Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Botany Bay, Chorley
th 17 February 2021
Report No: Date Revision Author
10510_R04 17th February 2021 a Jack Jewell BA (Hons) MLA CMLI
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The contents of this report are valid at the time of writing. Tyler Grange shall not be liable for any use of this report other than for the purposes for which it was produced. Owing to the dynamic nature of arboricultural resources, if more than twelve months have elapsed since the date of this report, further advice must be taken before you rely on the contents of this report. Notwithstanding any provision of the Tyler Grange Group Ltd Terms & Conditions, Tyler Grange Group Ltd shall not be liable for any losses (howsoever incurred) arising as a result of reliance by the client or any third party on this report more than 12 months after the date of this report.
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley
10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM
Contents
Section 1: Introduction 1 Section 2: Landscape Planning Policy Context 4 Section 3: Landscape Character Baseline 9 Section 4: Visual Context 15 Section 5: Landscape Strategy Proposals 20 Section 6: Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Assessment 21 Section 7: Summary and Conclusions 35
Appendices
Appendix 1: LVIA Methodology and Tyler Grange LVIA Assessment Criteria (Sensitivity of Receptors: Landscape & Visual / Magnitude of Change: Landscape & Views)
Plans
Topography (10510/P20a)
Landscape Planning Context and Public Rights of Way (10510/P25a)
Published Landscape Character Context (10510/P26a)
Photoviewpoint Locations and Visual Analysis Plan (10510/P21a)
Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1 to 17 (10510/P27)
Landscape Strategy (10510/P22c)
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley
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Section 1: Introduction
1.1. This report has been prepared by Tyler Grange Group Ltd (TG) on behalf of FI Real Estate Management to inform a planning application for a proposed development of industrial and commercial buildings, main and secondary circulation roads, car and HGV parking, landscaping and ancillary works and infrastructure at land Canal Mill, Botany Bay Chorley (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’). The site is located to the east of the M61 Junction 8, west of Great Knowley and south of the A674 at the north-eastern edge of the built-up area of Chorley (OS Grid Reference SD 590 192).
1.2. The site is allocated for employment use under Policy EP1 of the Chorley Local Plan. The site also benefits from an extant outline planning consent for proposed re-development works including demolition and retail use with associated car parking, highways works and landscaping (ref. 17/00715/OUTMAJ). Planning permission was granted in October 2019.
1.3. The site boundary is shown at Figure 1.1 below. It comprises 8.17 hectares and contains the existing Canal Mill building (Botany Bay) and associated hard surfacing and access roads. It is predominantly flat with the land rising to the north, north-west forming an embankment along the A674. The north and south eastern parcel slope up from west to east towards Blackburn Road to approximately 110 - 115m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD).
Figure 1.1 – Aerial Imagery / Site Boundary (Aerial Imagery © Google 2020)
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1.4. This report sets out the baseline landscape and visual context of the site and provides an assessment of the changes (in terms of the visual context and current landscape character) and the impacts that are likely to be derived following the proposed development of the site.
1.5. TG were instructed at the inception and feasibility stage of the project to undertake landscape character and visual appraisal work to formulate the initial design parameters. This preliminary work comprised a site visit and a desktop study to identify the policy, character, and visual context of the site.
1.6. The assessment process is set out in further detail at Appendix 1, to the rear of this report, but involves the following steps:
• Baseline Appraisal • Classification of Resources • Assessment of Effects
1.7. The methodology and guidelines used in the preparation of this assessment has been developed from the following documents:
• Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), Third Edition, Landscape Institute and IEMA, 2013; • An approach to landscape sensitivity assessment – to inform spatial planning and land management, Natural England, 2019; and • An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment – Natural England, 20141.
Approach and Background to Report
1.8. The planning application for Botany Bay Business Park is a detailed planning application. Accordingly, the planning application is supported by a set of detailed drawings prepared by the applicant’s architect, MCAU. These depict key details of the proposed development including access, layout, footprint and floorspace of proposed buildings, building heights, uses of buildings, circulation roads, light and heavy goods vehicle parking and manoeuvring areas, servicing arrangements and areas of landscaping.
1.9. In addition, the application is supported by a suite of documents, including this one, to demonstrate that the development proposals are acceptable with regard to landscape and visual matters.
1.10. This report has also had regard to the key findings and conclusions of the environmental statement (“ES”) and its technical appendices that set out the findings of an environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) of a previously granted and still extant planning permission for the site, namely, planning permission ref no. 17/00715/OUTMAJ, granted in October 2019. This was for an extensive retail development in the form of a factory outlet village and related uses.
1 The explanation of Landscape Character Assessment is included in the ‘Landscape Character Assessment – Technical Information Note 08/2015, Landscape Institute, (2016)’ Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley Page 2 10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM
1.11. We understand that it was agreed in principle during pre-application discussions on the current proposals with the council, led by JFP, the applicant’s planning consultant, that the new proposals for the site, with specific reference to associated impacts and effects of the development, remained in broad conformity with the parameters of the approved ES, and that as such there would be no requirement to produce either an addendum to the approved ES that supported planning permission 17/00715/OUTMAJ or a new ES.
1.12. It was further agreed that an ES Compliance Statement would be submitted demonstrating that the revised proposals remain in compliance with the assessment of effects and associated mitigation set out in the approved ES. We understand that an ESCS has been produced by JFP and has been submitted in support of the planning application.
1.13. As is demonstrated in the conclusions of our report/statement, the impacts and effects of the current development when compared to those associated with the still extant permission (ref no. 17/00715/OUTMAJ) are largely unchanged and as such further additional information in the form of either an addendum to that ES or a new ES is not justified.
1.14. This approach is explained in and supported by Section 8(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 [EIA Regulations (2017)] which states that where it appears to the relevant planning authority that environmental information already before them is adequate to assess the environmental effects of a development, they shall take that information into account in their decision on subsequent consents.
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Section 2: Landscape Planning Policy Context
2.1 The site falls within the local planning authority of Chorley Council. The applicable local planning policies are currently contained within the following documents:
• The Central Lancashire Core Strategy (adopted 2012); and • The Chorley Local Plan (adopted 2015).
2.2 The specific local level policies applicable to the site in relation to landscape and visual matters are illustrated on the Landscape Planning Context and Public Rights of Way plan (10510/P25a) contained to the rear of this report. This section includes a review of planning policies relevant to landscape and visual issues at a national and local level.
National Planning Policy Context
2.3 The Revised NPPF was published on 24th July 2018 and updated 19th February 2019. It outlines the Government’s planning policies for England, setting out how these are expected to be applied. The Revised NPPF is a material consideration in planning decisions and any development would need to accord with the planning provisions set out therein.
2.4 Footnote 6 provides examples of the protected landscape areas or assets of particular importance that the NPPF policies refer to, these are:
• Habitat sites (and those sites listed in paragraph 176); and/ or • Designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest; • Land designated as Green Belt, Local Green Space, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; • A National Park (or within the Broads Authority); or • Defined as Heritage Coast, irreplaceable habitats; • Designated heritage assets (and other heritage assets of archaeological interest referred to in footnote 63); and • Areas at risk of flooding or coastal change.
2.5 The site does not fall within either of these categories of protected landscape areas or assets and therefore is not considered to be a ‘valued landscape’ in NPPF terms.
2.6 Chapter 12 of the NPPF sets out criteria needed within a Local Plan to enable good design, which is a “key aspect of sustainable development” that “creates better places in which to live and work and helps make the development acceptable to communities”. The retention of and provision of new landscape features such as trees and hedges will further assist the assimilation of the new development within the landscape.
2.7 Chapter 15: ‘Conserving and enhancing the natural environment’ specifies how planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment. Paragraph 170(a) states that protection and enhancement of “valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils” should be “in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan”. No definition of a “valued landscape” is provided in the NPPF or NPPG. The value of the landscape is considered in relation to the sensitivity of the landscape and features within this report.
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Local Planning Policy
The Central Lancashire Core Strategy (adopted 2012)
2.8 This document sets out the vision and objectives for the development of Central Lancashire to 2026 and includes strategic objectives and policies on key issues.
2.9 Policy 18: ‘Green Infrastructure’ encourages the management and improvement of environment resources, through the protection and enhancement of existing assets that provide economic, social, environmental benefits and “secure mitigation and/or compensatory measures where development would lead to the loss of, or damage to, part of the Green Infrastructure network.”
2.10 Policy 3: ‘Travel’ sets out an approach to planning for travel, this includes improving pedestrian walking routes and cycleways, which includes canal towpaths.
2.11 Policy 17: ‘Design of New Buildings’ states “The design of new buildings will be expected to take account of the character and appearance of the local area”, including the:
• “siting, layout, massing, scale, design, materials, building to plot ratio and landscaping.” • “safeguarding and enhancing the built and historic environment.” • “providing landscaping as an integral part of the development, protecting existing landscape features and natural assets, habitat creation, providing open space, and enhancing the public realm.”
2.12 Policy 21: ‘Landscape Character Areas’ states that “New Development will be required to be well integrated into existing settlement patterns, appropriate to the landscape character type and designation within which it is situated and contribute positively to its conservation, enhancement or restoration or the creation of appropriate new features.”
The Chorley Local Plan (adopted 2015)
2.13 This document provides the local level of detail, ensuring that the strategic objectives detailed above are implemented by Chorley Council at a district level. The relevant landscape and visual policies are detailed below:
2.14 Policy EP1 ‘Employment Site Allocations’ confirms the site’s allocation for employment use. The northern part of the western site (Botany Bay) already benefits from unimplemented planning consents for mixed use development (B1- Business, B2 - General Industry and B8 - Storage or Distribution, C1 - Hotel and A4 - Drinking Establishment uses). The southern part of the western site (Botany Bay) has permission for offices and benefits from existing uses including retail at Botany Mill.
2.15 Policy EP3 ‘Development Criteria for Business and Industrial Development’ describes the requirements for new business, industrial, storage and distribution uses. Relevant landscape and visual aspects include the need to ensure that –
• “(development is) of a scale and character that is commensurate with the size of the settlement; • adequate screening is provided where necessary to any unsightly feature of the development and security fencing is located to the internal edge of any perimeter landscaping; and
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• the buildings are designed, laid out and landscaped to maximise the energy conservation potential of any development, and to minimise the risk of crime.”
2.16 Policy BNE1 ‘Design Criteria for New Development’ details the design requirements for new development within the Borough. Landscape and visual aspects include:
• The proposal does not have a significantly detrimental impact on the surrounding area by virtue of its density, siting, layout, building to plot ratio, height, scale and massing, design, orientation and use of materials. • The development would not cause harm to any neighbouring property by virtue of overlooking, overshadowing, or overbearing; • The layout, design and landscaping of all elements of the proposal, including any internal roads, car parking, footpaths and open spaces, are of a high quality and respect the character of the site and local area; • The proposal would not adversely affect the character or setting of a listed building and/or the character of a conservation area and/or any heritage asset including locally important areas; • The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on important natural habitats and landscape features such as historic landscapes, mature trees, hedgerows, ponds and watercourses. In some circumstances where on balance it is considered acceptable to remove one or more of these features then mitigation measures to replace the feature/s will be required either on or off-site”
2.17 Policy BNE4 defines an ‘Area of Separation’. This policy states that “Areas of Separation within the Borough help protect built up areas from merging into each other and maintain the openness of these areas of countryside by preventing inappropriate development.” Whilst there is an Area of Separation north west of the site as shown on the Landscape Planning Context and Public Rights of Way plan, it is important to reaffirm that the site itself does not fall within this policy area.
2.18 Policy BNE10 ‘Trees’ recognises that trees, woodland areas and hedgerows make a valuable contribution to the character of the landscape, this policy states “Tree planting will be required as part of new development proposals and an associated maintenance scheme.” The policy adds that “Tree planting will be required as part of new development proposals and an associated maintenance scheme.”
2.19 Policy HW4 ‘The Leeds and Liverpool Canal’ predominantly details the requirements for tourism and recreational facilities along the canal, and seeks to ensure that:
• “The historic character of the waterway will not be damaged. • The water quality or ecological value of the canal will not be damaged. • The design reflects the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”
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Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) & Guidance (SPG)
Central Lancashire Design Guidance SPD (October 2012)
2.20 The objective of this SPD is to raise the level and quality of design of built development within Central Lancashire. The document describes the key aspects of development form including quantum, layout, scale, landscaping, appearance, access and its setting.
Chorley Borough Design Guidance (July 2004)
2.21 This SPG provides guidance for new built development within Chorley Borough, to ensure new development proposals considers the existing site context and characteristics of its surroundings. This SPG states “Good design results in the creation of accessible, safe and secure development which relates well to its surroundings. Careful planning of the layout and design of buildings and spaces can encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport and local facilities. Good design can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful place and encourage more sustainable lifestyles.”
Public Rights of Way (PRoW)
2.22 Details of Public Footpaths are available on the Lancashire County Council (LCC) website. Footpath 9-2-FP26 traverses the site from the eastern boundary towards the A674 at the M61 Junction 8 to the north-west. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath runs adjacent to the canal that sits along the eastern site boundary. The location of these and other routes within the study area are illustrated on the Landscape Planning Context and Public Rights of Way plan contained to the rear of this report.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
2.23 The site itself does not contain any nationally or locally listed heritage assets, such as; Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments or Conservation Areas. It should be noted that although Canal Mill is not Listed, it is recognised as a local landmark and as such is described further within the baseline section of this assessment.
2.24 Comprising a mix of cleared ground, hardstanding and built form the existing tree cover is limited to pockets of boundary roadside tree cover and regenerative stock, defunct stands of naturalised hedgerow trees to the east and belts of roadside embankment planting to the west and north.
Tree Preservation Orders
2.25 As shown on the ‘My Maps’ section of Chorley Council’s website, there are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) present on-site at the time of writing.
2.26 No ancient or Veteran trees or woodlands are present on nor in the vicinity of the site.
Interim Conclusion – Summary of applicable planning policy context
2.27 The site is located within the Chorley Council administrative area, within Employment and Housing Allocations EP1.1.
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2.28 The site also benefits from an extant outline planning consent for proposed re-development works including demolition and retail use with associated car parking, highways works and landscaping (ref. 17/00715/OUTMAJ). Planning permission was granted in October 2019.
2.29 Local policy aspirations and SPD/SPG objectives relate to ensuring proposed developments relate well to the surrounding context, incorporate sufficient open space provision, conserve and enhance the connectivity of the existing Green Infrastructure network, enhance the recreational routes along The Leeds and Liverpool Canal and incorporate high quality landscape design and mitigate any effects on visual amenity or landscape character.
2.30 In accordance with local policy objectives landscape features and high-quality green spaces will need to be incorporated into development parameters from the outset to accord with local SPD/SPG and opportunities should be taken to enhance the public rights of way network where possible.
2.31 Addressing this, the scheme seeks to ensure that landscape enhancements associated with the strengthening of eastern boundary vegetation have been designed to provide amenity benefits for the users of local footpaths to the east of the site by retaining a degree of low-level screening and a robust landscape framework across the periphery of the development. Mature tree cover within influence of the site to the west is also proposed for retention.
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Section 3: Landscape Character Baseline
3.1. This section considers the existing landscape character of the site and its environs. In order to establish the degree of change arising from the development of the site it is important to understand the existing situation and site context in terms of landscape characteristics associated with the local area. The characterisation process is a non-value judgement process; therefore classifying landscapes into distinct areas does not suggest that one character is more sensitive than another or valued by people more or less.
3.2. The landscape character appraisal process reviews the wider landscape character context at a national level and then explores in more detail character features at a district/local level, before analysing site specific land use that informs local distinctiveness and sense of place. Character Areas applicable to the site and surrounding area are illustrated on the Published Landscape Character Context plan (ref. 10510/P26a) contained to the rear of this report.
National Character
3.3. The Countryside Agency’s Character Map of England identifies broad, strategic character areas for the whole of England. Work undertaken by Natural England has updated a series of National Character Area (NCA) profiles to collate information from across a range of environmental disciplines to identify key opportunities and context for local decision making and action. At a national level, the site and entire study area lies within the ‘Lancashire Valleys’ Character Area, identified as NCA 35.
3.4. The key characteristics of NCA 35 are outlined below and those relevant to the site and local context are highlighted in bold:
• “Broad valleys of the rivers Calder and Ribble and their tributaries run northeast to south-west between the uplands of Pendle Hill and the Southern Pennines. • Field boundaries are regular to the west and more irregular to the east. They are formed by hedges with few hedgerow trees and by stone walls and post and-wire fences at higher elevations. • Agricultural land is fragmented by towns, villages and hamlets, industry and scattered development, with pockets of farmed land limited to along the Ribble Valley, the fringes of Pendle Hill, the area to the west of Blackburn, and in the north around Skipton. • Farmed land is predominantly pasture for grazing livestock, with areas of acid and neutral grassland, flushes and mires. There is some upland heath and rough pasture on Pendle Hill and the higher land to the south. • Small, often ancient, broadleaved woodlands of oak, alder and sycamore extend along narrow, steep-sided cloughs on the valley sides – for example, at Priestley Clough, Spurn Clough and south of Blackburn. • There are numerous large country houses with associated parklands, particularly on the northern valley sides away from major urban areas. • There are many examples of proto-industrial heritage, including lime hushings, important turnpike and pack-horse routes involved in the early textile trade, and rural settlements with handloom weavers’ cottages.
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• There is evidence of a strong industrial heritage associated with the cotton weaving and textile industries, with many common artefacts such as mill buildings, mill lodges and ponds, and links to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. • The many towns, including Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley, which developed as a result of the Industrial Revolution give the area a strong urban character. • Robust Victorian architecture of municipal buildings contrasts with the vernacular sandstone grit buildings of the quiet rural settlements on the valley sides. • Numerous communication routes run along the valley bottoms, including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Preston–Colne railway and the M65 motorway.”
3.5. For the purpose of assessing the effects of development, National Character Areas are relevant for understanding the broad landscape context; however, they aim set out the key characteristics, opportunities and constraints for large geographical areas. As such, whilst the study notes the adjoining highways and canal network, the study does not identify the site-specific settled urban fringe context local to the site, adjacent commercial land uses and adjoining residential and tree lined backdrop surrounding the site, and existing site boundary landscape framework which all constitutes a component part to the perception of character in this location. Whilst there would be a localised effect following development of the site, there would be no perceptible effect upon the wider National Character Area, or any particular features of merit described within the study.
Local Landscape Character
3.6. A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire, Landscape Character Assessment and Landscape Strategy identifies and describes the key features and characteristics of the landscape within Lancashire.
3.7. The Character Assessment divides Lancashire into 21 Landscape Character Types (LCTs), the study area is located within four Landscape Character Types: Industrial Foothills and Valleys, Undulating Lowland Farmland, and the urban landscape character types are ‘Industrial Age’ and ‘Suburban’ as illustrated on the Published Landscape Character Context plan (ref. 10510/P26) contained to the rear of this report.
3.8. Where an LCT occurs in different areas, the areas are defined as separate Landscape Character Areas (LCAs). The site itself is located as part of the Undulating Lowland Farmland LCT, specifically being located within the Samlesbury - Withnell Fold LCA (ref. 5d).
3.9. Key characteristics of the Undulating Lowland Farmland LCT are described as:
• “Wooded river corridors and gorges provide a sense of enclosure, sheltered habitats and distinctive patterns on the valley sides. Many are also historic sites for early waterpowered industry. • Hedgerows and hedgerow trees define the field pattern in contrast with the moorland fringe farmland, where stone walls dominate over hedgerows. They also provide sheltered habitats which are important wildlife links between the wooded cloughs and outlying woodlands.
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• Small mixed woodlands provide important habitats and cover for wildlife and contribute to the overall appearance of a ‘wooded’ farmland. They reflect an important phase in landscape evolution when 19th century estate woods and shelterbelts were developed for game shooting. • Historic drove roads support woodland, scrub and tall herb strips.”
3.10. A summary of the ‘5d: Samlesbury-Withnell Fold’ LCA, has been tabulated below with an assessment undertaken to determine which of these are applicable or represented with reference to the site. Criteria that relates to the extent to which of the characteristics are represented on site and within the study area have been set out in more detail below, with a basic scoring system attributed:
3: A rare and unique feature of landscape character represented on-site that is fundamental to defining the distinctive landscape character of the ‘Samlesbury- Withnell Fold’ LCA;
2: On-site feature considered to be representative and typical of the wider ‘Samlesbury- Withnell Fold’ LCA, but are not considered to be notable or particularly rare or important examples;
1: A feature within the setting or visual context of the site, considered to be representative of the wider ‘Samlesbury-Withnell Fold’ LCA, but not located on-site; and
0: Features or elements of the ‘Samlesbury-Withnell Fold’ LCA that are not discernible or represented on-site or the study area.
Extent to which the character feature is 1 ‘Samlesbury-Withnell Fold ‘ LCA Description of Characteristics represented on Site and within the study area “It is underlain by millstone grit and sandstone, but the landscape is influenced by the mantle of glacial till which 2 covers the surface, producing a gently undulating landscape of large lush green pastures divided by low cut hedgerows and hedgerow trees.” “Dramatic steep sided wooded valleys wind their way through 0 the landscape carrying the River Darwen and its tributaries.” “Designed landscapes and parkland associated with Samlesbury Hall, Woodfold Hall, Pleasington Old Hall and Hoghton Tower 1 add to the overall woodland cover in this lowland landscape and Witton Country Park provides a countryside resource on the edge of Blackburn.” “It is also influenced by infrastructure (major road and rail 1 routes), industrial works, the airfield at Samlesbury and built development on the edges of Preston”.
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3.11. It is evident from the table above that the site does contain features representative of the ‘Samlesbury-Withnell Fold’ LCA; however, the site does not contain any particularly notable, rare or unique features. This is important to understand when considering the potential impacts of the proposed development in the context of the locality. The characteristic boundary treatments of hedgerow trees and established tree stock of merit will also be incorporated into the proposed development on-site and strengthened in accordance with local policy objectives.
Site Specific Landscape Character
3.12. The appraisal of the existing land use is another useful tool for determining how the landscape has changed. It does not involve the application of sensitivity or value, but does assist in exploring the suitably and ability of the landscape to absorb further change, restoration and enhancement in relation to such matters as condition, scale, relationship with other uses and spatial arrangement.
3.13. The site lies north east of the built-up area of Chorley, east of the M61 Junction 8, west of Great Knowley and south of the A674. The site is aligned to the east by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and comprises the existing Canal Mill surrounded by car parking facilities and arable land. The Canal Mill building (standing at 5 storeys (c.19m above ground level)), currently utilised as a shopping and leisure facility, is a recognisable local feature due to its isolated position adjacent to the M61. Comprising a mix of cleared ground, hardstanding and built form the existing tree cover is limited to pockets of boundary roadside tree cover and regenerative stock, defunct stands of naturalised hedgerow trees to the east and belts of roadside embankment planting to the west and north.
Reference Photo 3.1 – Facing north from the southern site boundary illustrating the existing Canal Mill building in a developed context, with a tree lined roadside backdrop and foreground of scrub and hardstanding.
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Reference Photo 3.2 – Facing south from within the site, illustrating the arrangement of on- site car parking, hard boundary treatments and the existing Canal Mill building to the right of the view. The hedgerow lined canal path is largely screened by intervening vegetation.
Reference Photo 3.3 – Facing north within the northern portion of the site. Ploughed and cleared earth makes up the northern reaches of the site, with a roadside embankment of scattered trees and naturalised scrubby regenerative stock forming a degree of roadside enclosure to the adjoining highways network beyond.
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3.14. In the wider vicinity, the landscape becomes more rural towards the east where topography rises to approximately 381m AOD near Great Hill. To the south, open fields with hedgerow of similar character to the site are bound by the dismantled railway that provides a visual barrier between the site and wider context to the south. To the west the site is in close proximity to the M61, Chorley North Industrial Estate and the existing settlements of Chorley, Whittle-le-Woods, Clayton Woods, Euxton and Leyland.
3.15. In the north-west the Preston England Temple – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints is distinctive and widely visible. Together this, and the on-site Canal Mill building are distinctive local landmarks. However, it is important to note that neither of these buildings are recognised in policy as being nationally or locally designated but do offer highly visible features that assist with way-finding.
3.16. Given the extent of adjoining built form, and the current land use as an area of existing hardstanding and developed works, the site itself is markedly settled in character, providing an urban fringe context where adjacent built form and associated curtilages provide a developed backdrop in the immediate context of the site.
Interim Conclusion – Summary of Landscape Character Context
3.17. The wider rural fringe landscape to the immediate north and east of the site forms a pastoral settlement edge plain landscape of medium to large scale fields with scattered stands of remnant hedgerow vegetation and stands of shelter belt tree cover and drainage channels. The wider surrounding settlement of Chorley forms an undulating developed backdrop to the far west of the site, with the residential area of Great Knowley rising to the far east forming a further settled context. The site is
3.18. The site is contiguous with existing built form and a network of tree lined highways. The character of the site is markedly influenced by the proximity to adjacent development and the presence of on-site built form and hard standing. The arrangement of surrounding highways and the adjacent canal segregates the site from the wider rural landscape of large-scale pastoral fields north and south east of the site with the proposals being located physically and visually within the developed portion of the settlement fringe.
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Section 4: Visual Context
4.1 In order to establish the degree of any change that may arise from a future residential development on-site and the extent to which such changes will affect identified local receptors, it is important to understand the existing situation in terms of visual amenity alongside the availability and context of views associated with the local area.
4.2 No strategic identified important views are set out within available policy documentation or supporting SPD.
4.3 The extent of the baseline study area was established through a preliminary analysis of the surrounding topography, principal built form and vegetation in GIS utilising LiDAR DSM data with field work to select representative photoviewpoints of the site from the surrounding locality being informed by a Theoretical Zone of Visual Influence (TZVI) mapping exercise.
4.4 Following the completion of a visit to the site in October 2020 a Photoviewpoint Locations and Visual Analysis plan (ref. 10510/P21a) was prepared to illustrate the LiDAR-based TZVI and the selected representative photoviewpoint locations. In accordance with GLVIA3, the visual analysis is based on views from external spaces within the public domain and not from inside buildings or private spaces. However, where notable views from private properties are possible, these have been recorded and comments made if appropriate.
4.5 Photographs were taken from selected viewpoints with a digital camera with an equivalent 50mm focal length lens at eye level (approximately 1600mm above ground). A total of 17 representative viewpoints have been chosen from locations surrounding the site to enable the effects of the development to be assessed from all directions (see Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1-17 contained at the rear of this report). Whilst the views are chosen to be representative of the area, they cannot provide continuous coverage of all potential locations within the vicinity of the development. Often views will occur as a sequence within the surrounding environment. Where this is a significant aspect of the landscape experience sequential views have been noted within the assessment. Likewise, where transient or fleeting views are possible, and of significance as part of the landscape experience, they have been addressed in the assessment.
4.6 The 17 viewpoints are as follows:
• Photoviewpoint 1: Facing west from Guildford Avenue by the junction of Blackburn Road, approximately 320m from the eastern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 2: Facing south west from Blackburn Road, approximately 370m from the northern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 3: Facing west from Blackburn Road, approximately 315m from the eastern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 4: Facing south west from Blackburn Road, approximately 370m from the northern site boundary.
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• Photoviewpoint 5: Facing north west from the Knowley Brow Play Area off Heapey Road, approximately 360m from the south eastern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 6: Facing north west from Public Footpath 9-2-FP 15, approximately 1.08km from the southern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 7: Facing north west from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path, approximately 430m from the southern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 8: Facing north from Blackburn Brow, adjacent to the Loch and Quay public house, approximately 180m from the southern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 9: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26 over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path, approximately 25m from the eastern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 10: Facing south from the A674, overlooking the northern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 11: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 230m from the northern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 12: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 460m from the northern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 13: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 230m from the northern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 14: Facing south west from Chapel Lane, approximately 1.25m from the north eastern site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 15: Facing east from Northgate Drive, approximately 130m from the western site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 16: Facing east from Laburnum Road, by the junction with Maple Grove, approximately 480m from the western site boundary.
• Photoviewpoint 17: Facing south east from the car park adjacent to properties off Preston Road., approximately 830m from the north western site boundary.
4.7 In accordance with best practice the photoviewpoints, scope and location of the views have been issued to Chorley Council and agreed prior to running the assessment.
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4.8 The extent of the field verified Visual Envelope (VE) is described below:
• To the North: From the adjoining A674 (viewpoint 10) partially filtered views into the site are afforded at close proximity. More restricted views are afforded across the adjoining pastoral plain of flat farmland fields north of the A674 (viewpoint 11) to the B6229 (viewpoint 12) where stands of tree cover and pockets of built form begin to limit visibility at greater distances. At higher elevations to the far north (viewpoint 13) roadside tree cover and the raised embankment of the A674 limits the availability of open views across the site where the existing Canal Mill building is glimpsed amongst a landscape framework of intervening tree cover and a context of surrounding built form and settled land uses, with views becoming increasingly limited by the layering of intervening topography and vegetation.
• To the East: At close proximity from the adjoining Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath, a degree of low-level filtering is afforded in places by the network of hedgerow tree cover the site boundary with such vegetation becoming increasingly defunct and scrubby to the north where more open views into the site are enabled. From elevated vantage points (viewpoint 9) receptors observe a settled scene of built form, hardstanding and levelled ground where the adjoining Chorley North Industrial Park provides an industrial backdrop. The tree lined M61 corridor truncates longer distance views beyond the site. From the adjoining Great Knowley townscape (viewpoints 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) the site is observed in the context of the wider Chorley townscape backdrop where the skyline is punctured by focal elements within the townscape. The site is experienced against a well treed setting comprising pockets of industrial and residential units across the wider undulating townscape. The site is partially screened within such views by intervening vegetation and topography, increasingly so at greater distances (viewpoints 6, 14).
• To the South: Heavily filtered views are available from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath in close proximity to the site boundary, with visibility being limited by intervening vegetation. To the south – east as ground levels rise along Knowley Brow, glimpsed views are available over the intervening built form and vegetation towards the existing Canal Mill building (viewpoint 8) but are restricted at low levels away from the site owing to the layering of intervening highways infrastructure and vegetation (viewpoint 7).
• To the West: From the adjoining townscape beyond the M61 corridor views are heavily filtered and glimpsed (viewpoints 16), increasingly so at lower elevations (viewpoint 15) with the visual envelope being largely contained by residential and commercial development. The presence of dense tree cover and townscape features from the elevated ground to the north east (viewpoint 17) views towards the site are truncated by intervening topography and vegetation where the presence of built form in the immediate vicinity of the site is an established component of the visual experience.
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Visual Receptors
4.9 Within the field verified Visual Envelope the visual receptors, i.e. those people or groups of people who are likely to see the site and experience a potential change in the view should it be developed in-part, can be summarised below.
• Close proximity public and recreational users of the adjoining towpath and the on-site public footpath 9-2-FP 26 with longer distance views also available from footpath 9-2-FP 26 to the north of the site, as well as footpath 9-22-FP52 to the far north of the site, and routes 9-2-FP 36 and 9-2-FP 15 to the far south east of the site;
• Residential views (predominantly upper storey) from Great Knowley and Knowley, predominantly site-facing dwellings off Blackburn Road, Heapey Road and Knowley Brow to the east of the site, and the adjoining townscape to the west (including residents off Laburnum Road, Pine Grove, Maple Grove, and Lindow Grove);
• Highways users of the A674 to the north and Blackburn Road at greater distances to the east with receptors (including cyclists, horse riders, walkers, users of public transport and vehicle drivers) observing the site through gaps in site boundary vegetation;
• Highway users along the M61, beyond the western site boundary observing the upper stories of the existing Canal Mill building / Botany Bay, partially screened by site boundary and motorway-verge tree planting and fencing; and
• People using the Canal Mill building / Botany Bay (visitors and workers).
4.10 Given the proximity of the consented residential development proposal under Policy HS1.8 the fields east of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (as shown on the Landscape Planning Policy Context and Public Rights of Way plan contained to the rear of this report), the context and nature of views from the fields east of the site will change from agricultural use to a new residential townscape. For the purpose of this assessment, the consented residential scheme to the east of the site has been scoped in as a component of the future baseline context with the future residential receptors being considered within the visual assessment at Section 6 of this report.
Interim Conclusion – Summary of Visual Baseline
4.11 A LiDAR DSM based GIS Zone of Theoretical Visibility has been utilised to select representative views of the site from the surrounding landscape and townscape areas with the likely receptors identified. The visual envelope is largely influenced by the presence of surrounding built form and vegetation with views becoming increasingly obscured at greater distances due to the arrangement of intervening pockets of vegetation and the wider topographical arrangement and developed context.
4.12 Users of the on-site public rights of way network (public footpath 9-2-FP 26) and receptors to the immediate east of the site along the adjoining Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath will likely be the most sensitive receptors to on-site development and are likely to experience the most prominent effects as a result of the proposals given their proximity, although the site is observed in the context
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of on-site and surrounding built form and a landscape framework of intervening tree and hedgerow cover which provides a degree of screening and a backdrop of industrial and residential development within site-facing views.
4.13 The site is not experienced as an isolated or open site. On-site hardstanding, buildings and ground clearance / site levelling activity coupled with the surrounding context of settled land uses and built form influences local rurality and the amenity experienced within site-facing views.
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Section 5: Landscape Strategy Proposals
5.1. In response to the landscape and visual baseline analysis, review of local planning policy and proposed use of the site a series of landscape objectives, design principles and development opportunities have been developed by TG in conjunction with the project architects to ensure that the development response addresses the design opportunities for landscape enhancement and mitigation where this is possible.
5.2. The information below and illustrated on the Landscape Strategy plan (10510/P22c) included to the rear of this report, sets out those aspects of the proposed layout which have been considered as part of the submitted scheme layout.
Retention and Enhancement of Existing Site Boundary Vegetation
• The design has sought to retain and enhance the existing eastern boundary hedgerow and surrounding roadside embankment planting to assist with the assimilation of the proposed development into an established landscape framework.
The layout will develop a programme of enhancement and re-stocking of boundary vegetation with emphasis on strengthening tree planting towards the eastern edges of the site to fill gaps within the existing arrangement of site boundary planting. The layering of proposed amenity grassland areas, managed scrub and shrubs, understorey screening mixes and proposed tree cover will create an eco-tone of layered canopies and vegetation heights to create visual interest, diversity in wildlife habitat provision and enhanced screening at the edges of the site.
Provision of Internal Green Infrastructure
• The layout will implement new internal tree planting within areas of incidental green spaces.
There is also an opportunity to replace the proposed internal car park trees which will be removed as part of the development with the provision of new ornamental tree planting towards the northern incidental landscape areas and car parking spaces in and around blocks A – D. Such planting will assist with creating internal greening and softening of built form. Shrubs, strips of hedgerow planting and pockets of grassland will provide under storey seasonal interest and further assist in softening the internal spaces. A proposed attenuation area towards the western site boundary will also be planted with a mix of grasses and wet-woodland style trees. This is to include Emorsgate EM8 - Meadow Mixture for Wetlands (for the basin bottom) and Emorsgate EP1 - Pond Edge Mixture (for the basin edges). Trees to the edge of the attenuation area will include Alder, Birch, Goat Willow and Elder.
5.3. The proposed soft landscape design response demonstrates an appropriate strategy to retain and manage landscape features as well as ensuring future succession of new planting whilst improving the condition and connectivity of boundary trees and hedgerow vegetation.
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Section 6: Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Assessment
6.1. The impact assessment addresses the degree of landscape character and visual sensitivity in order to determine the magnitude of effect associated with the proposed development. The sensitivity of identified receptors is summarised below with criteria that relates to receptor sensitivity and magnitude of change contained at Appendix 1.
6.2. In terms of landscape character, the starting point in considering the effect of the development is to consider the sensitivity of the landscape. This combines a judgement on value and susceptibility.
Value of the Landscape and Site
6.3. The published Landscape Character documents do not establish specific sensitivity value / criteria for individual LCA’s/LCT’s. It is therefore left to individual assessors to determine the sensitivity of the landscape character and associated susceptibility to change. In considering the value of the landscape the following aspects of the landscape are noted as relevant in the assessment process (see GLVIA3 – Box 5.1, Page 84). Judgements are set out below with regards to the visual perception of the site under the following headings:
• “Landscape Quality (condition): A measure of the physical state of the landscape. It may include the extent to which typical character is represented in individual areas, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of individual elements;
• Scenic Quality: The term used to describe landscapes which appeal primarily to the senses (primarily but not wholly the visual senses);
• Rarity: The presence of rare features and elements in the landscape or the presence of a rare Landscape Character Type;
• Representativeness: Whether the landscape contains a particular character, and/or features and elements, which are considered particularly important examples;
• Conservation interests: The presence of features of wildlife, earth science or archaeological or historical and cultural interest can add to the value of a landscape as well as having value in their own right;
• Recreation value: Evidence that the landscape is valued for recreational activity where experience of the landscape is important;
• Perceptual aspects: A landscape may be valued for its perceptual qualities and/or tranquillity; and
• Associations: Some landscapes are associated with particular people, such as artists or writers, or event in history that contribute to perceptions of natural beauty of the area.
6.4. For each of these considerations the landscapes performance against these criteria can be appraised as ‘good’ through ‘ordinary’ to ‘poor’. The table below explains Tyler Grange’s judgement
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on these issues. Judgements are made with reference to the observable landscape features, which can include components such as landform, vegetation, housing, roads, watercourses etc.
Criteria Observations / Comments • Site consists of Canal Mill and associated hardstanding with an area of grassland / cleared earth to the north. • Predominantly flat with a vegetation-lined embankment bordering the M61 and A674 along the north-western boundary. • A naturalised hedgerow boundary to the east provides a transition between the carpark and Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath and the canal. Further tree and shrub planting is used to delineate the cark and to provide screening along the western site boundary roadside corridor.
The site contains / has a relationship with typical features of the Samlesbury-Withnell Fold character area and surrounding LCAs, including:
• hedgerow and hedgerow tree planting • influence of infrastructure (M61 and A674) to the west, north west • undulating topography towards the east Landscape Quality • Leeds and Liverpool Canal, as identified within the NCA • Canal Mill
The site’s field boundary hedgerows vary in condition and the relative tranquillity of the landscape local to the site is influenced by the presence of the adjoining settlement edge development and highways network.
Those landscape features which are present in association with the site itself, including the boundary features of naturalised mature trees, hedgerow planting and rough grassland pasture are considered to be ‘ordinary’.
Overall, the site lies towards the lower hierarchy in terms of quality, tranquillity and intactness across the wider LCA; however, this is not a high quality and designated landscape overall. The quality of the landscape for the site is considered ordinary.
• The existing Canal Mill building within the site is a local landmark and is visible from multiple locations within the wider landscape. • The northern and western boundaries are influenced by the existing planting and embankments associated with the road network (M61 and A674); views are available over these boundary features towards the Preston England Temple – The Church of Latter – Day Saints Scenic Quality • To the east the site is influenced by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the intact rolling field landscape beyond, as ground levels rise the site has inter-visibility with the existing housing along Blackburn Road.
The site contains / has a relationship with typical features of the Samlesbury-Withnell Fold character area and surrounding LCAs, including:
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• Views towards the Preston England Temple – The Church of Latter- Day Saints • Inter-visibility with the houses off Blackburn Road • The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which runs parallel to the site
The urban fringe has an influence on the landscape which in-turn affects the rural quality, particularly in respect of relative tranquillity and remoteness. The site has a relationship with the established settlement edge where the presence of employment land, highways, car parking and warehouses provide a developed backdrop. Whilst the wider pastoral land does have some inherent scenic quality, local views and users of the PRoW network are already influenced by existing built development and adjoining highways. The associated degree of enclosure is further emphasised by the layering of intervening vegetation within site facing views at greater distances.
As established in consideration of the landscape planning context as an allocated employment area, the site and immediate locality has not been deemed to represent the scenic attraction and visual qualities necessary to attract a designation, even at a local level.
As a result of these matters the scenic quality of the site is considered ordinary and unremarkable.
• The site is influenced by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Canal Mill (Botany Bay) is located on-site and is visible within the wider landscape as a locally distinctive feature. The building relates to the site’s history as a cotton mill, but is not designated. • The existing road network (M61 and A674) influences the northern Rarity, Conservation and western boundaries of the site and are typical features of the Samlesbury-Withnell Fold LCA. Interests and • The site is not located within a Conservation Area. Representativeness As an allocated employment site, bound by highways development and built form, there is nothing exceptional associated with the site itself which would warrant it being considered any more than ‘ordinary’ as an urban fringe land parcel.
• Public Right of Way Ref: 9-2-FP 26 runs east to west across the site and over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The amenity and visual experience for users of the footpath is influenced by the proximity of surrounding settled land uses, adjoining highways and built form. The footpath is set to be retained and re-routed through the site. • The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath runs parallel to the Recreational Value eastern site boundary. • The local landmarks are visible at various points along all routes, allowing for a visual link and orientation point whilst traveling.
The value is considered as being poor for the site itself, and good for the wider LCA which has a typical distribution of paths and accessible recreational spaces • The site is immediately bordered by the existing road network (M61 and A674) to the west and north, the associated boundary Perceptual Aspects embankment and screening planting limits visibility to the wider landscape.
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• To the east, the site is bordered by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the canal towpath provides a transition to the fields and housing beyond. The scenic quality of the canal, adjacent landscape features and the availability of views towards local features are positive factors but variation in character is apparent in association with the site and its immediate environs, where the presence and transition with the existing settlement edge and urban fringe fields takes place with the hard-edged highways network containing the site to the west and north. This is not a remote and undeveloped landscape, the existing built form creates developed context, influencing the perception of character in this location.
It is considered ordinary in terms of perceptual aspects.
The site contains the retained Canal Mill building, a local landmark and former cotton mill. Views are available across the surrounding townscape towards the Mill. There are no other known associations Associations which would indicate a strong and important link between the site and this landscape in terms of its historic or current appreciation. It is considered ordinary in that context.
6.5. Having considered these key elements related to value it is considered that there is nothing associated with the site that makes this land as a whole more than ordinary and is therefore valued no higher than of Low - Local Importance. It is not considered a valued landscape for the purposes of the NPPF.
Susceptibility to Change
6.6. In relation to the ‘susceptibility’ (this relates to the ability of a defined landscape to accommodate the specific proposed development without undue negative consequences) based on our experience as professional practitioners and derived from various workshops coordinated by the LI on the GLVIA, we apply the levels of susceptibility for this project as being:
• High Susceptibility - The landscape is such that changes in terms of the development proposed would be entirely at odds with the character of the local area, related to matters including pattern, grain, use, scale and mass. • Medium Susceptibility - The proposed development has a degree of consistency with the existing scale, pattern, grain, land use of the prevailing character, although mitigation may be appropriate to enhance assimilation. • Low Susceptibility - The development proposed is entirely consistent with the character of the local area, related to matters including pattern, grain, use, scale and mass.
6.7. Given the baseline context and criteria described above, it is determined that the site represents Medium Susceptibility. Contextually this is a characteristically settlement fringe landscape, located on the immediate eastern edge of employment land uses and is allocated for employment use itself. The site has a clear visual relationship with the surrounding industrial and settled context and is contained by the presence of surrounding highways development and associated screening vegetation. It is considered that the development proposed is consistent with the existing scale, pattern, grain and land use of the prevailing character on the site-side edge of Chorley. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley Page 24 10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM
Landscape Sensitivity
6.8. Following a review of the available baseline information, the site-specific context and in combining judgments on value and susceptibility, it is considered that the site represents a Low sensitivity landscape character resource.
6.9. The sensitivity rating relates to the assessment criteria contained at Appendix 1, with additional commentary set out below:
Landscape Baseline Commentary / Justification Considerations Landscape Designations The surrounding landscape within influence of the site does not contain any designated landscapes with the site itself being allocated for employment use under policy EP1 of the Chorley Local Plan. The site also benefits from an extant outline planning consent for proposed re-development works including demolition and retail use with associated car parking, highways works and landscaping (ref. 17/00715/OUTMAJ). Planning permission was granted in October 2019.
In terms of susceptibility, the development proposed is consistent with the surrounding urban vernacular character of the site, related to matters including use, scale and mass. Key Characteristics A landscape of strong contrasts with many local variations and Features and settled influence; urban fringe land uses puncture the arrangement of settlement edge fields which are largely pastoral in nature. The site’s surrounding employment and commercial land uses beyond the M61 to the west form an established urbanising feature in the landscape. The adjoining Canal Towpath presents opportunities for Green Infrastructure enhancements and the creation of new hedgerow linkages and tree planting within the site boundary. Landscape Condition There are localised areas reflecting an intact landscape framework surrounding the site, consisting of naturalised embankments with scattered hedgerow trees and shelter belts largely associated with roadside tree planting, but with detracting features and an urban influence also present. The GI condition is largely fair to moderate, with the site itself demonstrating fragmented tracts of scrubby hedgerows and low value car park tree planting. It is the functional aspect of the on-site development and associated access roads and the context of the site’s employment allocation which dominates, where a backdrop of warehouses and highways development is observed.
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Sensitivity of Visual Receptors
6.10. The sensitivity of visual receptors is defined by the assessor with reference to the established guidelines and the assessment criteria contained at Appendix 1. The receptor sensitivity is summarised in the table below:
Sensitivity Type of Visual Receptor Commentary Rating Sensitive recreational views from those enjoying the visual amenity of the countryside or open Users of public rights of way High space. Sensitivity may be affected by the (PRoW) condition, use and existing context of the PRoW network.
People at their place of work whose attention is focused on their work have a greater capacity to Business and commercial Low absorb change, particularly where activities are premises largely indoors or focused internally as part of an industrial estate or business unit.
Transient views of those engaged in the Drivers, passengers and principal activity of driving are less sensitive. Low users of local roads Views are limited to close proximity and are influenced by adjacent residential context.
Views associated with outdoor farming activities Other land, agricultural and Low are considered to be of a nature of which is farming activities potentially tolerant of more substantial changes.
Prediction of Development Impacts
Scheme Description
6.11. The proposals relate to the development of industrial and commercial buildings, main and secondary circulation roads, car and HGV parking, landscaping and ancillary works and infrastructure.
6.12. Proposed unit heights are shown on the Photoviewpoint Locations and Visual Analysis plan (ref. 10510/P21a) has these heights were utilised to inform the LiDAR-based TZVI and the associated selection of representative photoviewpoint locations. The tallest elevation relates to Block E which will stand at a height of 20m. The existing on-site Canal Mill stands at 5 storeys (19m above ground level) and this will be retained.
6.13. The remaining proposed Blocks will be limited to between 5m to 16m in height ensuring a varied skyline and stepped approach to unit heights across the site. This should ensure visual interest
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and the breaking up of perceived massing on the skyline within longer distance site facing views where the establishment of a single homogenous block of development has been avoided.
6.14. In terms of the principles for Green Infrastructure provision for the site, linear tracts of native woodland belts with strengthening of existing hedgerow enclosure to the eastern site boundary, The planting at this point will not serve to screen the new buildings in their entirety, given the scale and massing arrangement, but this will seek to soften the lower levels and eastern boundary hardstanding / parking areas whilst providing an enhanced habitat link along the eastern edge of the site. The design intention is to reduce the prominence and dominance of built form within the approach views for users of the Canal Towpath and future residential receptors beyond, by implementing low level screening and visual filtering within the line of sight for the nearby highways users obtaining transient site-facing views.
6.15. Existing belts of roadside embankment planting will be retained with tracts of new amenity grassland, an attenuation area with wet grassland, shrub and associated tree planting to the western edge of the site.
6.16. Access to the site will remain as per the current scenario, from the existing road off the A674. No further access routes are required.
Temporary (Construction) Impacts
6.17. The principal construction impacts in relation to the proposed development can be summarised as:
• The erection of temporary site hoardings and implementation of construction compounds (including any necessary tree protection measures) prior to commencement of ground works; • Removal of the existing surface vegetation within the developed portion of the site, site levels re-grading and groundworks to establish the appropriate finished floor levels for development areas; • Ground works to implement new internal and site boundary planting with the presence of plant and machinery to undertake the site preparation, delivery and foundation works, including vehicle movements to remove waste material, undertake deliveries and the movement of construction works associated with the implementation of the development; • The removal of construction compounds and hoardings; and • Restoration of degraded habitats and areas disturbed during construction.
Permanent (Operations) Impacts
6.18. The residual (permanent) landscape and visual effects that are expected to remain after mitigation (at year 15) are described in response to professional judgement and in accordance with the established assessment criteria. The likely permanent impacts will arise in relation to the following principal scheme elements:
• The presence of a new industrial units on-site, including commercial buildings, main and secondary circulation roads, car and HGV parking, landscaping and ancillary works and infrastructure. The proposed largest unit (Block E) has been located at the widest part of the
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site to ensure a maximum set-back from the eastern boundary Canal Path and associated receptors on and beyond the canal route.
• Enhanced site boundary landscaping to include additional hedgerow standards and tree planting across the eastern edge of the development with the implementation of new trees, hedgerow and shrub planting to strengthen the retained sections of existing hedgerow cover along the site’s boundary.
Landscape Character Effects
6.19. The proposed development will result in a magnitude of change in relation to the ‘5d: Samlesbury- Withnell Fold’ LCA. The principal criteria to consider (established in response to GLVIA 3rd Edition) and the predicted changes are set out in the table below:
Magnitude of Change Criteria Commentary of Effects upon the 5d: Samlesbury-Withnell Fold’ LCA Loss of a portion of settlement edge pasture land (currently cleared and levelled) with the loss of some younger car park trees from the internal Components to be lost as a existing car parking arrangement and areas of hardstanding to result of proposals implement the new development footprint.
The development will reflect the wider backdrop of settled land uses where the presence of light industrial / employment and office facilities with large scale warehouse developments, tree lined highways infrastructure and associated infrastructure / car parking are established components within site facing views from the public rights of way network and surrounding townscape local to the site. In terms of landscape character, the scheme is contiguous with development beyond the M61 at the Chorley North Industrial Park, where the existing Canal Mill building provides an established developed context.
The addition of enhanced Green Infrastructure provision across the edges of the site itself seek betterment in terms of characteristic planting and habitat provision.
Views from the eastern boundary towpath and the on-site PRoW route Perceptual Changes / will experience a change in visual context although the existing footpath Appearance and the within the layout and the strengthening of eastern boundary planting will degree to which the proposal seek to soften views with new soft landscaping across the periphery of fits with existing character the development footprint. Nevertheless the character will change from that associated with an open urban fringe field with disturbed / cleared ground and existing hardstanding / built form to a new industrial and commercial arrangement.
Botany Bay Mill is to be retained as part of the proposals. The development will result in a partial alteration to a portion of the eastern section of the overall LCA, which will be noticeably changed from the baseline situation over a localised area.
The proposals would not be incongruous and would be experienced as a further component of the existing settlement edge employment development at the eastern edge of Chorley and the proposed use is consistent with the site’s allocation for employment development.
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6.20. In response to the consideration of the above criteria, it is accepted that there will be a substantial change to the land use and nature of the site itself; however, the development would not result in the loss of any rare or unique landscape features, it will be limited in scale in the context of the wider LCA.
6.21. The changes identified above need to be considered in terms of how the local landscape will continue to be experienced once the development is complete. Whilst there will be minor alterations to one or more elements/features/characteristics of the existing landscape, with the introduction of development that may appear prominent in close proximity, the nature of the development affects only a limited geographical area and would not be uncharacteristic given the surrounding land use and employment allocation.
6.22. With reference to the sensitivity of the landscape local to the site, and the magnitude of change associated with the proposed development, the scheme will have a local / limited scale Minor Adverse effect. The proposed development would result in the loss of a low number of localised features (loss of pastoral land and a limited number of internal car park trees of generally low value) but mitigation would be possible to maintain, compensate and restore these losses. The proposals will be somewhat prominent within a localised area, but would not be uncharacteristic within the receiving landscape given the adjacent developed context and employment allocation.
Character Receptor & Magnitude of Residual Effects (after 15 years) Sensitivity Change Proposed Development Low Sensitivity Moderate Minor Adverse
Visual Effects
6.23. The principal visual effects are summarised in the tables below in relation to the principal receptors identified:
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Receptor / Effects during Construction and at Year 15 (Residual with Visual Receptor Magnitude of Mitigation) Change Construction Effects – Temporary High Adverse The construction activity associated with the proposed development will be visible at close range, middle and long distance views along this transient route. A proportion of the route runs through site at these locations the site will be visible at close range and unfiltered. Walkers will experience the views of the construction process above the hoarding which will see the removal of the on-site features and the introduction of materials, plant and movement associated with the construction of the new development. The cranes associated with the Public footpath 9- construction activities will be a prominent feature on the skyline. 2-FP 26 (On-site) Construction works within these views will be prominent above the site hoarding. Receptors will experience a major alteration to of the
baseline view. High Magnitude of Change Residual Effects – Moderate to Minor Adverse The development will be clearly visible in close proximity from the section of the route which traverses the site at present. The route will be re-routed to maintain a connection from the Canal Towpath to the A674 and beyond. A 230m section of the route will be re-aligned PRoW and where receptors will cross a new developed area of car parking, industrial and commercial units where existing views from within the Recreational site currently incorporate hardstanding, built form and adjacent Routes highways development.
High Sensitivity in Construction Effects – Temporary Moderate Adverse accordance with The activities associated with the construction of the development will GLVIA3 criteria, but remain largely screened by existing vegetation although works would less sensitive be visually and intrusive at close proximity where glimpsed views into where the existing the site are afforded through breaks in field side vegetation. amenity is influenced by urban Residual Effects – Moderate to Minor Adverse detractors or where Glimpsed views towards the site are available from an approximated distance and 500m stretch of the footpath beyond the site to the north, although context reduce such views are limited to breaks in field boundary vegetation. The inter-visibility. presence of the A674 which runs parallel to the northern site boundary ensures that the site will be observed as a background Public footpath 9- component where the roadside embankments and moving would be 2-FP 26 (off-site) visible as the foreground component of the site when viewed from the fields to the north. The scheme would also be experienced in the
context of an established developed context of employment land High Magnitude uses where the presence of the existing Canal Mill development is an of Change established component. The proposed scheme will not therefore be viewed as a wholly incongruous addition to the site and this area of the Chorley settlement fringe.
The visual experience to the east of the site will change as a result of the consented residential proposals east of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and visibility from the footpath will likely be reduced as a result or glimpsed in the context of intervening dwellings. From the Canal footbridge (photoviewpoint 9) the existing dilapidated car parks, car park planting and derelict land with area of scrub, will be replaced by the proposed new development with, soft landscaping across the eastern reaches of the site serving to soften views at ground level.
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Construction Effects – Temporary Moderate Adverse The activities associated with the construction of the development will remain largely screened by existing vegetation and only glimpsed where views into the site are afforded through breaks in field side vegetation.
Within longer distance views towards construction works, a number of local landmark features are visible in limited locations along these local routes, including the spire of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which sits against the skyline in some locations and Public footpaths the existing Botany Bay Canal Mill and adjoining Chorley North 9-2-FP 36, -22- Industrial Estate units. Construction activities including the presence FP52 and 9-2-FP of cranes and any such taller plant will appear visually inconsistent 15 with the existing context, but will be experienced in the context of the site’s existing developed backdrop. The filtering by vegetation along
field boundaries and the screening of intervening topography and Moderate to Low built form reduces the effects of the temporary visual impacts in Magnitude of places. Change Residual Effects – Moderate to Minor Adverse Longer distance site facing views from the surrounding public rights PRoW and of way network observe the site as an existing cluster of industrial Recreational units and associated infrastructure / ground works within a settled Routes urban fringe landscape punctuated by taller elements of the townscape backdrop and a well-wooded landscape framework. The High Sensitivity in development would be clearly visible as an extension to the current accordance with scenario, slightly altering the composition but this would not appear GLVIA3 criteria, but incongruous given the current context. less sensitive where the existing People using the Construction Effects – Temporary Moderate Adverse amenity is Sustrans route, The construction activity associated with the proposed development influenced by urban canal and towpath will be visible at close range, middle and long distance views along detractors or where of the Leeds and this transient route. The route runs north – south along the eastern distance and Liverpool Canal. site boundary, where gaps in vegetation allow, the site will be visible context reduces at close range and unfiltered. Walkers will experience views of the construction process above the hoarding which will see the removal inter-visibility. Magnitude High of the on-site features and the introduction of materials, plant and of Change movement associated with the construction of the development. The cranes associated with the construction activities will be a prominent feature on the skyline. Construction works within these views will be prominent above the site hoarding at close proximity.
Residual Effects – Minor Beneficial Botany Bay Mill is to be retained as part of the proposals. The current views into the site through breaks in site boundary vegetation experience a scene of dilapidated car parks, car park planting, cleared and derelict land with areas of scrub and regenerative vegetation. Such views will be replaced by the presence of the new development units, with new soft landscaping serving to soft and screen views at low level into the site. The soft landscaping being delivered along the eastern site boundary in conjunction with the scheme will add to the quality of the landscape treatment aligning the towpath (with resultant beneficial effects) and the massing of units on site seeks to complement the composition and balance of elements within existing views, namely the existing Botany Bay Mill and backdrop of wider industrial / employment uses.
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Residential views (predominantly upper storey) Construction Effects – Moderate to Minor Adverse from Great There would be mid-distance views from dwellings east of the site at Knowley and Blackburn Road, Heapey Road and Knowley Brow towards Knowley, construction works from upper storey west-facing windows, and predominantly although from where oblique views are possible the construction site-facing activities will appear visually inconsistent with the existing context, dwellings off this will not be dominant given the proximity and would be Blackburn Road, experienced in the context of existing buildings on and adjacent to Heapey Road and the site where the filtering by vegetation along intervening highways Knowley Brow to reduces the effects of the temporary visual impacts. the east of the site, including Residual Effects – Minor Adverse to Negligible Private future occupants Residents will see the existing dilapidated car parks, car park planting Residential of consented and derelict land with areas of scrub replaced by the proposed new Receptors residential development within an area allocated for such land uses. Soft proposals east of landscaping to the eastern edge of the site will provide some low- High Sensitivity in the Leeds and level softening with the Botany Bay Canal Mill being retained as part accordance with Liverpool Canal of the proposals. Receptors will experience the presence of GLVIA3 increased built form within site facing views, but new development on-site would appear as a background component resulting in local / criteria, but less Moderate to Low limited scale visual effects. sensitive where the Magnitude of existing amenity is Change influenced by urban detractors or where distance and context reduce Construction Effects – Minor Adverse Residential views inter-visibility. A large proportion of views are obscured by intervening vegetation from within the and along the M61. The change in topography and intervening built
adjoining form further filter views from these receptors. It is likely that the townscape to the prominent features of construction works such as cranes, will appear west of the site against the skyline, above the intervening vegetation. Construction (including works within these views will be noticeable above the intervening residents off vegetation within the middle distance. Laburnum Road, Pine Grove, Residual Effects – Minor Adverse to Negligible Maple Grove, and Proposals will be largely obscured by intervening vegetation and built Lindow Grove). form, restricting views to the upper reaches of Block E only which will sit only approximately 1m higher than the retained Canal Mill building, Low Magnitude of which itself is largely screened from view. Overall, the low magnitude Change of change, assessed against the medium sensitivity of residents will result in a Negligible effect during occupation.
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Construction Effects – Moderate Adverse Due to the proximity of the site, there will be an inevitable impact on views with construction activity being discernible as a temporary detractor. There is scope for ensuring suitable hoarding and construction phase screening to mitigate temporary impacts. Views towards the site are predominantly screened by intervening vegetation for the majority of the A674 route where approach views in close proximity to the northern boundary are limited to glimpses through breaks in the roadside hedgerow cover. Such views are Users of the A674 transient and experience the upper reaches of existing built form at and Blackburn Botany Bay. Road Residual Effects – Negligible Moderate Site boundary trees and hedgerows will be retained and Magnitude of strengthened. Passing receptors will see the existing dilapidated car Change parks, car park planting and derelict land with areas of scrub replaced by the proposed high-quality development within an area allocated for such land uses. Receptors will experience the presence of increased built form within site facing views, with Blocks A, B, C and D to be positioned adjacent to the highway off the A674, reducing views of open sky when passing the site, but new development on-site as perceived from greater distances, including from Blackburn Road, Drivers, would appear as a background component to the retained and passengers and enhanced site boundary vegetation, resulting in local / limited scale users of local roads visual effects.
Construction Effects – Moderate Adverse Low Sensitivity Due to the proximity of the site, there will be an inevitable impact on views with construction activity being discernible as a temporary detractor. Retained site boundary vegetation, existing roadside fencing and tree cover will limit views to only the upper reaches of any taller plant and the upper stories of construction. Any taller plant, including cranes associated with the construction activities will be a Users of the M61 prominent feature on the skyline above the site hoarding and existing passing the screening vegetation. Such views are transient and experience the western site upper reaches of existing built form at Botany Bay. boundary Residual Effects – Minor Adverse to Negligible People travelling along the M61 experiencing transient, short, middle Moderate to and long distance towards the sites will experience views of the High development. Two local landmarks are visible along this main road Magnitude of and also act as way finding features. These include the spire of The Change Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Botany Bay Mill, which sit against the skyline in some locations and are visible when travelling in both directions. These features are of local value and are not nationally important or recognised within local policy as designated, views from these locations are considered low value. At a worse case, susceptibility is considered low as people using these roads are likely to be travelling at speed and focussed on the road or way finding features.
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Construction Effects – Temporary High Adverse The activities associated with the construction of the development would be visually intrusive at close proximity although the presence of construction activity, movement of plant and deliveries would be experienced in the context of existing settled land uses and adjoining highways activity. Visitors and employees will experience the views of the construction process above the hoarding in the foreground of the views, with construction activities including the removal of the on-site People using the features and the introduction of materials, plant and movement Canal Mill building associated with the construction of the new industrial estate Business and / Botany Bay development. The cranes associated with the construction activities commercial (visitors and will be a prominent feature on the skyline. Construction works within premises workers) these views will be prominent above the site hoarding in the
foreground of the view. Low Sensitivity High Magnitude Residual Effects – Moderate Beneficial of Change The proposed development will create a prominent but improved change in the view. Visual amenity will be improved, but views towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will likely be reduced in places. Overall, the high magnitude of change, assessed against the low sensitivity of the employees and visitors at Botany Bay Mill will result in moderate beneficial effects where receptors will see the existing dilapidated car parks, car park planting and derelict land with areas of scrub replaced by the proposed high-quality development within an area allocated for such land uses.
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Section 7: Summary and Conclusions
7.1. The site is allocated for employment use under Policy EP1 of the Chorley Local Plan. The site also benefits from an extant outline planning consent for proposed re-development works including demolition and retail use with associated car parking, highways works and landscaping (ref. 17/00715/OUTMAJ). Planning permission was granted in October 2019.
7.2. The site represents a low sensitivity landscape character resource and whilst localised moderate to minor adverse impacts will be experienced by residential properties in the vicinity, and some moderate adverse impacts will be experienced by users of the public rights of way network local to the site, contextually this is a characteristically settlement fringe landscape, located on the immediate eastern edge of employment land uses with which there is a clear visual relationship. The site itself is contained by the presence of surrounding employment development and highways and associated vegetation to the west, with a layering of intervening vegetation present within the surrounding landscape to the north which limits the availability of site-facing views.
7.3. The proposed development would result in the loss of internal tracts of largely derelict land, car park trees and limited sections of boundary scrubby tree cover to the north and west, with mitigation planting across the edges of the development being implemented to compensate these losses resulting in a net-gain in tree cover as a result. The quality and quantum of new green infrastructure will provide localised enhancements to the landscape framework and whilst the proposals will be somewhat visually prominent within a localised area, the scheme would not be uncharacteristic given the adjacent developed context and extant employment allocation.
7.4. Visually, there are a number of higher sensitivity recreational and residential receptors identified in the vicinity of the site, including across the Blackburn Road / Great Knowley residential area to the east, and at close proximity in relation to public footpath 9-2-FP 26 within and adjacent to the site, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath which runs parallel to the site’s eastern boundary. For such receptors, residual effects are assessed as being no worse than Moderate to Minor adverse where the proposed development would be visible, but not wholly incongruous given the existing developed context. The baseline photography illustrates the presence of adjoining employment development, including large sheds nestled amongst tree cover in the wider Chorley townscape west of the site, the existing Canal Mill building on-site and associated ancillary development, including highways infrastructure, lighting columns and car parking with a network of site boundary highways infrastructure (including the M61 and A674 corridors) being established features of the urbanised settlement fringe local to the site.
7.5. The proposed Block E unit will be 20m in height, compared to the retained Canal Mill building which is 5 storeys and 19m in height. At greater distances, the perceived height differentiation will be largely negligible with many of the lower lying blocks within the site remaining screened or limited to upper storeys and roofscape owing, especially where internal areas of the site and the Canal Mill building are currently fully or partially obscured from view.
7.6. Overall, it is considered that the development proposed is consistent with the existing scale, pattern, grain and land use of the prevailing urban fringe character and visual context at the eastern edge of Chorley and the principle of the site’s redevelopment has been previously established by virtue of its extant planning consent for retail use, and the new scheme will be brought forward in accordance with the EP1 Employment Site Allocation.
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Appendix 1: LVIA Methodology and Tyler Grange LVIA Assessment Criteria (Sensitivity of Receptors: Landscape & Visual / Magnitude of Change: Landscape & Views)
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Appendix 1: LVIA Methodology and Tyler Grange LVIA Assessment Criteria (Sensitivity of Receptors: Landscape & Visual / Magnitude of Change: Landscape & Views)
A1.1 To assist the reader in understanding the purpose for undertaking landscape assessment work, the definition of ‘landscape’ as defined by the European Landscape Convention (ELC, 2000) is set out below.
"Landscape" means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and / or human factors.
A1.2 In the context of this definition the assessment process seeks to consider the effects in an objective and systematic manner whilst recognising the perceptual and therefore subjective response to the landscape. Whilst subjectivity can never be removed from the assessment process, by following a systematic and structured framework of assessment, a more robust assessment can be performed, and more rational and transparent conclusions drawn.
A1.3 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a tool used to identify and assess the significance of and the effects of change resulting from development on both the landscape as an environmental resource in its own right and on people’s views and visual amenity. The process therefore deals with the separate but interlinked issues of:
• Landscape Character: The effects of the proposed development upon discrete character areas and/or character types comprising features possessing a particular quality or merit; and • Visual Context: The effects of the proposed development on views from visual receptors, and upon the amenity value of the views.
A1.4 Landscape character is defined in the Landscape Institute’s guidance (‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, Landscape Institute (LI) and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) 2013) as:
“A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.”
A1.5 Changes to landscape character can arise as a result of:
• Changes to the fabric of the landscape including either the loss of key elements or introduction of incongruous features which can alter the distinct character of the landscape; and • Changes which alter the way in which the landscape is perceived or appreciated.
A1.6 Changes to views will occur where there is alteration of an existing view in terms of elements present and their distribution or dominance. Such changes may or may not have a significant effect on the visual amenity of identified visual receptors. The nature of any landscape and visual effect
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is a function of the sensitivity of the affected landscape resources and visual receptors against the magnitude of change that they would experience.
Baseline Appraisal
A1.7 In order to establish the degree of change arising from the proposed development of the site and the extent to which that change will affect local receptors, it is important to understand the existing situation and site context in terms of amenity, availability of views and the landscape character areas associated with the local area. The baseline appraisal process is a crucial part of any assessment and includes:
• An overview of statutory plans and other data regarding relevant designations and landscape and visual related planning polices for the area; • An assessment of the landscape character of the site with reference to published works and checked and verified through field work; • Field work to determine the extent to which the site can be seen from the wider area, taking into account any significant vegetation or built form which restricts or limits the extent of visibility of the site; • Identification of representative viewpoints and determining likely visual receptors; and • A visual appraisal of the site and its surroundings was carried out during October 2020.
Impact Assessment
A1.8 The assessment process has considered the following:
i. The classification of the landscape resources in terms of sensitivity to change. This is dependent on: • The pattern and scale of the landscape and the contribution the landscape resources make to landscape character; • The value placed on the landscape; • The scope for mitigation; and
• The ability of the landscape to accommodate the change associated with the proposed development (landscape susceptibility).
A1.9 Those landscape resources which make a notable contribution to the character and cannot be replaced or substituted will be of high sensitivity, those resources which are replaceable or contribute little to the overall character of the landscape will be of low sensitivity.
ii. The classification of the representative viewpoints in terms of their sensitivity to change. The sensitivity of the visual receptors will be dependent on: • The location and context of the viewpoint;
• The expectations and occupation or activity of the receptors; Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley Appendix 1 Page 2 10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM
• The importance of the view;
• The ability of the visual receptor to view the specific proposed development without undue negative consequences (landscape susceptibility).
A1.10 Those receptors which classified as being of high sensitivity to change may include users of public rights of way or nearby residents, those of low sensitivity to change may include people in their place of work or travelling through the landscape in cars, trains or other modes of transport.
iii. The identification and assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts of the development proposals and consideration of the likely magnitude of change.
A1.11 The magnitude of effect lies along a continuum from high, where there is a prominent and notable change to the landscape character of view to low where the change is barely perceptible.
iv. The consideration of further mitigation with the aim where possible, of avoiding, reducing or offsetting significant adverse landscape or visual effects, determined during the course of the assessment; and
v. The evaluation of landscape and visual effects following mitigation, known as residual impacts.
A1.12 Overall, the assessment of the nature of the effect depends on the degree to which the development:
• Complements, respects and fits into the existing scale, landform and pattern of the landscape context; • Enables enhancement, restoration or retention of the landscape character and visual amenity and delivers policy aspirations; and • Affects strategic and important views in addition to the visual context of receptors.
A1.13 For the purposes of this report, the terms ‘impact’ refers to the causation of change and ‘effects’ are the results of the changes on the landscape and visual context
Assessment Criteria
A1.14 Best practice guidelines stipulate that the significance of any landscape related impact should be evaluated, both during the construction works and following completion of the development. The significance of any landscape and visual effect is a function of the sensitivity of the affected landscape resources and visual receptors against the magnitude of change that they would experience. As such, the assessment of potential and residual effects can be described as being:
• High beneficial: The development would fit well with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape, and enhance the existing landscape character. The development would create a highly improved change in the view;
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• Moderate beneficial: The development would fit well with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape, maintain and/or enhance the existing landscape character. The development would create a noticeable but improved change in the view;
• Minor beneficial: The development would complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape, whilst maintaining the existing character. The development would result in minor improvements to the existing views;
• Negligible: The development would cause very limited changes to the landscape and/or views but creates no significant effects;
• Minor adverse: The development would cause minor permanent and/or temporary loss or alteration to one or more key elements or features of the landscape, to include the introduction of elements that may not be uncharacteristic of the surrounding landscape. The development would cause limited visual intrusion;
• Moderate adverse: The development would cause substantial permanent loss or alteration to one or more key elements of the landscape, to include the introduction of elements that are apparent but may not be substantially uncharacteristic with the surrounding landscape. The development would be clearly visible; and
• High adverse: The development would cause total permanent loss or major alteration to key elements and features of the landscape, to include the introduction of elements uncharacteristic of the surrounding landscape. The development would be clearly evident and would disrupt fine and valued views both into and across the area.
A1.15 There are instances where impacts are neither harmful nor beneficial. These effects are considered to be Neutral.
A1.16 Criteria that relates to receptor sensitivity and the magnitude and nature of any changes are set out below. They will be referenced as part of the assessment process set out within Section 6 of this report. It is also important to note that the GLVIA (Third Edition) places emphasis on professional judgement and less reliance on a formulaic approach; however, a transparent assessment process should still be evident and supported by a clear narrative.
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Designated Landscapes Landscape Susceptibility Key Characteristics and Features (Value) Landscape Condition
The ability of a defined landscape to Sensitivity As recognised in published Landscapes recognised and Degree to which the landscape is intact and accommodate the specific proposed Landscape Character valued for their quality and / legible development without undue negative Assessments or cultural associations consequences
Features which are dominant within National / Regional the landscape and are fundamental Importance to defining the distinct landscape character of an area. Distinct landscape structure with strong pattern The landscape is such that changes in terms and intact features. of the development proposed would be High Important characteristics and entirely at odds with the character of the (Landscape Designations - features recognised as forming Few detractors or uncharacteristic features or local area, related to matters including AONB, National Park, intrinsic part of nationally and elements present. pattern, grain, use, scale and mass. Registered Parks and regionally designated landscapes. Gardens) Distinctive individual or rare features.
Local Importance Locally important and notable The proposed development has a degree of features that contribute to the Landscape exhibits recognisable structure and consistency with the existing scale, pattern, Medium (Other Designations - Special overall character of an area. characteristic patterns. grain, land use of the prevailing character, Landscape Areas / Protected Features and elements protected by Some detracting features present. although mitigation may be appropriate to Features) local policy. enhance assimilation.
Degraded landscape structure with fragmented pattern and poor legibility of character. Detracting The development proposed is entirely Features or elements that are No Designation features notable within the landscape. Opportunities consistent with the character of the local Low uncharacteristic and detract from for the restoration of landscape through mitigation area, related to matters including use, scale the landscape character of an area. measures associated with proposals. and mass.
Table 1: Landscape Sensitivity Criteria
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Visual Susceptibility
Sensitivity Occupation and Activity of Users The ability of the visual receptor to view the specific proposed development without undue negative consequences
• Observers whose attention or interest may be focussed on the landscape and recognised views in particular. • Recognised / Important Viewpoints, including those identified within and protected by policy. These viewpoints may be tourist destinations and marked on maps. The visual composition following the development as proposed will High • Designed views, including from within historic landscapes. include discordant and incongruent elements. • Residential Properties - Views from rooms occupied during daylight / waking hours (predominantly ground floor rooms). • Users of Rights of Way and Recreational Trails. • Users of land with public access (i.e. Open Access Land and National Trust Land).
• Views of the landscape are part of, but not the sole purpose of the receptors' activities. • Residential Properties - Views from rooms unoccupied during daylight / waking hours (1st The visual composition with the development as proposed will be floor rooms)2. Medium consistent with the baseline situation, although some aspects may be • Those playing or participating at outdoor sports or undertaking formal outdoor recreation. at odds with the visual composition. • Users of local roads where there are clear / open views across the landscape and low levels of traffic.
• Attention is focussed upon the activity of the receptor and not upon the wider views. • Users of main roads travelling at speed, or local roads where the focus is upon the road The visual composition following the development as proposed will be Low ahead owing to traffic conditions and the context / composition of views. in harmony with the existing composition. • Places of Work.
Table 2: Visual Sensitivity Criteria
2 This is based on the premise that habitable rooms are on the ground floor with bedrooms occupying the upper floors. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley Appendix 1 Page 6 10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM
Magnitude Change experienced
• Development would result in the irrevocable loss of key landscape elements and features, resulting in a permanent change to the landscape character and context of the area. • Introduction of uncharacteristic, dominant elements within the landscape. • Proposals erode of the context of existing features and their perception within the landscape. Result of change may undermine any designation. High • Mitigation measures do not reserve loss although will deliver some localised benefits. • Proposals strengthen existing landscape structure through the introduction of lost or degraded features and reinstatement of fragmented landscape patterns. • Development fits within existing landscape character and enhances and / or reinstates key landscape features. • Delivers policy objectives for landscape conservation or enhancement.
• Development would result in the localised medium to long-term loss of some key characteristic landscape features. Moderate • Introduction of development / uncharacteristic elements within the landscape alongside characteristic features. • Proposals introduce characteristic development and key landscape features whilst respecting the scale and pattern of the landscape.
• Development would result in the temporary loss of a low number of localised key features. Mitigation is possible and can maintain or restore losses. Low • The proposals introduce temporary uncharacteristic features into the landscape. • The proposals retain existing key features and respect the pattern of the landscape. • Proposals allow for local enhancements through the removal of detracting features.
• The development would introduce barely discernible elements or physical change to the landscape. Key characteristics of the landscape and the integrity of Negligible the landscape remain unaffected.
Table 3: Magnitude of Change Criteria - Landscape
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Magnitude Change experienced
• Proposals introduce dominant, discordant elements altering the composition and balance of the view. • Total and complete change in the composition of the view with the introduction of features and elements not present in the locality. • Development interrupts or detracts from the focus of a recognised important view or vista. • Proposals introduce features not present in skyline views of the area. High • Proposal removing existing visual detractors and introduce development that respects the scale, form and layout of existing visual components. • Development introducing positive elements that enhance legibility and composition of degraded views. • Proposals reinstate a formerly lost valued view. • Development introduces a valued landmark or feature within views from a recognised vantage point
• Development is clearly visible, but not prominent in views. • Proposals may introduce some uncharacteristic elements that are incongruous in limited localised views. Moderate • Development may form skyline features amongst existing development and / or vegetation where such skyline views are not typical. • Proposals complement the composition of the view and the scale and form of development within it.
• Development does not introduce uncharacteristic or incongruent features into the view. • Proposals do not alter the overall composition of the view or the dominance or balance of elements within it. Low • Development does not protrude above existing elements to be dominant on the skyline. • Views of the proposals are filtered or seen in partial, glimpsed views between existing development and vegetation. • Views of development brief and fleeting as seen from moving vehicles.
• The development would be barely discernible in views. Proposals perceived as a background component in views or are subservient to other elements within Negligible it. Table 4: Magnitude of Change Criteria - Views
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Significance Justification
Total permanent loss or major alteration to key elements and features of the landscape, to include the introduction of elements totally uncharacteristic of the surrounding landscape. Development would be visually intrusive and would disrupt fine and valued views both into and across the area (adverse). Fitting well High with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape, and enhancing the existing landscape character. The development would create a highly improved change in views (beneficial).
Effects that are at variance with some of the characteristics of the landscape, adversely affecting the character. Development would be visible, but not wholly Moderate incongruous (adverse), or fitting well with the landscape characteristics but changing their emphasis for improvement. The development would enhance the visual setting and complement the existing composition of the view (beneficial).
Not quite fitting the characteristics of the landscape (but not considered wholly uncharacteristic), will have local / limited scale adverse impact, and development Minor would introduce some incongruous elements to views (adverse), or locally improving or adding to the quality of the landscape and complementing the composition and balance of elements within existing views (beneficial).
Complementing the landscape characteristics and maintaining the existing landscape character and quality. The development would be barely discernible in Negligible views, would be perceived as a background component, or would be subservient to other elements within views.
Neutral No perceptible changes. Instances where impacts are neither harmful nor beneficial. Table 5: Significance of Effect
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Plans
Topography (10510/P20a)
Landscape Planning Context and Public Rights of Way (10510/P25a)
Published Landscape Character Context (10510/P26a)
Photoviewpoint Locations and Visual Analysis Plan (10510/P21a)
Photosheets for Photoviewpoints 1 to 17 (10510/P27)
Landscape Strategy (10510/P22c)
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Site Boundary
Height AOD (m)
238m and above
171m
104m
37m and below
Source: The plan has bee modelled using GIS computer software (QGIS) and Ordnance Survey Terrain 5 data, and as such does not take into account built form or vegetation present within the landscape.
0m 100m 200m 300m 400m 500m
Scale: 1:12,500 @ A3
Project Botany Bay, Chorley
Drawing Title Topography
Scale 1:12,500 @ A3 Drawing No. 10510/P20a Date February 2021 Checked SL/DR
3 Jordan St, Manchester M15 4PY Tyler Grange Group Ltd T: 0161 236 8367 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2021. Licence number 0100031673 Site Boundary 9-22-FP9-22-FP 52 Chorley Local Plan 2012 - 2026 Information obtained from the Chorley Council Policy Maps: http://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Chorley-Local- Plan-2012-2026.aspx 99-22-FP-22-FP 49 Green Belt 9-22-F9-22-FPP47 47 9-22-9-22-FPFP 61 BNE4 - Areas of Separation
V2 - Settlement Areas
Leeds & Liverpool Canal 9-9-15-FP15-FP 30 9-19-15-FP5-FP 31 HS1 - Housing Allocations
9-29-22-FP2-FP 42 9-22-FP 55 EP1/HS1 - Mixed Use Allocations (Employment/Housing) 9-2-9-2-FPFP 21 EP1 - Employment Allocations 9-2-FP 23 ST1 - Recreational Footpaths 9-15-FP9-15-FP 34 9-9-2-FP2-FP 22 HW2 - Existing Open Space 9-2-FP9-2-FP 23 9-2-FP 2266 9-15-FP9-15-FP35 35 BNE2 - Area of Other Open Countryside Preston England Temple - The Church of Jesus 9-2-FP9-2-FP 21 BNE3 - Safeguarded Land Christ of Latter - Day Saints 9-9-15-FP15-FP 36
9-19-15-FP5-FP 30 HW4 - Leeds and Liverpool Canal Knowley Bridge 9-2-FP9-2-FP 21 M61 9-2-FP 2266 Junction 8 Public Rights of Way Information obtained from the Lancashire County Council 9-2-FP 22 Definitive Map: http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/ public-rights-of-way/public-rights-of-way-map.aspx
Footpath
EP1.2 HS1.8 / EP1.1 FP01 Public Right of Way Reference
Information obtained from http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ SUSTRANS - Cycle Route FP01 Information obtained from http://www.magic.gov.uk/ Leeds and Liverpool Canal Tow Path and Sustrans Local Cycle Route
Chorley 9-15-FP9-15-FP 1 Listed Buildings North 9-2-FP 36 Industrial Estate Botany Bay Boat Yard 0m 60m 120m 180m 240m 300m 9-15-FP9-15-FP 2 9-2-FP 24 9-2-FP 25 Scale1:7500 @ A3 Project Botany Bay, Chorley
9-2-FP 4a Drawing Title Landscape Planning Policy Context 9-2-FP9-2-FP14a 14a and Public Rights of Way 99-2-FP-2-FP 37 Scale 1:7,500 @ A3 9-2-FP 42 Drawing No. 10510/P25a 9-2-FP9-2-FP14a 14a Date February 2021 Checked SL/DR
3 Jordan St, Manchester M15 4PY Tyler Grange Group Ltd T: 0161 236 8367 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2021. Licence number 0100031673 Site Boundary
Lancashire Landscape Character Assessment Information obtained from the Lancashire County Council: http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/strategies-policies-plans/ environmental/landscape-strategy.aspx
Industrial Foothills & Valleys LCT 6b - West Pennine Foothills LCA
Undulating Lowland Farmland LCT 5d -Samlesbury - Withnell Fold LCA 5k - Ouerden - Euxton LCA
Suburban LCT 6b a - Hartwood b - Whittle - le - Woods
Industrial Age LCT
5k
0m 60m 120m 180m 240m 300m
Scale1:7500 @ A3
Project Botany Bay, Chorley
Drawing Title Published Landscape Character Context
Scale 1:7,500 @ A3 Drawing No. 10510/P26a Date February 2021 Checked SL/DR
3 Jordan St, Manchester M15 4PY Tyler Grange Group Ltd T: 0161 236 8367 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2021. Licence number 0100031673 Site Boundary
Photoviewpoint Location 3
Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)
Potential Visibility
Source: The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) illustrates 133 the extent to which the development (detailed below) that is potentially visible within a 2.5km radius (1.6m high receptor). The ZTV has been modelled using GIS computer software (Global Mapper) and LIDAR 144
122
Unit Heights: 177 2 • Unit A – 5m 1111 • Unit B – 7m • Units C&D – 12m 100 • Unit E – 20m 9 1 • Units F&G – 16m • Block H – 14m • Block I, J, K & L – 11m 3
166 8 4
5 1515 7
6
0km 500m
Project Botany Bay, Chorley
Drawing Title Photoviewpoint Locations and Visual Analysis Plan Scale As Shown (Approximate) Drawing No. 10510/P21a Date February 2021 Checked KL/JJ
Unit 430 Scott House, The Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4DT Tyler Grange Group Limited T: 0121 773 0770 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved 2021. Licence number 0100031673 Photoviewpoints 1 and 2
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Canal Mill A674 Roundabout Saints Chorley North (Botany Bay) Industrial Park on-site (off-site)
Photoviewpoint 1: Facing west from Guildford Avenue by the junction of Blackburn Road, approximately 320m from the eastern site boundary. The viewpoint illustrates the screening afforded by intervening roadside vegetation. This limits views towards the site, restricting visibility to pockets of surrounding built form within the surrounding backdrop of the wider Chorley townscape. The Canal Mill building on-site is discernible and provides an identifying feature within the site given its colouration and massing. The view provides a settled scene of highways and pockets of built form where the presence of existing industrial units is an established component within what is demonstrably a townscape vista overlooking the Chorley North Industrial Park and surrounding settlement edge fields
Canal Mill (Botany Bay) The Church of Jesus on-site Christ of Latter-Day Chorley North Saints Industrial Park (off-site)
A674
Photoviewpoint 2: Facing south west from Blackburn Road, approximately 370m from the northern site boundary. The horizon is punctured by scattered elements of built form across the tree covered Chorley townscape. The viewpoint illustrates a settled scene of transport corridors and industrial units with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints providing a principle skyline feature. The site sits within the lower middle ground with the Canal Mill building on-site forming another focal element of built form within the view.
Photoviewpoints 1 and 2 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 3 and 4
The Church of Jesus On-site hardstanding Christ of Latter-Day Chorley North Canal Mill and cleared earth Leeds and Liverpool Saints Industrial Park (Botany Bay) Canal Path (off-site) on-site A674 aligning the northern site boundary
Photoviewpoint 3: Facing west from Blackburn Road, approximately 315m from the eastern site boundary. From this vantage point the Canal Mill building on-site is clearly discernible and provides an identifying feature within the site given its colouration and massing. The view provides a settled scene of highways and pockets of built form where the presence of existing industrial units is an established component within what is demonstrably a townscape vista overlooking the Chorley North Industrial Park and surrounding settlement edge fields
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Canal Mill Saints Chorley North (Botany Bay) Industrial Park on-site (off-site)
Photoviewpoint 4: Facing west from Public Footpath 9-2-FP 36, approximately 330m from the eastern site boundary. The internal areas of the site are largely screened by intervening residential development and vegetation with views towards the on-site Canal Mill building being limited to the upper storeys and roofscape. The viewpoint illustrates the urban influence of existing industrial development within the scene where the proposal would be viewed in the context of the colouration and roofscape of the existing developed context. The backdrop of densely treed undulating townscape is punctured by elements of existing built form within a settled scene of large scale units and clusters of intervening tree cover. The proposals would form an extension to the existing cluster of units visible on and to the west of the site.
Photoviewpoints 3 and 4 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 5 and 6
The Church of Jesus Public footpath 9-2-FP 36 Christ of Latter-Day Canal Mill Chorley North Saints (Botany Bay) Industrial Park on-site (off-site)
Photoviewpoint 5: Facing north west from the Knowley Brow Play Area off Heapey Road, approximately 360m from the south eastern site boundary. The internal areas of the site are largely screened by intervening residential development and vegetation with views towards the on-site Canal Mill building being limited to the upper storeys and roofscape. The backdrop of densely treed undulating townscape is punctured by elements of existing built form within a settled scene of large scale units and clusters of intervening tree cover. The presence of existing industrial units is an established component of the scene with this vantage point affording views towards the Chorley North Industrial Park and surrounding settlement fringe. The viewpoint illustrates the urban influence of existing industrial development within the scene where the proposal would be viewed in the context of the colouration and roofscape of the existing developed context.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Photoviewpoint 6: Facing north west from Public Footpath 9-2-FP 15, approximately 1.08km from the southern site boundary. The site itself is largely screened with glimpsed views of on-site and adjoining built form providing visual markers across the surrounding townscape to orientate and locate the site within the cluster of dense tree cover and adjoining built form.
Photoviewpoints 5 and 6 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 7 and 8
Blackburn Brow Approximate location and extent of site, partially obscured by intervening vegetation and built form
Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path
Photoviewpoint 7: Facing north west from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path, approximately 430m from the southern site boundary. The site is largely screened by intervening canal and highways infrastructure with the view providing a settled scene of built form and tow path paraphernalia, including the Botany Bay Boat Yard. Traversing the path at this point, users experience a surrounding developed backdrop of industrial uses, open storage and built form which influences the amenity and rurality of this pedestrian route
Approximate location and extent of site, partially Chorley North Canal Mill obscured by intervening Industrial Park (Botany Bay) vegetation and built form (off-site) on-site
Photoviewpoint 8: Facing north from Blackburn Brow, adjacent to the Loch and Quay public house, approximately 180m from the southern site boundary. The site is partially screened by intervening canal and highways infrastructure with the on-site Canal Mill building remaining clearly discernible towards the centre of the view. This provides an identifying feature within the site given its colouration and massing. The view providing a settled scene of built form and tow path paraphernalia, including the Botany Bay Boat Yard. Views towards the adjoining Chorley North Industrial Park are available, reaffirming the settlement edge context where the presence of industrial units and activity are an established component of this settlement fringe location.
Photoviewpoints 7 and 8 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 9 and 10
Eastern boundary hedgerow planting Tree lined western site Canal Mill boundary (Botany Bay) Leeds and Chorley North roadside on-site Liverpool Industrial Park embankment Canal (off-site) On site road
Photoviewpoint 9: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26 over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path, approximately 25m from the eastern site boundary. The elevated vantage point affords a view into the site and beyond towards the Chorley North Industrial Park providing a developed context that the proposals would be viewed alongside. The on-site Canal Mill building is the focal element of built form in the locality, drawing the eye and puncturing the skyline. The internal areas of the site represent a disturbed area of cleared earth and tracts of hard standing / car parking. The foreground and western boundary vegetation provides a degree of verdant enclosure to the adjoining tow path and surrounding highways network.
Residential development off Canal Mill Tree lined Blackburn Road (Botany Bay) Chorley North western site on-site Industrial Park boundary (off-site) Eastern boundary roadside hedgerow planting embankment
Photoviewpoint 10: Facing south from the A674, overlooking the northern site boundary. From this vantage point the Canal Mill building on-site is clearly discernible and provides an identifying feature within the site given its colouration and massing. The view provides a settled scene from the adjoining highway encompassing pockets of built form and surrounding settlement edge fields. The site is observed as an established urban component in the landscape, with the adjoining Chorley North Industrial Park and surrounding highways network providing an industrial and developed backdrop to the proposed development. The proposals would form an extension to the existing cluster of built form visible to the right of the scene with the rising residential hillsides of Great Knowley visible beyond to the left of the scene.
Photoviewpoints 9 and 10 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 11 and 12
A674 corridor
Public footpath 9-2-FP 26
Photoviewpoint 11: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 230m from the northern site boundary. Views into the site are restricted by the presence of the raised A674 corridor. Intervening topography and built form limits longer distance views from this vantage point. The presence of the A674 influences local rurality with glimpses of surrounding residential and industrial development further emphasising the urban fringe context when traversing the landscape north of the site.
Approximate Public footpath 9-2-FP 26 A674 corridor location and extent of site, Canal Mill partially obscured (Botany Bay) by intervening on-site vegetation
Photoviewpoint 12: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 460m from the northern site boundary. From this vantage point the Canal Mill building on-site is discernible on the horizon, providing an identifying feature within the site given its colouration and massing. The view provides a settled scene from the surroudning PRoW network north of the site where views encompass glimpses of residential development, pockets of industrial and highways uses, with longer distance views truncated by intervening vegetation and topography.
Photoviewpoints 11 and 12 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 13 and 14
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Residential Canal Mill Saints townscape at (Botany Bay) Great Knowley Approximate location and on-site extent of site
Photoviewpoint 13: Facing south from public footpath 9-2-FP 26, approximately 230m from the northern site boundary. The wooded landform limits views into the site, but the Canal Mill building at the centre of the scene is apparent through intervening tree cover as a notable skyline feature from this vantage point. The viewpoint illustrates the urban influence of existing industrial development within the scene with a rising residential backdrop beyond further emphasising the settled context within which the site is experienced
The Church of Jesus Approximate Christ of Latter-Day location and Saints extent of site
Photoviewpoint 14: Facing south west from Chapel Lane, approximately 1.25km from the north eastern site boundary. This long distance vista provides a broad panoramic view across the wider Chorley townscape and beyond. Views into the site are limited by intervening built form, vegetation and topography but the surrounding context is one of pockets and clusters of larger scale buildings set within a well-treed setting across the settlement fringe. Due to the distance from the site, changes in topography and intervening vegetation the site is largely indiscernible.
Photoviewpoints 13 and 14 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoints 15 and 16
Approximate location and extent of site, obscured by intervening vegetation and topography
Photoviewpoint 15: Facing east from Northgate Drive, approximately 130m from the western site boundary. Site facing views from within the adjoining townscape are largely obscured by dense intervening tree cover.
Approximate location and extent of site, obscured by Heavily filtered views intervening vegetation and built towards the upper storeys form / roofscape of Canal Mill (Botany Bay) on-site
Photoviewpoint 16: Facing east from Laburnum Road, by the junction with Maple Grove, approximately 480m from the western site boundary. The site is largely screened by the intervening foreground of residential development and dense tree cover, but the upper reaches of the on-site Canal Mill building can be glimpsed through the intervening tree cover.
Photoviewpoints 15 and 16 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. Photoviewpoint 17 The Church of Jesus Approximate location and Christ of Latter-Day extent of site, obscured by Saints intervening vegetation and topography Residential townscape at Great Knowley
Photoviewpoint 17: Facing south east from the car park adjacent to properties off Preston Road., approximately 830m from the north western site boundary. Site facing views from within the adjoining townscape are largely obscured by dense intervening tree cover and topography. The view provides a settled west facing vista from the adjoining residential edge at Chorley. Given the elevated vantage point, long distance views are afforded to the distant hills beyond Great Knowley to the far east of the site.
Photoviewpoint 17 Drawing Title
Botany Bay, Chorley Project
Photography obtained on 13th October 2020 - 10510/P27 Drawing No. The northern section of the site’s eastern boundary Species Mixes will be planted with a linear strip of native woodland trees, comprising a matrix of whips and scattered Internal Car Park Trees light standard trees to depths of between 5m - 10m where space permits within the red line boundary Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) The site’s existing boundary stock is to be Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) strengthened with new hedgerow planting to re-stock gaps and to strengthen enclosure along Silver Birch (Betula pendula) the adjoining canal path. An eco-tone of habitats Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) will be created along the site-side development Flowering Crab Apple (Malus tschonoskii) edge via the planting of new native understorey vegetation comprising a mix of wildflower grasses Native Hedgerow Mix / Understorey and shrubs. Stock for Site Boundaries
Spindle (Euonymus eruopaea) Smaller scale ornamental trees will be used Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) within internal spaces to create internal greening Hazel (Corylus avellana) and softening of built form. Shrubs, strips of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) hedgerow planting and pockets of grassland will Holly (Ilex aquifolium) provide under storey seasonal interest and Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) further assist in softening the internal spaces. Goat Willow (Salix caprea)
Woodland Mix
Oak (Quercus robur) Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) Field Maple (Acer campestre) Elder (Sambucus nigra)
BlackthornBlackthorn Hawthorn Apple Hazel
OakOak Rowan Spindle Dogwood Attenuation area will be planted with a mix of grasses and wet-woodland style trees. This is to include Emorsgate EM8 - Meadow Mixture for Wetlands (for the basin bottom) and Emorsgate EP1 - Pond Edge Mixture (for the basin edges). Trees to the edge of the attuation area will include Alder, Birch, Goat Willow and HollyHolly Cherry Birch Goat Willow Elder
AlderAlder Hornbeam Beech Field Maple
Emorsgate EM8 Emorsgate EP1 The central section of the site’s eastern boundary comprises a 3 - 5m wide buffer strip which will be planted with a triple staggered native hedgerow and an arrangement of scattered light standard hedgerow trees. A selection of water tolerant perennial grasses and wildflowers will be utilised to provide visual interest along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Site Boundary
Existing Vegetation Southern section of the eastern boundary will encompass the Proposed Native Hedgerow Planting / re-stocking of restocking of existing defunct hedgerow stands to provide a existing hedgerow trees continuous single native row of hedge planting, assisting with containment and habitat connectivity, creating a green edge Scattered Hedgerow Trees to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal pathway
Proposed Woodland Planting: Linear Strip of Native Whips and Light Standard Trees
Understorey Planting: Wildflowers and 0km 50m Native shrubby trees to create an eco-tone edge and diverse canopy layer to align the proposed linear woodland strip and retained Project Botany Bay, Chorley boundary tree cover. This can encompas the use of bushy small stature trees and grassland swathes sewn with Emorsgate EG10 Tussock Drawing Title Grass Mixture / EM10F Tussock Wildflower Seeding Strategic Landscape Masterplan
Scale As Shown (Approximate) Proposed Internal Tree Planting Drawing No. 10510/P22c Date February 2021 Amenity Grassland Checked KL/JJ
Attentuation Area
Unit 430 Scott House, The Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4DT Tyler Grange Group Limited T: 0121 773 0770 E: [email protected] W: www.tylergrange.co.uk © Crown copyright, All rights reserved 2020. Licence number 0100031673
Tyler Grange Group Limited Marsden Estate, Rendcomb, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 7EX Tel: 01285 831804 www.tylergrange.co.uk Birmingham・Cotswolds・Exeter・London・Manchester
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Botany Bay, Chorley
10510_R04a_17th February 2021_JJ_HM