Landscape Character Based Analysis of Potential Development Sites

DAVID HARES L ANDSC APE ARCHITECTURE

PRACTICE PROFILE

LANSCAPE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

& ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

AGRICULTURE & RURAL PLANNING

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

BUILT & NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

CO NTACT INFORMATION

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER BASED ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES.

PREPARED FOR GRAVESHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL JULY 2011

Gravesham Borough Council

David Hares Landscape Architecture 55 West Street Chichester PO19 1RU Email: [email protected]

Document reference P138/01/01. Status: Final Draft 15-08-2011

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 2

1. INTRODUCTION 4 1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT ...... 4 1.2. BRIEF ...... 4 1.3. LOCATION ...... 4 1.4. THE SETTLEMENTS ...... 5 1.5. METHOD ...... 5 1.6. REPORT STRUCTURE ...... 5

2. METHODOLOGY 6 2.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT ...... 6 2.2. LANDSCAPE CAPACITY AND SENSITIVITY ...... 6 2.3. SENSITIVITY AND DESIGNATION ...... 7 2.4. VISUAL IMPACTS ...... 7 2.5. SENSITIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL SITES ...... 7 2.6. DEVELOPMENT AND TREES...... 7

3. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF THE BOROUGH 9 3.1. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT PROCESS ...... 9 3.2. NATIONAL REGIONAL AND COUNTY LEVEL ASSESSMENTS ...... 9 3.3. BOROUGH WIDE ASSESSMENT...... 10 3.4. LOCAL AND SITE LEVEL ASSESSMENT ...... 13

4. CULVERSTONE GREEN 14 4.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF THE SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 14 4.2. CULVERSTONE GREEN SITE ANALYSIS ...... 20 4.3. SITE CG1 South of Heron Hill Lane Culverstone Green ...... 20 4.4. SITE CG2 East of Conifer Drive, Culverstone Green ...... 21 4.5. SITE CG3 East of Willow Walk, Culverstone Green ...... 23 4.6. SITE CG 4 North and West of Culverstone Primary School ...... 24

5. GRAVESEND 25 5.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 25 5.2. GRAVESEND SITE ANALYSIS ...... 34 5.3. SITE G1 West of Wrotham Road, Gravesend ...... 34 5.4. SITE G2 North East Gravesend ...... 35 5.5. SITE G3 South of Astra Drive, Riverview Park...... 36 5.6. SITE G4 East of Thong Lane South of Rochester Road, Gravesend .... 37

6. HIGHAM 38 6.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 38 6.2. HIGHAM SITE ANALYSIS ...... 42 6.3. SITEGravesham H1 North of High View, Higham Borough ...... Council...... 42 6.4. SITE H2 Gads Hill School, Gravesend Road, Higham ...... 43 6.5. SITE H3 Mulberry Rise, The Lodge and Findhorn, Higham...... 44

7. HOOK GREEN 45 7.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 45

Document reference P138/01/01. Status: Final Draft 15-08-2011

Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

7.2. HOOK GREEN SITE ANALYSIS ...... 50 7.3. SITE HG1 South of Melliker Lane, Hook Green ...... 50 7.4. SITE HG2 West of Norwood Lane, Hook Green ...... 51 7.5. SITE HG3: West of Cheshunt Close, Hook Green ...... 52

8. ISTEAD RISE 53 8.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 53 8.2. ISTEAD RISE SITE ANALYSIS ...... 60 8.3. SITE I 1 South of Istead Rise ...... 60 8.4. SITE I 2 North of The Drove Way, Istead Rise ...... 61 8.5. SITE I 3 64 Downs Road, Istead Rise ...... 62 8.6. SITE I 4 90 Downs Road, Istead Rise ...... 63

9. MEOPHAM GREEN 64 9.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 64 9.2. MEOPHAM GREEN SITE ANALYSIS ...... 69 9.3. SITE MG1 Steele’s Lane, Meopham Green ...... 69 9.4. SITE MG2 Lomer Farm, Meopham Green (part of site only) ...... 70 9.5. SITE MG3 Holly Cottage, West of Wrotham Road, Meopham Green ... 71

10. VIGO 72 10.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING ...... 72 10.2. VIGO SITE ANALYSIS ...... 75 10.3. SITE V1 Commority Road, Vigo ...... 75

11. CONCLUSIONS 76 11.1. CONCLUSIONS ...... 76

APPENDIX 1 TERMINOLOGY 79 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ...... 79 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 79

APPENDIX 2 EXAMPLE PRO-FORMA 81

Gravesham Borough Council

3 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT This report has been commissioned by Gravesham Borough Council to support the in house forward planning team working on the Borough’s Local Development Framework (LDF). It consists of an independent landscape character based analysis and review of a number of sites which have been considered by the Forward Planning team in a study of potential development areas. The report is therefore part of a wider planning analysis which generated the sites being considered. The background, methodology and results of the wider study will become available as part of the LDF consultation process at a later stage. 1.2. BRIEF Our brief is to consider the sensitivity and likely landscape impacts of developing specific sites which have been identified by the Forward Planning section of Gravesham Borough Council. We have consequently focussed on these sites alone and commented purely on landscape related matters in order to provide the Forward Planning team with the requisite information to enable them to take their selection process forward as part of the Borough’s Local Development Framework. 1.3. LOCATION The various sites being considered are located either within or adjoining existing settlements in Gravesham Borough. These settlements range from the largest town, Gravesend, through to smaller villages. The locations of the various settlements are shown on the drawing at figure 1.

Gravesham Borough Council

Figure 1: The locations of the various settlements which are spread across the borough.

4 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

1.4. THE SETTLEMENTS The settlements which are affected, in alphabetical order include:  Culverstone Green  Gravesend  Higham  Hook Green  Istead Rise  Meopham Green  Vigo 1.5. METHOD A landscape character based technique has been used to analyse the potential landscape effects of developing specific sites in each settlement. This is described more fully in subsequent chapters and includes analysis of the landscape context of each of the settlements in relation to existing county and district scale assessments and undertaking a more detailed local scale characterisation of the landscape setting of the settlements. Specific sites are then assessed both individually and in relation to the local landscape context. Analysis of the wider visual impacts of potential development and local impacts are also considered. 1.6. REPORT STRUCTURE This report is structured as follows:  Section 1 Introduction  Section 2 Methodology----- used to assess the landscape context, the potential effects on landscape character, and the potential visual impacts of developing selected sites.  Section 3 The Landscape Character of the Borough ------descriptions of how the settings of the various settlements fit within the character areas described within the existing Gravesham Borough Character Assessment  Sections 4 to 10 Landscape Character Analysis of Settlements ------firstly, considering the wider landscape context in relation to character and views of the landscape around the settlement at a local scale, and then each of the individual sites in detail. Guidance on ways in which any potential development would need to be constrained in order to minimise the impact on the landscape has also been included.  Section 11 Conclusions ------Summary table of the findings of the study in relation to each of the sites.

Gravesham Borough Council

5 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

2. METHODOLOGY 2.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT Landscape character assessment is a structured method of analysing the landscape which can be used to help subdivide and describe a landscape for a range of different purposes. The process considers the key factors which contribute to the character of the landscape, such as geology and landform, patterns of vegetation, crops and field boundaries, and the cultural pattern of human activity which has added buildings highways and settlements to the natural base. The process can be undertaken at a range of levels from the national to the regional, district and local levels.

The technique involves a systematic analysis of the factors affecting the landscape, which seeks to avoid subjective value judgements and simply provides objective description of given areas. It enables areas to be subdivided into landscape character types (such as open chalk downland), and landscape character areas which relate to a specific location (such as a specific part say of the North Downs). The next chapter describes how the landscape character assessments which apply to the Gravesham area have been undertaken at national, regional and borough levels.

In order to analyse the potential impacts of new development on the landscape of the seven settlements which are being considered; it is necessary to undertake landscape character assessment at the more detailed local level in order to fully understand the potential effects. As the focus of the study has been on the analysis of sites which have been previously identified by the forward planning team, the detailed landscape character assessment work has focused on the landscape settings of the relevant seven settlements. This work has been undertaken in accordance with national guidance produced for the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage in 2002.i Appendix 1 provides more detail of the terminology used and includes examples of the survey pro-forma used to help structure the site survey and photography. 2.2. LANDSCAPE CAPACITY AND SENSITIVITY Landscape character assessment helps to identify the factors which can make a landscape more or less sensitive to a particular change. For example flat open landscapes with few trees and hedgerows are generally more sensitive to the construction of new buildings, than areas where there are numerous field boundaries composed of tall trees. Building densities can have the effect of both increasing the height of buildings and putting pressure on existing trees and open space provision. Consequently as densities of housing development rise they tend to become more difficult to assimilate into the landscape. Topography is also important, higher ground is usually more visible from a wider area, but not in all circumstances. The definition of the sensitivity of a particular landscape needs to take account of the change being considered, whether it is the construction of wind turbines on hilltops, commercial development or housing. The assessment of sensitivity takes account of the type and number of people who would become aware of a change, as well as the loss of important landscape features or community recreational facilities. Appendix 1 provides further details in relation to the terminology used in the report. In this study the presumption is that the change to be considered is the construction of medium density two storey housing. The study is helping to identify whether the landscape within or on the edges of the settlements has the capacity to accommodate development without causing significant damage to a landscape with a highly sensitive character. Our matrix based approach to the analysis of local character areas follows similar work for other local authorities, using a range of accepted criteria, which are broken down into three sections; Landscape quality and condition, landscape value and visual sensitivity. These have been broadly classified in accordance withGravesham a 5 point scale from very high to negligible,Borough and then these haveCouncil been used to produce a broad sensitivity rating on a three point scale, either highly moderately or less sensitive. It is important that it is understood that this process of analysis is used to help assess the broader landscape around the settlement and to consider an area at a greater level of detail. It must be recognised that the landscape is made up of a range of variables, and characteristics often merge from one area to another, producing specific individual places. Inevitably there will be parts of areas which don’t completely fit the description which will always become inaccurate when the place is considered at a more detailed level. Hence whilst the local

6 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham character area assessment matrices are able to help set the scene for individual sites, and help guide decisions at a more detailed level, they may not be totally relevant at the individual site level.

2.3. SENSITIVITY AND DESIGNATION Whilst the designation of protected landscapes can often reflect a sensitivity to change, the relationship between designation and sensitivity is more tenuous. Many sensitive landscapes are not subject to designation, whilst some designated landscapes are able to accommodate certain developments. Parts of Gravesham Borough, and indeed the fringes of some of the settlements being considered are located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB boundary is generally located to the east of the various settlements being considered although the AONB only extends northwards as far as Shorne. Vigo village is located within the Kent Downs AONB. 2.4. VISUAL IMPACTS Changes to landscape character as a result of development are likely to be more or less visible as a result of the nature of screening topography or vegetation. Consequently if there is a strong framework of existing vegetation which restrict the visibility of new building across the wider landscape, then the visibility of the new development is restricted, and the extent of the visual impact is reduced. There is often therefore an inverse relationship between the visibility of new development and the capacity of a landscape to accommodate it. 2.5. SENSITIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL SITES The study has considered the potential landscape impacts of undertaking development on a total of 22 individual sites spread across seven settlements. In some cases it is considered that sites or parts of sites are either located within particularly sensitive locations, where development would be highly visible, or there would be an unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape setting of the settlement. In this case sites or parts of them have been categorised as highly sensitive. In situations where the impacts are considered to be moderately sensitive, development could be considered for either part or all of a site, but subject to the planting and or retention of screening vegetation which helps to prevent extensive visibility of sites from a wider area. In some cases this would require the reinstatement of field boundaries which have been lost or deteriorated in the recent past. Other moderately sensitive areas include the more sensitive parts of sites which are suited to development. This might include for example, areas which either should remain undeveloped, set aside for recreational purposes, woodland, or screen planting. Where sites have been identified as being less sensitive, development of at least part of the site is not considered to have either a major impact on the landscape character of the adjoining areas, or to be significantly visible from adjoining areas. 2.6. DEVELOPMENT AND TREES. Proposed development sites which are existing woodland, or contain large numbers of trees, can be more readily integrated into the landscape, however experience in areas such as Culverstone valley indicates that if development takes place in dense areas of trees, that a process of attrition begins, in which the trees are first cut back, then reduced, and ultimately removed, possibly after dying through abuse. Whilst retained trees can add to the character of the settlement, they often only survive in low density developments and within the public realm. In cases where local authorities are well resourced and able to apply and police tree preservation orders, these can be an effective way of helping to retain trees on new development sites, particularly in the first five to ten years after construction when ongoing policing is critical. Our approach to the consideration of potential development sites with significant trees has been to assume that the authority may not have resources to monitor and police the development process and ongoing future tree protection,Gravesham and consequently sites with Borough significant trees which contribute Council to the wider public amenity of a settlement have generally been considered highly sensitive. In situations where we have identified a need to either protect and or enhance screening vegetation on the boundaries of sites then we believe that this can be achieved through the development management process. This can require applications to include a tree survey and protection proposals in accordance with British Standard BS 5837 (2005) Trees in relation to construction.

7 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Development can cause a range of minor collateral damage to the landscape which needs to also be addressed through the development management process. This includes the installation of infrastructure, such as roads cables and pipelines which can all lead to the loss of trees, or other features which contribute to landscape character. A particular concern is that the narrow single track lanes which occur in the fringes of a number of the settlements (but particularly the various parts of Meopham parish), are not subject to ‘upgrading’ in order to carry increased volumes of traffic. Road widening, and the installation of footpaths kerbs and signs would destroy the rural character of these lanes, which might be best protected by conversion to footpaths and cycle-ways with new vehicular access via alternative routes.

Gravesham Borough Council

8 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

3. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF THE BOROUGH 3.1. THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT PROCESS The process of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) has been developed over a period of some thirty or more years by landscape professionals as a way of classifying and analysing landscape. The terminology which is used in the process is explained in Appendix one of this report. Recent government guidance (e.g. Planning Policy Statement PPS 7 Sustainable development in rural areas) refers to and supports the LCA approach. This was originally developed and supported by the Countryside Commission, and its successor organisations, the Countryside Agency and Natural England, which have funded the application of this process on a national and regional scale. Landscape Character assessments are designed to ‘nest’ one above the other such that more detailed description and analysis is provided at the regional county and local scales. 3.2. NATIONAL REGIONAL AND COUNTY LEVEL ASSESSMENTS At a national level Gravesham straddles the Greater Thames Estuary, North Kent Plain and North Downs joint character areas. These are shown on the mapping at Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Gravesham Borough showing the national landscape character mapping areas. (NB: mapping taken from Jacobs / Babtie Gravesham landscape character assessment.)

At the county level, the County Council funded Landscape Assessment of Kent has identified a more detailed set of character areas which include subdivisions and refinement of the National Joint Character Areas. The borough includes the following character areas determined at the Kent county level:  Ash DownsGravesham Borough Council  Cobham West Kent Downs  Dartford and Gravesend Fringes  Eastern Thames Marshes  Hoo Peninsula  Luddesdown West Kent Downs

9 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

 Shorne  Southfleet Arable Lands  Western Thames Marshes. The location of these areas is shown on the mapping at Figure 3 below.

Figure 3: Gravesham Borough showing the county landscape character mapping areas. (NB: Mapping taken from Jacobs Babtie Gravesham landscape character assessment.) 3.3. BOROUGH WIDE ASSESSMENT Gravesham Borough Council commissioned the preparation of a Landscape Character Assessment of the borough which was undertaken by Jacobs Babtie, (who had also undertaken the Kent county study) in 2009. This has been the key source document for the more detailed character assessment work which we have undertaken as part of the study. The borough was subdivided into a total of 11 different character areas, of which seven directly covered the settings of the settlements which are the focus of the study. These seven landscape character areas are:  Gravesend Southern Fringes  Harvel Wooded Downs  Higham Arable Farmland  Istead Arable Farmland  Meopham Downs  Shorne and Higham Marshes  Vigo Scarptop Woodlands. The arrangement of these various character areas and their locations is shown on the mapping at Figure 4 below. Gravesham Borough Council

10 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 4: GraveshamGravesham Borough landscape character Boroughareas. Council

In addition to the identification and description of landscape character areas, the borough wide landscape character assessment also provided comments on the condition and sensitivity of the different areas. These comments by necessity apply to the scale at which the borough wide assessment was undertaken, and whilst

11 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham providing some guidance for this study are relatively general in relation to the assessment of specific development sites. Table 1 below shows the key characteristics, condition and sensitivity identified for the seven character areas which are the focus of this study.

Table 1 Key characteristics, condition and sensitivity identified by the J/B Borough wide study. Character Key characteristics Condition Sensitivity Guideline area Gravesend Dominant settlement on urban edge of Gravesend Poor Moderate Restore southern Very gently undulating topography rising from north to and fringes south create Small arable fields historically part of Istead Farmlands landscape Man made golf course landscape acts as visual detractor Limited tree cover mostly consisting of small clumps of non native tree material on golf course Wire Fence lines and gappy native hedgerows Landscape dominated by large roads, High Speed Rail Link and associated infrastructure Harvel Varied topography with steep valley sides and plateaux Moderate Moderate Conserve wooded Ancient woodland, chestnut coppice and small and downs paddocks and pasture create Traditional historic settlement of Harvel set around village green Occasional traditional farmsteads Haphazard mosaic of residential plots and small holdings set within the woodland Narrow winding lanes through coppice woodland Higham Very gently undulating topography • Poor Moderate Restore arable Open arable farmland and farmland Views out to the marshes and the River Thames in the create north Original Saxon village of Lower Higham and more recent development to the south Marsh side hamlets and settlements Isolated farmsteads and scattered properties with locally distinct styles and materials Pockets of orchards and garden Nurseries Historic sites including a Priory and Gad’s Hill, once home to Charles Dickens Thames and Medway Canal (disused) runs to Lower Higham Istead arable Gently undulating topography with open arable fields Poor Moderate Restore farmland Fields divided by tracks, roads and occasional and hedgerows create Orchards to the east Minor native woodland clumps FewGravesham roads, which are open in Borough Council character Istead Rise modern housing development Clusters of properties and farmsteads Large pylons Meopham Gently undulating topography with a mixture of arable Good Moderate Conserve

12 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham downs and pasture farmland and Neat pattern of small square fields in the south reinforce Broader irregular shaped fields to the north Narrow lanes and roads lined with hedgerows Three large settlements located along A227 running east and west Traditional architecture surrounding village greens provide local vernacular Shorne and Flat grazing marsh with a lack of vegetation Sense of Good High Conserve Higham remoteness with extensive views across marshes marshes Network of ditches and meandering waterways divide the marshes in an irregular pattern leaving parcels of land of a medium scale No roads and limited development Features of historic interest including Shornemead Fort Extensive views across the River Thames and to higher ground to the south Vigo Relatively level topography across character area scarptop Large areas of uninterrupted dense native coppice woodlands woodland Complex network of uniform housing located within woodland to north west Built form uncharacteristic of local traditional architecture Non native species intermixed with woodland throughout residential area Limited views due to dense housing and woodland 3.4. LOCAL AND SITE LEVEL ASSESSMENT The local level assessment considers the setting of the settlement, and defines local landscape character areas. Whilst more specific than the borough wide character assessment, this process only provides general guidance in relation to specific sites which are then finally considered at the individual site level. Individual site level assessments consider whether all or parts of individual sites are suitable for development, and whether key screening trees , woodlands or other features should be protected either through the use of TPO’s or other development management methods. Table 2 below illustrates the hierarchy of different levels of assessment and their relevance to the site assessment process.

Table 2: hierarchy of assessments and their relevance to the site assessment process. Level Example character area Comment National North Downs Very general description of a wider area Regional/County Ash Downs Becomes focused on a smaller area District /Borough Meopham Downs A general district/borough wide planning tool, Local Meopham Plateau Local level assessment guides local parish level decisions. Site CG1 South of Heron Hill Lane Culverstone Individual sites may vary from the GraveshamGreen Boroughlocal Council norm and need individual consideration At the individual site level the assessment of landscape sensitivity has used a three point scale to reflect the overall sensitivity of the site to development, either highly sensitive, moderately sensitive or less sensitive.

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4. CULVERSTONE GREEN 4.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF THE SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Culverstone Green is situated on the gently sloping chalk plateau of the dip slope of the North Downs, which is overlain by deposits of clay with flints in this location. There are dry valleys to the west and east of the village which drain northwards and eastwards towards the Thames.

Landcover and field boundary pattern The village is subdivided by the main Gravesend to Wrotham Road the A227. Land to the west of the road is predominantly under arable rotation, although there are some significant tree belts, mainly along the valley sides of the dry valleys mentioned earlier. The pattern of field boundaries is generally regular and varies in scale from small paddocks abutting the village to larger fields further west. The generally level land which lies to the eastern side of the road dips down into the area known as the Culverstone valley. This is a predominantly wooded area which has been the subject of progressive development since it was subdivided into holiday plots in the 1930’s prior to planning controls.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth Culverstone Green is the most southerly part of the parish of Meopham, which is spread along the A227. Whilst there are a small number of houses which predate the First World War, the majority of buildings are more recent, with estates of 1960’s housing, predominantly bungalows, to the east of the main road. It is clear that the trees and wooded character of the Culverstone Valley are being eroded by an ongoing programme of building extensions and tree surgery, in spite of the best efforts of the local authority.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The Borough LCA study has included land to the west of the Culverstone Valley within the Meopham Downs Landscape character area. It has included the Culverstone Valley within the Harvel wooded downs landscape character area. The key characteristics of these are shown above in Table 1. The key differences between these two landscape character types is the proportion of woodland, and the nature and condition of the field boundary pattern, which is smaller scale, more irregular and complex in the Harvel wooded downs character area, but in a poor condition. The character of the Culverstone valley and the Vigo village area which are in part contiguous are in fact quite similar, and share similar characteristics. The Culverstone valley area is clearly a unique character type in relation to the setting of Culverstone Green, with the key landscape characteristic being the way that the existing trees contribute a wooded character. The open dry valleys are also unique due to the steep valley sides and wooded edges. This, due to the steep gradients which have tended to prevent development and restricted access to narrow sunken lanes, provides a sense of seclusion which is absent from the more open plateau above.

Local landscape character areas The mapping at Figure 5 shows the arrangement of local landscape character areas derived from this study around Culverstone Green. The Meopham downs landscape character area is divided into 4 local landscape character areas:  Culverstone wooded housing  Luddesdown valley  Lower Northfleet Valley  MeophamGravesham plateau. Borough Council

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Figure 5: The local landscape character areas surrounding the settlement of Culverstone

Each of the local landscape character areas has been the subject of an assessment of their sensitivity using a matrix based approach. The sensitivity matrices for each of the local character areas are shown below.

Gravesham Borough Council

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CULVERSTONE WOODED Comment

HOUSING

Local Character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Removal of trees is occurring which threatens the character Condition of landscape elements Tree infrastructure is still significant and in good condition Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Woodland provide sense of remoteness in certain areas Scenic beauty/quality Trees add to scenic quality Tranquillity Parts of the area are surprisingly tranquil due to the landform. Historic features which Some mature trees are present, these contribute to sense of place. provide the sense of place Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the The trees help to screen views within character area the area Prominence in wider landscape The woodland is prominent from adjoining areas Viewing population and physical A high number of the residents of the accessibility village live in or use the area.

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less Tree clearance has reduced the ability sensitive Sensitive sensitive of the landscape to accommodate change

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This wooded area is an important part of the setting of the village which accommodates a large number of houses, bungalows and chalets. The process of change from holiday plots to permanent housing has caused the loss of considerable numbers of trees which are the key feature of the area. Any further increase in the density of development would cause fundamental damage to the setting of the settlement and the landscape character of the area, and this character area has consequently been classified as highly sensitive.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal Gravesham Borough Council Prevent the loss of any further trees and or woodland, and encourage new planting to replace any trees which are lost.

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LUDDESDOWN VALLEY Comment

Local Character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Hedgerows and sunken lanes are part of character Condition of landscape elements Traditional pasture Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Due to topography, sunken lanes. Trees and hedges. Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Quiet undisturbed Historic features which Mature tree belts contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the Primarily along the valley only. character area Prominence in wider landscape / Views along and across the valley inter-visibility between CA’s from higher ground Viewing population and physical Walkers along paths and lanes accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The Luddesdown valley is particularly unsuited to change. It is characterised by the sunken lanes, and small scale pattern of traditional landscape which provide seclusion and tranquillity due to the combination of topography and trees/ woodland. New development would require major road widening and earthworks which would significantly damage the landscape character

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Maintain and conserve the character of the narrow lanes and hedgerows and maintain existing woodland belts. Gravesham Borough Council

17 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

UPPER NORTHFLEET VALLEY Comment

Local Character Area

Medium te/

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Modera Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Hedgerows and sunken lanes are part of character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Due to topography, sunken lanes. Trees and hedges. Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Mature tree belts contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the Primarily along the valley only. character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Walkers along paths and lanes accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This part of the Northfleet valley is unsuited to change. It is a pleasant small narrow pocket of linear landscape which provides seclusion and tranquillity due to the combination of topography and trees/ woodland. New development would require major road widening and earthworks which would significantly damage the landscape character

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Maintain and conserve the character of the narrow lanes and hedgerows and maintain existing woodland belts. Gravesham Borough Council

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MEOPHAM PLATEAU Comment

Local Character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Hedgerows have been removed Condition of landscape elements Some intrusive development and neglect of land/ boundaries Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Most of the area is close to development of some sort Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Parts of the area are relatively tranquil Historic features which Include historic buildings in village contribute to sense of place. core Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Resident population and drivers accessibility along the A227

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential In situations where there is a strong existing field boundary and tree structure, there is the potential for change to be accommodated. Sensitive small scale development could be considered if there are substantial landscape benefits, such as the restoration of missing field boundaries and re-establishment of tree belts around the perimeter of the settlement. This could provide better separation of the settlement from the surrounding fields and improve the rural character of the vicinity.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Conserve and enhance the setting of the settlements within woodland through reinstating tree belts around the perimeter ofGravesham the settlements. Borough Council

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4.2. CULVERSTONE GREEN SITE ANALYSIS 4.3. SITE CG1 South of Heron Hill Lane Culverstone Green This extensive site is located immediately to the east of the main A 227, just to the north of the village. Parts of the site are set behind a mature coniferous hedge, whilst other areas are located behind existing housing. It lies predominantly within the Meopham plateau local character area, although certain parts fall within the Culverstone wooded housing local landscape character area. The site is predominantly open fields although some woodland or areas of scrub and young trees are included. The eastern section of the site has a steeper gradient and is more wooded in character.

Figures 6 and 7: Plan and aerial photo of Site CG1. The more sensitive part of the site is outlined in red on the plan.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development The part of the site which lies immediately adjoining the road and is well screened by existing housing or hedging, is a relatively discrete block of land. This area is within the Meopham plateau local character area which is considered to be less sensitive to change. This part of the site is level and could accommodate appropriately designed development. The eastern section of the site lies within the Culverstone wooded housing character area, which is highly sensitive due to its topography and the manner in which the trees and woodland provide the setting for the settlement. The recommendation for this site would therefore be for only the western section within the Meopham plateau local landscape character area to be considered for development. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development Restrict developmentGravesham to the less sensitive western Boroughpart of the site and retain Council boundary and intermediate tree lines.

20 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

4.4. SITE CG2 East of Conifer Drive, Culverstone Green This site is an area of trees and woodland which is located between two housing areas within the Culverstone wooded housing local landscape character area. This area slopes eastwards and provides a woodland buffer between the two housing areas as well as contributing to the landscape setting of the settlement. This is apparent from the photograph at figure 8 below

Figure 8: Oblique aerial photograph showing the approximate site boundary of site CG2 outlined in red.

Gravesham Borough Council

21 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 9: Plan of site CG2.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development The site lies in the Culverstone wooded housing local landscape character area which is considered to be highly sensitive. It has suffered as a result of piecemeal development which has caused the loss of trees creating a negative impact on landscape character. Development of this site would cause further negative change and is not considered appropriate. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development The site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the negative landscape impacts which would result from the loss of trees associated with development.

Gravesham Borough Council

22 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

4.5. SITE CG3 East of Willow Walk, Culverstone Green Similar to site CG2 this is an area of trees and woodland which separates two housing areas within the Culverstone wooded housing local landscape character area. It also slopes towards the east and provides a woodland buffer between the two housing areas as well as contributing to the landscape setting of the settlement. There is also a footpath which links between the two areas of housing which is clearly well used.

Figure 10: plan of site CG3.

Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Gravesham Borough Council

23 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

4.6. SITE CG 4 North and West of Culverstone Primary School This site is located within the Meopham plateau local landscape character area to the west of the A227 Gravesend to Meopham road. It is part of a series of small ‘backland’ paddocks which occur around the perimeter of the settlement, associated with the 1930’s ribbon development along the road. In general these paddocks are separated from the larger fields to the west by existing field boundaries, however in this case the field boundary has been removed, and the area is open to the wider landscape of more open fields to the west.

Figures 11 and 12: showing how the field boundaries which might have screened the site from the wider landscape have been removed.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development The site lies in the Meopham plateau local landscape character area which is considered to be moderately sensitive, and where development could be accommodated in situations where there is a strong landscape structure, which would help to screen the site from the wider landscape. At present the lack of screening trees should prevent this area being considered for development. If a strong new tree belt is reinstated along the former boundary however the site could be re-considered in the future. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development At present this site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the potential visual impacts which would extend over a wide area to the west. If former field boundary hedgerows were to be re-established by dense plantingGravesham the site could subsequently be considered Borough for development. Council

24 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

5. GRAVESEND 5.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Gravesend is located on the foot of the chalk dip slope of the North Downs where it meets the edge of the tidal Thames estuary. Parts of the town lie on pockets of Thanet Sands or small outcrops of Blackheath and Woolwich beds. The area slopes gently northwards, from heights of 50 to 80 metres around the edge of the settlement, but is incised by a series of north- south dry valleys in places. One of these runs along the side of the Wrotham Road, whilst others run parallel to Franklin Road, and Northfleet.

Landcover and field boundary pattern The land fringing Gravesend is suitable for arable cropping and is therefore mostly within arable rotations, the exception being land bordering the river Thames to the east of the town which is low lying level grassland. Where the water table is high the grassland tends toward marsh. Field boundaries in these eastern fringes consist mostly of ditches. However recent changes in the water table have allowed scrub to develop along the sides of the ditches to form a type of hedge. Similar prominent lines of scrub also occur at the boundaries between the large generally regular arable fields which fringe the other eastern and southern fringes of the town.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth Gravesend has spread out from the small riverside town since the Victorian era. It is now some 3 kilometres from the town pier to the southern fringe of the town. The urban area has been constrained by the upgrading of the former Witling Street, now the A2 to a busy dual carriageway and the recently constructed High Speed Rail Link (HS1). The expansion of the town started in earnest after the First World War, and grew rapidly in the period after the Second World War. The most recent housing estates on the eastern side of the town were built in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, some on land which had been part of the wartime RAF Gravesham which was closed as an airfield in the 1950’s.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The Gravesham Borough LCA has identified a total of 3 different character areas immediately fringing the town of Gravesend These is:  Shorne and Higham Marshes, to the east of the town;  Higham arable farmlands, which is higher land to the south east and  Gravesend southern fringe which is immediately to the south of the town

Just beyond the fringe areas to the south of the town are two other Borough wide Landscape Character Areas: Istead arable farmlands and the Shorne woodlands character area. The landscape of the southern and eastern borders of Gravesend could be further subdivided to reflect the influence of the settlement on these fringing areas

To assist in the analysis of specific sites a more detailed level of study of the Gravesham landscape character areas has been undertaken. In the vicinity of Gravesend five local landscape character areas have been identified which are described below:-

West Court Marsh West Court marshGravesham is located on the east of Gravesend Borough bordering the built upCouncil area and Shorne and Higham marshes. This land has been subject to new three storey housing. Some drying out of the marsh and arable cropping has changed the character of the previous wider marshland landscape. A footpath and associated fence has allowed scrub to develop along its route, providing a clear boundary around the West Court Marsh area.

25 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Higham Marsh Fringe There is a slightly higher, but broadly level strip of land which adjoins the West Court Marsh, within the district level Higham Arable farmland character area. This marshland fringe area has been subdivided from the higher Upper Higham arable farmlands as a separate local landscape character area. The Higham marsh fringe lies between the northern marshes and the higher land to the south. The land use is predominantly arable cropping, on the northern edge of the chalk.

Upper Higham Arable Farmland The Upper Higham arable farmland slopes broadly northwards and the generally higher elevation means this area is more visible from the north. The field boundary pattern is generally large scale and rectilinear, where boundaries are present these are either hedges banks or fences. There is considerable evidence of hedgerow removal.

Thong Lane Recreation Area Parts of the former RAF base are now a series of recreational fields associated with the Cascades leisure centre. Land to the north of this is school playing field and a golf course has recently been built to the south. This land, fringing the town, is no longer subject to an agricultural use and is more suburban in character. The field boundary system has been lost and the pattern of vegetation has also changed. The southern fringe of the Riverview estate would also fit into this more suburban character area, which has been called Thong lane Recreation area. There is potential to link the amenity trees planted around this recreational area to existing and new woodlands by creating a much larger woodland character area to the south.

West Shorne Woodland The Shorne woodlands character type which is mostly in the AONB, currently does not abut the town suburbs, or link to Claylane wood an important wood for conservation. The planting of woodland along the A2 embankment, the fringes of the HS1 and at Jeskyns Farm, mean that this area will be wooded in the future. There is potential to link these established and new woodlands to create a much larger woodland character area. The agricultural land surrounding Claylane wood, and the wood itself could be included within the Shorne woodlands character type. This area, which has in part been defined by its potential, is the West Shorne woodlands local character area.

Wrotham Road Valley The Mid Kent Golf course and the valley to the west of Wrotham road, which have been included within the Gravesend southern fringe character type, whilst heavily influenced by the road and surrounding development, are part of a distinctive dry valley system which extends into the town. This area has therefore been separated from the other Southern fringe land, which adjoins the A2 and HS1, and is referred to as the Wrotham road valley.

Local landscape character areas The mapping at Figure 13 shows the arrangement of local landscape character areas derived from this study. They include:  West Court Marsh  Higham Marsh Fringe  Upper Higham Arable farmland  Thong Lane recreation area  West Shorne woodland  Wrotham Road valley Gravesham Borough Council

26 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 13: Gravesend local landscape character areas

Gravesham Borough Council

27 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

WEST COURT MARSH Comment

Local Character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Affected by adjoining buildings Condition of landscape elements Deteriorated through scrub along fences and ploughing of marsh Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Proximity to urban edge detracts Scenic beauty/quality Views eastward remain high quality Tranquillity Historic features which Old canal. contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive sensitive Sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential Whilst this section of the marshes has suffered some deterioration in landscape character as a result of ploughing and scrub encroachment, and the edges of new development remain bleak and unscreened, the essential low lying marshland character remains and could be restored through a combination of screen planting and changes in management. The generally open marshland character would not permit additional development without a highly negative landscape impact on the sensitive characteristics of the area.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of ditch field boundaries, removal of scrub, and woodland planting to screen the stark edge of the settlement, andGravesham new housing at Dering Way in Boroughparticular. Council

28 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

HIGHAM MARSH FRINGE Comment

Local character area

Poor gligible/

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Ne Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Some fringing hedgerows have been lost. Condition of landscape elements Some hedgerows in poor condition Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Includes views of marshes Tranquillity Historic features which Some historic buildings. contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / Includes views from North of Thames inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This marshland fringe is an important landscape buffer to the edges of the marsh. Views from the marshes look back towards this area and the Higham arable farmland beyond. Whilst this area is unlikely to be able to accommodate new development except in a minor way, the trees and hedgerows in this area provide an important landscape function and need to be managed and restored, to help maintain the landscape character of the marshes.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of hedgerows, field boundaries and copses to help maintain the visual buffer and seclusion of the marshes. Gravesham Borough Council

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UPPER HIGHAM ARABLE Comment

FARMLANDS

Local character area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which . contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / Includes views from North of Thames inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential As a result of the higher elevation the visibility of this local character area, particularly from the north, is relatively high. New areas of development would therefore be highly visible, and this area is consequently not considered to be suitable to accommodate development.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of the field boundary hedgerows which have been lost, particularly around the fringes of settlements, and along roadsides. .

Gravesham Borough Council

30 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

THONG LANE RECREATION Comment

AREA

Local Character Area

Good bstantial/

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Su High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character The pattern of field boundaries has been lost , and replaced by a golf course and recreational planting mosaic Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Parts are quite suburban in character Scenic beauty/quality Pylons detract Tranquillity Proximity to housing Historic features which contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Numerous visitors to the Cascades, accessibility the golf course and along Thong lane

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This relatively suburban area has lost much of its former rural character. It is also dominated by pylons, which are unlikely to be removed for the foreseeable future. The area could accommodate some new development if appropriately designed and located, and could fund/provide opportunities for additional landscape restoration and or recreational routes in the adjoining areas.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Seek to integrateGravesham the recreational landscape with theBorough wider rural landscape, throughCouncil screen planting and re- establishment of lost field boundaries where appropriate.

31 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

WEST SHORNE Comment

WOODLANDS

Local character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Field boundaries have been lost Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Presence of A2 Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Presence of A2 and HS1 Historic features which Ancient conservation value contribute to sense of place. woodland? Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Travellers on A2 and adjoining accessibility housing estates

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This landscape is changing as a result of tree planting along the sides of the HS1 (high speed rail link) and A2 and at Jeskyns Farm. Larger scale tree planting here would help to buffer the noise and visual impacts of the A2 corridor from the town, provide ecological and recreational links to Shorne woods, and help to absorb the visual impact of tall pylons.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Reinstate field boundaries and encourage new large scale woodland planting to provide links between Shorne and Claylane woods. Gravesham Borough Council

32 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

WROTHAM ROAD VALLEY Comment

Local character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Surrounded by development and busy roads Scenic beauty/quality Green lung in developed urban area Tranquillity Traffic noise Historic features which contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This area of land is located on the main approach into the town from Wrotham and includes the Mid Kent Golf course, to the east of the A227, school playing fields and agricultural land to the west. The area is surrounded by dense urban development. The remnants of hedges and roadside planting have created a boundary of dense vegetation along the road and western boundary of the agricultural land. The western section of the local character area is moderately to less sensitive and could accommodate some well designed development as an extension of the existing settlement area. The existing screening could help to mitigate the impact of any potential new development on this site. The dry valley landform of the agricultural land is an important feature, and the valley bottom should remain undeveloped as a green corridor linking the town to the recreational and open space facilities to the south. A former hedgerow field boundary running north south and parallel to the Wrotham road could be reinstated to separate new development from the valley floor.

Management Strategy Conserve EnhanceGravesham Restore Renewal Borough Council

Sympathetic design of any new development to include restoration of hedgerow field boundaries and copses to screen any new development.

33 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

5.2. GRAVESEND SITE ANALYSIS 5.3. SITE G1 West of Wrotham Road, Gravesend

Figures 14 and 15: site G1plan and oblique aerial photograph. Red line indicates more sensitive areas and yellow line indicates missing field boundary.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development Site G1lies to the west of the Wrotham road within the southern part of Gravesend. It is the major part of the Wrotham Road Valley local landscape character area, which also includes a golf course, school playing fields and other smaller areas of recreational land. The area is surrounded by dense urban development. This site is part of the approach to the town from the south and could provide recreational links (foot and cycle paths) to the recreational infrastructure which is being built along and to the south of the A2 / HS1 corridor. As part of the green corridor leading into the town, the eastern side of the site and the dry valley make a more significant contribution to the landscape setting of the town. This area is moderately sensitive and is less appropriate for development. The western section of the site is potentially less sensitive and could accommodate some well designed development as an extension of the existing settlement area. The original boundary hedge will need to be reinstated to separate the less sensitive area adjoining the existing housing from the potential green corridor running along the valley floor. The remnants of hedges and roadside planting have created a boundary of dense vegetation along the road and western boundary of the agricultural land. The existing screening along the road could also help to mitigate the impact of any potential new development on this site. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of Graveshamthe landscape impacts of Boroughdevelopment Council Retention of existing field boundaries and the reinstatement of former boundaries would help to mitigate the landscape impacts of new development, which should avoid the moderately sensitive valley area which also offers potential as a future ‘green corridor’

34 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

5.4. SITE G2 North East Gravesend

Figures 16 and 17: site plan and photograph from east, site G2.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development Site G2 lies to the east of the town adjoining Shorne and Higham Marshes. It is the major part of the West Court Marshes local landscape character area. Whilst this area has suffered as a result of recent development and agricultural change, the area is still considered to be highly sensitive, and development is not considered to be appropriate.

Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the scale of the potential landscape and visual impacts which would extend over a wide area to the east.

Gravesham Borough Council

35 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

5.5. SITE G3 South of Astra Drive, Riverview Park

Figure 18 and 19: site G4 plan and oblique aerial photograph. The dashed red line indicates the more sensitive area of the site.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This large area of green field land on the south eastern fringe of the town extends as far as Shorne woods, and the A2 /HS1 corridor. The northern section is included within the Thong Lane recreational area local landscape character area, whilst the southern section, which includes Claylane woods, is included within the West Shorne woods LCA. This latter southern area is more visible from the wider landscape, whilst the northern section, adjoining Riverview estate could accommodate some appropriately designed development, if suitably screened by planting to the south. In contrast the southern area within the West Shorne woods local character area is more sensitive and development would consequently be less appropriate. We have consequently assessed that this part of the proposed site is moderately sensitive. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site offers development potential in the less sensitive area to the north adjoining the Riverview Park housing estate. Whilst the southern part of the site is not considered to be highly sensitive, it is generally more visible, and could provide strategic recreational links through newly created woodland to Shorne woods. This would also provide a buffer between new housing and the transport corridors to the south.

Gravesham Borough Council

36 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

5.6. SITE G4 East of Thong Lane South of Rochester Road, Gravesend

Figures 20 and 21: site G4 plan, with less sensitive area outlined in red, and photograph from West Court Marsh. The site is below the red arrow.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site is located within the Upper Higham arable farmland local landscape character area. It is located on sloping ground which rises from 20 metres at the northern end, to some 45 Metres AOD at the highest point in the south. The photograph taken from West Court Marsh above shows how the elevation means that the higher parts of the site are visible from the north. A section of the site lying in the bottom of a dry valley, immediately to the east of the existing housing, fronting Thong lane, is screened from the wider landscape by a combination of the existing housing, and the landform. This area is considered to be moderately sensitive, whilst the remainder of the site is highly sensitive to development. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development Most of this site is highly sensitive and unsuitable for development due to the scale of landscape and visual impacts which would result if development occurred. A small area is less sensitive, being partially screened by existing housing and landform. If developed the proposals would need to include a substantial planted boundary treatment to the east and south.

Gravesham Borough Council

37 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

6. HIGHAM 6.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Higham is located on a ridge of higher ground which extends from Shorne eastwards and faces northwards overlooking the marshes. It lies between 50 and 95 metres AOD, over Thanet sand and Woolwich bed deposits close to the northern edge of the chalk dip slope. The highest point is at Telegraph hill (95M). Higham village faces northwest wards from this point towards the Thames.

Landcover and field boundary pattern The Northern side of Higham is predominantly surrounded by large scale arable fields which follow a regular field pattern. The steeper land to the east of the village has a smaller scale pattern of field boundaries. The southern and western side of the village is more wooded and also contains areas of orchard.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth Lower Higham is the original Saxon village and lies to the North of the more modern village of Higham. This spreads around the Victorian church located in the centre of the village. The village was home to Charles Dickens who lived in Gads Hill Place and made reference to a number of local landmarks in his novels.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The pattern of local landscape character areas follows the pattern included within the Borough wide study undertaken by Jacobs Babtie which is shown in the mapping at Figure 22, and described in chapter 3. The arable land on the north east, north and west sloping areas lies within the Higham arable farmland landscape character area, and the southern part of the village and its setting lies within the Shorne woodlands character area. No further subdivision of the LCAs was considered necessary at Higham.

Gravesham Borough Council

Figure 22: mapping of landscape character areas around Higham.

38 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

HIGHAM ARABLE FARMLAND Comment

Landscape Character Area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements From JB LCA Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Historic buildings and church contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / High visibility from Thames marshes inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This character area is generally visible from the marshes and roads to the north and, due to the relative absence of trees and hedges, is consequently unable to readily accommodate development.

Gravesham Borough Council

Figure 23: Photograph looking towards Higham from the Lower Rochester road west of Lower Higham

39 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of hedgerows and specifically field boundaries/ copses which have been lost to help screen the edge of the settlements.

Gravesham Borough Council

40 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

SHORNE WOODLANDS Comment

Landscape character area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Ancient conservation value woodland contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This more heavily wooded landscape character area is more able to accommodate new development due to the presence of screening trees and strong hedge lines.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Conserve and extend woodland cover using native species.

Gravesham Borough Council

41 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

6.2. HIGHAM SITE ANALYSIS 6.3. SITE H1 North of High View, Higham

Figures 24 and 25: site H1 plan and oblique aerial photograph. The H1 site is arable land arrowed

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site, located on the northern edge of the village, is part of the Higham arable farmland landscape character area. It is positioned on a slight ridge which slopes either eastwards or westwards, and is screened from the north. The western side of the site is visible from the wider landscape to the west (it can be seen on the skyline in figure 23) and is consequently more sensitive and development would not be appropriate. The eastern facing half of the site is however less visible and could accommodate development, particularly if the scheme incorporated appropriate visual buffer planting on the central boundary marked on the plan above.

Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive (east of site) (west of site)

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development It would be necessary to install a belt of buffer planting to screen the western edge of development if the eastern part of this site was developed. The remainder of this site is highly sensitive and unsuitable for development due to the visibility of the site from the north west. Gravesham Borough Council

42 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

6.4. SITE H2 Gads Hill School, Gravesend Road, Higham

Figures 26 and 27: site H2 plan and photograph from the south. The H2 site is beyond the line of trees arrowed

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site is located on the edge of the Shorne woodlands landscape character area, immediately to the south of the A226 Rochester road, and includes the former home of Charles Dickens. It is screened by a combination of both topography and mature trees on all sides and is able to accommodate development if this is appropriately designed and incorporates tree planting to maintain the tree screen in the future. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to the containment provided by existing tree screens. Development proposals would need to incorporate protection of these existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors.

Gravesham Borough Council

43 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

6.5. SITE H3 Mulberry Rise, The Lodge and Findhorn, Higham.

Figures 28 and 29: site H3 plan and photograph from the east. The H3 site is within the woodland arrowed

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site, located within the Higham arable farmlands landscape character area, consists of existing housing plots within a wooded setting. The site is well screened from the wider landscape, however if re- development is permitted the density and design should be restricted to prevent the loss of significant trees through over development of the site. This might be achieved through the use of Tree preservation orders (TPO’s) in order to help maintain the tree screen in the future, and low densities of development resulting. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to the containment provided by existing trees. Development proposals would need to incorporate protection of these existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors.

Gravesham Borough Council

44 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

7. HOOK GREEN 7.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Hook Green is the most northern part of Meopham and is located primarily on the gently sloping chalk dip slope of the North Downs. In places to the west of the village this is overlain with sands of the Thanet beds, whilst the eastern part of the settlement lies over clay with flint deposits. The dry valley to the west of the settlement extends north to Northfleet, whilst a dry valley to the east flows north eastwards past Luddesdown. Otherwise the land falls gently northwards.

Landcover and field boundary pattern Many of the internal field boundaries and quite a few of the roadside field boundaries have been removed from the predominantly arable farmland which surrounds Hook Green. There are occasional roadside hedges around fields close to the village but in areas within the surrounding countryside these have often been removed.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth The village was a small agricultural hamlet at the turn of the 20th century, with the two large farms in the village and the house and park at Camer as the main features of the area. At this time there were a small number of orchards around the village. Fruit production expanded dramatically during the early part of the 20th century and peaked in the 1950’s when much of the land surrounding the village was planted with orchards. Almost all have now gone and either been replaced by housing or arable cropping.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The influence of Camer Park can be seen in mature parkland tree belts which can be seen around the eastern side of the village. These now sit within a gently sloping open arable landscape, which extends up to the edges of the village. The western side of the village is more typical of the Borough wide Meopham Downs landscape character area, although the distinctive Northfleet valley runs north- south approximately one kilometre west of the village.

Local landscape character areas Hook Green is located in the Meopham Downs landscape character area as classed in the Gravesham Borough landscape character assessment. At the more detailed scale the Meopham Downs LCA can be divided into three distinct areas.  Central Northfleet Valley  Camer Parkland,  Meopham Downs. They are shown on the mapping at Figure 30 which shows the arrangement of local landscape character areas derived from this study, and the borough wide landscape character area.

Gravesham Borough Council

45 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 30: Mapping of local landscape character areas around Hooks Green.

Each of these landscape character areas has been the subject of an assessment of their sensitivity using a matrix based approach. The sensitivity matrices for each of the local character areas are shown below.

Gravesham Borough Council

46 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

CENTRAL NORTHFLEET Comment VALLEY

Landscape character area

High Good ubstantial/

Major/ Very high Very Major/ S Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The Central Northfleet valley to the west of Hook Green has been ‘opened out’ by hedgerow removal which has caused the loss of the intimate character that other sections of the dry valleys in the area possess. It is consequently not able to readily accommodate development and mitigation would be difficult due to the topography.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of field boundaries which were removed during the post war years as a result of arable intensification. Gravesham Borough Council

47 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

CAMER PARKLAND Comment

Landscape character area

high Very

Major/ Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Open flat landscape Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Parkland tree groups. contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The flat openness of this landscape, which adjoins and or includes a part of the Kent Downs AONB means that any change would be highly visible, and would detract from the park like qualities of the area. New development would therefore not be appropriate in this local landscape character type.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Conserve existing tree group’s copses and shelter belts and undertake restoration planting for the future.

Gravesham Borough Council

48 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

MEOPHAM DOWNS Comment

Landscape character area

high Very ajor/

M Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Variable; hedgerows have been removed in many areas. Condition of landscape elements Some areas have been abandoned near to the settlement edge. Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Variable certain areas are relatively remote and tranquil Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Ruined Oast base , and Melliker Lane contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The Meopham downs landscape character area around Hooks Green is generally more variable in this location than in other parts of the Borough. There are however certain features such as the quiet narrow Melliker Lane which reflect the traditional character of this area. Certain parts of this character area may be able to accommodate development, particularly in situations which are visually contained by landform and tree belts.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of fieldGravesham boundaries and reintroduction Boroughof agricultural management Council into areas which have been abandoned.

49 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

7.2. HOOK GREEN SITE ANALYSIS 7.3. SITE HG1 South of Melliker Lane, Hook Green

Figures 31 and 32 site HG1 plan and photograph of the site from the north west. The least sensitive part of the site is ringed in red.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site within the Meopham Downs local landscape character area consists of fields which appear to have been unmanaged for a number of years, although the most north easterly part of the site is used for horse grazing. Other parts, particularly the south east section, are covered either by established scrub or immature trees or woodland. The field to the northeast of the site immediately abutting the village is well screened by woodland and existing properties from the wider landscape. If development of this part of the site were to be considered access into the site should avoid Melliker lane which is a historic landscape feature which needs to remain in its current form, possibly as a footpath or cycleway. If the lane were upgraded to modern highway standards as access the historic and landscape character would be lost. Other parts of the site to the south and west are less well screened and development of these areas would be visible from a much wider area. It is understood that outline consent has been sought for development of a part of the south east corner of the site adjoining Longfield road. This is one of the more visually sensitive parts of this site. In the event that consideration is to be given to permitting development in this area, it would be recommended that existing trees are protected through the use of TPO’s and that a detailed tree survey undertaken in accordance with the requirements of British Standard BS 5837 (2005) Trees in relation to construction is obtained and approved prior to any consent being given.

Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive (North east of (South and west of site) site)

Mitigation of Graveshamthe landscape impacts of Boroughdevelopment Council Development proposals would need to avoid the more sensitive south and west parts of the site and incorporate protection of existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for long term screening. The character of Melliker lane should be conserved through the provision of alternative vehicular access.

50 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

7.4. SITE HG2 West of Norwood Lane, Hook Green

Figures 33 and 34; plan and photograph of site HG2 from the south east.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This part of the Camer Parkland local landscape character area is separated (at least in part) from the settlement edge by a belt of trees which provide a well screened edge to the village. The site is flat and open and although currently used for cereal production is integral to the typical parkland landscape of the local landscape character area. Development in this site would be highly visible from the open and extensive surrounding area which is crossed by two rural roads, and whilst one is partially sunken, there are clear views of this part of the village, particularly for pedestrians. Development of this site is therefore not recommended. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Gravesham Borough Council

51 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

7.5. SITE HG3: West of Cheshunt Close, Hook Green

Figures 35 and 36: site HG3 plan and photograph of site from the south west.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site is part of the Meopham downs l landscape character area. Whilst it seems to be unmanaged now, it was originally used as orchards, (as shown on 1930’s mapping), then grazing. The local topography of the site indicates that development could be considered. The site is relatively well screened from routes to the west by the landform. However, the western boundary of the site (possibly removed in the early 1960’s), would need to be reinstated. Subject to the installation of a significant planted boundary this site could accommodate some limited form of housing development. Access to the site is a sensitive issue and should avoid Melliker lane which is a historic landscape feature which needs to remain in its current form, possibly as a footpath or cycleway. If the lane were upgraded to modern highway standards to access the site the historic and landscape character would be lost. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development The installation of a significant (e.g. 10M width) planted buffer strip to the western boundary, and conserving the landscape character of Melliker lane through the provision of alternative vehicular access, would be desirable if the site is developed. Gravesham Borough Council

52 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

8. ISTEAD RISE 8.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Istead Rise is located close to the northern edge of the chalk dip slope of the North Downs. The parish abuts the lower and productive North Kent Plain and A2 London to Dover road in the north, and the more wooded series of dip slope ridges and dry valleys in the south. The village spreads over the lower slopes of a ridge which runs broadly north-south and juts out towards the Thames Estuary across the gentle undulations of the North Kent Plain. This ridge becomes more pronounced to the west of the village which extends down the ridge slope into a parallel steep sided dry valley.

Landcover and field boundary pattern In parts the chalk ridges are overlaid by clay with flint deposits. Here the soils are less suited to arable cropping and the land use has tended to remain as woodland or pasture. Wide strips of woodland and areas of chalk grassland occupy the steeper slopes. The field boundary pattern changes across the parish from a series of large scale rectilinear arable fields to the north and west to a smaller scale pattern of primarily hedged fields to the south and east. There are generally smaller scale enclosures immediately adjoining the village, some of which are hidden from the wider landscape by hedging or tree copses.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth It is understood that Istead Rise was predominantly farmland until the post war years when the settlement was expanded. Almost all of the housing dates from this period with the school dating from the 1960’s and the community centre being more recent.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The Gravesham Borough LCA has identified the area to the north and west of the village as being within the Istead arable farmland character area, whilst the area to the south and east are within the Meopham Downs character area.

Local landscape character areas After considering the landscape character of the setting of Istead Rise at a more detailed level it is possible to identify further subdivisions of these two areas. Four local landscape character areas can be identified  Ifield  Northfleet and Istead  Lower Northfleet Valley  Nash Street These are marked on the drawing at figure 37 which shows how land to the west of the A227 within the Istead arable farmland LCA changes from a more gently sloping and open landscape to the east around Ifield to a more contained and steeper landscape to the west, south of Northfleet and Istead . The land around New Barn faces the valley side housing on the west side of Istead Rise, and provides an important rural outlook for these properties, which is open and has few subdivisions. The A227 is a logical boundary between the two subdivisions of the Meopham Downs LCA, The steep Lower Northfleet Valley to the west of the road, and the more gentle slopes of the Nash Street area to the east.

Gravesham Borough Council

53 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 37; showing the subdivision of landscape character areas around Istead Rise.

Figure 38: aerialGravesham photograph of Istead Rise from theBorough south east. Council

54 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Figure 39 aerial photograph of Istead Rise from the north west.

Gravesham Borough Council

55 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

NASH STREET Comment

Landscape character area

Good stantial/

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Sub High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This part of the setting of Istead Rise is both relatively discrete, due to the combination of topography and relatively dense field boundaries/ woodland. It is also separated from the settlement by the A227. The smaller scale character and relative density of woodland and hedgerows helps to provide a strong edge to the village abutting this character area.

Landscape management strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of copses generally and specifically field boundaries/ copses to continue to screen the edge of the settlement. Gravesham Borough Council

56 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

IFIELD Comment

Landscape Character Area

Major/ Very Very Major/ high Substantial/ High Good Moderate/ Medium Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Large pylons detract Condition of landscape elements Large amounts of hedge removal Landscape Value Sense of remoteness A2 and HS1 Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity A2 and HS1 Historic features which Ifield Court contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This local landscape character area has been affected by its proximity to infrastructure construction works. These include the presence of major power cables and pylons, highway works to the A2 and the construction of the HS1. In addition the field boundary network has suffered as a result of hedgerow removal. This character area is consequently relatively open and less able to accommodate development.

Landscape management strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of field boundary structure and particularly additional mitigation planting along boundary lines adjoining the HS1. Restoring boundaries may slightly reduce the impact of the power lines and pylons. Gravesham Borough Council

NORTHFLEET AND ISTEAD Comment

Landscape character area

Major/ Very Very Major/ high Substantial/ High Good Moderate/ Medium Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Narrow winding lanes contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This local character area is located to the north of the settlement and south of the A2 HS1 corridor and is consequently an important buffer zone of countryside to the village. It is crossed by two lines of large pylons; however there are some strong field boundaries which separate the village from this area. This area may be able to accommodate development in appropriately well screened areas.

Landscape management strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of field boundaries and copses to help assimilate the large pylons and HS1.

Gravesham Borough Council

LOWER NORTHFLEET Comment

VALLEY LOCAL LANDSCAPE

CHARACTER AREA

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Some hedge removal has taken place Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Scenic beauty/quality Pylons detract from part of this section Tranquillity HS1 and A2 detract Historic features which contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / Visible from southern edge of inter-visibility between CA’s Gravesend Viewing population and physical accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The Lower Northfleet valley local character area is the lower section of a chalk dry valley, which has an enclosed and intimate character due to enclosing hedgerows and trees in the upper section but is more open here. This part of the valley is a feature of the west side of Istead Rise; it extends north from Northfleet and Istead through the western side of the village which is built in the valley bottom. A large part of the village overlooks the valley and its western side which is still farmland, although a number of the field boundary hedges have been removed. New development would need to be well screened both from the wider landscape, and within the village.

Landscape management strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Restoration of fieldGravesham boundaries which have been removedBorough and reinforcement Council of the planting to the edges of the settlement which intrude into the valley.

8.2. ISTEAD RISE SITE ANALYSIS 8.3. SITE I 1 South of Istead Rise This site lies to the south of Istead rise within the Lower Northfleet valley local character area. The upper, eastern part of the site, which abuts the A227, consists of botanically rich chalk grassland, and scrub. The lower valley side and valley bottom consist of heavily horse grazed paddocks.

Figures 40 and 41: Site mapping and aerial photograph with the site marked in white

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development The Lower Northfleet valley local character area is a relatively steep chalk dry valley, which has an enclosed and intimate character as a result of the steep sides, sunken narrow lanes and enclosing hedgerows and trees. There is a strong existing tree line which separates this site from the rest of the village and helps the adjoining steep housing to be visually integrated with the surrounding countryside. In addition this area provides informal access to the countryside for the residents of the settlement. This site is therefore considered to be a highly sensitive part of the setting of the settlement. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the scale of the potential landscape and visual impacts if development went ahead. Gravesham Borough Council

8.4. SITE I 2 North of The Drove Way, Istead Rise This site on the northern fringe of the village is broadly level land which is located adjoining existing housing in the Northfleet and Istead local landscape character area and separated from the wider countryside by existing tree belts.

Figures 42 and 43: Site mapping and photograph showing the screening tree belt and existing housing

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site is very well screened by existing tree belts, from the wider landscape. It could be developed without having any significant visual impact on the wider setting of the village and surrounding countryside in spite of the elevated topography. The tree screen belts will however need to be re-invigorated (NB, they currently consist largely of elm re-growth) and a mechanism needs to be found for ensuring their long term survival and management, which will perpetuate the screening provided. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to the containment provided by existing trees. Development proposals would need to incorporate protection of the existing tree belt (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors.

Gravesham Borough Council

8.5. SITE I 3 64 Downs Road, Istead Rise This site is an area of land located on the western edge of the Lower Northfleet valley local character area. It is a ‘backland’ plot which would need to be accessed through an existing housing plot.

Figure 44 and 45: Mapping of site I3 and photograph from Downs Road.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development Development of this site would extend the built up area beyond the existing housing line along the valley bottom up onto the valley side. This site is overlooked by much of the housing on the west side of Istead Rise. Development of this site would reduce the area of countryside visible from within the village. At present the development within the valley bottom is hidden from the wider landscape by the topography. This is likely to continue to be the case if this site were developed. There would however be a need to ensure that the development plans incorporated proposals for retaining existing trees which front onto Downs Road, and those which help screen this site at the rear. New screen tree planting will also be required around the rear perimeter, including the reinstatement of boundary hedging to neighbouring properties. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive Moderately Sensitive Less sensitive

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is consideredGravesham to be moderately sensitive toBorough development. There is somCouncile containment provided by existing trees which would need to be protected (possibly through TPO) with provision being made to provide long term screen planting in order to maintain the character of views across the valley from Istead Rise.

8.6. SITE I 4 90 Downs Road, Istead Rise This is a woodland plot located in the Lower Northfleet valley local landscape character area which appears to form a separate part of the garden of the adjoining plot. It contains various significant trees which form a part of the wooded character of this part of Downs Road, and help to provide screening from the wider countryside to the south.

Figures 46 and 47; mapping and aerial photography of plot I 4.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development Development of this plot would require the removal of significant trees which help to form a part of the tree screen around the southern perimeter of the settlement. If development were permitted this would change the wooded character of the southern edge of the village and reduce the screening of the village from the wider landscape. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive. Moderately Sensitive. Less sensitive.

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development The site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the negative landscape impacts which would result from the removal of trees which enhance the setting of the approach to the village from the south.

Gravesham Borough Council

9. MEOPHAM GREEN 9.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Meopham Green is situated on the gently sloping chalk plateau of the dip slope of the North Downs, which is overlain by deposits of clay with flints in this location. There are dry valleys to the west and east of the village which drain northwards and eastwards towards the Thames.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth Meopham Green spreads along the A227 Gravesend to Wrotham road and is centred on the village green which has been used for cricket for over 200 years. This core area is part of a conservation area which covers the green (Pitfield Green) and associated buildings which include a windmill to the west of the green. Whilst there are a small number of houses which predate the 19th century, the majority of buildings around the green are Victorian or later. There are two small modern housing cull de sacs which lead off of the Green; however the majority of more modern housing lies to the north east of the green, centred on Whitehill road. Meopham School is situated to the north west of the green adjoining the main A227 road.

Pattern of local landscape character areas Meopham Green is situated within the Meopham Downs Landscape character area which also includes Culverstone Green and Hook Green. The local landscape character types which were identified during the analysis of the settings of these two settlements are also apparent around Meopham Green. These include the level land between two north-south dry valleys, which is referred to as the Meopham Plateau, and the two dry valleys, with the Northfleet valley to the west, and the Luddesdown valley to the East.

Local landscape character areas The mapping at Figure 48 shows the arrangement of local landscape character areas derived from this study around Meopham Green. These are:  Luddesdown valley  Upper Northfleet Valley  Meopham plateau.

Gravesham Borough Council

Figure 48; mapping of local landscape character areas around Meopham Green

Each of the local landscape character areas has been the subject of an assessment of their sensitivity using a matrix based approach. Whilst the local character areas are similar to those found in the adjoining villages; each has been separately assessed to reflect the characteristics found adjoining Meopham Green. These sensitivity matrices are shown below.

Gravesham Borough Council

LUDDESDOWN VALLEY Comment

Landscape character area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Hedgerows and sunken lanes are part of the character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Due to topography, sunken lanes. trees and hedges. Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Relatively few roads through this area Historic features which Mature tree belts contribute to sense of place. Picturesque sunken lanes. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the Primarily along the valley character area Prominence in wider landscape / Views along and across the valley inter-visibility between CA’s from higher ground Viewing population and physical Walkers along paths and lanes accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive sensitive Sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential These enclosed dry valleys are particularly unsuited to change. They are small or narrow pockets of linear landscape which provide seclusion and tranquillity due to the combination of topography and trees/ woodland. New development would require major road widening and earthworks which would significantly damage the landscape character

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Maintain and conserve the character of the narrow lanes and hedgerows and maintain existing woodland belts. Gravesham Borough Council

UPPER NORTHFLEET VALLEY Comment

Landscape character area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Hedgerows and sunken lanes are part of character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Due to topography, sunken lanes. trees and hedges. Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Mature tree belts contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the Primarily along the valley only. character area Prominence in wider landscape / Views along and across the valley inter-visibility between CA’s from higher ground Viewing population and physical Walkers along paths and lanes accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential The Upper Northfleet Valley is not as steep sided and is more open in the area to the west of Meopham Green. The area is however typical rolling chalk farmland with a largely intact pattern of copses and field boundaries. It is a landscape which provides seclusion and tranquillity due to the combination of topography and trees/ woodland. New development would require major road widening and earthworks which would significantly damage the landscape character

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Maintain and conserve the character of the narrow lanes and hedgerows and maintain existing woodland belts. Gravesham Borough Council

MEOPHAM PLATEAU Comment

Landscape character area

Major/ Very high Very Major/ Good Substantial/ High Medium Moderate/ Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Some hedgerows have been removed Condition of landscape elements Some removal of field boundaries Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Most of the area is close to development Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Parts of the area are relatively tranquil Historic features which Include historic buildings in village contribute to sense of place. core, village green and windmill Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the . character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Resident population and drivers accessibility along the A227

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential In situations where there is a strong existing field boundary and tree structure, there is the potential for change to be accommodated. Development could be considered in less sensitive areas when there are landscape benefits. These could be the restoration of missing field boundaries and re-establishment of tree belts around the perimeter of the settlement. Better containment and separation of the settlement from the surrounding fields with the planting of treebelts and hedges could ultimately enhance the area.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Conserve and enhance the setting of the settlements reinstating tree belts and field boundaries around the perimeter of theGravesham settlement. Borough Council

9.2. MEOPHAM GREEN SITE ANALYSIS

9.3. SITE MG1 Steele’s Lane, Meopham Green

Figures 49 and 50: mapping of site MG1 and oblique aerial photo of the site.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This irregular site is enclosed by existing housing on the north and south sides, the A227 road on the west side and a rural lane on the east side. The site is situated on the eastern edge of the Meopham plateau local landscape character area, where it adjoins the Luddesdown valley local landscape character area. The valley to the east of the site is very picturesque. The site is well screened from the east and could be considered for development. The eastern side of the site will need to retain and supplement the existing trees along the field boundary in order to ensure the future integrity of this screening. The well developed boundary either side of the lane will also help to screen any new development from the south, east and the Kent Downs AONB which lies to the far side of the Luddesdown valley Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive. Moderately Sensitive. Less sensitive.

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development The site is considered to be less sensitive to development although care need to be taken to protect the trees and hedging which screen the eastern boundary. Proposals will need to include planting to maintain a screen to this boundaryGravesham in the longer term. Borough Council

9.4. SITE MG2 Lomer Farm, Meopham Green (part of site only)

Figures 51 and 52: mapping of site MG2 with the less sensitive part outlined in red and oblique aerial photo of the site (arrowed).

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development This site lies in the Meopham plateau local landscape character area to the west of the village and includes farm buildings at Lomer farm. Most of the site is well screened from the wider countryside by a tree line which runs north-south along the western boundary. There are however significant gaps in this to the west of the Lomer farm buildings, and this is the area of the site which is exposed to wider view from a public footpath. For this reason the North western corner of the site is considered to be more sensitive to development than the remainder of the site. and should be excluded from consideration for development. The protection of the tree line to the west of the site will be necessary in order to achieve screening in the long term; this could be achieved through the use of TPO’s. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive. Moderately Sensitive. Less sensitive. (Remainder of (North western site) corner of site)

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development Most of the site is considered to be less sensitive to development although care need to be taken to protect the tree belt whichGravesham screens the western boundary. Borough The north western corner Council of the site is more sensitive and this should not be subject to development Proposals will need to include planting to maintain long term screening of the western boundary.

9.5. SITE MG3 Holly Cottage, West of Wrotham Road, Meopham Green This site is located adjoining housing, the A227 Wrotham road, and the George public house (which lies to the north), to the west of Wrotham road. It appears to have been cleared during the last few years and a car park has been constructed. It is located within the Meopham plateau local landscape character area.

Figures 53 and 54; mapping of site MG3 and oblique aerial photo of the site.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of development The site is currently screened from the wider countryside to the west by an existing tree belt, and trees located behind the George. Subject to the retention of these trees and additional planting to the western boundary the site could accommodate development without any significant impact on the wider landscape. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive. Moderately Sensitive. Less sensitive.

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development The site is considered to be less sensitive to development although care need to be taken to protect the trees and hedging which screen the northern and western boundaries. Proposals will need to include planting to maintain a tree screen in the longer term.

Gravesham Borough Council

10. VIGO 10.1. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENT SETTING

Geology and topography Vigo is located on a level plateau at the top of the escarpment of the North Downs. The area lies at an elevation of between 190 and 210 Metres AOD and is the highest part of the Borough.

Landcover and field boundary pattern Vigo is dominated by woodland which covers most of the surrounding area, although woodland to the north of the village blends into a mosaic of arable land.

Cultural pattern and settlement growth Vigo is a relatively new settlement, which was first occupied by an army training camp during the Second World War. The grouping of Nissen huts and army buildings became a home for displaced people after the war, who took over the former army camp. The installation of infrastructure and rebuilding to modern standards followed during the 1960’s, when the former army camp was redeveloped and took the form that it is in today.

Pattern of local landscape character areas The Borough wide landscape character assessment identified Vigo scarptop woodlands as a separate landscape character area. It identified the following characteristics:  Relatively level topography across character area  Large areas of uninterrupted dense native coppice woodland  Complex network of uniform housing located within woodland to north west  Built form uncharacteristic of local traditional architecture  Non native species intermixed with woodland throughout residential area  Limited views due to dense housing and woodland. The setting of the settlement is largely surrounded by woodland apart from the north eastern corner, which abuts the Harvel wooded downs character area. At the local scale it is not possible to identify any more detailed local character areas which affect the setting of the village, and consequently the Vigo scarptop woodlands character area has been the subject of a sensitivity analysis. The mapping at figure 55 shows the layout of landscape character areas, taken from the Borough wide study.

Gravesham Borough Council

Figure 55: Landscape character mapping of the area around the settlement. Site V1 marked in red.

Gravesham Borough Council

VIGO SCARPTOP Comment

WOODLANDS

Landscape character area h

Major/ Very Very Major/ high Substantial/ Hig Good Moderate/ Medium Low Slight/ Poor Negligible/ Landscape quality/ condition Integrity of landscape character Condition of landscape elements Landscape Value Sense of remoteness Due to qualities of woodland Scenic beauty/quality Tranquillity Historic features which Ancient woodlands contribute to sense of place. Visual sensitivity Local inter-visibility within the character area Prominence in wider landscape / inter-visibility between CA’s Viewing population and physical Local residents and walkers accessibility

Overall sensitivity value Broad Rating Highly Moderately Less sensitive Sensitive sensitive

Capacity to accommodate change and mitigation potential This landscape character area is very well wooded and mostly lies within the Kent Downs AONB. Whilst the woodland would provide good screening for new development, it is not generally appropriate to consider further development in this area due to the ecological recreational and landscape value of the woodland.

Management Strategy Conserve Enhance Restore Renewal

Maintain and enhance structural and biological diversity of woodland, and encourage the long term removal of non native tree species. Gravesham Borough Council

10.2. VIGO SITE ANALYSIS 10.3. SITE V1 Commority Road, Vigo This site is located in the Vigo woodlands landscape character area in existing woodland which is located to the eastern side of Vigo village within the Kent Downs AONB. It is separated from the village by an existing road and track.

Figures 56 and 57; Mapping of site V1 and photo of the site from the west.

Assessment of potential landscape impacts of housing development Vigo village is currently largely contained within a perimeter access road, and trees which act as a buffer from the road. Development should remain restricted to the area within the perimeter road at this point. The track which passes the site is a part of the footpath network which links to the North Downs Way, Weald Way and Pilgrims Way trails. A footpath also crosses through the woodland. Development of the site would cause the loss of the woodland and wooded character of this part of the setting of the village which is not considered to be appropriate to this sensitive designated landscape. Sensitivity Rating Highly sensitive. Moderately Sensitive. Less sensitive.

Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to the negative landscape impacts which would result from the loss of trees associated with development of the site.

Gravesham Borough Council

11. CONCLUSIONS 11.1. CONCLUSIONS The table below summarises the findings of the study and identifies sites which could be taken forward further in the forward planning process, but on landscape grounds only. Whilst it is recognised that this is just the first part of a development planning exercise, we would encourage the Borough to continue to place a high value on the protection of the landscape of the settlements considered, and to recognise that a landscape input needs to be made to the planning of each site as it moves through the planning process.

David Hares Dip LA MLI Monday, 15 August 2011

Gravesham Borough Council

76 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 Site Name Highly Moderately Less sensitive sensitive sensitive Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development CG South of Restrict development to the less sensitive western part of the site 1 Heron Hill and retain boundary and intermediate tree lines. CG East of The site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to 2 Conifer Drive, the negative landscape impacts which would result from the loss of trees associated with development. CG East of The site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to 3 Willow Walk, the negative landscape impacts which would result from the loss of trees resulting from development. CG North and At present this site is considered to be unsuitable for 4 West of development due to the potential visual impacts which would Primary extend over a wide area to the west. If former field boundary school hedgerows were to be re-established by dense planting the site could subsequently be considered for development. G 1 West of Retention of existing field boundaries and the reinstatement of Wrotham former boundaries would help to mitigate the landscape impacts Road, of new development, which should avoid the moderately sensitive valley area which also offers potential as a future ‘green corridor’ G 2 North East This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to Gravesend the scale of the potential landscape and visual impacts which would extend over a wide area to the east. G 3 South of This site offers development potential in the less sensitive area to Astra Drive, the north adjoining the Riverview Park housing estate. Whilst the Riverview Pk southern part of the site is not considered to be highly sensitive, it is generally more visible, and could provide strategic recreational links through newly created woodland to Shorne woods. This would also provide a buffer between new housing and the transport corridors to the south. G 4 E of Thong Most of this site is highly sensitive and unsuitable for development Lane S of due to the scale of landscape and visual impacts which would Rochester Rd, result if development occurred. A small area is less sensitive, being partially screened by existing housing and landform. If developed the proposals would need to include a substantial planted boundary treatment to the east and south H 1 North of High It would be necessary to install a belt of buffer planting to screen View the western edge of development if the eastern part of this site was developed. The remainder of this site is highly sensitive and unsuitable for development due to the visibility of the site from the north west. H 2 Gads Hill This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to School the containment provided by existing tree screens. Development proposals would need to incorporate protection of these existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors. H 3 Mulberry Rise This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to The Lodge the containment provided by existing trees. Development and Findhorn proposals would need to incorporate protection of these existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors. HG South of Development proposals would need to avoid the more sensitive 1 Melliker Lane south and west parts of the site and incorporate protection of existing trees (possibly through TPO) and make provision for long term screening. The character of Melliker lane should be conserved through the provision of alternative vehicular access. HG West of This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to 2 Norwood the scale of the potential landscape and visual impacts which Lane Gravesham Boroughwould extend over a wide Council area to the east. HG East of The installation of a significant (e.g. 10M width) planted buffer strip 3 Cheshunt to the western boundary and conserving the landscape character Close of Melliker lane through the provision of alternative vehicular access, would be desirable if the site is developed.

Document reference P138/01/01. Status: Final Draft 15-08-2011

Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Site Name Highly Moderately Less Mitigation of the landscape impacts of development sensitive sensitive sensitive IR 1 South of This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to Istead Rise the scale of the potential landscape and visual impacts if development went ahead IR 2 North of The This site is considered to be less sensitive to development due to Drove Way the containment provided by existing trees. Development proposals would need to incorporate protection of the existing tree belt (possibly through TPO) and make provision for their long term successors. IR 3 64 Downs This site is considered to be moderately sensitive to development. Road There is some containment provided by existing trees which would need to be protected (possibly through TPO) with provision being made to provide long term screen planting in order to maintain the character of views across the valley from Istead Rise. IR 4 90 Downs The site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to Road the negative landscape impacts which would result from the removal of trees which enhance the setting of the approach to the village from the south MG Steele’s Lane, The site is considered to be less sensitive to development 1 although care need to be taken to protect the trees and hedging which screen the eastern boundary. Proposals will need to include planting to maintain a screen to this boundary in the longer term. MG Lomer Farm, Most of the site is considered to be less sensitive to development 2 although care need to be taken to protect the tree belt which screens the western boundary. The north western corner of the site is more sensitive and this should not be subject to development Proposals will need to include planting to maintain long term screening of the western boundary. MG Holly Cottage The site is considered to be less sensitive to development 3 although care need to be taken to protect the trees and hedging which screen the northern and western boundaries. Proposals will need to include planting to maintain a tree screen in the longer term. V 1 Commority This site is considered to be unsuitable for development due to Road, the negative landscape impacts which would result from the loss of trees associated with development of the site

Gravesham Borough Council

APPENDIX 1 TERMINOLOGY LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Landscape character: A combination of topography, natural and manmade patterns which together contribute to the appearance of the landscape.

Character: A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.

Elements: Individual components which make up the landscape, such as trees and hedges.

Features: Particularly prominent or eye-catching elements, like tree clumps, church towers, or wooded skylines.

Characteristics: Elements, or combinations of elements, which make a particular contribution to distinctive character.

Characterisation: The process of identifying areas of similar character, classifying and mapping.

LCA: Landscape Character Assessment: The process of assessing the character of the landscape and describing its character.

Landscape Character Types: Combinations of Land Description Units that share the same key characteristics. Character Types often occur in more than one discrete geographical area.

Landscape Character Areas: Geographically discrete areas strongly associated with a place, and often comprised of more than one character type.

Land Description Units: Distinct and relatively homogenous units of land each defined by their Physiography, Ground Type, Land Cover and Cultural Pattern that set the extent of each spatial unit.

Sensitivity: The degree to which a landscape with a particular character is inherently sensitive or insensitive to a particular pressure. A landscape of high sensitivity is one that, once lost, would be difficult to restore.

Capacity: The degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type.

VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Development effects: A tangible effect caused by the construction of the development. This can be temporary or short term (such as the loss of hedging which is subsequently replaced), or a long term effect such as the construction of a building with an indeterminate lifespan. Effects can be negative, neutral or positive depending on their nature and the nature of the landscape or view.

Landscape Impact: Impacts on landscape character and resources, including effects on the physical and aesthetic values of the landscape caused by changes in elements, features and other qualities, as a result of the development. The scale of an impact is judged on the basis of a combination of the area affected, the size of the development, the degree to which it differs from the existing character, and whetherGravesham it damages or restores existing characteristics Borough of the landscape. Council Impacts can be positive as well as negative. Terms used for the scale of impact range from zero, insignificant, low, and significant to high.

Visual impact: impact on visual amenity, including effects upon potential viewers and viewing groups (e.g. residents, employees, or visitors) caused by changes in the appearance of the landscape as a result of the development, and experienced by people at locations where viewers are present (visual

receptors). The scale of an impact is judged on the basis of a combination of distance, proportion of the view which will be affected and the extent that the target will be screened by existing vegetation. Impacts can be positive as well as negative. Terms used for the scale of impact range from zero, insignificant, low, and significant to high.

Mitigation measures: changes in the proposed design, or the provision of additional or alternative solutions to overcome or reduce the scale of an impact (landscape or visual).

Gravesham Borough Council

80 ©David Hares Landscape Architecture 2011 APPENDIX 2 EXAMPLE PRO-FORMA Field survey One Date Co-ordinates Surveyor weather sheet Culverstone Green LCA code Wednesday, 29 632.636 DH Fine June 2011 Location Road crossing Photos nos: Conservation LNR SSSI SMR Feature dry narrow valley 66,65 area absent

LANDSCAPE flat Undulating Rolling Steep valley side gentle valley valley floor CHARACTER side Topography Predominant Arable Grassland Woodland Scrub Sports field Housing Condition 1-4 1= good 4= poor Landcover 3 Tree line Hedge only Hedgerow inc Timber fence Barbed wire Ditch/watercourse trees fence Field boundaries Intimate Small Medium Large Other eg Condition 1-4 1= intact 4 =remnant Boundary Pattern 2 / scale Character Complex Diverse Simple Uniform Other eg Condition 1-4 1= intact 4 =disfunctional Cultural pattern 1 Character Rural Settlement edge Playing field Housing Other eg Condition 1-4 1= Cohesive 4= chaotic Built environment 1 2 Predominant Farmland views Scrubland views wooded views urban views suburban views Other eg view nature Panoramic Open/ wide Moderate/mid Short distance Contained ranging distance view character Dominant Wooded Built open Pylons/ masts Other eg Skyline Present/absent IsolatedGravesham trees Tree clumps Ponds /water FarmBorough Buildings Other eg Mast Council bodies Isolated features

Document reference P138/01/01. Status: Final Draft 15-08-2011

Landscape character based analysis of potential housing sites in Gravesham

Dense urban Urban fringe Traditional victorian Road/railway Linear Nucleated Scattered village terrace Settlement character perception Many large trees Occasional large Some small Little or/ no Lines of smaller trees trees trees trees Density of amenity trees industrial Low density Terrace Modern Other eg victorian Building type PERCEPTUAL High Medium Low QUALITIES Tranquility Wildness Scenic beauty Comment Draft character Rural settlement Marsh edge Wooded chalk Paddocks and Scrub and pony Open chalk arable Intimate Housing estate description edge backlands paddock farmland valley backlands

Gravesham Borough Council