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24. Chalton – Farmland Slopes Photos

10B

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24. Chalton – Houghton Regis Farmland Slopes DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Transmission lines cross the eastern part of this area and views are afforded to the built edge of Houghton Regis. Bidwell Rugby Club is This character area comprises rolling arable farmland between the visible to the west. However despite these built elements the area edge of Houghton Regis and Chalton. To the east Sundon Road retains a rural character away from Sundon Road and the defines this character area, its western extent defined by a change in transmission lines. geology and the transition to the Clay Vale. Rural-Urban Interface Landscape Character The character area adjoins Tithe Farm Post War Estate (CA 25). From the urban edge of Houghton Regis, the topography slopes Elevated properties on Grove Road are prominent in views back to downwards to a small stream, which runs east-west across the arable the urban edge with little vegetation to screen the built form. The farmland, before rising up again to form a local ridgeline. recreation ground provides a softer edge in views and properties on This is a large scale open landscape extended by distant views west Leaf Road are softened by garden vegetation. Shelter belt planting across the clay vale landscape. Fields are medium to large bounded by alongside the recreation ground, and hedgerows enclosing school hedgerows of varying condition though some fields have no boundary playing fields create a softer edge and link to rural hedgerow features. Mature trees in hedgerows and associated with the small boundaries. stream are significant features in this open landscape providing height and texture. Grove Spinney behind Grove Farm is also a key feature in views northwards.

The character area is crossed by a number of tracks and paths, which provide access between the edge of Houghton Regis and Chalton and to Grove Farm. 10B

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24. Chalton – Houghton Regis Farmland Slopes EVALUATION Quality / Condition Undulating landform and hedgerows are Constraints • Open rolling arable landscape with important in defining this rural edge of long-distance views over the Clay Houghton Regis. Transmission lines and Vale. proximity of the urban edge are detracting • Rural character with few detracting features but do not override the rural character. features. Views to the north and north east have few detracting features. Sensitivity This area of chalk farmland is judged to have a medium-high sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Attractive undulating landform • Open landscape with distant views to the Clay Vale • Provides rural edge to Houghton Regis and forms a connection to the Clay Vale • Retains rural character with few detracting features. Opportunities • Enhance hedgerow boundaries to reinforce landscape pattern. 10B • Maintain open rural character and ensure distant views to the Clay Vale are maintained.

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25. Tithe Farm Post War Estate Photos

10B

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25. Tithe Farm Post War Estate DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built- Rural Interface Located on the northern edge of Houghton Regis, Tithe Farm Post War Tithe Farm has a staggered linear edge. Properties occupy an Estate Character Area is defined to the east and west by Sundon Road elevated position at 130-140m along the edge with agricultural land and Bedford Road, respectively. sloping away to the north. Properties predominantly back onto the Built Character surrounding open landscape with rear gardens contained by wooden This 1960s estate development comprises a uniform collection of semi- close board fencing. A belt of planting and metal railings separate the detached and terraced houses. Typical building materials include beige recreation ground from the adjacent farmland. and red brick and modular tiles. Small to medium sized gardens are A public bridleway links the end of Grove Road with Grove Farm and defined by mixed boundaries including wire mesh, timber board and Grove Spinney. A number of informal footpaths, which follow field white picket fences with some hedges. Buildings are arranged boundaries, are also accessible from the edge of the estate. geometrically around cul-de-sacs with Tithe Farm Road and Hillborough Clear views are obtained to this urban edge particularly when Crescent forming the main through routes. approaching Houghton Regis on Sundon Road, which functions as a A large open recreational ground lies on the northern edge of the estate gateway to the built up area. Elevated properties on Grove Road are interfacing with the adjacent farmland landscape. The recreational distinct with little vegetation to screen the built form. The recreational ground is open and exposed with little planting except for the shelter ground provides a softer edge in views and Leaf Road properties are belt. It has a small play area and a pavilion which appears to be softened by garden vegetation. Shelter belt planting alongside the disused. Small open communal grass areas occur between buildings recreation ground, and school playing fields enclosed by hedgerows, and there are occasional street trees. add a softer edge relating to rural hedgerow boundaries. From the urban edge and the recreational ground, clear views are afforded northwards across rolling chalk farmland to the ridgeline, 10B which conceals the village of Chalton from views. Distant views extend westwards across the clay vale landscape. Metal railings, which occur alongside the recreation ground are a detracting urban feature in views.

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25. Tithe Farm Post War Estate EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable

Sensitivity • Not applicable

Opportunities • Enhance green link between countryside and urban areas by increased planting. • Enhance integration of Grove Road edge through planting. • Enhance built-rural interface by replacement of existing metal fencing which divides the recreation ground and farmland. • Enhance the approach to Houghton Regis along Sundon Road, which acts as a gateway into the urban area.

Constraints • Open and elevated built urban edge 10B with long distant views across the rural Clay Vale landscape.

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26. Houghton Park Low-lying Farmland

10B

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26. Houghton Park Low-lying Farmland DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries

Located on the northern edge of Houghton Regis, this character area is defined to the east by the boundary of and the M1, to the north by Sundon Road and to the south and west by built development at Houghton Regis.

Landscape Character

This character area comprises a level, open area of arable farmland located between the edge of Houghton Regis and the M1.

The landscape pattern comprises medium and large-scale irregular fields divided by low trimmed, intermittent hedgerows with some post and wire fencing. Drainage channels follow field boundaries. The area is dissected by three lines of pylons, which run southwards from Sundon Substation into the urban area. Large-scale farm buildings associated with Chalton Cross are also prominent and detracting features.

Although this is a large scale and open landscape, this character area is contained to the east, west and south by built development, which 10B provides a degree of enclosure. To the east distant views are afforded to the Warden Hill- Stopsley Chalk Escarpment.

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26. Houghton Park Low-lying Farmland EVALUATION Quality / Condition This is a fragmented and marginalised Opportunities • Enhance the gateway into Luton landscape with a strong urban fringe character along M1 corridor by using bold and many detracting built features including planting along transport corridors to roads and pylons. match scale of buildings and roads Sensitivity This area of farmland is judged to have a • Maintain links between urban medium-low sensitivity to change for reasons greenspace and adjacent including the following: countryside through integrating • Urban fringe character with detracting green infrastructure features including pylons • Enhance woodland planting along • Fragmented landscape pattern the urban edge and M1 corridor to • Open, low-lying and contained on three reduce abrupt interface. sides by built development. • Visible from higher ground including the Warden Hill – Stopsley Common • Constraints • Crossed by network of transmission Chalk Escarpment. lines • Direct proximity to the M1 corridor.

10B

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27. Parkside Post War Estate

10B

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27. Parkside Post War Estate DESCRIPTION 10B Transmission lines are aligned along the eastern and southern boundaries, and cross the open landscape to the east from a group of Location and Boundaries pylons located in the south eastern corner of the character area. Located on the northern edge of Houghton Regis, this character area Small-medium size gardens are bound by different types and styles of is defined by Sundon Road to the north and west, Wheatfield Road to fencing and low brick walls. Grass verges lie either side of the main the south, and Houghton Park / open landscape to the east. Beyond road and there are some street trees. This flat area is visually these roads it is surrounded by residential areas to the south, west and contained from the rest of the town with internal views across open north west. spaces. Built Character Built- Rural Interface A low-lying 1970’s designed housing estate set around open green The area adjoins Houghton Park Low-lying Farmland (CA 26). The spaces, which connect with adjacent arable land. The area comprises interface is varied with playing fields, access roads and housing a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced housing with a facing the farmland. Scrub adjacent to Houghton Park Road helps range of building materials including yellow brick, red, tiles and some soften the interface, and open space provides visual permeability. render building type and material. Public footpaths, hedgerows and scrub provide physical, visual and Also located in this area are four schools and the Regis Education wildlife links between open spaces and farmland. Signage on Centre area as well as local shops and pubs. perimeter footpaths to Houghton Regis and the Station orientate the Parkside Drive and Windsor Drive are the main roads through the user. estate with buildings arranged geometrically around cul-de-sacs that Views from the urban edge are across marginalised arable fields, to branch from the main roads. transmission lines, the M1 and large industrial units to the east. Buildings are arranged around a network of green open spaces, which The rural-urban interface has a fragmented, marginalised character 10B are well connected by footpaths. Open spaces are predominantly with detracting features, rough scrub edges, fly tipping and amenity grassland however there are some significant tree groupings infrastructure. which provide visual and ecological interest. On the eastern edge the Traffic noise from the , the crackle of electricity open spaces provide visual links with adjacent arable farmland beyond transmission, and views of large industrial units beyond the motorway Parkside Drive, but there are no public footpaths to provide a physical reduce tranquillity. connection. Page 120 Chalk Arc Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited Landscape Character Assessment 2212959

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27. Parkside Post War Estate 10B EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable

Sensitivity • Not applicable

Opportunities • Enhance management and connectivity of green spaces, e.g. connect and enhance through appropriate street tree planting and bolstering existing tree and shrub groups. • Enhance built rural interface with Houghton Park, through sensitive planting and unifying boundary treatments. Constraints • Extensive built development and open land to east constrained by pylons and close proximity to M1.

10B

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28. Chalton Chalk Farmland Village Photos

10B

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28. Chalton Chalk Farmland Village DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built and Rural interface

Chalton Chalk Farmland Village lies at a distance from the north edge of The village is well integrated into the adjacent landscape. It is Houghton Regis, to the west of the M1 corridor. The River Flit forms the contained to the west by small woodland copses and to the south by northern boundary. the chalk ridgeline. The eastern edge opens onto adjacent fields of paddock and pasture divided by hedgerows and wooden post and rail Built Character fencing which form a buffer between the village and M1 corridor. Transmission lines cross this area and it has a marginal urban fringe The village is built on a north facing chalk slope, which descends from a ridgeline at 130m AOD to 100m AOD where it meets the Barton-le-Clay character. Clay Vale. The village is linked by a network of footpaths including the Chilterns Way with connections to Houghton Regis and Upper Sundon. On the Chalton is a nucleated settlement comprising some Victorian and early 20th Century housing but dominated by mid-late 20th Century western edge of the village, away from the M1 the village has a peaceful character. development. Typical building materials are red brick with some render and occasional thatched roofs. The village is visible in views from the north across the vale The village retains a rural character, separated visually from Luton by landscape. the localised chalk ridgeline. Vegetation and landform also screen the motorway from the village.

10B

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28. Chalton Chalk Farmland Village EVALUATION Quality / Condition Transmission lines, a sub station and the Opportunities • Maintain and replant field approach to the village across the M1 corridor boundaries between village and M1 are detracting features. The Sundon Sub corridor to strengthen rural Station and Sewage Treatment Works lie to the character north. • Maintain and strengthen woodland Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium belt along the edge of the M1 sensitivity to change for reasons including the • Maintain setting of village and avoid following: linear development along the Luton • Village retains a rural character despite Road. proximity to the M1 corridor and edge of Constraints • Contained by the M1 corridor to the Luton east and chalk ridgeline to the • The village is contained visually by south. landform and vegetation which is

important in providing screening of the M1 and urban edge The fields of pasture and paddock between the M1 and the village provide an important buffer.

10B

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29. Upper– Chalk Farmland Slopes Photos

10B

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29. Upper–Lower Sundon Chalk Farmland Slopes DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built- Rural Interface

The character area is bound to the north by the village of Upper Sundon The edge of the elevated village Upper Sundon is visually more and to the northeast by the AONB boundary, which approximately follows abrupt than that of Lower Sundon, which is contained by a subtle Streatley Road and Manor Road. The southern boundary is formed by valley landform. Sundon Road. The M1 lies beyond the western boundary. The area skirts around Sundon Chalk Quarry (CA 25).

Landscape Character

This area forms part of the chalk dip slope, between Upper and Lower Sundon. The undulating landform slopes gently towards the edge of Luton. Fields have rough edges and are bound by overgrown but incomplete hedgerows. Hedgerow trees are a key landscape feature. Vegetation adds to the character of the area by providing enclosure and texture. Smaller fields of paddock and playing fields lie adjacent to Upper Sundon.

The character area retains an intact rural quality despite being crossed by busy roads into Luton and transmission lines. Open views occur southwards down to the edge of Luton with Sundon Wood and Sundon Water Tower appearing as prominent features. Views northwards occur across rolling farmland, which lies within the AONB. 10B A number of footpaths cross between Upper and Lower Sundon providing connections between the two villages.

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29. Upper–Lower Sundon Chalk Farmland Slopes EVALUATION Quality / Condition Unmanaged field boundaries add a rougher character. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium- high sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Provides a setting to and maintains open character between Upper and Lower Sundon. • Close proximity to AONB and intrinsic rural character despite proximity to urban edge. Opportunities • Maintain vegetation cover - hedgerow boundaries and hedgerow trees • Maintain existing footpath network. Constraints • Maintain setting of villages and rural farmland character between. • Intrinsic rural character.

10B

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30. Sundon Chalk Pit

10B

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30. Sundon Chalk Pit DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries The M1 is audible from within this character area which is crossed by a double transmission line. However woodland and scrub cover adds The Sundon Chalk Pit lies to the south east of Upper Sundon. Its western to the perceived naturalness. edge is enveloped by The Clappers Chalk Escarpment. Built- Rural Interface Landscape Character The Chalk Quarry is separated from Upper Sundon, a hedged rural The man made undulating topography of the chalk pit lies within the gently lane, by small fields of paddock and arable farmland. rolling arable farmland landscape, which slopes down towards the edge of Luton.

Sundon Chalk Quarry is a designated SSSI containing a variety of chalk pit habitats including unimproved calcareous grassland, scrub, semi-natural woodland, fen, lakes and chalk springs. The diversity of texture and the enclosure provided by the chalk pit vegetation is a contrast to the adjacent smooth arable landscape.

The Sundon Chalk Quarry is accessible via footpaths from Upper Sundon.

Views from the lower parts of the chalk pit are restricted by localised undulations and vegetation. Views from the elevated northern edge of the chalk pit are extensive and include views across to the edge of Luton, to the villages of Chalton and Sundon, with St Mary’s Church a prominent 10B feature. The chalk pit itself is contained within the surrounding arable farmland landscape.

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30. Sundon Chalk Pit EVALUATION Quality / Condition The site is favourable for chalk grassland Constraints • Designated SSSI chalk pit. communities. The chalk pit has an untamed natural character which is detracted from by the transmission lines which cross the area and the audible M1 to the west. Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium- high sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • SSSI with considerable ecological value including areas of chalk grassland • Mosaic of chalk pit habitats are a valuable feature in a predominantly open arable landscape • Undulating topography provides visual containment with extensive views obtained from elevated vantage points. Opportunities • Conserve the range of habitats at Sundon Wood • Enhance as an educational and recreational facility 10B • Maintain view from higher ground to St Mary’s Church.

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31. Lower Sundon Chalk Farmland Village Photos

10B

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31. Lower Sundon Chalk Farmland Village DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Footpaths link the village with Upper Sundon and Sundon Wood.

This character area comprises the village of Lower Sundon and Despite its close proximity to Luton, Lower Sundon is distinctly associated parkland and farmland to the south. Its eastern edge is separate from the built up urban area. Its location within the subtle defined by the AONB boundary and its southern boundary defined by valley landform allows visual containment within a rural farmland and field boundaries. parkland landscape.

Landscape Character Built- Rural Interface

The village of Lower Sundon lies in a subtle valley, the bottom of which The dispersed village properties are well integrated into the lies parallel to Manor Road. Arable farmland rises up to the north and to surrounding landscape by landform and vegetation. the south is parkland. A field of pasture rises up to Sundon Wood.

Lower Sundon is a linear village comprising properties dispersed along Manor Road. Red brick is the dominant building material with some render. The Grade I listed Church of St Mary is an important landmark feature.

The character area contains ; the retained formally designed landscape of the Sundon Manor/ House, which was demolished between 1827 and 1880. The parkland comprises mature parkland trees and a pond, and provides a setting to St Mary’s Church. 10B It also incorporates designed earthworks and some medieval ridge and furrow.

South of Lower Sundon a group of irregular fields around Sundon Wood is early in origin and contains shrunken village remains.

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31. Lower Sundon Chalk Farmland Village EVALUATION Quality / Condition Several of the mature parkland trees are in Constraints • Historic landscape character and Grade decline and there is some inappropriate post I listed church. and wire fencing. • Conserve the individual identity of the village.

Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium- high sensitivity to change for reasons including the following: • Fields around and south of Lower Sundon comprise an important survival of relict landscape in an area which is predominantly parliamentary enclosure • Retains a rural character in close proximity to the urban landscape of Luton. Opportunities • Conserve relict field pattern and settlement earthworks south of Lower Sundon • Maintain views to the landmark Church of St Mary’s • Maintain and restore parkland character 10B

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32. Sundon Park Road – Luton Road Low-lying Farmland

10B

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32. Sundon Park Road – Luton Road Low-lying Farmland DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Industrial units are prominent in this flat landscape, with views to the water tower, high-rise blocks of flats in Luton, pylons to the east. Located on the northern edge of Luton, this character area is defined to There are also views to the Church of St Mary, a landmark feature at the west by the M1 and to the north by Sundon Road. It is separated the historic settlement of Lower Sundon. from the undulating farmland slopes rising to the east by Sundon Park Road. There are no public footpaths in this area. The area is separated from the undulating farmland, contiguous with the northern edge to Luton Landscape Character by Sundon Park Road. The low-lying landscape comprises large, open, arable fields of uniform Built - Rural Edge flatness. Hedgerows delineate field boundaries along roads. Internal field boundaries are sparse. Between Luton Road and the M1 is a The character area interfaces with North Luton Industrial Estate (CA fragmented, narrow wedge of marginal, degraded agricultural land. 33). The large industrial container buildings are visible from adjacent Caravans occupy part of this area. low-lying farmland and from higher ground to the east. The reflective building material is particularly prominent. Residential properties including Lodge Farm are located along Sundon Road. Smaller fields with intact hedgerows border these properties. A couple of isolated properties face onto Luton Road.

The character area is dominated by the northwest to southeast alignment of the Midland Mainline Railway Line and Luton Road. Pockets of mature vegetation occur alongside the railway corridor and a 10B woodland belt lies between Luton Road and the M1 providing screening for the propertied on Luton Road.

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32. Sundon Park Road – Luton Road Low-lying Farmland EVALUATION Quality / Condition This area has a fragmented, interrupted, urban Opportunities • Enhance sense of arrival into Luton. fringe character, dissected by transport • Enhance gateway into Luton by using corridors and dominated by built features. bold planting along transport corridors Sensitivity This area is judged to have a medium – low to match scale of buildings and roads sensitivity for reasons including the following. • Enhance undefined land which lies • Open and low-lying – visible from between M1 and Luton Road surrounding higher ground • Enhance integration through woodland • Dominated by transport corridors and large planting along the urban edge and M1 industrial units which fragment the area corridor to reduce abrupt interface and contribute to a functional urban fringe, • Conserve setting of Lower Sundon and rather than rural character retain its distance from the urban edge. • Separated from sweep of undulating farmland along northern edge of Luton by Constraints • Low-lying and visible form surrounding Sundon Park Road higher land • Theodway (prehistoric routeway) would be • Pressures from transport/infrastructure vulnerable to being breached by any improvements that could further northern extension of Luton fragment the landscape pattern. These include widening of the M1 corridor, proposed development of the northern bypass, Translink extension and Midland Mainline upgrades • Avoid further fragmentation/ isolation of land parcels with no defined use 10B • Proximity to the historic village of Sundon.

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33. North Luton Industrial Estate

10B

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33. North Luton Industrial Estate DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built - Rural Edge

Located on the northern edge of Luton immediately east of the M1, the The character area is adjoined by Sundon Park Road-Luton Road character area is defined by Sundon Park Road to the east and Luton Low-lying Chalk Farmland (CA 32). Road to the west. The Midland Mainline Railway Link bisects this area. The area comprises North Luton Industrial Estate to the west of the Hedgerows along Camford Way and Luton Road delineate and soften railway line and Willowgate Trading Estate to the east. the boundary of the Industrial Estate. Views to adjacent low-lying farmland are afforded over the top and through gaps in hedgerows. Built Character The large industrial container buildings are visible from adjacent low- lying farmland and from higher ground to the east. The reflective Low-lying land (130m AOD) comprising large-scale two storey container building material is particularly prominent. buildings are arranged along access roads from Sundon Park Road, Luton Road and Toddington Road. Metal cladding and red brick are the dominant building materials. Modular units which have a uniform appearance are typical. Units are delineated by low red brick walls and container planting. The industrial units are arranged around a grid system with large parking lots and no through roads.

The character area is populated by very limited vegetation with some poor quality structural planting, occasional cherry trees and some grass verges.

10B

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33. North Luton Industrial Estate EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable Constraints • Existing medium to large-scale industrial development. • Mainline railway line crosses area.

Sensitivity • Not applicable

Opportunities • Enhance urban green links focusing on quality and quantity of structure planting and street trees • Maintain planting with regard to natural shape and form of species, avoiding hard edges • Maintain land either side of the railway line as a green corridor with links to urban and rural land • Enhance boundary planting and introduce tree planting to provide screening of industrial area

10B

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34. Sundon Wood Chalk Farmland Slopes Photos

10B

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34. Sundon Wood Chalk Farmland Slopes DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built-Rural Interface

The character area is defined to the west by Sundon Park Road and by The character area adjoins Sundon Park Pre-Inter War Suburb (CA transitions to higher chalk farmland overlain with boulder clay to the 35). Mature garden vegetation combined with oak trees (former east. hedgerow trees) along the perimeter footpath soften the built rural interface. Character of Adjacent Rural Area

This character area is defined by a more intricate pattern of small geometric and larger irregular shaped arable fields bound by intermittent hedgerows and hedgerow trees. The chalk landform rises up to the north east from 130m AOD to 150m AOD. The gently rolling topography creates visual interest and accentuates the rural character. The presence of Sundon Wood SSSI (calcareous grassland and semi- natural broad-leaved ancient woodland) is a key feature providing visual interest and enclosure. Several smaller woodland blocks also lie on the higher land. Extensive views are afforded across the townscape of Luton with high rise buildings and the light grey roofs of industrial units prominent in views to the west. The South Chalk Escarpment frames views to the south and there are views east to the water tower across rolling, rising farmland. To the west views are towards a more fragmented landscape dominated by transmission lines, the M1 and 10B Luton’s industrial edge.

The woodland cover and hedgerows add to the perceived naturalness of this area, however the M1 traffic is audible.

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34. Sundon Wood Chalk Farmland Slopes EVALUATION Quality / Condition No transmission lines cross this area and Opportunities • Enhance hedgerow boundaries to although hedgerows are intermittent they strengthen landscape pattern – contribute to a more intimate character to this including along Sundon Park Road. landscape. • Conserve ancient woodland at Sundon Sensitivity This area of chalk farmland is judged to have a Wood and manage for ecological medium-high sensitivity to change for reasons interest. including the following: • Maintain clear views eastwards across • Elevated with open views arable chalk farmland to the landmark • Attractive undulations of smooth arable water tower. farmland • Maintain hedgerow trees along • Hedgerow boundaries and woodland cover perimeter path and in hedgerows. including Sundon Wood SSSI which • Enhance access and green links contribute to its intimate character between this and the adjacent Chilterns • Role in providing a setting to Luton, the AONB and residential area. Chilterns AONB, the village of Lower Sundon. Constraints • Undulating and sweeping landform – • Theodway (prehistoric routeway) would be difficult to contain development. vulnerable to being breached by any • Area has important role as a buffer zone northern extension of Luton between Lower Sundon, the Chilterns AONB and Luton. 10B

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35. Sundon Park Pre-Inter War Suburb

10B

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35. Sundon Park Pre-Inter War Suburb DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built – Rural Interface The character area is an older residential area defined to the south by The built edge is linear, defined by metal and wooden fencing which Kinross Crescent and Sundon Park Road to the west. encloses rear or side gardens. Mature garden vegetation combined with oak trees (former hedgerow trees) along the perimeter footpath softens the interface. Properties along Sycamore Close and Chestnut Built Character Avenue face indirectly onto farmland over an open area of grassland The character area comprising low density semi-detached houses with scattered trees. (1930s/40s) are arranged around pronounced crescents (Mendip Way) Several internal paths provide links with the perimeter path. A and cul-de-sacs. Building materials are predominantly red brick, footpath from the perimeter path to Sundon Wood follows a hedgerow sometimes with white render. Properties have front gardens delineated field boundary and provides access to the open countryside beyond. by low red brick walls and large back gardens enclosed by walls or Mature garden vegetation, remnant hedgerow vegetation and fences. This is a residential block accessed from Sundon Park Road (a hedgerow trees along the perimeter path and hedged field boundaries main transport corridor) with very limited through-access to adjacent connect to form important green/ wildlife corridors. residential areas. There are views from the low-lying Chestnut Avenue and Sycamore The large front and back gardens, street trees, wide grass verges and Close to an open ridge of smooth, sweeping arable farmland and garden vegetation contribute to the greenness of the suburb. There are Sundon Wood. Views from the perimeter path are to a more intimate a number of communal grass areas with links to the built edge pattern of smaller fields and intact hedgerows than that found to the perimeter footpath. A footpath also runs alongside the eastern edge of east. Sundon Wood and a number of smaller woodland blocks occur this area connecting to Wauluds Bank; the remains of the earliest on the higher ground providing visual enclosure. settlement and a SAM, which is locate to the south, closer to the town centre. Open views are afforded from the higher rural land beyond this character area to the rising townscape of Luton and the South From the residential area and elevated school playing fields there are Dunstable Chalk Escarpment beyond. The immediate built edge of 10B glimpse and occasional open views to the rural land to the north with the character area is well integrated by the varying heights of garden Sundon Wood on higher land particularly visible. There is a physical link trees and vegetation plus remnant hedgerow vegetation and with Wauluds Bank (Neolithic) and Drays Ditches (Iron Age) located hedgerow trees. further into the built up area, and the area where the early town developed around the parish church in Saxon times. Detracting features include metal barriers and bollards preventing vehicular access to the perimeter path, which add a very urban feature to the rural-urban interface. Page 152 Chalk Arc Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited Landscape Character Assessment 2212959

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35. Sundon Park Pre-Inter War Suburb EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable

Sensitivity • Not applicable

Opportunities • Enhance rural-urban interface through more sensitive material (e.g. wood) • Maintain hedgerow trees and vegetation along perimeter path • Enhance connections to Wauluds Bank from farmland and perimeter path through residential area. This could be by planting of key species to provide a visual connection. Constraints • Existing built suburban development. • Elevated and open views occur to built edge from surrounding arable land.

10B

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36. Hampshire Way Post War Suburb

10B

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36. Hampshire Way Post War Suburb DESCRIPTION Location and boundaries Its elevated position allows views northwards to farmland and views southwards across Luton and to rural ridgelines beyond. Located on the northern edge of Luton, this character area is defined from urban areas to the south by Stockholm Way and its location on Built-Rural Interface elevated land. Properties along Hampshire Way are aligned perpendicularly to the Built Character built edge. There is no boundary between the road and arable land, where the edge is open and exposed. At both ends of Hampshire The character area comprises a mixture of two storey semi-detached, Way properties back onto and are separated from adjacent farmland terraced houses with occasional three storey flats which are grouped by the perimeter path, and boundary close board and wire fencing. To geometrically around cul-de-sacs. The character area has an ordered the east some low-level planting associated with the ditch line softens and planned estate character. Building materials are limited to light the interface. brown brick with occasional red brick detail or timber cladding. The Sundon Park Water Tower is a prominent landmark feature Small front and back gardens are predominantly grass and lack garden visible in long distance views. Milestones are features along the vegetation. Northwell Drive is lined with grass verges. Poorly perimeter path. maintained intermittent groups of structure planting characterise the area. There are two grass communal areas both of which are linked to Distant views are afforded from the urban edge across open the urban edge perimeter path. One of these open spaces is also linked undulating fields to the elevated village of Streatley. In views back to to Bramingham Wood and playing fields to the south. An area of scrub / Luton (e.g. from Streatley Road), the built edge appears harsh, on young woodland borders the character area to the east. raised landform and with limited planting providing only a low level screen. 10B Playing fields, to the south of this character area are open, elevated and exposed with harsh boundary fencing and a lack of vegetation to Mixed boundary treatments provide poor integration with the adjacent provide shelter. farmland. Street lighting along Hampshire Way appears as an urban element against this rural backdrop. This is a relatively peaceful area This character area is characterised by its uniformity and abrupt edges. but a lack of vegetation and built urban features reduce tranquillity.

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36. Hampshire Way Post War Suburb EVALUATION Quality / Condition • Not applicable

Sensitivity • Not applicable

Opportunities • Maintain and enhance planting and existing green links, with sensitivity to existing vegetation. • Enhance and integrate the rural built edge through appropriate boundary treatments and sensitive landscape planting. Reduce the existing harsh built edge visible from surrounding rural areas. Constraints • Existing built development on elevated land, clearly visible from open rural farmland slopes to the north.

10B

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37. Sundon Water Tower Elevated Chalk Farmland Photos

10B

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37. Sundon Water Tower Elevated Chalk Farmland DESCRIPTION Location and Boundaries Built-Rural Interface Located on the chalk dip slope adjacent to the northern edge of Luton, The character area interfaces with Sundon Park Pre-Inter War drift deposits of boulder clay overlays the chalk, distinguish this Suburb (CA 35), Hampshire Way Post War Suburb (CA 36) and character area from the chalk farmland to the east and west. The Great Bramingham Wood (CA 38). Chilterns AONB forms the northern boundary. The interface is mixed with rural woodland copses providing a visual Landscape Character connection to Great Bramingham Wood (CA 38), an open exposed edge to Hampshire Way Post War Suburb (CA 36) and vegetation Open undulating arable farmland, particularly elevated and exposed to the west. A localised ridgeline, adorned by small woodland copses, providing a more integrated edge to Sundon Park Pre-Inter War provides partial visual enclosure and visual connection to Bramingham Suburb (CA 35). The localised ridgeline and woodland copses frame Wood. Large irregular fields are bound by hedgerows with hedgerow part of the built edge in views from further north. trees, of varying condition. Sundon Park Water Tower, located on the elevated urban edge, is a prominent feature in long distance views. There are no marked public rights of way but there is an informal track between the woodland copses and built edge perimeter path. Tranquillity is relatively high due to distance from busy roads, presence of woodland copses and visual connection to Bramingham Wood. Extensive views from the highest land are obtained north eastwards 10B across farmland to the Chilterns AONB and Streatley. A transmission line follows a northwest-southeast alignment across the area and continues into Luton alongside Great Bramingham Wood. Drainage ditches occur adjacent to woodland copses and alongside the built edge.

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37. Sundon Water Tower Elevated Chalk Farmland EVALUATION Quality / Condition Pylons are a detracting feature as is the abrupt Opportunities • Enhance links between rural farmland built edge of Character Area 36 Hampshire and Great Bramingham Wood, promote Way Post War Suburban. as green link/ green gateway into Luton • Enhance biodiversity value within Sensitivity This area of elevated chalk farmland is judged ditches to have a medium-high sensitivity to change • Maintain woodland copses for reasons including the following: • Maintain rural setting to Luton and • Connection to Great Bramingham Wood Chilterns AONB both visually and in terms of providing a • Maintain open views across Chilterns green link AONB to Streatley • Ecological value of drainage ditches • Enhance and soften interface with built • Containment of built edge by localised edge by new woodland planting to ridgeline break up linearity and connect to existing woodland belts and clumps • Ecological value and visual enclosure • Enhance hedgerows to reinforce rural provided by woodland copses character and strengthen visual • Elevated landform visible in distant and intactness wide ranging views. • Maintain setting of water tower as • Theodway (prehistoric routeway) would be landmark feature. vulnerable to being breached by any northern extension of Luton

Constraints • Extension of development beyond localised ridgeline would be highly visible in views from the north 10B

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