4. Landscape Character Areas
11. High Street North Industrial Estate
10A
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11. High Street North Industrial Estate DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built and rural interface
Located on the eastern edge of Dunstable, the estate is bordered by The character area adjoins Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry to the residential development, opening out to the west onto arable land and north, a CWS, the Dismantled Railway CWS and plateau farmland to 10A rough grassland/ scrub Suncote Pit CWS. the west. The school and warehouse buildings on the northern edge are visible from the Chalk Pit. Works on the western edge of the area Built character are contained by scrub vegetation of the CWS and vegetation along The character area comprises large-scale warehouse buildings, a gas the Dismantled Railway CWS. However the large metal container works and the South Bedfordshire District Council Offices. Two school buildings and school are clear in views from the elevated plateau buildings and their playing fields are located within the character area. farmland to the west. A large area of derelict land, enclosed by chain-link fencing, lies The Dismantled Railway CWS forms a green link with the adjacent between the Dismantled Railway CWS and High Street North. Some countryside and provides an opportunity for access and biodiversity. new housing development has occurred on this land along French’s Avenue and Peppercorn Way.
The character area is characterised by large building units. Typical building materials include red and yellow brick. The area is served by main distributor roads which provide a degree of permeability for the traveller, and is bisected by the Dismantled Railway CWS.
Structure planting occurs around the warehouse units and there are occasional groups of cherry trees. School playing fields provide open spaces which function as green edges to the area.
Views are generally restricted by the mass effect of large buildings. However there are views northwards from playing fields across the Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry.
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11. High Street North Industrial Estate EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable
Sensitivity • Not applicable 10A
Opportunities • Enhance green links to adjacent rural areas. • Enhance structure planting and maintain the natural form of the species • Conserve the Dismantled Railway CWS as a green link between the urban area and adjacent countryside. Constraints • Existing large scale built form in direct proximity to the rural edge and CWSs. • Existing open recreation land important to retain and enhance. • Limited land availability.
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12. Chalk Hill Escarpment
10A
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12. Chalk Hill Escarpment DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries This is a peaceful landscape with no major roads in close proximity. Views across the rural vale and woodland at the bottom of the The north eastern tip of the Chalk Hill Escarpment Character Area is 10A escarpment add to perceived naturalness. Traffic movement is defined by the 140m contour. To the east it is defined by built visible along Thorn Road to the north. Lighting along the built edge of development, and to the south, the cliffs of the Houghton Regis Quarry Houghton Regis, together with the sewage works and pylons to the form an exposed chalk edge with a footpath running along its length. north of the area are seen as detracting landscape features in local The character area is adjoined to the north by the Clay Vale. views. Landscape Character Built- Rural Interface Within the character area, land gently slopes down to the north with The escarpment interfaces with Roslyn Way Post War Suburban (CA subtle and attractive undulations. This is a smooth open arable 18) and Millers Way Contemporary Development (CA 15). Properties landscape with open field boundaries. Rough grasslands occur where form a visible built edge to the top of the escarpment and are also the escarpment meets the edge of the chalk quarry and a small built into the slope penetrating the escarpment. Belts of native woodland belt runs offset but parallel to the Roslyn Way Post War vegetation alongside the built edges provide some screening but Suburban (CA 18). The A5 (Watling Street) bisects the escarpment, rooftops remain prominent. Bunding on the northern edge of Millers segregating the eastern end from the rest of the Totternhoe Chalk Way Contemporary Development (CA 15) visually contains Escarpment. The character area is crossed by a number of paths, the properties. Icknield Way path runs along the bottom of the escarpment. Lighting columns on the perimeter path which runs alongside the built Open, distant views northwards across the Clay Vale are afforded from edge of Millers Way Contemporary Development (CA 15) are the elevated escarpment. In the foreground, Houghton Regis Sewage prominent features, accentuating the built interface. works is visible. In views back to Houghton Regis, the built edge and cliffs of the chalk quarry are prominent.
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12. Chalk Hill Escarpment EVALUATION • Quality / Condition Attractive undulations of chalk escarpment, Opportunities Maintain openness of the 10A detracting features from outside area are escarpment and prevent further present in views. development on the ridgeline • Maintain edge vegetation to Sensitivity The sensitivity of the Chalk Hill Chalk promote screening of built edge. Escarpment is judged to be medium-high for reasons including the following: • Conserve existing footpaths, including path following along the • Open, elevated landform with attractive edge of the escarpment with views undulation accentuated by the down into the chalk pit. smoothness of the arable land cover • • Panoramic views across the Clay Vale Constraints Further development on and beyond the ridgeline of the • Recreational value particularly due to escarpment would be highly visible. close proximity of Houghton Regis. Development has reached the crest • High ground provides an important of the escarpment and any further backdrop in views from the Clay Vale development would encroach into and an open, rural setting to Houghton open landscape which falls away to Regis the north and would be highly The open elevated chalk escarpment is visible in distant views prominent in views from the north and any change associated with built development would be highly visible.
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13. Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry Photos
10A
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13. Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry DESCRIPTION 10A Location and Boundaries Built- Rural Interface The quarry is situated on the north eastern edge of Houghton Regis, The built edge of Millers Way Contemporary Development (CA 15) extending from the urban edge into the Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment. and Salters Way Post War Suburban (CA 10) elevated on the cliff The quarry is defined to the north and east by steep cliff faces. A5 tops are visible from the chalk pit. The roofs of warehouses are also (Watling Street) runs alongside the eastern edge of the pit with visible to the north although screened partially by scrub and pioneer residential industrial development adjacent to the southern and western species vegetation. edges. Lighting columns on the perimeter path which runs alongside the built Landscape Character edge of Millers Way Contemporary Development (CA 15) are prominent features, accentuating the built interface Steep sided cliff edges contain the quarry to the north and east with an extensive flat to locally undulating quarry floor. The chalk quarry comprises both calcareous grassland and open standing water habitats (Houghton Regis Marl Lakes, reed-bed, fen and willow scrub), supporting a diverse flora and fauna associated with wetlands. The area is designated a SSSI and is an important habitat for dragonfly as well as being an important ornithological site. A reservoir occupies the southern part of the quarry.
The chalk quarry is accessed from Houghton Road via a path along the edge of the reservoir which is enclosed by fencing on both sides. The quarry floor is open to the public and is used for recreational purposes.
This open, expansive landscape contained by dramatic cliff edges has a peaceful almost remote quality. However built development visible on the cliff tops is a reminder that this landscape lies on the edge of an urban area.
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13. Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry EVALUATION • Quality / Condition The entrance to the chalk pit is poorly defined. Opportunities Conserve the ecological value of 10A The entrance access path is enclosed either grassland and wetland habitats side by chain link fencing. The approach and • Enhance entrance to and access route through the chalk pit is unwelcoming and through the quarry unsafe. • Enhance recreational and educational resource • Enhance links between quarry and greenspace to the north and south. Constraints • Development has been built to the quarry edge. The sensitive open Sensitivity The Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry character scarp lies to the north area is judged to have a medium- high sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Designated SSSI supporting a range of flora and fauna of ecological importance • Accessible ecological and recreational resource on urban edge • Cliff edges provide a dramatic setting to the edge of Houghton Regis.
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14. Townsend Industrial Estate Photos
10A
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14. Townsend Industrial Estate DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries
10A Townsend Industrial Estate Character Area is located on the north eastern edge of Dunstable between Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry and Dog Kennel Down CWS. The A5120 defines its northern and eastern edge. It is contained to the north and east by residential development.
Built Character
This is a late 20th century industrial estate comprising large, uniform warehouse units arranged along purpose built roads. Typical building materials include red brick and white metal cladding. Grass verges, clipped hedges and structure planting provide a low level setting to buildings. Paths lead from the industrial estate to Dog Kennel Down CWS. The adjacent Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry can be accessed by crossing the A5120.
Built- Rural Interface
The character area is separated from the adjacent Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry by the A5120. Views to the Chalk Quarry are restricted by a woodland belt on the edge of the Quarry.
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14. Townsend Industrial Estate EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable
Sensitivity • Not applicable 10A
Opportunities • Enhance structure planting maintaining the natural form of tree and shrub species. • Conserve and enhance existing green links and access to adjacent Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry and Dog Kennel Down CWS. Constraints • Built industrial estate effectively contained by built development and the High Street. • Connection to open land (Houghton Regis Quarry) is restrained by the High Street.
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15. Millers Way Contemporary Development Photos
10A
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15. Millers Way Contemporary Development DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries This is a relatively quiet, contained residential area with no through The character area is located on the edge of Houghton Regis, traffic. The close proximity of, and ease of access to the adjacent 10A distinguished from old properties to the east and the edge of the escarpment and SSSI contributes to the level of perceived Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry. naturalness of the local environment. Built Character A modern, well maintained development with a boundary treatment This residential development occupies an elevated position on the brow that has considered integration with the adjacent landscape. of the Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment. Land falls away to the north and Detracting features include the perimeter lighting columns and hoop the extent of development is restricted to the west by the quarry face of top railings, which run around the perimeter path. These features the chalk pit. emphasise the built urban edge along with the uniform rooftops, Extending north-westwards from the former industrial edge of Houghton which in places are visible on the skyline. Regis, this is a recent residential development with houses built during Built and rural interface 1990s/2000. The area comprises a uniform collection of medium Perimeter properties on the eastern edge face outwards or back on to density detached, semi-detached and terraced housing. Building Houghton Regis Chalk Quarry. These properties form a prominent materials are predominantly yellow brick with clay tiled roofs varying in elevated edge in views from the chalk quarry. colour and texture. Small front and back gardens are generally Perimeter properties along Coopers Way back onto the chalk enclosed by hoop top railings. The area has two access roads (Millers escarpment. This edge is partially screened by mature vegetation. Way and Arnald Way) with houses arranged along quiet internal roads Properties on the northern edge back onto, or are aligned at 90o to and cul-de-sacs. the open landscape. An earth bund provides a degree of separation Small open communal grassed spaces occur within the development. between landuses. Young belts of native structural planting occur within and on the Views are afforded from the built edge and perimeter footpath over perimeter of the development. the Chalk Pit towards Totternhoe and northwards across the Comprehensive pedestrian and cycle access is provided through and Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment and to the Clay Vales beyond. around the perimeter of the development with from links from this to Structure planting provides a continuum to vegetation on the edge of rural footpaths, including the Icknield Way Path. the chalk quarry and partially screens housing in views from the Peripheral structure planting provides corridors for wildlife, linking north. As planting matures this screen will become more effective. internal structure planting with the adjacent SSSI and countryside.
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15. Millers Way Contemporary Development EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable
Sensitivity • Not applicable 10A
Opportunities • Enhance through rural boundary fencing (e.g. post and rail rather than hoop top railings) • Maintain boundary planting and promote it as a wildlife corridor connecting with the SSSI and internal planting • Maintain linkages with the adjacent countryside – views and footpaths. Constraints • Development has been built to the quarry edge. The sensitive open scarp lies to the north.
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5A 4.3 District Landscape Character Area 5A: Eaton Bray Clay Vale
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16. Ouzel Clay Vale Farmland
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5A 16. Ouzel Clay Vale Farmland DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries edge of Luton occur.
The character area is defined by the A5 to the west, and Bidwell Village Built form Interface edge together with Houghton Regis chalk slopes to the south. To the north and east the area is overlooked by the clay plateau of Tebworth The character area interfaces directly with the Bidwell Clay Village and Wingfield. (CA 20). The area is, in part, overlooked by the Tithe Farm Estate (CA 25) and Roslyn Way (CA 22). The Icknield Way Path, which Landscape Character crosses this character area connects the open clay vale, Bidwell and the urban edge of Luton. The landform is broad and flat with open expansive views east, north and west. The area consists of flat open fields with variable quality of hedgerow enclosure and woodland blocks. The area contrasts with undulating chalk slopes of Houghton Regis to the south.
Detractors within the landscape include an existing sewage works and transmission lines.
Individual farmsteads and properties within the landscape provide a mixture of styles and punctuate the generally flat landscape.
Ouzel brook crosses the area to the south of Thorn and there are numerous drainage ditches along the edges of arable fields. The area is relatively tranquil in character with the exception of the A5 along the eastern boundary of the character area.
Open views occur over the flat managed farmland with woodland blocks breaking up some local views. Views to the south towards the built
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16. Ouzel Clay Vale Farmland EVALUATION Quality / Condition This area is open, with large flat fields broken Constraints • Open views north and east over with strong blocks of woodland blocks and Clay Vale prominent urban fringe features along its • southern boundary. Proximity and setting to Bidwell Village
Sensitivity The area is judged to have a medium sensitivity for reasons including the following • Open and low-lying - visible from surrounding higher ground • Pockets of unmanaged land use • Variable quality of field enclosure Opportunities • Enhance approach into Luton, along Watling Street, which provides a gateway into the City. • Enhance the blocks of woodland to break up views to linear development along urban edge. • Enhance the structure of fringe elements through sensitive planting. • Conserve and enhance the Icknield Way Footpath that connects Houghton Regis with the open clay vale.
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17. Wingfield Farmland Slopes
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5A 17. Wingfield Farmland Slopes DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built Rural Interface
This character area is bounded by the edge of the Tebworth/Wingfield There are no direct built rural interfaces within this character area, Plateau to the north, the A5 (Watling Street) to the west, and the Ouzel with the exception of the A5 to the west. However, the northern urban Clay Vale farmland (CA 16) to the south. The southern boundary of the fringe of Luton is visible in the distance including views to the Tithe character area is a hedgerow that also defined by the parish boundary. Farm Estate (CA 25) and Roslyn Way (CA 22). The Icknield Way footpath crosses this area.
Landscape Character
The land use is predominantly farmland occupying the gentle clay slopes, which grades down to the flat, broad Ouzel Clay Vale Farmland to the south. The field pattern is large and irregular, defined with intermittent hedgerows of variable quality along with isolated trees, remnants of tree planting in the hedgerows. The strongest tree groups visually consist of shelter-belt planting around the individual farm buildings that are within the character area.
The views from and into the character area are expansive with long distant views out over the Clay Vale.
The A5 (Watling Street) is visible to the west The constant traffic and slightly elevated position results in a visible element if not always audible. Despite the visible nature of the A5 (Watling Street) the area is calm and tranquil, although exposed.
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17. Wingfield Farmland Slopes EVALUATION Quality / Condition This area has an irregular field pattern with Constraints • Extensive open rural characteristics, variable quality if hedgerow enclosure. The with long distant views. western boundary is defined with the A5 • (Watling Street). No existing built interfaces within this character area.
Sensitivity The area is judged to have a medium – high sensitivity for reasons including • Open aspect east, west and south • Key detractor the A5. • Individual tree cover mainly remnant tree planting in hedgerow Opportunities • Enhance hedgerow enclosure • Maintain distant open views east • Conserve and enhance the Icknield Way Footpath that connects with the edge of Luton • Enhance approach to Luton along the A5 Watling Street.
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4.4 District Landscape Character Area 8A: Toddington – Hockliffe Clay Hill
8A
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18. Tebworth / Wingfield Plateau Farmland
8A
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18. Tebworth / Wingfield Plateau Farmland DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries
This character area is bounded by Tebworth Village to the north together with the surrounding landscape of Toddington – Hockliffe Clay Hill. The A5 (Watling Street) defines the western boundary and the Wingfield Farmland Slopes character area (CA 17) lies to the south.
Landscape Character 8A Rising clay slopes and open plateau landscape with long distance views across the Clay Hill landscape. The settlements of Wingfield and Tebworth hold elevated positions with open views and provide important elements within the landscape. Shelterbelt planting occurs around the edge of villages and individual farmsteads. Boundary vegetation provides wildlife corridors.
Views are predominantly open with intermittent local screening from boundary vegetation. The landscape offers unity from a continuity of land use, which is predominantly open farmland.
Built Rural Interface
The area interfaces directly with the southern edge of Tebworth and lies within the southern area of Wingfield Village which both form important elements within this open plateau farmlands character area.
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18. Tebworth / Wingfield Plateau Farmland EVALUATION Quality / Condition The plateau and villages of Tebworth and Constraints • Open aspect & rural character Wingfield hold an elevated position with expansive views. The width of the plateau prevents direct views into the Clay Vale, reinforcing its elevated position. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium – high sensitivity for reasons including the following • Visually prominent on the horizon • Historic ridge and furrow field pattern 8A • Villages of Tebworth and Wingfield exhibit similar yet different characteristics • Plateau provides strong contrast to the urban form of Luton to the south Opportunities • Maintain open aspects • Enhance approach to Luton along the A5 Watling Street • Enhance field enclosure
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4.5 District Landscape Character Area 5B: Barton-le-Clay Clay Vale
5B
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19. Chalton Vale Village
5B
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19. Chalton Vale Village DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries
Located to the north of Luton and Dunstable. The main transport corridors of the M1 and mainline railway line bisect the area. Chalton village lies at the south-western edge of the area. The north-eastern edge of the area extends to Sundon Chalk Pit.
Landscape Character
The area is dominated and strongly influenced by the M1 corridor and mainline railway. In addition numerous overhead transmission lines cross the landscape and an electric substation is located near the western extent of the area, accentuating the urban fringe character.
A small pocket of pasture and paddock land acts as a buffer between 5B Chalton Village and the M1 corridor. Views are contained by the vale landscape and woodland vegetation adjacent to Chalton Village. The area exhibits a fragmented and piecemeal character principally due to fringe land uses and the dominance of the major transport corridors and infrastructure.
Built form Interface
The village of Chalton at the western edge of the area retains a relatively rural village character due to low building density and existing open buffer pastureland between the village and the M1. Significant woodland and scrub planting contributes to a feeling of containment and screening the village from the M1.
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19. Chalton Vale Village EVALUATION Quality / Condition Chalton Vale Village is dominated by the surrounding infrastructure associated with the M1, the main rail line, the sub station and converging transmission lines. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a low sensitivity for reasons including the following:
• Visually enclosed by mature vegetation and the vale topography. • Urban fringe characteristics. • Notable detractors including the M1 corridor, railway, sub-station and transmission lines. Opportunities • Conserve and enhance existing woodland and scrub vegetation. 5B • Enhance existing hedgerows to reduce fragmented character. Constraints • Proximity to M1, substation and transmission lines. • Existing open land acts as an important buffer to Chalfont village.
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4.6 District Landscape Character Area 10B: Houghton Regis – North Luton
10B
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20. Bidwell Clay Village Photos
10B
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20. Bidwell Clay Village DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built- Rural Interface
Bidwell Clay Vale Village Character Area is located on the outskirts of Set within the open clay vale landscape adjoined by rolling chalk Houghton Regis along the Bedford Road. It is defined to the north by farmland to the east, the village is well integrated into the surrounding the A5120 and Thorn Road, to the east by the extent of paddocks landscape. Properties are dispersed with rear gardens and small associated with Bidwell and Redcow Farms and to the south and west fields forming an edge that blends into the adjacent larger arable by footpaths, field boundaries and copses. fields. Garden vegetation and hedgerow boundaries also aid integration. Views to the edge of Houghton Regis are restricted by Built character vegetation. The character area comprises a linear settlement comprising farm The village is visible from the elevated edge of Houghton Regis, the buildings and cottages scattered along Bedford Road. Properties are a Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment and from higher land to the north mixture of 19th Century and later 20th Century additions with red brick (Tebworth Road). and render dominant building materials. The village is separated from the northern extent of Houghton Regis by paddock and rough Footpaths link the village to the edge of Houghton Regis, to Thorn grassland. Bidwell Spinney visually contains the settlement to the and the Icknield Way. north. The Bedford Road corridor is characterised by obvious ditches on either side. The Dunstablians Rugby Football Club occupies a site on the northern edge of the village.
Bedford Road is a main route into Houghton Regis and Luton. Its traffic impacts on the character and tranquillity of the village. 10B
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20. Bidwell Clay Village EVALUATION Quality / Condition • An urban fringe feel due to sports fields Opportunities • Conserve and enhance approach and paddocks, and linear development into Luton along the Bedford Road. along the road leading into Houghton • Maintain ditches Regis • Enhance landscape pattern of the Sensitivity The area is judged to have a medium village edge by maintaining and sensitivity for reasons including the following: planting hedgerows, important • The village is visible from the elevated gateway location into Luton. edge of Houghton Regis, the • Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment and Conserve and enhace the Ickneild from higher land to the north (Tebworth Way strategic footpath connecting Road). Luton and the open clay vale landscape. • Village set within the open clay vale landscape. • Traffic impact along the Bedford Road affects the village setting. • Mature garden and hedgerow vegetation assists in integrating village with surrounding arable landscape.
Constraints • Retain separation of the village from 10B the edge of Houghton Regis.
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21. Blue Waters Plantation Rough Grassland and Scrub
10B
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21. Blue Waters Plantation Rough Grassland and Scrub DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries
The character area is located on chalk between the village of Bidwell (to the north) and the edge of Houghton Regis (to the south). The character area is contained to the west by Blue Waters Plantation and to the east by Bedford Road.
Character of the Adjacent Rural Area
The chalk landform slopes down from the northern edge of Houghton Regis to Bidwell. Woodland and scrub vegetation enclose the area and define the edges of paddock and rough grassland. The diversity and structure of vegetation make this a valuable area for biodiversity particularly Blue Waters Plantation, which is the site of a former chalk pit.
The area is crossed by a number of paths with links to Houghton Regis, Bidwell, Thorn, Thorn Spring and the Totternhoe Chalk Escarpment
Views out of the area including to the Bedford Road are restricted by vegetation. This is a relatively peaceful area with woodland cover contributing to perceived naturalness.
Built Rural Interface 10B The area adjoins Bidwell Clay Village (CA 20) to the north, and channelled views to Bidwell Village are afforded from within the area. Roslyn Way Post War Suburb (CA 22) lies to the south; mature vegetation provides some screening of the built edge, although rooftops are visible.
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21. Blue Waters Plantation Rough Grassland and Scrub EVALUATION Quality / Condition This is an intimate and enclosed area with few detracting features. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Ecological value of woodland, scrub and rough grassland • Local intricate character contrasting with open arable character of most of the rural edge of Luton/Houghton Regis/Dunstable • Provides setting to Bidwell, Houghton Regis and the Totternhoe escarpment • Visually contained. Opportunities • Conserve woodland, scrub and rough grassland for ecological value • Conserve setting to Bidwell. Constraints • Development in this area would compromise the setting of Bidwell, 10B connecting it to the built suburbs of Houghton Regis.
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22. Roslyn Way Post War Suburb
10B
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22. Roslyn Way Post War Suburb DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Access to the escarpment is possible from the end of cul-de-sacs; side facing houses makes this edge more permeable. There is also a This character area is located on the northern edge of Houghton Regis, pathway linking the urban edge with Blue Waters Plantation to the adjacent to the edge of the chalk escarpment to the west and defined to north. the east by Bedford Road. In views towards the area from the escarpment and from farmland to Built Character the north, properties are partially screened by mature vegetation with The character area lies at the edge of the chalk escarpment and in rooftops visible. comparison is low-lying. A mixture of late 20th Century housing (1960s - Northerly views from the area are limited by mature vegetation. The 1980s) is arranged geometrically along cul-de-sacs. Buildings are a edge of the escarpment is prominent in views to the west. mixture of detached, semi detached and terraced with a variety of building materials including red brick, render, pebbledash, clay and concrete tile.
Street trees, garden vegetation and the rural interfaces contribute to the greenness of this area.
Built- Rural Interface
Properties back onto or are orientated sideways onto the northern edge of the area, with an open boundary of grass verges along Plaiters Way. Back gardens and the wide grass verge interface with adjacent rough 10B grassland scrub and mature vegetation.
Properties on the western boundary are side facing, with slab levels sensitively lower than the neighbouring land so that the development blends into the landform of the adjacent chalk escarpment.
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22. Roslyn Way Post War Suburb EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable
Sensitivity • Not applicable
Opportunities • Conserve and enhance the existing attractive gateway into Luton along the Bedford Road through appropriate planting and protecting the setting of Bidwell Village. Constraints • Any further extension of the residential development would result in properties continuing beyond the plateau down existing grass slopes, would impact on the setting of Bidwell Village and would harm the existing green gateway to Luton along Bedford Road.
10B
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23. Tithe Farm Rough Grassland and Scrub
10B
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4. Landscape Character Areas
23. Tithe Farm Rough Grassland and Scrub DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built- Rural Interface
This character area is contained between the edge of Houghton Regis The area interfaces with Tithe Farm Estate. The interface is softened (Tithe Farm Estate) and the village of Bidwell, and is located on the by mature tree belts, which provide some screening of the built edge. eastern side of Bedford Road. Traffic noise from the Bedford Road is audible from within the The character area is enclosed to the east and south by the built edge character area. of Tithe Farm and is defined to the west by Bedford Road. To the north a mature tree belt separates this area from the more open farmland beyond.
Landscape Character
The landform undulates gently and slopes down from the edge of Houghton Regis to Bidwell.
Small fields are enclosed by tree belts with some paddock associated with Redcow Farm. The boundary along Bedford Road comprises a post and rail fence and intermittent hedgerow.
Access into this area from Bedford Road and the residential area is poorly defined through unmanaged boundaries and overgrown 10B vegetation.
The character area is enclosed by built form but framed views are obtained south eastwards to the escarpment, north westwards to Bidwell and across the Clay Vale landscape.
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4. Landscape Character Areas
23. Tithe Farm Rough Grassland and Scrub EVALUATION Quality / Condition Poorly defined boundaries of broken fencing, Constraints • Contributes to green edge of breaks in hedgerows and overgrown vegetation Houghton Regis and breaks up are detracting features. The area is also used linear built edge for fly-tipping. • Functions as separation between the village of Bidwell and Houghton Regis. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Provides setting to Bidwell and the edge of Houghton Regis and maintains distance between them • Visible as part of the elevated edge of Houghton Regis providing contrast with the built form. Opportunities • Enhance access into the area by defining boundaries and entrances • Enhance ecological value of this area • Enhance Bedford Road as a gateway feature into Houghton Regis e.g. 10B through tree planting along road and field edge.
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