Landscape Appraisal

Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, for Mr and Mrs Addison January 2020 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

Contents page no:

1/ Introduction 3 2/ Site context photos 4 3/ Proposals 5 4/ Aerial View - constraints 6 5/ Designations, policy & heritage 7 6/ Landscape Character 9 7/ Methodology & receptors 11 8/ Visual envelope and viewpoints 12 9/ Visual appraisal results 13 10/ Summary and conclusions 18

Appendix 20

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1. Introduction

Purpose of this document Figure 1: Location plan 1. Lucy Batchelor-Wylam was appointed in October 2019 to provide a landscape and visual appraisal to support a planning application for 2 houses on the edge of Lawshall, in the jurisdiction of Council.

Site context 2. Lawshall is a village approximately 8 miles from Sudbury to the south and Bury St. Edmunds to the north. The village is not nucleated and instead comprises a dispersed string of hamlets set on winding lanes, all within a gently rolling landscape. 3. The Site is just outside the main population hub of Lawshall. It is located at the western edge of the village on Lambs Lane, before it becomes Lane, and consists currently of rough grassland with one walnut tree and a moat on all four sides. Trees and shrubs grow intermittently on either side of the moat. This report was Site commissioned because of the potentially sensitive landscape setting.

The purpose of landscape and visual appraisal 4. Landscape and visual appraisal is a tool for predicting and evaluating the effects of a development on the surrounding landscape character, heritage features and on views from the local area. It aims to achieve avoidance, reduction or mitigation of detrimental effects identified. The appraisal follows the principles set out in GLVIA 3 1. In line with the current guidance, the effects on landscape, and on views/visual amenity were appraised separately. 5. The aim was to assess the landscape and visual effects that would result from building new houses on this Site. The report first provides baseline information about the landscape context and character of the area. This followed a desktop exercise to review relevant designations and policies, available landscape character assessments and aerial mapping. 6. This was followed by fieldwork which aimed to predict what effects the development will have on the character of the village here, and on those living in or using the area. The concluding section of this report describes the mitigation measures proposed to help minimise and reduce landscape and visual impacts, and judge the significance of the remaining residual impacts that cannot be mitigated. Professional credentials 7. This report was undertaken by Lucy Batchelor-Wylam and Isolde Cutting, Chartered Landscape Architects and members of the Landscape Institute. 8. A Site visit was undertaken on 12th November 2019. Weather conditions were cloudy, with sunny spells, but overall reasonably bright. 1 - Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - 3rd Edition. Landscape Institute and IEMA. 2013. 3 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

2. Site context - photos

Neighbouring property north of Lambs Lane The property adjacent to the Site

The moat along Lambs Lane

Approaching the Site from Hartest Lane Little West Farm House, Melford Road, Great II listed

4 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

3. Proposals Figure 3.1: Site plan Refer to architectural drawings by @ the drawing board for further details.

1. The proposal is for 2 dwellings, on the moated site south of Lambs Lane. The traditional form of the architecture for these single storey dwellings is combined with standing seam grey zinc roofs, larch cladding for the outside walls and dark grey powder coated aluminium windows. 2. The Site, directly adjacent to an existing residential property and within the area defined by Moat House is well related to the existing village edge and the ‘Main Population Hub’ and just outside the settlement boundary. 3. Some of the trees around the perimeter of the Site are protected by Tree Protection Orders. These trees will be retained Walnut tree and protected during construction. It is proposed to also retain the walnut tree in the centre of the Site. Proposed hedges 4. The new houses will also be bounded with native hedges to all sides. Some of the site boundary planting has already taken place and will be re-inforced as necessary. Additional hedge planting within the Site N will be used to mark the curtilages. 5. The existing access from Lambs Lane will be widened and designed to meet the necessary Highways Standards. NOT TO SCALE - base taken from Site Plan drawing no. 788-03 by @ the drawing board, Sept.2019

5 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

4. Aerial view - mapped constraints

KEY Figure 4: Mapped constraints Site boundary

Settlement envelope

Ancient hedgerows

Grade II Listed Building

500m

N

6 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

5. Designations and policy

Landscape designations and policy 6. The proposal Site is adjacent to the west of the Built-Up Area Boundary (BUAB) of ‘The 1. The Site is not subject to any statutory landscape designations. The moat is not ancient in Main Population Hub’. Existing houses are a prominent element within the locality of the origin and has no particular historic significance. Site. The proposals comply with Policy LAW1. 2. In the BMSDC Joint Local Plan (Preferred Options (Reg 18) Part 2 Local Policies July-2019) 7. The proposals are for 2 new dwellings, which is compliant with Policy LAW3. landscape is dealt with under policy LP 18: Landscape. This directs development proposals 8. Policy LAW7 refers to important woodland and ancient hedges. The nearest ancient hedge to use and relate to the Landscape Character Assessment. begins west of the Site at Hartest Lane. This hedge will not be affected. The proposals will 3. LP 18: Landscape: The Councils will support: not affect any important woodland. a. Development in suitable locations which will not adversely affect the natural 9. Policy LAW 8 requires new developments to retain physical features as far as possible environment including; landscape character sensitivity and visual impacts of the and to aim for a net gain in biodiversity. Where losses are unavoidable, the benefit of the proposal on the wider area (including effects on health, living conditions); development has to outweigh the loss, and provide replacement planting to ensure as much continuity as possible. There are a number of trees on the Site (Ash trees) which are b. New development that integrates positively with the existing landscape character of protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). These will be retained and protected during the area and reinforces the local distinctiveness. construction. It is further proposed to preserve the existing Walnut tree in the centre of c. Proposals that are sensitive to their landscape, visual or amenity impacts (including the Site. If any existing hedgerow plants or trees are lost, they will be replaced. Additional on dark skies); subject to siting, design, lighting, use of materials and colour, along with hedge planting along the perimeter and within the Site will increase biodiversity. the mitigation of any adverse impacts; 10. Lawshall was subject to a Character Assessment1, undertaken by the community as d. Development that enhances and protects landscape value such as; locally part of the Neighbourhood Plan baseline studies. This highlighted that the character of characteristic landscape features, archaeological and historic patterns of settlement Lawshall is a series of built clusters, some of which form the ‘Main Population Hub’, with and land use and designations; being demonstrably informed by local guidance, in ‘sizeable’ gaps in between them - usually comprising farmland. These gaps ‘offer views particular the Council’s Local Landscape Guidance, the Suffolk Landscape Character towards open countryside and over ancient hedgerows’ (p.10). The parish decided that Assessment and Settlement Sensitivity Assessment. maintenance of this pattern is one of the key ways of protecting the character of the 4. This report aims to show how the policies of LP18 will be met through sympathetic village, i.e. preventing any new development from causing clusters to merge together. This proposals that are a good fit with local character. is reflected in Policy LAW9. Lawshall Neighbourhood Plan designations and policy 11. The proposed development will neither affect any of the ‘important views’, nor any of 5. Relevant policies from the Lawshall Neighbourhood Plan 2016 - 2036, made (adopted) the settlement ‘gaps’, identified in the Neighbourhood Plan. October 2017, include: 12. The Site does not fall within the Area of Local Sensitivity identified in Policy LAW10. • Policy LAW1: Lawshall’s Settlement Planning Policy Ecological designations • Policy LAW3: Housing development outside the Built-Up Area Boundary 13. There are six Ash trees on the western and northern perimeter of the Site, which are • Policy LAW7: Protecting Existing Natural Environmental Assets covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). • Policy LAW8: Protecting and Maintaining Features of Biodiversity Value • Policy LAW9: Settlement Gaps 14. The nearest area subject to SSSI designation is Frithy Wood, which has ‘ancient’ status and • Policy LAW10: Area of Local Landscape Sensitivity. also a Woodland TPO covering it. The edge of the wood is about 1.2km to the east of the • Policy LAW13: Design Principles Site boundary and the wood is not expected to be affected by the proposals. 1 LAWSHALL NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2016 – 2036, Character Assessment, Autumn 2017 7 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

Heritage and Historic context 15. The moated site dos not appear have been previously settled. There is no evidence on the early OS maps to the current date of any buil form on it. A footbridge provides access to the Site from the west. SCC Archaeological Team were approached for further information and have indicated that it is not a significant moat and that it was probably used to keep animals on the land. 16. The road layout shown on historic maps is much as it is today, with wide grass verges either side of Lambs Lane. There appears to be are fewer houses as well as fewer hedges and trees in the vicinity than is found today. 17. There is only one Listed Building (Little West Farm, Melford Road, Grade II) within 500m of the Site, as mapped on p6. This property could potentially experience a very minor degree of visual change. There are already existing modern houses within the existing view and the dense intervening Site boundary vegetation will provide a screen to the new development. Further boundary planting is also proposed. It is unlikely that the proposals would have a detrimental impact on the setting of the Listed Building.

View from Little West Farm House, Melford Road, towards the Site

Rights of Way 18. Rights of way on the area are notably scarce. The development is not expected to impact on any users of existing footpaths or bridleways.

Little West Farm House, Melford Road 8 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

6. Landscape character and sensitivity • Studded with blocks of ancient woodland • Dispersed settlement pattern of loosely clustered villages, hamlets and isolated National level farmsteads 1. In terms of the National Character Areas study, the Site is within profile area 86 ‘South • Villages often associated with greens or former greens Suffolk and North Essex Claylands’ 1. Its key characteristics are: • Rich stock of mediaeval and Tudor timber-framed and brick buildings and moated • Broadly flat, chalky, boulder clay plateau dissected by undulating river valley sites topography • A large scale landscape with long undulating open views trees, either in hedges or • Predominantly arable with wooded appearance. Some pasture in valley floors. in woods, are always a prominent feature Irregular field pattern despite rationalization; remnant Ancient Countryside. • In the undulating landscape, crop production, especially oilseeds can be visually • Scattered farmsteads, deep ditches and moats, parishes with scattered, small prominent settlements around ‘tyes’ (commons) or strip greens, with isolated hamlets. Concentration of isolated moated sites. 4. It is an inherently sensitive landscape type owing to its landform and the related • Timber-framed and colour-washed houses, vulnerability of valley side landscapes to change and its built heritage assets. sometimes faced with Georgian red brick. Impressive churches. Large villages and Landscape Guidelines frequent towns, most with medieval street plans and timber- frame houses. 5. Suffolk County Council’s Landscape Character assessment provides Guidance Notes for the • Hedgerow trees are oak and ash in Suffolk. Few large woods. Trees and woods appear future management of landscape character for each character type. For the ‘Undulating to join together to give wooded skyline, ancient farmlands’ type relevant guidance includes: • Winding road pattern away from major routes, often with wide verges and strong hedgerows. Sunken hollow lanes are a feature. • Warning against settlement expansion eroding the characteristic form and vernacular styles of towns and villages County level • Parishes in this landscape tend to consist of multiple clusters of varying sizes. The 2. A more focused description is provided by Suffolk County Council’s Landscape Character release of land for development should, if at all possible, reflect the local pattern. 2 Assessment . The site is in ‘Type 23 - Undulating ancient farmlands’. • Ribbon development destroys this pattern and can have a considerable impact on 3. The ‘Undulating ancient farmlands’ is a clay ‘upland’ landscape type, found in the upper the wider landscape. When vernacular styles and detailing are used for housing or reaches of the Stour valley in south-west Suffolk. The area lies between Clare and Cowlinge other development the choice should echo that of the immediate locality or the in the west and and Lawshall in the east. specific cluster in which the development is proposed. The key characteristics are: 6. It provides the following ‘Land Management Guidelines’: • Undulating arable landscape • Reinforce the historic pattern of sinuous field boundaries • Field pattern generally a random ancient pattern with occasional areas of regular fields associated with former mediaeval deer parks. • Recognise localised areas of late enclosure hedges when restoring and planting hedgerows • Oak, ash and field maple as hedgerow trees • Maintain and restore greens and commons • Substantial open areas created for airfields and by post WWII agricultural improvement • Maintain and increase the stock of hedgerow trees • Maintain the extent and improve the condition of woodland cover with effective management 1 http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5095677797335040 2 http://www.suffolklandscape.org.uk/landscapes/Rolling-valley-farmlands.aspx • Maintain and restore the stock of moats and ponds in this landscape. 9 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

6. Landscape character and sensitivity continued:-

Local character - Lawshall Character Assessment 7. The parish group that undertook Lawshall NP completed a character assessment as part be managed for wildlife.[...] Lambs Lane has rows of of their baseline studies. They assessed the character, focusing on built form, for each bungalows with regular layout & garden size.’ (p.20) village cluster or lane. 10. In terms of guidance, the following is stated:- ‘There 8. The Site is adjacent to ‘The Main Population Hub’, within Character Area 4 - Country is little scope for development in these locations Lanes - D) Lambs Lane (west) and E) Golden Lane. Collectively the character areas of and little infrastructure or capacity within the road group 4 are described as:- ‘ .. the most rural and sparsely-populated parts of the village. network to support it. There is also an aspiration not [...] The density of housing in these locations is very low and dwellings are usually in to allow these narrow throughways to become any clusters of no more than four or five. The style and period of properties vary from listed busier or lose their traditional countryside feel.’ (p.18) gems, to newer properties and working farms. [...] The lanes are situated quite far from 11. The character assessment also identified important the village amenities, rich with wildlife, and maintain the feel of traditional countryside views. There are none mapped in the vicinity of the around Lawshall.’ (p.18) Site, but the following are mentioned ‘..From Lambs 9. ‘Lambs Lane (west)/Golden Lane’ character area is described as an area of one of the Lane towards Moat House. From Golden Lane north ‘..Quiet village lanes with a mix of housing types bounded by hedges & trees. Wide to Golden Wood. From Golden Lane south towards verges & triangle at junction of Lambs Lane with Hartest Lane and Golden Lane could Hartest Lane..’(p21). None of these will be affected by the proposals.

Maps reproduced from the Lawshall Character Assessment 10 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

7. Methodology and receptors

Appraisal methodology Receptors 1. This study broadly follows the guidance provided in ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual 5. For both landscape and visual elements of the appraisal professional judgement was Impact Assessment 3’ (Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management applied to each factor in turn firstly to determine sensitivity and value of the receptor and Assessment). Impacts to landscape and visual receptors are considered separately. itself, then to assess the magnitude of the change taking place, then finally cross- 2. The significance of the visual impacts were derived from cross-referencing values of referencing the two values to derive a measure of impact significance. sensitivity of receptor (landscape or view type) against the size and nature of the change likely to occur. This process alone is considered insufficient however, and text justifications Landscape appraisal re provided to validate and explain the judgements reached. The steps of the assessment 6. The guidances states that landscape appraisal needs to consider effects on the physical methodology and definitions of the terms used are outlined in more detail in appendix 1. landscape, as well as on landscape character and the perceptual aspects of the experience of the landscape. Table showing derivation of impact significance values: 7. For this Site, the following types of receptors were assessed: SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR 1) Impacts to physical features - vegetative features 2) Impacts to landscape character:- High Moderate Low a) The county’s ‘Type 23 - Undulating ancient farmlands’ character type Severe Very High High Medium-High b) Local character 8. The findings of the landscape appraisal are contained in the summary and conclusions of Substantial High Medium-High Medium-Low this report. Moderate Medium-High Medium Low Slight Medium-Low Low Negligible Visual appraisal MAGNITUDE: Negligible Low/Negligible Negligible Negligible 9. The following 5 points were photographed for the visual appraisal - a mix of footpaths, dwellings and points on highways from where the site will be visible. 3. Significance values in red and orange are deemed ‘significant’. Where these are identified, efforts should be made by designers to reduce the level of impact. Values in green or 1. Lambs Lane, looking west blue are not deemed significant and represent a more acceptable level of landscape or 2. Lambs Lane, looking south-west visual impact. Values in yellow are dependent on context and significance should be fully 3. Hartest Lane, looking east discussed in the assessment. Efforts to mitigate effects should be fully explored. 4. Lambs Lane, looking south-east 4. The definitions for each of the judgement terms applied are set out in the appendix. 5. Melford Road, looking north

11 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

8. Approx. visual envelope and viewpoints Figure 9: Viewpoints and visual envelope

KEY: Site

1 Visual appraisal viewpoint Approx. visual envelope - zone from which direct views of Site likely (summer conditions).

2 1 4 3

List of viewpoints used in visual appraisal 1. Lambs Lane, looking west 2. Lambs Lane, looking south-west 3. Hartest Lane, looking east 4. Lambs Lane, looking south-east 5. Melford Road, looking north 5

N

12 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

9. Visual appraisal results:- Viewpoint 1- Lambs Lane, looking west

Site Moat House

moat

Composition and qualities of the existing view Likely effects following completion of the development

The Site itself, at ground level, is not within the view. This is a pleasant village edge view along Lambs Lane looking west towards In summer conditions, it is considered that from this angle, only the roofs of the houses might be seen beyond Moat House, which dominates this view and overlooks the fork in the road. the intervening block of vegetation. The Site is only emerging into view on the left hand side of the image, beyond the just visible moat. The view is framed by mature vegetation, the In winter, a little more built form may be seen, but filtered through the vegetation on the edge of the moat. clipped beech hedge off-setting the more rural looking verge and moat. In both cases, the amount of built form will cause only a very minor degree of change to the view. The Slightly detracting features are the telgraph poles and the road signs which composition of the view will not change noticeably, and the vernacular materials will mean the new dwellings make the view feel a little bit cluttered. will not seem out of place. SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR: LOW (highway) MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 1: NEGLIGIBLE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 15: NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 1: NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 15 : NEGLIGIBLE

13 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

9. Visual appraisal results:-

Viewpoint 2- Lambs Lane, looking south-west

Moat site

Walnut tree

moat

Composition and qualities of the existing view Likely effects following completion of the development From here it is expected that one of the new dwellings will be more or less in full view until the newly planted boundary hedge will have time to mature. Views onto the second dwelling (further west) are expected to be highly filtered by the A view from Lambs Lane, looking south-west, into the Site. The intervening vegetation, but it will be more noticeable in winter after leaf-fall. road verge and the moat are in the foreground, the site consists mainly of rough grassland and features a large walnut tree in its Given the residential feel along the lane, they will not feel out of place, if a little ‘new’ and stark at first. Over time centre. The view is confined by boundary hedges towards the they will assimilate into this vegetated setting. Once the boundary hedge has full matured, only the upper parts of the south. Additional new hedge planting has taken place along the buildings are expected to be visible. northern Site boundary, along the moat. SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR: LOW (highway) MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 1: MODERATE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 15: SLIGHT IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 1: LOW (adverse) IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 15 : NEGLIGIBLE Mitigation notes: It is important to ensure success of the planted boundary hedge, to give it room to mature and to maintain it for the purpose of screening the development.

14 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

9. Visual appraisal results:-

Viewpoint 3- Hartest Lane, looking east

Moat Site

Existing site access

The Swan Composition and qualities of the existing view Likely effects following completion of the development

This is the view approaching the Site from the west. From here, the existing In summer conditions, views of the new houses would largely be screened or filtered by existing gated entrance to the Site is visible, the moat is marked by the riparian vegetation. Glimpses through the vegetation would be experienced, but the quality of the view, which vegetation. The dwelling on the property adjacent to the Site can be glimpsed already contains residential elements will not be significantly changed. through the existing vegetation. It is notable that this dwelling has direct ground In winter conditions the development would be more visible, albeit still filtered. The form and low level and close range views onto the Site. density would not appear at odds with that seen in the surroundings. In terms of character the Just visible to the north of Lambs Lane is one of several residential properties development would fit the context reasonably well. with views of the Site filtered by vegetation. MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 1: SLIGHT MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 15: NEGLIGIBLE The Site itself can only be perceived as the open space between the boundary IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 1: NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 15 : NEGLIGIBLE vegetation and the adjacent property. Mitigation notes: The existing boundary vegetation will need to be retained and strengthened, where SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR: LOW (Highway) necessary (western boundary, near access gate).

15 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

9. Visual appraisal results:-

Viewpoint 4 - Lambs Lane, Site access, Looking south-east

Moat Site

Walnut tree

Composition and qualities of the existing view Likely effects following completion of the development In the first years the proposed dwellings would be clearly visible both in winter and in summer. Since residential dwellings are not an entirely new element in the view, the change in the view is considered to be View across the Site from the access gate in the north-western corner of moderate. the Site. From here good views into the Site are available through gaps in Over time, the new boundary hedge is expected to gradually screen out the development during summer the vegetation along the moat (foreground). Also visible is the additional months. boundary planting along the moat, which, over time is expected to screen views into the Site. The neighbouring property can only be glimpsed through In winter conditions, with leaf-drop, it is thought that the new dwellings would remain visible, even in the the existing vegetation . longer term, but the views would be highly filtered. MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 1: MODERATE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 15: SLIGHT IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 1: LOW IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 15 : NEGLIGIBLE SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR: LOW (highway) Mitigation notes: It is important to ensure success of the planted boundary hedge, to give it room to mature and to maintain it for the purpose of screening the development. 16 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

9. Visual appraisal results:-

Viewpoint 5 - Melford Road, looking north

Moat Site

Composition and qualities of the existing view Likely effects following completion of the development

View from Melford Road, looking north. There are a number of residential In summer conditions, views of the new houses would largely be screened or filtered by the existing properties along Melford Road with similar, albeit more oblique views vegetation to the south of the Site. Glimpses through the vegetation would be negligible, especially, as the (including Little West Farm, a Grade II Listed Building). It is a pleasant view of view already contains residential elements, which are much more visible. a rural village edge, residential properties dotted around a field within a very vegetated setting. Some earth works can be seen in the foreground of the Even in winter conditions views of the development would be highly filtered. view and slightly detract from the quality of this rural view. The Site is located behind the trees at the edge of the field, in the image left MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 1: SLIGHT MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE YEAR 15: NEGLIGIBLE of the bungalow in the middle of the view. IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 1: NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE YEAR 15 : NEGLIGIBLE SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR: LOW (Highway) Mitigation notes: The existing boundary vegetation will need to be retained and any gaps strengthened.

17 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

10. Summary and Conclusions

1. This appraisal examines the issues relating to a planning application to build 2 houses on traditional countryside around Lawshall.’ (p.18) land on the edge of Lawshall. This landscape and visual appraisal provides information to 9. The area in which the Site is located has the capacity to absorb a small development of assist those commenting on, or involved with determining the application. this size. Its sensitivity is relatively low in visual terms because the Site is well screened 2. This summary aims to address the following: from the surrounding area. The boundary vegetation along south side will provide a very - The resulting impacts on the physical landscape effective screen, in summer conditions at least, and even at close range, the existing vegetation will filter views of the development. The visual effects, or effects on character, - The resulting impacts on landscape character will be limited to a small area - refer to the visual envelope drawing on p13. - The resulting impacts on the setting of Listed Buildings Landscape Impact - The visual effects of the development 10. There will be both losses and gains in terms of physical landscape impacts. In terms - Taking these findings into account, how far the development complies with district and of loss, the requirement to provide vehicular access across the moat, will cause some neighbourhood planning policy in relation to landscape. remodelling and construction of the existing access. Sensitive design will be needed to minimise the length of the moat disturbed. Sensitivity 3. Lawshall was subject to a Character Assessment, undertaken by the community as part 11. It is proposed to retain and protect during construction, the trees covered by Tree of the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) baseline studies. This highlighted that the character Preservation Orders (TPOs) as well as the Walnut tree in the centre of the site. of Lawshall is a series of built clusters with ‘sizeable’ gaps in between them - usually 12. In terms of gains the proposal is to provide additional native boundary hedging along comprising farmland. These ‘offer views towards open countryside and over ancient all sides of the Site, where gaps exist in order to provide effective screening, as well as hedgerows’. The parish decided that maintenance of this pattern is one of the key ways of internal hedging. This will more than compensate for any losses of vegetation due to the protecting the character of the village i.e. preventing any new development from causing proposed development. clusters to merge together. 13. In terms of landscape character, the scale of the development is not such that it would 4. ‘Lambs Lane (west)/Golden Lane’ character area is described as an area of ‘..Quiet village have any notable impact on the County character area - ‘Undulating ancient farmlands’. lanes with a mix of housing types bounded by hedges & trees. Wide verges & triangle at Effects will be localised. The character of this parcel of grassland will change however, junction of Lambs Lane with Hartest Lane and Golden Lane could be managed for wildlife. C20th. residential development already forms the backdrop here, so overall the new land [...] Lambs Lane has rows of bungalows with regular layout & garden size.’ (p.20) use will not be out of character. The linear alignment and form of the development is locally appropriate. 5. The already predominantly modern character of the neighbouring properties means new development will not appear unduly prominent . Visual impacts 6. The location of the Site is well related to the village edge and is not in a location where 14. Visual impacts are limited and will be experienced mainly at close range, because the merging of two clusters is a concern. Site is screened well from the wider landscape. The visual envelope is small and contains 7. The Site will not affect any of the ‘important views’ identified in the NP. few receptors. The residential property adjacent east of the Site, is the only residential 8. The NP character assessment describes the locality of the Site as... ‘ .. the most rural and receptor with close range, direct and ground level views. From the remaining residential sparsely-populated parts of the village. [...] The density of housing in these locations is very properties along Lambs Lane views will be oblique. Approaching the Site on Lambs Lane, low and dwellings are usually in clusters of no more than four or five. The style and period Golden Lane or Hartest Lane views into the Site will be limited to a very short range. There of properties vary from listed gems, to newer properties and working farms. [...] The lanes are no points in the wider landscape to the north, west or east, or on footpaths, where are situated quite far from the village amenities, rich with wildlife, and maintain the feel of views of the development will be possible. 18 Landscape and Visual Appraisal Two new dwellings opposite Moat House, Lambs Lane, Lawshall January 2020

10. Summary and Conclusions continued:-

15. From the south, along Melford Road and from Little West Farm (Grade II Listed Building) filtered views of the development are likely in winter conditions with leaf drop. This will replace the glimpses of the farm buildings beyond Lambs Lane currently available through the existing vegetation. The change is expected to be negligible, as the development will not be very prominent in the overall composition of the view, relate to the adjacent property to the east and over time, as the additional boundary vegetation proposed matures, the degree of screening will increase. It is considered that the development will have an insignificant effect on the setting of the Listed Building. 16. In summary, is considered that this small scale development could be assimilated here without undue impact on either landscape character or visual receptors. The proposed additional boundary planting will increase biodiversity.

19 Appendix

20 Appendix 1: Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal method

BASELINES: REVIEW: ASSESS EFFECTS: See appendix 2 and 3 for indicator definitions

Establish landscape baseline: • Record physical site features and Judge MAGNITUDE and NATURE of Sensitivity of receptor: Identify characteristics effect. Consider: • Value of receptor interactions and • Size and scale of effects • Research Landscape Character • Susceptibility to effects • Positive or adverse in nature Assessment and how Site contributes/ change • Duration or reversibility of effects detracts (HIGH / MOD / LOW) (SEVERE / SUBSTANTIAL / MODERATE / SLIGHT / NEGLIGIBLE )

Establish landscape Value: Design review • Designations, such as AONB, or policies and/or mitigation affecting landscape or its features • Other value indicators set out in Box Assess significance of effects on 5.1 of GLVIA receptors. (Use table below to as a guide to LANDSCAPE BASELINE: LANDSCAPE significance level) Impacts Identify receptors unacceptable • Physical landscape • Character areas (district) • Character areas (local) Impacts acceptable or can’t be mitigated

GUIDE TO SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL:

Establish visual baseline: SENSITIVITY OF RECEPTOR • Identify receptors affected - establish High Moderate Low DETERMINE FINAL viewpoints SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL • Identify likely extent of visibility Severe Very High High Medium-High Final assessment of Substantial High Medium-High Medium-Low significance of residual Moderate Medium-High Medium Low landscape and visual Establish Value of views: effects • Designations or policies within views Slight Medium-Low Low Negligible • Identify aspects of value of view or scenic MAGNITUDE: VISUAL BASELINE: VISUAL Negligible Low/Negligible Negligible Negligible beauty Appendix 2: VISUAL assessment - explanation of guidance for terms used:

VISUAL RECEPTORS - EXAMPLE INDICATORS HIGH MODERATE LOW People not prioritising enjoyment of the landscape, or their People with enjoyment of the landscape is a moderate focus of activity means the landscape is only of cursory People whose activities are focused on enjoyment of the priority and the landscape is of moderate interest. interest, or their experience is brief as they pass through in scenic views and perceptual aspects of the landscape. Walkers in non-designated landscapes. a vehicle. Recreational users in high value landscapes. People experiencing views of modest duration eg views - Places of recreation where the landscape is not relevant People experiencing views of long duration - eg views from from the upper floors of dwellings, or where view very - Places of Work the living areas of residential dwellings. oblique. - Roads and railways in lower value landscapes Views from scenic drives or railways.

VALUE OF VIEW - EXAMPLE INDICATORS HIGH MODERATE LOW

View over undesignated, ‘everyday’ landscape, or view View over international or national statutory designated View over landscape designated at a local or district level, with lower scenic value and lacking cultural associations. landscape, or view with high levels of scenic value and/ or other view with moderate scenic value and/or cultural Valued by local people but not a focus for visitors. Low or strong cultural associations. Valued by regular visitors. associations. Valued by occasional visitors. Moderate visual visual amenity. High visual amenity. amenity.

MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE - EXAMPLE INDICATORS SEVERE SUBSTANTIAL MEDIUM SLIGHT NEGLIGIBLE

Proposals would introduce very Proposals would introduce large No change or almost dominant visual effects, becoming scale visual effects, becoming a Noticeable visual effects, causing Very little change or minor visual imperceptible visual effects, the most prominent aspect prominent aspect within a view, modest deterioration to qualities effects, causing a small degree of causing negligible deterioration to within a view causing major causing notable deterioration to of view and some loss of visual deterioration to qualities of view qualities of view and no real loss deterioration to qualities of view qualities of view and loss of visual amenity. and little loss of visual amenity. of visual amenity. and major loss of visual amenity. amenity. And /or moderate to long term or And /or moderate to short term And /or short term or fully And /or permanent or irreversible And /or permanent or almost partly reversible change. or generally reversible change. reversible change. change. irreversible change. Appendix 3: LANDSCAPE assessment - guidance for terms used:

LANDSCAPE RECEPTOR SENSITIVITY - EXAMPLE INDICATORS HIGH MODERATE LOW

Receptor with some ability to absorb change of the Receptor with low ability to absorb change without Receptor with some good ability to absorb change type proposed, without significant deterioration of substantial deterioration of character/quality, of the type proposed, without deterioration of character/quality. May include some loss of valued including significant loss of valued features, aspects character/quality. No or minor loss of valued features, aspects of value or characteristics. The of value or characteristics. The change proposed features, aspects of value or characteristics. The change proposed would be noticeable but not would be highly intrusive and prominent. change proposed would not be readily apparent. especially discordant.

LANDSCAPE VALUE - EXAMPLE INDICATORS HIGH MODERATE LOW Landscapes with no designations or applicable Receptor with non-statutory designation or Policy Receptor with international or National Statutory landscape or ecological policies, though likely valued designation such as Local Plan Special Landscape designation for its character or scenic quality, or high at community level. / Ordinary ‘everyday’ landscapes Area. / Moderate ecological value. / Pleasant ecological value. / Rare landscape character type with some detracting elements. / Commonly found character with reasonably common landscape that is irreplaceable or not easily be replaced. landscape character type or easily replaceable. characteristics that are not irreplaceable

MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE - EXAMPLE INDICATORS SEVERE SUBSTANTIAL MEDIUM SLIGHT NEGLIGIBLE

Noticeable change over a Permanent, wide reaching or Long term, or fairly substantial Some longer term, or notable small area of the landscape Very minor to unnoticeable very dominant influence, or changes, or change across a changes, or change across a receptor. Or change of larger visual or perceptual change to affecting a large area across reasonably large proportion of moderate proportion of the magnitude but short in the landscape receptor the landscape receptor. the landscape receptor. landscape receptor. duration.

23 Appendix 4

Lawshall Neighbourhood Plan 2016 - 2036, October 2017

POLICY LAW1 – Lawshall’s Settlement Planning Policy Development proposals within the Built-Up Area Boundary of Lawshall, as defined on the • a proposal harms or undermines a Settlement Gap identified by Policy LAW9 or Proposals Map, will be permitted, provided they accord with the other provisions of the otherwise does not accord with that policy, Development Plan. • where development would have an adverse impact on the environment or highway In addition, outside the Built-Up Area Boundary, small scale development proposals will be safety; or permitted, provided they accord with the other provisions of the Development Plan and • a proposal comprises ribbon development that would result in the coalescence of where: settlements and identified clusters. • they contribute towards meeting local needs; and Note: A small undeveloped plot is one which could be filled by one detached or a pair of • are well related to the existing pattern of development within Lawshall semidetached dwellings where the plot sizes and spacing between dwellings is similar to To be considered “well related”, sites should be adjacent to the Built-Up Area Boundary adjacent (subject to environmental constraints set out in this plan) or within the confines of the properties and thereby respects the rural character and street scene of the locality. following “clusters” of 8 or more existing dwellings, as identified on the Proposals Map: • ; • Hanningfield Green; POLICY LAW7 - Protecting Existing Natural Environmental Assets • Hibbs Green; Important woodland and ancient hedgerows, shown on the Proposals Map, are valued • Lawshall Green; and highly by the community and are to be protected. Any development proposals which • Audley End impacts upon them should contribute to, rather than detract from, their biodiversity value. Sites that do not meet the above criteria will be treated as countryside and development proposals in these areas will need to have regard to other relevant national and local planning policies. POLICY LAW8 – Protecting and Maintaining Features of Biodiversity Value POLICY LAW3 – Housing Development outside the Built-Up Area Boundary All development proposals will be expected to retain existing features of biodiversity value (including ponds, trees, hedgerows) and, where practical to do so, provide a net gain in Proposals for new housing development outside the Built-Up Area Boundary will be biodiversity through, for example: permitted where they take the form of: • The creation of new natural habitats; • single dwellings and small groups of up to 5 dwellings outside, but adjacent to, the Built- • The planting of additional trees and hedgerows (reflecting the character of Lawshall’s up Area Boundary; or traditional hedgerows); and • one dwelling or a pair of semi-detached dwellings on an undeveloped plot adjacent to or • Restoring and repairing fragmented biodiversity networks. • fronting an existing highway and within a cluster identified in Policy LAW1. Where loss or damage is unavoidable, the benefits of the development proposals must be • The scale and nature of all schemes must ensure an appropriate level of services, facilities and infrastructure, including primary school capacity, are available or can be provided to serve the proposed development. All proposals should be accompanied by: • a completed CS11 assessment checklist, which takes into account any cumulative impact taken with other existing commitments in the village; and • a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment; Permission will not be granted where: demonstrated clearly to outweigh any impacts and the development shall provide for Appendix 4; appropriate replacement planting on site together with a method statement for the ongoing ii. important landscape characteristics including trees and ancient hedgerows and other care and maintenance of that planting. prominent topographical features as set out in the Lawshall Character Where a new access is created, or an existing access is widened through an existing Assessment; hedgerow, a new hedgerow of native species shall be planted on the splay returns into the iii. identified important views into, out of or within the village as identified on the Site to maintain the appearance and continuity of hedgerows in the vicinity. Proposals Map; iv. sites, habitats, species and features of ecological interest; v. the amenities of adjacent areas by reason of noise, smell, vibration, overlooking, POLICY LAW9 - Settlement Gaps overshadowing, loss of light, other pollution (including light pollution), or volume or type The generally open and undeveloped nature of the gaps separating the distinct settlements in of vehicular activity generated; and/or residential amenity; the village, as identified on the Proposals Map, will be protected from development in order f. not site sensitive development where its users would be significantly and adversely to preserve the visual qualities of the landscape and to prevent coalescence and retain the affected by noise, smell, vibration, or other forms of pollution from existing sources, unless separate identity of the settlements. adequate and appropriate mitigation can be implemented; Development will only be permitted within the identified gap if: g. produce designs that respect the character, scale, density of the locality; i. it would not undermine the physical and/or visual separation of the settlements; and h. produce designs, in accordance with standards, that maintain or enhance the safety of ii. it would not compromise the integrity of the Settlement Gap, either individually or in the highway network ensuring that all vehicle parking is provided within the plot; and combination with other existing or proposed development; and i. not result in water run-off that would add-to or create surface water flooding. iii. identified important views will be protected. POLICY LAW16 - Flood Management Planning Applications that would involve the creation of new culverts or result in the POLICY LAW10 - Area of Local Landscape Sensitivity loss of an open watercourse will not be permitted unless the culvert is essential to the Development proposals in the Lawshall Area of Local Landscape Sensitivity, as identified on provision of an access and it can be demonstrated that the culvert will have no adverse the Proposals Map, will be permitted only where they: impact on the ability to manage and maintain surface water drainage in Lawshall. • protect or enhance the special landscape qualities of the area, identified in the Landscape Character Assessment; and • are designed and sited so as to harmonise with the landscape setting.

POLICY LAW13 - Design Priciples Proposals for new development must reflect the local characteristics and circumstances in Lawshall and create and contribute to a high quality, safe and sustainable environment. Proposals should, as appropriate: a. recognise and address the key features, characteristics, landscape/building character, local distinctiveness and special qualities of the area and/or building as identified in the Lawshall Character Assessment and Appendix 4 (Lawshall’s Buildings and Structures of Note) and, where necessary, prepare a landscape character appraisal to demonstrate this; b. maintain or create Lawshall’s sense of place and/or local character; c. not involve the loss of gardens and important open, green or landscaped areas which make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of that part of the village; d. incorporate sustainable design and construction measures and energy efficiency measures; e. taking mitigation measures into account, not affect adversely: i. any historic character, architectural or archaeological heritage assets of the site and its surroundings, including those locally identified heritage assets listed in