Quarry Landscape and Visual Assessment

22 October 2012 ii Land at Beeston Regis, North Landscape and Visual Assessment Quality Assurance

Site name: Land at Beeston Regis,

Client name: Carter Concrete

Type of report: Landscape and Visual Assessment

Prepared by: Luke Broom-Lynne BA DipLA CMLI MRTPI

Signed:

Date: 22 October 2012

Reviewed by: Helen Thompson MPhil MSc BSc CMLI MRTPI

Signed:

Date: 22 October 2012

N.B. This document is intended to be printed double-sided

Introduction Introduction 1

Baseline Assessment North Norfolk Landscape Character Assessment 6 Planning background 9 Restoration proposals 10 Local Landscape Character 12 Visual assessment 15

Conclusion Conclusion 32

Appendices Methodology 37 Glossary 45

Introduction Introduction

introduction 1. Context

The purpose of this report is to summarise the local This section assesses, firstly the wider regional character, the impact of quarrying both in landscape landscape context of the site, and, secondly, the local and visual terms and a comment on the restored baseline landscape context which has a bearing on landform on completion, in relation to a sand and the capacity of the site to accommodate the quarrying gravel site at Beeston Regis in North Norfolk, subject development. These baseline factors include such to a Review of Old Mining Permissions (ROMPs) elements as the local topography, hydrology, land use, field boundaries, settlement pattern , and historic This report is structured as follows: landscape features. These baseline features were analysed on the basis of a combination of desktop research and field walking and visual survey.

2. Site assessment

This section assesses the landscape and visual impacts of site operations, based on a thorough field survey and panoramic site photographs. The precise locations of the photographs were plotted using GPS, and were prepared in accordance with LI Advice Note 01/2011: Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual assessment.

3. Conclusions

This section summarises the broader landscape context and assesses the impacts of the quarrying and restoration activity on the site.

2 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Introduction

INTRODUCTION The site is an existing sand a gravel quarry at Beeston Regis in North Norfolk, covering an area of approximately 20 hectares amongst woodland on the Ridge, surrounded by semi-natural woodland vegetation.

Aerial view showing the site location in red

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 3

Baseline Assessment Baseline: Landscape Character Assessment for North Norfolk

Baseline context

To set the site in its context, the Landscape Character Assessment of North Norfolk, prepared by North Norfolk District Council, is relevant and helps to understand the characteristics and sensitivities of this landscape. The Beeston Regis gravel working site is located within the district landscape character area defined as the Wooded Parkland, Holt to Cromer sub- region.

In the wider context, this character area is spread in various distinct areas throughout most of the District. It avoids the lowest areas however and tends to be situated on higher land above 20m. The largest areas of this Type are along the Cromer Ridge (such as Beeston Regis site), and at Swanton Novers. There are other smaller areas all of which are associated with the parks of great houses. The key characteristics of the Holt Cromer Area which make it distinctive within its type are defined as including:

• Wide mix of woodland types jumbled together to form a fairly cohesive Area stretching along the Cromer Ridge (terminal moraine – glacial gravels). • Woodland types include, parkland (Holt Hall C19th naturalistic planting, Voewood (early

Extract from the Landscape Character Assessment of North Norfolk C20th screening planting), Park 1770s Repton landscape, Cromer Hall C19th

6 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Baseline: Landscape Character Assessment for North Norfolk

parkland and C18th walled park with later plantings through to C20th (Victory V in post war era); older mixed woodland (around Holt and on some of the areas around Felbrigg); C20th conifer plantations – often Forestry Commission lead and natural woodland colonisation of former heath and scrub lands. • Areas of arable land interspersed with woodland areas. Landform is an important determinant of the Area, with height being important – long views from parts of the landscape out to the north and south (seawards and landwards at least 20 miles in places).

There is generally good access to much of this landscape (PRoWs, National Trust lands and other public access land inc. Woodland Trust and Local Authority).

The condition of the landscape character varies between Fair and Good. The majority is Moderate. This is due to the character eroding elements of infill development (in all settlements), estate developments (on the edge of Holt and Sheringham), the presence of the busy road network which is constantly ‘present’ wherever one is in the Area and removes the sense of remoteness completely and the strong leisure use in many parts of the Area (formal and informal). Detailed extract from the Landscape Character Assessment of North Norfolk

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 7 Baseline: Landscape Character Assessment for North Norfolk

The strength of character is Moderate. The woodland presence gives a strong sense of ‘woodedness’ which is relatively rare in Norfolk. However the busy nature of the area and the generic features of the most of the settlements means that the strength of character is significantly reduced.

The management of the woodland stock within the Area is varied. Some is commercial, others recreational, some is left alone and some is mixed. The parkland areas have notably good management. Some attempts at heathland recreation on currently wooded areas have been attempted. The results are mixed with some areas (Roman Camp) actively benefiting from the changes which give views, interesting compartments and a ‘bigger feel’ to the landscape. Others have been less successful (Woodland Trust area near Hill Top) which has simply given views of part of former gravel extraction now used as a children’s activity centre. Woodland is a very critical element in protecting this busy landscape from exposing its less attractive elements. It would therefore be preferable to either create heathland on currently arable land or create a comparable amount of woodland on adjoining land when heathland recreation on woodland takes place. To do otherwise risks reducing both character and public amenity.

Extracts from the Landscape Character Assessment of North Norfolk, showing typical landscape features of this character area

8 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Baseline: Planning background

Planning background The planning permission granted for sand and gravel extraction at Beeston Regis quarry is subject to certain conditions:

1. Duration of permission

2. Access, Traffic and Public Highway

3. Working Programme

4. Environmental Protection

5. Landscaping

6. Restoration

7. After-Use

8. After-Care

The plan at right shows the approved working and restoration plan of the site, as defined under condition 6. The current area of working is towards to north- eastern corner, and the intention is for completed workings to be gently graded and restored to heathland.

Extract from the original approved landscape restoration scheme (2002)

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 9 Baseline: Restoration proposals

Extract from the original approved landscape restoration scheme (2002)

10 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Baseline: Restoration proposals

Extract from the original approved landscape restoration scheme (2002)

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 11 Baseline: Local Landscape Character

Local Landscape character Assessment The area around the existing sand and gravel extraction area is typical of the character defined in the District Council Assessment. The location on the terminal moraine of Cromer Ridge results in a striking topography, with narrow winding lanes, a high level of semi-natural tree and woodland cover and, where the woodland is not present, wide expansive views of the landscape.

These wide views are especially noticeable to the north of the gravel site, where at the elevated position of Stone Hill, at an altitude of around 90 metres above sea level, there are open views over Beeston Regis village and the sea beyond. There is a wide network of public footpaths and bridleways traversing the area around the gravel workings yet the site itself, which covers an area of approximately 20 hectares, despite its size, is barely noticeable due to the mature woodland surrounding the site and the nature of the local terrain. Even along Briton’s Lane, where the quarry workings are close to the road, the lane retains it wooded rural character with little evidence of the quarry apart from it its entrance. Thus, according to the methodology in the appendix, the landscape can be defined as ‘good quality’ or ‘very good quality, even in close proximity to the quarry. Top: View northwards towards Sheringham, from Stone Hill, approximately 100 metres from the northern boundary of the site Bottom: View of the mixed woodland surrounding the gravel site, viewed from the Northern boundary

12 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Baseline: Local Landscape Character

Top: Entrance to the quarry site off Britons Lane Aerial view of the site in 1999 Aerial view of the site in around 2007, showing the approved Bottom: View northwards along Briton’s Lane extension to the north-east

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 13 Topographical model of the existing site, with footpaths and bridleways shown as yellow dashed lines Topographical map of the site, with major contours at 5 metre intervals

14 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

In order to undertake the assessment, the application site and its environs of Linton were walked and driven over one day to determine potential views, and identify key locations (receptors) where the visual impact may be considered particularly significant.

Photographs have been used to demonstrate the key views and vistas, and to indicate potential visibility to and from the proposed development site. The location of the viewpoints was logged using a handheld GPS unit, and this data was used to prepare the panoramic visualisations which were used in the preparation of the proposals.

The following section summarises the key visual impacts.

Map showing the visual receptors used in the assessment

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 15 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 1 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View southwards along High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible adverse Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, with the edge of the This location is within quarry site on the left-hand an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local side. landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location quality of activity below the sight line results in the site being a recessive element in the landscape despite The existing mature the proximity deciduous woodland alongside the road effectively screens the site COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial from view

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

16 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 2 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View northwards along High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible adverse Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, with the edge of the This location is within quarry site on the left-hand an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local side. landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location quality of activity below the sight line results in the site being a recessive element in the landscape despite The existing mature the proximity deciduous woodland alongside the road effectively screens the site COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial from view

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 17 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 3 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View southwards along High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible adverse Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, with the edge of the This location is within quarry site on the left-hand an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local side. landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location quality of activity below the sight line results in the site being a recessive element in the landscape despite The existing mature the proximity deciduous woodland alongside the road effectively screens the site COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial from view, and views from neighbouring residential properties are minimal The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

18 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 4 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View northwards along High OPERATIONAL Minor Minor adverse Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, with the edge of the This location is within quarry site on the left-hand an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local side, approximately 100 landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location metres from the entrance quality of activity below the sight line results in the site to the quarry. being a recessive element in the landscape despite the proximity The existing mature deciduous woodland COMPLETION Minor Minor beneficial alongside the road effectively screens the site from view The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 19 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 5 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View southwards along High OPERATIONAL Minor Minor adverse Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, with the edge of the This location is within quarry site on the left-hand an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local side. landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location quality of most activity below the sight line results in the site being a recessive element in the landscape despite The existing mature the proximity deciduous woodland alongside the road effectively screens the COMPLETION Minor Minor beneficial site from view, although the entrance to the site is noticeable from this The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact viewpoint will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

20 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 6 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View south-eastwards High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible along Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, This location is within approximately 140 an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local metres from the northern landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location boundary of the site quality of activity below the sight line results in the site being invisible in the landscape despite the proximity The existing mature deciduous woodland COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial surrounding the site is an important element of the local landscape The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact character. The strong will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance local topography adds to the local habitats and biodiversity the landscape character and local screening of the quarry.

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 21 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 7 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View southwards along High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible Briton’s Lane, Beeston Regis, approximately 430 This location is within metres from the northern an area of good The operational site is well-screened by local boundary of the site landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location quality, adjacent to of activity below the sight line results in the site residential properties being invisible despite the relative proximity The existing mature deciduous woodland surrounding the site is COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial an important element of the local landscape character. The strong The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact local topography adds to will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the landscape character the local habitats and biodiversity and local screening of the quarry.

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

22 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 8 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View northwards towards OPERATIONAL the sea and Beeston Very High Negligible Negligible Regis from the elevated position of Stone Hill, This location is within Despite the elevated position, the quarry site is well- a popular viewpoint an area of high screened by natural vegetation, and the location of and at the intersection landscape value and activity below the sight line results in the site being of public rights of way, quality a recessive element in the landscape despite the approximately 80 metres proximity from the northern boundary of the site. COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 23 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 8a Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View southwards towards OPERATIONAL the northern boundary of Very High Negligible Negligible the site from the elevated position of Stone Hill, This location is within Despite the elevated position, the quarry site is well- a popular viewpoint an area of high screened by natural vegetation, and the location of and at the intersection landscape value and activity below the sight line results in the site being of public rights of way, quality a recessive element in the landscape despite the approximately 80 metres proximity from the northern boundary of the site. COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

24 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 9 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View westwards from the High OPERATIONAL Minor Minor adverse public footpath alongside the site boundary, at the This location is within northern side of the site. an area of high Despite the elevated position, the quarry site is well- Despite the proximity, landscape value and screened by natural vegetation, and the location of the existing operations quality activity below the sight line results in the site being are a relatively recessive a recessive element in the landscape despite the element in the landscape. proximity

COMPLETION Minor Minor beneficial

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 25 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 10 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View south-westwards Medium OPERATIONAL Moderate Moderate adverse into the site from the north-eastern corner. The This location is land in the foreground within an area of Despite the prominence of the quarry from this presently under scrubby high landscape value location, this is not a publicly-accessible viewpoint, vegetation will become the and quality, although and the existing boundary woodland and natural final phase of the current this site is not a topography reduces any detrimental impacts operations. public viewpoint and located within the site boundary of the COMPLETION Moderate Moderate beneficial existing quarry. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

26 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 11 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View south-westwards Medium OPERATIONAL Moderate Moderate adverse into the site from the north-eastern corner. This location is within an area of Despite the prominence of the quarry from this high landscape value location, this is not a publicly-accessible viewpoint, This view shows restored and quality, although and the existing boundary woodland and natural land on the eastern side this site is not a topography reduces any detrimental impacts of the quarry establishing public viewpoint and well with heathland located within the vegetation, as proposed site boundary of the COMPLETION Moderate Moderate beneficial in the original planning existing quarry. permission. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 27 Visual assessment

Viewpoint 12 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View south-westwards Medium OPERATIONAL Moderate Moderate adverse into the site from the north-eastern corner, This location is showing the current within an area of Despite the prominence of the quarry from this operational area high landscape value location, this is not a publicly-accessible viewpoint, and quality, although and the existing boundary woodland and natural this site is not a topography reduces any detrimental impacts public viewpoint and located within the site boundary of the COMPLETION Moderate Moderate beneficial existing quarry. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

28 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Visual assessment

Viewpoint 1 Sensitivity 1 Description of effects Magnitude of visual Significance3 effect 2

View towards the Eastern High OPERATIONAL Negligible Negligible boundary of the existing quarry. This location is within an area of high The operational site is well-screened by local landscape value and topography and natural vegetation, and the location The existing mature quality of activity below the sight line results in the site deciduous woodland being a recessive element in the landscape despite alongside the site the proximity effectively screens it from view COMPLETION Negligible Negligible beneficial

The site itself is barely visible and the visual impact will be minimal. Restoration of the site will enhance the local habitats and biodiversity

1, 2, 3 - See methodology Appendix 1, pages 41 to 47

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 29

Conclusion Conclusion

Views of the quarry, showing areas of former workings establishing with semi-natural heathland and wetland vegetation

32 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Conclusion

Summary of impacts Impact upon regional landscape Impact upon visual amenity The assessment has determined that existing quarry character (North Norfolk landscape The proposed quarrying is considered an appropriate operations have a very limited local landscape and character assessment) use of the site, being restored as heathland and visual impact, and that restoration of former workings The development is not considered to have a woodland in the long term and therefore contributing on part of the site is establishing well as semi-natural detrimental impact upon the wider landscape to the landscape character of the area. The greatest heathland, as specified in the planning permission. character of the regional landscape character area, visual change will only be experienced at close The long-term landscape effects of the approved given the existing land use. The native tree and shrub proximity to the site, and primarily from viewpoints of scheme are likely to be minimal, and indeed will be planting and heathland restoration proposed as part lower sensitivity. The impact is therefore considered beneficial with the establishment of new heathland of the scheme is considered to contribute a positive to be neutral or beneficial. habitat. The existing boundary landscape features element to the landscape, and the impact therefore is (mature hedgerows, woodland and trees) are retained, considered to be beneficial effectively screening the site and contributing to the Impact upon neighbouring properties strong landscape structure of the area. The visual assessment has determined that the site as largely The closest residential properties to the site are screened from most viewpoints by local tree and along Briton’s. These properties have outlooks which hedgerow cover, and is only visible at close proximity generally do not permit views to the quarry site, and to the site. most are screened by their own mature gardens, or by the natural landform The proposals include Impact upon local landscape character extensive new native tree and shrub planting, as well The general vicinity of the application site is defined as heathland restoration. The impact therefore is as having a ‘very good’ landscape character, with a considered to be neutral or beneficial. strong structure to the landscape with mature trees Impact upon landscape structure and hedgerows and well-maintained garden and open spaces. Despite the presence of the quarry, it has The landscape structure will be enhanced by new tree very little impact on the local landscape character, and shrub planting, using native species which will and the restoration of former workings will contribute also enhance the biodiversity value of the site. The positively to the landscape character of the region. impact therefore is considered to be beneficial.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 33

Appendices Methodology

36 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Definition of the study area to create the view which is generally accepted guidelines as set out in “Guidelines for Landscape and as being closest to that seen by the human eye. With regard to the landscape assessment, the views Visual Impact Assessment: Second Edition”, (GLVIA) The photographs used are intended only to give used were chosen based upon their location in relation published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute an indication of the view discussed and are not a to the site and other landscape elements. Beyond the of Environmental Management and Assessment. This substitute for visiting the site in person. area chosen, the visual effects of the development is widely regarded by professionals as the industry are not considered likely to be significant. This is due Panoramic views consisted of photographs taken standard on the subject. in part to scale and height of the built components of by the criteria outlined above merged together The assessment distinguishes between landscape development, the effect of reduced contrast between with Photoshop® software. No other photographic impacts and visual impacts which, although related, different landscape textures and colours at increasing manipulation was undertaken. are different. Landscape impacts are changes in the distance and the increasing importance of atmospheric A brief description of the existing land use of the fabric, character and quality of the landscape. Visual conditions in determining the availability of long area is provided and includes reference to existing impacts relate solely to changes in available views distance views. At these distances, the development settlements, transport routes and vegetation cover, of the landscape and the effects of those changes is likely to be screened by local features, such as as well as local landscape designations, elements on people. Impacts can also be beneficial as well as landform, buildings and vegetation. of cultural and heritage value and local landmarks or adverse. Baseline Information tourist destinations. These factors combine to provide A desktop study of the site was undertaken, including an understanding of landscape value and sensitivity, A thorough inspection of the site was undertaken to an assessment of character, landform, landscape and an indication of particular key views and viewpoints determine the Zone of Visual Influence, which involved features, historic evolution, policy and designations. that are available to visual receptors and therefore are walking public rights of way and visiting significant This information was both used for, and assessed to be included in the visual assessment. public viewpoints to determine the likely visibility against, the site visit. of the development. Photographs from selected viewpoints were taken using a Canon EOS 400D SLR camera. Viewpoints were selected as being most representative of all potential views into the site, and the precise location was logged using a handheld GPS unit at 4 metre accuracy.

Photographs were taken at a focal length of 35mm (equivalent to 50mm on a convention 35mm camera),

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 37 Methodology

Landscape and Townscape Character Table M1 Landscape Quality Assessment Criteria

The baseline landscape and townscape quality Category Definition was evaluated using the GLVIA guidelines and its classification follows a five point scale interpreted Highest Quality Includes the most aesthetically attractive landscape. Areas of particular Natural Beauty in tables M1 and M2, based on best practice from Landscape perceived as special in a regional or national context. Nationally designated land such previous assessments. as National Parks, AONBs etc. Very good quality Areas include historic and designated landscape. Diverse, semi-natural or farmed landscape landscape with natural features. Normally abundant woodland cover together with a high distribution of trees, hedgerows and shrubs, streams, brooks and other naturalized unpolluted water corridors may be present. Several local landscape designations may apply, including Conservation Areas, and some historical or cultural sites may be present.

Good Quality Countryside with some variety in farmland cover. Settlements and villages with pockets Landscape of open space and public recreation areas. There is a reasonable distribution of semi- natural vegetation, trees and shrub cover and the overall view of the area is pleasant. Local landscape designations of cultural and historic value may be present.

Ordinary Quality Typical open agricultural land where attractive features are offset by detractors. Some Landscape strategic planning is evident but development is primarily functional including housing estates, business parks or urban fringe land uses. Not particularly aesthetically attractive, but with more value than a poor quality landscape. Land may be within a Green Belt or have a local landscape designation.

Poor Quality Includes detractors such as power lines, industrial derelict or inappropriate built forms Landscape with no aesthetic value or evidence of strategic planning. There is lack of mature vegetation cover and no landscape designations apply. Intensively farmed landscape, which has lost most of its features.

38 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology

Table M2 Townscape Assessment Criteria

Category Definition

Highest value Nationally or regionally important townscape with high quality, highly valued rare or unusual features. Diverse, stimulating and thriving street level townscape uses with a high level of human comfort, interactive pedestrian environment and strong hierarchy of public amenity and civic spaces. National area/ feature designation and assemblage of important listed historical and rich cultural features including Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings or valued modern buildings. Well maintained unified townscape with attractive visual detail and no detractors. Negligible pedestrian and traffic conflict.

Very good Locally distinctive development form with rich cultural associations using good quality locally characteristic materials. Harmonious relationship quality between buildings and hierarchy of publicly accessible spaces. Several Listed Buildings or local area/feature designations may apply including townscape features of regional interest. Highly permeable, well maintained and no significant townscape detractors.Townscape promotes social interaction and pedestrian movement dominates traffic circulation with few conflicts.

Good Features with historical/cultural local value, possibly designated. Locally distinctive townscape, vernacular or planned layout often with Townscape ornamentation in good condition and well maintained. Possibly degraded by unsympathetic modern development but retaining essential characteristics with potential for enhancement. Townscape supports social interaction and pedestrian movement co-exists with traffic movement with few conflicts.

Ordinary Development is primarily functional, incoherent development form or minimum design criteria being used in contemporary situations. Little indication Townscape of local distinctiveness, design expression or ornamentation. Remnant distinctive townscape features may persist but are no longer in context. Few opportunities for social interaction, limited to specific ‘community’ locations. Traffic circulation usually controls pedestrian movement.

Poor Poorly designed development form using inappropriate materials and/or materials of limited life span. Unsympathetic scale, lacking structure, variety, Townscape coherence or clear communication links. Poor boundary definition and arbitrary ‘unowned’ space, often vandalised, rarely used by community. Townscape in poor condition or decline, unwelcoming or even threatening, with a lack of opportunity for social interaction. Pedestrian movement may be inhibited/severely constrained by major transport barrier.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 39 Methodology

Landscape Effects and Receptors • Cumulative landscape effects: these are defined by the Landscape Institute as resulting Landscape effects are defined by the Landscape from additional changes to landscape amenity Institute as ‘changes to landscape elements, caused by the proposed development in characteristics, character, and qualities of the conjunction with other development (associated landscape as a result of development’ and these may or separate from it), or actions that occurred in be adverse, neutral or beneficial, Landscape receptors the past, present or are likely to occur in the are things that are affected by landscape impacts and foreseeable future. may include the following: The landscape effects have been assessed by • Landscape elements: introduction or removal consideration of three criteria: of trees, vegetation and built features and other elements which together form landscape • The sensitivity of the landscape resource or patterns; receptor (very high, high, medium, low or very low); • Landscape patterns: degradation or erosion of groups and arrangements of landscape • The magnitude of the affected landscape elements, which form patterns that are resource (large, moderate, slight or none); and characteristic of landscape character types; • The significance of the impact (major, • Landscape character: the landscape character moderate, minor or neutral). is a product of a combination of factors that Consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape contribute to the creation of a unique setting. receptor against the magnitude of change posed by Landscape character is a product of the the development to give the significance of the impact combination of geological features, geomorphic is fundamental to landscape assessment and each processes, floral and wildlife associations, with of these criteria has been defined in more detail with social, economic and cultural forces; and relevance to this assessment.

40 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Methodology

Sensitivity of Landscape Receptors • Landscape capacity: the ability of a particular landscape or element to absorb change without The sensitivity of landscape receptors have been unacceptable adverse effects on its character. determined by reference to the baseline assessment of This may be considered with reference to the existing landscape. The classification of sensitivity existing landscape characteristics such as scale, with regard to landscape receptors is defined further topography and existing screening elements in Table M5 and is derived from consideration of the as well as landscape change, including the existing (baseline) landscape receptors as follows: presence of existing development. Generally, • Landscape condition: the state of repair of landscapes that are already influenced by the the elements of a particular landscape, the type of development proposed have a greater integrity and intactness and the extent to which capacity to accommodate the proposed its distinctive character is apparent; changes, whilst those lacking any influence from • Landscape value: the importance attached similar development will have less capacity. to a landscape or its elements. This is most It is important to use sensitivity criteria of an readily recognised by the existence of any appropriate scale for the development. In some planning policy designations. These may cases where criteria are chosen to reflect nationally express national or local consensus, and sensitive sites, such as designated National Parks or generally reflect aspects of its quality, cultural Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, it is possible associations, scenic or aesthetic characteristics that issues of local importance are under emphasised. or ecological state. The rarity of the landscape The opposite is also true. If the highest significance is or its particular representation of a certain assigned to nationally designated landscapes and the landscape character may also be considered; study area falls within one, there is the assumption that and all of the land within that study area is of the highest sensitivity to change. This is not the case as many designations, such as AONBs, are broad-brush and the sensitivity criteria should be altered accordingly. Sensitivity criteria should be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 41 42 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Matrix M3 Calculation of Significance of Effects

Sensitivity of Receptors lies along a continuum from very high to very low, depending on where the view is from (the status of that place) and the activities of the viewer at that location

Very High High Medium Low Very Low

including viewers within nationally Including viewers looking from Including views from people engaged Including people within cars and on Including people working inside who designated townscape features, windows of their own residential in outdoor sports or recreation. Such other transport routes. are not focussed on views outside. (such as the setting of and Area of properties or recreational viewers users are not wholly focussed on the Outstanding Natural Beauty). Users using public rights of way or the landscape around them. of such areas are often very aware of setting of a Grade II* listed building. the value of views

Severe Major Moderate

Major Moderate view Severe

A complete A Major Moderate Minor change in the

Major Moderate

Major Moderate Minor view Major

A significant A Moderate Minor change in the

Major Moderate Minor

Moderate Minor view

lies along a continuum from severe to none with an Moderate Minor Negligible A noticeable A Moderate change in the

Moderate Minor

Moderate Minor Negligible view Minor Minor Negligible A perceptible A change in the

affected, the number of viewers affected and the duration of effect the number of viewers affected affected,

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible view overlap between each defined category. This will depend on the amount of view overlap between each defined category. A barely A Magnitude of effect perceptible change in the Negligible

None None None None None None No change

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 43 Glossary

44 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Glossary

This glossary is intended to provide general guidance, not authoritative definitions of terms which are sometimes controversial or used with different meanings in different contexts.

Analysis (landscape) The process of breaking the landscape down into its component parts to understand how it is made up.

Assessment (landscape) An umbrella term for description, classification and analysis of landscape.

Biodiversity The concept of variety in all species of plants and animals through which nature finds its balance.

Buffer zone A space that provides separation between two elements. These may be the entire development and the local countryside or a play area and the local housing.

Bulk The combined effect of the arrangement, volume and shape of a building or group of buildings. Also called massing.

Character assessment An area appraisal identifying distinguishing physical features and emphasising historical and cultural associations.

Context The setting of a site or area, including factors such as traffic, activities and land uses as well as landscape and built form.

Countryside The rural environment and its associated communities.

Cumulative Effects The summation of effects that result from changes caused by a development in conjunction with other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 45 Glossary

Density The floorspace of a building or buildings or some other unit measure in relation to a given area of land. Built density can be expressed in terms of plot ratio (for commercial development); number of units or habitable rooms per hectare (for residential development); site coverage plus the number of floors or a maximum building height; or a combination of these.

Development form See ‘form’.

Diversity Where a variety of qualities or characteristics occur.

Element A component part of the landscape (for example, roads, hedges, woods).

Elevation The facade of a building, or the drawing of a facade.

Enhancement Landscape improvement through restoration, reconstruction or creation.

Environment Our physical surroundings including air, water and land.

Environmental Impact Assessment The evaluation of the effects on the environment of particular development proposals.

Field pattern The pattern of hedges and walls that define fields in farmed landscapes.

Form The layout (structure and urban grain), density, scale (height and massing), appearance (materials and details) and landscape of development.

Genus Loci A sense of place, i.e. how much an area has a distinct character or contributes to the overall character of an area.

46 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Glossary

Height The height of a building can be expressed in terms of a maximum number of floors; a maximum height of parapet or ridge; a maximum overall height; any of these maximum heights in combination with a maximum number of floors; a ratio of building height to street or space width; height relative to particular landmarks or background buildings; or strategic views.

Landform Combination of slope and elevation that produce the shape and form of the land.

Landmark A building or structure that stands out from its background by virtue of height, size or some other aspect of design.

Landscape The character and appearance of land, including its shape, form, ecology, natural features, colours and elements and the way these components combine. Landscape character can be expressed through landscape appraisal, and maps or plans. In towns ‘townscape’ describes the same concept.

Landscape character The distinct and recognisable pattern of elements that occurs consistently in a particular type of landscape, and how this is perceived by people. It reflects particular combinations of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement. It creates the particular sense of place of different areas of the landscape.

Landscape Character Type A landscape type will have broadly similar patterns of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use, settlement and field pattern discernible in maps and field survey records.

Landscape Effects Change in the elements, characteristics, character and qualities of the landscape as a result of development. These effects can be positive or negative.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 47 Glossary

Landscape Evaluation The process of attaching value (non-monetary) to a particular landscape, usually by the application of previously agreed criteria, including consultation and third party documents, for a particular purpose (for example, designation or in the context of the assessment).

Landscape Factor A circumstance or influence contributing to the impression of a landscape (for example, scale, enclosure, elevation).

Landscape Feature A prominent eye-catching element, for example, wooded hilltop or church spire.

Landscape Quality (or condition) based on judgements about the physical state of the landscape, and about its intactness, from visual, functional, and ecological perspectives. It also reflects the state of repair of individual features and elements which make up the character in any one place.

Landscape Resource The combination of elements that contribute to landscape context, character and value.

Landscape Sensitivity The extent to which a landscape can accept change of a particular type and scale without unacceptable adverse effects on its character.

Land Use The primary use of the land, including both rural and urban activities.

Landscape Value The relative value or importance attached to a landscape (often as a basis for designation or recognition), which expresses national or local consensus, because of its quality, special qualities including perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness, cultural associations or other conservation issues.

Layout The way buildings, routes and open spaces are placed in relation to each other.

48 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Glossary

Legibility The degree to which a place can be easily understood and traversed.

Local distinctiveness The positive features of a place and its communities which contribute to its special character and sense of place.

Magnitude A combination of the scale, extent and duration of an effect.

Massing The combined effect of the height, bulk and silhouette of a building or group of buildings.

Methodology The specific approach and techniques used for a given study.

Mitigation Measures, including any process, activity or design to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate for adverse landscape and visual effects of a development project.

Movement People and vehicles going to and passing through buildings, places and spaces. The movement network can be shown on plans, by space syntax analysis, by highway designations, by figure and ground diagrams, through data on origins and destinations or pedestrian flows, by desire lines, by details of public transport services, by walk bands or by details of cycle routes.

Perception (of landscape) The psychology of seeing and possibly attaching value and/or meaning (to landscape).

Planning Policy

Statements (PPSs) Documents embodying Government guidance on general and specific aspects of planning policy to be taken into account in formulating development plan policies and in making planning decisions.

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 49 Glossary

Radburn Layout A style of masterplan layout that was pioneered in Radburn, New Jersey in 1929. The settlement was described as ‘a town for the motor age’. The layout is distinguished by the separation of pedestrian and traffic routes, and the predominance of cul-de-sacs. The design has fallen out of favour due to the security issues posed by cul-de-sacs and the separation of pedestrians from overlooked streets.

Receptor Physical landscape resource, special interest or viewer group that will experience an effect.

Regulatory Authority The planning or other authority responsible for planning consents or project authorisation (synonymous with determining authority or competent authority).

Scale The impression of a building when seen in relation to its surroundings, or the size of parts of a building or its details, particularly as experienced in relation to the size of a person. Sometimes it is the total dimensions of a building which give it its sense of scale: at other times it is the size of the elements and the way they are combined. The concept is a difficult and ambiguous one: often the word is used simply as a synonym for ‘size’. See ‘Human scale’.

Scenario A picture of a possible future.

Scoping The process of identifying the likely significant effects of a development on the environment.

Sense of Place (genius loci) The essential character and spirit of an area: genius loci literally means ‘spirit of the place’.

Sensitive/sensitivity See landscape sensitivity.

50 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Glossary

Spine Street or streets along which activity is concentrated.

Strategic view The line of sight from a particular point to an important landmark or skyline.

Sustainability The principle that the environment should be protected in such a condition and to such a degree that ensures new development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Technique Specific working process.

Threshold A specified level in grading effects, for example, of magnitude, sensitivity or significance

Topography A description or representation of artificial or natural features on or of the ground.

Urban design The art of making places. Urban design involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, in villages, towns and cities, and the establishment of frameworks and processes which facilitate successful development.

Vernacular The way in which ordinary buildings were built in a particular place, making use of local styles, techniques and materials and responding to local economic and social conditions.

View What is visible from a particular point. Compare ‘Vista’.

Visual amenity The value of a particular area or view in terms of what is seen.

Visual effect Change in the appearance of the landscape as a result of development. This can be positive (i.e. beneficial or an improvement) or negative (i.e. adverse or a detraction).

Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment 51 Glossary

Visual envelope Extent of potential visibility to or from a specific area or feature.

Vista An enclosed view, usually a long and narrow one. Visualisation - Computer simulation, photomontage or other technique to illustrate the appearance of a development.

Worst-case situation Principle applied where the environmental effects may vary, for example, seasonally to ensure the most severe potential effect is assessed.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Computer mapping process which calculates areas from which a feature of a certain height is theoretically visible.

Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) Area within which a proposed development may have an influence or effect on visual amenity.

52 Land at Beeston Regis, North Norfolk Landscape and Visual Assessment Glossary

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