Landscape and Visual Impact

Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD

Further assessment for Aggregate Minerals Site Options in Wiltshire and Swindon: Landscape and Visual Impact

Contents

Section Page Number Introduction 1 Summary of findings 2 Assessment Methodology 3 Site Option U2 4 Site Option U3 6 Site Option U4 8 Site Option U5 10 Site Option U6 12 Site Option U7 13 Site Option U9 15 Site Option U16 17 Site Option U17 19 Site Option U18 21 Site Option U22 23 Site Option U23 25 Site Option C3 27 Site Option C15 29 Site Option C16 31 Site Option C18 33 Site Option SE1 35 Site Option SE2 37 Site Option SE3 39 Site Option SA1 (and 41 additional land) Site Option SA2 43 Site Option BA4 45

Appendices

Appendix 1 Upper Thames Valley Area: Sites U2-U23 Assessment Work Appendix 2 Calne Area: Sites C3-C18 Assessment Work Appendix 3 South East of Salisbury Area: Sites SE1-SE3 Assessment Work Appendix 4 Salisbury Avon Area: Sites SA1-SA2 Assessment Work

Appendix 5 Bristol Avon Area: Site BA4 Assessment Work

1. Introduction

The Councils (Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council) consulted on an initial list of site options for soft sand and sand and gravel extraction in Wiltshire and Swindon from August to October 2010. The consultation document highlighted potential issues that might be associated with development of the sites and invited comments from various consultees including local communities. A number of consultees questioned the impacts that the site options might have on the landscape character of the surrounding area and the level of visual impact that may be apparent.

Following consultation 40 site options were regarded as unlikely to be deliverable given the constraints to development and have consequently been dropped from further consideration. The 22 remaining site options have now been subject to further evidence gathering and assessment to ensure that any decision on their suitability is based on robust evidence and qualified professional judgement. As would be expected all of the remaining site options are in rural areas.

The following pages provide context for each of the site options highlighting the issues that were raised during the consultation.

Wiltshire Council’s Landscape Officer has reviewed the available information and provided landscape character, and visual, assessment, for each of the site options and a professional view on the potential for each of the sites to accommodate mineral working.

A detailed assessment of landscape character, site photographs, field surveys and annotated field survey maps can be viewed as appendices to the back of this report.

2. Summary of Findings

Wiltshire Council’s Landscape officer reviewed the available data in light of the comments submitted during consultation in 2010 and the results of detailed landscape assessments carried out at each site. A conclusion as to the suitability of each site from landscape and visual impact grounds is summarised in the table below.

Area Site Ref Site suitability to accommodate quarry activity Upper Thames Valley U2 Difficult Upper Thames Valley U3 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U4 Difficult Upper Thames Valley U5 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U6 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U7 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U9 Yes (with appropriate mitigation and no adverse impact on North Meadow) Upper Thames Valley U16 Yes (some sections unsuitable – Chancel and woodland) Upper Thames Valley U17 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U18 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Upper Thames Valley U22 Yes (if appropriate restoration masterplan is developed) Upper Thames Valley U23 Yes (with appropriate mitigation and subject to archaeological constraints) Calne Area C3 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Calne Area C15 No to North, Yes to rest of site Calne Area C16 Yes (but only with advanced planting to east) Calne Area C18 Difficult South East of Salisbury SE1 No South East of Salisbury SE2 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) South East of Salisbury SE3 Yes (with appropriate mitigation) Salisbury Avon SA1 No Salisbury Avon SA2 No Bristol Avon BA4 Yes (with appropriate mitigation)

The following sections of this document provide the details of finds and features recorded through desktop and on-site assessment and the view of the Wiltshire Landscape officer on the potential for each site option to accommodate minerals activity on landscape and visual impact grounds.

3. Assessment Methodology

Following the consultation exercise held in 2010, the remaining potential site options included within this report were identified as requiring detailed assessment to determine the potential for landscape and visual impact. The assessments undertaken for these remaining potential site options broadly followed a 3 stage process:-

Stage 1 – Desk Study

A review of the available mapped and photographic information, county and national landscape planning policy together with gathering relevant information on landscape designations and landscape character assessment was undertaken. Comments received through the initial consultation exercise held in 2010 were also used to detail potential local landscape and visual impacts/issues.

From this a check list of potential issues and concerns was generated to broadly inform and guide the site assessment stage for each site.

Stage 2 – Site Survey

Each site was visited by Wiltshire Council Landscape officers during May 2011 and potential impacts/opportunities were noted through an assessment field survey sheet. The site survey would provide local data to support the desk study baseline landscape and character description, review potential landscape impacts, identify key visual receptors and consider mitigation options.

In addition a photographic record was taken for reference purposes. The photographic record comprised a series of digital photographs taken with a Digital SLR camera to represent the typical human perspective. These images were used to illustrate the existing character and condition of the sites, as well as identify potential visual receptors and give an indication of the degree of exposure they would have to views of potential mineral activity.

A field map was also created to record potential sight lines, visual impacts, receptors, landscape detractors, vegetation (such as hedgerows and trees) and the position where photographs were taken.

Stage 3 – Reporting

A summary of the comments raised through consultation, site profile, notable landscape and visual features, landscape quality and capacity to accommodate change for each potential site option is provided at the front of this document. The full findings for each site assessment are provided as appendices to this document and cover:

· Assessment of landscape character · Record of potential landscape impacts · Record of potential key visual receptors · Record of potential visual impacts · Site field maps · Site photographs

4. Landscape and visual impact of the site options within the Upper Thames Valley Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option U2 Size (ha): 10.2 Context Northings: 200100 The site option is located adjacent to the Wiltshire / Eastings: 413100 Gloucestershire boundary and is in agricultural use. The Resource type: surrounding area is also predominantly agricultural in use. sharp sand and gravel The nearest settlement is Meysey Hampton to the west. Current use: agricultural There are also dwellings adjacent to western and southern boundaries of the potential site and in close proximity at Marston Hill.

Estimated resource yield: 355,250 tonnes The nearest main road is the A417 approximately 150m to north, although the existing access road linking the site with the A417 is weight restricted to 7.5 tonnes.

The land adjacent to U2, in Gloucestershire is allocated as a Preferred Area for sand and gravel extraction in the Gloucestershire Minerals Local Plan.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation An assessment of the impact to loss of agricultural land should be undertaken. This will further erode the agricultural use of land in the area.

The precise boundary of any allocation must be drawn to reflect an appropriate separation distance from residential properties. Extraction would cause significant loss of quality of life to residents living in Marston Hill and Meysey Hampton.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Strong/intact hedgerows with some hedgerow trees. Properties scattered along positions to the west and south west boundary of the site. Also properties evident to the east of the site (in the distance).

Landscape quality/condition Good

Capacity to accommodate Difficult (working of the site would require mitigation in landscape change (Landscape the form of bunds that may alter the landscape Officer view) character of the area).

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties to west, High Adverse Due to proximity of south west and properties (adjoining the east site), appropriate mitigation for visual impact would be difficult. Putting bunds in place would lead to a loss of amenity and would cause harm to the landscape character. Potential for landscape blight for those living adjoining to the site.

Site Option U3 Size (ha): 106.1 Context Northings: 197000 The site option is situated adjacent to the active military Eastings: 413500 airbase at RAF Fairford and is currently in agricultural use Resource type: interspersed with copses and dense hedgerows. sharp sand and gravel Area U3 is in close proximity to and overlooked by dwellings Current use: agricultural at Marston Meysey (to the west), Dunfield (north east) and Cox’s Farm (east). The site is characteristic of the area; essentially flat with views across the site in places where vegetation does not offer natural screening (there are views Estimated resource yield: 2,400,000 tonnes across the site from the C124).

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Assessments should address the potential impact on the setting of any nearby settlements and conservation areas, and also on the matter of agricultural land quality. It was previously recognised that because of this and to minimise bird strike risk to RAF Fairford, the land ought to be restored back into agricultural use. In particular, the site boundary should be drawn to provide adequate protection to the amenity and setting of Marston Meysey and Dunfield. Settlement Protection Zones used in the previous Minerals Local Plan should be reinstated. The boundary, as currently proposed, does not give adequate protection to the villages of Dunfield and Marston Meysey.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site is predominantly flat throughout, with a gentle slope to the north. Large scale fields are common on the site with patchy hedgerows and some small woodlands. Wooded Public Right of Way (PRoW) route to the north west boundary of the site. Marston Meysey village is located to the west of the site, Dunfield to the north east of the site, Cox’s Farm to the east of the site. Ordinary to the south. Good to north, north west and Landscape quality/condition east. Yes site can accommodate change. Historic setting of Capacity to accommodate Marston Meysey will need further assessment to protect landscape change (Landscape landscape setting of the village. Enhance hedgerow Officer view) network throughout and retain north west (woodland) features.

Visual Sensitivity Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation Receptor of Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Type of (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight receptor) High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties in Medium/High Slight Further assessment required to Marston Adverse/Adverse determine historic setting of Meysey Marston Meysey in order to protect landscape setting of the village. Strengthening of hedgerows and trees throughout and retention of existing woodlands. Dunfield Medium/High Slight Adverse Strengthening of hedgerow network to the east and trees throughout and retention of existing woodlands. Cox’s Farm Medium/High Slight Strengthening of hedgerow network 6

Adverse/Adverse to the east and trees throughout and retention of existing woodlands. PRoW Medium Slight Adverse Potential need to re-route some network PRoW. Retention of PRoW to the north and north western boundary is advised.

Site Option U4 Size (ha): 49.7 Context Northings: 196400 The site option comprises three units separated by single Eastings: 414200 track roads. It is currently in agricultural use, and Blackburr Resource type: Farm is located within the site option. The site is located in sharp sand and gravel close proximity to and overlooked to some extent by dwellings at Castle Eaton (approximately 250m south east of Current use: agricultural the site option) and occupants of the Second Chance Touring Park, which lies adjacent to the south western corner of the site. The site and surrounding area is broadly flat (the village of Castle Eaton is slightly elevated in relation Estimated resource yield: 812,000 tonnes to the site) with views across the site in places where vegetation does not offer natural screening.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation This area should remain in agricultural use rather than be developed as a quarry. There is not enough inert material to restore the site to agricultural use.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Mature/dense hedgerows and hedgerow trees throughout the northern and central sections of the site give an intimate and enclosed feel. More open to views from roads, Castle Eaton and St Marys Church to the south. Blackburr farm located to the centre of the site, Second Chance campsite located to the south west. River Thames runs along part of the site to the south east and south west.

Good Landscape quality/condition Difficult -Small field systems and hedgerows to the Capacity to accommodate north allow the site to accommodate change – landscape change (Landscape however, the loss of hedgerows and habitat resource Officer view) would be a negative outcome and would alter the landscape character of the area, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and sense of place. Significant strengthening of screening to the south will be required to avoid visual impact on views from St Marys Church and Castle Eaton.

Appropriate mitigation will be required along the river to the south west and south east boundaries. Appropriate, well thought out and designed mitigation will be need throughout the site to avoid irreversible loss to landscape character and features.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Mitigation Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) St Marys Church/ Medium/High Slight A definition of the Properties at Castle Adverse/Adverse settlement setting of Eaton Castle Eaton and setting of St Marys Church would be required to determine the level of impact and

appropriate, mitigation required to the south. This may reduce the workable area of the site to the south. Second chance Medium/High Adverse Significant visual campsite impact/impact on setting of campsite to the west. Screening would need to be strengthened. Blackburr Farm Medium Adverse Likely heavy visual impact on receptor. Mitigation could be achieved through strengthening of screening and bunds – but would be difficult.

Site Option U5 Size (ha): 75.6 Context Northings: 195700 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses. A Eastings: 413600 lens of willow coppice is located within the site, surrounded Resource type: by established trees. The site is bounded on the northern sharp sand and gravel and western sides by the River Thames. Part of the site is exposed to open views from Second Chance caravan/ Current use: agricultural camping site, separated by the River Thames. Dwellings in Castle Eaton (approximately 250m east of the site), and those along the road leading to Castle Eaton (North Farm, Plague cottages, Water Eaton cottages) are in proximity to Estimated resource yield: 300,000 tonnes the site.

There is a quarry operating immediately north of the River Thames beyond the northern boundary of the site at Roundhouse Farm.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation The agricultural quality of the land should not be considered of high merit as it floods regularly. It would make an ideal flood relief area post digging.

Thames path runs through this site. Options to enhance the national trail should be considered. There are concerns that this site would have an unacceptable detrimental effect on the business of Second Chance Touring Park.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site is predominantly flat with a mix of land uses, including arable, grassland, meadows, and woodland (plantation).The River Thames running along the northern and western boundaries is a very pleasant feature with recreation and biodiversity value - appears wildlife rich. The Thames footpath also runs the length of this stretch of river and is well used. Second chance campsite located to the north of the site.

Good/High Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change. A river mitigation Capacity to accommodate strategy would need to be developed for a proportion of landscape change the site, the river runs for more than half of the perimeter (Landscape Officer view) of the site.

With some enhancement of existing hedgerows the site could be successfully screened. But any working would need to be sensitive to the setting of Castle Eaton, the footpaths and river environment running along the northern and western boundaries and to the campsite to the north and housing to the south.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties at Medium/High Slight Adverse Impacts from these receptors Castle Eaton and could be mitigated through to south advanced planting and

screening. PRoW network Medium Adverse Key visual receptor with heavy impact due to the length of the route along the northern and western boundary. Any working would need to be sensitive to the footpaths and river environment running along the northern and western boundaries. Second chance Medium/High Adverse Key visual receptor with campsite heavy impact due to the location of the campsite to the north of the site. Any working would need to be sensitive to the setting and visual impact from the campsite. North Medium/High Slight Adverse Impacts from these receptors Farm/Caste could be mitigated through Eaton Farm advanced planting and screening.

Site Option U6 Size (ha): 20.1 Context Northings: 195700 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses. Eastings: 412900 The eastern boundary of the site borders the River Thames Resource type: and Eisey West copse is located adjacent to the site’s sharp sand and gravel western boundary. There are no properties within 500m of the site boundary. Current use: agricultural The site option is within 500m of the C124 and the A419 is approximately 3km south west of the site. Land adjacent to the site option is allocated in the Minerals Local Plan as a Estimated resource yield: 350,000 tonnes preferred area for sand and gravel extraction and is currently the subject of a planning application.

The entire site area is classed as a Scheduled Monument. There is a quarry operating approximately 800m to the north east of the site option at Roundhouse Farm.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation An assessment of the impact to loss of agricultural land should be undertaken. Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Strong and mature hedgerows/trees surround the site offering good screening, the site is small and flat in nature and is in arable use with forested shelterbelts/copse to the north west, the site is very tranquil and remote from roads and any buildings. Very small amount of distant/intermittent quarry noise.

The River Thames running to the east of the site offer good biodiversity value, recreation and high landscape quality.

Good Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change as it is well Capacity to accommodate screened. A river mitigation strategy would need to landscape change (Landscape be developed for a proportion of the site. Subject to Officer view) archaeological constraints.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Mitigation (Low/Medium/High) (Negligible/Slight Measures Adverse/Adverse) PRoW Medium Negligible Strengthen screening to east.

Site Option U7 Size (ha): 172.6 Context Northings: 193800 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Eastings: 411900 land that is typically Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile Resource type: agricultural land. The north west boundary of the site is sharp sand and gravel delineated by the River Thames, along which runs the Thames Path National Trail. There is also another PRoW Current use: agricultural that crosses the site. The nearest settlements are Cricklade to the west and Castle Eaton to the northeast, although there are a number of closer dwellings located adjacent to and in proximity to the site option. The site is crossed by an oil Estimated resource yield: 2,200,000 tonnes pipeline and low level power lines.

The site is adjacent to the Cricklade junction of the A419. Eysey Quarry is in operation in close proximity to the north west of the site.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation The land take for this site will be significant due to the shallow seam, resulting in a significant loss of agricultural land. Thames Path runs through this site. National cycle route.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site broadly divides into 2 sections of varying landscape quality:

Section 1 = Central section of the site, rough grazing, flat and open with a distinct lack of hedgerows/trees. Section 2 = Running along the river and north western section of the site, arable uses, more hedgerows and trees of greater quality. A higher quality landscape. Better landscape quality to the west of the site.

Lack of tranquillity towards the west of the site due to constant road traffic from the A419. Central – Poor Landscape quality/condition Along river and north west areas – Ordinary/Good Yes site can accommodate change. Appropriate Capacity to accommodate mitigation for river Thames and views from the footpath to landscape change the north will be required. There is natural screening to (Landscape Officer view) the west of the site, but central and eastern areas will require visual mitigation for the properties overlooking the site. This could potentially be achieved through planting and enhancing existing hedgerows and trees – this will provide screening and also enhance the landscape character of the site.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties and Medium/High Adverse Central and eastern areas will employment require visual mitigation for (farms) located to the properties overlooking the south west, site. This could potentially be centre and north achieved through planting and

east enhancing existing hedgerows and trees – this will provide screening. This could also be achieved to the south west. PRoW/Bridleway Medium Slight Adverse Appropriate mitigation for river Thames and views from the footpath to the north. There is natural screening to the west of the site. Roads (A419) Low Slight Adverse Strengthen screening along and from road to site boundary. east.

Site Option U9 Size (ha): 42.1 Context Northings: 195400 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Eastings: 409700 land that is typically Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile Resource type: agricultural land. Cricklade is less than 1km south of the site sharp sand and gravel and the settlement of Latton is located adjacent to the site’s north west boundary. Current use: agricultural The A419 runs in proximity to the south west boundary of the site and the south east boundary abuts the C124. Estimated resource yield: 1,250,000 tonnes A significant part of the site is classed as a Scheduled Monument. Eysey Quarry is in operation in close proximity to the south east of the site.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation An assessment of the impact to loss of agricultural land should be undertaken.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site is very flat and fairly open. It is highly visible from the edge of Latton to the north west of the site and from the A419 to the south west. There are limited hedgerows and trees throughout the site, hedgerows are stronger to the south west boundary but are weak elsewhere. Industrial/farm buildings are located to the west of the site.

Ordinary Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change. Due to lack of Capacity to accommodate tranquillity the site lends itself to be worked. However, landscape change (Landscape the site is overlooked by several properties on the edge Officer view) of Latton and scattered farms and houses surrounding. The site is also overlooked by the A419. Working would be subject to a successful mitigation strategy, advanced screening and provided no adverse impact on North Meadow. Site subject to archaeological constraints.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties at Medium/High Adverse Substantial advanced Latton planting/screening would be required to limit visual impact from the north west. Potential to enhance landscape character. PRoW Medium Slight Adverse PRoW could be re-routed and advanced planting would soften visual impact. Roads (A419) Low/Medium Adverse Advanced planting with trees would lessen visual impact from the A419 Employment Medium Adverse Advanced planting/screening

(farms/industrial would be required to limit buildings) visual impact. Potential to enhance landscape character.

Site Option U16 Size (ha): 62.7 Context Northings: 192900 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Eastings: 405400 land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Resource type: Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton sharp sand and gravel Keynes, less than 1km to the north of the site option and there are a few farmstead / private residencies located Current use: agricultural adjacent to the east and west boundaries of the site. The Chancel, Waterhay County Wildlife Site is entirely within the site. There is also a small lake and copse on site, which appear to be managed for nature conservation. The site Estimated resource yield: 1,975,000 tonnes option is crossed by a number of PRoW.

The site is within approximately 550m of the B4696 part of the Local Lorry Route. Existing roads around the area are single track lanes in places and the site is surrounded by 7.5t weight restrictions on all but the western boundary.

The nearest quarry to the site option is at Cleveland Farm to the north.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Area lies on lowland meadow SNAs of South West Nature Map. Landscape value of this region should be preserved- comprising an area of expansive, flat floodplain, characterised by numerous willow and black poplar pollards around field margins. Impact on historic landscape due to scale of proposals. Loss of agricultural land.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area

Established and dense hedgerows and aged/veteran hedgerow trees are abundantly located throughout the entire site could offer high biodiversity value and good screening potential. Woodland located to the west.

Leigh Old Chancel is located to the south eastern section of the site has high landscape quality, is a listed building, county wildlife site and is an important landscape feature.

PRoW – very good access onto the site, well maintained network of high quality.

Majority of the site – High (strong sense of place) Landscape quality/condition To north east of site – Ordinary Yes site can accommodate change. However, the Chancel Capacity to accommodate and its landscape setting should be removed from further landscape change consideration as should woodland to the west. The land to (Landscape Officer view) the north of the Chancel could be worked for minerals although a degree of enhancement will be required to provide visual screening to Waterhay Farm.

buildings and B&B Adverse/Adverse advanced planting of to north east) additional trees. Employment Medium/High Slight Improve screening with (Farms to east and Adverse/Adverse advanced planting of Glebe Farm/Leigh additional trees, Farm to south strengthening of hedgerows west) and possible use of visual bunds if sensitively applied. PRoW Medium Adverse Heavy impact on PRoW network. Some routes may need to be relocated, temporarily closed or some routes could be worked around. Leigh Old Chancel Medium/High Adverse Potential for significant impacts to the setting of this feature – this area should be removed from further consideration and any mineral activity in the vicinity will need to be sensitive to this feature.

Site Option U17 Size (ha): 13.0 Context Northings: 193100 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Eastings: 404700 land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Resource type: Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton sharp sand and gravel Keynes approximately 600m to the north, although there are a number of dwellings located within 100-200m of the site Current use: agricultural option.

The western boundary of the site is marked by the B4696 Estimated resource yield: and the site is within 130m of the B4696 part of the Local 680,000 tonnes Lorry Route. Existing roads around the area are single track lanes in places and the site is surrounded by 7.5t weight restrictions.

The nearest quarry to the site option is at Manor Farm to the northwest.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Landscape value of this region should be preserved - comprising an area of expansive, flat floodplain, characterised by numerous willow and black poplar pollards around field margins. Impact on historic landscape due to scale of proposals.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Arable land to north and west, pasture to east and central part of the site. Strong/dense hedgerows and hedgerow trees through the site. Road to the south east of the site feels sheltered with limited views onto the site – this provides a sheltered feel. Intermittent views from the B4696 to the west of the site.

River runs to the eastern boundary of the site. B&B and farm buildings are located facing onto the north eastern boundary with potential views from upper floors.

Good Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change. Large scale fields to Capacity to accommodate the west would allow for field boundaries to be retained. landscape change To the east more intricate fields could still be worked with (Landscape Officer view) good screening potential. Appropriate mitigation for river environment will be required. Views from receptors to the east could be reduced through advanced tree planting. Intermittent views from B4696 to the west could be lessened through infilling gaps in hedgerows.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) of Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties, farm Medium/High Slight Adverse Advanced tree planting along buildings, B&B the eastern boundary of the site could limit visual impact. Roads (B4696) Low/Medium Slight Adverse Intermittent views from B4696 to the west could be lessened

through infilling gaps in hedgerows. Views from the east could also be improved with screening.

Site Option U18 Size (ha): 42.4 Context Northings: 192800 The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Eastings: 404400 land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Resource type: Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton sharp sand and gravel Keynes less than 1km north of the site, although there are a number of dwellings around 100-200m from the site option. Current use: agricultural Adjacent to the western boundary of the site is Swillbrook Field County Wildlife Site.

The site has potential for access to the B4696 part of the Estimated resource yield: 1,780,000 tonnes Local Lorry Route. The nearest quarry to the site option is at Manor Farm to the north.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area The site is predominantly arable in nature and flat. The northern section of the site is very open with expansive views across the site but it does have established/mature hedgerows and very mature hedgerow trees. The southern section of the site is predominantly pasture/grassland with smaller fields and a more intimate feel. The busy B4696 running along the eastern boundary is a dominant feature of the site. There are intermittent views onto the site from this feature although strong hedgerows provide good screening. Potential visual impact from surrounding farms (noticeably Shades Farm to the west).

North – Ordinary Landscape quality/condition South – Ordinary/Good Yes site can accommodate change. Minor enhancement Capacity to accommodate to existing vegetation will provide good natural screening landscape change to the site generally. A detailed visual mitigation strategy (Landscape Officer view) will need to be designed for Shades Farm, Grove Farm and Glebe Farm. Intermittent views from B4696 to the east could be lessened through infilling gaps in hedgerows.

The landscape character of the site could be enhanced by the visual mitigation but there is unlikely to be any major change in character in the long term.

Farm, Glebe designed for Shades Farm, Farm) Grove Farm and Glebe Farm. This would need to incorporate appropriate screening options. Roads (B4696) Low/Medium Slight Adverse Intermittent views from B4696 to the east could be lessened through infilling gaps in hedgerows. Views from the north west could also be improved with screening.

Site Option U22 Size (ha): 14.4 Context Northings: 195500 The site options (U22 and U23) are located to the east of Eastings: 403100 Keynes Country Park (consisting of lakes used for recreation Resource type: and either side of Cotswold Community School (which sharp sand and gravel includes residential buildings). As of July 2011 the school will close permanently and associated residential buildings will Current use: agricultural no longer be occupied. The area is situated in proximity to the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire boundary and is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Estimated resource yield: 1,260,000 tonnes The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes, approximately 1.6km to the south east of the site option. The nearest operational quarry is at Shorncote to the north of the site.

The southern boundary of the site is formed by the western spine road, approximately 850m from the point at which it becomes part of the Local Lorry Route (eastern spine road - B4696). The spine road cycle track also runs along the southern perimeter of the site.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Site is adjacent to a County Wildlife Site. Potential impact on Cotswold Water park local wildlife sites should be considered. Site entirely within floodplain grazing marsh SNA.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site is very flat and is currently in arable use. Mature hedgerows and hedgerow trees surround the site and give a strong sense of enclosure. PRoW running to the east of the site runs through the site with open views across the northern section. Vacant farm buildings are evident to the east of the site (centrally). Quarry noise is evident to the north. Road noise is evident to the south of the site from the western Spine Road. Sewage works are located off site to the south eastern corner of the site. Attractive fishing lake to the west of the site at Keynes Country Park.

Ordinary Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change. Site is completely Capacity to accommodate screened and would lend itself well to be worked for landscape change minerals with a restoration to water/lakes. (Landscape Officer view) A restoration master plan needs to include an enhanced setting for the listed buildings adjoining the site.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) of Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Cotswold Medium/High Adverse Potential for significant adverse Community impact. However, a number of these buildings are now vacant and more are likely to become

in the future. PRoW Medium Slight Adverse PRoW does run into the northern section of the site, however this appears to be unused and could be redirected. Keynes Country Medium Negligible Located to the west of the site, Park is well screened between this feature Roads Low Negligible Limited visual impact from road to the south of the site as the site is well screened. Limited strengthening of hedgerows will lessen impact.

Site Option U23 Size (ha): 19.8 Context Northings: 195500 The site options (U22 and U23) are located to the east of Eastings: 403100 Keynes Country Park (consisting of lakes used for recreation Resource type: and either side of Cotswold Community School (which sharp sand and gravel includes residential buildings). As of July 2011 the school will close permanently and associated residential buildings will Current use: agricultural no longer be occupied. The area is situated in proximity to the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire boundary and is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Estimated resource yield: 1,730,000 tonnes The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes, approximately 1.6km to the south east of the site option. The nearest operational quarry is at Shorncote to the north of the site.

A significant part of site U23 is classed as a Scheduled Monument.

The southern boundary of the site is formed by the western spine road. The spine road cycle track also runs along the southern perimeter of the site.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Site is adjacent to CWS. Potential impact on Cotswold Water park local wildlife sites should be considered. Site entirely within floodplain grazing marsh SNA. Impact on adjacent CWSs should be assessed in particular lake 62, but also other lakes which may be impacted by groundwater depression.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Site is flat and is farmed – pasture/ley/grazing. Mature, dense hedgerows with established hedgerow trees offer screening once in the site. Industry located off site to the east – highly visible in the area. Quarry noise also evident surrounding the site. Intermittent traffic noise associated with western spine road to the south and road to east evident on site. Housing fronts onto the site from the western/south western boundary some of which is vacant.

Ordinary Landscape quality/condition Yes site can accommodate change from a landscape Capacity to accommodate point of view (if sufficient screening is planted to minimise landscape change long distance views). The surrounding character of the (Landscape Officer view) site is influenced by working quarries to the north and east, meaning that mineral activity on the site would not appear out of place in the surrounding landscape. Minimal additional screening is required to existing 1950’s housing to the centre of the site as some are currently vacant and the remainder will become vacant in due course. Site subject to archaeological constraints

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Cotswold Medium/High Adverse Potential for significant Community adverse impact. However, a number of these buildings are now vacant and more are likely to become in the future. Industrial Low Negligible Limited impact as industry in buildings the area is quarry works PRoW Medium Slight Adverse Limited impact from this route as the site is well screened through dense/mature hedgerows. There is a visual impact from elevated land to the north of the site but due to the surrounding land uses and industry this could be accommodated into the landscape. Roads Low Negligible Limited visual impact from road to the south and east of the site as the site is well screened. Limited strengthening of hedgerows will lessen impact.

4. Landscape and visual impact of the site options within the Calne Area Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option C3 Size (ha): 23.4 Context Northings: 172100 The closest settlements to the site option are Calne Eastings: 401700 (approximately 1km to the south west) and Compton Bassett Resource type: (approximately 1.2km east) although there are a few sharp sand and gravel farmstead / private residencies within 500m of the site boundary. The site option is currently occupied by Current use: agricultural agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is approximately 300m east of the site. The northern Estimated resource yield: 450,000 tonnes boundary of the site is delineated by Abberd Brook. A PRoW crosses through the site.

The area is served by the A3102 and A4 Local Lorry Routes, approximately 2km south west of the site.

The nearest operational quarries to the site are at Sands Farm (to the south) and Compton Bassett (east), which also operate as landfill/waste management facilities

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Landscape and visual impacts on North Wessex Downs AONB and its setting. Visual impact on Cherhill Down. Visual impact on Compton Basset Village. Loss of agricultural land.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Richly wooded, rolling/undulating land form. Hedgerows define field boundaries, hedgerows contain numerous hedgerow trees. Long expansive views to North Wessex Downs AONB (Malborough Downs). Very rural and largely tranquil atmosphere/setting.

Landscape quality/condition Good Yes – the site has potential to accommodate change if Capacity to accommodate screening was increased/enhanced and managed for landscape change height. Potential for visual impact from Morgans Hill (Landscape Officer view) within the AONB will need to be assessed and appropriate mitigation put in place.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties at Medium/High Slight Adverse These houses are located on Compton Bassett the top of a slope but the site appears below them and is hidden by the topography of the land. Additional screening could be put in place to further remove visual impact. PRoW/Bridleway Medium Slight Adverse Elevated positions of PRoW/Bridleway means that views onto the site are possible. Appropriate screening could be put in place to limit visual impact.

Site Option C15 Size (ha): 42.1 Context Northings: 169400 The site option is located approximately 2.7km south east of Eastings: 395600 Chippenham and 3.7km west of Calne. The site option is Resource type: currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is soft sand classified as Grade 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. A number of farms border the land (including Pitters Current use: agricultural Farm to the south) and there are also a number of residential properties located close to the northern boundary.

Bowood Historic Park and Garden is approximately 5m from Estimated resource yield: 3,000,000 tonnes (non- the eastern boundary of the site and Spye Park Historic Park borehole estimate) and Garden is located 450m to the south of the land.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Impacts on the entrance to Bowood Estate. Site is in a prominent location/highly visible.

Loss of agricultural land – minerals extraction on Grade 3 BMV is contrary to MPS1 and MPS2 and contradicts Food 2030. Site falls within a Special Landscape Area as designated by the Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan 2016. Site contrary to appendix 4 of the Structure Plan.

The North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (June 2004) highlights the importance of views from the A342 on the perception of the area. There are concerns that the site would be contrary to policy NE15 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan.

Impacts to setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB. Site visible from Chippenham and possibly Lacock.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Woodland is part of the Bowood Estate, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Hedgerows and trees give a sense of enclosure to the southern side of the site. Site is more open to the north with expansive views across lower land below and towards Chippenham. The A342 running to the east of the site boundary dominates the setting of the site, traffic noise is constant and apparent.

Landscape quality/condition Good

Capacity to accommodate No to the North, Yes to the rest of the site. The site can landscape change accommodate change to the southern section and to the (Landscape Officer view) southern part of the northern section. However the far northern section would be visual obtrusive to Pewsham below and would be very difficult to mitigate against landscape and visual impact. Site has significant potential for environmental and landscape enhancement.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) of Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Farms to the Medium/High Slight Natural screening through north and south Adverse/Adverse improvements to hedgerows and planting trees or erection of bunds. Northern areas Medium/High Slight Careful screening with natural fronting onto the Adverse/Adverse vegetation would be required to north of the site stop views from lower ground to the north. However this is recognised as being difficult to achieve in northern sections of the site. Roads (A342) Medium Slight There are very open views onto Adverse/Adverse the site from the A342 to the east of the site, this provides a broad view across the site. Furthermore, when coming up the hill on the road the site appears at an elevated position. Strengthening hedgerows, trees and construction of bunds could be considered to screen from the road.

Site Option C16 Size (ha): 10.4 Context Northings: 164900 The land within the site option is broadly flat and in Eastings: 394100 agricultural use on land classified as Grade 2 Best and Most Resource type: Versatile agricultural land. It is located in an elevated soft sand position at Sandridge, overlooking a steep downward slope to the south providing extensive views of the broad, low lying Current use: agricultural Avon Valley. The area is characterised by a mix of the surrounding market garden farming activities and patches of woodland. The former Sahara Sand quarry (extraction ceased in 1999) lies adjacent to the western boundary of the Estimated resource yield: 500,000 tonnes (borehole site. Part of the former quarry is classified as a Regional estimate) Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS). The nearest settlements to the site are the villages of Westbrook (approximately 1.5km north east), Bromham (approximately 2.2km east) and Melksham (approximately 2.4km to the west). A dwelling is located approximately 100m south of the site and properties can be found approximately 200m to the east and west of the land at Sandridge. No buildings are located on the land, although the footprint of a small structure can be found within the site boundary.

The site has direct access onto the A3102 which forms the southern boundary of the site but which is not part of the HGV route network. The A3102 route drops in height significantly when travelling west towards Melksham and dips and bends when travelling east in the direction of Bromham. Vehicles would need to travel 3.3km east along the A3102 to the nearest Local Lorry Route (A342) or 4.5km west to the nearest Strategic Lorry Route (A350).

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Scar on the landscape and visual impact, site lies within a Special Landscape Area, site is poorly screened and open to amplified visual impact, impact on the setting of (and views from) North Wessex Downs AONB, visual impact from Spye Park SSSI.

Loss of high quality agricultural land/soil – grade 2 BMV not possible to restore and should be safeguarded. Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area The eastern side of the site has open views to houses located to the east. The western side of the site has significant planting and woodland cover and is well enclosed. Although the site is at the top of a hill, views onto the site are foreshortened.

Landscape quality/condition Ordinary

Capacity to accommodate Yes – the site has potential to accommodate change if landscape change screening was substantially increased/enhanced and (Landscape Officer view) managed for height. Substantial advanced screening would be required for southern and eastern sections of the site. Does give an opportunity for environmental and landscape enhancement.

Visual Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation Receptor Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Type of (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight receptor) High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties to Medium/High Slight Substantial advanced the east Adverse/Adverse planting/screening would be required prior to any mineral activity taking place on site to minimise visual impact. PRoW Medium Slight Adverse PRoW may need to be temporarily re-routed or screened from any potential mineral activity. Road Medium Slight Adverse/ Hedgerow screening has Adverse been planted on the southern boundary of the site, however, this would need to be considerably strengthened.

Site Option C18 Size (ha): 74.5 Context Northings: 163700 The site option is located between Bromham (approximately Eastings: 397200 700m to the north west) and Rowde (approximately 400m to Resource type: the south east). There are no buildings on the site although soft sand there are several dwellings located within 50m and several more between 50-100m from the site. The area is Current use: agricultural predominantly flat and is characterised by the surrounding market garden farming activities. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land classified as predominantly Grade 2 Best and Most Versatile agricultural Estimated resource yield: 7,150,000 tonnes (non- land. There are also areas of woodland on site. borehole estimate) The eastern boundary of the site adjoins the A342 which forms part of the Wiltshire HGV Route Network and Primary Route Network. The A342 undulates passing through Sandy Lane and Derry Hill to the north of the site option.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Impacts to setting of (and views from) North Wessex Downs AONB to the north east of the land – visual impact from Roundway Hill and Roundway Down/Oliver’s Castle.

Site is very open. Detailed landscape and visual impact assessments required.

Loss of prime agricultural land/high quality fertile soil - 95% Grade 2 BMV - not possible to restore and should be safeguarded.

Concern for scale and size of site C18.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area

North eastern side of the site is less enclosed with exposed hedgerows. North western side of the site feels more enclosed. South western side of the site feels more open with larger fields and more rolling landscape. South eastern side of the site is open with views to AONB and to the road. Central section of the site feels more enclosed and intimate with intact hedgerows and hedgerow trees and is more tranquil.

Landscape Central/Southern section = Good, quality/condition North western section = Ordinary/declining condition, Remaining areas = Moderate/Ordinary

Difficult - Central/north section – long views could be foreshortened Capacity to through more screening/planting and could accommodate change. accommodate Would need to screen off between Long Pond Wood and Clinghill landscape Wood to screen from the west and north west. change (Landscape Southern section – visual implications to housing to the south and Officer view) footpaths. Better landscape quality but it could still accommodate change. There could be large visual impact issues with this section of

the site.

Eastern section – open fields offer views from houses. Patchy hedgerows in poorer condition. Could accommodate change, but additional screening required to mitigate against views from road.

North Eastern corner will be very difficult to accommodate change and difficult to mitigate without altering the landscape character of this section of the site.

Visual Sensitivity Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation Receptor of Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Type of (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight receptor) High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties Medium/High Slight If site were to be worked it would be on all sides Adverse/Adverse essential to maintain and strengthen existing hedgerows and trees.

Raised housing to the south of the site would require advance planting and mixture of hedgerows and trees.

Housing to the east of the site may require standoffs and would require heavy planting of trees and hedgerows to limit open views.

Housing to the west of the site would again require advanced planting with trees and hedgerows to foreshorten views.

Views from the north west corner and west could be screened off at Long Pond Wood and Clinghill Wood to create a continuous natural woodland screening. PRoW Medium Slight It is likely that there will be a heavy Adverse/Adverse impact on the PRoW network through this site (albeit temporary). Some routes could be maintained with screening, some may need temporary stopping or diversion. North Medium Negligible/Slight Visual impact on views from the Wessex Adverse AONB is likely to be subtle and could Downs be managed with appropriate AONB mitigation. Road Medium Slight Adverse Potential for visual impact from the (A342) A342 in places to the east/south east of the site. However, these could be mitigated against with advanced hedgerow planting.

6. Landscape and visual impact of the site options within the South East of Salisbury Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option SE1 Size (ha): 16.0 Context Northings: 123300 Site option SE1 is located between the A36 (southern Eastings: 423200 boundary) and A27 (northern boundary) and is Resource type: approximately 450m west of the village of Whiteparish. soft sand The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on Current use: agricultural land which is typically classified as Grade 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land.

Estimated resource yield: 1,280,000 tonnes (non- borehole estimate)

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Damage to rural/agricultural landscape. Quarrying would detract from landscape preservation.

Impact on character of Whiteparish village – will be an eyesore in a village that has received awards for its appearance. Area designated as Special Landscape Area.

Proximity to New Forest National Park boundary. Requirement for landscape/visual impact assessment to establish effect on National Park. Impact of light pollution on setting of National Park and the site is in a highly visible location.

Lack of screening on open site will enable quarrying activities to be seen from overlooking village of Whiteparish. Impact exacerbated by topography of land (SE1 is on a north-east facing slope) – would be visible from A27/A36 and Whiteparish.

Concern for potential overhead conveyor system to transfer materials from site to south west of A36 – unrealistic and unsightly.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area The site is very open and would have a visual impact on the surrounding landscape and users surrounding the site. The site also feels large in the landscape.

Visual impact on housing/farmsteads to the north and north east of the site would be difficult to mitigate against due to a lack of sheltering vegetation and close proximity to the site boundary.

Landscape quality/condition Ordinary

Capacity to accommodate No. The landscape quality of the site is poor/ordinary and landscape change would benefit from enhancement such as planting (Landscape Officer view) hedgerows/trees etc. However, in its current condition – the site is too open. It 35

has low capacity to accommodate change due to the location of housing, roads and businesses. The only way to mitigate against this is to start advanced planting very early and establish a natural screen to reduce visual impact of stockpiles/excavations etc. Bunds would not be feasible and could act as a visual detractor.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties Medium/High Adverse The site is currently too open to views from surrounding properties. Visual screen of advanced planting would be required early. Roads (A27 and Medium Adverse The site is very open to views A36) from both roads. This could be overcome with advanced planting of hedgerows and trees to reduce visual impact – however, this screening would need to be dense and would need several years to mature. Employment Medium Adverse Employment uses to the north west close to the north west boundary of the site overlook the site from this location. Again advanced planting of hedgerows and trees to reduce visual impact would be required – however, this screening would need to be dense and would need several years to mature. Elevated land to Medium/High Adverse Land to the north fronts onto north the site and would be difficult to mitigate against visual impact due to the size of the site and its position in the landscape.

Site Option SE2 Size (ha): 12.9 Context Northings: 122900 Site option SE2 is located to the west of the A36, adjacent to Eastings: 422800 Brickworth Quarry. The land is predominantly used for a mix Resource type: of forestry and agricultural uses. Some of the land is also soft sand classed as County Wildlife Sites / Ancient Woodland. Site option SE2, is approximately 1km to the south west of Current use: Whiteparish and approximately 300m north of the New forestry/agricultural Forest National Park.

There are a number of properties located in proximity to the Estimated resource yield: eastern boundary of site option SE2 at Newton. There is a 700,000 tonnes (borehole PRoW which runs through SE2 and another that runs estimate) adjacent to the eastern boundary of site option SE3.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Damage to rural/agricultural landscape.

Quarrying would detract from landscape preservation.

Impact on character of Whiteparish village will be an eyesore in a village that has received awards for its appearance.

Proximity to New Forest National Park boundary (approximately 200m from site SE2). Requirement for landscape/visual impact assessment to establish effect on National Park. Impact of light pollution on setting of National Park.

Loss of PRoW footpath running partly through site.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Mix of coniferous/deciduous woodland. More open/exposed to the east of the site. The north east of the site is in farmland use.

More evident road noise and quarry activity noise. Sheltered in places but also with open farmland to the north east gives the site a different feel to that of SE3. Felling areas to the south west of the site leaves this site feeling vulnerable.

Landscape quality/condition Good

Capacity to accommodate Yes – the site has potential to accommodate change. No landscape change additional visual impact. Very good potential to enhance (Landscape Officer view) the area following restoration to retain seed bank and regenerate naturally. Aboriculturist to visit the site prior to working.

Ultimately this would result in no overall change of landscape character but the condition of the landscape could be enhanced in the long term.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) PRoW Medium Slight Adverse Quarrying activity already exists in the area. PRoW may require temporary diversion but is already screened from existing quarry activity to the north east of the site through bunding. Potential to improve screening through making hedgerows denser and retaining some woodland.

Site Option SE3 Size (ha): 12.3 Context Northings: 122900 Site option SE3 is located to the west of the A36, adjacent to Eastings: 422800 Brickworth Quarry. The land is predominantly used for a mix Resource type: of forestry and agricultural uses. Some of the land is also soft sand classed as County Wildlife Sites / Ancient Woodland.

Current use: Site option SE3, is approximately 1km to the south west of forestry/agricultural Whiteparish and approximately 300m north of the New Forest National Park.

Estimated resource yield: There is a PRoW which runs through SE2 and another that 1,248,750 tonnes (borehole runs adjacent to the eastern boundary of site option SE3. estimate)

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Damage to rural/agricultural landscape.

Quarrying would detract from landscape preservation.

Impact on character of Whiteparish village – will be an eyesore in a village that has received awards for its appearance.

Proximity to New Forest National Park boundary. Requirement for landscape/visual impact assessment to establish effect on National Park. Impact of light pollution on setting of National Park.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area Mix of coniferous/deciduous woodland with enclosed/sheltered character. To the east section of SE3 it is more open with new growth.

Tranquil forest setting, well sheltered but with dull road noise. Section to the east of the site is more open with new growth (good mix of young native tree species) and benefits from light conditions.

Landscape quality/condition Good

Ultimately this would result in no overall change of landscape character but the condition of the landscape could be enhanced in the long term.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) PRoW Medium Slight Adverse PRoW has been bypassed with a track running through the site. PRoW could be maintained on the site and natural screening left in place to limit visual impact where possible.

7. Landscape and visual impact of the site options within the Salisbury Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option SA1 (including additional land put forward during consultation) Size (ha): 19.4 Context Northings: 128900 The site option is located in close proximity to the city of Eastings: 416300 Salisbury, and comprises largely urban land uses to the Resource type: north and west, characterised by residential areas, retail sand and gravel uses and a new park and ride. Agricultural uses are predominant to the east and south of the site. The site option Current use: is currently in agricultural use, although there is an existing agricultural sewage treatment facility located adjacent to the south west boundary of the land. There are sensitive receptors (including residential buildings) in proximity to the site option. Estimated resource yield: 1,350,000 tonnes (non- Part of the site lies within Petersfinger Farm Meadows borehole estimate) County Wildlife Site and in proximity to East Harnham Meadow SSSI. Part of the southern boundary of the site is marked by the River Avon (a SAC).

The A36, which forms part of the Primary Route and HGV Route Network, is adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. To the west is a traffic light control junction for the park and ride facility and immediately to the east the road bends along the A36.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Impact on nearby Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment should be carried out and should refer to the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan 2009-2014.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area

The site is very open to views from the A36 running to the north of the site.

Willow cottage to the north west of the site and farm on the northern boundary of the site face onto the site.

Intact and full hedgerows and hedgerow trees are evident throughout the site.

Sewage works located to the south west of the site. Sewage pipe potentially runs through the site from the south west to the north east.

River to the south of the site could have potential for flooding/lowering of water levels through extraction.

Drainage channels running through the site could potentially be wetland habitat/water meadows.

Landscape quality/condition Good

Capacity to accommodate No. Although landscape quality on the site is good there landscape change are significant concerns about the water environment and (Landscape Officer view) landscape of the water channels.

Site is predominantly in the floodplain, therefore soil storage and bund construction would be unfeasible due to Environment Agency restrictions and potential pollution of River Avon SAC.

Visual Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation Receptor Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Type of (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight receptor) High) Adverse/Adverse) Properties Medium/High Slight Willow Cottage and farms front onto to the north Adverse/Adverse northern parts of the site but strengthening of natural screening and some advanced planting could lessen the visual impact from these receptors. Roads Medium Slight The busy A36 provides a constant (A36) Adverse/Adverse supply of noise and has views onto the northern section of the site. Advance planting, dense hedgerows or trees could be used to provide strengthened screening. Sewage Low/Medium Slight Adverse Sewage works does front onto the works south west boundary of the site, however, given the lower sensitivity of the receptor it is not felt that there would be an unacceptable visual impact.

Site Option SA2 Size (ha): 63.9 Context Northings: 125600 The site option is located approximately 3.5km south east of Eastings: 418000 Salisbury. The area is rural in character, enclosed within the Resource type: Salisbury Avon Valley. Part of the landscape is recognised sand and gravel for its historic value with the designation of Longford Castle (Grade 2*) Historic Park and Garden which is located to the Current use: north west of the site option. The site is approximately 750m agricultural east of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB. The land is sited approximately 200m from the River Avon (SAC) in places, and part of the River Avon (South Estimated resource yield: 2,000,000 tonnes (borehole County Wildlife Site) runs through the southern part of the estimate) site. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is classified as Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Fishing lakes are located to the south of the land and there are also some properties to the south and east of the site.

The site option is in proximity to the A338 Primary Route and HGV Route Network and could potentially be linked to the A36 (also on the Primary Route and HGV Route Network) using a 1.7km existing farm track as a haul road. Quarry traffic would need to cross Witherington Road to access the potential haul road. The haul road itself climbs eastwards, passing through areas of open countryside containing isolated patches of woodland.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Impact on nearby Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment should be carried out and should refer to the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan 2009-2014.

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area

Landscape Site - High. quality/condition Access Route - High

Capacity to accommodate No. Very high landscape quality of both site and access landscape change road. Working of the site would lead to unacceptable (Landscape Officer view) changes to historic landscape character. Potential problems with soil storage and bund construction due to Environment Agency restrictions and potential pollution of River Avon SAC.

Site has low visual impact but potential impact to the south.

Access road has high visual impact, the railway bridge is too low/narrow to accommodate HGV traffic and is a prominent and important landscape feature. A PRoW runs over the bridge so it acts as an important crossing feature.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Receptor Measures (Low/Medium/ (Negligible/Slight High) Adverse/Adverse) Alderbury Farm Medium/High Slight Alderbury Farm fronts onto a Adverse/Adverse part of the site to the north. Farm is set back from the road and visual impact could be reduced through growing up the hedgerows along boundaries in this area and/or through planting trees to screen. Road Medium Slight Adverse Minor road running along the eastern boundary of the site has some views onto the site from the north. Visual impact could be reduced through growing up the hedgerows along boundaries in this area and/or through planting trees to screen. Elevated land Medium/High Slight Elevated land surrounds the Adverse/Adverse site and it may be difficult to mitigate against visual impact. Natural screening with mature trees would be required Road (A36) Medium/High Slight Views onto the north east of Adverse/Adverse the proposed access route. Mitigation of visual impact may be achievable through planting of hedgerows and trees. However, these would need to be dense in nature due to the open landscape feel of the access route. Employment Medium/ High Slight Employment located to the Adverse/Adverse north east of the access route at Alderbury would have some visual impact from HGV traffic using access route. Mitigation of visual impact may be achievable through planting of hedgerows and trees.

8. Landscape and visual impact of the site options within the

Bristol Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option BA4 Size (ha): 33.3 Context Northings: 167500 The site option is located approximately 500m north east of Eastings: 391100 the linear village of Beanacre, 600m south of Lacock and Resource type: approximately 2km north of the town of Melksham. The sand and gravel south east border of the site option is in close proximity to Halfway Farm and Riverside Farm. The site is currently Current use: occupied by agricultural use on land which is classified as agricultural Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Land adjacent to the western boundary of the site is currently used recreationally as a fishing lake. Inwood Estimated resource yield: 500,000 tonnes (non- (County Wildlife Site) and two areas of ancient woodland are borehole estimate) located within the site. The course of a Roman road runs east-west through the land with a PRoW partially following the road’s course. There is evidence of past mineral working and restoration on the land.

The eastern boundary of the site is adjacent to the A350 which is part of the Primary Route Network and HGV Route Network. The A350 is an arterial route for traffic heading south into Dorset.

Summary of key issues raised during consultation

Loss of agricultural land

Summary of notable landscape/visual features in the area

Landscape quality/condition North, west and centre – Good South and east - Ordinary Yes – the site has potential to accommodate change. The Capacity to accommodate landscape is well enclosed, screening along the highway landscape change would be a problem but could be accommodated. (Landscape Officer view) Central section of the site, has more potential to accommodate change as it is more sheltered and secluded. There is a low visual impact from the centre of the site, however this section may have been worked in the past.

Visual Receptor Sensitivity of Potential Residual Potential Visual Mitigation (Type of receptor) Receptor Impact on Measures (Low/Medium/ Receptor High) (Negligible/Slight Adverse/Adverse) Properties and Medium/High Slight Properties and farms front onto farm buildings Adverse/Adverse the southern section of the site. (south and south However, with appropriate east) hedgerow and tree screening visual impact could be mitigated. PRoW Medium Slight Adverse PRoW crosses the site from east to west on the southern section of the site. PRoW is currently in poor condition and would need temporary stopping or diversion. Road (A350) Medium/High Slight A350 running to the east of the Adverse/Adverse site – the site is highly visible from several places along this route. Visual impact could be lessened through hedgerow strengthening with trees along the eastern edge of the site.

Elevated land to Medium Negligible/Slight Impacts from views onto the site east and west Adverse likely to be limited but would require retention of trees/woodland as natural screening.

Appendix 1. Upper Thames Valley Area: Sites U2-U23

UTV – Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

All potential site options in the Upper Thames Valley fall within the River Basin Clay Vale Landscape Character Type

River Basin Clay Vale · Low lying, flat to very gently undulating floodplain landscape underlain by extensive deposits of alluvial clay and silt, and sand and gravel that mask the solid geology; · Isolated hillocks associated with exposures of the Oxford Clay form locally significant features; · Strong presence of water reflected in rivers, streams, ditches and extensive network of restored sand and gravel extraction sites; · Lush wet meadows and wide floodplain pastures, with watercourses often lined with riparian vegetation, including frequent lines of pollarded willows; · Mosaic of wetland and riparian habitats, together with water based recreational uses associated with lakes created through the restoration of gravel extraction sites; · Combination of pastoral land, often in smaller scale fields and closely associated with watercourses and larger scale fields under arable cultivation; · Pattern of nucleated and linear settlements dispersed throughout the landscape, including occasional small towns and large villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads and dwellings, with vernacular buildings constructed in stone and brick; · Modern waterside developments comprising holiday or second homes with distinctive architectural style and often located in association with restored lake areas; · Scattered pattern of woodland plantations and copses together with vegetation closely associated with river courses and standing areas of water, which in places results in a sense of enclosure and more intimate landscape; and · Limited major roads and a wider network of minor roads providing access to the floodplain landscape.

Positive Landscape Features of Significance

· Low lying, flat to very gently undulating floodplain with isolated hillocks; · Wide open skies and intermittent distant views to ridges and chalk escarpment; · Mosaic of wetland and riparian habitats with rivers, streams, drainage channels and extensive network of lakes, including scarce marl water habitats; · Lush wet meadows and wide floodplain pastures, with watercourses often lined with riparian vegetation interspersed with arable land with intermittent hedgerow enclosure; · Woodlands surrounding lakes and within agricultural land, and associated with river courses; · High biodiversity value of wetland habitats, species rich hay meadows and unimproved grassland; Conspicuous presence of water based recreational uses associated with lakes and associated modern waterside developments with distinctive architectural styles;

· Dispersed pattern of rural settlements and farmsteads with many dwellings constructed in local vernacular; · Limited major roads and a wider network of rural roads providing access to the floodplain landscape; · Visible archaeology in Roman roads, pattern of Saxon and medieval towns and villages, field patterns and remnant ridge and furrow, long established grazing meadows, and former canal and railway routes.

Strength of Character There are some highly rural, tranquil areas still remaining within the River Basin Clay Vale of the CWP through which flows a network of rivers and streams with their lush vegetation, and a dispersed pattern of small villages and farmsteads of local vernacular materials. Elsewhere, this unified and High strength of character is affected by the influence of the gravel extraction activities; the mosaic of wetlands and lakes of varying condition and enclosure; the numerous recreational facilities; and the busy transport corridors that cross the area. Together, these dominant influences have affected the overall strength of character which is considered to be Moderate.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

· Rural tranquillity in the more remote areas; · The varied character and ecological value of the mosaic of wetlands, watercourses and associated riparian vegetation, and floodplains meadows; · Pattern of fields and diverse field boundaries, from ditches and channels to hedges and groups or lines of willow, poplar and alder · Remnant hay meadows and unimproved grasslands of high ecological value; · Settlement pattern of dispersed mainly nucleated villages with historic cores of local vernacular buildings materials; · Wide open views.

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005 Open Clay Vale · Level land form with wide open skies and views to ridges and downs. · Pastoral land use with some arable. · Large scale geometric fields with hedgerows or open drainage channels defining · boundaries. · Presence of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies. · Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some · pollarded). · Floristically rich hay meadows. · Settlement pattern varies from large towns and small scattered villages to sparse · farmsteads. · Buildings in varied materials of brick, render and stone. · Crossed by major transport corridors, and a network of minor roads linking settlements. · Historic use for transport evident in canals.

49 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

· Rural tranquillity. · Hedgerow pattern. · Water bodies and water ways of varied character and ecological value. · Streamside willows and other riparian vegetation. · Remnant hay meadows. · Wide open views. · Settlement pattern of nucleated villages with variety of vernacular building materials.

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Retain and manage hay meadows. · Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian species such as alder and willow. · Take opportunities to extend and enhance the varied wetland habitats (reedbeds, wet grassland and wet woodland) of the Cotswold Water Park through appropriate · restoration of mineral workings. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · 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. · Consider screening views to intrusive urban edges through planting new woodland.

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

· Low-lying, largely level topography largely between 75-85m AOD, on river terrace and alluvial geology with heavy soils. · Dominant presence of water in the form of ditches, gravel pits, rivers and streams. · Land use and landscape features associated with the wetland environment, including raised tracks, wet meadows, drainage ditches and ponds, reed beds, groups or lines of willows, alders and poplars, and pollarded willows. · Field sizes and types varying from small scale irregular water meadows and permanent pasture, through to large fields in regular shapes which have been drained and are used for arable crops.

· Some remnant ridge and furrow on meadow lands. · Hawthorn and blackthorn hedges in the slightly drier areas with individual mature oak and ash. · Dispersed and minimal settlement, including villages with distinctive drainage features, small hamlets and farmsteads on isolated areas of higher ground. · Remnant historical features including Roman and early medieval roads or settlement, field patterns and drainage features. · Rich biodiversity especially with regard to wet meadows and other wetland features. · Views contained by hedgerows and tree belts in the flat landscape, but with features such as church spires forming key visual reference points.

Landscape sensitivity This landscape is highly sensitive to change. The overriding sense of tranquillity, and the feeling that this is a landscape imprinted with history, could easily be lost through insensitive landscape change, especially new development. The area is relatively intact and offers a fair representation of floodplain landscapes in this part of England. Much of the area is remote and therefore few people will be affected by change; however, the view from the A419 and from routes to the Cotswold Water Park mean that parts of the area are well observed. In terms of the specific landscape elements which contribute to the character, the most important are the wetland features and the pattern of fields and diverse field boundaries, from ditches and channels to hedges and groups or lines of willow, poplar and alder. Wetland features associated with these field edges and landcover elements are highly dependent on particular forms of management, which could quickly change with new agricultural regimes. The remaining ridge and furrow patterns could either be lost under the plough, or disappear under invading scrub if marginal fields are abandoned. The proximity to Swindon and the A419 [T] brings with it particular pressure for development. The landscape is therefore vulnerable to change either through cumulative small scale development which over time will change the area’s character or through larger scale developments which have a more obvious immediate effect. Housing development has already taken place in defined pockets, for example on the edges of Latton, where it has been adequately absorbed due to careful grouping and the use of appropriate design styles and detail. Only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form and mitigated by trees or mature hedgerows, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape effects. Opportunities for new recreational development should be contained by considerations of nature conservation and noise generation as well as landscape impact.

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area: Short Term · Conserve wetland features including open ditches, reed beds, meadows and associated tree species – especially willow, poplar and alder. · Enhance the wetland character by pollarding willows, planting new reed beds, and planting alder, willow and poplar along water courses in informal groups and broken lines. · Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges, and discourage field amalgamation.

· Protect historical features including old field boundaries and ridge and furrow field patterns, in particular by discouraging arable activities on land where ridge and furrow patterns can still be seen. · Enhance the sense of place through use of appropriate building materials in respect of new development, extensions or other built features – especially through the use of limestone, red brick and clay tiles. · Encourage biodiversity by creating wetland habitats. · Discourage development which would detract from the sense of remoteness and the quiet rural character.

Long Term · Seek opportunities to enhance the character of the landscape by creating new wetland areas where agricultural futures may be marginal. · Encourage the creation of public access along waterways, where consistent with nature conservation objectives.

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

This scale and pattern within this Character Area portrays a subtle shift in emphasis in comparison with the wider characteristics of the landscape type. Arable agriculture tends to predominate as a land use and field sizes are generally larger in scale. There is evidence of field amalgamation in places with isolated field trees marking former field boundaries. These vary in condition from gappy and overgrown in places to well-maintained in others. Hedgerows tend to be medium in height adjacent to roads, and low, well maintained and regularly trimmed when forming divisions between fields.

The Character Area forms part of the central sector of the Cotswold Water Park comprising Latton / Down Ampney / Marston Meysey. In comparison with the western and eastern sectors, this area has experienced much less gravel extraction and the landscape character is therefore more influenced by agricultural intensification than restoration to lakes. As the reserves in the first two sectors become depleted, however, this area will be progressively vulnerable to change through the existing and potential future extraction. The Cotswold Water Park Management Strategy provides the framework to ensure that a long term vision and management plan for this sensitive area is defined which seeks to ensure that the area is appropriately managed and restored. The setting and protection of the settlements in the area, including Latton, Down Ampney and Marston Meysey will be particularly crucial in managing any future landscape change arising from extraction of the underlying mineral reserves.

Agricultural land classification

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-3

Site name: U2 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 14:50

Landscape character Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (mature and strong throughout the site) ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war (to west and south)

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles (off site) þMinor road (to western boundary) ¨Railway

¨Track ¨Pylons ¨Major road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Site is flat and in arable use. - Mature/strong hedgerows and hedgerow trees are found throughout the site.

- Due to dense hedgerows/trees the site is heavy sheltered from the road.

- Tranquil setting with only minor/intermittent traffic noise.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - Flat, arable landscape. - Mature/strong and dense hedgerows and hedgerow trees offer good screening potential.

- Housing dotted around the site is attractive and compliments the landscape.

Current site condition: Visual assessment Good – landscape is in good condition with attractive boundaries that would be worthy of retention. Housing/farms surrounding the site add to a sense of attractiveness.

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS Distant (in framed intermittent panoramic Corridor places) SCALE intimate small medium large ENCLOSURE confined enclosed/ semi-enclosed open exposed VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth/ textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex

REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation ¨ ¨PRoW ¨Cycleways ¨ ¨

¨Roads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing – located in scattered positions to the west and south west of the site front onto the site and could potentially have a significant visual impact. Housing is also evident in the distance to the east of the site.

Likely visual impact on surrounding farms such as Marston Hill Farm to the south west of the site.

Landscape and visual impact field map (U2)

Field Photographs (U2)

Photo 1 – Looking north east from the western boundary

Photo 2 – Looking to east (centre of the site) from the western boundary

Photo 3 – Looking to north from the western boundary

Landscape Character Assessment review

Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

· Hawthorn and blackthorn hedges in the slightly drier areas with individual mature oak and ash. · Dispersed and minimal settlement, including villages with distinctive drainage features, small hamlets and farmsteads on isolated areas of higher ground. · Remnant historical features including Roman and early medieval roads or settlement, field patterns and drainage features. · Rich biodiversity especially with regard to wet meadows and other wetland features. · Views contained by hedgerows and tree belts in the flat landscape, but with features such as church spires forming key visual reference points.

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Short Term · Conserve wetland features including open ditches, reed beds, meadows and associated tree species – especially willow, poplar and alder. · Enhance the wetland character by pollarding willows, planting new reed beds, and planting alder, willow and poplar along water courses in informal groups and broken lines.

· Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges, and discourage field amalgamation. · Protect historical features including old field boundaries and ridge and furrow field patterns, in particular by discouraging arable activities on land where ridge and furrow patterns can still be seen. · Enhance the sense of place through use of appropriate building materials in respect of new development, extensions or other built features – especially through the use of limestone, red brick and clay tiles. · Encourage biodiversity by creating wetland habitats. · Discourage development which would detract from the sense of remoteness and the quiet rural character.

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

This is a low lying and predominantly flat landscape, with landform varying between 80 – 85m AOD. Occasional undulations are of local significance, however, such as Poulton Hill to the north of Down Ampney which rises to a height of nearly 120m AOD and Meysey Hampton to the north at 104m AOD. This scale and pattern within this Character Area portrays a subtle shift in emphasis in comparison with the wider characteristics of the landscape type. Arable agriculture tends to predominate as a land use and field sizes are generally larger in scale. There is evidence of field amalgamation in places with isolated field trees marking former field boundaries. These vary in condition from gappy and overgrown in places to well-maintained in others. Hedgerows tend to be medium in height adjacent to roads, and low, well maintained and regularly trimmed when forming divisions between fields.

63 is appropriately managed and restored. The setting and protection of the settlements in the area, including Latton, Down Ampney and Marston Meysey will be particularly crucial in managing any future landscape change arising from extraction of the underlying mineral reserves.

Character Area - Fairford and Lechlade Settled Wetlands

This area comprises a mixture of contrasting land uses that includes areas of agricultural landscape, the Fairford/Lechlade/Kempsford Section of the designated Cotswold Water Park and Fairford Airfield. The area is predominantly flat and low-lying with the exception of Horcott Hill which rises to a height of 102m AOD and comprises an upstanding outcrop of the Oxford Clay Formation.

The Eastern Section of the Cotswold Water Park has developed as a result of post- extraction remedial treatment which has created a series of water bodies similar in character to the South Cerney and Ashford Keynes Settled Wetlands Character Area, but lake coverage is not as extensive. The lakes are used for a variety of recreational pursuits including coarse and game fishing, water skiing and sailing. Some lakes also have informal paths around their perimeter with viewing benches. There are very limited views to the lakes from the surrounding road network, however, as they are generally well enclosed by surrounding vegetation.

A diverse agricultural landscape predominates with varying field sizes and land uses. In the wider landscape a mixture of arable and pastoral land use predominates in medium to large scale fields. Smaller scale fields are evident, however, on the slopes of the local hillocks, and small scale arable fields and scrubby pasture can be found adjacent to the River Thames. Low, well maintained and regularly trimmed hedgerows with isolated hedgerow trees form the common boundary treatment in the agricultural landscape. These hedgerows are becoming gappy in places, however, so that adjacent fields are open to one another. Where hedgerows lie in close proximity to the Thames, they have often become overgrown and in places give a localised sense of enclosure adjacent to the course of the river.

Agricultural land classification

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers:

Site name: U3 Date: 25/5/11

Time: 1340

Weather: Heavy cloud, very windy Landscape character

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þGentle slopes (to ¨Dry valley north)

Hydrology ¨River ¨Streams þDrainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits þPond (to west)

Land cover

Land use/farming

þFarmland þResidential (fronting ¨Commercial ¨Forestry onto site from west) ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural ¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation þMineral working (to south) þAviation (to north)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland þSmall farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken (scattered throughout) ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland (scattered throughout)

¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues þScattered trees (mature oaks to eastern edge)

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards (Mature and dense in places ¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees but not throughout the site. Some areas where the ¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland (to þHedgerows hedgerows are patchy) north)

Heritage

þVernacular buildings (farm ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war houses and marston meysey)

þCountry house ¨Hill top ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice enclosure/fort

Buildings þFarm buildings þ Settlement ¨Follies þIndustry (quarry to south) ¨Urban þMilitary (airfield to north)

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries (to south) ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles þMinor road (to west) ¨Railway

¨Track ¨Pylons þMajor road (to south)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Site is predominantly flat throughout, with a gentle slope to the north of the site. Large scale fields are common (slightly smaller fields to the south east of the site) giving the site a very open feel. Fields are currently in arable use. - Small woodlands/copses are common throughout the site, semi-mature hedgerows in places, patchy in places, fairly mature trees throughout the site. Veteran oak trees are located to the north west of the site (along northern boundary within small wooded area with PRoW). - PRoW – in good condition, appears to be well used. This route is attractive to the north west. - Noise is evident in places from quarry operations to the south of the site and road running along the southern boundary of the site.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Flat, predominantly open but towards the south east corner of the site it feels slightly more intimate with smaller field boundaries. - Hedgerows/trees bordering the site are quite mature and dense. These become more patchy/semi-mature throughout the site.

- Areas of woodland can be found throughout the site offering a break from the open feel/large fields. Woodland areas to the north could offer biodiversity value and create a more pleasant environment with interesting features.

Current site condition: Ordinary to the south with some pleasant features/pocket woods/hedgerows and scattered trees but predominantly flat and very open. Good condition to the north, north west and east – with a pleasant feel to the north and north west in particular. The eastern edge has older/scattered trees.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed open exposed VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish

COMPLEXITY uniform simple/ diverse (in complex places) REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright/ shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (quarry) Ïntrusive lighting þMilitary

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation þþþPRoW ¨Cycleways þþAirfield

þþRoads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

- Housing – potential for heavy visual impact from Marston Meysey to the west and farms/dunfield to the east. - PRoW – well used network throughout the site. Any working would affect the setting and views from this. - Roads – Intermittent views from road running to the south. - Employment – Impact from farms facing onto the site from the east. - Airfield – Site is quite open to the far north with visual impact from RAF Fairford.

Landscape and visual impact field map (U3)

Field Photographs (U3)

Photo 1 – Looking east from the western boundary near Marston Meysey

Photo 2 – Looking north towards RAF Fairford from the centre of the site

Photo 3 – Looking east to Cox’s Farm from the centre of the site

Photo 4 – Looking south east to Cox’s Farm from the north east of the site

Photo 5 – Looking west from the northern boundary of the site

Landscape Character Assessment review

73 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009) Agricultural land classification

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

76 managing any future landscape change arising from extraction of the underlying mineral reserves.

Agricultural land classification

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey Site information Photograph numbers: 1-6

Site name: U4 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 14:00

Weather: Sunny/cloudy

On site assessment Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þGentle slopes (to ¨Dry valley south east)

Hydrology

þRiver (to east and ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake south west corners) þRiver Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural ¨Historic parkland þLeisure/recreation þMineral working (bordering eastern boundary) (river, campsite bordering south east boundary)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (strong/mature to the centre of the site. Patchy in ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows places along the roads)

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort þ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice (Church of St Marys to south east)

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications ¨ Lane þQuarries (to west) (southern section) masts ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles þMinor road (2 through centre) ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (to north)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

- Typical, flat, arable landscape. Some parts grazing land. - Predominantly tranquil in nature with strong hedgerows/trees separating field boundaries. However, quarry and road noise can be heard to the west and north west. - Hedgerows/trees become gappy to the western road and fields become more open to views. - PRoW runs through southern section of the site.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - Flat, arable and grazing land. - Small fields separated by intact/strong and mature (for the most part) hedgerows and hedgerow trees). These features offer good screening potential in places. - Sense of tranquillity through the most part of the site but quarry and road noise can be heard to the west and north western sections of the site. - Intermittent views onto the site from central roads with more open views across the site to the south west section. The Church of St Mary, on elevated land to the south east, fronts onto a part of the site.

Current site condition: Good = recognisable landscape structure, sense of place due to location and proximity to nearby Castle Eaton and Church of St Mary.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (quarry) Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing ¨Bridleways þþElevation

þþPRoW ¨Cycleways þþChurch

þRoads þþþEmployment (farms/campsite)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor: - Housing – evident on elevated land to the south east of the site.

- PRoW – runs through the southern section of the site (potential for visual impact and setting affected).

- Intermittent views from road to the north of the site, more of an impact on views from road to the south.

- Employment – Blackburr farm is located in the centre of the site and there is a likely significant visual impact. Second chance campsite is also located to the south west of the site – clear potential for visual, noise and cumulative impacts with other surrounding quarry activity.

- Church of St Mary – evident views from this receptor onto south eastern sections of the site. The church is also clearly visible from the site. Clear potential to impact on the setting of this listed feature.

Landscape and visual impact field map (U4)

Field Photographs (U4)

Photo 1 – Looking north west from St Marys Church to the south east of the site (Castle Eaton)

Photo 2 – Looking north from St Marys Church to the south east of the site (Castle Eaton)

Photo 3 – Looking south west from the centre of the site

Photo 4 – Looking north from the centre of the site

Photo 5 – Looking south east to St Marys Church from the centre of the site

Photo 6 – Looking west towards Blackburr Farm from centre of the site

Landscape Character Assessment review

85 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

Agricultural land classification

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-6

Site name: U5 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 11:30

Landscape character Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þGentle slopes (to ¨Dry valley south)

Hydrology þRiver þStreams þDrainage channels ¨Lake þRiver Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport þNatural (to north west)

¨Historic parkland þLeisure/recreation þMineral working (river, camp site) (off site to north)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (Strong/mature hedgerows and scattered trees) ¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows (plantation and trees to south west)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice (plantation – cleared)

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries (off site to north) ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons ¨Major road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Site is predominantly flat with a mix of land uses, including arable, grassland, meadows, and woodland (plantation). - Site is tranquil to central and southern areas, more noisy towards northern areas adjacent to quarry works. - Plantation located to the north (however this has been harvested). - Quarry located off site to the north is a detracting visual and noise feature of the landscape. - The River Thames running along the northern and western boundaries is a very pleasant feature with recreation and biodiversity value - appears wildlife rich. The Thames footpath also runs the length of this stretch of river and is well used.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - The river and PRoW running along the northern and western boundaries are important wildlife and recreation corridors. - Trees on site give a sense of field separation but not of enclosure.

- Fields to the west of the site have a more natural/habitat feel to them with plenty of wildlife in these areas. - The site feels tranquil to centre and to the south, less so towards quarry operations in the north.

Current site condition:

Good/high = high quality river corridor with attractive environment and PRoW. The site has a real sense of place and tranquillity in large sections. There are some notable natural features and wildlife rich areas that would be worthy of protection.

Visual assessment Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed/ open exposed VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex

REMOTENESS wild remote/ vacant active (in northern parts) LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (quarry) Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus ¨Pleasant ¨Interesting þAttractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

þþþPRoW ¨Cycleways

¨Roads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing – housing to the east of the site at Castle Eaton have views onto the site, however, this could be potentially be overcome.

The Thames Footpath/PRoW – runs the length of the northern and western site boundaries. There is likely to be a heavy visual impact and significant loss of quality/experience and tranquillity.

Employment – Farms front onto the site from the south. Second chance campsite neighbours the site (on the other side of the river) to the north but mitigation could be achievable.

Landscape and visual impact field map (U5)

Field Photographs (U5)

Photo 1 – Looking south west from the south east of the site

Photo 2 – Looking into plantation from the east of the site

Photo 3 – Looking north into Second Chance Caravan site to the northern site boundary

Photo 4 – Looking east towards plantation from the north of the site

Photo 5 – Looking south into the centre of the site from the north of the site

Photo 6 – Looking south into the centre of the site from the north eastern boundary of the site

Landscape Character Assessment review

97 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

100 managing any future landscape change arising from extraction of the underlying mineral reserves.

Agricultural land classification

101

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-2

Site name: U6 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 12:30

Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology þRiver ¨Streams þDrainage channels ¨Lake þRiver Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland þLeisure/recreation þMineral working (in (river) proximity)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland þCopses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

102

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees Strong/mature hedgerows and trees throughout. ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings ¨Farm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath (to west ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries (in proximity) across river) ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

¨Track ¨Pylons ¨Major road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

- Strong and mature hedgerows/trees surround the site offering good screening. - The site is small and flat in nature and is in arable use with forested shelterbelts/copse to the north west. - The site is very tranquil and remote from roads and any buildings. Very small amount of distant /intermittent quarry noise. - The River Thames running to the east of the site offer good biodiversity value, recreation and high landscape quality.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Hedgerows and trees offer very good screening potential, the lack of any sensitive receptors around the site is also a positive. - The River Thames offers good biodiversity value, recreation and high landscape quality.

Current site condition:

Good = hedgerows and trees are mature and dense throughout. Copse/Shelterbelt to the north west offers further screening potential and creates a sense of higher landscape quality. Thames river environment evident to the east of the site is of high quality and worthy of retention.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large

103

ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed open exposed VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (quarry) Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

¨Housing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation ¨ þPRoW ¨Cycleways ¨ ¨

¨Roads ¨Employment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Site is very remote and for the most part tranquil – apart from distance intermittent quarry noise.

PRoW – potential for very minimal visual impact from the Thames pathway PRoW which runs on the other side of the river to the east. However, this is predominantly well screened.

104

Landscape and visual impact field map (U6)

105

Field Photographs (U6)

Photo 1 – Looking west into the site from the west (across river)

Photo 2 - Looking west into the site from the west (across river)

106

Landscape Character Assessment review

Area 12A: Thames Open Clay Vale is a low lying area centred on the River Thames and its floodplain. It is a largely tranquil, rural landscape, predominantly level, with vertical elements of lines of willow and other wetland trees. The agricultural use of the area combines arable and wet pasture, with open water ditches as well as hedgerows defining boundaries. Field patterns vary from small and irregular to larger, geometric fields often in arable use on dryer or drained gravel areas. A major feature of the area is the large extent of open water 107 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Site option U7 straddles two character areas, as designated by the North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004. These are the Thames Valley Floor and Thames Valley Lowland.

Thames Valley Floor

108

· Field sizes and types varying from small scale irregular water meadows and permanent pasture, through to large fields in regular shapes which have been drained and are used for arable crops. · Some remnant ridge and furrow on meadow lands. · Hawthorn and blackthorn hedges in the slightly drier areas with individual mature oak and ash. · Dispersed and minimal settlement, including villages with distinctive drainage features, small hamlets and farmsteads on isolated areas of higher ground. · Remnant historical features including Roman and early medieval roads or settlement, field patterns and drainage features. · Rich biodiversity especially with regard to wet meadows and other wetland features. · Views contained by hedgerows and tree belts in the flat landscape, but with features such as church spires forming key visual reference points.

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Short Term · Conserve wetland features including open ditches, reed beds, meadows and associated tree species – especially willow, poplar and alder.

109

· Enhance the wetland character by pollarding willows, planting new reed beds, and planting alder, willow and poplar along water courses in informal groups and broken lines. · Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges, and discourage field amalgamation. · Protect historical features including old field boundaries and ridge and furrow field patterns, in particular by discouraging arable activities on land where ridge and furrow patterns can still be seen. · Enhance the sense of place through use of appropriate building materials in respect of new development, extensions or other built features – especially through the use of limestone, red brick and clay tiles. · Encourage biodiversity by creating wetland habitats. · Discourage development which would detract from the sense of remoteness and the quiet rural character.

Thames Valley Lowland

· Low, level or undulating ground at between 85m and 100m AOD, on Oxford clay or alluvial deposits. · Wetland features on the lower ground, including open water ditches and mature willows. · Continuous hedges with many mature oak and ash, although there is sparser tree cover in the east close to the River Thames. · Field sizes varying form small and irregular, to medium sized and regular shaped enclosures. · Predominantly pasture, with some arable, with some ridge and furrow patterns. · Dispersed or nucleated settlement on higher ground, within a largely pastoral landscape, with a strong sense of place in the use of stone and local brick, which begins to break down in the southern approaches to Purton. · A general absence of woodland, with the exception of a few smaller woodlands in the east of the area. · Some wetland and meadow habitats of nature conservation interest. · Generally contained views but with longer views and a sense of containment by high ground to the south, and some wide views over the Thames floodplain.

110

The proximity to Swindon brings with it particular pressure for development. The landscape is therefore vulnerable to change either through cumulative small scale development which over time will change the area’s character or through larger scale developments which have a more obvious immediate effect. The majority of the area has an essentially rural, agricultural character within which only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. The area is not highly visible, being a quiet rural hinterland, but the railway line, the A419 and local traffic on B roads though the area, open the area up to views for many. There are also distant views over the area from housing at the edges of Purton and from suburban areas on the north west edge of Swindon. The landscape is rich in features which contribute to its maturity, especially the mature trees and continuous hedgerows. These could be lost through intention or neglect, especially if agricultural futures for pastureland in particular become more uncertain. Similarly the remaining ridge and furrow patterns could either be lost under the plough, or disappear under invading scrub if marginal fields are abandoned. The riverside and wetland elements too, could easily be lost in future generations if not actively conserved and enhanced.

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Short Term · Conserve wetland features including open ditches, meadows and associated tree species – especially willow – in particular along the course of the River Key and River Ray. · Enhance the wetland character by pollarding willows, planting new reed beds, and planting alder, willow and poplar along water courses in informal groups and broken lines. · Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including planting new trees in existing hedges and planting specimen trees in field corners etc, especially in the eastern part of the area where tree cover is sparse. · Discourage arable cropping on areas of remnant ridge and furrow. · Encourage the planting of new woodland copses. · Ensure development reinforces the locally distinctive character and respects the vernacular. The use of traditional building materials including limestone, red brick and clay tiles are important in this area. · Discourage development which would detract from the tranquil, rural character. · Consider where development related to principal settlements is most appropriate in terms of landscape and visual effects.

Long Term · Review development or reclamation opportunities at Cricklade airfield to be consistent with the tranquil rural character.

111

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

Character Area – Castle Eaton and Inglesham Clay Vale Farmland The Castle Eaton and Inglesham Character Area extends across the south-eastern section of the study area from Cricklade in the west to Lechlade and the St John’s Bridge crossing of the Thames in the east. The area is generally low lying with an imperceptible fall to the River Thames, which defines the northern limit of many sections of the area. Although there is a limited woodland cover across the area, there are nevertheless some substantial areas of woodland which form strong skyline features in the landscape where views are possible across the broad and simple horizons of this flat landscape. Settlement within the Character Area is generally small scale and dispersed. The two principal villages are both located adjacent to the River Thames and comprise the compact nuclear Castle Eaton and the larger and linear Kempsford. A limited network of roads serves the area confined to simple rural roads connecting the villages.

112

Agricultural land classification

113

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-5

Site name: U7 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 09:45

Landscape character Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land

þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice þþEscarpment (off ¨Broad valley site to south east) ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology þRiver þStreams þDrainage channels ¨Lake þRiver Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

114

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (But in relatively poor condition) ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war (surrounding site)

þCountry house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice (surrounding site)

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles þMinor road (to east) ¨Railway

þTrack (part bridleway) ¨Pylons þMajor road (to part of south western boundary)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

Site broadly divides into 2 sections of varying landscape quality:

Lack of tranquillity towards the west of the site due to constant road traffic from the A419.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

River running along the northern boundary of the site is an attractive feature with high biodiversity value.

Within the central section of the site, low hedgerows and lack of trees offer poor screening potential. Screening potential improves towards the western edge and along the river offering potential visual screening in places.

Current site condition: Section 1 – Central area = poor landscape condition, monotonous, degraded landscape structure, lack of field boundaries. Section 2 – Along river and north western areas = Ordinary in field areas with some features worthy of conservation and distinguished landscape structure. Good condition along river areas with more trees, hedgerows and attraction.

115

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus

þPleasant ¨Interesting þAttractive (near river) ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing þþBridleways þElevation

þþPRoW ¨Cycleways

þþRoads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing and employment (farms) located to the south western, central and north eastern areas of the site and fronting onto the site from these locations.

PRoW/Bridleway – Network runs through the site and along the river boundary (Thames Path) with the potential for significant visual impact in places. This route is well used with numerous people seen along it.

Roads – Intermittent views from the road (A419) to the south west of the site and from road to the east. 116

Landscape and visual impact field map (U7)

117

Field Photographs (U7)

Photo 1 – Looking north into the site from the centre of the site towards Water Eaton House

Photo 2 – Looking to the south of the site to higher ground in the distance

118

Photo 3 – Looking east along the river from the centre (north) of the site

Photo 4 – Looking into the south of the site from the north west corner of the site

119

Photo 5 – Looking into the southern/central section of the site from the north west corner of the site

120

Landscape Character Assessment review

121 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

122

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

123

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland

The compact linear village of Marston Meysey is located on the eastern perimeter the Character Areas, close to the boundary of Fairford Airfield. The remainder of the landscape area is very sparely settled, limited to a few isolated farms. The North Meadow National Nature Reserve is located at the south-east perimeter of the Character Area, on the north- western side of Cricklade between the confluence of the Thames and Churn.

124 area, including Latton, Down Ampney and Marston Meysey will be particularly crucial in managing any future landscape change arising from extraction of the underlying mineral reserves.

Agricultural land classification

125

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-3

Site name: U9 Date: 19/5/11

Time: 15:30

Landscape character Weather: Sunny/cloudy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

126

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards (few hedgerow trees, strong ¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees hedgerows to south west boundary, patchy ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows elsewhere)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings

þFarm buildings (to þ Settlement (front ¨Follies east and south west) onto site from north west) ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles þMinor road (running ¨Railway to south west boundary)

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (to south west)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

- Site is very flat and fairly open. It is highly visible from the edge of Latton to the north west of the site and from the A419 to the south west. - There are limited hedgerows and trees throughout the site, hedgerows are stronger to the south west boundary but are weak elsewhere. - Industrial/farm buildings are located to the west of the site.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - Monotonous, flat and open landscape character and is highly visible from the edge of Latton. - Strong hedgerows and trees to the south west of the site but are weak throughout the rest of the

site. - Site is not tranquil with constant heavy traffic noise.

Current site condition:

Ordinary – Typical, commonplace farmed landscape with limited variety/distinctiveness. Some detracting features (A419).

127

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing þBland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation ¨ þþPRoW ¨Cycleways ¨ ¨

þþRoads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing – the site is highly visible from housing to the north west of the site and from scattered housing/farms to the south west and east.

PRoW – runs along the north eastern and north western boundaries of the site and would have a high visual impact on the PRoW.

Roads – the A419 is highly visible on the site and the site would be visible from this location as the A419 is slightly raised running to the south west of the site.

Employment – scattered farms and industrial buildings face onto the site to the west.

128

Landscape and visual impact field map (U9)

129

Field Photographs (U9)

Photo 1 – Looking north along the western boundary

Photo 2 – Looking into the centre of the site towards the eastern boundary from the western boundary of the site

130

Photo 3 – Looking towards the southern/south western boundary from the western boundary of the site (towards A419)

131

U16

Landscape Character Assessment review

132 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Site option U16 straddles two character areas, as designated by the North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004. These are the Thames Valley Floor and Thames Valley Lowland.

Thames Valley Floor

133

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Short Term · Conserve wetland features including open ditches, reed beds, meadows and associated tree species – especially willow, poplar and alder.

134

Thames Valley Lowland

Landscape sensitivity Whilst most of this area is relatively intact in its distinctive landscape elements, some areas have lost defining features such as hedgerow trees, and close to Purton, there is evidence of new land uses which are typical of the urban fringe. These two issues – the loss of hedgerows and mature trees, and encroaching urban fringe land uses – are the main threats to the character of the landscape in this area, and will be an on-going issue in the Purton fringes and with regard to the future of Cricklade airfield. The proximity to Swindon brings with it particular pressure for development. The landscape is therefore vulnerable to change either through cumulative small scale development which over time will change the area’s character or through larger scale developments which have a more obvious immediate effect.

135

The majority of the area has an essentially rural, agricultural character within which only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. The area is not highly visible, being a quiet rural hinterland, but the railway line, the A419 and local traffic on B roads though the area, open the area up to views for many. There are also distant views over the area from housing at the edges of Purton and from suburban areas on the north west edge of Swindon. The landscape is rich in features which contribute to its maturity, especially the mature trees and continuous hedgerows. These could be lost through intention or neglect, especially if agricultural futures for pastureland in particular become more uncertain. Similarly the remaining ridge and furrow patterns could either be lost under the plough, or disappear under invading scrub if marginal fields are abandoned. The riverside and wetland elements too, could easily be lost in future generations if not actively conserved and enhanced.

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

Long Term · Review development or reclamation opportunities at Cricklade airfield to be consistent with the tranquil rural character.

136

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – Swill and Derry Brook Clay Vale Farmland

The Swill and Derry Brook Clay Vale Farmland comprises a low lying area of predominantly permanent pasture farmland to the south of the South Cerney and Ashton Keynes Settled Wetlands. Underlain by the Oxford Clay Formation, morphologically it is part of the Upper Thames River Basin Clay Vale and although there is a very gentle fall to the River Thames, the area appears flat.

The area is drained by two watercourses. To the west, the Swill Brook rises to the west of the village of Oaksey beyond the study area and within the Pool Keynes and Ewen Cornbrash Limestone Lowlands, and hence resulting in lime rich water. The course of its lower reaches defines the boundary of the Character Area. Further east, the Derry Brook also rises beyond the study area within the Rolling Clay Lowlands to the south, and follows a generally north-easterly course to meet the Swill Brook at High Bridge and close to the further confluence with the Thames. In addition to the watercourse there are numerous ditches that drain this low lying area.

Unlike the land to the north, the farmland has not been significantly affected by gravel extraction operations. The quiet, pastoral landscape character is derived from the pattern of pasture fields, riparian vegetation with pollarded willows, and a largely intact network of hawthorn hedgerows with intermittent, mainly oak and some ash hedgerow trees. Along the watercourses, and particularly the Swill Brook, there are also areas of riparian ash and willow / alder carr woodland. This combination of landscape elements is therefore indicative of how many areas to the north would have appeared prior to the extensive exploitation of the sand and gravel reserves and restoration to lakes.

There are no villages in the Character Area and settlement is confined to a dispersed pattern of farms, and clusters of dwellings that form a series of hamlets.

137

Agricultural land classification

138

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-10

Site name: U16 Date: 17/5/11

Time: 14:45

Weather: Cloudy/bright/breezy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) þStreams þDrainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming

þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial þForestry (stewardship?) ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover ¨Arable ¨Amenity grassland þSmall farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken þPerm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland (flower rich meadow) ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

139

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort þ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies þ Church ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway ¨Track ¨Pylons ¨Major road þUtility cabling

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Large site, very flat with meadows and appears to predominantly be used to keep cattle on.

- Established and dense hedgerows and aged/veteran hedgerow trees are abundantly located throughout the entire site. - Leigh Old Chancel is located to the south eastern section of the site – this feature has a very attractive setting, high biodiversity value with flower rich meadow surrounding it. - The site has an area of woodland. This area is very pleasant and looks to have high biodiversity value. - Intact and well maintain PRoW network throughout the site. - Road noise is apparent to the western edge and central sections of the site, this may have been carried by the wind. Quarry noise is also evident. - The north eastern section of the site is in poorer quality with evident grazing use, gappy hedgerows and less trees. Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - Established and dense hedgerows and aged/veteran hedgerow trees are abundantly located throughout the entire site could offer high biodiversity value and good screening potential.

- Leigh Old Chancel is located to the south eastern section of the site has high landscape quality, is a listed building, county wildlife site and is an important landscape feature. - PRoW – very good access onto the site, well maintained network of high quality. Current site condition: Majority of the site – High = Strong sense of place (Chancel, woodland, fields), distinctive features worthy of conservation (Chance, trees, hedgerows, woodland), appropriate landscape management. To north east of site – Ordinary = loss of hedgerows/tress in places, slightly degraded, scope for improvement.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor

140

SCALE intimate small medium large

ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed Open (feel exposed within fields) VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish

COMPLEXITY Uniform simple Diverse (in complex (primarily) places) REMOTENESS wild Remote (feel vacant Active (in in places) places) LIGHT QUALITY bright Shaded (in dark woodland)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (in Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military places)

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus ¨Pleasant þInteresting þAttractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation þþþPRoW ¨Cycleways þþ Leigh Old Chancel

þþRoads þþþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing – Visual impact from B&B and farm buildings to the north east of the site. Potential for substantial visual impact nd from 2 floor of these buildings.

Employment – Potential for substantial visual impact from farms to the east of the site and Glebe Farm and Leigh Farm to the south west.

PRoW – Clear impact on the PRoW network running throughout the site. Visual impact will be substantial and any working of the site will significantly impact on the value and feel of the PRoW network and the nature of enjoyment along the network.

Leigh Old Chancel – Potential for significant impact on the setting of this feature.

141

Landscape and visual impact field map (U16)

142

Field Photographs (U16)

Photo 1 – Looking towards the south western section of the site from the north western boundary

Photo 2 – Looking towards the south western section of the site from the north western boundary

143

Photo 3 – Looking towards the centre of the site from the west

Photo 4 – Looking towards the north of the site from the west

144

Photo 5 – Looking towards the south through woodland in the western section of the site

Photo 6 – Looking towards the north west (B&B) from the centre of the site

145

Photo 7 – Looking at dense hedgerows and mature trees towards the centre of the site

Photo 8 – Leigh Old Chancel to the south east of the site

146

Photo 9 – Looking east towards farms from Leigh Old Chancel

Photo 10 – Looking south towards Leigh Old Chancel

147

U17

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Open Clay Vale · Level land form with wide open skies and views to ridges and downs. · Pastoral land use with some arable. · Large scale geometric fields with hedgerows or open drainage channels defining · boundaries. · Presence of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies. · Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some · pollarded). · Floristically rich hay meadows. · Settlement pattern varies from large towns and small scattered villages to sparse · farmsteads. · Buildings in varied materials of brick, render and stone. · Crossed by major transport corridors, and a network of minor roads linking settlements. · Historic use for transport evident in canals.

148 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

149

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

150

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

Character Area – South Cerney and Ashton Keynes Settled Wetlands This Character Area encompasses much of the western sector of the designated Cotswold Water Park where there has been a long period of sand and gravel extraction. Its character is mainly derived from the combination of an existing settled landscape of small mainly stone built village settlement with a dynamic and evolving wetland landscape.

Large-scale sand and gravel extraction comprises the dominant influence on the landscape character of this area. In addition to extensive areas of post-extraction created lakes, there are a number of areas that are still undergoing active extraction.

Beyond the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park, a traditional land use pattern of small scale regularly enclosed pasture fields continues within the floodplain adjacent to the River Churn and River Thames, with horse and sheep grazing fields separated by low, well maintained and regularly trimmed hedgerows predominating along the valley bottom and occasional medium scale arable fields aligning the shallow slopes and occasional local hillocks that rise above the floodplain, as at Ashton Down to the west of South Cerney. Where agricultural land abuts areas of former gravel extraction, the landscape often appears marginalised and in decline with hedgerows becoming overgrown and/or gappy in places.

151

It appears that many of the lakes have been constructed specifically for recreational purposes and although some attempts have been made to naturalise these lakes through lakeside planting, many of the water bodies tend to be poorly integrated into the wider landscape. The main settlements associated with this Character Area comprise Ashton Keynes, Somerford Keynes and South Cerney.

Agricultural land classification

152

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-6

Site name: U17 Date: 17/5/11

Time: 11:50

On site assessment Weather: Heavy cloud

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin þGully (along south eastern edge)

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology þRiver ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake þRiver Meanders (to ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond eastern boundary)

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture (to east) ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved (to ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees east)

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

153

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (Strong/mature, good condition throughout the ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows site)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings

þFarm buildings (to north east) ¨ Settlement ¨Follies þ B&B (to north east) ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles þMinor road (to south/south east) ¨Railway

¨Track ¨Pylons þMajor road (to west)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

- Arable land to north and west, pasture to east and central part of the site. - Strong/dense hedgerows and hedgerow trees through the site. Road to the south east of the site feels sheltered with limited views onto the site – this provides a sheltered feel. - Intermittent views from the B4696 to the west of the site. - River runs to the eastern boundary of the site. - B&B and farm buildings are located facing onto the north eastern boundary with potential views from upper floors.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - North western parts of the site feel more open, with larger fields, but still have strong boundaries. Noise from the B4696 in this location is constant. - To the central and eastern sections of the site there is more secluded, tranquil feel with smaller, sheltered fields and set back from the roads in the area.

Current site condition: Good = The site has a sense of place (particularly to the south/south east of the site), hedgerows/trees worthy of conservation. Potential for future enhancement.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed Intermittent panoramic Corridor (to (to west) east and south) SCALE intimate (to small Medium large east and south) ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed open exposed

154

VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex

REMOTENESS wild remote Vacant (south Active (north east) west) LIGHT QUALITY Bright (north Shaded (south dark west) east)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise (to south east) (to north west)

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

¨Housing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways

þRoads (to west and south) þEmployment (B&B/farms to north east)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Roads – intermittent views from the B4696 to the west at field entrances – but largely screened elsewhere. Road running along southern boundary is well screened.

Employment – Potential for second floor views onto the east of the site from the B&B and farm buildings. However, this could be mitigated against.

155

Landscape and visual impact field map (U17)

156

Field Photographs (U17)

Photo 1 – Looking towards the eastern section of the site from the north western boundary

Photo 2 – Looking towards the central section of the site from the western boundary

157

Photo 3 – Looking towards the southern boundary of the site from the west

Photo 4 – Looking towards the south eastern corner of the site from the south east

158

Photo 5 – Looking towards the centre of the site from the south eastern boundary (road)

Photo 6 – Looking along the southern boundary of the site (road) from the south.

159

U18

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

160 resulting from gravel extraction and afterwards put to leisure use as the Cotswold Water Park. The many water bodies with their varied vegetation are of national significance as scarce marl waters (Cotswold Water Park SSSI). There are also a number of hay meadows of high ecological interest. The presence of water is felt throughout this area in the rivers, tributaries, drainage ditches with frequent lines of willows and other wetland vegetation. Settlement is sparse in the Thames Open Clay Vale with a few small settlements such as the village of Ashton Keynes and the town of Cricklade, but mainly scattered isolated farmsteads. Vernacular building materials are brick and stone. Although the Roman Ermine Way, now the busy trunk road of the A419, runs through the area, most of the roads are minor rural routes with small bridges crossing the waterways and ditches.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

161

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

162

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

163

Character Area – Swill and Derry Brook Clay Vale Farmland The Swill and Derry Brook Clay Vale Farmland comprises a low lying area of predominantly permanent pasture farmland to the south of the South Cerney and Ashton Keynes Settled Wetlands. Underlain by the Oxford Clay Formation, morphologically it is part of the Upper Thames River Basin Clay Vale and although there is a very gentle fall to the River Thames, the area appears flat. The area is drained by two watercourses. To the west, the Swill Brook rises to the west of the village of Oaksey beyond the study area and within the Pool Keynes and Ewen Cornbrash Limestone Lowlands, and hence resulting in lime rich water. The course of its lower reaches defines the boundary of the Character Area. Further east, the Derry Brook also rises beyond the study area within the Rolling Clay Lowlands to the south, and follows a generally north-easterly course to meet the Swill Brook at High Bridge and close to the further confluence with the Thames. In addition to the watercourse there are numerous ditches that drain this low lying area.

164

Agricultural land classification

165

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-4

Site name: U18 Date: 17/5/11

Time: 12:50

Weather: Heavy Cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology

¨River þStreams (through þDrainage channels ¨Lake centre) ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover

þArable (to northern ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken field) ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture (to south) ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

166

þLey/improved (to ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees south)

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (Good condition/mature throughout) ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles þMinor road (north west) ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (east)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - The site is predominantly arable in nature and flat. The northern section of the site is very open with expansive views across the site but it does have established/mature hedgerows and very mature hedgerow trees. - The southern section of the site is predominantly pasture/grassland with smaller fields and a more intimate feel. - The busy B4696 running along the eastern boundary is a dominant feature of the site. There are intermittent views onto the site from this feature although strong hedgerows provide good screening. - Potential visual impact from surrounding farms (noticeably Shades Farm to the west).

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - Mature hedgerows and hedgerow trees with good potential for screening - Site is relatively enclosed to the south and there is no surrounding elevation. - Very mature/veteran trees are evident to the north west of the site.

Current site condition:

North – ordinary = large open field and a lack of distinctiveness. Some trees/hedgerows worthy of retention.

South – ordinary/good = More enclosed and intimate feel. Some features (hedgerows/trees) worthy of retention.

167

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing þBland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways

þþRoads þþEmployment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Views onto the site from numerous farms and farm houses surrounding the site are likely to be significant – especially Shades Farm to the west of the site.

Views from the B4696 onto the site are intermittent with dense hedgerows and trees providing

good natural screening between the site and road.

168

Landscape and visual impact field map (U18)

169

Field Photographs (U18)

Photo 1 – Looking towards the north western section of the site from the north eastern boundary

Photo 2 – Looking towards the central section of the site from the north western boundary

170

Photo 3 – Looking south along the north western boundary of the site

Photo 4 – Looking towards the southern section of the site from the south eastern corner

171

U22

Landscape Character Assessment review

172

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

173

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

174

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

The mosaic of lakes comprises part of a complex of water bodies that form the western section of the Cotswold Water Park. Despite the number of lakes, the visual influence of these water bodies within the wider landscape context of the area is often limited as the development of regenerating scrub vegetation and areas of woodland adjacent to many of the lakes restricts views towards the water bodies from neighbouring settlements and local roads. This has resulted in a small to medium scale landscape which feels enclosed, despite the sequence of wetlands and lakes. A network of minor roads align the lakes, broadly running north-south and east-west and the lakes and the road network combine to make a strong overall landscape pattern, with the smooth surfaces of the water bodies contrasting strongly with the texture of the surrounding trees and vegetation. Beyond the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park, a traditional land use pattern of small scale regularly enclosed pasture fields continues within the floodplain adjacent to the River Churn and River Thames, with horse and sheep grazing fields separated by low, well maintained and regularly trimmed hedgerows predominating along the valley bottom and occasional medium scale arable fields aligning the shallow slopes and occasional local hillocks that rise above the floodplain, as at Ashton Down to the west of South Cerney. Where agricultural land abuts areas of former gravel extraction, the landscape often appears marginalised and in decline with hedgerows becoming overgrown and/or gappy in places. It appears that many of the lakes have been constructed specifically for recreational purposes and although some attempts have been made to naturalise these lakes through

175 lakeside planting, many of the water bodies tend to be poorly integrated into the wider landscape. The main settlements associated with this Character Area comprise Ashton Keynes, Somerford Keynes and South Cerney.

Agricultural land classification

176

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-5

Site name: U22 Date: 17//5/11

Time: 10:50

Weather: Cloudy, sunny intervals

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þGentle slopes (off ¨Dry valley site to the east)

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal þFlooded gravel pits (off þPond (off site to the site to west) east)

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

177

þLey/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

Wet meadow Decid. Woodland Hedgerow trees ¨ ¨ þ (Mature/strong and ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows dense)

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war (Cotswold Community)

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings þSettlement ¨Follies (vacant to the centre of site) (Cotswold Community) ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Site is very flat and is currently in arable use. - Mature hedgerows and hedgerow trees surround the site and give a strong sense of enclosure. - PRoW running to the east of the site runs through the site with open views across the northern section. - Vacant farm buildings are evident to the east of the site (centrally). - Quarry noise is evident to the north. Road noise is evident to the south of the site from the western Spine Road. - Sewage works are located off site to the south eastern corner of the site. - Attractive fishing lake to the west of the site at Keynes Country Park.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important: - The site is very flat and feels quite open once on the site, however mature hedgerows and hedgerow trees surround the site boundaries offering enclosure and screening from off site. - Quarry noise is evident to the north of the site, road noise is evident to the south of the site. These features lead to a lack of tranquillity in the northern and southern extremities of the site but the site is more tranquil towards more central sections.

Current site condition: Ordinary – the site has a fairly typical landscape with no real recognisable/distinctive features within the site. There are established hedgerows and trees that should be maintained for screening and biodiversity purposes but these are no more typical to the surrounding character of the area. The Cotswold Community is an interesting feature to the east of the site with some listed buildings worthy of protection.

178

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing þBland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (quarry) Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing (to east of site) ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

þþPRoW ¨Cycleways þKeynes Country Park

þRoads þþEmployment (Cotswold Community)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor: PRoW – running to the east of the site has open views across the site from the north eastern corner.

Cotswold Community – Housing fronts onto the site from the eastern boundary of the site (to the southern section of the site). Working of this site is also likely to significantly impact on the setting of the Cotswold Community.

Keynes Country Park – Located to the west of the site, is well screened between this feature and the site but there is the potential to impact on the setting/tranquillity of this feature. However quarrying activity, with associated noise, is already ongoing in the area.

Roads – limited visual impact from road to the south of the site as the site is well screened.

179

Landscape and visual impact field map (U22)

180

Field Photographs (U22)

Photo 1 – Looking towards the northern section of the site from the central boundary

Photo 2 – Looking towards the north western corner of the site from the central boundary

181

Photo 3 – Looking towards the western boundary of the site from the central boundary

Photo 4 – Looking towards the central boundary of the site from the PRoW to the north eastern corner of the site

182

Photo 5 – Looking towards the southern section of the site from the south eastern boundary of the site

183

U22

Landscape Character Assessment review

184

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004 Thames Valley Floor

185

Management Strategy Actions The following actions are recommended to help realise the overall objectives for the area:

186

Cotswold Water Park Landscape Character Assessment (2009)

187 lakeside planting, many of the water bodies tend to be poorly integrated into the wider landscape. The main settlements associated with this Character Area comprise Ashton Keynes, Somerford Keynes and South Cerney.

Agricultural land classification

188

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey Site information Photograph numbers:1-6

Site name: U23 Date: 17/5/11

Time: 10:00

Weather: Heavy cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley þRolling (off site to the ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley north) ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology

¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels þLake (to the east) ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland þIndustrial (off site to ¨Transport ¨Natural the east)

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation þMineral working (in proximity)

Vegetation cover ¨Arable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

189

þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (in good condition, mature and dense) ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

þVernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war (Cotswold Community)

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings ¨Farm buildings þ Settlement ¨Follies (Cotswold Community) þIndustry (off site to ¨Urban ¨Military east)

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries (in proximity) ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway (running east-west across northern part of site)

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (south and east)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): - Site is flat and is farmed – pasture/ley/grazing. - Mature, dense hedgerows with established hedgerow trees offer screening once in the site. - Industry located off site to the east – highly visible in the area. Quarry noise also evident surrounding the site. - Intermittent traffic noise associated with western spine road to the south and road to east evident on site. - Housing fronts onto the site from the western/south western boundary some of which is vacant.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Mature, dense hedgerows and established hedgerow trees provide good screening potential. Site is not evidently visible from the spine road to the south. - Industrial buildings located off site to the east give the area a more industrial character and less of a rural/isolated feel. - The Cotswold Community is located to the west of the site, numerous houses associated with this settlement are vacant – although some are still in use and front onto the south western part of the site. Current site condition: Ordinary – Typical farmed landscape with limited variety or distinctiveness to that of the surrounding landscape character. There are established hedgerows and trees that should be maintained for screening and biodiversity purposes but these are no more typical to the surrounding character of the area. The Cotswold Community is an interesting feature to the west of the site with some listed buildings worthy of protection. The site has some detracting features surrounding it.

190

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site)

þOffensive (industry to the ¨Unpleasant ¨Depressing þBland east) ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise ¨Intrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing (to west of site boundary) ¨Bridleways þElevation (to north of the site)

þPRoW ¨Cycleways

þRoads þþEmployment (Cotswold Community)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor: Cotswold Community - Housing to the west – potential for significant visual impact on occupied houses facing onto the south western part of the site. Working of this site is also likely to significantly impact on the setting of the Cotswold Community.

Industrial buildings – limited impact as industry in the area is quarry works.

PRoW – Limited impact from this route as the site is well screened through dense/mature hedgerows. There is a visual impact from elevated land to the north of the site but due to the surrounding land uses and industry this could be accommodated into the landscape.

Roads – limited visual impact from road to the south and east of the site as the site is predominantly well screened.

191

Landscape and visual impact field map (U23)

192

Field Photographs (U23)

Photo 1 – Looking towards the southern section of the site from the western boundary

Photo 2 – Looking towards the northern section of the site from the western boundary

193

Photo 3 – Looking towards the north eastern boundary of the site from the north western boundary

Photo 4 – Looking south towards the central boundary of the site from the north western boundary

194

Photo 5 – Looking south east towards the site from the PRoW and higher ground north of the site

Photo 6 – Looking south west towards the site from the PRoW and higher ground north of the site

195

Appendix 2. Calne Area: Sites C3-C18

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Rolling Clay Lowland

· Gently rolling lowland based on Clay. · Mixed arable and pastoral land use with pasture concentrated around the water courses. · Variable field pattern with network of full hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees. · Presence of streams marked by lines of willows and crossed by modest bridges. · Woodland blocks including some ancient woodland and wet woodland of high ecological value plus scattered mature trees. · Small number of meadows of neutral and unimproved grassland. · Scattered settlement of towns, small villages and farmsteads, many using vernacular materials of brick, half timber, stone, tiles and thatch. · Roads largely minor and rural with a few trunk roads and sections of motorway. · Views vary from semi-enclosed by intact hedgerows, riparian vegetation and woodland blocks to more open with views to the rising scarps of the chalk uplands. · A largely peaceful, rural landscape.

196

Inherent landscape sensitivities

· Rural tranquillity. · Hedgerow pattern. · Watercourses and streamside willows and other riparian vegetation. · Isolated remnant hay meadows. · Woodlands of ecological value. · Views to the scarp slopes of the adjacent chalk downlands. · Settlement pattern of nucleated villages with variety of vernacular building materials

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the dense hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Retain and manage hay meadows. · Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian species such as alder and willow. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the varied woodlands using traditional techniques such as coppicing where appropriate to maintain the special historic character and ecological interest. · Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations. · Enhance woodland, cattle and horse pasture habitats for bats. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · Ensure that landscape is at the foundation of decisions about the growth of settlements (e.g.Swindon and Calne) and that landscape is used to provide a strong framework within which changes can happen in a sustainable way. · Consider strengthening the enclosed character of the landscape and screening views to intrusive urban edges through nurturing existing and planting new woodland. · 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.

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004

Hilmarton Rolling Lowland

· Low lying mixed agriculture, between 70m AOD and 130m AOD on geology dominated by clays. · Scattered dwellings and small settlements away from Calne. · Areas of valley bottom, dominated by wet grassland and willows. · Patchwork of small to medium sized fields, mainly pasture but with arable on lighter soils. · Hedged boundaries predominantly well managed, but becoming discontinuous on more intensively farmed land. · Mix of brick and stone buildings, the core of Calne predominantly built from Freestone Oolitic limestone. · Broad expansive views. · Peaceful rural character

197

Landscape Sensitivity Much of the area has a rural character with small, scattered settlements and individual dwellings. Vegetation generally prevents extensive views. This area has an essentially tranquil and pastoral character. The landscape is vulnerable to change either through cumulative small scale development which over time will change the area’s character or through larger scale developments which have a more obvious immediate effect. Only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. Around Calne, the original settlement in the valley bottom has expanded up the valley sides. These areas are exposed to wider views and are sensitive to further development. The south western fringes bordering Bowood are sensitive due to the character of the valley and its relationship with the parkland area. The setting of Cherhill Downs to the east is an important consideration.

Management Strategy Actions Conserve and enhance the Character Area through carrying out the following actions:

Short Term · Encourage repair, replanting and extension of hedgerows and development of hedgerow trees where hedgerows are in poor condition. · Conserve mature trees, woodland clumps and shelterbelts. · Enhance the valley bottom character along watercourses by planting willows in informal groups and broken lines. · Consider where development related to Calne is most appropriate in terms of landscape and visual effects. · Discourage development in the rural parts of the area. · Conserve and maintain river corridors, valley bottom pasture and meadows and riparian vegetation. · Encourage less intensive farming on arable land introducing headlands and margins.

Long Term · Repair landscapes. · Identify and seek opportunities to create new woodland belts and copses, in particular to help screen and contain development.

198

Agricultural land classification

199

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-3

Site name: C3 Date: 28/4/11

Time: 1630

Weather: Sunny/hazy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land ¨Flat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Ridge ¨Deep gorge þþRolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Knoll ¨Gully þUndulating ¨Plain ¨Basin ¨Dry valley

¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Broad valley

¨Gentle slopes ¨Escarpment ¨Narrow valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland þIndustrial (in proximity) ¨Transport ¨Natural

þHistoric parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working (adjacent) (surrounding)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

200

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow þDecid. Woodland þHedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies þIndustry (adjacent ¨Urban ¨Military quarry)

Features (man-made)

þFootpath þCommunications masts þ Lane þQuarries (in distance) ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons ¨Major road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

Richly wooded, rolling/undulating land form. Hedgerows define field boundaries, hedgerows contain numerous hedgerow trees.

Long expansive views to North Wessex Downs AONB (Malborough Downs).

Very rural and largely tranquil atmosphere/setting.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Rolling landform - Mature woodland and hedgerow trees - Features provide visual containment - Tranquil setting

Current site condition: Good

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large

201

Detractors (on and surrounding the site)

Öffensive þUnpleasant (quarry ¨Depressing ¨Bland buildings/batching plant/skip yard) ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting þAttractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þHousing (scattered) þþBridleways þElevation

þþPRoW ¨Cycleways

¨Roads ¨Employment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Houses at Compton Bassett (homes and Home Farm), although these sit on higher ground than the potential site option. The potential site option is facing away from the houses.

Visual impact from PRoW and Bridleways in the area and from elevated land to the north of the site.

202

Landscape and visual impact field map (C3)

203

Field Photographs (C3)

Photo 1 – Looking onto the eastern part of the site from the PRoW to the north of the site

Photo 2 – Looking onto the site from the PRoW to the north of the site

204

Photo 3 – Looking onto the central and western sections of the site and industrial buildings located to the south west of the site from the PRoW to the north of the site

205

C15

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Wooded Greensand Hills

· The Greensand typically forms upstanding hills that have been eroded by tributaries of the major rivers into a series of rounded knolls and deep valleys. · Hills support a large proportion of woodland, both deciduous and coniferous. · Country houses and estates, set within landscaped parkland contribute to the character of the area. · Distinctive pattern of settlement with villages of stone dwellings hidden in the shelter of the deep valleys. · Iron age fortifications are strategically located on the hill tops. · Ancient sunken lanes wind their way through the hills. · Small and irregular fields characterise areas of agricultural land use. · Meadows and wet woodland are typical of the valley floors.

206

Inherent landscape sensitivities

· The intact pattern of small and irregular fields typical of early enclosure and assart incursions often with ditched and banked hedgerows. · The range of habitats of nature conservation value – substantial areas of ancient woodlands with wet woodland and meadows along the valley floors. · Historic estates with mansions, designed landscapes, and monuments. · Villages of local stone concealed in valleys. · Rural sunken lanes, giving framed views to the adjacent open landscapes. · Views to wooded hill summits and to distinctive skylines of adjacent chalk scarp tops. · Multiplicity of ancient earthworks, hill forts and castles.

Broad management objectives

· Conserve the small scale pattern of irregular fields that are characteristic of the hills and consider re-planting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost. · Conserve and protect the remnant semi-natural habitats including the wetland habitats on the valley floor, acid woodlands and isolated areas of hay meadow. Opportunities to restore and extend these rare habitats should be considered. · Encourage sensitive forestry practice, for example mixing different species and felling small coupes and consider removal of conifers where they are particularly visible, for example on skylines. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the remaining deciduous woodlands to check invasion of exotic species and encourage a healthy new generation of woodland trees and consider restoring traditional management techniques, such as coppicing where this is appropriate, to encourage a diverse age structure and a rich ground flora. · Encourage management and restoration of parkland and designed landscapes that are characteristic of the area. · Resist urbanisation of the country lanes through addition of road markings and concrete kerbs or lamp posts or excessive signage that detracts from the rural character of the area. Consider the use of signage that fits with the rural character of the landscape. · Conserve the character of the small scale stone built hamlets and villages and conserve the setting of historic houses and parklands.

North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004

Bowood and Bowden Parkland

· Significant area of hills with small valleys rising from 40m AOD to 180m AOD. · Dominance of mature deciduous woodland cover along the slopes. · Significant parkland, containing significant numbers of mature trees, held on Parks and Gardens Registry. · Large panoramic views afforded from grazed, open ground. · Significant visitor attraction. · Fields enclosed by woodland belts. · Mature and intact hedge system, which provides sense of maturity and frames views · Complexity woodland and grassland habitats, with large tract of area designated SSSI. · Some coniferous elements in woodlands and some coniferous plantations. · Strong altitudinal variation between grazed landscape and higher wooded slopes.

207

Landscape Sensitivity

The area is designated as a Special Landscape Area which is an indication of its perceived high value. The whole area has an essentially tranquil, intimate and parkland character within which only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts.

The prominence and exposed nature of the Avon valley sides make this area particularly unsuitable for development.

As well as being a recreational attraction the woodland and open parkland is a valuable ecological resource vulnerable to development. Any recreational development should not conflict with the nature conservation requirements of this area.

Management Strategy Actions

Conserve and enhance the Character Area through carrying out the following actions:

Short Term

· Conserve and promote continuity of existing cover and diversity of both woodland and parkland, for ecological and visual interest. · Conserve and where necessary replant parkland trees. · Conserve landscape features of historical significance and the protect sites of archaeological value. · Discourage coniferous only plantations and where present, enhance edges and watercourses with deciduous planting. · Conserve hedgerows and mature trees on lower slopes, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges. · Support recreation and tourism where consistent with maintaining and enhancing landscape character and nature conservation. · Discourage new development.

Long term

· Support nature conservation management of area designated as an SSSI.

208

Agricultural land classification

209

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-4

Site name: C15 Date: 28/4/11

Time: 1400

Weather: Sunny/hazy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land ¨Flat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley þþRolling ¨Rock outcrops þRidge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

þHistoric parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working (Trees on site have estate characteristics)

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland þCopses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

210

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland ¨Hedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath þCommunications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

The site is enclosed by mature woodland and hedgerows along the eastern and southern boundaries (of variable condition).

Individual properties front onto the site is scattered locations.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Woodland is part of the Bowood Estate, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. - Hedgerows and trees give a sense of enclosure to the southern side of the site. - Site is more open to the north with expansive views across lower land below and towards Chippenham - The A342 running to the east of the site boundary dominates the setting of the site, traffic noise is constant and apparent.

Current site condition: Good

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed open exposed

211

VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) ¨Offensive ¨Unpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland

¨Smoke pollution ¨Industrial noise ¨Intrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þHousing (scattered) ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways

þþþRoads ¨Employment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor: Open views across arable field. There are very open views onto the site from the road to the east of the site, this provides a broad view across the site. Furthermore, when coming up the hill on the road the site appears at an elevated position.

The southern section of the site is contained with hedgerows and woodland surrounding its borders.

The northern section of the site is far more open and is a hill top location with views onto the site from lower ground.

212

Landscape and visual impact field map (C15)

213

Field Photographs (C15)

Photo 1 – Looking into the southern section of the site from the southern boundary of the site

Photo 2 – Looking into the northern section of the site from the eastern boundary of the site

214

Photo 3 – Looking into the centre of the site from the eastern boundary of the site

Photo 4 – Looking north along the eastern boundary of the site and the A342

215

C16

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Wooded Greensand Hills

Inherent landscape sensitivities

216

· Villages of local stone concealed in valleys. · Rural sunken lanes, giving framed views to the adjacent open landscapes. · Views to wooded hill summits and to distinctive skylines of adjacent chalk scarp tops. · Multiplicity of ancient earthworks, hill forts and castles.

Broad management objectives

West Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004

Sandridge Park Greensand Hills

· Rounded hill/ridge and steep slopes, which facilitate dramatic views across adjacent open clay vales to the north and south. · Irregular patches of woodland on slopes, which provide a sense of enclosure and frame views across adjacent landscape. · Sparse settlement pattern. · Wooded parkland surrounding Sandridge Park (Victorian Villa, built c.1850). · Landscape forms part of a wider areas of parkland landscape to the east. · Mature landscape structure. · Slopes covered by a patchwork of rough grassland and arable farmland/ pasture, with field boundaries delineated by mature hedgerows (and occasional single trees). · Overall strong sense of tranquillity throughout the character area.

Visual Character

This character area encompasses a relatively broad ridge, which slopes dramatically downwards towards adjacent open clay vale landscape character areas to the north and south, facilitating dramatic views across the surrounding landscape. Character is influenced by a mixture of rough grassland and pasture on the slopes (with small pockets of arable fields also visible). A mature and intact landscape structure is apparent, as a result of predominantly intact hedgerows and irregular patches and plantations of mixed and deciduous woodland on the slopes. These woodland patches create a varied sense of

217 enclosure and in places, frame dramatic views across the lower open clay vale to the north and south. The main A1302 road (leading eastwards from Melksham) and one main footpath leads north south across the area. Settlement pattern is sparse and scattered, consisting predominantly of Sandridge Park House (a former stables) alongside other isolated buildings on the slopes. Overall there is an intimate character throughout the area, with recognisable sense of place provided by dramatic views across adjacent open clay vale landscape character areas. Sense of tranquillity is strong, at distance from the A1302 road corridor.

Landscape Sensitivity

· Mature landscape structure (including hedgerows, single deciduous trees and areas of woodland). · Predominantly rural character of the area, with sparse settlement pattern. · Overall strong sense of tranquillity throughout the area. · Open, panoramic views across adjacent open clay vale landscape character areas. · Small-scale, intimate character of the landscape.

Management Strategy Actions

The overall strategy for the area is to conserve the mature, intact and relatively small-scale landscape pattern within this character area. Specific management objectives are to:

· Conserve the mature and intact network of hedgerow trees, and where repair is necessary, use native species which are typical of the local area. · Conserve the sparse settlement pattern, which contributes to an overall rural character. · Maintain, and where appropriate, restore distinctive parkland trees, buildings and boundary walls. · Conserve and manage existing areas of woodland to maximise wildlife, historic and landscape value. · Where appropriate, consider the reintroduction of traditional coppice management. · Conserve dramatic open and framed views across adjacent open clay vale landscape character areas. · Conserve the rural character of minor roads and country lanes, through avoidance of

excessive visually intrusive signage.

218

Agricultural land classification

219

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers:1-4

Site name: C16 Date: 28/4/11

Time: 1520

Weather: Sunny/hazy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Ridge ¨Deep gorge ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Knoll ¨Gully ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Basin ¨Dry valley

¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Broad valley

¨Gentle slopes ¨Escarpment ¨Narrow valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

220

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (small)

¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows (gappy)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts þ Lane þQuarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

The eastern side of the site has open views to houses located to the east.

The western side of the site has significant planting and woodland cover and is well enclosed.

Although the site is at the top of a hill, views onto the site are foreshortened.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Woodland surrounds the western and northern edges of the site. - The site, and surrounding area, is characterised by fairly small field boundaries. Current site condition: Moderate

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

221

COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise (Quarry Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military to west)

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

þþþPRoW ¨Cycleways

þþRoads ¨Employment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

A PRoW runs through the site and there will be a visual impact from this receptor.

Residential properties are located to the east of the site and could overlook the site in places.

222

Landscape and visual impact field map (C16)

223

Field Photographs (C16)

Photo 1 – Looking into the central section of the site from the south western corner of the site

Photo 2 – Looking along the southern boundary of the site and the A3102 from the south western corner of the site

224

Photo 3 – Looking along the western boundary of the site from the south western corner of the site

Photo 4 – Looking into the site from the eastern boundary.

225

C18

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Rolling Clay Lowland

Character Area – Swindon – Calne Rolling Clay Lowland

Views to the surrounding hills and chalk scarp emphasise the comparatively level and open character of the area. The Swindon-Calne Rolling Clay Lowland is a mix of arable and pasture. The arable fields tend to be large scale and rectangular with a mix of medium sized

226 irregular fields and small regular strips to the south. Fields are bounded by hedgerows although these have been replaced by fences in some areas and hedgerow trees are sparse. The hedges, scattered small woodland blocks (some ancient) and riparian vegetation particularly willows, give a more enclosed and rural feel to the landscape in some sections. Elsewhere there is little settlement and rural roads criss cross the area giving access to the uplands to east and west.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the dense hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Retain and manage hay meadows. · Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian species such as alder and willow. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the varied woodlands using traditional techniques such as coppicing where appropriate to maintain the special historic character and ecological interest. · Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations. · Enhance woodland, cattle and horse pasture habitats for bats. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · Ensure that landscape is at the foundation of decisions about the growth of settlements (e.g.Swindon and Calne) and that landscape is used to provide a strong framework within which changes can happen in a sustainable way. · Consider strengthening the enclosed character of the landscape and screening views to intrusive urban edges through nurturing existing and planting new woodland. · 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.

Kennet District Landscape Character Assessment

Bristol Avon Clay Vale

· Clay lowland landscapes · Distinctive lowlands characterised by low lying, flat farmland/ · Strong riparian character. · Prominent higher ground such as at Seend. · Well treed. · Open arable and mixed farmland.

227

· Blocks of open farmland, generally occurring as ‘islands’ within more strongly structured farmland landscapes. · Pasture, both permanent and reseeded, although the latter predominates. · Low-lying, gently undulating or rolling farmland with a definite hedgerow structure, ranging from very weak and eroded to intact and strong. · Woodland/farmland mosaic – a more even mix between woodland and farmland which may range from woodland interspersed with blocks of pasture and arable land to vice versa. · Clay vale floor farmland typical of the flattest and lowest parts of the clay lowland area. · Prominent network of drainage ditches. · Willow and alder conspicuous along ditches, watercourses and in hedgerows. · Mix of permanent and reseeded pasture with a good hedgerow structure, and the presence of mature trees both within hedges and as riparian features, notably willow and alder. · Amenity landscapes · Golf courses with their distinctive features of greens, roughs, fairways, bunkers etc. · Sports fields and other areas under amenity use, usually intensively managed. · Formal parkland and designed landscapes · Areas of formal C18 and C19 designed parkland with a distinctively pastoral and mature character. · Characteristic features such as parkland trees set in pasture, avenues, rides, copses and blocks of woodland, lakes, formal gardens, estate boundaries (walls or railings), ornamental features, estate buildings etc. · Estate farmland · Traces of a former parkland character or which displays typical estate characteristics. · Fields enclosed by blocks of woodland and belts of trees, avenues. · Estate fencing (railings and post and rail). · Game coverts.

Overall the area is an attractive blend of vale floor farmland and more undulating clay vale landscapes, which have good tree and hedgerow cover in most parts. Dutch Elm disease has denuded many hedgerows of their best trees, and due to the past predominance of this species there is a comparative deficit of large trees other than riparian species.

The principal threats and issues important to landscape quality in this character area are:

· agricultural intensification, particularly drainage and cultivation of vale floor pasture, and the widespread loss of hedgerows and trees through removal, neglect or Dutch Elm disease; · management and enhancement of woodlands, parkland and estate landscapes within the vale.

Enhancement priorities

· retain and manage areas of permanent pasture, wet grassland and meadows and discourage further ploughing and field enlargement within the vale floor; · retain well-preserved examples of ridge and furrow features as an indicator of former land use and component in the landscape character of the area; · encourage traditional practices of willow pollarding and ditch management

228

· in more open vale floor areas, introduce new tree planting along watercourses and in lines and groups, using typical riparian species such as willow and alder · encourage repair, replanting and widespread extension of hedgerow network and development of mature hedgerow trees, using native species typical of the locality (e.g. oak) · in particular, encourage the replacement of landscape structure within the horticultural and arable landscapes around Bromham which have a particularly exposed character · maintain existing roadside hedgerows and trees and replace where these have been removed or weakened through neglect or Dutch Elm Disease · maintain and, where appropriate, restore features of parkland landscapes (e.g. at Seend Cleave), including distinctive elements such as parkland trees, avenues, woods, copses, boundary walls and structures · encourage management of existing woodland cover to maximise landscape and wildlife value, including the reintroduction of traditional coppice management and diversification of uniform plantations to favour native broadleaved species · restore and maintain traditional features of the Kennet and Avon canal landscape, e.g. bridges, locks and other structures, and retain tranquil, unspoilt and 'natural' qualities of the canal corridor; · improve landscape structure and land management around the fringes of settlements and along main roads, to mitigate adverse impacts on the landscape; · encourage better boundary maintenance (e.g. repair of fences and planting of hedgerows and trees) and management of land in horse grazed pastures and other 'fringe' land uses, e.g. allotments.

Development sensitivities

· the whole area has an essentially rural, agricultural character within which only small scale, sensitively-designed development, associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse impacts; · remnant pastures and meadows along the vale floor represent a scarce landscape and ecological resource, making them particularly unsuitable for development; · open arable landscapes with a weak hedgerow structure within the vale are particularly visually sensitive and built development would be highly prominent and exposed; · areas of enclosed farmland with an intact hedgerow structure are more visually contained. These areas are potentially more able to accommodate that essential development which must be located in the countryside, but only where it would not compromise their rural, unspoilt character; · areas of parkland or estate landscape have particularly distinctive and attractive qualities and are sensitive to development.

229

Agricultural land classification

230

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-5

Site name: C18 Date: 28/4/11

Time: 1030

Weather: Sunny/hazy

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice þþþEscarpment ¨Broad valley (to north east) þRolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams þDrainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry þParkland (views of ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural parkland trees)

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover

þArable (to south east ¨Amenity grassland þSmall farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken of site) ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland

231

þPasture ¨Parkland þCopses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow þDecid. Woodland þHedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual þ Field systems ¨Monuments of war (potentially)

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts þ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack þPylons þMajor road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

Predominantly small – medium sized fields. More open to the north east and east of the site, more enclosed to the centre of the site with small fields surrounded by intact hedgerows.

Prominent pylons run through the site.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- North eastern side of the site is less enclosed with exposed hedgerows. - North western side of the site feels more enclosed. - South western side of the site feels more open with larger fields and more rolling landscape. - South eastern side of the site is open with views to AONB and to the road. - Central section of the site feels more enclosed and intimate with intact hedgerows and hedgerow trees and is more tranquil.

Current site condition: Central/southern section = good, north western section = declining condition, remaining areas = moderate.

232

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise (to north west of site) (Dull in central/western sections)

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating þStunning (views to AONB)

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþHousing þþþBridleways þElevation (from AONB)

þþþPRoW ¨Cycleways

þRoads þþEmployment (farming)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

- Raised housing to the south of the site looks onto the site in places.

- Houses to the east of the site front onto a section of the site in places. - Likely heavy impact on PRoW network. - Possible views onto the site from the AONB, but likely to be subtle/insignificant

233

Landscape and visual impact field map (C18)

234

Field Photographs (C18)

Photo 1 – Looking east to the North Wessex Downs AONB from the centre of the site

Photo 2 – Looking south from the centre of the site

235

Photo 3 – Looking west to property on the western boundary

Photo 4 – Looking north towards the centre of the site from the southern section of the site

236

Photo 5 – Looking east towards the centre of the site from the south western section of the site

237

Appendix 3. South East of Salisbury Area: Sites SE1-SE3

SE1-SE3

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Forest – Heathland Mosaic

· Gently undulating landform based on London and Reading Clay Formations and Bagshot Sand. · A peaceful enclosed landscape of extensive woodland cover with intermittent views through to more open areas. · Complex landscape comprising broadleaved and coniferous woodland, wood-pasture, heath, grassland and farmland offering a range of habitats. · Pastoral and arable fields are bounded by full hedgerows and hedgerow trees. · Substantial areas of woodlands of diverse and rich ecological value including ancient woodland, beech, high oak and wet woodland. · Fragments of lowland bog and formerly extensive heath survive. · Presence of mansions and historic parklands particularly former deer parks. · A settled landscape with large villages, frequent small clusters of buildings along roads and a distinctive pattern of dense linear settlement fringing commons to the south. · Buildings of red brick, tile and thatch. · Shaded lanes, sometimes sunken, wind their way through the wooded areas, plus the busy A36 passes through the type.

238

Character Area – Landford Forest – Heathland Mosaic

The Landford Forest-Heathland Mosaic is a peaceful rural landscape dominated by large areas of ancient woodland and 19th century broadleaved and coniferous plantations. The dense woodland creates a strong sense of enclosure. Rhododendron is a visually dominant understorey in some areas of the woodlands. Intermittent breaks allow short views though to more open areas of remaining heath, wood pasture and small irregular fields bounded by thick hedgerows. The landform is gently undulating with domed hills and a shallow valley containing the River Blackwater, a tributary of the Avon. The densest area of settlement is to the west of the area along the B3080, where recent development has effectively joined the villages of Morgan’s Vale, Redlynch and Woodfalls. Other settlement in the area is more traditional, with linear settlements of red brick cottages backing on to commons such as at Landford.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

· Peaceful rural landscape with strong sense of enclosure given by dense woodlands cover. · Pastoral area with cattle grazing small to medium fields. · Full hedgerows and hedgerow trees. · Woodland habitats of varied and high ecological value including ancient woodland, coppice and wood pasture. · Remnants of heathland and peat bog. · Historic designed landscapes of parkland and deer parks. · The structure of the rural villages and linear settlements. · Quiet rural roads and lanes.

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the medium scale pastoral fields with dense hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Conserve the remnant areas of heathland and peat bog, and take opportunities to extend these habitats. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the varied woodlands using tradition techniques such as coppicing where appropriate to maintain the special historic character and ecological interest. · Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations. · Encourage management and restoration of the parklands that are characteristic of the area. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · 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.

239

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment 2008

Downton Chalk Downland

· Strongly rolling landform with gently domed hilltops, dry valleys and dramatic scarps eroded into rounded spurs and deep coombes. · A combination of sinuous woodland blocks and copses contribute to sense of enclosure. · Strong landscape pattern of large-scale open arable fields, small areas of chalk grassland, scrub and woodland (including ash, oak and yew, which is of high nature conservation value). · Sparse settlement pattern of scattered farmsteads, isolated houses and hamlets, linear villages, such as Landford and Newton. · Strong sense of tranquillity throughout. · Predominantly rural landscape which is interspersed by a series of rural lanes. · Busy road corridors, such as the A36, introduce a source of noise and visual intrusion. · Strong sense of enclosure to the south as a result of enclosing woodland associated with the northern extent of the New Forest.

Visual Character

This Landscape Character Area encompasses a strong landscape pattern of large-scale, open arable fields, which are interspersed with sinuous woodland blocks and occasional copses, which provide intermittent sense of enclosure. Sense of place is relatively strong, resulting from views into the Lower Avon Valley to the west and towards more strongly wooded landscapes to the north and south, which provide a distant sense of enclosure. The A36 is a dominant landscape feature, which crosses the centre of the area and disturbs an otherwise strong sense of tranquillity. This is a predominantly rural landscape, crossed by an interconnected network of rural lanes. The sparse settlement pattern of scattered farmsteads, small villages (such as Langford and Newton) and dispersed farmsteads, further contributes to this character.

Landscape Sensitivity

The strong landscape pattern of large-scale open arable fields, small areas of chalk grassland, scrub and woodland (including ash, oak and yew, which are of high nature conservation value) are sensitive elements within this Landscape Character Area. Related to this, the sparse settlement pattern and strong sense of tranquillity throughout much of the area, culminate in a moderate to high landscape character sensitivity overall.

Visual Sensitivity

The strongly rolling landform within this Landscape Character Area facilitates panoramic views across the Chalk Downland. To the west, open and framed views into the Lower Avon River Valley can be gained. Large woodland blocks within adjacent Landscape Character Areas to the north and south provide a sense of enclosure and containment within this area. Overall, visual sensitivity is considered to be moderate to high.

Management Strategy Actions

The overall management strategy for Downton Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area 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.

240

Specific objectives are to:

· Conserve the network of remaining hedgerows and restore where possible, using locally appropriate species. · Conserve open views into the Lower Avon valley. · 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. · Conserve open views across this, and adjacent areas of Chalk Downland.

Agricultural land classification

241

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

SE1

Site information Photograph numbers:1-4

Site name: SE1 Date: 13/5/11

Time: 1145

Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land ¨Flat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley þUndulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover þArable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

242

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards ¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (But patchy in places) ¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards ¨Coppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries (to south west) ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

¨Track ¨Pylons þMajor road (A27/A36)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

SE1 – Open, undulating arable land. Patchy hedgerows and some hedgerow trees.

The site is highly visible from the A36 and A27 due to the undulating nature of the landscape. Housing to the north and north east look onto the site whilst employment uses to the north west front onto the site in this location.

The site suffers from a lack of tranquillity with road and quarry noise evident.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

The site is very open and would have a visual impact on the surrounding landscape and users surrounding the site. The site also feels large in the landscape.

Visual impact on housing/farmsteads to the north and north east of the site would be difficult to mitigate against due to a lack of sheltering vegetation and close proximity to the site boundary.

Current site condition: Ordinary – patchy hedgerows and trees. Open and uniform landscape lacking a sense of place.

243

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium Large ENCLOSURE confined enclosed semi-enclosed open exposed VISUAL DYNAMIC sweeping spreading dispersed channelled TEXTURE smooth textured rough very rough COLOUR monochrome muted colourful garish COMPLEXITY uniform simple diverse complex REMOTENESS wild remote vacant active LIGHT QUALITY bright shaded dark

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþþHousing (to north/north east) ¨Bridleways þþElevation (to north)

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways

þþþRoads (A27/A36) þEmployment (to north west)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

- Housing to the north/north east front onto the site or have views over the site. - The A27 and A36 run either side to the north and south of the site, the site is heavily visible from these receptors. - Employment uses to the north west close to the north west boundary of the site and overlook the site from this location. - Elevated land to the north of the site provides a view over sections of the site.

244

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

SE2-3

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-6

Site name: SE2-3 Date:

Time: 1015

Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land

þFlat (in places) ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley þRolling (to west of SE3) ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley þUndulating (in places) ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams ¨Drainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming

þFarmland (north east ¨Residential þCommercial (forestry) þForestry of SE2) ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation þMineral working (surrounding the sites)

Vegetation cover

þArable (to north east ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken of SE2) ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland

245

¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved (to ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees north east of SE2)

¨Rough grazing þConif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow þDecid. Woodland ¨Hedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland ¨Hedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice (ancient woodland?)

Buildings

þFarm buildings (to west of SE3) ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane þQuarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (A36 to north east)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

SE3 – mix of coniferous/deciduous woodland with enclosed/sheltered character. To the east section of SE3 it is more open with new growth (pics 2-3).

SE2 - mix of coniferous/deciduous woodland. More open/exposed to the east of the site (pic 5). The north east of the site is in farmland use (pic 6).

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

SE3 – Tranquil forest setting, well sheltered but with dull road noise. Section to the east of the site is more open with new growth (good mix of young native tree species) and benefits from light conditions.

SE2 – More evident road noise and quarry activity noise. Sheltered in places but also with open farmland to the north east gives the site a different feel to that of SE3. Felling areas to the south west of the site leaves this site feeling vulnerable.

Current site condition:

SE2-3 – Good. Some deciduous trees (possibly veteran in places) remain but the woodland has been replaced with coniferous trees for the most part. Eastern section of SE3 is improving.

246

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution þIndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus

þPleasant (SE2) ¨Interesting þAttractive (SE3) ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

¨Housing ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

þPRoW (not well used) ¨Cycleways

¨Roads ¨Employment

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

SE2-3 – ProW running through the sites are generally in moderate condition.

PRoW through SE3 has been bypassed with a track running through the site.

PRoW through SE2 is in good condition apart from the north eastern side which is overgrown and inaccessible. PRoW on this site is impacted by heavy quarry noise from activities to the north.

247

Landscape and visual impact field map (SE1-3)

248

Field Photographs (SE1)

Photo 1 – Looking across the site from the north eastern boundary

Photo 2 – Looking along the southern/south eastern boundary of the site from the north eastern boundary

249

Photo 3 – Looking along the northern boundary and A27

Photo 4 – Looking to elevated land to the north of the site

250

Field Photographs (SE2-3)

SE3 Photos 1-3

SE3 - Photo 1 – Looking into the site, showing woodland landscape character

SE3 - Photo 2 – Looking within the eastern section of SE3 - more open with new growth

251

SE3 - Photo 2 – Looking from centre of the site to the eastern section - more open with new growth

252

SE2 – Photos 4-6

SE2 – Photo 4 – Looking from north western boundary. New quarrying activity to the south west of the site (off site)

SE2 – Photo 5 – Looking from the centre of the site to the eastern section - More open character

253

SE2 – Photo 6 – Looking from the north eastern boundary onto arable land to the north eastern section of the site

254

Appendix 4. Salisbury Avon Area: Sites SA1-SA2

SA1 (and additional land put forward)

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005 Chalk River Valley

· Strongly enclosed valleys with an intimate scale contrasting with the surrounding open upland landscape. · Level, often narrow valley floors with relatively steep sides. · Pastoral land use along the valley floor with small scale fields contrasts with arable farmland on the valley sides with medium to large geometric fields. · Hedgerows and hedgerow trees add to the lush and enclosed feel of the valleys. · Riparian woodlands, lines of poplar along ditches and willow pollards. · Diverse mosaic of land cover and habitats includes meadows, fen and wet woodland on valley floor. · Clear fast flowing chalk rivers and streams a key habitat. · Valleys contain a concentration of settlement in contrast to the adjacent unsettled downs. · Many long established villages, sited along the spring line and built of a rich variety of vernacular materials. · Isolated Neolithic long barrow burial monuments, Bronze Age round barrows and water meadow channels on the valley floor contribute to the visible archaeology. · Valley used as transport corridors with major roads and railway lines along valley sides. · Rural landscape sometimes interrupted by the large volume of traffic.

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Character Area – Lower Avon Chalk River Valley

The Lower Avon Chalk River Valley is wider than the others in the type, containing the confluence of the Rivers Wylye, Nadder, Bourne and Ebble with the Avon. To the south of Salisbury the valley contains a complex system of channels and water meadows largely inaccessible and highly rural and tranquil in feel despite the closeness of Salisbury. Views of the cathedral spire are striking in this rural context and have long been appreciated by artists as in Constable’s famous painting of Salisbury Cathedral from the River. The area is pastoral with small fields with lush hedges, mature hedgerow trees as well riparian vegetation such as willow and alder. Water meadows were typical of the area and East Harnham Pastures SSSI is one of these areas which, despite no longer being in active management as a water meadow, has retained its herb rich grassland. Settlement is in the form of a few villages and farmsteads plus historic houses and parklands such as Longford Castle and Park, and Wilton House. The river winds through Salisbury skirting the historic core of the city as well as more suburban areas on the south banks. More rural village buildings are of red brick combined with flint, and with red tiled roofs or thatch. Major trunk roads follow the sides of the Lower Avon Chalk River Valley but despite their noise and movement this character area retains substantial areas of rural and remote pastoral landscape.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

· Small scale enclosed landscape. · High water quality and outstanding ecological richness of the chalk rivers. · Remnants of water meadows including a few in active management plus other historic floodplain feature such as mills and leats and watercress beds. · Rich floodplain landscape of small scale grazed pastures, riparian vegetation and damp woodlands. · Small distinctive villages and manors built of rich variety of local materials. · Peaceful rural landscape away from the major roadways. · Valley crests are visually sensitive.

Broad management objectives

The strategy for the Chalk River Valley Landscape Type is to conserve the tranquil, intimate and rural character of the landscape. This will include maintenance of key features including permanent pasture, wet grassland and riparian woodlands and historic features associated with the mills and water meadows, historic parklands and vernacular villages. There are opportunities for restoration of waterside pastures, replanting and management of hedgerows and limited native tree planting/regeneration.

· Consider opportunities for re-planting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost. In particular, the comparatively dense structure of willows, poplars and other moisture loving trees should be retained along field boundaries and the course of the river. · Identify, conserve and restore remnant water meadow systems that are an important historic landscape feature - and consider opportunities for reinstatement of traditional management techniques. · Identify, conserve and consider opportunities for reconnecting and recreating wetland habitats such as wet woodland, fen, marsh and swamp. · Resist excessive signage associated with new development along the trunk roads and maintain a sense of landscape scale when planning new road junctions - junctions that are too large will disrupt visual unity along the valleys. · Monitor road engineering to safeguard the rural character of the lanes.

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· Conserve the pattern of tight knit villages, maintaining the physical and visual gap between them. · 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.

Agricultural land classification

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Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information (LANDOWNER REFUSED ENTRY ONTO LAND) Photograph numbers: 1-2

Site name: SA1 Date: 13/5/11

Time: 1400

Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

¨Gentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology

¨River (size...... ) þStreams þDrainage channels þLake (bordering site to east) ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland ¨Leisure/recreation ¨Mineral working

Vegetation cover ¨Arable ¨Amenity grassland þSmall farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

þLey/improved ¨Avenues þScattered trees

þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

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¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (in good condition)

¨Chalk grassland ¨Mixed woodland þHedgerows (in good condition)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual þ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice

Buildings þFarm buildings ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts þ Lane (running to ¨Quarries north of site) ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway þTrack ¨Pylons þMajor road (adjacent þSewage to north of site) works/pipes

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

Landowner refused entry onto land so officers were unable to carry out a full assessment.

- The site is very open to views from the A36 running to the north of the site. - Willow cottage to the north west of the site and farm on the northern boundary of the site face onto the site. - Intact and full hedgerows and hedgerow trees are evident throughout the site. - Sewage works located to the south west of the site.

- Sewage pipe potentially runs through the site from the west to the north east. Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Mature/intact hedgerows/hedgerow trees offer some enclosure further into the site (towards the south). - River to the south of the site could have potential for flooding/lowering of water levels through extraction. - Drainage channels running through the site could potentially be wetland habitat/water meadows.

Current site condition: From what was observed. Good – Intact hedgerows/trees, field boundaries, recognisable landscape structure, combinations of landform and landcover.

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Visual assessment Perception (ring description) Landowner refused entry onto land so officers were unable to carry out a full assessment.

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

¨Intermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise þSewage operations

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þþþHousing (to north) ¨Bridleways ¨Elevation

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways

þþRoads (A36 to north) þþEmployment (sewage works)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Housing (Willow cottage) and farms front onto the north of the site.

The A36 provides a constant supply of noise and has views onto the northern section of the site.

Sewage works front onto the south west boundary of the site.

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Landscape and visual impact field map (SA1 and additional land put forward)

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Field Photographs (SA1 and additional land put forward)

Photo 1 – Looking into the site towards the south west from the northern boundary of the site

Photo 2 – Looking into the centre of the site from the northern boundary of the site

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SA2 (including proposed site access route)

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Chalk River Valley

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Character Area – Lower Avon Chalk River Valley

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

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Site SA2 – Proposed access route to site

Forest - Heathland Mosaic

Character Area – Farley Forest – Heathland Mosaic

Farley Forest-Heathland Mosaic forms a patchwork of woodland and medium sized geometric fields. The area contains part of the ancient forest of Clarendon which was centred on Clarendon Palace, the remains of which sit at the north west of the area. Although some areas of ancient woodland survive, the extensive areas of woodland are now predominately 19th century and post war plantations. There is also parkland with the remnants of the deer park of Clarendon Palace and the later parkland associated with Clarendon House. Fields are generally pastoral, although some are in a grass/arable rotation, and are bounded by thick hedgerows with numerous hedgerow trees. The village of Alderbury merges with Whaddon to form a large linear settlement while to the north east of the area there is the substantial village of Middle Winterslow linked by scattered roadside settlement to nearby East and West Winterslow. Elsewhere settlement is limited with small nucleated villages occurring in clearings. Buildings are generally traditional in style and built of red brick although there has been modern infill. A network of rural roads and shady sunken lanes wind through the area connecting the villages and farmsteads.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

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· Historic designed landscapes of parkland and deer parks. · The structure of the rural villages and linear settlements. · Quiet rural roads and lanes.

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the medium scale pastoral fields with dense hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Conserve the remnant areas of heathland and peat bog, and take opportunities to extend and these habitats. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the varied woodlands using tradition techniques such as coppicing where appropriate to maintain the special historic character and ecological interest. · Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations. · Encourage management and restoration of the parklands that are characteristic of the area. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · 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.

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment 2008

Narrow Chalk River Valley

· Relatively narrow river corridors, which punctuate surrounding vast tracts of Chalk Downland. · Intimate scale of the river corridor and immediate valley sides, contrasts within the surrounding open landscape. · Narrow, valley floors, which support a variety of watermeadows, cress beds and damp pastures and also encompass relatively fast-flowing chalk rivers. · Predominantly pastoral land along the valley floors, with small-scale fields, which often contrast with the medium to large-scale fields on adjacent Chalk Downland. · Thick hedgerows and clumps of mature riparian woodland often line the river corridors, contributing to relatively strong sense of enclosure. · Diverse mosaic of land cover and habitats includes meadows, fen and wet woodland on valley floor. · Small settlements are often situated in conjunction with the valley floors – along the spring line, in contrast to the unsettled downs. · Many long established villages, built of a rich variety of vernacular materials. · Valley corridors are often used as communication and transport corridors, with major roads and railway lines along the valley sides. · Predominantly rural landscapes, with pockets of tranquillity at distance from main road corridors.

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Character Area – Lower Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley

· Relatively contained valley, encompassing the confluence of the Wylye, Nadder and Bourne and Ebble within the River Avon. · Narrow meandering river channel, bordered by a wider landscape of navigation channels and numerous ditches adjacent to the Avon. · Frequent copses and belts of mixed woodland along the river corridor, providing an intermediate sense of enclosure. · Generally inaccessible river corridor, despite proximity to Salisbury, culminating in a very strong sense of tranquillity and strongly rural character throughout. · Striking views towards Salisbury cathedral’s spire provide recognisable sense of place within this generally flat landscape. · Small-scale patchwork of small pastoral fields, delineated by a network of lush hedgerows, mature hedgerow trees and riverside trees such as willow and alder. · Pockets of herb-rich grassland, which were once managed as water meadows. · Relatively sparse settlement pattern, consisting of scattered farmsteads, small linear hamlets such as Bodenham and Charlton; and nucleated villages such as Downton and Wick. · Settlements generally have a strong vernacular character of red brick and flint buildings, with thatched roofs often as a feature. · Historic halls and manor houses and associated parklands within the valley, including Longford Castle and Wilton House.

Visual Character

This narrow chalk river valley is wider than the Till, Bourne and Upper Avon valleys to the north of Salisbury because it encompasses the confluence of these river channels, which have merged to become the River Avon. Consequently, the gently meandering river corridor and numerous adjacent ditches and navigation channels dominate this landscape character area. Sense of openness varies throughout this predominantly flat landscape. In places, dramatic views towards Salisbury Cathedral (as celebrated within Constable’s famous painting of Salisbury Cathedral from the river) can be gained. From other locations, copses and linear belts of woodland limit views across and along the valley. Sense of tranquillity throughout the valley is strong, despite proximity to Salisbury to the north and The A338 and Witherington road corridors. A small-scale patchwork of pastoral fields, delineated by a rich network of lush hedgerows, line the river, which is generally inaccessible other than at Downton and Salisbury. Settlement pattern is sparse, consisting of a pattern of small farmsteads dotted within the valley, small linear hamlets and the larger nucleated villages of Wick and Downton to the south. Buildings exhibit many vernacular details and typical materials include red brick, thatch and flint. Historic halls and manor houses also provide recognisable landscape features, often with associated designed parklands.

Landscape Sensitivity

Inherent landscape sensitivities within this area include the small-scale patchwork of pastoral fields, delineated by a network of lush hedgerows, pockets of herb-rich grassland (once managed as water meadows), frequent copses and belts of mixed woodland and riverside trees such as willow and alder. In addition, a strong vernacular settlement character and historic halls and manors, contribute sensitive cultural elements to overall character. The river corridor is generally inaccessible, and overall sense of tranquillity is therefore strong. As a result of the combination of above elements, this landscape character area is considered to have high landscape character sensitivity overall.

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Visual Sensitivity

From several locations within this character area, striking, open views towards Salisbury cathedral’s spire can be gained. Open views north-south along the river corridor are also a feature of the visual character. In places, however, riverside trees and vegetation limit cross valley views. Related to this, sense of enclosure varies throughout the area. The visual sensitivity of views to the spire is considered to be high, whilst overall visual sensitivity is considered to be moderate to high.

Management Strategy Actions

The overall management strategy for the Lower Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley should be to conserve the strong landscape pattern of small-scale fields, mature hedgerows and riverside willows and poplars. In addition, conserve the small-scale historic settlement pattern and predominantly vernacular character of built form. There may be opportunities for reinstatement of water meadows. Specific management objectives are to:

· Conserve open views towards Salisbury Cathedral and other views across and along the valley. · Conserve the strongly rural character and associated strong sense of tranquillity. · Ensure that potential new development along the valley, particularly at the southern fringes of Salisbury and the village edges, respects the historic settlement scale, pattern and vernacular materials. · Monitor road engineering to safeguard the rural character of road corridors. · Encourage conservation and management of the existing hedgerow network. · Conserve the existing scattered settlement pattern and avoid large developments that would be out of character with the existing layout. · Conserve mature riverside willow and alder as landscape features. · Identify, conserve and consider opportunities for reconnecting and recreating wetland habitats such as wet woodland, fen, marsh and swamp.

Forest Heath Mosaic

· Gently undulating landform based on London and Reading Clay Formations and Bagshot Sand. · A peaceful enclosed landscape of extensive woodland cover with intermittent views though to more open areas. · Complex landscape comprising broadleaved and coniferous woodland, wood-pasture, heath, grassland and farmland offering a range of habitats. · Pastoral and arable fields are bounded by full hedgerows and hedgerow trees. · Substantial areas of woodlands of diverse and rich ecological value including ancient woodland, beech, high oak and wet woodland. · Fragments of lowland bog and formerly extensive heath survive. · Presence of mansions and historic parklands particularly former deer parks. · A settled landscape with large villages, frequent small clusters of buildings along roads and a distinctive pattern of dense linear settlement fringing commons to the south. · Buildings of red brick, tile and thatch. · Shaded lanes, sometimes sunken, wind their way through the wooded areas, plus the busy A36 passes through the type.

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Character Area – Farley Forest Heath Mosaic

· Patchwork of woodland and medium-sized geometric fields. · Although some areas of ancient woodland survive, the extensive areas of woodland are now predominantly 19th century and post-war plantations. · Mature hedgerow network delineates fields, with field boundaries often containing hedge trees. · Strong vernacular built character with red brick as the dominant material. · Network of rural roads and shady sunken lanes wind through the area, connecting the villages and farmsteads. · Strong sense of enclosure provided by large areas of woodland. · Open panoramic views from the north of the area across adjacent open Chalk Downland landscape. · A36 main road corridor and main railway line introduce a source of noise and visual intrusion. · Scattered settlement pattern of small and larger villages, such as Middle Winterslow, alongside isolated farmsteads. · Open views across the Lower Avon valley to the west and towards the city of Salisbury. · Settlement edges of Salisbury and Alderbury impart a human influence over the western edge of this character area.

Visual Character

This Landscape Character area has a generally strong sense of enclosure, which is provided by large areas of woodland. Open views can, however, be gained across the Lower Avon Valley to the west and towards the city of Salisbury. Sense of tranquillity is relatively strong throughout and there is also an associated predominantly rural character, resulting from the network of rural lanes. The A36 road corridor, and railway line do, however introduce a source of noise and visual intrusion. In addition to areas of woodland, this area also exhibits areas of grass and remnant heathland.

Landscape Sensitivity

Sensitive landscape elements within this Landscape Character Area, include patches of dense woodlands, full hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Overall sense of tranquillity is strong throughout the area, which has a predominantly rural character. Traditional built vernacular character is also strong. Overall landscape character sensitivity is therefore considered to be good.

Visual Sensitivity

Views across this Landscape Character Area are often limited by woodland blocks and mature hedgerows, which provide a strong sense of enclosure. There is, however relatively strong intervisiblity with adjacent areas of Chalk Downland and River Valleys. Overall visual sensitivity is therefore considered to be moderate.

Management Strategy Actions

The landscape strategy is to conserve the peaceful rural and enclosed nature of the area and its rich diversity of woodland, wood pasture, parkland, heathland and pastoral and arable farmland along with the settlement pattern of scattered farmsteads, roadside cottages, villages and dwellings alongside commons linked by rural roads.

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Specific management objectives are to:

· Retain and manage the medium scale pastoral fields with dense hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Conserve the remnant areas of heathland and peat bog, and take opportunities to extend and these habitats. · Encourage sustainable woodland management of the varied woodlands using tradition techniques such as coppicing where appropriate to maintain the special historic character and ecological interest. · Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations. · Encourage management and restoration of the parklands that are characteristic of the area. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · 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.

Agricultural land classification

270

Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-9

Site name: SA2 Date: 13/5/11

Time: 1515

Weather: Sunny with cloud

On site assessment AR = Access Road

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land

þþFlat (on site) ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley þþRolling (around site) ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley þþUndulating (AR) ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge ¨Steep slopes ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þþGentle slopes ¨Dry valley

Hydrology ¨River (size...... ) þStreams þDrainage channels ¨Lake ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits þPond

Land cover

Land use/farming þFarmland ¨Residential ¨Commercial ¨Forestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

þHistoric parkland þLeisure/recreation ¨Mineral working (type feel in places) (equestrian/AR - bridleway)

Vegetation cover

þArable (on site and to ¨Amenity grassland þSmall farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken southern edge of AR) ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common þShelterbelts ¨Heathland þPasture ¨Parkland ¨Copses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues þScattered trees

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¨Rough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow ¨Decid. Woodland þHedgerow trees

¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows (to northern side of AR)

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual þ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice

Buildings

þFarm buildings (Alderbury Farm) ¨ Settlement ¨Follies ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

¨Footpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps þTelegraph poles (along northern þMinor road ¨Railway edge) (eastern boundary)

þTrack (on site þPylons (from east to west across ¨Major road and AR) southern part of the site)

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors):

- Site is predominantly flat with rolling hill landscape surrounding it on all sides. - Both the site and AR have a picturesque setting with varied and interesting landscape features. - Intact and dense hedgerows and hedgerow trees in good condition. - Site is predominantly tranquil with only intermittent traffic noise. AR is tranquil throughout until reaching Alderbury and the A36. - AR is a track/bridleway, with Ancient woodland/woodland surrounding it at numerous points along the route. The track forms part of an old railway line and also has a low railway bridge and reservoir along it as attractive features.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Hedgerows and hedgerow trees appear to have high biodiversity value and are connected throughout the site. This would also provide good screening potential. - South western part of the site takes on a more parkland feel with large, scattered trees within fields and more open views to the west. - Drainage channels running throughout the site contain willow and are a pleasant feature of the landscape. - The north western side of the AR has an old railway line with associated features including a bridge. Current site condition:

Site = High – Intact, high quality hedgerows and trees, diverse/distinct landscape and strong structure. AR = High – Ancient woodland/woodland and open landscape, railway line and railway bridge provide a sense of place.

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Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

LIGHT QUALITY bright Shaded (Parts dark of AR)

Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting þMilitary (helicopters)

þIntermittent traffic noise ¨Constant traffic noise (on site)

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive þBeautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

¨Housing þþBridleways (AR) þþElevation (elevated land surrounding the site)

¨PRoW ¨Cycleways þRoads þEmployment (North eastern section of AR at Whaddon and Alderbury Farm)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

Site – Alderbury Farm and views onto the site from surrounding elevated land.

Minor road running along the eastern boundary with some views onto the site to the north.

AR – Views from the A36 to the north east of the route and employment to the north east of the route at Alderbury. Ancient woodland alongside the AR to the northern edge of the route.

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Landscape and visual impact field map (SA2)

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Field Photographs (SA2)

Photo 1 – Looking north west to higher ground from the eastern boundary

Photo 2 – Looking south west into the centre of the site from the eastern boundary

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Photo 3 – Looking into the centre of the site from the northern/central section of the site

Photo 4 – Looking into the centre of the site from the central/western section of the site

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Photo 5 – Looking into the southern section of the site from the south western section of the site

Photo 6 – Looking south along the south western boundary of the site

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(Access Road) Photo 7 – Looking south west from the site access road

(Access Road) Photo 8 – Looking east from the site access road

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(Access Road) Photo 9 – Looking north east along the site access road to low railway bridge

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Appendix 5. Bristol Avon Area: Site BA4

BA4

Landscape Character Assessment review

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2005

Open Clay Vale (Avon Open Clay Vale)

· Level land form with wide open skies and views to ridges and downs. · Pastoral land use with some arable. · Large scale geometric fields with hedgerows or open drainage channels defining boundaries. · Presence of rivers, tributaries, drainage channels and open water bodies. · Watercourses lined with riparian vegetation with prominent lines of willows (some pollarded). · Floristically rich hay meadows. · Settlement pattern varies from large towns and small scattered villages to sparse farmsteads. · Buildings in varied materials of brick, render and stone. · Crossed by major transport corridors, and a network of minor roads linking settlements. · Historic use for transport evident in canals.

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Avon Open Clay Vale is an extended area following the course of the River Avon from Great Somerford in the north to Bradford on Avon in the south. As well as the Avon the area is characterised by the presence of other rivers, tributary streams, lakes, and, to the south, the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Avon Open Clay Vale is a level, open area with views to the higher ground of the Limestone Ridge to the east. Land is predominantly intensively managed permanent pasture with some arable and small isolated pockets of meadow (such as Sutton Lane Meadow SSSI). Hedgerows, gappy or low flailed in places, enclose fields of varying size. There are sparse hedgerow trees plus willows lines (some pollarded) marking the waterways and poplar shelter belts. Sections of the area remain rural and tranquil despite major routes travelling through (the M4, A350, A342) plus railway lines in cuttings and embankments and the visual influence of modern large scale development on the edges of Chippenham, Trowbridge and Melksham.

Inherent landscape sensitivities

Broad management objectives

· Retain and manage the hedgerow network and nurture new hedgerow trees. · Promote appropriate management of arable land including retaining areas of fallow land and maintaining an unploughed margin around fields to encourage wildlife, particularly farmland birds. · Retain and manage hay meadows. · Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian species such as alder and willow. · Take opportunities to extend and enhance the varied wetland habitats (reedbeds, wet grassland and wet woodland) of the Cotswold Water Park through appropriate restoration of mineral workings. · Minimise small scale incremental change such as signage, fencing or improvements to the road network which could change the rural peaceful character of the landscape. · 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. · Consider screening views to intrusive urban edges through planting new woodland.

Northern section of the site - North Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2004

Avon Valley Lowland

· Low-lying river landscape, between 70m and 30m AOD on river terrace and alluvial geology with heavy soils, interspersed with light sands. · Dominant presence of water in the form of ditches, streams and river with related riparian vegetation and structures.

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· Damp meadow and pasture along watercourses/valley floor. · Intact and predominantly well managed hedgerows frequently with hedgerow trees. · Areas of high quality arable agricultural land located through out the area, on areas of Kellways Sand. · Shelterbelts of poplar act as significant vertical elements in the horizontal landscape. · Rural and somewhat isolated feel to remoter parts of character area. · Scattered settlements and dwellings. · Strong rural sense of place, which begins to break down around Chippenham and communication corridor. · Green valley floor through Chippenham. · Broad expansive skyline, frequently unbroken by development. · Significance of electricity transmission lines.

Landscape Sensitivity

Away from the influence of Chippenham, much of the area has an essentially rural character with small, scattered settlements and individual dwellings. The landscape is predominantly gently undulating with vegetation preventing extensive views. Only small-scale, sensitively designed development, appropriately associated with existing built form, could be successfully accommodated without adverse landscape impacts. Around Chippenham, the original settlement in the valley bottom has expanded up the valley sides. These areas are exposed to wider views and are sensitive to further development. Care is required in further expansion of the town to minimise the effect on landscape and visual receptors. Development should be carried in conjunction with the development of a strong landscape structure to repair urban fringe landscapes. Where the traditional settlement form meets the landscape in river corridors or other green wedges, these areas should be kept free of new development to protect the relationship between built form and landscape. The valley floor overall is a sensitive landscape with some of the most attractive landscapes of the area focussed on the watercourses and riparian vegetation. Management Strategy Actions

Conserve and enhance the Character Area through carrying out the following actions:

Short Term · Conserve valley bottoms including wetland features, open ditches, meadows and riparian vegetation, especially willows. · Conserve hedgerows and mature trees, including allowing new trees to emerge in existing hedges, and discourage field amalgamation. · Consider where development related to Chippenham is most appropriate in terms of landscape and visual effects. · Enhance the sense of place through use of appropriate building materials in respect of new development, extensions or other built features – especially through the use of materials used in vernacular buildings. · Conserve the alignment and features of the Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal.

Long Term · Encourage the creation of public access along waterways, where consistent with nature conservation objectives.

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Southern section of the site – West Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment 2006

Clay River Floodplain

· Flat or gently undulating valley floor, incorporating the floodplain of the river. · Predominantly underlain by mudstone and clay geology. · Gently meandering river course. · Sparse, scattered settlement pattern. · Mixture of pasture and arable farmland. · Intimate, small-scale landscape.

Character Area – Avon Floodplain

· Meandering River Avon and its adjacent low-lying, flat floodplain. · Intimate river corridor, lined with riverside trees (including alder and willow). · Patchwork of rough grassland and arable fields within the floodplain, along both sides of the river channel. · General lack of settlement pattern. · Away from the settlements, a strong sense of tranquillity throughout the area. · River corridor is generally inaccessible via road, although a comprehensive network of footpaths leads to, and along the river corridor.

The gently meandering river corridor of the Avon is situated within a predominantly flat, lowland landscape, which is underlain by geology of predominantly mudstone with pockets of clay. Within this section of the river corridor, the relatively narrow river channel is lined along both banks by riverside trees (predominantly willows), which demarcate the path of the river, within views from adjacent farmland. Set back from the immediate banks of the river, a patchwork of rough grassland and arable fields cover the floodplain, with generally few hedgerows visible, but dry stone walls visible at field boundaries. In places, the route of theB3107 road corridor and several footpaths follow the route of the river. Generally, however, few minor roads cross the river corridor, other than at Staverton, and within Bradford-on-Avon. Settlement pattern is sparse, with occasional scattered farmsteads (several of which are built from traditional local limestone) situated along the river corridor. Staverton factory (CPUK cereals) is a very dominant built landmark along the river corridor, towards the centre of the character area. There is a general sense of openness across the floodplain, however views are often channelled along the river corridor as a result of tall vegetation along the banks. Sense of tranquillity is relatively strong throughout the character area, at distance from the main settlements.

Landscape Sensitivity

· Generally peaceful, rural nature of the area, coupled with a relatively strong sense of tranquillity at distance from major settlements. · Mature trees and intact vegetation lining the river corridor. · Overall, rural, generally undeveloped character of the river corridor.

Management Strategy Actions

The overall strategy for the area is to conserve the overall peaceful rural character of the area, including the pattern of mature vegetation along the river corridor and scattered/

283 isolated settlement pattern. There are also opportunities to enhance the landscape setting of Melksham and North Trowbridge. Specific management objectives are to:

· Conserve mature vegetation lining the banks of the River Avon. · Conservation and rebuilding of dry stone walls. · Seek to conserve and maintain the overall rural character of the area and generally strong sense of tranquillity away from major settlements. · Conserve and enhance the northern landscape settings of Melksham and Trowbridge · Conserve the relatively isolated settlement pattern along the river corridor. · Conserve the rural character of minor roads and country lanes, through avoidance of excessive visually intrusive signage or lampposts.

Open Clay Vale

· Underlying geology of Alluvium and River Terrace Gravels around the watercourses and tracts of Sand throughout the vales. · Landform generally flat, or very gently rolling throughout the area and ranges from 30 to 60m AOD. · Dominated by a mixture of arable farmland and pasture, with hedgerows or drainage channels demarcating field boundaries. · Settlement pattern is generally scattered, consisting of small, nucleated settlements and isolated farmsteads. · The underlying geology is reflected in local building materials (brick and tile) within traditional historic buildings.

Character Area – Semington Open Clay Vale

· Predominantly flat, sloping gradually upwards to the south of Bowerhill and at Hill Farm east of Hilperton. · Gently meandering course of Semington Brook, lined in places by mature vegetation. · Kennet and Avon Canal and disused railway corridor are distinctive corridor features. · A mixture of arable fields and pasture. · Urban fringe character apparent, adjacent to Trowbridge and Melksham/ Bowerhill. · Hampton Business Park and Police Headquarters are dominant visible features within views from surrounding landscape. · Several interconnecting main road corridors cross the area. · Settlement pattern comprising Semington village and a number of isolated farmsteads. · Strong sense of openness. · Sense of tranquillity disturbed by proximity to major road corridors.

Landscape within this area is predominantly flat (sloping gradually upwards to the south of Bowerhill and at Hill Farm (east of Hilperton). Underlying geology comprises a mixture of Oxford/ Kellaway Clays and tracts of sand within the vales. The gently meandering course of Semington Brook (a tributary of the River Avon) runs east west across the character area, lined in placed by mature vegetation and fields of pasture, marshes and rough grassland. Kennet and Avon Canal (with straighter and engineered form) and the associated towing path, provide a distinctive corridor within the landscape.

The dismantled railway corridor provides another distinctive linear corridor. A mixture of arable fields and pasture/ dairy farming (close to the corridor of Semington Brook) are apparent, however, field boundaries are fragmented and incoherent in several locations. Mature single deciduous trees are however, a characteristic of field boundaries, where present. In close proximity to the urban edges of Trowbridge (Hilperton) and

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Bowerhill, an urban fringe character is apparent, with views to visually harsh urban edges apparent.

The area is crossed by several interconnecting main road corridors (including A361 and A365), which introduce noise and visual intrusion to the character of the area. Overall, there is a strong sense of openness throughout the area, with characteristically extensive views across the vales from certain locations. Sense of tranquillity is, however, disturbed due to proximity to main settlements and major interconnecting road corridors.

Landscape Sensitivity

· Open and glimpsed views across open clay vales. · Wide, open skies, with distant views to higher downland. · Mature single trees at field boundaries and within fields.

Management Strategy Actions

The overall strategy for the area is to enhance the landscape setting of Trowbridge, Melksham and Bowerhill and restore fragmented hedgerows and deteriorating landscape pattern. Specific management objectives are to:

· Enhance visually intrusive harsh urban edges of Trowbridge, Melksham and Bowerhill. · Conserve open views across the clay vale to distant downland ridges. · Restore gappy hedgerows with species appropriate to local landscape character. · Seek ways to mitigate the visual impact of the A361 and A365 road corridors. · Introduce arable field margins as an important nature conservation feature. · Screen visually intrusive large developments (such as Hampton Business Park and the Police Headquarters). · Encourage any new development within villages to fit with the local vernacular character.

Agricultural land classification

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Landscape and visual impact assessment field survey

Site information Photograph numbers: 1-6

Site name: BA4 Date: 12/5/11

Time: 0950

Weather: Sunny/cloudy/rain

On site assessment

Landscape elements

Physical features P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

Land þþFlat ¨Cliff/precipice ¨Escarpment ¨Broad valley ¨Rolling ¨Rock outcrops ¨Ridge ¨Narrow valley ¨Undulating ¨Plain ¨Knoll ¨Deep gorge þþSteep slopes (to east) ¨Plateau ¨Basin ¨Gully

þþGentle slopes (to west) ¨Dry valley

Hydrology

¨River (size...... ) ¨Streams þDrainage channels þLake (2 in centre of site) ¨River Meanders ¨Canal ¨Flooded gravel pits ¨Pond

Land cover

Land use/farming

þFarmland ¨Residential þCommercial (fishing lake) þForestry ¨Parkland ¨Industrial ¨Transport ¨Natural

¨Historic parkland þLeisure/recreation ¨Mineral working (fishing lake)

Vegetation cover ¨Arable ¨Amenity grassland ¨Small farm woods ¨Scrub/bracken ¨Perm. Pasture ¨Common ¨Shelterbelts ¨Heathland ¨Pasture ¨Parkland þCopses ¨Wetland/aquatics

¨Ley/improved ¨Avenues ¨Scattered trees

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þRough grazing ¨Conif. Woodland ¨Orchards

¨Wet meadow þDecid. Woodland þHedgerow trees (Patchy to the east but fuller to the north of the site.) ¨Chalk grassland þMixed woodland þHedgerows

Heritage

¨Vernacular buildings ¨Prehistoric ritual ¨ Field systems ¨Monuments of war

¨Country house ¨Hill top enclosure/fort ¨ Church/graveyards þCoppice

Buildings

þFarm buildings (on ¨ Settlement ¨Follies the south east boundary) ¨Industry ¨Urban ¨Military

Features (man-made)

þFootpath ¨Communications masts ¨ Lane ¨Quarries ¨Street lamps ¨Telegraph poles ¨Minor road ¨Railway

þTrack ¨Pylons ¨Major road

Brief description (including main elements, features, attractors and detractors): Southern section of the site – open, rough grazing/grassland with open views onto the A350 to the east of the site providing a visual impact. Not tranquil in this location.

Central section of the site – feels more enclosed with full hedgerows and trees and woodland provides shelter from the noise of the A350. Two small lakes are also a feature.

Western section of the site – less traffic noise, intact hedgerows with hedgerow trees. Feels more open with views to the west.

Key characteristics/distinctive features and why they are important:

- Woodland on site provides screening and a sense of enclosure. - Fishing lakes within the site and bordering the site (to the west).

Current site condition: Good – to north, west and centre of the site with intact hedgerows, trees and woodland. Ordinary – to the south and east of the site with patchy hedgerows and trees and more open to the A350.

Visual assessment

Perception (ring description)

VIEWS distant framed intermittent panoramic Corridor SCALE intimate small medium large

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Detractors (on and surrounding the site) Öffensive Ünpleasant ¨Depressing ¨Bland ¨Smoke pollution Ïndustrial noise Ïntrusive lighting ¨Military

þIntermittent traffic noise þConstant traffic noise

Landscape Stimulus þPleasant ¨Interesting ¨Attractive ¨Beautiful

¨Invigorating ¨Stunning

Visual Receptors (likely impact from receptor) P Subtle PP Evident PPP Conspicuous

þHousing (to south of site) ¨Bridleways þElevation (to east and west) ¨ þPRoW (in poor condition) ¨Cycleways ¨ ¨

þþRoads (A350) þEmployment (farms)

Brief description of what is in the vicinity/impact on views FROM receptor:

- Housing/farm buildings to the south and south east front onto the southern section of the site. - PRoW crossing the site from east to west on the southern section of the site but is in poor condition/poorly maintained. - A350 to the east of the site – the site is highly visible from several places along this route. - Elevated land to the east and west of the site – impacts on views onto the site likely to be limited but would require retention of trees/woodland as natural screening.

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Landscape and visual impact field map (BA4)

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Field Photographs (BA4)

Photo 1 – Looking onto the eastern boundary of the site from the south eastern boundary

Photo 2 – Looking onto the north eastern boundary of the site from the south eastern boundary

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Photo 3 – Looking into the southern section of the site from the south eastern boundary

Photo 4 – Looking into the southern section of the site from the south western boundary (A350 and farms)

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Photo 5 – Looking into the southern part of the central section of the site from the eastern side of the site

Photo 6 – Looking into the northern part of the central section of the site from the eastern side of the site

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