Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

A.C. GOATHAM & SON

PUMP & BLOORS FARMS LOWER RAINHAM ROAD, RAINHAM, KENT

REF. NO. 4930-LLB-RP-L-0001-S3-P02

STATUS: FINAL

D AT E : 27.01.19

REVISION:D 29.04.19

LLOYD BORE LTD 33 ST GEORGE’S PLACE CANTERBURY KENT, CT1 1UT

Tel: 01227 464340 Fax: 01227 464341

[email protected] www.lloydbore.co.uk 1

4930-LLB-RP-L-0001-S3-P02 | LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PUMP & BLOORS FARMS, LOWER RAINHAM ROAD, RAINHAM, KENT FINAL

CONTENTS

11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 Ability to Accommodate Development � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 46 About The Author � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 Overall Conclusion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 46 Guidance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 11.9 APPENDIX 1: METHODOLOGY ...... 47 Assessment Approach / Report Structure � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 Assessment Methodology� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 47 11.2 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK...... 4 Assessment Tables & Matrices � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 47 Planning Policies � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4 Scoping � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 47 Establishing Baseline Studies � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 47 11.3 SCOPING ...... 6 Project Description� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 50 Establishing the Study Area� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 Identification of Effects� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 51 Sources of Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 Assessment of IMPACTS� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 52 Nature of Potential Effects � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7 Definitions and Terminology � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 56 Receptors � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8 11.10 APPENDIX 2: PHOTOS & VISUALISATIONS ...... 58 11.4 BASELINE STUDIES...... 9 The Site and Surroundings � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 11.11 APPENDIX 3: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...... 77 Topography � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10 National Landscape Character� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 78 Vegetation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 County Landscape Character � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 80 Settlement Pattern / Grain of Development� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12 District (Medway) Landscape Character� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 82 Public Access � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13 Heritage Assets (Landscape Setting) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14 Landscape Character ...... 15 Ecological / Wildlife / Nature Conservation Designations ...... 17 Site Specific Landscape Character ...... 18 Visual Context and Accessibility � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23 11.5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 27 Key Features and Components � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27 Assumptions/ Exclusions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 28 11.6 IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTS...... 29 Demolition and Construction Effects � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 29 Operational Effects� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 30 Visual Amenity� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 31 Visual effect on night sky � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 40 Summary of effects upon visual amenity � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 40 Landscape Resources / Character � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 43 Landscape Character Areas � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 43 11.7 MITIGATION, RESIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS...... 45 Mitigation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 45 Residual Effects � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 45 Cumulative Effects � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 45 11.8 CONCLUSION...... 46 Nature of Potential Effects � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 46

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11.1. INTRODUCTION

11.1.1 This document has been produced on behalf of A�C Goatham ABOUT THE AUTHOR ASSESSMENT APPROACH / REPORT STRUCTURE and Son to accompany a planning application for new residential development on land at Pump & Bloors Farms, Lower Rainham 11.1.4 This report has been compiled by Paul Whatley on behalf of 11.1.6 The detailed methodology used in compiling this assessment is Road, Rainham, Kent� Lloyd Bore Ltd, a specialist practice offering consultancy services described in Appendix 1 of this report� in Landscape Architecture, Ecology and Arboriculture, based in 11.1.2 Lloyd Bore were instructed in August 2018 to undertake a Canterbury, Kent and established 1996� He is a Chartered Member 11.1.7 A Screening Decision Notice was issued by Medway Council under Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of development of the Landscape Institute with 8 years post qualification experience the TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 Town & Country proposals for the site� in landscape architecture and landscape assessment work, Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 including many years involvement in Landscape and Visual Impact on 21 September 2018� This stated that an Environmental Impact 11.1.3 The purpose of this report is to undertake an impartial landscape Assessment projects in Kent and the south-east� Assessment would be necessary for the development as described, and visual impact assessment (LVIA) of the proposed development� for the following reasons: GUIDANCE It will: • Due to the size, characteristics of the development, location of • Describe the existing baseline conditions with regard to key 11.1.5 The approach adopted for this report has been informed and guided the site and the cumulative effects on the environment alongside other developments, an Environmental Impact Assessment is landscape components and identify the unique landscape by the following key sources: character areas (LCAs) that result from the combination of these required to identify any significant effects on the landscape, components for an appropriately sized study area� • The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental ecology, archaeology/heritage assests, highway and character Management and Assessment, Third Edition, 2013. Guidelines of the area� An Environmental Impact Assessment will therefore • Appraise the existing landscape in terms of character and views, for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. be required to accompany your planning application for the and establish its ability to accommodate change in relation to the proposed development at land at Pump Farm and Bloors Farm, proposed development� • The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, 2002. Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, Kent� • Describe the anticipated changes resulting from the proposed • Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and • In addition to the information required by the Town and Country development and assess the ‘magnitude of change’ upon Scotland. Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 landscape character and views� • Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11. Photography and as identified in the Scoping Report received 17 August 2017 the photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment; • Determine the nature of effect of identified impacts with regards ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT shall also include to scale, duration, permanence and value� • Scottish Natural Heritage, Visual Representation of Wind Farms, additional requirements (above those specified in the submitted • Assess the ‘Significance’ of any identified impact. Version 2, 2014. scoping report)

- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Note. The latter document is relevant to photographic methodology in general. - Access and Recreation; - Lighting impact - Impact on relevant junctions of M2

- Cumulative and in-combination effects.

11.1.8 This report will take the following structure:

Section 1: Introduction

11.1.9 This section introduces the type and structure of the report�

11.1.10 It includes relevant information about the author, their qualifications, professional experience and involvement in the design and / or assessment process�

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Section 2: Planning Policies Section 7: Assessment of Significance

11.1.11 This section will identify and summarise the key relevant planning 11.1.19 This section of the report assesses whether the identified effects policies that apply to the site and its surrounds at the National, would be ‘significant’. This is based on a ‘scale of significance’ Regional and Local Scales and will consider the National Planning which allows a judgement to be made whether, individually or Policy Framework (NPPF) and Local Planning Authority local plans� collectively, identified effects would represent an unacceptable level of harm to landscape resources or visual amenity� Section 3: Scoping Section 8: Mitigation / Residual Effects 11.1.12 This section establishes the study area and scope of the appraisal� 11.1.20 The purpose of this section of the report is to identify the nature of 11.1.13 It identifies the relevant issues which need to be included in the mitigation which has already been incorporated into the scheme� assessment and those which can be appropriately ‘scoped out’� 11.1.21 This section will then summarise the nature of ‘Residual Effects’ Section 4: Baseline Studies that would remain after implementation of the proposed mitigation measures� 11.1.14 This section describes the existing landscape and visual environment. It identifies appropriate landscape receptors and Section 9: Cumulative Assessment character areas� It describes the visual context and accessibility of the site, the likely visual receptors and representative viewpoints� 11.1.22 The purpose of this section of the report is to consider how the identified impacts / effects of the proposed development may Section 5: Project Description combine with those from other schemes that are operational, constructed, consented or for which planning permissions are 11.1.15 This section describes the key features and components of the currently applied for� It provides a judgement as to the combined proposed development which relate to landscape and visual significance of impacts and resulting effects that may arise. amenity, including details of potential impacts and effects and any primary mitigation measures which have been included within the Section 10: Conclusion design� 11.1.23 This section comprises a non-technical summary of the main Section 6: Identification Of Effects conclusions resulting from the assessment�

11.1.16 The purpose of this section of the report is to identify and describe Appendix 1: Methodology the potential impacts and resulting effects that may result from the proposed development upon landscape and visual resources, and 11.1.24 This section comprises a technical summary of the methodology establish which of these are considered to be ‘significant’, thereby used in the production of the assessment� requiring further assessment� Appendix 2: Photography 11.1.17 It identifies the nature of these effects in terms of whether they will be direct / indirect / secondary, short / medium / long-term, 11.1.25 This section includes the baseline photography which forms the permanent / temporary, beneficial / adverse or neutral. basis for the visual assessment�

11.1.18 These are determined by consideration of the size / scale, Appendix 3: Additional Information geographic extent, duration and reversibility of the impact� For 11.1.26 This section includes supplementary information, such as extracts visual impacts the issues of viewing distance and elevation, from relevant published landscape character assessments� exposure, prominence, atmospheric and seasonal conditions are also considered�

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11.2. PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

PLANNING POLICIES Medway Local Plan Review: Chapter 3: The Built and Natural Environment

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) [Ref 9.1} 2003 Saved Policies POLICY BNE1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR BUILT DEVELOPMENT

11.2.1 The Government published the revised NPPF in February 2019 in 11.2.3 The following provides a summary of saved local plan policies The design of development (including extensions, alterations and providing guidance to Local Planning Authorities when developing pertaining to landscape and the proposed development� conversions) should be appropriate in relation to the character, their planning policies and when considering planning applications appearance and functioning of the built and natural environment by: affecting the natural environment. Chapter 2: Stratergy (i) being satisfactory in terms of use, scale, mass, proportion, 11.2.2 In respect of the natural environment, Section 15 Paragraph 170 of POLICY S1: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY details, materials, layout and siting; and (ii) respecting the scale, the NPPF states that: The development strategy for the plan area is to prioritisere- appearance and location of buildings, spaces and the visual “...the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural investment in the urban fabric. This will include theredevelopment amenity of the surrounding area; and (iii) where appropriate, and local environment by: and recycling of under-used and derelictland within the urban providing well structured, practical and attractive areas of open area, with a focus on the Medwayriverside areas and Chatham, space. protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity Gillingham, Strood,Rochester and Rainham town centres. or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their POLICY BNE5: LIGHTING statutory status or identified quality in the development plan); Land use and transport will be closely integrated, and prioritywill be given to a range of new and improved transportfacilities, including External lighting schemes should demonstrate that they are the recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, facilities for walking, cycling and publictransport. minimum necessary for security, safety or working purposes. and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services Development should seek to minimise the loss of amenity from – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most Strategic economic development provision will be madeboth within light glare and spillage, particularly that affecting residential areas, versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland; the urban area and at Kingsnorth and Grain.In recognition of their areas of nature conservation interest and the landscape qualities of particular quality and character,long-term protection will be afforded countryside areas. maintaining the character of the undeveloped coast, while improving to:(i) areas of international, national or other strategicimportance for public access to it where appropriate; nature conservation and landscape; POLICY BNE6: LANDSCAPE DESIGN

minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, and (ii) the historic built environment, including the Major developments should include a structural landscaping scheme including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more HistoricDockyard, associated sites and fortifications.Outward to enhance the character of the locality. Detailed landscaping resilient to current and future pressures; peripheral expansion onto fresh land,particularly to the north and schemes should be submitted before development commences and east of Gillingham, will beseverely restricted. The open heartland should have regard to the following factors: preventing new and existing development from contributing to, of Medway atCapstone and Darland will be given long-term being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected protectionfrom significant development. (i) provide a structured, robust, attractive, long-term, easily by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land maintainable environment including quality open spaces, vistas and instability. Development should, wherever possible, help to improve POLICY S4: LANDSCAPE AND URBAN DESIGN views; and local environmental conditions such as air and water quality, taking into account relevant information such as river basin management A high quality of built environment will be sought from new (ii) include planting of a size, scale and form appropriate to plans; and development, with landscape mitigation where appropriate. the location and landform, taking account of underground and Development should respond appropriately to its context, reflecting overground services; and remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, a distinct local character. contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate.” (iii) include details of the design, materials and quality detailing of hard works elements such as gates, fences, walls, paving, signage and street furniture; and

(iv) retain important existing landscape features, including trees and

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hedgerows, and be well related to open space features in the locality; POLICY BNE33: SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS POLICY BNE43: TREES ON DEVELOPMENT SITES and Development within the North Downs and the North KentMarshes Development should seek to retain trees, woodlands, hedgerows and (v) support wildlife by the creation or enhancement of semi-natural special landscape areas, as defined on the proposals map, will only other landscape features that provide a valuable contribution to local habitats and the use of indigenous plant material where appropriate; be permitted if: character. and (i) it conserves and enhances the natural beauty of thearea’s POLICY BNE47: RURAL LANES (vi) include an existing site survey, maintenance and management landscape; or regimes and a timetable for implementation. Development served by, and/or affecting, the important rural lanes (ii) the economic or social benefits are so important that they defined on the proposals map will only be permitted where there POLICY BNE12: CONSERVATION AREAS outweigh the county priority to conserve the natural beauty of the is no adverse effect upon the value of the lane in terms of its area’s landscape. landscape, amenity, nature conservation, historic or archaeological Special attention will be paid to the preservation and enhancement of importance. the character and appearance of Conservation Areas, as defined on POLICY BNE34: AREAS OF LOCAL LANDSCAPE IMPORTANCE the proposals map. Where alterations to the carriageway definition orboundaries of rural Within the Areas of Local Landscape Importance defined on the lanes is necessary, the use of natural,locally distinctive materials POLICY BNE18: SETTING OF LISTED BUILDINGS Proposals Map, development will only be permitted if: such as grass banks, stonesetts and hedging will be required. The Development which would adversely affect the setting of a listed use of urbanisingfeatures such as raised concrete kerbstones, (i) it does not materially harm the landscape character and function building will not be permitted. fencing and walls should be avoided unless these are absolutely of the area; or essential for structural or safety reasons. POLICY BNE25: DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE (ii) the economic and social benefits are so important that they Chapter 7: Leisure Development in the countryside will only be permitted if: outweigh the local priority to conserve the area’s landscape. POLICY L4: PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE IN NEW RESIDENTIAL (i) it maintains, and wherever possible enhances, the character, Development within an Area of Local Landscape importance should DEVELOPMENTS amenity and functioning of the countryside, including the river be sited, designed and landscaped to minimise harm to the area’s environment of the Medway and Thames, it offers a realistic chance landscape character and function. Where there is a proven deficiency, residential development of access by a range of transport modes; and is either; proposals shall make open space provision, within an agreed POLICY BNE37: WILDLIFE HABITATS timescale, in accordance with the following: (ii) on a site allocated for that use; or Development that would cause a loss, directly or indirectly, of (i) residential development likely to be occupied by 100 people or (iii) development essentially demanding a countryside location (such important wildlife habitats or features not protected by policies more shall include well located local open space for formal recreation as agriculture, forestry, outdoor or informal recreation); or BNE35 and BNE36 will not be permitted, unless: on-site at a standard equivalent to 1.7 hectares per 1,000 population and open space for children’s play and casual recreation on-site at a (iv) a re-use or adaptation of an existing building that is, and would (i) there is an overriding need for the development that outweighs the standard equivalent to 0.7 hectares per 1,000 population. Provision continue to be, in keeping with its surroundings in accordance with importance of these wildlife resources; and Policy BNE27; or of some or all of the formal open space off-site or the improvement (ii) no reasonable alternative site is (or is likely to be) available or extension of an existing off-site facility will be permitted where the (v) a re-use or redevelopment of the existing built-up area of a if ancient woodland, inter-tidal habitats and calcareous (chalk) council is satisfied that this would be a better alternative; redundant institutional complex or other developed land in lawful grassland would be lost; and use; or (ii) residential developments likely to be occupied by between 50 and 100 people should include well located local open space for (iii) the development is designed to minimise the loss involved; and (vi) a rebuilding of, or modest extension or annex to, a dwelling; or children’s play and casual recreation on-site at a standard equivalent (iv) appropriate compensatory measures are provided. to 0.7 hectares per 1,000 population; (vii) a public or institutional use for which the countryside location is justified and which does not result in volumes of traffic that would POLICY BNE38: WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AND STEPPING STONES (iii) in small residential developments likely to be occupied by less damage rural amenity. than 50 people, contributions will be sought towards the provision of Development should, wherever practical, make provision for wildlife children’s play and casual recreation which is fairly and reasonably habitats, as part of a network of wildlife corridors or stepping stones. related in scale and kind to the development proposal. Such contributions will only be sought where provision can be made in a location close to, and easily accessible from, the development and

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would be of direct benefit to the occupiers. Fig. 11.1: Medway Local Plan Map Extract (not to scale).

In the case of sheltered housing and special needs housing for the elderly, formal open space and children’s play/casual space will not be required. Informal open space provision will be sought on-site in lieu of the formal open space requirement.

POLICY L10 : PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

Development which would prejudice the amenity, or result in the diversion or closure, of existing public rights of way will not be permitted, unless an acceptable alternative route with comparable or improved amenity can be provided.

Proposal site

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11.3. SCOPING

11.3.1 The purpose of the preliminary scoping exercise is to: • NCA Profile: 81 Greater Thames Estuary (July 2013), Natural Fig. 11.2: Study Area (not to scale). England� • Define the extent of the study area. Medway (District) Landscape Character Assessment 2011 • Identify the relevant sources of landscape and visual information� • Kent (District) Landscape Character Assessment 2004 • Identify the nature of possible impacts, in particular those • which are considered likely to occur and to be relevant to this NATURE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS assessment� • Identify the main receptors of the potential landscape and visual Landscape Effects effects. 11.3.6 The anticipated effects of the proposed development upon • Establish the extent and appropriate level of detail required for landscape resources are assessed to be: the baseline studies, including identifying those issues which can A potential change to the character of the site and its immediate be ‘scoped out’ from further assessment� • surroundings as a result of: ESTABLISHING THE STUDY AREA - Introduction of new built development (primarily residential development with some other uses) on a previously 11.3.2 Having considered the development proposals and site context, it undeveloped site� has been judged that a study area with a radius of 2�5km centred on the proposal site is a sufficient starting point to assess potential - A change in vegetation cover and land use of the site� impacts upon landscape and visual character� - An alteration to the existing settlement envelope between Lower Rainham, Twydall and Lower Twydall� 11.3.3 This will be referred to as the ‘broad study area’ for the purposes of this assessment and is shown on Figure 11.2� Visual Effects

11.3.4 Further site investigation has enabled a ‘local study area’ to be 11.3.7 The anticipated effects of the proposed development upon visual defined, with a radius of 1.5km centred on the proposal site. This resources are assessed to be: will be used for elements of baseline mapping which are more A potential change in the nature and composition of the appropriately displayed on a site / local scale� • © Crown Copyright, All rights reserved� 2018 Licence number 0100031673� visual landscape resulting from changes to the character and (c) Getmapping plc� SOURCES OF INFORMATION appearance of the site. This could potentially affect the amenity value of views associated with the following: 11.3.5 Preliminary desktop investigations have identified the following - Residential properties surrounding the site� sources of key information to be relevant to this assessment: - Nearby Public Rights of Way (PRoW)� • OS digital mapping data� - Nearby Listed Buildings / Conservation Areas� • MAGIC online mapping data� - The nearby Country Park� • National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018), Department for Communities and Local Government� • Historic England Listed Building and Scheduled Monument Listings� • Kent and Medway Structure Plan (2006) Kent County Council and Medway Council

• NCA Profile:113 North Kent (July 2015), Natural England.

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RECEPTORS • Ecological, Wildlife and Nature Conservation based designations: Non Relevant Topics

Relevant Topics Ecological / Wildlife / Nature Conservation based designations 11.3.11 All other landscape related topics not listed above are excluded Whilst the following designations may provide an indication that from further detailed assessment on the following grounds: 11.3.8 On completion of a preliminary desktop review of the study area, a landscape is of a certain character or quality, they are not • The topic or issue is not present within the study area, or is at the following topics are considered relevant for inclusion within the designations which have been applied for a particular landscape a sufficient distance from the proposal site that it can be readily detailed assessment, as impacts may potentially occur as a result character or level of visual amenity� For the assessment of accepted that there would be no potential for any impact or of the proposed development� landscape and visual impacts, their relevance will be considered change to occur� in relation to their contribution towards landscape ‘Importance’ and Landscape Receptors ‘Value’� • Although the proposal would result in an impact or change upon a topic or issue, the change is considered to be of an insignificant 11.3.9 Potential landscape receptors of impacts and resulting effects of the Statutory: scale compared to the size and scale of the topic being proposed development are assessed to be: - Special Protection Areas (SPAs)� affected. An example would be the effect that a small domestic • Landscape Designations: development might have on a National Character Area� - Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)� - Area of Local Landscape Importance (BNE34)� - Ramsar Sites� 11.3.12 The following topics, although present within the study area, have - North Kent Marshes Special Landscape Area (BNE33)� been assessed as unlikely to experience any actual or noticeable - Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI). impacts: • Landscape Character: - Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) • Ancient Woodland� Ambley Wood and East Hoath Wood are - On a variety of scales ranging through from National, County, approximately 2km away from the site at the nearest point to the District and Local Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)� Non-Statutory (names may vary): south-west and are separated by significant built development • Historic Designations (Landscape Setting): - Local Wildlife Sites� and highways infrastructure� - Conservation Areas� - Rural Lanes Listed Buildings� - Visual Receptors • Access: 11.3.10 Potential visual receptors of impacts and resulting effects of the Public Rights of Way (footpaths, bridleways, byways), - proposed development are assessed to be: including National / Heritage Trails / Long Distance Footpaths and National Cycle Routes� • Local Residents� - Country Parks� • Users of the local PRoW network� • Other Landscape Baseline Topics: • Visitors to the nearby Country Park� - Topography� • Users of the local road network� - Vegetation� • Settlement Character: - Settlement Pattern / Grain of Development�

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11.4. BASELINE STUDIES Fig. 11.3: Ordnance Survey map indicating site location and surrounding features.

THE SITE AND SURROUNDINGS

11.4.1 The location and extent of the development site is shown on Figure 11.3.

11.4.2 The site is located north-west of Rainham and east of Gillingham and south of the River Medway, Kent� It covers approximately 48 hectares and is irregular in shape, bordered by Lower Rainham Road to the north-east and the railway line between Rainham and Gillingham stations� Lower Bloors Yokosuka Way (A289) Lane runs alongside part of the south-eastern boundary of the site and Lower Twydall Lane is to the north-west�

11.4.3 Pump Lane bisects the site, running from Lower Rainham in the north-east towards Beechings Lower Tywdall Lane Way in the south-west, which is on the southern side of the railway line� There is a cluster of existing residential development located broadly in the central part of the site, although outside the proposed development area� To the north-west of this, within the proposal site is Pump and Bloors Farm which is an agricultural holding consisting of two main agricultural buildings and seasonal Lower Rainham Road workers’ caravans�

11.4.4 The majority of the site is occupied by commercial orchards with field boundary hedgerows and shelterbelts. Other parcels of land surrounding the site are occupied by arable fields, pockets of scrubby woodland, allotments and low density residential development with gardens and small Pump Lane holdings� Ito Way (A289)

Lower Bloors Lane Beechings Way

Hoath Way (A278)

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Study area 0 200 400 600 800 1000

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TOPOGRAPHY Fig. 11.4: Ordnance Survey map indicating Topography within the broad study area.

11.4.5 Topography within the Broad Study Area is shown on Figure 11.4.

11.4.6 Land falls gradually from the south-west at around 100m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), north-east towards sea level at the River Medway� The site lies broadly between the 30m and 10m contours�

11.4.7 The site topography at 5m contour intervals is indicated on Figure 11.5. This shows that there are gentle undulations across parts of the site, particularly along Pump Lane, with a slight plateau

feature forming along the eastern edge� Yokosuka Way (A289) 0 11.4.8 There are 3 small areas along the south-western boundary of the site with the railway which are at 30m AOD, but much of the part of the site which runs to the north-east of the railway line is between 10 25-30m� The site slopes gradually north-east towards Lower Rainham Road, where its lowest point Lower Tywdall Lane is just below the 10m contour�

Lower Rainham Road 30 Fig. 11.5: Site Topography

Pump Lane 50

Ito Way (A289) 60

Lower Bloors Lane Lower Twydall Lane 70 Beechings Way 10 Lower Rainham Road 15 80 25 90 30 20 100 15

30 Proposal Site Boundary A2 25 15

20 Hoath Way (A278) Railway Line Lower Bloors Lane 25 Beechings Way 30

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Study area 0 200 400 600 800 1000

0-10m 10-20m 20-30m 30-40m 40-50m 50-60m 60-70m 70-80m

80-90m 90-100m 100-110m Water

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VEGETATION Fig. 11.6: Aerial photo indicating vegetation within the local study area..

11.4.9 Vegetation within the Local Study Area is shown on the aerial photograph in Figure 11.6.

11.4.10 The site is predominantly commercial orchards with narrow grass strips between rows of apple trees and wider grass verges varying in width between 5-10m around the margins of the site� Grassland areas are intensively managed and mown� The hedgerows and hedgerow trees along the site boundaries are generally species-poor hedgerows dominated by English Elm and Poplar with Ash and Elder� Treelines are found within the site to act as windbreaks/shelterbelts with species of Grey Alder and Leyland Cypress�

11.4.11 Local rural lanes close to the site are often bounded by mature vegetation and hedgebanks�

11.4.12 Within the local study area, there are several large areas of mixed deciduous woodland some of which are designated as Ancient Woodland� Ambley Wood and East Hoath Wood both to the south of the site fall within this designation� Medium woodland blocks are to be found at Berengrave Nature Reserve and Bloor’s Lane Community Woodland, both to the south-east of the site�

11.4.13 Large-scale commercial orchards are present across much of the site and in adjacent fields to the south-east and north-west of the site. A number of the larger agricultural fields nearby are used for growing arable crops�

11.4.14 Along the coastline, to the north of the site, vegetative cover is predominantly scrub with areas of grassland, small groups of trees and shelterbelts with young woodland found at the Riverside Country Park Visitor Centre�

11.4.15 Motney Hill to the east, is a narrow peninsula extending out into the estuary includes areas of marshland, reed beds, scrub and salt marsh�

11.4.16 There is tree cover at Gillingham Golf Course and woodland infrastructure planting running alongside the A289 Ito Way and Yokosuka Way to the west of the site�

Proposal site boundary

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SETTLEMENT PATTERN / GRAIN OF DEVELOPMENT Fig. 11.7: Ordnance Survey map indicating extent of rural development

11.4.17 The settlement pattern and grain of development within the Broad Study Area is indicated on Figure 11.7. This is shown by shading built form (approximately based on OS Data), alongside the defined urban area boundaries from the adopted Medway Local Plan�

11.4.18 There are 2 defined ‘settlements’ located within the study area, these include:

• Lower Rainham

Yokosuka Way (A289) • Twydall and Rainham

11.4.19 The proposed site is located immediately adjacent to the southern and western settlement edge of

Lower Rainham and along the northern edge of Twydall and Rainham urban area� Lower Tywdall Lane

11.4.20 The sites entire southern edge boundary adjoins directly onto the settlement edge of Twydall and Rainham separated only by the railway line� The settlement extends beyond the site to the north- west up to Ito Way at Beechings Business Park and to the south-east along the railway line to Berengrave Lane� This settlement forms a large urban area extending out from the historic core of Lower Rainham Road Rainham town centre with a broadening development width towards the A289 as a result of post- war infill development.

11.4.21 In terms of urban grain, the settlement of Twydall and Rainham has a predominantly singular Pump Lane pattern of residential development comprising of linear roads with occasional cul-de-sacs arranged off small spur roads arranged perpendicular to the roads. Ito Way (A289)

11.4.22 The settlement of Lower Rainham extends beyond the boundary of the site to the south-east along Lower Rainham Road to Berengrave Lane� This small settlement is generally of a linear ribbon Lower Bloors Lane nature arranged along the alignment of Lower Rainham Road typically 1 plot deep� Beechings Way

Hoath Way (A278)

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Study area 0 200 400 600 800 1000 Built Form (approx� from Boundary of Urban Area / Rural Development OS Data)

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PUBLIC ACCESS Fig. 11.8: Ordnance Survey map indicating Public Rights of Way and Country Parks within the Broad Study Area.

11.4.23 Public Rights of Way within the Broad Study Area are indicated on Figure 11.8.

PRoW close to the site

11.4.24 Public footpath GB5 runs north from Berengrave Lane before turning north-west towards Lower Bloors Lane� At the junction with the lane, the footpath becomes public bridleway GB6A heading north-west towards Pump Lane and the centre of the site�

Yokosuka Way (A289) 11.4.25 Public footpath GB6 runs from the north-eastern end of Bloors Lane south to join public footpath GB5�

11.4.26 The long-distance footpath Saxon Shore Way runs along the coast to the north of the site� This Lower Tywdall Lane popular walking route extends from Gravesend in Kent to Hastings in East Sussex� Gillingham North GB18

11.4.27 National Cycle Route 1 runs along the shoreline to the north returning inland along Berengrave Gillingham North GB38 Lane heading towards Otterham Quay� This is a long distance cycle route running from Dover to the Gillingham North/Rainham North GB1 Shetland Islands� Lower Rainham Road Rainham North GB2 Rainham North GB6A Other PRoW in the wider study area

11.4.28 There are a number of short sections of public footpath within the Twydall residential area including Pump Lane GB38 which runs along the side of the railway line heading north-west towards Gillingham� Twydall GB50 Ito Way (A289) ZR7 11.4.29 There are a number of short sections of public footpaths in and around Rainham town centre Rainham North GB6A ZR11 including GB7 running from Berengrave Lane towards Longley Road and GB10 heading from High Street to Arthur Road� Lower Bloors Lane Beechings Way ZR16 11.4.30 To the south-east of the site there are a number of PRoW on the edge of Otterham Quay and Rainham North GB6 ZR19 around Upchurch River Valley Golf Course including ZR7, ZR11, ZR16, ZR18 and ZR19� Rainham North GB5 ZR18 Twydall GB50

Rainham North GB7#2

Rainham North GB7#2 Rainham North GB43 A2 Rainham Central GB10#1

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Study area Public Footpath Public Bridleway 0 200 400 600 800 1000 Byway Open National Cycle Route Long Distance Walk - Restricted Byway Country Park to All Traffic (Route 1) Saxon Shore Way

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HERITAGE ASSETS (LANDSCAPE SETTING) Fig. 11.9: Ordnance Survey map indicating Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings within the Broad Study Area.

11.4.31 Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings within the Broad Study Area are indicated on Figure 11.9.

Conservation Areas

11.4.32 There are two Conservation Areas close to and adjoining the proposal site; Lower Rainham Conservation Area to the north-east and Lower Twydall Conservation Area to the west / north-west�

11.4.33 Medway Council’s website publishes no Conservation Area Appraisals for either of these Yokosuka Way (A289) Conservation Areas�

11.4.34 Rainham Conservation Area is within the broad study area to the south-east, but over 1km away

from the nearest site boundary and separated by intervening landscape, urban development and Lower Tywdall Lane highways infrastructure� Bay Tree Villa East Court Farmhouse The Black House Listed Buildings

Manor Barn and attached north and west walls 11.4.35 There are a number of Listed Buildings within the Broad Study Area, mainly concentrated in and Lower Rainham Road Manor House and attached garden wall around the Conservation Areas mentioned above� Chapel House Little London Farmhouse 497, 499 and 501 Lower Rainham Road Twydall Barn and attached well 11.4.36 The Listed Buildings close to the site within the Lower Rainham Conservation Area are as follows: The Old House Lower Rainham York Farmhouse Conservation Area • Chapel House� Pump Lane Lower Twydall Conservation Area Garden walls, south and Bloors Place 497, 499 and 501 Lower Rainham Road (separate listings)� Pump Farmhouse • Ito Way (A289) east of Bloors Place • The Old House� Range of outbuildings including Cart Lodge and Granary West of Bloors Place Holy Trinity Church • Bloors Place� Lower Bloors Lane • A range of outbuildings including Cart Lodge and Granary West of Bloors Place� Beechings Way • Garden walls south and east of Bloors Place�

11.4.37 There are also two Listed Buildings to the north of the site on Lower Rainham Road; Bay Tree Villa and The Black House�

11.4.38 The closest Listed building to the site within the Lower Twydall Conservation Area is York Farmhouse� Beyond this to the north are Little London Farmhouse, Manor House (and attached garden wall) and Manor Barn(and attached north and west walls)� A2

11.4.39 Pump Farmhouse is outside of the proposal site, but within its central apex� Hoath Way (A278)

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Study area Conservation area boundary 0 200 400 600 800 1000

Grade II Listed Buildings Grade II* Listed Buildings Grade I Listed Buildings

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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Fig. 11.10: Extract from NCA Profile 113 Map, indicating site location in relation to The North Kent Plain and Greater Thames Estuary.

National Landscape Character

11.4.40 The site is covered by the following two National Landscape Characters Areas (NCAs), as shown on Figure 11.10:

• The North Kent Plain (Natural England NCA Profile 113, 2013). This covers a strip of land roughly parallel with the railway line in the south and south-western part of the site, roughly as far as Pump Farm�

• The Greater Thames Estuary NCA (Natural England NCA Profile 81, 2013). This covers the Approx� location of remainder of the site to the north-east of the North Kent Plain� the proposal site

11.4.41 The general descriptions and Statements of Environmental Opportunity for the above NCAs are included in Appendix 3 of this report�

County Landscape Character

11.4.42 The Landscape Assessment of Kent places the site within the Fruit Belt County LCA, with the Medway Marshes LCA to the north and north-east, as shown in Figure 11.11.

11.4.43 The character area profiles for these LCAs are also included in Appendix 3 of this report�

11.4.44 Urban areas are to the south and south-west of the site, although no character profiles exist for these areas�

Fig. 11.11: Extract from the Landscape Assessment of Kent Map.

Approx� location of the proposal site

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Medway (District) Landscape Character Fig. 11.12: Extract from Medway Landscape Character Assessment Areas Map.

11.4.45 The Medway Landscape Character Assessment (2011), places the site within the Lower Rainham Farmland LCA, as shown in Figure 11.12. The Medway Marshes LCA is immediately to the north and Motney Hill LCA to the north-east�

11.4.46 The character area profiles for these LCAs are also included in Appendix 3 of this report�

11.4.47 Ambley Wood to the south-west of the study area lies within the 24 Darland Banks LCA�

11.4.48 The south eastern edge of Rainham lies within 22 LCA Moor Street Farmland�

11.4.49 Urban and Industrial Areas are to the south and south-west of the site, although no character profiles exist for these areas.

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Broad study area 0 200 400 600 800 1000

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ECOLOGICAL / WILDLIFE / NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS Fig. 11.13: Ordnance Survey map indicating Ecological / Wildlife / Nature Conservation Designations.

11.4.50 Ecological, wildlife and nature conservation based designations within the broad study area are shown on Figure 11.13.

Local Nature Reserves/ Sites of Nature Conservation/Interest

11.4.51 There are two areas of ancient deciduous woodland within the study area Ambley Wood and East Medway Estuary & Marshes Hoath Wood both to the south of the site some 2km away� Ambley Wood is also a designated Local Riverside Country Park Nature Reserve (LNR)� Yokosuka Way (A289)

11.4.52 The other Local Nature Reserve is Berengrave Chalk Pit to the south-east of the site� This LNR Yokosuka Way (A289) is an old chalk pit with a small lake with a reed bed which floods into an area of willow carr. The remainder of the site is woodland and mature scrub with small glades�

11.4.53 Ambley Wood, East Hoath Wood, Berengrave Chalk Pit and both the lower portion and the north- western tip of the Motney Hill peninsula are designated as Sites of Nature Conservation Interest�

Medway Estuary and Marshes Lower Rainham Road

11.4.54 The Medway Estuary and Marshes is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a recognised wetland area of international importance (RAMSAR) and a defined Special Protection Areas (SPAs)� The Medway Estuary and Marshes includes the lower portion of the Motney Hill Pump Lane peninsula to the east of the study area� Ito Way (A289) 11.4.55 The Medway Estuary feeds into and lies on the south side of the outer Thames Estuary in Kent� It has a complex arrangement of mudflats and saltmarsh with in places areas of grazing marsh inside sea walls� The Motney Hill peninsula includes areas of rough pasture, salt marsh and reedbeds� Lower Bloors Lane Beechings Way Berengrave Chalk Pit 11.4.56 The complex and diverse mixes of coastal habitats support internationally important populations of wintering and passage birds and is of importance for its breeding birds�

Hoath Way (A278) Ambley Wood

East Hoath Wood

Scale (metres): Proposal site boundary Broad study area Sites of Nature Conservation Interest 0 200 400 600 800 1000

SSSI / Special Protection Area Local Nature Reserves Ancient Woodland Country Park

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SITE SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Fig. 11.14: Study Area Specific Landscape Character Areas.

11.4.57 A site specific landscape character study has been undertaken by Lloyd Bore as part of the baseline section of this report. The Study Area Specific LCAs are shown on Figure 11.14 opposite and described over the following pages�

11.4.58 It should be noted that the boundaries to each area are not abrupt, as there is often a transition between adjoining or neighbouring areas, particularly those with similar landscape characteristics

or intervisibility between� Medway Estuary & Marshes

11.4.59 The methodology in Appendix 1 of this report provides a summary of the topics which, in general, form the basis of the study of landscape character� In terms of landscape importance, relevant A landscape or historical designations have been included where possible, however, it is important to note that the study did not include a detailed assessment of agricultural land classifi cation, soil quality / condition studies, archaeaology, or heritage assets in detail� B

STUDY AREA SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS: C A Saxon Shore Way and Coastal Strip D

B Lower Rainham Road

C Lower Twydall Fruit Belt

D Beechings Way Industrial Centre F E Twydall & Rainham Residential E F Gillingham Golf Club

G Gillingham Business Park Local study area G (1�5km radii circle)

Broad study area (2�5km radii circle)

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A.SAXON SHORE WAY AND COASTAL STRIP B.LOWER RAINHAM ROAD

Landscape Designations: Landscape Designations:

Medway Estuary & Marshes SPA, SSSI, Ramsar Site, Country Park, Medway Swale SSSI, Medway Estuary & Marshes SPA,

Area of Local Landscape Importance, Site of Nature Conservation Medway Estuary and Marshes Ramsar Site and an RSPB Reserve�

Interest and part of an RSPB Reserve�

General Description: General Description:

The Saxon Shore Way is a long-distance footpath running along the edge of the River Medway Estuary� The The land between Lower Rainham Road and the coastline to the north lies mainly within the Riverside Country area includes the fringes of the Cinque Port Marshes and the inlet of Sharp’s Green Bay� The Riverside Country Park and is predominantly in agricultural use with a small to medium scale field pattern. Smaller fields near farm Park extends east along the coast from Owens Way Industrial Centre to the western edge of Otterham Creek� buildings are often left to form areas of scrub habitat whilst a number of the larger fields are used for growing The route passes the remains of Bloor’s Wharf a former ship-breakers and scrap yard of which the remaining arable crops. Mariners Farm south-east of the Riverside Country Park Car Park and Cafe has diversified into a concrete seawall and steel fence interject an industrial character to the edge of the marshes� A causeway boatyard� Tree cover within the area is limited to small woodland copses, shelterbelts and trees and hedgerows extending into the estuary from Sharp’s Green towards Bartlett Creek ends at Horrid Hill, the site of a 20th- along field boundaries and country lanes. century cement works the remains of which are in part still visible today� The character area includes the northern edge of the hamlet of Lower Rainham as well as a small number of Vegetation along the coastal edge is distinctive in character with a mix of scrub, grassland, small woodland residential properties on Motney Hill Road with a small light industrial unit; the hamlet of Lower Twydall which groups and shelterbelts and areas of salt marsh and reed beds� includes a small group of dwellings facing onto the road at Ladd’s Corner and at the junction of Lower Rainham Road and Station Road� Outside the Lower Rainham and Lower Twydall Conservation Areas, housing is East of Bloor’s Wharf a narrow peninsula of land extends into the estuary rising to a high point at Motney Hill� predominantly post-war architecture� The site of a former cement factory, and now the site of a pumping station and sewerage works, the coastline and lower portion of the peninsula forms part of the Medway Estuary and Marshes SSSI which overlaps with The area includes the Berengrave Local Nature Reserve, a former Chalk Pit now wooded which includes a the Medway Estuary & Marshes SPAs, Medway Estuary and Marshes Ramsar Site and is part of an RSPB small lake, with a reed bed, which floods into an area of willow carr. The drier areas and sides of the pit contain Reserve� The eastern shoreline leads down to the wharf at Otterham Creek� woodland and mature scrub, with a small area of glades�

The views inland from the shore are largely contained by the ribbon of mature scrub and trees that extends The Motney Hill peninsula up to the sewage works falls within the Medway Estuary and Marshes SSSI which along the edge of the Saxon Shore Way down to Motney Hill Lane� The area is designated as an area of Local overlaps with the Medway Estuary & Marshes SPA, Medway Estuary and Marshes Ramsar Site and is part of Landscape Importance� an RSPB Reserve� The lower portion of the peninsula and the eastern tip are designated as areas of Nature Conservation Interest� Much of the character area is designated as an area of Local Landscape Importance�

Typical view along Saxon Shore Way Typical view looking out from Saxon Shore Way Typical view along Lower Rainham Road towards Typical view of Lower Rainham across the Medway Estuary the coast�

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C.LOWER TWYDALL FRUIT BELT D.BEECHINGS WAY INDUSTRIAL CENTRE

Landscape Designations: Landscape Designations:

Area of local Landscape Importance, Rural Lanes None

General Description: General Description:

The Lower Twydall Fruit Belt covers a predominantly agricultural area south of Lower Rainham Road (B2004) This small business park lies to the east of Yokosuka Way (A289) and borders the edge of the Twydall and down to the railway line on the northern edge of Twydall� The A289 forms the western boundary and to the east Rainham residential area� It comprises a number of retail and light industrial units bounded by the railway line Berengrave Lane� to the north� Maturing mixed deciduous woodland planting along the A289 screens views into the area from the west� The area includes the hamlets of Lower Rainham and Lower Twydall� Lower Rainham features ribbon development along the road with predominantly post-war housing and Lower Twydall a collection of farms, a row of housing at Ladd’s Corner and newer development associated with the listed buildings at Manor Court and at the southern tip of Lower Twydall Lane�

Large-scale commercial orchards make up the greater part of the agricultural landscape in particular, those associated with Manor Farm and Pump Farm with some larger fields in arable crop production.

Tree cover within the area apart from the orchards is limited to field boundaries, shelterbelts, small woodland copses and sporadic trees within areas of scrub� The area also includes Bloors Lane Community Woodland comprising areas of young mixed deciduous woodland with grassland rides and tall scrub� On the north-western edge of the community woodland are allotments�

There are two designated sections of Rural Lanes within the character area, one on Pump Lane running south from Pump Farm to the railway bridge and the other from the junction of Grange Lane and Lower Twydall Lane down to the junction of Eastcourt Lane and Lower Twydall Lane� These Rural Lanes are very narrow with mature hedge-lined boundaries� Views within the area both towards the coast and south towards the edge of Rainham and Twydall are generally contained by mature vegetation along PROWs and by mature field boundaries, scrub and shelterbelts��

Typical view along a public footpath Typical view north along Bloors Lane Typical view of the business park from Featherby Typical view of the industrial centre from Road Beechings Way

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E.TWYDALL & RAINHAM RESIDENTIAL F.GILLINGHAM GOLF CLUB

Landscape Designations: Landscape Designations:

None None

General Description: General Description:

This character area covers the residential areas associated with the town of Rainham and Twydall� The area is The area includes the manicured golf club landscape forming its own character area, largely defined by its land predominantly housing along with six schools with associated playing fields and a number of small to medium use and with a short row of post-war houses along the east side of Woodlands Road which divides the golf in scale areas of open space including Cozenton Park and Vinall Park� two�

The residential area is defined to the north by the railway line heading north-west/south-east and to the west by The southern and eastern boundaries of the golf course are occupied by dense woodland which forms a buffer Ito Way (A289) heading north. Gillingham Business Park defines the south-western boundary with Hoath Way to the A289 with rear gardens of properties on Beatty Avenue and First Avenue forming the northern and heading south; London Road (A2) heading towards Gillingham to the west crosses the character area� western boundaries respectively�

Tree cover can be found along residential streets, bordering areas of open space and within woodland blocks Vegetation groups are typical of a golf course landscape with greens, fairways and areas of rough, planned planted alongside Ito Way� groups of mature trees and native hedgerows�

Outside the historic core of the town of Rainham, the suburban infill development is predominantly made up of Views from within are largely framed by mature trees which surround much of the golf course� post-war housing�

Views from within the area towards the coast are generally contained by the railway line, housing within the residential area, intervening tree cover and topography�

Typical view along Beechings Way Typical view of post-war housing Typical view looking north

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G.GILLINGHAM BUSINESS PARK

Landscape Designations:

Ancient Woodland

General Description:

This large business park occupies an area to the south of the A2 and along the line of the A278 and borders the edges of the Twydall & Rainham residential area� It comprises a number of retail and light industrial units� The business park is bounded to the south by Ambley Wood and East Hoath Wood, both areas of Ancient Woodland� Ambley Wood is designated as a Local Nature Reserve� Woodland extends along the edge of the business park to the rear of residential properties off Edwin Road.

There is good mature tree cover within the business park with trees along the roads, along with a tree-lined central greenway and within infill woodland planting. Due to the extent of tree cover views into and out of the business park are generally contained�

Typical view along green way through the Typical view of a business unit business park

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VISUAL CONTEXT AND ACCESSIBILITY Fig. 11.15: Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) for 12m transmitter at the highest point in the development site.

Zone of Theoretical Visibility

11.4.60 A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) exercise has been carried out at an early stage of the project in relation to the proposal site, as summarised in Figure 11.15.

11.4.61 The ZTV is intended only to provide an initial broad-based assessment of the likely visibility shed of the proposal site, in order to establish potential publicly accessible locations from where views of

the site might be gained� This enabled further site investigation to take place and informed dialogue Yokosuka Way (A289) with Medway District Council in order to agree the proposed assessment viewpoints�

11.4.62 The exercise was undertaken at an early stage of the project and so several assumptions were made, which are summarised below� The diagrams were produced using Global Mapper computer Lower Tywdall Lane software and are based upon standard 5m OS Terrain Data�

11.4.63 The ZTV is a representation only of the areas from where potential views may occur, and is not intended as an accurate representation of precise areas from where views will be gained� The Lower Rainham Road ZTV diagram has considered only the screening effect of landform, major built up areas and major woodlands and does not take into account localised variations in landform, the presence of intervening vegetation cover, or other built structures such as walls or fences that could further affect visibility. Pump Lane 11.4.64 The diagrams are based on the following parameters: Ito Way (A289) • Transmitter heights of 3, 6, 9 and 12m above existing ground level located at a position at the highest part of the site, on the south-western boundary adjacent to the railway line� Several other locations were tested with similar Transmitter heights and in different parts of the site, however, Lower Bloors Lane they showed a very similar outcome, as indicated in Figure 11�17, where a Transmitter of 12m in Beechings Way height was placed in the central part of the site� • General assumptions based on information provided by the project Architect (September 2018) were as follows: - The majority of the residential development was assumed to be two storeys plus roof height, with a maximum ridge height of approx� 10m�

- Scope was identified for some two and a half and three storey components and feature buildings and to add some variety to roofscapes across the development� These were A2 assumed to extend up to 12m�

- The main village core building was assumed to be at approximately 12m maximum, as a Hoath Way (A278) three storey building� • Receptor viewing height of 1�65m above ground level� • Significant woodland areas having been given a generic height of 10m. © Crown Copyright, All rights reserved� 2018 Licence number 0100031673�

Scale (metres): Zone of Theoretical 12m Transmitter Proposal site boundary Study area Visibility Location 0 200 400 600 800 1000

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Fig. 11.16: ZTV Diagram for 6m transmitter at highest point of the Fig. 11.18: ZTV Diagram for 9m transmitter at highest point of the development site. development site.

Fig. 11.17: ZTV Diagram for 12m transmitter at highest point of the Fig. 11.19: ZTV Diagram for 12m transmitter at central part of site development site. close to Lower Rainham Road.

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Visual Receptors Representative Viewpoint Locations

11.4.65 Views towards the site from public vantage points have been identified as being primarily from: 11.4.71 Representative viewpoint locations for identified key visual receptors / locations are shown in Figure 11.20. These are considered to be representative of the nature of available views from all • Residents of adjoining residential properties in particular: identified receptor sites and sufficient for assessment of the potential visual effects of the proposed - Gifford Close, Thornham Road, Kingsnorth Road, Truro Close Ripon Close, Beechings Way, development� Lower Rainham Road, Lower Twydall Lane, Lower Bloors Lane, Pump Lane, Wootton Green and River View 11.4.72 The selected representative viewpoint locations comprise: • Users of the surrounding PRoW network in particular: • View 1. Footbridge over the railway line at the end of Lower Twydall Lane - Bridleway GB6A and Saxon Shore Way • View 2. Bridleway from Bloors Lane to Pump Lane • Drivers and passengers of vehicles travelling along Lower Rainham Road and Pump Lane� • View 3. Saxon Shore Way • View 4. Riverside Country park 11.4.66 The type and locations of visual receptors likely to be affected by views of the proposed development are identified below, and classified according to their sensitivity into Primary, • View 5. Lower Rainham Road Secondary and Tertiary views, depending upon the sensitivity of the location, the nature of the • View 6. Grange Road and Lower Twydall Road activity being undertaken and the existing visual amenity associated with the view� • View 7. Pump Lane (Centre) Primary Receptors • View 8. Pump Lane (South) 11.4.67 Primary receptor locations have been identified as comprising: 11.4.73 The baseline photography was taken by Lloyd Bore during a site visit on the 30th of November • Residents of adjoining residential properties in particular: 2018� - Gifford Close, Thornham Road, Kingsnorth Road, Ripon Close, Truro Close, Beechings Way, Lower Rainham Road, Pump Lane, Wootton Green and River View� • Users of the surrounding PROW network in particular: - Bridleway GB6A and Saxon Shore Way • Drivers and passengers of vehicles travelling along Lower Rainham Road and Pump Lane�

Secondary Receptors

11.4.68 Secondary receptor locations have been identified as comprising: • Views generally from Lower Twydall Road, Lower Bloors Lane� • Users of the surrounding PROW network, in particular: - Public footpath GB5 & GB6

Tertiary Receptors

11.4.69 Tertiary receptor locations have been identified as: • Views from the northern coastline of the Medway Estuary�

11.4.70 Tertiary receptors are the least sensitive and are identified here for information, but will be scoped- out of further assessment�

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Fig. 11.20: Assessment Viewpoint Locations

3 6

1 7

Broad study area Viewpoint origin and direction Proposed site boundary 8

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11.5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Fig. 11.21: Proposed site layout plan (not to scale).

11.5.1 The following project description is based upon the ‘Illustrative Landscape Masterplan’ (Figure 11.21).

Illustrative Landscape Masterplan Design of public realm spaces, highways configuration and arrangement of residential KEY FEATURES AND COMPONENTS layouts to take advantage of attractive long distance views north toward the Medway coast Pump and Bloors Farms, Lower Rainham Road, Rainham, Kent Landscape buffer to be retained around listed building 11.5.2 The main scheme components are summarised below and shown A. C. Goatham & Sons on the plan included in this section of the report� LOWER RAINHAM ROAD • Construction of up to 1,250 no� new residential properties across the site, with associated landscape treatment of tree and shrub planting with boundary hedgerows and gardens�

P U M P L A N E

• A village centre� Roadside Orchards • An 80 bed care home and 60 bed extra care facility� • A two form entry primary school with associated landscape treatment and access�

Sculptural Play Features Informal Paths Rural character of Lower Bloors Lane to be protected by retaining a broad landscape zone • Areas of public open space including SuDs and ponds� Potential for extension of Public Bridleway Public open spaces to incorporate both formal and informal elements to maximise attractiveness to a wide range of users • The proposed site access will be off Lower Rainham Road.

The route of the existing bridlepath is to be retained and enhanced within a broad landscape corridor, planted to native trees, grasses and hedgerows

• Woodland planting along boundaries of the site� Proposed landscape buffer around existing development, providing footpath / cycleway connection with village centre and land to the north and west

Proposed waterbodies in the landscape act as Apple and Cherry Sculptural Pieces visual focal points and will be planted and managed Varied landscape management regime will create diversity in landscape typologies, to create aquatic and marginal wildlife habitats� They from formal parkland and amenity space, to areas of wildflower meadow, native species also perform a surface water attenuation function Architectural Style, Materials and Appearance hedgerows and natural corridor routes, managed in a more relaxed, informal manner

The site’s strong historic association with fruit growing and orchards will be reflected in the landscape, with the use of geometric grid arrangements, in the selection of species, 11.5.3 Development of two storey buildings across the majority of the site and with the introduction of appropriate public art / landscape sculpture and interpretation Broad green spine runs south-west to north east across the site, Broad road verges to be planted to native meadow grasses, using a grid layout to underpin landscape strategy� The spine hedgerows and bulbs, with specimen native trees in key locations broadens out into an extensive public greeenspace creating a central focus to the scheme, providing for informal recreation, but with occasional three storey landmark dwellings� community events, community orchard, public art and play� Legend

Residential area

LOWER BLOORS LANE 11.5.4 The existing mature vegetation along the site boundaries will be Care facility retained and reinforced with additional woodland buffer planting Village centre with grassland rides� School site

Highway circulation Emerging from under the railway bridge on Pump Lane, a high quality landscape is to be created replicating the orchard landscape that currently exists 11.5.5 The existing commercial orchards will be removed, and a Local access Public bridleway Footpath / cycle path linkage to Lower S O U T H E A S T E R N R A I L Twydall Lane and railway footbridge The proposed landscape buffer running parallel with the railway line provides creates an excellent high quality corridor habitat for wildlife framework of new formal and informal public landscape areas, Public footpath / cycle path

including amenity and community orchard areas, will be created as Circular walking routes

an integral part of the strategic layout Coastal view

scale bar rev. rev.date auth. rev. note rev. rev.date auth. rev. note This drawing and design are the copyright of Lloyd Bore Landscape P01 22.01.19 JB Initial issue. client� A.C. Goatham & Sons drawing no� 4930-LLB-XX-XX-DR-L-0003 rev� P04 rev date� 11/04/19 0 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 Architects� Do not scale from this drawing� m P02 23.01.19 JB Minor amendments following planning comments. project� project status� INFORMATION suit� S03 scale� 1:1250 All dimensions to be checked on site by contractor prior to P03 29.01.19 JB Minor amendments following planning comments. 1:1250 commencement of any work� P04 11.04.19 JB Minor amendments following planning comments. Pump and Bloors Farms drawing title� ILLUSTRATIVE LANDSCAPE sheet� A0 All materials, components and workmanship shall comply with the MASTERPLAN drawn� relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice and manufacturers written Lower Rainham Road, Rainham DM 33 ST. GEORGE’S PLACE, CANTERBURY, KENT CT1 1UT 01227 464 340 instructions� 59 LAMBETH WALK, LONDON SE11 6DX 02075 822 863 Kent checked� JB www.lloydbore.co.uk [email protected]

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ASSUMPTIONS / EXCLUSIONS

11.5.6 The assessment has been based in full on the project details set out in this section of the report apart from the following assumptions:

Lighting

11.5.7 The night-time effects of lighting are not assessed in this report. It is assumed that, as part of the detailed design phase for the proposed development, best practice principles would be adopted in relation to minimising or eliminating adverse impacts of lighting and light spillage from the proposed development�

Building Heights

11.5.8 The majority of the residential development was assumed to be two storeys plus roof height (10m) with occasional two and a half and three storey elements and feature buildings to add variety to the roofscapes across the development� These were assumed to extend up to 12m�

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11.6. IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTS

11.6.1 The purpose of this section of the report is to identify and describe 11.6.5 The potential impact and likely effects resulting from the the potential impacts and effects that may result from the proposed Construction Phase of the proposed development are identified in development upon landscape and visual resources and establish the following table� which of these are considered to be ‘significant’, thereby requiring further assessment� Table 11. 1: Construction Phase Impacts and Effects

11.6.2 For those impacts which are considered to be significant in nature, further assessment will be carried out to determine the overall scale Receptor / Topic Impact Effect of significance of the resulting effects.

DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS Work will involve localised re-grading of the site topography and The scheme will have a minimal impact upon the wider 11.6.3 The key aspects which have been considered with regards to Topography the formation of ponds and swales as part of a site-wide SuDS topography of the landscape� assessment of potential construction phase impacts are as follows; strategy� • The construction period is anticipated to be approximately 10 years to complete the scheme� • It is anticipated that the construction impacts will include: Work will require stripping the existing commercial orchards and grassland vegetation cover of the site, which will be replaced by - the storage of materials, the erection of site compounds, areas of bare earth and hard standing� The character of the site will be altered from a predominantly Land Use / Land hoarding and the use of security lighting and cement silos� agricultural landscape of commercial orchards to an intensive cover construction site, resulting in a change in landscape character� - there is likely to be an increase of vehicle movements on Work will involve moderate to large-scale construction operations including the use of varied construction equipment, machinery and existing residential roads for the importation of bulk materials, plant� delivery of building materials and general construction traffic. - the stripping of existing vegetation including the removal of the Work will result in noise disturbance to nearby residential Increased background noise may affect the amenity value of commercial orchards, barring vegetation to be retained� Noise Intrusion properties and will increase road traffic. surrounding areas� • It is anticipated that all excavated material will be retained on site� Construction activities will be visible from neighbouring residential Nature of Impacts properties, including those on Gifford Close, Thornham Road, Kingsnorth Road, Wootton Green, Ripon Close, Truro Close, River A change in the visual amenity gained from sensitive viewpoints / 11.6.4 It is assessed that the construction phase of the proposed View and Beechings Way to the south; Lower Rainham Road to visual receptors� Visual / Landscape the north, Lower Twydall Lane to the west; Lower Bloors Way to development has the potential to cause landscape impacts upon: Character the east and Pump Lane which dissects the site� There will also Alteration to the visual character of the site and it’s immediate Topography, be views of the construction activities from sections of the public • surroundings, resulting in a change to landscape character� bridleway passing through the site and from sections of the Saxon • Land Use / Land cover, and Shore Way to the east� • The enjoyment of the landscape and intrusion on visual amenity�

The construction activities will be detrimental to the enjoyment of Comstruction activities will be visible from nearby residential Visual Amenity views towards the site from neighbouring properties and sections properties and from sections of the local public rights of way� Intrusion of nearby public rights of way� The impact upon the view from network� Saxon Shore Way will be less noticeable given the distance and interleaving mature vegetation�

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OPERATIONAL EFFECTS 11.6.7 The potential impact and the likely effects resulting from the Operational Phase are identified in the following table; Nature of Impacts Table 11. 2: Operational Phase Impacts and Effects 11.6.6 It is assessed that the operational phase of the proposed development has the potential to cause landscape impacts upon: Receptor Impact Effect • Topography, • Land use / Land cover, and • Landscape & Visual Amenity and enjoyment� The scheme will not significantly change the topography of the The scheme will include the formation of ponds and swale Topography landscape resulting in no change in the landscape character� features across the site�

The land use will change from agricultural farmland to: There will be a change in land use from farmland to housing and • new housing with internal roads, associated landscaping and open space� These changes would be permanent and would result areas of open space Land Use / Land in the change of character from a predominantly open and rolling • two care home facilities with associated landscaping and Cover rural and semi-rural/urban fringe landscape to an urban character� parking and • a primary school with associated landscaping, green space and parking�

Traffic movement along local roads including Lower Rainham Increased background noise may affect the amenity value of Noise Intrusion Road will be increased� surrounding areas�

The landscape character of the Site will change from a predominatly agricultural landscape with commerical orchards to a residential development with areas of opens space, SuDS and The introduction of new housing will fundamentally change the Visual / Landscape woodland buffer planting. landscape character of the site and immediate surroundings and Character form a prominent component of views of the Site�

The introduction of new housing, care facilities and a primary The change in land use will significantly change the visual school will replace the existing agricultural landscape forming Visual Amenity character of the site and be detrimental to the enjoyment of views the predominant view of the site from neighbouring residential Intrusion towards the site from neighbouring properties and sections of properties and from sections of public rights of way particularly to public rights of way� the south and east of the site�

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VISUAL AMENITY

11.6.8 The proposed development would introduce new residential dwellings, two care facilities and a primary school into a currently undeveloped location on the northern edge of the Twydall and Rainham urban area� This would impact upon the visual amenity of the following locations: • A small number of locations on the bridleway which runs to the centre of the site from Lower Bloors Lane� • Adjoining residential properties to the south of the site� • Adjoining residential properties to the north-east of the site in Lower Rainham� • Adjoining residential properties along Pump Lane including dwellings at Russett Farm and Pump Lane Farm� • A short section of Lower Rainham Road, immediately to the north of the site�

11.6.9 Of the eight selected representative viewpoints, the proposed development would have no visual impact from the following location� This is due to the absence of a clear view towards the site and the presence of intervening landform, built form and vegetation: • View 4: Riverside Country Park

11.6.10 Generally, views of the site are limited to within 50m of the site boundary apart from occasional medium distance views from the east and west�

11.6.11 Overall the site and proposed development is considered to have a moderate and contained visual envelope. As a result, it would affect a limited number of individuals on a local scale�

11.6.12 An assessment of impacts upon the representative viewpoints is set out in the following section of this report�

VISUAL AFFECT ON THE NIGHT SKY

11.6.13 The new houses along with the Village Centre and care homes will be occupied constantly over the whole of the year� Light from windows will occur, as it will to a greater extent from street lighting� During the winter in the late afternoon lighting to external areas will operate�

11.6.14 The current residential settlements of Twydall and Rainham and Lower Rainham already generate a light envelope in the night sky� The new housing will not greatly increase this effect. The impact is considered to be Low�

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View 1: Footbridge over the railway line at the end of Lower • The proposed woodland buffer and grassland ride along the Twydall Lane southern boundary of the site would be clearly visible and would provide screening to the residential areas beyond� Visual Receptors • The roofs and upper storeys of buildings across the site would be 11.6.15 This view is representative of those gained from pedestrians partially visible over and through the woodland buffer proposed crossing the railway line on the footbridge and from residential along the southern boundary of the site� properties located along Kingsnorth Road, Gifford Close, Wootton 11.6.22 Green, River View, Truro Close, Ripon Close, Thornham Road and The development would result in the loss of the following Beechings Way within 50m of the proposed southern boundary of components from the existing view: the site� • The existing area of commercial orchards with dividing hedgerows in the fore and middle ground of the view would be 11.6.16 This view would be experienced predominantly by: replaced� • Pedestrians, including residents using the footbridge over the • The view of the upper storey and rooftop of the dwelling at railway line� Russett Farm will be replaced� • Passengers on trains� Assessed Effect • Residents of properties with north/east facing views from the first floor, ground floor and rear gardens. 11.6.23 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore assessed to be Major � Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors 11.6.24 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this 11.6.17 This is a short range, predominantly open view into the western view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to mid-range and central part of the site� The view, over a vegetated edge along view that, although gained from a single location, is considered the northern boundary of the railway line is of commercial orchards, representative of the viewing experience generally from first floor with mature hedgerow field boundaries. A small woodland on the windows of properties beyond the southern boundary of the site, southern edge of the adjacent residential property on Lower Twydall where vegetation permits� Lane forms the western part of the view� 11.6.25 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and 11.6.18 The viewing location is generally quiet apart from the occasional the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� passing train� The condition of the viewing location is assessed This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no to be good and a fairly typical view from the rear of residential intention to return it to its current state at a future date� properties� 11.6.26 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore 11.6.19 Existing components of the view include: assessed as Direct, Major in scale, of a Local to District level of • A small woodland block on the edge of the adjacent property on influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. Lower Twydall Lane� 11.6.27 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is • The railway line� assessed to be High� • Dwelling at Russett Farm on Pump Lane� 11.6.28 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is • Mature vegetation to the rear of properties on the south side of assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and Lower Rainham Road� susceptibility ratings)�

11.6.20 There are no significant visual detractors within the view other than 11.6.29 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of the railway� sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact� Nature of Change

11.6.21 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components:

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View 2: Bridleway from Bloors Lane to Pump Lane 11.6.37 The development would result in the loss of the following components from the existing view: Visual Receptors • The existing area of commercial orchards would be replaced� 11.6.30 This view is representative of those gained from walkers and users on the bridleway (travelling north-west)� Assessed Effect 11.6.38 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is 11.6.31 This view would be experienced predominantly by: therefore assessed to be Major� • Walkers and users on the bridleway (GB6A)� 11.6.39 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close view that can be experienced at points along the bridleway through the existing 11.6.32 The foreground of the view is of commercial orchards with partial vegetation� views of the rear of properties on Ripon Close, Truro Close and Beechings Way in view over the railway line and through the mature 11.6.40 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and vegetation along the southern boundary of the site� In the distance, the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� the rooftops and upper storeys of properties on Pump Lane can be This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no seen on the skyline viewed through and over existing vegetation on intention to return it to its current state at a future date� the edge of the lane� 11.6.41 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore 11.6.33 The viewing location is generally quiet apart from the occasional assessed as Direct, Major in scale, of a Local to District level of passing train� The condition of the viewing location is assessed to influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. be very good and the view is more open than the majority of the bridleway which is for the most part bounded by mature vegetation 11.6.42 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is which contains views� assessed to be High�

11.6.34 Existing components of the view include: 11.6.43 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is • Residential properties of post-war housing style� assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and susceptibility ratings)� • The railway line� 11.6.44 • Exitisting vegetation along the southern boundary of the site� The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this • Commercial orchards� existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact�

11.6.35 There are no significant visual detractors within the view other than the railway�

Nature of Change

11.6.36 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components: • An equipped area of open space with informal groups of trees and an area of maintained grassland� • A woodland edge with grassland rides along the southern boundary of the site will reinforce the existing vegetation on the southern boundary� • New residential properties including internal roads, car parking and associated landscaping with areas of open space will form the majority of the view�

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View 3: Saxon Shore Way Nature of Change 11.6.59 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this Visual Receptors 11.6.51 From this location the proposed development would introduce the existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact� following new visual components: 11.6.45 This view is representative of those gained from walkers on the Saxon Shore Way and by motor vehicles travelling south-west • The rooftops and upper storeys of new buildings would be in along Motney Hill Lane� view on the gently rising ground� • New woodland planting along the northern and western edges of 11.6.46 This view would be experienced predominantly by: the site along Lower Rainham Road would be in view� • Pedestrians using the Saxon Shore Way long distance footpath� 11.6.52 The development would result in the loss of the following • Drivers and passengers of motor vehicles travelling south-west� components from the existing view: Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors • The existing area of commercial orchards would be replaced� The outbuildings associated with Pump Farm would be replaced� 11.6.47 The foreground view is of the salt marsh along the edge of • Rainham Creek� In the middle distance can be seen the derelict • The railway line would no longer be in view� hulk of an old boat and behind, the remnants of Bloors Wharf the former ship breakers yard� Mature scrub forms a backdrop to the Assessed Effect coastline and behind, the rooftops of dwellings in Lower Rainham 11.6.53 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is can be glimpsed through gaps in the mature vegetative cover� On therefore assessed to be Medium� the eastern edge of the hamlet can be seen outbuildings associated with Pump Farm� The central and western part of the site on the 11.6.54 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this gently rising ground is in partial view to the right of Lower Rainham� view is assessed as Local to District� This is a medium distance In the distance beyond the southern boundary of the site is the view that, although gained from a single location, is considered railway line and the rear of properties along Thornham Road, representative of the viewing experience generally from pedestrians Gifford Close and Kingsnorth Road. walking along the Saxon Shore Way towards Bloors Wharf and the Riverside Country Park� For occupants of vehicles travelling 11.6.48 The viewing location is quiet and calm, with Motney Hill Lane south west along Motney Hill Lane, the view would be less elevated a little-used route and the condition of the viewing location is and views towards the site become increasingly obscured by the assessed to be very good comprising a fairly typical section of embankment� public road and footpath of average quality and condition� 11.6.55 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and 11.6.49 Existing components of the view include: the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� • Salt marsh and Rainham Creek shoreline� This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no • Saxon Shore Way coastal path� intention to return it to its current state at a future date�

• Bloors Wharf� 11.6.56 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore • Houses within Lower Rainham� assessed as Direct, Medium in scale, of a Local to District level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. • Outbuildings associated with Pump Farm� • Mature scrub along the coastal edge� 11.6.57 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is assessed to be Medium� • Commercial orchards� • The railway line� 11.6.58 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and • The rear of properties along Thornham Road, Gifford Close and susceptibility ratings)� Kingsnorth Road�

11.6.50 There are no significant visual detractors within the view.

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View 4: Riverside Country Park 11.6.70 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� Visual Receptors This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no intention to return it to its current state at a future date� 11.6.60 This view is representative of those gained from pedestrians at the Riverside Country Park and walking along the Saxon Shore Way� 11.6.71 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore assessed as Direct, Negligible in scale, of a Local to District level of 11.6.61 This view would be experienced predominantly by: influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. • Pedestrians using the Riverside Country Park� 11.6.72 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors assessed to be Negligible�

11.6.62 This is a medium distance view towards the site from the Riverside 11.6.73 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is Country Park and the Saxon Shore Way� The view to the site is assessed to be High (derived from a combination of value and screened by the intervening mature scrub and tree cover along susceptibility ratings)� the edge of the coast and to the rear of the Riverside Country Park Visitor Centre� 11.6.74 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this 11.6.63 The viewing location is quiet and the condition of the viewing existing view would have a Negligible impact� location is assessed to be very good and an elevated view from the Saxon Shore Way�

11.6.64 Existing components of the view include: • The Riverside Country Park Visitor Centre and Car Park� • Mature scrub and tree cover�

11.6.65 There are no significant visual detractors within the view.

Nature of Change

11.6.66 From this location, the proposed development would introduce no new visual components into the view�

11.6.67 The development would result in the loss of no existing components from the existing view�

Assessed Effect

11.6.68 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore assessed to be Negligible at worst�

11.6.69 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to mid-range view that, although gained from a single location, is considered representative of the viewing experience generally from similar locations along the Saxon Shore Way�

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View 5: Lower Rainham Road 11.6.82 The development would result in the loss of the following components from the existing view: Visual Receptors • The existing area of commercial orchard would be replaced� 11.6.75 This view is representative of those gained from pedestrians walking along the footpath, motor vehicles travelling along Lower Assessed Effect Rainham Road and residential properties situated at the junction 11.6.83 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is of the road with Pump Lane including the Grade II listed Chapel therefore assessed to be Medium� House� 11.6.84 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this 11.6.76 This view would be experienced predominantly by: view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to mid-range • Pedestrians walking along the highway footpath� view that, although gained from a single location, is considered representative of the viewing experience generally from similar • Drivers and passengers of motor vehicles travelling along Lower locations along Lower Rainham Road and from properties on Pump Rainham Road� Lane� • Residents of properties along Pump Lane with south or west facing views from the first floor, ground floor and rear gardens. 11.6.85 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no 11.6.77 This is a close-range view into the northern part of the site through intention to return it to its current state at a future date� the existing vegetation along the site boundary� The view through 11.6.86 the existing hedgerow is of a commercial orchard with mature tree The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore cover in the distance� assessed as Direct, Medium in scale, of a Local to District level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. 11.6.78 The viewing location is generally busy with the frequent passing 11.6.87 of cars� The condition of the viewing location is assessed to be In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is ordinary and a fairly typical view from the road and footpath� assessed to be Medium�

11.6.88 11.6.79 Existing components of the view include: In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and • Commercial orchards� susceptibility ratings)� • Lower Rainham Road� 11.6.89 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of 11.6.80 The frequent traffic on Lower Rainham Road is a significant visual sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this detractor within the view� existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact�

Nature of Change

11.6.81 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components:

• The proposed woodland buffer and grassland rides along the northern boundary and along the edge of Pump Lane would be clearly visible and would provide screening to the new residential areas beyond� • The roofs and upper storeys of buildings in the northern part of the site would be partially visible through the woodland buffer proposed along the northern boundary of the site�

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View 6: Grange Road & Lower Twydall Road • The removal of the dwelling at Russett Farm on Pump Lane

Visual Receptors Assessed Effect

11.6.90 This view is representative of those gained from motor vehicles 11.6.98 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is travelling along Grange Road and Lower Twydall Road and therefore assessed to be Medium� properties at Manor Court� 11.6.99 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this 11.6.91 This view would be experienced predominantly by: view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to mid-range view that, although gained from a single location, is considered • Drivers and passengers of motor vehicles travelling east on representative of the viewing experience generally from similar Grange Road and south along Lower Twydall Road� locations to the east� • Residents of properties at Manor Court with south-east facing views from the first floor, ground floor, and rear gardens. 11.6.100 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no intention to return it to its current state at a future date� 11.6.92 There is a partial view into the eastern and central part of the site� The foreground view is across an agricultural field bounded by 11.6.101 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore mature trees and hedgerow cover� The rooftop and upper storey assessed as Direct, Medium in scale, of a Local to District level of of a dwelling at Russett Farm on Pump Lane is in view over the influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. intervening mature vegetation� 11.6.102 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is 11.6.93 The viewing location is generally quiet and the condition of the assessed to be Medium� viewing location is assessed to be good and a fairly typical view� 11.6.103 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is 11.6.94 Existing components of the view include: assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and • Agricultural fields. susceptibility ratings)�

• Mature trees, hedgerows and scrub� 11.6.104 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of • Rooftop and upper storey of dwelling at Russett Farm on Pump sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this Lane� existing view would have a Moderate Adverse impact�

11.6.95 There are no significant visual detractors within the view.

Nature of Change

11.6.96 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components:

• The proposed woodland buffer and grassland ride along the southern and western boundary of the site would be clearly visible and would provide screening to the residential areas beyond� • The roofs and upper storeys of a number of properties in the south-western part of the site would be partially visible over and through the woodland buffer proposed along the southern and western boundaries of the site�

11.6.97 The development would result in the loss of the following components from the existing view:

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View 7: Pump Lane (Centre) Assessed Effect

Visual Receptors 11.6.113 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore assessed to be Major� 11.6.105 This view is representative of those gained from motor vehicles travelling north/ south and from residential properties located on 11.6.114 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by Pump Lane� this view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to short range view that, although gained from a single location, is 11.6.106 This view would be experienced predominantly by: considered representative of the viewing experience generally • Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles travelling along Pump from similar locations along Pump Lane� Lane� 11.6.115 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and • Residents of properties along Pump Lane with eastern/western the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� facing views from the first floor, ground floor, and rear gardens. This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no intention to return it to its current state at a future date� Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors 11.6.116 The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is 11.6.107 This is a short range, open view into the central part of the site� therefore assessed as Direct, Major in scale, of a Local to District The view, through a gap in the mature roadside vegetation, is of a level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. commercial orchard with a backdrop of tree cover along the field boundary� 11.6.117 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is assessed to be High� 11.6.108 The viewing location is generally busy with frequent traffic movement along the road� The condition of the viewing location is 11.6.118 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is assessed to be ordinary and a fairly typical view from Pump Lane� assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and susceptibility ratings)� 11.6.109 Existing components of the view include:

• Mature tree and hedgerow cover along field boundaries. 11.6.119 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this • Commercial orchards� existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact� 11.6.110 There are no significant visual detractors within the view other than the rural lane�

Nature of Change

11.6.111 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components: • Open space with low maintenance grassland and informal groups of native trees will form the majority of the view over and through the retained boundary vegetation�

• New woodland buffer planting along the edge of the road will reinforce and enhance the existing boundary�

11.6.112 The development would result in the loss of the following components from the existing view: • The existing area of commercial orchards would be replaced�

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View 8: Pump Lane (South) 11.6.127 The development would result in the loss of the following components from the existing view: Visual Receptors • The existing area of commercial orchard would be replaced� 11.6.120 This view is representative of those gained from motor vehicles and pedestrians travelling north along Pump Lane by Rainham Mark Assessed Effect Grammer School and residential properties on Pump Lane� 11.6.128 The scale of the visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore assessed to be Medium� 11.6.121 This view would be experienced predominantly by: • Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles travelling north along 11.6.129 The geographic extent of the visual impact demonstrated by this Pump Lane� view is assessed as Local to District� This is a close to mid-range view that, although gained from a single location, is considered • Residents of properties along Pump Lane with northern facing representative of the viewing experience generally from similar views� locations along Pump Lane� Nature of existing view, visual components & detractors 11.6.130 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and 11.6.122 This is a medium distance, partial view into the centre of the site the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� over existing housing on Pump Lane on the edge of the Twydall This proposal is for a permanent development where there is no and Rainham urban area and through intervening mature tree intention to return it to its current state at a future date� cover� Beyond the site, the masts of boats stored at Mariners Farm 11.6.131 Boatyard can be seen backed by a shelterbelt and mature tree The assessed visual impact demonstrated by this view is therefore cover and scrub� In the distance on the skyline can be seen the assessed as Direct, Medium in scale, of a Local to District level of estuary of the River Medway and Kingsnorth Substation complex on influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. its northern shore� 11.6.132 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon this view is 11.6.123 The viewing location is busy with the frequent movement of cars assessed to be Medium� along Pump Lane� The condition of the viewing location is assessed 11.6.133 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ of this view is to be ordinary and a fairly typical view from Pump Lane� assessed to be Medium (derived from a combination of value and 11.6.124 Existing components of the view include: susceptibility ratings)�

• Mature tree cover within residential gardens� 11.6.134 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of • Masts of boats stored at Mariners Farm Boatyard backed by a sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes in this mature shelterbelt� existing view would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact� • Motor vehicles on Pump Lane� • Residential properties of a post-war housing style� • Commercial orchards�

11.6.125 There are no significant visual detractors within the view other than Pump Lane�

Nature of Change

11.6.126 From this location the proposed development would introduce the following new visual components: • The roofs and upper storeys of buildings in the central part of the site would be partially visible over and through the woodland buffer proposed along the southern boundary of the site.

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SUMMARY OF EFFECTS UPON VISUAL AMENITY

11.6.135 The following table summarises the assessed effects of the proposed development upon visual resources:

Table 11. 3: Summary of effects upon visual amenity from representative viewpoints.

Magnitiude of Significant Effect Landscape & Visual Landscape & Visual Landscape and Sensitivity to View No� Description Susecptibility Nature of Effect Change Definition Importance Amenity Condition Amenity Value Change Major/Moderate View 1 Footbridge + Lower Twydall Lane High Significant High Good Medium Medium Medium Adverse Bridleway from Bloors Lane to Major/Moderate View 2 High Significant High Good Medium Medium Medium Pump Lane Adverse Major/Moderate View 3 Saxon Shore Way Medium Significant Highest Very Good High High High Adverse View 4 Riverside Country Park Negligible Insignificant High Very Good High High High Negligible Major/Moderate View 5 Lower Rainham Road High Significant Medium Good Medium/Low Medium Medium Adverse Grange Road & Lower Twydall View 6 Medium Significant Medium Good Medium/Low High Medium Moderate Adverse Road Major/Moderate View 7 Pump Lane (Centre) High Significant Medium Good Medium High Medium Adverse Major/Moderate View 8 Pump Lane (South) High Significant Medium Ordinary Medium/Low High Medium Adverse

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LANDSCAPE RESOURCES / CHARACTER 11.6.146 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of 11.6.157 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of the sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table 11�10) of changes to sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table 11�10) of changes to the Topography topography would have a Minor Adverse impact� land use would have a Major Adverse impact�

11.6.136 There will be localised re-grading of the existing site topography 11.6.147 The proposed development will not result in a noticeable change in 11.6.158 The proposed scheme will not result in changes in land use beyond during the construction of the scheme� the topography of the site� Overall it is concluded that the changes its boundaries but will result in a significant change in the land use in site topography would not fundamentally alter the topographic of the site� Overall it is concluded that the changes in site land use 11.6.137 The scheme includes the formation of a number of swales and character of the wider landscape, and therefore in this context is would fundamentally change the land use character of the wider ponds within areas of open space and the grounds of the new assessed to be of a Neutral Effect. landscape� school as part of the proposed SuDS for the site� Land Use / Land Cover Public Rights of Way 11.6.138 The scale of the impact upon topography is assessed to be Minor� The proposal site does not contain any rare or important 11.6.148 Constructing the proposed scheme will require the removal of a 11.6.159 The proposed scheme will retain the section of bridleway GB6A topographic features and is considered fairly typical of the wider number of agricultural buildings and the removal of 48 hectares of leading from Lower Bloors Lane to Pump Lane within a new topographical landscape� It is considered to be consistent with and agricultural land including commercial orchards and associated field ‘greenway’ corridor� therefore contributes to, the wider topographic character of the boundary hedgerows� landscape� 11.6.160 The scale of the impact upon the existing public rights of way 11.6.149 It is proposed that the scheme will include areas of grassed open network is considered to be Minor at worst� The existing bridleway 11.6.139 The geographic extent of the impact upon topography is assessed space with native trees and woodland buffer planting to reinforce dissecting the eastern portion site is to be retained and enhanced as site� The scheme is designed to ensure that all excavated existing vegetation along the site boundaries� with additional tree planting� A proposed leisure route will enhance material will be retained and reused on site to avoid transportation connections with the Lower Rainham area� and disposal of excavated material off-site. The proposed scheme 11.6.150 The scale of the impact upon the land use is considered to be will therefore not result in changes in topography beyond its Major� The site contains 36 hectares of commercial orchards which 11.6.161 The geographic extent of the impact upon the public right of way boundaries� are considered to be important land cover features, however, they network is assessed at site� The scheme is designed to ensure that are found regularly within the wider landscape of the area� It is all existing public rights of way are retained� 11.6.140 Proposed site levels have been designed to ensure that the new considered to be consistent with and therefore contributes to, the site levels link naturally into the existing site boundary levels and wider topographic character of the landscape� 11.6.162 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, with the the topography of adjacent areas� additional tree planting happening over a short period� 11.6.151 The geographic extent of the impact upon land cover is assessed at 11.6.141 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, with the site� The scheme is designed to ensure that all existing vegetation 11.6.163 The assessed impact upon public rights of way is therefore change in site topography happening over a long period and being along the site boundaries can be retained and reinforced� assessed as Direct, Minor in scale of a Site to Local level of completed in full within 10 years� influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. 11.6.152 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, with the 11.6.142 The reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� change in site land use happening over a long period and being 11.6.164 In line with Table 11�3, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon the public Although technically it would be possible to reinstate the existing completed in full within 10 years� rights of way is assessed to be Low� topographic profile of the site in the future, should the development be removed, the development is intended to be permanent� 11.6.153 The reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� 11.6.165 In line with Table 11�9, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon the public Although technically it would be possible to reinstate the existing rights of way is assessed to be Medium� 11.6.143 The assessed impact upon topography is therefore assessed as land use of the site in the future, should the development be Direct, Minor in scale of a Site level of influence, Medium-term, and removed, the development is intended to be permanent� 11.6.166 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of Permanent in nature� sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table 11�10) of changes to public 11.6.154 The assessed impact upon land use is therefore assessed as rights of way would have a Moderate/Minor Beneficial impact. 11.6.144 In line with Table 11�3, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon topography Direct, Major in scale of a Site to Local level of influence, Medium- is assessed to be Low� term, and Permanent in nature� 11.6.167 Overall it is concluded that the scheme would not fundamentally change the public rights of way network of the wider landscape� 11.6.145 In line with Table 11�9, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon topography 11.6.155 In line with Table 11�3, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon land use is is assessed to be Low� assessed to be High� Settlement Envelope

11.6.168 The proposed scheme will increase the settlement envelope of the 11.6.156 In line with Table 11�9, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon land use is assessed to be High� Twydall and Rainham urban area effectively merging the settlement with Lower Rainham�

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11.6.169 The construction of the proposed scheme will require the removal of a predominantly agricultural landscape to be replaced by a predominantly residential area�

11.6.170 The scale of the impact upon the settlement envelope of Lower Rainham is considered to be Major� The separation of the two settlements will be reduced to proposed woodland buffer planting on the northern boundary of the site� At present, the site forms an important barrier to the coalescence of the two settlements�

11.6.171 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, with the increase in the settlement envelope happening over a 10 year period�

11.6.172 The assessed impact upon the settlement envelope is therefore assessed as Direct, Major in scale of a Local to District level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature.

11.6.173 In line with Table 11�3, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon settlement envelope is assessed to be High�

11.6.174 In line with Table 11�9, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon settlement envelope is assessed to be Medium�

11.6.175 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table 11�10) of changes to the settlement envelope would have a Major/Moderate Adverse impact�

Conservation Areas

11.6.176 The proposed scheme will not affect the setting of the conservation area of Lower Twydall to the west given the distance from the site� Nor will the proposals affect the setting of the conservation area of Lower Rainham to the north-east of the site which is separated from the site by Pump Lane and the mature vegetation along the rear gardens of properties on Lower Rainham Road�

Heritage

11.6.177 The scheme limits impacts on the setting of Chapel House, a listed building, by creating a no-build buffer along the site boundary comprising a minimum 10m wide landscape belt to screen impacts upon the heritage asset�

11.6.178 The scheme limits impact on the designated Rural Lane from Pump Farm to the railway bridge by retaining its current landscape character including the mature boundary vegetation and by a no- build buffer along the site boundary with an additional woodland buffer.

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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS 11.6.185 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and 11.6.195 The scale of the impact upon Landscape Character is assessed the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� This to be Minor at worst� The development is of a small scale when 11.6.179 From the above assessment, it has been identified that potential proposal is for a permanent development with no stipulated end compared to the regional scale of the Fruit Belt Character Area� impacts upon Landscape Character would arise from changes in: date where operations are planned to cease and the site returned Changes resulting from the development would be restricted to a • topography� to its current or alternative state� limited geographical area and would not be experienced across the wider character area as a whole� • land use / land cover� 11.6.186 The assessed impact upon the national landscape character is • development grain, and therefore considered to be Direct, Minor in scale, of a Site to Local 11.6.196 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Long-term, and the level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� This • visual amenity and enjoyment� proposal is for a permanent development with no stipulated end 11.6.187 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon the National date where operations are planned to cease and the site returned 11.6.180 The above assessment has concluded that; Landscape Character Areas is assessed to be Low� to its current or alternative state� • the proposed development would have an Adverse effect upon topography� 11.6.188 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon the National 11.6.197 The assessed impact upon local landscape character is therefore Landscape Character Areas for a proposed development of this considered to be Direct, Minor in scale, of a Site to Local level of • the proposed development would have an Adverse effect upon size is assessed to be Low� influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature. Land Use/ Land Cover� 11.6.189 • the proposed development would have a Beneficial effect upon The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of 11.6.198 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon landscape the public rights of way network� sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes to the character is assessed to be Low� National Landscape Character Area would have a Minor Adverse • the proposed development would have an Adverse effect upon impact at worse� 11.6.199 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon the Regional settlement envelope� Landscape Character Area given the size of the proposed Regional Landscape Character Area development is assessed to be Low� 11.6.181 The potential for the proposed development to influence the landscape beyond its own boundaries are assessed to be restricted Fruit Belt 11.6.200 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of generally and would result in predominantly Adverse effects. It is sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes to the 11.6.190 At the regional scale, the site is located within the Fruit Belt. also concluded that the ability of the proposed development to Regional Landscape Character Area would have a Minor Adverse influence or alter the wider landscape character is equally low. impact at worse� 11.6.191 A key characteristic of this character area, as identified in the Landscape Assessment of Kent is ‘this is predominantly a rural, National Landscape Character Area Local Landscape Character agricultural landscape characterised by a complex pattern of 11.6.182 The proposed development is not considered to influence the orchards, shelterbelts, fields of arable and pasture and horticultural Lower Rainham Farmland character of the Greater Thames Estuary, nor will it result in any crops, and divided by small blocks of woodland.’ significant effects upon its key individual landscape components or 11.6.201 At a local scale the site lies within the Lower Rainham Farmland resources� 11.6.192 The site lies outside the defined settlement envelopes of both Character Area the key characteristics of which are: Lower Rainham to the north and Twydall and Rainham to the south� Flat, small to medium scale mixed farmland – orchards, arable, 11.6.183 The proposed development will, however, have an impact upon the It is part of the wider surrounding agricultural landscape of the Fruit • character of the North Kent Plain NCA� The proposals will result Belt character area� rough grazing in the loss of farmland and commercial orchards which are a key • Neglected pockets of land and busy road gives transitional/ characteristic of the NCA and identified for protection within the 11.6.193 The site does not contain or represent a rare or unusual valued urban fringe character to the area; gradual trend towards accompanying Statements of Environmental Opportunity� landscape feature� It is a fairly typical landscape, albeit one that suburbanisation (e.g. boundary features) in some localised areas as part of the wider rural landscape and influences the defined Some well-managed areas of orchard, shelterbelt, farm buildings, 11.6.184 The scale of the impact upon National Landscape Character is character of this area on a regional scale� • assessed to be Minor at worst� The development is of a small cottages and distinctive rural hedgebanks scale when compared to the nationall scale of the North Kent Plain 11.6.194 The introduction of residential development upon the site would • Tranquil in many parts despite enclosure by road to north and rail National Character Area� Changes resulting from the development share characteristics with the Twydall and Rainham urban area to to south would be restricted to a limited geographical area and would not be the south� It would extend the urban edge of Twydall and Rainham experienced across the wider character area as a whole� by approx 800m to the north significantly altering the wider relationship between the settlement of Lower Rainham and the surrounding agricultural landscape�

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11.6.202 The site makes a direct contribution to the urban / rural fringe Table 11. 4: Summary of effects upon landscape resources / character. character of the northern edge of Twydall and Rainham, having a high level of visual accessibility from adjacent properties along this Landscape Resource edge� Nature of Effect Topography Minor Adverse 11.6.203 The site lies outside the defined settlement envelopes of Lower Rainham to the north and Twydall and Rainham to the south� It Land use/ Land Cover Major Adverse predominantly shares characteristics with the wider rural landscape Public Rights of Way Moderate/Minor Benefical being farmland, however, the urban area of Twydall and Rainham and the railway line exerts an urban influence over the southern Settlement Envelope Major/Moderate Adverse boundary of the site� To the north, the busy Lower Rainham Road Greater Thames Estuary NCA Neutral gives the northern boundary of the site an urban fringe character� North Kent Plain NCA Minor Adverse 11.6.204 The proposed residential development will be out of character Fruit Belt RCA Minor Adverse for the majority of the site. The proposals will significantly extend Lower Rainham Farmland the settlement envelope of Twydall and Rainham to the north, Major/Moderate Adverse LCA significantly reducing the size of this character area.

11.6.205 The scale of the impact upon Landscape Character is assessed 11.6.212 Overall it is concluded that the proposed development would have to be Major� The development is of a large scale when compared an Adverse impact upon landscape resources / character� to the scale of the Lower Rainham Farmland Character Area� Changes resulting from the development would be restricted to a limited geographical area and would not be experienced across the wider character area as a whole�

11.6.206 The duration of the impact is assessed to be Medium-term, and the reversibility of the impact is considered to be Permanent� This proposal is for a permanent development with no stipulated end date where operations are planned to cease and the site returned to its current or alternative state�

11.6.207 The assessed impact upon local landscape character is therefore considered to be Direct, Major in scale, of a Site to Local level of influence, Medium-term, and Permanent in nature.

11.6.208 In line with Table A, the ‘Magnitude of Change’ upon landscape character is assessed to be High�

11.6.209 In line with Table G, the ‘Sensitivity to Change’ upon the Local Landscape Character Area is assessed to be Medium�

11.6.210 The resulting Significance (derived from the combination of sensitivity and magnitude ratings, Table H) of changes to the Local Landscape Character Area would have a Major/ Moderate Adverse impact�

Summary of effects upon Landscape Resources / Character

11.6.211 The following table summarises the assessed effect of the proposed development upon landscape resources:

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11.7. MITIGATION, RESIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

MITIGATION • The scheme includes the retention and reinforcement of existing boundary vegetation to screen views of the development� 11.7.1 The production of the EIA Assessment and the design of the development proposals have been undertaken as a simultaneous • The scheme includes the creation of a diverse range of new process, as such potential adverse landscape and visual impacts vegetation habitats across the site, designed to increase site biodiversity and ecological value, and compensate for the were identified prior to the development of the proposed scheme details, and reviewed and developed throughout the design reduction in site vegetation cover� These features include; process� - Areas of new orchard planting

11.7.2 The proposed scheme that has formed the basis of this assessment - Standard hedgerow trees therefore already accommodates a number of integrated mitigation - Native woodland buffer planting measures designed to avoid, reduce or manage identified potential - Naturalised ponds, ditches and swales features� adverse impacts� - Areas of naturalised grassland meadows� 11.7.3 For this reason, no further Secondary mitigation measures have been identified or considered, necessary or viable. For clarification, RESIDUAL EFFECTS the following section will outline the integrated mitigation measures 11.7.6 The scheme as assessed integrates all viable embedded mitigation which have already been included within the assessment� measures. As a consequence, the residual effects of the proposed Mitigation from Demolition and Construction Effects development remain the same as those assessed under the Operational Phase assessment� 11.7.4 The following measures have been incorporated into the proposed scheme to avoid, reduce or manage adverse impact upon CUMULATIVE EFFECTS landscape character and visual amenity� 11.7.7 Due to the current timing of Medway’s emerging Local Plan and • The construction programme has been proposed to commence future 5 Year Housing Supply, there are no known developments in Spring so that when the main construction activities and in the local area of a similar type or size which would qualify for a process are occurring the surrounding deciduous vegetation consideration of cumulative landscape and visual effects. cover within the landscape is in full leaf, thereby offering the greatest level of natural screening�

• The scheme has developed site levels and a balanced cut and fill strategy designed to avoid disposal of excavated material off-site, or importation of fill, to reduce the number of vehicle movements along Lower Rainham Road and Pump Lane�

Mitigation from Completed Development Effects

11.7.5 The following measures have already been incorporated into the proposed scheme to avoid, reduce or manage adverse impact upon landscape character and visual amenity� • The scheme has developed site levels and a balanced cut and fill strategy designed to avoid disposal of excavated material off-site, or importation of fill, thereby avoiding indirect impacts to topography and landscape character beyond the site boundary� • Building materials and colours have been selected to reduce the visual presence of the building within the landscape�

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11.8. CONCLUSION

NATURE OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS 11.8.9 These adverse impacts should be considered temporary in nature, 11.8.16 Adverse impacts would be long-term and permanent, and would being experienced only by current occupiers� Future occupiers affect a number of private residential properties immediately Visual Resource with no prior knowledge of existing views would not consider the adjacent to the site boundary, as a result of the loss of open views proposed development unpleasant or uncharacteristic of the site or across an agricultural and in parts semi-rural landscape� These 11.8.1 It has been assessed that the site has limited scope to cause it’s setting� effects would be experienced by the current occupiers of these changes to general public visual amenity, as the site is visually properties only, and would not affect the wider population. contained� 11.8.10 The proposal plan has included specific measures to minimise the visual impacts experienced by these properties, specifically: 11.8.17 The development would not result in the loss of any significant 11.8.2 There is the potential for some local scale adverse impacts, cultural or historically important views. Future owners of the affected but these are limited to private residential properties located • The retention and enhancement of existing boundary vegetation properties are unlikely to consider the proposed development as immediately adjacent to the site on the northern edge of the Twydall with new woodland planting� unpleasant or uncharacteristic of the setting� and Rainham urban area and a small number of properties along Landscape Resource Pump Lane, Lower Bloors Lane to the east and Lower Rainham to Landscape Resource the north-east� 11.8.11 The likely impacts and effects that may arise from the proposed 11.8.18 It is concluded that the site, its immediate surroundings and development are reasonably limited and relate almost exclusively 11.8.3 Overall the visual landscape can be said to have a Moderate its wider landscape context has a moderate capacity to to the resulting effect of a change in land use and a change in the susceptibility to the proposed development� The development would accommodate the development. Changes in key landscape shape of the settlement envelope of Twydall and Rainham� be visible from a localised area adjacent to the site where views into resources and overall landscape character would be limited to site the site are currently of an agricultural landscape� The nature of the 11.8.12 The proposed development will result in a change of land use and only and can be mitigated within the design of the development� proposed development is assessed to have a similar characteristic is of a scale that it will change the landscape character of the site at of the nearby residential area of Twydall and Rainham� OVERALL CONCLUSION a local scale� 11.8.4 11.8.19 This assessment concludes that the proposed site has a moderate A view from the section of bridleway (GB6A) has been identified 11.8.13 Although the development would fundamentally change the within the centre of the site� The visible elements of new capacity to accommodate the proposed development� Its visual appearance and nature of the site, this would not cause a development would form the majority of the view with the removal impact is moderate when seen from afar and these, as well as significant change in the wider landscape character. The site is major/moderate adjacent views, can be mitigated within the design of the agricultural landscape, significantly altering the amenity value visually contained by the railway line and edge of the Twydall and of the view� of the Proposed Development� Rainham urban area to the south and by Lower Rainham Road and the settlement of Lower Rainham to the north� These exert an urban 11.8.5 A medium distance view (1�3km) from a section of the Saxon Shore 11.8.20 The majority of the residential development was assumed to be two influence onto the northern and southern boundaries of the site. Way long distance footpath to the east has been identified. The storeys with occasional two and a half and three storey elements visible elements of new development would form a minor part of the ABILITY TO ACCOMMODATE DEVELOPMENT included to add variety to the roofscapes as part of the urban distant view and would have a low effect on the amenity value of design mix� the view� Visual Resource 11.8.21 It is concluded that the proposed development is of an appropriate 11.8.6 The impact of the proposed development upon these views from 11.8.14 It is assessed that the site, its immediate surroundings and the type, scale massing and appearance for its setting, and although the PRoWs would be adverse� wider landscape has a moderate, capacity to accommodate the the landscape and visual character of the site itself would be proposed development� fundamentally changed, this would not cause an adverse change in 11.8.7 The proposed development does have the potential to cause the prevailing landscape and visual character of the wider area� adverse impacts upon views from a number of residential properties 11.8.15 The site is visually contained and would be seen from only a small located adjacent to and overlooking the site from the south, north number of publicly accessible locations� From these locations it has and the east� been assessed that the development would not have a significant effect upon the general visual character of the wider landscape. 11.8.8 These adverse impacts would be due to the change in land use from a predominantly rural agricultural landscape with urban fringe edges to a residential urban area�

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11.9. APPENDIX 1: METHODOLOGY

ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY SCOPING • The topic or issue is not present within the defined study area or is at a sufficient distance away from the site of the proposal, that 11.9.1 The diagram below indicates the process that has been followed in 11.9.5 The purpose of the preliminary scoping exercise is to: it can be readily accepted that there would be no potential for any undertaking this assessment. The ‘Significance of Effects’ section • Define the extent of the study area. impact or change to occur� is only undertaken for assessments requiring a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for the purposes of Environmental • Identify the relevant sources of landscape and visual information� • Although the proposal would result in an impact or change upon a topic or issue, the change is considered to be of an insignificant Impact Assessment (EIA)� Identify the nature of possible impacts, in particular those • scale compared to the size and scale of the topic being which are considered likely to occur and to be relevant to this affected. An example would be the effect that a small domestic SCOPING assessment� development might have on a National Character Area� • Identify the main receptors of the potential landscape and visual effects. ESTABLISHING BASELINE STUDIES BASELINE STUDIES • Establish the extent and appropriate level of detail required for 11.9.12 The purpose of baseline studies is to establish the existing the baseline studies, including identifying those issues which can landscape and visual conditions against which the proposal will be be ‘scoped out’ from further assessment� assessed� DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 11.9.6 The scoping exercise is completed by undertaking a preliminary 11.9.13 In terms of landscape this process will identify the constituent desktop study of the site, its immediate surroundings and the elements, features and characteristics of the landscape, and the proposed scheme, to identify possible impacts and effects. way these interact and vary spatially� It will establish the condition IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTS of these components, the way that the landscape is experienced, Establishing the Study Area and the value or importance attached to them� 11.9.7 In determining an appropriate study area for assessment, it 11.9.14 In terms of visual amenity, the baseline study will establish the area SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS is important to distinguish between the study of the physical from which the development may be visible, the different groups landscape and the study of visual amenity� The study area required (Required for EIA ONLY) of people (receptors) who may experience views, the location and for analysis of the physical landscape is focused on the immediate nature of existing views and the visual amenity at these points� locality of the identified site, but must include sufficient area to place the site into its wider landscape context� Desktop Study CONCLUSION 11.9.8 The study area for the visual assessment extends to the whole 11.9.15 The first stage of the baseline work is a desktop study of relevant ASSESSMENT TABLES & MATRICES of the area from which the site is visible and/or the proposed available background information relating to the site and its development would be visible� surroundings� 11.9.2 To assist with the assessment process a number of standard tables and matrices are provided in Tables A to I within this methodology� Scoping Out 11.9.16 Principal sources of such information include: • The local planning authority� 11.9.3 These tables are intended as an initial guide to enable the assessor 11.9.9 Directive 2014/52/EU states that the emphasis of LVIA should be to consistently identify a common starting point or value against on identification of the likely “Significant” environmental effects and • Existing National, Regional, District and Local Landscape the need for an approach that is appropriate and proportional to the which to assess individual aspects of a specific project. They Character Area Assessments� scale of the project being assessed� contain generic classifications relating primarily to landscape • Statutory consultants including Historic England and the character and views, upon which site specific judgements and 11.9.10 Only topics and issues which are relevant should be included within Environment Agency� descriptions can be formulated� the LVIA� This approach is also considered to remain appropriate • Online national and regional mapping resources� 11.9.4 There are often instances where dynamic values can fall between for non EIA projects� categories set out in the tables / matrices, requiring the assessor to 11.9.11 It may therefore be appropriate to ‘scope out’ certain topics and use professional judgement in reaching a conclusion, supported by effects from the outset, on the grounds that they are not significant explanatory text� or are disproportionate for the following reasons:

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11.9.17 Typical baseline information may include: 11.9.22 The combination of the above components creates areas with a 11.9.27 Urban areas are often omitted from national and regional landscape unique sense of place or ‘character’, which can be mapped and assessments due to the complex nature of the urban fabric, • Aerial imagery� defined as Landscape Character Areas (LCAs). preventing the definition of broad character types. For this reason, • Topography� a separate project-specific ‘Townscape Character Assessment’ may Townscape Character Assessment • Soils and geology� be necessary to identify different townscape character zones and components within the urban fabric, and within the local study area� • Land cover� 11.9.23 Certain projects require an assessment of townscape character� The nature of townscapes requires particular understanding of a • Protective designations� 11.9.28 It may sometimes be necessary to rule out or otherwise interpret range of different factors that together, distinguish different parts of the content of existing landscape character assessments and their • Historic context and features� built up areas, including: findings, especially if baseline conditions at the site-specific level • Land use� • The context or setting of the urban area and its relationship with are at variance with the broader landscape character classification. Public rights of way� the wider landscape� • 11.9.29 Within the local study area, a number of distinct character areas are • Existing evaluation and assessment studies� • Topography and its relationship with urban form� identified or defined. Each area has its own distinctive character • The grain of the built form and its relationship with historic defined by a Landscape Character Area (LCA) or Townscape Field Study patterns� Character Area (TCA)�

11.9.18 Information collated in the desktop study is then checked and • The layout, scale and density of built form and building types, Visual Amenity Assessment confirmed by direct field observations, particularly in urban and including architectural style, period and materials� urban fringe areas where maps and aerial data can be out of date, 11.9.30 Baseline analysis of visual conditions provides a concise • Patterns of land use, past and present� or difficult to interpret. description of the prevailing visual characteristics and visual • The distribution and role of open green space and urban amenity of the study area landscape, in terms of pattern, scale, Landscape Character Area Assessment vegetation� texture, complexity, unity, form and enclosure� • The type, character and quality of open space and public realm� 11.9.19 Analysis of baseline landscape conditions provides a concise 11.9.31 The visual baseline also identifies the different groups and numbers description of the existing elements, features, characteristics, • Access and connectivity� of people who may experience views of the development, the character, quality and extent of the site and its surroundings� locations where these views will be experienced, and the nature of The role of existing Character Area Assessments the existing view at these points� Landscape Character Assessment 11.9.24 Landscape character assessments have been carried out by a Zone of Theoretical Visibility 11.9.20 Landscape assessment encompasses the appraisal of physical, number of authorities at a range of scales, from National and aesthetic and intangible attributes including sense of place, rarity or Regional, down to District and Local levels� 11.9.32 For some projects, visual baseline conditions can be established uniformity, and unspoilt appearance� by identifying the area from which a proposal is, theoretically, likely 11.9.25 Existing assessments are reviewed critically before use, to ensure to be visible� This can be established by producing a ‘Zone of 11.9.21 A distinction is made between: that they are accurate, current and relevant to the assessment Theoretical Visibility’ (ZTV) using specialist software packages and • The elements that make up the landscape, including; process in hand� They are checked to establish their current survey data, or through traditional manual mapping� status (adopted, unadopted, advisory or superseded)� They are - Physical components, such as geology, soils, landform and also reviewed to determine the scale and level of detail of the 11.9.33 In many situations, however, it can be extremely difficult to establish drainage� assessment, and how this relates to the proposed development� a reliable ZTV on these methods alone, due to anomalies caused - Land cover� by the presence of existing built development and vegetation cover 11.9.26 Many national and regional landscape character assessments are within the study area� In these circumstances manual study of - Influence of human activity, current and past, including land based on too large a scale to be of real benefit in assessing local mapping is recommended to establish an initial ZTV, which can use and management, settlement and development patterns� or district scale development projects, and require sub-division then be checked on site by direct field observation to establish the • Aesthetic and perceptual aspects, such as scale, complexity, into local sub-character areas. These are more specific to the primary locations from where the site, and the future development, openness and tranquillity� study area and allow a more thorough assessment of the potential would be visible� impacts of a development upon sub-components that combine to • Analysis of the way in which these components interact to create create the larger ‘Character Area Classifications’. the distinctive characteristics of the landscape�

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Height of the Observer Secondary Receptors • Illustrative viewpoints. Chosen to demonstrate a particular effect or issue. 11.9.34 For the purposes of the production of ZTVs, site surveys and 11.9.40 These are views from locations and / or by receptors where the baseline photography, it has been assumed that (unless stated visual amenity value of the available view is considered to be Representative views otherwise) the observer eye height is between 1�5 to 1�7m above low� This might be due to the nature of activity being undertaken ground level, based upon the mid-point of average heights for men at the location, or by the receptor (such as views from, or in 11.9.48 The approach to visual assessment requires that assessed views and women� close proximity to, areas of active recreation, major transport are representative of the wider general viewing experience� interchanges, major roads and railway lines and places of work or Selected viewpoints should be unbiased and should aim to Identifying Potential Visual Receptors employment)� This may also be due to the nature or quality of the represent the full range of viewing experiences available within the available view and its setting (such as views from locations in close study area� 11.9.35 Once the physical nature, dimensions and precise location of the proximity to major detracting visual features, such as damaged or proposed development has been established, it is possible to 11.9.49 derelict land or buildings)� In selecting the final representative viewpoints consideration has identify the type of visual receptor(s) who would be affected. This therefore been given to: could be a wide range of people including those living in the area, 11.9.41 These also include views from locations where the number of • Public accessibility� those who work there and those who are passing through en route receptors is likely to be low, or the nature of the view is glimpsed, Number and sensitivity of viewers� to a different destination. There may also be people visiting specific fragmented or gained from within a moving vehicle� • attractions and locations, or those engaged in a recreational activity� • Viewing direction, distance and elevation� Tertiary Receptors 11.9.36 These receptors will experience the landscape setting in different • Nature of the viewing experience (static, moving)� ways, depending on the context (location, time of day, season, 11.9.42 These are views from the least sensitive locations and / or • Type of view (panoramic, vista, glimpsed)� degree of exposure), and the purpose of the activity they are receptors, who will in fact, be ‘scoped-out’ of further assessment� undertaking (recreation, residence, employment or journey)� 11.9.50 Selected viewpoints should include locations from all geographic 11.9.43 Tertiary receptors are locations with very low, or no existing visual directions, at a range of distances� They should not focus just on 11.9.37 Visual receptors can be divided into three categories which reflect amenity, due to lack of available publicly accessible views, or where locations where the development might be visible or equally not their relative sensitivity to changes in the view, derived from the the setting or view is damaged or adversely affected by existing visible� They should represent the full range of views to ensure that context and purpose of their viewing experience: detracting visual features within the landscape� the visual effect of a development is not over, or under-represented. • Primary� 11.9.44 These also include long distance views where the introduction of Baseline Photography • Secondary� new development into the view is unlikely to alter its overall nature, 11.9.51 The following paragraphs set out the detailed methodology that • Tertiary� character or emphasis� has been followed in taking the baseline photography for the visual Primary Receptors Selecting Key Viewpoint Locations assessment� 11.9.45 From the preliminary desktop studies it is possible to identify key 11.9.38 These are views from / by the most sensitive locations and / or Camera, lens and focal length locations within the study area, which have the potential to provide receptors, and include locations with high visual amenity due views of the proposed development� 11.9.52 The camera used was a digital Nixon D7100 fitted with a fixed to their historic or cultural significance (such as designated 35mm AF-S NIKKOR lens, which results in an equivalent 50mm landscapes or tourist attractions), or high quality or importance 11.9.46 Following verification on site, viewpoints that characterise the views (such as views from public rights of way, areas of passive focal length which is within the “standard” focal length range. of the proposed development and those which are of particular recreation or residential properties)� relevance in terms of their location or with particular features of Camera location, support and height importance or sensitivity, are then selected� 11.9.39 These also include views from locations in close proximity to 11.9.53 The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto 055XB tripod using a the site from where the greatest magnitude of change may be 11.9.47 These viewpoints can be divided into the following three groups: Manfrotto 808RC4 3-way tripod head with dual-axis levelling base experienced� and a Manfrotto MA454 micro positioning plate, which enables the • Representative Viewpoints. Views which represent the camera’s nodal point to be accurately aligned directly above the experience of different types of receptor and / or of views, from a viewpoint location, and enables the camera to rotate around the number of similar locations, where the effect is unlikely to differ. nodal point to eliminate parallax error when taking panoramic views� • Specific Viewpoints. Views from specific locations where the value of the view is acknowledged, such as views from visitor 11.9.54 The height of the camera’s nodal point is then set, as close as attractions, or designated historic or cultural viewpoints and possible to the average human eye level of 1�5 to 1�7m above landmarks� ground level�

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Recorded Data 11.9.61 If appropriate the camera may be tilted either up or down to 11.9.68 Photomontages and visualisations, where used, are created by accurately represent the nature of the view that would be constructing an accurate three dimensional block model of the 11.9.55 The position of the individual viewpoints are located and confirmed experienced by the receptor. In some situations the effect of proposed development using computer software, and accurately on site and marked using a Garmin� If the photos are intended topography or key focal points and features may draw the eye up or matching perspective views of this model with the original for the purpose of producing CGIs, the photos are taken on site in down from the horizontal� photographs� the presence of a surveyor to accurately record the position of the camera and any entities within the captured single frame that may 11.9.62 A bearing between the camera position and the fixed control point PROJECT DESCRIPTION be used for the alignment of the CGI into the photograph� If there within the proposed application site was then established using are no suitable entites within the single frame, survey poles are a hand held Garmin Oregon 550t GPS and the direction of the 11.9.69 The purpose of this section of the report is to: placed within the foreground and surveyed� These poles are then camera view aligned accordingly to this bearing� • Identify the key features and components of the proposed used for the alignment� development, upon which the assessment will be based� This Panoramic Photography & Stitching includes where appropriate; location; function; layout; scale; 11.9.56 For each viewpoint location and photograph the following baseline massing; architectural style; materials; textures; colour; phasing 11.9.63 Panoramic images are best stitched when sufficient overlap data was recorded: and life span� between the images is provided� Therefore a 1/2 overlap of each • Viewpoint location, co-ordinates ( longitude / latitude - OSGB picture was allowed for� The panoramic images were taken using • Identify the essential aspects of the scheme that will potentially datum)� the camera’s built in guidelines on the display� The guidelines give rise to effects on landscape and visual amenity. divide the picture into thirds, both vertically, horizontally and • Date and time of photograph� • Set out any assumptions that have been made regarding the diagonally to clearly identify the centre point of the image� • Elevation of camera location� nature of the proposed development in the absence of firm or clear details at the time of assessment� • Camera bearing� 11.9.64 Panoramic images were stitched together using the automated ‘photomerge’ facility in Adobe Photoshop (Creative Cloud)� The • Describe any preliminary mitigation measures which have been • Distance from the site� ‘cylindrical’ setting was used, so that the software initially aligns the built into the finalised scheme as part of the iterative design 11.9.57 In addition, the following information was manually recorded: images by comparing the duplicated elements between them, and process to help avoid, minimise or compensate for anticipated then allows for focal distortion associated with single frame 50mm impacts� • Written description of each location� photographs� The ‘auto blend’ setting was selected to enable the • Height of the camera’s nodal point from the ground� production of a seamless single image� During this process the software determines the best line for the join between the separate Camera’s vertical angle� • images and adjusts the overall brightness of the individual images • Weather conditions to produce a consistent appearance�

Camera Settings Photomontage and Visualisations

11.9.58 The camera was set to ‘manually focus’, so that it remains 11.9.65 A combination of single frame and panoramic photographs from consistent for each viewpoint image and for each image used in the identified viewpoints and visual receptor locations are taken at eye creation of panoramas� height of approximately 1�6m, using a tripod mounted camera with a 50mm lens� 11.9.59 The camera aperture size is set initially to auto, to allow the camera to select the correct aperture size to suit the prevailing 11.9.66 For each viewpoint location and photograph, detailed baseline data atmospheric conditions. For accurate depth of field an aperture is recorded to allow accurate assessment of potential effects, and setting of between f5�6 and f8 is required� In the event that the auto to allow accurate production where required, of photomontages and setting produces a setting outside this range, the aperture setting is visualisations� manually adjusted up or down to either f5�6 or f8 as appropriate� 11.9.67 Certain factors associated with visual assessment (such as 11.9.60 The exposure setting is set to ‘automatic’ and centre weighted to weather / climatic conditions, time / seasonal changes, methods of ensure that minor changes in light levels between photographs photographic reproduction), may vary� It is recommended that all can be compensated for� This is of particular importance for taking viewpoints be visited in person by the relevant decision-makers to panoramic views where the images will ultimately be stitched gain a clearer understanding of the real view which is afforded at together� any given point in time�

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IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTS Size / Scale 11.9.78 The reversibility is defined on a two point scale: • Permanent (change cannot be reversed, or there is no intention 11.9.70 The purpose of this section of the report is to identify and describe 11.9.75 A judgement is made on the size or scale of the change that will that it will be reversed)� the potential impacts and effects that may result from the proposed occur� It is expressed on a four-point scale of Major, Moderate, development upon landscape and visual resources, and to establish Minor or Negligible, and takes into account: • Temporary (change has a defined life span and will, or can be reversed on cessation)� which of these are considered to be ‘significant’, thereby requiring • The extent of existing landscape elements that will be lost, further assessment� the proportion of the total extent that these represent and the Other factors which influence Visual Magnitude contribution this makes to the character of the landscape or view� 11.9.71 There is no prescribed formula to establish the likely significant 11.9.79 In relation to visual amenity and when determining size / scale, effects that may result from a proposed development. This process • The extent of the view that would be occupied by the proposed takes systematic analysis of the range of possible interactions development (glimpsed, partial or full) and the proportion of the geographic extent and duration, it is also necessary to consider the between components of the proposed development throughout its proposed development that would be visible� following variables, which can influence how a change to a view lifecycle, and the baseline landscape and visual resource� can be perceived or observed: • The degree to which the aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape or view are altered by the removal, or addition of • Elevation and distance� The distance and angle of view of the Nature of Change (Magnitude of Impact) certain features� A judgement is also made as to whether the viewpoint from the proposed development, and how this may affect a receptor’s ability to identify the development within the 11.9.72 Potential impacts are identified by describing the change to the proposed development contrasts in form or character with its view� baseline situation of individual landscape or visual receptors surroundings, and / or whether the development appears as an resulting from the different components of the development. These extension or addition to the original context of the view� • Exposure� The duration and nature of the view (fragmented, can include the following: • Whether or not the impact changes the key characteristics of the glimpsed, intermittent or continuous)� • A change in and / or partial, or complete loss of elements, receiving landscape� • Prominence� Whether or not the view would focus on the features or aesthetic aspects that contribute to the landscape or • The rapidity of the process of change in the landscape or view� proposed development� For example, where a building would visual character� effectively create a landmark, or the view is directed towards a Geographic Extent building by the landscape framework, or the development forms • The addition of new elements or features that will influence one element in a panoramic view� character� 11.9.76 The area over which the effect will be felt is identified on a four point • Weather conditions / aspect. The effect of the prevailing • The combined effects of the above on overall character. scale of: weather conditions at a given location, the clarity of the • Site. Within the development itself� atmosphere or the angle and direction of the sun and how this 11.9.73 The nature of any identified impact is considered in terms of whether it is: • Local. Within the immediate setting of the site� impacts upon visibility� • Direct / Indirect or Secondary� • District. Within the landscape type / character area in which the • Seasonal variation� Changes in seasonal weather conditions proposal lies� and vegetation cover will alter the extent of visibility of a • Cumulative� development within a given view. This will in turn, influence • Regional. Within the immediate landscape type / character area • Short / Medium or Long-term in duration� factors such as the perceived size, scale, exposure and in which the proposal lies, and those immediately adjoining it� prominence� • Permanent or Temporary� Duration & Reversibility • Beneficial / Adverse, or Neutral. 11.9.77 The duration of the period over which the effect will occur is defined Establishing Magnitude using a three point scale of: 11.9.74 The consideration of the ‘magnitude’ of each identified impact will • Short-term (0-5yrs)� include: • Medium-term (6-10yrs)� • Size / scale� • Long-term (11+ years)� • Geographic extent� • Duration / reversibility�

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Magnitude of Change Beneficial, Adverse or Neutral Table B: Significant Effect Definition.

11.9.80 The above factors are then combined to define the nature, or 11.9.81 The LVIA Guidelines require attributes of ‘Beneficial’, ‘Adverse’ or Value Definition ‘magnitude’ of change, using a three point scale of High, Medium or ‘Neutral’ to be assigned to an assessed effect. Low, as set out in Table A� A significant effect will be generally consistent with the following 11.9.82 Definitions of these are included in the ‘definitions and terminology’ criteria: Table A: Magnitude of Change. section of the methodology and will be based largely upon an individual’s perception and experience and is a challenging - It would be Permanent� exercise, because what one person considers to be beneficial, - It would be continuous or frequent in occurrence� Value Classification Criteria another may consider adverse�

Significant - It would be Medium to Long-term� A change of high magnitude will be generally consistent with the 11.9.83 This process is based upon an informed professional judgement, following criteria for a given development proposal: - It would clearly be Adverse or Beneficial in nature. which considers a range of criteria that may include: - It would be of a major size / scale, - It would be of High or Medium Magnitude� • The degree to which the proposed development is considered to An insignificant effect will be generally consistent with the - It would be prominent / dominant, be characteristic, or uncharacteristic of the receiving landscape following criteria:

High - It would be of a District to Regional extent, or view� - It would be Temporary� - It would be of a long-term duration, • The contribution that the development itself may make to the quality, condition and character of the landscape or visual - It would be occasional or sporadic in occurrence� - It would be permanent in nature, resource� - It would be Short-term� Insignificant - It would be continuous in occurrence� - It would be Neutral in nature� A change of medium magnitude will be generally consistent with ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS the following criteria for a given development proposal; - It would of Low Magnitude� Identify ‘Significant’ Effects - It would be of a moderate size / scale, 11.9.84 The emphasis on likely ‘significant effects’ in formal LVIA stresses - It would be noticeable / recognisable the need for an approach that is proportional to the scale of the - It would be of a Local to District extent, project that is being assessed and the nature of its likely effects. Medium The same principle - focussing on a proportional approach – also - It would be of a medium-term duration, applies to appraisals of landscape and visual impacts outside the - It would be either permanent or temporary in nature, formal requirements of EIA’ (GLVIA3 Statement of Clarification 1/13 - It would be intermittent in occurrence� June 2013) [Ref 9�9]� A change of low magnitude will generally consistent with the 11.9.85 LVIA is concerned only with ‘Significant’ effects, and it is possible following criteria for a given development proposal; that some identified effects are judged unlikely to occur, or would - It would be of a minor size / scale, be so insignificant that it is not necessary to consider them further. - It would be obscure / inconspicuous, Some early identified effects may also have been avoided or reduced as part of the iterative design process�

Low - It would be of a Site to Local extent,

- It would be of a short-term duration, 11.9.86 For each identified effect, a judgement is therefore made as to whether the nature of the effect can be considered be ‘Significant’ - It would be temporary in nature, or ‘Insignificant’, as defined by the two-point scale provided in Table - It would be occasional in occurrence� 9�2�

11.9.87 For more complex projects and for EIA related assessments, it is necessary to consider the ‘significance’ of effects, and to establish a distinction between effects of differing scale, using a four-point scale of Major / Moderate / Minor / Negligible, as set out in Table B�

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Establishing Baseline Landscape & Visual Amenity Value 11.9.93 The presence of a landscape designation is not a guaranteed indicator of the physical condition and quality of a landscape component or area� It is possible for a landscape to have the highest level of national designation and value, but due to poor management it could be of a poor or derelict condition� 11.9.88 For each of the identified landscape components, character areas / types and / or views, it is important to establish their baseline Value Table C: Landscape & Visual Amenity Importance by considering: Landscape / Visual Amenity Importance� The importance of an • Importance Typical Designation Typical Landscape Classification Criteria Typical Visual Amenity Classification Criteria individual component, area of landscape or existing view at a specific scale, and the group to which it is important and why. Of exceptional landscape condition and scenic quality� Public views from, and of International, National and International, or National level Containing highly valued, rare or unusual features / Regional protected landscapes and features, such Landscape / Visual Amenity Condition� The physical and • designations including World elements which are considered irreplaceable and worthy as World Heritage Sites, National Parks, AONBs, the Highest aesthetic state of an individual component, area of landscape or Heritage Site, Scheduled Monument, of conservation and protection, with strong and important settings of Scheduled Ancient Monuments or Grade existing view� National Parks, AONB� cultural and historic associations and high recreational I listed buildings� value� Recognised strategic views� 11.9.89 The five-point criteria used to establish baseline importance and National, Regional, or District Public views from, and of District or Borough condition , as set out in Tables C and D� level designations including Of very good landscape condition and scenic quality� level protected landscapes and features such as Archaeological Important Areas, Containing valued and locally rare, historic and cultural Conservation Areas, Local landscape designations Landscape Importance & Condition Scheduled Ancient Monuments, features/elements which are considered worthy of (AHLV, ALLI etc), protected Public Open Space or High Listed Buildings, Conservation protection with limited potential for substitution� the settings of Grade II listed buildings� 11.9.90 Value can apply to areas of landscape as a whole, or to the Areas, Tree Preservation Orders Rich cultural associations and a recognised recreational Views from residential properties� and sites recorded on the Scheduled individual elements which contribute to the character of the and amenity value� Views from PRoWs and areas of passive recreation� Monuments Register (SMR) or landscape, in terms of their importance, either though historic National Monuments Register (NMR)� Tourist attractions� or cultural association or through valued and demonstrable use� Regional or District level Of good to low landscape condition and scenic quality� Views from active recreational areas� These in turn can be valued differently by a range of receptors or undesignated, but value Lacking significant cultural or historic features worthy of Views from within major public transport at a variety of scales including community, local, national or Medium expressed through historical or conservation, but has demonstrable historical or cultural interchanges� international scales� cultural associations, or through associations, but of low rarity� Views from minor roads and rural lanes within demonstrable use� With demonstrable and valued recreation use� protected landscapes� 11.9.91 Existing landscape designations are a good starting point on which Of ordinary condition and quality, similar to many other Views from places of work and from vehicle routes to establish associated importance, but undesignated landscapes areas with little distinctiveness, and low rarity, with high such as major roads and railways� also need to be considered, and may still have value associated potential for substitution� Views from locations in close proximity to major with demonstrable use� Similarly, areas within a designated District level designations or Remnant historic or cultural landscape features may transport corridors� Low landscape can be of poor quality and low value and not contribute undesignated� remain, but are degraded or out of context� Potential for Views from any location identified above, that is in directly or positively to the valued character of the landscape enhancement� close proximity to a significant detracting feature covered by the designation� Limited recreational or amenity value and no demonstrable that influences the setting of the view, such as a historic or cultural associations� motorway, airport, or major industrial activity� 11.9.92 Factors which have been considered in establishing the baseline Of poor condition and quality, may include damaged or derelict landscape� landscape importance include: Area without public views� No historic or cultural landscape features considered Lowest undesignated� Views from publicly inaccessible privately owned • Landscape and scenic quality� worthy of protection� land� • Rarity� Lacking any cultural, historic or recreational features, or associations worthy of conservation� • Conservation interest� • Cultural and Historic association� • Recreational Value�

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11.9.94 Some urban areas of poor landscape condition / quality are Table D: Landscape & Visual Amenity Condition. ‘washed over’ by AONB designations� On the other hand, undesignated landscapes may locally be of exceptional quality and Importance Typical Landscape Classification Criteria Typical Visual Amenity Classification Criteria condition, which may result in them having a value exceeding that usually expected in an undesignated landscape� Very attractive landscape with a unique sense of place� Views of beautiful and culturally valued landscapes or features� Distinctive structure, and pattern, balanced combination of land form and land Views with no visual detractors present� 11.9.95 In determining a value for a landscape area or component within cover� Views which are considered to be stimulating or inspiring, where visible a study area, it is necessary to review the condition of the element Unified landscape with a diverse, stimulating environment and high level of components have a dominant and unified pattern, are well proportioned present within the study area, to see if a departure from the typical human comfort� and balanced in composition and nature, and are of an appropriate scale, value associated with landscape designations is required� Well maintained and appropriate management for the land use�

Exceptional arrangement and character to each other and their setting� Widespread use of high quality materials, with attractive visual detail and Views from locations which are perceived to be intimate, remote, and / or distinctive features worthy of conservation� Visual Importance & Condition visual experiences associated directly with recreational activities� No detracting features� 11.9.96 The sensitivity of visual receptors at any given location relates to Views of attractive and culturally valued landscapes or features� Attractive landscape with a strong sense of place� Views with only limited or small number of visual detractors present� the associated amenity value of the view at that location� Strong structure and patterns, harmonious relationship between land form and land cover� Views which are considered to be challenging, where the visible 11.9.97 components have a strong, but interrupted pattern, are reasonably well Views from valued landscapes and features, public paths or Landscape promotes social interaction with high levels of activity and few proportioned and balanced in composition and nature, and are generally of footpaths and residences, where the view is key to its quality, are conflicts between traffic and pedestrian movements. an appropriate scale, arrangement and character to each other and their

considered most likely to be sensitive to change� Transient views Good Very Appropriate management for the land use with limited scope to improve� setting� from roads or views from workplaces, schools or retail areas, where Use of good quality, locally characteristic materials and detailing� Views from locations which are perceived to be comfortable, vacant, and / the view is not likely to be key to the quality of the activity, are likely No significant detracting features. or associated directly with recreational activities� to be less sensitive� Attractive landscape with a local sense of place� Views of pleasant landscapes and features� Recognisable landscape structure with characteristic patterns still evident� 11.9.98 As with landscape value, the value placed upon any given view Views with visual detractors, that form noticeable components of the view� is a combination of the importance of the view, and its quality Landscape supports social interaction; traffic and pedestrian movements Views which are considered to be interesting, where the visible components coexist with limited conflicts. have a broken and / or fragmented pattern, are poorly proportioned and and condition� Views of highly attractive and pleasant landscapes

Good Scope to improve management for land use� balanced in composition and nature, and are of an inappropriate scale, with no detracting features or activities, would be more sensitive Some features worthy of conservation� arrangement and / or character to each other and their setting� to change than views of derelict or damaged landscapes with Some detracting features, but retains essential characteristics� Views from locations which are perceived to be safe, peaceful, and / or numerous and prominent detracting features� Potential for enhancement� associated equally with both recreational and functional activities� Typical and unremarkable landscape where development is primarily functional� Distinguishable structure, but characteristic patterns possibly degraded by Views of unpleasant and unvalued landscape or features� unsympathetic land use� Views with visual detractors, that form significant components of the view. Opportunities for social interaction limited to specific ‘community’ locations. Views which are considered to be bland, where the visible components Traffic circulation often controls pedestrian movement. have a weak or chaotic pattern, are very poorly proportioned and balanced Scope to improve management for land use� in composition and nature, and are notably of an inappropriate scale, Ordinary Little indication of local distinctiveness, with widespread use of standard arrangement and character to each other and their setting� materials and detailing� Views from locations which are perceived to be unsettling, busy, and / or Remnant distinctive features no longer in context� associated primarily with functional activities� Numerous detracting features� Monotonous / uniform landscape in poor condition or in decline with many damaged or derelict sites� Lacking in structure, and characteristic patterns Views of damaged and derelict landscapes and features� masked by dominant mixed and poorly related, or single land use� Poor Views where large or numerous detractors dominate the view� boundary definition and arbitrary ‘disowned’ space. Views which are considered to be monotonous, where visible components Development is often unsympathetic in scale� have a weak chaotic pattern, and where components are poorly Few opportunities for social interaction, unwelcoming or even threatening� proportioned and unbalanced in composition and nature, and are totally Poor Transport infrastructure may inhibit or severely constrain pedestrian movement� inappropriate in scale, arrangement and character to each other and their setting� Lack of management has resulted in degradation� Views from locations which are perceived to be threatening, monotonous, Derelict land requiring treatment� busy and unpleasant, and associated primarily with non-recreational Inappropriate use of materials, or use of materials with a limited life span� activities� Frequent dominant detracting features�

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Landscape and Visual Amenity Value 11.9.103 In determining visual susceptibility the occupation or activity of the Sensitivity to Change visual receptor, and the extent to which their attention will focus on 11.9.99 In order to arrive at a useful and meaningful baseline ‘value’ for a the view of the development, also needs to be considered� 11.9.105 Assessed value will have been based in part upon existing given landscape component, character area or view, it is necessary landscape designations, together with an assessment of value to combine the judgements on importance and condition described 11.9.104 Judgements about susceptibility are recorded on a three point scale through demonstrable use, or cultural or historic relevance for above� This method is set out in Tables E of High, Medium or Low, as defined in Table F� undesignated landscapes�

Table E: Landscape & Visual Amenity Value. Table F: Susceptibility Rating 11.9.106 The relationship between ‘Value’ and ‘Susceptibility’ is complex and a high assessed value will not automatically result in a high susceptibility, as this will also need to take account of: Landscape / Visual Importance Value Definition Table G: Sensitivity to Change Rating. A landscape resource / type / character area, or visual resource Highest High Medium Low Lowest / location / receptor with a high ability to accommodate the Value proposed development, in terms of its type / location / scale /

High / Medium Low Exceptional High High Medium Medium to/ Low massing / appearance / setting / character and / or compliance High Medium Low with Planning Policy / Strategies (if applicable)� High / Medium High High Medium Low Very Good High Medium Low Medium / Low A landscape resource / type / character area, or visual resource Medium Medium Medium Low

High to Medium / Medium / location / receptor with a medium ability to accommodate the

Good Medium Low Susceptibility Low Low Low Low Medium Low / Low proposed development, in terms of its type / location / scale / Medium massing / appearance / setting / character and / or compliance • The physical condition or quality of the component or landscape Medium / Medium / with Planning Policy / Strategies (if applicable)� Ordinary Medium Low Low resource / view, which may not be accurately reflected in an Low Low existing designation� Landscape / Visual Condition Landscape / Visual A landscape resource / type / character area, or visual resource / Medium / • How representative of the designated landscape the affected Poor Low Low Low Low location / receptor with a low ability to accommodate the proposed Low area is, and how much it directly contributes to the key development, in terms of its type / location / scale / massing /

High characteristics that help define the designated landscape. appearance / setting / character and / or compliance with Planning Susceptibility to Change Policy / Strategies (if applicable)� • How characteristic or uncharacteristic the proposed development is of the receiving landscape� 11.9.100 The LVIA Guidelines define susceptibility as follows: 11.9.107 Sensitivity is therefore based on the combined judgement of the ‘The ability of the landscape receptor (whether it be the overall ‘susceptibility’ to the type of proposed change, and the ‘value’ character or quality / condition of a particular landscape type or area, attached to the landscape resource / view� or an individual element and / or feature, or a particular aesthetic and perceptual aspect) to accommodate the proposed development 11.9.108 Judgements about sensitivity are recorded on a three-point scale without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline of High, Medium or Low, arrived at by comparing the assessed situation and / or the achievement of landscape planning policies or susceptibility and value ratings shown in Table G. strategies’.

11.9.101 Although existing sensitivity and capacity studies may be available for the proposed study area, they may not have an assessment of intrinsic baseline sensitivity which is based upon a consideration of the specific characteristics of the proposed development to be assessed�

11.9.102 It is likely that a landscape resource can have a different sensitivity to change for different kinds and scales of proposed development.

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Significance of Effect Table I: Degree Thresholds. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

11.9.109 The ‘Significance’ of a landscape or visual impact is the relationship 11.9.113 The following section establishes the key definitions and between the assessed ‘sensitivity’ to change of a landscape terminology used throughout this document and the supporting component, area or view, and the predicted ‘magnitude’ of change, Value Definition methodology� Quotes in italic are our para-phrasing from GLVIA 3� both of which exist as continuous gradients� Impact & Effect The development would result in a substantial 11.9.110 The identified sub-categories as shown in Table H and Table I, in alteration, loss or addition of a key landscape reality cover a range of values, with an area of overlap between 11.9.114 GLVIA 3 refers to the distinction made generally under European component / feature / element, which would Landscape Union Directive between the term ‘impact’, defined as ‘the action each identified category. result in a significant change to the condition, importance, value and or character of the being taken’ and the ‘effect’, defined as ‘the change resulting from 11.9.111 This means that there are occasions when a given effect can fall at landscape that action’.

the interface between assigned categories on the matrix� In these Major instances, a professional judgement has to be made where on the The development would result in the loss, or Landscape introduction of key prominent features that matrix a given impact is to be placed� View would significantly alter the visual character 11.9.115 The term ‘landscape’ within this report is taken to mean ‘an area, and amenity value of available views� 11.9.112 In accordance with the above, the following four-point contextual as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action scale is then used to define the significance of identified landscape The development would result in a noticeable and interaction of natural, cultural and/or human factors... It does impacts: alteration, loss or addition of a landscape not just mean special or designated landscapes nor only the rural component / feature / element, which would Landscape countryside, but covers all natural, rural, urban and peri-urban result in a noticeable change to the condition, Table H: Significance of Effect. areas including land, inland water and marine areas, and includes importance, value and / or character of the areas which are considered outstanding, everyday and degraded in landscape� condition’. Sensitivity The development would result in the loss, or Moderate introduction of a noticeable, but not dominant High Medium Low Townscape View feature that would cause a noticeable change Major / in the visual character and amenity value of High Major Moderate 11.9.116 The definition of the term ‘townscape’ within this report is taken Moderate available views� to mean ‘an area where the built environment is dominant, areas Major / Moderate / The development would result in an alteration, Medium Moderate within the built up area, including buildings, the relationship Moderate Minor loss or addition of a landscape component

Magnitude Moderate / Landscape / feature / element which would result in a between them as well as the urban open spaces between them’. Low Moderate Minor Minor minor change to the condition, importance, value and / or character of the landscape� Landscape Resource & Visual Amenity

Minor The development would result in the loss, or 11.9.117 Landscape and visual assessments are independent but related introduction of a feature that would cause a View small, but not prominent change in the visual issues; character and amenity value of available • Landscape assessment analyses the effect on the landscape as views� a resource�

• Visual assessment analyses the effect on specific views and on the general visual amenity experienced by people�

Landscape Resource (Character)

11.9.118 Landscape character results from the ‘interplay of the physical, natural and cultural components of our surroundings. Different combinations of these elements and their spatial distribution create the distinctive character of landscape in different places, allowing different landscapes to be mapped analysed and described’. This process enables the establishment of discrete ‘Landscape Character Areas’�

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Visual Amenity Sensitivity (Nature of Receptor) Neutral Effect

11.9.119 Refers to the overall pleasantness (or otherwise) of views 11.9.127 ‘Sensitivity’ is defined as ‘a term applied to specific receptors, 11.9.132 Some impacts may result in a combination of positive and negative experienced by people, providing a visual setting for a range of combining judgements of the susceptibility of the receptor to the effects, resulting on balance, in a ‘neutral’ effect overall. activities being undertaken� specific type of change or development proposed and the value related to that receptor’. 11.9.133 A neutral effect may also refer to an identified effect which would Landscape Value be of a magnitude and / or nature that would be negligible, or of Magnitude of Effect (Nature of Change) an in scale / magnitude in relation to the baseline condition of a 11.9.120 Refers to the relative value placed upon a resource by society� It landscape resource or view being assessed that it would not be is a arrived at by combining judgements on the importance of the 11.9.128 Refers to the combined judgement about the size and scale of significant. It would represent neither a beneficial, nor an adverse resource with its condition and quality� an effect, the extent of the area over which it occurs, whether it is outcome� reversible or irreversible and its duration� 11.9.121 ‘Landscape quality (condition)’ is defined as ‘a measure of the Direct Effect physical state of the landscape. It may include the extent to which Degree of Effect typical character is represented in individual areas, the intactness of 11.9.134 A direct effect is ‘an effect that is directly attributable to the the landscape and the condition of individual elements’� 11.9.129 Is a measure of the overall ‘scale of change’ resulting from the proposed development’. environmental effect, defined by criteria relating to the interaction of Landscape Effects magnitude and sensitivity� Indirect Effect

11.9.122 Landscape effects derive from changes to the physical components Beneficial (Positive) Effect 11.9.135 Indirect effects are effects that ‘result indirectly from the proposed of the landscape, which may lead to changes in its character and project as a consequence of the direct effects, often occurring away how it is experienced (and hence may in turn, affect its perceived 11.9.130 This refers to an identified effect which results in an improvement or from the site, or as a result of a sequence of inter-relationships or value)� Due to the inherently dynamic nature of the landscape, enhancement in the baseline condition of a landscape resource or a complex pathway. They may be separated by distance or in time physical changes may not necessarily be significant. view, which might derive from: from the sources of the effects’. • Removal of a detracting feature, component or view� Visual Effects Mitigation • Reinstatement or improvement of a key existing beneficial 11.9.123 Visual effects relate to changes that arise in the composition of feature, component or view� 11.9.136 Refers to features or components of a proposal which have been available views from visual receptors, to people’s response to these specifically added to address an identified impact, in order to either • The introduction of a new, characteristic and beneficial feature or changes, and to overall effects with respect to visual amenity. component which reinforces, protects or promotes the existing avoid, minimise or compensate for its effect(s). valued landscape character or visual amenity� Receptors Enhancement

Adverse (Negative) Effect 11.9.124 ‘Landscape Receptors’ are ‘defined aspects of the landscape 11.9.137 ‘Proposals that seek to improve the landscape resource and the resource that have the potential to be affected by a proposal’. visual; amenity of the proposed development site and its wider 11.9.131 This refers to an identified effect which results in the loss or degradation of the baseline condition of a landscape resource or setting, over and above its baseline condition’. 11.9.125 ‘Visual Receptors’ are ‘individuals and / or defined groups of people view, which might derive from: who have the potential to be affected by a proposal’, Compensation • Removal of a beneficial feature, component or view. Susceptibility 11.9.138 Refers to ‘measures devised to offset or compensate for residual • Expansion or enlargement of an existing adverse feature, adverse effects which cannot be prevented / avoided or further component or view� 11.9.126 Refers to the ability of a landscape or visual receptor to reduced’. accommodate change without undue consequences (which are • The introduction of a new, uncharacteristic and adverse feature defined in the supporting methodology). The term is the product or component which weakens, damages or changes the existing of not only intrinsic sensitivity (informed by value, importance and valued landscape character or visual amenity� condition), but also the specific characteristics of the development to be assessed�

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11.10. APPENDIX 2: PHOTOS & VISUALISATIONS

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VIEW 1: FOOTBRIDGE OVER RAILWAY LINE AT THE END OF LOWER TWYDALL LANE

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Dwellings at Russett Farm

Location of single frame assessment photo

Woodland at Lower Twydall Lane Properties on Kingsnorth Road

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VIEW 1: FOOTBRIDGE OVER RAILWAY LINE AT THE END OF LOWER TWYDALL LANE

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�37858,0�58926 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 11:16am Elevation: 41m Viewing Direction: 103° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 561m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 2: BRIDLEWAY FROM BLOORS LANE TO PUMP LANE

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Properties on Beechings Way Location of single frame assessment photo

Commercial orchards Dwellings on Pump Lane

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VIEW 2: BRIDLEWAY FROM BLOORS LANE TO PUMP LANE

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�37464,0�60330 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 10:32am Elevation: 38m Viewing Direction: 308° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 535m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 3: SAXON SHORE WAY

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Bloors Wharf Pump Farm Properties on Beechings Way

Location of single frame assessment photo

Motney Hill Lane Rainham Creek

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VIEW 3: SAXON SHORE WAY

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�38191, 0�62358 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 9:49am Elevation: 51m Viewing Direction: 255° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 1�90km

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 4: RIVERSIDE COUNTRY PARK

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Riverside Country Park Visitor Centre

Location of single frame assessment photo

Rainham Creek Mariners Farm Boatyard

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VIEW 4: RIVERSIDE COUNTRY PARK

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�38577, 0�59879 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 11:46m Elevation: 14m Viewing Direction: 188° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 922m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 5: LOWER RAINHAM ROAD

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Commercial orchards

Properties on Pump Lane

Location of single frame assessment photo

Lower Rainham Road

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VIEW 5: LOWER RAINHAM ROAD

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�37963, 0�60400 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 10:07am Elevation: 32m Viewing Direction: 245° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 529m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 6: GRANGE ROAD & LOWER TWYDALL ROAD

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Dwelling at Russett Farm Lower Twydall Lane Manor Court

Location of single frame assessment photo

Grange Road

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VIEW 6: GRANGE ROAD & LOWER TWYDALL ROAD

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�38208, 0�59194 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 11:30amm Elevation: 22m Viewing Direction: 145° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 622m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 7: PUMP LANE (CENTRE)

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Pump Lane Location of single frame assessment photo

Post-war housing on Pump Lane Commercial orchards

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VIEW 7: PUMP LANE (CENTRE)

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�37729, 0�60083 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 10�21am Elevation: 30m Viewing Direction: 277° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 256m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW 8: PUMP LANE (SOUTH)

Existing Panoramic View�

Location Plan:

Commercial orchards Medway estuary

Location of single frame assessment photo

Post-war housing on Pump Lane

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VIEW 8: PUMP LANE (SOUTH)

Existing Single Frame View�

Location Plan:

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�37177, 0�59639 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 11:04am Elevation: 46m Viewing Direction: 6° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 645m

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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VIEW A: NORTHERN SHORE OF MEDWAY ESTUARY

Existing Panoramic View�

Horrid Hill

Location of single frame assessment photo

Medway Estuary

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VIEW A: NORTHERN SHORE OF MEDWAY ESTUARY

Existing Single Frame View�

PHOTO DATA: Location: 51�41529, 0�57802 Date: 30�11�2018 Time: 12�42pm Elevation: 5m Viewing Direction: 163° Focal length: 52mm Dist� to centre of site: 4�41km

IMAGE DATA: Viewing Distance: 400mm Production size: Standard A3 Landscape Horizontal Field of View: 43�5°

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11.11. APPENDIX 3: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

11.11.1 This section includes the following information: National Landscape Character County Landscape Character District (Medway) Landscape Character

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NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

North Kent Plain

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Greater Thames Estuary

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COUNTY LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Kent Landscape Character Assessment 2004 - Fruit Belt

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Kent Landscape Character Assessment 2004 - Medway Marshes

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DISTRICT (MEDWAY) LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

North Kent Fruit Belt

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North Kent Fruit Belt

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Medway Marshes

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Riverside Marshes

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Motney Hill

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Darland Banks

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27.01.19