Eight Ash Green Park and Ride Proposals – Landscape Report

Contents 1 Location

2 Designations, Constraints and Policies

3 Landscape Character and Land Use

4 Access and Circulation

5 Views from the site

6 Impact of Proposed Development on Landscape

7 Visual Intrusion on Properties and Rights of

Way

8 Objectives of the Proposals

9 Detailed Landscape Proposals

Figures Fig 1 Location and Context Fig 2 Designations and Constraints Fig 3 Landscape Character Areas and Types Fig 4 Access and Circulation Fig 5 Views Fig 6 Landscape Structure Fig 7 Sections

Appendix 1 Appendix 2

1 Location biologically through hedgerow trees, hedges and wild flora at The site for the proposed park and ride facility is located by the field margins. Two further county wildlife sites, Fordham the hamlet of Eight Ash Green, approx 320 metres from Heath and Iron Latch lie further from the development site. junction 26 on A12 (See Fig 1). It covers an area of Policy CO5 states that development and land use changes approximately 3.9 ha (9.6 acres) and is sited behind likely to have an adverse effect on nature conservation sites properties in Halstead Road and Spring Lane with vehicular will generally not be approved. This policy will not be in and pedestrian access proposed from Halstead Road. conflict with this application. (Ref EECOS Preliminary Wildlife Assessment 2006) 2 Designations, Constraints and Policies There are a number of designations and policies relevant to this development (see Fig 2)

2.1 Nature Conservation Sites Eight Ash Green Wood is a county wildlife site, comprising 14.6 ha of woodland on the site of an old pit, located approximately 300 metres to the east of phase 1 application. It is predominantly oak/silver birch woodland with willow in wetter areas and hawthorn and gorse scrub. Several herbaceous ancient woodland species have begun to invade. It is located to the east of the site and is connected

2.2 Countryside Conservation Area The area to the north of the site around the River Colne and its slopes is designated a countryside conservation area up to the northern edge of the site in the local plan. The whole area is described as being of ‘high landscape value, with numerous woodlands of nature conservation interest…The Borough Council proposes to give special protection to the important natural, social and cultural resources’, also to ‘promote public enjoyment of these areas where it can be done without detriment to CCA’s resources’. The policy CO3 states ‘The Countryside Conservation Areas are defined on the Proposals Map. These areas will be given special protection from any development likely to be prejudicial to their natural, social or cultural resources. The proposals must address this by 2.3 Proposed Open Space containing the area the area of development to protect the The area of the county wildlife site and land north of it are visual quality of this countryside conservation area, even shown as proposed open space in the local plan. There is a though this lies beyond the edge of the site. high use of the woodland by local residents and others for

informal recreation. It is well connected by rights of way and close to Eight Ash Green and Beacon End. The proposals must address that the informal use of the woodland and field margins will be encouraged in the future by the designation of 2.5 Protection of the Countryside this area as public open space. Policy CO1 states ‘There will be a continuing commitment to the protection of the open countryside in the borough for its 2.4 Retaining Landscape Features own sake…’ Policy CO4 states that ‘Development schemes should protect The response to the countryside conservation area policy will existing landscape features such as those listed in the also address this policy, albeit there is loss of countryside reasoned justification wherever possible. Additional planting from agriculture to the park and ride facility. may be necessary to maintain and enhance these features. Where this is considered necessary, planting will be carried 3 Landscape Character and Land Use out with species native to the locality’. This has been adhered to by retaining all the existing trees and hedgerows on the 3.1 The site comprises agricultural land, used for arable site, except where they are cut through by the access road. crops. It lies on high ground at a level of approx 41.5m and slopes gently down towards the north to a level of approximately 40m at the north edge of the site. The site is bordered by hedgerows and hedgerow trees along field boundaries, but with some gaps in hedging and with evidence of loss of hedgerows which would have effectively separated the fields. There is a prominent ditch along the length of the hedgerow at the south of the site. The hedgerow trees in the area are mainly oak pollards as recoded in the EECOS report.

Regarding the historic development of the landscape, 1770 3.3 Key Characteristics are: mapping (Chapman and Andre) shows an agricultural pattern  A mosaic of medium to large-sized irregular and of landscape with a few farms, houses and related buildings regular, predominantly arable fields with medium around the junctions of roads. A large area of woodland lies to hedgerows containing semi-mature/ mature hedgerow the east of the proposed site (of which Eight Ash Green Wood trees; is a remnant). The present field pattern remains largely as  Some larger semi-enclosed arable fields…and shown in the first edition OS mapping 1870’s, and the historic concentrations of smaller fields with intact hedge maps indicate that this has been a productive landscape for boundaries adjacent to settlements; several centuries.  Settlement pattern consists of small linear village

settlements such as Wakes Colne and Eight Ash 3.2 The landscape character of the general area is Green, adjacent to the north-south roads, which cross described in the Landscape Assessment for Colchester the River Valley; small hamlets and farmsteads. Borough, by Chris Blandford and Associates, 2006, as part of the Colne River Valley Slopes (see Fig 3). 3.4 The Overall Character of the area is described as: The aspects relevant to this site are described below and the The v-shaped, relatively steep valley sides enclose the full extract for the area is included in Appendix 1. meandering course of the River Colne….Woodland cover

consists of a mixture of small patches and large regular blocks

of woodland …which are spread across the valley slopes.

Many of the narrow (sometimes sunken) lanes, which traverse are predominantly farmland with a few pockets of woodland of the valley slopes in a north-south direction, are enclosed by ecological interest. hedges, which are generally in reasonable condition. Several single mature deciduous trees are also present in 4 Access and Circulation field boundaries (for example within fields to the south of Eight At present there is informal access around the fields which are Ash Green) …Settlement pattern within the area consists of proposed for the development of the park and ride. These small linear roadside village, such as Wakes Colne and Eight fields have access from a track off Halstead Road lane and Ash Green, combined with a number of small hamlets and people walk through to surrounding rights of way of Iron Latch farmsteads, dispersed across the character area. Lane (bridleway) no 19, and down to footpaths no 20 and 21. The network connects the nearby Eight Ash Green Wood with 3.5 Visual Characteristics are described as: Fordham Heath, and is well used by local residents, particularly for dog-walking and informal recreation.  Attractive framed and panoramic views of the (See Fig 4) meandering river channel and associated floodplain from higher points along the valley sides. 5 Views from the site  Views along the river valley corridor. The are good views within the site of the well vegetated southern edge of the fields with old hedgerow trees, and good 3.6 Ecological Features are described as views down the valley to the north toward the River Colne. To The ecological character of these slopes is combined within a the east, hedgerows lead towards the Eight Ash Green Wood woodland, heath and farmland mosaic. The northern slopes which forms a varied skyline and visual containment to the 8 Objectives of the Proposals site. (See Fig 5) 8.1 To mitigate the potential impacts of the development, and implement environmental policies in the local plan, the 6 Impact of Proposed Development on Landscape landscape will aim to: The change of use from agriculture to car parking is a major potential landscape impact. The scale of the car  Screen development from properties parking development in relation to the scale of the  Screen development from rights of way surrounding residential developments is a major factor.  Soften the impact of the development in the landscape 7 Visual intrusion from properties and rights of way  Strengthen existing landscape pattern The development has a medium visual impact from the  Improve nature conservation in the area properties on the west and south sides of the site. Whilst  Retain public circulation and access through the site the views are often from first floor windows, the nature of  Be complimentary to the existing landscape the development and its lighting will make this impact character substantial for affected properties unless the development  To comply with local plan policies is screened. Section AA’ and CC’ are from the closest properties showing additional screening to reduce visual 8.2 The proposals will also aim to fulfil these landscape intrusiveness. management objectives in the Landscape Character Assessment (CBC):  Ensure that new woodland planting is designed to planting. Information on steps required to protect existing enhance existing landscape character and species vegetation to be retained during the development is set out in composition reflects local provenance. Appendix 2, requiring a tree survey, constraints and protection  Conserve and manage existing hedgerows. plan related to BS 5837:2005. A landscape structure plan is  Restore hedgerows using hawthorn and plant new included in this report which illustrates the scope of the hedgerow trees, particularly in areas of arable landscape proposals, without the detailed information. farmland. 9.2 Woodland belts 9 Detailed Landscape Proposals Woodland belts are proposed around the site, especially on the west and north boundaries of the site for screening and 9.1 The proposals create a continuity of native tree, hedge nature conservation. Species will include those found growing and shrub planting connecting with existing hedges, in the area including oak, birch, hawthorn, and ash with pine woodland, ground flora and trees to link habitats across the included to provide all year round screening (the first three of area. Species are based on those recorded by EECOS in their these are typical of the species in the nearby Eight Ash Green ecological report and in site records by Essex Landscape Wood which is a county wildlife site). Design. Most of the shrub and hedge planting will be 600- 900mm in height and with trees at a range of sizes up to 3 Tree Species metres to ensure the planting establishes well and quickly. A Betula pendula detailed planting plan and schedules are submitted with the Crataegus monogyna application showing species, locations, plant sizes upon Fraxinus excelsior Pinus sylvestris (for all year screening) Fraxinus excelsior 0.5 feathered (tree within hedgerow) Quercus robur Ilex aquifolium 1 Shrub Species Malus sylvestris 0.5 Acer campestre Prunus spinosa 10

Corylus avellana Quercus robur 2 feathered (tree within hedgerow) Crataegus monogyna Rosa canina 3 Ilex aquifolium 9.4 Native tree planting in car park 9.3 Native Hedges with trees Tree planting within the car park is designed to blend with the These are proposed on the east and south boundaries of the surrounding hedgerow trees through species choice. While site, to link with existing hedgerows bordering the site. Hedge being constrained by the car park layout, the proposed tree species include hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, holly, spindle, locations are staggered as well as creating avenues to dogwood and crab apple with oak and ash as the major visually break up this expanse of car parking and help screen hedgerow trees. cars from views outside the site. Tree species within the car park will include oak, ash and field Hedge Species % maple Acer campestre 10 Quercus robur Cornus sanguinea 1 Fraxinus excelsior Crataegus monogyna 70 Acer campestre Euonymus europaeus 2 9.5 Wild Flower seeded areas Grasses Area to be seeded will receive a meadow mix of grasses and Creeping Bent-grass wild flowers of local provenance to provide nature False Oat-grass conservation value to these areas. Cock’s-foot grass Mix to include species from those found during the EECOS Red Fescue survey Yorkshire Fog Rough Meadow-grass

Flowering Plants Common Centaury Common Mouse-ear Ivy Perforate St John’s-wort Creeping buttercup Common sorrel Red campion Lesser stitchwort White clover Vetch Smooth Tare

Appendix 1 Overall Character

Landscape Character Assessment of Colchester Borough, 3.3.22 The v-shaped, relatively steep valley sides enclose the meandering course of the River Colne. The area also Chris Blandford and Associates, 2006. includes the lower slopes of the valley at Ballast Quay Farm, to the east of Wivenhoe. Woodland cover consists Key Characteristics of this area are described as: of a mixture of small patches and large regular blocks of woodland (for example Acorn Wood) which are spread  Relatively steep v-shaped valley slopes facilitate across the valley slopes. attractive and open views across and along the River corridor; Many of the narrow (sometimes sunken) lanes, which  Principal road network consisting of narrow tree-lined traverse the valley slopes in a northsouth direction, are (sometimes sunken) lanes traversing the valley sides to enclosed by hedges, which are generally in reasonable the north and south; condition.  A mosaic of medium to large-sized irregular and regular, predominantly arable fields with medium Several single mature deciduous trees are also present in hedgerows containing semi-mature/ mature hedgerow field boundaries (for example within fields to the south of trees; Eight Ash Green). Small to medium-sized arable fields  Some larger semi-enclosed arable fields to the west of directly align the river whilst a mosaic of large regular Wakes Colne; and concentrations of smaller fields with arable fields covers the upper parts of the slopes. A patch intact hedge boundaries adjacent to settlements; of very regular (rectangular, subdivided) orchards, to the  Settlement pattern consists of small linear village east of Wakes Colne Green (close to Rose Green) provide settlements such as Wakes Colne and Eight Ash variety and assert regularity over the surrounding arable Green, adjacent to the north-south roads, which cross sloping valley sides. Settlement pattern within the area the River Valley; small hamlets and farmsteads. consists of small linear roadside village, such as Wakes Colne and Eight Ash Green, combined with a number of small hamlets and farmsteads, dispersed across the character area.

Visual Characteristics Ecological Features

Attractive framed and panoramic views of the meandering 3.3.23 The ecological character of these slopes is river channel and associated floodplain from higher points combined within a woodland, heath and farmland mosaic. along the valley sides, such as Hill House Farm to the The northern slopes are predominantly farmland with a few south of Chappel; pockets of woodland of ecological interest. Woodland SINCs (six on the northern slopes) include:  The church and viaduct at Chapel (within character area A4 Colne Valley Floor) are dominant landmarks in  Acorn and Hillhouse Woods which are both ancient views from both the southern and northern valley sides oak-ash Fraxinus excelsior woodland; around Wakes Hall Farm, Old Hall Farm and Wakes  Spring and Grove Woods which are both ancient oak Colne; woodland with inter-planted Scot’s pine Pinus  The spire of All Saints Norman church at Wakes Colne sylvestris; is a prominent landmark within the landscape, which is  Alder carr woodland at West Bergholt; intervisible with the church at Chapel (also with a spire)  Stitching Wood which has a mixed canopy and open in views from the east; glades of bracken Pteridium aquilinum; and  Views along the river valley corridor.  West Bergholt Heath, Fordham Heath and other public open spaces which are managed for wildlife and Historic Features access (such as Chapel Millennium Green) are situated within the character area.  Visible remains of defensive WWII features within the landscape, including:  Anti-tank blocks and Spigot mortar emplacements and several WWII pillboxes (with a cluster to the south of Fordstreet);  Fragmentary remains of a moat at Crepping Hall;  West Bergholt Hall – Georgian town house;  Church of St.Mary at West Bergholt with early 14th century nave, lower chancel, belfry and southern aisle. POLICIES

Key Planning and Land Management Issues  Ensure that new woodland planting is designed to enhance existing landscape character and species  Potential pressure from urban expansions on the edge composition reflects local provenance. of West Bergholt, Fordham, Wivenhoe and Colchester;  Localised intrusion from modern farm buildings; Land Management Guidelines  Potential creation of new woodland in Woodland Trust land to west of Fordham.  Conserve and manage existing hedgerows (especially failing elm hedges); Landscape Strategy Objective  Restore hedgerows using hawthorn and plant new hedgerow trees, particularly in areas of arable Conserve and Enhance farmland;  Conserve and manage existing valleyside woodlands; Landscape Planning Guidelines  Encourage the planting of native alder and willow riverside trees where appropriate.  Ensure any new small-scale development in, or on the edges of Fordham, Wivenhoe, West Bergholt and Colchester is of an appropriate scale, form and design and uses materials which respond to historic settlement pattern, landscape setting and locally distinctive building styles and materials. (Development opportunities are limited around Fordham due to the Woodland Trust site);  Ensure any new development on valley sides is small- scale, responds to historic settlement pattern, form and building materials;  Maintain cross-valley views;  Conserve views of the river and floodplain;

Appendix 2 Retention of Trees and Hedgerows development. [As a subsequent task, and with reference to a Report by Simon Smith, Arboriculturalist design or potential design, the results of the survey should be included in the preparation of a tree constraints plan, which 1. Preliminary Tree Assessment should be used to assist with site layout design. There are numerous significant mature hedgerow trees on site, notably oak pollards and ash coppice stools. There must 3. Tree constraints plan be a tree survey undertaken for the following reasons: This is a design tool which should show the below ground constraints, represented by the root protection area (RPA),  To assess the impact of the proposed development (as and the above ground constraints the trees pose by the virtue per section 6 of the Landscape Report). of their size and position. The RPA is a layout design tool  To identify any remedial tree work. This would have to indicating the area surrounding a tree that contains sufficient be done before the start of the development. rooting volume to ensure the survival of the tree, shown in  To determine the trees’ root protection areas in plan form in m2. The RPA should be calculated as an area accordance with BS 5837:2005 “Trees in relation to equivalent to a circle with a radius 12 times the stem diameter construction – Recommendations”. This information, for single stem trees and 10 times the basal diameter for trees with an inspection of the trees’ condition, will then with more than one stem arising below 1.5m above ground provide information for a Tree Constraints Plan and a level. Tree Protection Plan in accordance with BS 5837:2005. Protective fencing must be erected before the start of 4. Tree protection plan the development. Once the layout proposals have been finalised a tree protection plan should be prepared containing the following Given the preliminary nature of this assessment, it is not information: possible to specify the location of protective fencing at this time, however BS 5837:2005 is applicable: a) trees selected for retention. b) trees to be removed. 2. Tree Survey c) the precise location for erection of protective barriers A tree survey should be undertaken by an Arboriculturist and and any other relevant physical protection measures should record information about the trees on a site including ground protection, to protect the RPA and independently of and prior to any specific design for marked as a construction exclusion zone on the plan. June 2006

d) Design details of the proposed physical means of should be paid to ensuring that barriers remain rigid and protection. complete. e) Areas of structural landscaping to be protected from construction operations to prevent the soil structure In most cases, barriers should consist of a scaffold framework being damaged. in accordance with Figure 2 (see BS 5837: 2005) comprising f) All the details in a)-e) above should be incorporated a vertical and horizontal framework, well braced to resist into subsequent drawings and method statements used impacts, with vertical tubes spaced at 3m intervals. Onto this, for design purposes or issued for use on site, to ensure weldmesh panels should be securely fixed with wire or that all interested parties are fully aware of the areas in scaffold clamps. Weldmesh panels on rubber or concrete feet which access and works may and may not take place. are not resistant to impact and should not be used.

5. The construction exclusion zone: barriers and ground Where it has been agreed during the design stage, and shown protection on the tree protection plan, that vehicular or pedestrian access for the construction operation may take place within All trees which are to be retained on site should be protected the RPA, the possible effects of construction activity should be by barriers and or ground protection. Vertical barriers should addressed by a combination of barriers and ground protection. be erected and ground protection installed before any The position of the barrier may be shown within the RPA at materials or machinery are brought on site and before any the edge of the agreed working zone but the soil structure demolition, development or stripping of soil commences. beyond the barrier to the edge of the RPA should be protected Areas of new or retained structure planting should be similarly with ground protection. protected, based on the extent of the soft landscaping as shown on the approved drawings. Once erected, barriers and For pedestrian movements within the RPA the installation of ground protection should be regarded as sacrosanct, and ground protection in the form of a single thickness of scaffold should not be removed or altered without prior boards on top of a compressible layer laid onto a geotextile, or recommendation by an Arboriculturist and approval of the supported by scaffold, may be acceptable. local planning authority. For wheeled or tracked construction traffic movement within Barriers should be fit for the purpose of excluding construction the RPA the ground protection should be designed by an activity and appropriate to the degree and proximity of work engineer to accommodate the likely loading and may involve taking place around the retained trees. Special attention the use of proprietary systems or reinforced concrete slabs. For further information, refer to BS5837:2005 For further information, refer to BS5837:2005.

For further information, refer to BS5837:2005.