Penkridge North
Landscape & Visual Appraisal December 2019
1 Introduction
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT railway line, close to the south-western corner of the site, and a small on the south and east bank of the River Penk and it is also bisected by cluster of houses is located on the A449 to the immediate north. the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. As a settlement, Penkridge This is a high-level landscape and visual appraisal for a development Dunston Business Village, a small standalone complex of employment has generally grown southwards, with the settlement contained to opportunity on land to the north of Penkridge. Its conclusions have units, is also located along the A449, approximately 2.5 kilometres the east by the M6 and to the west by the railway line. Beyond the informed the evolution of the masterplan proposals that were further north. M6 to the east lies Cannock Chase, approximately 4 kilometres from originally set out in the Greater Penkridge Vision Document, previously Penkridge. The site gently slopes from a high point of around 87.5m AOD on submitted to South Staffordshire Council in November 2018. the northern boundary to around 81m AOD alongside Stafford Road The traditional centre lies approximately a kilometre to the south of the and then falls again towards the River Penk at around 75m-80m AOD. site and is mainly focussed around Stafford Road and Market Street. It THE SITE Beyond the site the land continues to rise to the north around Honey contains a wide range of local services and facilities, including three Pots woodland (100m-105 AOD) and to the east towards Cannock local convenience shops, a library, community centre and medical The site is located to the north of Penkridge and covers approximately Chase (at around 155m-160m AOD). Two watercourses cross the site practice. Penkridge Market takes place twice a week, and is also within 27 hectares. It extends from the existing northern limits of the village from the western and northern boundaries and meet before entering a kilometre of the site. St Michael and All Angels Church is located flanking the A449 (Stafford Road), between the railway line to the west a culvert beneath the A449. on the western side of the A449 and the tower is a prominent local and the River Penk to the east (see Figure One). It is mainly comprised landmark. There are three primary schools in the centre of Penkridge of mixed farmland, with smaller pastoral fields to the south (closest to A public footpath also runs through the southern part of the western and a middle school and high school towards the eastern periphery the edge of the village) and larger arable fields to the north. Hedgerows part of the site and provides a connection between the A449 to the of the settlement. and tree belts provide a strong sense of enclosure along many of east and the surrounding countryside to the west, crossing over the the field boundaries, particularly on the lower ground surrounding the railway line on a pedestrian footbridge. Penkridge train station is located approximately 1.5km from the pastoral land. Around 9.78 hectares of the site (highlighted in blue on site in the centre of the settlement, providing frequent services Figure One) has an outline planning permission for 200 dwellings. (approximately every 30 minutes) between Birmingham (southbound) PENKRIDGE and Crewe (northbound). There are also bus stops located close The rear boundaries of residential properties within Penkridge define to the site along Stafford Road, and Penkridge is well served by a The site lies immediately to the north of Penkridge, a market town the edges of the site to the south west, while open countryside lies wide range of services operating to Wolverhampton, Cannock and in South Staffordshire. The settlement is located between Stafford beyond the site to the north, east and west and is principally comprised Stafford. The 75a bus service also provides a link to the wider extents (approximately 8km to the north) and Wolverhampton (approximately of arable farm land. A caravan storage area is located alongside the of Penkridge from the Stafford Road bus stops. 16km to the south) along the A449. The majority of the settlement lies
The church tower is a local landmark Railway viaduct over the River Penk The A449 cuts through the site heading northwards out of Penkridge
2 Figure One THE SITE
LEGEND
Site Boundary
Part of site with planning permission for 200 dwellings
STAFFORD ROAD A449
RIVER PENK
RAILWAY LINE
TEDDESLEY ROAD
PARK LANE
M6
PENKRIDGE
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3 Landscape & Visual Appraisal
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER The site is also located within a Landscape Policy Zone for ‘Landscape site as ‘Post 1880s Reorganised Piecemeal Enclosure’, where the Restoration’, as shown on Figure Two. In these areas, the landscape field pattern has been impacted by the large scale removal of field Due to the relative size of the proposed site, the most appropriate quality is considered to be Low, where a range of causes, including boundaries during the mid to late 20th century. Two smaller fields on landscape baseline is provided by the Staffordshire County Council mineral working, industrial activity, urban fringe or changes in the south eastern edges of the site are defined as earlier ‘Piecemeal (SCC) “Planning for Landscape Change” SPG (adopted 2001). It is agricultural practice, have led to a loss of the landscape elements Enclosure’. A historic farmstead, identified as having a loose located to the north of Penkridge on the easternmost fringes of the that formerly contributed to character and quality. This sits towards courtyard plan form, lies on the Stafford Road immediately adjacent ‘Ancient Clay Farmlands’ Landscape Character Type (LCT), as shown the bottom of the 5 point qualitative scale set out in the SPG, ranging to the northern boundary of the site. Other features of interest that on Figure Two. Further to the east (approximately 1.5km from the from most degraded (needing regeneration) to those of most quality have been highlighted within the zone, including the Grade II Listed site) the landscape merges into the adjacent ‘Settled Heathlands: (needing conservation). The surviving character should be used to railway viaduct over the River Penk and a Grade II Listed vicarage lie Estates’ LCT, broadly along the alignment of the M6. This tract of land guide any restoration efforts. beyond the railway line to the west of Penkridge. separates the site and its surrounding area from the nearby Cannock Chase AONB, whose western boundary is located approximately The character of the Settled Heathlands: Estates’ LCT to the Key recommendations for PKHECZ 1 within the HECA include the 4km to the east of the site. east of the M6 corridor starts to mark the transition towards the retention of mature hedgerows and conservation of field boundaries adjacent Cannock Chase AONB, with the gently sloping landscape that typify a ‘Piecemeal Enclosure’ landscape and the conservation Some of the distinctive features of the ‘Ancient Clay Farmlands’ LCT characterised by intensively farmed arable estate lands and large of earthwork features, such as the water meadows and any remnant of relevance to the site and study area include: blocks of managed woodlands. It is a highly managed landscape ridge and furrow. with fewer hedgerows and an estate character reinforced by 19th • Rolling lowland plain; Century farm complexes and straight widely spaced lanes. There is The recently published South Staffordshire Landscape Sensitivity • Landscape of mixed arable and pastoral farmland, the character also occasional remnant parkland. Assessment (SSLSA - July 2019) effectively updates the previous of which is strongly influenced by existing land use and farming landscape sensitivity assessments undertaken in 2015 and 2017. It is practices; The site is also covered by the “Historic Environment Character intended to inform the Local Plan for South Staffordshire and notably Assessment: South Staffordshire” (Jan 2011), and specifically PKHECZ • In the areas of pastoral farming an intact irregular ancient pattern the selection of development allocation sites. 1 – North and west of Penkridge. It identifies the majority of the of hedgerows and hedgerow trees is still retained; • Where there has been a decline of hedgerow tree cover it has led to a generally open character - where landform has become dominant over vegetation cover and trees are now often viewed as individual elements; • Local small-scale ancient woodlands and plantations provide areas of denser visual containment; • Canals running through the area, are picked out by lines of willow, poplar and alder, providing some structure in the more open arable areas; and • Major road corridors have a significant localised effect and result in some areas being particularly well viewed.
The site and its immediate surroundings display many of the typical characteristics identified within the ‘Ancient Clay Farmlands’ LCT. There is a mix of farmland types, with smaller, more enclosed pastoral fields adjacent to the settlement edge giving way to larger arable fields further north. Urbanising impacts are provided by the neighbouring housing edge and railway line and the nearby M6 and A449 road corridors. The church tower in Penkridge is a local landmark in the surrounding landscape and can be seen above the existing housing edge from higher ground on the edge of the site. Overhead view from the north, looking back towards Penkridge, showing mixed farmland and hedgerow enclosure set alongside the existing settlement edge.
4 LE E D Figure Two
LANDSCAPE 3KM S CHARACTER CONTEXT LEGENDLE E D A S
STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL LA OR LA DS A E A E S A A Landscape Character Types (LCT) STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL LA OR LA DS A E A E S A A
Landscape Character Types (LCT) S A S S T A L S
T A L S
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Landscape Policy Zones (LPZ) L R L R L E L E L L L E L L E L
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SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COUNCIL (2015)N SCALE 1:25,000 SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COUNCIL 100100 300300 Penkridge Landscape Sensitivity (2015) Overhead view from the north, looking back towards Penkridge, showing mixed farmland and hedgerow enclosure set alongside the existing settlement edge. 0m0m 200200 500500 10001000 Penkridge Landscape Sensitivity 5 [Drawing Title] 2 Scale: 1:30000 L [Drawing Title] 2 Scale: 1:30000 L The SSLSA assesses the site as part of a larger area to the north • Perceptual aspects: Moderate sensitivity. The conclusion in the settlement’s boundaries, and a distinctively inward looking built of Penkridge (SL84) that stretches from land west of the railway line this regard is over stated (particularly when compared to the form, arranged around the transport routes and separated from the to the River Penk and M6 to the east, and north to Lower Drayton assessment of other areas in this locality). The site and wider area enclosing. open countryside.” Lane. (see Figure Three). It highlights that the area is not subject to are very much influenced by the settlement itself, but particularly Specific design principles identified within the Design Guide that are any designations (other than countryside) and is not subject to any the A449, railway line and M6, as well as other elements of of relevance to the proposed site include: “absolute constraints” other than a relatively small area of floodplain development. alongside the River Penk. • Settlement setting: Moderate (close to Penkridge) and Higher • enhancing the village entrances - creating clear points of arrival (wider area) sensitivity. The assessment of the wider area is at the junctions with the countryside (with Stafford Road being The appraisal of the area’s landscape sensitivity to built development somewhat skewed by the inclusion of the land to the west of the highlighted in particular); is summarised below together with additional comments (where railway that has no meaningful relationship with the rest of the • wherever possible, using locally distinctive building types and appropriate) in relation to the site’s specific role in relation to these assessed area. Moreover, the reasoning for the conclusion in materials; matters: relation to the wider area is not clear. • contributing to the development of the green space network • Visual prominence: Low (close to Penkridge) and Higher (wider • Scale: Moderate sensitivity. within the village, including the incorporation of existing and new area) sensitivity. The following assessment of the visual amenity planting; • Landform: Moderate sensitivity. of the site highlights that even the higher land within the site is • Landscape pattern and time depth: Moderate (west of the A449) relatively well contained in the wider area. • creating clear new character areas as part of any new development’s design, which should be highly permeable and and Higher (east of the A449) sensitivity. This conclusion contrasts • Inter-visibility with adjacent designated landscapes or promoted closely integrated within the village fabric; and with the appraisal of the Ancient Clay Farmlands LCT set out viewpoints: Moderate sensitivity. above, and using the criteria set out in Table 3.1 a conclusion of South Staffordshire• integrating car parking areas so that they are carefully Moderate sensitivity is more appropriate. The landscape sensitivity ratings on Figure Three show a split across Landscape Sensitivityaccommodated into the village fabric. • Natural Character: Moderate sensitivity. the site, with the main part (to the south - both east and west of the A449) shown as Moderate and the northern section as Moderate In considering whether the site forms part of a ‘Valued Landscape’, • Built Character: Low (close to Penkridge) to Moderate (wider area) High. The assessment concludes that: Box 5.1 of the “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact sensitivity. SL96 Figure 4.2: LandscapeAssessment” Sensitivity (3rd Edition) sets out the range of factors that can help SL95 • Recreational character: Low sensitivity. “the landscape has moderate sensitivity to residentialAssessment development - South inStaffordshire the identification of valued landscapes. The site mainly comprises on the lower slopes closer to the settlementNorth edge where the of agricultural fields on the edge of an existing settlement, with SL94 Figure Three landscape is visually enclosed by mature hedgerows and trees.” varying levels of enclosure provided by the surrounding hedgerows. SL89 SL93 This is typical of the surrounding area and is considered to be of Low PENKRIDGE LCP SENSITIVITY SL88 However, those final conclusions are difficult to reconcile with the South Staffordshirequality (North) (reflected by the Landscape Policy Objective in the SPG of SL92 SL91 preceding analysis of the individual elements as they apply to that Other Local Authority“Landscape Restoration”). It has limited scenic qualities and there are SL90 part of the wider SL84 area and, indeed, in comparison with the final no known cultural associations. Although there are some features of assessment of other areas in the locality (notably SL82 Greenand SL91 Belt & interest, such as the views across to the Cannock Chase AONB to the SL92). Nor does the assessment take into account that a Landscapesubstantive area east and occasional views of the church tower within Penkridge, there part of the site is already committed for development and theLandscape inevitable area in Black Country is nothing within the site that elevates it enough to be considered a influence that will have on the landscape sensitivity of the residual Absolute Constraint‘valued’ landscape (as set out in paragraph 170(a) of the NPPF) and SL84 land within SL84. SL84s2 should, therefore, be revised to Low – Sensitivity rating the site is not subject to any specific landscape designations. Moderate sensitivity. Indeed, this would reflect the Section 78 Appeal Inspectors conclusions in relation to the committed developmentHigh In summary, residential development on the site would constitute scheme. Moreover, whilst the relatively small area of higherModerate land -in High moderate development on the edge of the existing village, extending SL87 the northern fields in the site is more visible in the surroundingModerate area, northwards towards Stafford, but contained by surrounding road
SL79 SL83 that in itself does not warrant a substantially different conclusion to be infrastructure and the River Penk (to the east), the railway (to the SL86 Low - Moderate SL81 reached in relation to this part of the site in light of the other factors west) and the existing settlement edge (to the south). Rising ground Low SL80 SL82 set out above. Indeed, as set out in the following pages, given the and the woodland plantations around Honey Pots also provide a well site’s landscape framework, the potential landscape harm resulting defined threshold to the village along the northern edge. The existing fromSL85 the site’s development can be effectively mitigated through a landscape structure is generally considered to be of low quality landscape-led scheme design. and is typical of the wider surrounding landscape character, mainly comprising of field compartments enclosed by mature hedgerows and SL74 South Staffordshire Council have also produced a Design Guide trees. This provides scope for the proposed housing development to LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY RATING Plan extracted from the South SPD (2018) to help promote good design in new development. This Staffordshire Landscape SL72 be successfully integrated into the surrounding settlement edge. Moderate-High Sensitivity Assessment includes a village summary for Penkridge which describes the village SL77 Moderate (SSLSA- July 2019) published as “dominated by its tightly enclosed landscape setting and the The key landscape features of the site and immediately surrounding SL78 by South Staffordshire Council SL71 linear transport routes. These create strong, impermeable edges to area are shown on Figure Four. Low-Moderate SL73(SSC). SL76 6 SL70 SL75 SL69
SL45 SL43 SL68 SL44 SL67 SL53 SL54 SL42 SL46 SL65
SL55 SL52 SL66 SL47 SL49 SL50
SL40 SL56 SL48 SL64 SL41 SL51
SL60 SL37 SL38 SL59 SL63 BL46 SL61 BL45 SL57 SL36 SL39 BL1
SL62 BL44 BL2 BL47
SL58 0 2 SL32 SL35 SL34 BL3 km E BL48 BL4 © Crown copyright and database rights 2019, Ordnance Survey Licence No 100023119. CB:EL EB:Nicholson_M LUC FIG4-2_10474_r4_SS_LSAreas_Sensitivity_A3L 17/07/2019 Source: South Staffordshire, LUC LE EN Site Boundary
Public Right of Way (PROW)
Sta ordshire Way
Main road Figure Four SITE CONTEXT Contour P Key nodal points
LEGEND LE EN Landmark Church Tower Site Boundary P
Public Right of Way (PROW) Landmark Structures/Buildings
Sta ordshire Way Pedestrian Footbridge overlooking the site Main road
Contour Visually exposed higher ground
P Key nodal points Key Views P Landmark Church Tower P Flood Zone
Landmark Structures/Buildings A R R A A Properties backing onto site Pedestrian Footbridge overlooking the site
Visually exposed higher ground Railway Line
Key Views P Local centre shops Flood Zone
A R R A A Properties backing onto site Railway bridge with pedestrian access
Railway Line Penkridge Conservation Area Local centre shops Watercourse Railway bridge with pedestrian access
Penkridge Conservation Area P P N Canal A N
LE E ALE R A Watercourse E E LE R A Drainage channels within site
P P N Canal A N
LE E ALE R A Part of site with planning permission Drainage channels within site E E LE R A L for 200 dwellings
Part of site with planning permission E A A N L NE
L for 200 dwellings
E A A N L NE
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SCALE 1:7,500 200 ARKE 50 ARKE
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7 N VISUAL AMENITY Figure Five ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY (ZTV) - WITH VIEWPOINTS The visual amenity of the site and its surroundings has been appraised through the preparation of a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) and a consideration of key views (as presented on 3 km the following pages).
The ZTV considers the screening provided by the area’s underlying topography. On this basis, the lighter areas represent locations where there may be a potential view of the site and X the darker areas represent those areas where there may not. 2 km It shows that potential views of the site are mainly from within the immediate surroundings (within a kilometre) of the site and extending eastwards beyond the M6. There are also some X outlying areas to the north west, south west and south (see Figure Five). Fieldwork has shown that views from many of the locations to the north west and east are limited by surrounding vegetation, particularly the woodland blocks alongside the motorway and 1 km 7 canal and along the fringes of Cannock Chase. Views from the south are often limited by the surrounding settlement edge. 1 2 An appraisal of key views from public vantage points in the wider area, in particular those from public rights of way, has been undertaken. Those selected are shown on the ZTV and are set 6 3 out on the following pages. These look at the potential impact 4 X on views from key approaches into the village from the north X (on Stafford Road) east (from Teddesley Road) and west (from 5 Levedale Road), from the footbridge carrying the public right of way over the railway (on the immediate edge of the site), from public rights of way to the north and distant south west, and from a strategic footpath route to the east. X X
Development is inevitably going to be visible within its immediate 8 context, particularly from the adjacent settlement edge and from the roads and public rights of way within, or immediately adjacent to the site. However, this development would generally be well contained by the surrounding settlement edge, trees and vegetation, and would have limited visibility within the wider landscape setting. Where views may exist from higher ground to the east, any development is likely to be seen in the context of either the existing settlement edge or the nearby road infrastructure and would not be a major detractor within the view.
Although there are views towards Cannock Chase AONB from within the site, in particular from higher ground to the north and sloping ground to the east, reciprocal views were found to be Base information © Crown copyright and database rights 2019. Ordnance Survey 0100031673 Most Visible Least Visible limited, due to extensive planting within and around the fringes LEGEND of the AONB. Site Boundary Light Source x Viewpoint x Viewpoint visited but no view of the site due to screening by offsite vegetation
8 Views
Public Bridleway Fenced Lagoon M6 A449 Housing on edge of Penkridge Wind Turbine Church Railway Line
APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP1: From the public bridleway to the north. The view is from a public bridleway near a bridge over the railway and the elevated ground allows open views southwards towards the edge of Penkridge. Although some housing is visible it is generally screened by vegetation surrounding the adjacent fields. The church tower rises above the housing edge and is a landmark on the horizon, as are a number of wind turbines. Traffic on the nearby A449 and the more distant M6 is noticeable in the backdrop to the view as are the frequent train movements. The view is from a public right of way and there is an awareness of both being in the countryside and near to the settlement edge, which slightly increases the expectation in the view. There is no indication that the view is recognised as being of particular importance. The committed development scheme would introduce additional housing into this view, which would be integrated into the landscape by retaining and strengthening the existing hedgerow running along its northern edge.
M6 Motorway Wind Turbines Church Tower A449 Immature Woodland Public Bridleway P-33 APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP2: View from A449 on approach to Penkridge from the north. The view is from a busy road that is mainly enclosed by roadside vegetation. Occasional gaps in the hedgerow allow brief glimpsed views towards, and into the site, giving an elevated sense of interest. The existing settlement edge can be briefly glimpsed amongst the surrounding vegetation. Drivers will be aware of the open fields beyond the roadside hedgerows, but their attention will mainly be on the busy road. People walking along the footway on the eastern edge of the road are less frequent but will be exposed to the view for longer. The view is from a busy public road and there may be some expectation of seeing housing on approaching Penkridge. Views from the A449 and the screening of the existing settlement edge by vegetation have been highlighted in the Sensitivity Study (2017) as the site forms part of the setting to the approach into Penkridge from the north.
Railway Line Pye Green Tower Railway Footbridge Housing on edge of Penkridge APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP3: View from Levedale Road to the west. The view is from a narrow rural road on the approach to Penkridge from the north. Hedgerows and occasional hedgerow trees generally provide enclosure alongside the road allowing only glimpsed views through towards the site. Most receptors are likely to be transient and views will be fleeting, while the driver’s attention will be on the road ahead. There is an awareness of scattered farmsteads, pasture fields and agricultural buildings along the route beyond the hedgerows but open, long distance views are limited. Further south, views of the church tower from the road indicate the proximity to the settlement. The view is from a public road but has no formal status and there is no indication that it is recognised as being of particular importance.
9 Railway Line Lagoon Public Bridleway P-33 A449 Pye Green Tower Public footpath corridor Housing on edge of Penkridge Wind Turbines Church Railway Line
APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
VP4: View from pedestrian footbridge over railway. The view is from an elevated platform and looks directly over the fields and hedgerow enclosure comprising the western parts of the site. There is a high level of interest from the wide panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, particularly across to rising ground and Cannock Chase in the north and east and across the settlement edge towards the church in the south. The railway is also of interest, with frequent trains passing underneath the footbridge. Traffic movements on the A449 can also be seen. The view is from a footbridge linking two public rights of way, although access on the western side is restricted. Expectation is slightly moderated by an awareness of the settlement edge and the railway. There is no indication that it is recognised as being of particular importance. The implementation of the permitted development scheme would introduce additional housing into this view and would visually extend the settlement edge beyond the public footpath. Much of the foreground open space and footpath corridor would be retained within the proposed layout and there will still be long distance views across to Cannock Chase in the east.
M6 Motorway River Penk Old Drayton Farm APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP5: View from Marsh Lane near junction with Teddesley Road. The view is from an estate road on the north eastern edge of Penkridge. It is opposite Penkridge Middle School, close to a bus stop. Occasional gaps in the roadside hedgerow allow glimpsed views through to the site, in particular the south eastern parcels sloping down towards the River Penk (which can be seen with the hay bales). Although most vehicular receptors are likely to be transient, with attention on approaching the roundabout ahead, there will also be a number of more static receptors, such as people waiting at the bus stop and the occupants of nearby properties. Although the viewpoint does not offer an open vista across the adjacent river corridor, there is an awareness of the rising ground and the skyline is defined by tree planting rather than built development. This also effectively curtails any longer distance views further to the north west. However, Old Drayton Farm can be glimpsed amongst the vegetation on the edge of the site. The view is from a public road but has no formal status and there is no indication that it is recognised as being of particular importance.
Teddesley Road Housing on edge of Penkridge Church Tower Storage Containers/Caravans River Penk APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP6: Views from Teddesley Road on the approach to Penkridge from the north east. The view is from a local road after passing under the M6 motorway. The curve in the road and the patchy roadside hedgerow cover allow some views towards the site and the edge of Penkridge across the River Penk corridor. However views are channelled along the river corridor, with longer distance views out curtailed by the surrounding topography and vegetation. Housing on the edge of the settlement and the church tower can be seen amongst vegetation on the horizon. There is an awareness of the rising ground to the north of the River Penk where there are gaps in the adjacent tree belt, but the site itself is generally screened from view by surrounding vegetation or by the shallow ridgeline to the north around Lower Drayton Farm. Most receptors will be transient, moving along the road, and will be aware of approaching the settlement as houses on the edge of the settlement become more visible. The view is from a public road but has no formal status and there is no indication that it is recognised as being of particular importance.
10 Church Tower Railway Bridge M6 APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP7: View from Staffordshire Way to the north west of the site. The view is from an elevated position where a strategic footpath route emerges through a gap in the boundary vegetation. Although the position allows an open vista over the adjacent field, a robust tree belt running alongside the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal effectively curtails any longer distance views to the west. A gap in this vegetation, also marking the route of the footpath, does allow a limited view across to the rising ground around the site and the top of the railway bridge can be glimpsed on the distant horizon. However, traffic movement and noise from the M6 are also visible within this gap. There are generally few features of interest within the view, although the church tower at Penkridge can also be glimpsed in the distance above the tree belt. The view is from a public right of way that is part of a strategic leisure route but the specific viewpoint itself has no formal status and there is no indication that it is recognised as being of any additional importance.
Nursery Drive Estate Railway Church Tower Pye Green Tower Public Bridleway APPROXIMATE EXTENTS OF SITE
VP8: View from public bridleway (40) crossing countryside to the north west of Congreve. The view is from an elevated position on a public right of way that allows open views across to Cannock Chase in the north east. Elsewhere, longer distance views are curtailed by boundary vegetation and the surrounding topography. Although Penkridge is generally screened from view, the church tower is visible at the foot of the slope, as is outlying development to the north of the settlement and to the west of the railway line (including housing on the Nursery Drive estate and the caravan storage area immediately surrounding the site. However, the site itself is screened from view by the existing development and the rising slopes to the west. While the railway line is visible the bridge on the edge of the site cannot be seen. Receptors will be moving at a slower speed and will able to take their time to appreciate the open view (although at the time of the visit the route was heavily overgrown with brambles and nettles making it difficult to pass). Elsewhere along the route there is greater enclosure provided by surrounding boundary vegetation, restricting longer distance views out to the surrounding countryside (and the site). The view is from a public right of way but there is no indication that the specific viewpoint is recognised as being of any additional importance.
11
Summary & Conclusions
In considering the site within its landscape and visual context the VISUAL 1 Provide additional tree planting alongside the railway line to following key issues have been identified: • A ZTV for the site, supported by subsequent fieldwork, shows that help screen the development in immediate views from the west potential views of the site are mainly from within the immediate and screen trains from within the development. LANDSCAPE surroundings (within a kilometre) of the site and extending eastwards 2 Maintain a view corridor to the church tower from the PROW in • The site is broadly characteristic of the Landscape Character Type beyond the M6. There are also some outlying areas to the north the north alongside the railway line. in which it is located. Key characteristics include the rolling lowland west, south west and south. plain landform, the mixed arable and pastoral farmland and the • Fieldwork has shown that views from many of the locations to 3 Carefully arrange proposed development on the highest parts of the site to minimise visual impact. This may include the use historic pattern of hedgerows and hedgerow trees. the north west and east are limited by surrounding vegetation, of single storey properties to reduce the scale of development • Urbanising impacts are provided by the neighbouring housing edge particularly the woodland blocks alongside the motorway and canal along the northernmost fringes of the site. and railway line and the nearby M6 and A449 road corridors. and along the fringes of Cannock Chase. Views from the south are • The landscape policy objective for the Landscape Character Type often limited by the surrounding settlement edge. 4 Retain existing hedgerows within the development where is “Landscape Restoration”. In these areas, the landscape quality is • A number of key views were identified and appraised. These look at possible. As well as providing the basis for green corridor links considered to be low, where a range of causes, including mineral the potential impact on views from key approaches into the village across the development they will help to integrate the proposed working, industrial activity, urban fringe or changes in agricultural from the north (on Stafford Road) east (from Teddesley Road) and development into the existing landscape. practice, have led to a loss of the landscape elements that formerly west (from Levedale Road), from the footbridge carrying the public 5 Provide robust belts of tree planting around the site perimeter to contributed to character and quality. right of way over the railway (on the immediate edge of the site), strengthen the existing landscape structure and help to screen • The River Penk and its associated flood zone form a well defined from public rights of way to the north and distant south west, and the development in views from the surrounding area. boundary to the east of the site. from a strategic footpath route to the east. 6 Existing hedgerows and drainage runs will form the basis • The church tower in Penkridge, situated close to the traditional of wildlife and movement corridors through the site and will centre of the village, is a local landmark in the surrounding Although development is inevitably going to be visible within its immediate context, particularly from the adjacent settlement edge incorporate the public footpath route and attenuation features. landscape. and from the roads and public rights of way within, or immediately • There are not considered to be any features on the site that elevate 7 Lines of trees planted alongside proposed roads and following adjacent to the site, it would generally be well contained by the it to being a ‘valued’ landscape as set out within paragraph 170(a) the underlying site contours will help to soften the impact of surrounding settlement edge, trees and vegetation, and would have development on the east facing slopes. of the NPPF. limited visibility within the wider landscape setting. Where views may • It is not covered by any specific landscape designations. exist from higher ground to the east, any development is likely to 8 The flood zone area alongside the River Penk will be kept as • There is a single public right of way within the site, linking Stafford be seen in the context of either the existing settlement edge or the open space to provide appropriate habitat improvements and Road with the countryside to the west of the railway line. An elevated nearby road infrastructure and would not be a major detractor within allow public access alongside the river. footbridge provides access over the railway. the view. 9 A new roundabout access will be provided on the A449 (as set Although development on the site would lead to a change to the out within the permitted development scheme). Care will be landscape in this area, with the loss of a number of fields on the edge of PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES taken to provide a positive entrance feature at a key approach a village, many of the notable landscape features will be retained within A number of features have been included within the Masterplan to into Penkridge. the Masterplan, including the existing hedgerows and watercourses. respond to issues raised in the appraisal. These are shown on Figure This will provide scope for the proposed housing development to be 10 Buildings will be set back from the main road behind hedgerow successfully integrated into the surrounding settlement edge. It is also Six and are summarised below. boundaries so that the urban edge does not dominate. possible for key views towards the church tower to be incorporated Vernacular building forms and materials will be used at key focal into the layout. locations to reinforce the sense of character. 11 Buildings will be set back from the pumping station (as required).
12 Housing will be set back from the nearby historic farm complex.
12 Figure Six 2 MITIGATION MEASURES
LEGEND 3 Site Boundary (26.62 Ha) 5
Adjacent Sites
Residential* 4 Public Open Space* * Indicative SuDS/Drainage 1 4 12 Existing Vegetation 4
Indicative Proposed Vegetation 10 5 Public Right of Way Indicative Footpath Links * 9 6 6 7 10 Primary Vehicular Route
Indicative Play Area * 6 * 8 Proposed Allotments 11 Feature/Community Focal Space 5
*Within the site boundary approximately 550 * dwellings are proposed (including 200 units as part of the permitted scheme). This is based on a density of approximately 37dph.
N SCALE 1:5,000 25 75
0m 50 125 250
13 CHURCH TOWER * Penkridge North
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