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CONTENTS
Introduction ...... 10-1 Scope ...... 10-1 Structure...... 10-1 Methodology...... 10-2 Technical Difficulties...... 10-2 Landscape Planning Baseline ...... 10-2 Landscape Designations...... 10-2 Landscape Planning Policies ...... 10-4 Landscape Baseline ...... 10-9 Introduction ...... 10-9 Existing Landscape Appraisals of the Application Site and its Surroundings...... 10-9 Landscape Appraisal of the Application Site and Surroundings...... 10-13 Landscape Dynamics...... 10-17 Classification and Evaluation ...... 10-17 Potential for Landscape Enhancement ...... 10-18 Conclusions on the Landscape Appraisal of the Existing Site ...... 10-18 Visual Baseline ...... 10-19 Introduction ...... 10-19 General Visibility of the Application Site...... 10-19 Choice of Viewpoints...... 10-21 Key Representative Viewpoints...... 10-21 Potential for Visual Enhancement ...... 10-21 Conclusions of the Visual Assessment of the Existing Site...... 10-22 Potential Landscape And Visual Implications Of The Proposed Development...... 10-23 Nature and Extent of Proposed Development...... 10-23 Timescale...... 10-23 Landscape and Visual Constraints...... 10-24 Landscape and Visual Opportunities/Mitigation Measures ...... 10-24 Predicted Residual impacts ...... 10-25 Predicted Residual Landscape impacts ...... 10-25 Landscape Sensitivity...... 10-25 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts ...... 10-26 Changes in Natural Characteristics...... 10-26 Changes in Cultural and Social Factors...... 10-26 Changes in Aesthetic and Perceptual Aspects ...... 10-27 Changes in Classification and Evaluation ...... 10-27 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts ...... 10-27 Summary of Residual Landscape Impacts...... 10-28 Predicted Residual Visual Impacts...... 10-28 Magnitude of Visual Impacts ...... 10-29 ZTV Analysis ...... 10-30 Potential Significance Of Landscape And Visual Impacts ...... 10-36 Assessment of the Significance of Impacts...... 10-36 Potential Significance of Landscape Impacts of the proposed development .....10-37 Potential Significance of Visual Impacts of the Proposed Development ...... 10-38 Potential Effects in Relation to Landscape Planning Policies ...... 10-39 Summary and Conclusions...... 10-40 Introduction ...... 10-40 Landscape Impact...... 10-40
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Visual Impact...... 10-41 Impact on the Planning Policies ...... 10-41 Appendix A – Methodology for Generation of Zone of Theoretical Visibility Studies.10- 42
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INTRODUCTION
Scope
10.1 Filching Quarry is a currently inactive chalk quarry within the South Downs National Park. The quarry is located on the western fringe of the small hamlet of Filching, East Sussex, approximately 2.1km from the northern boundary of the borough of Eastbourne.
10.2 The approximate centre of the site lies at National Grid Reference 556400, 102850. The site is located just off the Jevington Road, approximately 2.5km south west of its junction with the A2270 at Polegate.
10.3 The site is only accessible from its eastern side, through a gate which is kept padlocked.
10.4 The site occupies a broadly rectangular piece of land of approximately 1.9 hectares. The quarry void is approximately 135m x 160m at its maximum extent and is between 23-56m deep.
10.5 Chalk was originally worked at Filching Quarry for lime production, and subsequently to produce fill materials for the construction industry. The quarry has a valid mineral extraction planning permission requiring the restoration of the site by 2017.
10.6 The proposed development seeks to stabilise the quarry and then to secure the restoration of the site to grassland by subsequently infilling the quarry using inert materials (refer to drawing L&V06 for the proposed restoration landform).
Structure
10.7 The following report assesses the potential landscape and visual implications of the proposed development, and is split into sections, as follows: General introduction and summary of the methodology used;
• baseline assessment for the existing site and its surroundings, which includes an examination of the planning context of the proposals, a landscape appraisal of the existing site and its surroundings and a visual assessment of the existing site and its surroundings; • study of the development proposals, including mitigation, to identify potential landscape and visual characteristics, effects and impact generators; • assessment of the sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors to the proposed development and the potential residual landscape and visual impacts likely to be generated after mitigation has been considered and their significance; and • summary and conclusions.
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10.8 The assessment of impacts, as discussed below, includes a study of the development proposals, potential landscape and visual characteristics and impact generators, effects and mitigation and would be considered in terms of spatial elements (local, district, regional, national), timescales (short/medium/long term) and permanency (reversible or permanent).
10.9 The assessment of residual impacts, as discussed below, considers the sensitivity of the receptors to the proposed development, the magnitude of change and the overall significance of effects.
Methodology
10.10 The format of this assessment is based on the principles produced by the Countryside Agency (“Landscape Assessment Guidance”, 2002) and the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (“Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment”, Second Edition, 2002).
10.11 Initially a desktop study was undertaken to review the landscape planning history, proposal plans, all existing assessments and other relevant information and to identify potential viewpoints with the aid of ZTV analysis. These viewpoints and any others identified during the fieldwork were then visited and assessed for their sensitivity to the proposed development. The site visit was carried out on Tuesday 16th November, 2010. The weather conditions were dry and clear/suitable for assessment work.
10.12 Photographs illustrating views from the selected viewpoints were taken using a Nikon D70 digital camera, set to a 34mm focal length (the equivalent of a 50mm lens for a 35mm format negative). Where viewpoints consisted of more than one frame, the relevant frames were merged together using Adobe Photoshop.
10.13 A study area of up to 5km surrounding the site centre was originally adopted for this assessment. A desktop study was undertaken to review the relevant publications, maps and plans for this area which was then refined following site work to 2km.
Technical Difficulties
10.14 No technical difficulties were encountered in assessing the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed development.
LANDSCAPE PLANNING BASELINE
Landscape Designations
Statutory Designations on the Site
10.15 The site lies within the South Downs National Park. The South Downs is Britain’s newest National Park, designated on 31st March 2010.
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10.16 The Environment Act of 1995 defined the purposes of National Parks as:
• conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and • promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities.
10.17 The South Downs National Park is over 1,600 km.sq. and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head. The geology of the National Park combines the greensands and clays of the Weald with the chalk of the Downlands, resulting in large tracts of internationally important ancient woodlands, open heathland and the rolling downlands that lead to the iconic, sheer cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
10.18 The South Downs has the largest population of any UK National Park, being home to over 108,000 people and including the towns of Petersfield, Midhurst and Lewes. There is also considerable visitor pressure from the nearby coastal towns and cities such as Brighton, Chichester and Eastbourne, with London being less than 1 hour away.
Statutory Designations in the vicinity of the site
10.19 There are twelve Listed Buildings within a 1km radius of the site.
10.20 Six of these properties are within Folkington and four are within Jevington. These are not considered to be affected by this proposal.
10.21 Two Grade II Listed properties lie in close proximity to the site; Teddards Barn Yard is located approximately 0.2km to the west of the site and Filching Manor lies approximately 0.5km east of the site off Jevington Road. These properties would not be directly affected by this proposal, however the potential indirect effects on these properties and their settings are considered in this assessment.
10.22 Teddards Barn Yard is an early example of a Downs sheep fold; a sheep folding barn with a yard attached dated 1823. Filching Manor is an L-shaped manor house, with the original portion dating 15th Century.
10.23 A number of designated Scheduled Monuments are associated with the tumuli located on high ground to the west and east of the site and would not be affected by this proposal.
10.24 A well-used network of public rights of way surround the site, including the South Downs Way national/National Trail which passes c. 1.2km southwest of the site and the Wealdway long distance path passes c. 0.2km west of the site. The potential landscape and visual effect on the users of these footpaths are considered in this assessment.
10.25 Folkington Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located 0.25km to the west of the site. Folkington Reservoir SSSI is located 0.45km to the
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north. The Combe, part of Wilmington Downs SSSI, is located 0.65km to the south-east.
Landscape Planning Policies
National Planning Policies
Planning Policy Statement 1 - Delivering Sustainable Development “Sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning”.
10.26 Waste should be managed in ways that protect the environment and human health.
10.27 Under this guidance issued in 2005, planning should protect and enhance the quality, character and amenity value of the countryside and ensure high quality development through good design. Design which is inappropriate in its context, or which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area, should not be accepted. Planning authorities should ensure that developments respond to their local context and create or reinforce local distinctiveness (in terms of predefined characteristics) and that they are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping.
10.28 A high level of protection should be given to most valued townscapes and landscapes and those with national and international designations should receive the highest level. Development plan policies should take account of the protection of the wider countryside and the impact of development on landscape quality.
Planning Policy Statement 7 - Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
10.29 This guidance, issued in 2004, advocates continued protection and enhancement of the open countryside for the benefit of all, with the highest level of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty for our most valued landscapes and environmental resources, including National Parks.
10.30 It gives emphasis to safeguarding the countryside for its own sake and promotes a character based approach to enriching the quality and character of the whole countryside.
10.31 “All development in rural areas should be well designed and inclusive, in keeping and scale with its location, and sensitive to the character of the countryside and local distinctiveness”. Development should contribute to a sense of local identity and regional diversity.
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Planning Policy Statement 10 - Planning for Sustainable Waste Management
10.32 “Positive planning has an important role in delivering sustainable waste management… by providing sufficient opportunities for new waste management facilities of the right type, in the right place and at the right time”.
10.33 Under this guidance, issued in 2005, planning authorities should recognise the positive contribution that waste management can make to the development of sustainable communities. PPS 10 contains no specific references to National Parks.
10.34 In testing the locational suitability of sites, waste planning authorities are asked to consider “visual intrusion”, with considerations including “the setting of the proposed location and the potential for design-led solutions to produce acceptable development”. Waste management facilities should be well- designed, so that they contribute positively to the character and quality of the area.
Regional Planning Policy
10.35 Under Under the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Development Plans would comprise of a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and a Local Development Framework.
10.36 The RSS is now a material consideration following the Cala Homes judgement but one which has limited weight because the government have confirmed that it is still their intention to abolish it.
Local Planning Policy
10.37 The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) became the sole Planning Authority in April 2010. The role of planning within SDNPA is to control and influence development in the National Park, and to safeguard the special qualities of the National Park with its planning decisions.
10.38 In June 2010 the decision was made to delegate the day-to-day processing of planning applications back to the Local Authorities. The SDNPA will oversee all planning decisions. This means that for Filching Quarry, which was previously within the AONB and is now in the National Park, planning policies are currently from East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council.
10.39 It is also considered prudent to look at the policies within the South Downs AONB Management Plan and Planning Guidelines as these are specific to this area of valued landscape and remain in place until the National Park Authority develops a new policy framework for the area.
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The East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Waste Local Plan
10.40 The East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Waste Local Plan has been produced jointly by East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council. It was adopted as both councils' planning policy on 21 February 2006.
POLICY WLP 3: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
10.41 Major waste proposals within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Proposals will be subjected to the most rigorous examination and will only be permitted where:
a) there is an overriding need for the development, in terms of national considerations and the local economy; b) the potential for meeting the need in some other way has been investigated and eliminated and there are no suitable alternative sites outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, having regard to the cost of and scope for developing elsewhere; and c) there will be no detrimental effect on the environment and landscape, having regard to any measures to moderate the effect or to provide a compensating environmental resource for any loss that is acceptable.
POLICY WLP 23: Landfilling - Inert Waste
10.42 Proposals for landfilling with inert waste will be permitted, subject to other policies of the Plan where relevant, where it is demonstrated that:
a) the proposal forms part of a comprehensive scheme of restoration of a mineral working; b) the resulting final landform, landscape and afteruse enhances the environment and is sympathetic to the land uses, landscape and nature conservation interests of the site and the surrounding area; and c) where appropriate, the proposal includes temporary on-site facilities for the recovery of the waste which can be managed by methods further up the waste hierarchy.
10.43 Chapter 8: ‘General Policy Considerations for All Waste Development’ states that local communities need to be protected from the most immediate and damaging effects of waste development, including those resulting from visual intrusion.
POLICY WLP 35: General Amenity Considerations
10.44 All proposals shall satisfy the following criteria:
a) the development is of a scale, form and character appropriate to its location; b) there is no unacceptable adverse effect on the standard of amenity appropriate to the established, permitted or allocated land uses likely to be affected by the development;
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c) adequate means of controlling noise, dust, litter, odours and other emissions are secured; d) there is no unacceptable adverse effect on the recreational or tourist use of an area, or the use of existing public access or rights of way; and e) there is no unacceptable adverse effect on areas or features of demonstrable landscape, archaeological, architectural, geological, ecological, or historical importance.
10.45 The section entitled ‘Design Considerations’ states that waste management activities can, by virtue of the nature and scale of the processes undertaken on site, be visually prominent land uses that can have an adverse impact on the landscape or adjoining land uses.
Policy WLP 39: Design Considerations
10.46 “The design, siting and external appearance of proposals shall:
a) respect the existing site topography and natural cover; b) use materials and colouring appropriate to the location in which the building or plant is to be located; c) incorporate appropriate landscaping as an integral part of the overall development of the site; and d) where appropriate, use high quality, innovative designs.
10.47 Proposals which would have an unacceptable adverse visual effect or would have an unacceptable adverse effect on adjoining land uses by virtue of the scale and location of the development, which cannot be satisfactorily mitigated, will not be permitted.”
10.48 Under the section entitled ‘Environmental Improvements and Other Benefits”:
“the WPAs will look to those submitting planning applications to make provision for environmental improvements and other benefits, where appropriate, both on the site and in the locality to mitigate, offset or compensate for any unavoidable adverse impacts associated with the particular development. Improvements and benefits… may include measures to reduce the impact of the development, such as off-site tree planting or measures to compensate for the loss of a resource resulting from the development, such as through the creation of a new nature reserve...”
Wealden District Local Plan 1998
10.49 The Waste Local Plan states at paragraph 2.19 that the Wealden Local Plan “provide[s] detailed policy guidance for all development... and must be taken into account when determining waste management applications”.
10.50 Policy EN9 Development within the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as defined on the Proposals Map, will only be permitted if it conserves or enhances the natural beauty and character of the landscape. Particular care will be paid to the siting, scale, layout and design of
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development. In considering any proposals, particular regard will be had to (a series of landscape features the following of which are relevant):-
• the characteristic sculptured landform and appearance; • the exposed scarp slope and adjacent foothills; • traditional land uses and agricultural practices; • the setting of important historic and natural features; • other landscape qualities and characteristics identified in the Sussex Downs Landscape Assessment; • the Management Strategy for the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. • 10.51 At its meeting on 14th December 2005, Wealden District Council approved the non-statutory Local Plan as an Interim Guide for Development Control purposes. Although this plan is not formally adopted its content could be a material consideration in development control decisions.
Policy NE8
10.52 Development within the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as defined on the Proposals Map, will only be permitted if it conserves and enhances the natural beauty and character of the landscape. Small scale development will be permitted where it meets the social and economic needs of local communities, and provided it is consistent with the purpose of the AONB designation.
Other Relevant Policy Documents
The South Downs Management Plan (2008-2013)
10.53 Section C5.34 of this document, adopted 19th October 2007, suggests that the Joint Committee recognises that landfill may often play an important part in the restoration of former mineral workings.
Policy MW11 states:
10.54 “The Joint Committee will normally only accept proposals for additional landfilling within the AONBs (now the South Downs National Park) where it would allow the appropriate restoration of a former minerals working and provided that they would have no significant adverse impact on the natural beauty and amenities of the AONBs or that any such potential impact could be satisfactorily addressed through the imposition of conditions on the planning permission. The Joint Committee will normally oppose any proposals for landraising within either AONB”.
10.55 The 10 Ambitions for the South Downs stated in the Management Plan include:
• an unspoilt landscape of the highest quality and diversity, ensuring that:… development within and immediately beyond the boundaries of the protected landscape… does not detract from but makes a positive
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contribution to local landscape character and reinforces local distinctiveness.”; • all decisions relating to development should reinforce the local distinctiveness of different localities, conserving and enhancing those landscape features that contribute to local character; • chalk grassland is stated as being the defining habitat of the Chalk ridge of the South Downs, supporting a diverse array of rare and unusual plants and important populations of invertebrates and breeding birds; and • focus on the landscape-scale protection, restoration and re-linking of individual, internationally important semi-natural chalk grassland, lowland heathland and floodplain grassland habitats.
LANDSCAPE BASELINE
Introduction
10.56 Landscape assessment, as opposed to visual assessment, deals with the fabric, character and quality of the countryside. The landscape fabric consists of the elements that make up the landscape, such as landform, land use and cultural factors. The way these elements fit together in terms of proportion, pattern, scale, etc., gives rise to a particular landscape character. Changes to the fabric and character of a particular landscape may affect the perceived value of that landscape, giving rise to changes in its quality.
10.57 Potential landscape receptors can therefore include elements of the physical landscape that may be directly affected by the development such as: topographic, geological and drainage features; woodland, tree and hedgerow cover; landuse; field boundaries and artefacts .
10.58 This section of the assessment aims to assess the character and quality of the landscape in and around the application area by carrying out a subjective assessment, and by also examining particular factors objectively, in accordance with the guidelines defined by The Countryside Agency (2002), op.cit1.
10.59 The Countryside Agency’s guidelines make a clear distinction between the characterisation process (in which the attributes of the landscape are described) and the judgement making process. This sub-section of the assessment deals with the characterisation process, and later sub-sections of this report make judgements about the potential effects of the proposed development based upon the characterisation.
Existing Landscape Appraisals of the Application Site and its Surroundings
10.60 The Countryside Agency guidelines describe how Landscape Character Assessment can be applied at different scales, from the national or European level to the parish level. Assessments are ideally prepared at different scales that should fit together as a nested series or a hierarchy of landscape
1 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition), paragraph 6.13
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character types and/or areas, such that each level of assessment adds more detail to the one above. The three main levels identified by The Countryside Agency are: national and regional scale; local authority scale; and local scale. This assessment uses and presents a summary of the relevant published assessments at national and regional scale (National Character Areas) and local authority scales. These wider character assessments are then used to provide the context for the local scale landscape assessment for the application site.
National Character Areas
10.61 The widely recognised national spatial framework for landscape character is the Character of England Landscape, Wildlife and Cultural Features Map produced in 2005 by Natural England with support from English Heritage. The review site is within the National Character Area (NCA) Number 125 “South Downs”.
10.62 The key characteristics of the South Downs are described as follows:
• prominent chalk outcrop rising gently from the South Coast Plain with a dramatic north-facing scarp and distinctive chalk cliffs formed where the Downs end abruptly at the sea. A chalk landscape of rolling arable fields and close-cropped grassland on the bold scarps, rounded open ridges and sculpted dry valleys; • lightly settled landscape with scattered villages, hamlets and farmsteads - flint is conspicuous in the buildings, walls of villages, farms and churches; • Roman roads and drove roads are common and characteristic features and the area is rich in visually prominent prehistoric remains, particularly Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows and prominent Iron Age hill forts; • in the east, rivers from the Low Weald cut through the Downs to form river valleys and broad alluvial floodplains with rectilinear pastures and wet grazing meadows - a contrast with the dry uplands. Above these valleys, the high, exposed, rounded uplands of white chalk have a simple land cover of few trees, an absence of hedgerows, occasional small planted beech clumps, and large arable areas and some grassland; • the eastern Downs have a distinctive escarpment which rises prominently and steeply above the Low Weald. It is indented by steep combes or dry valleys. • woodlands - both coniferous and broadleaved - are a distinctive feature of the western Downs. • in the west, large estates are important features with formal designed parkland providing a contrast to the more typical farmland pasture.
10.63 Under the section entitled “The Changing Countryside” the following comment relevant to the site is made: “Disused chalk quarries are visually prominent features within the downland slopes and have been utilised as major landfill sites”.
10.64 Under the section entitled “Shaping the Future”, opportunities for the character area include: “the creation of species-rich chalk grassland on the
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upper and the steeper slopes of the Downs…” and “there is scope for tree planting on the edge of settlements adjacent to downland farms”.
South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment
10.65 This document was written for the South Downs Joint Committee by Land Use Consultants and issued in December 2005. It identifies 18 generic Landscape Character Types (LCTs) within which are 49 individual geographic Landscape Character Areas (LCAs).
10.66 The site is just within the Ouse to Eastbourne Open Downs LCA (A1) of the Open Downlands LCT (A). The site’s eastern boundary is coincident with the boundary of the Ouse to Eastbourne Down Scarp LCA (H1) of the Major Scarps LCT (H).
10.67 Landscape Type A: Open Downland has the following relevant key characteristics:
• large scale open elevated landscape of rolling chalk downland, with dry valleys and scarp slopes; • secluded dry valleys are a special feature; • dominated by the solid chalk geology with very occasional surface clay capping and wind blown sand creating local pockets of variation in the landscape; • visually permeable post and wire boundaries. Few visible hedgerow boundaries and woodland cover limited to small deciduous woodland blocks and distinctive hilltop beech clumps; • ploughed arable fields on chalk dotted with flint contrasting with swathes of arable crops create strong seasonal variation in the landscape; • fragments of chalk downland turf and rare chalk heath, together with associated scrub and woodland habitats are confined to steep slopes where arable cultivation has proved difficult; • sparse settlement, with occasional isolated farms and barns. Blocks of modern farm buildings punctuate the open landscape. At a more detailed level, flint sheepfolds, barns and shepherds cottages are a visual reminder of the former extent of sheep grazing. • large open skies and distant panoramic views – creating a dramatic and dynamic landscape changing according to prevailing weather conditions. • a tranquil landscape, often seemingly remote and empty, with a windswept exposed character. Views to the sea from panoramic viewpoints in the east. • 10.68 LCA A1: Ouse to Eastbourne Open Downs, has the following key characteristics:
• vast open rolling upland chalk landscape of blunt, whale-backed Downs reaching 217m at Firle Beacon; • furrowed by extensive branching dry valley systems which results in a dramatic undulating cliff line where the Downs meet the sea at the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Here, there are strong maritime influences and connections with the seascape;
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• hedgerows and tracks surviving from the earlier manorial downland landscape are important historic landscape features; • remnants of unimproved chalk grassland and scrub on steeper slopes, some of which reveal ancient terraced field systems, plus the large area of rare chalk heath at Lullington Heath; • large open skies ensure that weather conditions are a dominant influence creating a dynamic, landscape, particularly on the windswept coastal edge; • strong sense of remote and tranquillity and pockets of ‘deep’ remoteness associated with hidden dry valleys. At the same time an accessible landscape with high levels of public access; • generally, a low density of dispersed settlement, characterised by scattered farmsteads – most of 18th-19th century origin, with some of medieval origin representing shrunken hamlets. Traditional flint barns are a feature; large modern agricultural buildings are now prominent. • panoramic views across adjacent landscapes – particularly notable are the views across Eastbourne from the eastern edge of the downs, seascape views from the coastal cliffs and views over the footslopes and Low Weald from the crest of the northern escarpment. • 10.69 Landscape Type H: Major Scarps has the following key characteristics:
• a linear landscape forming the northern and eastern edge of the chalk – deeply indented winding belt, with a steep scarp faces and a high prominent ridgeline creating a strong skyline, although this is softened in areas of woodland cover. • occurs along the full length of the South Downs from the distinctive chalk hangers in Hampshire (Selborne) to meet the sea at the dramatic white cliffs of Beachy Head; • remarkably consistent in height and slope profile throughout its length as a result of the lithological uniformity of the chalk bedrock; • from open summits there are panoramic views across the lowlands to the north. The scarp forms a distinctive backdrop ridgeline in views from this area – a symbolic feature of the South Downs; • precipitous upper slopes are grazed grassland, scrub or clothed in dense woodland ‘hangers’ - mixed farmland extends onto the shallower lower slopes in places; • the scarp contains some of the most extensive areas of chalk grassland habitat within the South Downs; • notable for the absence of buildings on the slope itself. Deeply sunken lanes and tracks, known as bostal tracks, cut the escarpment and link the lower land to the chalk uplands. Some ‘gaps’ cut by valleys form important communication routes; • occasionally marked by chalk pits on the scarp slopes and masts along the crest which are highly prominent in views; • the steep scarps are extremely prominent in views from adjacent landscapes making them very visually sensitive. Of particular sensitivity is the skyline of the scarp which is most often viewed in against an open sky; 10.70 LCA H1: Ouse to Eastbourne Downs Scarp, has the following key characteristics:
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• a dramatic steep north and east-facing chalk escarpment marking the eastern extent of the South Downs and overlooking Eastbourne to the east; • exhibits a distinctive concave-convex slope profile, deeply indented by ’coombes’; • remarkably consistent in height and slope profile throughout its length as a result of the lithological uniformity of the chalk bedrock; • the eastern edge above Eastbourne is well wooded with dense woodland cover, some associated with landscape parks such as Compton Park. Built development on the edge of Eastbourne encroaches onto the scarp in places; • the scarp contains some extensive areas of chalk grassland habitat e.g. Firle Escarpment SSSI, Willingdon Down SSSI and Wilmington Downs SSSI; • deeply sunken lanes and tracks, known as bostal tracks, cut the escarpment and link the lower land to the chalk uplands; • ‘gaps’ cut by valleys form important communication routes, for example above Firle, at Filching Manor, Butts Lane and on the outskirts of Eastbourne where the A259 climbs the scarp; • at the foot of the scarp where the slopes are less steep the land is ploughed for crops where colours contrast with the muted grey-green colours of the scarp face; and • a number of small isolated chalk pits associated with the former agricultural lime-burning industry appear as white scars on the scarp e.g. at Bopeep Farm and Chalk Farm.
Landscape Appraisal of the Application Site and Surroundings
10.71 The Countryside Agency guidance on landscape appraisal recommends that landscapes are initially characterised, and that judgements about the nature and sensitivity of these landscapes are then based on this characterisation process. The Agency’s guidance recommends that the characterisation process should be based on an assessment of natural factors, cultural social factors and aesthetic and perceptual factors.
10.72 These factors have been examined for the application site and the immediately adjacent landscape. Each of these factors is assessed below.
Natural Characteristics
10.73 The landform of the local area is characterised by undulating farmland, predominantly grazing pastures with a distinctive concave-convex slope profile, broken by dramatic valley features, for example around Folkington Bottom as well as steep Chalk escarpments.
10.74 This varying pattern of valleys and steep escarpments provides screening of the application site from the majority of lower level views. Within 2km of the application site the land ranges from 10m AOD at Milton Street, 2km west of the site, to 193m AOD on Butt’s Brow 1.3km east of the site, and 214m AOD on Willington Hill 1.5km west of the site.
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10.75 Beyond the Downs lie the more gently rolling lowlands to the north and the flatter levels to the east.
10.76 With regard to the application site itself the quarry crest is approximately level and exists at between 90-95m AOD along the northern, western and western half of the southern boundary. The crest height drops down to around 63m AOD along the eastern boundary near the access ramp. The quarry itself has steep quarry faces and a relatively flat base, with a steep ramp enabling access from just within the site entrance at the eastern edge of the site, down to the quarry floor.
10.77 The wider study area is characterised by expansive areas of chalk grassland, predominantly grazed, with varying degrees of woodland cover, with scrub and hanger woodland predominantly found on the scarp slopes.
10.78 Friston Forest lies just under 1.5km south of the application site. Deciduous woodland is however closely associated with the valleys surrounding the site. To the east of the application site Jevington Road is lined by a mature deciduous woodland belt with scrub understorey which predominantly screens views into the site from the road and from Filching Manor beyond.
10.79 Along with the woodland belts, the site is surrounded by a substantial network of mature hedgerows, with the many public footpaths, bridleways, byways and National Trails which surround the site, edged by dense hedgerows, funnelling views along them and screening out views across the open countryside and towards the application site.
10.80 In addition Teddards Barn and other properties immediately north and west of the application site are set behind dense hedgerows and tree belts which contribute to the irregular and predominantly large scale field pattern.
10.81 Folkington to the north of the site, and Jevington to the south are also set within a framework of woodland. In addition to the hedgerow network, the landscape is also dissected by post and rail, as well as post and wire and temporary fencing creating the patchwork of grazing pastures required for local ‘horsiculture’ which dominates the area.
10.82 There are no open water bodies within or immediately adjacent to the application site.
10.83 The application site itself comprises of a disused chalk quarry with exposed worked chalk faces, some of which have become unstable.
10.84 The quarry is subsequently undergoing natural regeneration and is beginning to re-vegetate in part, particularly at its base and on its access ramp and southern face, where groundcover, shrubs and small trees are growing.
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Cultural and Social Factors
10.85 As noted previously, the site is currently an inactive chalk quarry characterised by vertical faces and naturally regenerating vegetation. Chalk was originally worked at Filching Quarry for lime production, and subsequently to produce fill materials for the construction industry. The proposed development seeks to stabilise the quarry and then to secure the restoration of the site to grassland by subsequently infilling the quarry using inert materials.
10.86 The wider landscape is characterised by predominantly grazing pastures and farmland comprising of an irregular field pattern, as well an historic field system. Many tumuli and barrow are found on the crests of the scarp slopes, which also include hanger woodlands as well as more exposed areas which are popular for recreational purposes, allowing visitors to enjoy the far stretching and panoramic views from these heights.
10.87 No public rights of way cross the application site or its immediate perimeter. However, further afield, within approximately 0.2km of the edge of the quarry, a public byway and footpath pass along the western and southern edge of the site.
10.88 The Wealdway runs north to south, west of the site, and along with the South Downs Way (1.2km south west of the application site at its closest point) and 1066 Country Walk, also passes across the higher ground at Wilmington Hill to the west and The Combe to the east.
10.89 The aforementioned public footpaths and National Trails appear to be well used all year round. Open access land is located adjacent to the site to the northeast at Crane Down, 0.6km to the southeast of the site associated with The Combe and 0.25km to the west of the site associated with Folkington Hill.
10.90 The settlement pattern within the immediate vicinity of the site consists of a number of small villages/hamlets, including the small rural hamlet Filching, on the edge of which the site sits, Jevington under 1km south which is designated as a Conservation Area, and Folkington approximately 1km north west of the site.
10.91 These villages/hamlets include outlying farmsteads and manors. Within 1km to the north-east of Filching lies the settlement boundary of Wannock, a suburban settlement which is part of a larger agglomeration of towns and villages occupying the flatlands to the east of the South Downs, including Polegate to the northeast, and Eastbourne to the south-east. Willingdon lies just under 2.5km east of the application site and is designated as a conservation area.
10.92 Ashleigh and Woodfield residential properties are situated immediately adjacent to the quarry, along its access road to the east. Ash Farm (to the north), Grade II Listed Filching Manor (to the east) and Grade II Listed Teddard’s Barn (to the west) are all located within 1km of the site.
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Aesthetic and Perceptual Aspects
10.93 The aesthetic qualities of the application site and local area are summarised in Table 10.1 below, being divided into the main categories identified within the guidance2
Table 10-1 Aesthetic Attributes of the Landscape within and around Application Site
Aesthetic Factors Scale The surrounding landscape is large scale owing to the dramatic scarp slopes and open, long distance views. At a more local level the application site is smaller in scale with surrounding vegetation and built form as well as its valley side location creating a greater degree of enclosure and intimacy. Enclosure The scarp slopes and undulating landscape surrounding the application site and the general lack of mature vegetation on these upper slopes allows long distance views, creating a sense of openness. However, lower down the sides of the slopes and along the valley bottom mature woodland blocks and belts, as well as a network of hedgerows provide a greater degree of enclosure. Diversity The wider landscape is generally simple with a few elements in the form of chalk grassland, hedges and woodland. However, within the application site itself and immediate surroundings the landscape is more diverse with exposed chalk faces, natural regeneration of vegetation, as well as residential properties and their associated grounds. Texture The wider landscape is relatively smooth in texture across the grassy slopes but with woodland blocks and belts, and hedgerows providing more textured areas. Within the site itself the exposed chalk faces interrupted by naturally regenerating vegetation provides more texture. Form and The wider landscape is sloping in form including dramatic chalk Line escarpments and a concave-convex slope profile elsewhere, e.g. around Folkington Bottom. South east of Folkington the landform is more angular as a result of the manmade elements surrounding the reservoir. The application site itself is quite angular, formed from the straight lines of the quarry faces, although the deciduous planting at its eastern side does provide some softening of this form and of the rectilinear forms of the residential properties also at this edge. Colour The predominant colours in the wider landscape are rural and muted tones; greens and browns. The application site itself, although green in places owing to the naturally regenerating vegetation across the quarry, is largely monochrome, with the chalk white quarry faces contrasting to the surrounding colours and standing out within the landscape. Balance The predominantly rural character of the surrounding downland, interrupted only by field boundaries, woodland blocks and belts and hamlets/villages and their outlying properties gives a balanced and harmonious feel to the wider landscape. The application site itself appears a little discordant within the wider landscape. Movement The wider landscape surrounding the application site is predominantly rural and calm, although there are frequent traffic movements associated with the busier surrounding roads, such as the A27 and also along Jevington Road as the main link between the local villages/hamlets. The application site
2 Landscape Character Assessment – Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) – Paragraph 5.12
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Aesthetic Factors itself is currently still as the site is redundant. Pattern Large, open fields with occasional woodland blocks and belts, as well as villages/hamlets and isolated properties predominate the wider landscape. The application site itself appears an a random feature in the wider landscape and is more formal in character.
Landscape Dynamics
10.94 Paragraph 7.14 of the GLVIA states that “it is important to take into account the existing trends for change within the landscape, which may be due to natural processes or human activities”. In addition, appendix 3 of the GLVIA, (which comprises the IEMA criteria for the review of EIAs), emphasises the importance of describing the dynamic baseline conditions, since it is stated that all environmental assessments should include:
“a description of the environment as it is currently and as it could be expected to develop were the project not to proceed”
10.95 As has been noted, the application site is currently an inactive quarry with some instability of its faces and natural colonisation by vegetation. In the event that this application is refused, it has been assumed that the site would remain unrestored, with continued rock fall into the base of the quarry as a result of face instability resulting in further ravelling back of the faces beyond the current quarry boundaries.
10.96 The disturbed area is therefore likely to become larger over time, but ultimately with the more natural colonisation.
10.97 Therefore, whilst the baseline for this assessment acknowledges the site’s current condition, it also acknowledges that the landscape is transient and would be subject to varying degrees of positive and negative change, depending on the nature of the intervention.
Classification and Evaluation
10.98 The application site is currently characterised as ‘abandoned mineral workings’; a disused chalk quarry which is gradually being colonised by vegetation imparting a more naturalistic character on this otherwise rectilinear feature.
10.99 Although disused chalk quarries are recognised within the ‘South Downs’ National Character Area as a characteristic feature, the quarry is in contrast to the sloping downland character of the surrounding landscape and appears as something of a incongruous feature in the landscape. The character assessment recognises the use of such quarries for landfill and their positive restoration.
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Potential for Landscape Enhancement
10.100 The ‘South Downs’ National Character Area is recognised as having opportunities for the creation of species rich chalk grassland and for tree planting on the edge of settlements adjacent to downland farms.
10.101 Given the character of the application site and the nature of its immediate surroundings, with several properties within 1km of the edge of the quarry, there is scope through the re profiling of the quarry and progressive infilling with inert waste, to create a landform which respects the surrounding downland character and would provide for additional grassland and potential woodland habitats at the edge of Filching. (refer to Drawing L&V05 for the restoration landform profile)
10.102 The application site is situated in the Seaford to Eastbourne Downs Biodiversity Opportunity Area as identified by the Sussex Biodiversity Partnership within the Sussex Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Within this area BAP Habitat targets include woodland, wood-pasture and lowland calcareous grasslands and meadows, with opportunities highlighted for chalk grassland management, restoration and creation, woodland management and diversification and ecological networks encouraging bird, butterfly and botanical interest.
Conclusions on the Landscape Appraisal of the Existing Site
10.103 The application site lies within the South Downs National Park, and is thus part of a landscape with significant cultural value. The surrounding area is widely used for recreational purposes, although the site’s location means that it is largely enclosed from the wider landscape.
10.104 The existing site is currently characterised as ‘abandoned mineral workings,’ which although seen to be a character of the ‘South Downs’ National Character area, appears as somewhat incongruous within the landscape as there is no sign of any restoration taking place.
10.105 The proposed development would see the land returned to an afteruse compatible with the surrounding land uses and ‘South Downs’ landscape character, and would also contribute to national and local BAP targets.
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VISUAL BASELINE
Introduction
10.106 Visual impact assessment relates to “changes that arise in the composition of the available views as a result of changes to the landscape, to peoples’ responses to the changes and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity”, (“Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment”, Second Edition, op.cit3).
10.107 Potential visual receptors can include the public or community at large, residents, visitors and other groups of viewers as well as the visual amenity of people affected.
10.108 Initially, it is necessary to define the extent of visibility both within and outside the site. Viewpoints are then selected to represent views from the most commonly used locations in and around the site, and the existing views from each of these points are briefly described with the aid of photographs.
General Visibility of the Application Site
10.109 The visibility of the application site was initially assessed by a desktop study of Ordnance Survey maps in order to identify potential viewpoints. This was followed by 3D computer modelling and calculation of the zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) of the existing topography and proposed topography in accordance with the method statement provided in Appendix A.
10.110 The ZTV shown on Drawing No L&V03 is based on a digital terrain model (dtm) which has been modified through the addition of the main structural vegetation adjacent to the site. Areas with no shading would have no view of the site.
10.111 All other colours indicate areas that have a potential view, the vertical angle of which would be greater in the areas indicated by the hotter colours. The resulting amended ZTV indicates that the site is potentially visible from a very localised area. However as not all vegetation has been plotted and built form is not included the ZTVs indicate the worst case scenario. A second ZTV was then run to show the worst case extent of visibility based on the proposed landform for the application site.
10.112 The overall visibility of the application site is restricted by two factors: firstly the sloping nature of the surrounding landscape; and secondly, the screening effect of existing buildings and vegetation in and around the site. As a result, the quarry is only visible from Jevington Road and the Wealdway Way and Public Footpath and byway immediately adjacent to the east, west and south of the site, where there are breaks in the vegetation along this route. Beyond
3 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition), paragraph 7.14
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these edges visibility is restricted to the crest of the scarp slopes, e.g. on Combe Hill, where views down across the site are afforded.
10.113 To the north of the application site the landform which drops off to the north, as well as the mature woodland blocks/belts and hedgerows which surround the isolated properties on this side, means that there are no publicly accessible viewpoints from this side of the site. Within the winter months there may however be glimpsed views of the top of the quarry faces on the southern side of the site, however it was not possible to assess these views as no access was permitted.
10.114 To the east of the application site, the extent of visibility is restricted by The Combe. Lying at 193m AOD, the 1066 Country Walk and Wealdway which cross the crest of the hillside afford open panoramic views across the surrounding landscape, and of Filching quarry, although with some intermittent screening created by foreground scrub vegetation and hanger woodland (refer to Viewpoint no. 5 Photosheet L & V09).
10.115 Further west, towards the site the land falls away to Jevington Road, and the visibility of the site is restricted by Dean Wood which borders Jevington Road. As a consequence, the site would appear to be screened from Filching Manor (assumed as no access possible), and views restricted to the site entrance and intermittently between vegetation along the western edge of Jevington Road. The property south of the access track appears to afford some open views of the faces of the quarry from its rear, whilst the property to the north of the access track is largely set back behind a woodland belt.
10.116 To the south of the application site the land falls away to the south east towards the village of Jevington. Glimpsed views, and in places more open views framed by vegetation are afforded from the byway and public footpath which run east west, to the south of the site, and are predominantly bounded by mature vegetation. The grounds of Jevington Sports Club lie approximately 0.2km south of the application site and from here it is clear that intervening hedgerows and woodland blocks provide screening of the application site, with the exception of occasional glimpsed views in the winter months of the quarry’s upper faces. Therefore, the nature of the intervening vegetation and landform means that the application site is not visible beyond the northern edge of Jevington, the higher ground further south at Friston Forest heavily wooded and so not supporting long distance views in this direction.
10.117 To the west of the application site views towards the site are largely screened by the network of hedgerows as well as woodland belts and blocks surrounding the Wealdway and network of footpaths and byways on this side of the site. Glimpsed views amongst vegetation are obtained at intervals along the footpaths south west of the site, but views further west are otherwise screened by the high ground along Folkington Hill and where it meets Wilmington Hill. The later high points screen views towards the site from the village of Wilmington as well as from the Wealdway and South Downs Way which wrap around the Wilmington Hill.
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Choice of Viewpoints
10.118 Potential visual receptors in the local area within the ZTV include the following:
• inhabitants of local residential properties; • road-users; • walkers and horse riders on the PRoW and National Trail visitors to popular viewpoints, and outdoor recreational locations, such as the local open access land; • 10.119 All potential viewpoints and areas were investigated using the following criteria:
• areas identified as potential receptors in the baseline; • proximity to the site; • high concentrations of viewers, such as settlements, local recreational facilities etc; • views from designated areas, private properties, footpaths and other receptors; • views illustrating the visual character of the surrounding area; and • areas identified as having a high potential for visual impact from the ZTV. • 10.120 Photograph and fieldwork analysis of views of the site were then carried out from the surrounding landscape. The object was to determine which locations offer the clearest views of the site and/or are most accessible to the public. 5 key representative viewpoints are described below.
Key Representative Viewpoints
10.121 Table 10.2 below summarises the selected viewpoints, their locations and drawing numbers to illustrate existing views. Viewpoint locations are shown on Drawing L&V06. Table 10.2 List of Viewpoints
Viewpoint Description of Location Drawing No. 1 Site access off Jevington Road 07 2 Jevington Sports Club 07 3 Wealdway/Byway south west of site 08 4 Public Footpath west of site, south of Teddards Barn 08 5 Combe Hill 09
Potential for Visual Enhancement
10.122 Views of the application site are largely restricted to views from the access track off Jevington Road and adjacent properties on this eastern side, as well
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as glimpsed views from the public byway and Wealdway running west and south of the site, as well as elevated views from Combe Hill.
10.123 Elsewhere mature vegetation and the quarries valley side location, as well as the localised changes in the landform, screen views of the site. It is therefore likely that the process of restoring the site would not be discernible from the majority of publicly accessible areas, but where the application site is visible, the restoration of the site to grassland in the long term would help the site to assimilate with its surroundings and may benefit existing views.
10.124 In addition, woodland/hedgerow planting would be provided, in keeping with local landscape character.
Conclusions of the Visual Assessment of the Existing Site
10.125 At a local scale the site is fairly well enclosed owing to its position into the valley side, and the nature of intervening vegetation, with the exception of glimpsed views from public footpaths, byway and National Trails west and south of the site.
10.126 More open views are gained from the property south of the access track, immediately east of the site and the height of Combe Hill further east provides panoramic views down across the site.
10.127 Additional tree/hedgerow planting, along with the creation of grassland as a result of the restoration of the site, would be beneficial in visually assimilating the site with its surroundings.
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POTENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Nature and Extent of Proposed Development
10.128 The proposed development would require the importation of inert construction fill to secure the long term restoration of the site to a beneficial afteruse with the focus for the site being on amenity and habitat creation.
10.129 The development proposals are to stabilise the existing quarry faces and then to subsequently infill the quarry using inert construction fill to restore the site to grassland.
10.130 The proposed development would be undertaken in two main stages as follows:
Stage 1 – Inert Filling of the Quarry
10.131 The quarry slopes would be “buttressed” with suitable imported fill comprising uncontaminated, inert waste soils, to an agreed restoration profile and levels (refer to Drawing L&V05 for restoration landform profile).
10.132 It is proposed that infilling operations of inert soils at the quarry would allow for 500,000m3 of fill to be imported over a 5 year period following the approval of the application.
Stage 2 – Restoration aftercare
10.133 The restoration scheme is intended to return the site to suitable grassland and to introduce additional hedgerow/tree planting appropriate to its context and local character, as appropriate.
10.134 The proposed development would secure the long term restoration of the site to a beneficial afteruse with the focus for the site being on amenity and habitat creation.
10.135 The development proposals are to stabilise the existing quarry faces and then to subsequently infill the quarry using inert soils to restore the site to grassland.
10.136 The proposed development would be undertaken in three main stages as follows, each of which may present potential landscape and visual issues, as discussed below.
Timescale
10.137 The filling and restoration operations would be complete by 2017.
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Landscape and Visual Constraints
10.138 The following constraints in landscape and visual terms have been identified in relation to the aforementioned development proposals/stages of development for the site.
10.139 The proposals may create visual intrusion within the National Park during the operational phases, impacting on certain views from nearby properties & footpaths, byways and National Trails (refer to Section 7.6 and as discussed previously). In addition, some may consider the loss of a worked-out quarry to have a negative visual effect on the diversity of the local landscape.
10.140 However, it is considered that in the longer term the proposals would contribute positively in visual terms to the character of the site and its surrounding area (see Landscape Opportunities below), through the creation of locally appropriate chalk grassland with sensitively designed and appropriate tree/hedgerow planting, provided that the infilling includes the importation of suitable chalk soils.
10.141 The proposals would have a temporary effect on the tranquillity and residential amenity of the local area during the operational phase. This impact could be controlled through the careful monitoring of working hours.
Landscape and Visual Opportunities/Mitigation Measures
10.142 The aforementioned development proposals for the site offer the following opportunities:
• walkers and horse riders on the PRoW and National Trail visitors to popular viewpoints, and outdoor recreational locations, such as the local open access land; • restoration of a mineral void - the proposed scheme secures the appropriate restoration of a former chalk quarry to grassland with tree/hedgerow planting; • positive contribution to local landscape character and distinctiveness through the restoration of the site to appropriate grassland (a key local landscape feature), with appropriate tree and hedgerow planting, re-linking with adjacent grassland and wooded areas and priority habitats; • the result would be a landscape which is more typical of the local landscape character of the South Downs National Park and Open Downland character area within which the site falls; • visual enhancement - disused chalk quarries are themselves visually prominent features. The proposed landform has been designed to create a more natural, sympathetic and less visually intrusive profile than that which currently exists, with a vegetated surface more in keeping with the surrounding area, thus enhancing the beauty of the landscape and National Park; and • Restoration Aftercare – the opportunity exists to provide and implement a maintenance and management plan for the existing vegetation around the perimeter of the site, as well as for the proposed vegetation associated with the scheme.
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PREDICTED RESIDUAL IMPACTS
Predicted Residual Landscape impacts
10.143 Having assessed the landscape baseline and identified the potential elements of the development likely to cause change to that baseline, a detailed assessment of the possible sensitivity and magnitude of those changes can be made.
Landscape Sensitivity
10.144 The sensitivity of the existing landscape resource is based on the following factors:
• the value placed on the landscape; • compatibility of the proposed development with the existing land-uses and landscape character; • condition of the landscape; • contribution of the landscape within the site to the overall landscape character; • the scope for mitigation of the proposed development; and • degree to which landscape elements and characteristics can be replaced or substituted.
10.145 The sensitivity of a landscape is categorised as high, medium, low or negligible
10.146 Table 10.3 illustrates how these criteria have been appraised to gain an understanding of the overall sensitivity of the application site. Overall, the application site is considered to have a medium sensitivity to the proposed development.
Table 10.3 Sensitivity of Existing Landscape Resource within Application Site
Landscape Description Sensitivity Element within application site
Value The application site lies within the South Downs National Park. High Compatibility The proposals within the application site are compatible with Low previous activities on site and would see the land restored to a use compatible with the local surroundings and landscape character. Condition The proposed development would improve the condition of the Low existing site. Scope for It is considered that the long term benefits of the proposed Low Mitigation scheme would outweigh any temporary negative impacts during the operational phase of works. Potential for The proposals allow for the land to be restored to a use which Low replication or allows for the replication of surrounding uses and the original
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substitution downland character of the site. Overall Medium landscape sensitivity of the site
Magnitude of Landscape Impacts
10.147 The magnitude of landscape impacts depends upon the following factors4:
• degree to which landscape elements and characteristics can be replaced or substituted; • the scale or degree of change to the existing landscape resource; • the nature of the change caused by the proposed development (for example, beneficial or adverse); and • the timescale, or phasing, of the proposed development
10.148 The magnitude of change is categorised as high, medium, low or negligible.
Changes in Natural Characteristics
10.149 The proposed development would see the currently inactive/abandoned quarry void filled with inert material to create a sinuous landform which assimilates with the surrounding landscape. The resultant profile would then be seeded and planted with appropriate woodland species thus creating a more integrated landscape. The infilling would result in the loss of the existing natural regeneration on the floor of the quarry.
Changes in Cultural and Social Factors
10.150 No significant changes are anticipated in terms of the existing cultural and social factors of the local area owing to the generally well enclosed nature of the site at a local scale.
10.151 Glimpsed views of operations on site may be experienced from the adjoining byway and footpaths as well as the properties along the access track, as will the traffic bringing in the material. However the views would be improved in the long term by the establishment of grassland and other vegetation on the restoration profile. The site would also be visible during operations from Combe Hill and the National Trails and footpaths which cross it. No Public Rights of Way, properties or archaeological features, such as the historic field system, tumuli or Listed Buildings in the vicinity of the site would be physically affected by the proposals.
4 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) Paragraphs 7.18 and 7.23
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Changes in Aesthetic and Perceptual Aspects
10.152 During the operational phases of work the aesthetics of the site would progressively change with the presence of machinery in and around the site and a change in the colour and texture of the site as material is progressively backfilled.
10.153 The site would physically change in the long term in terms of its aesthetics, with the bright white, rectilinear chalk faces of the quarry void replaced by a landform which flows from the surrounding landform to create sloping green grassland which would assimilate the site with the surrounding grazing pastures and scarp slopes. The quarry would no longer be viewed in isolation, but instead would be seen as an integral part of the surrounding landscape.
Changes in Classification and Evaluation
10.154 The operational phases of work would progressively and temporarily alter the local landscape character from ‘abandoned mineral workings’ to an ‘active working site’.
10.155 However following restoration of the site the landscape would change from an ‘active working site’ to ‘sloping pastures with woodland planting’ , principally rural in character and an integral part of the wider ‘South Downs’ Landscape.
10.156 The restoration proposals would ensure the amelioration of a visual detractor, contributing to local landscape character and BAP targets and constituting a more beneficial effect than if the land were to be simply left as is.
Magnitude of Landscape Impacts
10.157 The overall magnitude of landscape impacts during operational phases would be low and adverse, due to the increased disturbance of the site, although the land is already in a disturbed state and any adverse impacts would be short term and temporary.
10.158 The operational phases are necessary for the long term beneficial landscape impacts resulting from the restoration of the site.
10.159 The overall magnitude of landscape impact following final restoration would be medium and beneficial, mainly because the proposed restoration scheme would ensure the amelioration of the existing abandoned quarry, and would restore the land back to a suitable afteruse in accordance with local landscape character, the character of the National Park, as well as contributing to national and local BAP targets.
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Summary of Residual Landscape Impacts
10.160 The magnitude of landscape impact of the proposals during operational phases would be low adverse. Following restoration, the magnitude of landscape impact would be medium and beneficial.
10.161 The restoration proposals would ensure the amelioration of the existing abandoned quarry, and would restore the land back to a suitable afteruse in accordance with local landscape character, the character of the National Park, as well as contributing to national and local BAP targets. The restoration proposals constitute a beneficial landscape impact compared to if the site were to be just left as is.
Predicted Residual Visual Impacts
Introduction
10.162 The potential visual effects of the proposed development on the surrounding landscape, and in particular the views from key viewpoints have been assessed with the aid of plans and site assessment, and are described in detail below.
Sensitivity of Viewpoints
10.163 The list of the identified viewpoints set out below also includes a brief assessment of their sensitivity (refer to Table 10.4). Sensitivity depends on the following factors5:
• the location and context of the viewpoint. For example, viewpoints which are closer to the site are generally more sensitive; • the number of viewers who commonly use the viewpoint. Some viewpoints are commonly used by the public, such as formal viewing platforms, picnic areas or recreational rights of way. Other viewpoints may be difficult to gain access to; • the nature of the viewpoint. Residential properties are sensitive to visual impacts as the residents experience the impacts on a regular and prolonged basis. Public footpaths can also be sensitive, since the users’ attention is often focused on the landscape. By contrast, views from outdoor sport facilities, transport routes or places of work are less sensitive; • movement of viewers at the viewpoint. More transitory views, for example from a motorway, are generally less sensitive than views experienced from residential properties and footpaths; and • the cultural significance of the viewpoint, including its appearance in guidebooks and tourist maps, or cultural and historical associations. • 10.164 The sensitivity of viewpoints is categorised as high, medium, low or negligible
5 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) Paragraphs 7.31 and 7.35
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Table 10.4 Sensitivity of Viewpoints
Viewpoint Description Sensitivity 1 Site Access off Jevington Road (approximately 0.01km east High of site) – Minor road/rural lane, frequently used as main link between A27 in the north and A259 to the south and the main settlements of Warnock and Friston with the smaller hamlets/villages of Filching and Jevington. There is no public right of way up the access track but it does provide access to the properties immediately surrounding the quarry. The viewpoint is not a static viewpoint but lies within the South Downs National Park and could also be considered representative of views from residential receptors adjacent to the site for which access was not permitted. 2 Jevington Sports Club (approximately 0.5km south of site) – Low/Medium Sports ground on northern edge of village of Jevington. Appears to be used for Cricket matches and seasonal sports. Viewpoint lies within South Downs National Park. 3 Public Byway (approximately 0.3km south of site) – High Frequently used route by dog walkers and horse riders and providing a linked network between local villages/hamlets. The byway, like the connecting Wealdway, is generally well enclosed on all sides by mature vegetation. Viewpoint lies within the South Downs National Park. 4 Public footpath south of Teddards Barn (approximately High 0.25km west of site) – Footpath appears to be less well used than public byway and Wealdway National Trail , but does provide access for local animal keeper to their animals which graze the pastures either side of this footpath. The footpath has open views east and west towards the scarp slopes beyond, whilst views to the north and south are contained by mature hedgerow vegetation which restricts views towards the site in the direction the path travels. Viewpoint lies within the South Downs National Park. 5 Combe Hill off 1066 Country Walk and Wealdway National High Trail (approximately 1.3km east of the site) – Footpaths across this elevated area appear to be well used by dog walkers and by those who wish to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The site is also well known for the presence of tumuli and signifies the eastern edge of the South Downs National Park.
Magnitude of Visual Impacts
10.165 For each of the viewpoints the potential magnitude of the residual visual impacts, taking into account any proposed mitigation, is assessed. The magnitude of visual impacts is mainly dependent upon the following factors6:
• what proportion of the existing view would change as a result of the development proposals? • how many features or elements within the view would be changed?
6 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) Paragraph 6.29
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• how appropriate is the proposed development in the context of the existing views? • how many viewers would be affected by the changes in the view? • what is the timescale of the proposed development? Also, is it continuous or intermittent? • what is the angle of the view in relation the main activity of the receptor? • 10.166 The magnitude of change is categorised as high, medium, low or negligible.
10.167 The magnitude of change for all of the viewpoints was assessed with the aid of photographs, and plans and is described below.
ZTV Analysis
10.168 As discussed previously, a 3D computer model was constructed using LSS software to calculate the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) in accordance with the method statements provided in Appendix A for both the existing and proposed landform within and around the application site (refer to Drawings L&V03 and L&V04).
10.169 The purpose was to identify the likely area from which the development would be visible and to locate key viewpoints. In addition, the vertical angles of visibility calculated by LSS give an initial indication as to the likely impact on the surrounding area.
10.170 For the type of development proposed, it is considered that a visible vertical angle of less than 0.5˚ would have the potential to be not visible or insignificant, an angle of between 0.5˚ and 1˚ would have the potential for a low visibility, between 1˚ and 3˚ would have the potential for medium visibility and over 3˚ would have the potential to be highly visible.
10.171 The ZTV analysis must always be used in conjunction with an analysis of the other factors described above, such as appropriateness of the change and the overall proportion of the existing view that would change. Mineral extraction and landfilling and other associated earthworks, for example, can affect a wide visible horizontal angle, whilst only affecting a low visible vertical angle.
Viewpoint 1 Site access off Jevington Road (refer to Photosheet L&V07).
10.172 This viewpoint is taken from the start of the access road into the site, west off Jevington Road, approximately 0.01km east of the application site and at an elevation of approximately 65m AOD.
10.173 In the foreground the view west towards the application site is framed by a mature deciduous woodland belt with scrub understorey which lines each side of Jevington Road on its approach into Jevington.
10.174 The framed view is that of the stone access track as it curves its way into the site. To the south of the access track a residential property is visible, set back
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from the track by a grass verge and bollards and a front garden enclosed by a thick well kept hedgerow. A line of trees, including a conifer tree are visible in the middle ground of the view wrapping around the rear of the property, but around and through which (for the former, particularly in the winter months) the western and northern faces of the quarry are visible.
10.175 The quarry faces provide a backdrop to the view, with some natural regeneration of vegetation visible on the faces, as well as the established woodland vegetation further west beyond the upper slopes of the quarry faces visible and breaking the skyline.
10.176 The chalk quarry face provides a strong contrast to the surrounding green setting. At the centre middle ground of the view the quarry gates are visible, again framed by vegetation either side.
10.177 To the north of the access track another residential property sits slightly lower down and is visually contained by a mature belt of vegetation on its southern side. This property may however obtain glimpsed views of the quarry from its grounds (assumed as no access permitted).
10.178 The nature of proposals for the application site would alter this view. During operations the movement of machinery to and from, and within the quarry itself would be visible from this viewpoint and the surrounding properties between established vegetation. The progressive backfilling and reprofiling of the landform would also be visible. However, these impacts would only be for the short term and temporary.
10.179 As a result the magnitude of visual impact during operations on site would be medium/high adverse.
10.180 In the long term the site would be restored to a sloping profile and seeded with grassland which once established would assist in assimilating the site with its surroundings and ameliorating an existing visual detractor. As a result the magnitude of impact in the long term following restoration would be medium beneficial.
10.181 In conclusion, given the sensitivity of the viewpoint, (refer to Table 10.4) the proposals would cause a significant adverse visual impact during operations, but would also result in a significant beneficial visual impact following restoration.
Viewpoint 2 Jevington Sports Club (refer to Photosheet L&V07)
10.182 This viewpoint is taken from just inside the entrance to Jevington Sports Club, west off Jevington Road, approximately 0.5km south of the site and at an elevation of approximately 90m AOD. In the foreground the eastern extents of the view is contained by the roadside hedgerow.
10.183 Further west the view looks across the open grassy sports ground, the northern extent of which is bound by a low hedgerow and hedgerow trees which provide a filtered view into the large arable field beyond. Towards the
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background of the view, the field is bounded by a dense woodland belt/hedgerow which defines either side of the Public Byway, south of the site and defines the extent of the horizon in this direction. Further west, out with the extents of the photography, the land rises up to Folkington Hill, crossed by public footpaths and the Wealdway National Trail as well as horse paddocks.
10.184 The dense wooded belt, even in the winter months provides screening of views towards the application site to the north, although glimpsed views between trees of the upper quarry faces are discernible in parts if one looks closely.
10.185 The nature of proposals for the application site would not alter views from this viewpoint significantly. During operations to stabilise the faces and infill the void, machinery may be visible above and between the wooded belt to the north of the sports club as the upper edges are treated and reprofiling and seeding/planting of the restored surface takes place. However this would only be glimpsed views in the short term and would be a temporary impact. The magnitude of impact during operations would therefore be low and adverse.
10.186 However, the reprofiling and seeding/planting of the site would mean that in the long term the grassy slopes may be discernible at gaps in the intervening vegetation where the quarry faces are currently visible in views from the south. This treatment would not look out of place with its surroundings and would not change the overall character of the view.
10.187 As such, following restoration of the site the magnitude of impact would be negligible and neutral.
10.188 In conclusion, given the sensitivity of the viewpoint (refer to Table 10.4), the proposals would not cause a significant adverse visual impact during operations and following restoration of the site.
Viewpoint 3 Public Byway (refer to Photosheet L&V08).
10.189 This viewpoint is taken from the public byway, approximately 0.3km south of the application site and at an elevation of approximately 100m AOD. The Public Byway appears to be a frequently used route which links up with the Wealdway National Trail.
10.190 The Byway is largely enclosed on both sides by a dense hedgerow and belt of trees however at this viewpoint a gap in the vegetation has been created to facilitate access by local horse riders from their paddocks which are visible in the foreground of this view.
10.191 This framed view looks out across the grazing pastures which have been compartmentalised by the erection of post and rail fencing which runs up and down the north east slope.
10.192 At the western extent of the view the mature woodland block at Cranedown Bottom is visible as well as the woodland along the edge of the Wealdway,
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whilst to the east of the view Dean Wood and other woodland blocks and belts on the sloping hillsides and along the valley floor are visible, creating a textured skyline and framing views to the distant horizon towards Wannock and beyond.
10.193 At the centre middle ground of the view the upper parts of the chalk faces at the northern side of the site are visible, beyond which further grazing pastures and wooded belts and hedgerows are set against the backdrop of the higher land to the north. On the upper crest of the slope Ash Farm is also visible, largely screened behind intervening woodland vegetation.
10.194 The nature of proposals for the application site would alter views from this viewpoint. During operations to stabilise the faces and infill the void, machinery would be visible on the upper edge of the quarry and in part within the quarry itself.
10.195 Machinery would also be visible during any reprofiling, planting and seeding operations on the surface of the backfilled void. The progressive backfilling of the void would be visible but more so when the upper levels of the landform are reached and so the impacts would only be short term and temporary. The magnitude of visual impact during operations would therefore be medium and adverse.
10.196 In the long term the reprofiling and seeding/planting of the site once established would not stand out from its surroundings, not significantly affecting the overall character of the view and improving it in part so that the site better assimilates with its surroundings. The magnitude of visual impact following restoration of the site would therefore be low/medium beneficial.
10.197 In conclusion, given the sensitivity of the viewpoint (refer to Table 10.4), the proposals would not cause a significant adverse visual impact during operations and following restoration of the site.
Viewpoint 4 Public Footpath south of Teddards Barn (refer to Photosheet L&V08).
10.198 This viewpoint is taken from the public footpath which heads north west from the public byway which heads west off Jevington Road, to join the Wealdway National Trail in the vicinity of Teddards Barn (Grade II Listed) and adjoining land. The viewpoint is approximately 0.25km west of the application site and at an elevation of approximately 110m AOD.
10.199 The public footpath crosses a large open field which has been divided into individual grazing paddocks by the erection of both post and wire fencing and temporary tape fencing and which direct the footpath north west, south east across the field.
10.200 Despite views being channelled along the course of the footpath, the lack of vegetation either side encourages views east towards Combe Hill, whilst the rising land of Folkington provides a backdrop to views to the west. Teddards Barn Yard sits just north of this viewpoint and appears to be enclosed on all
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sides by a dense hedgerow and woodland belt, the southern extent of which can be seen in the middle ground of the photograph taken from this viewpoint.
10.201 Even heading into winter the tree canopy provides screening of views towards the application site and with views in this direction framed principally by the higher ground to the east and west towards Eastbourne.
10.202 The nature of proposals for the application site would therefore not alter views from this viewpoint and would appear not to be discernible from Teddards Barn owing to the nature of intervening vegetation (assumed as no access permitted).
10.203 The magnitude of visual impact during operations and following restoration would be nil.
10.204 In conclusion, the proposals would not cause a significant adverse visual impact during operations and following restoration of the site.
Viewpoint 5 - Combe Hill (refer to Photosheet L&V09).
10.205 This viewpoint is taken from Combe Hill off the Wealdway National Trail ,at the eastern edge of the South Downs National Park, approximately 1.3km east of the application site and at an elevation of approximately 193m AOD.
10.206 The Wealdway runs around the upper slopes of Combe Hill and its associated tumuli and as can be seen in the photography taken from this view, it affords open panoramic views across the surrounding landscape on all sides of the hill.
10.207 From this particular viewpoint, in the foreground of the view, the view looks out across chalk grassland, interrupted by the occasional gorse bush or scrubby vegetation, down the scarp slopes with hanger woodlands, and the surrounding lower lying grazing pastures interrupted by hedgerows and woodland belts, to the application site at the centre of the view.
10.208 The chalky white faces of the disused quarry stand out against the various shades of greens and muted browns across the remainder of the landscape in the view, with the exception of Ash Farm, the white farm building which also stands out on the ground north of the application site.
10.209 Jevington Road and the hamlets, villages and isolated properties near to the application site, as well as Filching Manor, are not visible from this viewpoint, sat on the lower valley sides and valley bottom and set within a framework of woodland planting.
10.210 The high ground of Folkington Hill forms the backdrop to the view, immediately to the west, whilst to the north west Wilmington and the Low Weald are discernible in the foreground of the distant horizon.
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10.211 The nature of proposals for the application site would alter views from this viewpoint. During operations to stabilise the faces and infill the void, machinery would be visible on the upper edge of the quarry and in part within the quarry itself, however this is at a distance. Machinery would also be visible during any reprofiling, planting and seeding operations on the surface of the backfilled void, with the progressive backfilling of the void visible from this viewpoint.
10.212 These impacts would however only be temporary and short term. The magnitude of visual impact during operations would therefore be medium and adverse.
10.213 However, the reprofiling and seeding/planting of the site once established would mean that in the long term the application site would not stand out from its surroundings, not significantly affecting the overall character of the view, and helping the site to better integrate with the surrounding landscape character. The magnitude of impact following restoration of the site would therefore be medium beneficial.
10.214 In conclusion, given the sensitivity of the viewpoint (refer to Table 10.4), the proposals would cause a significant adverse visual impact during operations but following restoration of the site would have a significant beneficial visual impact.
Summary of Residual Visual Impacts
10.215 The degree to which the development proposals would be visible from viewpoints surrounding the site varies. The magnitude of change would be greatest during operations to stabilise the quarry faces and undertake backfilling and reprofiling and seeding/planting on site and would be greatest from the site access where the magnitude of change would be medium/high adverse at most. However, these visual impacts would only be temporary and short term.
10.216 The magnitude of visual change would be greatest principally from the eastern side of the site, e.g. from the site access, and with elevated views to the site from Combe Hill. Views from the north and west of the site are restricted by dense vegetation and the landform as it falls away to the north, whilst views to the south are intermittent. With the exception of Combe Hill, views are largely restricted to the immediate vicinity of the site/ within 1km.
10.217 Following restoration of the site, in the long term, the magnitude of visual change would be medium beneficial at most.
10.218 There would be no long term adverse visual impacts following restoration of the site as it would sit more comfortably with the surrounding landscape and assimilate with the character of the ‘South Downs’ landscape area and National Park.
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POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACTS
Assessment of the Significance of Impacts
10.219 The potential significance of landscape and visual impacts is determined by a combination of the magnitude of the potential impact and the sensitivity of the landscape setting or visual receptor to change.
10.220 These two variables can be correlated as illustrated in Table 10.5, below. Thus, a landscape impact of low magnitude may nevertheless be assessed to have a moderate impact in a highly sensitive landscape such as an AONB or a National Park. Those impacts considered to be of moderate/substantial or substantial significance are considered to be significant impacts. Table 10.5 Principles of Assessing Significance of Landscape and Visual Impacts
Sensitivity Magnitude Negligible Low Medium High Negligible Negligible/ Slight/Moderate Negligible Impact Slight Impact Slight Impact Impact Negligible/ Slight/ Slight Moderate Moderate Low Impact Slight Impact Impact Impact Slight/ Moderate/ Moderate Moderate Substantial Medium Slight Impact Impact Impact Impact Slight/ Moderate/ Moderate Moderate Substantial Substantial High Impact Impact Impact Impact
10.221 The above consideration of the sensitivity of the receptors with the magnitude of the potential impacts provides an overall assessment of the potential significance of impacts.
10.222 However, this process is not a quantitative process; there is not an absolute scoring system. Instead, the correlation of the two factors, although reflecting recognised features and methods of working outlined in this report, is in the end a matter of professional judgement.
10.223 Table 10.6, below, provides a brief definition of the full range of significance criteria. It must be emphasised that both landscape and visual impacts can be adverse, beneficial or neutral in nature.
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Table 10.6 Level of Significance defined
Level of Significance Definition
The proposed scheme has no effect on landscape or visual No Impact receptors. The proposed scheme is largely appropriate in its context, or it Negligible would be very difficult to differentiate from its surroundings and would affect very few or no receptors. The proposed scheme would result in minimal change to the Negligible/Slight landscape, or would be difficult to differentiate from its surroundings and would affect few receptors. The proposed scheme would cause a barely perceptible impact, Slight on either landscape or visual amenity and would affect few receptors. The proposed scheme would cause changes to the landscape, Slight/Moderate which would not be clearly noticeable, and would affect a limited number of receptors The proposed scheme would cause a noticeable difference to the Moderate landscape, and would affect several receptors. However, this change would not alter the essential character of the local landscape or that of the view. The proposed scheme would cause a very noticeable difference Moderate/Substantial to the landscape, and would affect several or many receptors. This change would therefore alter the character of the landscape in this locality, or the character of a view. The proposed scheme would change the character and/or Substantial appearance of the landscape for a long period of time or permanently. It would affect many receptors. This change would therefore alter the character of the landscape in this locality, or the character of a view.
Potential Significance of Landscape Impacts of the proposed development
10.224 Overall, the landscape sensitivity of the site was assessed as being medium. Combining this with the assessed low adverse magnitude of change during operations on site gives a significance level of slight/moderate adverse during operations.
10.225 However following restoration of the site the magnitude of landscape change was assessed as medium and beneficial, thus resulting in a moderate beneficial significance level.
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Potential Significance of Visual Impacts of the Proposed Development
10.226 The significance of the visual impacts in respect of each viewpoint are summarised in Table 10.7 below.
Table 10.7 Significance of Visual Impact on Viewpoints
Magnitude of Magnitude of Significance Significance Change Change of Impact of Impact during following during following Viewpoint Sensitivity operations restoration operations restoration Medium/ Moderate/ High Medium Substantial Substantial 1 High adverse Beneficial adverse beneficial Negligible/ Negligible Slight Slight 2 Low/Medium Low adverse neutral adverse neutral Moderate/ Moderate/ Medium Low/Medium Substantial Substantial 3 High adverse beneficial adverse beneficial 4 High Nil Nil No impact No impact Moderate/ Moderate/ Medium Medium Substantial Substantial 5 High adverse beneficial adverse beneficial
10.227 The overall visual impact of the proposed development would thus be varied surrounding the application site.
10.228 The stabilisation of quarry faces and backfilling, as well as reprofiling and seeding/planting operations would involve a number of machinery and men on site, as well as the progressive change to the landform on site and as such the site will look less aesthetically pleasing during the operations phase.
10.229 However the site is screened by intervening vegetation and landform from the majority of publicly accessible viewpoints within close proximity of the site. The significance of visual impacts during operations would therefore be substantial at most from the site access track alone and moderate/substantial from Combe Hill given the sensitivity of this viewpoint.
10.230 Following restoration of the site the site would assimilate more with the character of the surrounding ‘South Downs’ landscape, providing additional grassland and tree cover on the lower downland slopes.
10.231 As such the significance of visual impacts would be moderate/substantial beneficial at most, and negligible/slight neutral at least following restoration of the site. The significant visual impacts would be mitigated in the long term by the establishment of the restoration scheme.
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Potential Effects in Relation to Landscape Planning Policies
10.232 As was noted in 7.2, and throughout this assessment, the application site lies within the South Downs National Park (formerly AONB), with the proposed restoration of the site looking to contribute to the enhancement of natural beauty as well as wildlife and cultural heritage, in line with the Environment Act 1995.
10.233 In addition the development proposals in the long term will respect national planning policy in terms of development responding to its context and the character of surrounding landscapes, contributing positively to local character and quality in line with such policies as those contained within PPS1, 7 and 10.
10.234 Formerly as an AONB, the South Downs AONB Management Plan remains relevant and local policies contained within the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Waste Local Plan and the Wealden District Local Plan, with reference to AONBs, are also relevant.
10.235 The South Downs AONB Management Plan recognises the importance that landfilling may have in the restoration of former mineral workings provided consideration is made to positively contributing to landscape character and local distinctiveness which it is considered the proposed restoration scheme encourages along with the restoration/relinking of grassland habitats (Policy MW11).
10.236 The approach to the restoration of chalk grassland and establishment of additional tree planting areas on the downland slopes is also in keeping with the suggestions within the ‘South Downs’ National Character Area.
10.237 Any proposed planting on site will be of native species, benefiting local wildlife, and will also be planted at the earliest opportunity in accordance with Policy EN14 of the Wealden District Local Plan.
10.238 The landform profile also respects the local character; sculpted in appearance so as not to appear out of place in accordance with Policy EN9 of the Wealden District Local Plan and the East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Waste Local Plan Policy WLP 23 which is specific to Landfilling of inert waste calling for; b) the resulting final landform, landscape and afteruse enhances the environment and is sympathetic to the land uses, landscape and nature conservation interests of the site and the surrounding area…’ Both authorities also stress the need for the consideration of general amenity through the appropriate scale and form of developments which the restoration of the application site addresses.
10.239 It is therefore concluded that the proposed development would be acceptable within the landscape context and would not be significantly injurious to the natural beauty of the former AONB and now National Park. Any temporary adverse impacts resulting in the short term from the operations on site would be adequately mitigated through the long term restoration of the site.
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Introduction
10.240 A landscape and visual assessment of the proposed development at Filching Quarry, East Sussex, has been completed in accordance with best practice and Landscape Institute/IEMA guidance.
10.241 A study of the landscape and visual components of the application site and the local area was undertaken through desktop study and fieldwork. This identified the main landscape and visual receptors and resulted in a baseline appraisal, against which landscape and visual impacts could be assessed.
10.242 The main landscape and visual implications of the development and their potential impacts were identified. Comparing the sensitivity of the receptors to the magnitude of predicted change then allowed the significance of these resultant impacts to be assessed.
Landscape Impact
10.243 Filching Quarry is located within the South Downs National Park, and consequently is a sensitive landscape. The application site itself is a disused chalk quarry which is abandoned in character currently left over to natural regeneration, and is located into the east facing valley side, with the land beyond rising to steep scarp slopes, characterised by chalk grassland and woodland belts and blocks/hanger woodland.
10.244 The proposed development would see the stabilisation of the quarry faces that are not safe, and then the backfilling of the quarry void progressively over 5 years with inert material. The surface of the backfilled material will be profiled to ensure an integration of the proposed landform with its surroundings and the landform will then be seeded with grassland (type dependant on the nature of the restoration soils) and hedgerow/woodland planting undertaken where deemed appropriate.
10.245 The main adverse implications for landscape character would result from the operational stages on site, with movement of machinery and material into, out and across the site area. However this impact would be temporary and short term, and would be mitigated by the long term benefits of the restoration of the site would which give it a character which at a local level will assimilate better with the surrounding landscape character of the South Downs and the context of the National Park, further enhancing amenity as well as potential wildlife and cultural heritage.
10.246 It was concluded that the proposals would result in a landscape impact of slight/moderate adverse significance during operations, and moderate beneficial significance following the completed restoration of the site.
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Visual Impact
10.247 The visual impacts caused by the development proposals, like the landscape impacts, would be adverse during the operational phases of the development and neutral to beneficial following the restoration of the site.
10.248 The visual impact experienced from publicly accessible viewpoints is restricted largely to the periphery of the site, and goes little beyond 0.2km to the west of the development, 0.5km to the south and 0.1km to the immediate east owing to the nature of intervening topography and most notably mature vegetation, e.g. along the public footpaths, byways and National Trail which surround the site. Combe Hill, approximately 1.3km east of the site does however support open views down to the site owing to its elevated location.
10.249 The significance of short term visual impacts which would result at viewpoints around the site during operations would therefore, in general, be substantial adverse at most (for site access only). However following restoration of the site it will have been visually enhanced to integrate it into its surroundings more closely and appear less as an incongruous feature.
10.250 Therefore the significance of visual impacts which would result at viewpoints around the site following restoration would therefore, in general, be moderate/substantial and beneficial at most and negligible and neutral at least.
Impact on the Planning Policies
10.251 The proposed development would see an existing disused quarry actively restored so that it is more closely in keeping with the surrounding landscape character and context.
10.252 The development is wholly appropriate in the context of the existing site, and would, although resulting in a significant adverse visual impact from the access track and immediate eastern edge during operations, result in landscape and visual impacts of beneficial significance following restoration.
10.253 It is therefore concluded that the proposed development would not be significantly injurious to the natural beauty of the National Park in the long term.
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APPENDIX A – METHODOLOGY FOR GENERATION OF ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY STUDIES
A1 A Zone of Theoretical Visibility study was conducted for the proposed development area to help identify areas sensitive to visual impacts. This study used the measurement of the vertical subtended angle for its methodology. This method is explained below and illustrated in Figure A.1. A2 When a Target Area (red) is observed from a Viewpoint (A or B) its apparent height can be measured in the form of degrees, to give a Subtended Vertical Angle.
Figure A.1 SUBTENDED VERTICAL ANGLE
A3 The use of the Subtended Vertical Angle in formulating a Zone of Visual Influence (ZTV) has the benefit of automatically reducing values to reflect the distance from the Target Area, and partial screening by intervening landforms. Generally the further the viewpoint is from the Target Area the smaller the Subtended Vertical Angle, reflecting the effect of distance on visual impacts. A4 Thus in the example section above Viewpoint A experiences a higher subtended angle due to proximity to the red target area. Viewpoint B has a lower subtended angle due to greater distance from the target area and partial screening by intervening landform. A5 If the Subtended Vertical Angle is measured from a series of grid points for a particular Target Area, the resultant data can then be used to generate contours. Each contour level representing a certain vertical angle, and thus potential level of visibility. A6 The subtended vertical angle method of calculating ZTVs using LSS digital terrain modelling software has been proven by field investigation on numerous sites to be an accurate method of predicting areas of potential visibility for on-site investigation. However, the computer generated ZTV study is undertaken using a bare earth landform to give the worst case scenario. In reality any built structures (settlements, walls etc) or areas of vegetation (woodland, scrub and hedgerows) will reduce the actual visibility of the target area. Therefore it is necessary to carry out fieldwork to validate the results of the ZTV.
A7 ZTV studies have been prepared for the proposed development to assist in the identification of areas from where there is potential visibility of the proposed development. The ZTVs present the ‘worst case scenario’ insofar as they are based on Ordnance Survey (OS) digital terrain data at 10 m horizontal interval resolution and therefore, do not take account of local landforms and vegetation (e.g. trees, hedges and forestry), nor any built forms in the landscape. This means that the visibility shown on the ZTVs is predicted to be more extensive than actual visibility on the ground. Thus, reference to ZTV data often refers to ‘potential’ or ‘worst case’ visibility, to differentiate from actual real world visibility.
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A8 The ZTV studies are used as a guide to identifying the areas with the greatest potential to incur visual effects, thus helping to establish the worst case scenario.
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