bratton road westbury
Landscape Strategy
June 2016
Outline Planning Application Rev Issue Status Date - Outline Planning Application 27.06.2016 A Reference to 3 storey buildings omitted 09.09.2016
040-ID-102 page 2 bratton road, westbury CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Background and Context 2.1 Site Context 2.2 Approaches 2.3 Planning Policies and Landscape Designations 2.4 Landscape Character 2.5 Ecology 2.6 Topography and Access 2.7 Visual Appraisal
3.0 Constraints and Opportunities
4.0 Recommendations
5.0 Illustrative Landscape Plan
6.0 Illustrative Sections
7.0 Planting Proposals
8.0 Play Strategy
040-ID-1012 page 3 bratton road, westbury 1.0 Introduction
The site occupies an area circa 2.63ha (6.51 acres) of Grade 3 agricultural land currently
used for horse grazing on the eastern side of Westbury, Wiltshire.
Greenhalgh Landscape Architecture have been appointed to carry out a Landscape
Strategy of the site to assess its potential for redevelopment.
This report focuses on the Landscape and Visual aspects of the site and how any
development will be received in the immediate and wider context. The site assessments
and observations were undertaken in September 2015. Following this stage constraints
and opportunity were developed to inform the outline planning application proposals.
This a standalone report and should be read in conjunction with the supporting
submissions.
Fig 1. Site location plan, based on the OS base - Site Area
N 0m 1Km
040-ID-102 page 4 bratton road, westbury 2.0 Background and Context
2.1 Site Context
The site is situated on the east side of Westbury and is currently used as horse grazing paddocks.
The site lies to the north of the B3098 that runs from Westbury to Bratton, with a mature hedgerow separating the site from the road. Its western boundary is defined by a A. hedgerow with a triangular area of woodland planting behind, separating the site from the Overhead power line
Bitham Park Distributor Road. The south east corner of the site is identified by existing detached and semi-detached roadside dwellings with a mature planted shelterbelt running northwards, along the eastern boundary of the site. The northern boundary is identified by a hedgerow with an overhead power line running parallel to the hedge within B3098 C. the site. B.
Beyond the site boundaries, the area to the west of the site is occupied by low density sub-urban development serviced via the Bitham Park Distributor Road. Westbury Westbury Cemetery lies on the other side of the B3098, to the south-west of the site. Cemetery To the north lies agricultural fields with hedgerow boundaries, laid to pasture and arable crops. The Westbury to Newbury railway line lies approximately 700m to the north of the site with the Lafarge Cement Works beyond. Fig 2. Local Context
N 0m 100m
040-ID-1012 page 5 bratton road, westbury 2.2 Approaches
Approaching the site from the north, via the Bitham Park Distributor Road, the site is
very well contained by mature hedgerow planting. The main identifiers of the site are
the residential dwellings on the south east corner (accessed from the B3098) and the
overhead power lines that run within the site in close proximity to its northern boundary.
Photo A. View towards the site from the Bitham Park Distributor Road Approaching the site from the west along the B3098 Bratton Road, the adjacent sub-
urban development turns it back on the road and the experience is mostly of high
timber garden fencing. The entrance gates and of Westbury Cemetery provide a node of
formality, whilst the combination of mature trees within the Cemetery Grounds and the
woodland strip on the other side of Bratton Road create a sense of a threshold leaving
Westbury.
Photo B. Approaching the site along the B3098 from the west Approaching the site from the east along the B3098 Bratton Road, the site is very
well contained with mature hedgerow planting, A glimpsed view of the site can be
seen through the access gate to the field, showing the topography falling to the north,
away from Bratton Road. The roadside dwellings create a buildup to the settlement of
Westbury.
Photo C. Approaching the site along the B3098 from Bratton
040-ID-102 page 6 bratton road, westbury 2.3 Planning Policies and Landscape Designations + + + The site sits within 2.63ha and, as described above is surrounded by open space to the + + north and south in the form of farmland and Cemetery. A large residential development + + + + lies to the west, containing primarily semi-detached dwellings. Large semi-detached and detached dwellings lie to the east along the B3098 (Fig 2 Local Context). + + + + Based on this the following landscape related policy is applicable. + + + Wiltshire Core Strategy policy: CP51 + + + + + + + Core Policy 51 - Landscape + + + + + Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character + + + and must not have a harmful impact upon landscape character, while any negative + + impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design and landscape + + + measures. Proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character + + + + areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other + relevant assessments and studies. In particular, proposals will need to demonstrate that the following aspects of landscape character have been conserved and where possible
enhanced through sensitive design, landscape mitigation and enhancement measures:
i. The locally distinctive pattern and species composition of natural features such as trees,
SITE BOUNDARY DESIGNATIONS hedgerows, woodland, field boundaries, watercourses and waterbodies. Sites of special scientific interest units: ACCESS ii. The locally distinctive character of settlements and their landscape settings. Note: Road & footpath network shown on topography Favourable condition & access plan) iii. The separate identity of settlements and the transition between man-made and natural Countryside and Rights of Way Act, Section 15 Land Unfavourable recovering landscapes at the urban fringe. Unfavourable declining Countryside and rights of way act 2000 - Access Layer iv. Visually sensitive skylines, soils, geological and topographical features. Listed Building (Group of Listed Buildings) ADMINISTRATIVE GEOGRAPHIES + + v. Landscape features of cultural, historic and heritage value. Scheduled monuments Catchment abstraction management strategy (CAMS) vi. Important views and visual amenity. Reference Boundaries Special Landscape Areas (SLA) vii. Tranquillity and the need to protect against intrusion from light pollution, noise, and motion. Rural areas within local enterprise partnerships N 0m 1Km viii. Landscape functions including places to live, work, relax and recreate. Fig 3. Planning Constraints
040-ID-1012 page 7 bratton road, westbury continued ix. Special qualities of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and the New
Forest National Park, where great weight will be afforded to conserving and enhancing landscapes and scenic beauty.
Proposals for development within or affecting the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONBs), New Forest National Park (NFNP) or Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage
Site (WHS) shall demonstrate that they have taken account of the objectives, policies and actions set out in the relevant Management Plans for these areas. Proposals for development outside of an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area’s special qualities (as set out in the relevant management plan), must also demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting.
The existing development is not covered by any heritage designations with the nearest listed buildings in the centre of Westbury Cemetery, some 100m away and the closest conservation area more than 400m from the site. The site lies outside, but next to the
Special Landscape Area (SLA) designation.
To the south and east of the site are three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Upton
Cow Down, Bratton Downs and Salisbury Plain. In addition to this the Salisbury Plain is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
040-ID-102 page 8 bratton road, westbury 2.4 Landscape Character
As detailed in the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment (2005) the site is identified
in the Rolling Clay Lowland, sub area 11C - Trowbridge Rolling Clay Lowland. The extract
below is taken from the final report. However, the site is situated at the southern edge of
this classification and will be influenced by the character areas 6A - Greensand Terrace
and 3A High Chalk Plain to the south.
Key Characteristics of 11C - Rolling Clay Lowland
• Gently rolling lowland based on Clay.
• Mixed arable and pastoral land use with pasture concentrated around the water courses.
• Variable field pattern with network of full hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees.
• Presence of streams marked by lines of willows and crossed by modest bridges.
• Woodland blocks including some ancient woodland and wet woodland of high ecological
value plus scattered mature trees.
• Small number of meadows of neutral and unimproved grassland.
• Scattered settlement of towns, small villages and farmsteads, many using vernacular
materials of brick, half timber, stone, tiles and thatch.
• Roads largely minor and rural with a few trunk roads and sections of motorway.
• Views vary from semi-enclosed by intact hedgerows, riparian vegetation and woodland
SITE BOUNDARY blocks to more open with views to the rising scarps of the chalk uplands.
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS • A largely peaceful, rural landscape.
3A - High Chalk Plain
6A - Greensand Terrace
11C - Rolling Clay Lowland
N 0m 1Km Fig 4. Landscape Character
040-ID-1012 page 9 bratton road, westbury 2.5 Ecology
Ecology consultants, Stark Ecology Ltd, conducted an ecological appraisal for the land
at Bratton Road. The site was attended in September 2015. The ecological appraisal
comprised an extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, searching for signs of protected species,
and a desk study to identify protected or notable sites, habitats or species potentially
affected by the proposed residential development.
Whilst there are protected and designated sites within the wider area, the site itself
has limited ecological value due to the current use as grazed horse paddocks. There is
Bratton Downs (SSSI) also limited ecological value within the surveyed flora. There is currently no evidence of
protected species within the site, there is however a possibility that protected species
could use the site to commute across or create habitats in the future, and therefor
ongoing survey and monitoring will continue as part of the development process.
Future proposals can significantly increase the overall biodiversity within the site, through
diversifying areas of grassland, planting native and ecologically rich tree and plant species
Salisbury Plain (SSSI) and positively manage the existing hedgerow boundaries.
Upton Cow (SSSI)
Priority habitat inventory: Species -
Lowland calcareous grassland Important bird areas Farmland birds include: Arable assemblage farmland birds, Corn bunting, Grey partridge, Lapwing, Stone Lowland fens curlew, Turtle dove
Ancient & semi-natural woodland Designated Sites
Deciduous woodland Site of Special Scientific Interest
National inventory of woodland Special Protection Area & trees
No main habitat but additional Special Areas of Conservation habitat exists N
Fig 5. Habitats and Species 0m 1Km
040-ID-102 page 10 bratton road, westbury 2.6 Topography and Access
The site itself sits at the eastern edge of the low lying town of Westbury. The B3098 from
Westbury to Bratton generally lies at 80m AOD near the site, with the site topography
falling from 80m AOD to 70m AOD. To the south of the B3098 the landscape rises to a
ridgeline approximately 1Km south at 142m AOD. The Landscape then falls to a meet a
historic field boundary and track at 132m AOD. The landscape then steps up further to
the Salisbury Plain plateau at approximately 200m AOD, containing views from the south
and east.
70 m + 225 m + There is no public access across the site. However, there are several paths and
bridleways adjacent to the site from the residential streets and into the wider surrounding
countryside. These routes and the respective views are explored in the following section
of this report.
95 m 142 m + +
Chalk Pit
205 m +
Railway line
Main road network
Public footpath
Bridleway
Byway open to all traffic 199 m + National trail
Other routes with public access
N 0m 1Km Fig 6 . Site topography and local PRoW network
040-ID-1012 page 11 bratton road, westbury 2.7 Visual Appraisal
The scope for the visual appraisal has two main objectives, understanding how the
site is read in the landscape and whether in this context there is the opportunity for
development to be accommodated.
The site was assessed on the 24th September 2015. As part of the visual appraisal the
Public Rights of Way (PRoW) up to 2km from the site were identified and assessed to
determine the viewpoints and areas where the site can be observed. Following this, the
PRoW were then walked to assess if the proposed development would be seen. The
location of the viewpoints are shown on Fig 7.
040-ID-102 page 12 bratton road, westbury 8.
5. 6.
1. 4. 9A&B. 3.2.
7.
N Fig 7. Photograph Location Plan 0m 1Km
040-ID-1012 page 13 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Existing field gateway (identified by dropped Views to the site obscured by kerbs) hedgerows
Photograph 1. View looking west along the B3098 Bratton Road towards the southern boundary of the site. Large houses, walls and signage introduce the outskirts of Westbury.
040-ID-102 page 14 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Path running north-south Views to the site obscured by Edge of 30mph speed limit Existing field gateway (identified by along the western boundary of hedgerows dropped kerbs) the site
Photograph 2. View looking east along the B3098 Bratton Road from the south west corner of the site. The site falls away from the road on the other side of the hedgerow.
040-ID-1012 page 15 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Path running north-south along the western boundary of the site
Photograph 3. View looking north from the B3098 Bratton Road along the path (identified on the Definitive Plan as part of the highway) to the west of the site. The level of the path falls away steeply before gradually becoming more level. As such the path sits lower that the Bitham Park Distributor Road that is situated to the left of the view.
040-ID-102 page 16 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Overhead Power Cables View into the site through the existing field entrance on the B3098 Bratton Road.
Photograph 4. View looking north into the site from the B3098 Bratton Road. The site falls away from the road.
040-ID-1012 page 17 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Path that runs between the site and Bitham Overhead power cables located along Park Road. The bridleway generally sits at a the northern edge of the site. lower level than the road. The site
Photograph 5. View looking south along the Bitham Park Distributor Road towards the north-west corner of the site. The entrance to Cheyney Walk (cul-de sac) is seen to the right. Across the road is the entrance to Coach Road.
040-ID-102 page 18 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL Poor quality boundaries. Path that runs between the site and Bitham Park Road. The bridleway generally sits at a lower level than the road.
Photograph 6. View looking south along the Bitham Park Distributor Road towards the north-west corner of the site. Poor quality boundaries to existing residential areas.
040-ID-1012 page 19 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL
The site -obscured by mature Spire Solar Farm vegetation of the Cemetery
Photograph 7. View from Westbury Cemetery. Views towards the site are screened by mature deciduous and evergreen trees.
040-ID-102 page 20 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL
The site - located behind hedgerow and shelterbelt planting
Photograph 8. View looking west from bridleway that runs parallel to the B3098. The site is screened by hedgerows and shelterbelt planting.
040-ID-1012 page 21 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL
Westbury Cemetery The site - primarily screened by hedgerow West Wiltshire Trading Estate Solar Farm Solar Farm Cement works and shelterbelt planting, however roofs of new development may be visible.
Photograph 9A. View looking west from Westbury White Horse Viewing Point. The site is mostly screened by vegetation, with the topography of the site falling to the right (northwards). The site is seen within the sub-urban context of the western edge of Westbury. 1.6Km distance to the site. The roofscape of new dwellings would be visible, however the development would be absorbed into the context of existing settlement.
040-ID-102 page 22 bratton road, westbury VISUAL APPRAISAL
Spire located in Westbury Cemetery B3098 Bratton Road The site - primarily screened by hedgerow West Wiltshire Trading Estate Solar Farm and shelterbelt planting, however roofs of new development may be visible.
Photograph 9B. Zoomed in view looking west from Westbury White Horse Viewing Point. The site is primarily screened by hedgerow and shelterbelt planting, however roofs of new development may be visible. 1.6Km distance to the site. The roofscape of new dwellings would be visible, however the development would be absorbed into the context of existing settlement.
040-ID-1012 page 23 bratton road, westbury 3.0 Constraints and Opportunities Massing and Scale Connections
In summary, following the planning and designations review and visual appraisal, it is - Larger buildings could be positioned along Bratton Road to echo mass of existing - Facilitate walking routes to the northern areas of Westbury. considered that the site has good potential for development. The adjacent diagrams set roadside dwellings. - Provide links to the local and long distance paths to the south of the site. out key principals that should guide the masterplan approach.
Key Observations
- Close proximity to local infrastructure of Bratton Road and the Bitham Park Distributor
Road, although the creation of a adequate entrances into the site with require highway works and removal of hedgerows.
- Mature woodland and shelter belt planting along the eastern and western site boundaries contain local views.
- Limited footpath access to the north of the site, with views to the site screened by high field hedgerows.
- Elevated long distance views from the White Horse and Salisbury plateau to the south of the site will provide glimpsed views the new development although new houses will be viewed within the context of Westbury.
- Minimal visual impact, with the site able to accommodate 2 storey buildings without adverse impact on the near or distant views.
- The development would be seen in the context of the main settlement of Westbury to the west and cluster of individual dwellings to the east.
-
N
040-ID-102 page 24 bratton road, westbury Landscape Features Edge of Settlement Sustainable Drainage
- Retain and reinforce field boundaries with wider hedgerows and hedgerow trees. - Create a clear and defined edge to the settlement. - Using the landscape corridors to facilitate stormwater towards attenuation areas.
- Encourage habitat corridors through and around the site, connecting the eastern and - Responds to adjacent developed edges to the west and south east and wider western habitats. countyside setting to the north.
Open
Countryside
Defined Edge
Concentrated Settlement
N
040-ID-1012 page 25 bratton road, westbury 4.0 Recommendations - Towards a Landscape Framework
As referred to in the Landscape Character classifications the proposals should reflect and
reaffirm the approach of a clear and robust definition between the urban and rural edge.
The development of the site will sit within the context of the urban settlement. The edge
9. to the open countryside should be treated sensitively, with development set back from
the boundary, and the field boundary enhanced. 10.
The principal of retaining and enhancing the mature boundary planting is a key 8. component in ensuring the development can be successfully accommodated on site.
7. 3. Key Objectives 11. 1. Buildings to Bratton Road Frontage relating in scale and mass to existing
dwellings.
2. Reduce height of buildings across the middle and northern part of the site 2. 6. 3. Smaller groups of buildings and lower density to create a more informal 2. character to the countryside edge
4. Define Bratton Road frontage and retain existing hedgerow for the majority of its
5. length.
5. Create landscape corridors through the site connecting eastern and western
woodland blocks.
1. 6 Provide strong pedestrian links through the site and connect into the existing 1. wider network of Public Rights of Way, 4. 7. Create a clear and defined settlement edge.
8. Provide new public open space to the countryside edge
9. Strengthen and positively manage existing rural boundary
10. Sensitively manage boundaries to existing residential areas.
11. Landscape buffer provided on site to reinforce the edge, with long distance
N views obscured by existing shelterbelt.
040-ID-102 page 26 bratton road, westbury 5.0 Illustrative Landscape Plan
Key
A Vehicle entrance
B Pedestrian entrances
B C Public Open Space (min 0.29 ha.)
D Existing Shelterbelts
C
D
B Site Boundary
Existing Hedge Retained
Proposed Trees
Shrub Planting
Swale with Native Marginal Plants
D Grassed Areas
Pedestrian Surface B A Hard Landscape Shared Surface
Vehicular Access
Proposed Surface Water Channel Fence & Gate to Local Play Area
Local Play Area Equipment
N
040-ID-1012 page 27 bratton road, westbury 6. Illustrative Sections
Illustrative Section AA’
Swale with marginal Swale with marginal planting planting Existing hedge Open space Shared surface Housing unit Private gardens retained 0 5 10 20m
Location Plan Illustrative Section BB’
A
A’ B
Site Boundary Site B’
Shared surface Vehicular access Proposed planting Housing units Surface water Existing hedge Coach Road Adjacent woodland Shared surface channel retained path 0 5 10 20m
040-ID-102 page 28 bratton road, westbury 6. Illustrative Sections 7. Planting Proposals
The existing mature hedgerows are to be retained with the exception of a small section
of the hedge to Bratton Road where the new access road will be provide. In this area a
replacement hedge will be planted set back form the new access and visibility splays.
The existing boundaries and access road through the development will be planted with
new trees to strengthen the edges and give structure to the infrastructure. The species
in these areas will be large deciduous trees such as; Oak, Hornbeam, Beach and Field
Maple. The tree strategy within the smaller streets and domestic curtilage is to use
small to medium sized species typically with a columnar form and tight canopy such as;
Field Maple, Hazel and Rowan. Hazel groves and native multi- stemmed trees have been
proposed to the play area to encourage natural play.
As part of the SuDS scheme there will be opportunities for new habitat creation in the
surface water channels and oversized swales. These features will be planted with native
sedges and wetland species.
Existing Hedgerow Retained
Boundary / Infrastructure Trees
Private Garden / Ornamental Trees
Native Marginal Plants to Swales
Shrub Planting
Private Garden Grass Areas
Informal Open Space Grass Areas
N 0 5 10 40m
040-ID-1012 page 29 bratton road, westbury 8. Play Strategy
The proposed Public Open Space (POS) will be provide in the northern area of
the site, with good pedestrian access within the development and to existing public
footpaths. Within the POS a Local Equipped Area for Play of 400m2 will be provided in
accordance with the WWDC August 2004 SPG Open Space Provision in New Housing
Developments: A Guide. Based on the WWDC guide the min. required for the site is 0.29
ha. (upto 50 dwellings).
Combined POS – 4,596 m2 (0.45 ha)
Of which water attenuation - 1,487 m2 (0.14 ha)
Remaining POS - 3,109 m2 (0.31 ha)
040-ID-102 page 30 bratton road, westbury Greenhalgh Landscape Architecture
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