LCT C Limestone Plateau
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Recommendations Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 LCT C Limestone Plateau LUC I 19 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 LCA C1 – Stainton to Edlington Limestone Plateau Location Plan: Extent of C1 Stainton to Edlington Limestone Plateau LCA in relation to Doncaster Borough LUC I A-34 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 LCA Plan: Geographical coverage of C1 Stainton to Edlington Limestone Plateau LCA LUC I A-35 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 Key Characteristics of C1 Stainton to Edlington Limestone Plateau LCA as described within the Landscape Character and Capacity Assessment of Doncaster Borough Key Characteristics Area of Magnesian limestone; Gently rolling landform dipping gently to the north and east with a steep escarpment to the west; Large scale intensive arable farmland with some pasture around settlements; Hedgerows often with gaps or missing altogether from field boundaries; Some smaller scale fields in the south west of the LCA; Stone gate posts found on field boundaries throughout the LCA; Sparsely scattered farmsteads and traditional stone built nucleated settlements; Some modern influences including two motorways that cut through the area; Industrial style red brick mining settlements and spoil heaps associated with former deep coal mining; Some large scale limestone quarrying; Occasional springs, ponds and streams in localised dips in the landform; Ancient woodlands, many small blocks trees and wooded strips along roads and watercourses; Network of minor roads and some public rights of give good access into the area; Very rural and tranquil in some areas; and Mature roadside hedges restrict views but elsewhere there is an open feel with extensive views to the east and west. Statement of change since publication of the Landscape Character and Capacity Assessment of Doncaster Borough Statement of change The landscape of LCA C1 has experienced limited change since the publication of the Landscape Character and Capacity Assessment of Doncaster Borough in 2007. Located within the residential fringes of New Edlington and Warmsworth, the former Yorkshire Main Colliery pit tip site on Broomhouse Lane is now proposed for residential development (planning reference 18/02100/OUTM). In addition, land to the east of Edlington Pit Wood at Wood Lane is subject to a proposal to erect a 77m high wind turbine with associated access track, hardstanding and infrastructure (planning reference 13/02403/FUL). It is not considered that these developments will result in changes to the key characteristics of the LCA, as identified in 2007. Landscape sensitivity to wind turbines: C1 Stainton to Edlington Limestone Plateau LCA Criteria Description Rating Landform and scale An elevated, gently rolling landform associated with magnesium limestone geological deposits, rising to 150 metres AOD in the south west of the LCA. L-M The landform falls gently to the low-lying river valleys to the north and east. A limestone escarpment characterises the landscape to the west of the LCA. Land cover pattern Large-scale intensive arable farmland forms the predominant land use and presence of within the LCA. Fields are largely bound by fragmented hedges with M human scale occasional hedgerow trees. Stone gateposts at field access points also features form a characteristic feature within the LCA. Pasture is generally located LUC I A-36 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 Criteria Description Rating at the settlement fringes, arranged in small scale fields which creates localised variation in the landscape. The LCA’s settlement pattern is typified by scattered farmsteads and nucleated villages such as Braithwell, Micklebring and Clifton. The A1(M) and M18 motorways cross the LCA and exert human influence on the landscape. Skylines A network of electricity transmission towers / pylons are visible against the skyline, primarily in the southern portion of the LCA. Communication masts at Beacon Hill also form vertical features at the western extent of the LCA. The church spires at Wadworth (St. John the Baptist Church) and Tickhill (St. Mary’s Church) form key features which protrude against the skyline. M Although fragmented in places, hedgerows contribute to a largely wooded skyline which is effective at screening the impacts of quarrying at Warmsworth and Stainton. Where trees are absent, long views are afforded to the east and west across the predominantly large-scale open landscape. Perceptual qualities The LCA is characterised by a rural quality, although this is disturbed by the movement of traffic along the infrastructure corridors of the M18 and A1(M) motorways. Quarrying works and associated vehicle movements at Warmsworth and Stainton limestone quarries limit the sense of tranquillity in these areas. L-M Away from the urban edges on Doncaster in the north of the LCA, the majority of the area experiences low levels of light pollution. Tranquillity is locally reduced in the southernmost portion of the LCA and within agricultural land lying to the west of Tickhill. Scenic qualities Compiled by Doncaster Council, the list of parks and garden of local historic interest incorporates Crookhill Park in Conisbrough. Exhibiting a dispersed settlement pattern, the LCA incorporates conservation areas at Braithwell, Stainton, Wadworth, Tickhill, Loversall, Old Edlington, and Clifton. Electricity pylons are modern intrusive elements on the fringes of the LCA. These man-made features form visual features, impinging on long views M across the farmland in the south and west of the LCA. Nature sites of local and international importance, including the ancient woodlands at Stainton and Edlington, provide visual diversity and attractive landscape features, contrasting with the surrounding arable farmland. Major urban influences in the north and the north east of the LCA, as well as localised quarrying activity reduces the sense of remoteness. Intervisibility Long views are afforded to the east and west from elevated ground within the LCA. Intervisibility is afforded with the settlement fringe of New Edlington at the M northern extent of the LCA. Maltby and Conisbrough are also perceptible in long distance views. LUC I A-37 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 Overall assessment of landscape sensitivity to the development scenario Development scenario Sensitivity Wind turbines (commercial- scale developments of three or M more large (100m+) wind turbines) Notes on any variations in landscape sensitivity Land along the infrastructure corridors of the M18 and A1(M) motorways would be of reduced landscape sensitivity to wind energy development. However, sensitivity will vary at a local scale and the potential for landscape and visual impacts should be considered on a case by case basis. LUC I A-38 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 Representative photographs View looking north along High Street within Braithwell View looking south east looking towards the A1(M) J35 / M18 J2 Conservation Area Wadworth Interchange from the A60 overbridge, Loversall View looking south towards a network of electricity pylons crossing Wilsic Lane, backgrounded by vegetation parallel the Intensive arable agriculture parallel Long Gate South Yorkshire Joint Railway Line Siting and design guidelines for wind energy development Guidance to assist in locating development to reduce landscape and visual effects When siting and designing wind energy developments in this LCA, the following guidance may assist in locating development to reduce landscape and visual effects. Ensure that any wind energy development located within the LCA does not compromise the integrity and characteristics of the landscape’s rural qualities. The church spires at Wadworth (St. John the Baptist Church) and Tickhill (St. Mary’s Church) are key features on the skyline in views from the LCA, and wind energy developments may conflict with these human-scale landmarks. The combination of gently rolling ground and relatively frequent woodland may offer opportunities to locate turbines such that views will be contained. The potential exists to utilise quarries / spoil heaps to minimise impacts of new turbines. Areas of landscape that are already affected by large-scale human intervention, such as the major infrastructure corridors of the M18 and A1(M) motorways will be less sensitive to the addition of wind turbines. Avoid placing turbines where they could affect the setting of settlements locally. Protect the character and setting of the conservation areas at Braithwell, Stainton, Wadworth, Tickhill, Loversall, Old Edlington, and Clifton. LUC I A-39 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 Guidance to assist in locating development to reduce landscape and visual effects Avoid development that would impact on the integrity and appreciation of parks and gardens of local historic interest, as identified by Doncaster Council. Avoid siting turbines where they could exacerbate the effects of the electricity transmission towers / pylons. Ensure siting and design of turbines maintains the openness the Green Belt. LUC I A-40 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment August 2020 LCA C2 – Cadeby to Adwick Limestone Plateau Location Plan: Extent of C2 Cadeby to Adwick Limestone Plateau LCA in relation to Doncaster Borough LUC I A-41 Appendix A Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment