Aspire Defence Capital Works

Army Basing Programme 2020 Landscape and Visual Study: Medical & Dental Facility (ROGGEN)

January 2016

Document No: 27-ROGGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Rev A Document Status Rev. Date Purpose of Issue Prep. Chkd. Appr. O 15.01.16 Draft for Discussion RJC TFT DAG A 19.06.17 For Planning RJC TFT DAG CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Methodology

3.0 Planning Policy

4.0 Elements of the Landscape

5.0 Landscape Character

6.0 Visual Amenity

7.0 Mitigation

8.0 Conclusion

APPENDICES

Appendix A – National Character Area

Appendix B – District Landscape Character Assessment

FIGURES

Figure 1* Landscape Constraints Figure 2* Landscape Context Figure 3* Topography Figure 4 Receptor Viewpoint Locations Figure 5 Receptor Viewpoint Photography Figure 6 Illustrative Building Proposals Figure 7 Visibility Matrix

* reproduced from Landscape and Visual Appraisal, Capita June 2015, Document No: 27- XXXGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Study – Larkhill Medical & Dental ROGGEN

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 ’s landscape has been intensively used by the military for well over a century. is one of the largest training areas in the UK. 1.1.2 A hybrid planning application for the masterplan proposals for delivery of the Army Basing Programme (ABP) 2020 at MoD Larkhill has recently been submitted, as has a detailed application for the development of two messes and single living accommodation on the northern area of the camp. This draft report describes the landscape and visual effects of a proposed further development of a medical and dental facility (the scheme), which would replace an existing, smaller building that currently occupies part of the site. It appraises the likely effects on: · the individual landscape elements and features of the camp and surrounding area; · the landscape character of the camp and surrounding area; · the specific aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape; and · visual amenity; with particular consideration of the location of the development within the designated area of the and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS). It has been prepared for discussion with the local planning authority and Historic England at pre-application meetings and will form the basis of documents to be submitted in support of the future detailed planning application.

1.1.3 The application site is shown outlined red in the photograph below (an oblique aerial view of the western part of the camp taken in 2012- looking north), which illustrates its immediate setting. It comprises some 0.9 hectares of partly developed land, lying immediately to the south of The Packway and within the camp’s built up area.

1.1.4 Larkhill has been in military use since the end of the 19th Century, being established, (along with nearby Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down), as a Garrison since c1899 onwards. Incremental development has occurred in the intervening period to cater for evolving military operational requirements. In recent years, parts of the site have been redeveloped and modernised under the Project Allenby Connaught Public Private Partnership (PPP) – a process to be further extended within the camp under the ABP masterplan proposals.

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1.1.5 The camp is relatively isolated from nearby settlement. It is accessed from The Packway, a public highway which runs through the southern part of the camp, connecting to the A345 to the east. The A303 runs some 2km to the south of the site. In contrast with its surroundings, the camp is largely enclosed and compact and characterised by the existing built development of significant extent. It comprises a mix of living, office, technical and training accommodation, together with other ancillary buildings, hardstanding, parking and sports facilities. Street tree planting and woodland blocks, both surrounding much of the camp’s perimeter and indeed within the camp itself, provide a strong green infrastructure and screening.

1.1.6 The camp lies within the predominantly rural setting of the sensitive landscape of Salisbury Plain. Notwithstanding, the area in and around Salisbury Plain hosts a number of military camps, including: Warminster; Perham Down; Tidworth; Upavon and Bulford; as well as Larkhill. The Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) lies some 9km to the south-west and the North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north, over 10km from the camp’s northern boundary. There are a number of heritage resources (and tourist destinations) of national and international importance in the vicinity: notably the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) - The Packway forming its northern boundary - and including Woodhenge (a Scheduled Monument) approximately 1.5km to the east. The WHS contains much more than the stone monuments alone. Stonehenge (and the Avebury) stone circles lie at the heart of very dense archaeological landscapes

1.1.7 The quality of the built environment within the camp is variable. Although much, in particular the technical areas, is utilitarian, there are areas of higher townscape quality, such as The Royal School of Artillery buildings and their environs. 1.2 Study Area

1.2.1 The extent of the Study Area used for this study is based on the landform, land cover, land use and built form in the vicinity of the camp. It further takes into consideration the location of identifiable features within the WHS from which views of the proposed development potentially may be obtained. 1.2.2 It is important to note that the boundary of the Study Area does not define the area beyond which there will be no effects. Rather it contains the area within which there is potential for likely significant landscape and visual effects to occur.

1.3 Assumptions

1.3.1 This report makes the following assumptions: · The study is based on the parameters of the illustrative building proposals illustrated by Figure 6. · The continued contribution to screening of all existing vegetation located outside the potential development area; and · The application of good site construction practice in relation to trees. In particular, nearby retained trees are afforded protection in accordance with the recommendations provided in British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 General Approach

2.1.1 A Preliminary Landscape Assessment (PLA) - Capita November 2013 – of options for the Army Basing Programme (ABP) within the camp was undertaken in order to assist selection of options and the development of the masterplan for the ABP proposals and to identify potential landscape and visual mitigation requirements. 2.1.2 Further work was undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced Landscape Architects during 2014 and 2015 for the preparation of the Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) that accompanies the recent hybrid application for the ABP masterplan (Landscape and Visual Appraisal, Capita June 2015, Document No: 27-XXXGEN-43-RT-L1-001). It should be noted also that each of the Priority Works applications for the camp which have also recently been lodged with the planning authority were themselves accompanied by a landscape and visual appraisal 2.1.3 The scope of the June 2015 ABP masterplan LVA study and locations of the representative viewpoints were agreed with Wiltshire Council (LPA). The work that was carried out for the ABP masterplan LVA has been augmented to address the scheme proposals for the Medical and Dental Centre. Site walkovers, initially with representatives from the LPA and subsequently with the LPA and Historic England in attendance were undertaken in the second part of 2015, including meetings to present and discuss outline proposals to inform layout and design development. During the first part of 2016, further site visits were undertaken to the wider landscape setting within the WHS - by suitably experienced, qualified landscape architects - for the purposes of additional photography and identifying the likely landscape and visual effects and mitigation for the scheme proposals. 2.1.4 The locations of the photographic viewpoints are shown on Figure 4 and the photography on Figure 5. 2.1.5 The methodology employed for this study is proportionate to the location, type and scale of the proposed development and appropriate to the nature of its effects. It draws upon a range of approaches and techniques, but is primarily based on the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition, 2013 (GLVIA3) and carried out in accordance with the best practice guidance contained therein.

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3. PLANNING POLICY

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Planning policies relevant to the Site and the Development are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (adopted March 2012), the statutory Development Plan and the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy. Polices relevant to landscape and visual matters are set out below.

3.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

3.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied by local planning authorities.

3.2.2 At paragraph 17, the NPPF sets out a list of core land-use planning principles to underpin decision taking, emphasising the need to: always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity; to take account of the different roles and character of different areas, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside; to contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment; and to conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

3.2.3 Themes of particular relevance are:

· Achieving high quality and inclusive design for all development (paragraph 57). · Ensuring that developments: - Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area; - Establish a strong sense of place; - Respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials; and - Are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping (paragraph 58). · Encouraging the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental value (paragraph 111). · Attaching great weight to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in landscapes of national importance such as National Parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty (paragraph 115). · Aiming to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and adequately mitigating / compensating for any significant harm resulting from development, where that harm cannot be avoided (paragraph 118). · Applying great weight to the conservation of designated heritage assets (paragraph 132) and weighing any harm against the public benefits of the proposal (paragraph 134).

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3.3 Wiltshire Core Strategy

3.3.1 In 2009 the districts of Kennet, North Wiltshire, Salisbury and West Wiltshire, together with Wiltshire Council were merged into a single unitary authority (Wiltshire Council). A new county-wide Core Strategy was adopted in January 2015, replacing the south Wiltshire Core Strategy as well as a number of policies from the former District Councils Local plans. The Wiltshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document provides a positive and flexible overarching planning policy framework for Wiltshire for the period up to 2026. 3.3.2 Core Policy 37 is a specific policy on Military Establishments in Wiltshire. It states, amongst other things, that redevelopment, conversion or change of use of redundant Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites and buildings will be supported provided they are well related to an existing settlement in terms of location and scale. The policy also explains that development on MoD sites should consider the effects on the character of sites and their environs: ‘’Development at operational…..sites should enhance the overall character of the site…mitigate any adverse impacts on local infrastructure, and not erode the character of the surrounding area. All proposals must ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the military facilities located on the site are understood and inform the scope of future development of that site.’’ 3.3.3 Core Policy 51 considers landscape matters. The main thrust of the policy is that development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance landscape character in Wiltshire. The policy refers to several Landscape Character Assessments which cover Wiltshire and states that these will be used for the purposes of implementing the policy until they are replaced. It explains that development proposals should be informed by and sympathetic to the distinctive character areas identified in the relevant Landscape Character Assessment(s) and any other relevant assessments and studies. Development must not have a harmful impact upon landscape character, while any negative impacts must be mitigated as far as possible through sensitive design and landscape measures. The policy makes reference to landscapes of national importance, such as AONBs and World Heritage Sites, going on to explain that development outside an AONB that is sufficiently prominent (in terms of its siting or scale) to have an impact on the area’s natural beauty, must demonstrate that it would not adversely affect its setting 3.3.4 In that respect, it further notes that proposals will need to demonstrate that various aspects of landscape character have been conserved and where possible enhanced through sensitive design, landscape mitigation and enhancement measures, including landscape features of cultural, historic and heritage value and ‘’ tranquillity and the need to protect against intrusion from light pollution ’’. 3.3.5 In response to the request for a screening opinion submitted to the planning authority in respect of the environmental assessment of effects of the ABP 2020 masterplan proposals, including the Medical and Dental facility, Wiltshire Council confirmed that an Environmental Statement was not required under the EIA Regulations, but noted that the site lies outside, but close to, the North Wessex Downs AONB and the need to consider the effect upon the landscape generally, taking account of distant views from the AONB.

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3.3.6 The camp lies approximately 9km to the north-east of Cranbourne Chase AONB and 10km south of the North Wessex Downs AONB, in both cases sufficiently distant from it as to preclude adverse effects on their setting arising from the scale and nature of development proposed in the scheme. The regional level Special Landscape Area (SLA) designated landscapes lie closer to the camp: some 1.6km to the north-west, just over 2.0km to the north-east and approximately 1km to the south – see Figure1. The combination of distance, topography and mature intervening vegetation will also preclude effects on the northern SLA’s, whilst from the south, intervening mature tree and woodland will do much to screen it, admitting only occasional glimpses of it from limited areas lying to the south – west and in the context of similar views of existing development. These are described in Section 6 and illustrated by Figure 5. As it matures, proposed new planting will progressively reinforce the level of screening already afforded by the existing vegetation and there would be no significant long term adverse effect on the setting of the designated area. 3.3.7 Core Policy 57 explains that new development should incorporate a high standard of design and create a strong sense of place, drawing on the local context and being complementary to the locality. It contains several design criteria/principles for achieving this including: “enhancing local distinctiveness by responding to the value of the natural and historic environment, relating positively to its landscape setting and the existing pattern of development and responding to local topography by ensuring that important views into, within and out of the site are retained and enhanced ’’ and “the retention and enhancement of existing important landscaping and natural features, (for example trees, hedges, banks and watercourses), in order to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity, create wildlife and recreational corridors, effectively integrate the development into its setting and to justify and mitigate against any losses that may occur through the development.” 3.3.8 Core Policy 58 of the Strategy deals with the conservation of the historic environment stating, amongst other things, that: ‘’Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment…’’ The policy goes on to stipulate that new development must take into account various designations and criteria including: · archaeological remains and their setting; · the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site; · nationally significant prehistoric archaeological monuments and landscapes; and · heritage assets associated with the military. 3.3.9 Figures 6 illustrates the scheme building proposals, whilst Chapter 6 (supported by Figure 5) describes and illustrates representative views and likely effects of the scheme in them. Chapter 7 describes the mitigation treatments that have been incorporated into the scheme during design development of the scheme.

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3.3.10 The northern boundary of the designated area of the World Heritage Site aligns with The Packway and extending some 3km in both directions along it and over 6km to the south of the scheme location. Stonehenge itself lies approximately 2km to the south. As further discussed in Section 6, close range views of the proposals would be obtainable from The Packway, whilst glimpses would be obtained in long range views towards the site from a limited area of the WHS and monuments located within it. The scheme will enhance the local public realm in close range views whilst, where discernible from the wider WHS, the effect would be negligible.

3.4 The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Management Plan (2015)

3.4.1 The UK Government is accountable according to the World Heritage Convention (Article 4) for the protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of its sites on the World Heritage List in order to sustain their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). 3.4.2 The Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site was inscribed in 1986. The WHS is internationally important for its complexes of outstanding prehistoric monuments. The site is in two parts, some 40 km apart, both located in the county of Wiltshire and focused on the great stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury. The Stonehenge part of the World Heritage Site (WHS) covers c. 2,600 hectares around Stonehenge itself. The exact boundaries (in both parts) of the WHS follow modern or topographical features with little significance in archaeological or visual terms. 3.4.3 The official UNESCO brief description of the World Heritage Site, agreed by the World Heritage Committee in July 2008, is: The Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites World Heritage Site is internationally important for its complexes of outstanding prehistoric monuments. Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is the largest in the world. Together with interrelated monuments and their associated landscapes, they help us to understand Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and mortuary practices. They demonstrate around 2000 years of continuous use and monument building between c 3700 and 1600 BC. As such they represent a unique embodiment of our collective heritage. 3.4.4 The attributes of Outstanding Universal Value stemming from the Statement of OUV adopted by UNESCO World Heritage Committee are: · Stonehenge itself as a globally famous and iconic monument. · The physical remains of the Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary and ceremonial monuments and associated sites. · The siting of Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary and ceremonial sites and monuments in relation to the landscape. · The design of Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary and ceremonial sites and monuments in relation to the skies and astronomy. · The siting of Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary and ceremonial sites and monuments in relation to each other. · The disposition, physical remains and settings of the key Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary, ceremonial and other monuments and sites of the period, which together form a landscape without parallel. · The influence of the remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary and ceremonial monuments and their landscape settings on architects, artists, historians, archaeologists and others.

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3.4.5 Within the UK, WHS Management Plans are recommended in Government planning guidance and are a material consideration in planning decisions. The Summary consultation draft document of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Management Plan 2015 outlines the Plan’s aims and policies. The Management Plan notes that the Local Planning Authority is responsible for continued protection through policy development and its effective implementation in deciding planning applications with the management plans for Stonehenge and Avebury as a key material consideration. The aims set out the broad longer term goals for the WHS delivery partners, while the policies set out the course of action and appropriate approach. The aims, and to a large extent the policies, have a long term relevance for achieving the Vision, albeit they are not expected to be achieved completely within the Plan period. 3.4.6 Policy 1e refers to light pollution, thus: ‘’Minimise light pollution to avoid adverse impacts on the WHS, its setting and its attributes of Outstanding Universal Value’’ 3.4.7 Policy 3c of the Plan states: ‘’Maintain and enhance the setting of monuments and sites in the landscape and their inter- relationships and astronomical alignments with particular attention given to achieving an appropriate landscape setting for the monuments and the WHS itself.’’ 3.4.8 One of the stated priorities of the Plan is to: ‘’Ensure any development is consistent with the protection and where appropriate enhancement of the monuments and their settings and the wider WHS landscape and its setting.’’ 3.4.9 As indicated at paragraph 3.3.10, there would not be any significant adverse effect on heritage assets or the OUV of the WHS.

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4. ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE

4.1 Topography

4.1.1 The general topography is characteristic of the open, rolling landscape found across much of Salisbury Plain. The topography around the camp comprises dissected dry valleys to the north and east and lower lying, gently undulating landform to the south, around . The meandering valley of the River Avon (60-80m AOD) lies to the east. The camp is located in an elevated position on the southern flank of a hill. Two secondary ridges radiate from the summit: one in a south–west direction and another towards the south east. The northern boundary lies along the summit (at some 147m AOD) with the ground falling toward the southern boundary to a low point of approximately 110m AOD. Beyond, the land starts to rise again toward the general plateau level and the Stonehenge monument, set at approximately 100m AOD. Figure 3 illustrates the topography of the camp and surrounding area. 4.1.2 The area of the proposed scheme development is sited on sloping ground and falls from some 128m AOD at its north-west corner, to 123m AOD (approx.) at its south- east corner. 4.1.3 The proposed building would be set at approximately 125m AOD, which would create a construction development platform that would be cut into the higher areas of the sloping site. The platform would be at approximately existing ground level on its north-east and south west corners; raised by nearly 2m at its south-east corner; and set in cutting - by some 2.5m+ - at its north-west corner. The localised changes would not be of a scale that would be disruptive to the camp’s topographical setting.

4.2 Public Rights of Way

4.2.1 The surrounding area is well served by public rights of way (as shown on Figure 1). ‘The Packway’, a public highway, runs east to west through the built up area of the camp and bounds the north of the site, whilst other publically accessible roads and buildings border the site to the east, south and west. Close range views of the new building would be available. 4.2.2 The users of public rights of way within the wider landscape have views or glimpses of elements of the camp, but views of the scheme site are generally controlled by the camp’s surrounding green infrastructure, which limits views to a narrow window out toward the south-south- west. 4.2.3 Byway 12 runs southward from the camp from Fargo Road to Stonehenge, through the WHS, a large area of which is National Trust open public access land. Views from these areas toward the camp, including occasional glimpses of its built form amongst a wooded setting, are obtainable at a distance of some 1.5kms – see Figure 5. Some parts of the scheme buildings would also be decipherable in the same context, as described in Section 6.

4.3 Watercourses

4.3.1 The River Avon is located just over 1km to the east of the camp, as is its confluence with a tributary (the Nine Mile River) at Bulford. There are no notable water features within the camp. The scheme proposals are not anticipated to affect any watercourses within the area.

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4.4 Land Use

4.4.1 The surrounding area supports a complex mix of development, including military establishments, small to medium sized towns, nucleated villages and some scattered isolated farmsteads. The built development at Bulford Village and Bulford Camp is located 3-4km to the east of the camp, as is Durrington – some 2km to the east. Amesbury is located 4km to the south-east along the A345. To the north of Durrington, there is a series of small villages along the River Avon. 4.4.2 The majority of built development in proximity to the camp comprises military service family accommodation, with the exception of a small number of civilian properties 1km to the southeast along Fargo Road. 4.4.3 There are a number of heritage resources of national and international importance in the vicinity (and tourist destinations): notably the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site - The Packway forming its northern boundary - and including also Woodhenge (a Scheduled Monument), approximately 1.5km to the east. Further Monuments, including The Cursus and several groups of barrows are also located in the vicinity to the south and south-west – see Figure 1. 4.4.4 The quality of the built environment within the camp is variable and can be utilitarian, which reflects the historically ad hoc nature of its development. Whilst the design quality of the Project Allenby-Connaught (PAC) works is notably stronger, in other areas, there is a weaker spatial definition, partly due to the absence of coherent design themes for external spaces. Nevertheless, there are areas of higher townscape quality. The mature avenues of lime and horse chestnut trees along existing roads - notably The Packway - create a grand and leafy character and are visible from many points within the camp. The Royal School of Artillery buildings and their environs also have a higher townscape value. 4.4.5 The site for the scheme is currently partly developed – see area outlined red in oblique air photo below – including: existing buildings, a yard, paved vehicle access and parking, together with areas of open amenity grass. The recently constructed community building abuts the site to the south, a car-park and an array of other buildings abuts to the east. The large, two storey Officers Mess lies across Willoughby Road to the west. Apart from the Mess, and to a lesser extent the community centre, the architectural quality and sense of place is ordinary.

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4.4.6 The development proposals would bring an alteration to site’s land cover, including: demolition of the existing buildings; clearance of paved access ways and parking; some tree clearance; earthworks and construction of retaining walls and construction of the proposed medical and dental facility. This would be partly one storey, with a smaller part of the footprint as two storeys. Illustrative elevations are shown at Figure 6. 4.4.7 The new building footprint would be some 15% (approx.) larger than the combined overall footprints (including their attendant paved court and external store yard) of the structures it would replace. The two storey section of the new build would be at the eastern end of the site, close to where the existing, but to be demolished, 2 storey domestic (but currently in commercial use) structure is located. The proposed new building would present a more coherent architectural form and would be of significantly better architectural quality than the (two) buildings it would replace, and would complement and reinforce the community use ambience of the area. No change to the pattern of land use within the wider landscape is predicted.

4.5 Vegetation

4.5.1 The open landscape of Salisbury Plain surrounding the camp is dominated by extensive areas of unenclosed rough grassland and open arable fields, criss- crossed by army tracks. The large-scale landscape pattern is delineated by low hedgerows, which are often gappy and regular shaped mixed copses and shelter belts, and woodland in the River Avon Valley. Substantial mixed woodland blocks and belts are arranged around the perimeter of the camp and form an effective screen from much of the surrounding area – see Figure 2. None of the existing screen belts would be affected by the scheme. 4.5.2 Within the camp there are well maintained tree avenues, copses and small woodlands, which assist in reducing visibility and provide a mature setting to the existing buildings. Intensively managed, open amenity grassland surrounds the buildings. 4.5.3 The scheme proposals would result in the removal of existing mature trees. Most notable of the required removals would be three trees from those lining the southern side of The Packway. Those lining the northern side would remain untouched by the scheme proposals. Replacement planting to the south of The Packway would be of smaller species. 4.5.4 The camp would retain its landscape structure and its current general relationship to the landscape would be maintained following development of the scheme.

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5. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Various Landscape Character Areas have been defined at National and Regional level. The relevant Landscape Character Areas within the Study Area are shown on Figure 2. Further to the methodology described in Chapter 2, and in particular the relevant planning policies referred to in Chapter 3, a summary and appraisal of the potential landscape effects of the masterplan proposals on the various Landscape Character Areas are provided below.

5.2 National Character Areas

5.2.1 National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural areas defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Currently being revised (as part of Natural England’s responsibilities as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper, Biodiversity 2020 and the European Landscape Convention), NCAs have their foundations in the Joint Character Areas undertaken by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and provide a description of the natural and cultural features that shape our landscapes, how the landscape has changed over time, the current key drivers for ongoing change, and a broad analysis of each area’s characteristics and ecosystem services. 5.2.2 The camp and the western part of the Study Area is located in National Character Area (NCA) 132 - Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs, which is an extensive open chalk plateau with a near continuous dramatic scarp to the north and a pattern of attractive valleys to the east and south. The NCA132 profile is contained in Appendix A of this report. It describes the Plain as: ‘‘…….a sparsely settled, predominately agricultural area with a strong sense of remoteness and openess. The dominant element in the landscape – apart from the expansive sky- is the gently rolling chalk downland , forming part of the sweep of Cretaceous chalk running from the Dorset coast and across the Chliterns to the Wash…’’ It notes its designation as both a Special Protection Area of Conservation (SAC) as a chalk grassland habitat and as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), whilst also recognising amongst its key characterisitics that military tracks, airfields and infrastructure are a major landuse, with ‘’…pockets of modern military dominated development in the east …’’ 5.2.3 The scheme is confined within the existing urban area of the camp, which is an established feature of the landscape. The proposals would maintain the functionality of its uses, but locally improve the public realm. Its scale, however, is too insubstantial to significantly affect the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of NCA 132. Accordingly, the significance of landscape effect on these character areas is appraised to be insignificant.

5.3 Regional Landscape Character Areas

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

5.3.1 The ‘ Landscape Character Assessment’, 2008 (SDLCA) on behalf of Salisbury District Council (now South Wiltshire Council) provides a baseline inventory of the landscape character across Salisbury District.

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5.3.2 The SDLCA identifies three Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area: · LCA A2 – Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley, which is located to the east of Larkhill and aligns with the River Avon; · LCA D3 - Larkhill Chalk Downland, which surrounds the camp; and · LCA D4 – Boscombe Down Chalk Downland, which lies further to the east beyond the River Avon. The scheme proposals are located within LCA D3. The relevant extracts from the SDLCA for these three LCAs are contained in Appendix B of this report. 5.3.3 In summarising the visual character LCA D3, the SDLCA notes its ‘strong sense of continuity throughout the gently rolling landscape’ which : ‘‘….encompasses extensive areas of unenclosed and uninhabited chalk grasslands and scrub, upon which, a layer of scattered mixed copses and plantations are visible feature…’’ The landscape exhibits a ‘‘….very strong and recognisable sense of place as a result of (panoramic) views toward numerous archaeological landscape features...” Amongst the scattered settlement pattern of the otherwise characteristically open, very large scale landscape: ‘‘……….The utilitarian form, materials and layout of military camps (such as Larkhill towards the north of the area) …….. have a strong influence on the character of this landscape…’’ the camp’s ‘‘…….numerous large scale bulky barrack and administration buildings interspersed with grassed open space and enclosed by security fences, are also dominant landscape features in the area.’’ Military activities, in addition to main road corridors of the A303 and A345, are also noted to disrupt the generally strong sense of tranquillity in the landscape. 5.3.4 The existing military presence at Larkhill camp (and other camps in its vicinity) already influences the LCA. The scheme represents a small quantum of new development when compared with the camp’s overall built footprint. Nevertheless, its location lies within the WHS area and adjacent to a public thoroughfare highway. It is therefore sensitive to change. This has been recognised during design development of the scheme proposals, which have been modified (see Section 7) in order to reduce its impact to produce a scheme that is not disruptive to the character or quality of the landscape and avoids significant long term residual effects to designated areas. No cumulative effects with other ABP proposals on the designated landscapes are anticipated.

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6. VISUAL AMENITY

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 In general, although the camp has a presence in the landscape, the undulating topography in combination with the presence of mature woodland ensures that only restricted views into it are possible from much of the surrounding area. Long distance views are generally confined to the higher ground where intervening landscape elements such as woodland and buildings do not screen sight lines. The existing technical buildings within the camp break the horizon in views from the north and east. 6.1.2 Glimpsed views of occasional existing rooftops within the camp (mostly within its eastern half) are available from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, as the intervening landscape elements - such as small mixed plantations - screen all views of the lower elements. The effectiveness of this tree cover is reduced during the winter months, although the benefit of the coniferous plantations remains. 6.1.3 Close range views of the scheme would be available from: nearby sections of The Packway, adjacent sections of Willoughby Road and Gore Road (including from the dwellings along it) and the adjacent public car park. Long range views would be restricted to a narrow arc extending to the south-south west. The photograph below, (taken from the south-west corner of the site, near Willoughby Road) illustrates the view out from the site toward this arc. Mature trees and existing camp buildings (single family accommodation and an Officers mess) screen views out in all other directions.

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6.2 Receptor Viewpoints

6.2.1 As indicated in the Introduction, a series of representative receptor viewpoints were identified at key locations across the Study Area and were agreed with Wiltshire Council. The viewpoints were used for undertaking the appraisal studies for the ABP masterplan LVA. Of these, potential views of the scheme would only obtainable from Viewpoints 1 (Stonehenge) and 9 (The Packway) - see below. There is no potential for views of the scheme from any of the other receptor viewpoints, which are not considered further in this study. 6.2.2 Further to consultation with Historic England undertaken in relation to the development proposals for the Medical and Dental scheme now being brought forward, additional viewpoint photography has been undertaken from the WHS area to the south-west of the site (ref para 6.1.3 above). A plan of their locations is included at Figure 4. Figure 5 includes baseline photography from the additional viewpoints. Photography from the ABP masterplan LVA Viewpoints 1 and 9 is also included. 6.2.3 A description of the view from each additional viewpoint is given below with potential visual effect(s) of the scheme proposals. Where the scheme is decipherable in the view, the photographs are annotated with a red box which indicates the position within the view, whilst an arrow indicates the Officers Mess building as a point of reference.

Receptor Viewpoint 01: Stonehenge 6.2.4 This viewpoint is located approximately 2km from the site, in the former car park area for the monument’s original visitor centre - both of which have now been removed to a new location - at an elevation of some 100m AOD. The photograph is located within the World Heritage Site (WHS) and is orientated in a northerly direction. Intervening mixed woodland plantations almost entirely screen built elements within the camp. Occasional upper parts/rooftops are discernible, more noticeably so during the winter months, but with the exception of the officers’ mess building located to the south of The Packway, these are mainly in the eastern portion of the camp. The open grassland in the middle distance affords extensive views over the open rolling landscape of Salisbury Plain. 6.2.5 The ABP proposals contained in the recently submitted hybrid application would be screened by landform and intervening vegetation. 6.2.6 The combination of the slightly higher landform at Durrington Down, with its existing plantation belts and also those around Durrington Down Farm would entirely contain the Medical and Dental scheme proposals, which would lie hidden behind the intervening trees in the centre left of the view. The visual effect would be neutral.

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Receptor Viewpoint 09: The Packway (Fargo) 6.2.7 The viewpoint is located adjacent to The Packway (just to the east of Fargo Ammunition Compound) approximately 1.6km from the site boundary and at an elevation of between 105-110m AOD. The photograph is located on a lay-by at the northern edge of the WHS and is orientated in an easterly direction. The majority of the camp’s built form is screened from this viewpoint by the camp’s perimeter tree belts and internal woodland blocks, which coalesce in the view to form a strongly wooded horizon across the centre of the view. A small group of unscreened technical buildings at the western end of the camp in Purvis Lines and the fenceline can be seen in the middle distance (approx. 1km from the viewpoint), however, set just below and in front of the woodland, and within an open grassed area, with a parking area (with caravans on it) to their left. The roof ridgelines and chimney stacks of a few buildings within Horne Barracks is just discernible above the tree tops beyond. Extensive surrounding views of the open rolling landscape of the Salisbury Plain form the wider setting. 6.2.8 Following development of the ABP proposals contained in the recently submitted hybrid application, the proposed, technical area development at Purvis Lines would also be clearly visible to the centre left in the view, together with the rooflines of office and training buildings rising slightly above, but beyond, the technical buildings. When mature, proposed mitigation planting would break up the geometry and mass of the technical area in the view, screening most of it. 6.2.9 The tree line seen on the horizon, to the right of The Packway, would screen the scheme. There would be no cumulative effect.

Additional Viewpoint A: Packway Long Barrow 6.2.10 This viewpoint is located adjacent to The Packway. It is at elevation of almost 130m AOD. The photograph is located at a Scheduled Monument (a Long Barrow), sited immediately to the north of the road. It is orientated in a south-east direction, looking obliquely across the line of the road, toward the site which (at its closest) is approximately 104m away. The existing medical building, which is to be demolished, can be seen on the right of the photograph, beyond the avenue of trees that line The Packway, whilst the other (2 storey) building to be demolished can also be discerned through the trees- behind the cars. The camp’s security fenceline runs just out of the view, on the left. 6.2.11 The scheme would be located in the centre of the view, beyond the trees. It would be located in the gap between the two buildings to be demolished. A parking area would replace the existing medical building. 6.2.12 The new facility, although larger, would be further from the Scheduled Monument than the building it replaces. Its closest part would be single storey and set below the level of the road, by some 2.5m, whilst much of its two storey section at the further end would be screened by the intervening trees in the summer months. Moreover, the new building would be of significantly better architectural quality than the two existing buildings it would replace, and indeed those abutting to the east. The scheme would improve the quality of the street scene. The effect would be beneficial and of moderate significance.

Viewpoint B: Durrington Down Bowl Barrow 6.2.13 This viewpoint is located located inside the WHS, approximately 725m from the site and at an elevation of some 105m AOD, near the bottom of a shallow valley formation to the west of the site. The views are looking in a north-east direction and from within a Scheduled Monument, on a bowl barrow forming part of the Durrington Down round barrow Cemetery. The Packway runs just over the crest of the rising ground on the left of the photograph, with a roadside tree belt just beyond. The mixed woodland belt forming the horizon on the right of the view abuts the grounds of the officers mess building, which lie beyond it. The woodland would equally screen any views of the scheme, which would lie to the east of the mess.

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6.2.14 There would be no change to the view arising from the proposed medical and dental facility. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint C: B3086 6.2.15 This viewpoint is located on the western edge of WHS, on the verge of the B3086 (approximately mid-way between The Packway and the A303) as it crosses a local ridgeline at an elevation of between 110-115m AOD. The photograph is orientated in a north-easterly direction, across farmland, and is taken at a distance of some 3km from the site. A group of barrows (being Scheduled Monuments) is located near the crest of a local high spot (at 115+m AOD) with the Small Cursus, together with nearby farm structures. From the viewpoint, the combination of topography and the intervening tree belt (Fargo Plantation) seen just beyond the ridgeline and on the right of the view obscure views of the camp. The tree belt, and others, more distant and bordering the camp, afford a screen to the above ground heritage features. 6.2.16 There would be no change to the view arising from the proposed medical and dental facility. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint D: Stonehenge Visitor Centre 6.2.17 This viewpoint is located within the WHS, on the eastern edge of the car-park to the recently constructed Stonehenge Visitor Centre. The centre, which is located near the bottom of a local valley form, can be seen on the left hand side of the view. The viewpoint is at an elevation of approximately 105m AOD and is orientated toward the north-east, at a distance of some 3km from the site of the proposed scheme. The view is across open toward the wooded horizon of Fargo Plantation. No part of the camp is visible. 6.2.18 There would be no change to the view arising from the proposed medical and dental facility. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint E: Barrows 6.2.19 This viewpoint is located within the WHS, atop the most southerly of the group of heritage features – the Winterbourne Stoke Barrows. They are Scheduled Monuments lying almost 3.6km from the site and at an elevation of between 110- 115m AOD. A triangular plantation, The Winterbourne Clump, abuts to the south, shielding the Monument from roundabout junction of the A303:A360.The photograph is orientated in a north-easterly direction, affording an open view over Salisbury Plain in which the camp is not seen. 6.2.20 There would be no change to the view arising from the proposed medical and dental facility. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint F: Cursus Barrows (Enclosure) 6.2.21 This viewpoint is located within the WHS in an elevated position that overlooks the camp from the rising ground to its south. It is set just below the ridgeline at an elevation of approximately 105m AOD and some 1.6km from the site. The photograph has a north-north-east orientation and is taken from the top of a bell barrow, one of a group of 5 barrows (designated Scheduled Monuments) set within a fenced enclosure. The Cursus runs across the field of view between the viewpoint and the belt of pines seen in the middle-ground. Intervening mixed woodland plantations almost entirely screen built elements within the camp in the panoramic view, although occasional upper parts/rooftops are discernible (more so during the winter months) set amongst the treetops. The officers’ mess is more noticeable. Glimpses of parts of the existing medical building (to be demolished) and the western end of the community centre on the site of the scheme are obtained also. Beyond, the top of the camp’s boiler room chimney is visible beyond amongst the trees, with (further east - the right) a glimpse of a house in the nearby service family accommodation (SFA) too. 6.2.22 In similar vein to the views of existing development on the site, parts of the new medical and dental building would also be discernible in the view. The dark colours

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proposed for main components of the southern elevation, however, would be less noticeable than the light colours used on the existing facility. There would be very slight disruption in the view during construction. On completion of the new building, the change would likely to pass unnoticed, whilst ultimately, the maturing of a proposed small woodland block would screen what would be perceptible of the scheme in the view. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint G: Cursus Barrows (Enclosure-West) 6.2.23 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position, overlooking the camp, from the rising ground to its south and just below the ridgeline, at an elevation of approximately 105m AOD and nearly 1.7km from the site. It is within the WHS. The photograph looks toward the north-north east and is taken from atop the westernmost feature of the same group as nearby Viewpoint F. The Cursus similarly runs across the field of view between the viewpoint and the belt of pines seen in the middle-ground and intervening mixed woodland plantations almost entirely screens built elements within the camp in a panoramic view. Occasional upper parts/rooftops are discernible (more so during the winter months), however, set amongst the treetops. The officers’ mess is more noticeable. Glimpses of parts of the existing medical building (to be demolished) on the site of the scheme are obtained also, but not the community centre. Beyond, the top of the camp’s boiler room chimney is visible beyond amongst the trees, with (further east - the right) a glimpse of housing in the nearby single family accommodation too. 6.2.24 As with Viewpoint F, parts of the new medical and dental building would also be discernible in the view, but likely slightly more filtered by intervening trees. Equally, the dark colours proposed for main components of the southern elevation, would be less noticeable than the light colours used on the existing facility. There would be very slight disruption in the view during construction. On completion of the new building, the change would similarly likely pass unnoticed, whilst ultimately, the maturing of a proposed small woodland block would screen what would be perceptible of the scheme in the view. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint H: Field Barrow 6.2.25 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position, overlooking the camp from the from the rising ground to its south and set just below the ridgeline at an elevation of just over 105m AOD and some 1.9km from the site. It is within the WHS. The photograph has a north-easterly orientation and is taken from atop a barrow (part of the Cursus Group designated Scheduled Monument), which is set on a similar alignment to the nearby group of 5 within the fenced enclosure to its east. The proximity to Viewpoint G and I affords similar views, although more existing development on or by the site is discernible, including the medical centre; the community centre on the site, with eaves and rooftops of (3) PAC accommodation blocks and tops of two semi-detached SFA dwellings on Willoughby Road SFA. 6.2.26 Once built, the scheme would be discernible: its second storey rising above the community centre and blocking some of the currently visible PAC buildings. To that extent, the more recessive colouring of the new building would marginally lessen the impact of existing development, but overall the change would be barely perceptible. Ultimately, the maturing of a proposed small woodland block would screen what would be perceptible of the scheme in the view. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint I: Fargo Plantation Barrow 6.2.27 This viewpoint is located within the WHS at an elevated position, overlooking the camp from the rising ground to its south and set just below the ridgeline at an elevation of just over 105m AOD and some 2km from the site. The photograph is looking toward the north-east and is taken from atop a barrow (a designated Scheduled Monument) which is generally aligned with those at Viewpoints H, G and F (and a further feature set back into the wood. It affords a similar view as

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obtainable from those locations, with a similar array of buildings beings visible, albeit in slightly varying proportion, viz: part of the community centre; eaves and rooftop a (3) PAC accommodation blocks; and tops of two semi-detached SFA dwellings on Willoughby Road SFA, but more of the SFA to the east. 6.2.28 The visibility of the scheme would similarly compare with the nearby viewpoints, and likewise, the effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

Additional Viewpoint J: The Cursus 6.2.29 This viewpoint is located in an elevated position, overlooking the camp from the rising ground to its south and just below the ridgeline, at an elevation of just over 105m AOD. It is within the WHS and located toward the western end of The Cursus, by Fargo Plantation, almost 2km from the site. The photograph is orientated in a north-easterly direction and, as with above Viewpoints, portrays buildings on or near the site. Only a small and heavily filtered view of PAC accommodation is discernible, however, along with part of the community centre and - unlike other Viewpoints - the two storey building to be demolished. 6.2.30 Of the Viewpoints, relatively more of the two storey of the scheme would be discernible in this view. Nevertheless, the recessive colour treatment and proposed planting would be similarly effective in mitigating the change. The effect is considered to be neutral and not significant.

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6.3 Summary

6.3.1 The visual effects from the viewpoints described above are summarised in the following table.

Table 2 Summary of effects on Viewpoints

Receptor Distance Comment Initial Effect Mitigation Viewpoint (Residual effect) Viewpoint 01: 2km Scheme proposals No Change - Stonehenge would lie hidden (Neutral) behind intervening trees.

Viewpoint 09: 1.6km Existing tree belts on No Change - The Packway camp perimeter would (Neutral) (Fargo) screen the scheme.

Additional 130m Close range views of Moderate - Viewpoint A: scheme, partly beneficial (Moderate The Packway screened beyond beneficial) Long Barrow mature roadside trees and replacing existing buildings. Although larger, the new building would be of significantly better architectural quality and would improve the quality of the street scene.

Additional 725m Scheme screened by No Change - Viewpoint B: intervening mixed (Neutral) Durrington woodland. Down Ball Barrow)

Additional 3km Intervening tree belts, in - Viewpoint C: No Change B3086 middle distance and (Neutral) others more distant that border the camp, afford a screen to the above ground heritage features. Additional 3km The view is across No Change - Viewpoint D: Stonehenge open toward Fargo (Neutral) Visitor Centre Plantation on the horizon. No part of the camp is visible, neither would be the scheme. Additional 3.6km Open view over No Change - Viewpoint E Winterbourne Salisbury Plain, in (Neutral) Stoke Barrows which the existing camp does not

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feature- neither would the scheme proposals.

Additional 1.6km Distant glimpses of Block of Viewpoint F Cursus parts of the existing woodland Barrows buildings (to be planting. (Enclosure) demolished) on the Recessive site of the scheme are colour obtained in view, and treatment to others nearby also. elements of Scheme would also be southern discernible in the view, elevation but only as small (Neutral) change in wide panorama that would unlikely be noticed, whilst new planting will ultimately screen. Additional 1.7km Distant glimpses of Block of Viewpoint G Cursus parts of the existing woodland Barrows buildings (to be planting and (Enclosure- demolished) on the recessive West) site of the scheme are colour obtained in view, and treatment to others nearby also. elements of Scheme would also be southern discernible in the view, elevation but only as small (Neutral) change in wide panorama that would unlikely be noticed, whilst new planting will ultimately screen. Additional 1.9km Distant glimpses of Block of Viewpoint H Field Barrow parts of the existing woodland buildings (to be planting and demolished) on the recessive site of the scheme are colour obtained in view, and treatment to others nearby also. elements of Scheme would also be southern discernible in the view, elevation but only as small (Neutral) change in wide panorama that would unlikely be noticed, whilst new planting will ultimately screen. Additional 2km Distant glimpses of Block of Viewpoint I: Fargo parts of the existing woodland Plantation buildings (to be planting and Barrow demolished) on the recessive site of the scheme are colour obtained in view, and treatment to others nearby also. elements of Scheme would also be southern

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discernible in the view, elevation but only as small (Neutral) change in wide panorama that would unlikely be noticed, whilst new planting will ultimately screen. Additional 2km Distant glimpses of Block of Viewpoint J The Cursus parts of the existing woodland buildings (to be planting and demolished) on the recessive site of the scheme are colour obtained in view, and treatment to others nearby also. elements of Scheme would also be southern discernible in the view, elevation but only small as (Neutral) change in wide panorama that would unlikely be noticed, whilst new planting will ultimately screen.

6.3.2 Long views towards the camp are visually contained by the combination of topography and existing vegetation. Views are generally restricted to within the immediate surroundings of the camp, where its existing influence on the character and quality of views is readily apparent. The LVA accompanying the hybrid application concluded that changes that would result from the ABP masterplan proposals would largely be similarly contained. In turn, the potential for cumulative effects with the medical and dental proposals would be limited. 6.3.3 The scheme proposals are located within the WHS, but in the camp’s already urbanised footprint. Existing buildings on it would be demolished, whilst the new building will be of significantly better quality. In the restricted long range views of the site from the WHS, glimpses of existing built form in the camp are already detectable amongst the trees: Figure 7, Visibility Matrix, summarises the existing built elements that are visible from the receptor viewpoints. In these views, the recessive colour treatment of new scheme building, the demolition of some buildings on the site and the blocking of some other built form that lies behind it would mean that, where discernible, the small change in a panoramic view would likely pass unnoticed, whilst in time, new woodland planting would eventually screen it.

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7. MITIGATION

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 This section identifies the mitigation measures which have been accommodated in the scheme proposals to enable it to be more comfortably assimilated into its surroundings and to reduce adverse effects on landscape character and visual amenity. 7.2 Mitigation

7.2.1 Although the scheme is accommodated within the existing built-up area of the camp, it nevertheless would be located within the WHS. Siting options have been rehearsed with the local planning authority and Historic England during pre- application discussions to gain an understanding of the constraints (and opportunities) they present and their associated potential to introduce adverse effects to the attributes of the internationally important designation. A preferred option was identified that is capable of accommodating the proposed building footprint whilst also addressing the sensitivity of the site and its wider setting. The preferred option was taken forward for design development, during which the common goal was to seek to eliminate adverse long term residual landscape and visual effects and impact on the WHS through an integrated design approach. 7.2.2 Mitigation measures to offset the identified adverse landscape and visual effects are listed below: · Existing buildings on the site, which are detectable in some long range views from the WHS), would be demolished. · Building massing would be such that the two storey element of the building is arranged at its eastern end – the end of the site where an existing two storey pitched roof building would be demolished. · External elevations would be clad in quality materials. · The building platform is dug-into the rising ground of the site. · A flat roof design would be adopted. · Dark (recessive) colours would be used for most of the south elevation (masonry walls in blue engineering brick; the louvre panels; and window frames). · Most rooftop plant would be screened by louvre panels. · A block of woodland planting, located to the south-west of the main scheme footprint to close (when mature) the arc of long views toward the WHS. · Whilst taking operational and safety requirements into account, the external works lighting proposals for the scheme will be based on the technical design principles contained in The Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) Dark Skies guidance- Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light GN01:2011. All column and building mounted luminaires will be Dark Skies zone E2. · Tree removal from along The Packway would be minimised. All trees in the row on the northern side of the road side would remain intact. · Retained trees to be protected by fencing and works within the root protection area to be carried out in accordance with an arboricultural method statement.

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7.3 Residual Impact

7.3.1 The combination of landform and (retained) mature tree belts within the camp, around its perimeter and surrounding landscape would widely control available views of the scheme’s development proposals. The scheme is confined within the existing urban area of the camp, which is an established feature of the landscape. Where views would be obtainable, the scheme would be seen in that context. The layout and design mitigations that have shaped the scheme proposals would be effective in eliminating the adverse landscape and visual effects. 7.3.2 From close range, the scheme would bring beneficial effects to the public realm, whilst in long range views, the changes would not intrude on the lines of inter- visibility between, the Scheduled Monuments. Where decipherable from the designated area (which would not include Stonehenge itself), the scheme would be seen as an incidental element amongst the dominant green infrastructure of the camp, and would likely pass unnoticed as differing from the existing scene. The presence of the camp on its surroundings - in either quantum or extent – would not be increased. 7.3.3 The scheme would not be visible from the AONB and neither its quality nor character would be impacted. The siting and design of the scheme would not cause adverse effect to the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the surrounding landscape character areas, including the SLA. Similarly, there would be no impacts to the character and interest of the WHS and the attributes of its Outstanding Universal Value.

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8 CONCLUSION

8.1 Army Basing Programme

8.1.1 The implementation of the ABP will bring about physical changes to the detail appearance of Larkhill Camp, continuing the history of change recorded at the camp during its use by the military. The ABP masterplan developments for Larkhill included in the recent hybrid application involve: earthworks; the demolition of existing built- form; tree and woodland removal; and construction of new buildings, hardstands, roads, footpaths, car-parks, sports facilities and lighting and planting of trees and shrubs. There would be associated, largely minor, effects on landscape character and visual amenity from the hybrid application proposals. 8.1.2 The scheme proposal for the Medical and Dental facility at Larkhill is part of the ABP. It will bring changes to part of the existing built-up area of the camp that is within the area of the WHS.

8.2 Planning Policy

8.2.1 The scheme would not significantly conflict with any planning policies relevant to landscape and visual matters. Neither would the attributes of the WHS that contribute to its outstanding universal value be compromised.

8.3 Elements of the Landscape

Topography 8.3.1 The scheme would require the formation of a new platform for the proposed new building, which would be set partly into the existing sloping ground (by up to some 2.5m) and partly above (by up to 2m). The change would be localised, within the boundary of the partly already developed, and would be insignificant in terms of the overall topography.

Public Rights of Way 8.3.2 The scheme proposals would not physically alter any of the public rights of way within the surrounds to the camp. Public highways, including ‘The Packway’, abut the site and close range views of the new building would be afforded in the context of the existing urban footprint. Further, parts of the new building would also be decipherable in some long range views (from some1.5+km) from publically accessible areas of the WHS lying to the south-south-west. Again, this would be in the context of glimpses of existing elements of built form set amongst the trees, indeed replacing some of those in the view. In neither close nor long range views would the scheme adversely affect the character or quality of the view.

Watercourses 8.3.3 The scheme would not affect any watercourses.

Land Use 8.3.4 The scheme proposals will bring change to the existing built form within the camp’s urban footprint, replacing existing buildings that would be demolished. There would be some modest intensification of built footprint on the site of the scheme, but not so as to be out of keeping with the existing urban grain. Moreover, the architectural quality of the new building would be significantly improved and the community zone ambience of the area would be reinforced – both beneficial effects to the public realm. The proposals do not directly alter the land use within its wider surrounds.

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Vegetation 8.3.5 The scheme would require the removal of a few trees from one side of the avenue that lines ‘The Packway’. Part re-provision with smaller species is proposed. 8.3.6 The scheme would not affect the existing screen belts around the camp. 8.3.7 Overall, the effect on green-infrastructure would not be significant.

8.4 Landscape Character

8.4.1 The scheme would be accommodated within the camp’s existing urban footprint. The building would be set in the lower (AOD) part of the camp. Its impact on topography and the camp’s landscape structure would be localised. From a great majority of the surrounding setting, topography and existing vegetation will entirely screen the scheme proposals. Nonetheless, close range views of the new building would be locally available, as would some long range views extending into the WHS - but from only within a narrow arc of view to the south–south–west. From close range, the change would be beneficial. From long range, albeit decipherable, the change to existing glimpses of the camp’s existing built form would generally pass unnoticed. 8.4.2 The scheme would not exert any increase to the dominance of the camp’s existing presence in the landscape and its current relationship to the wider landscape would be maintained. 8.4.3 Hence, the nature and scale of the scheme are not of an order that would be disruptive to the physical landscape resource or perceived characteristics of the landscape character areas at either a National or Regional scale. The distance from the AONB, combined with intervening landform and intervening vegetation, would eliminate any impacts on the designated area, and also the SLA. 8.4.4 From within the WHS, including from some Monuments, the scheme would be detectable in the view toward the camp. Views would be restricted to those lying in a narrow arc to the south-south-west and excluding Stonehenge. The change would not lie in any lines of site between heritage features, however, but rather within a very small and secondary arc of view within the available extensive panorama(s) across the designated WHS area and surrounding areas. The quantum and nature of the change would not extend the presence of built form in the view, either in quantum or spatially. Neither the character nor setting of the WHS would be adversely affected. A Dark Skies (Zone E2) compliant external lighting installation will reduce additional night-time effects. 8.4.5 Locally, the affected part of the WHS is already within the urban area of the camp and partly developed. The sense of place is ordinary. Existing buildings on the site would be demolished, to be replaced by the proposed medical and dental facility. The construction period would result in short term adverse effects. On completion, although the new building would occupy a larger footprint, its architectural treatment would deliver a significantly greater coherence and enhanced quality to the built-stock and enhance the public realm. 8.4.6 The Attributes of Outstanding Universal Value of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site would not be compromised.

8.5 Visual Amenity

8.5.1 The adverse effects of the scheme would be generally well contained within its wider landscape setting, particularly in medium range and distant views. In the restricted areas of the surrounding landscape from which the scheme would be detectable, the presence of built-form in the view would not increase. 8.5.2 Where visible in close range views from within the camp’s built-up area, the scheme would result in beneficial effects of moderate significance to the quality of the public realm.

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8.6 Mitigation

8.6.1 The scheme proposals adopt siting, layout and design precepts that are intended to reduce landscape and visual impacts, and adverse effects on the WHS, to accommodate them within their sensitive landscape setting. The mitigation treatments would equally be of benefit in modulating adverse effects to the setting of Scheduled Monuments from which the scheme would be detectable in views.

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APPENDIX A

National Character Area Profile

27-ROGGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Rev A National Character 132. Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs Area profile: Supporting documents

Key facts Landscape Analysis Introduction & Summary Description Opportunities and data change

Description

Physical and functional links to other National The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site shows that the link north to Avebury, on the Marlborough Downs, is very longstanding and the likely result of Character Areas related cultures. This now generates infrastructure and recreational links through The Chalk of the National Character Area (NCA) is part of a wider sweep, extending the tourist and heritage industry, with many related connections between the from the Dorset coast up across to north of the Wash into Yorkshire. numerous sites of interest.

The views from and to the escarpment over the Vale of Pewsey and the Avon Vales NCA form the principal connection to the areas to the north. Views from this NCA to the north are extensive and long distance.

The rivers of the Avon system rise locally, within the NCA itself or to the north in the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs, and flow south towards the . They may once have served as transport routes. To the south of Salisbury, after the rivers have joined, there are flood risks, which may affect settlements in the adjacent Dorset Downs and NCA.

The area is a catchment for rivers affecting the Hampshire Downs to the east. A substantial pipeline network to move freshwater between the NCA and the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, to the south, was under development in the early part of the 21st century by Wessex Water. This is likely to prove vital for secure water supplies thereafter for this NCA, in addition to assisting with the water flow along the River Avon system, designated under European legislation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Transport links are by major roads running broadly east–west – thus to the South Hampshire Lowlands, the New Forest and Avon Vales, and onwards to London or Bristol. There are few rail links. Medieval farming landscape near Mere.

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Key characteristics

■ Salisbury Plain, an extensive and open rolling chalk plateau and one of the ■ A sparsely settled landscape, with few settlements of any size, and largest remaining areas of calcareous grassland in north-west Europe. notable for nucleated villages at the foot of the scarp along the springline. Large-scale farmsteads are a prominent feature. ■ Many small, sheltered river valleys, such as the Wylye, with narrow flood plains and meandering river courses. ■ Abundant use made in older buildings of local stone such as flint, Chilmark stone and clunch, together with timber frame and chalk cob. ■ Woodland generally confined to valley slopes, with scattered copses and shelterbelts (usually of beech or conifer) found on the high downs, and ■ Large parks and estates found in the valleys, with related groups of estate occasional ancient oak woods on the ridgetops. housing in common style.

■ Large arable fields predominate, with generally very few hedgerows or ■ Salisbury, an ecclesiastical centre since the early medieval period and obvious boundary features; there are often wide grass buffer strips. now a tourist and local administration centre, with a well-preserved historic core, and a cathedral whose spire has long been a feature in the ■ Rare flora and fauna of national significance, associated with a chalk surrounding landscape. landscape, from stone curlew, hobby and corn bunting to dropwort, early gentian and slender bedstraw. ■ Military tracks, airfields and structures reflecting a major land use. Visually prominent modern military housing and supporting development are ■ Outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape, with many Scheduled Ancient found in the eastern side of the NCA. Monuments and earthworks prominent in the open landscape, notably Stonehenge.

■ Distinctive chalk-cut figures – generally large horses – post-dating the medieval period.

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Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs today The two areas of AONB are noteworthy. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs to the south is designated as an AONB for its rich chalk down, whaleback ridges, wooded valleys and deeply rural, agricultural character and The overall character is of an extensive open chalk plateau, with a near- its rich archaeological resource. It is separated from its fellow AONB by continuous dramatic scarp to the north, and a pattern of attractive valleys to Salisbury Plain and shares its sense of remoteness and generally dark skies. the east and south. Two seperate areas, covering around one third of the NCA are designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): Cranborne Chase The North Wessex Downs AONB lies to the north east, towards Marlborough, and West Wiltshire Downs AONB to the south and North Wessex Downs AONB and is designated for its wide open downland and the scarp slopes, rich in flora to the north-east. and wildlife, its ancient woodlands, and its river valleys with rare spring-fed and fast-flowing chalk streams.

Salisbury Plain is the largest expanse of the rare habitat of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe. It is designated as an SAC and is rich in chalk plants and invertebrates. It is also rich in bird species, notably the stone curlew, and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), again under European legislation, as is the nearby area of . The latter is generally known for its military and scientific role, but has distinctive and valuable heathland flora.

A major theme in this NCA is the continuity of use and division of the landscape, with features ranging from the Bronze Age through to the Roman and early Saxon periods all being used as boundaries for medieval estates and parishes, suggesting that many of the land units seen today reflect much earlier territorial divisions. Most of the area had been cleared of its woodland for farming and grazing by the end of the Neolithic period, resulting in the thin chalk-based soils which have helped to shape much of the area’s agricultural development and heritage. Large farmsteads are a feature across the area, often with nearby Open farm landscape near Winter's Penning. workers’ housing. Large arable fields with few hedgerows or settlements

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predominate across the area, resulting from the piecemeal enclosure of open and its cathedral were immortalised by the artist Constable and remain little fields around villages and also open downland from the medieval period. These changed, with functioning watermeadows between Salisbury and Harnham changes worked within an earlier framework of droveways and routeways. and beyond to Bodenham. Fields on the plateau generally date from the late 18th century, are more regular in their form and have been most affected in the post-1950 period by The low ridges of abandoned floated flood meadows which have developed declining hedgerow management and their removal. The downs to the south from the 16th and 17th centuries are characteristic; although many meadows and west are broad hills with long views, separated by shallow dry valleys. The have been lost, some continue to be grazed, notably by cattle. The valleys and main land use is arable farming, with much of the eastern area down to pasture watercourses are often lined with areas of carr woodland with willow and alder. – not least for the benefit of locally rich archaeology and for the setting of the Locally abundant is an ancient plant, marsh marigold; also found is the rare prehistoric monuments, from the early Robin Hood’s Ball to Durrington Walls, the brown galingale. The river valleys to the south and west are sheltered and Cursus and Stonehenge itself. There is abundant evidence of settlements and include long- established settlements, revealed not least by the smaller field surrounding fields across the open plateau and also across the area, which is enclosures from up to the 16th century. thought to have been largely cleared of trees in the Neolithic period. The settlements moved down into the river valleys after Roman times. Clay and gravel deposits, and exposures of older Jurassic rocks, some notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, illustrate the action of water over time There are scattered copses and shelterbelts – many planted in the 18th and through the chalk landscape. Steep sided and with narrow flood plains, the 19th centuries – on the high downs, with earlier and more substantial areas valleys are visually contained and often appear remote. of woodland confined mainly to valleys and steep slopes. There are some extensive ridge top ancient oak woodlands, some with newer planting, such Nucleated settlements prevail, often with groups of former estate cottages as at Grovely Wood. Occasional new planting of small broadleaved woods in uniform style. Older cottages are of cob and timber frame with thatch roofs, around the chalk plain may take place where military training needs call for with brick and tile common from the early 19th century onwards. There is some woods as cover, and where it is appropriate on a site-specific basis. use of local stone, for example the distinctive Chilmark stone or knapped flint with clunch. This adds to local distinctiveness. The plateau is drained by the River Avon and its tributaries, designated as an SAC for its biodiversity in fish (notably two lamprey species) and aquatic plants, There are few major communication routes across the NCA; where possible, such as the water crowfoot. These rivers drain along their natural course into people travelled along the valley floors but went across the Downs when the Avon just north of Salisbury, and expand across a flood plain just to the necessary, heading north and south. south of the city. The views over the flood plain to the historic core of the city

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This is a rural area with over 70 per cent agricultural use. This is largely arable, with some livestock use (generally pigs or sheep), in particular around Stonehenge, where there has been a drive for reversion to pasture. The popularity of Wiltshire ham, and its suitability in rotation with arable farming, also encourages the continuation of pig farming. Land is also managed (at least in part) in the interests of game shooting, which brings benefit to the local economy and affects the management measures that are applied. The main modern influence on the Plain’s landscape is military activity, which in places bars civilian use, generally influences the agricultural patterns, and is widely apparent owing to buildings and other infrastructure.

This NCA includes Stonehenge, part of a World Heritage Site, whose ancient monuments “together with their settings and associated sites... form landscapes without parallel” and are testimony to "a wealthy and highly organised prehistoric society able to impose its concepts on the environment”. Stonehenge4 retains spiritual associations for some. Over one million visitors from all over the world come to Stonehenge each year. Tourism and agriculture remain the main economic drivers within the NCA and likely forces for change, as they have been for well over a century.

Cattle grazing on Harnham water meadows to the south of Salisbury. 4 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/373

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The landscape through time of evidence for farmsteads and other settlements with their associated field systems, the development of large estates marked by linear boundaries which The western area of the NCA, the Downs, dates from the Upper Jurassic, around often formed the framework for present parishes, and causewayed enclosures, 150 million years ago, when Britain was covered by shallow shelf seas, and sees cursus monuments and hill forts (such as Scratchbury in the Wylye Valley), and some exposures of that period. Later in the Jurassic Period there was, over finally Neolithic long barrows, bronze-age barrows and other ritual and funerary time, a substantial fall in sea level. This resulted in a variety of depositional monuments. Pre-eminent among these is Stonehenge with its associated environments – marine and estuarine – leading to limestone, siltstones and clays. monuments, its significance recognised since 1986, with that of Avebury to the These deposits are seen in the areas along and to the south of the River Wylye. The north, by inscription by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This includes the Cursus notable resulting local stone is Chilmark Limestone, the building stone used for monument dating from around 3600 BC and the circles of sarsens and trilithons Salisbury Cathedral. erected within the circular earthwork enclosure of around 3000 BC, linked by its Avenue to the Avon. Archaeological work around 2000 revealed new Salisbury Plain, as the core and northern and western part of the NCA, was formed information about its development, its association with the 12-hectare henge at during the Cretaceous Period, after 145 million years ago, when sea levels had Durrington Walls and its linked settlement, and its role in the development of risen again and shallow marine conditions prevailed. The Lewes, Seaford and Neolithic and bronze-age Britain. Newhaven Chalks of this period form the majority of the Plain itself, and are very pure limestone of some 98 per cent calcium carbonate. There are few natural Roman settlement consists of small towns such as the roadside town that exposures of these chalks. developed outside the iron-age hill fort at , a few villa sites and villages. Of particular importance are a number of examples of deserted Roman villages The plateau slopes slightly up to the north and west, with the northern scarp on higher downland which survive, in part, as earthworks. These settlements slopes particularly striking. Subsequent erosion by rivers has left the area with a appear to have been deserted by the 4th or early 5th centuries. It is probable that pattern of river valleys with later alluvial deposits, all the rivers rising in the NCA most rural settlement in the Roman period (of which there are few visible traces other than the Avon itself. There are also many winterbournes, such as the Till, above ground) followed the existing pattern, with linear villages lying in the which flow over the Chalk only after prolonged rainfall. To the east, beyond the valleys alongside chalk streams. Within these valley-based settlements there is River Bourne, lie much more recent Tertiary deposits (including a number of sarsen evidence for both medieval planning in the form of regular property plots and trains) and superficial drift geology of alluvium, clay, silt, sand and gravel. the desertion and shrinkage of settlements in the 14th and 15th centuries. The present pattern of discrete villages separated by farmland is often the result of the The area was largely cleared for agriculture and grazing at the outset of the loss of some villages or shrinkage of existing villages at that time. Neolithic period (around 4200–3700 BC) followed by the development of a distinctive regional culture up until around 2500 BC and then continuing into the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman occupation. The result is an astonishing diversity

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Salisbury, dominated by its cathedral spire, is the main urban area in this NCA. fauna and flora, as well as the visible archaeology of settlement and land use Salisbury is a medieval new town created by the Bishop of Salisbury, moving it from from the prehistoric period which has been destroyed elsewhere by intensive the hill-top location at Old Sarum, slightly to the north. Downton, a little to the arable cultivation. The remains of practice trenches from both World Wars and south, is also a planned new town laid out opposite an earlier Saxon estate other features developed by the Army across the Plain are also of significance. centre. In the Saxon period Wilton was the most important town, being the Around the Plain are military camps which have developed into small towns, administrative capital of the area and having a royal residence. A rich legacy of including Tidworth, Larkhill and Bulford. Outstanding and probably unique in churches with 12th–13th century fabric (such as Fisherton Delamere) testifies to the an international context are the pre-1914 military aviation sites and structures prosperity of this area in this period, and the wealth gained from its arable land and at Larkhill, Netheravon and Upavon. Old Sarum retains the most complete wool. Clarendon is a largely overlooked Saxon royal palace, to the south-west of group of hangars and other buildings relating to a grass flying field of the First Salisbury, rebuilt by Henry III in the 12th century and enjoyed until the 17th century. World War period.

Travellers wrote about Stonehenge – while addressing the Dissolution of Over the latter part of the 20th century, there was much intensification of the Monasteries on behalf of Henry VIII, and the 17th century sees it agriculture – which remains the major industry in the NCA – but the early 21st documented by antiquarian John Aubrey. This inspired interest, which was century brought more reversion to pasture and less arable, particularly in the encouraged in the late 18th century by the romantic vision of its ‘wilderness’ and area of the World Heritage Site. This development results in large part from a saw a growing exploration of the area. The NCA’s several important country care for the historic environment and a willingness to support this financially – houses with their associated parklands, for example Wilton House, Boyton and which may not prove to be of long duration. A positive development has been Wilbury, developed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In parallel, large the restoration of the landscape setting to Stonehenge following the closure of farms were developing from the 15th and 16th centuries, often based on leased the A344. estates of major ecclesiastical landowners and through the engrossing of the holdings of smaller farmers. This resulted in the creation of some of the The farmed landscape and semi-natural habitats were, in the early 21st largest farms in the country and the rise of the ‘capitalist farmer’ who had century, developing in a manner consistent with the overall (rural) character for considerable resources. Wilton and other estates had a major impact on the the NCA, with little urban development outside military areas. Housing and rebuilding of farmsteads and the reshaping of the farmed landscape from the late other development was well managed, not least with the growing interest in 18th century. and use of green infrastructure to make landscape serve many purposes such as for recreation, drainage and biodiversity. The designation of the SAC for Wiltshire’s landscape has been intensively used for military training and Salisbury Plain and the River Avon has helped to advance the conservation of infrastructure from the late 19th century. Salisbury Plain is the largest training the NCA’s landscape. area in the United Kingdom, at some 38,000 ha, and is now one of the best- preserved archaeological landscapes in western Europe. The military use of the Plain has helped to conserve chalk grassland habitats for a rich diversity of

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Ecosystem services nitrates. It is believed likely that work with the agricultural community through the catchment sensitive farming schemes will satisfactorily address these The Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs NCA provides a wide range concerns and be a useful tool elsewhere. The NCA is largely a nitrate vulnerable of benefits to society. Each is derived from the attributes and processes zone and already has many applicable regulations affecting land managers. (both natural and cultural features) within the area. These benefits are known collectively as ‘ecosystem services’. The predominant services are Cultural services (inspiration, education and wellbeing) summarised below. Further information on ecosystem services provided in ■ Sense of place/inspiration: The Chalk dominates the NCA’s history and this NCA is contained in the ‘Analysis’ section of this document. topography; Stonehenge and the surrounding open pasture land supply a strong sense of place to the NCA. The strength of the NCA’s character here can Provisioning services (food, fibre and water supply) be seen from the enduring power of the visitor attractions such as Stonehenge ■ Food provision: Substantial arable crops, of national importance – mostly and its associated monuments; the range of chalk-cut figures, to demonstrate wheat and (often for distillers and maltsters) barley, with additional man’s interaction with the chalk hills; and Salisbury itself, with the cathedral oilseeds (rape and linseed) and (largely for animal feed) maize; pig meat, and its close. one of largest sources in England, largely outdoor reared; limited mixed farming; and livestock. The current mosaic of agricultural production is ■ Sense of history: The area has captured the imagination of antiquarians and important in preserving the NCA’s landscape character. writers from the 16th century, and it has a strong sense of being one of the most anciently settled landscapes in the world. Much of this rich evidence ■ Water availability: Local rivers and aquifers are currently broadly has been conserved by military use of the Plain, its airfields and training sufficient for the supply of water within the NCA and beyond5 and the areas also being highly evocative of militarisation before and during the First underlying rocks are such that water flow is good. World War. To this can be added rich evidence of how pre-Roman land use has shaped present boundaries, and in its farmsteads, traditional buildings Regulating services (water purification, air quality maintenance and and farmed landscape together with the development of a distinctive rural climate regulation) economy based on corn and sheep. Old Sarum, north of Salisbury, is both a ■ Regulating water quality: There is a major problem here in that the greensand medieval site and a former rotten borough. Wilton House is a stately home soils found in parts of the river valleys are in places degraded and have (and now a visitor attraction and thus an economic force) which has been 6 unsuitably high nutrient levels, and are occasionally higher than is desirable in inhabited by the same family since its construction in the 17th century ;

5 For details, see the Environment Agency website and search for aquifers 6 www.wiltonhouse.com

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Salisbury is a medieval town, now city, that is still in operation and serving as a centre today, showing continuity in human presence in this NCA and that activity in the city has endured and evolved over time.

■ Tranquillity: The NCA enjoys quiet countryside and a sense of isolation and escape, partly owing to the open spaces themselves, and there are many areas which seem to pre-date the modern world. This is appreciated by both residents and visitors. The area remains tranquil, with dark night skies away from the major transport links of the A36 and A3037, and this is largely unaffected by the many military uses.

■ Recreation: The NCA is richly endowed, with an extensive network of rights of way (including byways open to all traffic) and scope for game shooting, fishing, birdwatching (including of the great bustard, now restored to the NCA8 ), and many visitor attractions in relation to both heritage and nature. The NCA has resources for education on English history and culture, and on the natural world.

■ Biodiversity: Around a fifth of the NCA is recognised as being important for its diversity of wild species. There are large areas of semi-natural habitat and a wealth of flora and fauna. A number of key sites are supported by international and national designations.

7 www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies Shrill carder bee feeding on red clover. 8 www.greatbustard.org

13 Aspire Defence Capital Works – Landscape & Visual Study – Larkhill Medical & Dental ROGGEN

APPENDIX B

Salisbury District Landscape Character Assessment

27-ROGGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Rev A 36

A2: UPPER AVON NARROW CHALK RIVER VALLEY

Location and Boundaries

The upper Avon Chalk River Valley flows northwards from Salisbury and is situated within the north of the District. The river valley meanders through adjacent Chalk Downland (Landscape Character Type D) and two minor roads corridors follow the path of the river.

Key Characteristics

 Narrow, strongly contained valley which cuts through adjacent Chalk Downland landscape and encompasses the upper section of the River Avon;  Rich ecology throughout, both within the river and within wet woodlands and commercial poplar plantations, hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows along the corridor;  Strong sense of enclosure and shelter within the valley, which contrasts with the predominantly open nature of surrounding Chalk Downland;  Generally small-scale settlement pattern in southern half of the valley, with larger nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupying the northern valley sides;  Long history of settlement apparent, visible in the built form of Amesbury Abbey, Great Durnford and Little Durnford Manor houses;  Belts of linear woodland along the valley sides further contribute to sense of enclosure;  Predominantly rural landscape with a strong sense of tranquillity throughout, despite isolated visual and noise intrusion from the A345 road corridors;  Intricate landscape pattern of small pastoral fields, woodland and scattered villages.

Summary of Visual Character

There is a strong sense of enclosure through the gently meandering course of this narrow river valley, due to the patches of linear woodland, which lines the valley sides, and the enclosing topography of adjacent rising Chalk Downland. As a result, landscape pattern within the valley is small-scale and intimate, consisting of a patchwork of small pastoral fields, woodlands and scattered villages. Within the northern half of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk Rover Valley, the relatively large, nucleated settlements of Durrington and Amesbury occupy much of the valley sides and overlook the river. The valley corridor had strong ecological interest, resulting from the combination of wet woodland, commercial poplar plantations, softer, predominantly deciduous – hanging valley side woodlands and water meadows. A network of predominantly intact hedgerows lines pastoral fields and minor road corridors. Historic settlement continuity is also strong, with the historic manors at Great Durnford and Little Durnford; and Amesbury Abbey providing recognisable historic landscape features. Even though there is a military presence in the surrounding Chalk Downland landscapes, this does not generally permeate into the river valley. This is a predominantly rural character area, with a generally strong sense of tranquillity throughout. Occasional noise and visual intrusion is apparent where the corridor crosses the northern half of the valley and also associated with the A345 road corridors and large settlement edges.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The Avon Valley has been a foci for settlement and activity since the prehistoric period. Although the majority of the major prehistoric monuments are to be found in the surrounding Character Areas, the valleys would have provided a source of water and food. This can be seen in the remains of an Iron Age univallate hillfort, known as Vespasian's Camp;  It contains a number of historic buildings and parks and gardens which make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape. The historical development of estates has influenced land-

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 37

Location and boundaries of A2 Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley landscape character area

The vegetation-lined course of the Upper Avon River as it passes through Burrington

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 38

use across the area, whereby grazing land, arable and water-meadows were important components of traditional farming systems. Such estates include Heale House, an early 20th century gardens within a larger agricultural estate which is a grade II* Registered Park and Garden.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 In the medieval period the valley side would have been the focus of open field cultivation, between the valley floor meadows and the upland grazing, as a component of sheep-and corn agriculture. This system of mixed farming affected the arrangement of later enclosed fields, the layout tracks, droves and hollow-ways which survive to the present being influenced largely by the movement of livestock to and from the downs. Agricultural innovations in the post-medieval and modern periods saw the inclosure of the open fields adjacent to the villages. The large scale fields are the result of the recent amalgamation of earlier straight-sided fields characteristic of late 18th/ early 19th century Parliamentary inclosure.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Small riverside settlements with distinctive historic buildings follow the valley floor, complemented by the designed landscapes of old parkland. Due to their ‘special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’, over 11 of these are designated as Conservation Areas.

Biodiversity

The spring fed streams and river in this area are rich in plant and animal communities, deriving, in part, from the high-quality of the base-rich water which is naturally clear and fast flowing. The river irrigates the valley floodplains to create a rich mosaic of associated wetland habitats including water meadows, damp pasture, wet woodland and fens.

The ecological value of this area is reflected in parts of it having been designated as SAC (part of the River Avon SAC) and SSSI (part of the River Avon System SSSI and includes Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI). Notable amongst these SSSIs is the Lower Woodford Water Meadows SSSI, which is one of the last two actively managed water meadows in Wiltshire and retains the grassland communities typical of this type of management. SAC designation was awarded primarily for the presence of internationally rare/vulnerable species – populations of Atlantic salmon, bullhead, and brook and sea lamprey – and for its habitat value for flowing water vegetation and Desmoulin’s whorl snail.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

The overall condition of the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley Landscape Character Area is considered to be good, as a result of the rich biodiversity within the river and adjacent riparian woodlands. The hedgerow network is predominantly intact, however in certain places boundary loss if visible. There is also a strong vernacular character within most of the small, generally well-kept villages.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area has a strong pattern of small pastoral fields, small pockets of woodland and scattered, small-scale villages. Patches of wet woodlands and water meadows adjacent to the river corridor further enhance strength of character. In addition, there is a strong sense of

11106001R LCA_EC_02-08 39 tranquillity throughout much of the area, coupled with a predominantly rural character throughout. As a result, the overall landscape character sensitivity of this area is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

The relatively strong sense of enclosure and shelter within this narrow valley, which contrasts with adjacent Chalk Downland, contributes to a moderate to high visual sensitivity throughout. Views are generally constrained, north-south along the corridor by enclosing landform and linear woodland belts. In places, particularly from the higher valley sides, open and sometimes panoramic views can be gained across adjacent open Chalk Downland landscapes. In these locations, visual sensitivity is considered to be higher.

Key Landscape Changes

 Agricultural intensification leading to a gradual drainage and improvement of permanent pasture and water meadows on the floodplain and loss of riparian vegetation;  Nutrient pollution from riverside farmland plus road and urban run off affecting the high water quality within the Upper Avon River;  Loss of hedgerow field boundaries in places, and poor management in other locations;  Increased traffic pressure on the rural road network, leading to improvements including widening, kerbing and signage, leading to a more ‘urban’ character in places;  Potential visually intrusive new modern agricultural or residential development along the valley sides;  Modern residential development in more open locations, some close to the floodplain, have weakened the pattern of tight-knit villages in the past.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for the Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley should be to conserve the strong sense of tranquillity, predominantly rural character and intimate, small-scale landscape pattern throughout. This should include conservation and maintenance of key features, including wet woodlands, hanging valley side woodlands and historic vernacular buildings. There are also opportunities for restoration, replanting and management of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and waterside meadows.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Monitor road engineering to safeguard the rural character of the network of lanes;  Conserve the predominantly small-scale and tight-knit settlement pattern;  Conserve views across and along the valley corridor;  Consider opportunities for re-planting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost and consider opportunities for reinstatement of traditional management techniques;  Consider developing guidance for built development to ensure both future construction and changes to existing buildings are designed to integrate with the existing character and structure of settlements;  Protect the nature conservation value of the River Avon;  Conserve the strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout.

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D3: LARKHILL CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

This Landscape Character Area stretches from the north of Salisbury District, southwards towards the city of Salisbury. It falls between the Till Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A1) to the west and Upper Avon Narrow Chalk River Valley (LCA A2) to the east. To the north and south, this area is bordered by Chalk Downland Landscapes. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north of the District boundary.42

Key Characteristics

 Strong sense of continuity throughout this gently rolling landscape;  A largely uninhabited landscape of unenclosed rough grassland, criss-crossed by army tracks;  Numerous archaeological features visible within the landscape, including instantly recognisable landmarks, such as Stonehenge;  Strong recognisable sense of place as a result of views across this landscape towards archaeological features;  Very large-scale landscape, which generally has a strong sense of openness and exposure;  Strong sense of elevation, with frequent panoramic views over surrounding Landscape Character Areas;  The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Scattered settlement pattern, comprising small linear villages (such as Shrewton), hamlets (such as Winterbourne Stoke) and isolated farmsteads;  The utilitarian form, materials and layout of military camps (such as Larkhill towards the north of the area), have a strong influence on the character of this landscape;  A network of rural roads crosses the landscape, in addition to main road corridors of A303 and A345, which introduce noise and visual intrusion;  Sense of tranquillity is generally strong throughout much of the area, however, this is disrupted by military activities and traffic noise on the A303 and A345 road corridors;  Large-scale landscape pattern delineated by low hedgerows, which are often sometimes gappy, and regular shaped mixed woodland copses and shelter belts.

Summary of Visual Character

Larkhill and Winterbourne Landscape Character Area encompasses extensive areas of unenclosed and uninhabited chalk grassland and scrub, upon which, a layer of scattered mixed copses and plantations are visible features. The gently undulating, yet elevated topography of this area encompasses a series of dry valleys crossing the landscape, particularly in proximity to the village of Winterbourne Stoke. In places, these valleys are under arable cultivation. The associated ridgelines often facilitate dramatic views across this generally open landscape, towards landmarks and across adjacent Landscape Character Areas. Numerous paths and military tracks cross the landscape, the tranquillity of which varies with levels of military activity. Recognisable sense of place is very strong as a result of views towards the numerous archaeological landscape features, such as distinctive barrows (which are often sited on ridgelines) and the instantly recognisable landmark of Stonehenge. Landscape pattern is predominantly large-scale, punctuated by a smaller-scale settlement pattern of small villages and hamlets. The urban edges of Amesbury settlement to the east and the A303 road corridor are visual intrusions. Larkhill military camp, with its numerous large scale bulky barrack and administration buildings interspersed with grassed open space and enclosed by security fences, are also dominant landscape features within this area.

42 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plan (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D3 Larkhill Chalk Downland landscape character area

The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland

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Human Influences

Historic Environment

 The landscape of this area provides unique evidence from different period of changing human activities and land use over 5,000 years. In particular, the unusually extensive survival of the densest and most varied complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England are a visible part of the present day landscape, especially within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.  Many individual monuments are typical of their period while other types are extremely rare and the very dense archaeological landscape comprises ridge-top barrow grounds, henge sites, earthworks such as the Stonehenge Cursus, and evidence of early settlements and field patterns.  The earliest ceremonial monuments within this area, date from the early and middle Neolithic (4000-3000BC), and include over a dozen burial mounds and a causewayed enclosure.  During the Bronze Age (2500BC-1600BC) ceremonial monuments such as the Winterbourne Stoke Barrows dominated the landscape, although the focus soon moved to Stonehenge. The stone structures, which characterise this phase were erected in place of timber structures and were re- modelled several times during the period.  The farming activities which were practised within the area during the Iron Age (800BC-AD43) have left little evidence, but some monuments do remains such as hill fort.  Salisbury Plain reverted to downland used for the grazing of large flocks of sheep during the medieval period, and this was certainly the case when antiquarians first ‘rediscovered’ Stonehenge in the 17th century.  Arable agriculture progressively expanded during the 18th century however, it was the vast expanses of open grassland and the low land values which made the Plain suitable for acquisition for military training from 1897 onwards. Since then, the expansion and reconfiguration of military installations has been the most conspicuous use of the southern fringe of Salisbury Plain Training Area.  Lake House, a c.3ha 20th century garden with formal and informal features, is a grade II Registered Park and Garden within the Character Area.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although an area of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th century there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place- mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.  Remnant historic field systems can be seen south of South Newton and north of Middle Woodford.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement is concentrated in the valleys, with only farmsteads and small hamlets on the Down;  Vernacular buildings are generally of chalk and flint, flint and brick bands, or flint and limestone, with tile roofs.

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Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

Camp Down is an area designated as a SSSI due to its well-grazed botanically rich chalk grassland. The Downland is rich in plants characteristic of South Wiltshire chalk grasslands, including several species of nationally restricted distribution. The mosaic of grazed chalk grassland and scattered scrub provides conditions favourable to many bird and insect species.

EVALUATION

Current Condition

Most of the chalk grassland within the MOD controlled areas (to the north of Larkhill) is generally in good condition. Clumps of woodland within this area are generally well maintained. Outside MOD owned areas, arable farmland is generally in moderate condition, with hedges and field boundary loss apparent.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland includes several sensitive landscape elements, such as numerous archaeological features, mixed woodland copses and shelterbelts, which contribute to a diverse, yet large-scale landscape pattern. Overlying settlement pattern is small-scale and sense of tranquillity is strong throughout most of the area, at distance from the main A303 and A345 road corridors. Sense of tranquillity is, however, often disturbed by military training activities. Overall landscape character sensitivity is therefore considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

Sense of openness within this elevated landscape is strong, resulting in frequent wide panoramic views across open Chalk Downland. At the eastern and western edges of the area, views into the adjacent Till and Upper Avon river valleys are framed by riverside vegetation. Open views towards landmark features, such as Stonehenge and other archaeological monuments also contribute to the visual character of this area. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. Overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Scrub invasion and management of grazing levels;  Past intensification of arable agriculture has resulted in a loss of biodiversity value amongst the chalk grassland, ploughing up of archaeological sites and loss of hedgerow field boundaries;  Noise and visual intrusion associated with military vehicles and non-military traffic on the busy A303 road corridor to the south, and Salisbury;

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 Positive clearance of scrub encroachment and other land management within MOD owned areas;  Potential future impact of tall structures such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on the generally open skylines and could have a major impact on the sense of remoteness;  Potential damage to archaeological sites and the setting of archaeological monuments.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Larkhill and Winterbourne Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area should be to conserve the strong sense of openness and exposure throughout and intact landscape features, including clumps of woodland and archaeological features. Ecological habitats, particularly the chalk grassland, should also be conserved wherever possible and field boundaries restored using locally appropriate species.

Specific management objectives are to:

 Maintain open and dramatic views across the Chalk Downland towards landscape features and archaeological monuments, such as Stonehenge;  Seek active stock management and scrub removal wherever possible;  Maintain the small-scale settlement pattern and ensure that any potential new development responds to existing built character and form;  Consider opportunities for replanting hedgerows and hedgerow trees where these have been lost;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Continue positive landscape management of MOD owned landscapes.

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D4: BOSCOMBE DOWN CHALK DOWNLAND

Location and Boundaries

Boscombe Down Chalk Downland Landscape Character Area is situated within the north-east of Salisbury District, spreading northwards from the city of Salisbury towards Amesbury and Bulford Camp. To the east and west this area is bordered by the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. This Landscape Character Area falls within the Salisbury Plain, which continues to the north-east of the District boundary.43

Key Characteristics

 The landscape is covered by a patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland;  Character dominated by military use to the north-east of Bulford, where the landscape is criss- crossed by military tracks and mixed woodland copses, which are a feature;  In places, field boundaries are delineated by hedgerows which tend to be low and gappy;  Relatively large-scale landscape pattern which is interspersed by the nucleated settlement of Amesbury and regular layout of Bulford Camp, introducing human elements to the landscape;  Network of predominantly rural lanes criss-cross the landscape, in addition to the major A303 road corridor, which introduces a source of noise and visual intrusion;  Open views in places into the valley corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne;  Sense of tranquillity quite strong throughout much of the area, but disturbed in place by noise and visual intrusion associated with the A303 road corridor, the settlement edges of Salisbury and Amesbury, and military activities;  Relatively geometric landscape as a result of the numerous straight tracks and roads associated with military training areas;  Gently rolling and fairly elevated landscape.

Summary of Visual Character

This patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland is dominated in a parts by the presence of Amesbury and Bulford Camp settlements, which impart a human character over the surrounding predominantly rural landscape. Sense of place is strong in certain locations, as a result of views into the adjacent narrow river corridors of the Upper Avon and Bourne Chalk River Valleys. Sense of openness is limited in places by relatively large copses and blocks of mixed woodland. In other locations, panoramic open views across surrounding areas of Chalk Downland contribute to the character of this landscape. This relatively large-scale geometric landscape is delineated by a series of hedgerows which are denuded and gappy in places. Settlement pattern is quite dominant within this landscape, particularly resulting from the influence of the geometric layout and utilitarian built form of Bulford Camp. Sense of tranquillity is strong within pockets of this landscape, but disturbed in other places by traffic on the A303 main road corridor, and activity associated with Amesbury and Bulford Camp. Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down are dominant within several views across the landscape. To the north of the area, sense of tranquillity is stronger and a predominantly rural character is apparent in combination with a scattered and small-scale settlement pattern.

Human Influences

Historic Environment

 Figheldean Down, Bulford Camp and Ogford Camp Prehistoric Landscapes dominate the historic elements of the landscape character area. Extant remains from all prehistoric periods are evident in the landscape in the form of barrows, boundary banks and ditches, hillforts;

43 Refer to Landscape Character Assessment for the Army Training Estate – Salisbury Plain (Entec, May 2003)

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Location and boundaries of D4 Boscombe Down Chalk Downland landscape character area

Gently rolling landscape, encompassing a patchwork of arable fields and grassland

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 Droveways and trackways are well represented in the Salisbury Plain Training Area, where they provide communications between individual settlements and link occupation areas with their fields. The trackways are frequently cut down below the level of the surrounding fields, while the related form of the holloway was often used to mark the boundary between neighbouring estates;  The presence of medieval enclosures within the Plain and their relationship with extensive field systems and settlement complexes are of critical importance to understanding the character and development of downland agriculture;  Old Sarum Airfield Conservation Area is a rare, almost complete, surviving example of a airfield and training depot station. It retains open spaces, tree lined roads and buildings of each phase of the airfield’s development, which evoke a past era of military landscape design. Of particular architectural interest are the three surviving Grade II* listed Hangars, the Grade II listed workshops to the south of (ARS) Hangar 3, the station headquarters, the Motor Transport Sheds and Yard, and the Machine Gun Range, all dated to the World War I period; the Air Ministry Boundary Markers and the Station Headquarters, from the RAF Expansion period; and the World War II Pillboxes.

Field Patterns and Boundaries

 The landscape was largely cleared of woods as a result of prehistoric and Romano-British farming, although areas of woodland and modern plantation remain;  During most of the medieval and post-medieval periods the downs were used largely as unenclosed grazing land, an essential component of the predominant sheep-and-corn agriculture, although there may have been some small-scale and temporary encroachment of cultivation onto marginal land. From the late 18th cent there was some inclosure and burnbaking, a method of turf removal in preparation for short-lived or intermittent cultivation, evident in a number of bake field and place-mantes, and by c.1810 the downland was probably fully enclosed. The present pattern of large straight-sided and predominantly arable fields is the product of 20th century agricultural intensification.

Historic Development of Settlement

 Settlement within the Character Area is generally concentrated on the valleys, however the towns of Amesbury and Bulford Camp;  Amesbury was the centre for a widespread royal estate during the Saxon period, and the abbey was founded in AD979. It is probable that the town itself grew up around these establishments but little is known of the way in which the surrounding landscape was utilised;  Vernacular buildings are generally of flint, with brick, chalk or limestone dressings, with roofs of tile.

Biodiversity

Parts of this area are of high ecological value offering a range of habitats including nationally rare chalk grassland, a habitat that has seen an 80% decline over the last 50 years. The long established military land use has contributed to the presence of these ecologically important areas.

Salisbury Plain is designated as a SSSI, SAC and SPA. The purchase of land for military use at the beginning of the 20th century has protected the area from intensive farming methods, allowing over 100 years of chalk grassland re-colonisation. Today the diverse range of calcareous soil types support a wide range of grassland communities including 13 species of nationally rare plants. The Plain is an important habitat for invertebrates, with 67 rare and scarce species recorded. It is also an internationally important site for birds, offering important breeding and wintering grounds for a number of species, including six listed in the Red Data Book.

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EVALUATION

Current Condition

Although this landscape is actively farmed, the intensive farming methods mean that some landscape features have declined. Hedgerows are often fragmented, gappy or over-managed, with post and wire fencing often acting as infill where hedgerow sections have been lost. The overall condition of this landscape is considered to be moderate.

Inherent Landscape Sensitivities

Landscape Character Sensitivity

This Landscape Character Area is considered to have a relatively strong character, on account of the large-scale, generally smooth rolling landform and exposed character. Landscape sensitivities include the hedgerow network and strong sense of tranquillity throughout (except in proximity to the A303 road corridor and edges of Salisbury and Amesbury). Overall landscape character sensitivity is considered to be moderate to high.

Visual Sensitivity

This large-scale, sweeping landscape has an exposed and denuded character. Long distance, panoramic views across the landscape are key visual character, with small landscape elements such as isolated farmsteads or gappy hedgerows forming focal points on the horizon. Intervisibility with surrounding areas of chalk downland is strong and generally seemless. As a result of these factors, and the rolling landform of ridges and slopes, overall visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

Key Landscape Changes

 Conversion from sheep grazing on unimproved grassland to intensive arable production is one of the most dramatic changes to have occurred within the landscape over the past three centuries;  There is pressure for development and facilities along the A303 transport corridor (such as the new services at Countess East); the loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  The loss of features such as hedgerows, combined with varied approaches to field boundary management, affects the visual integrity of the landscape;  Pressure for residential development is changing the character of small nucleated villages and towns within the area;  Potential future impact of tall structures, such as communication masts, transmitters and wind turbines, that will be particularly intrusive on open skylines and impact on the sense of remoteness (particularly within the north of the area);  Changes in military activities, potentially leading to alterations to the management of the calcareous grassland and woodland blocks;  Potential new development associated with Amesbury, Bulford Camp and Boscombe Down Management Strategy and objectives.

Management Strategy and Objectives

The overall management strategy for Boscombe Down should be to conserve the patchwork of arable farmland and calcareous grassland, and intact hedgerows, including clumps of woodland. Where possible, field boundaries should be restored using locally appropriate species.

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Specific objectives are to:

 Conserve the network of remaining hedgerows and restore where possible, using locally appropriate species;  Conserve open views into the Upper Avon and Bourne valleys;  Seek active management and scrub removal whenever possible;  Conserve the relatively strong sense of tranquillity and predominantly rural character throughout;  Discourage unsympathetic ribbon development and associated planting (such as Leylandii hedges);  Seek to screen visually harsh urban edges;  Ensure that any potential new development responds to existing settlement scale and respects local vernacular building materials.

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FIGURES

Contained in Annex

27-ROGGEN-43-RT-L1-001 Rev A