’s views of the landscape, principally from residential properties, but also from public rights of way and other areas with public access). Thus, a development may have extensive landscape effects but few visual effects (if, for example, there are no properties or public viewpoints), or few landscape effects but significant visual effects (if, for example, the landscape is already degraded or the development is not out of character with it, but can clearly be seen from many residential properties).
1.2 The core methodology followed was that set out in the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, produced jointly by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and the Landscape Institute (‘the GLVIA’, 1995, revised 2002). These guidelines are applicable to assessment of townscape as well as landscape impacts. The document ‘Landscape Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, 2002’ (The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage) was referred to, and stresses the need for a holistic assessment of landscape character, including physical, biological and social factors.
2 Methodology for this Assessment
2.1 For the purposes of this assessment, the guidance set out above was generally adhered to, with the following specific refinements:
1. Landscape and visual effects were assessed in terms of the magnitude of the change brought about by the development and also the sensitivity of the resource affected. The magnitude of change will generally decrease with distance from its source, until a point is reached where there is no discernible change. Residential properties were taken to be
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of high sensitivity in general, although this can vary with the degree of openness of their view (see Table 1 below). Landscapes which carry a landscape quality designation and which are otherwise attractive or unspoilt will in general be more sensitive, while those which are less attractive or already affected by significant visual detractors and disturbance will be generally less sensitive (see Table 3 below).
2. For the purpose of the assessment visual change was categorised as follows, where each level (other than neutral) can be either beneficial or adverse:
• Neutral no discernible change
• Negligible the scheme would be discernible but of no real significance
• Low the scheme would cause a perceptible deterioration (or improvement) in existing views
• Medium the scheme would cause an obvious deterioration (or improvement) in existing views
• High the scheme would cause a dominant deterioration (or improvement) in existing views.
3. Sensitivity was also taken into account in the assessment, such that a lesser magnitude of change would be needed to create a large visual effect on a sensitive receptor than on one of lesser sensitivity (see Table 1 below).
4. Visual effects were then determined according to the interaction between change and sensitivity (see Table 2 below), where effects can be either beneficial or adverse.
5. Landscape change was categorised as follows, where each level (other than neutral) can be either beneficial or adverse:
• Neutral no loss or alteration of key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements
• Negligible very minor loss or alteration to one or more key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements
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• Low minor loss of or alteration to one or more key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements
• Medium partial loss of or damage to key characteristics, features or elements
• High total loss of or severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements
6. Landscape quality was judged using the following definitions:
• Very high quality National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty standard, Conservation Area with major groupings of historic or Listed buildings
• High quality attractive landscape, usually with varied topography or historic features, and few visual detractors, or Conservation Area
• Medium quality pleasant landscape or townscape with few detractors but with no distinctive qualities
• Low quality unattractive or degraded landscape or townscape, affected by visual detractors.
7. The concept of landscape value was also considered. The GLVIA considers landscape value as a measure to be assessed in association with landscape character, in order to avoid consideration only of how scenically attractive an area may be, and thus to avoid undervaluing areas of strong character but little scenic beauty. It is defined in the glossary of the GLVIA as:
‘The relative value or importance attached to a landscape (often as a basis for designation or recognition), which expresses national or local consensus, because of its quality, special qualities including perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness, cultural associations or other conservation issues.’
8. Landscape sensitivity relates to the ability of the receiving landscape/townscape to accommodate change of the type and scale proposed without adverse effects on its character. This is defined in the
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glossary of the GLVIA as:
‘The extent to which a landscape can accept change of a particular type and scale without unacceptable adverse effects on its character.’
9. It is noted in the GLVIA that this varies with:
(i) existing land use;
(ii) the pattern and scale of the landscape;
(iii) visual enclosure/openness of views, and distribution of visual receptors;
(iv) the scope for mitigation, which would be in character with the existing landscape; and
(v) the value placed on the landscape.
10. A landscape of high sensitivity will be one with a low ability to accommodate change, and vice versa. Landscape sensitivity was judged according to the criteria set out in Table 3 below, taking into account factors such as the presence or absence of designations for quality and the nature of the proposed change.
11. Landscape and townscape effects were then determined according to the interaction between change and sensitivity, as summarised in Table 4 below, where effects can be either beneficial or adverse, though the examples given are for adverse effects.
12. Photographs were taken with a digital camera with a lens that approximates to 55mm. This is similar to a normal human field of view, though this field of view is extended where a number of separate images are joined together as a panorama. All photographs (other than the aerial photograph) were taken in 2009.
13. A useful concept in considering the potential visual effects of a development is that of the visual envelope (or zone of visual influence, ZVI). This is the area from within which the development would be visible. Any visual effects must therefore be contained within this area, and land falling outside it need not be considered in terms of visual
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effects. The area from within which the various elements of the proposed development would be visible has therefore been estimated.
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Table 1 ~ Criteria for Determining Visual Sensitivity
Sensitivity Typical Criteria
High Residential properties with predominantly open views from windows, garden or curtilage. Views will normally be from ground and first floors and from two or more windows of rooms in use during the day.
Users of Public Rights of Way with predominantly open views in sensitive or unspoilt areas.
Non-motorised users of minor or unclassified roads in the countryside.
Visitors to recognised viewpoints or beauty spots.
Users of outdoor recreational facilities with predominantly open views where the purpose of that recreation is enjoyment of the countryside - e.g. Country Parks, National Trust or other access land etc.
Medium Residential properties with views from windows, garden or curtilage. Views will normally be from first floor windows only, or an oblique view from one ground floor window, or may be partially obscured by garden or other intervening vegetation.
Users of Public Rights of Way with restricted views, in less sensitive areas or where there are significant existing intrusive features.
Users of outdoor recreational facilities with restricted views or where the purpose of that recreation is incidental to the view.
Schools and other institutional buildings, and their outdoor areas.
Users of minor or unclassified roads in the countryside, whether motorised or not.
Low People in their place of work.
Users of main roads or passengers in public transport on main routes.
Users of outdoor recreational facilities with restricted views and where the purpose of that recreation is incidental to the view.
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Table 2 ~ Significance Criteria for Visual Effects
Significance Typical Criteria
Neutral No change in the view.
Insignificant The proposals would not significantly change the view but would still be discernible.
Slight The proposals would cause limited damage (or improvement) to a view from a receptor of medium sensitivity, but would still be a noticeable element within the view, or greater damage (or improvement) to a view from a receptor of low sensitivity.
Moderate The proposals would cause some damage (or improvement) to a view from a sensitive receptor, or less damage (or improvement) to a view from a more sensitive receptor, and would be a readily discernible element in the view.
High The proposals would cause significant damage (or improvement) to a view from a sensitive receptor, or less damage (or improvement) to a view from a more sensitive receptor, and would be an obvious element in the view.
Major The proposals would cause a high degree of change in a view from a highly sensitive receptor, and would constitute a dominant element in the view.
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Table 3 ~ Criteria for Determining Landscape Sensitivity
Sensitivity Typical Criteria Very High A landscape/townscape with a very low ability to accommodate change because such change would lead to a significant loss of valuable features or elements, resulting in a significant loss of character and quality.
Development of the type proposed would be discordant and prominent.
Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of very high or high quality or value.
High A landscape/townscape with limited ability to accommodate change because such change would lead to some loss of valuable features or elements, resulting in a significant loss of character and quality.
Development of the type proposed would be discordant and visible.
Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of high quality or value.
Medium A landscape/townscape with reasonable ability to accommodate change. Change would lead to a limited loss of some features or elements, resulting in some loss of character and quality.
Development of the type proposed would be visible but would not be especially discordant.
Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of medium quality or value, a low quality/value landscape/townscape which is particularly sensitive to the type of change proposed, or a high quality/value landscape/townscape which is well suited to accommodate change of the type proposed.
Low A landscape/townscape with good ability to accommodate change. Change would not lead to a significant loss of features or elements, and there would be no significant loss of character or quality.
Development of the type proposed would not be readily be visible or would not be discordant.
Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of low quality or value, or a higher quality/value landscape/townscape which is well suited to accommodate change of the type proposed.
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Table 4 ~ Significance Criteria for Landscape Effects
Significance Typical Criteria Neutral The proposals: • complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape • incorporate measures for mitigation to ensure that the scheme will blend in well with the surrounding landscape/townscape • avoid being visually intrusive and adverse effects on the current level of tranquillity of the landscape • maintain existing landscape/townscape character in an area which is not a designated landscape/townscape nor vulnerable to change • avoid conflict with government policy towards protection of the countryside. Insignificant The proposals: • generally fit the landform and scale of the landscape • have limited effects on views • can be mitigated to a reasonable extent • avoid effects on designated landscapes/townscapes • generally avoid conflict with government policy towards protection of the countryside. Slight The proposals: • do not quite fit the landform and scale of the landscape • will impact on certain views into and across the area • cannot be completely mitigated for because of the nature of the proposal or the character of the landscape/townscape • affect an area of recognised landscape/townscape quality • conflict with local authority policies for protecting the local character of the countryside. Moderate The proposals are: • out of scale or at odds with the landscape/townscape • are visually intrusive and will adversely impact on the landscape • not possible to fully mitigate • will have an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality or on vulnerable and important characteristic features or elements • in conflict with local and national policies to protect open land and nationally recognised countryside as set out in PPS7 and PPG2. High The proposals are damaging to the landscape in that they: • are at variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape • are visually intrusive and would disrupt important views • are likely to degrade or diminish the integrity of a range of characteristic features and elements and their setting • will be damaging to a high quality or highly vulnerable landscape/townscape • cannot be adequately mitigated • are in conflict with government policy for the protection of nationally recognised countryside as set out in PPS7. Major The proposals are very damaging to the landscape in that they: • are at considerable variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape/townscape • are visually intrusive and would disrupt fine and valued views • are likely to degrade, diminish or even destroy the integrity of a range of characteristic features and elements and their setting • will be substantially damaging to a high quality or highly vulnerable landscape/townscape • cannot be adequately mitigated • are in serious conflict with government policy for the protection of nationally recognised countryside as set out in PPS7.
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