Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston 11158_R01b_Landscape Technical Note

1.0 Introduction and Background

1.1. This updated technical note has been prepared by Tyler Grange LLP on behalf of Richborough Estates in response to desktop analysis and preliminary fieldwork undertaken in August 2017 to inform representations to the North East Derbyshire Council (NEDC) Local Plan Publication Draft in respect of allocation of the site for residential development. The work has been updated in March 2018 and further representations on the Publication Draft are to be made in April 2018.

1.2. This note provides advice relating to landscape character and visual amenity matters at a high level to appraise the feasibility for future residential development of the Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfield (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’).

1.3. This overview report does not constitute a full Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) / full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). It is intended that this work will inform potential development going forward and provide a review of the suitability of the land for release from the Green Belt.

1.4. The report should be read alongside the Landscape Context Plan (11185/P02a), Landscape Viewpoint Photography (11185/P03) and Landscape Opportunities and Constraints Plan (11185/P01b) that are included at the rear of this report.

2.0 Site Context (See Landscape Context Plan (11185/P02a))

2.1. The site is located to the north-east of Coal Aston, a community to the north-east of Dronfield, North East Derbyshire.

2.2. The site is centred on OS grid reference SK 36792 79683 and extends to approximately 9.5 hectares (23.5 acres). The site is made up of a series of five field parcels bound by hedgerow and a further parcel comprising the on-site farmhouse with associated buildings. The site is bounded by typical hedgerows and scattered trees, with a stream and woodland running along the northern site boundary.

2.3. The site is bound to the south by Eckington Road (B6056) is overlooked by the existing houses that run parallel to it. To the east, the site is bound by field boundary hedgerow, with more established tree belts and Whinacre Wood beyond. To the west, the playing fields off Birches Lane sit adjacent to the site, the boundary is marked by a combination of dense vegetation and mature hedgerow as well as private garden vegetation towards the south-west.

2.4. There are no Public Rights of Way (PRoW) traversing the site or running directly parallel to its boundaries. There are a number of PRoW within close proximity and within the wider context, with some offering potential views towards the site. Close proximity PRoW include Dronfield FP38 to the west, Dronfield FP37 the north and north east, and Dronfield BW40 to the east. Landform within the site is gently sloping with a highpoint of 184m Above Ordnance Datum

Tyler Grange LLP, 3 Jordan Street, Deansgate, Manchester, M15 4PY Tel: 0161 236 8367 www.tylergrange.co.uk Registered in England No. OC356615 Vat Reg. No. 994 2320 07 Registered Office: Marsden Estate, Rendcomb, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. GL7 7EX

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(AOD) in the south, generally falling to the north the low point is 159m AOD in the north-eastern corner.

3.0 Landscape Context (See Landscape Context Plan (11185/P02a))

3.1. A site walkover survey was conducted on the 30th August 2017 and updated in March 2018, to assess the landscape character and visual amenity of the site. A desktop study of available data sources was also undertaken to review national and local landscape designations and policies. As stated above, this work does not constitute a full Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) / full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), but it does establish initial recommendations and conclusions associated with landscape matters.

3.2. The site has some direct visibility towards the current settlement edge to the south and west (Coal Aston), as well as the scattered farmsteads to the east. The site consists of open fields, a farmstead with a gently sloping topography and mature hedgerows to the sites boundaries and its internal field boundaries. Overhead power lines run north-south along the western field parcel towards Whinacre Wood which forms a strong visual boundary to the north.

3.3. This is not a remote and rural context and the character is clearly influenced by the settled backdrop.

Planning Policy Context

3.4. The site falls within the administrative district of North East Derbyshire Council and is subject to a Green Belt designation. A further review of Green Belt context is set out later within this report.

North East Derbyshire Council Local Plan (2001 – 2011) 3.5. This is the current adopted policy document, however, a new policy document, the Local Plan (2011 – 2033) is currently at the draft consultation stage.

3.6. Local Policies within the Core Strategy relating to landscape that will need to be considered as part of any site promotion / emerging development proposals include:

• GS1 Sustainable Development; • GS2 Development in the Green Belt; • NE1 Landscape Character; • NE2 Special Landscape Areas; • NE7 Protection of Trees and Hedgerows; • NE8 Tree Planting • BE1 General Design Principles • BE11 Development within and Adjoining Conservation Areas

North East Derbyshire Local Plan (2014 – 2034) Publication Draft (February 2018) 3.7. This document contains emerging policy information, landscape and visual policies are listed below:

• SS1 Sustainable Development; • SS10 North East Derbyshire Green Belt; • SDC2 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows; • SDC3 Landscape Character;

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• SDC5 Development within Conservation Areas; • SDC12 High quality Design and Place-Making; • ID6 Green Infrastructure; and • ID7 Greenways and Public Rights of Way.

3.8. Policy GS1 and Emerging Policy SS1 outlines the principles of sustainable development which all new development should follow, with regard to location in relation to existing settlements and public transport routes, or ensure provision of improved public transport, and protecting and conserving the quality of natural and cultural assets.

3.9. Policy GS2 and Emerging Policy SS10 sets out the restrictions with regard to development in the Green Belt, however this policy is now superseded by the national policy as stated in the NPPF.

3.10. Policy NE1 and SDC3 states that the distinctive landscape character of the District should be conserved or enhanced, and that development proposals that result in a loss of distinctive features contributing towards character will not be permitted.

3.11. Policy NE2 states that development will be permitted within and adjoining Special Landscape Areas. Where it does not materially detract from the surrounding landscape and the scale, design and materiality of proposed development are in keeping with the special character of the area.

3.12. Policy NE7 and Emerging Policy SDC2 states that planning permission will not be granted for proposals that would have a direct or indirect detrimental effect on established or ancient woodland, important hedgerow or trees that make a significant contribution to the character or amenity of an area.

3.13. Policy NE8 states that proposals will be expected to retain trees that contribute to the quality and amenity of local environment, or provide replacement utilising native species.

3.14. Policy BE1 states that development proposals will only be granted permission where they are of a density, scale, massing, height and layout, and use materials that respect the character and appearance of the surrounding area and contribute towards a safe and secure environment.

3.15. Policy BE11 and Emerging Policy SDC5 state that development proposals within or adjacent to a Conservation Area should preserve or enhance the character of the area. Permission will be granted where it is demonstrated that the scale, form and overall design respects the prevailing traditional built features, and the boundary and landscaping features that contribute to the character of the area are retained. The site falls within Moss Valley Conservation Area which also covers a large proportion of the study area to the north. No published documents for Moss Valley Conservation Area have been produced so observation on the features and character of the area have been made under the landscape character context section of this report below. The Coal Aston Conservation Area is also within the study area. This Conservation Area is described by Dronfield Civic Society as predominantly urban and residential with a number of Listed Buildings. Given the lack of inter-visibility between the site and the Coal Aston Conservation Area, the proposals are unlikely to affect this Conservation Area or its features.

3.16. Emerging Policy SDC12 states that all new development should be of a high standard and contribute to the overall character of the local environment.

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3.17. Emerging Policy ID6 states that the new development should conserve and enhance the existing Green Infrastructure network.

3.18. Emerging Policy ID7 states that proposals should improve the connectivity of the existing Green Infrastructure network.

Evidence Base Documents 3.19. Relevant evidence base documents are set out below:

• North East Derbyshire Green Belt Review (February 2017); • Green Belt Functionality Study (November 2015); • A Greenpoint for Biodiversity in North East Derbyshire (Adopted October 2008, updated June 2010); • Historic Environment Study District Overview (November 2012); • Green Infrastructure Study (March 2012); • Dronfield 2030: A Vision for the Town (February 2016); and • Derbyshire Landscape Character Assessment.

3.20. The relevant evidence base documents listed above deal with the improvement and enhancement of the existing green infrastructure, to ensure new development enhance existing biodiversity, character and sense of place. A further site specific study has been carried out with regards to Green Belt below.

North East Derbyshire Green Belt Review 3.21. The North East Derbyshire Green Belt Review (NEDGBR) has been produced as part of the new Local Plan evidence base to review the Green belt across the District. The study was undertaken by NLP in February 2017. The study reviews parcels against the NPPF Green Belt Objectives and provides a traffic light system outcome of how the parcels perform against these objectives. Red relates to meeting the purposes robustly, amber relates to partially meeting the purposes and green relates to not meeting the purposes of the Green Belt. The assessment identified the site within parcel ref. DRO/GB/025 and determined that the site ‘Partially Meets Green Belt Purposes’

Green Belt Context 3.22. The site sits within the Dronfield North Eastern and the North East Derbyshire Green Belt area. The NEDGBR identifies the Land East of Birches Lane DRO/GB/025 (Parcel 025) parcel (in which the site sits) as ‘Partially Meets Green Belt Purposes’. Within Appendix 2 Green Belt Parcel Assessment – Dronfield Pro forma, page 123, the site falls within the eastern section of parcel. The parcel also includes the recreational pitches off Birches Lane to the west of the site. This parcel and the site is reviewed in relation to this assessment below within the context of the NPPF Green Belt objectives.

Purpose 1 - To Check Unrestricted Sprawl 3.23. The site is bordered by the settlement edge of Coal Aston off Eckington Road to the west and south, as well as features off Birches Lane to the west which create a physical boundary to the existing settlement edge of Coal Aston providing a robust and permanent edge. The eastern boundary of the site is bordered by mature hedgerow dividing the site and the adjacent field boundary which to an extent also provides a defensible edge to ensure development would not sprawl any further eastwards. The northern boundary is marked by Whinacre Wood which provides a strong defensible boundary.

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3.24. The NEDGBR review study of Parcel 025 considers that the parcel plays a role in preventing unrestricted sprawl:

“The parcel is partially contained by the urban area. The southern boundary and the majority of the western boundary adjoin the urban area of Dronfield.” It also states that “The parcel has strong and defensible boundaries. The parcels northern boundary comprises a combination of hedgerow and mature tree coverage, whilst the eastern boundary consists of a hedgerow. The southern and western boundaries adjoin the urban area.”

3.25. The review gives an overall score of ‘amber’ for purpose one – to check unrestricted sprawl, stating that “Development of the parcel would neither strengthen nor weaken the Green Belt boundary.”

3.26. It is evident that all boundaries of the proposed site are currently contained by either a minimum of mature hedgerow and tree planting but also physical features including roads and housing.

Purpose 2 - To Prevent Neighbouring Towns Merging into one another 3.27. In terms of the merging of settlements, a key consideration is the strength and permanence of existing boundaries. As set out above the site is physically well contained by the existing settlement edge and mature vegetation. The neighbouring urban area of Sheffield is located to the north of Dronfield and the site. As set out within the NEDGBR “The parcel would leave a gap marginally above 1km to Sheffield urban area. In addition it is no closer than the existing adjoining development.” Removal of this site would not reduce the strategic gap between Dronfield and Sheffield given the existing layout of Coal Aston (within Dronfield) already sits slightly north to the site in the west. The overall rating given by the NEDGBR for this purpose is green which relates to not meeting the purposes of the Green Belt in terms of preventing neighbouring towns merging into one another.

Purpose 3 - Safeguarding the Countryside from Encroachment 3.28. The NEDGBR Acknowledges that the parcel already includes some development that accounts for approximately 10% of the parcel, giving it an ‘amber’ score. In terms of site specific development, Birch Cross Farm is currently situated on site and includes an individual farmstead and associated buildings, vegetation and hardstand. In addition to this, the southern and western borders of the site are bound by built form and sports pitches which overlook the site and provide a strong boundary. The field parcels within the site are presently associated with the farmstead and used for agricultural purposes.

3.29. Development of the site would extend the existing built boundaries off Birches Lane and Eckington Road towards the north and Whinacre Wood. The NEDGBR sets out that “development of the parcel would neither strengthen nor weaken the Green Belt boundary.” Whinacre Wood would become the boundary which could be supplemented by on-site planting creating a softer edge between the Green Belt and Urban areas. This would allow any potential for further encroachment to be restricted, prevented and mitigated.

Purpose 4 - Preserve the Setting and Special Character of Historic Towns 3.30. The NEDGBR states that “The parcel is located within the Moss Valley Conservation Area. It is however considered that the parcel has a limited role in preserving the setting of a historic village or town. The Moss Valley Conservation Area covers a large area of land, and it is not considered that this parcel serves a fundamental purpose of Green Belt land in this respect.” The overall score given to the parcel is Green and therefore the parcel does not meet the purpose of the Green Belt in terms of this purpose.

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Purpose 5 – Assist in urban regeneration 3.31. The NEDGBR sets out that “It is considered that all parcels in the Green Belt assist in urban regeneration.”

3.32. Landscape Character Context At a national level, the site lies within the ‘Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield’ National Character Area (NCA 38).

3.33. The relevant character attributes of ‘Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield’ are summarised as being:

• “A low-lying landscape of rolling ridges with rounded sandstone escarpments and large rivers running through broad valleys, underlain by Pennine Coal Measures; • Local variations in landscape character reflecting variations in underlying geology; • Several major rivers flow through the rural and urban areas of the NCA, generally from west to east in broad valleys; • A mixed pattern of built-up areas, industrial land, pockets of dereliction and farmed open country; • Small, fragmented remnants of pre-industrial landscapes and more recent creation of semi-natural vegetation, including woodlands, river valley habitats and subsidence flashes, with field boundaries of clipped hedges or fences; • Many areas affected by urban fringe pressures creating fragmented landscapes, some with a dilapidated character, separated by substantial stretches of intact agricultural land in both arable and pastoral use; • A strong cultural identity arising from a history of coal mining, steel making and other heavy industry which resulted from the close relationship between underlying geology and resource availability, notably water power, iron ore and coal; • Features of industrial heritage such as mills, goits, tips, old railway lines, canals and bridges are evident, along with former mining villages; • Many large country houses and estates established by wealthy industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries and ancient monuments create focal points and important recreational opportunities within the landscape such as Bretton Hall, Wentworth, Woodhouse, Temple Newsam, Nostell Priory, Bolsover Castle and the ruins of Codnor Castle; • Extensive urbanisation, such as in the major cities of Leeds and Sheffield, with terraced and back to back housing and grand 19th century municipal buildings and churches at their centres, now surrounded by extensive housing and industrial development; • Widespread influence of transport routes, including canals, roads and railways, with ribbon developments emphasising the urban influence in the landscape; • An extensive network of multi-user trails on former railway lines and canal towpaths, such as the Trans Pennine Trail and the Ebor Way; • Continuing development pressure including land renewal and regeneration projects, especially along river corridors and around towns”

3.34. At a local level, the site is considered to represent ‘Wooded Hills and Valleys’ Landscape Character Area, falling within the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield Type (as set out in the Landscape Character of Derbyshire document)

3.35. The character attributes of ‘Wooded Hills and Valleys’ are summarised as being:

• “Upland area with broadly undulating topography; • Moderately steep slopes, becoming steeper along stream valleys; • Mixed farming, predominantly pasture;

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• ‘Healthy’ vegetation visually prominent in many road verges; • Densely scattered patches of ancient, semi-natural woodland; • Woodland bands along stream valleys and on steep slopes; • Dense riverside trees and scattered mature hedgerow trees; • Medium to large fields, enclosed by hedgerows; • Late enclosure on hill summits; • Network of small irregular lanes; • Sparsely scattered settlement of farmsteads and hamlets.”

3.36. The character assessment sets the principal landscape planning and management guidelines as:

• “Small-medium scale woodland planting; • Conserve and restore all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native species; • Promote linked extensions to ancient woodland by natural regeneration and planting. Ensure the use of indigenous tree and shrub species, including a proportion of large, long-lived species; • Re-establish and enhance physical links between existing isolated woodland and hedgerows; • Ensure the management and enhancement of hedgerow trees, through selection and natural regeneration, or by planting; • Encourage the management of scrub and secondary woodland to link with existing habitats and woodland; • Conserve and enhance the tree groups that occur within and around rural settlements and isolated farmsteads; • Enhance the visual and ecological continuity of river corridors by management, natural regeneration and planting of riparian trees; • Where opportunities arise, the removal of coniferous plantation woodland should be encouraged; and • Ensure the conservation and management of mature/veteran trees within hedgerows.”

3.37. The document then goes on to set out specific species for woodland mixes and hedgerow mixes which should be utilised at the detail design stage in relation to proposed soft landscaping.

3.38. Whilst the character information set out above does provide some context relevant to the promotion of the site, it does not address the characteristics specific to the site. In response to fieldwork and desktop research, further observations have been made with regards to the site and its immediate surroundings:

• Fields within the site and its immediate context are arable and pastoral fields, some of which are used for grazing, medium to large in size and irregular in shape; • The site is afforded a degree of enclosure to the south and west from the existing built form within Coal Aston; • Existing built form adjacent to the site is offset from the main Eckington Road with a smaller local access road (also called Eckington Road), affording residents a buffer between the site and main road that sits between; • To the north and particularly the north-east the site sits within a topographical dip and is bound by Whinacre Wood which acts as dense screening and provides a sense of enclosure;

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• Beyond this, to the north the site is afforded further screening by the change in topography with localised undulations and layers of intervening hedgerow vegetation; • To the north and east, the more sporadic farmsteads and associated planting also provide screening over longer distances; • Although the landscape becomes more open in terms of built form towards the north and east, a combination of vegetation and dramatic changes in topography prevent inter-visibility between the site and wider landscape; • The topography of the site itself slopes gently downwards from the south towards the north allowing views across it from the immediate context of Eckington Road. The houses off this road envelope the southern boundary and the southern section of the western boundary. However, internal vegetation, including that of the existing farmstead (Birch Cross Farm) located within the site as well as the field boundaries prevent clear open views from surrounding roads, properties and the adjacent PRoW network (Refs Dronfield FP38 and Dronfield FP37 to the north and west); and • Within the site views of existing built form are visible from all directions, namely Coal Aston towards the west and south, Jordanthorpe to the north-west, with more sporadic individual farmsteads located to the north and east.

3.39. It is evident from fieldwork, that the site is enclosed, with some typical agricultural characteristics, albeit, overlooked and clearly influenced by the existing settlement edge. Due to the enclosed nature of the site boundaries, particularly to the south-west, and north-east, the site does not have a strong visual connection with the wider landscape but is influenced and overlooked by the existing settlement edge off Eckington Road. Within the wider context, the site can be viewed from longer distances in some locations in the north, where changes in topography, gaps in built form and woodland allow. Consideration should be given to the density, arrangement and building heights of development to ensure the existing residential edge can be complemented and enhanced by any future settlement expansion in this location.

3.40. The hedgerows that exist on all of the site boundaries should be maintained and enhanced to ensure this existing characteristic feature remains in-tact where possible. Appropriate offsets should be considered to the existing soft landscape features, particularly along the northern boundary adjacent to Whinacre Wood.

Visual Context (See Landscape Context Plan (11182/P02a) and Photoviewpoints (11182/P03))

3.41. In the immediate context, visually, the site is largely enclosed from publicly accessible locations in the west and east, as well as the south excluding the houses that overlook it off Eckington Road. Short distance views into the site are available from the north across Moss Valley, as well as middle and longer distance views however, these are limited, heavily screened by undulating topography and mature hedgerow, block vegetation and woodland vegetation.

3.42. Based upon a Google Viewshed, in combination with site visit, the approximate extent of the visual envelope (VE) is set out below:

• To the north – in close proximity, views extend towards PRoW Dronfield FP37 (see Viewpoints 5 and 8) as far as Nor Wood, Whinacre Wood and Cook Spring Wood. Beyond this, to the north-east, the visibility becomes limited in the middle distances across Moss Valley. In the north-west views are possible from the high points of Dronfield FP34 and Dronfield FP35 (see Viewpoint 7). Beyond this, a combination of vegetation and changes in undulating topography limit view in the short and middle

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distances. Where the topography rises, in the long distance, limited and glimpsed views are possible from Jordanthorpe (see Viewpoint 9), the A6102 and some places along the PRoW Eckington BW4, Eckington FP1 and Eckington FP3 in the north through layering of vegetation across Moss Valley. From the north-east some glimpsed views of the site are possible from PRoW Eckington FP9 and Hazlehurst Lane (See Viewpoint 10); • To the east – views of the site extend to the farmsteads and PRoW Dronfield BW40 Owler Car Lane and Sicklebrook Lane. (see Viewpoint 6). More distant views are filtered by mature boundary vegetation, block planting, Whinacre Wood, Owler Car Wood and a rise in topography beyond; • To the south - views towards site are available from the existing residential edge of Coal Aston off Eckington Road (see Viewpoints 1, 2, 3 and 6). More distant views are filtered by the existing residential built form; and • To the west – within close proximity, views extend across the site from the existing PRoW Dronfield FP38, Coal Aston Village Hall and associated playing fields and pitches, as well as the residents off Birches Fold orientated towards the site and Allotments off Birches Lane.(see Viewpoints 3 and 4) Beyond this limited and glimpsed views through layers of vegetation from PRoW Dronfield FP35 and Dronfield FP36 are possible with views beyond Dyche Lane blocked by tall hedgerow and changes in topography.

3.43. Overall, the existing framework of vegetation, topography and the adjacent settlement edge result in the visual envelope extending towards the PRoW network to the north and east, where more distant visibility towards the site are possible. These views are filtered by intervening topography, or the layering of intervening vegetation. To the south and west, the visual envelope is limited by the existing settlement edge.

3.44. Potential key visual receptors to development of the site include:

• Users of the PRoW network, within close proximity including; Dronfield FP35; Dronfield FP36; Dronfield FP37; Dronfield FP38 to the west and north, with Dronfield BW40 to the east; • Users of the PRoW network within the wider context of Moss Valley to the north of the site including; Dronfield FP33; Dronfield FP34; Dronfield FP1; Eckington FP1; Eckington FP2; Eckington FP9; Eckington FP5; Eckington FP6; Eckington FP8; Eckington FP9; Eckington FP10; Eckington BW147; Eckington FP22; Eckington FP23 • Private residents overlooking the site off Eckington Road; • Recreational users of the adjacent playing fields, pitches and Allotments adjacent to the western site boundary; • Private residents with views of the site from the west off Birches Fold and Birches Lane; • Private residents with views of the site from Jordanthorpe; • Private residents of individual farmsteads with longer distance views off Owler Car Lane, Sicklebrook Lane, Cross Lane, Hazlehurst Lane and off private tracks in the north; and • Fleeting highway views from vehicular users of Eckington Road along the southern boundary, Dyche Lane to the west and longer distance views from Jordanthorpe Parkway and the A6102.

3.45. Despite screening and filtering from existing features, it is evident that due to the visual context of the site and surrounding landscape, there are a number of receptors along the settlement edge and PRoW that are likely to be impacted on and there is a limited visual relationship between the site and the wider Moss Valley within the Green Belt and Conservation Area,

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despite the site’s location on the settlement edge. There are opportunities to further bolster the existing woodland block along the northern boundary. This will to soften the existing settlement edge with native tree and shrub planting to enhance the framework of green infrastructure already present within the site in conjunction with local SPD requirements. This will also provide permanence to the existing boundaries to ensure a defensible new Green Belt edge.

3.46. A key consideration in terms of visual impact will be the visual amenity of the users of the footpath Dronfield FP37 which turns into Dronfield FP38 in close proximity to the northern boundary and western side of the site, with views into and across the site. Another key consideration is the residential amenity of properties located along the adjacent settlement edge at Eckington Road overlooking the site. Their amenity will need to be respected through appropriate development offsets, restriction of building heights and the use of soft landscaping and screening where appropriate.

Conclusion and Recommendations 3.47. Whilst it is acknowledged that only a broad level assessment has been undertaken, the potential quantum of development is likely to be influenced by the existing wooded area towards the northern section of the site where protection and enhancement of this existing vegetation is required. Once implemented this will provide an enhanced and strong boundary supplementing the built form of the southern and western boundaries. The eastern boundary is currently formed by a mature hedgerow which could be retained and further enhanced with offsets and incorporation of Green Infrastructure. Although no public access currently exists through the site, opportunities exist to offer a network of connecting paths providing greater connectivity to the existing PRoW network. The southern and western section of the site will best relate to the existing settlement edge and at this point a number of measures will need to be addressed to ensure that development would be in keeping with the surrounding landscape character whilst limiting impact upon amenity.

3.48. In response to the desktop study and fieldwork undertaken, the following landscape recommendations are presented:

• Positive response to the Eckington Road frontage to the south. Permeability across the site should be integrated into any emerging development layout and views across portions of the site retained. Vehicular access should be limited to the south, off Eckington Road with pedestrian access in other locations, linking up with the wider Green Infrastructure network; • The site is influenced by its visual connection to the surrounding settlement edge. This character and backdrop acts as a strong precedent, but built development will need consideration of appropriate materials, scale, height and density to respond to the context; • An existing overhead line runs north-south through the site, this constraint could be utilised to create a green link connecting the site from Eckington Road to the wider PRoW network. Further tree planting will assist in softening building mass where the site can be viewed from higher and more distant locations to the north; • Visibility is greatest where the site is viewed from elevated topography to the north and east where there are gaps in existing built form and boundary vegetation. However, these views are very limited due to the layering effect of scattered built form, changes in topography and vegetation associated with these dwellings, fields and roads. Layering of east-west vegetation strips and new Green Infrastucture corridors could be considered throughout the site to break-up and soften any new built development; • In terms of boundaries, there are physical boundaries around the site in all directions and this means the site is physically contained. Visually, the site remains open in

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localised places; the boundaries should be retained and enhanced with development offsets and new native planting to soften the development edge linking into the existing Green Infrastructure network; • In terms of Green Belt, when assessed from a landscape perspective the site does not perform a strong Green Belt function within the 025 parcel in terms of the 5 purposes of the Green Belt. Overall, it is noted that development of the site within parcel 025 would play no role in strengthening nor weakening the boundaries of the Green Belt particularly in the sense of preventing unrestricted sprawl or prevention of encroachment into the countryside. The development would not reduce the overall distance of the gap between Dronfield and Sheffield as set out in the NBCGBR. The report also sets out that although the site does fall within the

“Moss Valley Conservation Area. It is however considered that the parcel has a limited role in preserving the setting of a historic village or town. The Moss Valley Conservation Area covers a large area of land, and it is not considered that this parcel serves a fundamental purpose of Green Belt land in this respect.”

• The presence of the existing strong network of green infrastructure already plays a part in enclosing the site. This, together with appropriate offsets and careful consideration of density, heights, layout and materials could ensure there is no perception of development further encroaching into the countryside. A sensitive design approach and the incorporation of a landscape buffer with soft landscaping along all boundaries will soften the development edge from within wider views and will reduce the perception of coalescence. Overall, residential development of the site would be unlikely to affect the integrity of the wider Green Belt.

3.49. Whilst it is appreciated that only a broad level assessment has been undertaken, this technical note has demonstrated that development within the proposed site has the potential to be accommodated with reference to the site-specific conditions.

3.50. Areas of the site are considered capable of being developed without resulting in unrestricted sprawl or coalescence of urban areas. Although the site is currently used as agricultural land, urban influences are present on site with the existing farmstead and in the immediate context, in the form of views towards the adjacent residential edges and distant views towards settlement within the wider landscape.

3.51. Effects upon receptors are deemed to be related to the change in views from users of the public footpath network to the north and residential properties along the adjacent urban edge to the south and west. These will need to be sensitively considered as part of future design proposals for the site. Considerations can include development offsets, building heights, orientation, layout, boundary treatments and soft landscaping.

3.52. With the above conclusions taken into account and with respect to landscape and visual matters, this site should therefore be considered suitable for residential development and release from the Green Belt.

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Plans

Landscape Context Plan (11182/P02a March 2018 AC/DR)

Photoviewpoints 1-10 (11182/P03 October 2017 AC/DR)

Landscape Opportunities & Constraints Plan (11185/P01b March 2018 HCT/DR)

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Cook Spring Owler Car Site Boundary Wood Wood Potential for improvements to existing Dronfield FP34 Green Infrastructure and provision of POS The lower stepper slopes to be utilised for Proposed developable area to include east-west Cross Lane bands of vegetation to filter views of building mass both Blue and Green Infrastructure, offering Existing tree and woodland areas to be retained informal open space and a suitable buffer to and enhanced the wooded valley beyond. Existing hedgerow to be retained and enhanced where possible Dronfield FP35 Retain and enhance existing Off-site woodland areas and hedgerows that filter views towards the site dense vegetated area and gap Dronfield FP37 Whinacre up to strengthen the northern MerseyNE7 Val Wood Public Rights of Way boundary edge

Frontage considerations

Potential footpaths and links to existing PRoW network Whinacre Opportunity for Wood Available views into and across the site proposed footpaths to link into existing PROW network Dronfield FP37 Using the existing farmstead boundary to create an east-west belt Allotment of connecting Green Infrastructure. It will enable any perception of development on the gently sloping land to be softened Dronfield BW40

Dronfield FP38 Dronfield FP39

Opportunity to link into existing recreation area

BirchFarm Cross

Dronfield FP37 Project Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfield Drawing Title Landscape Opportunities and Village Development offset to reflect Constraints Plan Hall the existing character Scale Not To Scale Drawing No. 11158/P01b The existing hedgerow and scattered mature trees to be Date March 2018 retained and enhanced as part of the principal north-south Checked HCT/DR belt of connecting Green Infrastructure.

Ladyfield House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB Tyler Grange LLP T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2017. Licence number 0100031673 Photoviewpoints 1 and 2 Approx. extent of site (behind foreground hedgerow)

Birch Cross Farm Hedgerow along southern site (on-site) boundary

Telephone mast Field Gate Eckington Road Telephone mast Firthwood Road

Photoviewpoint 1: Junction of Eckington Road (B6056) and Firthwood Road Distance from Site:10m Orientation North Coordinates: X: 436997 Y: 379561

Approx. extent of site (midground)

Hedgerow along southern Power line mast site boundary

Eckington Road

Ferndale Road Property No. 128

Photoviewpoint 2: Ferndale Road, at the junction with Eckington Road Distance from Site:38m Orientation North Coordinates: X: 436664 Y: 379465

Photoviewpoints 1 and 2 Drawing Title Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfi eld Project Ladyfi eld House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11158/P03 Drawing No. November 2017 Date AC/DR Checked Photoviewpoints 3 and 4

Approx. extent of site (background, behind vegetation and built form)

The Royal Oak public house Coal Aston Village Hall

Drury Lane

Eckington Road Open Access Land

Photoviewpoint 3: Publicly accesible land, opposite The Royal Oak public houseDistance from Site: 174m Orientation North-East Coordinates: X: 436415 Y: 379510

Approx. extent of site (midground)

Trees along the Birch Cross Farm Properties along western site boundary (on-site) Eckington Road

Hedgerow along eastern site boundary

Public footpath ref. Playing fi elds Dronfi eld FP37

Photoviewpoint 4: Birches Lane / Public footpath ref. Dronfi eld FP37 Distance from Site:175m Orientation East Coordinates: X: 436472 Y: 379755

Photoviewpoints 3 and 4 Drawing Title Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfi eld Project Ladyfi eld House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11158/P03 Drawing No. November 2017 Date AC/DR Checked Photoviewpoints 5 and 6 Approx. extent of site (midground)

Birch Cross Farm Internal trees and hedgerow (on-site) (on site)

FP37 Overhead power lines (on-site)

Vegetation along northern Vegetation along northern site boundary Track and western site boundary Whinacre Wood

Photoviewpoint 5: Public footpath ref. Dronfi eld FP37 Distance from Site:70m Orientation South Coordinates: X: 436604 Y: 379873

Approx. extent of site (midground)

Urban form of Birch Cross Farm Jordanthorpe (on-site)

Hedgerow along southern site boundary

Eckington Road

Photoviewpoint 6: Eckington Road, at the junciton with public footpath ref. Dronfi eld BW40Distance from Site: 200m Orientation North-West Coordinates: X: 437175 Y: 379625

Photoviewpoints 5 and 6 Drawing Title Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfi eld Project Ladyfi eld House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11158/P03 Drawing No. November 2017 Date AC/DR Checked Photoviewpoints 7 and 8 Approx. extent of site (midground)

Birch Cross Farm Properties along Urban form of Coal Owler Car Farm Owler Car Wood (on-site) Eckington Road Aston

Intervening vegetation Internal trees and hedgerows Intervening vegetation Whinacre Wood (on-site)

Pastoral fi eld

Photoviewpoint 7: Public footpath ref. Dronfi eld FP35 Distance from Site:348m Orientation South Coordinates: X: 436485 Y: 380143

Approx. extent of site (background, behind vegetation) Owler Car Farm Intervening woodland Overhead power lines Whinacre Wood

Pastoral fi eld Dronfi eld FP37

Photoviewpoint 8: Public footpath ref. Dronfi eld FP37 Distance from Site:358m Orientation South-West Coordinates: X: 436957 Y: 380214

Photoviewpoints 7 and 8 Drawing Title Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfi eld Project Ladyfi eld House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11158/P03 Drawing No. November 2017 Date AC/DR Checked Photoviewpoints 9 and 10 Approx. extent of site (background, behind vegetation)

Intervening woodland Nor Wood

Photoviewpoint 9: Jordanthorpe Parkway (B6057) Distance from Site:1.04km OrientationSouth-East Coordinates: X: 436295 Y: 380787

Approx. extent of site (background)

Cook Spring Wood Urban form of Coal Aston

Newfi eld Spring Wood

Pastoral fi eld

Public footpath Eckington FP9

Photoviewpoint 10: Public footpath Eckington FP9, at the junction with Hazlehurst LaneDistance from Site: 1.96km Orientation South-West Coordinates: X: 437847 Y: 381396

Photoviewpoints 9 and 10 Drawing Title Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Dronfi eld Project Ladyfi eld House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk 11158/P03 Drawing No. November 2017 Date AC/DR Checked Oakes Park Eckington FP22

Eckington FP23

Sheffield City Council Boundary Eckington FP2

Eckington FP3 10

Eckington BW4

Eckington FP9 Sheffield City Council Boundary Eckington FP1

Jordanthorpe 9 Moss Valley Conservation Area

Eckington FP8

Eckington FP5 Eckington FP10

Dronfield FP33 8 Eckington FP6 Eckington BW147 Dronfield FP34

7

Dronfield FP37

Dronfield FP36 Dronfield FP35

5

Dronfield BW40 Dronfield FP38 4

6

1 3

Coal Aston Conservation Area 2

Tyler Grange LLP. © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2017. Licence number 0100031673 Data plotted from North East Derbyshire Local Data plotted from North East Derbyshire Local Site Boundary Plan 2001 - 2011 (adopted 28 November 2005) Plan 2011 - 2033 Consultation Draft

Viewpoint Location Local Plan Boundary Proposed Housing Allocation 1

0m 100m 200m 300m 400m 500m Urban Area Settlement Boundary Data plotted from Historic England online map Scale@1:10,000 Footpath Greenbelt Listed Building Policy GS2 Project Land off Eckington Road, Coal Aston, Bridleway Recreational Facilities ‘Oakes Park’ Listed Park and Garden Dronfield Policy R2 Drawing Title Landscape Context Plan Public Right of Way FP01 Conservation Area Reference Policy BE11 and BE12 Scale 1:10,000 @ A3 Special Landscape Area Drawing No. 11158/P02a Policy NE2 Date March 2018 Ladyfield House, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BB T: 01625 525 731 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk Checked AC/DR