LANGDON MILL FARM, JEFFREYSTON
Planning Application for Proposed Biodigester facility
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT
JULY 2015
Prepared by
Anthony Jellard Associates
LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
CONTENTS
1. Introduction ...... 2. Policy Context ...... 3. Methodology ...... 4. Baseline Conditions ...... 5. The proposed Development ...... 6. Magnitude of Impact and Significance of Effects...... 7. Conclusions ......
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report has been prepared by Anthony Jellard Associates on behalf of Reading Agricultural Consultants, in support of a planning application for proposed anaerobic digester at Langdon Mill Farm near Jeffreyston, Pembrokeshire. 1.2 This appraisal has been prepared by Rob Malcomson, associate consultant of Anthony Jellard Associates. Rob Malcomson BSc MLD CMLI became an Associate of the Landscape Institute in 1994. He has been involved in a wide range of environmental impact assessments and landscape and visual assessments for new developments including housing, retail, transport and renewable energy. He has been a LANDMAP Visual & Sensory Aspect Specialist on LANDMAP projects across Wales, and has undertaken Landscape Character Assessments and Landscape Sensitivity Studies in England and Wales, including Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Gower AONB. 1.3 Tony Jellard has contributed to the LVIA and has also prepared the landscape strategy for the development proposal. He is a Chartered Landscape Architect with extensive experience of high profile projects which have required flair and skill in both master planning and detailed design. He has worked on a wide range of projects including environmental assessments, regeneration schemes, leisure and commercial projects as well as historical restoration of parks and gardens. Previously he was design co-ordinator at Garden Festival Wales and the National Botanic Garden of Wales. He has recently been acting as a landscape consultant to the National Trust of Wales.
2. POLICY CONTEXT 2.1 This section highlights the aspects of planning policy which are relevant to the landscape appraisal of the proposed development.
National Landscape Planning Related Policy 2.2 The relevant National landscape planning policy framework is provided principally by Planning Policy, Wales (PPW Edition 7 July 2014). Paragraph4.6.4 of this document advises that: ‘The countryside is a dynamic and multi-purpose resource. In line with sustainability principles, it must be conserved and, where possible, enhanced for the sake of its ecological, geological, physiographic, historical, archaeological and agricultural value and for its landscape and natural resources, balancing the need to conserve these attributes against the economic, social and recreational needs of local communities and visitors. Central to this is ensuring that the countryside is resilient to the impacts of climate change and plays a role in reducing the causes of climate change through the protection of carbon sinks and as a sustainable energy source. AJA commentary on how development relates to policy By accommodating a new sustainable energy resource, this part of the countryside will be playing a role in reducing the causes of climate change.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
2.3 In its definition of design, TAN 12 DESIGN provides guidance on various issues to be considered when developing a project design including landscape. This document states in para. 5.5.2 that: ‘In general terms, good design will almost always be dependent on working within the natural constraints and the historic character of the landscape and this should be the starting point from which the design of development evolves. The aim should be to achieve good design solutions, which maximise the natural landscape assets and minimise environmental impact on the landscape. It is particularly important that proposals to amend or create new landscape are not considered as an afterthought and that the long-term impact of development on the landscape is fully understood. The quality of implementation and the long-term management of changes implicit in planting schemes are fundamental to a scheme’s success.’ AJA commentary on how development relates to policy This LVIA concludes that the strategy for the proposed development follows this design guidance. The context of the site has been considered carefully and a design strategy prepared where existing landscape is protected and managed to integrate the new development into it surroundings.
Pembrokeshire County Council Local Development Plan adopted February 2013. 2.4 Planning Policy is interpreted at a more local level by Pembrokeshire LDP, adopted February 2013. 2.5 Policies relevant to landscape issues in the LDP include the following: POLICY SP 16– THE COUNTRYSIDE
The essential requirements of people who live and work in the countryside will be met whilst protecting the landscape and natural and built environment of Pembrokeshire and adjoining areas. Development which minimises visual impact on the landscape and relates to one of the following will be promoted: 1. Enterprises for which a countryside location is essential;
2. Opportunities for rural enterprise workers to be housed in suitable accommodation;
3. The re-use of appropriate existing buildings.
AJA comments on relationship of proposed development to this policy: This development does not have significant adverse impacts on the pattern and diversity of the landscape. The landscape features are conserved and enhanced by mitigation planting POLICY GN.1 – GENERAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY Development will be permitted where the following criteria are met:
1. The nature, location, siting and scale of the proposed development is compatible with the capacity and character of the site and the area within which it is located;
2. It would not result in a significant detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment visual impact;
3. It would not adversely affect landscape character, quality or diversity, including the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and neighbouring authorities. AJA comments on relationship of proposed development to this policy: This development does not have significant adverse impacts on the landscape. It is of a scale and use which is compatible with this agricultural landscape. It is sited sympathetically against existing structures, within the wider mosaic pattern of the landscape. The mitigation planting will make a positive contribution to the local landscape. Furthermore, it would not adversely affect the special qualities of the Pembrokeshire National Park that lies approximately 2.5km to the west.
POLICY GN.4 – RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON ENERGY PROPOSALS Development proposals should seek to minimise resource demand, improve resource efficiency and seek power generated from renewable resources, where appropriate. They will be expected to be well designed in terms of energy use. Developments which enable the supply of renewable energy through environmentally acceptable solutions will be supported.
This policy aims to encourage further use of renewables to produce energy, which will help to meet Government targets for generating power from renewable sources.
Landscape impact, alone and in-combination, will be a material consideration in the evaluation of renewable energy proposals, with LANDMAP providing a valuable landscape analysis tool.
AJA comments on relationship of proposed development to this policy: The development will be in line with the renewable energy objectives of the Local Plan as the new structures are sensitively sited in the landscape, existing landscape features are conserved and enhanced by mitigation planting. AJA have reviewed the relevant LANDMAP data as part of this assessment [refer section 4.12].
3. METHODOLOGY General 3.1 A methodological framework has been used for this initial landscape and visual assessment based on the broad principles of following documents:
Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact assessment (GLVIA) (3rd Edition, 2013), published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Assessment;
Making Sense of Place – Landscape Character Assessment Guidance (2002) published by the Countryside Agency and Scottish National Heritage; and
LANDMAP Methodology: Guidance for Wales (2013) published by Natural Resources Wales.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Surveys 3.2 Desktop surveys were carried out of published material on the landscape of the site and its wider context. Material included maps and LANDMAP data. Field studies enabled the recording of various landscape elements such as topography, land use and vegetation. From the analysis of this combination of material it was possible to carry out an evaluation of the existing characteristics of the landscape and the potential impacts of the proposed development.
Assumptions 3.3 Reference to “the site” should be considered as the area contained within the ‘red line’ to identify the planning application boundary. 3.4 All visual assessment field survey work has been from within publically accessible areas only: views from private properties and commercial buildings are approximate and have been estimated.
Viewpoints 3.5 A representative series of viewpoints were selected (see Appendix, Figures AJA/06-08 inclusive).
Landscape Sensitivity 3.6 The term landscape receptor means an element or a group of elements which will be directly or indirectly affected by the proposals. Landscape receptors are physical elements or attributes of the landscape that could be affected by the development such as landscape character, landform, water courses, woodland or hedgerows, land uses and field boundaries. 3.7 Prior to the advent of the landscape character assessment procedure now used by local authorities, the sensitivity of landscape receptors were often defined in terms of landscape value which took the form of planning designations such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Areas of Great Landscape Value. 3.8 The sensitivity of landscape receptors is defined below:
Table 1: Sensitivity of Landscape Receptors
Sensitivity Landscape type or feature
An area possessing a particularly distinctive sense of place, in good condition, or highly valued for its scenic quality and/or landscape character, for example National Parks, AONBs, Heritage Coasts, Grade 1 listed buildings and historic parks; or an intact feature of high intrinsic value; [such as prominent High trees or tree groups, forming a critical part of the landscape pattern or historic landscape pattern]; landscapes or features with a low tolerance to change of the type identified.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Sensitivity Landscape type or feature
An area with a well-defined sense of place and/or character in moderate condition; or an area valued by designation at a local or regional level; or a partly damaged feature of high intrinsic value, or an intact feature of moderate intrinsic value [such as prominent trees or tree groups which contribute to Medium the character of the site, screening of views, landscape or historic landscape pattern]; a landscape or feature which is partially tolerant of change of the type identified.
An area with a poorly defined sense of place, and/or landscape character in poor condition, often not valued for its scenic quality; or a feature of low intrinsic value [such as trees and species poor hedges Low of no special quality or function]; or a landscape or feature that is tolerant of change of the type identified.
Magnitude of Landscape Impact 3.9 The criteria to assess the magnitude of landscape impacts (including those on landscape character and historical landscape character and setting) are based upon the amount of physical change that will occur as a result of the proposals, as described in Table 2 below. These are based on best practice examples and experience:
Table 2: Magnitude of Landscape Impact
Category Description
Major adverse The proposals will be at complete variance with the scale, landform, pattern or character of landscape impact the landscape, and/or would diminish or destroy the integrity of characteristic features and their settings.
Moderate adverse The proposals will be at odds with the scale, landform, pattern or character of the landscape landscape impact and/or would cause a noticeable diminution of the integrity of characteristic features and their settings.
Minor adverse The proposals will not quite fit into the scale, landform, pattern or character of the landscape landscape impact and/or would cause a perceptible diminution of the integrity of characteristic features and their settings.
Negligible adverse The proposals will create a perceptible deterioration in the scale, landform, pattern or landscape impact character of the landscape
No change The proposals will not cause any change to the scale, landform, pattern or character of the landscape.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Category Description
Negligible landscape The proposals will provide a perceptible improvement to the scale, landform, pattern or benefit character of the landscape.
Minor landscape The proposals will achieve a degree of fit with the scale, landform, pattern or character of the benefit landscape and go some way towards improving the character, sense of place or scale of the landscape.
Moderate landscape The proposals will fit well with the scale, landform, pattern or character of the landscape and benefit would noticeably improve the character, sense of place or scale of the landscape
Major landscape The proposals will fit very well with the scale, landform, pattern or character of the landscape benefit and would restore the character, sense of place or scale of the landscape.
Sensitivity of Visual Receptors 3.10 The term visual receptor means an element or group of elements that will be directly or indirectly affected by the proposals. Visual receptors are publicly accessible viewpoints, the sensitivity of which would be dependent on the location, the activity of the viewer and the importance of the view. These would include viewpoints available to users of outdoor facilities, sporting activities and users of rights of way; viewpoints from landscape features and beauty spots; viewpoints outside local properties (which would represent the view for local residents); and viewpoints available to people travelling through the landscape. Views may be glimpsed or open. 3.11 The determination of sensitivity of the visual receptors is a matter of professional judgement. The Guidelines on Landscape and Visual Assessment recommend that the assessment of sensitivity will be dependent on:
The location and context of a viewpoint; The expectations and occupation or activity of the viewer; The importance of the view (which may be determined with respect to its popularity or the numbers of people affected, its appearance in guidebooks, on tourist maps, and in the facilities provided for its enjoyment and references to it in literature or art);and The scale of the view and the extent of visibility.
Table 3: Sensitivity of Visual Receptors
Sensitivity Visual Receptor
Viewers with a particular interest in their visual environment and/or prolonged viewing opportunities, High for example residents or visitors to National Parks, AONBs, Heritage Coasts or walkers on National Trails.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Sensitivity Visual Receptor
Viewers with moderate interest in their visual environment, for example residents or visitors to Medium regionally or locally valued countryside, users of local open space facilities and walkers.
Low Viewers with a passing or momentary interest in their everyday surroundings, for example motorists or people at their place of work, whose attention is focussed on other activities and are therefore less susceptible to change.
3.12 The magnitude of visual impacts depends on factors such as distance, the time of day, weather conditions, elevation and aspect, as well as the context of the view. The impact has been assessed during good visibility and light conditions, therefore with the best possible view of the proposals. The following scale has been adopted for the magnitude of visual impact, based on the degree of change to the view, or to the composition. This is based on best practice examples and experience.
Table 4: Magnitude of Visual Impact
Visual Impact Description Magnitude
Major adverse or beneficial The proposals will cause a dominant or complete change to the composition of the view, visual impact the appreciation of the landscape character, the ability to take or enjoy the view.
The proposals will cause a clearly noticeable change to the view, which would affect the Moderate adverse or composition, the appreciation of landscape character or the ability to take or enjoy the beneficial visual impact view.
The proposals will cause a perceptible change to the view, but which would not Minor adverse or beneficial materially affect the composition, the appreciation of landscape character or the ability visual impact to take or enjoy the view.
The proposals will cause a barely perceptible change to the view, which would not affect Negligible adverse or the composition, the appreciation of landscape character, or the ability to take or enjoy beneficial visual impact the view.
No change The proposals will cause no change to the view.
Assessment of Significance 3.13 The scale shown in Table 5 below has been adopted to assess the significance of both landscape and visual impacts. The basis of this scale is derived from professional experience. In
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment accordance with good practice only those impacts which are significant are described in this chapter, unless there are particular reasons why moderately significant impacts are also relevant, for example where there are a large number of these
Table 5: Assessment of Landscape or Visual Significance
Sensitivity of Major Impact Moderate Minor Impact Negligible Neutral Impact Impact or Impact or Resource or Benefit or Benefit Benefit Benefit
High Major or Moderate or Minor or Not Significant Not significant severe major moderate or minor
Medium Moderate or Minor or Not Significant Not Significant Not significant
major moderate or minor
Low Minor or Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant Not significant moderate or minor
4. BASELINE CONDITIONS
4.1 The baseline information is built up by a process of desktop research and field analysis.
Topography 4.2 The site is on a sloping field whose contours follow the line of a small stream valley that runs northwest/southeast to the south. The general topography of the area is rolling.
Existing site vegetation and site boundaries 4.3 The site is currently managed as grassland. The western boundary is marked by hedgerow field boundary with two mature hedgerow trees. To the north of the site a hedgebank runs along the minor road between Ford Bridge and Langdon. The wider area is characterised by hedgerows that are generally well developed. Riparian vegetation along the stream course is a further feature of the valley landscape. On the southern valley sides – approximately 0.4km south of the site - Underhill Wood is a dominant feature higher up the slopes towards Jeffreyston. Existing Site Structures 4.4 There are no visible structures on the site. The substantial buildings of the Langdon Mill Farm lie a short distance to the northwest. Two high voltage overhead lines on pylons cross the valley approximately 0.8km to the south east of the site.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Rights of Way and Land Accessible to the Public 4.5 No designated public rights of way cross the site. 4.6 The only a footpath in the vicinity - from Langdon to Jeffreyston - passes approximately 0.4km to the south east of the site. Public Roads 4.7 The most significant road in the vicinity is Ford Lane/B4586 passing approximately 0.25kmto the west of the site. 4.8 A minor road (C3081) passes approximately 0.1km north of the site providing access for a number of farmsteads to the east and north of Langdon Mill. 4.9 The only other roads having potential views of the site are minor roads climbing the valley sides on the north side of the valley around Reynalton and the northwestern edges of Jeffreyston. 4.10 The nearest major road in the area – the A4075 – that runs along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park boundary approximately 2.5km to the west, will not have views because of the extent of intervening tree cover and rolling landform.
Landscape Character Assessment 4.11 Landscape character is defined as a distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occur consistently in a particular type of landscape and how people perceive it. It reflects particular combinations of geology, landform, soils, vegetation and land-use, and human settlement. It creates the particular ‘sense of place’ of different areas of the landscape.
LANDMAP 4.12 The LANDMAP system has been developed specifically for the assessment of character in the landscape of Wales. The system was developed by CCW (now National Resources Wales) and implemented in partnership with Local Planning Authorities throughout Wales. LANDMAP, introduced in 1997, was revolutionised in 2003 with the introduction of a benchmark methodology and quality assurance process to ensure consistency, accuracy and accessibility of landscape information in Wales. 4.13 It should also be noted that CCW arrived at a working definition of landscape as follows: “The physical reality of the environment around us, the tangible elements that give shape and diversity to our surroundings. But landscape is also the environment perceived, predominantly visually but additionally through our senses of smell, touch and hearing. Our appreciation of landscape is affected, too, by our cultural backgrounds, and by personal and professional interests. For the Countryside Council for Wales’s purposes, landscape is defined as the sum of all these components.” (CCW, 2001) 4.14 We have reviewed the Landscape Character of the site and its landscape context using the most recent LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Aspect data. Although there are five aspects within the LANDMAP data, the LANDMAP methodology for landscape characterisation notes that landscape character areas are to be defined using the Visual & Sensory Aspect Area as a starting point, then
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment refined by examining the data from other Aspects. Given that this is an outline Landscape and Visual Assessment we have focussed on the Visual and Sensory Aspect data. However, a summary of all five Aspects is illustrated in Appendix Figures AJA/01 and AJA/02. The following description is taken direct from the LANDMAP Collector data produced as part of the LANDMAP study for this area. 4.15 LANDMAP places the site within the large Visual and Sensory Aspect Area Sageston PMBRKVS052 . This area is classified as Rolling Farmland, and the summary description is quoted below: The Sageston Aspect Area is a moderately sized area of farmland landscape predominantly used for grazing... The area contains scattered small woodland clumps and occasional villages and small towns including East Williamston and Broadmoor, connected by major roads & a network of hedgebank bordered lanes... Caravan/camp sites concentrated around villages act as a detractor as do large pylons which traverse the landscape.. 4.16 LANDMAP classifies this Aspect Area as being of ‘moderate’ value. The reasoning given for this is that: The Aspect Area contains some attractive rural lanes and farmland, yet is intersected by busy roads and contains large pylons and several caravan parks which detract from the value. 4.17 It should be noted that 3 of the 5 Aspect Area evaluations are ‘moderate’, including the Visual & Sensory Aspect Area. The Cultural and Historic Landscape Aspect Areas are evaluated as ‘high’. However, we note that the Cultural Landscapes Aspect Area extends across a very large area, from Tenby in the east to Pembroke in the west. Landscape Receptors Sensitivity 4.18 Landscape sensitivity is defined by a number of factors and it does not necessarily follow that a highly valued landscape or landscape feature will always be defined by a high sensitivity. Landscape designation is thus only one of a number of criteria that are considered in identifying the relative ‘sensitivity’ of the landscape to a proposed development. It should not be used in isolation. We have assessed the overall sensitivity of the existing landscape resource based on the following representative criteria: Existing land use; Landscape scale and pattern; Landscape value and quality; Nature of views and degree of visual enclosure and openness; Landscape designations present; and Scope for mitigation. 4.19 The overall sensitivity of a landscape is categorised as high, medium or low for the purposes of this assessment. The table below compares the various criteria affecting landscape sensitivity to identify a final overall level of sensitivity for the local landscape.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Table 6: Sensitivity of the development site and local landscape to the proposed development
LANDSCAPE ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
Grazed land adjacent to farm buildings and yard within gentle Land use valley landform.
Medium sized irregular fields similar to other fields in the areas Scale and pattern beyond the site. Large scale woodland of Underhill Wood strong feature on the southern valley sides. Low to moderate value influenced by existing large agricultural Value and Quality buildings and storage area Views are largely contained within the locality of site – particularly to the west due to existing farm buildings – because of landform Nature of views and vegetation. There are few longer views , and these only occur where higher landform and breaks in mature vegetation coincide.
There are no specific landscape designations relevant to the site or Landscape Designations its immediate surrounds. Retention and management of boundary vegetation, new hedge Scope for mitigation planting with specimen trees and copse planting around development
Overall landscape sensitivity in relation to ability to Low - Medium: accommodate development of scale nature and Reasoning: extent proposed Site is well contained on northern and western sides by existing buildings and structures and boundary vegetation, and partially contained to the east and south by combination of valley landform and mature vegetation. Landscape is of a scale which could accommodate this degree of development
Visual receptors 4.20 Residential receptors are amongst the most sensitive to visual impacts. There would be effects on two nearby properties, immediately north of the site, and further away to the east of the site, on the minor road (C3081). There are no other properties within 0.5km of the site. The site is well screened from more distant views. There may be glimpsed views from a small number of properties on higher ground - to the north at Reynalton, and from the north-western edge of Jeffreyston to the south. 4.21 Surrounding Public Roads: The principal public road where users are likely to be affected by the development is the minor road (C3081) as it passes to the north of the site. Otherwise there may be glimpses from Ford Lane and the minor roads climbing the valley sides to the north 4.22 Public footpaths: there would be glimpsed views from several lengths of the only footpath in the vicinity, which passes approximately 0.4km to the south east of the site. We note from our field survey that the access at the eastern end is overgrown.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
5 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
5.1 The elements of the proposed development are described in detail elsewhere in the application. The development consists of three AD (digestate) tanks and a mixing tank with an earth bund surrounding these structures: this is required for health and safety reasons. A CHP unit and a gas flare are also to be constructed: the AD tanks, at 19.5m, are the tallest structures. They would be painted in a minimal reflective grey green colour, and located within the containment bund that is recessed into the ground by up to 4m, to ensure that the potential landscape and visual effects are minimised. 5.2 The existing boundary hedgerows, which include some boundary trees and the strips of mature woodland along the steam courses, make a major contribution to helping assimilate the proposed AD development in the wider landscape. They will be protected and retained as part of the development. It is also intended to gap up these hedgerows, where necessary.
Mitigation 5.3 This assessment assumes a number of landscape mitigation measures which would be incorporated in the development. 5.4 The structures would be finished in a matt, minimal reflective grey green colour to ensure maximum integration with the immediate surroundings. Furthermore, the structures would be located within the containment bund that is recessed into the ground by up to 4m at its northern edge. 5.5 The existing mature framework of hedgebanks with trees would be retained within the development. There would be additional native copse planting to strengthen further this framework. All planting, existing and proposed, would be the subject of a comprehensive landscape management and maintenance plan.
6. MAGNITUDE OF IMPACTS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS Elements of the Proposed Development which have the potential to cause landscape and/or visual impacts
6.1 The following is a schedule of the main elements of proposed housing development that have the potential to cause landscape and/or visual impacts.
Erection of site compounds, temporary storage areas and temporary security fencing Construction of AD tanks, mixing tank and associated infrastructure within an earth bund access road Potential effects on the present landscape character of the site and the surrounding area Potential effects to public visual receptors in the landscape and private views from properties
Assessment of effects on landscape resource
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
6.2 Landscape effects are defined as changes in the elements, characteristics, and qualities of the landscape as a result of development. These effects can be positive, negative or neutral. When identifying and assessing landscape change, it is important to take into account the existing trends for change within the landscape, which may be due to natural processes or human activities.
6.3 There will be effects on the landscape fabric of the site as a result of ground disturbance, temporary site buildings, machinery such as earthmovers, access tracks etc. Some of these areas will permanently change with the construction of new structures but for other areas the disturbance will be short term and surfaces will be restored to grass and native copse planting
Impacts on Landscape Character 6.4 The site is included within the LANDMAP Visual and Sensory Aspect Area Sageston. In the overall evaluation of ‘moderate’ it is stated that ‘taking into account its ''moderate'' valuation given for scenic quality, character and rarity and ''low'' value given for integrity, reflecting the extent of built up areas within the agricultural landscape... contains some attractive rural lanes and farmland, yet is intersected by busy roads and contains large pylons and several caravan parks which detract from the value’. 6.5 The wider landscape has been identified by the Visual & Sensory Assessor as partially compromised as a result of pylons, built development and caravan sites. The existing agricultural buildings of Langdon Mill Farm and neighbouring large farm at Corner Park Farm characterise the local landscape, and the site would be seen in this context. Furthermore, the site would respect the scale and pattern of the landscape by working within existing field boundaries, which would be strengthened as part of the proposals. For these reasons the overall balance of impact on this Aspect Area is assessed as minor adverse.
Massing and Scale in the Surrounding Landscape 6.6 The proposed AD development would be of character typical of the existing agricultural buildings at Langdon Mill Farm. Whilst the AD tanks will be taller structures the difference in ground levels between them and the existing agricultural buildings [approximately 27mAOD and 32mAOD] will reduce the apparent size of the structures. Furthermore, these structures would be contained within an existing strong boundary landscape structure to the north and west, augmented by proposed copse planting around the boundaries. 6.7 Views of the AD facilities will be much reduced by the screening impact of the hedgebanks and the proposed new planting immediately adjacent. For these reasons it is considered that the massing and scale of the development would have a minor adverse landscape impact.
Physical Landscape Impacts on Topography 6.8 The site slopes and some adjustments to existing levels will be necessary to accommodate development. Whilst there will be some earthworks required to create an earth bund the layout would be designed to work with the contours to minimise the cut and fill and fit comfortably in the
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment landscape. The impact on topography would be localised, and the development would have only a minor adverse impact on landform.
Vegetation 6.9 There will be a loss of grassland. All hedgerows and hedgerow trees will however, be retained and, where necessary, gapped up with additional planting 6.10 There will also be the addition of native copse planting around the AD facilities which will add ecological value. 6.11 For these reasons the overall landscape impact on vegetation is assessed as negligible beneficial.
Public Rights of Way 6.12 There are no designated public rights of way across the site.
Significance of Overall Landscape Impacts Overall Landscape Sensitivity 6.13 The site can be regarded as of low to medium landscape sensitivity , as detailed in Table 6. Overall Magnitude of Change 6.14 The overall magnitude of change is regarded as moderate for the following reasons. 6.15 While there will be construction of buildings and other structures over existing pasture the development will be contained within existing field boundaries and proposed copse planting. The existing grain and mosaic pattern of the landscape will be respected. Furthermore, the change will be very largely confined to the immediate surrounds with little visibility in the wider landscape. Overall Magnitude and Significance of Landscape Impact 6.16 Given the low to medium sensitivity of the landscape receptor and the moderate landscape magnitude of change, the impact on the landscape is regarded as of minor to moderate significance.
Assessment of Visual effects of Proposed Development General 6.17 Visual effects are defined as changes in the appearance of the landscape as a result of development. This can be positive (beneficial or an improvement) or negative (i.e. adverse or a detraction). The assessment of visual effects describes:
The changes in the character of the available views resulting from the development The changes in the visual amenity of the visual receptors
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
Residential Receptors
6.18 The existing house at Langdon Brake on the minor road to the north of the site would have views of the proposed but these would be filtered by the existing roadside and field boundary hedgebanks, plus the additional copse planting. The property approximately 0.5km to the east along this minor road would also have views filtered by curtilage vegetation, together with the copse planting. For these reasons the visual impact during construction is estimated as moderate adverse during and immediately after construction becoming minor to moderate adverse when mitigation planting becomes established.
6.19 There are a few houses on the north side of the valley on higher ground at Reynaltonton and the northwestern edges of Jeffreyston which have views across the valley near Langdon Mill area. However, the extent of the vegetation in the valley and around Jeffreyston itself means that views of the development would be well broken up and largely screened. For these reasons the visual impact during construction and immediately after construction is estimated as negligible to minor adverse and negligible adverse when mitigation planting becomes established.
Valued views and settings
6.20 The nearest part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park north of Cresselly comes to within approximately 2.5km of the site. The valley landform and intervening woodland and hedgerow would make the AD facilities largely invisible. For these reasons the visual impact is assessed as negligible adverse during all stages of the development.
Roads
6.21 The minor road that passes to the north of the site would be affected. For the majority of its length the tall hedgebanks will effectively screen views. However, a small number of breaks in the hedgebank for field access would allow glimpsed views of the proposed development. For these reasons the visual impact during and immediately after construction is estimated as moderate adverse becoming minor to moderate adverse when mitigation planting becomes established.
6.22 The minor roads climbing the valley sides on the north side of the valley around Reynalton and the northwestern edges of Jeffreyston would have occasional glimpsed views, filtered by intervening vegetation. For these reasons the visual impact during and immediately after construction is estimated as minor adverse becoming negligible to minor adverse when mitigation planting becomes established.
6.23 The nearest major road in the area is the A4075, approximately 2.5km to the west. Intervening tree cover and the rolling landform would effectively screen views.
Rights of Way and Publically Accessible Land,
6.24 There are no designated rights of way across the site.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
6.25 The only footpath in the vicinity - running from Langdon to Jeffreyston - passes approximately 0.4km to the south east of the site. There would be glimpsed views from several lengths of the footpath to the southeast of the site where it crosses higher ground and lack of field boundaries allow views down the valley towards Langdon Mill. For a short section of this right of way to the north west of Jeffreyston [refer Appendices Photograph Viewpoints 3 and 4] there are views across the valley. Development of the proposed site would be visible in these views but it would be seen in the context of the adjacent agricultural buildings at Langdon Mill Farm - together with other large agricultural structures at Corner Park Farm - and viewed against a land background. The visual impact is therefore assessed as moderate adverse during and after construction becoming minor to moderate adverse when mitigation planting is established.
Residual Effects Assessment
6.26 Residual impacts are those that are predicted to remain after implementation of the mitigation measures described above. 6.27 Given the low to medium sensitivity of the landscape receptor and the moderate landscape magnitude of change the impact on the landscape is regarded as of minor to moderate significance. 6.28 The overall visual impact of the redevelopment is assessed as minor adverse.
7. Conclusions 7.1 A LVIA assessment has been carried out of the likely landscape and visual effects of the proposed AD development at Langdon Mill Farm. It has involved an examination of various data about the site, including historic maps, aerial photographs and planning background information. An inspection has been made of the site, looking at its present condition and at the potential development impacts. 7.2 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed; taking into account the construction stage, immediately after construction and after mitigation planting becomes established. The evaluation does take account of possible mitigation measures which could be part of development. 7.3 The development would retain the existing trees and hedgerows on site. The mosaic field pattern identified in the LANDMAP Visual & Sensory Aspect Area would be maintained. While the landscape character of the immediate site would change, the overall impacts on the surrounding landscape would not be significant. 7.4 There would be limited and localised changes to topography given the sloping nature of the site terrain. 7.5 The proposed landscape strategy would retain boundary planting and introduce new areas of planting within the development. The site would retain a strong green edge as seen from the surrounding land. 7.6 Residential receptors are amongst the most sensitive to visual impact. A small number of residential properties within 0.5km of the site would experience moderate adverse visual effects, but these would reduce to minor to moderate adverse when mitigation planting becomes established.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015 LANGDON MILL FARM, PEMBROKESHIRE Landscape and Visual Assessment
There are a few others which are affected in residential areas on higher ground at Reynalton and Jeffreyston, but effects here will be minor. 7.7 There would be adverse visual effects on short sections of the local footpath network, but these would reduce to minor to moderate adverse when mitigation planting becomes established. For much of the length however, the combination of valley landform, tree and hedgerow cover effectively screens the development from view. 7.8 No views have been identified from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and there will be no adverse effect on the Special Qualities of the National Park. 7.9 The overall conclusion is that the development proposal complies with national, regional and local planning policies related to the landscape. The proposed AD development at Langdon Mill Farm would be acceptable in landscape and visual terms.
ANTHONY JELLARD ASSOCIATES July 2015