WEST LODGE FARM, : PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL

Version: 03

Date: 30 August 2008

Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy

Shaken Oak Farm Hailey Nr Witney Oxon OX29 9UX

Tel/fax (01993) 868728

WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL

CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 THE SITE AND ITS CONTEXT 1

3 THE LANDSCAPE OF THE STUDY AREA 3

4 THE PROPOSED SITE 7

5 ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACTS 7

6 CONCLUSIONS 12

FIGURES (bound into back of report)

0838.1 Landscape Character 0838.2 Annotated Aerial Photograph 0838.3 Photo Locations/Highlighted topography 0838.4 Indicative Planting

PHOTOGRAPHS (bound into back of report)

0838.5 Views 1 & 2 0838.6 Views 3, 4 & 5 0838.7 Views 6 & 7 0838.8 Views 8 & 9 0838.9 Views 10, 11 & 12 0838.10 Views 13 & 14

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy (AHLC) have been commissioned by Agrivert Limited to carry out a landscape and visual appraisal of a proposed Anaerobic Digester (AD) Plant south of , between and Courteenhall.

1.2 This report is intended to accompany the planning application for the proposals.

2 THE SITE AND ITS CONTEXT

2.1 The site is located in Northamptonshire, within District (See Fig 0838.1).

2.2 The site lies south of Northampton, approx 1.6km south of Junction 15 of the M1, and 100m west of the A508, which runs between Northampton and .

2.3 The site lies at about 115m AOD on the northern edge of a broadly east-west ridge above the valley of a tributary of the River Nene, to the north, and a tributary of the River Tove, to the south.

2.4 The topography is complex and rolling, with low points in the main valley to the north at between 65-75m, and rising again to around 100m before dropping to the Nene valley further north. There are higher points between the valley and the site of 92m, 94m, and 102m. High points south of the site rise to between 120-130m (See highlighted topography on Fig 0838.3).

2.5 The village of Blisworth lies approx 1.6km (measured to nearest point) west of the site, on the same ridge. Courteenhall Road, which runs east of the village to connect with the A508, runs past the southern boundary of the site.

2.6 The village of lies on lower ground approx 2.6km north west of the site, with approx 2.2km to the north, just north of the M1. Grange Park, a new area of mixed development, lies approx 1.6km north east of the site, again north of the M1.

2.7 The western boundary of the Grade II listed Park and Garden of Courteenhall abuts the A508 to the east of the site, approx 100m away at its closest. Courteenhall House lies within the park approx 0.9km from the site, with the small village of Courteenhall lying just outside the park to the east.

2.8 The village of lies on the A508, approx 1km south of the site.

2.9 A major railway route runs in a cutting approx 300m west of the site. The railway divides just to the north of the Courteenhall Road bridge, with the main line turning north west, and the line to Northampton continuing north. A tall telecommunications mast lies just east of the railway line, and is a prominent feature in the local landscape.

2.10 The site is at present part of an arable field. Immediately to the west are

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large barns associated with West Lodge Farm. The tallest of these, which abuts the site, is approx 12m high. The farmhouse lies at a slightly lower level, away from the new buildings, some 180m north west of the site. Older farm buildings lie to the east of the farmhouse. A narrow belt of mature trees lies between the new farm buildings and Courteenhall Road.

2.11 Bridge Cottage lies just east of the railway, to the south of Courteenhall Road, approx 230m west of the site.

2.12 Rolling open countryside lies to the north, between the site and the M1, containing a mix of agricultural land and small woods. A small outlying farmhouse, Rectory Farm, lies on the lower ground approx 1.2km north of the site.

2.13 A number of public footpaths run through this open countryside. One runs south from Collingtree, crossing the M1; it then divides, with one turning south west, running to Blisworth, and the other running south and south east towards Courteenhall. Another right of way runs south from Milton Malsor, west of the Northampton railway line, starting as a Road Used as Public Path (RUPP) along Barns Lane, and becoming a footpath further south.

2.14 A terrace of four farm cottages, West Lodge Cottages, lies north east of the site, fronting onto the A508. The closest of these is approx 205m from the nearest point on the site boundary.

2.15 The eastern boundary of the site is unmarked at present. The field boundary to the east, abutting the A508, is marked by a hedge with occasional trees, with gaps having been replanted fairly recently. The boundary of Courteenhall Park to the east is heavily planted with trees.

2.16 South of the Courteenhall Road junction, the western hedge along the A508 is taller, with more trees. The Lodge, at the entrance to Courteenhall Park from the A508, lies approx 130m south east of the nearest point of the site.

2.17 Woodleys Farm, used for a Day Nursery, lies slightly further south, to the west of the A508, approx 280m south east of the nearest point of the site. A public footpath runs north west across fields to the south west of Woodleys Farm, meeting the Courteenhall Road towards the western end of the southern site boundary.

2.18 The southern boundary of the site with Courteenhall Road is marked by a hedge with scattered poplars. The southern side of Courteenhall Road is contained by a generally strong hedge with hedgerow trees.

2.19 A small copse lies south of Courteenhall Road, opposite the existing farm buildings. South of the site is open countryside, with hedgelined fields between the site and the village of Roade. The line of the railway, in deep cutting running south east towards Roade, is defined by a strong belt of trees.

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3 THE LANDSCAPE OF THE STUDY AREA

3.1 Landscape designations and overall planning context

3.1.1 The site lies in Northamptonshire, within South Northamptonshire District.

3.1.2 The site does not lie within any specially designated landscape area; this approach to landscape is in any case being superseded by a character-based approach, which is considered in detail below.

3.1.3 Both the County Structure Plan (now largely superseded by wider regional planning documents) and the Local Plan (again being superseded by the Local Development Framework) contain general policies seeking to minimise development within open countryside, and to minimise its impact if development should be permitted.

3.1.4 Courteenhall Park, to the east of the A508, is a Grade II listed Park and Garden, containing features designed by Repton.

3.2 Landscape Character

Countryside Agency Assessment

3.2.1 In the Countryside Agency’s Countryside Character Assessment programme, the site lies within the ‘Northamptonshire Vales’ character area, no. 891.

3.2.2 Key landscape characteristics of the area, which is described in tandem with the Leicestershire Vales, include:

• Gentle clay ridges and valleys with little woodland and strong patterns of Tudor and parliamentary enclosure.

• Distinctive river valleys of Soar, Welland and Nene with flat floodplains and gravel terraces.

• Large towns of Leicester and Northampton dominate much of the landscape.

• Frequent small towns and large villages, often characterised by red brick buildings.

• Prominent parks and country houses.

• Frequent imposing, spired churches.

• Attractive stone buildings in older village centres and eastern towns and villages.

• Great diversity of landscape and settlement pattern with many sub units, eg Nene Valley and Welland Valley.

1 Countryside Character Volume 4: , Countryside Agency (1999)

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Northamptonshire Environmental Character Assessment

3.2.3 Northamptonshire has carried out a detailed county-wide environmental character assessment, which encompasses historic landscape, current landscape character (CLCA), and biodiversity.

3.2.4 In the overall environmental character assessment (ECA), the site lies within the Uplands. In the CLCA the site lies within the general Undulating Claylands character type (LCT No 6), and, at a sub level, within the character area (LCA) 6a: The Tove Catchment.

3.2.5 The key characteristics of LCT 6 include:

• broad, elevated undulating landscape that is more elevated to the west shelving eastwards;

• and drained by numerous broad, gentle convex sloped valleys;

• wide panoramic views across elevated areas, though the undulating landform creates more contained and intimate areas;

• a productive rural landscape with an equal balance of arable and pastoral farming….;

• large woodlands are not a characteristic feature, although woodland in surrounding landscape types, small deciduous copses and hedgerow trees can together create the sense of a well-wooded character;

• concentrations of small woodlands apparent around designed parklands;

• hedgerows are often low and well clipped emphasising the undulating character of the landscape with scattered hedgerow oak and ash trees;

• settlement beyond the villages includes scattered Enclosure age farmsteads and isolated dwellings, located at the end of short access tracks and adjacent to the roadside;

• historic parklands provide important landscape features.

3.2.6 The detailed text includes the observations that:

Whilst large wooded areas are not characteristic of the Undulating Claylands, the landscape can sometimes appear well-wooded…. Concentrations of small woodland belts can be observed in designed parklands such as… Courteen Hall…. Whilst the majority of woodlands are contained within the parkland boundary, the surrounding countryside is often more heavily wooded, reflecting the strong influence county estates had on wide tracts of the landscape. Few woodlands are ancient in origin. Where present, many appear to comprise mixed or coniferous tree species, indicating that significant

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replanting has taken place.

Woodlands are often visible on the southern horizons forming a dark backdrop to agricultural landscapes that ‘fill’ the foreground…..

Hedged field boundaries often contain ash and oak as mature and semi-mature hedgerow trees. Where present, they are important in filtering long distance views….

3.2.7 The more detailed description of LCA 6a includes the additional observations that: [The] dendritic pattern of streams [has] eroded broad, gentle, convex sloped valleys, resulting in the distinctive undulating landform.

Woodland associated with estate parklands are particularly significant in the character area.

The landscape beyond the villages is generally well settled with numerous farms and dwellings, although some areas are devoid of any development and often have an unoccupied character. Communication routes are extensive in the area, including the A43, A5 and A508. Glimpsed views are also possible towards the M1 on the northeastern edge of the character area.

3.2.8 The Landscape Strategy section includes the following of relevance to the site surroundings:

Conserve wide panoramic views across the landscape from elevated areas.

Conserve and Enhance hedgerows by sensitive management that encourages diversity….

Conserve and Enhance the smaller scale woodlands and copses and hedgerow trees that contribute to the changing pattern and mosaic of a perceived local enclosure within a wider open character.

Conserve and Enhance the characteristic pattern of small woodlands and particular those associated with historic and designed parklands.

3.2.9 NCC landscape character type 13, Undulating Hills and Valleys (LCA 13b: Bugbrooke and Daventry) lies on the lower ground to the north west. The description of this LCA includes the following of relevance to the site:

Whilst this undulating landscape has a pronounced series of hills and valleys to the west, to the south and east it becomes more subtle due to its proximity to the River Nene and its floodplain. Views along the undulations are generally long and open, although landform and vegetation frequently limit more extensive, panoramic views….

Land cover in the area is a combination of both arable and pastoral farmland in fields of varying size…..

Woodland is limited to small, predominantly broadleaved woodland

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copses sparsely scattered throughout the area and becoming less frequent south of the River Nene. A number of well treed field boundaries also contribute to the overall woodland cover and often emphasise the undulating landform……

AHLC Assessment

3.2.10 The county-wide assessment is very detailed and thorough, but there are inevitably additional features of particular relevance to the surroundings of the site.

3.2.11 The site lies at the northern edge of the Claylands, with occasional extensive views over the lower rolling landscape to the north (Undulating Hills and Valleys); however, these views are very limited from the Courteenhall Road which is strongly enclosed by hedges, and views are also filtered or blocked by a number of small woodlands on lower ground north of the site. Looking back from the north, the horizon is generally distinctively tree lined, above open, smooth, rolling fields (See View 5 on Fig 0838.6). However, this tree lined horizon is thin near the site, where the sparse poplars along Courteenhall Road stand out on the skyline ( See View 8 on Fig 0838.8 and Views 10 and 12 on Fig 0838.9).

3.2.12 The impression is of a well-treed landscape (See aerial photograph, Fig 0838.2) presumably influenced by the presence of the nearby Courteenhall Park, though the shape of the woods outside the park is regular, and there are no parkland clumps or single trees outside the designated park in the vicinity of the site.

3.2.13 The modern farm buildings west of the site are occasionally prominent on the skyline in views from the north, but views are often blocked by woods and topography. The tall telecommunications mast beside the railway line is a landmark feature in many views.

3.2.14 In open views north from the higher ground, development on the southern edge of the Northampton conurbation is prominent on the south facing slopes. The M1, including the high level Junction 15, is sometimes visually prominent, and audible everywhere in the countryside to the north of the site.

3.2.15 The key characteristics of the site and its surroundings can be summarised as:

• Site addresses lower rolling landscape to the north rather than the remainder of the ridge to the south;

• Distinctive tree lined horizon above smooth open fields in views from north, rather sparse in the vicinity of the site;

• Small woods and undulating topography filter and block views from lower land to the south;

• Modern farm buildings west of the site occasionally prominent on skyline;

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• Farmed landscape distinctively different in character to nearby parkland in Courteenhall Park;

• M1 including Junction 15 a major feature detracting from tranquillity.

4 THE PROPOSED SITE

4.1 A full description of the site and its intended operation are provided within the supporting statement. The most important points to note, from a landscape and visual viewpoint, are:

• The proposal includes a reception building similar in shape and size to an agricultural barn, with a height of 11.77m to ridge level. • Five covered, circular digester and storage structures are proposed, to either side of the building. These are 12.07m at their highest point, at the tip of the conical roof, and 5m to ‘eaves’ level, but will be sunk 1m below adjacent ground level, giving a max height of 11.07m. This is about 1m lower than the tallest of the existing barns adjoining the site. • An open energy crop silage store, not more than 5m high would be located to the east of the structures. • Vehicular access from Courteenhall Road is towards the eastern end of the site, where the poplar trees are more widely spaced. This would necessitate the loss of a short stretch of the roadside hedge and a couple of the trees. • The use of a dark, matt colour (very dark green or black) for the structures would help to reduce impact; the implementation of this recommendation has been assumed in the assessment of impacts. • Indicative planting proposals, intended to mitigate any landscape/visual impacts, are shown on Fig. 0838.4 and include: o A 10m wide belt of native tree and shrub planting along the northern boundary of the site; this will, over time, help to screen the existing farm buildings in views from the north east as well as the current proposals. o A new hedgerow with trees along the southern boundary of the site, to supplement the existing roadside hedge. o Additional tree planting on the southern side of Courteenhall Road, to filter views from the south.

5 ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACTS

5.1 General

5.1.1 This section looks at predicted landscape and visual impacts of the development both during construction and on completion. The methodology used for the assessment of magnitude of impact follows the guidelines contained in the second edition of the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, issued by The Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental Assessment in 2002. The word ‘impact’ is used, rather than

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‘effect’ as suggested in the Guidelines.

5.1.2 Photo location points are shown on Figs 0838.2 and 3. Photographs are bound into the back of the report, on Figs 0838.5-10.

5.1.3 The likely landscape impact of the proposed works is described first, followed by an assessment of visual impact based mainly on key publicly accessible views in the area.

5.2 Landscape Impacts

5.2.1 The character of the landscape surrounding the site has been described above. The site does not lie within any designated landscape.

5.2.2 Large scale farm buildings lie to the west of the proposed site. The proposed AD Plant would be similar in character to a complex of agricultural buildings, and would read as an extension of the existing complex.

5.2.3 The proposed planting along the northern boundary of the site would read as a woodland belt similar to those found in Courteenhall Park and elsewhere in the local area, as well as having a screening function. It would contribute to the County’s Landscape Strategy by enhancing the pattern of small woods associated with a historic parkland. It would also contribute to and enhance the distinctive wooded horizon in views from the north (not noted in the county strategy, but identified in this study). The planting could in theory block wide views north over the landscape, in contravention of the Landscape Strategy; however in practice, as already noted, Courteenhall Road is rather enclosed with few views out.

5.2.4 Delivery lorries would access the site via Courteenhall Road, and then from the nearby A508. The A508 is used at present by heavy goods vehicles, and the additional traffic would have negligible impact on the landscape setting of the road. There would be a slight impact on the character of a short stretch of Courteenhall Road between the A508 and the site entrance.

5.2.5 A short stretch of roadside hedge and three Poplars would be lost at the proposed site entrance. These are of relatively little landscape value, with the hedge being largely Hawthorn. The hedge on the southern side of Courteenhall Road is much richer, with a wider range of species. The proposed planting, which would contain a range of locally appropriate species, would more than compensate for this loss.

5.2.6 The listed Courteenhall Park is well defined, on the opposite side of the A508, and the site has no obvious landscape relationship with it. There would be no landscape impact on the setting of the Park from the proposals.

5.2.7 Overall, with the proposed planting maturing, the landscape impact of the proposals would be not more than slight at a local and District level and negligible (ie, too small to be measured) at a County level.

5.3 Visual Impacts

5.3.1 The following should be borne in mind when reading the description of impacts:

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• Views are described generally working clockwise from the west. • All distances given are to the nearest point of the site to the receptor. • Impacts for both the short term, before the proposed planting is effective, and for the medium/long term, once the planting is maturing, are assessed. • Impacts should be assumed as adverse, unless specifically noted as beneficial. Impacts assessed as negligible are too small to be measured. • Site visits assessing the landscape and visual impacts were made in early August 2008 at a time when screening from vegetation is at its most effective. This has been taken into account where necessary.

5.3.2 Approaching the site along Courteenhall Road from the west, views of the site are hidden by topography, vegetation and the existing farm buildings until very close to the site, east of the existing farm entrance (View 1, Fig 0838.5). There would be no impact on eastward views from the majority of Courteenhall Road.

5.3.3 Views towards the site from Bridge Cottage, lying just east of the railway, and to the south of Courteenhall Road, approx 230m west of the site, are completely blocked by vegetation. There would be no visual impact from the proposals on views from this property.

5.3.4 Driving past the site, there are at present occasional oblique open views into the site and over the landscape beyond (View 2, Fig 0838.5), though views are generally blocked or filtered by the roadside hedge. Blocks of planting are proposed in the south eastern part of the site, as well as an additional hedge with occasional trees to fill gaps in the existing roadside trees (See Fig 0838.4); these areas would in time read as a continuation of the planting around the existing farm buildings. The short term visual impact of the proposals is assessed as moderate adverse, reducing to slight once the proposed hedgerow trees have matured.

5.3.5 Moving round to the north west, there are few publicly accessible viewpoints, apart from the two public rights of way which run south from Milton Malsor and south west from Collingtree.

5.3.6 Barn Lane runs south from Milton Malsor on low ground between the two arms of the railway line, and continues as a footpath, crossing the southern arm of the railway, climbing the ridge, and the crossing Courteenhall Road. Views towards the site from Barn Lane and its continuation are generally blocked by topography and vegetation, but there are a few places between approx 1.5-1.7km north west of the site where the existing farm buildings and/or some of the poplars on the southern boundary can be seen (Views 3 and 4 on Fig 0838.6). These are distant views, and the whole of the site is not visible. The distinctive wooded skyline, and also the tall telecommunications mast, are the main focuses of view. Before the proposed planting has grown, the visual impact from this path is assessed as not more than slight adverse. With the planting maturing and screening the proposed structures, the impact is assessed as neutral.

5.3.7 There are no views of the site from Blisworth or Milton Malsor, or the

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Northampton Road which connects the two villages, and therefore no visual impact on views from this road.

5.3.8 The public footpath from Collingtree runs south west across open fields to Blisworth, crossing both arms of the railway. Closer to Collingtree, views towards the site are blocked by topography and vegetation. Between the two arms of the railway, near the junction of the two public footpaths, there are a few places where part of the existing farm buildings can be seen (eg View 5 on Fig 0838.6), and the upper parts of the proposed structures may be visible. These are distant views, approx 1.6km from the site. Again, the distinctive wooded skyline and the tall telecommunications mast are the main focuses of view. Before the proposed planting has grown, the visual impact from this path is assessed as not more than slight adverse. With the planting maturing and screening the proposed structures, the impact is assessed as neutral.

5.3.9 A minor road runs west-east connecting Milton Malsor and Collingtree, crossing over the M1. Views towards the site from this road, and from the village of Collingtree, are blocked by topography and vegetation. There would therefore be no visual impact from the proposed development on views from this road.

5.3.10 The A508 crosses over the M1 at Junction 15, approx 1.6km north of the site (View 6 on Fig 0838.7 looks towards the junction from the site). This is a busy junction with a lot of traffic movement, so there is little opportunity to note the view towards the ridge and the site. While the existing farm buildings are occasionally visible, filtered by vegetation, they are not prominent in the context of this busy junction (View 7, Fig 0838.7). The additional impact of the proposed structures on this view in the short term is assessed as negligible (ie, too small to be measured). With the planting maturing and screening the proposed structures, the impact is assessed as neutral.

5.3.11 There are distant views from the site to the Wootton and Blacky More areas of Northampton (View 6, Fig 0838.7). These are more than 3km from the site, too far away for the proposals to cause any impact on views from these areas.

5.3.12 A public footpath runs south and south east across open fields from Collingtree to meet the A508 north of the site. Topography and vegetation, particularly the small wood (The Moors) north of the site, block most views to the site. There is one point where the eastern part of the site is visible (View 8, Fig 0838.8), and some of the proposed structures would be visible on the skyline. The existing farm buildings are not visible. Before the proposed planting has grown, the visual impact on this view is assessed as not more than slight adverse. With the planting maturing and screening the proposed structures, the impact is assessed as neutral.

5.3.13 Views from the A508 north of the site are generally blocked by topography and vegetation. However, as the road runs past the field containing the site there is a stretch approx 120m from the site where the existing hedge is lower than elsewhere, and the young planting is smothered in weed growth (View 9, Fig 0838.8). Vehicles, in particular HGVs, are visible (View 10, Fig 0838.9) and would have rather oblique views of the proposed structures and silage crop store; the existing farm buildings would also be visible in this view. It is proposed to maintain and improve the young hedge to block this view, in

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addition to the proposed planting along the northern boundary of the site. In the short term, the additional impact of the proposals over the view of the existing buildings is assessed as slight to moderate adverse. With the proposed planting maturing, and screening some of the existing as well as the proposed buildings, the impact is assessed as neutral to slight beneficial.

5.3.14 West Lodge Cottages lie north east of the site, fronting onto the A508. Three of the terrace of four cottages have no views to the site, but the southernmost, approx 205m from the site, has an upper window in the gable end looking towards the site (View 11, Fig 0838.9). Both the existing farm buildings and the telecommunications mast would be visible at present from the cottage (View 12, Fig 0838.9). In the short term before the proposed planting has grown, the visual impact of the proposals on this view is assessed as moderate to substantial adverse. With the planting maturing and obscuring some of the existing as well as the proposed structures, the impact is assessed as slight beneficial.

5.3.15 Courteenhall Park lies to the east of the A508. The Park is surrounded by a thick boundary belt of trees, and the proposals would have no impact on views within the Park. The Lodge, at the entrance to Courteenhall Park from the A508, lies approx 130m south east of the site. Views towards the site are blocked by trees; there would be no visual impact on this property from the proposals.

5.3.16 Views towards the site from the A508 to the south are blocked by topography and vegetation. There would therefore be no visual impact from the proposals on views from this part of the road.

5.3.17 Woodleys Farm, used for a Day Nursery, lies to the west of the A508, approx 280m south east of the site. The house has oblique rather than direct views towards the site (View 13, Fig 0838.10), and would have views of the existing farm buildings (View 14, Fig 0838.10). Hedgerow and tree planting is proposed both on site and to the south of the Courteenhall Road which will in time filter views of both the existing and proposed structures. The additional impact of the proposed development is assessed as moderate adverse in the short term before the planting has grown, and neutral to slight adverse once the planting has matured.

5.3.18 There are similar, though more direct, views from part of the public footpath which runs across fields to the south west of Woodleys Farm towards the Courteenhall Road. South of the parish boundary, marked by a thick line of trees, views to the site are blocked, but to the north of this the site is visible for a stretch of about 200m (View 14, Fig 0838.10). The existing farm buildings are visible in the left of the view, and the hedge and trees along Courteenhall Road are on the skyline. There are no views over the wider countryside to the north. The additional impact of the proposed development is assessed as moderate to substantial adverse in the short term before the planting has grown, and not more than slight adverse once the planting has matured.

5.3.19 Overall, the development of the site would have minimal impact on the panoramic views over the wider landscape noted as desirable to conserve in the county-wide landscape strategy, as these are available only from a very limited number of oblique viewpoints at the eastern end of Courteenhall Road.

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No panoramic views from public rights of way from the higher ground over the wider countryside would be affected by the proposals.

5.3.20 Any short term visual impacts are generally assessed as not more than slight to moderate, apart from views from 1 West Lodge Cottages and Woodleys Farm, where the impact is assessed as either moderate to substantial or moderate adverse. However, once the proposed planting has grown, the impact for 1 West Lodge Cottages is assessed as slight beneficial over the existing view, where the existing farm buildings stand out on the skyline; while the impact for Woodleys Farm would reduce to neutral to slight adverse, with proposed trees filtering views of both the existing and proposed structures. Few publicly accessible viewpoints would be affected by the proposals.

6 CONCLUSIONS

6.1 Looking at landscape impacts, with the proposed planting maturing, this assessment finds that the impact of the proposals would be not more than slight at a local and District level and negligible (ie, too small to be measured) at a County level. The proposed planting would be in keeping with the county-wide landscape strategy’s aim of enhancing the characteristic pattern of small woodlands, in particular those associated with historic and designed parklands.

6.2 Any short term visual impacts are generally assessed as not more than slight to moderate, apart from views from 1 West Lodge Cottages and Woodleys Farm, where the impact is assessed as either moderate to substantial or moderate adverse. However, once the proposed planting has grown, the impact for 1 West Lodge Cottages is assessed as slight beneficial over the existing view, where the existing farm buildings stand out on the skyline, while the impact for Woodleys Farm would reduce to not more than slight adverse. Few publicly accessible viewpoints would be affected by the proposals.

6.3 Overall, the development of the site would have minimal impact on the panoramic views over the wider landscape noted as desirable to conserve in the county-wide landscape strategy, as these are available only from a very limited number of oblique viewpoints at the eastern end of Courteenhall Road. No panoramic views from public rights of way from the higher ground over the wider countryside would be affected by the proposals.

C:\AHLC\0838 West Lodge Farm\0838 lscape vis rep v3.doc\30 August 2008 Page 12 of 12

Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment  History  Design  Interpretation  Management

Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] Existing barn to west of site Part of site visible through trees

VIEW :1From Courteenhall Road just west of the site, looking east. Views to the site from the road are largely blocked by vegetation and the existing farm buildings.

Distant views to southern edge of Northampton Part of boundary planting in Courteenhall Park The site

VIEW :2From Courteenhall Road at the south western corner of the site, looking north east. One of the few views across the site, visible when standing/walking. Views when sitting in an average car are more restricted. Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS1&2

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.5 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] Existing barn on skyline; the site is to the left of this in the Site lies on skyline, development would be view, and would be partially screened by existing trees partially screened by existing trees Telecommunications mast west of site

VIEW :3From Barn Lane near nursery, looking south east towards site. VIEW :4From footpath continuation of Barn Lane, looking south east towards site. The existing farm buildings are just visible on the skyline. The existing farm buildings are screened by trees in this view.

Existing barn on skyline; the site is to the left of this in the view, and would be largely screened by existing trees Telecommunications mast west of site

VIEW :5From footpath east of Barn Lane, looking south east towards site. The existing farm buildings are just visible; the tops of the proposed structures may just be visible, but the majority of the site is screened by existing trees. This view shows the distinctive wooded ridgeline, typical in views south from the lower ground. Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS 3,4&5

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.6 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] Top of roof of West Lodge Farm just visible Small woodland just north of site helps to screen site in views from north Existing barn to west of site M1/A508 junction (M1 junction 15)

VIEW :6From within site (ie, not a public view), looking north. Shows distant views north across lower undulating ground towards southern edge of Northampton.

Planting around Courteenhall Park to east of A508 Site lies on skyline, partly screened by trees

VIEW :7From A508 at M1 junction 15, looking south west towards site. Site is just visible in this view, but not dominant in context of busy junction Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS6&7

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.7 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] Poplars on Courteenhall Road on skyline, Planting on western boundary of part of field containing site visible below Courteenhall Park, adjacent to A508 Small woodland north of site Telecommunications mast

VIEW :8From footpath running south from Collingtree, looking south towards site. One of the few views towards the site; views are generally blocked by the small woodland north of the site. Shows sparse nature of wooded ridgeline in vicinity of site.

Planting on western edge of Courteenhall Park

Stretch of low hedge, to be maintained/replanted as necessary, and hedgerow trees added

VIEW :9From within site (ie, not public view), looking east towards A508. Shows field boundary with A508 generally screened by hedge/trees, but with one short lower section. Note that site does not extend as far as boundary with A508. Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS8&9

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.8 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] HGV visible on A508 as it passes the low Poplars on Courteenhall Road boundary of site Existing barns west of site section of hedge identified in View 9 Telecommunications mast

VIEW :10From beside former track to West Lodge Farm north of site (not a public view), looking south towards site. Shows sparse nature of wooded skyline adjacent to site. the proposed planting will fill this gap over time.

A508 boundary hedge Poplars on Courteenhall Road boundary of site Existing barns west of site

Telecommunications mast

VIEW :11 From eastern boundary of field containing site, alongside VIEW :12From northeastern corner of field near West Lodge Cottages, looking south west towards site. A508, looking north towards No 1, West Lodge Cottages. Not a public The view from No 1 West Lodge Cottages would be similar to this. The proposed planting would block views of the site view. and some of the existing barns over time. Shows upper window looking towards site. Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS 10, 11 & 12

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.9 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected] Woodleys Farm

VIEW :13From Courteenhall Road next to the site, looking south east towards Woodleys Farm. One the few views south from the road.

Existing barns west of site Poplars on Courteenhall Road boundary of site Thick roadside hedge and trees along A508

VIEW :14From running past Woodleys Farm, looking north west towards site. The existing farm buildings are visible at present, filtered by trees. The view from Woodleys Farm would be similar to this, though an oblique rather than a direct view. Proposed additional hedgerow trees would filter views of both the existing and proposed buildings over time. Note that panoramic shots tend to exaggerate the curve of the landscape

LEGEND CLIENT SCALE DATE DRAWING TITLE AGRIVERT LTD N/A AUGUST 2008 VIEWS 13 & 14

CONSULTANT PROJECT FIGURE Amanda Hopwood Landscape Consultancy Assessment History Design Interpretation Management WEST LODGE FARM, NORTHANTS: 0838.10 PROPOSED BIOGAS FACILITY Shaken Oak Farm, Hailey, Nr Witney, Oxon OX29 9UX Tel/fax: 01993 868728 email: [email protected]