Landscape and Visual Appraisal Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

Job No. D2459 24 March 2017 – Rev C LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

Project Title: Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

Client: Berkeley Strategic Land Limited

Revision Date Revision Details Prepared By Checked By Approved By

Draft 1 February 2017 Draft for Internal Director Review DL AS AS

Draft 8 February 2017 Draft for Client Review DL LS LS

Rev A 2 March 2017 Final Draft for Client Review LS LS LS

RevB 14 March 2017 Updated Final Draft for Client Approval DL LS LS

RevC 24 March 2017 Minor text amends - Client Comment DL LS LS

2 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

Contents

1. Executive Summary ...... 4

2. Introduction ...... 6 2.1 Introduction...... 6 2.2 Desktop Research...... 6 2.3 Field Work ...... 6

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations ...... 8 3.1 Introduction...... 8 3.2 Landscape-related Designations ...... 8 3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy ...... 8 3.4 Emerging Policy and Evidence ...... 16

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character ...... 20 4.1 Landscape Character - Bracknell Forest ...... 20 4.2 Landscape Character Context - Wokingham Borough ...... 24

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context...... 28 5.1 Topography and Drainage ...... 28 5.2 Land Use ...... 30 5.3 Public Rights of Way...... 32

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes ...... 34 6.1 Site Landscape Attributes and Views...... 34 6.2 Site Characteristics...... 34

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context ...... 40 7.1 Local Site Context - Landscape Attributes and Intervisibility with the Site ...... 40

8. Summary and Conclusions ...... 48 8.1 Summary and Conclusions of Landscape and Visual Appraisal ...... 48 8.2 Key Landscape and Visual Issues...... 48

3 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

1. Executive Summary

A Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) has been undertaken for Bracknell Forest commissioned a review of both local landscape and enhance the public rights of way, including Ramblers Routes. Parkview Farm, Bracknell (the Site) and its surrounding area, in order designations and gaps, which is set out in the Landscape Evidence to provide advice on development parameters and a development Base, by LUC, June 2015. This recognises the importance of There is Ancient Woodland at Big Wood, beyond the Site to the concept. gaps as set out in Bracknell Forest Core Strategy Policy CS9 north, and within West Garden Copse at the east side of Peacock ‘Development on Land Outside of Settlements’, but concludes that in Meadows. The Site, which is 38.38ha in size, lies in the administrative area of accordance with the NPPF, a positive approach to planning should Bracknell Forest. Old Wokingham Road represents the boundary be taken. Thus, gaps should not necessarily seen as ‘no-go’ areas, Bracknell Forest web-based mapping shows that there are no trees between this local authority and Wokingham Borough to the west. but that proposed development should “ensure that valued landscape or groups of trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) within functions and the perception of those functions (i.e. gaps) will not be the Site, nor around Easthampstead Park Conference Centre or its The Site lies at the west side of Bracknell in an area that represents compromised.” access drive. Big Wood, beyond the Site to the north, is a woodland a transition zone from large settlement to a largely rural landscape. TPO while further individual trees / groups of trees at Peacock While the Site comprises mainly of farmland, being used for grazing The Site and landscapes to the west of the Site, are not located in Meadows, again, beyond the Site to the north-east, are subject to and arable crops, it is located in the context of a golf course, an areas subject to landscape designation such as Area of Outstanding TPO. historic building (now used for conference / educational purposes), Natural Beauty (AONB) or Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). and Peacock Meadows country park, which was recently delivered as An area of woodland at the south-western edge of the Site is The Site lies in a landscape that is gently undulating, and which part of new housing development at Jennetts Park to the east. designated a Wildlife Heritage Site, subject to Bracknell Forest contains a high level of vegetation, including woodlands, copses, Adopted Local Plan 2002 saved Policy EN4. Most of this woodland trees and hedges. As such, the Site is not visible from a wide Land to the west of Old Wokingham Road, along which the Site lies outside of the Site boundary, however a small part falls within the surrounding area and the surrounding mature vegetation would be of lies, is more rural, with scattered buildings, settlement and farms, Site red line boundary and it straddles the existing entrance track into EHQH¿WLQSURYLGLQJHDUO\YLVXDOHQFORVXUHDQGSDUWLDOVFUHHQLQJRIDQ\ farmed and equestrian land, and businesses mainly associated with the Site. built development. rural or rural-fringe land uses. This latter area lies to the south of Wokingham. Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, located around 200m Views and glimpses into the Site were found to be available from south-east of the Site and its ‘Attached Terrace with Retaining Wall the access drive to Easthampstead Park and from parts of Peacock Wokingham Borough Council’s Core Strategy Development Plan and Steps’, are designated Grade II Listed Buildings. In addition, a Meadows to the north-east; from Old Wokingham Road and from and 'RFXPHQW '3' -DQXDU\LGHQWL¿HV6WUDWHJLF'HYHORSPHQW ‘Section of wall with wrought-iron gates adjoining Easthampstead Public Footpath 6 to the west; and from sections of Easthampstead Locations (SDLs). The South Wokingham SDL lies to the south-east Park College on SW corner’ is grade II Listed. The Council’s Road to the south-east. The Site is clearly visible from Public and south of Wokingham, extending as far as Old Wokingham Road. Landscape Evidence Base suggests that “the remnant parklands of Footpath 15, which crosses it from south-west to north-east. There The development would require delivery of a large SANG, indicated Easthampstead” are an example of “some areas/features that are are also some partial views and glimpses beyond the Site from to be provided in the eastern and western parts of the SDL area, with more vulnerable than others.” The existing mature trees, including Footpath 15, towards the farmed land and scattered buildings in the potential further ‘multi-functional green open space’ to the west of Old specimen conifers that surround the buildings were found to be landscape west and north-west of the Site. This indicates that there Wokingham Road. largely visually divorced from the Site. There are however, glimpses may be views toward development on the Site from these areas. into the Parkview Farm Site from the tree-lined access drive to 7KHZHVWHUQSDUWRIWKH6LWHOLHVLQDQLGHQWL¿HG6WUDWHJLF*DS Easthampstead Park. The published landscape character assessments show that the Site which seeks to prevent settlement coalescence and to maintain OLHVZLWKLQ%UDFNQHOO)RUHVW¶VGH¿QHG/DQGVFDSH&KDUDFWHU$UHD separate settlement identity. Both the Wokingham Core Strategy and Public Footpath No.15 follows the access road / track through the G1 Easthampstead. This seeks to protect woodland from loss or Bracknell Forest Core Strategy DPD, February 2008, broadly indicate Site and then continues to the north-east beyond the Site boundary. damage, to protect hedgerows and hedgerow trees, to conserve the gap on the key diagrams with ‘zig-zag’ lines. These differ slightly Public Footpath 15 is also locally termed ‘Ramblers Route’ R8(a). historic buildings and features and designed views associated with in their location in each of the Council’s documents. Saved Bracknell Forest Local Plan Policy R8 seeks to protect, extend the estate, and to protect tranquillity.

4 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

1. Executive Summary

/DQGZHVWRIWKH6LWH2OG:RNLQJKDP5RDGOLHVZLWKLQGH¿QHG Landscape Character Area N1 Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowland. The Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment states that the use of ‘Green’ in place names suggests that these settlements became established around village greens. The landscape strategy for Area N1 seeks replanting and management of hedgerows, and conserving and enhancing the appearance of settlements as being integrated with the rural landscape.

7KHUHDUHQRYLVWDVRUYLHZVDFURVVRULQWRWKH6LWHLGHQWL¿HGWREH protected in published documents.

Overall therefore, there are no overriding landscape or visual constraints associated with the Site that prevents the promotion of the Site for development. The key sensitivities relate to the retention of a strategic gap between settlements and the landscape setting to Easthampstead Park. These can be addressed through the combination of sensitively located development and the implementation of strategic planting belts to visually and physically enclose the Site consistent with the pattern of planting already present in the local landscape.

5 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

2. Introduction

2.1 Introduction The methodology for this LVA is based on the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (third edition) by the fabrik Chartered Landscape Architects have been appointed by Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Berkeley Strategic Land to carry out a Landscape and Visual Assessment (Routledge, 2013). Appraisal (LVA) of the land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell (the Site) and its surrounding area, in order to provide advice on the landscape and 2.2 Desktop Research visual aspects of the Site and the development parameters. These have been used to devise a development concept for the Site. The desktop survey carried out as part of the LVA included a review of Ordnance Survey maps, interactive maps, aerial photography, The Site location is shown on Figure 2.1. published landscape character assessment documents, and existing and emerging planning policy. The extent of the baseline and This LVA sets out key landscape and visual aspects associated with therefore the impact appraisal has been determined by the initial desk the Site in terms of : VWXG\DQGYHUL¿HGLQWKH¿HOGDQGWKHUHIRUHH[WHQGVWR approximately 2.5km from the Site. • an overview of the local level landscape-related planning policy (together with any related policy on ecological and heritage 7KHGHVNWRSDVVHVVPHQWDOVRLGHQWL¿HVDQ\OLNHO\FKDQJHVWRWKH assets) and any supporting SPGs / SPDs; current baseline situation, such as development elsewhere, which may occur prior to the proposed development proceeding. • the broad constituent baseline landscape elements (the existing topography, drainage, land cover, vegetation pattern, public rights 2.3 Field Work of way, landscape features, detracting landscape elements) that together inform landscape character, landscape condition and 7KH¿HOGZRUNZDVFDUULHGRXWRQ-DQXDU\DQGUHFRUGHGWKH value; and existing landscape elements within the Site; the contextual landscape HOHPHQWVDQGLGHQWL¿HGDVHULHVRINH\YLHZV7KHYLVXDODSSUDLVDO • GHVFULEHVWKHEDVHOLQHFKDUDFWHUDQGDPHQLW\RIWKHLGHQWL¿HG element includes a photographic survey of the Site taken from a visual receptors. series of representative viewpoints, chosen to present a range of locations including both public and private views, distances and The landscape constraints and opportunities are then set out to directions around the Site. The weather conditions were cold, frosty inform the proposed development parameters. Any proposed and bright during the site visit. mitigation measures are included as part of the constraints and opportunities and taken through into the development parameters. The broad landscape and visual effects of the proposed development are then considered against each of the landscape and visual receptors relative to the particular stages of the project.

The location of the Site is shown on Figure 2.1 opposite. The red line area extends to 38.38 ha.

6 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

2. Introduction

Legend

A329 (M) Site Boundary

Local authority boundary

A329 Railway

Big Wood Jennetts Lane Waterloo Park Key road network around the Site Peacock Peacock Road Meadows Motorway

A-Road Old Wokingham Road Wokingham Old PROW No.15 / West Road A3095 Rambler’s Route 8(a)

B3430 Nine Mile Road

Bracknell Forest Council Forest Bracknell

Council Wokingham Borough Borough Wokingham

Figure 2.1 – Extract from Ordnance Survey Plan showing the location of the Site and local movement networks (fabrik, 2017) Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432.

7 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.1 Introduction Bracknell Forest web-based mapping shows that there are no trees Policy EN20 deals with ‘Design considerations in new development’. or groups of trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) within ,QUHODWLRQWRODQGVFDSHLWSROLF\VHHNVWKHUHWHQWLRQRIEHQH¿FLDO The Site lies wholly within Bracknell Forest Council administrative the Site, nor around Easthampstead Park Conference Centre or its landscape, natural or built features and where reasonable to enhance area. Land to the west within the study area lies within Wokingham access drive. Big Wood to the north of Peacock Lane is a woodland these features Borough Council administrative area. TPO (W2), TPO No. 1/1963. Further individual trees and groups of trees at the south-eastern edge of Peacock Meadows are subject to Policy R4, ‘Provision of open space of public value’ seeks the 3.2 Landscape-related Designations TPO. provision of 4.3 hectares of “open space of public value” per 1000 people. This is to be divided as: There are no landscape designations (such as AONB or AGLV) which There are no other known designated elements in close proximity to cover the Site, or land to the west of it (see Figure 3.1). WKH6LWH,QWKHZLGHUODQGVFDSHWKHUHDUHVHYHUDO6LWHVRI6FLHQWL¿F • 2ha/1000 people of ‘active recreation’ (including recreation Interest (SSSI), further Ancient Woodland, National Trust Woodland grounds / sports pitches and children’s play areas); and Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, located around 200m and a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Tumulus within the built up area • 2.3ha/1000 people of ‘passive recreation’ (including parks, south-east of the Site and its ‘Attached Terrace with Retaining Wall at Bracknell). planted habitats, amenity open space and allotments). and Steps’ are Grade II Listed Buildings. In addition, a ‘Section of wall with wrought-iron gates adjoining Easthampstead Park College on 3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy Elements not included toward open space include balancing SW corner’ is grade II Listed. SRQGVDQGVXUURXQGLQJ\HDUÀRRGPDUJLQVKLJKZD\YHUJHVDQG 3.3.1 Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan (January 2002) landscape strips; individual TPO trees; planting required to screen There are a further two Listed Buildings along Waterloo Road, around development; and, noise shadow areas. 300m north-west of the Site, which may have potential for some The Saved Policies of the 2002 Bracknell Forest Local Plan pertinent views towards development on the Site. These are Lock’s Barn to the Site and this LVA are as follows: Policy R8 ‘Public rights of way’ states that the “protection, extension (Grade II) and Lock’s House (Grade II*). Further Listed Buildings and enhancement of public rights of way”, including the Ramblers are located in the wider landscapes, around the Site albeit it is not Policy EN1 which looks to protect trees and hedgerows which Route and Bridleway networks, will be material considerations in the considered that there would be notable views from these towards provide a clear distinction between built up areas and the determination of planning applications. development on the Site and are not considered further in this LVA. countryside; which are important to the character and appearance of the landscape or townscape; which are important green links. Public Footpath No.15 follows the access road / track through the Site and then continues to the north-east beyond the Site boundary. Policy EN2 seeks the provision of additional native trees and Public Footpath 15 is also locally termed ‘Ramblers Route’ R8(a). hedgerows to be provided in schemes as appropriate to the setting and character of the area. The Bracknell Forest Borough Policies Map shows that existing woodland at the south-western edge of the Site is a ‘Wildlife Heritage Policy EN4 relating to locally and regionally designated sites Site’, subject to Saved Local Plan Policy EN4. Most of this woodland including Wildlife Heritage Sites, seeks to prevent effects on the lies outside of the Site boundary, although a part of it is situated within wildlife and habitats for which the site was designated, or the the Site, and it straddles the existing entrance track into the Site. special character of the site, as a result of development on or near these sites. It states that “Development proposals on these sites Big Wood to the north of the Site / Peacock Lane, and West Garden must include conservation or enhancement schemes, which were Copse at the western edge of Bracknell (within Peacock Meadows appropriate, will set out the provision for, and management of, public country park) are designated as Ancient Woodland. The Ancient access to and within them.” Woodland within Peacock Meadows is also locally designated as a Wildlife Heritage Site.

8 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

Legend

Site Boundary

Local authority boundary

Ancient Woodland

Replanted Ancient woodland

Listed buildings

6LWHVRI6SHFLDO6FLHQWL¿F,QWHUHVW 666,

Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)

Wildlife Heritage Site

Conservation Area

Bracknell Forest Council Forest Bracknell Wokingham Borough Council Borough Wokingham

Figure 3.1 – Plan showing landscape-related designations on and around the Site (Note: Listed Buildings are only shown to a limited area beyond the Site boundary. Further Listed Buildings are present within the settlement areas). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432

9 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy (continued) Other landscape-related policies of the Bracknell Forest 2008 Core Policy CS14: Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Strategy DPD pertinent to the Site and this LVA are as follows: includes the following: 3.3.2 Bracknell Forest Borough Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) Policy CS1: Sustainable Development states that development will “The Council will carry out an assessment of the effects of a (Adopted February 2008) be permitted which, amongst other things, “Protects and enhances: GHYHORSPHQWSURSRVDORQWKHFRQVHUYDWLRQREMHFWLYHVRIWKH7KDPHV %DVLQ+HDWKV6SHFLDO3URWHFWLRQ$UHD 63$ ZKHUHWKHUHLVDULVNRI The Site is shown on the joint Policies Map for the Bracknell Forest vii. the quality of natural resources including water, air, land and WKHSURSRVDOKDYLQJDVLJQL¿FDQWLPSDFWRQWKHLQWHJULW\RIWKHVLWH Borough Local Plan (2002), Core Strategy DPD (2008) and Site biodiversity; and either alone or in combination with other proposals.” $OORFDWLRQV/RFDO3ODQ  DVIDOOLQJZLWKLQµ/DQG2XWVLGH'H¿QHG viii. the character and quality of local landscapes and the wider Settlements’, subject to Policy CS9 (see Figure 3.2). countryside; and CS14 goes on to state: ix. the historic and cultural features of acknowledged importance.” Core Strategy DPD Policy CS9 is titled ‘Development on Land ³7KHHIIHFWLYHDYRLGDQFHDQGRUPLWLJDWLRQRIDQ\LGHQWL¿HGDGYHUVH Outside of Settlements’ within the document, and states: Policy CS7: Design requires high quality development. It states effects must be demonstrated and secured prior to approval of the that development proposals will be permitted which, amongst other development.” “The Council will protect land outside settlements for its own sake, things: particularly from development that would adversely affect the character, appearance or function of the land; and “i. build on the urban, suburban and rural local character, respecting local patterns of development and the historic environment; L SURWHFWWKHGH¿QHGJDSVZLWKLQRUDGMRLQLQJWKH%RURXJKIURP  ii. provide safe communities; development that would harm the physical and visual separation iii. enhance the landscape and promote biodiversity;  RIVHWWOHPHQWVHLWKHUZLWKLQRUDGMRLQLQJWKH%RURXJK´ iv. aid movement through accessibility, connectivity, permeability and legibility; 7KHDFFRPSDQ\LQJQRWHVWR3ROLF\&6VWDWHWKDWGH¿QHGJDSVZHUH v. enable a mix of uses; LGHQWL¿HGLQVXPPHUDVSDUWRIDODQGVFDSHDVVHVVPHQWRIWKH vi. provide high quality usable open spaces and public realm; development submissions in the Borough undertaken as part of the vii. provide innovative architecture; and Site Allocations DPD preparatory work. The western edge of the Site viii. provide well designed and integrated public art.” lies within the Bracknell and Wokingham Strategic Gap, while the %UDFNQHOODQG%LQ¿HOG/RFDO*DSOLHVWRWKHQRUWK7KH&RUH6WUDWHJ\ Policy CS8: Recreation and Culture states that development will be DPD Key Diagram shows the general location of the Strategic Gaps permitted which: and is reproduced in Figure 3.3. “i. retains, improves and maintains existing Recreational Facilities; Bracknell Forest commissioned a review in 2015 of the strategic and and/or local gaps and further detail on this is set out in subsequent sections ii. provides and maintains new Recreational Facilities.” of this LVA.

10 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations Legend

Site Boundary

Land subject to Bracknell Forest Core Strategy Policy CS9: Development on Land Outside of Settlements

Note: Rambler’s Route 8(a) corresponds with Public Footpath 15 where it crosses the Site.

Figure 3.2 – Extracts from Bracknell Forest Borough Policies Map, showing the extent of land subject to Policy CS9 in relation to the Site boundary, and Rambler’s Route 8(a) crossing the Site.

11 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy (continued) 3.3.3 Bracknell Forest Borough Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2012) Bracknell Forest Borough Core Strategy DPD (continued)

A3095 The stated vision is for Legend ³$KLJKTXDOLW\DFFHVVLEOHQHWZRUNRIFOHDQ safe and attractive green spaces and facilities which allow people to A330 Approximate Site location improve their health and well-being through recreation and sport now Newell Warfield and in the future.” Green Hayley Winkfield Row Street Green Binfield A332 Chavey A329(M) Down In terms of standards for provision, section 5 of the Strategy sets out the NPFA ‘Six Acre Standard’ and Fields in Trust (FiT) ‘Benchmark North Ascot Standards’. In summary these are: North A329 Road Wokingham Ascot A329 Six Acre Standard: Bracknell Outdoor playing space for sport: A332 South Ascot • $PLQLPXPVWDQGDUGRIKD DFUHV SHUSHRSOHIRU A3095 outdoor sport. A322 • $QLPSRUWDQWHOHPHQWRIWKHDERYHUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVLVD VSHFL¿FDOORFDWLRQRIKD DFUHV IRUSLWFKVSRUWV

Crowthorne Outdoor playing space for children:

A321 Bagshot M3 • $PLQLPXPVWDQGDUGRIRXWGRRUVSDFHIRUFKLOGUHQ¶VSOD\RI

A3095 KD DFUHV SHUSHRSOH 0 1 2 3 Sandhurst Km ,WFODUL¿HVWKDW³3OD\LQJVSDFHLVGH¿QHGDVµVSDFHWKDWLVDFFHVVLEOH Legend and available to the general public, and of a suitable size and nature, Yateley A321 Bracknell Town Centre Camberley Defined Settlements IRUVSRUWDFWLYHUHFUHDWLRQRUFKLOGUHQ¶VSOD\ Blackwater Major Locations For Growth Special Protection Area This is not the same as open space which includes outdoor playing Special Area of Conservation space as an important component but also encompasses other types Green Belt and uses of land. Strategic Gaps Local Gaps

M3 BFBC Borough Boundary 7KH6WDQGDUGUHFRPPHQGVDKLHUDUFKLFDODSSURDFKLGHQWLI\LQJ A Road WKHQHHGIRUWKHORFDWLRQRIFKLOGUHQ¶VSOD\DUHDVWREHEDVHGRQ Motorway This Map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey Material with accessibility related to time rather than distance. the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Railway Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Railway Stations Bracknell Forest Borough Council LA100019488. *HQHUDOO\FKLOGUHQ¶VSOD\DUHDVVKRXOGEHDFFHVVLEOHZLWKRXWKDYLQJ Figure 3.3 – Extract from Bracknell Forest Council Core Strategy DPD (Adopted to cross main roads, railways or waterways.” February 2008) showing the Key Diagram

12 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy (continued) Plan (2006), Play Strategy and Public Art Strategy (April 2013).

3.3.3 Bracknell Forest Parks and Open Spaces Strategy The BAP does not show any areas within or close to the Site as being (continued) subject to a locally designated area such as a Local Wildlife Site or Local Nature Reserve. The Wildlife Heritage Site woodland by the FiT ‘Benchmark Standards’: south-western edge is discussed in section 3.2 of this LVA.

Playing Pitches: The Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan describes the ‘Ramblers • Overall - 1.20 hectares per 1000 population. Route’ (part of which crosses the Site) as “$NP PLOH ZDONLQJ URXWHDURXQGWKHERURXJKZKLFKFLUFXPQDYLJDWHV%UDFNQHOO7RZQ All Outdoor Sport: 7KHURXWHLVPDGHXSRIWZRORRSVIRUPLQJD¿JXUHRIHLJKWFLUFXLW´A • Overall - 1.60 hectares per 1000 population. OHDÀHWKDVEHHQSXEOLVKHGWRSURPRWHWKHURXWH

All Playing Space: The Public Art Strategy also states that public art can be used as a • Overall - 0.8 hectares per 1000 population. NH\LQVWUXPHQWIRUZD\¿QGLQJ

The Open Spaces Strategy also states that:

³:KLOVWWKH6L[$FUH6WDQGDUGSURYLGHVDYDOXDEOHUHIHUHQFHD quantitative approach does not necessarily result in the most effective level of provision.

7KHUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVHWRXWLQWKH%UDFNQHOO)RUHVW%RURXJK6WXG\ RIRSHQVSDFHVSRUWVUHFUHDWLRQDODQGOHLVXUHIDFLOLWLHV 33*  2FWREHULVWKDWSURYLVLRQRIHTXLSSHGSOD\DUHDVVKRXOGEH based on accessibility rather than per head of population and planned for at a local level on a site by site basis.”

The West Berkshire Spatial Planning Framework proposes the following standards:

• SANG: 8ha per 1000 people. • Green Infrastructure: Public Parks - 0.5ha/1000 population (covering ³DOORWPHQWVSLWFKHVSOD\DUHDV/($3V1($3V Country Parks and natural green space etc.”).

Further guidance on open space areas that would be relevant at more detailed design stages is provided by Bracknell Forest’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2012-2017, Public Rights of Way Improvement

13 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

 3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy (continued) .H\GLDJUDP Legend    Approximate 3.3.4 Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework Site location Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document, January 2010

The Wokingham Borough Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD), January 2010, shows on the Core Diagram, a large area of land to the west and north-west of the Site / Old Wokingham Road, as a ‘Strategic Development Location’ (SDL). The diagram also indicates areas of ‘Settlement Separation’, which in the vicinity of the Site are similar to, but not exactly concurrent with those shown on the Bracknell Forest Council Core Strategy DPD Key Diagram (see Figure 3.4).

Wokingham Core Strategy Policy CP21 relates to the ‘South Wokingham’ SDL and includes for “a sustainable, well designed PL[HGXVHGHYHORSPHQW«GHOLYHUHGE\LQFOXGLQJ

 «DURXQGGZHOOLQJV«  $SSURSULDWHUHWDLOIDFLOLWLHV  6RFLDODQGSK\VLFDOLQIUDVWUXFWXUH LQFOXGLQJSURYLVLRQIRUWZRQHZ primary schools);  0HDVXUHVWRPDLQWDLQVHSDUDWLRQIURP%LQ¿HOG%UDFNQHOO  0HDVXUHVWRSURWHFWDQGHQKDQFHSHGHVWULDQ LQFOXGLQJXVLQJ mobility aids) access to the countryside from Wokingham town centre;  1HFHVVDU\PHDVXUHVWRDYRLGDQGPLWLJDWHWKHLPSDFWRI GHYHORSPHQWXSRQWKH7KDPHV%DVLQ+HDWKV6SHFLDO3URWHFWLRQ $UHDLQOLQHZLWK3ROLF\&3WRPHHWWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIWKH+DELWDWV 5HJXODWLRQVDQGLQDFFRUGDQFHZLWK1DWXUDO(QJODQG¶VODWHVW VWDQGDUGV7KLVZLOOLQFOXGHVXI¿FLHQW6XLWDEOH$OWHUQDWLYH1DWXUDO *UHHQVSDFH VXEMHFWWRPRQLWRULQJRIWKHTXDOLW\DQGTXDQWLW\ standards).  ,PSURYHPHQWVWRWUDQVSRUWFDSDFLW\DORQJWKH$DQG$ including the provision of south Wokingham relief road from the YLFLQLW\RIWKH&RSSLG%HHFKURXQGDERXWWRWKH)LQFKDPSVWHDG5RDG   Figure 3.4 – Extract of the Key Diagram from the Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework (LDF) Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD), 29 January 2010, showing the Strategic Development Locations and zones of ‘Settlement Separation’

14 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

Legend 3.3 Adopted Local Planning Policy (continued) Approximate 3.3.5 South Wokingham Strategic Development Location Site location Supplementary Planning Document (Adopted October 2011)

The Core Strategy DPD illustrated the boundary of the South Boundary to South Wokingham SDL and potential SANG location. While the more recent Wokingham SDL Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) retains the same SDL boundary, the approach to the location of SANG and ‘Multi-Functional Green Open Space’ was updated through the SPD and its constituent Landscape Framework Plan. The latter is shown in Figure 3.5 opposite. The SPD states that the exact development areas are to be agreed through continued discussion with the Council.

The SDL area covers land which currently comprises of a rural landscape at the settlement edge, extending to Old Wokingham Road Suitable Location for SANG opposite the Parkview Farm Site. Therefore, should development in this location proceed, it would give rise to a change to the existing Suitable Location for Multi- landscape context to the southern edge of Wokingham. Functional Green Open Space Tree Lined Avenues The SPD states that the “existing character of the landscape should Existing Formal Open Space to be be dominant in creating an appropriate context for development, Retained and Enhanced especially a sensitive relationship between town and country.” It also Existing Structure Planting to be states that the document sets out minimum design standards for the Retained and Enhanced new development. Also, that “Particular regard should be had to the relationship between the landscape framework and the settlement Existing Development VHSDUDWLRQWREHUHWDLQHGEHWZHHQ:RNLQJKDPDQG%UDFNQHOO´ New Development

It is noted that the South Wokingham SDL proposed SANG and Multi-Functional Green Open Space to the east, would contribute to maintaining undeveloped land in this part of the landscape, that Figure 3.5 – Extract from the Strategic Development Location Supplementary Planning Document (Adopted October could in turn maintain settlement separation. It could also inform the 2011), showing the ‘Landscape Framework Plan’ for South Wokingham SDL. development strategy on the Parkview Farm Site whereby a broad swathe of accessible greenspace could also be retained to the east near Old Wokingham Road.

15 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.4 Emerging Policy and Evidence including “the remnant parklands of Easthampstead.” In this respect joint with the other relevant local authorities, and subject to public it recommends protection through a local listing, or through policy consultation. The study recommends a Green Infrastructure Policy 3.4.1 Bracknell Comprehensive Local Plan attached to the historic landscape characterisation study. to ³MRLQXSIUDJPHQWHGKDELWDWVDQGVWUHQJWKHQODQGVFDSHIHDWXUHV ZKLFKDUHRIWHQYDOXHGIHDWXUHVRIWKH/&$´ A Comprehensive Local Plan is now being prepared by Bracknell The study states that the term gaps is “used to refer to areas Forest District Council. It states that this “will set the long-term spatial RIODQGVFDSHEHWZHHQVLJQL¿FDQWVHWWOHPHQWVWKDWRYHUWLPHLI The Landscape Evidence Base reviewed the strategic and local gaps YLVLRQDQGGHYHORSPHQWVWUDWHJ\IRUWKHERURXJKXSWR developed, could potentially lead to the merging of settlements LGHQWL¿HGRQWKH&RUH6WUDWHJ\.H\'LDJUDPDQGFRPPHQWVRQWKH and the loss of individual settlement identity. These areas are relationship to green infrastructure (GI). Once adopted, it will replace many of the saved policies in the SUHGRPLQDQWO\XQGHYHORSHGDQGDUHRIWHQVXEMHFWWRGHYHORSPHQW %UDFNQHOO)RUHVW%RURXJK/RFDO3ODQ  DQGWKH&RUH6WUDWHJ\ pressures i.e. usually they are close to settlements. It states:  ´ Gaps are therefore a landscape function to prevent coalescence of ³7KH133)LVQRWSUHVFULSWLYHRQVXSSRUWLQJRURSSRVLQJJDSVLQ A Local Plan Issues and Options consultation was held in summer settlements, rather than being related to landscape quality or a policy SULQFLSOH+RZHYHUWKHSULQFLSOHRIJDSVUHPDLQVYDOLGDQGXVHIXOIRU EXWGLGQRWLQFOXGHVSHFL¿FSRWHQWLDOGHYHORSPHQWVLWHVUDWKHU WRSURWHFWODQGVFDSHFKDUDFWHUDVLPLODULGHDDV*UHHQ%HOWEXWDWD maintaining separation between settlements, maintaining the distinct these were published through the emerging Strategic Housing and smaller scale. Gaps preserve the physical and visual separation of identity of settlements and to avoid their coalescence.” Economic Land Availability Assessment. Further details are set out settlements. below. The document goes on to state: 7KHDFFRPSDQ\LQJWH[WWRSROLF\&6DOVRUHIHUVWRJDSVSUHYHQWLQJ 3.4.2 Bracknell Forest Landscape Evidence Base the erosion of the countryside and protecting the individual identities ³3RVLWLYHSODQQLQJIRUGHYHORSPHQWLVHPEHGGHGLQWKH133)7KH of settlements – although these seem to be secondary functions concept of a gap is preventative and may be seen as negative In June 2015, Bracknell Forest Borough Council published the (i.e. this is the result but not the aim of gaps – otherwise it would be whereas planning for enhancement of landscape character and Bracknell Forest Landscape Evidence Base, Recommendations in SRVVLEOHWRGH¿QHPDQ\RWKHUDUHDVRIJDSV ´ VHWWOHPHQWLGHQWLW\PD\EHVHHQDVSRVLWLYH$*UHHQ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH relation to landscape designations, gaps and green belt villages, Draft 6WUDWHJ\ZRXOGEHRQHZD\RIHQVXULQJDMRLQHGXSDSSURDFKWR Report (LUC). The current (Strategic) gap shown on the Bracknell Core Strategy planning positively for development and open space whilst retaining GLDJUDPZDVGH¿QHGWKURXJKDVWXG\E\(QWHFLQDVSDUWRI the character of landscapes, towns and villages and enhancing Regarding local landscape designations, the report states that the evidence base, and included an analysis of Gaps and Green KDELWDWV6XFKDVWUDWHJ\FRXOGEHWDNHQIRUZDUGMRLQWO\ZLWKDGMRLQLQJ there may be an argument for avoiding these, so that non-designated :HGJHV7KHPHWKRGXVHGWRGH¿QHJDSZDVEDVHGRQ6RXWK(DVW districts.” areas do not become devalued. It also recommends that the best Plan (revoked 2013) criteria which were: way to protect valued landscape features and characteristics is It also concludes that: ³«LWLVUHFRPPHQGHGWKDW%UDFNQHOO)RUHVW through a policy linked to the Landscape Character Assessment. It “i) The gap will prevent the coalescence of settlements each with a VKRXOGLGHQWLI\EURDGµ]LJ]DJV¶WKDWLQGLFDWHVWUDWHJLFJDSVRQWKH refers to the potential for direct reference to Landscape Character UHVLGHQWSRSXODWLRQJUHDWHUWKDQSHUVRQV core strategy diagram; including policies to prevent coalescence Assessment through Core Strategy Policies CS1 and CS9 and goes of settlements and retain settlement identity (using consistent on to state that “,WVKRXOGEHPDGHFOHDUWKDWall landscapes are ii) The gap must be no greater in size than is necessary, and in all terminology between policies) and include references to the YDOXHGDFURVV%UDFNQHOOIRUGLIIHUHQWUHDVRQVDVVHWRXWLQWKH/&$ FDVHVQRJUHDWHUWKDQ¿YHPLOHVDWLWVZLGHVWSRLQW´ /DQGVFDSH&KDUDFWHU$VVHVVPHQWZKLFKLGHQWL¿HVWKHIXQFWLRQV 7KLVZLOOHQVXUHWKDW133)3DUDLVDSSOLHGWRall landscapes the landscape character areas perform in relation to separation of DFURVVWKH%RURXJKDQGQRWMXVWVHOHFWHGDUHDV´ The western part of the Site lies in the ‘Bracknell and Wokingham settlements; using masterplans to identify appropriate development Strategic Gap’. The Inspector’s report on the Bracknell Core Strategy ORFDWLRQVDQGOLPLWV7KLVZRXOGEHFRQVLVWHQWZLWK:RNLQJKDP¶V The document also states that “This study has revealed that there recommended that detailed boundaries of strategic gaps should be approach. are some areas/features that are more vulnerable than others”, the subject of a future Development Plan (and not the Core Strategy),

16 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

3.4 Emerging Policy and Evidence different landscape character, based on their soils and underlying • enhances the existing character of the site and also of the local geology.” area. This may include: 3.4.2 Bracknell Forest Landscape Evidence Base (continued) • incorporating existing positive site features into new Regarding development “on the edge of a settlement or in the development to provide continuity and create an instant ,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHDERYHit would be possible to identify land with countryside”, section 3.5 states that this “should respond to the sense of maturity; a ‘strategic gap’ or ‘settlement separation’ function on the Local unique character and setting of each site, taking into consideration • creating a sense of place that responds positively to Plan Proposals Map..This would not be a ‘no-go’ area in itself, a thorough understanding of the local pattern of settlement and its the character of the local area in terms of urban design, but would link to a policy which requires a developer to ensure setting in the wider landscape. architecture, landscape and public realm; and the gap function is maintained.” (emphasis added). • creating new places with a positive character appropriate The strategic approach to landscape should be integrated into the to their role and function within the wider area, eg a new $SSOLFDWLRQVIRUGHYHORSPHQWVKRXOGEHVXSSRUWHGE\UREXVW form of development from the earliest stage and not simply added in neighbourhood centre or open space/ local park.” landscape assessment to ensure that valued landscape functions to a scheme that has already been designed.” and the perception of those functions (i.e. gaps) will not be In addition section 2.5 states that Sustainable Drainage Systems compromised.” (emphasis added). Section 2.3³,QWHJUDWLQJWKHVLWHLQWRLWVVXUURXQGLQJV´ states: (SuDS) “should be considered from the outset and be one of the key factors to inform development proposals, housing layouts and the 3.4.3 Bracknell Forest Design Supplementary Planning ³3ULQFLSOH,WLVLPSRUWDQWWKDWSURSRVDOVIRUQHZGHYHORSPHQW public realm.” Guidance whatever their size, are well integrated into the existing context. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including: Regarding streets, blocks and open spaces, section 3.2 states: The Bracknell Forest Council Consultation Draft Design Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), October 2016, states: • linking new routes and access points into the existing movement ³3ULQFLSOH)RUODUJHVLWHVWKHVWUHHWQHWZRUNVKRXOGGH¿QH network; “This Design Guide document provides design principles and best • respecting existing desire lines and making connections to local • a connected network of routes for all modes of transport; practice to guide the design quality of development proposals.... the destinations, such as schools, • DFOHDUKLHUDUFK\RIURXWHVVRSHRSOHFDQ¿QGWKHLUZD\DURXQG 6WUHHWVFHQH63'IRFXVHVRQGHYHORSPHQWVZKHUHQHZVWUHHWVDUHWR • shopping and employment areas; and a pattern of development blocks and open spaces that be created so this guide makes reference to it where relevant. • relating well to the existing hierarchy of routes, in terms both of provides a basis for creating character and a distinctive identity function and character, so the relative importance of routes is for the development. 7KH&RXQFLOLQWHQGVWRDGRSWWKLVGRFXPHQWDVD63'LWZLOO FOHDUWRKHOSSHRSOH¿QGWKHLUZD\DURXQG • Further guidance is also given with regard to built form and IRUPSDUWRIWKH&RXQFLO¶VSROLF\FRQWH[WDQGZLOOEHDPDWHULDO • using development blocks and/or plots that relate to the existing building design, amongst other matters. consideration when applications are being considered.” grain of development (i.e. the pattern or arrangement of built GHYHORSPHQWDQGVSDFHV LQWHUPVRIVL]HDQGFRQ¿JXUDWLRQDQG 3.4.4 Wokingham Borough Local Plan Update The document states that “To demonstrate an understanding of the • responding to prevailing building heights, plot sizes, densities existing character, designers should carry out an appraisal of the and degrees of variation in the local context.” Wokingham Borough Policy and Evidence Wokingham’s current townscape and landscape character of the site and its local context.” Local Plan Update (web-based) shows that the Council have since Regarding Placemaking (section 2.4) it states: prepared an Issues & Options Consultation Document (August 2016), Regarding landscape, Section 3.2 states that “Landscape plays an which seeks responses as to where development should go (The LPSRUWDQWUROHLQPXFKRIWKH%RURXJKFUHDWLQJDVWURQJFRQWH[W ³3ULQFLSOH1HZGHYHORSPHQWVKRXOGH[SORLWRSSRUWXQLWLHVWRFUHDWHD Spatial Strategy). The Update also refers to the joint work of the four DQGFKDUDFWHUIRUEXLOWGHYHORSPHQWZLWKVLJQL¿FDQWSDUWVRIWKH positive sense of place that: authorities in the West of Berkshire Spatial Planning Framework. DUHDIRUPHUO\EHLQJIRUHVWHG'LIIHUHQWSDUWVRIWKH%RURXJKKDYHD

17 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations tĞƐƚŽĨĞƌŬƐŚŝƌĞ^ƉĂƚŝĂůWůĂŶŶŝŶŐ&ƌĂŵĞǁŽƌŬ ĞůŝǀĞƌŝŶŐƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďůĞŶĞǁĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚŝĞƐƚŽϮϬϯϲ͘ 3.4 Emerging Policy and Evidence (continued) ĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ^ƉĞĐŝĂůĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶEĞĞĚƐWƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶ;ƉƉƌŽdžŝŵĂƚĞůLJϭйŽĨƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƉŽƉƵůĂƚŝŽŶŶĞĞĚĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶŝŶĂ^ƉĞĐŝĂů^ĐŚŽŽůĂŶĚƚŚĞƐĞ ƐĞƌǀĞĚŝƐĐƌĞƚĞŶĞĞĚŐƌŽƵƉƐ͘EŽƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐŶĞĞĚ͘Ϳ 3.4.5 Joint Authorities Spatial Planning Framework ^E' ^E' ϴŚĂƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚƉĞƌϭ͕ϬϬϬƉĞŽƉůĞ ;^ĐŚĞŵĞƐǁŝƚŚŝŶϱŬŵŽĨƚŚĞ Thames Valley Berkshire, Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough dŚĂŵĞƐ,ĞĂƚŚĂƐŝŶ^ƉĞĐŝĂůWƌŽƚĞĐƚŝŽŶƌĞĂͿ Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council 'ƌĞĞŶ/ŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ have prepared the West of Berkshire Spatial Planning Framework (13 'ƌĞĞŶ/ŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ WƵďůŝĐWĂƌŬƐͲ ϱ͘ϬŚĂͬϭϬϬϬƉŽƉƵůĂƚŝŽŶ;ĂƐƚŚŝƐŝƐĂŚŝŐŚůĞǀĞů/W ƚŚĞĂƐƐƵŵƉƚŝŽŶĐŽǀĞƌƐƚŚĞƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶŽĨĂůůŽƚŵĞŶƚƐ͕͕ƉŝƚĐŚĞƐ͕ December 2016). This document has been prepared to identify large ƉůĂLJĂƌĞĂƐ͕>W^ͬEW^͕ŽƵŶƚƌLJWĂƌŬƐĂŶĚŶĂƚƵƌĂůŐƌĞĞŶ scale opportunities to meet future development needs. ƐƉĂĐĞĞƚĐ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJĨĂĐŝůŝƚŝĞƐ ϯϬϬϬƐƋ͘ŵƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚƉĞƌϭϬϬϬĚǁĞůůŝŶŐƐ;ĞƐƚŝŵĂƚĞďĂƐĞĚŽŶ The Site lies within the ‘Area of Search’ termed ‘Sites that span the ƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶŽŶƚŚĞƌďŽƌĨŝĞůĚ^>ͲͿ Bracknell Forest and Wokingham boundary’. An extract of Plan 1 /ŶĚŽŽƌ>ĞŝƐƵƌĞ&ĂĐŝůŝƚŝĞƐ ϭdžϴůĂŶĞƐǁŝŵŵŝŶŐƉŽŽůͬϰϬ͕ϬϬϬƉĞŽƉůĞ;^ƉŽƌƚƐŶŐůĂŶĚͿ showing these areas is included in Figure 3.7 on the following page. /ŶĚŽŽƌ>ĞŝƐƵƌĞ&ĂĐŝůŝƚŝĞƐ ϭƐƉŽƌƚƐŚĂůůͬϭϯ͕ϬϬϬƉĞŽƉůĞ;^ƉŽƌƚƐŶŐůĂŶĚͿ ,ĞĂůƚŚŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ d Para 36 states that: “There are a number of areas along the border dŚĂŵĞƐsĂůůĞLJ>W 'ƌŽǁƚŚĞĂůϯůŝƐƚŽĨƐĐŚĞŵĞƐ ϭ͘ ^ŽƵƚŚZĞĂĚŝŶŐDĂƐƐZĂƉŝĚdƌĂŶƐŝƚWŚĂƐĞƐϯͲϲ EHWZHHQ:RNLQJKDPDQG%UDFNQHOO)RUHVWWKDWKDYHEHHQLGHQWL¿HG Ϯ͘ EĞǁďƵƌLJZĂŝůǁĂLJ^ƚĂƚŝŽŶĂŶĚ/ŶƚĞƌĐŚĂŶŐĞ/ŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ WRERWK&RXQFLOVWKURXJKWKHLUµ&DOOIRU6LWHV¶H[HUFLVHVWKHVHFRYHU ϯ͘ ĂƐƚZĞĂĚŝŶŐDĂƐƐZĂƉŝĚdƌĂŶƐŝƚWŚĂƐĞϮ DUHDVEHWZHHQ:RNLQJKDP&URZWKRUQHDQG%LQ¿HOG$OWKRXJKWKHVH ϰ͘ tŝŶŶĞƌƐŚZĞůŝĞĨZŽĂĚ sites will be considered as part of the Local Plan process, further ϱ͘ ϯϬϵϱŽƌƌŝĚŽƌ/ŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ work is required to consider whether any potential cross boundary ϲ͘ ZĞĂĚŝŶŐ͕ƌĂĐŬŶĞůůΘEĞǁďƵƌLJ͚^ŵĂƌƚŝƚLJ͛ ϳ͘ tŝŶŶĞƌƐŚWĂƌŬǁĂLJ VLWHVFRXOGEULQJZLWKWKHPEHQH¿WVRIVFDOHZKLFKFRXOGQRWEH ϴ͘ ŽƉƉŝĚĞĞĐŚWĂƌŬĂŶĚZŝĚĞ achieved through individual plans.” ϵ͘ ƌĂĐŬŶĞůů^dD^ŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ>Ăď ϭϬ͘ 'tZ͗dǁLJĨŽƌĚ/ŶƚĞƌĐŚĂŶŐĞ Appendix B sets out the high level infrastructure requirements. In ϭϭ͘ ZĞĂĚŝŶŐtĞƐƚ^ƚĂƚŝŽŶhƉŐƌĂĚĞ relation to landscape, the following are set out: ϭϮ͘ ůƵĞDŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ͚sŝůůĂŐĞ͛ ϭϯ͘ 'tZ͗EŽƌƚŚŽǁŶƐ>ŝŶĞhƉŐƌĂĚĞ ϭϰ͘ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJŽĨZĞĂĚŝŶŐͲ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƚŝŽŶĂůtĞĂƚŚĞƌĞŶƚƌĞŽĨ džĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ

WĂŐĞϭϳŽĨϭϴ

18 3ODQ±,OOXVWUDWLYH6SDWLDO)UDPHZRUN3ODQ

LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

3. Landscape-related Policy and Designations

Legend Approximate Site location 3ODQ±,OOXVWUDWLYH6SDWLDO)UDPHZRUN3ODQ

3ODQ±,OOXVWUDWLYH6SDWLDO)UDPHZRUN3ODQ

3ODQ±,OOXVWUDWLYH6SDWLDO)UDPHZRUN3ODQ

3DJHRI Figure 3.7 – Extract from West of Berkshire Spatial Planning Framework (Thames Valley Berkshire, Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council, 13 December 2016) showing the ‘Area of Search’ within which the Site lies.

19

3DJHRI

3DJHRI

3DJHRI LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.1 Landscape Character - Bracknell Forest • “The mature woodland blocks, copses and woodland The forces for change section of the character assessment has belts, ZKLFKIRUPDQHWZRUNRIYDOXDEOHKDELWDWVIRUÀRUDDQG LGHQWL¿HGWKHIROORZLQJNH\DVSHFWVUHODWLYHWRWKLVDSSUDLVDO The Bracknell Forest Borough Landscape Character Assessment fauna, provide a reminder of its location in the former Windsor has been prepared by LUC (September 2015). The Site lies within )RUHVWSURYLGHRSSRUWXQLWLHVIRUUHFUHDWLRQDQGHQMR\PHQWRIWKH • “Continued decline of parkland features. Landscape Type G - Wooded Estates and Character Area G1 - landscape and help to visually integrate development at the edge Easthampstead (see Figure 4.1). This area is described as being: “... RI%UDFNQHOOZLWKWKHVXUURXQGLQJUXUDOFRXQWU\VLGH • Pressure of numbers of recreational users which could damage SDUWLFXODUO\LQÀXHQFHGE\WKHSUR[LPLW\RIXUEDQHGJHVZRRGODQGDQG habitats and wildlife. IRUPHUHVWDWHVDODQGVFDSHRIPL[HGSDVWRUDODQGDJULFXOWXUDO¿HOGV • The sense of naturalness and tranquillity provided by features and woodlands.” such as woodlands, which is highly valued so close to dense • Continued pressure for future residential or mixed-use urban areas. GHYHORSPHQWSDUWLFXODUO\RQWKHHGJHRI%UDFNQHOO´ The Key Characteristics of this area pertinent to the Site and its immediate environs are: • Semi-improved grassland including meadows and marshy The landscape strategy for Bracknell Forest Character Area G1 - JUDVVODQG¿HOGVKHGJHURZVDQGKHGJHURZWUHHVZKLFKSURYLGH Easthampstead recommends to: • ³$JHQWO\XQGXODWLQJODQGVFDSHFHQWUHGRQWKHKLVWRULF visual diversity (particularly changing seasonal interest) and Easthampstead Park, now a conference centre, with remnant diversity of habitats. Protect: parkland features including avenues, a lake and woodland. • Remnant parkland features of Easthampstead Park, which • “remaining areas of woodland from loss or damage and avoid • 7KHODQGULVHVWRP$2'ZKHUHD9LFWRULDQUHGEULFN-DFREHDQ provide a sense of place and scenic interest, a setting to the further fragmentation. style mansion, is set within dense woodland. mansion, and a cultural reference of the history and former use of the area. • protect and conserve remaining historic buildings and features, • 7KHDUHDIRUPVSDUWRIWKHH[WHQVLYH0HGLHYDO:LQGVRU)RUHVW including historic estate buildings and mature and veteran trees, and has a well wooded character, including areas of ancient • Jennetts Park ZKLFKSURYLGHVWKHRSSRUWXQLW\IRUHQMR\PHQWRI IRUWKHEHQH¿WRIYLVLWRUVDQGWRSUHVHUYHDVHQVHRIKLVWRU\ woodland. Formerly the site of a Royal hunting lodge. the landscape through recreation. • the relative tranquillity of the area which contrasts with, and • 0L[HGODQGXVHVRIIRUPHUSDUNODQGPL[HGDJULFXOWXUDO¿HOGV • Historic buildings VXFKDVWKHUHGEULFN-DFREHDQVW\OHPDQVLRQ SURYLGHVDYDOXDEOHUHVSLWHIURPWKHDGMDFHQWGHYHORSHGDUHDVDV bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees, paddocks, at the centre of Easthampstead Park and gate lodge which well as providing separation from Wokingham. woodland, grassland (including semi-improved and amenity) and provides a cultural reference to the past as well as aesthetic a golf course, giving rise to a rather fragmented character. HQMR\PHQWRIWKHODQGVFDSH9LHZVDORQJWKHDYHQXHWRWKHKRXVH • designed views associated with the estate, such as the view of are notable. WKH0DQVLRQDORQJWKHDYHQXH´ • 'HVSLWHSUR[LPLW\WREXLOWGHYHORSPHQWZLWKLQ%UDFNQHOOWKHDUHD retains a sense of relative tranquillity largely as a result of the park • The tranquil and undeveloped character of the area that Manage: and woodland elements. FRQWUDVWVZLWKWKHXUEDQFHQWUHRI%UDFNQHOODQGSURYLGHVD VHSDUDWLRQRUµJDS¶EHWZHHQ%UDFNQHOODQG:RNLQJKDP • “the remaining woodland habitats to ensure their survival, • 7UHHFRYHUUHVWULFWVYLHZV+RZHYHUWKHUHDUHVRPHQRWDEOH including check of invasive species. views include the framed views along the avenue of mature trees • The network of public footpaths which provides opportunities WRWKH9LFWRULDQPDQVLRQ QRZWKHFRQIHUHQFHFHQWUH ´ for informal recreation within close proximity to the edge of • hedgerows and hedgerow trees to ensure their survival. %UDFNQHOODVZHOODVSURYLGLQJDEUHDNZLWKLQGHYHORSPHQWDWWKH In terms of the valued features and characteristics of this character HGJHRI%UDFNQHOO´ • EDODQFHWKHQHHGIRUUHFUHDWLRQDQGHQMR\PHQWRIWKHODQGVFDSH DUHDWKHVHDUHGH¿QHGDV ZLWKWKHFRQVHUYDWLRQRIKDELWDWVIRUÀRUDDQGIDXQD

20 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.1 Landscape Character - Bracknell Forest (continued) Legend

• change arising from any future development... to ensure it can Approximate Site location be accommodated without detriment to the valued attributes and sense of place.”

D1 Plan: H2 ³FRQVLGHUWKHUHVWRUDWLRQRI¿HOGERXQGDULHVZKHUHWKHVHKDYHEHHQ ORVWWRUHVWRUHWKHKLVWRULF¿HOGSDWWHUQDQGHQKDQFHYLVXDODPHQLW\ C2 C1 • for an improved network of woodland, hedgerows and trees and plan for the next generation of hedgerow trees. H2 H1 • improve cohesion of the area by enhancing parkland features,

planning for management and reinstatement of features such as G2 parkland trees and avenues. C1

• for continued positive conservation and enhancement of the F1 valuable woodland habitats, balancing this with commercial RSHUDWLRQVDQGSURYLVLRQRIUHFUHDWLRQDQGHQMR\PHQWRIWKH landscape. G1 • consider the potential impacts of any potential new development and plan to minimise these and enhance sense of place through careful design (including siting, scale, materials and lighting), and use of landscape mitigation to enhance sense of place.

• seek to extend and enhance areas of broadleaf woodland and A1 open grasslands to increase the quality and diversity of habitats. Plan to enhance and integrate the open space at the urban edge through further native or parkland style planting.”

B1

E1 Figure 4.1 – Extract from Bracknell Forest Borough Landscape Character Area Map (LUC, 2015).

21 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.1 Landscape Character Context - Bracknell Forest Borough (continued)

Landscape Character Area G1 - Easthampstead Wooded Estate

Site Boundary

Image 2. Easthampstead Park (484206 167678) Image 3. Easthampstead Park (484122 167606) Views across open improved grassland to the west of Jennette’s Park, used for View towards Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, framed by an avenue of informal recreation, with new woodland planting in the middle distance and West mature trees. Garden Copse to the left of the image.

Image 1. Typical view grassland and woodland looking west towards the avenue linking Easthampstead Park Conference Centre with Old Wokingham Road, at Grid Reference 484274 167703.

LocationFigure 4.3 – Extracts (above and right) from Bracknell Forest Borough Landscape Character Assessment - Photographs 4 and 5 are taken from Public Footpath 15 within the Site (LUC, 2015)

Image 4. Easthampstead Park (484030 167546) Image 5. Easthampstead Park (484030 167546) Drainage ditches follow paths and small roads accross the area. View across open paddocks enclosed by post and wire fencing, to the northwest of Easthampstead Park.

Key Characteristics

x

x

x

x

Image 6. Easthampstead Park (484309 167779) x Views across open improved grassland to the west of Jennette’s Park, used for informal recreation, with new woodland planting in the middle distance and West Garden Copse to the left of the image.

Bracknell Forest Landscape Character Assessment July 2015 x Figure 4.2 – Extract from District Landscape Character Assessment showing the extents of Landscape Character Area G1 Easthampstead Wooded Estate (LUC, 2015)

22 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.1 Landscape Character Context - Bracknell Forest Borough (continued) Landscape Character Area G1 - Easthampstead Wooded Estate

Map 4: Woodland and Tree

Map 5: Nature Conservation and Cultural Heritage Designations Figure 4.4 – Extracts from Bracknell Forest Borough Landscape Character FigureBracknell Forest 4.5 Landscape – Extracts Character Assessment from Bracknell Forest Borough Landscape CharacterMarch 2015 Assessment Assessment showing Topography and Drainage, and Habitats for Landscape showing Woodland and Trees and Nature Conservation and Cultural Heritage Designations Character Area G1, Easthampstead Wooded Estate (LUC, 2015) for Landscape Character Area G1, Easthampstead Wooded Estate (LUC, 2015)

23 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.2 Landscape Character Context - Wokingham Borough • 3UHVHQFHRIVPDOOEXVLQHVVHVLQGLFDWHVHFRQRPLFGLYHUVL¿FDWLRQ The Landscape Strategy for Wokingham Character Area N1 - Holme aside from agriculture and woodland elements. Green Pastoral Sandy Lowland recommends to ‘Enhance’ the There is a partial visual relationship between the Site and land to the H[LVWLQJFKDUDFWHUZLWKNH\RSSRUWXQLWLHVLGHQWL¿HGDV west of Old Wokingham Road. The Wokingham District Landscape • 6FUXEE\YHJHWDWLRQLQFOXGLQJZRRGHGWULEXWDULHVVKHOWHUEHOWV Character Assessment (LUC March 2004), shows that these with gorse, bramble and bracken. The document also states that • “potential for replanting and management of boundaries” of the landscapes to the west of the Site, lie within Landscape Type N - hedgerows are generally gappy and unconnected and marked by ³KLVWRULF¿HOGSDWWHUQVDQGKHGJHURZV´ Pastoral Sandy Lowland and Character Area N1 - Holme Green rough overgrown hedgebanks; and rarely, there are mature oaks Pastoral Sandy Lowland (see Figure 4.6). UHWDLQHGLQ¿HOGV • ³0DQDJHPHQWRIXUEDQIULQJHDFWLYLWLHVRQPDUJLQDOODQG´

The Landscape Type described as “...sandy, farmed landscapes... • Dispersed settlement including large manors being used as • The open views and appearance of settlements being integrated closely associated with and transitional between the sandy forested educational establishments and hamlets. It also states that within the rural landscape context should also be conserved and ODQGVFDSHVRI7\SH0)RUHVWHGDQG6HWWOHG6DQGVDQGWKHFOD\ the use of ‘Green’ in place names suggests these settlements enhanced.” IDUPHGODQGVFDSHVRI7\SH-6HWWOHGDQGIDUPHG&OD\7KLVW\SHLV became established around village greens, probably developed in distinguished by an undulating landform and sandy geology, giving the late Medieval/Post-medieval periods. The ‘overall objective’ is stated as being “to improve the character of rise to poorer soils that are predominantly used for pasture.” the area through management and enhancements to the condition of • Recreational value in the form of a golf course and numerous WKHRSHQSDVWRUDOIDUPODQGDQGSDGGRFNVDQGWKHµUXVWLF¶DSSHDUDQFH Character Area N1 is described as being “characterised by its footpaths and bridleways. of this area whilst allowing change to occur that would complement predominantly pastoral land use with smaller areas of arable land. and reinforce the existing character.” 7KHODQGVFDSHKHUHLVJHQWO\XQGXODWLQJRSHQLQJRXWLQWRÀDWWHU • $ODQGVFDSHHYRNLQJDJHQHUDOO\SHDFHIXOFKDUDFWHU DUHDVHDVWRI+ROPH*UHHQDQGLVVHWZLWKLQDSDUWLDOO\ZRRGHG Landscape SensitivityLVGH¿QHGDVµmoderate’, with all landscape FRQWH[WFUHDWHGE\WKH6HWWOHGDQG)RUHVWHG6DQGVWRWKHVRXWKDQG • 9LHZVRIWKHVRXWKHUQIULQJHVRI:RNLQJKDPZLWKVRPHDUHDVRI components being moderately re-creatable and important at the the urban areas of Wokingham in the north..” land providing an important break between Finchampstead and local level. The “most sensitive components, are the perceptual Wokingham. characteristics of the landscape including the sense of openness and The described Key Characteristics of this area pertinent to the the generally peaceful character. Other characteristics with some environs of the Site are: • Pine clumps are a locally distinctive feature forming the approach sensitivity are the small areas with ecological value (which include to Wokingham. the wooded tributaries and shelterbelts with gorse, bramble and • ³6KHOYLQJWRJHQWO\XQGXODWLQJODQGIRUPXQGHUODLQE\DVDQG\ bracken), the rural land use pattern and the rural views and setting to geology. The document also states that this area has “a rough and the edge of Wokingham.” µXQPDQDJHG¶FKDUDFWHUFUHDWHGE\WKHDEVHQFHRIKHGJHURZVDQG • $QDJULFXOWXUDOODQGVFDSHGH¿QHGSUHGRPLQDQWO\E\SDVWRUDO presence of shacks and caravans in the paddocks, rough fencing and farming contained within medium-sized and geometrically shaped scrubby vegetation including gorse and bracken.” Also, “The Emm ¿HOGVDQGODUJHO\GLYLGHGE\SRVWDQGZLUHDQGURXJKWLPEHU %URRNWULEXWDULHVDUHDEUDQFKHGQHWZRUNRIYHU\VPDOOEURRNVVHW fencing. within very narrow and shallow valleys. These create some variation in the landform of the area. Consequently the landscape appears to • 6PDOOVFDOHµKREE\¶IDUPLQJLQFOXGLQJDQXPEHURIHTXHVWULDQ slope gently upwards...to the edge of Wokingham to the north and paddocks and exercising areas bound by often unkempt fencing WRWKHIRUHVWHGµSODWHDX¶WRWKHVRXWK7KHWULEXWDU\VWUHDPVDUHQRW and supported by temporary-looking facilities such as caravans visible in the landscape being hidden within woodland and trees.” and sheds.

24 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.2 Landscape Character Context - Wokingham Borough (continued)

Legend

Approximate site location J1 Type N: Pastoral Sandy Lowland L1 N1 - Holme Green Pastoral Sandy Lowland N2 - Finchampstead Pastoral Sandy Lowland

Urban areas N1 District boundary LAND USE CONSULTANTS 43 Chalton Street J2      NP M1

N2 M2

A3 B3      NP yright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number ALD852368 Figure 4.6 – Extracts from Wokingham District Landscape Character Assessment (LUC, 2004) showing landscape character types and areas.

25 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

4. Baseline Conditions - Landscape Character

4.2 Landscape Character Context - Wokingham Borough UXUDOODQGVFDSHZKLOHFRQVHUYLQJVLJQL¿FDQWYLHZVWRODQGPDUN (continued) features.” • Village greens - “Consider creating new village greens which In terms of Landscape Change, the document sets out ‘Key Issues’ could help to maintain the individual character of individual with the potential to affect the character of Area N1, and ‘Associated settlements.” Guidelines. These include the following of relevance: • New roads, road improvements and infrastructure - “Undertake sympathetic screening to minimise the impact of new and • Hedgerow loss - conserve “remaining hedgerows as important existing roads.” wildlife habitats and landscape features and promote management of hedgerows as coppice, with oak standards left to form future timber trees. Consider opportunities for reinstatement of hedges, particularly where they have been lost from highly visible locations e.g. along roadsides.” • Neglect and decline in management of agricultural land and features - reinstate “lost or declining features, such as standard oaks and hedgerows.” • Loss of grassland habitats - “Consider re-creation of lost grassland habitats.” • Marginal agricultural land of poor visual character - “6HHNWR maintain a positive interface between the built up and rural areas that provides an appropriate setting for the village or town.” • Loss of woodland - “$LPWRFRQWLQXHWRLQFUHDVHWKHH[WHQWRI native deciduous woodland using natural regeneration or locally occurring native species to enhance the wooded character of the landscape. The aim should be to link existing sites without ORVVRIVLJQL¿FDQWYLHZVDQGUHWDLQZRRGODQGDVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKH tributaries.” • Demand for development - “Protect the individual identity of settlements by conserving the rural character of the landscape EHWZHHQDGMDFHQWWRZQVDQGYLOODJHFHQWUHVDQGDYRLGLQJ amalgamation of these settlements.” • Built development on the edges of towns, leading to suburbanisation of the landscape, loss of individual settlement identity and blocking of views - “Consider possibilities for woodland creation in urban fringe areas where these could enhance landscape character and quality, provide recreational potential, and assist in the positive integration of the urban and

26 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

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27 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

5.1 Topography and Drainage

7KHODQGVFDSHRIWKH6LWHDQGVXUURXQGLQJDUHDVLVÀDWWRJHQWO\ undulating, with few prominent areas of high ground. The land varies between around 55m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) in the lower lying areas west of Old Wokingham Road; to around 65-75m AOD to the south of Easthampstead Road and West Road; to over 85m AOD to the north in the higher areas around the A329(M) / A329 junction.

Easthampstead Park Conference Centre is located on a localised landscape knoll at over 80m AOD; while Peacock Meadows rises to the north toward Peacock Lane (from below 70m AOD to around 77m AOD). Existing development at Jennetts Park to the north-east of the Site is sited on land that rises from below 70m AOD to over 80m AOD. The Site levels vary from around 65m AOD in the south and west to over 70m AOD to the north, and around 75m AOD to the east. The railway to the north / north-west is raised on an embankment in several locations. Big Wood to the north of Peacock Lane / Waterloo Road is prominent in some views, in part due to the dark conifers within it, but also due to its slightly more elevated position, at around 70-75m AOD.

West of Old Wokingham Road, up to the railway to the west, is a gently undulating landscape with a number of drainage ditches and Emm Brook, although these waterbodies are not readily seen in views across the area. The land levels vary from lows around 55m AOD to highs of around 65m AOD. Emm Brook appears to continue to the east of Old Wokingham Road, skirting the southern boundary of the Site as it runs alongside and through the Downshire Golf Course.

The Site generally slopes east to west, away from the localised knoll of Easthampstead Park between 75-65m AOD. In the northern part of the Site, the landform slopes towards a small brook.

28 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

Legend

Site Boundary

Minor Ridgelines

Minor Valleys

Figure 5.1 – Plan illustrating Topography (fabrik, 2017). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432.

29 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

5.2 Land Use

Transport Infrastructure Vegetation

Major routes in the area are the A329 (M) to the north of the Site, The landscapes south of Bracknell, around Crowthorne and to both which connects with the M4; the A329 which runs from Bracknell sides of Nine Mile Ride are heavily wooded, with a high proportion of toward the motorway; and the A3095 which runs south through coniferous trees within these areas. Bracknell and beyond (see Figure 2.1). The B3430 Nine Mile Ride runs east-west connecting Wokingham with further settlements to The northern part of the landscape area between Nine Mile Ride, the the south-west and west. Old Wokingham Road runs north-south, railways and Old Wokingham Road has fewer and smaller wooded perpendicular to Nine Mile Ride and connecting to it around 1km areas, however, the hedgerows, tree groups and other vegetation south of the Site. DORQJURDGVUDLOZD\VZDWHUFRXUVHVULJKWVRIZD\DQG¿HOGDQG property boundaries, in combination, create a verdant and largely Several minor roads to the west and north of the Site provide ZHOOHQFORVHGODQGVFDSH:KHQFRPELQHGZLWKWKHÀDWRUJHQWO\ important connections between Bracknell and Wokingham, and to the undulating landform, the vegetation limits long distance views across villages and other settlement west and south-west of the Site. the landscape.

Two railway lines cross the study area running from the east and East of Old Wokingham Road and north of West Road, Big Wood and south towards Wokingham. the trees and woodland around Easthampstead Park Conference Centre and along its access drive, are the principal areas of mature Settlement and Built Areas vegetation. Both areas contain a number of coniferous species. West Garden Copse at the east side of Peacock Meadows by Jennetts Bracknell and Wokingham area the principal settlements within the Park is also a sizeable woodland. Furthermore, the Downshire Study area, with Crowthorne lying to the south, to the south of Nine Golf Course to the south of the Site is heavily planted, both at the Mile Ride. Gardener’s Green and Holme Green are villages located boundaries and within the grounds, again including many coniferous west of Old Wokingham Road, while there are further scattered small WUHHV7KHUHPDLQLQJ¿HOGVDQGRSHQDUHDVWHQGWREHHGJHGE\ groups of dwellings or isolated dwellings, associated with farms and the woodlands or small copses, and hedgerows, many of which are along the road network. gappy, with scattered trees at boundaries.

There are key employment zones within both Bracknell and Wokingham, as well as a number of schools. A large nursery is located to the west around Gardener’s Green.

The landscapes surrounding the towns also support a number of leisure facilities including a golf course; country park; garden centre; hotel; outdoor pursuits; sports and equestrian. A crematorium is located to the south of Downshire Golf Complex. Easthampstead Park currently operates as a Conference Centre.

30 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

Legend " $ ! ' ! Site Boundary  # ! " #  Larger settlements

Villages

 " ! Employment & % $ " " Education # #  # Leisure facilities # $ " " $ $ Farmland and equestrian " $ % Larger forests and woodland

& Railway # 

' Motorway $ " # " " ( Horticultural nursery ( ( 

% # % % %

!

" # %

Figure 5.2 – Plan illustrating Land Use (fabrik, 2017).

31 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

5.3 Public Rights of Way

There are a number of Public Footpaths and a few Byways Open WR$OO7UDI¿F %2$7V ZLWKLQWKHODQGVFDSHEHWZHHQ%UDFNQHOODQG Wokingham. In addition, a number of Public Footpaths run through the settlements.

Public Footpath No.15 follows the access road / track through the Site and then continues to the north-east. It then turns south-east where it meets the edge of Peacock Meadows. Public Footpath 15 is also called ‘Ramblers Route’ R8(a) by Bracknell Forest Council.

Public Footpath 18 runs from the junction with Footpath 15, crosses Peacock Meadows and then heads north alongside the edge of Jennetts Park. The ‘Ramblers Routes’ appear from signage, to have been continued through Peacock Meadows country park, following existing and new footpaths.

Wokingham Borough’s Public Footpath 6 lies just west of Old Wokingham Road, near the existing Site entrance. It is shown on 2UGQDQFH6XUYH\PDSVDQGWKHGH¿QLWLYHPDSDVGLDJRQDOO\FURVVLQJ the land between Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road. However, on the ground, the Footpath appears to have been diverted WRUXQDORQJWKH¿HOGPDUJLQVWKDWERUGHUWKHURDGV

%2$71RDQG3XEOLF)RRWSDWK1RFURVVWKH¿HOGVQRUWKZHVWRI the Site / Old Wokingham Road, linking Easthampstead Road and Waterloo Road. The BOAT was heavily rutted when seen during the VLWHYLVLWDQGYHU\GLI¿FXOWWRXVHRQIRRW

32 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

5. Baseline Conditions - Wider Site Context

Legend

Site Boundary

Public Footpath

Public right of way 10 reference number

Byway Open to All

7UDI¿F %2$7

Bracknell Forest Council Forest Bracknell Wokingham Borough Council Borough Wokingham

Figure 5.3 – Plan illustrating Public Rights of Way (PROW) (fabrik, 2017). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432

33 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes

6.1 Site Landscape Attributes and Views 6.2 Site Characteristics :HVWHUQSDUFHO

The Site is divided into two sections by the tarmac access track :KLOHWKH6LWHDSSHDUVDW¿UVWDVDKRPRJHQRXVXQLWWKHUHDUHVXEWOH West of the access track the ‘western parcel’ comprises a triangular- running through it. Beyond the Site red line boundary to the north- changes in landscape character, which in turn, could inform a detailed shaped area of fairly level land, with a cover of grassland. Given the east (beyond the buildings on the Site), the track is not accessible approach to development. These parts of the Site are described VKRUWQHVVRIWKHJUDVVVZDUGLWLVDVVXPHGWKLV¿HOGLVJUD]HGE\ to vehicles and has a gravelled surface. Within the Site, the track is further below and illustrated in Figure 6.1 while the location of the VKHHS VHH3KRWR93 7KHJUDVVHG¿HOGLVHGJHGWRWKHZHVWE\D edged with clipped hedgerows to both sides, albeit some sections of internal Site photographic viewpoints are shown on Figure 6.2. gappy, clipped hedgerow and a few trees. hedge are somewhat sparse, particularly on the south-east side of the track. A drainage ditch also runs along the south-eastern side of (DVWHUQSDUFHO 6RXWKRIWKHJUDVVHG¿HOGLVDQDUHDRIODQGFRQWDLQLQJDSRQG the track. To the north-east, the gravelled section of track is edged and sitting alongside, and containing part of, the woodland subject with trees and some other understory vegetation. East of the Site access track the ‘eastern parcel’ comprises of a large, to a Wildlife Heritage Site designation. This small area of land is triangular-shaped area of grassland where sheep were observed VHSDUDWHGIURPWKH¿HOGWRWKHQRUWKE\DWDOOKHGJHDQGIHQFH A second drainage ditch located to the north side of the north-eastern grazing during the Site visit (see Photo Viewpoint, VP1). This area part of the access track, runs in a south-westerly direction, crossing includes the large barn on the Site. The land rises very gently to the The combination of gappy vegetation at the Site boundary, and rising the northern half of the Site. Within the site, the line of the ditch is east toward the knoll on which the Conference Centre sits. There is a land west of the Site means that there are views beyond the Site, to marked by a post and wire fence alongside it. Further drainage clump of mature trees just south-west of the barn. parts of the landscape and to scattered buildings, located west and ditches occur in the areas local to the Site, such as alongside the north-west of Old Wokingham Road (see VPs 4 and 5). Vehicles Easthampstead Park Conference Centre access drive, and within 7KHQRUWKHDVWHUQDQGHDVWHUQERXQGDULHVRIWKLVSDUFHODUHGH¿QHG using Old Road are also seen across this land from the Public the woodland to the south-west. Review of Ordnance Survey maps by a line of mature trees, and limited sections of low hedgerow. This Footpath crossing the Site. Value: Medium. indicates that Emm Brook runs alongside the southern edge of the YHJHWDWLRQDOVRVHSDUDWHVWKH6LWHIURPWKHDGMDFHQWVPDOO¿HOGRI Site. rough grassland (the latter is outside of the red line boundary). A 1RUWKHUQSDUFHO small part of the woodland on the slopes west of the Conference A large, detached dwelling is located on the north side of the Site Centre abuts the boundary of the eastern parcel to the east. The ‘northern parcel’ is a broadly rectangular area of land, which access track. This is one and a half storeys high, and built of has a low ridge running approximately east-west across it, making red brick with a brown tiled roof. The garden has a low brick wall A post and wire fence runs along the southern boundary of the it appear slightly mounded. The northern boundary of the parcel is boundary. Adjacent to this is a small industrial area, comprising of eastern parcel separating it from the ‘south-eastern parcel’ (see edged by dense woodland. There is a small area of woodland and a series of low-rise, concrete block buildings, with shallow pitched Photo VP2). There is intervisibility between the ‘eastern parcel’ a further low, clipped and gappy hedgerow at the western boundary roofs, accommodating workshop-based businesses. A static caravan DQGWKHVPDOO¿HOGVWRWKHQRUWKDQGQRUWKHDVW7KHUHLVDOVRVRPH with Old Wokingham Road (see Photo VP5). There are glimpses of is located between the dwelling and industrial units. There is a large intervisibility with the Conference Centre access road. However, WUDI¿FRQWKHURDGDQGRIOLPLWHGSDUWVRIWKHODQGEXLOGLQJVEH\RQGLW area of hard surfacing accommodating access and parking to the the Easthampstead Park Listed Buildings are barely seen due to the units, which is enclosed to the north by trees and other vegetation. surrounding mature vegetation and conifers. Value: Medium - High. To the north-east, the parcel abuts the trees / vegetation along the Easthampstead Park Conference Centre access drive. This parcel A large barn is located to the south-east of the Site access track, 6RXWKHDVWHUQSDUFHO also contains a clump of trees just north of the industrial area (see opposite the industrial area. It is constructed of panels of green Photo VP6), and further mature trees along the access track. The and grey corrugated metal and has a black, corrugated metal 7KHµVRXWKHDVWHUQSDUFHO¶FRPSULVHVRIDUHFWDQJXODU¿HOGPRVWRI second drainage ditch runs to the southern boundary of the northern pitched roof. The barn is glimpsed in views from the access drive to which had been ploughed, while a wide strip of grassland remained to parcel. Easthampstead Park Conference Centre. the western edge. Sheep were also observed within this parcel. The land rises gently to the east / north-east. The south-eastern parcel The northern parcel of land is therefore well enclosed to the north, Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8a follows the Site access EHQH¿WVIURPDKLJKOHYHORISK\VLFDODQGYLVXDOHQFORVXUHSURYLGHG with partial enclosure to the north-east and west. It is open along the track. The track is also used by vehicles, with no separation of the by the mature woodland and coniferous trees edging the Downshire western part of the southern boundary. Value: Medium - High. Footpath. Golf Complex to the south, and by the small areas of woodland by Old Wokingham Road to the south-west (see Photo VP3). Value: Medium.

34 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes

Legend Lane Gentle slopes Peacock Site Boundary

Road Country park (associated with Steeper slopes around Easthampstead Jennetts Park development) Park Conference Centre Waterloo Peacock Meadows Listed Buildings (outside of Site) Ditch

Approximate boundary of Pond 4 Wokingham District Council proposed Strategic Development Existing vehicular access Location (SDL) Approximate area of Wokingham SDL ‘Multi-Functional Open Asphalt track through Site Easthampstead Greenspace’ Park Conference Centre Approximate area of Wokingham Public Footpath - FP15 / Ramblers SDL SANG Route 8(a), which crosses the Site 3 Existing rough grassland (east / Existing gate 1 north-east of Site) Site * Brook Wildlife Heritage Site by south- Emm western edge of Site (Bracknell 1 Eastern parcel Old Wokingham Road Wokingham Old Forest Adopted Local Plan 2002 2 South-eastern parcel Policy EN4) 2 3 Western parcel Existing hedges, shown broken where gappy. Visual screening is 4 Northern parcel Downshire Golf limited Course Commercial / storage buildings Approximate extent of existing within the Site Easthampstead Road VLJQL¿FDQWYHJHWDWLRQWKDWFUHDWHV enclosure and which contributes to Dwelling within the Site partial or full visual screening Intervisibility Static mobile home within Site

West Road Low fence (note - fences are also Figure 6.1 – Plan illustrating Attributes of the Site and nearby surrounding areas (fabrik, 2017). present along other vegetated Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. boundaries)

35 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes

Legend

Site Boundary

Viewpoint location 

$ #



" !

Figure 6.2 – Plan illustrating location of internal Site photo viewpoints (fabrik, 2017). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432

36 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes Woodland north Existing dwelling Access track / Existing barn and tree clump Trees along access drive Existing woodland / trees largely screen buildings of Site on Site Public Footpath 15 / south of access track to Easthampstead Park at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre Rambler’s Route 8(a) Conference Centre

Photograph – Viewpoint 1 - Looking north-east to east from Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8(a) within the Site. There is a ditch and gappy hedge south of the track and more robust hedge north of it. The existing dwelling and barns on the Site are seen as well as the existing tree clump south of the path. The specimen conifers along the drive to Easthampstead Park are just seen as well as the woodland / conifers that largely obscure the Listed Buildings. Further woodland and conifers beyond the Site boundaries limit long views. Value: Medium - High.

Existing barn and Existing ditch on south Trees along access drive Existing woodland / trees largely screen buildings tree clump south of side of access track to Easthampstead Park at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre access track Conference Centre

Photograph – Viewpoint 2 - Looking east to south-east from Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8(a) within the Site. Specimen conifers / Woodland obscure Easthampstead Park from view. The Downshire Golf &RXUVHLVDOVRVFUHHQHGE\PDWXUHERXQGDU\YHJHWDWLRQ$SRVWDQGZLUHIHQFHVHSDUDWHVWKHHDVWHUQ¿HOGVRIWKH6LWHWKHVRXWKHUO\DUHDEHLQJXVHGIRUDUDEOHIDUPLQJDQGWKHQRUWKHUQDUHDEHLQJJUD]HGE\VKHHS Value: Medium - High.

37 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes

Coniferous and deciduous Edge of woodland (designated Wildlife vegetation at boundary Heritage Site) by south-western edge of Site (woodland not in red line area)

Photograph – Viewpoint 3 - Looking south-east from Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8(a) within the Site. The Downshire Golf Course is screened by mature boundary vegetation as well as the landform, which IDOOVVRXWKZDUGV7KHDUDEOH¿HOGLQWKHVRXWKHUQSDUWRIWKH6LWHLVVHHQDVZHOODVSDUWRIWKHZRRGODQGGHVLJQDWHGE\%UDFNQHOODVD:LOGOLIH+HULWDJH6LWH ULJKWVLWHRISKRWR 7KHODWWHULVORFDWHGPDLQO\RXWVLGHRIWKH Site red line boundary. Value: Medium.

Hedge and fence separates land Glimpses of land and existing dwellings Gappy hedgerows along western Hedgerow to north side of track / DURXQGSRQGRQ6LWHIURP¿HOG west of Old Wokingham Road boundary of Site Public Footpath 15 through Site

Photograph – Viewpoint 4 - Looking west to north-west from Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8(a) across the south-western part of the Site. The gappy hedgerows and scattered trees where the Site meets Old Wokingham Road are seen, as well as woodland outside of the Site to the north-west / north. There are glimpses beyond the Site to the landscapes and scattered buildings west of Old Wokingham Road. Value: Medium.

38 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

6. Baseline Conditions - Site Attributes

Glimpses of land west of Old Woodland within Site, adjacent Woodland adjacent to Wokingham Road to western boundary northern boundary of Site

Photograph – Viewpoint 5 - Looking west to north-west from the edge of the employment buildings within the Site. The small woodland that straddles the Old Wokingham Road and lies within the Site is seen, as well as glimpses of the landscapes beyond the Site. To the north-west and north woodland bordering and beyond the Site dominates the backdrop to the view. A ditch runs along the north side of the post and wire fence that crosses the Site. The land is assumed to be grazed, given the shortness of the grass sward. Value: Medium.

Woodland adjacent to Tree clump to north-east of northern boundary of Site industrial units within Site

Photograph – Viewpoint 6 - Looking north to north-east from the edge of the employment buildings within the Site. The tree clump north of the buildings is seen in the right in the photo. To the north is the existing woodland bordering the Site. Beyond the tree clump there are glimpses of trees at the north-eastern edge of the Site, which line the access drive to Easthampstead Park Conference Centre. The land is assumed to be grazed, given the shortness of the grass sward. Value: Medium.

39 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

7.1 Local Site Context - Landscape Attributes and Intervisibility Views toward the Site were not found from Public Footpath 5 which Viewpoints 10 and 11). Consideration could therefore be given to with the Site lies to the north-west of Byway 30, however, further consideration additional planting to increasing the partial visual screen provided by may need to be given to the potential for views of development on the existing vegetation. The landscape attributes of the local site context are shown on Site from this Footpath, and the buildings near to both the Footpath Figure 7.1, while the location of the photographic viewpoints are DQG%\ZD\)RRWSDWKDQGWKH%\ZD\OLHZLWKLQODQGLGHQWL¿HG The Site is not immediately apparent from Public Footpath 15 / shown on Figure 7.2. for an SDL by Wokingham Borough Council, and therefore may be Ramblers Route 8(a) where this runs along the south side of Peacock enveloped by development in the future. Meadows, however, it is possible that there would be glimpses of Roads development on the Site from this location, particularly in winter views The gently rolling nature of the landscape west of the Site, and (See Photo VP12) Old Wokingham Road borders the Site to the west, and then relatively high level of vegetation, means that no further notable areas continues north-eastwards as Peacock Lane to the north of the RILQWHUYLVLELOLW\ZLWKWKH6LWHZHUHLGHQWL¿HG Easthampstead Park Conference Centre occupies a Grade II Listed Site. The varied vegetation along the border of the Site with Old Building approximately 200m to the south-east of the Site. The Wokingham Road means that there are views into parts of the North of the Site access drive runs from Old Wokingham Road in the north-west, Site (particularly the western and north-western sections) from the toward the building, which sits on a landscape knoll, raised at least adjacent parts of the road. The Site is less apparent in views on the The existing dense woodland to the north of the Site prevents views 5m above the highest level of the Site. The drive is edged by mature Old Wokingham Road approach from the south, due to screening into it from this direction. WUHHVDQGRWKHUYHJHWDWLRQKRZHYHULQZLQWHUWKHUHDUH¿OWHUHGYLHZV mainly by woodland, but also by some buildings. Photographic into the Site from the drive (see Photo VP13). Viewpoints 7 and 8 represent views from Old Wokingham Road, but East of the Site are taken from a position near to Public Footpath 6, just east of the The grounds to the building are enclosed by woodland, trees and road, for safety reasons. Existing built areas in Bracknell lie to the east of the Site. The most other planting, which includes evergreen vegetation. Therefore, proximate to the Site is the recent Jennetts Park development there are only barely perceptible glimpses of a small part of the West of the Site (approximately 0.5km distance). Peacock Meadows country park lies main building from the Site, and the Site was not found to be visible at the west side of Jennetts Park. from the grounds immediately in front of the building, or from the To the west of Old Wokingham Road lies a landscape area which is main car park. While there appears to be an existing high level of essentially rural in character, albeit there are a number of buildings There are a number of dwellings at the western edge of Jennetts Park physical and visual separation between the Listed Buildings and the that include private dwellings, farm buildings and business properties that overlook Peacock Meadows, however, many of these views are Site, nevertheless, planning and landscape character assessment providing recreational / leisure facilities. This landscape unit is likely to be reduced over time by vegetation that has been retained guidance seek consideration of the parklands and setting of bound by railway lines to the north and west; and forest plantations and planting that has been implemented at the eastern edges of the Easthampstead Park. and a large nursery to the south and south-west. There is some Park. Nevertheless, it is possible that there may be a small number intervisibility between the Site and the part of this rural landscape of residents who could obtain residual glimpses of development on South of the Site immediately west of Old Wokingham Road – generally, the area the Site, notably in winter views. GH¿QHGE\:DWHUORR5RDGWRWKHQRUWKYHJHWDWLRQDORQJVLGH%\ZD\ The greens of Downshire Golf Complex lie to the south and south- 30 to the north-west, and by Easthampstead Road to the south (see Peacock Meadows comprises largely of open grassland, and while east of the Site. South of the golf complex, the landscape is more Photo VPs 8, 4 and 5). the land is relatively level to the south-eastern and central parts, built up, including dwellings and industrial / employment units. Both it rises to the north-west, toward Old Wokingham Road. As a the golf course and the more built up area, lie within a wooded / forest Views toward the Site from Byway 30 itself are limited by the trees consequence, there are glimpses to the Site, particularly in winter, setting, and were not found to have any visual relationship with the and other vegetation that borders it (see Photo VP9). Much of the through the trees / vegetation that edge the Conference Centre Site (see Photo Viewpoint 14). Byway is also deeply rutted through use by vehicles, and would access drive. Therefore, it is quite likely that there would be glimpses WKHUHIRUHEHGLI¿FXOWIRUSHGHVWULDQVWRXVHDVDZDONLQJURXWH of some buildings on the Site from Peacock Meadows (see Photo

40 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context Legend Big Wood Wokingham Site Boundary Wildlife Heritage Site, partly within Site boundary (Bracknell Forest Adopted Local authority boundary Local Plan, 2002 - Saved - Bracknell Forest / Policy EN4) Lane Wokingham Borough

Peacock Railway Existing hedges, shown broken Waterloo Jennetts where gappy. Visual screening is Peacock Park Meadows limited Jennetts Park - 2 and Road 3 storey residential Approximate extent of existing development VLJQL¿FDQWYHJHWDWLRQWKDW creates enclosure and which Country park contributes to partial or full visual screening

Public Footpath Intervisibility

Easthampstead Byway Open to All Approximate area / boundary Park Conference of Wokingham District Council Centre 7UDI¿F %2$7 proposed Strategic Development Listed Buildings Location (SDL)

Brook Approximate area of Wokingham Easthampstead Road Emm Ancient Woodland SDL ‘Multi-Functional Open

Old Wokingham Road Wokingham Old Greenspace’

Trees and tree groups / Approximate area of Wokingham woodland in the vicinity of SDL SANG the Site, subject to Tree Downshire Golf Course Preservation Order (TPO) Minor watercourse / ditch

Pond (within Site boundary)

West Road

Figure 7.1 – Plan illustrating Local Site Context Attributes (fabrik, 2017). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432.

41 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Legend

Site Boundary

Location of Photographic viewpoint – Partial View (A view of the site which forms a small part of the wider panorama, or where views are ¿OWHUHGEHWZHHQLQWHUYHQLQJEXLOWIRUPRUYHJHWDWLRQ 

Location of Photographic viewpoint – Truncated View (Views of the ! site are obscured by the intervening built form and / or vegetation, or is GLI¿FXOWWRSHUFHLYH 

(  $ # ! 

'

& % "

Figure 7.2 – Plan illustrating location of wider photo viewpoints (fabrik, 2017). Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432.

42 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Site access track / Public Footpath 15

Photograph±9LHZSRLQW/RRNLQJQRUWKHDVWWRVRXWKHDVWIURPWKHHGJHRIWKH¿HOGMXVWZHVWRI2OG:RNLQJKDP5RDGWKH6LWH:KLOH3XEOLF)RRWSDWKLVVKRZQRQPDSVWRGLDJRQDOO\FURVVWKH¿HOGWKHUHZDVQR URXWHRQWKHJURXQGGXULQJWKHVLWHYLVLWDQGZDONHUVDSSHDUWRXVHWKHURXJKJURXQGRIWKH¿HOGERXQGDULHVWRSDVV7KHZRRGODQGZLWKLQWKH:LOGOLIH+HULWDJH6LWHQHDUWKHVRXWKZHVWHUQHQGRIWKH6LWHLVDOVRVHHQ however, views into the Site are largely restricted by the vegetation, except along the access track. Signage creates visual clutter at this entrance. Value: Low - Medium.

Prior’s Farm on Site access track / Public Easthampstead Road Footpath 15

Photograph±9LHZSRLQW/RRNLQJQRUWKZHVWWRQRUWKHDVWIURPWKHHGJHRIWKH¿HOGMXVWZHVWRI2OG:RNLQJKDP5RDGWKH6LWH:KLOH3XEOLF)RRWSDWKLVVKRZQRQPDSVWRGLDJRQDOO\FURVVWKH¿HOGWKHUHZDVQR URXWHRQWKHJURXQGGXULQJWKHVLWHYLVLWDQGZDONHUVDSSHDUWRXVHWKHURXJKJURXQGRIWKH¿HOGERXQGDULHVWRSDVV7KHODQGVFDSHVZHVWRI2OG:RNLQJKDP5RDGDUHYLVLEOHLQSDUWDVZHOODVDVPDOOVHFWLRQRIWKH road near to, and north of the existing Site entrance. Signage creates visual clutter at this entrance. Woodland within the Wildlife Heritage Site near the south-western end of the Site is also seen. Value: Low - Medium.

43 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Photograph – Viewpoint 9 - Looking east to north-east from BOAT 30 which runs between Easthampstead Road and Waterloo Road. The vegetation alongside the track restricts views out, even in winter and the Site is QRWYLVLEOH7KHKHDYLO\UXWWHGWUDFNLVDOVRGLI¿FXOWWRSDVVRQIRRW 9DOXH0HGLXP

Trees along the access drive to Glimpses into north-eastern part of Site Easthampstead Park Conference Centre

Photograph – Viewpoint 10 - Looking south-west to south from Peacock Meadows country park. There are views to the trees alongside the access drive to Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, with VRPHJOLPSVHVLQWRWKH6LWHLQZLQWHUSULQFLSDOO\RIWKHQRUWKHDVWHUQ¿HOGZKLFKOLHVFORVHWRWKHGULYH9DOXH0HGLXP

44 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Trees along the access drive to Easthampstead Park Conference Centre

Photograph – Viewpoint 11 - Looking south-west from Peacock Meadows country park. There are views to the trees alongside the access drive to Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, with only very limited JOLPSVHVLQWRWKH6LWHLQZLQWHUSULQFLSDOO\RIWKHQRUWKHDVWHUQ¿HOGZKLFKOLHVFORVHWRWKHGULYH9DOXH0HGLXP

Very limited glimpses to Public Footpath 15 / eastern part of Site Rambler’s Route 8(a)

Photograph – Viewpoint 12 - Looking south-west to north-west from Public Footpath 15 / Ramblers Route 8(a), where this runs along the south-western edge of Peacock Meadows country park. Views out from the )RRWSDWKDUHOLPLWHGE\WKHERXQGDU\YHJHWDWLRQDOWKRXJKWKHUHDUHZLQWHUJOLPSVHVWRWKHWUHHVDORQJVLGHWKHDFFHVVGULYHWR(DVWKDPSVWHDG3DUN&RQIHUHQFH&HQWUH7KH¿HOGVRXWKRIWKHGULYHZKLFKOLHVRXWVLGHRI the Site red line boundary is seen, with only limited visibility beyond this to the Site itself. Value: Medium.

45 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Limited glimpses of eastern Public Footpath 15 / North-eastern part of Site part of Site Rambler’s Route 8(a)

Photograph – Viewpoint 13 - Looking north-west to south-west from the access drive leading to Easthampstead Conference Centre, where it is crossed by Public Footpath 15 / Rambler’s Route 8a, corresponding to WKHWUDFNWKDWFURVVHVWKH6LWH7KHQRUWKHUQSDUWRIWKH6LWHLVUHDGLO\VHHQWKURXJKJDSVLQWKHERXQGDU\YHJHWDWLRQKRZHYHUODQGWRWKHVRXWKHDVWOLHVEH\RQGWKHVPDOO¿HOGLQWKHPLGGOHJURXQGDQGWKHUHDUHMXVW glimpses to it through the boundary vegetation. Value: Medium.

Photograph – Viewpoint 14 - Looking north-west to north from the edge of Downshire Golf Course, by West Road. The scene is characterised by views across the greens and associated planting and boundary woodland. There are no visual detractors and visual amenity is good. The Site is obscured from view by mature trees and woodland in the intervening areas, and it is unlikely that development on it would be seen from this location. Value: Medium

46 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

7. Baseline Conditions - Local Site Context

Britton’s Farm Plantation woodland north of Approximate location of Site Peacock Lane

Photograph – Viewpoint 15 - Looking south-east to north-east from Public Footpath 15. The Site is not discernible in the view due to vegetation and landform in the intervening areas. Value: Medium.

Pylons and overhead wires run Boundary vegetation alongside the track just south of the railway line forming Public Footpath 10

Photograph – Viewpoint 16 - Looking east to south-east from Public Footpath 24, just south of the railway line near the Chapel Green. The view is characterised by rough grassland, assumed to be used for horses, enclosed by boundary trees and other vegetation. Landform and vegetation mean that the Site is not visible from this location. Value: Medium.

47 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

8. Summary and Conclusions

8.1 Summary and Conclusions of Landscape and Visual were found to be largely visually divorced from the Site. There are 7KHUHDUHQRYLVWDVRUYLHZVDFURVVRULQWRWKH6LWHLGHQWL¿HGWREH Appraisal however, glimpses into the Parkview Farm Site from the tree-lined protected in published documents. access drive to Easthampstead Park. The Site lies at the west side of Bracknell in an area that represents Overall therefore, there are no overriding landscape or visual a transition zone from large settlement to a largely rural landscape. Public Footpath No.15 follows the access road / track through the constraints associated with the Site that prevents the promotion While the Site comprises mainly of farmland, being used for grazing Site and then continues to the north-east beyond the Site boundary. of the Site for development. The key sensitivities relate to the and arable crops, it is located in the context of a golf course, an Public Footpath 15 is also locally termed ‘Ramblers Route’ R8(a). retention of a strategic gap between settlements and the landscape historic building (now used for conference / educational purposes) Saved Bracknell Forest Local Plan Policy R8 seeks to protect, extend setting to Easthampstead Park. These can be addressed through and Peacock Meadows Country Park, which was recently delivered and enhance the public rights of way, including Ramblers Routes. the combination of sensitively located development and the as part of new housing development at Jennetts Park to the east. implementation of strategic planting belts to visually and physically There are no trees or groups of trees within the Site or its immediate enclose the Site consistent with the pattern of planting already Land to the west of Old Wokingham Road, along which the Site environs that are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Big present in the local landscape. lies, is more rural, with scattered buildings, settlement and farms, Wood, beyond the Site to the north, is a woodland TPO while further farmed and equestrian land, and businesses mainly associated with individual trees / groups of trees at Peacock Meadows, again, beyond $VZLWKWKHSURPRWLRQRIDQ\JUHHQ¿HOGVLWHIRUGHYHORSPHQWLWLV rural or rural-fringe land uses. This latter area lies to the south of the Site to the north-east, are subject to TPO. recognised that there will be a change in the landscape character of Wokingham. the site and the character of the view for the visual receptors in the The published landscape character assessments show that the Site local environs of the Site. :KLOVWWKHZHVWHUQSDUWRIWKH6LWHOLHVLQDQLGHQWL¿HG6WUDWHJLF*DS OLHVZLWKLQ%UDFNQHOO)RUHVW¶VGH¿QHG/DQGVFDSH&KDUDFWHU$UHD which seeks to prevent settlement coalescence and to maintain G1 Easthampstead. This seeks to protect woodland from loss or 8.2 Key Landscape and Visual Issues separate settlement identity, the Bracknell Forest Landscape damage, to protect hedgerows and hedgerow trees, to conserve Evidence Base, (LUC, June 2015) sets out that gaps should not historic buildings and features and designed views associated with The following key aspects are to be taken into account in the necessarily be seen as ‘no-go’ areas, but that proposed development the estate and to protect tranquillity. evolution of a development concept: should “ensure that valued landscape functions and the perception of those functions (i.e. gaps) will not be compromised.” The Site lies in a landscape that is gently undulating, and which • Taking a sensitive approach to the location of the development contains a high level of vegetation, including woodlands, copses, parcels due to its position at the settlement edge, on the edge of The Site is not subject to any landscape designations such as Area trees and hedges. The visual envelope associated with the Site is a strategic gap and adjacent to countryside within Wokingham to of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Area of Great Landscape therefore limited to the local landscape. the west. Supplement the existing network of boundary planting to Value (AGLV). An area of woodland at the south-western edge of the provide physical and visual enclosure to the Site, addressing the Site is designated a Wildlife Heritage Site. Most of this woodland lies Views and glimpses into the Site were found to be available from separation of settlements and to maintain the landscape setting to outside of the Site boundary, however a small part falls within the Site the access drive to Easthampstead Park and from parts of Peacock Easthampstead Park. red line boundary and it straddles the existing entrance track into the Meadows to the north-east; from Old Wokingham Road and from Site. Public Footpath 6 to the west; and from sections of Easthampstead • Considering the potential integration of landscape strategies Road to the south-east. The Site is clearly visible from Public with the large development to the west of Old Wokingham Road Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, located around 200m Footpath 15, which crosses it from south-west to north-east. There LGHQWL¿HGZLWKLQWKH6RXWK:RNLQJKDP6WUDWHJLF'HYHORSPHQW south-east of the Site and its associated walls are Grade II Listed. are also some partial views and glimpses beyond the Site from Location (SDL). The Council’s Landscape Evidence Base suggests that “the remnant Footpath 15, towards the farmed land and scattered buildings in the parklands of Easthampstead” are an example of “some areas/ landscape west and north-west of the Site. This indicates that there • Protecting the integrity of, and where possible, improving, the features that are more vulnerable than others.” The existing mature may be views toward development on the Site from these areas. important landscape features - waterbodies, trees, woodland and trees, including specimen conifers that surround the buildings hedges, public rights of way, and historic buildings / features.

48 LVA Land at Parkview Farm, Bracknell, Berkshire

8. Summary and Conclusions

8.2 Key Landscape and Visual Issues (continued)

• Considering visual effects of development, from the surrounding roads, buildings, public open spaces and public rights of way.

• Responding to the key characteristics of surrounding built areas, such as villages that developed around greens to the west; as well as local architectural materials. Building densities, heights and roof form will also be important considerations at more detailed design stages. The aim is to provide development that integrates well into its landscape setting and is unobtrusive in views.

• Ensuring a low-key approach to lighting within new development to minimise the potential for adverse impacts on landscape character, residents and wildlife.

• Taking into account the guidance provided by the published landscape character assessments and SPD design guidance for both Bracknell Forest and neighbouring Wokingham Borough.

• Provide a network of green infrastructure, including both Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and public open space. The most appropriate mix of sport and play provision would be determined through discussions with Bracknell Forest, taking into account other existing and proposed provision in the area.

• Take opportunity to improve connectivity between existing public rights of way and open spaces.

• Integration of a sustainable drainage strategy, responding to the Site characteristics. Make use of proposed features to provide landscape and ecological improvements such as diverse grasslands or planted waterbodies.

49