Appendix D
Launceston Housing Evidence Report: Landscape Character Assessment Results
1
Introduction This Appendix sets out the results for the Landscape Character Assessment stage (Step 6) of the Urban Extension Assessment. The methodology for this step of the process is set out in Appendix C of this report. The local Launceston Character Area Description is considered, followed by the more detailed assessment results, which are presented in tabular and diagrammatic formats.
Launceston Character Area Description The historic town of Launceston sits in the strategically important location overlooking the Devon border and is centrally placed between the north and south coasts. The ‘old’ town is situated on a small plateau which had for long been an important cross roads for transport links for the counties of Devon and Cornwall. There are main road links to Callington, Saltash and Plymouth to the south. Bodmin to the west, Okehampton and Exeter to the east and Holsworthy and Bude to the north. These roads are all busy and congestion, particularly from the road leading to Bude and Holsworthy is normal for the residents of this otherwise attractive town which still retains an agricultural setting to the castle from a number of viewpoints.
Prominent though the castle and surrounding ‘old’ townscape is, much of the town is only visible close by along access roads or public rights of way as it is well screened by the high ground surrounding it and by established tree cover. In general, the landscape is a mixture of rolling pasture to the north and south with a steeper sided green valley running through the town from east to west, where, in this more sheltered location, there are many fine mature trees and a diverse range of habitats and wildlife.
The mix of a well-established, mature pastoral landscape, interspersed with significant areas of mixed woodland and the focal point of the historic castle and the surrounding diverse architecture of the old town has produced a unique quality to Launceston which is quite different to most other towns in the south west. It is still an attractive town set within a diverse but rural landscape with good road links to the surrounding towns in both Devon & Cornwall.
Landscape Character Assessment Results The outputs of this assessment are presented in two formats – for each cell:
the landscape characteristics are presented visually on maps (Figures 1-15); and, the results of the landscape character assessments are presented in tables (Tables 1-17).
Please note that, in carrying out this assessment it was considered appropriate to split cells into a number of sub- cells where the landscape character had distinctly different features within one cell. Consequently, in the case of Launceston, Cells 2, 7 and 11 were split into smaller study sub-cells for this step of the process.
Figure 16 illustrates the summary results for all Cells (and sub-cells) on a map of the town.
2
Figure 1: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 1)
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Table 1: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 1) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 1 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Character Area: CA26 East Cornwall & Tamar Moorland Fringe Description LDU No: 312 Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement Character Sensitivity Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Predominately flat to the west sloping toward the A30 but increasingly steeper Moderate Moderate High 7 (Amber) towards the east . Biodiversity value – . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Predominately clipped hedgerows with many scattered mature trees. Some clumps wooded hedges landscape particularly along the A30 boundary framing fields of pasture . Agricultural land . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary Standard field patterns and sizes value (G3) hedges type . Impact of intrusion of . Hedgerow Land use Pasture adjacent road trees
. Medieval Distinctive landscape/ N/A settlement of historic features Lower Tresmarrow Water bodies/ courses N/A . Medieval strip fields
Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type Linear settlement feel on urban edge of town and A30
Distinctive manmade Power lines features
Distinctive historic or N/A cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Standard hedges materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other ‘Other’ road cuts through the east of the cell (NW-SE) Med/High Sensitivity (4) Railways None Farm/ Private tracks Farm/Private track cutting through the cell at Lower Tresmarrow (N-S) Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
4
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Open views to the south (high)
Intermittent (medium) From the A30 and the lane
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Large agricultural but with increasingly residential development to the east landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Strongly affected by the views and noise of the A30 and Pennygillam Industrial Estate
How is the landscape Mundane, windswept, exposed, cut off due to position between the A30 and the lane experienced?
Key sources / visual or A30, Pennygillam Industrial Estate noise (both within and Potentially smells coming from nearby tip/recycling centre but none experienced outside the cell) whilst at location
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key Cell 2 has been considered as 3 sub-cells. Sub-cell 2C adjoins this cell and shares information relating to similar characteristics and topography adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
5
Figure 2: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 2)
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Table 2: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 2, Sub-Cell 2a) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2A ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Gently sloping towards the north from the lane. Moderate Moderate High 7 (Amber)
. AGLV . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Largely pasture with limited nature in hedgerows and in fields. landscapes . Agricultural land value G3 . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary Normal mix of field sizes, mix of clipped hedges with some mature trees scattered within hedges type them. . Some intrusions . Mature Land use Pasture hedgerow trees
Distinctive landscape/ N/A historic features
Water bodies/ courses N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type Hamlet at Trebursye Oak at western end and at the eastern end Chapel creates a predominantly suburban feel
Distinctive manmade Power Lines features
Distinctive historic or N/A cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Nothing Distinctive materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
7
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (Check distant views again) (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low) Few view points from lane and scattered housing.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Scattered housing and large agricultural/industrial operations. Telegraph poles landscape reduce the agricultural /rural character.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) More strongly affected by A30 noise and (more) regular use of lane.
how is the landscape Windswept, rather bland and uncared for. experienced?
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and A30 and Lane outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
8
Table 3: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 2, Sub-Cell 2b) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2B ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Character Area: CA31 Upper Tamar and Ottery Valleys Description LDU No: 316 Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement Character Sensitivity Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Land drops sharply to Under Lane and is very steep in places High High Medium 9 (Red)
. AGLV . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Mixtures of woodland, pasture within hedgerows of predominantly mature trees landscape . TPO’s on lane . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary Fields predominantly small to the east but larger to the west with mature trees . Biodiversity value hedges type creating a greater sense of enclosure – BAP habitat . Intact landscape . Hedgerow Land use Pasture and woodland trees . Aesthetic and sensory value . Woodland Distinctive landscape/ Mature trees along Under Lane creating a very intimate and attractive feature /copse historic features . Historic Water bodies/ courses Springs character features- medieval Settlement/ Built Features settlement at Settlement type Farm and a few agricultural buildings – not dominant Landrends
Distinctive manmade Timber telegraph poles – 2 lines of electricity features
Distinctive historic or None cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Standard local hedges/gates materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other None Railways None Farm/ Private tracks Farm/Private tracks to Landrends Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
9
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Highly from across the valley (high)
Intermittent (medium) Valley bottom to due to extensive tree cover
Limited (low) From boundary of cell from west, south and east
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of A mixed landscape of woodland and pasture with woodland predominantly in the landscape east
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Very tranquil apart from affect of Under Lane and railway – both fairly minimal
How is the landscape Remote, sheltered, intimate – overall interesting and attractive experienced?
Key sources / visual or A30 and Under Lane/Railway (very limited) noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
10
Table 4: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 2, Sub-Cell 2c) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2C ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Character Area: CA31 Upper Tamar and Ottery Valleys Description LDU No: 214 Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement Character Sensitivity Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Shallow valley bottom falling from Under Lane to the River Kensey High High Moderate 9 (Red)
. AGLV . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Excellent range of mature trees landscapes . Amenity/historic value of Launceston . Intricate field Field pattern/ boundary Tall hedgerows along road boundary with some very mature trees Steam Railway pattern type . Biodiversity value of . Cornish Land use Pasture, boggy in places well wooded stream hedges valley and hedges . Hedgerow Distinctive landscape/ Mature trees along Under Lane . Intact landscape trees historic features . Aesthetic and sensory . Historic Water bodies/ courses River Kensey and leat value landscape character – . TPO’s on lane scattered farms
Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type Borders urban fringe on the eastern boundary, otherwise very rural in character
Distinctive manmade Scrapyard, Pylon (E-W) – 2 lines therefore not very dominant. Adjacent railway line, features leat
Distinctive historic or Railway line forming northern boundary leat running through the cell cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Traditional range of hedges materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other Under Lane cuts through Sub-cell 2A (E-W) Railways Launceston Steam Railway forms the northern boundary to the sub-cell Farm/ Private tracks None Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
11
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Limited longer view along valley bottom (high)
Intermittent (medium) Along valley bottom (E-W) broken up largely by tree cover
Limited (low) Along lanes, across fields where trees and hedges restrict views
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Largely complete other than the intrusion of the scrap yard landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Generally high other than traffic from Under Lane Railway will affect area during the tourist season Noise from A30
How is the landscape Generally an intimate, enclosed, sheltered corridor with a diverse range of vistas due experienced? to tree cover
Key sources / visual or Sheltered in valley bottom noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell? Photograph numbers
Other Information
12
Figure 3: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 3)
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Table 5: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 3) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 3 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Grounds fall increasingly sharply towards north and east. High High High 10 (Red)
. Conservation Area . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Pasture with fairly well treed hedgerows landscape . Adjacent PRW . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary . Valued setting to hedges type Standard size and type of hedgerows town and Castle . Hedgerow Land use . Biodiversity value trees and copse Pasture well maintained . Small intricate Distinctive landscape/ field pattern historic features None on site but intimate views of castle dominate the cell . Historic Water bodies/ courses landscape N/A character (castle setting)
Settlement/ Built Features . Historic Settlement type Although close to town, the agricultural nature of the cell predominates. features/remains
-medieval Holy
Well, mill pond Distinctive manmade Telegraph poles but only a few and fish pond, features site of medieval
chapel and deer As above Distinctive historic or park cultural features
Vernacular (use of local N/A materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other High (5) Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths 14
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Highly visible from the N/E and the town (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Complete agricultural, pastural feel. landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Quite high but proximity of roads to the west has some impact
how is the landscape Exposed to the NE and the town. Interesting view point to the town, castle and experienced? landscape beyond.
Key sources / visual or Is exposed to noise of the town i.e. schools periodically noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
15
Figure 4: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 4)
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Table 6: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 4) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 4 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Gently sloping from New Churches Lane in the North to valley bottom in the south. High Moderate High 9 (Red)
. AGLV Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Quite heavily managed with few mature trees landscape . Valued setting of Launceston Steam Cornish hedges Field pattern/ boundary Mainly tightly clipped, uniform in appearance hedges with the exception of the boundary along Railway type New Churches Lane where there is a good length of mature trees (oak) Hedgerow trees . Biodiversity value – Land use Pasture – well managed watercourse Historic character (Steam . Agricultural land Railway and Distinctive landscape/ Nothing especially distinctive value (G3) associated historic features features)
Water bodies/ courses Stream? To North East. River Kensey at valley bottom. Springs along/through valley.
Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type Extremely rural
Distinctive manmade N/A features
Distinctive historic or N/A cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Traditional hedges materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
17
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Big open views across valley (high)
Intermittent (medium) Along Lane to New Church farm
Limited (low) Very Limited from Castle area of town.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape Complete
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) High – limited disturbance from A30 and railway
how is the landscape Remote. Limited experience by users of lane. Seen as part of part of valley experienced? landscape.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and A30/railway outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
18
Figure 5: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 5)
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Table 7: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 5) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 5 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Slopes away gently from N-S High High High 10 (Red)
. AGLV . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Generally hedgerows clipped and very well managed but some have good mature landscapes trees with denser tree cover on the folds of the valley. . Intact landscape with few intrusions . Cornish hedges Field pattern/ boundary Traditional spread type . Biodiversity value – . Hedgerow trees woodland Land use Pasture well managed . Woodland / copse . Aesthetic and sensory value . Historic character- Distinctive landscape/ Newhouse medieval historic features . Agricultural land settlement, value (G3) NewChurches Water bodies/ courses Springs and streams medieval . PRW settlement, Holywell. . Listed buildings at Settlement/ Built Features New Churches . Traditional Settlement type Rural with one main road boundary to the North Orchard
Distinctive manmade N/A features
Holy Well to N.E of cell disused quarry to the N. Distinctive historic or cultural features
Vernacular (use of local materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern High (5) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
20
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Highly visible across valley E-W and from North West Edge of town. (high)
Intermittent (medium) Along New Church access lane and from railway and Under Lane.
Limited (low) Limited views along Egloskerry Road. Very Limited from Castle area of town.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape A complete rural landscape mix of pasture and mature trees.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) High levels of visual and sensory tranquillity with the exception of Egloskerry Road.
how is the landscape experienced? Quite remote despite visual link to castle. A quiet cared for traditional Cornish landscape.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and Noise from Egloskerry Road, only intrusion. outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
21
Figure 6: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 6)
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Table 8: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 6) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 6 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform High Moderate Low 7 (Amber) Namely gently undulating landform typical of golf course. . Amenity Value (Golf . Some Cornish Very distant Vegetation cover/ trees A broad mixture of specimen parkland, trees set within a highly managed manicured Course) hedges views from south grassland setting with mature trees forming a screen on the boundaries to the cell and woodland on the northern edge. . Biodiversity value – . Wooded good hedges character Field pattern/ boundary Mature trees and woodland frame the boundary of the cell from most view points open flowing type landscape of a parkland type within it. . AGLV . Wooded lane forming tree Land use Predominantly highly managed parkland type landscape . BAP woodland on tunnel along N boundary boundary
Distinctive landscape/ The well tree’d boundaries enclose much of the cell from the surrounding landscape historic features and from roads.
Water bodies/ courses N/A
Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type The S. Eastern edge abuts the town whilst the southern boundary is adjacent to a main road,
nether the less the cell is in a rural landscape giving it a predominantly rural character
Distinctive manmade The parkland setting and highly managed landscape is clearly man made features
Distinctive historic or N/A cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Nothing especially distinctive materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/Low (2) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
23
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low) The cell is only visible from a restricted number of openings around the boundaries
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of The parkland style landscape gives the cell a uniform characteristic throughout. landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Visually and audibly the cell is of medium level of tranquillity when the golf course in use but at other times it would be more tranquil still
how is the landscape The cell is an artificial manicured landscape in a predominantly rural setting but with experienced? a very private secretive inward facing nature.
Key sources / visual or Some noise intrusion from surrounding roads. Particularly the main access points to noise (both within and and from Launceston. outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
24
Figure 7: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 7)
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Table 9: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 7 – Split into Sub-Cells 7a, 7b and 7c) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 7A, B, C ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
. Natural Landscape Features . Topography/ . Rolling, flowing slopes, high ground mainly centrally located no very steep slopes 7A: High 7A: High 7A: Med 7A: 9 (Red) landform but all in an elevated position. . AGLV . Agricultural . Vegetation cover/ . 7A rolling field with substantial tree cover through most of the hedges creating a landscape trees distinct landscape. Small tree plantations within cell and substantial woodland . Biodiversity value – adjoining north. 7B A highly managed character dominates most of the cell. Rough wetland and . Cornish hedges pasture to 7C (south). broadleaved woodland . Hedgerow trees . Field pattern/ . 7A special quality created by mature hedges. 7B mainly clipped hedgerows with some . Agricultural land boundary type mature character. 7C – mixture of clipped hedges and some extensive and mature, both value (G3) . Historic landscape along roadside/within fields. character – medieval . Land use . Predominantly pasture with small tree plantations in and around the cell. Small holy well, medieval portions of 7B arable. farmland
. Distinctive . N/A . 7B: High 7B: High 7B: High landscape/ historic features . AGLV . Agricultural landscape . Water bodies/ . N/A . PRW courses . Cornish hedges and . Intact landscape hedgerow trees
. Settlement/ Built Features
26
Settlement type Urban edge of South West with isolated farm buildings . Biodiversity Value . Deciduous traditional woodland . Agricultural land value (G3) . Historic character . features- Medieval settlement at Dutson, Iron Age round, medieval farmland.
7C: Moderate 7C: High 7C: Moderate
. Adjacent AGLV Agricultural landscapes . Biodiversity value – hedges Cornish hedges and hedgerow trees . Agricultural land value G3 Historic character features- medieval settlement and farmland
Distinctive manmade Mast in cell C and power lines scattered throughout. Shooting range in dug out of 7B features
Distinctive historic or N/A cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Some limited stone faced hedges farm outbuilding and farmsteads. 7B: 10 (Red) materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern 7A: Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other 7B: High (5) Railways 7C: Medium/High (4) Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
27
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance 7A Largely enclosed (high) 7B Open/exposed especially from N/W. The ridge line being visible from town. 7C Very visible from town and forms a visual barrier to the town from the north. Intermittent (medium) From roadway into 7A and B
Limited (low) From St Stephens 7C: 7 (Amber)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Residential home in 7C form an urban intrusion in an otherwise largely attractive landscape diverse landscape character
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Largely tranquil in particular 7A. 7B tranquil other than along roadway and urban edge. 7C not tranquil due to proximity to the edge of highway. how is the landscape 7A – sheltered and enclosed/tranquil experienced? 7B – Open and windswept/tranquil other than by highways 7C – Open/exposed more noisy due to proximity of road and outer fringe of town.
Key sources / visual or Highways noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
28
Figure 8: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 8)
29
Table 10: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 8)
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 8 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Undulating land form with small areas of steeper slopes which give way again to High Moderate High 9 (Red) flatter areas on the valley bottom and on the northern border. . PRW (Tamar Valley . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Scattered copses around northern fringe. Arboretum style tree planting around discovery trail) landscape Homeleigh. Further linear tree cover along eastern boundary alongside river. . Bridleway . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary Traditional field boundaries with some mature trees but managed clipped hedgerows hedges type predominate. . Adjacent AGLV . Hedgerow Land use Pasture in good condition. . Tourism (Band B in trees historic farmhouse) . Historic Distinctive landscape/ N/A . Listed building at Settlements – historic features Dutson Goodmansleigh and Dutson Water bodies/ courses Tamar on eastern border . Mediwval Farmland Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type Predominantly rural with isolated farms but the ever expanding Homeleigh site adjacent to the . Traditional A388 creates a harder urban edge to the western edge of the cell. Orchards
Distinctive manmade Large industrial units, car parks, lakes and arboretum affect around Homeleigh. . Stream Valley features landscape
N/A Distinctive historic or . Some intrusion cultural features from A388
(Character sensitivity higher in lower valley)
Vernacular (use of local Nothing especially distinctive materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways 30
Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Very open with the exception of the north east boundary (high)
Intermittent (medium) From surrounding lanes.
Limited (low) Part of northern section of A388 (Homeleigh – Launceston not visible) visible from public footpath. Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of The Homeleigh development creates a substantial manmade intrusion affecting the landscape character of the landscape which outside of this area is picturesque and rural in keeping with the surrounding landscape.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Busy around Homeleigh and on surrounding Highways, but fields windswept and tranquil.
how is the landscape Windswept due to open nature of cell experienced?
Key sources / visual or Noise from Highways and Homeleigh, sewage treatment plant on the South East noise (both within and border is a visual intrusion and periodically offensively smelly. outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
31
Figure 9: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 10)
32
Table 11: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 10)
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 10 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Very steep along western boundary giving way to a gentler slope towards to the east Moderate High High 8 (Amber)
. Biodiversity value – . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Dense cover of trees, pastures bordering the A39. Some substantial clumps of trees trees, hedges and copse landscapes within hedgerows which are well maintained. . Tourism – Band B . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary Traditional local hedgerows, some stone walling visible along the boundary of the old A30 accommodation hedges type . Intact landscape . Hedgerow Land use Pasture- well maintained. Caravan storage at eastern edge and holiday cottages at trees Higher Banham . Copses Distinctive landscape/ Nothing especially distinctive /woodlands historic features . Scattered Water bodies/ courses N/A historic farms – early medieval settlement at Bamham Settlement/ Built Features
Settlement type Towns boundary with residential area to the west of cell. A30 to south old A30 to N. Broad to . Medieval the East and Tavistock Road to West. Farmland
Distinctive manmade N/A features
Scattered traditional farm buildings Distinctive historic or cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Traditional local hedge with granite posts in some instances materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern High (5) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
33
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Very open to the North and East. (high)
Intermittent (medium) Very exposed from specific locations along the western boundary
Limited (low) Very limited from southern boundary. A30 provides visual screen.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Distinctly agricultural throughout. landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Affected by proximity of roads. Both visually and audibly but an overall comfortable feel to the cell.
how is the landscape Windy due to levels of exposure and lacking privacy due to being overlooked by experienced? roads and town but still pleasant countryside.
Key sources / visual or Windy as described above and suffers from vehicular noise due to proximity of noise (both within and roads. outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
42-27
Other Information
34
Figure 10: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 11)
35
Table 12: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 11 – Split into Sub-Cells 11a and 11b)
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 11 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Increasing gradient from the southern edge of the cell to the northern boundary. 11A: Moderate 11A: Moderate 11A: High 11A: 7 (Amber) Particularly on the eastern side alongside the lane. More gently sloping from the 11B:High 11B: High western side of cell. . Agricultural land Vegetation cover/ trees Mixture of clipped hedgerows and those with mature trees within the cell. value (G3) (Both sub cells) High ground, Predominantly along roadsides. . Agricultural open and . Biodiversity value – landscape exposed but Field pattern/ boundary Normal traditional sizes and style. trees, hedges, woods few visual type . Cornish hedges receptors . Adjacent to AGLV to Land use Pasture in good condition which it feels very much . Hedgerow connected trees/woodland
Distinctive landscape/ N/A . SSSI bounds onto this . Watercourses historic features sub cell . Historic Water bodies/ courses N/A but check O.S . Intact landscape landscape character – medieval settlements Settlement/ Built Features 11B: Moderate -medieval farmland Settlement type Predominantly rural but part of western edge adjoins new residential extension to Launceston.
. Agricultural land
value (G3) Distinctive manmade features . Biodiversity value –
trees, hedges, woods N/A Distinctive historic or cultural features . Intact landscape – connects with wider Vernacular (use of local Nothing especially distinctive beyond traditional local hedgerow. beautiful landscape 11B: 8 (Amber) materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern 11A: Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other 11B: High (5) Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
36
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Highly visible from the north and east (A30) and western boundary from adjoining (high) residential.
Intermittent (medium) Very limited but at gateway from the south/west
Limited (low) From the southern edge
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of 2 distinct parcels of land created by the dividing roadway. Other rural in character- landscape pasture with grazing cattle.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) North and Western edge of cell affected by proximity to housing/urban edge and A30. Remaining part of cell tranquil particularly further away from diving lane.
how is the landscape Open, windswept on higher ground towards the north and western boundaries, more experienced? sheltered and tranquil on lower ground/(valley) of the south east.
Key sources / visual or A30 traffic noise affecting the north and impact of residential along North West noise (both within and boundary outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers 48
Other Information
37
Figure 11: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 12)
38
Table 13: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 12) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 12 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Shallow, gently falling towards the east, forming a ridgeline on the west of the cell. Moderate Moderate High 7 (Amber)
Vegetation cover/ trees Limited to hedgerow field and round boundaries where there’s a mixture of low . AGLV . Agricultural clipped hedges and some with mature tree cover. landscapes Field pattern/ boundary In the local context very large open fields with little tree cover. . Listed buildings type (Treniffle) . Cornish Land use Arable. hedges Distinctive landscape/ The open, exposed nature of the land, visible at a considerable distance to the east. . Biodiversity – Cornish historic features hedges with mature . Hedgerow Water bodies/ courses N/A trees and wooded trees stream corridor Settlement/ Built Features . Wooded Settlement type Predominantly rural. . Intact landscape setting to Distinctive manmade Telegraph poles – forming 2 lines across the landscape. settlement and features . Agricutural landscape boundary Nothing adding character to the cell. Distinctive historic or (G3) watercourse cultural features . Historic landscape character – Treniffle medieval settlement and some medieval farmland
Vernacular (use of local Traditional, but unexceptional hedges. materials) Landscape Sensitivity Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Medium/High (4) Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
39
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Highly visible along Eastern boundary (high)
Intermittent (medium) Along western boundary
Limited (low) Along northern boundary
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Generally tranquil except where there is limited traffic noise from minor roads.
how is the landscape Exposed, windswept industrial agricultural character harming cells distinctive local experienced? and rural characteristics.
Key sources / visual or Windswept and minor traffic noise. noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
40
Figure 12: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 13)
41
Table 14: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 13) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 13 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Valley from north west to south east with mature trees. Shallow, flat along western Moderate High High 8 (Amber) edge but a more gently undulating elsewhere. . Surrounded by AGLV . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Hedgerow made up with many mature trees within the cell valley bottoms and south landscape but clipped low hedgerow from Newton Farm/ across to Launceston/urban fringe. . Biodiversity value – woodland/scrub along . Cornish hedges stream corridor Field pattern/ boundary Vegetated Cornish hedges in a traditional layout . Hedgerow trees type . Listed building- Newton Farmhouse . Valley landform Land use Pasture with woodland . TPO veteran oaks in field . Historic Distinctive landscape/ Nothing exceptional except the low hedgerow along roadside (A388) giving open landscape historic features aspect to urban fringe. . Agricultural land character value (G3) Water bodies/ courses Check O.S for the stream in valley. -Medieval strip . Intact fields to N of cell
Settlement/ Built Features -Medieval farmland Settlement type Northern fringe forms the urban boundary and post medieval
farmland
Distinctive manmade 2-3 lines of timber telegraph poles carrying electric services across valley to Badash and features beyond east – west line.
Newton farm building Distinctive historic or cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Nothing exceptional materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern High (5) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
42
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Open views across the N.E corner of the site towards residential and industrial edge (high) of town.
Intermittent (medium) Along the edge from Broadland A388.
Limited (low) Very limited along road to Hurdon Farm and A30
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Complete rural envelope landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Only South West edge of cell has tranquil setting. Other areas are dominated by edge of roads and town.
how is the landscape Quite noisy, largely exposed to affects of the proximity to town and roads except experienced? from the southern side of Newton Farm.
Key sources / visual or As above noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
70s
Other Information
43
Figure 13: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 14)
44
Table 15: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 14) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 14 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Gently undulating to the east getting progressively steeper to the south and Moderate High Moderate 7 (Amber) becoming steep on the western boundary. . Adjacent to AGLV, SE . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Pasture with a mixture of clipped hedgerows and dense hedgerows with mature tree part of cell in AGLV landscape particularly from urban fringe. . Biodiversity value – . Cornish hedges Field pattern/ boundary Largely standard field patterns within the cell with mature trees but clipped tall hedgerows stream valley type along old lanes/roads and low hedge with avenue of trees along town boundary. . Hedgerow trees . Listed building at Land use Pasture in good condition. Badash . Woodland scrub character . Aesthetic and sensory Distinctive landscape/ Tall hedgerows along old roadways and distinct rural character within a short value when away from . Historic historic features distance of the town fringe. road along N boundary landscape character Water bodies/ courses Stream at the western end of the cell within a shallow valley. . Agricultural land -Early Medieval and value (G3) Medieval settlements at Settlement/ Built Features Badash, Hurdon Settlement type Urban edge. and tremeale
-Medieval cross at
Badash Distinctive manmade Few in general but a line of timber telegraph style power lines along northern edge of urban features fringe. . Oak Avenue
along Link Road (n Listed building at Badash. Distinctive historic or Boundary) cultural features . Traditional Orchard at Hurdon Farm
. Intrusion of roads along N boundary negatively affects N part of cell
45
Vernacular (use of local Distinctive tall hedges along old roadways. materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/High (4) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Open along southern boundary views to Kit Hill (SE) and South Petherwin (SW, from (high) North of cell. From North East open views to Bodmin Moor.
Intermittent (medium) N/A
Limited (low) On the northern urban fringe views of cell are very limited by avenue of trees and hedgerows. East/West edge views limited by high hedgerows. Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Uniform, managed pasture in good condition. Hedgerows well maintained. landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Northern edge affected by proximity to busy road, industrial noises and lighting noise but further south tranquil rural feel.
how is the landscape As above with roads and proximity to industrial urban fringe affecting character to experienced? North but strong, increasingly remote rural character to the south.
Key sources / visual or Noise from proximity of link road and B3254; Pennygillam and waste tip – a noise (both within and constant impact affecting northern industrial fringe. outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell? Photograph numbers
80-70
Other Information
46
Figure 14: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 15)
47
Table 16: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 15) LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 15 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Shallow sloping to undulating land in general with steeper slopes on shallow valley. Moderate Moderate Moderate 6 (Yellow) Ridgeline running through centre of cell with land falling down to southern boundary. . Biodiversity value . Agricultural Vegetation cover/ trees Pasture with some woodland (check) Scattered areas of well tree’d hedgerows (stream corridors) landscape throughout. . Agricultural land . Cornish hedges Field pattern/ boundary Generally some longer fields particularly within the central portion of the cell, and along value grade 3 type northern edge to A30. . Hedgerow trees . Two Public Rights of Land use Predominantly pasture with some arable. Way . Wooded stream valley . Biodiversity Action Distinctive landscape/ Mature avenue of trees along driveway to Trebursye Manor and mature tall Plan woodland . Historic Landscape historic features hedgerows well tree’d along south boundary. Some large mature trees on hedges/ character – setting boundaries within fields off the southern boundary. . TPO trees – setting of to Trebursye Manor Water bodies/ courses Stream in part covered over creating boggy areas in field. Trebursye Manor including ornamental woodland
. Historic landscape Settlement/ Built Features character, mix of Settlement type Urban fringe on northern boundary and eastern boundary by daw’s House but agricultural medieval farmland, along southern boundary. post medieval
enclosed land and Distinctive manmade Telegraph poles scattered throughout, extensive use of post wire fencing. modern enclosed features land
Estate gate houses, Trebursye Manor and Avenue to Manor. Distinctive historic or cultural features
Vernacular (use of local Local stone style to footpath on southern boundary but post wire/barbed wire fencing along materials) field edge. Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Moderate (3) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
48
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance Along boundary of A30 and footpath (high)
Intermittent (medium) Medium distance views from North and South broken up by ridge and trees.
Limited (low) Along southern boundary lane and town slip road to Trebursye and scattered buildings. Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Generally, predominantly complete, particularly to the South West but with the landscape south east cover affected by scattered industrial building (infrastructure) and odd collection of buildings at Trebursye.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Strongly affected by noise for A30 particularly along northern boundary but southern boundary quite tranquil.
how is the landscape Exposed, noisy, windy overall other than South West Corner which has a quite experienced? tranquil feel but still affected by traffic in the lane.
Key sources / visual or A30, any industrial noise (Tip) noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
49
Figure 15: Landscape Character Assessment Map (Cell 16)
50
Table 17: Landscape Character Assessment Results (Cell 16)
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 16 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Overall Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Landscape Description Record descriptive Landscape Visual Final Cell Judgement information for each Character Sensitivity survey sub heading listed Sensitivity
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform Generally flat throughout Moderate Moderate Low 5 (Yellow)
. Community value – . Amenity Vegetation cover/ trees Boundaries with mature trees presence of some of the original field layout with sports pitches and landscape mature vegetation. playing fields . Cornish Field pattern/ boundary As above . Biodiversity value – hedgerows with type trees/hedges some hedgerow trees Land use Playing fields- well managed grounds . Agricultural landscape value grade 3 . Historic landscape Distinctive landscape/ Little remains of historic layout other than field hedgerow cutting across centre of character – historic features site. post medieval enclosed land Water bodies/ courses None . Small cell – negative impact of Settlement/ Built Features surrounding Settlement type Small single storey buildings- associated with playing fields/school. roads and
development
on landscape Distinctive manmade Astro turf, sealed surface tennis, gravel hockey pitch and floodlights. character features
Cornish hedge with mature trees very distinctive. Distinctive historic or cultural features
Vernacular (use of local None of significance. materials) Landscape Sensitivity
Transport Pattern Medium/Low (2) A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
51
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance None of any significance due to the dominance of the well tree’d boundaries and flat (high) topography
Intermittent (medium) Small number of views glimpsed from adjacent link road to south and A30 to the north.
Limited (low) Open views to site from nearby nursing home /access road/medical centre.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of Good condition throughout but presence of man made playing surfaces. landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Affected by noise of adjacent main roads but the visual quality of the space is calming.
how is the landscape Well sheltered, enclosed space with mature trees creates a parkland feel. Simple experienced? but attractive and private.
Key sources / visual or Dominated by affects of the noise of the adjacent roads noise (both within and outside the cell)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers Upper 60’s
Other Information
52
Figure 16: Summary Results for all Cells (and Sub-Cells) on Town Map
53