Aspire Defence Capital Works

Army Basing Programme 2020 Landscape & Visual Appraisal

June 2015

Document No: 27-XXXGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Document Status Rev. Date Purpose of Issue Prep. Chkd. Appr. A 29.05.15 Issued for Planning RJC TFT DAG B 26.06.15 Issued for Planning RJC TFT DAG CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Methodology

3.0 Planning Policy

4.0 Elements of the Landscape

5.0 Landscape Character

6.0 Visual Amenity

7.0 Mitigation

8.0 Conclusion

APPENDICES

Appendix A – National Character Area

Appendix B – District Landscape Character Assessment

FIGURES (contained in Annex)

Figure 1 Landscape Constraints Figure 2 Landscape Context Figure 3 Topography Figure 4 Receptor Viewpoint Locations Figure 5 Receptor Viewpoint Photography Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Appraisal – Larkhill Masterplan

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 ’s landscape has been intensively used by the military for well over a century. is one of the largest training areas in the UK. 1.1.2 This report describes the landscape and visual effects of the Army Basing Programme (ABP) 2020 at MoD Larkhill on the camp and its surroundings. Specifically it appraises the likely effects on:

· the individual landscape elements and features of the camp and surrounding area; · the landscape character of the camp and surrounding area; · the specific aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape; and · visual amenity. It has been prepared in support of the hybrid planning application for the masterplan proposals for delivery of the ABP assets at Larkhill to be submitted to Wiltshire Council.

1.1.3 The effects of the masterplan development proposals on the settings of the numerous and important heritage features found within the camp’s hinterland is considered in the Heritage Assessment, which is also submitted in support of the hybrid application.

1.1.4 The application site comprises land within the camp boundary. The photograph below (taken in 2012- looking north) illustrates its immediate setting.

1.1.5 Larkhill has been in military use since the end of the 19th Century, being established, (along with nearby Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down), as a Garrison since c1899 onwards. Incremental development has occurred in the intervening period to cater for evolving military operational requirements. In recent years, parts of the site has been redeveloped and modernised under the Project Allenby Connaught Public Private Partnership (PPP).

1.1.6 The masterplan covers an area of approximately 154 hectares. The camp is relatively isolated from nearby settlement. It is accessed from The Packway, a

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public highway which runs through the southern part of the camp, connecting to the A345 to the east. The A303 runs some 2km to the south of the site. In contrast with its surroundings, the camp is largely enclosed and compact and characterised by the existing built development of significant extent. It comprises a mix of living, office, technical and training accommodation, together with other ancillary buildings, hardstanding, parking and sports facilities. Street tree planting and woodland blocks, both surrounding much of the camp’s perimeter and indeed within the camp itself, provide a strong green infrastructure and screening.

1.1.7 The camp lies within the predominantly rural setting of the sensitive landscape of Salisbury Plain. Notwithstanding, the area in and around Salisbury Plain hosts a number of military camps, including: Warminster; Perham Down; Tidworth; Upavon and Bulford; as well as Larkhill. The Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) lies some 9km to the south-west and the North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north, over 10km from the camp’s northern boundary. There are a number of heritage resources (and tourist destinations) of national and international importance in the vicinity: notably the and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) - The Packway forming its northern boundary - and including Woodhenge (a Scheduled Monument) approximately 1.5km to the east.

1.1.8 The quality of the built environment within the camp is variable. Although much, in particular the technical areas, is utilitarian, there are areas of higher townscape quality, such as The Royal School of Artillery buildings and their environs. 1.2 Study Area

1.2.1 The extent of the Study Area used for this appraisal is based on the landform, land cover, land use and built form in the vicinity of the camp.

1.2.2 It is important to note that the boundary of the Study Area does not define the area beyond which there will be no effects. Rather it contains the area within which there is potential for likely significant landscape and visual effects to occur.

1.3 Scope of Study

1.3.1 A Preliminary Landscape Assessment (PLA) - Capita November 2013 – of options for the Army Basing Programme (ABP) within the camp was undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced Landscape Architects in order to assist selection of options and the development of the masterplan for the ABP proposals, and to identify potential landscape and visual mitigation requirements. The PLA has been reviewed and revised in respect of the hybrid application proposals, both outline and detailed. It should be noted that each of the Priority Works applications for the camp that have recently been lodged with the planning authority were themselves accompanied by a landscape and visual appraisal.

1.3.2 The PLA work entailed in the preparation of this appraisal comprised two specific elements. The first element involved a desk based study of:

· relevant landscape planning policies in the development plan; · published documents relating to landscape character; and · the analysis of local mapping to identify potentially significant receptor viewpoints, taking into account topography, built development and significant vegetation features such as woodland.

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1.3.3 The second element entailed field work and included the walking of roads, public rights of way and permissive paths to establish a detailed understanding of the character of the landscape within the Study Area and to determine the extent to which the Army 2020 basing proposals would be capable of being seen (in whole or in part). A photographic record was taken at this time to inform the description of visibility from the receptor viewpoints.

1.3.4 The field work was carried out in late September 2013, with a second round of site photography taken in the ensuing winter and further augmented by subsequent site visits. It is considered that the work that has been carried out enables a reasoned analysis of the likely landscape and visual effects to be made.

1.3.5 The photographic record taken at the time of the study was to inform the description of visibility from the receptor viewpoints. The locations of the representative viewpoints – see Figure 4 - have been agreed with Wiltshire Council.

1.4 Assumptions

1.4.1 This report makes the following assumptions:

· The appraisal is based on the illustrative masterplan and parameters submitted with the hybrid application. · All existing vegetation located outside the potential development areas would be unaffected by the masterplan proposals; and · The application of good site construction practice. In particular, nearby retained trees are afforded protection in accordance with the recommendations provided in British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 The methodology employed for this appraisal is appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development. It draws upon a range of approaches and techniques but is primarily based on the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3).

2.1.2 The appraisal considers the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development during the construction and operational periods.

2.2 Baseline Conditions

2.2.1 The baseline landscape and visual conditions of the camp and surrounding area are described including:

· a factual description of the landscape conditions within the Study Area (including topography, geography, population, distribution, land use patterns, patterns of communication, history, etc.); · the identification of any anticipated changes within the landscape (excluding the proposed development) as a result of development allocations, consented developments, etc. Where Priority Works planning applications have been submitted, the proposed developments are considered to be part of the baseline condition; · a description of landscape character areas from both on site observation and from published documentation; and · a description of the visual amenity of the Study Area and general visibility of the camp.

2.2.2 The description of the baseline is informed by a number of site visits to understand the baseline landscape and visual conditions of the camp and surrounding area.

2.3 Appraisal of Effects

2.3.1 Landscape effects arising from development are considered by evaluating changes to landscape receptors in the Study Area. These receptors comprise landscape elements and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and the effects will consist of:

· physical changes to the landscape attributable to some aspect of the development proposals (for instance the loss of vegetation or buildings); · effects on the aesthetic or perceptual qualities of a character area attributable to a direct effect occurring elsewhere within or outside of the character area; and · effects on the character of LCAs.

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2.3.2 The effects on visual receptors (i.e. people) are assessed by considering the change experienced from key receptor viewpoints within the Study Area. The effects are assessed from representative viewpoints (i.e. viewpoints selected to illustrate a larger number of viewpoints that cannot all be included individually) and specific viewpoints (i.e. viewpoints selected as they are particularly important viewpoints within the landscape, e.g. local visitor attractions, viewpoints in areas of particularly noteworthy visual and/or recreational amenity).

2.3.3 The selection of receptor viewpoints is based on the following considerations:

· value / importance of view - for instance certain views may include statutory landscape, visual or historic designations; · potential number and sensitivity of viewers; and · accessibility to the public.

2.3.4 All of the receptors are assessed from publicly accessible locations. This is not to discount landscape or visual effects from private land (for example occupiers of residential properties with views of the camp) and commentary on these effects is provided where appropriate.

2.3.5 The landscape and visual effects of the proposed development on the identified landscape and visual receptors are assessed through consideration of sensitivity and magnitude.

2.3.6 The sensitivity of a landscape receptor or view stems from its ability to “accommodate” the masterplan proposals in terms of the pre-existing landscape and the nature of the receptor or view. There are a number of attributes of the landscape or view that combine together to determine its sensitivity to the type of development proposed. These may include:

· landscape/visual designations that may apply; · importance of the landscape or view to users; · the presence of intrinsic aesthetic characteristics such as scenic quality or sense of place; · physical state and condition of the landscape; · the extent to which the landscape or view displays a distinctive character; · historic or cultural associations; · accessibility; and · existing detractors.

2.3.7 The magnitude of effect is essentially the change that is likely to occur and is informed by:

· the size or scale of the effect arising from the proposals; · the geographical extent of the area that will be affected; and · the duration of the effect and its reversibility.

2.3.8 The significance of an effect is evaluated through the consideration of sensitivity and magnitude of effect with classification broadly undertaken based on the criterion set out in Table T1 below, but with effects ultimately determined through professional judgement; as the relationship between sensitivity and magnitude of effect is not necessarily linear and therefore different weightings between the criteria may be applied.

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Table 1 – Significance Matrix

Sensitivity/Value Magnitude of effects of Receptor High Medium Low Negligible High Substantial Substantial Moderate Not Significant Medium Substantial Moderate Minor Not Significant Low Moderate Minor Minor Not Significant

2.3.9 In addition to classifying its significance, each effect is considered in terms of whether it is adverse, neutral or beneficial:

· Adverse effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will introduce elements that are discordant with a landscape receptor or view or which detract from the existing condition. · Neutral effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will neither contribute to nor detract from the landscape receptor or view, but will be comfortably assimilated into the existing landscape or visual context. · Beneficial effects occur where the proposed development (or some aspect of it) will complement or contribute to the landscape receptor or view, strengthening it or adding positive qualities and characteristics that were previously poorly expressed or not previously present.

2.4 Photography

2.4.1 The photographs taken from the agreed receptor viewpoints comply with the Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11 and (unless otherwise stated) are taken using a fixed focal length camera (Digital SLR, 50mm equivalent). The individual images are joined to produce a composite panoramic image in cylindrical projection. The correct viewing distance for these images to replicate the view that will be obtained on Site is stated alongside each photograph.

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3. PLANNING POLICY

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Planning policies relevant to the Site and the Development are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (adopted March 2012), the statutory Development Plan and the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy. Polices relevant to landscape and visual matters are set out below.

3.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

3.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied by local planning authorities.

3.2.2 At paragraph 17, the NPPF sets out a list of core land-use planning principles to underpin decision taking, emphasising the need to: always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity; to take account of the different roles and character of different areas, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside; to contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment; and to conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

3.2.3 Themes of particular relevance are:

· Achieving high quality and inclusive design for all development (paragraph 57). · Ensuring that developments: - Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area; - Establish a strong sense of place; - Respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials; and - Are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping (paragraph 58). · Encouraging the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental value (paragraph 111). · Attaching great weight to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in landscapes of national importance such as National Parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty (paragraph 115). · Aiming to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and adequately mitigating / compensating for any significant harm resulting from development, where that harm cannot be avoided (paragraph 118). · Applying great weight to the conservation of designated heritage assets (paragraph 132) and weighing any harm against the public benefits of the proposal (paragraph 134).

3.3 Wiltshire Core Strategy

3.3.1 In 2009 the districts of Kennet, North Wiltshire, Salisbury and West Wiltshire, together with Wiltshire Council were merged into a single unitary authority (Wiltshire Council). A new county-wide Core Strategy was adopted in January 2015, replacing the south Wiltshire Core Strategy as well as a number of policies from the former District Councils Local plans. The Wiltshire Core Strategy Development Plan

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Document provides a positive and flexible overarching planning policy framework for Wiltshire for the period up to 2026.

3.3.2 Core Policy 37 is a specific policy on Military Establishments in Wiltshire. It states, amongst other things, that redevelopment, conversion or change of use of redundant Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites and buildings will be supported provided they are well related to an existing settlement in terms of location and scale. The policy also explains that development on MoD sites should consider the effects on the character of sites and their environs: ‘’Development at operational… sites should enhance the overall character of the site…mitigate any adverse impacts on local infrastructure, and not erode the character of the surrounding area. All proposals must ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the military facilities located on the site are understood and inform the scope of future development of that site.’’

3.3.3 Core Policy 51 considers landscape matters. The main thrust of the policy is that development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character in Wiltshire. The policy refers to several Landscape Character Assessments which cover Wiltshire and states that these will be used for the purposes of implementing the policy until they are replaced. It explains that development proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other relevant assessments and studies. Development must not have a harmful impact upon landscape character, while any negative impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design and landscape measures.

3.3.4 The policy makes reference to landscapes of national importance, such as AONBs and World Heritage Sites, stating that development which affects these areas should take into account the relevant Management Plans (these are considered in more detail below).

3.3.5 The policy goes on to explain that development outside an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area’s natural beauty, must demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting. The camp lies approximately 9km to the north-east of Cranbourne Chase AONB and 10km south of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

3.3.6 In response to the request for a screening opinion submitted to the planning authority in respect of the environmental assessment of effects of the masterplan proposals, Wiltshire Council confirmed that an Environmental Statement was not required under the EIA Regulations, but noted that the site lies outside, but close to, the North Wessex Downs AONB and the need to consider the effect upon the landscape generally, taking account of distant views from the AONB.

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3.3.7 Core Policy 57 explains that new development should incorporate a high standard of design and and create a strong sense of place, drawing on the local context and being complementary to the locality. It contains several design criteria/principles for achieving this including: “enhancing local distinctiveness by responding to the value of the natural and historic environment, relating positively to its landscape setting and the existing pattern of development and responding to local topography by ensuring that important views into, within and out of the site are retained and enhanced’’; and

“the retention and enhancement of existing important landscaping and natural features, (for example trees, hedges, banks and watercourses), in order to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity, create wildlife and recreational corridors, effectively integrate the development into its setting and to justify and mitigate against any losses that may occur through the development”

3.3.8 Core Policy 58 of the Strategy deals with the conservation of the historic environment stating, amongst other things, that: ‘’Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment….’’, and notes that it should not have an unacceptable impact on the significance of designated or other locally or regionally significant non-designated heritage assets.

3.3.9 The policy goes on to stipulate that new development must take into account various designations and criteria including:

· the archaeological remains and their setting; · the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site; · buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest and their settings; · the special character or appearance of conservation areas and their settings; · historic parks and gardens and their setting; · important landscapes and townscapes; · sensitive re-use of redundant and under-used historic buildings and areas which are consistent with their conservation; · nationally significant prehistoric archaeological monuments and landscapes; and · heritage assets associated with the military.

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4. ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE

4.1 Topography

4.1.1 The general topography is characteristic of the open, rolling landscape found across much of Salisbury Plain. The topography around the camp comprises dissected dry valleys to the north and east and lower lying, gently undulating landform to the south, around . The meandering valley of the River Avon (60-80m AOD) lies to the east. The camp is located in an elevated position on the southern flank of a hill. Two secondary ridges radiate from the summit: one in a south–west direction and another towards the south east. The northern boundary lies along the summit (at some 147m AOD) with the ground falling toward the southern boundary to a low point of approximately 110m AOD. Figure 3 illustrates the topography of the camp and surrounding area.

4.1.2 The masterplan development has been designed to minimise the quantum of earthworks movement required, consistent with existing ground conditions and the operational relationship between existing and new facilities. Generally, only small, localised adjustments to marry in new and proposed levels would be required. At Purvis Lines (Knighton Down), however, the extended platform for the proposed technical area (buildings and hardstand contained as outline in the hybrid application) would inevitably result in greater change to existing levels (up to some +/- 3.5m). The nearby parking area (to the east) also would be subject to more comprehensive change (up to some +2m), to even out an existing tipped area. Notwithstanding, all level changes would be contained within the confines of the camp.

4.2 Public Rights of Way

4.2.1 The surrounding area is well served by public rights of way (as shown on Figure 1). No public rights of way are located within the fenceline, however, ‘The Packway’ runs through the Site and Byway 29 follows its perimeter to the west and north.

4.2.2 The users of public rights of way within the Study Area that have views or glimpses of elements of the camp are: · The byways and road used as footpaths on the military training area at Alton/Netheravon Down – numbers 29, 25, 22, 21, 24, 12, 9, 8 and 3; · Road Used As Public Footpath 12; · Road Used As Public Footpath 6 – Martinbushes Road; · Footpath 15 – from Stonehenge Golf Course; · Road Used As Public Footpath 5 – Milston Farm and from Figheldean Village; · Footpath 4 – Milston Drove; · Footpath 14 and Road Used As Public Footpath 6 – Ablington Down; · Footpaths 3 and 8 along Milston Road and the River Avon; · Footpath 13 – Beacon Hill; · Footpaths 4 and 10 by Double Hedges; · Bridleway 10 and 39 and road used as public footpath 9A; and · Byway 12 from Stonehenge to Fargo Road.

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4.2.3 For the majority of public rights of way, the existing landform and woodland blocks would afford screening over much of their lengths, in particular for routes that lie to the north and east of the camp where the siting of almost all of the masterplan proposals would position them behind and below the screening ridgeline and perimeter screen belts in views from those directions. Byway 29 follows the perimeter of the garrison - where some gaps in the perimeter woodland belts - especially on the western side of the camp (Purvis Lines) - provide close range views into the camp (see viewpoints 10-14 in chapter 6).

4.3 Watercourses

4.3.1 The River Avon is located just over 1km to the east of the camp, as is its confluence with a tributary (the Nine Mile River) at Bulford. There are no notable water features within the camp. The masterplan proposals are not anticipated to affect any watercourses within the area. 4.4 Land Use

4.4.1 The surrounding area supports a complex mix of development, including military establishments, small to medium sized towns, nucleated villages and some scattered isolated farmsteads. The built development at Bulford Village and Bulford Camp is located 3-4km to the east of the camp, as is Durrington – some 2km to the east. Amesbury is located 4km to the south-east along the A345. To the north of Durrington, there is a series of small villages along the River Avon.

4.4.2 There are a number of heritage resources (and tourist destinations) of national and international importance in the vicinity: notably the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site - The Packway forming its northern boundary - and including also Woodhenge (a Scheduled Monument), approximately 1.5km to the east.

4.4.3 The majority of built development in proximity to the camp comprises military service family accommodation, with the exception of a small number of civilian properties 1km to the southeast along Fargo Road.

4.4.4 The quality of the built environment within the camp is variable and can be utilitarian, which reflects the historically ad hoc nature of its development. Whilst the design quality of the Project Allenby-Connaught (PAC) works is notably stronger, in other areas, there is a weaker spatial definition, partly due to the absence of coherent design themes for external spaces. Nevertheless, there are areas of higher townscape quality. The mature avenues of lime and horse chestnut trees along existing roads - notably The Packway - create a grand and leafy character and are visible from many points within the camp. The Royal School of Artillery buildings and their environs also have a higher townscape value.

4.4.5 The masterplan proposals include some alterations to the land cover within the camp, including construction (at its western end) in an area where there are currently few buildings (Purvis Lines). The overall changes reinforce the broad land use zoning established under PAC and remain entirely in keeping with character of its long established military use. No change to the pattern of land use within the wider landscape is predicted.

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4.5 Vegetation

4.5.1 The open landscape of Salisbury Plain surrounding the camp is dominated by extensive areas of unenclosed rough grassland and open arable fields, criss- crossed by army tracks. The large-scale landscape pattern is delineated by low hedgerows, which are often gappy and regular shaped mixed copses and shelter belts, and woodland in the River Avon Valley. Substantial mixed woodland blocks and belts are arranged around the perimeter of the camp and form an effective screen from much of the surrounding area – see Figure 2.

4.5.2 Within the camp there are well maintained tree avenues, copses and small woodlands, which assist in reducing visibility and provide a mature setting to the existing buildings. These enclosed areas open out into extensive open grass areas, many of which are intensively managed amenity grassland.

4.5.3 The masterplan proposals require the removal of vegetation from within the camp- both reduction of some woodland areas and clearance of freestanding trees- but not overall so as to cause significant adverse effect. The integrity of the camp’s landscape structure would be maintained. Vegetation at the perimeter of the camp would remain unaffected.

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5. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Various Landscape Character Areas have been defined at National and Regional level. The relevant Landscape Character Areas within the Study Area are shown on Figure 2. Further to the methodology described in Chapter 2, and in particular the relevant planning policies referred to in Chapter 3, a summary and appraisal of the potential landscape effects of the masterplan proposals on the various Landscape Character Areas are provided below.

5.2 National Character Areas

5.2.1 National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural areas defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Currently being revised (as part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper, Biodiversity 2020 and the European Landscape Convention), NCAs have their foundations in the Joint Character Areas undertaken by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and provide a description of the natural and cultural features that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. 5.2.2 The camp and the western part of the Study Area is located in National Character Area (NCA) 132 - Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs, which is an extensive open chalk plateau with a near continuous dramatic scarp to the north and a pattern of attractive valleys to the east and south. The NCA132 profile is contained in Appendix A of this report. It describes the Plain as: ‘‘……. a sparsely settled, predominately agricultural area with a strong sense of remoteness and openess. The dominant element in the landscape – apart from the expansive sky- is the gently rolling chalk downland , forming part of the sweep of Cretaceous chalk running from the Dorset coast and across the Chliterns to the Wash….’’ It notes its designation as both a Special Protection Area of Conservation (SAC) as a chalk grassland habitat and as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), whilst also recognising amongst its key characterisitics that military tracks, airfields and infrastructure are a major landuse, with ‘’… pockets of modern military dominated development in the east ….’’

5.2.3 The masterplan proposals are confined within the existing boundary of the camp, which is an established feature of the landscape. They would maintain the functionality of its uses and its existing character. Their scale is too insubstantial to significantly affect the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of NCA 132. Accordingly, the significance of landscape effect on these character areas is appraised to be insignificant.

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5.3 Regional Landscape Character Areas

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

5.3.1 The ‘ Landscape Character Assessment’, 2008 (SDLCA) on behalf of Salisbury District Council (now South Wiltshire Council) provides a baseline inventory of the landscape character across Salisbury District.

5.3.2 The SDLCA identifies three Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area: · LCA A2 – Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley, which is located to the east of Larkhill and aligns with the River Avon; · LCA D3 - Larkhill Chalk Downland, which surrounds the camp; and · LCA D4 – Boscombe Down Chalk Downland, which lies further to the east beyond the River Avon. The masterplan proposals (as indeed are the priority works applications) are located within LCA D3. The relevant extracts from the SDLCA for these three LCAs are contained in Appendix B of this report.

5.3.3 In summarising the visual character LCA D3, the SDLCA notes its ‘strong sense of continuity throughout the gently rolling landscape’ which : ‘….encompasses extensive areas of unenclosed and uninhabited chalk grasslands and scrub, upon which, a layer of scattered mixed copses and plantations are visible feature…’ The landscape exhibits a ‘….very strong and recognisable sense of place as a result of (panoramic) views toward numerous archaeological landscape features...’ Amongst the scattered settlement pattern of the otherwise characteristically open, very large scale landscape: ‘……….The utilitarian form, materials and layout of military camps (such as Larkhill towards the north of the area) …….. have a strong influence on the character of this landscape….’ the camp’s ‘…….numerous large scale bulky barrack and administration buildings interspersed with grassed open space and enclosed by security fences, are also dominant landscape features in the area.’ .

5.3.4 Military activities, in addition to main road corridors of the A303 and A345, are also noted to disrupt the generally strong sense of tranquillity in the landscape.

5.3.5 New accommodation blocks and associated welfare facilities form part of the detailed components of the hybrid application. They are focussed on the existing built up area of the existing camp where the existing built fabric is to be cleared and reconfigured. Whilst there would be some intensification, they would be similar in character, scale and appearance to the existing buildings they would replace, although of improved architectural quality and presenting a more coherent form. The change would be clearly perceptible, in particular to passers-by using The Packway (see viewpoint photos 17 & 18), but their effect would be neutral and the impact would be localised and not extending to the wider landscape.

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5.3.6 A new parade ground, with enclosing two storey offices, training and (single storey) stores buildings, are also included as detail components of the hybrid application, but these would be located on a currently open, previously tipped (and contaminated) area. As for a proposed stores building to their south and included as outline in the application, existing, mature, retained tree belts to the north and east will form a backdrop and proposed new woodland planting will ultimately screen views from a short section of The Packway to the south. Rooftops may be just visible in views from Byway 29 to the west (ref: viewpoint photo15), although more likely hidden behind the proposed Purvis Lines technical area buildings, until new screen planting matures.

5.3.7 The Purvis Lines technical area, together with a training and a sports (P&RTF) building, are included in outline in the hybrid application. A group of technical buildings is already present on the site of the technical area and would be demolished. Although occupying a notably smaller footprint than would the masterplan proposals, they are visible from the adjacent Byway 29, from The Packway (see viewpoint photos 9, 14, 15, and 16) and from the military land to the west, where the Fargo Ammunition Compound extends the military presence in the landscape, adding to the influence of the existing technical buildings in the landscape in this sector. The intensification of development would be clearly perceptible from these areas, albeit not introducing a new feature into the landscape. In time, proposed structural planting would progressively reduce visibility of the new buildings from this sector, ultimately screening any added impact- see also chapter 6. The training building would be located within the core of the camp and, although some woodland clearance would be required, sufficient would be retained to prevent it being exposed in views. The sports building would replace an existing single storey structure that is currently visible from the adjacent Byway 29.

5.3.8 In addition to the new buildings and hardstands, the detail component of the hybrid application includes new car parking areas and a remodelled entrance, as well as new full-sized sports pitches (both synthetic and grass) and tennis courts. Some of the new parking would be located on areas with few existing trees and subsumed within the camp. That located in and adjacent to the Purvis Lines technical area would be partly screened by the development, whilst proposed structure planting would ultimately screen them entirely from view. Another area would be visible at close range from The Packway, although here tree and shrub planting to screen is not proposed, so as to retain - when cars are not parked - a greater feeling of openness in the vicinity of the nearby Long Barrow Scheduled Monument. The remodelled entrance from The Packway would be cut into an existing woodland area adjacent to the existing access road (Ross Road), but would not be out of keeping with the streetscape. New woodland planting is proposed to reinforce the remaining trees and replenish the area lost.

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5.3.9 The two new (full sized) synthetic pitches and two tennis courts would be located within the existing sports area. Each would be fenced and lit. Both pitches would be centred on existing open areas (an existing grass pitch and paddocks), but some tree clearance would be required for both to increase the existing open area to accommodate them. Existing mature woodland would be retained to enclose the easternmost pitch on three sides, with other woodland located beyond a retained grass pitch on the fourth. Similarly, woodland would be retained to the north and east of the other synthetic pitch, complemented by new tree planting to its west. The tops of the lighting masts would remain below the trees in distant views from the WHS to the south and screened by the camp’s perimeter planting (Cutts Copse) in views from the west. They would likely be visible, however, through the security fencing and above the intervening tree belt in closer range views (at a distance of 300-500m approx.) from Byway 29 to the north (see viewpoint photos 11, 12 & 13). Tree removal is also required to provide the footprint for the proposed tennis courts, to be located adjacent to existing courts and near to the proposed gym. The majority of the affected woodland would nevertheless remain.

5.3.10 The existing military presence at Larkhill camp (and other camps in its vicinity) already influences the LCA. The masterplan proposals submitted in the hybrid application are all contained within the footprint of the existing fenceline of the camp. The combination of topography and retained tree belts would render the proposals unseen from the camp’s wider landscape setting to the north, east and south. Where visible from close range (such as Byway 29 and The Packway within the camp), most changes arising from the masterplan proposals are likely to be subsumed within the overall built-form of the camp. The Purvis Lines technical area, however, would be a noticeable intensification of the existing and visible built form at the western end of the camp, in terms of both footprint and building size. The arc of visibility from the surrounding area, however, would be relatively narrow, being channelled by the topography and existing plantation belts in the landscape. Adverse effects would not be widespread. Once mitigation planting proposals have matured, the masterplan development is appraised as not altering either the physical landscape resource or the perceptual aspects of LCA D3. The potential for effects on the settings of the numerous heritage assets in the surrounding landscape will be similarly limited by the topography and retained vegetation. For more details on the setting of the heritage assets are found in the Heritage Assessment.

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6. VISUAL AMENITY

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 In general, although the camp has a presence in the landscape, the undulating topography in combination with the presence of mature woodland ensures that only restricted views into it are possible from much of the surrounding area. Long distance views are generally confined to the higher ground where intervening landscape elements such as woodland and buildings do not screen sight lines. The existing technical buildings within the camp break the horizon in views from the north and east.

6.1.2 Glimpsed views of occasional existing rooftops within the camp (mostly within its eastern half) are available from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, as the intervening landscape elements - such as small mixed plantations - screen all views of the lower elements. The effectiveness of this tree cover is reduced during the winter months, although the benefit of the coniferous plantations remains.

6.1.3 The following potential visual receptors are anticipated to gain long distance views of some portion of the camp: · Residents at number 54 Packway at junction of B3086 and Packway; · Residents at Stonehenge Cottages, A303 (T); · Residents on Church Road, Milston; · Residents in Milston Farm; · Users of byways, roads and roads used as footpaths on the military training area at Alton/Netheravon Down; · Users of Road Used As Public Path 12; · Users of Road Used As Public Path 5 at Milston Farm; · Users of Footpath 4 at Milston Drove; · Users of Footpath 14; · Users of Road Used As Public Path 6 at Ablington Down; · Users of Byway 17 at Ablington Down; · Users of Footpaths 3 and 8 along Milston road and River Avon; · Users of Footpath 13 at Beacon Hill; · Users of Footpaths 4 and 10 by Double Hedges; · Users of Bridleways 10 and 39 and Road Used As Public Path 9A; · Users of Byway 12 from Stonehenge to Larkhill Camp; · Stonehenge and Visitor Centre, A344; · Users of A303 (T); · Users of A344; and · Users of Milston Road.

6.2 Receptor Viewpoints

6.2.1 A series of receptor viewpoints were identified at key locations across the Study Area and have been agreed with Wiltshire Council. The locations of the receptor viewpoints are shown on Figure 4. Baseline photography from these receptor viewpoints is illustrated within Figure 5. A description of the view from each receptor viewpoint and an appraisal of the potential visual effect of the masterplan proposals on each receptor viewpoint is provided below.

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6.2.2 Where a Priority Works planning application has been made and no other new development forming part of the masterplan proposals would be visible from the receptor viewpoint, the impacts from the viewpoint are described within the particulars previously submitted and the viewpoint is not considered further in this assessment.

Receptor Viewpoint 01: Stonehenge 6.2.3 This viewpoint is located approximately 1.8km from the camp in the former car park area for the monument’s original visitor centre - both of which have now been removed to a new location - at an elevation of some 100m AOD. The photograph is located within the World Heritage Site (WHS) and is orientated in a northerly direction. Intervening mixed woodland plantations almost entirely screen built elements within the camp. Occasional upper parts/rooftops are discernible, more noticeably so during the winter months, but with the exception of the officers’ mess building located to the south of The Packway, these are toward in the eastern portion of the camp. The open grassland in the middle distance affords extensive views over the open rolling landscape of Salisbury Plain.

6.2.4 The combination of the slightly higher landform at Durrington Down, with its existing plantation belts and also those around Durrington Down Farm would entirely contain the masterplan proposals contained in both detail and outline in the hybrid application, which would be located to the centre and left of the view. The tree and woodland clearance required for some of the proposals would not reduce the effectiveness of the screening that is currently afforded. The visual effect would be neutral.

Receptor Viewpoint 02: Salisbury Road 6.2.5 This viewpoint is located on the crest of a ridge overlooking Bulford village to the north and adjacent to the radio mast on Salisbury Road. It is approximately 3.2km from the camp at an elevation of just over 110m AOD. The photograph is located on the grass verge and is orientated in a north-westerly direction across the Avon valley. The elevated location and open foreground affords long panoramic views across the open rolling landscape, scattered woodlands and extensive arable fields of Salisbury Plain. The eastern edge of the camp is an appreciable distance away and very largely screened by intervening vegetation, with only a few technical buildings decipherable beyond the pylons and on the skyline through a gap in the wooded horizon to the centre right of view. The majority of the camp lies, unseen, shielded mostly by the vegetation, but also by the landform.

6.2.6 The masterplan proposals contained in the hybrid application (in both detail and outline) would not be visible in this view. There would be no effect.

Receptor Viewpoint 03: Stonehenge Golf Centre 6.2.7 This viewpoint is located on a public byway approximately 300m from the camp at approximately 115m AOD and in proximity to Stonehenge Golf Centre. The photograph is orientated in a northwest direction, along Byway 29. Scrub and woodland vegetation in the foreground of the view restricts visibility towards the camp, with only glimpsed views of its built form on the skyline and in the background to the centre left of view. Whilst clearer during the winter months, they remain a minor component of the view. A more open aspect on the right hand side of the view reveals the rolling landscape of Salisbury Plain.

6.2.8 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained in both detail and outline in the hybrid application would all be located, unseen, over the crest of the rising ground. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be set back from the horizon, it would be at approximately ridgeline level and the

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retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 04: Church Road 6.2.9 This viewpoint is located in the valley of the River Avon, within Milston Village, approximately 2.4km from the camp at some 80m AOD (approx.). The photograph is located at the entrance into an arable field and is orientated toward the west southwest. The view overlooks the floodplain for the River Avon and is enclosed to the left by a residential building and to the right by a mature hedgerow. The camp is barely discernible on the horizon to the centre of the view, beyond and mostly above an intervening, strongly vegetated field boundary.

6.2.10 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained in the hybrid application (detail and outline) would all be located, unseen, over the horizon. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be located at approximately ridgeline level, the retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 05: Milston Drove 6.2.11 This viewpoint looks across the valley of the River Avon from the top of its eastern side, at an elevation of just over 110m AOD (approx.). It is located adjacent to Public Footpath 5 - Milston Drove – and in proximity to Milston Farm, approximately 3km from the camp. The photograph is located at the entrance into an arable field and is orientated in a westerly direction. The view overlooks the arable field and is enclosed to the left by a mature hedgerow. The villages of Milston and Brigmerston are decipherable within the valley in the middle distance, to either side of mature woodland. The camp is barely discernible on the horizon to the centre right of view, on the far side of the valley.

6.2.12 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained in detail and outline in the hybrid application would all be located, unseen, over the crest of the distant horizon. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be set back from the horizon, it would be at approximately ridgeline level and the retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 06: Milston Road Tank Crossing 6.2.13 This viewpoint is located at a tank crossing on Milston Road, near Brigmerston Corner, at an elevation of between 95 -100m AOD and approximately 2.8km from the camp. The photograph is orientated toward the southwest. The view overlooks River Avon valley, which is the densely wooded in this location. A military road is visible in the foreground, to the right of view. The camp is just discernible on the skyline to the centre right of the view, with the perimeter woodland belts forming the horizon on its right. Residential properties on the edge of Brigmerston are visible to the far left of view.

6.2.14 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained in the hybrid application (detail and outline) would all be located, unseen, over the crest of distant horizon. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be set back from the horizon, it would be at approximately ridgeline level and the retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

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Receptor Viewpoint 07: Netheravon Road 6.2.15 This viewpoint is situated at approximately 85m AOD, at the foot of rising ground up to the eastern ridgeline of the camp. It is located on Netheravon Road, near the intersection with Public Byway 6 - Martinbushes Road - and approximately 1.4km from the camp. The photograph is located in proximity to a bus stop and is orientated in a west-north-west direction. The view is framed to the left by mature woodland and overlooks an arable field in the fore and middle distance. The larger technical buildings situated to the east of the camp are visible in the background to the centre left of the view. A dense hedgerow aligning Martinbushes Road is visible to the right of the view.

6.2.16 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained both in detail and outline in the hybrid application would all be located, unseen, over the furthermost crest of the rising ground. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be set back from the horizon, it would be at approximately ridgeline level and the retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 08: Martinbushes Road 6.2.17 The viewpoint is situated at an elevation of just over 105m AOD (approx.), part way up the slope that rises from the River Avon toward the camp’s eastern boundary. It is located on a public byway to the east of the ‘Danger Area,’ approximately 600m from the camp and in proximity to the junction with Public Byway 6 - Martinbushes Road. The photograph is located close to a small shed and is orientated in a west- south-west direction. The view overlooks an area of rolling grassland with sporadic scrub vegetation. The larger technical buildings situated to the east of the camp are visible in the middle distance to the centre left of the view and the tops of residential quarters are decipherable beyond and to the centre right of the view. Mature woodland plantations to the north of the camp are visible on the horizon to the right of view.

6.2.18 The built development proposed by the masterplan and contained both in detail and outline in the hybrid application would all be located, unseen, over the crest of the rising ground. Although the proposed synthetic pitch and attendant lighting would be set back from the horizon, it would be at approximately ridgeline level and the retained perimeter woodland belt would afford screening. There would be no change in the view.

Receptor Viewpoint 09: The Packway (Fargo) 6.2.19 This viewpoint is located adjacent to The Packway (just to the east of Fargo Ammunition Compound) approximately 700m from the camp boundary and at an elevation of between 105-110m AOD. The photograph is located on a lay-by at the northern edge of the WHS and is orientated in an easterly direction. The majority of the camp’s built form is screened from this viewpoint by the camp’s perimeter tree belts and internal woodland blocks, which coalesce in the view to form a strongly wooded horizon across the centre of the view. A small group of unscreened technical buildings at the western end of the camp in Purvis Lines and the fenceline can be seen in the middle distance (approx. 1km from the viewpoint), however, set just below and in front of the woodland, and within an open grassed area, with a parking area (with caravans on it) to their left. The roof ridgelines and chimney stacks of a few buildings within Home Barracks is just discernible above the tree tops beyond. Extensive surrounding views of the open rolling landscape of the Salisbury Plain form the wider setting.

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6.2.20 The proposed, larger technical area development at Purvis Lines included as outline in the hybrid application would be clearly visible to the centre left in the view, replacing the existing smaller group of technical buildings, which are to be demolished. The tops of military vehicles parked on the western edge of the hardstand would also be visible in front of the buildings. The sloping ground would be re-profiled to accommodate the extended hardstand area: the lowest south- eastern corner would be on fill (up to some +3.5m), with a cut:fill interface about midway along the southern edge, but the entire western and northern edges would be dug into existing levels - by between 2-3.5m on the west and by up to -3.5m (approx.) at the north-western and north-eastern corners, reducing approximately to existing levels toward the centre. The level of the highest ridgeline of the new build would be similar to that of the tallest existing (but to be demolished) building on the site. The larger footprint would also bring the built form closer to the viewpoint (by some 200m) although, as indicated above, the leading edge of the new-build would be slightly dug into the groundform. The rooflines of the two storey office and training buildings around the parade square, included in the detail application, would also be visible rising slightly above, but beyond, the technical buildings. The added quantum and scale of built-form to the technical area would be evident within the view, although remaining couched within the wooded horizon. Consideration would be given at detail design stage to the architectural treatment of the technical buildings in respect of the materials and colour palette, in order to give them a more recessive appearance in their landscape setting to help mitigate adverse effects. The resulting change from the masterplan proposals would be an effect of moderate adverse significance. When mature, the proposed mitigation planting – see paragraph 7.2.3 - would also break up the geometry and mass of the technical area in the view, screening most of it and eventually reducing the significance of adverse effect to minor.

Viewpoint 10: Byway 29 East 6.2.21 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29, which runs along the crest of the ridge at this point. The location is immediately adjacent to the security fence at the perimeter of the camp, at an elevation of over 145m AOD (approx.). The photograph is orientated in a westerly direction towards the northern part of the camp. Scrub and woodland vegetation can be seen through the fencing and in the fore and middle distance to the left of the view. To the right, an isolated bush in the foreground partially obscures views of a nearby structure, whilst both block views of the remainder of a sports field, part of which (along with a modest building) can be seen seen through the gap toward the centre.

6.2.22 The majority of the masterplan proposals submitted in the hybrid application- both detail and outline - would be located in areas of the camp that are at some distance (the nearest- a gym - being nearly 0.5km away, but the remainder being a minimum of nearly 0.9km) and lower down the slope from the viewpoint, beyond substantial blocks of retained woodland. Hence, although the viewpoint is located by the camp’s fence, they would not be visible from it. The closest element ( the nearest at some 200m) would be the two synthetic pitches, for which some tops of lighting masts may be just visible over lower parts of the intervening tree belt as incidental additions to the view. The effect would not be significant.

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Receptor Viewpoint 11: Byway 29 North 6.2.23 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29, where it runs along the ridgeline at an elevation of some 145m AOD (approx.) as it rounds the northern perimeter of the camp and immediately adjacent to its boundary fence. The viewpoint is in proximity to viewpoints 12 and 13. The photograph is orientated toward the south. Immediately beyond the fence, a sports field can be in the foreground, backed by a belt of mature trees. A small sports pavilion building is visible in front of a woodland belt. The trees screen views into the other parts of the camp, excepting the roof of a further building also visible in the far right of the view through a short gap in the belt. In the opposite direction, immediately behind the viewpoint, a further belt of woodland (see photography from Receptor Viewpoint 12) screens longer distance views from the north.

6.2.24 As for Viewpoint 10, the majority of the masterplan proposals submitted in the hybrid application (both in detail and outline) would be located in areas of the camp that are at some distance and lower down the slope from the viewpoint. Combined with the screening effect of the trees, and apart from the roof of the proposed gym (included in outline), the new buildings in the hybrid application will remain unseen. As for Viewpoint 11, some lighting masts for the synthetic pitches may be visible above lower parts of the tree belt. The new elements in the view would be incidental additions within it, causing no significant adverse effect.

6.2.25 Further proposals not included in the hybrid application for development on the sports fields are to be brought forward at a later date. These would impact on the view, the effects of which will be addressed in landscape and visual assessment to be prepared in support of a future application.

Receptor Viewpoint 12: Knighton Barrow 6.2.26 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29, immediately adjacent to the security fence at the perimeter of the camp, at an elevation of 145m AOD (approx.). The viewpoint is in proximity to viewpoints 11 and 13. The Knighton Barrow Scheduled Monument is located in proximity to the viewpoint. The photograph is orientated in a south- easterly direction towards the northern part of the camp, where a sports field, backed by a mature tree belt, can be seen through the security perimeter fencing extending across the foreground. To the far left of the view, a coniferous screen belt borders the Byway, containing views to the north. In addition to the small pavilion, glimpses of other structures in the camp are obtainable through occasional gaps/lower sections in the tree belt, with winter leaf fall exposing a row of buildings seen on the right of the picture.

6.2.27 The proposed masterplan developments contained in the hybrid application would remain largely unseen behind retained trees within the camp and located at some distance further down the slope. In the winter months, the roof of the new gym (P&RTF) building (contained in the outline component of the application) would be visible above the row of buildings on the right of the view. Some tops of lighting masts for the synthetic pitches would be glimpsed, however, through/over the lower sections of the tree belt that forms the backdrop to the sports field. The new elements in the view would be incidental additions within it, causing no significant adverse effect.

6.2.28 Further proposals not included in the hybrid application for development on the sports fields are to be brought forward at a later date. These would impact on the view, the effects of which will be addressed in landscape and visual assessment to be prepared in support of a future application.

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Receptor Viewpoint 13: Cutts Copse 6.2.29 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29, immediately adjacent to a gate (to the training area on the plain) in the security fence at the perimeter of the camp, at an elevation of 140m AOD (approx.). The viewpoint is in proximity to viewpoints 11 and 12, as for viewpoint 12, in proximity to the Knighton Barrow. The photograph is orientated toward the southeast. A sports area with buildings ranged around it can be seen, through the fencing, in the foreground of the view. The gable end visible on the left is one of a row of 4 similar buildings ( viz; those seen in the winter view from viewpoint 12) . A belt of established woodland planting provides enclosure on the far side of the sports field, above which the tops of lighting masts for other pitches beyond it are visible. Another tree belt on the far right screens the camp from longer distance viewpoints to the west.

6.2.30 The masterplan proposals contained in the hybrid application would include the demolition of the brick building seen toward the centre, the latter to be replaced by a new gym (P&RTF) building. The tops of some lighting masts to the proposed synthetic pitch may also be visible. The gym would be taller than the buildings it would replace, to which extent it would increase the amount of built form, but it would be of better architectural quality. The change is therefore appraised to result in a minor adverse significance of visual effect. A proposed row of trees to the south of the existing pitch area would partially filter views of the new building but, on maturity, not sufficiently to mitigate the effect in its entirety.

6.2.31 There would likely be some inter-visibility with further proposals not included in the hybrid application for development on the adjacent area of sports field to the north (left of the picture – see also viewpoints 11 and 12) which are to be brought forward at a later date. Their potential impact on the view will be addressed in landscape and visual assessment to be prepared in support of a future application.

Receptor Viewpoint 14: Knighton Down 6.2.32 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29, immediately adjacent to the security fence at the perimeter of the camp, at an elevation of 125m AOD (approx.). The photograph is orientated in a southerly direction, overlooking the Purvis Lines part of the camp. The security fenceline is conspicuous and extends across the full arc of view. Beyond it, an open view of a number of technical buildings - the group comprising larger workshop and lower office buildings (at a distance of some 260m-210m respectively) and a further minor grouping of a portakabin and containers/bins - can be seen through the security fencing occupying the central third (approx.) of the arc of view and set within an open area of grassland and backed by trees. The view is enclosed to the far left by established woodland, which (in combination with Alanbrooke’s Plantation to the northwest of this viewpoint) screens longer distance views of the camp from this direction. The ground form slopes down from left to right across the view toward The Packway, which is decipherable in the distance to the far right of view.

6.2.33 The proposed new garage, workshop and office buildings of the extended Purvis Lines technical area included as outline in the hybrid application would extend across most of the arc of view (from immediately to the right of the corner post of the fenceline to approximately the small light coloured structure on the right hand side of the view), stepping down the slope. The closest new building would be closer than the closest (flat roofed, single storey) structure in the existing view (at a distance of approximately 100m), and considerably larger. A car park would be located along the northern edge of the technical area - but offset by some 15m to allow space for a possible SUDs feature- and military vehicles would be parked along the western and northern periphery of the hardstand area. The change would comprise a

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notable intensification of the development currently visible in the close range view of this part of the camp: both in terms of overall quantum and scale of buildings. The larger built form would extend across the central half (approx.) of the arc of view. Whilst the immediate presence of the camp is clearly evident in the existing view, the outline proposals for the Purvis Lines technical area would noticeably increase the dominance of built-form in the close range view. The change in the view would result in a visual effect of moderate adverse significance. Once mature, proposed planting of woodland blocks and native hedgerow would afford a screen, albeit with a reduction in openness of the view. Eventually, the net effect is considered to be minor adverse.

Receptor Viewpoint 15: Byway 29 West 6.2.34 This viewpoint is located on Byway 29 at an elevation of approximately 110m AOD. The photograph is located approximately 100m from both the camp and the Packway and is orientated in a north-easterly direction. The view is enclosed to the right by woodland vegetation, which screens longer distance views from the south. The foreground of the view is dominated by grassland and the byway extends up the slope, alongside the fenceline, to the left of the view. The existing technical buildings within the ‘Purvis Lines’ part of the camp are clearly visible to the centre of view at a distance of over 400m.

6.2.35 Whilst other elements of masterplan would remain unseen, the proposals for the technical area contained in outline in the hybrid application would comprise a notable intensification of the development compared with that currently visible in the close range view of this part of the camp. The four rows of buildings would slightly step up the rising ground (by approximately 2.5m), although the closest (at some 200m distance) would obscure most (bar the ridgelines) of those behind them. The level of the furthest row of buildings would be set such that such that its highest ridgeline would be at a similar height (AOD) to that of the highest ridgeline of the existing buildings that are to be demolished. Military vehicles would be seen parked along the leading edge of the hardstand, in front of the buildings. Whilst the immediate presence of the camp is clearly evident in the existing view, the outline proposals, both in terms of the overall quantum and scale of (the longer) buildings would noticeably increase the dominance of built-form in the close range view. The change in the view would result in a visual effect of moderate adverse significance. Once mature, proposed planting of woodland blocks and native hedgerow would afford a screen that would largely offset the increased dominance, albeit with a reduction in openness of the view. Eventually, the net effect is considered to be minor adverse.

Receptor Viewpoint 16: The Packway (nr Bingham Road) 6.2.36 The viewpoint is located immediately adjacent to the Packway (visible to the far left of view) close to its junction with Bingham Road and Ross Road, at an elevation of just over 125m AOD. It is on the northern boundary of the WHS. The photograph is orientated in a north north-westerly direction and is enclosed to the far right of view by the woodland that flanks Ross Road. The view overlooks a foreground area of managed grassland, which falls gently away to a gappy belt of woodland vegetation that stretches along a slight valley which runs across the view. Existing technical buildings within Purvis Lines can be clearly seen beyond - both through gaps in the trees and their ridgelines slightly above the trees also - in the middle-ground to the centre right of view at a distance of some 370 m. The ground continues to rise beyond the buildings to a wooded horizon- the camp’s perimeter tree belt, through which a briefest glimpse of the Salisbury Plain is seen through a small gap. Alanbrooke’s Plantation visually merges with the perimeter belt to its left. A parking area (with caravan) is also visible on the far right of the view.

6.2.37 As for viewpoint 15, other elements of the masterplan would remain unseen, but the outline proposals for the technical area seen stepping up the rising ground and extending across a wider field of view would comprise an intensification of

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development compared with that currently visible in the view of this part of the camp. The extent of built form visible in the arc of view would more than double. The closest building would be a distance of some 250m, but (compared to viewpoint 15), the differing angle of view of the development would permit a clear differentiation of rows of buildings to be seen, although the valley bottom trees would screen much of the elevation of the lowest/nearest row and the parked military vehicles in front of them. As for viewpoint 15, the level of the furthest row of buildings would be set such that such that its highest ridgeline would be at a similar height (AOD) to that of the highest ridgeline of the existing buildings that are to be demolished. The noticeable increase in the dominance of built-form in the view would result in a visual effect of moderate adverse significance. Once mature, proposed new planting belt of native woodland along the north of The Packway would screen views entirely during the summer months and filter them heavily during the winter, albeit with a reduction in openness of the view, reducing the adverse effect to minor.

Receptor Viewpoint 17: The Packway (Long Barrow)

6.2.38 The viewpoint is located within the camp at the northern boundary of the WHS and to the south side of the Packway, at an elevation of just under 130m AOD. The photograph is located at the entrance into the Officer’s Mess (behind the direction of view) and is orientated toward the north. The built form of the camp is conspicuous, and characteristic of the camp’s dominant presence as part of the streetscene. A Scheduled Monument (a long barrow) can be seen as a low mound within the amenity grass area in the foreground. Signage and street tree planting are also in the foreground of the view. A variety of accommodation and technical buildings of differing styles are visible beyond the fenceline seen on the far side of the open grassland. The built form obscures views further into the camp. The buildings are partly screened by mature tree planting during the summer months, but only filtered during the winter, when the built form is more noticeable.

6.2.39 The existing buildings would be cleared under the masterplan proposals, making way for a new ‘village’ of single living accommodation blocks (JRSLA) and a diner. New parking is also proposed just inside the fenceline (see also paragraph 5.3.8). These are included in detail in the hybrid application. There will be some (limited) tree loss, but replacement planting included in the detailed scheme would provide a stronger green structure and softening to the new layout. The improved coherence and better architectural quality would be beneficial change in the view, although the new parking in front of it (but behind the fence) would slightly weaken the feeling of openness in the foreground. The masterplan proposals would be entirely in keeping with the existing urbanised context. The effect would be neutral.

Receptor Viewpoint 18: The Packway (Roberts Barracks)

6.2.40 The viewpoint is located to the south side of the Packway, toward the east of the camp. It is at an elevation of between 115-120m AOD. Although urbanised, the prospect is nevertheless on the northern boundary of the WHS. The photograph is orientated in a northerly direction, towards ‘Roberts Barracks’. The view overlooks an existing roadside parking area, beyond which a dense group of varied camp buildings can be seen behind the camp’s (screened) boundary fence. An access, with some further parking and a shop (the end one of a parade) can be seen to the far right. A parade ground lies unseen behind the narrow green swathe, with a row of tall specimen trees in the middle distance. An avenue of street trees lines the road in the foreground. During the winter, built form is more evident throughout the view.

6.2.41 The array of buildings to the centre left of the view are to be demolished to make way for the new mess facilities and accommodation included in a previous Priority Works application. Albeit that this will introduce a modest increase in scale compared to the existing flat roofed, single storey buildings, the improved coherence

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and better architectural quality would be beneficial change in the view. The masterplan proposals contained in the detailed component of the hybrid application include an extension to the JRSLA village on the parade ground, the closest building being clearly visible at a distance of some 150m from the viewpoint. The village extension would obscure any view of the new parking proposed to its north. Within the existing urbanised context, the new village extension, which would be architecturally complementary to the Priority Works, would be an incremental addition that would not adversely impact on either the character or quality of the view. The effect would be neutral.

Receptor Viewpoint 19: Alton Down

6.2.42 This viewpoint is located on a public byway, approximately 1.3km from the camp, at an elevation of just over 115m AOD. The photograph is located within the ‘Danger Zone’ and is orientated in a south- south -east direction. The view overlooks an area of open grassland with occasional scrub vegetation. The byway is visible in the centre of the view and extends into the middle distance. A number of woodland plantations punctuate the horizon and a scatter of small firing range structures is decipherable on the left of view in the distance. The camp lies almost entirely over the far horizon, although the roofs of hut-like buildings close to its northern boundary and the tops of rugby goal posts and lighting masts can be discerned near the centre of the photograph.

6.2.43 The new built form of masterplan proposals submitted in the hybrid application would be located, unseen, over the far horizon. The tops of the lighting masts of one the proposed synthetic pitches would be an incidental addition. There would be no significant effect in the view arising from the proposals.

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6.3 Summary

6.3.1 The visual effects from the viewpoints described above are summarised in the following table.

Table 2 Summary of Landscape of effects on Viewpoints

Receptor Distance Comment Initial Mitigation Viewpoint Impact Viewpoint 01: 1.8km View from within the Neutral - Stonehenge WHS. Masterplan development located toward centre and left of view, but remaining screened by existing intervening woodland. Viewpoint 02: 3.2km The proposed areas of No change - Salisbury Road changes would not be visible. Viewpoint 03: 300m Masterplan buildings will No change - Stonehenge be screened by landform. Golf Centre Viewpoint 04: 2.4km Masterplan buildings will No change Church Road be screened by landform. Viewpoint 05: 3km Masterplan buildings will No change - Milston Drove be screened by landform. Viewpoint 06: 2.8km Masterplan buildings will No change - Milston Tank be screened by landform. Crossing Viewpoint 07: 1.4km Masterplan buildings will No change - Netheravon be screened by landform. Road Viewpoint 08: 0.6km Masterplan buildings will No change - Martinbushes be screened by landform. Road Viewpoint 09: 0.7km On WHS boundary. With Moderate Screen The Packway exception of some adverse planting; (Fargo) technical buildings at reduced levels; Purvis Lines, very little of architectural existing camp is visible. treatment Masterplan development (Minor) of larger technical area at Purvis Lines will be clearly seen. Mitigation is proposed to reduce adverse effect. Neutral Viewpoint 10: Adjacent The masterplan - Byway 29 East proposals would be located in areas of the camp that are at some distance and lower down the slope from the

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viewpoint, beyond substantial blocks of retained woodland. They would not be visible, but tops of lighting masts for the closer synthetic pitches may be just visible over lower parts of the intervening tree belt as incidental additions to the view. Not Viewpoint 11: Adjacent Masterplan proposals - significant Byway 29 would remain very largely North unseen, as for viewpoint 10, but with addition (to tops of some lighting masts) of the roof of the new gym. Viewpoint 12: Adjacent Masterplan proposals Not - Knighton would remain very largely significant Barrow unseen, as for viewpoint 11. Adjacent The new gym (replacing Minor Row planting of Viewpoint 13: Cutts Copse an existing building to be trees will demolished along with partially filter other buildings) and views of one some tops of lighting elevation. masts would be visible, (Minor) but remainder of proposals in the hybrid application would not. Adjacent Noticeably increased Moderate Woodland Viewpoint 14: Knighton Down dominance of technical adverse planting; buildings in close range reduced levels; where presence of camp architectural is already evident. treatment. (Minor) 100m Noticeably increased Moderate Woodland Viewpoint 15: Byway 29 West dominance of technical adverse planting; buildings in close range reduced levels; where presence of camp architectural is already evident. treatment (Minor) On WHS boundary. Many Moderate Woodland Viewpoint 16: Adjacent elements of the adverse planting; The Packway masterplan would remain reduced levels. (nr Bingham unseen, but the outline (Minor) Rd) proposals for the technical area seen stepping up the rising ground would comprise an intensification of development. Adjacent On WHS boundary. Neutral - Viewpoint 17: The Packway Existing built form would

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(Long Barrow) be demolished to make way for new accommodation and welfare facilities, bringing greater coherence and quality, although new parking would slightly weaken feeling of openness. Adjacent On WHS boundary. An Neutral - Viewpoint 18: The Packway urbanised character to (Roberts the existing view, in Barracks) which an extension to the JRSLA village included in the masterplan proposals will be clearly visible, but not out of keeping. 1.3km The built form of the Not Viewpoint 19: Alton Down submitted masterplan significant proposals would be screened by landform, but tops of the lighting masts for one of the synthetic pitches would be an incidental addition. Footnote: Further proposals not included in the hybrid application for development are to be brought forward at a later date. These would impact on views 11, 12 and 13 and will be subject of landscape and visual assessment submitted with a subsequent application.

6.3.2 Generally, long views towards the camp, including changes resulting from the masperplan proposals, are visually contained by the combination of topography and existing vegetation to within the immediate surroundings of the camp, where its existing influence on the character and quality of views is readily apparent. Significant adverse effects at the representative viewpoints are limited those in close proximity and one from medium (>0.5kms) distance.

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7. MITIGATION

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 This section identifies the mitigation measures which have been accommodated in the masterplan proposals to enable it to be more comfortably assimilated into its surroundings and to reduce adverse effects on landscape character and visual amenity. 7.2 Mitigation

7.2.1 The masterplan proposals are accommodated within the existing camp boundary. Proposed level changes are modest, contained within the confines of the camp and reflect the general site levels. Whilst seeking to limit woodland and tree clearance from within the camp boundary when developing the masterplan proposals, it did not prove practicable to accommodate service requirements without some loss. An equivalent area of woodland to that removed for development would be re-provided within the masterplan footprint in new forestry-style planting plots. Notwithstanding, existing screening would not be compromised by the proposals in the hybrid application, whilst the perimeter tree belts would remain wholly unaffected. The camp would retain its landscape structure. Thus, the camp’s current general relationship to the landscape would be maintained following development. 7.2.2 Inevitably, however, there would be intensification of development within the camp- most notably in the Purvis Lines - as the masterplan layout has sought to further reinforce the existing zoning of uses across the camp established by the Project Allenby – Connaught works. The resultant cohesion not only benefits both efficient operation and those that live and work in the camp, but also promotes visual harmony. New buildings would be of similar scale, but of improved appearance to the existing built form visible in their immediate context, so complementing them in the view. At Purvis Lines, consideration would be given at detail design stage to the architectural treatment of the technical buildings in respect of the materials and colour palette, in order to give them a more recessive appearance in their landscape setting to help mitigate adverse effects. Demolition and clearance (especially to accommodate the JRSLA village) of built fabric also contributes to partial offsetting of the proposed new-build in the overall view. 7.2.3 The platform for the proposed enlarged footprint of the technical area at Purvis Lines will be dug into the rising ground by up to some 3.5m at its northern boundary, slightly lowering the buildings relative to their surroundings. Should the detail design of the technical area result in an earthworks surplus, the fill would be placed in the area between the hardstand and the western fenceline. The layout proposals align the structures broadly west–east, presenting the narrower gable ends toward available views from the west and the approach along The Packway, whilst strategically placed blocks of new woodland planting (which reflect the existing plantation features in the landscape, but are articulated to avoid a solid, wall-like appearance) will, as they mature, progressively break up their linearity in the views, indeed ultimately screening much of them. Swathes of low maintenance and calcareous grassland will flow around the proposed new woodland screen planting, providing a transition to the adjacent land cover types of the Salisbury Plain. 7.2.4 Amenity planting of hedges, shrubs and ground cover, complemented by selected ornamental tree planting, is proposed to provide a local landscaped setting for new buildings, integrating them with the established landscape typology of the site. 7.2.5 In summary, mitigation measures to minimise and offset the identified adverse landscape and visual effects are listed below:

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· Overall reinstatement planting of a greater area of woodland than would be lost across the camp incorporated within the masterplan proposals. · Retention of the camp’s landscape structure. · The highest ridgelines of new technical buildings at Purvis Lines will be at a similar level in the landscape as the tallest building currently on the site. · New structural planting, together with levels and building orientation and consideration materials and colour palette to address landscape effects of new technical buildings at Purvis Lines. · New buildings are integrated with the fabric of existing use zones. · Provision of amenity tree planting in association with new office, welfare and living facilities to provide local setting and softening in the wider view. · Retained trees to be protected by fencing and works within the root protection area to be carried out in accordance with an arboricultural method statement.

7.3 Residual Impact

7.3.1 The combination of landform and (retained) mature tree belts within the camp, around its perimeter and surrounding landscape would control available views of most of the masterplan proposals contained in the hybrid application, which would remain unseen or neutral/not significant change from many (14 of 19) of the identified receptor viewpoint locations. There would be adverse impact affecting the remaining 5 viewpoint locations (4 moderate, 1 minor). New woodland planting, in part to deliver re-provision of site clearance losses, is incorporated into the masterplan proposals to provide additional screening. Once mature, this would progressively reduce the assessed level of significance to minor. Proposed new amenity planting would contribute to the landscape structure of the reconfigured camp and, as it establishes, help to soften and assimilate the proposed development into its surroundings.

7.3.2 Neither the quality nor character of the AONB’s would be impacted. Similarly, the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the surrounding landscape character areas, the SLA and setting of the WHS would not be materially denuded.

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8 CONCLUSION

8.1 Army 2020 Basing Programme

8.1.1 The implementation of the ABP will bring about physical changes to the detail appearance of Larkhill Camp, continuing the history of change recorded at the camp during its use by the military. The changes would include: earthworks; the demolition of existing built-form; tree and woodland removal; and construction of new buildings, hardstands, roads, footpaths and car-parks and planting of trees and shrubs. There would be associated effects of the proposals on landscape character and visual amenity.

8.2 Planning Policy

8.2.1 The masterplan proposals would not significantly conflict with any planning policies relevant to landscape and visual matters.

8.3 Elements of the Landscape

Topography 8.3.1 The masterplan proposals would require the formation of new platforms for the proposed new buildings and hardstandings, but these are designed to fit into the existing levels with minimum change. Generally level changes would be small and localised, although more extensive earthworks would be required for the Purvis Lines technical area to accommodate it on the existing rising ground and a parking area would be filled. All earthworks would be contained within the camp boundary, and would be insignificant in terms of the overall topography.

Public Rights of Way 8.3.2 The masterplan proposals would not physically alter any of the public rights of way within the surrounds to the camp, but they would be in views from a few public rights of way and permissive routes within it. Other than for byway 29 (sections of which are not immediately adjacent to the perimeter fence and already noticeably affected by the camp’s presence) no significant change to the amenity of routes is predicted.

Watercourses 8.3.3 The masterplan proposals would not affect any watercourses.

Land Use 8.3.4 The masterplan proposals include some changes to existing uses, but are in keeping with its established military use and generally reinforce a coherent land use zoning within it. The resulting improved cohesion is beneficial to operation, to those that live and work in the camp and to wider visual harmony also. The masterplan does not directly alter the land use within its wider surrounds.

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Vegetation 8.3.5 The masterplan proposals, including those previously submitted as priority works, would require the removal of some trees and approximately 1.9ha of woodland – predominantly mixed plantation- from within the camp. A greater area (by approximately 15%) would be re-provided within the masterplan proposals. The proposed clearance would not generally affect vegetation within camp’s immediate setting and providing perimeter screening, with the exception of that required for the remodelled entrance. Here, although not removed entirely, the existing belt would be much reduced. An equivalent and adjacent area of new woodland planting is proposed to reinforce the retained trees.

8.4 Landscape Character

8.4.1 The masterplan proposals are accommodated within the existing camp boundary, respecting the broad landform and retaining the camp’s landscape structure. There would be close range views available from within the urbanised area of the camp and from adjacent sections of byway, where the presence of the camp is already evident but, from the greater area of its landscape setting, the proposals would remain concealed by landform and mature tree belts. Only in views from the western quadrant would there be change that brings adverse effect arising from the intensification of proposed development from that which is already visible and exerting an influence in the landscape. A range of landscape, architectural and engineering measures is embraced in the design and layout proposals to mitigate adverse effects. Initially, these are assessed to be moderate, but will be modulated over time as proposed new woodland planting matures, reducing them to minor. Thus, the camp’s current general relationship to the wider landscape would be maintained.

8.4.2 The nature and scale of masterplan proposals is not of the order that would be disruptive to the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the landscape character areas at a National or Regional scale. The masterplan proposals would not be perceptible from either the AONB or Stonehenge itself, due to distance, landform and intervening vegetation and there would be no impacts. Over much of the camp’s landscape setting, the local dominance of the camp would not increase and the existing characteristics of the SLA would not be affected. From the west, intensification of development from the proposals at Purvis Lines would introduce (moderate) significant effects to the landscape over a range of approximately 1 km and where the existing development at the camp already exerts an influence on the landscape. Over time, however, the establishment of new planting proposed in the masterplan will assimilate the proposed developments within the landscape structure, eventually reducing the level of adverse effects to minor. 8.5 Visual Amenity

8.5.1 The adverse effects of the masterplan proposals would be generally well contained within its wider landscape setting, particularly in medium range and distant views. Where visible in close range views from adjacent locations to the camp’s perimeter, the masterplan proposals would initially result in moderate adverse effects, which would be susceptible to mitigation, reducing them to minor. 8.6 Mitigation

8.6.1 The masterplan proposals adopt layout and design precepts that are intended to reduce landscape and visual impacts, both initially and progressively over time to accommodate the masterplan proposals within their landscape setting.

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APPENDIX A

National Character Area Profile

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Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Description

Physical and functional links to other National The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site shows that the link north to Avebury, on the Marlborough Downs, is very longstanding and the likely result of Character Areas related cultures. This now generates infrastructure and recreational links through The Chalk of the National Character Area (NCA) is part of a wider sweep, extending the tourist and heritage industry, with many related connections between the from the Dorset coast up across to north of the Wash into Yorkshire. numerous sites of interest.

The views from and to the escarpment over the Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Vales NCA form the principal connection to the areas to the north. Views from this NCA to the north are extensive and long distance.

The rivers of the Avon system rise locally, within the NCA itself or to the north in the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs, and flow south towards the . They may once have served as transport routes. To the south of Salisbury, after the rivers have joined, there are flood risks, which may affect settlements in the adjacent Dorset Downs and NCA.

The area is a catchment for rivers affecting the Hampshire Downs to the east. A substantial pipeline network to move freshwater between the NCA and the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, to the south, was under development in the early part of the 21st century by Wessex Water. This is likely to prove vital for secure water supplies thereafter for this NCA, in addition to assisting with the water flow along the River Avon system, designated under European legislation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Transport links are by major roads running broadly east–west – thus to the South Hampshire Lowlands, the New Forest and Avon Vales, and onwards to London or Bristol. There are few rail links. Medieval farming landscape near Mere.

5 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Key characteristics

■ Salisbury Plain, an extensive and open rolling chalk plateau and one of the ■ A sparsely settled landscape, with few settlements of any size, and largest remaining areas of calcareous grassland in north-west Europe. notable for nucleated villages at the foot of the scarp along the springline. Large-scale farmsteads are a prominent feature. ■ Many small, sheltered river valleys, such as the Wylye, with narrow flood plains and meandering river courses. ■ Abundant use made in older buildings of local stone such as flint, Chilmark stone and clunch, together with timber frame and chalk cob. ■ Woodland generally confined to valley slopes, with scattered copses and shelterbelts (usually of beech or conifer) found on the high downs, and ■ Large parks and estates found in the valleys, with related groups of estate occasional ancient oak woods on the ridgetops. housing in common style.

■ Large arable fields predominate, with generally very few hedgerows or ■ Salisbury, an ecclesiastical centre since the early medieval period and obvious boundary features; there are often wide grass buffer strips. now a tourist and local administration centre, with a well-preserved historic core, and a cathedral whose spire has long been a feature in the ■ Rare flora and fauna of national significance, associated with a chalk surrounding landscape. landscape, from stone curlew, hobby and corn bunting to dropwort, early gentian and slender bedstraw. ■ Military tracks, airfields and structures reflecting a major land use. Visually prominent modern military housing and supporting development are ■ Outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape, with many Scheduled Ancient found in the eastern side of the NCA. Monuments and earthworks prominent in the open landscape, notably Stonehenge.

■ Distinctive chalk-cut figures – generally large horses – post-dating the medieval period.

6 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs today The two areas of AONB are noteworthy. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs to the south is designated as an AONB for its rich chalk down, whaleback ridges, wooded valleys and deeply rural, agricultural character and The overall character is of an extensive open chalk plateau, with a near- its rich archaeological resource. It is separated from its fellow AONB by continuous dramatic scarp to the north, and a pattern of attractive valleys to Salisbury Plain and shares its sense of remoteness and generally dark skies. the east and south. Two seperate areas, covering around one third of the NCA are designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Cranborne Chase The North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north east, towards Marlborough, and West Wiltshire Downs AONB to the south and North Wessex Downs AONB and is designated for its wide open downland and the scarp slopes, rich in flora to the north-east. and wildlife, its ancient woodlands, and its river valleys with rare spring-fed and fast-flowing chalk streams.

Salisbury Plain is the largest expanse of the rare habitat of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe. It is designated as an SAC and is rich in chalk plants and invertebrates. It is also rich in bird species, notably the stone curlew, and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), again under European legislation, as is the nearby area of . The latter is generally known for its military and scientific role, but has distinctive and valuable heathland flora.

A major theme in this NCA is the continuity of use and division of the landscape, with features ranging from the Bronze Age through to the Roman and early Saxon periods all being used as boundaries for medieval estates and parishes, suggesting that many of the land units seen today reflect much earlier territorial divisions. Most of the area had been cleared of its woodland for farming and grazing by the end of the Neolithic period, resulting in the thin chalk-based soils which have helped to shape much of the area’s agricultural development and heritage. Large farmsteads are a feature across the area, often with nearby Open farm landscape near Winter's Penning. workers’ housing. Large arable fields with few hedgerows or settlements

7 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

predominate across the area, resulting from the piecemeal enclosure of open and its cathedral were immortalised by the artist Constable and remain little fields around villages and also open downland from the medieval period. These changed, with functioning watermeadows between Salisbury and Harnham changes worked within an earlier framework of droveways and routeways. and beyond to Bodenham. Fields on the plateau generally date from the late 18th century, are more regular in their form and have been most affected in the post-1950 period by The low ridges of abandoned floated flood meadows which have developed declining hedgerow management and their removal. The downs to the south from the 16th and 17th centuries are characteristic; although many meadows and west are broad hills with long views, separated by shallow dry valleys. The have been lost, some continue to be grazed, notably by cattle. The valleys and main land use is arable farming, with much of the eastern area down to pasture watercourses are often lined with areas of carr woodland with willow and alder. – not least for the benefit of locally rich archaeology and for the setting of the Locally abundant is an ancient plant, marsh marigold; also found is the rare prehistoric monuments, from the early Robin Hood’s Ball to Durrington Walls, the brown galingale. The river valleys to the south and west are sheltered and Cursus and Stonehenge itself. There is abundant evidence of settlements and include long- established settlements, revealed not least by the smaller field surrounding fields across the open plateau and also across the area, which is enclosures from up to the 16th century. thought to have been largely cleared of trees in the Neolithic period. The settlements moved down into the river valleys after Roman times. Clay and gravel deposits, and exposures of older Jurassic rocks, some notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, illustrate the action of water over time There are scattered copses and shelterbelts – many planted in the 18th and through the chalk landscape. Steep sided and with narrow flood plains, the 19th centuries – on the high downs, with earlier and more substantial areas valleys are visually contained and often appear remote. of woodland confined mainly to valleys and steep slopes. There are some extensive ridge top ancient oak woodlands, some with newer planting, such Nucleated settlements prevail, often with groups of former estate cottages as at Grovely Wood. Occasional new planting of small broadleaved woods in uniform style. Older cottages are of cob and timber frame with thatch roofs, around the chalk plain may take place where military training needs call for with brick and tile common from the early 19th century onwards. There is some woods as cover, and where it is appropriate on a site-specific basis. use of local stone, for example the distinctive Chilmark stone or knapped flint with clunch. This adds to local distinctiveness. The plateau is drained by the River Avon and its tributaries, designated as an SAC for its biodiversity in fish (notably two lamprey species) and aquatic plants, There are few major communication routes across the NCA; where possible, such as the water crowfoot. These rivers drain along their natural course into people travelled along the valley floors but went across the Downs when the Avon just north of Salisbury, and expand across a flood plain just to the necessary, heading north and south. south of the city. The views over the flood plain to the historic core of the city

8 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

This is a rural area with over 70 per cent agricultural use. This is largely arable, with some livestock use (generally pigs or sheep), in particular around Stonehenge, where there has been a drive for reversion to pasture. The popularity of Wiltshire ham, and its suitability in rotation with arable farming, also encourages the continuation of pig farming. Land is also managed (at least in part) in the interests of game shooting, which brings benefit to the local economy and affects the management measures that are applied. The main modern influence on the Plain’s landscape is military activity, which in places bars civilian use, generally influences the agricultural patterns, and is widely apparent owing to buildings and other infrastructure.

This NCA includes Stonehenge, part of a World Heritage Site, whose ancient monuments “together with their settings and associated sites... form landscapes without parallel” and are testimony to "a wealthy and highly organised prehistoric society able to impose its concepts on the environment”. Stonehenge4 retains spiritual associations for some. Over one million visitors from all over the world come to Stonehenge each year. Tourism and agriculture remain the main economic drivers within the NCA and likely forces for change, as they have been for well over a century.

Cattle grazing on Harnham water meadows to the south of Salisbury. 4 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/373

9 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

The landscape through time of evidence for farmsteads and other settlements with their associated field systems, the development of large estates marked by linear boundaries which The western area of the NCA, the Downs, dates from the Upper Jurassic, around often formed the framework for present parishes, and causewayed enclosures, 150 million years ago, when Britain was covered by shallow shelf seas, and sees cursus monuments and hill forts (such as Scratchbury in the Wylye Valley), and some exposures of that period. Later in the Jurassic Period there was, over finally Neolithic long barrows, bronze-age barrows and other ritual and funerary time, a substantial fall in sea level. This resulted in a variety of depositional monuments. Pre-eminent among these is Stonehenge with its associated environments – marine and estuarine – leading to limestone, siltstones and clays. monuments, its significance recognised since 1986, with that of Avebury to the These deposits are seen in the areas along and to the south of the River Wylye. The north, by inscription by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This includes the Cursus notable resulting local stone is Chilmark Limestone, the building stone used for monument dating from around 3600 BC and the circles of sarsens and trilithons Salisbury Cathedral. erected within the circular earthwork enclosure of around 3000 BC, linked by its Avenue to the Avon. Archaeological work around 2000 revealed new Salisbury Plain, as the core and northern and western part of the NCA, was formed information about its development, its association with the 12-hectare henge at during the Cretaceous Period, after 145 million years ago, when sea levels had Durrington Walls and its linked settlement, and its role in the development of risen again and shallow marine conditions prevailed. The Lewes, Seaford and Neolithic and bronze-age Britain. Newhaven Chalks of this period form the majority of the Plain itself, and are very pure limestone of some 98 per cent calcium carbonate. There are few natural Roman settlement consists of small towns such as the roadside town that exposures of these chalks. developed outside the iron-age hill fort at , a few villa sites and villages. Of particular importance are a number of examples of deserted Roman villages The plateau slopes slightly up to the north and west, with the northern scarp on higher downland which survive, in part, as earthworks. These settlements slopes particularly striking. Subsequent erosion by rivers has left the area with a appear to have been deserted by the 4th or early 5th centuries. It is probable that pattern of river valleys with later alluvial deposits, all the rivers rising in the NCA most rural settlement in the Roman period (of which there are few visible traces other than the Avon itself. There are also many winterbournes, such as the Till, above ground) followed the existing pattern, with linear villages lying in the which flow over the Chalk only after prolonged rainfall. To the east, beyond the valleys alongside chalk streams. Within these valley-based settlements there is River Bourne, lie much more recent Tertiary deposits (including a number of sarsen evidence for both medieval planning in the form of regular property plots and trains) and superficial drift geology of alluvium, clay, silt, sand and gravel. the desertion and shrinkage of settlements in the 14th and 15th centuries. The present pattern of discrete villages separated by farmland is often the result of the The area was largely cleared for agriculture and grazing at the outset of the loss of some villages or shrinkage of existing villages at that time. Neolithic period (around 4200–3700 BC) followed by the development of a distinctive regional culture up until around 2500 BC and then continuing into the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman occupation. The result is an astonishing diversity

10 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Salisbury, dominated by its cathedral spire, is the main urban area in this NCA. fauna and flora, as well as the visible archaeology of settlement and land use Salisbury is a medieval new town created by the Bishop of Salisbury, moving it from from the prehistoric period which has been destroyed elsewhere by intensive the hill-top location at Old Sarum, slightly to the north. Downton, a little to the arable cultivation. The remains of practice trenches from both World Wars and south, is also a planned new town laid out opposite an earlier Saxon estate other features developed by the Army across the Plain are also of significance. centre. In the Saxon period Wilton was the most important town, being the Around the Plain are military camps which have developed into small towns, administrative capital of the area and having a royal residence. A rich legacy of including Tidworth, Larkhill and Bulford. Outstanding and probably unique in churches with 12th–13th century fabric (such as Fisherton Delamere) testifies to the an international context are the pre-1914 military aviation sites and structures prosperity of this area in this period, and the wealth gained from its arable land and at Larkhill, Netheravon and Upavon. Old Sarum retains the most complete wool. Clarendon is a largely overlooked Saxon royal palace, to the south-west of group of hangars and other buildings relating to a grass flying field of the First Salisbury, rebuilt by Henry III in the 12th century and enjoyed until the 17th century. World War period.

Travellers wrote about Stonehenge – while addressing the Dissolution of Over the latter part of the 20th century, there was much intensification of the Monasteries on behalf of Henry VIII, and the 17th century sees it agriculture – which remains the major industry in the NCA – but the early 21st documented by antiquarian John Aubrey. This inspired interest, which was century brought more reversion to pasture and less arable, particularly in the encouraged in the late 18th century by the romantic vision of its ‘wilderness’ and area of the World Heritage Site. This development results in large part from a saw a growing exploration of the area. The NCA’s several important country care for the historic environment and a willingness to support this financially – houses with their associated parklands, for example Wilton House, Boyton and which may not prove to be of long duration. A positive development has been Wilbury, developed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In parallel, large the restoration of the landscape setting to Stonehenge following the closure of farms were developing from the 15th and 16th centuries, often based on leased the A344. estates of major ecclesiastical landowners and through the engrossing of the holdings of smaller farmers. This resulted in the creation of some of the The farmed landscape and semi-natural habitats were, in the early 21st largest farms in the country and the rise of the ‘capitalist farmer’ who had century, developing in a manner consistent with the overall (rural) character for considerable resources. Wilton and other estates had a major impact on the the NCA, with little urban development outside military areas. Housing and rebuilding of farmsteads and the reshaping of the farmed landscape from the late other development was well managed, not least with the growing interest in 18th century. and use of green infrastructure to make landscape serve many purposes such as for recreation, drainage and biodiversity. The designation of the SAC for Wiltshire’s landscape has been intensively used for military training and Salisbury Plain and the River Avon has helped to advance the conservation of infrastructure from the late 19th century. Salisbury Plain is the largest training the NCA’s landscape. area in the United Kingdom, at some 38,000 ha, and is now one of the best- preserved archaeological landscapes in western Europe. The military use of the Plain has helped to conserve chalk grassland habitats for a rich diversity of

11 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Ecosystem services nitrates. It is believed likely that work with the agricultural community through the catchment sensitive farming schemes will satisfactorily address these The Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs NCA provides a wide range concerns and be a useful tool elsewhere. The NCA is largely a nitrate vulnerable of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes zone and already has many applicable regulations affecting land managers. (both natural and cultural features) within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. The predominant services are Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) summarised below. Further information on ecosystem services provided in ■ Sense of place/inspiration: The Chalk dominates the NCA’s history and this NCA is contained in the ‘Analysis’ section of this document. topography; Stonehenge and the surrounding open pasture land supply a strong sense of place to the NCA. The strength of the NCA’s character here can Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) be seen from the enduring power of the visitor attractions such as Stonehenge ■ Food provision: Substantial arable crops, of national importance – mostly and its associated monuments; the range of chalk-cut figures, to demonstrate wheat and (often for distillers and maltsters) barley, with additional man’s interaction with the chalk hills; and Salisbury itself, with the cathedral oilseeds (rape and linseed) and (largely for animal feed) maize; pig meat, and its close. one of largest sources in England, largely outdoor reared; limited mixed farming; and livestock. The current mosaic of agricultural production is ■ Sense of history: The area has captured the imagination of antiquarians and important in preserving the NCA’s landscape character. writers from the 16th century, and it has a strong sense of being one of the most anciently settled landscapes in the world. Much of this rich evidence ■ Water availability: Local rivers and aquifers are currently broadly has been conserved by military use of the Plain, its airfields and training sufficient for the supply of water within the NCA and beyond5 and the areas also being highly evocative of militarisation before and during the First underlying rocks are such that water flow is good. World War. To this can be added rich evidence of how pre-Roman land use has shaped present boundaries, and in its farmsteads, traditional buildings Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and and farmed landscape together with the development of a distinctive rural climate regulation) economy based on corn and sheep. Old Sarum, north of Salisbury, is both a ■ Regulating water quality: There is a major problem here in that the greensand medieval site and a former rotten borough. Wilton House is a stately home soils found in parts of the river valleys are in places degraded and have (and now a visitor attraction and thus an economic force) which has been 6 unsuitably high nutrient levels, and are occasionally higher than is desirable in inhabited by the same family since its construction in the 17th century ;

5 For details, see the Environment Agency website and search for aquifers 6 www.wiltonhouse.com

12 National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Salisbury is a medieval town, now city, that is still in operation and serving as a centre today, showing continuity in human presence in this NCA and that activity in the city has endured and evolved over time.

■ Tranquillity: The NCA enjoys quiet countryside and a sense of isolation and escape, partly owing to the open spaces themselves, and there are many areas which seem to pre-date the modern world. This is appreciated by both residents and visitors. The area remains tranquil, with dark night skies away from the major transport links of the A36 and A3037, and this is largely unaffected by the many military uses.

■ Recreation: The NCA is richly endowed, with an extensive network of rights of way (including byways open to all traffic) and scope for game shooting, fishing, birdwatching (including of the great bustard, now restored to the NCA8 ), and many visitor attractions in relation to both heritage and nature. The NCA has resources for education on English history and culture, and on the natural world.

■ Biodiversity: Around a fifth of the NCA is recognised as being important for its diversity of wild species. There are large areas of semi-natural habitat and a wealth of flora and fauna. A number of key sites are supported by international and national designations.

7 www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies Shrill carder bee feeding on red clover. 8 www.greatbustard.org

13 Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Appraisal – Larkhill Masterplan

APPENDIX B

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

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A2: UPPER AVON NARROW CHALK RIVER VALLEY

Location and Boundaries

The upper Avon Chalk River Valley flows northwards from Salisbury and is situated within the north of the District. The river valley meanders through adjacent Chalk Downland (Landscape Character Type D) and two minor roads corridors follow the path of the river.

Key Characteristics

 Narrow, strongly contained valley which cuts through adjacent Chalk Downland landscape and encompasses the upper section of the River Avon;  Rich ecology throughout, both within the river and within wet woodlands and commercial poplar plantations, hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows along the corridor;  Strong sense of enclosure and shelter within the valley, which contrasts with the predominantly open nature of surrounding Chalk Downland;  Generally small-scale settlement pattern in southern half of the valley, with larger nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupying the northern valley sides;  Long history of settlement apparent, visible in the built form of Amesbury Abbey, Great Durnford and Little Durnford Manor houses;  Belts of linear woodland along the valley sides further contribute to sense of enclosure;  Predominantly rural landscape with a strong sense of tranquillity throughout, despite isolated visual and noise intrusion from the A345 road corridors;  Intricate landscape pattern of small pastoral fields, woodland and scattered villages.

Summary of Visual Character

There is a strong sense of enclosure through the gently meandering course of this narrow river valley, due to the patches of linear woodland, which lines the valley sides, and the enclosing topography of adjacent rising Chalk Downland. As a result, landscape pattern within the valley is small-scale and intimate, consisting of a patchwork of small pastoral fields, woodlands and scattered villages. Within the northern half of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk Rover Valley, the relatively large, nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupy much of the valley sides and overlook the river. The valley corridor had strong ecological interest, resulting from the combination of wet woodland, commercial poplar plantations, softer, predominantly deciduous – hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows. A network of predominantly intact hedgerows lines pastoral fields and minor road corridors. Historic settlement continuity is also strong, with the historic manors at Great Durnford and Little Durnford; and Amesbury Abbey providing recognisable historic landscape features. Even though there is a military presence in the surrounding Chalk Downland landscapes, this does not generally permeate into the river valley. This is a predominantly rural character area, with a generally strong sense of tranquillity throughout. Occasional noise and visual intrusion is apparent where the corridor crosses the northern half of the valley and also associated with the A345 road corridors and large settlement edges.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The Avon Valley has been a foci for settlement and activity since the prehistoric period. Although the majority of the major prehistoric monuments are to be found in the surrounding Character Areas, the valleys would have provided a source of water and food. This can be seen in the remains of an Iron Age univallate hillfort, known as Vespasian's Camp;  It contains a number of historic buildings and parks and gardens which make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape. The historical development of estates has influenced land-

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Location and boundaries of A2 Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley landscape character area

The vegetation-lined course of the Upper Avon River as it passes through Burrington

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use across the area, whereby grazing land, arable and water-meadows were important components of traditional farming systems. Such estates include Heale House, an early 20th century gardens within a larger agricultural estate which is a grade II* Registered Park and Garden.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 In the medieval period the valley side would have been the focus of open field cultivation, between the valley floor meadows and the upland grazing, as a component of sheep-and corn agriculture. This system of mixed farming affected the arrangement of later enclosed fields, the layout tracks, droves and hollow-ways which survive to the present being influenced largely by the movement of livestock to and from the downs. Agricultural innovations in the post-medieval and modern periods saw the inclosure of the open fields adjacent to the villages. The large scale fields are the result of the recent amalgamation of earlier straight-sided fields characteristic of late 18th/ early 19th century Parliamentary inclosure.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Small riverside settlements with distinctive historic buildings follow the valley floor, complemented by the designed landscapes of old parkland. Due to their ‘special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’, over 11 of these are designated as Conservation Areas.

Biodiversity

The spring fed streams and river in this area are rich in plant and animal communities, deriving, in part, from the high-quality of the base-rich water which is naturally clear and fast flowing. The river irrigates the valley floodplains to create a rich mosaic of associated wetland habitats including water meadows, damp pasture, wet woodland and fens.

The ecological value of this area is reflected in parts of it having been designated as SAC (part of the River Avon SAC) and SSSI (part of the River Avon System SSSI and includes Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI). Notable amongst these SSSIs is the Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI, which is one of the last two actively managed water meadows in Wiltshire and retains the grassland communities typical of this type of management. SAC designation was awarded primarily for the presence of internationally rare/vulnerable species – populations of Atlantic salmon, bullhead, and brook and sea lamprey – and for its habitat value for flowing water vegetation and Desmoulin’s whorl snail.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

The overall condition of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley Landscape Character Area is considered to be good, as a result of the rich biodiversity within the river and adjacent riparian woodlands. The hedgerow network is predominantly intact, however in certain places boundary loss if visible. There is also a strong vernacular character within most of the small, generally well-kept villages.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area has a strong pattern of small pastoral fields, small pockets of woodland and scattered, small-scale villages. Patches of wet woodlands and water meadows adjacent to the river corridor further enhance strength of character. In addition, there is a strong sense of

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 39 tranquillity throughout much of the area, coupled with a predominantly rural character throughout. As a result, the overall landscape character sensitivity of this area is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

The relatively strong sense of enclosure and shelter within this narrow valley, which contrasts with adjacent Chalk Downland, contributes to a moderate to high visual sensitivity throughout. Views are generally constrained, north-south along the corridor by enclosing landform and linear woodland belts. In places, particularly from the higher valley sides, open and sometimes panoramic views can be gained across adjacent open Chalk Downland landscapes. In these locations, visual sensitivity is considered to be higher.

Key Landscape Changes

 Agricultural intensification leading to a gradual drainage and improvement of permanent pasture and water meadows on the floodplain and loss of riparian vegetation;  Nutrient pollution from riverside farmland plus road and urban run off affecting the high water quality within the Upper Avon River;  Loss of hedgerow field boundaries in places, and poor management in other locations;  Increased traffic pressure on the rural road network, leading to improvements including widening, kerbing and signage, leading to a more ‘urban’ character in places;  Potential visually intrusive new modern agricultural or residential development along the valley sides;  Modern residential development in more open locations, some close to the floodplain, have weakened the pattern of tight-knit villages in the past.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley should be to conserve the strong sense of tranquillity, predominantly rural character and intimate, small-scale landscape pattern throughout. This should include conservation and maintenance of key features, including wet woodlands, hanging valley side woodlands and historic vernacular buildings. There are also opportunities for restoration, replanting and management of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and waterside meadows.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Monitor road engineering to safeguard the rural character of the network of lanes;  Conserve the predominantly small-scale and tight-knit settlement pattern;  Conserve views across and along the valley corridor;  Consider opportunities for re-planting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost and consider opportunities for reinstatement of traditional management techniques;  Consider developing guidance for built development to ensure both future construction and changes to existing buildings are designed to integrate with the existing character and structure of settlements;  Protect the nature conservation value of the River Avon;  Conserve the strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout.

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D3: LARKHILL CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

This Landscape Character Area stretches from the north of Salisbury District, southwards towards the city of Salisbury. It falls between the Till Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A1) to the west and Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A2) to the east. To the north and south, this area is bordered by Chalk Downland Landscapes. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north of the District boundary.42

Key Characteristics

 Strong sense of continuity throughout this gently rolling landscape;  A largely uninhabited landscape of unenclosed rough grassland, criss-crossed by army tracks;  Numerous archaeological features visible within the landscape, including instantly recognisable landmarks, such as Stonehenge;  Strong recognisable sense of place as a result of views across this landscape towards archaeological features;  Very large-scale landscape, which generally has a strong sense of openness and exposure;  Strong sense of elevation, with frequent panoramic views over surrounding Landscape Character Areas;  The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Scattered settlement pattern, comprising small linear villages (such as Shrewton), hamlets (such as ) and isolated farmsteads;  The utilitarian form, materials and layout of military camps (such as Larkhill towards the north of the area), have a strong influence on the character of this landscape;  A network of rural roads crosses the landscape, in addition to main road corridors of A303 and A345, which introduce noise and visual intrusion;  Sense of tranquillity is generally strong throughout much of the area, however, this is disrupted by military activities and traffic noise on the A303 and A345 road corridors;  Large-scale landscape pattern delineated by low hedgerows, which are often sometimes gappy, and regular shaped mixed woodland copses and shelter belts.

Summary of Visual Character

Larkhill and Winterbourne Landscape Character Area encompasses extensive areas of unenclosed and uninhabited chalk grassland and scrub, upon which, a layer of scattered mixed copses and plantations are visible features. The gently undulating, yet elevated topography of this area encompasses a series of dry valleys crossing the landscape, particularly in proximity to the village of Winterbourne Stoke. In places, these valleys are under arable cultivation. The associated ridgelines often facilitate dramatic views across this generally open landscape, towards landmarks and across adjacent Landscape Character Areas. Numerous paths and military tracks cross the landscape, the tranquillity of which varies with levels of military activity. Recognisable sense of place is very strong as a result of views towards the numerous archaeological landscape features, such as distinctive barrows (which are often sited on ridgelines) and the instantly recognisable landmark of Stonehenge. Landscape pattern is predominantly large-scale, punctuated by a smaller-scale settlement pattern of small villages and hamlets. The urban edges of Amesbury settlement to the east and the A303 road corridor are visual intrusions. Larkhill military camp, with its numerous large scale bulky barrack and administration buildings interspersed with grassed open space and enclosed by security fences, are also dominant landscape features within this area.

42 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plan (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D3 Larkhill Chalk Downland landscape character area

The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland

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Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The landscape of this area provides unique evidence from different period of changing human activities and land use over 5,000 years. In particular, the unusually extensive survival of the densest and most varied complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England are a visible part of the present day landscape, especially within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.  Many individual monuments are typical of their period while other types are extremely rare and the very dense archaeological landscape comprises ridge-top barrow grounds, henge sites, earthworks such as the Stonehenge Cursus, and evidence of early settlements and field patterns.  The earliest ceremonial monuments within this area, date from the early and middle Neolithic (4000-3000BC), and include over a dozen burial mounds and a causewayed enclosure.  During the Bronze Age (2500BC-1600BC) ceremonial monuments such as the Winterbourne Stoke Barrows dominated the landscape, although the focus soon moved to Stonehenge. The stone structures, which characterise this phase were erected in place of timber structures and were re- modelled several times during the period.  The farming activities which were practised within the area during the Iron Age (800BC-AD43) have left little evidence, but some monuments do remains such as hill fort.  Salisbury Plain reverted to downland used for the grazing of large flocks of sheep during the medieval period, and this was certainly the case when antiquarians first ‘rediscovered’ Stonehenge in the 17th century.  Arable agriculture progressively expanded during the 18th century however, it was the vast expanses of open grassland and the low land values which made the Plain suitable for acquisition for military training from 1897 onwards. Since then, the expansion and reconfiguration of military installations has been the most conspicuous use of the southern fringe of Salisbury Plain Training Area.  Lake House, a c.3ha 20th century garden with formal and informal features, is a grade II Registered Park and Garden within the Character Area.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although an area of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th century there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place- mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.  Remnant historic field systems can be seen south of South Newton and north of Middle Woodford.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement is concentrated in the valleys, with only farmsteads and small hamlets on the Down;  Vernacular buildings are generally of chalk and flint, flint and brick bands, or flint and limestone, with tile roofs.

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Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

Camp Down is an area designated as a SSSI due to its well-grazed botanically rich chalk grassland. The Downland is rich in plants characteristic of South Wiltshire chalk grasslands, including several species of nationally restricted distribution. The mosaic of grazed chalk grassland and scattered scrub provides conditions favourable to many bird and insect species.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

Most of the chalk grassland within the MOD controlled areas (to the north of Larkhill) is generally in good condition. Clumps of woodland within this area are generally well maintained. Outside MOD owned areas, arable farmland is generally in moderate condition, with hedges and field boundary loss apparent.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland includes several sensitive landscape elements, such as numerous archaeological features, mixed woodland copses and shelterbelts, which contribute to a diverse, yet large-scale landscape pattern. Overlying settlement pattern is small-scale and sense of tranquillity is strong throughout most of the area, at distance from the main A303 and A345 road corridors. Sense of tranquillity is, however, often disturbed by military training activities. Overall landscape character sensitivity is therefore considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

Sense of openness within this elevated landscape is strong, resulting in frequent wide panoramic views across open Chalk Downland. At the eastern and western edges of the area, views into the adjacent Till and Upper Avon river valleys are framed by riverside vegetation. Open views towards landmark features, such as Stonehenge and other archaeological monuments also contribute to the visual character of this area. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. Overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Scrub invasion and management of grazing levels;  Past intensification of arable agriculture has resulted in a loss of biodiversity value amongst the chalk grassland, ploughing up of archaeological sites and loss of hedgerow field boundaries;  Noise and visual intrusion associated with military vehicles and non-military traffic on the busy A303 road corridor to the south, and Salisbury;

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 Positive clearance of scrub encroachment and other land management within MOD owned areas;  Potential future impact of tall structures such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on the generally open skylines and could have a major impact on the sense of remoteness;  Potential damage to archaeological sites and the setting of archaeological monuments.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Larkhill and Winterbourne Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area should be to conserve the strong sense of openness and exposure throughout and intact landscape features, including clumps of woodland and archaeological features. Ecological habitats, particularly the chalk grassland, should also be conserved wherever possible and field boundaries restored using locally appropriate species.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Maintain open and dramatic views across the Chalk Downland towards landscape features and archaeological monuments, such as Stonehenge;  Seek active stock management and scrub removal wherever possible;  Maintain the small-scale settlement pattern and ensure that any potential new development responds to existing built character and form;  Consider opportunities for replanting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Continue positive landscape management of MOD owned landscapes.

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D4: BOSCOMBE DOWN CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

Boscombe Down Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area is situated within the north-east of Salisbury District, spreading northwards from the city of Salisbury towards Amesbury and Bulford Camp. To the east and west this area is bordered by the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north-east of the District boundary.43

Key Characteristics

 The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Character dominated by military use to the north-east of Bulford, where the landscape is criss- crossed by military tracks and mixed woodland copses, which are a feature;  In places, field boundaries are delineated by hedgerows which tend to be low and gappy;  Relatively large-scale landscape pattern which is interspersed by the nucleated settlement of Amesbury and regular layout of Bulford Camp, introducing human elements to the landscape;  Network of predominantly rural lanes criss-cross the landscape, in addition to the major A303 road corridor, which introduces a source of noise and visual intrusion;  Open views in places into the valley corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne;  Sense of tranquillity quite strong throughout much of the area, but disturbed in place by noise and visual intrusion associated with the A303 road corridor, the settlement edges of Salisbury and Amesbury, and military activities;  Relatively geometric landscape as a result of the numerous straight tracks and roads associated with military training areas;  Gently rolling and fairly elevated landscape.

Summary of Visual Character

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland is dominated in a parts by the presence of Amesbury and Bulford Camp settlements, which impart a human character over the surrounding predominantly rural landscape. Sense of place is strong in certain locations, as a result of views into the adjacent narrow river corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. Sense of openness is limited in places by relatively large copses and blocks of mixed woodland. In other locations, panoramic open views across surrounding areas of Chalk Downland contribute to the character of this landscape. This relatively large-scale geometric landscape is delineated by a series of hedgerows which are denuded and gappy in places. Settlement pattern is quite dominant within this landscape, particularly resulting from the influence of the geometric layout and utilitarian built form of Bulford Camp. Sense of tranquillity is strong within pockets of this landscape, but disturbed in other places by traffic on the A303 main road corridor, and activity associated with Amesbury and Bulford Camp. Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down are dominant within several views across the landscape. To the north of the area, sense of tranquillity is stronger and a predominantly rural character is apparent in combination with a scattered and small-scale settlement pattern.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 Figheldean Down, Bulford Camp and Ogford Camp Prehistoric Landscapes dominate the historic elements of the landscape character area. Extant remains from all prehistoric periods are evident in the landscape in the form of barrows, boundary banks and ditches, hillforts;

43 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plain (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D4 Boscombe Down Chalk Downland landscape character area

Gently rolling landscape, encompassing a patchwork of arable fields and grassland

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 Droveways and trackways are well represented in the Salisbury Plain Training Area, where they provide communications between individual settlements and link occupation areas with their fields. The trackways are frequently cut down below the level of the surrounding fields, while the related form of the holloway was often used to mark the boundary between neighbouring estates;  The presence of medieval enclosures within the Plain and their relationship with extensive field systems and settlement complexes are of critical importance to understanding the character and development of downland agriculture;  Old Sarum Airfield Conservation Area is a rare, almost complete, surviving example of a airfield and training depot station. It retains open spaces, tree lined roads and buildings of each phase of the airfield’s development, which evoke a past era of military landscape design. Of particular architectural interest are the three surviving Grade II* listed Hangars, the Grade II listed workshops to the south of (ARS) Hangar 3, the station headquarters, the Motor Transport Sheds and Yard, and the Machine Gun Range, all dated to the World War I period; the Air Ministry Boundary Markers and the Station Headquarters, from the RAF Expansion period; and the World War II Pillboxes.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although areas of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th cent there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place-mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement within the Character Area is generally concentrated on the valleys, however the towns of Amesbury and Bulford Camp;  Amesbury was the centre for a widespread royal estate during the Saxon period, and the abbey was founded in AD979. It is probable that the town itself grew up around these establishments but little is known of the way in which the surrounding landscape was utilised;  Vernacular buildings are generally of flint, with brick, chalk or limestone dressings, with roofs of tile.

Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury Plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

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EVALUATION

Current Condition

Although this landscape is actively farmed, the intensive farming methods mean that some landscape features have declined. Hedgerows are often fragmented, gappy or over-managed, with post and wire fencing often acting as infill where hedgerow sections have been lost. The overall condition of this landscape is considered to be moderate.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area is considered to have a relatively strong character, on account of the large-scale, generally smooth rolling landform and exposed character. Landscape sensitivities include the hedgerow network and strong sense of tranquillity throughout (except in proximity to the A303 road corridor and edges of Salisbury and Amesbury). Overall landscape character sensitivity is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

This large-scale, sweeping landscape has an exposed and denuded character. Long distance, panoramic views across the landscape are key visual character, with small landscape elements such as isolated farmsteads or gappy hedgerows forming focal points on the horizon. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. As a result of these factors, and the rolling landform of ridges and slopes, overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Conversion from sheep grazing on unimproved grassland to intensive arable production is one of the most dramatic changes to have occurred within the landscape over the past three centuries;  There is pressure for development and facilities along the A303 transport corridor (such as the new services at Countess East); the loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  The loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  Pressure for residential development is changing the character of small nucleated villages and towns within the area;  Potential future impact of tall structures, such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on open skylines and impact on the sense of remoteness (particularly within the north of the area);  Changes in military activities, potentially leading to alterations to the management of the calcareous grassland and woodland blocks;  Potential new development associated with Amesbury, Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down Management Strategy and objectives.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Boscombe Down should be to conserve the patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland, and intact hedgerows, including clumps of woodland. Where possible, field boundaries should be restored using locally appropriate species.

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Specific objectives are to:

 Conserve the network of remaining hedgerows and restore where possible, using locally appropriate species;  Conserve open views into the Upper Avon and Bourne valleys;  Seek active management and scrub removal whenever possible;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Discourage unsympathetic ribbon development and associated planting (such as Leylandii hedges);  Seek to screen visually harsh urban edges;  Ensure that any potential new development responds to existing settlement scale and respects local vernacular building materials.

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Appraisal – Larkhill Masterplan

FIGURES

Contained in Annex

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